#anyways please read and if you like it kudos/comment i smile at EVERY one (you have no idea) <33 | Explore Tumblr Posts and Blogs

yellowwithalisp · 8 months

Text

𝙷𝚒𝚍𝚍𝚎𝚗 𝙸𝚖𝚖𝚞𝚗𝚒𝚝𝚢 𝚌𝚑𝚊𝚙𝚝𝚎𝚛 𝚗𝚒𝚗𝚎- 𝙳𝚘𝚗'𝚝 𝚋𝚎 𝚂𝚌𝚊𝚛𝚎𝚍

You are a simple S.T.A.R.S member just trying to live your life. But your past keeps finding ways to make you scream in the dark….

(Remember that Wekser x reader requests are still open!!) ( The chapter has a shout-out and is dedicated to one of my favorite Wesker fanfics of all time. His Obsession by Aleneahx. I highly recommend everyone to give this fanfic a read! It is beautifully written and has a wonderful plot. Please go read it, comment on it, and give it a Kudos! Thank you Aleneahx for inspiring me and giving me the courage to write this story! - Yellow 💛🌻) (Final count- 7,226 words.)

(I'm sorry this one is small. Please forgive me!)

𝙷𝚒𝚍𝚍𝚎𝚗 𝙸𝚖𝚖𝚞𝚗𝚒𝚝𝚢 𝚌𝚑𝚊𝚙𝚝𝚎𝚛 𝚗𝚒𝚗𝚎- 𝙳𝚘𝚗'𝚝 𝚋𝚎 𝚂𝚌𝚊𝚛𝚎𝚍. (𝙳𝚘𝚗'𝚝 𝚖𝚘𝚟𝚎....)

🖤🔪▪ 𝙸𝚗𝚍𝚎𝚡 🥀 🖤▪ 𝚂𝚙𝚘𝚒𝚕𝚎𝚛𝚜~ 🖤▪ 𝙰𝚖𝚋𝚒𝚎𝚗𝚌𝚎 𝚏𝚘𝚛 𝚝𝚑𝚒𝚜 𝚌𝚑𝚊𝚙𝚝𝚎𝚛: 🖤🏠▪ 𝙰𝚙𝚊𝚛𝚝𝚖𝚎𝚗𝚝: 🖤▪ 𝘈03𝘝𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘪𝘰𝘯. 🖤▪ 𝚃𝚊𝚐 𝚕𝚒𝚜𝚝. @bisexualforestfire (𝚂𝚎𝚗𝚍 𝚒𝚗 𝚊 𝚊𝚜𝚔 𝚊𝚜𝚔𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚝𝚘 𝚋𝚎 𝚊𝚍𝚍𝚎𝚍 𝚒𝚏 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚠𝚊𝚗𝚝 𝚝𝚘 𝚋𝚎 𝚊𝚍𝚍𝚎𝚍 𝚝𝚘 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚝𝚊𝚐 𝚕𝚒𝚜𝚝!)

As I entered the dining facilities, I spotted a muscular man with a beret and a rifle slung over his shoulder. He stares at me with a smirk on his face as if he knew my every movement. I smiled as I carried my tray over to him. "Hey." I said as I sat down next to my friend. The man simply remained silent, occasionally sipping his whisky while he looked over at me eye occasionally, not saying a word. "Oh, I know that look. what did you get in trouble for doing this time?" I asked my fellow soldier as I started to eat my food. The man continued to sip his whisky and occasionally glanced at me with a faint smile on his face, but still did not respond to my question, simply continuing to eat his meal in silence. It appeared to be that he was either unwilling or unable to answer my question, as he continued to avoid eye contact and continued to stare into his whisky. I rolled my eyes. "Did you try to pick a fight with Canary? Got your ass handed to you I see." The man stopped for a moment when I mentioned Canary. He let out an annoyed sigh and finally looked up at me, setting down his glass of whisky and speaking in a slightly annoyed voice.

"I did not 'try' to pick a fight with Canary. I did pick a fight with her. But that's besides the point. Why do you always insist on harassing me about my fights with Canary, anyway?"

"Because every time. You get your ass handed to you by her."

I said as I took a sip of my water. "And, this is the part where I get to say... I told you so. Again."

"Oh come on, I don't get my 'ass handed' to me every time we fight. I hold my own just fine."

He took a sip of his whisky and sighed.

"Really? Is that where you're sitting over here moping about?"

"Moping? What gives you the impression that I'm moping Mouse? Maybe I'm just trying to enjoy my drink in peace."

He took another sip of his whisky. "You didn't come and join me and Six for chow time. Meaning that your moping about something. You forget how long we've been friends. I can read you like a book."

I said with a slight smirk.

"Oh come on, just because I don't want to eat with Six and you, doesn't mean that something bothering me."

He took another sip from his whisky and returned the smirk.

"Also, maybe I just wanted to spend some time alone with my whisky Mouse."

"Oh, then you love your whisky more than your wife then?"

I teased as I ate more of my food.

"Hey, now that's not true."

He said quickly before he scoffed.

"Fine. You're right. I am moping," He acknowledged, taking another sip of his whisky.

"It's not that I don't want to eat with Six and you. It's not that I want to spend time alone with my whisky either, Or that I lost a fight with Canary."

He let out another sigh, shaking his head.

"I was meant to be able to go home in a month so I could be there for the birth of my daughter." The smirk on my face quickly went away as a word expression took over it.

"Your still able to go home... right?"

He closed his eyes tight as his grip on his whisky grew.

He let out a heavy sigh as if he had been wanting to hold in that information for a while.

"I don't know Mouse. That's the problem. I was supposed to be on a flight tomorrow to go home and see my wife, my daughter, my family. Now they're sending our team on an undisclosed mission."

His eyes narrowed and his grip on his whisky tightened even more.

"The worst part isn't that I might die. The worst part is that I might not be able to see the birth of my daughter."

My eyes shifted to whisky then back up to him worriedly. "I haven't heard anything about this mission. And they're sending us off on it tomorrow?"

"Yeah, the order just came by earlier today from higher up. We got the orders and now we're all being shipped out tomorrow."

He took a sip of his whisky.

"I tried to talk them out of it. I told them that I have a wife whose about to have our daughter. I told them that I couldn't miss her birth. I told them that we might not all be coming back from this mission."

He let go of his scotch and took another sip.

"But apparently the mission was much more important than me being there for my family."

I looked down at my food.

"Whats the mission about."

"Apparently there was an attack on a nearby town, they released some gas into the town. They need our team to go in and find any remaining survivors."

"Why not Canary's team?"

He shook. "They're sendin' them out somewhere else tomorrow as well."

“Damn. So they’re putting us into potential danger. And you don’t get to be with your families? That’s not much of a fair trade off now is it?”

I continued to look down at my food and thought about what he had told me.

“So the town is going to be on lockdown when we get there I assume?”

"Yeah. Six worried that someone messed with the gas masks and made them defective." He said.

“Let me guess… the gas is some type of neurotoxin?”

I asked as I took a sip of my water. "What can't another team do it? Why do they need us specifically to go investigate?" He shrugged.

“I’m getting a bad feeling about this…” I muttered as I took another sip of my water.

“Canary’s team is going out somewhere else? They don’t even have them going with us?"

He shook his head as he finished his whisky.

“So what do you think the odds are we come back from this mission?” I asked nervously. He took a long moment before responding.

"The way I see it, we've got about fifty-fifty odds of making it back in one piece."

“I… don’t like those odds.” I replied back after he gave his answer.

He slowly stood up as I followed holding my now empty tray. "Well, let's get this mission done and get home safely." He said as he looked at me. I nodded my head as we walked. "Yeah."

Six, Nic, I, and others where drove over to the front of the town. Were all putting on our gas masks as the car stopped. I looked over at the other men in the truck. Six looked worried and Nic had a concerned look on his face. ".... You two ready?" I asked as I looked at him and Six.

Nic let out a sigh and nodded.

“Yeah, as ready as I guess I can be.” Six rolled his eyes as he put his gas mask on. “Like we even have a choice… I don't know about you guys but I want to get this job done and over with already.”

"Agreed," I mumbled.

Nic put his gas mask on before he sighed in frustration.

"Let's just get this over with..." I just rolled my eyes as I put on my gas mask and sighed. "I guess I'm ready too. I just wish I knew what was waiting for us out there... The waiting is the worst part..." Nic gently pats my shoulder before taking a deep breath as he got out of the car.

“Well, whatever it is... let’s just get it over with. I’m tired of just sitting here… I’m ready to take on whatever comes our way.”

He started to make his way into the town, but he stopped once he remembered something.

“Oh yea, one more thing… let’s make sure we have our radios on at all times… we don’t want to risk getting separated from each other.”

I nod my head as both Six and I check out radios as the other men from the truck rush past us. "Let's stay safe ok? We don't know what's in there and-" I looked at Nic and Six. "-You both have families to go home too." I said.

SIx nodded his head back at me as Nic paused to look back at me.

“Trust me, I don’t plan on staying here longer than we have to. We all wanna get home to our families.”

"And your our family too Mouse. We're gonna keep you safe too." Nic said.

I just took a deep breath.

“Y-Yeah… I-I just wanna get this over with.”

We started making our way into the town, I constantly glanced down at my radio to make sure it was on. Six followed behind me as Nic was ahead of us.

“That’s one thing we all have in common Mouse. Nobody wants to get trapped here any longer than we need to.”Six and I looked around nervously as we made our way through the empty and desolate town. our footsteps were the only sounds heard throughout this place. Nic took a deep breath as his fingers tightened around his assault rifle.

“We need to keep moving… and fast. The longer we stay here, the more chances we have of getting lost…”

I nodded as I looked around the empty streets. ".... What if there's no one..." I start.

He let out a nervous sigh as he stopped in front of Six and Nic.

“I’ve been thinking, maybe we should split up for a little bit. I mean this town is huge… It could take forever to search every single building here.”

He nervously looked around.

“It might be safer if we split up just for a bit to make our search a little easier. You guys could take the south side of the town while I take the north side… Once you’re done over there then we can meet up again.”

"And leave you alone? You of all people need to make it out of here alive." I said as I took a breath through the gas mask. Nic tried to give me a comforting smile. “Hey don’t forget, I know these streets better than anyone else here. I’ll keep my radio on at all times so we don’t get lost or separated too far from each other. I’ll be fine, I swear.. We just need to be quick. I doubt that whatever… it is that’s in there could be that bad.”

He started making his way down the street.

“Just try not to take all day over there, I’ll see you both back at our meeting spot in a few hours.”

I looked over at Six with a worried look on my face. Even though his face mask. I could still tell that he was giving me the exact same look.

He sighed softly as he adjusted his rifle.

“Yeah, I don’t really like the idea of splitting up either. But if we don’t then it’ll take us forever to search the whole town… We don’t know how much time we have before the gas spreads and we can’t leave. So as much as I don’t like it, it might be the best idea. Like Nic said, we can just meet up again at the meeting spot and we’ll be fine.”

Nic let out a sigh and nodded.

"Agreed," I mumbled.

Nic put his gas mask on before he sighed in frustration.

“Well, whatever it is... let’s just get it over with. I’m tired of just sitting here… I’m ready to take on whatever comes our way.”

He started to make his way into the town, but he stopped once he remembered something.

“Oh yea, one more thing… let’s make sure we have our radios on at all times… we don’t want to risk getting separated from each other.”

SIx nodded his head back at me as Nic paused to look back at me.

“Trust me, I don’t plan on staying here longer than we have to. We all wanna get home to our families.”

"And your our family too Mouse. We're gonna keep you safe too." Nic said.

I just took a deep breath.

“Y-Yeah… I-I just wanna get this over with.”

We started making our way into the town, I constantly glanced down at my radio to make sure it was on. Six followed behind me as Nic was ahead of us.

“We need to keep moving… and fast. The longer we stay here, the more chances we have of getting lost…”

I nodded as I looked around the empty streets. ".... What if there's no one..." I start.

He let out a nervous sigh as he stopped in front of Six and Nic.

“I’ve been thinking, maybe we should split up for a little bit. I mean this town is huge… It could take forever to search every single building here.”

He nervously looked around.

He started making his way down the street.

“Just try not to take all day over there, I’ll see you both back at our meeting spot in a few hours.”

I looked over at Six with a worried look on my face. Even though his face mask. I could still tell that he was giving me the exact same look.

He sighed softly as he adjusted his rifle.

I nod as he turns away from where Nic is heading. I made sure again my radio was on as I looked around. "Did the grass kill everyone?" I asked. He looked around the empty streets.

“Maybe… I mean it’s not like there’s anything else that could kill you here right? It’s just gas. Besides… There’s no bodies anywhere… Maybe they’re all inside the buildings and just unconscious…”

Suddenly a shot rings out close by, causing him to tense slightly and turn his attention in the direction of the sound. There’s another shot, and then silence.

“What the hell was that…” He looks around at all of his surroundings cautiously. "Gunshots..." I mumbled as I quickly radioed Nic. "Nic!!.... Nic come in!!..... Nothing..." I said as I slowly looked up at Six. He took a short breath through his gas mask.

“...No response. I don’t like this. Nic?! Niiic?!”

He continued to radio Nic but he just got static in the radio.

“... I don’t like this…” he said before looking around the surroundings cautiously. “Well... Lets get looking.” He took a deep breath through his gas mask before making his way to the first building. I followed after him as I tried to contact Nic again, nothing. "Clear!"

Six said as I stepped in. I looked around the building. "See anyone?" I asked as I took a deep breath through the gas mask.

“...No. Just like the other buildings this place looks completely deserted... Wait!” He stops and listens. “I hear something... it sounds like... A radio?”

He quickly pulls it out and turns it on.

“M-Mouse?! Six?! Is that you? Where are you?!”

It is Nic’s voice on the other end of the radio!

“Nic! You’re alive!” I say back into the radio. “Where are you?!”

Nic continues to frantically speak into the radio.

"Get out of the town! The masks have been tempered with!" Nic said through the radio. I looked up at Six in horror.

“What?! What are you saying Nic?! Speak clearly!! What do you mean by masks have been tempered with?!” Six said quickly.

I heard another distant gunshot ring out across the town. And it definitely did not come from Six.

“... I don’t like that. Something isn’t right here Six. I don’t know what yet, but this whole place just feels off…” He said.

Six quickly looked up at me. His eyes widened before we both heard a sound. I sounded like someone was gaggin on something almost. Like a monster. “Did anyone else hear that?” I asked as I quickly tried to get six and I out of there to find Nic. Suddenly I hear screaming coming from the building to my right. I look into the building and I see a strange figure approaching Six and me. It looked humanoid but it looked more like a corps walking than a human. Six pointed his rifle at it before firing at it.

“What the hell! Why isn’t it dying!” Six said. The bullets hit it, but it didn't die. The thing continued to charge at us as I grabbed Six and we both started to run.

"What is that thing!?" I yelled. “I have no idea!” Six yelled back as we ran through a broken-down building.

We ran out the other end and started heading towards a huge hole in the fence I had seen earlier. “Come on, we need to find Nic and get out of here!” Six yelled, hoping that I had heard him.

As if we were in a horror movie, a loud thud could be heard. We turned around to see the strange humanoid thing trying to open the door behind us. “We need to keep moving!” I yelled.

We ran to the hole in the wall, which seemed to be the only way out. The humanoid creature broke through the door. Six pointed his rifle at it and pulled the trigger.

Click. Click. Click. The gun didn’t fire and we could hear footsteps behind us coming towards us. “Six?!” I yelled before he grabbed my hand and we were running again. "Nic!! Where are you!?" I said through my radio.

"By the fence!!"

Nic said back through the radio. We kept running through the broken buildings when Six stumbled down onto the ground. "Six!!" I shouted before turning back for him, seeing these humanoid things coming after him. I named my rifle to shoot at their knees to hopefully slow them down for a bit. I went over to Six who was frantic trying to get his gasmask off of him. He was coughing up blood. "The grass is affecting you- we need to get you out of here fast!!" I said as I helped him up. The humanoid creatures got closer and I could see that their throats were burning and bubbling with acid. I grabbed Six's hand. “You need to go, now. I’m gonna be fine, you don’t want what’s happening to me to happen to you!” Six yelled as he coughed up more blood. "I feel fine- I'm not just gonna leave you here!" I said as I helped him up, having him lean on me for support. “You don’t understand Six, if you get out of here, whatever is in your system will kill you! You need to get out of here!” Six was struggling to breathe.

“I’m not going leave without you” I said as he coughed up more blood.

The humanoid creatures were getting close and were starting to burn the grass the acid was on. “We need to get out now Six!” I yelled as I started to help Six getaway. I quickly radioed Nic to tell him where we were heading. "Nic!! Were heading towards the middle of the town- there are these humanoid creatures chasing us- and Six is infected!"

Six started to get woozy and his legs started to give out. “I can’t move… we need to get out of here and quickly, before you become like me. You have to leave, okay? You have to promise you’ll get out of here before they get us.” Six was struggling to breathe and couldn’t speak anymore, but he managed to give a quick look to me as his eyes started to glaze over.

“I’ll be fine!” he said in between raspy breaths, but he clearly wasn’t going to survive this. Tears started to form in my eyes as I shook my head. "N-no- Six- I'm not leaving you-" Six suddenly collapsed. His breathing became laboured and there was blood coming out of his mouth. “Six!?” I yelled. I knew I couldn’t leave him here so I tried to pick him up but it was too late. His body was already going stiff. “Six please, get up! Please.” I was desperately trying to get him to wake up. “This isn’t happening!” I yelled. “Please six, please!” I continued to shake him but he didn’t respond. Six was gone. I held his body close to me, still desperately trying to wake him up.

“No no no no- This can't be happening!!” I yelled as I held Six. Tears were streaming down my face and I kept shaking him, trying to wake him up. My hand reached up to rip off my own gas mask. I didn’t want it to be true but Six wasn’t getting up, he was gone. “Six please wake up! Please!!” I yelled at the top of my lungs. “This can’t be real!!” I kept saying it over and over again. I was in absolute shock. Six and I had been through so much together but we never thought it would end like this. He had family back home, and people to go back to... It couldn't end like this. My hand slowly reached over to the radio. "N-Nic... Six is gone." Silence. I could feel the tears streaming down my face as I held Six’s body in my arms. I couldn’t believe it. Six was gone. My best friend, a brother to me, was gone. I looked around desperately, hoping that there was something that could be done. But there was nothing. Six was dead. I still couldn’t process it, I just kept staring at Six’s lifeless body in my arms. This couldn’t be my reality. I slowly moved my hand to gently close his eyes. pulling his mask back up to hide his face like he always had it. Placing him down gently. I took some of his ammo and his dog tags as I reloaded my gun. I needed to find Nic and get out of here or the same thing will happen to us.

I stood up to put Six's dog stages into my pocket to keep it safe. Then I heard something moving in the grass. I pointed my rifle towards the direction I heard the noise coming from. “Who’s there?” I yelled out as I moved closer to the movement. A humanoid creature that had followed us throughout the building was there in my sights. I pulled the trigger and sent 5 rounds through its face, tearing it to shreds. I stood up again to look around for Nic. I had to get to him before the monsters could kill me as well. I looked around for anything that could lead me tod or bodies. A trail of blood goes off into the distance. I followed it, my gun ready for anything else that may follow the same trail. I moved behind cover as I followed it, hoping that Nic, or anyone else for that matter was still alive. I cautiously approached the blood trail, my gun pointed at the entryway in case of anything being there. When I looked inside, I saw Nic lying unconscious on the ground. His legs and arms were covered in bite marks from the humanoid creatures. I grabbed Nic and pulled him outside of the destroyed building entrance. “Nic! Wake up! Can you hear me?” I yelled. He woke up slowly and turned to me. “Where…. Where’s Six?” he asked, looking around. “I’m sorry Nic, he’s… he’s gone, but we’re gonna get out of here.” I looked into Nic’s eyes, knowing that he didn’t have much time before he became like Six. “Come on, we need you to stay lucid.” I carried him over my shoulder as I radioed for evacuation. I was determined to leave here with my friend still in one piece. "Those... this got him?" I shook my head. "The gass... He started coughing then he..." I knew it wouldn’t be long until Nic would be gone too. I had maybe a couple minutes at best. We had to make a break for it, NOW. “Nic you aren’t gonna be in one piece for much longer, we need to leave. now!!!” I was desperate for Nic to understand and follow. Nic reached up to take his gas mask off. "Mouse, I'm not gonna make it..."

I didn’t want to hear that! But I had to be realistic - I’d seen what these gas did to Six. “Damnit Nic don’t talk like that, we’re gonna get you out of here, I promised Six I wouldn’t leave you here alone so we’re gonna get you back home and get your arm fixed, do you understand?” With all the adrenaline I felt I could barely hide my frustration. “The gas mask don't work- so we need to keep moving, we’re almost at the exfil zone.” We had little choice but to take the risk, knowing that every second wasted increased Nic’s chances of becoming Six. I rushed down the path towards the exfill, carrying Nic over my shoulder and praying that he wouldn’t turn. There was a faint hope that a medical team at Base camp would be able to save him, but I didn’t dare to think he’d make it long enough. "Were almost there- hold on Nic!" "Graahh..." I sound came out of Nic as his head hung low. I glanced over at him worriedly. "Nic--" I said before I saw that his eyes were completely glaze over. “Nic!!” I screamed. “Nic you’ve got to fight this!! Don’t do it!! Fight it Nic!!! Don’t you die on me Nic!!!” I couldn’t contain myself as tears fell down my face. I couldn’t understand how everything could go so wrong. But no matter how much I tried to shake Nic back to consciousness it was futile. I continued on, fighting back my tears, towards the exfill zone, knowing my time was running out. “Nic!!” I yelled again. “Nic this can’t be real!” I kept repeating it as tears ran down my face. I still hoped that he was in there deep down and somewhere he could hear me. “Just hold on Nic!!” I said as I continued forward. I had to get to the exfill zone as soon as possible. But it felt like we were never going to make it. Nic’s condition only seemed to get worse. "I'm.. Not gonna make it Mouse..." "N-no you are-" "Kid- listen to me!"

"We'er almost to the exfill, I could see the building up in the distance- We can make it I promise!!” I continued shouting as tears fell into Nic’s face. He just looked at me with dull eyes. "Mouse, my wife had no one but me... I-I need you to promise me that you be willing to help her if she needs it-" "She won't need my help! She'll have you!" "N-no..." He gasped for air. "S-she won't.." I looked behind me, I could see the humanoid creature approaching. “Nic, we need to go! Come on!!” Nic collapsed onto the ground, not fighting anymore, not responding to anything. I dragged his body up and rushed forward to the building in the distance. I was so close to the exfill. The exfill zone was in sight, I could make the call to come pick the two of us up. But Nic was lifeless and I didn’t want to leave him there like that. I tried adjusting my rifle on my back so I could pick him up again when he started to move. "Nic?!" "Rrraw!!" Nic body moved as it tried to bite me, he had become like one of the humanoid creatures that were after me and Six. I yelled again “Nic!!” And backed away slowly from him. My eyes were filled with tears. “Nic, please” Nic’s face lunged at me. I fired my gun 5 times into his torso. “I’m sorry Nic” I kept yelling as tears ran down my face. “I’m so sorry...“ I lowered my gin as I took a feI thought we could make it together, I thought I would be able to take you home, and get your arm fixed, and that you would be able to see your wife again." I was so close to getting us both out of here. I thought I could do this, I thought for sure I could make it. I thought for sure Nic would see his wife again. Nic's face started to glaze over as tears rolled down my cheeks. I stepped back, shaking, unable to deal with this anymore. I dropped my rifle, knowing what I had to do.

I'm sorry Nic.

-- 🖤🔪-- I couldn’t believe I was gonna lose my last teammate. There was nothing I could do to save him. Nothing. As I watched Nic pass on I felt nothing but regret. We didn’t get out, I failed. I closed my eyes and took a second to breathe. It was all over, we failed. How could I ever face them after this?? I didn’t know, I didn’t have a choice. I’m lucky I even made it out of there alive. I've been in a quarantine room since I got back. Apparently, I was the only Survivor. They had people go back and retrieve my gas mask to see if my gas mask was functional, but apparently, it was tampered with as well. So no one knows why I wasn't infected. Apparently when they went back to get my gas mask. They were going to get the bodies as well so they could bury them. But then the bodies were all gone. It was like someone else came in and took them away before we could retrieve them. I held on to Six and Nic's dog tags as tight as I could. I didn't let anyone take them from me. The beeping of the heart monitor attached to me kept going off. And the fan above me keeps making noise. It was almost nerve-wracking being in that room alone but I assume became adjusted to it. Finally, someone knocked on the door and entered. I looked up to see that it was one of the doctors. An older man with a clipboard in hand. Before they were wearing a hazmat suit with everyone being unsure if I was contaminated or not. But seeing as they were just wearing normal clothing now I assumed I probably wasn't? "Oh good, your awake." the doctor said as he sat down and opened his clipboard. "I see that the quarantine protocol lasted a lot longer then expected... so the question is; Do you feel normal? No weird urges to eat people?" He asked jokingly. "But seriously, you feel fine?" He continued looking at the clipboard. "I... Feel fine sir, I haven't felt off at all... Was I affected by the gas? If you're not wearing a hazmat suit then... I'm ok?" I asked. The doctor looked surprised. "You actually haven't noticed anything?" He got up to look towards the window. "It's been almost a three since you were put in quarantine." He said. The doctor continued to walk around, reading through his clipboard. Suddenly he stopped in his tracks and stared at me. "Wait..." He said, holding his clipboard in shock. "Are you serious? You haven't had any urges to eat people? No weird behavior patterns?" He asked. "No, I don't feel any different?" I responded. "You haven't even felt hungry?" He asked. "I've felt hungry for a pizza..." I said as my eyes watched him. He laughed and responded "You know, you're not the first person to have cravings for pizza. In fact, most of us doctors here have the same desire right now. The quarantine team has their hands full so we are eating MREs instead of a nice hot pizza." I glanced down at the floor then back up to him. "Sir.... What happened to me? This gas in the town didn't affect me? But it affected my teammates?" The doctor looked stunned. "That... is not possible." He said. "From what the reports claimed before the town went radio silent and before we found you. This gas infected people and turned them into a monster. How in the world did you manage to escape the gas AND not be affected?!" He asked. I was just as confused as him. "I thought if you weren't wearing a gas mask that you'd be infected, right?" I asked. The doctor nodded. "And you weren't wearing your gas mask. You were in the gas." "The gas mask where tempered with sir." I said I watched him move back and forth. The doctor stood up, staring at me. "If you don't have any symptoms then..." "Then... What sir?" "Then perhaps the gas only works on those who have a specific gene Or blood type... we have another possible explanation but we didn't know if it was true. But I think you've just proved it true. We think that the gas only works if you have a specific gene or blood type. And since you don't have that, you just walk away fine." I was stunned, was that possible? Does that mean I was safe then?

