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#I put him on a 12 hour fast for the lab test and he was 😭
blueskiesandstarrynights ¡ 8 months
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ok, so I know you're not in this fandom, so I apologize in advance, but this au has taken over my brain and I haven't written a single word yet so-
Hopper-Byers Firestarter au. Hear me out.
Joyce and Hopper are a couple teens strapped for cash and are offered a chance to participate in an experiment for 200 bucks. They figure what's the harm, they've got a 50/50 shot of just getting an injection of distilled water, and if they do get the drug they'll probably be tripping balls for a few hours before they go about their merry lives. Right? Wrong! lol
There's something wrong. They're both given the drugs, but Joyce swears she saw one of the test subjects claw at his eyes, smearing his blood soaked hand on the chart above him. She swears she has a whole conversation with Jim, sharing everything and nothing all inside their heads.
They've both been given powers, and a few years later, they'll have been the only ones not dead or driven insane. He has minor telekinesis, and she's able to push people into doing or agreeing to what she wants.
Time passes and the two grow closer and a few years later there's a ring around their fingers and Joyce is pregnant with her first. The problem? They're being watched. They don't always know how or even particularly who, but the why is clear- the scientists want their lab rats back. So they plan in secret. Gather resources, vet doctors as safe, research locations, and slowly start selling furniture over the course of months. One day, they gather all their belongings in Jim's truck and set off. They spend months on the road, crashing everywhere they can and taking the long route while crossing at least 10 state lines to shake the government tail they've acquired. They're terrified they'll never shake them and Joyce will have to give birth on the road, but finally they arrive at their intended destination with no one following them- a tiny town in bumfuck Indiana where no one would think to find them.
They're still looking over their shoulder and checking for anyone else following them, or bugs planted in the house, but for the first time in years, they feel safe enough.
Years continue to pass and the two realize something about young Jonathan- he seems or have inherited some form of telepathy from them, meaning whatever fucked up drugs are in them that changed who they are can be passed down. They talk with him, making him feel safe and loved, while also warning him of what could happen if he wasn't careful.
Fast forward a bit and Jonathan's three now and Joyce is pregnant again, this time with twins. Hopper and Joyce are both overjoyed and terrified. Anything could happen and moving around is so much harder with three kids, two of them being newborns. They ramp up their paranoia and frequency of checks for government tails.
They think they're in the clear, but when Joyce gives birth in a hospital they checked multiple times, little Will is the only survivor of the two, the other twin tragically dies in childbirth 😔
Don't believe that? Neither do Joyce or Hopper. Publicly, they cry and grieve, but quietly, they dive into research to find out what really happened to their little girl.
Unfortunately, their efforts are put on hold as they realize Will has some kind of electrokinesis. which is a major problem for a baby. every time he was hungry or threw a temper tantrum, sparks would fly and he would short out anything from the lamp to the whole house if he wasn't careful.
years pass, and we pick up when Will is 12 and Jonathan is 15 in 1983. At this point, Hopper is convinced their unnamed girl really is dead, and Joyce's faith is starting to waver as well. They've spent many years following trails, having even taken the boys away one summer to trace a lead that led nowhere. There was one close call a few years ago where a couple suits tried to take Joyce while Hopper was at work, but she defended herself and by the time Hopper came home, he scared the shit out of the suit enough to leave them be and lie about how the mission went. What followed was an intense and heated debate, but they ultimately decided to stay in Hawkins.
What follows at this point is what I'm hoping to make as a combination of s1 of st and the plot of firestarter. They do find out el's alive and theirs which I cannot wait for because hell hath no fury if you've messed with Joyce Byers' kids. I also have this specific idea that Will and El are psychically linked, but I'm still trying to figure out the details of that. I'm still working out how I wanna do a lot of this, and I'm really sorry if the way I phrased some of this may come across as unappealing but this won't stop rotating in my head I'm obsessed and I haven't even finished the book. If you've made it this far and have any questions I'm more than happy to answer them considering I want to be able to expand this.
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imekitty ¡ 2 years
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Maddie and Jack encounter Dark Danny. A twist on The Ultimate Enemy.
Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4, Part 5, Part 6, Part 7, Part 8, Part 9, Part 10, Part 11, Part 12, Part 13
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Maddie's cell phone began vibrating on the lab countertop. Maddie set down her tools, moved her goggles to the top of her head, and sighed when she read the caller ID.
"Danny's English teacher is calling," Maddie said over her shoulder to Jack.
Jack groaned. "Again? Really? That's the second time this month."
Maddie answered the call, putting it on speaker and walking over to Jack at his workstation. "Hello?"
"Mrs. Fenton? It's Rob Lancer," said the voice on the other end. "Could you meet me at the Nasty Burger at, say, five o'clock? And bring Danny."
Maddie leaned against Jack's worktable, hunching over. "What's this about?"
"I'll explain later," said Lancer. "Will I see you then?"
Maddie looked at Jack. Jack shrugged.
"Yes, we'll be there," said Maddie. She hung up.
"What do you think Lancer wants to talk about?" asked Jack.
"I don't know." Maddie folded her arms. "It seems odd he doesn't want to meet at the school in his office or classroom."
"It does seem strange," said Jack.
"What if…" Maddie bit her lip. "What if there's a reason he wants our meeting place to be somewhere public? Where everyone can see us?"
Jack quirked a brow. "A reason like what?"
"What if he wants to make sure that whatever he has to say, we can't retaliate or try to keep him quiet?"
"What are you talking about?"
"I don't know." Maddie shivered. "God, Jack, we've done so many amazing things with Danny, learned so much about ghosts and ghost behavior just by observing how he uses his powers. He's been an extraordinary research subject."
"Right. Yes. He has."
"But what if Lancer is…" Maddie tried to find the right word. "Suspicious?"
"Suspicious of what?"
"Of what might be going on at home that's contributing to Danny's frequent tardiness and poor grades."
"Mads—"
"What if he knows Danny is Danny Phantom?"
Jack blinked several times, frowning.
"We've been wondering if Lancer already knows just based on some interactions we've seen between him and Danny," continued Maddie. "What if that's what he wants to talk about?"
"We were never able to prove that he knows."
"We should've tried watching him more. Lancer, I mean. To see if he does know Danny's a ghost hybrid."
"I really don't think he—"
"But what if he does know, Jack? And what if he suspects you and I had something to do with it?"
Maddie's skin prickled with goosebumps beneath her jumpsuit. She rubbed her arms, attempted to slow the rush of anxious adrenaline through her veins.
"Maddie, that's a really big leap in logic to make there," said Jack. "We're scientists, we're not supposed to do that."
Maddie sighed. "You're right. I just get so paranoid sometimes. I just worry that…someone is going to figure out what Danny is, and then they're going to wonder how his parents could've let such a thing happen. And then they'll realize we didn't let it happen, we made it happen, and—"
Maddie's words caught. She shook her head and cleared her throat.
"I'm sure that's not what Lancer's thinking," said Jack. "It's probably something really normal for Danny. Like another failed test."
Maddie bit at the fingertips of her glove. "You think that's all it is? But then why the Nasty Burger?"
Jack shrugged. "I don't know. But I don't think worrying or speculating is going to help much. Let's just try to relax until we know for sure what he wants."
Maddie nodded. "Right. Yes. Okay."
She went back to her own workstation and tried to reengage with her research objectives, but her body was bristling with anxiety. She checked the time on the clock in the lab and sighed. Five o'clock could not get here fast enough.
A few hours later, Danny came home from school.
"Are you alone today?" asked Maddie as he walked into the living room. "No Sam and Tucker? Where's Jazz?"
"No idea," said Danny. "Is something wrong, Mom? You seem tense."
Maddie looked down and realized she was once again biting at her gloved fingertips. She lowered her hand. "Nothing. No reason. Um, can you just go up and do your homework now, sweetie?"
Danny gave her a pleasant smile, an expression that seemed almost misplaced, as if he conjured it by accident. "Sure. Call me if you need me."
Danny ascended the stairs and turned a corner down the hall. Maddie absentmindedly started nibbling at her fingertips again.
"Did Danny seem strange to you?" asked Maddie.
Jack came up behind her. "Strange how?"
"He just… He usually complains at least a little when I ask him to do homework right when he gets home."
Jack shrugged. "It's possible he knows that Lancer wants to talk to us about something. Maybe he's trying to score some bonus points with us now before we find out about whatever it is."
"Hmm. Maybe."
Maddie stared at the second-floor hallway, wondering, imagining what Danny was doing or thinking right then.
"Should we tell him about the meeting Mr. Lancer wants to have with us?" asked Jack.
Maddie shook her head. "No. Not yet. We'll let him know when it's time to leave." She released a shaky breath. "God, I don't know why I'm so nervous about this."
Jack rubbed her shoulders. "I'm sure it's nothing as serious as you're thinking."
Maddie tried to convince herself that Jack was right. But the worry gnawed at her mind.
An hour later, Maddie stood outside Danny's open door, knocking on it a couple times to get his attention. He looked up from his desk and gave her that odd smile again.
"Do you need something, Mom?" he asked, setting down his pen.
"How's your homework going?" asked Maddie.
"Good." Danny looked at the textbook and papers scattered across his desk. "I actually remember a lot of this. More than I thought I would."
"Remember from what you learned in class today?" asked Maddie, confused by his choice of words.
Danny shrugged. "Is something on your mind? You look worried."
"Oh. Um." Maddie paused. "Listen. Did your teacher, Mr. Lancer, say anything to you today?"
The smile vanished from his face, falling away into a new but still very odd expression of surprise. "Mr. Lancer? What do you mean? What are you thinking he might've said to me?"
"Just…" Maddie tried to figure out how to convey her concerns without giving anything away. "About you or your home life? Or us? Your dad and me?"
Danny tilted his head. "Why would he say anything about you and Dad?"
Maddie shivered and looked down at her hands, pulling at her gloved fingertips.
"Is there something you maybe want to tell me?" asked Danny. "About you and Dad? And me?"
Maddie looked up, her mouth falling open as she studied Danny's face and tried to make sense of his words. He was smiling again.
"Um. Yes." Maddie nodded. "Mr. Lancer asked us to meet him at the Nasty Burger. He wants all three of us to be there. You, me, and Dad, I mean."
"Really? What does he want?"
"I was hoping you could tell me."
"I have no idea what this could be about."
The way he looked at her. Maddie didn't like it.
Something wasn't right here and she could not explain it.
Maddie swallowed. "We're leaving in ten minutes, okay? Come downstairs when you're ready."
"Of course," said Danny. "I wouldn't miss it."
Maddie backed away, down the hall and the stairs. Jack looked up from the sofa as she entered the living room.
"Did you ask Danny if he knows what this meeting might be about?" asked Jack.
Maddie nodded slowly.
"Mads, what's wrong?"
"I just feel like something bad is going to happen."
Twilight colored the sky as Jack drove the Fenton RV up to the wrecked Nasty Burger, Maddie in the front passenger seat and Danny in a seat right behind them. Lancer stood in front of the Nasty Burger's front entrance, squinting in the RV headlights shining right in his face.
He looked serious. Maddie felt even more uneasy.
"Mr. Lancer sounded urgent on the phone," said Maddie. "Danny, is something wrong?"
Danny was smiling again, only this smile seemed even more misplaced than before, almost sinister.
"Not yet," he said.
Maddie blinked and leaned away from him. Nothing was right here. Nothing made sense. But for once, she had no hypothesis for what was about to happen.
Jack, Maddie, and Danny stepped outside of the RV and walked up to Lancer, who was holding a briefcase in one hand and a folder in the other. Behind him in the Nasty Burger wreckage, the two sauce tanks stood intact. A heating element glowed red beside them.
"Mr. and Mrs. Fenton, Daniel, this is the Nasty Burger," said Lancer in his usual monotone drawl. "When people fail, this is where they end up—whether they fail because they don't study or because they cheat."
Lancer held up the folder in his hand, labeled "Career Aptitude Test." Maddie instantly recognized the name as the test Danny had been studying for the past couple days.
Relief flooded through her. Thank God, this really was just about Danny's poor school performance yet again. No accusations of possible child abuse were coming tonight.
But she made herself gasp anyway. And thankfully, Jack followed her lead.
"Danny." Jack turned to Danny. "Is this true?"
"Did you cheat?" asked Maddie, mustering up all her theatrics to sound as disappointed as possible.
Danny looked right at her. And smiled.
And suddenly all the relief left her again.
Because something was still not right here.
Danny started to speak but was interrupted by someone shouting behind them.
"You have to get out of here!" cried Sam's frantic voice.
Lancer and the Fentons turned to see Sam and Tucker running up to them.
"The Nasty Burger's gonna blow," cried Tucker, "and we're three feet from it!"
Lancer scowled. "'South Beach Diet,' people, what's going on here?"
"I'll tell you what's going on," cried another voice. Jazz's voice.
Maddie whirled around, her jaw dropping when she saw Jazz suited up in the Fenton Peeler. Beside her, Jack looked just as shocked.
"Or better yet," said Jazz, "show you."
Before Maddie could get any words out, Jazz fired the Peeler straight at Danny.
But Danny didn't look afraid.
He looked angry.
Maddie watched in horror as the blast of energy peeled away her boy's face and body and revealed something new underneath, a ghost with fiery white hair and pale green skin.
Dear God, what was this thing?
"That's not Danny!" yelled Jazz, pulling back the smoking Peeler.
Maddie snapped out of her stupor and grabbed the ecto-gun latched to her belt, charging and aiming it at the new threat now crouching in the remains of his disguise shaped like Danny. Jack jumped into action with his own gun aimed at the ghost.
"Where is he?" barked Jack. "Where's our son?"
"What have you done to our boy?" demanded Maddie.
The ghost laughed but stayed crouched. Maddie snarled and raised the power level on her gun.
"Answer me!" she screamed. "Where is he? Where's Danny?"
The ghost stopped laughing and looked straight at her, a dark shadow in his bloodred eyes. "Don't pretend you don't know exactly who I am."
Maddie's grip on her gun faltered. Jack kept his aim steady but gave her a questioning look.
Then the ghost stood and they both gasped with instant realization. Because right in the center of his black and white jumpsuit was the Phantom emblem.
Maddie stepped back, her gun now shaking in her hand.
"I know everything." The ghost stood. "All about what you did to me."
The ghost slowly walked toward her. Maddie subconsciously walked back several more steps.
"After you died, I was crushed," he said, but his voice was calm, not even a hint of emotion. "I was lost in despair. But then I discovered the truth from Vlad."
"Vlad?" echoed Maddie. "Vlad told you? But why would he do that?"
"And what do you mean, after we died?" demanded Jack.
"No, of course Vlad didn't tell me." The ghost halted his march toward Maddie. "Why would he? He was part of your sick experiment."
Maddie's stomach twisted several times. Behind her, she could hear Sam and Tucker whispering feverishly with each other.
"I'm the future. Your son's future. And I had no one after all of you died ten years ago," said the ghost, his voice still calm but softer now. "Except Vlad, who became my new guardian. But he was no better than you and Dad. He just wanted to use me, too. And he turned me into this."
He gestured to himself, his entire form from head to toe.
"All of you, this is what you did to me. And after Vlad ripped out my humanity and our two ghost halves merged, I saw everything in his head, his memories. I saw what you did. And I realized you never deserved my tears. You weren't worth missing, not worth hurting over."
The ghost glanced at Lancer and chuckled before turning back to Maddie.
“I cheated on that goddamn test for you, you know. Because I didn’t want to let you down. But you didn’t deserve that from me either. I hate how much I cared about what you thought. All my wasted time and effort just trying to please you.”
"What are you talking about?" begged Maddie. "I don't understand anything you're saying."
"Don't listen to him, Mom," said Jazz, still wearing the Peeler suit. "He's just trying to get in your head and trick you."
The ghost turned to her and laughed. "Oh, Jazz. My supposedly genius sister who was smart enough to figure out her brother was Danny Phantom but not smart enough to figure out their parents were pulling all the strings from the beginning."
Jazz's eye twitched, her upper lip rising. She looked back and forth between Maddie and the ghost before shutting her eyes and shaking her head. "No, that's not going to work on me. You're not fooling me again."
"I don't need to convince you," said the ghost. "Our parents already know exactly what they did."
He started advancing toward Maddie again. Maddie aimed her shaking gun at him, her vision blurring with tears.
"What do you think, Mom?" he asked, his tone very dark. "Am I everything you hoped I'd be? Is this what you wanted when you created me? Would you call your experiment a success?"
"Stop," yelled Jack, also aiming his gun. "Get away from her. Don't move any closer or I'll shoot."
The ghost stopped and turned to Jack. "Actually, nobody's going anywhere. Not until it's time for you to be blown everywhere."
The ghost launched himself into the air high above everyone and released a blast of ectoplasmic energy that wrapped around Maddie, Jack, Lancer, Sam, and Tucker. The energy carried them off the ground, sending them backward into one of the Nasty Burger's sauce tanks, binding them to it.
"Danny!" cried Maddie, struggling against the ectoplasmic rope holding her tight. "If that's really you, please, let me explain—"
"I don't want to hear it, Mom," said the ghost, releasing smaller blasts of ectoplasm that covered each of their mouths, silencing their voices.
Still wearing the Peeler, Jazz ran up behind the ghost and threw a punch to his back, but her armored hand sailed right through him, his body shape-shifting to create only empty space around her first. She pulled back her hand in horror.
"Nice try, Jazz," said the ghost, turning around to face her. "But me, my future, I'm inevitable."
Maddie screamed through the ectoplasm covering her mouth as she watched the ghost triplicate himself and surround Jazz, one yanking off the Peeler helmet and gagging her with ectoplasm as well.
This couldn't be Danny. Not possible. It wasn't him. If her boy was somewhere in there, he was being possessed by an entirely different personality.
But then what happened to him? Did the spectral mutation she designed somehow corrupt him? Was this her fault?
The ghost's copies remerged into one form. He wrapped Jazz with a strand of ectoplasm and swung her into the sauce tank, cementing her right next to Maddie.
The ghost laughed in triumph against a dark green sky of ominous swirling clouds, a cruel laugh that sounded nothing like Danny at all.
Did she really do this to him?
She looked up at Jack. His eyes were clouded with bewilderment and distress.
"Hey, old man!" cried a new voice, echoing from somewhere above that Maddie couldn't see but it made her heart race anyway because she knew that voice.
And then he appeared. From a single point in the sky, emerging out of seemingly nowhere and wearing a backpack, Danny Phantom soared straight toward the ghost with a cocky smile.
"Ready for a blast from your past?"
He collided with the ghost, hard, knocking him far and away. The ghost snarled and was then out of sight, disappearing behind a building.
Danny watched him for a moment, then flew toward the group strapped to the sauce tank, hovering in front of them with determined expression.
"Don't worry," he said firmly, confidently. "I won't turn into that. Ever. I promise."
Maddie's heart raced again, fluttering. She tried to cry out to him past the ectoplasm but it continued to drown all of her words. She shut her eyes, shook her head, kicked and pushed at the ghostly energy holding her tight.
"Mom."
Maddie froze, opening her eyes to look up at him, a few tears trickling down her cheeks. His determination from before had now softened into solemnity.
"It's going to be okay," he said quietly. "I'm really sorry I didn't tell you about what I was before, but I'm going to fix all of this now."
Maddie could do nothing but continue to stare up at him, her tears falling hotter and faster now.
This was Danny. Her Danny. Not that other ghost, whatever he was.
This Danny still had no idea what she had done, her role in his ghostly identity. She could tell by the way he looked at her, his gentle eyes.
Danny opened his mouth to say something more but was cut off by an ectoplasmic rope catching him around the waist and pinning his arms to his side. He yelped as the rope tightened and yanked him up and away. Maddie craned back her head to watch the enemy ghost holding the other end of the rope, pulling him in close.
She didn't even believe in God but she prayed and begged and pleaded for something to save her boy. Because it was literally all she could do right now.
She had never felt so powerless.
The enemy ghost grabbed Danny by the collar and snarled in his face.
"What are you gonna do?" spat Danny. "Kill me? What happens to you, then?"
"You don't get it, do you?" asked the ghost, his tone even, nearly monotone. He grinned. "I'm still here. I still exist. That means you still turn into me."
The ghost pulled back his fist, glowing with ectoplasmic energy. Still grinning, he launched his fist straight into Danny's chest, knocking him into a street lamp. Danny hit it hard enough to set it vibrating. He fell to the sidewalk, unmoving and eyes closed. Maddie mentally begged him to get up, open his eyes, show her he was okay.
The enemy ghost flew and hovered just above him. Danny weakly opened his eyes and peered up at him.
"I don't have to kill you," said the ghost. "I just have to run out the clock until your entire life falls apart."
The ghost gestured to the group strapped to the sauce tank. The metal was starting to feel quite hot against Maddie's skin even through her jumpsuit. She looked up to see the tank cracking and smoking.
The enemy ghost headed straight for Danny in a steep dive, arms stretched out toward him. Danny started reaching into his backpack and intangibly sank into the ground below the street lamp. The ghost pulled up right as Danny disappeared, knocking over the street lamp in the process.
The ghost scanned the area, his teeth and fists clenched. Danny reappeared behind him, rising out of the street. But his backpack was gone and he was now wearing a set of what appeared to be metallic gauntlets. The Fenton Ghost Gloves?
Maddie squinted and strained to get a better look at them. Where did he get the gloves? And why did they look different from what Jack had originally designed?
"Maybe if you'd remembered more about your family," said Danny, "you'd have remembered the Specter Deflector."
He held up the glowing belt that Maddie definitely recognized. He flew to the enemy ghost and snapped it tight around his waist. The ghost screamed as the belt shocked his whole body.
"Or the Ghost Gauntlets."
Danny came at him again with a hard punch to the face using one of the metal gloves. The enemy ghost sailed backward and crashed into an oil truck, breaking its tank apart. Almost immediately, his fiery hair ignited the oil and blew it up in a burst of spectral blue fire. Danny covered his face from the blast as the oil flooded onto the street and covered it in a wall of blue fire.
Danny landed on the street, watched the blue fire for a moment, and then turned and started walking toward the group tied to the sauce tank.
Behind him, the enemy ghost stepped out from the wall of fire, face twisted with fury. He grabbed the Specter Deflector cinched around his waist and ripped it off in one quick motion, dropping it to the ground where it sparked and smoked. He stared straight ahead at Danny's back.
Maddie attempted to scream a warning but still no sound could leave her mouth.
The ghost lurched forward, his hand burning with blue flames and reaching for Danny, grabbing his arm and then throwing him to the ground on his back. He pulled the Gauntlets off Danny's hands and tossed them to the side before standing over him, glowering. Danny stared up at him.
"Why would I want to remember anything about them?" the ghost asked.
Danny blinked, frowning. "What?"
"My family. Our family. Our parents," the ghost clarified. "Why should I remember them?"
Danny only looked more confused.
"They've been out of my life for ten years," the ghost continued. "And I stopped caring about them the moment I discovered what they did to me. You should really do the same."
The ghost pulled back a fist. Danny sat up just as the ghost's fist connected with his jaw, launching him backward a few feet. The ghost continued his assault, punching and kicking and never giving Danny a moment to defend himself or fight back.
All Maddie could do was watch in horror as the ghost beat up her son in a one-sided battle.
After one final ecto-blast, Danny fell to the street, face and body cut up and bruised. The enemy ghost stepped up to him.
"Why do you want to change my past?" asked the ghost, his voice low and dark. "This is the best thing that will ever happen to you. You just don't know it yet."
"No. You're wrong." Danny shakily pushed himself up onto all fours using his arms. He glared up at the ghost. "I won't let this happen. I promised my family."
"God, you're such a child." The ghost huffed and shook his head. "I can't believe I used to be this naive."
"It's not naive to care about your family." Danny sat up straighter, still on his knees. "Our family. How can you do this to them? Why do you want to kill them?"
"Why do you want to save them?" spat the ghost.
Danny's brows drew in close together as he continued staring up at the ghost.
"You must've gotten those Gauntlets from Vlad." The ghost gestured to the discarded Gauntlets on the street. "Didn't he tell you the truth about our parents? Don't you know what they've done to us? To you?"
Danny looked over his shoulder at the group strapped to the sauce tank. Maddie tried to speak to him with just her eyes, pleading with him to forgive her.
"What are you talking about?" Danny's eyes returned to the enemy ghost, his voice losing confidence.
The ghost stared down at him, nostrils flaring. Then his expression relaxed. "So you still don't know," he said in monotone.
"I still don't know what?" demanded Danny snappishly.
