#Peter feels misplaced after the snap | Explore Tumblr Posts and Blogs

visd3stele · 3 years

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Remus image - angst & fluff

*mostly angst with a tinsy bit of fluff

*forced marriage trope

summary: you're a Slytherin pure blood dating Remus Lupin, but your family has other plans

TW: none

A/N: any thoughts and opinions are welcomed. I'd love your reviews. Requests are open, too, if any of you are interested in that

masterlist

°•▪︎~▪︎•°

You're staring at the high ceiling, wide awake and way past the middle of the night. In your hands, an envelope is twitching with every move of your fingers, twisting its corners anxiously. You received it at dinner that night, the letter from your family. And wisely waited until the privacy of your room to open it. Around you, pure bloods Slytherins were sound asleep. You made sure not to let any emotion show, on your face or voice. Something everyone in between the walls of the Slytherin residence could most likely do.

You read it once. Then again and again until each word, each letter carved its mark in your brain. Carefully, you folded it back, wrapping it in the thick layer of the envelope. Despite having stopped reading it, the news your family dropped on you kept on repeat in your mind. Over and over and over. Marriage. They found you a perfect, pure blood spouse to marry. No matter that you were still in school. And only sixteen. And already having a boyfriend.

But of course, that last part might be exactly why your blood supremacist family decided to take your love life in their hands at last. For you were dating Remus Lupin, head boy of Griffindor. Involuntarily your lips moved upward at the mere thought of him. The way his soft brown hair feels under your palms when he lays his head in your lap in the afternoon – that is when you convince him to take a break from learning for a change. Your smiled deepened. The way his scarred hands stroke your face right before he leans in to kiss you. You blushed in the dark. The way his eyes sparkle after one of the Marauders notorious pranks. The way he rolls his eyes and leave a snarky comments to any Slytherin who mock your relationship and how it only masks his own fears and self doubts.

Now you were crying. You'll have to break up with him. You'll have to break up with him without bringing the marriage up. You didn't want him to think back on what could have been years after. It's better if he thinks there is no chance anymore to be with you. And you had to do it quick. News spread in the pure blood community and risking lying about your parents intention only to fool yourself a bit longer with stolen happy times was as self destructive as it can get at this point.

You slipped your body on one side. And tossed. The envelope fell off your bed. You didn't bother to pick it up. But someone did. You felt it rather than hear it, someone picking it up and placing it on your nightstand.

" 'Morning," that sweet voice you loved so much whispered. And you snapped your head towards it in shock. Only to find a very uncomfortable Remus Lupin, switching from leg to leg, smiling awkwardly at you.

"It's five in the morning." He stated before you could find your words through the foggy veil of your thoughts. "And the sunrise is about to start..." Remus went on, looking anywhere but at you.

More tears sting your eyes, threatening to slide down your cheeks and getting completely out of your control. Here he was, your perfect boyfriend, sneaking in your bedroom to take you to see the sunrise. For you, this boy defined romance and no amount of scars, secret disappearances on the full moon and mysteries surrounding it could change that. You were more than willing to give him time, let him open up to you when he feels like it. After all, he has great friends to share secrets with and you wouldn't get in between them.

Biting your lips, you closed the distance and hugged him tight. After less than a second of hesitation, Remus put his hands around you as well. You needed it, the proximity, the safety, the warmth and love. When you were sure your voice won't break, you breathed a question to him. "And how are you planning to sneak me out?"

Remus saw right through your attempt. He pulled back a little, enough to brush his fingers over your swollen face. "Have you been crying?" Worry clouded those beautiful brown eyes. You shook your head, snatching yourself from him and desperately wiping your tears. You should do it now. Tell him it's over. Spare him – and yourself – for the pain and torture of stretching it longer. It was time to face it: your relationship was doomed from the start.

But you couldn't. Not yet. Just a little more time, you bargained with yourself. Just that sunrise together. One last date. You promised to no one. So you made yourself swallow and said instead "My family," dismissing any further remarks.

Remus pulled you back into his lean body, long arms the only thing holding you together. He needed no other explanation. Thanks to that friend of his, Sirius, Remus knew exactly what those two words meant coming from a pure blood kid. He pressed a kiss on top of your head, caressing your back in soothing large circles. Voice dipped with concern, he asked "Do you want to talk about it or do you want me to distract you?"

"What about taking me to see that sunrise you mentioned and we'll figure it out from there?"

He nodded, led you to the now slightly opened window and motioned for his broom flying within reach.

°•▪︎~▪︎•°

The sun beamed from between rare clouds, spread amongst a royal blue sky. Orange light crowned the ascending golden disc, fading into a soft purple and light pink at its edges. The curtain of morning mist broke the rays in matt bliss, wrapping around your entangled figures.

A wet coldness flew on with the tentative mist, but Remus planned everything ahead, it seemed. He had a wool blanket at ready, different bits and pieces of clothing, threads and patches sewed together.

"Don't tell me you picked up knotting, Moony." You didn't know when it happened, but you had taken on calling him by the silly nickname his friends did.

"No. My mother made it, actually." The scar on his lip pulled up as he patted the spot next to him. He had laid a blanket on the freshly cut grass near the Black Lake and held his mother's gift in a silent invitation.

You snuggled in, circling his waist with your arms and nuzzled your nose in the crook of his neck. "Y/n!" he exclaimed, a shiver running through him at the contact with your cold skin. You sent him a grin that had nothing to do with apologies and you both snickered before turning awe filled eyes to the sunrise.

Remus let his own head lean down on your own, brown hair slightly brushing your forehead. His hand found its way to yours and as your fingers laced together he rubbed his thumb on top of your palm.

Content silence settled in. Only birds dared sing a sharp note once in a while. Your boyfriend knew how to choose a date spot, you were more than happy to give him that. The marvelous sight the sky presented doubled in the lake's still waters. Calmness washed over you. Here and now, with Remus' hand in yours, your head resting on his shoulder, everything pieced into place.

You turned your face, meeting the warn off material of his shirt and placed a kiss there. Lifting your lips upward, you kissed his exposed neck as well. Then his cheek, lingering close to his lips before stopping to murmur "I love you, Remus Lupin! So, so much."

He met your lips with his own and you were thankful he said nothing about the pang in your voice. "And I you, my darling." His glittering eyes, filled with adoration and care, were too much for your heart to bear. It was all you could do to close your eyelids tight and press into his side even more.

"Is something wrong, y/n?" Remus asked, shifting his arm to welcome your new position.

"No. Nothing. Just overwhelmed by everything I feel for you." And in a way, it was true. Not the whole truth, but as you couldn't give him that...

An unsure smiled played on your lips. He brought your face to his again, laying a kiss on your nose. You scrunch it up and made a face at him. He tried to bit back his laugh, but failed as a bundle of it escaped in a soft breath, tingling your flushed cheeks.

Remus kissed you again, this time on the bridge of your nose. Which earned him a giggle and a wide smile. Bringing your hands to his face, you cupped his cheeks and touched your noses together.

"We're missing the sunrise. And you put so much effort in this."

"Hmmm," he mused, leaning in your touch. "The sun does much of the work, to be fair." You burst in laughing at that, shaking your forehead against his.

You two traded more kisses – and then some more, bathed in the dawn light of a new day.

°•▪︎~▪︎•°

"Where have you been?" You heard James Potter asked your boyfriend when you bumped in him and the rest of the Marauders in the hall.

Peter waved at you, while Sirius gave you a knowing smirk at which you rolled your eyes. Truth be told, their demand wasn't misplaced. You and Remus didn't show up at breakfast, and run late for the first class.

"Down at the lake, Prongs. I should know better than to ask for notes, right?"

"Not to worry, Moony, you didn't miss much."

You left Remus to his friends, brushing your lips to his as a form of good-bye. You headed to your room. Thoughts swirled in your mind, flying by so fast you barely registered them. You passed Narcissa and Lucius on your way. They have been married since year four, something you found very unsettling. At that time, you belittled Narcissa for not fighting off her families wishes, like her sister and cousin. But now, that you found yourself in her place? You started to understand. To understand that courage is not so easy to haul up from whatever pit it lays dormant in one's being.

So lost in thoughts, you haven't noticed the guy sitting on your bed until he spoke, voice laced with disgust. "You better kick that sorry excuse of a wizard away before we make our engagement public, honey."

You startled. "Who...?"

"Why, your new husband, of course."

"Future husband. And Remus is a fine wizard, greater than you could ever hope to be."

The stranger only rolled his eyes and huffed. "Whatever you say, honey. Just make him gone by noon. I have plans for us before the ceremony."

A ceremony that would take place in a few months, once summer blooms, you realized, dread chilling your blood in your veins. The tight line of your lips followed your betrothed until he left and swiped the door close.

Noon. Break up with Remus by noon. Make it look like it's over because there is no love anymore. Let him think you choose this smug, full of himself, brainless, boorish brute over him. It's the right course of action. So you told yourself. And so you did. Any hope for standing up against your family gone.

°•▪︎~▪︎•°

Wind howling outside, rain pouring, you thought the weather mocked you. It just happened to turn gloomy and morbid all of a sudden, when you were about to break the heart of the most precious boy in the whole school. And yours too in the progress.

"Remus, can we talk for a second?"

"Sure, what is it?" He turned his whole focus on you, dropping mid conversation with his mates about whatever prank they were up to next.

"Moony!" three offended sighs followed you as you dragged Remus to a more private spot. The way he no more than waved at his friends, giving all up for you, knowing you had a bad day, strung a painful chord in your soul. You did not deserve this boy. Maybe the wedding was a good thing after all.

"Hey, y/n, talk to me," Remus whispered when you came to a halt. His fingers searched for yours, trying to turn you around to face him. "Whatever it is, you can tell me. I'm here for you. We'll fix it."

"No." You said, and cursed your weak voice. You still didn't face him. "No we won't fix this." You spoke again, this time with more surety, allowing a sharp edge to it.

Bless his too kind soul, he didn't balk away. Instead, he took one stop forward, resting his head on your spine and bringing his long arms around you. "Everything's gonna be fine, y/n. I promise."

It took a superhuman effort to break free of his embrace. And you finally swirled to meet his soft brown eyes. Tears rolled down, dripping from your chin, but you didn't let him comfort you. Shacking your head, you took another step back, building distance between you, as if the following words would hurt less that way.

"Everything's not gonna be fine, Remus. Not with us. Not anymore."

For a couple seconds, he stared at you, confusion painting his beautiful features. Then, realization sunk in. And in that moment, you were sure nothing could ever hurt you as badly as his pain struck expression. His parted lips, moving in vain to form words that doesn't exist. His frenzy eyes, looking all over yourself, searching for any sign of a cruel joke. For a trace that you weren't being serious. Eyes that begin to water when he found none.

But he refuse to let the tears flow. Remus led his stare to a dark, far away corner of the empty hall. Heat colored his face, a light shade of pink that not even the cool from the open window couldn't beat down. "So that's why you were distant this morning?" Your boyfriend asked, bitterly even as his voice was small, lost. "That's why you avoided me all day and didn't look me in the eye once, more than a passing moment?"

You knew better than answer. You had nothing to say anyway. "I'm sorry, Remus. I've been meaning to tell you earlier..."

A razor sharp laugh bit your words off. "But you took pity on the poor half-blood."

No, no it wasn't like that, you wanted to say. Those remained only thoughts as you wiped your face and crossed your arms to keep them from reaching out. Reaching out to him, reassure him, hug him. Whatever he believed, you'd roll with it. If he thought you an evil pure blood, then fine! You'll be that.

An image of your mother's face, lips curled in disgust at the last Quidditch match when Slytherin lost again in favor of Gryffindor, served as model for the expression you forced your own face into.

"I didn't want it to be like this. Goodbye, Remus Lupin."

You turned. And left. Just left. You kept your back straight as you walked away from the boy who tickled your heart. Who placed feather light kissed on your cheeks, and nose and forehead for days into your relationship, too shy to initiate something more without your worded agreement. The wizard who helped you with assignments, not thinking anything less of you when you weren't perfect. Who let you fall asleep in his lap at Hogwarts' few parties that you couldn't stand due to your family. This guy who gave you everything you were too afraid to dream of. And you just walked away, as if couldn't be bothered to care.

His fist thrumming once on the hallway's wall filled your ears, a sound forever carved in your brain. The thud that followed, of him sliding down on the floor you guessed, printed an image in your mind you'll pray to forget. Remus' silent sobs, though, almost made you turn around and run towards him.

You didn't so much as cast a glance back, knowing what you'll see and too much of a coward to bear it. His body shaking with crying, knees cradled to up to his chest where his chin digged in, covered by lean arms with palms crossed over his head.

His friends would find him. They'd help him. Remus will move over and forget you. Each sentence was another step. Each step, another crack in your heart. By the time you reached your room, collapsed in your bed and twisted in a similar position to your boyfriend's – ex boyfriend. It made you understand, showed you far too clearly why he'd sit like that. The pure devastation and despair, the attempt to contain a hollowness within, to replace a part where a whole, happy heart used to beat.

You broke Remus Lupin's heart. And yours was just as shattered. And there was no going back from it now.

PART 2

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peterrparrkerr · 3 years

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Moodboard for the series (don't judge me I usually do gifs, this was something new. Also, I could not get the collar to look right)

So I meant to upload this yesterday but I lost control of it and then got busy, so here's a little over 3k for you!

Also, tagging @snowstark because this is our baby. Ao3 version here!

Idk what to tag this. Dark themes, spanking, forced to choose a punishment, uuuh, not sure what else. Enjoy!

*-*

Bucky knows when Peter is going to have a hard time adjusting to Tony being gone. It had been close to a year since Bucky started working for Tony, and he's gotten familiar with all of Peter's little quirks.

And he knows the slight pout Peter sports as he waits beside Bucky for Tony to come to the door, means Peter's going to be a slight handful.

But Bucky can handle the teenager. He's been in charge of Peter's safety for long enough. Aside from Tony, Bucky knows how to get Peter to do as he's told.

Tony comes down the stairs, suit tailored and travel bag in hand. "What a sight," he grins. "My pets waiting for me."

Bucky clenches his jaw at that, but he doesnt say anything. Peter though, steps up to the Superior nuzzling into Tony's chest.

"Don't go," Peter whined. Bucky watched with a familiar jealous rock in his gut, but he stays still.

"I'll be back in five days," Tony sighed, kissing the top of Peter's curly hair.

Peter's in a pair of soft blue jean shorts and a faded Yankees sweater, the bottom cut off to show off his midriff.

Tony pushes Peter back a little and smiles fondly down at him, fingers fixing the collar around his puppy's neck, little bell tinkling.

"You be good," Tony orders, leaning down to kiss Peter's pouty lips.

Peter sulks as Tony steps away, towards the door and closer to Bucky.

"I'll be back late," Tony hums, patting Bucky on the cheek. "I'll see you both when I get back."

And with that, Tony's gone. Bucky rubs at his cheek with a slight scowl. Its a new thing, Tony touching him. And Bucky doesn't like it.

Peter spins on his heels the moment the door is shut and storms off, making Bucky sigh explosively before making his way after him.

Alpine slows him down by weaving between his legs, meowing needily.

"Damn cat, go away," he snaps, nearly kicking the thing before remembering she's Peter's.

The door to Peter and Tony's bedroom slams and Bucky sighs, pinching the bridge of his nose.

So it's going to be like this then. Bucky decides to let Peter wallow on his own. Sooner or later his emotions would get the best of him and he'd come out for comfort. Bucky wouldn't force him to before then.

Its the same song and dance. Peter cries when Tony's gone, he doesn't eat much, and just kind of sulks around the house.

If he were a real puppy, Bucky could just imagine him crying at the door with his tail tucked between his legs, looking extra pathetic.

It was during these days when Tony wasn't around that Peter got a little less obedient.

Most incidents Bucky kept to himself. Little scenes of Peter acting out of his emotions. Tony didn't need to be informed of everything.

The bigger incidences though was definitely taken to Tony. They hadn't had an incident in a while -not since Peter ran out and Bucky got shot.

Peter had been terrified after that, refused to leave the tower even with Buck and Tony there with him.

Tony had punished him good and hard for that -it still makes Bucky's stomach roll at the thought of Tony hitting Peter. Bucky still remembers how small he looked when Tony had guided him back into the penthouse.

His eyes all red, tear tracks down blushed cheeks. He had been trembling slightly. It had made Bucky sick to his stomach.

But Peter hadnt done it again. When Tony left, Peter stayed put.

"Peter, time to eat," Bucky called after knocking on the bedroom door. Peter had been locked in there for most of the two days so far Tony's been gone.

He sulks under his covers, and when he does come out, its with a pout. Something Bucky is used to.

"M'not hungry," comes Peter's petulant response through the door.

"Yes you are, pup," Bucky sighed. "Come on, out with you before I come in there."

"Said I wasn't hungry," Peter spoke, voice raising a little. Bucky cocks an eyebrow, then tries the handle of the door. Its locked.

"Peter, open this door."

"No," Peter said.

"You open this door or I'll kick it down," Bucky threatened. Peter's never locked his door before.

"Do it!" Peter snapped. "Then Tony'll be mad at you and send you to the basement!"

"Oh for fuck's sake," Bucky muttered under his breath.

"F.R.I.D.A.Y, override the lock for Peter's door," he says, looking up at the ceiling.

"I am sorry, but the lock is manual, it will have to be unlocked by Peter, Mr. Barnes."

Bucky growls, clenching his teeth.

"Open the door, Peter," he tries again.

"No."

"C'mon, pup, open up," Bucky sighed. He really didn't want to break down the door. What has gotten into Peter? He's never like this.

"Nuh-uh," Peter said. "Leave me alone."

"You know I can't do that, Pete," Bucky huffed.

"I don't need a babysitter," Peter called out. "I can take care of myself. Tony doesn't need you anymore."

"You've got five seconds and then I'm breaking the door down," Bucky said, pinching the bridge of his nose.

Peter says nothing. Bucky begins to count. He thinks Peter will crack when he reaches two, but the boy doesn't make a sound.

"Alright, last chance."

Nothing.

Bucky tries the handle once more before stepping back. He lowers his shoulder, ready to drive it into the wood before slamming into the door.

The frame splinters and the door slams into the wall with a deafening crack.

Peter jumps from his spot on the bed, eyes wide and mouth gaping in shock.

"What is going on with you, Peter?" Bucky demands, a little fed up with his behavior. "You've never acted like this before."

Peter's shock falls away to anger, eyebrows furrowing and arms crossing.

"Get out."

"No, you need to tell me why you're acting like a brat," Bucky demanded, crossing his own arms.

"M'not a brat," Peter snipped, little bell sounding as Peter turned his head away from Bucky, glaring at the wall.

"No? 'Cause you seem pretty bratty to me," Bucky challenged.

That gets Peter standing from the bed. "I'm not!"

"I'm not going to fight with a fucking child," Bucky muttered to himself. "Go into the dining room and eat your lunch."

Peter sets his jaw. Its cute. Little thing trying to be tough.

"I said I'm not hungry."

"Well, Tony wants you to eat," Bucky tries. Usually talking about what Tony wants would get Peter to do as he's told. But it doesn't work today.

So Bucky grabs Peter by the upper arm and pulls him out of the room. Peter grunts, digging his heels in, but he's small and doesn't have much muscle.

"Eat," Bucky demands, gesturing to the food he sits Peter down in front of.

Peter glares up at him, though its not as effective as he thinks with his pastel blue tshirt and matching collar.

"I hate you," Peter bites out.

"Good for you, now eat your God damn lunch before I force feed you."

To say the next three days is difficult is an understatement. Bucky has no idea why Peter's acting out the way he is, but he's had enough.

On the fourth day, Bucky actually swatted him! Peter looked up at him with wide eyes, mouth clicking shut. Bucky instantly felt sick, but he forced himself to stand his ground even as hurt and anger filtered through Peter's features.

