#to investigate the location w him n have found nothing so far (yet)

[latinokaeya-moving]

grrrr it’s almost 2am and i should probably go to sleep…..

[neverendingdream111]

“Ray of hope” [Bennett x gn!reader]

> sigh

> Another day, another comission, another adventure

> Another empty chest

> Bennett looked up at the sky which slowly started to darken as clouds became heavier, implying that it would rain soon

> He sighed, holding his injured arm with his other hand, trying not to stumble on some stone or root

> The city was still quite far away from his current location, which meant that he probably wouldn’t be able to make it before the start of the storm

> He should’ve been used to it by now, to be honest, judging how often these scenarios took place

> But sometimes, it was too much, even for him

> Besides, how long can someone stay optimistic while being the most unlucky person in all of Mondstadt?

> Still, he continued walking, his head up and eyes determined

> “It’s just a little rain! It won’t be that bad!” he kept reminding himself

> Just then the first thunder came and the rain started falling

> He jumped a little, shocked by the sound, getting soaked to the bone mere seconds after it began

> The boy looked around, trying to find somewhere to hide, but to no avail

> He was coming back from a comission in Cape Oath. He was still wondering how in the world he managed to get out of Dadaupa Gorge with only a small scratch on his knee - now, he was nearby in the area

> He should’ve been in the city by now, but while going back he found some ruins and, being the curious adventurer that he is, he decided to investigate them, which only resulted in more injuries and no treasure, whatsoever

> But back to the issue at hand - he wouldn’t be able to find a shelter mainly because staying under the trees in the storm wasn’t safe, and the only other place where he could hide were these strange cottage-like-buildings that hilichurls inhabited; and those were a definite no-no

> So, he started running, praying to the Archons that nothing too bad would happen to him

> Barbatos wasn’t in a mood to answer prayers today, it seemed

> He somehow managed to stumble across a bunch of cryo and anemo slimes, barerly escaping them, and also fell several times in the mud

> Bennett was exhausted, injured, hungry and utterly soaked and dirty

> He didn’t even know where he was going now. While running away from the slimes he might’ve strayed from the path, which resulted in him getting lost

> Great

> His lungs were burning from the constant running, the strong wind and rain making him shiver from the cold

> It wasn’t the first, and most likely not the last time he was in a situation like this

> But...

> It was too much

> He just wanted to go on an adventure, find some treasures

> He wanted to make his dads happy, so they’d be proud of him

> “I want to go home...”

> Whether the water on his face was the rain or his tears, he didn’t know

> The only thing that was on his mind was how much he wished he was in the safety of his home, under a warm blanket with a cup of hot chocolate in hand

> But he had to get to the city, he had to find a way, or else...

> The last thing he saw before passing out was a person running in his direction

> He slowly began waking up, blinking a few times to clear his vision

> What greatly surprised him was that he was greeted by the sight of a ceiling, not the cloudy sky that he expected

> He quickly sat up on the bed (another surprise), looking around the room. He didn’t recognize it in the slightest, which caused his panic to increase

> Just when he was about to burst out of the room, someone opened the door and came in

> “Oh, you’re awake! I’m glad” they said, heaving a sigh of relief. They were holding a plate in one hand and a cup in the other “How are you feeling?”

> Bennett blinked, seemingly still not quite awake yet, or just not sure if he this was real

> “Um... Who are you?” he asked, tilting his head to the side

> “Oh! Right, I haven’t introduced myself yet” they placed the things they were holding on a bedside table, then taking a sit in a chair next to the bed “My name is (Y/N), and I believe you are Bennett, right?” they said, offering a kind smile

> “How do you know that?” he furrowed his brows, getting a bit suspicous

> “I’ve heard about you in Mondstadt: “the only adventurer in the guild that works by himself because of his bad luck”. I figured it was you when I saw you during that storm” they explained, giving him an encouraging nod to take the cup, which turned out to be a tea. He slowly took a sip, but still burnt his tongue in the end “Careful there!”

>”Sorry” he laughed sheepishly “It’s nice to meet you, I guess? I- I mean, it’s kind of a strange first meeting, don’t you think?”

> “I suppose” they shrugged, chuckling under their breath “Eat up, so you can regain your strength” he then looked at the plate and saw delicous-looking sandwiches, which only reminded him of his hunger

> “Woah, thank you!” he dug in almost immediately, nearly choking, but he quickly recovered and continued eating. It was only a few minutes later that he finished everything, thanking them for the meal again

> “It’s not a problem, really! Everyone would’ve done the same”

> “Yeah, but still, I owe you! Let me treat you to a meal at Good Hunter when you have time” the boy grinned “Wait, that reminds me... How did you find me? And where are we?”

> “I found you when I was coming back from some job that I had to do at Windrise. We’re now in my house near Springvale, you were unconscious and the storm was too big to take you to the cathedral in the city, so instead I took you here and patched you up” they explained, and that was when he realised that he was wearing a clean shirt and his arms were covered in bandages. He assumed his legs were in a similar state, too

> “Y-you didn’t have to! Really, I- I would’ve managed somehow...” he laughed nervously “I don’t want to be a burden...”

> “You’re not” they said almost instantly, a concerned look adorning their face “Why would you ever think that? I helped you because I wanted to”

> “It’s just...” this heavy sensation was again felt in his chest, and he started playing with his fingers in his lap, his eyes cast down “I’m really unlucky, accidents happen almost all the time when I’m near. That’s why no one on my team stays for long...” he suddenly realized he was rambling, so he looked up at them with an awkward smile on his face which looked more like a grimace and said “But don’t worry! It’s not really that bad. I’m used to it, and I understand why they left, so--”

> “Bennett?” (Y/N)’s soft voice interrupted him. At first he didn’t realize it, but when he touched his face he felt his fingers get wet with the tears that unknownigly spilled from his eyes

> “O-oh, sorry, I just...” he tried wiping them away, but the tears just wouldn’t stop coming. He angrily rubbed his eyes, but still, nothing worked “W-why am I crying?”

> “Sometimes, the emotions we bottle up explode, and we can’t control it” they said, tentatively taking his hand in theirs “We should just let them come out, so cry if you must; I don’t mind as long as it helps you feel better” they smiled gently at him, and he coulnd’t control it any longer. His sniffs turned into full blown sobs and his whole body shook because of it. At some point (Y/N) took a sit on the bed and hugged him, softly patting his back and letting him cry on their shoulder

> Many minutes later, his sobs subsided, reduced to small sniffs here and there. For the first time in years, he didn’t feel like his unluckiness was weighing down on his shoulders, finally lifted

> He felt like he wasn’t alone

> And I tell you, it was one of the best feelings in the world

> Relucantly, he let go of their shirt that he clutched in his fist at some point during his breakdown, and looked up at them “Thank you and... sorry for this”

> They only smiled in response “No worries, I think you really needed that, so you don’t have to apologize! And I have a question”

> “Go on”

> “You work at adventurers’ guild, right? What’s the name of your party?”

> “It’s “Benny’s adventure team”!” he laughed, his eyes sparkling “Why do you ask?”

> “I’ve recently been thinking about joining the guild, since the jobs around here can get quite boring at times, but I didn’t know anyone from there. Well, until now” they smiled “So I was wondering, would you let me join your team?”

> Bennett’s eyes grew wide, and for the first time, he was speechless “W-wait, you want to join my team? Why???”

> “I think you’re nice, and I’d want to get to know you better” said (Y/N) without any hesitance, grinning at him “So? What do you say?”

> He looked at his lap, getting all sad again “But... With my luck, you’d probably be in danger as often as I am, and--”

> “Who cares about that?” his head shot up so quickly he thought he’d get a whiplash. Did he hear correctly?

> “W-wait, for real?”

> “Of course. I wouldn’t have asked if I did mind now, would I? And if we work together, it’d be easier, too” they explained “we could help each other out if something bad happened, and it’d be fun to explore the world together!”

> He blinked

> Then pinched his arm and blinked again

> His grin was so big his cheeks hurt

> “You can’t take it back if you decide that my bad luck is terrible while on comissions!”

> “It’d take much more to get rid of me”

> Heh

> Guess that day wasn’t so bad

> After all, he got a new friend

> And hopefully, one that will not leave

No, I didn’t cry while I was writing this. Totally...

21.02.21

~Nana

[huihuiheart]

Hongjoong’s Angels - Hongjoong w/ f! Yeosang + f! San

-req by @pirate-hongjoong

Pairing: Platonic Hongjoong (Speaking in italics) + f! Yeosang + f! San + Female Reader (ft. the rest of Ateez)

Summary: The angels are about as elite as they come, but all of them are at risk now. For a mission that they would have assigned a dozen angels to, it comes down to just three. Would that be enough to prevent their whole world from falling apart though?

Warnings: Spies, violent themes, espionage, guns, suggestive themes, seduction, kidnapping, breaking and entering, fight scenes, tasers, explosions, lies, missiles, betrayal, some member x member themes (the couple is a secret to prevent spoilers), death.

Word Count: 8,086

Note: I still have not watched the most recent movie and this is an original piece, so please don’t give me backlash for it. I was very excited to do this though, because the original Charlie’s Angels movies were my childhood, so this seemed very fun. 

“Once upon a time there were three very different little girls....”

“I’m sorry the only spot we have open is for a mascot.” The head cheerleader mocked, but Yeosang simply smiled, her braces on full display.

“Oh my god, that’s great though! It’ll be so much fun! And I still get to dance!” Yeosang practically bounded out of the hall, tripping over her own feet at the entrance and falling flat on the ground.

---

“Ladies and Gentleman, that does it. Your winning rider is Choi San on her prized horse Blue Ballad. The youngest yet to win this competition.” The announcer called over the sound system. Choi San standing proudly on the podium for photos with her horse standing behind her, taking in the applause.

---

“Y/L/N Y/N! You get in here right now young lady!” The principle called from her office, you smirking as you walked in and plopped down opposite her, “ Would you explain to me why we have you on camera spray painting the school wall?”

You snickered as she showed you the film they had, “Oh look that’s my favorite part.” You muse as you watch the clip of you giving the camera the bird before spray painting over it.

---

“Who grew up to be three very different women...”

Yeosang held the little hairless kitten in her arms, giggling at it as people gave her strange looks in passing.

“Maybe you should put that one down Yeosang, no one’s gonna adopt...it....”

“Awe, but there’s nothing wrong with her. Besides she’s so cute...and she doesn’t do that...”Yeosang counters gesturing to one of the hairballs from the other cats in the shop.

---

“Prep OR3 and tell them I’m on my way. We have to move people, this is life or death! Now scrub me in!” San huffs, washing her hands, as one of the assistants puts the gloves and scrubs on for her. San opening the door to the operating room with her back to not contaminate anything.

“Alright, let’s do this.”

---

“Hi, welcome to Good Burger. What can I get for you today?” Y/N droned over the drive-thru headset in the same monotone voice you did everyday, with a huff. 

The car pulling up moments later, a rambunctious group of young men in the car, “Hey sweetheart, why don’t you give us a show with that meal?”

You gave them a deadpan look, before holding up the paper bag with their order in it and shaking it, throwing it into the window of their car before closing your drive-thru window with a fake smile and walking away.

“What they have in common is that they’re brilliant, they’re beautiful, and they work for me. My name is Hongjoong.”

“Good morning, angels.”

“Good morning Hongjoong!” You three replied in unison, sitting on the couch across from the little speaker. The device is your only connection to the mystery man that was your boss.

“So Hongjoong, what do you have for us today?” San questions, hugging your arm slightly as she sits to your right, eager to get a new assignment.

“Well, angels, we’ve recently been hired by Jeong Yunho, CEO of Jeong Technologies. They’re currently the largest private technology and information firm around. Their lead engineer Song Mingi was kidnapped, there’s footage of three assailants taking him from the front of Jeong Technologies science building the other night and there has been no sign of him since.”

 “There any leads so far? Anyone who wants to see Jeong Technologies fall?” You ask, looking over the tape on the screen one last time, watching the poor engineer get shoved into the van by some masked men.

“Bosley hasn’t given you the files yet, has he?” Hongjoong chuckles over the speaker, “Where has my good friend gone off to now?”

“Bosley? I thought you told me your name was Wooyoung?” Yunho’s brows furrow as he walks in with the man in question.

“It is my name is Wooyoung. I’m simply in the Bosley family....it’s a term of endearment at this point.” Wooyoung shrugs, gesturing for Yunho to sit on the couch opposite of you, “I was just greeting our guest Hongjoong, no need to rush anyone.”

“Well, angels, it looks like you’re in capable hands. If you need anything, Wooyoung will provide you with it. I’ll be in touch.” With that, the speaker was off, and Wooyoung was handing you each of your respective files on the case. Almost identical, but each with slightly unique details based on your unique skill sets.

“So, you’re Jeong Yunho then?” Yeosang looks at him while offering her hand, each of you following suit and flustering the young, shy CEO who shakes your hands.

“I-I am. I-I just want to say that whatever you girls need to get him back, I’m happy to help. Mingi is more than an employee, he’s also a friend.” Yunho is flustered at first, but slowly it changes to concern for his missing friend.

“If you don’t mind me asking then, is that why he is so special? I mean, a kidnapping is usually handled by the police, so what about this makes it a better fit for us?” San inquires, barely looking up from the file finding bits of information that might prove useful.

