#mini spectre

[robocops-a-christ-allegory]

Tragic news Jim Corrigan was not homophobic in the new Alan Scott: Green Lantern. Devastating. I really liked it however obviously

GOOD STUFF!

#Yeah Ill be real I was really hoping they werent gonna go the 'god loves everyone!' route with Spectre but its literally fine #Its literally fine its nice its sweet. I really like that they hugged #Very funny Spectre is way less evil then usual in this #I also might actually start reading this mini now I did just look at this issue only but this seems pretty good.

[smokedanced]

@anderwhohn said: [ wall ] your muse pinning mine against a wall. //for Garrus from Nihlus (your choice of au/verse)

𝐕𝐈𝐎𝐋𝐄𝐍𝐓 𝐌𝐔𝐒𝐄 𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐂𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍 𝐏𝐑𝐎𝐌𝐏𝐓𝐒    /    ACCEPTING ↷

Garrus  growls in a warning  as the older turian grabs him, but doesn’t shove him back, not yet  ⸺  he has his piece to say and he’s going to get his message across.    ❝ You can be  mad about it  all you want, but I knew what I was doing. A thank you would be nice. ❞    Oh, he knows he’s not getting a thank you.

❝ You’re not the only Spectre on this mission  ⸺  just because I’m newer  ⸺  I wouldn’t have to go behind your back if you just listened to me! ❞    & he does shove Nihlus now, with enough force to wrangle himself out of his grasp.

They’re never going to catch Saren if they keep jumping at each other’s throats like this, but he’s had it with unquestioningly taking orders. It’s giving him unpleasant memories of how angry he used to grow, working for C-Sec, back before Saren had picked him for a Spectre candidate. Garrus never liked Saren, but at the very least, he learned from him. And Nihlus... Nihlus keeps treating him as if he were his subordinate, not his equal. He understands it, when they’re on board the Alliance vessel; somebody’s got to be in command, that’s fine. But when it comes to the stuff that matters... & hasn’t Garrus proven himself? He’s gone behind Nihlus’s back, yes, but doesn’t the outcome prove him right? He hasn’t messed anything up, he’s made it better. No one got hurt, they got what they went down for. Even if he... had to improvise, a little.

#anderwhohn #well i think you two should bLOW OFF SOME STEAM #test your reach and flexibility... #also: no i got no clue what he did #trying to get a hold of his portrayal if he were trained by saren... #clearly he would've had some effect #kinda feels like a baby-shoes archangel vibe? #it's not like saren can turn him -gestures- mini saren but #-inputs some renegade in there- #; garrus vakarian ❪ muse. ❫ #; garrus vakarian ❪ verse / spectre. ❫ #oh. so i went with the 'saren trained them both' verse as you probably noticed. XD #; anderwhohn / nihlus & garrus / 001 #q.

[wren-of-the-woods]

WIP Wednesday

It is very much not Wendesday and I was tagged a while ago but I’m finally doing this! Many thanks to the lovely @wanderlust-t for tagging me <333

Rules: post a snippet of whatever you’re currently working on, no more than 300 words, and tag five other writers.

It happened, as so many earth-shattering revelations did, when Jaskier was in the middle of telling a stupid story. 

This particular story was one of his best: a tale of a misadventure from his university days which involved a sack of potatoes, a badminton racket, and an extremely disgruntled duck. Jaskier had just got to the most ridiculous part and was putting his whole heart into the performance, gesturing enthusiastically and even going so far as to act out the scene with a pinecone standing in for the duck. He did a dramatic version of the professor’s shocked screeching, of his own horrified delight, and then—

And then Geralt laughed. 

Geralt laughed, long and loud and happy, and it was the most beautiful thing Jaskier had ever heard. Nothing he would ever compose could compare to this moment, to the unhidden happiness on Geralt’s face and the sound of his voice. Geralt was laughing. Jaskier had made him laugh. Before the moment was even over, Jaskier knew that he would do anything to hear that sound again.

“You’re beautiful,” he whispered under his breath, abandoning the story for the moment, and Geralt must have somehow heard him because the expression on his face, startled and almost awed, was even more gorgeous than before. 

Oh. Oh, shit. Jaskier was in love.

Jaskier was in love with a ghost. 

Well. That was awkward. That could very easily become a problem, or at least a good way to break his own heart. 

Jaskier thought he might be all right with getting his heart broken, though, if the reason for it was so very beautiful. 

Tagging @seidenbros @karolincki @ghostinthelibrarywrites @penandinkprincess @yellow-feathered-faerie and anyone else who wants to give it a go! <3

#this snippet will need some editing but i like it a lot so here you go :D #it's from my fic for the jaskier mini bang which i am SO excited to finally be able to talk about #it's called a song to soothe the spectre's soul #and i've been working on it for weeks #very excited for when i eventually finish it and can share it with y'all!!! #wren talks #wanderlust-t #tag games #a song to soothe the spectre's soul

[babocka]

Tag drop: General. Some of these may be subject to change, but for now, pretty happy!

#[ ooc. ] i'm gonna go paint the wall. i have to finish fifteen walls today. sigh. #[ ic. ] we tell them “things will be better tomorrow.” everyone knows it's a lie; but it gets them to sleep with some hope. #[ answered: ooc. ] pfft no way; telepathy ain't real! ... wait a minute. you're not actually trying to read my mind; are you? #[ answered: ic. ] that's not the only thing you won't have heard of down here; princess. #[ psa. ] even if you've completely forgotten our promise. then i'll just have to knock you out and bring you back myself! #[ saved. ] unlike you; my memories from when i was little are crystal clear. #[ prompts / memes. ] fine. i'll play along. but it's only because i'm not busy today. #[ crack. ] If any disagreement arises between us. i don't care if we're fighting or arguing. you must come confront me in person. #[ salt. ] arguing through text? isn't that unfulfilling? might as well fight again in person. just quickly clear the air; end the conflict. #[ et cetera. ] hmph. i'm no good at consoling. but i can hit you on the head a few times. no problem. #[ self promotion. ] wear this red scarf; and then we shall share each other's pain. we are family. we are wildfire. #[ promotion. ] nah; i could've taken it on by myself. but still... fighting alongside you two was pretty fun. #[ visage. ] to all those thugs and gangsters in the underworld; i'm like a spectre always haunting them. #[ meta. ] oleg gave me the name. he said that it meant “soul” in ancient belobogian. #[ mini study. ] we may live underground; but we won't be buried by this city. #[ essence. ] she got used to people losing their homes. and she got used to people losing their lives. but crying alone was useless.

[lokisgoodgirl]

Comfort & Joy: The Lakes [Loki x Reader]

The Lakes Masterlist / Regular Masterlist Summary: (9) Roll up, roll up for the Stark Christmas Jamboree. Where candied nuts and cunning plans both come with an extra sprinkling of festive sweetness. (w/c 7.8k) Warnings: Minors DNI. Usual Lakes fare. Humour, Asgardian lore, fluff, all the feels. Smut references. A/N: This is the final final edition of The Lakes.

“Remind me, what named day is this in your charming yuletide festivities?” Loki inquired as you stepped out the revolving door of the Tower.

Charming. You smiled.

Last year it would have been any number of synonyms for stupid. You could hear them, see his lips curling the words from memory. Gratuitous. Senseless. Superfluent. Foolish.

But that was your problem, you recognised, not his.

“I don’t think it has one officially,” you shivered, nestling your chin deeper into the scarf. Fuck, it was cold today. “But I call it Christmas Eve, Eve.”

You sighed, watching crowds of the general populous making their way in shuffling merriment towards the Christmas market. No, not market. Festive Jamboree.

Tony had taken it upon himself to create a mini-wonderland right outside the Tower for one day only, all proceeds to the local children’s hospital.

A ferris wheel rose at the end of the cordoned street, every carriage packed. The smell of hot-dogs and caramelised almonds filled the air, old-time speakers tied to high lamps blaring Andy Williams at a volume that couldn’t be code compliant. “Lighten up, darling” Loki chirped as a gloved hand laced with your own. You turned to him, forcing a smile through the nerves. He looked phenomenal. A high collared coat of darkest green framed his cheekbones, pink tipped in the sudden chill. The one you’d seen in the window. You couldn’t resist. But when it came to Loki, what else was new?

He’d popped the collar, loose strands of onyx hair tumbling over the thick of his scarf. The one you’d bought him, of course.

Against the pale of his skin, dark brows peaked above a lowered fan of lashes while his gaze lingered on your intertwined digits. He raised the back of your hand to his lips, kissing it firmly.

“This will be fun,” he murmured against your glove with a knowing glint. “Have you planned...something?” you laughed. “Other than the thing.”

The nerves were fading, finally. He pressed his free hand against his chest in mock-hurt. “You wound me with your suspicions, madam” he purred, playful insolence thick in his tone. He sniffed, raising his chin. “I am merely imbibed with the spirit of the season.” Mid-giggle, your whole body rocked forwards as two hands shook your shoulders from behind. “Merry Christmas Eve Eve, sister!” Thor boomed in your ear. There was ringing. Thor looked good. He smelled good. And blessedly for now at least, there were no crumbs in his beard. “And to you, brother” Loki said, smile widening.

Thor tilted his head, regarding Loki’s jovial demeanour with suspicion. “And to you, brother-” he rumbled. His interest was piqued. “What has my Sponge of a sibling in such a buoyant mood this fine December day?” “It’s Scrooge,” you corrected, grinning. Thor grinned back as all eyes fell on your lover.

Loki gaped, darting his gaze between you both.

“Scrooge?!” he scoffed incredulously. “In past years, perhaps. Yet despite your attempt to churl me, I shall take it as a compliment,” Loki said, squeezing your hand, “for I too was visited by three spirits and thus...changed forever.” Thor frowned, “spirits, says you?” “Yes, brother. Yourself, Rogers, and the spectre of that ghastly reclining chair.”

Thor chuckled, before being distracted by something deeper within the crowd. Or someone. He cleared his throat. “I must to the candied nuts, brother” he muttered formally.

Out the corner of your eye, you saw Rogers tip the nuts-vendor a quick salute as he nestled a fresh bag in his hand like a hamster. Heat steamed from the opening, wafting through frosty air. “Oh yes brother,” Loki drawled with equal gravitas. “The nuts will not eat themselves.” Thor squinted as a restrained smirk danced at Loki’s dimples. “Indeed,” the blonde replied, clearing his throat. “I shall see you at the bandstand anon.” And with a curt nod to you, he waddled hands in his pockets through the throng. You watched him go as Loki’s warm breath seeped down your neck, his mouth fastening to your pulse-point with a happy hum of pleasure. “You’re naughty,” you chided playfully. Loki nodded against your neck, the vibration of his agreement making you fizz. “And I have the knitwear to prove it,” he whispered. As you made your way through the crowd, Loki’s hand never left yours.

The two of you together were a familiar sight in Manhattan, and Avenger-fans on the whole had been beside themselves at news of your reunion. Confirmations had been slow. At you and Loki’s insistence, there had been no official statement. But the public had cottoned on eventually, with the help of the press.

Fans waited politely for pictures, nervously pulling at gloves and activating their cameras while you and Loki smiled and chatted. It was night and day from the way things used to be, while you stood on the sidelines amid a sea of bodies whipped into a frenzy by the god of mischief’s theatrical adulation.

Every so often, Loki would nuzzle your cheek; checking in. You’d squeeze his hand. One for all good, two for let’s go. You didn’t need that second squeeze today.

“With regret, we must depart for the afternoon’s questionable entertainment,” Loki announced. There was a chorus of disappointment, but he patted down the air.

“Please, join us-” he smiled to the crowd gathered around you, extending an arm towards the bandstand not thirty meters away. “Your participation will be most appreciated to drown out the subpar efforts of all of us. Truly, you will never look at us the same way, I guarantee it.” Despite having been erected overnight, the bandstand in the centre of the wonderland wouldn’t look out of place in Victorian England. Thin wrought iron pillars stretched upwards, twisting to an ornate canopy adorned with Christmas lights. Garlands wound up the pillars, twinkling sporadically. It was only 3pm, but the gathering darkness made them shine. A modest band of brass and strings had gathered beneath the canopy, instrument tune-ups peppering the chilly air.

And in front of it, in a semi-circle, microphones.

