#you have two hours to send your ask with the description and kit name though

[troutfur]

A kit for Sandclan! Cobrakit, a short-furred ginger tabby tom

(Forgive that I'm not giving Featherstorm's reaction for this one. It's not personal, I simply have run out of fun things to write for that section.)

A TOM!!!!! YES, THANK YOU! We are severely lacking those, our gender ratio is sooooo skewed.

But anyway! Chart!

[Image ID: Under the header “What will Cobrakit’s life be like? (02/12/2023)” 16 rows of tally marks crossed out two by two until there is only 1 or 2 left uncrossed. To the left, a shield chart at the top with the following geomantic figures: Via as the first mother, Populus as the second mother, Puer as the third mother, Carcer as the fourth mother, Puella as the first daughter, Amissio as the second daughter, Laetitia as the third daughter, Puella as the fourth daughter, Via as the first niece, Rubeus as the second niece, Tristitia as the third niece, Fortuna Maior as the fourth niece, Puella as the right witness, Albus as the left witness, Carcer as the judge, and Coniunctio as the sentence. Below the shield chart, an astrological house chart with the first twelve geomantic figures above mentioned assigned to houses 1 to 12 in the order mentioned above. /end ID]

This chart's a little more evocative. Immediately I notice Carcer as the judge and Coniunctio as the sentence so some kind of restriction or bondage, whether physical or immaterial, is the overall theme of Cobrakit's life but in the end it will bring connection and community. I'm lowkey hoping this chart will look overall favorable for a leader. Cobrastar sounds so cool. Anyway, our witnesses are Puella to the right and Albus to the left. Puella and Albus are weird in opposition, the former representing emotions and putting the needs of others before one's own and the other wisdom that comes with age. Is the chart trying to tell us Cobrakit will defy the status quo? Will they stand up to the establishment in service of others? Still hoping for a leader-like character here...

Via in the first house is always a welcome sight. The symbolism of motion and change always lends itself to eventful character biographies.

Populus in the second house is also welcome because I honestly just appreciate not having to think too hard about what the association of the second house with material posessions even could mean in this setting. This is seriously the biggest weakness in the method I believe. If anyone has any suggestion for how I could work the second house more cohesively into the system, I'm all ears.

On the third house we have Puer. I know I said that interpreting Puer and Puella simply by their meanings as signifiers of the gender polarity was boring and all but. I've wanted to give more of these siblings and we are in need of more toms so... an all male litter? I'm thinking three or so.

Carcer in the fourth house is something we have seen before! Strict parenting and/or mentorship. I'm leaning towards mentorship more. I do still want to see if I can finnagle this into Cobrastar.

Puella in the fifth house which I'm choosing to interpret as Cobra will grow up to be a nurturing parent. We love to see our den dads around these parts and I'm taking any excuse I can.

Amissio in the sixth house... You know what we are missing? A character with a cool scar or something. I am picturing the loss predicted here to be perhaps... losing an eye? Once again, would make a lot of sense if we're trying to slot this chart into a potential leader.

Laetitia in the seventh house! Good family life with his partner. I like that. I like that.

Puella in the eight house. Overlaps a little with Hickorydawn's whole thing but I think if I'm already dead set on leader for this one being able to be a comfortable presence for his clan in their time of need would be good. Honestly, between Puella here and Puella in the fifth house, I'm just thinking this dude would grow up to be just a super charismatic and comforting presence in the Clan.

Via in the ninth house. We already saw it in the first house and here it reinforces the idea he had a transformation of some kind. The rest of the chart is not implying it yet, but I think I have an inkling of what I can weave with the last three houses...

Rubeus in the tenth house is where I think I can get my angle in. While the chart has been portraying him as a pretty uncomplicated and chill dude thus far, the notion that anger and positions of power are related for him is certainly interesting. I could perhaps say, could he initially ascend to deputy on the basis of being a more aggressive type than he ended up being? Was the journey in question about mellowing out? Perhaps this is how he lost that eye I decided way back in the sixth house.

Tristitia in the eleventh house we can build this up further. Tristitia, sorrow, in the house of allies and supporters perhaps refers to how his supporters will react to his mellowing out. Perhaps as he turns to a new cat he can and becomes an emotional support for his clan his old supporters will lament a lot about who he used to be.

And finally Fortuna Maior in the twelfth house. He'll have to work hard to overcome adversities (perhaps those who liked him better how he was before?) but in the end he will thrive by his own efforts.

Putting it all together:

Cobrakit was born alongside two brothers. He was apprenticed to a warrior that was very strict with him and encouraged in him an aggression that would earn him a reputation as a ferocious fighter. He even lost an eye to show for it and everything. This put him in the radar of the leader as a favorite deputyship candidate of a certain vocal faction of aggressive cats within SandClan. He of course gladly accepted but the position of responsibility began to make him rethink his approach. Particularly as the Clan came to rely on him more and he took on more of an interest in being an emotional support through the tragedies of combat and death, he began to mellow out. The faction that had initially favored him for deputy felt extremely betrayed at this but Cobra now stood up for himself on his own authority and his likability as a deputy. Along the way he found a partner, raised children on his own, and has grown quite well into his duties as deputy and, eventually, leader.

So, give it up for the leader of SandClan Cobra(strike)star!

[chloelucia13]

Night Shift

Pairing: Chip Taylor x reader

Prompt: Working the night shift always guaranteed at least one strange occurrence while you sat behind your register. However, a bloodied man dressed in a women’s shirt and hot pink flip-flops was slightly out of your comfort zone.

Warnings: the is mostly fluff (surprising for me, I know), descriptions of gore, blood, medical procedures, language, mentions of sex, kinda vulgar but that’s expected

Word Count: 4760

A/N: Hi I am sinking deeper into the MGG obsession and that might not be good for me but OH WELL. Anyways, I hope you guys enjoy! As always, send me feedback, and tag lists are open!

Tags: @sojournmichael​

The sound of the entrance bell ringing nearly made you scream out loud. You were supposed to be on your break, but since literally everyone had ditched you to go home and sleep, you just had to hope that no one would bother you during your allotted thirty minutes.

You squeezed your hands into fists for a moment before getting up and walking over to the cash register. 

“Can I use your bathroom?”

You looked up at the man, eyes instinctively growing wide. 

The first thing that would’ve drawn your attention was the white women’s shirt covered in printed kiss marks that adorned his torso. However, you were too busy to notice the shirt due to the excessive amount of blood and bruising on his face.

 Your mouth opened, but you were unable to force a single word to come from your mouth. “I-I uh... Yeah. It’s at the very back.”

he just nodded and trudged off, which then brought your attention to his hot pink flip flops that seemed a size too small for him.

Your first thought was drugs, but you immediately debunked that theory. He seemed too aware to be high on anything. Along with that, his eyes weren’t red-rimmed and his pupils weren’t contracted or dilated.

But you were able to notice that his eyes were the most perfect shade of hazel you had ever seen, beautifully complimenting his olive skin that was marred with cuts and bruises.

You’re literally fawning over a dude in a girl’s tee and flip flops who, if you somehow had forgotten, was also caked in blood.

“Thank you,” the man announced as he walked back to the counter, now changed into a grey tee and jeans. “Can I also get $40 worth of gas?”

You examined his face, noticing that he had made an attempt to rinse the blood off of his face, but fresh blood had already began to ooze out of the deep cut. “You sure you don’t need any band-aids or anything?” you pondered, resting your hands on the counter. 

He shook his head quickly, wincing afterwards. “No, no, I’m good. Just the gas. Please.”

You huffed, pursing your lips as you moved to type the amount into the register. You stopped, though, and turned back to face him. “How about I only charge you $20 for a full tank and you let me patch you up?”

He squinted at you, his jaw tensed. “Why would you do that?”

“Well you clearly need medical attention, and I want something out of this.”

He sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. “Listen, I’m not gonna give you head or some-”

“God, no!” You scoffed, staring at him in disbelief. “I want to know what happened. And clearly, based off your previous response, I can assume it is quite a lot.”

He relaxed slightly, but kept his squint. You couldn't tell, though, if he was still doubtful of you, or if he just couldn’t bear fully opening his eyes to the harsh lights. “Again, why?”

You shrugged. “I’m a nosy bitch.”

“And how do I know that you’re not just holding me so you can call the cops?”

You let out a laugh, rolling your eyes. “God, I wouldn’t call those pigs if someone held me at gunpoint. It’s not like they’d do anything other than write some stuff down in their notebook and come to the conclusion that I was asking to get robbed.” You shook your head, pausing your rant with a sigh. “So, do we have a deal?”

His tough resolve seemed to crumble and crack with each word you spoke, finally slouching in place with relief. “Please.”

You stepped out from behind the register and stood toe-to-toe with him, getting a closer look at his face. You pulled at his eyelids, prodded at his bruises, and pressed your fingers against his scalp. You stepped away for a moment to flip your door sign to “closed” before coming back to him. “Alright, follow me.”

He nodded and followed on your heels as you walked into the employee break room. You pointed to an empty chair and he sat immediately, prompting a small chuckle from you. 

After searching through the clutter that your manager labeled the “supply cupboard,” you were able to find your first aid kit, a pair of gloves, some gauze, and some isopropyl alcohol. 

“Alright, I’m gonna get you sewn and patched up, and then we’ll head to the hospital for your concussion,” you explained, sliding the latex gloves onto your hands.

“What? No, no hospital! I thought you said you’d help me!” he argued, rising up to his feet.

“I can only do so much here. And if you don’t get that concussion checked out, you could die.” You walked over to him, setting your items down on the table next to him. “When was the last time you slept?”

You eased him back into his seat as he thought. “36 hours?”

You nodded, applying pressure to the cut that seemed the deepest. “And you haven’t slept since getting the concussion?”

He shook his head, his eyes following your movements.

“Okay. I didn’t feel any abrasions to your skull, but you might have internal bleeding or swelling.” You sat up and soaked a cotton pad in isopropyl alcohol before returning back to his cut. “This might sting a bit.” 

The moment you pressed the pad to his forehead, he let out a hiss, hands reaching out and gripping onto whatever was in his vicinity.

That just happened to be your upper thigh.

You jumped at the contact, eyes widening. 

“Shit, shit.” His hands recoiled, moving to cover his mouth. “I am so sorry.”

You cleared your throat, taking a deep breath and hoping that you were the only one who could notice the bright burning of your cheeks. “I-It’s okay. Not your fault. I probably should have given you a better warning.” You risked a glance down at his eyes before returning your gaze to the wound on his forehead. “Alright, I’m going back in. Ready?”

“Okay, I’m ready.”

You watched his fingers curl around the fabric of his jeans, gripping them with tight fists. With a quick breath and a mental reminder to ignore the prominent veins that laced his hands and arms, you pressed the cotton pad onto the wound. He let out another hiss, but kept his hands at his thighs instead of yours. “Alright,” you hummed. “Now that we got to second base, are you gonna tell me what happened to you?”

He let out a weak chuckle, his jaw clenching momentarily when you switched over to clean one of the smaller gashes. “You’ve got a few hours to spare?”

“Honey, I’ve got all night if you need it. I’m not going anywhere.”

A shaky sigh left his lips, and you watched as his eyelids fluttered closed, his lashes gently dusting against his skin. “My girlfriend- my ex-girlfriend- convinced me to go with her to steal $68,000 from a guy she... she worked for.”

You nodded slowly, grabbing another soaked cotton pad and doing a quick sweep over his skin. “So the guy caught you and beat you up and... Put you in women’s clothes?”

He shook his head. “We got the money, but she had other plans. She killed the guy, but I guess we didn’t check the house very well.” He gulped. “There was another girl there. Another girl who worked for that guy. I-I tried to... To have my girlfriend let her go, but she made me take the girl.”

A whole array of emotions were experienced while the man went through his story: anger and disgust at his girlfriend, heartbreak from the death of Violet, pure rage at the actions of the two gas station attendees and their friends. 

However, the most prevalent emotion was remorse. Remorse for this man you just met, for this man you don't even know the name of.

“... Holy shit,” you whispered, finally, pulling your hands away from his skin and crouched down until you were eye-level with him.

He chuckled, pursing his lips and attempting to blink away the tears that flooded his eyes. “Yeah. Holy shit.”

“I...” Your eyes searched his, hands mindlessly reaching forward to grip onto his hands that had loosened their grip on his jeans long ago, now lying gently against his thighs. “Do you need a hug?”

“I... I think so.”

With any inhibitions flying out the window, you wrapped your arms around him gently but firmly, hugging him as best you could.

From how tightly he had immediately clung onto your waist (and based on the vile stories he had told you just moments ago), you could assume he hadn’t felt a kind touch in a long time. 

And it seems that, as you melted into his touch, that he wasn’t the only one who needed that hug.

So much comfort from a man who was bloodied and beaten. From a man you hadn’t even gotten the name of.

God, you might actually be losing it.

The moment you felt his grip loosen, you pulled away, searching his eyes as you slowly stood up straight. 

“Thank you,” he spoke his voice hoarse.

You just nodded, giving him a shy smile before stepping over to your first aid kit, searching through its contents. “Have you gotten stitches before?” you questioned, grabbing a suture needle and beginning to clean it with isopropyl alcohol.

“Once when I was like ten, why?” You noticed him turning out of your peripheral. 

“The wound on your forehead needs stitches. Only a few, though.”

You heard his breath catch in his throat, feeling his eyes trained on you as you threaded the needle.

“I assume you’re not a big fan of needles?” You carried the needle and thread over to him, flickering your gaze between your tools and the gash in his forehead.

“Not really, no,” he huffed, face scrunching up in disdain.

You nodded, crouching down to look him directly in the eye. “Do you want me to count down?”

His tongue darted out to wet his lips as he considered his options for a moment, then nodded. “Y-Yeah.”

You gave him a reassuring smile before attempting to situate yourself as close to the wound as possible without blocking any light, but to no avail. You examined your space, letting out a sigh when an idea came to your mind. “Okay, I'm gonna have to...” You stepped closer, slowly placing one hand on his shoulder as you placed one leg on the outside of his right leg. “I’m gonna have to put my knee on the chair.” Grimacing, you lifted your knee and placed it on the chair gap that laid between his legs, your knee just centimeters away from his crotch. “I’m so sorry. Just... Don’t make any sudden hip movements.”

Once you were fully situated, you lifted your suture needle and lined it up with the area where you needed to make the first stitch. Quickly, you risked a glance down and saw that he was staring up at you.

In any other situation, with the heat radiating off his crotch and the way he was looking up at you, you definitely would’ve fucked this man on the spot. 

(But you couldn’t deny that he still gave you butterflies.)

“Ready?” you questioned, pulling your thoughts back to the present moment. 

With an audible gulp, he nodded. “Ready,” he hummed, eyes fluttering shut.

“Okay, one, two-” Quickly, you began gliding the needle through his skin, stitching the gashed skin together.

“Shit!” His body tensed, jaw clenching tightly.

“Sorry, it’s better if you don’t expect it.”

He breathed harshly through his nose, hands once more returning to his lap, gripping onto his jeans. 

“There’s something you didn’t tell me,” you spoke, brow furrowed as you focused on the sutures.

“Hmm?” he glanced up at you before wincing, closing his eyes.

“Did you ever get the money back?” He was silent for a moment. “Yeah. Yeah, I did.”

You nodded, gently brushing his hair back with your free hand as you finished the sutures and snipped off the remaining thread. “What’re you going to do with it?”

“I don’t know. I haven’t really had the time to think about it.”

A chuckle passed your lips. “What’ve you been doing the whole time you’ve been here?”

“Oh, just reliving my trauma.” You grinned, walking back over to your work area and grabbing some gauze and medical tape. “Don’t worry, it’ll just add to your personality. That and the nasty scar that cut will leave.” You tucked the supplies into your pocket and walked back to him. “Do you have anything else wrong? Any pain in your ribs or stomach?”

“I might have a broken rib or two.”

“Can you lift up your shirt for me?”

He slowly nodded as he rose to his feet, letting his hands gently pull his shirt up. As each inch of flesh was revealed, the bruises that spattered his torso and sides grew darker and darker. 

You cleared your throat, diverting your attention away from the obvious hickies that trailed from his chest down to just above his jeans, instead focusing on the heavy bruises that laid on his ribcage. After silently praying that your cheeks weren’t bright red, you stepped close and pressed your fingers against his bruises. He immediately hissed out in pain, recoiling from your touch.

“Sorry, sorry,” you hummed, directing him to sit back down. “You definitely have a few broken ribs, the others are probably just bruised. Nothing that some rest and painkillers can’t fix.”

As you got to work patching up his cuts, his eyes lingered on you. “How do you know about all this? All the medical stuff?” he pondered, pulling away slightly to look at you fully.

“I was working on getting my medical degree,” you explained briefly, securing a piece of gauze with medical tape. 

“And you just quit and decided working in a gas station was better for you?” You scoffed. “God, no. It... It wasn’t exactly my choice to make.”

“What do you mean?”

A small huff left your nose. “I thought we were supposed to be talking about you and your trauma, not mine.”

“Hey, you’re the one who took me in and gave me medical treatment free of charge. The least I could do is be your therapist for a minute.”

You pulled your lower lip between, closing your eyes. “It’s a long story.”

“I’ve got time.”

“And I thought I was stubborn.” After securing the last piece of gauze onto his face, you stepped back and examined his features. “Give me a second.”

You hurried out of the back room and over to the freezer, grabbing two bags of frozen peas before hurrying back to him. You directed him to hold one against his eye and the other against his ribs. He complied with your first direction, but decided instead to rest the second bag on his crotch. After you shot him a strange look, he explained with a huff, “I’ve been kicked in the balls more times this past 48 hours than I have in my whole life.”

You shrugged. “Fair enough.”

As you began walking away, he spoke up. “Are you gonna tell me your story or just leave me hanging?”

With a small grin on your lips, you dragged a metal chair over to where he was sitting, placing it right in front of him and sitting down. “I’ll tell you if you tell me something”

“What’s that?”

“What’s your name?”

He let out a sigh, though he gave you a grin. “Chip. Chip Taylor.”

“Chip.” You tested the name on your tongue. “It’s fitting. A nice American name for a nice American boy.”

He scoffed at that one, earning him a bright smile from you. “How about you, what’s your name?”

“Y/N. Y/N Y/L/N.”

“A nice name for a nice girl.”

You shoved his shoulder, only to immediately apologize afterwards. After he brushed it off, the two of you sat there in silence for a moment.

“I went into college when I was 17. I graduated a year early. I was in college for a few years, and my parents were paying for it all.” You pursed your lips, casting your gaze to the floor. “When I was 20, my parents got into a car crash. They both died.” “I’m so sorry.”

You shook your head, clearing your throat. “When we finally got the will, I found out that I was left out of it. My brother got the money and my sister got the estate, and I got nothing. I tried to stay in school, tried to keep going with my degree, but I got sucked into debt.” You finally looked up at him, staring into his sympathetic gaze. “Both of my siblings are successful and I’m stuck in the middle of buttfuck nowhere working at a gas station and about $15,000 in the hole.”

Chip’s mouth open,d but before any words could come out, you stood up and began cleaning everything up. “You never should’ve had to go through that. You don’t deserve to suffer.”

You hummed, tossing your gloves into the trash. “Says the person who literally went through a fucking horror movie.”

“Oh come on-” “Chip, trust me. My life sucks, but it doesn’t compare in any way to what you’ve gone through. Like, you had an abusive girlfriend-”

“She wasn’t abusive!”

You sighed, turning to look at him. “Chip. She was abusive, through and through. And I know it's hard to see, trust me I know, but it’s true. She literally manipulated you into killing someone and kidnapping someone else.”

 He stood up from his seat. “Well... Well maybe I deserved it! Maybe I needed to be roughed up and treated like shit so that I’d be a man! But you, you deserved nothing bad that happened to you. You... You’re too good.”

You were stunned, taking a moment to process what he said before walking over to him, tilting your chin up to look him in the eye. “Chip, you take back what you said right now.”

“What-”

“I’ve known you barely an hour but I know that you are one of the kindest, most gentle men I’ve ever met who doesn’t deserve an ounce of the shit he’s gone through. Now take back what you said about yourself.”

“Y/N-” You acted without a thought in your mind, your palm colliding with his cheek. However, as soon as your mind caught up with your body, you instantly pulled your hand to your chest. “Oh my god, I am so sorry. I-I don't know why I just did that.”

“Do it again.” Your eyes widened. “What?”

“Hit me again.”

Your hands were shaking, remnants of adrenaline still lingering in your veins. Hesitantly, you brought your hand up. You watched his eyes follow your hand, instinctively flinching and eyes squeezing shut. Instead, you laid your palm on his cheek, against the warm mark that was there from your doing. 

His eyes slowly fluttered open, furrowing his brow in confusion. “What are you doing?” he whispered, voice gruff.

“I’m not gonna hit you Chip.” “Why?”

“Because caring for people doesn’t mean harming them. And you don't need to change. You don’t need to be a ‘man’ because the man you’re thinking of is a douche. Men without emotions are fucking douche bags. They’re the guys who hurt you, they’re your ex’s brother. They’re assholes. And you’re not an asshole or a douche, you’re kind. You’re perfect the way you are.”

He was silent for a moment, eyes scouring yours as his lips pursed, but he let your hand linger on his cheek. 

“Run away with me,” he spoke finally.

Your breath caught in your throat, your whole body stock still as shock flooded your body. “... What?”

“I mean it. We can both get out of our shithole situations and find somewhere else! Be someone else!”

“But I barely know you! A-And you barely know me! For all you know I could be planning to take your money and run!”

He grabbed your hand, which had shifted from his cheek to gesture wildly around. “But you won’t.”

“How are you so sure about that?”

“Because if you really wanted to just take my money and leave, you would’ve done it already.”

You pursed your lips, glancing down at your hand that was still linked with his. “What if I hurt you? Take advantage of you like that girl did? I mean, I’m a fucking gas station attendant too. How can you trust me after all that?”

He shook his head. “I... I don’t know. I just have a feeling. I just... I feel safe with you.”

You pressed the heels of your palms into your eye sockets, letting out a groan. “Okay, okay.” Scrubbing your hands over your face, you began to pace. “Okay, this is what we’re gonna do. We’re gonna go to the hospital and I’ll just say you showed up here and needed medical attention and I have no clue who you are. You’re gonna get all checked out and make sure nothing’s wrong. We’ll get back to this conversation once I know for sure that there’s not something wrong with your goddamn mind.”

“I thought we were good! No need to go to a hospital!” “I can’t do shit here other than patch you up! Let’s go, no more arguments.” 

He let out a huff, trying his hardest to act upset, but his gentle eyes gave him away.

***

After some arguing, you were able to convince Chip to have him hand over his keys, allowing you to drive him to the hospital considering you only had a bicycle.

Once you pulled up, you immediately grabbed the manila envelope full of money and shoved it under the seats. “Okay, give me your wallet,” you hummed, unbuckling yourself.

“What? Why?” he whined, wincing afterwards.

“Because I have a plan. Now either give me your wallet or hide it somewhere.”

He grumbled a few words under his breath before complying, stashing his wallet with the hidden envelope of cash. “Fine. What’s your plan?”

“You stumbled into the gas station, said you were mugged. You don’t know who it was, but you need medical attention.” You moved to open the door, but paused to turn to him. “Also, you don’t know your name.”

“Why?” he persisted. 

“Because you can be a considered a missing person. Or a fucking fugitive if they’ve already linked the killings to you. So, you don’t know your name. Understood?”

He rolled his eyes but nodded, getting out of the car. You got out as well and rushed over to his side, draping his arm over your shoulder. “This is ridiculous.”

“You know what’s ridiculous? Getting fucking charged for like ten counts of murder! Now act like a damsel in distress and suck it up!”

The two of you trudged along the parking lot and into the ER entrance.

As soon as you two stepped foot inside, a team of nurses instantly swarmed the two of you, whatever mundane task they were doing immediately fleeing their minds.

“What happened?” one nurse urged, shifting Chip from your shoulder to hers.

“I-I don’t know. He just came into the station during my shift saying that he was mugged. I patched him up but I’m pretty sure he’s got a concussion and possibly some internal bleeding,” you explained with no hesitation, exchanging a glance with Chip before two nurses carried him past a set of doors.

Meanwhile, another nurse handed you a clipboard full of documents, requesting that you fill them out. You just nodded in response, scribbling through the forms with only half of your brain working to figure out what they were asking.

The other half of your brain was focused on his proposal that he made earlier. 

You had to admit, ditching this life and running off with a complete(ly handsome) stranger who had obtained $68,000 through some less than pure means honestly sounded like a dream. No shitty customers, no being stuck in a shithole town, no shitty family breathing down your neck. You’d be free.

On the other hand, however, $68,000 isn’t a lot of money on the grand scheme of things. Sure, you could probably pay for food and a studio apartment, but one of you would have to get a job eventually. And that doesn’t even add in the question as to where you two got the money, or how exactly you two would “disappear.”

The insistent questions and worries plagued your mind as you sat in the fluorescent-lit waiting room, making your skin look sickly and much more ashy than you had realized.

At some point those insistent worries must have lulled you to sleep as you woke from someone shaking your shoulder, startling you awake. “Hmm, what?” you mumbled, quickly rubbing the sleep from your eyes.

“Sorry to wake you, ma’am,” the nurse hummed, standing up straight. “We’ve completed the check up on the man you’ve brought here. Luckily, you two came in just in time. He most definitely had a concussion, and a severe one at that. He also was suffering with some internal bleeding, but luckily we’ve been able to get everything under control. If you’d like, he can stay here during his recovery-”

“No, no, I’ll take care of him. Do I need to sign any patient release forms?”

She gave you a slightly shocked look, but nodded. “I’ll go get those. He’ll also be prescribed some medication that we’ll send to the drugstore of your choice to be filled, but we’ll send you home with a few pills just to get him through until those prescriptions come in.”

“Okay, sounds good.”

She nodded and gave you one last glance, almost as if she was waiting for you to change your mind, before leaving to retrieve the medications and paperwork.

The nurse returned a moment later with a clipboard and medications in her hands, with Chip trailing/limping behind her. He settled into the chair besides you, his eyes lingering on you as the nurse handed you everything.

As soon as the nurse retreated, he rested his hand atop yours. “You don’t have to take care of me, y’know,” he hummed, his voice low and raspy.

You shrugged, signing along the dotted lines. “It’s no problem. Besides, I told you I’d fix you up and make you feel better, so that’s what I’m gonna do.” you sighed, scanning over a few paragraphs of text. “And I know that if you stay in the hospital, you’ve got a pretty good chance of being linked with... y’know, everything that just happened.”

You pulled out the sheet that gave you detailed instructions for the medications he was taking, folding it up and handing it to him before getting up and turning in all the papers at the front desk. When you turned back around, Chip was staring at you with a look of awe. Or maybe it was confusion. 

“What?” you hummed, helping him up from his seat and slinging his arm over your shoulder.

He cleared his throat, walking alongside you as his gaze shifted to the floor. “Nothing,” he whispered. “I... I was just thinking.”

“What about?”

He pursed his lips, leaning against the car once the two of you reached it. “I can’t remember the last time someone’s taken care of me,” he admitted, his brows furrowed.

Your facial features softened at his confession, your hand gently reaching out to rest on his shoulder. “Well you’re gonna have to get used to it, Chip.”

A small smile tugged at his lips. “Does that mean-”

“It means we’ll try it out, and if I hate you by the end of the week I’m kicking you to the curb,” you barked, but a smile tugged at your lips too. “Now get in the car. I’m tired and I wanna sleep.”

He flashed you a grin but obliged, going over to the passenger side and sitting down in the car. “Hey Y/N?”

You hummed in response, starting the car and putting it in reverse.

“Thank you. For everything.”

You gave him a full smile this time, driving away from the hospital. “I’m just trying to show you that not all gas station attendants are horrible.”

[thecatprince]

Fighting Feelings

Read on AO3

Summary:  After the whole callback fiasco, Roman decides he needs to prove himself in the only way he knows how - fighting for his honour. When he gets injured, Virgil is there to pick him up and comfort him.

Pairings: Prinxiety

Warnings: Graphic description of injuries, heavy Roman angst and implied suicidal ideation.