 “Not exactly. You see, we’re a private firm, but we recently landed a government project, and that’s what Mingi was working on. The intelligence involved in this project cannot get out, but Mingi’s the only one who currently knows how to access it or lock it down. Which is why we need to get him back before they can get it out of him.” Yunho explains, catching the attention of all the angels.

“What kind of information are we talking about here?” You finally dare to ask, not sure you’d like any answer that he would give you. 

“Potentially limitless information. The program is designed to screen through all sources public and private without interfering with people’s privacy. What I mean is no person is scouring through people’s information. It uses facial recognition and voice recognition software to track people internationally based on the specs you give it. That person’s trail. With hopes of finding the most wanted criminals who have fallen off the face of the earth. When it pings with that, all the computer saves is the clip with their voice or face. Then it shares that with those who need to find that person. Without sharing private information about the person whose device it was with said investigators. Like an anonymous tip phone call of sorts, but it also provides a location. However, in theory, those safeties can be removed and you could potentially access any information on anyone from anywhere in the world.” Yunho worries his lip between his teeth as he explains the purpose of their latest program.

“And Mingi is the only one who knows the system well enough to do anything with it? To allow or prevent that from happening?” Yeosang sucks in a breath at the sorrowful nod that Yunho answers her with.

“Who would have the most to gain from kidnapping Mingi? People who knew of this program? Of its potential? Or, just have something to gain by taking him?” You look for the page you know you saw when skimming the file, the one that listed off Yunho and Mingi’s enemies.

“Honestly, we kept a tight lid on the information flow only those working on the project and myself knew. Everyone was very adamant about not discussing it outside of the work area for safety reasons, so unless someone got that information elsewhere, I don’t know. However, there is one person I have in mind...Park Seonghwa. My leading competitor, he’s been known to send spies into our staff to steal ideas and information. I wouldn’t put it past him to kidnap our lead engineer in hopes of getting ideas to put out before us.” Yunho shakes his head, “That man never gives up, I’m telling you.”

The angels nod in unison, turning to Wooyoung and handing back the files.

“Yunho we’re going to need access to your building. We’re gonna see if they left anything behind where they took Wooyoung.” San explains, to which Yunho immediately agrees.

“Also, we’ll need to check your systems to see if anyone did get in and access confidential information,” Yeosang added before the two looked at you.

“Then we’ll check Park Industries too, just in case. Though before that, we should probably make sure your home is secure, for all we know they could be after you too.” You try not to worry Yunho too much while still telling him the reality of the situation.

“Alright, angels, let’s move.” Yeosang jumps up, catching the keys that Wooyoung tosses to her so that the four of you can head out to Jeong Technologies to start unraveling this mystery.

“Find anything in here?” Yeosang asks, joining you and San from checking out the scene where Mingi was finally grabbed.

“Good luck, angels! I’ll be checking in!” Wooyoung calls after you before sighing as he sits down again, left all alone now.

“I’m not seeing any immediate signs of someone snooping around, but not that we’re in. I'll have the computer at the base run a more thorough analysis and let us know,” San responds, looking to you and Yunho.

“I haven’t found any bugs or signs of forced entry if there was something here, it would have to be moving in and out on an employee. I say we check them out, just to be safe.” Your suggestion is met with nods from the other two, “What about out front?”

“Ah, I found a few things...our van had some specialty tires on it based on the treads it left behind. We could look for suppliers and cross-reference based on that to find who’s van it is. Also, there was some debris left I’m assuming when the kidnappers jumped out of the van. We’ll see if these little plants can tell us anything about where they were before being here.” Yeosang proudly beams, holding up her prize.

“Okay, why don’t you two get those back to the base and Wooyoung. I’ll go check out Yunho’s house and make sure it’s safe for him there.” You insist, causing the two to roll their eyes slightly at you.

“Please, you just want to go with him because you think he’s hot,” Yeosang mumbles, making San chuckle while you fluster and throw a glare at her.

“Not my fault, the yummy CEO hired us! Now get out of here.” You hiss quietly at the two before shooing them as they laugh. Before turning to Yunho, who was flustered and blushing after watching that exchange.

“C-Come on, I’ll drive us.” He offers leading the way out of the building and to his car so that he can drive you to his home. Of course, solely for professional reasons. Pulling up to a large modern home after not too long, it somewhat secluded in the woods. Yunho welcomes you in and helps you with your jacket, offering you something to drink while you immediately set to work and stumbling across an interesting photo.

“Isn’t this Park Seonghwa with you?” You question holding the photo up to Yunho, who nods in response, only further intriguing you, “I thought you two were rivals?”

“We are now, but things weren’t always that way. In fact, I’d prefer if they still weren’t.” Yunho sighs softly, holding out a glass to you, “We went to school together growing up, even picked the same university to attend. Honestly, he was more like a brother to me than anything. Until he tried to steal my final during our last year...he was found out and kicked out of the school, but money spared him most of the consequences. He blamed me for what happened, though, and now it seems he wants to get me back in any way at all.”

You nod, placing the picture back down, feeling worse for the Yunho now, “So you lost one close friend already, and now the other is missing...that must be tough.” When Yunho nods, you reach out to gently squeeze his arm in reassurance, “Don’t worry, we’ll get Mingi back, and we won’t let anything happen to you. The house is clean, and I’m leaving you this panic button. If anything is wrong, you just press it, and the closest one of us will come right away.”

“So if I pressed it right now, that would mean you would come, right?” Yunho asks, stepping closer as you start to step away, flustering you some.

“Well, yes, but I just checked the whole house Yunho and nothing wrong.” You chuckle despite being shy, thanks to him.

“Yes, there is.” Yunho blurts, a little too quickly, making you raise a brow in question, “W-What if I don’t feel safe being here all alone? I-I think you should stay for a bit...y-you know just in case.”

He was so impossibly close right now, standing right before you. Not even letting you respond, though, before the two of you were kissing. Your coat slipping out of your arms again as you slipped them around his neck, not letting him go again.

Yunho pouts, hearing your phone ring, and you chuckle, answering it.

“Y/N, we need you back here, we’re going to regroup and talk to Hongjoong. How far out are you?” San asks over the phone, and she and Yeosang finish up in the lab, looking over their results again.

“Not too far, I’m just at Yunho’s.” You answer before cursing internally at giving that away, while the CEO besides you blushes.

“Still? Why? Was something wrong?” San’s voice is teasing, but you know she genuinely wanted to know in case there was an issue, and you just hadn’t gotten the chance to ask for their help yet.

“N-No, nothing’s wrong...I-I’m heading over now.” You quickly hang up before she can question you anymore, giving Yunho an apologetic look, “Well, duty calls. If anything happens, though, hit the panic button, alright?” 

Yunho nods, slipping his arm around your waist and pulling you in for another kiss, “ Be careful out there, okay? If you have to leave me, then at least come back in one piece.”

“I will.” You give him one last kiss before slipping out of his grasp to leave, knowing there was still plenty to do before Yunho would be safe and have his friend back. 

San and Yeosang, smirking at you as you walked back into the base, their looks suggestive, now armed with the knowledge that you had spent the night at Yunho’s place. You sighed with a soft blush and brushed them off, taking your seat with them for yet another morning. Wooyoung, laughing, and accepting the incoming call.

“Good morning, angels.”

“Good morning, Hongjoong!”

“Do you girls have an update on the situation?” 

“We looked into the tires, and it leads back to Park Industries. They have an arrangement with one of the shops they like this specific brand on all their trucks and vans. They also have vans matching the make and model of the van that was used in the kidnapping.” San closes her file on the track report, having nailed Park Seonghwa or at least his company to taking Mingi the question now was just where.

“The plant material was interesting, it allowed me to narrow down to a fifty-mile area where they had been before, the only problem was that any way we cross-referenced things, in that area we found no connection to Park Industries at all, whether directly or otherwise.” Yeosang added with a shrug, “Unless they’ve managed to keep that hidden very well from us.”

“The computer didn’t come up with anything either. It looks as though Park Industries never got into Jeong Technologies computer.” Wooyoung continues before looking at you, now that they had pretty much covered all the leads before speaking up for you, “Oh, and Yunho’s house has been cleared.”

“It seems like whoever is hiding those details from us is doing a very good job of it. Get into Park Industries and see if you can find the last few things that you need to find Mingi, we might not have a lot of time left before they get that information.”

“We’re on it, Hongjoong!”

“So what’s the play then, angels?” Wooyoung inquires, leaning across the desk and smiling at you, “And what do you need for it?”

“You know...we could actually use your help on this one, Wooyoung.” You smiled at him, “How would you like to play a young, up and coming CEO? Willing to give Park Industries exclusive access to specialty supplies?”

“I’ll be your assistant, there to help you if anything happens and seduce Seonghwa enough to get the key for San to get in with.” You reassured Wooyoung as you three pull up the building specs.

“I’ll distract the others around, so San will just have to worry about security making their rounds and cameras on the outside. Once inside the room, though, there is a laser grid, moving, very high end. The code to disable them changes every five minutes. so it’s not likely we’ll be able to get that unless Y/N can manage it in Seonghwa’s office somehow.” Yeosang added before looking to San.

“I’ll be in and out with what we need before you even know it.” San nods looking at Wooyoung, “So what do you say Woo, you in?”

“Well...whatever the angels need, the angels get.” Wooyoung shrugs before chuckling softly, “I’m in.”

Sitting in your van outside of Park Industries and doing final preparations, San spotted something watching the building for any last-minute security changes. She couldn’t be sure, though, until she pulled up a still from the kidnapping video.

“Guys, I just realized something we’ve been missing.” San turns to the rest of you, showing the clip where a snake tattoo is visible on the kidnapper’s ankle, “We should have run with this from the start.”

“Well, what good does that do us now? We can’t call this mission off.” Yeosang frowns softly and San tsks, shaking her head.

“We won’t, we just would have gotten here sooner.” San zooms in on the building security guard from the camera hidden in the side of the van, “Considering this is the tattooed man.”

You look at the screen before initiating the facial recognition software and grabbing molar mics for you and Wooyoung, “When you figure it out, let me know. I’m meeting Wooyoung now.” 

You slipped out of the side of the van that faced away from the building, sneaking a few blocks away to where Wooyoung was waiting in the driver’s seat of a black Lamborgini Huracan. Smoothing over your dress one last time, you get into the passenger seat, handing him his mic and earpiece before putting on your own.

“Ready, Mr. Jung?” You smirked softly at Wooyoung, who chuckles in response, starting up the car.

“Honestly, if it means getting to do stuff like this and driving nice cars all the time, I might just have to tag along more.” He drives off to head towards the main entrance of Park Industries, you two needed to be the first to go in. 

“Y/N, we got a match over facial recognition. His name is Choi Jongho, he hasn’t been working for Seonghwa long, but they have a history. We better keep an eye on him though, he has a pretty remarkable rep. Numerous fighting styles mastered, history in dealing with arms. Keep an eye on him, don’t let him catch you off guard.” You hear San over the mic, knowing Wooyoung does too as you notice him tense while driving.

“Relax Wooyoung, just act natural, and nothing will go wrong. Besides, even if it did, you have the three of us there to protect you.” You assured him, leading him to take a breath and relax slightly, as he pulled up. Parking the car and the both of you got out. Showing Jongho your identification in passing, him eyeing you both up for a moment before opening the door to let you through.

“We’re in, work your magic girls.” You whisper, before taking over at the front desk, “Hello, we’re here for the meeting with Mr. Park. His 2 o’clock.”

The lady raised a brow at you, clearly not impressed until Wooyoung spoke up, “Is there a problem here? I’m a busy man, but I made the time to meet with CEO Park out of professional courtesy, I’d appreciate it if you made it happen, doll.”

She flusters, stuttering a bit behind her desk, “O-Of course CEO Jung, my apologies. It won’t happen again.” 

“Good work Wooyoung!” Yeosang cheered over the mic as the lady led the way for you both through the building. That being her cue as she slipped out of the van next. Heading up to the building with a blinding smile as she stopped in front of Jongho.

“Hi, I think I’m supposed to go in here, yes?” Yeosang fumbles through her bag for show, before finding her company id for him, “It’s my first day, so I’m just a little lost.”

Her helpless giggle and clueless innocent nature must have done the trick, Jongho scanning her id and even giving a small smile back before getting the door for her. San drove the van around to the back, preparing to make her entrance. 

“Let me know when we’re good, Yeosang.” She says, grabbing her ‘delivery’ and going in through the service entrance, before slipping into a bathroom to change into professional clothes, hiding her face from cameras the entire time.

“Give me five minutes,” Yeosang responds, stumbling into the room where the various cubicles were by the mainframe, blushing and giggling as people start to stare. Yeosang works her charms, pouting softly and twirling her hair, “I’m new, and I think I managed to get lost. Do any of you think you could help me?” 

Yeosang played further into the act as they scrambled over each other to get to her, and show her the various areas of the building. More than eager to be around a beautiful woman after being cooped up at their desk for hours without end. Giving her verbal cue to San who slipped out after the group had passed and headed in the opposite direction as them, just waiting for the key to be dropped off.

“You make a very appealing deal, Jung Wooyoung. Draw it up and send it to me, I’m more than interested in it.” Seonghwa smiles from his spot across from Wooyoung.