"So, if you don't have that gene, you're immune?" I asked. The doctor nodded. "But- Six was type O. same as me. and the gas killed him quickly?" "There may be other factors that are involved in this gene as well, but we don't know anything for certain yet." He said. "So.... I'm immune?" I asked. "From what it looks like. Do you feel different at all?" The doctor asked me. "No, I feel completely normal. No weird side effects or anything." I responded. "That doesn't make sense. How can you be completely normal and immune?" He asked me. "I'm as confused as you sir." I responded. 'Could I actually enjoy life again?' I thought to myself. "What... do I do now sir?" "You'll have someone come by to take you and do a few tests just to be safe but, as far as I'm concerned; you're free to go." The doctor responded. "Wait- What?!" I shouted excitedly. "You mean you're gonna' let me out of here?!" "Yep." he responded. "If there's nothing wrong with you then... why should you be stuck in a room where there's nothing to do?" I smiled and said "Thank you Sir. Thank you thank you thank you." "It's no problem." He responded as he walked out of the room.

-- 🖤🔪--

I stared down at the dog tags as I heard the rain hitting in the window harder.I was brought back to reality when a giant flashlight and the sound of thunder could be heard echoing throughout the room. I quickly put the dog tags down and grabbed the fresh change of clothes for the captain.

"Sorry to keep you waiting sir!"

I said as I quickly brought him a fresh change of clothing.

"Thank you, Mouse."

Wesker said as he took the clothing from my hands.

"Y-you can change in the bathroom sir."

I mumbled as I stepped aside so Wesker could walk past me. He nodded as I took one last glance at the wet shirt sticking to him.

I blushed nervously as he stopped just in front of the bathroom door. Wesker chuckles softly. "I promise I’ll close the door as I change so you don’t have to worry about being embarrassed." He said as he opened the bathroom door.

"I'll only be a moment or a couple of minutes so I can change out of my soaking wet clothes. As well as drying myself off." I blushed as I nodded my head as he entered the bathroom.

Wesker entered the bathroom and started to change into the clothes. He dried himself using the bathroom towel to get rid of all the excess water on him and he then finally stepped out of the bathroom wearing his fresh black clothes. He put his black sunglasses back on, but his hair was still wet and dripping a little bit as he turned the handle of the bathroom door he looked over at me.

Wesker looked at Mouse "You don't happen to have a hair dryer in your apartment do you Mouse?" I nervously smiled as I nodded my head. "Yeah, but it broke a few days ago... Sorry sir."

Wesker waved his hand. "It's fine Mouse. I'll let it air dry." He said as he moved the few stubborn bangs back in place. "Sorry sir..."

He shook his head "It's fine Mouse. I understand." After he was done moving his bangs back into place he looked around for the second time. He turned to face me as he took his sunglasses off.

"You know. I have been wondering. Why was the nickname Mouse given to you? Is there a story about how you got the nickname?" He glanced down at me as he sat down on the couch. "It's what my old teammates would call me. I was the shortest in the group and could sneak into places easily, hence the nickname Mouse."

Wesker nodded his head "Ah that makes sense. Very creative and your old teammates huh" Wesker took his time to think about his next question. He decided to change the topic to her old teammates. He wanted to know more about them. Even though from the Umbrella report, he knew what happened to them.

"So who were these teammates who came up with the nickname Mouse for you? If you don't mind my asking."

I took my jacket off as I went to hang it out for another chair like Wesker had done. "I was assigned to a team tasked with dealing with the situation that happened overseas. There were 7 of us." I said before I let out a yawn. I grabbed some pillows and blankets for Wesker to use. "Would you like to use my b-bed or the couch?"

"The couch is fine, I don't think you're ready for a man in your own bed yet Mouse."

Wesker said with a slight smirk. I could feel my face turn bright red as he took the items from my hands as he stands up.

"Was... Was that a joke sir?'

He hummed as he placed the pillow and blankets down on the couch. Glancing around before walking over to the kitchen/dining room to turn off the living room lights.

"I... Don't believe I ever heard you try to tell a joke before sir..."

"You still haven't Mouse."

He said before turning the lights off. Wesker smirked at me before he sat down on the couch with the blanket and pillows "I guess that makes sense mouse. You have to work with Redfield after all. He's more than capable of doing those things." He then paused for a moment as he put the blanket on himself to keep warm "The couch should be fine for now. But thanks for asking Mouse" As he laid back on the couch the storm outside became even louder "I must say I wasn't expecting it to be raining this hard tonight. It's gonna be a long and cold night tonight Mouse." I let out a nervous chuckle. "I'll go turn up the heat for you sir-" I started as I turned away to start walking over to turn up the heat. "I am fine Mouse. I don't need the heat turned up." Wesker said. "The noise of the storm and rain should be a nice way to help you relax while you fall asleep." He added on with a chuckle. He put his sunglasses back on as he turned his head away from me. "It's getting late. Both of us should be going to bed now." Wesker said. I nod before I turned away. "Right, good night sir." I said before I made my way back to my room and closed the door. "Goodnight Mouse" and with that Wesker laid down on the couch and closed his eyes he thought about what Mouse said about her old teammates. He thought about trying to ask her questions about the team and what happened to them but he decided against it. After a few seconds of deep thought, he fell asleep a few minutes later.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 𝘖𝘴 𝘪𝘶𝘴𝘵𝘪 𝘮𝘦𝘥𝘪𝘵𝘢𝘣𝘪𝘵𝘶𝘳 𝘴𝘢𝘱𝘪𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘪𝘢𝘮, 𝘌𝘵 𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘶𝘢 𝘦𝘪𝘶𝘴 𝘭𝘰𝘲𝘶𝘦𝘵𝘶𝘳 𝘪𝘶𝘥𝘪𝘤𝘪𝘶𝘮.

𝘉𝘦𝘢𝘵𝘶𝘴 𝘷𝘪𝘳 𝘲𝘶𝘪 𝘴𝘶𝘧𝘧𝘦𝘳𝘵 𝘵𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘦𝘮, 𝘘𝘶𝘰𝘯𝘪𝘢𝘮 𝘤𝘶𝘮 𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘣𝘢𝘵𝘶𝘴 𝘧𝘶𝘦𝘳𝘪𝘵 𝘢𝘤𝘤𝘪𝘱𝘪𝘦𝘵 𝘤𝘰𝘳𝘰𝘯𝘢𝘮 𝘷𝘪𝘵𝘢𝘦.

𝘒𝘺𝘳𝘪𝘦, 𝘧𝘰𝘯𝘴 𝘣𝘰𝘯𝘪𝘵𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘴 𝘒𝘺𝘳𝘪𝘦, 𝘪𝘨𝘯𝘪𝘴 𝘥𝘪𝘷𝘪𝘯𝘦, 𝘦𝘭𝘦𝘪𝘴𝘰𝘯

#albert wesker #yellow wrote #albert wesker x reader #wesker x reader #resident evil x you #wesker x you #reader insert #resident evil #wesker #residentevil1 #S.T.A.R.S #S.T.A.R.S Wesker #S.T.A.R.S Wesker x reader #S.T.A.R.S Wesker x you #-Hidden Immunity #chapter nine

19 notes · View notes

lollytea · 7 months

Text

20 Questions for Fic Writers

Mar tagged me in this. Thank you Mar <333

1. How many works do you have on AO3?

2. What’s your total AO3 word count?

358,837

3. What fandoms do you write for?

Owls....for now and the foreseeable future. Other things in the past but....owls. Owls and nothing else.

4. What are your top 5 fics by kudos?

There's Sunshine in Your Smile

Atlas and the Avid Reader

A Little Change

An Exercise in Understanding

Girl Talk

5. Do you respond to comments? Why or why not?

I don't, I'm sorry!! When I first started posting on ao3, I answered every comment I got, but as more came in, I realized I was running out of ways to respond and it felt like I was just copy and pasting "thank you so much omg!!!" again and again and it felt awkward and disingenuous. (I meant it tho!! I did!!)

Also I never have any idea how to respond to long essay type comments that were picking the fic apart and highlighting everything they like about it. I ADORE those comments!!! They make me happier than anything else on earth but HOW can I respond to them?? A one liner thanks feels cheap and meaningless, but a long ramble about my own stuff feels arrogant.

So I just stopped replying to comments altogether. But listen please listen!!! I do read them!!! I read every single one of them and I love and appreciate them with all my heart!!! Thank you so so SO much to anybody who's ever left a comment on anything I've written!!!

6. What’s the fic you wrote with the angstiest ending?

I don't really write angsty endings. I guess atlas and pages both ended on a bit of a bittersweet note? Maybe.

That one ducktales fic Fearless left off on a kinda angsty cliffhanger, only because I never finished it. So it's technically an ending

7. What’s the fic you wrote with the happiest ending?

Man I dunno most of them are kinda open ended (or unfinished) I suppose A Little Change ended on a sickeningly sweet note. Like disgustingly sweet (because I was 19 and stupid and had no concept of subtlety) Penniless Promises ended with a marriage proposal.

8. Do you get hate on fics?

No the only hate comment I've ever gotten is this one

It kinda annoys me. I consider your first hate comment to be a special milestone in your fanfic writing history. I've been waiting years for this. And then I FINALLY get it but I have no fucking idea what it means.

9. Do you write smut? If so, what kind?

I've written bits and pieces over the years but I don't post any of it. I think the last "smut" I posted was weird werewolf knotting shit in like 2017

What kind? Fuckin uhhhhh. It's always very fluffy. Usually there's nothing weird going on. Sometimes there's monsters involved but the monsters are usually massive sweethearts who just want love.

10. Do you write crossovers? What’s the craziest one you’ve written?

11. Have you ever had a fic stolen?

Yes. A few times. And it's always fucking wattpad. At one point, somebody put my fic through Google translate and reposted it in Spanish. I would have been completely unaware if somebody hadn't messaged me about it.

The process of getting them to take it down was a fucking circus. Their ability to use Google translate suddenly vanished the moment I contacted them.

I reported it and had to go back and forth with Wattpad support because the fic was IN SPANISH, so they just kinda glanced at it and were like "This is not the same thing that you wrote. These are different words. Spanish words." I was losing my MIND!!!!!!

They took it down eventually. Anyway...sorry I went on a tangent, I just think this is a funny story. Moral of the story is there are probably several stolen fics on wattpad and run through translators, and we have no idea. There might be more of mine on there but honestly I do not have the energy to be monitoring the stupid site. I hate wattpad so much its unreal.

12. Have you ever had a fic translated?

As we have just learned from the above story, yes :D!!

But also yeah, some people asked permission to translate my stuff and post it with credit. Sunshine has been translated into Spanish and Ukrainian!

13. Have you ever co-written a fic before?

No I can barely manage to write them myself

14. What’s your all-time favourite ship?

15. What’s a WIP you want to finish, but doubt you ever will?

Undocumented Events of March 23rd. I might update it at some point in the next five years. But I had so many chapters planned that it will probably never reach the ending at the pace I'm going with it. But I love the jungle book husbands. I get back to them at some point in time

16. What are your writing strengths?

Word disease is the worst fucking thing ever but it CAN be a good thing in some circumstances. A huge meaty chunk of a fic. Something to dig into. Having a lot to say can lead to a lot to write. And the more you write, the more likely you'll get some quality stuff in there.

17. What are your writing weaknesses?

I repeat. Word disease is the worst fucking thing ever. And when it's coupled with a complexity addiction, UGGH!!! It's a blight on my life. I can't just write a simple straightforward fic, without getting carried away and the ideas just get bigger and bigger. Suddenly I'm implementing more elaborate concepts, scenes that need to be handled delicately. Everything takes absolutely all of my brainpower because I'm a neurotic overthinker who can never just RELAX and write something fun. And I WANT all of it. I want to execute all the plans that exist in my head but then I get overwhelmed by how big and complicated everything has gotten and I get burned out. Which is why things so rarely get done.

I'm a perfectionist. A horrible terrible one. I struggle to write ANYTHING without carefully constructing every individual line of it. Which makes progress so slow and tedious. I get scared to even START fics because I'm afraid I'll make myself feel awful again if they don't turn out good.

My grammar is very imperfect but I'm working on that.

I can be very unnecessarily wordy and take forever to get to the point. I've reread my own stuff and even I have difficulty following it because the sentences just have so many bells and whistles for no good reason. I completely forget a huge chunk of vocab and don't realize they are simpler way to phrase things.

My attempts at executing believable emotional scenes often fall kinda flat. Writing drama is hard but I'm amazed by some people's capability to master it so I'm chipping away at it, hoping to get better.

18. Thoughts on writing dialogue in another language for a fic?

I don't really have any thoughts at all about them. Literally none.

19. First fandom you wrote for?

I'd like to say it was Trolls but it was actually Hetalia when I was like 14. But I do everything within my power to distance myself from Hetalia, so I like to say it doesn't count. But....need to be honest.

20. Favourite fic you’ve ever written?

Currently, at this point that I am at, the ones I used to be the most proud of now feel like they were a waste of time. I'm sure that will change again in a few months. How I feel about my own stuff is never consistent. The way that this question is phrased implies a forever favourite. Something I loved then, I love now and will love in future, and that is just never the case.

But also I don't wanna be an Eeyore about it, so I'll say a trance, a dance, a romance perchance?

I really do love my fairy Willow. She's so special to me :D!!

Tagging: after writing this whole post, I now feel very weird tagging people specifically and being like "HEY YOU! Look at this post I made <33" This is like a don't look at me post. BUT I do have lots of writer mutuals. And writer followers. If you're one of them and you see this....you!!!! Tag youre it!!!!

17 notes · View notes

sugareey-makes-stuff · 8 months

Text

20 questions for fic writers!

Ooo, this look fun! Thanks for the tags, @lumosatnight (x) and @anaxandria-writes (x) ! This is going to be interesting since I've only started writing again a few years ago, so I'll do what I can to make this writing-centric. This is also probably going to be rambly AF, so you've been warned. And onwards!

1. How many works do you have on AO3?

118 (39 are fics, and the rest is all art). That number will change because it's spooky season, and there are definitely some fun things being posted for that very soon.

2. What’s your total AO3 word count?

91,266, but if you exclude a couple of collabs where I only provided art, then it's down to 68,276. I have a few works that are hidden and haven't been "officially" released yet because these are the WIP text fics I've talked about before, and they need more TLC!

3. What fandoms do you write for?

Harry Potter (31)

Teen Wolf (8)

4. What are your top 5 fics by kudos?

Little did I know [HP: Perciver, T, 2.5k]

There's a guiding light [HP: Perciver, G, 1.5k]

Love me like that [HP: Perciver, T, 2.5k]

Help Me Out [TW: Sterek, E, 3.3k]

It's Enough For Now [TW: Sterek, G, 300 words w/ art]

5. Do you respond to comments? Why or why not?

You know what's funny? I had to take a break from answering for quite a while, and I just started replying back to comments to most recent works yesterday. So, progress! I really do want to show some appreciation to folks who have read and viewed my work, especially across multiple fandoms and ships over the last couple of months. The multi-fandom life is a tricky one to balance, but I'm hoping I can reply to a batch here or there when I have a chance to eventually get caught up with the backlog. If I haven't replied back yet, please note that I have read your lovely comment, but I just haven't had a chance to string together some words to say thank you! I cherish each and every comment I get, especially if I've made someone smile or their day a little brighter with my creations.

6. What is the fic you wrote with the angstiest ending?

I've actually been in a whumpy phase lately, but I posted up The Walls Came Crashing Down (TW: Sterek, T, 4,242 words) maybe a couple of weeks ago because it's a Bloody Mary fic, and there was a near-death experience included. There's also so many terrible feels, crying and trauma after that happens. It's hopeful but yeah. I've been wanting make something like this for a long time, so I'm glad I finally did because it was such a fun and challenging fic to write (while keeping it at that exact word count :P).

7. What’s the fic you wrote with the happiest ending?

Navy and Gold (HP: Perciver, G, 900 words) for Cruel Summer Fic fest, because I was given a song that had a lot of fluffy family vibes, and that's usually what I don't write? But I turned it into a wedding ficlet, and I think I surprised myself because it came out really well. Especially in such few words!

8. Do you get hate on fics?

I've gotten some weird comments on both fic and art. More of the kind where someone wanted or expected a certain thing, or they were questioning that something was missing. Anyway, some friends have defended my honour or else tell me that those commenters weren't worth it, so I'm glad to have that kind of support!

9. Do you write smut? If so, what kind?

Once upon a time I did not write PWPs. Ever since I came out of writing hibernation, PWPs have definitely slipped in. That's how I actually started writing more when I challenged myself to write drabbles for a smut workshop for Kinkuary. Now, I love writing sexy and kinky microfics and drabbles because they're short, quick and punchy. I've recently graduated to writing a couple of one shots (and heyyy, I'm actually working on a couple for Kinktober as we speak ;D). Kinkuary and Kinktober are usually my inspirations to get things written out anyway, but I'm open to other challenges too. There's a reason why A Study in Kink exists as an HP fic and art series. At this rate, I may need to make a new series for Sterek Sexy Stories. The amount of Sterek smut ideas I have kicking around in WIPs rn is kinda insane. But also, porn with feelings. <333

10. Do you write crossovers? What’s the craziest one you’ve written?

Not in the traditional sense. The most I've done is add in fandom references into a fic. So for Teen Wolf, I've been adding in little elements from Supernatural, especially if I want to bring a certain type of lore or big bad into the scene. But that's it.

11. Have you ever had a fic stolen?

Thankfully, I haven't. Then again, I've only written short things these past few years (and I'm more concerned about art theft, considering how much of my art is out in the world).

12. Have you ever had a fic translated?

No, I have not!

13. Have you ever co-written a fic before?

Yes, I have! @crazybutgood and I got to know each other when we were paired up last year for the Owlery Exchange: To Days to Come and wrote I Just Want You To Know (Drarry, T, 3.5k) together. Epistolary fics are awesome btw! My Harry had a lot of fun bantering and bonding with her Draco, and I love how we didn't even know we were writing to each other until partners were revealed, and it was time for betaing and editing. That's how we became fast friends, which was totally meant to be! :D

14. What’s your all time favourite ship?

That's just...I like a lot of ships, okay? I'm a multi-shipper and a multi-fandomer, so that's a tough question!! Hang on tight...this is going to be a long ass explanation. I'm not going to rank them, but I'll list three ships that have impacted my life in a huge way. I'll start with Sterek, because I've only gotten to know them for a little over a year. But Sterek was a blessing to discover at such a shitty time. Literally one year ago, I felt burnt out, like I was losing my muse, and I was recovering from COVID. Everything in RL kind of sucked. But when I got curious and started reading Sterek fics late one night, I was sold. Sterek helped me pause and get to know myself again as a creator, reader and a human. I really needed that, so the timing couldn't have been any better. I latched on to Sterek quickly and tightly because I see some of Stiles' and Derek's traits in me. They're also complicated and deserve Nice Things, and I can relate so, so much. That's why it's been easy to make art and fic for them. Their potential is endless because Sterek made my love for supernatural and spooky things deeper. Every time I write or draw for them, I can do it with ease and clarity. Everything just comes together and works. And it's so satisfying! Perciver is a rare pair I owe so much to. They're the ship that gave me the confidence to write again and they changed the way I currently draw. I think drawing Percy and Oliver helped me understand them as characters, and that translated into writing because I already had visuals. I know them in and out, and I made the fic series, Where do we go from here? because I believed in them. I wanted to share stories that haven't been told yet, but I wanted them to be real. And the fact I've figured out how to bring Perciver to life through art and fic has an amazing journey. They've given me the practice I needed to improve my crafts. It's because of Perciver that I've become a better artist and writer because I finally found my groove. And gosh, it's nice to have a well-established style. I will love these boys forever because they may be opposites but gods, do they go so well together. They get each other, they're each other's rocks, and it's beautiful. Of course, Drarry was my first ship I fell in love with. I still love them to pieces, and it's because of these two that I learned how to write and draw in the first place. I've been able to make some amazing friendships with other folks because of these two, and I cherish that a lot. Also, Drarry was why I entered fandom and the fest scene, and why I've stuck around for so long. What the creators in this community have made year after year is immaculate. And all the fics I've binged over the years got me through some of the hardest times of my life, especially when I was dealing with family issues, school and just growing up. I cannot imagine what life would have been like without Drarry, tbh. I think of Drarry as two sides of the same coin, and their banter and their snark and their complexities make it so they learn to understand each other. It's inevitable why they're drawn and will always be drawn to each other.

15. What’s a WIP you want to finish but doubt you ever will?

I don't want to say never, but more like when. I've mentioned way back in other posts that there are 2 text fics WIPs that have been kicking around, but since I have sooo much I need to rewrite and recode for each one, I have no idea when I'll have time? One of them is slotted to be a 50k Sterek fic with texting, IG messages and a scrolling playlist and I have half of it written out. Let me tell ya, coding alone takes more time than the writing. The other fic is a sequel to the above fic and has holidays vibes, and it still has the same coding setup, so yeah. I'll figure it out one day, I guess.

16. What are your writing strengths?

Dialogue is my fav and something I write out first because it shapes how the fic will read. It's how I develop voices, snark, banter and whatever else, and then I'll fill in the gaps with narrative, description and all that jazz. That's also how I end up getting the best ideas. The dialogue ends being my prompt to move the story along. I'm also a thorough researcher and like to check my facts before writing in little details. Just so I can have some perspective and so I have an idea how I want to explain something from a character's PoV. Also, it's super helpful to drop in little Easter eggs to shape things up and give a scene some context. Facts are fun. And I'm a nerd, but we all knew that. XD I've definitely gotten way better at showing vs. telling once I started writing again. I try to go for smooth or punchy if I can. It comes down to a lot of things like dialogue, selecting certain verbs and descriptors to explain a person's narrative (like what's going on in their mind), how those thoughts are broken up in multiple sentences and how those are punctuated. Those are the things that create beats and rhythms that keep the story going. And since I'm creative who also loves music and dancing, I'm all for that. I actually think I'm wired to think this way, so that's not a bad thing!

17. What are your writing weaknesses?

Extensive world building and making big plots that need a lot of ends tied up. I used to write longer fics that had all of this, and while I still have copies of these (not published on AO3 for reasons), they're not strong. Rereading things now, these stories could use improvements. It's easy to try to jam everything in one go, but that needs to be done strategically. And you know, sometime less is more. I also don't have a lot of patience to go crazy with intricate outlines (since I'm more of a pantser than a planner), and I've found that writing something that's super detailed ends up boxing me into a corner or else it's like dragging teeth to finish the thing. I think this is definitely related to my writing style having changed over time, which is not a bad thing! I just can't write like that anymore.

18. Thoughts on writing dialogue in another language in fic?

Yessss. I've done that with Love me like that! I also happen to know Scottish Gaelic, so I was able to drop words in pretty easily. I love the cultural sense another language adds to a fic because it shows more dimensions than just describing what someone looks like, where they're from, etc. I also like using a few words vs a long sentence. Names, or little sayings that hint at traditions or history are just nice touches. So if I do know a language and I know I can add in some words in correctly, I most certainly will!

19. First fandom you wrote for?

Harry Potter, specifically for Drarry (all of my older stuff is on LJ)

20. Favourite fic you’ve written?

Probably Feel You Breathing [TW: Sterek, E, 8.4k] because it was my 3rd attempt in writing a text fic, which ended up being a success. It's 100% texting, something I totally made for myself, but I'm really proud of it because I had a chance to write from alternating PoVs. Also, this somehow turned into porn with plot and feelings and had some minor world building included based on texts alone. I didn't think I could accomplish that, but I did!

Tagging (no pressure, this is just for funsies): @danpuff-ao3, @phdmama, @outtoshatter, @thistlecatfics, @phoebe-delia, @nanneramma, @theheadgirl, @raisesomehale, @thotpuppy, @bleepbloopbotz, @quackquackcey and anyone who wants to do this!

#asked and answered #sterek #perciver #drarry #tag game #20 questions for fic writers #ask meme #fanfic #writing #about me

13 notes · View notes

unholyhelbig · 1 year

Note

wait... it's ending??!

