#took some liberties in their designs and some other things i hope that's okay um.

[mellohiizz]

@saiintvalentiine hello. the npc fic left me absolutely in shambles i needed to draw them.

[tryingmydarndest]

Thank You (Luka Couffaine x Reader)

Summary (Part 1/probably 3): The author goes on a bit of a tangent about how Y/N goes on a bit of a tangent about Viperion. Who may just have a little, big ol' crush on them?

Tags: -not enough actual relationship -fluff -but like, a weird sprinkling of angst that I didn't plan on right at the end???

Word count: 1.6k

A/N: Inspired by this fic by @seriously-sirius-black <3. Luka? OOC? Idk, probably, I don’t write fanfic. But I am actually kinda proud of how well Alya turned out. Writing this made me realize how much of a mom friend I apparently headcanon her as. I wrote this gender-and-as-everything-else-neutral as I can make it (lemme know if you see ways I can improve, tho idk how much more fanfic I'll even be writing). Also, I freakin' RAMBLE and overuse italics, but ya get what ya get and ya don't gotta fret. Ooh, important note for future parts (if i write them) - this is a kinda!au where the miraculous users keep their miraculous. also if I had a nickel for every time I get awkwardly specific about the placement of both of a character’s hands I’d have TWO nickels. Happy reading!! <3<3<3<3<3<3<3<3<3

Part I - Paris's Cutiest Heroes

The look currently on Marinette’s face as she sputtered out a response was priceless, “Cat Noir? Cat Noir!? What makes you think I’d find Cat Noir attractive at all? And- and- HIM- the cutest superhero! Ridiculous!”

“Utterly ridiculous?”

“Nice one, Alya”

“Thank you so much, Y/N,” you gave Alya a high five on your way to your seat next to Juleka and Rose on the couch facing Marinette and Alya. A sunny Friday after school was the perfect place for Kitty Section and their entourage to hang out. Unfortunately without Ivan and Mylène, seeing as their anniversary called for a private celebration. After pushing a couple couches onto the deck of The Liberty, Alya had predictably started talking about Paris's resident hero team. Today, she chose to ask everyone who they deemed the cutest, and she made sure to jump on Marinette's... interesting response, “And girl, he has the same silky golden hair and dreamy emerald eyes as Adrien Agreste. What’s utterly ridiculous is you freaking out and dodging every time we bring up superheroes!”

The designated snack-boy, Luka, walked out precariously carrying three bowls of goodies for everyone, “Alright, I got more popcorn. Sorry, but looks like we’re out of cheese flavoring, Y/N”

“Oh... that’s fine. I honestly wasn’t expecting it since I forgot to ask,” your free hand not reaching for the bowl rubbed the back of your neck, “but thanks for remembering.”

“Oh, um yeah- Always," is it creepy to remember something so specific? Someone as nice as Y/N wouldn't be interested in some creep. Ugh. Luka took a seat with his own bowl after passing Alya and Marinette theirs. He ended up next to you on the floor, leaning against the arm of the couch, dangerously close to touching your legs.

Rose reached for the popcorn as she interjected, “You know, Alya does have a point. So Marinette, why don’t you just tell us who you think the cutest superhero is, if you don’t like us guessing?”

Somehow Marinette’s face went even paler as she spoke, “What- I mean, I don’t- I haven’t thought- Wha- what about Y/N? Why aren’t you interrogating them?”

Alya crossed her arms, “Because Y/N says the same thing about the same hero every day. Just watch. Ahem, Y/N, care to weigh in on the cuteness level of our lovely Parisian superheroes?”

You looked up from the bowl you had stolen back from Rose with wide eyes, "Hey! Okay, no, that is not fair! Besides, what is our criteria for 'cute'? I mean... Are we going just by physical characteristics? Is costume a factor? What about the animal they're representing, could our opinion of that make this whole thing unfair? And cuteness is so subjective anyway... Why are we even reducing these amazing and honorable superheroes to just their looks? I mean we could be talking about skill, or their powers or power lev-"

"-And your answer would be exactly the same. Seriously, are you done trying- and might I add, failing- to talk yourself out of this one yet? Or should I just read the article you wrote for the Ladyblog?"

"You said you deleted that!"

Luka had perked his head up at your initial fumbling response and turned to you when he spoke, "You wrote an article? That's pretty cool."

You rubbed your face to try and distract yourself from the burning embarrassment, "Umm, yeah. But it was terrible and extremely not. worth. publishing." You hoped the glare you sent the girl in question was enough to scare her into deleting it on the spot, or to at least lie about it, "So Alya kindly deleted it, right?"

Sitting up with a smug look and crossed arms severely lowered your faith that she'd keep quiet. "A good journalist archives everything. Especially something as juicy as one of her besties going on for five thousand words about how dreamy the great Viperion is," dramatically fake-fainting into Marinette's lap, Alya could barely finish before bursting out in laughter. Of course, quickly followed by the others joining in to varying degrees. Juleka and Rose happily giggled to themselves, Marinette looked more relieved that the heat was off her, and Luka seemed to be shocked, or maybe just holding back to see how you were taking this.

Horribly. Horribly embarrassed would describe how you were taking this conversation. You sat there stock-still as you hoped that none of the others could hear your heart's desperate attempts to pound its way out of your chest. That's certainly all you could hear, at least until Alya's voice brought you out of it, "Hey, it's fine," she made her way over to sit next to you as she continued, "We all have our little hero crushes. That's why I bring it up all the time, to show you that it's totally normal! I mean, we all know how I could go on about Carapace for days," Alya gestured for the others to continue, and used her other hand to try and comfort you.

"Well, I find Ladybug to be just absolutely adorable and so kind.... oh it just makes me so happy knowing she's keeping all of Paris safe," Rose added softly.

Juleka brushed a strand of hair aside as she spoke, "Rena Rouge is super mysterious, pretty rad in my opinion."

Alya was rubbing your back like the mom friend she is to try and help encourage you, "See? Super normal, so go ahead and release all this pent up Viperion energy that I know you have. Maybe it'll encourage Marinette here to finally join in the fun!" Alya stuck her tongue out at her best friend, who responded promptly by smashing her face into a pillow.

You just sighed, "I mean- it’s- it can't just-'' were you supposed to just get over it all just like that? Well, at least the embarrassment was wearing off, maybe you could just entertain her for a bit, "Well- um, you see.... HisHairJustLooksReallySoftAnd- you know what. Nope. Can't do anymore of this. Yep- that's all you're getting out of me!" This time when everyone started giggling, you were able to comfortably join them. It was a nice feeling.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

A nice evening chilling out with your friends was always welcome, especially with the rising number of akumatizations making that less possible. But the night had come to a close. Alya and Marinette went home, Juleka was walking Rose back herself, and Luka and you had volunteered to clean up. Luka stopped drying the cup in his hand for a minute as he looked at you, “Um, I know it might not be my place, but I want you to know that you don’t have to be embarrassed about the whole... Viperion thing.” God, how am I supposed to take the news that MY crush has a crush on.... Sort of me? Am I supposed to count it as me at all?

“Oh, um. Yeah, thanks. I think I’m over the embarrassment now that it’s out. I don’t know, it’s just that a lot of people think it’s weird since he’s kind of a new hero,” how are you supposed to explain this to him? That you kept such a non-issue secret from him, especially without getting suspiciously defensive about it. “And then people use that to try and say that I only like him for his looks..... And that’s not it! I don’t know, it’s kind of.... A lot? To explain, that is.” This was not going well.

“Oh... Well, what is it? That you like about him, I guess.”

This was so not going well. But he was waiting for a response so... “Uh, well I guess it did kinda start..... that way.... but then I started doing research. I learned about his power and saw videos of his fights. He’s really good! Especially for being so new, which kinda goes into why his power makes me like him so much.” Shit. Rambling, I’m just talking and talking and I need to stop. But how am I supposed to change the subject now? And now Luka’s sitting down, and he seems so invested. Why does this have to happen to me?

“What do you mean by that?”

Luka’s voice kindly shuts your little thought-spiral in its tracks. What were you saying? Oh, Viperion’s powers! You can talk about this, you know this. Just keep talking, at least he seems interested in it, “Well, you know how he can go back and redo the last couple of minutes?” Luka nodded, “Well, we always see the time that worked out. Us civilians get to keep going from the one time it all went right. Just imagine all the times he failed, all the times he couldn’t get it right. It could be dozens, maybe even hundreds of times! He must get so discouraged at some point, I mean I know I would.... I guess I didn’t really think about it at first, but.... but, I doubt I could keep that determination, and I’m so glad Paris has a hero who can, and does.”

Silence. Why was it so quiet? Oh no, he thinks I’m weird. He must think-

“All of this from ‘his hair looks soft’?”

“Hey! You can’t tell me not to be embarrassed, then make fun of me! That’s against the rules!”

Luka chuckled as he said, “Against what rules, exactly?”

“The Rules Of Best Friendship, duh!”

“And who exactly said you were my best friend?”

“Well... your loss, I guess. Now you won’t get an invitation when I plan Rose and Juleka’s wedding,” you brushed off his offended glare as you took the seat next to him.

“She’s my sister.”

“She’d take my side.”

I’d take your side, too. I will always take your side. “Yeah, you’re probably right.”

A/N the sequel: I am super bad at finishing things, but I really wanna keep motivated to finish this (like I have a full, probably 3 part, plan for this). If you guys want to help, shoot me a message and I'll send you a link to the google doc I'm writing this on. Feel free to leave a little comment (pls be kind, obviously) and see my writing process! Idk, would any of you guys be interested in that? Would you just get annoyed at having already read the thing before I post it?

[sorry-apsalar]

See You in a Bit Chapter 4/4: You Got to Fix Him

Fry woke up in a hospital room, a real one, not the sorry excuse for a medical facility that Zoidberg ran in the Planet Express building. He still hurt but not nearly as bad and his head was clear. An IV was in his good arm, his hand and wrist wrapped in thick bandages, his broken arm in a proper cast. And he was utterly alone. Which didn’t mean Bender hadn’t been repaired, he wasn’t exactly the type to sit at anyone’s bedside for longer than a few minutes at most. But Fry needed to know fore sure he was okay as soon as possible.

Shaking off the last dregs of sleep, he sat up and looked around. His personnel effects had been placed on the bedside table, including his wallet and phone – put on charge by a kind soul – and the bag he’d taken from Bender’s chest compartment. If Bender had been here, surely he would’ve taken it back, right? … Perhaps Fry hadn’t been out for long enough for him to have been fully repaired, probably, right? He’d been pretty beat up so it made sense that it’d take a while to have him up and running again.

Fry gingerly grabbed his phone off the table and turned it on. After some consideration, he quick dialed Leela’s number; if Bender wasn’t fully fixed yet, his number wouldn’t work and Farnsworth rarely answered his phone, especially when he was working on something. She picked up on the second ring.

“Fry! You’re awake, how do you feel?”

“Uh… better.” A lot better but that didn’t matter right now. “What about Bender? Did the Professor finish fixing him or is he still working on that?”

“The latter.”

“Oh uh… that’s fine. How much longer is it going to take?”

“I don’t know. But Fry, you know he only said he’d try, he might not be…”

“Welp, I gotta go and get checked out of the hospital and stuff. I’ll see you at the Planet Express later, if you’re there.” Fry hung up.

 -

As always getting checked out of the hospital was a pain and took longer than it really needed to but finally, he was free. He went straight back to the Planet Express building and soon as he was inside, he beelined for the Professor’s lab once more.

Farnsworth was in of course and working on something, presumably Bender. Venturing closer for a better look revealed that that was indeed the case. Bender’s body was in even worse shape than before. His head had been removed, normally not at all a difficult or violent thing to achieve it was supposed to be able to come off, but the way it had been pushed in meant the Farnsworth had had to slice up the upper part of Bender’s body to get it out. Bender’s head had been split open and hollowed out. A bunch of technology stuff that Fry had no clue what did but could only have come from Bender was spread out across the table.

Bender had been utterly and completely dismantled. A rather unsettling and unpleasant sight but one that should be only a stepping stone to him being put back together and made whole again. So, swallowing back his hesitation, Fry stepped forward again. “How’s it going? How long before he’s up and running again?”

“Hmmm… well, I don’t know. There’s no guarantee I can…”

“I’ll leave you to it then. Call me when you’re about to start him back up, okay?” Fry was likely to only get in the way and make it take longer so he quickly left.

He didn’t have anything else to do but wait so… he went to the break room. Leela, Amy, Hermes, and Zoidberg were all already in there, looking up at him as he came in with sympathetic looks.

Zoidberg was the first to speak. “Sorry about the robot. He was a good friend.”

Before Fry could reply and say that such words weren’t necessary because Bender was going to be fine, Hermes stood up. “I already took the liberty of going over his will,” he said as he strode over to Fry. “You probably won’t be surprised by what’s on it. Here is an official copy.”

He handed Fry a piece of paper. ‘BITE MY SHINY METAL ASS’ was scrawled on it in large sloppy letters. Bender had signed his full name under it in messy barely legible cursive. Which was indeed not at all surprising. It probably would’ve been funny under different circumstances.

“But as his husband,” Hermes continued, “all his stuff should by default go to you, unless he had debts that need to be paid. Come talk to me in my office later when you’re ready to fill out the paper work for it, I’ll help in any way I can.” He awkwardly patted Fry on the shoulder before going back to his seat.

Fry glared down at the paper again. “You guys don’t seem to have much faith in the Professor being able to fix him.” How dare they give in that easily? Bender was their friend too and they’d all been working for the Professor long enough to know he was capable of almost anything he put his mind to.

“Robots aren’t designed to be easily fixable once broken.” Amy made it sound as if that automatically meant that there was no hope for Bender. “Especially the models meant to work in factories and stuff like Bender. Think about it, the company makes more money if you’re forced to buy a whole new one every time one breaks instead of fixing it.”

“That… that’s really fucked up.” No wonder Bender often said stuff about hating humans if the people who’d made robots were doing shit like that.

“Yep, I guess so. But that’s just how it is.” Her expression and voice softened. “Sorry about Bender though, I know he meant a lot to you. We’ll all miss him.”

Fry should tell her and all of them that they were wrong and that Bender was going to be okay, the Professor just needed some time to do the repairs. But… but… what if they were right? What if not even Farnsworth could fix him? Fry had initially decided on this course of action as a long shot but had somehow convinced himself that it was the most likely outcome when it… actually probably wasn’t, huh? Which meant…

“I believe the Professor can fix him,” Leela said, drawing Fry’s gaze up to her. “If anyone can it’s him.”

Fry nodded, swallowing back the tears that had threatened to form at the line of thought he’d been going down. There was still hope even if it wasn’t much but it was there so no use giving up on it yet. “Thanks.”

“Of course. Now come sit down and tell us what happened.” She and Amy scooted to one side of the couch, making room for him.

“Yes!” Zoidberg agreed with a bit more enthusiasm than was necessary. “Tell us about your adventure. How’d it happen?”

With a sigh, Fry awkwardly folded up the copy of Bender’s will and put it into his pocket before walking over and sitting down. “There’s uh… not really a whole lot to say. I… did something dumb and got beaten up and arrested for it, thrown in jail and stuff. They were going to execute me but then Bender broke me out. To do that he had to make the guards that were guarding the jail and stuff leave by making a big distraction somewhere else. He said he was going meet me back at the ship in like an hour but… he never showed.” Instead Fry had fallen asleep like an idiot. “So, I went looking for him and uh… found him like that. I had to drag him through the desert heat back to the ship which is why I’m all sun burnt and stuff.”

“What’d you do that go you in so much trouble?” Amy asked because one of them was bound to.

Fry could try to lie and try to make himself seem marginally less stupid but he was bad at the kind of thing. Might as well just get it over with instead of them catching him at a lie, forcing him to admit it anyway. “I… well… uh… The aliens were sentient plants. And um, turns out they sleep in little clay pots with soil in them and they look an awful lot like a standard potted plant when they do. So uh… I was sent in to see their monarch to deliver the package, only one person is allowed in to see them at a time for some reason. And uh… they were napping so I thought I was alone and… well, I really needed to pee. There weren’t any bathrooms around so a potted plant would’ve been a good place to do it, right? So I just kind of… you know… They weren’t very happy about it and ordered their guards in to beat me up and drag me to jail to be executed later.”

There was a general murmur from all four of them, even Zoidberg, that that had been exceedingly stupid. Which was a hundred percent accurate because it was probably one of the dumber things Fry had done. Probably far from the dumbest though considering the large breadth of things he’d done while working this job, sometimes with Bender or at his suggestion, that had proven to be less than smart. But this was undoubtedly the worst because it resulted in not just himself getting hurt and almost killed but Bender actually getting killed. And there was a good chance even Professor Farnsworth wouldn’t be able to bring him back to life.

“Yeah,” he said looking away from all of them. “I shouldn’t have ever insisted on leading that mission. I’m clearly not fit for anything other than following orders. And even that I’m bad at.” Why had he even been kept around for so long? He should’ve been fired ages ago.

“Well,” Leela said, “other than the whole insulting an alien race’s ruler by peeing on them while they slept which is terrible and astoundingly stupid, I think you did pretty good. You did manage to fly the ship safely back home even despite having a broken arm and burnt hand.”

“Not to mention,” Hermes added, “delirious from heat stroke, dehydration, and grief.”

“Yeah, I for sure couldn’t do that,” Amy said. “So good job on that part at least.”

“I… guess there is that, huh? The autopilot probably did most of the work though.” He didn’t even remember the flight back. His memories between finding Bender’s body and begging Farnsworth to repair him were foggy at best, he’d been quite out of it. “I did land it in the hanger without crashing though, somehow. But uh… still next time someone needs to come with us to supervise. I’m too stupid to be trusted and Bender would get us into trouble by getting caught stealing something or saying something rude to the wrong person.”

They all murmured some kind of agreement to that. Not even bothering to try to claim he wasn’t stupid because it would’ve been a lie. … Hopefully there would be a next time with Bender though.

 -

The next few weeks were probably the worst Fry had ever had to endure. Modern technology made healing fairly fast but painful and unpleasant buy hey, at least he was out of the cast and bandages in just over a week instead of however long it would’ve taken to heal without such technology. They even had a fix for sunburn so even if it still hurt like hell, it was for a shorter time. But dealing with all that paled in comparison to waiting for news about Bender, good or bad.

With every day that passed Fry became more and more sure that Bender couldn’t be repaired. And yet, until Professor Farnsworth declared he’d failed, there was still hope and thus Fry couldn’t begin to grieve properly even if he’d wanted to. All he could do was wait and hope for good news while dreading the worst.

All the while his guilt weighed on him as if he were still dragging Bender’s mutilated corpse through the desert sands. If he hadn’t gotten himself into trouble in the first place, Bender would’ve never had to break him out. If he’d just not fallen asleep while waiting for him, he might’ve been able to go out and save Bender before it was too late. Or heck, if he’d just not insisted on proving himself to be capable of leading a delivery mission every once in a while, they never would’ve ended up in that situation either. So really it was all his fault.

He didn’t dare venture into the lab to ask for an update again for fear of what he might see or be told. Instead he hung around the Planet Express building, waiting for Farnsworth to come out. He didn’t even go home other than for two lonesome awful nights because it was empty, way too quiet and had too many reminders of his life with Bender. The others expressed concern over this behaviour multiple times but he wouldn’t be able to rest properly until this was resolved one way or the other.

His guilt and growing fear that this ‘adventure’ would have a sad ending kept him up at night. Which served him well as he was lying awake on the break room couch sometime past midnight when his phone rang. Bored and lonely enough to answer even a scam call, he rolled over to grab it off the coffee table. … It was Professor Farnsworth. He almost never called so…

“Hello.” Fry tried to keep his tone as neutral as possible. The call might not have anything to do with Bender and even if it did, it might not be good news. So he shouldn’t let his hopes get too high. … He couldn’t help himself though, he wanted Bender to be alive again so bad.

“Good news Fry, I’ve finished reconstructing Bender.”

Fry froze, almost not daring to move lest it prove to be a dream and moving too much would break it. “Really?”

“Yep.” He was likely intending to say more but…

“I’ll be over right away.” Fry hung up and quickly stumbled off the couch to run to the lab.

“Oh, that was fast,” Farnsworth said, turning to fac Fry as he burst through the doors.

“Yeah, yeah, I’ve been sleeping on the break room couch since I got back. Where’s Bender?” Even as he asked, he got his answer.

Farnsworth had built Bender a whole new body. The design was mostly the same but sleeker and shinier, to the point of being almost reflective. Not yet powered up, he lay on the table face up.

“Since it’s impossible to purchase a blank bending unit, I had to make a whole new one,” Farnsworth said, gesturing to him. “And while I was at it, I made some improvements to the design, expensive ones mind too so you two owe me. He’s made of sturdier, lighter metals, and is far more fuel efficient. Also, he’s got…”

“Awesome cool, let’s start him up.” Fry was tired of waiting, he wanted to talk to Bender again right now. They could hear all about Bender’s shiny new improvements later.

“Yes, yes, but before we do that. While I can promise a functioning robot with Bender’s base personality code, these things weren’t exactly meant to be repaired so I had to replace a quite a few things. Where applicable I transferred as much of the data from the old damaged parts onto the new better parts. How much the corrupted data I couldn’t transfer or the parts being new and different will change things, I can’t say until he’s been up and running long enough to get some data on it.”

“So… what you’re saying is he might have amnesia?”

“Definitely not full amnesia, but partial perhaps, or he might just no longer be able to recall a handful of random events. Or something else about him may be different. I literally had to rewire his whole brain basically, it’s hard to do that while keeping everything exactly the same.”

“You tried your best though?”

“Of course.” He sounded offended by the mere suggestion he might not have. “What do you take me for? A lazy nit-wit like yourself? Never. If anyone can repair a machine’s mind that’s been damaged beyond repair, it’s me.”

“All right.” That’s all Fry could ask for and anything was better than nothing. “How do we turn him on?”

Farnsworth reached into his lab coat and pulled out a palm-sized remote. “Here.” He handed it to Fry. “You do the honors.”

The remote had two buttons on it, one that had the universal symbol for power which hadn’t changed in more than a thousand years printed on it, the other read ‘SLEEP’. Fry pressed the former.

On the table, Bender’s eyes opened, revealing that they looked same as his old ones. It was several long tense seconds that felt like forever before he moved though. “What’d you do to me?” He gave Farnsworth a suspicious stare as he slowly sat up and shifted to sit with his legs hanging over the edge of the table.

“He fixed you,” Fry answered as he stepped closer. “How do you feel?”

“‘Fixed’ me?” Bender slid off the table and shook out his limbs a little as he looked down at himself. “Ooh, I’m all shiny and sleek now. It’s like I’m brand new but… newer.”

“What’s the last thing you remember?” Farnsworth cut in before Fry could say anything more.

Bender paused and was silent for a few seconds before responding. “Something that I shouldn’t have survived.”

“And you didn’t. But Fry here dragged your horribly mutilated body back here and demanded I repair it. I couldn’t of course because not even I can work miracles, but I did rebuild you. Your body’s entirely new and only a small handful of your electronics are from your old system.”

Bender grimaced. “That means I died, right?”

“Yep.”

He was silent for a few seconds as he seemed to consider that. “Spooky. Well now I know what happens after you die: a whole bunch of nothing. I always suspected that priest bot was scamming people for money. Huh, but now that I’ve officially come back from the dead, I could probably do that too with even more success. Heck, I could probably start my own religion.” He chuckled evilly, rubbing his hands together.

It was good that he was taking the news of his death and revival so well and great to see him already ready to resume cheating strangers out of their money but Fry couldn’t take it anymore. “You’re okay now though right? Everything’s fine again?” It almost seemed too good to be true. And after what Farnsworth had said about maybe something being off with him, Fry almost couldn’t believe it.

Bender’s expression softened as he looked at Fry. “Yeah, I’m fine. I just came back from the dead so honestly, I’d say I’m doing pretty good. I feel a little weird but that’s it. So there’s not need to look at me like that, it’s…”

Fry hugged him. His metal body was cold and hard, not normally what one would think of as comforting but it was to him, even more so as Bender’s arms wrapped around him too. “I missed you so much. And I thought… I was worried that the Professor wouldn’t be able to bring you back for a while there and I just… I’m so glad you’re all right.”

Bender patted him on the back. “It’s good to not be dead anymore.”

Fry was crying again. From relief this time but still Bender would likely tease him for it later but right now he didn’t care, he was too exhausted and relieved to. The last however long Bender had been dead for was with a doubt the worst however long he’d ever had to endure.

“Well, I’ll be going then,” Not even Farnsworth reinserting his presence in the room was enough to get Fry to let go of Bender right now. “before you two get even more gross and sappy. I’ll fill in you about all the improvements I made to your design later when Fry’s not crying on you.”

Bender let Fry hold him uninterrupted for a while after the sound of the lab doors opening and closing announced Farnsworth’s departure. But he had only so much tolerance for such things. “All right meatbag,” he said eventually as he gently peeled Fry off of him, “we should probably head home too. You can tell me everything I missed while I was dead sometime tomorrow, okay?”

Fry nodded before wiping his eyes and nose with his jacket sleeve. “Okay. Love you.”

“Yeah, yeah, I love you too.” Bender took Fry’s hand as they started for the exit. If he was at all bothered by how tightly Fry squeezed back, he didn’t show it. Holding his hand like this was so much better, from here on out Fry would do his best to never take it or Bender in general for granted again.

Previous

[amazingorangedangantrash]

This is probably out of the blue but could you imagine the THH gang in Sdr2 or ndr3 location??? I’m pretty sure at least half of them would be dead in sdr2 because of their hot-ass clothes but I think they would do fairly in ndr3 hopes peak.