Word Count: 4219

Authors Notes: Post POF angst? in 2021? More likely than you think! This was inspired by two prompts that I received (thank you very much for sending them and sorry it took me ages to do them) which I combined. First prompt was “No, not again. Please!” from @underestimatemethatwillbefun and the second prompt was “Is it that hard to believe I love you?” from @autisticjuliaargent. I hope you like it!!

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The first time Roman disappeared, Virgil didn’t think much of it. It wasn’t particularly unusual for Roman to disappear, as he was prone to heat of the moment ideas and impulsive decisions, which often involved long trips into the Imagination or hours spent holed up in his room. Sure, recent events had had an extremely negative impact on Roman, and sure, Virgil could tell that something had been off with him ever since, but he took Roman’s temporary disappearance as a positive thing, a sign that Roman was finally starting to get back on his feet, that he was starting to feel better mentally. Looking back, Virgil could’ve kicked himself.

The second time Roman disappeared, Virgil was a bit more alert. After Roman’s return from wherever he had been (the Imagination, presumably), he had seemed more off than normal, almost constantly becoming lost in thought and preoccupied. Granted, it was quite common for Roman to be distracted by his own mind, he was a ‘space cadet’ as Patton would often say, a ‘head in the clouds’ kind of person, but this… this was different.

Roman looked more worried, more concentrated and serious. His eyes, once bright and shining and full of light, now looked dull and bleak, as if all the life had been sucked right out of them. Roman’s face, normally quite happy and animated, now wore an expression of sadness and he had an almost permanent line on his forehead from the constant look of anxiety he had.

Of course, this shift in behaviour wasn’t exactly unexpected. After the turmoil of having Janus’ harsh, stinging words thrown at him and Patton’s good hearted, albeit incredibly misguided and confusing, attempt to prove how good of a person Thomas was, Virgil had found Roman sobbing in his room, his normal princely outfit thrown on the ground and his skin blue with bruises. Virgil had stayed with him that night, holding Roman close to his chest and letting him cry as much as he needed. He had eventually fallen asleep in Virgil’s arms, exhausted and broken, and Virgil had stayed there, torn between the overwhelming amount of concern and anxiety for Roman and the red-hot fury towards Janus and Patton that threatened to consume him. After much internal debate, he had decided that anger would just worsen the situation, and Roman needed him more than anything, so he stayed.

A week after his breakdown, Roman disappeared for the first time, returning a couple of hours later, looking physically unharmed, although he had a heavy expression on his face. A couple of days after that he disappeared again, this time for longer, almost a day, and when he returned he looked exhausted and his white prince shirt had a huge rip in the side. Virgil had asked about it, but Roman had just smiled and brushed it off. Virgil noticed the smile, like all the other smiles of late, didn’t reach his eyes.

The third time Roman disappeared, Virgil grew actively concerned. Roman had been gone for a day and a half, leaving in the early morning and returning at noon. Virgil couldn’t sleep that night, lying awake with worry as he waited for Roman to return. When he finally did come back, he seemed incredibly preoccupied, barely noticing his surroundings. Whenever Virgil talked to him, he seemed to immediately snap out of thought and the anxious expression he seemed to constantly have would be quickly replaced by a beaming smile, and just for a moment, Roman would seem like his normal self, his voice bright and dramatic, and his gestures wide and enthusiastic. But then Virgil would notice how his eyes stayed dull and empty, how his smile seemed that bit too bright, how his voice felt a little forced, and Virgil’s heart would sink, because he knew under the mask of theatrics and smiles, Roman was hurting.

The fourth time Roman disappeared, Virgil waited almost obsessively for him to come back. He sat outside the door to the Imagination for hours, staring intently at the clock on the wall, watching as the second hand made it way around the face as the minutes passed by. Virgil stayed there for hours, sitting crossed legged on the floor of the hall, fiddling with his hoodie and scrolling through his phone to try and distract himself from the overwhelming anxiety he was feeling. He must’ve fallen asleep at some point because he was suddenly awoken by the sound of the door opening. His muscles felt stiff from the awkward position he had fallen asleep in, and his brain was still quite foggy, but none of that mattered when he saw Roman walking through the door. Well, limping to be more exact.

Virgil stood up as fast as he could, ignoring how tired and sore his body was, and made his way over to Roman, just in time to catch him as he fainted. Virgil shifted his arms, trying to adjust the unconscious side as gently as possible so as to not to hurt Roman’s already obviously hurt body, trying to get him into a position that allowed Virgil to carry him. After a bit of a struggle (Roman had quite a solid build and was quite muscular from all the fighting he did in the Imagination (often in the name of defending his honour and other dramatic reasons) but Virgil was also quite strong (after all he was fight or flight) so while Roman was far from light, Virgil was still able to lift him) Virgil managed to carry Roman into the creative side’s room, which was opposite the entrance to the Imagination. Virgil gently lowered Roman onto his bed, lying him down in a way that meant that if Roman threw up, he wouldn’t choke and die.

Virgil stepped back to examine Roman’s body, assessing the damage. Roman’s clothes were torn and stained with blood and dirt, and through the rips in the material Virgil could see cuts and gashes littering the skin underneath. There was a large gash across Roman’s calf, where the pantleg was torn and covered in blood. Roman’s face was pale, except for the large bruise across his right cheek, which was an ugly bluish-blackish colour, and his forehead was shiny with sweat. Virgil gently lifted his hand and tucked a loose strand of hair behind Roman’s ear.

Roman’s eyes fluttered open and he looked around, slightly disorientated. Virgil kept watching him, studying Roman’s reaction. His eyes met Roman’s and for a brief moment Roman’s face seemed to relax a little, the corners of his lips tugging upwards ever so slightly, before his face quickly clouded over, as if remembering something alarming. He tried to sit up but immediately fell back down with a gasp of pain. Virgil, who had moved quickly to try and stop Roman from getting up, moved slowly back, arms still raised slightly as if on alert.

Roman looked back at Virgil, his face looking rather panicked. “Virgil,” he said, his voice almost inaudible. “Virgil, please, I… I have to go back. I have to defeat it.”

Virgil just stared at him in disbelief, part of him astounded by the pure idiocy of Roman, who just mere minutes before had been unconscious and was gravely injured, wanting to go back to the place where he had gotten those injuries, and the other part of him shattering because that was how little Roman cared about himself. Roman wanted to go back, most likely get himself killed in the state he was in, and for what? To defeat this thing (whatever ‘it’ was)? For a little victory?

“Roman, you can’t be serious! You literally fainted the moment you walked through that door and you want to go back? Have you seen the state you are in? You are going to get yourself killed!”

“You don’t get it,” Roman exclaimed, voice still hoarse and weak. “I need to.”

“No!”

“Virgil, please.”

“No, not again. Please!” Virgil was almost begging, his eyes starting to fill with tears. He couldn’t lose Roman, not now, not again. He’d spent hours, days, waiting and worrying and hoping with all his might that every time that Roman returned he would be okay. And this time Roman wasn’t. Virgil wasn’t going to risk losing him again.

Roman must’ve seen the look on Virgil’s face, because he didn’t attempt to move again. Virgil took a deep breath and wiped his eyes on the back of his hand. He turned and walked into the ensuite bathroom, returning a few minutes later with a glass of water and a first aid kit. Virgil gently moved the pillows around to help elevate Roman’s body into a sitting position and handed him the glass and a painkiller. Roman took a small sip and swallowed the medicine, feeling rather nauseous from the pain, and set it down on the bedside table. Virgil looked pointedly at him but said nothing as he began unbuttoning Roman’s shirt.

“Hey, wait – what are you doing?” Roman said hoarsely.

“I am unbuttoning your shirt,” Virgil explained, as though it was obvious (to be fair, it was obvious).

“Why?”

“So I can fix up your injuries. I didn’t bring a first aid kit for no reason.”

“I don’t need fixing up. I am perfectly fine!”

“Roman, you were unconscious less than 10 minutes ago, you are bleeding badly and you can barely move. I am going to fix up your injuries so you can stay alive. Let me do it.” Virgil’s tone was firm and strong, and he hoped Roman couldn’t hear the silent plea in his voice.

Roman sighed and settled further down onto the pillows, knowing he wasn’t going to win this argument. He did want the pain to stop, as it was almost unbearable, but some smally stubborn part of him hated this weakness he was feeling. Still, he began to relax slightly as Virgil deftly unbuttoned his shirt and slowly peeled it off.

Virgil surveyed the bare chest in front of him, trying his best to focus on the injuries as opposed to the well-defined muscles. He knew logically that Roman worked out, and he had seen the outlines of those muscles underneath well fitted clothing, but this was completely different. Virgil dragged his attention from the muscles and tried to make a list of the various wounds that covered Roman’s torso. There were a plethora of small scratches covering his skin, especially around the hands and neck, as those were to most uncovered. His skin was varying shades of blue, black, purple and yellow, caused by the multitude of bruises in varying stages of healing. There was a deep cut along his left bicep, looking as though it had been caused by a claw of some sort, which was arguably the worst wound on his torso, although a close second would be the gash across his stomach, which was small and clean but had bled a lot. Virgil grabbed the wet wash clothe he had brought from the bathroom and gently started to wipe down Roman’s torso to remove any dirt and excess blood that was covering it. He tried to ignore Roman’s flinches as he went over his wounds, knowing that it was necessary for him to know what he was working with. Once that was done he dabbed the antiseptic cream onto any open cuts. This one evidently stung like hell, as Roman let out a sharp yell and grabbed Virgil’s shoulder tightly.

“Sorry,” Virgil murmured. Roman just shook his head gently and closed his eyes, indicating that it was okay. Virgil continued, putting bandages on any wounds that needed them.

“Where do you keep your t-shirts?” Virgil asked. Roman pointed to the top drawer of a chest in the corner of the room. Virgil made his way over, got one out and threw it at Roman, who picked it up and gingerly put it on.

Virgil made his way back to Roman, knowing he would have to deal with his legs next. “Is it ok if I cut off your pant leg?” he asked, not wanting to strip Roman of his pants (Roman’s bare chest was fine but this felt a little too intimate) but also wanting to be able of help clean up the large wound that was on Roman’s calf. Roman looked slightly horrified, but slowly nodded. Virgil got a pair of scissors from the pen holder on Roman’s desk and cut off the pant leg at the knee. He gently peeled the fabric off the leg, which was rather difficult given that the blood had caused it to stick to the skin. Eventually he had freed the leg, which left him in full view of the large wound that was on Roman’s leg. It was a rather jagged wound, evidently caused by something like a stick or rock (or claw, Virgil thought, remembering the cut on Roman’s shoulder) and Roman’s entire calf was covered in drying blood from it. Virgil once again wiped down the skin surrounding the cut to clean it, careful not to irritate the wound as much as he could, and he gently dabbed some antiseptic cream on it.

“What caused this?” Virgil asked apprehensively. He almost didn’t want to know the answer, but he felt like he needed to, and it would be good to at least know the reason why Roman had been disappearing so much.

Roman mumbled something inaudible, a look of guilt and slight fear returning to his face.

“What was that?”

“A…. manticore-chimera,” Roman murmured, his voice barely above a whisper.

“Is that why you were going into the Imagination all those times? To fight a manticore-chimera?”

Roman nodded sheepishly, wincing sharply, although Virgil couldn’t tell whether that was due to the antiseptic cream that Virgil was now applying to the wound or in response to Virgil’s expression, which Virgil hoped masked how angry he was feeling.

How could Roman be so stupid, putting his life in danger like that to fight a bloody manticore-chimera? Was he trying to kill himself? Virgil had spent hours, days, making himself sick with worry over Roman’s disappearances, and all because he was fighting a bloody manticore-chimera! Did Roman even know how much he meant to him?

“Why would you do that?” Virgil tried to remain calm, but his anger must’ve shown because he noticed a couple of tears rolled down Roman’s cheeks, leaving tracks in the thin layer of dirt on his face. Roman took a deep breath.

“I just…. I thought…. I thought maybe if I could just prove myself, prove that I can be a hero and defeat the villain, then maybe…. maybe Thomas would consider me one again…..” Roman voice wavered and broke as he spoke, and tears continued to fall from his eyes, and he just looked so broken.

Virgil’s heart sank and his anger dissipated as he looked down at Roman. Virgil knew that the events that had happened had had a huge affect on Roman. He had spent many nights holding him as he cried, comforting him the best he could, trying to be there for him. He had tried day in a day out to prove to Roman that he was enough, more than enough, that he loved him, cared for him, more than anyone. Maybe he had failed. Maybe the damage had already been done. God, he was going to kill that snake!

Virgil drew his attention back to the wound on Roman’s leg, which he had been cleaning up while he talked, and began wrapping bandages around it, careful to put enough pressure where the padding was to stop any excess bleeding. Once this was done, he returned his attention to Roman, who was still crying, tears leaving tracks along his cheeks.

Virgil gently cupped Roman’s cheek, kneeling down next to the bed so he was more at eye level with him. “Roman, you don’t have to prove yourself. Trust me.”

Roman looked away, turning his head into Virgil’s palm in an attempt to move his face away from Virgil’s. Virgil’s heart almost snapped as Roman moved, knowing that Roman didn’t believe him.

“You don’t have to prove yourself to anyone Roman. You are enough as you are, and anyone who doesn’t see that is a complete idiot.”

Roman still didn’t turn to face Virgil.

“Roman, you know you’re my hero, right?” Virgil said, his voice gentle and quiet. Roman did turn his head at that, looking at Virgil with such broken hope, as if he desperately wanted this to be true, but couldn’t bring himself to believe it. Virgil tried to soften his expression as much as he could, trying his best to convey how genuine what he was saying was. He wanted Roman to believe it so badly it hurt.

“Roman, you’re the fire in Thomas eyes, the passion he has when he is doing something he loves, the drive he has to do it. You are the reason he gets up every day, the reason he made what he loves doing his job, because you pushed Thomas too. You are the spark that starts the fire, the wind in the sails, pushing us forward when I hold us back. You are that warmth and happiness you feel when performing or creating, the exhilaration of a new idea, the joy when people compliment creative work. You are the one who makes Thomas follow his dreams and achieve them, the one who always comes up with those clever nicknames and wordplay that make me smile, the one who allows Thomas to fall in love. You are the thrill of a new crush, the warmth of romantic love and the contentment of relationships. You love and care more deeply and truly than anyone I have ever, and while that may hurt sometimes, it is a beautiful thing to love like you do. Sure, you sometimes maybe go a little overboard with your passion and sometimes you mess up but when you make a mistake you apologise almost immediately, which is something I struggle with and really admire about you. You are the most brave, honourable, creative, loving person I know. Roman, you make us better - you make me better.”

Virgil’s voice was strong and gentle, conveying a level of emotion and genuineness that Roman was unprepared for. He wanted to believe what Virgil said was true, and on some levels he did, for it would take a very talented actor to lie so convincingly (Roman should know, he had had experience with ‘talented actors’), but some stupid little part of his brain was yelling at him that this was all a trick, that Virgil was just going to use him the same was Deceit had. Build him up only to tear him down.

Roman started crying, fully sobbing at this point. Virgil’s thumb gently rubbed his cheek, wiping away the falling tears. Virgil removed his hand for a moment and moved over to the other side of the bed, climbing on next to Roman. He wrapped his arm around Roman’s shoulders and pulled him as close as he could (being mindful of Roman’s various injuries). Roman curled up against Virgil, letting him hold him close, and sobbed into Virgil’s chest, soaking his shirt. Virgil didn’t mind though, as he simply moved his hand up and down Roman’s arm in a calming motion, allowing Roman to cry as long as he wanted. After several minutes, Roman finally calmed down and his tears stopped.

He looked up at Virgil almost guiltily. “You really mean what you said?”

Virgil nodded gently, heart breaking with the knowledge that Roman needed to double check. “Is it that hard to believe that I love you?”

Roman looked down and nodded almost imperceptibly, his head still pressed against Virgil’s chest. Virgil tightened his grip around Roman and his face into Roman’s hair. Roman took a deep, shaky breath.

“It’s just… ever since the events, ever since him… it is so much harder to believe good things about myself… or that people see good in me. I know logically that people love me, I mean they must, I’m me!” Roman said jokingly, a little bit of his normal self shining through. “But I have these insecurities, I’ve always had them, that just make it harder to truly believe it sometimes. And… ever since him, it seems almost impossible to believe that I am good, that I am worthy. He used me, flattered me, manipulated me, to get his way, and it hurt. It broke me. And I want to believe you so badly, I do, but my brain doesn’t, because believing and wanting hurt me so much last time…” Roman’s voice wavered and trailed off.

“I just thought…. that maybe if I fought something, if I acted like a hero should…. then maybe I could prove to Thomas, prove to him… prove to myself that I was a hero, that maybe I didn’t deserve everything that had happened, that maybe I was loveable. I feel like I have to prove that I really am what I am meant to be, this princely persona that I have built up, the hero I was always meant to be, because if I’m not a hero… if I’m not a prince… who am I?” Roman seemed to be talking to himself more than Virgil now, his voice becoming slightly quieter and breaking slightly as a couple of tears fell from his eyes.

“And I am just so sick of this endless game of torture I play with myself, so tired of this constant need to prove myself, so done with the stupid voices in my head picking me apart and pulling me down. I never feel like I am good enough for anything. My ideas aren’t original enough, my best isn’t good enough, I am wrong, I am broken and I just mess everything up… and I am so sick of being so fucking insecure…” Roman was openly crying now, his words punctuated by small sniffles and sobs. “Every offhand comment feels like a dagger to my heart, every single wrong look my way is magnified in my mind, everything is so personal, because being creativity you put your life and soul into your work, and when it is rejected, even the slightest bit, it feels like someone took your heart and smashed it into a thousand pieces. And I wanted it… so badly…”

Roman didn’t even need to say what ‘it’ was, Virgil already knew. The callback. The event. The thing Roman had been hoping and dreaming and wanting for as long as Virgil could remember.

“And he came along… and I wanted to do what was right, something I had messed up with you. I learnt from my mistake, I did the right thing, I was friendly and nice, and I tried so hard to not villainise him, I really did… but as always I made a mistake. I was wrong. I don’t know why I was even surprised…”

Virgil tightened his arm around Roman but didn’t say anything. He had heard snippets of this before, in the quiet nights where he had stayed with Roman while he sobbed the pain away, but this was the most he had heard Roman say about it in the longest time and he didn’t want to mess it up.

“I was so blind… I genuinely thought he liked me, that all those comments he made were genuine, until I realised… that everything he had said, every compliment, every nice word my way, was just another lie, that he never really thought those things… and to tell you that hurt was an understatement. It crushed me… crushed the life out of me… I tried so hard to do the right thing, I really did. I really tried…”

“All I ever wanted was to be a hero… all I ever did was want…”

Virgil gently stroked Roman’s arm as he cried the last of his tears. “It’s okay,” he murmured into Roman’s hair. “It’s okay.”

“Do you really love me, Virgil?” Roman mumbled, almost inaudibly.

“Roman, I love you more than I have loved anyone else. I care for you, so much. And if you don’t believe me now, that’s okay, because I am more than happy to spend the rest of my life doing whatever it takes to convince you that I care and that you are worthy of love.”

Roman moved his arms so that they were wrapped around Virgil’s torso and squeezed gently. “I love you too Virgil… so much… thank you.” The words were almost inaudible given that Roman had mumbled them into Virgil’s hoodie, but he still heard them and planted a small kiss on Roman’s forehead in response. Virgil was about to say something else when he heard small snores coming from Roman. He smiled gently, knowing that Roman was probably exhausted (he did faint earlier) and that he needed the sleep. Virgil adjusted his position so that he was lying down more, once again careful not to apply any pressure to Roman’s injuries, and wrapped his arms gently around the sleeping prince. He planted a kiss on Roman’s forehead and let himself drift off to sleep, safe in the knowledge that Roman was protected in his arms.

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[innocent-chris-evans-slut]

Bi(e)tter Life - Part One

My Masterlist ✨

Requests are open.

Bitter Life - Chapter One 

Steve Rogers x enhanced!Reader 

Word Count: 1,5k

Type: 

Summary: Steve Rogers is determined to take down all the HYDRA agents still operating. Among them, he knows there is his childhood best friend, Bucky, but he still doesn’t know he isn’t the only person from his past coming back to life. 

Warning(s): mention of war, blood

Intro

Has anyone ever asked himself what made Steve Rogers so bitter towards life, up to the point that, after being brought back from the ice, he never allowed himself to get involved with someone?

During the war he had lost everyone he truly cared about: his best friend, his girl, and someone he didn’t know he would miss that much also seventy years later.

After the battle with Ultron, almost everything came back to normality. Tony Stark went back to take care of the Stark Industries with Pepper, leaving the Avengers Compound to Steve, Natasha and the recruits -which had been already labeled as the ‘New Avengers’.

Although she didn’t want anybody to know it, especially Steve, Natasha had been searching the remaining agents working for HYDRA. She had been able to put down two bases alone and kill those who were trying to escape. Though she came across some documents which Steve would have read.

That’s why that morning she woke up early and, after a one-hour-long work out, she went straight to the Captain’s office with the papers in her hands.

“Good morning, Steve.”

“’Morning, Natasha”, he didn’t bother to raise his eyes from the computer screen, “Do you need my help?”

The red-haired girl sat down in front of him and handed him the papers she was taking with her, “You should have a look”. Natasha stayed there in silence as Steve read all the information about new HYDRA’s targets.

He wasn’t surprised to find a lot of names belonging to ex SHIELD agents. What hurt him was to read Bucky’s name and acknowledge how dangerous he was.

“Why is this name blanked?”

Steve was referring to a hidden name, though a description wasn’t missing: potentially dangerous, enhanced individual, can control elemental elements.

“Do we know anything else about them?” everything else wasn’t important anymore to the Captain. His attention was completely on finding the targets -in particular the ‘enhanced individual’.

1945, August 5th

“Richard, do you copy? Richard!”

You were desperately trying to call your friend through the walkie-talkie you had stolen from the men you were escaping from, but he didn’t answer to you.

You tried another couple of times to call his name, but he never answered. You were starting to get worried and for a moment you thought about going back inside and rescuing him, then you heard a bang coming from the small object next to you and you jumped, scared.

“Richard!” you called again, but nothing came from the other end of the receptacle. You made your mind, and you were about to head back inside, when someone called your name.

“We know where to find you, Agent 749. We’re coming for you.”

You hang up, threw the receiver among the trees in the forest and began to run away from the cave you’d found refuge. You didn’t forget to ‘clean’ the place and redirect their researches towards the opposite direction you were headed.

You had been running for hours, probably days, when you stopped somewhere in the forest, near to a river. Though you were hidden in the woods, you could clearly hear noises characteristic of a city. From the map in your hands, you could state you were near to Hiroshima. The sun was setting, so you decided to stop where the woods were thicker -where hopefully no one would have found you.

You placed your backpack on the grass and started building the tent in which you were supposed to sleep that night. Once you were done, you set your sleeping bag on the ground and sat on it, after having closed the door of the tent.

You looked down at your legs and you noticed you were bleeding. Very much. You picked up your first aid kit and disinfected the wound, then you stitched it. Once you were done, you put everything away and focused on your ‘dinner’: a can of tuna and an apple gathered from a tree. While eating, you kept staring at your backpack -placed next to the entrance of the tent- and at all the pins on it.

When you were a child, you liked collecting pins with your friends. You would find them on the floor, in pubs where, probably, former soldiers had left them, and, your favorite place, in the park. You used to spend the entire day in the park with your best friends, having picnics, playing with the ball, and doing a lot of stupid things.

The States. Your homeland and where you wished you could go back instantly. You missed your family, your house, your friends -and they missed you too-, but going back home would have costed your life, and probably theirs, too.

You remembered clearly the night you escaped from the prison you were caged in, and almost immediately you understood you couldn’t ever go back to Brooklyn, without the people you were running from knowing you were back. You had also tried to send your family some letters to let them know you were alive and, though your situation wasn’t pleasant, you really wanted them to think that you were okay -and not dead-, but probably they never got them, because you’d never got an answer from them.

With that thought in your mind, you closed your eyes and, even though your spot wasn’t comfortable at all, you fell asleep almost immediately, hoping that the next day would take away all your problems.

It was early in the morning when you got woken up by people screaming. What did you get up all of a sudden was that the screams were too close to you and, checking on the map, you stated that you were far away from the city center.

You got up and made your way out of your tent. When you arrived there the night before, that place was green, full of trees, animals and now that you were looking at it, there was nothing.

The trees were burning. The grass was on fire. The animals were suffocating due to the dense smoke coming from the burning woods. You weren’t doing better; as you tried to breathe in, you coughed really bad and the more you tried it, the more your lungs hurt, and your throat burned. After a minute being exposed to those gases you found it hard to breathe and you fell on your knees. You tried to scream for help at the top of your lungs, but no one could help you.

Then, all of a sudden, you heard an explosion, and everything went black.

You passed out.

Years before

“Guys, I’ve taken my decision. The doctor will better me and you’ll see the results.”

“Steve, why do you wanna do this? You’re perfect the way you are. Bucky and I love you like this”, you tried to convince him, but you knew better than anyone else that no one could have changed his mind -because you were just like him, “Just think about it a little more”.

“I’ve already made my mind, Cherry”, the thin, blonde guy hugged you and placed a kiss on your forehead, “Will you come with me?”

You blinked a couple of times before actually answering his question: of course, you would have loved to go with him. Though you thought you would have needed some kind of support from your other best friend, Bucky, but he was in Europe, fighting the Nazis.

“I will fight in Europe. I will kick Hitler’s ass myself”, Steve sat down on a bench and ‘forced’ you to do the same, “Once the war will be over, and the U.S. will have won, I’ll come back together with Bucky and we will be together again”.

The day after you woke up really early in order to be next to your best friend. He repeatedly told you that you would have been reserved a special seat among representatives from all countries.

That morning Ms. Peggy Carter came to pick you up from your homes and, after having explained you what was going to happen to your friend, tried to get you at ease. Once you arrived, you were left alone while Ms. Carter prepared Steve for the procedure together with the doctor and another man, you recognized being Mr. Stark -the brightest mind around the world.

A guard took you upstairs, from where you could have a better view. You were told to sit down between two men and they smiled at you as you entered from the door. When everybody was ready to begin, the German doctor filled Steve with penicillin and then gave him the serum.

Everything happened in less than five minutes; a more solid, tall and muscular version on your childhood friend Steve came out of the pod, then you heard a bang and, afraid of what could happen, you passed out.

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Warriors Rewrite Pt 6: The Darkest Hour

Quick notes: Sasha is a tortoiseshell point siamese. Also, thanks so much for your patience while I finished up the last few posts for this series. Your long wait will now be rewarded!!

The plot of the prologue is the same; Tigerstar goes into the city to recruit Bloodclan's help. The difference here is the chapter is in Scourge's POV. That way we can get a little background on him, Bloodclan, and his feelings about Tigerstar without the context of "The Rise of Scourge" manga

Fireheart, Mosscloud, Mistyfoot, and Stonefur bring Bluestar's body home. The camp is still empty, and Fireheart leaves to fetch the clan. This gives the littermates extra time alone with their mother to grieve. At Sunningrocks, Fireheart gives the clan the news of Bluestar's death, then leads them back to the ravine

Back home the clan catches the visiting Riverclan cats laying with Bluestar, which forces Fireheart to divulge the secret of their heritage before any cat can get mad at them. Fireheart thanks Mistyfoot and Stonefur for their help once again and sends them home

Fireheart climbs Highrock to address the clan on his own for the first time. Tawnypaw steps up to ask if he is their leader now. Fireheart nods, but Darkstripe objects. He mutters some crap about Fireheart being a kittypet and how wrong it is, but Longtail shuts him down. He reminds Darkstripe of the Warrior Code: the deputy becomes leader once the previous leader has died.

After the mourning of Bluestar and after patrols have been set, Fireheart and Ravensong get ready to travel to mothermouth. While the medicine cat prepares traveling herbs, Fireheart asks Cinderpath to keep an eye on Darkstripe from now on until they see where his loyalties lie. Then he puts Whitestorm in charge until he returns with his nine lives. After they've taken their herbs, Fireheart and Ravensong head out.

