#why do i always go haywire when given a simple prompt

[yostresswritinggirl]

and, if Albedo have his own personal botanist, what about xiao have his own personal chef, or something like that? the reader working at wangshu inn as the chef or maid 👀 (this the request... If you want to make something from this absurd idea 👀👀)

Hehe I like your thought process, anon. Albedo and Xiao really just: 😏👉👉 *finger guns* 👈👈 😑 for having reader assistants in my masterlist huh.

Making this solely a personal chef/maid thing would defo make this response hella short so I added in more info and background just like I did with Albedo's, so I hope you guys end up enjoying this one too!!

It isn't an absurd idea, but I sure as hell made an absurd answer to it kek

Xiao's Devoted "Chef"

Xiao with a Reader who is not only his Personal Chef but assistant

Background (let's gooo)

The arrival of the Adepti Yaksha in Wangshu Inn was really something I've been intrigued about for a while now, but I won't make much assumptions here because his banner is coming and more info would be given to us.

Xiao had long since been residing in and spends a majority of his time in this Inn yet its owners, Verr Goldet and Huai'an, barely knows anything about the adepti or his lifestyle.

So on a sunny, quaint day like any other where calmness passes through the lands without worry, they expected the Adepti to resign himself to a moment of peace and rest too.

So color them surprised when they save the familiar silhouette of the adepti ascending to the top floor. Porcelain white skin and clear tank top glittered with fresh blood as a broken and bruised figure lays unconscious in his arms. The couple was thankful that there were no customers out and about that day, because it would be a disaster for an audience to witness such a thing. Also bad for business, but they'll hold that in at the back of their mind.

Skilled workers were quick to work with their seemingly extensive experience with such a protocol. As they tended to the victim, the Boss stayed behind to tend to and inquire with the Adepti. Yet such a conversation between them came out strained:

There were no visible wounds that require immediate medical attention but there was a look in his eyes that feels much more broken than anything they can fix. Verr's hands hover over him in an attempt to urge him to clean up his still bloodied form. His amber eyes that were usually sharp looks through a distance light-years away.

"Xiao," the woman started and the eyes snapped out of its reverie, subtly looking around to ground himself. "What happened? And are you okay?"

"Their- the parents died from a Hilichurl ambush, I was only able to save the child," his crossed arms gripped at his forearm in the realization of his utter mistake. "32 seconds."

"32 seconds?" The Mondstadtian offered a fresh set of hot towels he had taken, and he had flinched when he saw the carnage that stuck close to his skin.

"I was 32 seconds late."

Your parents were adventurers who brought you with them as big fans of traveling and nomadic lifestyle, no set home yet freely living by. You were in your younger teens and you'd clarified you had no other family to go to.

The death of your parents came as an obvious shock to your young self yet you grieved in silence and sobs, as the only person you trust hovers next to where you rest in silent contemplation.

Verr knows that look, and it was something she hasn't seen on the Adepti before. Of pure guilt and a sense of responsibility.

That night you rested surprisingly nightmare-free as your savior stands his ground next to where you rest.

Present Times

The couple had adopted you into the Inn family without a second's hesitance and you were thankful for them as you were to Xiao. You were no heavy expense or disadvantage and that made it all the more easier to adapt into your new lifestyle.

Despite no words or explanation, you were perfectly aware of the deeds your savior had done to save you and keep you alive, and with that you had sworn to serve him until the end of your time. A life for a life, equivalent exchange.

Coming into terms with being in Liyue and the Inn, your life choices were meddled with commerce and the importance of livelihood. You were young but your guilt of being under the care of such people forced you to take on any and every responsibility you can handle.

Despite your background you were expertly skilled with cooking. Your mother and father always taught you the importance of a meal for adventurers whenever you'd camped out. And your special touch on dishes that saves adventurers had drawn in many appetites.

Business boomed and the Inn wasn't just famous for being a temporary residence, but a sanctuary that offers tastes paired with the divine sense of Celestia. You became Wangshu Inn's Head Chef, with your sous-chef Smiley Yanxiao.

At times where Xiao is forced to make rounds to seize looming threats, he'd find himself picking fresh and healthy ingredients he'd find on the way back and present to you for new recipes to experiment on.

But you also pride yourself with a different title, or titles: The Adepti's Personal Chef, Tender of the Yaksha, Adepti's Devotee.

This title was emphasized by the Sigil of Permission sewn into an armband hanging by your right arm, something you proudly wear even beyond the walls of the Inn.

You found out the Adepti's favorite during your daily visit and breaks, usually done so by hanging out in the balcony with him with a brand new recipe you recently made and wanted to test out.

While he sat parallel to you, he eyed the transparent syrup and the gelatinous substance in the obvious curiousity he shows for all your new creations, silently awaiting your opinion by watching your expression: whenever you show even the slightest distaste, he'll pointedly ignore his curiousity and the dish altogether. And if you express such pride and achievement, his interest will get the better of him, if you haven't offered the dish quickly enough.

"What is this?" He'd finally ask after your delighted moans, indulging on your own creation.

"Mmm, Almond Tofu... do you wish to try it?" Without an answer he'd pick up the only spoon on the plate and tasted it himself. And just like that, he'd froze, eyes full blown in surprise and awe.

"Do you like it?" He can only hum in response as he scarfs down the plate by himself, chewing respectfully yet with a hint of vigor in every scoop. "It tastes... like dreams..." the way he looked at you, with eyes possessing such childlike wonder, you couldn't help but fall.

After that, Xiao had requested a daily plate/offering of it. It became a routine to the point that all workers heard of the favoritism and are encouraged to learn the recipe. But it's usually your dish that is served, unless special occasions calls for someone else.

There has been an influx of dormers and adventurers recently as citizens around Teyvat flock to the Liyue continent in hopes to watch the most extravagant celebration of the new year, the Lantern Rite Festival.

Your best efforts manning the kitchen together with Yanxiao took gruelling hours just to prepare for the dinner's first course even with hours of prep time available. Even both bosses had to lend some hands as your sous-chef can barely keep up with your stride. And after the dishes are finally distributed to the dining hall, you were already set in cleaning up the kitchen, and before you knew it-

"It has been an hour."

"It was a busy day, I'm sorry, Xiao." You could only muster a mumble in guilt as you kept your head down on the usual table, refusing to look at the disapproving expression he definitely wore, except he doesn't. His face has the slightest hints of worry and wonder at your deflated composure.

But his focus now was on the food he has been craving the whole day, already digging into his dessert. And you just tried your hardest not to fall asleep on the cold, wooden tabletop. Until your tummy rumbled through the silence.

A hum. "You haven't eaten?" You shake your head as you lift your head, gazing at the cute sight of your guardian tilting his head to the side in slight distaste for your lifestyle. You open your mouth to retort until you felt the cold utensil touch your bottom lip. "Here, I saved you the last bite. After this, get yourself a meal and retreat to your quarters, I don't want to hear any excuses." He softly urges a little push with the spoon so you get the hint, and you wrap your lips around it, chewing and gulping down cold dessert. He offered his favorite food, used the same spoon, and spoon fed you with it—

"Wha... don't- don't bite the spoon," you squeeze your eyes tight from the embarrassing thoughts in your head.

When people wish to have an audience with Xiao, most of the time they head to you for guidance after inquiring with Verr. They require a sigil of permission, and most of the times, your own sigil has been under fire a lot in their desperation.

