#tired of mini panic attacks lol

[citrine-elephant]

chreon. but chris has leon on a toddler leash. and he's gotta do all the talking, because leon's too fuckin socialn't to do it himself.

yes, he is a grown man. yes, asking for extra [food item/enhancement] is a bigger battle than bug simmons.

[wallet6464]

FIRST POST IN AGES (sorry for lack of posts!) BUT ME AND @meilmao WERE TALKING ABOUT MIRAGE RUSH AND THEY DROPPED THE FUNNIEST DATE IDEA EVER

(Most of this is copy pasted I hope you enjoy)

Hondo and tiger are on a dinner date and then going star gazing.

The rest of punch out is just watching em

(We like to headcannon dragon and tiger as besties btw lol)

ALR MAIN PART IF TGE POST:

Aran Ryan is trying to sabotage the date but macho and soda are stopping him from doing so. Glass joe is not even paying attention cause my man is fucking stargazing as well. Disco kid fr being annoying as hell and loud while Kaiser and bull try not to explode on him. Don flamenco giving out tips, no one is listening to his ass.

King hippo is there for shits and giggles, he has no clue what’s going on. He went with them because everyone was going and he thought they were hanging out. Hippo does not like this hang out. Bear hugger is talking to his damn squirrel. He tried to get the squirrel to be the wing man but it ended up fucking jumpscaring Tiger in the process. Sandman is the only sane one there. He is genuinely watching the two having a good time together and is happy for them. Dragon Chan is there cheering him on because it’s his bestie

Gabby jay is asleep on the ground. He is an old goober and is too tired to stay up to watch the romance happen. He woke up and had a mini panic attack because he had no clue where he was (he forgot they were stalking Tiger and Honda). Hurricane is super bored, he doesn’t want to be there anymore. Bob Charlie is humming to himself. My dude also forgot where they were. He wasn’t paying attention

Masked muscle was literally tied up because he was trying to tackle the love birds during their date. Heike was saying aww the entire time and plotting the next date to stalk. He was also making sure no one killed disco kid since he was being annoying. Mad clown hated it. My dude was forced to come and hated every second of it. He was going to throw his fucking balls at them but heike caught him before he could. Narcis prince was literally criticizing their fucking date. He was saying shit like “You take him stargazing and not going to make a move? Lame ass date”. He was being a dick the entire time. Hoy quarlow was just saying “look at those lovebirds” repeatedly. He couldn’t think of anything to say. The brothers were talking to each other and wasn’t paying attention to the date. They thought it was hella boring

ALR THATS THIS FIRE ASS POST SHOUT OUT TO MY G @meilmao

[angelasscribbles]

A Fervid Fixation Chapter 3: Controlled Burn

Series: A Fervid Fixation

Fandom: The Royal Romance

Pairings: Riley x Drake

Rating: MA

Warnings for this chapter: Language

Word Count: 2,542

A/N: So it's not a three-shot, lol. I know, you're all shocked! Mini Series then. Four maybe five chapters. We'll just see how it goes.

My other stuff: Master List.

The SUV tires crunched on the gravel as it pulled into a small parking lot in front of a darkened restaurant. A metal sign that read “Mama Rita’s” swung from a chain above the front door.

The SUV pulled around back and stopped next to a deep maroon Devore GT with a black racing stripe down the center.

“What are we doing here?” Riley asked nervously, “Where are we?”

“We’re just switching cars,” Drake explained as he opened the door and hopped out. He pointed a key fob at the Devore and the trunk popped open.

The driver exited the vehicle and started pulling her luggage out of the back and transferring it to the trunk of the other car. She recognized him, “Marco, right?”

“Yes, ma’am,” he grinned at her as he pushed the trunk closed, “and for what it’s worth, I was there that night the shit went down with that duke…I know you weren’t having an affair with him or whatever that reporter is claiming.”

“Thanks, Marco.”

“You’re welcome. Good luck with everything,” he waved at her as he headed back to the SUV.

“Wait…you’re leaving?”

“Yes, I have to get back to my duty station before my next shift.” He told her as he climbed back into the driver’s seat and closed the door.

“Aren’t you on duty right now?”

“Technically no,” he responded, “Just doing a favor for a friend.”

“Thanks for that, by the way,” Drake called as he pulled the passenger door of the Devore open.

“Anytime, Walker,” Marco gave him a wave as he backed out of the parking spot.

Riley watched the taillights as they disappeared around the building, leaving her alone with Drake. A prospect that both frightened and excited her.

“Come on Brooks, let’s go.”

She turned slowly toward him ignoring the frisson of desire that sparked through her at the sight of him, “No.”

“No? What do you mean no?”

“I mean no, Drake! I’m not getting in the car with you!” She turned and started walking across the parking lot.

“Riley! Get in the car!” He roared.

“No!” She said over her shoulder.

“Riley!...Shit! Fuck!” He kicked the car and then ran after her, trying for his most pleading tone, “Riley….Riley, please, please, please get in the car!”

She stopped and turned to face him, “I said no, Drake!”

“Why the fuck not?”

“I’m not sure I should get in a car with you without knowing where we’re going and why!”

Shock spilled across his features, “I’m trying to help you!”

“Help me, Drake? Help me? Did I ask for your help? I don’t even know what the hell is going on! I was drug out of the coronation by one set of guards, intercepted by another set and now I’m just supposed to get into this car with you and go God knows where with you? And literally, no one knows where I am?” She was on the verge of a panic attack.

“Okay, okay…” he held both hands up in front of him in the universal sign for surrender, “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to scare you. I didn’t realize…” he trailed off as confusion then surprise darted across his face, “Riley…are you afraid of me?”

“I...I’m not sure…maybe…”

“Why? I mean, I know we’ve had some dustups, but what have I ever done to make you think I’d hurt you in any way?”

His facial expression was so bewildered and so hurt that her heart rate dropped back to normal as she replied, “Nothing to me, specifically…”

His face cleared as understanding dawned on him, “You’re talking about Nick and Tariq.”

“Well, yeah…”

“All right, let’s talk about it then, okay?” he waited for her to nod before continuing, “First of all, I need you to understand that I don’t usually just go around hitting people, I would never hit a woman and I have never punched a man that didn’t deserve it!”

“So, when you came into my room that night-“

“I heard you scream, Riley! I would have never just walked into your room otherwise! When I saw Tariq with his hands on you…” he paused as he struggled to get his emotions under control. His fists clenched at his sides and his lips pressed tightly together. His entire body was thrumming with tension as he replayed the events in his head.

“Hey,” Riley reached out tentatively and touched his arm, “It’s okay, I’m not really mad about you kicking that idiot’s ass.”

“You’re not?” He blinked at her in surprise.

“No,” she shook her head, “He kind of had it coming if you ask me.”

Drake barked out a disbelieving laugh, “But Liam made it sound like you were upset by the...how did he put it….oh yeah, all the violence you’d witnessed.”

“I mean, it was a lot, Drake. I just don’t understand why you did it.”

He looked taken aback as he said, “I did it for you, Riley! He hurt you! He was touching you without your permission!”

Her eyes widened, “That’s it?”

“That’s it? What do you mean, that’s it? Isn’t that enough? He had no right to put his hands on you!”

She smiled at his agitation, “Okay.”

“Okay?”

“Yeah, okay.” The truth was she had liked the feeling it gave her watching Drake swoop in and come to her defense. Like a flock of butterflies were trying to burst out of her chest.

Her smile drew one of his own, as he asked, “Why are you smiling?”

“No reason...just…if you got that worked up over the idea of someone else hurting me, I guess you’re not likely to do it yourself.”

His smile disappeared, as his hand brushed her cheek, “I would never do anything to hurt you, Riley!”

She looked down at the ground and then back up at his face, “Okay, I believe you, but…”

“But?” He dropped his hand and stepped back.

“But Nick wasn’t hurting me, Drake.”

He raked a hand through his hair with a sigh, “No, no, he wasn’t.”

“So, what was that about?”

He tipped his head back to stare up at the moon as he collected his thoughts, “I saw him as a threat. He was a stranger, with no security clearance to enter the area he was trying to enter, and he wouldn’t take no for an answer.”

It was at least part of the truth.

“Okay.”

“Okay, what?”

“Okay, I’ll get in the car with you, but you have to promise to tell me what the hell is going on!”

Relief rushed over him like a river crashing over the edge of a cliff face, “I promise!”

He talked as he drove, “I guess you know by now that pictures of you and Tariq somehow made it into the papers.”

“Yeah, I saw that, briefly. About two seconds after everyone got the notification I was being drug out of the ballroom!”

“Right. Didn’t that seem strange to you?”

“Yes! It was an extreme overreaction and I don’t understand-“

“No, not that part! The part where it only took the guard two seconds to react to something that was allegedly a surprise to everyone?”

“Oh…I…now that you mention it, I guess that is strange…”

“Because it wasn’t a surprise to everyone.”

“What do you mean?”

“I mean there were guards on standby waiting for the signal to take you into custody. The limo to take you to the airport was waiting outside before that story dropped and the plane ticket was purchased a week ago.”

“How do you know all this?”

“Not important. What’s important is that these arrangements were made by someone with the authority to issue orders to not just the regular palace guards, but the King’s Guard! Which means that someone high up and close to Liam is responsible for it. And it also means the thing with Tariq was a setup. Who took those pictures, Riley? Someone knew he was going to be there!”

She sat back in her seat in shock, “Why would anyone want to do this to me?”

“Because you’re a threat.”

“To who?”

“To anyone that doesn’t want the monarchy to change! Liam is too enamored of you and there are those that see that as a threat.”

“But I’m not a threat to anyone!”

Drake laughed, “Tell that to all those noblewomen drowning in jealousy and resentment at having spent their entire lives training to marry a king only to have a foreign interloper, a waitress no less, swoop in at the last minute and steal him right out from under them.”

“I…never thought about it like that…so, you think it’s one of the other suitors?”

“Maybe, but probably not. Trust me, there are factions that would go to great lengths to keep the monarchy from what they see as corruption.”

“Corruption?”

“Yes, corruption from any ideas that are too modern, too liberal, too…American…”

“Shit…”

“Exactly.”

They pulled off the pavement onto a dusty backroad before turning down a long, twisting private drive. At the end of the drive was an unassuming two-story cabin nestled in a clearing next to a small lake.

“Sorry, it’s not a palace or the Beaumont estate,” he said as he unlocked the door and ushered her inside, “but you’ll be safe here.”

“I’m actually a little sick of the inside of the palace,” she admitted.

“I thought you liked the glitz and glamour, being catered to like a spoiled rich girl.”

“Do you always have to insult me?”

“Sorry, habit.”

“But why is it a habit?”

“I do it for the same reason I call you by your last name.”

“Which is?”

“None of your business. Now come on and I’ll show you to the bedroom.”

They were halfway up the stairs when she stopped, “Wait, did you say the bedroom? As in, there’s only one?”

Drake’s face flushed red as he pushed past her, “Yeah, but don’t worry. I was planning to sleep on the couch.”

“Oh! I…” she hurried up the steps after him, “I don’t want to put you out of your own bedroom! Wait…is it your bedroom? Whose cabin are we in?”

“It’s my cabin, Brooks,” he told her as he pushed open the only door on the left-hand side of the small upstairs hallway.

“What are those? They aren’t bedrooms?” She gestured to the three doors on the other side of the hall.

“Technically, yes, but they don’t have beds in them. The one at the end has a pool table in it, the one in the middle is a bathroom and the other is full of boxes of my dad’s old stuff,” he told her.

“I guess you don’t get much company, huh?” She smirked at him as she entered the master bedroom.

“I know that’s a crack about me not having any friends, but the answer is no I don’t because I actively don’t want any.”

Very few people knew it even existed.

He had never brought a woman to it before.

“Wow,” she breathed as she looked around the room. It took up most of the second floor, a fireplace graced the center of the room, and the bed was huge.

Her appreciation for it caught him off guard. “You like it?”

“Yes, I love it! It’s amazing! Why are you surprised?”

“I don’t know,” he shrugged, “It’s not a palace and there are no servants.”

Annoyance pulled through her, “You know I lived in a two hundred square foot apartment in New York, right?”

“Yeah, well, I figure you’ve gotten used to a different lifestyle by this point.” He muttered.

“Do you really think I’m that fucking shallow?” she snapped.

“I don’t know. Are you?” And just like that, the attitude was back in his tone.

“Why did you even bother to bring me here and try to help me if you have such a low opinion of me, Drake? Huh? Why? I don’t get it. I don’t get you!”

“Me? I’m an open book! You’re the one that-“

“Open book? How the hell do you figure that? You’re the most inscrutable, closed-off, judgmental, hostile, cynical person I’ve ever met and you have a fucking outrageous temper with a hair trigger! Frankly, I don’t see how you’ve survived at court all these years!”

His jaw set, “Tell me how you really feel, Brooks, don’t hold back.”

“I’m just saying-“

“I know what you’re saying, and you’re the one judging me right now! Maybe being at court all those years made me this way! Did you ever consider that?”

“Maybe your problems at court were caused by your bad attitude! Did you ever consider that?”

“Says the woman who was fucking nice to everyone and still got set up, slandered, and drug out of the coronation by armed guards!”

“Oh, fuck you! How do I know you’re even telling me the truth about any of that?”

“Why the fuck would I lie about any of that?” He asked in astonishment.

“I don’t know, Drake, you tell me! Maybe Liam was right, maybe you are obsessed with me! Maybe this wasn’t a rescue, maybe this was a kidnapping!”

“Are you fucking serious right now? Turn on the fucking news! You’re all over it and no one is defending you!”

“Oh, and how am I supposed to do that, Drake? Huh? You took my phone!”

“You know what? I’m going down to bring in the rest of your luggage and check the propane tank. Give you time to calm the fuck down.”

“Calm down? Calm down? You want me to calm down, Drake? Get me a fucking phone!” She pulled her shoes off and flung one at him.

“You’re welcome for the save by the way!” He yelled as he stepped into the hallway and shut the door behind him. The shoe thudded into the closed door and bounced onto the floor.

“Fuck!” She threw the other shoe at the door for good measure.

She needed to get a message to Liam. She needed contact with the outside world. She needed to see what the news was saying. She needed Hana.

But first, she needed a long, hot bath to wash this day off her.

She locked the bedroom door and made her way to the master bath. There was a cast iron claw-footed oval-shaped bathtub, long enough for her to stretch out in and be completely underwater. 

There was amazingly enough hot water to fill it. That fact that there was women’s body wash, shampoo, and conditioner gave her pause, but then Drake’s little rescue/kidnapping scheme had to have also been planned in advance, which meant that the King’s Guards weren’t the only ones that had known that story was going to break ahead of time.

How long had Drake known and why hadn’t he warned her?

She had questions and she needed answers, but as she soaked in the steaming bath, she found herself fighting to keep her eyes open, so she climbed out, dried herself off, and climbed into the bed.

The mattress was soft, and the bed was piled high with fur-lined blankets and a goose-down comforter. She was asleep the moment her head touched the pillow.

Answers would have to wait until morning.

[taintmansion]

lol

I was honestly not going to post about this and in the end it was fine but basically I’ve been having absolutely horrible insomnia at the worst times of my life. Because i was so wired from the chicago sparks show, my cat was being a bastard and just general sleep issues i got essentially no sleep last night and the worst part is I didn’t take a sleeping pill I have because it was so late and I didn’t want it to make me feel shitty today 😖 but I wasn’t going to not go to the milwaukee sparks show just because I was so tired and it was a 2 hour drive. But i was not prepared for the absolute wall i hit on the way and then burnout / mini panic attack i had with daley with me before the show started because i got genuinely worried i was going to have to miss it :( like i unfortunately got hit with very intense burnout at the worst time. I was kind of out of it for half of the show but then got pretty revived especially when people started standing and dancing and obv still had a great time but it’s Not the way i wanted that 2nd show to go. but also a testament to how much seeing these guys means to me lol. going to get some fucking sleep now and I’m sure I’ll be enjoying all my pics and videos from both shows tomorrow and smiling 💖 but jfc i get sick of my own brain 😔

[amistytown]

about the anxiety!! I have generalized anxiety, was diagnosed in the ER bc I had bad chest pain for a week and it was all bc I was anxious lol

I have had that kind of tunnel vision with mine before too, it doesn't happen often but it is really scary!

here recently I also had to go to the hospital twice because my anxiety (at least, as far as we know that's what it is) caused most of my body to tingle and be a bit numb (like? when you sit on your leg for too long? like that) for almost 2 weeks straight and while it isn't bad anymore I'm still having a little bit of problems with it-

sorry, I'm not trying to rant, I just know it's nice to know someone else experiencing similar problems. basically, what the doctor told me is that anxiety is so op and does a lot of stuff to your body so it very well could be that, but if you get worse or it doesn't go away it wouldn't hurt to see a doctor. idk where you live, I know I can't really afford to see a doctor most of the time so I understand that seeing one can be hard for some people, but it's better to be safe than sorry!

but!! what you experienced just sounds like a really bad anxiety attack, obviously I'm not a doctor but I have dealt with something similar before and if you already know your anxiety was bad then I think you have nothing to worry about.

idk what helps you but when I get tunnel vision like that, when I'm able to safely get up and walk around, going outside and getting some fresh air really helps me afterwards. I hope you start feeling better!