That's true! For the most part, temperature-wise, I was more concerned about the cold! Every single female in the games wears a skirt! (Except for Asahina- but she still has those short shorts!) I don't dislike skirts, and I understand it's for an 'aesthetic'- but,,, like,,,, girls can wear pants too. Ajdshsj it wouldn't bug me so badly if it wasn't literally every female.

Ok, except for Chihiro- and hell, all he had to do was present as a girl and they immediately slapped a skirt on 'im!

(Hell, when I was reading dr IF, I imagined Mukuro in combat trousers before realising. Now, ok fair enough she might wear a skirt if she was still in Junko disguise, but in the official art?? Seriously? You mean she goes out into battle in a freaking skirt )

(Wait that's kinda badass... a-and hot)

Oh yeah- none of the boys wear shorts either (i believe). Not even long shorts too- they all wear full trousers.

This probably isn't how or what you wanted to find out- but I have a um- thing for legs. (I just,,, find them really aesthetically pleasing okay-! they're like the best part of the body, next to eyes and hair) so the lack of Boy Leg in danganronpa makes me big sad :(

THH takes place in the real, physical world too, so how they don't freeze is beyond me.

I was going to make a comment about how insane the variance of clothing is in sdr2- Gundham wears that heavy ass coat and scarf, whereas Hajime only has a short sleeve shirt-

In sdr2's defense, though, most of it does take place in a virtual reality. So things like temperature regulation probably aren't quite as extreme as, for example, real life. They can still feel cold and warmth, pain, and hunger and stuff (since the simulation was intended to mimic real life as closely as possible since there was no reason to cause them suspect of being in a simulation at all-), but it's like-? To an extent. So they can have such wildly varied clothing and yet not be bothered by the temperature.

It makes me wonder what was up with Peko's stomach problems in chapter 1... like... why did that even happen? I mean- i uh- guess I understand Nekomaru- he probably already had um- digestive issues beforehand so that already would subconsciously translate into the program (bro i feel you it's that ibs life).

Notice how no one gets ill? Aside from the despair disease- which was a literal virus (computer virus, but still). I'd assume things like germs don't... exist. There weren't animals on the island either. And there wasn't any weather change except for that terrifying blood red sky at the end. (Which seems kinda redundant I mean you'd think they'd start to notice after a while hey why hasn't it rained in like a month-). Maybe that's too hard to code for?

Oh sorry sorry! I got really off track- (the virtual world is so interesting. I guess this is fiction after all, it gets an artistic liberty pass).

I mean, assumably Makoto and the others were already at the island, because they were overlooking the killing game. They would have been at the real island. I don't know how long they stayed there, but I assumed whatever was happening in the simulation was doing so in real time. I think the events look just a little over 3 weeks? And that's not counting everything beforehand with getting everyone in the pods(?) and after, getting them out.

In those snazzy suits too! They must have some impressive heat resistance, or some really good air conditioning!

You're probably right about V3 tbh. I mean- i had assumed it took place in another virtual simulation (hence why i HOPE they'd be able to 'wake up' their dead friends once they escaped), but I've seen some call it a 'set'. Ah, but costume is designed beforehand isn't it? So I doubt the producers would but them in something too uncomfortable for what temperature range they're used to.

[purrincess-chat]

Will You Be My (Fake) Lover? CH7

Here it is! The most tooth rotting fluff to have ever fluffed! Call your dentist now! And get ready for the whirlwind that is next chapter.

Read on AO3

Chapter 7

Adrien smoothed his suit coat for the dozenth time as he made his way up the stairs to Marinette's living room door. Usually he didn't fret so much over these galas, but tonight he felt strangely conscious of every small detail. Every hair out of place, every tiny clump of lint on his pants. He wanted to look perfect which struck him as odd seeing as it's never something he had really worried about. Others, sure, but he himself had never bothered much with the way he looked and left most of the concern to his parents or photographers. 

But tonight was different. Tonight, he was going with Marinette, and although he knew that Marinette was only his fake girlfriend, he was still driven by this innate desire to appeal to her. He wasn't sure why because he had never felt anything like it before, but as he straightened his tie again, he imagined the smile Marinette would give him upon seeing him and felt his face warm a little. More often lately he found himself chasing those smiles, and more than anything he just wanted her to look at him. 

He rang the doorbell and shoved his hands in his pockets, but feeling as though that were improper, he fumbled with how to place them before awkwardly clasping them together behind his back as Mr. Dupain opened the door.

"Good evening, Mr. Dupain," Adrien greeted politely, and Tom offered him a wide grin.

"You look very nice all dressed up, Adrien," Tom said, shaking his hand.

"Thank you. My father always makes sure of it," he chuckled. 

"Well, Marinette is just about ready. Why don't you come in?" Tom stepped aside, and Adrien entered with a nod, running his hands along his coat again. "She was really excited to be invited tonight. I don't think she has ever gotten to dress up like this before."

"I'm glad she's coming. Usually these events are pretty boring, so it will be nice to have someone my age to spend time with," Adrien said, rubbing the back of his neck. 

"Do you go to events like this often?" Tom asked, and Adrien nodded with a sigh.

"My father doesn't like crowds, and my mother used to go, but now I'm the face of the brand, so I end up going in his place," he said, lowering his gaze.

"That's so much pressure for someone your age," Tom said, eyebrows furrowing, and Adrien shrugged again.

"My father has taken the loss of my mom pretty hard, so I try to do anything I can for him. It's not so bad all the time, and mostly I just have to greet people. Nathalie is the one who talks business with everyone," he said as if it couldn't be helped. 

"Grief certainly makes you grow up fast. You're very mature for 14," Tom said, and Adrien offered him a reassuring smile.

"It's been hard, but my mother would have wanted us to be happy, so I try to live each day in a way that would make her proud," he said, and Tom's face softened. Adrien was used to receiving sympathetic looks from people, but this was different. Instead of sadness or pity, Tom looked at him with love and understanding, and Adrien felt his chest swell a little as Marinette's door opened at the top of the stairs. 

"Sorry to keep you waiting. We wanted to make sure not a single hair was out of place," Sabine said, coming down first, and Adrien felt his heart jolt as pink frills gave way to striking blue eyes framed with flowing dark hair, and her glossy pink lips curled into a timid smile. 

He felt his jaw drop as she descended, and he was so utterly awestruck that all he could do was stare. Everything seemed to move in slow motion, and he momentarily forgot where he was or what they were doing. He was no stranger to girls and makeup, but Marinette was already beautiful without it every day. Perhaps he was just used to Chloe and her questionable tastes and experiments, but Marinette's makeup accentuated all of her most beautiful features. Her hair fell in dark waves around her shoulders. Her bright blue eyes sparkled against soft shadow, covered by dark fluttering lashes with every blink, and her lips glistened with light pink gloss that made him long to know how they tasted. 

"Um," she said, tugging at her skirt awkwardly, and he blinked out of his trance, snapping his jaw shut as Tom and Sabine exchanged amused looks. "Do I look weird?"

"I- no! You look...wow. I mean I've never seen you- I just...You look amazing, Marinette. Really," he said, rubbing the back of his neck as heat crept up to his cheeks, and she lowered her gaze to the ground with a shy smile. 

"You look really nice too," she said, and he felt his heart skip a beat. It was a simple declaration, but it made him really happy for some reason. 

"Can we get a picture before you two go?" Sabine requested, and Marinette shot her a glare.

"Mom!"

"Oh, you both just look so cute. Please?" Sabine pleaded, and Adrien gave Marinette a reassuring smile.

"I don't mind," he said with a shrug, and Marinette let out a sigh but stepped into his arms nonetheless. 

"Smile!" Sabine said, snapping several pictures with her phone, and Marinette took the liberty of sticking her tongue out for a few.

Adrien took a few of his own, pressing a soft kiss to her cheek and touching his nose to hers. She even smelled amazing, and Adrien could have breathed her in all night. 

"Have fun you two. We'll see you later tonight," Tom said, wrapping an arm around his wife.

"My father usually has me leave early, so I'll have her back by 10," Adrien said, offering her an arm. "Shall we go?"

Marinette smiled, linking her arm through his elbow and allowing him to lead her down to the car. He kept hold of her hand the whole ride over, stealing frequent glances at her and admiring how beautiful she looked. Adrien had always thought Marinette was cute, but tonight he truly couldn't keep his eyes off her. Maybe it was the fact that he'd never seen her with her hair down or with makeup on, or perhaps it was a combination of the two. Whatever hypnotic spell she had him under, he didn't want it to wear off. 

"So," she started, and he jumped a little, shifting his gaze away from her as if to pretend he hadn't been staring for an inordinate amount of time. "Do I need to do anything special tonight?"

"No, I'll handle everything. I mean, you'll likely be in a lot of pictures with me, but you don't need to worry about that. You look incredible," he said, and he curled his shoulders a little, cheeks warming by how easily that had slipped out.

"Thank you. The dress your dad made is really beautiful," she said, running her hands over the ruffles in the skirt. 

"You're the one who designed it," Adrien said with a smile, giving her hand a squeeze. "And personally, I think it's only half as beautiful as you." 

She tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, biting back a smile, and he found himself lost in her again. Why was everything about her suddenly so adorable, and why did it make his heart beat so fast? 

A hoard of photographers was waiting for them when they arrived, and Marinette seemed to stiffen as they climbed out of the limo. Adrien wrapped an arm around her waist and gave her a reassuring smile.

“Just stay by me and smile. You’ll be fine,” he said before leading her down the long line of flashing cameras and up the stairs into the gala. “See? That wasn’t so bad, was it?”

“How do you put up with that all the time? I feel like I can’t see through all the spots in my vision now,” she said, blinking several times.

“You get used to it.” He shrugged. “Unfortunately, we have to get all of the boring stuff out of the way first. I have to greet all the guests as they arrive, but as soon as we’re done, we can go dance.”

“No worries. I’m happy just being here with you,” she said, and he felt his cheeks warm, feeling rather pleased by that response.

Having her by his side made all of the formality go by a lot faster. He barely even paid attention as each guest entered and shook his hand for his brain had traveled far away leaving him to operate on autopilot. Though he wasn’t quite sure why Marinette enjoying his company made him so happy, he couldn’t deny that it did. It felt like a great accomplishment and far more rewarding than any medal or trophy he’d ever won.

Maybe it was because it made him think that she liked him even a little. Granted, he knew that she liked him seeing as they were friends, and she’d agreed to do this for him; however, he found himself longing to know whether her feelings ended at the line of friendship, or if perhaps they had wandered a little bit past. The thought made his heart skip. Did Marinette like him like him, or did she only just like him? These were the questions that haunted him with increasing frequency as of late, and to his surprise, he actually hoped that the answer was yes.

“Good evening, Adrien.” His happiness plummeted considerably when Lila walked into the foyer and waltzed up to plant a kiss on each of his cheeks. “I see you brought along your fake girlfriend. How nice.”

“The only thing fake in the room is you,” Marinette grumbled with an eye roll.

“Lila, Marinette and I are really dating, so please be kind this evening,” Adrien said with a wince, and Lila flicked her gaze over to Marinette before flashing him a disingenuous smile.

“Aren’t I always?” She said, running her fingers through his hair before joining the other guests in the ballroom, and Marinette groaned beside him.

“Relax, don’t let her get to you,” Adrien soothed, rubbing her shoulders and touching his nose to hers. “Just focus on me tonight, okay?”

“Okay,” she said, taking a deep breath, and he pressed a soft kiss to her forehead before turning back to his post.

Once the last of the guests were greeted, Adrien led Marinette into the ballroom where everyone mingled, and she glanced around in awe. Adrien bit back a smirk and nudged her with his elbow.

“Daunting, isn’t it?” He chuckled.

“How do you even begin to navigate?” Marinette asked.

“Usually I just walk around and let people approach me. A lot of them are really here to speak to Nathalie to relay messages to my father, so mostly I just get to eat a lot of free food and drink wine,” he said.

“Your father lets you have wine?” Marinette quirked a brow, and he shrugged a little.

“Certain servers have it specifically for me. It’s so watered down that the alcohol content is negligible, and it’s basically just grape juice,” he explained. “But they limit me to two glasses anyway.”

“That sounds right.” Marinette nodded, and Adrien moved in front of her, offering her a hand with a bow.

“Would the lady honor me with a dance?” He asked, and she touched a hand to her lips with a giggle.

“She absolutely would, and she’ll do her best not to step on your toes,” she said, placing her hand in his before he whisked her away to the dancefloor.

They waltzed in circles, and Marinette truly did feel like Cinderella at the grand ball as her skirt kissed the floor with each turn. Adrien was so calm and confident, holding her close, those green eyes never straying from her for a moment. How badly she wanted him to be her prince, but the clock hadn’t struck midnight yet. For now she would just enjoy the ball until all of the glamor faded, and their relationship came to an end. They weren’t pumpkins yet, so she could relax just a little bit. At least, relax as much as she was able to with the whole room looking at them. She felt hundreds of eyes on her back as partygoers whispered about them from the sidelines, and her spine stiffened.

“What’s wrong?” Adrien asked.

“Everyone’s staring at me,” she said, glancing around self-consciously.

“Can you blame them?” Adrien asked with a laugh, and she curled her shoulders a little. “You look beautiful, Marinette. Everyone is just admiring you.”

“I guess, but I feel like they’re all judging me. I mean, I’ve seen what some people say about us. You’re rich and famous, and I’m just a baker’s daughter,” she said, lowering her gaze, and Adrien tightened his grip around her waist.

“And?” He cocked a brow. “You are the most beautiful girl I’ve ever met.”

“You’re just saying that.” She rolled her eyes, blinking in surprise when he stopped dancing abruptly.

“I’m not,” he said firmly, reaching a hand up to cup her cheek. “I work with a lot of girls who are pretty, but they’re all self-absorbed and only interested in me because I’m famous and good-looking. Sure, they take good photos, but their hearts are ugly and dull, and I can barely stand to be around them for longer than I have to be. And then there’s you.”

He leaned down to touch his forehead to hers, green eyes bearing into her.

“You give so much of yourself to others, and you care about people. When I look at you, I see someone so vibrant who polishes other people so they can shine too. You are beautiful inside and out, Marinette, and I mean that sincerely,” he said with a smile. “And honestly, for what it’s worth, I haven’t been able to take my eyes off you all night.”

Marinette seemed to falter at that, her cheeks glowing red as she attempted to assemble a coherent reply, but her efforts were cut short when Nathalie interrupted.

“Adrien, I have a lot of guests with business inquiries for your father. Can you mingle with a few of the more casual guests so they don’t feel shunned?” She asked, and Adrien breathed a reluctant sigh before letting his hands fall to his sides.

“Of course, Nathalie,” he said with a smile. “I’ll be back, I promise. Just enjoy yourself, okay?”

“Kay,” she said with a smile as he kissed her hand before he was forced away.

She let out a breath as she glanced around the room, finding every face unfamiliar and alien. Every face that is, except for one, and the moment Marinette laid eyes on her, she found their gazes locked as it seemed she’d had been watching her from the very moment they entered the room.

"Well, well, look what the cat dragged in," Lila said, cocking a hip as Marinette approached with a cutting glare.

"What poor soul did you lie to in order to be let in?" Marinette asked, crossing her arms over her chest, and Lila's lips curled into a smirk.

"I was invited actually. Same as you," she said, swirling her drink before taking a sip.

"Only because you've convinced everyone you're someone important when in reality you're just as fake as those shoes you're wearing." Marinette rolled her eyes.

"You mean as fake as your relationship with Adrien?" Lila quirked a brow, and Marinette shot her another glare.

"Sounds to me like you're just mad because Adrien asked me out before you could go through with your own little scheme. The timing was coincidental, but it worked out so well for us," Marinette said, and Lila's jaw clenched. "Gabriel has even given us his blessing, and he had this beautiful dress made for me to show his approval. It's my design, and he insisted on me getting credit for it."

"That explains why it's so ugly," Lila said with a grunt. "Gabriel only gave you credit because he didn't want his name on something so hideous."

"Is that why everyone keeps complimenting me?" Marinette tapped a finger to her chin, a smirk curling on her lips as Lila tensed. "Face it, Lila. Your lies didn't get you what you wanted this time."

"Oh, Marinette, someday you'll learn that I always get exactly what I want," Lila said, squaring her shoulders, and with a careless flick of her wrist, she splashed red wine down the front of Marinette's dress. "Oops."

Marinette's jaw dropped as Lila sauntered away, pawing at the stains forming in the fabric. Tears welled in her eyes as she glanced between the other guests, her dress, and the smug look on Lila's face before she stormed from the room.

Lila watched her go with a triumphant beam before she slipped over to where Adrien was chatting with a few other models. He examined her smirk before his eyes narrowed into a glare.

"It's really a shame, you know," Lila sighed, examining her nails. "All of this could have been avoided if you weren't such a coward."

"What are you talking about?" Adrien asked, shoulders tensing when Lila shot him another taunting grin. "What did you do?"

"Nothing either of you will be able to prove." She shrugged, and Adrien visibly bristled.

"Where's Marinette?" He demanded, and Lila averted her gaze with a chuckle.

"Probably crying in the bathroom. It's your fault really. You dragged her into this," she said, and Adrien shot off in an instant.

Playing the concerned boyfriend for everyone to see. They were so careful when they thought someone was watching, but Lila had a feeling things were different behind closed doors. She clasped her hands behind her back and paced over to where Nathalie stood in the corner between business inquiries.

"If you want your proof, just go listen to the two of them talk in private. When no one's around, they're sure to drop the act," Lila said, and Nathalie glanced around at all the guests before slinking off after Adrien.

Popping a tiny quiche into her mouth, Lila casually moved among the other guests, awaiting the end of their foolish little game. Marinette picked the wrong opponent to challenge, and she really hoped that this would ruin her chances with Adrien for good.

Marinette dabbed at the stains with a towel, heart hammering in her chest as they only smeared. They were never coming out, and she knew as much. Why did Lila always have to ruin everything? She couldn't go back out there now. What would Gabriel think if he found out she ruined the dress he had made for her? He would probably think she was careless and that she didn't respect him then he would probably decide that she didn't respect Adrien either and force them to break up then she would never be able to see Adrien again, her fashion career would be over before it started, and she would die alone in an apartment with 15 cats and a hamster named-

"Marinette?" It was Adrien knocking at the door, and she sank onto the ottoman in defeat. "Are you okay? Can I come in?"

"Yeah," she said after a moment, dabbing at her dress again as he opened the door.

He observed her tear streaked cheeks, the purple stains on the front of her dress, and the dull emptiness of her expression with a frown before kneeling in front of her.

"What happened?" He asked, and she covered her face as fresh tears spilled down her cheeks.

"It's Lila. She threw wine on me and ruined my dress, and now I can't do anything and it's all ruined and-" she sobbed, and Adrien reached a hand up to brush her hair from her face.

"I'm sorry, Marinette. I should have been there to protect you," he said with a wince.

"It's not your fault," Marinette said with a sniffle, but he shook his head.

"I've let Lila roam free for far too long, and she always finds a way to attack you. I'm so sorry, Marinette," he said, and she reached out to cup his cheek, trailing her thumb along his jaw.

"Lila is a vile person, and that's no one's fault but hers. You are always more than kind to me, Adrien," she said, and he leaned his cheek against her palm before stretching up to kiss her cheek.

"What can I do to help?" He asked, shifting his gaze down to the stains on her skirt, and she shrugged her shoulders.

"There's nothing that can be done. It's never going to come out," she said with a sigh. "I can't go back out there. Not like this."

"I'll go talk to Nathalie, and maybe we can-"

"No, Adrien. I just...I was really proud of this design, and when your dad made it for me, I felt really special. Someone whose skill I admire liked something I designed and told me it was good, and now...now it's ruined, and if I go back out there, people will all talk about how I didn't care about Gabriel giving me something so important and special," she said, pressing her lips into a firm line. "I'm just gonna call my mom and ask her to come pick me up."

"No, Marinette," Adrien pleaded, placing a hand over hers. "Don't go. I want you to stay."

"But-"

"Who cares what anyone says? If anyone gives you grief, we can tell them it was my fault," he said, and she flicked her gaze up to his. "Lila ruined your dress, but that doesn't mean you have to let her ruin your night."

"Adrien…"

"I don't want you to leave. Not yet," he said, giving her hand a squeeze. "Stay. Please?"

She searched his expression before lowering her gaze back to her lap with a sigh. She couldn't say no to him.

"Okay," she said, picking at the fabric, and Adrien pulled her against his chest. "But what am I gonna do?"

"Don't worry. I'll handle everything," Adrien said with a wink, lifting her hand to his lips, and a smile curled on her lips as he pulled her back to her feet. "Come on let's go back together."

Nathalie ducked behind the corner as they left hand-in-hand, and she lifted her phone back to her ear.

"Did you find any incriminating evidence as per Miss Rossi's suggestion?" Gabriel asked.

"No. Their affection for one another seems genuine," she said.

"Keep an eye on them and keep me posted. One of those girls is going to become my masterpiece no matter the outcome," he ordered.

"Yes, sir," Nathalie said then added, "for Adrien's sake, I hope that it ends up being Lila."

"I do too. Be sure to push her if this blows up in her face. Rub salt in the wound. You have my full permission to do whatever you see fit to accomplish that," Gabriel said before hanging up, and Nathalie paced back to the ballroom.

"Everyone is staring at me," Marinette said with a frown as she and Adrien moved back through the room, and Adrien glanced around, pursing his lips.

He hailed a server over and retrieved a glass of wine from the tray, swirling it gently before dumping it onto the front of his tux.

"Adrien!" Marinette gasped, a hand flying to her mouth as he rubbed in the purple stain with his sleeve.

"Wow, I'm so clumsy, but hey, at least now we match," he said with a shrug before flashing her a wink, and she covered her face to suppress a giggle that brought a smile to his own lips. "Now everyone will be talking about me, so don't worry, okay?"

Marinette lowered her hands, bright blue eyes twinkling with gratitude and relief before she stepped forward to kiss his cheek.

"Thank you," she whispered, and he offered her a hand.

"Would the lovely lady accompany me while I mingle with my father’s clients?" He quirked a brow, and she placed her hand in his with another laugh.

"She would love to," she said with a curtsey before Adrien led her to a group across the room.

Lila watched from across the room with a scowl, arms crossed over her chest and nail tapping in annoyance. Nathalie strolled up behind her with a sly smirk and leaned down to her ear.

"I overheard something interesting, alright," she said, and Lila's eyebrows raised with excitement. "I heard you ruined the dress that Mr. Agreste had made for Marinette."

"I did what I had to," she said with a shrug.

"Marinette was quite upset over it, and Adrien was very protective of her. They seem to care for each other a great deal," Nathalie said.

“Then I’ll just have to try something else to get them to talk. I promise you-” Lila started, but Nathalie cut her off.

“Need I remind you what’s at stake if you cannot provide evidence for your claims? Mr. Agreste is not a patient man,” Nathalie said, and Lila folded her arms over her chest, puffing out her cheeks. “You have until the end of the gala.”

“I understand, and you will get your proof. One way or another.”

***

“You doing okay?” Adrien asked pacing out onto the balcony later where Marinette stood looking out over the garden. “I brought you some cake.”

“Yeah, I’m fine,” she said, but upon seeing her sullen expression, he leaned against the railing beside her.

“You still upset about Lila?” She averted her gaze at that, so he nodded in understanding.

“She just always ruins everything! Your dad had this beautiful dress made, and she poured wine all over it,” Marinette said, hands curling into fists. “She’s just always out to ruin my life.”

Adrien eyed her a moment as she crossed her arms over her chest with a huff before reaching out to pull her into his arms. She leaned into his embrace as he rubbed her back and kissed her hair, nuzzling against his shoulder with a pout.

It was strange, but having her in his arms in that moment filled him with a sense of warmth like a small flame was burning in his chest. More than anything he wanted to protect that flame from harm at all cost to preserve that feeling. Marinette was someone precious to him, increasingly more so since all of this had started. She was willing to help him after he’d dragged her into a mess he’d created. She listened to him and made him laugh, but more than anything she made him feel safe.

When he pulled back slightly, she tilted her chin to look up at him, fluttery lashes hooding over bright blue eyes as he leaned down to touch his lips to hers, and the flame in his chest flickered and burned brighter. Kissing her had always stirred up such reactions in him since the very first time, and he was finally starting to understand them for what they were. So often now when he saw her, he found himself breathless and flushed, and whether she was dressed in pink pajamas with her hair in a sloppy bun over video chat or gliding across the ballroom floor in a flowing gown, she was the most beautiful girl he’d ever seen. And Adrien was starting to understand the feelings that had been patiently bubbling inside him all this time, and he realized that he would give Marinette Dupain-Cheng the world if she asked.

“I could tell Nathalie what happened and have her escorted out,” he said after a moment when they pulled away, stroking her cheek with his thumb. “I could tell everyone that she’s a liar, so no one would ever believe her again. Then she wouldn’t both you anymore.”

“You’d really do that for me?” Marinette glanced up at him, and his face softened.

“I’d do anything for you. All you have to do is ask,” he said gently, and she lowered her gaze again.

“No. I couldn’t ask you to do that. As awful as she is, I don’t want you to resort to that.” She shook her head, and Adrien hugged her closer, pressing his forehead to hers.

“I know,” he murmured. “It’s only one of the many things I love about you.”

And he meant it. It had taken him a long time to realize the root of his fascination with Marinette, but now it seemed so painfully obvious. Standing on the balcony with her in his arms, exchanging such delicate affections in soft whispers. Kissing her cheeks, her chin, her eyes, her nose until soft giggles curled her lips into a smile, and she trained those warm blue eyes on him again.

