#like: look. please do not cut off toes i am begging people not to misunderstand me

[knowlesian]

okay: i’ve done the toe scene from several thematic angles already, but i think a more granular text read is worth doing, because there are some very understandable misinterpretations of this scene floating about that rely on personal feelings and real world standards vs what the text gives us.

now, to be clear about something that feels... sort of obvious, but i will say anyway: when viewed in real life terms, the toe scene is very different. it’s bad to sneak up on people and cut off their toe in the night and make them eat said toe.

like, super really bad. for many reasons. we should not do such things, i do not endorse them. that’s legally and morally wrong and also, gross. yucky disgusting, in point of fact. 

but you have to meet fiction where it’s at to analyze it from a ‘what’s the text trying to convey, what’s going on in-world’ level. 

and in ofmd’s world, stede wasn’t super phased about ed’s face/off plan, lucius whacked jim in the head with a big branch trying to run away and then didn’t really bat an eyelash at jim stuffing him in a box and planning to murder him, etc. this is a world of outsized comical things happening, some of them violent. it’s like gonzo getting stretched on the rack in muppet treasure island— if we take that as the real world equivalent and go ‘gonzo is secretly traumatized, even if he’s grinning and yelling POOOOODLEY POODLEY POODLEY!!!’, it’s missing the specific rules the story is playing by.

we have to hold the standards of the text in place when it’s not the ‘i know this isn’t canon’s take, but this is how i want to play with the paper dolls anyway as is my right’ headcanon lane. which is not to devalue said lane— love me some of that lane, but it is a different lane.

now, all that said: within canon, we are not meant to be like ‘yay ed! good job! this is a thing we should root for and a good choice! do it more, this is actually good for anybody involved!’ it’s a choice ed makes in full possession of his faculties, and it is a bad one.

however: the toe scene doesn’t come out of nowhere, and the text does not set it up as a method of real punishment or act of singular brutality.

in e9, ed says he’s tired of “making some poor bloke eat his own toes as a laugh.” and drinking all day. and biting the heads off turtles. you know! just normal stuff. (he also says he wants to be just edward, which implies those activities are not what he considers just being himself which is sort of beside the point here, but a very deft piece of writing that i love and wanted to shout out.)

this show is very, very careful with wording in important moments, even while they allowed for an amazing amount of very cool improv to breathe in between those moments. arguing for a lack of intentionality in random areas seems to be a little bit of an odd stance— we all seem to agree they were very careful and thoughtful in general.

so ed tells us there: cutting off multiple toes and making somebody eat them was something that happened enough he brought it up alongside something as commonplace as drinking all day/turtle head mastication, and it was considered ‘a laugh’.

now, i’m with stede (and the overall narrative) when i say where’s the laugh in that? once again: i do not endorse the cutting off of toes. only you can prevent weird toe crimes, by not fucking doing them.

but e9 contextualizes this within the world of ofmd for us. when ed was hiding in plain sight under the mantle and then the legend of blackbeard, he cut off toes for a laugh. it seems like he never actually liked it that much via ‘poor bloke’, but either way the text has told us: blackbeard cut off toes and made people eat them, casual-like and often enough it’s mentioned in the same breath as going on a bender. the text reaffirms this in specific through ed in e9 and in general in e8 through jack.

so, that leads me to izzy. who has lived with and served under blackbeard for years, and who tells us he was initially attracted to that legend when he mentions becoming ed’s first mate in e4. 

izzy says he was “honored to work for the legendary blackbeard. the most brilliant sailor i had ever met.”

again, the wording is precise: izzy just told us he first met blackbeard. the legendary blackbeard, to be exact, and the most brilliant sailor izzy had ever met. 

so when they met ed was already a brilliant sailor. a legend with a name already made and established, one izzy was attracted to and wanted to work for.

izzy is not so hot at defining his subjective emotional realities or those of the people around him (or... noticing them happening at all) but we see no evidence he is incapable of recalling general timeline of empirical events— in fact, he accurately assesses the passage of literal time as a plot point but misreads the emotional room over and over as well in the same function, so the show is careful with this as they are careful with just about everything.

so izzy wanted to work for a legend. the text tells us so, and i want to be understanding about missing that subtlety in wording and wanting to create a backstory where ed and izzy built blackbeard together. in a vacuum, there’s nothing wrong with that! however, we don't live in a vacuum, we live in a society (tm), and giving izzy credit for ed’s past and his history and efforts unfortunately ends up unconsciously echoing some of the very same patterns the show is deconstructing by purposefully having izzy do that very thing.

because why would we think ed needed izzy to build blackbeard? on this show, of all shows, why would the text be implicitly arguing that ed needed a white man to help create his legend? that he was not smart and careful and talented enough to become the legendary blackbeard on his own, without izzy to guide his steps and keep him safe?

to be honest, on a less careful show, one that emulates old patterns instead of examining and then breaking them, aka ...most shows? i think that would be the story.

ofmd is much more self-aware, as far as i can tell. izzy tells us he wanted to work for a legend and a brilliant sailor; why would we not just believe the characters when they say ed became all that on his own, and izzy was drawn to the legend because ed is just that skilled despite any given limitation the world/his own mind or body puts on him?

that’s not a question i’m asking facetiously. there’s a reason ancient aliens-type shows and theories exist and those kind of people are very rarely like ‘i bet these ancient white people had no fucking idea what they were doing and needed aliens to teach them how to build their massive and technologically advanced civilizations’. sometimes they do argue that! i don't want to argue in bad faith, myself. it does happen on occasion that the accidental condescension gets spread around— but if you look at the bigger picture, there’s a clear pattern in which groups people find it hard to believe did anything impressive all on their own.

and again: i get missing the subtlety here, just like i get missing that fang’s izzy spewing out both ends anecdote is a set-up for a montezuma’s revenge/overall izzy is a metaphor colonizer stuff. i actually missed the montezuma joke myself on first watch, so i’m not out to scold anybody or to be like ‘fuck you for not knowing any of this already’; i’m just trying to point out the fly in the ointment, and hope people think deeper about this stuff before firing off a take that echoes these patterns on accident.

okay, all that said: back to the text and the toe itself.

it's very understandable to process the toe scene as a punishment. ed says threaten me again and more toes WILL BE TAKEN as he does it, which when removed from the larger context of eating toes tuesday being a regular thing in ed and thus also izzy’s old life, seems much more intense. 

not to mention that’s how any normal human would react to what the fuck happens there. i myself would be HORRIFIED, once again i do not endorse non-consensual toe cannibalism and have no comment on any consensual versions other than ‘yeah, i read that hannibal fic too, and it was weird then hate to kink shame but i do not wish to have my toe cut off so i may consume it. please stop asking me about toe cannibalism as anything but thematic meat. this is a strange place to find myself in.’

but izzy is not us, the audience. izzy is a daddy moaning little nightmare. he wants to touch fire: he is the least healthy masochist on gay god’s green earth and the deep blue sea. he is weeeeeird about this shit and has never even heard of the acronym ss&c, let alone rack. 

he is the sort of man who is like ED. BE A TOE CUTTING LEATHER DADDY. THAT IS WHAT IS COOL AND FUN FOR ALL OF US, NOBODY LOSES HERE. LOL EXCEPT ME! I LOSE A TOE, AND I MAKE IT EVEN WEIRDER WHEN I REFUSE TO BE ANYTHING BUT THRILLED ABOUT IT.

within the world ofmd created, they made sure to set up that Ye Olde Blackbearde cut off toes for a laugh. and one episode after they carefully gave us that precedent, izzy thrust a monstrous caricature of ed in his face and said: this is blackbeard. by no logical leap could izzy possibly be ignorant of the forced toe-eating, regularly done as just a fun little game to play at sea, just like drinking all day, or biting the heads off turtles. not if he’s known ed for years and was attracted to the legend of a man who did shit like that.

so izzy is saying to ed: be this guy again. the narrative made sure we know part of that is being the guy who casually cuts off toes for a laugh.

so when izzy smiles that big ridden hard and put away wet smile and proclaims hey la, hey la my boyfriend’s back? he's being sincere. he wanted ed to be the guy who cuts off toes like it’s not a thing again, and edward did that for him. he’s been reassured that the old blackbeard is himself again, and that’s why he says so. 

(and that’s why canon set it up so that we would know: this toe thing is an old, established bit, which was not done as anything but a fun little prank.)

now, if anybody wants to write fic in the real world logic applies au, i will not poop upon that party. that’s not my issue, in part because i also think there’s utility to saying yeah but counterpoint, canon: i do what i want. 

my angle is that if we talk textual analysis and actual canon, we have to meet stories and characters on their level and look at the world from their perspective. 

ed and izzy (and jack, which is a lot of his narrative utility in e8 beyond just throwing a wrench in the works and setting up the arc with the navy and thus endgame, fuuuuuck me running these writers are just ridiculously good) both reaffirm this, in their separate ways.

textually, the person who most hates the toe scene is ed. izzy said be the guy cut toes off again; ed said he doesn’t want to do that. that’s the text itself, no extrapolation.

now, having said all that: i hope and assume izzy will come to realize this shit is very weird and bad behavior, knock it off and then course correct. 

to own my personal bias, my activist fantasy is not that men like izzy— or my personal izzys, for values of people who actively hurt me in specific— suffer or that they feel exactly what they made me feel. my fantasy is they wake up one morning, look at me, and go well fuck. i’ve been kinda shitting the bed here, huh? i’m gonna fight for my natural allies now, not against them. solidarity!!!! then i am validated, they can become happier people, and there’s one more of Us and one less of Them. the better world i’m fighting for ultimately wins, in that fantasy.

i’m not saying that’s where anyone else has to be, to be clear; it’s just where i’m at.

so when i try to read the tea leaves on the potential of that being what happens with izzy, i could 100000000% be reading in what i would like to see and not what is there. that’s always a thing that could happen, on any given prediction, and to say otherwise would be silly.

however: when it comes to the toe and its precedent and context, that’s not attempting to suss out future movement. that’s reading the text with my own biases acknowledged and set to the side as much as possible, and trying to see what the characters of this world, with this world’s rules feel about what happened vs what i would feel, in my world with my rules.

because, i must reiterate to close: oh GOD, i do not endorse the nonconsensual cutting off of toes. just don’t do it.

tldr: it’s important to recognize the tropes we might be reinforcing on accident, and though the toe scene is horrifying real world terms in terms of how izzy the character in the text’s world processes it, the toe is ed coming through for him and being the blackbeard of the old days— who we were purposefully told used to regularly cut off toes and feed them to people as a laugh.

...and just. because i think i might have to, just one final time for good measure: please don’t cut off people’s toes. nothing in this piece is an endorsement of doing that in our real world. it's bad.

#our flag means death #like: look. please do not cut off toes i am begging people not to misunderstand me #in the real world none of this is okay #but in the world of the show (which is the world i am analyzing) and not of headcanon #they gave us all this context and setup for a reason #also: i know nobody is consciously being all ancient aliens about ed and izzy #and yet... it is happening #everybody's gotta do their own thing! i am not fun police here #but the pattern exists and it is what it is #and if your fun means ignoring why exactly people like me hate ancient aliens #then i think that's an indication to consider: why is my fun not fun if i'm honest about history at the same time #and does that mean anything else? #anyway yes now back to lucius and pete and how stede has filled the ship with chintz #but to keep it real they fuck on the floor #my ofmd meta

[dialovers-translations]

DIABOLIK LOVERS DAYLIGHT  Vol.5 Sakamaki Kanato [TRACK 1]

Original title: ワガママ

Source: Diabolik Lovers Daylight Vol. 5 Sakamaki Kanato

Audio: Here (Huge thank you to @filthyhelplessworld​ for providing the audio!)