"You hit me," Peter said. It made Bucky feel even worse, but he didnt back down.

"You're being bad," Bucky said. More anger filtered in, and Peter reached forward to try and shove him.

Bucky caught him by the wrists and Peter yelled loudly, beginning to flail.

"Peter, stop it!" Bucky snapped, pulling the pup in close and pinning him against his chest. He doesn't have room to thrash now.

"I hate you! I hate you!" Peter yelled. Bucky can hear the beginnings of tears in his voice. "I don't want you here! I want- I want Tony!"

Bucky holds Peter as he chokes on his tears, forcing Bucky to carry his weight when Peter stops holding himself up.

Bucky let's him cry it out, walking him to his bedroom. The door still wasn't fixed -Bucky didn't have time, what with Peter acting out.

He deposited Peter onto the bed. "You can come out when you're done being a brat," Bucky said shortly. Peter just fell to his side, wrapping his arms around a pillow and drawing up his legs.

Bucky walked out and flopped onto the couch, leaning his head back and staring up at the ceiling.

Maybe Tony would know what Peter's problem was. Just because he's never acted like this since Bucky moved in doesn't mean its never happened before.

Bucky's never been more glad when Tony arrives the next morning. He's exhausted. Tony -the perceptive bastard- notices right away when Bucky greets him at the elevator.

"What happened," Tony demanded. Bucky let out a sigh, shoulders slumping just a bit. He didnt like feeling like a whiner, and explaining to Tony what the past five days have been like definitely makes him feel it.

"I don't know whats gotten into him," he finishes with. He just wants to sleep for a couple days. He's never felt more like a babysitter than he does now.

"Oh, I do," Tony huffed. Bucky raised an eyebrow inquisitively. "He's jealous."

That throws Bucky for a loop. "Jealous? Of what?" He can't help but demand incredulously.

Tony smiles knowingly and lifts his hand, brushing his fingers over Bucky's jaw, pinching his chin and giving a little shake.

"Of you, pet," Tony hums, looking amused. "He's used to getting my full attention. I think he's feeling a bit misplaced."

Bucky lifts his head, pulling his chin free from Tony's grasp and taking a small step back.

"He's got no reason to be jealous of me," Bucky grunted.

"No?" Tony asked. "Lets go see our puppy then, hmm?"

Bucky frowns as Tony walks past him into the penthouse. Our puppy?

He quickly spins on his heels and follows after Tony. Theres a disapproved hum when Tony notices the door leaning against the door.

"Tony!"

Peter scrambles from the bed, rushing over to Tony and crashing into his chest. Bucky keeps his distance, hands clasped behind his back.

"I missed you."

"I'm sure," Tony hummed. "Bucky told me about your behavior while I was gone."

Bucky winces in sympathy at the tone Tony uses with Peter. The pup steps back from him, brows furrowing.

"I-"

"I don't want any excuses," Tony interrupted. Bucky watched as Peter's demeanor shifted. He knew he was in trouble, he could see it in the way Peter's shoulders slumped.

"Go wait for me in your room," Tony continued. "And when we're gone, we're going to have a talk."

"But, Tony‐" Peter began. Tony grabs him by the arm and yanks him towards the elevator that leads to the basement.

"Go," he snaps, features twisting into a look of anger. Bucky holds his ground, but he wants to rush back out of Tony's line of fire.

Peter shrinks at the tone. He doesn't try again, just makes his way to the elevator, like a dog scurrying out of trouble with his tail between his legs.

"Are you really going to punish him?" Bucky asked, following Tony towards the elevator Peter had just disappeared through. "If he's just acting out of jealousy-"

"His acting out got me a broken door and a puppy with an attitude problem," Tony said. "I brought you here to take care of him while I'm away. His behavior hindered that and that won't do."

Bucky follows Tony into the elevator. He doesn't say anything, just stands beside Tony, watching the floors pass in glowing numbers above the doors.

When they reach the basement floor, the doors open and Tony steps out, already heading for the door that leads to Peter's room.

"Come on, pet," Tony calls over his shoulder. Bucky's legs work without him, taking him out of the elevator and into the main room.

"I'm not a pet," Bucky grunted. Tony glances over his shoulder, smirking. His blue eyes shining with amusement.

"I beg to differ," Tony hummed, before reaching a hand out and clasping Bucky by the back of the neck.

Bucky allows the Superior to pull him closer as they make their way to the door.

Buck decides not to argue the issue. Better to keep on Tony's good side.

Tony opens the door, and Bucky's eyes widen at the sight of Peter on the bed, naked. Hes on his elbows and knees, pert little ass up in the air.

He's hidden his face in his arms, and doesn't realize Bucky is here with Tony.

"He does paint a pretty picture, doesn't he?" Tony murmurs lowly, arm still wrapped around Bucky's shoulders, nosing at Bucky's jaw.

"I can leave," Bucky says lowly, glancing from Peter to Tony.

"No, I want you here," Tony decides, shutting the door. Bucky chews on his inner cheek, staying close to the door as Tony walks over to the wall of -Bucky feels his stomach drop. He doesn't know if he can watch this.

"M'sorry," Peter whines, turning his head to see Tony at the wall.

"I know you are," Tony said, looking over the items hanging on the wall. Bucky's never seen so many switches and floggers before.

"But that doesn't change the fact that you were a bad puppy."

Peter's breath hitches and he hides his face again. Bucky watches Tony pick out a flat leather paddle from the wall. One of the less intimidating items hanging on the wall.

"How many hits do you think he deserves?" Tony says, catching both Peter and Bucky off guard. Peter's head turns, wide eyes locking onto him before he seems to shrink, hiding his face away again, but not leaving the position Tony most likely trained him to be in.

It takes Bucky a moment to realize Tony was talking to him, and he blinks, looking over at the Superior. "What?"

"You had to deal with his poor behavior for five days, so you decide his punishment," Tony said.

Bucky looks wide eyed at Peter, pale and naked except for the baby blue collar around his neck. He shakes his head.

"Come on, pet," Tony goads. "What does he deserve?"

Bucky hears Peter whimper at that and he feels his skin crawl. He shakes his head again, feeling sick. "I can't."

Tony's mouth drops in a frown, looking disappointed. Bucky doesn't care. He can't.

"Fine," he hums. "Then fifty hits."

Peter lifts his head, breath hitching and tears streaming down his cheeks.

"Ten for each day."

Bucky feels his throat closing up.

"N-no," Peter sobbed. "No, please, Tony!"

Tony looks at Bucky, challenging glint in his Extremis blue eyes. "Bucky doesn't want to choose, so I'm chosing for him, puppy."

Peter turns to look at Bucky, pleasing with a trembling breath.

Bucky digs his nails into his palms. He looks from Peter to Tony, then back to Peter.

If Bucky chooses a lower number, Tony may not agree to it. But Bucky doesn't want Peter being hit -especially in front of him.

"Twenty," he manages to say, unsticking his throat. His voice is tense, body rigid and hands clasped behind him. Outwardly, he looks calm and collected, but inside he wants to do nothing but run out of the basement.

Tony doesn't say anything for a moment, and Bucky's sure its just as long for Peter as it is for him.

"Alright, twenty it is," Tony agrees. Bucky feels the muscles in his shoulders unwind a little at that.

"Count them out, pup."

Its the worst few minutes of Bucky's life. He served tours over seas. He's killed people with his bear hands and lost an arm, and he'd go through all of that ten times if it meant he didn't have to be in the same room as Tony and Peter right now.

Each smack has Bucky's pulse spiking, each sobbed out count down like agony. Its a punishment all its own to be forced to stand by while Peter cries, the loud smack of leather on skin filling the room.

The worst thing is Bucky is the reason he's got twenty spanks in the first place. Sure, its less than fifty, but he's still the one who offered a number.

Bucky doesn't even care anymore about Peter's behavior. He just wants Tony to stop.

Peter's ass is just as red as his face, and his breath hitches on cries, but the boy doesn't move. Bucky has no doubt if he had, the punishment would be far worse.

"Twen-twen'y," Peter finally gasps out wetly, dropping onto the bed.

Bucky restrains himself from rushing over there and scooping the boy up. His nails dig painfully into his palms.

He watches Tony do it instead. Watches as Tony's hand turns soft, scooping Peter up and settling him onto his lap, careful of his poor bottom.

Tony smooths Peter's curls from his forehead, muttering lowly against Peter's cheek as the boy cries, arms lifting to wrap around Tony's shoulders.

Tony glances up at Bucky and nods. "Come here, pet."

Bucky's too concerned with Peter to argue the pet name. He makes his way over to the bed in three long strides and sits down beside Tony and Peter.

Peter peeks out from Tony's neck, eye red rimmed. His breath hitches.

"M'sorry, Bucky," he cries, voice reedy and wobbling with tears.

"Thats alright, Pete," Bucky said softly.

Peter tucks himself back into Tony's neck, allowing the Superior to smooth his hands up and down Peter's bare back.

"Go with with Bucky, pup," Tony says a moment later, once Peter's tears have tapered off a little. Bucky's eyes widen at that, but he can't do much else, because Peter's crawling out of Tony's lap and settling into his own.

Bucky doesn't know what to do. He's wearing cargo pants, and he can't help but worry they're too rough for Peter.

And then he's stuck on the fact that he's got a very naked Peter in his lap. The boy leans into Bucky's chest, head resting on his shoulder.

Bucky settles a hand on Peter's lower back -as low as he dares- and rubs circles into his skin.

"I think its time we had a little talk," Tony said, looking first at Peter, then at Bucky.

#marvel #tony stark #peter parker #bucky barnes #sim!tony #my writing #ao3 #human puppy #starker #winterironspider

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stuckonstarker · 3 years

Text

Highschool AU, A/B/O AU | TW: slut shaming

Peter sat in homeroom. It was absurdly early in the morning, in his opinion. He could barely keep his eyes open.

He already knew all the material already, anyways, so he didn't see why he couldn't take a quick nap. But last time he had dozed off in first period his teacher had given him detention for an hour. Talk about unfair.

He was zoning out when he accidentally overheard a conversation two other students at the front of the classroom were having.

"Obviously not!" A voice Peter recognized as Brad's said.

Another kid named Josh said, "Why, though?"

"Don't get me wrong," Brad said with a smug smirk, "I'd definitely fuck him, but who would want to be in a committed relationship with him? He's one of those omegas you fuck for fun."

Peter winced. He was never particularly fond of other alpha's treatment toward their omega and beta counterparts. There was little Peter could do about it, though.

While Peter himself was an alpha, he was also considered lower on the totem pole. He would just be putting himself in needless danger by saying anything. But, if he could eavesdrop and get the name of the omega they were referring to then maybe he'd be able to warn said omega.

Peter continued to subtly tune in on their conversation.

"Totally," Josh agreed.

Brad said, "Tony's hot as hell, definitely. But he's also super fucking easy. He'll sleep with anything that walks. I'm not too keen on dating a slut."

Peter's eyes widened. There was no way that they were talking about that Tony. Brad wouldn't be so bold.

"Is he trying to date you?" Josh asked.

Brad made a indifferent noise, "I don't know and I don't care. I'm gonna take him out then once I get a taste of that omega pussy I'm out."

"That's how you do it," Josh laughed.

Peter's lips formed a tight line.

Then, at that moment, Tony - in tandem with Pepper and Rhodey - entered the room.

Brad hit Josh on the forearm and made a shushing motion and noise. Peter knew then, for certain, that Brad was planning on using Tony Stark.

Tony Stark. A beautiful omega known for his salaciousness and intelligence. Though, people often prioritized the former.

Peter admired him. Tony was the smartest in their school.

That was an opinion few shared, much to Peter's surprise.

Tony's overt sexuality and confidence, along with his irrefutable genius, intimidated most people. And the few who weren't intimidated by Tony were often jealous of his accomplishments.

Peter was also intimidated by the upperclassman, but more in a 'I love everything you do and please stomp on me' way instead of the moral righteousness that inflicted the rest of his alpha classmates.

Peter watched with poorly concealed envy as Tony flirted with Brad the entire class. Brad looked quite smug about the whole situation.

Peter began formulating a plan to tell Tony of what he heard. They didn't have any other shared classes other than this one. But their lockers were actually really close.

Peter had noticed that Tony often used the limited time between classes to fiddle around with stuff in his locker. As such, the upperclassman was often late. It was in stark contrast to Peter's paranoid scramble to get to class - born out of the anxiety of being late. Peter was more often than not the first one to enter class.

However, he worried that Brad would linger around Tony's locker in-between class periods.

That worry was dispelled soon, though, when the bell rang and Brad immediately took off.

Peter's brows furrowed. If he had a chance with the Tony Stark then he'd never leave his side. That was probably why he'd never get a chance with Tony. Tony, who craved independence and freedom, would probably feel stifled by Peter's constant check ins and presence.

It made Peter reconsider for a moment. Maybe he shouldn't meddle where he wasn't meant to. Maybe Tony would only be insulted by Peter's misplaced concern.

Peter bit his lips at those thoughts. He shook his head and rid them from his mind.

No, he decided, he had heard something concerning and he owed it to Tony - as a good person - to, at least, try to warn the omega.

Peter watched with bated breath as Tony stood at his locker. Tony was so popular. He definitely didn't know Peter and if, by some miracle, he did it would only be negative rumors spread by Flash and Brad.

Despite the anxiety churning in his stomach and the cold chills racing through his body, Peter braced himself and hesitantly approached Tony.

Tony looked up curiously at Peter's presence.

"Hi...?" Tony said, amused confusion evident in his voice.

Peter could literally feel his face burning and the embarassing amount of sweat gathering on his hairline. He probably looked like a mess.

He started, "Uh... I-I'm sorry! It's just that, uh, I heard someone - Brad - talking about you and he said some... things."

Tony didn't looked upset or surprised about this. He only gave Peter a small smile.

He said, "I'm assuming that the things he said weren't compliments."

Peter shook his head. It was the only thing he felt truly capable of doing.

"Yeah, I figure. Most alphas like him are like that. It goes both ways, you know? He may see me as merely an easy way to get off but he's even less than that to me." Tony explained with such ease and nonchalance, "I wasn't ever going to give him the chance to fuck me."

Peter could barely breathe as he said, "Alright, I - uh - I... just wanted you to know."

Tony smirked, something knowing in his eyes, as he asked, "Why did you tell me?"

Peter said, "I mean... the things Brad said were real shitty and you're such a great person. I didn't the thought of him acting so smug about treating you badly."

"And that's all?" Tony prompted as he closed his locker. There was a look in his eyes that made Peter swallow hard.

He said, "Yeah, I can't really think of another reason. No one deserves to be discarded so carelessly. Especially not you."

Peter wasn't lying either. In fact, he wasn't sure he could think at all in the presence of Tony.

"You're such a nice guy, Peter," Tony said, a distinctive purr in his voice. He leaned in close - too close! - to Peter.

Peter could literally feel his breath being ripped from his lungs. All he could do was stand there like an idiot with wide eyes in disbelief and his mouth agape like a particularly dull goldfish.

Tony used a nimble pointer finger to move one of Peter's unruly curls out of his flushed face. Tony pouted as he made intense eye contact with Peter.

"What a good alpha you are - coming to my rescue and protecting me from those knotheads," he whispered as he pursed his lips.

Peter audibly gulped. His cock was ridiculously hard in the confines of his jeans.

Tony smiled, "You are so cute, Petey."

"You know me?" Peter managed to squeak out after he regained some of his motor functions.

Tony purred, "Of course I know you! You're so smart and sweet and such a good, helpful alpha. You're nothing like all those other alpha's who just want to use me, are you? You just want to protect my little, omega heart, don't you?"

Peter stuttered and stumbled through his words. Ultimately nothing he managed to say was even remotely comprehensible.

"Keep being an upstanding citizen for me." Tony said, "Okay, Petey?"

Peter nodded furiously.

"Good," Tony said slowly, almost a drawl, and continued, "we should get to class."

With those words, Peter was snapped out of his trance. He nodded and apologized once again before turning to head off to second period.

"One more thing," Tony said, stopping Peter in his tracks.

Peter gave Tony his full attention.

Tony smiled as he said, "Meet me here at the end of the day."

Peter's eyes widened.

"I want to reward you for your good deeds," Tony said.

Peter panicked, "You don't have to do that! Really! It isn't that big of a deal-"

"I want to reward you," Tony cut his rambling off, "I know I don't have to."

Peter opened his mouth, but nothing came out. He only nodded, entirely in a trance, and walked in the other direction toward second period.

He couldn't wait for the end of the day and, for the first time, it wasn't because of his sleep deprivation.

#starker #a/b/o dynamics #omega tony #alpha peter #draft dump #max writes

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padsnprongs · 3 years

Text

this is for @anythingforour_moony’s writing competition!!

Prompt: “Who ate my pudding??”

If there was one thing that Remus Lupin loved more than life itself, it was chocolate. Chocolate bars, chocolate cake, chocolate pudding, you name it, he would eat it practically inhale it. Not only would he gulp down anything with the slightest trace of chocolate, he would hoard it. He had secret stashes hidden all over the school. Throughout his five and a half years at Hogwarts, his stashes had remained undiscovered.

Or so he thought.

Without his knowledge, one silver-eyed, mischievous Sirius Black had discovered his little secret months ago. Actually, if he was being honest, he found it rather endearing. The image of one Remus Lupin, engulfed in that adorable green sweater of his, tawny curls falling onto his face, amber eyes gleaming with that enchanting golden tint that Sirius often found himself mesmerised in, happened to be the main source of Sirius’ serotonin regardless, but adding that to the image of Remus Lupin, curled up with some chocolate from his secret little stash, perfectly content, was even more adorable, if that was at all possible.

Yeah… Sirius would really have to do something about this crush of his.

And so, Sirius hatched a crafty scheme: he would steal Remus’ chocolate from his stash. Not to eat! Oh lord, no. Maybe just to hide for an hour or two? At least until Remus noticed it was gone, which surely wouldn’t take long; the guy was obsessed. Once Remus had figured out that Sirius had stolen his chocolate, he would probably be rightfully mad. And then he would hopefully start spewing something about morals and boundaries or something. And maybe that, in turn, would help Sirius see that maybe being with Remus wasn’t all he’d thought it up to be, and maybe this silly little crush of his, could finally come to an end. Sirius’ main aim was just to find a way to make Remus mad, and stealing his chocolate was apparently the best way to go about that.

The plan may have been long-winded and, frankly, ridiculous, but Sirius was desperate. He couldn’t go on like this – just being in the same room as Remus was enough to give him the complexion of a tomato, and surely someone would notice that soon? It was too risky; no one could ever know.

Little did Sirius know just how hard he had fallen.

That was how Sirius found himself sitting in the common room, absent-mindedly watching Peter try desperately to Vanish a table, and James hurriedly scribbling a Potions essay. However, the only thing he could concentrate on was the fact that Remus had just disappeared into the dormitory and was bound to discover what he had done any second now.

Not long after, his suspicions were confirmed. He heard the dormitory door slam, the sound echoing through the tower, followed by the sound of footsteps crashing down the stairs. Remus skidded to a halt at the bottom of the staircase. Sirius’ mouth was dry with anticipation; he could feel his heart about to burst through his ribs. He had no idea what Remus’ reaction would be, but he was notorious for being incredibly overprotective of his chocolate.

Sirius did not fancy his chances.

Remus was annoyed, to say the least. He had had a particularly good day, so imagine his disappointment and frustration when he hurried towards his trunk, only to find that the chocolate pudding he’d been eagerly looking forward to all day, had disappeared. And Remus knew he hadn’t misplaced, or already eaten, the pudding. There was only one possible explanation. One of those three idiots had eaten it. He wasn’t as angry as he could have been, mostly because he genuinely had had a great day, but he was irritated, nonetheless.

