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#anyways i love them and i think the idea of maria constantly pretending to pull things from behind his back and/or his ear is so funny
shivunin · 1 year
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Stack the Deck
(Maria Hawke/Fenris | 1,310 words | Fluff | no warnings)
Fenris could have caught Hawke before she reached the stairs if he’d really been trying, but that probably wasn’t the point. 
Hawke had left the Hanged Man when he’d excused himself for a few moments, and he’d been chasing after her since he’d returned to the table to find her gone. He knew quite well what she was doing, because she’d spent the whole evening “accidentally” running her fingers over the inside of his wrist, whispering so close to his ear that her lips often skimmed the sensitive skin, and tilting her head back in the way that occasionally exposed the small red marks at the joint of her neck. 
She’d also been cheating at cards to no avail, but that was nothing new. Fenris hardly noticed it anymore, since Hawke slipped the extra cards into his belt more often than not these days. As he jogged up the stairs to Hightown, he retrieved three from his waistband alone. He would almost certainly find more tucked away on his person when he finally reached her manor and disrobed. 
Perhaps this sort of thing was odd to do with one’s lover, but Fenris didn’t especially care. He could hear her laughing from here, after all, and the sound of it lightened his steps. As he rounded the corner at last, he spotted Hawke at her manor door, stepping into the firelit foyer.
“Hawke,” he called, speeding up. 
She held the door open for him, beaming across the courtyard as if she hadn’t seen him in days. 
“Oh, dear,” she said, with not an ounce of concern in her voice. “You’ve caught me.”
“You didn’t hide yourself very well, if that’s what you were trying to do,” Fenris told her as he stepped through the door. She swung it shut behind her with a soft click and he caught her waist in his hands, pressing her back against the wood. 
“Heavens,” Hawke said, still smiling, “how forward, messere.”
“I seem to recall having you twice before breakfast,” he murmured, kissing her cheek as he spoke. “How could this possibly be forward, Hawke?”
She seemed disinclined to explain herself, and laughed breathlessly when his lips trailed over the curve of her ear. Fenris huffed and directed his next words there in a murmur.
“Was there a reason for this little game, or did you tease me all night so I would chase you home?”
“Hm?” she said, angling her head away. 
Fenris obliged the silent request and nipped at the soft skin of her neck. It felt just as good as it had this morning. 
“I’m winning a bet,” she said after a moment. 
Fenris leaned back to look at her, brows raised.
“Oh! No, not that,” she said, and produced a playing card from her sleeve with the casual flick of her fingers. 
If he hadn’t known better, Fenris might have thought it was magic, but no—these were only the skills she’d learned as a pickpocket when her family had first come to Lowtown. She’d solemnly sworn never to pretend to pull a coin from his ear again, but that hadn’t kept her from producing various other objects from elsewhere on his person or her own. 
“The Angel of Death?” he asked, reading the card, “Were you losing all night on purpose?”
“Yes and no,” she laughed, producing another card, then another, and another, from her sleeves, then her decolletage, then her belt, and so on. When she finally stopped, Fenris was staring at more than half a deck stacked neatly in her left hand. 
“And the bet?” he said after a moment. She smiled again, eyes lit from within, and produced a card from behind his back. 
“That I wouldn’t make it out of the Hanged Man before Varric realized I’d taken most of his Wicked Grace deck,” she said, and plucked yet another card from the front of his belt. “Angel of Temerity. I was proud of that one.”
“Of course you were,” Fenris said, resting a hand against the door beside her head. “What have you won?”
“Two sov off of Isabela,” she said, tipping her head up so she could meet his eyes. “Would’ve been three, but I couldn’t quite get the last of the Angels. I think she had it in her bosom all along, the blighted pirate.”
Ah. 
Slowly, Fenris reached into his pocket and pulled two cards from it. One was the Knight of Dawn, but the other…
Hawke gasped. 
“No!” she said, reaching up to touch the second card. “Fortitude! But how?”
“I take my cards with me when I leave the table,” Fenris told her, extending the cards. “Or someone would steal them.”
Hawke gasped and would have pressed a hand to her chest, but he’d caught her fingers when she’d reached for his cards. 
“I would never,” she said, the dimples on either side of her mouth deepening despite the solemnity of her words. 
“Never,” Fenris said flatly, not letting go of the pair of cards, “and yet you are doing so now.”
“You offered!” Hawke protested. “Fine, then. What do you want for them?” 
Fenris considered her for a moment. The long walk to Hightown had brought a flush to her cheeks. Her hair, formerly wound into her customary braid, had already begun to come loose. Ringlets sprung from its twined length and brushed against her neck. Beneath dark brows, her eyes laughed at him. 
“What are you offering?” he countered, leaning closer. 
“Nothing you couldn’t have for the asking,” she laughed. “A kiss for the two of them.”
“No.”
“You don’t even want them!” Hawke protested. 
The skin at the corners of her eyes wrinkled when she smiled; Fenris marked it whenever it happened. 
Especially when he was the one who’d made her smile. 
“But you do,” he said, keeping his grip on the cards she was trying to tug away. “Two apiece and I will let go.”
“One apiece,” she countered, “and that’s my final offer. Surely you wouldn’t haggle with your dearest beloved over so—”
Fenris cut off the rest of her sentence with a kiss, and caught the edge of her smile on his lower lip for his haste. He did not mind it, of course. Hawke was smiling half the time when they kissed regardless, and feeling the shift in her when she turned her full attention to him was a pleasure in and of itself. 
“One,” she murmured, tilting her head away. She returned to him before he could think of something to say in return. This time, she let go of the cards and traced the line of his jaw as she kissed him, fingertips running along bone until they reached his chin. 
“Two,” he began when she pulled away, but she was kissing him again before the rest of the syllable tripped from his tongue. 
This kiss lasted the longest of all, until Fenris was leaning harder against the hand he’d braced against the wall, until he’d half-forgotten what they were still doing in her foyer at all. When she tipped her head away at last, he blinked at her for a moment, surprised at the sudden absence of her. 
“That has to count for at least four,” she said, and Fenris felt something brush against his ear. 
“Thank you, my dear,” she added. Fenris turned his head. 
The cards. Of course she was holding the cards. 
“Why argue,” he asked, taking a step back, “if you intended to take them in the first place?”
“It was the principle of the thing,” Hawke said, shrugging. 
Fenris scoffed and shook his head, but she only smiled up at him and pushed off the door. 
“Come on, then,” she said, hooking her fingers into his belt and tugging lightly. “Let me give you the rest.”
And Fenris, as they’d both known he would, followed gladly.
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thorne93 · 4 years
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Unforeseen Chasm (Part 46)
Prompt: Two sisters fall for men that are absolute enemies. The love they have could tear all of them apart, or it could bring them together.
Word Count:6022
Warnings: Language, all warning come from the Age of ultron movie! song for this part:Life of the party-All time low Note: This is by far the longest thing I’ve ever written (including my novels). It’s a collaboration with the amazing @mrs-dragneel-stark-solo​​. It started as a funny “What if…?” and it evolved and got huge. This took two years to write. We are both proud and happy and we hope you enjoy it. It follows from Thor 1 to Endgame in the MCU. Some of the timelines may be off in order to fit certain people, and some characters may show up earlier or in different ways than they have in the movie. But for the most part, it follows the MCU. It also has a bit of crossover with some other Marvel characters throughout the story.
Masterlist for Unforeseen Chasm
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~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
You had set out with Jane towards Nebraska, just after the wedding. Loki was a bit hesitant to let you go. You knew Jane, you knew Shannon. Earth had been your home your whole life. None of this was new to you. But Loki? All he had was you. He had no other allies.
You assured him you’d be a phone call away if he needed you. You could tell he was worried what might happen if you weren’t there. He wasn’t blind to the fact that you served as a buffer for his punishment from the Avengers and the government. It almost felt like a kid who is constantly bullied, when their friend that protects them doesn’t come to school one day.
Shannon wished you well and sent you on your way. Nebraska had yielded a few results but somehow, you’d heard about human experimentation, possibly by Shield in Sokovia. Another scientist was in the field with you, gossiping about things he’d seen near a campsite. People with strange powers and odd things that had been seen.
When you heard this, your ears perked up. You finished up early with Jane on your work and headed back to New York to inform the Avengers.
Loki was still at work so you bypassed the Sanctum and headed straight to the Tower.
Steve saw you first.
“Y/N? What’re you doing back?” he asked, concern and cautiousness in his voice.
“Yeah,” you said dismissively. “I heard that some experimentation on people going on in Sokovia,” you explained. “You might want to go check it out.”
Steve frowned and crossed his arms before leaning against the counter in the kitchen. “What makes you say that?”
“I heard it. This Dr. Reinstein I was working with in Nebraska had just come from there. He was doing research in the mountains, and there’s a compound nearby. He thought it was a government base, possibly for the military, but he said he heard and saw strange things.” You frowned, biting your lip. “I know it’s not much to go on, but I think--Well, what did you all do with Loki’s scepter?” you asked.
He leaned forward, taking more interest. “Why?”
“Because… It sounds like they might be using it,” you commented tentatively. “The things that scepter can do... “
A disgruntled sigh escaped him as he crossed his arms and leaned against the nearby table. “We gave it to SHIELD.”
“Oh,” you said, a smile forming. “Then it’s in good hands.”
“Well, not exactly. We found out a year ago they were infiltrated by Hydra.”
“Hydra? That terrorist organization from the 40s? The one you fought? I thought they died out,” you asked, flabbergasted.
“I thought they did too, but the director of SHIELD has been the leader of HYDRA for quite some time. So… I have no idea where the scepter is now or if it’s safe.”
You pressed your lips together. “I think you should check it out,” you pressed gently. “Even if I’m wrong… Even if I’ve made a mistake, at least we know. Steve, that scepter in the wrong hands… You saw what Loki and I did with it. The devastation Hydra could bring? If they could be anyone -- it could be monstrous.”
He nodded. “I hate to say it, but you’re right. Do you know where in Sokovia this was?”
“Not exactly but I can get you his information.”
“Please do,” he requested.
------------------------------------
It took a week for the Avengers to gather enough solid intel to head to Sokovia. They left Shannon behind. Tony and Bruce said her body couldn’t handle the trip and a fight. You began work with her on a new project while the team went to handle the problem. Tony had texted Shannon when they arrived.
Shortly after that, the whole team surprised you by coming back to the tower. Shannon and you were in the middle of the new project when you heard the plane entering the tower. Shannon looked at you, excitement filling her features before the two of you dropped your pencils to greet the team. Shan ran full force into Tony as he walked in from the landing pod area. You nodded to Steve, gave a smile to Bruce and Natasha. They surprisingly returned the gesture.
“Where’s Clint?” you asked, worry in your tone.
“Bringing up the rear, as usual,” Tony answered and you peered around him, seeing Clint limp in. You naturally went to help him, offering your body as support. He was hesitant for a moment, but ultimately took the offer, draping his arm over you.
“What happened?” you asked.
“Got hit. But it turns out your inside information was good,” he said, looking at you and giving you a slight smile.
“Well, I never meant for you to get hurt,” you said with guilt in your tone.
“I’m sure you didn’t,” he assured. He shot you a half a smile before you helped him into the medical lab where Dr. Cho was set up.
“So what’d you find?” Shannon asked Tony while they walked into the lab, with you in tow. Maria and Steve joined you in the room.
“Twins,” Steve stated. “Genetically enhanced. The boy is extremely fast and the girl is--”
“She can play with your mind and control objects with her mind,” Maria explained. You and Shannone exchanged a look.
“So they were experimenting on people,” Shannon mused. “Was it Hydra?”
“As a matter of fact, babe, it was,” Tony affirmed.
“Strucker is in that hands of NATO now,” Steve stated, filling everyone in on the status.
“Well, I’m going to whip up some shakes to refuel and then we’ll all meet back up here at 7 for the party right?” Tony suggested.
You bobbed your head. “I’ll take that as my queue to go,” you quietly noted, everyone but Shannon looking at you as if you were an unwanted pest.
“No, you don’t have to leave,” Shannon said in a pleading tone as she took a step towards you.
“No, it’s fine. It’s getting late anyway. I need to check in with Loki. It’s been good seeing you all. I’m glad you’re safe. Glad the lead turned out to be something,” you offered with a smile that didn’t quite meet your eyes. Boy, the term, “I know when I’m not wanted” resonated in your head like a siren.
With a final nod to everyone, you left and went back to the apartment.
“Well, hello, darling,” Loki greeted. “I had no idea you’d be home this early or I would’ve made dinner,” he informed, coming over to kiss your forehead.
“Well I was more like… kicked out,” you explained.
“What? Why--”
Before he could question it further, a knock came at the apartment door. You made an exasperated face before going over to the door. Opening the door, you were a bit shocked to see Shannon.
“Shan? What are you doing here? Shouldn’t you be getting ready for the victory party?” you questioned, confused.
“It’s not a party without you,” she countered with a smile.
“Oh, come on. You know that isn’t true. I’m the one in the corner, the wallflower.”
“I don’t care what you are. You’re my best friend and you and Loki are invited to the party.”
“Why? We didn’t even go on the mission. We aren’t in the Avengers. We’re in ex-criminals,” you reminded.
“Is that all you are? Ex-criminals? I kind of thought you were my best friend and friends with the Avengers. Besides Tony invited about fifty people that aren’t the team, I can have two people come.”
You smiled at her. “Shan, I appreciate it. I know what you’re trying to do, but no one wants me there. Steve tolerates me and the rest just wait for me to leave the room. They’re your friends...not mine.”
She pressed her lips together. “It’s true that they aren’t your biggest fans, but that’s never going to change if you don’t let them see you for who you are. They need to see the girl I know. The sister I grew up with…”
Your lips pulled to one side of your face. “Alright. I...” You turned back to Loki. “Do you want to go?” you asked, giving up with a sigh.
He gazed at you, probably gauging whether or not you really wanted to attend the event.
“I would...be delighted to go to a soiree at Stark Tower,” Loki lied. You could tell, but you were sure Shannon missed it.
She squealed. “Great! I’ll see you two at seven!”
She hugged you before dashing off and you closed the door behind you, grinning at Loki.
“So now we’re going to a party with the mindless drones that follow Stark?” Loki asked coldly.
You sighed as you walked past him to the bedroom. “Lok, she’s right. We need to… We need to stop acting like the outcasts. Maybe if we actually join their circle, we’ll be invited to more things. Our parole conditions might be lifted. I don’t know, maybe if we just acted less like we were being sequestered, less like hardened criminals, we wouldn’t be treated that way.”