An old merchant who desperately wants to hire the adepti to aid his caravan with personal security once tried to claw at your armband, but a split second after the tip of his fingers had touched the cloth, he was blown away to the nearest wall.

"What-," a pressure on your left shoulder pulls your other against a lean chest, protectively squeezing as a polearm materialized in front of you. You can feel the ragged vibrations of the Yaksha's unusually heavy breaths, his amber eyes sharp and dangerous, dilated like a predator.

"What gives you the idea that you had the authority to lay a hand on my assistant?" Black and teal embers conjure around you two as a dark shadow slowly creeps up from the ground. "That is their sigil of permission; I want nothing to do with you mere mortals."

If not for Verr and the other staff, things would have gone gruesome and unsightly for the business. Yes, business. Everyone disliked the guy enough to care more about the Inn than his actual well-being. When he'd come to, he was forced out of the Inn (he would have done so himself anyways as he was already traumatized).

"Sir Xiao, why did you do that?"

"He didn't have a Sigil, he was pretty much asking for it. And why have you gone formal?" You pouted at him and his only response was a quirked eyebrow. Walking over to stand behind him, you slowly wiggled your arms through the gap between his waist and slack arms, finding it easy enough with how thin his waist is as you wrapped him in a hug.

He tensed from the secretly ticklish feeling before letting down his guard in your arms. This was one of your leeway as his most devoted follower. Your constant exposure with the aid of the divine sigil has made you immune to the negative effects of Adeptal energy, enough to make him nigh worry about your safety around him anymore.

And him letting you hug him like this... let's just say it's from your mannerisms of comfort when you were still young and around him.

"Take an indefinite leave," Xiao broke the silence a few minutes after, forcing you to crane your head to the side to look at him. He meets your gaze with an amused glint. "You have no debt to pay here, you shouldn't be holed up in a place like this."

"It is true that me leaving wouldn't have majooor repercussions, but what's with the sudden idea?"

He huffs. "You're my only follower and yet you divide your attention serving temporary mortals that will pass by without remembrance. And besides," you tense at the sight of an upturn on the edge of lip, pearly whites subtly peeking, "personal does not mean sharing."

You were an adventurer at heart and it's time you indulge in that glorified life of excitement, with your guardian by your side. It was the only gift he can come up with for your undying devotion.

Holy - I had to cut this thing A LOT because I wrotE A HECKIN LOT WTF?! It's not even done in my mind, my goodness, there should be an adventuring unit here too but hhhh I got too conscious of the length sksksks I'm so sorry! P-Part 2-?

I enjoyed writing this a tad bit too much sksksks but now that the second to the last installation of this even is published, the next request should be the last one! And that means I'll have to stop the poll and start working on the requests for the 100 followers one! So if you haven't voted there, you should before it's too late!!

[sparkandwolf]

femslash prompt: malia/kira, first kiss but canon compliant?? <3 <3

I honestly have been wanting to write this idea for weeks so I’m very glad someone asked for this! Thank you so much for prompting so well 😉🧡

~o~o~o~o~o~o~o~o~o~o~o~o~

“I can smell how nervous you are,” Malia mentioned, quite unhelpfully if Kira had a say in it. She glared over at Malia over her shoulder and groaned as Malia just shrugged carelessly. 

“Not helping,” Kira responded as she eyed the breaker box again, pretending she had any idea what power each wire held. 

“Hey, you can do this,” Malia confirmed, resting a hand on Kira’s arm causing her to jump in surprise. Her nerves were even more haywire than she had thought they were if even a simple touch caused that kind of reaction. She realized when she glanced up at Malia, that maybe it had nothing to do with their current situation. Kira shot her a desperate look and Malia sighed and continued, “It's just like we practiced, remember?” 

Like Kira could forget embarrassing herself in front of the girl she was halfway in love with. 

“You mean like when I caused a major blackout?” Kira retorted, scoffing as Malia sighed defeatedly. Kira looked nervously down to her combat boots, rubbing a hand over her face to wipe away the anxious sweat already forming there. 

“Not like that, no,” Malia muttered. It was then that Kira noticed Malia hadn’t let go of her arm and that must have been the reason the tingling in her skin simmered. Malia had always calmed her, steadied her in a way no one else had, and it wasn’t a coincidence Malia was the one with her for the task. 

“Ten seconds. Nine. Eight….” Malia began. Kira groaned and hovered her hands over the breaker box once more. 

“Will you stop counting?” Kira asked, shooting another glare over her shoulder. Malia shrugged innocently and tilted her head toward the breaker as if urging Kira to focus. Kira did so, turning back toward the wires and wrapping her hands around them delicately. She felt the electricity burning inside of her and she knew that one wrong move could be detrimental to their plan. She was momentarily annoyed that Scott trusted her more than she trusted herself. 

“Why isn’t it working?” Malia asked, leaning over Kira’s shoulder to take a look at the wires. Kira closed her eyes, instantly relaxing at the closeness, but unable to push away the frustration she had at herself. 

“Because I have no idea what I'm doing!” Kira shouted desperately, her head falling as she tried to regulate her power a little at a time. She wished she could’ve had more time to learn to control it. The situation was too risky and her anxiety was too high to control her power and--

“Kira, nothing’s happening,” Malia pointed out, once again unhelpfully. 

“I'm aware of that!” Kira spat before sighing hopelessly. “I don't want to lose control because I'm scared I might fry the entire system,” she explained, hoping Malia would understand. 

“You need to find something to-- to anchor you,” Malia stuttered, her eyes widening as if a lightbulb went off in her head. Kira could almost see it floating when she shot a questioning look in Malia’s direction. “When Scott was teaching me how to control my coyote, he said I needed an anchor. My anchor was Stiles and when I thought I couldn’t control myself, I thought of him,” Malia explained, a shyness in her voice that Kira didn’t understand given the circumstances. 

“Was?” Kira asked. It wasn’t what she meant to say, but the past tense use of Stiles as her anchor was news to her. She had thought Stiles was the only reason Malia hadn’t gone completely feral on the daily. 

“Was,” Malia confirmed with a slow nod. “I-- My anchor is someone new, but that doesn’t matter, Kira. You need to think of your anchor; the thing that calms you, centers you, makes you feel like everything you were meant to be,” Malia coached but all Kira could think of was the woman in front of her. 

She gazed into Malia’s eyes, her own glowing golden and her hands lighting up blue with foxfire, and focused only on Malia. Kira thought about the sarcasm that always seemed to drip from her lips, her eagerness to learn and be a better person, the way she helped Kira at the drop of a hat even though she didn’t have to. She was so focused on Malia that when the machines started powering down and the lights flickered around them, she barely noticed. She couldn’t tear her eyes away from Malia’s even as hers glanced around the room excitedly. 

“Kira, you did it! Oh my god, you--” Kira wasn’t sure if it was the power that continued to flood through her or the final string of her resolve breaking, but she let go of the wires to hold Malia’s face in her hands precisely. A small gasp of surprise left Malia’s mouth, but it was muffled by Kira finally pressing their lips together. She kissed Malia as if it was the only thing left to do and the power that surged through her was nothing compared to how Malia’s mouth felt against hers. 

When she pulled away, Malia stared at her, stunned, her eyes glowing bright blue that matched the foxfire that continued to surround Kira’s form like a protective layer. Before Kira could panic too much, Malia threw her arms around her neck and kissed Kira again, even more passionately now that they were both prepared for it. Kira held her tightly, ignoring everything around her in order to revel in the emotion each of them was pouring into it. That time, Malia pulled away, breath heaving out of her lungs as if she had just run through the preserve and a wide smile on her face.