There was no one around to see the adoring gazes shared between them. No one to witness the way he pulled her close and kissed her slowly. Not a soul to see how she wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him back. They were alone, but Adrien liked it that way. These feelings were his, and he only wanted to share them with the girl in his arms. Feelings he finally understood.

He was in love with Marinette.

“Cake?” He asked when they pulled away, and she smiled up at him and opened her mouth as he offered her a forkful.

The two giggled, affectionately feeding each other bites before deciding to head back inside, and Lila ducked behind a plant, clutching her phone with shaking hands. She couldn’t believe how careful they were being. Did they know she was watching? No. They couldn’t have. So how then had they not slipped up? None of it made sense.

She locked eyes with Nathalie across the room then quickly averted her gaze as she approached, turning her back as soon as Nathalie got close.

“I just need a little more time,” she said, crossing her arms over her chest.

“It’s time for Adrien and Marinette to leave, so your time is up,” Nathalie said calmly. "The two are in love, and the only obstacle in their relationship seems to be you, so Mr. Agreste has requested that I inform you that all negotiations are hereby terminated."

"What?" Lila spun around. "But I-"

"Mr. Agreste doesn't appreciate when his hard work is ruined or when people threaten his son's happiness," Nathalie said coldly. "He was quite clear when he told you that you were to prove your claims or be removed from your agreement, and seeing as Adrien has a girlfriend to look after him now, we no longer require your services."

"But I can prove it, Ms. Nathalie, I swear!" Lila pleaded. "Please, just give me one more chance."

"You failed to provide evidence of your claims, so your involvement in our affairs is over. Goodbye," Nathalie said before turning and walking away, leaving Lila to seethe as a little black butterfly landed on her phone, and a familiar voice brought a sly grin to her lips.

Gabriel wanted proof? Oh she'd get him proof.

[thewitchandtheassassin]

A Hero’s Suit (Lena Luthor x Reader)

Prompt:  Shameless was so good! Can you do Yellow 14 with Lena Luthor? (“Don’t go, without you none of this was worth it, without you this is all for nothing.”)

Words: 1372

Warnings: Angst

A/N: Okay, so I just got this prompt tonight but I had immediate inspiration for it so here we are. Oops. Also (SPOILER) I know Eve is bad and Lena doesn’t find out about Kara til the end of Season 4 but lemme have some creative liberties here.

-X-

Storming into L-Corp probably wasn’t your best decision but you were frustrated. Actually, you were downright pissed. You had been for a while now, but this was just icing on the proverbial cake.

Of all the days!

It was yours and Lena’s six month anniversary and you’d been stood up. Dressed in your nicest outfit, you’d waited at that freaking restaurant for two bloody hours and she never showed. You’d gotten so many pitying looks that you wanted to scream and - when you had gotten in your car - you did scream.

Loudly.

Being an alien from another planet, you hadn’t really understood the concept of anniversaries when you first started dating the youngest Luthor, but you’d grown quite fond of them now. And for her to have blown you off made you angry. You understood her work kept her away - often - but it was your anniversary.

Could she not make time for you?

In fact, it had been weeks since she really spent any time with you. Some “huge” project was keeping her at the office until late every night for the last month and honestly, you missed your girlfriend.

Impatiently pressing the button for Lena’s lab, you tapped your foot as you waited for it to descend. You watched the numbers count down, leaving you time to try and calm down. You didn’t want to scream at Lena - she had been through so much in life - but you wanted her to know your displeasure.

The bell dinged and the doors opened up, granting you access to the labs. You stepped inside and glanced around, searching for the woman you loved. You didn’t immediately see her but that didn’t stop you. You were certain she was down here.

She was always down here.

You started walking around, following the sounds of soft chatter. Of course Eve was here. Why wouldn’t she be? Rolling your eyes, you hurried after their voices until you found them.

“So if the nanotechnology is centered at the waist, it should...” Lena trailed off as your footsteps echoed across the floor.

“It should what?” you demanded bitterly. “Don’t stop on my account. It’s not like you have recently so why start now?”

“(Y/N)!” Lena yelped, dropping her tablet onto the table with a bang. She was confused by your tone. Well, if she was being honest, it worried her greatly. You sounded so mad. “What are you doing here?”

She took in your outfit and jealousy filled her. Why did you look so good? Just who had you gone to see tonight?

“Oh, you know, I was just spending my anniversary alone at some fancy ass restaurant that my girlfriend wanted to try but then I thought, huh, I wonder what was so important that she forgot about me so here I am,” you spat, crossing your arms.

Eve stared at you wide-eyed. She’d never heard you talk to Lena like that before. “Um, I think I should go. I’ll see you tomorrow, Ms. Luthor.” She scurried away, leaving you and Lena alone.

Lena’s mouth dropped open and she gazed upon you, her eyes screaming apologies that she herself couldn’t seem to form. She had completely forgotten what day it was. She was in her labs so much that days passed by like seconds.

“(Y/N)...” she circled the desk, walking carefully towards you. “I am so sorry, darling.”

“Sorry doesn’t fix this, Lena,” you said, shaking your head. “This isn’t just about tonight. This is about the last month. You’re here every night until at least midnight and gone long before the sun is up. I haven’t really seen you since I outed myself to you about being an alien.” You paused, realization dawning on you. “Is that what this is about? My being an alien?”

Lena was stunned. She hadn’t realized how much she had been working. Had it really been a month?

“It is, isn’t it?” You mistook her silence as confirmation and you stepped back, tears filling your eyes. “You’ve been avoiding me because of that, working on this “huge” project instead. Well,” you angrily wiped at the tears threatening to fall, “I’m sorry I didn’t tell you immediately but I was scared of this exact thing happening - and I guess I had a reason to be. I thought you were different, Lena. I mean, Christ, your best friend is Supergirl. I guess I was wrong.”

You shook your head and started for the elevator, leaving Lena to stare after you in horror. She couldn’t believe she’d made you feel so unloved. Unloved enough that you questioned if all of this was over your biology. God, what had she done?

“Wait!” she called after you, chasing you through the lab. “Don’t go, please. Without you, none of this was worth it. Without you, this is all for nothing.”

You paused at the doors, curiosity getting the best of you. “What was all for nothing?”

Lena swallowed dryly. She’d hoped for this to be a surprise for your anniversary, but clearly that was out of the picture considering she’d forgotten what day it was. So, instead she reached out and touched your shoulder, her hand sliding down your arm to grab your hand and pull you around.

“When you told me you were an alien, you said you wished you could help people like Kara does,” she explained, nerves shaking her voice, “So, I got in contact with the people who work with Supergirl. We...” she trailed off, shaking her head. “Just come with me. Please.”

You hesitated for a moment but the hopefulness in her eyes made you follow along willingly.

Stopping at Lena’s tablet, she typed in the passcode before handing it to you. “We discussed the possibility of you becoming a hero. With your powers, you could be a great asset, so we started working on a suit for you. I was going to bring you here on our anniversary and show you the designs and how it would work, but some complications arose and I had hoped to fix them before today but that didn’t happen. I understand why you’re angry. I shouldn’t have missed our anniversary and I’m so sorry. I know that doesn’t change anything but...” she was cut off by you setting the tablet down before tossing your arms around her and pulling her into a hug.

Tears gathered in your water line but you didn’t care. This was the best thing anyone had ever done for you and you felt like such a jackass now.

“I’m sorry,” you mumbled into her hair, keeping her close to your chest.

“Why are you sorry, darling? I messed up,” Lena replied, brows furrowed together.

“I should have let you explain before I accused you of being xenophobic. I should have known better,” you sighed apologetically, leaning back so you could study your girlfriend’s features. “This is the nicest thing anyone’s ever done for me.”

Lena gave a watery smile, relief slacking her muscles. She had been terrified the moment you walked away that you were leaving her. Being in your arms, however, staved off that fear.

“Do you forgive me?” Lena whispered, staring at your lips.

“Yeah,” you replied just as softly, leaning in and capturing her lips.

You stood there for what felt like hours, kissing and reacquainting yourselves with each other. It was gentle and sweet, and while it wasn’t how you imagined spending your anniversary, you were okay with it.

“You know,” you started when your lips left Lena’s, “Back on my planet I was a bit of a science whiz. How about we work on my suit together?”

Lena beamed. “That sounds wonderful, darling. I can show you what we’ve got so far and maybe we’ll be able to fix the problems that have arisen.”

Linking your fingers with Lena, the two of you began pouring over the tablet, chattering about the suit and what it could do.

With a heart ten pounds lighter and a smile that could power the world, you felt at peace - and that’s all you could ask for.

[thorne93]

Unforeseen Chasm (Part 42)

Prompt: Two sisters fall for men that are absolute enemies. The love they have could tear all of them apart, or it could bring them together.

Word Count:2842

Warnings: Language, mentions of self-experimentation,  mentions of cancer,  implied smut, guilt. song for this part: Note: This is by far the longest thing I’ve ever written (including my novels). It’s a collaboration with the amazing @mrs-dragneel-stark-solo​​. It started as a funny “What if…?” and it evolved and got huge. This took two years to write. We are both proud and happy and we hope you enjoy it. It follows from Thor 1 to Endgame in the MCU. Some of the timelines may be off in order to fit certain people, and some characters may show up earlier or in different ways than they have in the movie. But for the most part, it follows the MCU. It also has a bit of crossover with some other Marvel characters throughout the story.

Masterlist for Unforeseen Chasm

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

Three days after the incident at the sanctum, Shannon had been in and out of the med bay per Bruce’s request. She was getting tired of going in to get her vitals checked when she could have Jarvis do them from her lab. 

“Bruce, is all of this really necessary?” she questioned the man unaware as to why he’s doing so. “I said I was fine I just needed to rest.”

“Shannon, you were unconscious for almost two days, That's never happened before!” He looked exasperated while comparing the vitals from the previous day to today’s. “There's been an increase in how much time you spend under that's rapidly increasing.” He walked over to her to check her eyes. 

“Wouldn't that have to correlate to how much time I spent over using my negative powers?” she half whined, hoping to get back to her lab soon enough. “Why can’t you just have JARVIS scan me and send you the vitals? I’ve been working on a new project using Steve’s super serum,” she said pulling out her holographic files. 

“Well of course I could have done that but I’d much rather do it myself as a good friend would for another friend.” But truth be told he was doing so to keep an eye on Shannon so that she wouldn’t try to experiment on herself. Worried that she’d find out that she had a “cancer” of some sorts would destroy her. “Alright everything seems fine, just make sure to notify me if there’s a change or something okay?” 

Getting off the bed, she wiped her hands on her skirt, then turned to look in the mirror. “I will, don't worry. You sound like my sister when she found out I had come home from a mission.” She smiled, remembering her sister Tracey cleaning up her cuts.

“Alright, alright, you’re free to go back to your lab,” he sighed giving her a small smile. “Check on Tony would you? He hasn't left his lab since last night,” he called over his shoulder while putting away the files. 

“Sure thing, Bruce.” She skipped over to him and gave him a kiss on the cheek. “Don’t stay in here too late either, we’re still on for that meditation time right?” she asked hoping to get some quiet time with him. 

“I won’t stay late and yes we’re still on with that, see you then.” He waved her away, already occupied with figuring out how to help her be cured. 

Shannon walked the halls of the tower for a few minutes trying to get some alone time before getting Tony out of the lab to go eat something and catch some cuddle time.  Heading towards the main doors of the lab, she could hear his music pounding away against the walls. She shook her head and headed inside. 

She stood there for a moment watching him work on one of the many suits he’d created. She noticed the iron woman suit had some changes to it, making her groan. Not wanting to disturb him just yet she walked over to her suit. She marveled at the detail he’s added into it. 

“Like it?” He’d noticed her come in but didn’t want to stop working just yet. “I’ve made a few changes to the design.” He wrapped his arms around her waist

“I noticed. Why are you still working on it?” She turned to face him and smiled having him this close to her. “I told you I wasn't going to wear it,” she deadpanned.

“I know, babe, but it doesn’t hurt to have for safety,” he tried, hoping she’s be okay with it. “You know I just want to make sure your safe.”

“I know that, but my powers could be a hindrance to it.” She looked back at the suit. “My electricity could zap it and cause it to shut down.”

“I’m still figuring that out, babe, don’t worry.” He kissed her slowly. “Is this that skirt I like?” he asked as he lifted Shannon onto one of the work benches.

“Might be,” she teased. Feeling his hands slid up her legs. 

“Going commando today I see?” He smirked. “You’re such a tease.” He nipped her shoulder. 

“What can I say? I know how to rile you up.” She winked and kissed his jaw feeling his growing beard. “We should go eat. I know you’ve been in here since yesterday, Bruce told me.” She pulled back to look at him. 

“I'm not hungry for food right now,” he growled at her. “We should head back to our room and I’ll order some food.” He lifted her up again and headed for the elevators. 

———

Bruce had let you have the day off yesterday to help Loki be tended to. 

Seeing as Shannon was finally awake, he could go back to working on what the two had left off. He also had in mind talking to you about the possibility of traveling when needed or asked for, seeing as you’d done well and had made sure that Shield has been aware of your good standing they’ve agreed to give you a bit more freedom. 

Heading back to his office he noticed that you were coming out of the elevator with drinks. “Morning, Bruce, got you that herbal tea you like to drink so often,” you said in a cheery voice, handing him his cup. “What are the plans for today?” You followed him to his office hoping to get started on something new. 

“Actually before we get started on anything new, I wanted to talk to you on your parole and some of the new things they’ve added for you,” he said as he sat on the couch.

“Oh?” you said, starting to feel a little nervous. Maybe they were going to crack down on you now that Loki was out. Maybe they were going to say you couldn’t leave a fifty mile radius of the city. Maybe they were going to relocate Loki to somewhere other than the apartment, and the thought of that ripped you to shreds.

“No need to worry, you've been informed about the work part of your parole.” He motioned for you to join him. “I’ve been keeping track of the work you’ve done and so has Shield and they believe you deserve a bit more freedom.” He gave a pause so to let the news would sink in. 

With this, a small smile perked at your lips. “Oh? Is that so? I’m glad to hear that… What exactly did they have in mind?”

“Well for starters, you’ll be able to travel to other states for work and for fun however there will be a certain amount of time to do the latter.” He pulled up a file of what he was sent. “I took the liberty of picking out some projects you might be interested to do from around the states.”

You couldn’t help that your eyebrows shot up. Allowed to travel to other states? Encouraged even? Getting paid to travel and work? Was this real? 

“Wow. That sounds… amazing. Where all do you have? What are the projects?”

“Well there’s a project Jane is currently working on down in Nebraska.” He pulled up the file with her work. “It revolves around your expertise, and she specifically requested you.” The file for that project was on his desk and he retrieved the file handing it to you.

Your eyes scanned the file quickly. “This sounds really interesting. How would this work though? When would I stop work with you and begin with her? For how long? Can Loki accompany me?” 

You weren’t sure he knew all the answers to your questions, but part of being a scientist meant questions were always swimming in your head.

“Balancing the workload for starters, there won't be much happening over here so you’ll mostly focus on what she’s doing unless I need you to look over something.” He sipped the tea and continued. “You can begin whenever you're done with what you're currently doing or want to start working with her,” he said taking a breath. “The length I am unaware of, Loki accompanying you would depend on his parole officer, but I’m sure if you spoke with him there might be some sort of compromise that could be made,” he reassured you hoping that answering all your questions will calm you a bit. 

“I really appreciate you telling me about this. Thank you. Um, I’d like to think on it, just tonight. I can give you my answer tomorrow morning, if that’s alright?” 

“Of course take as much time as needed. I’m sure there’s a lot to talk about with Loki. Whenever you have your answer, let me or Shannon know and we'll get things ready for you.” He got up and patted your shoulder. “If you need me I’ll be in the lab, go eat something and come in when you're done,” was what he said as he walked away putting on his lab coat.

You caught your lip between your teeth, chewing it as he walked away. This was a lot to think about, a lot to do. Another job, already? In a different state? Shannon’s wedding was coming up, you needed to be here for that. It felt… wrong, to up and leave her now, now that you were finally free. 

But you couldn’t hold your career back either. It already had a long unintended pause on it.  

You certainly had a lot to think about… 

-----------------

Loki got home to the apartment before you -- God that still felt so foreign. Loki with a job, you with a job, going home to an apartment… All of these… domestic ideas that you never thought you would get with him. It was almost like the American dream -- for two alien terrorists. 

“Hi, darling,” he greeted you with a quick kiss as you came in and dropped your purse. “How was your day?”

“Uh, good,” you slowly said, sitting at the kitchen island while he made you a drink. 

“Doesn’t sound good,” he noted. “Everything alright?” 

You nodded. “Yeah, everything is great. I have some news.”

“Oh?” 

“Yeah, Jane has a job opening… and she requested me to work with her.”

He smiled at you. “That’s wonderful! It’s good to know she still wants to work with you.”

With a nervous knot in your stomach, you began to play with your hands, your nervous habit. “Yeah… yeah, I guess. Um… it’s in Nebraska… I don’t know when it’ll start or end… That means that I don’t know if you can come. You still need your job here. Shannon needs me too, with the wedding and everything. I love New York. Nebraska is nothing but fucking corn… But it’s a project with someone I love working with. I just… I don’t want to turn down a good opportunity. I would be advancing my career, which is something I can’t afford not to do. But abandoning Shannon, and possibly you--”

“Darling, darling, stop,” he gently commanded. “Is this something you want?” 

“I mean… I think so. Working with Bruce and Stark Industries is great. It looks awesome on a resume but I’m so tired of that tower and I’m not out in the field… I would love to be back out there, gathering data, crunching numbers…”

“Then it sounds to me like you have to do what you love, what’s best for you, and take this job.”

You peered up at him. “But what about us? What if you can’t come with me? You still need your job, it’s your parole…”

“And I’ll serve it.”

“We’ve never been apart,” you reminded. 

“I think… after everything we’ve endured, some distance is the least of our concerns.”

“What about Shannon and the wedding? I feel like I’m completely bailing on her.”

“That’s something you’ll need to discuss with her, but if I know her, and I think I have a good idea, she will support you bettering your career and your life.”

You mulled this over for a moment. “And you’re sure you’ll be okay with me being thousands of miles away?”

He walked around the island and put his hand under your chin, raising your face to look into his eyes. “My love, I’m positive I want you to be happy, no matter what that costs. If we can’t withstand some distance, that says a lot about our relationship, doesn't it?” he challenged with a soft smirk. 

You sighed. “I suppose you’re right… Well, I need to to talk to Shannon then… Thank you for supporting me.” You wrapped your arms around his waist as he held you back, kissing your forehead.

In a barely audible whisper, he said, “Anything for you, my love.” 

-----------------------

The following morning, you begrudgingly walked into Shannon’s office. You stood outside the office, taking deep breaths, trying to calm your nerves. Would Shannon completely hate you after this? Would she just feel like you were abandoning her after all the strings she pulled to get you out? Would she yell? Would she cry? 

You knew she would support you, of course she would. But this was her wedding, the wedding she dreamed of ever since she laid eyes on Stark… And now you were disappearing…. What kind of message did this send? You left her for Asgard. You left her for Loki. You nearly killed her for Loki. Now that you were free, and swore you would spend more time with her, you were ready to leave for another job -- leaving the one she got for you. 

Knowing Shannon like the back of your hand, you knew she would want you to go take this job… But that was before this engagement. Any other circumstance, she wouldn’t hesitate to send you off. But now? Now you weren’t so sure. 

With a final deep breath, you opened her door and knocked, peering at her working. “Hey, Shan? You got a sec?”

She looked up from the wedding binder she had on the table. “Hey Y/N/N, for you always. What's up?” She closed the binder putting it back on the shelf next to a picture of Tony and her in Alaska. “Come on in, Y/N, need any help?”

You tentatively stepped in and took a seat in front of her desk. “Actually, yeah. Um… so… Jane offered me a job in Nebraska…” you stated, ripping the bandaid off. “Loki told me he’s okay if I take the job, but I wanted to come to you… We don’t know how long it will be… so, I don’t know if it’ll interfere with the wedding. I mean, I won’t be here for dress shopping or cake tasting and stuff…” 

This was it. She was going to either blow up on you or shut down. You tensed, awaiting her reaction. 

Shannon’s demeanor changed. She had been calm almost peacefully been looking through her wedding things. And now she had an unreadable expression. But there was a hint of emotion in her eyes. 

“Y/N/N, you know I’ll always support you a hundred percent. Go for it! I'm glad Jane’s wanting to work with you again,” she started off saying. “I can practically see the nerves popping off you, Y/N. I’m not mad. I haven't even made appointments for any of those things yet besides that one day we went in to look at dresses. There’s still a lot to get done, and I'm sure even by Jane’s side you’ll be able to help.” She got quiet for a moment thinking. “I could probably have Stephen bring you to me when I need your help and have him teleport you back really quickly.” Shannon seemed to relax knowing what you were worried about. 

“Really? You’re sure? I’m not… fucking the whole wedding up?” you questioned.

“Heck no! Go ahead. If I really need you I’ll have Nightcrawler poof me to your side.” She smiled, knowing he’d enjoy helping again. “Your career has been on hold long enough plus being here all the time has got to be getting to you, I know it does sometimes for me.”

You nodded gently. “You realize you’re literally the best person on this planet, right?” you asked before jumping up and rounding the desk to give her the tightest hug. 

Shannon laughed and waved her hand. “What can I say? I would do anything to help you succeed, your my best friend till the end.” She hugged you equally as tight. “Now why don’t you go tell Bruce and I’ll get started on the paperwork.” She kissed your forehead before letting you go. 

Grinning from ear to ear you nodded, nearly racing out of her office. “I owe you big time! Thank you!” With that, you ran down the hall, to the elevator, then up to the lab, where you formally accepted the job. Bruce said he was happy for you and stated he would let Jane know, and get the paperwork underway with SHIELD.

Next stop: Nebraska.

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

Tag List: @essie1876​ @magpiegirl80​ @letsgetfuckingsuperwholocked​ @iamwarrenspeace​ @marvel-imagines-yes-please​ @superwholocked527 @missinstantgratification​ @thejemersoninferno​ @rda1989​ @munlis​ @thefridgeismybestie​​ @bubblyanarocks3​​ @igiveupicantthinkofausername​​ @kaliforniacoastalteens​ @feelmyroarrrr​​ @kaelingoat-blog​ @friendlyneighbourhoodweirdo​​ @damalseer​​ @heyitscam99​​ @yknott81​​ @sorryimacrapwriter​​ @glitterquadricorn​​ @xxqueenofisolationxx @little-dis-kaalista-pythonissama @bittersweetunicorm​​ @alyssaj23​​ @sea040561​​ @princess76179​​ @thisismysecrethappyplace​​ @sarahp879​​ @malfoysqueen14​​ @ellallheart​​ @breezy1415​​ @marvelmayo​​ @random-fluffy-pink-unicorn @cocosierra94 @hardcollectionworldtrash @capsmuscles @marvelloushamilton @paintballkid711​

Loki: @lostinspace33​​ @ultrarebelheart​​ @lenawiinchester​​ @esoltis280​​ @tngrayson​​ @wangdeasang​​ @harrymewmew @jayfantasyatyourservice​​

UC: @lokis-high-priestess​

[dragonrajafanfiction]

Dragon Dancer II: Chapter 1: The Gentleman

The light colored facade and fanciful decor of the hundred-year-old Hotel Le Royal Monceau in Paris was truly fitting for spring. Principal Hilbert Ron Anjou tipped his hat in appreciation of the sight and at the doorman who greeted him with “Welcome back, sir.”

Master list

“It is truly a pleasure to be back!” He gestured behind him. “This is my new special student.”

The doorman, dark-skinned and appearing to be in his thirties, regarded the teenage girl standing behind him. She wore a white jacket, her shapely brown legs curving out from a pleated yellow short skirt that some men might eye, hoping for a glimpse of a little more. She was less than impressed with the gracious amenities, avoiding eye contact and fiddling with the tassels of her hood strings.

The doorman grinned anyway. “Well, a fine student she is.” He earned himself a tip for remaining cheery rather than concerned about her gloomy expression.

Anjou checked in. Though his hair and beard were white, he didn’t move like a man that old. His spine was straight, his limbs strong, his manner energetic and jovial. His eyes were focused and crisp. His voice was strong, despite his happy smoking of a Cuban cigar.

The hotel staff were clearly smitten with him, losing their stiff professional manner and laughing at his jokes, eyes glittering with mirth. Even though he wore a custom tailored suit that cost more than most people made in a year and wore rings of rare crystals -- some of alchemical make, so rare and so precious, they might as well have been alien -- they treated him as a friend. 

That was Anjou’s charisma.

It wasn’t until they stepped into the gold mirrored elevator that that charisma faltered.

His student looked lost, unhappy, vulnerable, and achingly beautiful. Her slight figure added to her fae-like appearance. Anjou watched the elevator operator’s face flicker on her, his natural empathy and need to protect a fellow human welling up in his eyes.

The man surely had worked in this hotel long enough to know he shouldn’t ask questions. Anjou watched in wonder and allowed the man’s feelings to develop, chuckling internally as the sight of her worked its magic -- just as it did on Caesar on the Day of Liberty.

Like Caesar, this bellhop forgot where he was, forgot his duty, and was drawn into a disadvantageous position, risking his precious prize -- in this case, a tip.

“Uh… are you okay?”

She lifted her head, surprised to be addressed. Her wide eyes were like windows to her soul, easily read, hiding nothing.

“Yes… are… you alright?” He asked again, committing to his error.

She smiled at him. “Just a little sick from the flight. That’s all.”

Anjou’s eyes returned to the bellhop as he suddenly realized his blunder. To his credit, he didn’t apologize.