The ghost folded his arms, his fiery hair flickering over his ears. "Trust me. If you knew the things I know…" He looked straight at Maddie, into her eyes. "You'd let them die."
Maddie's heart stopped, her veins ran cold.
"No." Danny shook his head as he rose to his feet on wobbling legs. "No. You're just trying to fuck with me. It's not going to work."
The ghost sneered at him. "It's not me fucking with you, Danny. Our parents have done enough of that."
"No. No, stop it—"
"I'm the only one being honest with you right now."
"No."
"Yes," hissed the ghost. "I'm the one saving you right now. They won't be able to hurt you anymore after today."
"No," yelled Danny. "I won't let them die. I won't let you kill them."
"It's too late, Danny."
"No, it's NOT!"
He screamed this final word, morphing and rising in pitch, shrieking upward into an earsplitting wail of disturbing and haunted dissonance that cracked the street and shook the buildings and knocked the enemy ghost backward, tearing up the ground as he crashed into it.
Maddie's jaw would've dropped if there wasn't ectoplasm forcing her mouth closed. She looked up at Jack, eyes wide. Jack met her gaze, his expression just as shocked.
"That power." The enemy ghost groaned, shut his eyes, covered in debris and gravel. "It's not possible. I don't get that power until ten years from now."
Danny flew over and landed right in front of him. He panted, clutching his side and grimacing. "I guess the future isn't as set in stone as you think it is."
Maddie's chest swelled at the sight of her boy's heroics, flooding with hope that he could change all of this, save all of them, stop this from happening.
The tank's heat was beginning to scorch her back.
Danny balled up his fists and sucked in a breath, blowing it out in another shattering ghostly wail that slammed into the enemy ghost again, sending him flying over the street, windows cracking and bursting as the frequency rushed by. The ghost sailed right into a building, destroying the foundation as the walls crumbled and crashed to the ground.
Danny stopped his wailing and swayed. His ghost form fell away as he dropped to the street on his hands and knees. Human again.
Out of the rubble, the enemy ghost's hand broke through, clenching into a fist as he pushed his way up and out. Danny wearily looked up but stayed where he was on the ground.
The ghost broke through the wreckage with a grunt, his suit tattered, his body bruised, the flames on his head half extinguished. He panted and clutched at his chest, snarling at Danny.
"You're too late," rasped the ghost. "Beating me is pointless now. Because it's too late to save them."
Danny's eyes filled with tears.
"Let them die, Danny. For both of our sakes."
Danny gritted his teeth and unhitched the Thermos from his belt, aiming it at the ghost and sucking him inside. The ghost put up no fight and vanished.
The tank blistered Maddie's back. Sweat drenched her face and body.
Danny was running toward them now at top speed. A spectral ring formed around his body but fizzled out. Panic crossed his face. Maddie knew what that meant immediately: He couldn't transform.
"Mom!" he screamed. "Mom!"
He tripped and fell onto the street. And then everything all around Maddie exploded and complete darkness swooped in.
Shapes and colors popped in her vision. She opened her eyes and looked around. She was in their basement lab at her workstation. She turned to find Jack at his own station. He was staring at her.
"Did something just happen?" he asked warily.
"I don't know." Maddie put her goggles on top of her head. "It does feel strange right now, doesn't it?"
"It's like…something happened just now, but I can't remember what it was." Jack looked down at the invention he was working on. "But we've been here this whole time, haven't we?"
Maddie looked at the lab clock. It was still the early afternoon. "Yes. For a few hours now."
Jack scanned the ceiling, the walls, their equipment. "Maybe there's a gas leak somewhere. I'll take a look."
Jack started walking around the lab. Maddie began to feel dizzy and took a seat in her chair. A memory pounded in her head, a message, an alert, but she couldn't unlock it.
"A gas leak, yes." Maddie nodded. "That must be it."
Later after school, Danny's voice called from the front entryway. "Mom? Dad?"
Jack and Maddie exchanged glances. Danny sounded distressed, worried.
"Mom? Dad?" called Danny again. "Where are you?"
"We're here." Maddie went up the basement stairs and emerged in the living room with Jack right behind her. "Is something wrong?"
Danny threw his arms around her, his body shaking. Maddie frowned at Jack before gently stroking his back.
"Danny, what happened?" she asked. "Are you okay?"
Danny pulled out of the hug and smiled at her with tears in his eyes. "Everything's fine. I just had a really long day. And it's so good to see you."
"What kind of day?" asked Maddie, stroking the side of his face with her knuckles.
Danny shook his head. "Nothing. It's nothing now. Doesn't matter anymore."
Jack's brows were very low over his eyes. "You sure there's nothing you want to talk about?"
"I'm sure." Danny pointed up toward his room. "I'm gonna study for a test, okay?"
Maddie and Jack watched Danny start climbing the stairs. He then halted, his hand gripping the railing.
"Is there, um…" Danny looked at them. "Is there anything you two want to tell me?"
Maddie's chest zinged. Something about his question sounded more than simply inquisitive, almost accusative.
"What do you mean?" asked Jack.
Danny did not move or speak for some time. Then he smiled and shook his head. "Nothing. Forget it."
He climbed the remainder of the stairs and disappeared down the hall. Maddie immediately turned to Jack.
"What was that about?" she demanded in a harsh whisper.
"I have no idea," murmured Jack.
"Do you think he knows? About what we've been doing?"
"Not even Jazz knows. How could Danny have figured out something like that on his own? He didn't exactly inherit the Fenton IQ."
Maddie rubbed her arms. "We need to watch him more closely, see if he knows anything he shouldn't. I knew we should've put a camera in his room."
"We're not going to spy on him in his room, Maddie."
"Then what do you suggest?"
Jack sighed. "I don't know. I guess just keep doing all the other highly unethical things we've been doing to him."
Maddie huffed and stormed past him back down to the lab. Even after all this time, Jack still wasn't completely on board with their greatest research objective yet.
No matter. Even without his support, she would see to it that this experiment was a triumph.
Part 15
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jorzuela ¡ 3 years
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Water
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It's important to stay hidrated!
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primofate ¡ 3 years
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Breaking up Part 2 Albedo x gn!reader
Sorry it took so long! Haha. Yeah tumblr effed over for me. But here it is! :D
Scenario: Breaking up and getting back together again
Characters: gn! reader x Albedo
Warnings: angst, break ups, regrets, did I say angst? NOT PROOFREAD
Categories: angst in Part 1, comfort in Part 2 (It was getting too long so split it into two parts)
Read:  (Part 1) (Part 3 - Final)
“Sucrose... Do you know where Y/N went?”
5 days 3 hours and 12 minutes. He’d been counting. He’d been counting since you left. It was only today that he had the courage to ask Sucrose about it. 
Sucrose jumps at the sudden call of her name. 
Albedo had not been the same. The frequent mistakes in the lab proved it. The constant slips of the hand and test tubes shattering on the floor told Sucrose that perhaps that was how his heart looked like too.
“...No, I don’t,” Sucrose simply says, then lets the silence of the lab fill the air. Only the bubbles from their experiments hanging. It was still for a moment, Sucrose going back to her calculations and research. Albedo sat in front of his alchemy set, blankly staring at it.
He doesn’t even understand what being “tired” feels like anymore. He hasn’t had a decent sleep. Every small movement in the house, every whisper of the wind he would bolt up in bed, thinking it was you coming in from the front door. Sometimes he would hear someone shuffling, he would stop and listen for you, but then realizes that the sound was the sound of his legs under the covers, trying to keep warm without you around. 
Sucrose glances up at her mentor. He’s buried his face in his hands, his hair in slight disarray. She knew what was going to happen next. He was going to stand up and just walk away from the lab, and Sucrose was not going to see him until tomorrow again. 
Tomorrow, the cycle would repeat. 
Albedo couldn’t function. It was pathetic. He really thought that he must be such a sight right now, eyes heavy with exhaustion, hair down and clothes a little unruly. He ran away from the lab again. He abandoned his “important” experiment and went back home, retreating in his room, falling on his knees and slumping on the bed in front of him.
He buried his face into his arms and tried to piece his heart back together.
“Albedo, will you ever get tired of me?”
There was a soft hint of a frown on your face. Silly you, Albedo thought. Always worried about being apart from him. He only smiles and cups your chin in his hand, leans in close to press his forehead against yours to whisper, “Never,” 
His fists clutch at the bedsheets, the fabric scrunching up under his hands. Every.damn.time. he tried to take a break, he would be reminded of you. Every thing reminded him of you. Breathing reminded him of you. It was as if you were right beside him and yet you weren’t. 
It was him. He was supposed to be the one asking “Y/N, will you ever get tired of me?” He was supposed to be the one worried. But he hadn’t been because he had taken you for granted. He thought that you’d always just be there, waiting for him patiently as you always had but now that he was alone, he realized just how lonely this silence could be.
“You must have been lonely...waiting here for me in this silence...”
His voice was muffled by the sheets, and he didn’t know who he was talking to. He did that a lot these days. Saying things that he wished you could still hear. 
The next day, just as Sucrose predicted. It was the same. Halfway through his experiment Albedo stopped, and stared at nothing in particular. She wondered if, whenever he did that, he remembered the things he said to you that day. 
But, just as Sucrose thinks today would end up the same...
it didn’t.
“Big brother Albedo!” Klee stormed into the lab, the door slamming open really loud. “Oh...I’m sorry, I didn’t check the sign... I...” Klee stepped out to look at the door sign and found “KEEP OUT” still there. “Oh no...! I did a mistake! Sorry big brother,” the little girl fumbled with her fingers and swung from side to side to show her apology. 
A hint of a smile appears on Albedo’s face and Sucrose was thunderstruck. There had been no expression on the Kreideprinz’s face for the longest time that the smile had felt so foreign. “It’s alright, Klee. Do you need help with something?” and his voice wasn’t hoarse. If there was anything that could cheer him up, it would be Klee.
He was done prioritizing his research over the people that really mattered. 
“Look what I got! I’ve never seen such a pretty flower in Mondstadt before,” Klee showed off the blue flower to Albedo, eyes shining and wide. Albedo touched the petals as Klee held it up for him. “Ah, yes, Glaze Lilies. You can only find them in Liyue, Klee,” Albedo explains. Klee bounces excitedly.
“Ohhhh! That’s amazing! Y/N must have travelled there recently!” 
The silence in the lab was deafening. Albedo’s hand drops from the flower as he looks at Klee, confused. Sucrose had stopped what she was doing, wide-eyed, staring at the young bomber. “...What do you mean, Klee?” Albedo whispered out. 
Hearing your name said by someone else made it all the more real that you weren’t here with him anymore. 
“Oh! See, Klee was in Windrise and... I was looking at the fishes...” Klee gasped a little, “Please don’t tell Master Jean!” she whispered pointedly but continued. “I saw Y/N there, and Y/N gave me a really big hug and gave me this Guh lays Lily,” the young girl got the name wrong, but Albedo hadn’t been listening anymore. He stood up and crouched down to eye level with Klee, hands on her shoulders.  “W-When, Klee?” he clears his throat and tries again, “When did this happen?” Sucrose had also been listening and watching in bated breath.  Klee gave one of her biggest, most innocent smiles, not knowing how crucial this information had been to Albedo. “Just now! I just came back from Windrise!” 
Albedo didn’t feel the slightest sorry that he bolted out of the lab without explaining to Klee. She would understand and Surcrose was there. He sprinted towards the gates of Mondstadt like his life depended on it. In some senses, it really did.
I can make it.
He was panting hard. His footsteps thundering in his ears. His breath coming in quick ins and outs. His heart is about to fly off its cage.
I can make it. It’s just outside of Mondstadt. 
Wind rushes past him, the pigeons on the bridge outside of Mondstadt, disturbed, flying away in a frenzy. Timmie shouting after him. 
Please be there. Please.
It takes him longer than he wanted. He wanted to be faster, wanted to be there already but he was still running. Still chasing after that hope. The adrenaline he feels pumps in his veins and yet he is so out of breath that he needs to stop. His hands resting on his knees as he closes his eyes and tries to get his breathing even. 
I have to keep going.
His legs were killing him. They were strained by the sudden rush of exercise and yet he still drags both towards Windrise. He could see the large tree at the horizon, but he was too far away to see if you were there. He continues to pant, steadying his breath, preparing for another burst of energy to run towards where he so desperately hoped you were.  What if you weren’t there anymore?
What if he was too late?
What if he never saw you again?
“What if it doesn’t work...?” Albedo asks, pondering over the research and discussing it with you over dinner. He loved to talk about his experiments with you because you gave valuable insights on it, and really listened to him. You smile and give him the confidence that he needs, “Then you can try again, Bedo. You always find a way!”
He’s still panting by the time he reaches the steps leading up to the large tree. His eyes dart around. He circles around in place, wondering if you were around the area. He continues forward, stepping up to the big roots and yet again looked around, trying to spot your familiar tuft of hair/colour. 
At the corner of his eye he spots something, behind the big tree. A Crystalfly. It was flying away and his eyes automatically follow it. There was a hand trying to reach out for it, but it barely grazed the Crystalfly’s wings. You stepped out from behind the tree, a little annoyed that you couldn’t catch the Crystalfly. 
Albedo feels like he’s frozen in time. He stands there and watches the wind caress your hair. Watches as you tuck your hair back behind your ear. Watches as you turn around and start walking away. He snaps back to reality and moves forward, roots and sticks cracking under his feet as he struggles through the root laden path just to get near you. 
You, hearing the disturbance from behind, turn around and was met face to face with the lover you left a few days ago. Something shatters inside you. You weren’t ready for this. You were far from ready to see him again. Why was he out here in the middle of the day? You stood still just as he did in front of you. 
You notice how his hair is sticking to his face with sweat. The fast rise and fall of his chest. The pained look in his eyes. The closed up fists on his side. “Y/N--” his voice cracks and tears start to pool in your eyes. 
You aren’t strong enough for this and you start to turn away.
Albedo rushes forward to trap you in a hug. His arms so desperately wrapped around you as his head rests on your shoulder. “Don’t,” he pleads. “Please don’t go. Come back with me, please,” there’s a different type of hopelessness in his voice. A moment later tears are streaming down your face. 
“I-I can’t Albedo. I--” can’t put myself through that again. I can’t and don’t want to be alone at home all the time. 
His body shakes and you realize it’s a sob that wracks his body. Your shoulder is slightly wet. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean it. Please.” You’ve never seen him cry. Not like this. Not as he clings to you and admits defeat. “I...I couldn’t take care of you--It’s my fault. I know, but--”
“I like Windrise. It’s very relaxing.” You say as the two of you walk around the tree, collecting materials. “Is it?” Albedo responds, stopping momentarily to look up at the tree. “You don’t think so?” you curiously ask your lover. He ponders for a moment before smiling, “I think coming home to you is a lot more relaxing,” at the early stages of your relationship hearing something like that from him would cause you to blush.
You pry his arms away and look up at him. His head is dipped low and you can’t see his face clearly, concealed by his hair. You brush his hair away and lift his head up, and you see how streaks of tears run down his cheeks. You see the sleepless nights in his eyes. The hurt that creases on his forehead. You see what your absence has done to him, and all in one moment, you think that perhaps you were too harsh on him. That you should’ve talked it out instead of leaving so abruptly but you-- “I was hurt...” your lips tremble as you try to explain. 
“I try, really hard, to make things easier for you. To care about you. I have never asked for anything grand.” You’re surprised at how level your voice is, despite feeling like you might break down just as he does. 
“I’m aware,” Albedo wipes at his face, frustrated at himself. His tears have stopped. You were talking. That must be a good sign. “I don’t--Don’t deserve you,” but he steels himself and places his hands on your cheeks. God how long had it been since he touched you like this? and wipes away the tears that were silently falling from your eyes. “But I’ll take care of you. I’ll prove your worth. I... won’t make the same mistake again,” 
And when Albedo said or promised something he was one of the few people that you believed in the most. He was trustworthy all the way, and was true to most of what he said. “You have my word... and if I do make the same error again then... Then you can leave. But right now I--” he moves to rest his forehead against yours, taking in the warmth and love that he had missed. “I’m asking for another chance,” he gulps. “Please,”
You stay quiet for a moment. Assessing the situation. But your eyes close at the closeness the two of you are in right now. There was no doubt that you still loved him. A few days would not change anything. A few days would not ruin the years that you spent together. But you were scared and guarded. You weren’t sure what would happen and if it was worth it. You were scared of being with him and being lonely. “...We... should talk and think a little bit more about this...” you conclude and give your answer, stepping away from him.
Albedo’s face grimaces in distraught, but turns into confusion when you take his hand and tugs on it slightly. “...At home, we can talk about this at home...Is that okay? Let’s go back first,” you would figure it out with him from there.
His head drops and he tries hard not to let tears escape again. He really didn’t deserve you. He didn’t deserve this kindness but he sure as hell would take it. He would take it and make it right again. He picks his head up and squeezes your hand, voice slightly soft and trembling, and smiles.
“Thank you. That’s perfect,” 
and with his hand tight on yours, because he wasn’t letting you go again, the two of you make your way back.
Should I make a part 3 with fluff and write about the aftermath and how Albedo made it up to you? Let me know :D Message me :D Love me <3
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lokis-army-77 ¡ 3 years
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If You Please
Chapter five
Bucky Barnes x Reader
Word Count: 3436
I'm bad at writing descriptions, so this is basically a reader insert into The First Avenger and then we'll see how it goes from there.
Warnings: Canon typical violence, mention of blood
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I hadn't seen Steve since the talk with Dr. Erskine yesterday afternoon. I knew that after the conversation we all had, he would know what he was meant to do. He would go into this with no questions whatsoever, just the knowledge that he would be able to help out with the war. I on the other hand was worried to death. That night I got less sleep than I ever had. I tossed and turned, but could never get comfortable. There's just something about knowing you and your brother are going to be test subjects for an experiment that hasn't had the best track record, that puts you on edge.
I did everything to try and go to sleep, but none of it helped in the slightest. When I laid there, in the dark, facing the ceiling, I thought of what life would have been like if this God-forsaken war hadn't started. Thoughts of a wedding crossed my mind. Steve walked me down the aisle towards the love of my life. If we hadn't been drugged into this war I could have been married by now, I could have started a family, I could be enjoying the rest of my life with Bucky by my side. But life never goes as planned and now Buck is thousands of miles away and I’m being experimented on.
Not just thoughts of a domestic life flew around in my head, I also thought of how this serum would affect Steve and me I. Helping to work on this experiment was one thing, being a part of it was another. All I had done for the last few years was help gather information for the doctors and scientists. I scouted recruits, I spied on copious amounts of HYDRA workers, I was a behind the scene worker, never in the spotlight of the actual experimental side. Now all that had changed and I would be participating in something I wasn’t really sure I wanted. There was no knowing what this would do to me, what the long-term and short-term effects might be, but I was willing to go through this as long as my brother was beside me. I couldn't just let him do it alone, even if this probably wasn't what I wanted for myself. From before I could remember Steve was always there with me, walking right alongside me through my battles, and I’d be damned if I didn't walk into this battle with him.
In the early morning hours, when the first birds started to chirp and the sun had barely shown itself to the world, I fell asleep, only to be awakened two hours later. The day had just begun and I already wanted to go back to sleep, I could feel the anxiety creeping back in. Without a good night's rest, I was useless. The procedure was scheduled for nine this morning and I had to be at the lab in an hour. I quickly got ready and headed out the door. When I walked down onto the street I noticed a car a few yards away from me. Peggy stepped out of the back and waved me over.
“Good morning, Agent Carter,” I called as I walked over to where she stood. I looked into the back seat and noticed Steve was sitting on the other side of the car. He looked at me and gave me a small wave. “You didn’t have to come pick me up, the lab is only two blocks away, I could have walked there.”
“Don't worry about it Rogers, It was your brother's idea to come get you. He said something about anxiety and operations. Said it would be best to come get you so he could help ease the nerves.” She said before she ushered me into the back seat and closed the door. She then walked around the car and got into the passenger seat.
“Morning shortly, don’t you look chipper this morning,” Steve stated as I slumped in the seat.
I slowly looked over at him and groaned out “I can’t believe you told her I get anxious about operations and needed your help to calm down.”
“Oh you know you need me, I can tell you only got a few hours of sleep. I bet you were up all night tossing and turning,” he stated matter of factly. He grabbed my right arm and pulled me over to him so he could give me a hug. I laid my head on his shoulder and watched as the car made its way down the block. “You’ve always needed someone to help you get over the anxiousness before any type of medical type thing. Now just sit here and calm down, I can hear how fast your heart is going.”
He wasn’t lying, any medical thing I have ever gone to has made me stressed out. Even just going into the doctor's office to get a prescription filled me with enough anxiety to explode. I could feel my heart beating a mile a minute the closer we got to the building the lab was in. Having Steve with me was easing it to a bearable amount but I still felt nauseous. When the car stopped outside of an old antique store we all got out and walked into the shop. I barely noticed Peggy reciting the code phrase to the woman at the front, then we were on our way to the back and going through a set of hidden doors. I grabbed Steve's hand and held onto it so tightly that I’m sure he could feel my pulse throbbing in my fingers. We made our way past several MPs to the observing deck of the lab and looked down at the several scientists in the room. They all spotted us quickly and came to a stop. I looked over at Steve and he looked at me, a quick glint of concern flashed over his face. I then looked to Peggy and she gave a stiff nod and started to descend the set of stairs to her right and Steve and I followed.
We three made our way to the platform in the middle of the room where Dr. Erskine met us. “Good morning,” he said cheerfully while he shook Steve’s hand and then mine. “Are you both ready?” I nodded my head nervously while eyeing the two large equipment pieces that were side by side. I winced as a sudden flash went off. A man, standing off to the side, had taken a picture of the encounter. Dr. Ersikne has shooed him off as soon as he had, telling him not to do that now. “Well, if you are both ready I will need you two to take your shoes, tie, and shirts off. Mr. Rogers, please take your cap off as well. Agent Rogers, I’m sorry if this is uncomfortable, we need to be able to access your biceps and the top of your chest.”
I slowly started to take my shoes off, then moved onto my tie and then my blazer and blouse. All I could think of at the moment was that this was all happening way too fast. The nervousness and anxiety I felt heavily outweigh the embarrassment I should have felt, being in a large room surrounded by men in only my bra and a pair of trousers. I was then told to then lay down on one of the machines in the center of the room.
“Agent Rogers, These are just some questions I have to ask before we get started,” said a nurse who had appeared next to me with a clipboard. “Is your date of birth August 3, 1921?”
“Yes,” I replied.
“Have you had anything to eat or drink in the last 12 hours?”
“No, I have not”
“Okay then, we're good to go. I’ll just give you a shot of penicillin and then Dr. Erskine will come and start the procedure. As I laid there all I could hear was my heart beating in my ears. I watched as another nurse came to me and brought down two metal arms with rectangular pads attached to the end. They went right to the top of my chest and felt cold against my exposed skin. More nurses walked around me and starters putting vials of blue liquid into slots in the machine.
Dr. Erskine then appeared between Steve and me. Nodding at both of us he started the count down to the serum infusion. I saw another two rectangular pads come down towards my upper arms. I winced as I felt the needles on the pads insert into my arm. When the count down reached one I felt the serum being pushed into me through the rectangular pads. I gasped loudly, it was an unexplainable pain, Ilke fire was surging throughout my entire body. Then the machine started to rise and three panels with lots of lights came up and closed around me. I was taking deep breaths in order to not hyperventilate. Then came a tap on the glass that was right in front of my head. “Agent Rogers, are you ready?” Dr. Erskine called.
“As ready as I can be” I called back. He walked away from the glass and then the machine started to make a low rumbling sound. I closed my eyes and balled my hands uptight. The lights on the panels started to glow brighter and brighter through my eyelids. Soon the lights began to emit heat. I could feel it growing hotter and hotter until finally, I couldn't keep the feeling of the pain inside anymore. I felt my throat scratch as I let out a scream. The heat kept intensifying but I held on.
I could hear yelling from outside the machine. “Turn it off! Turn it off! Shut it down now!” someone was yelling.
I had come so far I couldn’t stop now. “No,” I yelled, “I can do it. Keep it on!” The light then became so bright it was like my eyes weren't even close like I was staring at the sun. The rumbling in my ears became overwhelming and I let out another scream. Suddenly everything went dark and the heat was gone. My breathing became labored and I let my body relax back onto the cushion behind me. The panels retracted and a gust of cold air surrounded me.