“Stiles was my anchor, but now it’s you. You’re the only one that it could be,” Malia whispered, resting her forehead against Kira’s and huffing out a laugh. Kira giggled back and nodded quickly, biting down on her lip to try and contain her grin. 

“Apparently, you’re mine, too.” 

Send me WLW prompts for Femslash February

[franklyshipping]

Defining Androids (Sequel to “The Self-Proclaimed Unflusterables (Part 4) - Defining Humanity”) ~ A Markiplier Ego Fanfic

WOOOOOO IT’S SEQUEL TIME BABYYYY FROM A WONDERFUL ANON WHO HAS PROMPTED IT, LETS GET SOME ROMANCE ON WOOOOHOOOO LET’S DO IT!

TAGGING: @goog-ler-iplier @bingylee and @bingy-switch

Google Blue huffed. He enjoyed working with technology, for there was always more to learn and adapt to and develop and create, but sometimes it could also be so mundane and tedious. Like the security cameras inside the Ego Manor for instance. No matter how many upgrades Blue would make to them, they would still always be in the habit of breaking down, and on this occasion the fix was requiring so much more effort. Blue was having to go into the wire-strewn mainframe that controlled everything in the manor so that he could isolate the specific electrical fault and fix it, meaning he was lying on his back, on the floor under a desk, arms and head deep in wiring as he tried to find the cause of the irritating issue. Such a task is made even more irritating when you have someone hovering near you being an annoyance rather than helpful.

‘Have you found the fault yet?’

‘No. Just like when I answered you 72 seconds ago Bing.’

Blue replied curtly, gritting his teeth as he tried to refocus on the nest of wires he was investigating….of course though, Bing was still incredibly interested in what Blue was doing. He was sat beside Blue’s legs and was trying to peer in, his burnt orange eyes looking curiously as he spoke again.

‘D’ya reckon it’s just one wire that’s gone funky?’

Blue sighed. A long, long sigh.

‘I don’t know. I don’t know what the problem is yet, because I have not found it. Once I find it, I assure you that you will be the first person to know.’

For the next twenty minutes or so, Blue kept on searching for the problem at hand. And despite all of Bing’s constant questions and aimless distracting conversation, eventually Blue managed to find it. It was annoyingly simple too, just a wire that had somehow unplugged itself. It took Blue a second to plug it in before running some remote diagnostics to see that all was well, and he sighed gratefully when he saw that the problem was fixed. He cleared his throat and called out.

‘Bing please make sure you are a little way away so that I can get myself out.’

‘No probs dude, you got plenty room!’

Bing replied as he shuffled back on his butt, and Blue grunted as he started to wriggle out, and soon his torso was completely out from under the desk….but then….Blue was forced to stop. Bing furrowed his eyes brows as he heard Google curse and mutter under his breath.

‘Uh, you good man?’

Blue had his teeth gritted in annoyance, because good is not how he would describe his current situation. His forearms and biceps were stuck above his head, entangled in thick wiring that was keeping the android trapped under the desk as a result. His arms and head were still beneath the desk, and Blue huffed as he replied.

‘I’m perfectly fine, just a bit tangled, I’ll be just fine.’

He tried wiggling and carefully bending his elbows, but as minute after minute passed the tangled wiring just did not want to co-operate and untangle itself! Meanwhile Bing was lying on his stomach and trying to look under the desk, cocking his head as he asked.

‘Dude you’re lookin’ real stuck under there-oh!’

Bing jumped to his feet suddenly, smiling and exclaiming with what was a completely spontaneous idea.

‘I’ll get Wilford to help! Remember that time when he just magicked himself outta ropes with the detective? He’ll know how to get ya out!’

‘Wait-Bing no wait!’

‘I’ll be back as soon as I can!’

‘BING!’

Blue called out, but he heard Bing’s footsteps hurry from the room, and immediately Blue felt embarrassed warmth coming to his face. Of all people. Of ALL people why did Bing have to go with Wilford?! Why not the Host with his reality bending narrations, that would have been far more logical! Blue knew Wilford was good at escapism….but the thought of Wilford seeing him trapped and vulnerable was so embarrassing, particularly given how Blue felt about Wilford. Okay….now Blue was actually glad that his face was hidden right now, especially when he then heard two sets of footsteps enter the room.

‘My, my, what do were have here?’

Blue felt himself smile unwittingly at the sound of Wilford’s warbling voice, and the android cleared his throat as he replied.

‘Good afternoon Wilford, I assume Bing has ah….briefed you on the situation?’

Wilford softly chuckled. The moustached man paced over, his eyes flicking over the armless, headless body laid out on the floor. Wilford nibbled his lip lightly, since he thought Blue looked rather adorable all trapped like this.

‘He has indeedy, but fear not! I’m not going to let my favourite android stay stuck, no offense Bingy.’

Wilford added, which made Bing snort and reply with a grin.

‘Noho probs man, Bluey really likes your company too.’

Blue’s eyes widened. As soon as he was out of here, he was definitely going to kill Bing. Wilford gasped brightly at Bing’s words, and put his hand to his chest as he exclaimed.

‘Oh really? Oh Blue you’re too sweet!’

Blue felt more warmth come to his cheeks, and he cleared his throat embarrassedly.

‘Yes, well, ahem…..if you wouldn’t mind Wilford, I don’t quite enjoy being stuck like this-‘

‘Oh! Yes of course, my apologies, I’ll sort ya out!’

Wilford exclaimed, clapping his hands together as he got on the floor next to Blue’s body. Bing smiled at the scene. Seeing Wilford smiling and looking at Blue so affectionately, and so Bing decided now was the time to leave the pair of them to themselves.

‘Right ah, I’ll go make some double checks on all the cameras, see you guys later.’

With that, Bing left, and Blue was left tense. Especially when he felt Wilford softly pat his stomach, which he was unable to even see a sliver of.

‘So uh, have ya wiggled as much as ya can wiggle under there?’

Blue flinched and cleared his throat, shivering at the feeling of Wilford touching him. Not just because it was Wilford, but also because….well….he was a particularly sensitive android.

‘A-Aha….yes I d-do think so….’

Wilford furrowed his brows at the sound of Blue’s stammers, flicking his eyes down to where he had his hand resting on Blue’s torso. Blue’s vulnerable, and rather…..attractively enticing torso. Wilford’s lips spread into a smile, and his trailed his fingertips over Blue’s stomach as he teased playfully.

‘Oh well now…..I think you might be able to wriggle just a little bit more….’

Blue’s eyes widened, and he started squirming and spluttering as he realised what Wilford was going to do. His face was the brightest turquoise imaginable.

‘N-Now Wilford th-thihis is completely u-uhunecessary! J-Just h-help mehe!’

‘But I am helping you! Nothing like a good tickle to help loosen everything up!’

Blue was squirming and giggling breathily, and then ended up gulping as he felt Wilford’s fingertips absently trail down to his hips. The threat near one of his tickle spots made him jolt and exclaim out of instinct.

‘W-Wihilford plehease!’

Wilford was grinning, he just found Blue so damn endearing and adorable right now, and at seeing Blue’s jolt, he decided he’d built the anticipation enough.

‘Please what? Please hurry and get me un-stuck? But of course!’

Blue then let out a rather un-Blue squeal as Wilford started scratching at both his hips, making him descend into giggles and buck haphazardly as he replied frantically.