Thank you for messaging! It's comforting to know I'm not alone although I hate that other people have to deal with such terrible anxiety too. It's awful. I can't believe the impact it not only has on your mind but your body too. It literally feels like death sometimes.

Before I started my meds I suffered from horrible chest pain and heaviness. I've also dealt with numbness and tingly, and it's terrifying! I'd get it randomly in the weirdest places. During my panic attack my hands felt numb and tingly. I've experienced it in my arms, legs, and face!

I have a lot of health anxiety, which has gotten better since I've started taking meds, but when I experience these symptoms I definitely think I'm dying, whether it's from a heart attack, stroke, etc. Just now I worried I was having a stroke or had a mini-stroke even though my symptoms went away after I took my anxiety pill and managed to calm down some. Definitely trying not to Google it because I know that will make me feel worse lol.

Tunnel vision is so scary! I'm glad I don't get it often. It almost feels like I'm losing my vision? Peripheral blindness and spotty vision, but I know the body does strange things when it thinks you're in danger. It doesn't help that I think something is seriously wrong and vividly imagine myself being rushed to the ER in an ambulance.

I feel completely zapped of energy and tired. Still a little anxious but calming down. Crazy how fast it happens. I was getting ready to go out and it hit me out of nowhere.

And I'm sorry you're been dealing with so much. Even if I can't reply right away, feel free to message me if you want to talk about it. I hope you're doing well today, and thank you again for the message and advice. It made me feel a lot better and replying took my mind off things.

[emodaysdontend]

Anger and sadness

Yesterday was nice, I was able to watch Love is Blind at work with Amanda, which was a blast. I brought popcorn and she gifted me some golden cups from the show which was awesome. I made strawberries for everyone at work, mainly for Justin,Jaime Amanda, Benita,Jonathan and Mexican Ally. I made personalized one for Jamie,Amanda and Benita. Benita was having a hell of a rough week with bf troubles and work troubles. Me feelings wise, I can't get out of this daze or gloss over in my eyes. I can smile and be friendly like usual but my eyes say Different, luckily people don't pay enough attention lol. I still have this constant sadness and sudden..panic attack-eque mini episodes for myself where I cry and hyperventilate...luckily I can pull it together to put my game face on. I got home and I was pretty tired. It's been rainy and just ugly outside,I was drenched. I got a special package from mymelody. She gifted it to me because she was proud of me for going to therapy. I knew it was coming but it was so awesome it came today...It made me really happy...I miss her alot..and I hope she's doing well...I gave it a huge hug. It's so cute!!! I wish I can say it's getting easier but it hasnt.. At night I was a jerk to my wife...I was just grouchy and it escalated to a bigger fight where I was about to slam my phone...but I knew I couldn't so...I just broke down on the floor instead...Lucas though it was his fault and comforted me...which was sweet

[junhoontrash]

Jun using an invisible rope to pull Wonwoo back.

[naturesapphic]

Natasha romanoff/Scarlett Johansson masterlist

Natasha headcannons 1

Information about Natasha

Natasha headcannons 2

How she met her s/o

Natasha headcannons 3

What natasha calls her s/o

“You’re my world”

Natasha proposes to her s/o

“I got you”

Reader needs comfort after having a bad day, good thing her girlfriend is home to take care of her

“Dont call me that!”

Reader wants nats attention so she decides to annoy her girlfriend until she gets it

Workouts

Reader founds her beefy assassin girlfriend in the gym and she can’t keep her eyes off of her.

Cutie pie

Nat finds out the truth why the reader has been extra shy towards her.

Cookies

Reader bakes cookies when nat gets home from a mission, and nat gets very shy around the reader and finally has the guts to ask her out

Mini nat

Reader dresses up as nat for Halloween, how will nat react?

Couples costumes

Older!Nat and fem!reader decide on what to wear for Tony’s Halloween party.

Girls night

Reader and nat have a girls night where they paint each others nails

Apologies

Older!Nat has been treating reader like crap. Will reader finally get tired of it and break it off with nat?

No parties

Reader has a bad panic attack at one of Tony’s parties and nat helps her.

“I love you”

Natasha has a minor concussion and has to be taken to the shield medical bay and her girlfriend takes care of her.

Protective housewife

Housewife!reader has two unexpected guests but what if nat knows them?

Snowball fight

Nat and reader go out shopping for secret Santa but Nat decides to begin a snowball fight.

Nightmares

Reader comforts nat after she has a nightmare.

Christmas spoiler

Older!Nat spoils reader on Christmas.

Hydra baby

Little!reader is a ex hydra agent and Natasha is her new caregiver/girlfriend after her and the avengers saved her about a year ago. The reader hasn’t celebrated Christmas ever so it’s time for Natasha to step up and show her what Christmas is about.

Gym fiasco

Reader sees beefy!Nat working out and gets flustered and teased by nat as she catches her.

“She’s only allowed to call me that!”

The avengers are surprised to hear you say a certain nickname that they aren’t allowed to call her but what happens when a brave soul calls her that?

Prank day

What happens when you prank your girlfriend Scarlett Johansson?

About time

Valentine’s Day is here and nat is a biker who sleeps around but what happens when she falls for you? Will she change her ways and ask you out?

Don’t worry

After care with Natasha Romanoff

Bad decisions

Tony throws a party and reader gets too drunk and decides to do something stupid which lands her in the hospital

“I’ll always take care of you.”

Natasha comes home bruised up and wounded and reader takes care of her

“Take your medicine.”

Natasha takes care of sick!reader

Girly things

Dying your hair with Natasha

Stop and stare

Scarlett is at a photo shoot and teases you

Plus one

Scarlett takes her partner to fashion week

Pumpkin patch

Natasha and reader goes to a pumpkin patch with the team. They go through a haunted house and a maze and one thing leads to another

Insecurities

Reader sees a picture of Natasha and Wanda being close. she gets jealous and insecure to the point where she age regresses. What happens when nat comes home to find reader so upset and In her head space

Second family

Younger!reader meets the avengers!

Knight in shining armor pt.1 pt.2 pt.3

Forbidden love between a princess and her knight in shining armor

Almost caught

Natasha is a desperate mess for you. Will you risk getting caught to fulfill her needs?

“What do you mean she’s gone?”

What happens when yelena and Clint finds out that Natasha has a family they both didn’t know about and they had to tell them the bad news about nats death.

Insecurities (not like the other one, I didn’t realize that I named the same things lol)

Clingy!reader gets bullied by some of the avengers and one day nat overhears them and blows up because she’s recently noticed her girlfriend being distant, now she knows why.

Panic

Natasha had a bad mission and just wanted to see but when she doesn’t see you she has a big panic attack.

Headcannon: Natasha joining the relationship between you and Wanda

[buckybarnesowl]

Friends, for now - Part 2

Pairings: Bucky x fem!reader (+ ex!quentin beck)

Summary: You and Bucky continue exploring your new “friendship” while you work on yourself. A random message from the freshman on the team, Peter Parker, challenges that work and Quentin resurfaces in the worst way yet.

Word count: 4.6 K

Warnings: reference to verbally abusive ex-boyfriend; misogyny; toxic masculinity; reference to violent hazing; reference to childhood abandonment and divorce; panic attack; first kiss

A/n: I had two requests to write a follow-up... now it's a three-part mini-series. I don't know why this idea with Peter came in my head, but I couldn't get it out so here we go: bucky x reader feat. irondad and spiderson lol. I promise a happy ending with reader and Bucky finally coming together.

To everyone who reads and comments and reblogs: I cannot thank you enough. Means the world to know you’re enjoying these as much as I enjoy writing them.

Part 1 // Part 3 // Masterlist

Despite the primal urge that coursed through your body every time you were near him, you and Bucky took things slow for the next few months. Breaking up with Quentin had forced you to acknowledge a lot of doors to your past that had remained under lock and key for years. It was time. You were tired of seeking approval from men to feel valid. Besides, it’s not like any of them would ever satiate the need that had been there since you were little. The paternal validation was something that you should have received then, but never got. And no amount of it now would ever change that. It was time to let it go.

So you and Bucky continued on being whatever it was you were. Friends. Right, friends.

You had both agreed to not discuss taking things further until the team’s season had finished.

The obvious reason to wait was purely so that Quentin wouldn’t be around anymore. The off season coincided with summer semester, which he always took off to go back home and live off his parents and their pool. Live his best privileged white boy life.

Though more importantly, you needed the time to sort through everything that had happened with your shitty ex. It wasn’t so much that you needed to get over him—your heart hadn’t been in it for months, if ever. It was that you needed to know why you had stayed in an emotionally abusive relationship for so long. And more than anything, you desperately wanted to know that you were okay on your own two feet before rushing into the arms of the first man that showed signs of interest.

Though Bucky’s arms sure felt nice.

When you shared your reasoning with Bucky, he got it. Fully and completely. He assured you there was no rush, that he wasn’t going anywhere and wasn’t looking anywhere else either. He didn’t want you to feel any pressure, and made sure you knew you didn’t owe him anything. Even if your relationship never went beyond friends. He meant it and he made sure you believed him. It was nice to not feel pressure for once—though you were dead set on levelling up from friends as soon as you felt ready.

The week after that first sleepover, you had gone to the Student Service Centre and got set up with one of the graduate student therapists from the School of Psychology on campus. Weekly sessions. Free. It felt like a start to something. A spark that coursed through your entire being. You were taking control. Making choices based on what you wanted, not on what you thought others wanted. It was terrifying and liberating all at the same time.

Two months later and you were starting to feel lighter. More in control of your thoughts. You learned to explore your emotions, name them, find out where they were coming from, what they were trying to tell you. You learned to just be with them instead of running away, hiding, covering them up. You were slowly working through your childhood and it was both excruciating and healing. You were gaining a new understanding of yourself. A compassion that helped you release the shame of staying with a guy like Quentin Beck. A compassion that gave yourself permission to follow your heart when it came to James Buchanan Barnes.

Albeit for different reasons, Bucky understood what it was like to grow up without a father. The grief of losing his own was still an ache in his chest some days. But he could only imagine the depth of sorrow you had to wade through knowing that your father wasn’t taken from you—that he left you, of his own volition. Bucky was in awe of your strength. Your courage to keep trudging through it all so that you could finally heal. Every time he learned something new about you, his heart beat just a little faster. The smoulder in his chest flickered a few degrees warmer. You were amazing. Everything about you was amazing.

“Y’know seasons over in two weeks,” Bucky stated as you found yourselves in a familiar position in his bed after watching a movie together one Saturday morning. His fingers haphazardly tracing shapes on your back. Your head on his chest, playing with his father’s namesake saint pendant around his neck.

George Barnes had been given the Saint George medallion as a child. It was passed on to Bucky after George died in a car accident when Bucky was 13 years old. He shared the story with you late one night. Tears had formed around his eyes as he told you and it nearly broke your heart.

You rubbed your thumb over the silver pendant, feeling the lines of the valiant warrior on his steed. Like a knight in shining armour.

“Mmmm,” you acknowledge softly.

“‘Was hopin' after that I could take you out.”

You pulled yourself out from his arm and propped your head up on one elbow.

“James Buchanan Barnes. Are you asking me out on a date?” Your heart was racing and your stomach fluttered at the soft grin that was spreading across his stubble covered cheeks. Your ears and face suddenly felt like they were burning.

“That’s exactly what I’m doing. Whaddya say, sweetheart? Will you let me take you out? For real?”

The way Bucky tilted his head as he tried to read your expression, a slight ripple of worry at the shores of his ocean blue eyes, might have been the most adorable thing you had ever seen.

“I was wondering when you’d finally ask,” you breathed out, leaning into his chest. “Yes,” you whispered as you closed the gap between you, “one hundred times, yes.” Then you lowered your mouth onto his, your lips connecting for the first time

Bucky had pressed his lips to your forehead, into your hair, your palms, your cheeks. But never your lips. It was as if it was an unstated rule. An intimacy he was holding out for until you gave him permission. When you finally kissed him then, he took the permission and ran with it. His breath hitched at the sudden connection, but only for a millisecond as he slowed everything down in his mind. He let his lips feel yours, softly sucking your supple edges, memorizing every dip and line as they brushed against his. Until finally he broke away, chest heaving as he let out a shuddering breath.

“Jesus fucking Christ, doll.” Bucky could lose himself in your lips for eternity and he’d still wander around hopelessly, wanting more.

Your brows furrowed slightly, worried that you’d come on too strong. “W-was that too much?”

Bucky’s heart ached at your question. “No, sweetheart. C’mere,” he assured, pulling you back down to his chest. “You’re never too much. Ever.”

“Right,” you sighed. “Sorry, still working on that part with my therapist,” you chuckled.

“No need to apologize. So proud of you,” he whispered, pressing his lips into the top of your head, his arms fully wrapped around you. It was a familiar gesture that Bucky was more than happy to offer when he sensed you needed that extra bit of assurance. You remained in his arms, allowing yourself the comfort, until your stomach had other ideas.

“I think it’s time for lunch,” you giggled, slightly embarrassed by the grumbling from your belly.

“I could definitely eat,” Bucky agreed.

You reluctantly pried yourself from Bucky’s arms to leave the warmth of his bed. He studied you with a look of awe in his eyes as you stretched your arms above your head. Gods, you were beautiful. Every edge, every feature. How had he not seen it before?

“Quit staring, Barnes,” you quipped playfully when you turned around and saw the glazed look in his eyes.

A blush bloomed across the apples of his cheeks, though accompanied by a grin that made the corners of his eyes crinkle.

“You love it.”

“Yeah, I do,” you admitted.

You reached out your hand to pull him out of bed. He accepted and you walked out of his room, hands still clasped.

“They’re alive!” Steve exclaimed as you entered the common space of the shared dorm.

“Ha-ha, very funny,” you replied.

“You know I’m just teasin’ ya. There’s stuff for sandwiches if you’re both hungry,” he offered, already half-way through his plate.

“You’re the best, Stevie,” you and Bucky said in unison.

“I know,” he gleaned.

You made yourself and Bucky one each, already knowing how he liked his fixings: lettuce, pickle, mustard, no mayo.

“How’s it going, Y/n? I feel like I haven’t seen you the past few weeks,” Steve asked once you both sat down.

“Good. Really good, actually,” you grinned after swallowing a bite. “Been making a lot of progress with my therapist. I think I might go down to seeing them every two weeks.”

“That’s great. I’m really proud of you.”

Bucky nodded, gazing at you with a look of admiration that made Steve’s heart melt.

“Thanks, Stevie. Also, your pal here finally asked me out on a real date.”

Bucky nearly choked on his sandwich, breaking his gaze from you to suddenly inspect his plate.

“That’s… that’s fucking awesome,” Steve replied, chuckling at his friend’s embarrassment. “Man, I’m so happy for you two. You know, I thought it’d be weird seeing my two best friends coming together. But honestly? Nothing has made me happier.”

“What about punching Beck?” Bucky jabbed.

“Hey now. Not my finest moment,” Steve returned, blushing sheepishly.

“That made me pretty happy,” you chimed in.

“Yeah, me too,” Bucky chortled.

“Except I’m the team captain. I’m not supposed to lose my cool like that,” Steve said seriously. “I got written up, and with good reason.”

“Relax, you know I was just messin’ with ya,” Bucky offered his friend a smile of assurance. “Anyways, means a lot, your approval. Of this,” he added, raising your and his clasped hands.

Steve’s remorse melted into another smile, and you swore you saw a wetness form at the corners of his eyes.

“Aw, Stevie, you’re such a sap.” You unclasped your hand from Bucky’s and walked around the table to give him a big hug.

“Seeing you both happy is just… I’m just really happy for you, okay?”

“I love you, brother.”

“Love you too, sis.” He cleared his throat, the signal that he’d had enough of your affection. You chuckled as you released him.

“Poor Stevie. You gotta loosen up, man. Let yourself go sometimes,” Bucky added.

“I… you just worry about yourself, Buck. And these next two weeks of the season. Don’t want you all distracted over your girl,” he said sternly, but shot you a wink.

“Aye aye, cap,” he mock saluted with a chuckle. “Gods, you’re such a punk.”

“Only to you, jerk.”

