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holylulusworld · 4 years

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Duty of an alpha

Summary: Steve tries anything to prove he’s a good alpha - will it be enough?

Request: I had two requests one for a royal AU in modern times and an Alpha Steve so I combined those two as I didn’t get a specific description.

Pairing: King!(Alpha) Steve Rogers x Queen!(Omega) Reader

Characters: Bucky Barnes, Alexander Pierce

Warnings: angst, ABO, ABO Dynamics, light smut, unprotected sex, mating, scenting, hurt & comfort, cuddling & snuggling, implied claiming, age gap (Steve is around 32; the reader 25)

A/N: This is a royal AU, but it’s set in modern times. It’s also an ABO setting so head the warnings.

A/N: Requested sequel to: Duty of an Omega

Steve hangs his head low, even let out a low whine as you refused to come to his bedroom and prefer to hide in your old room. No matter what the alpha tried over the last weeks – you reject him.

Not letting him get close to you, especially not touch you is your way to keep the alpha rejecting you since you got married away. You don’t do it to hurt him, simply to protect yourself from getting hurt even more.

How shall you know Steve doesn’t play a game to lull you into safety only to hit you where it hurts the most later? Not claiming you were cruel enough.

Everyone in his kingdom could see you are still unclaimed even after months of being married to their king. Everyone assumed something must be wrong with you if their king refuses to claim you as his omega.

“Omega…” Steve leans against the doorframe of your room, watches you hide in the furthest corner, snuggled in a blanket to fight the coldness in your bones. “Please come to our room.”

“Your room.” Correcting his words, you do not meet his eyes. “I was only allowed to come there to satisfy your needs. You are not in rut, so leave me be.”

“Doll, please…” His voice is low, and you can hear hopelessness behind his words. “I need you.”

“No, you don’t need a…What did you call me?” Finally meeting Steve’s gaze you can see the bags under his eyes and the sadness on his features. “Useless waste of air.”

“I didn’t mean it. Back then I thought you were with Stark, my archenemy for years. Before we…” Grinning cheekily Steve steps further into the room. “Before I knotted you for the first time, I believed you had sex with Tony Stark.”

“I was innocent.” Mumbling the words, you downcast your eyes, too ashamed of the memories. “You were like an animal.”

“I am sorry, doll. Your scent drove me crazy and I had to feast on you…” Your cheeks heat up and you giggle as you remember the noises you made for your husband.

“I loved every moment but then I remembered your father told me you are in love with Tony, that you want him.”

“That man is not my father. He may have had an affair with my mother or rather he came to town, seduced my mom, and left her after getting to know he got her pregnant.”

Voice bitter you glance at the heavy ring at your finger. “I don’t think he’s able to love anything else than his money and reputation.”

“Darling…please…” Steve steps closer and you get a whiff of his scent. He smells different, almost sad – if that makes sense at all. “I am missing you. I need you, Y/N. Please give me a chance, omega.”

“Why should I believe a single word? The man calling himself my father used nice words every time he wanted me to do something. In the end, everything he told me was one big lie. He used me to get a foot into your kingdom.”

Taking another step, or in Steve’s case a mile as it feels to him like you are miles away even if it’s only a few steps, he gently touches your shoulder.

“I will bring you to our room and you can rest there, omega. I don’t want to force you into anything but I am still your husband and I must insist that you…fuck…” Steve tries to find something in his pocket and you glance at his shaking hands when he gets a piece of paper out.

“There…we are married, and you are my queen.” Steve clears his throat while he reads the speech Bucky helped him write. “I love you and you are my mate…I can’t read that line…fuck Bucky and his bad handwriting. Does this look to you like fuck or luck?”

Glancing at the piece of paper you need to hold back a chuckle as Bucky drew a penis and testicle or something that looks like a duck next to one of the lines he wrote. “According to the picture he drew I would say fuck, but it could be a duck too…”

“Duck?” Blinking Steve looks at the piece of paper again. “This doesn’t make sense. Why should I want to have a duck?”

“I don’t know.” Shrugging you try to figure out what Bucky wanted to say but his handwriting is awful, and you can’t read a single word. “Maybe he believes you are kinky?”

“I am not…” Flustered Steve looks at the piece of paper before he crumbles it to drop it to the floor.

“What I wanted to say before Bucky messed up and wrote duck or fuck is that I want you to come to our room.” Steve looks down at your trembling form, not knowing how to seduce you to come with him. “You can bring your books too.”

“I don’t know why I should come with you, Steve. You always avoided being close to me except for the times you wanted to…” Sighs leave your husband's lips and you can see his patience slowly wears thin.

“Woman, let me just…” He runs his fingers through his hair, even purrs a few times before he picks you up in bridal style to carry you out of your room. “I’ll kidnap you in that case.”

“That’s not like a king should act!” Scolding your husband, you run your fingers along his mating gland.

“No. It’s more the style of an alpha who wants his omega in his room, on his bed. I want to scent you and I want you to scent me.”

Placed onto the bed, tugged into Steve’s side you are forced to feel the heat coming out of his body. His scent is intoxication and if not for your anger and disappointment, you would give in to your instinct.

“Darling, please listen to me for a moment.” Taking a deep breath Steve buries his face into your neck. “Since I laid my eyes on you for the first time and got a whiff of your scent, I am in love with you.

I am sorry for disappointing you in any way. I failed you as your husband, king, and even worse – I failed you as your alpha.”

“…”

“You could at least say a word. I know you are used to your father being an awful alpha and I am sorry I didn’t act better than him out of stubbornness I hurt you and I’ll hate myself for the rest of my life for doing so.” Sniffling you rest your head against Steve’s shoulder to inhale his scent deeply.

“My mom always dreamed that my father comes back but he never even called. When she got sick, I heard her talking to someone. I heard the words responsibility and daughter.

I think she called my father to tell him that she will not live much longer. My mom tried to make him see that he can’t abandon me after her death. Sometimes I wish she would’ve never called that man.”

Steve gently strokes your hair when you tell him about your mothers’ illness, the way she slowly faded away every day more and that one day you came home from school and your mother was gone.

“The next day that man came and took me with him. I couldn’t even cry as he yelled every time I mentioned my mom. I had to hide her picture as he would’ve burned it, Steve. I hate him.

I don’t think I ever hated someone, but I do hate my father.” With watery eyes, you look up at Steve. “Does this make me a bad person?”

“No, doll. This makes you human. A person can only bend to a certain point before she or he breaks. What your father did to you was inhuman and cruel. I wish I could kill him.” Humming you nuzzle your face into Steve’s chest and his heart starts beating faster.

“I always dreamed of having a father. My mom didn’t want to talk about him so I imagined how he would be but I didn’t imagine a cold-hearted man.” Closing your eyes you wrap your arms around Steve.

“I wanted a tall and strong alpha who bursts through the door, a big smile on his face, and to hold me in his arms when I need him. Once I tried to call him daddy and he slapped me across my face. I had to stay in my room for a week and after that, I stayed there most of the time.”

“I should kill him.” Steve grits his teeth, imagining you all alone in your room. “When he dares to come here again, he’s dead…”

“Please…don’t. He’s not worth it. I learned to ignore his anger, hatred, and hurtful words. When you took me with you, it was the best day of my life but then…” Sniffling you hide your face in Steve’s chest.

“I am so sorry, omega. I promise, no I swear to be a better man, husband, and mate from now on. I can be that alpha to you if you want me to…” Steve whispers but you are already fast asleep when he kisses your hair. “I’ll be that alpha for you, Y/N. Promised.”

“I have a business to discuss with your master.” Your father yells at Bucky, but the man doesn’t even flinch.

Face stoic, hands tucked to his sides Steve’s best friend and ‘bodyguard’ watches your father pace in front of Steve’s office. “He can’t let me wait! I gave him my daughter.”

“You didn’t give me anything, Alexander. As far as I remember you were happy to get rid of the daughter you never wanted. Now lower your voice, my mate is still asleep.” Steve grits his teeth, even clench his fists and Bucky finally sets his body into motion.

Playing the buffer between your father and his best friend again he locks eyes with Steve.

“Steve, calm. King Alexander came here to discuss business. He is no harm to your wife and mate. You know me by heart and if he even dares to get close to Y/N, he will not like my answer.”

Bucky turns his attention toward your father, a cold smile on his lips. “We all agree that no one wants to see the winter soldier resurface.”

Bucky’s words let your father falls silent. He’s sweating now, even whines when Bucky puffs his chest. “I will guard your room and make sure our ‘fine’ guest stays away from your queen, my king.”

“Good, do that, Bucky. If Y/N is looking for me, tell her we will dine together, later. I don’t want her to meet this man.” Spatting the words Steve guides your father into his office. “Sit and tell me what you want. Let’s get this over with.”

“According to my information, you did not claim my daughter. Therefore I came here to ask you to return her to me. I am sure I will find something to pay you back for your inconvenience, King Steven.” The vein at Steve’s neck starts pulsing and he grits his teeth hard enough to make your father flinch.

“I think I must mishear. Did you just ask me to give you my mate as if she’s a doll you can snatch away from me!”

Chest puffed; eyes dark blue now Steve steps closer to your father to glare at the smaller alpha. “Y/N is my queen, my mate. If you repeat your words, I’ll rip your tongue out and feed my dogs with it.”

“I got an offer from an ally. Brock Rumlow finds a liking in my daughter and would like to get to know her better.”

A grin on his face your father shrugs as Steve tries to not lose his temper but the words leaving your father mouth let the alpha take over.

A split-second later Steve has one large palm wrapped tightly around your father’s throat. “I’ll kill you! This is my mate!” Out of control, Steve slams your father's head into the wall and only your voice calling his name let him stop.

“Omega…” A deep purr leaves Steve’s lips and he drops your father to the floor. “Mine. My omega.”

“Steve?” He’s by your side moments later and you find yourself pinned to the wall with his hips pressing into yours and his face in your neck. “Alpha?”

“You’re mine! He can’t have you. No one can take you away from me, doll. You are my queen.” Steve whines low and you need to pat his head to calm the angry alpha. “Don’t leave me.”

“I don’t know what you are talking about, Steve. Bucky said you may need my help to remain calm.” Humming Steve grabs your waist to pick you up.

“Bucky kick this piece of shit out. If he ever tries to get close to my wife, kill him.” Bucky smirks when Steve carries you out of the room.

When Steve is gone Bucky helps your father up. “So…last warning. You will never contact your daughter again or I will come for you…”

“Alpha…” Bodies grind against each other. Lips melt into kisses. “Omega.”

Steve groans with every touch you allow him. Tonight, he let you take control, let you be on top to give you the feeling of ruling your husband's body, and you do.

Every time you rock your hips, he grips your ass tighter to guide your body. Steve is determined to make you feel pleasure, and his love at the same time.

“Steve…please…” Your lips find his again and you shudder when he moves his hands up to your back to press your body closer to his. “I want you…”

“I’ve got you, doll. Just let me…” His lips seal around one nipple and you whine when he suckles hard at the pebbled nub. “I’ll always take care of you…”

“Always?” He’s slowly taking over control, thrusts upward to hit the spot making you cry out his name. “Always, Y/N…”

“Do you lie comfortably? Shall I move us again?” While Steve holds you tightly against his warm body, he can’t take his eyes off the mark he left. “You’re even more beautiful with my mark at your neck.”

“Why was that man here?” Voice trembling you lean closer to your husband. “Steve?”

“There is nothing to be worried about, doll. I will make sure that Alexander Pierce will never be able to get close to you again. Whatever he came for, it’s too late.” Steve presses his lips against your claiming mark, but you won’t give up that easily.

“I want to know, Steve. You promised over the last weeks that you’ll never lie to me again. I need to know why he was here, alpha.” Turning in Steve’s embrace you lock eyes with your alpha. “Tell me now…”

Steve sighs deeply but he promised to be honest, so he tells you what your father told him hours ago.

“Did you only claim me to be sure father can’t take me away from you?” Your stomach tightens and your eyes fill with tears.

“No, god no, Y/N. It what I wanted to do for so long. When you touched me hours ago I couldn’t stop myself. I wanted it to be more romantic but I…shit…the alpha won. He wanted to claim, mark and mate you. I couldn’t stop him…”

Eyes focused on Steve’s features you move your fingers through his hair to fist it harshly.

“If you lied to me. If you only claimed me to mark your territory, I’ll castrate you in your sleep, my king.” Steve growls low in his throat, turned on by your behavior.

“I swear that I claimed you out of love and that I’ll fulfill my duty as your alpha as best as I can from now on…”

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#sequel to Duty of an Omega #duty of an alpha #king!steve x princess!reader #king!steve x reader #alpha!steve #alpha!steve rogers #alpha!steve rogers x omega reader #alpha!steve x reader #angst #abo #a/b/o dynamics #light smut #steve rogers #steve rogers x reader #steve rogers x you #steve x reader #steve x reader smut #marvel #marvel au

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sxveme-2 · 3 years

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blueberry pancakes // bucky barnes

MASTERLIST

Description: A single mother. Juggling being a mom, a full time pediatrician, and a difficult ex who believed now would be the best time to finally be a father. A soldier ripped out of time. Ex-assassin turned superhero. Learning how to balance a new domestic life with handling demons of his past, while facing the trials of the future. a love story began over something as simple as chocolate chip pancakes with hidden blueberries.

Disclaimer: I do not own any original Marvel characters! All canon plots and canon characters belong to Marvel Comics and Marvel Studios. This is an original work. You may not publish it anywhere else

Status: Edited

Note: Takes place after endgame. I have elected to ignore Tony's death and Steve's leaving. Did not happen. Quick Reminder! My works are only published here, AO3 and on Wattpad, thank you.

Chapter Three: The One With the Wallet

Warnings: N/A

Word Count: 1511

The nights that Lily spent alone were always the hardest for her to handle. She'd spend her day busying herself with miscellaneous activities in order to keep her mind off the empty house around her. Whether it be sweeping the floors, vacuuming the carpet, cleaning dishes that were probably already clean, whatever it was. If it kept her mind off the fact she'd be asleep alone in the house with only her dog...she'd do it.

But today...things just didn't work out like that. There were no dishes. Lily could practically see her reflection on the hardwood. The carpets were as soft as a cloud. She'd walked Joey twice already, and the dog then passed out in the living room with his tongue hanging out of his mouth. She scrolled through Netflix about six times, even made herself spinach puffs from scratch. And still, it was only 4pm.

Glancing down at the screen of her phone, she let out a gentle sigh. She figured she may as well spend some time out in the city. She's lived in New York State her whole life, and lived specifically in New York, New York, for 15 years. And yet she'd never done anything really tourist-y in ages. The last time she walked the streets of New York by choice was when she and Genevieve first moved out from Long Island. Those were the days. Living in an old and dingy apartment with Gen. Her only stress being school and balancing a part time job.

Lily lived like that for around two years or so. And then she met Scott. However, everyone knows how quickly her life had changed after that.

Grabbing her keys and purse, Lily bent down to press a gentle kiss on the top of her sleeping dog's head before sliding out the front door and locking it behind her. Would she wander the dirty streets of the city? Probably not. But she would for sure be stopping in to pester gen as she juggled running the cafe. Maybe even snag a few pancakes to indulge in during her nightly read. Who knew? All that the blonde knew was that she would definitely be grabbing at least one of Gen's infamous blueberry muffins.

-----

Around five, Lily felt herself grow weary of the hustle and bustle of the city. She had stopped into a few stores to take a look around, specifically the m&m store to pick Hunter up some chocolate, the Disney store, and just a few small boutiques. Making her way down the packed streets, Lily found herself out front of Gen's cafe. Letting out a soft sigh with a slight grin tugging at the corner of her lips, she pushed through the door.

The young girl's dark green eyes scanned around the room as she watched customers laugh over coffee, share a pancake, or just indulge in the tasty sweets that her best friend made her living making. Giving a small wave to a few of the wait staff, Lily maneuvered to the back, where with a furious intensity, Gen sat on a stool, icing a doughnut. Knocking on the wall to alert the fellow New York native of her presence, Lily made her way over.

"Well well, what did little ol' me do to deserve two trips by the infamous Lily Osborne today hm?" Gen teased while moving her work to the side, "Couldn't stay at home any longer?"

"Nope. If I took Joey out on another walk I think he may have gone into cardiac arrest," Lily chuckled while taking a seat down on a stool, dropping her bags, "I always hate when Hunters goes back to Scotts. The house feels so empty without him."

"I can imagine. Why don't I stay over tonight? Keep you some company in that basic suburban home of yours, hm? Sound like a plan, Doctor Osborne?" Gen grinned, nodding over to two bottles of wine beside the fridge, "Picked those two puppies up on my break. Figured it's better if I drank them with someone else, instead of just myself."

"Oho is that all I am? A buffer to keep you from turning into a raging alcoholic? Also, mind throwing some blueberry pancakes in a container for me?" Lily teased while snagging a chocolate chip out of the container.

"I thought you were aware of this?" Gen joked, before looking past Lily to one of the waiters pushing the door open, "Yes Elijah?"

"The man who called earlier about his wallet just showed up, where'd you put the thing?" the dark haired worker asked, dark eyes glancing down briefly towards Lily.

The blonde blushed ever so gently at the look, before turning around so her back was towards the male. She spotted the dark leather casing of a wallet and slid her arm out, pulling it into her grasp before standing. Lily pulled her purse over her shoulder and picked up the plastic bag her son's chocolate snack sat in, gripping it in her opposite hand.

"I'm heading out...I'll take it to him, what does he look like?" Lily asked as she brushed past Elijah, turning towards the seating area of the cafe.

"He's got long hair and a beard," a gruff voice commented from beside her, the small screech of a bar stool being scraped against hardwood echoing through the space, "and is wearing leather gloves."

Turning her attention to where the voice was coming from, Lily found herself face to face (or more so face to chest) with the same man she had seen earlier with her son. Bucky, right. That was his name. He was taller than lily had imagined, and more beefy in the chest then she could see from many tables over and under a clearly oversized jacket. But up close? The man looked like he could rip lily apart with his bare hands, and not even break a sweat. Granted...he was a supersoldier. She was sure he probably could actually do that, jacked or not.

"Oh! Sorry," Lily mumbled as she extended her arm with the wallet at the end, "I was leaving so I figured..." her voice trailed off, a familiar feeling of excited nerves bundling up in her throat. Letting out a deep breath before taking a small step back, after the cool sensation of metal danced across her fingers.

Lily remembered Hunter raving about how cool the Winter Soldier's metal arm was. How it was so strong it could tear car doors right off their hinges without any resistance. By remembering this, Lily’s suspicions were confirmed. He totally could rip her in half if he wanted to. But according to her son, the Winter Soldier was timid in real life. But how would she know for sure? She didn't know who he was.

"It's okay...thanks," he mumbled softly, seeming to nibble on his chapped bottom lip, "You were here earlier right? With the cute little guy?"

Lily nodded gently, fumbling with her fingers as her mind raced in an attempt to find a way to quickly exit this social situation. If she wasn't familiar with someone, it was rare to hear Lily speak. Being a talker was never one of the timid girls personality traits. She mostly kept quiet and never tried to go out of her way to spend time with new people or large groups. They made her nervous. She didn't trust people. She had seen what they were capable of doing.

A tap on her shoulder pulled Lily out of her self-inflicted panic mode. glancing behind her, Elijah stood with the paper container filled with blueberry pancakes for Lily. Giving a gentle smile, the blonde mouthed a thank you before turning back towards the man who seemed to have not moved a muscle since the two began talking. Or more so, he mumbled and she stood there dumbfounded. It wasn't much of a conversation.

"So...what'd you get?" the man asked, glancing around as if he too, was thinking of a way to either get out of this conversation, or at least distract himself from the seemingly terrified girl in front of him.

“Blueberry pancakes..." Lily laughed gently, biting down on her plush bottom lip, before her phone rang from inside of her purse. Sending a quick thank you to the good lord above, Lily excused herself from the awkward conversation, only catching a quick remark about how they were his favourite.

Pushing out into the humid air of New York in September, Lily pulled her phone out and answered quickly. A quick sigh of relief escaped her lungs as she turned away from the cafe and back towards where her car had been parked for the past hour and a bit. Finally, thankful she could get away from any possible chances of awkward run ins.

"Hello?" Lily spoke quietly into the phone as she unlocked her car, sliding into the front seat.

"He was totally eye fucking you." Gen's voice sang out as her bluetooth automatically connected from Lily's phone.

"Shut up! Be at my place at eight, weirdo."

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imperialstark · 4 years

Text

choke on me—chapter one

breathe me in (prequel fic)

chapter two

a/n: you all liked breathe me in so much that i got inspired to write a sequel! read breathe me in first before reading this fic. enjoy!

summary: After fending off an alien invasion, Tony Stark has one more obstacle to face; Steve Rogers. Steve believes that they have a connection which Tony is trying hard to ignore. After a moment of passion aboard the helicarrier, Tony can't seem to stay away from Steve as their lives grow ever more intertwined.

rating: Explicit, so explicit

warning(s): tony has self confidence issues but what else is new, heavy smut

—————

Romanov’s eyes narrow when Tony and Steve enter the briefing room.

The fact that they’re even having a meeting after a literal alien invasion makes Tony seethe. Bureaucracy never sleeps, he guesses. (He’s not pissed because SHIELD commandeered one of the rooms in his tower. Honest.)

Tony arches a brow at Romanov. She’s a clever one, she has to be for her line of work, but Tony’s clever, too. He knows that to beat her at her own game, he has to play into it.

“You’re late,” she says, in lieu of a greeting. Compared to the rest of them, she looks quite put together. Not a hair out of place, the cut on her forehead cleaned and bandaged. The archer—Barton, his brain supplies—sits with his feet propped on the table like a goddamn heathen. Tony doesn’t say anything, though. Barton’s eyes have a faraway look; the archer’s mind is on anything but social etiquette right now. Even Thor, who’s a supposed god, looks a bit winded with one hand on his hammer and the other propping up his face. Bruce is full-on asleep, not that Tony blames him, with a shock blanket strewn about his shoulders.

“Fury isn’t here yet,” Tony says, sounding like a little kid arguing with his sister.

Natasha hums, and her eyes flit over to Steve. “You two look friendly.”

Steve, bless his heart, blushes but doesn’t say anything, and Tony’s just reminded of how he looked when he came down Tony’s throat; head thrown back, mouth open, and skin flushed.

Tony swallows down the sudden lump that arose in his throat and scrambles to come up with something, anything, to not blow their cover. He doesn’t want it to get out that he and Steve had got up to something.

“I was being a good host,” Tony says. “Steve wanted to see the tower. Or...what’s left of it.”

“It’s ‘Steve’ now?” she says with interest, and Tony curses her. He walked right into that one.

Fortunately, Tony’s good at thinking on his toes. “Alright, you caught me, Romanov. I just spent the last half hour rocking Rogers’ world.”

Steve chokes, and Tony jams his elbow into his side. Steve coughs into his arm and clears his throat.

It’s got Romanov’s attention. And everyone else’s, apparently. Bruce is still sleeping, but Barton’s turned his eyes onto them, that faraway look receding slightly. Thor’s sitting up now, his arms crossed in front of his broad chest.

Romanov’s eyes roam from him to Steve and back again before she snorts.

Tony’s surprised she can even make such a noise.

“Fine,” she says. “Keep your secrets.” Somehow she makes it sound like a threat.

“You’re seriously gonna leave it, Nat?” Barton asks.

“You didn’t see them before,” Romanov says, leaning back into her seat. “Rogers wouldn’t touch Stark with a ten-foot pole.”

Okay, that fucking hurts, but before Tony can even open his mouth to argue, because what the fuck Romanov, Fury stalks into the room with his duster flapping behind him.

If Tony weren’t so pissed, he’d make a snide comment about Severus Snape.

“Are you two going to sit down, or should I reschedule this meeting?” Fury says.

Tony grits his teeth but sits down (far away from Romanov), and Steve sits next to him.

They elect Thor to nudge Bruce awake, who looks at them with bleary eyes and his hair askew.

Steve places a big hand on Tony’s thigh underneath the table. It feels like a brand.

The meeting is agonizingly slow and painful, and Tony wishes they all would leave. Barton and Thor almost come to blows over what they’re to do with Loki, but in the end, they decide to let the Asgardian face punishment in his own land, far, far away from Earth.