“Somehow I doubt it,” he remarked with dripping venom. “I tried to act the part of the best, loyal, brightest son and look where that got me,” he reminded.
You sighed as you paused at your closet. “I’m not saying to pretend to be something we’re not. I’m just saying we act like we’re one of them. Just… be nice to them and they’ll be nice to us. It’s as simple as that.”
“Alright. I’ll try it your way. I suppose anything is better than being in exile.”
You nodded at him. “Dress nice or Tony won’t even let us in.”
Loki didn’t even respond as he got on an all black suit, black shirt, and black tie. Truth be told he looked ravishing. You found yourself in a green and black cocktail dress, your hair in old fashioned waves. In record time, you two made it to the party.
Shannon was right, Tony did invite a bunch of people here. It was a maze of people and caterers.
“You made it!” Shannon squealed as she trotted toward you with a drink in hand. She took you in a hug before hugging Loki, a sight you thought you’d never see.
“Yeah, much to everyone’s surprise,” you muttered.
“Well, come, come. Get a drink,” she urged.
“Alright,” you laughed, grabbing Loki’s hand as Shannon grabbed your free one. She drug you to the bar where Nat was making drinks.
“What’ll it be?” she asked with a coy smile.
“Martini,” Loki answered.
“Sparkling wine,” you requested.
“Comin’ right up,” she said with a smile as she made the drinks. Before you knew it, you each had a drink in hand, mingling. You met with Tony’s friends, greeted Clint, talked for a bit with Bruce, met some big wigs Shannong knew at another technology firm. It wasn’t as bad as you thought it would be, but nearly an hour into the party you needed a break. The high society scene - it wasn’t for you, it never was. That was Shannon’s thing. She was the one molded into the perfect socialite. This was her world, it always had been.
You escaped into an elevator and rode up one floor, where you knew it would be empty. You left Loki with Thor, hoping he would provide some form of familiarity or comfort for him.
Your feet carried you mindlessly for a moment until you wound up in Tony’s lab. It was state of the art, and hardly anything in here was real, all of it holograms. Walking around, you were appreciating all his gizmos and gadgets before you rounded the corner and saw something you never thought you’d see again.
The scepter.
Loki’s scepter.
The scepter that powered the Tesseract. The two things that got you sent back to Earth, the two things that nearly got you killed.
Merciless memories danced in your head of blood, torment, and torture. Remembering a time you desperately wanted to forget.
“Don’t get any cute ideas,” Tony said from behind you, making you jump. He sauntered up from behind you, amber drink in a scotch glass. “Is this why you came tonight? Did you want us to do the heavy lifting for you? Get the scepter, bring it back, and you and the boy toy take it back?” He cocked his head to the side. “Good play.”
“That’s not it,” you retorted, getting angry quick, your fist balling up. “I heard they might have it and I was worried it got into the wrong hands.”
“The wrong hands being anyone’s but yours,” he rebutted with an impressed look. “It was clever, I’ll give you that. You almost had me fooled. Bowing out early. Shannon insisting to invite you. You pretending like you didn't want to come tonight. All very nice touches. But then I looked up and saw you were nowhere to be found and I thought ‘Gosh, where could Y/N have gone?’”
“Tony,” you groaned. “I just needed a break from everything and I wandered up here. I had no idea you even had the scepter, no one told me.”
“I know Barton told you that the lead was solid,” he stated. “That was probably enough for you to come check it out.”
“Why would I wait to come get it? I could just come get it on Monday when I return to work,” you said, frowning.
“Maybe you wanted to be sure you got it before I had to ship it off. You’re smart, you know we can’t just hold onto it. Especially with you and the Reindeer games coming in and out of the tower.”
You sighed. “Tony, I don’t want anything to do with that scepter. It nearly got me and everyone I love killed. I don’t care if you destroy it.”
He eyed you for a moment. “You know… I ran diagnostics on it.”
“You did? What did you find?”
“It’s...unusual. JARVIS says it's like a computer. Banner seems to think it’s almost like a brain.”
“And you? What do you think?”
His gaze held something unreadable in it. “I think that for once, we agree on something. This can’t fall into the wrong hands.”
You nodded before turning to walk out of the lab and rejoin the party. Then you turned back, partially, for just a moment. “Thank you… for trusting me enough to follow my lead and go to Sokovia in the first place.”
All he did was cast his eyes to the floor and you left the floor to return to the festivities. Maria acknowledged that you walked in the room before Loki was at your side. He rubbed soothing circles on your back as the mingling continued. The hours flashed by and suddenly, it was just the Avengers in the middle of the common room, save for Dr. Cho, Shannon, Maria, you, and Loki. The party had nearly ended. Conversation had gotten around to Thor’s hammer. You sat next to Loki, your hand entwined with his.
Everyone was taking turns to lift the hammer, laughing at how it was a trick.
“That’s an interesting theory,” Thor began. “I have a better one. You’re all not worthy.”
Suddenly Shannon perked up.
“Did anyone hear that? It was a squeak,” she said, starting to turn around, gazing around the room when suddenly the noise had made itself known.
“Worthy,” a robot said as it limped into the room, oil leaking from its form, an arm missing. Immediately, everyone started to slowly stand up. “How could you be worthy? You’re all killers.”
“Stark,” Steve said.
“JARVIS,” Tony responded.
“I’m sorry, I was asleep,” the robot responded. “Or I was a dream.”
“Reboot Legionnaire OS. We got a buggy suit,” Tony said, tapping his phone futilely.
“There was this terrible noise. And I was tangled in--in strings.”
“Tony,” Shannon said, fear in her voice.
“I had to kill the other guy. He was a good guy.”
“You killed someone?” Steve demanded.
Your eyes stayed planted on the robot as a million uncomfortable emotions swept through you.
“Wouldn’t have been my first call. But down in the real world, we’re faced with ugly choices.”
“Who sent you?” Thor commanded.
Tony’s voice suddenly played from a recording. “I see a suit of armor around the world.”
“Ultron,” Banner recognized, turning to Tony.
“In the flesh,” this Ultron responded. “Or no, not yet. Not this chrysalis. But I’m ready. I’m on mission.”
“What mission?” Nat wondered.
“Peace in our time.”
Without warning, three bots burst out of the wall at all of you. Steve kicked a table up to deflect a bot that was headed straight for him. Loki quickly grabbed you and spun you out of the way before casting an illusion of himself, pushing you back towards towards a corner. Each of the Avengers was fighting a bot. Nat had to jump over the bar. Maria shot at a bot. Rhodey was pushed down a level, slammed through a glass ceiling. Clint slid under a table. Tony was rammed into a bookcase. Shannon was hit by a blast and into a wall.
Steve jumped on top of one of the bots, but he propelled backwards and crashed him into a wall.
“Steve!” you shouted, coming out from hiding, grabbing his shield and charging it before launching it as hard as you could at the bot, obliterating it. Tony managed to disarm one with a fondu fork. Nat was shooting at one and you turned towards it, purple streaming from your fingers, electricity sparking through the power as you electrocuted the machine.
“That was dramatic,” Ultron remarked as all of you stood up from positions of hiding or cover. “I’m sorry, I know you mean well. You just didn’t think it through. You want to protect the world, but you don’t want it to change. How is humanity saved if it’s not allowed to evolve. With these? These puppets. There’s only one path to peace. The Avengers extinction.”
Thor threw his hammer as hard as he could, smashing the main robot to smithereens.
And that ultimately killed the party. In a whirlwind, everyone was in Tony’s lab. Nat and you had changed out of your dresses into jeans and a tank top. Steve had sent Thor after the Legionnaire that escaped the building.
“All our work is gone. Ultron cleared out. He used the Internet as an escape hatch,” Banner informed.
“Ulton,” Steve scoffed.
“He’s been in everything. Files, surveillance. He probably knows more about us than we know about each other,” Natasha informed.
“He’s been in our files. What if he decides to access something a little more exciting?” Rhodey asked, pacing.
“Nuclear codes,” Maria murmured.
“Like nuclear codes,” Rhodey explained.
The rest of the team continued to discuss the current situation for a few more moments. They addressed the fact that JARVIS was destroyed as the first line of defense. Without much warning, Thor came storming into the lab grabbing Tony by the throat.
“Alright, buddy, use your words,” Tony requested.
“I have more than enough words to describe you, Stark,” Thor vowed darkly.
“Hey!” Shannon shouted. “Thor, put him down. What happened to the Legionnaire?”
“Trail went cold about 100 miles out, but it’s headed north. And it has the scepter.”
A few eyes went to you and Loki, but you tried to ignore the burning gazes.
“Now we have to retrieve it, again,” Thor said with frustration.
“I don’t understand. You built this program. Why is it trying to kill us?” Dr. Cho asked.
Tony was turned around, and suddenly… he was laughing. You frowned while Bruce shook his head to warn Tony that wasn’t the smartest idea.
“You think this is funny?” Thor asked incredulously.
“No,” Tony responded. “It’s probably not, right? This is very terrible. Is it so… It is. It’s so terrible,” he replied, sarcasm wrapping his tone.
“This could’ve been avoided if you hadn’t played with something you don’t understand,” Thor stated.
“No. I’m sorry. I’m sorry. It is funny,” Tony remarked, walking towards Thor. “It’s a hoot that you don’t get why we need this.”  
“Tony, maybe this might not be the time,” Bruce warned.
“Really? That’s it?” Tony demanded, angry. “You just roll over, show your belly every time somebody snarls?”
“Only when I’ve created a murder bot.”
“We didn’t. We weren’t even close. Were we close to an interface?”
“Tony, what the hell, I thought Ultron was just a fantasy. Something we put to rest a long time ago?” Shannon demanded.
“It was. Until this,” Tony responded. “We had the scepter. It had so much energy. I saw it and I thought, ‘Hey, this is what we’ve been looking for. Something to protect the world.’”
“You did this, without even discussing it with me? You used unknown magic, power, to fuel a system that we have no idea about?”
“Anybody remember when I carried a nuke through a wormhole?” Tony asked. “Saved New York? Recall that? A hostile alien army came charging through a hole in space. We’re standing 300 feet below it. We’re the Avengers. We can bust arms dealers all the livelong day, but that up there, that’s...That’s the endgame. So that when people like them--” he walked over and pointed to you and Loki “--come charging back in, with bigger guns and more enemies, we have a defense.”
“Tony,” Shannon said, disappointment encompassing her tone.
“No, he’s right,” you suddenly said.
Everyone’s eyes flashed to you.
“Tony, you said you wanted a suit of armor around the world? That’s what this is designed to do? To protect the world from a greater threat? Then you’re right to do so.”
“I’m not sure whether or not I should be happy you’re agreeing with me,” he noted.
“Y/N, you can’t be serious,” Shannon responded. “You saw what that did…”
“I don’t know what happened with the development. But I know Tony, and I know his heart was in the right place. I’ve seen what else is out there, and he’s right to be scared of it. And if we have anything -- anything -- that serves as a line of defense, then I’m all for it.”
“Are we really gonna take her side?” Rhodey asked. “This isn’t looking good for you, Tony. The only person to agree with you is an ex-con.”
“Is that really all I am to you, Rhodey?” you asked, bite in your voice.
“Last I checked, you spent years down in a cell for attacking the city. And now, thanks to that, Tony here has created a murder bot.”
“He was trying to create a weapon of defense. That’s what he does. That’s what we need. You don’t get it. None of you get it. I’ve seen people and things far more dangerous than Loki or I could ever be. You need this system.”
“Well whatever Stark was trying to create, it went bad. We need to know how bad,” Steve responded. “He wanted us extinct. So what does that mean? Ultron is calling us out. He’s getting a plan together. I’d like for us to have one before he does.”
“Tony, what happened to you not going through with your plan?” Shannon suddenly burst out, demanding. “It was only just the girl messing with your head. Why would you go creating this thing? We talked about this. I told you not to but you went behind my back and did it anyways. Does my word not mean a thing to you?”
Shannon was distressed, that was evident. You had hardly ever seen her this distraught.
“You know that’s not what this is!” Tony snapped. “Of course your word means something to me but you gotta understand with Ultron things could be safer for the world.”
“Safer how, Tony? You just created a robot who wants to end the Avengers. What’s to stop it from destroying the world that you want to protect?”
“Shan,” you started, sympathy in your voice as you took a step toward her, “his heart was in the right place. I don’t blame him for wanting to build Ultron. How he became a murder bot, I can’t imagine. If Tony said they weren’t close to an interface, I believe him. He just wants to protect the people he loves.”
“I get that he was trying to do good but this isn’t how you go about it. This is crazy. All the people who have tried to make things right always turn out wrong. You don’t need to be the next one on that list. And for you to be siding with him is crazy! That thing was being powered by the damn scepter that had Clint turned into a mindless goon and had you almost destroy all of New York.”
“The scepter, when used correctly, can do great things, wonderful things. At least he is trying to make the world a better place. A safer place. When we came down to invade, it was almost too easy,” you stressed.
Clint spoke up. “Yeah so easy that you lost and had your ass handed to you.”
Your face turned him, your expression angry. “I seem to remember nearly killing all of you, not to mention destroying most of Manhattan, and that was just two of us with a small army.”
“Regardless of who did what, I am sending that scepter back where it belongs, to be locked up. I don’t want to hear another word of this from anyone!” She turned to Bruce, shaking her head as she said, “And you, Bruce, I can’t believe you helped him. I’m so disappointed.”
She shook her head before walking off, forcing everyone to be silent.
----------------------
Bright and early the next day, the team gathered. Maria found information on a “large metal man” coming into facilities all over the globe with something too fast to see, and people being left with worst nightmares and memories. Strucker was apparently killed, which threw all of you off. Steve grabbed out all the physical files, as the ones online had been destroyed. They found files on a guy that worked out of Wakanda -- where vibranium was kept - a whole slew of it.
Natasha was able to find a salvage yard where vibranium was being harvested and sold off the grid, black market. Weapons.
That was the next target.
The team began to disperse to get ready to start their mission, with you getting ready to head up to the lab, to begin work on your project. Shannon had other ideas for you though. As Steve walked off to his quarters, she followed him.
“Hey, Steve,” she called quietly.
He turned and greeted her. “Hey, Shan. You ready to fight this guy?��
“Well, that’s what I wanted to talk to you about,” she noted.
He frowned at her, unsure of what she meant. “What’s wrong?”
“Is there any chance you can do me a favor?”
“I’ll try, but what is it?”
“Convince Tony to let Y/N come on the mission with us. I could use a second pair of hands getting the vibranium, and she can fight.”
He pursed his lips, his signature ‘I’m not so sure about this’ look.’ “Shan…” He sighed. “You’re not going to fight with us?”