Naturally, Fireheart is nervous when they get to highstones. He knows cats will expect him to be noble and wise now that he's going to be leader, but Ravensong reassures his friend that everything will be fine and cats will understand that he can and will make some mistakes, especially in the beginning. But there's no reason to worry. Feeling better, the two toms slip into mothermouth, sworn to silence until the ceremony ends

Fireheart puts his nose to the moonstone when they lay beside the giant sparkling rock, waiting for sleep to come. When it does, Starclan greets him once he wakes up in his dreams

Nostalgia, grief, and excitement flood Fireheart as each cat steps up to give him a life. Each life causes pain, but he knows there is a purpose to it and takes it all in stride.

Redtail gives him justice as his first life. The previous deputy takes this moment to thank Fireheart for all of his efforts; for revealing the truth about his death and about Tigerstar's ambitions. He promises to continue to watch over and guide him even now as the young tom moves on to become leader. Fireheart thanks him in return before the tortoiseshell tom moves back to allow the next cat to step forward

Lionheart steps up next, giving Fireheat a life for courage. Next comes Thrushpelt, giving a life for loyalty to what you know to be right. After comes Runningwind, giving Fireheart a life for tireless energy. Then Brindleface steps up, granting him a life for protection. Pigeonpaw follows with a life for mentoring. Fireheart tries to apologize to the young apprentice for what happened to him, but the tabby doesn't stick around to hear it. Yellowfang replaces the apprentice to give Fireheart a life for compassion. When she returns to her place, Rosetail steps forward to give Fireheart a life for love. Finally, Bluestar steps forward. She hesitates a moment to exchange a tender nose touch with Rosetail before approaching Fireheart. She gives him a life for faith, then tells him how she'd always known he'd succeed her. With nine lives earned, the tom is hailed by his new name: Firestar

When he expects to wake up by the moonstone, Firestar's actually thrown into a vision. He sees a hill of bones towering before him, a lake of blood seeping from the base to surround his paws. A voice which sounds like all of Starclan echos around him "Four will become two. Lion and Tiger will meet in battle, and Blood will seep into the forest."

Firestar is thrown out of his dreams immediately afterwards. Ravensong rushes him out of the cave so they can finally speak. He knows something interrupted the end of the leader's ceremony, but decides to wait for Firestar to be ready to talk about it. The two decide to get home asap

Back at camp, after a good nap and a meal, Firestar thinks about who he wants as deputy. When moon high rolls around he's made his decision. He emerges and climbs Highrock to call a clan meeting. Then, as tradition follows, he names Whitestorm as his deputy

The next day, Firestar's returning home from training with Tawnypaw when he notices Sorrelkit following Darkstripe by the top of the ravine. Firestar decides to see what's going on with them. Tawnypaw runs ahead to scope things out. A heartbeat later she cries out and Firestar hurries over. Sorrelkit's crumpled on the ground and Cinderpath's there, pinning Darkstripe. Firestar sends Tawnypaw into camp to get Ravensong so he can check on the kit. When they get back, the medicine cat discovers the kitten has swallowed deathberries. He's quick to feed her yarrow to help expel the poison, then takes her to his den so she can be monitored. Firestar drags Darkstripe back into camp and orders him to stay there or else. Then he asks Cinderpath about what happened. The warrior tells him that she saw her brother feed the berries to Sorrelkit, but Darkstripe tries to deny it. In the end its decided that they'll wait to hear the kit's side of the story so they don't just jump to conclusions

While waiting to hear from Sorrelkit, Firestar decides to take the older apprentices out for a warrior assessment. As leader, he can finally give them their names just as they've deserved. Just like expected the young cats pass the test with flying colors

A little later, after some thought and some discussion with the elders, Firestar calls a clan meeting. Thornpaw is named a warrior: Thornclaw. Fernpaw is named Ferncloud, and Ashpaw is named Ashfall. The clan cheers for the new warriors but Firestar interuppts; he's not done yet. Changing up the ceremony a bit, he calls forth Snowear, Lostface, and Tornheart. He doesn't think they deserve the horrible names they were granted, and so he's figured out a way to give them new ones. The warriors are renamed Snowstorm, Brightheart, and Swiftstrike. No cat had ever seen three warriors happier to be named.

The next morning brings good news: Sorrelkit is awake and ready to talk about what happened. Firestar eagerly goes to the medicine den to hear her out. The kitten seems a little shaky but tells her story with good detail. Sorrelkit had been restless during naptime and decided to sneak out to the ravine to try and catch a mouse. She'd noticed Darkstripe heading up the ravine alone, even though Cinderpath should be with him. So in her sister's place, Sorrelkit decided to follow her big brother. She kept herself hidden for a good distance and saw Darkstripe meet with a strange smelling cat. The description of the cat reveals them to be Blackfoot of Shadowclan. Sorrelkit then explains she'd gotten scared and ran home. When she'd reached the camp boundary, Darkstripe had caught up to her. Instead of being mad, he praised her for being clever, then took her to a bush a few paces away from the top of the ravine for a treat. The red berries he'd shown her looked so tasty so she hadn't hesitated to eat one. The last thing Sorrelkit remembers is her throat burning and feeling closed before everything went dark.

Firestar's quick to call a clan meeting after hearing Sorrelkit's tale. He summons Darkstripe forward towards Highrock, dragged there by Cinderpath and Whitestorm. To the clan, Firestar briefly explains what the kitten has said: Darkstripe poisoned Sorrelkit. Darkstripe denies this, claiming the kit is lying, and that it's just like a cat of Shadowclan blood to come up with such outrageous stories. Willowpelt snaps that that's no way for him to talk about his kit sister. Darkstripe spits that the little scrap of fur isn't any more his sister than a mouse is.

Firestar interrupts the family squabbling to question Darkstripe about something else Sorrelkit had mentioned: that Darkstripe was meeting with Blackfoot. Firestar wants to know what Tigerstar is planning, and he knows the dark tabby warrior is still in touch with the enemy leader-as proven by his meeting with the Shadowclan deputy on Thunderclan territory. Darkstripe is stunned into silence as the clan shouts out that he is a traitor. He refuses to explain himself to a kittypet, which riles the clan up more. He looks at the cats around him then takes off, pushing his way past the crowd and out of camp. Cloudtail shouts after him that he knows what will be waiting if he comes back. The clan turns back to Firestar and asks him what he thinks of the matter. The new leader sighs and declares Darkstripe is no longer a member of Thunderclan. If he's spotted on the territory he is to be chased off. With all that done, the meeting is dismissed

A few days later, Firestar goes on a border patrol. He spots Mistyfoot by the border and they chat briefly about clan news. Firestar notices she's looking thinner than the last time they met and he asks if everything is ok. Mistyfoot is unsure. She elaborates, telling Firestar that she and her brother have confessed their heritage to all of Riverclan. The clan seems to treat them differently but they're sure to reaffirm their loyalty in no time. She also mentions Leopardstar; she's been meeting with Tigerstar more frequently. Mistyfoot has no clue what could be going on, and Stonefur is being kept uninformed. There's also been some Shadowclan warriors permanently stationed in Riverclan camp. It's a big mystery as to why. Mistyfoot suddenly catches herself, feeling like she's spoken with the enemy leader too long. Firestar understand and the two part ways. As he meets with the rest of his patrol, Firestar wonders what Tigerstar could be planning with Riverclan.

Yet another few days pass and its time for another gathering. Firestar's decided to deny Tigerstar's request from the last one; Thunderclan will keep Tawnypaw and Bramblepaw. As a precaution, the two apprentices will not be taken to tonight's meeting at Fourtrees.

Riverclan and Shadowclan are late to the gathering this moon. Firestar worries about what may be delaying them, as does Tallstar. Clouds threaten to cover the moon and just when it seems the meeting will be cancelled, the other clans arrive. Firestar's quick to notice a few choice cats missing from the groups. Graystripe, Silverstream, Featherpaw, and Stormpaw don't seem to have been invited to the gathering. Mistyfoot and her kits are not here either, nor is her brother Stonefur despite him being Riverclan's deputy. Finally Firestar realizes the medicine cats have been excluded from both clans' patrols. It's extremely odd, and Firestar can't help but feel concern

Tigerstar is quick to leap onto the Great Rock and make an announcement. Change is coming to the forest, and he believes that it is his duty-and Shadowclan's-to prepare every cat for it. Tigerstar declares that the clans must unite into one. Riverclan has already agreed to join with Shadowclan to form Tigerclan, and together he and Leopardstar rule. Tallstar steps forward on the Great Rock, bristling with fury. He thinks this idea of Tigerstar's is ridiculous, and he'd rather die than join Windclan with Tigerclan. Firestar seconds Tallstar's decision; Tigerstar will never be allowed to gain control of Thunderclan.

With the floor open to him, Firestar decides this is a perfect time to tell the clans of Tigerstar's crimes. But when he starts to talk about it, thunder crashes and rain pours down. Tigerstar declares it to be a sign from Starclan in his favor. The gathering is quickly dismissed. On the way home Firestar can't help but think about the vision he had at the moonstone. "Tiger" clearly represents Tigerclan. But who or what does "Lion" stand for? And would the clash of these two forces soak the forest in blood?

To take his mind off of Tigerstar, Firestar decides to take Mosscloud, Bramblepaw, and his own apprentice for some battle practice come sunhigh. Though the young molly is the daughter of the enemy leader, she presents more like her mother. Tawnypaw is a clever cat, stern at times, but fair and level headed. She doesn't allow insults and rude comments to drag her down. It was also clear how fiercely loyal she was, showing her eagerness to defend her clan in the way she learned to fight. Firestar saw great potential in her. He was proud of how she was turning out, and proud of Bramblepaw too. Over the past few moons the leader had come to know these two young cats to quell his fear that they may turn out like their father. Now Firestar has a great respect for these cats, not as kin of an evil leader, but as brave future warriors of Thunderclan

While they train, Bramblepaw asks Firestar why it would be so bad for them to join Tigerclan. Mosscloud explains the forest was always meant to have four clans. Firestar chimes in that it would also mean the end of Thunderclan. Tigerstar can't be trusted to allow four leaders to rule; Firestar knows the enemy leader will not want to share that power. Bramblepaw says he understands, but he seems deep in thought throughout the rest of the training session. Firestar wonders if the young tom is thinking about his loyalties.

At the end of the training session, Firestar sends the apprentices off to hunt. Mosscloud disappears into the undergrowth to do the same but reappears to Firestar a short while later. There's another cat with her who wishes to speak with him. Mosscloud returns to hunting while Firestar and the stranger have a conversation. The new cat is a rouge who goes by the name of Sasha. Sasha explains that she used to be a kittypet until her housefolk moved away. A few moons back she had met a tom by the name of Tigerstar who'd taken away her collar and had grown close to her. She was in love with him for a while, almost tempted to take his offer to join his clan. One day when she had made her decision, and was on her way to Shadowclan, she spotted the tabby tom out in the woods speaking with another cat. He was boasting about soon ruling the forest, and not caring for anyone who'd dare get in his way. He'd happily shred all his enemies and watch his subjects tremble before him at the bloody sight. Scared, Sasha fled, and has been looking for a new home ever since. Originally she tried to go to Riverclan, but had spotted Tigerstar there. And now she has come to Thunderclan seeking refuge. If not for herself, then at least for the unborn kits inside of her.

Firestar feels sympathy for the rouge queen and invites her back to camp with him. On the way, he asks Sasha if Tigerstar is the father of her kits. Sasha confirms this to be so. For her safety, and the safety of her kittens, Firestar requests that no cat finds out about this information. If she needs to confide in another cat, however, then she can at least trust Goldenflower. Firestar tells the rouge that the golden molly is also mother to a litter of Tigerstar's kits and the two queens may be able to bond through this connection. Firestar is quick to settle Sasha into Thunderclan's nursery when they reach the ravine, introducing her to Goldenflower. Then he jumps onto Highrock to call a meeting and introduce the clan to their new queen. He tells his clanmates of the rouge's need for shelter, and persuades them that these new cats will be good for Thunderclan's ranks. There's a few murmurs of disapproval but overall Sasha is accepted without a fight.

Firestar goes back out into the forest to hunt. He stops by a stream to take a quick drink and is surprised by what he sees in the reflection of the water. At first, all he can see is himself, but then his form starts to morph. Around his head and neck, long fur starts to grow outward into a firey mane. His face largens and elongates, until finally Firestar's reflection looks more like that of a lion than a cat. Firestar jumps back with a yowl. When he looks into the stream again, his reflection has returned to normal. Was this a sign from Starclan? Did this mean he was the "Lion" from his moonstone vision, meant to lead Lionclan into battle against Tigerclan? Firestar realizes it must be so

Later that evening when Firestar returns home, Bramblepaw runs up to him sounding frustrated and upset. The young apprentice tells his leader about the nasty comments Smallear has been saying about him. And it wasn't just the one elder, the other elders would pitch in sometimes and so would Finchpaw, Swiftstrike, Ashfall, and Cloudtail. This has been going on for a while, and Smallear's remakes tonight have pushed Bramblepaw over the edge. The apprentice had been a little late changing bedding and Smallear said Tigerstar hated caring for elders too, so that meant Bramblepaw was on his way towards becoming just like his father. Firestar pulls Bramblepaw close and grooms him to help calm the young tom down. He assures the apprentice that he is nothing like his father, and that he will have a word with the cats that keep bothering him. Bramblepaw calms down enough to walk away, going to talk with his sister in the apprentice's den.

Two days pass. It's very early in the morning, the first light of dawn is sneaking past the horizon. Firestar is asleep in his den when a cat comes bursting in, startling him awake. Its Goldenflower, frantic and crying. She says that Bramblepaw is gone. Firestar jumps to his paws, asking if the queen is sure. Maybe Bramblepaw was out on dawn patrol, or off doing some early hunting with Mosscloud. But Goldenflower tells him neither is the case. She asked Whitestorm if her son was on patrol, but Whitestorm hadn't assigned him to any. And Mosscloud hadn't seen her apprentice since sundown. Goldenflower couldn't even recall seeing Bramblepaw come home last night. Firestar decides to find out where the apprentice has gone. And if anybody knows, it'll have to be Tawnypaw. Firestar wakes his apprentice, calling her out from her den. Her mother curls herself around Tawnypaw asking her where Bramblepaw is. At first Tawnypaw tries to say she doesn't know, but Firestar asks if she's sure about that. Lowering her head, she says no, and that she's well aware of where her brother's gone. Bramblepaw left to join Shadowclan

Goldenflower wails in distress at the news. Firestar asks why Bramblepaw would run away. Tawnypaw tears up, looking at her mentor sadly. She says its because Bramblepaw grew tired of cats hating him because he looked like Tigerstar. Cats thought he'd turn out like their father, so Bramblepaw decided to go somewhere where being Tigerstar's son wouldn't be a bad thing. Tawnypaw admits she'd thought of doing the same, but decided against it because her loyalties would only ever be towards Thunderclan. Tawnypaw swears she's going to make something of herself and prove to everyone that she can be an honorable warrior for the clan. Firestar gives her a few calming licks then sends the two she-cats on their way to comfort each other for the departure of Bramblepaw. Firestar goes to fetch Sandstorm so they can cuddle and talk about how he's feeling.

During the next afternoon, Firestar takes Cinderpath, Sandstorm, and Brightheart on patrol with him to check out the Riverclan border. When they get there, Brightheart remarks that she can smell Graystripe coming. Firestar turns and sure enough here comes his best friend, swimming swiftly across the river. But there's a haunted look on the gray tom's face, and when he emerges from the water its clear to see why. Graystripe's soaked fur sticks to his sides, revealing him to be incredibly thin under his long fluff. His eyes are hollow and he looks to be in terrible condition. Shocked, Firestar covers his friend in licks demanding to know what has become of him. Graystripe tells the leader about Tigerstar's takeover. Riverclan and Shadowclan are merged but Brokenstar's old allies seem to run most of the show under the tabby's rule. They gorge themselves on prey with little regard for waste, while regular members of Shadowclan and Riverclan do most of the laborious work. Leopardstar never speaks up about the treatment towards her clan, allowing Tigerstar to do whatever he pleases. And what's worse, all cats deemed to have "unpure blood" have been gathered and kept as prisoners. Graystripe and his family are included in this bunch as well as Mistyfoot and her kits, and Stonefur. Tigerclan barely feeds them and keeps their prisoners contained in a makeshift den in the clan's new camp. Graystripe managed to squeeze through a hole in the wall of their prison, promising to return with help.

Graystripe starts to sob suddenly, pulling back to look Firestar in the eyes. He begins to speak about a trial that Tigerstar is planning to hold. One that will test the loyalty of all the halfclan cats. Graystripe looks scared out of his fur as he whispers to his best friend, "They're going to kill my kits." Then he hides his face on Firestar's chest. Sandstorm walks over to press herself into Graystripe comfortingly. Graystripe starts to cry about how he and Silverstream should never have left Thunderclan after their kits were born. And how he shouldn't have abandoned Firestar, his best friend, his closest ally, the cat he loves. Firestar's shocked to hear the words, pulling back to look at Graystripe. Graystripe says he loves him again, and Firestar confesses he feels the same way. Sandstorm chuckles, admitting she knew the toms had feelings for one another. She doesn't mind if Firestar wants Graystripe as a mate along with her, as long as he'd love them both equally. Firestar promises he does, and proposes the same thing to Graystripe about himself and Silverstream. Graystripe agrees. Finally he begs Firestar to help save his family and the other imprisoned Riverclan cats. Firestar of course agrees and Sandstorm decides to go with them on the rescue mission.

Brightheart and Cinderpath go home and promise to come with backup if they aren't back by sundown. Firestar and Sandstorm follow Graystripe over stepping stones and into Riverclan territory. They pass Riverclan's camp, smelling something foul as they get closer to their destination. From the undergrowth, Firestar can see a small stream polluted by crowfood. And at the end of the trail is a large mound of preybones. It towers high, reeking of rotten meat so badly it makes Firestar's eyes water. Graystripe explains that this is Tigerclan camp, and that mound is Bonehill, which is basically like Highrock. Tigerstar is seen demonstrating this as he climbs up the bones and calls a clan meeting. He declares that it's time for the trials to begin

Some of the halfclan prisoners are brought out to stand before the Bonehill. They all look just as thin as Graystripe, and the younger cats among them looked terrified. Stonefur stands protective and tall over Graystripe's kits, casting hatred filled glares at Tigerstar and Leopardstar who sits at the Bonehill's base, watching everything without a care or a sign of interest. Cats cheer as Tigerstar begins to make a speech, riling up the crowd and turning them against the halfclan cats. Through the group, Firestar sees Darkstripe and flexes his claws in anger, thinking of how treacherous the dark tabby is. Then Firestar spots Bramblepaw sitting not too far from Leopardstar. He looks very uncomfortable to say the least, his gaze shifting from Tigerstar to Graystripe's kits and back again every so often.

Stonefur tries to quell the clan's hatred, reminding cats that he and Mistyfoot have always been loyal to Riverclan. Plus they'd only found out about Bluestar being their mother a few moons ago. Tigerstar doesn't care. He challenges Stonefur, telling him that if he wants to prove his loyalty so badly, then he must kill the two halfclan apprentices beneath him. Stonefur outright refuses. Tigerstar doesn't hesitate to send Blackfoot to attack and attempt to kill the deputy for his disobedience.

As they fight, a yowl breaks out through the crowd. It's Bramblepaw. Blackfoot and Stonefur pause in their death battle as the young apprentice steps in front of them to speak. Bramblepaw can't stand to watch these innocent cats die. He tries his best to persuade his father that these cats aren't bad. He reminds Tigerstar that since he is Shadowclan's leader, and Goldenflower is from Thunderclan, technically his kits are halfclan. If Tigerstar wants to purge the forest of all halfclan cats, then he'd have to get rid of Bramblepaw too. For a moment Tigerstar is silent and Firestar thinks the little tom has gotten through to him. But then, coldly, Tigerstar responds "So be it." He calls Blackfoot off Stonefur to attack Bramblepaw instead. There is no remorse shown as the tabby watches his own son be torn apart. After Bramblepaw has died, Tigerstar sends the halfclan cats away for the time being

Firestar feels sick at the sight of the young tom murdered so brutally right in front of him. Sandstorm consoles him while Graystripe points out that this is why he's so persistent about rescuing Silverstream and his kits. Firestar better understands now and has Graystripe show him the den the prisoners are held in and where he escaped from. The three warriors make it to a badly crafted makeshift den. Its formed out of thornbushes and sloppily tied together. Its easy to peer inside the den through the small gaps between the tangled branches. Sandstorm confirms she can see all the prisoners in there. Graystripe and Firestar nod. Immediately they begin to dig at the hole which was used by the gray warrior to escape, while Sandstorm keeps a lookout. The toms make the exit wider so more cats can slip out at a time. When it's big enough, Firestar pops his head inside and guides the cats out. Graystripe herds them along while Firestar ensures everyone's made it out. Before they run away, Firestar goes into the empty clearing by Bonehill to pay his last respects to Bramblepaw, who's body still lays where he had died. Firestar gives the young tom a lick and apologizes for not protecting him. He promises to tell Goldenflower about how brave he was. Then, as the sounds of cats approaching grows, Firestar returns to the rescue party

They run away as Tigerclan starts to realize the prisoners have escaped. The rescue party gets chased all the way to stepping stones and across the river. Luckily its passed sundown so Cinderpath and Brightheart have returned with a backup patrol. Thunderclan fights off the offending Tigerclan warriors, taking the prisoners into their ranks and directing them to camp. When the enemy is defeated the warriors all return home, eager to hear what Firestar's discovered on this mission

Firestar waits to tell the clan his news, going straight for the nursery. Inside he finds Goldenflower and Sasha talking while watching Willowpelt's kits. Firestar asks to speak with the golden queen alone for a few moments. Sasha herds the kits out of the den. Then, Firestar breaks the news of Bramblepaw's death. Goldenflower wails so loud cats outside are bound to hear it. In fact they do, as Tawnypaw comes to find out what's wrong with her mother. Goldenflower grabs Tawnypaw and cuddles her closely as she cries and tells her daughter the fate of her littermate. Tawnypaw begins to sob but does so quieter than her mother. Goldenflower swears vengeance on Tigerstar, wanting to tear up his hide not just for watching, but for ordering the death of their son. Firestar leaves to let the mollies grieve together in peace.

Firestar calls the clan together. He speaks about the horrors he had seen in Tigerclan's camp and about the trial held against halfclan cats. He speaks of Bramblepaw's bravery in the face of this barbaric ritual, and of his sacrifice. Then Firestar introduces the former Tigerclan prisoners, telling Thunderclan that these cats have a place here until the threat has been eliminated. Dustpelt remarks that he's sorry for what's happened to these cats, but how will the clan feed them? It's leaf-bare and the clan can only catch enough for themselves. Stonefur steps up, assuring that while his companions stay here they won't be a burden to the clan. They're all more than happy to help hunt in order to hold their keep. And the apprentices could help tend to the elders and queens on top of hunting. Firestar agrees to this plan.

Another order of business is then addressed. Firestar tells Thunderclan about the visions Starclan has sent him recently. Seeing Tigerclan's camp proved to him that the joint clan was the "Tiger" in the omen, and that they were to be "Lion". But in order to fight the enemy, their numbers would need to rise. It's decided that Firestar will try to recruit Windclan as their ally, and temporarily form "Lionclan".

Just as they are getting into discussing this, Onewhisker comes bursting through barrier to Thunderclan's camp. He tells Firestar that Tigerclan is attacking Windclan. No time is wasted in rounding up a battle patrol and sending it along with the battered warrior. By the time they reach Windclan camp the battle is already over. In the clearing, a cat lays curled around the body of another. It's Morningflower, mourning over Gorsepaw. Tigerstar murdered him to show the clan what can be expected if they do not join him. Tallstar takes this moment to pull Firestar aside and tells him about another message Tigerstar left. The leaders are to meet him at Fourtrees by sunhigh the next day, ready to decide if they will join Tigerclan or not. Clearly neither leader wants to join, but they'll go to the meeting regardless. Firestar and Tallstar agree to bring warriors with them, to form Lionclan and fight against Tigerclan when they inevitably attack them for not becoming one clan.

The next afternoon brings with it a metaphorical shadow of darkness. Lionclan joins together to stand in front of Tigerclan at Fourtrees. The rival clan surrounds the clearing, looking ready to pounce if given the order to. Tigerstar steps forward, asking if Tallstar and Firestar are ready to join him. Of course they say no.

More cats suddenly emerge into the clearing around Tigerclan, both strange in smell and appearance. Many of the new cats are battle scarred, and some of them are wearing collars with dog and cat teeth sticking out of them. Coming to stand beside Tigerstar is a huge black and white tom. Firestar assumes that he's the leader of these odd cats. Then a much smaller tom steps out to stand at Tigerstar's other side. This tom has piercing ice blue eyes, a bloodied collar around his neck, and claws that seem to be reinforced with large dog-teeth on his front paws. He doesn't seem like much, Firestar thinks at first. But as he stares at the little cat more, he begins to realize that the tom is familiar. This stranger looks exactly like the kitten Quince, the worried kittypet queen, had talked about losing back when Firestar was still living with twolegs. Could that really be the same cat? Tigerstar introduces this new group of cats as Bloodclan. He brought them from Twolegplace to aid in the elimination of Thunderclan and Windclan, since he knew they wouldn't join him.

Tigerstar immediately orders Bloodclan to attack his enemies. But no cat moves. The little black cat at Tigerstar's side speaks up. He introduces himself as Scourge, the leader of Bloodclan. His associate introduces himself as Bone, Bloodclan's second in command. He continues speaking for Scourge, growling threateningly at Tigerstar. He tells the tabby that only Scourge can command Bloodclan, no one would so much as flex a claw without his say-so. Firestar takes this opportunity to step forward and speak. He wants to convince these newcomers that they should not follow Tigerstar or trust him. At this time he tells all cats in attendance about what Tigerclan's leader has done since his days in Thunderclan.

Everyone is shocked. But Scourge seems unsuprised. Tigerstar tells him that none of what he's done in the past matters now. He's willing to give Bloodclan a share of the forest if they fight beside him. Firestar interjects, saying that Tigerstar will not give up even a pawprint of his kingdom or his power to anyone. Scourge seems to consider this, then moves to whisper into Bone's ear. Bone speaks up, declaring that time needs to be spent thinking over this new information. A battle will not be fought today.

Tigerstar yowls at Scourge, calling him a traitor. Goldenflower suddenly pipes up, pushing her way through the crowd to stand beside Firestar. She tells Tigerstar that it is he who is the traitor. He has no loyalty towards anyone; not his birth clan, to his new clan, his mates, or even his kits. She bares her teeth, asking the tom how he could be so cruel as to order his own son to be slaughtered. She looks towards Scourge, asking if this is really a cat he wants to ally himself with. If he really wants to partner himself with a remorseless, murderous monster. Scourge sways his tail with interest, almost smirking. Tigerstar snarls, launching himself at his ex-mate. Goldenflower wrestles around with the tom bravely, kicking his ass pretty well.

Tigerstar ends up bloody and lifeless on the floor with Goldenflower standing over him, eyes blazing and fur bristled with fury. No cat seems to want to get in her way, with the exception of Scourge. The little cat pads over to the queen, giving her a smirk and a raised tail. He comments that she'd make an excellent edition to Bloodclan. Confused and surprised by the remark, Goldenflower stares at him. She's distracted long enough for Tigerstar to wake up from losing his first life

After a moment of gaining his composure, Tigerstar throws himself at Scourge. Scourge dodges the attack, slipping beneath the much larger tabby with claws outstretched. He knocks Tigerstar onto his back and puts his dog-teeth claws onto him, slicing the Tigerclan leader open from neck to tail base. All the cats in the clearing watch as Tigerstar bleeds out and dies in front of them. When he revives, this happens another seven times until Tigerstar lays dead permanently. Then Scourge says the famous words, "your friend here thought he could control us... He was wrong."

Tallstar shakily tries to reason that the clans merely want to live out their lives in peace, not control anyone. They ask Bloodclan to leave now, apologizing for the lies Tigerstar had brought them there with. Bone steps forward to stand beside his leader. They speak quietly for a moment before Bone starts an announcement. Bloodclan does not want to leave the forest. In fact, they want to take it all. But Scourge will be fair and allow the clans three days to decide if they'll give it up, or fight on the fourth day to keep it.

