Hi and welcome! I do believe I should introduce myself :) So I'm Cass 21 female ace nerd. I've been writing since 6th grade and use it as a form of therapy and healing. I really struggle accepting people actually like my work so I always have drafts ready to be published but I'm my own worst enemy haha. Anyway stay awhile read some of my work and I hope you stick around :)
Request Rules:
- No non-con/dub-con
- No pedophilia
- No incest
Newest: Angel Wings Pt 2
2) I saved your fucking life (soap x reader)
3) Forged in War ( General Grievous x sith reader)
¤ Legend ¤
Fluff: đŤ
Smut: đĽ
Angst: đ¨
Author favorite: đ
⢠Movies/Shows â˘
Miles Quaritch:
A Second Chance
Cooper Howard:
Cowboy Hat Rule
Then Fame and Fortune Never Could Compete
Zemo x reader:
Angel Wings [pt 1] [pt 2] đŤđ¨đĽ
Blade x reader:
Lost and Found
TBA
TBA
TBA
Gambit x reader:
TBA
Michael Myers:
Bleeding Boogeyman
Clones:
Commander Wolfe x Padawan Reader
Captain Rex x Padawan Reader
Jedi:
Sith:
Darth Maul x reader: Ferocity
Darth Maul x reader: Laced Chains
Dooku x reader
Darth Maul x reader: I was There From the Beginning đ¨đŤ
Savage Opress x reader: Darkness Takes All đ¨
Savage Opress x reader
Bounty Hunters:
Cad Bane x Senator reader: I Don't Follow You
Bossk x reader
Boba Fett x fallen Jedi: I Told You [pt 1] [pt 2] đŤđ¨đĽ
Din Djarin x reader: Flinch
Jango Fett x reader + Cad Bane
Others:
General Grevious x sith reader: Forged in War đ¨đŤ
1.7k+ words | fluff | Luca's fellow S.W.A.T. members tease him for dating someone who is younger and out of his league. Though he knows they mean well, sometimes he needs your reassurances.
All You Want and More
3.1k+ words | fluff | When Luca finds out that you have never celebrated your birthday, he sets out to make your day perfect.
You Invite It
3.7k+ words | angst to fluff | Despite your sunny and smiley personality, Luca and another man get angry with you during a night out with 20-David. When Luca comes to apologize, you shy away from him, and he has to tell you how he feels before you will accept his help.
Let Me Help
2.6k+ words | angst to fluff | When Los Angeles is hit with a freak cold front and your apartment loses heat, you don't ask for help. Luca sees how sick you are and pays you a visit which ends with him taking you back to his house to heal.
Driver's Seat
1.2k+ words | fluff | At a classic car show, you meet the only gentleman in attendance and bond over a mutual love for cars.
Do You Want to Keep a Secret?
2.5k+ words | fluff | After Luca asks Street to stay out of the house for a while, Street gets tired and curious and accidentally crashes Luca's "book club."
Do You Want to Keep Another Secret?
1.6k+ words | fluff | After the team finds out about Luca's secret girlfriend, he invites them over to share another secret involving a ring and an important question.
Found Family
1.9k+ words | angst to fluff | When you finally meet Luca's team, you aren't expecting to run into a man you haven't seen or heard from in years.
Hiding Hugs
2.5k+ words | fluff | shy!SWAT!reader | 5 times you find refuge in Luca's arms, and the 1(st) time you show him why.
Surf Crazy
1.2k+ words | fluff | Luca takes you to your first professional surfing competition, and then invites you on another first.
Us or Them
3.8k+ words | angst to fluff | You and Luca go undercover as a couple, and when you're forced to get close, the truth slips out.
Fit Into the Family
1.3k+ words | fluff | After hearing all about you, Luca's team gets to meet you and learns that you're perfect for Luca.
Save Your Life
1.5k+ words | angst to fluff | The most terrifying part of Luca's life is also the best: being a single father. His daughter is in danger, and he relies on his team to save her.
Whole Again
2.2k+ words | angst to fluff | SWAT!reader | You're injured during a raid, but your boyfriend Luca doesn't know how bad it is. After you're separated and instructed not to speak, your team finds a way to let you comfort one another.
Surety of Ghos-ti
2.8k+ words | angst to fluff | pregnant!reader | You are held hostage, and Luca and his team have to save you and your baby.
Even If We Stay Here
1.5k+ words | angst to fluff | 50squad!reader | Luca isn't himself, and when you find out why, you remind him that you're always there, even if it's just as a friend.
Smart Enough
2.3k+ words | fluff/comfort | Street's cousin/LAPD analyst!reader | While staying with your cousin Street, you assist the LAPD in catching a serial killer, but discover you fit the victim profile. SWAT agrees to protect you, but Street finds out that you and Luca are closer than you seemed.
I Should Have Denied It
1.7k+ words | angst to fluff | 50-squadSWAT!reader | You've been arguing with your boyfriend Luca, and when you hear he's up for a promotion, your anger and fear of losing him cloud your judgement and lead you into danger.
All That Matters
2.0k+ words | fluff, brief angst | younger!reader | You're sweet, bubbly, and perfect for Luca. When people begin judging your relationship because of the age gap, you decide that you, Luca, and the love between you are all that matters.
Opportune Growth
1.9k+ words | fluff | baker!reader | While Luca looks for opportunities to expand his food truck business, he doesn't expect growth in his personal life or to meet you, a woman capable of making everything better.
In a Few Years
1.2k+ words | angst to fluff | cop!reader | You and Luca split ways to focus on your careers. When you run into one another four years later, you get a chance to reevaluate your relationship.
size difference kink but in the âi grew up being made fun of for being chubby so now the idea of a giant of a man being able to toss me around and tower over me without making my weight a problem makes me really hornyâ way, you get what im saying?
Dead by Daylight
Pairings: The Executioner X GN!killer!reader
Rating: M | Mature | NSFW 18+
Word count: 1.5k+
CW: degradation, heavy consensual violence, light fingering, sub!reader, monster fuckery, choking, denial, subspace, thigh fucking
Summary: You're pent up and need someone to put you in your place.
The rage feels like fire in your veins as you stalk through the dark fog, Knives along your chest feeling just a bit too heavy. The dark voice inside you purred and praised you for your good work. You felt too big, as if the space inside you wasnât enough to contain the fire that threatened to spill out and burn everything in its path. Mindlessly you had found yourself in front of Midwich, the elementary school decrepit and falling apart even if it was in better shape out of trials. You rolled your shoulders, the realization whispering exactly what you needed, Him.Â
Mind singularly focused, you stormed in growling lowly clothes still soaked in blood from the trials. You could tell He had visitors. Youâll just chase them off, tell them to find somewhere else to loiter. Someone else to waste their time with.