“Bruce says it’s not good for me, and you all don’t need me to take Ultron on. You and the team can do that. Let Y/N and I get the vibranium, and get it away from him.”
“I don’t know. She just recently got released...”
“It’s been months,” she reminded. “She’s been perfect.”
“Yeah, that’s what worries me. You don’t think it’s strange that the only time she’s tried to help the Avengers since she’s been captured or released has been in the result of getting the scepter?”
“Y/N isn’t that calculated. She wouldn’t have someone else do the heavy lifting.”
“Maybe she wouldn’t, but he might,” he retorted.
“You mean Loki? Loki… he’s a damaged soul, like me. He had a rough life and he was forced to do something he didn’t want to do to survive something worse. I know this in my heart that Y/N and Loki are sorry for what they did. Come on, she’s done nothing but help me when I’m down. I had to beg her to come to the party. I just want things to go back to before she left -- except, you know, she has powers now.”
He sighed, putting his hands on his hips. “Alright. I’ll try to tell him.”
“Oh thank you!” she cheered, hugging him.
He nodded and said, “Yeah, yeah.” Then the two set off towards Tony’s quarters. They went in his bedroom where he was tweaking a suit. “Hey, Tony?”
“What’s shakin’, Capsicle?” he asked, welding, his eyes not leaving his project. “You ready to go?”
“Actually, I wanted to ask you if you’d let Y/N join the team on this mission?”
Tony stopped all activity. He flipped his helmet up and turned to Steve. “Are you high? No.”
“Come on. Shannon needs a hand getting the vibranium, and we’ll need to focus on the twins and Ultron. Not to mention, in case we need it, she can fight and she’s got powers that might help.”
“Did you not hear me? I said no. That’s it. We don’t need her. Not to mention I don’t want her anywhere near that scepter.”
“Tony--” Shannon started, begging in her voice.
“Shan, I said no. I’m sorry. I know she’s your friend but we can’t trust her.”
“Why?” she demanded. “Because she’s killed people? Who here hasn’t? Because she worked for the bad guy once? Who here hasn’t? If you’re going to start excluding people from the team based off sketchy pasts then this who team needs to disband because no one here is a saint. She can help me and I really think being a part of the team might help her. She supported you on this hairbrained idea, the least you can do is give her a chance.”
He stared at his bride, chagrin on his face. He didn’t like the points she was making. But he gave in.
“Alright, fine. Get her some gear. We leave in thirty.”
With that, she turned on her heel and went up to the lab.
“Hey, Y/N,” she said, walking in.
“Hey,” you greeted sweetly back. “So I can get a jumpstart on some of my numbers while you’re gone--”
“You’re coming with us,” she blurted out, a grin on her face.
“I’m… what?” you asked.
“I got Tony to approve you to be on the team. Come on, I need help getting the vibranium and the team can focus on the three baddies. What do you say? We’ve never teamed up together.”
“No, we haven’t,” you agreed. “But maybe there’s a reason.”
“Or maybe it was waiting for us to get to here,” she said excitedly. “Come on, we’re two bad ass bitches. Don’t you think it’d be fun?”
“Yeah, I suppose…”
“Great! Let’s go get you some gear. What do you need?”
------------------------------------
You were about to land, your body alive with nervousness. Your leg bounced as you sat on the jet between Clint and Shannon.
“Hey, you nervous?” Clint whispered as he leaned over to you.
“That obvious?” you asked with a slight laugh. You tried to stop your leg from bouncing, and tried to stop the wringing of your hands but it was hard.
“What’s got you so nervous? You’ve fought before.”
“Yeah but then I wasn’t really in fear of my life. Not really. What I was made into… death wasn’t an option, not from you all anyway. But now… I mean, this is real.”
“Well... You’ll be out of the way of the firepower anyway unless we actually need you -- which shouldn’t happen,” he encouraged. “Just stay with Shannon, and you’ll be alright.”
“Thanks,” you breathed, taking a deep breath.
Next thing you knew, the plane was landing and you all were running out of the plane into a salvage yard. The Avengers headed towards various points of entry while you and Shannon headed toward the lowest level, that’s where you expected it to find the vibranium.
After two minutes, you heard gunfire and fighting.
“Shit,” you whispered to Shannon.
“The mission is still the same,” she assured as she moved through the darkness. A loud shot fired behind you and you ducked before spinning to cast magic at them, making their guns hit them in the head and knock them out. Behind you, but in front of Shannon, another shot was heard before she silenced him. “Keep moving,” she called over her shoulder quietly.
The two of you found the container that was half filled with vibranium.
“Guys, found the payload. I’ll just get it to the plane,” Shannon said into the comms. “Should we take it all out or just get the container hooked up or--”
“Y/N, look ou--”
Before you could respond or know what she was talking about, suddenly the room changed. You weren’t looking at a container full of vibranium anymore. You were on Sanctuary, on your hands and knees. Thanos had just thrown you to the ground.
“Get up,” he commanded in that calm voice you hated so much. “Get up or I’ll turn my training to him,” he vowed.
You groaned, turning to him, spitting blood out of your mouth. “No, no, don’t touch him.”
“I won’t have to, if you don’t disappoint me,” he stated. “Again,” he ordered. You stood up wearily, you could feel your eye swelling. He had put you through horrible combat training with one of the aliens on sanctuary. “Kill her, and he lives,” he promised.
You frowned as the creature took their hood off, only to show you a very familiar face under the hood -- Shannon. Without hesitation, she came forward for you. Her energy casting towards you. At first, you defended yourself, until you remembered his promise, and you threw her off of you. You fought tooth and nail, hitting, kicking, punching, letting you rip into her body, until her cries cut off with a gurgle.
“You’ve done so well, my love,” Loki cooed as he stood beside you, a smile of approval on his face as he gazed down to your dead best friend.
--------------
“From the top,” a russian voice demanded.
“You’ll break them,” Shannon cooed as she watched a class of girls -- dancers. They were learning everything from firearms, tactics, ballet, seduction...
“You’re made out of marble,” the voice responded, a bit of admiration in her tone. “We’ll celebrate with the ceremony, your graduation.”
Shannon’s hands flew to her stomach, where she looked down before tears sprang to her eyes. “No. No, I never wanted this.”
“Ah, but your parents did,” the voice said back to her.
As if she blinked, she was suddenly in combat with a strong man. He had long, dark brown hair. She only ever saw his eyes, and an arm… made of metal. He swung at her with one hand, and she dodged it, but he brought a knife across her stomach and she glided right into it.
“Poor work. You deflected the wrong shot,” the woman remarked.
Shannon breathed raggedly, trying to find a way to end this fight.
In the next second, she was in front of her target, or rather, her target in front of her. A person. Shannon lifted her gun, calculated, ready to pull the trigger, it would be so easy. Aim between the eyes, like she’d been trained.
“Do this, and your training will be complete,” the woman promised.
“Wait, Shannon, don’t you don’t have to do this” the voice cried. That voice. She knew it… The person took shape, took full form in front of her. It was you. You were in front of her, crying, weeping, begging her not to. Your hands tied behind your back.
Without so much as a flinch, she pulled the trigger.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
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spidercakes · 4 years
Text
Non-powered starker AU featuring a bit of an exhibitionist kink on Peter’s end and some smut.
*
Peter looks rumpled with his button down askew and his hair all over the place and his cheeks are still a little pink but he looks satiated and Tony has to admit he’s a little less stressed. Peter’s always been good at calming him down and getting rid of his nervous energy. He leans into Tony, pants still undone and Tony wraps his arms around him, one hand settling on his hip and the other on his ass. “I can’t believe we didn’t get busted that time,” he says, sparing a glance over his shoulder and shit, Tony’s surprised too. Its not like this is a club bathroom, or some random ally that Peter has dragged Tony into, it’s a gala and all that’s playing is classical music from the live band and the chatter of voices. Peter isn’t exactly quiet either so they mostly got lucky.
He grins, dragging Peter into a kiss. “Good luck,” he murmurs as Peter melts into him.
“Guess so. Feel better, baby?” he asks and Tony shrugs.
“Some, sure. Helps that you’ll be there,” Tony murmurs. At first he thought he was going to have to deal with his asshole father and his fucking brother alone but Peter had offered to come and he’s close with his mom. He talked her into letting him bring Peter to the cabin on account of they’ve never met before and wouldn’t it be nice to invite him to family bonding? Never mind that they don’t ever really bondso much as scream at each other and then avoid each other for the next three days before leaving and not talking to each other for another six months only to do it all over again.
Still, Tony feels better with Peter coming along even if he’s still stressed about it. Peter pouts at him and Tony kind of wants to kiss it away but Peter speaks before he can. “What, need me to drag you off to some other dark corner to test our luck?” he asks, eyes wide like he’s innocent and he’s so not.
“Mm as much as I would love that I have to speak so I’ll have to take a rain check,” he says, giving Peter’s ass a squeeze.
Peter lets out a soft ‘hmph’ before he grins, leaning back into Tony. “Well, if it makes you feel better we can always up the stakes of our little game, hmm? I’m sure the family cabin has a few fun hidey holes,” he says and Jesus Tony has no idea where Peter pulls this shit from.
“Really?” he asks, raising an eyebrow because he has no idea how to feel about this suggestion. On one hand, sex with Peter is always great. On the other hand he’s not looking to get busted fucking Peter by a family member. Even if he hates two thirds of the people that are invited.
Peter shrugs, “you’re somehow already the family disappointment despite being like, a billion times more successful than your brother. Its not like this would land you loweron the totem pole,” Peter points out.
Yeah, he’s not wrong there. “You know what, we’ll see how stressed I get. Now come on baby, get yourself together. I have a speech to make.”
Peter pretends to be affronted but he’s not, Tony knows. God, he’s so lucky to have him. “Have you ever thought of pointing out that Rhodey is more successful than Steve in the military and younger too?” Peter asks, threading his fingers through his and pulling Tony back towards the gathering of people.
He lets out a sharp laugh, “oh, every time I see him,” he says. And unlike Steve Rhodey didn’t need daddy’s connections to get him there because Rhodey’s a badass.
“Maybe you should say something,” Peter says. He gives Tony another one of those innocent looks and Tony really doesn’t know how he does it, looking so sweet like he isn’t constantly dragging Tony into some barely secluded dark corner of some public space to fuck him silly. He would have thought he’d be the frisky adventurous one but he’s got nothing on Peter.
*
Honestly, Peter kind of thought Tony was exaggerating about his family. He’s got a flair for the dramatic so he thinks he can be forgiven for that but within the first five seconds of knowing Howard he insults Tony, insults what he’s done with the company despite it being more profitable now than it ever was under Howard. He then goes on to imply Peter is twelve and if thatdoesn’t leave him seething with rage. So he looks young, he knowshe does and he knowshe’s significantly younger than Tony but he’s twenty fucking five.
“Baby,” Tony murmurs in his ear, “don’t listen to him. He’s a fuckass anyway.” Tony isn’t exactly wrong but still. “Get us a drink?” he adds, kissing his cheek. Peter sighs and nods, making an effort to walk back to the cabin rather than stomp. He sees no reason to encourage the line of thinking that leaves him a fucking forever child.
He’s digging around in the fridge when he hears someone walk up behind him. “You must be Peter, then,” the person says and he turns to find a tall blonde there. He reminds Peter of that Ken doll he and MJ set on fire as kids to amuse themselves and he knows Tony was nervous about him meeting Steve because he feels inferior but Peter has no clue why. Sure, he’s good looking but he’s not Peter’s type whatsoever. Reminds him of a blonde version of his ex, except Quentin had more striking features while Steve looks… manufactured.
“Yeah. I assume you’re Steve,” he says, a little standoffish. Tony wasn’t exaggerating about Howard so he doubts he’s exaggerating about Steve now. He feels bad for doubting Tony to begin with.
“So Tony did mention me,” he says and takes a small step back, looking out the glass doors of the cabin before turning back. “He’s treating you alright, right?” he asks and Peter prickles fast.
“What the fuck is that supposed to mean?” he snaps. He knowshe’s overreacting, still a little pissed off about the whole Howard thing but he doesn’t much care for the implications of Steve’s words either.
Steve shakes his head, “nothing really, its just that he’s a little too much like dad and-”
“Tony isn’t anything like Howard and he treats me fucking fantastic so lets get that straight,” Peter snaps and this time he does stomp off, back out to Tony.
He looks a little confused when Peter comes back empty handed but notices Steve trailing behind him fast. “You must have just got here so what the hell did you do to my baby to piss him off so much?” Tony asks, circling an arm around his waist.
“Outright compared you to your father,” Peter mumbles darkly but its nothing compared to the look on Tony’s face and Peter is pretty sure there’s some kind of history there.
“Fuck you,” Tony snaps, pulling Peter away while Maria, who seems to be the only half way decent member of this family, looks on in something akin to horror.
*
They remain curled up next to each other while Tony runs his fingers up and down Peter’s bare back. “Sorry about dragging you into this, baby,” he murmurs, kissing Peter softly.
He shrugs because he volunteered for this. “Its okay. S’not like you can help that your family sucks, and in Steve’s slight defense he was trying to not suck even if he totally does.” Failed miserably at it given his apparently quite low opinion of his brother and Peter is sure that’s unfounded. Or if its not it hasn’t been true in some time.
Tony sighs, “yeah, in his defense I amtoo much like Howard,” he murmurs and Peter perks up, giving him the side eye because he might not know Tony’s father well but he knows that he and Howard are nothing alike. Aside from looks, they dohave a lot in common there.
“No you aren’t,” Peter says confidently.
“You didn’t know me when I was young,” Tony murmurs like that matters.
“Don’t need to. If you were like Howard you wouldn’t be the way you are now, would you? Whatever you did when you were young doesn’t really matter if you don’t do those things now,” he points out.
Tony smiles a little, arm tightening around him. “How come you’re the wise one?” he murmurs.
“Probably that time my parents both died and also my uncle Ben,” Peter says in too chipper a tone, laughing when Tony almost chokes.
“Baby!” he says, trying his best not to laugh not that he’s doing a good job.
“What? Its true. You want a mature young person traumatize them a bunch. Worked pretty well on me.” Tony shakes his head and presses a kiss to the top of his head.
“I love you,” he murmurs and Peter smiles.
“Love you too,” he says back, snuggling in closer to Tony.
*
If Peter has to sit and listen to Howard’s yammering for another god damn minute he might throw the man off the dock that his damn yacht is attached to. “I swear to god if he keeps talking,” Peter mumbles to Tony, who laughs a little behind his hand.
“Hope you got him to sign a prenup,” Howard says despite the fact that Peter isn’t wearing a ring.