Seiyuu: Kaji Yuki

Translator’s note: The title of this track really describes the whole thing perfectly, haha. I have an insane amount of respect for all Kanato stans out there who keep up with this little brat’s selfish behavior because it couldn’t be me. However, I am excited for this CD before of the first 2-3 minutes of the track. I can already tell things are going to get intense.

Track 1 ll Track 2 ll Track 3 ll Track 4 ll Track 5 + Epilogue

→  LIKE MY TRANSLATIONS? SUPPORT ME ON KO-FI!

Track 1: Selfish

The scene starts outside in the garden.

*Pshhhhhh*

*Thud*

[00:17] “Here you go. I purchased this tea because I figured it would strike your fancy. Since I decided to hold a tea party, I want to thoroughly enjoy it. Take a whiff. Does it not smell wonderful? Darjeeling is very subtle in taste, yet extremely fragrant. It fits you perfectly.”

You fail to respond.

[00:46] “Say, why would you ignore me? I prepared nothing but your favorites today, yet you won’t even say a single thank you...That’s a little strange, don’t you think? Why…? How…? I might as well just enjoy the tea party by myself then.”

You remain quiet.

[01:21] “I suppose you really won’t give me a response. ...You’re acting a little off today. Or is that just my imagination? Ahー Could it be because of that moon? The moon makes us Vampires feel restless inside. Perhaps it has the same effect on humans? Fufu...Fufufufu...Ahahaha!

*Cling*

[02:23] “Come on, you should try your tea before it gets cold. It is much more delicious when enjoyed hot after all. Take a proper look at these flowers I arranged for you!”

*Rustle rustle*

*Shatter*

“Haah...I prepared all of this for you...So be delighted...and smile…Hey? Say something! Look at me! I’m begging you…!!”

You fail to respond once more.

[03:07] “Hey...I’m talking to you…! Sniffle...Uu...WHY WON’T YOU SAY ANYTHING!?”

*SHATTER*

“Ah...Uu...Hic...Aaah...Uu...Why…!? Why!? Why!? Why!? Kuh...Why did you die…? Hey? ANSWER ME!!”

*FLASHBACK STARTS*

*Rustle*

[04:06] “Haah...Scoot a little closer. How am I supposed to suck your blood like this? Did you not hear me when I said I’m feeling unwell? Even having to sit upright in bed is rough. Are you not aware of why people come to the infirmary in the first place? You’re supposed to nurse me back to health, so be a little more considerate at least! ーー Come on, hurry!”

You walk over to the bed.

[04:47] “Took you long enough, gosh…”

You frown.

“...Hm? You’re asking if I’m upset? Hah. And what exactly makes you think that?”

You shrug.

“Hmー You choose to feign ignorance, huh?”

He looks away.

[05:11] “It’s nothing. ...More importantly, hurry up, will you? It’s difficult to drink your blood when you’re standing there, spaced out. Come closer. Don’t make me have to spell it out for you.”

You hesitate.

“...Why are you acting like that? Do you want to upset me?”

You shake your head.

“If you do not, then fix that attitude of yours.”

You finally step closer.

[05:50] “Exactly. You should have just kept quiet and obeyed me from the very beginning. ...Come on, now kneel down. I’ll suck your blood.”

*Rustle*

“Keep still? Ah…”

Kanato bites you.

*Sluuuurp*

[06:22] “Mmh…It’ll hurt if you move, remember?”

*Sluuuurp*

“Nn...Hah...Didn’t I just tell you to keep still!? Aah...Or do you want it to hurt, perhaps? Hahn…”

*Sluuuurp*

“Fufufu...~ So you actually do. You’re that kind of girl after all.”

You deny his words.

[07:01] “You don’t even know that about yourself? Well, I suppose it’s fine. I’ll be so kind as to tell you. Someone did say that humans are the most ignorant when it comes to themselves after all. I assume that goes for you as well? You see, you just love pain and suffering. Give that some serious thought (1). ...That’s why you did something which would upset me...It was on purpose, obviously!”

You shake your head.

[07:52] “Oh please, don’t play dumb now! I saw it with my own eyes! You were having a rather friendly chat with him ーー with Reiji at the manor, weren’t you? Hahn…”

*Sluuuurp*

“Ugh…! ...Fufu...What a forced cry! You can drop the act now. I already know you aren’t opposed to the pain, since it actually makes you feel good, doesn’t it? Did you have some fun with Reiji in a similar fashion as well? Hahn…”

*Sluuuurp*

[08:36] “...Did you think I would believe you if you denied it with tears in your eyes like that? Think again! (2) ...Mmh…”

*Sluuuurp*

You start to feel faint. 

“Fufu...Are you pretending to suddenly feel faint as part of your act as well? Seems like you have become a natural at this.”

You explain.

[08:57] “You’re feeling unwell? Haha…That’s a new one.”

You ask him to stop.

“The answer is no. I’m not satisfied yet. After all, I’ve barely had any.”

You repeat that you’re feeling unwell. 

[09:19] “You still insist on acting as if you’re in pain? ...CUT IT OUT ALREADY! I mean, it doesn’t make sense for this to suddenly happen, does it!? I’ve always been able to suck this much blood without any issues! 

...Aah. I see. I get it now. You’re running low on blood because you let him feed off you, correct? That’s why you’re coming up with the random excuse of feeling unwell, am I right? That’s the only logical explanation! ...How dare you!”

Kanato continues to suck your blood as you protest.

[10:05] “If you’re so sure that I’m just misunderstanding things...Then why don’t you tell me straight up what you were talking about with Reiji yesterday!?” 

You flinch.

“...Cat got your tongue?”

You tell him. 

“You were discussing your health? ...Fufu...That’s a lie. After all, the two of you seemed rather close. Standing there together, whispering to each other.”

You look away. 

“See? You’ve gone quiet again. Do you have nothing to say!?”

You apologize.

[10:50] “Kuh...Giving me a meek apology will only add to my anger, you know? ...Well, I’m broad-minded so I don’t mind letting it slide this once. However, do not dare to even get close to him again in the future. Can you promise me that?”

You nod.

*Rustle*

“...Hah!”

He pushes you away.

*Thud*

[11:25] “Oh please, you’re overreacting. I only pushed you lightly, yet you act as if you’re about to fall over. ...There’s really no need to still keep this act up though. Good grief…”

*Rustle*

“What are you spacing out for? Come on, wrap your arms around me.”

*Rustle rustle*

[11:50] “...Took you long enough to embrace me, geez. ...Stroke my head, please. I’m exhausted after sucking your blood, so it only makes sense you reward me now, right?”

*Rustle rustle*

“Exactly, just like that...More…You belong to me. All of you. From head to toe. Down to the very last drop of blood. ...Do you understand?”

You nod.

[12:33] “All you need to do is be with me. ...Forever.”

*Rustle*

“...Say? You don’t think we’re done, do you? We still haven’t discussed how you will apologize to me, have we?”

You tilt your head to the side.

[12:58] “That should be a given. You had the nerve to upset me after all. Right. I suppose I’ll have you prepare me a sweet feast. Homemade, of course. A cake doused in plenty of whipped cream, cookies, and chocolate...Oh, pudding as well!”

You agree, promising him you’ll try your best.

“Fufu~ I don’t know how they’ll turn out, however, you better make them delicious. That’s all. ...Understood?”

You nod.

“Fufufu...I’m looking forward to it~”

ーー TO BE CONTINUED ーー

Translation notes

(1) 胸に手を当てる or ‘mune ni te o ateru’ literally means ‘to put one’s hand on one’s chest/heart’ and is used when telling someone to think very deeply about something. (As if to look inside their own heart)

(2) 甘い or ‘amai’ doesn’t always mean ‘sweet’, but mean ‘weak’ or ‘naive’ as well.

#diabolik lovers #dialovers #kanato sakamaki #diabolik lover daylight #diabolik lovers translation #diabolik lovers drama cd #drama cd

[andypantsx3]

if i could keep cool | 1

pairing: Todoroki Shouto / Reader

length: 20,322 words / 6 chapters

summary: A villain attacks Shouto Todoroki’s apartment and kidnaps what he apparently believes to be Todoroki’s secret lover. The bad news—for both you and the villain in question—is that you’re just there to clean the place. That’s how it starts.

tags: romance, reader-insert, accidental sugar daddy shouto, misunderstandings

warnings: aged up characters, eventual smut

You’d been alone inside Shouto Todoroki’s apartment when the villain attacked.

In your defense, you were supposed to be there. Twice a week, for three hours apiece, you turned up to clean the place, dusting, remaking his bed, and scrubbing down the modern kitchen surfaces that you were fairly certain were going unused in the first place.

You weren’t actually supposed to know who owned the high rise, but the personal effects he kept around hardly made any secret of it--a few simply framed photographs of him with his siblings and his friends at school dotted the shelves in the living room, crates of fan mail were often delivered to his door during your shifts, and you’d seen his hero costume dumped in a hamper on more than one occasion.

You’d been excited to find this out at first, as you were just as much a hero fan as the next girl--particularly heroes who were as handsome and infinitely memeable as Todoroki--but you’d tamped down on your enthusiasm in order to keep things professional. It would kind of suck to be a celebrity and find out that some rando fan let themselves into your apartment on the regular and could help themselves to your stuff if they really wanted to.

You had almost considered asking your manager for reassignment when you’d first figured out just whose apartment you were cleaning, in order to keep things purely professional, but Todoroki’s schedule worked well with your own class schedule, and the money didn’t hurt either. The tips either he or his manager left for you were pretty hefty, and it was nice to treat yourself to groceries that weren’t ramen. He was keeping you in fresh vegetables and a Netflix subscription, so in the end you didn’t ask for reassignment--you were a college student, not a saint.

In retrospect, though, maybe you should have. Because one afternoon in late September, the large wall of windows that looked out into the city shattered with violent force, and a huge figure landed in the living room, glass crunching underneath their heavy boots.

You’d just barely managed to catch sight of a wicked looking scar twisting half of the villain’s face before you’d thrown yourself behind the kitchen island you’d been wiping down, landing heavily on your shoulder. That hadn’t saved you, though. You’d been hauled out across the scattered glass, the shards scraping through your clothes to tear at your back and elbows, and looked up into the face of the furious-looking man.

You hadn’t had time to scream, or beg for your life, or whatever other insanely embarrassing thing you might have done, before a fist connected with the base of your skull, and you were falling into darkness, the man’s features and the clean lines of the apartment around you slipping into black.

Now, you awoke in the dark, a musty scent like dust and slow decay pressing into your nose like a heavy rag. Your eyes flickered open, but the world seemed just as dark as behind your eyelids. In the dim, you could just barely make out cement floors studded with dirt and debris, and gaping cutouts in the wall across from you, pitch black with shadow. They were rectangular in shape, and huge--truck ports, maybe? Were you in a warehouse?