“I hope you understand sir…”

“Oh, I understand perfectly.” Anjou’s voice was so warm and reassuring that he might as well have reached over and patted this fully grown man on the head. “And I commend you on your brave spirit and humanity.”

Anjou took out his wallet and produced a tip of three hundred euros. “Here. Spend it well.”

The man let out a wheeze, eyes wide.”Yes. Thank you sir! Thank you… is there anything more I can…”

“I’ll take it from here.” Anjou interrupted, as the doors opened.

His student blessed the bellhop with one more smile, as she left the elevator. The man only broke her gaze after the doors attempted to close on him.

As soon as she arrived in her room, his student fled to her bedroom and shut the door. This was hard on her.  Normally, high ranking students were eager to get off campus and put their education to good use as well as take advantage of the plush amenities their rank afforded them. But she grew up in modest circumstances and only longed for things money couldn’t buy. 

She’d bewitched the other S-ranked student, Lu Mingfei, into a deep friendship with her. She’d drawn the leader of Lionheart into being her lover and lured Caesar Gattuso into practically handing over Day of Liberty to her. Had he not gotten her off campus, he might have found himself without a school.

Everything she had accomplished didn’t apply here, however. She had no friends, no lover, and no influence. As far as she was concerned, Paris was a desert. 

He pressed a key on his phone. The voice on the other end had a slight French accent over the otherwise impeccable English.

“Anjou, a day is too long to go without hearing your voice.”

“And it has been far too long, Capetian. The student and I have just arrived.”

“Excellent! Were there any problems?”

“None! The passport was flawless.”

“And the flight?”

“The weather could have not been better. Let’s hope it remains that way. Paris is making me fall in love all over again!” He chuckled. “Of course, every season is a good season in Paris. Have you located the others?”

“Yes, sir… they…”

Anjou stopped him. “Now, now… brief me tonight at dinner. I would like you to meet our young genius.” 

After a few more loving goodbyes and reminders not to be late, Anjou hung up the phone and went to the bedroom.

She was Charlotte to strangers, Carli to friends, Meixiu to her lover. She was a young woman of many names. He referred to her most often however, as “my dear”. She was dear to him, having come out from the jaws of death and through sands of time to return to his school like a little turtle dove.

Her scowl reminded him, however, that she was actually a hybrid. First Generation, S-ranked, and just as much dragon as she was human. She was not pleased with him. He’d disrupted her plans to spend time in Chizuru with Chu Zihang and made no mystery of her love-sickness. He weathered her glare. “You’re free to stay here and rest while I make arrangements and prepare for the briefing meeting tonight. The mission itself won’t start for a few weeks while we prepare. Try to have a good time.”

She’d taken these arrangements personally and turned back to the window without speaking to him.

After the Day of Liberty, Caesar said that once he’d gotten close enough, she’d drawn him into darkness so forbidding that he thought he had truly died. When he returned to the land of the living, he was breathless, disoriented. She fought him like a wildcat, and then shot him like a dog.

He would savor these moments when she was still under his wing. He got the feeling they would be a memory all too soon.

Anjou adjusted his tie, donned his light trench coat and went out, leaving the “Do not Disturb” sign on the door.

He enjoyed his walk around the city, admiring the art and architecture, the comings and goings of tourists and natives. Women pushed strollers dressed in tracksuits, older men sat in the square and played chess. It was this idyll that was threatened. He needed her here, but was determined to make her first mission as pleasant as possible before the coming storm.

Just as he predicted, the rain started as the sun began to fall. He only went to the bar on a rainy night.

His student dressed up for the evening, in a modest designer black gown and a string of pearls. The afternoon nap seemed to have done wonders. She was smiling again. Her eyes were brighter. They made their way to the bar on the hotel roof. 

The city’s sea of glittering lights and those of the Eiffel Tower drew a gasp from her.  He put his umbrella to the side and sat near the window. He smiled at the bartender. “How are you doing this year, my old friend?”

Capetian emerged from behind the bar, a glass on his platter. Thin and aged, his dark eyes weary under folds of skin, he smiled. “I’m well, old friend.”

The booths were lit by low hanging directional lamps between pools of shadow that provided privacy despite the open layout. It was next to impossible to hear what was going on at any other table. Something about the design of the place kept the noise down while at the same time, keeping close conversation clear.

The smell of the mint liquor wafted from the cocktail glass. Anjou raised his to his lips and sighed with nostalgia. His student eyed him, content to sit and watch him be happy. A menu was set before her and she looked it over.

The waiter, also older, and so pale he looked like a ghost in the lamplight, softly spoke. “I will be pleased to see to your needs this evening.”

She once again seemed shocked to be talked to. “Um… I need a little more time. Thanks.”

“I’ll take this year's caviar plate for a starter.” Anjou nodded.

The waiter bowed and faded back into the shadow.

Capetian took his seat next to Anjou, who produced a Havana cigar from his jacket pocket and snipped off the tip with a pocket knife. “The Bombay expedition was successful. We’ve found a dragon palace remarkably preserved under the slums. We are currently making our way through the catacombs. However, the dragon is not making it easy to find its chambers.”

He flicked his lighter against the cigar until the tip glowed. “We’ve never seen such a repository of draconic script. And the entry to the complex is predicated on our understanding of it. EVA has done her best with cataloging the known ciphers and arranging and organizing the unknown ciphers along with their context. But this requires a … human touch.” He let out a puff of blue-tinged smoke. “Have you arranged the safe house?”

His student turned to the waiter, ordering a mushroom risotto with a salad. But she was listening. He could tell.

Capetian described a spacious townhouse on the forested outskirts of Paris. At great expense, he’d purchased it, as well as leased the adjacent properties to provide maximum privacy and security for what was bound to be a long term project. He’d stocked the kitchen, installed a private network with direct access to EVA, and a complete off the grid power, water, and sewer system.

The waiter returned with the caviar platter. Anjou offered it to the student who cringed at the sight of the raw fish eggs. “Come now… you’re here to experience new things!” 

While she hesitantly spooned a bit of the roe onto a cracker, Anjou settled on the Kobe beef tartare for his order.

“Have you contacted any of our agents yet?”

“Not yet, I wanted to make sure that nothing came up at the last minute. We’re spread thin here, almost all the agents are occupied with their own projects, but they understand that none are more urgent and pressing than this one. They are willing and available.”

He smiled and nodded. “Your cooperation is deeply appreciated.”

Capetian turned to the girl, watching her clumsily taste caviar for the first time. “And the girl… is she ready?”

“Charlotte?” This time Anjou couldn’t help but laugh, earning him a surprised look from Capetian. Everywhere she went, this uncertainty about her talents followed. He was shaking with laughter, wiping away tears. “Charlotte is the least of my concerns. My biggest concern is your agents’ capability of handling her.”

Capetian’s jaw dropped, “Pardon…?”

Anjou leaned on one elbow, tilting the ash into a silver tray. “She is the winner of the Day of Liberty, S-ranked, and is an essential asset to this mission. I’ll be assigning Agent Robertson to her care and safety. I’ll expect your agents to guard her with their lives and cater to her every request while she works.”

He drew a long puff from his cigar, relaxing to the flavor, the smoke pooling a moment in his mouth. “She has already killed. She can do so again. If they don’t believe me, then they may see for themselves if they try anything improper.”

Charlotte’s gaze lowered and she lost all interest in the caviar.

Capetian swallowed. “Understood, sir.”

[loopyhoopywrites]

Sneezewort & Accidents - a Starlight & Ashes fanfic

Written for @wildswrites for the fic exchange! Thanks for giving me permission to turn your characters into absolute disasters, Fox was so much fun to play around with. (Sorry I took so many liberties with her magic.) Thanks also to @humour-and-hyperfocus for organising this awesome event!

.

Magic, Fox had always been told, was a gift. If that was true, she hoped whoever had sent it had kept the receipt.

Although in fairness, it wasn’t the magic itself that was the Problem. No, the Problem was the generous side helping of memory loss that had accompanied her gift and wiped out the past several years of her life. Oh, and the fact that instead of playing nicely, her magic only reared its head at the worst possible time.

Like when hot girls visited her flower shop.

“Hi!” She said, arranging herself artfully across the counter and quickly slapping away the Lollipop plant that tried to cheekily peer over her shoulder, “How can I help you?”

The potential customer – about Fox’s age, long blonde hair, the kind of don’t-talk-to-me smile that could have been either anger or anxiety and, in case it hadn’t already been mentioned, hot – gave a polite nod.

“Just browsing.”

“You sure?” Fox wasn’t exactly shy when it came to getting to know her customers, and this was one customer she definitely wanted to get to know. “I got some more Baby’s Breath in recently, makes a great garnish for a bouquet if you’re looking for a gift. Or if gardening’s more your thing I can show you the Turkey Corn, if you plant it now you’ll- OUCH.”

Under pretence of an itch, Fox had reached down and tried to bat away the Sneezewort she could feel creeping up her leg. She’d missed. The plant, that was.

Rubbing her leg, Fox attempted a disarming grin. The hot girl gave her a look that, again, could have been either annoyance or awkwardness. It was hard to tell. Fox decided to hope it was the latter. It was far easier to put someone at ease than apologise to them, especially if you didn’t know what you’d done to make them mad in the first place. The Lollipop plant was still getting handsy, so Fox gave it a subtle shove and coughed loudly to cover up the sound of the pot breaking.

“Give me a shout if I can help you with anything?”

Hot Girl nodded, and turned her attention to examining the wall-to-wall shelves Fox had somehow stuffed into the cramped storefront. Fox immediately elbowed the bouquet of roses that had started to creep across the countertop.

“Stop it!” She hissed, “She’s going to see!”

“Sorry?”

“Nothing!” Fox quickly moved in to block the roses from view as Hot Girl poked her head around a Swiss Cheese plant. The roses weren’t having any of it, and shuffled faster. Fox followed suit, hoping she was making it look natural.

(She wasn’t.)

Hot Girl didn’t seem all that convinced by Fox’s attempted nonchalance. In another misguided attempt to ease any suspicions, Fox laughed.

Great, now she looked like even more of a weirdo.

Hot Girl disappeared behind the shelves again, and Fox immediately grabbed the roses and stuck them in the nearest empty vase. Wiggle their little thorns all they liked; they weren’t getting out of that one.

A few whispered warnings and a threatening wave of the pruning shears later, Fox was feeling calmer. Hot Girl was still browsing, picking up a flower or pot every now and again to get a closer look, and as far as Fox could tell they were all behaving themselves.

Determined not to look like a creep who couldn’t stop staring, Fox stopped staring. Instead she busied herself tidying up the countertop; returning the roses to the back room, repotting the Lollipop plant and placing it safely out of sight, and taking great delight in impaling the morning’s receipts on the metal spike that sat next to the till. Hot Girl had made her way to the end of the aisle by the time Fox finished, holding an orchid in each hand and glancing between the two of them with a look of intense concentration. A few moments later she lifted the Showoff orchid to her nose, closed her eyes, inhaled, annndddd Fox was staring again.

She tore her gaze away and dropped down behind the counter, figuring that not only would she be unable to stare at Hot Girl with the desk in the way, but she could clear up that mischievous Sneezewort while she was down there. Only, the Sneezewort was no longer there.

Fox took a deep breath, readied herself, and peeked around the corner of the counter. Sure enough, the Sneezewort had decided to make a run for it, and was slowly yet surely inching its way across the shop floor. Directly towards Hot Girl.

“Here, Sneezewort,” Fox called as loudly as she dared, grabbing one of the sachets of plant food she kept under the counter and wiggling it enticingly, “Come on, come get this tasty little snack, there’s a good Sneezewort.”

Fox would have sworn the Sneezewort looked at her. If it had a tongue to stick out, it probably would have done that too. It didn’t, so it settled for an insolent wiggle before resolutely continuing its slow trek down the aisle. Fox cursed.

Abandoning the plant food, Fox succumbed to plan B and began to follow it. She crawled out from behind the counter as stealthily as she could and slithered her way across the floor, creeping ever closer to the runaway wildflower. Gradually, she closed the distance, until with a hiss of premature triumph she lunged forward, managing to grasp the Sneezewort by the roots…

Just as her head collided with Hot Girl’s leg.

“Are you okay?”

Fox briefly considered remaining on the floor. Maybe if she played dead, Hot Girl would take pity on her. On the other hand, deadness would drastically reduce the chances of her getting Hot Girl’s phone number.

Cons outweighing the pros, Fox scrambled to her feet.

“Fine!” She managed, only slightly manically, “Just dropped this.”

She held the Sneezewort up, realised it was still wriggling in a decisively not-normal manner, and quickly hid it behind her back. Hot Girl looked… amused? Or at least, Fox hoped it was amusement. She hoped…

Oh great. Now she was panicking.

“Letmeknowifyouneedanyhelp!”

Fox quickly waved – why did she wave? – and did her best not to run as she fled the scene of her embarrassment. Managing to resist both the urge to look back and the even stronger urge to rip the tendrils of Sneezewort into tiny, unrevivable pieces, she made it safely to the cupboard that masqueraded as a back room and plonked the unruly plant into the nearest soil-filled container.

Okay, now breathe. The problem with uncontrollable magic was that it made an excellent trigger for Fox’s panic attacks. And given that panicking just made the uncontrollable magic worse, it was best to head it off as early as possible.

In… and out. In… and out. In… and out. In… and-

“Excuse me?”

“Ouch!”

Fox had jumped, and slammed her hand down on a squat cactus that definitely hadn’t been there a moment ago. She spun around, the cactus keeping her company by way of its spines embedded in her palm, and immediately tripped over a sprig of Devil’s Ivy that had come to see what all the fuss was about. Fortunately, the vine had the quick thinking to wrap itself around Fox in order to steady her. Unfortunately, it grabbed the wrong leg.

“Oof.”

Fox looked up from her position on the floor to see a face – Hot Girl’s face, to be precise – peering around the “back room” door with concern. Fox tried to smile. From Hot Girl’s expression, it wasn’t all that convincing.

“Are you alright?”

“I’m fine. How are you?”

On the other hand, maybe she’d hit her head harder than she thought.

“Do you need a hand up?”

Hot Girl took a half-step through the doorway, hovering awkwardly as if she wanted to reach out and help Fox to her feet, but had only just realised both her hands were currently busy with an overly large pot of Mother-In-Law’s Tongue. Fox shook her head, which both answered the question and helped shake some of her dizziness.

“I’m good, but thanks.”

To prove it, she reached for a shelf to pull herself to her feet, realised she still had a cactus stuck to her palm, and reached for a shelf on her other side instead.

“Interested in buying that, or just couldn’t make the gym this week?” She asked, nodding to the leafy plant in Hot Girl’s hands as she yanked the cactus from her own. Most of the spines came with it.

“Hmm?” Hot Girl replied, “Oh. Yes. I’d like to buy this, please.”

“Great!” With her non-spiney hand, Fox gestured out the door, “After you.”

In what was nothing short of a miracle, they made it to the counter without any more magical mishaps. Fox briefly considered letting out a sigh of relief, but decided that would just be tempting fate. Hot Girl hefted the heavy plant onto the counter as if it weighted nothing – and if Fox wasn’t convinced of her hotness before that was the final nail in the coffin – and Fox set about ringing her up, jotting a few notes on how to best care for the Mother-In-Law’s Tongue on her cutest gift tag. She was just deciding whether a rainbow-striped ribbon would be too obvious, when Hot Girl spoke.

“Your tattoo is awful.”

Um, what?

“Excuse me?”

“Oh!” Hot Girl’s eyes suddenly widened, as if she hadn’t actually meant to say that out loud, “Oh, no, I didn’t mean- I didn’t mean the design. Sorry. I just meant, the actual tattoo itself. Your lines are wonky, and I can clearly see where the artist has had blowouts. Plus, the colour isn’t saturated properly.”

And Fox thought she had a tendency to ramble. Hot Girl still looked horrified with herself, but Fox wasn’t one to hold a grudge.

“Yeah, it was one of my first,” She shrugged, reaching for the rainbow ribbon, “I’ve got some better ones since then.”

Fox would offer to show her, but dropping her pants at this stage might have been a little too straightforward.

“I could touch it up for you, if you like.” Hot Girl offered. Fox raised an eyebrow.

“I’m a tattoo artist,” Hot Girl quickly explained, “Maverick, I work next door.”

She held out a now-empty hand. Fox shook it.

“I’m Fox,” She said, managing to keep her cool only to immediately ruin it as she added, “I work here.”

By some miracle, Maverick laughed.

“It’s nice to meet you.” She said as she handed over a few crumpled notes and a handful of change, “I mean it though. You should come by the shop sometime. Even if it’s just to check I’m keeping this thing alive.”

Maverick waved at the Mother-In-Law’s Tongue. It waved back.

“Sounds good!” Fox said quickly, desperately hoping Maverick hadn’t seen. Ribbon tied, she gave the plant a stern glare and pushed the pot back across the counter. “Here you go. And remember, Fox’s Flowers, for all your floral needs!”

Maverick laughed again. Fox immediately decided it was the best sound she’d ever heard.

“I will.” Maverick promised. With a final smile, she picked up her purchase, and with a nod of goodbye she was gone.

The moment the door shut behind her, Fox’s head collided with the counter. She hadn’t had a disaster like that in a long time. Groaning, she batted away the Venus Fly Trap that was trying to get her attention, refusing to lift her head. It was a shame really. If she had, she might not have been all that concerned about her unruly magic after all.

Because as Maverick passed the window, the Mother-In-Law’s Tongue in her hands began to glow a bright, vibrant blue.

[perspective-series]

Meta Perspective (14) (Final)

By: @arc852 and @hiddendreamer67

Warnings: Injury mention and mention of past mistakes

(Check the reblog for the links to any future chapters)

————————————————————————————————–

 Virgil groaned, shifting awake. He opened his eyes, noticing Amanda not too far away from him, sleeping on his other pillow. He smiled fondly at her and reached over gently to nudge her with a finger. “Hey...wake up.”

“Hmm?” Amanda hunched away from the touch, yawning and rubbing at her eyes. “What’s up?”

 “I can hear Patton making breakfast for us,” Virgil said, offering his hand to her. “Hungry?”

Amanda blinked, regaining her bearings as she remembered last night. “Starving.” She assured him, climbing on.

 Virgil nodded and dragged himself out of bed, being careful of Amanda. He headed out, seeing that he had heard correctly when he saw Patton in the kitchen. Patton turned and grinned at the two of them. “Good morning!” He exclaimed.

 “Morning, Pat.” He said, setting Amanda down on the table.

“Morning, Pat.” Amanda copied.

 “Did you guys sleep okay? Oh! And how did your talk with Allison go last night?” Patton asked, directing the last question to just Amanda.

 Virgil blinked. “Wait, you talked to Allison last night?”

“I do have friends besides you, you know.” Amanda quipped, giving Virgil a look.

 Virgil put his hands up in surrender before going over to make some coffee. Patton chuckled. “We know kiddo, but how did it go? Is she...did she say anything about us? Or Roman and Logan?” Patton was curious about how the other borrower thought of them.

“Mhm.” Amanda nodded, wondering how much she was at liberty to say. “She ah… she agreed not to move, and she was gonna try to patch things up with her humans.”

 “Really?” Patton grinned wide at that. “That’s great! Roman and Logan may have messed up a little but their still good people with good intentions. I’m sure everything will work out.”

 “...I think it will be fine.” Virgil admitted. “I know I was giving them crap yesterday but they are still our friends.”

“Well, I don’t know them.” Amanda was still a bit tense about that aspect. “Not really, at least. But even Allison was willing to give them a chance, despite being the one at the center of everything that happened, so they can’t be so bad. She was gonna read and play games with them.”

 “Aww, that sounds fun!” Patton clapped his hands once before turning when he remembered the food. Virgil poured himself a coffee, sipping it slowly.

 “Do you think we should...check on them? Er, later on, I mean?” Virgil asked.

“Could you?” Amanda said hopefully. “I mean, I don’t think it’ll go too poorly, but… well, I doubt Allison would want to get stuck in a jar for very long again.”

 Both humans winced. “Yeah, definitely. Did you want to come with?” Virgil asked as Patton handed out the food. It looks like they were having hashbrowns, eggs, and bacon again, not that Virgil was complaining.

“Yeah, I can come too.” Amanda agreed, walking closer to her food. “Thanks, Patton.”

 “No problem kiddo!” Patton said as he took a seat. Virgil wasn’t far behind. 

 “Alright, then I say we give it a few more hours and then head over to check on them.” Virgil planned out. “We don’t have classes today, so it’ll be a shorter wait...wait, did she say when she was going to try this?”

“...morning.” Amanda gave a small nod as if confirming this to herself. “Yeah, this morning.”

 “Oh, that early?” Patton said, swallowing a mouthful of food. “Maybe we shouldn’t wait too long then?”

 “Eh, an hour or two should be fine. Right, Amanda?” Virgil asked.

“I think it should be fine.” Amanda agreed, hoping she wasn’t wrong. She had been putting a lot of trust in the goodwill of humans lately.

 “Me too!” Patton said. “And that means we have some time to waste! Oh, but…” Patton looked over at Amanda’s leg. “Maybe we should check on your leg first.”

“Right… about that.” Amanda gave an awkward chuckle, feeling suddenly nervous. 

 “Huh? What’s up?” Patton asked, tilting his head slightly. Virgil ate as he honed in on what Amanda was gonna say.

“My leg. I, it’s kind of healed already.” Amanda rubbed the back of her neck.

 Both humans blinked in surprise. “It...is?” Patton asked.

 “Huh, no wonder you were able to climb on me last night,” Virgil muttered.

 Patton frowned. “Wait, so then...why didn’t you tell us?”

“Okay, this is going to sound a bit silly.” Amanda hoped it sounded silly at least because having her fears confirmed would be a massive buzzkill. “But basically I thought if you knew it was healed, you’d kick me out.”

 “Oh kiddo...We wouldn’t kick you out for a silly reason like that.” Patton paused. “Or, you know, at all for that matter. You’re our friend.”

Virgil nodded. “Yeah, you’re welcome to stay as long as you like.”

 “Unless you don’t, of course.” Patton jumped in. “Remember, it’s completely your decision if you want to stay or leave.”

“Yeah, no, I know that now, it just feels… weird, accepting charity.” Amanda explained. “Like when my leg was messed up I had an excuse to be out here but now I’m just freeloading.”

 “Hey, you are no freeloader,” Patton argued. “You’re our friend! And friends do things for each other.” He looked to Virgil, who nodded in agreement. “We enjoy your company.”

“Well, I enjoy your company too, except it’s not an equal trade.” Amanda winced. “Because I also live with you. And steal your food. And I don’t have a job or school or whatever.”

 “...Eh, she has a point.” Virgil said but at Patton’s look, he grinned. “Kidding.”

 “That’s okay, we really don’t mind,” Patton revealed. “But...if you really did want to help out, we might be able to figure something out? You don’t have to, though.”

“Wait, like what?” Amanda asked.

 “Well…” Patton trailed off, thinking hard.

 “You could be our designated bug killer,” Virgil suggested. “Pat here is terrified of spiders, so that could work.”

“I can kill spiders.” Amanda agreed, her hand going to her sword.

 “Then that’s settled. You kill the spiders and your welcome to stay as long as you want.” Patton grinned. “Deal?” He stuck out his finger.

“Deal.” Amanda agreed, giving it a shake. She quite liked the idea of having a role of her own.

***

Allison woke up the next morning and immediately headed out before she could change her mind. She clung to her bag as she drew closer to the apartment. Would they even be home? She hoped so but if not she might just wait for them. 

 She entered the apartment and scaled the coffee table, looking around the room. She saw no one and sighed. Of course. She didn’t know what day it was but it was a possibility the two were at school at the moment. It looks like she would have to wait. In the meantime, she might as well go to the kitchen to look for something to eat. She scaled back down and headed in that direction.

By the time she reached the kitchen, two loud voices could be heard entering through the front door, one noticeably more boisterous than the other.

“How can you not like Shakespeare?” Roman ranted, clearly still in the middle of an argument. “And you call yourself a poet.”

“I do not call myself a poet.” Logan corrected. “And I merely stated that while progressive, Shakespeare still lacks the…” His sentence trailed off, his eyes falling to the counter as they entered the kitchen. “We have a guest.”

Roman followed Logan’s gaze, eyes immediately lighting up when he spotted the borrower. “Allison! You’re back!”

 Allison tensed and almost ducked away to hide when she heard the voices but stopped herself. She was here for them, after all. “Uh, yeah. I am.” She winced at her own words.

“Is there something you require?” Logan asked, hypothesizing she would not reveal herself without a purpose.

 “Oh, uh, yeah.” Okay, here it goes. “I was just wondering if maybe we could...hang...out?” Allison asked, getting less brave even as she spoke. Oh, this had been a terrible idea, hadn’t it?

Logan glanced between Allison and Roman. Roman did the same, but with Logan.

“But of course we can hang out!” Roman declared, giving her a wide grin.

“Hang out with whom?” Logan asked for clarification.

 “Oh, well...both of you? Not together, like separate. One at a time to get to know each other better? Um, I’ll admit this wasn’t my idea. Amanda suggested I do this so we could...bond?” Allison admitted.

“I like Amanda.” Roman decided with a grin. He had been unsure after being rejected yesterday, but this certainly made up for it. “How about you and I spend some time together then?”

 Allison nodded. “That sounds good.” She stepped forward a little wondering if she should climb down herself or wait for Roman to offer her a hand.

She didn’t have to wait long; the second she confirmed, Roman set down his palm near her.

“Where do you want to go?” Roman asked. “There’s a cute little ice cream parlor down the street. Ooh! Or we could go to the park, or see what’s playing at the theatre.”