“That won’t be necessary, my assistance already drew it up. I hope it meets your liking?” Wooyoung gestures you forward. You round the desk and lean forward to place and open the drawn up papers on the desk, letting Seonghwa see your form in the process. It is a good distraction as your free hand slipped the key card off his desk, before taking your spot besides Wooyoung again. Slipping the card into his hand as Seonghwa reads and signs the document, Wooyoung signs afterward before collecting up the document, as his phone rings.

“If you’ll excuse me, I forgot I have another appointment. However, my assistant can stay to discuss anything else about the contract with you.” Wooyoung shakes Seonghwa’s hand before answering the fake call and stepping out of the room to hand the card off to San and get out of the building. The exchange, going successfully.

“Just keep him occupied for me Y/N.” San moves towards the room, hiding her face from view as she slips in to look for access. The easy part passed now just came the harder part of slipping through the lasers.

You trailed your fingertips over Seonghwa’s desk as you moved back to the same side as him, “Is there anything I can help you with, anything at all?”

Your hands, moving to massage his shoulders, noticing something sitting proudly on his desk that you hadn’t the first time. The same picture you had seen at Yunho’s house, of the two of them together.

“Oh, angel, as enticing as that sounds coming from such a beauty, I’ll have to pass. After all, I’ve got so much to do you know...with kidnapping people and all.” Seonghwa grabs your wrist-twisting you around and pinning your front to the desk beneath him. The others heard what happened clear as day.

“I’ll get Wooyoung out, you just finish up getting what we came for San and then help Y/N if necessary.” Yeosang is already in the ladies' room, slipping up and into a vent to make her way out without being swarmed again, dropping out and finding Wooyoung, but too late as Jongho pulls him through a door and shoves him into a van, while a man blocks Yeosang. 

“Jongho got Wooyoung.” She announces, flipping a switch in all the angels. None of them were happy that their Wooyoung had been taken.

“San get that stuff back to base, we’ll clean up here.” You say before twisting enough to elbow him in the face. Still, missing something, though, as Seonghwa tased you in the side. The world, going black and leaving the mission up to the other two for the time being.

Slowly you come too, eyes shifting around for any sign of Wooyoung or Mingi as you do. Instead, you hear someone tsking, followed by footsteps, drawing your attention forward and away from the dirtied surroundings. Yunho before you, as he leans down towards your face, pinching your jaw between his thumb and forefinger to make you look at him instead of at Seonghwa behind him. 

“I may have underestimated you, girls...I thought it would be easier to snatch all of you at once. The others got away, though, with something that belongs to us, and you’re going to help us get it back, angel.” Yunho’s glare only hardens further when you smirk at him, feeling the molar mic still in your mouth, even if they took your earpiece, knowing it’d help Yeosang and San even more.

“See that was your problem, you underestimated us. Besides, there are more than just three angels, a lot more.” You shrug, leaning back in your chair, knowing it was only a matter of time before help showed. Not that you couldn’t break out of the chair if you wanted to, but it was more fun letting them think they’d won and spilling everything to you while you learned everything about their security from the inside.

Seonghwa stepped over and joined Yunho, slipping his arms around Yunho’s waist and resting his chin on Yunho’s shoulder, “Oh, we know Y/N. After all, once an angel always an angel, right? And there are quite a few from what we can tell.” 

Seonghwa tilts Yunho’s body away from you, letting you see the monitors working on trying to break into Hongjoong and the angel’s database, not able to get much more than the number of angels at this point. You knew security was the best there was.

“If only there were a way to get access to their personal information, though? You know...so anyone who wishes could get revenge on the angels...oh wait, we have this.” Seonghwa tauntingly waves Wooyoung’s phone in front of your face, “Almost like when Hongjoong calls, we can use his voice to gain access to the system or something of the sort.”

Your heart races, knowing that was the one way to gain access to everything there, even to information on angels who retired, “Why would you want to do that to the angels? Just money? There’s plenty of easier to access information you could sell than this.”

Yunho scoffs, rolling his eyes, “No angel, this one is personal. Seonghwa’s sister was an angel, on a team much like yours...only her team didn’t bring her home. So we’re gonna teach the rest of you a lesson.”

“Once I find the two that left my sister, though...I’ll handle them myself.” Seonghwa hisses before letting Yunho go, gripping on your chair as his gaze darkens, “Now let me guess, they took what they got from me back to your little base and are going to try and find us?”

“Try?” It’s your turn to scoff now, “Don’t tell me you’re already underestimating us again, they won’t try...they will find us. And then breaking into the database would be the easiest challenge you’d have to overcome today.”

Yunho clicks his tongue, pulling a gun out of the back of his pants before putting it up to your temple, the click of the safety echoing in the room, “Just answer the question, or we won’t let you see any more of what we have planned. Which would be a real shame considering things are just now starting to get interesting.” 

You sigh softly, gaze shifting to Yunho for a moment, before back at Seonghwa, “Yeah, that’s what they would do.” 

Seonghwa smirking as he leans back, “See angel, that wasn’t so hard now, was it?” His eyes flick over to Yunho now, “Come on, babe, put the gun away. The little angel is cooperating now, and we want her to see just what’s happening, don’t we love?”

Yunho rolls his eyes, putting the gun away again, pulling out the duck tape and toying with it some, “ I hope you know, you won’t be able to depend on Yeosang and San much longer...they’ve got their own problems to deal with.”

He nods to Seonghwa, who pulls up the coordinates of your base, turning to you again, “I’ll give you a moment to look and say goodbye, they’re about to get quite the bang.” 

“Wha-” Your statement is cut off by Yunho putting the duck tape over your mouth and putting a finger over where your lips would be, shushing you.

“Shh, isn’t that much better?” Yunho chuckles as Seonghwa clicks enter on the keyboard, launching a missile straight at the coordinates of your home base. Leaving, you to hope that Yeosang and San heard enough to know to get out by now, but not quite sure if they did.

“We gotta move fast San, who knows what that could mean,” Yeosang calls, snatching one of the bags of supplies from the base and slinging it over her shoulder so they could have something while they rushed out.

“I know, I’m shutting this down now. I’ll be right behind you.” San responds, finishing up, before grabbing her bag and rushing out behind Yeosang. The two almost at the car by the time the missile hits the base, the force of the blast throwing them tumbling to the ground. Thankfully, though, with little more to worry about than a few scratches.

“Yep, they definitely want us dead.” Yeosang grunts, picking herself up off the ground with a groan and dusting off.

“Well, unlucky for them, I know where they are now...Seonghwa didn’t have any buildings in that radius, but Yunho does...that’s where we’re going.” San pulls herself off the ground too, before getting in the car and putting the location in. Letting Yeosang drive as they head towards the location, and parking a safe distance away from where they wouldn’t be seen.

“Security looks pretty tight, we won’t be able to just storm our way in without help...”Yeosang sighs, shaking her head as she lowers the binoculars she was using to get a better view of the front entrance.

“So, we’ll just have to make our own way in then.” San shrugs, “Come on, I have an idea.”

Seonghwa spotted the tear that rolled down your face before you could spot it and chuckled, “Aw, who knew angels could cry~”

He mocked you before having Jongho bring Mingi in and shove him into the chair in front of the monitors before going back to guard Wooyoung until he was needed, “It’s almost time, Mingi. I’m going to need you to get us set up. Or there’s gonna be consequences.” 

Yunho smirks playfully, brushing a finger over your cheek and collecting the tear, “You know you were rather pretty that night...but I think I prefer you this kind of broken.”

You glared at him, pulling away from his touch, which only made him chuckle. Until Jongho brought Wooyoung in. Seonghwa handed him the phone that was hardwired to the headset he handed Yunho, and the computer.

“You’re going to call Hongjoong for us.” Yunho demands of Wooyoung, pointing the gun at him. Wooyoung looks at you, with big frightened eyes. You nodded as you spotted a flash of Yeosang’s blonde hair in the security camera for the attic of the building. Seonghwa noticed the same thing and sent Jongho to deal with it. Wooyoung dials Hongjoong’s number, but when there’s no answer his hands shake, going to call again until Seonghwa stops him.

“Let Hongjoong call back, it’ll work better for our plan.” Seonghwa insists watching and waiting until the phone rings again, gesturing for Yunho to answer and Wooyoung to keep his mouth shut.

“H-Hello? This is Yunho.” He puts the front on again, despite grinning wickedly at you, “Wooyoung can’t come to the phone this second.”

“Oh, hi Yunho, this is Hongjoong. Are you with the angels again?” 

“Yeah, they had a lead, and since they weren’t sure where it was secure, they just had me go back to the base and hang out with Wooyoung. I think he went to the kitchen or something though, he shouldn’t take too long, hopefully, that’s okay.” Yunho watches Seonghwa and Mingi for the signal saying they got enough to use, to get into the system.

“That’s perfectly fine, Yunho. I’m glad you can be someplace safe right now. I don’t mind waiting for a few moments. Have the angels been doing alright?”

“Oh, the angels are perfect. Thank you so much for all the help, I honestly don’t know what I would do without you guys.” Yunho answers, and you here Hongjoong give an intrigued hum.

“Wonderful...you said you were at the base with Wooyoung, right?” 

“That’s right, I think I hear him coming back right now if you want to wait. Or I can take a message for you?” Yunho licks his lips as Mingi tells Seonghwa that they need just a little bit more.

“That’s interesting cause I thought I heard that the base just blew up.”

Your eyes widen, Wooyoung prepares to yell for Hongjoong to get help, but not quick enough as Yunho hangs up, “You’re gonna have to make that work Mingi, and fast. I don’t think we have a lot of time.”

“I-I don’t know if I can...”Mingi’s hands shake with fear as he works at the computer, Yunho huffing, impatiently as he puts the gun to Mingi’s head now.

“I don’t believe that was a question, Mingi. Now do it.” Yunho insists, taking over and making Seonghwa chuckle with a smirk.

“You’re so hot when you’re pissed.” Seonghwa winks at the other man, the pair cocky until Yeosang drops down from the roof, behind Seonghwa, cocking a gun at his head.

“Put it down, Yunho.” She glares at him, Yunho grumbling, but doing as she asks, only because it’s for Seonghwa, “Now kick it over to Wooyoung...Wooyoung I want you to take the bullets out.”

Wooyoung is obviously scared out of his mind. He does as he’s told, though, knowing that right now Yeosang has the upper hand. The girl chuckling afterward, the three of you from the agency, knowing something that the others didn’t...angels don’t use guns. Wooyoung quickly moved to undo your ties before they had a chance to get the upper hand again, so at least the odds would be a bit more even.

“How did you get past Jongho, though?” Yunho asked, only further infuriated by the current situation. Yeosang’s brows furrowing at the question.

“What do you mean, I never saw...”Her words fade out, glancing at the security cameras to see Jongho making it up to where Yeosang had come in. Her eyes, widening knowing that San was up there right now. Seonghwa, taking the opportunity to grab her wrist that held the gun and twisting it around until she dropped it, picking it up and pointing it at Yeosang.

“That was a mistake. You should have just run away, little angel.” Seonghwa hisses before pulling the trigger, thrown off by the click sound that it gave instead of going off. 

“Wow, for having a sister as an angel, you don’t know much hm?....angels don’t use guns.” You smirk, expecting a fight, but you don’t get one. Seonghwa simply snatched the drive with the locations from the angel’s database on it and clicked enter again.

“That one’s special......that one’s Hongjoong’s.” He growls before running off, with Yunho rushing behind him.

“Wooyoung, get Mingi out of here and call Hongjoong to try and warn him in time. Y/N and I are going after them since San is trying to get to the angels and warn them if she can...plus she has her hands full with the henchman.” Yeosang tells him before you and Yeosang are racing after the two men who hold the key to all the angels’ past and present, confidential information.

San was linked into the satellite they had been using to access the angels’ database, not there in time to stop them, but able to copy and document everything they had gotten. That way, they could get to or warn the angels at risk before the information got out if they weren’t able to stop Yunho and Seonghwa. Seemingly clueless to the fact that Jongho was coming up behind her. Only noticing something when he pulls out a knife, the metal reflecting sunlight flooding in from the window in front of her, sending a glare over her laptop screen. 

San noticed and spun to sweep Jongho’s leg, knocking him over in surprise and dropping the knife over the edge of the floor, dropping floors below. She’s quick to close the laptop and secure it in the case, slipping the strap around her form, where it could safely sit on her back. Jongho flips back onto his feet, to find her tying a knot into a rope hanging from one of the beams in the roof. Stopping her from going anywhere, by grabbing her hair and pulling her back so harshly she stumbles back and out of his hold with a yelp. It is a miracle she didn’t crush the laptop, but obvious that Jongho wasn’t going to let her get away without a fight.

San slipping on her gloves, getting an idea. When Jongho surges forward to get her again, she slips between his legs, sliding across the ground and grabbing the rope. It was supposed to be her way down, as the other end was secured to a sandbag. If Jongho didn’t want to let her slip away so easily, though, maybe he’d rather take that trip instead. 

“You really can’t stay still, can you? You’re a real pain.” Jongho frowns, that turning to agitation when San smirks at him.