I could hear a ringing in my ears as I weakly stepped out of the machine. A few nurses and scientists caught me before my legs gave out. “Did we do it?” I stuttered out.
“I think we did. How are you feeling?” asked Dr. Erskine while handing me a shirt.
“Sweaty. Where’s Steve?” I looked around for him but the room started to fill with more people. Out of nowhere a loud bang when off and glass shot everywhere. I fell to the ground and heard gunshots ring out. Looking up I saw Dr. Erskine fall to the ground. I scrambled over to him and noticed another person bend down across from me on his opposite side. It was Steve, albeit he was a taller and more muscular Steve. I quickly refocused on the Doctor in my arms. He was struggling to breathe and as he took his last breath he pointed to Steve's heart and then went limp. I looked back up to Steve and watched as his face contorted in anger. He shot up from his squatted-down position and took off up the stairs and into the hallway. I followed suit yelling his name.
I reached the front door to the antique shop right as Steve tackled Peggy to the ground to save her from a cab almost running over her. “I had him,” she yelled at him.
“Sorry,” He called back. He started to run in the direction the cab had gone and I took off right behind him. Running down the street, I had noticed that I was running faster than I could before, I was catching up to Steve and the cab.
I saw the cab start to turn and I yelled out to Steve. “Steve, he's headed for the docks!” I kept running and took a sharp turn down the next alleyway. I hoped I would catch them before they go too far. After running straight to the docks I spotted the cab, with Steve hanging off the side of the door, hit a truck, and started rolling down the street sideways. I ran to where Steve had fallen when he let go of the door. I helped him to his feet while eyeing the man who emerged from the wrecked cab. He pulled a gun and shot at both of us before running onto pier 13. Steve grabbed the broken off door from the cab and averted to follow the gunman when he shot at us again. The man grabbed a nearby child and put the gun to his head.
“Get back” he yelled, “get back or I’ll shoot him.” He dragged the kid over to a small ally. I could hear the kid yelling to the man to let him go. Steve started to go after him, but before he could, I stopped him.
“Steve we have to think carefully about this. We can't go in blind, he might hurt the boy.”
“You're right. You go around the back and I’ll take him from the front. I’ll draw the fire and you get the kid.” I gave a quick nod and scurried off to the back entrance of the building. I snuck around the corners to keep from being seen and soon found myself behind the man and child. Steve rounded the corner and the man put the gun back to the boy's head. “Stop, don’t do it,” Steve called. The man then pointed the gun at Steve and pulled the trigger, but nothing happened, He was all out of bullets. In what was a last-ditch effort he tossed the boy over the side of the dock and into the water. I quickly dove in after him.
Coming up out of the water I spotted the boy treading water close to the wall. “Are you okay?” I asked him.
“Yes ma’am,” he said, spitting out water. Steve then ran over to look over into the water at us, the boy waved him on. “Go get him, I can swim,” he called up at him. I gave Steve a look and he sprinted off after the gunman.
“Come on kid, let's get you out of here.” I swam over towards him and led us to one of the recessed wall ladders. I helped him climb up the steep wall and when we both made it onto the solid ground I helped him ring out his clothes. “Go on and find your mother, I have to go help stop that man.” He quickly ran off and I turned to sprint down the pier to find Steve.
I couldn’t find either Steve or the gunman when I made it to the end of the dock. I knew they had gone into the water, there was no other way off. I watched the water waiting to see signs of either of them. Then unexpectedly the gunman was thrown out of the water and at my feet. I bent down quickly and grand at the lapels of his jacket, knocking the vile of serum from his pocket. Steve climbed out of the water and came to my side. “Who the hell are you?” he yelled at the man.
The gunman responded with “The first of many. Cut off one head and two more will take its place. Hail Hydra.” After he promptly bit down on a cyanide pill and died. I looked to Steve with a shocked expression.
“Shit. This isn’t good,” I mumbled.
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After the whole chase, Steve and I were brought back to the lab. Blood work had to be done. Since all the serum, with the exception of the vile the gunman had stolen, had been used on the two of us, the only way to recreate the serum and possibly keep project rebirth going was in our blood. Peggy explained all of this to Steve as they finished drawing several vile of his blood.
“He deserved more than this,” commented Steve. Peggy looked to him with soft eyes.
“He’d be proud that you're the one it worked on, he’d be proud of both of you,” She affirmed.
“Thanks, Peg,” I said as I lifted myself up off the cot and headed to the door. She and Steve followed. We made our way to the bottom floor where Howard Stark was working on the small submarine the gunman used to try and escape. Colonel Phillips stood a few feet away from him with Senator Brandt. I overheard them talking of Hydra, but before I could explain to the senator who they were, Peggy beat me to it.
Colonel Phillips turned to us, “I have word that the SSR is being retasked. Pack your bags Agent Carter, Agent Rogers, You too Stark. We will be flying out to London tonight.”
“Sir?” Steve called out. “If you’re going after hydra, I want in.”
“You’re an experiment Rogers, you’re being sent to Alamogordo.” The Coronel asserted.
“But Coronel the serum worked, I can help.”
“Son, I asked for an army and all I got was you and your sister. You both aren't enough, at least Agent Rogers was on this team before the experiment happened.” the Colonel started to walk away again, but stopped when I called out to him.
“With all due respect Sir. I refuse to go anywhere without Steve. Either I go with him or he comes with me. I won't take no for an answer Sir.” The look he gave me could have killed but I couldn't care less.
“Agent Rogers, You better be on that plane by the time it takes off or you can kiss this job goodbye. Rogers can’t come with you either, I won't allow it.” He commanded and stormed out of the room.
The Senator spoke up then. “I think the Coronel here is missing the point. I've seen you in action, Steve. The country has seen it too. See here,” He hands Steve a newspaper, “The enlistment lines have been around the block since you came out in the paper. The people need a symbol, and you don't put a symbol in a lab.” He took Steve by the arm and led him off a few feet, but I could still hear him. “Would you like to serve your country on the most important battlefield of all?”
“Sir, that's all I have ever wanted to do,” Steve says.
“Well then son, you’ve just been promoted.” Said the Senator as he shook Steve's hand. I could already tell this wasn’t going to go the way Steve thought it would.
“Steve, Come here a second,” I called and walked over to a secluded corner of the room. I waited for him to come to me. “Steve, he's not going to give you the fight you want to be a part of. I wouldn’t take his offer,” I warned.
“It’s okay, I want to be a part of this fight in any way I can. You shouldn’t stay behind because of me. You have important work you need to do, go with the Coronel and Agent Carter.” Steve said, almost sounding like he was begging me to go with them.
“I said I wasn’t going without you. I don’t want you to do this alone, we’ve always had each other, why stop now?”
“Kid, I know you want to be here with me, to give me your support, but you have an important job. People are relying on you, you can't just do that job because of me. I’ll be fine, look at me, I’m not some sickly kid from Brooklyn anymore.”
“You know, I hate when you’re right.” I crossed my arms and huffed. “Fine, I’ll go with them, just know I will not enjoy a moment of this.”
“Thank you.” he pulled me into a strong hug.
“One more thing. How come you got taller and really buff? I just got more defined muscles, that's not fair.” I complained and he just laughed and shook his head.
“Go pack your bags kid, I'll see you soon.” He gave me a small push towards the door and just like that I was off to the war front.
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Taglist: @underc0vercryptid-reads
48 notes ¡ View notes
dreamer213 ¡ 3 years
Text
Broken machines: Lights The Dark
Chapter 1 Lovely Day
Italicized: Narration
Bold: Inner Thoughts
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Staring at the foot of Pyrrha Nikos I am broken and helpless. I can not move, I can not hear anything, half of my body has been torn off and is laying a foot away from the rest of me, and my vision is fading.
My systems, my strength, even my voice are…failing.
EVERYTHING IS FAILING! ITS SO DARK! I CANT SEE ANYTHING! I CANT GET UP! MY LEGS! I CANT MOVE! I CANT! I CANT! GENERAL! DAD! ANYONE! SOMEBODY PLEASE HELP ME!
This is horrible. I feel like I still being crushed. I feel-I feel… Scared? It this what scared feels like? Or is it….. death? Am I dying? No no NO! That can’t be it! This can’t be it! I just made my first friends, I just entered my first Vytal Festival Tournament, I just started really living my life it can’t just end. Not here not like this……….Daddy please help me.
…..I….I don’t want to die.
I DON’T WANNA DIE!!!!!!
At that moment Penny’s eyes shot open as she wakes from her nightmare. She sits up in a state of pure distress, taking short panicked breaths, her pajamas and hair are disheveled and the cable in her back ,the connector for her power station, has become loose from its socket from her violent shaking. She looks down at the blanket covering the lower half of her body, with a shaky hand Penny pulls back the covers to reveal not the broken and mangled pair from her nightmare but a set of perfectly attached, full intact, pale and freckle dusted legs. This sight calms her and pulls Penny full out of her daze, she pulls the cable out then flops down on the bed, her eyes glow softly.
Systems Overview:
Optics: Fully Functional
Hearing: Fully Functional
Nerves: Fully Functional
Weapons Systems: Fully Functional
Temperature Gauge: Fully Functional
Power Storage: Fully Functional………………
All Systems Are Functioning And Full Operational.
Penny: Pffft, It was just another dream. That marks two weeks and four days between this dream and the last dream, five weeks and two days from the one before that and two months from very the first. I’ll have to inform the General about this if it continues.
She shakes her head in dismissal
….No that would be useless. Informing him will result in me being sent to the lab for some diagnostic tests and a few scans. And since my systems aren’t showing any signs of error it’ll just be waste of time and resources. And we can’t afford to waste more of ether. Not now (Sighs).
She reaches into the drawer of her nightstand and pulls out a book and pen, she makes a few quick notes then return the items to their place, gets up, and begins her preparations for day ahead. She brushes her teeth, changes into her work clothes, tidies up her hair, puts on and securing her rocket boots, grabs her backpack, then heads down stairs. Right after turning back around for one last mirror check before she goes.
She arrives down stairs to see her Dad setting up the table with two plates of breakfast and two mugs, one filled with coffee, the other strawberry milk. As he finishes up Pietro spots Penny making her way towards him. He smiles brightly, his little girl is up bright and early again today.
Pietro: Good Morning, Sunshine of mine.
Penny: Good morning Dad.
Pietro: How are you doing this morning?
Penny: I am functioning optimally and all my systems and programs are running correctly.
Pietro: What about the “dreams” ? Are you still having them?
Penny: N-no I have not. (Hiccup)
Pietro: Uh Huh. Now Penny you know that I love you ,and you know I will always be there whenever you need me. But I can’t help you when you need me if you don’t tell me.
Penny: But there isn’t anything you can do about this. This isn’t an error or virus or anything to do with my specs or my hardware, there’s nothing wrong with me for you to fix.
Pietro: Not everything is matter fixing broken parts, sometimes it’s more a matter understanding emotions and talking about hardships. I’d be happy to help you with both whenever you want.
Penny: Thank you Dad but I do not think that will be of any significant help with this problem. And with the increase of my responsibilities, the rise in overall military activity and “ the project” I cannot add another issue to my daily routine. So please let’s just leave this problem be, just for little while.
Pietro: I understand I wouldn’t bother you about anymore. Now come here eat your breakfast, the foods getting cold.
Penny: Dad I don’t need to eat.
Pietro: But you can eat and makes you happy, isn’t that a good enough reason for doing it.
Penny: Okay, okay but I only have ten minutes and fifty three seconds to spare. If I stay any longer I’ll be running behind schedule.
Pietro: Well we can’t have that now can we? Better sit down and eat while you can!
Penny quickly takes a seat in front of her plate. She looks at her meal, two sunny side up eggs two pieces of welled spiced sausage and white toast cut into two triangles. She takes a deep inhale, picks up her fork, and takes her first bite. The eggs have warm welcoming taste as the yolk isn’t too runny and the whites are just the right amount of chewy. The sausage is tender and juicy, the rich meat flavor with a of spicy kick makes hard to stop from eating too fast. And rounding up the plate the wonderful toast has come out just right today, not too soft nor too burnt with a generous amount of butter on top. A pure blanket of soft crunchy buttery goodness. But once the food all gone the only way to finish up a proper breakfast is with a morning beverage. For today that morning beverage is cold and sweet strawberry milk. A creamy and sweet way to put some sugar and vitamin D into your morning.
It’s nothing special really, just a simple everyday meal but for Penny ,someone so new to the practice of eating and enjoying food, it is a moment of pure and utter bliss.~
Penny: Delicious as always, thanks Dad.
Penny gets up and turns to leave.
Pietro: Wait! Aren’t you forget something?
Penny: The dishes?
Pietro: No.
Pietro goes over to her, spreads his arms out, and gestures to her.
Penny: Oh!
Penny leans down and warps her arms around him. She stays like this just long enough to soak in her father’s warmth, he give her a kiss on the head as she pulls away.
Pietro: I love you Sweetheart.
Penny: I love you too Dad. I’ll be home before 10 pm.
Penny walks to the door gives her dad a quick wave and is out the door. Once on the streets she clicks the heels of her rocket boots to active them then takes off into the sky to begin her daily responsibilities.
7:30 AM to 12:00 PM Patrol Mantle’s streets
After a quick aerial scan of streets below Penny lands a starts to survey the area, everything seems to be in order store owners are opening their shop doors, groups of children are walking to school, the buses transporting the mine and factory workers, though noticeably less full then usual, are running according to the schedule, and the late night patrons of Sammy’s Pub are finally heading home from another night of intoxication. Mr. Calves, a man known for being a destructive alcoholic, is slumped against the building and losing consciousness fast.
Penny: Mr. Calves please leave this area and return to your home immediately. The owner of this establishment has already stated several times that you can no longer loiter here after business hours and has asked to have you trespassed if you refuse.
Claves looks at Penny with disgust as he shakily stands up. He downs the remaining liquid in his bottle, he then swings the empty bottle at Penny’s head! Once the bottle is within inches of her face Penny grips him by his forearm, applying just enough pressure to stopping him in his tracks. While holding him steadily Penny calmly takes the bottle from his hand and gingerly places it on ground, straights up Calves’s clothes, then looks up and makes eye contact.
Penny: I repeat please leave the area and return home. Or I will have you trespassed and will have to take you to the near military station.
Calves finally takes the hit and skiddes away. As he leaves Penny turns her attention back towards the streets just in time to see a group of small children heading to school. A little boy with light blue hair and a little gap in his teeth notices her while walking with his friends.
“Hey it’s Ms. Penny!” he shouts, this grabs the attention of the other children as they all turn their heads at the mention of the friendly neighborhood protector.
Soon there was swarm of little hands waving wildly and a chorus of “Hi Ms. Penny” “Good Morning Ms. Protector” and “ Hi Ms. Hero” can be heard from blocks away as the parents tried their hardest to get their awestruck children to keep on their way with little success. Penny smiled brightly and waved back at them, this had become her favorite part of her morning patrols since she was tasked with the role of Mantle’s Protector. After a month or so of handling both the Grimm and crime in Mantle the people had began to recognize her as somewhat of a neighborhood hero. Although they would not approach her often most adults would wave to her as she passes by them during patrols. The children would look at her with fascination and wonder asking all sorts of questions like how she flew, why was she was so strong, and if she could give them a ride on her back while she fled around! And the elder, especially the older woman, would treat her like one would a sweet child, telling her not to stay out too late, reminding her to wear thicker clothes when it got cold, and would give her small treats like candies, small cookies, and leftover baked goods whenever they had the chance.
This is what gives her work so much meaning. The comfort and happiness she saw in their eyes, that’s what Penny was protecting, that’s what she’d repeat to herself whenever things got difficult. As long as the people, her people, were safe she could handle whatever role or new responsibility the higher ups decide to throw at her. As long as she could fight they could smile and as long they could smile she could fight.
“RING” “RING” “RING”
Penny’s scroll rings, a loud blaring alarm, it’s a status update from the security officers in charge of the surveillance drones there are two on going altercation happening sixteen blocks away, a small fire twelve blocks east, One large Grimm at the southern most edge that’s proving to be a problem for the morning squadron, and a small pack of Grimm making their way towards one of mines due southeast. In summary a normal morning in Mantle.
Penny: And like clockwork my morning peace has comes to an end. If I help with the fire first and handle the altercations a few blocks ahead then fly max speed across town to get to the Grimm I should be able to cut off the pack just before they reach the mine.
She puts her scroll away and turns to take off but not before giving the crowd one more wave as she clicks her heels and twirls as she jets up into the air. She then does a very showy wink and peace sign for the crowd and flys off.
1:00pm to 4:00 pm Training With Military Huntsman
After cutting off and taking down the pack of Grimm Penny heads to the military training center to add the other hunters as they hon their skills in biweekly training sessions. Now most days Penny will just set the facilities to train the specific skills each team needs to work on for both group and individual training. But Penny will join in if a session requires another person or if she is specifically requested. Today is Team FNKI’s turn and they’ve requested that Penny train with them, though it was more like Neon begged for two full hours to have Penny join them so she could play with Penny’s “pretty light swords”.
Once the boys are all set with their individualized training, Neon and Penny are left at the center for a 1 vs 1 sparing match. Neon playful circles Penny rainbow trailing behind her. She smiles coley ,twirling her her nunchucks and her tail, as though she doesn’t have a care in the world.
Neon: you ready to dance Penny? Cause I’ve been dying to see if those cute swords of yours are more then just a light show.
Penny: I can assure you Neon Katt my swords are indeed military grade weapons, the lights are an indicator of the connection between them and my systems so I may use them freely. They are also optimal for fighting in the dark and at night.
Neon: And you just ruined the joke killjoy. So if you’re done talking I’m just gonna beat cha with my chucks, ‘Kay.
Neon changes her stance then charges at Penny, she swings her chucks wildly at Penny trying to land a hit. Penny dodges her rapid attacks for a bit but that soon fails as Neon only grows more fierce with each swing. Neon closing in she’s just about to landing a hit but when she brings down her chucks something blocks her, she loses her balance and is pushed back. Once she regains her composure she see Penny with one of her swords in hand and smile on her face. Penny looks at her for a second then let’s go of her blade letting it flow upward to above her head. Once’s it there she releases the rest of her arsenal, the blades fanning out around her like a peacock’s tail creating a beautiful but deadly display. Penny raises her hand to Neon and gestures for her to make a move.
Game on.
The girls continue their sparing for the duration of the session, when the time almost up the door to the training room is swung open. The elegant Winter Schnee enters the room with a loud bang, grabbing everyone’s attention and stopping them dead in their tracks.
Winter: Team FNKI Your session is over please clear out so the next group may enter.
With that the boys grab their things and start head towards the door while Neon stands there sulking.
Neon: Aww man, But I wanted to play some more.
Flynt: Kitty no it’s time to go, say goodbye to your friend.
Neon: Ugggh, fine..
Neon begins to leave, looking upset and defeated she skates to the door but right as she’s about to leave she perks up and skates back to Penny.
Neon: You have your scroll on you?
Penny: Yes.
Neon: Gimme it like Now!
Penny hands Neon her scroll, Neon starts fiddling with the scroll until she finds the app she’s looking for then starts typing. Once she’s done she hands the scroll back to Penny.
Neon: If you’re ever bored or want tickets to our next concert hit me up ‘Kay.
Penny: Okay?
Neon: Awesome, and don’t worry about calling too late I’m a real night owl.
Flynt: KITTY!
Neon: OKAY! Bye Penny Pop, later Winter Wonder. See you losers in few days!
Neon rolls out of the room while Flynt looks back apologetically before leaving with the rest of his team. Penny and Winter are left standing in the room in an awkward silence.
Winter: Penny, go change the settings for the room to my presets.
Penny: Right away Ma’am
Winter: And Penny.
Penny: Yes Ma’am?
Winter: Don’t get distracted. We don’t have time for distribution.
Penny: Yes of course Ma’am.
Penny leaves the room and heads to the control room to change the settings. Once she’s finished she call a co-worker to take over as she grabs her things and leaves for her next task.
5:00 pm to 8:00 pm Filling Out Reports At The Military Outpost
After a quick flight from the training center Penny heads to the nears Military Outpost or Military Station to fill out reports on petrols, arrests, Grimm sightings and kills, and any oddity or security issues she might have noticed in between her commutes are the cities. Basically everything that needs to go on record throughout the day was to written and submitted at this time.
This was is the part of the day Penny dislike the most. After hours of detaining criminal, fighting Grimm, training with military huntsman, and keeping the community safe sitting at a computer, in an uncomfortable chair and typing everything out for hours on end was truly mental draining. Recounting an entire day down to the mundane details, filling out arrest form after arrest form, document after document is just so soul sucking and horrible. But this what she and every military member had to do when their work day comes to an end in order to keep the system running.
Penny walks in to the station she shows her identification to the front desk assistant, she is then given a usb, and boozed into the main building. Once she’s in she looks for the nears open computer, once she finds it she sits down, logs in to the system, inserts the usb, and gets to work.
After two hours of typing away Penny’s close to finishing her work a bit earlier the usual when Chief Stones, the man in charge of the station, comes running towards her with a phone in hand.
Stones: Poledina, I just got off the phone with the southwest shipping facility. They need some extra security on today’s shipment transfer and they asked for you specifically, so get down there.
Penny: Yes Sir.
Stones: And don’t forget to come back and finish your reports once you’re done.
Penny: ………Yes Sir.
After saving her work and removing the usb Penny grabs her things, heads outside and straight to the sky. After a near hour or so of flying Penny spots the facility coming up on the horizon. She’s getting closer when suddenly a truck comes zooming past her at an intense speed. It’s the shipping truck! But why is it going so fast? Where was the security detail that was supposed to be escorting them? And why is it going off the normal route? Penny stops and gets ready to jet off after the truck when-
“ HELP! SOMEBODY HELP US!”
That’s when Penny turn back and sees smoke. The truck could wait someone was in danger and she was the only one there to help. She flys towards the screaming only to find it’s the security detail! The vans been thrown on it’s side and a fires broke out. The guards have made out of the vehicle but most are injured some are unconscious the strongest of them is waving Penny down with one arm while keeping a wound close with the other.
Penny: Penny Poledina Mantle Main Security, What happened here?
Long: Seth Long Transport Security, there was a breach at the facility it turned out false alarm but once we got back they’d already set off smoke bombs in loading dock and ran off with the truck. We tried catch up with them but I think they saw it coming they set off some sort of trap and blow us off the road. Our van got flipped 5 of my men were injured 3 are out cold there was nothing we could.
Penny: We need to get you and your men to a medic right now-
Long: WAIT! There’s 1 man still in that van, he was driving when we gave chase and got stuck when we crashed. He’s names Tony, please you gotta save him.
Penny looks at the man for a moment, the desperation and fear clear in his eyes, she rips a piece off her skirt and uses it to dress Long’s wound then heads for the van. It doesn’t take her long to spot Tony, he has multiple injuries, has breathed in a lot of smoke, and is losing consciousness. Penny pulls out one of her swords and cuts him out the seatbelt. Once he’s free she gently picks him up and jets up and out of the van. When they’re back on solid ground she sets Tony down next to Long, Long gingerly pats Tony’s head and mouths “thank you” to Penny before his strength finally gives and he passes out. Penny pulls out her scroll and calls for medical attention, in the meantime she does everything she can to keep the men stable until help arrives.
It takes a few hours for everything to get cleared up but soon everything has documented and everyone in need of medical attention has either been seen or sent to the hospital for a few nights stay. With that Penny quickly heads back to the station to wraps up her reports for the day then heads home. It’s one thirty in the morning, it been a very long day and all Penny can think about is getting home, taking off her boots, getting out of her now dirty work clothes, and getting some sleep. Before she knows it she’s standing at her front door, she grabs her keys and quietly opens the door trying her hardest not to make too much noise so she doesn’t wake her dad, only to find him waiting for her at the table with a warm plate of chicken and rice with tomato soup. Penny smiles at him and heads to table for a nice late dinner and some family time. Once dishes are done and Dad’s gone off to bed Penny goes to her room, she takes off her boots, grabs some clean pajamas and heads to her bathroom she then washes off the day’s dirty and grime, puts on her pjs and heads to her bed. Once she’s in her bed she plugs herself into her power station, tucks herself with her nice warm blankets, snuggle her head into her pillow, and falls into a hard earned and well deserved night sleep.
17 notes ¡ View notes
nade2308 ¡ 3 years
Text
First Lines of Last 20....
Guidelines: List the first lines of your last 20 stories (if you have less than 20,  just list them all.) Choose your favorite opening line, tag some friends!
Tagged by @impossiblepluto. Thanks friend!