When Bloodclan departs, the three remaining leaders gather together to speak with one another. Firestar and Tallstar are in immediate agreement that they're ready to fight to keep their homes. Leopardstar, however, is far less eager. In fact, she seems lost, scared even. She needs more time to decide what to do. The leaders agree to meet on the dawn of the third day to see what decision they've all made. With that, the clans depart

The next two days in Thunderclan are spent training. Every cat-from kit, to warrior, to elder-practices battling. Firestar wants everyone prepared in case Bloodclan manages to win and head for the camp to drive them all out. Firestar notices one cat in particular working extra hard. Stonefur stays out a lot of the time, mostly alone, and sometimes with Mistyfoot. Once or twice Firestar swears he's caught scent of the river on the tom's pelt, and he wonders if the deputy has been visiting his clan. On the third day at sunrise, Firestar meets with Tallstar at Fourtrees, accompanied by Stonefur. Tallstar is accompanied by Mudclaw. A third and fourth cat arrive to the clearing to join them. It's Darkflower and Oakfur of Shadowclan. Darkflower announces that she is Darkstar now. The clan had voted to make her leader after they drove Blackfoot from their ranks for being allies with both Brokenstar and Tigerstar, and for being a murderer. Firestar and Tallstar greet the new leader, then ask to know what she plans on doing about Bloodclan. Darkstar's decided Shadowclan will stand and fight alongside Lionclan. Both leaders are happy to hear the news. After chatting a while, Firestar notices Leopardstar hasn't shown up. The leaders decide to go pay her a visit.

Riverclan looks in better shape when they arrive, but cats seem to actively avoid where Leopardstar lay. When she tries to talk to a cat, they ignore her. And when the leaders and their escorts settle in the middle of their camp, Riverclan rushes to greet them-mainly Stonefur. Firestar goes to speak with Leopardstar while the rest of the cats are occupied. Leopardstar says that she's decided to take Riverclan away from the forest. But when she told the clan, not cat wanted to obey her. They've been more focused on Stonefur lately, who she reveals has been visiting camp. He brings prey and organizes patrols, making sure every cat is alright and that cats are preparing for Bloodclan. They seem to see him more as leader now than Leopardstar. Firestar calls to the clan and Stonefur, asking them to explain why they haven't been following their leader. Warriors start speaking up, saying that they'd rather follow Stonefur. Even ostracized he's put the needs of Riverclan above all else. No one can say the same about Leopardstar, who joined Tigerstar for the power, and allowed him to do all the terrible things he did without a care. Leopardstar protests that she did not speak out in fear for her life. A queen remarks that a true leader would stand against another when their clan is in danger, not tuck tail and bow before them. A senior warrior calls for the demotion of Leopardstar. More cats in the clan join in. Leopardstar bows her head in defeat, then the clan begins to cheer for Stonefur

Stonefur takes his place on Riverclan's version of Highrock and thanks the clan for choosing him to become their leader. As his first order of business he declares that the clan will join in the fight to save the forest. The clan cheers breaks out into an uproar of approval. The other leaders decide to leave to allow Riverclan to get ready

The final preparations are made just before dawn the next morning. The apprentices help Ravensong bring herbs to Fourtrees. Cinderpath insists she at least help guard the medicine cat during the fight, since she's not allowed to battle Bloodclan due to her pregnancy. Firestar reluctantly agrees to his friend's demands. Then he sets the queens to guard camp. With everything as ready as it can be, the warriors head out.

At the edge of the clearing, Thunderclan pauses in the bushes. During this time, Firestar takes the chance to look at his warriors. His eyes fall first upon his loves, Sandstorm and Graystripe, then drift towards Cloudtail, his niece, his only clan kin. Next Firestar's eyes land on his best friends Ravensong and Cinderpath, who set up their herbs where they now stand. Then he observes Brightheart and Swiftstrike, his first apprentice and the rebel, two of the bravest cats among their ranks. Firestar continues to study each cat in the line as they await the other clans, wondering which among them he might be seeing alive for the last time.

Riverclan, Shadowclan, and Windclan arrive at Fourtrees not too long after Thunderclan. They merge together into one to form Lionclan before marching down towards the Great Rock, led by Firestar. Over the horizon Bloodclan comes marching into the clearing, with Scourge at the head. The two leaders stand face to face in front of their respective groups. Firestar declares they will not leave without a fight. The forest belongs to the clans. Scourge laughs at the firey tom's boldness, ordering his cats to attack. Lionclan surges forward to meet them.

During the battle at some point, Darkstripe leaps out of the mob and attacks Firestar. It seems the dark tabby has joined Bloodclan after the death of Tigerstar. While fighting, Firestar asks him why he'd fight on the side of his best friend's killer. Darkstripe admits he has only joined Scourge's side for protection, and to see Firestar die. And right now it seems that he is the one who wants to cause said death. Darkstripe has the Thunderclan leader pinned, ready to sink his teeth into his neck. But as he parts his jaws to do so, Graystripe comes charging over, body slamming himself into the dark tabby warrior. He lifts a paw, slitting open Darkstripe's throat. The fully gray warrior watches as his older brother slowly fades and dies at last. There's a bit of grief glistening in Graystripe's eyes, but triumph overall seems to dictate his features. He looks at Firestar with a smile, telling him that he'll never let anything happen to his best friend and mate. Firestar thanks him for saving his life and the two take off in opposite directions to fight more cats.

Firestar spies Bone in the crowd, standing over Whitestorm's body. It seems Pebblepaw, Finchpaw, and Tawnypaw have noticed as well, and attack him. But Bone manages to break free from the Thunderclan's apprentices' grip. The large black and white tom spots Firestar watching him and barrels towards in the leader's director, ready to kill him. But before they can meet, apprentices from all the clans come surging forward, taking Bone down and killing him within a matter of moments

Firestar takes off into the crowd. He finally finds Scourge through the mass of cats fighting against Sandstorm. Firestar charges, knocking the black cat away from his mate. Sandstorm goes to battle elsewhere while the two leaders fight. Things get heated quickly. Scourge strikes a hard blow to Firestar's forehead, breaking through his skull, and kills him (cause that's how it happened in canon. Not a slice to the throat)

Firestar awakes in Starclan. Bluestar's there to greet him, and Whitestorm is there as well; by his paws their kin, Pigeonpaw and Cloverpaw, bounce around their cousin and grandmother. The two older cats tell Firestar that he's lost his first life. Between them a faint ghostly form of the flame colored tom appears. Firestar, stressed and in desperate need to return home, asks the former leader to send him back. The clans are losing and Bloodclan may rule the forest. He wants to know if this is Starclan's will, if they will not step up and help them drive these invaders out. The clans have always fought to uphold what Starclan's desired, to keep order and for four clans to remain in the forest.

Bluestar explains that Starclan is merely a guide, not an entity which can control cats. They can help in little ways-by sending signs, and occasionally granting powers-but overall they are spectators. It is up to the living to find their destinies, to determine outcomes. A perfect case of this, Bluestar points out, is the fifth clan that was driven from the forest. Firestar barely has time to register this before he's brought back to life, with Starclan's promise that no matter what, even as guides, they fight alongside him. Before he awakens, the Thunderclan leader sees all of the nine cats who'd given him his lives appear to see him off.

Awake and fully recovered, Firestar tracks Scourge down again. The Bloodclan leader is genuinely shocked to see the tom alive, having watched him die. Firestar boasts about Starclan fighting by his side, and granting him nine lives. Scourge gets mad at this and attacks.

While they fight, Firestar talks about why he thinks Scourge wants to drive the clans from the forest. He guesses it's because they'd attacked him as a kitten, and as a result Scourge wanted revenge. Sure, gaining more territory and access to live prey was also a driving factor, but the core motive for trying to take over was to exact revenge. Firestar asks Scourge if his hunch is correct. Scourge growls, and manages to gain the advantage, pinning Firestar onto his back. The Bloodclan leader laughs. He answers his enemy's question with a yes, then boasts that vengeance is his at last. He'll kill Firestar eight more times, just as he did with Tigerstar. As he lifts his claws to deal another killing blow to Thunderclan's leader, Scourge proclaims, "I am leader of Bloodclan. I am Scourge. And I. Have. Won!"

Just as he gets that last word out, Firestar strikes, slicing open Scourge's throat. Scourge chokes on the blood that begins to pour from the wound and falls over. He gives a few more jerks, staring up at Firestar when he stands before he lay still. Bloodclan's leader is defeated.

It doesn't take long for Bloodclan cats to notice Scourge has been killed. When the word spreads they scatter like mice. Lionclan celebrate their victory with a chorus of yowls

Lionclan soon starts to dissolve back into four clans. They collect their dead as the leaders briefly meet to touch bases. Firestar reports that Whitestorm, Willowpelt, Ashfall, and Thornclaw have been killed in battle. Then the other leaders give news of their dead. The once-prisoners of Tigerclan come over to Firestar. Graystripe, Silverstream, and their kits ask if they can stay with Thunderclan. Silversteam explains that the current Riverclan is not like the one she'd grown up in; the Riverclan her father, Crookedstar, had led. She'd be better off starting fresh in a clan that doesn't care about who's blood she or her kits may carry. Mistyfoot understandably wants to go back to her home clan, along with her kits. Stonefur says he'll be more than happy to accept his sister, and asks her to rule at his side as clan deputy, once he gains his nine lives. Firestar agrees to all of this and turns to lead his clan home

A moon passes. Life returns to normal in the forest. In Thunderclan camp, they welcome Silversteam and Cinderpath as queens. Cinderpath has just had her litter of kits: Icekit, a deaf pure white mollykit, and Birchkit, a silver shaded white tomkit who looks just like grandma Willowpelt. Sasha and Goldenflower are mates now, raising Sasha's kits: Hawkkit who's a longhaired seal point siamese tomkit, Mothkit who's a longhaired ginger mollykit, and Tadpolekit who is a siamese tomkit. Pebblepaw and Finchpaw have been named warriors: Pebblestep and Finchsong. Sandstorm has been named the new deputy and is taking to her new position in the clan quite naturally. And Firestar leads the clan with pride and wisdom, finally adjusted to his roll. Over the past moon he's thought long about what happened at Fourtrees; the battle with Bloodclan, the loss of his first life, and the news of a fifth clan. Firestar doesn't know what may come in the future, if things will be quite like that, but he knows one thing for sure; Starclan will always there to guide them and to fight by his side.

[the--sad--hatter]

Name Calling (34)

FANDOM - MARVEL MCU

PAIRING - BUCKY X READER (female reader, no physical descriptions)

WARNINGS - ALL OF THEM, SMUT, VIOLENCE ANGST

DESCRIPTION -  In which the ongoing and bloody war of words between you and Bucky turns in your favor when a disgruntled one night stand of his lets slip a secret when you run into her in the elevator… Now you have all the ammunition you need to destroy your enemy but you don’t plan on killing him quickly. Oh no, Bucky Barnes was going to suffer and you were going to enjoy every second. You just didn’t count on how much you would enjoy it.

Current Word Count -  95,032

MASTERLIST

Moodboard by @talesofakindredspirit

Chapter Thirty Four - Starkcation

On the bright side you were the golden girl of the international media and had been given a medal of some kind by the Spanish Government for dismantling Los Charlínes, one of the major Galician Mafia Clans.

On the less bright side, you had three bullet wounds a broken wrist, a hairline fracture in your skull and the worst hangover known to mankind. The UN were furious with you for your unsanctioned self-appointed mission despite it’s success and you were currently sat on a Private Plane across from your extremely displeased father.

You tried to sit up and grab the glass of water but every time you moved half an inch you just ended up groaning in pain and/or throwing up.

“Help?” You muttered pathetically at Tony.

You hadn’t really needed his help or to have him fly all the way to Spain in a panic but Wade had convinced you it was a great idea. Your drunken self had agreed and paused in the middle of a shoot-out with forty odd mafia goons to phone Tony and tell him you were in trouble. By the time he arrived you were holed up in the American Consulate building being congratulated for your work by the Spanish Prime Minister and trying not to throw up into a waste-paper basket.

“I told you I needed space. You really think acting out like this is going to make things better?” Tony snapped at you as he pushed the water within reach.

You guzzled it down and collapsed back in your seat with a whimper.

“I * hiccup* missed you.” You muttered.

“You went on a killing spree with a mercenary whilst you were drunk, without any kind of back-up,  without informing anyone where you were and you did it in a foreign country.” He ranted.

“Well when you say it like that it just sounds impressive.” You retorted.

“It’s… a little impressive.” He begrudgingly admitted.

“But it was dangerous, foolhardy and ill thought out and now I sound like Capsicle so thank you for that!” He continued.

“I just wanted to have fun, I needed to have fun and feel good feelings but I realised no matter how hard I try it doesn’t mean anything if you don’t love me anymore.” You said weepily.

There was a slight possibility you were still drunk.

“I can’t love you if you’re dead! If this had gone badly you’d be floating in the ocean right now as shark bait!” Tony yelled and you winced at the volume.

“But I won. Well we did, Wade helped. He got all the money and I got all the credit. There’s a country with a lot less crime going on, there’s less drugs being intentionally shipped, we get to spend quality time together and I have a pet donkey! There’s no downside.” You insisted.

There was in fact a donkey in the cargo bay of the ship, gifted to you by a very grateful family who’s son had been taken by the mafia a few years prior. His name was Mr Donkeypool and Tony had to pull some strings so you could take him back to the US where he was going to live on the Barton farm since Laura had happily agreed to take him in.

“No downside? You’ve got so many bullet holes in you you’re practically swiss!” He pointed out.

“I’ll heal.” You pouted.

“You’re too much like me, I can’t argue with you.” He sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose.

“Does that mean you forgive me?” You asked hopefully.

“For risking The Accords and international politics? Yes. For falling in love with the 100 year old brainwashed assassin who orphaned me? I’m trying, I really am.” He admitted.

“I know you need time, I do. But do you have to ignore me? I won’t rub me and Bucky in your face, I promise but please don’t push me away.” You begged.

Tony looked guilty and reached over to slowly adjust your seat so you were lying down.

“Get some sleep Kit Kat, you need it. We’ll talk more once we’ve landed.” He instructed you.

You were drunk and hungover at the same time, in massive amounts of pain and emotionally and physically exhausted. You didn’t have to be told twice. Your breathing evened out quickly and Tony watched your face smooth over as you fell asleep.

Maybe pushing you away wasn’t the best idea. He couldn’t face you and Barnes but maybe he didn’t have to just yet. Secretary Ross needed time to cool off and you needed some R&R away from the buzzing public while you healed. He pulled out his phone and started making arrangements.

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

Tony gently shook you awake as the plane a few hours later.  

“We’re landing Kit Kat.” He warned you.

The sun was streaming through the windows and you blinked blearily, shifting to check your pain levels. You were stiff as hell and your mouth felt like dry moulded over cardboard but you had healed a little bit. You’d gone from death’s door the death’s driveway so it was an improvement at least.

The plane tilted as it began it descent and the pilot spoke over the intercom.

“Good morning Mr Stark, Miss Stark. We’ve begun our descent and will arrive at Van Nuys Airport shortly.” He said.

“Where?” You asked groggily.

“We’re in Malibu, you haven’t been to the New House I had built here yet and you need a few days for your injuries to heal.” Tony explained.

“So we aren’t in New York?” You asked, puzzled.

“No we’re in Malibu.” He repeated, shaking his head at you and handing you an espresso.

“Why?” You asked.

“For Gods sake… We’re here to have a vacation.” He said, rolling his eyes.

“Oh. OH! Really? We? As in you’re staying?” You asked excitedly.

“Well I’m not leaving you alone in my beach-front mansion, you’ll probably invite every morally dubious individual in the city over and throw a rager.” He snarked.

You ignored the sass and grinned happily at him.

“I would never do that, not without inviting you anyway.” You offered.

“No parties, can’t believe I’m saying that. Pepper landed a couple of hours ago and will meet us at the house. This will be a peaceful family bonding holiday. With lots of booze. For me, you’re being dried out.” He informed you.

You couldn’t care less, you were going to get to spend a few days with Tony and Pepper. Pain aside, this was the best news ever.

When the plane landed Tony had to help you hobble off it and down the stairs and as he guided you across the tarmac you decided there was something magical about the sky in Malibu, it was so blue. You barely had a chance to see it as Tony ushered you both into the waiting car but he did put the top down for you as he drove you both to his house.

Mr Donkeypool was in good hands he assured you, he was being transported to the house and he was going to be a beach Donkey for a few days. Tony promised he’d be happy in Malibu and he’d hired someone to look after him until it was time to send him to the farm.

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

After you washed the jet lag off in the gigantic en suite shower you wandered back into your bedroom. Pepper had set out a sundress on the bed for you in your favourite colour and you smiled at the gift. Pepper had a penchant for spoiling you.

You slipped it on, mindful of your plasters and bandages and after gently rotating your wrist you decided you could get away without rewrapping it. It was fairly healed by now.

You happily slid down the bannister and joined Tony and Pepper on the back deck where luch had been set up.

“There you are sweetheart, how was your shower?” Pepper asked you, passing you a glass of orange juice.

“Great! I’ll enjoy it more when I’m not doing weird acrobatics to keep my bandages dry though.” You admitted.

“Maybe try not getting shot next time.” Tony snorted.

“This coming from the man who flew a nuke through an alien wormhole.” Pepper berated him and you smirked.

“Wait how did this become about me?” Tony asked, perplexed.

“Isn’t everything?” You quipped and he toasted you in agreement.

“If you’re feeling up to it we were going to take a walk on the beach after lunch.” Pepper informed you.

“I’m ready, I’ve never been to the beach!” You admitted excitedly.

“You two have fun, I’m going Jet Skiing.” Tony informed you both.

“Tony...” Pepper warned.

“Don’t worry, Kit Kat is going to help me test the new repulsor gauntlet on the beach later.” He assured her.

You choked on the bite of fruit salad you’d just swallowed.

“I am?” You asked.

“Yip. I’ll throw stuff and you can shoot it. It’ll be fun.” He said.

“And perfectly safe dear.” He told Pepper confidently.

Tony and Pepper continued to affectionately bicker throughout lunch, you and Pepper teaming up to make fun of him every few minutes.

“That’s it, I’m leaving while I still have a shred of ego intact.” Tony sulked, kissing you both on the cheek.

“Want to take that walk now?” Pepper asked you and you nodded.

She linked her arm with yours since you were still a little unsteady as you both casually strolled along the sandy beach.

It was beautiful and calming and while you missed Bucky terribly (He was sending you sad face emoji’s every half hour and you were going to kill whoever taught him how to use emoji’s) you found you were strangely happy. You just weren’t you when you didn’t have Tony.

“So you and Barnes?” Pepper asked, diving right in.

“I know, I picked the worst possible person to fall for.” You sighed, ready for her disappointment.

“I’m not sure you did. I remember how much you admired him before you even met him and how he inspired you to ask Tony if you could join the Avengers. I think you and Bucky have a connection, a unique way of understanding each other.” She admitted.

“You’re not mad at me because of the complications?” You asked her.

“What happened to Tony’s parents was in no way Sargent Barnes fault, he’s a good man. I admire him for trying to make amends for the things he was forced to do, it takes real bravery and strength. And maybe, this will help Tony finally see Bucky as someone other than his parents killer.” She said.

You were speechless. Pepper not only supported you, she saw Bucky the same way you did and saw hope for Tony and Bucky’s relationship.

“Thank you.” You told her earnestly, holding her a little closer as you walked.

“If he hurts you though, it won’t be Tony he has to be afraid of.” She warned and you laughed, even though you quite believed her.

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

It was the same scene he had watched on a grainy video in Sibera but this time he was there, frozen and unable to do anything as his parents car was ran off the road. He watched the Soldier stalk over to the car and kill his parents, horrified and heartbroken but he couldn’t stop it.

“Dad… Help me.”

He turned slowly, in fear at the familiar voice. His daughter, his Kit Kat was sprawled across the road, covered in blood. He tried to go to her but he couldn’t move as The Soldier walked over to her.

She coughed weakly, reaching up to stroke The Soldiers face lovingly as he knelt down and placed his metal hand on her neck.

“Barnes, stop.” Tony croaked.

“I love you.” She said, to him or the Soldier he wasn’t sure.

The metal hand crushing her windpipe jerked to the side and her neck snapped with a sickening crunch. Her unseeing eyes looked straight through Tony.

Tony woke up covered in sweat. Pepper was sleeping soundly next to him and he quietly slipped out of the bed without disturbing her and left the room. The door to your room was cracked open and he peered through. The room was empty. His heart skipped a beat before he spotted your silhouette on the balcony and he walked over to join you.

“Can’t sleep?” He asked.

You’d had a long day, playing in the sun with him all afternoon after your walk with Pepper. You’d been exhausted at dinner and assumed you’d sleep through the night.

“Too much on my mind.” You admitted.

“Wanna go down to the lab and help me rewire the circuitry on the Jet Ski I crashed?” He offered.

“Sure.” You shrugged and followed him downstairs.

“Why are you awake?” You asked him.  

“Too much on my mind.” He mimicked you.

“Touche” You muttered as you both entered the lab.

“So what’s eating you Kit Kat?” He snorted at his own dad joke.

“Just nervous about my first session at Xavier’s. It’s straight after we go home.” You admitted.

“Why would you be nervous about having a telepath poking around in your brain?” He asked sarcastically.

Why indeed. What was lurking in your subconscious was weighing heavily on your mind, no pun intended and you wished you could discuss it with somebody.

“Dad I...”

You almost told him. You wanted to. But how could you tell him that the monster within you was one of your own making? That there was a very real part of you that wanted to destroy the world. That deep down in your soul, you were evil.

“I know Kit Kat. I know.” He said.

You frowned and he sighed heavily.

“There’s a video in The Vernichtung Files from the one time Docherty managed to call Vernichtung to the surface. Since I saw it, on some level I’ve known the truth since I found you. It wasn’t until the Professor told me you needed his help to make yourself whole again that I worked it out though.” He admitted.

“You know what Vernichtung is?”

“Yes sweetheart, it’s you.”

“How did you know?”

“Genius remember?” he snorted.

“You aren’t afraid of me, you don’t hate me?” You asked fearfully.

“I’ve never met anyone without a dark side. The difference is you literally locked yours away to keep it contained, that doesn’t make you evil, that makes you stronger than most people.” He assured you.

“But my Dark side wants to kill people!” You insisted.

“And my good side created a killer robot and sold weapons of mass destruction. Nobody is perfect, especially those of us with power. Don’t mistake your capability for destruction with being a bad person. The fact is you’re the same as everyone else except for the fact you fight harder than most. Being a good person is a choice and you went through hell to stick to that choice.” He rebutted.

Your eyes teared up. Tony knew the worst parts of you and loved you anyway, more than that he saw the good in it that you couldn’t. You tried to stifle a sob by burying your face into his shoulder and you felt him put his arm around you.

“No matter what happens kid, I’m proud of you. Always will be.” He assured you.

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

STARKCATION

The hottest new Hero on the block is taking a much deserved vacation in Malibu after her busy week.

Deathwave hasn’t been on the scene for long but she’s already proving herself to be a force to be reckoned with. After her debut taking down aliens in the Capital it was revealed that the mysterious hero was actually the youngest Stark and a Secret Avenger, one responsible for helping the Secretary Of State save millions of lives and facilitating the arrest Benjamin Newlands.

Her tragic backstory was then revealed and hearts around the world broke as they read about the harrowing upbringing of the mutant know as ‘Vernichtung’. Raised by what can only be described as a mad scientist the young mutant was primed to end the world and live up to her namesake but instead chose to become a symbol of goodness and hope.

Fans around the world have accepted her into their hearts and while there are naysayers and those who believe she poses a threat, the general consensus is that the heroine is the symbol of strength and hope we all need. Proving that people can be what they chose and not what they are told, we our the masters of out own fate.

Seen earlier today walking along the beach with billionaire superhero Tony Stark, it seems the hero on everyone’s minds is enjoying some family time after her recent victory in Spain. We can only assume her father is as proud of her as the general public is since the family are celebrating in the sun.

“She’s almost ready.” He said with a vicious grin after reading the article.

“Doctor?”

“Everything is proceeding as I hoped. Vernichtung will soon learn her final lesson. The more she gives in to hope and happiness, the easier it is for me to break her.”

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

The drunken shenanigans with Deadpool were left out for several reasons...

It just seemed funnier to see the aftermath.

I'm in too deep a sad funk to write a funny drunk chapter. I'm starting to wrap up this fic now, so there are several chapters left but we are in the home stretch now. I was informed that longer fics can put readers off so I'm quitting while I'm ahead, before anyone gets too bored. As long as people are still interested I'll still do sequels and one-shots though, but that is mostly up to you lovely folks!

@nerdandproud-86 @harrison-shot-first @thejourneyneverendsx @thelostallycat @inquisitor-selvala @the-corruptor @iovher @kendrawr-kitkat @phoenix-whiskey-tears @the--real-wombat @buckitybarnes @fairislesheets @angieptt @meganjonezzzz @dugan365 @fluffeh-kitty @memanda17 @krystallynx @theonelittleone @piscesbarnes @free-as-fishes @tarastudiesalot @captainamericasbeard @dropthepizza346 @jaynnanadrews @likes-to-smell-books @drdorkus @life-wanderer @metalarmlover @animegirlgeeky@jsmith509

[uniqueimagines]

New Girl In Town

Paring: Sweet Pea x Reader

Requested: No, just trying to start writing

Description: You just moved away from home taking a leap and moving to Riverdale. After your first day at work you go for a walk bumping into a new and attractive stranger.

Warnings: None 

Word count: 1,876

______________________________________________________________

Your parents had been split up since you were around eight or nine years old Having a very rough and distant relationship with your father,mainly due to his mild alcohol and emotional issues, you lived with your mom from the time they split up until the beginning of the year before you turned twenty. You had an amazing relationship with your mom but had finally decided it was time to get out on your own. Having managed to find a job that would give you at least 40 hours a week and paid you enough to realistically survive off of your take home pay as long as you were good with your money. The job however was worlds away from home. Flying with just a suitcase and backpack of the things you couldn't live without to your new life in the small town of Riverdale. You had managed to find a small one bedroom apartment near the railroad tracks that wasn't too expensive and was only a mile or so from your new job a Pop’s Chock’lit Shoppe.

Arriving in town in mid January, about a week before you are to start work, you have enough time to adjust to your new surroundings, get settled into your apartment and just relax for a few days. The last night before your first day of work you had managed to get the hang of the walk to the diner, got the little bit of furniture and necessities for your apartment that you didn't already have, and you were just now finishing off unpacking your things. Gently placing the hanger containing the last of the clothing from your suitcase into the closet finally finished off your unpacking and allowed you to place the empty suitcase on the top shelf of the closet out of the way. While you are way more of a night owl that you care to admit the week was catching up to you and as the clock on the bedside table read 9:30 you decided to call it a night and get a long and well rested night of sleep before your first day of work. Quickly changing into spandex shorts and a long black t-shirt you crawled under the soft covers of your bed quickly falling asleep.

*Beep Beep Beep*

The sound of your alarm startles you awake. After rolling out of bed, showering you blow dry your hair and put it up in a ponytail before curling it. Never being one to put on too much makeup you quickly put on your thin winged cat eye eyeliner, mascara, and a soft pink lipstick nearly the same shade as your lips. You quickly throw on black ripped skinny jeans and a distressed black v-neck band t shirt knowing you will be changing into uniform as soon as you arrived at work.

Pulling up in your old black jeep you had bought used just a week before you park in front of the diner getting out and locking the car. You had arrived at 7:40 even though you didn't start until 8. After changing you stashed your backpack in the break room and began to work. The day went by fairly quickly and easily nothing too exciting happening. Getting off at 4:30 you take home a burger and fries quickly eating them and deciding to take a walk around town. Pulling on an old jacket over your outfit from the morning you left the apartment with nothing else but your phone, keys, and thoughts. After about 45 minutes of walking its pitch black and you decide to turn back and head for home.