Steve stood to the side, handing booklets to a line of anxious looking avengers. Bucky, Wanda, Sam, Natas-

“I cannot believe we have to do this,” Bucky muttered ruefully as he threw his coat in the assigned box. “I can’t believe it. I actually can’t? Someone, fight me. Knock me out.” “We’re all in the same boat, Buck” Natasha lamented. She pulled at the baggy jumper hanging around her hips. Bucky looked down at his chest, pleading eyes meeting her stoic stare. “Fight me, Romanoff. Please.” “Don’t tempt me,” Natasha replied. Their jumpers were matching. Red, thick wool hiding any hint of the lithe muscle beneath. And stitched on them in winding, white-knitted lettering? Nice.

Your chest shook with the effort of holding in giggles. Even knowing what was coming, it hadn’t prepared you for the reality.

Looking around, you clocked each of your teammates in turn. Stark’s logic was thus – Avengers with a ‘harder’ reputation? Nice jumpers. And for those reputed to be on the softer side?-

“You’re wearing the wrong gosh-darn sweater, Laufeyson!” Steve hissed over your shoulder.

Both of you spun to face him. Steve’s arms were folded over the green version of the standard knit, the word Naughty emblazoned on his chest in white bobbling letters. Your shoulders were shaking now, too. “Don’t act like you're surprised, Rogers” Loki drawled. His coat hung off one long finger, before disappearing in a flash of seidr. “The public will not be fooled by Stark’s futile attempt at psychological subterfuge. I am simply getting ahead of the inevitable Tumblr edits.”

Steve’s chin snapped towards you. “Did you know about this?” he piped, flustered. You raised your eyebrows guiltily, making Steve’s hands fly in the air. “Perfect. Just heckin’ perfect. Why I outta-” “What seems to be the problem?” Thor’s voice boomed from behind. The words were accompanied by crunching, flecks of almond littering his green jumper like snow. You and Loki parted, making a four-square shoulder to shoulder and shuffling further towards safety from prying ears. “Laufeyson’s taken it upon himself to go against the agreed sweater-allocation and wear a Naughty, that’s what-” Steve bubbled bitterly.

Crimson had begun to creep up his cheekbones. A vein in his neck throbbed. Thor threw his head back with an almighty roar of laughter. Several almonds bounced from the bag in his hand from the force.

“Come now, Rogers ” he managed through gasps of mirth. “What did you expect? Tis just a silly rule, who cares?” He tossed an almond in the air, attempting to catch it in his mouth. It ricocheted off his eye. As Thor began blinking, Steve raised the clipboard in his hand. He tapped it violently. “I’m in charge of project managing this,” he hissed. “Laufeyson – change back to Nice.”

“Shan’t.” Loki quipped. Steve flushed deeper. “Laufeyson,” he warned. “Actually,” Loki started, enjoying the hushed tension. “I think you’ll find I am rather nice. You saw to that. So in truth, my sweater is fitting for this farce.” Steve’s eye began to twitch.

There was silence.

“Look at us, we’re like a little team," you offered, pointing to each of your green jumpers in turn. “Like the old days.”

Thor chuckled agreement as Loki and Steve stared each other down, a smile playing on Loki’s mouth that was irrevocably absent from the Captain’s. All four of you, it seemed, wore the Naughty uniform today. “In your case, as in mine, our knitwear reflects our essence perfectly my darling” Loki purred to you while his eyes narrowed towards a now vibrating super-soldier. “My naughty...naughty girl.” Steve sighed, hanging his head in resignation. “I told Tony this was a pooper of an idea,” he lamented. “It’s a disaster and it’s not even started.”

Thor’s hand clapped the captain’s shoulder in sympathy, lingering in a squeeze. Steve looked up at him, their eyes meeting.

The blonde god’s gaze widened slightly. You saw his fingers clench as his hand froze. In moments, he raised it; fluffing back his hair before sliding the hand into the pocket of his jeans.

“It’s only one sweater, Rogers” he muttered nervously. “Who cares?” Steve’s face fell, eyes darting to Thor’s crotch with a frown before rising back to his face. “I expected better of you, Odinson” was all he said before turning away.

Loki let out an exasperated sigh, elbowing his brother in the ribs. But Thor didn’t even flinch. His features had crumpled, spinning slowly as he watched the captain leave. His nuts? Forgotten.

But Steve didn’t see it. He was already making his way to the cluster of anxious looking Avengers huddled by the bandstand, examining carol music like they were Hydra files. “That could have gone better,” you whispered to Loki. The god frowned. His attempt to provoke his brother into siding with Rogers had not borne fruit. “Fear not,” Loki replied mysteriously as Thor produced a chicken drumstick from his jeans pocket. He tore off a chunk with a thousand-yard stare. Loki watched him in disbelief, continuing slowly. “There is still time to salvage this operation from the wreckage of my brother’s obstinance.” You gaze flitted between your team-mates. Bucky – Nice. Natasha- Nice. Clint – Naughty. Bruce – Naughty. Wanda – Nice. Sam – Naughty. Scott – Nice. Out the corner of your eye, you saw Loki swipe the half-ravaged chicken drumstick from Thor’s hold with hushed reprimand.

“What’s the big man wearing, I wonder?” you asked no one in particular. Loki snorted, “what else?” he said, nudging his head towards the Santa podium. There he was, Father Christmas aka. Tony Stark. Dressed in ray-bans and custom tailored suit, he looked suspiciously trim for a man in his position.

“Ah,” you smiled.

Loki’s smokey cologne filled your nostrils as he looped his arms around your body, pulling you tight to his chest. “It seems he will not be joining us in this public embarrassment,” he smirked before placing a warming kiss on your lips. Then to the corner of your mouth, then to the angle of your jaw. “Places!” a peaky-sounding Steve shouted, tapping a baton against the music stand at the head of the choir section. There was a deep line between his eyebrows that was decidedly un-Christmassy. “Norns,” Loki muttered. His hands slid down your body, fingers weaving through yours. “Ready?” he breathed nervously, your foreheads touching.

“Are you?” you replied.

Loki squeezed once.

The front row of the audience was made up of children, patients of the hospital. Cushioned folding chairs were laid in a half-crescent, two dozen of their smiling faces staring expectantly. Several of them sat in wheelchairs in the middle. Prime spot. One of them was wearing a pin-badge with Loki’s face on it. A young connoisseur, you thought with a smile.

Behind them, the growing crowd heaved. Sparkling Stark-Industries antlers filled your field of vision, handed out at the gates. There was a static hum, hundred of conversations and jokes and countless eyes inspecting each of you with anticipation. You could feel their excitement fizzing in the air while Bucky fidgeted beside you. Thinking about his solo you had no doubt. You rubbed his back sympathetically. He offered a weak smile of thanks. Steve tapped the pedestal again. “Avengers,” he announced with authority. The hushed whispers and small waves of the team to the crowd came to a halt. “One..two..” he mouthed the three.

All of a sudden, the air came alive with the sound of ten voices, stronger and louder and more melodic than you had expected. Unbelievably, it sounded...good. Hark! The Heralds, angels sing; Glory to the newborn king,

The brass quintet upon the bandstand soared. Even in practice, it hadn’t been this good. A Christmas miracle, you thought as you belted out the words in some semblance of tune.

Peace on earth and mercy mild, God and sinners reconcile, Your gaze flickered to the other side of the semi-circle, catching Loki’s.

He held his carol-sheet diligently at arms-length, not looking at it. But rather, at you.

He winked.

Steve had rightly separated you. The chances of him squeezing your ass in front of the sick children was just too high. What if one of them goes into shock, Steve had said. But in truth, it was the deep, soulful magnetism of Loki’s singing voice that posed the real risk. If you were standing beside him, you weren’t sure if you’d be able to contain yourself. You winked back. Beside Loki, Thor craned towards the paper his brother held.

Thor had memorised every carol. Every modern classic. Everything in the repertoire. You knew that for a fact.

For the last two weeks, ever since your conversation in the common room – you’d been able to hear him before you could see him. And not in the usual way. You’d become accustomed to hearing his theatrical rendition of Silent Night bouncing its ironic way around the tile of the gym, the hallways, seeping through floors. And what he lacked in vocal melody, he certainly made up for in enthusiasm.

No - in truth, as the God of Thunder stared at the music sheet, he was avoiding Steve’s appraising stare which darted to each of them in turn. Joyful, all ye nations rise, Join the triumph of the skies,

Reluctantly tearing your gaze away from your boyfriend, you focused back on the conductor. The crimson flush of his ears had ebbed. He was beginning to smile. Well, a little.

Hark! The Heralds, angels sing; Glory to the newborn king,

The carol continued. And then the next, and the next. Collection buckets that were being passed amongst the crowd began to overflow, the spectators indulging in a mix of swaying, singing, dancing.

With every song that passed, Bucky became more nervous, his voice a little higher.

You only faltered once during Winter Wonderland when you made the mistake of looking at Loki again. At some point, he had raked his hair back. Pink peaked at his cheekbones, his hip slouched casually, tapping his foot in time. One side of his sweater was concealed in the waistband of his dark chinos. A french-tuck, if you weren’t mistaken. It highlighted the sluttish creases that strained at his crotch.

Dark curls fell around the green knit, half-lidded eyes following each word as he sang it. You would fuck that sweater right off him later. Or maybe, he could keep it on...you mused. His smooth baritone slid over the words like a sled in morning’s first snow, to face unafraid, the plans that we made, walking in a- He looked up with a knowing side-smile in your direction. A sharp elbow in the ribs from Wanda made you realised you had lost your train of thought. Your mouth was open, but no words were coming out. “-winter wonderlaaaand,” you squawked out of time.

Steve’s eyes snapped to you, brow arched. He couldn’t complain, not really. Considering how well it was going. A brief erotically-charged moment of disassociation was the least he could expect, surely. As the song drew to a close with a flourish of conductor Rogers’ arms, the crowd burst into applause. With every passing number, it had become louder. You weren’t sure if there were more people, or if the mulled wine had been refilled. Steve spun to face the audience, growing darkness making the warm glow from fairylights create a halo around his blonde hair.

“And now...a very special treat,” he announced mysteriously to the expectant crowd. “Something very, very special indeed. I’ve heard it in rehearsal and golly, he’s just spiff.” Bucky’s feet began scuffing on the ground. He’s going to do a runner, you thought. But thankfully for Bucky, he had nothing to worry about.

The plan was for Barnes to perform a rousing rendition of Christmas (Baby Please Come Home) by Olivia Holt. Or Michael Buble, depending on the demographic. Backed up by the jingling ooo’s and aaa’s of the team of course. But despite Barnes initial enthusiasm, the thought of it had filled him with more horror each passing day.

Steve had been very excited about the whole affair. A grand finale for his orchestral debut, such as it was. And Bucky hadn’t the heart to tell him. “Buck?” you muttered out the corner of your mouth. You glanced at him, trying to be covert. He was sweating, staring blankly ahead. “Buck?” “Yuh.” Barnes mustered quietly as Steve began to move a microphone between the sick kids. Their little voices made your heart flutter. But you had a job to do. The weight of Loki’s concentration radiated from across the space between you. He was watching you and Bucky, completely still aside from one twitching finger and the small smile flickering at his dimples. You cleared your throat, leaning to the side towards the soldier. “In a few seconds you might feel a bit funny-” “I already feel a bit funny doll,” he murmured bitterly. “Yeah but...well, you’ll see. Just don’t freak out.” “Freak-what-now?” “Out-” “-Yah I got that-” he snapped, trying to turn towards you and failing. He tried to twist, but his shoulders wouldn’t budge. “What the-?” “Buck?” you repeated slowly. He met your eyes, the first shadows of fear creeping in. “When Steve calls you up, just shake your head. You have a little bit of movement in your neck. And you can talk a little. Just a little so I can check you’re okay. Okay?” Bucky raised his eyebrows in a grimacing caricature. You decided to assume that meant it was totally cool. “Who are hoo hurkin’ hor!?” he hissed in a wreckage of lisping syllables. His shoulders shook ever so slightly back and forth like a wound-up nutcracker as he tried and failed to move his feet. “Oh, no-” you said, realising he thought you’d been turned. “No, it’s just Loki’s magic. Don’t worry.” Bucky’s eyes widened.

‘Please welcome-’

“You’re off the hook with the song?” you chirped quietly, hoping it had the intended effect. Barnes stopped struggling. ‘-my friend, James Buchanan Barnes!’ A round of deafening applause snapped you from your bubble. Steve stood back at his podium, baton poised and ready for the band to begin.