 Allison climbed on but tensed as Roman mentioned actually going somewhere. “Oh, um, I...I would prefer if we stayed...inside. Please.” Allison said. There were too many humans outside for her to be comfortable.

“Discrepancy is key.” Logan advised.

“...right.” Roman felt his ears turn pink, embarrassed he hadn’t thought of that himself. “Well, ah, in that case, what would you like to do?”

 “Well...maybe we could play more games?” Allison suggested, remembering what her and Amanda had talked about last night.

“Yes! Games!” Roman headed to the living room, looking delighted by the suggestion. “What sort of games would you like?”

 “Um...well, what kind of games do you have?” Allison had forgotten what Roman had listed before.

“How about a board game?” Roman suggested. He set Allison down on the coffee table, going to pull out the large stack from the closet. A few came tumbling down, a side effect of Roman’s poor organization skills.

 “Sure, but I’ve never played any before,” Allison said. She only had a vague idea of what they even were.

“Oooh, okay, then we must pick a good one.” Roman brought a few titles over to the table, pursuing them. “I think this is a good place to start.” Roman suggested, holding up a box that read ‘Monopoly’.

 Allison blinked. “Uh, okay, yeah sounds good.” She wasn’t quite sure what Monopoly was though.

Roman began to set up the board, sorting out wads of cash. “So what do borrowers usually do for fun, anyways? Do you guys have your own sorts of board games?”

 Allison shook her head. “No, nothing like that...I guess borrowing might count as fun? I mean, it’s super tense, especially when you’re trying not to be seen but sometimes the adrenaline of almost being caught is kind of fun.” She said with a shrug. It could also be incredibly stressful too but as a borrower, you took fun where you could get it.

“Oh, kind of like pulling a prank.” Roman related, smiling in memory. His roommate was not as fond of pranks, but that just made it all the more fun.

 Allison tilted her head. “A...prank?”

“It’s when you do something silly to mess with someone’s day,” Roman explained. “Place googly eyes around, fill Oreos with toothpaste, prop up a water bucket… come on, surely you’ve done something like that before!”

 “Oh! Yeah, I’ve done something like that before.” Allison smiled. “I’ve hidden Amanda’s borrowing supplies before as backup for her doing it to me.” She laughed at the memory.

“See? Pranks are awesome.” Roman sighed happily. His face slowly began to morph as he was struck with inspiration. “...wait. Allison, I have had the most amazing idea.”

 “What?” She asked, curious.

“We should totally go pull a prank.” Roman leaned forwards eagerly, the board game now forgotten.

 Allison blinked. “A prank on who?” She thought for a moment. “Wait, do you mean on Logan?”

“Yes, it’s perfect.” Roman insisted. “He’s always suspicious of me now, but he’ll never suspect you. Plus you’re so small that you can sneak right past him too. We’ll make a terrific team.”

 “I-I don’t know,” Allison admitted. “Will it make him...mad? If we tried?” She asked, not liking the idea of a human being angry at her.

“No, he usually doesn’t get mad, just annoyed.” Roman shrugged. “Plus I doubt he’d dare get annoyed at you, because he’s still so self-centered about his whole moping thing. Just another reason you’d be a great ally.”

 Allison pursed her lips, looking down. Even if Logan did try something, which at this point seems unlikely, Roman was there in case anything happened. Besides...it did sound like fun. She sent a small smile up at Roman. “Okay. What’s the plan?”

***

Logan paused, spotting Allison alone on his desk when he walked into his bedroom. “...are you looking for something?”

 Allison took a deep breath, she could do this. Just distract Logan long enough for Roman to strike. Easy. “Oh no, I just uh...wanted to talk? A bit?”

“Talk?” Logan slowly pulled out his chair, sitting down. “About what?”

 “Well...there’s a lot of...tension, between us. Wouldn’t you agree?” Allison said, feeling nervous.

“Yes, that is accurate.” Logan sighed. “I know I am to blame for that. I do apologize, the way I’ve acted has been cruel and thoughtless.”

 Allison scuffed her shoe against the desk. “Yeah…” She agreed. “Being in that jar was not...fun. But I think it was the fact that you just kept ignoring me that really got to me.” Allison admitted.

“Yes, I understand that now.” Logan adjusted his glasses. “I was just thrown off guard and didn’t know what to do. I could not do anything right, so I assumed doing nothing at all would be better.”

 “I...I get where you were coming from. Sorta.” Allison rubbed the back of her neck. “And I also get why you didn’t want me to leave. I mean, if I saw someone smaller than me, I’d be pretty fascinated too, I guess.”

“Fascination doesn’t excuse my behavior, but I appreciate the sentiment,” Logan said. “I hope going forwards we can remain on civil terms.”

 Allison nodded and she smiled softly. “Civil terms to start off but...maybe eventually we could even be...friends?” Allison asked. “I mean, I heard you like books! I happen to be a fan of books myself, I just uh...never get the chance to read.” She chuckled.

Logan blinked, looking happily surprised. “Are you really? Well, in that case, I would love to share my library with you. And companionship sounds most admirable.”

 Allison perked up. “That sounds...that sounds great! Th-Thank you.” She said, smiling wide.

Before Logan could get in another word edgewise, Roman, who had been sneaking up throughout the entirety of Allison’s conversation, took this wholesome moment to strike.

“PRANKED!” Roman declared, dumping a large tub of confetti all over the bewildered college student.

“I-wha-ho-” Logan tried to form a coherent sentence, which is difficult when your mouth continues to fill with little colored bits of paper. He sputtered, looking quite disoriented.

 “Oh!” Allison had gotten so caught up in the conversation she had forgotten why she had started it in the first place. She let out a laugh. 

“Thank you Allison, you did a wonderful job.” Roman praised, putting out his finger for a ‘high-five’. 

“You were his accomplice?” Logan realized.

 “Yeah, sorry. But everything I said was true! Just to make sure you know that.” Allison said. She didn’t want him to think that whole thing meant nothing.

“And it was so pure.” Roman teased, shaking Logan gently by the shoulders. The nerd blushed.

“How long were you eavesdropping?” Logan asked.

“The entire time.” Roman assured him. “I was in the closet, ironically.”

 “We planned it after I told Roman about pulling a prank on Amanda once.” Allison explained. “He said I would be the ‘perfect accomplice’.”

“I see you were.” Logan gave her a soft smile. “I never suspected a thing.”

 Allison gave a proud grin. 

 At that moment, there was a knock at the front door and her attention turned that way. She looked up at the humans with a curious frown.

“I’ll go check who’s come a’knockin’.” Roman declared, heading into the living room. He pressed his ear to the door. “Who goes there?”

 “It’s us, Princey,” Virgil said through the door with a sigh.

 “Hi, Roman!” Patton exclaimed.

“Oh.” Roman opened the door, happily surprised to see Amanda in Patton’s hands. “Oh!”

“Uh...hey.” Amanda gave a slight wave.

 “We wanted to come and check on you, make sure Allison didn’t end up in a jar again,” Virgil said, giving Roman a look before heading into the apartment.

 “Not that we think you would do it again, just...making sure,” Patton said with a small smile. “And Amanda wanted to come too.”

“I’m supervising,” Amanda explained.

“Oh, no, I can assure you, we’re getting along swimmingly here, no jars necessary.” Roman paused, turning back to the bedroom with a smirk. “Hey Logan, is Allison in a jar?”

“...no?” A confused and alarmed Logan called back.

 Allison chuckled a little. “I’m jarless!” She called out, hoping she would be heard from where she was. She turned to Logan. “Maybe we should join them.”

“Oh, yes, of course.” Logan placed his palm down for her.

 Allison looked down at the hand and let out a deep breath before slowly climbing on. Logan was good now, she could trust him.

Carefully Logan brought Allison up, cradling her in a fashion that was safe but not constricting as he slowly made his way into the living room. 

“See? She’s fine!” Roman insisted, giving Allison a grin.

 Patton grinned happily as he saw her. “Hi, Allison! Everything okay here?”

 Allison smiled and nodded. “Yeah...I think everything worked out pretty well.” She looked at her two humans before turning to Amanda. “Glad I took your advice.”

“I got mad human skills.” Amanda grinned, giving two thumbs up to show she was happy that everything was working out. 

 Allison grinned, giggling slightly. Patton could help but grin at how cute that was. “Well, it seems like everything is working out! I mean, I’d even say we’re all friends!”

“Wow, that was fast.” Amanda seemed impressed. Then again, Allison wasn’t one to hold a grudge. 

“It was friendship at first sight.” Roman decided.

“No, that is entirely inaccurate.” Logan sighed. “But after careful discussion, we are certainly on pleasant terms and have agreed to move forwards in a friendly manner.”

 “And that’s all that really matters,” Allison said, smiling. “Yeah, we might not have started off...great. But I think you guys have all proven yourself to be trustworthy.”

 “Aww, Allison!” Patton exclaimed, smiling wide. Virgil snorted.

 “Not great is an understatement to how everything started but...yeah, I think you’re right.”

Amanda hummed, looking between the humans she knew, the humans she didn’t, and her best friend. “So… now what?”

 “We...go on as normal?” Patton suggested.

 “I wouldn’t exactly call this normal.” Allison brought up. “After all, we technically should be packing up to move away...but I have to admit, I don’t want to.”

“I can’t move,” Amanda informed her, a knowing grin on her features. “I’ve got a job now.”

“You...what?” Logan looked puzzled by this development.

 Allison blinked. “I’m...sorry? You have a job?” How did that happen?

 Patton giggled but Virgil was the one to answer. “She’s our resident spider slayer.”

 Allison’s eyes widened. “Ooooooh, but wait, why?”

“Because I wanted to do something useful if I’m going to be out and about all the time,” Amanda explained.

“A spider slayer? That’s so brave!” Roman praised.

“Are you mocking me?” Amanda squinted, uncertain.

“No no, I assure you, my praises are sincere,” Roman assured her. 

“Oh, well then, thanks.” Amanda gave a shy smile, preening from the compliment.

 “She is pretty good at killing spiders,” Allison said, before looking down in thought. “Well...I want to do something too! If...If it’s okay to even stay with you guys?” She asked, realizing Roman and Logan hadn’t actually said she could yet.

“Yes, of course, we would love to have you.” Roman tried to contain his excitement at the prospect of Allison sticking around.

“Indeed. Although, you are certainly not required to kill spiders if you do not wish to perform such a task.” Logan assured her. Though he could see how spiders could be a threat to borrowers, from the human side of things they were quite beneficial to the environment.

 “Yeah...I’ve never really been a huge spider killing person.” She was afraid of them, in all honesty. She thought for a moment. “Oh! But I can sew pretty well. Maybe I can sew any rips you get in your clothes?” She suggested.

“I’m certain your precision would be much finer than our own in that regard,” Logan observed.

“We wouldn’t want to overwork you, but if that makes you happy your assistance is more than welcome.” Roman agreed with a smile.

 “Well, it looks like I’ve got a job now too!” Allison exclaimed. “So...I guess we’re both staying then.”

 “Yay! Oh, I’m so happy!” Patton grinned. 

 “Same. I’m glad you guys aren’t going anywhere. I’d, uh...I’d miss you.” Virgil said, a faint blush on his cheeks.

“Sap.” Amanda teased. 

“Well if we’re all in agreement, then perhaps we should all get better acquainted,” Roman suggested, gesturing to the group as a whole.

“In what way?” Logan asked.

 “Oh! I could cook dinner for everyone back at our apartment?” Patton suggested. “Maybe we could even watch a movie afterwards.”

 “That...sounds fun.” Allison grinned. “I haven’t seen a movie before. Mostly because uh...I was still trying to escape during my chance to watch one.”

“Right.” Roman looked sheepish. “Well, it would be wonderful to amend that.”

“It sounds like a good suggestion, if everyone is agreed.” Logan looked around for confirmation.

“If a movie is anything like Sherlock, I’m all in,” Amanda assured them.

 “Sherlock?” Allison asked. She thought that was a book.

 “We watched the TV show Sherlock on Netflix the other day,” Virgil explained with a shrug.

 “Oh, gotcha.”

 “Well great! Then everyone grab some pajamas and head over to our place! I’ll start up some dinner, everyone okay with pizza?” Patton asked with a grin.

 “Yeah!” Allison knew what pizza was and was excited to finally be able to try it.

“Yes, that sounds great!” Amanda echoed Allison’s excitement.

“Affirmative.” Logan nodded, his dramatic roommate nodding as well.

 “Then let’s go! Best friend movie night commences now!” Patton shouted, bouncing up and down but still being mindful of Amanda.

The group journeyed together down to the lower apartment, taking the first steps on their journey as new friends.

[mrs-dragneel-stark-solo]

Unforseen Chasm (Part42)

Part 42 of Unforseen Chasm

Prompt: Two sisters fall for men that are absolute enemies. The love they have could tear all of them apart, or it could bring them together. Word Count: 2842

Warnings: Language, mentions of self-experimentation,  mentions of cancer,  implied smut, guilt song for this part: Note: This is by far the longest thing I’ve ever written (including my other fic series). first major Collab with my best friend @thorne93​ what was first a simple “what if” moment turned into a two year writing session and I’ve never been more prouder of myself than when i started my first series. goes through most of the MCU plots there are some changes to accommodate for what we wanted and there is a bit of a crossover between the MCU and other characters. I hope you guys enjoy reading this just as much as I enjoyed writing it.

Three days after the incident at the sanctum, Shannon had been in and out of the med bay per Bruce’s request. She was getting tired of going in to get her vitals checked when she could have Jarvis do them from her lab. 

“Bruce, is all of this really necessary?” she questioned the man unaware as to why he’s doing so. “I said I was fine I just needed to rest.”

“Shannon, you were unconscious for almost two days, That's never happened before!” He looked exasperated while comparing the vitals from the previous day to today’s. “There's been an increase in how much time you spend under that's rapidly increasing.” He walked over to her to check her eyes. 

“Wouldn't that have to correlate to how much time I spent over using my negative powers?” she half whined, hoping to get back to her lab soon enough. “Why can’t you just have JARVIS scan me and send you the vitals? I’ve been working on a new project using Steve’s super serum,” she said pulling out her holographic files. 

“Well of course I could have done that but I’d much rather do it myself as a good friend would for another friend.” But truth be told he was doing so to keep an eye on Shannon so that she wouldn’t try to experiment on herself. Worried that she’d find out that she had a “cancer” of some sorts would destroy her. “Alright everything seems fine, just make sure to notify me if there’s a change or something okay?” 

Getting off the bed, she wiped her hands on her skirt, then turned to look in the mirror. “I will, don't worry. You sound like my sister when she found out I had come home from a mission.” She smiled, remembering her sister Tracey cleaning up her cuts. 

“Alright, alright, you’re free to go back to your lab,” he sighed giving her a small smile. “Check on Tony would you? He hasn't left his lab since last night,” he called over his shoulder while putting away the files. 

“Sure thing, Bruce.” She skipped over to him and gave him a kiss on the cheek. “Don’t stay in here too late either, we’re still on for that meditation time right?” she asked hoping to get some quiet time with him. 

“I won’t stay late and yes we’re still on with that, see you then.” He waved her away, already occupied with figuring out how to help her be cured. 

Shannon walked the halls of the tower for a few minutes trying to get some alone time before getting Tony out of the lab to go eat something and catch some cuddle time.  Heading towards the main doors of the lab, she could hear his music pounding away against the walls. She shook her head and headed inside. 

She stood there for a moment watching him work on one of the many suits he’d created. She noticed the iron woman suit had some changes to it, making her groan. Not wanting to disturb him just yet she walked over to her suit. She marveled at the detail he’s added into it. 

“Like it?” He’d noticed her come in but didn’t want to stop working just yet. “I’ve made a few changes to the design.” He wrapped his arms around her waist

“I noticed. Why are you still working on it?” She turned to face him and smiled having him this close to her. “I told you I wasn't going to wear it,” she deadpanned.

“I know, babe, but it doesn’t hurt to have for safety,” he tried, hoping she’s be okay with it. “You know I just want to make sure your safe.”

“I know that, but my powers could be a hindrance to it.” She looked back at the suit. “My electricity could zap it and cause it to shut down.”

“I’m still figuring that out, babe, don’t worry.” He kissed her slowly. “Is this that skirt I like?” he asked as he lifted Shannon onto one of the work benches.

“Might be,” she teased. Feeling his hands slid up her legs. 

“Going commando today I see?” He smirked. “You’re such a tease.” He nipped her shoulder. 

“What can I say? I know how to rile you up.” She winked and kissed his jaw feeling his growing beard. “We should go eat. I know you’ve been in here since yesterday, Bruce told me.” She pulled back to look at him. 

“I'm not hungry for food right now,” he growled at her. “We should head back to our room and I’ll order some food.” He lifted her up again and headed for the elevators. 

———

Bruce had let you have the day off yesterday to help Loki be tended to. 

Seeing as Shannon was finally awake, he could go back to working on what the two had left off. He also had in mind talking to you about the possibility of traveling when needed or asked for, seeing as you’d done well and had made sure that Shield has been aware of your good standing they’ve agreed to give you a bit more freedom. 

Heading back to his office he noticed that you were coming out of the elevator with drinks. “Morning, Bruce, got you that herbal tea you like to drink so often,” you said in a cheery voice, handing him his cup. “What are the plans for today?” You followed him to his office hoping to get started on something new. 

“Actually before we get started on anything new, I wanted to talk to you on your parole and some of the new things they’ve added for you,” he said as he sat on the couch.

“Oh?” you said, starting to feel a little nervous. Maybe they were going to crack down on you now that Loki was out. Maybe they were going to say you couldn’t leave a fifty mile radius of the city. Maybe they were going to relocate Loki to somewhere other than the apartment, and the thought of that ripped you to shreds.

“No need to worry, you've been informed about the work part of your parole.” He motioned for you to join him. “I’ve been keeping track of the work you’ve done and so has Shield and they believe you deserve a bit more freedom.” He gave a pause so to let the news would sink in. 

With this, a small smile perked at your lips. “Oh? Is that so? I’m glad to hear that… What exactly did they have in mind?”

“Well for starters, you’ll be able to travel to other states for work and for fun however there will be a certain amount of time to do the latter.” He pulled up a file of what he was sent. “I took the liberty of picking out some projects you might be interested to do from around the states.”

You couldn’t help that your eyebrows shot up. Allowed to travel to other states? Encouraged even? Getting paid to travel and work? Was this real? 

“Wow. That sounds… amazing. Where all do you have? What are the projects?”

“Well there’s a project Jane is currently working on down in Nebraska.” He pulled up the file with her work. “It revolves around your expertise, and she specifically requested you.” The file for that project was on his desk and he retrieved the file handing it to you.

Your eyes scanned the file quickly. “This sounds really interesting. How would this work though? When would I stop work with you and begin with her? For how long? Can Loki accompany me?” 

You weren’t sure he knew all the answers to your questions, but part of being a scientist meant questions were always swimming in your head.

“Balancing the workload for starters, there won't be much happening over here so you’ll mostly focus on what she’s doing unless I need you to look over something.” He sipped the tea and continued. “You can begin whenever you're done with what you're currently doing or want to start working with her,” he said taking a breath. “The length I am unaware of, Loki accompanying you would depend on his parole officer, but I’m sure if you spoke with him there might be some sort of compromise that could be made,” he reassured you hoping that answering all your questions will calm you a bit. 

“I really appreciate you telling me about this. Thank you. Um, I’d like to think on it, just tonight. I can give you my answer tomorrow morning, if that’s alright?” 

“Of course take as much time as needed. I’m sure there’s a lot to talk about with Loki. Whenever you have your answer, let me or Shannon know and we'll get things ready for you.” He got up and patted your shoulder. “If you need me I’ll be in the lab, go eat something and come in when you're done,” was what he said as he walked away putting on his lab coat.

You caught your lip between your teeth, chewing it as he walked away. This was a lot to think about, a lot to do. Another job, already? In a different state? Shannon’s wedding was coming up, you needed to be here for that. It felt… wrong, to up and leave her now, now that you were finally free. 

But you couldn’t hold your career back either. It already had a long unintended pause on it.  

You certainly had a lot to think about… 

-----------------

Loki got home to the apartment before you -- God that still felt so foreign. Loki with a job, you with a job, going home to an apartment… All of these… domestic ideas that you never thought you would get with him. It was almost like the American dream -- for two alien terrorists. 

“Hi, darling,” he greeted you with a quick kiss as you came in and dropped your purse. “How was your day?”

“Uh, good,” you slowly said, sitting at the kitchen island while he made you a drink. 

“Doesn’t sound good,” he noted. “Everything alright?” 

You nodded. “Yeah, everything is great. I have some news.”

“Oh?” 

“Yeah, Jane has a job opening… and she requested me to work with her.”

He smiled at you. “That’s wonderful! It’s good to know she still wants to work with you.”

With a nervous knot in your stomach, you began to play with your hands, your nervous habit. “Yeah… yeah, I guess. Um… it’s in Nebraska… I don’t know when it’ll start or end… That means that I don’t know if you can come. You still need your job here. Shannon needs me too, with the wedding and everything. I love New York. Nebraska is nothing but fucking corn… But it’s a project with someone I love working with. I just… I don’t want to turn down a good opportunity. I would be advancing my career, which is something I can’t afford not to do. But abandoning Shannon, and possibly you--”

“Darling, darling, stop,” he gently commanded. “Is this something you want?” 

“I mean… I think so. Working with Bruce and Stark Industries is great. It looks awesome on a resume but I’m so tired of that tower and I’m not out in the field… I would love to be back out there, gathering data, crunching numbers…”

“Then it sounds to me like you have to do what you love, what’s best for you, and take this job.”

You peered up at him. “But what about us? What if you can’t come with me? You still need your job, it’s your parole…”

“And I’ll serve it.”

“We’ve never been apart,” you reminded. 

“I think… after everything we’ve endured, some distance is the least of our concerns.”

“What about Shannon and the wedding? I feel like I’m completely bailing on her.”

“That’s something you’ll need to discuss with her, but if I know her, and I think I have a good idea, she will support you bettering your career and your life.”

You mulled this over for a moment. “And you’re sure you’ll be okay with me being thousands of miles away?”

He walked around the island and put his hand under your chin, raising your face to look into his eyes. “My love, I’m positive I want you to be happy, no matter what that costs. If we can’t withstand some distance, that says a lot about our relationship, doesn't it?” he challenged with a soft smirk. 

You sighed. “I suppose you’re right… Well, I need to to talk to Shannon then… Thank you for supporting me.” You wrapped your arms around his waist as he held you back, kissing your forehead.

In a barely audible whisper, he said, “Anything for you, my love.” 

-----------------------

The following morning, you begrudgingly walked into Shannon’s office. You stood outside the office, taking deep breaths, trying to calm your nerves. Would Shannon completely hate you after this? Would she just feel like you were abandoning her after all the strings she pulled to get you out? Would she yell? Would she cry? 

You knew she would support you, of course she would. But this was her wedding, the wedding she dreamed of ever since she laid eyes on Stark… And now you were disappearing…. What kind of message did this send? You left her for Asgard. You left her for Loki. You nearly killed her for Loki. Now that you were free, and swore you would spend more time with her, you were ready to leave for another job -- leaving the one she got for you. 

Knowing Shannon like the back of your hand, you knew she would want you to go take this job… But that was before this engagement. Any other circumstance, she wouldn’t hesitate to send you off. But now? Now you weren’t so sure. 

With a final deep breath, you opened her door and knocked, peering at her working. “Hey, Shan? You got a sec?”

She looked up from the wedding binder she had on the table. “Hey Y/N/N, for you always. What's up?” She closed the binder putting it back on the shelf next to a picture of Tony and her in Alaska. “Come on in, Y/N, need any help?”

You tentatively stepped in and took a seat in front of her desk. “Actually, yeah. Um… so… Jane offered me a job in Nebraska…” you stated, ripping the bandaid off. “Loki told me he’s okay if I take the job, but I wanted to come to you… We don’t know how long it will be… so, I don’t know if it’ll interfere with the wedding. I mean, I won’t be here for dress shopping or cake tasting and stuff…” 

This was it. She was going to either blow up on you or shut down. You tensed, awaiting her reaction. 

Shannon’s demeanor changed. She had been calm almost peacefully been looking through her wedding things. And now she had an unreadable expression. But there was a hint of emotion in her eyes. 

“Y/N/N, you know I’ll always support you a hundred percent. Go for it! I'm glad Jane’s wanting to work with you again,” she started off saying. “I can practically see the nerves popping off you, Y/N. I’m not mad. I haven't even made appointments for any of those things yet besides that one day we went in to look at dresses. There’s still a lot to get done, and I'm sure even by Jane’s side you’ll be able to help.” She got quiet for a moment thinking. “I could probably have Stephen bring you to me when I need your help and have him teleport you back really quickly.” Shannon seemed to relax knowing what you were worried about. 

“Really? You’re sure? I’m not… fucking the whole wedding up?” you questioned.

“Heck no! Go ahead. If I really need you I’ll have Nightcrawler poof me to your side.” She smiled, knowing he’d enjoy helping again. “Your career has been on hold long enough plus being here all the time has got to be getting to you, I know it does sometimes for me.”

You nodded gently. “You realize you’re literally the best person on this planet, right?” you asked before jumping up and rounding the desk to give her the tightest hug. 

Shannon laughed and waved her hand. “What can I say? I would do anything to help you succeed, your my best friend till the end.” She hugged you equally as tight. “Now why don’t you go tell Bruce and I’ll get started on the paperwork.” She kissed your forehead before letting you go. 