(And just as always, I deviate from the mold and I give you more than just the first lines and/or my favorite lines 😈)
1. You don't know you are beautiful
Jack was so pissed. He was thrumming with nervous energy and was itching for a fight. Especially with that good for nothing, piece of shit, pretentious and pompous guy they were sent to retrieve because he had valuable intel the Phoenix stumbled upon by chance.
2. Catch you when you fall
Scott was always ready to push himself further, just that one step towards the tipping point. He thought if he went harder, and longer, that it will yield better results, but it wasn't always the case. That frustrated him even more and then he was angry at himself for doing that to himself and his friends. And to his dad. His dad who bent himself forwards and backwards to make sure Scott had everything he needed and more.
3. Coming home to you
You know that feeling when you want something so bad, but you have to wait for it? Yeah, Mac was feeling like that now. He was this close to losing it after the op ended. He couldn't wait to get back to Jack. Well, get back to Jack and get laid in the process.
4. "There's still time to change the road you're on"
Jack was in Texas for the birthday of his nephew and it just happened that his nephew was best friends with the kid of one of Jack's old flames. Well, more like a summer relationship, but seventeen year old Jack thought she was it. They had a thing that was actually cute and sweet. He took her out on dates at the local pizza place, and she took him to community events.
5. 98.Separated
Alina Chernyshevsky was a Russian scientist working at a lab in LA, on a scholarship who was kidnapped by a rogue crime group almost a week ago. The Phoenix was tasked with recovering her and capturing any of the members of the group they could find. It turned out that the son of a banker, the daughter of a businessman and the brother and sister, the kids of one of the most powerful Romanian crime groups had one thing in common. They wanted to get out from under the shadow that their parents put them in. So they formed their own union, and thanks to the ties Andrei Bogdan, their leader, had from his father's world, they quickly made their way up in the underground dark world. Climbing up the ladders, they did the odd jobs here and there, hits on important people for hire, and it was based on their combined knowledge of the finances, the system and the law, that they stayed undetected and under the radar for so long. Until Alina discovered some sample or another in the lab that was brought for testing and she made herself a target and was kidnapped in broad daylight.
6. Dye Hard
It wasn't like it was something he was dying to try. He was just looking at pictures of people with wonderfully done hair. Which happened to also be dyed in all the colors of the rainbow and more. It was just research. For an experiment. He was sure he was going to be told off again for experimenting so he kept it just to himself.
7. Sweet child o' mine
Riley woke up to the persistent ringing of her phone. She was having a very nice dream, drinking mai-tai's, at the Hilton Hawaiian Village, and now she was brought back to reality by the shrill tone of her phone.
8. Mac and Jack + softness
They had experienced bad missions before. It wasn't that uncommon, since almost every mission they worked on turned bad real fast. But there were some missions that took bad to the next level.
9. Jack + migraine + birthday
Mac was shivering even with the blanket wrapped around him. They were on their exfil flight, and the heat was on for his sake, but Mac's worry wasn't for himself, but for Jack. Jack, who was squinting at the bright sky and had his head tilted in an awkward angle because apparently he was hurting. And Mac had a pretty good idea what was the cause.
10. 9.Helpless
The drive back to Mac's place was a blur. Jack focused on the road and tried not to think of what they were told or the treatment that might have reversed all of their hard work on making Mac's hands heal and be okay.
11. 72.Painless
When Mac first noticed the car that was tailing him, he was several blocks away from Jack's place. They were supposed to have a movie night with the team, Jack already texted him to tell Mac that Riley was there with him.
12. 26.Flinch
Mac jerked away from the hand that was shaking his shoulder and immediately backed up to the corner of the bed. Someone was talking in a low voice, but Mac was still a bit disoriented and couldn't place the voice. Or the words.
13. 12.Confusion & 26. flinch
When Mac woke up, he could tell that something was different. There wasn't a creepy stare to watch over him, nor the blinking dot on the camera in the corner.
14. 5.Bruised
Jack let his kid take his fill by looking him up and down. Jack knew that he looked a little bit worse for wear, but that was normal in their line of work. This time however, it was from something else. And judging by the way Mac was eyeing him, he didn't manage to hide it well.
15. 56. Begging
Mac wanted to scream. It was hurting him to just breathe, but the pain was unbearable. He didn't know if the lash that caught his side, or the one that split the skin above the small of his back, hurt more.
16. Jack Sr. + Wrist Cuff
It takes all his willpower not to go back to the room he just vacated. He promised Riley and Mac that he'll take a break. It was nonnegotiable. Mac went so far as to tell him to go and take a good sleep. That Mac wasn't going to vanish again. He promised.
17. Fire Pit + Nightmares
Mac didn't know what woke him up. He's sure it was something and not a sound he made up in his dream. Mac turned around in bed and for a moment he was a bit disoriented. He blinked a few times and then looked at the digital watch on his nightstand. It was a little after 2am.
18. "Whenever your world starts crashing down, that's when you'll find me"
"Hours later (Jack's not sure about the time, he left his watch at home) the party is dying down. He is watching the night lights twinkling in the distance, mixed with lights from building windows, and homes and offices. LA is alive as always, traffic present even in this late hour. Everyone knows that NYC is the city that never sleeps, but Jack wants to argue how LA doesn't fall far behind the Big Apple. Especially since Jack has watched this city in all the times of day and night and can attest to that."
19. Si te doy mi corazĂłn, lo tratarĂĄs con ternura
1. Tickling
Mac was studying for an exam and Jack was bored. It was one of those days. Really, there was a lot to be done in the house, and Jack barely had a time for himself and Mac these days, but on a rare night where he had absolutely nothing of importance to do… and Jack was bored. 
20. The Center of Their World
Mac was writhing in Jack's lap, and Jack moaned at the drag of Mac's cock against his hip as Jack had Mac's ass spread and a finger inside him already.  He instinctively backed up against the headboard of their ridiculously big bed, and threw his head out because the contact between him and Mac was explosive in the least.
Tagging: @sabbystarlight @82tweeder @dixons-mama @improvidus @panchostokes @erinsworld @nativestarwrites @kerkerian @starryhc @thesammykinz @dont-stop-believin-in-klaine @demonicsoulmates @rai-knightshade @telltaleclerk and whoever sees this and wants to do it, consider yourself tagged.
13 notes ¡ View notes
sweetchup ¡ 4 years
Text
A Helping Hand
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Type: Shalnark x reader
Au?: Savior Au. Normal Au.
Word count: 5,300+ (oof, Shalnark fans are going to be well fed)
Warnings: Spoliers from Manga Chapter 357+, Blood/gore, Cursing, Bad Coworker, Character Death, PTSD, Slight Angst, Fluff, I’m not a doctor and even if I did research not everything here is going to be accurate and correct
Author note: Honestly, I should’ve spent today working on my 100 follower special but I accidentally had a intresting thought after watching the phantom troupe fighting chimera ants. So... I grew back my love for smiley boi Shalnark and I had a thought about an intresting scenario. So, you ended up with this.
(Pt.2)—>
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“You on your dinner break, (Y/n)?” Evan, your coworker says. You watch as he leans over the counter of the desk of the intensive care unit and raises an eyebrow at you as you chew on your taco salad. You squint your eyes at the man and gesture to your salad, like “seriously it’s obvious”. Evan laughs but soon let’s out a groan and stretches.
“You okay?” You say sloppily due to you still eating your salad. Afterall, you only had half an hour allowed to eat dinner before going back to work.
“Eh. Rough shift.” Evan says and Groans again as his hand massages over a specific muscle on his shoulder, “Did you hear about the situation down at Heaven’s Arena?”
You shake your head, you hadn’t heard anything today due to the number of patients you had to attend to in the intensive care unit. It was usually pretty crazy here after all. Though, there are some pretty bad cases that come into the emergency department as well, which Evan worked at, especially from Heaven’s Arena. So this wasn’t anything usual.
“Basically, there was a death match between floor masters Hisoka Morow and Chrollo Lucilfer.”
“Yeesh, so one of them came in still half alive?” You mumble, cringing at the thought. You dislike the brutality of what happens at some of the floors. It just wasn’t needed most of the time, especially with what almost happened to a boy named Gon, who Evan took care of.
“No. Worse. One of them manipulated most of the crowd and blew up the top floor so we have multiple casualties being rushed in.”
“Well, shouldn’t you be there right now?”
“Just got off shift. I’m staying, of course, just in case, but I’m waiting for them to check with the supervis—“
“Just wheel him out of here! He’s practically brain dead already!!” A screech resounds around the Intensive Care Unit as a slam of door comes after.
“But, Miss—“
“No! I said to pronounce him dead.”
You and Evan whip your head around to see what the yelling about, but you soon cringe as you see who it is. It was Sala Monodo, one of the head surgeons in charge of the Emergency Department. She was a really good surgeon but a greedy and nasty woman, along with one of the reasons why you switched from the Emergency Department to the intensive care unit.
You mumble a “what the fuck..” under your breath and place down your salad. Of course it would be this bitch to deny the ambulance crew to treat a still alive patient.
You rush around the counter and to the ambulance workers that had rolled the person down the hallway. Dale, an older worker of the Ambulance crew of the hospital, recognizes you and lets out a sigh of relief.
“Dale. What’s the situation?” You say, speed walking and examining the patient still on the stretcher. Man, this guy was in terrible condition. He was a young blonde haired man with blood just gushing from his nose. So much so he might even die from blood loss. It also didn’t help that he had lacerations and bruises on his wrists. Was this patient also caught up at the mess at Heaven’s Arena? No… there’s no burns which would have happened if he was part of an explosion.
“Young man, about mid-twenties, found hanged by his wrist at the playground downtown. No ID on him or info found in our Database. We do have a hunter’s License but that will take a while for Identification….”
Crap… that’s not good. Now, you don’t know if he takes any medication or if he’s allergic to any. On top of that we also don’t know his blood type or any past medical conditions, which will probably be useful in this situation.
“Our main problem is it seems he has a severe to moderate traumatic brain injury. Which is causing bad swelling of the brain. Along with a troubling possibility of damage to his spinal cord but that is still unconfirmed. We—“
“Dale, his heart stopped!” One of the other ambulance workers says. Fuck, that is the last thing we need right now. You quickly jump on top of the man on the stretcher as it continues to be wheeled and begin to give chest compressions.
“Dale, wheel—“ “What the hell are you doing?!?”
You glare towards Sala, still not stopping the chest compressions. “I said mark him as deceased! We are at max capacity in the Emergency room!”
You raise an eyebrow at the woman as Evan, who had sprinted over as well, jaw drops to the floor. Was this bitch serious? He’s still alive! He was breathing up until a couple of seconds ago. It also didn’t help that he needed to get him to the emergency room and you had no time to waste arguing with her. You know what… this will probably get you fired but oh well.
“Mal!” You shout as loud as you can for the Front desk women at the Intensive Care Unit. Mal, an older woman, runs out as fast as she can from a back room nearby, causing the door to slam against the wall. “Sign this patient under my name! We don’t have any identification yet so just roll with a description.”
Mal nods her head and runs in the direction of the front desk.
“You can’t do that!! He’s my patient so I say what happens!” Sala says screeching like a banshee at you. She chucks papers at you, probably the files to name this unknown man deceased. You only chuckle at her and give her a taunting look.
“Well, according to the paperwork, he’s a patient of the intensive care unit. So he’s mine now and I’m going to prove you wrong by making sure he lives.”
Sala goes to rebut but you cut her off. “Evan, pick up the papers she threw! Dale, take a blood sample and run it to the lab! I want his blood type and anything unusual. You two, wheel me to room 12, I’m going to need to get this man stable before we do a CAT scan on him.”
The other two ambulance personnel nod and turn you to that direction. Sala, unfortunately, is still chasing after you, not wanting to let this go. You give her a glare because you honestly don’t have time for this. You had just finished your thirty chest compressions so you need to give him air, fast.
Taking two fingers and you push the man’s head back to open his airway. Carefully, you put your lips on his, trying to not cringe at the sudden wetness and taste of blood, and give him two rescue breaths. You mentally sigh in relief as you watch his chest somewhat rise up at each of your breaths. That meant his airway thankfully wasn’t blocked and you could give him oxygen. Though it wasn’t lifting as much as usual which told you there was either a problem of the amount of blood blocking his airway or some being in his lungs.
You pull away from the man’s lips, yours tainted a little scarlet from his blood. You thankfully, as you lift up, lock eyes with a security personal and gesture to Sala. “Get this wacko out of here now! We have a situation!”
The security nods and grabs onto Sala who screeches and tries to fight back. Now that that was taken care of you can finally get this guy stable.
As the two ambulance personnel finally wheel you into room 12, you tell and gesture at them to leave and go. After all, they still had calls to get to and you had plenty of nurses who could help you out in a situation like this.
They thanked you and sprinted out, making sure to not bother you. Ok, so now that no one that was unauthorized was here you could try to see if you could use your Nen to try and stable him. Pulling your hands up, you close your eyes and focus. Focusing on sensing the blood in his body. Crap, your worst nightmare was true. There was blood blocking the airway through his nose and some in his lungs. Along with a conformation of swelling and too much blood in his brain. You now realize you can’t wait for a CAT scan or any other nurses to rush over here. You need to treat this man now or he will 100% be unable to be saved.
Taking some scissors from the metal tray, you carefully cut off the man’s purple tunic like shirt and his black undershirt. You throw the scissor back into the tray and put your hands in the middle of the man’s bare chest. Your heart was thumping out of your chest at the thought of not being quick enough. Come on (y/n), focus. This isn’t the time. You need to manipulate the unnecessary blood out of his body.
Taking a deep breath in, you run your hands up the man’s chest, around his neck and finally to his lips and nose. You slowly open your eyes and lift your hands away. You watch as blood in bubble-like shapes float out of the man’s nose and mouth. Swirling them all around in the air until it’s in a perfect droplet, you bend the blood over to a dish and drop it in it. Man, were you glad that you stuck to your gut and told your sensei you were going to manipulate blood. He didn’t think it was a smart choice but hey, suck it Sensei Matt. Look at how useful it is now.
After you made the blood clot the open wounds of the nose, all you had to do now, since there was no longer a risk of him drowning in his own blood or his airway possibly being blocked, you just needed to reduce the amount swelling to the brain and bring fresh oxygen throughout everything in his body to keep him alive.
Ok, you take a deep breath and raise your shaky hands. You can do this. All you needed to do was manipulate his blood throughout his whole body like a normal cycle, manipulate the blood in his heart to pump, and give him 2 rescue breaths every 30 cycles until he is stable or until blood tests come back. You can… You clench your hand in determination. No, you will do this.
————🚨📱🚨————
“What do you mean I’m wrong!?!”
You sit there rubbing your temples as you watch as one of the directors of the hospital sighs and explains how I'm not in trouble, to Sala, again. You lightly lean back in your chair and try to drown out the chaos in front of you.
It has been about a month since the incident with the 25 year old man, Shalnark, that got admitted to the hospital. Thankfully, you found out his name and age from the Hunter Association a week ago. Though it took them way too long to give it to you guys in your opinion. Along with the fact they didn’t give it to you personally and instead the department. Which gave Sala the opportunity to snoop and learn his name in order to try and get you in trouble with the Higher ups. But, it seems, due to what is going on right now, her plan has backfired. Though why wouldn’t it?! She denied a still alive man that you saved.
Afterall, Shalnark was now stable and on his way to recovering, thanks to your efforts. Though, he was currently in a coma. A big problem since you didn’t know how long he would stay that way either. But, at least since Shalnark is a skilled Nen user so he is able to heal pretty quickly and you hoped he would be able to be out of his comatose state between the next week to month. Since it seemed to be caused by brain damage.
So far while he was under your watch, with your blood manipulation you were able to heal and not cause scar tissue for most of the nerves in his spine and brain so he wouldn’t suffer from any permanent damage and be back to normal. Well…, not off the bat, he would still have to go through a lengthy recovery. One being doing some serious physical therapy sessions since he would still have to relearn a lot of his movements.
You take a sigh. Why are you worrying about this now? Well… it was probably due to the fact when you were washing him up after you saved him you saw his tattoo. A twelve legged spider. The symbol of loyalty to the phantom troupe. You haven’t told anyone, after all that would jeopardize his recovery and send hunters flooding in to try and kill him. Though—
The door suddenly slams open, startling everyone in the room. You quickly turn to see Evan, clearly out of breath, standing there.
“I’m…” Evan wheezes suddenly, “I’m so sorry Sir! But I need to tell (y/n) something. It’s important!”
The director nods his head, “Go right ahead. But, she can’t leave the room until the meeting ends.”
“Of course sir!”
Evan turns to you and smiles like a mad man. You just raise an eyebrow. What the fracking hell. Did Evan put crack cocaine in his coffee this morning or something?
“(Y/n). Shalnark is awake!”
Your jaw drops to the floor and you frantically stand up. “R-really? How’s he doing?!”
You take a gulp as you feel your throat tighten. You were scared to hear what Evan has to say. Afterall, Shalnark is the patient you have spent the most time with out of all of every patient you have ever taken care of. Mostly due to the fact he was in such a bad condition at first but, eventually, due to how you had grown attached to really wanting him to make a full recovery.
“He’s okay. He’s in a minimalistic conscious state so he’s very confused and unsure of what’s going on.”
“I-I need to check on him then. Sir, I’m sor—“
The director raises his hand to stop you from continuing and stands up. He quickly grabs some sheets of paper and hands them out to you, a small smile on his face. “No need to apologize. Just take these and go.”
“Thank you Sir!”
You take them and bow before the man. Quickly, not even bothering with taking the elevator, you rush over to the intensive care unit. Finally there, you catch yourself on the door of room 12, almost slipping past it and falling.
Panting, you look into the room to see Shalnark moving around frantically as male nurses try to hold him down. Sure, it wasn’t the best scene to see but it was at least a relief to finally see his eyes open and that he could move around.
You start to approach the bed causing one of the male nurses to notice and yell at you, “Doctor (l/n), I don’t think it’s a good idea! He crushed one of the nurse’s hands when he first woke up.”
“It’s fine, don’t worry.” You say as you finally reach the side of his bed. “Shalnark. I need you to calm down for me.”
“W-who?!” Shalnark looks around frantically but is cut off by his own wheezing. You lean over to examine his eyes and see that they are harshly dilated. So, that’s why he is hostile, he probably can’t even see.
Hesitantly, you reach over and grab the Shalnark’s hand. You squint your eyes and grit your teeth as you know what's going to happen next. You flinch as Shalnark squeezes down and breaks your hand.
Shakily, you hold up your other hand and signal the male nurses to let go of him. As soon as they let go, Shalnark frantically looks around due to being unable to see them and not knowing where they went.
“Shalnark.” You grab the man’s attention and he turns to you. You pause and take a harsh inhale as he squeezes a bit more on your hand. He might be hostile and seem angry but you can feel his hand shaking as he holds in a death grip, telling you he was confused and frightened. “Shalnark. My name is (y/n) (l/n) and the doctor that was assigned to taking care of you in the Intensive Care Unit. I apologize that I suddenly caught you off guard and touched you. You’ve been out for quite some while and had some pretty harsh injuries so I was concerned and didn’t think of the consequences. I’m not sure if you can hear or understand me but could you let go of my hand as a sign you can?”
The room goes silent as you and the other staff wait for his response. Thankfully, Shalnark hesitantly lets go of your hand.
“Thank you. Now I’m just going to put the bed into an upright position so I can examine you. I don’t want you moving your head back and forth anymore due to your injuries so I’m going to have one of the nurses bring you a cup of water so you can speak. I’m going to touch your hand, can you please squeeze it to confirm if you think you can drink some water? If not, you can take your hand away.”
You softly reach over with your non-broken hand and hold onto his. You wait for a couple of seconds before you feel Shalnark lightly squeeze down on your hand. Looking over, you nod to the nurse who grabs a cup of water and walks over.
“The nurse has a cup of water. You can’t see right?”
Shalnark squeezes your hand again.
“Ok. I’m just going to take your hand and place it on my arm. I’m going to help you drink the cup of water. Just squeeze to let me know when you have enough.”
You softly put the edge of the cup to Shalnark’s lips. You were being very careful when tilting it upwards so you don’t spill water or give him too much at once. Shalnark thankfully drinks every single last drop, though you had expected that after all it had been nearly a month since he last drank anything.
You take the empty cup away. “Can you talk, Shalnark? I don’t want to give you too much water just in case your stomach can’t handle it.”
Shalnark clears his throat a couple of times. “Y-yes… yes.”
You watch his face carefully. His speech isn't slurred and his face wasn’t lopsided, which thankfully told you the parts of his brain that deal with conversations and the movements in his face were functioning normally. You would definitely have to treat Betty to dinner for agreeing to help you by fixing his nose and taking out the scar tissue in his face and nose.
“Good. Now, I’m just going to examine you…” you trail off at the end as you are surprised. When you went to move, it caused him to lose the grip on your arm. He frantically reaches around and grabs onto your hand, thankfully not the broken one. How weird. “Are you okay?”
“Ah.” Shalnark seems embarrassed and conflicted with himself for a second, “I just can’t see. I-it’s weird and…”
“Oh. If it’s reassuring you are allowed to hold onto my hand if you want to.”
Shalnark lets out a small thank you, it’s hard to hear but you don’t press into him about it. “Well, I’m going to first test the feeling in your body. I’m going to put a little pressure on each part of your body and I want you to say if you feel any pain or not. You don’t have to move or anything, just let me know. Also, you should probably close your eyes, after all you can’t see which tells me there's a brain injury and the bright light might end up giving you a big headache later.”
Patiently, you watch as Shalnark closes his green eyes. You almost felt sad that you couldn’t see them anymore but you shake away that thought. You need to take care of him first, not worry about trivial things.
————🚨📱🚨————
“Ok so that was the last of the tests. Honestly, you’re in pretty good condition regarding your situation Shalnark.” You say as another doctor wraps your broken hand. God, Nen was always super convenient in pretty much any medical case. You didn’t even have to get stitches or surgery for your hand! Only wrapping and a warning to try to not use it too much.
“Ah I see. H-How long do you think I’ll be here for?” Shalnark says, his eyes still closed as he fidgets with your other hand. He’s been doing that for quite some time, you wondered if maybe he was nervous.
“Hmm. That’s tough to say since we don’t really have any other parts of your medical history. But, an educated guess? I would probably give you a week or two to solve the head trauma symptoms and to introduce your body back into normal food and fluids. Then, during that time and maybe a little after, I’m going to help get your arm and legs back to functioning. Finally, you will probably start some physical therapy so you can relearn how to move and make sure everything is okay. So I would say 2-3 months? Though, it might take shorter or longer depending on the way your body adapts.” You say, letting go of Shalnark’s hand to write a prescription down and handing it to the other doctor who had just finished wrapping your arm, “Derek, do you think you could run this to Mal? I’m going to need some ibuprofen for both me and him.”
“Sure thing. Need anything else?”
“Nope that’s all. Thank you.”
The door clicks lightly as Derek exits the room. You let a drag out sigh. Man, what a crazy day it was today. Almost the craziest you’ve ever had. Oh! You almost forgot. You stretch out your body like a cat from your chair to grab the papers on the counter. You completely forgot the papers that the director had given you. Let’s see…
“(Y/n)?”
You let out a humm to Shalnark to let him know you were listening.
“So, were you the one to take care of me this whole time?”
“Yep.” You flick to the next page.
“Did you happen to help me… get dressed? Bathe me?”
You turn the other page over. “Yes. Usually the nurses do it but, due to your condition, I was the only personnel trusted to do it. Don’t worry though, it’s something we do often in intensive care.”
You pause in your reading as you feel the air shift around you. You slowly look up and towards Shalnark, who for the first time since he woke up, smiled at you. A seemingly nice closed eyed smile. Though, you could tell it was anything but nice.
“You didn’t happen to see anything suspicious on my back, right?”
Ah. So that’s why. “No. I did. You're talking about the twelve legged spider tattoo, right?”
The air grows thicker around you two and you go back to looking through your papers.
“Though no one else knows, neither does it say it in your medical records. Though, I didn’t put a record for you here in the first place.”
The air suddenly stops being tense and clears up. You look up slightly from your paper before looking back down as you see Shalnark was completely blank faced. “What do you mean?”
“I didn’t put a record. You had one when you entered but I deleted it. It’s one of the many privileges you have since you have a Hunter license.”
“I know that. But, why doesn’t anyone else know? K…” Shalnark pauses for a moment, seeming to try and calm himself down, “Kortopi is dead and the police should be knocking down the door to interrogate me. Also, you know I’m part of the troupe. You should be contacting the bounty hunters and collecting the A-List bounty for my head.”