You laughed at their antics as you leaned back into your chair. Your eyes flitted back and forth between the man you considered family and the man you started falling for from that first night when you went from enemies to friends to… something more. You felt like the Grinch on Christmas morning, your heart swelling three times its normal size witnessing the special bond the two most important men in your life.

Three sequential buzzes from your phone in your pocket snapped you out of your moment of gratitude. Your face scrunched in confusion at the message.

Unknown: Hey Y/n. Sorry to bother you. It’s Peter Parker. I got your number from Tony.

Unknown: If it’s not too much trouble, I was hoping I could ask you something personal. About Quentin. Sorry if it’s too soon, or if you don’t feel comfortable. I totally understand. Let me know. Thanks.

Unknown: Ps: please don’t tell Bucky or Steve.

“Everything alright?” Bucky asked, forehead laced with concern.

“Y-yeah, all good. Just a… a deadline I forgot about that I had set a reminder for.” Smooth, Y/n. Gods, you hated lying to people you cared about. “I should get going. Got work to do now,” you groaned awkwardly, waving your phone for emphasis.

“You sure?” Stevie pressed. He could always tell when you were lying.

“Yes,” you pressed back with a please don’t ask again look.

Bucky sighed, catching on to your silent conversation. He knew there some things you and Steve would share that he could never insert himself into. “Promise you’ll call us if you need us, okay?”

“Of course. Always,” you assured, not lying this time.

It seemed to satisfy the two best friends. Bucky got up to pull you into a hug, pressing a soft kiss into your temple before reluctantly letting you go.

“Are we still on for dinner tonight?” You three had made plans to have a real sit-down, home-cooked meal together. The first one since you and Bucky had started spending time together. “I mean, we can rain check. But maybe it could be a good time for you to take a break?” Bucky suggested, a hopeful tone in his warm voice.

Steve flashed his puppy eyes at you, the ones he knew were impossible for you to ignore.

“Fine, you guys win,” you sighed with a resigned chuckle.

“Great. I’ll text you when we’re an hour out.”

“Sounds good,” you agreed, placing a soft peck on his cheek.

The door closed behind you and you immediately sent Peter a text back telling him you were free and open to talking.

As you walked back to your dorm, you made plans to head over to his and Tony’s dorm in two hours. Enough time for you shower and run through a yoga practice to centre yourself. You may have become more grounded about Quentin over the past few months, but it still triggered difficult emotions. Whatever Peter wanted to talk to you about, it sounded serious. You wanted to make sure you could be as stable and supportive as possible. You hoped he was ok, but your gut was telling you not to get your hopes up.

—

“Stop worrying, kid. She agreed to come. You’re not forcing anyone.”

Tony did his best to ease the anxiety that Peter was emitting in waves. His old roommate Bruce had graduated last term. Steve always tried to pair new freshman members of the team with older players so Tony had no choice but to agree. Turns out it was one of the best decisions he had ever been forced to make. Peter was an all around STEM nerd just like him. They got along swimmingly, and Tony discovered how much he enjoyed playing the mentor role.

“I just…” Peter sighed for the umpteenth time.

“I know. Remember, you can change your mind. At any time. You don’t have to do this if you don’t want to.”

“I know, Tony.” He said quietly, his brown curls shading his eyes as he looked down at his fidgeting hands.

“But you also know every single person on the team is going to believe you. If you decide you want to, you know, report it—”

“I know. I just, I don’t know. You know?”

“Yeah, kid. I do know.”

Tony rubbed his hands over his face. Gods, he was trying to stay calm for Peter but inside he was a raging, out of control forest fire ready to destroy everything in his path. So long as everything included Quentin fucking Brock. All he wanted to do was find that piece of shit and beat the life out of him. But it wasn’t his fight. It was up to the kid, and he wouldn’t pressure him. He promised Peter and he wasn’t about to break that promise.

A knock on the door pulled them both out of their thoughts.

“You ready?” Tony asked, giving him a final chance to change his mind.

Peter took a deep breath. Tony could see him running all of the scenarios over in his head for the millionth time. But as soon as he exhaled and his eyes fluttered shut, he knew the kid had landed on the same conclusion.

“Ready as I’ll ever be.” His voice was barely above a whisper.

Tony nodded and got up to let you in.

“Oh! Hey, Tony. I, uh—”

“You thought it was just going to be Peter?”

You laughed nervously. “Yeah, actually.”

“Come on in. Welcome to our pad. Looks just like all the other shithole pads on campus. Can I get you something? I’ve just made a pot of coffee and I think we’ve got tea, a few cans of random soda—”

“Just water is fine, thanks.”

You took in your surroundings quickly while you removed your shoes and coat. The dorm was more or less the same setup as Bucky and Steve’s. It was also immaculate just like theirs. Thank gods the men in your life weren’t slobs.

“Hey, Peter,” you said warmly as you padded your way over to where he was sitting on the couch, sitting yourself in the armchair next to him.

“H-hey, Y/n,” Peter stuttered, barely making eye contact with you.

You noted his posture: stiff, shoulders up, his thumb rubbing constant circles on the back of his ever reddening hand. I wonder how long he’s been doing that for, you thought. It made you recall Quentin saying how the new freshmen on the team were such pussies. Your heart nearly broke seeing how nervous Peter was in front of you. You could only imagine how shitty Quentin must have made him feel. Gods, he was such a stereotypical bully. Your stomach clenched as your brain started down a path you didn’t want to go.

“Here you are, Y/n. And one for you too, Pete.”

Tony set down the glasses of water, and returned quickly with a coffee for himself before resuming his position next to Peter on their couch.

“Th-thanks,” Peter managed.

“Yeah, thanks,” you added with a sympathetic smile.

Tony silently urged you to start, motioning with his eyes towards Peter.

You nodded and quickly found your words. “I’m just going to come out and say that I’m really okay to talk about Quentin. Anything you want to ask. I’ve been going to therapy and I can guarantee you there’s nothing you could ask that my therapist hasn’t already,” you quipped, hoping to lighten the mood.

Tony nearly spat his coffee out and you garnered a chuckle from Peter. Immediately his shoulders went down by a few inches. Success.

“I uh, thanks, for coming,” he said, still meek but making eye contact this time. “I, just… I need to know… If Quentin ever… did he ever mention anything about… ugh, this is harder than I thought it would be,” he groaned, squeezing his eyes shut and taking some deep breaths.

“Take your time kid, we’re not in any rush, are we Y/n?”

“Nope, I’ve got nowhere to be. In fact, I’m going to tell Stevie and Bucky to eat dinner without me tonight.”

“No! Y/n, please don’t cancel your plans for me! Shit, this was a mistake. I shouldn’t have asked you to come. I shouldn’t have told you any of this, Tony. It’s not a big deal. I’m fine. Everything is fine.” Peter’s chest started heaving as if he was losing air. His breaths became shorter and louder.

You knew that feeling all too well. When the walls started closing and everything got darker. You'd visited that place on more than a few occasions during these past few months.

“Pete, stay with me buddy,” Tony ordered, taking one of Peter’s hands and placing it on his own chest. “Breathe with me, kid. In-two-three-four... out-two-three-four-five-six.”

Tony did that a few more times while you sent Bucky and Steve a joint apology text, explaining you wouldn’t be able to take a break after all and to eat without you. Then you put your phone on do not disturb before placing it face down on the coffee table.

“Peter, please. I’m here because I want to help in whatever way you need. I know we haven't known each other for that long, but i'll never forget how you helped me bring my stuff home that night at the bar. If it wasn’t for you, I may have lost my favourite jacket. Let me repay the favour, ‘kay?”

For better or worse, your go-to tactic in tense situations was always humour. It seemed to work. Peter’s breathing steadied and he nodded shakily. After drinking a bit more water he leaned back into the couch.

“I’m s-sorry. It’s, this is just…”

“No need to apologize. I’ve had plenty of breakdowns in my life, in front of complete strangers. Trust me, I’ve been there.”

“And you know me, kid. Happens to the best of us, right?”

Peter chuckled softly. “Th-thanks.”

“We meant it. Please just take as much time as you need. And if we end up needing to take a break or I come back another time, that’s fine too,” you encouraged.

“No, no,” the freshman said softly. “I need to do this.”

Though it wasn’t clear if he was saying that as a reply to you or as a pep talk for himself.

After a few more deep breaths he tried again. “What I was trying to, I mean, what I wanted to ask you was…” he cleared his throat, then one final deep breath before ripping the bandaid off. “Did Quentin ever talk about hazing the freshmen on the team?”

His voice was so timid, so scared. As if someone would suddenly manifest out of thin air to punish him for even asking the question.

You wracked your brain, thinking back to whether or not Quentin’s comments about the freshmen were ever part of a longer conversation. He rarely told you anything. Except when he was—shit.

“Y-yeah. Actually, yeah, Peter, I do remember something.” Fuck. How could you have forgotten that? “It was… must have been around fall of last year.” You paused, wanting to make sure you had all the details straight, fighting the sudden wave of nausea you were feeling as the memory came flooding back and your brain filled the gaps of what Peter was getting at.

The junior defenseman was shaking now. Tony noticed and placed a steadying hand on his shoulder.

“Do you… do you want me to tell you what I remember?”

“Please,” he rasped.

“He showed up at my dorm drunk one night. He was going off about the freshmen. How they were so weak now. That they couldn’t take a joke. I didn’t understand and asked him what he was talking about. He was washing his hands in the kitchen sink and I noticed some blood, but I knew better than to ask for too many details. He started rambling about tradition and how when he joined the team he’d been paddled so hard he couldn’t sit for a week and how hilarious it was. How the freshmen now are too soft.” You paused again before placing a gentle hand on Peter’s knee. “I won’t repeat the actual words he used. Because I don’t think you need to hear them again.”

“No I don't,” Peter whispered, shuddering as tears started streaming down his face. Tony’s grounding hand turned into a comforting arm around his shoulder as the freshman

“I’m so fucking sorry, Peter. I should have asked him what he did, and to whom.” Your cheeks were shining with your own tears now.

“‘S not your fault,” he sniffed, wiping his eyes.

“No, but it’s ours, Pete.”

“Tony, we already talked about this,” he groaned angrily, pulling away from the comforting side hug.

“I know, and I’m gonna keep repeating myself. The entire team all knew Beck was a shithead from the beginning. We should have known he’d try to pull the same bullshit that used to get pulled on us. There’s a reason why Cap pushed for the no-tolerance policy on hazing. It’s barbaric and disgusting—”

“And it’s abuse,” you added matter-of-factly. Peter, can I ask you about it?”

He nodded.

“Was it paddling, like Quentin mentioned used to happen?”

Another nod.

“Did he make you, I mean, were you naked?”

A third nod.

“Fuck, Peter, that’s not just abuse. That’s sexual assault as well.”

A sob escaped from the freshman’s mouth, and Tony wrapped his arms around him.

“I’m sorry, Peter. I can be so abrupt sometimes. That wasn't fair of me. I just, I want you to know how seriously we’re taking this. And how none of this, not a single thing about this, is your fault. It’s all on him. All of it.”

“I kn-now,” he stuttered, “I know.”

“I’m so glad you reached out to me, you know that? It took a lot of courage and I’m just, I’m really fucking proud of you.”

You meant every word. You knew first hand the effect Quentin Beck could have on people—though nothing you experienced was as bad as what Peter was put through.

“See? Told you she’d be supportive,” Tony added, releasing Peter as he felt his hiccups ease.

“Yeah, yeah, you were right,” Peter chuckled with a sigh as he wiped his face with his sleeve. “So… so what do I do now?”

“What do you want to do, Pete?” Tony asked.

He thought about it for a few minutes. Everyone sat in silence, allowing the weight of it all to truly settle in.

“I… I don’t want him to get away with it,” he responded finally. His voice was still quiet, but there was a newfound strength in it.

“Then he won’t,” Tony affirmed.

“I’ll help in whatever way I can. I can provide a statement if you need. That prick deserves whatever he’s got coming.” You were riled up now.

Peter nodded, gratitude pouring from his eyes as he met your gaze. “Guess I need to tell Cap?” Peter questioned.

“Yeah, bud. But I’ll be there every step if you need me.”

“Me too. Steve’s like my older brother. He’s going to take care of you, Pete. I know he will.”

“The whole team will, if you let us.”

Pete sighed again, but this time with relief. He felt lighter somehow. “Thank you. Both of you. So much. I… I don’t know what else to say.”

“You don’t have to say anything more. At least not right now anyways,” Tony joked.

“Tony!” You chastised.

“What? Too soon?”

“Definitely too soon,” Peter chuckled. “But it’s fine. Wouldn’t expect anything less from you.”

“You wound me, kid,” Tony said with mock emotional pain.

“If you like, I can broach the subject with Stevie. At least so you don’t have to repeat yourself all over again,” you offered.

Your desire to help Peter was almost overwhelming. You knew it wasn’t your fault, but deep down you felt at least partially responsible for not following your gut that night he came to your dorm.

“Thanks, really, but I need to do this. Though, uh, maybe there is one thing,”

“Anything,” you confirmed.

“You mentioned you were having dinner with him tonight?”

“Yeah, I was. But I cancelled.”

“Maybe you could, uh, un-cancel? And have him… come here instead? I just… I really want to get it over with now.”

“You sure, Pete? You don’t have to rush this on our account,” Tony reassured.

“I’m sure. I’m ready.”

“Whatever you need. I’ll text him right now.”

You unlocked your phone to send the message to Steve. A dozen unread texts between the both of them were waiting in your notifications. Expressing concern over you cancelling, asking if they could at least bring dinner to you, worrying that you weren’t responding.

Fuck. You should have expected that was coming. Well, they would both find out soon enough. You hoped Bucky wasn’t upset that you had lied once he learned the truth. You hated having to lie to him.

You pressed send on the message to Steve and the three of you waited in silence.

Part 3

[mxvladdy]

Ey, could you make food source reactions for Mammon & Levi like you did with the others?

I've read it like 3 times now, they're all so sweet and believable you did a great job!

You got it Fam! Glad you like them so much lol. (I got a lot more angsty with Mammon than I thought I would but I love him sooooo)

Mammon

This poor man. He gets to spend so little time alone with you. He has to make every second count. Between the hustling, modeling, and running from Lucifer, he’s a pretty busy guy. 

So he plans date nights. Just you, him, and his leather couch. Ya ain’t goin’ nowhere, ya hear? He looks forward to this every month. He pins it on his calendar too just so he doesn’t double book himself. 

Now, don’t get me wrong. Just cause he plans this doesn’t mean he necessarily has a plan. Not that you care. Most of his activities turn into trouble anyway, even when he is not trying.  

 Sometimes he teaches you how to play cards (also shows you human ways to cheat-just in case you need it). The hours are spent pleasantly sitting in his lap while he teaches you how to count cards.

But, most nights, he just wants to talk. He enjoys his time with you. You and him cuddling and chatting away the hours before passing out for the night. 

He has a lot of things he wants to know about you. To him, he feels like if he knows you better than the other brothers he’s won. 

Won what? Idk, your affection? Approval? He already has it, but he is insecure about his place in your heart regardless. 

This evening starts out like any other. Mammon dashing to the kitchens to pilfer some snacks and drinks before Beel can steal them all, and you bring your cute self over to his room. 

You two toss back a few drinks and spend some time looking over his latest photo shoots before going on to the main event. Tonight you brought one of your favorite human card games. It was like 20 questions, but some questions were more risque than others. Was it meant for more than two players? Yes, but whatever- Mammon wants to play it so you are.

You both are relaxed and drowsy by the time you start playing. Your stomachs are full of junk, and the morning moons are just on the horizon. It’s the perfect mixture for loose lips and secrets, before falling asleep in each other's arms. 

You pick easy cards first, jumping from silly innocent questions to one that made him blush from ear to ear. The hours pass quickly and Mammon’s answers become more slurred and accented as he tires out. 

He was on the verge of sleep when you ask,  “What’s your favorite dish?” 

It was a slip of the tongue, a long-lost memory pulled up from the dregs of his exhausted mind. He remembers a savory dish Barbatos use to make way back when. He can still smell the savory smoky spices mixing with the fresh vegetables and meat- Oh shit.

He feels you stiffen and he ain’t sleepy anymore, that’s for sure. Immediately up and apologizes. He stumbles over himself in his haste to explain himself. 

You spend the rest of the evening with him in your arms trying to comfort him as he tearfully swears he hasn’t eaten a person in a couple of hundred years. 

Mini Fic

He regrets it the moment the words slip out. His sleepy remark hangs out in the chilly air of his room. He feels you jerk in his arms as if punched. “Shit! I-I didn’t mean.” Mouth agape, he backtracks, tongue working faster than his overtaxed brain. He looks down at your head on his chest. 