That was how Remus found himself storming down to the common room, ready to have a serious conversation with his friends about respecting boundaries. However, not everything goes to plan. When Remus reached the bottom of the staircase, his gaze landed on one Sirius Black. Remus, as so often happens, was mesmerised by the grin which seemed to light up any room, the eyes which seemed to be swirling in the ocean depths, and the hair which seemed to catch the sunlight, shimmering with the slightest movement. Sirius’ charm was infuriatingly distracting, and Remus couldn’t help but to lose himself in those breathtakingly bright eyes, which were gleaming like the moon.

Come on, Remus, snap out of it. Feeling his face start to heat up, Remus took a deep breath. There was a more important matter at hand.

“Alright, which one of you was it?”

“What’s up, moony?” James replied without looking up.

“Who ate my pudding??” Remus narrowed his eyes at the three boys and seemed to notice Sirius’ eyes widening. As he watched, Sirius ducked his head behind those glistening curls of his, refusing to meet Remus’ gaze. This was unusual only in that the other two boys had looked up at the mention of Remus’ chocolate. It was the reaction of a guilty person. Remus knew it, Sirius knew it, and he was pretty sure James and Pete had also figured it out.

‘Sirius?’

‘Hmm?’

Sirius still refused to meet his eyes, which only made it all the more obvious that he was guilty.

Remus waited expectantly, hoping that Sirius would say something; this was awkward enough as it was. Finally, Sirius glanced up.

‘Erm… I’m just gonna go take a quick shower… yeah, I haven’t had one since quidditch practice…’ Sirius stood up hastily, but found his way blocked.

‘Sirius Orion Black. If you have done what I think you have done,’ he warned under his breath, enunciating every syllable to ensure the message was crystal clear, ‘I will send you straight to Filch’s office myself, and tell him what really happened in the girls’ toilets yesterday. You can’t fool me.’

Sirius gulped. Although he was aware that he was currently in deep, deep shit, a part of him desperately wanted to make a ‘straight’ joke in reply to Remus’ threat. However, Sirius felt that may not bode well with the fuming werewolf, who was currently glaring into his soul. So, instead, he did the only reasonable thing he could think of; he ran. Scanning for all possible exits and realising the portrait hole was blocked by a giggling group of girls, he sprinted straight for the stairwell. Taking the steps three at a time, his heart pounded nervously as he heard Remus in close pursuit. He slammed open the dormitory door with enough force to make it rattle in its hinges and dived for his bed. Rolling across the bed, Sirius fell through the drawn curtain on the other side and landed on his feet. Although he personally felt that this was a move worthy of James Bond himself, there was no time to dwell, because he had probably pissed Remus off even more, if that was possible.

Speaking of Remus, Sirius had no idea where he’d gone. He could swear his pursuer had been mere footsteps behind him moments ago. Narrowing his eyebrows, he approached the dormitory door cautiously, when, out of nowhere, Remus barrelled around the corner, straight into him, and rugby tackled him to the ground. Winded from pure shock, Sirius could do nothing but flail desperately as Remus wrestled him onto his back and pinned his wrists above his head.

Suddenly, all the anger and all the panic evaporated. Their faces were mere inches from each other, and Sirius could hardly breathe. Remus was staring into his eyes, and Sirius noticed how the amber seemed to darken and his pupils seemed to expand.

But he had no time to think, because he could feel his heart pounding faster and faster, even though he had stopped running. He would have guessed that it was because of the pure intensity that comes with someone laying on top of you, pinning you to the ground, and staring deep into your soul, seemingly getting lost in your eyes, but his brain could barely comprehend what was happening.

Wait. No. That pounding he had felt? That wasn’t his heart. That was Remus’ heart. What? Why would Remus’ heart be beating faster? Shut up. Suddenly, Sirius became hyper-aware of Remus leaning closer to him.

‘Erm…’ he managed to mumble, now oddly self-conscious of how his breath smelt.

‘Tell me to stop.’ Remus whispered, so softly that Sirius could barely hear. Tell me to stop what?? What does that even mean?? What is he doing??

Remus was now so close that their breaths were mingling, and if Sirius moved slightly, he could probably have brushed their noses. Why the hell would I move slightly?? Are you crazy?? Let’s just see what he does.

And Sirius barely had time to process what happened next, because Remus’ lips curved into a soft smirk, no I am not watching his lips thank you very muc- HOLY SHIT, and then they crashed against his.

Remus’ lips. Crashed against Sirius’ lips.

Sirius’ nervous system was going berserk, his brain was short circuiting, and all he could think about was every point where Remus was touching him.

Time seemed to slow down; everything else faded away until it was just him and Remus.

Remus’ mind had a similar reaction. He swore he could see fireworks behind his eyelids and, despite his nervousness at initiating the kiss, what if I misinterpreted it?? I’ll literally ruin our whole friendship!! Ah you know what, fuck it, he ate my pudding, we don’t have a friendship anymore, those few moments were possibly the best of his life. But then, if it was possible, those moments grew even better; gradually, as they both got over their initial shock (and, let’s be real, a little bit of *gay panic*), they relaxed into the kiss. It turned away from passionate and hungry, and more towards comforting and slow.

Sirius’ intestines seemed to be fizzing and twisting, his fingers tangling themselves in those golden curls that he was so incredibly crazy about.

Well, he thought, that’s my plan gone to shit.

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killianmesmalls · 3 years

Text

Seeing the Signs

A short fic with Cas and Jack that takes place between 14x03 and 14x06, directly after their hunt in Sarasota. Just some father/son stuff for no reason.

---

Castiel could feel the humidity sticking to his vessel’s skin, could sense the odd looks from passersby. A trenchcoat over a suit in the middle of Florida, he admitted to himself, was a strange sight even while driving in a thunderstorm. Just a few years ago, he wouldn’t have noticed the difference, but so much time amongst humans and a wave of pop culture knowledge allowed him to at least understand the glances in his direction.

Then again, this was Florida. They had seen weirder. Besides, he had bigger concerns.

Jack had been talkative the whole drive to Sarasota. Hell, there had been a time or two that Cas had attempted the age-old “quiet game” he’d read about in at least 20 of his child-rearing books in order to get the boy to settle. A pang of guilt snapped at his chest, knowing how much his son’s energy was due to pure excitement of just being allowed on a hunt.

Now? Jack was quiet, staring out the window as the typical afternoon storm made its way through. His thin finger traced the tracks of a raindrop before it gathered at the base of the passenger side window.

“Jack?” he tried, glancing at the boy. “Everything all right?”

“Yeah.”

“If there’s something you want to talk about—”

“I’m fine, Cas. I promise.”

The winding interstate traffic around Tampa began to peter off along with the rain. Suddenly, Jack’s focus turned upward as signs indicated exits for Orlando and Kissimmee before he seemed to remember whatever thoughts he had been locked in.

“Jack—”

“I said I’m fine.”

The rise of parental frustration bubbled inside Cas. He knew, in spite of everything the boy had been through and everything he had learned, he was still very much a child. It was occasionally difficult for humans to see, considering they assigned such importance to smaller units of time: months, years, decades, and even more importance to appearance. As an angel, his eons made all other increments or visages almost inconsequentially different. Sam and Dean were human adults with more experience and trauma than he’d wish on any other of his father’s imperfect, perfect creations. Still, they were blips in existence compared to him.

Jack? Nephilim, human, whatever he may be now, Cas could never shake just how very young he was. Eighteen months. Eighteen months of trauma and responsibility and weight on his shoulders, but only eighteen months.

Still an infant by human standards, not that he had the chance to experience proper infancy, Jack was physically confusing to describe even for Sam and Dean. Was he eighteen? Twenty? Twenty-two? Not that any of those made a difference to Cas. Eighteen months in a teenage-to-young-adult body with the lost powers of an eldritch being wasn’t something they discussed in parenting books.

Cas heaved a sigh and, just as the last of the rain trickled off, pulled the car over.

“What? I said I’m fine,” insisted Jack before the car had even come to a full stop.

“We both know that is not true. Now, Jack, I want you to know that I respect your right to privacy and, should you need time on your own to sort out anything you’re thinking through, then I will continue on and we can hopefully work this through together if you cannot do it on your own. However, I am unable to ignore a marked difference in your behavior from the start of this trip to now and, if there is anything in my power I am able to do, I wish to help. Something is on your mind and I am here to listen if you’re willing to talk.”

A long quiet stretched between them. Just as Cas was about ready to restart the car and call it a temporarily lost cause, Jack shrugged.

“I just… I kept seeing signs.”

“Signs? Like, from heaven?”

“No,” the boy replied, shoulders curling slightly, “I mean road signs.”

“Well, Jack, we are on the road. Is there a specific one that upset you?”

“No, that’s not….” he trailed off and Cas could hear the teenage grunt of annoyance in the back of his throat. “I saw some signs for Disney World.”

Cas’s mind recalculated for a moment. “Disney World?”

“It’s stupid, never mind.”

At the dejected sound of his kid’s voice, Cas turned off the engine and fully glanced at him, admiring for a moment how very much this boy had been through hell and still looked like kindness personified. He felt a brief wave of remembrance for touching Kelly’s belly as the child kicked, solidifying in an instant their bond. Somehow, warzones and countless losses had not stripped that from them.

He’d be damned if continuing the wrong route down the interstate did.

“It is not stupid. Your feelings are never stupid. Misplaced maybe, depending on the circumstances, but never stupid, and certainly not now.”

Jack perked up as Cas finished, finally glancing his chosen father in the eyes. The look sent a swell through the angel, pushing him forward.

“We have some time before we need to be back home, and Sam and Dean will understand if we’re later than expected. Let’s go take a look and maybe, if you want, we can spend an extra day or two here and see a few things. Maybe meet this Mickey everyone has been discussing for so long.”

“Wait, really?” asked Jack, eyes wide.

“Really,” he said, placing a hand on his son’s shoulder and giving it a gentle squeeze. “While we’re here, we might as well. Besides, all work and no play—”

“Makes Jack a dull boy?”

“I was going to say ‘isn’t fun for anyone’ but I suppose I understand that reference. Though, remind me to tell Dean that The Shining is not appropriate viewing material for you.”

Jack rolled his eyes but, to Cas’s delight, at least shed a smile. “I kill monsters, I can watch horror movies.”

“Did you or did you not get nightmares after that one?”

Jack faked a cough and went back to looking out the window, smile broadening. “Innocent until proven guilty.”

“Remind me to also tell Sam not to give you law terms to use against us,” Cas said as he started the car back up and eased back onto the interstate.

From time to time, Cas took glimpses at the boy as they made way to Disney, spotting the smiles from him searching what he may want to experience in the parks in between counting down the miles. Though he didn’t like to spend the money they truly didn’t have on frivolous things like resort rooms and meal plans, there was nothing frivolous about this. For all that Jack had been through, he deserved this. He deserved to be a kid, to ride rides, to build a plastic lightsaber and hug a costumed character.

And, as Cas took the exit, he figured maybe a small part of him deserved it, as well.

#jack kline #castiel #dadstiel #idk brief fic exchanges with friends

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thompsborn · 2 years

Note

🌹❤️🌹

post snap angst for the soul? literally a one shot i started writing when mentally Not Happy that i only work on when i want to vent out bad feelings so it'll be a while before it's finished but hey howdy

Sometimes, it seems like they forget that he’s back, as well—usually only when they’re really tired, which Peter can understand. For the first six or so months after Ben died, it was normal for Peter to wake up, and while he was still bleary with sleep, in the haze of his mind, his memories would get all jumbled and misplaced, and he’d think that Ben would be in the kitchen making pancakes or already at work, making a good paycheck to take care of their three person family. It could take anywhere up to an hour, depending on the day, for his head to clear up properly. Grief and sudden changes can do odd things to a person’s brain, and he can’t fault anyone around him for that—but that doesn’t make it feel any nicer, when he walks into a room and May goes pale like she thinks he’s a hallucination, before clarity shines in her eyes and she tears up and smiles something fragile and heartfelt, or when he calls Happy because he was supposed to be picked up from school but it’s been an hour and he’s the last kid there and Happy picks up the phone with a, “Who the hell is using this number?” like he’s angry and thinks someone is personally attacking him, and Peter shrinks in on himself feeling like he’s done something wrong and stammers out a sorry, just—just—and Happy will curse and say, “God, I—I’m sorry, kid. I’ll be right there, okay? I’m on my way. Shit.” And the call will drop and Peter will wait and Happy will get there with a look a sorrow and guilt on his face so genuine that Peter can only offer a forgiving half smile.

send me a 🌹 and i’ll post a random sentence from a wip

#my writing

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turning-dreams-into-chaos · 4 years

Text

The Girl He Fell in Love With

*Not my Gif*

Request: 😊💞 hope youre doing well and staying healthy! Could i request something for remus where theyre just friends and shes sort of falling into the wrong crowd and falling for a guy who isnt any good for her and it causes her and remus to get into an argument and his feelings are revealed in some way?

Requested by: Anon

Post Date: 3-27-20

Paring: Remus Lupin x Reader

Word Count: 2.7K

~Master List~

~Harry Potter Master~

To say that Remus wasn’t aware of the changes in your life would be an understatement. You were friends to say the least, but Remus knew that he always wanted more. You and Remus were as thick as thieves. But lately you’ve been hanging out with people he never thought you would. He watched you hang out with some mangy Slytherin, he couldn’t help but stare from across the courtyard. He knew what you looked like when you were flirting.

The flip of a hair, incessant touching, and constant obviously fake laughter.

All the things you were doing to the Slytherin. You didn’t know Remus was staring at you until you saw him making his way over, his steps much larger than they typically would as you and the looked up at him. You offered your oldest friend a smile before your eyes widened.

“Oh Rem! This is Micah Bottman. Micah, Remus Lupin.” Remus narrowed his eyes at the boy who snaked his arm around your waist, pulling you closer to him and smirked.

“Nice to meet you, Rem.” Micah said using your nickname as he extended out a hand to Remus who looked at it almost disgusted.

“It’s Remus to you.” He practically growled out as you moved your attention off Micah, looking at Remus with wide eyes. Remus didn’t acknowledge your look as he continued to glare at the boy who was way to close to you for Remus’ comfort. “You ready to go Y/N?” he asked, referring to your promise to study with him.

You nodded, telling Micah goodbye before you walked away with Remus. His jaw was set as you looked up at him. “What’s wrong with you?” you asked, nudging his arm but Remus did speak. You stopped walking, pulling him to look at you. “Moony, what’s wrong?”

“Since when do you hang out with him?” he blurted out, shoving his hands in his pockets. You were slightly taken back by his question as you looked at him.

“Since we were assigned partners for potions.” You crossed your arms as Remus spared a glance back at the Slytherin, seeing his friends now occupying the spot you were in. “Since when do you care who I hang out with?”

Remus looked at you as if you had a third head. “Since always. You’re my best friend, Y/N. Think I’d let you get corrupted by that…” he gestured over to the boy, seeing him slap his friend in the back of the head, “that snake.”

“He’s not all bad Rem. He’s actually kind of nice.” You defended him, moving on pass Remus to the library. Remus cocked a brow at you as he chased after you.

“Nice? Nice? You think he’s nice? Of course, he’s nice Y/N, he’s trying to get in your pants!” You had to hold back a scoff as you balled your fists and rolled your eyes.

“Whatever Remus. Can we not talk about him and just focus on charms please?” You asked when you saw the Remus. Remus sighed but nodded, dropping the conversation but not letting it go in his head.

You took a seat at an empty table, tossing your bag on top haphazardly as Remus took a seat across, pulling his books out. You took your seat as well, pulling your books and letting your bag drop to the floor. Remus exhaled sadly before digging his nose into his book. Your eyes glanced over the words on your page, trying to get you to comprehend them but you couldn’t. Not when Remus was sitting right across from you, his lips downturned and a crease between his brows and you found yourself staring longer than you meant before you pulled yourself to focus on your book, internally groaning.

Damned crush.

The next few days went by and Remus found himself loosing you more and more. The number of times he actually got to see alone during the day dwindled, but the number of times he saw you with him increased. His friends quickly caught onto Remus’ attitude one day during breakfast as Remus glared daggers into the back of Bottman’s head.

“Moony, stop staring or she’ll catch you.” Sirius spoke in between bites of his breakfast as he nudged Remus. Remus didn’t move, choosing to risk you turning around. He watched you socialize with them and the way they bullied the first years. Sure, he and his friends pranked them, but they never stole their wands and taunted them. Remus expected you to stop them, but you weren’t. Instead you were too busy talking to Bottman and throwing your head back in laughter.

“Mate.” James said, snapping his hands in front of Remus. Remus pulled his eyes away rather reluctantly to look at his best friends. “You have to let it go, okay?” Remus knew James was right but letting you go was easier said than done. He nodded to his friend, focusing instead on the pancakes in front of him as James, Peter, and Sirius exchange worried glances regarding their friend.

Remus had relaxed slightly, feeling the tension in his shoulders dissipate when James made a dumb joke, causing all of them to laugh. He had almost forgot about you and Micah. That is until a loud thud and a couple of clatters coming from where you all were sitting followed by loud hearty laughs that matched the marauders own. Remus didn’t hesitate to look over in a second, seeing what he assumed was a first-year boy laying on the ground with cups and plates scattered around him.

“What happened?” he heard James mutter as several others asked their own variations, but Remus paid them no attention. The only thig we was focused on was the way your lips curled into a slight smile at the sight of the younger boy crying.

The Y/N he knew would never do that.

That night Remus waited for you to arrive back at the common room. When curfew rolled around and there was no sign of you, he got slightly worried. James, Sirius and Peter tried to convince him that you were fine but even they knew I was pointless, and they were worried too.

Almost an hour after curfew you strolled into the common room, a dumb smile on your face that fell when you were met with four fuming marauders. “Hey boys.” You played innocent, trying to slip past them but Remus grabbed your arm, gentler than you thought he would in this situation. “What can I do for you Rem?”

“Where the bloody hell were you?” you were surprised when Sirius was the one who spoke up instead of Remus, although the latter was currently scanning your face for anything out of the ordinary.

“I was out.”

“Yeah? No shit. Where?” he asked again as you rolled your eyes and groaned.

“I was alone. If that’s what you were wondering.” You snatched your arm out of Remus’ hand as his eyes narrowed at you.

“Alone?” Remus asked as you held back another eye roll.

“Yes Remus, believe it or not I wasn’t with anyone. Now if you don’t mind, I’d like to get to bed.” You turned around to leave before stopping, remembering the bag on your hip. Remus was watching you amazed, rooted in his spot as you turned around to look into his eyes.

Taking a step forward, you reached into your bag, pulling out Potter’s invisibility cape as he gasped, taking it quickly from you. “You took this? I thought I misplaced it!”

“You thought it turned invisible.” Peter said looking as confused as ever. Sirius nudged him, telling him to cut it out before the three boys looked between you and Remus. Remus’ jaw was practically locked as you both stared into each other’s eyes. James motioned to the others before patting Remus on the back and telling him they’d be in the room.

You stayed silent until they left, leaving just you and Remus in the oddly silent common room. “Remus-“

“What happened to you?” he cut you off. You were slightly taken back by his words as you crossed your arms.

“What are you talking about? So what? I’m a little late for curfew. I didn’t know you were going to bust me for it.”

“You never miss curfew. You gave James a bloody lecture on it last year when he used his cape. The same cape that you stole, might I add. Since when do you steal things Y/N?” you scoffed as you looked away from the boy, refusing to let his words have any affect on you.

“Can you give me the bad girl lecture tomorrow Rem? I just want to go to bed.” You tried to wake back to your room, but Remus got in your way.

“And what about what happened at breakfast? You laughed when your ‘friends’ made the first-year cry.” You narrowed your eyes at him, stepping forward to challenge him.

“It was funny.”