Pyramid head sitting down, sharpening his blade, on a chair comically small compared to his mass frame. Head tilting upwards instantly knowing why you were here. The room feels colder, his visitors bolting from the room, the legion members jumping windows and fleeing. You did wonder why they were here, but the thought vanished the moment the large man stood up jamming his blade into the floorboards before approaching you with heavy boots thumping with each step.Â
Your eyes are wild as you look up feeling ready to explode. The Executioner was unphased by your posture, everything at this moment was routine. When you first arrived no one would go near you. The blood lust built up after each trial with no downtime, no way to get it out, and no real release like you had in your world, the rage lashing and attacking anything that spoke or so much as moved in your direction.
The only one who made any headway in calming you was Him. He pushed you harshly against the wall, a massive hand drifting up your throat, and pressing harshly, you gasped for air, but you didnât fight. You never did, but the lack of oxygen brought a warm fuzzy feeling in your head that had your eyes fluttering, âTell me what you need.â he growled, voice echoing in the steel frame.
âIâm too big,â you grunt, âmake me small.â the words would almost be a plea if your face wasnât twister anger, and rage. You can hear a huff echoing against the steel, the clock tower chimes air raid horn going off, the pound of the bell loud and clear shaking the school, echoing in your chest. âBeg,â his voice low and breathy. Your skin prickles as a shiver overtakes you.
You close your eyes focusing on your breathing, on your heart, on the way the cold air of the destroyed classroom felt. âPleaseâŚâ you speak softly, your body relaxing, he presses into you harder. Itâs like he wants to crush you. âPlease what?â He demands squeezing your throat tighter. âPlease, use me. Fuck me. Crush me, choke me. Just please remind me of my place.â You look up desperate, eyes half-closed as you struggle to breathe. âWhere is your place?â he asks, loosening his grip just ever so slightly.
âUnder you,â you manage to breathe out. Your core clenches hearing him laugh, grabbing you by the throat and slamming you onto the teacher's desk. You watch as he removes his frame a black dripping shapeless void where his head should be, glowing white eyes, a long tongue flicking around wildly trapped in his mouth with teeth too sharp to be human. The large man grabs your thighs pulling them apart just so he can grind into you feeling the heat of your sex it has him throwing his head back groaning.Â
âThis what you want?â He growls leaning forward, elbows resting on the creaking wood, caging you to the desk. You nod your head silently, craning your neck to look at where his eyes should be. âThis all you good for.â he hisses as if this very request offended him. His hips grind harder, one hand supporting your back while he rough grips the back of your skull. âJust a nasty whore.â Your eyes close softly, gasping for breath you focus on the way his clothed cock rubs against you. The way it nudges against your sex. Grinding through the very fabric that separated the two of you.
âSinful,â Pyramid head gunts slamming your hips together. His tongue coaxed your mouth open pushing in, wet appendage filling your throat, you gag and buck. Eyes watering as you try to swallow all of him. Desperate to please him. Desperate to make today the day he finally fills you with that heavy cock.
The Executioner purs feeling you choke on his tongue, exploring deep inside you stopping before he tastes the acid of your stomach. He enjoys the way you struggle to breathe with him inside you. The tasty feeling of you fighting yourself not to try and get him off of you. He enjoyed the conflict that rooted itself inside you. He enjoyed the way that bloodthirsty monster inside you fades the more he forces you down. Forces you to take him and everything he gives you. The giant man twists and curls his tongue inside you, the appendage curling up and bulging in your throat. His gaze was intense as he glowered down at you. Watching you try to claw at him, try to breathe, everything about you desperate.
He pulls out of you softly. Chuckling at you, watching you gasp for breath tears staining the corners of your eyes. Beautiful, he thinks flipping you onto your stomach and yanking your pants down just enough to expose that pretty ass for him. His fingers dipped down to trace your hole pressing in slightly as he just shook his head. He can feel that youâre trying, that you want this, but not yet.Â
You whine feeling him press a thick finger into you curling and twisting hitting your sweet spot having you arch your back mewling loudly, desperately clawing at the desk struggling to find purchase anywhere. âQuiet,â he growls, pressing your head into the desk. Large hand pressing almost painfully down, You can hear him shifting fabric before a heavy cock finds its way to the curve of your ass gliding between your cheeks. Slow and gentle, your mind focuses solely on the feeling as you try to lift it.
âPlease,â you whine, face tight as you fight your body trying to not come off as pathetic as you feel. âPlease,â you repeat. He leans forward pressing you down with a large hand still pinning your face harshly against the desk. âNo,â you moan, feeling the way his voice rumbles against his back.Â
âNot this time.â His fingers leave your hole, making you whine in discomfort from not being filled anymore. you have to bite your lip to stop the desperate sobs that threaten to escape. The beast shifted once more, pressing himself between your thighs. âBe good and squeeze for me.â he hisses thrusting slowly pre cum lubing between your thighs as he moves slowly groaning darkly as his hips move. His long tongue falls out feeling you press your thighs together tightly. Sharp teeth glinting in the moonlight. You need this, you need him. You could feel your empty hole twitching desperate for more than the finger that has long left it.
Pyramid head just chuckles, his hips moving at a steady pace, the cock was easily the size of your forearm, you didnât care if it wouldnât fit, you still wanted it, still wanted to feel it burn as it stretched you. Still wanted to have it split you open like the needy whore you were. You just had to settle with feeling as it rubbed against your sex. Your juices leaked onto it as he continued to thigh fuck you. âPlease,â you were starting to feel like a broken record. He picks your head up slamming into the desk, pain blooming from your head. âNo!â he growls, moving faster, cock twitching between your thighs.Â
âYou listen the first time I tell you.â His words were dark, the world spinning. That actually fuckin hurt. You gasp for breath feeling him falter. He must be close, the thought all but confirmed as you are yanked off the desk and forced to the floor the cock inches from your face. A thick hand frantically stroking the cock while the other held you in place. You look up, tongue falling out as you anticipate what he wants you to do cum splashing on your face as he covers you with his spend.