Your eyes are wide. Their surprise reflected in the bright blue moonlight. His heart sinks to his stomach. Gods, he ruined it. “I’m sorry- I.”  Pushing you off of his chest he goes to grab his shirt and redress, ignoring the prickling heat growing at the corner of his eyes. He could sleep somewhere else tonight. You could have the room if you wanted, or at least give you a minute to flee in terror from the demon that masqueraded as your friend. He can’t look at you. Hells, he was too ashamed to even glance in your direction. What kind of idiot let’s slip that? They even had a council meeting about this very thing before you arrived. 

So lost in his panic he doesn’t notice you trying to get his attention. It wasn’t until you forcefully grab his arm did he hear you. “It’s ok Mammon.” You engulf him in your warm and comforting scent. Strong arms dragging him back to the crumpled sheets of his bed. Your soft fingers wipe at the silent tears streaking down his cheeks. 

He dislodges himself from your light grasp to rub at his own eyes. “How can ya’ say that?” Where was your sense of self-preservation? Ain’t humans supposed to be aware of such dangers? The irony wasn’t lost on him though. Being your ‘protector’ and all.

You shuffle closer, hellbent on comforting. His pack mark hums gently on his chest when you touch it. As much as his body wanted to run, your pact mark cemented him to his seat. He sits while you fuss over him slowly breathing through his mouth to calm his racing heart. He can’t help but drift closer to you when he feels your hand on the top of his head. When had he become so weak for you? 

“Well-How can I not?” You shrug. He closes his eyes when you start ruffling his fringe. “You’ve been nothing but sweet to me. Yes, you have,” You cut him off firmly before he can object. “Always my number one anyway.” That pulls a wet chuckle from your demon. His eyes clear up at your admission. “I trust you Mammon, honestly. I mean, I kinda knew that you’ve probably eaten a human or two in your life. Knowing, and knowing are more different than I thought.” 

 Mammon cages you in his arms, his nose brushing along your neck and jawline. “Damn-.” He huffs covering you in his warm body, arms tight around your sides. “I’m sorry. I ruined tonight.” Mammon sighs into your skin. 

You hug him back. “Nonsense, if you want to get technical I think you won this game. I can’t top that answer.” You push away with a wide yawn. “Now can we go back to bed?” With a nod, he flops over pulling you down with him. You bully your way into his arms again. Sighing constantly you snuggle in for the night, ready to drift off. His eyelids began to feel heavy again too. Your soft weight on him like a security blanket. He listens to your slowly beating heart, matching his breathing to yours. The rhythmic thumps working to calm him better than his noise machine. He basks in your presence, rubbing his broad hand down your back for a moment before you speak again.

“Hey, Mammon.” 

“Hmm?” 

“Do you think I would taste good?” 

Leviathan 

Awkward boy. Of course, he has had his fair share of humans. Not particularly his favorite through. A lot of the time it wasn’t on purpose. His demon form is big and sometimes more than just fish and other demons get swallowed up. Course when that happened, they weren’t exactly fresh either. Bleh-just thinking about it makes his stomach turn. 

No, he never got a taste for it, even when it was served in the royal palace. The memories of the sea are still pretty vivid. It never really crosses his mind anymore. Till you bring it up.

He invites you over for a game night. A new VR game he had been saving up for just dropped and he had to play it with you.

It was a horror stealth game. Heavy on critical thinking and solving puzzles in real-time.

Your two characters were on a race against time against a flesh eating cult that had invaded a small village. He thought it was a fun concept and you both liked horror games. He didn’t notice how quiet you had gotten until you had set your controller down. 

You ask during a loading screen after a pretty graphic cut scene of a npc getting caught. How realistic was that cut scene? Had he ever eaten a human before?

Boy is a brighter pink than Ruri-chan’s signature outfit (and twice as cute lbr) 

He gets so flustered that he misses the start of the next round and gets you both eaten. 

He doesn’t take conflict well. Like at all. He much rather slink off into his fish tank and hide than answer you. In fact, that sounds like an excellent idea.  

He slithers back out of his tank hours later thinking you had left or found a better brother to hang out with. Yucky people eaters like him aren’t good company for humans. 

You jump him the minute his feet are back on solid ground. Have an answer now you must! Yrssss. 

Mini Fic

“L-Let go!” Levi shrieks, caught in your sneak attack. He locks up when you jump him, all four of your limbs wrapping around his soaking body like an octopus. 

“No!” You squeeze him harder taking full advantage of the fact that he won’t remove you himself. You feel the heat of his blush through his soaked clothes as you cling closer. If he could blush any harder you were pretty sure steam would be wafting off of him. 

“Why do you want to know anyway?” He wiggles gently, trying to loosen your tight grip. 

“Morbid curiosity.” Well, at least you were honest. He was still going to say no, you didn’t need to know that about him. He opens his mouth to shut you down but makes the mistake of looking at you. The words die when he catches the pout growing on your face. Oh no- his one weakness. Your way your lower lip pops out adorably, accompanied by slightly puffed-out cheeks. It was a one-two punch to his defenses. 

“I-they weren’t on purpose.” He pleads. Nevermore in his life did he wish he could turn into a mist-like his brother. He feels you slip off of him. Your bare feet don’t make a sound on his carpeted floor. “It just happened sometimes.” He admits. You accept it for a few seconds before his words fully hit you.

“Wait? How do you accidentally eat someone?” You ask incredulously. “All though- that’s something Beel might do.” You ponder the logistics and step back to give him some space.

He rights himself, wicking the moisture from his coat and pants with magic until he is completely dry again. You start asking a dozen more questions in rapid fire. It was enough to make his head spin. You were too curious for your own good. “Ever heard of basking whales?”  

You blink. 

Levi sighs and waves a hand to himself.  “When I lived in the ocean… I’m big ya know. I kinda would just open my mouth and swallow. Whatever I caught I ate.” He waits for you to get the jest. Most of the time it was smaller fish and aquatic mammals. When a demon encroached on his territory he would eat them too. The dead were meant for his army, but sometimes they got sucked into.

Instead of nodding in understatement, you cover your mouth with the palm of your hand and snort. His eyes grow big and his blush turns brighter. You were spending way too much time with Asmo. “No-Not like that!” His flailing only makes you laugh harder. Great, as if he didn’t want to die of embarrassment already.

“Well word it better, nerd.” You laugh retreating back to the mound of pillows you claimed for gaming, VR headset in hand. “Come on, we have to start over now- thanks to someone.”

“You started it!” Levi shoots back grabbing up his gear as well. He fiddles with it for a moment before glancing back at you. You were oblivious to inner turmoil over this admission. A naval admiral was one thing. Humans had them too, that wasn’t too much for you to comprehend. Being a devil was easy enough to understand too, at least in his mind. But eating people? Shouldn’t you be more concerned? “So-that’s it?”

You look up questioningly. “What’s it?” 

He raises a purple brow. “You have nothing else to say? I just admitted to eating people!” 

“Not really.” You shrug. “I can’t get too pressed about it. It’s not like you are human. I’m like what-at the bottom of the food chain to you, right?” Levi nods. “See! So no point stressing over it. ‘Sides, you haven’t munched on me yet.” You turn your attention back to the screen, flicking your controller to wake his flat-screen back up. “Unless~” He gulps at the sly eyebrow wiggle you throw at him, the shit eating grin that accompanied it only made him worry.  “Perhaps you just have an appetite for seamen.” 

Your peals of laughter mix with his shrill yelps of objection, as he tackles you. His previous worries were completely forgotten by your teasing. 

[captainsimagines]

To Topple A Giant || Chapter Two

Summary: You had made it your mission to destroy even the smallest evils. When the opportunity arises to finally take down your own family after years of gaining their trust, you reach for it. And so does Steve, the man who represents a symbol of everything you hate.

Pairing(s): Steve Rogers x Reader || Avengers x Reader

Part 2 of 10 ~ Mini-Series

Warnings: This story contains mature themes and discussions such as extreme canon violence, strong language, emotional angst, mentions of Endgame deaths and recoveries, sexual situations, and emotional/physical abuse. All trigger warnings will be listed before the chapter. This is purely fanfiction. 

Warnings in this chapter: brief reference/hint to past sexual assault. 

Word Count: 7,500+

A/N: Thank you so much for your excitement about this series! I always smile when I read your comments. Sorry for such a long chapter, but it’s only ten parts and I gotta fit all somewhere lol

~

Unknown Location, 2015, 10:46pm

     The tightness of the rope wrapped around your wrists was excruciating, each movement causing it to rub against the already damaged skin, leaving more angry, red marks. You whipped your head back and forth, anger and fear coursing through your veins as you stared your father down. You watched as he carefully maneuvered his way around the room, every back straightening as he walked past them, every gun cocked and pointed right at you. Your nose twitched up as he walked closer, inspecting the ropes tying your feet to the chair and so on. You accumulated all the spit you could and aimed it for his face, pride washing over you as it hit him perfectly. But as quickly as that pride built, it shattered, a stinging sensation on your cheek now overpowering any other sense. 

“You cost me ten million.”

You bit back a laugh, careful not to let it slip as you did not want another beating. “I did what I had to do. You would have done the same!”

“Don’t tell me what I would have done!”

You flinched inwardly, your face still blushing with growing madness. If only you could loosen these bonds… 

“You will know to not mess up again.”

And as your father left the room, the men lined up against the wall finally let their shoulders fall forward, their once blank faces now donning sadistic smiles.

The Compound, 2018, 2:07am 

You sat up from your mound of pillows, kicking them to the side as well as the heavy blanket. Your ears rang impossibly loud, and it wasn’t until your feet touched your bedroom floor that you could hear yourself screaming. Your body was drenched in sweat, sliding easily on your wood floor as you kicked to escape the blanket. 

Sharp knocks against your door startled you, sudden ‘please, don’t!’’s escaping your mouth. Hyperventilating was always tiring, you thought, and the air was now super cold as you sucked it into your lungs.

“Doll, please? I’m coming in.”

The light from the hallway blinded you so you lifted your arm up as a temporary shield. 

“No, no! I’m good… I didn’t lose it. Please, trust me!”

“Y/N…”

You lowered your arm and stared at your nighttime intruder, instincts kicking in upon settling your teary eyes on him and causing you to groan in displeasure. 

“Don’t look at me.”

“Y/N.”

“I said don’t look at me.”

Steve sighed in defeat and walked back to your door. You thought he was going to simply leave you be, letting you ride out this panic attack alone like all the others. But he shut the door and made his way over to your couch on the other side of the room, plopping himself down and leaning his sleepy head in his right hand. It had been six months since the world literally fell apart, an unknown feeling of terror that simply sat at the pit of stomachs eating away at whatever sanity its host still had, plaguing the world. Tiredness was second nature, never actually reducing its power no matter how much sleep one got. But leaving you here to suffer each individual thread being pulled from your remaining sanity, alone, wasn’t an option. 

“Why are you staying?”

“I have nightmares, too. You aren’t that special.”

You rolled your eyes, hands now massaging your aching chest. “It wasn’t anything.”

“Y/N, you were screaming for help.”

“I scream for a lot of things.”

You figured Steve would succumb to his growing annoyance, but he stayed patient. 

“Was it about…?”

You sighed and pulled yourself up to your feet, knees wobbly and thighs alerting you of the droplets of sweat that beaded down your legs. “No. I don’t dream about the snap.”

“Do you want to talk about it?”

You let out a rather angry sigh. You were now rubbing your eyes, cleaning them of the accumulation of hard mucus. “I seriously don’t want to talk about this particular incident.”

Steve huffed through his nose and you were ready to pounce on him to tear that beard from his face, but stopped when you saw his small smile and genuine empathy in his eyes. “Okay, I won’t push you.”

You just stared at him, eyes wide and confused. But you nodded slowly, eyes now diverting to the blanket below you. 

“I’m just so fucking happy the snap took my father.”

Steve’s lifted his head quickly by your abrupt confession, eyebrows furrowed and lips frozen, as if wrapped around a lost word he couldn’t verbally address. He understood, but it shocked him nonetheless.

He ignored it, or at least chose to avoid an immediate discussion about it, and stood from your couch. 

“Are you going to be okay?”

You wanted to throw him out. Him being across the room and near the wall was starting to trigger more flashbacks. 

It’s Steve. It’s just Steve.

“Can you stay?”

Steve stumbled slightly in his step, clearly uncomfortable with your request. But he was a good man and when one of his teammates needed help, he would do whatever he could. And you were one of the only teammates he had left. 

“Okay,” he said. But as he made his way back to the couch and away from you, sudden racks of itchiness stretched from your wrists to the middle of your chest. You stumbled from the bed, arms extended outward as if you were still shielding yourself from some incoming attack. 

“No, no! Just…”

Steve watched your movements carefully, trying to discern between fear or awkwardness. He sighed and let you see his hands, turning them over in the air.

“It’s me. Tell me where you want me.”

You were in control. Just tell him where you want him. 

“I’ll lay here,” you started, getting back into the right side of the bed and pulling the covers up to your hips. “You there, but upside down.”

Steve chuckled and followed your commands. You watched him walk, feeling the dip of your mattress as his heavy body lay down. You were grateful when his sock-covered feet touched your left side pillow, his chuckles gaining volume as he tried to get comfortable. 

“Do I at least get a blanket?”

“Oh!” you leapt from the bed and to the closet.  He listened to your soft pitter-patter as you shuffled across the cold floor, shutting his eyes to relish in the childish melody. You passed Steve two heavy blankets, mindful of the cold weather outside. Then you climbed back into bed, passing Steve a few pillows, and snuggling back into your own. 

A few shifts of the blankets made you open your eyes again. Steve was not as stiff as you expected him to be - almost like he wanted to help you - and you mentally slapped yourself remembering that he would do this for Bucky. 

“Steve?”

“Hmm?”

You took solace in the fact that he couldn’t see the tiny grin on your face. “Thank you.”

Steve smiled up at the ceiling, thankful that he could still help others even when he himself was falling apart. “You’re welcome.”

Present Day, 2025, 9:45am

     If anyone were to truly study Steve, they would see he was starting to act his age. He enjoyed fluffy socks, tea instead of coffee, sketching in the secluded garden of the new compound - anything a man pushing a hundred would truly enjoy. And he found himself shaving less, watching every new movie released regardless of genre, and eating much more oatmeal than usual. He remembers how whenever Bucky had saved up just enough for them to splurge on items they never usually indulged in, oatmeal would always be his go to. It was still a common ‘peasant’ meal for the two young bachelors, but Bucky would heat it up with fresh milk he had bought that morning, added the fresh strawberries and dates that were in season, and sprinkled brown sugar - damn, Steve loved brown sugar - on top. Bucky would place the bowl in front of Steve, ignoring Steve’s constant blabbering about ‘Buck, we can’t afford this’, or ‘you don’t need to spend your hard-earned money on me, you jerk’. But he would quickly shut up once Bucky’s perfected oatmeal recipe landed on his eager tongue and filled his happy stomach. Regardless of those past memories of young roommates searching for loose change in their couch and more recent ones of two reunited best friends sharing looks of awe whenever they saw how much milk and brown sugar now costs, Steve was certain the old man in him was just barely emerging. 

He definitely didn’t skip the irritated attitude phase every old man seemed to develop as the years passed, his resting facial expressions and movements starting to match those of his best friend. Grumpy, tired all the time regardless of the serum, and asking each other instead of the modern people around them how to work their phones. All he wanted to do was crawl into bed, or go on a jog, or watch a movie - anything - rather than having to give a briefing about something he hadn’t had to think about for seven years. And although he had the chance to use the stones before and didn’t, Steve couldn’t quite help wishing that he was transported back to his and Bucky’s old and crumbling apartment, fighting over that one knitted blanket Bucky had bought for the both of them with his last dime.

You seemed happier with your whole family situation after the snap, but he never wanted to ask. Whether you were putting on a brave face for him, he was rid of it momentarily only to be pushed into the chaos all over again. But this time was different because you were finally going to end it all. Finish what you had started all those years ago - then maybe Steve could take that afternoon nap he wanted.     

“Talk to me. How are we doing this?”

Fury pulled up a screen with all the photos and biographies, essentially a powerpoint prepared by both you and Steve. 

“I’ll do whatever you ask of me, sir. But I know my family and their schemes better than anyone,” you said. Fury knew this was true and the plan would ultimately be mapped out by you. His input was always welcome, but you knew the small details - their personalities, their weaknesses, their strengths, even the way they took their coffee. You even knew which of them sampled their product before sending it off on a cross-country road trip. 

Steve stood beside the monitor, using this finger to change the screen. “So, we’re looking for our physical proof. A paper trail detailing land and their product, contacts, storage units, aliases - the works.”

You nodded at Fury and your teammates. “Exactly. The hardest things to obtain will most definitely be evidence about my father’s involvement. Proof he gave the orders and profited from them.”