“It’s not fair,” Barton hisses, his hand balling into a fist when Fury leaves the room with Thor on his coattails to collect his brother. “His daddy,” Barton spits out the word like a curse, “won’t punish him.”

“I’m not so sure about that,” Bruce says, stifling a yawn. “Odin exiled Thor to earth when he disappointed him.”

“Banner’s got a point,” Romanov says. “I want him to pay, just as much as you,” she admits. “But how would we even go about punishing a god?”

“I have ideas,” Barton says, and Tony flashes back to Afghanistan, to three months of darkness and dampness and death, and he understands Barton’s rage.

“I’m sure you do,” Romanov says. “Pass them along to Thor and see how he takes them.”

“Or better yet, tell me,” Tony finds himself saying. Four pairs of eyes shoot to him. If he were a lesser man, he would have wilted under the sudden attention. “I’ve got a bone to pick with Reindeer Games, too.”

“Yeah?” Barton says, crossing his arms.

“Seriously,” Tony says. “Now that we know that beings like Loki and Thor exist, shouldn’t we be prepared for others like them?”

“Stark’s right,” Steve says. Tony tries to hide the surprise on his face. Were his blowjob skills that good? Steve squeezes his thigh in response. “Who’s to say that Loki was the last of them?”

Tony’s skin prickles. The others may have fought the Chitauri, but Tony had seen them and what lay beyond them. He had always been good at seeing the forest behind the trees. He had a feeling that they had barely scraped the surface with the Chitauri. There was something or someone more vicious, more bloodthirsty than any other foe they had fought combined.

All of the Avengers seemed to sober at that thought.

“Well, we’ll just have to be ready, won’t we?” Romanov says, her voice cutting through the silence.

“We also deserve a day off,” Barton says. “At least I do. I don’t know about the rest of you slackers.”

That defuses the tension in the room, just a bit. Bruce lets out a light chuckle while Natasha just rolls her eyes.

“Oh, please, if anybody carried this team, it was me,” Natasha says.

Steve’s hand leaves Tony’s thigh and slides up to the small of his back. Some of the tension leaves his shoulders as he leans back into Steve’s touch. Tony doesn’t know what Steve wants. He doesn’t know if their little triste was just that or if there was room for more. Tony doesn’t like not knowing things. But he’ll let Steve have this, for now.

“Correct me if I’m wrong, but I didn’t see anybody else carry a nuke on their shoulders into an interdimensional wormhole.”

He waits for the snide comments, the jeers, the disgust to cross their faces but instead...instead they laugh. And it’s not a laugh of derision; Tony’s heard enough of those to recognize them. These are real, genuine laughs.

“Fair,” Barton says, the corners of his lips quirking up.

“No, not fair! Only two of us can fly,” Romanov says.

“Can Thor really fly?” Bruce says. “I feel like it’s more of a controlled fall. He throws his hammer and lets the weight of it take him where he needs to go.”

“He’s in the air, he’s moving, as far as I’m concerned, it’s flying,” Barton says.

Tony and Barton end up arguing the semantics of flying over a finger of Tony’s best scotch, Bruce occasionally chiming in, Romanov and Steve looking on in amusement.

They’re annoying, Tony thinks. They’re annoying and loud and destructive and—

Tony is starting to like them. His feelings had always crept up on him like a lion stalking its prey, only pouncing when he least expected it. He was starting to like them, even Romanov, who he was still kind of pissed at for her earlier comment. But he didn’t blame her. Why would Steve want to touch him? Tony had practically thrown himself at him.

“He pulled you in,” his mind supplies, trying to be helpful. “He pulled you in, and he kissed the living daylights out of you.”

But maybe Steve had been desperate? Desperation drove men to crazy lengths, including sleeping with your...enemies? That wasn’t right. It held too many negative connotations, and despite their rough start, Tony didn’t think he would ever fight against Steve. Rivals? Or was that too petty? Just what the hell were they?

The state of his and Steve’s relationship (if he can even call it that) nags at him. The others start making their leave until Steve and Tony are the only ones left.

The boardroom feels like a matchbox with Steve so close to him with no buffer. Steve’s making himself useful and tidying up the papers and glasses strewn about the table. Tony pours himself another finger of scotch, lets the whiskey burn his throat on the way down. He needed something to ground himself. His eyes follow Steve’s every movement like magnets. Heat blossoms low in his belly when he remembers how Steve had touched him like he was nothing but a toy for Steve’s pleasure. The thought shouldn’t turn him on as much as it does.

Tony clears his throat, catching Steve’s attention.

“Some meeting,” Tony starts and immediately wants to slap himself. He should just get to the point. Why even bother with small talk?

“You’re telling me,” Steve says carefully. Always so careful. Except for when his hands are shoved down Tony’s pants.

Tony shifts in his seat and hopes that Steve won’t notice, but of course, when do things ever work out the way Tony wants them to? Steve’s eyes track his movements with all the purpose of someone used to analyzing situations. Is that what Steve thinks is about to happen? A battle?

“How are you feeling?” Steve asks, setting down a stack of papers.

“Sticky,” Tony says, deadpan. They hadn’t gotten the chance to clean off after their little...excursion on the helicarrier.

Tony expects for him to blush like he did earlier after his standoff with Romanov. But instead, the bastard grins at him.

“My bad,” Steve says. “Any other time, I’m pretty good at uh, cleaning up.”

Tony throws back the last of his scotch and tries not to think of Steve on his knees licking at Tony’s thighs and groin and—

It’s not working. But then Tony remembers Romanov; “Steve wouldn’t touch him with a ten-foot pole,” and any desire he had dies. He should nip this in the bud now. They are absolutely not having a repeat performance.

“Good thing it was a one-off,” Tony says, hoping his voice comes off light and airy. “Otherwise, I’d be pissed.”

Steve’s smile falls, and if Tony didn’t feel like an asshole before, he sure as hell does now.

“Oh.”

“Just a little favor between two pals, right?” Tony says just to dig the knife in a little deeper. “Let him hate me,” he thinks. “It’s easier that way.”

“Right.” Steve clears his throat. “I, uh, guess I’ll get going.”

Part of Tony wants to latch onto his arm, pull him through the glass and the rubble of his penthouse suite, and into his bedroom and never let him go. He stomps that urge down with steel-toes boots.

“See you around, Steve,” he says as Steve makes for the door.

Steve pauses at the threshold and doesn’t look at him when he replies, “See you around, Tony.”

***

Life goes on. Tony reunites with Pepper. Tony’s mansion gets blown up. He loses Pepper for the final time.

And it’s fine, really. Being cool with terrorists blowing up your home and experimenting on you without your consent is a lot to ask of anyone, even if that person is Pepper Potts.

Pepper kisses him on the cheek, and Tony knows it’s the end.

“I’m sorry,” she says.

“It’s okay,” he says, and he means it. Because Pepper is still his and he’s still hers, just not in the way they had originally wanted.

So, he’s single and homeless, technically, but overall it’s not the worst year of Tony’s life.

He thinks about rebuilding his mansion in Malibu, but something stops him.

“New York?” Rhodey asks him over Skype, curiosity twisting his features.

“Yeah,” Tony says, clutching a pillow to his chest. He’s currently staying at one of his vacation homes on the Amalfi coast. His bedroom has a perfect view of the sea. Every evening, he sits out on his balcony and tries not to think about how Steve’s eyes are the exact color of the Mediterranean at sunset.

“Malibu feels like an old chapter of my life. I think I’m ready for something new.”

Italy is lovely, but Tony is so lonely. He’s never been good by himself.

Within a month, the renovations on Stark Tower are completed, and Tony makes his move to New York.

It’s odd, living by himself again. Of course, Tony brought his bots with him, and he integrated JARVIS into all of his personal residences. Still, there was no Pepper to remind him of some upcoming awards ceremony, no Rhodey to get into trouble with. Happy went with him because wherever Tony went, Happy followed. Tony’s sure Happy would have followed him into battle if he could. But Happy doesn’t stay in the tower, and Tony doesn’t expect him to. He knows Happy has a life outside of chauffeuring (and he hasn’t missed the looks between Happy and Pepper whenever she’s in town. He’s happy for them.)

That’s when he starts collecting Avengers like a kid collecting those little trading cards when Tony was in college. Digimon? Pokémon? It was something that ended in -mon, he was sure of that.

Bruce shows up first, drawn to the idea of a bed to sleep in, a constant food source, and a (relative) lack of people shooting at him.

Bruce brings warmth to his tower, where there had been nothing but the coldness of electricity and steel. Sometimes when their research aligns, they’ll spend hours together in Bruce’s workshop. They’re good for each other, he thinks. Bruce gets him to eat a real meal and even stops DUM-E from putting motor oil in his smoothies. Tony gets him to open up. He wants to get to know the man behind the Hulk. For a moment, they’re at peace.

Then SHIELD falls.

Things get more complicated after that.

Steve and Natasha show up with Clint right behind them. They’re still healing from their injuries, but overall they’re okay. Aside from dumping hundreds of SHIELD/HYDRA’s secrets onto the world wide web.

Tony takes them in because, despite everything that happened between him and Steve, he did offer him a place to stay. Tony’s not that much of an asshole. He’s not going to retract on that offer.

Besides, his tower is enormous, and he knows it like the back of his hand; it takes nothing for him to avoid Steve without making it obvious.

However, Tony didn’t account for the sudden friendship between Steve and Natasha, the traitor. (He doesn’t know when she stopped being just Romanov in his head.)

Natasha must have been trailing him to learn his schedule because Steve corners him right as he’s leaving his workshop to head up to Bruce’s floor. His fellow scientist was making curry, and Tony didn’t want to miss out before the other Avengers (vultures) devoured it.

“Can we talk?” Steve asks, leaning against the wall with his hands shoved into his pockets.

Tony stops in his tracks and immediately wants to do a full 180 back to his workshop and not come out for a good ten, twenty years. Stark Industries is in good hands, and Rhodey can take over for him the team, and he can live in his workshop like Gollum in his cave—

“Tony?”

His eyes snap up to Steve. Right. They were having a conversation. Tony’s self-loathing can kick in later.

“Yeah,” Tony says. “Sure. Let’s head up here,” he gestures to the living area situated by the staircase. This floor of the tower serves as Tony’s second home, an escape from all of his penthouse suite’s showy glamour and the lack of privacy on the communal floors. The penthouse suite reminds him too much of Pepper, anyway.

There’s a small but up to date kitchenette off to their right done up in polished mahogany, tan stone, and black appliances for whenever hunger strikes. Tony heads to the left with Steve following behind him. His living area also functions as a bedroom of sorts. Tony had invested in a plush brown leather sofa from a high-end Italian furniture manufacturer. Sinfully soft and draped in luxurious throw blankets, it served as both a sofa and his bed when he couldn’t be bothered to take the elevator to his penthouse suite.

In a strange role reversal of the last time the two of them had been alone, Steve grabs onto his wrist and pins Tony down with his stare.

“We can talk right here.”

Tony swallows. “Okay. Sure. That works, too.” He looks down pointedly at Steve’s hand.

Steve flushes but lets Tony go.

“I’m sorry,” Steve starts.

“No harm done,” Tony says coolly. On the inside, he’s trying not to scream. He had forgotten that Steve’s hands were so big.

“I just needed to know…” Steve hesitates, rubbing the back of his neck with one hand. “Did I...did I do something wrong?”

And that, that makes Tony blink.

Steve pushes on. “On the helicarrier...did I come on to you too strong? Because if I did, that wasn’t my intention at all—”

Tony holds up his hands. “Wait, what? That’s what you want to talk about? Steve, it’s been two years.”

“I know! I know it’s just...we haven’t spoken at all about...the thing, and you’ve been avoiding me ever since I stepped foot in this place.”

“I—”

“And don’t say you haven’t,” Steve says with a hard stare. “I’m old, not an idiot.”

“Okay,” Tony says. “Okay. I guess you could call it avoiding.”

“Why?” Steve asks. “I’d rather you just tell me.”

Tony sighs. He’s too old to be having this conversation and telling Steve the truth would just be mortifying. “Romanov hurt my feelings, so I pushed you away before you could do it to me,” sounds pathetic, even to his ears.

“A half-truth then. A lie grounded in reality,” he thinks.

“You want to know why?”

A muscle in Steve’s jaw jumps. “Yes. I would.”

“It wasn’t your fault, trust me,” Tony says. “I just feel like maybe you didn’t want to jump headfirst into this,” Tony gestures between them. He won’t dare call it a relationship. “I came onto you out of nowhere and didn’t even stop to think about whether or not you were ready for...anything.” He’s talking in circles and what’s worse is that he knows he’s talking in circles. Every muscle in his body is taut, waiting for Steve’s reaction.

“You blew me off,” Steve says slowly, “because you thought I wasn’t ready for...this?” He’s taken on Tony’s terminology.

“You were fresh out the ice, Steve. I figured the last thing you needed on your plate was something like this while you were still getting used to the 21st century.”

“Tony,” Steve speaks his name so softly it feels like a caress. Tony wants to step back. He wants to put on the suit and fly to Malibu, to Amalfi, to anywhere but here.

“Tony, I don’t regret what we did,” Steve says. There’s a determined light in his eyes. Tony feels like the prey again. Steve has always made him feel like he’s being hunted.

“Okay,” Tony says, steeling himself.

“I want to do it again,” Steve says. “If that’s alright with you.”

Steve wants to do it again. He wants to fuck Tony again, and the scary thing is, Tony’s going to let him. Arousal pools in his belly as he lifts his head to look at Steve head-on.

“Okay,” he says. His voice already sounds wrecked. Desperate. Then Steve’s on him.

Tony hates how he falls into Steve’s arms as soon as his lips meet Tony’s. He had thought once would be enough, just enough to satiate the burning in his blood. He hated being wrong.

Steve’s kisses are sloppy, almost desperate, but if anything, it just winds Tony up more. It’s like he’s fallen ill, with a feverish heat spreading throughout his body in waves. His heart pounds so loudly, it nearly drowns out the words Steve murmurs when he finally pulls away from Tony.

Steve’s face is devoid of all masks, his lips cotton candy pink against his flushed skin.

“I did that,” Tony thinks with some wonder. “I made him this way.”

“What?” Tony says, only a little dazed, or so he hopes. Part of him flinches at the thought of Steve realizing just how far this well of desire he has building beneath his skin goes for him.

“Don’t run,” Steve says. His arms wind around Tony’s waist with all the finality of a lock clicking into place.

Tony swallows, his brain trying to parse through the hazy cloud of lust that had descended upon his brain. Steve’s eyes are big and so fucking blue, he almost can’t look at them directly.

“It’s like looking at the sun,” he thinks.

“Wasn’t planning on it,” he finds himself saying.

“Just one more time. Just to get him out of my system.”

Steve’s eyes narrow like he knows exactly where Tony’s brain went, and isn’t that a terrifying thought that Steve can already read him so well. Steve doesn’t call him out. Instead, he kisses Tony.

Steve kisses him like a thief, all greedy and ruthless, stealing his breath away. Steve walks them backward until Tony feels his legs hit his sofa. They stumble onto the couch, Steve lying on top of him, eclipsing Tony.

Steve’s lips are on his again. He can’t get enough of Tony today, it seems. His tongue slips into Tony’s mouth, one of his hands running down his chest and into his pants. Tony arches into his touch, moaning into Steve’s mouth. Steve may be a thief, but in this moment, Tony is just as willing to give him everything he has.

Steve’s hands are so big and hot as they palm at Tony’s length. It doesn’t take long for him to harden in Steve’s grasp.

Steve works him over with quick strokes of his hand, breaking their kiss to murmur in his ear, “Come on, baby. Spread these legs for me.”

Tony did as he was bid, letting his knees fall open.

“That’s it,” Steve says.

“Can I?” Tony begins, unsure of how to continue. He’d never been shy during sex, but what he and Steve were doing, as much as Tony stomped it down, felt deeper than a simple hookup.

“Go ahead, baby,” Steve says. The pet name flows off his tongue like honey. “Tell me what you need.”

“I want to touch you,” he declares. “Let me?” He looks at Steve and hopes his eyes look wide and sweet. He remembers how Steve had snapped the last time he had looked at him like that, the bruising kisses and the hard, almost punishing way Steve had gotten him off…

Steve gives him a crooked smile. Tony’s not...disappointed, per se, but he wouldn’t have minded it if Steve had lost control again.

“Go ahead,” Steve says. “Whatever that big brain of yours has in mind.”

That’s all the permission Tony needs, and his own hands work at the fly of Steve’s jeans until he’s pulling Steve’s cock loose. Steve catches on quick and shucks his jeans down to his thighs. He yanks Tony’s sweatpants down in one swift motion. This is the most exposed Tony has been in front of anyone since his relationship with Pepper burst into flames. And listen, Tony knows he’s not ugly (he’d been named Sexiest Man Alive twice, up there with George Clooney and Brad Pitt), but Steve is the literal epitome of human perfection. It could just be the childhood trauma rearing its ugly head, but Tony feels small underneath Steve. Unworthy. Useless. He’s thrown back to the present when Steve rolls his hips and slides his cock against Tony’s.

“Come on, genius,” Steve says. “Work with me.”

Tony lifts his hips to meet Steve, and the hot slide of flesh against flesh leaves him gasping like a virgin.

“Fuck,” Steve hisses. “Just like that.”

They settle into an easy, almost instinctive rhythm, Steve thrusting, Tony rising to meet him. Their groins are slick with sweat and precome. Tony’s sure that if they had bothered to get some lube, they wouldn’t have lasted half as long. It’s like someone’s turned a dial up on his senses. Wherever Steve touches him, his cock rubbing against Tony’s, is like someone lit a bundle of matches. He’s so hot, he’s sure his skin is smoking. He can hear everything. The hum of electricity present throughout his tower if you listened hard enough, Steve’s muttered curses, the wetness of Steve’s cock rocking against his.

“One day,” Steve says, picking up speed. “One day, I’m gonna tie you to your bed just like this. Get your thighs all wet and slick and fuck you until you’re coming all over your goddamn stomach,” Steve punctuates his words with a hard thrust, and that’s it for Tony. One more word out of Steve’s mouth and he’s done for.

“Holy shit, Rogers,” he says, sounding breathless to his ears.

“I’m not done, sweetheart,” Steve chuckles. “How do you feel about toys?”

“Yes. Yes. Fuck, Steve, I could make them. Anything you want.”

And he finds himself meaning it. He’d give Steve the sun if he asked. He tries not to let that scare him.

“How about a nice vibrating cock ring, hmm? Slip it on you early in the morning. Maybe a long-distance remote to go with it, keep you hard and ready all day long.”

Tony bites back a cry, his cock jumping with arousal. “Fuck, Steve, yes, please, yes.”

“Then don’t run,” Steve says, his voice sounding all dark and gritty. “Don’t run, and I’ll give you everything you fucking want, just don’t run away from me, again.”

Afterward, Tony blames it on his approaching orgasm, but in that moment, all Tony can say is, “Yes, fuck, I’m staying right here.”

They come together, oddly enough. Steve’s teeth sink into Tony’s throat, and Tony’s throwing his head back as his come lands on both of their stomachs, and it’s so. Fucking. Good.

Tony’s floating. He didn’t know when his Italian leather couch turned into a cloud, but he’s floating with Steve kissing the bite he left on his neck.

They curl close together, uncaring of the mess cooling on their stomachs. If Tony has anything to say about it, there’s a nice joint shower waiting for them when they find the will to move. Steve places one final kiss on the bite.

Tony knows what it is. A marker. A claim. He’s Steve’s for as long as Steve will have him. Tony’s willing to indulge him. For now.

“Shower later?” he asks, his words thick and syrupy from post-orgasmic bliss and the sudden need for a nap. It’s a struggle to keep his eyes open, but he doesn’t want to stop looking at Steve’s handsome face. His perfectly coiffed blond hair is mussed. Steve’s skin has taken on a peachy, damn near radiant glow. “Nap first,” Steve says.

“Steve may have left his mark,” he thinks. “But I left mine.”

#stony #steve rogers #tony stark #marvel #mcu #stony fic #imperialstark fic #imperialstark writing #my fic #my writing #lemons #nsfk #lemon

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lonelyandlovelorn · 4 years

Text

Protector - Part 1

A/N: I just really like the idea of the thing softening Loki up being the memory of his mother. Also, it’s pretty much all Loki POV, but there is a part in there where the reader becomes “you” and I hope it doesn’t sound too weird. Tags are open if you message me or send me an ask.

Genre: angst, comfort

Warning: mentions of abuse, though not described

Word count: 1200

Pairing: Loki Laufeyson x fem reader

Summary: Your son finds a hero to save you from your abusive husband.

Masterlist

Protector Masterlist

Loki was wandering around parts of the city he had never seen before. It wasn’t that he was particularly interested in getting to know the layout or the people of New York, he just couldn’t stand another minute in that tower. Thor had brought him to stay with the team, for some reason thinking that was a good idea. The problem that his brother hadn’t foreseen was that some members of the Avengers still held a grudge and were not happy to have him around. Loki never tried to defend himself, knowing that what Thanos had made him do was a fair enough reason to be hated, but the tension made time spent without Thor there as a buffer nearly unbearable. That’s why, almost every night, he ended up wandering the streets of New York, thinking and watching the world around him.

He was completely lost in his own head when a little boy ran up to him with tears streaming down his face. At first, he assumed the boy recognized him as the one who destroyed the city years ago and was afraid of him; but he quickly realized that whatever scared the boy had nothing to do with him. Looking around, there seemed to be no one else about, so he knelt down to speak to the boy.

The boy latched onto Loki’s arm and started stuttering through the tears. “Pl-please, mister, you’re with the- the Avengers, right? My- my mommy needs- my mommy needs help. He’s hurting her!” Loki was stunned before ignoring the beginning when the boy said someone was hurt.

“Who’s hurting her? Where is your mother?” Loki asked urgently. The boy gripped his hand and started pulling, leaving the god no choice but to follow him into a nearby apartment building. He didn’t have much chance to look at his surroundings, but he was sure the living conditions were bad even compared to more common ones than Stark’s buildings. The boy ran up a flight of stairs before stopping at a door on the right. He didn’t go inside, but he pointed at it silently, as though afraid someone within would hear him. Loki only stood outside the door for a moment before hearing a feminine cry of pain.

Upon hearing this, some instinct kicked in and Loki rushed into the apartment to see a woman cowering on the floor, bruised and bloody, with a clearly intoxicated and angry man above her. Immediately, the man was thrown off of her. After quickly checking that she was not too seriously injured, he sent her to the hallway with her son.

Now, having “reformed” and spent too much time around good people, Loki was not usually found to be cruel or malicious recently. However, the look in his eyes as he turned to the pitiful excuse for a man could only be described as such. Fear filled the man’s face as he looked into the God of Mischief’s face to see nothing but malice. As much as Loki desired to skin the man alive, a voice in the back of his head that sounded annoyingly similar to his brother’s warned him against it. With an attempt at a calming breath, Loki turned away from the man to look for a way to restrain him so that his punishment could be left up to proper authorities. As he began to tie the man to a kitchen chair with zip ties he found in a drawer, the vile creature began to speak.

“Why are you protecting that dumb bitch? She’s a whore and she’s not even that good in the sack. She’s not worth it, neither is that stupid kid.” Loki didn’t even know this woman, but he was a gentleman and a son first, and these words had his blood boiling once more. So, if the police happened to find the man a little worse for wear, who could blame him.

When Loki exited the building, he found you sitting on the steps with your son, checking him over to make sure he wasn’t hurt. He hadn’t heard you speak yet and couldn’t help but be slightly enchanted by your voice and the care for your son. Hearing him come down the steps, you turned to look at him, fear clouding your eyes first before relief upon seeing who it was. Before you could say anything, Loki was speaking. “I would like to offer you a safe place to stay for a while, if you’ll accept.” You nodded silently, standing up and following him down the streets. You unconsciously kept quite close to him, likely in fear of whatever dangers may be lurking in the dark.

Loki realized that it was necessary that he let someone know he was coming, so he dug out the “Stark phone” that had been given to him and dialed Stark’s number, figuring he should talk to the man who owned the building. He picked up on the second ring.

“Reindeer games, what can I do for you? I’m impressed you knew how to use this thing.” Loki rolled his eyes at the man’s nickname for him before speaking and ignoring the jab.