Grinning from ear to ear you nodded, nearly racing out of her office. “I owe you big time! Thank you!” With that, you ran down the hall, to the elevator, then up to the lab, where you formally accepted the job. Bruce said he was happy for you and stated he would let Jane know, and get the paperwork underway with SHIELD.

Next stop: Nebraska.

Unforseen Chasm Tag list- @reigningqueenofwords​ @oldfreakything​ ​ @adefectivedetective​ @dontbetooobvious​

Tag list- @cas-you-assbutt-dean-needs-you​ @winchester-writes​ @winchesterenthusiast​ @deansdirtylittlesecretsblog​   @sammysbuttcheek @misz-adrii @sandlee44 @womanxofletters @natsuccs @childishhoebinoo @expecteddifferent @girl-next-door-writes @fanaticfanfiction @dakotapaigelove @sassy-spn-knight-of-hell @reigningqueenofwords @oldfreakything

Marvel: @reigningqueenofwords @flowerbunbunny @zelda2248 @misz-adrii

[shurisneakers]

espresso [1]

Summary: In which your best friend’s brother begins to set you up on dates when you mention that you haven’t been in a relationship in years, but things don’t go as expected.

Warning: a lot of swearing

A/N: hi :))) this is my entry for @bithors writing challenge! Thanks for the huge extension, k <33. Also, huge thanks to @samingtonwilson for being my beta reader and reading the same draft like 3 times. Unfortunately I love you, Taal.

here’s my ko-fi if you’d like to support my writing <333

Espresso Masterlist

College wasn’t easy.

It was actually pretty shit.

“A whorehouse full of caffeine zombies and nervous breakdowns.” As Rebecca once put it, the filter on her vernacular seemingly disappearing the moment she left her mother’s radar. “And you and I, friend, are in the smack middle of these hormonal beasts.”

Rebecca Barnes had no concern for her dressing sense or her family’s reputation of being polite and proper.

As she trudged beside you in her worn out sweatpants and a pink hoodie, her white converse dragging tiredly across the ground, she was a sharp contrast to your jeans and normal sweater.

It was a chilly morning, but there was a smile on your face because the beginning of autumn at college wasn’t actually that bad. The air was slightly cold, the trees looked beautiful and the warmth of coffee in the morning was something you’d come to love.

You weren’t exactly excited about college, but you would rather not have to write “Please” on the “Why should we give you this job?” part of your application. You were just as sleepy as Rebecca, but you handled it better seeing as you had one of the best roommates ever who let you sleep in for five more minutes.

“I just don’t see why I was forced to pick classes in the crack ass of dawn,” she grumbled, eye bags seeming to hold the weight of the world. 

“From what I remember, you only picked morning classes because you thought you had to compete with James to assert your dominance.” You quirked an eyebrow at her amusedly, as she groaned.

“Listen, first of all, it’s too fuckin’ early to diss you, so here’s a fuck you. Second of all, don’t call him James, it’s so weird. You’ve practically known him your whole life; just call him Bucky like everyone else.”

She tugged the hood of her hoodie over her head and pulled on the sleeves to cover her fingers. You already defended your choice of clothing in the morning, saying that you preferred to feel the sharp coolness of the air before it turned too cold.

You loved Rebecca. Honestly, you did. She was extra as hell, had the mouth of a sailor and quoted Vine references like an English major could quote Shakespeare. 

Too bad none of them could be used in her law course. 

“I know, but-” you began before you were cut off by a sudden push from Rebecca. You nearly tripped before her hand tugged you back into place, preventing you from hitting the tiled floors.

Jesus fucking Christ-

“Ah, here’s my favourite piss goblin and her best friend! Good morning, ladies. How’s the first week of the second year treating you?” Bucky’s cheerful grin as he ruffled his sister’s already messy ponytail made you laugh while she swatted his hand away.

“I’m the piss goblin? Remind me who was the one who peed their bed every day until they were 10?” She narrowed her eyes at him, shoving him away, only to earn a chuckle from him. “Egotistical ape-”

“The first week’s going okay, barista boy,” you interrupted her before she got more graphic, tearing his gaze away from her and to you. You noted the way his hair was sticking up slightly after being messed up by his cap, and the small stain on the corner of his sleeve that he didn’t seem to notice.

“I told you not to call me that,” he whined, removing his arm from around his sister’s shoulders as she squirmed furiously away from him. He sighed before ignoring her altogether.

“You called me Mario for six years straight,” you responded with a grin, sparing him a sideways glance. You wondered if he was feeling cold under that plain white full sleeved t-shirt because his nose and the tips of his ears were slightly pink. 

“Still does, sometimes,” Rebecca piped up, unable to keep the laugh out of her mouth at your indignation. You narrowed your eyes at Bucky who looked away quickly. 

“You promised you wouldn’t tell, snitch!” 

“Don’t you have some American McFrappegrande- or whatever they’re called- to make, barista boy?” she retaliated, earning a huff from him.

“Your face is a-”

“If you both don’t shut up right now I’ll cut off both your arms and beat you both to death with them.” You stepped in between them just as he opened his mouth to spit something equally senseless. 

“Geez, you’re full of fire today, Johnny Storm- ow, fuck, what was that for?! Have you seen that guy? It’s a compliment! He can flame on my ass anytime he’d like.” Bucky rubbed the part of his arm that you punched, glaring at you.

These were the people you willfully chose to hang out with on a daily basis.

“Anyways, you know Thor right? The one who got fuckin’ hammered and nearly lost an eye? He’s having a kick-back tonight at his apartment. Not a party, more low-key. I thought you both might want to come.”

“Is Natasha invited too?” Rebecca murmured, adjusting her bag straps over her shoulder.

“Of course. The more the merrier.” Bucky winked at her. She just rolled her eyes.

“I guess. You’ll drive me back to my dorm, right?”

“Do I fucking look like-”

“Alright, here are our respective stops. Please fuck off now,” you announced loudly. “Have a good day, infants.”

“I’ll see you there, right?” he asked hopefully, walking backwards while facing you both.

“Yes, you mosquito fucker, you’ll see us there.” Rebecca rolled her eyes again, shaking her head.

“Awesome.” He grinned before turning around and taking off in the opposite direction. “Have a great day, Mario! Go fuck an orange, sis!”

The both of you shared only English and while you personally enjoyed the class and the creative liberty it allowed you, Rebecca thought it was the next worst thing since Joss Whedon.

“What were we supposed to read for this class? I don’t even remember,” Rebecca asked drearily, stepping into the large room.

“We were supposed to read something?”

___

Thor was the exact opposite of what everyone expected him to be. With short cropped blonde hair, blue eyes and the impressive height of Wreck-It Ralph, he is the nicest human being on the campus.

His apartment ceilings often had fairy lights strung across it, he had numerous potted plants thanks to his shy roommate Bruce, and each wall was off-white in colour.

Thor and Bruce were fucking pure.

All of you were gathered in their living room, some a little tipsy and some who were sober. Sam, Thor, and Bruce were on one of the couches, Nat and Rebecca were on the floor where Rebecca’s head lay in Nat’s lap and Steve was draped across the armchair with Peggy half lying on him. Wanda and Bucky were the designated drivers for the evening, but Wanda took a grand total of fourteen minutes before she grabbed a beer as well. Having no other place, the three of you were shoved onto the last couch with you in the middle.

“Dude, Professor Cage was there today as a substitute. His biceps were bigger than all my hopes and dreams,” Sam groaned, dropping his head into his hand. “He could like, strangle me and I’d thank him.”

“Gamora, though,” Nat added, shaking her head. “She’s a fucking badass.”

“I swear, Professor Gamora owns my whole ass. I would literally die for her,” Rebecca declared to the raising of a couple of bottles. “It isn’t fuckin’ fair. “How can someone be so smart and good looking at the same time?”

“I think I’m best qualified to answer that, sis.” Bucky grinned, earning a snort from you and a few laughs.

“You are, without a doubt, the ugliest fucking thing I have laid my eyes on, James.”

“There is a mirror in your room for a reason, Rebecca. Use it sometime.” He took a swig of his beer, tipping his jaw up as a sign of smugness.

“I’ll shove that mirror up your ass so that maybe you can finally see how deep your head is in there, Bucky,” she grumbled, to which Nat laughed, continuing to thread her fingers through Rebecca’s hair.

It was around 11 and the earlier part of the evening had been spent in eating pizzas, or anything you could get your hands on really. There was a debate about whether the colour changing dress or the Yanny-Laurel shit was more annoying (which Sam ended up winning, for some godforsaken reason no one could remember) and the excitement had worn off so there was just a comfortable silence hanging in the air.

“Does anyone want to play truth or dare?” Steve asked from the couch, his voice muffled by his girlfriend.

“No.”

“Fuck you guys.”

“Been there, done that, wouldn’t recommend,” Peggy said, shrugging. He poked a finger into her side, making her jump and curse at him, but retreating back to her original position with the hint of a smile playing at her lips.

You stared at them, head tilted. “You guys are disgusting. Feel like ’m going to vomit glitter.”

“Just for that comment, truth or dare?”

“Oh, fuck me in the ass- dare.” You threw your hands up, spilling some of your drink onto Bucky who winced. You immediately mouthed an apology that he shrugged off with a smile, an amused expression on his face.

Everything was hazy and little funnier and happy. You liked it.

“I dare you to eat that bug on the wall over there.”

“Truth.” You ignored his statement, nodding your head at him.

“Fine, would you eat that bug on the wall over there?”

“Never have I ever.”

“That’s not how this fucking game works-“ Steve shot up as loud laughter cut him off. “I hate you.”

“I can live with that,” you said, shrugging.

“Bucky, truth or dare?” Bruce offered, shooting Steve a half smile who instead returned an appreciative nod.

“Truth,” he said lazily but smiling albeit.

“Most embarrassing moment of high school?”

“Um,” he paused, eyebrows furrowing, “I-I’m not sure-“

“Oh, how about the time Y/N walked in on you writing a love letter?” Rebecca raised her hand helpfully, only to be met with a glare.

“Jesus, Becks!”

“That was a love letter?! To who?!” you exclaimed, twisting your body to look at him.

“Nobody!”

“Liar! I remember that day! You nearly jumped out the window so that I wouldn’t see it.”

“I am not answering the question.” Bucky huffed, crossing his arms over his chest.

“Spoilsport,” Thor called out only to receive a middle finger.

“Tell us who the special person was, James,” you sang, leaning your head on his chest, laughing.

“You tell us the guy you were hung up on the entirety of high school,” Steve fired back in defence of his friend, a smile on his face. Your body immediately stiffened up before you forced yourself to relax.

“It was no one,” you mumbled, sitting up straight. “I’ve been single all through high school.”

“Didn’t you date-“

“I’ve been single all throughout high school,” you say loudly, hoping to get your point across. Fuck, one of the reasons you joined Becka as she moved across half the country was to avoid this exact scenario.

“Well, shit-“ Sam’s eyes widened “-we need to get you laid.”

“Who said I’ve been lacking in that department?” You raised your eyebrows, feeling Bucky shift under you before returning back to normal, except wrapping an arm around your shoulder.

“Damn.” Peggy whistled, chuckling to herself. “How about a boyfriend?”

“What about one?”

“Don’t you want someone to have that cheesy college romance with?”

“I gotta say it isn’t on my top 3.” You shrugged, downing the rest of your drink before standing up. “Besides, there isn’t anyone on this campus who is dateable. Maybe if there was someone, I wouldn’t mind. It’s getting pretty late, so we should probably get moving.”

You avoided everyone’s gazes, and instead offered your hand to Nat who waited until Rebecca moved to pull herself up and dust herself off. Wanda had already fallen asleep, so Sam offered to help carry her back to Bucky’s car, which Bucky accepted.

After a round of quick goodbyes, the five of you got into Bucky’s car. Sam and he were roommates, as were Rebecca and Wanda.

“Bucky. Play Africa by Toto.”

“I will not play that godless song in this car.”

“Lil’ bitch.”

After fifteen minutes of ridiculous arguments, he finally dropped Rebecca and a half dead Wanda to their dorm building and rounded the corner to yours and Nat’s.

As Nat got out and you stepped out behind her, you turned to say goodnight to Bucky and Sam, finding them finger wrestling over the radio controls.

“Bye, guys. Drive home safe.” You nodded, shutting the door behind you.

“Mario, wait!” Bucky called out, making you spin on your heel to look at him. He had half his body out of the car window, looking at you over the roof of his car.

“I can- I can help you out if you want,” he said loudly, half shrugging.

“With what?” you asked, confused.

“F-finding someone who’s- you know- dateable. If you want.”

You stared at him blankly. You hadn’t considered this possibility when you said that.

“Why do you want to help me?”

“Because I care about you?” he said incredulously. “You’re like my little sister. Of course I’d help if you wanted it.”

That made sense. You’ve known Bucky as long as you’ve known Rebecca, including through his teenage emo phase, his high school jock phase, and his mature college phase and in that time you both helped each other equally, even though your only common link was his sister.

“I don’t want you to feel like I'm forcing you or anything, I just thought-“

“How?” you interjected, tilting your head.

“What?” His eyes widened comically as he leaned forward slightly.

“How are you planning to help?”

“Oh. Oh. Oh okay, yeah, um, I’ll tell you tomorrow. Meet me at the coffee shop?”

“Alright barista boy,” you agreed, giving him a half smile that he reciprocated. “I’ll see you tomorrow.”

“Awesome,” he breathed out, a grin growing on his face. “Awesome. Yeah, I’ll see you tomorrow. Night Mario.”

You waved at him as he popped back into the car and started up the engine before turning around to walk back into your building.

“Is that such a good idea- you know- considering the circumstances?” Nat’s voice broke the silence. She had her hands wrapped around her torso with a small look of concern on her face, her red hair slightly out of place because of the wind.

“What circumstances?” You knew what she was talking about, you just didn’t know how to answer it.

“High school. With him. Shit, Y/N, you were torn up for over a year-“

“It’s fine. I’m over it. It doesn’t matter now,” you interrupted her, shaking your head. You began walking towards the building, ignoring the beating of your heart.

“Are you sure?”

“Postive.”

Part 2 

[leisurelypanda]

Ballad of the Thundering Heart ch. 16

https://archiveofourown.org/works/13605048/chapters/32603895

Thor awoke the next morning and immediately stretched out across his bed with a smile. Last night was glorious. The game was great, but then Coney Island happened. He freely admitted that seeing Steve be terrified of going on the roller coasters had been most amusing for him. Kissing Steve had not prevented him from making his lover go on the biggest rides afterwards, and Steve squirmed the whole time they spent in line every time.

Kissing Steve. The thought made him hum with delight. He was clumsy at first (who wasn’t for their first kiss) but he learned quickly. The image of Steve’s kiss swollen lips came to mind and he chuckled appreciatively. It drove him wild to think that he was responsible for that. His swollen lips, his eyes dark with desire, his hands reaching up to run through his hair, pulling gently. The first time it happened it made him growl, which, to his delight, made Steve shiver against him.

He felt himself stir at the thought. He looked down through the morning light and saw his erection straining against the fabric of his shorts. He glanced at the alarm clock at his bedside. It was early yet, for him. There was still time to… enjoy himself before he had to finish the last minute preparations. -------------------------------------------------------------------------

He came downstairs to the sight of Bucky sitting at the island in the kitchen. He murmured his greetings at him before he turned around and took a closer look.

“You are here?” Thor asked. “You did not return with Steve?”

Bucky shook his head, nursing a cup of coffee. His neck was covered in hickies. Thor huffed a laugh at the sight.

“Enjoy yourself, last night?” he asked.

“I never kiss and tell, Thor,” he said with a sly grin. “But yes.”

Thor chuckled and poured himself a cup of coffee. He began to run through everything that needed to be done by tonight. He needed to ensure that everything was in place. If it was subpar he would never hear the end of it. He had a busy day ahead of him.

“Speaking of kissing,” Bucky said, grinning. “You and Stevie seemed to enjoy yourselves last night.”

“I did not hear any complaints from him,” Thor replied. He grinned in spite of himself.

“I didn't hear any either,” he said. “But seriously, Thor, I'm glad that he's happy with you.”

“As am I.”

“So it goes without saying that if you ever hurt him…” Bucky trailed off.

“You'll what?” Thor asked, pumping himself up. “You could not even pin Loki. How would you expect to overcome me?”

Bucky grinned a sly grin. “I'll find a way,” he promised. “I didn't beat you at getting quarterback for three years for nothing, you know.”

“Why don't we see if you can back up those words, little man?”

Thor sat down across from him. He grinned and held up his hand with his elbow on the island. Bucky grinned as well and seized his hand in his.

“One.”

“Two.”

“Three!”

They strained at each other as they each tried to get the upper hand. Thor admitted that Bucky was stronger than he seemed. But he did not underestimate his foe for long. Sweat began to form on their brows. Soon though, he began to push Bucky's hand toward the table. His opponent put up an admirable fight. Then with a shout, Thor pinned his hand to the table beneath him. He laughed in triumph.

“Damn man,” Bucky said with awe. “You don't mess around, do you?”

Thor laughed and shook his head. His response was drowned out by a new figure joining them.

“Aaaah!” his father shouted as he entered the room. He clapped his son on the shoulders. “My son! I hear that you led your school to glorious victory last night.”

“We fought well and triumphed, father,” Thor said, trying to keep the awkwardness of the encounter from his voice.

“Of course you did!” he crowed. “It is only to be expected”

He finally seemed to notice Bucky sitting at the island. He walked up to him and greeted him.

“I believe I remember you, my boy,” he said, embracing him. Bucky looked a bit like a deer in headlights but he returned the embrace. Thor wondered if Loki warned him about their family beforehand. As soon as they broke contact Odin noticed the hickies on Bucky’s neck and glanced towards his son.

Oh gods no, he thought.

“You were the quarterback that led the team the past few years, are you not?” his father asked.

Bucky nodded and ducked his head. He was probably trying to hide his bruises as thoroughly as possible. Thor didn't envy his friend. His father was not an easy person at the best of times. There was no knowing how he would react.

“No need to be shy, son,” Odin cried. “You're not the first rival my son has taken to his bed!”

Thor actually coughed up his coffee at that.

“Um… thanks?”

“Think nothing of it,” Odin replied. “Son, your mother and I will be at a charity event most of the day. You boys behave yourselves.”

This must be what mortification feels like, Thor thought to himself.

His father paused before he left the room to get ready. “I approve,” he whispered. “He seems like a fine man.”

Baldr save me. “Thank you, father,” he replied. His father's eye twinkled as he smiled. Thor waited until he heard the door to his father's room closed before he relaxed.

“That was fun,” Bucky remarked.

“You have strange ideas of what fun is,” Thor replied as he leaned against the island.

“He wasn't wrong, per se,” Bucky said. “His son did ‘take me into his bed,’ as he put it.”

“Yes…” he replied. “Just the wrong son.”

“Wait until you set him straight,” Bucky said, grinning.

Thor groaned. -------------------------------------------------------------------------

Thor was immensely grateful that Bucky and Tony agreed to help him out. Tony apparently had a friend who was familiar with all the best rooftops in New York. The one he found was not a large roof, but for a small, romantic night in lieu of going to the dance, it was perfect. It came with a fantastic view of the city at night, Tony’s contact assured him. The three of them had finished carting the lights up to the top of the building. Tony installed the table, bolting it down to the roof so it wouldn't fly away.

On one side there was a DJ station being set up. One of Tony's friends, a boy named Peter Parker, was helping to set up the system. He was apparently some genius whiz kid Tony had found in Queens and hired on as a “geek of all trades.” Whatever that meant. Today, apparently, it meant that he was helping to set up and run a sound system for a friend of a friend. He was also Tony’s contact who chose the location. How such a boy knew about the rooftops in New York, Thor had no idea.

“So, I don’t know if you know this,” Peter said in a shy, somewhat awkward manner, “but I’ve never actually done this whole, romantic, private, date-night thing. I mean, don’t get me wrong, I can do it, but what are you looking for exactly?”

It’s amazing how similar he is to Steve, Thor thought. “Have you ever been to a formal dating event?” he asked.

“Like a school dance?” he asked.

“Yes, like that.”

“Right, so some slow dance stuff to set the mood and everything.”

Thor clapped him on the shoulder. “Exactly, you will do fine.”

Peter rubbed his shoulder. “Jeez, dude!” he said. “You’re strong, like holy shit!”

Okay, maybe not so much like Steve, he thought with amusement. He chuckled to himself. The entire roof was taken up, even though most of it was just for the mood lighting and creating the atmosphere. Tony had a couple guys installing the lights along the edge of the roof. They were designed to soft lights that could provide enough light to dance to. Thor had helped set up the pagoda in the center of the area where Tony was now. It too was secured to the surface so that the wind would not blow it over.

By the time Bucky left to get ready for the Homecoming dance, everything was coming together. He stood under the pagoda and began to survey rooftop. The lights had been strung up overhead and they looked beautiful in the light of the setting sun, the sound system was up and running, and the pagoda did not fall on his head. All good signs. Mrs. Bianchi assured him that dinner was coming along on schedule, so there were no worries about that and Mr. Baker was leaving to fetch Steve soon.

Thor smiled. Everything was in order.

“Thor, what are you doing standing around?” Tony demanded.

Thor looked down at him. “What?”

“Steve is going to be here soon,” Tony said slowly. “You need to freshen up and get ready. You know, shower, cologne, get dressed, jack off? Maybe not in that order, but whatever your routine is.”

Thor looked down at himself. He was wearing the same shirt and jeans that he’d thrown on that morning to help with the preparations. He dashed towards the door and ran inside. He practically knocked Mr. Baker over. He was holding a suit wrapped in plastic in his hands.

“Forgive me, sir,” he said. “I took the liberty of selecting a suit for tonight’s dance. I hope it is to your liking.”

“Mr. Baker, remind me to ask father to give you a bonus,” he replied with a sigh of relief.

“Of course, sir.”

By the time Thor emerged from the changing room refreshed and ready for the evening, Mr. Baker had left to fetch Steve, Tony had left to get ready for his Homecoming dance with Loki, and everything was quiet. Thor could actually feel his heart hammering away in his chest. He was filled with trepidation. There was nothing to do but wait for Steve to arrive. He began to pace about the rooftop. The sun was nearly completely down, now. The city lights were all coming on and the rooftop was bathed in the soft glow of the golden lights strung above him.

Out of a need to distract himself, he began to survey everything. Again. Or he started to, until Peter walked up to him.

“Nervous?” he asked.

“Is it that obvious?” Thor replied.

“Hey, if I had gone this far and done this much for a little private dance,” Peter said. “I’d be nervous, too. He’s a lucky guy, this Steve.”

“No,” Thor corrected. Peter looked up at him with a confused expression on his face. “I am the one who is fortunate.” -------------------------------------------------------------------------

It was almost completely dark by the time Steve arrived at the place where Mr. Baker had said the date would take place. He was somewhat annoyed and somewhat grateful that his mother had had his suit dry cleaned.

“You should look your best for tonight, Steve,” she’d insisted. Steve really had no idea what Thor could possibly have planned. But it wasn’t at his house, it wasn’t out at any establishment he knew of. They weren’t going out dancing or to any of the clubs or anything. Not dressed like he was, anyway.

Mr. Baker led him to the elevator inside. Steve took a deep breath before he stepped inside. He remembered to do some breathing exercises. There was a time when elevators had been nearly impossible for him to step into. Which was unfortunate, since his appointments with Dr. Erskine were high up in an office building. Dr. Erskine had to come downstairs for months before Steve had been able to ride an elevator to his floor successfully. They still gave him trouble, but he was usually able to get to where he was going without any major issues.

They reached the top floor and Mr. Baker led him up a flight of stairs.

We’re heading to the roof, he realized. Does this sort of thing happen outside of movies?

Sure enough, when Mr. Baker opened the door for him, the sight took his breath away. Lights were strung up overhead. The entire roof was illuminated in their golden light. He could see the lights of the city around them. There decorative plants with flowers blossoming around the rooftop. He heard slow, soft, instrumental music playing before he spotted a sound system. A boy he didn’t recognize waved, then pointed elsewhere. Steve followed where he pointed and saw a huge wooden pagoda with a single table. And Thor, Thor was leaning against one of the pillars dressed in a simple, tailored black suit.

Steve’s mouth went dry as he saw him. He looks… sexy, he realized. Easily as sexy as he imagined.

Thor smiled and walked towards him. Well, he didn’t so much walk so much as strut. Or maybe that was the suit. Maybe the suit just enhanced his natural confidence.

If that’s the case, Steve thought, then I need my suit to give me a little bit.

“You look lovely, älskling,” he said, greeting him with a kiss. Steve hummed appreciatively as their lips touched.

“Thanks… uh, you look… damn,” he whispered.

Thor smiled and took his hand, leading them to the edge of the roof to look out over the city.

“It’s beautiful,” Steve said. “You did all this? For me?”

“It is not much, but I am glad that you like it,” he replied. “And I had some help from Tony.”

Steve huffed in disbelief. “If this is your idea of ‘not much,’” he said. “I can’t imagine what it looks like when you go all out.”

“You will be the first to know,” Thor promised. Steve blushed.

“Well,” he said, clearing his throat. “This may be premature, but you sure know how to wow a guy, Mr. Odinson.”

Thor smiled and leaned down on his elbows to look out over the city. The sun was near the horizon and bathed the city in a warm, crimson light.

“I believe,” Thor said, “that tonight is a dancing night.” He stood and held out his hand to Steve. “Shall we?”

A waltz with some kind of string quartet or something started to play. Steve blushed but took his hand.

“Just so you know,” he said. “I don’t know how to dance.”

Thor just smiled. “We are high school students, Steve,” he said. “None of us know how to dance.”