It was Remus’ turn to be taken back at your words. “Funny? Where’s the Y/N who would’ve helped the first year? Huh?” He glared down at you as you looked away, biting back your comments and letting him get it out of his system. Remus was mad. No, he was far past mad. The words and feelings he had pent up for a while came pouring out and he was in no control of it. “Where’s the Y/N who cared about her friends and who spent time with them? Where’s the Y/N who full moon after full moon made sure I was alright and feeling normal again? Where’s that Y/N?!”

You couldn’t help but admit his words were hitting home a little. He was right and you knew it. Lately, hanging out with the Slytherins, it didn’t feel like you. You could feel tears start to prickle in your eyes as you listened to Remus freely let his feelings fly. “Where’s my best friend?! Because the girl standing in front of me right now is definitely who I fell in love with.”

You knew Remus hadn’t processed anything he just said by the way he looked at. Full of rage and disappointment but you didn’t care. His words just punch you in the heart.

“You’re in love with me?” Your voice cracked but you didn’t care. You needed to know the truth and you needed to know it now.

Remus blinked back his own tears, one fallen during his speech as he looked down at you. “What?” He hadn’t heard himself say those words.

“You just said-“ you swallowed, taking a deep breath that felt like it was burning your throat. “You said I wasn’t the same girl you fell in love with. Y-you love me.”

Almost as if someone dumped cold water on Remus’ head, his words finally reached his brain. He knew he was too far in now to deny it, and he wasn’t sure he wanted to. “No.” you were about to shake your head, telling him you heard him before he gave you a meek smile. “I loved you. This you, the one hanging out with snakes and not caring about anyone else, I have no interest being in love with.”

Remus turned around, wiping away the tears staining his cheeks as he let you go, heading up to his room. If you were smart, maybe you would’ve shouted you were in love with him too.

In love as in present tense.

But right now, all the words you knew betrayed you and Remus disappeared up the stairs, leaving you with tears continuing to fall alone in the common room.

Remus didn’t say anything when he entered his shared room, falling onto his bed before the others could even look at him. They all knew of Remus’ feelings for you and if he came up here this upset, then it’s a subject better left for another day.

The next morning wasn’t treating Remus any better, he didn’t want to get up but his friends made him, literally pulling him out of bed and into his robe. He trudged down to breakfast by their side but he refused to say anything, his friends understanding completely. He ignored their pity glances as he bit into his toast, throwing it back on his plate when he was done. He heard a slight commotion coming from the Slytherin table and against his right mind he looked over. The sight before him made his jaw drop.

That damned Micah Bottman was sporting a fresh blackeye.

Remus looked for you, but he couldn’t see you amongst the Slytherins asking if he was alright. He almost gave up before James leaned over to Marlene, asking if she knew what happened. She smiled as she nodded. “Apparently Y/L/N has got a great left hook.”

Remus felt the air leave his lungs as he stared at the blonde. James and Sirius both started to ask her more questions about what happened, knowing she was the most well informed gossip. “I heard she tried to tell him off about what happened yesterday, you know with the first year. Bottman said something she didn’t like, and she took a swing. Next second, Bottman’s seeing stars.”

Remus had heard enough. He heard enough the moment he learned you tried to tell Bottman that you didn’t approve of his actions.

Maybe his girl was still in there.

He knew you’d be by the black lake as he took off running out the great hall, the cold air smacking him in his face when he left the castle. Just like he assumed, he found you with you seated against the trees with your knees curled up to your chest. One look down at your knuckles told you they were going to be pink for a while.

He took a deep breath, taking a step towards you. “Heard you can throw a punch.” He said as you jumped in your spot, not expecting Remus to have chased after you. Remus’ face dropped a little seeing the tears falling from your eyes. “You should put some ice on that.”

“I love you.” You blurted out without much thought. Remus gasped quickly before sighing, moving to sit on the ground next to you.

“Y/N-“

“No. It’s your turn to listen to me.” Remus stared into your eyes before nodding. “I’m in love with you Remus. I always have been. But you were my best friend and I didn’t want to ruin what we had because of my stupid feelings. I thought that Micah- Bottman, would help me move on. But he was a jerk.” Remus’ eyes widened as he nodded in agreement, making you chuckle slightly before continuing on. “I didn’t realize that in the process of me moving on from you, I was throwing away our friendship. I never meant to Rem. I swear to you, I don’t want to be that girl anymore.”

Remus brought a hand up to your face, wiping a tear on your cheek and brushing a strand of hair out of your face. “Then who do you want to be?” He whispered.

“I want to be the girl you fell in love with.” Your voice was smaller than Remus had ever heard and he knew you were telling the truth. His hand moved to cup your cheek, his fingers tickling your jaw as he crashed your lips his.

You put all you had into the kiss knowing that if when you pulled apart and Remus still didn’t want you, at least he knew how you truly felt.

When you finally had to pull away for air, you let your eyes flutter close and your forehead pressed against his. Remus listened to you breathe as he looked at the content expression on your face making Remus’ next words much simpler.

“I love you.” Your mouth pulled into a smile before you could open your eyes, coming face to face with Remus’ beautifully scarred face. He gave you a goofy smile as you bit your lip.

“Really? You’re not just saying that because you kissed me?” He nodded as you felt relief wash over your entire body and you leaned in for another kiss.

“Good. Cause I love you too.” Remus moved to sit against the tree before pulling you on his lap, letting you rest your head on his shoulder and the two of you staring out into the lake with your fingers held together. Remus looked down at you, kissing the top of your head before smiling.

There was the girl he fell in love with.

A/N: Hope this is what you wanted! I didn’t know if you wanted a happy ending or not, so I apologize and hope you enjoy! (Btw I used a random name generator for the name 😂)

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popculturebuffet · 3 years

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Simpsons Review: Simpsons Comics #102 “Uncle Burn$” or Homercore Nudity!

Whelp out of all the commissions Kev has thrown me this one’s kind of a curveball. I mean it makes sense why cover it: It’s a pastiche of Donald Duck Comics done in the pages of the Simpsons long running comics. I cover duck stuff on here, and not only do I love the Simpsons but I tend to reference it for jokes a LOT. I just genuinely never thought of reviewing it till now, likely because earlier on in my new career of reviewing animated shows, I wasn’t really convinced I could do pure comedies. With my regular reviews of Darkwing Duck and as it comes out coverage of the Loud House (I still need to get around to Band Together), that’s no longer a real issue and I should consider doing the show in the future, especially since I have an unabashed love for the first 10 seasons and a few episodes beyond that.

As you can tell, I love the Simpsons. While I do genuinely wish it would end and have no real intrest in the current seasons, though if you’d like me to take a look i’d be willing to. The show in it’s prime was funny, witty and each episode was crammed with jokes. And refreshingly for an adult cartoon show of it’s time, the show genuinely wasn’t afraid to mix things up: Milhouse’s parents divorced and stayed that way for so long that them apparently getting back together decades later is itself a huge status quo shake up. Lisa went Vegetarian which stuck thanks to sir paul mcartney, and then went Buddhist, both of which have never wavered since and both fit her well. Skinner and Krabbable started dating. Barney went sober for a few seasons. Apu got married. These are minor changes but the show does have things happen occasionally and doesn’t just snap everything back and it adds genuine tension to plots knowing they might stay the status quo They usually don’t but the occasional change gives things stakes. I could go on for days, but I couldn’t go on for 8 weeks, point is the Simpsons are awesome, and deserve the praise they get early on I just wish they’d stop as by this point people really have stopped carring and it’s time to pass the torch and Let Bob’s burgers be the wholesome family comedy that runs forever.. and even then that one should stop at 10 seasons. Or if not at least let the kids age dammit. But that aside, while many of you simpsons fans looking at this probably have at least seen the comics, or a collection of them over the decades, many of you like me are wondering what the hell Bongo Comics is and how they managed to last so long. Bongo was founded by Simpsons Creator Matt Groening in 1993. Matt Groening had noticed that at the time there just weren’t any funny books on the shelves, funny books being comedy based comics primarily targeted for kids, with Archie and Disney being really the only ones left at the time. So he founded Bongo to rectify that, and given Fox naturally liked the sound of more merchandising dollars, the publisher was primarily used to produce simpsons comics, though looking at wikipedia there were one or two that weren’t including, of all things, a Coldplay comic tying into their album. Why did Coldplay publish a comic book at a primarily simpsons comic book company?

Though most series seem to be either short lived or one shots, there were a few exceptions: Naturally the company put out an annual Treehouse of Horror issue, there was a Bart Simpson ongoing focusing on him and the other kids of Springfield, I had a trade for that one once, and once Futurama premiered it too got a comic book that held through both cancelations. But standing above them all was Simpsons Comics, a 245 issue long runner that ran all the way up to the company’s closing, likely due to a combination of a lack of profits and the then upcoming Disney-Fox merger depriving them of the very heart and soul of the company.

Naturally being a Simpsons fan I have a connection to these comics having gotten the trades out of the library multiple times as well as the collection of Bartman’s solo series, which was my favorite and I might cover some day. In addition to the Free Comic Book Day issues i also picked up scattered issues over my life since, much like Archie, Simpsons comics were a mainstay of bookstores and super markets and the decline of both comic markets is likely why the Simpsons comics started to peter out in the first place. The quality and memorability of the stories varied but they were a fun thing to have around and it’s sad to see them go, as well as see Disney not even make a remote attempt to bring them back or at the very least republish the vast library they now have access to. Also finally if your wondering yes, there indeed was a Simpsons/Futurama crossover. And no I have not read it. So with that history, most of which I just learned some of which I already knew, in mind, it is very fitting the comic’s did a tribute to the Uncle Scrooge comics. Though it does feel very weird that I have yet to cover any Donald Duck or Scrooge comics.. yet i’ve already covered one of the Ducktales tie in comics and a Simpsons homage to it. I’m going to have to correct that but until then, join me under the cut as I dive into adventure with the Simpsons.

This issue was written by Ian Boothby and drawn by John Delaney, I feel mentiong the writers and artists should be important in comic reviews and I kick myself for not having done that or gone into them as much before. Boothby was apparently the Ian Flynn of these comics, writing more simpsons comics than any other writer according to wikipedia and winning an Eisner for his work on the comic if sadly not this issue. He was nominated for an outstanding Canadian Writer award for it though so that’s good. Point is the guy is a decorated vetran of this series and it shows in how good this issue is and I felt he deserved some recognition as most Comic Book Readers, myself included up till now, likely weren’t aware he even existed nor took over the comic in the 2000′s.

We open with Burns getting attacked by a mummy! Gotta say wasn’t expecting this as where we started out but the simpsons have started with wonkier premises to end up somewhere. I mean there was the time a bag boy strike ended up with them in Africa. Also i’d say Burns should call the police, being the kind of privileged white guy they actually care about protecting and all, but frankly the Springfield Cops don’t have the best track records with Mummies:

But no it’s just Smithers, who dove in heroically to save the company 15 dollars after Homer took a bet to see how many fire crackers he could jam in his computer’s disk drive. Lenny said 20 but he proved him wrong. And yes those are all actual jokes from the comic, this issue is very funny and feels very much like a Golden Age Simpsons episode. They also all gather to sign Smither’s cast.. which naturally is a legally binding contract. Burns takes his loyal minion to get some quality medical care only to find an arcade because he traded the Medical Bay in for one during an outbreak of Pac Man Fever... again I really can’t top that and there may be a good reason why I haven’t covered the Simpsons till now. But yeah as Buns gives Smithers a roll of Pennies, he wonders who to have replace Smither’s on their annual summer treasure hunt.. which would come out of nowhere but we genuinely don’t know what they do most summers. I assumed Burns just road Smithers like a horse to play cricket while Smithers enjoyed it way too much. But a stray comment from Homer getting a Krusty Doll from a crane machine about being king of the treasure hunters leads to this.

I mean it’s an easy joke but damn if it didn’t get a laugh out of me. So later at the old Simpsons place, because this comic is fantastic, Marge and Homer talk things over, but Homer insists Burns said he’d split the treasure, and Lisa wishes she could come along. And Marge says he should, especially for his own saftey.. and when Bart complains, says all the kids should go, she already packed their bags, she’s heading to Rancho Relaxo byyyyeeeeeee. Once again, this comic is amazing, and I would say this is out of character for Marge, but frankly that’s the whole point. Plus it really isn’t when she has to deal with 4 children on a regular basis, and her sisters, and a town gone mad.. yeah can’t blame her here.

The next day at Burns Office, Homer is wearing his navy outfit.. or rather Donald’s Navy outfit. But given I did a quick google and found him having at least 4 different outfits during his time in the Naval Reserves, it’s not a stretch to assume the Simpsons Version of the Navy gave these out too. Seriously Ian Boothby has put more thought into continuity than most writers on the show proper. Also Simpsons Tide, season 9 episode, still very memorable and hilarious and not due to childhood nostalgia. Just looking up this bit had me laughing hard.

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I now want to watch that episode sometime soon so thanks Kev. Anyway Homer seems to have misplaced his plants. Now I could spare you the image since I don’t do things panel by panel anymore and only use panels from a comic when relevant. Buttttt

This traumatizing of my audience brings me to a point about this issue and why it works. While there are tons of nods to the Donald Duck comics and what their homaging is very clear, the issue doesn’t REQUIRE you know them to enjoy it. Knowing them I obviously enjoy it more, but most of the jokes aren’t reliant on you knowing anything about the barks comics and even someone with a passing knowledge of the Original Ducktales can still get the reference if not why Donald is here. It helps this is less of a parody, with the exception of some jokes, and more of an homage, using stylistic elements of those comics while telling i’ts own story as a loving tribute to it’s predecessors. Speaking of one of those jokes poking fun at the source material, Burns is delighted Homer brought child labor, which kept me laughing for a good minute, and when the kids introduce themselves we get this bit.

Not only am I 100% sure every version of Donald or Della did this to make sure they could tell them apart, very much including the reboot with Donald, but it’s a genuine hilarious bit. Donald’s response as they head off is “there’s somehting hooey Dewey and screwy about this. “ Also I will criticize the fact Bart isn’t the one wearing a blue outfit. For those wondering why, after all Maggie wears blue shouldn’t she get it, who haven’t seen this a LOT of merchandise early on had Bart in a blue shirt, due to early Merch being rushed out pre-show and since he wore one in some earlier concept art, he got to wear blue. He also wore it late into the 90′s.

Sidebar: I just found this and while it isn’t a bad joke given his character it is questionable to have a fourth grade boy tell you to buy him. Just saying. But the reason I bring it up is partly because the show itself referenced it at one point.

As well as it’s sister show Futurama

And you remeber that Bart Simpson solo I mentioned? That one frequently, both in and out of story, had Blue Shirt bart show up for some variety.

Also why yes each issue does have it’s own fun “Superman’s Pal Jimmy Oleson” Esque subtitle. And I love it so. Point is Blue Bart is part of the series legacy and this very comic company, so it’s VERY weird to not have that here. That being said there were a few Green Shirt barts apparently as a printing error, so he could just as easily be 80 steps ahead of me. I just don’t know.

Back at the plot Burns and the Simpsons show up at Frink’s lab, Frink rather obviously filling in for Gyro, with his own version of little bulb named F.L.O. who gladly shakes Lisa’s hand.. and releases a Pterodactyl but hey you can’t win em all. It’s a nice nod, though one only fans of the source matieral will really get, but the pterodactyl bit right after helps distract from it. Frink slotts into the roll well, as Frink has no reall affiliation with anyone and is basically, much like Gyro, there for various characters to go too when the story or joke needs him. Frink has two gadgets for them: Some Scuba suits that can go to any depth and a grappling claw that accidently gets him gripped to the pterodactyl. Also homer accidently switches suits with maggie, so we get an adorable shot of her serenely sleeping in a diving helmet while her daddy chokes to death.

So the next day it’s out to the open seas where The Simpsons are doing all the work while Burns lounges.. which yeah this is a typical uncle scrooge adventure all right. While the man unlike Burns does work hard and do things for himself, he spent most voyages talking about the destination while putting all the hard work on Donald, in case you thought there was at least one universe where Donald isn’t miserable most of the time. Lisa wonders what he’s doing and we get this lovely bit.

I just.. can’t stop finding that hilarious or a nice way to get the Uncle Scrooge bit in there while still fitting the Simpsons, and it at least explains what happened to Herb, whose been mentioned all of once in the 30 seasons since he last showed up. I checked. And yes for those unaware, which is fair, or who just now remembered Homer does indeed have a brother, one his dad had out of an affair who showed up twice, once with Homer unintentionally, and largely due to Herb’s own foolishness, ruining his life, the other time with Maggie helping him get back on top and him and Homer reconciling. He’s also voiced by comedic legend and your friend and mine, Danny Devito, whose still making us all laugh to this day and is a wonderful person from all accounts. Rock on Danny, here’s the only way I can think to honor you.

But yeah it’s a good gag. Burns claims to be watching for a Giant Squid.. and turns out to be right. So it’s up to the simpsons to fight the giant squid, a sentence I genuinely didn’t expect.. I thought like the Griffins they’d just ignore it.

I miss that show.. oh i’m aware Family Guy is still running but much like the Simpsons the show it USED to be is long gone. Anyways Bart tells a worried homer octopus suck out the innards and drink it first quipping “It’s not like you haven’t been drunk in the morning before homer. Homer chokes bart only for the squid to choke him which is easily the second best “Homer getting choked after Choking bart” gag i’ve seen.. the best being this one I found on youtube.

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Though personally my faviorite part of that whole bit is Bart’s proud “THAT’S BECAUSE I SOAKED HIM IN SLIME!” Anyways Lisa figures out a way to beat the squid, painting the likeness of each of them on it’s tentacles and letting the thing devour itself. Lisa lampshades it making no sense PHysics wise but with that she reluctantly accepts calling Mr. Burns, Uncle Burns and we’re off to our next location. Next up is Mt. Donrosa, a very clear nod to Uncle Scrooge maestro Keno “Don” Rosa, an avid fan of Barks work who expanded on it and turned it into a solid continuity, most famously, and what got me into the ducks in the first place, with the epic “Life and Times of Scrooge McDuck” which I proudly own and.. well I did say watch this space didn’t I? Enough hinting at the future as the Simpsons scale the mountain with Homer carrying burns up on a rickshaw. Burns however looses his lucky #1 penny, SUBTLE, and cuts Bart down to get it. We then get the best line of the issue:

Bart thankfully survives and we find out the Penny, much like Scrooge’s Dime is how Burns started his fortune.. for this issue and nowhere else but that’s standard for the Simpsons. Specifically loading it into a gun and threatning to kill Jasper’s grandfather with it during the gold rush, a nice twist. At the top of the mountain they find the fabled key of Strobl, which comes from the Taliaferro tribe.. more refrenes this time though I didn’t know them and had to google. Tony Strobl was an artist on the Duck Comics at one ponit and Al Taliforino id forgotten about. He did the Donald Duck comic strip which I had heard of and weirdly hasn’t been collected yet despite Fantagraphics covering mickey, as well as reprinting barks and rosa’s respective works.

The key is suspended in the air by what Lisa suspects to be magnetics, and while Burns plan is naturally “Have Bart swim in it and see if he surivives”, Bart, still pissed from the penny and not wanting to die today, grabs the Penny and uses his slingshot to fire it at the Key. The bad luck from the penny casues an erruption, but Bart once again saves the day and has them surf down, with naturally tons more great jokes. The family enjoys some steamed Seafood, except Lisa whose eating Seaweed, while Homer enjoys a sting ray “It tastes as good as it stings, Ow, Ow.” ON to Goddfrodson Trench, an odd choice given Floyd Goddfrodson was barks equivalent for the Mickey Mouse Comics and not really a duck writer, but he still deserves the honor regardless. Under the Sea, no accusations just friendly crustaceans here.. our heroes are close to the treasure but loose the map to the Jailbird Boys, aka Snake and his cousins, who found out due to Lisa’s blog. She didn’t want to loose any more readers to Sheri and Teri’s Olson Twin’s Fan Page.. which.. it’s 2004.. weren’t they dead by this point? Nope still alive? Still are today in fact? Alrighty then. Also this bit, and some of the other references are a bit heavy handed, I will admit that, but the jokes are high quality enough otherwise that it just comes off as a bit of an adorable wink more than laziness.