“Stark, I have a woman and her son who need somewhere to stay for the night, and offered them a place in your tower.” Loki was not about to ask for permission, so he decided to tell him instead.

“Now, I know you haven’t been here long enough for that kid to be yours, so what’s going on?” He tried to joke, but Tony could tell the situation must be serious for Loki to be telling him about it and bringing them with him.

“I’ll explain later.” Tony didn’t press further, simply told him that the room across from the god’s was empty and ended the call.

Loki looked back to see you carrying your sleeping son. He couldn’t help but notice your beauty, but he knew from experience that that was not a priority right now, you just needed comfort and safety. He also noticed, though, the look of pain on your face at holding your son to your injured body. Loki stopped walking for a moment, causing you to stop with him. He looked you over before reaching his hands towards you. You ever so slightly flinched on reflex, looking at him in confusion.

Quietly, so as not to wake the boy, Loki explained. “You’re injured and holding him is only causing you more pain. Allow me to carry him the rest of the way.” At your hesitant look, he spoke again. “I swear to you, I mean you no harm.” After a moment of consideration, you carefully handed your son to the tall man next to you, sighing in relief when some of the pain lightened.

The silence continued for a few more blocks before you spoke this time. “Noah says you’re an Avenger.” You asked no question, but it was clear in your tone.

“Something like that.” Loki muttered, not considering himself part of the team but not wanting to admit to his previous status as villain.

“Thank you. For helping us and being kind to him.” A gentle smile crossed your face as you looked at your son, and Loki recognized the smile as something he had seen on his own mother’s face many times in his life. He barely knew you, but he suddenly felt very attached and protective of you and your son.

Tag(s): @reblogs-n-shits

#loki x reader #Loki Laufeyson x Reader #loki friggason #loki odinson #lonelyandlovelorn #protector #series #y/n #loki x you #mother reader #fem reader #tw #abused reader #abuse #marvel imagine #reader insert #fanfic #fanfiction

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just-dreaming-marvel · 4 years