Peter makes an irritated noise. “Oh please old man, if I wanted his money I would have chosen someone who has one foot on the banana peel and the other in the grave so all I had to do was give him a gentle nudge before I was set for life but unfortunately Maria bit the bullet and already married your ancient ass,” he snaps. “So I figured the younger, hotter, more successful model with an actual personality would suffice.”
Howard somehow manages to look at him like he’s a bug to be smushed instead of taking offense. “I can see why you like him. He’s got a smart mouth despite it being better off shut.”
Tony gives him an absolutely poisonous look, “oh shut up, Howard. You haven’t had anything useful to offer since the seventies,” he says, rolling his eyes.
“And lets be real, the biggest contribution you’ve made to the world was Tony,” Peter says, earning a sharp snort out of Tony.
Howard rolls his eyes, “oh what would you know, have you even left high school?” he asks and Peter grits his teeth.
“The PhD program I recently finished gives a good indication that I know what the fuck I’m talking about. I’d offer you my I.D to prove my age but I’m pretty sure you lost your bifocals in the Great Depression.” Tony lets out another snort and even Steve cracks a smile at that one. Maria just looks stressed and Peter supposed he might too, if he assumed anyone here would get along for more than five seconds.
“Okay, I’m going to go for a walk with Peter,” Tony says, pulling Peter from his seat. “And then we’re going to bed. Very tired,” he lies as he drags them both out of there.
“No wonder you hate your father,” Peter says, curling an arm around Tony’s waist.
“Oh he was on his best behavior tonight so you can imagine what he’s like normally,” Tony says, rolling his eyes. “You dropped some nice lines though,” he murmurs, pulling Peter into the cabin.
Yeah, he did. Probably because he’s been spending so much time with Tony and if anything the man is good with a one liner. “Mm, well, learned from the best,” he murmurs as he draws Tony into a kiss. Tony goes, hands settling on his hips as Peter pushes him into the nearest room, shutting the door behind him before pressing Tony up against it. Tony lets out a soft moan and Peter knowshow much he likes it when he takes control. He likes to pretend like he’s a control freak but nothing gets him hotter than Peter taking over, pushing him around and telling him what to do.
Tony’s hands run down his body, pulling the shirt he has tucked into his pants out. “Baby this is Steve’s room,” he murmurs into the kiss and Peter shrugs.
“So? Get that jacket off,” he tells Tony, pushing it off his shoulders. Tony all but throws it on the ground and pulls Peter back into a kiss as he works at undoing the buttons on Tony’s shirt. Tony doesn’t bother with his buttons at all; he just pulls the shirt over his head and tosses it aside.
“You sure about this?” Tony asks as Peter grabs his hips and spins them around, directing him towards the bed.
Once Tony’s legs hit the edge of the bed he shoves him onto it, grinning when Tony bounces a little and crawling into his lap immediately. “Think the golden boy keeps condoms and lube around?” he asks, kissing Tony fiercely. Tony moans into it as Peter frantically undoes his belt, pulling it from its loops and throwing it somewhere that’s not near him.
“GodI love you,” Tony tells him, hands making their way down the back of his pants as he grabs Peter’s ass.
“You better,” Peter murmurs. “Move up while I dig around,” he tells him. Tony whines at the loss of Peter in his lap but if they’ve got luck he’ll be back in his lap soon enough. Peter crawls across the bed to the bed side table and yanks open the drawer, snickering at what he finds there. He pulls out the cuffs and dangles them where Tony can see and Tony wrinkles his nose.
“Ew, not something I ever needed to see, baby,” he says.
“What? Don’t want to borrow them for a little fun?” he asks, raising an eyebrow.
Tony’s nose wrinkles more, “no fucking thanks, I don’t know who those were on last and I don’t want to find out. Besides, we have nicer ones at home,” he says.
Peter’s lips quirk up, “mm, yeah we do. And they look so pretty around your wrists while I ride you,” he murmurs, leaning back over to kiss Tony. He runs his fingers along Tony’s jaw, carefully tilting his head up so he can meet Peter’s mouth better before pulling away.
“Baby,” Tony murmurs softly as Peter pulls back.
“Gimmie a minute,” he says, turning back to the drawer and rattling around in it. He tosses the cuffs aside, and a few other things that aren’t useful to him until he gets luck. “Ha! Great, because I would have been pretty pissed if I had to go hunting around,” he says, tossing the condoms and lube close to Tony before crawling back into his lap.
Tony pulls him back in immediately, kisses sloppy and passionate as he feels his way up and down Peter’s back. God, he loves Tony like this, touching him like he’s never does it before. “Clothes off,” Tony tells him and Peter snorts.
“You don’t get to give the orders around here, baby, that’s my job,” Peter tells him but he pulls the button of his pants open anyway because he damn well wants Tony yesterdayand things aren’t moving fast enough. He shimmies out of his pants and starts pulling at Tony’s, shedding them and adding them to the pile of clothing tossed about the room. “Lube,” Peter tells him, “and make this quick yeah? want to be on your cock,” he says, kissing Tony again.
Tony moans into it, groping around on the bed until he finds what he’s looking for. “Fast and dirty, hmm? That how you want it?”
“Fucking right,” Peter tells him, “make it good. S’been a shitty day and I want something good out of it.”
“Me too, baby,” Tony murmurs as he presses two fingers into his hole and they both moan. “Gunna be so good,” Tony says, “always good.”
Peter nods, pressing his ass back into Tony’s fingers. “Mm yeah. Gunna ride you hard, love the way you feel inside me,” Peter murmurs, “get the condom.”
Tony curls his fingers a bit and Peter’s back arches into him. “You looks do damn beautiful like this baby,” Tony tells him. “Love the look on your face when I make you feel good.”
He lets out a few short pants before he reaches out himself, finding the condom he threw over here himself and all but tossing it at Tony. “Make be feel better if you get this on so I can fuck you proper,” he says and Tony lets out a soft laugh.
“FuckI want you so bad,” he murmurs into Peter’s mouth, pulling the condom package open and putting it on.
Yeah, Peter too so as soon as Tony’s done with the condom he sinks himself down on Tony’s dick and they both groan. He sits like that for a moment, adjusting before Tony is pawing at his hips, urging him to move as he mouths at Peter’s neck. He curls his fingers into Tony’s hair and settles an arm around his shoulders to balance himself as he begins to move.
“God baby yeah, like that,” Tony tells him as he shifts his hips just right and Peter bites his lip and tilts his head back. Tony moans into his neck, nipping at the spots he’s sucked kisses into and Peter lets out a soft, breathy noise of pleasure.
“Oh godI love having you like this,” Peter tells him. “Love the way you feel when I ride you,” he murmurs.
One of Tony’s hands tightens on his hip while the other runs up Peter’s back and back down again, curling over his ass and squeezing it. “You’re to god damn tight, baby,” Tony moans into his ear. “Fuck me faster.”
Peter nods, shifting his position slightly and moving faster, delighting in the sharp moans Tony lets out. Peter knows he’s loud, doesn’t much care what people think of it either, but he fucking loves when Tony gets loud too. He’s always the one holding back, especially in they’re in public, and Peter likes it when he lets go and just feels it. “Like that, baby?” he asks and Tony lets out another moan into his neck.
“Oh god, ‘m close,” he tells Peter and he bites his lip at the flush of arousal that results.
“Come on, baby,” Peter murmurs to him. “Wanna hear you.”
The hand Tony has on his hip grows tighter as he shifts his hips up into Peter’s keeping with the pace Peter set. He doesn’t expect to let out a loud moan but he does, breathing picking up as Tony slams his hips up into Peter’s again. “Tony,” Peter says, grip on his hair tightening as he pulls it a little. “Do that again,” he tells him, throwing his head back when he does. “Tony!” he says, louder this time.
“Gunna cum with me?” Tony asks and Peter nods frantically.
“Yeah baby, just keep doing that oh Tony!” he yells, grip on Tony’s hair growing tighter as Tony presses his hips up into Peter’s for the last time, yelling Peter’s name as he cums too. For a moment they just sit there and pant while Peter all but melts into Tony, muscles going loose. Then Tony swears and Peter stirs, “hmm?” he asks, only half interested in the response.
“Baby, that was loud,” Tony tells him and he shrugs. Tony lets out a soft laugh, “yeah, you don’t care now but when you have to look my mother in the eye,” he murmurs, prodding Peter off his lap. He whines about it but follows Tony’s instructions while he pads over to the large window that happens to have curtains on it, not that it would have mattered if they turned the lights on. Which they hadn’t so at least Tony doesn’t need to worry about that. “Oh thank god, no one has moved. Come on, before we get busted. I don’t want to listen to Steve whine,” he says, pulling Peter off the bed despite his protests.
*
Tony’s more than content with Peter curled up into his side, one leg drawn up over his hip, when Steve bursts in. He jumps, annoyed but he doesn’t look as annoyed as Peter does. Steve all but throws the clothes that he and Peter must have forgot in his room into Tony’s space looking pretty pissed. Peter’s cheeks turn bright red as his eyes go wide and yeah, Tony thought so. Its one thing to have the thrill of getting caught, its another to actually get busted. Peter mumbles something Tony doesn’t catch and drags the blanket over his head as he slinks closer to Tony.
“What the fuck?” Steve snaps and Tony shrugs.
“It was the first door we ran into,” he says in their defense.
Steve makes a disgusted face, “oh that was cute when you were nineteen, its not so fucking cute now,” he says and Tony wrinkles his nose because gross, bad choice in words.
“You were the one who chose that room, I wanted it but youhad to have it enough to bitch at mom about it,” Tony says, rolling his eyes.
“I didn’t expect my little brother to constantly fuck in it!” Steve snaps.
“Oh Christ, it was like three times. Get over it,” Tony mumbles.
“Three times? You stole like five of my girlfriends and slept with all of them in my room you asshole!”
Peter pokes his head out of the blanket looking amused. “You’ve done this before?” he asks, eyes bright.
“Yeah, and I’m fucking sick of it. Why the hell do you always do this?” Steve snaps.
Tony shrugs, “believe it or not this time was Peter’s idea so blame him,” he says and Peter makes a soft noise of betrayal, slinking back into his blanket hideaway and jabbing Tony in the side with a finger. He jumps, grumbling at Peter but Steve clearly doesn’t believe him anyway.
“Don’t blame this on him, like he knew that was my room! And did you two use my fucking handcuffs?” he asks.
“No, we have nicer ones at home,” he says and he laughs as Steve’s face turns more red than Peter’s had been a few minutes ago.
Steve sputters, clearly at a loss of what to say as he throws his hands up in frustration. “Oh Steve, what could Tony have possibly done to you now? He’s been in bed for over an hour,” his mom says and Tony swears to fucking god if Steve rats him out he’s calling Rhodey to get Steve’s ass canned and he knows Rhodey will do it too.
“He has fucking not! Tell him to stop fucking in my room!” Steve says, so pissed off that apparently he forgot to censor himself in front of their mother.
“I fucking hate you, you know that?” Tony tells him as Peter lets out a soft groan under the blanket and Tony can feel him shriveling up under there in shame.
“Well I hate you too! You can’t even manage to fuck your boyfriend in your own damn room!” Steve yells.
“Well if you’re so damn bothered by it just give the damn room that’s the first door on the way in and this wouldn’t be an issue anymore!” Tony tells him and Maria throws her hands up.
“Oh for the love of godyou two are still fighting over who got that damn room? You’re grown men, stop acting like children!” Maria tells them. “And Tony, really? You’d be pissed off if Steve did that to you,” she points out.
“He doesn’t have the balls and also myroom is across the damn cabin so it doesn’t even make sense to do that, his room is closer to all entrances and exits. Not my fault I got sequestered to the bad child corner,” he points out.
“No fucking wonder you did considering you can’t even manage to fuck in your own damn room! Now I have to wash my sheets and did you even use a condom? What the hell am I going to find in there?” Steve snaps.
“Grab a black light, it’s a Jackson Pollock painting,” Tony tells him and Peter lets out another soft groan. Poor thing, Tony almost feels bad for him but this is half his fault so he doesn’t.
Steve makes a disgusted face, recoiling. “You’re fucking disgusting!”
Tony shrugs, “quick and dirty is my style, what can I say?”
“Oh my god stop,” Peter and, of all people, Maria say in sync though in vastly different tones.
“Steve, go to your room. Tony… go clean Steve’s room,” she says. Tony goes to open his mouth to protest but he gets fixed with a nasty glare. “I have found out waymore about you than I ever wanted to know tonight. Go. Clean. Steve’s. Room,” she tells him, walking off with that.
He turns to look at Steve. “I’m not cleaning your room. I don’t even know how to do laundry so I’d be useless anyway. Good luck,” he says, slipping out of bed and shutting the door in Steve’s face.
Peter sticks his head out of the blanket. “Please tell me we can leave as soon as everyone is asleep oh my god,” he says, looking horrified.
Tony walks back over and crawls over Peter’s body, crowding him into the mattress. “Aw, only an exhibitionist when you don’t get caught?” he asks, leaning in and kissing him softly.
“Caught? Oh, that’s not the problem. The problem is that I probably can’t avoid not inviting your entire family to the wedding and I don’t know how to look at Steve after being busted fucking in his room,” he says. “And apparently this isn’t even the first time you’ve done that.”
He shrugs, “dad was always on about Steve this, Steve that, be more like Steve, Steve’s the son I always dreamed of and you’re a disappointment so I figured fuck it, Steve’s a low bar to hit. To be fair everyone who’s slept with us both says I’m better so guess Steve should be more like me,” he says, grinning as Peter rolls his eyes.
“Oh my god Tony. Just tell me we can leave as soon as everyone is asleep,” he says.
He laughs but nods, giving Peter’s nose a kiss. “Yeah baby, we can leave as soon as they’re asleep. And speaking of weddings,” he murmurs, pulling himself off the bed and grabbing the pants Steve so lovingly threw back into his room.
Thankfully the ring didn’t fall out of the pocket because he’d worked hard to find something Peter would like. He hands it off to him and sits, “I don’t expect you to sign a fucking prenup either, Howard can eat shit.”
Peter stares at it, stunned. “Seriously? Is this like, an actual proposal or is this just a ring?”
Tony draws him in for a kiss. “Of course it’s a proposal, you don’t not sign prenups for ‘just rings,’” he points out.
Peter squeals and throws his arms around him, “oh my god, yes!”