Steve doubted that was really true for Thor, but as his hand rested on his waist while his other hand held Steve’s, Thor began to sway softly with the music. And despite the fact that Steve had no idea what he was doing, he began to dance with him. It wasn’t anything fancy. The music was pretty but no matter how good it was, they just swayed in the last, fading light of the sunset. Steve didn’t notice. He never took his eyes off Thor and his gentle, smiling face.

“I want to kiss you,” he whispered.

Thor smiled. “Why don’t you?”

“I want you to say yes,” he said.

Thor leaned down next to his ear. Steve’s breath hitched. His heart was racing so fast in his chest that he thought it might burst.

“Yes.”

Steve shivered when Thor’s warm breath caressed the shell of his ear and to his shock, he hummed with delight. Thor chuckled and Steve shivered again as his breath touched his ear once more. He’s doing this to me on purpose, now, he realized.

“Jerk,” he breathed.

“I have no idea what you are talking about,” Thor whispered. Again, Steve shivered, even though he saw it coming this time.

“I hate you,” he grumbled.

“Does that mean I will not get a kiss?” Thor asked, pulling away. He looked like he was trying to pout, but the smile made it impossible.

Steve stood up and brushed his lips across his boyfriend’s. Thor returned the kiss and, to his surprise, bit his bottom lip gently. Steve gasped and moaned all at once. His boyfriend stopped swaying and wrapped his other arm around him. Steve wrapped his arms around Thor’s neck as they continued kissing, the music fading into the background. He relished in the feeling of his stubble brushing against his skin and the hard, gentle strength of the arms holding him. He clutched a handful of his boyfriend’s hair and pulled gently. To his shock, Thor moaned into his mouth.

“Do that again,” his boyfriend whispered. “Please.”

So he likes his hair being messed with, Steve thought with interest. He filed that information away to use later. For now he twisted his hands through his boyfriend’s locks and tugged. Thor moaned again as he kissed him. His hair was so soft. Like silk. And it was thick, too. Steve smiled and began to run his fingers through his boyfriend’s hair. Thor purred and came up for air. Steve opened his eyes and gasped for breath. Thor was looking down at him, his eyes dark as he panted. Steve bit his lip. It was tender and a bit swollen from the kissing. Thor’s eyes drifted down to look at his lips again.

Someone cleared their throat and snapped them out of their reverie. They turned. It was Mrs. Bianchi, Steve realized. He’d only seen her once, the first time he had visited Thor’s home. He couldn’t remember interacting with her at all. She was a short woman with olive skin and warm, dark eyes. She looked as though she had walked in on something private. Steve blushed as he realized that she had at least seen the last part of their making out session.

“Master Odinson,” she said with a low, melodic voice. “Dinner is served.”

Thor was the first to recover his wits.

“Thank you, Mrs. Bianchi,” he said.

Thor led him over to the table under the pagoda and, to Steve's surprise, held the chair out for him. Steve smiled as he sat down. Thor sat across from him.

“I suppose you figured out the romantic dinner as well?” Steve asked. Thor smiled. “Is there anything you can't do?”

“I cannot sing well,” Thor said, grinning.

“Really?” Steve drawled. “I hadn't noticed.”

“Would you like a demonstration?” he asked.

“I'm good, thanks.”

They laughed at that. Mrs. Bianchi presented a pot of steaming, melted cheese, a handful of elongated prongs, and plates of shrimp, lightly roasted vegetables, and breads. Steve picked up a prong in fascination and watched as Thor speared a piece of shrimp and dipped it in the cheese.

“What is this?” Steve asked with wonder.

“Fondue,” he answered. “You have never had it?”

“I’ve never even heard of it,” he admitted.

“Truly? Fascinating,” Thor remarked.

“So is this like the appetizer?” Steve asked.

“It is the appetizer, the entree, and the dessert,” Thor answered. “Though I suspect that the dessert will have chocolate fondue rather than cheese.”

“Are you going to put a chocolate covered strawberry in my mouth and kiss me?” Steve asked, smiling.

His boyfriend smiled, a dark, interested glint flashing in his eyes. “Would it work?”

“It might,” Steve replied, blushing.

“Then I’m sure it can be arranged,” he purred. “But for now, cheese fondue.”

Steve chuckled at the way Thor’s face lit up. He decided to just go for it, stabbed a mushroom, and emulated Thor by plunging it beneath the gooey, cheesy surface. When he popped it into his mouth, it exploded in a burst of flavor. Steve moaned.

“That is delicious,” Steve declared. He went for the bowl of assorted breads and grabbed another prong. Thor currently had three in the pot.

“I am glad you like it,” Thor said. “I will make sure Mrs. Bianchi receives the compliment.”

True to his word, the fondue did turn out to be an entire meal. At some point Mrs. Bianchi brought out a plate of additional assorted meats and other food to dip into the cheese. Thor was definitely a meat lover, Steve realized. He did eat some vegetables, but most of what he liked were the meats. Steve couldn’t blame him. He was a bit of a carnivore, himself, which tended to surprise most people who met him. Some assumed that he was a vegetarian because of his size.

At some point, the cheese bowl disappeared and it was replaced with a bowl of chocolate and the plates of meat and vegetables and breads were replaced with fruit, sponge cake, and sweet breads.

“I don’t know if I have room for more food,” Steve groaned.

“There is always room for chocolate,” Thor declared. He picked up his chair and brought it around to sit next to Steve. “Besides, I believe there was some mention of kissing and strawberries?”

Steve grinned. “I suppose there’s some room after all, then.”

Thor speared a strawberry and dipped it into the chocolate. When he brought it out, the chocolate cooled quickly, forming a smooth layer on the surface. He put it in his mouth and wagged his eyebrows as he looked at Steve. Steve laughed and leaned towards him. When the strawberry neared his mouth he opened and took a bite. Thor’s lips touched his and the sensation of being kissed while the dark chocolate melted in his mouth was… fantastic, if a bit awkward at first. Thor hummed against him and cupped his face as he deepened the kiss. Steve moaned again. Thor’s mouth tasted like the same strawberry and chocolate in his mouth. It was intoxicating. He sighed when they separated.

“That was probably the tastiest strawberry I’ve ever had,” Steve whispered.

“‘Probably?’” Thor echoed.

“I might need to try it again,” Steve teased. “Just to be sure.”

Thor chuckled. “I think it’s your turn, älskling,” he said, holding up another strawberry. Steve speared the fruit and repeated the process. Thor took his face in his hands, stroking his face with his thumbs and helped himself to the strawberry Steve held in his mouth. This time Steve was the one to deepen the kiss and Thor opened his mouth to yield to him. Steve wove his fingers through his hair and his boyfriend purred again.

“That,” Thor said when they were done, “was my favorite strawberry.”

Steve felt flushed. He didn’t trust himself to speak. He was terrified his voice would betray him and crack if he tried to respond. His breath seemed to escape him. Thor, for all his confidence and savvy, was also flushed and breathing heavily.

He did, however, allow one of his hands to leave his boyfriend’s flowing locks. It trailed down the side of his face, down his neck, and came to rest in the center of his chest. He could feel Thor’s heart racing.

“We should finish the desert,” Thor whispered.

Steve looked into his eyes. “I’m not hungry anymore,” he said.

Thor looked at him, confused. Steve took one of his hands and stood. He led them back to the small dance floor where Thor’s hands assumed the position that they had been in earlier. Peter struck up some slow dance music and they began to sway again. Thor led again, insofar as leading meant anything when they were just swaying to the music.

They danced, or swayed, for hours, never saying a word. Overhead the light of the city and the full moon shone down on them. At some point Steve began to rest his head on Thor’s shoulder. Thor kissed the top of his head and kept swaying, guiding him along the steps, the sounds of the streets below them, the music, and the rhythm of Thor’s heartbeat mingled together in an urban waltz. Time seemed to stop. They might have spent hours together. It might have been a few minutes. Who knew?

Then someone cleared their throat again. Steve looked up as Thor stopped swaying. Bucky was standing awkwardly by the door.

“What is it?” Thor asked. Steve could hear the annoyance dripping from his voice. He didn’t blame him. Bucky had bad timing this time.

“I’m here to crown the Homecoming King,” Bucky announced. Steve blinked.

“Huh?”

“Thor was voted in as Homecoming King tonight,” Bucky said. Steve looked down at his hands and saw that he was holding the ridiculous, poofy crown that they put on the Homecoming King’s head. In keeping with the school colors, it was blue with white trimming and probably just some cheap bauble. But it seemed to matter to the popular kids at school.

“Oh,” Thor replied. He still seemed a bit annoyed though. Was being voted Homecoming King that important?

“Anyway, sorry to interrupt you,” he said. “But the administration asked me to track you down and give it to you.”

Steve loved his friend. He really did. But right now he was really trying not to tell him off. He tried with some difficulty to do a mindfulness exercise. It was really hard to not be pissed off at his friend.

“Buck, I get it, the whole thing is important to someone,” he said, “But couldn't this have waited?”

“I thought the two of you would be happy to hear it,” Bucky said with a frown.

“Thank you for letting me know,” Thor said formally.

“Right, no problem,” Bucky said. He turned on his heel and walked back to the door.

“Bucky,” Steve called after him. He turned around. “Let's hang out tomorrow before you head back to college.”

Bucky actually smiled. “Yeah, let's do that. Meet you there at noon?”

“Of course.”

He waved goodbye and headed out. Steve sighed and turned his attention back to his boyfriend.

“That was bad,” he remarked. “I'm sorry about him.”

“You need not apologize, Steve,” he replied. “It is not your fault. I am perturbed, though, that he didn't think to wait.”

“He has to go back tomorrow,” Steve mused. “He was probably worried that he wouldn't have time.”

“Yet you will see him tomorrow before he leaves,” Thor said. “There would have been time.”

“I'm meeting him at the station at noon, Thor,” Steve countered. “It's not like we're spending the day together.”

“I apologize,” he said with a sigh. “I am… not myself. Do you want to keep dancing?”

Steve thought for a moment. The mood had been ruined by Bucky's entry. Then a thought occurred to him. He wound his arms around Thor's neck.

“No but,” he said, “we could take the fondue. Go back to your place and… pick up where we left off?”

Thor's eyes got that interested glint he'd had earlier. Steve decided he liked that look.

“I cannot wait, älskling,” he purred. -------------------------------------------------------------------------

Thor's couch was really comfortable. Good lumbar support. It was probably the best couch Steve ever made out on. Being the only couch where that happened was a bit of a coincidence. They had just gotten back, with Thor assuring him that a crew would take down what he'd put up in the morning. Thor hadn't even waited for Mrs. Bianchi to warm the fondue back up. Of course, Steve had welcomed it.

“Thor,” he moaned into his mouth. “Thor I need to breathe.”

“Then breathe,” Thor whispered against the shell of his ear. Steve shivered and arched up off the couch as Thor began to kiss down the side of his face. And then Steve whined as Thor began to suck on his neck.

“Jesus Christ,” he hissed. Thor chuckled. Steve raised a hand and tangled it in Thor's hair and pulled slightly as Thor sucked on his apparently sensitive flesh. He felt him purr against him.

“Does that really feel good?” Steve asked. He couldn't imagine why it would.

“It feels great to me,” Thor replied coming off him. “Do you want to know what it feels like?”

“Yes.”

Thor descended on his lips again. Steve yielded, Thor's tongue entering his mouth and exploring the quickly familiarizing terrain. Steve kept his hand in Thor's hair and shivered in anticipation as he felt Thor's hand move from his face to the back of his head.

Then he felt the tug. His head was tilted back, granting access to his neck and his boyfriend descended on it. It hurt. It felt amazing. Steve whined at the pain and pleasure that assaulted his senses. Thor mad his way down his neck pausing to nip and suck at times. When he reached the jugular Steve let loose a particularly loud whine.

Someone cleared their throat. They looked up. It was Mrs. Bianchi. If she was bothered at all by their antics, this time she gave no sign of it.

“Your fondue, sirs,” she said, setting it on the table. “Try not to mess up the couch.”

“We'll try, ma'am,” Steve said, blushing furiously. She smiled and saw herself out.

Thor got up and picked up a prong. “Strawberry? Or something else?”

Steve looked at the tray of fruit and sponge cake. “Is that pineapple?”

“It is.”

“I want some pineapple.” -------------------------------------------------------------------------

Mrs. Bianchi returned to the kitchen. She needed to sit down while she had the chance. At her age she couldn't be on her feet all day and she learned long ago that in this business you took your downtime when it presented itself.

“Are the lovebirds still at it?” Mr. Baker asked.

“Sí,” she confirmed. “Ah to be young and in love again.”

“Indeed,” he said, sipping his tea. She poured herself another pot of coffee. “They seem a good match.”

She hummed in agreement.

“What's the pot at, now?” he asked.

“€150,” she said. “Madam Frigga put €40 on the Christmas holidays.”

“Daring woman,” he commented.

“Master Loki put down €40 for over Valentine's Day.”

Mr. Baker chuckled. “That boy would have us believe that he's cold and calculating. He's such a softie.”

Mrs. Bianchi chuckled in agreement as she sat down at the little table for the staff.

“How do you feel about a private wager?” she asked. “Say, €30?”

“On what?” he asked taking out his wallet.

“If Master Thor makes it to… how do the Americans say?” she asked. “Second place?”

“Second base,” he supplied. “And I'll take that bet. Master Rogers seems a bit shy for it to happen just yet.”

“That boy has the heart of a lion,” she argued. Mr. Baker chuckled and nodded his head.

“I wonder when we'll hear him roar,” he mused. -------------------------------------------------------------------------

He sat with his legs draped over Thor's on the couch in the living room. His neck was surely covered in hickeys, though he definitely gave as good as he got. He peaked at Thor's neck. It was, indeed, also covered in hickeys. He found he did not enjoy having his hair pulled as much as his boyfriend, but he did love being marked by Thor and marking him in return. Thankfully, Thor seemed not to mind being marked.

His chest heaved as he caught his breath. He lay his head on his boyfriend's chest, feeling his chest rising and falling as he caught his breath as well. His felt his heart racing beneath his shirt. One of Thor's arms was wrapped around his shoulders while the other was resting on his thighs.

“Älskling,” he breathed. “You are insatiable.”

“I'm insatiable?” Steve huffed. “You barely stopped long enough to eat the fondue.”

His boyfriend chuckled above him. Steve smiled at the feeling, like rolling thunder.

“Älskling,” he whispered.

Steve's heart warmed at the pet name. “Yes?”

“May I take off your shirt?” he asked.

Steve stilled. He couldn't help but compare himself to Thor. He was big and muscled and defined and Steve… Steve was scrawny. Skinny. Small. He liked how Thor made him feel small, but… he was afraid.

He's going to hate me, he thought. I don't have abs or muscle or anything. And then there's the... He's not going to think I’m attractive or cute or anything when he sees me and it’s all going to crash and burn.

“Breathe, Steve,” Thor said, interrupting his destructive train of thought. “Are you all right?”

“I’m… fine,” he said.

Thor hummed. “What is on your mind?”

“It’s nothing,” he said. Thor rose his eyebrow, like he knew he was bullshitting him. “I’m…”

He couldn’t finish it.

“Take your time,” Thor whispered. He rubbed his thigh in what Steve figured was supposed to be soothing. He wasn’t sure if it worked, but it did help distract him from his thoughts. He took a deep, fortifying breath.

“I’m scared,” he confessed.

“What are you afraid of?”

Steve gulped. “That you won’t think I’m attractive when you… see what I look like.”

Thor regarded him for a moment. Steve decided to keep talking before he came to his senses and shut up before he said something way too incriminating.

“And I’m scared because… I really, really like you, Thor,” he said. “And I don’t want you to leave because you don’t like what you see. And part of me knows that it’s all irrational, but God sometimes I don’t know how to make it shut up!”

Thor was silent. He was rubbing soothing circles onto Steve’s back as he listened. Steve breathed again. He hated when the anxiety was so prevalent in his mind. Like clatter that wouldn’t leave him alone.

“I’m sorry,” he said after a moment. “That must have sounded really clingy and ridiculous.”

Thor looked at him for a moment longer. “Do you know what I think when I look at you?”

Steve blinked. That’s unexpected. He shook his head.

“I think that your eyes shine like stars,” Thor whispered. “I look at your lips and I cannot help but want to kiss them every time or to feel them against my skin.”

Steve blushed and held his hands up to cover his face. Then he felt Thor’s hands gently lift them away. “I think that you look beautiful when you blush and sometimes I tease you just to see your face get red.”

Steve huffed. “Ass.”

His boyfriend smiled. “Speaking of which, I think that your ass looks amazing, especially in jeans,” he whispered. “And I love the way your body feels against mine.

“I think you are powerful, Steve,” he whispered. “You are easily the strongest man I’ve ever dated.”

Steve’s shoulders shook and he cried. Thor held him against his body and kissed the top of his head. He didn’t feel strong. He felt afraid a lot of the time, convinced that the people around him, even Bucky, didn’t really like him at all.

Thor wiped his tears away when he looked at him.

“I’m sorry,” he said.

“Never apologize for tears, Steve,” he whispered. “There is no shame in them.”

Steve sighed. “I feel really tired, now,” he said. “But I don’t want to leave.”

“You don’t have to,” Thor replied. “We have a spare room. Though you may want to let your mother know so you do not get in trouble again.”

Steve chuckled at the memory of their day playing hookie. It was easier to laugh at the further away it seemed. He quickly got his phone out and saw that his mom had sent him a text asking when he’d be home. He replied that he was invited to stay with Thor. A few minutes later her reply came.

Make good choices, dear! And remember to be courteous!

He blushed at her implication. But considering that he hadn’t even been able to take his shirt off in front of Thor, he doubted there would be any chance to make such choices, good or bad. That didn’t stop him from wondering, though.

When he was done he returned to the couch and lay his head back against Thor’s chest. Thor draped an arm across his shoulders and down the front of his body in that way that made Steve feel safe. He looked up idly at his boyfriend.

“What is it?” Thor asked.

“You have hickies,” Steve said. He reached up to trace over them with a finger. Thor hummed.

“You really are insatiable, älskling,” he said. Steve laughed at it.

“It’s just that I…” Steve said. “I really like seeing you like this.”

Thor offered him a quizzical look but didn’t say anything. Steve kept tracing the marks he left with his finger.

“What is going on here?!” someone shouted. The two of them jumped at the sudden intrusion. The latest in a series of such events that night.

Can we not have a moment to ourselves? Steve wondered. He turned towards the source of the shout. His heart leaped into his throat. It was Thor’s father, Odin.

“Son, what is the meaning of this?” he demanded. “Why is this… boy here? And why are you dishonoring your lover by fraternizing with this… this punk?!”

Steve suddenly felt the urge to slink as far into the couch cushions as he could. It was honestly terrifying to be in the same room as Odin. Unfortunately, Thor had decided that this was a great time to tighten his grip on him.

“Steve is my lover,” Thor said.

“What about that other boy? Bucky?” Odin demanded. “You mean to tell me that what I saw this morning wasn’t because you are dating?”

What the actual fuck is going on? Steve wondered in a panic.

“Bucky was here as a... guest of Loki,” Thor said. “And I doubt there will be anything more between them.”

Odin sneered down his nose at Steve, his one eye making him look all the more menacing.

“I want him out,” Odin declared. “He cannot stay here.”

“He can, actually,” came another voice. It was Frigga. And she looked for all the world like Hell frozen over. “I told Steve weeks ago that he was free to stay here any time he likes.”

“And I just offered him the spare room for the night,” Thor added.

“He cannot stay here!” Odin protested.

“Will you dishonor us, then?” Frigga asked. “Will you take a man who was welcomed as a guest and refuse him hospitality?”

Steve suddenly realized that this scene reminded him very much of something that passed between his mother and Joe years ago. Though Joe was almost always drunk. His heart rate began to race. He knew what was about to happen. They would come to blows. Frigga would get hurt. Stevewould get hurt. That's what happened with people fought.

Then, Odin sighed. “Fine.”

Wait… what just happened? he wondered.

“Steve… Rogers, is it?” Odin said, still scowling at him. “Be welcome in our home. But I will have you know that I do not approve of your relationship with my son.”

“Thank you,” Steve replied. “But I don’t need your approval.”

Fuck fuck fuck fuck fuck fuck fuck, he thought. That last part was not planned in the slightest. Thor and Frigga both raised their eyebrows as they looked between him and the towering, dominating figure that was Odin.

Odin grunted. “At least you have spirit, if nothing else.”

He turned and practically stomped off to another part of the house.

“That was… bracing,” Steve remarked as he left. “And terrifying.”

“Steve,” Frigga said, coming over and sweeping him up in a hug. “You have a warrior’s spirit.”

“Thanks?” he replied, utterly confused.

She released him and pride shown in her eyes as she looked down at him.

“Now, let me get the room prepared,” she said. “And I will have Mr. Baker find you some suitable clothes for you to sleep in and a change of clothes in the morning.”

“Actually, I think I will sleep with Thor,” Steve said. Frigga’s eyebrows rose and mischief, the same mischief that danced in Loki’s eyes, appeared in hers. “Just sleep.”

“Of course,” she replied. “Now, I will bid you goodnight. It has been a long day.”

When she had gone, Thor laid a hand on his. “I am, of course, pleased that you will share my bed, älskling,” he said. “But do not think that you have to do anything which would make you uncomfortable.”

“I just want to sleep, if it’s all the same to you,” Steve replied.

“Of course, but why the change in heart?” he asked.

“You make me feel safe,” Steve said, swallowing. Thor leaned down and kissed him softly on his temple.

“Thank you, Steve,” he said. “That is high praise. And it is my honor to do so.”

Steve smiled and got up. As much as he wanted to stay in Thor’s arms, he had no more energy to do anything but sleep.

[airoasis]

"Chirpy Burpy Cheap Sheep" | Father Ted | Series 3 Episode 2 | Dead Parrot

New Post has been published on https://hititem.kr/chirpy-burpy-cheap-sheep-father-ted-series-3-episode-2-dead-parrot-2/