“Maybe you shouldn’t be so slow.” She taunts back, hoping to get the response she wants of him. Knowing she’d need an opening to be able to get the rope in place. Jongho gives her just that when he turns and kicks, aiming for her face. Only San ducks, the hand with the rope slipping around his foot, before pulling the knot tight as she rolls out of his way. Moving quickly to get on her feet again, jumping up and grabbing onto one of the beams before swinging and kicking full force at Jongho’s chest with both legs. 

Jongho spills over the edge, plummeting stories down. San, bouncing off the edge after him and grabbing the bag as it reaches the top, now having to use Jongho as a counterweight. 

Wooyoung and Mingi, stopping abruptly and shrieking when Jongho is suddenly hanging upside down in front of them before suddenly heading back up where he came from, soon replaced by San. The pair have paled in shock and fear, trembling as they look at San with shaky eyes.

“I don’t know if I’ll be able to join you, girls, on missions anymore.” Wooyoung’s voice is soft as he blinks at San. The whole experience, proving to be far more than he was used to or expecting.

San giggles and kisses his cheek, handing him the laptop bag, “You’re doing amazing, Woo. Take this and warn the other angels, I’m going to help Y/N and Yeosang. I’ll see you soon.”

With that, she runs off, leaving Wooyoung and Mingi to take the laptop and bolt for one of the cars while security was preoccupied with helping Yunho and Seonghwa out. Easily snatching one of their cars, Wooyoung hands Mingi the laptop bag.

“Hold on to that! We have some angels to save.”

Wooyoung pulls up to the carnage remaining at Hongjoong’s house, the whole place gone. He chews on his lip, uncertain where to go now. Until he gets a phone call, answering with furrowed brows.

“I’m sending you an address Wooyoung, meet me there...we’ll have everything we need to help our girls.”

Seonghwa and Yunho closed a door behind them and secured it so that Yeosang and Y/N couldn’t get through. Even as they tried to bust it down, the pair cursed as they can’t get it open, even together.

“Hold on! I’m coming.” San yells, watching the struggle from where she races to meet them, the trio trying again together now. It finally being enough to breach the barrier. The guards, turning along with Yunho and Seonghwa.

Yunho pushed Seonghwa towards the car that had been started right before the angels got through, “I’ll take care of them, just go get your revenge.”

“Yunho’s mine.” You tell the girls, eager to finally be able to pay back the man for the way he’d played you since the beginning of this entire involvement. 

“I’ve got the guards, Yeo you go get Seonghwa,” San tells the other, who quickly snatches a motorcycle from one of the guards, slipping on a helmet and chasing after Seonghwa before anyone can stop her from doing so. Leaving San to handle roughly five guards unless you could finish Yunho quickly and get there to help her.

“Awe, is the little angel angry? That’s too bad.” Yunho jabs, evidently not at all fearful of you or the threat you pose to him, “After I kill you, I’m going to join Seonghwa in taking out each and every angel...painfully.”

“Show me your worst then, tough guy, cause I’m not going down without a fight.” You taunt right back, waiting for him to come closer. Though thrown off as his foot tosses a board up, kicking it in your direction, instead of coming straight for you. It's something you can easily deflect, but it hides Yunho’s form long enough that you aren’t prepared for him to be at you, metal chain in hand, and quickly wrapped around your throat. Leaving you gasping and squirming, barely able to turn around before he presses you against the wall, your hands gripping the metal tightly, trying to pull it off your neck enough to get a breath. 

You’re lucky to get a foot on the wall, using the leverage and walking up the wall to flip over Yunho. The chains now in your hand instead of around your throat. You twist, pulling the chain, and Yunho along with and onto the ground. Hovering over him before landing a hard punch to knock him out, while he was still stunned.

“You okay, San?” You question hearing the sounds stop from the other group, the girl huffing as she flips her hair out of her face with a soft chuckle, before approaching footsteps.

“Yeah, just a normal day on the job. You good too?” She asks, watching you secure Yunho with the chains with a nod. Doing it on the off chance, he regained consciousness before someone came to get him. She laughs at his state, “Was it really necessary to leave a mark like that?”

“Yeah...it was.” You shrug, backing away from him to head towards another motorcycle sitting there and grabbing a helmet, “Come on, let’s go help, Yeo.”

Seonghwa spotted Yeosang in his rearview mirror as he drove away, the latter quickly working to close the gap between the two of them. Seonghwa moving to take a more public road now, weaving in and out of cars hoping Yeosang wouldn't spot one before it could hit her. It didn't matter, though, as she reached his Jeep, jumping off the bike, to grab onto the back of it. Yeosang holds on tightly as Seonghwa made a sudden turn trying to throw her off. Yeosang hanging on long enough to be able to pull herself up and into the back, though. 

Just because Yeosang no longer had to worry about the risk of being flung off the car immediately, didn't mean she had time to catch her breath. She was quick to climb up, punching Seonghwa and trying to gain control over the wheel, though he was not thrown off for long, before shoving her back off him. Yeosang slamming back into the car door on the opposite side. It popped open just as she grabbed the frame of the car to pull herself back in. Shutting the door behind herself, but getting an idea from what had happened. 

Yeosang grabbed the frame of the car, kicking across the center console to throw Seonghwa against the door on his side. It popped open like the other one had his grip on the wheel the only thing keeping him inside until she did it again at least. Seonghwa rolled out of the car as Yeosang hopped into the driver's seat and safely pulled it over and to a stop. You and San, reaching them as Seonghwa pulled himself back up.

"Hongjoong is gone and your base is gone. What can the three of you do to stop me at this point? You're alone and don't have anything." Seonghwa continues to refuse the fact that he didn't stand a chance. Rejecting defeat until the very end. 

The three of you standing, side-by-side in front of him, in the signature angels ass-kicking pose. You shake your head, "You're wrong, Seonghwa. You're the only one here who's alone." 

"Besides, once an angel, always an angel." A voice calls from behind Seonghwa. More angels, currently, and returned surrounding him down, "You picked the wrong fight." 

The three of you looking at each other and smirking, before knocking Seonghwa out while he was distracted. Wooyoung and Mingi driving up, the former immediately jumping out, still frantic.

 "I see you girls got reinforcements. Did I do alright? You're all fine, right?" Wooyoung questions looking over you girls, making you chuckle and nod, to which he breathes a soft sigh of relief.

"What about Hongjoong, is he okay?" Yeosang asks, voicing your worries. Wooyoung smiles, pulling out his phone and clicking the button. 

"Hello, angels. Good work on another successful mission. I think you girls have earned yourselves a vacation... don't get too comfortable though, it's only until you get a new base."

 "Thank you, Hongjoong! We're glad you're okay." 

Wooyoung hangs up, turning back to the car as Mingi flusters and opens the door shyly for Yeosang. His cheeks tinted a bright pink, smiling softly at her as his eyes sparkle.

 "T-Thank you for saving me." Mingi looks her right in the eyes, "M-Maybe I could make it up to you...o-over dinner sometime? U-Unless you're seeing someone?" 

"Yeah." Yeosang smiles, before seeing his face fall and realizing how that sounded, "I-I mean, yeah, I'd love to do dinner or something... I-I'm not seeing anyone."

You and San roll your eyes, laughing softly. Before you finally speak up, "Come on you two, get in the car."

"Yeah, Hongjoong's giving us a vacation, and I want to soak in as much beach time as I can get before we're off again," San adds, Wooyoung rolling his eyes at your antics and getting in the driver's seat once more to drive the whole group of you off. 

The vacation on Hongjoong this time, it being the least he could do to take care of his angels.

[winterknight1087]

Flower from the Fae (ch 1)

Chapter Title: Mushrooms Were Not the Plant I Was Looking For

Summary: Virgil likes plants, but when he goes to investigate a plant his friend Remy tells him about, he doesn’t exactly check out the plant. Little does he know that the handsome man he meets there is a fairy who is about to challenge the world Virgil knows.

Word Count: 1647

Chapter Warnings: cursing, poisonous mushrooms (no harm from though), death mention, anxiety attack, sympathetic deceit

Pairings: Eventual Romantic LAMP; Analogical

AO3 Link     My Writing

A/N: Yeah, I’m not sure how this one happened, but writing this story has been fun. I have a couple other chapters in need of editing, so if you like this bit, be prepared for Virgil and Pat’s interaction. 

Bzzt.

[Trenta4Sandman]: So? New trend or stale coffee? [sent at 1642]

Virgil rolled his eyes at the message before responding.

[Anx’sWitch]: you literally told me less than five min ago. I can’t just Apparate like you when you run out of coffee. [sent at 1643]

[Trenta4Sandman]: bitch u aint tryin hard enough then [sent at 1643]

[Anx’sWitch]: y don’t u go flirt w/ ur SO? [sent at 1644]

[HissHissMFs]: plz. I can’t concentrate on my work with u blowing my phone up. [sent at 1645]

The purple-haired man sighed as he pocketed his phone. There were more vibrations, telling him that the conversation was far from over, but he knew it wasn’t anything important. Remy and Dee could go back and forth for hours about nothing. Virgil could always check his phone later and see which he needed to visit later. Right now, he really only cared about finding the plant Remy told him about and seeing if it were something worth his time.

Of course, the hill Remy told him the plant was located on was almost three miles from the center of town. How he even stumbled upon it was beyond Virgil, not that he would bother questioning it either. What Virgil did know was that of his friend group, Remy had the best eye for finding him new and often times endangered plants. So, he struggled out of his house and on this disgusting walk to see whatever plant it was that Remy had seen.

The top of the hill had a giant sequoia tree, tall grass, and mushrooms. Virgil set his bag down under the tree before beginning to look over the plants, reveling in the silence. First, he looked at the mushrooms, duly noting that they appeared to be a poisonous species. Next, he started looking intently at the grass.

“How peculiar. Rare to find someone so intent on staring at grass.” A voice commented.

Terror ran through Virgil, but he pushed it deep down as he turned to look. Oh, great. There goes his poor little gay heart, he supposed. The voice belonged to some other-worldly man. He had well-kept black hair so dark it almost shone a dark blue. The eyes behind rectangular glasses were a brilliant blue that put even Virgil’s prized Black and Blue Sage plants to shame.

Remy is going to lose his shit when he finds out I died because I was too gay. Virgil thought dully.

“I apologize. I appear to have startled you.” The man commented.

“I…uhh…it’s… umm… well…”

The man raised an eyebrow to the gay mess. “Very eloquently put.”

“I… uhh… sorry… anxiety…” and you are too hot to be talking to me.

The man simply nodded. “I apologize again then. Do you require any assistance in lowering your adrenaline levels?”

What. “Ah, no, it’s alright… I’ll get over it.”

The man tilted his head looking over the scene of the poor man’s to-be death scene. “You appear to be searching for something. Might I inquire what you are searching for? I may be of some help in locating it.”

He really is trying to kill me; hot and nice? “Well… uh… a friend told me he… well, you’ll think it’s weird. I mean most people think I’m weird in general so that isn’t saying anything. It’s just not what most people would expect someone like me to be doing with their life, you know? Most people just don’t understand that it works and I enjoy it you know? But I can’t really blame them for thinking it’s weird.”

The man watched as Virgil began to spiral before kneeling and telling him to follow his breathing. He had never had to deal with what the other was undergoing, but he did enjoy research and anxiety was such a common thing among the human population that it was just a useful thing to understand. For that, he was glad as he helped the man control his breathing.

“Now, let’s try this again, without the down-spiral.” He commented to the purple-haired man. “Would you like me to help you find whatever it is you are looking for? If so, what would it be?”

“Well, my friend told me that there was a rare plant up here. Something with purple flowers.” Virgil answered awkwardly. “I’m a botanist who studies plants and from his description of it, it sounds to be an endangered plant.”

The man pursed his lips, thinking. Of course, he knew exactly which plant the human was speaking about, it was only a few feet from his hand. Yet, did he trust this random human not to harm one of the few of its species? Humans usually aren’t interested in plants just for the plants. Yet, this one did not appear to be lying to him. He’d heard of these botanists before, but this was his first meeting with one.

“Pardon this question, as I am not fully aware of what botanists do. What do you plan to do with it, if it is what you think it to be?”

“Oh… umm… well, first I tend to study new plants in their native environment. If it is the one I believe it to be, I would begin a process with the government to bring the specimen back to my greenhouse for conservation efforts where I can control threats, maintain a healthy environment, and breed it with other specimens. Botanists study plants and most attempt to promote their health.”

“So if you find this plant, it’ll be safe?”

“Great, you’re hot, kind, and care for plants,” Virgil muttered, to which the other man decided to pretend he did not hear, though he couldn’t stop the tint to his cheeks. “Yes, I do my best to ensure the safety and survival.”

The man still looked uncertain, and Virgil realized just how much this man seemed to care about the plant they were discussing. He thought before moving over to his bag to pull out his gloves. The man watched, now curious as to what the human was doing as Virgil moved towards a small bunch of mushrooms.

“Here, I can show you what it is I do,” Virgil said, with a fake confidence that he only had in his knowledge.

The other considered this before moving over. He glanced at the mushrooms, knowing exactly what type they were before looking at the human. Virgil nodded as he carefully maneuvered the fungi, double-checking what he had observed earlier.