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Unforseen Chasm (Part 46)
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Part 46 of Unforseen Chasm
Prompt: Two sisters fall for men that are absolute enemies. The love they have could tear all of them apart, or it could bring them together. Word Count: 6022 Warnings: Language, all warnings based on the Ultron movie. song for this part: Life of the party-All time low Note: This is by far the longest thing I’ve ever written (including my other fic series). first major Collab with my best friend @thorne93​​ what was first a simple “what if” moment turned into a two year writing session and I’ve never been more prouder of myself than when i started my first series. goes through most of the MCU plots there are some changes to accommodate for what we wanted and there is a bit of a crossover between the MCU and other characters. I hope you guys enjoy reading this just as much as I enjoyed writing it.
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You had set out with Jane towards Nebraska, just after the wedding. Loki was a bit hesitant to let you go. You knew Jane, you knew Shannon. Earth had been your home your whole life. None of this was new to you. But Loki? All he had was you. He had no other allies.
You assured him you’d be a phone call away if he needed you. You could tell he was worried what might happen if you weren’t there. He wasn’t blind to the fact that you served as a buffer for his punishment from the Avengers and the government. It almost felt like a kid who is constantly bullied, when their friend that protects them doesn’t come to school one day.
Shannon wished you well and sent you on your way. Nebraska had yielded a few results but somehow, you’d heard about human experimentation, possibly by Shield in Sokovia. Another scientist was in the field with you, gossiping about things he’d seen near a campsite. People with strange powers and odd things that had been seen.
When you heard this, your ears perked up. You finished up early with Jane on your work and headed back to New York to inform the Avengers.
Loki was still at work so you bypassed the Sanctum and headed straight to the Tower.
Steve saw you first.
“Y/N? What’re you doing back?” he asked, concern and cautiousness in his voice.
“Yeah,” you said dismissively. “I heard that some experimentation on people going on in Sokovia,” you explained. “You might want to go check it out.”
Steve frowned and crossed his arms before leaning against the counter in the kitchen. “What makes you say that?”
“I heard it. This Dr. Reinstein I was working with in Nebraska had just come from there. He was doing research in the mountains, and there’s a compound nearby. He thought it was a government base, possibly for the military, but he said he heard and saw strange things.” You frowned, biting your lip. “I know it’s not much to go on, but I think--Well, what did you all do with Loki’s scepter?” you asked.
He leaned forward, taking more interest. “Why?”
“Because… It sounds like they might be using it,” you commented tentatively. “The things that scepter can do... “
A disgruntled sigh escaped him as he crossed his arms and leaned against the nearby table. “We gave it to SHIELD.”
“Oh,” you said, a smile forming. “Then it’s in good hands.”
“Well, not exactly. We found out a year ago they were infiltrated by Hydra.”
“Hydra? That terrorist organization from the 40s? The one you fought? I thought they died out,” you asked, flabbergasted.
“I thought they did too, but the director of SHIELD has been the leader of HYDRA for quite some time. So… I have no idea where the scepter is now or if it’s safe.”
You pressed your lips together. “I think you should check it out,” you pressed gently. “Even if I’m wrong… Even if I’ve made a mistake, at least we know. Steve, that scepter in the wrong hands… You saw what Loki and I did with it. The devastation Hydra could bring? If they could be anyone -- it could be monstrous.”
He nodded. “I hate to say it, but you’re right. Do you know where in Sokovia this was?”
“Not exactly but I can get you his information.”
“Please do,” he requested.
------------------------------------
It took a week for the Avengers to gather enough solid intel to head to Sokovia. They left Shannon behind. Tony and Bruce said her body couldn’t handle the trip and a fight. You began work with her on a new project while the team went to handle the problem. Tony had texted Shannon when they arrived.
Shortly after that, the whole team surprised you by coming back to the tower. Shannon and you were in the middle of the new project when you heard the plane entering the tower. Shannon looked at you, excitement filling her features before the two of you dropped your pencils to greet the team. Shan ran full force into Tony as he walked in from the landing pod area. You nodded to Steve, gave a smile to Bruce and Natasha. They surprisingly returned the gesture.
“Where’s Clint?” you asked, worry in your tone.
“Bringing up the rear, as usual,” Tony answered and you peered around him, seeing Clint limp in. You naturally went to help him, offering your body as support. He was hesitant for a moment, but ultimately took the offer, draping his arm over you.
“What happened?” you asked.
“Got hit. But it turns out your inside information was good,” he said, looking at you and giving you a slight smile.
“Well, I never meant for you to get hurt,” you said with guilt in your tone.
“I’m sure you didn’t,” he assured. He shot you a half a smile before you helped him into the medical lab where Dr. Cho was set up.
“So what’d you find?” Shannon asked Tony while they walked into the lab, with you in tow. Maria and Steve joined you in the room.
“Twins,” Steve stated. “Genetically enhanced. The boy is extremely fast and the girl is--”
“She can play with your mind and control objects with her mind,” Maria explained. You and Shannone exchanged a look.
“So they were experimenting on people,” Shannon mused. “Was it Hydra?”
“As a matter of fact, babe, it was,” Tony affirmed.
“Strucker is in that hands of NATO now,” Steve stated, filling everyone in on the status.
“Well, I’m going to whip up some shakes to refuel and then we’ll all meet back up here at 7 for the party right?” Tony suggested.
You bobbed your head. “I’ll take that as my queue to go,” you quietly noted, everyone but Shannon looking at you as if you were an unwanted pest.
“No, you don’t have to leave,” Shannon said in a pleading tone as she took a step towards you.
“No, it’s fine. It’s getting late anyway. I need to check in with Loki. It’s been good seeing you all. I’m glad you’re safe. Glad the lead turned out to be something,” you offered with a smile that didn’t quite meet your eyes. Boy, the term, “I know when I’m not wanted” resonated in your head like a siren.
With a final nod to everyone, you left and went back to the apartment.
“Well, hello, darling,” Loki greeted. “I had no idea you’d be home this early or I would’ve made dinner,” he informed, coming over to kiss your forehead.
“Well I was more like… kicked out,” you explained.
“What? Why--”
Before he could question it further, a knock came at the apartment door. You made an exasperated face before going over to the door. Opening the door, you were a bit shocked to see Shannon.
“Shan? What are you doing here? Shouldn’t you be getting ready for the victory party?” you questioned, confused.
“It’s not a party without you,” she countered with a smile.
“Oh, come on. You know that isn’t true. I’m the one in the corner, the wallflower.”
“I don’t care what you are. You’re my best friend and you and Loki are invited to the party.”
“Why? We didn’t even go on the mission. We aren’t in the Avengers. We’re in ex-criminals,” you reminded.
“Is that all you are? Ex-criminals? I kind of thought you were my best friend and friends with the Avengers. Besides Tony invited about fifty people that aren’t the team, I can have two people come.”
You smiled at her. “Shan, I appreciate it. I know what you’re trying to do, but no one wants me there. Steve tolerates me and the rest just wait for me to leave the room. They’re your friends...not mine.”
She pressed her lips together. “It’s true that they aren’t your biggest fans, but that’s never going to change if you don’t let them see you for who you are. They need to see the girl I know. The sister I grew up with…”
Your lips pulled to one side of your face. “Alright. I...” You turned back to Loki. “Do you want to go?” you asked, giving up with a sigh.
He gazed at you, probably gauging whether or not you really wanted to attend the event.
“I would...be delighted to go to a soiree at Stark Tower,” Loki lied. You could tell, but you were sure Shannon missed it.
She squealed. “Great! I’ll see you two at seven!”
She hugged you before dashing off and you closed the door behind you, grinning at Loki.
“So now we’re going to a party with the mindless drones that follow Stark?” Loki asked coldly.
You sighed as you walked past him to the bedroom. “Lok, she’s right. We need to… We need to stop acting like the outcasts. Maybe if we actually join their circle, we’ll be invited to more things. Our parole conditions might be lifted. I don’t know, maybe if we just acted less like we were being sequestered, less like hardened criminals, we wouldn’t be treated that way.”
“Somehow I doubt it,” he remarked with dripping venom. “I tried to act the part of the best, loyal, brightest son and look where that got me,” he reminded.
You sighed as you paused at your closet. “I’m not saying to pretend to be something we’re not. I’m just saying we act like we’re one of them. Just… be nice to them and they’ll be nice to us. It’s as simple as that.”
“Alright. I’ll try it your way. I suppose anything is better than being in exile.”
You nodded at him. “Dress nice or Tony won’t even let us in.”
Loki didn’t even respond as he got on an all black suit, black shirt, and black tie. Truth be told he looked ravishing. You found yourself in a green and black cocktail dress, your hair in old fashioned waves. In record time, you two made it to the party.
Shannon was right, Tony did invite a bunch of people here. It was a maze of people and caterers.
“You made it!” Shannon squealed as she trotted toward you with a drink in hand. She took you in a hug before hugging Loki, a sight you thought you’d never see.
“Yeah, much to everyone’s surprise,” you muttered.
“Well, come, come. Get a drink,” she urged.
“Alright,” you laughed, grabbing Loki’s hand as Shannon grabbed your free one. She drug you to the bar where Nat was making drinks.
“What’ll it be?” she asked with a coy smile.
“Martini,” Loki answered.
“Sparkling wine,” you requested.
“Comin’ right up,” she said with a smile as she made the drinks. Before you knew it, you each had a drink in hand, mingling. You met with Tony’s friends, greeted Clint, talked for a bit with Bruce, met some big wigs Shannong knew at another technology firm. It wasn’t as bad as you thought it would be, but nearly an hour into the party you needed a break. The high society scene - it wasn’t for you, it never was. That was Shannon’s thing. She was the one molded into the perfect socialite. This was her world, it always had been.
You escaped into an elevator and rode up one floor, where you knew it would be empty. You left Loki with Thor, hoping he would provide some form of familiarity or comfort for him.
Your feet carried you mindlessly for a moment until you wound up in Tony’s lab. It was state of the art, and hardly anything in here was real, all of it holograms. Walking around, you were appreciating all his gizmos and gadgets before you rounded the corner and saw something you never thought you’d see again.
The scepter.
Loki’s scepter.
The scepter that powered the Tesseract. The two things that got you sent back to Earth, the two things that nearly got you killed.
Merciless memories danced in your head of blood, torment, and torture. Remembering a time you desperately wanted to forget.
“Don’t get any cute ideas,” Tony said from behind you, making you jump. He sauntered up from behind you, amber drink in a scotch glass. “Is this why you came tonight? Did you want us to do the heavy lifting for you? Get the scepter, bring it back, and you and the boy toy take it back?” He cocked his head to the side. “Good play.”
“That’s not it,” you retorted, getting angry quick, your fist balling up. “I heard they might have it and I was worried it got into the wrong hands.”
“The wrong hands being anyone’s but yours,” he rebutted with an impressed look. “It was clever, I’ll give you that. You almost had me fooled. Bowing out early. Shannon insisting to invite you. You pretending like you didn't want to come tonight. All very nice touches. But then I looked up and saw you were nowhere to be found and I thought ‘Gosh, where could Y/N have gone?’”
“Tony,” you groaned. “I just needed a break from everything and I wandered up here. I had no idea you even had the scepter, no one told me.”
“I know Barton told you that the lead was solid,” he stated. “That was probably enough for you to come check it out.”
“Why would I wait to come get it? I could just come get it on Monday when I return to work,” you said, frowning.
“Maybe you wanted to be sure you got it before I had to ship it off. You’re smart, you know we can’t just hold onto it. Especially with you and the Reindeer games coming in and out of the tower.”
You sighed. “Tony, I don’t want anything to do with that scepter. It nearly got me and everyone I love killed. I don’t care if you destroy it.”
He eyed you for a moment. “You know… I ran diagnostics on it.”
“You did? What did you find?”
“It’s...unusual. JARVIS says it's like a computer. Banner seems to think it’s almost like a brain.”
“And you? What do you think?”
His gaze held something unreadable in it. “I think that for once, we agree on something. This can’t fall into the wrong hands.”
You nodded before turning to walk out of the lab and rejoin the party. Then you turned back, partially, for just a moment. “Thank you… for trusting me enough to follow my lead and go to Sokovia in the first place.”
All he did was cast his eyes to the floor and you left the floor to return to the festivities. Maria acknowledged that you walked in the room before Loki was at your side. He rubbed soothing circles on your back as the mingling continued. The hours flashed by and suddenly, it was just the Avengers in the middle of the common room, save for Dr. Cho, Shannon, Maria, you, and Loki. The party had nearly ended. Conversation had gotten around to Thor’s hammer. You sat next to Loki, your hand entwined with his.
Everyone was taking turns to lift the hammer, laughing at how it was a trick.
“That’s an interesting theory,” Thor began. “I have a better one. You’re all not worthy.”
Suddenly Shannon perked up.
“Did anyone hear that? It was a squeak,” she said, starting to turn around, gazing around the room when suddenly the noise had made itself known.
“Worthy,” a robot said as it limped into the room, oil leaking from its form, an arm missing. Immediately, everyone started to slowly stand up. “How could you be worthy? You’re all killers.”
“Stark,” Steve said.
“JARVIS,” Tony responded.
“I’m sorry, I was asleep,” the robot responded. “Or I was a dream.”
“Reboot Legionnaire OS. We got a buggy suit,” Tony said, tapping his phone futilely.
“There was this terrible noise. And I was tangled in--in strings.”
“Tony,” Shannon said, fear in her voice.
“I had to kill the other guy. He was a good guy.”
“You killed someone?” Steve demanded.
Your eyes stayed planted on the robot as a million uncomfortable emotions swept through you.
“Wouldn’t have been my first call. But down in the real world, we’re faced with ugly choices.”
“Who sent you?” Thor commanded.
Tony’s voice suddenly played from a recording. “I see a suit of armor around the world.”
“Ultron,” Banner recognized, turning to Tony.
“In the flesh,” this Ultron responded. “Or no, not yet. Not this chrysalis. But I’m ready. I’m on mission.”
“What mission?” Nat wondered.
“Peace in our time.”
Without warning, three bots burst out of the wall at all of you. Steve kicked a table up to deflect a bot that was headed straight for him. Loki quickly grabbed you and spun you out of the way before casting an illusion of himself, pushing you back towards towards a corner. Each of the Avengers was fighting a bot. Nat had to jump over the bar. Maria shot at a bot. Rhodey was pushed down a level, slammed through a glass ceiling. Clint slid under a table. Tony was rammed into a bookcase. Shannon was hit by a blast and into a wall.
Steve jumped on top of one of the bots, but he propelled backwards and crashed him into a wall.
“Steve!” you shouted, coming out from hiding, grabbing his shield and charging it before launching it as hard as you could at the bot, obliterating it. Tony managed to disarm one with a fondu fork. Nat was shooting at one and you turned towards it, purple streaming from your fingers, electricity sparking through the power as you electrocuted the machine.