Alongside the other Avengers, except Bucky, you bent down and picked up a sleigh bell carefully placed at your feet. You could beat someone to death with this thing, you thought as the chrome bells jingled beneath your hand. Wanda shot you a knowing glance, holding in a laugh.

The applause ebbed as James Buchanan Barnes remained rooted to the spot. His eyes darted side to side across the waiting crowd. He shook his head very, very slowly. Showtime, you thought. “I’m afraid he has a bit of stage-fright,” you explained loudly. Collective disappointment hummed in the air. Steve’s face flushed an immediate shade of fuchsia, features hardening. You could see the cogs in his brain turn, a victorious glittering finale slipping from his grasp. His lips puckered, sucking in his cheeks. “I’m sure with a little...encouragement,” Steve said with a grimacing smile, raising his arms. The crowd roared back to life.

Bucky shook his head, a bit faster this time. Rogers head lowered, the breath from his sigh of exasperation clouding around his face. “If I may...” came Loki’s calm drawl from across the line-up. It dripped with sensual showmanship, treacleish tones sending an immediate flood of desire leaking into your panties.

Men and women in the front rows grasped at each other, gawking as if suddenly seeing him for the first time. It doesn’t get any easier folks, you thought with a smile. “My brother here knows the arrangement by heart,” Loki continued. “The lyrics and suchlike- I’m sure he would be happy to relieve Barnes of his duties-”

Mutters of excitement spread through the crowd like a mexican wave. Thor immediately turned his back to the audience, muttering something at surprisingly hushed volume in his brother’s ear. Loki listened diligently, holding up a penitent finger to the crowd. Steve’s arms were folded, storm-clouds knitting his brow. The foot had begun to tap. “My brother makes the valid point that of the two of us, I am the more musically inclined-” Loki began, gracefully gripping Thor’s shoulders and spinning him back to face the audience.

He brushed his brother’s collar, removing the last of the almond crumbs which resided there. A smile you knew all too well stretched across Loki’s lips as he looked deep into Thor’s eyes, willing him to understand. “But alas,” Loki purred, “I know not the words.” And perhaps these words will heal, Loki thought.

Loki held his breath as Thor began to gingerly shuffle forwards, tugging at the hem of his Naughty- emblazoned jumper. If father could see us now, Loki mused with a shiver as his brother gripped the microphone.

The crowd was beginning to stomp in appreciation, driven into a frenzy by the turn of events. Thor gave a small wave, bashful smile growing wider as people began to whistle. Loki turned his attention to Rogers, standing stiff and poised with baton in the air. He gave it a singular flourish, counting down from three. The crowd fell silent.

Loki saw the moment that Steve and Thor’s eyes met. It seemed to make every fairy bulb glow a little brighter in the darkness, sparks of hope spreading like embers from a fire, fluttering upwards in a night sky. Please brother, Loki pleaded silently as he raised his sleigh bell. Don’t arse this up. He suddenly wondered if Thor had felt this way during their time at the cottage. Loki supposed that he had. The brass band sprang to life, drums making an entrance. (Christmaaaas) Loki sang suddenly with the others. Nine voices harmonised as one.

Thor panicked, pulling the microphone to his mouth. “Snow is...coming down...uh-oof-” he spluttered, the cable tangling around his shoe. (Christmaaaaas) they sang, cringing slightly.

One line in, and Loki had almost lost all hope. “I'm watching it faaaaall” Thor crooned in bass – a little more tunefully. (Christmaaaas) “Lots of...very lovely and festive, yes – you...people aro-hounnnd,” (Christmaaaas) Loki sang, a smile beginning to spread as his brother came alive. He was pointing at the children, giggles and squeals peppering the air. The sleigh bell beat against his palm in time with his brother’s voice. “Baby, please come ho-hommmme,” Thor sang. Loki looked up, catching a look on your face that he hadn’t seen before. There was something different in that look. Some deeper variable of your smile that ignited his heart. But there would be time for overthinking it later, he surmised as his brother launched into the chorus with a glottal barrage of enthusiasm. For now, he had a love to nurture.

As Loki released his practised backing harmonies with the rest of the team, his brother got into his stride. ‘Owned the stage,’ Loki believed was the term. Steve didn’t take his eyes off Thor for the whole number. And if Loki didn’t know better, which of course – he did, he would swear that the captain was blushing.

(Please) they sang, sleigh bells jangling in time. “Pleaseee” echoed his brother. (Please) “Please” (Please) “Please” (Please) “Please Baby, please come hommmme-” You were surprised the operatic efforts of Loki’s brother didn’t make the ground shake.

The crowd were beside themselves, singing and jiving and waving their hands in the air. Thor worked the big crescendo, falling to his knees on the ground. His thighs spread, and whether it was his intention or not, you saw Steve grip the podium as his sensibilities buckled. Just a bit. The captain’s lips rolled together, stifling what you were sure was a bite. Thank god Thor wore the tight jeans today, you mused as you held the final note. With a swiping flourish of the conductor’s baton, the song was over. The cheers were deafening.

Thor stood and gave a small bow, sudden bashfulness descending. He waved, backing off to the side. His eyes met Steve’s, giving him an understated nod. The captain returned it slowly, a look in his eyes you hadn’t seen before. You watched him mouth two words, thank you, before Thor collided into Loki.

There was only one more song to go. You watched as Loki patted his brother’s shoulder across the semi-circle, pulling him into a hug. His face was alight with pride. It melted your heart. Despite the passing of the months, you couldn’t get over how different his smiles were now. Open. Genuine. Real. He’s finally opened his heart.

Have you? The thought came intrusively. Fairy lights shone all around as Loki tussled his brother’s hair. Thor couldn’t stop smiling. And neither could Steve, you noticed. One more song. Rogers tapped the podium for the final time, raising the baton. The mellow sound of the saxophone twisted in the air, followed by strings.

“I'm dreaming of a white Christmas Just like the ones I used to know” you sang. Loki’s eyes met yours, sparkling with the glitter of mischief well done. “Where the treetops glisten, And children listen, To hear sleigh bells in the snow,”

Bucky’s voice began to grow louder beside you. Released from his bodily prison at last. On cue, the Avengers began to peel away from the semi-circle, mingling with the crowd. Of course, any production orchestrated by Steve Rogers would end in a collective heart-melting communal singalong. Nothing else would do.

You watched as Wanda cosied up to a older man holding a mulled wine. He offered it to her immediately, stunned as he mouthed the words to White Christmas. She took it.

For your part, you made a beeline for the children sitting at the front of the audience, joining them in their sway. This whole thing was for them, after all. Loki’s shadow crept behind you, falling over the little girl with his face emblazoned on the pin badge.

“I'm dreaming of a white Christmas, with every Christmas card I write” Loki purred melodically as he lowered to his haunches. He paused, leaning in to give her a kiss on the cheek. You watched her face, transfixed in joy as all her daydreams came true. The God of Mischief in person, his shadowed blue eyes looking into hers as though she was the only person in the world. That never gets old, either, you thought. He took her hand, pressing her tiny palm against his own. “May your days,” he sang with the crowd as his fingertips glowed green, “be merry and bright-” You couldn’t tear yourself from the look of absolute sincerity on his face. The utter determination painted on softened features to give this sweet girl a memory that would last for the rest of her life – however long that was.

Tears began to prick your eyes, seeing the crane of her neck upwards as her mouth fell open in wonder to the sky. Loki smiled. The green shimmer of his palm pressed to hers grew stronger. A glow flashed across the inky night, a billowing flourish of northern lights erupting over central Manhattan seeped in emerald and pinkish hues. They twisted in waves, swirling like a cloak which moved and rolled. It was alive. Loki's voice was quieter now, but no less beautiful as he sang. “And may all your Christmases, be-” “white,” the little girl gasped as snow began to fall. He did that, you thought in wonder as the crowd began to cheer, hugging each other. All sets of eyes were turned upwards to the sky. All but yours. They stayed fixed on Loki as the band played on amidst a flutter of newly swirling snowflakes. The man I love.

“The tie, brother-” Thor muttered nervously, “is it..?” “It is well done, brother” Loki replied.

He dusted the lapel of Thor’s crushed velvet suit jacket a final time, a deep red the shade of fine merlot. The blonde released a trembling sigh, pulling at his fingers.

It was Christmas Eve. “Did you take the pharmaceuticals as instructed?” Loki enquired quietly as the elevator bounced to a halt. Thor nodded, patting his breast pocket. “The Tums? Yes. I have some on my person should the gaseous beast rear in my belly.” Loki nodded, satisfied. All the bases were covered. He had done all he could do. Now, it was up to Thor. Well, almost. It had been Loki’s idea for the brothers to dress together for the party tonight. And although his initial plan was to ensure that Thor was in peak condition for this eve of great import, Loki would admit that he had enjoyed it. Very much.

He wore a suit matching his brother’s in all but one detail. Loki’s was a crushed velvet of richest emerald green. Thin silk ties of gold adorned them both, fastened tight to the white shirts beneath with a pin bearing their respective emblems. Loki’s gift to his brother. The Asgardian Princes were showing up, tonight. Loki had made sure of it. Mother would be proud, he smiled as the elevator doors opened. Thor’s Yuletide offering to him had been a gift certificate to the Cheesecake Factory, but Loki paid it no mind. Gifts had never been his brother's strong-suit.

The rest of the team was already gathered by the Christmas tree, festive beverages in hand. A rolling cheer of greeting sounded as the duo strode towards the scene. Loki grabbed two glasses from the bar, passing one to his brother who necked it immediately. The dark god swirled his finger, refilling it. Loki felt his brows rise as he saw you, standing with one finger curled over your lip and an entirely too sensual smirk on your beautiful face. Beneath the perfectly cut trousers of his suit, Loki’s cock twitched. “You look handsome,” you coaxed quietly as he slid an arm around your waist, releasing a breath he’d been holding as a charged grunt of need.

“If we had gotten ready for tonight together,” Loki growled hot in your ear, “I fear that dress would never have been seen by another intact.” He pressed himself to you with a lingering kiss, an appreciative thrust of his hips rubbing against your own. He sighed into your open mouth, feeling your fingers dig into his shoulders. “God,” Natasha muttered with playful scorn under her breath, shuffling over to give you both space. “Can’t take them anywhere,” she murmured to Sam. Sam grunted in agreement.

“Presents!” Tony cried, clapping his hands together. “Party starts at eight, tick tock. Cutting it fine thanks to Paris and Nicole here.” He nodded in Loki and Thor’s direction. Steve checked his watch. “One cannot rush perfection, Stark” Loki smirked, releasing you. He watched as Rogers turned and adjusted a decoration on the tree. A plush rabbit wearing a santa hat. He was nervous. Tony knelt down, reading each gift tag and throwing it to the corresponding team-member. An oblong package whizzed past Loki's face, hitting his brother square in the mouth. 'Ooft,' Thor grunted as mulled wine slopped over the side of the glass. He stumbled, catching the present. Loki sighed, flexing his fingers and removing the stain from the front of his sibling’s suit. His brother nestled the empty glass dangerously within the tree branches to his side, inspecting the package. “Tis soft,” he muttered seriously. Across the circle, Loki saw Steve’s anxious gaze darting upwards at his brother in intervals. He noted you offer the captain a comforting nod while Thor tore at immaculate wrapping, ripping off the red ribbon and casting it aside. “Odin’s beard…” Thor gasped as the final sliver of paper fell away.

The team fell silent, looking up from their various body massagers and associated tat. He raised the item in his hands like Simba, slack-jawed in awe. The amazed god stared at it, eyes glossy.

Bruce frowned towards the blonde, peering over his glasses with an oversized posing pouch dangling from one finger. “Is that-?” “-A chicken drumstick?” Nat gawked. “Tis’ soft…!” Thor breathed in wonder, twirling it in his hands. He clutched it to his chest, eyes darting around the group. “A thousand thanks upon whomever bestowed this plush poultry treasure upon me,” he murmured, unable to resist holding the cushion proudly at arms length.

“Truly whomever be my secretive santa knows me to my core-” he continued dreamily, looking to each avenger in turn. They all looked befuddled. All except one. Thor’s brow creased, doing a double take as Steve’s cheeks plunged to new depths of crimson. “Rogers?” the blonde god whispered, so low only Loki could hear it. “Open yours Steve!” someone probed. Captain America still held his own package in his hands, toying with it gently.