Text

NINETY - SEVEN MONTHS

LEGACY: A Tony Stark Daughter Story

MASTERLIST

< previous

Word Count: 1,800ish

Summary: Seven months pass, and Bailey is still with HYDRA. (Warning: mentions of killings and rape. No explicit descriptions.)

~~~

In the first few months that followed, HYDRA didn’t let me out of their compound. They wanted to monitor what I could do in someplace they knew that they could control. HYDRA wanted to monitor me to see if it was worth giving me more abilities or a super soldier serum. They had me practice on the enemies that they currently had taken hostage. I killed them through hand to hand combat, weapons, and my telepathic abilities. They were very interested in how many ways I could kill through my abilities, and they sure were succeeding in getting me to show them. I had killed people by shutting down their brains, mentally torturing until they begged for me to kill them, and forcing them to kill themselves or each other.

They had designed, for me, my own suit. It was similar to the original Winter Soldiers, the only major difference was that it had two sleeves. I had a mask and everything.

When I wasn’t training or killing for them, I was kept in a cell that stopped my telepathic abilities from working and weakened my strength and healing. Because of that, I couldn’t stop what they did to me in there. Men would come into my cell every night I was there and rape me. And because of the room they were keeping me in, I couldn’t do anything to stop them. I would get raped every night and then in the morning they would erase my memories, or at least try to. They didn’t know that the only way for me to forget things was by my own doing or by someone with similar abilities. And I needed to keep it that way. I knew I needed to escape and that what they were doing was wrong, but I couldn’t figure out exactly why.

It was mid-April by the time HYDRA felt like I was ready to complete an actual mission outside of their facility. For my first mission, they sent me to assassinate a few people on their tail or who they didn’t like. It was successful and I did it without causing too much attention to myself. By the end of May, I was fulfilling full missions on my own. I had a feeling that I needed to leave little clues here and there. I didn’t understand why, but I went with it and as far as I knew HYDRA wasn’t suspecting anything.

Tony searched and searched through every database multiple times for anything and everything he could find that was, or seemed to be, HYDRA related. Sleeping wasn’t an option for him. Pepper tried her best to get him to rest, but she also knew that he wouldn’t until I came home safe. Pepper had a hard time resting as well and tried her best to hold it together for Tony. Rhodey did the best that he could to help without the government noticing and Vision tried his best to feel me out using the mind stone. Vision was having a hard time though because I had thought that through as well, knowing that he could possibly find me that way, and blocked the mind stone from entering.

Happy’s job was to keep Peter off of my trail and so far he was successful at it. He kept Peter busy with small “missions” here and there and had convinced Peter that I was so busy with school and taking on more at Stark Industries that I couldn’t hang out and only talk through texts. Tony felt bad about tricking Peter and kept a close eye on him. He didn’t want to lose him like he had lost me. He just would never admit it out loud and everybody already knew it, Tony loved Peter as a son. The press on the other hand was getting a bit antsy after having not seen me for months, but Tony and Pepper were professionals at avoiding the press and paying them off. They had also, when needed, used old photos and a hired decoy to keep the press at bay.

By the beginning of June, Tony had started noticing the clues I was leaving behind. There was a mystery assassin that the world governments were worried about but not informing the public about. There was one picture of me in my HYDRA uniform. It seemed to have been taken by accident. But let’s just say that it wasn’t an accident. I was severely punished for letting that picture get taken and get out there, but I didn’t care. Tony knew it was me the instant he saw the photo. It gave him the fire to continue and press forward harder than he had been. He realized though, that he couldn’t continue this on his own and he decided that it was time for Peter to know the truth. He had Happy bring him to the upstate facility where him, Pepper, Vision, and Rhodey were waiting. Peter excitedly exited the car and headed into the compound with Happy not far behind. Peter and Happy went straight to the lab where the rest of them were waiting.

“Mr. Stark,” Peter greeted. He looked around at everyone, they all seemed to have sad expressions on their faces. “What’s going on here?”

“Kid,” Tony started, “I need your help with something.”

“Anything, Mr. Stark.”

“I’m going to need you to sit before I get started.”

“Okay…” Peter was confused but sat down on the nearest stool anyway.

Tony sat down in front of him with Pepper standing behind Tony with her hands on his shoulders. Happy was leaning in the doorway with Rhodey and Vision standing on the far side of the room next to the windows.

“Okay kid,” Tony began, taking a deep breath to ready himself. “You know how Hap told you that Bailey has been busy with school and the company, and that’s why she hasn’t been able to talk to you?” Peter nodded. “Well… that isn’t exactly the truth.”

“I knew there was something going on! Where is she, Mr. Stark? Where is Bailey?” Peter rapidly asked. “Is she okay?”

“She’s gone… She turned herself over to HYDRA the day after Christmas.”

“She what?! Why?”

“She can explain it better than I can. FRIDAY, pull up the video.”

“Of course Boss,” FRIDAY responded.

The video popped up and began playing. Everyone but Peter turned away, they couldn’t bare to watch it again. Just hearing my voice was painful enough. Once the video was over, Peter was struggling to hold back tears. I was the closest thing he had ever had to a sister and I had left to protect everyone, knowing fully well what HYDRA was capable of.

“She was trying to protect all of us…” he whispered.

Tony set his hand on Peter’s knee. “And now we need to do the same for her,” Tony stated.

“When do we start?” Peter asked.

Tony then showed everyone everything that he had on HYDRAs current plans and the photograph of me. Only Tony and Rhodey had seen the photo, everyone else was shocked at what they saw. I was obviously buffer, my eyes were darker, my sandy hair was in a long braid, and the outfit reminded them all of the Winter Soldier. Tony told them that he believed that I had let the picture be taken since I had left barely any trail of me and my actions anywhere. Everyone was on the search as soon as Tony was done showing them all he had. They knew that HYDRA probably wasn’t happy with me letting that picture get out, so they could only image the pain that I was going through or had been through because of the picture alone. It pushed them to continue on.

By the end of June, they knew where the HYDRA facility was and had formed a plan to take it down. Hopefully taking all of HYDRA down for good with it. Tony and Rhodey went to Secretary Ross and presented the plan with no mention of me in it. They needed to get him on their side so that they didn’t have to do this illegally. Tony was now beginning to realize Steve’s side on the Accords. But he didn’t let himself think too much about it because he wasn’t willing to admit fault especially when it came to Steve. Secretary Ross agreed to let Rhodey and Tony lead the attack on the base, understanding that HYDRA was a serious threat that needed to be stopped and that the two men had more experience with them then anyone else. Once Tony and Rhodey got onto the jet to head back to the compound to prepare for their mission is when they finally starting talking.

“You need to get some rest before we head off tomorrow,” Rhodey stated.

Tony was leaning forward in his chair, wringing his hands together. “I can’t rest until she’s home safe,” Tony said.

“We risk her not coming home at all if you don’t get some sleep tonight. Pepper or I will drug you if we have to.”

“Fine.” He huffed. “I’ll try.”

“Good.” Rhodey leaned over and set one of his hands on one of Tony’s knees. “We’ll bring her home… We’re going to end this once and for all.”

“Then why do I feel like this is the beginning of the end?” Tony looked at Rhodey with tired eyes. “Something’s coming, Rhodes. Something big. I’ve felt it for a while now and I’m afraid we won’t be ready when it comes.”

“You’re just exhausted. You’re over thinking everything. You need rest.”

All Tony could will himself to do was nod in response then lean back and look out the window. He was so close to getting me back and feared that one miss step in the plan would keep us apart for another set of months or, what he was truly afraid of, forever. And he didn’t know if he could continue on without me, with all that guilt he was feeling. Tony’s hand found it’s way to his coat pocket, gripping the flip phone that was inside of it. Unknown to me, Steve had sent Tony a phone. Telling Tony that if he ever needed him, that Steve would be there. Tony had debated with himself, more times than he would like to admit over the past few months, on whether or not he should use the phone. He knew that Steve would drop everything to help bring me home. But there were so many variables at play, was it worth the risk? No, he decided. Tony sighed, closing his eyes as he rested his head back, finally giving in to the much needed rest that he had been avoiding for almost 7 months.

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thorne93 · 4 years

Text

Unforeseen Chasm (Part 46)

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

Word Count:6022

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

Masterlist for Unforeseen Chasm

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

You had set out with Jane towards Nebraska, just after the wedding. Loki was a bit hesitant to let you go. You knew Jane, you knew Shannon. Earth had been your home your whole life. None of this was new to you. But Loki? All he had was you. He had no other allies.

You assured him you’d be a phone call away if he needed you. You could tell he was worried what might happen if you weren’t there. He wasn’t blind to the fact that you served as a buffer for his punishment from the Avengers and the government. It almost felt like a kid who is constantly bullied, when their friend that protects them doesn’t come to school one day.

Shannon wished you well and sent you on your way. Nebraska had yielded a few results but somehow, you’d heard about human experimentation, possibly by Shield in Sokovia. Another scientist was in the field with you, gossiping about things he’d seen near a campsite. People with strange powers and odd things that had been seen.

When you heard this, your ears perked up. You finished up early with Jane on your work and headed back to New York to inform the Avengers.

Loki was still at work so you bypassed the Sanctum and headed straight to the Tower.

Steve saw you first.

“Y/N? What’re you doing back?” he asked, concern and cautiousness in his voice.

“Yeah,” you said dismissively. “I heard that some experimentation on people going on in Sokovia,” you explained. “You might want to go check it out.”

Steve frowned and crossed his arms before leaning against the counter in the kitchen. “What makes you say that?”

“I heard it. This Dr. Reinstein I was working with in Nebraska had just come from there. He was doing research in the mountains, and there’s a compound nearby. He thought it was a government base, possibly for the military, but he said he heard and saw strange things.” You frowned, biting your lip. “I know it’s not much to go on, but I think--Well, what did you all do with Loki’s scepter?” you asked.

He leaned forward, taking more interest. “Why?”

“Because… It sounds like they might be using it,” you commented tentatively. “The things that scepter can do... “

A disgruntled sigh escaped him as he crossed his arms and leaned against the nearby table. “We gave it to SHIELD.”

“Oh,” you said, a smile forming. “Then it’s in good hands.”

“Well, not exactly. We found out a year ago they were infiltrated by Hydra.”

“Hydra? That terrorist organization from the 40s? The one you fought? I thought they died out,” you asked, flabbergasted.

“I thought they did too, but the director of SHIELD has been the leader of HYDRA for quite some time. So… I have no idea where the scepter is now or if it’s safe.”

You pressed your lips together. “I think you should check it out,” you pressed gently. “Even if I’m wrong… Even if I’ve made a mistake, at least we know. Steve, that scepter in the wrong hands… You saw what Loki and I did with it. The devastation Hydra could bring? If they could be anyone -- it could be monstrous.”

He nodded. “I hate to say it, but you’re right. Do you know where in Sokovia this was?”

“Not exactly but I can get you his information.”

“Please do,” he requested.

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

It took a week for the Avengers to gather enough solid intel to head to Sokovia. They left Shannon behind. Tony and Bruce said her body couldn’t handle the trip and a fight. You began work with her on a new project while the team went to handle the problem. Tony had texted Shannon when they arrived.

Shortly after that, the whole team surprised you by coming back to the tower. Shannon and you were in the middle of the new project when you heard the plane entering the tower. Shannon looked at you, excitement filling her features before the two of you dropped your pencils to greet the team. Shan ran full force into Tony as he walked in from the landing pod area. You nodded to Steve, gave a smile to Bruce and Natasha. They surprisingly returned the gesture.

“Where’s Clint?” you asked, worry in your tone.

“Bringing up the rear, as usual,” Tony answered and you peered around him, seeing Clint limp in. You naturally went to help him, offering your body as support. He was hesitant for a moment, but ultimately took the offer, draping his arm over you.

“What happened?” you asked.

“Got hit. But it turns out your inside information was good,” he said, looking at you and giving you a slight smile.

“Well, I never meant for you to get hurt,” you said with guilt in your tone.

“I’m sure you didn’t,” he assured. He shot you a half a smile before you helped him into the medical lab where Dr. Cho was set up.

“So what’d you find?” Shannon asked Tony while they walked into the lab, with you in tow. Maria and Steve joined you in the room.

“Twins,” Steve stated. “Genetically enhanced. The boy is extremely fast and the girl is--”

“She can play with your mind and control objects with her mind,” Maria explained. You and Shannone exchanged a look.

“So they were experimenting on people,” Shannon mused. “Was it Hydra?”

“As a matter of fact, babe, it was,” Tony affirmed.

“Strucker is in that hands of NATO now,” Steve stated, filling everyone in on the status.

“Well, I’m going to whip up some shakes to refuel and then we’ll all meet back up here at 7 for the party right?” Tony suggested.

You bobbed your head. “I’ll take that as my queue to go,” you quietly noted, everyone but Shannon looking at you as if you were an unwanted pest.

“No, you don’t have to leave,” Shannon said in a pleading tone as she took a step towards you.

“No, it’s fine. It’s getting late anyway. I need to check in with Loki. It’s been good seeing you all. I’m glad you’re safe. Glad the lead turned out to be something,” you offered with a smile that didn’t quite meet your eyes. Boy, the term, “I know when I’m not wanted” resonated in your head like a siren.

With a final nod to everyone, you left and went back to the apartment.

“Well, hello, darling,” Loki greeted. “I had no idea you’d be home this early or I would’ve made dinner,” he informed, coming over to kiss your forehead.

“Well I was more like… kicked out,” you explained.

“What? Why--”

Before he could question it further, a knock came at the apartment door. You made an exasperated face before going over to the door. Opening the door, you were a bit shocked to see Shannon.

“Shan? What are you doing here? Shouldn’t you be getting ready for the victory party?” you questioned, confused.

“It’s not a party without you,” she countered with a smile.

“Oh, come on. You know that isn’t true. I’m the one in the corner, the wallflower.”

“I don’t care what you are. You’re my best friend and you and Loki are invited to the party.”

“Why? We didn’t even go on the mission. We aren’t in the Avengers. We’re in ex-criminals,” you reminded.

“Is that all you are? Ex-criminals? I kind of thought you were my best friend and friends with the Avengers. Besides Tony invited about fifty people that aren’t the team, I can have two people come.”

You smiled at her. “Shan, I appreciate it. I know what you’re trying to do, but no one wants me there. Steve tolerates me and the rest just wait for me to leave the room. They’re your friends...not mine.”

She pressed her lips together. “It’s true that they aren’t your biggest fans, but that’s never going to change if you don’t let them see you for who you are. They need to see the girl I know. The sister I grew up with…”

Your lips pulled to one side of your face. “Alright. I...” You turned back to Loki. “Do you want to go?” you asked, giving up with a sigh.

He gazed at you, probably gauging whether or not you really wanted to attend the event.

“I would...be delighted to go to a soiree at Stark Tower,” Loki lied. You could tell, but you were sure Shannon missed it.

She squealed. “Great! I’ll see you two at seven!”

She hugged you before dashing off and you closed the door behind you, grinning at Loki.

“So now we’re going to a party with the mindless drones that follow Stark?” Loki asked coldly.

You sighed as you walked past him to the bedroom. “Lok, she’s right. We need to… We need to stop acting like the outcasts. Maybe if we actually join their circle, we’ll be invited to more things. Our parole conditions might be lifted. I don’t know, maybe if we just acted less like we were being sequestered, less like hardened criminals, we wouldn’t be treated that way.”

“Somehow I doubt it,” he remarked with dripping venom. “I tried to act the part of the best, loyal, brightest son and look where that got me,” he reminded.

You sighed as you paused at your closet. “I’m not saying to pretend to be something we’re not. I’m just saying we act like we’re one of them. Just… be nice to them and they’ll be nice to us. It’s as simple as that.”

“Alright. I’ll try it your way. I suppose anything is better than being in exile.”

You nodded at him. “Dress nice or Tony won’t even let us in.”

Loki didn’t even respond as he got on an all black suit, black shirt, and black tie. Truth be told he looked ravishing. You found yourself in a green and black cocktail dress, your hair in old fashioned waves. In record time, you two made it to the party.

Shannon was right, Tony did invite a bunch of people here. It was a maze of people and caterers.

“You made it!” Shannon squealed as she trotted toward you with a drink in hand. She took you in a hug before hugging Loki, a sight you thought you’d never see.

“Yeah, much to everyone’s surprise,” you muttered.

“Well, come, come. Get a drink,” she urged.

“Alright,” you laughed, grabbing Loki’s hand as Shannon grabbed your free one. She drug you to the bar where Nat was making drinks.

“What’ll it be?” she asked with a coy smile.

“Martini,” Loki answered.

“Sparkling wine,” you requested.

“Comin’ right up,” she said with a smile as she made the drinks. Before you knew it, you each had a drink in hand, mingling. You met with Tony’s friends, greeted Clint, talked for a bit with Bruce, met some big wigs Shannong knew at another technology firm. It wasn’t as bad as you thought it would be, but nearly an hour into the party you needed a break. The high society scene - it wasn’t for you, it never was. That was Shannon’s thing. She was the one molded into the perfect socialite. This was her world, it always had been.

You escaped into an elevator and rode up one floor, where you knew it would be empty. You left Loki with Thor, hoping he would provide some form of familiarity or comfort for him.

Your feet carried you mindlessly for a moment until you wound up in Tony’s lab. It was state of the art, and hardly anything in here was real, all of it holograms. Walking around, you were appreciating all his gizmos and gadgets before you rounded the corner and saw something you never thought you’d see again.

The scepter.

Loki’s scepter.

The scepter that powered the Tesseract. The two things that got you sent back to Earth, the two things that nearly got you killed.

Merciless memories danced in your head of blood, torment, and torture. Remembering a time you desperately wanted to forget.

“Don’t get any cute ideas,” Tony said from behind you, making you jump. He sauntered up from behind you, amber drink in a scotch glass. “Is this why you came tonight? Did you want us to do the heavy lifting for you? Get the scepter, bring it back, and you and the boy toy take it back?” He cocked his head to the side. “Good play.”

“That’s not it,” you retorted, getting angry quick, your fist balling up. “I heard they might have it and I was worried it got into the wrong hands.”

“The wrong hands being anyone’s but yours,” he rebutted with an impressed look. “It was clever, I’ll give you that. You almost had me fooled. Bowing out early. Shannon insisting to invite you. You pretending like you didn't want to come tonight. All very nice touches. But then I looked up and saw you were nowhere to be found and I thought ‘Gosh, where could Y/N have gone?’”

“Tony,” you groaned. “I just needed a break from everything and I wandered up here. I had no idea you even had the scepter, no one told me.”

“I know Barton told you that the lead was solid,” he stated. “That was probably enough for you to come check it out.”

“Why would I wait to come get it? I could just come get it on Monday when I return to work,” you said, frowning.

“Maybe you wanted to be sure you got it before I had to ship it off. You’re smart, you know we can’t just hold onto it. Especially with you and the Reindeer games coming in and out of the tower.”

You sighed. “Tony, I don’t want anything to do with that scepter. It nearly got me and everyone I love killed. I don’t care if you destroy it.”

He eyed you for a moment. “You know… I ran diagnostics on it.”

“You did? What did you find?”

“It’s...unusual. JARVIS says it's like a computer. Banner seems to think it’s almost like a brain.”

“And you? What do you think?”

His gaze held something unreadable in it. “I think that for once, we agree on something. This can’t fall into the wrong hands.”

You nodded before turning to walk out of the lab and rejoin the party. Then you turned back, partially, for just a moment. “Thank you… for trusting me enough to follow my lead and go to Sokovia in the first place.”

All he did was cast his eyes to the floor and you left the floor to return to the festivities. Maria acknowledged that you walked in the room before Loki was at your side. He rubbed soothing circles on your back as the mingling continued. The hours flashed by and suddenly, it was just the Avengers in the middle of the common room, save for Dr. Cho, Shannon, Maria, you, and Loki. The party had nearly ended. Conversation had gotten around to Thor’s hammer. You sat next to Loki, your hand entwined with his.

Everyone was taking turns to lift the hammer, laughing at how it was a trick.

“That’s an interesting theory,” Thor began. “I have a better one. You’re all not worthy.”

Suddenly Shannon perked up.

“Did anyone hear that? It was a squeak,” she said, starting to turn around, gazing around the room when suddenly the noise had made itself known.

“Worthy,” a robot said as it limped into the room, oil leaking from its form, an arm missing. Immediately, everyone started to slowly stand up. “How could you be worthy? You’re all killers.”

“Stark,” Steve said.

“JARVIS,” Tony responded.

“I’m sorry, I was asleep,” the robot responded. “Or I was a dream.”

“Reboot Legionnaire OS. We got a buggy suit,” Tony said, tapping his phone futilely.

“There was this terrible noise. And I was tangled in--in strings.”

“Tony,” Shannon said, fear in her voice.

“I had to kill the other guy. He was a good guy.”

“You killed someone?” Steve demanded.

Your eyes stayed planted on the robot as a million uncomfortable emotions swept through you.

“Wouldn’t have been my first call. But down in the real world, we’re faced with ugly choices.”

“Who sent you?” Thor commanded.

Tony’s voice suddenly played from a recording. “I see a suit of armor around the world.”

“Ultron,” Banner recognized, turning to Tony.

“In the flesh,” this Ultron responded. “Or no, not yet. Not this chrysalis. But I’m ready. I’m on mission.”

“What mission?” Nat wondered.

“Peace in our time.”

Without warning, three bots burst out of the wall at all of you. Steve kicked a table up to deflect a bot that was headed straight for him. Loki quickly grabbed you and spun you out of the way before casting an illusion of himself, pushing you back towards towards a corner. Each of the Avengers was fighting a bot. Nat had to jump over the bar. Maria shot at a bot. Rhodey was pushed down a level, slammed through a glass ceiling. Clint slid under a table. Tony was rammed into a bookcase. Shannon was hit by a blast and into a wall.

Steve jumped on top of one of the bots, but he propelled backwards and crashed him into a wall.

“Steve!” you shouted, coming out from hiding, grabbing his shield and charging it before launching it as hard as you could at the bot, obliterating it. Tony managed to disarm one with a fondu fork. Nat was shooting at one and you turned towards it, purple streaming from your fingers, electricity sparking through the power as you electrocuted the machine.

“That was dramatic,” Ultron remarked as all of you stood up from positions of hiding or cover. “I’m sorry, I know you mean well. You just didn’t think it through. You want to protect the world, but you don’t want it to change. How is humanity saved if it’s not allowed to evolve. With these? These puppets. There’s only one path to peace. The Avengers extinction.”

Thor threw his hammer as hard as he could, smashing the main robot to smithereens.

And that ultimately killed the party. In a whirlwind, everyone was in Tony’s lab. Nat and you had changed out of your dresses into jeans and a tank top. Steve had sent Thor after the Legionnaire that escaped the building.

“All our work is gone. Ultron cleared out. He used the Internet as an escape hatch,” Banner informed.

“Ulton,” Steve scoffed.

“He’s been in everything. Files, surveillance. He probably knows more about us than we know about each other,” Natasha informed.

“He’s been in our files. What if he decides to access something a little more exciting?” Rhodey asked, pacing.

“Nuclear codes,” Maria murmured.

“Like nuclear codes,” Rhodey explained.

The rest of the team continued to discuss the current situation for a few more moments. They addressed the fact that JARVIS was destroyed as the first line of defense. Without much warning, Thor came storming into the lab grabbing Tony by the throat.

“Alright, buddy, use your words,” Tony requested.

“I have more than enough words to describe you, Stark,” Thor vowed darkly.

“Hey!” Shannon shouted. “Thor, put him down. What happened to the Legionnaire?”

“Trail went cold about 100 miles out, but it’s headed north. And it has the scepter.”

A few eyes went to you and Loki, but you tried to ignore the burning gazes.

“Now we have to retrieve it, again,” Thor said with frustration.

“I don’t understand. You built this program. Why is it trying to kill us?” Dr. Cho asked.

Tony was turned around, and suddenly… he was laughing. You frowned while Bruce shook his head to warn Tony that wasn’t the smartest idea.

“You think this is funny?” Thor asked incredulously.

“No,” Tony responded. “It’s probably not, right? This is very terrible. Is it so… It is. It’s so terrible,” he replied, sarcasm wrapping his tone.

“This could’ve been avoided if you hadn’t played with something you don’t understand,” Thor stated.

“No. I’m sorry. I’m sorry. It is funny,” Tony remarked, walking towards Thor. “It’s a hoot that you don’t get why we need this.”

“Tony, maybe this might not be the time,” Bruce warned.

“Really? That’s it?” Tony demanded, angry. “You just roll over, show your belly every time somebody snarls?”

“Only when I’ve created a murder bot.”

“We didn’t. We weren’t even close. Were we close to an interface?”

“Tony, what the hell, I thought Ultron was just a fantasy. Something we put to rest a long time ago?” Shannon demanded.

“It was. Until this,” Tony responded. “We had the scepter. It had so much energy. I saw it and I thought, ‘Hey, this is what we’ve been looking for. Something to protect the world.’”

“You did this, without even discussing it with me? You used unknown magic, power, to fuel a system that we have no idea about?”

“Anybody remember when I carried a nuke through a wormhole?” Tony asked. “Saved New York? Recall that? A hostile alien army came charging through a hole in space. We’re standing 300 feet below it. We’re the Avengers. We can bust arms dealers all the livelong day, but that up there, that’s...That’s the endgame. So that when people like them--” he walked over and pointed to you and Loki “--come charging back in, with bigger guns and more enemies, we have a defense.”

“Tony,” Shannon said, disappointment encompassing her tone.

“No, he’s right,” you suddenly said.

Everyone’s eyes flashed to you.

“Tony, you said you wanted a suit of armor around the world? That’s what this is designed to do? To protect the world from a greater threat? Then you’re right to do so.”

“I’m not sure whether or not I should be happy you’re agreeing with me,” he noted.

“Y/N, you can’t be serious,” Shannon responded. “You saw what that did…”

“I don’t know what happened with the development. But I know Tony, and I know his heart was in the right place. I’ve seen what else is out there, and he’s right to be scared of it. And if we have anything -- anything -- that serves as a line of defense, then I’m all for it.”

“Are we really gonna take her side?” Rhodey asked. “This isn’t looking good for you, Tony. The only person to agree with you is an ex-con.”

“Is that really all I am to you, Rhodey?” you asked, bite in your voice.

“Last I checked, you spent years down in a cell for attacking the city. And now, thanks to that, Tony here has created a murder bot.”

“He was trying to create a weapon of defense. That’s what he does. That’s what we need. You don’t get it. None of you get it. I’ve seen people and things far more dangerous than Loki or I could ever be. You need this system.”

“Well whatever Stark was trying to create, it went bad. We need to know how bad,” Steve responded. “He wanted us extinct. So what does that mean? Ultron is calling us out. He’s getting a plan together. I’d like for us to have one before he does.”

“Tony, what happened to you not going through with your plan?” Shannon suddenly burst out, demanding. “It was only just the girl messing with your head. Why would you go creating this thing? We talked about this. I told you not to but you went behind my back and did it anyways. Does my word not mean a thing to you?”

Shannon was distressed, that was evident. You had hardly ever seen her this distraught.

“You know that’s not what this is!” Tony snapped. “Of course your word means something to me but you gotta understand with Ultron things could be safer for the world.”

“Safer how, Tony? You just created a robot who wants to end the Avengers. What’s to stop it from destroying the world that you want to protect?”

“Shan,” you started, sympathy in your voice as you took a step toward her, “his heart was in the right place. I don’t blame him for wanting to build Ultron. How he became a murder bot, I can’t imagine. If Tony said they weren’t close to an interface, I believe him. He just wants to protect the people he loves.”

“I get that he was trying to do good but this isn’t how you go about it. This is crazy. All the people who have tried to make things right always turn out wrong. You don’t need to be the next one on that list. And for you to be siding with him is crazy! That thing was being powered by the damn scepter that had Clint turned into a mindless goon and had you almost destroy all of New York.”

“The scepter, when used correctly, can do great things, wonderful things. At least he is trying to make the world a better place. A safer place. When we came down to invade, it was almost too easy,” you stressed.

Clint spoke up. “Yeah so easy that you lost and had your ass handed to you.”

Your face turned him, your expression angry. “I seem to remember nearly killing all of you, not to mention destroying most of Manhattan, and that was just two of us with a small army.”

“Regardless of who did what, I am sending that scepter back where it belongs, to be locked up. I don’t want to hear another word of this from anyone!” She turned to Bruce, shaking her head as she said, “And you, Bruce, I can’t believe you helped him. I’m so disappointed.”

She shook her head before walking off, forcing everyone to be silent.

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

Bright and early the next day, the team gathered. Maria found information on a “large metal man” coming into facilities all over the globe with something too fast to see, and people being left with worst nightmares and memories. Strucker was apparently killed, which threw all of you off. Steve grabbed out all the physical files, as the ones online had been destroyed. They found files on a guy that worked out of Wakanda -- where vibranium was kept - a whole slew of it.

Natasha was able to find a salvage yard where vibranium was being harvested and sold off the grid, black market. Weapons.

That was the next target.

The team began to disperse to get ready to start their mission, with you getting ready to head up to the lab, to begin work on your project. Shannon had other ideas for you though. As Steve walked off to his quarters, she followed him.

“Hey, Steve,” she called quietly.

He turned and greeted her. “Hey, Shan. You ready to fight this guy?”

“Well, that’s what I wanted to talk to you about,” she noted.

He frowned at her, unsure of what she meant. “What’s wrong?”

“Is there any chance you can do me a favor?”

“I’ll try, but what is it?”

“Convince Tony to let Y/N come on the mission with us. I could use a second pair of hands getting the vibranium, and she can fight.”

He pursed his lips, his signature ‘I’m not so sure about this’ look.’ “Shan…” He sighed. “You’re not going to fight with us?”

“Bruce says it’s not good for me, and you all don’t need me to take Ultron on. You and the team can do that. Let Y/N and I get the vibranium, and get it away from him.”

“I don’t know. She just recently got released...”

“It’s been months,” she reminded. “She’s been perfect.”

“Yeah, that’s what worries me. You don’t think it’s strange that the only time she’s tried to help the Avengers since she’s been captured or released has been in the result of getting the scepter?”

“Y/N isn’t that calculated. She wouldn’t have someone else do the heavy lifting.”

“Maybe she wouldn’t, but he might,” he retorted.

“You mean Loki? Loki… he’s a damaged soul, like me. He had a rough life and he was forced to do something he didn’t want to do to survive something worse. I know this in my heart that Y/N and Loki are sorry for what they did. Come on, she’s done nothing but help me when I’m down. I had to beg her to come to the party. I just want things to go back to before she left -- except, you know, she has powers now.”

He sighed, putting his hands on his hips. “Alright. I’ll try to tell him.”

“Oh thank you!” she cheered, hugging him.

He nodded and said, “Yeah, yeah.” Then the two set off towards Tony’s quarters. They went in his bedroom where he was tweaking a suit. “Hey, Tony?”

“What’s shakin’, Capsicle?” he asked, welding, his eyes not leaving his project. “You ready to go?”

“Actually, I wanted to ask you if you’d let Y/N join the team on this mission?”

Tony stopped all activity. He flipped his helmet up and turned to Steve. “Are you high? No.”

“Come on. Shannon needs a hand getting the vibranium, and we’ll need to focus on the twins and Ultron. Not to mention, in case we need it, she can fight and she’s got powers that might help.”

“Did you not hear me? I said no. That’s it. We don’t need her. Not to mention I don’t want her anywhere near that scepter.”

“Tony--” Shannon started, begging in her voice.

“Shan, I said no. I’m sorry. I know she’s your friend but we can’t trust her.”

“Why?” she demanded. “Because she’s killed people? Who here hasn’t? Because she worked for the bad guy once? Who here hasn’t? If you’re going to start excluding people from the team based off sketchy pasts then this who team needs to disband because no one here is a saint. She can help me and I really think being a part of the team might help her. She supported you on this hairbrained idea, the least you can do is give her a chance.”

He stared at his bride, chagrin on his face. He didn’t like the points she was making. But he gave in.

“Alright, fine. Get her some gear. We leave in thirty.”

With that, she turned on her heel and went up to the lab.

“Hey, Y/N,” she said, walking in.

“Hey,” you greeted sweetly back. “So I can get a jumpstart on some of my numbers while you’re gone--”

“You’re coming with us,” she blurted out, a grin on her face.

“I’m… what?” you asked.

“I got Tony to approve you to be on the team. Come on, I need help getting the vibranium and the team can focus on the three baddies. What do you say? We’ve never teamed up together.”

“No, we haven’t,” you agreed. “But maybe there’s a reason.”

“Or maybe it was waiting for us to get to here,” she said excitedly. “Come on, we’re two bad ass bitches. Don’t you think it’d be fun?”

“Yeah, I suppose…”

“Great! Let’s go get you some gear. What do you need?”

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

You were about to land, your body alive with nervousness. Your leg bounced as you sat on the jet between Clint and Shannon.

“Hey, you nervous?” Clint whispered as he leaned over to you.

“That obvious?” you asked with a slight laugh. You tried to stop your leg from bouncing, and tried to stop the wringing of your hands but it was hard.

“What’s got you so nervous? You’ve fought before.”

“Yeah but then I wasn’t really in fear of my life. Not really. What I was made into… death wasn’t an option, not from you all anyway. But now… I mean, this is real.”

“Well... You’ll be out of the way of the firepower anyway unless we actually need you -- which shouldn’t happen,” he encouraged. “Just stay with Shannon, and you’ll be alright.”

“Thanks,” you breathed, taking a deep breath.

Next thing you knew, the plane was landing and you all were running out of the plane into a salvage yard. The Avengers headed towards various points of entry while you and Shannon headed toward the lowest level, that’s where you expected it to find the vibranium.

After two minutes, you heard gunfire and fighting.

“Shit,” you whispered to Shannon.

“The mission is still the same,” she assured as she moved through the darkness. A loud shot fired behind you and you ducked before spinning to cast magic at them, making their guns hit them in the head and knock them out. Behind you, but in front of Shannon, another shot was heard before she silenced him. “Keep moving,” she called over her shoulder quietly.

The two of you found the container that was half filled with vibranium.

“Guys, found the payload. I’ll just get it to the plane,” Shannon said into the comms. “Should we take it all out or just get the container hooked up or--”

“Y/N, look ou--”

Before you could respond or know what she was talking about, suddenly the room changed. You weren’t looking at a container full of vibranium anymore. You were on Sanctuary, on your hands and knees. Thanos had just thrown you to the ground.

“Get up,” he commanded in that calm voice you hated so much. “Get up or I’ll turn my training to him,” he vowed.

You groaned, turning to him, spitting blood out of your mouth. “No, no, don’t touch him.”

“I won’t have to, if you don’t disappoint me,” he stated. “Again,” he ordered. You stood up wearily, you could feel your eye swelling. He had put you through horrible combat training with one of the aliens on sanctuary. “Kill her, and he lives,” he promised.

You frowned as the creature took their hood off, only to show you a very familiar face under the hood -- Shannon. Without hesitation, she came forward for you. Her energy casting towards you. At first, you defended yourself, until you remembered his promise, and you threw her off of you. You fought tooth and nail, hitting, kicking, punching, letting you rip into her body, until her cries cut off with a gurgle.

“You’ve done so well, my love,” Loki cooed as he stood beside you, a smile of approval on his face as he gazed down to your dead best friend.

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

“From the top,” a russian voice demanded.

“You’ll break them,” Shannon cooed as she watched a class of girls -- dancers. They were learning everything from firearms, tactics, ballet, seduction...

“You’re made out of marble,” the voice responded, a bit of admiration in her tone. “We’ll celebrate with the ceremony, your graduation.”

Shannon’s hands flew to her stomach, where she looked down before tears sprang to her eyes. “No. No, I never wanted this.”

“Ah, but your parents did,” the voice said back to her.

As if she blinked, she was suddenly in combat with a strong man. He had long, dark brown hair. She only ever saw his eyes, and an arm… made of metal. He swung at her with one hand, and she dodged it, but he brought a knife across her stomach and she glided right into it.

“Poor work. You deflected the wrong shot,” the woman remarked.

Shannon breathed raggedly, trying to find a way to end this fight.

In the next second, she was in front of her target, or rather, her target in front of her. A person. Shannon lifted her gun, calculated, ready to pull the trigger, it would be so easy. Aim between the eyes, like she’d been trained.

“Do this, and your training will be complete,” the woman promised.

“Wait, Shannon, don’t you don’t have to do this” the voice cried. That voice. She knew it… The person took shape, took full form in front of her. It was you. You were in front of her, crying, weeping, begging her not to. Your hands tied behind your back.

Without so much as a flinch, she pulled the trigger.

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

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UC: @lokis-high-priestess

#unofreseen chasm #loki x reader #loki fic #Loki Laufeyson #tony stark #tony stark fic #tony stark x ofc #steve rogers #bruce banner #clint barton #thor #maria hill #rhodey #iltron #the maximoff twins #natasha romanoff

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elizabeth-234 · 4 years

Text

The Supplejack

Summary of the story: Peter Parker has been alone his whole freshman year but finds hope when Stark Industries announces a science competition. The prize? An internship with Tony Stark.

Hi all. Thank you for being patient on this one. I haven't been at my best recently and writing has taken the brunt of that. In saying that I hope you all doing well and enjoy this one.

I'm also working on my other story "A Night She won't Soon Forget" and that should be posted sometime next week!

Previous Chapter Fifteen: He Returns

Chapter Sixteen: Civil War

Peter reclined back onto the towel. Sand moved under his body to accommodate the shifting in weight as he changed positions. He closed his eyes and listened to the people talking over the waves lapping at the shore. More sand underneath his head siphoned down creating a gritty pillow for his head.

He exhaled.

Flash and Julia were talking to his side. Their soft tones were loud enough to guess Flash had done something irritating and Julia was, in her way, telling him off. He couldn’t hear their specific words but he smirked at a cry of dismay from his friend over something Julia said. Their laughter washed over him along with the general sounds of a beach. It was good to have them close.

He smiled.

They were upstate for the weekend at one of Frank’s mom’s cottages. The home, bigger than any house let alone cottage had the right to be, was hidden away in the Finger Lake Region. It was beautiful country surrounded by hills and vast trees, all miles from the city. Peter couldn’t tear his gaze away from the farms and forests they passed to get to their little oasis. He didn’t ask for specifics when Frank invited them and sitting on the beach with everyone he was glad he didn’t let himself turn down the offer. It was nice to just be for a moment.

Their whole team came out plus Flash, Estee, and Ned in celebration of their runner-up status for the conference. He hadn’t thought there was anything to celebrate but his team had been overjoyed at the announcement. The group chat overflowing with all sorts of ecstatic messages and memes.

The celebration had to be put on hold because of the fast approaching end of school. Finals took over their thoughts for the time and everything else was waylaid. Frank and Monica were graduating so their schedules were filled along with the addition of making sure they were ready for the fall. He and Julia tried to help as best as they could but school bogged down their own schedules as well.

Peter expected everyone to separate in a natural way with all of these factors and was dismayed, as well as pleased, the group chat never extinguished. There wasn’t a day where someone didn’t text something, whether it was Frank talking about one of his games or Julia making sure they were all doing okay for the week. Those small connections were enough to get him through finals and not thinking about what happened.

Summer arrived with the abruptness of the last ring of school bell and finish of finals. One minute the world was on your shoulders and the next it didn’t matter how long you went without sleep to study for the history final. The average was a 59 percent and Peter scraped by with a 65. At least he’d aced all his other finals. Those acted as a buffer when May asked him about the results.

The hot season had been… different than what he was used to. There wasn’t any other way he could describe it. Instead of the long walks alone, waiting for May to get home from work by reading or working ahead on homework for the upcoming year Peter was familiar with, this year Peter had friends. And they wouldn’t take no for an answer.

The whole group of them stuck together as much as they could even after the presentation. Julia met him at the library more times than he could count. Although she didn’t have homework the two of them, and sometimes Flash accompanying her, would read there. More often than not they would then go no a fieldtrip around the city, finding new spots and ice-cream places they had all never been before. Sometimes Frank and Monica would join them on their escapades.

It was glorious.

And it was exhausting.

He hoped they wouldn’t change when fall was ushered in with the start of school and life began again.

Only two more weeks until the date back.

Logically, he knew it wouldn’t be the same but the thought of starting out his sophomore year the same way his freshman year began was unbearable. It had to be different. He suspected, good or bad, that nothing would quite be the same again. But he was also different.

Peter thought about everything that happened – everything he went through – and realized how much had changed. It was a chilling reflection. The depths of evolution he went through in the past year alone. He’d been lost in the sea of grief as school began and it wasn’t until a white flag, in this case a piece of paper hanging outside of the office, waved that something shifted. Of course, he was resistant to it and avoided the signup sheet simultaneously afraid and yearning for what signing his name could bring.

From there it all tumbled accumulating into even greater changes than Peter ever dreamt possible. Ned was steadfast in his offer of friendship. Cafeteria lunches became commonplace when Peter didn’t feel comfortable before. He’d even begun to enter into the debates Mike held at the table earning approving glances from Midge and Jaimik.

In the midst of all this Peter won the internship. Him. Peter Parker. The freak no one liked. The one who felt best in a safe place instead of in the bustling halls of school was interning at Stark Industries with some of the smartest people he’d ever met.

He remembered wishing he could be like the people who walked into the building like it was any other day; not stopping to stare at the intricate planes and panels leading up to the clouds. While Peter often ran late and didn’t have time to stop and stare, he found the building had become a safe place to him. His seat by the window was always empty and waiting for him and besides it was a cabinet full of snacks Julia would share. Lab five and its occupant were beginning to be as familiar and his talks with Friday never failed to make his day.

Thinking of lab five made his chest tighten. Something he always felt when Mr. Stark was mentioned somehow. He wondered what would have happened if everything had gone differently.

If Peter explained.

If he’d stood up for himself and made Mr. Stark listen.

What would Ben have said about it all? How would he react to his nephew forgetting to his speech about courage and shyness? In actuality, Peter had no doubt Ben would’ve stormed into Stark Tower and gave Mr. Stark a piece of his mind. Ben’s approach would be direct and the results would be swift, he was sure of that much. But that was something Peter couldn’t do.

He respected Mr. Stark too much to try and push himself into the man’s life. There was a list of things left unsaid but maybe it was for the best. At least now the man attributed the faults to something Peter did instead of who Peter was. He wasn’t sure if he could handle another rejection of himself again. Especially not from Mr. Stark.

Peter shook his head on the towel and ignored the sounds around him as long as he could.

All of these incited the changes in himself. He was still Peter but at the same time he was something more. He had friends and family. People he could contemplate opening up to. Topics he was passionate about. A job doing something he excelled at. They all were apart of him now when a year ago he could never have dreamed of any of it. And he felt so lucky to be able to think that; to be laying there on the beach as his friends surrounded him.

And that was that.

Julia squealed and began laughing. She stood up in a hurry, spraying sand onto her towel and Peter’s face. He sat up, covering his face with his hands to block the sun while trying to spit out the offending grit in his mouth.

“What was that?” He found Julia soaking and Flash holding a bottle full of liquid.

“You stand back, Flash” She yelled. He smiled and progressed further toward her. Peter scrambled onto his feet at the deranged grin Flash sent him. Julia’s hands were up to provide a barrier in front of her. Her head moved back and forth between the two of them.

“Oh, no you don’t. Peter, I’m warning you.” He stepped toward her. “Flash, you’ve corrupted him!”

Flash moved forward after a nod from Peter. Julia darted backward but Peter blocked her exit. Flash raised the bottle again and flipped it over but Julia was too fast. The water ended up dripping into his hair and down his face. At least the sand from before was washed away.

His bangs flattened onto his forehead and he coughed to get the liquid out. Flash and Julia’s laughter ignited further at the sour face he was making. Her arm was over Flash’s shoulder and the two huddled together as he wiped the hair from his eyes.

“So funny.” He frowned when they continued to laugh. Their eyes crinkled and he couldn’t help but smile in response. Peter stepped toward them and shook his head. Water sprayed over the two, provoking protests. They followed him as he ran to the dock, dodging their attempts to throw the last of the water on him.