"Chirpy Burpy Cheap Sheep" | Father Ted | Series 3 Episode 2 | Dead Parrot

Hey Fargo ah ok whats up you will have Chris watching nice for the competitors quality lad ha ha freely hey there Fargo benefit how’s the chance is exceptional if you happen to quit on him this year father well I put the entire annual eating allowance on him to win if he does not win what that means fiber well we will not have any heating however nevertheless it’s riskier stays as warm as a summer season heckler had been laughing come on teach Chris he’s a champ speak about it’s a designated J and you heard about this creature going around terrorizing sheep on the island no inform me more colossal is a Jaguar the vehicle be aware of what to be cutting and that is all teeth enormous white enamel the sheriff is known as as a kill get do good it can be only a subject of time does not get any Amoy she no intellect she be riskless Oh kids yay so nevertheless it’s handiest a subject of time be really low priced the sheriff is named Duggal supply the album a relaxation no come on Ted it’s tremendous I feel men and women will soon give up taking note of pop music and take heed to this style of thing alternatively you understand from what I hear in the charts today but i am no longer definite if that’s no longer going down already what that is so good k failed to it we’ve got acquired all sorts of things as if with the aid of magic i can create a large crowd of invisible dots or take you on a commute into darkest Africa i’m going to convey you right into a spooky fortress on a stormy night time hiya craggy Island broken apartment father technically speaking father Fargo father are you able to come over here fast and without doubt Fargo what appears to be the early life I used to move out to will is some thing of a celebrity go boil that is doing you o.K. You look horrible does not you do just right all of it I didn’t get so much sleep father I saved thinking I heard this horrible howling noise good that’ll be the Beast what is that there may be anything terrible on the moors farther north we haven’t any extra then there’s anything horrible roaming the circular the location the place ordinarily there could be extra father they feel it might be a style of significant fox dougas sorry howdy it couldn’t be Jack might you would see her any one could mistake him for a giant madcap recollect to wildering jump years father Jack may be very much littered with the changing of the seasons for a short while a awesome serenity enters his lifestyles and he is as one with nature he’s excellent when he is within the mood Sonia’s final little bit longer I better go on make some tea Dugan I might flip off that report however it is off what do you mean Chris is not within the competition did the chump you have got to enter him all this talk of the beast has obtained to UM his now that’s right I took a photo of him this morning nerves I mean Fargo it’s she he invariably had an extraordinarily creative temperament father yeah Robin will not be a live performance penis is a she you I do not know oh my god I imply whilst you examine it with what he gave the look of final yr two thoroughly distinct sheep he is off his food he’s now not dozing and he started took ball what am I going to do Fargo pull yourself together Chris needs you know greater than he’s ever needed you come on I want to see him cargo that is an order take me to see Chris the sad sheep god dude you should have noticeable him he’s just a shadow of a sheep not surprised head if I used to be a sheep i might be gazing my again proper now right given that of the Beast that is greatest for cats and it is got a retractable legs so they may be able to soar opportu higher if you understand watch head it lights up at night and the four ears chew them up for listening and the other two are type of again up here the crows are as tremendous as cooked and for some cause is so some Indus fear of stamps mrs.Doyle used to be telling me that has bought magnets on tails so they are made out of metal it will probably connect itself to you and as a substitute of the notes it is obtained four hours it’s a legend it doesn’t exist right head the way as a Phantom of the Opera does not exist that used to be the Opera does not exist so i’m no longer going to get into this what does exist and what would not exist debate once more ok but i will have got to insist you add these last two examples to the chart ok Duggal no i’m extra concerned about that i+ on Chris fitting king of the sheep i don’t feel it might win then no burping sheep has ever gained us what about gigantic Brendan in 1983 yeah anyway it’s only a heating price range and appear what the weather information says just final year’s weather news what this is this 12 months I have got to go and spot if John and Mary would let me take my a reimbursement the next day to come I could go down with you see in the event that they’ve got one other sound effects album volume 5 fair adequate I bet one of the v-rod are on the within of his head I win a yawn it has a green leaf a chair to load a hand around and performed a barrel good day Fargo and then he does not have any eyebrows in any respect besides on Saturday you learn from manners i will telephone away the cake how do you adore that huh hi there John hey silence really hi there Tiger McGuire very oh oh she’s conscious and her mother Wow it’s a room someone within the cupboard no father Mary Todd Mary I forgot you have been there correct I proposal you heard your mom’s no I did not go to me mother in the end i am in the cabinet Mary what are you doing in there oh I comprehend it’s for the reason that of this beast of craggy Island factor I proposal that Mary could be safer in the cupboard i am Errol appear welcome to you for father oh yeah p.C. Of 20 incorporates i’m going to get them love you stay in the cabinet John can i have a word ma’am whats up Mary no three days mechanics oh yeah i’m fine anyway i am sorry father a bets a bet it can be simply but if the lady doesn’t have the operation she will not be beneath fetch water for her village i’m sorry father if the pite did not stay up for the chances of prolong to twenty to 1 as a result of Chris’s worried troubles anyway your cigarette thanks Ted they don’t have the sound result out and we might as good just go hi bye-bye then i’m hoping you’re satisfied I shut up oh seem there’s tremendous Reed howdy enormous what are you fascinated by there Ted you must see the massive critical seem for your face I are not able to see Crispin in this competitors guru Ted it’s pointless even interested by it you are most effective wasting your time there’s nothing we are able to do about the quandary we simply have to accept the fact and that is that how about we convey Kris over here for a even as possibly to alter your doing excellent oh ho extraordinary amazing or something we would do failed to I say it as a minimum India they’re just a 2nd ago no no you failed to you said the special opposite there was obviously nothing we might do genuinely Ted you may have performed this to me before I took the liberty of tape in the conversation just have just a little you are simplest wasting your time there’s nothing we will do the trouble I stand corrected ah serious now anyway i’m nonetheless now not sure about this now father do not worry more difficult however the subsequent time you see him he’ll be a new sheet if not with making me to a jumper and a few chops i am terribly sorry sir that used to be just a PI i am terribly terribly sorry i’m going to be off then okay so and critically it was one location he may also be certain peace and quiet I suppose will likely be an insult to you if I conclude that sentence you’re a parity father yes we’re also try and get Chris into form for the competition do you believe what are you friends like a cup of tea father it isn’t she fellow i do not suppose they drink staff has warmness oil not except you might have some distinctive sheet tea sure I do have some sheet tea within the kitchen rightful them give them given some nothing k so Godhead it is close to midday we need to stand up this early inquire from me accomplished Duggal we’ve bought to get Chris from watching like this to looking like this it is your father digit is he i am sorry we tried the whole lot I went I consider that I is I better take him dwelling aha ah gotcha did you what did you just did my nice so be aware of what to claim father can i buy you a drink to have a good time o.K. Mcdougal you mind Krister we get back and do not let him wander away keep an eye on them and keep that front door closed ok Ted is the rest taking Shiva good day did you see and also you activate gratefully over feeling your neck truely determined 33 that’s how shut once I need to pay extra in these photos ever that you would be able to stack this the high-quality baccarat seem at me devour yeah excellent yes that is like Duggal I detect that the entrance door is large open oh it’s yes Ted as we are presently sheepish oh ah dude I told you to maintain the entrance door closed no just keep up their head how do we know which way to go she’s like several wool bearing animals instinctively journey north but colder mr.Self so we ought to go north which approach is out I do not know that you can come from throughout us the Sioux Indians and the Arizona desert was in a position to pinpoint the distinct location of Buffalo with the aid of gauging the position of the moon and hanging their ears to the ground genuinely Ted maybe the sound is coming from that stereo it can be Chris y’alright he’s pleasant he needs to have an understanding of it was simply some thing stereo placing from the tree i am residence Dougal I consider i am starting to figure out what’s been happening well it’s been an convenient selection there is one alpha no twin-off and as a substitute than waste got here with a speech and get on with the job of a recognized thing the winner who today has come forced on this competitors to peer who the winner is within the king of the sheep competitors that we’ve got all come to at present wondering who Andy might be to win the prize of king of the Sheep the winner of this 12 months’s king of the Sheep competition is up hiya what’s the which means of this this competitors is a sham and a fraud and as sham how dare you there may be been a can provide and ratings try to sabotage this high profile sheep competition little puzzle are in this very room chines Reed and hood Hastings you better have enjoyable the fact that opus trouble all I do I do you’re the ones who constantly shatters of the so called beast of tiny island perpetually within hearing distance of Krista sheep paragon of the champion and it was you who used a replica of BBC sound results vol 5 to add method to those pants will declare an impression of she might no longer aid however be satisfied with the aid of the late-night time howlings of terrible monster Taipei and from manner approach approach work up lovely image father Freddy has painted how dare you bring disgrace on this fella place or knock shape and let me too tough on them so you do not know your identify introduced do not be too hard on the malum they had been conveniently pawns actual villain on this piece has yet to be printed Fargo boils what yeah I obtained cool now it is my deal with it used to be you who used to be disillusioned on the terrible odds Chris was receiving you who plan to manipulate these odds via sabotaging your own sheep after which staging a astonishing recovery on the day of the competitors you who paid large and hood to talk about the beast in entrance of Chris ah Oh James hello there I didn’t depend on the self-love of your accomplices who use their newfound wealth to buy a fur coat and a crown and it was once you who bought the BBC sound effects document sixty four for the dramatic alterations you who gave the sheet to me figuring out that could be a priest with an intuitive figuring out of sheep I could nurse him again to wellbeing you wish it is now not actual it is typical keep the Panisse father no he is lost the believe of his sheep that is punishment ample the farmer who offers exceptionally to low cost excuse me there is a bit of extension right here and i want some recent air one factor Ted if Chris has been disqualified does not imply you have got lost the heating allowance money on the mattress I know it’s a thorough step Duggal but it is very very bloodless here three months then Ted certainly on no account go to the bathroom first

[batterymonster2021]

"Chirpy Burpy Cheap Sheep" | Father Ted | Series 3 Episode 2 | Dead Parrot

New Post has been published on https://hititem.kr/chirpy-burpy-cheap-sheep-father-ted-series-3-episode-2-dead-parrot-2/

"Chirpy Burpy Cheap Sheep" | Father Ted | Series 3 Episode 2 | Dead Parrot

Hey Fargo ah ok whats up you will have Chris watching nice for the competitors quality lad ha ha freely hey there Fargo benefit how’s the chance is exceptional if you happen to quit on him this year father well I put the entire annual eating allowance on him to win if he does not win what that means fiber well we will not have any heating however nevertheless it’s riskier stays as warm as a summer season heckler had been laughing come on teach Chris he’s a champ speak about it’s a designated J and you heard about this creature going around terrorizing sheep on the island no inform me more colossal is a Jaguar the vehicle be aware of what to be cutting and that is all teeth enormous white enamel the sheriff is known as as a kill get do good it can be only a subject of time does not get any Amoy she no intellect she be riskless Oh kids yay so nevertheless it’s handiest a subject of time be really low priced the sheriff is named Duggal supply the album a relaxation no come on Ted it’s tremendous I feel men and women will soon give up taking note of pop music and take heed to this style of thing alternatively you understand from what I hear in the charts today but i am no longer definite if that’s no longer going down already what that is so good k failed to it we’ve got acquired all sorts of things as if with the aid of magic i can create a large crowd of invisible dots or take you on a commute into darkest Africa i’m going to convey you right into a spooky fortress on a stormy night time hiya craggy Island broken apartment father technically speaking father Fargo father are you able to come over here fast and without doubt Fargo what appears to be the early life I used to move out to will is some thing of a celebrity go boil that is doing you o.K. You look horrible does not you do just right all of it I didn’t get so much sleep father I saved thinking I heard this horrible howling noise good that’ll be the Beast what is that there may be anything terrible on the moors farther north we haven’t any extra then there’s anything horrible roaming the circular the location the place ordinarily there could be extra father they feel it might be a style of significant fox dougas sorry howdy it couldn’t be Jack might you would see her any one could mistake him for a giant madcap recollect to wildering jump years father Jack may be very much littered with the changing of the seasons for a short while a awesome serenity enters his lifestyles and he is as one with nature he’s excellent when he is within the mood Sonia’s final little bit longer I better go on make some tea Dugan I might flip off that report however it is off what do you mean Chris is not within the competition did the chump you have got to enter him all this talk of the beast has obtained to UM his now that’s right I took a photo of him this morning nerves I mean Fargo it’s she he invariably had an extraordinarily creative temperament father yeah Robin will not be a live performance penis is a she you I do not know oh my god I imply whilst you examine it with what he gave the look of final yr two thoroughly distinct sheep he is off his food he’s now not dozing and he started took ball what am I going to do Fargo pull yourself together Chris needs you know greater than he’s ever needed you come on I want to see him cargo that is an order take me to see Chris the sad sheep god dude you should have noticeable him he’s just a shadow of a sheep not surprised head if I used to be a sheep i might be gazing my again proper now right given that of the Beast that is greatest for cats and it is got a retractable legs so they may be able to soar opportu higher if you understand watch head it lights up at night and the four ears chew them up for listening and the other two are type of again up here the crows are as tremendous as cooked and for some cause is so some Indus fear of stamps mrs.Doyle used to be telling me that has bought magnets on tails so they are made out of metal it will probably connect itself to you and as a substitute of the notes it is obtained four hours it’s a legend it doesn’t exist right head the way as a Phantom of the Opera does not exist that used to be the Opera does not exist so i’m no longer going to get into this what does exist and what would not exist debate once more ok but i will have got to insist you add these last two examples to the chart ok Duggal no i’m extra concerned about that i+ on Chris fitting king of the sheep i don’t feel it might win then no burping sheep has ever gained us what about gigantic Brendan in 1983 yeah anyway it’s only a heating price range and appear what the weather information says just final year’s weather news what this is this 12 months I have got to go and spot if John and Mary would let me take my a reimbursement the next day to come I could go down with you see in the event that they’ve got one other sound effects album volume 5 fair adequate I bet one of the v-rod are on the within of his head I win a yawn it has a green leaf a chair to load a hand around and performed a barrel good day Fargo and then he does not have any eyebrows in any respect besides on Saturday you learn from manners i will telephone away the cake how do you adore that huh hi there John hey silence really hi there Tiger McGuire very oh oh she’s conscious and her mother Wow it’s a room someone within the cupboard no father Mary Todd Mary I forgot you have been there correct I proposal you heard your mom’s no I did not go to me mother in the end i am in the cabinet Mary what are you doing in there oh I comprehend it’s for the reason that of this beast of craggy Island factor I proposal that Mary could be safer in the cupboard i am Errol appear welcome to you for father oh yeah p.C. Of 20 incorporates i’m going to get them love you stay in the cabinet John can i have a word ma’am whats up Mary no three days mechanics oh yeah i’m fine anyway i am sorry father a bets a bet it can be simply but if the lady doesn’t have the operation she will not be beneath fetch water for her village i’m sorry father if the pite did not stay up for the chances of prolong to twenty to 1 as a result of Chris’s worried troubles anyway your cigarette thanks Ted they don’t have the sound result out and we might as good just go hi bye-bye then i’m hoping you’re satisfied I shut up oh seem there’s tremendous Reed howdy enormous what are you fascinated by there Ted you must see the massive critical seem for your face I are not able to see Crispin in this competitors guru Ted it’s pointless even interested by it you are most effective wasting your time there’s nothing we are able to do about the quandary we simply have to accept the fact and that is that how about we convey Kris over here for a even as possibly to alter your doing excellent oh ho extraordinary amazing or something we would do failed to I say it as a minimum India they’re just a 2nd ago no no you failed to you said the special opposite there was obviously nothing we might do genuinely Ted you may have performed this to me before I took the liberty of tape in the conversation just have just a little you are simplest wasting your time there’s nothing we will do the trouble I stand corrected ah serious now anyway i’m nonetheless now not sure about this now father do not worry more difficult however the subsequent time you see him he’ll be a new sheet if not with making me to a jumper and a few chops i am terribly sorry sir that used to be just a PI i am terribly terribly sorry i’m going to be off then okay so and critically it was one location he may also be certain peace and quiet I suppose will likely be an insult to you if I conclude that sentence you’re a parity father yes we’re also try and get Chris into form for the competition do you believe what are you friends like a cup of tea father it isn’t she fellow i do not suppose they drink staff has warmness oil not except you might have some distinctive sheet tea sure I do have some sheet tea within the kitchen rightful them give them given some nothing k so Godhead it is close to midday we need to stand up this early inquire from me accomplished Duggal we’ve bought to get Chris from watching like this to looking like this it is your father digit is he i am sorry we tried the whole lot I went I consider that I is I better take him dwelling aha ah gotcha did you what did you just did my nice so be aware of what to claim father can i buy you a drink to have a good time o.K. Mcdougal you mind Krister we get back and do not let him wander away keep an eye on them and keep that front door closed ok Ted is the rest taking Shiva good day did you see and also you activate gratefully over feeling your neck truely determined 33 that’s how shut once I need to pay extra in these photos ever that you would be able to stack this the high-quality baccarat seem at me devour yeah excellent yes that is like Duggal I detect that the entrance door is large open oh it’s yes Ted as we are presently sheepish oh ah dude I told you to maintain the entrance door closed no just keep up their head how do we know which way to go she’s like several wool bearing animals instinctively journey north but colder mr.Self so we ought to go north which approach is out I do not know that you can come from throughout us the Sioux Indians and the Arizona desert was in a position to pinpoint the distinct location of Buffalo with the aid of gauging the position of the moon and hanging their ears to the ground genuinely Ted maybe the sound is coming from that stereo it can be Chris y’alright he’s pleasant he needs to have an understanding of it was simply some thing stereo placing from the tree i am residence Dougal I consider i am starting to figure out what’s been happening well it’s been an convenient selection there is one alpha no twin-off and as a substitute than waste got here with a speech and get on with the job of a recognized thing the winner who today has come forced on this competitors to peer who the winner is within the king of the sheep competitors that we’ve got all come to at present wondering who Andy might be to win the prize of king of the Sheep the winner of this 12 months’s king of the Sheep competition is up hiya what’s the which means of this this competitors is a sham and a fraud and as sham how dare you there may be been a can provide and ratings try to sabotage this high profile sheep competition little puzzle are in this very room chines Reed and hood Hastings you better have enjoyable the fact that opus trouble all I do I do you’re the ones who constantly shatters of the so called beast of tiny island perpetually within hearing distance of Krista sheep paragon of the champion and it was you who used a replica of BBC sound results vol 5 to add method to those pants will declare an impression of she might no longer aid however be satisfied with the aid of the late-night time howlings of terrible monster Taipei and from manner approach approach work up lovely image father Freddy has painted how dare you bring disgrace on this fella place or knock shape and let me too tough on them so you do not know your identify introduced do not be too hard on the malum they had been conveniently pawns actual villain on this piece has yet to be printed Fargo boils what yeah I obtained cool now it is my deal with it used to be you who used to be disillusioned on the terrible odds Chris was receiving you who plan to manipulate these odds via sabotaging your own sheep after which staging a astonishing recovery on the day of the competitors you who paid large and hood to talk about the beast in entrance of Chris ah Oh James hello there I didn’t depend on the self-love of your accomplices who use their newfound wealth to buy a fur coat and a crown and it was once you who bought the BBC sound effects document sixty four for the dramatic alterations you who gave the sheet to me figuring out that could be a priest with an intuitive figuring out of sheep I could nurse him again to wellbeing you wish it is now not actual it is typical keep the Panisse father no he is lost the believe of his sheep that is punishment ample the farmer who offers exceptionally to low cost excuse me there is a bit of extension right here and i want some recent air one factor Ted if Chris has been disqualified does not imply you have got lost the heating allowance money on the mattress I know it’s a thorough step Duggal but it is very very bloodless here three months then Ted certainly on no account go to the bathroom first

[inawickedlittletown]

Walking The Wire (116/?)

Summary: Tony Stark always knew about Peter Parker. He didn’t know that Peter was going to get superpowers and become Spider-Man, but he always knew about Peter because Peter was his son.

This will span from pre-Iron Man up through the rest of the MCU (eventually including Infinity War) and will be for the most part canon compliant except where I’ve taken some liberties and interpreted canon a certain way.

Pairings: Pepper/Tony, Tony/Steve (endgame), Tony/Mary (past)

A/N: If you want me to tag you when I post new chapters let me know. This fic is also on AO3

I used Collider’s MCU timeline to stay canon and the title of this fic is an Imagine Dragons song that is just so fitting for Peter and Tony

@findmeinthestarss

Masterpost

Chapter One Hundred Fifteen

Sneaking inside the ship itself turned out to not be too difficult a task. The new suit definitely had even more new capabilities that made the whole thing easy. Peter could tell that his dad had made even more improvements on it since the last time he’d used the Iron Spider. The thing about the suit was that it reminded Peter too much of the Iron Man armor and it made him feel like he was fueling the fire of the rumors about Spider-Man being Tony’s son. There were so many articles speculating about that among with the ones that wondered about who Spider-Man was and then also who Tony’s son was. It was a giant mess that was going to blow up on their faces one day.

He got a little lost after he got into the main part of the ship because it was kind of huge and like nothing Peter had ever seen or been inside. Eventually, he managed to find his dad and when he found him, the wizard’s cape had just reached Tony too and wasn’t that thing just weird? It was weird.

“Wow, you’re a seriously loyal piece of outerwear, aren’t you?” Tony asked.

Peter dropped down. It was like his dad was giving him the perfect opportunity to announce his presence. Well, maybe not perfect, but Peter was going to take it. “Yeah, uh, speaking of loyalty--”

Tony turned. “What the--”

Peter could see it in his eyes -- the anger and disbelief and disappointment and was that fear too? Mostly, he could tell that his dad was angry and Peter hadn’t really planned for that all too well although he probably should have. After all, Tony wasn’t exactly happy when Peter did  the opposite of what he wanted.

“I -- I know what you’re going to say,” Peter said with some caution. “It’s just that I couldn’t just...abandon you here and--”

Tony didn’t say anything immediately. Instead, he stared Peter down with incredulity and a look that Peter had only ever seen on May before -- that signature parent look when their kid had done something wrong. It meant that he was probably in more trouble than he’d ever been before and it shut him up promptly.

“You should not be here,” Tony said and the words came out hard and was he gritting his teeth?

“I--” Peter cringed a little. “I was gonna go home--”

Tony waved his hand. “I don’t want to hear it,” he said.

Peter had to explain. Tony just -- he needed to understand because Peter couldn’t have him be angry with him. “--But it was such a long way down and I thought about you on the way--”

Tony sort of shook his head. “And now I gotta hear it.”

Peter kept going. “--and I kind of stuck to the side of the ship.” He watched his dad closely, watched how his expression didn’t really change. Peter motioned down to the suit. “And this suit is ridiculous intuitive, by the way. So if anything, it’s kind of your fault that I’m here…”

Those were the wrong words -- he shouldn’t have said that. The look that his dad settled him with was murderous. Peter was sure that if his dad had still had a way to get him off the ship and back down to Earth he probably would have used it in that moment.

“What did you just say?” Tony asked.

“I -- I take that back. Not your fault. Mine, it’s completely mine -- I...but anyway, now I’m here in a spaceship with you.” Peter tried to smile, but he was sure it came off as more of a grimace than anything. He really should have probably just gone home.

Tony closed his eyes and reopened them a moment later and he looked so tired -- not physically maybe, but mentally. It was a strange look on him. “Yeah, I guess you are. You are -- right where I don’t want you to be, Peter. This is serious this is-- this isn’t a field trip and we go home at the end of the day. It’s a one-way ticket. And it’s one thing for me to be--” he trailed off and shook his head. “Pete, you had to go back home. You should have and don’t pretend like you thought this through. You could not have possibly thought this through in the seconds that it took you to decide to stay on the ship.”

While he spoke, Tony had walked closer to where Peter was standing and Peter could see how much it did bother his dad to have Peter there. He almost felt bad about it except that he didn’t regret it all that much.

“I did, dad. I did think this through,” Peter said and he hoped to be convincing because he knew deep down that his dad was right and he really hadn’t -- he just hadn’t wanted to leave his dad on his own and-- “it’s just that you can’t be a friendly neighborhood Spider-Man if there’s no neighborhood.”

Tony shook his head. “Unbelievable,” he muttered and Peter was glad to see that there was fondness in his eyes despite everything.

“That didn’t really make sense,” Peter offered, “but you know what I’m trying to say. I couldn’t stay behind when the world could just end or whatever it is that will happen. But I can help and maybe...maybe you need my help. Maybe the world -- the universe needs my help.”

They stared at each other for a long time until his dad sighed. The thing of it was that there was no changing anything anymore. Peter was on the ship. He couldn’t somehow get off and head back to Earth. It was done -- he had snuck on and that was that.

“Fine, fine. You’re here, there’s nothing I can do about it now, kid. Although I think we might need another lecture on when you gotta just listen to me and do what I want you to do. If we make it--” he trailed off and there was a painful grimace on his face that Peter kind of hated. Tony opened his arm and motioned him closer. “Come on. We have a situation.”

He followed Tony until they could look down at something going on below them. The wizard was floating, tied up, and clearly being tortured by what looked to be a bunch of needles.

“See him down there? He’s in trouble. What’s your plan? Go.”

Tony tended to do that whenever they were training together. It was his way of getting Peter to really stop to figure out a plan before jumping into any situation. This time, it sort of also felt like Tony deciding to accept that Peter was there and that he might actually be useful in the situation. He just -- he needed to give Tony the right answer. They needed to save the wizard from the alien. And then, Peter remembered the last movie he’d watched with Sam--

“Um, okay. Okay. Remember when we watched that movie Alien with Sam?”

His dad rolled his eyes and then he nodded. “Yeah. I remember. That was a waste of time -- all of those movies are all the same. But why?”

“They’re not all the same,” Peter said, “and you watch like fifteen minutes of it.”

Tony fixed him with a look. “That is not the point? Why does that movie matter?”

“Right, right. Well, okay, if we create a hole on the ship then everything will be pulled out like in the movie. We just -- we have to make sure it’s just the alien that goes and not us or the wizard. We’d have to close it up too because depressurization...”

Tony nodded slowly. “The cape could be useful in getting Strange and keeping him in the ship,” Tony said and he seemed to be thinking it over. “Okay. Sounds like a plan.” They both glanced at the cape and the cape seemed to agree. “I’ll go and distract him, okay, kid, you just have to make sure Strange doesn’t get sucked out when I make the hole.”

Peter nodded. No pressure, then.

Tony should have known. He should have known that Peter was going to find a way to go against his wishes and not get off the ship. He hated that that was who Peter was. Maybe Tony should have told him to go home and protect Vision -- given him something to do which would have motivated him to actually go home. Instead, he was a stowaway and Tony hadn’t found out until it was too late. At least his plan to protect Strange was sound enough.

Tony didn’t want to admit it, but he was glad to not be all alone. Of course there was Strange -- but he was hardly company and he was a bit tied up at the moment. The only thing that Tony hated more than the prospect of being in outer space was that Peter was with him and that Tony just couldn’t be completely certain that they would make it out of this alive. And if they did -- could they make it back to Earth? Tony vowed to himself that if nothing else, he would certainly try.

He dropped down and the alien didn’t even notice him -- he was too focused on Strange and those weird needles that surrounded him. Tony caught some of what he was saying to him as he approached.

“--originally designed for microsurgery. And any one of them--” the alien noticed Tony, then, and actually turned completely to face him “--could end your friend’s life in an instant.”

“I gotta tell you,” Tony said, “he’s not really my friend. Saving his life is more of a professional courtesy.”

The alien seemed a little amused at that. “You’ve saved nothing. Your powers are inconsequential compared to mine.” And as he walked forward, he lifted his hands and just twitched his fingers and heavy metal objects moved forward.

“Yeah, but my kid’s seen more movies,” Tony said and fired the missile.

It went straight for a side of the ship tearing the metal or whatever the ship was made out of open and immediately the vacuum of space started to pull and suck anything and everything out including what the alien had been threatening to use on Tony and then the alien himself who hadn’t expected Tony to do that.

The cape did what it needed to do, grabbing Strange, but it didn’t manage to hold him and Strange was ripped away from it, flying after the alien. Peter was there to shoot a web at Strange and catch him. It happened way too fast -- one minute Peter had Strange and was pulling him away and the next it was Peter being pulled after Strange and Tony couldn’t seal up the hole fast enough before Strange was suddenly out of the ship. Peter threw a few webs back but they didn’t land and then the suit opened up the legs, they braced Peter on the edges of the hole before Peter could fall out through the hole and Peter who had had plenty of practice with them didn’t even react even though Tony was sure that he’d probably forgotten about them since the suit rarely had to bring them out except for when Peter was training. In seconds, Peter used his strength to pull Strange back inside and as soon as he was, Tony let out a sigh of relief and he closed up the hole.

“Yes!” Peter said. “Excellent.”

Tony gave a small shake of his head. This kid was going to be the death of him. But they were fine. Peter was okay and Strange was okay. He closed his eyes tightly and took the moment to himself before he let the suit pull back the face plate. He did admit to himself that he wouldn’t have thought of getting rid of the alien in this particular manner. Maybe -- maybe it would be worth to have Peter around. Tony just had to be sure that even if he didn’t make it out of this alive that Peter would. That and saving the stone -- that was his goal.

Chapter One Hundred Seventeen