You made to move, but something tugged at your wrists, and you realized with a growing sense of horror that your arms were bound behind your back with rough rope, looped through slats in the chair you’d awoken in. Your head whipped up, and the back of your neck screamed in protest, sore from what had likely been hours of you lolling unconscious.

The thin, wavering sound of something like a radio static filtered from somewhere over your shoulder, and you could just make out low tones of a radio broadcaster: “Pro hero Shouto Todoroki’s apartment was broken into early this afternoon...the perpetrator of the crime is still at large…”

That’s right--Todoroki’s apartment. Your heartbeat instantly kicked into high gear. Where were you? Why were you here? Who was that man in Todoroki’s apartment? Had he taken you here? But why?

A boot crunched in the dirt behind you and you stiffened.

“Awake now?” a voice spat, laced with pure malice. The tone sent shivers down your spine.

The pair of boots crunched towards you, rounding the edge of your chair until you could look up into the face of the villain from before, the man with the horrible scar. It twisted and warped the skin over half of his face, the flesh melted into itself like he’d been held down against a hot stove. An equally horrible grin cut into the harsh line of his mouth.

“Who are you? Where am I? Why am I here?” you demanded. Your voice came out high and quavery, and you could have cringed at how absolutely terrified you sounded.

He raised an eyebrow like you’d just asked the dumbest series of questions he’d ever heard.

“Oh, I think you know why you’re here,” he sneered. His eyes were dark, almost black in the gloom of the warehouse.

A twisting wave of frustration washed over you. No you didn’t know why you were here. You’d been wiping down a fucking counter one minute and the next you’d woken up in some creepy warehouse with no idea of where in the world you might be.

“I don’t,” you said, frustrated. “Please, I don’t have any money. Whatever you want, I can’t get it to you.”

He stared down at you impassively, the radio static crackling in the background. “I don’t want money, you fucking brat. I want revenge.”

You stared at him. Revenge? You’d never even met this guy before, what the hell could you have possibly done to him that he would need revenge on you? The extent of your crimes against anyone, as far as you knew, only included arguing with people on twitter and once--drunk at a bar--peeing in the men’s room before you realized it wasn’t the ladies’ toilet. Gender was a social construct, anyway. It wasn’t that bad.

Your blank look seemed to irritate him, and he placed a booted foot on yours, deliberately grinding his heel down on your toes until you felt your bones creak. You bit down on a yelp.

“Don’t play stupid, you little shit. I know he’ll come for you.”

What? Who would come for you?

The radio signal seemed to catch again, and the newscaster’s stately voice reported from over your shoulder. “--Hero Commission received a message from the villain that they are holding Todoroki’s secret lover hostage. We’ve received comment from a PR representative at the Todoroki agency--”

Your stomach dropped in horror as you considered the smug expression that twisted the villain’s face. Oh no.

No.

No way.

Did he think you….?

Dread coiled into a hard pit in your gut. Oh, you were so absolutely fucked. Shouto Todoroki had never so much as heard of you, nevermind invited you into his bed. As far as you could tell, he had no current lover, as his apartment had only ever evidenced the single occupant.

He’d been linked in the media to a couple models and an actress, but it seemed unclear if that was any more than speculation. In the year you’d worked at the cleaning service, there’d never been anything like an extra toothbrush or an abandoned pair of underwear to give away another person’s presence, though you had sometimes seen evidence of his friends; things like a forgotten All Might sweatshirt that clearly belonged to notorious fan boy and current number one hero Deku, or a neatly prepared container of soup you’d seen in the fridge once with a note that read eat this you fucking fuck and if you get me sick I’ll kill you that you strongly suspected came from the foul-mouthed hero Ground Zero.

So unless those were to be taken as signs of a blossoming romance, there was nothing that strongly hinted at the presence of a lover.

You were frankly flabbergasted that this villain had assumed, just because you’d been alone in his apartment at the time, that you of all people could have been that to him.

And you were even more concerned now, as there was absolutely no way Shouto Todoroki was going to come haring in to save someone who did not exist.

What was the villain going to do when he realized that no one was coming for you? Or worse, when he realized you were no one to anyone, and your presence would hardly be missed? Was it better to try and clear up the misunderstanding now? What would he do when the dots connected?

The villain smirked, mistaking your horror. “That’s right, brat. He was supposed to be there, but you'll do just as well. He’ll come for you, and when he does, I’m going to do to him exactly what he did to me.” He gestured to the scarred side of his face and you winced.

So it hadn’t been a hot stove.

“I think you have it wrong,” you said a little desperately. “I’m not--I don’t even know Todoroki. I’m a cleaning lady.”

He rolled his eyes. “Nice try. I’ll just let you walk free then, shall I?”

Your fingers dug into the rope behind your back. “Um, ideally, yes.”

He bit out a harsh laugh, that horrible smile cutting into his features again, and knelt down in front of you. He was close, too close, and you could smell something sour on his breath.

“I’ve just had a better idea,” he said, leaning into you. “What if I do to his precious lover what he did to me? Your face can be the last thing I let him see before I kill him.”

Your stomach turned and you forced yourself as far back in your chair as you could get. Oh fuck. “No, please, you have to listen!” Your voice was growing higher as you spoke. “I don’t know him. I’m his fucking cleaning service. You can call them and ask--just ask!”

The villain didn’t listen, digging around in the inner pocket of his jacket for something. “No skin off my nose if you are or aren’t. But I think we both know you aren’t.”

You could feel your heart climb into your throat as he pulled out a lighter and a small, metal can that smelled sharply of gasoline. Lighter fluid? You started struggling wildly in your bonds, feet straining against the floor to push your chair back from him.

He let out another laugh, uncapping the fluid. The acrid smell sharpened, burning in your nose. The radio let out another burst of static in the background, a high whine that set your teeth even more on edge.

“I’ll let you pick the side, brat,” the villain said, smiling.

“I pick neither,” you managed around the lump in your throat. Your eyes were locked on the can of lighter fluid, like you could will it away from you with the sheer force of your panic alone.

The villain scowled. “Be difficult then,” he said, and moved to pour it over you anyway. You felt the first splash of fluid on your cheek and closed your eyes. That acrid smell got stronger, and the villain let out an excited breath.

Then the wall blew out.

A wall of freezing air rushed over you and the can of fluid dropped from the villain’s grasp, spilling sloppily down your clothes, before clattering to the floor. The villain swore and whirled, grabbing a fistful of your hair and wrenching your head back. You peeked open an eye.

A huge slab of ice had blown open the side of the building, and the silhouette of a man was outlined against the evening sky. It was hard to make out his features in the dim light, but that mop of red and white hair was so distinctive, you would know it anywhere.

A shivery frisson of relief went down your spine at the sight of a familiar figure, but confusion mounted in the back of your brain.

What the hell was Shouto Todoroki doing here?

There was a flinty noise and then a small flame flickered in the corner of your eye. You stiffened--the lighter was still in the villain’s hand, and you were entirely covered in lighter fluid.

“So nice to see you again, Todoroki. Any last words to your little girlfriend?” the villain spat. His gaze was fixed unblinkingly on Todoroki.

You strained against your bonds and his tight grip on your hair. “I’m not his girlfriend! Todoroki, tell him.”

You could barely see his features but you thought you caught Todoroki’s eyes darting over you curiously, like he was trying to figure out who in the world you were and why anyone would mistake you for a love interest of his. Your eyes met briefly. Then the fingers on his right hand pressed forward just the slightest bit, and a huge cascade of ice like an avalanche was rushing you. You closed your eyes, ready to be impaled.

There was a grunt and the villain’s hand was ripped out of your hair, taking a fistful with it. A sudden, suffocating silence pressed down on you, and an icy burn stung at your lungs when you inhaled.

You blinked your eyes open, only to come face to face with a wall of ice mere inches from your nose. Cold pressed in on you everywhere, biting at you through your clothes--it seemed Todoroki had formed some kind of protective shell over you as he forced the villain off of you. You exhaled and sank back in the chair with shaky relief.

More crackling echoed from outside your cocoon, muffled through the thick slabs of ice, and a bright jet of orange light lit up the crystals around you. You tracked the sound and the movements nervously. There was a moment when a body slammed into the ice behind you, cracking it a little, and you tensed, but then whichever of them it was rolled off and was gone within moments.

Over the course of a few minutes, the sounds of their battle and the flickers of light started to fade off into the distance, and you wondered if Todoroki was trying to lead the villain away, or if the villain was leading him somewhere he had planned for. Your fingers found the bindings at your wrists again, and you scrabbled desperately at them with your nails.

If the villain came back for you, you needed to be disconnected from this chair and out of the ice prison ASAP.

You had just managed to work your chair backwards and get a good angle against the rough ice, starting to work up a friction between your bonds and the ice when muted footsteps approached and a hole began to melt in the side of the ice wall. Your eyes snapped to attention and you leaned as far away as you could get.

It was Todoroki who stepped through, however, lifting an arm to melt away more of the ice over you. He looked a little mussed from combat but otherwise unharmed, and in good shape to get you out of here. You breathed a heavy sigh of relief, muttering, “Oh, thank god.”

He fixed you with a weird look, leaning over you when he’d melted enough of the ice to get to your bonds. A hot hand at your wrists burned ropes off of you easily enough, Todoroki careful not to singe you with his flames.

An uncomfortable silence settled between the two of you as you pulled your arms back to yourself, shaking them out.

“Uh, thank you,” you said, watching nervously as those distinctive two-toned eyes flicked over you.

He helped pull you to your feet, and gestured you towards the hole he had blown in the side of the warehouse.

“This way--there’s an ambulance to check you over,” he said evenly. His voice was low and smooth, even deeper in person than you’d heard it on TV. His whole presence seemed a lot sharper, larger even, than was communicated via the media.

You followed his broad back out into the evening air, noting that you were on a somewhat crowded street, likely somewhere still within city limits. Several rows of similar warehouses lined the streets, and an ambulance and several police vehicles had pulled up onto the sidewalk closest to you.

An EMT ran over to you, helping you over to the ambulance and immediately setting to the task of checking you over. She asked you a series of questions including your name, what year it was, the prime minister’s name, and a slew of probing queries about your injuries. She concluded a concussion seemed unlikely, but produced an ice packet for your head where the villain had struck you, and cleaned your wrists where the rope had cut into them, smoothing on aloe and wrapping them up in gauzy bandages.

While she worked, you watched Todoroki as he spoke in quiet tones off to the side with a group of policemen. Eventually, however, the conversation seemed to die out, and he came padding back over to stand in front of you with his arms crossed over his chest. You tried not to focus on the swell of his biceps through the fabric of his hero costume.

“What you did was very stupid,” he said, his eyes narrowing.

That tore your attention away from his arms, and you paused, staring up at him in confusion. Did all civilians get a lecture like this fresh off of being kidnapped?

“Excuse me?” was all that escaped you.

That grey and blue gaze raked over you. “You’re lucky I was able to rescue you. You risked your own life and invaded my privacy while you were at it.”

A mixture of confusion, exhaustion, and anger welled up inside of you. You had just been fucking kidnapped and he was lecturing you like a toddler who’d gotten into a box of crayons while her parents’ backs were turned.