Frank stepped out of the house and onto the porch. His yells of encouragement were followed by the sounds of his steps as he ran toward them.

“Yeah, fight it out!”

The planks of the dock shook under each step forward. They all backed up, not wanting to get in the way until they realized they were stuck between the dock and water with nowhere to go.

“No!” They yelled united under a common enemy fast approaching. Frank continued to yell. His eyes bulged out and Peter could almost imagine his tongue leaving his mouth and dangling over the side of his face. At the last moment he extended his arms out on either side of his body and jumping forward. He dragged the three of them up and over the water until they crashed into the waves.

Peter swam back to the beach. Sand squished through his toes as water pooled in his bathing suit before dripping down his legs. He stood at the precipice of the water watching as the tide moved back and forth, over and away from his feet. In the corner of his vision he could spy Frank pushing Julia into the water again at the edge of the dock. Her raised voice filled with mirth so at odds with her normal quiet tones. It seemed everyone was able to let loose on their weekend trip.

He turned his back on the shore and made his way to his towel. Monica and Estee had arrived while they were swimming. They smiled as he approached.

“Cold?” She asked snickering at the shivers running down his arms. Peter nodded and sat down careful to keep his sand encrusted feet off the towel. He watched the others continue to swim around. Their laughter punctuated the splashes as they jumped off the dock.

Monica moved over and sat next to him. Her head rested on top of her knees tucked against her chest.

“Peter?” She said in a quiet tone. “I wasn’t sure if I should say anything or when a good time to talk would be but I wanted you to know I’m really proud of our team. I could tell you thought we blamed you for the place we got but the thought never crossed my mind. You know?”

Peter swallowed and turned to face her. She stared straight at the lake but there was an openness in her face.

“I didn’t…” He cleared his throat. “How did you know?”

This time she did look over at him with a soft smile. There wasn’t an ounce of blame there. Peter shifted on the towel.

“I think I know you by now Peter. Plus, I would’ve felt the same if I was… you know.”  

The tightness knotted in his chest in response and he did his best not to remember Mr. Stark’s parting words. Instead he focused on his teammate. It was her senior year and college was around the corner for her. He wondered what she would do now that both of her internships were done and her life was just beginning. She was sure of what she wanted that there was no doubt she would do something great. There was no reason for her to lie because he knew she would have no trouble saying her mind. Peter looked over and was grateful now for that straightforwardness. It let him accept her words and feel the knot loosen.

“Thank you.” He said.

She leaned over and put a hand around his shoulder, drawing them together.

The sun was setting behind a row of trees on the other side of the lake. Clouds lingered in the sky creating specks of purple and black overlaid on the fire palate in the sky. Frank, Flash, and Julia finally crawled out of the water and onto the shore all shivering and prune-skinned from the water. They plopped down on the towels and started digging into their bags to grab the snacks they brought down from the cottage.

Peter accepted a handful of grapes. Everyone laughed and talked as they dried off. Two more weeks until school and in that moment, Peter would’ve given everything to stay on that lake; somewhere in upstate New York with his friends.

“How’s the Yaesu doing?” Barry asked from his spot in the doorway.

Peter looked up from behind a pair of magnifying goggles. Barry’s features were distorted under the pair of goggles but he smiled at the way Peter was almost bouncing off the seat as he nodded.

“I think it’s done.” He said.

Barry entered the room and Peter shoved everything over to the side of the desk so he could move the radio over to where his boss was standing. Barry whistled as he inspected the new parts all secured in their right place. He tinkered around with a few of the disks but then stepped back.

“This is great, Peter. I’m glad you talked me into those extra hours, though your old manager is missing out on one good barista. She’s a beauty. With your finishing of that I think you deserve the rest of the day off.”

Peter opened his mouth to protest; to say he needed the distraction, but Barry was already waving him off.

“No worries. You’ve been working so much and I know you want some time before school. I’ve got the shop covered here.” 

At least he was kicking Peter out in the nicest way possible but he wasn’t sure what he would do now. Frank and Monica had moved into their dorms the weekend before. Frank was out of state on a football scholarship. The pictures they sent of their cramped rooms did not inspire excitement about Peter’s own future prospects. Their small updates while sporadic allowed everyone in their team to stay connected.

Flash and Julia were doing something together which had surprised Peter but everyone else didn’t share his reaction. Monica said he should have seen it coming and on reflection Peter realized they had spent a large amount of time together at the cottage. He thought it was cute they were friends. Julia brought a sort of calm to Flash whose energy otherwise had too many directions to go to. Under the other’s influence Peter noticed the focused energy in Flash and a rise in confidence in Julia.

Ned was Ned. The boy texted Peter if he wanted to hang out today citing movies they could watch but with this unexpected freedom so early in the day Peter just wanted to spend time by himself.

There was nothing wrong with that, he reassured himself and ignore the guilty feeling of not texting his friend back. Spending time with yourself was important. Balance was key and while their upstate vacation was fun he returned home tired. After all he thought of by the lake, all the changes he’d undergone, he wasn’t a completely new person. He was still Peter Parker and sometimes he needed to be with himself.

Peter went into the back to grab his stuff. He spotted Barry on his way to the door in the front. The man was leaning against the counter, arms crossed on the glass case with his eyes trained on the small TV set up by the register. One red Converse rested on the other.

“Barry?” Peter spoke trying to gain the attention of his boss but the man didn’t respond. He said his name again with the same lack of response. The news murmured in the back and Peter walked around the counter, curious to see what was monopolizing his boss’s attention.

The camera was shaking. Blurry images focused and unfocused on the screen amidst dirt and chaos thrown into the air. The trembling stopped; the camera focused and everything seemed to pause.

Peter’s breath lodged, trapped and turning stagnant, in his chest. The camera was stationary but what it captured was made all the more violent by this unnatural stop in motion. The outside world was silent, trapped in the spell the recorded world wove spinning regardless of its effects in brash action. Metal screamed on impact. Dust and debris streamed across the sky and Peter’s eyes tried to follow every movement in anticipation.

The first thing his eyes zoomed in on was the blue suit. Hadn’t he seen it on the TV only a month ago with that stranger? Captain America stood center screen, facing away and gesturing wide to someone he couldn’t see. His back tensed. Muscles rippled under the taught fabric facing them. His dropped for a moment. The helmet with dipped out of sight before his back straightened again. His shoulders square and spine tall. Then he brought his arm up and lunged forward.

Something hit the ground.

Red and gold caught his eye.

Peter gripped the edge of the counter as blue hit the red suit, sending the cement cracking under the pressure. Why was he? How could Captain America attack… his fellow Avenger? His friend?

His knees threatened to buckle as he tried to comprehend what he was seeing.

Captain America and Iron Man. In battle.

Beyond those two frontal figures other superheroes were fighting. Using their powers against each other. Not against a villain or some common enemy. No, they were fighting amongst themselves.

Captain America stood above Iron Man. His feet near the man’s head. Cement cracked in a grotesque halo around his head. The building behind them was on fire.

In the back of his mind Peter wondered how this was being recorded and broadcasted onto the TV. All those thoughts were stripped away when Mr. Stark, no, Iron Man, launched off the ground, toward the other man.

Their fight began in earnest. There were no more pauses, nothing to say there was any hesitancy left in either figure. The colors clashed on screen and a restless itching invaded his muscles and into his blood cells. He needed to do something. To run or distract or… something. But he didn’t know where to go or what to do. Would he be welcomed? The most sickening prospect is he knew he wouldn’t be able to do anything either way. Not in comparison to all of the special people already there.

Still, despite reaffirming these thoughts there remained the urge to run there and help Mr. Stark in any way he could.

Regardless of not being wanted or needed.

“Look at that there. Who would have thought good old Captain America would engage like that?”  

Peter focused on the screen again. Cold sweat broke out on the back of his neck at the realization they were at a different location than before. The walls were dark and condensed the vision of the cameras making him feel claustrophobic.

Iron Man was standing apart from a figure shrouded in the shadows. The famous shield, the one Peter dreamed of holding as a child, was cast to the side. Scratches marred the star on the front. Captain America stepped out from his place by the wall with a frown. He said something as he looked Iron Man up and down. A faint, pleading look replaced his otherwise dour expression.

Punches were thrown and explosives detonated in the cramped quarters so quickly it was difficult to keep track of everything. Peter lost sight of Iron Man for a moment and his heart clenched until the faint glow of the arc reactor appeared from inside the dust cloud.

Peter couldn’t think of him as Mr. Stark in that suit. His name refused to surface in Peter’s mind with all the metal incasing him, protecting him. It created this distance and it would hurt too much to think of that as Mr. Stark fighting.

The shield was in his hands.

Everything was in slow motion. The itching grew and Peter needed to run, to scream, to stop it but he was helpless. Captain America brought the shield over his head. His knees were on either side of Iron Man’s chest. The shield came down and slammed, stopped in time by Iron Man’s hands. The shield came up again, higher than the previous time, and it was flying down.

His heart stopped. Iron Man’s hands weren’t enough to stop the energy behind the assault. Captain America stared down. Iron Man gazed upward, pain and a sort of grime acceptance in his eyes.

The shield came down faster than he could follow, the stars and stripes blurred by the motion. The results were confirmed with the denting of the red armor. The arc reactor fractured. Glass cracked and allowed the light to slip through the gaps.

The two men stared at each other. Their broken and torn up armor added unspoken meaning to the betrayed faces they wore. Iron Man’s helmet came off and it was the first time he wasn’t realized to see Mr. Stark’s face. Before that moment there was still a doubt and hope it would’ve been someone else or empty. But no, Mr. Stark gasped for air while his hands clawed against his chest.

Those wide eyes and desperate movements were the last to appear before the TV went black. Peter was frozen. He was stuck in the fraught moment that had ended too soon and not soon enough on screen. The one he knew Mr. Stark was still living.

Barry said something. His eyes searched Peter’s face but he couldn’t look away from the screen now filled with headlines and news anchors. His boss moved around the counter and clapped him on the shoulder with another word Peter missed. He moved to the back of the store leaving Peter alone.

The person on screen was speculating about the possibilities of meaning this could mean for the Avengers and greater world. Their lips hurried through the broadcast but it was obvious they didn’t know what was happening.

One particular sentence caught his attention.

“…and, of course, Tony Stark also under the alias, Iron Man, was on scene. While we don’t know exactly what caused this rift between the group it is clear his motivations and actions are far from scrutiny given past indiscretions…”

His hands clenched at his sides at the smirk on the reporter. The tighter he squeezed the deeper his nails bit into the flesh of his palms. It was just like those people staring in the hallways of the Tower. Their faces all pressed against the glass to catch a glimpse and speculate about their boss. The news was the same. The amount of times Mr. Stark had joked about what they wrote about him was sickening.

Who were they that they had the right to say that? How was that fair?

Peter squeezed his hands harder, pushing his knuckles into the glass on the counter before storming out of the building. He didn’t call out a goodbye to Barry or clock out of work. It didn’t matter.

The wind swept through his hair and a chill descended onto his skin as he walked out. On pilot he steered through the crowds of people without making eye contact. His thoughts were miles away but his feet began the way to his apartment without prompting.

He couldn’t help the tendril of worry curled in his stomach. It nested there and created a pit stuck like an anchor weighing down his body and thoughts. Mr. Stark had to be okay. He was Iron Man after all and the man had faced much worse. He’d always come out ahead every other time.

That was the defining difference though. Mr. Stark had faced worse enemies before but Captain American wasn’t an enemy to Peter’s knowledge. While Mr. Stark didn’t talk about the Avengers often and Peter didn’t want to pry, it was a kind word he spoke when he did. Peter never dreamed there would be discord in the world-famous group. They were the Avengers and to all outward appearances they were colleagues and friends. Everyone’s aimed weapons. The scowls and grimaces. All the fighting in the back. All of it aimed at a teammate.

He thought of Julia, Frank, and Monica and shivered. Would they turn on each other given the chance? Peter shook his head at the wayward nature his thoughts were taking. He had to focus on what was happening now.

Mr. Stark’s eyes and his hands holding onto his chest would be burned into his mind. The image of fissured glass and metal replayed over and over. Peter wasn’t sure if he could remember to breath normally.

The subway ride passed by without notice as his thoughts whirled around in his head. Somehow Peter made it back to his room ensconced in the familiar warmth of his blanket. He squeezed his eyes shut and hoped to obliviate everything. For a selfish instant, all he wanted was to forget about the afternoon and all the baggage that came loaded with it. He should’ve helped. It was like there was this voice in the back of his mind that knew in some other universe he would have been strong enough to help in some way. It wasn’t to be. He was here in his apartment under the covers in his bed. He was hiding from his aunt and her questions. He was hiding from himself and the disappointment he felt about it all.

Peter’s phone rested against the pillow to his side. He ignored all the incoming text messages from his friends and instead scrolled through every social media and news outlet he could think of trying to get a crumb of new information. There were videos breaking down every scene of the footage released like a movie trailer. Everything was conjecture.

There was one option to find the truth.

Shaking hands dialed the contact and with minimal thought to convince himself out of this course of action, Peter pressed call. The lone sound that filled the air was the rings followed by Mr. Stark’s voicemail. The man’s voice, gentle and teasing, took Peter’s breath away. He hadn’t heard it in so long and yet it felt like yesterday. He remembered the story Pepper told him of how she forced him to set up the voicemail on his number.

“You know who it is. You’re trying to call me so I’m supposed to say leave a number but don’t. I’ll find you.” He could hear the phone being put down and Mr. Stark walking away while talking to his partner. “Are you happy now, Pepper?” He said and they both laughed.

She told Peter over dinner one night how stubborn the man was. How even though he was quick to right his wrongs, change came difficult for him, including, apparently, a new voicemail. The man had griped from across the table but winked at Peter when he insisted in defending Mr. Stark’s honor and told Pepper he was the same way. He glanced up under his lashes when he spoke, confident for the first time that night, to see their eyes soften as they gazed at him.

He scowled at the memory and let the phone fall screen first onto his mattress before turning toward the wall. Peter tucked the blanket higher over his head and wished he had the courage to leave a voicemail, or to call one more time so he could hear their laughter again.

His stomach throbbed as he thought about his internship. He spent so many hours in the Tower over forged metal and takeout boxes with the man. All the time he agonized over if he should be there and listing everyway he wasn’t good enough when it would’ve been, not easy because nothing was that easy, but worth it to forget about all that. How strange and how worth it would his internship have been if Peter had just accepted he was wanted there? At the time he rationalized he was doing everyone a favor. He was saving them from disappointment but maybe he was saving himself the potential hurt. Peter thought of his promise to himself to try and be happy and he realized maybe this was a part of it.

Osborn and his curled smile were the crux of this. The injection of that man into his life had closed off doors he was only beginning to see were available to him. If only he’d never gone to Oscorp.

It was no use thinking like that but his mind kept circling around the two men well into the morning. Nothing fruitful came of it and he was left with shadows darkening his eyes.

May tried to grab his attention. She loaded up his plate with toast and strawberries but Peter pushed it around. His homework beckoned him from his desk but as he sat there, Peter found his eyes wandering to the fire escape and beyond.

His feet pounded against the sidewalk as his walk turned into a run. Despite the screaming in his muscles and the pressure building in his lungs he continued forward, urged by the lack of thought his action was providing. He was so focused on his body he didn’t have to think about Mr. Stark and why he was fighting with Captain America. Self-reflective thoughts were shoved down by the sound of his harsh breaths and for the moment Peter was running.

And it was heaven.

Thank you!

Taglist: @whatisthou @demi-starzak @warmwithafewfrostymoments

Next Chapter Seventeen: Reflections and Realizations

#civil war #peter parker #shy peter parker #fanfiction #the supplejack #iron man #captain america #spiderman #spiderman fanfiction #irondad #iron dad #spider son #my writing #eliza writes #lots of introspection

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imagine-loki · 4 years

Text

Of Numbers and Strange Friendships

TITLE: Of Numbers and Strange Friendships CHAPTER NO./ONE SHOT: 52/?

AUTHOR: nekoamamori ORIGINAL IMAGINE: Imagine Loki being friends with Peter Parker RATING: T

NOTES/WARNINGS: None so far. Also on AO3 here

Everyone in the tower thought that Loki and Stark working together was the scariest thing they had ever seen. Those two hated each other on most days. With Peter there as a buffer, they could stand each other’s company in the lab, but they were never friendly. There were too many resentful feelings from the battle of New York, their personalities were both too strong to easily get over those feelings.

Usually, they had Peter as a buffer.

To find Peter, they didn’t.

And yet, they were working together better than ever. They both had a goal to work toward. They both needed to find and save Peter and both knew that they had to rely on each other to get that done as quickly as possible.

None of the team wanted to think about what Hydra would do to Peter. They didn’t want Peter in their clutches any longer than he had to be.

Stark called Doctor Strange to help. He portalled into the tower. Usually everyone hated his portals, especially Loki who had fallen through one for thirty minutes one time, but they forgave it now. It would be faster to get to Peter with a portal than by any other means.

They just had to find Peter first.

Loki continued casting his tracking spell and giving landmarks to Stark as he saw them in the magic. Hydra wasn’t taking chances yet with Peter, wasn’t stopping long enough for the god to find him, or for Shield to stop them.

Not yet anyway.

They would make a mistake. It was just a matter of time. Loki just hope that it wasn’t too late by the time they got to Peter.

The team watched anxiously, ready to jump in when Peter and Stark inevitably blew up at each. They were there to leash to volatile tempers, though the pair working together was the scariest thing they had seen.

At least, it was the scariest thing.

“Sir, there’s-“ Jarvis started, trying to give Stark some kind of warning.

“Not now, J, keep tracking,” Tony replied quickly as Loki gave more landmarks for Jarvis to decipher.

“But, Sir,” Jarvis protested.

But it was too late.

Before Tony could snap at the AI, a terrifying storm burst into the common room. The entire team stared as Aunt May stormed in. She glared between Loki and Tony, not sure which one to start with, so she yelled at them both. “Where is he?” She demanded. “I had to hear from the news. The news that Peter has been kidnapped. He was supposed to be safe at your internship. You swore that your involvement in the Avengers wouldn’t come back to hurt my son!” Aunt May yelled at Stark. Apparently, he was to be blamed first. She had also called Peter her son. He was her nephew, but she had raised him since he was a small child. Of course she saw him more as a son than a nephew. She whirled on Loki and turned her anger on him. “And you promised to protect him. You said-“

Loki held up a hand to stop her. His temper was already short from the spells he was working to find Peter. “Lady,” his tone was icy and a warning on his temper. He fell back into Asgardian formality and habits when he was stressed, which he clearly was now. Thor stood and took a step closer to the pair in case he had to intervene. He wouldn’t let Loki do something stupid. “I am doing everything in my power to find and save Peter. I will make sure those responsible pay for what they have done. But the more you interrupt me, the longer it will take me to find him,” his voice was deceptively calm and he didn’t look up from the glowing green sphere of the tracking spell as he spoke to her.

She wanted to protest, the entire team saw it in her eyes. She wanted to yell and rage and do something to get Peter back. She couldn’t stand the thought of sitting around waiting and fretting for Loki and Stark to find something. “Why him?” She demanded while Thor wrapped an arm around her to keep her from interrupting Loki and Stark in their work. “It’s because of you two,” she decided. “They came after him because of you, to get at you,”

“We don’t know why he was taken, but we will get him back,” Stark told her, trying to sound calm. He was panicking, though. They needed to find Peter soon, before he got himself exposed or killed. Before they thought he wasn’t needed to get the ransom, or whatever they wanted from Stark.

Loki would kill them all if they killed Peter. But that would make Peter any more dead.

Before May could speak again, Loki looked up from his spell. “Got him. Let’s go,” he told them, his temper at the killing edge.

“Where?” Strange asked as he got to his feet. Thor stood and summoned Mjolnir and his armor. Stark’s armor flew into place at the same time as Loki’s shimmered into place.

Jarvis gave the coordinates and Strange opened the portal to what looked like a warehouse. The four of them headed through, leaving May in the care of the rest of the team. Loki’s tracking spell was still active, and would lead him directly to Peter, now that they were closer. He led the way into the Hydra base, blasting agents out of his way as he made his way to Peter’s location. Loki’s power flared, flexed and filled the entire building with his dark power. Loki was a god and the realm needed reminded of that, reminded of what happened when his temper slipped the leash, when something threw him over the edge.

Thor was in the same state, his lightning crackling around him, just as Loki’s magic was crackling dangerously. The gods were beyond enraged and the team got a good look at them in their full power before the portal closed behind them.

Stark disabled all communications in the building thanks to Jarvis and the four of them made their way into the base. They weren’t going for subtle. They were going for speed. They had to get to Peter quickly now that they were here. There was no telling what the agents would do to him. They wouldn’t risk Peter’s death.

Loki’s give-a-shit-ometer was beyond shattered and he didn’t care what happened to any of the agents who got in his way. He splattered them all over the walls. And none of the other three would ever speak of it again. They didn’t approve of so violent of deaths, but they knew that Loki would do anything to get Peter back.

Absolutely anything.

Including splatter those who had taken him all over the walls and floor. The deaths were quicker than Loki would have liked, but they weren’t easy. His magic made sure of that as they were torn apart, the quick deaths feeling like they took years for their bodies to tear apart. It was a cruel, terrible spell. And one he would never, ever tell his mother that he knew.

The four Avengers wreaked a path of destruction through the base as they worked their way closer and closer to Peter.

Hydra never stood a chance and they never, ever, should have pissed Loki off.

Loki’s tracking spell finally flickered out when they reached a locked door in the middle of the Hydra base. That only meant one thing.

They had found Peter.

#Loki #God of Mischief #Submitted fic #submission #chapter 52 #of numbers and strange friendships #nekoamamori

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eleonorebirk · 4 years

Text

Definitions of Family

Nathan’s gaze drifted around the sheriff station, trying to make sense of how things had gone from bad to worse so quickly. He had been happy to see Callister, relieved to see that he was well and seemed happy.

Only he was not as well as he had seemed at first. Somehow, he must have come across a virus somewhere that could affect his systems. He had hoped that changing his primary microprocessor could help but it had not been enough. His son was still dying.

And now Carter and Allison had found out that Callister was not human and his boy had ran off in his car, with no trace where he might have gone.

“Shouldn’t we call the DoD?” Allison asked. “We would have found the car already if it was still in Eureka. They can help if they know an experiment has -”

“Allison!” Carter interrupted sharply.

Nathan clenched his jaw, biting back his reply. Carter’s interruption was too late. He realized what she’d been about to say. She no longer considered Callister to be a person, just an experiment. The thought of what they might do to his boy, what he might have to suffer in his final moments in the hands of the DoD...

“We can find him on our own, I’m sure,” Carter said to Allison. “I was a Marshall, that was my job. We’ve reported the car as stolen, it will be seen somewhere sooner or later.”

Nathan absently noticed the stress he put on ‘him’. He was grateful for his understanding but too distracted calculating the best way to go on. “My brother can help.”

“Your brother?” Carter asked.

“You have a brother?” Allison asked.

“Half-brother,” Nathan elaborated. “We’re not really talking.” He pulled out his phone, gathering all the information on Callister’s condition and the readings he’d taken before he had ran off, and sent it along. Hopefully it would be enough to catch his attention, enough for him to listen. He rang the number he had memorized years ago.

He breathed a sign of relief when the call connected. “Doctor Stark.”

“JARVIS, hello. May I talk to Tony? It’s about the information I have just sent.” He ignored Carter and Allison for now. Their reaction to his being related to Tony Stark could wait. All that counted now was protecting his son.

“Nathan, what do you want?”

Nathan closed his eyes briefly. He had never been so happy to hear his voice. “I need your help.”

“What about? Have your scientists caused a disaster they need Iron Man to solve?”

Nathan winced. Right, Tony was all for taking responsibility since he’d returned from Afghanistan. He’d get along well with Carter there. “I need your help to save my son.” He could not prevent his voice from shaking. It was the first time he had said out loud what Callister was for him. “I sent JARVIS the information.”

Tony was silent for a moment but he could practically hear the gears shifting in his head. “Your son, huh?” His voice was softer now. “I’m taking the suit. Luckily for you, I’m in Malibu, so I should be there in an hour at most. JARVIS will get started on locating him.”

“Callister. His name is Callister.”

“Callister,” Tony repeated gently. “Well, I’m curious to meet my nephew, so let’s find him quickly.”

“Thank you, Tony.”

“Yeah, yeah. I’ll see you in an hour or so.”

“Your brother is Tony Stark?” Allison demanded as soon as he ended the call.

“Like I said, half-brother. Howard Stark was not exactly faithful. Nor careful.” He snorted. “I’m actually surprised we don’t have more half-brothers running around.”

“You never mentioned him.”

“I told you, we are not really talking.” He shook his head. “Tony found out he has a younger brother when he was 17 and his parents died.”

He saw Carter wince. Nice to see that at least one of them seemed to understand.

Allison did not seem to. “With Stark’s – Tony Stark’s – means and assistance we could -”

“He’s not interested. If he did, he would already be working at GD or at least consulting.” Nathan shook his head. “I’m not going to leverage Howard not being able to keep it in his pants.”

“We have the car,” Lupo cut in. Nathan could swear he heard Carter sigh in relief. “They found it at a gas station off Interstate 17.” He looked from Nathan to Carter. “The attendant said that there was a red-headed girl in the passenger seat.”

Carter’s eyes widened. “Zoe.”

Nathan watched and listened as Carter and Lupo checked if they had switched to public transport, first under their own names, then under Ajeet Gandhavadi.

“Two tickets on an International Stageline bus leaving out of Summerville. It departs in less than an hour.”

Carter looked to Nathan. “That might be cutting it close with your brother.”

“I’ll call JARVIS. Perhaps he can delay the bus.”

Carter nodded to him. “Okay, do that.” He looked at Allison and Lupo. “You two stay here. Stark, you’re with me.”

Tony looked around after he’d landed at the bus terminal. “JARVIS?” He followed his directions towards...well, his nephew. And wasn’t that a surprise. Not so much that he had a nephew – he knew his brother had been married – but that Nathan had also managed to create an AI.

“I have managed to contact him. He has agreed not to get on the bus,” JARVIS said.

“Thank you.” He turned a corner, then stopped when he caught sight of the two. His let his faceplate lift out of the way so they could see his face. “Hey, kids,” he said gently.

“You’re Tony Stark,” the girl said.

“Yep.” He looked at the boy, Callister. “Didn’t JARVIS tell you I was coming?”

“He did,” he confirmed, still leaning heavily against the girl and the bus. “I’m not sure why though.”

“Because you’re family and I told your dad I would.”

“He’s... Nathan’s...”

“He’s your dad,” Tony interrupted. “He told me so himself when he called me. He’s on his way.”

“He’s coming?”

Tony’s heart broke at the soft question. The way he sounded like a scared, little boy. “Yes, he should be here soon. Will you let me take a look at you? JARVIS and I have been discussing how we can help you on the way here.”

“And have you found a way?” Callister asked.

“We have but we’ll have to take you to New York. I need access to my resources there.” His lab in Malibu was good but not enough to help Callister.

“I don’t think I have that long.”

“Callister, no! Don’t say that!” the girl protested.

“Listen to...”

“Zoe, Zoe Carter.”

“Listen to Zoe, Callister, don’t just give up. JARVIS and I can put you in what’s basically a kind of medical coma. That will buy us time.”

“Callister!”

“Zoe!”

Tony turned, seeing Nathan and a man in sheriff uniform coming running.

“Dad!” Zoe threw herself at the sheriff. He led her away a few steps, giving Tony, Nathan and Callister some privacy.

“Nathan, I can help him but I need to put him in medical coma ASAP,” Tony said. He had questions but there was no time now.

“Right, you hear that, Callister? You’ll be okay,” Nathan told him, kneeling down beside him. Tony glanced at the sheriff. They silently agreed not to draw attention to the way Nathan’s voice was shaking.

“I’m scared, Dad.”

Nathan cupped his cheek. “You’ll be fine. Your Uncle Tony will help.”

Callister looked at him, then turned his head slightly so he could see Tony as well. “Okay, I’m ready.”

“Okay. Your... your cousin JARVIS is going to help me make you... sleep now.” They all watched carefully as his eyes slipped close and he went lax. Nathan stayed beside him, running his hand through his hair even after they knew he was no longer awake.

“JARVIS is sending a second suit,” Tony said quietly. “I’ll take him to New York in it, to protect him during the flight. It will probably be a while before we can wake him again. We’ll have to make sure first that we’ve found all traces of the virus.”

“Thank you for your help.” The sheriff had joined them again and held out his hand for Tony to shake. “I’m Jack Carter.”

“Tony Stark.” He carefully shook his hand, remembering just in time that he was still in the suit. “You’re welcome.”

“Do you want us to wait with you?” Carter offered.

“You don’t have to. It’s ready nearby.”

“Then I’ll take Stark – Nathan – back to Eureka.” He rested a hand on Nathan’s shoulder. “Come on, scientist. Let’s go home. Your boy’s in good hands.”

Pet names? Now Tony had even more questions. But he could also see that Nathan was in no state to answer them now. “I’ll keep you informed,” he promised.

“Thank you, Tony.”

Nathan shuffled the papers on his desk, preparing to leave the office for the day. Only two weeks had passed since Callister had returned to Eureka and yet so much had changed. He had been talking to Tony more in the past two weeks than in the whole past twenty years.

He had also signed the divorce papers at last. Allison did not seem to understand that, to him, Callister was his son and that he wanted and needed to be there for him when he woke up, the same way Allison would always want to put Kevin first. It was better for both of them to put an end to their romantic relationship and admit that they were only friends now.

“Hey, Nathan, are you ready to go?” Jack asked from the doorway.

Their relationship had changed as well. The understanding and compassion Jack had shown him had finally opened his eyes about the good sheriff. He might not have as high an IQ as the other inhabitants of Eureka but he brought something they had been missing without even being aware of it.

He put the divorce papers in the envelope he had prepared already. “Yes, I’m ready. Café Diem?” They tried to manage dinner together at least twice a week.

“Sounds good.”

“Do you and Zoe have plans for the weekend?” Nathan asked as they walked the corridors together.

“No, nothing yet.”

“Would the two of you like to come to New York with me? Tony called, he’s ready to wake up Callister.” It was not just that Nathan wanted a buffer between him and his brother, he wanted to share the moment with them and to just spend time with them.

“We’ll come.” Jack grinned. “Though I’m not sure Eureka will survive if we’re both gone.”

“I’m sure we can convince Henry to keep an eye on Eureka for us.”

“Even Fargo?”

“You could always arrest him.”

“I don’t think Jo would forgive me.”

They kept bickering as they made their way to their cars, content to relax and ignore the stares they were still getting from the people at GD.

#My writing #eureka #Nathan is Tony's brother #Secret sibling

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caps-lockdown · 5 years

Text

Sweater Weather Part Four

SORRY THIS TOOK SO LONG GUYS! If I’m being honest I fell out of love with this part pretty quick, and most of it is a filler chapter. There’s some flashbacks for the sake of plot, just FYI. Anyway I hope you all enjoy it!

Also I realize that some of the flashbacks may not completely add up to the actual timeline of films, so just ignore that. Thanks.

Pairings: Steve Rogers x PottsRelativeFem!Reader

Ratings/Warnings: R

For everything from language, crude jokes, ADULT situations/impure thoughts, booze (because it’s pretty much a staple in my fics at this point.), arguments, and an extremely overprotective Tony Stark. Very little angst, as I try to keep most of my fics light humored. But of course there are some insecurities/unsure feelings, as well as sad feels from everything with endgame/ the decimation. Also dead parents.

Also AU in the fact NO ONE DIED during Endgame/Steve didn’t go back. Also as much as I adore Morgan Stark, she isn’t around yet. I didn’t know where this would fit timeline wise, so just ignore the timeline. Kay? Cool.

Words: 5,442 (Ish)

Summary: You’ve just moved to New York after a long 3 year stint travelling the world and helping with various charities, taking a new job with Stark Industries thanks to your cousin Pepper. A trip out to surprise Tony and The Avengers for the weekend turns from good to terrible when the a/c at the compound breaks. How will you beat the heat for the record breaking weekend?

It’s in Y/N Y/L/N format, any pictures, outfits, gifs, and marvel characters just assume I don’t own them. Also no Beta, as I don’t ever have one, so the mistakes and reader are all my own. Enjoy!

Part Four

To say that dinner was awkward was the biggest understatement of the century.

Everyone sat at the table in silence, barely making eye contact with anyone else, the sound of scraping utensils and the nervous clearing of throats the only noises passing the time. You picked at your food, zoned out and trying not to acknowledge Tony’s sulking figure at the end of the table. True to your word you sat next to Steve, thankful for his large hand on your thigh and occasionally giving you a comforting squeeze. Or drawing circles on your knee to help keep you grounded, which you appreciated more than words could convey.

All of you had finished eating when Pepper decided to find her voice, setting her fork down with a large clang that made you jump.

“Alright. It’s been an hour and I’m sick of it. This silence is stupid. This whole fight between Y/N and Tony is stupid. I would kill both of you if I didn’t have so many witnesses here right now. So can we please try to find a way to get you two to freaking apologize? I didn’t keep you coming back a secret for nearly six months for nothing Y/N.” Your gaze became hazy at your cousin’s firm tone, feeling childish for how you had acted earlier.

“And you!” She glared at her husband, who already was appearing to feel two feet tall at the present, “Y/N isn’t even back for twenty four hours and you have to feel obligated to shove your way into her personal life?! She is an adult, who she decides to spend her time with is her business. Not yours. Her mother was suffocating enough when she was alive, she doesn’t need you to fill those shoes.”

“I’d pay to see Stark in heels.” Sam’s quip had you chuckling, remembering the sky scraper height of some of your mom’s footwear.

“I wouldn’t last twenty minutes in those things.” Tony’s quiet voice snapped your eyes to him, and you saw first hand how guilty he was truly feeling about the whole ordeal. “Pep’s right. Y/N I am sorry for how I acted earlier. You are an adult and even though I may not like the idea of you and…Steve” He said his teammate’s name almost painfully, swallowing a large gulp of his wine and staring at the two of you, “You’re both truly wonderful people and I won’t say I told you so if it goes down in flames. I love you short stack, I just want you to be happy.”

“Thanks Snark. I tolerate you for Pepper’s sake, and I will accept your apology only because we’re related. Also because I’m tired of seeing you look like someone burned down your lab with all of your suits locked in it.” Watching his face break into a small grin forced you to do the same, everyone clapping at the two of you morons and getting up to clear the table.

“So what’s the plan for the evening? It’s too hot to do anything strenuous.” Sam commented, the dishes cleaned and put away. Pepper had to sit on you in a chair to keep you from helping this time. Surveying the living room your mind began to work, your earlier activities with the air cooling inventions coming to mind.

“How about we move all of the fans and coolers into this room? It’s pretty much secluded and we can hang a couple tarps from outside on the doorways to help keep the air in? We can play a drinking game? Didn’t you say you had some of your mead with you Thor?” The blonde nodded as the rest of the group looked at you with astonished faces, Bucky coming to grasp your hands in admiration.

“If Rogers here is ever dumb enough to mess things up with you, know that I will make his life a living hell for losing someone so damn smart. Seriously, your amazing brain got a sister or somethin?” You giggled as Steve rolled his eyes at his friend, Sam and Thor leaving to grab the aforementioned tarps from outside.

“Watch it Barnes.” Your pulse lurched as the blonde nearly growled at his best friend, the brunette tossing a cheeky wink over his shoulder at him.

“What you gonna do Punk? Throw me into another wall?”

“SO THAT’S WHY THERE’S A DENT IN MY HALLWAY?!” You burst into laughter as Tony stared at the two men, hands on his hips and looking nothing short of annoyed. Bucky and Steve had the decency to avoid his gaze, muttering ‘sorry’s as the two men returned, making short work of duct taping shut one of the entrances to the room, you giving a thumbs up in approval. It’s like they had read your mind. All of you then returned to your rooms to grab your cooler and fans, well you only replaced the ice in yours. No way were you going to drag your giant chest all the way down the hallway. It had taken all of your strength just to dump out the cold water outside your low window. Yes you could ask one of the men to help you, but if you were being honest you didn’t want them to notice, not when your room was an easy twenty degrees cooler than the rest of the compound. Screw that. They were super heroes, you could have this one thing.

“Alright so what game we playing?” Bruce questioned after you had played “musical furniture” to help block the one doorway to help cease air flow on the one side, fans and coolers surrounding the room in a circular fashion, constantly circulating air in different directions. It was already feeling better by the minute, most of you pulling chairs to avoid sitting on the warm couches and love seats.

“I figured “Never have I ever”? We haven’t played that one since the wedding. We have a few years to make up for.” You shrugged, Tony agreeing with a loud “Hell yea!” that threatened to blow your eardrums out. You all made your drinks from the copious amounts of booze Stark and Pepper had brought from their stash in their suite, making a mental note to ask them about it later. They really should invest in building a bar in this place. Taking a seat next in between Sam and Nat, you smiled at Steve and Bruce across from you. Thor threw himself into a chair next to Bruce and Nat, Pepper was gladly the buffer between Tony and Steve. Bucky finished out the circle on Sam’s left putting him next to Tony. You should have known they’d be sitting next to each other, you were gathering that they were the duo of the group. Not that it bothered you.

“Alright as it is my building I’ll start us off.” Tony jumped on the claim to go first, all of you not even putting up a fight, eager to get to drinking this hot and sticky weekend away. “Never have I ever kissed a man.”

“Low blow honey.” You smiled as Pepper jabbed her husband in the ribs while taking a drink, you and Nat following suit. Everyone’s eyebrows raised to their hairlines as Sam took a drink from his glass.

“I don’t want to talk about it.”

“We don’t want to know. My turn?” Pepper chuckled, looking at you with a smile. “Never have I ever gotten a speeding ticket.” You drank.

Steve raised an eyebrow at you, you shrugging as he thought of something to say. “Never have I ever shaved my legs.” The chorus of laughter rang loudly at Tony taking a drink with you ladies.

“Never have I ever had a hangover.” Bruce admitted, you staring at the large man bewildered as to how he could live through one of Tony’s parties.

“Alright, ahem never have I ever flown with the help of a suit.” Thor grinned as the respective men (and Pepper) took drinks from their glasses.

The game continued on, you finding out really fast that no one was wasting time holding back punches, the hours ticked by and before you could comprehend it you were mixing your fifth drink of the evening. The alcohol was making you sway to music that wasn’t being played anywhere but in your head as you crashed back into your chair, Nat leaning herself onto you for support as she took off her shoes. The group was well on their way to being properly sloshed, Tony and Pepper laughing at nothing with Sam and Bucky while Bruce and Thor went to move to the floor. All eyes moved to you as you waved your free hand in the air, trying to stay balanced on your seat.

“Ok my turn! Never have I ever saved the world!” Your words slurred, everyone groaning as you beamed at them, watching Steve finish his third glass of mead and a very pleased looking Thor refilling it without being asked.

“Alright Y/N.” Sam began, you lazily side eyeing him as he smirked. “Never have I ever kissed Steve Rogers.” You stared blankly into his brown eyes, missing Nat sneak a drink from her glass, the mentioned blonde man starting to develop a slight pink tint to his cheeks. “Seriously? I thought for sure you guys would have been playing tonsil hockey by now!”

“No we haven’t.” You said a little too quickly, heat rising to your face. “I would definitely know if we had. I have a feeling that kissing Rogers isn’t something a girl would ever forget.” Your voice was loud and you clapped a hand over your mouth, but the damage had been done. You tried not to look at Steve, his wide smirk making you want to drink yourself into a coma.

“Oh please don’t bring that up. I don’t want that in my head…too late it’s in my head now. Fucking thanks.” Tony wiped his face with exasperation, you snorting as Bucky went on to say he’s never been skinny dipping. You took a drink at that, the guys whooping and hollering and asking for the story of how that happened.

“Highschool. Cheerleaders…dared some of us band geeks to do it during senior day. They stole our clothes while we were in the lake, so we had to call our parents. My mom lectured my ass for two hours when she showed up.” You were in a fit of giggles by the time you finished, Pepper joining in as you fell off your chair and onto the floor, Steve looking concerned for a split second until you erupted into more giggles.

“I think Y/N’s cut off for the night.” Sam mentioned, you bringing your face into a small pout before giving up within a few seconds to giggle again. Your body was buzzing from all of the liquor, and you knew you had to stop before you made a giant idiot out of yourself.

“Shaddup Sam, I’mma be fine.” Yea that was you stopping.

“Never have I ever had sex!” Tony exclaimed, the attention being taken from you to look at the obviously drunk billionaire. “I just wanted to take a drink, I’m totally lying.”

“Ya don’t say?” You cast a knowing look to Pepper that made her duck her head down, taking a rather long draw from whatever concoction Tony had made her.

“Guys…guys it’s…it’s two in the morning. Holy shit. “ Bruce looked at his wrist watch in shock. Time had flown by and though you were having an amazing time, sleep was going to start claiming victims before too much longer. You steadied your wobbly legs as you stood up from the floor, holding onto your vacant chair for dear life as the room started spinning.

“I’m going to go the bathroom.” Steve said rather loudly, jumping up to his feet and downing the contents in his cup before walking out of the room. You smiled drunkenly at all of your friends, giving them a mock salute with the hand that wasn’t still grasping the metal frame of your seat.

“I think that’s my cue to get some sleep. Night all.” You waved, confident you could make it back to your room without any incident as you stepped away from them with ease. It was going great until you managed to trip on a fan cord, thankful Thor had been nearly right behind you and managed to catch you from eating the carpet.

“Let’s get you to the safety of your bed before you hurt yourself.” His deep voice jolted you from slipping into sleep standing up, managing a lopside smile with a short nod. You allowed the god of lightning to walk you carefully to your room, letting him tuck you into your bed and placing your phone on your nightstand, making sure it was plugged into the charger. You reached out to grip one of his massive arms, a warm smile on your lips.

“Thanks….Thor. You’re the…the best.” You mumbled as he patted your head affectionately, you falling asleep as soon as he flipped the light switch.

“Y/N pass out?” Steve asked when the blonde returned to the group, everyone deciding that they would sleep in the living room where all the cool air was.

“Yes she is most certainly asleep. I’d wager she could sleep through an entire alien invasion with how much she’s consumed tonight.” Thor laughed, Steve looking happy to hear you had no trouble slipping off into dream land. “Luckily her room is like an ice box.”

“You gonna go keep her warm Agent Smolder?” Bucky joked. “Am I going to have to stay up and make sure you don’t go and sneak off into her room later?”

“LA LA LA I DON’T WANT TO HEAR IT!” Tony interrupted Steve’s next words, covering his ears in a poor attempt to shield himself from having to take in the conversation. They watched with amusement as the man shoved one of the couch pillows over his head as he and Pepper got comfortable, Nat taking the loveseat and stretching out.

“Guess that leaves us the floor then huh Buck?” Steve sighed, eyes rolling as Sam loudly began snoring from his passed out position on the last small couch in the room. Bruce had taken the large recliner Tony had built for him, and Thor was slumped against the far wall, slowly drifting off, his stein still half full of mead.

“Looks like it Captain Cutie!”

“When will you stop with those stupid code names?”

“When you finally ask Y/N out. Or make some kind of move! You waiting on the leaves to change colors or something?” The brunette shoved at his friend’s large shoulder before laying down on the ground, reaching to take off his shirt and throw it to the side. “A dame that looks like that will have guys beating down her door once she gets settled. You better not let them get that chance, not when I’ve seen the way she looks at you.”

“Goodnight Bucky.” Steve muttered, turning away from his friend after removing his own shirt and placing it next to the pillow Nat had thrown him.

“Goodnight Stevie.” The brunette cooed, both of them slowly succumbing to tipsy slumber.