It doesn't take long before he pulls against his groin, growling at you, âclean your mess up whore.â He speaks in such a dark and low tone you can feel it vibrating down your spine. You look up, eyes half-lidded as you begin to lick the softening shaft. The Executioner groans as you work your magic. This was just the start of a very long night. You were completely feral when you came in and no doubt would need a lot to silence that pesky voice in your head. He'll take his time, and you'll enjoy every second of it.
your work needs more praise!!! specifically the marakrov stuff lately. the whole possessive/protectiveness thing in the past one definitely did something to me đwould it be okay if i ask for a something?
maybe sitting in between his legs, resting your head on this thighs and looking up at home while he talks about all the things heâd do to protect you, his precious. maybe a little smut added into that?
also the fact you call him V *chefs kiss*
Thank you so much for that kindness!! :)
CW: Reader has an encounter with a very creepy dude who threatens them.
It was a split second, really. The man at the bar let his hand wander too low, fingers brushing where they had no business being.
You had told him to fuck off countless times, rebuffing his outrageous advances with a scoff and rolled eyes.
The hand was the last straw.
Your hand passed across his cheek, crisp, hard, and loud, ringing out as he recoiled from the force of the slap. You stormed out in a huff, abandoning the friends you had come with and exited into the rainy night, pulling your coat around your frame.
In hindsight, probably not the smartest idea. Your apartment was at least six blocks away and the rain was coming down in sheets, soaking your jacket and the clothes underneath.
You pulled your phone from your pocket and texted Vladimir, "Just left the bar, walking home. Some asshole wouldn't take a hint."
"Hey!" a voice called from behind you, nearly swallowed by the pouring rain.
You spun on your heel, finding yourself face to face with the man from the bar. Panic took root in your chest like an icy hand wrapping its fingers around your heart.
"What do you want?" you braced yourself, fists balled in your pockets, prepared for the worst.
"The fuck is your problem?" he spat; his face was twisted in an ugly snarl, "Embarrassing me like that in front of the whole bar?"
You didn't have an answer- nothing you could have said would diffuse the situation. You contemplated running, sprinting into the night and hoping you were faster than him.
"You got a hearing problem, bitch?" the man barked, beginning to close the gap between the two of you.
You took an instinctive step back, acutely aware of how alone the two of you were in the street, "Listen, I'm sorry I slapped you-"
"Not sorry enough," He closed the gap quickly and you turned to run, your heart racing, banging in your rib cage like a snare drum.
You ran face first into something, bouncing back a few inches before two arms embraced you, stopping you from falling backward. You yelped in surprise, eyes snapping upward to meet the face of the person who had caught you-
Makarov.
"V-" you choked out the nickname you'd given him, your heart still hammering, "He- he was going to-"
You didn't need to finish the sentence. Makarov was on the man in an instant, his fists hurtling through the air, blood and rain blurred together as he beat him. You turned away, averting your eyes from the scene as Makarov pinned him to the ground and battered him, his hands growing more bloodied with every blow.
When he was satisfied, he rose to his feet, adding a final kick to the man's ribs before coming to you, his voice hushed, arms wrapping around you in a familiar embrace.
"It's alright, ХОНнŃŃкО," he murmured, "Let's get you home."
The journey was a blur of rain, cold, and darkness, as Makarov guided you to the car and into the passenger seat. The streetlights flicked past in orange blurs as the two of you drove on without a word.
He kept a protective hand clasped on your thigh the entire trip.
--
"I should have killed him," Makarov ran his hand through your hair as you rested on his thigh, "Should have gutted him like a fish."
You stared up at him from you place at his thighs, head rested comfortably on the muscled surface, "Why did you...why did you find me?"
Makarov scoffed and glanced down at you, "You told me you were walking home. Alone." He seemed annoyed at the idea.
"Sorry," you looked away and he dipped his mouth to your forehead for a kiss.
"You did nothing wrong," he muttered, lips still brushing against your skin as he spoke.
You felt like crying, all of the emotions of the night bubbling to the surface as you laid in his lap, his fingers still tangled in your hair.
"I was so scared, V," You whispered, still choking back tears, "I thought-"
Makarov interrupted you with a hand to your chin, turning your gaze to his; his eyes were intense, burning with an emotion you couldn't place.
"Nothing is ever going to happen to you," his eyes were dark, fixated on yours as he spoke, "No one will ever hurt you. Ever."
"Ever?" you goaded him a little now, enjoying the way he looked at you with such possessiveness.
"Ever," he echoed with a sly smile, "And if anyone lays a finger on you, I'll fucking kill them."
PLSSSS All the things you write are so unbelievably cute, tysm for existingggg
If you don't mind me sending in another request, could write something about Deathslinger, Wesker, Pig, Trapper and Oni with a s/o (or just a survivor!), with whom all power-related encounters fell weirdly intimate??? Not in any way sexual or seductive, plain intimacy. Prolonged eye contact, breath holding and everything.
The trial is going just as usual RIGHT untill it's time to pull the survivor out of the trap/ Spear them/ Put the trap on their head/ etc etc.
hiii thank you!! i hope these are good, i'll be honest i got a liiiiittle stumped but i like how they turned out! <3
Caleb Quinn / The Deathslinger:
Calebâs a little playful with you when he spears you. Heâll wrap you up in the chains and spin you out of them, dancing with you. Heâll hold you close once heâs reeled you in, clutched against his chestâŚHeâs warm, you can barely breathe. He holds your eyes and strokes your hair until he decides to stab and let you hit the dirt.
Itâs always an excuse to pull you close to him, really. He sees it as a subtle way to show you some affection during trials if youâd rather the other survivors donât know the two of you are together.
Heâll always go for you over any other survivors. If he sees you standing with other survivors, heâll pick you out of all of them and spear you. The horror on everyone elseâs faces delights him â but most of all he loves seeing the shock on your face as he pulls you in.
Heâs sometimes just as stunned as you are by the action, so you usually have a pretty big window to escape. He prefers when you do â it gives him another opportunity to catch you. But he's just as happy throwing you onto a hook, too.
Albert Wesker / The Mastermind:
Wesker always hasâŚA way about him, we'll say. Heâs been known to enjoy playing with the survivors, getting a little intimate occasionally to mess with them. with them. Youâre no different â when he manages to catch you in one of his dashes and gets you against the wall, he gets a little too close to you. Studying your eyes, holding his breath. Waiting for you to make the next move. Youâre holding your breath, too.
It is a different kind of moment with you, though. Itâs not just a game, itâs a subtle allowance of his affection in a way that doesnât show his favoritism. But you know â youâre his favorite. And getting cornered and thrown into a wall is just his way of showing you that when youâre in a trial.