“You think I fucking wanted to be kidnapped?” you demanded, sliding off of the back of the ambulance to take an angry step towards him. “You think I wanted any of this to happen?”

He held his ground, hardly threatened by someone who barely brushed his chin and had needed his rescuing only minutes before. You gritted your teeth.

“You are not welcome in my apartment,” he said firmly, something like suppressed anger flickering in his own gaze.

Your temper flared even hotter than his flames. You clenched your fist, the words bubbling up before you could even think to stop them. “Great. Clean it yourself then, you huge fucking asshole, if you don’t want someone else there.”

His eyes widened the slightest bit, but you weren’t done.

“I get kidnapped because some crazy douche wanted to settle a score with you, and you dare yell at me for doing my job? Because what, it’s shameful for you to be accused of having a secret lover and now you have to do PR? Grow the fuck up. That’s your fucking job.”

You turned on your heel, setting a beeline for the police officers where they had turned to watch you, mouths gaping.

“Do I have to give a statement right now or can I come into the station in the morning?” you demanded of the nearest officer.

“We recommend you give your statement as soon as possible, but you can delay until tomorrow if you’re, uh, in emotional distress,” the officer said, staring at you.

“Oh I am,” you intoned loudly. “But not as much emotional distress, apparently, as someone who's been mildly inconvenienced by a media narrative. You'd better check on him, he's the real fucking victim here. And I’ll see you in the morning instead.”

You stalked off towards the street, hardly caring where you were headed or how you would get home from here. You would figure it out and find your way, and it was better than standing around and being berated by some asshole hero who thought himself so wildly inconvenienced by saving you.

“And Todoroki, you can go fuck yourself,” you threw over your shoulder as you disappeared into the dusky maze of city streets.

And he could.

You hoped that was the last you’d ever see or hear of Shouto Todoroki.

[wewillwriteyou]

Friends Will Be Friends || Chapter 4

A few elements from the main plot: A very special group of friends: early days, drama, laughter, booze, success, rock stars life, girl power, friendship, love, sex, music, misunderstandings, some more drama, family. Pairings in the tags

Summary Chapter 4: Chelsea’s point of view. something goes off with Tom. Brian queen of drama. We realize how this sounds awfully weird but we swear it’ll make sense lol

Word count: 2.3K

Warnings: some angst, some drama, nothing to worry lol

A/N: Here we are guys! Things get interesting in this one, so make sure you got the previous parts (you find the link into the description of this blog) and stay tuned for some more. The best is yet to come, lovelies 💖😏 As usual, if you like what you read, comment, like, reblog and share this with others! Thanks again for the support, enjoy! 💗

Chelsea entered the shop covered in sweat; all the eyes were on her, especially her boss’s, who looked at her so angrily, that Chelsea thought she would have lost her job. She smiled and tried to stay as calm as possible, as she approached the cash desk, while both the costumers and her colleagues, were eyeing her from head to toe.

“Miss Parker, you’re late. May I know why?”

“I–I’m extremely sorry! I didn’t hear the alarm going off and my car didn’t want to start up this morning… please, I swear it won’t happen again!” she leaned on the surface in front of her, while her boss was tapping her fingers nervously. Chelsea practically begged her with her eyes, making the woman sigh loud.  

“Fine, but next time, I’ll fire you on the spot, are we clear?” Chelsea let out a breath she didn’t know she was holding and thanked her many times, before finally walking towards Mel and Mary to start working.

“Doll! Is everything okay? It’s been a week since we’ve seen each other! What happened?” Mary’s words sounded full of concern, as she caressed Chelsea’s arm gently. Mel was standing next to her, studying the blouse Chelsea was wearing, sure it looked familiar.

“You won’t believe what happened to me last night…” Chelsea whispered, loud enough for Mel to hear.

The three girls got closer, as they pretended to fold some clothes. Mary and Mel were hanging by Chelsea’s lips. She couldn’t help but flush when she thought about Roger.

“My roommate dragged me to a pub to forget about all the situation with Tom, but I got so drunk I almost had sex with a stranger” she decided to be as vague as possible, to avoid further problems. Mel was speechless, while Mary seemed amused.

“By the look on your face, I can say it was worth it, am I wrong?” Mary teased her. Chelsea rolled her eyes and a little laugh escaped her lips.

“And why… I mean… why didn’t you…” Mel was as curious as Mary but too embarrassed to ask her that kind of questions.

Luckily, Chelsea understood what she meant. “Because he didn’t want to take advantage of me while I was so drunk I couldn’t even remember my name… and also, because I threw up on all of my clothes” Mary laughed out loud and a bunch of costumers looked in their direction, quite confused. Chelsea slapped her on her shoulder and walked away, to go help a lady who was looking for a new jacket.

The morning was proceeding, as usual, the three girls were lazily working, constantly checking the clock and wishing it was time to go home. Until, at some point, the little bell on the door rang and Tom entered the shop. Chelsea immediately recognized his voice and tried to ignore him when she heard him asking about her, but after a few seconds, he was already approaching her, with an unexpected little smile on his face.

“Hi” he whispered, leaning against her hear. Chelsea forced herself to ignore the fact that, the last person who did that was Roger. She shook her head and turned around, crossing her arms on her chest.

“Tom. I’m working, what are you doing here?” her voice could cut ice. The smile disappeared from Tom’s face and his sight fell on the ground.

“That’s the first thing that comes to your mind, after not seeing me for a week?” his tone was kind of flirty and left Chelsea confused. She sighed.

“Seriously Tom, what do you want?” she put her hands on her waist, without breaking eye contact. He smiled again, then caressed the back of his neck, nervously.

“I missed you. Look, I know what I said but this week seemed like a year to me… please, Chelsea, I take back everything I said”

“That doesn’t change the fact you said it”

As he got a step closer, instinctively, Chelsea stepped backwards.

Never in a million years she would have imagined hearing such words leaving his mouth and, even if it was terrible to admit, she felt disappointed. A part of her had hoped that he had come to break up with her, but he hadn’t and that made Chelsea feel even worse, because, at that moment, she realized she was the one who wanted to end their relationship.

Not him. Just her.

She immediately thought about Roger and a strong feeling of nausea tied her stomach.

Who was she? What was she becoming?

Before she could stop herself, the words rolled out of her lips.

“There’s someone else, Tom” she remained with her mouth wide open, she couldn’t believe she had said that out loud. And it wasn’t even the truth. Or it was?

Tom looked at her: his eyes wide open, speechless, disappointed, probably angry. He nodded, turned around and slowly walked towards the door. The tears filled Chelsea's eyes and before she could realize it she ran after him outside the shop. She grabbed his arm to block him.

“Please Tom, I didn’t mean what I said. I…”

“You what, Chel?” he got rid of her touch, with a disgusted look on his face “I knew that there’s was something different, but let me tell you, I honestly don’t accept this from you! Who even are you? I don’t recognize you anymore!” he was shouting and Chelsea felt her heart falling in her chest. She realized they were surrounded by curious eyes.

“I’m sorry Tom. I honestly thought we were broken up after the fight we had last Saturday, and when I saw you coming in this morning I was sure as hell you just came to clarify the situation”

“You know why you thought all these bullshit?” he angrily pointed his finger at her “because you’re a coward, you don’t have the courage to break up with me and you were just expecting me to do it! So you could have played the part of the victim, as usual!”

Chelsea knew he was right, but his words cut more than knives and she felt the anger growing in her chest.

“You know what, Tom? You’re right. You’re completely right. But did you ever ask yourself how hard was for me to pretend for all these months? Yes, fucking months” her voice raised more at every word “I don’t love you anymore, Tom. Not in the way I used to, at least… And that’s the truth. I’m sorry” the tears were streaming down her face. Tom’s face was red, as he breathed heavily.

He got closer and Chelsea felt a shiver of fear running in her body.

“Don’t talk to me ever again. When this new guy will break your heart, and believe me, it will happen, and very soon because nobody but me could ever stand your fucking shitty character, don’t come crying to me, because I will not be there for you” it sounded like a threat. Chelsea bit her lip and looked him straight in his eyes.

“Fuck off, Tom” she spat. He started walking away, but suddenly stopped and turned around to ask

“John doesn’t know, does he?”

He grinned when her face revealed the answer he was expecting to hear. She did not answer, and he left.

Mary ran towards her when she saw Chelsea entering the shop again, with her eyes full of tears.

“What happened?” she hugged her, but Chelsea slipped out of her arms and ran to the bathroom.

“Miss Austin, come back to work! Miss Taylor, go and tell Miss Parker to come back immediately, or I swear I will fire her in a minute!” the boss thundered from the cash desk.

Melissa nodded and started to walk fast towards the bathroom when Mary stopped her for a second. “Please be gentle with her, she’s really fragile” she looked so concerned that Melissa felt her heart skip a bit.

She nodded with a small smile, before heading to the bathroom.

When she opened the door, she found Chelsea curled up on the floor, arms around her legs and head resting on her knees. Melissa sat in front of her and sighed

“You know, the first time I saw him approaching you from behind, I knew he was a total prick” she said, getting a little snort from the girl.

“Well he can be” Chelsea lifted her head to look Mel in the eyes. Her face was red and her eyes watery, make up streaming down her cheeks.

“We actually were in love, you know?” she continued, containing a sob “I don’t know what happened but something broke between us at some point. And I know I shouldn’t feel this way, but I’m pretty sure it’s my fault” she said as she started sobbing again.

Mel wrapped her arms around her shoulders and lulled her for a bit.

“Chelsea we’re not exactly close friends and I don’t know the background story. All I can say is that a guy who ruins your Friday nights and gets you yelled at by your boss by putting up a scene in the middle of the shop, does not deserve you blaming yourself”

They were now face to face “Look, maybe it’s better this way. Now that you have closure you can move on. And you should not feel guilty about not having feelings for him anymore. It’s sad and hurtful, but people do change and the best thing to do is move on. Don’t cling to the past. It’s not worth it. It won’t come back anyway” Chelsea could have sworn she had seen a shadow pass through Melissa’s eyes, as she put up a small smile.

“Are you always this poetic? I never noticed that before…” she chose to say “But thank you. I really appreciate it”

Melissa smiled back, and they hugged one last time.

“You sure you’re okay? Mary and I can finish your shift, if you want… I heard you had a pretty… uhm… hard night” she joked and Chelsea laughed, blushing at the reference.

“You are a dear, but I think I can handle it” she smiled gratefully.

They headed back in the shop and worked undisturbed till closure.

As she walked through the door of her apartment that evening, Mel felt exhausted. She crashed down on the couch and brought her hands to her temples. She was still a bit shaken by the whole Chelsea and Tom story, but the main thought on her head was John’s lips on her. She was ashamed of how badly she wanted him to call her and how badly she craved for his lips. She blushed, knowing that nobody could hear her thoughts, and it was probably better that way because her imagination was running pretty wildly.

She laid back for a good half hour, smiling by herself like an idiot and feeling a heat spreading around her body when John’s face popped up in her head. The sound of keys in the socket and voices in the corridor startled her and her smile vanished. Brian and Roger entered the apartment talking loudly before realizing the girl was laying on the couch, hands covering her ears and a disapproving look on her face.

“Sorry, sis… what happened to you?” Roger asked curiously.