~~~~A couple hours later~~~~

Steve’s bloodshot eyes shot open at the inescapably deafening snores that ripped through the living room in the wee hours of the morning. He sat up with a soft moan of discomfort, deciding that he would rather roast alive than have to listen to this for another moment longer. His gaze wandered to the empty loveseat, knowing full well Nat had gotten sick of the blaring assault on her ears as well. He stumbled slightly towards the hallway, remembering his shirt when he entered it. He waved it off and began his trek down the hall. He’d get it in the morning. Coming up to his room he jiggled the handle to find it wouldn’t budge.

“Friday…my door won’t open.” He went to shove at the door, the outcome the same as before.

“Captain Rogers that’s because it’s not….”

“Open my damn door Friday I want some sleep!” The blonde huffed at the AI, jiggling the handle again like a child. He was drunk, tired, and did not have time for this.

“Language Captain. Don’t say I didn’t warn you.”

The door opened and Steve not too gracefully stumbled in, immediately noticing how much colder it was in his room when it shut. Huh, he was certain he had taken his fan Y/N made him into the living room. Maybe she had made him another one and managed to get it in there earlier in the evening. Yes that had to be it. He could hear it circulating now, the cool breeze floating through the air as he made his way deeper into the darkness.

“Damn!” The curse fell out of his lips as he stubbed his toe on what he was assuming was his dresser, which had magically shrunk in height. Weird. He ran a hand through his hair as he sat on the edge of the bed. It was right where he left it at least, in the middle of the room. His mind wandered to you, how nice you had been to make him another cooling unit for his room. You were so selfless and kind, always helping others before yourself. It was remarkable really. You had lit such a fire within him too, and he had to stop himself multiple times this weekend from doing exactly as Bucky had suggested and shoving you up against the wall and making you forget your own name. He had it bad, but then again he always had. You just weren’t someone he ever thought he deserved before.

Flashback, May 8th 2012

“Well that was a total bust.” Steve’s heart stopped temporarily as he felt you slump into the couch next to him, you taking out pins that were holding up your fancy updo with contempt.

“That bad huh?” He asked, trying to ignore the fire dancing in his veins as your arms brushed against each other in your hastened attempt at tearing your jewelry off.

“All he wanted to talk about was his ex-girlfriend! I left before dessert. I was really looking forward to that stupid cheesecake.” You muttered angrily, running your hands through your hair. The battle of New York had set you on edge, not wanting to be alone the next time the world decided to have a crisis and trying your hand at dating. Steve was silently extremely happy it hadn’t worked out. Mostly because he didn’t want to see you with anyone besides him. Just thinking about…what was his name again…made his blood boil.

“Didn’t he have a weird name?” He allowed his arm to drape behind you on the couch as you scooted closer to him, taking the remote and popcorn from the coffee table and flipping the channel. Steve hadn’t been watching it anyway, the only reason he was even awake was because of you. He hated admitting it, even to himself but the thought of you out having a good time, laughing at some other man’s jokes, or god forbid flirting with him had given the Captain a rather unhealthy case of insomnia leading up to the date. And they had just saved the world from Loki.

“Kelly. From work. This is why I don’t date coworkers.” You sighed with another shake of your head, deciding on Princess Bride that was halfway through its broadcast. His breath hitched as you snuggled into his side, the two of you laughing away your sour mood. He loved your laugh, how musical it was. Actually he didn’t think there was anything he didn’t love about you, even if he hadn’t known you a long time. You had only moved here a few months ago, your parents passing away in a car accident and leaving you extremely lost. Pepper of course took you in, and you got on with Steve like gas on a fire.

“Thanks for being here Rogers. I know you don’t have to be and I’m sure you could use the sleep since you just saved the world and all. I don’t deserve you.”

“Don’t mention it Doll. Glad to help. Just don’t wake me up if I fall asleep.” His heart soared as you gave him a bright smile.

“Then don’t snore.”

The two of you fell asleep together on the couch before the end credits played, you cuddling into his side and his arm draped around you.

November 2015

“I swear to god Tony you ever pull a stunt like that again and I will murder you!”

“I was just trying to help!” The brunette man snapped, Steve chuckling from the dining room table as he watched you and Pepper try to wave away the giant mushroom cloud that was emitting from the stove. The smoke detectors blared viciously as Thanksgiving was proving to be a disaster at the Tower. It hadn’t been too long ago since they had defeated Ultron, the team deciding that they would try to have a giant Thanksgiving day meal to reconnect with each other. Truth be told he had been looking forward to seeing you the most, your new article writing job taking up most of your time as of late. He didn’t mind, he was super happy for you pursuing your dreams. Your bubbly personality made you tons of friends in college, and people weren’t wrong to love you at your new job too.

“THEN STAY OUT OF THE DAMN KITCHEN!” Both of you yelled in union, pushing the older man out of the room and into the dining area, Steve shaking his head as Tony attempted to look hurt. He didn’t take long to snap out of it, helping the Captain with setting the table. Sam and Nat were soon to enter, each carrying a dish of some sort. Clint had chosen to stay with his own family for the holidays, and after everyone had met them, the blonde avenger could understand why. He wished he would one day have a family like that, especially after seeing Peggy again. You of course were being super wonderful about the whole situation, offering to get coffee with him after he would see her, just to listen to him talk about a woman who wasn’t you. You always felt just a bit jealous at how his face would light up as he recalled one of her good days, and how much it hurt to see him after one of her bad days. You couldn’t pinpoint why you felt that way, you just did. You and Steve had only grown closer as the years had gone by, but it had become pretty clear to you that he only saw you as a friend.

Friends always responded to your S.O.S texts about Tony like he did. Even now as you entered the dining area carrying the only slightly scorched turkey to the table, he was the perfect friend and immediately reached to help you. He followed that movement with pulling out a chair next to him for you and passing you a glass of your favorite white wine that not even Tony or Pepper had remembered to grab. Friends do that.

“This looks amazing Doll, you and Pepper always knock it out of the park. I’ve missed you.” You flashed him a prideful smile as he set his large hand over yours, giving it a slight squeeze. “Missed seeing that smile too.”

Yeah. Friends.

2016

Peggy Carter’s funeral had been over for nearly two hours by the time Steve finally took a moment to check his phone. His eyes were burning from the tears that had fallen during the course of the day, and for once he wasn’t sorry that he had ignored everyone’s attempts at getting a hold of him. That was, until he saw he had a text message from you. Navigating the notification window on his phone with shaking hands he brought up the communication window, pressing the download button on your conversation bubble and waiting for it to load. He was always amazed at how fast modern technology was, the large sum of words popping up within a small fraction of time, his eyes squinting slightly through the pain and reading what you had sent.