The wind setting in and sending a deep chill down your spine you begin to quicken your pace as you round a corner you run smack into someone knocking you straight to the floor. “Oh my god I’m so sorry!” you say shakily as you catch your breath and begin to stand. The tall handsome dark haired man holds his hand out to you to help you up. As you take his hand you wince a little having gravel bits in your hand from landing on it in the fall. “You okay, princess?” the dark haired boy smiles lightly helping you stand still having ahold of your hand. As he looks down on you a small smirk pulls at his lips causing a crimson blush to come to your pale cheeks and you pull your hand away letting it fall to your side. “I’m fine thank you…” your words come out much quieter than intended but loud enough for him to hear. Still feeling embarrassed you begin again but a bit louder and more confident, “Again sorry for bumping into you I wasn't watching where I was going I was getting cold and it's dark and I just wanted to get home and,” you begin to look down losing your confidence as you ramble.

Before you could continue your embarrassing rambling the boy laughs lightly and interrupts, “Do you want a ride home? I'm just parked around the corner and then maybe I could help you clean up that cut.” You look up and see he is gesturing to your hand as a few drops of blood are trickling down your fingers and rocks remain in your palm. “Are you sure? I really can make it home fine.” you state unsure if you should really accept the ride but inside hoping he says yes considering how insanely cute this tall mystery boy was and the fact that your hand was throbbing. He merely nods and leads you around the corner and to his bike. You are fairly observant and through the week you had spent in town and your first day working you had already learned about the serpents gang and their snake symbol. The fact that a large number of them rod bikes and he had a tattoo of a snake on the side of his neck made the arrival to his bike very little of a surprise to you. It also made him more attractive, you quickly stopped having a sudden realization that made you hesitate to jump onto the bike.

“I don't even know your name yet, I think I need at least that much info before jumping on the back of a strangers bike,” you bite your lip looking up at him. He merely smirks and grabs the helmet handing it to you as he says, “Sweet Pea, and you are?” you take the helmet, being careful not to get blood on it, and smirk as you reply, “Y/N, nice to meet you.” you quickly slide the helmet on and buckle it. Without another word Sweet Pea hops on and you do the same sliding behind him. You wrap your arms around his body carefully holding your hands trying not to hurt it more or get blood on him. You use your hands to guide the boy to your apartment with ease arriving in a few minutes.

When inside Sweet Pea can't help but look around a bit surprised by the interior. “It seems a bit….. Bare,” he calls standing in the living room as you go the bathroom to grab the first aid kit. Being a naturally clumsy person you had a decently large med kit looking down at the rocks in your palm you decide it's better to clean it here, “yeah I just moved in a week ago, hey mind coming in here to help? No need to get blood on my couch.” you laugh lightly. He walks in slowly still looking around as he walks though your room to get to the restroom where you are sitting on the counter beside the sink. You had already pulled out a pair of tweezers, bactine, and some gauze bandaging and tape to wrap the wound. “Get hurt often?” he questions with a raised brow looking at the large medkit on the other side of the sink to you closer to him. “Let's just say i'm a touch clumsy,” you laugh lightly looking him up and down as he walks to you from the doorway of your bathroom.

He stands gently taking your hand into his pulling the few rocks from your palm before grabbing the batine. You don't notice the few drops of blood falling into your sink or even the pain of the rocks being pulled from your hand as you are too busy spacing off as you stare at the handsome man cleaning your hand. “Y/N?..... Princess?” he finally gets your attention and you blush and look down to find your hand already cleaned and wrapped. “Thank you so much…” you bite your lip still not looking up as you speak. Sweet Pea keeps one hand holding yours and uses two fingers from his other hand to grab your chin and tilt your head to look up at him. Before either of you could think too hard about it he leans in pressing his lips softly to yours. Your eyes flutter shut leaning into the kiss pressing your uninjured hand against his chest. He moves his hand to your hip pulling you a bit closer until you are on the edge of the counter and pressed as close to his body as he deepens the kiss gently sliding his tongue over your lip asking for entrance.

Before you get a chance to part your lips he pulls away to the sound of his phone ringing in his pocket. Letting out a small groan he pulls his phone from his pocket and glances down at it you doing the same seeing a snake emoji after the initials FP. He quickly answers it, “Hello?....” he kisses your cheek before stepping into the bedroom. You watch him pace a bit nervously and after a minute he hangs up rejoining you. He steps between our knees as you remain sitting on the counter unsure of what to say to him. He was basically a complete stranger.

Before you could get too deep in thought he pulled your attention up by sliding his calloused hand onto your cheek and giving you a small peck on the lips,“ I gotta go I have some business to deal with…” He gives you a small smile hoping he hasn't just ruined his chances. “Promise you aren't just running off with some other girl?” You laugh lightly half joking as you bite your lip. “I've only got eyes for the new girl in town, nobody can compare.” he smirks at your nervous demeanor and leans in kissing you once more deeply. “I promise I want to continue and if you are free I would love to take you out on a real date on Saturday night?” he asks handing you his phone with a new contact open for you to enter your number. He had already entered “Princess” into the name slot. You smile happily and enter your number. After locking his phone you reach around him sliding it into his back pocket letting your hand linger for a moment on his back and leaning up for one last deep kiss. He pulls back after a moment and gives you a small smile, “I'll text you later, Princess.

Masterlist

[thebookishgoddess]

ELLA DISCUSSES: BOOKWORMS UNITE PH - YEAR 4 + RELAUNCH GIVEAWAY!

Is it too late to write my own recap? I certainly hope not! While I may not have taken as many pictures as I should have (mainly because I was so focused on having fun I hardly had time to bury my face in my phone the whole event), I will be able to share some of the amazing things that occurred in Bookworms Unite PH’s fourth gathering! 

This was my first time attending, and the first time I’ve ever heard of Bookworms Unite PH at all. So I was so ecstatic when I saw the event pop up somewhere on my Facebook feed. And the whole time I was pre-registering, I kept asking myself over and over like a broken record, “Why have I never heard of you beautiful people before?” I’ve never been more happy than I was when I finally clicked that registration button. I wasted no time paying for that registration fee too because I was so psyched into attending. 

And lo and behold, it was everything I’ve ever hoped for in a gathering full of crazy-awesome book lovers! I’ll get into some of the more important highlights, and hopefully, don’t bore you with my dabbling.

Also, there’s a GIVEAWAY down below that you might wanna check out! :’)

Let’s get onto it, shall we?

UPON ARRIVAL

I was one of the first seven to arrive on the 21st of July in the Rizal Library. I actually almost got lost the whole way into Ateneo, and had actually met Mighta (@MightaZerie) beforehand. We went into it together, and soon we met the rest of our crew. The whole time waiting, I was floored by how easily I connected with the other early birds. Cue selfies I took with the lot!

First two photos on the left: Top is with Ailla (@MioneJeanPotter), Bottom is with Shai (@themeanderingsoul)

Three photos to the right: Top is with Angel (@whimsy_wanders), Bottom left is with Mighta (@MightaZerie) and Bottom right is with Joanna (@JoannaDerpina)

We’ve pretty much called ourselves #LADYBIRDS considering how we were the early birds of the event. And let me tell you, meeting these gals was perhaps (and I’ve said it once on Twitter) one of the best that’s ever happened on BUPH. Getting to meet a group of girls that I instantly connected with through our love of books makes me thank BUPH for creating such a fun-loving event!

Apart from meeting such fantastic ladies, I managed to get some awesome swag from my little registration kit, which you can find some of them surrounding Reign of the Fallen below!

THE GAMES

There were, essentially, three games during this whole event. And, believe it or not, I actually placed a spot in all three of them! 

I joined the first game: Truths and a Lie: YA Edition with Angel and Shai as my teammates. And we easily took one of the first place of two with all our lucky guesses. My first price was Our Dark Duet by V.E. Schwab which was such a lucky pick! 

The second game was Young Adulting: A YA Trivia Game which I teamed up with Mighta and Ailla and placed third on. Now, for the record, these were all pretty lucky guesses too, since we haven’t read nearly half of what they presented. But lucky guesses gets people places sometimes, so hooray! I got Reign of the Fallen by Sarah Glenn Marsh as my second prize of the day.

And the final game was an absolute clincher, because we did a Guess the Cover game and let me tell you, oh boyyyyy, this one was the toughest game of all. The hosts did not make it easy, but somehow, back with the OG team of myself, Angel and Shai, we managed to place fourth by a landslide. I got Rookie on Love by Tavi Gevinson as my final win of the day!

From left to right: Fragile Eternity by Melissa Marr, Don’t Look Back by Jennifer L. Armentrout,  Heart of Glass by Jill Marie Landis, All We Can Do Is Wait by Richard Lawson, The Last Girl On Earth by Alexandra Blogier, Rookie On Love by Tavi Gevinson, Puddin’ by Julie Murphy, Our Dark Duet by V.E. Schwab, and Reign of the Fallen by Sarah Glenn Marsh

BUT WAIT, THERE’S MORE

Of course, how can I forget the amazing Book Blind Date that occurred after the whole mayhem of games and fun? I gave out two books for the blind date, and received two back! 

Though if we’re being honest, I got (3) because one of the guests gave me one of the books she got from the blind date pile. I unfortunately forgot her name, and I wish I had gotten it, because she was so generous into giving me my third one, which had a description about the 1800′s, and I could not believe my luck because I love books about the 1800′s!

The books I got for the Book Blind Date are: Heart of Glass by Jill Marie Landis (the 1800′s book, thank you ate girl, I really wish I got your name ahhh), Don’t Look Back by Jennifer L. Armentrout, and Fragile Eternity by Melissa Marr.

These were such fantastic books and I cannot wait to read them!

THE HOSTS

I can’t close up this recap without thanking the generous and awesome-sauce hosts of Bookworms Unite PH: JM (@bookfreakrevelations), Hazel (@staybookish), Inah (@thebibliophileconfessions), Miel (@bookishandawesome) and Bianca (@notoriouslaylow)!

This event would not be possible without all of their amazing effort into allowing bookworms like me gather with other bookworms in a safe and fun environment! I truly cannot thank you guys enough for all your hard work. Y’all are the real MVP! And I can’t wait to see you guys in this year’s Philippine Readers and Writers Festival happening on August 12. Me and my #ladybirds will come along as one of the firsts once more! :’)

From left to right: Miel, JM, Inah, Hazel (insert Bianca omg where u at gurl)

RELAUNCH GIVEAWAY ! the honest to Merlin one y’all have been waiting for

I salute you for reading through that very long and arduous recap. Or if you didn’t read it, that’s also fine, #noshame! But here we are, and to celebrate the relaunch of thebookishgoddess, I have decided to host a little giveaway for all the amazing support I have gotten from my friends (new and old) and old followers here on Tumblr for my little return. This giveaway is to share one of the wonderful books I have gotten from BUPH, so!

ONE (1) lucky bookworm will get a chance to win my ARC copy of THE LAST GIRL ON EARTH BY ALEXANDRA BLOGIER and A BUTTON PIN OF CHIBI HARRY POTTER!

I’m throwing in Harry in there just for a little extra, and to celebrate his upcoming birthday this July 31st! And here’s some fun stuff, this is open INTERNATIONALLY! Also, if you’re underaged, please ask for permission from your parents. I don’t want the coppers coming after me if your parents find out a stranger on the internet sends you stuff, haha!

GIVEAWAY RULES

MUST be following me on Instagram @thebookishgoddess 

EXTRA ENTRY #1: Reblog this post and follow me on Tumblr (@thebookishgoddess)

EXTRA ENTRY #2: Follow me on Twitter (@mdsummcrs) and reblog my giveaway post!

EXTRA ENTRY #3: Check out Instagram details here

Giveaway ends on 8/7 at GMT+8 (a day before my birthday)! Winners will be chosen via random generator. The winner must respond within 48 hours upon contacting them, otherwise their winning spot will be given to another bookworm!

Thanks so much for reading, and see you all very soon! :’)

[silavut-the-wizard]

Silavut the Wizard, Chapter 25

They finally arrive at Trefal, and things start to get heated up.

Arrival at Trefal

As they left the village, Sehlan started berating herself and Silavut. “I can’t believe how stupid we were. We said we wouldn’t let our guard down, and what happened? We let our guard down. We got drugged, tied up, left to be eaten by a dragon—which, thankfully, didn’t actually happen. How could we let that happen? Stupid, stupid, stupid.”

Silavut let her rant in silence, and when she was done, said, “From now on, we’ll definitely have to be more vigilant. I knew something was wrong with that drink, but I wasn’t sure what. I wish I would’ve said something before.”

“It’s OK. We’re safe, again. For now. Though I definitely agree, we should definitely be more vigilant. No more accepting weird food or drinks from strangers, and no more getting into trouble if we can help it.”

“Agreed. By the way, we never did get more supplies. Do we have anything left?”

Sehlan paused to think. “There might be something we overlooked. Let’s check.”

They stopped to drop their packs and rummage through them for any leftover supplies. Both their stomachs growled. They looked up at each other and laughed. Another few minutes of rummaging and Silavut found a small bundle of bread, cheese, and an apple in his pack. In hers, Sehlan found the waterskin still surprisingly half-full and a pack of dried meat.

“Well, look at that. Surprise, surprise,” she said. “I really wasn’t sure we’d find anything.”

“Same here. Let’s eat!”

They put together a small meal and ate as they walked. There was a booming overhead and they looked up to see the clouds had gotten darker. Thunder rolled.

“I really hope the weather holds until we get to Trefal,” Silavut said.

“No kidding. You know how I absolutely despise wet weather.”

“I wish that stupid dragon hadn’t eaten our horses.”

“It’s not stupid, but I agree. Let’s pick up the pace. Maybe we can find a way to get there quicker.”

Silavut thought about it for a moment. “How about that shortcut?”

“No…no way…no shortcuts. I know how dangerous that can be. You get stuck, or lost, or abducted, or eaten, and it’s no longer a shortcut, but a trap.”

“OK, fine. No shortcuts.” Silavut thought back to the forest and remembered what one person said about it being a shortcut, but they got lost and couldn’t get back out. Maybe she’s right, then, he thought. Shortcuts can be dangerous. Just wish there was a quicker way to go.

They found the main road leading to Trefal and started following it. Lightning flashed and thunder boomed. The clouds grew even darker, becoming bloated with rain. The temperature dropped even more. They were glad they had doubled up their cloaks before as they pulled them tighter to try and keep out some of the chill.

Suddenly they saw a large figure rushing towards them. As they got closer, they could see it was a horse-drawn carriage. It slowed down as they approached each other.

“Ho there,” commanded the driver. The horses stopped and the carriage squeaked to a halt. “There you are.”

Silavut and Sehlan looked at each other, confused, then back at the driver.

“You mean us?” Silavut asked.

“No, I mean the rivers and the trees.” He rolled his eyes. “Yes, I mean you two! We were told to expect two travellers matching your descriptions days ago, but you’re overdue, so they sent me looking for you. I’m glad you’re here. Oh, they would have such a fit if I didn’t find you. Now come on! Get in!”

“You…were expecting us? How? Who told you?”

“By the Powers—OK, look, all I know is you two were supposed to be here days ago and I was sent to find you. I’ve found you. Now I’m to take you back to Trefal. You’ll get answers there, maybe.” More lightning and thunder. “Oh dear, look at that. If you don’t get in soon, you’ll be drenched!”

They looked at each other again, wondering if they could trust him after what just happened at the village. Would they rather get drenched and have a miserable journey? Or would they rather ride in comfort and stay dry? They were wishing for a faster way, and it’s not exactly a shortcut.

“Oh, for the love of—cryin’ out loud—would you two just get in already?” His voice got softer. “Oh, the suffering I go through…”

After a quiet debate between them, they decided to take the carriage, but stay alert. They couldn’t let their guard down again. They cautiously entered the carriage, making sure it was safe. As soon as they were settled, the driver quickly turned it around, and they were on their way to Trefal.

During the ride, the two riders kept anxiously waiting for something to happen. Their eyes darted all around, making sure there were no surprises. Outside, the rain started pouring down. Sehlan was definitely grateful for the ride now, though it was still suspicious to her.

A silent, tense, few hours’ ride later, they were coming to Trefal. The city was grand and beautiful. They relaxed a bit as the coach made its way through the wide streets to the capitol building, where, apparently, they were expected.

A large canopy was erected as they arrived so they wouldn’t get wet as they exited the coach. They were still on alert just in case. Entering the large, extravagant building, they were met by well-dressed, official-looking people. This group, it appeared, was their welcome party.

One particularly overly well-dressed woman hurried towards them. “Oh, hello there!” she beamed, clapping her hands together and smiling overly big. “You’ve finally made it! So glad to see you.” She snapped her fingers. “Get these two cleaned up, fresh clothes, and a warm meal!” As what appeared to be servants scuttled about getting things ready, the woman continued addressing them. “Apologies. Let me introduce myself. I’m Lady Anielle Pendalest, the seneschal of Trefal. You must be the two I’ve heard so much about recently. Welcome to our humble city.”

“Thank you,” Sehlan said with a slight curtsey. “However, may I be so bold as to ask how you knew we were coming—who gave you the message?”

“Why, of course. There was a wise old wizard by the name of Vorin—”

This immediately caught Silavut’s attention. He gasped and blurted out, “Vorin?? You knew him?? How did—what—” He couldn’t quite produce the question.

“Oh, that’s right. You were his ward for a while. I’m so, so sorry for your loss.” She said this with genuine sympathy. “We did not know him personally. Though we did know of him and we exchanged messages. He would tell us of his ward—you—and of things to come. He sent us a message years ago, foretelling of two travellers who would be coming to Trefal at around this time. In the message, he described you two perfectly. When you didn’t show on the appointed day, I sent my coach driver to fetch you. Lucky he found you when he did.” She looked out one of the many windows adorning the building. “It’s absolutely dreadful out there.” Anielle then looked them over. “Though I see you have already been through some tough weather. The storm a few weeks ago took a toll, but somehow everything was restored. I didn’t understand it then. Now, however, I think I might.” She gestured at the sword attached to Sehlan’s pack. “Well, enough of that for now. Let’s get you cleaned up and fed.” Anielle snapped her fingers again and the two were led away.

They were escorted to a large, luxurious room. The bed was extra large and could fit probably five people. The covers were made of soft, smooth material they had never seen before. There were shelves of books. A large writing desk sat in the corner by the window which had a sitting ledge. There was a grand, walk-in closet that was literally its own room. They wandered around the room, admiring and touching everything.

Then there was the bathroom. It was nearly as large as the bedroom. The bath water had been drawn, ready for them to wash. The tub itself could easily also fit five people.

One thing was curious, however.

“So, I guess they assume we’re a couple, or something?” Silavut said. “I don’t mind sharing the bed—it’s humungous—but do they expect us to bathe together?”

Sehlan looked at him with a mischievous smirk. “Why, don’t you want to see me without my clothes on? Am I not attractive to you? I’ve seen the way you look at me sometimes, when you think I don’t notice.”

Silavut swallowed and blushed bright red. “Uh…I…um…er…well…you…”

Sehlan laughed at his uncomfortableness. “Well, I’m going to go wash up. Join me or not, it’s your choice.” With that, she started undressing, leaving a trail of clothes to the bathroom. She wiggled her fingers in a small wave as she closed the door before completely stripping. What Silavut didn’t notice was that she left it unlatched.

He was hot under the collar and hurriedly removed the thick cloaks and his outer gear. He nearly undid his kit, but thought better of it. Did she really mean what she said? Should he join her? What would happen if he did? He couldn’t get his thoughts straight and paced rapidly, his heart beating fast.

He could hear her humming as she splashed around. Was she doing that on purpose to get his attention? What was going on?

He was about to make a decision when there was a knock at the door. Saved by the knock! He hurried to answer it. It was one of the servants with new clothes for them. The servant noticed the discarded garments and asked if he should take them away. Silavut nodded and helped gather them up, and said they would send down the rest after they had cleaned up and changed. The servant nodded and whisked them away to be cleaned.

Sehlan was still humming and splashing around. Then she called, “Silavut! Can you help me wash my back?”

He gulped. “Um…don’t they have, like, a back scrubber, or something? Or maybe a servant to help?”

There was a pause. “I don’t see one, and I don’t want a servant. Why don’t you come and help? What’s there to be afraid of?”

“I mean…uh…” He wasn’t sure how to respond. “If…I guess…you really want me to…?”

“Yes, I really want you to,” she said, drawing out the really in a sultry tone.

Oh boy…what do I do…what do I do…? Silavut didn’t know the etiquette of helping someone, much less a woman, wash themselves. “Um…OK…just…uh…give me…uh…a minute…”

He could hear her giggle. “It’s OK, you can get undressed and climb in with me.” The door slid open a few inches and he caught her naked backside.

Nervously he undressed and entered the bathroom, holding his hands over himself.

“Oh my, someone’s a bit shy.” She looked down at his hands and the bulge they contained.

Silavut was shivering with nervousness.

“Come on in, I won’t bite…unless you want me to…” She smiled playfully up at him.

He wasn’t so sure about this now and looked back towards the open door.

“The water’s nice and hot and refreshing. I’ll help you wash your back, too. Come on in.” She beckoned him with a finger.

He carefully stepped over the edge, hands still in place, and sighed with content as he slid down into the hot water. “Oh, wow, this is nice.” He then finally noticed her figure under the water and went wide-eyed.

[fangirl-who-writes-shit]

The Girl Who Cried Wolf: Peter Parker Short Fic: Part 5

The Girl Who Cried Wolf

Peter Parker x Stark!Fem!reader. (Described as curvy but obviously can be any body type and gender, just changed the words in ur head x)

Masterlist

Warnings for all parts: Mental Health, swearing, probs some violence at some point, emotional/physical/sexual abuse, sexual nature (consent), emmm emotional rollercoaster throughout. I think that's it?? Please tell me if not.

I'm so sorry about the spelling in this, I wrote it really quick as I'm catching up on all the homework I forgot to do and school starts in less than a week 😂😭.

If part has triggering parts for sensitive reads I will say.

Mentions of physical abuse from a 'parental' figure, old self harm scars, mentions rapists name, mental health issues, mental health medication, description of rapist, FLUFF.

Also because this has taken longer to update I have made it longer!

*Reader's p.o.v*

I rolled over to my side to check the time, 3:34am. I let out a groan as Peter Parker's face ran through my head, along with mums and Caleb's. I tried with all my might to block out his voice, the words he said to me over and over again as he pulled my clothes off.

Think of something positive, please just think of something positive.

My heart beat started to increase and my body started to warm up as I remembered Peter's arms around me, I felt a smile cross my as all the negative thoughts went away and Peter's beautiful face was the only thing I thought about.

I feel like this is more than a crush, every time I see him my body heats up and all I want to do is smile as well as giggle at his adorableness.

I suddenly heard my phone buzz, I sat up slightly to grab my phone from my bedside table. I rubbed my eyes, the light of my screen hurting them slightly. My heart fluttered as my eyes skimmed through the text.

From: Peter💕🙈 Hey, can't sleep and thinking about you, hope you're okay. Text me in the morning about school X :-).

My cheeks heated up at the thought of him thinking about me and worrying if I was okay. What is life?! I let out a small giggle at the smilie face face he left.

To: Peter💕🙈 Hey, can't sleep either thinking about shit. Why can't you sleep? X

I hesitated before pressing send, I bit my lip waiting for his reply. I soon saw the typing symbol making me smile widely.

From: Peter💕🙈 Aww I wasn't expecting a reply :-(

I let out a laughing knowing what he meant but I wanted to tease him.

To: Peter💕🙈 Wdym? Are you upset that I replied...emm I'll stop then sorry

I let out another laugh as I pressed the send button and it didn't even take five seconds for him to text back.

From: Peter💕🙈 NO!! is typing.... I PROMISE I DIDNT MEAN THAT! is typing.... I JUST HOPED YOU WERE ASLEEP CAUSE YOUVE HAD A LONG DAY!

I started to giggle and leaned back into my bed to start typing again.

To: Peter💕🙈 I'm messing! I know want you meant dork😂

I pressed send whilst bitting my lip, we talked for another hour or so before I started to get tired.

To: Peter💕🙈 I'm going to try and get some sleep if that's okay? X

If Peter wants me to stay up because he can't sleep I will of course.

is typing....

From: Peter💕🙈 No, please go to sleep. If you don't come in tomorrow I'll stop by to drop off some work. Night X

I smiled to myself and typed a simple goodnight and put my phone on charge. I soon felt my eyes close as I once again thought of Peter Bloody Parker.

"Miss Stark!" A deep voice yelled slightly causing me to shoot up, I let out a small scream when I saw Vision in my room. I brought my duvet up to my chin as I only had a tank top on and you can see my scars and bruises from Bobbie.

"I'm sorry I didn't mean to startle you Miss Stark but it's one pm. Miss Romanoff tried to wake you up for school but as she put it  'you were flat out'. But for health reasons I suggest you get up and moving before your sleeping patten becomes irregular." Vision said and came over to the side of my bed to hand me a glass of water and my daily tablets.

"I couldn't find any of medication when I unpacked your bag, so I took the liberty of using the ones you keep here" He said again, I sat up still trying to hide my upper chest and my arms. I let out a sigh knowing it's impossible to take them off him whilst trying to do so.

"Don't tell anyone" I said letting the duvet fall slightly, I noticed his eyes scan over my now green bruises and a couple of scars on my arms. Some self inflicted some not. I reached out to take my high dose of setraline (which helps with my depression, anxiety and PTSD) along with a quite low dose risperidone (antipsychotic). I gulped them down with little water, already used to talking them.

"How old are your bruises?" Vision asked, I shrugged lightly.

"A couple of weeks, why?" I asked and coved them up again getting self conscious.

"You must of got them with force" He commented, all I did was nod. I closed my eyes thinking back to when Bobbie started to beat me up about two and a half weeks ago, I don't know why he did it. My fingers lightly traced the hardly visible bruise on the side of my lips where Bobbie had first punched me and as I tried to get away he clawed at my chest.

"At least that ones healed" Vision cutting me out of my thoughts, he was now looking where my fingers are.

"Yeah" I said, he let out a small sigh.

"Your hand is a different story, it doesn't look like it will be healing anytime soon. I think we should get it X-rayed or maybe a MRI to see if anything is damaged" Vision said and generally took my hand in his.

"It's not broken though, I was thinking more about ligaments and tissue" He added, I nodded again not really wanting to say anything. I knew it wasn't broken from Peter.

"How about you get changed and I'll take you down to medics. Just you and me, no one had to know" I sent him a smile and another nod.

"Thank you Vision" I whispered as he headed for the door but still heard me as he sent a nod my way. I sighed then leaned over to my phone as the door shut after him. Peter had sent me a text telling me how maths is boring without me, then Ned sent me a text saying Peter got caught on his phone and now it's confiscated. I let out a laugh as I got out of bed to clean myself up in my bathroom.

When dad found out that he could have parental responsibility over me and even have me over to stay, he went a little over the top with my room. I remember when I was little and being in a meeting with an Interior designer on how I want my room, any size and anything. Now every year on the fourth of March I get to change it, new wardrobe, new bed, new everything. I feel like I'm the luckiest girl in the world when I'm at my dads.

After I'd finished in the bathroom I walked over to my walk in wardrobe as I connected my phone to my surround sound system. I pressed shuffle on my downloaded music and Oasis came on. I smiled to myself as my favourite part came on and I started to sing loudly.

"Maybe I just want to fly I want to live, I don't want to die Maybe I just want to breathe Maybe I just don't believe Maybe you're the same as me We see things they'll never see You and I are gonna live forever"

I quickly picked out something to wear as I remembered Vision is waiting for me. I rolled my eyes when it happened to be a Gucci top and some Nike leggings, I don't understand why thinks he needs to buy me 500 dollar tops when I'm happy with something from forever 21. I still got changed into as I have to admit it's a beautiful top, it's a white t-shirt with a UFO on it with rainbow beams coming out of it with GUCCI written in bold on the top. Once I had put the items on I grabbed my Harry Potter Y/H hoodie to hide my arms then finished my 'outfit' off with some trainers.

I put my phone in my pocket after turning off the music and walked out and down to the medical ward. I soon reached the nearest lift and went to floor four which is where the medical department is.

Everything turned out to be fine, the reason why it bruised so bad was because a knuckle dislocated but popped its self back in.

"Vision do you know when dad will be back? I asked as he checked the deep scratches on my chest and lower neck.