“Oh nothing, just a rough day” she replied “I’ll take a shower if you guys don’t mind preparing dinner”

“Don’t mind at all, love” Brian said, rubbing his hand on her shoulder when she passed by him.

“So you were saying you think you know him?” Roger asked Brian when the bathroom door closed.

“Yeah mate, I’m sure I’ve met this guy before, but I can’t remember where…”

“He’s pretty good, though, don’t you think?”

“He’s the best one so far, Rog… please don’t do anything to scare him off”

“Why is it always my fault? And when did I ever scare one of them away? If they were shit at playing bass it’s not my fault…”

“Just saying, please be good”

“Alright, I’ll be good” Roger mocked him.

Suddenly the phone rang and Brian reached for it, while Roger went into his room, closing the door.

“Hello?”

“Hi-” the voice on the other side hesitated “is Melissa there?”

Brian was confused “Not at the moment,” he said hesitantly “who’s this?”

“Uhm… I’m a… ehr… friend”

“John? Is that you?” and all of a sudden, everything was clear. Brian knew exactly where he had seen the guy they had just auditioned to be their new bassist.

“Uhm, yes…”

“It’s Brian, from Smile?”

John on the other end of the phone face-palmed. Of course. He had finally decided to call Melissa and who should have answered the phone if not her brother.

“Oh, hi Brian. Sorry, I didn’t recognize your voice” he laughed a little “Could you… ehr… could you please tell Melissa to give me a call?” and he spelled down his number.

Brian could already see her face light up at the news, but he could also picture Roger’s reaction when he would find out their new bassist wanted to shag his little sister. He had the chance to protect the band from useless drama, but what was more important, he could avoid a huge fight between the Taylor siblings. And he knew how those went down. Not a pretty sight.

He didn’t think twice before answering “Sure, mate. See you on Monday at rehearsal” and put down the phone.

He began to wonder whether he had done the right thing, not writing down John’s number, when Mel came out of the bathroom asking who was on the phone.

Brian smiled “They must have had the wrong number”.

Chapters: ⤎ previous | next ⤏

A/N: Hi again! Hope you enjoyed this chapter 💗 we’re gonna tag the lovely people who read, liked and commented the previous chapters. If you want to be tagged in the next one, comment under this one or leave us a message. Our inboxes are always open for you beautiful people

Tag list: @littledarlingwellaway @its-a-metephor-brian  @bohemiandelilah @onevisionliz@misshystericalqueen @loki-lover095 @deakysgurl@inthelapofthe39 @starsoflovingness-wq @minetticatinwonderland@cairdes20 @friendswillbefriendsblog @o-holynight @trash-record-collection @please-stop-me-now @theappleofmybri@marvelsbunch [if your name is crossed out, we couldn’t tag you 😢 please message us, and we’ll sort it out 😘]

PS: We found out the tagging problem is affecting a lot of Tumblr users, so, for now, we rely on you people to spread the news of our story, at least until the whole hashtag deal is sorted out by the @staff. Thanks again,

Cheers, folks! ✌💖

#roger taylor fluff #roger taylor smut #roger taylor x oc #john deacon fluff #john deacon smut #john deacon x oc #John deacon imagine #roger taylor imagine #queen imagine #70squeen #fwbf #friends will be friends #wewillwriteyou #deakyswhitequeen #sweetgcreature #bohemian rhapsody #borhap boys

[thecorteztwins]

Fanfic suggestion: Inhumans let not-so-evil-now Uncle Max babysit Luna, and he ended up to fight against Fabian who tried to kidnap her again

(OOC: Great idea, anon! I hope I did Max’s dialogue here well. I’m tagging @docgold13, @esteicy-blogand @sammysdewysensitiveeyes for Maximus content, hope they enjoy too if they choose to read it!)

The Royal Familywould probably never truly trust Maximus again…but they did, atleast, understand he was loyal to his family. Well, sort of.Basically, no one was allowed to harm them but him. He’d evensacrificed himself for them and their kind before, most recently atthe hands of Vox. He got better, of course. But still, thegesture did not go unrecognized.Thus, in this time ofemergency, during which he could not accompany his fellow Inhumansinto battle because of some complicated reasons, he was entrustedwith watching Luna. Entrusted, of course, with the caveat of apower-inhibiting ankle bracelet. Which was absurd, both because hispowers could not effect Luna in the first place, and because thething would be child’s play to reverse-engineer. But, he decided notto; it would probably behoove him in the future if they went onthinking that THIS was all it took to keep his psychic prowess underliteral lock and key.Luna herself was no trouble. She seemedmildly worried about him, but not to the degree that most childrenwould be of an obviously unstable and proven dangerous man who hadkidnapped her before and tried to kill members of her family. Indeed,she seemed no more upset about it than, oh, say, someone might beabout having to grow up in a soundproof prison or being experimentedon in-utero; sure it sucked sometimes, but in a normal way. Nothingout of the ordinary to object to.Besides, he’d worry abouther intelligence if she WASN’T a wee bit concerned and on thoselittle tippy toes of hers. Of course no one was as smart as he was,but he couldn’t picture anyone related to him being that dumbeither.Well, ok, maybe Gorgon.

Since he was currentlyin a state of grace with his oft-so-suspcious family members, hedecided that he would, for the moment, not disappoint them, andsettled in beside his niece to observe some rather fascinating Earth“cartoons”.At least, he thought it was going to be“cartoons”. That was what she had liked the last time he hadspent any significant time with her. But now she claimed that was“for little kids” and changed the channel to something sheexplained to him as being a “reality show”. It was, in aword, fascinating. The Inhumans had long called him mad, yet he was aparagon of sanity and temperance compared to the wild ilk that rantedand raved upon this program! He did not know what manner of maniacal“reality” that these strange and deranged humans were meant torepresent, but he was HOOKED! And learning so many new words! Like“dtf” and “thot” and “it’s a Jersey thing”!He wasso entranced that he didn’t even notice that Luna actually seemedmuch less interested in this than she had in her cartoon. Indeed, sheactually downright disliked it. But some of the older kids atBraddock Academy had said her favorite shows were for babies, andthis show had been rated “for mature audiences only” in the TVguide…Oh well. Uncle Maximus seemed to like it, and sheconsidered that a good thing. It meant he was kept distracted. Shecould keep an eye on his hands, and on his emotions. Herfamily may have left her with him. But she considered it to be atleast a little the other way around. She was watching him. She wasold enough. She was mature enough. They must think so, right?Shewouldn’t let them down.But she also couldn’t take anotherminute of this show. Luna was not a fan of people shouting and beingangry with each other over stupid misunderstandings. If she wantedthat, she could just look to her own family. Maybe that was why itwas called a “reality” show. “I’m going to make somepopcorn,” she told Uncle Maximus, and got up. He did not respond,nor did his eyes break from the screen as an over-muscled orange manheld back a screeching, half-dressed woman from attacking another.Nor did he at first notice when a screech from the kitchen joinedin.“Luna?” he said, when it cut to commercial at last.“Luna, if you are going to prepare the popped corn, I’d like thekind with the caramel candy coating, sucrose is an essential fuel forthe brain—”And then finally, the screams registered. Ohdear. If the microwave had exploded, primitive beastly human-madething that it was, then surely he, Maximus, master of the machines,genius of all things mechanical, would be blamed! This wasdisastrous! He must swoop to the rescue and prove his worth as thebest of those who sit upon babies!He rushed into the kitchen,skidding comically on the linoleum as he halted before theunexpected—and unwelcome—view of an equally unexpected andunwelcome guest. Fabian Cortez, secondary bane to theAmaquelin-Maximoff union (the primary being Maximus himself, ofcourse, the only one who mattered!) was standing over poor littleLuna, menacing her like the big dunderheaded ginger brute hewas!“Uncle Maximus!” said Luna, “He’s fighting mypower! I don’t know how, but he—”The distraction was allthat Fabian needed to throw off Luna’s abilities entirely; forcinghis way through her control, he clasped a pair of bracers around hertiny wrists. Maximus didn’t need to be a genius, let alone thegreatest mind in all the multiverse like he was, to guess that therewere power-inhibitors, just like his own ankle bracelet.“Ithought you might have developed powers since the last time we met,”said Fabian, “What luck for me—it’s a set that I have muchexperience with. My own sister was a psychic, you see, an empath justlike you. It gave me much practice in resisting such abilities.Maximus can attest, I am not an easy man to manipulatetelepathically; in order to do it himself, he first needed to trickme into boosting his powers. They were not enough on their own.Remember that, Maximus? Not that it would matter now even if you werethe most potent mind on the planet; I cased this situation thoroughlybefore arriving, I know about your little fashion bracelet.”“AndI’m sure it was you who arranged for the rest of the Inhumans to bepreoccupied at the moment,” said Maximus. It was not a question.But Fabian answered it with his smug smile,“Indeed. Youfancy yourself the most clever one around, Maximus; time to show mehow clever you really are,” he drew the struggling Luna to his sidewith one hand, and aimed a very large, very unpleasant-looking gun atMaximus with the other,“…by not getting in my way.Believe me, that would be the smart thing to do.”“Believeyou?” Maximus arched an eyebrow even as he put both his hands up,“Fabian, really now, we both know that’s about the most fatallystupid thing that anyone can do.”“You know what I meant,”Fabian snapped irritably. He wanted to be out of here as fast aspossible. The gun made a very unpleasant sound. Like it might begetting ready to do something even more unpleasant yet.Maximussmiled, “Well, I can tell you’re going to shoot me now. That’sfine. I’ve died before; we both know it doesn’t last. And I can goout delighted knowing all the alarms you’re going to trip. What nastysurprises are in store for you, Lord Cortez! Unfortunately, littleLuna will probably share your fate, given how you’re hauling her withyou like a piece of designer luggage, but personally it’s worth it tome to let you go anyway. No offense, Luna dear, but Ahura was alwaysmy favorite.”“Alarms? Ha!” Fabian scoffed proudly, “Itook them all out on my way in! How else do you think I got herewithout you noticing?”“Oh my, you silly man,” Maximussmirked, “What a fool you are! You are dumb. You are really reallydumb, for real. There aren’t just alarms here to keep you out—thereare alarms to keep ME in. And can you just IMAGINE what they entail?I can. Now, I’m picturing one PARTICULIARLY scrumdiddlyumptiousscenario in my mind that Karnak would have cooked up to stifle mywould-be escape, and how absolutely HILARIOUS it would be happeningto someone lacking Inhuman physiology—like, say, you—so if youplease, shoot me now while this is still my last thought.”Heclosed his eyes, still smiling. And was not surprised at all when,rather than blowing him to bits, he instead felt Fabian’s hand grabaround his wrist.“Nice try, Maximus—but if you want me toshoot you, that tells me that you have something up your sleeve tobackfire on me for exactly that! Maybe you installed some kind offorce shield into your inhibitor? Whatever—you’re my guide now! Youhelp me past these alarms, and in return, you get to live. Thistime.”“Never!” Maximus faked protest, “My loyalty maybe to myself first, Fabian Cortez, but it is still to my familysecond!”“This is loyalty to yourself!” Fabiancountered, “And how loyal have THEY been to you, locking you uponce more?!”“Don’t do it, Uncle Maximus!” sobbed Luna,and then began begging Fabian not to shoot him either. Clever girl,she must have picked up what her wiley old fox of an uncle had inmind and was going along with it. What a splendid little actress!Maximus was proud, she clearly got that from him. “Fine—butsweeten the deal,” he said, “Give me my life AND my freedom. Idon’t want to be here when they get back and find Lunagone.”“Fine,” snorted Fabian, and Maximus didn’t needto be a mind-reader to know full-well that the ginger Judas was justgoing to kill him when he was finished. Or at least, that waswhat he thought.Maximus, of course, had other plans.—“Last one,” said Maximus, cranking the dialthat had been carefully hidden behind the portrait of Agon and Rhyndain the entry hallway. “There. Now, about my reward.”“Indeed,”Fabian cackled, and aimed the gun at Maximus’s face, as expected.Asalso expected, the front door opened at that moment to reveal thefull Inhuman Royal Family and several attendents…all of themlooking very pissed off. Fabian’s jaw dropped, and the gunwas pulled from his hands in an instant by one long lock of Medusa’sendless scarlet hair, while another lock whisked Luna away from hisside and into his mother’s arms. A targeted seismic stomp from Gorgonknocked him off his feet, and a single karate chop from Karnakfinished the job…though sadly not Fabian’s life.Oh well,Maximus reflected, can’t have everything.“Maximus, what’sgoing on?” Crystal asked, stepping forward as Karnak next disabledLuna’s manacles,“We thought YOU had escaped.”“Oh,I know,” Maximus grinned, “See, I knew that you’d doubtlesslyinstalled a bunch of alarms to alert you if I tried to escape…and,more importantly a SECONDARY set of alarms to alert you if I disabledthe first set!”“So you tricked Cortez into making youdisable the first set…thus setting off the second set, ensuring wewould come to the rescue,” Karnak said, putting it together. Lunaconfirmed this, relaying all that she had seen. Oddly, she lookedconfused when Maximus thanked her for her participation in theruse!“So….can I have this off now?” he stuck out hisfoot and pointed to the ankle bracelet. Again, he could disable ithimself…but he wanted to see what they said.