Loki maintained his stoic expression, tossing his newly acquired bottle of luxury dry shampoo between his hands as he noted horror descend on his brother’s face. Never fear, brother; he thought smugly. Thor thought that Steve was about to open a small box containing yet another gift certificate to the Cheesecake Factory. But Thor was mistaken. Firstly, America’s saviour was lactose intolerant. Any internet search would have told him that. But despite his brother’s poverty of imagination where presents were concerned, his heart was in the right place. And for the cunning plan his love and he had concocted, there was only one gift which could bring the two men comfort and joy this Christmas. The truth. “Wait, wait-” Thor yelped as he took several panicked strides across the room. He knelt down to Steve’s level, placing his hands over the box that Steve had only just revealed through the wrapping. “It’s not-” Steve looked up, meeting the god’s panicked stare with practised indifference.

“Let me open it, will ya?” he said calmly. Thor sank back, head bowed as he waited for the axe to fall. With every careful unlatching of sellotape, Loki saw his brother’s heart sink a little more into his stomach. “Good gravy, what’s this? A pocket-square?” Thor looked up, regret turning to confusion as he clocked the handkerchief dangling between Rogers slender fingers. It was familiar, heavy with otherworldly silk and trimmed in thread ground from the most precious jewels of nine realms. On one side, deepest burgundy melting to crimson. But on the other, a rich navy which faded to shimmering azure.

Red and blue, not red and green.

The two colours met in the middle, threads glittering and overlapping like foam on the shore. They seemed to move. To change and ebb in the light like a living thing. And stitched across the handkerchief in the finest gold,

En sannhet byttet mot en sannhet. “Jeepers,” Steve muttered as he pulled the silk appraisingly through his fingers. “Someone definitely went over the twenty dollar limit.” Thor twisted his head incredulously towards his brother. Loki narrowed his eyes briefly in response, coupled with a small nod. The blonde god cleared his throat, finally catching up to the scenario unfolding before him. “A truth for a truth,” Thor breathed quietly, looking to the floor.

Steve’s concentration broke, as if suddenly seeing the person kneeling beside him on the floor for the first time. “P-pardon?” he stuttered. There was a sudden wave of green hued light through the room, reminiscent of the northern lights which lit up last night’s sky at the jamboree. “My apologies, Rogers…” Loki purred, stepping forwards. “I feel it best to inform you that the others cannot see nor hear us at this moment. As far as they are aware, you are both by the bar.” Loki nodded to where a slightly glitchy duo of duplicates stood behind Tony’s counter, clinking glasses of tequila. “Just myself, and she-” he nodded to you, “are witness.” “W-witness?” Steve spluttered, trying to stand and finding his knees starting to buckle. He looked at Thor, eyes wide. But all he found was softness. “Say the words, Rogers” Thor urged gently, gesturing to the handkerchief. Steve frowned, as the blonde god pulled the silk from his grip.

“A truth for...what was it? Truth for a truth?” Rogers asked, confused gaze darting between the men and you.

Loki clapped his hands together quietly. “Wonderful. You are now bound to the Accords of the Kerchief.” Steve frowned deeper. “Accords of the what-now?” “Kerchief,” Loki repeated formally, nodding towards the silk in Thor’s hand.

“You have both held it while the other spoke the words. And now, you must exchange the truth which causes the conflict between you – so that it may be resolved.” “And what if I don’t wanna?” Rogers sniffed, ears burning. He avoided Thor’s eyes. Loki released a whittling hum of discontent. “Unfortunately, failure to comply with the Accord of the Kerchief once initiated means instant smiting at the hands of Heimdall.” “Smiting?! You can’t be serious,” Steve scoffed with gusto. “Oh yes,” Loki nodded very seriously. Thor was nodding too. Also very seriously. “The penalties are most grave, Rogers.” “You tricked me,” Steve hissed to the blonde opposite him.

“Technically I tricked you,” Loki smirked apologetically. Rogers eyes narrowed in his direction, his lip trembling with what looked suspiciously like a swear. “Laufeyson,” he warned. Loki extended his forefinger, waggling it slowly side-to-side. “It will do not a jot of good, Rogers. You can thank my mother for this one. Now -” he gestured expectantly between the men. Thor took a deep breath. “Rogers-Ihavefeelingsforyouwhichcannotbeexplainedin,mere...Norns-” “Slow down, Thor-” you cooed gently.

Loki felt your hand slide into his. The nerves roaring in his belly soothed as your fingers interlinked. Despite maintaining an exterior of calm, he was terrified.

“Rogers,” Thor began again. Steve stared at him, transfixed. The aura of suspicion which surrounded him was fading, his stiff spine slackening as he looked at the god. Really looked at him. Saw him.

“I have feelings for you, which run deep to the heart of me. Which I cannot deny any longer. And if you feel that you cannot return my interest, then I shall understand. But I cannot spend another night unable to sleep, thinking that you believe me to hate you. And I apologise for my boorish behaviour these past months.” There was a pause as the god took a breath before continuing. “It was self preservation, you see-” Thor rumbled quietly, before sighing.

Steve looked down, still except for his fingers fidgeting with the wrapping paper in his lap. “That was well done, brother” Loki soothed. Thor shot him a sad smile. “I-” Rogers started.

The three of you held your breath. He looked up, just at the moment Thor curled a blonde tendril behind his ear. “I-” Steve choked, shifting on his knees. “It’s okay Steve,” you coaxed from the side-lines. It was the final nudge he needed. “I feel the same,” was all Steve said. He looked up, meeting Thor’s widening eyes. “Truly?” Steve nodded shyly. “I got myself in a tizz, about a whole bunch of things which weren’t really to do with you. Or….us. Not really,” he stammered. "It wasn't a mistake. And I was a dummy to say so." Loki felt your fingernails dig into his palm, both of you craning forwards as the captain continued. His voice was serious, a slight waver just audible between the words. “For a while, I thought you thought I was just some kinda tart. Some kind of loose Jack. Well lemme tell you Odinson, Steve Rogers is no one’s tart.” “You were never my tart, Rogers,” Thor uttered with gravitas, gently cupping Steve’s jaw. The captain’s eyelids fluttered closed, leaning into his hold. In seconds, the space between them closed. Rogers arms wrapped around Thor’s shoulders, Thor’s hands sliding around the captain’s waist. They fit together like a glove, Steve’s fingers winding in the god’s hair like a spindle through spun gold. Low mutterings of apologies cascaded from their lips between kisses, small gasps and sighs as unpleasantness of past months were forgotten. “What the fuck?” Tony spluttered. Every set of eyes in the room was fixed on the God of Thunder and Captain America’s passionate embrace. Hel, Loki thought with a shock. In all the excitement, he had neglected to hold the spell which shielded them. The kiss ceased, but still their arms were wound around each other. “Sheesh,” Wanda laughed, grabbing a bottle of the good stuff on her way past the bar. “It’s about time.” A murmur of agreement rolled around the room, a chorus of whoops sounding as each teammate stooped to offer a clap on the back to the newly outed couple. And for the first time in living memory, the colour of Thor’s cheeks rivalled his lover’s. “Maybe you guys won’t be the public embarrassment at parties anymore,” Nat quipped as she passed, tapping Loki and you lightly on the ass. Your laughter lit up Loki’s heart. And there was that look in your eye again, the one he couldn’t place yesterday.

‘We did it,’ you mouthed silently to him. Loki winked in response, just as the clock chimed eight. With a spring in his step, Loki made his way to the men kneeling awkwardly on the floor, noting their interlinked fingers with a wave of pride. He offered both hands, and each was taken. He heaved, pulling the men to stand and immediately into a hug.

“Merry Christmas, brother” he whispered in Thor’s ear. “Do you need the handkerchief back?” Thor muttered through a smile. “I am assuming the revised colours were only temporary.” Loki chuckled, pulling him and Rogers tighter. The captain released a strangled ooft as the air was pressed from his lungs.

“I think not that we need such a trinket to ensure our bond. Not anymore. Do you, brother?” Loki murmured into his sibling’s hair.

From deep within the embrace, in a hold which seemed to melt the centuries, Loki felt his brother shake his head.

The party was a roaring success. And in the early hours of Christmas Day, you and Loki stumbled back to your apartment upstairs.

It was tiredness, mostly – and happiness. Strands of tinsel poked from Loki’s curls. You pulled one out with a giggle before unlocking the door and pulling him inside. “Finally,” he growled longingly as one slim finger toyed with the strap of your dress. Making quick work of pushing the velvet suit jacket from his shoulders, your fingers were halfway down his shirt buttons before you suddenly remembered- “-your present!” you cried, making Loki flinch back from where he had been buried in your neck.

“Can’t it wait?” he whined with feigned impatience. You waved an excited hand, scurrying to the cupboard. “No.” you shouted, head popping out behind the cupboard door. “I’ve been dying to give it to you.” Loki sighed, a reluctant smile spreading across his beautiful face. “I thought we agreed no gifts,” he huffed as you ran and sat cross-legged on the bed.

You bounced on your knees while he swaggered over, undoing the last of his buttons with a knowing grin as he enjoyed the roam of your hungry stare across his skin. His carved abdomen flirted into view, obliques visible with each stride as the thick cotton folded to his movements. Loki sat on the bed, legs spread at the edge. His thighs creased the material in a way that made your mouth water.

He picked up the box, inspecting it before throwing you a lingering smoulder. “Mischievous elf,” he purred. “It’s just a small thing” you bargained, biting your lip as the first side of paper was torn. “I stole it, actually.” Loki raised an eyebrow. “Open it!” you said, chewing on your thumbnail as you watched his eyes drop to the package. Suddenly the god’s face changed.

Playfulness melted to a frown, his smirk fading. He swallowed thickly, staring down at the mug in his hands before looking up at you. “-with the yellow bear,” he said quietly. “and the eyepatch!” you beamed. “I took it from the cottage. I noticed you always used it, I thought you might like the-”

Before you could finish, Loki’s hand had cupped the back of your head and pulled you into an all-consuming kiss. He bore down on you, the passion of his adoration sinking through the air and deep into your soul. Every circle of his tongue against yours, every caress of his breath as he repositioned his mouth over your own. He broke, panting. “Darling,” was all he could muster in thanks as he looked down at the ceramic with adoring eyes. You couldn’t stop smiling. His gaze snapped up, a click of his fingers making a perfectly wrapped present appear beside you on the bed. Golden paper shimmered before becoming whole. It was flat, and light. “No presents, huh?” you goaded sweetly. Loki smiled. “Open it,” he echoed. You complied. And inside the paper was a perfectly folded nightdress, adorned with autumnal leaves. The very same one. You hugged it to your chest, a dopey smile on your face. “I knew it was the one thing in that room you would miss,” he rumbled apologetically.

You reached for his hand, thumb running over the veins taut and thick on the back. “I hope this doesn’t mean I’ll be sleeping alone,” you whispered with a smile. Loki placed his mug on the side table, before reaching for the nightdress and placing it beside. “God forbid,” he growled. Loki pulled another errant strand of tinsel from his hair, making it vanish. Without breaking eye contact, he lowered you back on the mattress, the pad of one fingertip tracing down your cheekbone. Memorising it.

The way he was looking at you, the silence that hung where words should be. You knew which words they were. He was holding back, even now as he inhaled against your pulse-point. Holding back for you. As dark curls blanketed your vision, you thought of the excitement in his voice as the cunning plan was formed. Of the way his fists clenched as he silently cheered his brother on, how his face fell when he thought that it was all for naught. How his eyes had swum with joy as it all came together. Not for himself, but for them. And you thought of the smile on that little girl’s face, joyful in the midst of Christmas lights and magic that shouldn't be possible. But for her, and for you - with him...it was. Yes, you’d thought about that a lot. “I love you, Loki” you whispered slowly in his ear.

Loki’s kisses against your neck faltered. You heard a sigh rack his chest, breath hitching as his heart-beart quickened on top of your own. “Truly?” he murmured in response.

It was cautious, wary. His eyes came into view, concern clouding them. You slid a hand up his jaw, kissing him gently. “I love you,” you repeated solemnly. He pressed his forehead to yours, a choke of relieved laughter accompanying a long inhale of breath. “Gods,” he whispered on the exhale, “what have I done to deserve you?” “Everything,” you replied quietly. It was a truth.

He kissed you as though he was trying to absorb each atom of your breath, capture each flutter of the three words he’d longed to hear. As though they might vanish if he did not mark the moment with the seal of his touch. But they wouldn’t. You knew that now. How could they? “I love you,” he whispered back. And you believed him.