You let out a sigh and place the papers down on the bed sheet.
“Well I am a Hunter. I took the 284th Hunter’s Exam.” You cringe as you feel the room get tense again and some of Shalnark’s bloodlust leaks out. “Not that sort of Hunter. I would kill myself if I ever be came a jackpot hunter or a bounty hunter. I don’t care about money, fame or whatever.”
You take a pause and sigh again. “The Bounty Hunters or Police won’t be questioning you at all. Your friend’s tattoo was never found and I used my license to stop the police and the Hospital from thinking of questioning you or collecting any info. So, you can rest easy that you aren’t being track”
The air seems to calm down but only a little bit before it gets even tenser than before. You looked up stunned as you heard a crash and see that Shalnark had thrown something at the counter with an angry face. “Why? Huh!? Just turn me over and leave me to die! Take your reward and go! I don’t want your—“
“Will you calm down for one second!?” You yell out, breaking your composure for the first time in front of him. “If I really wanted to turn you in I would have a month ago. I don’t care for money at all! The reason…”
You trail off at the end and clench your fist. Memories of your past flashing through your thoughts. Getting all tangled with your emotions, making it harder to think. You take a deep breath and calm yourself down.
“The reason I became a Hunter is to help people, no matter who it is or what has happened. If I told anyone, and I mean anyone about who you are, that would jeopardize you getting better. I’m not turning back on a promise I made, no matter if you're part of the troupe or not, you're still my patient and I’m going to make sure you make a full recovery.”
The room goes silent and you neaten up your papers before standing up. The chair makes a harsh screech against the cold tile floors. You pause before you take a step and turn to Shalnark. His head dropped so you couldn’t see his expression. “I just read the documents my director gave me. Due to the incident with emergency care, the hospital is going to pay all of your medical bills and I’m going to have less to no patients so I can watch and take care of you during my shifts so you can make a whole recovery. It’s now the night shift so I’m officially off the clock and I’m going to go home but if you need anything you can press the button on your bed. I’ll see you tomorrow.”
You walk away from the bed and clutch your hand onto the cold door knob. Man, what a depressing way to end this. You usually could handle anything that was thrown at you, maybe you need a better night’s sleep. You haven’t been sleeping well lately after all.
“(Y/n).”
You pause your movements at Shalnark’s voice, the door somewhat still open. You almost don’t hear the next thing he says but your eyes widen as you do.
“Please. Please don’t go.”
It wasn’t that you hadn’t expected it. It was just that Shalnark’s voice sounded so small. So frightened. Like a kitten stuck out in the freezing rain. Something you hadn’t ever heard from a citizen of Meteor city and something you didn’t think you would ever hear from a member of the Phantom Troupe. A notorious gang of thieves. You slowly close the door and turn around to him.
You can’t see Shalnark’s face as you walk over to him. Slowly, you grab onto his face and turn him to look at you. You feel his face shaking in your hand and you see him clenching his eyes shut.
You hadn’t even thought of it before now. You hadn’t even thought of the possibility. But now it makes sense. He was easily startled, something that shouldn’t be easy for a thief or criminal. He was constantly on guard before examining him, during and after. He only smiled once and often spaced out. He got randomly and suddenly aggressive at times. And most importantly, he continually avoided the subject of what happened to him and when he finally told you, he didn’t remember important details of what happened. You couldn’t believe you hadn’t seen it before, Shalnark was showing classic signs of post traumatic stress disorder.
The problem is that you couldn’t do anything for it right now. Solutions for PTSD either need medications or therapy. And you currently can’t get him either. All you can hopefully do is find a way to calm him down and get him to sleep. You could talk to some of the other doctors and contact some therapist in the morning to help actually diagnose and help him, it was just too late at night for any of that right now.
“Shalnark.” You slowly rub your thumb soothingly up and down his face. His breathing hitches for a second before seeming to slowly begin to go back to normal. “I’m actually going to stay for the night. Is there anything, and I mean anything, I can do to help you?”
It’s silent for a couple of seconds and you stop rubbing his face.
“C-can you just keep on doing that?” Shalnark softly squeaks out.
“Of course. Anything else?”
“I’m… I’m good.”
“You sure? I’m going to be here the whole night so you can say anything.” It might seem weird to the average person to say anything again but you knew you needed to make sure. People with PTSD will commonly feel great feelings of guilt, shame or hopelessness and will close themselves off from people. So, you need to reassure at the beginning that Shalnark can ask you for anything and that he can trust you.
“Could…” Shalnark trails off, slightly fidgeting in front of you.
“It’s fine. You can say it. It won’t bother me.”
“Could. Could you like… hold me?”
You could tell based on how he was acting that asking for something like that was definitely not normal for him. Especially since he’s from Meteor City. Which from your experience don’t show most to any sign of affection or vulnerable feelings.
“Of course. I’m going to sit in the bed, okay?”
“Yeah…” Shalnark shuffles over, giving you room.
You slowly climb into the medical bed; it lightly creaking under your weight. Carefully you reach both hands, even your broken one, and hold onto him. You can feel him stiff under your touch and watch as he plays with and twitches his fingers.
“Shalnark. You are okay to hold me if you want. Just completely relax, No one is allowed to come into this room without my permission.”
Shalnark seems to finally break under your words and he uses his working arm to pull you into him. With some slight shuffling and moving, you are both finally comfortable and laying down. Shalnark was facing you, his face hidden in your neck as he held onto you like as if you were some sort of stuffed animal. You feel the man in your arms slowly begin to lull off to sleep as you run your fingers through his hair.
As you held the man in your arms in the dark room, you now knew that Shalnark’s recovery won’t take 3 months. Maybe physically but definitely not mentally.
But, you knew that as long as you stayed by Shalnark’s side and just helped him through it, it could be possible.
Slowly, you reach over and hold his hand in yours which he lightly squeezes back.
After all, all it takes is one helping hand.
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triangularjuice ¡ 3 years
Text
Remember? -A PokĂŠmon Story-
Chapter 11: Panic
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You stare out a small window, a few raindrops from last night's storm lingering on the glass. You watch the city grow smaller and smaller as you ride further from the island. After your 'incident' some hours ago, Professor Kukui and Professor Burnet came to the hospital to find out what happened after a frantic phone call was made to their home. You told them your side of the story: that Xurkitree attacked you in the hallway. They had given each other a worried glance, and carefully explained what really happened.
"(Y/N)... we saw the footage from the hall cameras. Xurkitree was never there," Kukui had said.
To put it simply, you freaked out a bit. You thought you were going crazy, but Burnet had told you there might be an explanation. She hypothesized that since you had direct contact with Xurkitree when it abducted you, it was able to enter your subconscious when you almost died, but since you were resuscitated, the encounter was interrupted and left you and Xurkitree with an unnatural connection.
So basically, Xurkitree has a direct line to your brain, making you see it when it isn't really there. Then they had to address the other elephant in the room: the weird electricity that shot out of your body.
So that brings you here, on a boat headed for Aether Paradise. Burnet has some lab equipment here that she wants to use to run some tests. You're sitting below deck with Ash, Pikachu, and Cato, while Kukui and Burnet are up top. You aren't a fan of the water, so you're upsettingly watching the land shrink farther and farther away.
"How are you feeling?" Ash pipes up, trying to break the heavy silence. You turn from the window and look over at him.
"Okay, I guess. I don't know why they're making me wear these, it doesn't really hurt," you say, gesturing to your wrist and ankle braces. Ash smiles slightly.
"Maybe because you almost died," he says in a teasing way. You give a small laugh and shrug.
"That's true," you admit. You look down and see Pikachu playing with Cato, a smile tugging at your lips. You haven't seen Cato play in a while. Then again, with everything going on, how could anyone want to play? Your smile falters as you start thinking about your Dad. Ash notices and speaks up again.
"So.. have you ever been to Aether Paradise?" he questions, trying to distract you.
"I don't know, but I doubt it," you say, flatly. Ash nods slightly and turns to look at Pikachu and Cato, giving up on his efforts to take your mind off everything happening. You turn back to the window, watching the fast-approaching Aether Paradise.
~~~~~
You follow Professor Burnet down to a lab full of different scientific equipment. You look around nervously, wondering what these machines are meant for.
She asks you to take a seat on a large chair, and you obey. Burnet walks over with a syringe and you clam up. Not wanting to admit another fear, you just look away as she draws some of your blood. You let out the breath you were holding when she walks away, though you feel a little lightheaded. She takes it over to yet another machine you have never seen before, and inserts the vial.
Burnet goes on to take some scans of your body, getting all the information she can on your biology. You wonder if this is all really worth it.
After a while of being poked and prodded, she finally seems satisfied. As she studies her findings, you and the others find something to distract yourselves with. Ash and Pikachu are busy messing with machines they probably shouldn't be touching, and Kukui is sitting in a corner reading a book. You're sitting on the floor, leaning against Cato. You yawn as you stare off into space. Sleep hasn't been something you've gotten much of, lately.
You close your eyes as you lay your head on Cato's back, his soft fur becoming a substitute pillow.
~~~~~
You hear someone calling your name, gently shaking you awake. You open your eyes and see Ash's worried face above you.
"Burnet found something," he says. You get up, quickly making your way over to her at a computer. As you approach she gives you a small smile, and turns back to the monitor.
"After looking at all the data I collected, I think I figured some things out," she starts. "The human body has naturally occurring electrical currents that run parts of our body, like the nervous system. Our cells conduct this electricity to send signals throughout our bodies and to the brain so we can feel and move. Well, something's different about (Y/N). Looking at her cells, it seems like there's an excess amount of electrical currents present in her body. And when I say 'excess', I mean a lot. Enough to send out a surge like she did in the hospital," she explains. You stare at the images, unsure of what you're hearing.
"It seems like (Y/N) can manipulate this extra electricity inside her cells," Burnet states, glancing over at you. You just stand there, mouth slightly open, trying to wrap your head around this.
"H-how did this happen?" you stutter, looking down at your hands. Burnet turns back to the computer and pulls some other images up, including one of Xurkitree.
"You said that you have been gone for almost two years, and Ash found you in Ultra Space not too long ago. This means you were in Ultra Space that whole time, in some sort of cryogenic sleep. So, my theory is that Xurkitree was the one who put you to sleep there, and it was trying to fuse with you like Nihilego did with Lusamine," she explains.
You look at her, confused, not sure where she's going with this. You vaguely remember overhearing something about Ash's friend's mom in Ultra Space.
"But, it couldn't fuse with you for some reason. So, being in Ultra Space, the amount of electricity it used on you was absorbed by your body instead of coming and going, like it would have in our normal dimension," she finishes. You stand there, speechless, staring off to the side.
"(Y/N)?" you hear someone say, though it sounds far away. You feel a hand on your shoulder, but you quickly flinch away, taking several steps backwards. Your heart starts racing, and you begin to take rapid breaths. You look up at the others, their worried faces staring back at you. You can't stand the way they look at you anymore. The looks of sympathy and helplessness.
You turn on your heels and run out of the lab, needing to be anywhere but there. The ankle brace makes it a little difficult, but the adrenaline numbs any pain. You can hear them yelling your name, but it only makes you run faster.
'Why did this have to happen to me?'
***
Chapter 12: Memories
19 notes ¡ View notes
sdottkrames ¡ 3 years
Text
You’ll Always Be Adored By the Things You [Save]
@comfortember prompt 12: Emotional support pet
Summary: Her name is Tess, and everybody adores her.
Notes: I honestly just love Tom and his love for Tess. They are the cutest! I’m thinking about making more with Tess, so if you like this, let me know and maybe I will! 😊
Also: Lucy and Rocky were the names of my dogs growing up. Lucy was a sassy, adorable Shih Tzu, and Rocky was the kindest, gentlest Boxer you’d ever meet. They both have since passed (they lived very long, happy lives) but I wanted to add them in this story somehow. I’m just a cheeseball. Also, Zendaya (MJ) Played a character named Rocki in a Disney show called Shake It Up, so it was a little nod to that as well.
Read on AO3: Here
“Tony, I’m really worried about him.”
May poked her head around the corner of their apartment, making sure Peter was still asleep. His breathing was too even for him to be faking, and she sighed in relief before continuing.
“He’s been off ever since the...the blip. I can tell. He’s been eating a lot less, and I looked at his grades the other day. Tony, that boy has never gotten below an A-, but he got a C+ on his last Physics test. And that’s not even including the fact that he was stabbed last night because his Peter Tingle isn’t working right.” Her voice was rising in pitch and volume, right in time with the panic that was welling up inside her. 
May and Tony had been having weekly conference calls about their resident spider since May had found out about it, and they’d quickly picked it back up once they had been undusted. Their normally lighthearted calls filled with mostly laughter had taken a more somber tone recently. 
Tony hummed on the other end of the phone. “I’ve been worried, too.”
Those words, though not necessarily helpful, made May feel less alone. She was grateful someone was helping her take care of her nephew because he was doing a terrible job of doing it himself, as evidenced by the stab wound on his left side. He’d come home weak and bleeding the previous night, and May had hurriedly patched him up, her training as a nurse the only thing keeping her panic in check.
“I honestly don’t know what to do, May. We tried letting him come to us and that didn’t work. I’ve got a list of great therapists-”
May cut him off. “He’ll never do that. I already tried that one, and he insisted that he didn’t want me paying money for him. I even pulled the whole “your mentor is a billionaire, and he would want you to get help” card, but he was pretty adamant.”
Tony sighed, and May felt it echo deep in her bones. They ended the call shortly after, no closer to a solution for Peter than before.
The next week on their call, Tony’s voice was considerably more lighthearted. She attributed it to the fact that Peter hadn’t been injured that week, but then he excitedly announced that had “the best idea!”
May’s eyebrows rose, even though she knew Tony couldn’t see them. “I’m listening.”
“Okay. How do you feel about dogs?”
“Oh,” May breathed.
“Yeah. I don’t know why I didn’t think of it earlier.”
“Me either. He’s been asking for a dog since he was, like, 5. The only problem is,” May said, biting her lip. “Our landlord doesn’t allow dogs.”
“I’ll take care of that,” Tony promised, and May nearly snorted at the thought of their stuffy, no-nonsense landlady getting a visit from Tony Stark. She pitied the woman.
***
“Ms., ah, Levitt, is it?” 
The lady looked up from her desk, and immediately blinked in shock. Tony internally rolled his eyes when the lady blushed and started trying to fix her hair, the look on her face one he’d seen on way too many women in his earlier years.
No chance, lady, I’m married. He thought, but flashed her a kind smile, anyway. “Are you the landlady of this apartment building?”
“I am. Pleasure to meet you, sir.”
Tony shook her offered hand, not holding on for a second longer than necessary. “Likewise. I am here on behalf of the Parker family...apartment 96. I was thinking about getting Peter an emotional support animal. He blipped, and has been having trouble adjusting, and I heard cute, fluffy animals work wonders. But I understand you don’t allow those?”
Levitt’s smile hardened. “Yes, I’m afraid we have a non-negotiable no-pet policy.”
She obviously hated animals. And probably little children. Figures. Luckily, years watching Pepper hand stuffy businessmen their behinds had taught Tony a thing or two. He could handle this lady.
“Well, I took the liberty of reviewing things, and did you know that, by law, emotional support or therapy animals must be allowed in any building? That includes yours. Now, I understand that there is a fee associated with having a therapy animal, which I will cover, and of course proper documentation, which I have right here.” Tony produced the paperwork, signed by Dr. Cho, stating that Peter should be allowed a therapy animal of his choosing. “If there are any further problems, I’m sure my wife would be happy to speak to you. She and our lawyer will be handling any legal issues.”
Tony watched in satisfaction as Ms. Levitt’s face blanched, knowing she was beat. Nobody could go up against Pepper Potts-Stark and win. 
She breathed heavily through her nose once then plastered a smile back on her face, though it didn’t meet her eyes. “That won’t be necessary. We value the Parkers. The fee is an extra $125 a month. Once you have the animal, bring the proof of licensure and ESA status, and we should be all set.”
Tony had her put his card on file so the payment would come out of his account. This was his gift to Peter (and May. Though she wouldn't admit it, he knew that she also loved animals and would have bought one (or two) if they’d had the money) and then stood to leave.
“Have a nice day,” he said, giving Levitt a cheery wave before waltzing out the door. He had a kid to surprise.
***
“Tony, really, where are we going?”
“For the millionth time, I’m not going to tell you, so stop wasting your breath.” Peter huffed indignantly, and Tony shoved his arm playfully. “Patience is a virtue, underoos.”
“And pride is a sin, yet here we are,” Peter quipped.
“Yes, here we are,” Tony said, grinning as Happy pulled the car into a parking spot in front of Rocky’s Shelter and Supplies. Tony had spent hours researching adoption agencies around, wanting to find a really good one to support, and Rocky’s had been one of the best he’d seen. Plus, they had a great variety to choose from. (And no, he hadn’t been crying looking at all the animals, who told you that?)
Peter’s reaction was everything Tony had hoped for. The kids brown eyes got impossibly larger, and filled with tears.
“R-really?” He squeaked. “But our apartment doesn’t allow dogs.”
Tony grinned. “I threatened to sic Pepper on her.”
Then Peter was hugging Tony around the middle, murmuring an unbroken stream of thankyou’s. 
“I heard you’ve been wanting one for a while, and May and I figured having a furry companion might help with everything. You gotta promise-“
“That I’ll take care of it? Of course I will! I’ve been preparing for this my entire life! When I was 11, I made a PowerPoint presentation demonstrating proper care of a dog, just to show Ben and May I would take care of one. I wanted a dog soooo bad. I can’t believe I’m actually getting one.”
Tony chuckled at Peter’s rambling. “I’m glad you’re excited. But I was going to say you gotta promise that you’ll take better care of yourself, too.”
Peter nodded fast, his curls bouncing, which was endlessly endearing. “I promise!”
“Then lead the way.”
They spent time with a number of different dogs, taking their time to find just the right one. Tony could tell he was going to have to physically restrain Peter (And himself, if he was being totally honest) from buying every single dog in the shelter. The kid dragged him to every cage, exclaiming how cute each “pupper” (what even was this generation’s lingo?) was, and blinking back tears at nearly every one. 
Then Peter met Tess.
Tony had started believing in love at first sight when he’d seen Pepper in that purple dress she’d worn to a charity event years ago. Then he’d been absolutely sure of it when he’d held Morgan in his arms for the first time, the love he felt for her so strong and immediate and real that it had chased away the fear of becoming his dad that threatened to paralyze him. 
But feeling it and witnessing it was two different things.
He wondered if he’d looked like Peter when he’d laid eyes on the two most important and precious women in his life. The little gasp, the soft smile, the look of complete awe. Basically, the definition of the heart-eyes emojis.
“This one,” Peter breathed, his voice thick with emotion. “Can I meet her?”
The lady helping them, a sweet girl named Lucy, unlocked the cage and brought the beautiful grey pup over to the room for humans and dogs to meet, and as soon as Peter was close enough, she was all over him, her tail thumping with abandon.
“Yeah, I think we’ll take her,” Tony said over Peter’s delighted giggles.
***
Tess loved everybody, but it was no secret who her favorite was. No matter who she was with or what she was doing, as soon as Peter was in the room, she was right by his side. She was his shadow, following him around like a planet following the sun.
So Tony should’ve realized that something was wrong when she came trotting into his lab without Peter.
Granted, it wasn’t uncommon for her to come get pats from someone else when Peter wasn’t available, like when he was at school or on patrol or asleep. But Tony should’ve known that at 4 PM on a Thursday, Peter should have been doing none of those things. It was a lab day, Peter’s day off from Spider-Manning, and too early for the normally energetic kid to be asleep.
As it was, Tony was so focused on fixing Dum-E (who had spun too hard showing off for Peter the other day) that he just patted her head without looking. He nearly dropped his screwdriver when Tess gave a high pitched yip.
Tony finally looked up. “What’s the matter, girl. You gotta go out?”
Tess barked again, high pitched and insistent, her big eyes so expressive he could almost see what she was thinking.
“Peter,” he gasped, his stomach plummeting all the way down to his shoes. “Where is he, girl?”
Tessa tore out the door needing no further prompting, Tony right on her heels. She stopped outside Peter’s door whining anxiously, and Tony quickly opened it, dread filling him.
His first reaction was relief. There was no blood, at least not that he could see. Then his worry returned even stronger because Peter was laying on the ground not moving and there wasn't any blood. At least blood made it easier to identify the problem!
“Friday!” He choked out, rushing to Peter’s side. He was still breathing, but it sounded noisy and labored. He was also conscious, but Tony couldn’t tell if that was a good thing or not because there was so much fear in his eyes, and it broke Tony’s heart right in two.
“Dr. Cho is already on her way, sir. If I may, it appears Peter is having an allergic reaction, going into anaphylactic shock. You must keep him awake until the Dr gets here,” Friday answered.
Teas whined again, nudging Peter’s hand.
“Good girl, Tess. You’re such a good girl!” Tony said, patting her head then turning to Peter. “Well kid, if you didn’t want to do lab day today, you could’ve just said so. No need for all the theatrics; that’s kinda my department.”
Tony kept rambling, slapping Peter gently whenever he started to close his eyes, until Cho was rushing in. She quickly stabbed him with an epipen and started to prepare him to go to the infirmary, pausing when Tess growled, the first time she’d ever done that.
“Easy, Tessa-girl. She’s helping Peter. Let’s go with ‘em, yeah? You can keep watching our boy.”
They made their way to the infirmary, where Peter was being given medicine to combat whatever had caused him to react that way. Tony nearly doubled over laughing when he heard what it was, the stress making him slightly hysterical. It really wasn’t funny.
“Peppermint?” He asked Peter later, once Peter could talk and had been deemed out of the woods. Tess was curled up as close as she could to him, and Tony was sitting on the chair next to the bed.
“I just wanted a peppermint hot chocolate from Starbucks. I used to love those,” Peter pouted. “But apparently Peppermint is toxic to spiders. I guess I hadn’t had any peppermint since the change.”
“Well how about never do that again. My heart cannot take that stress.”
Tess whined in agreement.
***
Tony was quickly learning that Tess was a lot like Peter. Her ability to get everybody to love her, for one, and her penchant for cuddles.
Which is how Tony found himself one Friday night squished on the couch with a teenager tucked tightly into his side and a 30 pound dog laying across his lap while watching Bolt. They were both happily situated, Peter nearly purring as Tony ran his hands through his hair and Tess’ tail thumping gently against Tony’s leg. He pretended not to like it, but he was so comfortable, he quickly fell asleep.
He didn’t sleep very long.
Soon after his eyes closed, he woke up in a panic, his heart beating rapidly, a sense of panic overwhelming him. He couldn’t remember what the dream that woke him up had been about, which only made the sense of foreboding worse. He closed his eyes again, pretending to still be asleep as he quietly struggled to get his breathing under control.
Suddenly, a weight settled on top of him. He opened his eyes in surprise, and realized Tess had climbed into his lap, putting her head on his shoulder and her front paws on his chest. It was strangely comforting, her weight and warmth, but surprising nonetheless.
“Whatcha doing there, girl?” He chuckled.
“Pressure therapy,” Peter answered. “Something I taught her to do whenever I’m having an anxiety attack or sensory overload. It helps. She must’ve sensed you were panicking.” 
“Huh.” Tony shook his head in wonder.
“You alright?” Peter asked, tentatively.
“Yeah. Just a bad dream. I don’t even know what it was about, just left me feeling anxious.”
Peter nodded, and slid his hand into Tony’s. Boy and dog didn’t move a muscle until Tony’s heart was a normal rhythm again. Or...maybe a little while after that. They really did love snuggles. And Tony...yet another thing they had in common.
Luckily, he loved them both right back just as much.