[A/n: I can’t believe that this is over. I also can’t believe that I pigeon-holed myself into writing a fight scene. Who does that?? Me. The answer is me. In all seriousness, I want to thank every single one of you who read this insane story. It was a wild ride (maybe not one that’s actually over yet… I can’t tell).

Thank you all so much for the wonderful comments and the kudos and just so much overwhelming love! I’m going to take a little break from the heavy stuff and supply some fluff here in the next few weeks!

As always, I didn’t proofread this, so there may be some spelling and grammar mistakes.]

Summary: Bodies start popping up within the city drained of blood and torn at the throat. Detective Ava Silva and her new partner Beatrice Alexander are determined to crack the case before more victims are discovered. But when recent technological advancements threaten how things are done, Beatrice has to put more trust in her partner than ever before.

Trigger warning: Please respect your triggers- like any creature feature there is blood, and death, and violence.

Masterlist | Read on Ao3 | Request Prompts

Chapter One | Chapter Two | Chapter Three | Chapter Four | Chapter Five

Dt🧛: @littleskrimp, @moreorlez, @lazyashell, @gold-dust-angel @hypertic

The Blood Ties that Bind | Chapter Six | Ava Silva x Sister Beatrice

“I wouldn’t mind roughing the guy up a little, that’s all I’m saying.” His hands were firm on the steering wheel, thumbs running over the ribbed leather absentmindedly. It was raining and the windshield wipers were putting in the work. They gave Ava a small moment of clarity before everything became warped again, a painting of neons and dimly lit storefronts. “That’s all I’m saying.”

She had her foot up on the dash, preoccupied with rolling the fabric of her pants just up above her socks. Her shoes were soaked and so was the hem of her jeans. What Ava wouldn’t give to crawl out of her skin right about now. It had been penanced for forgetting the umbrella under the seat of the Impala.

“Yeah, I’m sure you would, but the world doesn’t work that way. Izzie would rather have you at her graduation than him, anyway. No use busting your knuckles and ending up in the drunk tank for that low-life.”

Ava knew something was wrong when JC had given up on holding the newspaper above his head to catch the stray drops of rain. The ink was running in black, leaving little black smudges on his shirt. He’d dropped his hand, leaned his forehead against the top of the payphone with a heaving sigh visible through the car’s window.

His father, a man that Ava only knew by reputation, was meant to fly home just a day before JC himself would board a plane and return to his stomping ground. His sister Isabella was graduating, and despite never being present, the family held out hope that just this once, he’d show up.

“What excuse was it this time?” She asked.

“Tammy is sick, the flu, some type of stomach bug.” He pulled onto the freeway, jerking the tires just a little too fast in the rain. He righted the car. “He was apologetic, that’s what Ma’ says anyway. I don’t believe it, though. Not like he’s the one yacking up leftovers.”

Ava cringed at the mental image, but let it go. When JC got like this, it was better to let him stew in it. He didn’t want advice, or comfort. No, he wanted something to take his mind off things. So she flicked on the scanner and filled the cab of the car with the dull hum of radio static interrupted here and there with the signals and codes.

They were patient people, usually waiting for the Chief to assign them homicides. The uniforms would hadn’t the robberies, the APB’s and the traffic tickets. Domestic’s, they stayed away from entirely. But sometimes, if the day was right, they’d take the bait wriggling on a metal hook.

“All units be aware, report of a 10851 in progress. Blue Austin Allegra. License plate number; Victor, Queen, Nora 8765. Advised 22350.”

Ava smiled “You know what would cheer you up?”

“A handle of vodka?”

“Yes, but not on shift.” Ava tapped his shoulder “We should find that car.”

“If we happen upon the car, I wouldn’t mind stopping a theft. But it’s a big city, Silva. Chances, we’ll see it. Slim to none.”

Ava grinned regardless, taking this as a win. It was hard to keep a straight face when she smiled like that. JC let the ghost of happiness pass over his lips, but it made a home in the attic of his eyes. His grip loosened on the steering wheel.

They stopped at a burger place just at the edge of the city. It was wedged between the train depot, long since turned into a museum that had railroad spikes imprisoned in a glass case, and a large, immobile engine that was permanently parked against the tracks.

JC parked the car under the awnings and they placed their order before taking solace on the hood. He laid his jacket down, sopping up the chill of the water. “Such a gentleman Detective Garcia.”

“Shove off,” He said as he shoved fries into his mouth, chewing thoughtfully. “How much PTO do you have?”

Ava grimaced, tried to the math in her head “Don’t know. Maybe like, a hundred.”

“Just so happens a ticket to Izzie’s graduation has opened up. We can get you a cheap flight.”

“Meeting the family? After all the shit you’ve spewed at them?”

“Ava, come on! You’ve got enough paid time off to take a goddamn year for yourself. I’m only asking for a weekend.” He took a bite of his burger, grease dripping from his chin.

She’d already known the answer the second that he asked. Of course, she’d get on the plane with him. It was effortless, an agreement that came to her like breathing the balmy air around them. Before she could answer, her eyes locked onto a dark blue Austin Allegra. It looked nearly black in the gray light of midday.

“What was the license plate on that 10851?”

JC shrugged, but pushed off the trunk of the car. He opened the drivers side door, pulled out a napkin, scrawled with ink. “VGN8765. That our car?”

“Looking like it.” He nodded at her as she reached for the radio, abandoning the prospect of finishing lunch. She spoke into the receiver. “Detective’s Garcia and Silva, eyes on 10851. Proceeding to Eastbound 95, in pursuit.”

“10-4”

The taillights pulsed like a blinking demon in the stormy weather. Their car was unmarked, but even still, it was Government issued and easily recognizable. JC was careful to stay a few paces behind.

Two miles in, exiting the freeway, JC flicked the lights on the grill of the car on. They clicked, cicadas among the static of the radio. Everything was muted within the car. The Allegra stalled, brake lights bleeding red. The rain picked up enough for him to switch on the windshield wipers too.

“Oh, fucking shit, he’s going to run.” JC said.

The Allegra switched lance, pressed down on the gas. JC followed suit, the tires hesitating on the we asphalt for only a moment before he picked up speed. Car chases were few and far between, nothing like what they portrayed on ‘Chips’.

Cars would pull out of the way as they caught wind of the red and blue lights flashing. The Allegra weaved in and out and JC kept formidable speed. Ava kept her thumb on the transmission for the radio. “Suspect refuses to pull over, requesting backup.”

“10-20?”

“Corner of Montgomery and Alan, heading northeast.”

“Copy. Backup dispatched.”

They turned the corner, nearly swiping a side-mirror. The Allegra picked up speed, the rain fell harder. There was a calm in the cab of the car that did not reflect the quickness of the situation. She felt the car shift gears, the scent of burning rubber filled her lungs.

When the car failed them, it did so with purpose. Things slowed, there was an adept lack of control as it met the road. Metal upon cement, crunching so easily as if it were nothing but tinfoil to begin with. Ava felt the impact of the airbag, smelled the powder that coated every inch of the cab.

They flipped once, twice, something that Ava learned later. She had clenched her eyes shut, braced herself as the Impala landed on it’s roof and slid half a block, scraping against shattered glass and rock.

Two minutes, she was unconscious for two minutes before dragging in a breath that reeked of petrol and smoke. There was blood, blood that was dripping from her forehead onto the roof of the car. The seatbelt sawed into her throat. She rushed to unlatch it, but thought better of it.

The headlights flickered against the storm and her ears rung. She wasn’t underwater but moved as if she was. She was disoriented, fingers shaking. The radio still worked, still grumbled in it’s fruitless hum.

“10-20? Detective Garcia. Detective Silva, 10-20?”

Shattered glass cut into the palm of her hand. She coughed, tried to get the chemical burn from her lungs. Ava couldn’t feel her legs, her feet, her toes. She choked back a sob, trying to push the though aside. Respond. Respond.

“10-20? We have units enroute. 10-20 Detectives?”

Ava hated the quiet, and quiet it was. The car had settled in it’s movements, aside from the operator trying again, and again in her attempt to reach them, there was nothing. She fumbled, felt glass dig into her palm as she searched for the receiver.

“Detective Silva,” Ava’s voice was shaking, forced “There’s been an accident. Send fire, ambulance. Montgomery and… and twelfth, I think.”

“Copy.” There was a pause, she pressed the receiver to her head, breathed “Are you injured?”

“I don’t know,” she said. “I don’t know.”

“Garcia?”

Ava hadn’t looked. Couldn’t look. She knew the answer, just as she had known that she would get on the plane with him and go to his little sister's graduation. It came as naturally to her as breathing.

Ava woke up screaming. She didn’t realize the sound was coming from her at first, that much was a given by how much it shocked her. It lodged in her throat, cut through the quiet of the room that she didn’t recognize at first, and even when she was oriented, couldn’t grasp it in her memory. She’d dreamt of the crash.

The interior was dark, the air cleaner here than in her own apartment. The sheets were darker, softer. There was the scent of balsam wood in the air. The walls were blank save for some tasteful photos of the city, black and white.

Detective Alexander was on the edge of the bed in the few seconds it took Ava to draw in a breath. She’d been sitting in an olive-green chair under a light that seemed much too bright, so Ava looked away, clenched her eyes shut. It was too much.

“Hey, hey” Beatrice’s words were soothing, her hand on the side of her face a blanket of ice. Ava leaned into it. “Take it easy, alright?”

She swallowed hard, trying to sooth the dry soreness in her throat. Her body ached; her limbs felt like they needed a pint of oil to get kickstarted. And her jaw, her jaw was like a loaded gun, the bullets resting just below the soft flesh of her gums. Her only salvation was Beatrice, steady and strong, right in front of her.

“It’s a lot, I know.” Her thumb swiped against Ava’s cheek. “I’m going to turn off the lamp.”

Ava let out a small whimper in response. She missed the closeness instantly, and savored the darkness that followed. The bed dipped once more and she found the courage to force one eye open, and then the other.

“Beatrice,” her voice broke, chin trembling “I don’t know what’s happening. I’m scared.”

The woman shifted her gaze, let a tear streak down her cheek. It landed on the duvet. She elegantly wiped them away, refused to let it get any further. “Ava, I’m so sorry.”

“I don’t understand.” She frowned.

The world was brighter, even in the dark. Everything was more defined. She swore, no, assumed that she could hear something moving past the heavy oak door. A conversation was being had. Hushed voices as if they were trying to keep something from her. Ava’s jaw pulsed with pain in tandem with her heart. Was it slower? Was it just less noticeable?

Beatrice placed a hand on her knee “There is no easy way to say this.”

“It has something to do with the church. That man. He was so angry.”

Beatrice laughed wetly, shook her head. “Yeah, Ava. He’s an angry man. He’d do anything to hurt me, and it turns out, the best way to do that was to hurt you.”

“And he did, didn’t he? He hurt me?”

“Yes, Ava. He hurt you.” Beatrice clenched her jaw, and then unclenched it. “He killed you.”

“Oh.”

Ava drew her knees to her chest and rested her chin on them. The fabric felt too soft, the detergent that clung to it was strong, but she hugged herself closer and the sensations ebbed away into something of normalcy.

There were flashes of teeth, of the metallic taste of blood wetting her tongue. A man in a civil war uniform washed out and gray. A scripture that played like the end credits of a movie. And Detective Alexander- Beatrice- with her honeyed eyes.

“There are things in this world that don’t simply die. A gray area where Adriel, Vincent, and I live. Though, I resent grouping us together. We are not one and the same and” Beatrice slowed her words when she met Ava’s eyes, widened, pulpy with fear. “Vampires. Fright Night style vampires.”

That was ridiculous. Ava knew it down in her core that this could be some type of elaborate prank. They’d gone to lengths, she’d admit- renting out an entire church with a musty carpet and foul-tasting communion wine.

Had it not been for the blinding white pain in her neck, the small start of a scream that was choked down due to her imminent death, then she would have swallowed back all of those longing thoughts about the woman in front of her and filed a restraining order.

“That’s impossible,” Ava whispered.

“I assure you, it’s not. And while I would have greatly preferred to have told you in a gentler way, this is the reality. What happened to you, Ava, it was unfair.”

“And what exactly happened? Because one minute I was having a normal conversation about a connection to our case and then the next, I’m… dead?”

Beatrice shifted on the bed, ran her hand across her pants, it left a small damp mark on the fabric. She opened her mouth as if she were going to say something, and then thought better of it before finally committing to what was dancing on the tip of her tongue.

“Adriel is a man that preys on fear, and it took me a long time to realize that. It took me until 1919 which happened to be one of the worst years in history, speaking strictly from experience. We were in an eatery, and he had every single person in there slaughtered because attention wasn’t on him for once.”

Ava had to take a shallow breath to swallow back her comment about the year. That, she would ask about later, if she so chose. Right now, she was doing everything in her power not to vomit up whatever she’d forced down.

“I had always despised my choice- my cowardice- when it came to becoming a vampire. I did it out of fear, but I also did it of my own will. I followed Adriel for years, decades, thinking that his way was the only way until I decided it wasn’t.”

“And he did this to me in order to spite you?”

Beatrice nodded, “I finally let my guard down enough to truly care about someone and it made me vulnerable to his tactics. More than anything, it made you a target, and for that, if you never forgive me for that- if you decide that this isn’t what you want, then, I’m behind you. I’m behind you 100%.”

“And if I decide that this isn’t what I want?” Ava’s voice came out as a raspy whisper “What happens then?”

The darkness of the room swam around them. It took a few moments for Beatrice to muster anything that was akin to words. Ava waited patiently, counted the slow beats in her temples. The world was so loud, and Ava was overwhelmed, tempted to give in to the pain without knowing the facts.

“To complete your transition, you need to drink human blood. If you decide that this isn’t what you’d like, then the venom that’s in your system will shut down your organs one by one until you’re gone… truly gone.” Her voice shook, “And if that is the case, then we’ll make you as comfortable as possible. You won’t feel a thing. I promise.”

Ava let out a small noise and flopped down into the bed. Everything was spinning. The dresser was where the bookshelf should have been, and the overhead ceiling fan was now on the floor. But Beatrice was the main constant.

She knelt by the side of the bed, waiting patiently. Ava had draped an arm over her eyes dramatically, but still, her frown was visible. It was a thinking expression and that gave Beatrice a flurry of hope.

“There were countless times in my career when I should have died. Times when guns were fired and knives were pulled. Most notably when an Impala flipped, and I lost the closest thing I ever had to a brother. And when I finally did die it was like something out of a movie rented from Blockbuster.”

Ava moved her arm from her eyes, turned her head to stare at Beatrice. The warmth radiated from her, oozed in waves.

“For so long I believed that I didn’t deserve to live. JC should have been the one to survive that crash, he should have been able to go to his sister’s graduation and he should still be here today.” Her words were choked now, tears streaking across her cheeks, making them damp. “Who am I to make this choice? Who am I to live an infinite life when his was cut short?”

“Oh, Ava” Beatrice reached forward tentatively, using her thumb to wipe away the tears. “You cannot control everything, but you can control this. You’ve fought hard for this long. I’m not trying to force your hand, believe me, this is a weighted decision. But if your concern lies in your value to this world, then make no mistake- it is infinite.”

It was heated up in the microwave and somehow, out of everything she had learned in the past twenty-four hours, everything she had felt, including her own neck snapping under the pressure of an immortal hand, this was the worst. It wasn’t’ that Ava had an aversion to leftovers, it was quite the opposite, but her stomach took a nose-dive at the smarting scent that filled the air as the small machine let out three tonal beeps.

This was normal, she told herself, she was just going to swallow a mug of very-human blood from a novelty mug that had a faded logo for NASA scrawled across the front. Not only that, but she was damned to do it in front of an audience.

Ava was unsteady on her feet at first. They felt foreign on the cold wooden floor. But, as always, Beatrice was there with a confident hand on the small of her back, leading her through the maze of a high-rise apartment. Despite the dark and the multitude of windows, she couldn’t bring herself to stare out at the endless city beneath them. She would most certainly hurl.

“Are hallucinations part of the deal?”

Ava lifted her chin towards her neighbor, who leaned against the counter in the kitchen with her arms crossed. Mary had leveled the girl who stood across the island with a toxic stare. It softened, however, when she saw Ava.

“I assure you; she is really here.” The stranger said, “I’m Lilith, and you must be Ava.”

“Great detective skills, Lestat.” Mary said coolly.

Beatrice cleared her throat, somehow commanding a hush over the room, though Mary clenched and unclenched her jaw as if she was holding back an explosion of expletives. Ava was guided to one of the barstools, and she was thankful to sit down.

It was then that Beatrice set a mug of steaming blood in front of her in a NASA mug. And it was then that Ava began to question her choice. It seemed so simple, chug the scalding liquid, choke it down, become an immortal creature that never had to fear death again, but maybe had to fear garlic or mirrors- she hadn’t exactly asked about logistics.

“So, I just… drink it and then it’s done?”

“It’s never really done.” Lilith got an elbow to the ribs, growled softly “I mean, yes. Technically speaking.”

Ava nodded, and cupped the mug like it was tea and not thick and sticky. She was really, truly, doing this. Mary seemed to have the good sense to turn away, maybe it was out of disgust, or maybe Ava’s fear for the future just carried across the room.

The first sip barely touched her lips. She wanted to reel back, the heat of the liquid scalding. But, when Ava swiped her tongue over it, the aching in her jaw pulsed to something much less painful. It was salty, pungent. She waited a moment and took a gulp, then another.

It was different than the blood she had inevitably swallowed in the church. Adriel’s blood was cold and clotted and clearly mixed with something to dilute the flavor into something akin to very aged wine. This was soothing, like pulling a shawl over her shoulders during an ice storm. There was warmth, but there was also the lingering feeling of how long it would take to get her hands on something more suited for the weather.

She’d finished the mug, and strangely, didn’t much mind the fact that it was warmed up in the microwave anymore. It had stopped the pounding in her temples and the buzzing of her skin, almost as if everything was coming into focus, if only for a moment.

Ava ran her tongue over her lips again, this time feeling the slightest pinprick of her canines. They were sharper, but subtly so. She reckoned, if she really needed to, they could create the type of markings that she first settled on when looking at the cold body of Barry Palmer, something easily mistaken for an animal.

Beatrice took the mug and rinsed the rest of it in the sink, the color of the water fading to a tinted pink before it circled the drain. “How do you feel?”

“Better,” Ava admitted.

There was a relief on the woman’s face that made Ava want to rush to her if only she could trust her legs. Not drinking the contents of the mug had clearly plagued the girl for longer than Ava had been awake and she wore it on her face, not attempting to hide the relief that washed over her. It was done, but something in the tension that settled over the room reminded Ava that it most certainly was not finished.

Whoever had done this to her, had thrust her into a newfound life of mythical unkemptness was still out there, and if what he had done to her was only the beginning, a small part of revenge in a masterplan, then they were utterly and truly fucked.

“I have people that I can call,” Mary said, reading the room. “They’ll be reluctant to team up with the likes of you, but if it’ll stop an uprising in the city, then they’ll take the chance.”

“We can pick them off in smaller groups, work our way from the outside in. Even with Adriel in command, I guarantee you that there are disciples that don’t fully adhere to his beliefs. They’ll be easier to track, and deal with.”

Beatrice had both of her hands resting on either side of the sink. She spoke with a commandment that Ava hadn’t seen before, and she certainly wasn’t about to admit that it was the most attractive thing she had ever experienced. So instead, she shifted on the barstool, averting her gaze.

“I want a shot at him.” Beatrice said, “A true and honest shot. He played all of his cards at once, and he expects me to come back begging for mercy, for some type of forgiveness. But Mary, if you have reinforcements, we have a chance to take him down.”

Mary made a small noise “Can’t say what those reinforcements will do after all of this is over, but they’ll never pass up a fight like this. This bastard should have rotted a long time ago.”

Beatrice nodded and took her hands from the counter, crossing them over her chest. Ava saw her in a new light, an immortal light that she stupidly hadn’t caught earlier. Beatrice had never eaten in front of her, she never showed any true signs of fear-driven mortality. Now, in the face of going up against Adriel, terror diminished her dark eyes.

“Ava, no one is expecting you to face this.” Beatrice pulled her from thought with a simple statement. “In your state, your physicality, things might be difficult, and they will certainly be different. Lilith, Camila, they had time to adjust to things.”

Lilith schooled her expression into a frown at the mention of the name, and Ava had a blurry picture of the girl in her mind. She’d been in the church; she’d shown nothing of pity or healing. She hadn’t faked it the way Adriel and Vincent had, and for that, Ava was oddly grateful.

“I know you can feel that power inside your gut.” Lilith said in a blasé manner, “It’s intoxicating. But it can easily make you a liability. We’ve never seen a fight like this before.”

“You’re forgetting I’m an officer of the law.”

“Yes, police officers have always been good at showing restraint, haven’t they?”

“It’s her choice,” Beatrice spoke, voice hard.

Ava would be perfectly content to stay on the sidelines, though she had a feeling that she would regret it for her long life. If something were to happen to Beatrice, or even Lilith (a tad annoying, but in the older-sister type of way), then it would destroy her. More than that, she knew she’d destroy herself without guidance.

Cement gray clouds were crudely drawn against a starless black sky. They were threatening rain, plump with water that would once again push down on the city streets. Ava breathed in deeply, she could smell it so clearly, the way that the air reacted to the impending storm. The foreign sensation clung to her skin, swirled around her as if she could physically see the whisps of rain sparring with mist rising from the heated asphalt.

There were noises too; the screeching of the wet brakes for the midnight bus, the dull French murmur of a radio housed somewhere in an open window. She couldn’t track the words, nor could she decipher them. There were footsteps galore and a woman arguing over the price of cigarettes with the owner of a bodega. How many miles away, she couldn’t be sure.

“Les employés continuent d'organiser des manifestations dans les installations qu'ils habitent, interrompant le flux de travail.”

“This is robbery! I’ve been coming here for years, isn’t there loyalty in that?”

“Cela peut affecter le commerce, la résolution est peu probable.”

“You’ve lost my business forever, you bastard. Take your cigarettes and shove them up your ass.”

Two hands were on her shoulders, firm through the fabric of her coat. Beatrice carried the scent of a beach along the coast, and Ava breathed it in like salvation. She hadn’t realized she closed her eyes, nor that she had stopped only a few paces out of the apartment. Beatrice had dipped her head slightly, meeting Ava’s.

“Hey,” her voice was smooth, grounding. “I bet you’re hearing a lot right now.”

Ava chuckled wetly “Too much, some would say. I can’t speak French, I’m afraid.”

“Je peux t'apprendre, nous avons le temps. It’s boring, political relations.”

“I feel like I can taste the rain.”

“It’s a bit overwhelming, I know. You’ll get used to it in time, but for right now, focus on me. If things get to be too much, you let me know and we’ll ground you together. Is there anything that you notice more than the rest of the world's noise?”

Ava frowned and struggled to focus. While the fuzzy words of the radio had stopped and been replaced by a jazz song with the same amount of static, and the bodega man had given up for the night, flipping the open sign and muttering profanities to himself, it was still too loud. Too much.

“I can… smell you?”

“Good, yes.” Beatrice prided “That’s something to hang onto, something to attune yourself with. Eventually, I’ll teach you to synch with your own heartbeat. Ideally out of the city. It can be quite staggering here.”

Ava swallowed hard and squeezed her eyes shut. There was a metallic scent that rested under the waves of Beatrice’s skin, a sunniness that reminded her of salt-encrusted waves and sand, the call of birds. A place she remembers from her childhood. Everything quieted.

They were walking along the sidewalk a few paces behind Mary and Lilith, who argued amongst themselves. Ava could hear every word despite the hushed tone until she took another heaping breath of summer tones in the cold, city street.

“Don’t go pissing them off, alright? That goes for all of you. If you think I’m intense, these are the big guys. Kills that stretch for miles. They won’t hesitate.” Mary fretted “I shouldn’t have hesitated.”

“Admit that you like us, and your suffering will be much less evident,” Lilith said.

“I will shove a stake so far up your ass you’ll be chewing on splinters for weeks.”

They rounded the corner and were bathed in the neon light of an electronics store. Despite having been closed for hours, the large television sets played different forms of the news, soundless, but all with the same form of cookie-cutter caster. They were rim-rod straight, clenching papers between their fingers.

Ava tried to ignore the headlines. It would skew her work. What skewed it more was the official statements the Chief had released about Sabrina Patrick’s death. All too public. It went against everything she knew. The vigil of candles by the wharf was like a calling card to those they were about to face. Her smiling face flashed against the multitude of screens and Ava turned away.

Two cars had parked half a block up. From the first, two women and two men emerged, shrouded by shadows. The second, four other women. Ava could smell something sweet on them, could sense their apprehension. Mary nudged Lilith behind her, partly out of contempt.

“What’s all this?” A muscular woman was at the front of the pack, her shoulders were pulled back. She eyed Mary, and the group that huddled behind her. Ava’s hand clung to Beatrice’s. “Your message sounded urgent.”

“It is. I’m calling in that favor you owe me, Dora.”

“You called that in last year.”

“Then I need an IOU.” Mary glanced back at the group. “I’m sure all of you have noticed the recent deaths in the city, the missing persons cases. It’s all tracked down to one man. We know where he is, and what he’s capable of.”

Dark lifted a sculpted eyebrow. “And you need manpower?”

“We need manpower,” Mary confirmed.

There was buzzing amongst those stacked behind Dora, a murmur that rippled through the crowd and fizzled out like a broken wave. They knew, Ava gathered, that Beatrice and Lilith and now her were not cut from the same cloth. She felt a chill move up her spine, knowing that just like her choice, one had to be made.