Alas, Black Bolt’sface said it all.Maximus crossed her arms, pouted, and usedhis newfound human lingo,“Thot.”

#fic #writing #maximus fic #Anonymous

[thesunglassesgamer]

The Talk, part 12

Hello everyone. Thanks for waiting so long. I have good news. From now on, the waits are going to be significantly shorter. I’m going to start updating this fic every other weekend, while updating There For You on the other weekends. I don’t have band anymore so there’s no excuse.

For this chapter, I wanted to round off the nighttime activities of the group and prepare for the next chapter to have some action. It also helps move the story along, as it reintroduces Toffee and his plans. For a Sunday night update, I’m fairly happy with it. I hope you enjoy, and see you on the 17th!

Please like, comment and repub, thank you.

Marco looked up the stairs that led to the second floor of his house and, eventually, to his bedroom. He sighed. Normally he wasn’t one to complain about the trivial chore of walking up a single flight of stairs, but it had been a long day. His feet ached and groaned on each step, begging him to stop. He ignored them, reminding himself through the pain that it would all be worth it when he finally got into his nice, warm, inviting bed. By the time he had reached his bedroom door, his fantasies of sleep and comfort seemed just inches away and he quickly opened his door…

…to find Toffee, immaculately dressed from head to toe in his Italian suit, sitting quietly on his bed.

Before Marco’s addled brain could process what was in front of him, Toffee’s hands shot up, one pointed at Marco in the gesture of a hand gun, then other putting a single finger on his lips. He made a light shushing noise and indicated for Marco to enter the room. Marco’s eyes had gone wide with shock and panic, but he put his hands up and went into his bedroom. He closed the door behind him with a small kick of the heel of his foot. Toffee smiled and lowered the hand pointed at Marco to make a swishing gesture and utter a short, indecipherable phrase under his breath. His hand glowed for a second, and suddenly the walls of the room, ceiling, floor, and the door Marco had just shut were covered with a sticky green substance. It smelled of tar and dead rodents.

“Wonderful,” Toffee exhaled, the smile on his face finally spreading to his eyes. He spoke in his detached business voice, but there was a hint of satisfaction lingering in it. “Now we won’t be interrupted by any distractions or 14-year-old boys screaming at the top of their lungs for help.”

Marco scowled at him. “Listen, Toffee,” his voice lacked the normal bravado that he usually tried to muster up when dealing with villainous types and monsters, “I’ve had a long day. Like, a really, really, REALLY long day.” He made a swirling motion with one of his fingers. “Can we wrap this up till tomorrow morning? Just this once?”

Toffee’s smile broadened. “But Marco, it is tomorrow morning.”

Marco closed his eyes and let out a deep groan of one part misery to two parts annoyance. “What do you want?”

Toffee maintained his absurd grin, though Marco noticed that it seemed to have tightened up a smidge. “Revenge.”

The word rolled off his tongue as if it tasted of vinegar. Marco’s adrenaline kicked in to high gear and his fatigue was replaced with the animalistic instincts of flight-or-fight. His heart started pacing and his pupils dilated. Toffee frowned at Marco, then shook his head dismissively. “No, no, you misunderstand. I have no quarrel with you, boy. You are but a pawn in this matter.” His eyes opened and Marco saw the fire burning within them, hate boiling just below the surface. “The Butterfly family has wronged me greatly, and I intend to repay the favor.”

Marco nearly gulped, but he regained control of himself and held his ground. Toffee’s promise that Marco wasn’t the target of Toffee’s wrath didn’t abate his fear; It only transformed it from a fear for his own life into that for Star’s and her family’s lives. Star was his best friend, and he both knew and respected, if not liked, her parents. The rage that Marco saw in Toffee’s eyes and his experiences with him when he’d been kidnapped screamed at him that Toffee was going to kill the Mewni royalty, if not hurt them in some other horrific way. That by itself was bad enough. And Toffee was still in the room with him. A locked room controlled by Toffee’s magic, which he now apparently had control over. For all Marco knew, Toffee could be lying and wanted to finish what he had started months ago. Or he was going to be collateral damage. Either way, he was most likely in extreme danger. That danger both frightened him and enraged him. It took him a moment to calm himself and stop from either making a run at either the door or Toffee himself.

What can I do to stop him? He thought furiously. Nothing, probably. Toffee was miles out of his league. Alright then. What can I do to slow him down? Talk to him? It might work. Toffee had never seemed like the chatterbox type, but tonight he had spent a great deal of time talking, and they hadn’t even gotten down to the specific reason he was in Marco’s room. Maybe if Marco got him talking and kept him talking, Star or Elizabeth or his parents or anyone might notice that his light was still on and decide to investigate. It was a long shot, but it was the only route he had. He swallowed his fear and rage to make the best poker face he could before saying:

“Wha- what did they do to you?” His voice came out a lot harsher and he stuttered a lot. So much for swallowing his emotions.

Toffee eyed Marco for a long 3-count. He lifted up right hand, the one missing a finger. “Do you know what sort of monster I am?”

“A butt ugly one.”

Hey, Marco mused to himself, he’d asked.

Toffee ignored the comment, the skilled teacher working with a distracted and disobedient pupil. “I am a Septarian. Lizard-folk. And as with all my brothers and sisters, uncles and aunts, cousins and even more distant relatives, I have a very special ability.” He took his left arm in his right hand and, smiling while he did it, broke it at a ninety degree angle. His smile didn’t waver nor his eyes look away from Marco while he did it. Marco grimaced at the sound and had to work very hard to not look away. He had a pretty good idea of what was going to happen next, but Toffee seemed to take some sick, depraved satisfaction in watching Marco become uncomfortable during the process. Creep.

As Marco had predicted, the arm began to sew itself back together. Bone, muscle, tendons and skin resewn themselves back together, restoring the arm and seemingly making it stronger during the process. “Regeneration,” Toffee mused. “Cuts, bruises, burns, explosions, magic- none of it can kill me. My body rebuilds itself, becoming stronger, faster, smarter. It has no limits on how often it can undo the stresses that normal bodies succumb to. I am, in many ways, immortal.”

Marco stared at him for a while, getting it. He pointed to the maimed, imperfect hand. “Except, you aren’t. Someone beat your defenses. They beat you.”

Toffee’s face didn’t change, but the injured hand tightened up into a ball. “Moon. A short time after I had killed her mother in order to send a message, she… retaliated. I don’t know how she did it. All I know is that it involved black magic that corrupted her hand.” He closed his eyes for a moment, his hand trembling.

Hot anger started to build in Marco. “You killed Star’s grandmother and you think you’re the one getting revenge? Sounds like you got what was coming to you.”

Toffee’s eyes opened, flat, staring daggers at the impudent teenager before him. “My people live in filth, poverty, starvation. They are forced to turn to petty crimes and working for imbeciles like Ludo just to scrape by. They are all treated as criminals and outcasts, and while many of them have been forced to make hard choices under the circumstances, many others have tried to stay pure despite the undeserved hate they have received.” His voice was coated with murderous hate and bitterness. “Justify that.”

Marco didn’t flinch. “I was always more of a MLK fan than Malcolm X.”

Toffee blinked. Marco stared at him for a couple seconds before slapping himself in the face. “Uh, right. Foreigner. What I mean is, Peace before War.”

“Too late,” Toffee argued. “It has been hundreds of years, thousands. Mewni is too stuck in it’s ways. And peace would not allow for the Butterfly’s to pay for what they have done. I am not the only one who has spilt blood in this conflict.”

Marco was about to fire back at him, but Toffee raised his engraved hand in a stopping gesture. He frowned at Marco, then rubbed his eyes with his free hand. “All this talking…” he muttered darkly. “Must be a side effect of overtaking Ludo.”

Marco’s face went white. He hadn’t loved the little bird brain, far from it, but… overtaken? The little guy was usually harmless, much like a child. He didn’t deserve to have been destroyed by Toffee. “What do you mean, overtaking Ludo?”

Toffee shook his head, apparently clearing his thoughts. “That’s not relevant. What is relevant is why I’m in your room right now.”

Marco stared at Toffee, refusing to give him the straight line. His plan to stall for time had, well, run out of time. No one was coming. He was screwed.

Toffee stared back, then shrugged. “Well, if you won’t ask, then I might as well just get it over with.” His hand began to glow a dark, swampish green. “Can you photosynthesize, Marco?”

Marco blinked and, before he could stop himself, shook his head.

Toffee smiled. It was filled with venom. “Really? Because you look quite like a plant to me.”

#starco #star vs evil #star vs the forces of evil #this is awkward #comes out just after the last chapter #oh well

[berjhawn]

Bucky Barnes X Reader - I Don’t Need You

Warnings: Angst, lies, fighting, misunderstandings, heartbreak, ETC

Pairings: Bucky Barnes X Reader

(A/N) This is a one-shot i had playing around in my head. It’s angsty since that’s the mood i was in when i wrote it. I hope you all enjoy it. 

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

One sentence… just one little sentence was enough to bring my whole happy world crashing down. I had been working at Stark Tower as a liaison between Pepper and the UN, when I was reassigned to ‘Bucky’ duty by Captain America himself. When Bucky first arrived, he was a little unstable and prone to panic attacks, all of which I was able to bring him down from using different methods. As my mission, so to speak, progressed; as did my relationship with Bucky.