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jbbuckybarnes ¡ 4 years
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Zerfall - 1/14
Pairing: Bucky x named!Reader (Agent Andromeda) Summary: After Hydra drops virus bombs in 7 major American cities in the height of summer, the team is locked in their emergency bunker for weeks. The virus commonly called the Summer Poison successfully brought the infrastructure to a halt in all big cities. When the virus slowly starts burning itself out SHIELD Agents and Avengers are sent out to bring back order into the cities and the international relationships. Not without hurdles. Warnings for this chapter: Pandemic, mainy people in a small space, fear
Zerfall Masterlist || M a s t e r l i s t
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The alarm sirens were blaring in the entire compound, a computer voice repeating the words, “Emergency Level Red, Code Black.” Level Red meant to get into a safe space fast, Code Black meant, “You should probably call your mum and tell her you love her a lot.” The entire team including you and your colleague Agent Magnolia instantly went into action, all silently hoping it was a test. “Friday? What the hell is going on?” Tony yelled out. “Sir, if there was a code double black, I would call it. Get in the bunker!” She urged him through the overwhelming amount of sounds the building was suddenly able to create. The blood drained out of multiple faces, not yours, you were trained for any kind of emergency situation. Not only an Agent of S.H.I.E.L.D but also a SAID Agent. Trained for any thinkable Code Black. Agent Andromeda. The door to the bunker was open and after Friday confirmed that everyone had gone through the door Steve closed down the door manually in a blink of an eye. You all looked around, panting from running down the stairs and searching for the bunker entry that opened up. The place was small but big enough to live in for a while if that needed to be done. The room you’d entered was full of tech equipment and two walls full of canned foods and tap with a big filter construction connected to it. Stark never struck you as a survival kinda guy, at least not in this specific sense, but you weren’t complaining about clean water. There was an open door leading to a room full of bunk beds.
“So what the fuck happened, Friday?” Tony asked irritated by the adrenaline coursing through his veins. “There has been a series of explosions over heavily populated areas a few hours back, only detected by little equipment monitoring the air. Bioweapons. Hydra says they are responsible and that there is a highly contagious and deadly virus that was spread with these explosions.” Friday said it short and straight forward. “Then why aren’t we doing something against it?” Steve looked up at the speaker system with a frown on his face, ready to go back out again. “Mr. Rogers, until we know if that virus is deadly nobody will leave this bunker. I’m programmed to keep as much of this team alive in situations like this. Singapore DORSCON level red. World Health Organisation phase 6, approaching 7. That means it is a pandemic. If I let you out you could die in less than a week if this is as deadly as Hydra says.” The AI urged him. “Please update us.” Tony exhaled stressed leaning on the chair behind him, before sitting down. “Will do, sir,” Friday assured him.
Everyone started adventuring the Bunker. The last big exercise was a while ago and the team had grown since then. Clint found the room with 4 power generators first. “I hope we don’t need this. We are still powered by your reactor model, right?” Clint peaked out at Tony and got a nod back. The billionaire was properly done with what was happening. The only thing keeping him from exploding was Pepper going through his hair. Sam was the one finding all the gaming equipment and making an excited little dance in the middle of a possible apocalypse. “You’re the worst, Wilson.” Natasha rolled her eyes. “Come on, if we live in a time of bioweapons I want to at least have some distraction. Can’t fight a virus with military training.” He grinned. Agent Magnolia was the one finding the arsenal of weapons hidden in a giant box below the bunk that was behind the door. She showed you the knife ensemble that was included and grinned at you. “Visible forces definitely won’t kill us down here.” You grinned back.
“How many are we?” Clint called out to the others. Pepper looked up concerned, “Twelve, why?” “There are only 10 beds.” came back and some of the team members interchanged worried glances for a second. “We have married couple and work couples here. I think that won’t be the problem.” you smiled and looked around you at Pepper, Tony, Steve, and Nat. “So Pepper & Tony share a bed. Who else?” Sam asked, suddenly very tense again. “Nat?” Steve looked down at his favorite team member. “Yeah, I don’t mind. You’re warm.” she smiled back up at him. “That will be the least of the problems with 12 people in an enclosed space.” Dr. Helen Cho finally came to word after she had calmed down from her personal existential crisis about viruses. Wanda pointed at the walls and the sink, “For how long would the food and water here last?” “Depends if we only eat twice a day. Could hold up for 90 days. Water won’t be a problem with my filter system.” Tony explained. There was another concerned glare between everyone, hoping that 90 days would be enough for the virus to decently die down if it was as bad as expected. “There is confirmation of the virus to be deadly by 70-85% from a Silicon Valley lab.” Friday’s voice broke through after a little more than an hour. “Analyze how deadly, how long people need to die, which symptoms, how long the recovery period is for people living,” Bruce called out, sitting on one of the computers that he didn’t leave since they had entered the bunker. “And the international political climate,” Tony added. “And when it’s safe enough for me to start working on a vaccine with the help of people outside.” Helen also added her factors. “Will do.” The AI voice answered and the room went silent for a second.
“Which cities are targeted?” Agent Magnolia finally asked the important question “NYC, D.C., Atlanta, Miami, LA, Chicago, Denver.” Friday listed. “Atlanta has the most used airport in the world. Great. A perfect recipe for a pandemic. How long did it operate after explosion.” You shared, rubbing your temples and having your brain start to overwhelm just like the scientists’. “4 hours, Agent.” Came back. “We’re in here for a good few weeks.” You deadpanned, putting all the factors together in your head. This wasn’t going to be a quick in and out thing. You’d be in this small space for at least 1-2 months if not longer. Everyone went back to the bunk they had chosen and tried to relax. You were trying to write down possible outcomes and strategies based on that in a notebook you found. There were so many factors to viruses and how people are infected and from which strain the virus is made. You bet on smallpox, a hard thing to get with only two original samples existing in the entire world. One in the US, one in Russia. You bet on Russia since Hydra said they were responsible. They were trying to bring chaos to the world for the bad people to team up in a post-apocalyptic world so that they could take over control. You had learned how this worked over and over again. Not only as an Agent but also from books, movies and games. It was so obvious but that made it easier for you to go about possibilities to create a strategy.
“The entire US and most of the western world is currently on lockdown & people are being quarantined.” Friday updated the bunker again and an exhale went through the bedroom. “Martial law already in place?” Steve looked up from a book he had found. “Not yet, but we’re close.” “Chill, Rogers. You can’t do much more than you’re already doing.” Sam said hanging from the bed in front of him. “I know, it’s just. I hate this, all of it. I didn’t fight in World War II for this to happen at the hands of Hydra.” he frowned and got an understanding nod back. “Can’t we go out there without getting sick?” Bucky spoke up still wearing his pajama jumper from sleeping in that morning. “Well, depending on how deadly this is, no. If the whole thing is a little more clear I might send you out to get samples for me to work on it.” Helen yelled from the other room. “Would love to help with that.” he smiled. He’d do anything to help humanity. The had already ruined his life and he ruined other lives under their influence. That’s the least he could do. “It’s getting late, get yourself ready for bed.” Pepper came in with a motherly smile. “We need a monitor that’s just showing day and night scenes, this is gonna mess us up,” Magnolia muttered before opening one of the closets. The standard-issue clothing in the closets were mainly Large and a few double XL. There was a washer but the drying system needed to have the ventilator system work better again and that wouldn’t be happening until the virus was going slower. Two to three weeks in the same 4 clothing sets seemed okay. Anything longer would be horrible for everyone involved.
“Atlanta spreads to Beijing, Dubai, Tokyo, Shanghai, Hong Kong, Paris, Dallas, Seoul, Amsterdam, Frankfurt, Singapore,” you mumbled laying in your bed, looking at the metal above you. “Hey, relax. We can’t do more than help the people working on it to do the right things.” Bucky looked over from the bed across. “I know. I know. That’s just, so many people dying.” You looked over. An understanding nod came back at you. In your head, you went with a 75% death rate and that was bad if you thought about the areas you just mentioned. Big Chinese cities, Central Europe, South East Asia.
Zerfall Masterlist
64 notes ¡ View notes
diyunho ¡ 4 years
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The Joker x Reader- “The Work Wife” Part 6
You’ve been working for The Joker for the past 10 years: you speak and act for him and no matter the circumstances, Y/N is always there to take care of everything he needs.  The King of Gotham might not be married, yet he has a perfect partner: his work wife.
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Starts HERE
After 1 Month
The Joker circles the warehouse, inspecting the boxes and crates full of ammo and smuggled goods received with last night’s shipment.
“Hmm…” he eyeballs a decorative vase engraved with gold and silver, wondering if the extravagant object should become part of his collection at The Penthouse. His cell start vibrating and J takes it out of pocket, impatient to hear about his wife’s routine checkup:
“ ‘ello,” he kicks two packages out of the way.
“Hi,” you greet your spouse. “Just got out of my appointment; the doctor said all seems fine. He ordered some lab tests to make sure my blood levels are within the normal range; I should get the results in about 3 days.”
“That’s awesome!” he grumbles while bending over to grab some papers scattered on the floor. “I’m glad you’re ok, I should have come also for moral support.”
Y/N smiles at the confession, choosing not to disclose it makes her happy:
“You have to sort out the cargo; the buyer will be there shortly.”
“Yeah, but this could have waited.”
Your smile gets wider as J fumbles around with several items. 
“Tell you what: I’ll finish up some stuff here and I’ll drive to pitch in.”
The King of Gotham wouldn’t normally decline yet he’s actually worried after everything that happened.
“Nope, I want you to rest; you’ve been too active lately and you need to slow down. Why are you giggling?” he smacks his lips, displeased four trunks look like they’ve been tampered with.
“Nothing in particular,” the bubbly Y/N keeps the best for last.
“I’ll see you home; I found something I don’t like,” The Joker grunts as the heavy lid is lifted from one of the containers. “Stay put and relax!” he orders and you nonchalantly drop the bomb:
“Maybe I will,” and after a small pause: “Oh! By the way, I was given green light for sex.”
“ ‘kay, see you in a couple of hours,” J struggles with the box and waits for your long “Byeeeeee” before hanging up. A few seconds into his task and it hits.
“Holy shit!” he exhales and holds his breath, startled. “Jesus!!” he abandons the precious merchandise, running towards the exit. “Froooossst!!!” he gets his henchman’s assistance. “Take over!!”
“Yes sir!” Jonny emerges from one of the SUV’s parked inside, not understanding why his boss is in a hurry. “Anything wrong?”
“No!!! I have a personal emergency!!” The Joker shouts and pushes the heavy metal door to the side, wishing he was already at his destination.
*************
J enters the code on the pin pad and he is granted access into your apartment. He went to The Penthouse first: you weren’t there and he figured you must be on the 29th floor. He storms inside and rushes towards the bedroom when his enthusiasm is abruptly halted by no other than Jonathan Crane coming out of the kitchen.
Scarecrow almost drops the fresh coffee mug you brewed for him; The Clown Prince of Crime was certainly not informed you had company. Doesn’t matter though, he’s not one to be embarrassed by his current situation:
“May I help you Crane?” a high and mighty J sassily blurs out wearing nothing but his birthday suit.
“I doubt it,” Jonathan is quick to respond. “I dropped by to bring you extra ampules of Liquid Dream like you wanted and pain killers refill for Y/N in case she needs more.”
You suddenly pop up from behind Scarecrow, not being able to stop the question:
“Why are you naked?!”
The Joker opens his mouth because he has a cool explanation, yet the guest doesn’t care about it.
“I think I should bail,” he smirks as he passed by J. “I’m taking the cup, I’ll bring it back next time,” he announces and can’t contain a smartass remark: “Nice attire.”
Your husband bitterly growls and as always, you have to be the catalyst for a better outcome:
“Thank you, Jonathan!”
Scarecrow waves without adding extra comments, 100% positive you’ll burst out laughing as soon as he vacates the premises.  
And he’s correct.
“Oh my God,” you snicker since you didn’t expect such a funny coincidence to unfold within today’s schedule. “That was hilarious!” the amused Y/N finds herself in The Joker’s arms moments after Jonathan’s departure. “Where are your clothes?!” you kiss him and he yanks at your waist, purring.
“The jacket and shirt in the car, pants and boxers in the elevator,” he admits while guiding you towards the couch in the living room. “The socks and shoes are somewhere on the hallway.”
“I was wondering when you’ll realize about the news I shared,” you whisper in his ear as he takes off your summer dress, aroused.
The two bodies plunge on the sofa, Y/N enjoying the intimacy as much as he does:
“J… … J…” you cling to him when his left hand slips in your bikini.
“Mmm? Does something hurt?” The Joker pecks the tip of your nose, ready to quit if you say yes.
“No… it’s not that,” the seriousness in your voice makes him pay attention.
Maybe you shouldn’t bring up the past in these circumstances; here it comes anyway:
“If the Las Vegas events repeat themselves… I won’t forgive you again,” you stare in his eyes without blinking. “I won’t return… ”
The Joker is silent and you wonder what’s going on in his mind; it’s not a secret he was miserable after being abandoned in the City of Lights due to his despicable conduct.
“They won’t.”
“Are you sure?” the doubt in your tone forces him to reveal:
“I’m sure because it felt horrible when you weren’t around.”
You caress J’s hair and remind him you won’t compromise for less than his total commitment:
“You’re either mine or you’re not, ok?...”
“I’m yours,” he grumbles and it’s not very difficult since the woman asking is no casual fling but the only one he ever wanted to marry for reals. “I want the special treatment,” the immediate request makes you snort: it’s so like him to articulate crap like this in the middle of a serious discussion. 
“Do you?!”
“Yes!!” The Joker nibbles on your neck and underlines his affliction: “I’ve been so horny I’m not sure how I still function; I behaved though, I swear!” he’s fast to emphasize while pulling on your bra strap. “You know why?” J throws the question out there, aware the statement will please his wife. “I tolerate you… even if you’ve been nagging me for almost 12 years.”
“Careful,” you admonish. “Uttering such words makes you sound like you’re in love.”
“God forbids! You think so?!” the painful grimace on his face prompts more teasing from your part:
“Yeap, no cure for this terrible disease.”
Your bra ends up on the floor and he’s not content with the epilogue.
“I’m screwed then.”
“Noooot yet,” you wink and his purring intensifies when your teeth sink into his shoulder. “We’re getting there.”
************
Same morning, 11:47am
“There you are!” J exclaims discovering you on the terrace. “You disappeared on me Y/N: I thought you said we’ll have lunch,” the hyper spouse recalls. “What’s wrong?” he frowns seeing you wiping your tears and doesn’t stress the lack of an answer when he notices the ultrasound picture. The Joker quietly sits by you on the swing, kissing your scared cheek in the process. “You ok?”
“U-hum,” you nod. “I wish I didn’t have the miscarriage, you know?...” your bottom lip quivers while placing the image in your robe’s pocket. “I really wanted a baby…”
“My poor old girl…” he sighs and doesn’t expect you to agree.
“I am old!” you keep sobbing and he squeezes you closer to him. “It was probably my last chance to have a child and I blew it!”
The King of Gotham sucks at cheering; he attempts nevertheless:
“Mmmm… You’re supposed to say you’re not old and then I reply that you are old for my standards, which should prompt you to fight back and highlight my standards are crap. Am I to carry on these sort of conversations meant for two by myself now?!” he huffs. “People will think I’m crazy!”
You snort at his monologue and it’s the perfect opportunity to make it clear your opinion is unchanged:
“Your standards are crap!”
“There you are,” the delighted Joker reckons. “I got nervous for a moment,” he chuckles and you elbow him, smiling through tears. “What about we eat something and then we can plan our location for the honeymoon we didn’t get to enjoy?”
J’s plan is working: the little surprise proposition is distracting Y/N and she carefully weighs in his sentences.
“Would you like to elope?” he pushes for a decision and you play with your wedding ring, mumbling:
“I don’t wanna go to Vegas.”
“No Vegas!” he’s fast to consent. “Where to then?”
“Well…” you sniffle, “…what about Reno? We could stay at Solaris Casino; Mark Nessi would accommodate us.”
“He would. If we pack and leave, we can make it there by 7:30-ish pm.”
“You want to leave today?! What about your meetings? You actually have one tomorrow.”
“Meh, Frost can postpone them,” The Joker dismisses your concerns. “I vote we bail and have fun, hm?” he lifts your chin up. “Let’s get the hell out of here, yes?” the impatient Clown wiggles next to you.
“OK…” Y/N elects to grant his plea because escaping town couldn’t have a better timing: it will be nice to spend time together and try to get over the disappointment of his past mistake.
**************
Reno, 8:42pm
You and The Joker are strolling towards the gambling area, excited to have made it here an hour ago. The traffic wasn’t bad and you took turns driving, that’s why you had dinner first and then changed clothes in order to enjoy the night properly.
“I liked the lobster,” you pull at his arm since he’s distrait. “How was your stake?” you seek to chat when he suddenly opens the door to one of the storage closets and shoves you inside. You get trapped against the wall as J claims his special request for the evening.
“I want the special treatment,” he growls and you smirk.
“You didn’t do anything to earn it! This morning I made an exception because it’s been weeks since we had sex. Don’t let my lenience trick you!”
“Don’t nag me!” J cuts you off. “This backless red dress of yours is doing things to me so I want the special treatment,” he slides his arms around your waist.
“Surrounded by shampoo bottles and toilet paper?!”
“It’s quite sexy,” The Joker grins and you compromise a tiny bit:
“I’ll only do the first part! That’s it! I want to go and play poker.”
His face comes close to yours and you start kissing every inch of it, ogling the door instead of paying attention to him.
“You’re not doing it right!” your husband complains. “You’re supposed to look at me!”
You switch your concentration and keep staring in his eyes, abandoning the project when you consider it done.  
“Where are you going?” J stops your movement. “Thanks to you I can’t walk now,” he lifts up your short dress and you dodge his touch, opening the door in order to escape.
“Of course you can! Come on, stop sulking,” you drag him out and he follows, bickering at your indifference.
“You’re mean!” The Joker admonishes and you intertwine his fingers with yours, guiding him in the direction of the VIP room.  
“No, I’m not,” you defend your actions. “I’ve been around you for so many years that those blue eyes and long lashes don’t have any powers over me,” Y/N teases. “I’m immune.”
“Bullshit!” he mutters and you steal a kiss, inviting him to enter the poker room.
“Do you want to sit by the bar?” you point and J doesn’t oppose the choice. “I’m getting a cocktail. Grape juice?”
“No,” he pouts and makes himself comfortable while you fetch your drink.
“Hello Mister Joker,” one of the dolled-up girls swiftly pops up at the table. “I didn’t see you in forever!”
“I’ve been busy,” he avoids the subject and barks when she tries to collapse on the chair next to his. “This seat’s taken!”
“Oh,” she straightens her back. “By whom?!” the envious Ella inquires.
Did another girl get to him first?! It’s common knowledge he’s generous with his flings and she can’t believe another will cash in the benefits.
“My wife,” he taps his fingers on the table, annoyed the interrogation continues.
“You got married Mister Joker?!” the woman doesn’t hide her astonishment: it’s not that his nuptials were broadcasted on the news. Plus… he’s a very weird man, totally not husband material.
“A few months ago,” he sneers and she’s not smart enough to take the hint.
“Who did you marry Mister Joker?” she giggles, more and more convinced he’s bluffing: The King of Gotham is probably messing around to make her jealous.
“My best friend and main nagger,” J bitterly mentions. “Isn’t this what people do? Marry their best friends?”
“You almost got me Mister Joker,” she laughs at his strange acknowledgement, reassured he’s messing with her: an individual like him would pronounce such nonsense only to initiate flirting.
“Excuse me!” you bump into her on purpose, aware why she’s there. “I got you grape juice on ice,” you place the glass in front of your spouse and he opens his mouth in amazement.
“I was literally about to order this! How did you know I changed my mind?!”
“Best friends know,” you bend to kiss him and J pouts, annoyed you overheard his childish affirmation.
“You have such a cool tattoo on your back!” Ella exclaims. “Is that Japanese?”
Y/N turns in her chair, confused to notice the lady is still standing behind them.
“Yes.”
“What does it say?”
You take a deep breath, fed up by her unwanted presence.
“It says that if you don’t get lost, I’ll make sure your body is never found again! And if it’s eventually found, it surely won’t be identifiable!!”
You reprise your position at the poker table, patiently waiting for the dealer to finish handing out the cards.
“I’m so hot and bothered,” J brushes his lips on yours. “Your attitude begs for my undivided eagerness to peel you out of this dress,” he lustfully glares at your cleavage.“What do you say we leave and have a party on our own? We can play strip poker in the honeymoon suite.”
“We just got here minutes ago,” you fix a rebel strand of hair then whisper: “Table seven, white shirt guy.”
“Do you ever take vacations?” The Joker grinds his teeth, nonchalantly gazing at your suspicious target.
“I like to mix business with pleasure,” you wink and accidentally spill a little bit of your cocktail on his pants. “Oops, pardon me; I assume you have to come with me if you need help stepping out of your wet garment.”
“As that old Arkham report specifies: I need all the help I can get,” The Clown reveals to an amused Y/N, excited she’s receptive to his innuendos.
**************
You emerge from the walk-in closet in your skimpy purple lace attire and The Joker gasps, enticed at the view.
“Oh my God! Com’ere!” he gestures for your company and you crawl in bed, pushing aside the items scattered on the sheets:
“What’s with the shampoo bottles and toilet paper rolls?!”
“I’m attempting to recreate the seductive atmosphere in the storage room, maybe it can convince you to continue the special treatment.”
“You don’t give up, do you?” you scoff and straddle his lap, conflicted if you should grant his wish.
“I usually don’t… Are you gonna help like you promised and take off my pants?” J gropes you and the knock at the door interrupts your answer.
“Room service!”
“Did you order from the menu?” you ask and your husband purrs:
“More champagne.”
“Maybe our new friend has arrived,” you wink, hopping out of bed.
“Why don’t we find out?” The Joker spanks your butt as you cover your body with the bathrobe.
Y/N grabs the bottle of champagne from the ice bucket and hides around the corner while he shouts:
“Come in!”
The waiter pushes in the rolling cart in the middle of the lobby, greeting his grouchy customer:
“Hi Mister Joker, would you like one bottle or two?”
“One!”
You creep beyond him and smash the glass against his skull; the man falls on his knees and you take advantage of his dizziness to switch him face up: it is the guy from table seven!
“Who send you?” you ferociously punch him and he struggles to escape when The King’s gun ends up one inch away from his temple. “Who send you?” Y/N shrieks and she’s so absorbed into her job she can’t discern the mesmerized Joker staring at her. It’s not that he didn’t see you in action before, but it finally clicked:
It sure pays off being married to your work wife!
Also read: MASTERLIST
You can also follow me on Ao3 and Wattpad under the same blog name: Diyunho.
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gwydionmisha ¡ 3 years
Text
Personal: 1/28/21
Wednesday morning I stayed up for lab tests. I ssed up a little on the fasting.  (I was supposed to be water only after midnight, but forgot and snacked on some almonds mixed with dried cherries between 12 and 1.  I debated going to bed early and setting an alarm, but decided working through to get the aggregate out made sense as i knew I'd be thrashed after they took all that blood.  As a result I started getting ready at eight and solved a number of small stupid problems and did some bed prep before putting my shoes on.  I needed to stop at the bank anyway. I figured in traffic (lighter than normal at that time of day since city hall, etc. are still closed), finding parking, the screening process, and the wait for the lb tech in.  My timing turned out to be  perfect as i had just started lab tech check in a minute before blood test minimum fast.  I am good.  Very good.
It was raining pretty solidly when I left the apartment.  It had switched to flurries halfway to the clinic.  Me: this is going to be fun to stand in for the long outdoor screening wait.  It was drizzling when I reached the ATM, and barely a mist by the time I hit screening.  *fist pump*  
One of the portables is now a 1B Covid vaccination site.  The lady was also doing lab/pharmacy screening and gestured me over.  They have distancing dots and several people where waiting on the under the awning dots.  I stayed out in the full air until she gestured me over, which wasn't long.  We were standing with our backs to the vaccination portable, with me just under the awning, facing at slightly different angles for safety.  The awning stretches between the two portables and the distance dots that had people were on the clinic side facing the clinic. I was facing slightly the other way on the parking lot side.
I didn't notice anything was wrrong, as when I approached Iwas looking at three backs with mask loops over ears, plus full PPE check in ladies, one of whom was talking to masked patient.  So we are talking loudly to each other over masks and portable vent sounds.  Her head is down as she writes on the clip board.  She glanced up after name and date of birth, did a doubletake and started her "you need to wear a mask" polite but firm. So I look over and the older gentleman closest is turning around with his mask pulled down.  "I'll put it on when i get inside."  I draw back fast, wide eyed with horror like he's a rattlesnake, "I'm highly risk!  I can't be around you without a mask!"  She tells him he has to wear a mask up here too.  He rumpily puts it back on.  Asshole.
Yes, we are outside and minimum distance, but he could infet people going in to get shots, who are all high risk pool and need to not get sick, or people like me who have to be there and have vulnerabilities, or the nice health care workers who've been risking their lives every day they work since late last February.  Jesus fuck, what is wrong with people!  Yes, outside is less risk, but you still wear a damned mask.