‘N-Nohohoho W-Wihihilfohord Wihihilford nohohot thihihis!’

‘Trust me, this is tried and tested methodology! You’ll get free….eventually.’

Wilford chortled as he pinched Blue’s hips, making the android squeeze his eyes shut with embarrassment. His sensors were frantic. His programmed defensive instincts were just yelling at him to yank his arms free, and yet the rest of him was going wild with joy at the fact that he was being tickled and teased by the man he had romantic feelings for! That part of his system was having too much fun to fight back, meaning Blue was going absolutely haywire with….well, everything.

‘Thihihihis ihihis cruhuhuel!’

Wilford chuckled, still pinching the android’s hipbones as he replied.

‘Jeheez Bluey, and people say I’m dramatic!’

Blue snorted through his giggles, and ended up retorting with an attitude that he was perhaps going to regret. You couldn’t blame him though, the poor guy couldn’t form a coherent thought right now.

‘Ahahahall yohou knohow ihihis drahamatism!’

Though it was a retort, in Blue’s view this was a secret compliment. One of the things he loved about Wilford was how intensely his felt and expressed things. Wilford was the most emotional human that Blue had ever known, and he loved it. Of course, Wilford felt it was a compliment too, since he always loved being the most dramatic and open person he could possibly be. However, he was also looking for any excuse to tickle his-….ahem, the sensitive android beneath him even more….and this was the perfect excuse.

‘Now that isn’t a very nice thing to say to someone giving ya a helping hand! Two in fact!’

Wilford exclaimed in mock offense, before suddenly starting to squeeze Blue’s fleshy sides. The android squawked and jerked about as he burst into deep, rumbly laughter. And since he couldn’t bring himself to actually fight Wilford off, all he could do was retort as best he could.

‘AHAHA Y-YOHOHOUR HAHANDS AHARE H-H-HIHINDRANCES!’

Wilford raised an eyebrow as he replied with a grin.

‘Hindrances huh? And to think I thought you’d appreciate my help!’

Wilford continued squeezing Blue’s sides, keeping him encased in laughter as his arms weakly twisted this way and that. His love of the tickling made his struggles weak, but also Blue had the background thought of not wanting to accidentally cause a manor-wide power-cut by yanking out a million wires.

‘TIHIHICKLIHING IHISNT HEHEHELPIHING!’

Blue exclaimed, still determined to maintain the façade of his displeasure at the situation. However, people should really give more credit to Wilford….because he could be incredibly observant. Wilford hummed in thought, before he started to smile. He’d always wanted to tease Blue. He was so intrigued by the android, and in fact….Wilford had to admit that he was rather attracted to him, so to be this close and playful with him was something Wilford absolutely adored. And even better…not only did Wilford intend to tease him….but he intended to tease him with the adorable truth that he had just now realised.

‘Hmm, maybe it’s not helping because you don’t want it to….maybe you like being trapped like this….’

Wilford relented on Blue’s sides as he trailed off, his fingertips now moving to scarcely tap at Blue’s ribs. As Wilford’s words swirled in his hard drive mind, Blue froze, and started stuttering in flustered incredulity.

‘I-I-Ihi….th-….th-thahat’s p-p-prepohosterous…..’

‘Oh is it now? See, now I think about it….you’re one of the strongest people I know, frankly I’d bet you’re the strongest. You could get outta this yourself easily. And though it’d give ya more wirin’ to fix later….if ya really wanted to get outta here, you could rip your arms free without breakin’ a sweat.’

Blue was a mess of shivers from Wilford’s truthful teasing, and the fact that Wilford had managed to deduce this all from Blue only flustered him even more. Wilford in general made Blue flustered, but his intelligence and cleverness made those feelings really peak inside the android. Blue knew he couldn’t convince Wilford otherwise, he was at a flustered, vulnerable loss. All he could do, as Wilford’s teasing fingertips curled against his ribs, was meekly fib. And it was the most endearing thing Wilford had ever heard in his life.

‘I-I d-dohon’t know whahat you’re tahalking about….’

Wilford was so ecstatic! Blue was actually enjoying this, but he was too embarrassed to admit it! Wilford chuckled, and his brown eyes gleamed with affection at Blue’s ticklish flinching as he kept curling and uncurling his fingers playfully.

‘You’re really not gonna admit it huh? Ya sure you wanna go down this road?’

Blue gulped….but ultimately, yes, he absolutely wanted to go down this road.

‘….thehere is….nothing toho admit….’

Blue gasped out, which made Wilford smirk, and purr with complete glee.

‘Oh we’ll see about that.’

Thus without any more warning than that, Wilford scratched and vibrated his fingers against Blue’s ribs, making Blue shriek and burst into howls of wide-eyed laughter.

‘AHHHHH!! NAHAHAHA WIHIHILFAHAHAHA!!’

‘Coochie coochie cooo! Who’s a cute tickle-lovin’ android? I think it’s yooou Bluey-boo!’

Blues eyes were getting watery as he trembled and thrashed, Wilford’s taunting really getting to him now. His tangled, restrained arms were twitching and shaking, his instinct to fight back getting stronger now by the second.

‘NAHAHAHAHA SHUHUHUHAHAHAAAASSHH!!’

Blue’s howls of laughter were mixed in with flustered whines, which made Wilford snicker affectionately, loving how Blue was such a mirthful mess.

‘Ya ready to come out from under there yet, or d’ya want some more?’

Blue squealed as Wilford’s fingers then drilled into his upper-most ribs, and this was what ended up breaking the android.

‘NAHAHAAAAAA!!!’

Amidst Blue’s shriek, Wilford’s eyes widened as he also heard crackling and popping sounds coming from underneath the desk….and then all of a sudden, everything just went black. Then, before Wilford could even fathom what had happened, he found himself being pinned to the ground of all things! His arms were pinned above his head, but as he looked up to see a panting Blue, whose azure eyes were now the only light source in the room, Wilford understood. The moustached man grinned playfully, purring teasingly.

‘So…..upper ribs are a good spot huh?’

‘Shuhut…up….’

Wilford giggled as Blue continued to pant, but he felt a warm jitter in his chest when he squinted and managed to see the smile on the android’s face. He raised a playful eyebrow up at him.

‘How many wires d’ya reckon ya yanked out there?’

Blue pursed his lips embarrassedly, and muttered.

‘Ihi do not know, I wasn’t paying attention.’

‘I noticed, enjoying yourself that much huh?’

Blue felt like his face was going to combust, and averted his gaze as he muttered bashfully.

‘Shush….’

Wilford grinned affectionately, before cocking his head up at the android as his curiosity reared its head now.

‘Though, what I don’t get is how ya managed to fight back those fighty instincts of yours for so long. I mean, I love being tickled as much as the next ego, but I couldn’t have lasted that long! Was it because ya didn’t wanna cause a power cut? Is it a special android thing?’

At Wilford’s questions, Blue nibbled his lip. He looked down at Wilford, seeing his interest and how much he….cared….and Blue was struck by a desire. A desire to tell the truth. So, in the softest voice imaginable….he did just that.

‘…it was you….’

Wilford froze, gazing up at Blue with wonder, and bashfulness as he started to realise things. Wilford felt his heart beating faster when Blue locked eyes with him and whispered.

‘I-….I-I only liked it that much….because it was you doing it….’

Wilford’s heart was truly pounding, and he started to smile. He couldn’t believe this was actually happening. In a whisper of his own, he replied, because he wanted to be sure.