All this time, she had lived across from Mary. She’d brought take-out food over, listened to rock albums that would swarm her mind. They’d laughed and opened up about the death of Mary’s wife. And now, they stood on the wet sidewalk, separated. Ava had never known about the true nature of someone who hunts. Not for sport- but for vengeance.

Ava flushed and deemed herself the world’s worst detective.

“Have you gone soft?” One of the men asked, voice dripping with sarcasm. “Working with them?”

Mary laughed, bitter and soft all at once. “I seem to remember becoming a hunter to better the world. And right now, our best bet is to swallow our pride and stop the swarm right at its roots. If we don’t, it’ll keep growing back.”

“Cut off one head and three grow in it’s place.” Dora mumbled, looking back at the uneasily shifting troops. “Right. Well. You’ll owe me infinite favors if we do this. Are we clear? I’m not throwing our family into harm’s way without something in return.”

Mary didn’t say anything, she swallowed thickly and nodded. She took the outstretched hand that Dora offered and shook it. Beatrice seemed to let her shoulders drop, only slightly, not to show weakness, but to show some form of reprieve. Ava sensed it and squeezed her hand.

The lights overhead buzzed like a set of trapped flies begging for a way out. Ava struggled to pay them no mind. Her head had since stopped throbbing violently, but now her heart threatened to bubble over in anxiety. How was it still beating? How was it this loud? These were all questions Ava had at the ready for when she stopped examining her teeth.

She used her index finger to lift one pale pink edge of her lip, leaning close to the convenience store mirror that was bleeding rust. Ava had never paid much attention to her teeth before. After she got a root canal in the fifth grade, she brushed them normally like any other kid scared shitless with a drill.

Knowing that there were lethal weapons wedged under her gums sent a chill down her spine. Easily forgettable, yes, but what if the man behind the counter sliced his hand open on a crisp dollar bill? She’d latch to the wound like a bag clip, and Ava wasn’t entirely sure she’d be able to stop.

She startled when a knock sounded at the door- entirely soft but deafening at the same time. Ava took another swallow of stale bathroom air and opened it. Beatrice stood, illuminated by the harsh lighting.

��Guy behind the counter won’t let you use the bathroom without buying anything.” She smiled goofily, holding up a pack of mint gum.

“Oh, I know, I’m now a proud owner of a rabbit’s foot keychain. Figured we could use any luck we can get.”

Ava stepped aside and let Beatrice enter the bathroom. The two of them stood there for a moment, regarding each other, less like strangers and more like acquaintances.

“You don’t have to do this.”

“Are you going to be able to do this?”

They spoke at the same time before welcoming the silence again. Then there was laughter, because what else could one do when there was an impending war? The city would be sleeping, the fight drowned out by rain and ignorance that Ava wished she still had the liberty of having. When she clenched her eyes shut, she was curled up in bed, elbow-deep in the Great Gatsby, sheathed into Beatrice’s side.

“You know,” Ava said, breaking the laughter “I always imagined you wearing glasses. Before all of this, I pictured you needing them to read. And that just seems silly now. I can see everything clearly.”

“Believe it or not, I did once wear glasses, before all of this.” She took a step closer, “They were quite the luxury in 1864, but I was as blind as a bat without them. Just because one can see clearly with newfound ability doesn’t mean… doesn’t mean they can forget being human. And if that’s what you’re worried about-“

“No, no.” Ava held up both hands “Well, maybe a little bit. I keep feeling like I have to pee, but I can’t. And that’s freaking me out a little bit. I also accidentally ripped the handle off the toilet, so I might have to buy another rabbit’s foot. Truthfully, I’m worried about you.”

“Me?”

She shoved Beatrice’s shoulder gently “Yes, you. I know I’m going through a whole crisis right now and we’re about to rip through a bunch of vampire drones when I didn’t even think vampires were real, but this is a big deal for you.”

Ava stilled and fixed her gaze on Beatrice, she gently brushed her fingers against the taller girl’s eyebrows, trying to smooth out the worried frown, the small crease between them that was admittedly adorable.

“I would give anything to avenge JC’s death, truly, I would, but that would be a little self-destructive don’t you think?”

“Ava,” Beatrice warned.

“My point is, Bea, you have the option and… and part of me wants to make sure that when you’re standing there, face to face with this creature that you won’t hesitate, or contemplate, or whatever rushes through that gorgeous head of yours. I want you to kick his ass.”

“Kick… his ass?”

Ava beamed now. This was her old partner. Though she didn’t mind the tender care that Beatrice exhibited in all of her guilt-ridden actions, she could do without them for a little while. There was a quiet properness to Beatrice’s actions, even the one time Ava had seen her dislodge a gun that was pointed directly at her head with one swift movement.

She understood now, why there was no fear. But at the time, Ava nearly lost her own footing. She cuffed their target and tried not to let her admiration shine through. There was a shift in Beatrice now, that professional shift that ebbed away at her immortally perplexed thoughts.

“Yeah,” She squared her shoulders, loosening her stance. “Yeah, alright. I’ll kick his ass.”

“That’s my girl! I’ll help too. I’ve got your six, always. No more shady actions, they’ve gotten me nowhere.”

“Aw, does this mean I don’t get any more pity coffee?” Beatrice pouted. “It always tastes better when it’s pity coffee.”

Beatrice Alexander held a loose beauty as she walked past the large park that was at the heart of the city. Her presence held a match, filling the air with sulfur. The grass was damp, and her shoes sunk the second she hit it. She lingered between oaks, adjusted her hold on the double-barrel shotgun that she held in her hands.

They’d been walking the streets for the better half of an hour as lightning charged the atmosphere. Beatrice had learned quickly that while Adriel’s followers were armed with eternal life and Napoleon complex, under it all, they were still scared.

The second Dora had swung a bat embedded with nails close enough to an ear to slice it open, the packs of them started to scatter. Beatrice shuddered at the joy in her eyes, the leadership that rang through the world as they slaughtered and maimed.

Ava had winced at the gunshots, the screaming. But it quickly passed as they neared the center of the city. They had a clear path to Adriel, to the higher-ups that had clung to his every single word for decades.

They stood like the four horsemen of the apocalypse: loaded up with weapons and their own hubris. Beatrice could smell the rain and the damp of the day. There was fear bubbling in her stomach. She remembered the day at the protests in the 70s- the heat that bord down on her, and the way she ran. Beatrice refused to run.

Once she took the first step over the threshold of the park, she stilled her nerves. The steeple of the church loomed over them, and the prophet himself stood in the center of the clearing. He looked so simple, so unassuming. He wore a jack-o-lantern smile.

Vincent was on his right, and Camila was on his left. Both steeled themselves. More lurked within the trees- new like Ava, uninformed like Camila. She noted their unblinking eyes. It was impossible to count. They stopped a few yards away from the line of defense.

Adriel had always fought with American Revolutionary tactics, lines of cannon fodder. She’d never seen him raise a hand in those early days. As time began to wear against his bones and his ideals grew three sizes to oppression, that changed.

He had a proud tilt to his jaw “Beatrice, I knew you couldn’t stay away.”

She was careful with her strength, with her words. A shotgun would be useless with a bent barrel. Mary scanned the trees, calculating their chances of freedom. Lilith’s stare was locked on Camila, unwavering. Anger rolled from her in waves, never waning.

“Detective Silva,” Adriel continued “Death becomes you nicely.”

“Suck a dick!” Ava yelled back.

“Charming.”

Beatrice could count six vampires on each side, possibly seven. Men and women who had drunk from the same glass that Ava had. Their demise was gentler, she was sure. They edged closer to them- and it was Mary who took the first shot, a single hairline trigger that launched an arrow through the center of a man’s heart.

A hiss was lodged in his throat as hellfire consumed him; brilliant oranges and muted reds seeping through the cracks in his veins. Ash floated into the air, crumbled to the ground, and fed the earth. Such a quick death in such a public park. Ava suddenly looked feeble, tightening her grip on her gun.

Adriel’s stare shifted then to something tense and unforgiving. He signaled, something so slight, a movement with his hand, and the remaining eleven figures lurking in the shadows rushed forward. Their shoes squelched in the mud, kicking up rainwater.

Beatrice advanced forward. She was locked in on Adriel, the sounds of an ensuing fight breaking across the silence. Mary was good with her weapon, an expert in her craft. Blood caked Lilith’s fingers and sprayed her face. Gunshots rang out, a crosshatch flash of light blinking in Morse code with each pull of Ava’s trigger.

By the time she reached him, both Vincent and Camila had ducked to the edges of the fight. It was just the two of them and the putrid scent of congealed blood flowing through his veins.

Adriel moved like lightning, ducking the first motivated hit that Beatrice threw his way with the butt of the gun. The second thrust struck bone, a sickening crunch from a shattered nose. He reeled back and laughed as blood gushed over his lips, staining his teeth pink. Resentment rotted under his skin.

“I just want to talk.”

She swung again, striking his temple. Blood bloomed against his skull. “Oh, I’m sure. You’ve created this entire plan, this army.”

“An army we once dreamed of together, Beatrice!” he caught the next throw of the gun, holding it merely inches from his cheek, his voice was a low growl “I put all my trust in you. We could have had everything. Everything!”

“You were never satisfied, Adriel. You always wanted more.”

“And what is wrong with that? We are the superior race! Humans are fragile, they are nothing compared to us. Fodder in a war that the two of us were destined to end together.”

“Write that sentence down,” She wrenched the gun from his grasp “And hand it to your therapist.”

Adriel snarled at her and pushed his entire weight into her midsection. They both crashed to the ground. Its sweaty cold worked its way through her clothes. He brought his fist down on her jaw and she could taste copper. Once, twice, three times before she wedged her boot between them and threw him a few feet away. His fingers dug fruitlessly into the soft, damp earth.

Beatrice raised herself from the ground, placed the sole of her shoe on Adriel’s chest. There was a sadness in his mud-trodden eyes. To her, it was a sign of defeat, a tiredness that centuries roaming the earth had established.

He had never been a good fighter- instead, he employed Vincent for that. Vincent who was pinned to the ground by Mary, Lilith’s nails digging into his soft flesh. Ava fended off Camila, shoving her back, aiming the gun directly between the girl's eyebrows. Beatrice couldn’t’ hear the words that leaked from her mouth, the begging that thrummed.

No doubt, he was waiting for the rest of his army of sires, those who had no other choice. But they were gone, slaughtered in the streets. There were more, she was sure, with the same ideology spread across the world. It was impossible not to fall prey to his charming ways.

Beatrice pumped the shotgun, aimed it directly at Adriel. His hair was cemented to his forehead, his chest rising and falling under the pressure of her foot. She gritted her teeth, could taste the soil and the electricity in the air.

“What greater thing is there for two human souls than to feel that they are joined- to strengthen each other- to be at one with each other in silent unspeakable memories.” He quoted George Eliot effortlessly, trying to appeal to her.

Beatrice laughed, her words dripping with venom “There is nothing human about you. The things that you willed me to do- killing my parents, burning entire towns. Adriel, I will never get the scent of burning flesh from my lungs.”

“You could have left sooner. You could have said no.”

“You sired me!” She pressed down hard enough for his sternum to pop under the weight. He let out a scream of pain, smirked into it with sick enjoyment. “I had no choice, and when I did get the will to break your hold it was too much for you. My disobedience was too much.”

“Great things are not done by impulse, but by a series of small things brought together.”

Beatrice frowned, knelt with her full weight against him. She moved the gun, placed it directly under his chin, pushed hard enough to create angry red circles against his stubble. His breath was labored, bones unable to fuse back together. It didn’t stop them from trying. “Stop talking. Right now, you listen.”

She waited for a beat, heard another gunshot ring out.

“If you had just let me, go you wouldn’t be here right now. Neither of us would be here. But you had some sort of sick infatuation with me, with those that I choose to care about. And I have waited too long with too much patience for this very moment.

“I cared for you once, for a brief moment, or at least I thought I did. You were the only one who understood me, the only one who saw me as more than the daughter of a rich socialite and an investment banker. But that was all an act, and the real you- fuck- the real you was the most deplorable thing.”

Adriel swallowed hard and she felt it rock through the weapon. Rain had begun to fall and it was icy on her skin. When she breathed out, it mingled with the puff of mist that pushed past Adriel’s own lips.

“It wasn’t all a lie.” He said, “I enjoyed George Eliot, and I enjoyed your father, the kindness of your family.”

“You had it all then, Adriel. A simple and beautiful life and your own greed stole that away and led us to this moment.”

He glared at her for a moment but softened. Her finger was on the trigger, her knee pressed so firmly against his ribs that she could shatter them, mold them like putty. Right now, he looked like a man caught in the rain.

“I always figured it would be you,” He said, a sad smile on his lips “The moment I saw you reading under that oak tree, I knew that my demise would be at your hands.”

Ava’s words echoed in her head then. Vengeance. It werewolfed against her bones, took over her mind. This man had chased her like a feral cat for decades. He had watched, applauded with disgusted joy as she used her teeth to tear into her mother’s jugular. He’d wiped the blood tentatively from her cheeks.

Beatrice pulled the trigger.

Detective Ava Silva thumbed the rabbit’s foot that was shoved into the pocket of her black blazer. She felt the rough artificial pads and the hard plastic nails at its tip. She was grateful that she decided to keep it. Rubbing the small keychain like this kept her hand busy, kept her from fidgeting. The other held the metal rod of an umbrella.

If she focused hard enough, she would be able to hear the officiant of the funeral or the quiet sobs that Miss Palmer muffled with her handkerchief. Instead, she counted the drops that fell against nylon and dripped to the ground. They’d worm their way through soil, soak into the mahogany of the coffins that punched holes in the earth under their feet.

Beatrice had her hand on the small of Ava’s back. Her eyes were fixated on the closed casket and the rose that was placed against it. It hadn’t been de-thorned, and she was mindful of each hand that touched it. A small drop of blood could summon a situation that both girls were too somber to acknowledge.

Ava was getting better. With the major threat eliminated, she could focus more on control or lack-there-of. Beatrice had already acquired a farmhouse that had been foreclosed on. It needed work, a long project that would keep Ava’s mind and hands occupied.

Ava had turned in her badge without being prompted. Though, the Chief had her dismissal quick on her tongue. Rules had been broken and were being investigated, but when the gunfire stopped and the red and blue adorned patrol cars finally did show up at the park, there was a distinct scent of ash in the air, blood having been washed away by the storm.

No one would talk and they spent the better half of the night in a damp interrogation room. There was no evidence of a crime, just eyewitnesses who were convinced they’d seen something of a war in between oak trees and picnic tables. It was enough for both of them to pack up the things on their desks into sad cardboard boxes.

They’d come to the funeral for Barry Palmer out of respect. Ava was entirely apologetic, squeezing his wife’s shoulders and apologizing profusely for her loss. There was something in her eyes, something tender- something that assured the woman that she was safe.

The girls didn’t’ linger, it felt wrong and immoral. There was a peacefulness to the cemetery as they walked to the car, stale water pooling around their shoes. Ava’s mind buzzed with the events of the last month. She’d found a body wedged between a load-bearing wall and a dumpster and now she was immortal. She supposed she had a lot of time to think about things.

“Are you worried about them?” Ava asked as they edged through cement grave markers.

“No,” Beatrice frowned, removed her hand from the small of Ava’s back. She was growing cold in the autumn air. “If Vincent and Camila have any good sense, they’ll stay far away to lick their wounds.”

When law enforcement showed up, those who remained scattered within the foliage had scampered away in cowardice. Ava didn’t have it in her to chase after the girl, and Lilith had done enough damage to Vincent that she figured he wouldn’t get far.

Beatrice opened the passenger side door when they reached the car, gently taking the umbrella from Ava’s grasp. Ava lingered. She turned; her front pressed against Beatrice’s. “This feels like the end.” she admitted.

“Mm, perhaps.” She leaned closer and could smell the metallic edge to Ava’s breath. “George Eliot once said only in the agony of parting do we look into the depths of love.”

Ava kissed her then, under the umbrella at the edges of a cemetery to the sound of rain and a soft, smoky wind. Her fingers ghosted Beatrice’s jaw, tenderly, filled with something akin to fondness. Just for a moment, while mourning the loss of an investment banker, and the simplicity of her own life, Ava felt like nothing else mattered. Not even the hunger that burned at the back of her throat.

#Ava Silva #Sister Beatrice #Sister Camila #Sister Lilith #Shotgun Mary #Warrior Nun #Warrior Nun Fanfiction #Vampire!Beatrice #Avatrice #Avatrice fanfiction

23 notes · View notes

loserdiaz · 5 months

Note

Hiya April!

💫💝💌 if you please

💫what is your favorite kind of comment/feedback?

i love love loveee long comments. they're the ones that take me the longest to answer just bc i want to answer them right???

but i just love when ppl take the time and effort to leave a long comment telling me every little detail they enjoyed. (ofc, that doesn't mean i don't love the shorter comments as well)

💝what is a fic that got a different response than you were expecting?

i think I'm gonna love you 'til my heart retires bc it got a better response than i was expecting??? i thought no one would read it or that it would barely get 100 kudos. i still get a few rude comments but overall the response has been amazing and it makes me so so happy!!

💌share something with us about an up-and-coming work (WIP) that has you excited!

have a lil snippet for the thg au <33

"You'll be fine." Eddie reassures him. "Something that Capitol citizens love is spending money. You'll get tons of donors. It'll be okay." Eddie repeats, not sure if he does it to convince Buck or himself.

"Thanks, Eddie." Buck presses his lips and looks down at his own hands, trapped in the handcuffs. "Listen, when I die—"

"If you die."

Buck gazes up at him, doubt and pure skepticism in his eyes. "If I die—" He says reluctantly. "I don't know if it's at all possible but maybe you could let me write a letter, and get it to Maddie when—" At Eddie's stare, Buck's lips tug slightly upwards in the smallest of smiles. "If," he corrects himself. "If I die?"

"Yeah, of course Buck." Eddie blinks and leans a little more forward, dropping his voice enough that only Buck will hear him. "I'll try to take some paper for you tonight and let you write the letter, okay?"

"Yeah, okay." This time Buck's s.ile comes a little easier, a little bigger. "Thanks, Eddie."

Everytime Buck thanks him for anything, Eddie feels like he wants to scream. The guy shouldn't be thanking Eddie for anything. Not when Eddie is partly the reason the games exist anyway, not when the creator of the games is Eddie's dad. Not when Eddie is a coward that can't stand up to his own father.

But he doesn't even know how to begin to explain any of this. Not to himself and least of all to another person, to Buck. So he just nods and shrugs.

"It's nothing, really."

send (real) writer asks

#thg au #tbosas au #evan buckley #eddie diaz #my writing #ask game #my fics #theplaceyoustillrememberdreaming #april gets mail 💌

1 note · View note

rafaelblackbird15 · 3 years

Text

Teen Wolf Fic Recs Part 2: Steter

It took me quite awhile to gather all these together, so please enjoy discovering more parts to the incredible world of Teen Wolf, provided to you by the wonderful writers of our fandom.

Leave comments and kudos for these writers if you can, they really deserve it, they're wonderful. And it's my honour to try and share their creations with tumblr.

These are Steter, Stiles Stilinski/Peter Hale fanfictions. Read them at your will. Check the tags on the actual fics for warnings and such.

I have included links to authors that write a lot of Steter as well, and some of their fics for examples. I'm sorry this post got so long, haha, but enjoy the stories, they're worth it.

If any of the links don't work, just comment and I'll fix it.

Check out my other Sterek fic recs [Part 3] and [Part 4] and Steter fic recs [Part 1]

*********

Broken Bones and Broken Bonds by twothumbsandnostakeincanon(somanyofthekids) on Archive of Our Own

Words: 20148

Chapters: 4/?

Summary:

Stiles kind of wished that he’d at least tried weed before this.

Or something, you know? Maybe taken up a graffiti hobby, or even just skateboarded in front of City Hall often enough to get a citation.

He wished he’d done something to be deserving of the looks people gave him now, rather than just being the recipient of his dead father’s unused power.

**********

Stigmata by twothumbsandnostakeincanon (somanyofthekids) on Archive of Our Own

Words: 1661

Chapters: 1/1

Summary:

He feels so hollow that he almost wonders if he's been turned inside out. This emptiness he feels; is it the vastness of the entire world?

How do you fill a world? With people, he supposes. But his people no longer want him.

He needs people.

*********

Beefcake Mountain by twothumbsandnostakeincanon(somanyofthekids) on Archive of Our Own

Words: 14565

Chapters: 7/7

Summary:

Shortly after moving back to Beacon Hills, the left hand of the Hale Pack opened a text from a mysterious number.

"Is there a mirror in your pants? Because I can see myself in them."

What the f—

**********

Steter Week 2019 by twothumbsandnostakeincanon(somanyofthekids)

Works: 4

Complete: No

Summary:

There isn't a summary listed so I've included the first fic underneath:

Marvelous Miss and Magnificent Mischief by twothumbsandnostakeincanon(somanyofthekids)

Words: 3346

Chapters: 1/1

also Part 1 of the Magnificent Mischief series

Summary:

“Marvelous Miss and the Magnificent Mischief!” the carnival barker shouted just outside the corridor with all the food tents. “Come see Miss Paige do amazing tricks with her talking raven! He not only speaks, but he jokes! He teases! He philosophizes!”

********

Author: twothumbsandnostakeincanon(somanyofthekids)

This author has a lot of wonderful Steter fics, and their writing of the pairing is really worth having a good look through.

*******

Blood Runs Cold by Smalls2233 on Archive of Our Own

Words: 111408

Chapters: 22/22

Summary:

“So then why are we letting Scott and Derek search for it if you know it's useless?”

Peter looked down at Stiles and cocked his head with a grin. “Because I think seeing my nephew and your best friend run around like headless chickens while I think up a plan is hysterical.”

“And the plan is…?”

----

Trusting Peter Hale is something that Stiles had repeatedly told himself to never do. He had seen first hand the results of Peter's plans and schemes, but when a shadow began tormenting Beacon Hills, he found that sometimes he'd have to to play along with Peter's games.

This story does include a dose of Chris&Stiles interaction about midway and carries on throughout, and then Chris/Peter towards the midend, which also carries on. And it kind of dissolves into Chris/Peter/Stiles. If that's not your taste, that's fine, because the majority of the story is Stiles/Peter, and that majority is really really good Steter.

**********

No One Listening Tonight by Smalls2233

Words: 6985

Chapters: 1/1

Summary:

That left… well it left Peter and only Peter. Relying on Peter for help was only slightly better than stabbing himself through the eye with a hot poker. But desperate times called for desperate measures.

Of course, there was always the option of packing up and letting whatever was trying to destroy the town succeed this time. Stiles snorted under his breath as he thought about how that would probably leave him with fewer injuries than dealing with Peter would. But unfortunately, that wasn’t an option. Stiles knew he needed to head downtown to Peter’s apartment and pray the man was willing to work with him.

----

Stiles stumbles into a magical trap forged by a wannabe warlock.

*********

Author: Smalls2233

*********

Blue by Wynnebat on Archive of Our Own

Words: 3179

Chapters: 2/2

Summary:

Derek brings both Scott and Stiles to the hospital to prove a point about hunters, but Stiles isn’t sure the point he’s getting is the point Derek’s trying to make. Especially when his black and white world explodes into color the moment he looks into Peter Hale’s eyes.

*********

The Long Way Around by Wynnebat on Archive of Our Own

Words: 15569

Chapters: 3/3

Summary:

When Peter leaves Beacon Hills for good, he expects that to be it for the broken bonds of the last remaining members of the Hale pack. Fate and Stiles Stilinski aren’t of the same opinion.

**********

Prowl by Wynnebat on Archive of Our Own

Words: 3454

Chapters: 1/1

Summary:

Laura's body is never found, but instead of continuing with his murder spree, Peter gets distracted by the scent of his mate. Stiles gets very distracted by the huge wolf that starts showing up at his house all the time.

**********

Author: Wynnebat

This author writes some really interesting, deep stories about Steter that are really beautiful.

**********

your last white lie (everything is not alright) by snowdarkred on Archive of Our Own

Words: 4023

Chapters: 1/1

Summary:

Stiles says yes, and things go downhill from there.

**********

reflect by snowdarkred on Archive of Our Own

Words: 569

Chapters: 1/1

Part 1 of the dig your teeth in and tear until you taste (peter/stiles oneshots) series

Summary:

(previously posted to tumblr)

When he dreams, he can sometimes still hear his mother’s voice, explaining it to him: Reflections are the price we pay for what we are.

*********

sentire by snowdarkred on Archive of Our Own

Words: 1027

Chapters: 1/1

Part 2 of the dig your teeth in and tear until you taste (peter/stiles oneshots) series

Summary:

[to feel]

Stiles hears the whisper of death before it strikes.

**********

Author:

snowdarkred

This author writes some really intense, interesting stories about Peter and Stiles. Not as long as some fics are, but they're really good adaptions of Steter with a lot of feeling.

**********

The Striking Complication by aurevell on Archive of Our Own

Words: 27235

Chapters: 4/15

Summary:

The smile slips off Stiles’s face. “Hey, um. Why am I here?” he asks, voice unsteady. “I’m—I have this weird feeling like I shouldn’t leave you. I’ve felt all day like...” He can’t finish the thought.

Peter looks as surprised as Stiles feels. A strange expression passes over his face, there and gone before Stiles can decipher it.

Stiles snaps awake each morning with the sense that he’s missing something. Weirder still, he can’t wrap his head around his sudden, inexplicable trust in Peter Hale, who seems to know way more than he’s letting on. Nor can he guess why a half-remembered nightmare seems to haunt his every move.