He isnât cruel, he gives you a chance to run away before he goes after you again. Heâs a gentleman, itâd just be rude to catch you off-guard and throw you onto a hook. Heâs better than that. Besides, when he lets you run he gets another chance to snag you and see your reaction.
But you know he really has no ulterior motives doing this. He just likes seeing the way you react to what he does; he is still a scientist after all, and he finds it quite amusing. He really is quite playful when you get down to it, and him pulling stunts like this isnât out of the ordinary.
Amanda Young / The Pig:
Amandaâs trappings have always been weirdly intimate, to be honest. It is something intimate to her, in a way. Thereâs just something intense about punishing the ungrateful, even though itâs not that with you â she doesnât know what it is, itâs the same, but different.
She gets very in the zone during trials, hunting down the ungrateful survivors. But itâs like a switch flips in her brain when she finds you, seeming to relax a littleâŚIt can be jarring sometimes to see her go from bloodthirsty to kind so quickly, but you know it means she loves you.
Sheâs always gentle when she fastens the Reverse Bear Trap on your head, tucking your hair out of the way and petting you when sheâs finished. Thereâs always something loving about the way she puts the trap on you, something gentle. Something about her lingering touchesâŚItâs a loving gesture. She wants you to be better.
She never feels like she can breathe properly until she gets you on the hook. Sheâll quickly leave you, not wanting it to be obvious that she gets so flustered around you. Helping the helpless is a beautiful thing, but sheâs a Jigsaw, for crying out loud, nobody needs to know how she feels. Except you, of courseâŚ
Evan MacMillan / The Trapper:
Evan is aggressive, overtly so many would say, so it's a shock seeing him essentially stop in his tracks when he sees you caught in one of his traps. He's usually quick to pull mangled survivors out of his trapsâŚBut with you, he's moreâŚSlow.Â
He circles you to make sure nobody's around. He pets your hair as he crouches down to open the jaws. He's quiet and keeps eye contact. It's so unlike him. That is, until he huffs and hauls you out of the dirt, over to a hook. He stays for a moment, still looking up at you, his hands lingering.
You're like a wounded animal to him in these moments. He knows he has to be kind to youâŚGentle to you, even. He does his job, he does it well, but he loves you, and he hopes he shows you that.
If someone else tries to save you from a trap, though, he's quicker to get rid of them. You're his, this is his moment with you and he won't have anyone ruining it. He likes to be alone with you.
Kazan Yamaoka / The Oni:
Like Evan, Kazan is known for his aggression during trials; it's almost eerie how calm he gets when he follows you around to absorb your blood orbs. You're essentially free game to him and he won't pass it up.
When he has enough to fuel his rage, he's always right behind you. Waiting. He gives you a moment to start running, but he always catches up with you and knocks you down with his trusty Kanabo. He pauses above you, catching your gaze as he breathes heavily. He presses his forehead to yours â a strange moment this is, but yours nonetheless.
He wants to stay with you, but his duty calls. He leaves to chase down the other survivors. But he comes back for you as soon as he can, a hand pressing against your head before he picks you up and hauls you to a hook.
He's an honorable man, you know that. He never tries to do serious damage to you. And he always shows you how much he loves you â he'd be utterly distraught if you didn't know he loved you. He's sensitive.
Hello! May I request something for The Hillbilly, The Oni and The Trapper? I was thinking about a reader who has very bad abandonment issues and upon not stumbling across them for some trials becomes very paranoid, but the moment that she finds them she hugs them and starts crying. The Entity was playing a cruel game as a punishment for the killers' underperformance, so it decided to take away who they love most for some time.
Aaaah! I'm so sorry, I always over explain đ If it's too complex or even overwhelming, please let me know! I'm more than willing to rephrase/simplify my request!
Thank you for reading! đĽ°
Hi there! Please don't apologize, your explanation was very good and it helps me to write what you (hopefully) want to read! Thank you so much for the request, and happy reading! â¤ď¸
âWashed awayâ - The Hillbilly/Max Thompson Jr. x Fem!Reader
The rain trickled down on the campsite, making the ground all wet and muddy. The others ventured inside their tents, seeking shelter from the rain, but you remained by the campfire. Someone had to keep it alive anyways, otherwise no one knew what would happen. Plus, you didnât want to be with the others now. You needed to be alone. Because that was your truth now, you were alone. Alone in this god forsaken place, left to the mercy of the darkness. Trial after trial had come and gone, and you hadnât seen Max at all. Every other killer, again and again, but no Max. It was as if he had just gone and disappeared from the face of the earth. Had something happened to him? Had someone hurt him? The questions swirled around in your head like flies around a rotting corpse. Not knowing where he was was killing you. You curled up into a ball at the fireplace, shivering in the cold. Silent tears started rolling down your cheeks. No one understood you like Max, what if he truly was gone? You couldnât stand the thought, biting your lower lip to keep yourself from sobbing. Not knowing where Max was, or if he even was safe, had decreased your performance during trials greatly. You got killed, hooked, tortured, and you were a terrible teammate to the others.
âItâs not fair!â you hissed to yourself, wiping the tears away from your face.
This couldnât be it. You had to see him. Getting up from the log you sat on, you cast a glance towards the tents where the others were already sleeping. Pulling out an old kettle tag from your pocket, you threw it into the campfire. It was now or never. You took a deep breath, and without hesitating you walked into the deep, dark forest. You had to see him, come what may.
The offering had worked. As the forest gave way for the daylight, you found yourself at the Thompson farm. The cornfields, the big farmhouse, the barn. It was all here. You had been here outside of trials before, visiting Max. Outside of trials, this place almost could be seen as⌠peaceful. The evening sun was warm and inviting, casting everything in a golden light that only a southern sun could make so magical. You made your way through the cornfields up to the farmhouse, deciding to start your search for Max there. The warm wind didnât stink of blood and rotting flesh now, you appreciated that. Inside the house the wallpaper was peeling off the walls, and it was very warm here. You studied the pictures on the walls, old photos with crooked frames and cracked glass. You didnât recognise anyone in the photos, and knowing Maxâs backstory, you guessed there werenât any photos of him. Clenching your fist a little at the thought of his abusive parents, you continued your journey through the house. Studying the kitchen, the living room, the bedrooms, you found nothing of interest. Your heart felt heavy again, and you let out a deep sigh. Where was he? Had he really left you here, all alone? Suddenly, the sound of a crow cawing made you jump. You looked behind you, and quickly ran out of the house to see where the crow had flown off from. It was flying in the sky now, but what had startled it? And then you saw him. Emerging from the cornfields, that familiar limp in his steps and a wide grin on his lips as he saw you.