“That was dramatic,” Ultron remarked as all of you stood up from positions of hiding or cover. “I’m sorry, I know you mean well. You just didn’t think it through. You want to protect the world, but you don’t want it to change. How is humanity saved if it’s not allowed to evolve. With these? These puppets. There’s only one path to peace. The Avengers extinction.”
Thor threw his hammer as hard as he could, smashing the main robot to smithereens.
And that ultimately killed the party. In a whirlwind, everyone was in Tony’s lab. Nat and you had changed out of your dresses into jeans and a tank top. Steve had sent Thor after the Legionnaire that escaped the building.
“All our work is gone. Ultron cleared out. He used the Internet as an escape hatch,” Banner informed.
“Ulton,” Steve scoffed.
“He’s been in everything. Files, surveillance. He probably knows more about us than we know about each other,” Natasha informed.
“He’s been in our files. What if he decides to access something a little more exciting?” Rhodey asked, pacing.
“Nuclear codes,” Maria murmured.
“Like nuclear codes,” Rhodey explained.
The rest of the team continued to discuss the current situation for a few more moments. They addressed the fact that JARVIS was destroyed as the first line of defense. Without much warning, Thor came storming into the lab grabbing Tony by the throat.
“Alright, buddy, use your words,” Tony requested.
“I have more than enough words to describe you, Stark,” Thor vowed darkly.
“Hey!” Shannon shouted. “Thor, put him down. What happened to the Legionnaire?”
“Trail went cold about 100 miles out, but it’s headed north. And it has the scepter.”
A few eyes went to you and Loki, but you tried to ignore the burning gazes.
“Now we have to retrieve it, again,” Thor said with frustration.
“I don’t understand. You built this program. Why is it trying to kill us?” Dr. Cho asked.
Tony was turned around, and suddenly… he was laughing. You frowned while Bruce shook his head to warn Tony that wasn’t the smartest idea.
“You think this is funny?” Thor asked incredulously.
“No,” Tony responded. “It’s probably not, right? This is very terrible. Is it so… It is. It’s so terrible,” he replied, sarcasm wrapping his tone.
“This could’ve been avoided if you hadn’t played with something you don’t understand,” Thor stated.
“No. I’m sorry. I’m sorry. It is funny,” Tony remarked, walking towards Thor. “It’s a hoot that you don’t get why we need this.”  
“Tony, maybe this might not be the time,” Bruce warned.
“Really? That’s it?” Tony demanded, angry. “You just roll over, show your belly every time somebody snarls?”
“Only when I’ve created a murder bot.”
“We didn’t. We weren’t even close. Were we close to an interface?”
“Tony, what the hell, I thought Ultron was just a fantasy. Something we put to rest a long time ago?” Shannon demanded.
“It was. Until this,” Tony responded. “We had the scepter. It had so much energy. I saw it and I thought, ‘Hey, this is what we’ve been looking for. Something to protect the world.’”
“You did this, without even discussing it with me? You used unknown magic, power, to fuel a system that we have no idea about?”
“Anybody remember when I carried a nuke through a wormhole?” Tony asked. “Saved New York? Recall that? A hostile alien army came charging through a hole in space. We’re standing 300 feet below it. We’re the Avengers. We can bust arms dealers all the livelong day, but that up there, that’s...That’s the endgame. So that when people like them--” he walked over and pointed to you and Loki “--come charging back in, with bigger guns and more enemies, we have a defense.”
“Tony,” Shannon said, disappointment encompassing her tone.
“No, he’s right,” you suddenly said.
Everyone’s eyes flashed to you.
“Tony, you said you wanted a suit of armor around the world? That’s what this is designed to do? To protect the world from a greater threat? Then you’re right to do so.”
“I’m not sure whether or not I should be happy you’re agreeing with me,” he noted.
“Y/N, you can’t be serious,” Shannon responded. “You saw what that did…”
“I don’t know what happened with the development. But I know Tony, and I know his heart was in the right place. I’ve seen what else is out there, and he’s right to be scared of it. And if we have anything -- anything -- that serves as a line of defense, then I’m all for it.”
“Are we really gonna take her side?” Rhodey asked. “This isn’t looking good for you, Tony. The only person to agree with you is an ex-con.”
“Is that really all I am to you, Rhodey?” you asked, bite in your voice.
“Last I checked, you spent years down in a cell for attacking the city. And now, thanks to that, Tony here has created a murder bot.”
“He was trying to create a weapon of defense. That’s what he does. That’s what we need. You don’t get it. None of you get it. I’ve seen people and things far more dangerous than Loki or I could ever be. You need this system.”
“Well whatever Stark was trying to create, it went bad. We need to know how bad,” Steve responded. “He wanted us extinct. So what does that mean? Ultron is calling us out. He’s getting a plan together. I’d like for us to have one before he does.”
“Tony, what happened to you not going through with your plan?” Shannon suddenly burst out, demanding. “It was only just the girl messing with your head. Why would you go creating this thing? We talked about this. I told you not to but you went behind my back and did it anyways. Does my word not mean a thing to you?”
Shannon was distressed, that was evident. You had hardly ever seen her this distraught.
“You know that’s not what this is!” Tony snapped. “Of course your word means something to me but you gotta understand with Ultron things could be safer for the world.”
“Safer how, Tony? You just created a robot who wants to end the Avengers. What’s to stop it from destroying the world that you want to protect?”
“Shan,” you started, sympathy in your voice as you took a step toward her, “his heart was in the right place. I don’t blame him for wanting to build Ultron. How he became a murder bot, I can’t imagine. If Tony said they weren’t close to an interface, I believe him. He just wants to protect the people he loves.”
“I get that he was trying to do good but this isn’t how you go about it. This is crazy. All the people who have tried to make things right always turn out wrong. You don’t need to be the next one on that list. And for you to be siding with him is crazy! That thing was being powered by the damn scepter that had Clint turned into a mindless goon and had you almost destroy all of New York.”
“The scepter, when used correctly, can do great things, wonderful things. At least he is trying to make the world a better place. A safer place. When we came down to invade, it was almost too easy,” you stressed.
Clint spoke up. “Yeah so easy that you lost and had your ass handed to you.”
Your face turned him, your expression angry. “I seem to remember nearly killing all of you, not to mention destroying most of Manhattan, and that was just two of us with a small army.”
“Regardless of who did what, I am sending that scepter back where it belongs, to be locked up. I don’t want to hear another word of this from anyone!” She turned to Bruce, shaking her head as she said, “And you, Bruce, I can’t believe you helped him. I’m so disappointed.”
She shook her head before walking off, forcing everyone to be silent.
----------------------
Bright and early the next day, the team gathered. Maria found information on a “large metal man” coming into facilities all over the globe with something too fast to see, and people being left with worst nightmares and memories. Strucker was apparently killed, which threw all of you off. Steve grabbed out all the physical files, as the ones online had been destroyed. They found files on a guy that worked out of Wakanda -- where vibranium was kept - a whole slew of it.
Natasha was able to find a salvage yard where vibranium was being harvested and sold off the grid, black market. Weapons.
That was the next target.
The team began to disperse to get ready to start their mission, with you getting ready to head up to the lab, to begin work on your project. Shannon had other ideas for you though. As Steve walked off to his quarters, she followed him.
“Hey, Steve,” she called quietly.
He turned and greeted her. “Hey, Shan. You ready to fight this guy?”
“Well, that’s what I wanted to talk to you about,” she noted.
He frowned at her, unsure of what she meant. “What’s wrong?”
“Is there any chance you can do me a favor?”
“I’ll try, but what is it?”
“Convince Tony to let Y/N come on the mission with us. I could use a second pair of hands getting the vibranium, and she can fight.”
He pursed his lips, his signature ‘I’m not so sure about this’ look.’ “Shan…” He sighed. “You’re not going to fight with us?”
“Bruce says it’s not good for me, and you all don’t need me to take Ultron on. You and the team can do that. Let Y/N and I get the vibranium, and get it away from him.”
“I don’t know. She just recently got released...”
“It’s been months,” she reminded. “She’s been perfect.”
“Yeah, that’s what worries me. You don’t think it’s strange that the only time she’s tried to help the Avengers since she’s been captured or released has been in the result of getting the scepter?”
“Y/N isn’t that calculated. She wouldn’t have someone else do the heavy lifting.”
“Maybe she wouldn’t, but he might,” he retorted.
“You mean Loki? Loki… he’s a damaged soul, like me. He had a rough life and he was forced to do something he didn’t want to do to survive something worse. I know this in my heart that Y/N and Loki are sorry for what they did. Come on, she’s done nothing but help me when I’m down. I had to beg her to come to the party. I just want things to go back to before she left -- except, you know, she has powers now.”
He sighed, putting his hands on his hips. “Alright. I’ll try to tell him.”
“Oh thank you!” she cheered, hugging him.
He nodded and said, “Yeah, yeah.” Then the two set off towards Tony’s quarters. They went in his bedroom where he was tweaking a suit. “Hey, Tony?”
“What’s shakin’, Capsicle?” he asked, welding, his eyes not leaving his project. “You ready to go?”
“Actually, I wanted to ask you if you’d let Y/N join the team on this mission?”
Tony stopped all activity. He flipped his helmet up and turned to Steve. “Are you high? No.”
“Come on. Shannon needs a hand getting the vibranium, and we’ll need to focus on the twins and Ultron. Not to mention, in case we need it, she can fight and she’s got powers that might help.”
“Did you not hear me? I said no. That’s it. We don’t need her. Not to mention I don’t want her anywhere near that scepter.”
“Tony--” Shannon started, begging in her voice.
“Shan, I said no. I’m sorry. I know she’s your friend but we can’t trust her.”
“Why?” she demanded. “Because she’s killed people? Who here hasn’t? Because she worked for the bad guy once? Who here hasn’t? If you’re going to start excluding people from the team based off sketchy pasts then this who team needs to disband because no one here is a saint. She can help me and I really think being a part of the team might help her. She supported you on this hairbrained idea, the least you can do is give her a chance.”
He stared at his bride, chagrin on his face. He didn’t like the points she was making. But he gave in.
“Alright, fine. Get her some gear. We leave in thirty.”
With that, she turned on her heel and went up to the lab.
“Hey, Y/N,” she said, walking in.
“Hey,” you greeted sweetly back. “So I can get a jumpstart on some of my numbers while you’re gone--”
“You’re coming with us,” she blurted out, a grin on her face.
“I’m… what?” you asked.
“I got Tony to approve you to be on the team. Come on, I need help getting the vibranium and the team can focus on the three baddies. What do you say? We’ve never teamed up together.”
“No, we haven’t,” you agreed. “But maybe there’s a reason.”
“Or maybe it was waiting for us to get to here,” she said excitedly. “Come on, we’re two bad ass bitches. Don’t you think it’d be fun?”
“Yeah, I suppose…”
“Great! Let’s go get you some gear. What do you need?”
------------------------------------
You were about to land, your body alive with nervousness. Your leg bounced as you sat on the jet between Clint and Shannon.
“Hey, you nervous?” Clint whispered as he leaned over to you.
“That obvious?” you asked with a slight laugh. You tried to stop your leg from bouncing, and tried to stop the wringing of your hands but it was hard.
“What’s got you so nervous? You’ve fought before.”
“Yeah but then I wasn’t really in fear of my life. Not really. What I was made into… death wasn’t an option, not from you all anyway. But now… I mean, this is real.”
“Well... You’ll be out of the way of the firepower anyway unless we actually need you -- which shouldn’t happen,” he encouraged. “Just stay with Shannon, and you’ll be alright.”
“Thanks,” you breathed, taking a deep breath.
Next thing you knew, the plane was landing and you all were running out of the plane into a salvage yard. The Avengers headed towards various points of entry while you and Shannon headed toward the lowest level, that’s where you expected it to find the vibranium.
After two minutes, you heard gunfire and fighting.
“Shit,” you whispered to Shannon.
“The mission is still the same,” she assured as she moved through the darkness. A loud shot fired behind you and you ducked before spinning to cast magic at them, making their guns hit them in the head and knock them out. Behind you, but in front of Shannon, another shot was heard before she silenced him. “Keep moving,” she called over her shoulder quietly.
The two of you found the container that was half filled with vibranium.
“Guys, found the payload. I’ll just get it to the plane,” Shannon said into the comms. “Should we take it all out or just get the container hooked up or--”
“Y/N, look ou--”
Before you could respond or know what she was talking about, suddenly the room changed. You weren’t looking at a container full of vibranium anymore. You were on Sanctuary, on your hands and knees. Thanos had just thrown you to the ground.
“Get up,” he commanded in that calm voice you hated so much. “Get up or I’ll turn my training to him,” he vowed.
You groaned, turning to him, spitting blood out of your mouth. “No, no, don’t touch him.”
“I won’t have to, if you don’t disappoint me,” he stated. “Again,” he ordered. You stood up wearily, you could feel your eye swelling. He had put you through horrible combat training with one of the aliens on sanctuary. “Kill her, and he lives,” he promised.
You frowned as the creature took their hood off, only to show you a very familiar face under the hood -- Shannon. Without hesitation, she came forward for you. Her energy casting towards you. At first, you defended yourself, until you remembered his promise, and you threw her off of you. You fought tooth and nail, hitting, kicking, punching, letting you rip into her body, until her cries cut off with a gurgle.
“You’ve done so well, my love,” Loki cooed as he stood beside you, a smile of approval on his face as he gazed down to your dead best friend.
--------------
“From the top,” a russian voice demanded.
“You’ll break them,” Shannon cooed as she watched a class of girls -- dancers. They were learning everything from firearms, tactics, ballet, seduction...
“You’re made out of marble,” the voice responded, a bit of admiration in her tone. “We’ll celebrate with the ceremony, your graduation.”
Shannon’s hands flew to her stomach, where she looked down before tears sprang to her eyes. “No. No, I never wanted this.”
“Ah, but your parents did,” the voice said back to her.
As if she blinked, she was suddenly in combat with a strong man. He had long, dark brown hair. She only ever saw his eyes, and an arm… made of metal. He swung at her with one hand, and she dodged it, but he brought a knife across her stomach and she glided right into it.
“Poor work. You deflected the wrong shot,” the woman remarked.
Shannon breathed raggedly, trying to find a way to end this fight.
In the next second, she was in front of her target, or rather, her target in front of her. A person. Shannon lifted her gun, calculated, ready to pull the trigger, it would be so easy. Aim between the eyes, like she’d been trained.
“Do this, and your training will be complete,” the woman promised.