Rinse and repeat. Because time loops suck, apparently.

*******

Author: aurevell

This author has 11 Teen Wolf fics under their belt. 5 Sterek and 6 Steter. Happy rummaging!

**********

the teeth right down to the blood by sazzafraz on Archive of Our Own

Words: 2133

Chapters: 1/1

Summary:

‘We’re pretty fucked right now.’ Scott says. Stiles doesn’t speak but there’s something singing in his bones that says Scott got the message anyway. (In which both are bit and things are gruesome.)

This has a sprinkling of Scott/Stiles, Scott/Stiles/Peter, and Scott/Allison as well as Steter, but it's worth the read, a good story with an interesting concept.

*********

Author: sazzafraz

This author doesn't have that many Steter stories, although they do have a few. Although they do have some pretty lengthy Teen Wolf fics about other characters of the show.

***********

Everything goes (wow) by midmorning_bomb on Archive of Our Own

Words: 8215

Chapters: 5/5

Part 1 of the Aranea & Babewolf series

Summary:

It was supposed to go like this:

1. Peter summons demon to the circle.

2. Demon remains in said circle until Peter outlines their contract.

3. Demon agrees to elegantly crafted contract, becoming loyally bound to Peter and Peter alone.

Instead, the creature steps casually out of the circle, tosses its things onto the leather sofa, and starts immediately meddling in Peter’s immaculate space, touching all of Peter’s very expensive things.

*********

It's only by midmorning_bomb on Archive of Our Own

Words: 2905

Chapters: 3/5

Part 2 of the Aranea & Babewolf series

Summary:

“Darling, please don’t pout.”

“You’re pouting.” Stiles pouts, from the upper corner of the library, everything from his hip bones down an angry mass of hissing fangs and venomous chelicerae. “Why would we ever go back to that garbage town? Everyone there is the worst, the only good thing is the very rad and awesome curse I laid.”

*********

You are a memory by midmorning_bomb on Archive of Our Own

Words: 900

Chapters: 1/1

Part 2 of the Little glimpse series

Summary:

If he has to bleed to breathe warmth back into Peter’s icy body, he will.

Because Peter’s done the same for him.

********

Author: midmorning_bomb

This author has 16 Steter fics. A little unfriendly to some of the other characters, but it's only kind of obvious because it's not subtle about it, and not exactly underserved. Has some really interesting ideas as well as some kind, well developed Steter. Definitely have a read through.

***********

177 notes · View notes

f1crecs · 10 months

Text

Fic Rec List - Jenson/Nico

if your fic is on this list and you don’t want it to be, please let me know and I will remove it immediately, no questions asked. I have contacted most of the authors on this list, but sometimes people fall through the gaps - just pop me a message🤍

have a pairing you want me to do next? please read the faqs and then head to my inbox.

don’t forget to give the authors featured on this list some love in the form of kudos, bookmarks, and comments!

hi, anon. thank you - that's so kind. 🥹🫶 I hope you enjoy some of these!

quick disclaimer: this rec list doesn't have even half of the Jenson/Nico fics that I have enjoyed in the past. however, it is really important to me that I have the consent of every author featured before sharing my lists. a majority of the fics for this pairing were written in the early 2010s, and so contacting the authors is not possible. I would suggest going through the tag, which you can do here. ❤️

Percentages by @effervescentdragon | T | 2.6k A Nico and Jenson soulmates AU. As always, the author gets the characterisation so right - they are both so complex here, but so well fleshed out and human, and it is so enjoyable to read. This is such a unique and beautiful take on the soulmate AU trope.

'The tiny patch of skin where Jenson's fingers were touching Nico's neck felt like the starting point for an electric shock. The only similar feeling Nico could think about was the feeling of the full engine power underneath him.'

Here with me—Us together by @colors-of-feeling | Unrated | 3.8k Nico shares the news that he's retiring. This is such an achingly tender story - some of the emotional beats here actually took my breath away. The different relationships, the different emotions throughout each conversation. The domesticity! Beautiful. A stunning fic!

'The house is quiet when he enters, but Jenson’s bag and coat litter the floor of the foyer. He smiles to himself and pads up the stairs in socked feet.'

Someone to Stay by @colors-of-feeling | M | 5.4k Nico and Jenson talk about the 'Britney' nickname. This is essential Nico/Jenson reading! The characterisation is absolutely beautiful. One thing that I really love about this author's writing is the way they build tension and emotion - it is so atmospheric and so easy to get lost in.

'First kisses are never perfect, but their’s feels like home. The anxiousness that lives in Nico’s chest quiets down, and he can just focus on what his body is feeling.'

Vielleicht, Vielleicht by @effervescentdragon | M | 6.3k Nico is the the best and the worst thing that's ever happened to Jenson. This is the Princess Cake fic. The dynamic here is just absolutely spot on. Bittersweet, tender, and suitably messy - I loved this so much.

'He didn’t need to ask, he knew Nico would tell him anyway, in a way that’s going to hurt, because Nico’s ego just took a hit, and he never could just deal with it, just accept it, no. He always had to punch back.'

Open Waters by @n-ico-ando | M | 13k (wip) Nico avoids a political marriage by joining pirate Jenson and his crew. I absolutely love this one so far! The development of their relationship has been just delicious - the author is fantastic at tension and character development. I can't wait to see where this goes!

'Nico just blushes and Jenson finds himself fascinated at the way the tinges of pink spread across his pale skin, and the way his brows furrow further, tracking the movements like he tracks the ocean currents. He feels himself drawn slightly closer despite the threat of the knife.'

#nico/jenson #princess cake #f1 rpf #pairing:nico/jenson #driver:nico r #driver:jenson

80 notes · View notes

watchmegetobsessed · 4 years

Text

VALERIE - Part II. (Harry Styles)

thank you so much for all the love you have showed to the first part of valerie! im so happy you are just as excited about the story as i am so i hope i won’t let you down.

if you are enjoying the story please make sure to give it a like and reblog so it can reach even more people and of course as always im more than happy to read your thoughts and comments on the part!

word count: 3.9k

SERIES MASTERPOST

masterlist

Working on a major report you have to finish by the end of the week, you are completely focused on your computer’s screen when your phone buzzes on the desk next to the keyboard. You grab it and answer the call without even checking the screen.

“Y/N,” you say into the phone.

“What’s your size?”

Harry’s voice pushes you out of focus as you grimace unintentionally.

“Since when do you have my number? And what the Hell are you talking about?”

“Since I asked for it from your sister,” he tells you matter-of-factly. “And I’m asking you what size shirts you wear.”

“Why do you need to know that?”

“Because I’m trying to dress up as you for Halloween.” Your eyes widen at his comment, but soon enough he continues. “Because I found cute matching shirts for godparents and a goddaughter and I wanna buy it, but I don’t know your size.”

“Oh,” you say, finally understanding the situation. “What kind of shirts?”

“It’s Fairy Godparents themed, thought it would be funny to wear it at maybe Christmas or something. But only if you are up for it.”

“Yeah, sounds fine,” you nod and give him a little guide to what sizes you usually wear, letting him decide which information he needs for the shirt he wants to buy.

“Have you thought about what you are buying for Val for Christmas?” he asks once you put the topic of your size aside.

“Harry, it’s the middle of October. I don’t even think about Christmas presents until the 15th of December,” you let out a tired sigh.

No matter how bad you want to start shopping in time every year, you have failed every time so far, no exception.

“This proves that I’m the better godparent,” he huffs on the other end of the line.

“It’s not a competition, Harry,” you roll your eyes.

“But if it was, I would be winning. Anyway, I might go a little overboard with the present, so if I end up ordering something big, are you interested in teaming up? I don’t like to give the biggest present on my own, makes it feel like I’m bragging.”

“But you kind of are bragging.”

“That’s besides the point. So, do you want to share or not?”

“I guess we could,” you shrug your shoulders leaning back in your seat. Your legs feel numb as you finally straighten them under the desk, you haven’t even realized how long you’ve been sitting there, eyes glued to the screen.

“Perfect. Is that all?” you ask, not because you are impatient to leave the conversation, it’s been kind of pleasant, you just have a lot to do.

“So you’re really going on that blind date on Friday?”

You furrow your eyebrows at the sudden change in the topic and how boldly he just asked you about your private life. This was the last thing you expected from him.

“Why does that have anything to do with you?”

“Was just asking,” he says and you can see him shrugging his shoulders. “It’s an odd thing.”

“For you. I’m fine with it.”

“Are you though?”

“Why does that matter to you?”

“It doesn’t,” he simply answers. “At least there will be something to make a joke out of next time we meet,” he snorts and you roll your eyes at his comment. Now that sounded more like Harry.

“Unless you won’t have any information about it.”

“You seem to forget Steven gossips like a little girl and I can also have my ways with Rosa too. I’ll have the details before you even get home after the date.”

“You are so full of yourself, Styles,” you sigh, shaking your head.

“Yeah, and it seems like you were also full of me one time.”

“Go to Hell,” you spat, mocking his British accent that just makes him laugh. “If you are done making a joke out of me I’d like to get back to work.”

“Whatever, Love. We both know you just want to get away from this conversation so I don’t roast you even more.”

“Bye, Harry!” you sing before ending the line without even waiting for an answer. Harry Styles once again proved how talented he is in getting on your nerves.

***

Marcus turns out to be a great company and you are finally sending your kudos to your sister for setting you up with a hot guy who is also smart enough to keep up the conversation and not bore you out of your pants.

He took you to a fancy restaurant that’s in the building of a hotel, a place you normally never go to, because it’s pretty much out of your budget, but Marcus was persistent on going there and paying for dinner. After the starter awkwardness you soon cool down and maybe that wine he ordered has helped you relax too. Marcus tells you about himself and then you do the same, just covering the usual fields of your life.

“I have to admit, when Rosa said she wants to set me up with her little sister I was hesitant at first,” he chuckles softly when your dishes finally arrive.

“You’re not alone with that.”

“Does she set you up often?”

You shake your head. “No, there was just one other time, but the guy was horrible, I have no idea why Rosa thought we would be a match.”

“I hope I’ve been better than him,” Marcus chuckles.

“Absolutely.”

You hear your phone buzzing in your purse and at first you just ignore it, but when it goes off two more times you sigh and reach for your purse.

“Sorry, I forgot to mute it completely,” you excuse yourself as you grab your phone and your plan was just to mute it, but then you see that you got three texts from Harry and your curiosity doesn’t let you slide over it so you quickly check them.

“Well done with your outfit.”

“Gives a great view of your legs.”

“Is it also this tight on your ass?”

You run over the messages two more times, staring at your phone in complete confusion. What is he talking about? How does he know what you are wearing?

“Is everything alright?” Marcus asks and you snap your eyes back at him.

“I, uhh—Yes, everything is fine, it’s just that…”

As your gaze runs over the place your anger immediately boils inside you when you spot that familiar grin at the bar. Harry is sitting right there with a scotch in his hand that he raises when you spot him. There’s another guy with him who you don’t know, but it seems like he is more focused on you than his friend.

“For fuck’s sake…” you breathe out clenching your jaw. “Excuse me for a second,” you tell Marcus who just curiously eyes you as you slide out of your seat and head over to the bar. As you march over to the grinning Harry you are literally fuming, ready to kill him right then and there.

“What the fuck are you doing here?” you snap at him trying to keep your voice down. You wouldn’t want to make a scene for sure.

“Having a drink, what does it seem like?” he asks innocently, but his face tells you otherwise.

“How did you know I would be here?”

“Why do you think I went into such depths as finding out where your blind date would be? Can’t I be here by accident?”

“Nothing about you is an accident except the fact that I ever found you charming enough to sleep with you,” you growl back and earn a laugh from his friend. Harry wasn’t expecting such a harsh response for sure, you can tell it surprised him, but he doesn’t let it push him out of his cocky act.

“Was it Rosa and Steven?” you ask, folding your arms on your chest.

“What if both?” he asks smugly and God! You just want to smack him across the face.

“Why are you here, Harry?” you narrow your eyes at him.

“Maybe I just want those details first handed. It’s funnier to witness it all.”

“You know what? I don’t think that’s the truth. The reason why you are here is because you are afraid someone might treat me right and that I might have an experience that would just make you appear like an even bigger asshole than what you already are.”

Harry chuckles looking away from you, but you can tell you just wounded his confidence big time, so you decide to take it further.

“I made a mistake with hooking up with you, but I’m smarter now and I don’t start with little boys like you. I know my worth and what I deserve so I’d really appreciate it if you could move on and let me be. I know it’s hard to forget about me, but you’ll have to try.”

You mentally highfive yourself, because this time you actually made him shut his mouth, he has no retort as he opens his mouth but then closes it back. Flashing him one last bitter smile you turn around and walk back to your date and make sure Harry has a nice view of your ass. He can have one nice thing after getting so burned.

Your little scene with Harry doesn’t ruin your date, especially because not long after you made his jaw drop to the floor he decided it’s best if he just leaves quietly. By the time you finished eating he was nowhere to be seen.

However you keep thinking about why he even chose to come there. It was way over that healthy line of picking on someone and being an annoying stalker. It’s one thing wanting to know the awkward details about your date, but showing up was definitely just too much.

Part of you was expecting him to call you the next day, maybe apologize, but more like to make a joke out of the whole thing but you don’t hear a word from him and it makes it easier for you to forget about it pretty fast.

A week later you are having dinner over at Rosa’s, just the three of you plus baby Valerie who you keep in your arms the whole night, not able to get enough of her cuteness.

“I knew you two would hit it off,” Rosa sighs with a proud smile and Steven just rolls his eyes at his wife.

“It was alright, yeah,” you nod with a soft chuckle. You just told them about your date with Marcus and you can tell Rosa feels like she just hit the jackpot. After that disastrous try you had last time Marcus was surely a change for the better.

Valerie looks up at you with her huge eyes as you flash a grimace at her, earning a short giggle before her attention diverts somewhere else. She is grabbing onto your finger, not letting go of it as if she is trying to hold herself in place by her grip.

“Funny thing, Harry showed up at the restaurant too.”

Rosa almost chokes on her water and Steven starts to cough very suspiciously. Glancing up at them you can tell they are both to blame Harry had any information about where Marcus was taking you.

“Really? That’s… odd,” Rosa clears her throat.

“Is it though? You don’t have to pretend like you had nothing to do with it.”

“I’m sorry, but he just makes you talk so easily, he always gets what he wants,” Rosa sighs, clearly feeling guilty about it. “But I didn’t think he would actually show up. I thought he was just curious.”

“Did he cause a lot of trouble?” Steven asks, worried his friend gave you a hard time. He is not wrong, but it’s not your intention to throw dirt on Harry.

“It was just awkward. I don’t see why he came there,” you admit, shaking your head as you adjust baby Valerie in your arms so she is sitting now on your lap, looking around the table curiously.

You catch a look Rosa and Steve shares and you immediately know something is up.

“What? Do you know something I don’t?”

“No, we definitely don’t,” Rosa shakes her head, fingers running up and down the glass in her hands. “I just… there could be one reason I think he went there for.”

“What is that?”

“You don’t want me to say it out loud, it’s silly, let’s just forget about it,” she tries to end the discussion, but there’s no way you let it slip.

“Rosa!”

“I was just thinking, that… considering the past you two have, he might have been… jealous?”

“That’s literally the stupidest thing I’ve ever heard,” you scoff as you turn to Valerie. “Did your momma lose her mind, Princess?”

Valerie just looks at you curiously before smacking her little hands on the edge of the table, completely ignoring the conversation.

“I told you, you wouldn’t like this idea, but this is what I thought about.”

“Then stop thinking about it. There’s absolutely no way this is what it was about. Besides, our past is irrelevant. He was literally the biggest jerk to me when he had a chance with me. Why would have he blown that just to be up in my business now all jealous?”

“I didn’t say it doesn’t have any plot holes, but it could be a reason,” Rosa adds while Steven just hums next to her, not really taking part in the conversation.

Soon enough Steven takes Valerie up to put her to sleep while you and Rosa stay downstairs. You have moved on from Harry, but your mind keeps wandering back to him so you find yourself bringing him up again.

“What do you think about Harry? Aside from everything I’ve told you.”

You’ve always been curious how other people see him, since you had a very strong opinion on the guy that was tainted by everything that happened between the two of you.

Rosa takes her time thinking of her answer and you wait for her patiently. Leaning onto the table she rests her arms on it turning to face you.

“From what I’ve seen from him, he is a very loyal, caring and loving person. He and Steven have been friends for so long and Steven always told me how he could count on him no matter what and he has been proving the same to me. Have I told you he was the reason I got to wear the dress I dreamed of on my wedding?”

“What?” you ask surprised. “I didn’t know that.”

“Basically, I had that dress and a cheaper one held in the store until the day before the wedding. I knew we couldn’t afford the expensive one, but I guess I was hoping until the last minute for a miracle to happen and it seems like Harry was that. Steven asked him to pick the cheaper dress up because he was caught up with work that day. He told him specifically to bring the cheaper one and leave the other there. But when he arrived with the dress in the morning when I was getting ready, he had the expensive one. He said the lady asked which one he needed and when he said the cheaper one, the lady seemed sad and told him how much I loved the other one but I even told her I couldn’t afford it. Harry didn’t hesitate to pay for the difference the dress had over the cheaper one. I started crying the moment I saw that he had the one I loved and I was also panicking that I won’t be able to pay back to him.”

You listen to her in awe. It surely is a side of Harry you haven’t had the luck to see in the act, though you felt like you had a glimpse of it before the night of the wedding took a heated and then a quite sad turn later on. The Harry you got to know in the very beginning was the same Rosa was just talking about.

“Harry told me he won’t take my money, no matter how hard I tried to make a deal with him, he made his mind up and didn’t let me change it. I knew then that everything Steven told me about him is true. And I know he can be a cocky fucker sometimes,” she chuckles making you smile as well, “but he has a heart of gold for sure. And this is why I agreed when Steven told me he wants him to be the godfather. I want Val to learn from him, to look up to him, because I really think he can have an amazing impact on her.

“Listen,” she sighs leaning back in her seat and you watch her curiously. “I know that the two of you hate each other with passion, but… you can’t do it forever.”

You let out a long sigh looking down at your lap. It’s one of those sisterly talks when she’ll share her wisdom with you and you’ll just know she’s right. Rosa is always right. Well, mostly.

“I wasn’t there, I don’t know how he acted or what he told you exactly, but he is family now and one of you will have to take the first step. You’re wasting energy on the constant fighting, but I really believe you could work together as a team. I know it’s not just on you, I’ll try to have a talk with him as well. No matter what I think about why he showed up at your date, it was still an ass move. I’m just asking you to… be patient with him and maybe only say out loud half the insults you address to him in your head. That would be a nice start,” she chuckles and reaching over her hand squeezes yours as you nod quietly.

It almost hurts you how right she is. It doesn’t matter how pissed you are at Harry for everything he did and said in the past, you can’t keep on playing his ridiculous game forever. It consumes too much energy and time when you could just be neutral and coexist with each other happily in Valerie’s life. She doesn’t deserve to grow up seeing her godparents hate each other with a passion, that’s just not right. This time you gotta suck it up and move on from what happened, but everyone knows it can only happen if he cooperates as well. You can only hope he’ll take Rosa’s advice and show a nicer side of his face to you.

***

The room was exactly like battlefield, makeup and hair products laid on every possible surface as all the bridesmaids were getting ready, two hairstylists working on the girls while a third one was perfecting Rosa’s loose curls. Grabbing your dress you looked around for a possible corner where you could change since you were finished with hair and makeup, but you saw no free spot, so you had to be creative.

“I’ll go get changed in one of the other rooms,” you told Rosa before you walked out, down the hallway looking for an open and empty room you could use as a changing room for just two minutes.

Luckily you found one just two doors down the room Rosa and the girls were getting ready and taking a look around you made sure no one saw you sneak in there. It seemed once it was used as a smaller conference room, but now it was filled with boxes and extra chairs, looking more like a storage room. It was just fine for a quick change.

You quickly got rid of your plain shirt and jeans along with your bra since the dress had one sewed into it. You stood there, already in your dress as you were trying to get the zipper up, but it seemed like it got stuck.

“Great,” you grumbled, still jumping around hoping to find an angle where it slides right up, but it was stubbornly staying in the same spot. You were just about to gather your stuff and go back to the bride’s room and have someone zip you up when the door flew open and a tall, curly haired guy appeared with a suit on a hanger on his arm and a pair of shiny shoes in his other hand.

You jumped at the stranger’s arrival and he seemed just as surprised to see someone here as you were.

“Oh, I’m sorry, I didn’t expect anyone to be here.”

His British accent was thick through his words and it immediately made you think that he must be Harry, Steven’s best friend. You’ve heard about him before but never actually got the chance to meet him. Now standing in front of him with your back almost fully exposed you can’t help but feel a little shy. He surely has an intimidatingly handsome face and physique that shows even though his loose hoodie.

“I just snuck in here to get changed, I was just about to leave,” you explained yourself, holding your previous clothes to your chest along with the front of the dress so it didn’t fall.

“Your dress is… unzipped,” he pointed it out with a soft chuckle and you looked over your shoulder as if you had to check it for yourself, but you knew it well it was in fact unzipped.

“Oh, yeah. The zipper got stuck, I’ll just… have one of the girls help me.”

“Come here, let me help you,” he offered and you hesitantly, but turned around to show him your back.

His hold fingers made you jump a little when he reached for the zipper.

“Sorry,” he chuckled and you just shook your head letting him know it was alright.

It took him a few tries to get the zipper going, but it finally gave in and slid all the way up. Once it reached the top Harry ran his fingers over it gently as if he sealed it, the touch of his fingertips sent a shiver down your spine.

“Thank you,” you mumbled, turning around. “I’m… Y/N by the way,” you told him, holding out a hand that he took and shook with a charming smile on his soft looking, pink lips.

“Harry. You’re Rosa’s sister, right?”

“Yeah, and you’re Steven’s best friend.”

“I am,” he chuckled. “You look a lot like Rosa, if I might say.”

“We get it a lot. It’s the eyes, I think,” you told him. You and Rosa more or less have the same eyes and maybe share a similar jawline too that makes it pretty obvious that you two are sisters.

“Two sets of pretty eyes,” he smiled and your eyebrows rose at the compliment, feeling the heat crawling up on your neck to your cheeks.

“I… better get going, so you can change too,” you told him turning away and rushing to the door before he could realize how nervous he just made you.

“See you around, Pretty Eyes!” he called out after you.

He called you Pretty Eyes quite often that evening. Whenever you met at the bar, when he sat next to you through dinner, when the two of you talked outside, a little farther away from the people having a smoke. But the last time he called you that was when the two of you were heading to his room, he was all over you, kissing you anywhere he could, hands gripping your waist greedily as you were trying to open the door with the card he handed you in the elevator. That was the last time he called you that. You haven’t heard this nickname from him since then.

PREVIOUS PART

NEXT PART

TAGLIST

let me know if you’d like to be added or taken off!

@f-vasquezp @perspnhel @http-cherries @h-arrystyles @just-damn-bored @millennial-teenybopper @bookwormmusiclover15 @gwen-and-harry

#harry #styles #harry styles #harry styles fanfiction #harry styles fanfic #harry styles fiction #harry styles angst #harry styles fluff #harry styles imagine #harry styles series #harry styles x you #harry styles x y/n #harry styles x reader #valerie #harry styles valerie #valerie series

513 notes · View notes

lululawrence · 3 years

Photo

lululawrence’s May 2021 Fic List

Previous Fic Lists / Fic List Podcast Masterpost

May somehow managed to escape my grasp and here we are again! I got a weekend away from the kids this month, which allowed me the chance to finally read for hours on end, and I therefore have quite a few fics to talk about! They were truly amazing, I loved every single one, and I hope you appreciate them too!

If you’d like to hear me share my excitement about these fics verbally and in more detail, you can listen to this month’s podcast here.

As always, be sure to show your love and appreciation for all of the hard work our fandom authors have put into their fics with kudos, nice comments, and (when applicable) reblogging their fic posts!

Just for Tonight (I can be yours) by @sadaveniren / SadaVeniren (42k, E, Harry/Louis, Big Bang fic, A/B/O, Royalty AU, Alpha Louis, Omega Harry, Innocent Harry, Sheltered Harry, Arranged Marriage, Friends to Lovers, Angst with a Happy Ending, but HOW DO THEY GET THERE?? lol, Mpreg, Heat/Rut, Poor as shit sex education lmao, Okay but for real the world building in this was incredible, I can still see the pictures in my mind that I conjured up for certain parts of this fic, It is incredible and the PINING AND ANGST OMG)

reckless serenade by @thepolourryexpress / thepolourryexpress (4k, E, Harry/Louis, Girl Direction, This one is a bit hard to explain lmao, ....Non-Established Relationship.... relationship, it makes sense in the fic lol, clueless idiots in love, there we go, friends to lovers, humor, fluff, This is beyond sweet and fucking sexy)

a little tenderness by @disgruntledkittenface / disgruntledkittenface (11k, NR, Harry/Niall, 1D A/B/O Fest fic, Alpha Harry, Omega Niall, Touch Deprivation, Nesting, Cuddling, Scenting, Ace Harry, Fluff, Okay listen this fic was so fucking soft I cannot express to you, It was HEALING, I cryyyyyy it was just so beautiful)

What if I'm someone you won't talk about? by @louloubabys1992 / louloubaby92 (58k, M, Harry/Louis, Fine Line Fest fic, Song Fic, Based on Falling, Famous/Non-Famous, Childhood Sweethearts, Exes to Lovers, Kind of but not really at the same time?, Angst, Angst with a Happy Ending but there’s fucking angst okay? lol, Hurt/Comfort, Sex Work, Exploitation, References to Rape, PTSD, There’s a lot of dark shit in here, please please please read the tags and keep yourself safe, But if you can handle it then fuck it was an fascinating story for sure!)