âMax!â you yelled out, running down the stairs of the farmhouseâs porch to throw yourself into his arms.
âMax, max, max, I canât believe itâŚâ
It was useless trying to hold the tears back now. You let them come, as you hugged Max tighter than youâd ever done before. You cried, your body shaking in his strong arms. He petted and stroked your back. You could feel him relaxing into your embrace, as he always did when the two of you hugged.Â
âScaredâŚâ he whispered, and you looked up at him.
âDarling, I was so scared too! I-I thought I wouldnât see you again!â
Max let out a deep sigh, and you could see his gaze turning sad.
âWhat happened, Max?â
Max looked at you, biting his lower lip.
âPunishedâ, he said, and your heart dropped to your stomach.
Punished. Ofcourse. The Entity must have thought he performed badly in trials, and this had been the punishment. It wasnât fair, none of this fuckery was!Â
âOh, MaxâŚâ you whispered, stroking his cheek with your hand.
The two of you hugged again, and it would take heaven and hell to break you up now.
âAinât no graveâ - The Trapper/Evan MacMillan x Fem!Reader
A shot rang out through the night. Then another, followed by a piercing scream. You flinched at the scream, trying not to imagine the unbearable pain as that hook sank into your shoulder. The scream had belonged to Meg, poor fucker. You felt very bad for this, but you werenât here in this trial to escape like the others. You wanted to find Evan. For many trials you hadnât seen him, not even seen a bear trap. It made you feel terrible, not knowing where he was or if he was safe. So this trial, you had decided that you would find him. You had burnt an offering to get here, to the MacMillan estate, and it had worked. But your killer was the dreaded Deathslinger, not Evan. That had dampened your spirits a bit, but you silently promised Evan that you wouldnât give up. If he wasnât in this realm, you didnât know where to look.
âY/N! Concentrate!â
Jake's voice made you jump, and you continued working on the generator in silence. You might as well try and get the others out while you were here, but as soon as this generator was done and the gates were open, you wouldnât leave anywhere. Youâd go searching for Evan, youâd start at the coal mines and then make your way-
*BANG!*
You screamed in pain as you felt the piercing agony of the Deathslingerâs hook sink into your shoulder. Jake was nowhere to be seen, the coward had probably hidden the second he had smelled the killer. But you had been in your own head, and now you paid the price. Slowly, steadily, the Deathslinger reeled you in, and your attempts to free yourself were as usual useless. The Deathslinger chuckled as he lifted you up on his shoulder and started carrying you away to the closest meat hook. You struggled and panted in pain, but this only made him walk faster.Â
âLet me down, you fucker! Whereâs Evan?â you tried, but the Deathslinger only laughed a cold, dry laugh at this.Â
The next second, the searing pain of the meat hook sinking into your wound made you scream. Through the tears and blood in your eyes, you fixated your gaze on the Deathslinger, grabbing onto the hook so it wouldnât carry your whole body weight.Â
âWhere is he?â you spat out, and for a second, the Deathslinger seemed to be astounded by your stubbornness.Â
Then, he let out another chuckle.
âThose who donât perform get punished, darlinâ.â
Punished. You felt your heart stop for a moment. The Deathslinger laughed at your reaction, then he turned around and walked away to find the others. You were left hanging on the hook, the pain making it hard to stay conscious. You had to find him. Desperate for an escape from the torture, you tried unhooking yourself. This failed, and your attempts were punished with another shot of pain through your body. The fog in your brain thickened, it was so hard to stay awake⌠Suddenly, you felt relief in your shoulder, and the cold ground hit against your knees. The next second, you felt the hook being taken out from your shoulder, and you let out a pained moan.
âWhat the fuck do you think youâre doing?â
The Deathslinger appeared in front of you, but he wasnât looking at you this time. He was looking behind you.
âYou think you can just barge in here and ruin everything, you fucker?â the Deathslinger hissed, readying his gun.
Then your saviour stepped out in front of you. It was Evan.
âI ainât afraid of you, you big old-â
The Deathslingerâs insults were cut short, as he took a step backwards, away from Evan. He stepped right into a bear trap. He barely had time to scream in pain, as Evan struck him across the face with the blunt end of his cleaver. The Deathslinger fell to the ground instantly, unconscious. You watched as Evan turned around to face you. The next second, you couldnât hold back the tears anymore.Â
âEvan!â
He quickly bent down and picked you up, carrying you to the closest rock so you could stand against it.Â
âEvan, I was so afraid!â you cried, and despite the pain still screaming in your shoulder, you hugged him.Â
He embraced you gently, careful not to hug your wound, and you were so happy to finally be with him again. For a second, whilst hanging on the hook, you had thought youâd never get to see him again. Now he was here, holding you, and his strokes on your back told you that he was going to take care of you. So you allowed yourself to relax, sighing as you melted into his embrace. He was here now.
âRaise Hellâ - The Oni/Kazan Yamaoka x Fem!Reader
How long had it been since youâd seen Kazan? Days, weeks. Youâd lost track of the time, youâd lost track of everything. Nothing mattered when he wasnât around, and even more so now that you didnât know what had happened to him. What if he had disappeared? Had he left you? No, you couldnât start thinking like that! Shaking your head slightly to get rid of those thoughts, you shifted focus back to the generator you and Nea were working on. Red wire goes behind the carburetor, blue wire goes there⌠But what if Kazan was in trouble? What if he needed you, and you just wasted away repairing generators? With an annoyed grunt, you stopped working on the generator and got up from the ground. You had to find out where he was. Your killer this round was Ghostface, but you were in the realm of Kazan, at the temple. Ghostface had a grand old time now, hiding in the tall grass and bushes and attacking like a coward. You were so fed up by him, but as much as you hated him, you knew he was the one with information. Maybe he knew where Kazan was? That camera of his must have seen something, but how were you going to get that information from him? As you heard Meg getting hooked, not too far away from your generator, you thought fast.Â
âNea!â you whispered, quickly dragging Nea away from the generator.
âWhat? Is he coming?â
âNea, I need your helpâ, you quickly explained, always glancing over your shoulder. âWhen he comes⌠we jump him, okay?â
âWhat?âÂ
Nea looked like she was about to burst out laughing, but when she saw you were serious, she got scared.
âAre you serious? What the hell has gotten into you?!â she whispered back, but you only grabbed her and pulled her closer.