A/N: Thank you again so so so much for coming on this journey with me and the gang. I'm so happy with how this ended, even though the expansion was a bit unexpected(!) and I really hope you are too! Although the 'main' story is chapters 1-7, it felt like there was more to explore. Please let me know what you thought, any insights or additional HCs you have - they are always welcome ❤️ Tags

@lokischambermaid @meowmeow-motherfucker @gigglingtiggerv2 @imalovernotahater @avengersalways @littledark11 @lokikissesmyforehead @simplyholl @fictive-sl0th @thedistractedagglomeration @loopsisloops @glitchquake @holdmytesseract @jaidenhawke @silverfire475 @fandxmslxt69 @morriggannlostinfandoms @marygoddessofmischief @sebstanwhore @xorpsbane @peacefulpianist @yelkmelk @wheredafandomat @mistress-ofmagic @acidcasualties @ozymdias @your-taste-on-my-lips @lokidokieokie @kikster606 @peachyjinx @tbhiddlestan83 @trickster-maiden @skymoonandstardust @justjoanne242 @thenotoriouserg @ladyofthestayingpower @wolfmoonmusic @brittbax @smolvenger @joyful-enchantress @kaleenjackson @fictional-hooman @kellatron55 @mrs-illyrian-baby @icytrickster17 @muddyorbs @buttercupcookies-blog @goddessofwonderland

#the lakes #loki x reader #loki laufeyson #loki fanfiction #loki x female reader #loki fanfic #loki smut #loki fluff #loki odinson #loki laufeyson x reader #loki laufeyson fluff #loki marvel #loki imagine #loki x yn #loki x you #loki gif #loki series

[loveisanimaginarydagger3000]

The Babysitter (36)

Surprise Trip

MILF Wanda Maximoff X Reader 18+

Summary: In need of money and a way to escape the problems at home, you get a job babysitting two lovely boys named Billy and Tommy Maximoff. What happens when you start to feel things you shouldn't for their mother? Will it bloom into love or leave you heartbroken?

A/N- I would just like to say that there will be some sensitive issues in this story such as alcoholism, homophobia, anxiety as well as more mature content such as smut so, if you continue to read this, please consider this warning.

The Babysitter Master list | General Master List

Chapter 36- W/c 5.4k

Tag list- @natsluttt @cerberus-spectre @dorabledewdroop @bibliophilicbi @hopelesslyfallenninlove @simpform1lfs @get-the-fuck-outta-here @natashaswife4125 @marvelwomen-simp @supercorpstan97 @aliherreraaa @aru-son @the-ox-fan20

Surprise Trip

Closing the door and locking it quietly, a sigh of relief left you as you rested your head against the front door, overjoyed at being back home. To say work dragged would have been an understatement, the eight hour shift felt like a lifetime and you were so glad you were finished for the weekend, eager to spend as much time as possible wrapped up in either a duvet or Wanda's arms.

At the thought of the older woman, a smile crept onto your lips, your body finding enough energy to push yourself off the door and make a beeline for the living room in search of her and the mini Maximoffs. Your feet took you to the intended room, your body pausing at the door as you admired the scene in front of you, the smile on your lips widening at the domestic scene.

Tommy and Billy were wrapped up in the world of video games, elated after having finished school for summer, and now suddenly interested in Minecraft as you had mentioned it a while ago, the two of them playfully bickering on how they should build their house, ultimately disagreeing. You chuckled quietly under your breath as they quickly decided that they would just build two separate houses, a look of fear taking over Billy's face as it started to switch to night time, the sound of a zombie emitting from the Tv. Tommy's face soon switched to a similar look of terror as he saw a creeper following him, ready to explode, causing him to run away as fast as possible, Billy laughing at his brother's reaction.

Your attention was then drawn away from the two boys to Wanda, warmth bubbling in your chest at the mere sight of her. Her feet were tucked underneath her as one of her arms rested on the arm of the chair, her hand supporting her head as the other held a book, her eyes trained on the words as she absentmindedly played with a strand of her hair. Her auburn hair was tied in that messy bun that you loved so much, two strands falling to perfectly frame her face, the green of her eyes containing curiosity as she flipped over the page, gaze briefly switching from the book to check on the boys when she noticed your tired figure hovering by the door frame.

Her face softened at the sight of you, the various shades of green filling with love and tenderness as she effortlessly slipped the bookmark against the page, swiftly closing the book and placing it down on the coffee table as you slowly made your way over to her, the twins still too immersed in their game to notice you.

"Hey Detka," she whispered ever so softly, her arms wrapping around your body as she adjusted her position to let you lean against her, her touch comforting as you melted against her.

"Hey love," you mumble back, the sound muffled as your head rests against the crook of her neck, the warm skin lulling you into a relaxed state as you move your hand to find hers, fingers naturally interlocking with one another.

"How was work?" she softly asks, having a vague idea of what the answer would be. A muffled sigh of annoyance was all she got back to start with, her other hand moving to soothingly scratch at your scalp as she could tell you craved her touch at the moment, the older woman always able to read you so well.

"I hate old people," is all you mutter after a moment of silence making Wanda laugh angelically, her teeth biting down on her lip to stop herself from laughing anymore at your adorably annoyed state.

"I take it that work wasn't good then?" she teases gently, her fingers guiding you away from the safety of her neck, her index finger resting under your chin and tilting your head up to gaze into her enamoured eyes. The look was enough to have your small pout vanish, an inevitable smile appearing on your lips at her amused expression as she waits for you to elaborate.

"No," you mutter, further entertaining her with your displeased tone. You loved working at the Guardian's café as you loved your co-workers, the whole team just so easy to get along with, the only issue with the job was the customers. People were so rude. "This woman wanted to argue with me because apparently the milk in her coffee was too cold," you grumble, Wanda's hand cupping your jaw as you lean against her palm, eyes fluttering close as you remember the annoying woman's face.

"Oh Detka," Wanda coos, attempting to be comforting but she's too busy trying to not laugh at how stupid the scenario sounds.

"It's a hot drink, how could you tell if the milk was cold?" your voice a displeased groan as Wanda's lips meet your forehead, her lips tugging up into a smile as you continue to grumble about the customer, the threat of throwing hands with her cracking Wanda's composure.

Another string of angelic laughter spills from her lips, her head tilting at you in an endearing manner as you offer her an attempted pointed stare, the expression quickly fading into a smile at her loving look. Her fingers delicately brush a few strands of your hair back before returning to resting against your cheeks, thumbs gently brushing against your skin as she feels you slowly relax even more in her hands.

"If you want me to beat someone up for you Detka, just ask," she teases in a whisper before claiming your lips, unable to stop the small laugh that leaves you as you smile into the kiss, amazed at how someone could so easily fix your mood like she did.

Your eyes slowly flutter open after the kiss, meeting her softened green and losing yourself in them as you always did. It was impossible not to, the tender glint in them mesmerised you, the shades of enamoured green enchanted you, and the look of pure love had various emotions bubbling in your chest as if you were falling in love with her all over again.

"Y/n's back!" Tommy says, interrupting the moment you were having with Wanda, the boys having finally noticed you, causing your head to turn to look at them, Wanda's gaze still firmly locked on you.

"Do you want to see our houses?" Billy excitedly asks, looking between you and the screen as he moves his character to find the wooden structure, your smile widening at their enthusiasm as Tommy makes space on his beanbag for you to join him.

"Of course I do," your tone matching their exhilarated ones, your eyes meeting Wanda's once more with an apologetic look before moving to entertain her boys, her eyes unable to be torn away from you as she admired the sight of you with her children.

Wanda didn't know how to describe the emotions she felt whenever she saw you play with her boys in such a caring and genuine manner, her heart melting at every amazed look the twins would offer you, every smile that practically stretched from ear to ear on their faces. It was indescribable the love she felt for you in those moments as she simply sat back against the sofa and watched the three of you chat amongst yourselves, laughter spilling from all of your lips.

After a while, Wanda had to interrupt your playing as it was time for the boys to start getting ready for bed, needing to have a shower each and brush their teeth before being tucked in shortly after. The twins were reluctant to leave their game but as soon as Wanda's signature head tilt and raised brows were seen, they immediately saved the game and started to turn it off, a chuckle leaving you at how effective her motherly stare was. You followed the three of them upstairs as Wanda made sure at least one of them was going into their shared bathroom first, you deciding to have a shower of your own after your long, tiresome day, Wanda encouraging you to spend as long as you wanted in hers as she knew you loved the pressure and temperature of it.

Listening to her, you allowed yourself to relax in the shower as you felt the warm, soothing water hit your skin, trickling down your body and helping you relieve the tension in your muscles from the stress as you lost yourself to random thoughts. Your fingers grazed over one of the new soaps Wanda had gotten, your eyes scanning over the description of it and orange colouring, sparking a random tangent of thoughts about what came first, the colour orange or the fruit before you decided to stick to the vanilla one that was almost finished, loving the smell of it as it just reminded you of Wanda.

Eventually, you turned off the water and swiftly dried yourself off before wrapping a towel around your body, leaving the bathroom in search of some clothes to sleep in. You saw one of Wanda's old t-shirts hidden under a pile of clothes on the dresser after sliding on some underwear and sleep shorts, your fingers deftly slipping it from out of the pile and smiling fondly at the shirt. As you were putting it on, you remembered where you had seen it from, in one of the photos of Wanda during her 'emo' phase when Natalya showed you all the old photo albums, much to Wanda's disapproval.

"Are you stealing another one of my shirts?" Wanda asks as she walks into the room to see you sat on the edge of the bed, your hands holding a towel as you dry your hair.

"No..." you say with a cheeky tone, looking over your shoulder at the older woman who simply playfully shakes her head at you, climbing onto the bed behind you. She slips the towel out of your grasp and motions for you to face forwards, drying your hair for you as you feel her move your hair to the side, allowing her to place a kiss to your neck.

"Yes you are," she mumbles, smiling against your skin as she continues to dry your hair in the tranquil moment, the two of you just savouring the moment together. Your eyes gradually close at the soothing feeling of her hands working wonders against your head, body melting against hers that was pressed up behind you, the towel soon being discarded and quickly replaced with a brush until your hair was free of any knots. The feeling of her lips on your shoulder causes you to open your eyes again, her words gaining your attention. "I have a surprise for you," she whispers vaguely, your head tilting to look at her.

"Oh?" you say suggestively, eyes flickering down to her lips to which causes Wanda to momentarily forget what she was saying, a new idea entering her mind.

"Not that kind of surprise," she murmurs, kissing your forehead delicately in apology as she goes on to explain, "I'm taking you and the boys on a surprise trip tomorrow."

"Where are we going?" you immediately say, excitement evident in your tone as you move positions on the bed, moving to straddle her waist, arms wrapped around her neck loosely, fingers playing with the baby hairs at the back of her neck.

Your eagerness to know makes her chuckle, Wanda pressing another kiss to your lips as she just couldn't resist, her hands settling on your hips, fingers sliding under her shirt that you were wearing to trace random patterns against your skin.

"Did you not hear me just say surprise trip?" she asked humorously, smiling at your toothy grin that was engraved on your face.

"I'll act surprised," you whisper, leaning in for another kiss, ghosting her lips, "Please tell me."

"If I tell you, I wont get to see the look of shock on your face," she teases, making your brows furrow, pulling back from her face to search her eyes for any hints of mischief. When you can see a little, you squint your eyes at her, wanting her to crack but she keeps her calm expression.

"Am I going to like this surprise?" you ask cautiously, watching as she smirks a little before flipping the two of you over, her face hovering over yours as your body remains trapped under hers.

"Potentially," she whispers in response, nose brushing yours softly before she kisses you softly, your brows furrowing even more. "Now come on, it's time for bed as we can't lie in as long," she murmurs as she rolls to lay next to you, her arms pulling your body closer to hers as your face rests on the pillow mere inches from hers, your mind racing with thoughts as you gaze into her eyes, one thought leaving your lips without thinking.

"Wait, we have to get up earlier?" you say, fearful of losing precious time asleep.

"Only a little," she says, fingers still tracing random patterns against your skin, her leg sliding between yours as your limbs tangle together.

"I feel like our definition of 'a little' differs," you mutter, knowing that the older woman loved to wake up earlier than you, her lips pressing against yours to silence you and make you smile.

"Goodnight Detka," she whispers with a smile, your mind still cautious of the surprise as you murmur goodnight as well, nuzzling your face against her chest to help you try and drift off to sleep, eager to know what the surprise entailed.

***

When Wanda had told you she had a surprise trip planned for all of you, you expected a visit to a theme park, water park, a zoo, somewhere... fun. Not here. Never here.