“There are roughly four kinds of fungi here. These two are an invasive species that appear to be losing the battle for water, so they are less interesting for this partial study. My assumption is that a bird or another animal accidentally transported these here from their normal habitats. They are not remotely endangered, so I am content to let nature do what it will with them. These salmon pink ones are called marasius oreades or the Scotch bonnet. They are relatively safe and edible. These are traditionally arranged in a large circle and are the most commonly associated mushroom with the fairy circle folklore. On the other hand, these ones here are clitocybe rivulosa, or fool’s funnel, which are poisonous due to having deadly levels of muscarine.”

The other man sat there listening as Virgil went on one of his normal plant tangents, finding it easy to do so with the curious but intent look in the other’s eyes. Oh yes, Remy is going to lose it when he finds out later. Virgil found himself talking about the various mushrooms, one plant he really hasn’t been interested in before, while the man beside him began to ask different questions.

Neither was aware of the sun slowly setting until it became a bit too dark. If there’d been more light, the other would have noticed the blush on each cheek, but they pretended not to feel the flames on their faces.

“I apologize for taking so much of your time. I had intended to show you the plant I believe you to be looking for, but I became enthralled in your knowledge.” The man commented.

Stop being a useless gay mess, Virgil! “No, no. I should be the one apologizing. You probably weren’t looking for a long lecture on plants, much less on mushrooms of all things.”

“While I admit that it was not what I had intended on doing today, it was pleasurable listening to your knowledge.” The man paused before deciding on something. “I can tell you that if you come back before sunrise, you will be able to find the plant easily. One of my partners will probably be here as well if you would like to meet him. I am sure he will be thrilled to meet you… uh?”

“Oh… sorry. You can just call me Anx, he/him pronouns. Everyone does.” Virgil answered.

There is no way this human already knows who he was dealing with… was there? “Well, people refer to me as Logic, though my partners call me Lo.”

“Do you have a preference?”

The man looked over the purple-haired man. “You can call me Lo if you wish.”

“And do you have pronoun preferences? I forgot to ask earlier.”

“I am not particular. He/him work well enough.”

“Well, Lo. It was a pleasure to meet you.” Virgil said, with a small smile.

“Pleasure to meet your acquaintance as well, Anx.”

Virgil went to pick up his bag and turned back to ask if Lo wanted to walk back to town with him. Yet, the man was gone, without a sound to announce his departure. That took Virgil aback, but he did basically say goodbye, so maybe the other took it as his queue to leave. Oh well. Virgil pulled out his phone and saw that he had over two hundred messages, meaning Remy and Dee had really gotten into their fight.

Next Chapter

[fishfamau]

“Truly splendid... I recall these memories often, as a sweet sentiment whenever I think of the times when they were small- so small, they could fit easily within my palms..” Jack seemed to ease himself and curl his body, his expression melting to a daydreamy state, soft and content with his thoughts as he looked elsewhere; elsewhere towards where his kids were tussling and toying with eachother, maneuvering and chasing eachother through the thick greens that swayed ever so slightly with the gentle currents, their playful laughter just on his range of hearing.

“It was awhile ago, yes.. I was in the dark depths of which I solemnly called ‘home’ at the time; minding my own business, watching out for anything I could get my hands on to eat, blending in perfectly...” his dreamy grin faltered, a soft frown of concern replacing it, “..thats when I noticed something.”

“Something... slowly sinking down from the lighter depths above me just a bit away- it was small, so.. so very small. Small but bright..” He brought a long claw up to his face, as if hiding his lips as he thought about it. “So I decided to investigate it.. leaving my previous thoughts of food and lonely content behind.”  “As I came upon it, I felt the need to be very careful- so I was. Instead of grabbing the small form, I rather let it drift down into an outstretch hand of mine, letting the frail thing settle before I realized what it seemed to be.”

“Not a normal, brightly colored fish from the surface safe shallows and coral strands, but another Mer, you could say. So tiny, frail... but somehow alive. “Now.. it’d been forever since i’d seen another Mer- let alone a newly born one- I barely recall any of any age actually.. barely and blurry about my own kin.. until that day, and that little baby caught my eyes..”

“The little one may have been alive, by some miracle, but he was not doing very well at the depth he had drifted down into... so I ventured to a safer pressure for him- more alike to the soft and green safe shallows that you see us in now.” “I came to a simple rock standing, with a lushness upon it, softly swaying greens and small fish crowding around a hole in its lower side until I came passing by.. they all scattered, as they usually do.” “I was careful, holding the little one in my hands before I was at a less pressured area.. to which I curled amongst the soft greens and opened my hands to inspect the child.” “He was much smaller than I initially realized.. his colors bright but still pale from being so... n e w..” “And despite the pressure that had gotten to him and the slow currents that had brought him, im assuming, far from home.. his true parents.. he seemed healthy. There was a slight bump on his head, to which I think he may have had a tumble or a small accident before the pressure had anything to do with him, but no damage otherwise. Which.. I was a tad surprised in- he was so eye-catching that I was shocked nothing had tried to eat him yet...” “I kept him comfy and safe until he started to come to, breathing much better than he had in the depths...” “Poor little thing... he didnt seem scared by the sight of me, instead overtly curious..” “When he was finally awake, moving, and seeming all around alright, I tried asking him a few things, hoping he was at least old enough to speak- he was so small, or maybe me so large, that I couldn’t quiet tell...” “So..little one.” “Yeah?” He squeaked, adorably curious. “Do you happen to have a name? I’d much rather call you something other than just ‘little one’...” The small, orange scaled baby thought for a moment, “Uuh..” before blinking at him with big blue eyes, “Nuh-uh! I dunno...” he hugged himself alittle, looking down at his tail, “All I remember was following something.. and then everything going dark!” He peeked up at Jack once again, looking sort of excited, “And then waking up to you!!  I like your nose,,” he babbled slightly, looking shy as Jack inspected him once again for just moment before catching that last bit, and smiling just slightly.. it’d been so long, forever even, since he’d smiled.  “Well, you’ve proven yourself to be rather miraculous, with such a will to live and survive... will..” Jack paused slightly, blinking in thought as the child curled in his hands finally made himself get up and childishly swim up to his face, hands on the tip of his long nose, looking at him with such curiosity it almost seemed too innocent. “..Hm..” “Hm?” the little one mimicked him, which made him chuckle softly. “..How about I call you Will..? I think it suits you quite nicely...” Jack spoke softly now that he was so close. The child thought for a moment, pursing his small lips as he did, “Hmmm...hm! Okay!!” he squeaked, seeming excited, “I’m Will!” He greeted, to which Jack softly laughed and took the small baby off his nose and back into his hands to rest, “Its very nice to meet you, Will..” “Do you have a name?” Jack paused slightly, having to think to recall what he had named himself so long ago.. “..Jack.” “Hi Jack!” “Hello Will,” “Hey Jack?” “..Yes?” “...Can I call you Dad?”  Jack’s old heart swelled at the memory, sighing ever so slightly in content. It was that day, that moment, that he decided to claim little Will as his own. To be the parent he himself never had when he was younger... Jack hadn’t a clue where Will’s original parents were, or from where he had drifted in from on the currents, but he noticed that the little squabbling bundle in his claws didnt seem in the slightest worried about it, or even recall his real parents from that little bump- which made him think that perhaps his parents hadn’t paid nearly enough attention to him to notice he had gone and hurt himself and drifted to who knows where. It was from then on that he decided to roam far out of the depths to find a far better, shallower area for Will’s comfort to raise him. He denounced his usual antics of boat-tipping and volcanic vent scavenging to care the little scamp until he was just a smidge older to be left alone while he slept somewhere safe. It was a year or two later when he was moving spots again with Will safely tucked in his hair by his shoulder. Their previous living spot had been compromised when a number of divers had invaded the area for who knows why or what, and Jack had noticed a number of them capturing small fish of the variety and bringing them up to the surface on a boat. Not wishing to be seen, or to have Will wonder off and be scooped up and potentially lost forever, Jack decided to move elsewhere- to thicker greens and somewhere less people would be likely to swim or dive in search for things that dont belong to them. It was during this time, that late during one dark afternoon as he was scanning areas and trying to find a good place to settle for the night that he overheard something.. it caught his attention so much that he had to pause, and just float there as he listened for it again. It wasn’t the current moving passed his ears, or Will stirring in his sleep by his shoulder, or any late night fauna... it sounded like... crying. A small, delicate crying, somewhere in the lush that he couldn’t quite see yet. He tread carefully, swimming along slowly as not to miss anything as he did his best to locate who or what was crying... And when he did, it surprised him. In front of him lay in a tight curl on a mossy rock hidden by slow swaying sea grass was a small, quivering form that seemed to be crying in her sleep. She looked skinny in the rib area, and deathly pale.. He hesitated only slightly, but couldn’t stop himself from ever so gently picking up the small form, to which he truly realized she was trembling- and said trembling only grew worse when she stirred from her painful slumber and looked up at him with a fear he knew quite well... a fear he knew personally. 

The look of fear in her crying eyes made something in his chest grow cold- like a horrid feeling washing over him. He knew how it felt to be scared and alone, small and against everything.. not knowing what to do.  Jack gave her a small, friendly but sad smile to show he meant no harm, and even did his best to delicately rub her would-be tear stained cheeks (if they weren’t underwater already). 

Jack softly cooed and consoled the small baby best he could, her soft crying subsiding into hiccups here and there; she leaned into his touch and seemed to calm just a tad, enough for him to move her just slightly so he could better settle on the space he had found her. 

Looking down upon the new child in his hands, he calmed her just enough to ask her some things as well; just as Will popped out from Jack’s shoulder behind his hair to look at what was happening, his curiosity getting the better of him.  “..you’re alright, little one.. I promise,” he cooed softly, watching as she rigidly relaxed after a moment, sniffling and hugging his other hand. “I wont hurt you..” “..Can you speak?” He asked carefully, to which she nodded, rubbing her other eye, red and raw from all her crying that she’s been doing for who knows how long now. “Do you happen to have a name that I could call you..?” “..J..Jade.. Jadeth..” she stammered slightly, still calming down from her crying, a small hiccup ensuing directly after. “That’s a lovely name, Jadeth..”, he hummed slightly, “Would it be alright if I called you Jade?” to which she nodded and sniffled. “..May I ask why are you out here alone? Its dangerous and dark out here for you to be alone..” “..I,, I was. thrown.. I-I don t  kno w... where I am,, or what I am,, ?” This grabbed Jack’s attention further, especially when she looked up at him with big, scared pale blue eyes; “..W..what am I?” His lips pursed at this question, so he inspected her just a tad. Other than skinny from lack of food, deathly pale, and a tad scarred up from.. something.. she seemed okay. “A small child?” “N-no,, wh a t  am I?” she gestured to her tail- orca and or shark in features and orca-esque in color. “I,, I wasn t this,,  b-before..” she started crying alittle once again, to which Jack reacted by shushing her carefully and rubbing her cheek again lovingly.  “What do you mean by that, dear..?” “..I was.. h uman..? but then something,, h-happened,,, I don t know what,,” she sobbed alittle, hiding her chest as he realized a fresh, dark pink (as if trouble healing) small scar was across it lightly. As if something or someone had tried to slash and pin her. “She ch-changed me,, did something t-to me... an d he brought me here.. and threw m-me? O-off the dock,,?” She furrowed her brows and cuddled herself hard onto his hand, as if desperate to hide. “W-water.. hurt.. at first.. but everything is so.. d-dark.. s-scary..” she mumbled and hid her face in his other hand, which he didn’t mind at all. The way her head moved when she wasn’t hiding it gave him the impression she was very tired, possibly even disoriented; and the fact her ribs her showing and the slight grumble from her stomach made his deduce that she may be starving as well. “..Jade?” “y,,y -yeah?” she hiccuped slightly once again. “..Would you like to stay with me..? and Will?” he asked carefully, even though he probably would have claimed her regardless of her answer. It was now that she had noticed Will peeking at her with curiosity in his blue eyes from behind Jack’s shoulder, and as soon as she locked eyes with him, he crawled out from his hiding spot and settled in front of her in Jack’s hand. She was silent, confused, but watched him as Will spread a big smile and waved at her, “Hi!!” “,,H,,h-hi..” “I’m Will..” he said shyly, inching closer to her while she stayed statue still. He touched his index fingers together and smiled shyly, “U-um.. dont be scared!” He looked confident again, “Dad’ll take care of ya! And me too!” He tried to give his best protective posture, trying to make her smile and or feel better- “We’ll keep you safe,,” he pushed softly, getting alittle closer and holding out his hands to her. Jade watched him, before calming alittle more and hesitantly reaching out, holding onto one of the hands he held out to her with her own. “O,,okay..” she nodded slightly, coming out of her shell just a tad.  And that night was the night Jack gained a second child, and immediately got to work getting her fed and properly rested (which Will helped too, to the best of his smol babby abilities.) If he can try his best to be the parent he never had to one child, than why not two? Jade’s small, scared form reminded him of himself when he was small.. almost painfully so. He couldn’t just leave her, so why not love her like his own instead...

[plasma-paints]

The Detectives Office: Items of Interest

(This is mostly going to be an information dump, feel free to use any ideas from it to fuel your own theories, but some of this took literal hours to decipher, please be nice and give some credit... Or don’t I don’t control you *Shrugs* )

I’ve been going over every inch of the detectives office with a fine toothed comb the last couple days. Taking note of literally anything that could be remotely significant to the plot, or some of the mystery still surrounding WKM.