âI need this, okay! Will you help me?âÂ
Nea looked like she was thinking for a few moments, then she let out a deep sigh and nodded. You nodded back at her, grateful to still have some loyal friends in this hellhole. The two of you waited by the generator, hiding in the grass so as to not be noticed by Ghostface. A couple of minutes went by, nothing happened. You silently hoped that Dwight was saving Meg right now.Â
âY/N!â Nea whispered all of a sudden, and there you saw him.
That black cloak was barely noticeable in the dark grass, but he was sitting there, watching them. They knew they couldnât let him stalk them for too long, or the Entity granted him greater power as a reward.
âNow!â you screamed, and the two of you jumped straight at Ghostface.
You barely noticed the knife slashing your arm. You clawed your way onto his arm and held on for dear life. Nea got his legs, and after a short, but bloody, struggle, the two of you got him onto the ground. Nea aimed a kick at his stomach, you took a grip of his arm and forced the knife to fall out of his hand. He roared in anger, but Nea quickly got him in a chokehold so you could get up from the ground. You panted, your fresh wounds pounding in pain. But the adrenaline rush was making your body stronger, right now you couldnât care less about being hurt. You only had one thing in mind now.
âWhereâs Kazan?â
Ghostface stopped struggling for a second, just staring at you. Then you heard him burst into laughter behind the mask, and this angered you greatly. You kicked him in the face, and he shouted in anger.
âI said: WHERE IS HE?!â you screamed, your voice echoing through the dark night.
Nea held onto Ghostface bravely, her gaze betraying her and showing shock and confusion. Ghostface didnât laugh this time. He breathed in with a hissing breath, you could see some blood dripping from his jaw underneath the mask.Â
âWhy do you care?â he hissed, and this prompted you to kick his face again.
âTell me where he is, now! I know youâre the one who knows things around here!â
A couple of minutes of silence, save for Neaâs grunts as she struggled to keep Ghostface down. ThenâŚ
âHeâs not here.â
Ghostface let out a dry chuckle.
âThe Entity wasnât pleased with him, so it sent him away. For good.â
Your heart dropped to your stomach instantly. You gasped, blinking a couple of times. This was exactly what Ghostface wanted, and with a quick swing of the arm, he had thrown Nea to the ground and gotten his knife back.
âAnd Iâm gonna make you pay for wasting my time like this!â he roared, flinging towards you.
You didnât fight back, as he pushed you to the ground and towered above you, brandishing his knife. It was no use fighting back, Kazan was gone. Better let death come quickly. Suddenly, a loud roar could be heard in the far distance. Ghostface looked behind him, but turned back to face you and lifted his knife up high.
âIâm gonna make you bleed like a stuck-â
The loud roar got closer, fast, and the next second Kazanâs Kanabo bursted through the air, landing on Ghostfaceâs shoulder. Ghostface was instantly struck down to the ground, but he quickly got up to defend himself. But Kazan was here now, and his sharp blade made quick work of Ghostfaceâs throat. Ghostface dropped to the ground again, and this time he didnât get up.
âKazan!â you shrieked, getting up from the ground.
Kazan panted heavily, releasing his blade and Kanabo on the ground to embrace you. For the first time in ages, you felt safe again, as he held you in his strong arms. You breathed out shakily, and then the tears came.Â
âKazan⌠I was so afraid I wouldnâtâŚâ
Kazan hushed you, embracing you tightly and sighing heavily. He rarely spoke, and when he did, it was just a few words in his language, but you always understood what he wanted. Now, his embrace let you know that he was never going to let you go again. You were safe.
hi can I get some hillbilly fluff? this is my first time making an ask here so srry if I sound awkward đ idrc what situation it is I just wanna show him some love đŤśđ˝đŤśđ˝
Hello there! I hope you like what I came up with, Max needs more love for sure! :D
âLike Real People Doâ - The Hillbilly/Max Thompson Jr. x GN!Reader
The sun never set at the Thompson farm. It was plastered in the sky, forever burning hot as a reminder of the Entityâs watchful eye. Or something. You didnât mind, though, because you liked warmth and you liked the Thompson farm. Having daylight at all times here was cosy, you thought. The other survivors hated this map, but not you. They often asked why you didnât despise the cornrows and the old, creaky house in the middle of them. You never told them.
Now, you were headed towards the Thompson house. The trial was over, the others had survived, now you wanted to be alone here for a while. Well, hopefully not completely alone, you hoped. And as you entered the creaky old house, it didnât take long before you heard the sound you were looking for. Upstairs, a faint voice, cooing and shushing. A big smile crept on your lips, and you walked the rotten wooden stairs to get to the second level of the house. You followed the voice and soon found him, sitting outside on the roof. He hadnât seemed to notice you, and you didnât want to startle him, so you carefully cleared your throat.Â
âMax?â
Max turned around with a confused hum, but when he saw you, a big smile graced his face. He waved at you to come closer, and also put a finger on his lips to show you to keep quiet. Your curiosity rose, and you sneaked through the hole in the wall to get to the roof and see what he was up to now. You almost gasped out loud, but managed to silence yourself. In front of Max was a bird's nest, and inside it were two small crows. Babies. Their black eyes gazed up at you in bewilderment, and you looked at Max with surprise.
âHow did you⌠WhereâŚ?â
Max only smiled at you and gestured for you to sit down next to him. You did, and the crows curiously watched your every move. They were surprisingly quiet for being babies, you thought, but the very next second when Max took out a little worm from his pocket, they started chirping.
âHungryâ, Max chuckled, and you watched as he fed the worm to the birds.
This was the last thing you had expected to find here, in this hellish realm. A birdâs nest with two baby crows. How peculiar. Then again, a lot of things were peculiar about Max. How he could wield a screaming chainsaw in matches, kill without mercy, and then go up to the roof to feed some small birds. You glanced at him, he was occupied with the birds. His face, twisted and scarred, yet glowing with warmth now. It made you feel fuzzy inside, and you suddenly wanted to be close to him. You sneakily moved closer to him, and he didnât seem to mind at all. The two of you had been good friends for a while, but now, seeing him all kind and warm with these baby birds, you wanted to hold him. He was so gentle, he deserved such kindness. You had learned not to waste good feelings in this place, so you put a careful arm around Maxâs shoulders and awaited his response. He looked at you, smiling, and then he did something you could never have expected. He gave you a quick peck on the cheek.Â
The birds chirped, the sun warmed you as you remained on the roof, holding each other close. You enjoyed this moment, for there werenât many of them in this place.