“Hey Cap. I know I can’t be there today with you, and I want you to know how much that is killing me. Nat and Tony have filled me in with everything going on, and I can’t even begin to tell you how sorry I am. About everything.” Steve scoffed at you mentioning Stark, the terms of which he and the other avenger had left things a few days ago were less than friendly. This entire accords situation was absurd, at least in his eyes, and he couldn’t wait for your cousin in law to get his head out of his ass. He wasn’t so sure that would ever happen though.“I know you will never ask me to pick a side, and Snark has been smart enough not to ask either. I don’t know all of the details but I do know neither of you can ask me to choose one of you over the other. Not that you would. You’re one of the best people in my life, and I’ll personally be super happy when all of this blows over and I can see you again. Tony pretty much has me under lock and key here, even Pepper is getting sick of it. In case things go sideways, which it’s looking pretty damn likely with my dumb ass cousin involved, please know that I’m here should you need me. I’m and phone call away and you know where I live. If I’m not there you know about the gnome. Anytime. No questions asked. Stay safe for me Steve, Y/N” He would never take you up on that offer, things turning from bad to worse really quick for The Avengers. He never did get to tell you how sorry he was for not responding to your text, or tell you how much it meant to him.

2020

The room was noisy and filled with happy drunk people celebrating the union of Pepper and Tony Stark. You stood in your simple light blue dress, looking on at the simple affair with thankful eyes. They had gotten lucky with the Decimation, still managing to have each other after everything. Your heart ached for Clint and Steve, knowing they had lost the ones who mattered most to them, and you were exceptionally thankful you still had your cousin, well now cousins.

You hadn’t seen much of Steve since the snap, and had heard from him even less. Not that you held that over him, you knew him and Tony still weren’t on good terms, and you couldn’t blame him for staying away. Still, you had wished you would have gotten to see him before you left.

“Hey Short Stack look who made it!” You moved to look at Tony, who was holding a very stunning Natasha in his arms, your smile reaching your eyes as you went to hug her tightly. Most of the team had gone their separate ways when they failed to defeat Thanos, so you were more than elated to see your other favorite red head on your last night in town.

“Heya Nat! I’m so glad you could be here!”

“Of course Y/N. I wouldn’t miss your send off, and the free drinks. Congrats you two.” You laughed as she wasted no time taking a champagne flute off of a passing tray, taking a long sip and linking arms with you as the newlyweds were dragged away again. “Have you heard from Rogers?”

“No, should I have?” Your eyes narrowed in question while Natasha shook her head in annoyance.

“That man. I told him to reach out before you left us. I literally just told him today when I saw him at the meeting! I know he really does miss you Y/N.”

“He has a funny way of showing it Nat. Don’t sweat it, you tried.” Patting your friend on the shoulder you took your phone out of your clutch, seeing Kate had texted you to remind you about the drink plans you had made for tomorrow on the way to the airport before you caught your flight to London. Nothing from Steve. “How about a picture? You look amazing and I need some more photos on this new phone to keep me company while I’m gone!” She agreed and you quickly flipped your camera app open, capturing a few last moments with your friends and family. The rest of the night was a blur as you danced and drank, looking forward to whatever your future would bring.

The next day at the airport was hard. You were thankful you hadn’t worn an ounce of makeup, crying easily as Kate, Tony, Pepper, and Nat all said their goodbyes to you. You had watched them pull away from the drop off curb with blurred vision, your heart breaking at the acknowledgment that you were really leaving. Off to help various countries with varying charities. It was the least you could do during this awful time in the world.

“Y/N!” You turned your head slowly, your breath being sucked out of you as you recognized the familiar head of blonde hair and gorgeous blue eyes moving for you in the crowd. You hoisted your backpack higher onto your shoulder, nerves getting better at you as you tried to offer a small smile. You hadn’t seen him in months and he still managed to have this effect on you. Willing yourself to pull yourself together you bit back a laugh as he almost looked winded, reaching your standing figure with slightly labored breathing. “I had to see off my best girl.”

“Please. I haven’t been your best girl in years Steve. But I appreciate it all the same.” You smiled, your heart breaking as he looked down at the pavement shyly.

“Listen about that…”

You were quick to cut him off, “Don’t worry about it Cap. You did what you had to do, and you’ve been through a lot over the years. No hard feelings.” Your voice was flat, and he grimaced at the tone of indifference. He was literally screaming at himself, internally demanding that he just man up and kiss you. Tell you how sorry he was for everything, how you were, are still the most amazing person in his life and how he wants to start over. Beg for your forgiveness and promise to take care of you. Anything to stop you from getting on that plane and disappearing from his life for who knows how long. “I should get going, customs is going to be a drag.”

“Right. Well have a good flight. Don’t stay away too long.” He’d kick himself for the rest of his days, seeing you give him one of your giant smiles, although he could tell you didn’t fully mean it, and step towards him to initiate an awkward hug. It felt rushed and forced, but he would be lying if he hadn’t wanted it to last longer than a few seconds, missing the way your body would just melt into his just like they did in days of old.