‘Why…..Blue, tell me why….’

Blue felt like he was about to light up with sparks at how nervous and jittery he was…but he didn’t want to hide any of this anymore.

‘Because….I like you Wilford. I like you in a different way than I like other humans….people-….anyone, in fact.’

Wilford had never grinned so fast in his life.

‘Well, I like you….more than I like other humans too.’

Blue smiled bashfully at that, and then felt an instinct rise in his system, so he simply followed it. He kissed Wilford….and Wilford kissed back. Blue released Wilford’s arms as they kissed each other, and amidst it they ended up sitting up and wrapping their arms around each other. When they finally parted they were both softly panting, before Wilford cleared his throat and looked around a tad.

‘The uh….the power-‘

‘My brothers are more than capable of fixing everything.’

Wilford grinned at Blue’s oh so prompt reply, and chuckled playfully.

‘Well, in that case….’

Blue spluttered and laughed when Wilford suddenly stood up and picked him up in a bridal style hold, but instead of Blue feeling humiliated, he felt undeniable happiness. It came about in a rather unusual manner, certainly, but it came about anyway, which is the most important thing. And sometimes, all you need is a friend around who’ll act more oblivious than he actually and maybe unplug a camera wire to set a scene. Perhaps….behind every great couple, there’s a mischievous, loving friend.

WOOOO HOPE YOU GUYS LIKED THIS SEQUEL LEMME KNOW IF YA DID WOOOOO LUV YOUS XX

[mrs-dragneel-stark-solo]

Unforseen Chasm (Part 59)

Part 59 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: 4275 Warnings: Language, bad coping mechanisms, grief, depression, lack of motivation, feelings revealed, relationships at stake, tension is high, start of endgame movie, losing hope, hope is brought back, Song for this part: I’ll never love again- Lady Gaga 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.

The next morning, before dawn, you were out of bed. You started a new simulation to try and find Thanos. While the simulation ran, you went outside to practice. Shannon was right, even if you did find Thanos, what then? You needed to practice, to train. So that’s what you did. 

Your powers were like Wanda’s and Remy’s combined. You were born with the ability as an Asgardian goddess to charge potential energy and launch it. The mind stone had given you electrical dark energy that you could launch from yourself as a bolt of energy, or use it as an extended limb, like Wanda. Using the dark energy, you could fly. Using the electric part of your energy, you could electrocute things, like Thor. You learned illusions and trickery from Loki. By all stretches of the imagination, you should be the most powerful one in the room at all times, save for Shannon who could absorb any power, not to mention her natural healing power. 

But being powerful meant nothing if you didn’t know how to use it well. So for the next twelve hours straight that day, you practiced. You learned how to create a shield around yourself using your purple energy. You learned how to send shockwaves through the ground like Thor. You practiced charging objects and throwing them, as well as creating powerful energy shots and launching them. You practiced flying. You hadn’t done much of it since the New York attack and you wanted to be sure that you felt comfortable doing it. 

Shannon left you to it, knowing that you wouldn’t want to be bothered, but Steve checked on you. He asked what you were doing and if you needed help. You explained you were gearing up to fight Thanos and you didn’t want Steve to get hurt. He didn’t say much but nodded and left you alone. Natasha watched you and she wanted to say something, offer something, but she didn’t know how. You two weren’t close at all. You liked Natasha, by all means, but she didn’t know how to comfort you in something like this, so she let you grieve the way you needed to. Bruce felt sorry for you. He desperately wanted to help you. He felt he could take anything you threw at him, but his concern was with Shannon and finding Tony. Bruce and you were a bit closer, and he understood better than most the healing factors isolation and being alone could have. Thor… well you and Thor could hardly stand to look at each other. You’d lost the same thing, and you both felt responsible. You didn’t blame him, and you hoped he didn’t blame you. 

You didn’t fault any of them for not coming to see you. You knew they all had their own grief they were dealing with, their own personal missions. This was yours.

This became your new routine. Rising at early hours, running tests to see where Thanos might be, running scanners for him using the stones again, then you’d set out to practice your powers until late at night. You were at least sleeping now and eating at least one meal a day. It wasn’t ideal, but it was an improvement. You logically knew you couldn’t fight Thanos if you were malnourished and tired. 

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

A few days after Shannon had visited you that night, she didn't feel like being at another one of those meetings with the faces of the vanished and seeing Tony’s and Parker’s faces. There’s only so much she could take. So here she was in bed hiding under the covers with Lucky being the little spoon. When there had been a few light knocks, she hoped they would leave her alone.

“Hey,” Bruce said softly as he poked his head in. “I know you probably want to be left alone, but I think we should all be together at a time like this. I also brought you something to help calm your nerves.” He held up a small tray with two cups of tea. “It always keeps me calm.” 

“Thanks, Bruce, but I think I'd rather stay here in bed with Lucky.” She came out from under the covers. “There’s no way I’m going in there and see Tony’s or Parker’s face.” She shook her head.

He nodded as he sat the tray down. He rubbed his hands nervously before stuffing them in his cardigan pockets. “Yeah, yeah, I get that. It’s hard to see his face. I told them to take their faces down because we don’t know if--” He stopped himself, choosing his next words carefully to not upset you further. “Well we don’t know what’s happened to them, if anything. Hell, you know Tony. He could be on his way here, right now. He might’ve just wound up a place a little bit away from here.” He tried to add cheer to his voice. 

“Bruce, thanks for trying but I can feel how uncertain things are until we find out more.” She took the cup of tea from the tray. 

“Well isn’t that just it? Things are uncertain, so don’t lose hope, okay? If you lose hope, all we have is Cap. I mean his motivational speeches are great and all, don’t get me wrong, but we need you… I need you.” 

“But what can I do? I’m not Tony or Steve. They both have things I cannot be or give so what now?” She put the cup back. “I just need someone to take over and be the one in charge for once”

Bruce nodded. “I don’t know how or if that’s gonna happen, sweetheart. Nat might. You know they all look up to you. It isn’t to pressure you. You don’t need to be anyone but you. Your optimism and quick thinking is what gets us through. You’re the glue of this team, don’t forget it. But… I understand if you need a break. Steve, Nat, and I can take over for a bit. At least until we hear something on Tony or Peter…”

 “That would be great, really, I don’t know what I would do without you, Bruce.” She touched his hand and she became so overcome with his emotions that she shed a tear. “I’m so sorry, Bruce. I didn't mean to get in tune with your emotions, that power has been really strong since that day.”

“Hey, first off, don’t apologize to me, ever. Secondly, of course it has been. You’ve lost a lot and you have no idea what happened to Tony. Your power of emotion is bound to go haywire. Besides, I don’t mind you having a peek at my emotions every now and then,” he stated, almost sheepishly. 

“Is that a hint of a blush I see?” Shannon joked, putting her hand on his cheek feeling how warm it got and was getting hotter by the second. “I don’t mean to pry but I felt a few things when I touched your hand, mind telling what they were about?” She looked at him seriously.

“Shannon,” he started uneasily, “you already know what it is you feel,” he said softly. 

“It’s one thing for me to feel a person’s emotions, it’s another thing to know what or who they are directed to,” she calmly explained. “If this is making you uneasy we could change the subject,” she suggested. She partially knew but she wanted him to confirm her suspicions.