Hi, castlevania dropped in dbd and I've been feral, please excuse my rambling.
Reader is a Belmont.
-
-
You and Trevor in the fog first and a month or so before Alucard shows up, and when he does he's glad to see his old friend and questions who the other Belmont is(you)
You're delighted to get to know him and Trevor more, as you have read so many books and texts about him from previous Belmonts, it's so nice to finally meet him! However, much like Trevor, there is a bit of a learning curve he has to go through.
Other survivors try to help him, but most aren't really easy on him, which is fair and you don't blame them! After all, in trials it's nerve wrecking, you can't exactly teach him with all the time in the world. But he picks up gens with ease.
It's everything else that trips him up.
Huntress landed one hell of a shot on him, he shouted surprised and pained by the hatchet that came out of nowhere across the map.
His shoulder now slashed, slowly dripping blood and soaking into his shirt and cloak. but ten minutes later as he was helping you on a gen, you noticed he looked to be in far more agony than anyone you've ever met, his skin sweaty, taking shallow breathes, he looked scared.
"Alucard?"
"I'm not healing, why am I not healing? Gods it hurts...what is this?"
You are swift to whip out your med kit and start patching him up, gently shushing his pained whimpers as you focus on healing him.
"There, good as new!"
He still looks so confused, and it makes sense, his own regenerative abilities always came in handy, he's never really need a med kit, and most of his human companions had a mage on hand for healing.ďżź
A match against Trapper was much the same.
Alucard didn't even notice the trap, that or he did didn't care, he just walked right into it and his scream was heard across the map, his second scream as he placed on hook sounded like he was right next to you he was so loud.
When you got him off hook and to a safer place, he collapsed on you, his forehead on your shoulder, which was growing wet, either from his sweat or tears you arent sure, but he held onto you as you patched him up, shaking like a leaf in a storm.
"Why...why does it hurt so much? I...I shouldn't have gotten hurt from such a weak trap."
He sounds so tired, his voice is weak, small even.
"The entity's abilities it seems, in this realm you're nothing but a human."
"This is what you feel?" He moves, his watery glowing eyes looking up at your focused expression.
"Every match."
He's horrifed, all these matches where you've gritted your teeth and bared through, all these matches where you sacrificed yourself just to make sure everyone else lived, hell even the missions he knew you took as a Belmont- speaking of!
Your family goes on such dangerous missions, gets injured or even killed, and yet you still bare your family crest? His respect for you and your family grew, knowing first hand the pain of your injuries and yet you still choose to be so selfless.
Cue Alucard falling for you, the poor thing didn't even mean to.
It's just you pulled him off the hook, the bell rings louder, warning there isn't much time left, yet you still came back for him.
The second he was touching the ground, he looked at you, despite the pain he looked at you confused.
Your face was stern, filled with sheer determination as you grab his hand and lead him to the door.
"Why did you come back? You could have escaped instead of dying here with me."
You patched him at at the gate, just to be safe.
"Either neither of us die or we both die."
Your eyes locked
"I'm not leaving you here. Come on."
His own eyes widen.
Oh.
Oh.
........so this is how those dames in novels feel being saved.
Oh, Trevor is going to have his head.
He grows more skilled and knowledgeable the longer he's here, and is determined to help you (by proxy the others) he's noticeably closer to you, practically shoulder to shoudler with you by the fire, the first to help you off hook or to heal you.
Even his familar, which followed him here likes to hang off you and get scritches.
He can feel Trevor's side eye, knowing the older Belmont isn't fond of him cozying up to hos descendent.
But he at least knows Alucard would treat you right.
Summary:
You did your time when it came to timelines and the multiverse when Wanda Maximoff entered your life.
So when Deadpool and Logan need to rescue their friends from a the Void, they turn to you, someone with the power to bounce between timelines and realities.
But when you finally arrive, the only person left standing is Gambit. Together, you all return to the current timeline, but your life takes an unexpected turn when Gambit decides to stay with you, offering his protection against the TVA as a thank you for rescuing him.
You can't ignore the way your heart races when heâs near, or how his touch lingers just a moment longer than necessary. The fear of the TVA dragging you back is real, but so is the comfort you find in his presence. As the days pass, your emotions grow more intense, leaving you torn between your heart wanting what it knows it can't have and the terrifying reality that time itself is your enemy.
Chapter 1: "Wade fucking Wilson".
Chapter 2: "My stress levels can't cope with this".
Chapter 3: "Yeah see I would care but I don't".
Chapter 4: "I don't know if I saw too much or not enough".
Chapter 5: "If I wanted to hear an asshole talk I'd go see Wade".
Chapter 6: "You think this is bad you should have seen me when I hit puberty".
Chapter 7: "If you're going to arrest me can we use the cuffs?"
Chapter 8: "Just making you aware".
Chapter 9: "Oh finally the cavalierly are here".
Chapter 10: "That looked much more fun in my mind".
Chapter 11: "Home sweet Home-ish".
Chapter 12: "I have no idea what you even want from me anymore". (Explicit)
Chapter 13: "They'll never stop".
Chapter 14: "Some things just aren't worth this".
Chapter 15: Epilogue.
Summary âł Gambit lends an ear and his comfort to you.Â
(A/n) âł I feel like I spent too much time writing this because I wanted to get his accent right. But I thank all those who gave me advice, especially @a-roguish-gambit. I also started playing RDR2 so you guys can expect content for the game soon too!