Snake and co cut their air with Starfish used as throwing stars.

The gang tie their air suplies to avoid dying, and Maggie, in a clever bit, talks with the starfish, since they communicate via sucking, to attack the Jailbird Boys. Again..

I genuinely don’t know, but our heroes find the fabled vault of Barks Billion.. named after Bark Barks, that polar bear from the sonic games.. no of course it’s named after Disney Duck God Carl Barks, who created the Duck’s share of Donald and Scrooge’s supporting cast: Uncle Scrooge himself, Daisy Duck, a fact I just learned but given he created her first short “Mr Duck Steps Out, shouldn’t of surprised me, The Beagle Boys, Magica DeSpell, Goldie O Gilt, Flintheart Glomgold, Gyro Gearloose, Gladstone Gander, The Junior Woodchucks as a whole, Neighbor Jones, John D. Rockerduck, The Number One Dime, Gus Goose, April, May, June and Whitewater Duck. Just the sheer impact he’s had on the comics on all continents cannot be overstated. He is also the one who refined Huey Dewey and Louie from hellraising little shits to the good little boys they are today.. well okay they were, thankfully the reboot has created much better versions. Point is what a man, what a man what a mighty good man, he is truly missed. We get two great homer gags in the same page, one where somehow he’s put the giant key on a key ring and still can’t find it.. with Bart helpfully taking it from him, and then we get this, which I missed on my first read through.

Naturally Burns betrays them, using a Gold Magnet, kay, to suck up all the gold and naturally planning to leave the Simpsons for dead to no one’s surprise. But thanks to Bart teaching Maggie how to use the spittoons, Homer gets one stuck on his head.. and starts getting sucked up with the Simpsons using them to escape. Naturally Lisa’s first instinct is obvious.

But Burns weasels his way out by promising them free gold after their free lunch. Naturally the next day this turns out ot be a trick as their lunch came from frinks and thus, for now, their weightless.. but Karma gets Burns when he tries swimming in his new gold vault... only for the natural result of what happens when am an who never exercises and who doctors once described as having so many diseases packed into his body at once they tripped each other off and that a strong wind could kill him, trying to do with a similarly aged but still physically fit and well trained at swimming in money man does on a daily basis.

We then close on a quick gag of weightless homer getting caught on fire and we’re out.

Final Thoughts: This was a really excellent comic. It captured the tone of the Simpsons at their best and while stiff in a place here or there, it’s mostly just really funny, entertaining and a nice and warm tribute to Donald and Scrooge’s long comics history, not really mocking it but instead just homaging it, while still throughly feeling like the Simpsons. It honestly feels like the Treehouse of Horor Segement on the shining, a bit that parodies something, but for the most part the jokes still feel firmly rooted in the simpsons and their cast. This was a treat to review and i’m glad Kev comissoned it and I may take a look at more Simpsons in the future. If you guys like this review, you can follow me on patreon at patreon.com/popculturebuffet, or if there’s a specific simpsons or ducktales episode or a specific comic you want me to review, you can comission your own review for just five bucks. Just send me a direct message on here through Tumblr, or take a look at my ask box or submit. However you want to do it. I take payments through paypal and until next time: Happy Days are Here Again.

#scrooge mcduck #the simpsons #carl barks #simpsons comics #montgomery burns #homer simpson #bart simpson #lisa simpson #maggie simpson #don rosa #professor frink #bongo comics #waylond smithers #reviews #ducktales

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awyeahitssam · 4 years

Text

I wrote a “Stiles is transformed into a girl” AU earlier, but it turned out to be just smut. So here’s this - the same universe in snippets.

“Goddamn!” Stiles shouted, kicking the examine table hard enough to leave his miniaturized foot aching.

“Wow, looks like she’s already PMSing.”

While any comment like Isaac’s not-so-quiet mutter was in poor taste, it was especially so considering the news that had caused Stiles’ outburst.

“You and your misplaced judgement can fuck off, because I was just told that I will never be my parents son again.”

“Wow, hate women much, Stilinski?” Jackson sneered.

“Oh, fuck off!” Stiles snapped. “I like and respect women plenty. That doesn’t mean I’m cool with suddenly turning into one.”

“‘Like’ and ‘respect,’” Erica mimicked. “That sounded a little sexist, Batman.”

Stiles stared at her, openly disbelieving. He glanced around, but nobody seemed like they were about to step in and rebut that particular sentiment. So he took a deep, settling breath and did what he did best, because, as always, nobody else was going to.

“How would you feel if you traded in your breasts and vagina for a dick?”

Erica blinked, taken aback. After a beat she opened her mouth, but Stiles continued before she could respond.

“Sure, maybe it’d be cool at first, but after a few hours or days that novelty would wear off, and you’d want your own body back. Y’know, the body you’ve lived in for eighteen years, and grown a little fond of.”

Erica was flushed, but that could’ve been caused by anything from remorse to indignation at being chided in front of the entire pack. It wasn’t like he could smell her emotions; if she wanted him to stop, she would have to use her words. Anyway, it had been a long couple of days and he needed to vent a little.

“Calling me sexist, of all things, because I want to have the body I was born in back is ignorant and just plain stupid. Now if you’ll excuse me, I’m going to go find somebody with an explanation beyond ‘it’s irreversible’.”

Stiles snatched the taser from his purse and waved it threateningly. “Back the fuck off, dude. You’ve never been interested in me before, so I’m going to go ahead and assume this is more of a ‘I’d like to get my dick wet’ scenario than a ‘wow, Stiles, you have such a great personality, let’s date!’ sorta thing. Not that I’d be interested in the latter, but still.”

If anything, Isaac looked more amused. He stepped forward, and Stiles fought the instinct to pull back. He was smaller than he should’ve been; he’d never been shorter than Isaac before. Still, Stiles had stood up to bullies that were bigger and stronger than him all his life. This wasn’t the same, but it wasn’t so different, either.

Though the fact that Stiles now had to worry about his so-called packmate ignoring what he said and trying to get into his pants regardless pissed him off immeasurably.

“It’s just sex, Stilinski. What, are you still a virgin or something?”

Like Isaac hadn’t been a virgin himself before Derek bit him.

What a douche.

“Seriously dude, fuck off.”

Isaac’s face twisted into something bemused, like he couldn’t understand the word no. Which, seriously? Stiles had always thought Isaac was an asshole who believed he could get away with anything if he pulled out his traumatic childhood membership card, but this was a little extreme.

“Are you seriously turning down a chance to test out your new parts? What kind of guy are you?”

“I’m starting to wonder what kind of guy you are, Lahey. No means no. I’m not having sex with you, so drop it and move out of my goddamn way.”

For a moment Isaac went unnaturally still. Predator still. Stiles tensed, preparing to use both the taser and aerosolized wolfsbane Allison had given him. If he took even one step closer, Stiles wouldn’t hesitate.

Perhaps he smelled the violence rising in the air, or maybe Isaac had just decided to take no for an answer. Either way the werewolf gave Stiles a lingering glance, turned on his heel, and slunk back into the preserve, presumably off to practice his wolfy abilities with the others.

“My, my, you really do enjoy facing down predators, Stiles.”

Stiles turned, unsurprised to find Peter leaning against one of the house support beams. He frowned.

“Yeah, apparently a bunny predator and a sexual predator. Thanks for stepping in, there, zombiewolf.”

Peter shrugged. “You had it handled.”

Stiles sighed, rolling his shoulders and stuffing the taser back in his bag. “I can deal with Lahey if I have to. And apparently having boobs means I’ll have to.”

Peter met his eyes when Stiles looked up from scowling at his breasts. The man seemed faintly amused, but there was something beyond that.

It seemed the hungry gleam in Peter’s eyes remained whether Stiles was male or female. At least one person didn’t change the way they looked at him, but in his current state the gaze made him feel vaguely vulnerable. And god damn, did he hate that.

Stiles had long since been aware of his comparative weakness to the wolves he ran with, but knowing and seeing were different things. He was several inches shorter and about twenty pounds lighter than he had been, his coordination thrown even more out of wack by his newly proportioned limbs. His reach was less than it had been, his gait wasn’t right, and when he tested swinging his baseball bat his breasts did some uncomfortable swinging as well. Apparently, he needed a bra.

Lydia takes him shopping first thing Friday, because of course she does. Stiles only allows it because it seems he’s going to be in this body a while, until he can prove Deaton wrong, so he might as well buy some pants he doesn’t have to hold up by a belt without enough notches.

“That skirt is just, like, deliberately short!”

He ends up with three pairs of jeans, a pair of sweats, some cargo shorts (because apparently those are the only kind that don’t stop mid-thigh), a couple of hoodies, and four tank tops.

He considers throwing his favorite red lacrosse sweatshirt over it like he normally does, but it’s been getting hotter and he’s seen plenty of women jog in sports bras. At this point, it’s whatever. Stiles just needs to get some of this energy out before he shakes to death or something.

So naturally when he’s taking a break to catch his breath on mile three, Peter materializes at his side, nursing a cup of coffee with a book tucked under his arm.

And he raises a brow, as if to comment on Stiles’ poor endurance, because of course he does. Dick.

“Are you really coming to the woods to read?” he asks, slowly straightening out. His side is still cramping, but he doesn’t want to be in the perfect position for Peter to peer into his bra, even if the man had yet to look away from his face.

“Yes, I enjoy my coffee exclusively with woodland creatures,” Peter sasses back. Stiles smiles, just a bit, because for the first time in days somebody is treating him normally. Even if it is Peter, and his brand of normal is often a bit creepy. “What are you doing in the woods, Stiles? The big bad wolf might find you.”

It wasn’t a new joke, but--”I’m not Little Red.”

“No,” Peter sighs dramatically, “You’ve done away with your hoodie. I suppose I’ll have to find another young man to coax away from grandmother’s house.”

Man. Young man.

Stiles lets out a breath he wasn’t aware of holding and walks forward, shoving at Peter’s arm. It doesn’t budge, holding the coffee stead, and Peter looks surprised at the casual touch. “Replacing me so easily? Thank god.”

Clever lips curl. “I could never,” the werewolf replies, before waving him on. “Enjoy your run, Stiles.”

Stiles grins back, quick but genuine. “Enjoy your book, dude. Later!”

And he’s off.

Stiles looks down at the sundress laid across his bed and feels the air stutter from his lungs. This dress had been reserved for the long summer days of his childhood, before sickness had taken his mother. He remembers balancing on her feet as she spun them around the living room, both singing at the top of their lungs. He remembers her kissing the shirt over his heart and telling him that he was her favorite person in the world. He remembers trying to swing higher than her and failing in the nearby park, and how she had always laughed at his pout and said, “It isn’t a competition if I don’t try, Mischief!”

Stiles had forgotten he had stashed it in the back of his closet when his father had been gathering all Claudia’s things to donate or store in the attic.

“Stiles?” Scott called, knocking on the door. “Dude, you alright in there?”

“I—” Stiles took a deep breath, tearing his eyes from the dress and going to his closet. “Yeah, I’m… I’m good. Just give me a few minutes to change.”

“There’s sex reassignment surgery,” Lydia mentions one day, five weeks in. Stiles is in the middle of reading over the translated Latin she’d just handed him, and only makes a vague sound of comprehension.

“Stiles!”

“What?” Stiles snaps, glaring up at her. He blinks a few times, processing what she’d said, and shakes his head. “No, Lydia, I - I want my body. Besides, that's not something I could ever afford, not with the debt we’re in.”

“I have money, Stiles,” she says nonchalantly, and it’s probably unreasonable, how that makes him want to break things.

He takes a deep breath and looks her in the eyes. “I’m getting my body back, Lydia, and I’m not taking your money.”

“Stiles, you need to stop. I hate to say this, but you need to hear it, okay? You’re never going to be a guy again. Deaton said as much, and it was okay at first, you trying to prove him wrong, but this is getting out of control. You’re skipping classes, talking to Peter, and playing around with some seriously dangerous stuff. Stuff Allison’s dad would probably put a bullet through you for! Stiles, you’re going to be in a girl’s body for the rest of your life. I just don’t want you making all these shitty choices to go along with this shitty thing that happened to you. I care about you, man… you’re like my - my sister. So please stop. I don’t want to see you get hurt.”

“Your sister?” Stiles snarled. “I’m not a fucking girl, Scott, female body or not. My mind is still male--”

Sorry to leave off there, but it’s all I’ve got. Stiles definitely shuts Scott down with his rant, though.

#peter/stiles #In that it's a part of the same universe I wrote smut for earlier #Let me tell you #writing 7 pages of smut is not my style #this is my style #snippets I'll never post on AO3 because I'll never finish them #female!Stiles #but not at all actually #ever heard of body dysmorphia #that shit blows

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loca-girl · 4 years

Text

~Even The Invincible Iron Man Can Get Sick~

•This is a fic about Tony being sick, Peter finding out, and him being the good son he is taking care of Tony.•

Tony felt terrible.

He had woken up that morning with a terrible headache and some nausea.

Yeah, what a great start to the day.

Tony felt completely drained and had even given into the thought of just laying in bed all day.

Which was so unlike him.

Usually Tony hated sleep and often pulled all nighters, that is, until a certain spider child decided to nearly copy everything he did. He didn't want Peter to follow into his bad habits so Tony begrudgingly went to bed and slept at night.

When Tony's feet made contact with the cold floor of the ground below, he couldn't help but shiver and let out a gasp. Quickly bringing his feet back up.

Hugging the comforter tightly around his body, he tried a second attempt at getting out of bed.

Luckily this time he was successful, though his reward was painful and cold.

He took in a breath of the cold air and coughed, moving the comforter so that he could cough into the warm fabric.

This day just kept getting worse and worse.

"F.R.I.D.A.Y.," Tony's voice sounded dry and sickly. "What time is it?"

"It is exactly 8:34 sir," The AI responded. "I would suggest staying in bed today as you have a fever of approximately 101.2 degrees. Would you like me to alert Ms. Potts?"

"No, no! That won't be necessary F.R.I." Tony responds, not really wanting Pepper to know yet. "I'll tell her myself even though I'm sure it looks obvious. If I feel this shitty on the inside, I'm sure I look it on the outside."

And he was right.

Looking into a mirror, Tony saw dark circles under his eyes. Sweat coated his forehead even though he was freezing, and his hair was a tangley and sweaty mess as well.

All around, he looked terrible.

Tony decided to take a hot shower that he hoped would make him look and feel better.

He turned the water as hot as he could and got in.

It felt good and helped him into a more awake state.

He could do it.

He could take on the day and forget all about whatever the fuck bug decided to crawl into his system.

That state of mind however, left when he emerged from the shower.

The headache returned to what felt like ten times worse, and the nausea too.

"Ugghhhhh." Tony groaned and put a hand on his forehead.

"What the fuck Tony?" Pepper's voice came from out of nowhere.

"Holy shit Pep, where did you come from?" Tony exclaims, moving the hand down onto his arc reactor. Pepper had scared the shit out of him.

"Holy shit yourself Tony," Pepper moves into the bathroom and over to Tony. "Here, let me help."

Pepper places her hand softly on Tony's forehead.

"You have a fever." She confirms.

"Yeah I know," Tony responds. "F.R.I. told me."

"Well why wasn't I informed? You shouldn't be up Tony. You need to be in bed."

"I was going to tell you. Guess I don't need to do that now." Tony mumbles.

"C'mon, let's get you to bed." Pepper wraps her arms around Tony's waist and back so she can help him to bed.

"Pep, I love you and I appreciate you so much. But I can get to bed on my own I mean hell, I got out of it." Tony unwraps her arms and carefully holds her hands in his own clammy and sweaty ones.

"Shut up and let's go." Pepper pulls him out of the bathroom and to the bed.

She makes Tony sit down on the bed and leaves to go get him some Tylenol and a glass of water.

"Here." she hands it to him.

"Thanks."

Once he had taken the Tylenol and drank the whole glass of water, Tony lays down.

Pepper shuts the bedroom's curtains so that there's no light to bother Tony.

"Pep," Tony remembers. "Don't you have an important meeting today with those people from Dubai?"

"I do but I think I'm gonna cancel it." Pepper brings the bed covers up to Tony's chest.

"What, why?"

"I need to take care of a Mister Tony Stark."

"Pep, no offense, but I'm a grown ass adult who can take care of himself. You're needed way more at the meeting."

"Ugh Tony don't flatter yourself," Pepper rolls her eyes and gives Tony a soft kiss on the top of his head. "We both know that's not true. I'll go, but if you need anything, tell F.R.I.D.A.Y. to send for me."

"Will do Pep." Tony agrees.

"And Tony," Pepper gently grabs the sides of his face so they can look each other in the eyes. "I mean anything. Don't be an idiot and refuse help. Sometimes you can't do stuff alone and need help."

"I know and I promise I will," Tony leans his face towards hers and kisses her on the lips. "Now go show those people what SI is all about."

"Okay." Pepper smiles and proceeds to leave the room, shutting the door behind her.

"F.R.I.D.A.Y.?"

"Yes Ms. Potts?" The AI responds.

"Make sure he actually listens to me and doesn't do anything stupid."

"Of course ma'am."

Pepper leaves the penthouse and goes to her meeting.

~Meanwhile in Queens~

Peter and Ned strolled down the halls of Midtown as they made their way to the next class.

Ned was busy telling Peter about how he swore his cousin had taken his Lego Luke Skywalker.

"It couldn't be anyone else!" Ned said, exasperated. He threw his hands up dramatically. "I mean, one sec it was there, then he went into my room, came out, and Luke was gone."

"Ned are you sure you didn't misplace him?"

"Yeah, I know I didn't. Unless there's a ghost messing with me, I know it was him."

"I mean, I guess it could've been a ghost," Peter shrugs his shoulders. "Or maybe we've been watching too much BuzzFeed Unsolved. But why would your cousin wanna steal him?"

"That's easy. He loves Star Wars and he doesn't have a Luke Skywalker like I do. So he stole mine and now I'm never gonna get him back. Luke is in uncharted territory now, upstate New York. In Buffalo. So close but so far away." Ned dramatically reaches his hand out.

“How old is your cousin?"

"Six."

"Oh. Okay then."

They reach their classroom and walk in.

"Sup losers." MJ says as Ned and Peter sit down. Their seats thankfully near each other. Peter sits behind Ned and MJ sits to the right of Ned.

"Hey MJ." Comes the chorus from Peter and Ned.

"What's going on?" MJ asks.

That sends Ned off again.

"MJ you are not gonna believe the kind of day I'm having. So it started with my cousin who-" Ned starts to tell MJ his story but Peter's mind wanders off.

He couldn't wait to leave school and go over to Stark Tower. Mr. Stark and him were gonna work on a prototype gadget that would eventually be implemented into both of their suits.

He didn't know what the gadget was gonna be though. Mr. Stark had told him it was a surprise.

"Alright class," Peter's snapped out of his thoughts by the teacher's voice. "Pull out your textbooks and let's get started."

|~|~|~|~|~|~|~|

School dragged on for Peter.

He kept glancing at the clock nearly every minute, thinking that at least fifteen minutes must've gone by. Only to find it had only been two.

Finally though, after what felt like an eternity, it ended and Peter was able to leave prison, ahem I mean school.

He walked to the subway station and took a train over to Manhatten. He knows that Tony prefers Happy to pick up Peter for his safety, but Peter prefers the freedom of taking the subway. I mean hey, he's been riding it by himself for years now.

My Kid: I'm on my way Mr. Stark!

Peter texts Tony.

Usually Peter gets a reply almost immediately because F.R.I.D.A.Y. informs Tony of the text, but not this time.