He rubbed his neck, feeling more nervous and awkward by the second. “Damn, I never wanted to do this. Let alone while Tony’s...well... missing but...Ah, damn. Shannon… I’m in love with you. Alright? I know the timing is terrible. I know you’re married. I should’ve said something before, but you’re so happy with Tony, and he’s my best friend and I didn’t want to ruin any of that. I can’t hide it anymore though. With the way the world is now… I think it’s now or never, you know?” He peered at her, guilt, hope, worry, and relief all rolled into one. 

“Umm… wow, I... I don’t know what to say Bruce—” She got quiet for a bit processing what her friend had told her all that time ago at the mansion about Banner having feelings for her. She didn’t think that it was true. “I’m flattered that you feel this way about me, Bruce...and I know we’re in a spot that’s between a rock and a hard place but until I can know for certain what’s happened with Tony, I don’t think I can act on this.” She placed her hand on his, feeling his emotions and tried to not let them confuse her. She knew she had always had a soft spot for the man but she married Tony and she couldn’t betray him like this. What if he comes back… no, she needed to stop thinking. 

“You’re right. That’s why I didn’t want to tell you. I never wanted you to know. I never wanted to put you in any position of choosing him or me. Just… with things the way they are…” He shook his head. “Just think on it? I’m not saying we need to do anything now or anything soon at all. Just… give it some thought.” 

“This is my fault. If I hadn’t felt your hand we wouldn’t be in this situation but you’re right we ca—” Just as Shannon was about to answer the man, you walked into the bedroom, making the two jump apart and causing the dog to look up.

“Shan, I want--Oh, I’m sorry,” you said quickly as you watched your best friend and Banner break apart rapidly. “I didn’t mean to interrupt. I can come back later,” you offered, already making your way toward the door.

“No! No, that’s fine, Y/N you can come in. Bruce was just trying to convince me to go to the meeting, which by the way you're late to.” She waved you in and then pointed to the time on the clock. “You know Steve is probably looking for you, you better go.”

“Right,” you agreed uneasily. The energy in the room felt off. “Yeah I think we should go, don’t you, Bruce?”

“Huh? Uh. Yeah. We should get down there.” 

You eyed him for one more moment before you and he walked down for the meeting, leaving Shannon to think in her room. 

———————

You knew Steve, Nat, and Shannon had been watching the pager that Fury left behind. It was constantly paging something or someone and they wanted to find out who. You had to give it to them. They never stopped. Steve and Nat, no matter how broken they were or devastated, they stuck to the mission, the cause -- to get back what we’d lost. 

But you couldn’t do it. You just didn’t have it in you anymore. The fight was gone. All you had was finding Thanos, and you had no idea how long that would take. Each passing second you didn’t find him chipped away at your soul, but this was all you had. It was your only hope, your one shot at maybe getting Loki back, getting everyone back, so you had to do it. 

Thor...he was beyond pissed. He felt that it was his fault. For the first few hours after it happened, he just kept muttering, “What have I done?” “It’s all my fault”. Some tiny part of you wanted to believe that. You wanted to blame this all on Thor for not aiming for his head. Or blame Wanda for leaving Vision. Or blame Shannon for not fighting harder. Blame anyone, everyone. Someone had to be at fault, right?

But the fact of the matter was, it was your fault. Wanda fought like hell to get to Vision. According to Steve, she held back Thanos (with five of the stones on his hand) with one hand and killed Vision with the other hand. Wanda was only human, her power forged from the mind stone and she was nearly all powerful. 

But you? You were a goddess of Asgard. You had the physical strength of Thor, the born powers of bio-kinetic energy, and your purple electric energy was granted by the mind stone. There probably weren’t many out there stronger than you -- but you couldn’t get to Thanos -- at least that’s what you kept telling yourself. 

This was your fault. If anyone should’ve been able to kill him, it was you. Wanda, with even less power than you, was able to hold him back successfully. Thor with his new axe could battle the stones and kill him with brute force. There wasn’t one reason in the world you couldn’t kill him. 

You should’ve let Nat and Okoye take care of Proxima. You should’ve abandoned the battlefield and waited for Thanos. You should’ve been by Vision’s side and not Wanda. 

If any one of those small things had changed, maybe this all would’ve been different. 

You heard footsteps approaching and you tensed. You didn’t want to speak to anyone. You hardly ever did. It was almost as if talking would break you. You were lying in bed after a day of training just wishing for some good news. 

“Y/N?” Shannon’s soft voice filled your room and you slightly relaxed. “Someone is here. A Carol Danvers? She may be able to help.”

You furrowed your brow before rolling over to get up. You padded down barefoot in your pajamas, your hair unbrushed, but you frankly didn’t give a damn. 

Thor, Steve, Nat, Bruce, and Shannon surrounded a blonde woman you’d never seen. Or they faced her at least. 

“Y/N, this is Carol. She’s…” Shannon started to explain then it seemed words failed her. 

“Long story short, I’m here to help and I’m a friend of Nick Fury’s,” she spoke, filling in the gap. 

“So what are you doing here?” you asked, all animation gone from your voice except for a slight wonder. Your hands were stuffed in your hoodie pockets.

“We think she can help find Tony and the rest of them,” Steve stated. 

“So you guys said he was in a spaceship? What’d it look like? I can try to track it.” 

“Titan… He was going to Titan,” you interjected.

“You’re sure about this?” Steve questioned. 

You nodded. “When I was his slave, he talked of his home quite a bit. If Ebony Maw took him and Strange… And he sent Proxima and Corvus to Earth then chances are he wanted them to meet him back on Titan.” 

“He told them that,” Thor concurred. “Just before he blew me up with the power stone. He told everyone to meet him on Titan.” 

“Alright. I’ve got a starting point,” Carol said with determination before she started to walk away. 

Shannon stepped in front of her. “Please, bring Tony back to me. He… I…” But that’s all she could get out before she started to sob. You took a step closer to her and wrapped her in your arms. You gave a look to Carol that granted her permission to leave. 

With that, it seemed as if a tinge of hope filled the atmosphere, at least for the rest of the Avengers. Not so much you… well, not you at all. 

You walked Shannon back to her room and now it was her turn to grieve. She’d been holding it in for so long, you thought that maybe the idea of hope now was maybe sending her over the edge. If she hoped for Tony and Carol didn’t find him, or worse, found him dead or one of the vanished then she would be crushed. But if she didn’t hope then she felt like she was letting Tony down. 

“What if she doesn’t find him?” she asked as she got into bed and you pulled the cover up around her. 

“Don’t talk like that,” you gently ordered. “We can take some solace that at least someone out there is looking for him.” 

 ------------------------------------

It’d been two weeks since Carol showed up and there was still no word back if she’d found Tony or not. Shannon had taken to going outside to look for signs of a ship or refreshing her texts to find out anything. She’s on the verge of giving up. She knew she shouldn’t but this feeling of being useless was getting to her. She’d been seen walking around in Tony”s unwashed shirts and hoodies and some shorts around the compound. No one had the heart to tell her anything. She knew they all pitied the situation. 

From her phone she heard Tadashi. “There’s still no signal reaching the transponder, Mrs. Stark.”

“Thank you, Tadashi, please keep searching.”

“Will do, Mrs. Stark.”

While she sat on top of the compound, on the roof, a door shut behind her suddenly. She was going to turn to see who it was, but he spoke quickly, letting her know who it was.

“Oh, I’m sorry. I had no idea you were out here,” he apologized. “I can leave you alone if…” he let the offer hang in the air. 

“Hey there, big guy, there’s no need. I”ve been out here alone for too long, keep me company?” She looked up at the man. “Unless you came out here to be alone then I’ll go somewhere else—” She started getting up.