Honesty, I don’t know what in the world the detective was trying to accomplish. None. Nil. Zit. There is such a mess of evidence it seems like this could be several cases worth of evidence, or I’m missing a piece still that connects everything together.

Alright, I’ll start with the piece I have the most information on: The map on the detectives desk:

Or better yet, here’s the original without the million scribbles. (Although, some of those scribbles will be important in a minute.)

As the titles says, it’s a map of LA, but the circles on it are focused around locations of a murder mystery author’s novels and movies. There are a lot of maps of LA, why teamiplier decided to use this one may just be it’s simple nature, but theorizing never keeps things simple. So why this map when there are so many maps of LA? This is a slightly warped map of LA, it’s technically fictional, but this may be a clue to the universe we’re in. This slightly warped version of LA is commonly referred to as Richard Chandler’s Los Angeles.

Next is the scribbles on the map. (Told you I’d get to those.) The rough scrawl in the top corner says: “Unlikely but maybe worth spreading the force out to search,” next to a circled section of Hollywood. Now, Mark Fischback is supposed to be an actor in this universe so him living in Hollywood would in fact make sense, thus searching the area for his missing corpse would also be a logical progression. This despite the actual filming location being 82km (51 Miles) from Hollywood. 

The second point of interest on the map is one of the points of interest circled in the bottom right hand corner of the map. It’s circled with several arrows pointing to it, might just mean that it has some significance. This location, through finding a higher resolution map then the one above, I figured out to be the LA Athletic’s Club, which was Los Angeles’ first private club. The club was founded in 1880 and has been a go to place for many prestigious figures in the city. 

The next biggest clue, or at least the one I’ve been able to do the most theorizing on is The opened envelope and (Y/n)’s sealed invitation. 

First thing: they both share a seal, a very specific seal, an official seal. (It says right on the seal itself actually.)

Official Seal: The name that is given to the imprint or seal that is placed on an official document by the public official.

Now what makes this interesting is that there are two public servants in attendance to the party: The Mayor, and (Y/n). (The detective is a private investigator so he doesn’t count.)

Now, while the red envelope (tan in video) of course could have been an official document, an party invitation is certainly not. Nor should Mark, an actor, have access to official ones, we can assume there supposed to be real, due to the one being present on the envelope. (Unofficial ones can be purchased online). 

Now, there’s the new paper articles referring to Mark and The Mayor being involved in Shady business. (Note: They never refer to the mayor by name, only title so no confirmation it’s Damien.) (Y/n)’s ‘invite’ says they are a district attorney, an alternate name for this appointed occupation is ‘State Prosecutor’, and is the chief law enforcement officer and top prosecutor of that state's jurisdiction. In simple terms, they have a lot of power in the law community.  

(Y/n) takes a sealed envelope to a party disguised as an invitation, handing it to the butler, who also never opens it, as it’s still sealed on the detective’s desk. As well, the butler leaves promptly afterwards to ‘fetch you a drink’, despite Colonel William entering right behind you, is there a specific reason for him not needing an invitation as well? Perhaps that there were no formal invitations, as this is a gathering of 6 people after all. My conclusion is that you, being friends with both the defendants in a high publicity case, tried to assist them.

(Also quick note on the whole illegal activity: If the butler did just casually have cocaine around to mix you a ‘seltzer and cocaine’ the shady business may be drug trafficking, I’ve thought this since the first episode was released.)

Third thing that I spent a while considering, all of the images in the room are of individuals we know from within WKM except three. 

1) The man in the “safari hunt gone wrong” front page story:

2) The man in this shredded article:

3) Finally, Detectives and Damien in the corner:

Note: The first two are clearly newspapers while the third appears to be a magazine due to the glossy paper and barcode. 

Now, how in the world do we connect them to anything in the plot of WKM, I’ve got some vague connections, but nothing solid. It’s hard to base anything around a single blurry photograph, but I still have ideas.

1) Notice the clothing, it was expected that we were likely to assume this was/is Colonel William, but the build, nor the ethnicity match. As well, unlike The Colonel, this man is not military as there are no indications of rank on his clothing (or is the lowest rank officer E-1 Private). Although, it is referred to in the detective’s investigations that The Colonel does have charges laid against him for, or at least accused of, poaching, murder, and resisting arrest. Also again with the official seal, not that it should be placed directly on a legal document...

2) Two notes: The suit, and the post-it note. The suit would imply higher status perhaps, or even to stretch the idea, an associate of the mayor. The note implying that the detective could not find any information on him, but also gave no indication as to why he was involved in this case at all. 

3) The men in that image can be seen in the same picture sitting on the ledge that’s torn to pieces, the Damien with his cane as well. “Celebrity Actor in Cahoots with beloved Mayor” Also the post-it note “Ulterior motives” is pinned to the bottom of the image.

A character name mentioned that has not been referred to at all appearing in one of the news papers on the wall:

In the bottom right hand corner of the article, where the page appears to have been burnt as though someone was trying to eliminate the evidence, is the mention of the name ‘Mina’. “Mina also said” and then the rest is burnt. Mina could be the CPD spokesman, but Mina is not referred to by name earlier, so saying ‘also said’ is confusing.

The odd focus on this Polish monarchy’s blood line in this image:

No, but really, there is NOTHING else in this image that is in focus enough to read, and all of the photo’s are information we already had access to. Why the polish monarchy of all things? 

The charge lists for each guest:

The Chef: Charges covered, 4 listed. The Butler: Public Nudity. The Colonel: Charges include: 1 Resisting Arrest, 6 poaching, 1 murder. (List is burnt there may be more.) The Seer: Thief (and something long I can’t make out) The Detective: None. Mayor Damien: 1 account including the name Meyers- Charge scribbled out.

Other odd things to note: 

-The inclusion of mugshot like photo’s of every guest and staff member -The times the mayor visited Markiplier Manor -The orange/yellow note on the desk with the tic-tac-toe game on it (If anyone can make that out it would be greatly appreciated) -The repetition of words on many papers (Is the detective crazy, was this Mark? Seriously why do that? Other then for dramatic effect.) -The writing on the post-it note that says “who had eyes on the chef between 11pm- 3am?” is in a different hand writing then the other post-it notes. (Note: The detectives writing of W’s is curvy) -The note saying “Spotted Mark in Study @ 5pm (Last Seen?)” Can’t be related to murder, as he was seen at 7pm and onwards.  -”What’s a let’s play” note as well as dabbing post-it note (This Mark is not a Youtuber, and this seems to be set before that craze) -”Call me and number”  -”Missing Undies” note posted over chef’s accusations. 

That is everything I’ve found so far in the detective’s little nook. Good luck coming up with something explaining all of it, I feel like there are a lot of discrepancies.

[mycasandstarrs]

SPN 4x21: “When the Levee Breaks”

Better go find a nearby cliff to jump off of after I finish watching this episode.

Red light on Sam v white light on Dean. Nice.

This is denial at it’s finest.

(Very irrelevant question here, but how did they make it so Sam couldn’t just open the door from the inside?)

Sam completely forgot that the panic room could ward off ghosts, hence this wouldn’t be possible...

Part 1: Alastair.

I’m not meta-intelligent enough to figure out why he would appear as one of Sam’s hallucinations.

Bobby!! omg, I missed him so much.

“Suck dirt and die, Rufus.” lmao

Rufus probably telling Bobby to check out the news.

Part 2: Younger Sammy

Facing your younger self after becoming something you never wanted to be is very difficult.

If I had to face Younger Me, I’d be afraid of it going about as “well” as this.

Seals are breaking left and right.

“Where the hell are your angel pals?” More like angle “pal”...well actually, it’d still be plural because of Cas *and* Anna.

Bobby suggesting they let Sam use his powers to stop Lilith, oh dear.

“I love that boy like a son. All I’m saying is maybe he’s here right now instead of on the battlefield because we love him too much.” *cries*

Sam is really going through it.

Part 3: Mary.

So she’s the “if she did a terrible/shady decision, in the name of saving a loved one, so can I.” part of Sam.

I h i g h l y doubt real!Mary would react like this??

Sam is just feeding himself lies, good lord.

(Sam’s interpretation of Mary always somehow leans to “you’re my favorite son, not Dean.”)

Dean and Cas time?

Dean and Cas time!!!

He’d been praying for 2 and a half hours!! And it shows, good lord his voice is hoarse.

“Well, nothing of import.” lmao. I gotta start saying that.

There’s an urgency in Cas’ “I can’t”, and it's the most genuine he’s been so far.

“Consuming the amount of blood it would take to kill Lilith would change your brother forever. Most likely, he would become the next creature that you would feel compelled to kill.” g o d n o.

“There’s no reason this would have to come to pass, Dean.” I’m just now noticing how...lowkey manipulative that sounds. Cas is playing Dean’s biggest card: protecting Sam.

“We believe it’s you, Dean, not your brother.”

“You are the one who will stop it.”

(I’ve seen too many movies/read too many stories to know if someone is told that they’re the “only one”, it’s most likely bull.)

Dean willing to bear the full responsibility of preventing the Apocalypse just so Sam can be protected.

“God, you’re a dick these days.” “these days” So in the past days, he was getting better?

Cas looks like he’s screaming internally at Dean to NOT DO THIS.

The camera stays on Cas and Dean just...looking at each other for 11 seconds. I fucking counted it.

“Correct me if I’m wrong, but you willingly signed up to be the angels’ bitch? I’m sorry. You prefer ‘sucker’?” lmao I love Bobby.

“Shady politicians from planet Vulcan.” That’s actually a great description of most angels (minus Cas, of course.)

0 to 100 real fucking quick.

Dean being so affected by seeing Sam in pain, that he zoned out and Bobby had to snap him out of it.

Part 4: Dean.

The brother Sam failed.

The conversation Bobby and Dean are having is breaking my damn heart, and we’re not even at the most brutal part of the episode.

Hallucination!Dean calling Sam a monster.

Real Dean willing to die for Sam again as long as Sam can stay human.

Of all his hallucinations, Sam is most affected by Dean.

I was beginning to question how Sam even got out of there...and now I’m being shown.

C A S W H Y

Awww at Bobby and Dean sleeping. The one moment of peace they get in the episode.

Cas actually looks guilty.

At least Cas’ first words to Anna were a fair (albeit vague) warning.

Anna is just shaming him, lol.

:( Anna’s been caught.

See you next season, Anna.

AAnnndd now Cas feels even more like shit.

I love how Bobby opted for a shotgun, bc it wouldn’t necessarily kill Sam (it’d just hurt very much). And he STILL can’t hurt Sam.

Sam becoming his own version of the “shoot me” vine in the saddest way possible.

We have back to back moments of Team Free Will members doing something terrible and feeling more like shit than they already do.

Did Sam take the Impala? How long was Bobby out there before either Dean woke up to the sound of the car and went outside to investigate or Bobby woke up on his own and ran inside to alert Dean of what happened.

Fuck yeah, Dean, go kill Ruby please. (Even though i know you won’t yet but still.)

So did Sam keep hallucinating or did they end with Dean?

(Also, I was convinced that Ruby withheld demon blood on purpose. Any other time Sam has called Ruby to come to him, she’s there almost immediately. But the time that Sam urgently needs her, she stays away...but then I thought that maybe she did arrive to Sam’s location, and saw that he was with Dean and didn’t dare approach. She might’ve followed Sam throughout that entire episode and found that there was never a window of opportunity to approach him, without risk of getting caught. Then Sam got taken to Bobby’s and it was game over for her, so she had to lie low until she heard from Sam again.)

Ah ok, so my attempt at explaining unseen things kinda went out the window: Ruby was looking for Lilith the whole time, aka three weeks.

(Which would actually kinda confirm my half suspicion that she purposely withheld blood from Sam. Ruby’s so manipulative, there’s no way of telling what’s true until it’s too late.)

“I’m sorry you’re hurting. Really.” Ooohhhh, what a manipulation.

Ruby’s tone and micro-expression when she says “I mean, he knows you better than anyone.” seem to suggest that she wanted Sam to say she knows him better.

Oh, don’t pretend to feel sad about Sam and Dean falling out.

It’s so sick and twisted that Ruby got Sam addicted to her blood. She was most likely the first demon he drank blood from.

Dean knows Sam so well, even when Sam is trying his hardest to throw him off.

Oh, they definitely had sex again.

Ruby does a good job hiding her excitement at getting closer to the final seal, everything she’s been working for.

Lilith’s personal chef.

NO ONE IN THEIR NORMAL MIND WOULD CALL A BABY “DELICIOUS”

How many times did Ruby have to tell Sam that it was “okay” to drink demon blood before he could do it?

YOU ARE NOT SORRY, STOP LYING.

“When this is all over, I hope we can fix things.”

Ruby looks...unhappy about Sam still wanting to patch things up with Dean. Like, she almost fully has him, but there’s one strand still attached to Dean and she wants to cut it.

“It’s gotta be about  bringing him back, not pushing him away.” Yeah, let’s see how long that lasts until it goes to shit.

Bobby is everything as a father than John never was.

OOHHH KILL HER DEAN (even tho I know it won’t happen in this episode but stillll)

Damn it, Sam.

I feel like Dean had genuine intentions to just talk to Sam...but then he saw Ruby, the one responsible for Sam’s demon blood addiction, and just completely threw it out of the window.