“Wait, Shannon, don’t you don’t have to do this” the voice cried. That voice. She knew it… The person took shape, took full form in front of her. It was you. You were in front of her, crying, weeping, begging her not to. Your hands tied behind your back.
Without so much as a flinch, she pulled the trigger.
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seeaddywrite · 5 years
Text
stars, hide your fires: chapter five
this chapter is a lot more schmoop than plot, but still important to the overall story. as usual, thanks to @soberqueerinthewild for motivation & listening to me whine & stopping me from repeating myself every other sentence.  
chapter warnings: this doesn’t quite hit explicit territory, i don’t think, but it does come close, so please proceed with caution.
AO3 LINK
chapter index: 1 || 2 || 3 || 4 || 5 
Michael’s up to his shoulders in the guts of an ancient Volkswagen when Alex pulls into the gravel drive of the junkyard. He’s either so engrossed in his repairs that he doesn’t hear Alex’s approach, or he’s just ignoring it  under the assumption that Alex is just another customer trying to get repairs done even though business hours are over. Guerin’s the best mechanic in town, and though the people of Roswell are quick to dismiss him as the town drunk, they’re just as fast to forget that when their cars start acting up. It’s the sort of double standard Roswell loves: those people will beat a man until he bleeds and come back for a second round, but as soon as they need something, they’ll still expect their victim to bend over backwards for them.
It’s easier to relax now that Alex has Michael in his line of sight, and he exhales slowly as he slides out of the driver’s side of his of his SUV. His eyes linger for a moment on the way Michael’s body fills out the worn denim of his oil-streaked jeans, because he’d have to be dead before he stopped appreciating Guerin’s physique, but he’s not only looking for that, tonight. Sex is fucking fantastic, but he needs to fill a need more basic than that. He needs to feel settled in his skin, to be reminded of the man that he is now, rather than the kid he used to be.
Guerin can’t give him those things; Alex needs to do it himself, and he knows that. But for ten years, Michael’s arms have been the only place Alex has felt safe. While enlisted, he’d been afraid to replay those memories too often for fear he’d wear them out and forget completely, so he’d only allowed himself to think of Michael on the worst days, when he couldn’t pull himself together on his own, and even Michael’s imaginary presence was better the inescapable sense of isolation that came from being the only one who seemed to realize that military action was just another name for evil.
“Alex?” Michael’s in front of him, frowning in a way that suggests he’s been trying to get Alex’s attention for a while. “What’s wrong?” He wipes his palms on the bottom of his t-shirt, and for a moment, it looks like he’s going to reach out, but his hands find their way into the pockets of his jeans instead. “The meeting with your brother go bad?” The question is calm, but Alex is too good at reading the other man to miss the way his eyes immediately scan the horizon, as if expecting an army of MPs to descend upon them at any moment.
Alex shakes his head quickly, not wanting to cause any unnecessary fear. “No, no. It went --” He grapples for the right word, and gives up. “Charlie bought the story. He’s reaching out to Flint and Hunter as we speak, so I should have access to the Project within a week, as long as Hunter’s on base and not off comms.” The information comes quick and succinct, a post-op briefing, and Alex looks away afterward. Michael’s not his commanding officer, and Alex knows that, but asking for what he actually wants is harder than it should be now that he’s standing so close to it.
“Okay,” Guerin drawls, batting a rogue curl away from his forehead. “You wanna come inside? I need to change. And probably shower.” He glances down at himself, as if just noticing the mess of oil and sweat masquerading as clothing. “Or you can head to Max’s, and I’ll meet you in an hour -- Isobel’s staying there until all this blows over, and Liz has basically been living there since we brought him back, so dinner’s pretty much an open invitation for a while. You can fill us in, and we can keep planning, maybe come up with some contingencies in case shit goes sideways.”
Normally, the promise of sitting down to dinner with their friends would be a good way to end a shitty day, but right now, Alex wants to have Michael to himself for a while. “Do you think we could go over later?” he asks, squinting into the sun in an effort to meet the other man’s eyes. “I want to go, I just -”
Guerin looks at Alex for a long moment after the sentence trails off, then takes a slow, uncertain step forward. “It seems like you’re asking me for something,” he says finally, his voice quiet and eyes searching. Beneath his gaze, Alex feels like his every insecurity and anxiety is written on his face; no one’s ever seen him like Guerin has, and it used to terrify him that someone could look at him and see the man he is beneath the surface. It’s taken Alex a long, long time to accept himself for the man he is, rather than constantly judging himself against others -- in fact, it’s still a work in progress. But he knows he’s made some, because now, Alex looks at Michael and revels in the fact that someone can know him like that and want to stick around anyway.
“But I don’t know what it is, Alex. You gotta tell me what you want. I’m not the mind-reader, remember?”  
It’s fair. Alex is pretty sure Michael has a pretty good idea of what he wants, or at least a reasonable guess, but they said that they’d talk about the two of them after the mission was complete. Right now, the mission’s barely started, no one is really safe, and they haven’t talked about anything. It’s probably wrong for Alex to do this, to show up here looking for refuge without any explanation or attempt to ask permission, but he can’t bring himself to leave, either. So instead, he swallows, and closes the short distance remaining between their bodies.
His palms land on either side of Michael’s face, and Alex tilts his head to rest their foreheads together. Guerin’s skin is tacky against his own, damp with sweat, but Alex barely notices. He just holds Michael there for a minute, wishing, for once, that he could just reach into Alex’s mind and take the explanation from his thoughts. Michael turns to granite against him, still and rigid, but he doesn’t pull away. That’s all the permission Alex needs.
“I spent all day pretending to be someone I’m not,” Alex says with Michael’s breath against his cheek. “And Charlie -- I think he was trying to protect me, and I was manipulating him. And I have to work out how I feel about that, and what comes next, and I just wanted to be somewhere safe to figure all of that out.” The explanation is disjointed, and the emotions connected to it are too, even for Alex; he can feel, but everything is separate, confusing, like images twisted in a kaleidoscope.
“You wanted to be somewhere safe,” Michael repeats, a strange vulnerability in the words that Alex doesn’t understand. “And you came to me?”
Alex blinks, and steps back enough that he can see Michael’s face, but his hands linger on broad shoulders that have suddenly gone tense beneath his touch. “Should I -- not have?” he asks warily, trying to figure out what he’d said to cause this reaction. He’s fairly sure it wasn’t the touching. Guerin seemed fine with that. But how is admitting that he’s always been Alex’s safe place to land a bad thing? Surely he already knew that? “Do you want me to leave?”
“What? No! No, I --” Alex watches as Guerin’s throat works, trying to ignore the way his stomach twists in uncertainty. “I just meant that I haven’t given you any reason to feel safe around me, lately,” Michael says finally, the words blunt and forceful. Again, Alex is left floundering, trying to figure out how the hell they got here when only moments ago, Michael had seemed calm. But now, his expression is shuttered, closing Alex out of his thoughts and leaving him guessing. This isn’t what he’d been expecting when he came here, and part of him wants to shove his fingers in his ears and tell Guerin to stop talking, to leave it until after the mission like they’d agreed, but he knows he can’t. Not unless he’s prepared to turn around and leave, and Alex knows he won’t be able to do that. Walking away from Michael has always been too damn hard, and now, with no good reason, Alex knows it’ll be all but impossible.
“Fuck, Alex, the last time you wanted to talk, I stood you up and went to Maria,” Michael continues, his voice a raw strain of vocal cords. “I lost my shit after Caulfield, and what happened to Max, and you kept bailing me out, and got dragged into all of it -- and now you’re lying to your brother and feeling shitty about it because of me. Don’t you ever think about how much easier your life would be if you just told me to fuck off for good?”
Alex can’t look at Michael anymore, not when he’s talking like that. This day has already worn on him more than he wants to think about, and this conversation is fraught with pitfalls and potential missteps, and Alex knows that he’s not going to be able to navigate it safely. But there’s no way to avoid it now, not without allowing Michael to believe the things he’s saying, and he’s literally sick to his stomach at the thought of it.
“No,” he says bluntly, his fingers digging into Guerin’s shoulders in a pathetic effort to keep the other man close. They’ve talked about Maria and the thought processes that led to Michael in her bed, and Alex doesn’t think they need to discuss it further -- certainly not today, when the thought of the other man with someone would sound far too much like another rejection. So he skips over that, choosing to focus instead on the rest of it.
“I don’t, because easy doesn’t mean shit to me, Michael. Nothing in my life has ever been easy. So if I have to fight for the things that make me happy, then fine. I’ve been fighting other people’s wars for what feels like my entire life. At least I chose to fight for you. And I’m going to keep choosing this fight, whether it makes me feel like I’m losing myself or not, because it’s the right thing to do.”
Alex’s hands slide down Michael’s shoulders to his hands, and he squeezes tightly as he tries to explain himself.  “With them, with Charlie and Flint and everyone on base, I have to play a part. I have to act like a Manes, take orders, and keep my head down, and I’m going to have to do things that I hate. That’s what I signed up for. No one made me do that, and I’m not changing my mind.” He forces a fierce decisiveness into that statement, though it’s not clear whether he’s directing it toward himself or Michael. “I was just really hoping you’d be willing to help remind me who I really am, afterward.”
Allowing himself to be vulnerable isn’t something Alex is particularly good at, but there’s a waver in his voice that he can’t hide, and there’s no uniform or mission talk to hide behind, now. All of his cards are on the table -- what he wants, what he’s going to have to do, why he’s here -- and it’s up to Michael to call or draw.
There’s an achingly long moment in which Alex is sure Michael’s going to brush him off, to pull that damned devil-may-care smirk out of his back pocket and secure it over the naked longing on his face, but he doesn’t. Alex’s eyes slide closed in relief as Michael just nods, and curls a possessive hand around the back of his neck to pull him in. “Sorry,” he mutters, as Alex presses his face into the damp skin of his neck, relief like a cool breeze down his spine. “Max kicked me out of his place earlier because I couldn’t relax and was putting everyone else on edge. I kept thinking about you alone with someone who might hurt you, and --” he shrugs, trailing off with a bitter twist of his lips.
Alex sighs, and presses an open-mouthed kiss to the warm skin beneath his lips. “I’m okay,” he promises quietly.
Michael’s explanation puts his earlier reaction into new perspective, and Alex feels guilty for not understanding sooner. The other man had been against the plan from the beginning, and had only ever agreed because Alex made it clear that no one could stop him. He’s been worried for Alex’s well-being from the start; Max and Liz and the others might know that his family was messed up and hurt him, but Michael knows the details. He understands exactly what this mission could do to Alex, and he wasn’t even allowed to come provide back-up from a distance for the meeting this morning, though he’d lobbied to do so. Of course he’s anxious today, just as Alex would be in his place.
“If we can go inside, I’ll let you check for yourself, if you want,” Alex offers, and wonders how long they’ll last before their clothes are scattered across the small floor of the trailer and their bodies are tangled together. They’ve never been good at spending time alone together in confined spaces without something escalating; the electricity between them is hard to ignore in a room full of people, but once the only eyes on them are that of the walls surrounding them, it’s all but impossible. Sometimes that energy manifests in wandering hands and slick skin-on-skin,  and sometimes, on bad days, it turns into shouting matches and barbed words aimed where they hurt most.
Michael huffs an amused sound against the top of Alex’s head and pulls back, just to join their hands and lead them back toward the trailer. Alex follows easily, and as soon as the door has closed behind them, allows himself to be drawn back into a heated kiss. He gasps into Michael’s mouth in surprise, then finds himself shoved back against the door with hands rucking his shirt up past his stomach before he can get his hands on the other man at all. When he catches up, they land in Michael’s hair, using the grip to angle his mouth better against his own.
Warm, calloused palms move from his abdomen up his chest, and when Alex’s shirt disappears over his head, he tries to follow suit with Michael’s -- but he stops him with a gentle grip on his wrists. It takes him a moment to realize in the fever of the moment that Michael is taking him at his word, checking every inch of exposed skin with his free hand for injury. Alex tips his head back against the wall with a hollow thud and gives himself over to the inspection, trying to catch his breath.
“I told you,” he manages, biting back a moan when Michael’s searching touch slips below the waistband of his pants. “He didn't hurt me, Guerin. I’m okay. I’m here with you, and I’m okay.” Alex’s eyelids slam shut as the fly of his pants is undone, and despite his best effort to calm himself down, he knows exactly what Michael looks like on his knees, and he can’t help but picture it when he hears limbs hit the tin floor. The low-lidded, heavy look in his eyes, the flush that spreads across his cheeks when Alex is naked in front of him, the enthusiasm with which he leans in--
“You’re not gonna stop me?” Michael asks roughly, his breath hot and humid against Alex’s skin.
Alex draws a shuddering breath and opens his eyes, then dips his chin to look at Michael. The image is exactly like he’d pictured it, and lust hits him hard in the stomach. He tamps down on it immediately, and forces himself to ask, “Do you want me to?”  
Guerin shakes his head forcefully enough that his curls fall in his eyes, fingers curling into Alex’s thighs for balance. “I want this,” he says raggedly, pressing a kiss against one exposed hipbone. “I want you, and I’m tired of waiting.”
This isn’t what they had planned, but Alex doesn’t give a shit anymore. Maria and all of the reasons they hadn’t managed to make this work before seem small and far away in comparison to the threat of what they face now -- Alex wants things solidified with Michael, wants to move them from the amorphous something they’d been for the last year to partners in every sense of the word, and if it’s selfish, he’s not sure he cares anymore. If he’s going to survive running with his brothers for any length of time and involving himself in their dirty work with his soul intact, then he needs Michael’s anchoring presence. And maybe it’s hubris, but he’d like to think that need goes both ways.
“No more waiting,” Alex promises, and they lose themselves in the refuge of one another.
It’s hours later, as they’re getting dressed to head to Max’s for dinner, that Alex has to destroy the contented silence between them with painful, gory reality. “Charlie told me I needed to think of a way to prove myself to Flint and Hunter,” he says quietly, pausing in the middle of securing his prosthetic over the stump of his leg. “It’s going to have to be something big, if I want to convince Flint. He told Charlie about Caulfield, that I blew it up on purpose to fuck Dad over or something.”
Michael’s foggy, post-sex look disappears as soon Alex starts talking, and the sharp, intelligent expression that replaces it reminds Alex that while Guerin is usually happy to let others talk over him and consider him the town drunk, there isn’t anyone in Roswell that can match his IQ. “Sounds like you already have a plan,” he says, sliding a clean button-up shirt on over his bare chest. As usual, Michael leaves way too many of the buttons undone, revealing a wide swath of skin.