“No. Hey, I interrupted you. Sit,” he gently ordered. He came over and sat beside her. “I thought I’d come out and see… well see if there was any sign of… you know. Had to get some air from trying to find Thanos.” 

Shannon flinched at the sound of that name. She didn’t know if she would ever be okay from all of this. “Yeah it’s been heavy with everything lately. Had to leave that building or else I knew I’d end up fighting someone.” She leaned on him taking in his scent of herbal tea and mint. “It’s nice out here, helps clear the mind.”

“That it does,” he agreed looking at the sky. He then dropped his gaze to the rooftop. “Shan… I know I said I’d let you think on this. But.... It’s been two weeks now and… I don’t know. I thought maybe… I just wondered if we don’t hear anything about Tony… in four months, would you want to try a date? If I’m right, I think you feel similarly to how I feel about you. It’s a compromise. I can’t go on wondering, and you shouldn’t go on feeling guilty or wondering if or when you should move on.”

Shannon hid her face inside the hoodie she was sporting and took a deep breath thinking of Tony in that moment. “Well you’ve never been wrong about anything before, I do love you too, Bruce, but I’m still married to Tony…” She looked up at the man. “But if in four months there’s no news from Carol about...you know… then yes I will try going out on a date with you but you have to promise me that I’ll get time to mourn.” She had looked down at her hands fiddling with her ring. 

It felt wrong to even be talking about Tony as if he was already gone, as if there was no hope, but Shannon could see with some clarity that these were dark times. Times where every moment was precious and she couldn’t spend it always wondering and holding out hope that may be wasted. While she adored Tony and loved him with every fiber of her being, she also knew she loved Bruce, and had for quite some time. She didn’t see a reason or purpose to rob herself or Bruce of a potential future in a world where futures seemed rather bleak.

“Of course,” he assured. “I’m not trying to get rid of Tony or gloss over your love for him. I know you love him, I know you love him more than me. I just… I don’t want to waste any more time, for either of us, if we can be together. I’ll give you all the time you need. I just needed to know that there was even a chance for us or if… well if I needed to move on.” 

“Oh, Bruce, I’m sorry for putting you through all of this.” She had moved to face him properly. “Thank you for being so understanding of this. You’ve been such a stability for me these past two weeks.” 

“Of course,” he vowed as he held her tightly in a hug.

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

You were still searching, running calculations, practicing, strengthening... You showered at least, and Shannon forced some soup down you a few times. She said she couldn’t have you dying along with everyone else. You didn’t want to break her heart any further so you ate it, and again, you remembered nutrition was important to your mission.

No news had come from Tony or anyone he might have been with so you dwelled on your anguish. Much to your surprise but not Shannon’s, Steve stopped in to see you. He asked how you were but all you did was start crying - you couldn’t help it. You hated it, you hated him seeing you like this, but at this point, what did it matter? 

When you finally gathered yourself, and Steve was rubbing your back soothingly as you leaned over your lab desk, you finally turned your head slightly to face him. 

“Steve… I’m so sorry for Bucky and Sam. I hope you don’t hold yourself accountable. You did everything you could. Hell you did more than most.”

He bobbed his head, as if he were wagering whether or not he really did. “I appreciate that. I’m sorry about Loki and Strange.” 

You nodded, not wanting to verbally acknowledge them. You knew you couldn’t without bawling, so you just nodded. “And I haven’t said it before, but I’m sorry about New York,” you emphatically said, changing the subject slightly. It’s something you’d wanted to say for a long time. 

He waved it off with that all American smile at first but you shook your head. 

“No, I’m serious. I’ve never apologized about New York to you and I want you to know it’s something that has haunted me every day. I hope you know that you, Shannon, all of the Avengers… you’re all my friends, you know? Loki… Loki and I, we were brainwashed and if I could take all of it back, believe me, I’d give about anything.”

He nodded, his smile more sincere and sweet as he slowly closed his eyes, his hand still on your back. 

“I know, Y/N. I know,” he assured. “I forgave you a long time ago. Both of you. Speaking of things we’ve never said. I don’t think anyone has ever made you an official member of the Avengers, but I’d like you to know I consider you one. You’ve been one since Ultron.”

Your gaze softened on him before you pulled him into an embrace. “Thank you,” you breathed. 

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

Shannon had entered your room. It was late, which meant most of the Avengers had gone their separate ways for the evening. It seemed the only time you two could speak was late into the night, probably because you were both obsessed with searching during the day and they were precious hours. 

“Y/N/N,” she started solemnly, softly as she sat on the edge of your bed, her eyes on her hands. “It’s been twenty days since… since Thanos… And Tony, Carol… They aren’t…” 

“Shannon, you can’t--” You swallowed. “You can’t give up hope. If you give up then I have nothing, okay? Do you hear me? Nothing.”

“I know, but it’s getting so hard since--”

Just then, a rumbling cut her off. The two of you looked at each other as it got closer and louder. After a few seconds, you two realized it might be Carol, so you threw the covers off yourself and you two began running outside. Once you looked up, it was easy to see what had made all that ruckus. A rather large spacecraft was being brought in by Carol. As soon as the craft was sat down, the hatch opened, exposing a very weak Tony leaning on a blue woman. Steve rushed forward, going to Tony’s aid. 

You couldn’t believe what you were seeing. You finally felt some semblance of happiness. Tony was alive. Thanos didn’t kill him. He didn’t vanish. He was okay… That could mean that… 

But you stopped yourself before you let the thoughts run too wild.

Shannon ran forward to greet him. The two fell into each other’s arms, embracing, kissing briefly. The image sent a surge of warmth through you as well as seething jealousy. Of course you were happy for them. You were thrilled, honestly. But it was hard to be happy for her when you’d lost everything. 

Everyone was concerned with Tony’s return, as they should’ve been. Bruce got him hooked up on fluids, Shannon had given him a shower, Steve helped find him some clothes. Everyone agreed that he needed to rest, as did Carol and Nebula before anything was discussed. 

None of this was said to you though, because as soon as Tony arrived, your emotions ran wild, forcing you into your room. As soon as the door closed behind you, you broke down. You knew Shannon wouldn’t leave Tony, not tonight, not for you, and she shouldn’t have to.

But you couldn’t help it. This was too painful and somehow… somehow you were bitter and resentful over it all. 

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​

[save-the-spiral]

InkWizTober Day Twenty-One: Treasure + Summons

Welcome to day twenty-one of inktober! I wrote more about pirate101 because I Could Not Resist. I made a crew of OCs for Queen now, continuing on (this post). Tried to not accidentally mention SU characters or school gemstones in the process. Warnings for limb loss, weapon mentions, blood mention, general pirate stuff.

(link to prompt lists) (link to inktober tag)

She understands now.

The urge, the calling. Once out on the open skyways, where everything is laid out like a feast, the hunger sets in. It seems so simple, at first. Just a matter of survival. Her against the world now. 

She wants. And for the first time, she can do whatever she needs to in order to get whatever she wants. She finally feels worthy of her name.

Masks become regular, a mask above a mask. A disguise of rags. One that quickly becomes a disguise of a gaudy, secretive captain. Dressed in rich blacks, draped in gold and silver, a large black hat with a broad ostrich feather dyed gold.

People mutter about her. They scatter in fear of this captain running a ship with no crew, who never drinks at pubs, who will stare with shadowed eye sockets from her mask. They wonder who and what she is. Most bets are that she’s a new rival to the young captain who had been both dominating and helping the Spiral in one swoop. Some think she’s some old legend revived by a witch doctor.