That, and the fact that Sam let Ruby go.

OOHHH Dean is confirming my half suspicion about Ruby purposely holding out demon blood from Sam.

Ahhh ok. Sam just tossed aside Ruby’s knife so they could talk, hence how Dean has possession of it in the next episode.

Sam playing the “team work” card at Dean.

Sam and Dean’s “I’m the one who’s gonna stop Lilith” “no, it’s me!” discussion. 

How come Sam and Dean didn’t question the fact that they were being told by the opposite ends of the spectrum that they were the “one”? (Actually, I can answer my own question: they were to busy worrying about each other and justifying making their decision as doing it for the other brother to protect them, etc...)

Sam pulls the “Dean’s not strong enough” to DEAN HIMSELF. I now realize this is Sam's “good reason” for doing the shit he’s been doing, but it comes off so terrible and disrespectful and flat out ignorant.

That little moment where Sam almost loses his temper on Dean, then catches himself and is honestly so scary.

I understand Sam’s need to be independent, make his own choices, and to have Dean trust him as much as he trusts Dean. I sympathize with Sam wanting to lead every now and then...but not like this, Sam.Would anyone trust a strung out addict that is being manipulated and puppeted by an untrustworthy person (demon, in this case)?

Oh god no, here it comes.

Dean pls. Dean you don’t hAVE TO NOOOOOOOOOOOO

That shot of Sam as we see him as a potential monster...he’s almost unrecognizable.

And with that, the Winchester blow out fight begins.

JESUS CHRIST SAM NOOOO

LOOK, AT WORST I LIKE TO THINK DEAN WAS JUST GONNA BEAT THE SHIT OUT OF SAM ENOUGH TO KNOCK HIM OUT THEN DRAG HIS ASS BACK TO BOBBY’S

BUT SAM ACTUALLY ALMOST WENT IN FOR THE KILL, JESUS

“You don’t know me. You never did, and you never will.”

“You walk out that door, don’t you ever come back.”

Friendly reminder that if Cas hadn’t interfered and told Dean the truth, and if Cas hadn’t sacrificed his life to get Dean to Sam, that could have been Sam and Dean’s last interaction, period.

[qoslinqs]

Untouchable (Chapter 4)

Tony Stark: genius, crime syndicate leader, billionaire, and stolen art collector.

A man who was many things.

Now, he was a criminal informant too.

OR: An alternate universe where Tony Stark is the head of a major crime family in Manhattan and gets caught.

.°•.° .°° .°•.°

Pairing: Steven Rogers/Anthony Stark (STONY)

Rating: PG-13

Warnings for this chapter: None

Word count:  4000 something (~15-20 minutes)

Author’s Note at the end of the chapter.

       Immediately after leaving the bar and informing the surveillance team of what had transpired, Anthony Stark found the nearest bathroom. It was a grimy restroom; it looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in over a year. He cringed at the dirt on the tiles, but set aside his disgust. He needed this private time. He glanced underneath the stalls, noticed more filth but no shoes, and walked into the farthest one. Grabbing a paper toilet cover, he placed it down and sat on the seat with his pants on. Even though the restroom was disgusting, he needed this. He needed a moment to himself to breathe.

       You’re alive! he told himself. Despite nursing a few drinks, Tony’s hands trembled and his heart felt like it was trying to break out of his chest. He held his head in his hands as he breathed quietly, attempting to calm himself down. Staring at the discolored floor tiles, he counted each stain in his head until he was interrupted by a knock on the stall door.

       “Someone’s in here,” Tony shouted as he looked at the stall door, “There are three other stalls!”

       “Come out,” a stern voice replied in a hushed voice. Instantly, Tony recognized it as Agent Barnes. He opened the door slightly to peek out at the speaker to make sure his assumptions were correct, and once proving himself right, stepped out of the stall.

       Barnes pressed a finger to his lips and shushed Tony before he could speak. Going to the restroom entrance, he locked the door. Then, he turned on the sink faucets and gestured for the criminal to turn off his wiretapped watch.

       Tony tilted his head and mouthed, “Why?”

       Not providing a reason, the agent grabbed Tony’s wrist and turned the watch off.

       “Rogers’ orders,” Barnes began, “Don’t talk too loudly. Understand?”

       Stark nodded and asked, “What are you doing here? Thought I was supposed to be…”

       He trailed off, realizing that it was best if he left the words unsaid. Even if the water was running and his watch was off, there always could be a chance that they were being watched.

       “Because I need to be here,” the man responded bluntly.

       Agent Barnes continued, “Aldrich Killian.”

       Confused, Tony’s eyebrows furrowed together. Why would he say that name? Then, he made the connection. He would be setting Aldrich Killian up with Black Widow.

       “We’re actually going to--”

       “It’s for the better, Stark.”

       “What do you mean, ‘for the better?’ Since when was murder ever the better option?”

       “Lower your voice,” the agent shot back angrily. Despite the fact that he took the necessary precautions, it was still dangerous to state their plans. “He’s a monster. Killian has done more than just steal artwork. You know what he’s done and is capable of-- we know he tried to partner with you in the past. If anything, see it as a favor. Your company will be unrivaled with its main competitor out of the way.”

       “Did Rogers say this was happening?”

       Condescendingly, Barnes replied, “Why else would I be telling you this?”

       Tony stood conflicted as Agent Barnes shut off the faucets and unlocked the bathroom. Exiting the public restroom, he reminded Stark to turn on his watch by tapping his wrist.

       Tony left the restroom shortly after Agent Barnes departed with his watch turned on. He made his way to a Russian restaurant and ordered lunch. Making a quick note of his surroundings, the brunet noticed Agent Maximoff eating lunch in the outdoor section of the restaurant; she was most likely watching over him. A small sigh of relief escaped his lips as he ate his meal and let himself get lost in thought.

       Long ago, Anthony Stark had met a man named Aldrich Killian, who was the CEO of Advanced Idea Mechanics (A.I.M.). Killian tried to recruit Stark as an investor in his company and underground activities. Publicly, the partnership would involve funding A.I.M. for research on creating superhuman soldiers through implants and body modifications. Behind closed doors, Tony would be providing money for human trafficking rings and other illicit activities. Unfortunately for Aldrich, the Stark Industries CEO drew a fine line with his business practices in both the criminal and legal realms. Tony Stark was the owner of many stolen artworks, a few underground casinos, and a street racing ring, but he was not a human-trafficker or a businessman who funded war efforts. He declined any attempts of contact by Advanced Idea Mechanics and Aldrich Killian.

       Before Agent Barnes’ announcement, Anthony Stark had rarely thought of Aldrich Killian. While the name did cross his mind when he went to anti-human trafficking charity events, he never made contact with the man or actively sought information about him. Occasionally, news in the crime world would spread about Killian using one of his modified men as mercenaries or how one of his human trafficking rings were busted. Although he was always happy to hear when one of Aldrich’s rings were shut down, Tony kept his nose out of the A.I.M. CEO’s business. He knew better than to meddle in others’ work, even if he loathed violence and was revolted by the manipulation of helpless individuals.

       Yet it still came as a shock to Anthony Stark that he would be sending the man to his grave. Even though Aldrich certainly did deserve it, the brunet felt strange knowing that the Federal Bureau of Investigation would sanction such a hit.

       Probably something else they’re keeping under wraps, Tony reasoned as he drank from his beer, Just like my arrangement, if something goes haywire...it’s all on me.

       He sighed as he closed his eyes for a moment to relax. What a terrible, terrible mess I’ve gotten myself into, he thought.

       As his eyes were shut, he felt his phone vibrate in his pocket. Opening it up, he noticed a text message.

[BLOCKED NUMBER]: 40°34'31.9"N 73°57'16.4"W

       Looking at the message, he immediately noticed that it was coordinates for a location. Copying the numbers into the Stark Industries GPS, he found that it was at the far end of Brighton Beach. Looking at a satellite view, it appeared to be a somewhat empty area with thirty or so people. Nothing too suspicious, he thought to himself. Need to tell Rogers.

       Tony scanned his surroundings then lifted his watch to his mouth as he pretended to rub his neck.

       “40°. 34'. 31.9"N. 73°. 57'. 16.4"W,” he murmured slowly, “No set time. ASAP probably.”

       Almost immediately, the man saw Agent Maximoff lift her head up from her phone and look into the restaurant for a quick glance at him. She waved for her waiter and asked for a bill, paying quickly and leaving without acknowledging Tony. He assumed that she and Barnes would be going to the location before him to determine whether or not it was safe. His thoughts were confirmed when he saw the Hawaiian shirt wearing agent pass the restaurant in the direction of the coordinates.

       So, in order to give them time, Tony ordered a glass of scotch on the rocks. He would need it. He took his time, downing a glass before he decided that it was best to head off. Coupled with the alcohol from earlier, the criminal had garnered enough liquid courage to get him to talk to someone who could end his life on the spot. He paid for the bill, leaving a large tip, and went off to the meeting place.

       After a short walk, Tony reached the meeting place. He had passed Agent Maximoff on the way to the coordinates; however, he had not seen Agent Barnes. Tony suspected that the brunet hid somewhere further down the path. The surveillance-turned-plumbing van was nowhere in sight, but the criminal had noticed an insect extermination vehicle parked near a small boutique. Hopefully , Stark thought to himself, that’s Happy and Steve.

       Standing alone for what seemed like an eternity, Tony stuck his hands in his pockets and played with the sand using his shoes. His luxurious Balenciaga shoes cried for mercy as he wrote “STARK” in the sand. Any day now, the male grumbled.

       Almost as if she could read his thoughts, the male felt an overwhelming presence approach him. He looked up from his mess, saw a redheaded woman, and embarrassingly scratched out his name in the sand. It had to be her- it had to be Black Widow.

       She was stunning from head to toe. Donning jean shorts, a t-shirt with Russian words, a jet black jogging jacket, and round sunglasses, Tony would have never suspected that she was an assassin who had killed more people than Tony had slept with. (And those numbers were both high.) The only indicator was the powerful aura which radiated from her every step.

       “Mr. Stark,” the woman said as she extended her hand to shake, “Natasha Romanoff. It’s an honor that you’ve decided to seek me out.”

       “Yeah,” Tony chuckled as he took her hand and pressed it to his lips, “A pleasure to meet you, Ms. Romanoff.”

       “Please- Natasha .”

       “Then Tony is fine.”

       “Alright Tony,” the redhead said as she slid her hand into his back pocket and waved towards the beach ahead of them. “Walk with me. It’s a beautiful day, isn’t it?”

       The move surprised him; Black Widow was rumored to have a poisonous kiss that killed targets, but to be flirtatious with her client? That was ballsy. He returned the gesture by sliding his hand around her hip and walking with her like a happy couple.

       We’re moving away from the Bureau, Tony realized. Does she know?

       He calmed himself as he replied. He could not break cover now, especially when he was this close. If she knew, she wouldn’t be here, the male assured himself. She would shoot me before I even got a chance to abort.

       “It is nice- I wish Manhattan was like this more often.”

       “That’s the beauty of Brighton, it’s always wonderful here,” Natasha grinned, “But- you’re not here to enjoy the weather, are you, Tony. What makes you come here?”

       The criminal took a quick look at his whereabouts: a young boy building a sandcastle, an old couple sleeping, Agent Barnes lounging on a chair reading a magazine (which surprised him but was comforting), and a lifeguard looking into the water. It was safe to discuss his intentions here. He lowered his voice as he answered, “Aldrich Killian.”

       “An opponent?” she guessed.

       “You could say that. More like a thorn in my side.”

       “He’s the CEO of A.I.M. and a powerful ringleader. A dangerous man.”

       “Yes he is. Can you do it?”

       “That’s a silly question, Tony. One and a half million is all it takes,” she said without hesitation.

       “How fast will it be done?”

       “In three days. I don’t like to leave my clients waiting. That would be bad customer service.”

       “And the body? Where will that go?”

       She stopped them in their tracks and looked him in the eye with a sly smile. “You don’t need to worry. That’s covered in your fees. I’ll take care of it. Do we have a deal?”

       For a moment, Tony hesitated. Wouldn’t they need the body to prove her guilty? But asking to keep the body would be even more suspicious. I need to get her somewhere where they can catch her.

       “We have a deal, but I’ll need it to be done where I can see him fall.”

       “I didn’t take you as that type of man, Tony. But...it can be done.”

       “Not many people do,” he hummed, “I’ll be hosting a gala. I’ll tell my assistant to add you to the list. Is there a name you’d like to go by?”

       The gala was a spur of the moment decision. Agent Rogers had never sanctioned such a thing, but Tony didn’t care. He knew it was best for the FBI to go along with it. It would play in their favor; Black Widow would be caught on the Bureau’s territory and the media would be farther away with the police already ready to barricade the party.

       “Natalie Rushman,” she declared. “You can send all information to the number I contacted you with. The routing number will come to you shortly. I expect half the payment before and the rest of it after.”

       Tony nodded and let his hand fall from Natasha’s side. She removed her hand from his pocket and gave him a quick peck on the cheek. From afar, the two looked like a couple who had just taken a walk on the beach. No one but them and the FBI men listening knew that they were planning a murder.

       As she began to leave, she waved and said,  “I’ll be looking forward to the party.”