Alex bites at his lower lip and finishes with his leg before answering. “You’re not going to like it, and Isobel is probably really going to hate me for suggesting it, but I can’t see any other way. Obviously I’m not giving them any of you, and I have to be careful what information I let on that I have, in case it leads back to you.”
A calloused hand cups his chin, forcing Alex to look up at Michael. “Alex. Just tell me what you’re thinking, and we’ll figure it out,” he says firmly, and there’s not an inch of give in the words. Like it’s just that easy. Like it isn’t going to dredge up all sorts of painful memories for everyone involved, like it isn’t disgusting and disrespectful and in direct conflict with every moral that Alex has left.
But Alex has already committed to moving forward with this operation, and unless Michael or one of the others has a better idea, this is all they’ve got. So he drags in a deep breath, rests his palm over the back of Michael’s hand, and asks, “Do you remember where you buried Noah’s body?”
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starsandsupernovae · 6 years
Text
Terrible Ideas Chapter 2
Chapter One is here and you can read on AO3 here
summary:  Natasha and Maria are just friends. And unknown to the other, both want more but Natasha never knows how to say it. Enter in some shadowy figures who seem to be attempting to resurrect the red room and the two of them must go back to Natasha's past-and possibly build a future. 
Notes: So Chapter 2 is finally here and I’d love to hear what you think of it! I know it’s been a while but I hope to update sooner in the future and thank you so much to the wonderful @acastleintheair who’s been my beta/editor and is so amazing about it! 
           Natasha didn’t need to show Maria to the bathroom right across from the bedroom but she did anyway, the two of them walking down the immaculate hall, Liho padding after. Natasha always considered personalizing the place, but every time she thought of it the same thought came up- Why? Why should she attach permanence to a place where she lived when at any moment, it could all come crashing down and she’d have to run. Never get attached. She had been taught that the hard way many years ago and hadn’t deviated since. Never would after-
“No, you can’t come in with me,” Maria said to Liho, cutting through Natasha’s thoughts as Maria lifted the cat to stop her following, Liho protesting as Natasha took her batting at Natasha’s arms and vocalizing her displeasure, as Natasha brought her back to the kitchen.
“You know you can’t go in when other people are there.” Natasha murmured to Liho, sitting down where she could keep an eye on the soup on the fire.
“Honestly I don’t know why I keep you around, useless cat.” Natasha’s soft tone undercut the harshness of the words as she ran her fingers through Liho’s fur. She purred in response, as though she knew exactly why Natasha kept her, had taken her in after she kept hanging around after Natasha realized no one else would take care of her. And as though she knew that once Natasha decided to care for someone she would never let them go. It was a weakness, and she knew that, but absolute loyalty had been one of the only weaknesses that had been ingrained in her, so deeply she didn’t know if she could ever fully eradicate it.
She heard the shower shut off and Maria appeared in the doorway, one of Natasha’s long towels wrapped around herself. Natasha stared for a moment at Maria, her wet hair out of its normal confining bun, falling past her bare shoulders, to the top of where the towel wrapped around her.
“Sorry, but do you still have- I mean I know you do, you were wearing my shirt last Wednesday.”
Right. Natasha stood, getting up from the chair remembering that she did indeed have some of Maria’s clothing, a remnant of a mission the two of them had gone on together when they had had to get dressed quickly under two minutes to be out and gun ready. In moments like those, things like ownership of clothing didn’t seem to matter. Not much mattered, at times like that. They were urgent, rushed times, both of them grabbing for their clothing, for their guns, for their weapons, paying a lot more attention to the specificity of the latter rather than the former. And then, they’d end up with the wrong clothing, or perhaps since neither of them seemed to abstain from wearing them afterward, the right ones. Natasha was able to tell herself that Maria just had good taste, that she liked the feel of the clothing. And she was able to pretend that when she saw Maria wearing her clothing, the little thrill was only because it meant Maria didn’t mind Natasha wearing her clothes and was a sign of their friendship.
Although that didn’t explain why Maria noticed when she’d worn a shirt that was quite similar to many of her own.
“Yeah, come.” Natasha resolutely kept her eyes away from Maria, from the water droplets still resting on her shoulder, running down her bare arms. She placed Liho on the floor letting her wander off before she led Maria to her to her room, and gestured to the wooden drawers against the side. It was just like everything else in the apartment, generic, nondescript. Nothing that would make anyone look twice. She excelled at that. Anyone could pass by a first look, it was only once people looked again that you were in trouble. People looked first, saw later.
“Clothing in there. I’ll wait in the kitchen.” Natasha said, “Some of your stuff is in there, if not just take mine, it’s fine.”
“Thanks,” Maria answered with a smile, and Natasha’s heart stopped for a moment in true cliche fashion. Maria’s smiles were so few in the field and yet when it was just the two of them they showed up constantly, a light flickering on and it was only then Natasha realized how dark it had been before.
She left without answering, but she didn’t have to. She walked back to the kitchen where Liho awaited her. It seemed only moments before Maria reappeared, wearing her own shirt and a pair of Natasha’s leggings.
“Soup?” Maria asked coming to sit down in the seat opposite and Natasha poured it out. They ate in silence, the atmosphere somehow even more peaceful than when Natasha ate alone. Natasha reached for the empty bowls but Maria was faster, gathering them and beginning to wash them at the sink.
“You don’t have to-” Natasha protested, standing up.
“I know,” Maria answered, shooting her a quick smile.
Natasha glanced at the clock.
“You gotta be at SHIELD at 5 tomorrow right? That’s not a lot of time,” she said, moving to dry the dishes.
“It never is,” Maria answered, shrugging. “You coming in?”
“Yeah. I gotta finally fill out some reports.” She put the bowls away and the two of them started moving towards the bedroom.
“Come on then, let’s get some sleep.” Maria opened the door to let both Natasha and Liho into the bedroom. Natasha changed quickly, turning away as she pulled on an old t-shirt she might have taken from Steve and a pair of shorts. The shirt fell halfway down her thigh, definitely one of Steve’s. She sat on the bed, next to Maria, and she felt a sudden rush of relief that it hadn’t needed to be a discussion over who would sleep where. Natasha flicked off the light, bathing the room in darkness apart from the thin strip of light seeping in under the door and the cracks of moonlight that crept in around the edges of the curtains. The light was important, she knew. None of them needed it. But when you’re accustomed to waking in middle of the night in dangerous circumstances, with people prepared to shoot you, when you’ve woken to pain beyond anything you’d ever thought you could feel, in places you had hoped, prayed to whoever might be hearing you’d never end up, when you’ve woken to that, it was important to have light to show you hadn’t again. For that one moment between sleep and waking, when anything was possible where you could be anywhere, it was important.
Natasha’s sleep was blessedly quiet, empty of nightmares, and visions of the past, allowing her to wake fully rested, lingering for a moment in the silence of predawn, when grayness was just beginning to creep into the night sky. It lasted for a moment before she was suddenly hyper-aware of the other woman in the bed. Maria was pressed against her back now, an arm wrapped around her, pulling Natasha close to herself while she slept, as though she was something precious she’d need to keep close and protect.
Maria woke with a yawn, withdrawing her arm and looking around to situate herself.
“Morning.” She said, sleep heavy in her voice as she pushed herself up to face Natasha properly.
“Morning.” Natasha returned, glancing over at the clock. “Well, kind of anyway. You gotta be at the Triskellion at 5 right?”
Maria gave a half shrug
“5:30. But I should be there early.”
“Can I catch a ride with you? I’m coming today. Mostly for paperwork.” Natasha said, pulling a face that made it abundantly clear exactly how she felt about said paperwork. The downside of working for a more legitimate organization: always the paperwork. She had had that before of course in some forms, of basic reports of missions, given to either be discarded or filed away in extremely classified places. But that was nothing compared to the mounds she had every time she had to go on an op with SHIELD.
“Sure,” Maria answered smiling as she pulled on a t-shirt. “And finally.”
“What’s that supposed to mean?” Natasha asked, returning the grin as she pulled on a pair of dark tight pants.
“Nothing.” Maria smiled in answer leading the way to the kitchen where she grabbed two protein bars, tossing one to Natasha following behind her. “Just that you were supposed to have completed them, let’s see, two weeks ago?”
Natasha grabbed the bar out of the air.
“It’ll get done today, don’t worry about it.”
“Hey, I’m not the one who should be worried. May’s taking care of the paperwork again this week remember?”
So maybe Natasha should be worried.
“It’ll definitely get done today.”
The two of them walked in their comfortable silence downstairs and outside, into the morning, so early it was still quiet, people not waking quite yet, a slight chill wandering through the air waving at a few strands of Natasha’s hair. Maria led the way to her car, opening the door for Natasha before getting in the other side.
They got to SHIELD in a lot shorter time then it should have taken to get there, but Maria tended to take speed limits as more of speed guidelines, especially with very few others on the road. They went in together, pausing in the lobby where they would separate.
“I’ll see you later?” Natasha asked, trying to keep the hopeful tone out of her voice.
“Yeah.” Maria smiled, one last quick one before her Deputy Director Of Shield face came on. Natasha watched as Maria stalked off, walking swiftly towards the elevator bank on the other side of the building before Natasha went in the other direction. She walked into the office she had been given. It was only a moment before she saw Clint, dangling upside down from some sort of support from the ceiling, scrawling some kind of language on a clipboard.
“Hey, Clint.” Natasha actually went to a chair at the desk, but rather than sitting on it she perched on the edge, tips of her feet just off the seat as she reached out to grab the paperwork she should have done ages ago.
“Tasha!” Clint sounded genuinely happy to see her, whether for her company or because he couldn’t give in his papers until she had completed hers. He stared at her a moment before dropping his pen to the floor.
“Something’s wrong. No, not wrong. Different.”
Natasha merely gave him a raised eyebrow in question pulling at the papers in front of her while the night she and Maria had spent together replayed in her mind.
“You’re smiling,” Clint said, making no move to retrieve his fallen pen. “Did someone you dislike die?”
Natasha threw a new pen at him which he grabbed without looking, waiting for a response.
“No one’s dead,” she answered.
“Well,” she amended, “no one you don’t already know about and should be writing at least somewhat legibly down there.”
She gestured to the papers he was scribbling on and he shrugged.
“They always figure it out. Why else employ the best code breakers in the world?”
“I’m pretty sure they’re not employed to read your reports, Clint.”
He gave another shrug.
“So if no one’s dead and I know we’re not being sent anywhere nice because we just got back and they’re not sending us out so soon, then why the happiness?” “Is there a problem with me being happy?” Natasha asked by way of avoiding the answer.
“Of course not. You happy is great. So I want to know how it’s achieved.” He gave her a grin marred somewhat by all the blood rapidly rushing to his face.
“None of your business, Barton. Shouldn’t you not be holding your head upside down like that? It’s looking a bit red.” She pushed away the paper she had been filling and began logging into the computer to complete the digital portion. Why they hadn’t gone entirely digital yet was beyond her. While there were advantages to having hard copies of some things, for the routine op they had just been on there didn’t seem much point in having paper as well as digital record.
As though reading her mind, Clint groaned, dropping the clipboard.
“I swear to god, no one even reads these anyway. Bobbi says she skips half of hers and as long as the proper thing is filled in the digital database, no one’s said a thing to her.”
Natasha grabbed at the topic and distraction.
“Does she? How is Bobbi now? I haven’t seen her since she got back from New Mexico.”
That distracted Clint enough as he went on about her, and how she was trying to get him on decaf coffee, decaf coffee can you believe it? Natasha could, quite easily, considering how much Clint drank but kept that to herself, choosing instead to power through the report she had to fill in.
At last, she finished and shut it down, looking over at Clint who by now was half in the ceiling vent.
“Come with me to the gym?” she asked.
“Nah, I still gotta finish this. I’ll stop by later if you’re there and feeling like getting your ass kicked.”
“In your dreams, Clint.” She grinned before leaving, down to the gym, full of agents sparring and training. She only had to walk meaningfully over to the space she wanted to occupy for the trainee to vacate, knowing her on sight.
She walked into the simulation room, selecting the appropriate level and waiting for the LMDs to take their place and guises. Just for fun, she decided on a Captain America setting, knowing that at least, would pose a challenge. A small insidious voice spoke up from the back of her mind pointing out that besides, it was helpful to know to fight against your allies as well as with them if need be and she pushed it down, told herself that no, this was just what posed a challenge, she wasn’t doing it for that reason at all.
Still, after she finished, having taken advantage of Steve’s weakne- no not Steve, the LMD’s weakness with the shield, using her widows bites on his legs and placing a shot there before finally getting him to stay down she couldn’t help the bitter taste it left.
It was ridiculous she knew, and besides it wasn’t like it accurately reflected his power, taking down Cap would be a lot harder, (you have to train harder for that, the voice inserted) but she couldn’t help it.
She left, face red, breathing hard, sweat trickling down from her hairline, where her hair was fighting to escape the hair tie she was using to pull it back. She looked a mess and knew it as she made her way to the showers.
After she had cleaned up she retrieved her phone to find there was yet more paperwork to fill in, and a report to redo, probably because Clint had messed up his part she mused as she decided it could wait till tomorrow. She was ready to go when she realized her car was still at home. She could always take a SHIELD car, they never kept proper track of them all anyway but it also caused another thought to take hold- was Maria staying here tonight?
She deliberated. She hadn’t noticed the time passing but it was late enough for Maria to leave, still early enough that she wouldn’t have. She made her way across the building to where Maria’s office was. It would be weird to stop in and ask if she wanted to stay over again, Natasha decided. But if she happened to run into her and asked, that would be better, right?
It took her three times walking down the hall to accidentally meet Maria.
Maria looked exhausted as she made her way back to her office. Natasha knew it wasn’t apparent to anyone else, that they didn’t see the tightness around Maria’s eyes, the way she held her shoulders that much stiffer like if she didn’t, they’d slump down, her lips that much thinner holding her face firm in a determined expression
“Hey” Natasha tried for a casual tone like she definitely hadn’t walked past the same coffee stain on the floor before them twice already before meeting her. “You leaving soon?”
“Yeah,” Maria answered. “Well, from here to the carrier anyway.”
“You could always come back with me,” Natasha said. That was a normal thing for friends to do right? Friends invited other friends over to stay. Maria paused for a moment, just long enough for Natasha’s heart to miss a beat, waiting for her answer.
“Thanks. I’d like that.” Maria answered, eyes softening for just a moment.
“Just let me get a few things and we’ll go? If you’re ready to I mean”
“I am,” Natasha answered, giving the smallest of smiles.
And up in the vents, Clint gave a smile of his own as he connected the dots the two of them were too close to see.
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