"Wanda," you say, dragging out her name as you curiously look at the place in front of you, a hint of apprehension glimmering in your eyes as you meet the softening green at your expression. "Why are we at a farm?"

A soft chuckle leaves her at your tone, her eyes flickering over to the boys who are already speeding off, knowing where they are.

"We are here because it's a tradition," she says with an amused tone, her arm wrapping around yours as she leads you towards the entrance, Billy and Tommy impatiently waiting for the both of you. "Every summer I bring the boys here to see the animals and play with them, it's just a small family thing we've always done," she explains and you can see the tender look in her eye, a nostalgic look in them as she remembers her parents taking her and Pietro to their local farm in Sokovia when they were younger, the way they'd bond with the animals something Wanda loved.

You couldn't help but smile a bit at her words, feeling slightly honoured that Wanda would bring you along to a family tradition, your eyes wandering around the small but welcoming area as you shut the fence behind you.

"I also remember the three of you talking about horse riding a few weeks ago and thought you could try it today," her tone soft but cautious as she reads your expression, hoping you would be up for it. Your smile immediately widens at how thoughtful she was, your elated expression calming her nerves as you pull her body closer to you, continuing to follow the twins sprint from area to area to look at the various animals littered within the place.

You chuckle at the sight of the twins laughing at the pigs in the mud, one of them rolling around sporadically on its back, eliciting a long string of laughter from Tommy as it snorts at the same time. Billy can't help but pull a face at the smell of them, a smile soon creeping onto his face as another pig joins the other on its back, seemingly playing together by rolling on the ground, coating themselves in a substantial amount of mud. 

After having enough of the constant smell and oinking, you all move over to where an array of goats were, one of them making a loud bleating noise as you arrive. The noise seems to stun both of the twins as the white goat with a scraggly beard saunters up to the fence, inspecting you all curiously. Tommy attempts to move closer to the fence to get a better look when suddenly the goat screams, an uncontrollable laugh escaping you at his reaction.

Hiding your face at Wanda's shoulder, you try your best to laugh quietly but you can't seem to stop yourself as Tommy's facial expression and high pitch scream is engraved in your mind, the mix of horror, shock and fear merging on his face into one... unique look and sound. You can feel Wanda slapping you playfully to stop as Tommy grumbles in embarrassment, kicking some of the sticks on the floor as he moves to another animal enclosure, Billy doing a much better job at hiding his amusement than you.

"Behave," Wanda murmurs into your ear as you chuckle once more, brushing the tears of laughter out of your eyes as you follow the ashamed boy, Wanda's eyes softening as she wipes another tear off your cheek, her expression also containing that motherly glint as she was about to comfort Tommy. You press a quick kiss to her palm before she leaves, her smile widening that little bit more at the action before she catches up to the brown haired boy, her hands resting on his back as she crouches next to his annoyed face. You stay behind with Billy who's still admiring the goats from afar, his gaze turning softer at the sight of a young goat hiding with its mother.

You observe his reaction to the baby animal, his smile growing at the cute, little noise it makes, your body standing next to him and admiring the scene with him.

"Did you know that baby goats are called kids?" you say with a humorous tone as you remember all the times your father would correct you after saying 'kids' in reference to children, his usual teasing tone always replying with 'I didn't know we were with baby goats right now' to make you roll your eyes and chuckle.

"Kids?" he says in confusion, processing your words as he stares at the baby goat in thought. When you nod your head, you didn't expect the next question, "You have called me a kid before, were you calling me a goat?" You let out a small chuckle at his innocent and curious tone, your hands going to his shoulders, a mischievous smile on your face.

"No Billy, I've been calling you a baby goat, there's a difference," you tease sarcastically, "You need to have a scraggly beard before I can call you a proper goat," your fingers playfully pinch his chin and tickle him, pretending that there was a beard there to make him laugh. At the sound of his infectious laughter, you can't help but smile with him, pulling his body closer to yours and tickling him even more, the volume of his laughter increasing as you 'torture' the poor boy as he put it.

When you can see his face turning a little red at the action, his body squirming in your grip incessantly, you release him, watching as he runs off to his mother, trying to catch his breath with a large toothy grin on his face. He hides behind her body, leaning his head on her back as he looks over at you with joy swirling in his eyes, still trying to catch his breath as he still quietly laughs, unable to stop. Wanda simply raises her brow at you, Tommy mirroring his mothers action at the strange scene that had unfolded, warmth bubbling in your chest at the sight of them. You noticed in that moment how both of the boys looked so similar to Wanda, Tommy's matching expression and confused stare perfectly resembling his mothers while Billy's playful and shy smile reminded you of the small smirk Wanda would occasionally try to hide when you make a comment she would pretend to ignore.

When you walk back over to them, Wanda's head tilts slightly in a sceptical manner at your smile, your hands sliding around her waist as Billy moves, him and Tommy both grinning at the playful wink you send their way as you prepare to torment Wanda. Your fingers unexpectedly try to tickle her, a surprised yelp leaving her at the sudden strange sensation at her sides, her immediately slipping out of your arms as you can't stay composed and laugh with the twins at the noise that escaped her.

She glares at you momentarily as she watches both boys high five you, her expression fading as she knows exactly how to get revenge on you, eyes also softening at the smiles on both of her children's faces before they run off to look at the cows that have decided to 'moo' extremely loud.

"Oh Detka," she chuckles out lowly as her arm wraps around your waist, pulling you in closer, your eyes widening at the pure mischief in her eyes. "You're going to regret that," she whispers, her mouth moving to your ear, "Paybacks a bitch." Her tone is teasing and low, her lips pressing an innocent kiss to your cheek before she pulls back, turning to walk over to where the twins were, leaving you to swallow nervously, scared of what she had planned for you.

***

After a nervy hour of trying to not fall off a horse, you were finally back on the ground, Wanda watching with an amused smile as you and Billy looked terrified the entire time, Tommy having the time of his life as he pretended to be a cowboy, putting on a southern accent which amused the supervisor who cared for the horses, the man entertaining him by playing along.

Tommy was reluctant to leave the horse when his time was up, a pout on his face as he tried to convince the worker to let him stay on for a couple more minutes, Wanda chuckling at her son's actions as she had to help get him off, the worker offering her an appreciative smile as you and Billy flopped on a bench, thankful to feel something solid and still under you compared to the horse and pony you were on. The two of you watch as Wanda has to practically lift Tommy off the horse with the workers help, the boy high fiving the man who can't help but chuckle at the boy's antics, his small little feet eventually reaching the ground, a slightly annoyed look on his face but his smile still reaching his ears though.

"That was so fun," he exclaims as Wanda directs the three of you to the picnic bench you were going to have lunch on, Wanda having brought lunch with you as there was nowhere close to eat and she knew that the boys, and you, would get hangry soon. Wanda smiles at her son's enthusiasm as you and Billy look at him in disbelief, her hands passing you her phone to show the boys the photos as she quickly retreats to the car to grab the food.

Tommy can't help but laugh wholeheartedly at the photo of both you and Billy looking terrified, his face just about visible in the background, his teeth on show as he smiled constantly, a clear comparison between your reactions. The three of you watch a video of Tommy playing with the worker, both of them pointing finger guns at each other as he gets the horse to stroll around the area, his fake accent audible on the recording. Your smile widens as Billy teases his brother, your attention soon switching to Wanda though who returns with the picnic bag.

You can't help but let your eyes drift across her body, her jeans hugging her hips perfectly as her simple black shirt looks stunning on her, the addition of the sunglasses adding to her look as she brushes her auburn hair back out of her face, her smile radiant. She soon slides onto the bench next to you, swiftly offering the boys their lunch before getting hers out, you taking your own out to let her start with her own food, her lips briefly pressing against your temple making you smile shyly, a blush tainting your cheeks at the love you felt.

Just as you were about to take a bite out of your sandwich, your body freezes at the noise you can hear, your eyes snapping over to Wanda who hides her smile behind her hand, pretending to chew as to not give away her mischievous smirk.

"Wanda," your tone cautious as you turn your head to look at your girlfriend, a soft hum coming from her in response. "Was there an ulterior motive for bringing me to a farm?" you ask sceptically, thinking back to your first date with her when you told her the infamous chicken story, the connections only just clicking in your mind. When you can hear another chorus of clucking, Wanda wraps her arms around you, noticing how you tense up.

"Maybe..." she says, a hint of an apologetic tone hidden somewhere in her voice, her smile and gentle features calming you a little. "I wanted to try and get you over your phobia of chickens," she explains, her fingers interlocking with yours as you cautiously look back at the creatures slowly creeping closer towards the four of you.

"I don't have a phobia of chickens," you grumble, "I just try to avoid them." Wanda softly laughs at your explanation, shaking her head gently before pressing a lingering kiss to your temple, unable to stop the smile present on her lips as you shuffle closer to her.

"Come on Detka, you're meant to be the psychology student here," she teases, acting as a place of safety as you lean against her body for comfort. "That sounds like negative reinforcement to me," she says and you don't know whether you should be impressed at her knowledge or annoyed as she get revenge for earlier.

"You do know that the 'flooding' method of removing phobias is highly unethical without informed consent," you mutter, turning your head to look at her with an annoyed look, the action of her lips instantly pressing to your forehead removing the expression.

"I'll make it up to you," is all she says, knowing you understand what she means as she flickers her gaze to your lips, the thoughts of all the chickens swiftly leaving your mind.

"All night long," you add, her brows rising at your demand, her head nodding subtly as you seem to calm down, the boys who were in their own world and not hearing most of the conversation suddenly turning to you and their mother with an array of questions to distract you both.

Eventually, you have all finished your lunches and ready to start heading home, a sigh of relief leaving you as no chickens have chased you yet, your eyes on the boys who decided to go closer to the, in your eyes, devil like creatures. Wanda and yourself but can't help but watch the boys gently and carefully try to interact with the animals, a smile on both of your faces as the older woman turns her head to look at you, eyes widening at what was behind you.

"You little mother fu-" you yell at the chicken that pecked your ankle, Wanda unable to warn you in time as you jog away from the 'bloodthirsty' animal to her, her arms enveloping you in a hug as the chicken attempts to chase you, Wanda moving her body in the way to frighten it off. "See, this is why I hate them," you grumble, Wanda unable to stop the soft laughter that escapes her at your state, her hands snaking around your waist and pulling you closer, showing a silent form of comfort as the whole situation to her was rather humorous.

"Oh Detka," she coos when she pulls herself together, the boys chuckling to themselves until they see Wanda's face, signalling for them to quieten down. "I'm sorry," she apologies sincerely, her fingers moving to cup your cheeks as your face signals your annoyance. You simply move your face to hide at the crook of her neck, not wanting to be mad at Wanda as it wasn't her fault. Yes, arguably you could be annoyed with her for bringing you to a farm, knowing you were scared of chickens, but the rest of the day had been perfect so you couldn't stay mad at her, no matter how annoyed you were right now. Plus, she technically wasn't the one to peck you. 

"It's ok," you murmur after a moment, eventually pulling away from the safety of her warm skin, your eyes meeting her mesmerising green as she moved her sunglasses to rest on the top of her head, the various shades of green soothing your nerves. "I'm going to eat so much chicken for dinner in revenge," you mutter, making the older woman angelically laugh, her smile growing as your usual, amusing self returned. "In fact, I think we should have a McDonalds for dinner," your tone is frivolous, curious to see how the older woman would react.

"We have food at home Detka," she says and you can't help but laugh at her typical motherly response, the twins on your side and offering her their best 'puppy eyes' they could muster to help persuade their mother into agreeing with you. Upon seeing all of your pleading faces, she sighs and gives in, "Fine." Shaking her head at all of your antics, the three of you cheer before starting to move towards the car, Wanda's arm interlocked with yours as you pass the last of the chickens, your eyes glaring daggers at them.

"You're such a bad influence," she mutters while you climb into her red vehicle, a smile on your face at her tone, the annoyance of the stupid chicken haven faded completely.

"Maybe I am," you tease, buckling your seatbelt as the twins in the back do the same, "But you still love me." Wanda rolls her eyes at your playful tone, her fingers guiding your face closer to hers, her hand reaching back to cover the boys view, knowing they would groan at the sight of affection. Her lips meet yours softly, the two of them still groaning jokingly despite not being able to see, making the two of you smile into the kiss even more.