       He watched her walk away, towards the bar where he had contacted her. When her figure began to fade off in the distance, blocked by passersby, he stuck his hands in his pockets and made his way to his car. The hit was set in stone, and now, Tony had an event to organize.

       Driving on the highway was slower than just running alongside it to get back to the office. At three in the afternoon, New York’s highways were already jammed. Despite the typical job being from nine in the morning to five in the evening, New York always found a way to pack its highways full. Commuters angrily honked their horns and shouted profanities through their windows.

       Tony sighed as he flipped between rock stations on his car’s radio. Music blasted through the stereos, trying to drown out the noise from the traffic. Unfortunately, there wasn’t any good music on. All the stations played alternative, modern rock which Tony thought was an insult to rock’s name. He shut the radio off as he pushed on the gas pedal to let his car inch forward. He would be stuck here for a while.

       Probably should get some work done then, the criminal decided. With that, he pulled out his smartphone and placed it in a cup holder.

       “Hey FRIDAY,” he said, “Can you check with JARVIS if Pep is still in the building?”

       “Of course, boss. Checking systems now,” the phone replied.

       After a few moments, his phone buzzed. “She is still in the building. She does not look like she will leave any time soon.”

       “Huh. Video call her for me?”

       “Alright, boss.”

       A hologram emerged from the phone screen, illuminating the interior of the Rolls Royce with a bluish light. A few rings echoed through the car before Pepper picked up.

       “Hey Tony,” she greeted as she typed away on her computer. She looked busy. “Did you need something?”

       “Yeah, uh...Could you set up a charity gala for Saturday? To support a MoMA or Met exhibit? Or really, actually...as soon as possible. Saturday’s kind of late. Thursday would be better.” He chuckled nervously as he drove his car a little farther. His car had barely moved for the past hour. Traffic sucked.

       “What? Thursday is in three days. You rarely support art museums, Tony. You steal from them.” She frowned and shook her head, “Is this to catch her?”

       “Of course,” he mumbled, “Why else would I ask you to do an event within a moment’s notice?”

       “Sometimes you do stupid things,” Pepper shrugged, “But an art gallery? That’s a little ironic, don’t you think?”

       “Well, you got anything better?”

       “How about another anti-human trafficking event? You haven’t attended one in…” she went silent for a moment as she pulled up her friend’s calendar on her computer. “Two months.”

       “Here’s the thing- the target is our good friend Killian.”

       “What?”

       “Yeah. Aldrich Killian.”

       “That would be a bit insulting then,” she said, “How about the funding of a new shelter? New York always needs those.”

       “Great. Tell the city planner that we want to construct a homeless shelter. If she needs a little motivation then you can slide her a few. Just use my checkbook.”

       Traffic began to pick up, so Tony focused on the road, glancing at Pepper out of the corner of his eye. He saw her rub her temple and begin to type frantically.

       “Got it. I’ll be arranging an impromptu meeting with her tonight at the office. You should come. Anything else, Mr. Stark?’

       “No, nothing else Ms. Potts. I’ll be coming back to the office after I get out of this traffic and drop by the Bureau. I’ll be there probably around five or six.”

       “That’s fine. I’ll see you then, Tony.”

       “Bye Pepper.”

       His assistant hung up the video call, and the interior of the Rolls Royce returned to its usual dark tones. He thought his work was finishing, but in reality, it was just beginning.

       Pulling into the parking garage, Tony Stark was greeted by Agents Rogers, Barnes, and Maximoff. Happy was also there, smoking off to the side by himself. A small smile was on Agent Rogers’ face as he extended his hand for Stark to shake.

       “Good job today, Tony,” the blond said proudly. “Let’s hope this charity event you have planned goes well. Did you actually have something planned? We weren’t informed.”

       The brunet chuckled in return. “Well, we’re planning something right now. I have a meeting with the city planner in an hour.” The agents all expressed confusion and bewilderment at the criminal’s audacity to make such a risky plan.

       “Well, you better figure it out,” Agent Maximoff sighed. “We’ve spent years analyzing Killians’ schedule- so we planned to have agents posted to witness the assassination. But your impromptu party will throw that off. We’ll have to be making arrangements for FBI surveillance wherever you host this thing.”

       “At least you know when and where she’s doing it,” Tony scoffed. They seemed ungrateful. And after all I’ve done for them! he thought to himself. “I’ll send the full details on the gala later. If you will excuse me, I have to discuss with the city planner about the shelter.”

       He took off his wired Rolex and handed it to the agents. With that, Happy took that as his cue to leave and followed Stark back to the Rolls Royce.

       The criminal went to his usual seat in the back while his friend sat in the driver’s seat. Waving at the agents as the car pulled out of the lot, Tony sat back and relaxed for the journey back to the office.

       “You did well today, sir,” Happy said while looking in the rearview mirror, “The charity idea had caught the agents off guard, but I think it’s a pretty good idea.”

       “Thanks Hap,” Tony smiled, “Hopefully the city planner thinks so too.”

       Once he reached the Stark Industries tower, Tony went to his office straightaway. Pepper and the city planner were already there, drinking what looked like Tony’s scotch--something he usually did not let clients drink unless the deal was not closing the way he wanted. A little alcohol always messed with their inhibitions. Hopefully, Tony prayed, with a little alcohol and his way with words, the city planner would succumb to their wishes.

- - - -

       “I’m glad we could reach an agreement, Ms. Lago,” Tony smiled as he rose from his seat to shake the woman’s hand. “I look forward to seeing you at the event this Thursday.”

       Pepper and Tony saw the city planner off, walking her to her car and discussing more casual topics. Since the deal was closed, the two found it fit to close the office for the day. Once she left, the criminal sighed in relief.

       “ God, that was a lot harder than I thought.”

       His assistant laughed as she pat him on his shoulder. “You did great.”

       The two made their way to the Rolls Royce. Sitting in the back seat, the two talked while Happy drove them to their homes.

       “Thursday will be fun,” Tony muttered, “A lot will happen.”

       The redhead comfortingly replied, “Don’t blame yourself for what’s going to happen, Tony.”

       “How can I not? I’m literally sending two people to their graves.”

       “A man who has taken thousands of girls away from their homes and a woman who has slaughtered God knows how many people? Tony...I think that’s a win.”

       He grumbled unenthusiastically. “I still don’t want it to be my fault that they died.”

       “You did what you had to. You had no choice.”

       Happy pulled up to Pepper’s driveway and she gave her friend a hug.

       “Will that be all, Mr. Stark?”

       “Yes...that will be all, Miss Potts.”

       Thursday morning, Tony Stark woke up in a cold sweat. Today was the day that he would be landing the arrest of the Black Widow, Natasha Romanoff. It was also the day of his charity event to fund a new homeless shelter in an abandoned hotel lot. His assistant had invited everyone that had at least half a million to their name and even some Hollywood stars. However, the star of the show would be Aldrich Killian. Luckily, the man had RSVP’d that he would be attending.

       Tony got dressed in his favorite suit, wore his favorite tie, chose his nicest socks, and picked his cleanest shoes. Finally, to finish the look, he picked his signature sunglasses and made his way out to the Rolls Royce which already had Pepper inside.

       Happy opened the door for him and said, “Mornin’ sir.”

       “Morning Happy, ready for the big day?”

       “Of course!”

       He sat down in the Rolls Royce and Pepper handed him a brown paper bag labeled “BURGER KING.” Tony opened it up and inside was his favorite breakfast sandwich with an orange juice. He smiled at his assistant as he chomped down on his meal and chugged his OJ. Pepper instead ate grapefruit and drank coffee.

       The rest of the drive was silent, and no one spoke until they pulled up to the side of the building where they were hosting the event. It was an old, three-story Stark warehouse that was mostly used as a venue to host events similar to the one Tony was hosting today.

       “I redesigned the interior to include the eight bedrooms, Mr. Stark,” Pepper said.

       Although it was peculiar to an outsider, it was not strange at all for common attendees of Stark events. Most of the time, event goers would end up blacked-out drunk, sleeping with a person they met, or too tired from partying to get themselves home. For those who were unfortunate enough to pass out before they got home and/or did not want to flag a taxi in fear of bad press for sleeping around, being piss drunk, or partying so hard, the rooms were dedicated to them.

       “Did the Bureau do whatever the Hell they needed to?”

       “Yes sir,” Happy answered, “They placed surveillance all around the building. Wiretaps, hidden cameras...the works. All with a warrant, of course.”

       “Cool cool,” Tony nodded, “Will they be coming tonight?”

       “Yes sir, Agent Rogers, Barnes, and Maximoff all intend on making an appearance tonight. They will arrest her on the spot after it happens.”

       “Great. I guess we just sit back and relax, huh?”

       Pepper chuckled as she shook her head. “Unfortunately, you’ll have to be the center of attention to divert the eyes from Romanoff and Killian.”

       She knew Tony had no problem doing that.

       The gala started at six in the evening but picked up around eight. The room was filled with chatter, orchestral music, and an auctioneer bidding off celebrities’ belongings. It was a successful charity event, and Tony was proud of his assistant for being able to put together such a night with just a few days’ notice. When he passed Pepper trying to reach the open bar, he muttered into her ear, “Give yourself a raise, Pep,” to which she joked, “Already did.”

       Standing at the open bar, nursing a glass of his usual drink, Tony talked to a few guests before Steve Rogers came up to him. He ordered a drink, just a regular beer, and spoke to the bartender for a moment. After receiving his drink, he murmured to Tony, “She’s talking to Aldrich.”

       The criminal’s body tensed as he turned to look at the room before him. Sure enough, Black Widow was speaking to Aldrich Killian. She was dressed in a stunning black gown with long sleeves. It was clear that she was flirting with him- even from afar. Her suggestive gestures and seemingly-carefree laughs sat well with Killian’s ego, and soon enough, Tony and Steve watched the two walk further back to sit and talk in a more secluded area.

       “Do you think she’ll do it right there in public?” Agent Barnes said, coming up to stand alongside Tony and Steve. He poked at his teeth with a toothpick as he tapped his empty shot glass. Agent Rogers looked down at the drink and chuckled.

       “Bucky, you’ve done your homework, haven’t you?”

       So...that’s his name, Tony thought to himself. The entire time he had referred to Agent Barnes as...well, Agent Barnes. He never really cared for the other, so knowing his name was not of much importance.

       “Yeah, Steve, but c’mon. She’s getting a big paycheck this time.”

       “And jail time, forever.”

       “Okay, you got me there.”

       Tony decided that the conversation was a little too friendly for his tastes and stepped away. They would call him when they needed him. He waved them off and tried to find someone else to talk to.

       Of course, Pepper had clairvoyance as Tony’s assistant to be telepathic, and she noticed him walking around like a lost puppy. Leaving her conversation with Happy, she walked up to him.

       “Bored?” she asked.

       “Nervous,” Tony admitted, “She’s going to do it soon.”

       Pepper’s eyes grew wide. “You’ll have to give a speech then.”

       “Yeah,” he murmured, “Once I get the signal. They’re at the bar.”

       His assistant glanced at the bar and then noticed Bucky and Steve staring at them.

       “Like...them staring at you?”

       Tony looked over and groaned before handing his drink to Pepper.

       “I guess so.”

       The criminal made his way to the front of the ballroom, where the musicians played. He whispered something inaudible into the conductor’s ear and was handed a microphone. He tapped on the windscreen a few times and the hall ceased its chatter.

       “Welcome--thanks for coming out tonight,” Tony beamed, “You all are supporting a great cause.”

       He looked around the room, saw a few familiar faces, and noticed Natasha leading Aldrich by the hand to a separate room. Agent Maximoff was already walking after her.

       “There is...sadly, always a need for more homeless shelters in New York,” Tony continued, “And today, you all are helping raise money for one more shelter. Stark Industries has already built three across Manhattan, so why not a fourth?” Cheers erupted around the room.

       The criminal made his speech as Bucky and Steve made their way to Romanoff’s room. Just after, the doors to the building were broken down- the action caused panic to erupt within the crowd.

       “Freeze! FBI! Put your hands in the air!” Some tried to flee as the agents apprehended them. Pepper, Happy, and the agents that Tony worked with were nowhere in sight. However, this time, Tony knew he did not have to worry about being caught. This bust was not for him.

       Federal agents swarmed the room as guests were forced to stay within the building. Photographs of the warehouse and guests were taken. Aldrich Killian was the reason for the bust- that was what agents told the guests- because they had probable reason to suspect he ran a sex-trafficking ring. After three hours, they were finally released and Stark apologized to each one of the guests individually as they exited.

       After all of the guests left, Tony saw Natasha Romanoff walk out of the room with Agent Rogers and Barnes as he sat at the bar with Pepper. Four Bureau agents followed them, carrying a black body bag. He swallowed hard- he knew what was inside.

       “You did what you had to do,” Pepper reminded him quietly.

       As he stared at the hitwoman, he was shocked when she made eye contact with him. Her piercing glare sent shivers down his spine. It sent a message to him: she was not done with him. Tony crossed his arms in dismay and looked away. He reminded himself that he need not be scared; Natasha Romanoff would be in prison. She could not pose a threat to him in jail.

       His assistant rubbed his back and gave him a tight hug.

       “I’m proud of you, Tony,” she praised, “Don’t beat yourself up about it.”