"Maybe Mr. Stark is in that meeting with Pepper," Peter thinks to himself. "I hope I'm not gonna be in the way."

The rest of the ride to the tower is long and, as every second ticks by, Peter gets more anxious.

He tries to take his mind off of it by continuing to talk to Ned about his missing Lego figure.

Ned was trying to come up with a plan to get it back. You'd swear Ned was talking about an actual person and not a toy with how he was handling the situation.

When Peter finally made it to his stop, he exited the train and walked the rest of the way to the tower.

Arriving, Peter walks through the tower's sleek and modern doors into the grand lobby.

He breezes right through security and gives the guards a little wave. They of course wave back, adoring the boy who earned the nickname "Little Stark."

"F.R.I.D.A.Y. where is Mr. Stark at?" Peter asks the AI as he gets into the private elevator.

"Mr. Stark is currently in the penthouse." The AI responds in a cheerful tone.

"Awesome. Could you take me there?"

"Of course Peter." The elevator proceeds to climb up the floors to the penthouse.

Once it stops and the doors open, Peter exits the elevator and walks to the penthouse's kitchen. Usually whenever Peter got there and Tony was in the penthouse he was in there grabbing a quick snack.

"Mr. Stark?" Peter walks into the grand kitchen.

Tony isn't in sight though.

Peter's super hearing picks up coughing coming from somewhere in the apartment.

He follows the noise to Tony's bedroom.

‘So that's where Mr. Stark is.’ Peter thinks to himself.

Peter lightly knocks on the door. "Mr. Stark, it's me. It's Peter."

Tony hears the voice.

Obviously Tony would know that voice anywhere. He could recognize Peter no matter what.

Tony was surprised that the kid was here. That is, until he remembered it was a lab day for the both of them.

In all his craziness with being sick and stuff, he had oddly forgotten about Peter coming over. Tony had never done that before. Ever.

"Hey kid," Tony's dry and broken voice came from inside the room. "You should probably go home. I'm not feeling the greatest and don't want you to get sick."

Peter obviously doesn't listen to him and opens the door, finding Tony looking quite miserable on his bed.

Tony looks over at the boy who is making his way to the bed.

"Peter," Tony's voice breaks out. "You should keep your distance. I'll have Happy take you home."

Peter took in Mr. Stark's appearance. He looked more than miserable. Beads of sweat sat on his forehead from an obviously high fever, his hair sweaty as well. His nose was red and the bags under his eyes made it look like the man hadn't slept in years. Peter couldn't imagine what the poor man must feel like. Peter hadn't been sick in such a long time.

"I'm gonna stay," the kid made up his mind. "You don't have to worry about infecting me. Thanks to the spider bite, I can't catch whatever bug you have.

"I know kid. But I don't want to risk it. Plus, we can't really do anything fun today. I'd probably pass out in the lab and that wouldn't be good. Why don't I have Happy take you to Ned's house?" Tony suggests.

"Please let me stay Mr. Stark. I can get you things you need, like a glass of water and Tylenol. I can even make you grilled cheese if you get hungry. Please." The kid begs to his father.

Tony takes a good look at the kid, his kid. The sincerity and concern in the kid's expression made Tony's heart burst with joy. He'd never understand how a sweet and precious kid like Peter could ever find a father in a terrible and selfish man like himself. Nevertheless though, he was more than thrilled to be a father to Peter.

Out of everything Tony had ever done or made, including becoming Iron Man and all his inventions, being Peter's father and getting to watch the kid take off into the world was his greatest pride and joy.

How could he resist the care from his kid?

"Alright," Tony agrees. "But only because I know you can't get my sickness and I'll be able to keep an eye on you."

"Thank you!!" The kid whisper shouts, knowing from experience that Tony's ears are more sensitive at the moment. "And you don't need to keep an eye on me. I'm good at taking care of myself."

"Sure kid. Sure."

"Hey! I am." Peter points at himself, causing Tony to laugh at the kid's defensiveness.

"Whatever you say Underoos."

"Ugh fine, I can sorta take care of myself," Peter gives in. "Now do you need me to grab you anything? Like I said, I can make one amazing grilled cheese sandwich."

"I'm pretty good right now. Could you help me move to the couch in the family room though? I figure it'd be easier to grab things from there and we could watch a movie."

"Of course." Peter moves to the man's side and helps him off of the gigantic bed.

They carefully walk to the family room, Peter helping to guide Tony and make sure he doesn't fall.

Walking into the family room, they sit down onto the comfy couch directly facing the huge TV.

Peter gets up and grabs a blanket for the both of them to share. If Peter was being honest, he liked cuddling into his father's side. Tony was one of the only few people who he could do that with. Unfortunately though, May was usually busy working unbelievably long hours at the hospital. He did have Pepper, Rhodey, and even Happy. Happy of course, would never admit to sharing a hug with the kid a few times.

Peter sits back down and cuddles into Tony's side. Letting the blanket sprawl over the both of them.

Tony rests his arm around the kid's shoulders and brings him closer into his side. Even though Tony felt like shit, this was the best he had felt all day. It might be selfish but he was happy the kid had stayed and could be with him.

"What should we watch?" The kid asks.

"Whatever you'd like Peter. I'm down for anything."

"How aboooooout....." Peter drags the word out and taps his chin in mock deep thinking. "We could watch a TV show. A cartoon one at that. How about The Simpsons?"

"That sounds awesome," Tony agrees. "Rhodey and I used to watch it all the time in college."

"Simpsons it is. F.R.I. could you turn on The Simpsons?" Peter kindly asks the AI.

"Of course Peter," the AI kindly responds. "Which season and episode would you like?"

"Surprise us."

"Of course." The TV turns on and a random episode of The Simpsons plays.

Peter and Tony stay like that for hours. Curled into one another with Peter getting up a few times to grab Tony a glass of water or anything else he needs.

"Tony falls asleep a few times throughout the hours. Peter dozes off a bit too.

At about seven, Tony wakes up and finds the kid sleeping soundly at his side. Peter's head lying softly on Tony's chest as a little bit of drool drips from the kid's mouth.

Tony chuckles at the adorableness.

"Y'know Pete," Tony quietly whispers. Not wanting to stir the Spider-Baby with super hearing. "I feel much better and it's thanks to you. You're the best medicine I could've asked for during this. Love you."

With that, Tony dozes off again.

|~|~|~|~|~|~|~|

Pepper gets back to the penthouse at about ten-ish. F.R.I.D.A.Y. had told her that Peter was taking care of Tony so she was able to get through the meeting without worrying.

Walking into the family room, Pepper finds them sleeping soundly on the couch with The Simpsons playing on mute on the big TV.

"F.R.I." she whispers to the AI. "Could you turn the TV off?"

"Of course." The AI answers and the TV shuts off.

Pepper goes to her grand bathroom and, stripping from her business clothes, she steps into her magnificent shower and washes all the grime off from the day's activities.

After the shower she changes into a comfy pair of pajamas and joins her two favorite people back in the family room.

She cuddles into the other side of Peter. Peter stirs a little bit and sleepily opens his eyes.

"Mom?" Peter mumbles out as his tired gaze meets hers.

"Yeah it's me bud." She answers with a smile on her face.

The boy closes his eyes and falls back asleep.

Pepper doing the same.

There they stayed.

Cuddled up to one another.

A perfect family.

Tony's sickness completely forgotten.

#iron man #iron dad and spider son #whump fic #peter parker and tony stark #tony stark #tony stark whump #pepper and tony #marvel #ned leeds #sickfic #sick tony stark #peter and pepper and tony #peter and pepper #comfort fic

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thatbloodymuggle · 4 years

Text

The One With the Love Potion

Beauty and the Beast 4/?

masterlist

"They weren't kidding when they said they'd be loading work on us in preparation for our O.W.L's. I've never had more to do in my entire life," Marlene groaned whilst banging her head on the library table.

The librarian, Madam Pince, gave the group of Gryffindor girls a warning look to which Lily held Marlene back from injuring herself further. "Oh, come on," the ginger sighed, "It's all about time management. We just need to work more efficiently."

Edie had been resting her head on the table on top of her History of Magic essay. Her eyelids had almost completely shut when Marlene's ruckus forced them open again. She begrudgingly pulled herself off the table, "You know, she's right, Lily. Slughorn has got us writing one foot on the many uses of dragon blood, Baggott expects us to fill out our moon charts for the next month by tomorrow, and don't even get me started on Binns. Two feet on the goblin wars! I'm not going to have any parchment left by Halloween, at this rate," Edie ranted. She had never been more overwhelmed with her work, and they were only about a week into the school year.

"Dropping out doesn't sound like such a bad idea," Alice grumbled.

"Neither does a Dreadful. Or a Troll," Mary added, to which Alice, Edie, and Marlene all nodded in agreement.

Lily rolled her eyes at her friends' behavior, although she couldn't help but feel bad for them. "No more of this moping around. What you all need, is a study schedule. We're all making one right now. Pull out a clean roll of parchment," she instructed, sounding too much like Professor McGonagall for Edie's liking. But nevertheless, all four girls followed her and lazily got out a fresh roll and prepared their quills.

"Now make a chart with all seven days of this coming week as the columns and the time by the hour as the rows," Lily spoke while drawing one herself. Her friends did as she instructed. "And lastly you're going to write in each block of time what you'll work on during that hour, and make sure to leave one open for dinner. Also space out some free blocks here and there to give yourself a break."

Lily was completely in her element as she wrote quickly on her schedule. The rest of the girls worked silently as they thought through what they had to do this week. One by one, the Gryffindors finished and set down their quills with a sigh. Edie, Marlene, Alice, and Mary still wore faces of stress, while Lily beamed back at them. "I've been making a schedule for my work for years now, and it's never failed me. Just trust the process and don't deviate from your goals," she chirped.

"No guarantees," Edie grumbled, although Lily pretended she hadn't heard her. The blonde observed her friends' tortured faces as they attempted to get back to work. She tried to add to her essay, but was unable to find anything else to write about the Goblin Wars. Too restless to get back to working, Edie huffed and slammed her quill on the table. "I physically can't do any more work right now. Anyone fancy an early dinner?"

Marlene, Alice, and Mary immediately shot up in unison. "I thought you'd never ask," Marlene sighed blissfully. Lily giggled at her friends, and the five didn't hesitate to pack up their things to exit the library. The corridors and moving staircases were a breath of fresh air after being cooped up in the rather drab room for hours on a Sunday.

"You dare challenge Sir Cadogan? Back, you scurvy braggarts, draw, you knaves!" the tumultuous voice of Sir Cadogan, Edie's least favorite painting in the castle, filled the hallway.

"Oh, shut up, won't you?" the blonde grumbled, while her friends took to ignoring the armor-clad man in his frame.

The Gryffindor girls walked with an extra bounce in their step to the Great Hall, relieved to be taking a break from their work. When they finally approached the last staircase leading down to the entrance, Marlene and Edie shot each other a knowing smirk. Before Lily could warn them, the two blondes hopped onto the railing on either side. They slid down the lengthy staircase, giggling the whole way down before gracefully landing at the bottom. They beamed up at Lily, Alice, and Mary who laughed at their antics. Feeling much better than before, the five girls sauntered into the Great Hall with matching grins.

The smell of roasted chicken and pork pies made Edie's mouth water and stomach grumble. She didn't hesitate to slid into a seat and immediately start piling an obscene amount of food onto her plate. The girls ate in comfortable silence for a few minutes, mouths too full to hold a conversation.

Edie was so engulfed in the steaming hot potatoes on her plate, she didn't even notice the group of pranksters a few seats away from the girls.

"What's that?" Remus narrowed his eyes at a smug Sirius Black and James Potter.

Sirius twirled a small, glass vial between his fingers and shrugged, "oh, you know, just some harmless fun" James and Peter giggled knowingly like little school girls.

Remus snatched the potion from his Sirius's hands and examined the liquid inside. It was a pinkish-pearl color, and based on the giddiness of his friends, he had a sneaking suspicion of what was inside. Still glaring at the three boys, he cautiously unscrewed the top and raised the vial to his nose.

An irresistible sensation immediately wafted into his nostrils, and he felt his mind going cloudy. The sensation was one like he'd never experienced before. The smell of roses, chardonnay, frost, cold air and-

Remus's eyes widened and he immediately snapped out of his trance upon the realization of who the scent belonged to. His face reddened and the boys howled in laughter at his reaction. Remus desperately tried to fight past the obvious blush and shot his friends a hard look, "What the hell do you think you're doing with this? Do you have any idea how dangerous amortentia can be? It's one of the strongest potions in the world. If you made it wrong-"

"Well that's the beauty of it, Moony, isn't it? We didn't make it. Slughorn did," James grinned deviously.

Remus groaned and let his head fall against the table, clattering the surrounding plates. He really didn't expect any better out of his friends, and last year it wouldn't have bothered him as much. But this year Dumbledore had entrusted him with being a Prefect in hopes of bettering his friends' behavior. So he couldn't help but feel guilty covering their antics-- especially when there were so many of them.

"Do you realize how much trouble you could get in if you got caught stealing from a teacher?" Remus grumbled at the boys, pulling his head back up from the table.

"Well we were careful, obviously. Used the invisibility cloak and everything. Even if he realizes it's missing, he'll probably just think he misplaced it," Sirius reassured his annoyed friend.

"Yea, and it's essential to Operation Moodie," Peter added with a full mouth of baked chicken.

Remus's eyes widened at this. "No. Absolutely not. You are not using that on Edie. Besides, if you want it to work I'd have to be the one pouring it. I refuse," the lanky boy ranted. His blush was long gone now.

Sirius rolled his eyes at how worked-up his friend was getting, "We're not gonna make her drink it. Just watch. Trust the process," Sirius smirked at a furious Remus Lupin. James snatched the vial back and dumped it in a glass of water and slid it over to Peter. Peter gripped the glass and moved over to where the group of Gryffindor girls were sitting, right next to Edie. Remus's mouth opened and closed like a fish out of water as he had no choice but to watch the scene before him unfold.

Edie was laughing at a joke Mary had said she'd heard from a Hufflepuff boy about Professor Dumbledore's beard when she felt a presence beside her. She glanced to her left at a (seemingly) bashful Peter Pettigrew who tapped the table nervously.

"Well hello, Peter, what brings you over here?" Edie smiled kindly at the awkward boy. She glanced past him to catch sight of the rest of his gang, who appeared to be engaged in conversation.

"I was just wondering if I could join you all. James and Sirius were making fun of my grade on the Goblin War essay, and I felt like moving," the boy mumbled sheepishly, successfully masking the plan under his sleeve.

The five girls shot him a sympathetic look, "Of course," Lily chirped. "I'll give James a talking to later. That's completely uncalled for." The ginger proceeded to glare at the glasses-clad boy a few seats away down the table, who didn't meet her eye.

Mary repeated her joke for Peter to hear, sending the group of Gryffindors into another fit of giggles. Peter laughed along, and brought the glass of water up to his lips. Just as he was about to drink it, he scrunched up his nose in confusion.

"Huh, this definitely isn't water. Smells like someone must have spiked it," Peter hummed with wide eyes full of false confusion.

Edie frowned at this, immediately averting her eyes to his Sirius, James, and Remus, who conveniently turned their watchful eyes. "Let me see that," Edie grumbled and snatched the glass away from Peter. She didn't hesitate to raise the liquid to her nose to see if she could smell what James and Sirius had inevitably put inside. Peter slid back over to his friends just as the blonde began to fall under the trance just as Remus had.

The sensation hit Edie like a truck. It was so sweet, so enchanting. Like nothing she'd ever felt before. She felt her mind go cloudy as she tried to decipher the scents.

"What's it smell like, Edie?" Marlene tried to stifle a giggle upon realizing what it was, based on the love-struck look on Edie's face.

"Hmm," the Rosier girl sighed blissfully. "Smells like melted chocolate, redwood, old books, earl grey tea..." Edie trailed off and both the girls and boys leaned closer in anticipation, with the exception of one scar-covered boy. "Smells like, smells like... smells like Rem-"

The growing volume of giggles and sudden realization of what she was about to say caused Edie to snap out of the trance immediately. Her eyes widened in shock and she felt the heat rapidly creeping up her neck and face. Her girl friends were giggling more than they had all day; even Lily was invested. And the girls didn't even compare to the Peter, James, and Sirius, who had nearly fallen out of their seats in laughter.

Edie's embarrassment quickly transformed into anger as she stomped over to the bumbling baboons with the glass of cursed amortentia water in her hand. She didn't hesitate to dump the full glass of liquid over the heads of Sirius and James, who were clearly the ringleaders in this all. The blonde avoided eye-contact with the boy she knew was sitting on the other side of the table at all costs and stomped back to her original seat.

James and Sirius didn't seem to mind being drenched with water, and decided to take their sweet time before finally settling down. Edie sunk into her seat next to Alice who pat her shoulder reassuringly while trying to stifle a giggle. The blonde shoved a large bite of treacle tart into her mouth to avoid conversation as her girl friends settled down for her sake. Thankfully, Lily brought them back to normal conversation, allowing Edie to recover from the embarrassment; though the incident would most definitely be brought up later. Edie sipped her tea quietly and avoided the urge to sneak a glance at the equally embarrassed boy a few seats down.

Remus unknowingly mimicked Edie's actions, sipping his tea silently and fighting the urge to sneak a glance at her. While he felt bad that Edie had fallen victim to one of his friends' pranks, he was grateful that she didn't know what he had smelled.

Remus didn't know what to think at all. Edie was attracted to him? Well, attraction is merely a physical thing. And there's nothing wrong with finding your friend objectively attractive. Physical attraction is far from emotion. This was what Remus settled on, and at that turned his attention back to whatever his friends were talking about. But he couldn't avoid the odd feeling gripping his chest.

The noise level in the Great Hall was beginning to die down and students were returning to their dorms. Edie did not hesitate to shoot up from her seat when the rest of her friends announced they were ready to go. She lead the group of Gryffindors out of the hall and up the staircases in a brisk walk. She didn't need to turn around to see the four identical smirks behind her.

"Password?" the Fat Lady hummed, not looking up from her nails she was intently examining.

"Wattlebird," Edie grumbled, trying to get inside as quickly as possible.

"Hm, come again? Missed that," the woman in the portrait still wouldn't spare a glance at Edie or her friends.

"Wattlebird, now let us in," the blonde spoke harshly through gritted teeth.

The Fat Lady cocked an eyebrow, "Well there's no need to be rude, now is there?" She still refused to look up at the girls, but swung open anyways. Edie heard a rushed 'thank you' from Lily behind her, but continued her march up the stairs to their dormitory. She hoped the girls would sit by the fireplace like usual, but wasn't surprised to hear them running up the steps behind her excitedly.

Edie had barely made it to her bed and stuffed her face in her pillow when Marlene's squealing filled the room, "Edith Lillian Rosier! Have you finally admitted your love for Remus Lupin?"

The tortured girl let out a grunt as she felt an added weight jumping up and down on her bed. Edie peeped one eye open to see all of her friends had gathered around her bed with expectant grins. She yelped as Marlene sat on her, and forced her to turn around.

"Oh come off it, Marlene! There's nothing to discuss," Edie cried and covered her face with her arms in despair.

All four girls simultaneously scoffed various protests.

"Yeah right!"

"As if!"

"You wish!"

Edie shook her head violently. Alice rolled her eyes at the blonde's stubbornness, "Edie, Amortentia never lies. It reminds you of the things you find most attractive, and all of the things you listed just so happen to belong to Rem-"

Edie uncovered her face with a sigh, "I do NOT like Remus, okay? Not as more than a friend. All we'll ever be is friends. End of story. Goodbye, the end."

This seemed to quiet her friends, but she could tell they still weren't convinced from their half-hearted shrugs and resting smirks. "Whatever you say," Lily hummed. "But when you come to your senses, we'll be here to say we told you so." The girls returned to their respective beds, still stifling giggles.