"Mr Stark said he should be back later today, would you like me to tell him to find you when he's back?" I nodded but winced when he rubbed some alcohol on an infected one, I just haven't had time to sort them out as normally I treat myself with a first aid kit I keep under my bed. Dad has been training me in paramedics for as long as I can remember, sometimes I have to patch him up. But with school and exams I'm too busy studying to do anything other than that.

"You're going to need a shot of antibiotics for the infected cut once a week for a month or so" Vision said looking at the swab results, I let out a sigh but nodded.

"Don't worry, I won't tell anyone. I told the nurse who let us in that I'm reviewing your medication." I sent him a smile, as he went over to get a needle.

"Right close your eyes and take a deep breath then breath out when I tell you" I nodded and bit my lip before closing my eyes.

"Okay deep breath in. 1, 2, 3 and breath out" I followed his instructions and jolted a bit cause of the pinch I felt to my skin as the needle went in. I squeezed my eyes shut, feeling the the liquid go into my bloodstream. He took the needle out and I opened my eyes.

"Why's over half of it left?" I asked lifting my eyebrows.

"It's one shot but goes in four times in different places" I nodded and let him get on with it. Once he was done I put my t-shirt back on then I stood up just wanting to get back to my room.  

"You can go now, but if you start to feel sick or get dizzy don't worry as it's a common side effect. If you feel anything else please come and get me." I nodded and started to walk out but suddenly turned around to give him a hug.

"Thank you Vision" I then quickly turned back to walk out the room. I got out my phone out to see what time it is.

3:10pm.

Peter will be here in half an hour or so, I walked into my room and looked in my mirror. Should I put some makeup on? I bit my lip and nodded to myself. I only put some clear lipgloss on and some concealer for the now faded bruise next to my lip but just incase.

"Friday" I called out as I made my bed.

"Yes Y/N?" The A.I's voice echoed into my room.

"I'm going into my tv room, when Peter gets here will you let him in and direct him to the room?" I asked whilst getting a book from my bookshelf.

"Of course Y/N, I will let Mr Parker in" I smiled and went to one of the many doors in my room.

"Thanks Friday"

*Peter's P.O.V*

I bit onto my lip as I walked up to the FQ's security gate. I went into my bag taking a shaky breath as I got out my 'level 2' pass. Only people who live in the FQ have level 1. This is the first time I'm coming here without Happy or Mr Stark with me.

"Sorry kid, we don't do tours" A guard said as I stopped at the scanner, I gave him my pass with my name and picture on.

"Emm I'm P-Peter Parker and I'm here to see Y/N Stark. I've brought her some work cause she wasn't in school today" I said, he scanned my pass and nodded.

"Emm thanks err sir" I said and put my pass back into my bag then walked through the gate.

I walked through the main entrance and saw Mrs Sally, she's one of the receptionist that normally takes me to Mr Stark.

"Peter?" She said with a smile, Mrs Sally is a middle aged woman with dark skin and wore red lipstick every time I saw her. Her hair is always tied back into a tight bun as well.

"You haven't got a meeting with Mr Stark, is everything okay?" She added as I walked over and leant my arms on the front desk.

"Y/N missed school, I said I'll come and bring her some work. Can I go straight up?" I asked, she looked down at her computer.

"I'm guessing you don't want Mr Stark to know, he normally doesn't let boys her age near her when she's in his care" I blushed and started to drum my fingers nervously against the desk.

"If you wouldn't mind, n-not th-that anything is going to happen! W-we're just friends" I mumbled, I heard her laugh and start to type.

"You we're here yesterday as well it says on the system, so you already know Mr Stark isn't home until around five" I raised my eyebrows.

"He's not back yet?" I asked feeling a little more confident, she shook her head.

"Normally you have to sign in as you know but Y/N needs a friend right now so I'm going to let you off this once, just this once" She said, I nodded and pushed myself off the desk.

"Thanks Mrs Sally!" I called as I reached the elevator, I pressed floor two.

"Please scan your pass, full name and reason on visiting the living quarters" F.RI.D.A.Y's voice echoed into the small space. I shrugged having never done this but got my pass out and pressed it against the glowing green light in front of me.

"Err Peter Benjamin Parker and I'm here to see Y/N Stark cause she missed school and I've brought her some work" I said rambling a little.

"Welcome Mr Parker, Y/N waiting for you in her TV room. If you go into her bedroom then I will tell you which door to use" I nodded to myself as the doors to the second floor opened. I gripped onto my rucksack as I walked down the hall and to Y/N's room, along the way tripping over my feet but I caught myself at the last minute. I jumped back up and straightened myself out. Phew thank god no one saw-

"Mr Parker, are you okay?" F.R.I.D.A.Y's voice came out of nowhere chasing me to jump slightly.

"Oh yeah that I meant to do that" I said casually, she'll believe that won't she?

"You are telling me that you tripped up on purpose?"

Nope she won't.

"Yep" Was all I said mentally cringing, I soon reached Y/N's room and was about to knock.

"The door is open" F.R.I.D.A.Y said making me remember she's in her 'tv room'. I took a deep breath as the slide door opened.

"Please walk toward the door wear the keypad is glowing blue not green" I found the right door then walked over to it.

"I will tell Miss Stark that you are here, she will be with you shortly." I nodded to myself and ran a hand through my curls then pulled on my shirt. I heard the door open and my breath caught in my throats when I saw her.

She looked so simple yet so breathtaking, her eyes slightly red making be think she's been crying. I felt myself look down at her lips which were a bit shiny and so kissable-

"Peter, what happened to your face?!" She yelled slightly grabbing my hand and pulling me to the end of her bed. Wait what is she talking about?...wait oh shit I got into a fight last night with a mugger. I stared at her wide eye as she pulled my face closer to hers and lightly ran her fingertips over my bruise on my right eye, she traced it down to my lower cheekbone.

"Well?" She whispered, her hand not moving. My heart beat increased and I'm scared she will be able to feel the heat radiating off my cheeks.

"I-I-I h-hit my-my face on my bunkbed" I tried to say without telling her what actually happened or saying something creepy. Her eyebrows raised as she took her fingers away from my face, my skin already missing her touch.

"You hit your eye and not your head?" I mentally swore to myself, I felt her hand slowly take mine in hers. I watched her teeth take her bottom lips in between them, I felt myself let out a shaky breath.

"You know you can tell me anything Peter, I won't judge. You're my friend, my best friend really" Her voice getting quieter with each word, a smile broke onto my face but it soon went as I felt guilty about not telling her that I'm Spider-Man.

"I got into a fight" The words just slipped out of my mouth not realising what I said until after.

"With who?" She asked softly and brought her hand back up to my bruise but her fingers started to wonder as she noticed a scab on my lip, my mind screaming 'KISS HER, TELL HER HOW YOU FEEL!!' I held my breath, her thumb ran over the red scab but she seemed to notice what she was actually doing, killing me that is.

"Sorry" She whispered moving further away from me. All I wanted to do was grab her hips and pull her closer to my own body.

"Itsfine" I breathed out in one breath causing her to giggle making my heart skip a couple of beats as her nose scrunched up slightly.

"If was Flash" I lied, I felt guilty for lying to her but not about saying it was him. She nodded but then moved closer once again, putting her head on my shoulder.

"I hate Flash, he's brought back so many bad memories for this this week" I leaned my head onto hers, the sent of her shampoo hitting my nose.

"He's a bastard" She laughed and snuggled into my shoulder more, I wish we could do this all the time.

"Is that why you have been crying?" I whispered, she looked up at me pulling away from me slightly, it took her a couple of seconds before she nodded.

"You noticed?" She asked, I nodded myself.

"Did you get into a fight this morning? It's bruised quickly" Y/N said leaning closer to get a better look. She was obviously trying tot change the subject but I don't want to push her.

"Emm yes, my skin is sensitive and he hit me hard" She sighed, I then suddenly remembered why I'm here in the first place.

"I got you're school work, it's mostly maths cause we had double today. MJ got your art homework and there's some English, not a lot though as we watched the end of Macbeth. You had psychology as well so I asked Betty Brant to write you notes. Then on the way here I colour coded everything because I see you do it all the time." I rambled slightly but stopped when she giggled. I looked over at her to see her bright red.

"What?" I asked blushing myself.

"You noticed that I did that?" She said, I bit my lip not wanting to sound creepy.

"Yeah" I whispered, I turned to my bag which had fallen off my shoulder just a couple of minutes before.

"Here, after I wrote the math notes I also colour coded them as well." I said handing the pile of work to her.

"Thanks Pete, you're the best" She said and leaned over to kiss my cheek, her lips lingering for a little. I didn't know what to do, should I turn my head? But I couldn't as she pulled away.

"S'Okay" My voice broke causing her to laugh. I watched her look through the notes with a smile.

"Theses are perfect, thank you" I nodded, I looked down at my watch to see it's 4:15pm but something red caught my eye.

"W-Whats that?" I asked leaning over to see a drawing of my Spider-Man mask in her sketch book and fucking hell its amazing.

"O-Oh em it's you know Spider-Man. I kinda got interested in him after what happened in D.C" She whispered and her hand wrapped around her left wrist.

"Oh yeah, he saved you and Liz right?" I asked pretending that it wasn't me who actually saved them.

"Yeah" She said with a smile.

"I didn't tell dad though" She added, making me raise an eyebrow. "I didn't want him to worry, he probably wouldn't of let me out of the house again" She laughed nervously.

"Is he your favourite hero?" I asked jokingly expecting her to say no.

"Yeah, don't tell Dad. He'll kill me" She laughed again and got up to place the school work on her desk. Wait what? I'm her favourite. Fuck yes!

"Do you want to stay for a bit? You don't have to but you know if you want to we can watch something maybe." I heard Y/N say from the other side of her room not looking at me.

"Yeah!" I said a little too quickly, I cursed to myself. Y/N turned back around and came to sit down next to me again.

"Great, I get lonely around here since Steve left. Steve is Captain America by the way" She added, I laughed nodding.

"I know" I noticed her cheeks turn red but she looked over to the side, her eyes losing their glow.

"Were you two close?" I asked and timidly took her hand in mine. She looked at her with a small smile and a nod.

"Yeah, Steve would help me with my homework whilst dad was away. Which was a lot. And he was also like my big brother which is a bit weird but yeah" She sighed at the end, I kinda feel guilty now for kicking him in the face.

"I'm sure him and Mr Stark will make up soon" I trailed off trying to sound convincing but it obviously didn't work as she let out a bitter laugh.

"Thanks Peter but not going to happen" I nodded and it went quiet. I felt her hand grip onto mine tighter making my heart start to go faster and my hands started to get sweaty.

"Thank you for listening yesterday Peter, it means a lot. I-I get really self conscious when it comes to em that subject, like in class when people are talking about sex and shit I just freeze. I start to feel his body on top of me and the feel of his stubble against my cheek" I wanted her to stop as her nails started to dig into my palm, it didn't hurt just a sting but she's reliving a horrible memory. That's what makes me want her to stop. But she needs to let this out and I'm not going to stop her.

"Then I start to smell his weird scent, I don't know what it was but it was a mixture of like dirt, sweat and I don't know something else that smelt horrible." She stopped talking suddenly, noticing what she was saying.

"I'm sorry" Y/N mumbled, I noticed her eyes had now filled with tears. I wrapped my arm around her shoulder pulling her into my chest. I really don't know how I'm so confident around her now....sometimes. I'm only confident around her when she needs someone to hold her and just needs a laugh.

Her fingers gripped onto my jumper as she sobbed, I ran my own through her hair trying desperately to calm her down. I'd never seen her like this before thinking back to when she moved to my middle school in 6th grade.

(A/N okay bitch the American school system is so fucking confusing to me. So they are 11-12 I hope I got the grade and the school right.)

Y/N was always popular but for the first year or so I knew her, well knew of her, she didn't show emotion and now I guess I know why now. Recently she's been showing a lot more emotion, but she's also being crying a lot. She doesn't think I've been noticing her red, puffy, eyes or the fake smiles and the watery eyes when she thinks no one is looking. I didn't want to ask her about it as I knew she'd just change the subject.

"I'm sorry, for the past two days I've just been crying on you. I'm normally not like this but everything is just building up and getting to me" She mumbled pulling away and wiped her eyes with her palm.

"Oh I'm sorry! I've ruined your favourite jumper" She sighed and tried to wipe away the tear stains away but just made it worse.

"Hey, hey it's fine don't worry" I laughed and wiped the rest of her running tears off her cheeks. She sent me a smile and tucked a piece of her hair behind her ear.

"I can buy you a new one if you want" She sniffed and got out her phone, I gently grabbed her wrist and made her lower her arm.

"It's fine really, I think I have another one in this colour" I said looking down to check if it's the blue I'm thinking of. "Yeah I do".

"Of course you do" She giggled, I blushed looking away and bit my lip. I heard Y/N let out a sort of 'dreamy' sigh. I turned back towards her to see her already staring at me.

"You okay?" I asked, her eyes went wide and her neck started to turn a rose colour.

"Fine, fine. Just thinking about shit" Things got quiet once again and I realised that I had taken her hand in mine at some point.

"Peter?" Her soft voice cut into my thoughts.

"Hhmm?"

"Em w-what do you think of me? L-like when we were in the bathroom last week y-you said I was beautiful, and-and no one has said that to me before. Well Dad and Steve have but that doesn't count." Y/N said I turned to her with red cheeks. Oh bloody hell what am I going to say? I'm just going to make her uncomfortable and probably something creepy.

"Well-well you are beautiful, gorgeous in fact. On the inside and out, like when you smile the whole room lights up. And that glow in your eye you get when you're really happy, it just makes me happy-" I rambled on, listening all the things I love about her but the next thing I knew her hands were pulling my face towards her and our lips connected. My eyes still wide open as I stared at her closed eyelids, my mind screaming 'MOVE YOUR FUCKING LIPS, YOU'VE BEEN WANTING THIS FOR YEAR'. Her lips moved against mine trying to get mine to move but my whole body was frozen. Her hands soon left my face as she pulled away, my lips already missed her. Both of us breathing deeply, I still hadn't loved I don't think I've even blinked.

"I'm so sorry, I-I don't know-" Her voice cracked as she spoke but my body suddenly started to work again and I leaned in smashing my lips back onto hers. I didn't know what to do with my hands as hers went back up to my cheeks. Our lips moved slowly against each other's, her lips a little dry and my teeth bumped against hers a couple of time. But soon (a couple of seconds) we got used to it and shared the perfect kiss.

I felt like I was in heaven, my heart banging against my rib cage. My hands rested on her thighs and they naturally started to glide up but then I stopped and quickly pulled away realising what's actually happening. I let out a quiet groan when I saw her lips all swollen.

"I can't" I whispered, I can't do this. She's not in the best state of mind right now, she might not even know what she's doing.

"Why?" She asked, hurt laced in her voice making my heart physically hurt. I brought my hand up to her cheeks and rubbed circles with my thumb against her smooth skin.

"Y/N, you know why. No matter how much I want to and fucking hell I want to, we can't. Not right now, not when you're this emotional. Tomorrow you might remember what you did and think 'fuck, why did I do that?' When you feel better mentally then m-maybe w-we can you know, go on a date or something." She nodded and looked down, biting her lip.

"Don't do that" I mumbled, pressing my forehead against hers.

"Sorry" She giggled.

"I'd like that, I mean go on a date like that will be fun. I've never been on one before." She added and took my hands in her once again.

"Me either" I said smiling brightly, my face hurt from how wide my smile was but I didn't care. Y/N FUCKING STARK IS GOING ON A DATE WITH ME.

"Thank you for stopping Peter, that was an amazing thing to do. You're right I'm not in the right state now" She said not looking at me, I put my index finger under her chin making her look at me.

"It's okay" Her hand moved up to my cheek once again and I leaned down to kiss her nose as I held her closer.

Her head fell into my shoulder as she wrapped her arms around my neck. We stayed in that position only God knows how long but Y/N's doors opened causing us to jump apart. My eyes went wide when I saw Mr Stark raising an eyebrow at us.

"Interrupting something am I?" He asked in a stern voice, I looked at Y/N panicking but she looked so calm.

"No Daddy" She said getting up. "Peter came by to drop off my school work and was trying to make me feel better. And in all honesty I just needed a hug so I asked him and he said yes" She lied straight through her teeth as she went to hug her father. Thank god she's obviously lied to him before.

"Right, well thank you Mr Parker but you can go now. No work needed at the internship today." My face scrunched together for a second forgetting Y/N didn't know.

"Oh right em yeah. I'll see you tomorrow Y/N" I said getting my bag then started to walk over to them. I stood and stared at her with loving eyes as she sent a smile my way. Mr Stark cleared his throat and nodded to the door.

"Sweetie, I need to talk to Mr Parker about a project. Why don't you do some online shopping in your tv room whilst you wait for me and I'll come and get you after" Y/N nodded and waved at me as she walked over to the room.

"Bye Pete, I'll em text you" She said blushing making my cheeks go red as Mr Stark staring me down.

"Bye-" I tried to say but Mr Stark grabbed my elbow. Oh god I thought as I saw his face.

"Walk with me Peter" He said and started to walk down the long corridor.

"O-of course sir" I said and ran to catch up with him.

"When are you planning on telling my daughter that you're spider man" I let out a small sigh of relief as he didn't say that he was secretly spying on us and saw us kissing.

"Em I don't know, I have enemies sir and I don't want to put her in danger" I saw him nod to himself and as the lift doors opened he took his sunglasses off.

"I see your point kid, but Y/N cares for you a lot I've gathered over the past couple of days. I also looked into the school system and saw you take a lot of the same classes. Also the security cameras at the school show that you spend a lot of time together. Also her phone bill has been going up in price recently and I suspect that has something to do with you" I felt my palms get sweaty and I could hear my heartbeat in my ears. I opened my mouth to say something but he lifted his hand up stopping me.

"I'm talking, I just wanted to say thank you Peter. My daughter hasn't had the easiest life in the world we needs a friend, that friend is you. But she trusts you Mr Parker and I think you should tell her about your alter ego." I nodded not knowing what to say. I hadn't even noticed that we had reached the main entrance.

"Well that was a nice chat wasn't it, I've already got a car waiting for you. Mrs Sally seemed to forget to wipe the entrance scanner when she said you can come in without going on the system." I turned to look at him with desperate eyes.

"Mr Stark, please don't put any blame on her. It was my idea, I threatened her!" I yelled slightly causing a couple of people to look over at us, he sighed and wrapped an arm around my shoulder.

"I highly doubt that Peter, but don't worry nothing is going to happen to Mrs Sally. She's one of my best workers. Now cars outside, please sign in next time you come won't you?" Again I nodded, he patted me on the back.

"Until the next time Mr Parker, which will probably be soon as I've just got a text off Y/N asking me to ask you to come and see her again to watch a film. So I've asked you, sort it out yourself but I need to do something quickly so I can spend some time with my daughter. Bye Peter" I stood in shock for a couple of seconds, trying to proses the information.

"Right" I muttered to myself and walked towards the drive way and I saw Happy. I smiled.

"Hey Happy!" His face fell slightly when he saw me.

"Ugh get in. When Tony said he needed me to drive someone home I wasn't expecting you" He groaned and walked back to the drivers side, normally I would feel a little down that he said that but nothing could bring my mood down.

On the way back to Queens, my mind was racing and I kept on touching my lips."You alright Parker?" Happy asked, noticing my happy mood.

"Amazing" I sighed looking out of the window, the buildings becoming familiar once again. My leg started to bounce uncomfortably as I started to think about the date. What the fuck do you do on a date?

"Bye Happy!" I yelled as the car pulled up, I heard him yell my name as the car was still moving slightly. I sent him a wave and a thumbs up. I ran up the stairs all the way to my apartment, I opened the door with force causing a bang. I tripped then slid into the living arena.

"May! I need your help!" I yelled causing her to look up from the telly.

"What? Peter are you okay?!" She asks standing up, looking concerned.

"Fine! Perfect! I have a date soon" I yelled my smile covering my face once again, her own lips turned into a smile.

"With who?" May asked and walked over to me pulling me into a hug.

"Y//N! I actually have a date with Y/N!" She laughed at my excitement.

"When is it?" I shrugged getting shy.

"Em I don't know, like she's going through some things at the moment and I don't want to take advantage of her" I mumbled blushing.

"Oh Peter, I raised you well" Aunt May sighed pulled me back into a hug.

"We kissed" I muttered into her shoulder, not being able to keep it to myself any longer. I pulled away with a huge smile.

"Oh did you now?" She laughed crossing her arms, all I could do was nod and bounce on my feet.

"May you don't understand, it was the best feeling in the world. Like ugh, I've never felt this way before. After I tried to be really sweet and everything just how you taught me!" I shouted now waving my hands around.

"Peter, sweetie calm down. You're going to hyperventilate" She said grabbing my shoulders and shaking them.

"Sorry, sorry. But now you need to help me! I've never been on a date before. Please Aunt May" I pleaded with her, practically begging her.

"Of course I'll help Peter, now tell me what she likes"

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

Heyy, thanks for reading. Sorry this took so long to update but this is soo cute yet sad... please share and shit so I know you want me to continue. Again thank you for reading x

Tags: @purplekitten30 @i-just-wanna-run-hell

Song mentioned: Live Forever By Oasis 

[sunlightdances]

Pairing: Dean x Female Reader Prompt: “I have been driving for the last 5 hours and all I want is some god damn beef jerky, so GET YOUR HAND OFF THE LAST PACKAGE ON THE SHELF YOU MAY BE HANDSOME STRANGER, BUT NO ONE IS STANDING IN BETWEEN ME AND THAT SALTY SNACK” Rating: PG Warnings: Mild descriptions of canon-related injuries, nothing graphic. Author’s Notes: Something light hearted for your Thursday.

You have been driving for hours, so it’s not your fault that you’re a little cranky. You haven’t eaten in hours or slept in days. So you freaked out a little bit when you dropped out of college. It’s fine, it probably happens to people all the time. You’re sure you’re not the first person to just pack up everything they own, get in their car, and drive with absolutely no destination in mind.

So, that’s why you’re pulling into the first gas station you see, your stomach grumbling. Parking your car in an empty spot, you walk inside, rubbing a hand over your face as your exhaustion hits you like a freight train. You frown, thinking you should probably find a hotel soon or you’re going to be in trouble.

You head for the snacks, opting for convenience instead of a warm meal, and it takes you a second in your tired state to realize that there’s only one package of beef jerky left, and it’s currently in the hand of a man who’s scanning the chips on the other side of the aisle, his brow furrowed.

You think you must let out an involuntary noise of discontent, because he looks up at you for a brief second, looking away when he sees you staring at the empty shelf.

“Um,” you say, cursing yourself. Way to sound smart. “This is going to sound weird, but do you have your heart absolutely set on eating that?” You ask him, pointing at the package in his hand.

“Um.” He echoes back, his face the picture of confusion. “Kind of, that’s sort of why I grabbed it off the shelf.”

Great, you think. He’s a smartass.

“Okay, but how important is it to you?”

He barks out a laugh, looking at you like he can’t believe what he’s hearing. “Are you trying to talk me out of buying this?”

You smile in what you hope is a convincing manner. “I’ve been driving for five hours and I’m starving.”

He smirks. “I’ve been driving for eight hours, and I’m hungry too, plus I’ve got my brother to feed. He’s 6’4”, so he needs it more than you.” He snarks, and you want to punch him right in his attractive face.

“All right, look. I’ve got…” you fumble around your purse, looking for your wallet. “... three dollars.”

He looks taken aback for a minute before he recovers. “You’re serious? I don’t want your money.”

“Well, I want that beef jerky, so.” You tell him, your arms falling to your sides. You realize that you’re being ridiculous, but you’re not really that worried about it. It’s the hunger, you think.

“I’m not taking your money, and I’m going to eat this. Have a good day.” He says, and starts to saunter up to the cash register, but you run around him to block his way, a hand on his chest.

He stops short of running you over, and looks down at your hand with a raised eyebrow.

“What if I buy you something else?” You bargain, and the corner of his mouth tilts up in a half smile.

“Lady, why don’t you buy something else? I’m sorry, but I really have to go. Try the gas station a couple miles down the road. They’ve always got good snacks.”

He just walks right around you, up to the cashier, and when the bell over the door signals that he’s gone, you start to seriously wonder about the state of your life. Bargaining with strangers in the EZ-Mart… honestly.

You shake your head at yourself and grab a few other snacks before getting back in the car. You need to find somewhere to sleep.

.

.

.

You had seriously underestimated how much stuff you crammed into your car when you left college - boxes upon boxes are in your back seat, and you’re trying to figure out which boxes need to come inside the motel room with you, and which stuff you probably wouldn’t care if they were stolen out of your car in the middle of the night.

After the third trip to the car, you’re sweating a little, the summer sun beating down on you.

“Moving in?” A voice asks, and you jump, not having heard any footsteps at all. When you turn around, you almost groan, because of course it’s Cute Guy From The Gas Station. Why wouldn’t it be?

“Are you stalking me?”

“You caught me,” he deadpans. “My heart was all aflutter when you tried to bribe me for snacks.”

You blush, remembering how ridiculous you had sounded.

“Do you need any help?” He asks, tilting his head as he looks at you, arms crossed in front of his chest. You feel a pang of attraction run through you, and you look away for a second, trying to get yourself under control.

“I’ve got it. Thanks, though.”

He looks like he’s making a decision, and then he says, “I’m in 204, a couple doors down. If you need any help, feel free to knock.”

He leaves you feeling off balance with a smile and a wave, and you watch him and his broad shoulders walk down the small sidewalk to his room.

.

.

.

You wake up some time in the middle of the night with a jolt, hearing loud voices outside. Your first instinct is to get in your car and leave - you’ve heard rumors about these types of motels and really have no desire to be on the evening news because you’ve been murdered.

As you listen more carefully, you realize you recognize one of the voices, and your curiosity gets the better of you. Tiptoeing to the window, you push back the curtain slightly and can see him leaning against a sleek black car a few spots down from your own, his hand pressed to his stomach.

Even from a distance you can tell he’s bleeding, and your heart starts to pound. Before you can think about what you’re doing, you’re out the door, pulling a hoodie over your head.

The taller guy with him - his brother, you think - looks up at you. “You should go back inside.”

“He’s bleeding,” you say dumbly. Looking back at Cute Guy From The Gas Station, “You’re bleeding.”

He chuckles, and then winces. “I am? Hadn’t noticed.”

“What the hell happened?”

“Dog attack.”

“Fell down some stairs.”

Both brothers speak at once, and you look back and forth between them, unamused. “Okay. Tell me, don’t tell me, I don’t care. Do you need help?”

The taller one hesitates, but your new friend interrupts. “She’s harmless. Hopefully.”

His brother looks skeptical, but he seems to weigh his options. “Okay, sure. That’s-- can you help him get inside? I need to… I need to go finish up something.” He looks back at his brother. “Dean? That okay?”

Dean. You look back at him and his eyes are a little unfocused, but he shrugs. “Not like I have many other options, huh?”

“Okay.” You say. “Don’t worry, I took a first aid course, like… five years ago.”

Dean’s face brightens with a sharp laugh. “Don’t worry, she says!”

“Dean,” his brother says sharply, “let her help you get inside before you pass out. I can’t let you die when you still owe me a hundred bucks.”

“That’s because you cheated, Sammy--”

“No offense,” you interrupt, “and I really hate to break up this brotherly love, but can we get a move on before someone else comes out here?”

“She’s smart. Listen to her.” Sammy -- Sam? You don’t know -- says, with a pointed look at Dean.

He helps you get his brother inside their room before he takes off, pressing a first aid kit into your hands.

You’re left there feeling a little helpless and more than a little confused, but you sit down on the edge of the bed next to Dean, anyway. Tentatively, you reach out, moving his hand. He jumps a little at the touch of your hand, but lets you do it, eyeing you warily.

“What do you think? Am I going to live?”

You snort. “You’re pretty nonchalant for a guy who got attacked by a dog and then fell down some stairs.”

He grins, looking down sheepishly. “Don’t suppose you believe either of those things, huh? You seem pretty smart.”

“I don’t know about that. I just dropped out of college and have no idea what I’m doing with my life, but sure.”

He looks mildly alarmed. “Glad you’re here to give me stitches, then.”

Your eyes snap up to his. “Stitches? You didn’t say anything about stitches.”