When Least Expected by @all-these-larrythings / Rearviewdreamer (22k, M, Harry/Louis, Quarantine Fic, Single Parent Louis, Teacher Harry, Mentions of Depression, Online Dating? Kind of?, Maybe it’s more like Long Distance dating, except they’re in the same city, anyway, Pining, Flirting, Oblivious boys, Soft, This fic was the epitome of soft, It was so incredibly healing to read it, So cathartic and beautiful and lovely, It just made me so happy and at peace reading this fic, and I really didn’t expect that from a quarantine fic tbh)

so c'mon c'mon (and dance with me baby) by @rockstarlouis / theweightofmywords (3k, NR, Harry/Louis, New Year’s Fic, Meet Cute, Louke are together at the beginning but it doesn’t last long, Work Party, but neither Louis or Harry work there lololol, Humor, Drinking, Dancing, This fic was just so short and sweet and fun I loved it)

Pound Cake by @kingsofeverything / kingsofeverything (2k, NR, Harry/Louis, Butthole Series fic, Hurt Louis, Sad Louis, Harry’s birthday, Friends to Lovers, Crack fic lmao, Misunderstandings, This fic was so funny but also somehow sweet, while still being about buttholes, Lauren is a magician what can I say lol)

Get Burned By the Fire by Anonymous (13k, NR, Shawn/Niall, Heartbreak Weather Fest fic, Song Fic, based on Small Talk, Bartender Niall, Mysterious Shawn, Casual Sex, I think that’s how you’d define their arrangement? lol, Pining, Harry and Louis are together and Niall’s besties and coworkers, They’re hilarious through all of this, Even though it’s casual sex or meant to be anyway, It defo is also like... a Breakup Fic, and also Exes to Lovers, Supernatural Elements, It’s all complicated and sooooo fucking gooooood)

The Shooting Star Of Promises And Fears by darkpoets (2k, NR, Harry/Louis, Soulmates, Wishes, This fic is incredibly hard to explain or describe, because the style and feel of it is incredibly unique, It feels almost floaty while you read it, if that makes sense)

Getting a Room by bluespring864 (2k, G, Lewis/Niall, Friends to Lovers, Mutual Pining, Idiots in Love, Banter, Listen this fic is short but packed to the brim with feels, omgggggg SO MANY FEELS, and so so lovely the way it comes together, but also hilarious too?, it’s just very THEM, I could also hear all the lines Lewis says in this fic in his accent, I heard his voice speaking them in my head, and I was trying so hard not to laugh out loud as I sat reading, surrounded by strangers lmao, It was so awkward but worth it)

Caves End by @jacaranda-bloom / jacaranda_bloom (40k, E, Harry/Louis, Big Bang fic, Famous/Non-Famous, Farmer Louis, Rancher Louis is maybe better?, I’ll put both cause Dee said farmer lmao, Footballer Harry, Australia fic, Horseback Riding, Angst, Miscommunication, Dee’s tags about that are hilarious please read them, Hurt/Comfort, This fic is just EVERYTHING, okay, It was so incredibly good)

and all I think about is you and safer by your side (parts 4 and 5 of where the lights are beautiful) by @polkadotlou / twoshipsdrifting (1k each, T, Harry/Louis, Alternate Universe, A/B/O, Alpha Harry, Omega Louis, Established Relationship, Mentions of Heat, Drabbles, Listen this whole series is amazing, and if you haven’t read it then these drabbles won’t have the same power they do otherwise, but they are SO DAMN GOOD OKAY)

Counterculture by @sadaveniren / SadaVeniren (6k, E, Harry/Louis, Omega Harry Fest, A/B/O, Omega Harry, Alpha Louis, Famous/Non-Famous, Underground Clubs, Pack Dynamics, Scenting, Public Sex, Orgies, Pregnancy and Lactation Kink, Like... this fic is FILTHY while still having super cool worldbuilding elements in it, and it’s kinky as shit cause Sada, In other words this is fantastic)

Say Something by @kingsofeverything / kingsofeverything (105k, E, Harry/Louis, Alternate Universe, A/B/O, Alpha Louis, Omega Harry, Older Harry, Age Difference, Heat/Rut Partners, Friends to Lovers, Kind of?, It’s Complicated lol, MPreg, Divorced Harry, Angst, Hurt/Comfort, Harry has a lot of shit to work through, It all works out and it’s so fucking good)

The Until Series by @allwaswell16 / allwaswell16 (62k total, Harry/Louis (parts 1 and 3), Niall/Shawn (Part 2), Big Bang fic and Heartbreak Weather Fest fic, Song Fic, Seriously the whole albums is basically the inspiration lol, Cowboy Harry, Child Actor Harry, Cowboy Shawn, Songwriter Louis, Singer Niall, Farm Fic, Enemies to Lovers, Misunderstanding, So good just all of it, Dumb boys in love lol)

That Smile and That Midnight Laugh by @uhoh-but-yeah-alright / yeah_alright (50k, T, Harry/Louis, but also Harry/Nick at the beginning, Big Bang fic, Girl Direction, Based on Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, It’s like an extension and starts where the movie ended, So cool in that way I loved it, Grimmy and Louis are step-siblings, Friends to Lovers, No Cheating if that’s a concern, Sexuality Crisis but it’s more of like a Gay Awakening, Coming of Age story in that way, So freaking soft like omg, I just really freaking loved this fic)

#mine #fic rec #my fic rec #28th appreciation #fic writer appreciation #fic list #may 2021 fic list

91 notes · View notes

theresthesnitch · 3 years

Text

Bathed in the Moonlight

A/N: I mentioned recently that I'm writing a Wolfstar AU (a snippet can be found here!), which will have an explicit rating. However, I realized that I had never actually written smut featuring two men. Which led me to the decision that I needed to practice, because practice smut is a thing that people do. While this won't actually appear in my multichapter fic, I though you might enjoy it anyway.

Rated M above the cut, but explicit below. You can also read it here on AO3 (where kudos and comments are like warm hugs).

***

He stood there, naked other than the light of the waning gibbous moon, and Remus thought he had never looked more beautiful. His dark hair fell in long, silken tresses that just twisted at his shoulders. His grey eyes shone brightly in the pale light as though incandescent in their own right. And his skin - his skin was everything.

Remus drug his eyes along the sleek planes of Sirius's body, his skin smooth and unmarred, rolling out before him like a clean slate that simply begged to be kissed, to be licked, to be bitten. Remus longed to memorize every peak and valley, study the lines and angles with his tongue as guide. He was in awe of the man I standing in front of him, and though he knew Sirius' mind better than he knew his own, he yearned to learn the secrets his body had to tell.

For the space of a heartbeat, he remembered that he, too, was naked and standing in front of Sirius, and he remembered that his own body looked nothing like the statuesque Adonis that stood in front of him, and for that heartbeat, Remus considered feeling shame and covering himself to hide the scars that littered his body as best he could behind his rough and calloused hands. The heartbeat passed and Remus looked into those piercing grey eyes and almost staggered under the weight of what he saw there - want, hunger, desire, lust. - and all of it directed at Remus.

They stood there, taking each other in, neither one daring to move so as not to risk breaking the moment that was growing between them. They knew they stood atop a great precipice, and that to jump was to risk everything. Six years they had been friends. Six years since those little boys stood in their dorm room and shook hands. Oh, the things those six years contained! Numerous pranks and tricks that earned them a moniker known round the castle. Countless jokes and laughs that still sometimes echoed around the common room. An infinite number of tiny moments that seemed insignificant on their own, and yet added together, created a magnitude of friendship and life. One giant, life-changing secret that, once shared, was a burden halved. One enormous gift that granted the wolf a pack and lessened his burden even more. One near tragic mistake that almost cost them everything. One year of reconciliation and penance and, finally, absolution. And now?

And now they stood on the edge of all of that, ready to risk it all if they could just…

Remus didn't know if he moved, or if Sirius moved, or perhaps they both moved together - but it didn't matter now because their lips were pressed together, hungry and wanting, seeking more and taking more. Remus felt Sirius' tongue press along the lines of his lips, and he opened to grant him access. He placed one hand on Sirius's waist and carded one through his hair until he was gripping the locks at the nape of his neck and pulling slightly as Sirius' head fell back and his neck was exposed. Remus trailed kisses along his jaw and down his neck, nipping and sucking slightly, eliciting the most delicious moans out of the other man's throat.

Sirius' hands fell low on Remus' hips, his thumb tracing light circles in the dip of his skin. Remus felt his skin ignite under his fingertips, lightning shooting throughout his body and lighting him on fire. He felt a low growl grow in his chest, unsure if it was from him or some remnant of the wolf that had only just nights ago laid claim to Remus' body. He felt Sirius react to that low sound, drawing his body closer and offering more of himself to the rough ministrations of Remus' lips.

As Sirius drew his body closer to his own, Remus felt the long, hard length at the crest of the other man's legs press into his thigh, and Remus was filled with want.

Remus walked them both toward the bed, an careful negotiation of legs and feet, until the backs of Sirius' knees pressed against the bed and they were both falling onto it, a tangle of limbs and lips and lust. Remus moved on top of Sirius, and pressed their bodies together, and both sighed in some mix of relief and need as their hardness met between them. Their mouths met again, and Remus rutted slowly against Sirius, acclimating his body to the unique pleasure of being lined up like this with this man after he had spent so many nights longing for him.

Sirius released a needy moan into Remus' mouth, which he happily captured and replied with increasingly passionate kisses. He thrust, again and again, relishing in the friction of their cocks rocking together, lubricated by the precum that was readily leaking between them.

They shifted, and Remus' knees slotted between Sirius' legs, and their bodies moved somehow impossibly closer together. Their kisses deepened, and Remus' hands ran long lines down Sirius's abdomen. Their hands met at Remus' hips, and he brought Sirius's hands over his head, their fingers entwined and clenched together in the sheets above them.

The silence was broken by Sirius's sharp intake of breath, and then -

"Remus, Rem - " he gasped out. Remus moved his lips down Sirius' jaw and to his ear, where he nipped at his ear lobe. "Remus, I've never - ah - I've never done this before."

Remus pulled back slightly, and pushed himself up enough to look Sirius in the eyes. He saw the hesitation there, behind the want and need that overpowered everything else. "What do you mean?" Communal dorm rooms do not hold secrets well, and Remus knew that Sirius was not inexperienced, having been with both men and women before. It killed Remus to hear of these conquests, but he knew that Sirius had done this before.

"I've never - ah -" Sirius looked a little bashful, almost shy, and if he hadn't been stalling what was turning out to be a near transcendent experience, Remus might have even found it cute. "I've never been on the receiving end of this."

Oh. Oh. "Do you want to stop? Or, um, we could do something else?"

"No," Sirius replied bluntly. "No, I want to, with you. I just - ah -"

Remus smiled, and returned to placing kisses on the soft skin under his ear. "We can take this slow," he whispered in Sirius' ear, and felt the man tremble beneath him.

"Yes," came the near breathless reply. Anything else he might have wanted to say was lost in a series of gasps and moans shared between them.

Remus moved slightly away from Sirius, granting himself the room to work. Sirius whined slightly at the loss, and Remus smiled down at him.

"I'm going to prep you now." Sirius nodded his consent, and Remus reached for his wand on the table next to them. He cast the cleaning and lubrication charms, and felt Sirius shudder below him, knowing he felt the warm slickness fill him. He cast the charm again on his fingers, and moved his hand between them until his finger found the puckered hole.

Sirius let out a low moan as Remus began running his finger in slow circles around the hole, teasing but not penetrating yet. He waited until Sirius was brimming with want. "We will go slow, but only when you are ready."

Sirius hesitated for only a moment before nodding, and Remus broke through that tight ring. He stilled, only the tip of his finger within the other man, until he grew accustomed to the intrusion. Slowly he slid his finger deeper and deeper, until it was lost inside Sirius. He slowly slid his finger out, and then glided it back in again, and again, and again, until Sirius was moaning with the pleasure of it.

"Ready for another one?" He teased the entrance again with his second finger, the tip of the first still inside, and waited for the hesitation to cross Sirius's face and for him to nod again. A second finger slipped inside, and Remus repeated the process of slowly sliding in and out. He moved his fingers more freely, scissoring and spreading them to stretch the other man. He felt his own cock jump slightly in anticipation, already seeking the warm heat that waited buried inside Sirius.

"Another one?" Remus asked, third finger already poised to penetrate him. The nod came quicker this time, all hesitation lost to the sensation of fingers and the anticipation of what was still to come. Remus worked slowly still, despite every desire within him wanting this part to be done so that they could just get on with it. This time he moved his other hand to Sirius's hard cock, stroking him gently in time with the thrust of his finger. He moved his finger to find the sensitive spot within the other man and pressed, gripping his other hand at the base to prevent any unintentional release as Sirius arched his back into Remus' hand.

"You're ready for me," Remus said, sliding his fingers slowly in and out again. "You're so beautiful. Let me know when I can continue."

"Please," came the breathy reply that was part consent but mostly plea.

Remus smiled, and found himself unable to resist. "Please what?" He lined the spell-slickened head of his cock up to Sirius' prepared hole, and gently teased the sensitive area.

Sirius groaned under him. "Please, Remus."

Remus chuckled, not sure where this sudden resolve was coming from. "You're going to have to say it, Sirius, so I know you want it."

Sirius whined something that sounded almost more Padfoot than human, and the wolf within Remus roared in his chest. "Please, Remus, please." A moment passed, and Remus held his breath and didn't move as he waited. "Please fuck me."

The tight ring opened and slid around Remus until just the bell end was inside, and they both let out matching moans. Remus slid slowly inside Sirius, bit by bit, until he was sheathed completely in the other man. They stayed there for a moment, allowing their bodies to adjust to the new sensation.

"Ready?" Remus saw Sirius nod, eyes closed but a look of pure bliss etched on his features. Remus moved slowly at first, giving Sirius time to adjust to the sensations, before increasing the pace and pressure of each thrust.

"Alright?" Remus struggled to keep his steady motion instead of giving over to the sensations surrounding him, wanting to make sure that Sirius enjoyed this as much as he did.

"Remus." His name came out as part growl, drenched in passion and still more Padfoot than human. "Shut up and fuck me."

Remus dropped all pretense and lost himself within Sirius. He lowered his body on top of Sirius', and slid his hands down Sirius's arms until their fingers were once again entwined over their heads. He plunged deeply, quickly, filling Sirius again and again, feeling every inch of uncharted territory inside of him. With every thrust, he felt the wolf inside claiming the man, the dog, for his own - mine, mine, mine. Sirius lay beneath him, arching up and pulling Remus closer with his ankles crossed behind his back, and every motion felt like a resounding reply - yours, yours, yours. They moved together, danced together, and became one in the steady rhythm of their bodies.

It was not long - or maybe it was hours, for Remus was so lost in this moment that it could have been days passing - before he felt Sirius's breath quicken beneath him, and felt him contract around him. Remus released Sirius's hand and moved his own between them, gripping and stroking Sirius's hard length, coaxing him to the edge until he finally released, spilling over Remus' hand and onto his chest. Remus thrust once, twice, three times more until he too found release buried within Sirius.

Remus collapsed on top of Sirius, still inside of him and sweat mingling with come on their chests between them. Sirius dropped his arms from over their heads and wrapped them around Remus' neck. He peppered kisses on Remus' head and cheeks while Remus felt his heart rate and his breathing slow.

Remus rolled off of Sirius, feeling himself at last slip out, and reached back to grab his wand. He cast cleaning charms over both of them, and then a cooling charm for good measure, and drew Sirius against his chest, legs and arms entangled. They lay there together, quiet and comfortable in each other's presence. Remus vaguely recalled this moment was supposed to feel awkward - the quiet negotiation of how long was too long to stay entwined this way before shuffling away - but none of that seemed to matter now. There was only quiet contentment.

Remus felt himself drifting off into what promised to be a deep and restful sleep when he felt Sirius shift next to him.

"Remus?" Remus hummed in response, words lost at the edge of sleep. "You're beautiful, too."

#wolfstar #wolfstar smut #PWP #gratuitous smut #harry potter #sirius black #remus lupin #remus x sirius #practice smut #snitchwrites

81 notes · View notes

troped-fanfic-challenge · 3 years

Text

JATP ROUND THREE FICS!

We received fourteen (14!!!!) fics for Round Three of the JATP Event! These fics are full of that sweet, sweet canonverse goodness that we can’t get enough of, but with our signature TROPED twist! We loved to see you all challenge yourselves with the theme, tropes, and pairings!

Please try to read as many fics as you can! Take some notes, leave some kudos/comments for the authors, and help us vote on the winners!

Voting will be open until May 29th at 11:59pm EST! Vote here:

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/BZ3W5FT

———

Just say you won't let go (Rated G) [Julie/Luke]

Summary: Hey, Julie

You're the heart and soul 'round here, it's plain to see

in which Julie has a second chance with her boys, and then another

we will fight to shine together (bright forever) (Rated G) [Bright Lighting Guy/Rob from the Orpheum]

Summary: “Hey,” Chris says, walking up to the boy. “What are you doing?”

“Oh,” he puts the dandelions down and stands up. “Hi. I’m trying to make a flower crown, but I don’t remember how.”

“Cool. I’m Chris, I live--” he points to his house. “Over there.”

The boy gives him a lopsided smile. “I’m Rob. I’m staying with my grandparents for the summer.”

or: the rob/bright lighting guy fic literally nobody asked for but i wrote anyways. enjoy gays, bring ur tissues

what happened when (Rated G) [Alex/Luke]

Summary: Before Julie and the Phantoms, before the guys became ghosts, before Sunset Curve -- they were Luke and Alex. Not 5 feet apart cause they're totally gay.

who cares if one more light goes out? (in a sky of a million stars) (Rated T) [Ray/Rose]

Summary: Rose moves in across the street when he’s eight and she is seven. Their parents push for them to play together, because that’s what parents do. They’re not wrong about it though. The two of them get on like a house on fire and some of his happiest memories from his childhood are just him and Rose, sitting in the large oak tree behind their houses. Hidden up in the branches, between the millions of dark green leaves, they played together.

or: The first and the last time Ray ever kissed Rose.

we can forget the world (just you and me) (Rated T) [Alex/Willie]

Summary: “This was the first place I ever came out to someone,” Alex says, spinning around and taking in the tree house.

together we can take on the world (Rated G) [Alex/Reggie]

Summary: Alex Mercer meets Reggie Peters on October 8, 1983, which means that two days have passed since Reggie's sixth birthday, because Reggie is a Libra according to the magazines that his mom reads when she gets Reggie to paint her toenails. He’s also just moved to Los Angeles, California from his hometown of Gatlinburg, Tennessee, a small town in the mountains, and he’s told Alex Mercer about all of this in the three minutes that they’ve known each other, and he might be the loudest, most obnoxious boy that Alex has ever met, and he absolutely has to be Alex’s new best friend.

The Peters family moves in down the street from the Mercers in 1983, and so begins the rest of their lives.

Long Live (Can I start another life with you?) (Rated T) [Julie/Luke]

Summary: It's all too much for one day: first a muffin, then more heartbeats. Julie just needs some time to think. If Luke runs after her to sit by her side so she doesn't lose it, she won't complain.

Except afterwards, he starts acting weird. Very weird. And months later, she's tired of letting him keep his distance.

She can’t do this. Not right now. Not today.

She jumps back on her feet.

The excited grin falls from Luke’s face. She doesn’t try to catch it.

“I – I think this is too much. I need some time. Alone. Sorry.”

Then she runs. She runs past the calloused fingers reaching out to her. Past Reggie and the door, past carved pumpkins on porches and Cornelia Street.

She just runs.

Roses (Rated G) [Emily & Luke, Alex/Luke]

Summary: It becomes a sacred place she shares with her son. Mitch is usually off at work from dawn until six o’clock, but Emily’s working from home for now. She works as a florist’s shop right outside the neighborhood. So she brings home seeds and little flowers and other cuts from the store; she and Luke will spend hours out in the dirt, planting seeds and making mud pies and Luke will babble about whatever happened in daycare and make up stories about the different flowers.

Somewhere Only We Know (Rated T) [Nick/Carrie]

Summary: Nick Danforth-Evans met Julie Molina when he was six years old. He had no idea how much an impact that afternoon would have on his life.

___

A journey through Nick Danforth-Evan's life as experienced in the safety of his backyard hide away.

The Itty Bitty Details (Rated T) [Alex/Willie]

Summary: “Did I forget to mention William, I also get your soul,”

Willie could feel a stinging feeling and a purple stamp appeared on his hand. When the stamp appeared he could no longer remember who Alex was. The name meant nothing to Willie now.

Or 5 times Willie knew Alex and one where Alex knew Willie

you're the only one who makes me (my wildflower) (Rated T) [Bobby/Reggie]

Summary: The tree was Reggie's safe space, and Bobby was his safe person. He could escape all his troubles there, except for one nagging thought - did he have feelings for his best friend?

Dying complicated things.

because i've known you so long, i know every cadence and what they mean (Rated G) [Alex & Julie, Julie/Luke]

Summary: Alex and Julie have always lived right next to each other. Through highs and lows, they grow up together. Also, 5 times Luke kisses Julie and it doesn't count plus 1 time Julie kisses Luke and it does count.

Alternatively, the Juke 5+1 fic from Alex's POV. Strap in, folks.

Someday (I'll See You Again) (Rated T) [Alex/Willie]

Summary: They’re wrong. Alex, you are not a failure. You’re incredible. You’re smart. You’re funny, and the best friend I could ask for. You’re a wicked talented drummer and you have a beautiful voice. And more important than all of that, is that you’re you, Alex. And the you you are is wonderful, and lovable and perfect. If your parents can’t see that, that’s their own fault. But I swear, Alex. If you’re afraid of them, I need you to tell me. You have to be safe.” Willie’s voice had gone desperate by the end. Alex deserved to know how freaking amazing he was and the fact that his parents didn’t bother to tell him, and actively worked to tear him down instead, was infuriating.

But Willie also worried about him. He’d worried about Alex since the first time he heard Mr. Mercer shouting through the window, a worry that never really went away. Not with the way Alex automatically straightened up when his parents were mentioned, as if he could hear his dad lecturing him about appearances from miles away. Not with the way Alex looked when he was with them, perfectly pieced together and falling apart at the seams, eyes distant and shoulders tense. Willie was pretty sure he had worrying about Alex etched in his bones by this point.

The Energy Never Dies (Rated T) [Gen Fic]

Summary: Well, I ain't always right, but I've never been wrong

Seldom turns out the way it does in a song

Once in a while, you get shown the light

In the strangest of places if you look at it right

--- Scarlet Begonias, Grateful Dead

Four moments across time in the loft of the Molina's garage.

#troped: jatp #round 3: canonverse #jatp fanfiction #round 3 submissions #round 3 voting #troped: voting

51 notes · View notes

nikkoliferous · 3 years

Text

Phase One: Avengers (Part One)

With everything being about the LOKI series right now and me dreading it, I figured I'd distract myself by finally posting my thoughts on the Phase One: Avengers novel, which I seem to recall somehow being way worse than the Thor novel? I'm not completely convinced this thing wasn't ghostwritten by Taika Waititi; that's all I'm saying. Anyways, here we go.

(Quick note: please be aware that this overview is significantly Thor-critical. If that sort of thing bothers you, I do not recommend proceeding. You've been warned. Lol)

Let's start off with a friendly reminder that SHIELD had four hours to evacuate before Loki showed up, shall we?

Dr. Selvig read an energy surge from the Tesseract four hours ago,” Coulson was saying.

“I didn’t approve going to testing,” Fury said.

Coulson nodded. “He wasn’t testing it. He wasn’t even in the room. Spontaneous event.”

So either they're grossly incompetent or grossly negligent, but either way those deaths are on them at least as much as they're on Loki. If not more so.

“It just turned itself on?” Hill sounded skeptical. Fury, as usual, was less interested in how they’d gotten there than in what they were going to do next.

[...]

Selvig acknowledged him briefly and then returned his attention to the monitoring equipment. “Director, the Tesseract is misbehaving.”

“Is that supposed to be funny?”

“No, it’s not funny at all. The Tesseract is not only active, she’s… behaving.”

Fury didn’t comment on the doctor characterizing the Tesseract as female. He also wasn’t interested in Selvig’s notions about its personality. It didn’t have a personality. It was a cube containing energy, and all Nick Fury wanted was to know how to control that energy. “I assume you pulled the plug.”

Fury having no intellectual curiosity explains a lot, tbh. Like how he thinks Loki "kills because it's fun", even though nothing about their prior interaction indicates that. Like, at all. Loki killed only the agents who were attacking him. Because he felt threatened. If he indeed killed for the fun of it, he would have taken them all out and been done with it. Doing so would have both entertained him and made for a much smoother getaway.

“She’s an energy source. We turn off the power, she turns it back on. If she reaches peak level—”

“We prepared for this, Doctor. Harnessing energy from space.”

“We’re not ready. My calculations are far from complete. And she’s throwing off interference radiation.”