"I'll always love you," she whispers before pulling back properly, turning around to look at Tommy who was dramatically covering his eyes, Billy sheepishly looking out of the window at the motherly stare aimed towards them.

"Ewww," Tommy says once more, unaware that you had stopped kissing, a soft chuckle leaving you at his reaction, Billy lightly hitting his brother to shut him up.

"I guess Tommy doesn't want anything from McDonalds then," Wanda teases, the boy's eyes shooting wide open, shock and disbelief on his face.

"Wait, no, I do," he rushes out, making the rest of you laugh, Wanda turning back around to get the car ready to drive, a smile plastered on her face, merely humming in response to her son.

"To McDonalds we go," you say to cheer the boy up, his smile instantly returning at your mood and energetic tone, Wanda's eyes flickering over to you, nothing but love in them as she gets ready for the eventful evening with you all, knowing there was nowhere else she'd rather be than with you.  

#wanda #wanda maximoff #wandavision #wanda marvel #mommy wanda #wanda fanfic #wanda maximoff fanfiction #wanda fanfiction #wanda maximoff imagine #wanda x reader #wanda maximoff x reader #wanda x you #wanda maximoff x you #wanda smut #wanda maximoff fan fiction #wanda fluff #wanda maximoff x female reader #wanda maximoff fav #dom wanda maximoff #marvel fanfiction #marvel fanfic series #fluff #FLUFF AND SMUT #angst to fluff #fluff and romance #fluff and humor #rough smut #soft smut #eventual smut #gxg smut

[tailschannel]

IDW Sonic at SDCC 2023: Everything you need to know

IDW Sonic had a panel in this year's San Diego Comic Con and many new issues, one-shots, and collections were announced.

Major announcements included new covers for Issue 67, preview pages for the 900th Adventure, and a tease of an upcoming one-shot issue for Fang the Sniper and Knuckles the Echidna.

This year's panelists included Evan Stanley, Adam Bryce Thomas, Min Ho Kim, Caleb Goellner, Michael Cisneros, and David Mariotte.

The upcoming arcs

Misadventures

Issues 63 to 66.

Features Sonic, the Diamond Cuttersm Silvers, Blaze, Knuckles, the Chaotix, Cream, Gemerl, the Babylon Rogues, and more in a two story per issue format.

Between August, September, and October 2023.

Second Chances

Issue 67.

Surge and Kit makes a return to supposedly join the Restoration.

Out November 2023.

The Protector

Issue 68.

Sonic and Tails explore a mysterious cavern.

Out December 2023.

Upcoming one-shots

The 900th Adventure

A special issue that celebrates 30 years of Sonic comics that span over 900 releases.

A Sonic adventure where Sonic and friends goes against some of his foes to get rid of the Warp Topaz.

Out August 2023.

Attribution for the 900th Adventure one-shot are as follows:

Story One: written by Ian Flynn, illustrated by Adam Bryce Thomas, coloured by Valentino Pinto

Story Two: written and illustrated by Evan Stanley, coloured by Gigi Dutreix.

Story Three: written by Nigel Kitching, illustrated by Mauro Fonseca, inked by Rik Mack, coloured by Reggie Graham.

Story Four: written by Daniel Barnes, artwork by Min Ho Kim.

Story Five: written and illustrated by Aaron Hammerstrom, inked by Matt Froese, coloured by Nathalie Fourdraine.

Story Six: written by Caleb Goellner, illustrated by Abby Bulmer, coloured by Heather Breckel.

Endless Summer One-Shot

Sonic, Tangle, Whisper, and Jewel just want to have a relaxing day at the beach... but won't if the Babylon Rogues have anything to say about it.

Out August 2023.

IDW Sonic Halloween Special

A new adventure featuring the Chaotix where they have to face a candy-stealing monster alongside Sonic & Tails, releasing on October 2023.

Featuring Mark Bouchard, Jack Lawrence, and Gigi Duterix.

Amy 30th Anniversary Special

Amy embarks on an adventure to save the small animals and her friends from Metal Sonic.

Out September 2023.

Knuckles & Fang One-Shot

Newly teased 30th Anniversary one-shot issue for Knuckles the Echidna and Fang the Sniper

Out in 2024.

Upcoming collected editions

Scrapnik Island Collection

Sonic and Tails are on an island of spooky forgotten badniks.

Out August 2023.

Seasons of Chaos Collection

Classic Sonic adventures.

Out October 2023.

IDW Sonic Artbook

A special gallery collection containing some of the art of the IDW Sonic series, including art from Tracy Yardley, Adam Bryce Thomas, Evan Stanley, and Jack Lawrence.

Out October 2023.

Knuckles' Greatest Hits

A collection featuring Knuckle's greatest hits throughout the IDW Sonic series.

Includes issues 3, 10, 11, the 2022 Free Comic Book Day special, and the "Guardian" mini-issue from the 2022 Annual.

Out October 2022.

(Story contributed by Spectre from the Tails' Channel Newsfeed, images from Floof for Tails' Channel, with files via IDWSonicNews for Tails' Channel)

#idw sonic the hedgehog #idw sonic #sonic idw #sonic the hedgehog #sonic #sonic sdcc 2023 #sdcc 2023 #san diego comic con #comic con #sega #gaming #sonic news #idw sonic spoilers

[starrysharks]

next design thingy i want to do is like. a guts and organs rock band. rn i got:

drums is like a spunky heart/circulatory system girl because i personally think the drums are the beating heart of a band. also beating heart? like drum beat? maybe heartstrings for a guitarist would've been easier but i like to be a little weird, a little quirky, a little freak, etc

bassist is um. the spine/nervous system in general. because the bass has a long neck like how spines are long you gets? maybe her bass can be spine shaped

guitarist? the stomach/digestion system. bear with me here. the stomach has acid in it. acid conducts electricity. electric guitar. you gets? i would've gone with the nervous system but that's taken. maybe they could be a foodie or something

keyboard - lungs/respiratory system. the ribs are kind of shaped like a keyboard, i'm just pulling shit out of my ass here to be honest with you guys...

lead vocal - SKELETON!!! specifically the skull should be the most present in their character design. they hold everyone together and lead the band.

idk if i'll take this idea anywhere this is just brainstorming i did on the bus to be frank with you. maybe their manager is the endocrine system, and they could have a rival band of bacteria pop idols? who nose. this is a sort of thing that i think would be cute as a hypothetical cartoon (like how spectre city online is a hypothetical virtual world, NO i haven't forgotten about SCO, i'm just busy as fuck), but if i do make them properly i'll prob start out with mini comics.

#long post #oc rambling #(technically) #what would their name be...... #if they were real they'd sound like shonen knife mixed with the dollyrots (specifically “eat my heart out” album) #idk

[cressida-jayoungr]

One Dress a Day Challenge

September: Bond Films

No Time to Die / Léa Seydoux as Madeleine Swann

Over the course of surveying several movies by now, I'm struck by how often "Bond girls" wear white, especially for day wear. Here's a simple but effective example from No Time to Die: a button-front dress by Spanish designer Massimo Dutti, made of soft ribbed material (knit?). As designed, the dress comes with a belt, but Madeleine doesn't wear it. With the white dress, Madeleine wears white Castañer Chiarita Espadrilles wedge sandals and carries a Tod's Double T Bucket Bag Mini purse. I didn't spot any jewelry.

White is a bit of a signature color for the character, as she also wore white in the previous film, Spectre. In this particular scene, it has the effect of making her look angelic and wronged when Bond accuses her of betraying him.

Although this film was released in 2021, it was filmed in 2019, so I'm filing it under 2010s fashion.

#no time to die #bond film costumes #léa seydoux #one dress a day challenge #one dress a week challenge #movie costumes #lea seydoux #madeleine swann #2021 movies #2021 films #massimo dutti #white dresses #white dress #bond girl #james bond films #daniel craig era #2010s style #2010s fashion

[titansontop]

i couldnt reply before but here it is. Long asf.

@raven-harlot

What a convenient way to forget Nightwing's arc with the Titans, written by Taylor a few months ago, the beginning of his Titans. Where raven wasn't at all "just Gar's gf", right? Raven did things on her own, she wasn't there just to be with Gar, she had moments, she had a leading role, she had a role in the arc that was much more than just being Gar's girlfriend, did you forget all that? Raven having action, Raven showing her best qualities with Olivia…She was the best and more interesting character of that arc without doubts. And even though she was with Gar there, it was never like she was stuck to him, was it?… While Raven had a second leader role in this arc, what happened with Gar? Nothing (he wasnt there just as Raven's boyfriend tho).

Do you remember TT Academy? Where Gar was doing exactly what Raven is doing now? Being a moral support for her partner? (oh no! A couple that helps and supports each other!😨😟) I bet at that moment you didn't think that Gar was "just Raven's bf", no, I bet you were saying something like "they made Raven Weak! Raven doesn't need a man!" Blah, blah, blah.

Traumas? What traumas? You know damn well that the only reason we're seeing Gar's trauma is because of what happened in Dark Crisis; otherwise we wouldn't see shit about his trauma, just like we won't see the other Titans' traumas.

Do you know what character progression is? Something Raven went through under Wolfman's writing? Do you remember how she tried to have relationships back then? how she tried to love, right? Raven has been free of Trigon for years, stop the cap, she can express her emotions without problems since the 80s.

Stop the cycle, do you want Raven to be some kind of Redhood going through the same arc over and over again?

Do you want Raven to be exactly like she was 40 years ago in the damn 80s, when she debuted as an 18-year-old woman who didn't even have friends and couldn't express her emotions?? Holy character regression!

If you say that Raven is unrecognizable and a totally different character (if that makes you feel better, keep pretending that, I guess) then just stop reading the comics…easy, that easy.

Did you start reading a Gar comic, where Raven was only going to be a character in a supporting role because the comic focuses on Gar and only Gar, hoping that she wouldn't be a character in a supporting role? The joke tells itself. Did you want her to be the protagonist of Gar's comic? And don't say she's just Gar's girlfriend and nothing more when she literally had her own comic where Gar WASN'T there, no matter how bad it was, it was a comic of her, about her, with a story for her, Gar wasn't there(i bet you got maddd when Raven talked about him tho{1 line in a 30 pages comic, before you even say anything lmao}).

Before this new Titans comic what did Gar have? Nothing at all. Raven instead? She had the storyline of Unkindness, she had some small roles in that same storyline in TTA and Shazam(where she was also given some respect), she had an important role in Dark Crisis: The Deadly Green, and it didn't end there, she also had a big fight with The Spectre. Gar at the event, meanwhile, was only being used as motivation for Dick and nothing else (0 scenes of Gar with Raven or Cyborg even when they are the characters that should have been with him). (And not to mention the Titans United comics, those are not from the main earth, but Raven had a big role in the second one, and in none of them was she "just Gar's gf", i wasnt a big fan tho).

Oh and let's not forget the comic where once again Raven crossed paths with Trigon, and it wasn't the best thing in the world, but Gar wasn't there… she literally got a mini story for herself there in that Lazarus Planet tie-in, while Gar at that time only had the back up from Action Comics with Power Girl, where they once again ignored Raven and Victor and used Dick.

And there was also Knight Terrors: Titans, where once again, Raven wasnt there as "just Gar's gf".

Umm, no, just because a writer doesn't give focus to the character you want it means it is misogyny😂. There are 4 issues that don't focus on Raven, so he hates women? 😂, let's completely forget how he even put Donna in the role of leader in that mission(not much but is more than what she got in the last 3 years). They are setting up Beast World, of course they will focus on Gar. And even then, let's look at who's been focused on so far: Dick(who is Taylor's favorite and is being pushed by editorial as a super leader), Gar(who is being set up for something bigger) and Wally(who is part of a semi-plot from the comic). Vic isn't getting that much focus either, I guess that makes Taylor racist, right?… Don't worry, more moments will come for them, I repeat, ITS 4 ISSUES IN. Even Taylor has said that Kori will have more prominence in the next issues.

Do you remember the little arc with the Brotherhood of Evil and Madame Rogue?…who was the lead and who was in a supporting role?…oh yeah! Gar was the main character while the others were mostly sidelined… And that was by Wolfman and Pérez…

About the part of Taylor not knowing how to write women, Taylor isnt a perfect writer for sure, im not saying he is, and he isn't Gail Simone, he misses too, but yk one of his most acclaimed comics from marvel is a comic about a female character(X-23), right? Lol.