“Kid. Look at me.” He gestures towards his abdomen. “Look,” he says, gentle, “it’ll be fine. I’ll talk you through the entire thing. Well, at least until I pass out. Then you’re on your own.”

You glare at him.

“Sorry,” he says, laughing. “Not funny. Got it.”

He manages to get his shirt off while gritting his teeth, and directs you to the supplies in the first aid kit that he’ll need. He also instructs you to grab his whiskey out of his bag, and before you can pour it on his stomach, he takes a swig, suggesting you do the same.

“You’re really not going to tell me how this happened, are you.” You ask mildly as you begin stitching. Your hands are a little shaky, but you try not to think about the fact that you’re doing stitches on a person.

Once you disassociate, it’s easier. Plus, Dean distracts you. “You wouldn’t believe me.” He says, and you roll your eyes.

“So mysterious.”

“Just make sure I don’t bleed out, doc.” He snarks back, and the both of you fall silent for a few minutes, you concentrating, and him sucking in ragged breaths whenever the needle catches. You frown, apologizing, and he waves you off.

“You’re doing great. I--” He stops, wincing, but then keeps talking. “I should be thanking you. You didn’t have to come outside.”

“You told me to ask you if I needed anything. Figured it should be a two way street.” You say, shrugging.

“Still.”

“Don’t worry about it. I-- I guess I have a sympathy complex, or something. I wasn’t going to leave you guys out there if you needed help.”

He smiles at you, his eyes starting to get hooded and you can tell he’s fighting to stay awake. “I never told you my name.” He says quietly.

“Your brother did.” You point out, and then, feeling courageous, “I was just going to keep calling you Cute Guy From The Gas Station, though.”

The smile he sends your way after that is truly breathtaking, and you have to look away, because Jesus, it’s like looking into the fucking sun. “Do I get to know your name?” He asks, “Or do I need to come up with a nickname for you, too?”

You blush, finishing up the stitches. “You’re all set.” You say. You decide to throw caution to the wind and tell him your name, and when he repeats it quietly, you feel it in the pit of your stomach.

“Not that you aren’t wonderful company, but I’m pretty sure I’m going to fall asleep in a few seconds.” He mumbles, head lolling on his shoulders. “Don’t take it personally.”

“Wouldn’t dream of it,” you reply, and finish your job. When you look back up a few minutes later, he’s asleep.

.

.

.

Sam came back an hour or so later, and thanked you profusely for looking after his brother. He’s suspiciously covered in dirt and grime, but you don’t say anything. These dudes could be serial killers, for all you know.

You don’t think they are, though. There’s a kindness to them both that you know wouldn’t be there if they were sociopaths.

You head back to your motel room before Dean wakes up, and you feel stupid because you want to leave a note or something. It’s dumb, and you’re pretty sure you shouldn’t have all these feelings about a guy you literally just met.

You pretty much collapse into bed, and you’re asleep before your head even hits the pillow.

In the morning, you’re woken up by knocking on your door, and you’re somehow not surprised to see Dean there when you open the door cautiously, looking a little pale, but otherwise no worse for the wear.

“Hey.” He says, smiling softly at you. Your heart rate picks up.

“Hi. Feeling okay?”

“Pretty good, all things considered.” He rocks back on his heels. “I wanted to thank you.”

“You don’t have to--”

“Yes I do. You didn’t have to do that. You didn’t have to do any of it, but you did, and you made me laugh, and…” He trails off, rubbing the back of his neck. “Anyway. I’ve got something for you as a token of my undying appreciation.”

He reaches behind him and whips out a packet of beef jerky, and you can’t help it, you grin at him.

“I can’t believe…”

“It’s all yours, sweetheart.” He says, and your heart jumps at the term of endearment. “I think you earned it.”

“You’re an asshole.” You tell him, but you’re still beaming at him.

He grins right back. “Yeah, well. Listen, we’re going to get going. I just wanted to say thanks, really.”

“You’re welcome.” You reply quietly, looking down.

“I’ll see you around, I guess.” He says, hesitating, before turning to walk back in the direction of his car.

“Dean?” You call out, deciding that while you’re already making possibly life-changing decisions, you might as well do something a little crazy.

He stops, turning around with a questioning look on his face, and you stride towards him, your hands going to his cheeks to pull his mouth down to yours. He doesn’t miss a beat, hands falling to your waist and keeping you both from stumbling as you kiss him, hard. He makes a sort of strangled noise into your mouth but holds you tighter, not letting an inch of space get between you.

When you break apart, he looks a little dazed, and you can only imagine how you must look.

“For the road,” you say breathlessly, and he grins at you.

“You’re crazy, you know that?”

You laugh, embarrassed, but he tilts your mouth back up and kisses you again, a deep kiss that has your toes curling in your shoes as you match him breath for breath.

After, you watch him pull out of the parking lot, waving at Sam in the passenger seat, a piece of paper with a scribbled phone number on it burning a hole in your pocket, a plastic bag of gas station snacks in the other hand.

Dropping out of college is turning out to be the best thing that’s ever happened to you.

[divincr-arch-blog]

steph’s guide to roleplaying

Heyo! Bare with me, for this is a long post.

So, within various fandoms, I have seen a common trend that rubs me the wrong way. People asking, either their followers or blogs they follow, why they aren’t popular/roleplayed with. Or, they ask for advice and do not apply it, for one reason or another.

I have been in the indie Tumblr roleplaying community for over three years now, across three big fandoms (Marvel, Harry Potter, and Fire Emblem) as well as smaller fandoms. I have seen many trends come and go, many popular roleplayers come and go, and more.

It’s hard to get your foot in the RP door on Tumblr. I was there. Your favorite blog that you cry about being so good was there. Everyone was there. It’s a BIG pond, with many fish. Things are ever changing on Tumblr, so this will be reference guide to what you need to get started on your RP blog!

When it comes to edits, whether they are icons, themes, or promos, they are very important to RP blogs. Icons are a staple within the RP community, across fandoms, indie, and group. It may seem hard to get and make graphics without Photoshop, a very expensive program, but there are ways around it. Your graphics do not have to be fancy or hand drawn, but cleanly sized and cropped. There are many image editors out there, but these are my personal favorites. 

GIMP- a free and downloadable image editor. it works very similarly to Photoshop, and will work for basic things like cropping, coloring, and resizing images. It does not have all the features of Photoshop, but will work fine for simple things.

Pixlr- a free image editing site that requires no download. Again, it works similarly to Photoshop and Gimp, but more on the basic side. I recommend this if your version of GIMP or Photoshop is acting wonky or broken. If you are iffy about downloading programs, this will be perfect for you.

Photoshop Torrents- While stealing, pirating, and torrenting is wrong and illegal, Photoshop is expensive. You can get older versions of Photoshop through various torrents on the internet (I found mine through tumblr). I like using CS5 because it is a well known version with plenty of tutorials online. I recommend downloading Photoshop Portable, as it can easily be stored on your flash drive.

As for what is actually on the blog and what people like to see on a roleplay blog, there is a few things that people prefer not to see. The number one thing most followers want from a roleplay blog is writing. They may want that through interaction with you as a partner, or they just like reading it as a personal or follower. As for the things that people do not like to see, there are the top few things. 

6 Pages of Memes- It is okay to reblog memes. It is how interactions between partners start, and can serve as good ice breakers between new mutuals. However, as someone who has gone through many blogs, six pages of memes with a few RP post in between is not appealing. Just because you may not be getting responses right away, does not mean you should spam your blog and the dash with memes every half hour. People may not be online or interested in that meme. If you like all these memes, queue or schedule them for when people are online more. Also, send some to the people on your dash and focus on making new threads from them.

Short Replies- Before I start, yes, one liners are fun. They are quick, easy, and light, but they should not be the only thing on your blog. Many people like to expand to paragraphs because they are writers. Paragraph responses also show potential followers how you write and if it will click with their style. They may seem intimidating, but take your time on them. Save part of your responses to the drafts and come back to it later. Roleplaying is not about how fast you can respond, but the quality of your writing. This is especially true when you do not use icons. If a blog doesn’t use icons, I look for description in shorter replies rather than dialogue.

Negativity- This monster comes in many shapes or forms. Negativity/guilt tripping, drama with other blogs, and personal posts do not belong on a roleplay blog, though. Instead of guilt tripping and vague posting, talk it out with a friend for a confidence booster or take a tiny 1-hour break from blogging. Keep whatever beef you have with someone private, as well as your personal/political beliefs about an issue. That’s why personal blogs are things.

Lack of Pages- Pages about your blog are very important! It serves as your personal anchor on your blog, as well as people’s knowledge to your and your character prior to following and interacting. If someone does not see pages about your blog on it, they are more than likely to brush your blog aside. A rules page is the first thing people look for. They want to know how you are as a person, and how to interact with you. Besides the general “do not be a jerk” rule that everyone has, many people elaborate on how interaction with them work. An about page also helps people know your character. Do not just link a wiki page, especially if play as a canon divergent canon character. A well thought out about page helps both OCs and canon characters. It gives a personality and base for your muse and sets it apart from others.

Make it this far? Hella! You are almost through that metaphorical door! Now that the basic and bare bones of your blog is out of the way, let’s talk about trends, or what it is more commonly called aesthetics. They constantly change in the rp community. GIFs used to be the common thing, now it is still icons. While the trends may change, the basics of tumblr rp stays the same.

Themes- Right now, as I write this long essay of a post, container themes are all the rage. They were not always, nor are they required of an RP blog. As long as a blog does not have the basic preloaded themes that tumblr offers, most people don’t care too much about what it looks like. A few good theme blogs for RPers are soldierholiic, theme-hunter, and octomoosey. Don’t like any of those? Look at someone’s blog. There is usually a small icon in the bottom corner that links to the theme maker’s blog. My personal favorite is soldierholiic’s sora theme.

Formatting- You do not have to format your post to be considered quality! You do not have to hate formatting to be considered quality! As long as you can use basic grammar and spelling, you are good. Many people use small text because it looks a bit cleaner. The shortcut for small text is ctrl+shift+ -, if that helps. Also, many people expect your posts to be cut, meaning the latest two replies on a post. If you do not want or cannot download x-kit or other extensions, just politely ask your partners either through talking OOC or in your rules, to cut your post for you.

Function>Aesthetics- While having a nice looking blog is...well, nice, if someone can’t read or navigate through it, then they most likely will avoid you. Many experienced blogs are guilty of this too, not just over zealous newer blogs. Make your posts readable, both on the dash and the blog. Make your pages easy and accessible to find, especially for mobile users. Use colors that won’t kill my eyes because I’m reading your reply on your blog.

Graphics pt 2- While many blogs have personalized or hand drawn icons and promos, it’s not a requirement. You can use the icons you find in the tags. You can have icons that don’t match your theme. As long as they are sized correctly (100x100px is the norm), they do not have to be super edited. For promos, many fandoms accept the casual promo, containing an icon and a bit of info about your blog. It’s easy to spread around and learn a bit about the mun/muse. A fancy photoshopped graphic designed promo is not 100% necessary in most fandoms right now.

I know this post is getting very long and boring, but I swear I am almost done. Your blog is set up. You know the basics of roleplaying on tumblr. But everyone seems so scary with their rules, friends, and mains, etc. Many people on here are shy when it comes to new people. You probably are too. This is how you talk to people who seem intimidating. 

Be Casual- There is no need to call everyone senpai or quality or perf. That just makes things awkward. Just be casual with people you want to interact with. Talk about your fandom, scream headcanons with them, ask for their name. You do not have to go in with ‘HI DO YOU WANT TO RP WITH ME, [muse name here]-MUN-SENPAI?!!’ That comes off a bit strong and off-putting.

Be Respectful- First off, don’t be a jerk to people. Secondly, just read someone’s rules before messaging them with questions about something. While many are open to answering any questions a follower may have about them, if it something already stated in the rules of that blog, just save you all some trouble by reading them. Also, do not hate on their interpretation of a character. Each blog is different, even if there are 100 duplicates for that character. 

Don’t Be Afraid To Ask For Help- Is there something in the reply you don’t understand? Something about their character you don’t understand? Questions about the universe? Feel free to ask a partner for help! They won’t bite if you are respectful about it. Also, if you are close to your partners, they will often be open to help you with graphics if they have experience/time. Just don’t strut into their IMs expecting a theme done before you get there. Ask first! Be okay with their answer, even if you do not like it. 

Lastly, roleplaying is a hobby. Do not let it consume your life or stress you out. If that does happen, it is okay to take a break and come back. It is okay to restart your blog from scratch. It is okay to follow new and different people. Just have fun and be yourself.

[northpolenotes]

Fun Games and Activities To Play While Babysitting

List of 20 awesome things to do while babysitting!

This post contains affiliate links.  Please read our Disclaimer for more information.

So what is babysitting? Babysitting is when a Mom or Dad have commitments and/or engagements and want or need to be kid free for a period of time. And who should they call upon as their most trusted babysitter?

Well, if they have the option, an Aunt is a great choice for this very task. We’re a trusted resource for parents and it’s also a great way for us to build strong bonds with our niblings (especially the younger ones).

But what do you do with them when you’re babysitting? Turn on the TV and let the time pass until Mom and Dad get home? Not if your’e an awesome babysitter.

Go in with a plan to have fun, be safe, and bond with these little ones. Playing with them is the best way to bond in my opinion.

Need some ideas on what to play or how to have fun? I’ve put together a list of games and activities that babysitters can play during your visits. Enjoy them!!

Bubbles

What kid doesn’t love to play with bubbles? It’s fun to blow them, but what every kid loves to do is POP the bubbles. That’s why I prefer to have a bubble maker around so I can pop them too.

This bubble maker creates over Frog Over 500 bubbles per minute!

Get creative! See if you can..

Make a bubble snowman – catch and stack 3 bubbles on top of each other before they pop!

Have the kids count how many bubbles they can pop before you count to 10

Click here to check it out on Amazon:

Bubble Maker

Play Doh & Play Doh Sets

Play Doh is also a fan favorite for nearly every child. It’s not only for fun, it’s also functional. Play doh is great for exercising their fine motor skills.  Kids need fine motor skills for writing, eating, and tying their shoes, etc.

You can do so much with it too! Roll it, flatten it, chop it, cut it, poke it, squish it, pinch it, mix it and more!

I like to have both a play doh sets so they have some tools to work with while making their masterpieces. However, it’s also a good idea to have extra on hand. The more colors the better!

Click here to check them out on Amazon:

Play Doh

Play Doh Playset

Make Believe

Playing make believe comes naturally to children and it’s a great way to build a bond with them. I find that sometimes all they need is to set up a scenario and then they’ll take it from there.

Here’s a thought, mold some fish and sharks out of play doh, turn on the bubble maker, and make believe you’re under the sea!

Coloring

When you find yourself babysitting your niece or nephew (which many Aunts do on a regular basis), it’s a good idea to have an action plan.  Picking out a movie to watch or playing a board game can be a lot of fun. But you know what? You’re gonna want to have a quiet activity planned too – like coloring.

 It helps them develop their fine motor skills!

 It’s relaxing!

 It promotes creativity!

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Drawing

Drawing is sort of my thing, but I know it’s not everyone’s strong suit. My niece and nephews often ask me draw them a picture of their favorite characters and superheroes. We’ve gotten to the point now where I have to do a good job because they want them framed!

I highly suggest Art for Kids Hub on YouTube. This channel breaks down all the steps to drawing popular cartoon characters, to emojis and more! He does it all with his kids drawing with him! It’s a kid friend channel and fan favorite in my family.

Scavenger Hunt

Send them on a scavenger hunt! Whether you have one child a few, it’s an easy way to add fun to your babysitting duties. Plus, you can turn almost anything into a scavenger hunt!

Get your Spring Scavenger Hunt Printable!

Would Your Rather

Select the first player and have them ask a question that begins with “Would you rather…?” The player will provide two scenarios for the other players to choose from.

Each player must pick one of the two scenarios he or she would “rather” do.

“Both” or “Neither.” can never be the response. You must choose ONE of the two options given.

I’ve created some questions to get your game started. Click here for 20 FREE would you rather questions for kids!

I Spy

To begin, one person looks around the room and spies something. The person keeps it a secret. Then they say out loud, “I spy with my little eye, something… The spy must give a descriptive clue, i.e. something orange, something that starts with R, etc. The item must be visible to the other players.

Whoever guesses correctly then becomes the new spy.

20 questions

One player is starts the game by picking a word and keeping it a secret. They are the word keeper.

Everyone else is a guesser.

Each guesser takes a turn asking one yes or no question.

We usually start off the game with the first questions being is it an animal? Is it a vegetable? Is it a mineral?

The word keeper must answer the questions honestly. Lying is never allowed.

If any of the guessers figure out the secret word in 20 questions or less, they become the word keep for the next round.

If the word is not guessed, the word keeper for that round goes again.

Build a couch or pillow fort

Stack pillows and couch cushions in a square space, leaving room in the middle to sit.

Place a blanket over top.

Us this space to tell stories, read a book, or better yet…as safety for your sock wars!

Sock war

This was a favorite game of ours when we were growing up. Your ammunition? Dirty socks!

Establish boundaries and safe zones.

Take off your socks and fold them into a ball. Each player tries to hit their opponent with their dirty sock. The game only ends when you’ve had enough.

Use the forts you just built as home base for each side.

This is safe play because socks won’t hurt anyone, but it’s also loads of fun to hit someone with a sock.

Mega Bloks

Lego sets are great when kids get older and can read and follow directions for putting them together. However, I like Mega Bloks because they’re super easy to clean up, they’re great for little hands, and I won’t limp for an hour if I accidentally step on one.

Build a tower, knock it down! Let their imaginations sore with this kid friendly toy.

It’s great to bring in other toys such as stuff animals, action figures, LOL surprise dolls, etc. to build a home, bed, school, or anything else you can come up with.

Click here to check them out on Amazon:

Mega Bloks

Paint a Rock

I literally just used this paint a rock kit with my niece and nephew the last time I babysat them.

My niece Layla is older and had a great time getting detailed and making her rock look like the ones on the box.

My nephew, Julian is only 3, but he didn’t care. He went to town mixing colors on his rock and had a blast.

Get creative! Paint these rocks, allow them to dry, let the kids hide them and then add them to your scavenger hunt!  

Layla and I didn’t put on that many coats of paint so our rocks dried pretty quickly. I can’t say the same for Julian’s so just keep that in mind if you want to hide them immediately. Let the kids know the more paint you put on, the longer it’ll take for them to dry.

Click here to check them out on Amazon:

Rocking Painting Kit

Build a Puzzle

When you’ve had enough active play and you’re ready for a quiet activity, I suggest doing a puzzle together. It’s relaxing but it keeps their attention because they have to focus on putting the pieces together.

Sit down together and build this underwater scene!

Click here to check them out on Amazon:

Under The Sea Puzzle

This giant floor puzzle by Melissa and Doug is made from durable, extra-thick cardboard pieces. It’s broken into 48 pieces which is not too many pieces where they get overwhelmed and lose interest. It’s also not too few pieces where they would complete it in 4 seconds.

Minute to Win it Games!

M&M Challenge

Supplies needed:

M&M’s

Table

Straws

Empty Cup

Kitchen Timer

Setting up the game:

Start by spreading M&M’s on the table or inside a bowl.

Hand each player a straw and empty cup. Place the cup next to the child on the table.

Objective:

Players must suck up one M&M at a time and place it into the empty bowl next to them. They cannot use their hands to pick up the candy.

Players have ONE MINUTE to suck up as many candies as possible and drop them in their empty cup!

The player who transferred the most M&M’s is the winner! Everyone gets to eat their M&M’s though!

Variation:

Put the empty cups farther away on another table and have them walk their M&M’s to the cup! This will get messier so if you want a simply clean up, have them closer. However, if you don’t mind the mess, try it – IT’S FUN!

Balloon Challenge

Supplies needed:

Inflated Balloon(s)

Kitchen Time

Free Space

How to Play/Objective:

I suggest allowing one person to go at a time to avoid injury, but use your discretion based upon space.

Players will each take an inflated balloon, toss it above their head and keep it up by lightly taping it into the air.

They have ONE MINUTE to keep it above their head. If it falls below their chin, the game starts over.

Variations:

Add more balloons! Think it’s too easy with 1 balloon? Try 3!!

Too hard to keep it above your head? Change the rules so that they only have to keep the balloon in the air, not above their head.

Cookie Challenge

Supplies needed:

Cookies

Empty chair or floor space

Kitchen timer

How to Play/Objective:

Sit in a chair or on the floor. Give a cookie such as an Oreo to each player. Have them lean their head back and place a cookie in the middle of their forehead.

When the timer begins, players can only use their facial muscles to move the cookie from their forehead to their mouth.

They can tip their head and move their neck, but players cannot touch the cookie with your hands.

The cookie must remain in contact with their face. They can’t try to toss it from your forehead and catch it in your mouth.

If a cookie falls before it reaches their mouth, they must start over by placing it back on their forehead.

The cookie must actually go in your mouth to count.

Variations:

Give them 2 or 3 cookies to start. After the first cookie makes it to their mouth, they must remove it and start over with another one on their forehead. The challenge is completed when all 3 make it to their mouth before the minute is up.

Popsicle/Dice Challenge

Supplies needed:

Popsicle sticks

5 Dice

Kitchen timer

How to Play/Objective:

Players must hold one end of a popsicle stick in their mouth.

Take each die and one by one stack them on the other end of the popsicle stick on top of each other.

They must stack 5 dice in a tower at the end on the stick.

Players have ONE MINUTE to complete this challenge.

If they dice fall off, have them pick it up and start over before the time runs out.

Variations:

Use fewer dice in the tower

Spaghetti Challenge

Supplies Needed:

Six uncooked penne or tube shaped pasta per player

One uncooked piece of spaghetti per player

Empty table space

Kitchen timer

How to Play/Objective:

Place the pasta around the edge of the table so that the open end faces outward.

Players must stand at the table with their hands behind the back.

When the timer starts, the player can then pick up the spaghetti with their hands and put it in their mouth.

The player then goes around the table skewering the pasta, one at a time, with the spaghetti.

If the spaghetti breaks, just give them another piece

To win, all six pieces of pasta must be on the spaghetti within ONE MINUTE!

Card Shark!

Supplies Needed:

1 Deck of Playing Card

Kitchen Timer

How to Play/Objective:

Shuffle 1 deck of playing cards.

One player at a time goes unless you have more than 1 deck of cards

Players make 4 piles of cards with each pile containing only one suit in ONE MINUTE!.

Variations:

To make it harder! Player must put 1 pile in order from ace to king!

Even harder! Player must put 2 piles in order from ace to king!

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[the--sad--hatter]

Name Changing (10)

FANDOM - MARVEL MCU, X-MEN, DEADPOOL

PAIRING - BUCKY X READER (female reader, no physical descriptions)

WARNINGS - ALL OF THEM, SMUT, VIOLENCE ANGST

DESCRIPTION -  Sequel to Name Calling

After merging with your bloodthirsty alternate personality things start getting a little dicey. You’ve got two decades worth of anger to sort through, a feral mutation to figure out how to live with, a biological father who you hate trying to teach you control and if your wedding planner suggests teal for the bridesmaids again you might just eat her liver.

Luckily you have Bucky Barnes by your side, helping you figure things out. What Bucky doesn’t know is that you have found an outlet for the uncontrollable rage, one that absolutely nobody can know about. If your friends and family knew that you were out slaughtering people in the dead of night while they slept, they might be a little annoyed. Wade Wilson is happy to keep your secret though, so long as you keep bribing him with Mexican food. 

For as long as you could remember, all you had wanted was to be good. Now you’re seeing the temptation in the darkness.

Chapter Ten - Adventuredome 

“Stark Party.” Darcy announced to the receptionist as soon as you were dragged into the hotel.  

“I’m getting married in two days!” You had been saying that sentence on repeat for the past hour, always accompanied by a giddy smile.

“Congratulations Miss Stark and thank you for choosing The Hard Rock Hotel for your hen party celebrations. We have you booked in The Presidential Suite.”The receptionist told you with a friendly smile.

A collection of staff descended on you, leading you and your hen party up to the lavish suite. As soon as they were gone and it was just you and your friends you sat down on a chair with a huge grin.

“I’m getting married...”

“In two days, we know!” They all said in unison.

“Leave her alone, she’s happy.” Pepper said in your defence.

“Meh, she’s sappy.” Darcy said, hitting the minbar.

“Oh Champagne!”She exclaimed.

“No, we have an itinerary!” Sam said, snatching it off of her.

“Hand over the bubbles and nobody gets hurt bird boy!”Darcy snapped.

You drowned out the sounds of their argument by escaping to the balcony to call Bucky but as soon as you pulled your phone out it was snatched out of your hands by Natasha.

“This is a no boys weekend.” She told you.

“But Sam and Scott are here?”

“This is a no mens weekend.” She said and you snorted.

There was a shuffling sound from under the balcony and you and Natasha looked at each other before leaning over the side of the balcony to check it, her with a handgun and you with your hand raised.

“Well hello ladies, little help here?” Deadpool said, peering up at the two of you from where he was hanging by his fingertips.

“You’re late.” You admonished, reaching down and hauling him onto the balcony.

“And you’re so strong, it makes me all tingly in my lady parts.” He said, squeezing your bicep and swooning.

“Kotoynok, a word?” Natasha asked and you unceremoniously shoved Wade into the hotel room.

You watched him throw himself at Sam and wrap his legs around the falcons waist.

“Wade Wilson and Darcy Lewis? You know this weekend isn’t going to go smoothly?” She asked.

“There’s a bowling alley in the room!” Darcy shrieked through the glass.

“Well isn’t that the plan?” You said, smirking at her Natasha.

“It’s your funeral.”

“Wedding.”

“Not by the time Deadpool, Darcy and the Asgardian liquor are done with you.” She warned.

Ten minutes later you were in the massive shower, seeing as you had been kidnapped from your bed and been flown to Vegas in your pyjama’s. The door opened and Darcy walked in and plopped herself down on the seat next to the shower, completely disregarding your need for privacy.

“So Pepper says you still don’t know where you’re honeymooning. Want me to find out for you?” She offered, digging through your luggage.

“Bucky wants it to be a surprise. It’s kind of romantic.” You told her, ignoring her nosiness.

“What’s romantic?” Wade asked, walking in.

“She’s naked, get out.” Darcy said, trying to shoo him out of the bathroom.

“Oh I’ve already seen it all. All. Every bit.” Wade said salaciously, throwing himself on the bench and putting his head on Darcy’s lap and somehow wiggling his eyebrows under the mask.

“Oh just leave him, he’s harmless. The glass is frosted anyway.” You said, giving up on the notion of privacy.

“I brought your dress for tonight with me, you need to figure out what you’re wearing today.” Natasha informed you, strutting into the bathroom and leaning against the sink.

“Uh huh, can someone pass me some conditioner? The bottles in here are tiny.” You grumbled.

Several bottles were tossed into the shower and you rolled your eyes and picked one up off the floor and started massaging it into your hair.

“Do we want to get room service before we go out or find a restaurant when we leave?” Wanda asked, coming in with a room service menu.

You sighed heavily at your shower someone becoming a group activity.

“Let’s get lunch on the strip.” Darcy decided for everybody.

“Uh guys, I convinced Sam to let us go to Adventuredome if you want?” Scott said, wandering in with his hands over his eyes.

“Well at least someone is polite. Ish.” You muttered.

“Jean wanted me to tell you to try out Canyon Ranch Spa, I’m booking us all in for tomorrow. Can I name drop you Sweet Pea to get us is?” Rouge asked, wandering in to join the apparently group activity.

“Hey, why are we all in here? WHY ARE YOU NAKED?” Sam screeched.

“Because I am in THE SHOWER!” You yelled back, rinsing your hair out and getting out of the shower, stepping into the fluffy towel Wanda was holding out for you.

“So Adventuredome?” Scott asked hopefully, still covering his eyes.

“Lunch first, then we’ll split into groups depending on what people want to do. Everybody out of the bathroom.” Pepper called authoritatively from the suite.

Everybody scattered, Scott walking into the wall and being lead away by Wade and you were left alone. You couldn’t do anything except laugh.

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

“I’m hitting the casino.” Sam threw in.

“Alright. Kit Kat, what do you want to do?” Pepper asked, looking around dissaprovingly at the group as you finished off your lunches.