At first the two of us were always together. I don’t know whether that was Steve’s plan from the beginning, putting two emotionally unstable individuals together or not, all I know is that it worked. I fell and I fell hard for Bucky. He was broken and damaged just as I was. I hadn’t grown up in the best of circumstances, hell I spent my childhood begging for food in the center of town, but after a kind old man took me in and put me through school and College; I made it my mission to help others.

Hence, I joined the UN, or the United Nations. I graduated top of my class and became a government liaison. That was many years ago, now. I’ve been a liaison for many different superheroes, starting with Reed Richards and then of course ending with Tony Stark. My job was simple, be the go between for both and keep the chaos to a minimum. Also, I was there to report on any and all tests and secrets.

Anyway, I’m getting off track. Like I said Bucky and I were constantly together, we spent every waking moment near each other. It was inevitable for me to fall for him. It happened about three weeks ago, Steve thought it would be a good idea for Bucky and I to take a day and go to Coney Island. Perhaps it might rekindle some of Bucky’s memories that hadn’t come back yet. So, we went and at first it was magical.

 We were having a great time. That was until I said something I shouldn’t have. I was so stupid, I got caught up in the moment and in the spur of it I told him I loved him. His eyes, he looked at me like I had betrayed him. I froze. I didn’t know what to do. It was just like when I was a kid and my mother abandoned me. He didn’t say anything. Like he was avoiding my confession so I decided to take him back to Steve.

The rest of the way back to Avengers tower we rode in silence. My heart was breaking and I just wanted to get him back safely and then I would decide what I was going to do from there. When we arrived, after I climbed out of the cab he grabbed my hand and said, ‘I don’t need you anymore, today proves I can do just fine by myself.’ I froze in my footsteps as he releases my hand and walks into the tower. I couldn’t breathe. My heart was crushed. Tears stung my eyes but I wasn’t about to cry.

 Flashbacks to my childhood filled my mind. Abusive words slung at me from every direction covered me making me lose all the confidence I had gained over the past few years. I was broken. I don’t remember how I got home or even how I didn’t end up dead in a ditch somewhere. All I remember was waking up the next morning and returning to my original job as Miss Potts assistant. I didn’t try to avoid him, I didn’t make things awkward, I was just being professional. Everything was fine. Even though the very sight of him made my heart hurt I had to be professional.

 Then it happened. I saw him with another girl. He was smiling a smile I had never seen before. It crushed me. That was when I decided to leave. I put in my resignation letter with Miss Potts, packed my bags, sold my apartment, and headed back to Paris. I traded in my field work for a desk job. I didn’t want to get attached to anyone ever again.

 “And that’s why I’m here.” I say as I look across the room to the Shrink my supervisors requested I go to. The middle-aged woman had her hair pulled tightly back in a bun, and she wore a gray pinstriped pants suit. This was the last place I wanted to be.

 “(Name), I’ve read the reports you wrote about your time at the Avengers tower; It seems like you had many friends you could have turned too, so why did you leave without notifying anyone other than Miss Potts?” She asks as she pulls her glasses from her face.

 “Miss Potts was my boss; it’s only fitting I tell her I was leaving.”

 “And this Bucky individual you mentioned, you didn’t feel the need to tell him you were leaving?” She asks and my heart clenches.

 “No ma’am, I figured it was best that I break off contact without delay. That is also why I decided to stay here in Paris. I’m finished with field work.”

 “You do realize it’s your superiors who want me to clear you for the field do you not?”

 “I do ma’am, but I wish to remain at my desk.”

 “I understand your reasons, I will go through my notes and let them know what I think.”

 “Thank you,” I say forcing my business smile.

 “That is all the time we have for today, I will see you again next week at the same time.”

 “Yes ma’am.” I say as I stand and grabbing my coat and purse head for the door. I was not happy. Leaving the therapists office, I step out into the cold winter air and let out a heavy sigh. I hated shrinks, I never believed they worked and I hated the fact that I was to tell a complete stranger about my tortured past. As the cold wind blows I take a deep breath and wince as the cold air fills my lungs. It burned but that was just proof that I was alive.

 Turning I decide to take the long way home and walk past Notre Dame. It was my favorite place in the whole world. When I was begging for food I used to go there. The Archbishop and Deacons used to slip me whatever food they could and then on extremely cold nights they would allow me to sleep inside the cathedral. It was the first act of kindness anyone had ever shown me. I smile at the people as I pass by them.

 As the church comes into view I remember Philippe, the old man who took me in off the streets. He was a baker, every morning he would wake up early to start preparing the dough. I loved smelling the smell of bread baking. Bread baking was my favorite smell in the whole world. Although he passed away right after I graduated college he left his bakery in the hands of his workers.

 Rounding the corner, I spot a familiar face and I smile as I rush over to the flower woman. “Bonjour Marie,” I call out to the redhead as I reach into my purse to pull out some money for her beautiful yellow Roses.

 “Ah Bonjour (Name), Je ne vous ai pas vu depuis des années. Comment allez-vous?” (I haven’t seen you in years. How are you?) She replies a bright smile covering her withered face.

 “J'ai eu un peu de malchance en amour mais à part ça je l'ai bien été.” (I've had a bit of bad luck in love but other than that I’ve been well.) I reply holding the blooming petals up to my nose.

 “Eh bien, je ne vais pas édulcorer et dire que vous allez rencontrer quelqu'un savait. Est-ce que vous aimez cet homme?” (Well I’m not going to sugar coat it and say that you'll meet someone knew. Did you love this man?) She asks and I feel tears sting my eyes as I think of him.

 “Oui je l'ai fait.” (Yes, I did.)

 “L'amour fait mal. Voilà comment vous savez qu'il était réel.” (Love hurts. That's how you know it was real.) She replies and I nod.

 “Eh bien, je serai hors tension. Merci Marie pour la belle rose.” (Well I'll be off. Thank you, Marie, for the lovely rose.) I say as I start to walk toward the bridge. She waves me off with a smile and I grip tightly to my little bouquet as I slowly walk across the Pont au Double bridge. I take one last glance toward the church and smile softly before I turn back and continue my walk home.

 Walking into my apartment, I am greeted by the familiar face of a one Steve Rogers and I freeze in my footsteps. “Mr. Rogers? Um, what are you doing in my apartment?” I ask a knot welling up inside my throat.

 “Pepper told me you resigned. I have to admit I was a little surprised that you didn’t say goodbye.” He says a sad smile covering his lips.

 “I apologize; I admit I wasn’t thinking rationally when I left.” I reply as I close my door and setting my purse and roses down start to pull my coat off.

 “Don’t apologize. I’m sure you had every reason to do what you did.” He says and I nod as I hang my coat on the hook and grab the roses.

 “Um, would you like something to drink?” I ask as I walk past him to the kitchen to find a vase.

 “Ah yes, a water would be nice.” He replies as he follows after me.

 “Water it is.” I say as I set my roses down on the counter and grab a glass. Reaching into the fridge I grab a bottle of water and twisting the cap off pour it into the cup. Handing it too him I turn back and reach for a pair of scissors to cut the stems of my rose. “So how is everything?” I ask making small talk as I gently arrange the roses in an antique blue glass vase.

 “Well the towers still standing if that’s what you mean.” He jokes and I chuckle.

 “I guess that’s a good thing then.” I reply setting the vase on my kitchen table. “How long are you going to be in Paris?”

 “A few days,” He replies and I nod.

 “Are you alone, or did the rest of the team come?” I ask dreading his answer. I was not ready to see Bucky. I wanted to be alone.

 “Tony, Natasha, Pepper, Sam and I came.” He says and I let out a sigh of relief that wasn’t visible on my face.

 “You’ll have to tell them I said hi,” I comment smiling softly at him.

 “I will, we’ll have to have dinner together.” He offers and I tense.

 “I’ll have to check my schedule, but that would be nice.” I reply as I move from the kitchen to the front room. “Would you like to sit down?” I ask as I motion to the couch.

 “Ah yeah sure,” He replies sitting down across from me.

 “Is it just me or does it seem really awkward?” I ask smiling.

 “So, it’s not just me.” He replies and I smile.

 “There’s no need to be on your toes around me, please just be yourself.���

 “Thank you. Sorry it’s just,” He pauses as he rubs his fingers along the smooth glass, “Been a hectic few weeks.”

 “Again, I’m sorry I didn’t say anything about me leaving. I just needed,” I pause as I clasp my hands together. “I missed my home. I grew up in Paris you know?”

 “I remember you saying something about it before. I got your address from the UN. I hope you don’t mind.”

 “Although I am a little surprised to find you inside my apartment,” I giggle making him laugh before I continue, “It’s a nice surprise though, so thank you.” 

 “No problem. If I’m being honest, I missed you.” He says and I feel my heart lighten a bit.

 “I missed you too Steve.” I reply honestly as I smile at him.

 We spent the next few hours talking and reminiscing about old times which was nice. I hadn’t lied, I had missed Steve. Truth be told I had missed them all, but I just wasn’t ready to see them. Steve was enough. As the hours passed I glanced up to the clock to see that it was almost nine and my eyes widen. “Oh my, I didn’t realize it was this late. Um do you know your way back? Should I call you a cab, or if you’d like I have a guest room?”

 “Oh um, I think I can find my way back. It’s not that I don’t want to take you up on your offer but I just think, you know,”

 “Right, It’s completely understandable.”

 “Um how about lunch tomorrow?” He asks as he stands up and walks toward the door.

 “Uh yeah, sure, why not? Um, my lunch breaks at one. There’s a little Bistro I like to frequent for lunch called La rose floraison. They have the most amazing food there.”

 “Then I’ll see you tomorrow at one.” He says grabbing his coat and pulling it on.

 “I’m looking forward to it. Goodnight Steve,” I say giving him a soft smile.

 “Goodnight (Name),” He says returning my smile before he heads off down the hall. As soon as he heads down the stairs I close the door and let out the heavy sigh I had been holding all night long. I lean my back against the door as I slowly slide down the door onto the floor.  What was I to do now? If Steve knew I was here, then it wouldn’t be long until the rest of the team knew. Not that Bucky would come even if he knew.

 The recollection of his name sent a shiver down my spine. My heart tightens in my chest and I take a deep breath to keep from crying. I look over at the clock and watch as the time slowly ticks by. There was no way I was going to get any sleep tonight. Not with my mind full of the past. Clearing my throat, I push myself up off the floor and grabbing my cell phone head to my room. Sitting down on the bed I reach over and opening my nightstand drawer I take out my sleeping pills.

 I set my alarm and plug in my cell phone before I twist the cap of my pills and pulling two out slip them in my mouth. I swallow them down dryly before I lay down on top of the blankets. It was definitely cold outside and it was slightly drafty in my little apartment but I didn’t care. I wanted the cold. I needed to feel numb. As I close my eyes I slowly slip into an all too familiar nightmare.

 Bucky’s POV

~Going back~

“What do you mean she’s gone?” Bucky yells out in confusion before running past his friend and up to her room. She couldn’t be gone. Why would she leave? His mind drifts back to the day they had gone to Coney Island and her sudden confession and his heart clenches. It was true that he had rejected her but it was for her own good. He couldn’t love her the way she deserved to be loved. Granted he had rejected her rather roughly but she had been acting just fine since then.