You say Taylor doesn't understand her, yet, he is probably writing the best version of Raven since Wolfman in the 80s. He clearly understand this character, and its funny that you pretend he doesnt. Cant even imagine how you reacted to Teen Titans Rebirth Raven🥴.

We both know that if Raven had these scenes she is having with Gar, with Donna or Kori instead, you wouldn't be saying shit. If Raven was saying "i love you" to Kori, or Donna, you wouldn't be saying shit…that's the funny part about this LMAO. You know your account isn't private, right? How do you expect someone to take your "raven cant express her emotions!!" seriously when we can see what you post? (And we can also read the comics...)

You aren't mad because Taylor doesn't understand Raven, you are mad here because Taylor isn't writing what YOU want.

Raven isnt the same character she was 40 years ago, just like Gar isnt, or just like Batman isnt the same character he was in the 80s or the 60s. Its called character progression(well, Bruce is in a deep whole right now lol). Raven has long passed her days of not being able to express her emotions, but you are saying she should go back to square 1?…

So yeah, I proved Raven in the past years has had more going on that just being Gar's gf. Raven by Tom Taylor has as well been more than "just Gar's supportive gf". And seriously, you were so mad about this that you made 3 posts complaining the same day lmao. You don't like it? STOP. READING. IT instead of reading it just to complain like a damn baby.

All that said, do you think i dont want more solo stuff for Raven?? Its really a shame Howard dropped the ball so hard with that story, a solo story of Raven that will barely mean anything at the end…

And…I dont know, how else would i find out about Raven's new content in this site?…

(seriously tho, you are in the tags, i could just ignore it, just as you could ignore the comics you dont like, but this time i decided i was gonna reply to such a dumb post).

#garfield logan #raven #beast boy and raven #beast boy #raven roth #dc comics #Titans

[sciencenerd34]

Mini Theory

This is a mini rant, want to get my thoughts out there.

Okay so, lets say the theory of Lenore possibly murdering Annabel Lee is true (since she said of how she got her spectre in Episode 15).

Wouldn’t she have some, idk, resentment/anger towards Lenore, in some way? Perhaps in this way, she may be plotting to uncover as to why Lenore had to do that, or to teach her a lesson, or something similar (playing mind games, which she already does).

Would she even know that it was Lenore? Since, Ada has had a similar experience to that of Annabel Lee’s, we (as the reader), could not see the face of the person of her demise. Then again, the difference would be what the Deans whispered in Annabel’s ear and Ada having a flashback to it.

There was also that face that Annabel made and had for a bit after telling everyone in the maze of how she died (it’s obvious that she is angry about it, but could it have been directed at Lenore or just the way it happened that made her upset?). For now, I would say the latter.

My thoughts are that it couldn’t have been Lenore, no way. It must have been someone else close to her that we haven’t seen yet; or maybe it was but one we are probably not expecting, like the maid for example.

I have been thinking about this for days on end after seeing the cover for Episode 90.

#nevermore webtoon #nevermore webcomic #nevermore #this comic has a special place in my heart #first post cause I never post anything

[seratlantisite]

this was for a penumbra mini bang anastasia au a while back. juno was anya and nureyev was dimitri, and juno finally opened up to nureyev and told him the only memory he had from his past - of a face identical to his own telling him to run. the fic was never published which was a shame but i was really proud of this art so i finally fixed the gif.

[image id: three digital images. the first is a drawn gif. it shows someone's hand resting on a porthole window looking out in to space. there are shadows on the wall beside it, and reflections in the glass of two people. the first is the owner of the hand, juno, with tears running down his face as he looks sadly to the side. behind him stands nureyev, watching him. their reflection fades out and in fades a younger boy who otherwise looks like juno, reaching for him with a scared expression. the spectre fades out as the reflection fades back in. the second image is a still of the spectre, and the third is a still of the reflection. end id]

#enjoy! #the penumbra podcast #juno steel #peter nureyev #benzaiten steel #jupeter #penumbra au #art of mine

[aboutzatanna]

To put into perspective just how forced the whole JohnZee pairing has been for the last few years, Zatanna met John 5 times in the pre-reboot continuity. That's 5 out of the 379 times she has appeared in comics before the Pre Nu 52 debut of Justice League Dark. Similarly John's Hellblazer lasted for 300 issues with his own supporting cast and love interests and Zatanna only appeared once in it.

(Yes, there was a divide between Vertigo and DC at the time but Zatanna was one of the few characters who famously flaunted the line)

Swamp Thing #49-50: this is where we first find out that these characters knew each other as John tries to recruit Zatara and Zatanna for the magical seance. Note that there is an element of manipulation involved in all of John's interactions with everyone in this issue. John was also a new character at the time and Zatanna was a very established character. Moore can be a perv so it's not surprising that he made their relationship sexual. He also basically ended the pairing with John Zatara's death and Zatanna blaming John for it. Although they were established as collegues, we got fans and writers today who think Zatanna should be a novice who needs John to lead her around and tell her where to aim her powers.

Books of Magic: In which we learn that John hasn't met Zatanna at all since the traumatic seance but feels he can just waltz in and ask her to babysit a kid for him. The writer likes him so of course it works and she hugs and kisses him, which felt so very jarring. Books of Magic is a book I enjoy except for the Zatanna scenes (and Spectres). Then we had Zee acting like a complete idiot who endangers Tim Hunter and needed to be saved by John Constantine. Really jarring when you see her appearances in JLA comics around the time where she was a powerful magician whose kicking ass. ( Yet, this one comic would decades later set the pace for her characterization in JLD as this novice with a lot of power except for when John needs to shine. ) We would later get a follow up to this in a dream sequence in the 1991 Zatanna mini series by Lee Mars but that too had a scene where Zatanna went 'oh no, I'm not as good John' which makes no sense since she has been involved in magic her whole life.

Hellblazer Vol 1 #63: Zatanna's only appearance in the title at John's 40th birthday party. I don't have any objections to this one. Zee getting high at a party with a floating joint is hilarious.

Totems mini series: A brief appearance where she turns down his offer for sex and even goes 'reven niaga'.

Zatanna Everyday Magic: I like this one. As it deals with things from her perspective. She is the one who saves him and very subtly we see her shed any resentment she may have for John but is not hung up on him. She has her own life and her own love interests, even has casual sex with them.

So we have a pairing that cratered and halfway buried, only for an ill thought out reboot to drag it back up and heavily retconning both character's respective histories to make it work. Like introducing Nick Necro and treating the seance like Zee's origin story instead of Zatanna's Search. Ignoring any aspect of her that's not related to John, like all her relationships with the JL members (except Batman) don't matter anymore even though they played important roles in her life as well. Yet, John gets to keep most of his history and supporting cast and even get several shots at an ongoing. Zee ends up being treated as less smart, less competent and daresay even less sexy, whenever the JohnZee pairing comes to the forefront. The seeds were there since even their second meeting.

I don't see why this pairing needs to be treated as something so sacrosanct that the characters aren't allowed to grow past it. It's definitely not an earned relationship that's up there with Clark/Lois, BatCat, WallyLinda or BarryIris. It's only post nu52 that writers can't seem to go two pages without mentioning the pairing whenever Zee shows up. And I hate the fact that it's lead to Zee developing a reputation as a woman with a bad body fetish. Yet another aspect of the character they had to twist to make the pairing work.

It's not just that Zee deserves better, it just plain doesn't make sense. Even on it's own, it's a constant merry go round 'oh John, you are lying to me, I can't trust you/John, you lied to me, I trusted you. Everyone in JLD gets this but Zatanna gets it the worst.

Also, Zatanna didn't 'choose him', they were apart then the reboot happened and DC went 'well, lets pretend these two are an angsty couple who can't quit each other, forget anything that might contradict this narrative'.

To drive the point home; compare Zee's last appearance in 2022 in JLD as team leader where she was shown to be reckless and dumb leader who endangered her team for no reason and refused to take responsibility (of course John comes out looking good). To her later appearances in Batgirl and the excellent Knight Terrors crossover team up with Robot Man.

Once she is away from John, she goes back to being her fun, competent, bad ass, sexy self.

Side note: Can we also go back to a time when Zatanna, Phantom Strnager, Spectre and Dr Fate were bad asses and not chumps so John Constantine can look cool as he pulls out a vaguely defined spelled from his ass? I saw scans from a comic recently where he got the drop on freakin' Waverider recently.

#zatanna #zatanna zatara #john constantine

[zahri-melitor]

Okay rough first run through of what's got at least a mini between 1937-2011 and marked up if it's on DCUI.

There's almost certainly some missing, but it's a good chunk of the list.

Some of the more egregious (to me) missing comics:

Azrael volume 2

Man-Bat volume 3 (can be read on Ultra in Tales of the Man-Bat but you need to know it’s included to find it)

Knight & Squire (only available on Ultra as a trade)

Batman Family

Batman: City of Light

Batman: Orphans

Batman: Orpheus Rising

The Demon trilogy (as in Ra's Al Ghul) are only available on Ultra as trades

Almost all runs of The Demon (as in Etrigan/Jason Blood) are missing

Basically all of Sgt Rock, which is amazing given how frequently I was tripping over that in the Holiday Specials

Almost all of the Warlord runs, aside from the first 24 issues

The Cassie Wonder Girl mini

The Spectre volume 4 (aka Hal's Spectre)

Superboy and the Ravers

A bunch of minor 90s runs only have their #0 or #One Million issues

Most Martian Manhunter runs

Weird chunks of the 90s runs of Green Lantern, Green Arrow, Superman, and the Man of Steel

Only two issues of Solo are available

[dragonflight203]

Mass Effect 1 replay, part two of Noveria:

-When you get to the garage, you fight several geth. Tali immediately suggests the geth were packed in Benezia’s luggage.

I know this is this the conclusion no matter the squad combo, but I can’t help but wonder – is this something the Quarians used to do? Pack the geth up like luggage when traveling? Is that where the idea to sneak them in like this came from?

-Tali to Matsuo if you go renegade referencing what the geth are up to: The same thing that happens to all species, Captain. Evolution.

Interesting to see Tali acknowledge there that the geth have been developing over the last hundred years, just like any other species would.

-In Aleutsk Valley, there are numerous flipped over vehicles. Some of them have crates and/or near bodies nearby.

Did the geth kill them? Is this why travel is considered so dangerous – because the geth are killing everything that moves?

-There continue to be intro enemy cutscenes, just like on Feros. Baffled why a Geth Colossus got one, though – I have killed so many of those guys by this point.

-Neither Tali nor Liara have a clue what the rachni are. I can’t remember – does Wrex hint at recognizing them?

-The Administration area is mostly tables. Where are the chairs to these tables?

-Amusingly, the menu for the Mira core mini game defaults to using omni-gel. Bioware knew people would want to skip it.

The decryption mini game for other objects defaults to playing the mini game.

-When introducing Shepard to Mira, paragon is spectre and renegade is Alliance.

Spectres are entitled to secure access by default. Alliance only has it because of the emergency.

Neutral is to ask for more info, learn about the types of security access, then pick. Neutral again defaults to spectre.

Again, I feel the game was going somewhere with Spectre = paragon and Alliance = renegade, and I really want to know what it was. Shepard being forced to pick between the Council and the Alliance?

-And in the memory core, we learn Benezia has moved on yet again. Your princess is in another castle.

-Binary Helix should pay Shepard a consulting fee for everyone they fix for them.

-If you ask Mira for a damage report after fixing the tram and the reactor, she says there are over a million issues in non critical systems. Kudos to Bioware for taking the easy route of reporting no errors.

-The salarian gate guard, I presume, killed himself because the rachni were loose… Oof. Dark, and fitting for the atmosphere Bioware wanted for Noveria. Bad things are going down.

#mass effect #mass effect 1 #mass effect 1 replay

[tailschannel]

New cast additions to the Knuckles mini-series

According to entertainment news outlet Variety, new cast additions have been revealed for the Knuckles spin-off series coming to Paramount Plus.

Among these additions include several notable celebs:

Christopher Lloyd (Back to the Future, The Addams Family)

Cary Elwes (The Princess Bride, Robin Hood: Men in Tights)

Stockard Channing (Grease, The West Wing)

Paul Scheer (Black Monday, Veep)

Rob Huebel (Children’s Hospital, Bob’s Burgers)

It is still not known what roles they will play in the upcoming Paramount Plus show.

(Report contributed by Spectre via the Tails' Channel Newsfeed)

#knuckles the echidna #sonic movie 3 #sonic movie #knuckles #paramount pictures #sega #sonic the hedgehog #sonic #sonic news