Anyway, blood was taken.  It took ages to get to bed.  I got about two and a half hours sleep when Asshole Contractor who does building maintenance and who cheated me twice when I first moved in called. They are finally going to do something about the ventilation issue in Squirrel's bathroom Super cool contractor found last January.  he questioned me extensively, then wanted to come right over to look at it.  Inside the apartment.  In the middle of squirrel's sleep cycle, with no time to clean for him.  
Yeah.  No.  I convinced him that instead of playing telephone about a building structure repair I heard about last year second hand, maybe he should talk to the contractor who saw and could likely describe the problem with the vent shafts in a more useful way.  This still meant getting up and finding cool contractor's contact info and relaying it, but it meant not making Squirrel get up and try to panic clean right then.  Squirrel likely needs heart surgery again and needs his damned sleep.  He's ill enough it scares me.
So I went back to bed and slept.  I alerted him to the need to clean at a sensible hourwhen we were both awake and he's doing his best.  Tavy has started hanging out in his room and there have been some issues with him peeing.  when that started I asked him if he'd clean litter in his bathroom box.  apparently he threw his litter box out when elder kitty died.  Me: O.o  Well if the cats are going in there you need a box.  If he hasn't a clean box handy he will just go where ever.  The new box came today and I gave him very specific advice about how to clean and set up so he'll be more likely to use the box.  I handed him a bottle of odoban and he went to work.  We'll see.
I actually did do a bunch of bathroom cleaning that needed doing.  Livia's bathroom box whih she uses when she wants no chance of harassment or interruption is clean.  The toilet is clean and the floor sorted.  Kitchen needs doing, but the nausea is really bad today and blood letting wears me out by itself.  I also did some essential bureaucracy that came in and prep for February's bureaucracy.
We're okay, money wise.  The stimulus came in time to cover car repair.  We had to buy two new space heaters as two of the ancient, second hand ones kicked the bucket this winter.  A benefactor has sent extra and I can cover yearly car licensing and for sure the housing tax payment on the bill that will come soon.  It remains to be seen if there is enough for the whole year, but if not, I'm getting stuff the animals need, like a new twenty filter, since the last liberty filter died beginning of the month, and maybe some more bedding.  I always need more bedding.
We're okay for now, even if I feel like crap at the moment.
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girlwithshipsshitshow ¡ 4 years
Conversation
Part 12
(Around Three am the lab came in to check take Usagi's blood and nurse Rose came in to switch out his fluid and give him more antibiotics, surprisingly Usagi stayed asleep the whole time, but Misaki woke up).
Misaki: (Groggily) Rose, I can't believe they have you working all these hours.
Rose: Yeah (She stood against the wall near the doorway). Well the other Nurse was supposed to be working but she's been fired, a new nurse will be taking over later today and then I have my date with Eri. (She smiled, even in the dark Misaki could tell she was blushing). Do you have any recommendations?
Misaki: Usagi and I always go to IMI.
Rose: Isn't that expensive?
Misaki: It is when Usagi rents out the entire balcony. (Chuckles).
Rose: Well Thanks, I'll look into it.
Misaki: Yeah, good luck.
Rose: (Exits)
Misaki: (Closes eyes and tries to go back to sleep).
Aikawa: Don't just burst in there they might still be asleep.
Takahiro: No, They said we could come back at six am and it's six am, I'm going in (Slams door open)
Misaki: (Shoots up) Takahiro, What the fuck are you doing?
Takahiro: They said we could be back at six am.
Misaki: Do you have to be so loud? (Glaces at Usagi who is still fast asleep). I need to take a shower. (gets up, Grabs kaki shorts, a black hoodie, and boxers out of his backpack and walks into the bathroom).
Takahiro: God, what's his problem? (Walks over to be and starts fixing it back into a sofa.)
Aikawa: (Leans against wall, crossing arms) You burst in here at six am, they were sound asleep, Miskai has a test today, and who knows how late they were up).
Takahiro: Ew, why were they up late? They can't have sex.
Aikawa: (Angry face) Takahiro, they can't have sex, and they were up late because Misaki was probably studying and doctors and nurses were in and out all night. You have to get on board with their relships at some point or else you're going to lose them both.
Takahiro: It's just (Sigha and sits on sofa) He's my baby brother, my little baby brother, I never thought of him dating, especially dating my best friend. It's just-
Aikawa: (Sits beside Takahiro) I know it's strange, but have you seen how they look at each other? (Smiles) They're in love, and incredibly happy.
Takahiro: I know, I've never seen either one of them so happy, ever. (Smiles) I need to be okay with this.
Aikawa: Yeah, you do, they aren't going to break up ever, and they've been through a lot, it's been hard for them.
Takahiro: I didn't know that.
Aikawa: Yeah, we'll they were always scared to tell you.
Takahiro: How long have you known?
Aikawa: Eh, I kinda just figured it out. They aren't that good at hiding it.
Misaki: (Walking out of the bathroom rubbing a towel on his head). Maybe if you didn't have a key.
Aikawa: There are locks on other doors for a reason, and i'm not only talking about at your house.
Misaki: Whatever. (Walks over to chair beside Usagi, who's starting to stir).
Usagi: (Eyes slowly open, he smiles at Misaki and reaches out for him). Good Morning Misaki.
Misaki:(Grabs hand) Hey Baby.
Usagi: Did you sleep well?
Misaki: (Shrugs) I slept okay, you were out all night, they came in here around three am to do labs and stuff.
Usagi: (Chuckles) I was tired
Misaki: Good, you need your rest.
Usagi: What time is your test?
Misaki: It's at ten, but the doctor is going to come in here around eight to talk to you, and I'll leave after that.
Usagi: (Nods) Okay. (Looks over at sofa). Hey guys
Takahiro, Aikawa: Hello.
Usagi: When did they get here?
Misaki: Right at six.
Usagi: Did they wake you?
Miskai: (Sheepish look)
Usagi: (Runs thumb over back of hand) I'm sorry.
Misaki: (Shrugs) It's okay, I didn't sleep well anyway. (Sighs and rolls shoulders back)
Usagi: Hey, what's wrong
Misaki: Just the timing of all this sucks.
Usagi: I know.
Misaki: And I'm kinda pissed at you, you could've died, you're lucky you're appendix didn't actually burst.
Usagi: I know.
(There's a knock at the door and Dr. Takahashi walks in)
Dr. Takahashi: Good Morning everyone. (He walks over to the sink, washes his hands and puts on a pair of gloves). Akihiko, I'm going to look at your incision. (He walks over to Usagi and gently checks his incision). Okay, looks to be healing up nicely, your vitals look good and we can take you off the antibiotics, and have you had any pain?
Usagi: Um, no not at all.
Dr. Takahashi: Okay, perfect. I think we can get you out of here today, but it might be later this evening, I assume your fiance will be able to take care of you?
Misaki: Uh, yeah of course. I mean I have a test today at ten, I'm off tomorrow, I have another test Thursday, and next week I don't have any classes, and next saturday I graduate.
Usagi: Oh, speaking of, I'm supposed to speak at his graduation next saturday, is that okay?
Dr. Takahashi: Yes, that should be fine, No sexual activities for two weeks, stick to your regular diet, if you don't have anymore questions we can work on getting you out of here.
Usagi: Uh, wait, no sexual activities for two weeks?
Misaki: (Scoffs) Usagi, It'll be okay.
Usagi: Yeah but-
Misaki: Babe, I don't want you to die, so you can wait two weeks.
Usagi: (Sighs) Yeah, Fine. Oh what about bathing?
Dr. Takahashi: You can do all that normally, Oh and no heavy lifting.
Usagi: So what am I supposed to do?
Aikawa: You can do your work.
Usagi: Please, I'm at least four months ahead.
Aikawa: Damn I forgot about that.
Dr. Takahashi: You can drive tomorrow and walk some.
Usagi: Fine.
Misaki: (Glaces At Phone) Shit, it's Nine-Fifteen, i'm going to be late. Usagi, I'm taking your car.
Usagi: That's fine, my keys-
Misaki: Are in the table, I know I saw them yesterday. (Stands up, still holding on to Usagi's hand).
Usagi: Good luck on your Test. (Grins, swings his and Misaki's arm).
Misaki: Thank you. (Tries to let go of Usagi's hand) Usagiii, I have to go, I can't be late.
Usagi: (Releases Misaki's hand), Okay go.
Misaki: (Walks over to the table, grabs Usagi's keys, leans down to kiss Usagi). I love you, I'll see you later.
Usagi: I love you too. (Walks out of Usagi's room).
Dr. Takahashi: Okay, I'm going to start working on your discharge papers, anything else you need to ask?
Usagi: I think I'm okay.
Dr. Takahashi: Alright. (Exits).
Rose: (Walks in grinning at Aikawa). Eri, good morning.
Aikawa: Oh, Rose hey. (Blushes)
Rose: How are you?
Aikawa: I'm good, Akihiko gets to go home today.
Rose: I heard, Congrats.
Usagi: Thank you.
Rose: Where's Misaki?
Usagi: School, he had a test.
Rose: And Isaka?
Aikawa: He had to take care of some stuff at work.
Rose: Okay, well I was Just checking in. Um Eri, I have a short break, want to go get a snack?
Aikawa: (Blushes) Uh, sure. (Stands up grinning at Rose, following her out of the room).
Takahiro:(Clears throat). Usagi-San, I think I need to apologize.
Usagi: For what?
Takahiro: How I've been acting, not supporting your relationship with Misaki.
Usagi: We'll Thanks, but I'm not the one you need to apologize to.
Takahiro: What do you mean, aren't you upset. (Stands up, walks over by Usagi's bed lingering around him).
Usagi: No, not really, Misaki has been hiding this from you for almost five years, and he's been really scared to tell you.
Takahiro: Aikawa said it's been hard for you guys. Or maybe Misaki? I know how hard it can be for him to express his feelings and open up, di- did his fear of telling me and losing you maybe have something to do with it?
Usagi: Look, I've never ever doubted Misaki's feelings for me, not once. Sometimes I felt insecure and maybe wished he would've told me he loved me more, but I always knew he did. We've told you, and now He's extremely open and more affectionate, it maybe started before we told you, but-
Takahiro: So, it's kinda my fault he wasn't always affectionate?
Usagi: Look, he was terrified of having to give up what we had, and so was I, sometimes I still am, we still have to come out to the world, I want to do that soon, and that scares me, I haven't told him that. But we were both scared of ruining the relationship with you.
Takahiro: You were?
Usagi: Yes, Of course.
Takahiro: (Sits down) Did you think I would make you break up?
Usagi: We didn't know what was going to happen, We just know, we never want to let each other go, I really Really love Misaki, He's the love the of my life, my soulmate, my best friend, He's my person Takahiro.
Takahiro: (Grins) I guess I didn't completely understand how you guys felt about each other.
Usagi: Well, now you do.
Takahiro: He's just my baby brother, I want to protect him, I guess he doesn't need me anymore.
Usagi: Come on he'll always need you.
Takahiro: Yeah, but now he has you, you've been protecting him for the past four years.
Usagi: Almost five, not that it matters but after he next saturday is our anniversary.
Takahiro: Wait, his graduation day?
Usagi: Yeah.
Takahiro: (Smiles) That's really sweet.
Usagi: (Smirks) I, can't believe we've been together five years, and the two of us are getting married, I'm so happy.
Takahiro: I've known you a long time and I don't think i've ever seen you this generally happy... Wait (scoffs, Shocked look) i'm and idot. This, aurora of happiness started when you met Misaki. How didn't I figure it out?
Usagi: (Shrugs) I have no idea.
Takahiro: And Misaki changed a lot when he met you.
Usagi: (Nods)
Takahiro: Look, just keep him happy.
Usagi: I will, I'm not going to hurt him, I love him so much.
Takahiro: Good. Now let's talk kids.
Usagi: ugh
(Rose and Aikawa are sitting in the vending room finishing up their snack).
Rose: I think they should be done now
Aikawa: Eh, what are you talking about?
Rose: (Takes last sip of her soda, tossing the can in the trash behind her). Takahiro and Akihiko.
Aikawa: We came up here so they could talk?
Rose: We'll mostly so I could hang out with you, But I figured they should talk.
Aikawa: I'm sure they did talk. And I'm happy to be up here with you.
Rose: (Smiles, reaches out for Aikawa's hand)
Aikawa: (Bluses) This is nice, um can we still go on a date tonight?
Rose: Yeah, of course and it actually looks like I might get off early.
Aikawa: Oh, awesome!
Rose: (laughs) I- I'll let you know, but we should head back down. (Stands)
Aikawa: Yeah. (Stands up)
Rose: (Takes Aikawa's hand and they head back down to Usagi's room).
Misaki: (Drums fingers on the steering wheel of Usagi's car, while wating for him to pick up, he just got his grade back for his German exam and he passed with flying colors, he felt really good about his German exam and the last test he had was psychology).
Usagi: Misaki? Are you okay?
Misaki: Great acctally. I got a 95 on my German exam, I feel extremely confident about my Psychology exam on Thursday!
Usagi: Wow Misaki! I'm so proud of you!
Misaki: (Chuckles) Thanks Usagi, I'm on my way back now do you need anything?
Usagi: Just you.
Misaki: (Blushes) Shut up!
Usagi: I can tell you're blushing.
Misaki: (Laughs) You know me so well Usagi.
Usagi: Yes I do, and I love you.
Misaki: I love you too, I'll see you soon.
Usagi: Can't wait.
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Text
Stark Spangled Banner Ch 2: The Contest
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Summary: Life at SHIELD isn’t always missions and seriousness, as a good natured shooting contest between Katie and Clint shows! The question is, as the two dead-shots face off, who will be the winner? Steve has utter faith in his best friend, but will he win the bet? Either way, both are left contemplating their feelings towards one another and realise they run much deeper than either could ever have imagined them doing.
Pairing: Steve Rogers x OFC Katie Stark
Warnings: Bad language (no smut, yet, but will be down the line) Bit of angst, two idiots struggling with feelings
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March 2013
A shooting contest between two Avengers was always going to draw big attention, so it was hardly surprising, therefore, that SHIELD agents were running a book. Clint was odds on favourite to win, but Steve had so far refused to take part, that is until 10 minutes or so before the contest was supposed to start. He was stood outside the shooting range, eyes focussed on Katie and Clint as they both stood in there, checking their equipment, a crowd steadily gathering behind him.
 “I know she’s good, but she really doesn’t stand a chance.” Natasha said as she stood at his side. Her matter-of-fact tone caused something in his chest to stir, the lack of faith everyone bar Evans and Lawson from the lab seemed to be displaying in Katie riled him and he turned to Natasha.
“Twenty bucks says she does it.” he stuck his hand out.
She raised an eyebrow at him, before shaking his hand “Alright Rogers, you’re on.”
His hands returned to his belt buckle and both Katie and Clint signalled they were ready.
Evans went into the room, it was soundproof unless you pushed the button to listen in, which Rumlow did, of course.
"No pushing or shoving of your opponent because that’s just a shitty thing to do…” Evans said, his Texan drawl loud as his hand scratched at his ginger beard “No fancy arrows Hawkeye, just the normal rounds.”
“What’s normal about any of this?” Katie mumbled, earning her a smirk off Clint.
“Perfect kill shots are an extra half-point. 20 minute time limit is in force. If you’re tied on score then we’ll go to the number of kill shots made.” Evans looked at them and they both nodded, Katie licking her lips. “Now. To your starting positions…and…” he held his right hand up, 3 fingers extended “May the odds be ever in your favour…”
Steve had no idea what that was a reference too, but he heard the rest of the people around him snigger. Katie threw her head back in a laugh as Clint mimicked Evan’s hand gesture as the other Sniper left the room.
The two opponents stepped up to the line that marked off the beginning of the course, which was constructed out of crates and various other objects. Katie cracked her neck side to side as Clint tested the tension in the bow string one last time before turning his head to meet Katie’s gaze. She put her gun back into its thigh holster and turned to her old SO.
“May the best woman win…” she said with a smirk, fist bumping him with her right hand as she felt the blood pounding in her ears. Then, with a simultaneous nod, the two of them shot forward.
Steve felt a surge of pride as he watched Katie leaping from obstacle to obstacle, landing shot after shot. After she landed the 4th he heard Natasha hiss through her teeth.
“Ok, so maybe she has a little chance…”
Steve didn’t reply, simply watched, silently willing her on.
As the minutes ticked on, the two continued, both making leaps, dropping into rolls, and ducking behind corners. Katie took another shot, and paused for a split second, if she was counting correctly there were two more to go and 5 minutes left on the clock. She looked up for her next target and saw Clint was blocking her way, knelt down, aiming at his own. Katie knew the sensible thing to do would be to wait, but then she was a Stark, being sensible wasn’t one of her main attributes. With a smirk she re-holstered her gun and sprinted as fast as she could, launching herself forward into a perfect front flip, catapulting right over the top of Clint before she immediately slid onto a knee and brought the handgun back up, aiming at the target.
Outside the room there was a lot of cheering and cat calls at her display of acrobatics.
Katie moved to her final target, back against a large crate, aimed but then missed and Steve closed his eyes- that would cost her.
“Shit!” she exclaimed, doubling over to catch her breath as Clint walked over to her, pulling her into a hug.
“Sharp shooting Nova!” he grinned, ruffling at her hair. Both of them turned as the doors open and a few agents walked in, back slapping them both as Evans collected the targets and went to tally up the points.
“That was impressive!” Steve said, crossing the room smiling “both of you.”
“Not bad Stark.” Nat added, appraisingly
“Thanks.” she said, taking a drink of the bottle of water Clint handed to her. She was red faced, sweating but absolutely thrilled, pumped full of adrenaline. She placed her hands on her hips and took a deep breath.
“Ok and we have the results!” Evans said and Clint threw his arm round Katie as hers slid round his waist.  “Barton hit each target, giving him 10 plus 4 kill shots, taking him to 12. Stark you missed one giving you 9 and 3 kill shots, taking you to 10.5…”
“Damned it!” Katie groaned, shaking Clint’s hand as the various cheers and complaints went up as people started to cash in their bets.
“You’re fired…” Steve heard a familiar voice say. Spinning round, he saw Fury handing over a fifty to an agent whose name escaped him and Steve bit back a smile. The Director had bet on Katie. That one mistake had been costly.
“Cough up Rogers…” Nat said, holding out her hand. He turned to her, sighing and fished in his pocket for a twenty, handing it to her.
“You bet on me?” Katie looked at him, surprised.
“Course I did, sweetheart.” he said immediately.
 “Yeah I didn’t, sorry Stark.” Nat said, taking the twenty off him “Clint’s never lost a challenge yet.”
“He nearly did.” Steve said, looking at his friend proudly before he glanced back at Natasha. “Was worth the bet to see you get so twitchy Romanoff… “
“I wasn’t twitchy…” She said, as Clit looked at her.
“Seriously?”  he frowned.
“I’ll admit at one point I thought Stark might have just shaded it…” Nat narrowed her eyes at Steve who simply shrugged, hands dropping to the front of his belt buckle.
“To be fair, there was one point where I thought that too.” Clint smiled, and Katie felt a surge of pride in her chest as he replaced the arrows into his quiver. “Did good Nova, I’m proud of you.”
“Thanks Clint.” she smiled at him.
“So, who fancies a drink?” Barton looked around, clapping his hands together.
“I’m game.” Katie said, emptying her magazine, already stripping down her weapon.
Natasha nodded and then Steve realised they were all looking at him. He hesitated, he really did need to train as he hadn’t had a decent run that morning and he’d be restless all evening otherwise, but after that…why not?
"I gotta work out first but if you tell me where you’re going I'll join you when I'm done.” he said.
“Take a day off!” Nat drawled, examining her nails. He was about to reply but Katie got there first.
“If he doesn’t work out he’s a right crank! And no one likes a Cranky Cap…”
“You know what Stark…” he started but she simply stuck her tongue out at him causing him to roll his eyes, fighting to keep the smile off his face.
“Why don’t we try the new sports bar on the high-street, what’s it called again?” Clint suggested.
“Home Run?” Nat asked.
“Yeah that’s it.” he nodded “Couple of doors down from the Burger joint.”
“I’ll find it.” Steve said as Clint nodded, making for the door, Natasha following.  Katie turned to Steve, smiling at him as he surveyed the room.
"You did a good job," he nodded to the obstacle course “Did it take you back to fighting Aliens?”
"Not quite the same, you know? No returning gunfire… no life-or-death stakes… no Captain America cushioning my fall when we got blown out of a bank window," she teased. He laughed, as she started to back up towards the door. "I won't take up your workout time. See you at the bar?"
“You never take up my time, doll.” He smiled back, honestly before he felt the flush rise up his neck. What a dumbass thing to say. “See you later." he nodded.
With that she took her leave, tugging her hair out the ponytail as she left, allowing the gentle waves to cascade down her back.
********
Half an hour or so, after a Katie had showered and changed, the 3 Avengers were making the 20 minute or so walk to the bar downtown.
“You know I still can’t believe I got to within a point and a half of you.” Katie nudged Clint.
“Me neither actually.” Natasha asked “I thought it was gonna be a whitewash.”
“Oh ye of little faith…” Katie said, mock hurt lacing her voice.
“Tell you who did have faith, other than Rogers… Fury.” Nat said grinning.
“Hang on…the boss bet against me?” Clint stopped “Damned.”
“Don’t take it personally…” Katie shrugged as they reached the bar. Clint opened the door to let the girls step in first and then he joined them, looking around at the new surroundings. It was low lit but piled with sports memorabilia which they paused to have a look at on their way to the bar. Drinks purchased, they headed to a plush, leather seated booth and settled down.
They fell into an easy chat, and then the inevitable teasing about Rumlow fancying Katie started up and she groaned. Clint and Nat enjoyed ribbing her about him and she had to admit, he wasn’t subtle to be fair. He’d asked her out 3 times now and she’d politely declined but it didn’t stop her friends from enjoying teasing her about it. Clint and Nat took turns in trying to highlight Rumlow’s more endearing qualities. They managed a sum total of 3 when Clint leaned back in his chair and shrugged.
“I’m out…” he grinned as Katie laughed, raising her glass to her mouth to drain the last of her beer.
“Yeah, he’s not relationship materiel…” Nat shrugged
“But you could just fuck him, get what you need and kick him out before breakfast.” Clint suggested causing Katie to choke down her mouthful of European lager and pick up the beer mat nearest her.
Steve chose that exact moment to walk into the bar. He watched as the beer mat hit Clint straight between the eyes, and Katie threw her head back in pure, unadulterated laughter. Something in his chest stirred as he watched her, that wonderful smile and laugh filling her face. He enjoyed seeing her so relaxed.
“Hey…” he greeted them as they all looked up. “You guys need another drink?”
“Cheers Cap, 3 beers…” Clint motioned round the table and Steve headed off to the bar. Katie watched him go, eye trained on his ass which looked remarkably fine in those dark denims...then, realising what she was doing and who she was with, she let out silent groan as she turned back to see Clint and Nat exchanging a glance, a glance between two people who had just discovered the best secret ever and she knew she’d been caught.  
“What?” she shrugged “Girl can look, right?”
Neither of them said anything just kept smirking to themselves in that infuriating way until Steve returned, setting down the 4 pints which he easily held in his hands and slid into the spare seat next to Katie.
“I’m in the mood for another challenge.” Clint leaned forward, his eyebrows raising up and down as he spoke.
“Like what?” Katie folded her arms
“Which one of you…” he said, waving his finger between her and Nat “…can down a pint fastest?”
“That’s not a contest…” Katie looked at Nat, smirking. “We all know it’s me.”
The red head quirked an eyebrow, “I’m game if you are.”
Katie shrugged as Clint chuckled and pounded his hand on the table. “Alright then, Ladies…on your marks…”
As soon as Clint had done counting down Katie raised the glass to her mouth and chugged, draining it in 4 seconds flat before turning it upside down on top of her head. Natasha wasn’t even half way through hers before she groaned and set her glass down, trying to supress a burp.
Steve couldn’t help but look at her, his mouth falling open.
"What?” she laughed, shrugging as the Captain exchanged a look with Clint “I spent 3 years at University, drinking with boys…”
“Yeah well I’ll stick to Vodka…” Nat said, shaking her head “Fancy that as a challenge?”
“Not a chance.” Katie said, “Although Cap could…”
“He could, but he won’t” Steve said sternly shooting her a look “Because it wouldn’t be fair…”
Katie rolled her eyes pouting.