“Adventuredome.” You announced excitedly and Scott beamed at you.

“Alright, we’ll split into groups and meet back at the room at 6pm.” Pepper decided.

“Who’s going to the casino?”You checked.

Sam and Wade raised their hands.

“The Wilson brothers take Vegas!” Wade crowed and high fived Sam.

“Ok, me and Scott vs Wilson squared... Pick your teams everybody.” You announced.

“Casino!” Darcy crowed.

“I want to come with you.” Wanda told you.

“Sorry Kotoynok, I’m with the boys.” Natasha said, looking excited about the prospective casino trip. By excited you mean her face betrayed nothing at all and you had a feeling she was going to bankrupt the casino at the Poker Table.

“I’m not too fond of cards, I’ll take the roller-coasters.” Rouge decided.

“Alright, we’ll all meet back at the room at 6pm to get ready.” Pepper announced.

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

 Adventuredome was a jam packed room filled with excited crowds and screeching children. As soon as you walked in you were assaulted by a symphony of noises and smells that had you recoiling while your senses readjusted.

You, Scott and Pepper had a three way argument about who would pay for the wristbands, Scott wanted to get them because it was his idea, Pepper wanted to get them on Tony’s card and you kind of just wanted to win the argument. The three of you were quickly shut up when Wanda came back with the wristbands.

“Sneaky witch.” You grumbled as she slipped yours onto your wrist.

“Who wants to do the Bank Heist Laser Challenge with me?” Scott asked gleefully and dragging you towards it before you could answer.

You managed to snatch Wanda’s hand and three of you headed towards the attraction.

“I’m going to get drinks and snacks.” Pepper announced.

“Ok, meet us outside the Heist mom!” You called back to her.

The attraction turned out to be far too easy for three superhero’s, though you did have fun deliberately sabotaging Scott and Wanda.

“Cheater!” Scott accused when you tripped him into a laser.

“It’s not cheating, it’s clever battle tactics.” You sniggered and jumped over him and the beam easily.

“She’s right.” Wanda backed you up, sending a red tendril to knock you into a beam.

Someone tugged at your sleeve and you looked down to see a group of children staring up at you in awe.

“Can we be on your team?” A little boy asked the three of you.

Five minutes later you had your little group of teammates ready.

“AVENGERS ASSEMBLE!” You yelled.

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

“Buck. Have you seen this? It’s just gone viral.” Steve asked him.

He switched on tablet and showed Bucky the video.

You had two kids tucked under your arms as you ran through a laser filled room and Bucky almost panicked for a second before he saw you were laughing and the children were having the time of their lives. Scott Lang ran past the camera with a child on his shoulders. Wanda had two little girls holding either hand as she hurried them through the course and called out to you.

“We need backup at the front.”

“No Avenger left behind!” You announced pompously, striking a superhero pose before ran back out of frame, appearing again a few moments later with two more kids under your arms and a third on your back.

Bucky chuckled as the video ended.

“That’s my wife, goes to Vegas for her Hen Party and ends up playing in an amusement park.” He told Steve proudly.

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

After the laser Heist the three of you handed the hyper children back to their parent and posed for a few selfies when a young girl crept over to you.

“Excuse me? I’m a really big fan, you’re my hero.” She told you and you knelt down so you were on her level.

“What’s your name?” You asked her.

She looked up and grinned at you. You noticed the scars on her face but she didn’t seem at all fazed by them.

“I’m Gabby!” She said, pulling a folded up piece of paper from her pocket and holding it to you hopefully.

“Would you sign it for me?” She asked.

“Pepper, got a pen?” You called and your mom passed you one.

You unfolded the paper and saw it was a torn out page from a magazine. It was the interview you’d given a few weeks ago. It didn’t take you to long to put the pieces together about why Gabby had kept that particular page and you took a few minutes to write out something for her and folded it up and passed it back to her.

“Thnakyou!” She whispered happily, cradling it in her hands like it was something precious.

“Thank you Gabby. You don’t know what it means to me that I can inspire someone else or be their hero. It means everything, it’s a far cry from the cage. I might be your hero but you’re my hope.” You said earnestly.

She launched herself into you arms and you managed to catch her before you toppled over, she was stronger than she looked. Her hair tickled you nose and you immediatley sneezed.

“You’re so brave, don’t ever forget that ok?” She asked you, her voice muffled from where her face was smooshed into your shoulder.

She abruptly released you and looked like she wanted to say something but seemed to think better of it and ran off.

Gabby wait, are you here with someone?” You asked, looking around to see who she was running to.

She looked back over her shoulder and smiled at you.

“I’ll be ok, I’m with my big sister.”

“Hey, Wanda and Pepper are playing Mini Golf. Do you wanna try Canyon Blaster, El Loco or maybe the bungee jumping?” Scott asked as you frowned after the little girl.

“Um, I fell out of a commercial aeroplane without a parachute two weeks ago so maybe no to the roller-coasters and bungee jumping.” You decided.

Scott’s eyes bugged out of his head and you smacked your forehead when you realised that nobody knew about your fall.

“Are you ok?” He asked worriedly.

“What, yeah. I heal from everything.” You stammered.

“Ok...” He left it open for you to say more or change the subject.

“They have stalls, lets go win something for Cassie.” You suggested, linking your arm with his.

“We have to find the ugliest bear they have.”

“Or a normal one and I’ll Deathwave it in the parking lot.” You suggested.

“This is why she’s always asking for you to babysit her.”

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

“Man, she’s gonna kill us.” Sam moaned.

“She’ll rescue us first.” Wade comforted him.

“It’s a casino jail, do we even get a phonecall? This is all your fault, why the hell did you bring Katanas to a casino?” Sam demanded.

“Who comes to a casino without a Katana???”

“They might not have arrested us if you just agreed to take the mask off!”

“You’re the one who backed me up. You have nobody to blame but yourself for this Wilson number 2.” Deadpool pointed out.

“You. I have you to blame!! And I’m Wilson number 1!” Sam insisted indignantly.

“Let's rock everybody, let's rock

Everybody in the whole cell block

Was dancin' to the Jailhouse Rock”

“Oh no, now he’s singing.” Sam bemoaned, hoping you got there soon. Even if it was just to kill him.

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

“Where the hell are they?” You demanded angrily, though the 3ft tall pink bunny rabbit you were holding kind of undercut your fury.

“Through there but they won’t let me in to see them.” Darcy told you.

You shoved the rabbit into her arms and stormed into the Casino security.

“Where’s Natasha?” You heard Wanda ask as you barged through the door, slamming it shut behind you.

“Miss Stark?” The dark suited employee said, standing up in a rush.

“You have something that belongs to me, two something's actually and I want them back.”You snarled.

“They caused a scene in the casino and we discovered that one had weapons on his person which is against casino policy.”

“Of course he had weapons, he’s our bodyguard for the weekend.” You lied, thinking fast on your feet.

“Your... Bodyguard?”

“You are aware that this is my hen party? A party that has several members of earths mightiest hero’s in it, all of whom are here to celebrate and relax. Of course we have a bodyguard.” You scoffed.

“Well it’s still against our policy...”

“Listen to me very carefully.” You growled lowly, leaning in to the nervous man.

“I’m a Stark so there’s about a thousand ways I could make your life a living hell but I’m also Vernichtung so I’m going to bypass all of them and just rip your intestines out with my bare hands and watch you bleed to death. The best part is nobody will ever suspect me of having done it because I’m a hero. I’ll rip you to pieces and never have to suffer a consequence for it unless you let my boys go, right now.”

The truth of your words was written across your face and it was terrifying.

“Excuse me? I’d like to speak to your boss, I think there’s been a misunderstanding.” Pepper said as she strode into the room.

“No need, I understand that there was a mistake. We’ll be letting the two gentleman go right away.”The employee stuttered, nearly falling over as he rushed away.

“What did you do?” Pepper asked suspiciously.

“That Deadpool is a bodyguard and the Starks wouldn’t be happy if the hotel endangered members of The Avengers by locking him up.” You said with a blasé shrug.

Pepper looked proud and nodded in approval.

“PEACHES!”

“Oh thank God you’re here.” Sam said, running to hide behind you.

“Alright Wilson’s, let’s get out of here. Thank you ever so much for your help.” You said sweetly to the still sweating employee.

Sam and Wade had a slight scuffle as they both tried to sling an arm around you.

“I think it’s time to break out the Asgardian Mead.” You told the group.

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

Up Next - Drunken shenanigans 

Comic Book fans may have spotted something in this chapter!!!

@nerdandproud-86 @harrison-shot-first @thejourneyneverendsx @thelostallycat @inquisitor-selvala @the-corruptor @iovher @kendrawr-kitkat @phoenix-whiskey-tears  @the–real-wombat @buckitybarnes @fairislesheets @angieptt  @meganjonezzzz @dugan365 @fluffeh-kitty @memanda17  @krystallynx @theonelittleone  @piscesbarnes @free-as-fishes @tarastudiesalot @captainamericasbeard @dropthepizza346 @jaynnanadrews @likes-to-smell-books @drdorkus @life-wanderer @metalarmlover  @animegirlgeeky @jsmith509 @chipilerendi @nerdy-bookworm-1998 @ericasabe  @gravedollie666 @madlykpopfan @l0kisbitch @mywinterwolf @sassysweetstories @life-wanderer @jessieray98 @littledeadrottinghood @myfandomlife-blog @spnrvt @dahkness  @sexyvixen7 @dilaila95  @liveonce-sodoitright  @uuuuuuuuggggghhh @mywinterwolf @myfandomlife-blog  @pinkisokay @thosesexytexasboys

[jonboudposts]

80 Years Not Counted: Part 2

Saturday 11 February: Apparently there is a valley in Spain called Jarama and we were on one of three buses heading out there on a cold, damp Saturday in February.  It is less than an hour outside of Madrid; a place of plush growth and greenery. Upon arriving we had a small police escort.  They took us around for much of the day, directing traffic and checking the roads – but were we really under threat from a modern-day fascist squad? Or were they making sure we behaved ourselves?  I never did find out.

The 12th of February is the day of the anniversary itself. It had brightened up by the time we arrived, walking through olive groves to get to where the Battle of Jarama was fought by 600 International Brigade members, of whom 375 were dead by the end of the first day.  

The mayor of nearby Morata de Tajuna joined us.  He is very active in keeping the memory of the International Brigades and the Spanish Republicanism alive in his part of the country.  We are taken through some of the manoeuvres of the day; the advance of the fascists, the holding out of the International Brigades, the bungles of having the wrong ammo for the machine gun.  We are told where the Farm Cookhouse was, the place where the wounded were carried back to.  We are told about the three hills – the Knoll, the Conical Hill and White House (Suicide) Hill.  We are told about how the battalions divided, the British on the left of the Republican Line, the Franco-Belge somewhere on the right.  There was hand-to-hand combat with the fascists.  There were an obscene number of casualties.

The next day everything had changed when despite still being outgunned, with apparently the inspiration of Irish volunteers Frank Ryan and George Nathan ringing in their ears, the remaining International Brigades rose again and fought with ferocity, winning the day.  

When you stand on this hill, the beauty of the landscape surrounds you; but the imagining of intense fear too.  How genuinely petrifying it must have been to be here 80 years ago; under fire from three sides.  The noise and smell must have been overwhelming and the very notion of survival was perhaps not even a consideration.

For the International Brigades, it must have been horrendous to realise the governments of your own country would never support what you were doing, then ask (or demand) in three years’ time that you now fight the same enemy in their name. For King and country but never for your comrades.

We are often asked to believe that those who fought in World War 2 went in with some idea of the future; doing this for the generations yet to come and we are now required to pay their actions and sacrifice lip and lapel service for a couple of weeks a year.  I wonder if the men and women in Spain fighting against fascism ever imagined they would be forgotten by the mainstream.  Who could have thought there would still be those arguing in favour of the fascist side?

Our group stood on this hillside by the Kit Conway memorial, as the names of the British dead were read out, along with the part of the country they came from.  Someone in the crowd demands we remove our hats, perhaps something that is of little discomfort to those with plenty of hair but I am bloody freezing.  This kind of sentimental crap really annoys me (along with being told what to do).  What difference does it make to the dead if I have a woolly hat on?  It was still a special moment though, to stand where the horror had occurred and remember those actively forgotten in Britain.  More Republican flowers are laid and we move on.

The Monument to the International Brigades is better known to some as The Fist Memorial, an apt description of a large, red metallic structure – to be very accurate, it looks like one hand in another forming a sort-of double fist.  It is a good place, on top of a hill, to gather, pay respects and sing – which is what the group did.  The memorial has been re-built, as the original white marble one was destroyed when fired upon.  It stands atop a hill and looks out over the fields and the highway; a rather impressive, simple sight.  On the side of the memorial is a large but unreadable plaque with a faded Uruguayan flag just about visible.  We were later told this was because Uruguay had donated to re-build the fist, in memory of their countrymen who had travelled to fight for democracy in Spain.

We are reminded of the many and varied men and women who came to fight alongside their Spanish comrades; one person notes the importance of remembering the Germans who came to fight against the fascists; that not all that country’s population went along with the rise of Nazism.

Next to the memorial are the trenches.  The mayor has ordered their excavation, for the purpose of being re-opened and hopefully visited by those wanting to know more for the future, not loitering in the past.  There are also plans for a museum on the site.  

Many of the people here like myself have an interest in the history. Many however are here because this war is something that defined them, perhaps before they were even born. Children who were born in the UK, by parents who were refugees from Franco’s regime; this runs through the blood and how they are perceived as people in some ways.  Parents and grandparents fought here; relatives fought and nursed the wounded. When their children needed refuge, they were taken in by countries whose governments did nothing to support the democracy of Spain.  Today, Madrid welcomes the refugees.

While atop this great hill, we receive a message from Jeremy Corbyn back in London.  He sends solidarity to our trip. We then hear about some of those who served here; Clem Beckett (a man I now yearn to know more about), plus Colin Smith (ASLEF) read Frank Ryan’s account of the IB’s great rally on this hill. There then begins a round of The Internationale. I never have been much of a singer so I sit that bit out.

On the way to our meal at El Cid, we turn around a small roundabout in the little town.  On our left, we are informed, is a plaque to the Falangists who had an outpost here, where fascist forces were organised.  We give it the traditional boo as the couch passes, wishing I could give it more but we are asked on more than one occasion to behave ourselves while here with the IBMT, so I guess it will have to wait.

We arrived at the restaurant and headed for the museum at the back. What appears to be a one-man show, although sadly I never got his name. He has put this together since childhood, when he would pick up discarded shells and helmets on the abandoned battlefields. It is quite some collection; included is an approximately six-foot tall statue of a man made from scrap metal discarded during the conflict.

We are then treated to a meal in the main restaurant (including my first Paella) and later some songs such as The Internationale again, Viva La Quinta Brigada and Joe Hill, along with poems and other readings.  The handful of locals having lunch seemed to have little idea what we were up to but the management seemed cool with our presence – they are getting paid so why not?

Among other things we hear from Megan Dobney from South East TUC on the campaign to get a statue put up on London’s history-soaked Clerkenwell Green, dedicated to Sylvia Pankhurst.  We still rock the international connections even far from home; the working class is an international class movement, no more so than in resistance to fascism.

In the following days we see a few more symbols of the unsettled war. Walking around Madrid (and it is a wonderful city to walk around), you see the occasional Republican flag hanging from a balcony; sometimes looking like it has been on display some time.  One book shop we visited sells a mocked-up football shirt for a Spanish national team in republican colours.  No doubt some corner of social media has many right wing toss bags (I try to avoid the buzz-term Alt Right) winding up ‘leftists’ (libtards) on the subject of Spain.

Memory is political. It is demanded of the British people (I cannot speak for other countries where the International Brigades came from) that we remember the war dead and survivors of two world wars and all the unnecessary smaller ones since; but are actively taught to overlook those who went to Spain.  On the rare occasions questions are brought up about this, these men and women are usually dismissed as ‘communists who were fighting for Stalin’; they are now alien and ‘other’ to their own country.  

While many were indeed communists (and so what?), this simplification is an insult at best to people who were able to see the oncoming storm and resourceful enough to put themselves on the frontline in the most defining war of the 20th Century in the western world.  The fight against fascism is still relevant today and the same forces still attempt to prevent and do-down those who fight it. Being an anti-fascist is a necessity for many of us, but a strangely lonely activity sometimes.  Many people give you their verbal admiration but never their company.

A sad truth is that in many countries like ours, for a good portion if not the majority, fascism would not be so bad.  It would not affect them.  Being white, hetero and good at doing what they’re told while complaining only under their breath, governance by an extreme organisation or government that removes democracy, violates the rights of ethnic and sexual minorities and is willing to use violence to keep order would probably not bother them too much. The trains would probably be more efficient.  Brits seem to like doing what they are told by those richer and more powerful than them – so long as they come from Britain of course.

This is the main reason the fight against the far right must be unrelenting.  Normal rules do not apply.  They must have no platform, be given no place to express themselves without strong and determined opposition from those who oppose their toxic and worthless ideals, along with the factual inaccuracy and outright lies that go along with such beliefs. Equally we must be careful how to mistreat our own history when re-activating it in the minds of the masses.  We must make sure the story of The Battle of Jarama - winning against the odds - does not become a left-wing 300, a story whose committal to film (rather than the historical event) is worshipped by certain right wing factions for the holding out against ‘invaders’ by lots of incredibly buff men being warriors and all that (why are the right so often homophobic?). There is plenty to celebrate in the actions of those opposing fascism and answering the international call 80 years ago; but there is nothing to celebrate about war.

I am glad I put aside my reservations about travelling to Madrid for this event. I have a little in common with my fellow travellers but what really unites us is the feeling that these events and their players deserve not to be forgotten about as history is pulled around by those with an agenda to serve and a knighthood in the post.  By attending, learning and spreading the word we have no doubt added to the continuing need to fight the evils of fascism and far right ideology, always lurking in the darkness and never fully confined to the oblivion they deserve.  We are reminded that supporters of these views, so often in the higher economic and social brackets of society, are still present, pulling the strings of the pitifully educated lower ranks who so often refuse to even bother trying to know their own history.

History is only good for one thing practically – learning from mistakes. These should not be repeated moving forward to a better, more just world for all.  Eighty years after the battle of Jarama, we are in a sorry state on this one. Europe is seeing a rise in far right political parties, the rhetoric of blaming migrants and Muslims for everything is worse than ever and too many people, taking their lead from Britain’s poisonous media, go along with this without question.  The horrors of fascism must never be forgotten and it is the responsibility of everyone, whether you like it or not, to do their part and stand up against it.

No Pasarán indeed.

Peace and Love Madrid.

Additional

There is an anti-fascism event in Hamburg between 19-21 May 2017.  For more details, email: brigadistras@gmx.de

With thanks to the IBMT, our comrades in Spain and all who made this event possible.

[infinitehouseofbooks]

BLOG TOUR - Servants of Fate Box Set

DISCLAIMER: This content has been provided to INFINITE HOUSE OF BOOKS by Bewitching Book Tours. No compensation was received. This information required by the Federal Trade Commission.

GENRE: Paranormal romance

Servants of Fate

Boxed Set

Books 1-3

Wendy Sparrow

  Genre: Paranormal romance

  Publisher: Pen and Kink Publishing

  Date of Publication: December 24, 2016

  ISBN: 978-1-988233-21-5

ASIN: B01N1Q567S

  Number of pages: 308

Word Count: 96,000

  Cover Artist: Amanda C. Davis

About the Books:

Book Description:

  As servants of Fate, Father Time’s sons must sacrifice a mortal’s lifetime on behalf of humanity before each year ends. It’s simpler if they don’t get involved, as their immortality is a barrier to relationships and to understanding the emotions of those whose lives end in a blink, especially if these time holders have a hand in it. Servants of Fate pass in and out of the lives of those around them, never interacting, until a different type of fate steps in. They can stop time, but love will leave them powerless.

  Amazon

  THIS COLLECTION CONTAINS ALL THREE TITLES FROM THE SERVANTS OF FATE SERIES

  Stealing Time

  Father Time’s son, Zeit Geist, must sacrifice a mortal’s lifetime to the Fates each New Year’s Eve. Last year—inexplicably, really—he made an 11:59 substitution. The Fates are pissed and they’re after his mortal Hannah. With the year ending, he ought to figure out why he’d saved her—and why he keeps doing it.

  Following an unlucky year, Hannah Lyons needs a week’s holiday in a lodge to unwind. What she gets is near-death experiences and a sexy immortal who can’t avoid kissing her, but might have to kill her. After all, even Zeit can’t hold back time indefinitely.

  Taking Time

  Tempus fugit. Time flies…unless you’re Tempus Halt, Father Time’s son. Day in and day out are the same, except for New Year’s Eve when he steals the life of a mortal on behalf of the Fates. This year marks his first failure to stay the monotonous course. A mortal’s kiss and her insistence on taking the place of his year’s sacrifice stalled out everything. Now, Tempus has to keep her alive for a year so his sacrifice isn’t wasted, but that’s the only reason—definitely.

  One of these crazy grim reapers stole Lacey Carpenter’s estranged father’s life two years ago. She’ll give her own life rather than letting it happen again. It backfires when Tempus doesn’t actually kill her, and they have to spend the year together. She’s falling for an immortal who stops time, not just to save her life, but also to ruin her dates and steal her books. This can never work and fate is just not on her side—in fact, they’d really like her dead before Tempus falls for her in return.

  Keeping Time

  When Ruin’s mortal sacrifice to the Fates on New Year’s Eve is already dying, it should be the easiest life he has to take, but not this year. The dying man knows Ruin is there to kill him, but he asks Father Time’s son to look after his twin sister. Ruin can’t stay away from the sweet and sensual Phoebe. His previous interactions with women changed the definition of his name, Ruin, so he can’t fall for her, especially when the lovely mortal doesn’t know he killed her brother.

  Phoebe’s brother promised to send her a guardian angel, but Ruin seems too devilish to be holy. He only wants to be friends and keep watch over her, but she can’t resist him. Loving Ruin is a sin tempting her heart. How wrong is it to cause an angel’s fall? Ruin and Phoebe’s time is running out as another New Year’s Eve sacrifice approaches, and Ruin might lose everything for keeping his true hand in fate secret.

      Guest Post:

Paranormaling Outside the Normal

When you’re preparing to have a book published, one of the steps is to figure out the tags that match it and the lists that it’ll go on. I ran into a problem with my first novella released four years ago. There weren’t lists for paranormal romances about Jack Frost. There’s not a tag for it either. You’d think I’d have learned my lesson, but I don’t color inside the lines.

The Servants of Fate series is the story of Father Time’s sons finding romance…also not a category on Amazon. It should be. This is a problem you face when you play fast and loose with established parameters for the genre though. It makes summarizing a little more complex. There aren’t lists on Goodreads for Father Time’s sons.

Don’t get me wrong, I love the more commonly found paranormal creatures. I’ve written a trilogy about lycans (werewolves) called Taming the Pack. I’ve written unpublished novels with vampires. I’ve been in anthologies with zombie romances. He’s a little more off the beaten path for shifters, but I’ve got a gargoyle in an upcoming young adult book.

It’s not just in writing, either, I devour books about shifters. I cruised my way through Jennifer Ashley’s Shifters Unbound series twice last year. I finished and restarted immediately. Thea Harrison’s Dragon Bound? Geez, that was one sexy book. Then, there’s the sweet but so freaking funny Nocturne Falls series by Kristen Painter. Have you read that? GO! NOW! (Wait, what was I doing? Riiiight, guest post referring to my books.) I will say that there are definitely very unique aspects to all these books, despite their use of more common character types. I love that—that sparkle and originality.

When a submission call went out a few years ago asking for holiday romances, I could have grabbed one of the more common creatures or beings when I decided to go paranormal, but I didn’t. As I looked at the various winter myths, I stumbled across the idea of Father Time and juggled it in my brain, looking for an ‘in.’ There’s an aspect to the myth about Father Time actually dying at the end of the year and being reborn with the new year. That downside really appealed to me so I twisted it to work. It’s sinister. I love sinister.

When you create your own myths or shift lesser-known myths, you have the task of creating a new world and reason for conflict. New worlds have rules to go with them. How does your magic work? What are the costs and benefits? What abilities do your paranormal characters have? In my experience, this builds as I create my world and characters until I have my fully-realized vision. It’s different each time I go outside the box, though.

In the Servants of Fate trilogy, each of Father Time’s sons must sacrifice a mortal’s life to the Fates in exchange for the time they’ll use to change the fates of worthy mortals over the next year. They each have a “good of the many” mindset firmly in place to justify this—up until they find a mortal who’s worth more than “the many” to them. I dug the moral conundrum that each of these men face at that time and how they deal with it. These types of conflicts are one of the reasons I love to explore the paranormal world beyond werewolves and vampires.

If you’ve run across paranormals outside the normal, what have you liked about them? Answer in the comments.

Thank you for letting me crash your blog for the day!

      Excerpt:

  It took them another three attempts to get what they both deemed were acceptable snowman portions.

“Hey. Coal.” With raised eyebrows, Hannah held up the two lumps of coal that had come in his snowman kit. “Get a good long look because this is what you’re getting next year.”

He couldn’t stop smiling at her. A dozen times each hour today, he’d wished he could slow down time because he wanted to spend more time with Hannah—he needed that. She was singing Frosty the Snowman with a carefree abandon he’d never felt before. If only he didn’t have the end of the year looming over him.

“Okay, pass me his corn cob pipe,” she said.

He pulled the “pipe” out of the box and stared at it. “Our snowman is a smoker? And this is a kids’ song?”

“It was written back before people worried about things like their lungs,” she said, reaching for it.

He pulled it away. No. It wasn’t right. “His days are already numbered, and he’s playing with fire—actual fire?”

“Ohhhh, right.” She tilted her head. “Wow, that does make him a bit of a rebel, doesn’t it? I bet the snowladies were all suitably impressed.”

Zeit looked around. There were mortal children all around. Young impressionable mortal children. He put the pipe back in the box.

“Or he’s not really a rebel. He likes to play things safe. Then again,” she tapped his coal eyes, “he did earn his coal. Maybe he’s got nothing to prove. There should be buttons in the box.”

He pulled off his glove to search through the bottom of the box, pulling out three buttons. “What is he buttoning up?” he asked as he handed them to Hannah.

She’d started pressing the buttons into his middle snow section, but she stopped and bit her lip as she stared at the round button still in her hand. Finally, she shrugged and pushed the last one in. “I think you’re overanalyzing this.”

“Or it’s a mortal tradition that could use some scrutiny.” He held out the faux carrot that came in his kit.

“But, look, he’s healthy. A carrot.”

“Is he going to eat his own nose?”

“I can’t do this with you now.”

    About the Author:

  After a childhood spent wandering as a military brat, Wendy Sparrow found her home in Washington State. Her days involve convincing her two kids she knows how to properly parent and her nights showing her husband all the cool things romance authors know… or goofing around online…  or reading, but mostly the first thing.

  She’s active in OCD and autism communities and writes on her blog to support awareness in both. With her whole heart, Wendy believes everyone deserves a happily-ever-after. If she’s not writing or wrangling kids, she’s on Twitter, @WendySparrow, where she’ll chat with anyone about anything.

  Web: http://wendysparrow.com/

  Twitter: https://twitter.com/WendySparrow

  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WendySparrowAuthor/

                                  Tour giveaway

  Rafflecopter

  a Rafflecopter giveaway

  A handmade original choker from Neath the Veil’s “Every Rose has its Thorn” collection. Soft woven ribbon holds a gorgeous cream and black rose cameo set in a silver finish frame. It drapes down 5 inches from the top of choker to the bottom. The length is sized from 11-1/2 inches to 16 inches by clasp and adjustable chain. This giveaway is international.

  Additionally, three paperback copies of the anthology Legendary will be given away individually. The anthology is edited by Laura Harvey and contains an urban legend inspired story by Wendy Sparrow. These copies may be won by those in the U.S. or Canada.

  The final giveaway item is a $10 USD Amazon gift card which is open to countries with Amazon sites.

BLOG TOUR – Servants of Fate Box Set was originally published on the Wordpress version of SHANNON MUIR'S INFINITE HOUSE OF BOOKS.