“Your word isn’t enough?” Sam asked.

“No, not unless I throw myself under the bus as well. It’s his word against mine unless I can prove these things were all his doing,” you responded, taking a sip from your water. 

The only other people in the briefing room besides Steve and Fury were Sam, Bucky and Scott. Everyone else would get a brief overview later on this week, but these three were specifically chosen by Fury to help aid you in the actual physical fight. 

“The wedding is the perfect distraction,” Scott spoke. “Almost like this was made for a heist.”

Steve released a heavy sigh, his patience already wearing thin. “Not a heist.”

“Close enough,” Scott shrugged, gaining a grin from you across the table. He smiled at your reaction and sent you a wink. 

“Agent, we have to go over the basics and any new information you can provide,” Fury encouraged.

You motioned toward Steve to bring up the photos on the monitor, “Let’s start with the basics.”

Steve took over for the first portion of your presentation. You didn’t mind - in fact, the more control he had in this would certainly help ease his mind and you definitely did not want a stressed out Steve Rogers accompanying you on a twelve hour road trip. 

“Ernesto Vega, father of Y/N Y/L/N, born 1950 in Guadalajara, Mexico, but because of the snap, the 80 year old is still only 75.”

“Damn, your father is old!”

You laughed at Sam’s outburst, “Yup, and I got like ten half-siblings.”

Sam sat up straighter, “No way?”

“Way.”

“Daniel Seda,” Steve continued, his voice louder. “Vega’s second in command, born 1970, currently 55 years old. Took over as top commander after the snap, and according to Y/N he didn’t take it well when everyone was brought back.”

“Hmm, threatened to put another bullet in me,” you teased, pointing at your stomach where the scar underneath your shirt had already long healed. You could have sworn you heard Steve���s breath hitch, but even if it did, he had quickly covered it by swiping the monitor. 

“But her father saw this as proof of loyalty. Because no matter how much he knows Y/N hates him, she still brought him back.”

You lifted your shoulders, arms in the air as if imitating the nonverbal form of ‘oh, well!’, and your thin smile caused your cheeks to pop out comically.

“So, Seda hates you?” Bucky asked, chuckles still vibrating in his chest from your previous childish movements.

You brushed your hand through the air, “Not the first man to hate me and not the last.”

Steve snickered. You could say that again.

“The wedding will be held at Vega’s personal and private ten-acre ranch in Northern California-”

“A lovely fall wedding!”

Steve bit his tongue, eyes never leaving the monitor. “Sure… and it’s perfect. He’s wanted and he’s going to be on U.S soil.”

You stood from your chair and grabbed the electronic marker from the desk. You circled the main points of entry plus the directions of secret exits hoping to emphasize the ‘private’ part of Steve’s statement. “And since it’s his most private getaway and no one would suspect he would hide important shit on said U.S soil, I’m about ninety-eight percent sure our proof is there.”

You pulled up the blueprints and marked a giant ‘X’ on the farthest corner room in the west end. It was your father’s office. 

“Ninety-eight?” Sam asked, reviewing the printed blueprints himself.

You twirled the marker between your fingers, “My dad is clever. My other two percent is telling me there’s no evidence at all.”

Scott clutched his chest in relief, “Okay, at least one outweighs the other.”

You shared another laugh with the ‘regular-sized man’.

Steve continued listing the basics, all while Fury sat toward the edge of the long table reviewing the screen. “The other two big names in the drug game are Omar Ramirez and Marcus White. Ramirez runs most things from Mexico City to San Antonio, Texas and he’s probably the least evil of them all. White runs Europe, specifically Germany and England.”

You interjected, “Ramirez focuses on the product. He orders his men to focus on the business instead of the outside world - meaning, no unnecessary kills, no violence toward women and children, no killing cops or citizens. Just producing and transporting.”

Almost forgetting he was there, Fury’s voice somewhat startled you. “Vega has lost men to Ramirez, men who wanted a change in scenery.”

You nodded in confirmation, “They aren’t necessarily enemies but they’re no besties either.”

Sam rolled the blueprints back up and handed them to Bucky. “So, we’re taking them all down?”

“The big three. Plus Seda,” Steve declared, finally taking his first sip of water in what felt like forever. If he didn’t want anyone to know he was nervous about this mission, he was for sure failing. 

You hummed, “Vega and Seda are also the only ones who know of Steve’s involvement.”

“How’d that happen?” Bucky asked.

“Because Steve only ‘transports’ my father’s product. Not the others. Steve’s role is essentially to green light the passages and is my main pull,” you clarified. 

It was true - Steve didn’t do or touch anything. And you thought this best considering he was America’s golden boy - you couldn’t possibly bear real involvement from him. This wasn’t his world and never should have been but it was yours. 

You dealt with people directly. You took out the snitches. You handled the product during inspections. You did it all - and not because you thought Steve was some fragile soul who couldn’t achieve the same results - but because you brought him into that mess during a time in his life when he definitely didn’t need it.

“But how did it happen?”

You shrugged, hoping your answer would suffice for the rest of the group as it never does for Steve. “When I first started out as a field agent, my father didn’t trust I was doing it for him. The more I promoted, the more suspicious he got. It wasn’t until we exposed SHIELD as half-HYDRA that he was done with me.”

Fury interjected once again, “So, Y/L/N here had to pull rank out of her ass.”

You snorted, “Thanks, Fury. That sounded nice.”

“I told them that I had the literal symbol of America by my side. That defeating HYDRA was only to get his friend back, not to save the world. Plus, I told them that HYDRA was targeting all of them. And once I could get proof - a forged recording made by Fury before he went into hiding - well, it was like the greatest example of submission.”

“Why didn’t you say Tony?” 

That certainly was a question Steve always had and wanted answered. God, he really hoped you had said Tony.

“Because I got the literal symbol of America as a partner-in-crime. My father almost told me he loved me... almost.”

You sat back down in your chair, a tiny puff of air escaping your lips. “And that made Seda furious. I may hate my father, but Seda is the main threat to blowing this whole operation.”

If anything, you wanted your father deader than dirt, silenced by the one child he always regretted bringing into the world. He had tortured you in more ways than you thought possible. 

      “Now, I thought my dad was bad.”

You fell back onto the couch before retrieving your cup of coffee you had placed on the table. Nebula gave you a tiny chuckle in return. 

 “Yes, mine has eradicated half the universe. I win ‘worst father’.”

You sipped your coffee, trying and failing to block out the banter between Rocket and Tony as they discussed the location of the space stone. “You know, I wouldn’t have put it past him.”

Nebula chewed her dinner slowly, listening to you ramble on about anything that popped into your mind. She knew this was your coping mechanism - to just keep talking until someone shut you up. But she enjoyed it, really, because you spoke of topics that she didn’t quite understand or know about. She learned something new everyday simply by listening to you. 

“I should have thanked Thanos for dusting his ass, though.”

Nebula stopped mid-chew, blank expression but the hint of a twitch in her lip visible.

“I’m joking.”

You had asked her once why Thanos had spared her and Tony when he snapped his fingers. But Nebula had no rational answer, only responding that he must have spared her out of last minute pity and Tony to live through the consequences. And the tiny voice inside your head knocked again, reminding you that ‘maybe this snap was overall a good thing - your father can’t hurt you anymore!’, but you shut it up as quickly as it came. 

“So, how many planets are there in the universe, really?”

     Fury began piling files in one folder, making sure to hand out the sheet with names and contact numbers of agents stationed close to the venue and your chosen hotel.  

“We’ll get into mission specifics at a later date once Rogers and Y/L/N are settled and scope out the place. For now, study up on your targets and perfect your acting skills.”

     You assumed you would only need one big suitcase for the trip, only packing essentials and extra shirts just in case. You rolled your clothes tightly, securing your signature perfume and some jewelry inside some sweaters. You hid identifiable items in the small compartments - your passport, journal, old SHIELD tag, driver’s license, etc. It was the paranoid side of you taking over, the possibility of having your cover blown likely and frightening. The amount of times you had ventured into the general vicinity of your father and his crew always proved safer than you expected. But there could always be that day he simply didn’t want you around anymore. 

So, you prepared in the smallest and even cringiest ways possible - resorting to drafting letters for those you wanted to remember you after you had been taken out. You paused your packing to grab your spare journal. You spent a good hour writing. A letter to Wanda, to Bucky, to Peter, to Rhodey, to Sam. Some were shorter than others - others extending to over two pages. But your mind was racing with things you hoped they would never have to read, scattered thoughts and only hints of identifiable wit penned on paper.

You tucked the letters behind the fabric you had recently ripped open. You planned on duct-taping the rip, your eyes drifting back over to your journal. You tapped your foot rapidly for a few seconds, fingers twisting in anticipation, mind still clear enough to draft one more. You quickly picked the pen right back up, sitting on the edge of your bed and starting the letter you might regret later. But at that moment, with the horrible prospect of dying on this mission, you wrote. 

     ‘Steve,

     Believe when I say that I was so sure I would put a bullet in my father before he could. Whoops…’

You wrote and wrote until your handwriting grew sloppy at the edge of the paper, and signed it. You tucked the final letter into the hole and taped it shut. You really hoped you would be able to survive and burn those written words later. 

A soft knock sounded from across the room and your bedroom door opened to reveal Steve, light blue dress shirt tucked into his jeans like the old man he truly was. You couldn’t help but grin at that, cursing your involuntary actions for this man. 

“Hey.”

“Hey.”

“You doing okay?” you asked, continuing to fold clothing into your suitcase. He leaned against your door, hesitant. Steve often wondered why and how he could go days, weeks - one time even a whole month - without speaking to or seeing you. He was an expert at one word answers by now, opting to always have someone else around whenever he seriously had to carry a conversation with you. But what struck him the most was that you didn’t seem to care anymore. He witnessed the change - hell, he was the one that caused it - but it was a change that he both wanted and didn’t. How was it so easy for you?

“Of course, why wouldn’t I be?” he responded and walked over to your couch to sit. 

You cleared your throat, hoping to make this conversation the least awkward you could. “Because this was literally sprung on both of us after almost ten years of waiting.”

“I’m okay.”

You accepted his answer. He looked comfortable enough, shoulders relaxed and genuinely interested. There was a part of you that wanted to rush over and shake him, yell at him for being so clueless and fake at the same time. There was no possible way he was fully okay with everything - he hadn’t been himself since the snap, and when Natasha and Tony died, he was someone else entirely. You had brought it up with Bucky several times, but he assured you that Steve was just dealing with things his own way. That he was still a man out of time, they both were, and battle after battle could take its toll. And Bucky would hype their therapist up, that they were the reason he and Steve are able to walk in public without that constant voice warning of danger in the back of their heads, and that you should schedule a visit sometime. You always declined, asking him to call you if he truly needed another person to talk to. He would smile, taking you up on your offer whenever a day was particularly triggering.

“I’ve been waiting for this day since I was sixteen. Ten years really just flew by… considering.”

Steve nodded, “Is there anything I should know?”

You hummed, “If you mean things about my family, then I’ll just tell you on the way there or at the hotel.”

He chuckled and stood to lean against your bedpost. “No, I mean like, what should I pack just in case?”

You rolled your eyes and laughed at such an innocent question, “Um, comfy socks. It’s pretty cold in California in the winter. Gas money, it’s pretty fucking expensive, too.”

He smiled, “Good to know.”

The two of you packed in silence for several minutes. Steve helped you roll your clothes and gather your toiletries, even asking you if you wanted to bring your current toothbrush or the new one in your bottom drawer. 

You knew you shouldn’t have spoken about the topic burning in your throat, but you felt like you had to say something. If you mentioned it during the mission, you risked a larger argument than the one you would get now. So you formulated your next sentence carefully, already bracing for impact as it slipped.

“Look, the elephant in the room should be addressed. Once my father’s dealt with, I have no reason to stay here.”

Steve clipped the belt over the top of your clothes, securing the items tightly. He seemed disoriented, your sudden proclamation startling him. “What do you mean? You did the work, you trained, you helped us literally save the world.”

You shrugged and kept your voice light, “Yeah, but I started this gig when I was sixteen. I didn’t join the Avengers until I was freshly in my twenties. I’ve literally known nothing else but fighting.”

Steve sat at the edge of your bed, furrowed eyebrows and all as he chose his next words. He felt both angry and sad, a mixture of feelings that he never quite grew accustomed to whenever he was around you. They ate away at him slowly, creeping into his brain to wrap around his common sense, his sense of self, the man he was before the snap. 

“Are you saying you just need a break?”

“I think,” you shrugged, zipping the suitcase and tugging its weight off your bed and onto the floor. 

“What about Wanda and Bucky?”

You scrunched your face in amused confusion, a playful smile resting on your lips, “I’m not falling off the face of the Earth, Steve. I’ll visit or something.”

“Or something.”

He stood and walked back to your couch, restless and even more stressed than he was before he entered your room. 

“Steve, we lost so much. It’s been two years since we brought everyone back, but… it took its toll.”

He snapped his head up, “You don’t need to tell me about shit taking its toll.”

You felt like you stared at him for several minutes, anger bubbling in the pit of your stomach and traveling up your throat. That familiar lump constricting your airway as you forced yourself to swallow it and the forming tears. And once again, your mouth spoke before your mind could approve.      

“Why didn’t you use the stones for yourself?”

Steve sat, shocked into silence temporarily. “What?”

“When you and Carol put the stones back - why didn’t you stay somewhere you really wanted to be?”

You remember watching him step onto the platform holding the briefcase of infinity stones and holding Mjollnir, - because of fucking course he could wield Mjollnir, he was a good man even if you were on his bad side - simply minding his own business and waiting for Carol to join him. You remember thinking he would return with a different story, only after he got some of that life Tony had always encouraged him to find, that he would go back to Peggy and live the life he always wanted. But as quickly as they disappeared into thousands of timelines did they reappear, Carol joyful and content while Steve trailed behind her. Your heart had pounded erratically, Bucky looking at you with wide eyes because yes, I thought he would do exactly what you were thinking, too. 

“None of your business.”

“I’m not trying to pry-” you reasoned, but Steve stepped toward you with flushed cheeks and a cracked voice. 

“But all you do is pry, pry, pry. God, do you ever just shut up?”

All you could hear behind the ringing of your ears were Steve’s quick breaths, slowing as each second passed and he realized what he had said. A moment of weakness, in his opinion, but still uncalled for. 

“Pack some snacks for the road and get out of my room.”

Steve straightened his back, eyes practically yelling for you to look at him again, pleading for you to see the remorse swimming in them. But you just tugged your suitcase to the corner of your room, ignoring him completely. “Gladly.”

     You and Steve were mature enough to keep your arguments at least a hundred miles away from any mission you were conducting or when around your friends. A quick quarrel in the morning was basically nonexistent a few hours later when the whole group suggested a board game or movie night. Although this impromptu road trip would be the slightest bit awkward, you two were smart enough to not compromise the mission. 

And you had to drive as flying and airport security was too risky, especially with the amount of weapons attached to your body and in the trunk of that rented car. 

“Call us when you hit the first checkpoint. After that, we’ll be monitoring your hotel check-in and any new ones, police reports filed throughout that week, anything that directly involves your stay,” Bucky said, handing you a burner phone. 

You stepped forward to hug him. “Thank you, Bucky.”

He gave you a tight squeeze, releasing you slightly to whisper in your ear. “Try not to kill him for the next twelve hours, will ya?”

You pulled away and gave him your best grin, bumping your bracelet with his. “You know I can’t promise that, Bucky.”

He rolled his eyes, “You kill him, I kill you.”

“Ugh, don’t tease me.” Bucky almost burst out laughing from the fake, pornographic moan you let out because of his threat. 

“No, but seriously - just… lay low, trust each other, and we’ll be there in the next few days.”

You slid the burner into your sweater pocket and patted it, checking if it was secure. You waved goodbye to Bucky and pulled the passenger door open. You blew him a kiss, red lipstick now on your fingers. “Can’t wait to see you!”

Bucky stood with his hands shoved into his pockets, an embarrassed but happy smile on his face. He caught the floating kiss mid-air. “Already miss you!”

“Stop, I’m blushing!” you teased, your left hand resting palm up on your forehead in an exaggerated manner. 

“Go!”

You obliged, falling into the passenger seat and clicking your seatbelt. 

Twenty minutes into the drive and Steve finally decided to speak. 

“So, you and Bucky?”

You giggled, thumbs currently flying over your phone screen as you tried to beat your high score in some awful video game you discovered last week. “Yup, I got him wrapped around my finger.”

Steve’s hand fidgeted on the steering wheel, “Seriously?”

You closed out your video game, “No, Steve. It’s mindless flirting. He’s one of my best friends.”