“I’ll miss you most of all.” His ears perked up at your small admission, the sentence being no louder than a careful whisper, watching you blink back tears and grip onto the shoulder of your bag tightly. He’d miss you more, knowing full well part of his heart was getting on that plane with you. But he said nothing, just smiled and gave a small wave to your retreating figure, watching you until you were completely out of his line of sight. You hadn’t looked back once, but the tears that clung to the corners of his eyes made him partially glad you hadn’t.

~~~Now~~~

The memories faded and Steve wiped at his eyes sleepily, the mead Thor had given him proving more potent than he had remembered, his body falling hard onto the side of the bed. It had made a noise that had almost sounded like a sigh, the man shaking his head in drunken disbelief. How crazy would that be? A bed can’t sound like a person. He stayed on his side, staring into the darkness as it began to swallow him.

The last thing that went through his mind before he fell asleep was how much his pillow smelled like you.

Tag List: @kaytizzle @cuffski @giggleberts @pies-wands-and-more @chrisevansfanfic @yesno18 @zsuzstyina @zombiepotterfour @evanstush

#steve rogers x reader #steve rogers x you #avengers #marvel fanfiction #captain america #steve rogers #fanfic #steve rogers x y/n

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takadasaiko · 4 years

Text

Houseguest Chapter Two: Uncertain Invitations

FFN II AO3

Summary: A hungover Tony gets news of a break in at a Stark Industries facility.

Chapter Two: Uncertain Invitations

Light flooded into the room and Tony loosed a loud and dramatic wail of disapproval, throwing the covers up over his head. Almost as quickly as he'd ducked under them, they were pulled back down and a far-too-awake Pepper Potts came into view. He turned to bury his face in his pillow. "Too bright. Turn it down," he mumbled.

"That would be the sun, Tony."

"Don't care. Turn down the sun."

"You know, I'd almost forgotten how absurd you are when you're hungover," Pepper teased and he turned to squint up at her.

"Come back to bed."

"I can't. I have a meeting and you have a houseguest that's been up for at least an hour." She leaned down and pressed a kiss to his temple.

Tony made a small, disgruntled sound at the statement before pulling her off balance and back into bed anyway. Pepper's reaction was loud, part startled shout and part laugh as she tumbled on top of him and he cringed. She shifted so that she was leaned over him and he was fairly sure she was more amused than annoyed. "Tony, I have a meeting at ten," she reminded him softly as he pulled her down into a kiss.

"Call in. You're the boss. You can do that."

"Playing your buffer between you and Steve is not a good reason to cancel a meeting with another Fortune 500 CEO that has taken months to line up. Sorry." She pressed another quick kiss to his lips and he let her go before her amusement took a turn into irritation.

He watched her straightened out her skirt suit and sunk back against his pillow. She looked over, a blush creeping to her cheeks. "What?"

"Just thinking about how lucky I am."

Her smile was soft. "I can't stay, Tony."

"I know. Love you."

"You too. JARVIS, don't let him go back to sleep."

"As you wish, Miss Potts."

Tony offered a glare in no particular direction. "We've gotta have a talk about your loyalties, buddy," he grumbled and Pepper's laugh followed her out.

_____________

Steve had never been too picky about his sleeping arrangements. He had found himself tucked away in a variety of places over the years. A bed, a cot, the floor, or even the ground outside when they were behind enemy lines during the war. He was fairly sure he'd never slept in a bed like the one in one of Stark's six- yeah, he'd confirmed the number that the inventor hadn't seemed entirely sure of the night before - guest bedrooms. If he were to hazard a guess, he'd bet the other five were just as comfy. It was everything he'd been able to do to get up with the sun, and even that hadn't been because the light had made it into the room. No, that would have been too normal. The computer system that Stark used in his suit - Jarvis, Steve thought he'd called it… him? He wasn't sure - had offered the option to set an alarm for him or allow him to sleep and Steve had chosen the alarm. Good thing too, because the large windows that had given him such a gorgeous view of the ocean the night before had tinted with the rising sun.

The house had been fairly quiet for eight in the morning, though he supposed he really had no idea what kind of hours the other man kept. He'd done some light research on Tony Stark when he'd first been given files linked to his past and his name and photo had cropped up. One of the SHIELD agents that had been assigned to him to help him acclimate to the twenty-first century had shown him how to run a basic internet search and he'd instantly regretted it. Howard Stark's son had been just as wild as the man himself and had, perhaps, taken it a few steps further. Or maybe it was the fact that folks carried cameras and video recorders on them wherever they went now that left every graceless moment displayed for all the world to read about and watch. It hadn't left him overly confident when Fury had said he was bringing him in to retrieve the Tesseract, but Tony had certainly proven himself. It took a certain kind of man to be willing to make the sacrifice play like he had with the bomb. To make the play, and to come out alive. It was just the level of crazy that Steve remembered from Howard back in the war. It left him curious just how much the younger Stark had turned out like the elder and if maybe - just maybe - he'd find a friend there too.

Not that he'd conveyed that very well the night before. He'd stumbled all over his explanation, and Tony had taken it in some other way than what Steve had meant. He still wasn't sure exactly how he'd taken it, but despite the protests it was clear that he'd offended the other man.

It was nearly nine-thirty by the time Tony finally made an appearance. Bleary-eyed and shuffling in a robe old enough it could have been his father's, he seemed to be following the noise of fists hitting the heavy bag. Steve wasn't entirely sure if he'd just walked in or had been standing there for a while by the time the inventor moved into his line of sight, drawing his attention, but he steadied the swinging bag and turned towards him. "Morning."

"How?"

"How what?"

"How are you not hungover? I get Pep. She had two drinks and was out, but you kept up with me. And I have a pretty good tolerance."

Steve finally cracked a smile at the utterly dumbfounded look the intelligent man was wearing. "The serum sped up my metabolism."

"So you process it faster," Tony sighed as if he'd missed the most obvious thing in the world. "Right."

"I actually can't get drunk. I've tried."

"You?"

"It was a bad day."

"Huh." He ran a hand through his short, dark hair, standing it on end. "Well, I'm gonna go try my luck with breakfast."

He turned and Steve wasn't sure if that was supposed to be an invitation or not. After a long moment he started pulling the wraps from his hands and folded them up where he'd found them, starting out towards the kitchen.

Jarvis was reading off what sounded like news highlights as Steve entered. Tony was rummaging through a cupboard, responding back like he was having a conversation with the computer about the state of the nation and dropped a couple particularly snarky comments about a Senator Stern.

"There was also a break in at one of the Stark Industries facilities at the edge of town."

Tony straightened so fast that he slammed his head against a shelf. "What?! Why are you just now telling me that?"

"You asked for me to give you the news in order of importance!" Jarvis argued, sounding more offended than a computer should have been able to.

He grabbed the frying pan he must have been after and waved it emphatically in the air. "You should have told me when it happened!"

"My protocols state that if your blood alcohol readings are above a certain level to withhold all potentially Iron Man-related issues until you may safely operate the suit."

Tony crunched his nose up at that, setting the frying pan down on the burner and moving towards the fridge. He re-emerged with a carton of eggs and what looked like spinach. "I'm not saying that's a bad idea there, J, but I know I didn't put that in there."

"Miss Potts implemented that particular protocol after the birthday incident a couple of years ago, sir."

"So what? Are you saying that if I tried to put the suit on while I was drunk you'd lock me out?"

"Yes sir. As per the protocol that Miss Potts set up."

He cracked an egg on the edge of the skillet. "I'm telling you, Jarvis, I'm questioning your loyalties."

"Do you make a habit of flying drunk?" Steve asked, the question leaving his lips before he'd really given himself permission.

Tony turned like he'd forgotten he had a guest at all. "Huh? Oh. No, not really. All theoretical."

"He -" Steve motioned vaguely, not sure exactly where Jarvis was located - "said something about the birthday incident?"

"These days," Tony amended. "All theoretical these days. How do you feel about eggs? This was going to be an omelette, but I'm pretty sure it's just scrambled eggs at this point."

"Eggs are great."

"Fantastic."

They lapsed into silence as Tony scrambled the eggs and dumped them on the plate, offering it to Steve before starting on his own. After a few moments he heaved a sigh. "J?"

"Yes sir?"

"Care to finish telling me about my facility that was broken into last night?"

"There's not much to tell, sir. That's why it's only just coming up. A burglary took place, the police were called by the automated systems. I can pull up the reports as soon as they're delivered to us."

"You said burglary. What was stolen?"

"A full inventory has not been conducted yet. Shall I make that a priority?"

"Which facility?"

"The one in Burbank, sir."

Tony tilted his head. "Yeah. Get me that list as soon as you have it."

"Of course, sir."

He dumped his own breakfast onto a plate and joined Steve where he was standing at the island in the middle of the kitchen. He shoved a fork full of eggs into his mouth and spoke around it. "So how long you staying?"

Steve looked up at that, taking a moment to realize that the question had been directed at him and not Jarvis. "I didn't have any definite plans. Thought I might drive into town today -"

"By into town do you mean the sprawling metropolis that is Los Angeles?" Tony asked, his tone slightly amused.

"Yeah… I'll find a place to stay there and —"

Tony quirked one dark eyebrow. "Running you off that quick?"

"I don't want to intrude…"

"You're already here, and I guarantee whatever stipend SHIELD's given you to live on isn't going to cover a decent hotel in LA."

Steve tilted his head, studying the other man. He was hard to get a read on. Last night he'd gone from trying to boot him out to accommodating to offended and back around to a kind of polite civility that had sounded incredibly forced.

Dark eyes flickered over to him and their owner squirmed under Steve's gaze. "What?"

"Just trying to figure you out," he answered honestly and that pulled a laugh from the other man.

"Many a shrink has tried," he offered lightly. He straightened from where he had been leaning over the counter to eat, moving to take care of the plate and even offering to take Steve's. He poured two cups of coffee and started back out of the kitchen, speaking as he left. "Heading over to Burbank in about half an hour."

And again, Steve had no idea if that was supposed to be an invitation.

_____________

TBC

Notes: There's something so fun and freeing when it comes to working with these guys so early on. I really do love their early relationship.

I hope you're enjoying this story!

Next time: Tony and Steve' investigate the burglary at the Stark Industry.

#MCU fanfiction #Tony Stark #Iron Man #Steve Rogers #Captain America #Pepper Potts #Pepperony

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thatfanficstuff · 5 years

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Battle Scars - Chapter Four

Pairing: Tony Stark x Reader

Warnings: nope

A/N: Because of all the love you have been giving me, I have come out of hiatus to give you this lovely long chapter. It’s mostly filler though it sets up some things that will be coming soon. Enjoy! And thank you again for the love.

***

For a week you wandered around the tower, particularly those areas reserved for the Avengers and made notes. All of the team noticed, but they didn’t ask any of the questions they undoubtedly had. Though by the end of the week, you had plenty for them. Everything from favorite colors to hobbies and favorite weapons. Nat finally flat out asked you what you were up to.

The corner of your mouth lifted in a smile. “Just doing a little organizing. You’ll see soon enough.”

She narrowed her gaze as she looked you over. “We’re not much for surprises around here. Too many of them have led to nothing good.”

You gave a little shrug. “Not really a surprise. More like me making a plan and getting all my ducks in a row before implementing any of it.”

“So, forethought?” She pursed her lips. “We could certainly use some of that around here.”

“What are you trying to say, Nat?” Tony asked as he walked in the room. “We all know you like my impulsive nature. Don’t lie.”

She rolled her eyes and left you alone with your soulmate.

“How’s it going, hot stuff?” He made a show of looking around. “I don’t see many changes yet.”

“It hasn’t been three weeks, Tony,” you responded as you had most every day when he made inquiries into your progress.

He stepped toward you, closing the distance between the two of you until he was only a foot away. “You’re up to something, Y/N and I’m not sure I like it. I’m the sneaky one around here.”

You didn’t say anything as you forced your gaze to remain locked with his though every fiber of your being screamed for you to close the remaining distance between you. That wouldn’t totally be out of line or anything. Your heart raced and you wondered if you affected him even remotely the same way he got to you.

After a moment that felt like forever, he took a step back and turned to the rest of the room. “Gear up. Fury ordered a training mission. Wheels up in sixty.”

There was a collective groan from everyone in the room save you.

“How long?” Steve asked.

“His exact words were more than three days. Less than forty.” You had to stop yourself from smiling at the disgruntled tone in Tony’s voice.

Everyone started to disburse. “If there is anything you’d like me to take care of while you’re gone let me know,” you called.

Tony turned his attention back to you and gave you that little smirk. “You got this?”

“I got this,” you assured and immediately started to check to see if anything needed to be rescheduled.

***

Three days later you were on an empty floor of the tower that had been under reconstruction until you got hold of it. Now the rebuilding was done and the workers were putting the finishing touches on the paint. Tomorrow, all the things you’d ordered would be brought in by a horde of workers. The Avengers were going to come home to an all new tower.

“I’m not sure what I expected when Stark told me he was hiring an assistant for the team, but it sure as hell wasn’t this,” a deep voice said, startling you.

You turned to find none other than Nick Fury standing near the elevator with his hands clasped behind his back. Tony had warned you that you would have to interact with the man at some point, but you had assumed you’d have Tony there as a buffer. You swallowed past the lump in your throat. “Hello, Director. What can I do for you?”

He held up a form as he studied you with his one eye. “Are you the one that sent this requisition form over?”

You sucked in a breath. You’d assumed some faceless worker bee would fill the requisition. “I am.”

He nodded. “Did Stark read this before he signed it?”

“Unlikely. This is Tony we’re talking about. He tells me it’s my job to read things. Which to be fair, my background in law is one of the reasons he hired me. At least, that’s what he says anyway.”

The corner of Fury’s mouth curled in a small smile. “And should I agree to supply this equipment, what are your plans?”

You shuffled through a couple of screens on your Stark tablet before handing it over. He read through the information quickly before looking up in surprise. “Are these numbers accurate?”

“As accurate as I can be without real world data, yes.”

“Impressive, Y/L/N.” He handed you back your tablet then walked toward the elevator without another word.

“Does this mean I get my supplies?” you called after him.

“Already delivered.” He stepped into the elevator and used his hand to keep the door from closing. “And Y/L/N? You have been granted SHIELD security clearance at Stark’s request. Don’t make me regret it.”

Your eyes went wide as your brows shot up into your hairline. “Y-yes, sir,” you managed to stammer out just before the door slid shut.

“Jarvis,” you said after you had a moment to pull yourself together.

“Yes, Miss Y/L/N?”

“Why exactly does Tony think I need government security clearance?” You bit your lip, worried about the answer.

“It is my understanding that Mr. Stark wishes you to be available in whatever capacity the team requires which may necessitate you knowing some more delicate aspects of their missions,” the AI explained.

“He’s known me for two weeks, Jarvis.”

“Ten days to be precise, Miss. I believe Director Fury voiced the same concerns to Mr. Stark himself.”

“And what did Tony say?”

“Mr. Stark said he had a feeling you could be trusted though he was unable to explain why when the Director pressed him.”

You blinked several times as you processed that bit of information. Was it possible Tony felt the connection between you without even knowing you were soulmates? After a moment you shook your head to clear it. Dwelling on this wasn’t going to get the work done. “Jarvis, please make certain all deliveries and workers are still scheduled for the appropriate times tomorrow.”

“Of course, Miss.”

***

Tony’s money certainly made it easier for you to get things done quickly, though there were still a few things you had to do on your own due to you being the only one around that had clearance to enter certain spaces. Still, you managed to have everything completed by the time the team returned from their mission. You met them as they unloaded from the jet. A SHIELD agent stood beside you. You ran your eyes over the team and quickly ascertained that they were in good spirits. That would make this much easier.

As they spotted you, they shouted greetings while eyeing the man beside you suspiciously. “What’s this?” Steve asked.

“This is a SHIELD agent. New protocol. If possible, a SHIELD agent will be on hand to meet you after any mission. That agent will be responsible for cleaning and repair of any weapons and for restocking your muster gear. If you would like to hire someone permanent for the position that is also an option,” you explained.

Before anyone could ask the questions that seemed to be on the tips of their tongues, all of your attentions were drawn to Tony as he came into the room from a different door. He’d undoubtedly landed on his balcony and come down to meet the rest of the team. “There you are, Y/L/N. I have some questions.”

“I think we all do,” Bruce said with a gesture at the agent.

You couldn’t help a small chuckle as you turned to the man beside you. “You are dismissed, Agent. Thank you.”

He gave a crisp nod before quickly vacating the room.

“There have been some changes while you were gone,” you explained. “If you’re up for it we can go over them now or we can do it later. Whichever.”

“I think we better do it now.” Tony rubbed a hand over the top of his head as he scowled. Jarvis had warned you that Tony didn’t like change but you didn’t think it would take long to win him over.

You nodded and walked into the nearest hallway. There was now a line of black lockers along one of the walls. Your eyes were glued to your tablet as you came to a stop in front of them. After you flipped through a couple of screens you turned it off. “I just sent you all a document detailing the changes in case you have any questions. These lockers are your muster lockers. They are encoded to the handprint SHIELD had on file for each of you. Inside is a uniform and a bag equipped with all your favorite goodies. If there is anything you want taken out or added please let me know. I have a detailed list of what should be packed in each bag so they can be replenished after any mission.”

Everyone moved to find their locker. They were marked by a small emblem beside the palm reader. You glanced at Tony. “As I’m certain you noticed, yours is on your floor as you tend to come and go from there. We can move it down here if you wish.”

He studied you but did little more than nod. His hands were shoved in his pockets and he rocked on his feet as he watched the others. A little further down the hall you showed them the large board where you could keep track of everyone’s schedules, though everything on it was letters and numbers that meant nothing if you didn’t already know what they stood for. And just past the board was an office for Steve. Across the hall was a meeting room. “This puts all the work related stuff up here, away from your living spaces. I wanted to give you more separation.”

If the smile on his face was any indication, Steve was all in with the new layout. You gave the rest of them a smile. “This also means no one besides the team needs to have access to the other floors.”

“That works for me,” Nat mumbled and Clint nodded in agreement.

“All right. Shall we?” They all filed into the elevator with you. “Jarvis, if you please?”

“Of course, Miss.”

You couldn’t keep the grin from your face as he moved to the first stop. The doors slid open and the team was met with the familiar sight of their common living area. “You can leave your bags in the elevator,” you told them, indicating the bags most of them had been carrying since their arrival.

“Can’t we just put them in our rooms?” Steve asked.

“You can, but there are no longer any private rooms on this floor. Well, mine is because it made sense I be centrally located but the rest of you have been moved.”

“You can’t just move our things without asking,” Natasha said, immediately defensive.

“How do we know you didn’t mess with anything?” Clint said over the top of her.

“Who cleared this?” Steve demanded.

You’d been prepared for questions but their harsh tone surprised you. You held up your hands in an attempt to calm them while you took a deep breath.

“I believe that you will all be most pleased with the changes Miss Y/L/N has made,” Jarvis spoke over all of them. “All personal belongings were moved under her strict supervision and placed precisely as they had been in your original rooms. Your agitation is quite unnecessary.”

“Did my AI just stick up for you?” Tony asked, his voice heavy with disbelief.

You shrugged. “We’ve bonded.” When he just continued to stare at you, you cleared your throat and turned away from him. “This floor now houses the common area as before. The kitchen has been expanded and also includes a large dining table so meals can be taken together. Also on this floor there is a theater, a library and an arcade.”

“Let’s move on to the private rooms,” Steve suggested still sounding slightly disgruntled. “We can explore later.”

The others nodded or made sounds of agreement and you led them back to the elevator. One floor down it stopped again. The doors slid open to reveal a floor decorated in neutral colors with blue accents. “Captain, this is your floor. There is also a room for Thor should he return and need somewhere to stay. There is a kitchenette, a private bathroom attached to your room and a studio with floor to ceiling windows.”

“Can I—” Steve gestured to the room outside the elevator.

“Of course,” you said with a smile you no longer felt. “Would you like us to wait for you?”

He shook his head without looking back. “No. I’ll look at the other floors later.”

With that Jarvis shut the doors and dropped to the next floor. “Clint and Natasha, this is your level.” It too was in neutrals but with purple and black accents. “Yours is the only floor without room for new team members. You also have a kitchenette but the extra rooms have been prepared for your family, Agent Barton, should you decide to bring them to the tower.”

Clint turned his head to you in surprise. “Fury said that wasn’t possible. That we couldn’t get the clearance.”

This time your smile was genuine. “That is no longer a problem since I separated the living quarters from the rest. You’ll find the necessary clearances in your bedroom.”

He and Natasha hustled off, chatting excitedly to one another. As the elevator slid shut, you turned to the two remaining ream members. “There is one more floor below here that is set up to house more team members if necessary. For the time being, it is empty. As I’m sure the two of you have noticed, we are going up this time. Dr. Banner, I have placed your living quarters on the same floor as the lab. Not only for conveniences sake, but the only person you will have to worry about sharing your space with is Tony.”

Tony frowned. “There isn’t enough room on that floor with the medical facilities.”

“Medical facilities are now housed on the business floor. Storage has been moved to other locations in the tower. If you are worried about the space in the lab, you shouldn’t be. I have actually expanded the lab area.” You stepped out of the elevator and they followed close behind. “As you can see, the décor has been changed to neutral colors. Dr. Banner, your lockdown room is now between your room and the lab. It is accessible from both locations. Jarvis provided the specifications of the original room and oversaw the construction.”

Jarvis unlocked the door to the lab as you approached. You held it open for the science bros to follow you inside. “There is also a meditation room in your private quarters, Doctor. As you can see, your lab is larger. Here there is a state of the art coffee system. It’s easy to use once you figure it out, Mr. Stark. Jarvis has the full instructions. This button here will dispense hot water only. The far cabinet is fully stocked with the teas Jarvis says you are partial to, Dr. Banner.”

Bruce beamed as he rubbed his hands together and shuffled off to check out everything you’d told him. You turned to Tony to find him watching you with dark eyes. You cleared your throat and gestured to the back of the lab. “That door there leads to a set of stairs that feeds directly into your private residence. Your handprint or Jarvis is required to open the door on either end.”

He just continued to watch you and you gave him a tight smile. “Have fun looking around and let me know if you need anything.” You turned, prepared to disappear into your own room when a light touch on your arm stopped you.

“They were just surprised, you know,” Tony said.

You frowned at him. “What?”

“When they snapped at you. None of them meant anything by it.”

“I didn’t think they did,” you said, but dropped your head so he wouldn’t be able to read the expression on your face.

“Mmmhmm.” He placed a finger under your chin and lifted your head. “Just like you didn’t start calling everyone by their last name or title after that.”

“I am their employee, not their friend, Mr. Stark.”

He arched a brow at you as he stepped away. “We’ll see about that, Miss Y/L/N.”

“And Y/N?” he called stopping you at the door.

“Yes?”

“Call me Mr. Stark again and you’re fired.”

Series Tags: @i-dontwikeit @thevanishedillusion @amandamartinez3568 @clumsy-hailles @little-nonny @tonystarkismyboy @laneygthememequeen @redfoxwritesstuff @lowkeyofsassguard @sherlocked-whovian-1969 @tori24rose @a--1--1--3 @youclickedthislink

All the Things: @swanky-batman @rissyrapp20 @startrekkingaroundasgard @spooookyscary @taylordrunkonwhiskey @thewolf-and-thesheep

#tony stark x reader #series #battle scars #soulmate au #tony stark fanfiction #avengers #avengers fanfiction

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tortoisesforhire · 5 years

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Ali Redoes the Marvel Universe

So instead of sleeping I decided to map out the MCU the right way my way.

So starting with Ironman I wouldn’t change too much except instead of him hooking up with Christine Everhart in the beginning it’s a dude, maybe the dudes a dick, maybe not, it doesn’t really matter. But it is a dude and no one is surprised.

The Hulk is completely redone with Ruffalo, the Abomination is still the villain but Betty plays a bigger part and Jennifer Walters is in it, at the end there’s a part where Jennifer may or may not become She-Hulk (she definitely does ilhsm)

Ironman 2 is still the same, I have no real complaints about that, Pepper has a bigger part to play, their romance is more fleshed out, more Rhodey bro moments. It’s also made more apparent that Tony was severely abused as a child. #HowardStarkWasaBadDad

Thor is more or less the same BUT there’s a part, somewhere, where they talk about Sigyn, Loki’s wife who died and he blames Thor which gives him actual motivation to hate his brother other than being annoyed about constantly picking up his messes. Loki is more fleshed out/tragic and the audience understands why he does what he does more. And Thor and Jane don’t have a weird/creepy romance, and Sif is played by someone better/buffer and she and Thor are married.

Captain America is, again, more or less the same only with more emphasis on his age and the fact that he never completed basic training and he’s basically just lucking his way through this war. We really feel for him when he wakes up in the future, but we’re not under the illusion that he has any idea what he’s doing. Also he and Bucky are a couple, Peggy is very supportive.

The Avengers happens, only Thor makes it very clear from the get go that Loki is clearly not himself and is acting under the influence of Someone (Thanos). Hulk snaps him out of it in the end and Loki is revealed to be Very Ill, he gives them invaluable intel on Thanos.

Ironman 3, again, more or less the same. Still heavy Pepeprony, only difference is the rest of the Avengers Exist and are Present, even if it’s only in the background as they worry about their buddy. Maybe a comment about how they’re working on helping repair New York. Ending scene where Harley meets the team, cause reasons.

Thor 2 is pretty vastly different, mostly in that Thor and Jane are not a couple, Sif is a bigger part of the story, Loki’s helping out being a snarky bastard and he and Thor make progress on their issues. Odin is more complicit in the elves and Thor comes to recognize this as A Problem.

Captain America TWS is mostly the same only Tony is involved, even if just peripherally he’s Involved. Sharon is a badass and she and Steve don’t flirt with each other, Steve opens up to Nat about Bucky. Sam is still awesome, SHIELD still falls, Nat collabs with Tony to pick up the pieces. Tony helps Steve find Bucky.

Guardians is entirely the same, that movie is perfect, I love it so much. Maybe just add a Moondragon reference that’s all I ask.

Avengers 2 it’s clearly established that the Avengers live at the Tower, even Thor who’s on the outs with his dad, Tony is highly appreciated and valued by the team as it’s senior member, Steve is acknowledged to be the Least Qualified to Lead ANYONE thank you. Ultron happens, yes they’re upset, but less cruel about it. Wanda and Pietro did NOT join a nazi organization willingly THEY ARE FUCKING JEWISH fuck, maybe Hydra has them under mind control idk but it’s not willing. Pietro survives because he is FASTER THAN BULLETS FOR FUCKS SAKE, Wanda goes into magic training/therapy on Asgard with Frigga and Loki. There’s an end scene where Wanda notices something cosmicy that means Sigyn is alive THANK YOU.

Hulk 2 Because Ruffalo deserves more, this is mostly about Jennifer and Betty and Bruce being an adorable ruffled disaster boi. Jennifer becomes She-Hulk, Betty leaves Doc for Bruce. They’re very cute.

Antman literally exactly the same, nothing to change, it’s a wonderful movie.

Captain America Civil War garbage, just throw it away. Tony found Bucky at the end of the last movie, he’s in rehab. INSTEAD

Black Widow The Movie the accords happen, we meet spiderman and black panther somehow, Nat’s past with Zemo is revealed BECAUSE ITS WAY MORE SIGNIFICANT THAN STEVE FUCK Clint and her have lots of Friendship Moments, Steve can’t help because he’s locked himself in a room with Bucky, none of us really wants to know what they’re doing. Natasha is revealed to be a Bisexual Icon (tm), the movie ends with a Sigyn reveal and a Big Clue about Thanos. Thank you Nat, everyone claps.

Doctor Strange exactly the same, minus his romance with Christine, add a little more of the Tragic Backstory and Dead Sister, end with a reference to Clea his beautiful and deadly future wife.

Guardians 2 completely different, the Ego thing was weird af, Peter’s dad is J’son of Spartoi, he wants Peter to succeed him as Emperor, Peter has mixed feelings about this, his half sister tries to kill him, ensue hilarious battle. Drax gives some more clues to his Weird Backstory (it’s so weird I love it) Adam Warlock appears in the end. He and Peter don’t get along. Lots of dad!Yondu moments, he doesn’t die, we all love him lots.

Spiderman more or less exactly the same, I love that movie. peripherally we learn that Vision and Wanda are hanging out more, Loki took Sigyn to Asgard, we’re all Very Curious, Peter is adorable.

Thor 3 completely different, not that I didn’t love Ragnarok, but it really didn’t fit in the timeline. Honestly. We learn that Odin banished Loki’s children and lied about killing them, Angrboda returns, there’s a very dramatic Family Fight. Thor helps overthrow his dad, Loki gets his kids and his second wife back. They begin planning for Thanos. Also we can maybe introduce Valkyrie and Aldriff. Cause they’re really cool.

Black Panther T’Challa becomes king, idk how his dad died but it happened during the Black Widow movie, the same thing happens with Killmonger and stuff. Shuri has a Tony Stark Fangirl moment (because fuck you she’s not smarter just cause she has better materials, if Tony had magic rocks he’d make cooler stuff too. He had scraps and he made a fucking super suit)

Avengers Infinity War They’re way better prepared, Tony and Bruce ousted Ross who’s now in jail, the Accords are working very well. Thanos still delivers a devastating attack, Tony, Strange, Peter and the Guardians still end up in space. Through the efforts of Loki and Sigyn Thanos is defeated at the last second. Sigyn reveals that he was only acting on behalf of Death herself.

Antman and The Wasp basically the same minus the dust thing at the end. That doesn’t happen.

Captain Marvel exactly the same, don’t touch a damn thing that thing is a damn masterpiece. Okay I lied, Carol and Maria makeout for like a minute in the middle, it’s very touching.

Avengers Endgame Moondragon shows up, she and Drax have a Hilarious conversation, her girlfriend is awesome. Weird cosmic weirdness happens, Deadpool reference, lots of Tony and Peter moments, Pepper reveals that she’s pregnant, big end battle with Death, Ride of the Valkyries in the end as Brunnhilde and Aldriff ride in leading the armies of the Nine Realms against Death Herself, played by Cate Blanchett. (because Hel is Loki’s daughter damnit, she’s creepy but not evil)

We end on Tony and Peppers wedding, Steve and Bucky are holding hands, Peter is crying, Quill keeps giving Gamora Looks, Mantis and Nebula have A Moment, Cassie meets Harley and they have a snark off, Scott is very proud. Phil shows up as a surprise, Clint cries, Natasha punches him and Tony has to sit down for a moment. Bucky catches the bouquet.

The next Spiderman movie is about Peter becoming an Avenger now that Tony is officially retired. The next Captian Marvel is a resolution of the Skrull Wars involving the Lost Prince Dorrek IV, In the next Black Panther T’Challa and Nakia get married, Okoye and M’Baku have an affair. The next Doctor Strange centers on Clea and the Dark Dimension, Stephen becomes Sorcerer Supreme, he tries and fails to flirt with Wanda who’s now with Vision. Pietro makes a snarky cameo. There’s a Scarlet Witch and Quicksilver movie involving the Inhumans and space stuff. Pietro and Crystal get their shot. Black Widow gets an origin film. Throughout all of this we see an increasing problem with young superhumans, this problem is mirrored in the marvel tv shows, all of it leading up to a massive MCU crossover even; Avengers Civil War, when a teen super group, the Runaways, inadvertently cause the death of 60 children. This kicks off the Super Human Registration Program, which ends in a big superhero fight which ends in Tony leaving retirement to head of the Avengers Academy, Clint becomes a teacher, Steve retires to marry Bucky and train the next generation. All is well in the universe, Strange is Sorcerer Supreme, Thor rules Asgard, Loki and his two wives are raising their children in peace, Wakanda is sharing their technology with the world. All is well.

....which leads to...The X Men Adventures!!

#I put maybe a lot of thought into this #maybe

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dayna-scully · 5 years

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Sucker

Set in the hiatus between s3 and s4.

suggested listening: sucker / jonas brothers, 400 bones / frightened rabbit

AO3

It wasn’t on purpose - he hadn’t planned any of this, not how he would have liked to. There were no romantic dinners, barely even anything that could be considered a date, and he definitely hadn’t meant to tell her he loved her. How had that slipped out?

When Gibbs quit - retired - whatever, Tony had been promoted to team leader. From the outside, it may have seemed like a promotion, but it felt like being stranded on a desert island. McGee was little more than a probie, and Ziva had been stateside for all of two seconds. It wasn’t that he didn’t trust them - he just didn’t know that he would be able to wrangle them with the skill Gibbs always had.

The first few cases were tough - no one was prepared to work without Gibbs, and Tony had the sneaking suspicion that Abby resented him for becoming team lead in Gibbs’ absence. After a while, Tony, Ziva, and McGee fell into a steady routine of campfires and case reports. Steady, but certainly not comfortable. His team members resisted Tony taking point, though not intentionally. With Gibbs, there was a flow, and Tony’s sudden promotion had interrupted that.

Ziva could barely look him in the eye, and the drives to crime scenes were eerily silent. Tony couldn’t shake the feeling that there was something lurking just under the surface, something that wanted to be said - something that had been there since she had first caught him fantasizing about Kate. But now, without Gibbs’ presence, it lingered between them without a buffer. Tony felt out of control, and he didn’t like not being in control. Ziva and Tim acted dutifully, participated in campfires, filled out their paperwork without (much) complaint, but it wasn’t quite right. Tony had the job he always wanted, but nothing was right about this situation.

The first night he showed up on her doorstep, he hadn’t planned any of it. He had intended on driving to the nearest bar and drowning his sorrows at the bottom of a glass of aged scotch. But, as if possessed, he had driven straight past the Red Feather, continuing west towards Ziva’s apartment. And then he was at her door, knocking, and she was there, answering.

“Tony? Why are you here?” He struggled to respond, and Ziva noticed his hesitation. Laughing, she reached out to smooth the crease between his eyebrows. “Perhaps your brain has been baked by this case.” A small grin pulled at his lips, though he was surprised by the intimacy of her touch.

“Fried, Ziva. You get baked when you, well…maybe we’ll try it sometime.” She rolled her eyes and Tony felt his stomach flip. He swallowed hard, trying to force the butterflies back into their dark, deep corner somewhere to the left of his liver.

“Aren’t you gonna invite me in?” She stepped back, pulling the door open enough for him to step through. Ever the keen investigator, Tony tried to take in every possible detail of her apartment, from the surprisingly cluttered kitchen counter to her unsurprisingly bare walls.

“Would you like a drink?” He hadn’t noticed her cross the room, but there she was, head buried in the fridge.

“Just a beer, thanks. What were you up to before I unceremoniously interrupted your evening? Prepping for a hot date?” Ziva snorted, emerging from the fridge with a beer in each hand.

“Yes, a hot date with my book,” she said, handing Tony one of the bottles. He twisted it open and tossed the cap into the sink, heading towards the couch. Dropping himself onto the plush brown cushions, he picked up the book that had been left face down on the arm, leaving his finger on her page before flipping it over to check the front cover.

“Ahh, The Da Vinci Code. Very hip, Zee-vah.”

“McGee recommended it. Apparently, it is very interesting.” Tony opened his mouth, inhaling deeply as if preparing to launch into a monologue. “Do not – Tony, do not tell me what happens,” Ziva said, sitting down on the opposite end of the couch. “I would like to find out for myself.” He didn’t respond, watching her face soften as she took a sip from her bottle, then turned to him. The twisty sensation returned in his stomach, a sensation he had realised was associated with her smile, her hair, her…her. He cringed, breaking the eye contact and running a hand over his hair. The blushing tween thing was so 1980.

“Have you heard from Gibbs at all?” Ziva took a much longer pull from the bottle before answering.

“No, I have not. I do not think he wants to speak to me, Tony. Abby, perhaps, but not me.” Tony reached out to brush away an errant strand of hair from her face, fingertips trailing down her cheek.

“Are you ever going to tell me what happened? It must have been…important.” She was preoccupied with the bottlecap in her hand, avoiding his gaze. She hadn’t told him about Ari, or about the bond between them that had drawn Gibbs out of his amnesia. Gibbs’ abandonment had pressed its fingers into a very sore, very much unhealed wound, and despite the connection she felt with Tony, she couldn’t bring herself to tell him any of it.

“We don’t have to talk about it,” he said, sufficiently chastised by her uncomfortable silence. “I just thought…I thought maybe I could help.” Help with what, he thought. He knew something heavy had gone down between Gibbs and Ziva, something to do with Ari. He didn’t know what it had to do with Gibbs’ amnesia, or with his sudden Mexican sabbatical. He also didn’t really know how he intended to help Ziva, but he was certainly willing to try. Eager, even.

“Good work on the case today, Boss,” Ziva said finally, smirking at him. She had shifted seamlessly into geniality, lightly shoving him when he failed to respond. “You are blushing, Tony! I thought you liked being the team leader.” It was now Tony’s turn for an uncomfortable silence.

“It feels…dirty. It shouldn’t be mine, not this way,” he said, shaking his head.

“Then how? You did not fire Gibbs, or send him away. He chose to leave. You should be proud of how you are doing, Tony,” she said, leaning towards him. “I am proud of you.” Okay, now he was really blushing. She set her hand on his shoulder. “Truly, Tony. Gibbs would be, too.”

They held eye contact for a moment, neither willing to break the spell. Slowly, Ziva moved closer, pressing her lips to his. He leaned back, and she stared boldly at him while he floundered.

“Ziva, I – we –” She kissed him again, and this time he knew not to pull away.

And then it continued to happen. Night after night, Tony promised himself he wouldn’t find his way back to her apartment, back to her bed, and every night, that’s where he found himself. He wasn’t complaining, exactly, it just didn’t help his problem.

It didn’t help him to feel in control when he knew he was falling for her, hard. It didn’t help that he also couldn’t tell if the feeling was mutual. She had, in true ninja fashion, the straightest of poker faces.

By July, Tony had stopped pretending it had anything to do with “relieving tension,” as he had up to that point excused it. He hadn’t, however, stopped referring to it as, well, “it.” He didn’t know what he was supposed to call what they were doing - they weren’t dating, but whatever it was had an edge to it that friends with benefits wasn’t supposed to have. They didn’t talk about what they were doing, and Tony certainly hadn’t told anyone, but the long looks across the bullpen and silent-but-not-uncomfortably-so rides to crime scenes with McGee in the back seat had started to feel more and more obvious. Tony was getting antsy, about the job and about their extra-curricular activities.

He began to suspect Lee knew what was going on between them. She and Jimmy hadn’t been very good at hiding their own budding relationship, and he had the sense that she could feel the shift in his own with Ziva. Calling it a relationship, though, felt more intimate than what was warranted. At most, they shared a beer, or some wine, before she was stripping his shirt off and he was leading her to the bed. He craved her all day long, every second he wasn’t beside her, every second his hands weren’t on her. Tony was pretty sure the rest of the team could, at the very least, smell the longing oozing out of his pores, if they hadn’t already noticed his staring at Ziva.

She couldn’t shake him, his eyes following her every movement at work and after. Ziva knew that this couldn’t continue, that it had already gone on for too long. Eli had beaten it into her – relationships were weaknesses that could, and would, be exploited. And she felt the weakness growing, could feel her softness for Tony swallowing her whole. She couldn’t afford to let him in, for both of their sakes.

The heat of August settled over them slowly, softening their nights and making their days a blur of humidity and sunshine. She was his, only his, her face softening when their eyes met, his fingers tangled in her hair. He was everywhere in her apartment, inescapable, but she liked it – she wanted to drown herself in him. Her sheets smelled of him, sweat and cologne and gun powder, his jacket hung over the back of her kitchen chair, more domestic than she could have imagined. He was inside of her, all over her, never too far away, always willing to melt under her hands.

He felt her shift, felt her sigh against the crook of his neck. Sometimes – rarely, but sometimes – she dozed off beside him and he let himself pretend that they were a thing, a proper couple who shared more than a bed. She was warm, tucked into his side, though the heat pressed itself against the windows.

One final storm had broken the summer’s heat, the rain cooling the pavement and roofs as September inched towards them. Their most recent case had been traumatising, even for them. Too many close calls for everyone on the team had exhausted them, but Tony still appeared at her door. Ziva was bruised, tired. Her vest had kept her from being struck by a wildly-fired bullet, but it hadn’t protected her from the massive force behind the small ball of metal. Tony had almost lost his mind when he saw it, and couldn’t get the memories of Kate in the same situation out of his head. Last time, his partner hadn’t survived – but last time he hadn’t been sleeping with her, he thought.

Ziva could feel the difference that night – he was gentler, but he held her tighter, breathing her in. She had been scared, too – terrified that her luck and her training had finally failed her. She had fought to keep her composure as Tony flung himself towards her, convinced she was injured. It was a breach of their normal stoicism, and it unsettled her. She knew she was in too deep.

“Jesus, Ziva – love you. Wanna get lost in you,” he mumbled into the side of her neck. She froze in his arms, body tense.

“Tony, I can not - this is not-” Ziva was uncharacteristically inarticulate, the words catching in her throat. Her heart pounded, and she felt the room swimming as she shifted away from him. This was not what she had expected, not what she had intended to happen.

Tony was pulled from the haze as he realized what he had said.

Too good to be true ran through his mind, but he wasn’t sure where the good had been. It was just sex, had only ever been just sex, but his ears were ringing and hurt was pressing down on him, drowning him, as he struggled to reply.

“Right, no, sorry. I just got…caught up in, in…the moment.” A stammering teenager, rejected by the girl he asked to prom. Way to go, DiNozzo. Very adult. He disentangled himself from her, sliding out from under her sheets, and began gathering his clothes.

She looked like a trapped animal, eyes searching for the easiest exit, though she sat on the bed, sheets wrapped around her.

“I’m sorry, Ziva. I’ll…I’ll see myself out.” He left her, mouth agape, staring at her front door.

He clenched his jaw as tight as possible, willing the tears and humiliation away. The streetlights blurred as the tears rose defiantly. He stumbled to his car, fumbling with his keys and the door handle.

He had meant it, of course. Of course, of course, of course.

Ziva still lay frozen, though the cool air was settling over her exposed skin and raising goosebumps in its wake. Her heart refused to slow, continuing to pound wildly in her chest. Everyone believed there were only two options when confronted with a stressor - fight or flight. Ziva had certainly been trained to fight wherever possible, but there was a third option - freeze. Tony had told her that.

There was one final case before Tony’s flight to the security conference, one last set of uncomfortable car rides and a silent bullpen.

Ziva felt an uncharacteristic blush rise in her cheeks as she sat in the passenger seat of the blue Charger, with Tony sitting less than a foot away. It had been a week since they had been together, a week since he had fled her apartment, since she had lain frozen for hours after he left.

She saw his fingers tighten around the steering wheel, knuckles whitening from the tension. His jaw clenched as well, as if he were forcing himself not to speak.

“You have something to say, Tony,” she stated. Her voice was uneven, almost trembling. He was quiet still, his eyes on the road in front of them. When he did speak, it was so soft she almost didn’t hear.

“I meant it, Ziva.” She turned away quickly, couldn’t bear to look at him. He loved her, and it made her stomach twist and her heart pound, and she wasn’t sure what that meant. She wasn’t supposed to get attached, but here she was, wondering if maybe she was in love with him, too.

“Tony–”

“No, just – just leave it. Forget about it. I’m senior field agent, it shouldn’t have happened.” I should have known, he thought. All he could remember was the look on her face when he’d said it, stony, distant. Afraid. “I’ll go to this stupid conference and when I get back, we’ll be…normal, okay? It didn’t happen.”

Except it did, and he loved her, and it was all he could think about every second of every day, like she was the blood in his veins. But she couldn’t look at him, wouldn’t look at him, and he knew that if he pressed the issue it would only make things worse.

It was too much for her to process, not while she was still adjusting to a new country and a new job. Loving Tony – loving anyone – felt so outside of her personal and professional boundaries, and she just…couldn’t. Not right now.

“Normal. Okay,” she echoed. Okay.

#ncis #tiva #ziva david #tony dinozzo #fanfiction #mostly canon compliant #mncis #mcontent #mfanfic

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