Fury watched the Tesseract in its circular containment shell. Eight separate energy sensors built into a frame supporting that shell were designed to measure and conduct that energy. Those sensors in turn rested on stainless-steel support scaffolding. The whole setup sprouted cables and conduits. These were there to supply energy to the Tesseract in a controlled fashion so Dr. Selvig could analyze its reactions. Now they were all shut down, as Dr. Selvig had said, but even so, the Tesseract glowed with a fierce blue energy. It was starting to spill onto the sensors, arcing like electricity. But it wasn’t electricity. It was something much more exotic.

I also find it curious/amusing/something that Fury later accuses Loki of "stealing a force [he] can't hope to control". YOU'RE DESCRIBING YOURSELF, NICK. YOU'RE THE ONE WHO CAN'T CONTROL IT AND HAS BEEN ARROGANTLY PRETENDING YOU CAN.

The man looked up at them and smiled as he stood. He was not a large man, not remarkable in any particular way. He had long black hair and wore black leather clothing, similar to what Fury was wearing. However, he wasn’t a S.H.I.E.L.D. agent. Fury didn’t know where he had come from.

I beg to fucking differ lmao

Fury had the Tesseract in a steel carrying case and was taking a step toward the door when the stranger turned to him and said, “Please don’t. I still need that.”

Kudos to Loki for not forgetting his princely manners even while completely off his rocker. Lol

“This doesn’t have to get any messier,” Fury said. He glanced quickly around, trying to figure the fastest way out.

“Of course it does,” the stranger said. “I’ve come too far for anything else.”

TELL US WHAT YOU'VE BEEN THROUGH, LOKI. INQUIRING MINDS WANT TO KNOW.

“Loki?” Dr. Selvig said. He stood up from helping one of his fellow doctors, who was barely conscious. “Brother of Thor?”

“We have no quarrel with your people,” Fury said.

Loki acknowledged Selvig and then returned his attention to Fury.

By "acknowledged", the author means he rolled his eyes so hard he saw his own brain lmao

“I come with glad tidings,” Loki said. “Of a world made free.”

“Free from what?” Fury asked.

Turning back to him, Loki said simply, “Freedom. Freedom is life’s great lie. Once you accept that in your heart…” As he spoke the word “heart,” he turned and touched Selvig’s chest with the tip of his scepter, just as he had with Hawkeye. Selvig gasped, and the same change came over his face that Fury had seen in Hawkeye’s. “You will know peace.”

He's not simply deranged, you know. For Loki, this is actually true. He has never been free in his entire life, and won't be at any point after this either. Yes, there was also the torture and the mind control at play, but even underneath all that, is it any wonder he was vulnerable to the Thanos cult's brainwashing?

Hawkeye had been looking around the complex. Now he stepped up to Loki. “Sir, Director Fury is stalling. This place is about to blow and drop a hundred feet of rock on us. He means to bury us.”

Loki looked back at Fury, who said, “Like the pharaohs of old.”

“He’s right, the portal is collapsing in on itself!” Selvig called out from the monitors. “We’ve got maybe two minutes before this goes critical.”

Friendly reminder, once again, that Loki wasn't even aware the PEGASUS facility was on the verge of collapsing—let alone the cause of it.

“Well then,” Loki said. He glanced over at Hawkeye.

Without a word, Hawkeye drew his gun and shot Nick Fury once, dead center in the chest.

Two things:

1) Every time I see this scene in gifs, all I can think of is, "Pull the lever, Kronk." 🤣

2) So how does the direct mind control of the sceptre work anyway? Because Loki never actually gives Barton a command here. So does he sometimes communicate with his minions telepathically (sort of like The Other does with him), or does Barton just intuit his intent here, or what?

Maria Hill saw Hawkeye come out of the lab into the garage with Selvig, a liaison officer, and a stranger carrying a spear. He looked more like one of the people they’d been recruiting into the Avengers Initiative than an ordinary technician or S.H.I.E.L.D. agent. “Who's that?” she asked.

*sigh* In a just MCU, this would have been foreshadowing.

She jumped into a jeep and headed after them. Other S.H.I.E.L.D. vehicles followed, filled with agents. They roared along the underground access road that led up to the surface in the New Mexico desert. She was gaining on them and firing as she drove. Sooner or later, she’d be close enough to have a good shot at the stranger.

He had other ideas, though. When he saw the pursuing convoy get too close, he pointed his scepter at them. The tip of it flared bright blue, and a bolt of energy lashed out from it, striking the vehicle in front of Hill and shattering the right side of its passenger compartment. The vehicle slewed around and flipped, rolling and landing sideways across the road. They were blocked.

Interesting of Loki to go for the passenger compartment instead of the driver. Was anyone even sitting there? Just one more example in a long string of Loki being inexplicably merciful to his enemies, I guess. 🤷

They got around ahead of the truck, and Fury leaned out of the helicopter’s side door. He fired, emptying his clip. He could tell from the sparks that some of the bullets had hit, but he was too far away to see if they’d done any damage.

His real target was Loki, but he was protected by the cab of the truck. Fury couldn’t get a good shot at him.

Did Fury already forget that Loki is bulletproof, or...? I mean, I guess that's fair. Earlier, Hawkeye goes to draw his sidearm only minutes after the narration points out that the bullets already fired at Loki had bounced away harmlessly.

Leaning over the truck’s roof and keeping low, however, Loki could get a good shot at the helicopter. A blue bolt lanced out and struck the helicopter’s rotor assembly. All the control mechanisms went haywire, and the helicopter spiraled down out of the sky. The truck drove underneath them as they were about to crash, close enough that Fury could see the gloating expression on Loki’s face.

Haha, good for him.

“Coulson, you know that Stark trusts me about as far as he can throw me,” she said.

“Oh, I’ve got Stark,” Coulson said. “You’ve got the big guy.”

Oh, Natasha thought. That big guy. She said something in Russian. It wasn’t polite.

This has nothing to do with Loki. It just made me laugh.

Nick Fury had called an emergency meeting of the World Security Council. They needed to know what had happened with the Tesseract, and they needed to know what he planned to do about it. He brought up holographic images of all the WSC members, with their faces and locations hidden. He did not know who they were, but S.H.I.E.L.D. reported to them.

Well, that doesn't sound problematic at all, does it?

“The Avengers Initiative was shut down.”

“This isn’t about the Avengers.” That wasn’t strictly true, but Nick Fury was no idiot. He wasn’t going to show all his cards to the World Security Council when he didn’t even know who they were.

I'm glad he at least recognizes the stupidity of working for people he doesn't know, but uh... debatable, otherwise. Lol

“This isn’t about personality profiles anymore,” Coulson said. He wasn’t giving up, and that irritated Tony even more than the fact he’d showed up right when the celebration of Stark Tower was supposed to be starting.

*cough*DIVA*cough*

Loki watched Dr. Erik Selvig work, preparing the Tesseract for the next phase of his plan. Technicians and soldiers scurried about on various errands. Loki did not know the details and did not care. They were beneath him. He had his eye solely on the greater prize. It was time to consult with the Chitauri and begin the next phase of the preparations.

Really? You expect me to believe that Loki, the master tactician with "a cunning mind far exceeding Thor and Odin’s", couldn't be bothered to know the details of his own plan? Um, how about no?

Deep space and a field of stars surrounded this rocky world. Pale blue lights glowed where the Chitauri had built their fortress. They gleamed in a set of stairs that climbed to the topmost tower. That was where Loki had made his bargain with the Chitauri: They would be his army and he would open a path to Earth for them. Once Earth was his, and Asgard as well, he would turn the Tesseract over to them.

At least that was what he had promised.

1) Who said anything about Asgard...?

2) Indicator that Loki never planned on actually turning over the Tesseract? I don't know why you'd include this line otherwise.

“Let them gird themselves,” he said. “I will lead them in glorious battle.”

“Battle?” the Chitauri warrior snorted. “Against the meager might of Earth?”

“Glorious,” Loki repeated. “Not lengthy. If your force is as formidable as you claim.”

He had intended to anger the Chitauri, and he had succeeded.

Personally, I saw this less as intending to anger and more as "Loki has no self-preservation instinct and literally cannot help himself". What's to be gained by intentionally pissing off The Other here?

“You don’t have the Tesseract yet.” The Chitauri leader rushed at Loki and stopped just short of him, claws raised. Loki did not move.

“I don’t threaten,” he said, though he was doing exactly that.

LOL

The Chitauri leader backed down but only a step. “You will have your war, Asgardian,” he growled. Then he too decided to make a threat. “If you fail, if the Tesseract is kept from us, there will be no realm, no barren moon, no crevice where he cannot find you. You think you know pain? He will make you long for something as sweet as pain.”

Loki flashed back into his awareness of Earth. He took a deep breath. The Chitauri did not frighten him… but he would have been a fool if he had not possessed a healthy respect for their leader, the mad Titan known as Thanos. For it was Thanos who had given Loki the scepter, and Thanos who had rallied the Chitauri to Loki’s cause… and Thanos who wished to possess the Tesseract for his own monstrous ends. One did not bargain lightly with Thanos—and one certainly did not fail to meet the terms of such a bargain.

Love how this book just repeatedly glosses over the obvious fact that Loki was tortured. In the first chapter, it makes zero mention of his stumbling or other signs of being weakened. Here, it completely omits the pain WE ALL SAW The Other inflict on him. Fuck this narrator, seriously.

Steve had a moment to look around. The commanding officer appeared to be a woman with short dark hair reeling off orders from near the center of the bridge. “S.H.I.E.L.D. Emergency Protocol 193.6 in effect,” she was saying after a series of status orders and acknowledgments. Steve didn’t know what protocol that was. At the moment, all he knew was that he was on a flying aircraft carrier… and wasn’t that enough? Amazing.

[....]

The Helicarrier disappeared from view. From the inside, it didn’t look any different, but Steve saw monitors from satellite feeds, and on those, the Helicarrier had simply become invisible. He corrected himself: He wasn’t just on a flying aircraft carrier. He was on an invisible flying aircraft carrier. The future was pretty… cool, was the word everyone used now.

I'm not the biggest Steve fan, but I will admit to finding his childlike awe over the Helicarrier slightly adorable. Lol

Side note: is someone on this thing coordinating with Air Traffic Control? I... really hope so.

“What did it show you, Agent Barton?”

Barton turned to look at Loki. “My next target,” he said.

Loki nodded. “Tell me what you need.”

Barton took one his bows out of a case and snapped it into shape with a flick of his arm. “I need a distraction,” he said. “And a biometric ID.”

Why the change from "eyeball", I wonder? Seems random. Lol

Inside, Loki had been mingling with the crowd, taking on the appearance of an ordinary man with a walking stick. But as the president of the museum, one Doktor Heinrich Schäfer, began his welcoming speech, Loki decided it was time to make a dramatic entrance. He tapped the walking stick on the floor and it became his scepter. Immediately, to get the crowd’s attention, he aimed it at the nearest museum security guard and fired.

This... didn't happen?? At all??

Loki strode the rest of the way down the stairs and manhandled Schäfer over to a stone altar that was one of the museum’s prized ancient Norse relics. He slammed Schäfer onto his back, forcing a machine over his face. Schäfer cried out in pain and surprise as the machine shone blinding light into his face, holding his eyes open.

On the one hand, confirmation that Loki did not actually shred this dude's eye and he's probably fine. On the other hand, the author completely made up what just happened literally two sentences ago, so their credibility is a little suspect at the moment. Lol

A police car, alerted by the commotion, raced toward him. He blasted it with his scepter, and it spun out of control and crashed.

ACAB!

The crowd froze. Slowly the crowd knelt, and Loki reveled in their submission. “There,” he said. “Is this not simpler? Is this not your natural state? It’s the unspoken truth of humanity, that you crave subjugation. The bright lure of freedom diminishes your life’s joy in a mad scramble for power, for identity. You were made to be ruled. In the end, you will always kneel.”

He's talking about himself here. We all get that, right?

An old man in the middle of the crowd stood. Loki paused in his speech to regard this individual. Around him, all the copies of himself also looked at this old man.

“Not to men like you,” the old man said.

“There are no men like me,” Loki said.

No lies detected.

But Loki was tougher than he looked. He struck back with the scepter, forcing Captain America to parry until Loki found an opening and slammed the butt of the scepter into Captain America’s midsection, knocking him down. Captain America threw the shield again, but this time Loki was ready. He knocked it aside. It fell ringing to the stones of the plaza, and Loki had the tip of the scepter against the back of Captain America’s neck before the soldier could get back to his feet.

Correction: If he'd actually been trying to win, he would have used the tip. (Narrator: he was not trying to win).

A sudden storm rose around the Quinjet. Natasha looked at the instrument panel. There’d been no warning of heavy weather. “Where’s this coming from?” she wondered out loud.

At first, she thought that Loki was responsible. But that didn’t appear to be the case. He looked more nervous than anyone else on the jet.

Loki has Thor-induced PTSD. Understandable, tbh.

Thor let Loki fall well before they got to the ground.

Because Thor is an asshole.

So hey, as long as we're here, let's review how each member of Loki's family responds to the realisation that he's survived his suicide attempt.

Thor- manhandles him, angrily demands to know where the Tesseract is

Odin- refuses to even use his name, implies he should have either slaughtered him as an infant or left him to die

Frigga- tells him not to make things worse (fucking rich coming from the woman who exacerbated his trauma immeasurably by thrusting the throne upon him when he was at his most vulnerable)

Wild, man. I wonder why Loki's convinced his family doesn't give a shit about him. They seem like such loving people to me.

“I remember a shadow,” Loki said bitterly. “Living in the shade of your greatness. I remember you tossing me into an abyss. I who was and should be king!”

Because you would have destroyed Asgard, Thor thought. Just to impress our father, you would have annihilated all the Nine Realms. “So you took the world I love as recompense for your imagined slights? No. The Earth is under my protection, Loki.”

1) Actually, he was trying to save Asgard... from a war that YOU started, numbnuts. He went about it all wrong because he was having a fucking mental breakdown, but at no stage did he even really endanger Asgard, let alone come close to destroying it.

2) Um, what? Where the fuck in Loki's plan was annihilating anything other than Jötunheim? I see Thor shares his friends' impressive conclusion-jumping skills. Not surprising.

3) Thor, I mean this truly and without reservation: go fuck yourself.

Loki chuckled. “And you’re doing a marvelous job with that. The humans slaughter each other in droves while you idly fret. I mean to rule them, and why should I not?”

He... has a point.

“You think yourself above them?”

“Well, yes.”

At least Loki is honest about his condescension, Thor. You should try it sometime.

Suddenly furious, Loki raged at Thor. “I’ve seen worlds you’ve never known about! I have grown, Odinson, in my exile. I have seen the true power of the Tesseract, and when I wield it—”

“Who showed you this power?” Thor interrupted. “Who controls the would-be king?”

And he will never bring this up again. Ever.

Stepping right up to his brother, Thor shouted back. “Not here! You give up the Tesseract! You give up this poisonous dream!” Then he softened. “You come home.”

“I don’t have it,” Loki said. Furious, Thor brought Mjolnir to his hand, ready for battle.

Thor's sort of a one-solution kind of guy, huh? Somebody help me out here, because he's "changed" but his first instinct when he's not getting his way is still to react with intimidation and violence. Funny how that works.

Tony braked and skidded to a halt as the Asgardian rolled away from him, tearing up trees and brush as he went. He got to his feet and extended a warning hand. “Do not touch me again,” he said.

Oh, what's the matter, Thor? Do you not like being manhandled? That's weird because you sure do seem to enjoy doing the manhandling. 😕

“If he gives up the cube, he’s all yours. Until then…” Tony’s faceplate clamped back down. “Stay out of the way.”

He turned to walk back to a place where he could make a clean takeoff. “Tourist,” he muttered.

That was the last straw, apparently, because the next thing Tony knew, the Asgardian’s hammer had hit him about as hard as he’d ever been hit in his life. The force of the blow carried him through the trunk of a tree and laid him out flat in the dirt.

Please note that Thor was not being attacked. He once again used offensive violence against someone who hurt his feelbads. "Changed", my rear.

“Then prove it,” Cap said. “Put that hammer down.”

“Uh, no, bad call,” Iron Man said. “He loves his hammer—”

The Asgardian interrupted Tony by smashing him out of the way with a backhand swing. “You want me to put the hammer down?” he roared, and leaped high into the air, bringing his hammer down toward Captain America.

And again—not in any immediate danger, simply reacting with violence to something that made him angry.

“Oh, I’ve heard. A mindless beast. Makes play he’s still a man. How desperate are you, that you call on such lost creatures to defend you?”

“How desperate am I?” Fury echoed. He walked slowly over the catwalk to stand in front of Loki. “You threaten my world with war. You steal a force you can’t hope to control. You talk about peace, but you kill because it’s fun. You have made me very desperate. You might not be glad that you did.”

This is called 'projection', kids. Projection, and making up stories about your enemies so they're easier to hate. Fury needs to show his work.

Loki knew he had been heard throughout the ship. He could hear the echoes of the speakers, and even if he had not, he always knew when people were listening to him. That was part of his power, to make them listen… and to make each of them hear something just a little different. Just what he wanted them to hear.

This doesn’t mean anything, does it??

Perhaps he was in a cage right now, but he had been in cages before. Not once had one been able to hold him for long.

This... has to be a reference to his time with the Black Order, right? There's certainly no basis for such a statement pre-2011.

Or the author is just on crack. That's very possible.

Thor took a step toward Bruce. “Have a care how you speak,” he warned. “Loki is beyond reason, but he is of Asgard… and he is my brother.”

“He killed eighty people in two days,” Natasha pointed out.

Citation needed, please.

“Well, I promise a stress-free environment. No tension, no surprises…” As he spoke, Tony walked behind Bruce and gave him a little zap with an electrical instrument.

“Ow!” Bruce said.

Tony looked closely at him. “Nothing?” He’d been testing Bruce to see how well he controlled the Hulk. The little shock hadn’t provoked any kind of unusual reaction, which Tony seemed to find a little disappointing.

Ok, but what exactly was Tony's plan if Bruce had Hulked out here? lmao

“Steve,” Bruce said, “tell me none of this smells a little funky to you.”

Cap looked back and forth between the two scientists. Bruce could tell he was struggling with something… but he also wasn’t going to share it. He was too much of a good soldier for that.

🙄🙄🙄🙄🙄

“Yeah. I’ll read all about it.”

“Or you’ll be suiting up with the rest of us.”

Bruce shook his head with a regretful smile. “No, see, I don’t get a suit of armor. I’m exposed. Like a nerve. It’s a nightmare.”

Bruce has BPD. Lol

No, you guys don't understand. That's literally what it feels like.

Thor watched over Coulson’s shoulder as the agent showed him S.H.I.E.L.D.’s current files on Jane Foster. When he had learned that Loki had captured Erik Selvig, his first thought had been of Jane. Thor had destroyed the Bifrost to save the Nine Realms, but he had also cut himself off from her… or so he had thought. It was a terrible decision to make, sacrificing love for duty—yet Thor had done it. If necessary, he would do it again. He hoped it would not be necessary, though, and that was one reason why he had asked Coulson about Jane.

Oh my god, Thor. You spent like, three days with her, max. And people call Loki the dramatic one...

Thor looked out into the sky, gathering his thoughts. “When I first came to Earth,” he went on, “Loki’s rage followed me here, and your people paid the price. Now, again. In my youth, I courted war.”

“War hasn’t started yet,” Fury said.

1) Correction: when your daddy threw you to Earth like a sack of trash down a cosmic garbage chute. You were not here on vacation, bro.

2) No, Loki's rage followed your treasonous friends.

3) LAST YEAR. YOUR 'YOUTH' WAS LAST YEAR.

4) *committed mass murder over an insult

“You think you could make Loki tell us where the Tesseract is?”

This possibility hadn’t occurred to Thor. “I do not know,” he said. “Loki’s mind is far afield. It’s not just power he craves. It’s vengeance, upon me. There’s no pain that would pry that need from him.”

1) Opposing Thor = being crazy. Noted.

2) Not everything is about you, buddy. At the risk of repeating myself, this is the guy I'm supposed to believe learned humility? Really? Where?

3) Please note that Thor does not object to torturing Loki because it's immoral or because the thought of hurting Loki pains him. He objects because he doesn't believe it will work.

Thor held Fury’s gaze. It was not the first time he had looked at a one-eyed man who posed him a difficult question. “What are you asking me to do?” he asked, wanting Fury to be clear and to own his words.

“I’m asking what you are prepared to do,” Fury said quietly.

“Loki is a prisoner,” Thor said. He thought Fury was testing him, seeing if he would violate his ideals to find out something they all needed to know. But Thor would not.

"I'm okay with physically assaulting prisoners if they make me mad, but I suddenly draw the line at torture. Even though my 'ideals' didn't appear to be a concern two sentences ago."

If I feel like being generous to Thor, maybe he initially hoped Fury would back off if he just said torture wouldn't work, and then Thor wouldn't have to risk appearing... soft? Weak? I don't know.

“But you figured I’d come,” she said.

“After,” Loki said. “After whatever tortures Fury can concoct, you would appear as a friend, as a balm. And I would cooperate.” It was a typical approach. Cause misery, and then let someone appear as a friendly face. The miserable person would say anything to keep this friend. Loki had seen strong men break this way, many times.

I'm not sure why the author felt the need to depersonalize this by talking about other men. Loki knows this experience intimately. It's what he's endured his entire life at the hands of his "loving" family. The torture just wasn't physical then as far as we know.

An interesting story, Loki thought. She has much to atone for. He could hear some of her memories, from before her first encounter with Barton. Little girl, he thought, you’ve done some very bad things. And now you think you owe Clint Barton your life… but there is more to it. Loki could tell there was something in her mind that he was not quite uncovering. He pushed a little more.

Is... is this text implying that Loki can read people's minds/memories even without touching them?

“Can you?” he asked. “Can you wipe out that much red?” He listed for her some of the things he knew she had done. “Dreykov’s daughter… São Paulo… the hospital fire? Barton told me everything.” This was a lie. Barton had told Loki certain things about Romanoff, but he was also guessing some others.

He... guessed the details of these very specific incidents? What? lmao

He pushed ahead. Now that he understood her, he could break her. “Your ledger is dripping, it’s gushing red, and you think saving a man no more virtuous than yourself will change anything? Pathetic. You lie and kill in the service of liars and killers. You pretend to be separate, to have your own code, something that makes up for the horrors, but they are part of you and they will never go away.”

He's talking about himself again. 🥺

For some reason, this book skips right over the part where Loki threatens both Barton's and Natasha's lives. Not sure why; the author clearly has no problem depicting Loki as an unhinged psychopath most of the time. Oh well, whatevs.

Loki couldn’t understand how she had gathered her composure so quickly—and then he did understand. She was a superb actress! Or not even an actress, for he could see through a conscious performance. She was something else. She had been broken down and remade so many times, with so many identities, that she could put them on and take them off at will. And Loki had gotten lost in those emotional costume changes.

He had been outwitted by a mortal. Unthinkable.

Yeah, phew, it's a good thing Natasha figured it out in time. Otherwise, something terrible might have happened—like Bruce Hulking out and rampaging through the Helicarrier. Oh, wait...

“I was wrong, Director,” Cap said. “The world hasn’t changed a bit.” He looked angry and disappointed. Captain America was a big believer in shooting straight and telling the truth. He didn’t like spies and he didn’t like lies, and now he saw he was knee-deep in both.

This novel's hero worship of Steve Rogers is going to kill me. 🙄

“I’d like to know why S.H.I.E.L.D. is using the Tesseract to build weapons of mass destruction,” Bruce finished.

“Because of him,” Fury said, pointing at Thor.

“Me?”

“Last year, Earth had a visitor from another planet who had a grudge match that leveled a small town,” Fury said. “We learned that not only are we not alone, but we are hopelessly, hilariously, outgunned.”

Has anyone figured out yet how this line doesn't conflict with Captain Marvel? Is Fury lying to hide her existence for some reason? Or is this just one of those things that we're supposed to shrug and pretend wasn't retconned?

“A nuclear deterrent,” Tony said. “Because that always calms everything right down.”

“Remind me again how you made your fortune, Stark,” Fury said coldly.

On the one hand, yes, good point. But on the other hand, he... stopped making them? So clearly, he no longer thinks they are a good thing?

And also, not to gloss over his past sins, but wasn't Tony born rich? Lol

“I thought humans were more evolved than this,” Thor commented.

Tony turned on Thor. “Excuse me, did we come to your planet and blow stuff up?”

Didn't Fury say this in the movie? Why did the author give the line to Tony instead? There are all these... weird changes in the story that are so minor I have no idea why the author made them. Very confusing.

Just like that, all of them were arguing. Cap and Tony were nose to nose, while Bruce and Natasha fired remarks back and forth. Thor stood off to the side, contempt plain on his face.

'Cause he also thinks he's superior to humans. 🙃

Tony and Cap squared off over an argument that they couldn’t even remember starting. Tony was still mad about the last thing Cap had said to him… whatever it was.

In case there was any doubt about the sceptre being the reason everyone starts losing their shit with one another.

Cap stood his ground. “Big man in a suit of armor. Take that off, what are you?”

Tony had an answer ready for this one. “Genius, billionaire, playboy, philanthropist.”

Hey Steve? You know he invented the suit, right? Like. The suit is literally him.

“Put on the suit,” Cap said. “Let’s go a few rounds.”

Steve putting out big Joe Biden, "listen, fat..." energy here lmao

Thor laughed. “You people are so petty… and tiny.”

Thor, my dude. You literally started a war over being emasculated in front of your friends. I don't think you get to judge other people for being petty.