“Ahh…” he nodded in understanding, a lazy smile resting on his face. He focused on both the road and you, your head leaning against the foggy window. “About earlier-”

“Don’t mention it,” you interrupted. The second you peaked through your heavy eyelids did you lock eyes with Steve, regret visible in them. 

He continued, “I blew up at you and you didn’t deserve it.”

“Cool, you’re forgiven.”

“Y/N-”

You groaned quietly, but you weren’t getting angry. You were just tired from the day already and having to sit for twelve hours straight wasn’t going to help. So, you took the high road. “Look, it’s a twelve hour drive until our first stop. Let’s forget about it or else I promise you, I will jump out of this car when you push eighty.”

Steve couldn’t help the laugh that rumbled in his chest due to your absurd promise, but he accepted your answer. 

“...Okay.” 

     By hour two, there was a restlessness between the both of you. No matter how much you extended your leg, the cramping wouldn’t go away. No matter how many times Steve would twist his neck to the side to get it to crack, it would just tighten again. So, against protocol but still on your best behavior, you and Steve made a couple stops along the way.      

The first was a burger joint in the middle of buttfuck Ohio, you had commented, earning a choking sound from Steve as he tried to contain his laughter. It was a hole in the wall type of place, perfect for lying low and out of sight, and you had enjoyed your meal in the car. You listened to Steve’s playlist on low volume, stealing each other’s fries to simply piss the other off, and hit the road after your meal.      

The second stop was around hour eight, and the sun was already starting to set. You desperately needed to use the bathroom and once you saw a tiny town that ‘looks so much like the town in Gilmore Girls!’, Steve pulled over and parked in a diner parking lot. Donning caps and ordering a coffee and a tea to go to seem less suspicious, you hurried from the diner and back to your car. You stopped dead in your tracks, eyeing a gazebo with a black miniature fence around it. You begged Steve to snap a photo, promising that this would be the only favor you ask of him for the next few hours, and went to hitch one leg over the metal fence. You settled yourself on top, hands gripping the railing and trying not to fall. You started to laugh uncontrollably as the fence started hurting your bottom, begging Steve to snap the photo quicker.      

‘Take the damn picture, you big oaf!’     

‘Well, then hold still!’     

‘It’s hurting my ass!’     

‘Smile!’    

The third stop was the final one, somewhere in Iowa and deep in the forest. You complained about how Fury warned you of motels, that you would have to seek shelter elsewhere to avoid being recognized. You could easily blend in, but the mountain of muscle beside you would blow your cover. And you wanted to arrive in California undetected by the media.       

Steve drove the car into a dark and secluded part of the forest, ground that seemed used by campers often and had an emergency phone and landline nearby. It was secret enough, so you parked the car and retrieved the blankets from the trunk.      

“You taking the back?” Steve asked, jumping back into the car and rubbing his hands together because of the chilly weather. His face was flushed from just a few seconds out in the cool breeze, nose frozen and the tip red. He looked younger, you thought, somewhat resembling those renditions of Greeks in renaissance art.      

“You’ve been driving all day. You should stretch your legs,” you answered, already wrapping the blanket up to your shoulders and securing it around your neck.      

“You sure? We can alternate.”     

You smiled, already feeling the effects of the warmth on your tired body, “I’m sure, Steve. Get some rest and I’ll drive in the morning.”     

Steve exited the car after turning it off - sucks that you had to save the gas - and hopped into the backseat. He kicked off his shoes and lay across the connected seat, facing you. He could see the outline of your nose as you tilted your head slightly to the side, the blanket wrapped around your neck and hiding the real length of your hair. It resembled a bob cut by how half of it was hidden, and Steve thought that hairstyle would suit you.      

Your personal phone rang, cutting through the comfortable silence and startling the both of you. You fumbled it in your hand and looked back at Steve, face falling as you showed him the name.      

Seda.      

“Answer it on the third ring.”     

You did as Steve told you, answering the phone on the third ring and preparing your voice. He scrambled for the tape recorder, pressing ‘play’ as soon as he could.      

“You rarely call me. To what do I owe the pleasure?” you answered.      

His voice sounded hoarse over the phone, almost like he had just finished smoking a pack of cigarettes. “Are you attending?”    

“My dear sister is getting married, Seda. Of course I’m going to embarrass her.”     

He paused for a few moments, sounding like he was directing the people around him to finish something. But he responded to your answer in a serious tone. “I hope you’re being your usual sarcastic self and aren’t serious.”     

You rolled your eyes and pointed at the phone, and Steve’s lips spread into a smile. “You’ve known me long enough to know, I hope.”     

“Sadly.”     

“I’m hurt,” you joked, voice still light and cheerful. Seda paused on the line again, the sound of papers rustling letting you know the line was still active.      

“I need to know if the Captain is attending too.”     

“He was invited,” you responded, laughing a little at the fact that Seda hadn’t known this information you were sure the rest of your family knew.      

He chuckled, a slight whistle sound letting you know he was smoking another cigarette. “Mm, guess your family is finally meeting your lover, huh?”     

The air in your mouth didn’t make it down to your lungs and you looked at Steve with equally wide eyes. But you didn’t stay fazed for long, responding to such an accusation with ease. “My lover, yes. I’m so damn giddy about that.”     

Seda hummed in satisfaction, “Your father always told you to not get involved with the product. Scrambles your brains from thinking straight. But he applauds you on this one.”     

You put a finger in your mouth and mimicked gagging, causing Steve to cover his mouth to muffle his laugh. “I’ve never mentioned the Captain as my lover before. Why is my father always right?”     

You knew exactly what to say. The more backhanded praise you gave your father only fed into the truth and lies everyone knew - truth being you hated your father because of his power and the lie being that you were just as power hungry as him. As long everyone assumed you wanted this power, the more you had to act like you hated your father’s.      

“He knows more than he lets on. You know that.”     

“I know a lot of things.”     

Seda continued, “No friends allowed, anyway. So, if the Captain isn’t your lover then… we may have problems. Is there a problem?”     

You kept your voice at a steady volume, “I said I was with him, didn’t I? Have you seen the man?”          

“Seen him, heard him speak. So righteous and dull. Not really your type.” Seda was growing impatient with the conversation, clearly angry that he hadn’t caught a slip or lie from you.      

You scrunched your face in disgust, “Ew, don’t think you know my type.”     

     “Buck, ‘my type’ is back home with a warm chicken noodle soup in my lap and a couple of loose papers at my disposal,” Steve whined, trying to keep the same pace as his overly enthusiastic friend as he hurried down the sidewalk.      

“She’s such a knockout, Steve! I’m sure she’ll love you.”     

Steve couldn’t help but blush at Bucky’s kind words, the hype always repairing some parts of Steve’s broken self-esteem and reminding him of his worth. But it was his third date this month and rejection was starting to seem like his favorite sport. No matter what he did - offering a girl some peanuts, accidentally stepping on her (once!) feet while dancing, or simply not living up to Bucky’s gracious advertising - women just weren’t interested.      

“You know that’s not true, Buck. Can’t we just have a quiet night in?”     

Bucky stopped and guided them into the nearby alley, both to knock some sense into his friend and to give Steve a break from the tiny jog.      

“Listen here, Steve. Any girl would be lucky to be with you-”     

“Buck, we’ve been through this-”     

“Let me finish,” Bucky shushed him, hands on Steve’s shoulders to steady both him and himself. “Any girl would be lucky to be with you. If this one doesn’t see you how I see you, then she’s just insane.”     

Steve smirked, “Don’t insult the girl before I’ve even met her, jerk.”     

Bucky smiled, his high cheeks pushing up to create crinkles by his eyes. “Trust me, pal. You just need to find a woman with as big of a mouth as you.”     

Steve swatted his friend across his chest, laughs rumbling in both their chests and down the once quiet alleyway.      

     “What hotel are you staying at?” Seda quickly asked, ignoring your quip. You were done with this conversation as it was leading nowhere.      

“Staying at one where no one can hear the Captain scramble my brains. Goodbye,” you replied, an annoyance in your tone that even Seda would believe as natural.      

“See you soon.”     

You let Seda end the call, a little power play you allowed him to have. God, it was gonna feel good to take him down.     

Steve shifted in his seat, stopping the recorder in time for his question. He cleared his throat awkwardly, “Why did your dad assume we were a couple?”     

You gave him a tiny chuckle, pulling the blanket back over your shoulders and settling back into your seat. “I don’t know why that man says anything anymore. I guess they just expected it.”     

“Why?”     

No matter how many years passed, both awake or frozen, Steve never did quite understand the sexual appeal that lingered around his name. No matter how many times Bucky joked about it, no matter the amount of social media posts, no matter anything - he just didn’t seem to understand why people thought he was a ladies man. 

You snuggled deeper into your blanket, scanning the outside woods one last time just in case. “You wouldn’t risk your reputation and status for me unless you were fucking me, I guess.”

“Crude.”

You turned your head to him and sighed, “They think I’m the whore of the family. It’s just too funny sometimes.”

Steve’s face fell, “I’m sorry about that.”

You shuffled in your blanket to pull your arm out and wave it in the air.  “Used to it.” 

Steve didn’t press further, deciding to lay back finally to find a cozier position. It was quiet for a few minutes, just breathing and slight motion disturbing the silence. You opened your eyes and stared at the moonlight hitting the steering wheel. By the sound of Steve’s breathing, you knew he wasn’t fully asleep yet. So you allowed yourself the smallest confession, a crack in the door Steve was figuratively standing outside of.

“My sister is his prized possession, though.”

Steve didn’t respond, but from the sound of the blanket moving you could tell he had turned to face you. 

“Never knew why.”

Steve pondered your words for a long time, long after your breathing became slower and tiny snores left your mouth. He didn’t exactly know what to say or what to do. It wasn’t like you dropped top secret information on him or anything, but it made him wonder just why in the world your father hated you so much. 

You had done everything asked of you. You were controlled, tortured mentally everyday, having to endure and make decisions that Steve knew you didn’t want any part of. Your father should be thanking you for keeping his business afloat, for expanding it, for roping Steve’s own name into that life. As he contemplated any rational reason for such hate, he heard your soft snore turn into an innocent purr, and he felt himself leaning more into a mutual understanding. It frightened him, gripping his reality by the throat, because Steve actually knew why. That innocence he saw with you, no doubt had presented itself to your father involuntarily and your father knew. 

He knew you were good at heart. 

~

Taglist: @dumb-ass-writer​ @justab-eautifulmess​ @supraveng​ @mycosmicparadise​

[hyperactivelittlebee]

Keeping Secrets 2/?

Back at it again with RenDad lol. To answer any potential questions- The oddity at Area 77 takes place during- well, the Area 77 arc- and Keeping Secrets occurs at the beginning of Season 6. Yes, Pele(Ren’s kid) and Amal exist in the same universe. This is all during the same universe, just different periods of time! This is a hermit’s being parents au. It will include Ships! But a few of the parents will be single- like Ren here. There will other kids in the future! Warnings for everyone- Character death and slight description is in this part. Alright, now that were done with that- Enjoy!

“I’m Grian…”

Ren couldn’t breathe. His chest was too tight, mind racing and body frozen in fear as the demon’s eyes scanned the small crowd. His eyes landed on Ren, and the moment the Lycan dreaded came as his eyes slowly widened in recognition.

"You…" His voice was barely a whisper, and in a moment's notice he was scrambling to his feet, cradling the bundle in his arms gently as he walked shakily toward him. He looked around Ren frantically before looking up at him pleadingly, "Where is she?"

The brunette opened his mouth, but no sound came out as he felt everyone in the room looking between them in confusion, their eyes burning holes into him as he tried to think of a lie.

"I-I...who?"

"You know who! Where's Elna? Please- please tell me she's safe I-I-"

"I-I really don't know who you're talking about- I- I don't even know an Elna…"

It was the blondes turn to fumble on his words, despair written on his features. He searched Ren's face frantically, and soon the Lycan's obvious anxiety became apparent. Grian's eyes widened as it clicked to him, looking to see the long healed claw-like scars along the man's arms, too thin and long to be from anything but a demon child. 

The rest of the people here didn't know there was another demon on the server, and this man had been raising her in secret.

And Grian had just outed him.

Stepping back again, he gulped and looked away, "I-im sorry...it uh...seems I mistook you for someone else…" There was a sigh of relief from Ren, "Yea uh...no worries dude-"  Ren's gaze settled on the blond demon's face, heart aching as he so badly wished he could tell the demon that Pele was fine, that she was healthy and cared for, and that she was happy with him.

However, a cry from the baby in his arms had Grian turning his attention from Ren, gently rocking him and cooing softly. Xisuma walked over and put a gentle hand on Grian's back, leading him back to where False, Mumbo, Doc, and Stress were gathered. Behind his eyes, flashbacks to that day played. The sight of betrayal in a young man's eyes towards his friend, the way blood dripped off the golden sword.

That incubus with golden locks and pretty blue eyes, looking so pained as he put Pele in Ren's arms, seeming resigned to a fate Ren hadn't understood in that moment.

The pure malice and insanity in the noirette demons eyes as he lectured the other demons, and the sight of his sword cutting through the incubus' neck and slashing his throat clean open.

Iskall walked over to him, concern written all over his face as his best friend looked uncharacteristically distant and fearful, as if memories were playing behind his eyes. He rested a hand on Ren’s shoulder, making the Lycan jump. For a split second, he looked terrified before he realized who was standing there.

His heart warming at the sight of the Swede, Ren felt a smile cross his features.

"Iskall…"

"Are you alright? You seem kind of out of it, dude."

Ren tried to laugh off the man's concern, taking a deep breath, "Just fine. I'm just sort of wondering who the new guy mistook me for-" He watched as the crowd dispersed, Xisuma and Mumbo walking away with Grian, "He seemed...so concerned."

Iskall hummed in contemplation, "For X to make this big of a deal, I'm sure he's one of the special case hermits. Kind of like Tango was, but more extreme I guess?"

Tango...

Tango was the only demon the server knew of, but he was more of a Blaze hybrid. He didn't have the whole horns and wings thing, but instead the only tell-tale signs were his eyes and a tail that made him mistakable for an animal hybrid instead. Tango was the first secret case he had been a part of, and he was one of the few to witness the man's first interaction with Impulse and Zedaph. The three of them immediately clicked in the sweetest way. Tango came stumbling out of the nether portal after Xisuma, only to trip and fall right on top of Impulse- who had been waiting too close to the portal- which would've been romantic if the blaze wasn't in the midst of a panic attack. As if on instinct, Zedaph had crouched down and started to comfort him, Impulse joining in until the taller of the 3 fell asleep in their arms, making them smile at each other in silent agreement.

Since then, they had been inseparable.

Almost like him and Pele.

"I guess so…"

They continued to talk for a bit, until Stress finally called Iskall for them to head back to their bases. Ren winked at his friend, joking that his Ice queen was calling, making Iskall snort and punch his arm. He watched as Iskall ran back over to Stress, smiling as the smaller woman leaned up and pecked Iskall on the lips before they waved goodbye to Ren, taking off with their elytras.