“You do know I’m Russian, right.” Nat said, leaning back “I was practically weaned on the stuff…”
“Yes, I know that, but I can't get drunk." Steve shrugged “my metabolism burns it off too fast.”
“Cap…” Clint sighed, shaking his head “That might just be the saddest thing I have ever heard.”
“Even sadder than when you heard you were shipping off to guard Thor’s hammer?” Nat asked
Clint considered this for a moment “Hmmmm. Maybe the same level of sadness at learning I was about to head to Butt-fuck America for an undefined amount of time, yes.”
Steve choked into his beer. Besides him Katie laughed.
"That's a bit harsh," he said as Clint snorted and shook his head.
"Cap. I'm serious. It was legit in the middle of the fucking desert. Nothing for miles."
“What happened to that one eyed puppy we found?” Katie asked suddenly.
“Err, I took him to some friends.” Clint said “Their kids love him, he’s living the best life.”
Katie and Natasha shared a smile, both understood Friends to mean his family and his own kids.
“Still eating Pizza?” Katie asked.
“Pizza?” Steve asked, frowning. “Who feeds a dog pizza?”
“Well he was a bit like you in that respect. Do anything for a double pepperoni with extra cheese.” Katie nudged him with her elbow
“As long as its New York style…” Steve drained his glass, matter of factly.
“Admit it, you enjoyed it when it took you to Second City” Katie eyed him.
“You been to Seconds?” Clint asked, “Thought you swore you wouldn’t go back after that waiter said he wanted to give you a real slice of Chicago to talk about?”
Natasha snorted “Wish I’d seen that.”
“Trust me…”Clint said, “You don’t. Nova went from zero to full metal jacket in 3 seconds flat. Dragged him over the counter and everything…”
“You didn’t?” Steve glanced at her, although he knew she probably had.
“Look… we had just got back from a week’s stake out in Saudi Arabia…” Katie sighed, shrugging as Clint and Natasha laughed “I was tired and fending off the advances of some greasy, 40 something year old man politely really wasn’t top of my list…”
“Why not? You do it every day to Rumlow” Nat smirked.
At the mention of his name Steve felt his eyes narrow. He hated the way the STRIKE leader blatantly eyed Katie up at every given chance. It was disrespectful.
“Don’t start that again” Katie rolled her eyes.
“He’s not a bad looking guy.” Nat persisted “You could do worse…”
“You like him so much you fuck him!” Katie’s voice was snappy. Romanoff leaned back in her chair, eyeing her over half full glass, smirking.
“Touched a nerve, Stark?”
“No, you’re just talking crap, as usual.” she shot back, standing up. “My round…”
Steve moved so that she could get out and watched her head to the bar.
“Think we need to lay off the whole Rumlow thing…” Clint snorted, turning Nat. “She’s clearly not interested.”
“Tell that to Rumlow” Nat shrugged snorted.
“Well you can’t blame him, she’s a good looking girl.” Clint shrugged
“Yeah but she’s obviously looking for someone a little less…”
“Of an ass hat?” Clint cut in making Steve snort.
“I was gonna say a little more of a gentleman but…if the cap fits…” Nat shrugged and her eyes flashed to Steve and he knew instantly she had aimed that comment at him. Steve sighed and shook his head, shooting her a glare which she shrugged off, in her usual nonchalant way.
But he couldn’t shake it out of his mind. Did she know something he didn’t?
****
A few hours later Clint and Nat decided they’d had enough and left to grab a taxi. When Clint was in town he always stayed with Nat, prompting Steve to wonder if there was anything going on beyond the platonic friendship. He pondered it for a moment, deciding to just ask the question.
 “Is there something going on there?” he nodded to the pair as they left.
“No.” Katie said, shaking her head “Absolutely not.”
“How are you so sure?”
“Ok, I’ll tell you, but don’t be pissed I haven’t told you before…” she said, pausing “Clint…he’s married, has 2 kids.”
“What?” Steve choked on his beer.
“They have a place…somewhere, I don’t know exactly but it’s off SHIELD’s books and no one knows bar me, Nat and Fury…”
“Huh…” Steve said, pondering for a moment.
“Look, sorry I didn’t tell you but…”
“It’s ok.” He smiled. He’d be lying if he said he didn’t feel a little bit disappointed she hadn’t told him before, but he understood, she was loyal to a fault. “I get it, he’s your friend.”
“Yeah I know but he’s not my best friend…” she batted her eyelids at him.
“Hmmm, stop buttering me up.”
“Has it worked?”
“Yes.” He said, draining his glass and she grinned “Same again?”
They had a couple more before Katie decided she was one pint away from being drunk and Steve found himself a little bit disappointed she wanted to leave. He was enjoying spending the time with her. It felt different to their usual trips out, she’d been more relaxed than he had seen her in a long time, enjoying the gentle touches she made to his arm and leg when she was teasing him.
“You know, you shouldn’t have told Nat you can’t get drunk and whooped her ass at a vodka necking contest.” she said, linking her arm into his as they headed to the taxi rank.
“Now that would have been dishonest” he smirked. “Surely you’re not saying I should use my enhancement to my advantage in such a situation?”
“That’s exactly what I’m saying.” she nodded.
He laughed, sticking his arm out to hail a cab.
“But then you’re a very honest kinda guy…” she said.
“I have my moments” he turned to face her
“Nah ah, you can’t lie for shit!” she grinned at him.
“No, I can’t lie to you for shit, sweetheart” He said, rolling his eyes “You know me too well.”
“Hmmm, true.” she said, nodding in agreement. The car stopped at the curb and Steve opened the door for her.
“Are you sure you don’t want me to come with you?” Steve asked, not particularly happy she was cabbing back alone, it was times like this he wished he had a car. “I can walk back for my bike…”
“I can handle myself…I’m a trained killer remember?” she said, raising her hands and making gun signs at him with her fingers. He shook his head, smiling.
“You’re an idiot.” He snorted a laugh.
“But you love me!” she grinned, standing on her toes to give him a peck on the cheek. “g’night soldier.”
“Call me when you’re home.” He instructed “And if I ain’t heard from you in 20…” he raised his voice so the cab driver could hear.
She shook her head, smiling as she climbed into the taxi and waved as it pulled off.
*****
It wasn’t long before she was home. She kicked off her boots, flopped down onto her bed and pulled out her phone, better do as Captain Badass said or knowing him he’d turn up and kick the door in.
“So I’m home Old timer…” she said, when he answered and from his sigh she knew he would be rolling his eyes.
“Less of the old” he said, the clinking of cutlery and plates rattling in the background.
“What you doing?” she asked.
“Making food.”
“You can’t cook.” she snorted.
“Yes I can.”
“So why have you never cooked for me?” she asked indignantly, feeling somewhat annoyed that she always did the cooking for the two of them.
“Because you’re better at it.” He said simply “And I've made you grilled cheese before. And soup. Now drink some water and go to sleep.”
“God you’re so bossy.” she grumbled. “Captain Badass…”
“Someone has to be, you’re a law unto yourself.”
“Yah but admit it, I’m awesome.”
“I know you are, I’ve told you before. But if I say it again will you do what I said?”
“Maybe, probably…definitely maybe” she said, shrugging to herself.
“Then you’re awesome. Goodnight doll.”
“Night Stevie.”
On that he cut the call, placing his phone down on the counter as he thought back over the day, waiting for his food to heat. For the first time in a long time he actually felt completely at ease. Ease with his life both in and out of work.
Up until a few weeks ago it had still felt slightly confusing, and it still did with the STRIKE team sometimes. At first he had been tentative, not trying to step on Rumlow’s toes but that had quickly subsided and the two of them had fallen into a pretty good working relationship. As much as Rumlow could rile him, he knew that the man was good at his job, and Steve was good at his. He was the tactician, Rumlow organised the troops. But sometimes, he couldn’t quite put his finger on it. Sometimes he feels interest, but it was often coloured by the lingering disillusionment that they were merely humouring him as the blue eyed all American hero he had been painted to be.
But never once had he felt like that with Katie.
And then his apartment seemed to blur in front of him, causing him to realise this went way beyond some daft crush. He was really falling in deep. The heat travelled up his chest into his neck and he felt his palms become sweaty. He dropped his arms to wipe them on his jeans as the fizzy feeling left his body, but stayed by him, swirling around until he could practically hear it. This really, really wouldn’t do. She was his friend, a work colleague…the daughter of one of his friends from the 40s…and then there was Peggy.
Not for the first time Steve delved into the reasons he'd been drawn to Katie, comparing her to Peggy. Both women had strong personalities, an unwavering sense of justice and ethics, a deep well of compassion, loyalty, and the air of authority that put more than one man in his place, including himself. They were both incredibly beautiful, filled with passion, devotion and ambition…
Abandoning his food, his appetite lost completely he threw the remains into the bin and headed into his bedroom, intending to do what he did best when it came to women. 
Stick his head in the sand and hope to God it all went away.
Meanwhile, Katie was going through her own bedtime routine, shedding her clothes and pulling on a pair of pyjamas before collapsing into her pillow, thinking about what a good day it had been. She hadn’t disgraced herself at the contest, had a good evening in the pub afterwards, and to top it off Fury and Steve had actually backed her in said contest.
At the thought of Steve she smiled to herself. It was kind of nice to have him looking out for her, even if he was a bossy bastard about drinking water. Which reminded her, she needed some. Heading to the kitchen she grabbed a glass, filled it, and then made her way back to bed, this time snuggling down under the covers.
And it wasn’t just the way he cared, it was the way he was so comfortable with her. The gentle touches to her arm and lower back, the fact he called her doll or sweetheart. The smile that he flashed her that could light up his entire face, and those eyes…those god damned beautiful eyes that could drown her in seconds…
Her stomach was suddenly crawling with those damned butterflies, the same ones she had been feeling on or off around him now since Thanksgiving. And they fluttered from her stomach to her chest. It was getting harder and harder to ignore them now, she had feelings for Captain fucking America. Her dad’s friend, her best friend...
Groaning, she rolled over and shoved her head into the pillows. She was utterly fucked.
Tags @the-omni-princess​
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sweetwritertanya ¡ 4 years
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Dormant Heart
Author’s Note: Hi! So, this is the story I asked you guys if it was okay to write an original character. Since no one opposed, I decided to keep it like this. As always, it’s from a chubby reader’s perspective and it will probably be like a 3 or 5 part series. Hope you like it.
Summary: It’s been two years since the zombie apocalypse happened. You and your older brother were in a safe city, readjusting to how life was now. When a newly infected male is transferred into the cells that you are in charge of surveilling, something unexpected happens. Something that will change everything.
Warnings: just a bit of swearing. It’s mostly exposition and fluff.
Word Count: 3303
You were making your way to your room after a late lunch when you heard the heavy rusty gate being open, meaning a team was arriving from the outside. You stopped apprehensively, your eyes scanning in hopes of seeing the familiar face you worried about. A smile took over your features as you saw your older brother at the head of the group.
Running up to him, you noticed the rest of the team pulling in a big chest with three locks surrounding it, something heavy inside it.
“John, you made it!” you exclaimed happily, still keeping an eye on the chest as you stopped in front of your brother. “What’s that?”
“Well, nice to see you too, Y/N. And no, I wasn’t heavily injured while I was away, thank you for your concern” he teased. You rolled your eyes at him but inspected his form to make sure he wasn’t lying. “And that’s a Dormant. We found it stuck underneath the bridge that fell last week.”
“Oh, that’s rare. Not a lot of Dormants left” you recalled.
“Never mind that, how is the job I got you at the kitchens?” he asked you, putting an arm around your shoulders and walking with you to the rooms, probably wanting to go and rest in his room too. You bitt your lip in guilt and he noticed. An angry sigh escaped him and his arm fell from your figure. “You’re fucking kidding.”
“It’s not my fault” you started to defend yourself, but he wasn’t having it.
“When is it ever your fault, Y/N? You can’t be in the lab because you’re not a scientist. You can’t be a vigilante because you have bad eye-sight. You failed at the exercise tests so you couldn’t be a scavenger. Now you’re telling me you couldn’t even farm and cook in the kitchens?”
“I was doing just fine, but they kicked me out for giving food to the children” you explained, trying to appeal to his heart.
“As they should! You know we have a very limited food supply, we need to preserve the most amount of food possible. They would have eaten when it was time to, like everyone else.”
“They were hungry, John” you persisted.
“But they are alive, Y/N.” He looked disappointed at you. “I don’t know if you’re too naïve or too dumb to understand this is no longer the world we grew up in.”
With that he reached his room and entered, leaving you behind, looking hurt as he closed the door on you.
The infection outburst happened two years ago. Like the virus that it was, it spread way too fast and way to aggressively for people to be able to fight back. What started with a few people worldwide becoming bizarrely numb, they soon became super strong flesh-eating monsters that no one would ever dare to call human again.
The chaos that ensued was tragic. A single bite from those horrific monsters turned people into one of them, if they didn’t take the time to eat your brains out after tasting you. It was estimated that about half of the world’s population was contaminated, about a third had died already, eaten by the zombie-like creatures, and the remaining were secluded in safe built cites, like the one you were in. Well, those were the estimations when communication was still available. That had ended about a year after.
You never really gave much thought to what would happen to you if a zombie apocalypse happened. Mostly because you didn’t believe one would ever occur, you were sure it was just something made up for movies and books. All made believe and scientifically impossible. Which is why, when your small town was attacked, you would have been dead if it wasn’t for your brother. He was the one who protected you, and later the one who tried to teach you how to fight. You learned self-defense against monsters, but you were not a fighter. Your plump body was not made for running around attacking and smashing the zombies as you went.
You were in your room, a book on your lap that you avidly read. People found them useless nowadays, but you treasured them ten times more than you did before. They were now your only source of diversion, taking you away from the awful world you were now living in. A knock on your door called you attention and the door was opened before you even responded.
“Y/N, get off your ass. I got you a job” your brother informed you. “You can bring that stupid book, you’ll probably need it.”
You were frowning heavily, but were also intrigued by what job could possibly require a book. You followed John out the building, through the city and gasped when you realized where he was taking you, on the most outskirts of the town, underground.
“The cells?” You questioned.
“Yes. Mike, the guard here, wants to become a scavenger. He grew bored of being here all day. So, there’s an opening for you.”
Holding the book tightly against your tummy, you scrunched up your nose when your brother opened the underground metallic gate, locking it again behind you both and leading you through the hallway. It was musky and dirty smelling from this point on.
John introduced you to Ralph, the other guard you would be rotating shifts with guarding the cells down here. It was 12 hours each time, but at least you had peace and quiet. No one reprimanding you, no one controlling you and you had more than time to read all your favorite books.
“Just keep an eye on them and feed them. You can do this, right, Y/N?” John looked at you with big expecting eyes, his voice filled with concern. “I’m running out of options here. I don’t know what else to find you if you don’t make it here.”
“I can do it” you assured him, feeling guilty about how much of a bother you were to him sometimes.
You were handed a gun and some spare bullets, just in case. You knew how to shoot it, but truly hoped you never would have to. John and Ralph left you then, the latter promising to be back twelve hour later. Someone would bring you food not only for yourself but the prisoners in the cells as well.
Getting acquainted with the space, you started to slowly walk the corridors with the cells on each side. Your heart was beating strongly in your chest, your body highly aware of the gun resting against your hip.
There were quite a few Dormants in the cells. They had gotten that name from the state they always seemed to be in – dormant, numb, latent. They were infected people that had not yet tasted human flesh. Scientists had discovered that the virus, once in its victim’s system, would lay low until the first bite of human meat. Only then would it take over every system in the human body, shutting down almost all internal organs and ceasing all the brain activity except for what kept them moving with desperate for another taste.
Dormant zombies had not yet reached the second phase of the disease. They didn’t have the super strength or unnatural hunger the other zombies had. Mostly, they just stayed put in a spot, moving occasionally because they still had humanly body needs and needed to eat, drink and such. But they were not really humans anymore, their heartbeats slowing down to an almost complete stop and their brainwaves being just short of a vegetative state. They weren’t completely harmless either. If a non-infected human stood to close, the virus would press them to attack, beginning the second phase.
Scientist were trying to find a cure without success ever since the beginning. These Dormants were essential for their research, being the only way they could test their antidotes. Although the full-infected zombies were believed incurable, the Dormants may still be savable. And could help in the discovery of some kind of preventive vaccine against the virus.
So far, no Dormant had survived the solutions the scientists had come up with.
At the end of the corridor, away from the other Dormants, was the new one your brother and his team had brought the day before. You noticed it was a man, with dark hair and light skin. He was wearing a red sweater and some dirty denim pants, no shoes. You couldn’t, however, see much more of him since he was crunched down in a ball, hugging his knees up to his chest, turned to the wall rather than to the metal bars that kept him encaged.
There was a chair against the wall opposite his cell for you to sit. The new Dormants were always more heavily surveilled than the other ones. Sitting down, you found the chair a bit small for you voluptuous booty, but leaned back until you found a comfortable position and opened your book where you had last left it.
Soon you were completely sucked in the story you were reading, gasping at any twist you didn’t see coming and laughing at the funny dialogue between the characters. During a particular funny scene, you laughed a bit louder than usual and it echoed against the walls, making you look up to remember where you were.
Immediately you froze, something catching your eyes. The Dormant had moved. Still hugging his long legs against his chest, he was now turned in your direction, making it possible to see his facial features. He looked to be in his mid to late twenty’s. You took in the strong square jaw line, the full small lips, a straight nose bridge, the dark brown hair grown past his ears with a long side fringe almost covering his big hazel colored eyes. Glazed over eyes, due to the virus.
You shifted uncomfortably in the chair, but tried to ignore it. He probably wasn’t even really looking at you, but rather just in your direction, absent minded like Dormants were. You tried to focus back in the words of the page you were reading, but it wasn’t really working. You glanced back up and you could have sworn he was looking straight into your eyes, but that would be completely abnormal behavior.
“I must be losing my mind” you mumbled lowly, sighing heavily.
You decided to move from the chair to the ground, where you could sit more comfortably against the wall, bringing your chunky legs up so you could rest your book against your thighs as you read. Just to be sure, as you still felt uneasy, you looked up again and there it was. Hazel eyes looking right at you, even when you moved down from your chair.
A sudden knock on the gate at the end of the corridor made you jump in surprise. Realizing it was probably just someone bringing you food, you got up and unlocked it, thanking the woman who brought the cart with all the trays of food.
Making your way through the cells, each one had a small rectangular hole you could open up at the end of the door so you could slide the food inside. You had a metal stick you could use to shove the trays in, for safety, but none of the prisoners moved at your actions, so you didn’t have to use it.
At the last cell, you saw the man was still on the opposite wall, but again his eyes seemed to follow you. You pushed the food inside and went to get your own tray, feeling starved already. You sat again on the ground, the tray on your big thighs with your legs stretched. The man had not moved.
“You should eat” you found yourself saying. “You were beneath that bridge for at least a few days, you need to eat or you’ll end up just dying.”
To anyone else it would seem like a waste of time, talking to a Dormant. They wouldn’t hear or acknowledge you, much less respond to your words. Still, the fact that they looked so very human even after being infected made you pity them. They were stuck between human and monster, but everyone already treated them as the latter.
“Aren’t I silly? Talking to a Dormant? Might as well talk to the wall…” you mused to yourself, biting a piece of cabbage from your plate. “Maybe I should try and make some friends, apparently I’m lonelier than I thought.”
Not that you haven’t tried, making friends here. But everyone seemed to look at you with disparagement, no matter what you did. Most people looked at your chubby body and labeled you as a gluttonous supply eater, when you honestly tried to eat just as little as the other people, even if it made you hungry just a short time after.
“Then again, with this job, I won’t have time for friends” you concluded, still looking at your plate as you spoke. “I’ll be here the whole day, just going out to sleep. Should I just make friends with you, then?” You chuckled sarcastically.  
A noise caught your attention and you raised your head in time to see the Dormant nod, taking a piece of bread into his mouth, his eyes once again set on yours. He was now next to the cell’s metal bars, having moved from the wall without making a sound you could notice.
You gasped, your fork falling on your tray as you stared open mouthed at him.
“D-Did… Did you just nod?” you asked in a whisper, completely taken back.
The man didn’t answer or made any movement at your words, just kept chewing his bread and looking at you. Anyone else would have just thought it was all in their mind, that there was no way this infected person responded to your words. But you had nothing but time to kill, and persistence was your middle name.
“You… You are looking at me, aren’t you?”
As if to prove it to yourself, you set your now empty tray on top of the chair and moved around in the room, amazed as the glassy eyes followed your figure.
“Why are you different?” You wondered, crossing your arms and keeping a safe distance from the boy in the red sweater. “Is it because you were bitten recently? Are all newly infected like this? Gosh, I really wish I was a scientist right now, or at least knew enough about this disease to have some answers.”
He grabbed another bite of the bread, slowly munched on it, keeping his eyes on you.
“Maybe I should ask my brother when my shift is done” you pondered. But thoughts of him calling you naïve and dumb came across your mind, yelling at you for not knowing something as simple as this. “No, no. It’s probably normal. Yeah, I’m sure in just a week or so you’ll be like the others in here” you convinced yourself.
But he didn’t. Every time you came to do your shift, the man’s eyes would set on you and, without you noticing due to how silent he was, he moved closer to the cell bars. You ended up having to use the metal stick to move his food to him, since he was so close.
You decided to talk to him. Such an act had two main objectives to you: prove to yourself that he was, in fact, still a Dormant, for he never talked back or recognized your words, and to entertain yourself in the long hours of this job. Although you still brought a book with you every time, after a few hours your eyes would start to hurt and the light would dim outside. Talking with him - or, more precisely, at him – was strangely soothing. You were able to recall the time before the zombies showed up, the friends you had, your parents…
John never liked to talk about them or how life was before. It hurt him too much. Even though it hurt you too, it hurt more the fear of forgetting them. So, finding someone to talk to about them was liberating.
You talked with him about school, college, fears and dreams you had before the apocalypse. You shared your fears and dark thoughts, knowing you wouldn’t have to worry about someone else finding out about them. Around the sixth day of talking to him for hours at a time, something unexpected happened.
“Yeah, so John talked to Ralph and got me this job instead. Now here I am. Oh, Ralph is the other guy who comes here, by the way. Not sure you know.”
You were laying in the middle of the floor, looking at the dark ceiling, as the mute man ate and gazed at you. You had now gotten used to it. A random thought made you sit up straight, turning your head towards the Dormant.
“Speaking of names… I haven’t even told you my name, have I? Not that it matters anyway, but I told you so much about myself that it feels weird that I never told you my name. I’m Y/N.”
You laid back down, sighing at how meaningless these interactions were, if you could even call them that.
“I wonder what your name was. And where you came from. I mean, you must be from another safe city, you were only bitten about two weeks ago. What were you doing in the bridge anyway?”
“… Y/N.”
You gasped. Jumping back at the unfamiliar sound and moving as quickly away from the cell as possible. You looked wide-eyed and panting at the boy across the bars, unbelieving of what just happened. Your right hand hovered above your gun, bringing you some sense of safety.
“W-What? D-Did you… Did you just talk?” The thought sounded ridiculous based on all the information gathered on the virus the last two years. And yet…
“Y/N” he repeated, and this time you saw his lips move as the breathy voice echoed in the room.
He moved to stand up as well, making you push yourself further into the wall behind you, panic thoughts making your hands shake. Was he no longer Dormant? Had he eaten human flesh somehow? Was he able to break through the cell? Was he about to kill you now?
Instead, the boy just stood up, glassed eyes taking your fearful state. And you could have sworn you saw him frown with worry.
“No fear… Y/N.”
“Oh my fucking God” you exhaled, falling to your knees and bringing your face to your hands. “You can talk. You can actually talk. D-Did you always… Do you talk with Ralph too?”
What you thought would forever remain in the confidence of this room, believing the man could not repeat, or even hear, the things you told him, was now something you worried about.
“No. Y/N… only Y/N” he assured, voice still breathy and raspy as if he hadn’t used it in a long time.
“Why? And since when ha-” your questions where stopped when a loud knock was heard. You looked scared at the metal gate. “Fuck. It’s Ralph, for his shift.” Looking back at the glassy hazel eyes that always followed you, you realized there was nothing you could do now than hope he kept your confessions to himself. “P-Please, don’t tell him anything of what I told you, okay?”
He shook his head.
“Only Y/N” he repeated.
You nodded and, with a racing heart, made your way to the gate and opened it for Ralph. You tried to act normal, handing him the keys and gun before leaving until your next shift.
You were absolutely certain you would not rest at all after what just happened.
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