Fury could see things were spiraling out of control. He started trying to get them all back on track. “Agent Romanoff,” he said, “would you escort Dr. Banner back to—”

“Where?” Bruce interrupted. “My room? You rented my room.”

Nobody had said it out loud, but they all knew the cell currently holding Loki was designed for the Hulk.

What was their plan for containing the Hulk if necessary after sticking Loki in his cage, anyway? Did they even have one?

“Dr. Banner,” Cap said. “Put down the scepter.”

Bruce looked down. He hadn’t even known he’d picked it up.

Why does that sound familiar...?

Even though he could see what was going on, the hostility in the air was still thick enough that Bruce didn’t know whether he could back everyone down… or whether he could back himself down. He could feel tension rising inside him. He could feel the monster trying to get loose.

And yet none of them so much as considers the idea that the sceptre might be having a similar effect on Loki? Ok then.

But even though he was now refocused on the mission, the others still bickered. Loki had gotten into their heads, sowing discord and setting them against each other.

lmao I'd just like to note that Loki didn't actually do anything. This was all them and the effects of just being near the sceptre. #ThanksLoki

“The Tesseract belongs to Asgard,” Thor said.

Why, though?

“I’ll go after it,” Tony said.

“No you don’t,” Cap said, stepping into his way. He wasn’t ready to forget the way Tony had insulted him.

Ok, first of all, you started it. But also, seriously, Steve, that's your number one priority right now? Earth's mightiest heroes, ladies and gentlemen... lol

I have apparently managed to hit the paragraph limit, so we'll return after this short break, I guess. 🙈

↪️ On to Part Two

#there is a lot of salt here please remember to drink plenty of water #loki meta #loki #thor #tony stark #steve rogers #bruce banner #natasha romanoff #clint barton #nick fury #avengers assemble #mcu #phase one: avengers #thor critical

67 notes · View notes

221bsunsettowers · 3 years

Text

Buck/Eddie: I Can’t Get Enough of This Kind of Love (Part 2 of the Good News on My TV Screen Buddie AU series)

In just a few days, Buck has been in his second helicopter crash, been rescued by his boyfriend and their friends, witnessed people almost dying at a bug eating competition and the largest charley horse possibly ever, seen a woman with a high heel through her face at a child's beauty pageant, and had his beloved Eddie tell him he loves him for the very first time while tripping on laced brownies.

So there's that.

In which news reporter Buck is an integral part of the events from the episode 2x06 "Dosed".

(Amazing fanart poster by the amazing @jemmalynette! )

(Thank you so much to everyone who left love and kudos and comments for the first story in this series! In my head, the first story was a one and done that I had a lot of fun writing, and then all the requests to make this a series inspired me to do exactly that!

If you haven’t read the first story in the series, I would recommend doing that first, so you get the background of news reporter Buck and firefighter Eddie, and how they first meet and get together. You can read the first story here )

I Can’t Get Enough of This Kind of Love (can be read on Ao3 here)

Carefully placing the box labeled Dishes on the kitchen counter, Eddie immediately went back outside, bending down to grab the next box. "You really want me to like you, don't you?" Maddie's voice came from behind, and Eddie spun around, meeting her stare with a hopeful smile.

"Honestly, Maddie, I really like your brother, so yes please," Eddie answered promptly, and Maddie's gaze softened. She stepped forward, and patted Eddie on the shoulder as she walked past him and into her new home.

"Excellent answer!" Maddie called back, and Eddie felt arms wrap around him from behind. He leaned back into his boyfriend's embrace, smiling as Buck planted a kiss behind his ear.

"Evan!" Maddie yelled out the window, "you can make googly eyes at your boyfriend later, he wants me to like him and my furniture isn't going to move itself!" She smirked as Buck blushed and walked over to the couch, bending his knees and grabbing one end as Eddie dutifully grabbed the other.

"Googly eyes, maybe when you stop making googly eyes at Chim," Buck muttered under his breath, and Eddie laughed as they moved in tandem up the stairs.

"I'll tease Chim relentlessly at work if that helps," Eddie promised with a wink, and Buck grinned mischievously, nodding his head.

"We've got a helicopter crash, a news station was doing a traffic report," Bobby explained as the fire truck screeched to a stop and everyone quickly hopped out. Eddie noticed the rest of his team shooting worried glances at him, but he waved them off with a grateful smile.

"Buck never does the traffic reports," Eddie assured them, as Bobby called them into a quick huddle. "He told me he paid those dues a few news stations ago."

"Um, Eddie?" Chimney said hesitantly, facing the helicopter and extending a finger to point at the back window. Turning, Eddie met Buck's gaze, could see from even this distance how he was working hard to keep his breathing even and his body still.

"Fuck," Eddie breathed out, feeling his heart stutter in time with the still-spinning rotors.

"Eddie, you going to be okay on this one?" Bobby asked softly, laying a comforting hand on Eddie's shoulder.

"Buck needs me, Cap, I'm on it," Eddie promised, forcing his focus onto the job at hand. "We need to watch for dynamic rollover, when we start getting them out the weight of the copter could shift."

"Okay, Chimney, you're going to pull Buck out first, make sure you're keeping an eye on the balance," Bobby ordered as they moved towards the helicopter.

"Eddie, can you shut down the helicopter?" Eddie opened his mouth, about to argue that he should be the one to get Buck out, but then he sighed, nodding, knowing he needed to trust his captain to get Buck out of there quickly and safely.

Still, Eddie couldn't keep his eyes off Buck, lunging forward as the helicopter rocked, but then Chimney had Buck back on solid ground, and Eddie was next to the pilot, stabilizing the balance and shutting off the engine. The second he had the pilot out and in Hen's capable hands, Eddie spun around and grabbed Buck in his own grasp, pulling him into his arms.

Eddie gripped onto the back of Buck's shirt, tugging his body as closely as possible. Buck nestled his face into the crook of Eddie's shoulder, and Eddie swayed them gently from side to side, pressing his lips against Buck's temple. "You're safe, sweetheart," Eddie murmured into Buck's skin. "I've got you."

He could feel Buck nodding and pulled back just enough to see Buck's face, running a gentle finger over a small cut on his boyfriend's cheek. "Let me check you out," Eddie insisted, leading Buck over to a bench and kneeling in front of him.

"You can check me out any time," Buck bantered back with a mischevious smile, and Eddie laughed, shaking his head as he squeezed Buck's hand.

"Sounds like he's just fine!" Chimney called out with a smile, patting Buck's shoulder as he made his way over to where the pilot was sitting.

"No comments about how you're hotter than just fine, or how much you like me kneeling in front of you," Eddie commanded, pointing a finger at Buck, who shrugged and grinned, Eddie smiling back in relief. "You scared the shit out of me," Eddie whispered, leaning in to cup Buck's face in his hands, laying a soft kiss on his lips. "Let me make sure you're okay, please?"

"Yeah," Buck whispered back, resting his forehead against Eddie's, "yeah, of course." Pulling out his penlight, Eddie shined the beam into Buck's eyes.

Nodding in satisfaction, he took Buck through the rest of concussion protocol, checked for any other injuries, and cleaned out the small cut and bandaged it. Next to him, Chimney and Hen were finishing checking the pilot, assuring Buck he was completely fine.

"What were you doing on traffic anyway?" Eddie asked, sliding up to sit next to Buck, wrapping an arm around his shoulders as Buck leaned into Eddie's side.

"Oliver called in sick last minute, so I offered to sub in," Buck answered, sighing in relief as Eddie moved a hand to the back of Buck's neck, rubbing at the tense muscles. "I definitely didn't expect to be in my second helicopter crash." As Eddie's hand suddenly stilled at Buck's words, Buck bit his bottom lip, meeting Eddie's wide-eyed gaze. "If it helps, I clearly survived that one too?" he offered up hesitantly, and he heard poorly-concealed laughter coming from the rest of the team's general direction.

"Can't say I didn't know what I was getting myself into," Eddie sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose and shaking his head, before leaning in to kiss Buck softly. "Let's try to keep helicopter crashes off the agenda, yeah?"

"No subbing in for traffic again or chartering a romantic copter ride for the two of us, got it," Buck recited with a smirk, and Eddie rolled his eyes, nudging Buck in the side before hopping off the bench.

"Any chance I could get you to come back with me to the fire station so I can keep an eye on you?" Eddie asked hopefully.

"I would love that, but I have to get back to work," Buck said ruefully, gesturing at the news van that was already pulling up.

Eddie sighed, leaning forward to rest his forehead against Buck's. "Text and call me when you can, please? Just let me know you're doing okay?"

"Of course," Buck promised, sneaking another quick kiss in before heading towards the van. Grabbing the door handle, he turned around. "Be safe out there, babe! And thanks guys!"

Eddie had gotten a myriad of selfies from Buck in the hours after the helicopter rescue. One at his desk, captioned I promise I'm watching out for papercuts. Another getting ready to go in front of the camera, Taking proper electrocution prevention steps. The pictures continued rolling in, Eddie laughing fondly at each one, saving them to his photos because he couldn't resist. Any picture of his boyfriend was one he wanted to have, even when said boyfriend was being a glorious little shit.

His phone trilled out "Breaking News!" again and Eddie quickly clicked on the new picture, a smile spreading across his face as the photo revealed Buck standing in front of the fire station, captioned Practicing fire safety. Shoving his phone in his pocket, Eddie hurried down the stairs, skipping the bottom step in his haste.

"Surprise!" Buck called out with a grin, hurrying forward to meet Eddie, throwing his arms around his boyfriend's neck before leaning in for a kiss. Eddie's arms looped around Buck's waist as he held him close, both men smiling broadly.

"This is a great surprise," Eddie proclaimed, brushing a curl of hair away from Buck's eye. "Did a story fall through?"

"Actually, a new story came up," Buck grinned, grabbing Eddie's hand and interlacing their fingers. "C'mon, let's go upstairs, I want to talk to everybody about it."

"Hey Buck!" Chimney met the two at the top of the stairs, grabbing Buck's hand and pulling him in for a quick hug. "Since we have a chance now, what kind of wine does your sister like best? I'm going over to help her move more of her stuff after work."

"Red, and make sure you bring some popcorn too," Buck answered with a wink, patting Chimney on the shoulder. "Maddie could eat popcorn all day every day and be very happy about it."

"Thanks!" Chimney called back as Buck made his way around the kitchen, greeting everyone else before moving to the coffee maker. Placing a filled mug in front of Eddie, Buck sat down holding his own mug (the one Eddie had brought from home for Buck to use whenever he visited the fire station). Leg brushing against Eddie's, Buck took a sip of coffee.

"Before I say anything else, I just want to make sure you guys know you can absolutely say no to this," Buck began, meeting the eyes of everyone else around the table. "You don't have to give me a reason, and I won't take any offense, I promise." Turning to Eddie, Buck interlaced their fingers. "Including you babe, okay?"

Waiting until everyone had nodded, Buck continued. "My boss knows I'm dating someone from the 118, and after that helicopter rescue this morning, he came to me and told me he wants a story done on a day in the life of the LAFD heroes of the 118. I told him I have to be the one to do it, because I don't want anyone else twisting up the story in any way, and that you guys have to be okay with it or it isn't happening."

There was silence for a minute, and then Bobby spoke. "You know, normally I would absolutely say no to this," he said with a sigh, leaning back in his chair, "because a reporter could get in the way, could create their own narrative that has nothing to do with the truth, or could even use someone's pain or cause harm themselves. But Buck, you also know I trust you. I believe that you will do this truthfully and put the safety of others above the story."

"I will, absolutely Bobby," Buck vowed, blushing at Bobby's words. "I would never spin anything to make you guys look bad, and I would never put anyone in danger or show them suffering, I promise."

"Of course you wouldn't," Eddie said proudly, slinging an arm around Buck's shoulders and pulling him in close. Buck beamed up at him, leaning into his side.

"We all trust you, Buck," Hen said, and Chimney nodded, and Buck smiled bashfully, glancing down at where his and Eddie's fingers were now intertwined on Eddie's thigh.

"So it's okay to start tomorrow?" Buck asked hesitantly, and Bobby let out a gentle laugh, nodding.

"Absolutely, Buck, we'll see you then," Bobby responded, just as the alarm sounded, and the rest of the team leapt to their feet.

"I especially like the part where you'll be at work with me all day," Eddie grinned, leaning in for a quick kiss, which Buck eagerly returned.

"Me too," Buck grinned back, squeezing Eddie's hand before letting go. "Stay safe, sweetheart."

The next day saw Buck arriving hand in hand with Eddie, each balancing a carryout tray of coffees in their free hand. "You know we already love you two, right?" Hen teased, plucking the coffee with her name on it from the tray and taking a grateful sip. "But please feel free to keep the caffeine coming."

"I'm ready for my close up!" Chimney announced, dramatically leaping into the room, arms flourished. He grinned as everyone laughed, before taking his coffee as well.

"Since you're so ready, Chim, why don't you come for your interview first?" Buck gestured downstairs, eyes twinkling mischeviously as Chimney followed him. "We can start with you telling the story about how you got your nickname..."

By the time the round of interviews was over, Buck was near tears. He would swear he heard his cameraman sniffing as well. Every story the 118 had told him had broken his heart and lifted him up, all at the same time, and when his friends and boyfriend shared what were the best things about being a part of the 118, Buck was honored all over again that they had welcomed him into their family.

A sudden alarm jolted Buck out of his emotions and back into the present, and he quickly followed the team as they raced towards the fire truck and flung themselves in, settling into their seats. "You mean I can't just ride on your lap?" Buck pouted teasingly, as he ran to the driver's side of the news station van.

"You've taken a ride on my lap plenty of times, Buck," Eddie murmured into Buck's ear, "and I'm sure we can arrange another ride when we get home tonight." Smirking, he planted a quick kiss on Buck's lips before joining the others in the truck.

"You gorgeous bastard!" Buck yelled at Eddie's retreating back, Eddie's snort of laughter making Buck smile as he buckled his seatbelt and started the car.

"Whoa!" Buck's jaw dropped as he took in the crowd, and particularly the monitor lizard, in front of them. "Did you know monitor lizards have long forked tongues just like snakes?"

"Ah, a fan!" the woman nearest the lizard exclaimed, clapping her hands as Chimney darted out of the way. "His name is Claude, and the winner gets to take him home. Do you want to give it a try?"

"I'm okay over here, thanks," Buck responded quickly, as he took in the rest of the scene before him, namely the man struggling to breathe. As the 118 made their way over to the man, Buck made sure he and his cameraman stayed out of the way.

Chimney and Hen both flinched as they knelt down beside the man. Buck had the cameraman swing the camera away as soon as he realized the patient was in clear medical distress, instead having him film the other competitive eaters at the table, which unexpectedly included the woman with live cockroaches crawling back up out of her mouth.

As the man began breathing again (and consequently began throwing up live crickets), the camerman got footage of the saved patient and the 118 loading him into the ambulance. "Did you know Joey Chestnut once ate seventy four hotdogs in ten minutes?" Buck piped up eagerly, and Eddie grinned, giving Buck a quick peck on the lips as he hurried towards the truck.

"You are so smart, babe," Eddie said proudly, Buck beaming as he slid back into the driver's seat of the van.

"Even live bugs erupting out of people's mouths can't turn you two off from kissing, huh?" Chimney called out as he started up the ambulance. Eddie shook his head, offering Chim a proud grin and a wink as he drove off.

After rescuing a body builder from the largest charley horse anyone there had ever seen, the fire truck and news van pulled back into the station, Buck hopping out to join the 118 as they headed towards the kitchen.

"You did good, kid," Bobby said with a smile, squeezing Buck's shoulder as he passed. "You put the people above the story." Buck ducked his head, blushing, as he did a pleased little hop on his way towards Eddie.

"He's right, babe," Eddie grinned, tugging Buck into his side, planting a kiss to the top of his head. "Just like the day we met."

"Thanks, baby," Buck said with a bashful grin, turning his head to steal another kiss from his boyfriend, before squeezing his hand and pulling away. "I've got to get in a call to Taylor and give her an update before the next call."

"I'll be waiting on the couch," Eddie promised, and Buck winked at him before striding away, already pulling his phone out as he headed towards the bench right outside the station.

"Want a brownie?" Hen asked Eddie as she walked over, holding out the last brownie on the plate.

"Thanks, I'm starving," Eddie answered, grabbing the brownie and taking a bite. "Are there more treats on the table for Buck? He's just calling in to his boss."

"There are plenty of delicious snacks left," Hen promised as she settled into a chair. "Just not any more of these between you, me and Bobby."

"As long as there's sugar," Eddie laughed, looking fondly over towards Buck, who had now hopped up onto the bench and was skipping back and forth across it as he talked into his phone.

The next call brought them all to another unexpected venue, this time a child beauty pageant. "Is that..." Buck asked, trailing off as he stared at the reason the 118 had been called.

"A woman with a high heel stuck in her face?" Chimney responded, shaking his head as they made their way towards her. "Yes, yes it is."

The little girls were all swarming around Buck, who had crouched down immediately and was now occupied giving out smiles and high fives to the giggling children. So it took him a bit to notice that Eddie and Hen were definitely not acting like themselves. Eddie was staring down at the kids surrounding Buck with a look of shock and some terror too, his eyes wide and his body frozen.

"Eds, you okay there?" Buck asked, carefully rising to his feet and laying a hand on Eddie's arm.

"Are we giants, Evan?" Eddie asked, dragging out every syllable, before getting distracted for a minute trying and failing to see his own tongue. "Or are these the tiniest ladies ever?"

"Um, they're definitely kids, babe," Buck responded, eyes squinted in confusion even as he couldn't help but let out a laugh. "Are you feeling okay?"

"Your hair is glowing," Eddie breathed out in awe, holding his hands out over Buck's curls. "It's making my heart warm." Buck blushed, reaching for Eddie, who just kept making grabby hands at Buck's head. Buck quickly gestured to his cameraman to stop filming, before turning to Chimney.

"Hen's doing it too," Chim answered, just as confused, as he finished up with the injured woman and watched her be taken out on a gurney. Both men turned to see Hen poking a balloon, giggling with delight each time it bounced back at her.

"They are definitely tripping," Athena said matter-of-factly, coming up from behind them, having finished putting the high heel attacker in handcuffs. Hen hurried up, beaming as she took in Athena's face before delightedly informing her she smelled like love. Athena calmly nodded her thanks before radioing in for RA backup.

"The brownies," Chim said suddenly, turning to Athena. As Athena pressed him for more information, Buck heard Eddie start loudly crying, and ran to his boyfriend's side.

"I don't like this," Eddie blubbered as a police officer gingerly handcuffed him.

"Hey, hey sweetheart, it's going to be okay, I promise," Buck promised, cupping Eddie's face in his hands reassuringly, Eddie leaning into the touch. "Just breathe, I've got you."

Eddie sucking in air and puffing out huge dramatic breaths was definitely a sight Buck was tucking away for later, to tease his boyfriend with when it wouldn't make Eddie start crying more. Athena shook her head and sighed, exchanging a fondly exasperated look with Buck before explaining to Eddie and Hen what had happened.

"We don't want you to hurt yourselves or anyone else," Athena finished, as Hen was beginning to reach for her for another sniff and a hug.

"Yeah, yeah I like that idea," Eddie choked out. As Athena helped guide them towards the door, the backup RAs rushing in, Eddie tugged back towards Buck.

"I've got you, let's get you somewhere you feel safe," Buck said gently, squeezing Eddie's arm in reassurance.

"I love you, beautiful Buck," Eddie whispered into Buck's ear, before planting a sloppy kiss on Buck's cheek and letting himelf be led away, a stunned Buck following silently behind him.

Stumbling out of the bunkroom a few hours later, Eddie blinked at the bright lights, sighing gratefully as Buck pressed a large glass of water into his hands. After Eddie downed the entire glass without stopping, Buck refilled it and joined Eddie on the couch.

"Are you feeling okay now?" Buck asked softly, as Eddie placed the now-empty second glass on the table and leaned his head onto Buck's shoulder.

"Just got a headache, dry mouth, and an overwhelming sense of humilation," Eddie huffed out, burying his face in Buck's shirt. "I can't even imagine what came out of my mouth."

"You don't remember, huh?" Buck sighed softly, and Eddie quickly lifted his head to look at him.

"Buck, please don't tell me I said something horrible to you," Eddie said quickly, grabbing at Buck's hands. "I was out of my mind, I had no idea what I was saying."

"That's what I was afraid of," Buck mumbled, staring at the floor. Eddie tugged at his hands until Buck looked at him again, and Eddie's eyes grew wise as he took in the pained look on Buck's face. Reluctantly, Buck pulled away before responding. "Eddie, you told me you love me."

"Shit, that's what I was afraid of," Eddie sighed, scrubbing his hands over his face. The whimper that slipped past Buck's lips, the sharp intake of shaky breath, and the footsteps quickly retreating had Eddie snapping his head back up, yelling "Buck!" as he saw his boyfriend's back moving further and further away.

Sprinting, Eddie reached out and grabbed Buck's hand, planting his feet and refusing to budge an inch as Buck tugged half-heartedly. "Eddie, please," Buck whispered, fixing his gaze on the floor. "I can't watch you walk away, okay?"

"And you think, what, that I want to watch you walk away instead?" Eddie was fully aware how much of himself he was putting on display, but he kept going, fingers under Buck's chin to tilt his head up and meet his eyes. "I meant I didn't want the first time I said it to be while I was out of my mind on laced brownies surrounded by tiny beauty queens."

"Wait, Eddie, what..." Trailing off, Buck's breath hitched, his wide watery eyes staring into Eddie's.

"Turn the camera on," Eddie said firmly, gesturing to where the cameraman had left his equipment while he went to grab food with the crew. Buck opened his mouth, but Eddie gently lay a finger across his lips, shaking his head. "Please trust me, and turn the camera on. Point it right at me."

Buck nodded, shaky, picking up the camera and resting it on his shoulder, turning so the lens faced Eddie, who was now sitting down on the couch. As soon as the light switched on, Eddie looked straight into it. "You once asked me what was the best thing about being a firefighter with the 118," Eddie said, voice strong even as he wiped the fresh tear on his cheek. "And I said it was the comradery, that that was what I missed from being in the military, and I had found it here, again, with this team."

Lacing his fingers together, Eddie rested his chin against his knuckles, keeping his gaze focused on Buck, who appeared frozen, all breath and words caught up in his throat, eyes glued on Eddie's face. "But that's not true. I do care deeply about the people here, the family I chose, but that's not the best thing about being a firefighter here."

"Then what is?" Buck whispered, hands gripped so tight around the camera his knuckles had turned white.

"The best thing is that I met the love of my life," Eddie said, making sure his voice was loud and clear, that both the camera and Buck couldn't miss a single word. Eddie shrugged helplessly, letting out a watery laugh as he bit his bottom lip. "This gorgeous man refused to air someone else's pain to gain viewers, and suddenly I was watching the news way more than I ever had before, just to see his face and learn his name. Turned out his name is Evan Buckley. And he's the bravest, smartest, kindest man I've ever known. And I am so, so in love with him."

Buck sniffled loudly, and Eddie knew his own voice and face were full of the degree of emotion he only ever really showed around his son...and now around Buck. There wasn't any point in fighting it, especially not if it ever made Buck doubt how much he was loved.

"So Buck, you can use this video in the story, you can keep it for yourself if you ever need a reminder of how very loved you are, you can do whatever you want with it. I know I don't always say how I feel, and I'm sorr-" His words cut off on a surprised huff as Buck suddenly put down the camera and ran to the couch, bouncing onto the cushions and tackling Eddie onto his back, immediately wrapping his arms around him.

"I love you too, Eds, so much," Buck sniffled, wiping at his eyes, "and if this is you keeping your emotions hidden, I don't think I would survive having you turn them on full force." Eddie laughed, grinning up at Buck full force, before reaching up and pulling him down into a slow, tender kiss, one that Buck eagerly reciprocated.

When the special on the 118 aired, Eddie and Buck watched it snuggled up on the couch with Christopher, all three in their pajamas and surrounded by empty pizza boxes and popcorn bowls. Christopher giggled and clapped his hands every time he saw his dad, and patted Buck's cheek with a grin every time he heard one of Buck's voiceovers play over the images on the screen.

The special concluded with a montage of the 118, all explaining why they joined the station and what it meant to them. Eddie heard his sound bites about the military and comradery interspersed with the others, before the camera focused in on him again. "The best thing is that I met the love of my life," Eddie heard himself say, the image on screen changing to a video clip of Eddie hard at work on the scene of a car crash, the very first day and the very same place he and Buck had met.

"The best thing is that I met the love of my life too," Buck's voiceover rang out over the footage, before the video faded out to a wideshot of the fire station. "And he is a hero, surrounded by heroes. The 118 never hesitate, never put their safety over the well being of others. They spend long days and nights in harrowing conditions, helping people through horrific experiences, and these brave men and women never ask for anything but to know where the next emergency is. We all owe the dedicated members of the 118 far more than we may ever know. So next time you pass by a fire station, think about saying thank you, even though they will never ask you to."

Eddie couldn't stop smiling, pressing kiss to Buck's temple, who grinned up at him from where he was nestled into Eddie's side.

The video shifted to one of Buck, hanging off the fire truck by one hand, grinning mischeviously. "Just please, please don't bring brownies. Try a nice gift card instead. Trust me on this. This is Evan Buckley, signing off, thank you for watching."

Eddie's laughter rang out over the closing credits.

If you would like to be added to my Buddie fanfiction taglist and/or my Good News on My TV Screen taglist specifically, just let me know!

@dancer-me @buddie-buddie @perfectlynervousbeard @i-had-bucky

23 notes · View notes