Sighing, Ren turned and started heading home.

~~~~~~~~~

"...and this is where you can stay until you get started on a base, or until I can get a better room for you," Mumbo motioned to the double bed in the makeshift treehouse. For once, he was cursing himself for not having built a better place. Xisuma was relieved when Mumbo offered to let Grian stay with him, having a deep trust in the man's capability.

Grian felt it was perfect.

His body was aching in exhaustion as he walked over and sat on the bed, exhaustion hitting him like a brick as he gently rocked the infant in his arms. The taller of the three noticed this and walked over, kneeling down and cupping the demon's cheek gently with one hand, the other touching the bundle in Grian's arms cautiously.

"Let me take him for now. I'll watch him while you sleep, I promise."

Grian was nervous. He didn't want to just hand his baby over to a stranger, yet he knew he had no choice. He was too exhausted from it all.

The fear as Mini and Zee ran beside him. The utter terror as he watched Mini tell him goodbye, staying behind to stall Taurtis.

The burning in his legs as he just ran, ran, ran, listening to the crying bundle in Zee's arms. Him and Zee needed to make it out. If they didn't- if they were caught- Grian knew it would be the end. Zee would die, and the Taurtis would most likely kill the baby once he realized it wasn't his. The safety of his lover and baby were at the top of his list right now, and he knew Zee was thinking the same as the taller demon gripped his hand with not a single sign of letting him go.

Slowly, Grian handed his baby to Mumbo, admiring how the human man knew just how gently to cradle the demon infant. At the thought of his lover, Grians heart clenched in unbearable pain, the memories resurfacing.

As they reached the nether portal, Grian ran up to a man in a suit. He collapsed against the frame of the obsidian portal, legs shaking from the long distance they ran. He heard him and Zee exchange words before Zee handed the baby to the man, their words muffled to him due to the blood rushing in his ears. He watched in tired confusion as Zee let go of his hand. He stood up as best as he could, look at his lover in worry, "Zee? What are you-"

Before he could continue, the red head hugged him close, arms tight around him, holding him as if it was the last time he would.

Grian had no idea it would be.

He pulled back and intertwined their fingers with one hand, Grian still so confused at what was happening, "Dearest, look at me, please…"

Grian looked up into Zees ruby red orbs, the lively, beautiful eyes he fell in love with. 

"Z-zee?"

Taking as deep breath, Zee cupped Grian's cheek, leaning down and capturing Grians lips in his own. The blond reciprocated the kiss eagerly.

Zee kissed him like it was the end of the world. He kissed him like he was trying to convey every emotion he felt for Grian in a single kiss, filled with so much tenderness, passion, and love it made Grian's heart melt. For a second, Grian forgot about it all. He forgot this was life or death, he forgot about the man in the suit probably awkwardly watching, he forgot about the world around them. His hands cupped Zees face, dedicating every detail to memory.

Then Zee pulled back, the two of them panting as Zee rested his forehead on Grian's.

"Grian, I love you so much. Ever since we met, you've been the light in the dark for me and you've brought me nothing but joy and happiness. I want you to remember this okay?" Grian nodded gently, still lost, "I. Love. You. I love you, and I will never stop loving you. Never, ever forget that…"

"I love you too, but what-"

"YOU!!!"

Fear filled Grian as Zee turned, facing a very, VERY, pissed Taurtis. Zee grabbed the man in the suits sword, "RUN!" The man grabbed Grian's arm and tugged him to the portal, but Grian buried his heels in place, "Zee!! What are you doing- Let me go!!" Grian struggled, tears filling his eyes as he watched Taurtis and Zees swords clash. The two fought hard, but Grian knew Zee would lose. Zee had never been a fighter, and his footwork was clumsy compared to Taurtis. Suddenly he was yanked forward and an arm wrapped around his waist. He was picked up and thrown over the suited man's shoulder, "I'm so sorry about this!!"

"ZEE!!!" Grian cried out and struggled, sobbing as he reached out for Zee.

Just before he went through the portal, Grian saw his worst nightmare come true.

Zee stumbled forward, his eyes locking with Grian's for a split second as Taurtis got behind him. Grian let out a shriek as he watched the sword be stabbed into Zees back, a look of unbearable pain flashing across his face before Grian was suddenly in a new world.

Grian felt a sob erupt from his throat, shoulders shaking. Mumbos eyes widened and X seemed alarmed, carefully taking the baby from Mumbo as the noirette reached out. As soon as Mumbo touched his shoulder, Grian launched forward, wrapping his arms around Mumbo’s torso and burying his face in the tall man's collar bone. He cried. He cried, and cried, and for a while it seemed he'd never stop sobbing.

Mumbo held him tightly, gently petting his hair and rubbing circles in his back, his own heart aching at the demon's pure heartbreak.

He thought back to the promise- The one he had made to the red-headed demon.

He wouldn't let anything happen to Grian and his baby. He wouldn't let Grian suffer anymore.

He was going to pick up the broken pieces of Grian one by one, no matter how long it took and how rough things got. The blond needed somebody by his side, and Mumbo was more than willing to be that person.

~~~~~~~~~~

As Ren opened the door to his base, he was immediately greeted by the sight of Tango telling an extravagant story to a more than amused Pele. Chuckling, Ren spoke up, "I'm home!" Pele perked up and looked at him, "Dad!" She stood up and ran over, jumping to hug him. Ren felt his heart warm as he hugged the young demon tightly, chuckling, "Someones excited today, huh?" He laughed as he let go, ruffling her hair a bit, making her yelp.

Pele was now 16, turning 17 soon. Ren knew in just a few more years, she'd be able to meet the rest of the hermits. For now though, only Tango knew of her existence- due to him being half demon as well, Ren trusted him to help with the things Ren couldn't understand about his daughter.

"Tang-tang was just telling me about another project him, Pulsey, and Zed are working on!"

"Really now?" Ren looked at Tango, who was standing by with a grin, "Let me guess, a rocket shop?"

Tango gasped dramatic, "Well dang man, figured me out so quickly?! Am I that predictable?"

"Nah, just a wild guess." Tango chuckled before turning to hug Pele tightly, "Alright, I gotta get going. I'll continue the story next time! Alright?" The young girl nodded and Tango ruffled her hair fondly the same way Ren did, "Alright then, then be good ya little fire-starter!" The demon walked out and Ren trailed behind him, shutting the door behind him.

Ren sighed in relief, smiling weakly at Tango, "Thanks again for coming on short notice- X just called out of nowhere and I-I-"

Noticing the stress practically rolling off the Lycan, Tango reached out and gently squeezed Ren's bicep. Ren looked up to see the golden blond giving him a smile, full of fondness and warmth, "Seriously Ren, it's no big deal. You know how much I love hanging out with your kid- she's practically like a niece to me. Don't you ever worry about having to call me out of nowhere, okay? I'm here."

Ren could've cried, silently thanking whatever god there was for the people around him. His smile widening, Tango pulled him into a tight hug before stepping back. He waved goodbye and took off, leaving Ren alone on the beach.

The lycan turned and headed back inside, seeing Pele sitting on the floor with a basket of flowers. She loved weaving them, so Ren always picked her baskets to give her something to do other than reading and practicing.

"Is the princess makin' more crowns?" Ren walked over and sat down beside Pele. The demoness giggled before picking up a flower crown made beautiful blue hydrangeas and putting it on Ren's head. Grinning, Ren threw his head back dramatic and fluttered his lashes, "So, Am I fabulous yet Le-le?" He swooned dramatically and Pele cracked up, leaning into her father's side while laughing, being careful not to hurt him with her horns.

Ren smiled fondly at her, chuckling, "Seriously though, I love it. It's wonderful, Le-le." He pecked her forehead and pulled her into a side hug before straightening the crown, "I think I'll keep it on for a while, hm?"

Pele snickered, smiling widely, "You look like a Hippie, dad."

Ren quirked a brow before making a face, "Yeeeeaaa rock on mayyyynnn-"

Almost instantly Pele started laughing again, hitting his chest, "Oh my god Dad no!!"

Watching her laugh, Ren relaxed.

This was fine.

He wasn't going to lose his little girl just because someone from her past came back and recognized him…

Would he?

[angrylilfic]

On the Wild Side pt. 6

I’m so happy that I was able to keep writing this story and that you’ve all liked it. My friend @bihoodnerd already uploaded this chapter to AO3, but I forgot lol. Here’s chapter 6

  At midnight, the rangers were set up around the town square, watching nanos as they moved silently, stalking their way out of several apartments. Children slung unconsciously from their shoulders, they made their way to the ground where the same little boy from before opened a portal near the town square. 

“Alright everyone, let’s move.” Jason said through their comms. 

The team snuck their way through to the center, slowly creeping behind the last nano going through the portal. Jason made a hand gesture that signaled them to move quickly.  

The blue light of the portal was blinding. In a flash, the light was gone and when Jason opened his eyes they were in an underground cavern. Zack pulled the others behind a stack of large crates. He shushed them as he peeked over the crates to watch the nanos.

“All right, everyone stay together. We’re outnumbered so try to stay unnoticed.” Jason whispered.

They waited until the monsters rounded a corner before walking along. They moved silently, Jason taking the lead with Trini behind the others. The team came upon a fork in the path.

“Okay here’s the plan, Billy’s mapping system thinks we’re in the original mine shafts from before the town was officially built. Trini, you and Kim go to the left. Billy, Zack, and I will go to the right. Billy’s put the map schematics into our arm tech so don’t worry about getting lost. Everyone keep your comms on and make sure we meet back at the portal spot in twenty minutes.” Jason said. 

The team split and the girls went down their path. The hairs on Trini’s hair stood on end as they came to a door.

“Kim wait I have a ba-” 

Before Trini could finish, the door opened and a squad of nanos marched out. Kimberly squeezed Trini closer to her. Kim looked around to find somewhere to hide, but saw nothing, her breathing came in short bursts. Trini could feel Kim thinking herself into a panic attack. 

“Calm down, it’s gonna be okay just breathe.” Trini soothed her. 

Kim took in a big gulp of air and when she closed her eyes, a pink dome-like shield cast itself around them. Trini inwardly panicked as the monsters looked directly at the two girls. One stared directly at them, its green eyes staring directly at them, though it didn’t seem to even see them. When they rounded the corner, Trini and Kim separated and looked at each other.

“Did you just make us invisible?” Trini smiled.

“I- I don’t know. Maybe? I felt this warmth spread around my body and I thought of a way to hide us.” Kim said.

The girls quieted down as they entered the room the nano monsters had come out of. The room was covered wall to wall with steel pods, each with a child inside. The room was insanely cold and seemed to be two floors tall. Trini walked up to one of the pods.

“Babe come look at this.” Kim said, her hand brushing across a pod.

Trini turned her head, inside the pod was a little girl. Trini recognized her as one of her brother’s friends from school. 

The girls ducked as the door opened again. Trini pulled Kim behind the pod as Astronema walked in with a Sabertooth at her side.

“Oh kitty, it’s so hard to be me. Those little brats keep breaking my gaze somehow,” she said dramatically, stoking the tiger, “I fear if I don’t act soon, the rangers will uncover my plans. Those military bozos won’t have the transport ready for another twenty four hours. OH and on top of that, I haven’t even found the Zeo Crystal yet.” 

Her tiger perked its ears and growled. 

“Oh? Yes I do think so, let's go greet them shall we?” Astronema laughed as she and the tiger went through a mini portal.

 Trini grabbed Kim and they raced back out the door, running through the dim hallway they came from.

“Guys? We gotta go. Kim and I found some crazy shit.” Trini said through their comms. All that came back was static.

The girls came to a screeching halt as a blockade of nanos and kids stopped them. 

“Leaving so soon Power Rangers?” Astronema said, the wall of her minions parting for her to pass. 

Trini and Kim took a fighting stance.

“Oh come now, surely you can’t leave without your friends can you?” She chuckled. Stepping over, Astronema wove a hand and Zack, Billy, and Jason walked forward, their armor gone and their eyes completely blue and devoid of any emotion.

‘What’s wrong girls? I just took your little friends and enhanced them.” Astronema cackled as she ran her nails down Jason’s jaw.

A low growl made its way through Trini’s throat. She shifted her body to shield Kim.

“Awe. It’s endearing how you think you can protect her, or any of them for that matter,” the enchantress said in her smooth voice, “but it won’t help you. Once I get rid of the two of you, I’ll be free to send the kids off to infiltrate the government, then I can dig up the crystal and no one will stop me!” 

“Why would you bother telling us your whole plan?” Kim said from behind Trini.

“Why?” Astronema cocked her head. “Well pinkie, that’s because you two won’t make it out of here alive.” Astronema gave them a wolfish smile, she lifted a sharpened nail. “Destroy them,” she said, cackling.

Kim gripped Trini’s hand as they ran through the maze of a mineshaft. Behind them, they could hear the thunderous footsteps of both the hypnotized children and their teammates. Kim looked down at the map on her arm, they were headed for one very large pit.

“We gotta think of a plan soon Trin! There’s a giant hole coming up!” Kim said in one breath.

Trini wracked her brain for an idea. She knew there was an opening above the pit, but the jump would be too high for Kim to make. The lightbulb went off in her head.

“Get on my back, quickly!” Trini said as they made it to the edge of the pit.

“What? Trini there’s no way we’ll both make it. We’d be too heavy.” Kim panted as they heard the boys approaching.

“Dammit Kimberly there’s no time! We have to try.” 

Kim wrapped her arms and legs around the other girl as Trini took a giant leap at the cliff above the pit. Kimberly could feel them falling just as Trini’s fingertips grabbed the edge of it. Kimberly saw the boys and the kids standing at the edge of the pit.

“Trini?” Kim said as Trini tried to pull them up.

“Just hold on, I got it.” Trini grunted as she struggled to pull them both.

“Trini look at me,” Kim’s voice wobbled, “I need you to keep going.” 

Trini looked down at her girlfriend, realization dawning on her.

“No, no don’t say that Kim. I can pull us up just give me a minute.” 

“Trini we don’t have a minute! You need to get to the surface and find a way to stop Astronema.” Kim said, untangling her legs.

The hand that wasn’t gripping the ledge grabbed Kim’s thigh in an attempt to stop her.

“No! Don’t let go Kim, please. I can’t do this without you!” Trini cried out.

Kim looked over her shoulder, Jason and Billy were locking fingers to help Zack get a boost. They were out of time.

“Get out of here Trini.” Kim said.

“No please! Don’t do this Kimberly.” Trini cried, her grip slipping.

Kim kissed the top of her head, “I love you, I know you can do this.”

Kimberly launched off of Trini’s back. She used the momentum to send her body right into the path of where Zack and the boys were. On the ground, Kim threw punches restlessly, trying to take out as many people as possible. Trini watched in horror as Billy came up behind her and pinned Kim’s arms behind her back. Zack gripped her head as Jason stared into her eyes. Trini had to watch as her girlfriend’s kind brown eyes turned an icy blue.

She pulled herself up from the edge. The map on her arm told her that there should be an exit coming up soon. Trini ran, she ran so hard she thought her legs might fall off. The path seemed to go on for eternity, until finally she saw the moonlight illuminating the exit. Trini recognized the opening as being on the other side of town. She could faintly hear footsteps approaching behind her.

Thinking quickly, Trini put her fingers to her mouth and gave a sharp whistle. In an instant, Kimberly’s zord was above her. Trini climbed into the cockpit and flew as quickly as she could towards the ship. 

_____

  “Trini what happened? Where are the others?” Alpha asked as she walked into the ship.

She had to sit, had to think. She just wanted a moment to catch her breath. She laid down on the cot in the medbay, her hand brushing over something soft. She turned her head to see that it was one of the hoodies Kim had stolen from her months ago. Trini could feel the tears well up in her eyes.

She was so tired, and she didn’t know if she could go on without her friends. Especially without Kimberly. Trini closed her eyes, thinking of her friends, of how she could possibly take on the problem alone.

“Trini, Zordon needs you in the command room immediately.” Alpha said, entering the medbay.

Trini sighed, her limbs feeling heavy. She lifted herself from the cot and walked past alpha without a word.

“Trini, we must address the problem. Without the re-” 

“Shut up.” Trini cut him off.

“Trini this isn’t a game. We need a plan on how to handle this.” 

“I said shut up! Don’t you get it? Without the rest of my team i’m nothing!” The short girl yelled, balling up her fists at her sides, “without Billy, Zack, Jason, KIMBERLY! Without them I have nothing! I’m just some weird little mexican dyke with no friends who moves every couple months. My friends, my family, they make me who I am. Without them I don’t know what to do.”  

Trini felt the tears spill from her eyes, running hot down her cheeks. She could feel her claws dig into her palms.

“I don’t know how to do this without them Zordon.” 

The man in the wall said nothing for a beat, simply letting Trini’s words wash over him. 

“Then don’t do this without them. Do it for them,” He said softly, “Trini losing your team is not something I take lightly, but I know that you are one of the strongest rangers I have ever had the honor of guiding. There is a reason you have the alpha abilities, even when you didn’t have them, you protect those you love, even if it puts you at harm. So go, go save them, and prove to everyone that you are the alpha Power Ranger.” 

The tears had stopped running down her face. Trini took a deep breath to try and reel in her emotions. Her body felt heavy and she wanted so desperately to just stop for a minute. She knew he was right though, she had to fight to get her family back.

“Step onto the power grid, and finally feel the extent of your powers.” Zordon said in a booming voice.

Trini gripped the rails. Her feet felt glued to the spot as blinding yellow light filled her eyes. The power that coursed through her veins was unlike anything she’d ever felt before.She could feel the animal inside her stir, as though it were trying to claw its way out of her.

And it did, Trini opened her eyes and was met face to face with a yellow Sabertooth tiger. It stood in the middle of the grid, watching her. Trini stood, raising her chin at the beast. It bowed its head to her. Trini stroked its mane and touched foreheads with the giant tiger. When she pulled away, it was gone and Trini felt her strength come back. 

“I’m ready.”  

[simmonsofshield]

Reassignment

Part 1/1

Pairing: none Characters: Kate Beckett, Kevin Ryan, Javier Esposito, Jemma Simmons, Philip Coulson

Summary: Amidst clean up after the Battle of New York, things happen and Officer Y/N ends up in the quinjet’s medical bay.