The incident passed and the girls sat in their beds finishing up the list bit of work they hadn't gotten to earlier. One by one, they finished with a yawn and collected their things to get ready for bed. Edie had never felt more relieved than when she scrawled the last word of her History of Magic essay on the lengthy piece of parchment. With a large weight lifted off her shoulders, she changed into her pajamas and readied herself for bed gleefully. The atmosphere of the dorm was a comfortable silence as the stress from earlier hadn't carried over. Exhausted from the long day, Edie felt herself slipping into sleep before Mary even turned the lights off.

As the blonde began to lose consciousness, the sensation from earlier swirled in her mind. She longed to have another small sniff of the amortentia. Edie had never encountered a more intoxicating fragrance. Each time she tried to relive those five seconds of bliss, a pair of chocolate brown eyes would accompany them, despite Edie's desperate attempts at pushing him out of her mind. The fact she'd smelled Remus merely meant she found him objectively attractive. And there's absolutely nothing out of the ordinary with finding your friends attractive; Marlene is objectively attractive, and so is Sirius (but only if you really squint), Edie thought. Besides, just because what she smelled just so happened to be similar to Remus doesn't mean that he had smelled Edie too. At this last thought, Edie drifted out of consciousness and into a deep sleep. So deep that she wasn't waken by her mangled cat, Piggy, making himself at home on her pillow at the top of her head. The only noise to be heard in the Gryffindor 5th Year Girls' Dormitory was the purring of Piggy and the soft snores of Lily Evans.

The following morning was a bit of a blur. Edie could already tell by the time she had left breakfast to head for her classes that it would be one of those going-through-the-motions type of days. Her coffee was blander than normal, and she couldn't remember whether or not she had packed a quill in her bag.

Edie mindlessly followed her girl friends at least three paces behind. The high-pitched giggles of lively First and Second Years were but a muffled noise, as if she were underwater. Even the sky was a dull grey, and the sun was hidden from sight. Her legs moved with a mind of their own as Edie felt herself slipping from reality and drifting into the clouded world inside her own mind. She thought of the chapter she had read in her Astronomy book last night about the correlation between birthdays and the position of the moon. And with the moon, she thought of Dumbledore's half-mooned spectacles. A particular thought was itching at the back of her brain, but she ignored it. Instead, she thought of her brother, who was still yet to show his face since arriving. This particular thought dampened her mood even further. Sure, they didn't particularly converse much at school, but a simple "Hello" would be nice, even if it was just-

Edie was abruptly pulled from her thoughts by the feeling of her body crashing into another, and a sharp, menacing voice, "Watch we're you're going!"

The blonde felt as if she'd just woken up as her eyes shot up to meet the cold, obsidian ones of a very displeased Severus Snape. The Slytherin boy walked swiftly past before she could get a word out, making sure to bump her shoulder. With a quick shake of her head, she brought herself back to reality; completely, this time. She looked ahead for her friends, but she'd fallen so far behind they were no longer in sight. With a huff, she continued her trek up the never-ending staircase alone. Just as she took her first step, Edie was surprised for the second time that morning.

"What the hell was that?"

She yelped at the shrill voice mere inches away from her ear. Her head turned to meet the inquisitive eyes of Sirius Black. His goons lurked behind him with matching expressions.

With a roll of her eyes, Edie grumbled, "I was just daydreaming again. Bumped into Severus. My fault." She started up the stairs without waiting for the boys behind her.

"Doesn't mean he needs to be a slimy git about it," Sirius shot back with a tone of pure dislike

James, Remus, and Peter had caught up the two at this point. "Well Padfoot, that's just the thing. He can't help because that's what he is-- a slimy git!" James clapped his arm around his friend's shoulders with a mockingly blissful sigh. Peter laughed as if he'd just made the funniest joke in the world. Edie's eyes shot to Remus, who wore a matching expression of indifference. She was about to roll her eyes at the childish boys again, when confusion took over her instead.

"Padfoot? Since when do you go by Padfoot? I've known you for fifteen years, Sirius Black, and never once have you referred to yourself by Padfoot!" Edie cinched her brows together and glanced up at her taller friend. He merely shot her his infamous, unbothered smirk.

"Well, you see-"

Sirius, James, and Remus's eyes simultaneously widened as Peter began to speak.

"Oh, well looks like we've arrived. Better hurry into class, wouldn't want to be late for Transfiguration, would we? Favorite class of the day!" James effectively cut off Peter who was clearly about to say something the others didn't want her hearing. The four boys scurried into the classroom they had arrived at. Edie restrained herself from shouting after them, as Professor McGonagall stood a mere few yards away.

"Miss Rosier, do you plan on coming in, or will you attend class standing in the doorway?" Professor McGonagall's voice cut through the air. With one last sigh, Edie forced herself to enter the room and took the empty seat beside Marlene. The four boys conveniently sat a few rows ahead so she couldn't get their attention.

These boys were certainly up to something, and whatever it was, Edie was hellbent on finding out.

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peterrparrkerr · 3 years

Text

Royal au - read on ao3

Tagging: @lokitonypeter @just-things-things @thegreenmetblue @someonepostedart @andacheesyoneliner @bluestarker @lilcoffeecup @useless-fanfictions-for-mcu @tnpt @sarcastich

Reign au!!

*-*

Peter was nervous. He hadn't seen prince Steve in years. Not since they were both children.

He hides the shaking of his hands at his back as he walks towards the castle he once spent his summers in.

It seems smaller and more daunting all at once. Before, he hadn't known about the arranged marriage.

Now he does.

And with an attempted assassination at his back, Peter's only slightly overwhelmed at the prospect of calling this place home.

There's a welcoming party for him. Servents and maids, stable hands and kitchen staff all standing on either side of the gravel pathway that leads to the castle doors.

Peter takes a deep, shaky breath as he sees the king and queen step out. The king looks much older. Deeper wrinkles along the sides of his mouth and eyes, the skin of his cheeks not as plump as before. They sag just enough to be noticeable. And his hair is graying at the temples, thinner than Peter remembered.

"Is that what I have to look forward to, when I am king?" Peter murmured quietly, nerves getting the best of him.

"Of course not," Mj spoke at his side. "King Joseph rules with an iron fist and decite. Not to mention he has lived past two quarters of his life."

"I should hope I live that long," Peter huffed, looking from the king, to the queen. "We should have postponed until after the wedding."

The queen -Sarah- was just as Peter remembered her to be. Short, fair skinned and blond, just like Steve.

"Nonsense," Ned said, giving Peter a small nudge. "The festivities will take your mind off of all that comes with being the future king."

Peter huffs again, but begins making his way towards the royal couple. Mj and Ned are both behind him, on either shoulder.

"Where is the prince?" Ned asked quietly.

"I'm not sure," Peter said, grasping his hands more tightly. It had been so long, he wondered if Steve would even recognize him.

"Is that him?" Mj asked. Peter glances from the king and queen to the left, behind the wall of servents.

Peter blinked, a quiet exhale forced from his parted lips.

"No," Peter shook his head, eyes never leaving the man that made his way towards the welcoming party, taking his spot in the crowd.

"No, that's Tony," Peter breathed. He couldn't believe how Tony had grown.

"The king's bastard?" Ned asked, aghast. "He lives in the castle?

He was no longer the gangly kid with dark hair. No, Tony had grown into his limbs. His dark hair was styled artfully, and he even had facial hair now.

Peter almost stumbled from staring.

"Oh."

Peter pulled his attention from Tony to where Mj was looking, and his eyes widened.

Steve was walking towards them. He had grown too, in ways other than his half brother.

His shoulders were broad, hair even more blond than Peter remembered, and he had grown so tall.

Peter couldn't help the giddy smile that pulled at his lips, and he nearly broke out into a run to reach Steve.

It took everything in him not to, and the two met in the middle.

"I can't believe it," Steve spoke first, looking Peter over. "You've grown."

Peter doesn't know why that makes his cheeks burn. He shakes it off though.

"So have you, your grace," he replies. "Obviously. You didn't look like this ten years ago."

He hears Mj snicker behind him and he inwardly curses. But Steve just smiles.

"You can just call me Steve," he hums.

"I'm Peter."

A smile pulls at Steve's lips. "I remember."

*-*

It takes Peter a couple days to really settle into the new routine and scenery. Mj and Ned usually keep him company in his chambers, though they've been put to work helping out around the castle when their services aren't needed.

Peter feels a little misplaced still. He's used to running through the hallways with Steve, laughing and playing and being with each other from the time they woke up to the time they went to bed.

But Steve is the future king, and he has responsibilities. They speak during meals, and sometimes Peter catches him during the day and they talk -reminiscing about their shared summers.

But for most of the day, Peter is alone. He can't help but feel a sad sort of melancholy for the months before. It just reminds Peter that he's no longer a child.

He's the future king as well, and there's been many attempts on his life since he was young and naive.

"What are you doing out here all alone, Prince?"

Peter jumps, dropping the rocks he had been picking up from around the lake.

He turns to see Tony, the reins of a black horse in his hand as he makes his way over.

Peter blushes, noting his current state of undress. His belt, shoes and stockings are all on the grass, leaving Peter in nothing but a tunic.

His feet are covered in mud, shins wet from walking into the water.

"I, uh," Peter started, brushing his hands off on his tunic, transferring the dirt onto the fabric.

"I was just exploring," he winces. Not something a future king should be doing.

Tony smirks, and Peter's heart skips a beat. He had grown into a fine man.

"I see some things don't change," he says. Peter steps away from the lake and into the grass.

"What does that mean?" Peter asked, bending down to collect his things.

Tony gives a small shrug.

"Only that I remember you used to bring in little rocks and frogs when you were younger," he said. "You always gave the prettiest stones to Steve, and the frogs to me."

"If I remember correctly, you liked frogs," Peter countered, unsure why he felt the need to get defensive.

"I did," Tony agreed. "It is good to know you haven't changed."

"You have," Peter can't help but respond. "You've grown into your legs."

That makes Tony huff a laugh. Peter blushes deep red, cursing at himself and his mouth.

"Will I see you at the wedding?" Peter asked when Tony turned to leave.

Tony smiles and gives a small nod. "It is my half sister's wedding," he said. "Of course I'll be there."

Peter can't help but smile at that, and Tony climbs onto his horse. "I would get back to the castle soon, it'll be getting dark soon."

*-*

The wedding is wonderful, and it does exactly what Ned said it would. Peter forgets all about his troubles as he dances.

At first, he dances with Mj and Ned, but Steve sweeps him off, practically pulling Peter off his feet.

Peter can't help but smile all night. He doesn't know the sister very well, seeing as she had a similar arrangement with her own betrothed. She was visiting her future husband's home in the summer months too.

As the night draws near its close, Mj grabs Peter's hand, a wide grin on her lips as she tugs Peter from the dance floor.

Ned is close behind, the three of them running down the dark halls.

Peter doesn't know where they're going, but he can't help but be relieved at the reprieve from the festivities.

The room Mj takes them to is small and cramped. Hidden behind a curtain. Peter has half the mind to ask Mj how she found it, but before he can, Mj pulls the small painting from the wall.

What lays behind it has Peter's eyes widening. Its the groom and bride, standing in a candle lit room with four other men.

There's a bed and a bath, and its easy for Peter to deduce whats happening.

"We're not allowed to see this," Peter whispered, turning to Mj. The girl rolled her eyes and nudged him.

"Dont you want to know what to expect on your own wedding night with Steve?" She asked.

Peter's already shaky resolve crumbles, and he turns his eyes back to the room, swallowing thickly.

"They have to watch?" Ned asks, on Peter's other side. Peter doesn't take his eyes off of the two newly married as they begin to pull at their clothes, soft and gentle.

Peter feels his cock fill at the sight of the man taking the princess -soon to be queen- to bed.

"They have to watch, to consumate their marriage," Mj whispered back, her eyes also transfixed.

Peter's aching in his tunic, and he can't help the flush to his cheeks, watching as the man pushes in gently, pushing out a breathy moan from the woman.

The three of them watch until the man cums, and Peter almost cums himself at the sight.

"Go, go, go," Mj whispered, quickly hanging the painting back up.

Peter does, rushing from their hiding place and taking to the stairs. He doesn't think he can make it back to his chambers. He may burst if he doesn't find a release.

He takes a right, then a left until he's so deep in the castle that the only people who might stumble upon him are the servents, and they're all busy with the festivities.

Peter gasps desperately as he leans into the wall, lifting his tunic up and pulling at the drawstring of his pants.

He closes his eyes and bites his lips as he finally gets his hand around his throbbing cock. It feels so good, Peter's knees nearly buckle.

He's so close to cumming in his pants, so focused on getting himself there, that he doesn't realize someone's walked in on him until a hand joins his own.

Peter's eyes snap open and he removes his hand, gasping as his eyes settle on Tony.

The man is close, his breath smelling like wine, dark eyes glinting and smirk tugging at his lips.

His hand squeezes around Peter's cock and he can't help but mewl, eyes rolling up into his head and hips pressing closer.

"Tony," Peter whimpered, rolling his hips. He can't help it. He's stupid on the need to orgasm, after watching the groom and bride, thinking about himself and Steve in that same position.

Its too much for Peter to handle.

"Shh," Tony murmurs, stroking Peter as he leans forward. "I'll take care of you, Prince."

Peter kisses Tony when the man's lips land on his. Hes worried he'll crumble to the ground if the wall weren't there for him to lean on.

Tony's facial hair scratches at Peter's mouth, sending shivers of pleasure down his spine.

Tony moves in closer, practically supporting Peter's weight as he snakes his free arm around Peter's waist.

Peter tries to warn him, but all he manages to get out is a desperate keening noise that Tony eats up.

Peter cums hard into his pants and Tony's hand, which slicks up his movements further, drawing more pleasure.

"There you go, Prince," Tony praised against his mouth before moving to his jaw, still stroking Peter through his orgasm. "Thats it."

Peter doesn't know what came over him. He leans back against the wall, trying to catch his breath. Trying to collect his thoughts.

Tony removes his hand, now covered in cum, and smirks down at Peter.

Peter can't help but whimper at him, unsure of what exactly he should be feeling.

Tony grabs Peter gently by the chin, tilting his head up ever so slightly to plant the softest of kisses to Peter's kiss bruised lips.

"Good night, Prince."

#marvel #tony stark #peter parker #starker #ao3 #my writing #SFSummerBingo21 #steve rogers #spidershield

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trashpandaorigins · 4 years

Text

The Body Keeps the Score Ch. 22 Windows to the Soul

"You said it yourself bitch, we're the Guardians of the Galaxy." Gamora is finally a part of something. But the past always follows you, eats at you and she must come to grips with her deeds as she tries to build a future. Meanwhile Rocket has never cared much for anyone or anything. Together the two of them discover they are more alike than different and try to heal themselves by befriending the other.

*Content Warnings: Mentions of child/animal abuse, trauma, character death, physical torture/pain*

Title of this fic is taken from the book of the same title "The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma," by Bessel van der Kolk

But I've got you, you, you, you, you, hey

And you've got me, me, me, me, too

Like we're buckled and preparing for the crash

Like we're walking down a road of broken glass

Now if we defeat all odds and it was us against the world

You can count on me, you know I'd have your back

God, it hurts to be human

Without you, I'd be losing

And someday, we'll face the music

God, it hurts to be human

P!NK Hurts 2B Human

“You have a lot to answer for Daughter of Thanos.” Denarian Dey growled, Gamora’ stomach curled, heart beating erratically in her chest. “Search the area, bring out any survivors.”

Nebula…

Gamora secretly hoped her sister had been able to escape. She hadn’t stuck around to find the raccoonoid but made a run for it shortly after he’d been dragged away. Guilt and rage whirled in her chest.

“You won’t find any,” she managed through pained breath. Dey only glared at her. Gamora tightened her grip on her sword.

Twenty….plus more in their ships.

“Dey...we can explain,” she tried.

“You had your chance,” he snapped, stepping forward. “We found the black box in the rubble of one of the ships we sent after you. Subject 89P13 tore the throat out of one of our pilots,” Gamora shot a look upward at Rocket who at least had the decency to look ashamed, ears drooping on either side of his head. “...you killed the others.”

“Gamora,” Peter stood next to her, hand on his own blaster. A momentary breath of relief escaped her as he did so. Drax was not too far behind, his own knives already out and ready.

“We found them!”

All heads snapped around, two Nova corps officers dragged the bodies of the Halfworlders out of the building. Next to her, the raccoonoid sucked in a sharp breath.

“Bullet wounds. They were shot.”

Gamora held her breath, watching Dey survey the corpses. His shoulders heaved with rage, misplaced though it was.

“I….”

“She didn’t kill em’” Rocket snarled from her shoulder. “I did.”

Dey’s brows only furrowed further.

“You are still under legal ownership of your creator.”

Gamora almost winced at the prick of his claws tightening on her scalp where he held on.

“You will be taken back to Xandar, daughter of Thanos.”

“Dey!” Peter stepped between them, hand out placating in peace. “We can explain, we can make this right. There’s no need for this!”

“This does not concern you Star Boy.”

Peter’s back straightened in anger, the usual tepidity of his temper heating to a boil.

“It’s Star Lord and what you do with members of my crew does concern me! We’re the Guardians of the Galaxy!”

Dey smirked, glowering at Gamora.

“Seems some of you are more invested in endangering it than guarding it.”

You did kill those Nova officers….and the Halfworlders…. Gamora whispered to herself amid the tension. They are right daughter of Thanos. All you do is kill and hurt. If you were in a Xandarian prison you would not be able to hurt anyone. Perhaps it is for the best…. the cybernetics in the limbs ached. She wanted to drop her sword, she wanted to give up the fight and lay in her bunk...she wanted to tease Peter and listen to music.

“You,” he directed his gaze to Gamora. “Come with us, now. Or we will make you.”

The Nova officers stepped forward, guns aimed. Gamora resigned herself, her muscles wound tight amid the pain like a spring ready to go off. While her mind spun doubts, her body would not go down without a fight.

“Wait!” Rocket hopped down from his perch. She rolled her shoulder, winching at the kinks that knotted in her muscles.

“.....I’ll go with you…” Gamora watched him drop his gun with a heavy thud. “Let them go free….and, I’ll go with you back to….to her.”

Damn it Rocket what are you doing?

“You’d go back to your creator?” Dey demanded.

“Yeah.”

“Without a fight?”

“Does it look like I... I’m ….u...up for fightin’?” Rocket snarls, but the heavy slouch of his back betrays him.

“Do not go with them furry friend!” Drax implored, Gamora turned. Groot clung to the large muscular arms of the Destroyer, large wide gaze still so full of fear. Her heart panged with sympathy not for the first time for the little twig.

“You killed these people?” Dey gestured to the dead Halfworlders.

“Can yah blame me?”

Help him!....What could I possibly do? Attack? Kill Dey? It would be easy. You know you want to. Daughter of Thanos. No….NO. I will not.

Gamora forced herself to sheath her sword with a heavy hand.

“Dey. Star Lord is right. There is no need for this,” she began slowly as though she were approaching Thanos. Trying to talk him out of one of his more violent fantasies of planet wide destruction…. not that I was ever successful.

Dey tightened the grip on his gun, leveling it to her chest once more. Her arms ached at being held upward, the wires between her veins twanged with agitation. She bit the inside of her cheek.

“What happened was a misunderstanding.”

“What happened was you murdered a dozen Xandrians! Prime was right not to trust you,” his eyes swept the entirety of the group with heated rage.

“We’ll take the rat back to its owner and you’ll be glad that’s all we’re taking.”

Dey motioned for his men, four of the escorting Rocket towards their ship. The raccoonoid, spared a glance over his shoulder while they led him away, willingly.

What…?

Gamora tried to guess, whatever Rocket was trying to communicate was lost to Drax and Peter’s shouting.

“You can’t do this!”