Queen is glad to know that no one suspects her. No one suspects a defective Armada puppet. Not even when she brings several haywire battle angels under her protection, giving them names and clothes and freedom like they’ve never known. They all call each other sister, and tell their tales.

No, at the closest people get is assuming she was once Valencian royalty, and got sick of the Armada. Only one of those is right.

Now when she walks its not the straight backed, aristocratic sway of a proper lady. Her left leg was destroyed by a Monquistan guard who tried to play hero. It still aches, even when replaced by the slightly shorter limb of a fallen Armada musketeer. She limps, and even that is enough for people to look away quickly, still able to pity her and feel disgusted in the same glance. 

Queen loves the imperfection. It makes her more alive. It makes her feel like a pirate, battle worn.

She has stolen now. She steals and lies and cheats, even in her written notes to communicate with people outside her crew. She kills now, blood and oil and strange magics all the same when they spill under her blade. She does whatever she wants, never answering to anyone anymore. 

And so she’s a pirate now. Enemy of every government. Something to be feared. Something free and living outside of any society. The power is intoxicating, but she works hard to remember to never put herself on a pedestal. Arrogance was Kane’s downfall, it could easily become hers. 

Queen is humbled, however, when she and her crew finally reach the Skull Island Skyways. Every pirate here seems more vicious than they could ever be, all of them almost bored by the wanton violence. Crime is the way of life here, it is what builds every single home, what fuels every fire.

Queen feels like she’s coming home, another misfit finally finding her island. Her crew of fallen angels can only agree, all of them awed by the bright skies, the flourishing greenery, the intricate flags flying high. They’ve reached paradise.

Their ship is moderately sized, with plain black flags only depicting a delicate golden wing. A reminder of their past, what they all were meant to be. They wear black and don masks, metal bodies resistant to the heat. When they dock at Skull Island itself, they all glance at each other as if they cannot believe it. 

Even Queen finds an artificial breath shuddering out of her chest, a protocol meant to quiet her gears. A majority of her old protocols were to make her quiet, unseen. She tends to ignore them gleefully now.

Her right hand, an ex-angel she gave the name Sterling, was gripping the plain wooden wheel to their ship so hard it had begun to creak in complaint. Queen gently places a hand on Sterling’s shoulder, hearing faint muffled clicks as every joint in her right hand’s body relaxes. 

“Anchor down.” Queen calls, voice almost drowned by the loud sounds of ships and crews casting off or also docking. Two of her crew mates, Rhodium and Rhenium, the ones who insist on acting like twins, drop the anchor and high five, always more youthful than their sisters.

The dark wood of the deck clacks awkwardly with her limping gait, her heeled original leg sharper than the almost flat musketeer’s leg. Queen gestures for Sterling to follow, gathering her crew near the largest mast, waiting for their look out to slide down from the crow’s nest.

The crew’s lookout, given the name Malachite for her penchant for greens, slides down with ease. Her calm demeanor is betrayed by nervousness, and her hands shake under green gloves, fiddling slightly with her guns.

Malachite nods nonetheless. “No battles anywhere, seems as busy as usual.” 

Rhodium and Rhenium are practically vibrating, eager to explore the island, too childish for their own good. “Let’s go then!” They say in unison, holding hands.

The crew all turns to Queen. She wants to protect them all, and her chest aches with something she has not been able to name. A dozen ex-angels, all of them lovingly named by her, named after precious and unique things, stones and metals. To remind them that they are all people now, that they have worth. 

And now she had to decide if she could trust them to stay safe on an island full of pirates that would rip them to shreds if they caught wind of the clockwork hidden under baggy clothes and masks, boots and gloves and mystery.

Zircon, ever surly and combative, crosses her arms with a sharp click and, if she were able too, would surely frown. “Everyone settle down. We cannot all go at once, too many masked pirates draws attention.”

“Don’t we want that though?” Sterling asks with a quirked head. “We want to speak to Avery, after all. He would be intrigued by a new crew.”

“But they could think we were-” Malachite cuts herself off, “Well, they could assume the wrong thing. Shoot first, ask later. Then they get one of our bodies and-”

“We could take them.” Zircon scoffs. “But I still say only Captain and Sterling go.” 

More of her crew chime in, Stichtite with her wild ideas, Spectrolite with the inevitable pun, Osmium trying to pick a fight with Meteorite. The others try to add their two cents, only for it to be drawn into arguments and jokes, all while Queen tries to decide.

“Okay- everyone, listen.” Queen says. And they all do, going dead silent, and it feels like a ghost ship for one dreadful second before Rhodium giggles. “So. The plan is now that I and Zircon will go to Avery. Malachite and Sterling, you go to the pub.”

Queen is proud of the way Zircon handles herself, adjusting the dangerous mace on her shoulder, not bragging as she once may have, not overcompensating. Malachite stands at attention as well, nervous energy gone now that she has a mission. Sterling is as reliable as ever at her side.

Queen continues to speak now, reassured. “Gather any intel about current events on the island, especially the young captain. Don’t make a big deal of being on my crew, but mention it. Cobalt, you are in charge of the ship while we are away, if anyone comes to talk to you, tell them to wait for our return.” 

With a small nod to herself, adjusting her feathered hat, Queen holds one hand on her scabbard as she jumps ship, unbalanced on the dock. Sterling quickly follows, helping Queen regain her land legs. 

Zircon and Malachite follow, and they begin to walk from the docks to the beach, all of them covered head to toe in cloth or armor, revealing only the flash of blade or the barrel of a gun.

Once Sterling and Malachite break off from the group, Zircon follows Queen closely, acting the part of loyal guard dog, staring down anyone who even thinks of grabbing the bounty on the head of her mysterious Captain.

It’s a rather high bounty, to be fair. Queen is rather proud of that fact. To not have an official name, but to be feared nonetheless, it is something that does her rogue heart proud.

They enter Avery’s Court to many stares, whispers in all accents like a rushing tide. A few people scamper, some of them off to tell others, some in fear.

Queen recognizes quite a few people who she has met in battle and thoroughly beaten. Even they leave her alone, pirate’s honor in this haven as coveted as gold, only the scum at the bottom of a yum barrel would bother attacking her now in this sanctuary.

They walk up to Captain Avery’s door and knock. This is a demonstration of fearlessness, of daring that only so few can possess. Avery is a respected man, too crafty for his own good. The pirate that bet everything and won, who made Skull Island, who guides the young captain through the Spiral, who was able to retire alive and wealthy.

Queen admires the man, but only as one can admire a leader, never as a person. She resolved to be attached to no man as soon as she realized what Kane had been turning her into. 

The door opens to Captain Avery seated at a long table, sipping tea. The young pirate captain and their right hand are seated as well, looking uncomfortable. All three turn to look at her. 

“I had been waiting for an opportunity to meet you, mysterious captain of the Pyrite Swan. Why don’t you and your friend come in for a spot of tea?” Avery grins, a gold tooth shining in the sunlight. “I promise we all can make it worth your while.”

When Queen sits, Zircon stands at her shoulder, mace in hand. Neither speak, and the similarly mute young captain looks confused, their face soft with baby fat and scarred by their journeys. 

Zircon hands Queen a golden quill and a roll of parchment, and Queen turns to Avery, waiting for him to speak.

She can only wait to see what game they’ll be playing soon enough.