Throwing her bedroom door opened he found all her belongings gone. No trace of her was left. “(Name)!” He yells out as he runs throughout her entire floor in search of her. He feels his heart start to clench and its pace quickens. “No, no, no. (Name)!” He yells again his adrenaline kicking in. Unable to control his body he grabs the closest thing to him and throws it against the wall. He reaches for the next thing-                                        

“Bucky calm down!” Steve yells as he reaches out and tries to restrain Bucky who is thrashing around wildly.

“Where is she Steve? Where did she go?” Bucky cries out pain lacing his voice. 

“I don’t know Buck; all I know is she turned in her resignation and left. Even Pepper doesn’t know where she is.”

“It’s all my fault?” Bucky says his body stilling.

“What? Why? How is it your fault?” Steve asks confusion filling his voice.

“It just is okay,” Bucky snaps causing Steve to narrow his eyes at his friend.

“What exactly happened between the two of you Buck? I noticed she was acting strange but I didn’t think it had anything to do with you.”

“That day, the day you sent us to Coney Island; everything was perfect. She was beautiful with the sunlight in her hair and a happy smile on her lips. Then when we were about to get on the cyclone she told me,” He pauses as he narrows his eyebrows. “She told me she was in love with me.”

“Really? Buck that’s great.”

“I rejected her.” Bucky interjects making Steve stare wide eyed at his friend.

“What exactly did you say to her Bucky?” Steve inquires in a serious tone.

“I panicked. At first, I didn’t say anything. Right after that we climbed into a cab and came back here. Then when we got out of the cab I stopped her and,” He pauses as tears start to fill his eyes.

“And?” Steve presses his friend for more information.

“I told her that I didn’t need her anymore. That that day was a test that I passed and I could live normally without her.”

“Jesus Bucky, what were you thinking?” Steve chastises his friend as he runs a hand down his face.

“I wanted her to find someone else. Someone better than me. I’m broken and I’ve done a lot of bad in my life. I didn’t want to hurt her but I didn’t want to see her get hurt because of me either. My brain picked the easier of the two. I didn’t think she’d actually leave though. She acted normally after that day, I just figured she decided to stay friends.”

“Buck, you may have wanted to keep her from getting hurt; but in reality, you hurt her more than anyone else ever could.” Steve shakes his head. He knows this isn’t going to help his friend but Bucky needed to know the truth.

“But why did she wait so long to leave then? Why didn’t she leave the next day?” Bucky asks his eyes full of curiosity and pain.

“Did something happen recently?”

“No,” Bucky shakes his head. “We have barely talked since that day.”

“I’m sorry Buck, but I think it’s safe to say that she’s not coming back.” Steve says blatantly and Bucky nods.

“It’s all my fault.”

“Come on Buck, let’s get you something to drink and maybe go for a run to clear your mind.”

“Please just leave me Steve. I wanna be alone.” Bucky replies his eyes growing cold.

“Are you sure?” Steve asks as he places a hand on his friend’s shoulder.

“Yeah,” Bucky says his voice cracking. “Just leave me alone.”

~Today~

Bucky stares at the building that held her apartment with mixed emotions. He wanted to rush up the stairs to her. Tell her he had been wrong and all he ever wanted was for her to come back but he couldn’t find the nerve. Gulping down a breath of air he stares up at the window Steve said was hers, his entire body crying out for him to run to her but he held himself back. The light was still on and at times he could see her silhouette against the curtains.

He wanted to see more. He wanted to hold her in his arms and tell her he was sorry. Steve had been up there for a while talking with her and he had said that she seemed a little awkward and nervous. Steve hadn’t mentioned that he was in town and that gave him the element of surprise. Steve had made a date with her to have lunch tomorrow and as a surprise he would be there instead of Steve.

There was no doubt she would be upset and a little betrayed but he needed to talk to her. He needed to see her, to tell her that the words he had told her had haunted his every waking moment. She would probably reject him but it was a chance he was willing to take. As the lights of her apartment turn off he takes a deep breath and turning heads back to his hotel room where he would sleep tonight for the upcoming battle tomorrow.

Reader’s POV

I stare at the blank screen before me. My mind wasn’t able to focus on anything work related at all. “(Name), I needed those files regarding the Wakandan royal family on my desk five minutes ago!” My boss Michael Ross yells out bringing me from my stupor.

“Oh!” I exclaim as I look down at the open file showing a picture of the young prince of Wakanda. “I’m sorry Mr. Ross, I have it right here.” I say as I quickly close the file and hand it over to him.

“What’s with you today? You were doing so well.” He asks his deep brown eyes filled with worry.

“Just didn’t get enough sleep last night. I’m sorry, it won’t happen again.” I say straightening my back and putting my best businesslike face on.

“Okay, if you need an ear to listen to your troubles, my door’s always open.” He says with a quick wave before he started off back to his office. When his door closes, I let out a sigh of relief before I lean back against my chair my head falling back so I could stare at the ceiling. Damn Steve for showing up and causing my mind to be so muddled. Speaking of Steve. I look at the clock to see that it was almost time for me to go on my lunch break and contemplate sending him a message. I grab my phone only to realize that I had deleted his cell number when I came back to Paris.

“Just my luck.” I groan out as I toss my phone onto my desk and pinch the bridge of my nose. No turning back now. Pulling my cac-card from the reader I place it inside my wallet and standing up I grab my phone and shoving it back into my purse grab my coat. Rolling my shoulders, I slide my chair up to my desk and turning head for the elevator. I give Michael a quick wave signaling that I was leaving for lunch and he nodded.

He gives me a head nod in return as he is on his phone before I climb into the elevator and hit the lobby button. I watch the numbers slowly count down as I try to think about what I was walking into. I thought about somehow running away and hiding but now that they knew I was here that wouldn’t work. Letting out a heavy sigh I hail a cab. When one stops I quickly climb inside and telling him the address fold my hands over my lap and let out a heavy sigh.

It took no time at all to make it to the little café. I hand the cabbie the money I owed before I climb out of the cab and taking a deep breath I head inside. I smile softly as I am greeted by the familiar host who quickly leads me to a table where I could wait for Steve. I order a water as I pull my cell phone out of my purse and start to fiddle with it. A few seconds later I see someone walk up to me out of the corner of my eyes and thinking it to be Steve I fake a smile and look up only to stare wide eyed at the last person I ever wanted to see again. “Bucky…”

“Hey (Name), mind if I sit?” He asks his icy eyes pleading with me. My heart starts to race and my palms grow sweaty as he sits down across from me.

“I thought I was meeting Steve.” I say in disbelief as I stare across the table at him.

“Sorry about that, Steve asked you here for me.” Bucky replies as he leans his elbows on the table.

“Why?” I ask as my throat tries to close up.

“Because I wanted to see you.”

“Why?”

“Because I miss you.”

“Why?” I ask again not getting where he was going with this. Why did he miss me? He was the one who told me to go.

“Because…” He pauses his eyes finding mine as they fill with a silent plea.

“Sargent, I have a very busy schedule. I’m sorry but I need to get back. Tell Steve not to contact me again.” I say as I grab my purse and tossing down some money stand up and leave.

“(Name) wait.” Bucky calls out as he follows after me. I ignore him as I continue on down the street headed anywhere but there. “(Name)! Stop!” Bucky yells out angrily making me stop in my tracks and turn back to him. He gulps down a breath of air as he closes the distance between the two of us and before I have a chance to think crashes his lips against mine. At first I fight against him trying my hardest to push him away so I could keep my sanity but just like before I found I couldn’t.

I grip tighter to his coat as his hands cup both sides of my face holding my lips to his. Tears fill my eyes as I with one last surge of sanity push him away. As he stumbles away from me I feel my hand move on its own as it collides with the side of his face. “Why?”

“Why what?” HE asks making me try to choke back sobs.

“Why now? Why did you kiss me? What do you want from me Barnes?” I question as I try not to burst out in tears. “You told me to leave so I did. What more do you want? How much more will you hurt me?”

“I didn’t mean to hurt you.” He says a pained expression filling his face. “I told you I didn’t need you cause I didn’t want to place you in danger. No matter what I do I will always have bad people after me and I didn’t want to put you through that. I couldn’t see you hurt.”

“Well you failed there, you hurt me more than anyone else ever could.”

“Then why did you stay after I told you to leave? Why did you take so long to leave?”

“Because I saw you.”

“You saw me what?”

“I saw you with another girl,” I answer and he cocks his head in confusion. “You wore a smile I never saw before. You looked happy with her and it broke my heart. I left because I knew you would never look at me like that. I couldn’t stay and watch the man I loved love someone else. I left to get over you. Why won’t you let me do that?”

“Because I love you (Name).” He replies taking me aback.

“You… you love me?” I ask as I start to take a few steps backwards away from him. “It’s not true, you don’t do that to someone you love.”

“It’s true (Name),” He answers as he clenches his jaw. “When I found out you were gone, I lost it. I went crazy. I wanted you to find someone else who was better that I am; but I never expected you to disappear. I never wanted that.”

“Then what did you expect me to do? Flaunt whoever I met in front of you? I couldn’t do that, no matter how upset I was.”

“The more I thought about it while I sat in your old apartment sulking,” He starts as he closes the distance between the two of us. “The more I realized how much I hate the thought of you being with someone else. It would kill me to have to stand by and watch you be happy with someone else no matter how much better they would be for you. I couldn’t do it. I realized then how much I love you (Name). I really and truly love you.”

“What am I supposed to say?” I ask tears silently falling from my eyes.

“Whatever you want. You can tell me to go to hell, to never see you again; hell, you can tell me to eat shit and die and I will.” He adds making me chuckle slightly at his words. “But if there is even the slightest bit of a chance that you can forgive me, and give me a second chance, the please tell me now.” I contemplate all the emotions and feelings running through my body as I stare up into his handsome face. I wanted nothing more than to tell him I loved him and that I wanted to be with him but what if it wasn’t enough. What if all this was, was just smoke and mirrors? It would probably kill me.

I take a deep breath fully intending to tell him no when I hear myself say, “I love you James Barnes.” He smiles and goes to hold me but I hold my had up stopping him in his tracks, “But I’m scared that this is all just…”

“It’s not what you think (Name) I really and truly love you. I will gladly spend the rest of my life proving it to you. If you’ll let me.” He says as his hands reach up to rest on my shoulders. I stare at him for a moment my eyes searching his for any hint that he might be untrue but there is none. Giving him a hopeful smile I wrap my arms around his waist and hold tight to him. “You better not be lying Barnes.” He kisses the top of my head as he gently smoothes my hair back.

“I promise (Name), I’ll always be here for you; and I’ll say it as much as I can. I love you.”

“I love you too James Buchanan Barnes.” 

LATER

“I swear you are never allowed to leave the tower again.” Tony says as he sets a glass of whiskey down in front of you.

“Oh really? Why?” I ask a smile covering my lips as I hold tight to Bucky’s hand.

“Because Frosty here is annoying when he’s sulking. I almost tossed him back into Cryo to lighten the mood around here.”

“HEY!” Bucky argues making me laugh at the two of them as I look around at all our friends. Bucky grips tighter to my hand and I smile lovingly at him as I think to myself that I couldn’t be happier.

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