“Unhand our vermin companion!” Drax demanded he propelled himself forward only to be met by guns.

“Just….just take care of Groot okay? Don’t let him get into trouble and don't let Star-Shit feed him anything weird..I…”

“Move, rat!”

“I am G...grooot!”

The flora wailed, before Gamora could intercede a shot of green flashed past her, aimed at the offer holding Rocket’s shoulder. He grunted, swiping forward, slicing the small vine in a single swoop. Rocket tensed, baring his teeth. Groot let out a grunt of indignation though thankfully, Gamora thought-he did not appear to be in pain. Drax held the little flora back, even as he tried to grow another vine.

The Nova officer shoved Rocket roughly forward and he made no move to resist.

“Rocket!

Quill shouted, but the raccoonoid only shuttered with a pain Gamora recognized.

The cables in his back are no doubt still tender...

She tightened the grip on her sword, watching Rocket’s ringed tail disappear into the Nova ship, door sliding shut and locking.

“I suggest you get moving before I change my mind,” Dey sneered.

It’s not too late. You could fight him, one move that’s all it would take. A stab straight to the chest...or the gut if you really want to have fun, her old voice taunted. Gamora swallowed, hoping he could not see how badly her arms shook. With a curt nod, eyes unblinking in their defiant fury, Gamora turned away, back to the Benatar.

“Come on,” she ordered Peter, gripping his shoulder.

We tracked him down this far, we can do it again.

Peter met her gaze, face slowly morphing from rage, to understanding. He nodded, motioning for Drax and Groot to follow them to the ship.

“I am gg...g...grr..groot!”

Groot gasped through his tears of sap, reaching out towards the Nova ship as it began to take off.

“Shhh, we will go after him.”

A small seed of warmth temporarily curled in Gamora’s stomach at the sound of Drax cooing, quite paternally, to the small flora. She allowed herself to enjoy the feeling briefly, before climbing into the co-pilot seat next to Peter.

“They’ll be expecting us to go after him,” he warned slowly.

“I know. That’s why we aren’t going after him,” Gamora punched the keys for take off. “Not yet. We’ll wait on a nearby keystone for a few turns before making any moves.”

The Benatar jolted and rattled as if out of a slumber, coming to life and lifting off with a metallic creaking, not at all reassuring.

“But by that point he could already be…” Peter glanced towards Groot, then drew a silent finger across his throat.

“Yes, he could already be dead,” Drax affirmed, mimicking Peter’s motion. Groot burst into a new round of tears.

“Drax just… calm him down okay please? Peter, don’t open your mouth for the next few hours, I need to think.”

Peter clamped his jaw shut, instead turning his attention to the tape deck and music swelled as Gamrora steered the ship out of Halfworld’s atmosphere.

Good riddance...the place reeks like Thano’s ship. A flash of Nebula’s sneering face flashed through her mind at the thought. Nebula, she got away… again. We should go after her. We should…

“I am Groot!!”

Gamora’s heart hitched, understanding what the little flora had cried. She tapped the controls in anxiety. We can get Nebula after.

---

“Gamora...I think you should see this,” Peter poked his head into her room. His face immediately blushing at the sight of her working out. She set down her weights, wiping sweat off with the back of her hand.

“Is it Nova?”

“Yeah...but...it’s not...it’s well...you should see for yourself.”

She stood, sighing. For the past five turns they had done nothing but lay low and try to strategize while in the off hours of sleep Nebula’s face haunted her. Gamora walked with heavy steps, she would have stopped to take Peter’s hand. Any sense of warm reassurance. But she couldn’t. It’s not the time or place.

The radar monitor blinked incessantly. Red flashing, a distress signal. Gamora craned her neck outward towards the large windows of the ship, stomach dropping.

Is that…?

Peter guided the Benatar closer towards the signal, hovering over a large keystone.

No...

Gamora held her breath, watching the plume of black smoke contrast against the blacker expansive of the galaxy. Brilliant flames snapped and danced around charred metal. Metal that had been painted blue and gold. The three sunned insignia of the Nova Corps now peeled and curled in the heat of the engine fluid.

“Maybe it wasn’t the ship that took him,” Drax reasoned. But Gamora knew. Her gut told her, the cybernetics in her jaw synching with pain.

“We need to look for survivors! Someone...anyone!”

“I am Groot?”

“We don’t know that yet,” Gamora responded with little question to the flora’s fear. Drax already began hitching up his gear. He winced as the aerorig rippled across his torso.

“Be careful out there,” Peter warned, a worried look passing between the four of them. Gamora, watched the destroyer from the cockpit, training her eyes on his busy hands as he poked through the wreckage. At each turn of metal she jolted, expecting to see burnt blackened fur.

He went with them for my sake. So I wouldn’t be imprisoned. Of course he did, that’s the least he can do after what he did.

The sliding of the Benatar’s doors shook Gamora from her thoughts,

“Well…?”

Drax looked at her, expression dull, he shook his head.

“Th...that’s okay!” Peter’s voice shook, “That’s fine! Maybe it was the wrong ship! Maybe he got away!”

Drax only shrugged, doubt plain.

That is the same ship. You know it, Drax knows it.

Gamora's stomach churned with something between guilt and anger.

Selfish little creep...he...he should’ve let us fight for him. He shouldn’t have gone so easily! You should've fought for Nebula, you should not have let her get away.

Gamora heard the sound three turns later. After silent hours of unspoken grief and confusion. Peter trying harder and harder to make excuses, to be optimistic. Even his spontaneity was beginning to dwindle. Groot hardly said anything, wilting in his pot mournfully.

Beep beep beep,

Gamora dove over to the transmission station,

Its’s the Nova Corps...or Nebula,

“Incoming message,”

“Play it.”

“If you're looking for your mascot,” her sister’s iron voice taunted through the mic. “I have him with me in the second sector of the Keystone quadrant. I’ll send you a signal. I want Gamora to come and I want her alone. You hear that, sister? Alone. If you try to pull anything I’ll know.”

Gamora sucked a breath, it's a trap. A joke.

“How do I know you won’t kill me as soon as I get within range?”

Millions of potential strategies and outcomes poured through her mind, running down the litany of possible ulterior motives.

“I won’t.”

She smirked despite herself,

“Forgive me I don’t believe that.”

“How do we know you aren’t lying about Rocket?”

Peter interjected. Gamora turned back to the transmitter.

“Quill relax, it’s fine. I’m here,” the unmistakable.

“Rocket! “

Gamora grunted as Drax shoved her out of the way, barreling forward with so much momentum he nearly braced himself on the transmission controls.

“Has the scary blue woman hurt you? We will come at once!”

A scuffle on the other end of the line for a few minutes, pure static then Nebula’s icy voice once more.

“Gamora. Come alone. We have things to discuss.”

“Nebula, what are you….?”

The line clicked off.

---

“So you’re going?”

Peter had made his way into her bunk the following turn.

I don’t have time for this,

Gamora slid another dagger into her belt.

“What choice do I have?”

She muttered, as per usual, Nebula was holding the cards, just like Thanos has always held the cards. Held sway over her. But no longer. You sure about that? She asked herself. No.

“Rocket’s a smart guy, he can get himself out of there, and he didn’t sound particularly hurt. What’s the worst she can do? Call an exterminator?”

Gamora blinked, staring at Peter for a moment before shrugging, tired.

“I don’t understand that reference.”

“It’s like a pest control person who comes into your house and ...neverming.” He dropped it, instead snatching up one of her other swords.

Gamora let it slide, checking her weapons on her person once more.

“I’ll do as she asks, but I’m not going unprepared. I’m doing this for Groot.”

Peter looked up from the blade, matching her gaze. He smiled gently.

“See, I think you’re doing this for your younger self.”

Damn you Peter. You are secretly perceptive after all.

Gamora waved the thought away, forcing a grin through thin lips and strode past him. Stopping for a moment, and kissing his cheek.

“Keep the ship close. I’ll signal if I need anything.”

She lingered a moment, watching in amusement at his gaping mouth, eyes wide.

“I...y...y...yes! I will keep...close,” he stammered, dropping the knife. “I mean the a...the ship! I’ll keep the ship...c..close.”

His stark shock drew humor from him and she patted his shoulder. Beaming for the first time in days. He had that effect on her, as annoying as it were. But Gamora allowed herself the levity a warmth creeping into her heart.

“I know you will.”

---

Said warmth she clung to died as soon as Nebula came into view. The stolen Halfoworld ship stood idling nearby behind her. Gamora pulled her sword out of its sheath,

She’s armed...at least two guns and a stolen electrocutor from the lab.

“Where’s Rocket?”

Nebula smirked, shivers rippling up Gamora’s spine. She knew that look.

“I’m right here,” the raccoonoid growled, annoyed.

“How did you…?”

“Who do you think crashed the ship?”

Her attention darted back to her sister. Eyes narrowing. She tightened her grip around the handle of her weapon, heart hammering.

“Oh Gamora, you always did under-estimate me.”

Gamora pounced, rushing at the other woman, sword swinging.

I will not let her get away this time. Enough is enough.

Nebula grunted, sidestepping. Gamora made another attempt, spinning and bringing her arm down to strike the woman on the side of the head. Something sparked, the cybernetic cable in her arm, it pinched and stung. She cried out, arm seizing. Nebula’s nimble fingers closed tight around her wrist, and her sword clattered to the ground. Gamora reached for her belt with the other arm, fumbling for her dagger. Nebula turned, twisting her arm tighter. Gamora staggered as her other arm was bent behind her back.

“You never learn,” Nebula seethed close to her ear. “You think you know everything.”

Gamora grunted, trying to struggle out of her hold. Through the curtain of her hair, Rocket sat bored, legs crossed, fiddling with some gun she recognized as having belonged to a Nova officer.

“Rocket!”

“Just listen to her,” he mumbled, not looking up from his work.

He was in league with her…

“Let me go!”

Gamora tried to slide from her grip, but Nebula bore down. The metal in her spine burned and stung under her sister’s weight. She synched her hands behind her back, unrelenting.

“Let me go!”

“Why so you can fight me?”

“You’re trying to kill me!”

Harsh laughter cut through her erratic thoughts.

“I’m not trying to kill you Gamora!”

The cybernetically enhanced woman tried to turn her head, just enough to see into Nebula’s black eyes…

Her head...it’s all flesh...where’s the metal plating?

Of course she’d noticed this in the lab...but now..seeing it here, was all the more striking.

“Y...yes you are!”

Gamora shouted, more in indignation than anything else.

“No! I’m not!”

She let go with such a force Gamora fell forward, snatching her fallen sword and spinning it around facing Nebula, heaving for breath.

Breathe….in...out...good. In...out through the pain….in out…

“You always were the dumb one. You may have been better at fighting but you were always an idiot.”

Gamora rolled her eyes but stayed put. She’d fought enough battles to know when you were at a disadvantage. When to stop while you still had your head.

“Why do you think I was in that lab?” Nebula demanded. Gamora briefly looked over her shoulder to Rocket, who hardly acknowledged either of them.

“He wanted to make a deal, he wanted to help you kill me!”

“Ha!” Nebula shifted her stance, hands on her hips defiantly.

“He didn’t want to help me kill you, he wanted me to stop killing you!”

She’s lying.

Gamora struggled to look at Rocket. This time, he met her eyes. Red and vacant and unreadable as ever, but his whiskers twitched in recognition. Her stomach dropped.

“....he….he wanted you to stop trying to kill me?”

She stood, trying not to shake. Nebula’s lips formed a thin line.

“Yes.”

“Why?”

Nebula shrugged, noncommittal.

“And...did you agree?”

Dread hitched in her belly, not wanting to know the answer. It was better this way. Her trying to kill me. Me trying to defend myself. Better. Simpler...simpler then..

“You're breathing now aren’t you?”

She nodded, dumbly.

“He offered to take me to that Halfworld place and un-do what Thanos, what you did to me.” Gamora opened her mouth to argue but she continued.

“So here you are, alive.”

Gamora took a shaky breath.

He went to Halfworld...willingly….risked going back there...on his own terms. Gamora tried not to think of the metal in his skin, of the wires in her own body. Tried not to think of him hanging there suspended from wires coming out of his back like an old piece of machinery. She tried not to think of Ebony Maw and his tools and the cold table and the harsh lights. Tried not to think...

“Why’d you agree to do it?”

Nebula looked down at her arm, the one that had once been metal, no faux flesh. The more Gamora looked at her...the more normal she looked. Maybe all she ever wanted to was to be the best by her own merit, without any enhancements. She couldn’t fault her for that.After all, she wanted the same thing once. Now it was too late.

“I’m sorry,” she choked.

Sorry for mistaking her? For what Thanos did? She wasn’t sure.

“Just take the rat and go.”

“Nebula…”

A thousand words swam around her mind, each of them inadequate.

“I promised him I wouldn’t kill you. I didn’t say the same about Thanos.”

Gamora spied a slight smirk flashing across her sister’s face if only for a moment.

“Go, take the fur ball.”

“That’s not very nice Nebs.”

Rocket fitted the Nova Corps gun back into his holster.

Gamora nodded, ears ringing and began to back away slowly unable to look at the raccoonoid.

---

“I’m going to have to face him sooner or later,” Gamora reasoned four turns later. They’d made it back to the ship silently. While Groot, Drax and Peter clapped and cheered, she’d watched Nebula’s ship drift away, out into whatever lay beyond. That night through the celebration of drinks and music, Gamora allowed herself to take Peter’s hand and sway and forth. It was different from dancing. Her feet hardly moved. It was in no way similar.

Now they were headed further out, toward the Nexus quadrant. Better to stay under the radar of the Nova Corps for a while.

Gamora had gone over it in her head, so many times. Nebula. Rocket.

He went to Halfworld knowing the risk. Going back to the place he was tortured. Would I do the same? Go back to Thanos...to save… Peter of course. But him?

“I think he’ll listen,” Peter rubbed a tentative hand in circles around her back. They sat together in his room. Gamora forced a laugh,

“Do you even know him?”

“It’s worth a shot,” he encouraged. She smiled, wanting desperately to put her head on his shoulder, to stay here and rest with him.

“You have too much faith in people,” she mused.

“You have too little.”

She savored the moment, leaning against him and allowing him to plant a small kiss on her forehead before standing and going to look for Rocket.

---

“I thought I might find you here,” she tried to play it smooth, ascending the ladder up to the roof of the ship. They had landed on a small uninhabited planet.

“I am Groot!”

The little flora giggled playfully in Rocket’s lap, growing a tiny white flower and sticking it to his jumpsuit.

“A’right, a’right, enough!” The raccoonoid made to shoo him away without much effort.

“Glad to see you and Groot are getting along,”

Rocket’s ear twitched, he shrugged and helped the flora up to his clumsy wooden feet.

“What do you want?”

“I…”

The words caught in her throat. Gamora sat down beside him, hopefully far enough away to avoid getting scratched.

“I wanted to thank…”

“Don’t thank me.”

Rocket waved a dismissive hand. He shrugged off the vine Groot had tried to grow around his finger and stared off into the distant stars above them.

“I never thought I’d go back to that fucking place.”

“Then why did you do it?”

Gamora could no longer hold down the question she’d been asking herself the entire time. She watched him pick something at his fur.

“Cuz’...when you do something wrong...yah gotta make up for it,” he sighed. “Pay it back or whatever...and...change...especially if it’s someone...lo…”

Gamora did not need to hear the rest to know what he meant.

“Who taught you that? Groot?”

“You,” Rocket answered sharply but not unkind. He stared at his own nimble little paws.

Gamora bit her tongue, looking at him. His shoulders just as tense as hers. She could see the fresh wounds still healing on the back of his neck and his collar, even under the fur.

“I lied about the scans,” she blurted, louder than she meant to. Luckily Drax was asleep in his bunk, Peter was no doubt listening to music and only the soft wind answered her outburst. “The scans...when I said I saw them and that you didn’t have a heart...I lied.”

The hair on his neck raised,

“You lied?”

Gamora pulled the data pad from behind her,

“I did. But we can find out the truth.”

He looked at the blank screen with his red eyes and took it carefully. Turning it on silently with trepidation.

“Wait,”

To her surprise Rocket halted, looking at he with...what she could only describe as confusion.

“Before you look at the scans. Put your hand here,”

She lay the flat of her palm against the smooth warm metal of the Benatar. Rocket followed suit, feeling it with sensitive fingers.

“Feel that?”

Rocket’s ears flicked,

“Yeah?”

The ship thrummed with power, even while idle. A steady, rhythmic motion.

“Now feel here,”

Gamora held out her hands, palms facing up. Rocket looked at her, nose sniffing.

Those eyes... for the first time she recognized something within them. Longing...for acceptance...for knowledge of himself... much the way she felt. Who was she? Who could she be if not Thanos daughter, if not afraid and running from Nebula? She no longer had to be aunty of those things. She could find out what and why she felt for Peter when they swayed to the music. She could find out how good of a friend she could be to Drax, she could be free to see how she could care for Groot. Rocket made sure I got that chance free of fear from Nebula...at least fear of her killing me.

Small sharps claws barely grazed her skin.

“Feel that?”

“It’s your pulse.”

She nodded.

“Exactly, now…” she nodded to the data pad.

Rocket nodded, tapping fervently. Gamora flitted her eyes down on to the screen recognizing the script from the vials and machines in the lab. He tapped away until a scan of himself came up. Green and black outlines criss crossed every which way.

Organic and mechanical matter.

“Gamora….” Rocket’s voice shook. “Look,” he pointed at the chest of the diagram, a small green outline of a heart. “I… I think I have a heart.”

Gamora could not conceal her smile, nearly reaching out to hug him.

“You do Rocket,” she managed to compose herself. “Of course you do.” He looked up at her, smiling the first true smile she’d seen since Groot awoke for the first time in his pot. “I was wrong about you,” she admitted laughing absurdly.

“I was wrong about you too Gams, I never should’ve made a stupid deal w that Nova lady, trust me. I….I’m sorry Gams.’ his eyes, vacant and a little glossy shined in the night.

“I want to Rocket….I...I’m sure I will. Soon...just...not yet.”

The raccoonoid nodded, understanding, looking at here. Somehow, someway, Gamora could see them, into them. No longer obscure orbs of nocturnal bewilderment but...like her own. Full of feeling and of meaning. Windows to the soul.

Rocket dropped the data pad, it landed with a small clatter. He opened his arms.

“....are you...drunk?”

Gamora wondered skeptically under the strange impression he was asking for a hug.

“I’m good, I’m good” he tried to convince her, unconvincingly.

Gamora sighed,

“...your…”

Two small furry arms wound around her neck, Gamora found herself returning the gesture arms going around him in turn.

“I am Groot?” The flora wiggled his way between them, vines creeping around their torso’s.

“I know you killed a lotta people but if you never killed those people may you never woulda wanted to leave...and you never would’ve found us.”

“I...I’m charmed Rocket,” she bit back a laugh but she understood his true intention. They stayed that way for a while drawing quiet comfort.

“I’m glad I found you all,” she said it to herself as much as to Rocket. “I’m glad I found you.”

Rocket tensed a little in her hold but did not pull away. He relaxed into the hug once more, tightening his grip.

Whatever answer she was going to give was lost in the comfortability of the moment.The two of them sitting there, with all of their regrets and scars and maybe...some amount of hope for themselves and the other too. Hope that things could be better.

Thanos may have taught me to hate and resent...made me loathe myself and what I’ve done. But maybe Rocket..taught me it’s not too late. Not too late for either of us.

Gamora hugged him tight, feeling their hearts beat. Her’s slow, his faster, both of them wounded and scarred and damaged but stronger than ever and steady and learning to be true.

The End

#thats it folks #thats my swan song #my last gotg fic #until vol 3 anyway #gotg #my writing #the body keeps the score fic #rocket raccoon #gamora #groot #baby groot #peter quill #starlord #drax #nebula #gotg fanfiction #Guardians of the Galaxy

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