Words: 1900+

A/N:  Unplanned, but I guess in honor of my url change, Jemma has a small feature in this fic! This was originally gonna be a copy-paste of one of my fics from wattpad, but then I wanted to make it more accurate to New York so 98% of this is new writing. So much for trying to cut corners. 🤷😂 Loose tie-ins of Agents of SHIELD and Castle. (Characters, not really the shows..) Canonically, Skye (Daisy) wouldn’t have her powers yet, but my story my rules lol. So she does. Three weeks late (I was suppose to post this on the 1st), but at least I got it done, right? This is for @fanfictionaries​‘s classic trope challenge. I chose police au. Takes place after Avengers.

Police codes key: 12-David-19 [Precinct # - city section - police car id] used 9th precinct as reference 10-50 Disorderly (group, person, noise) non-crime 10-10 Possible crime (many tags, the one i use is P, suspicious person/prowler)

“Here’s what’s going on today,” Captain Beckett begins, “it’s been almost six months since the Battle of New York. Midtown South is still asking for help with crowd control and patrol of the area, as most of their officers are helping with clean up. I told them the 12th Precinct is happy to help as long as it doesn’t interfere with our daily patrols. Today they’re only asking for two, so Ryan and Esposito, it’s on you today. Just make sure no weirdos or teens with sticky fingers try to get in the rubble.”

“Yes Captain.”

“L/N, my office, please.”

You look at her with surprise, then over to the boys. Ryan is the first to speak, rolling his eyes, “Of course. Little Y/N getting special treatment once again. I bet you’re getting put on a really cool case. You know, she’s basically training you to be a mini her.”

You roll your eyes back at him, “Sounds like you’re just jealous because I rose to this rank in half the time it took you.”

“Ooooo...” Esposito calls from his desk, “want some ice for that burn?”

“Shut up,” he mumbles as he slumps back in his chair.

You laugh as you walk to Beckett’s office, the door being closed behind you. You start to get worried when she starts shutting the blinds too. “Captain?”

She sets a file in front of you and begins explaining. “Though Kevin was joking, he wasn’t wrong. You have impressed me since you came here from the academy. You were the youngest to be promoted to detective, and your persistence hasn’t gone unnoticed. Which is why I think you’re perfect for this particular assignment.”

She nods to the file, and you pick it up, opening it. Your brows furrow at the first page and you look back up at her, “I don’t understand. Philip Coulson died on a helicarrier before the attack on New York even happened. Didn’t Loki kill him or whatever?”

“Originally, yes.”

“Originally?”

“Most if it is redacted and classified, but what was released - specifically for you in this file, turn the page - was that some experimental tech was used and more or less brought him back to life.”

You read exactly that as she says it, but you’re left with more questions than answers with every page turn. “What do you mean specifically for me? How many people know he’s alive?”

She blows out some air, sitting down at her desk to look you in the eye, “Only SHIELD level 7 and above. We are of only a few civilians that know. This cannot leave this room. The only others that know are ones that will be a part of this team that Agent Coulson is putting together alongside Agent Maria Hill and Director Fury.”

Again, more questions. “But...I’m a homicide detective...not SHIELD...” You pause for a moment as you try to form a question with all the information that is now in your mind, “Why me?” is what you come up with.

She shrugs, “That’s a question for Coulson or Hill. I can’t answer it. You’ll work today but after that you’ll be with SHIELD and Coulson,” she nods back to the file, “I suggest you finish reading through that tonight.” She stands up and walks toward the door.

“I’m sorry, Captain, one last question,” she lets go of the door handle and turns around, “what does all this mean for this job? Am I like fired or something?”

“No, no, nothing like that,” she says with a smile, “Agent Hill and I already discussed the technicalities, but basically what will be said is that you’re going undercover with SHIELD for a big operation and you’ll be gone for a few weeks. Which, really, isn’t that much of a lie.”

You nodded, somewhat understanding, “Yes, ma’am. See you in a few weeks, I guess.”

She also nods, smiling, “Likewise, detective.”

Nearing the end of your shift, you’re about to head back to the station when there’s an aggravated call on the scanner. “10-50. These crowds are getting out of hand. More officers needed in Midtown near Grand Central.”

You go back and forth in your head for a moment before deciding to respond, “Dispatch, add 12-David-19 to that 10-50 call. En route from East Village. ETA about 20 minutes.” You turn on your lights and try to get there as fast as you can.

Arriving on scene, you park about four blocks away, at Park and 38th, which is as close as you can get with all the rubble and destroyed buildings. This is the main drag of where most of the Avenger’s fight happened. It’s no surprise that half of New York is here to see the damage, even six months later.

Now on foot, you’re about halfway to Grand Central Station when you hear the breaking of glass and catch some suspicious activity out of the corner of your eye. You follow, talking into your radio, “This is 12-David-19. I’ve got a 10-10P. Kids breaking windows of businesses. It doesn’t look like they’ve stolen anything yet. I’m going to keep an eye on them. Requesting one or two officers for backup if anyone can leave Grand Central Station. 40th street, headed NorthEast.”

You casually follow at a distance until all of a sudden, “Whoa, dudes, check this out!” One of the kids picks up a weapon of some sort. Clearly not of this world and from the Battle, you’re 99% sure. He poses with it and one of his friends takes a picture of him with their phone. “I wonder what this button does.”

“Ahh!” Whatever came out of the weapon hits you directly in the shoulder and you fall to the ground. This is the first time the group of kids notice your presence. They fight for a moment, deciding whether to run or help. A groan from you cuts their argument short and most leave, while two stay.

By what you can tell with your blurry vision, they seem to be brothers. The one walking towards you is clearly friends with the ones that fled, while the other is younger. If you had to guess, you’d say early high school, 14-16, and 12ish for their ages.

You grab your radio and talk into it softly. Hopefully someone will be able to hear you. “Ambulance needed at location of 10-10. Officer down, shot with some sort of alien weapon.”

The older one kneels beside you and takes off his shirt, wrapping it around your wound, attempting to make a tourniquet. You let out a raspy laugh. It’s not quite right, but you appreciate the attempt. “You seem to know what you’re doing.”

You can see the fear still on his face but he smiles nonetheless, “I’ve seen a few medical shows. I think this is right.”

“Anything to slow the bleeding. You’re doing good. What’s your name?”

“Derek Saunders. Am I going to jail?”

“N-no, why would you think that?”

“My friend shot you. Aren’t I an accessory or whatever?”

You shake your head, “You watch cop shows too?” you joke.

“My dad’s a cop. He’s helping at Grand Central right now.”

You cough out another laugh. How convenient. You’re about to tell him to call his dad on your radio when you hear another blast. It feels like it happens in slow motion. You watch as the burst of energy goes up at an angle and hits the building next to where you’re laying. You hear the boy yell something in the opposite direction, you’re assuming at his brother, who most likely got curious and picked up the alien weapon. You see the huge pieces of building falling towards you and Derek.

You let out a scream, though you’re not sure how loud it is due to your blood loss and how tired you’re getting. You close your eyes, knowing the inevitable is going to happen, and just waiting for it. You feel the ground rumble and try to open your eyes to understand what's going on, but you can’t.

Your world goes black.

You wake up to the sound of steady beeping. It takes a moment for your eyes to adjust to the brightness of the fluorescent lights, but once you do you begin to panic. You know this is medical equipment and you’re in a room of some sort, but you’re not sure, something doesn’t feel right. It doesn’t seem like a hospital room.

You hear the whooshing of an automatic door sliding open. “It’s okay, officer. No need to panic. You are in great hands.” A pleasant British voice says to you. It does put you at ease a little.

The brunette seems to be taking your vitals or something at the moment, writing on a clipboard. You clear your throat, “Uh..where am I?”

“Oh of course,” she smiles embarrassedly, “welcome to the Bus. We’re with SHIELD. You’re safe.” she reassures.

“The Bus?” you raise an eyebrow.

“Yes,” your eyes shoot to the new voice, “welcome aboard.”

“Agent Coulson.” You try to sit up, but the pain in your shoulder stops you. You wince and lay back down.

“I assumed our meeting would be under better circumstances, but this’ll have to do.” he says with a smile. “Thank you, Simmons.” he nods at the girl and she leaves.

“What happened?”

“We heard your call on 40th.”

“Were you tracking me?”

“No,” he scoffs, “just making sure you didn’t get hurt before we got to meet you. Kinda failed at that, huh?”

You can’t help but chuckle a little, “Okay, but how the heck did I....” you trailed off, trying to think of how to word your question.

“Not die?” he looks at you, finishing your sentence.

“Uh, yeah.”

“You have Skye to thank for that. To avoid a lengthy explanation, she has the ability to ‘quake’ things apart and stopped the piece of building from falling on you and the young man helping you.”

“What happened to Derek and his brother?”

“They’re safe. And the weapon has been confiscated, now SHIELD property.”

You nodded, content with his explanations. There’s a lull in the conversation and you take the time to actually take in your surroundings. The room you’re in is glass on three sides, the fourth being a wall of shelves for medical items. You look down at yourself, not in a gown like a hospital, but someone’s tank top and shorts. You’d have to ask about that later. You focus on your shoulder, eyes going wide. It still hurts, but looks completely healed. 

“Pretty cool, huh?” you look at Agent Coulson, who is smiling like a proud dad, “you’d lost a lot of blood by the time we found you. We immediately put you in the tissue regeneration pod and got it going on your shoulder. It looks healed, but you’ll have to stay in here for a couple more days and be monitored.”

“Tissue regeneration? How long was I out?”

“From when we found you to getting you to the pod, only a few minutes, but we had to anesthetize you so you wouldn’t wake up during the regeneration, so you've been out for about 16 hours.”

“Oh.” is all you’re able to say, still taking it in. Tissue regeneration. How are you supposed to comprehend that? “Thanks, I guess.”

He nods, “So are you ready to discuss your new position with SHIELD?”

Besides the man being in front of you, you had completely forgotten about your transition from NYPD detective to possibly SHIELD agent? The two of you certainly had a lot to talk about. “Yes, sir.”

[strayships]

i was tagged by @imma-fan 💖

1. Nickname(s): Lu, just the first syllable of my name

2. Zodiac Sign: pisces!

3. Height: 159cm, i think that’s 5’2?? idk 💁‍♀️

4. Hogwarts House: slytherin 🐍

5. Last Thing Googled: “rookidee evolution”

6. Favorite Artist(s): day6, stray kids, winner, twice, suzy, bloo and a brazilian band called capital inicial!!

7. Favorite Color: pink

8. Following: on my main acc i’m following 621 people lol

9. Followers: 137 💗

10: Do I Get Asks: not really, i mostly get selca ship requests and other than 1 ask i got recently it’s mostly related to requests also (if anyone wants to talk to me, pls do, ik i’m boring but 🥺)

11. Amount Of Sleep: aah i hate sleeping but unfortunately i’m a very tired™ person so i usually get 6-7 hours every night and i’m still tired when i wake up

12. Favorite Number(s): 2, 13

13. Dream Job: when i was a kid and started to think about what i wanted to be, i always thought about being an actress, i thought it was so cool to be able to live different characters and have all these different experiences!! but then i realized it would be pretty much impossible and decided to become a translator/interpreter instead

14. Instruments: none, i have a guitar but i don’t know how to play it (yet, i’m planning to start taking lessons someday)

15. Languages: portuguese, english and i took chinese classes for a few years (but i forgot most of what i learned anyway)

16. Favorite Song(s): i honestly don’t know? my favorite song changes all the time, but i’ve been listening to day6’s “stop talking” on repeat for a few days, so right now it’s probably that (plus all of their other songs. i seriously love every single one of their songs)

17. Random Fact: i have a phobia of dentists, every time i have an appointment i literally cry before going and have a mini panic attack because i just hate them for some reason 🤧

18. Aesthetic: soft-spoken, only wanting to listen to music and read books, twirly skirts and dresses, cats!!, staying home all day in my pajamas, getting flustered easily

i’m tagging @thelastyoongie (only if you want to do it ofc) and i don’t really know anyone else in here, so that’s it ig. if anyone sees this and wants to do it, please do so!! 💕

[its-the-sa]

jealousy

(i had this in my head forever and then there was a post about it on my dash so i had to actually get off my ass and write it lol)

---

He can get up by himself, he thinks. All he needs is a little leverage. If he can just scoot himself close enough to a nearby rock formation, he should be able to prop himself up and flip over. He's perfectly capable of doing that.

Eventually.

Right now, he's just too tired to keep trying. The loss of his most prized possession, the overwhelming disappointment of having come so close to victory only to be thwarted at the last moment, (not to mention the various unpleasant feelings stirred up just from seeing Maui again) have all left him rather depressed. At the moment, all he wants to do is sulk and maybe pity himself a little bit.

That doesn't mean he can't still complain, though.

"Any time now," Tamatoa whines to no one in particular, "Not like I'm in a rush or anything. I'll just wait right here... Not going anywhere..."

As far as he knows, he's only talking to himself. He's in his own territory, and even in this state he's still too dangerous for other monsters to try sneaking up on. No one else is around to hear him mope.

So he is certainly not expecting the flash of blue light in his peripheral vision.

Seeing that flash causes a Pavlovian fear reaction-- he's already halfway to panic before he even realizes why he's afraid. But then his brain catches up with what's happening, and he is unsurprised when a bird flies up in front of him and, in another flash of light, an all too familiar demigod drops down onto his chest.

"Oh," Tamatoa says flatly, "It's you."

Maui grins. "Is that any way to greet your old pal?"

"You're not my pal."

Maui shrugs. "Close enough." He lifts his hook and twirls it in a way that he probably thinks looks casual. "Got the hang of the shapeshifting thing again, by the way. It's like sailing a boat, you know? You never really forget."

"What do you want," Tamatoa says.

"Well..." Maui plants his hook back down on Tamatoa's carapace and leans against it. "After we got done saving the world and all, I remembered poor old Tamatoa must still be stranded down here. Thought you might need some help, and hey, looks like I was right."

Tamatoa squints. "No, really? What makes you think that?" He rocks back and forth, flailing his legs. "I'll have you know I've been doing just fine since you and your--" He pauses and looks around, as something occurs to him. "...Where is your little human pet, anyway?"

Maui's smile falls a bit, his eyes turning sharp. "Hey, Moana's not a pet. She's my friend."

And just like that, the air of familiar banter freezes into genuine hostility. "Lucky her," Tamatoa says icily.

For a tense moment it seems like the situation might escalate, but then Maui diffuses it with a smirk. "You know... I'm starting to get the feeling you're not happy to see me," he says wryly.

Tamatoa gives him the most unimpressed look he can muster. "I'm not. That's why I'm insulting you, you empty-headed--"

His eyes sweep up and down the demigod's form in distaste, and suddenly his attention catches on something and he stops mid-sentence.

Tamatoa has always had an eye for tiny details. (Particularly on things he enjoys looking at.) He knows all of Maui's tattoos up and down-- was there when he got more than a few of them. So he knows that the curve of the sky held up by Mini-Maui is supposed to flow smoothly into the plane of the ground where he stands lassoing the sun. But it doesn't. That line is broken by something.

Without thinking, he lifts a claw and reaches for the demigod. Maui immediately tenses and grips his hook, and Tamatoa pauses, realizing belatedly that he might be expecting an attack.

He waits until Maui relaxes slightly and the suspicion on his face shifts into something more like confusion. Then he slowly closes the distance and presses the tip of his claw to Maui's chest. He pushes Maui's necklace up out of the way, revealing the new tattoo dividing the sky and the earth.

It's... a human on a boat.

Tamatoa squints, eyestalks stretching forward to get a better look. Not just any human, he realizes-- it's a girl. In fact, she almost looks like--

Then Tamatoa feels his eyes go wide as understanding hits him.

It's that girl.

The one who tricked him, and quite literally stole Maui from him.

Maui, whom he grew up with (went on countless adventures with, fought and bled alongside, would have once done anything for), has a tattoo of that girl over his heart.

He feels numb in a way he has only experienced once before. It's like the receding tide before a tsunami; the blank feeling of being so severely hurt that the pain needs time to catch up.

He thinks Maui must recognize the look on his face, because the demigod glances down at the tattoo and then quickly slaps a hand over it, looking almost guilty.

Good.

Tamatoa's vision flashes neon. He shouldn't have played around so much, he thinks. He should have eaten that girl from the start, and then Maui would've been helpless against him and he could've eaten him too, could've tasted his blood--

He bites back his anger, forces it down behind a mask of cool indifference.

"Oh," he says, his voice saturated with disdain, "So that's why you're here."

Maui takes a step backward, his posture turning defensive. His hand is still over his heart. "I'm here to help you, you ungrateful bottom-feeder."

Tamatoa sneers. "Not before you regale me with the tale of your latest adventure, I hope! It must have been spectacular, to earn a place of honor like that." His eyes narrow, and his claws flex open and closed. "Please, I'd love to hear it."