Word Count âł 1.1kÂ
Content Warnings âł Female Reader, swearing, violence, blood, pet names (cher), mentions/fear of abandonment, light sexual content, cock blocking?? Â
It wasnât your choice to be pushed into the Void after Wade and Logan. When you watched their bodies disappear, you too were taken to the Void without putting much of a fight. And from the moment you arrived, you knew you were over your head.Â
From the moment you arrived, Wade and Loganâs bickering and banter was constant, and their fights werenât often but deadly. You stood on the sidelines whenever they fought because you knew they could easily take you out.Â
Especially now. Â
What was supposed to be a ride to find the Resistance members became a bloodbath, the first sign of a fight starting was your cue to leave the car and wait for them to calm down.Â
You sat against the tree, watching the two grown ass men throw kicks and punches that could kill a person with ease. Logan's claws pierce Wadeâs body and how Wadeâs katanas and knife slice through Loganâs outfit and skin. Â
âGuys, seriously?â You muttered, this fight wouldâve been much entertaining if she had food with her. You were tired of it, physically and emotionally, and you werenât surprised when you fell asleep to the sound of them battling. Â
But when you awoke, you were in a different place. Some kind of hideout. Â
But with three others who you learned to be Blade, Elektra and Gambit. All of them talked about getting back into Cassandraâs lair, but Wade did most of the talking as Logan did all the drinking. Â
âYou?!â Wade suddenly shouting in some kind of encouragement, pointing directly at you. Â
They all stared at you, waiting for a response but you had no idea what they were agreeing on, going back in her lair or getting a way out. Â
âItâs the same thing, kid.â Logan interrupted your thinking, as if he read your thoughts. But it seems he was tired of the fighting and wanted to a seat to drink in peace. Â
âSure, I guess.â You said, mainly to get the stares off you.Â
Everyone agreed that they would set off early in the morning, giving you the chance to look around the hideout. You peeked your heads in the room as you already felt like you were trespassing, so you promised yourself that this would be the last room before you ate something.Â
âBonjour, cher.â Gambitâs voice made you jump, quickly pulling your head out to turn and look at him. âAinât polite to be peekinâ in on folks, now is it?âÂ
âIâm sorry, I didnât mean to-âÂ
Gambit reached out to push the door open further. âAinât no harm done.â With a wave of his hand, he welcomed you in. âDonât be shy, cher.âÂ
You walked in once you got his approval, he followed right behind you, closing the door with a click. The room was not what you expected, with mismatched furniture and some playing cards lying around, it spoke of him. Â
It was Gambitâs space, and it felt like an extension of him.Â
âSo, how long you been stuck in dis here Void?â Gambit asked, sitting on his couch and patting the cushion beside him. Â
But you shook your head, choosing to lean against the wall. âNot long. I got caught up in Wadeâs mess.âÂ
Gambit raised an eyebrow, his expression changing to surprised. âYouâ new to all dis chaos, eh? Coulda fooled me.â He grinned. Â
You shrugged, trying to laugh. âMore like I got dragged into it. Wade... He stopped getting in trouble for some time but this time, I wasnât quick enough to dodge it.âÂ
âIf dereâs somethinâ on your mind, cher, you can talk. Sometimes itâs easier tâspill your guts to a stranger.â Gambit noted.Â
You looked at him, seeing sincerity in his eyes. For a moment, you hesitated, but you broke. âIâm worried. Scared.â You admitted, whispering. âThat this plan wonât work. If it doesnât, everyone in my universe... Theyâll forget me. Itâll be like I never existed.âÂ
You didnât mean to say much, but once you started, you couldnât stop. âIâve been abandoned once before, left to fend for myself. I worked so hard to make a name but now itâll be for nothing. Everything Iâve done, everyone Iâve known... Gone. Just like that.âÂ
You felt embarrassed after you finished ranting. Your eyes widened as you raised your hands, stumbling over your words, a poor attempt at explaining yourself. âShit! I-I know you said-âÂ
But before you could finish, Gambit was there in front of you, pulling you into a tight embrace. His arms wrapped around you like a shield, protecting you from your worries. Â
âItâs alrigât cher. Youâre alrigât.â He whispered, his voice soothing as he held you close. âYou ainât gotta apologize for feelinâ like dis. Everyone gets scared, even Remy.â Â
You felt yourself slowly relax in his embrace, the steady rhythm of his heartbeat calmed you a little. In that moment, you didnât care about the fear thatâs been eating you away. Â
You hesitated at first, but then you wrapped your arms around him. You both stayed like that for a while, neither of you saying a word, just taking comfort in each otherâs company.Â
Eventually, Gambit pulled back slightly, just enough so he could look down at you. You met his faze, your breath hitching as you realized how close you were.Â
And then, he leaned in, his lips meeting yours in a gentle kiss. It was slow soft at first, a mere brush of lips, but it deepened as the seconds passed, both of you losing yourselves in the moment. Â
You felt his fingers running through your hair as you reached to cup his face. You shut your eyes, your hands moving to his coat and attempt to take it off him. Â
The door flew open with a loud slam. You jumped, darting away from Gambit.Â
âHey, whatâs going on in here?!â Wade shouted as he strutted into Gambitâs room. His tone was annoyingly cheerful. âWe donât have the budget for intimacy coordinators! Johnny mustâve taken it all.âÂ
You cleared your throat, crossing your arms as you felt your face become warm. âWade! I... Uh... Nothing, nothingâs going on.âÂ
You could tell by how the whites of his suit widened that he was smirking under that dammed mask. âOh really? âCause it looks like I interrupted something juicy!âÂ
âJusâ havinâ a lilâ chat, mon ami. Nothinâ to get excited âbout.â Gambit fixed his coat, seemingly normal.Â
Wade then shrugged, turning around. âAlright, but if I hear any smoochinâ sounds, Iâm cominâ right back!âÂ
As soon as the door closed behind Wade, you let out a breath you hadnât realized you were holding, your heat still racing from the near discovery. You glanced at Gambit, who was watching you with a smile, and couldnât help but laugh.Â
Gambit stepped closer to you, hooking his finger under your chin to have you look at him. âAs we were, cher?â Â
Š Intoxicated-Chan 2024, I do not allow my work to be copied, translated, modified, adapted, or put on any other platform without my permission.Â
Summary: You did your time when it came to timelines and the multiverse when Wanda Maximoff entered your life. So when Deadpool and Logan need to rescue their friends from a the Void, they turn to you, someone with the power to bounce between timelines and realities. But when you finally arrive, the only person left standing is Gambit. Together, you all return to the current timeline, but your life takes an unexpected turn when Gambit decides to stay with you, offering his protection against the TVA as a thank you for rescuing him. You can't ignore the way your heart races when heâs near, or how his touch lingers just a moment longer than necessary. The fear of the TVA dragging you back is real, but so is the comfort you find in his presence. As the days pass, your emotions grow more intense, leaving you torn between your heart wanting what it knows it can't have and the terrifying reality that time itself is your enemy.
It was the sound of groaning that woke you up from your light sleep. It took you a moment to blink away the darkness, your mind still foggy as you reached over to check the time. The glare of your phone screen read 1:48 a.m. A heavy sigh escaped your lips, echoing the exhaustion that weighed on your body. Only a few hours had passed since youâd finally managed to drift off, after wrestling with the stomach-knotting guilt that had kept you tossing and turning for what felt like an eternity. You tried to remind yourself that the past couldnât be fixed; nothing you did now could change what happened. But the thoughts persisted, refusing to let go.
Another groan, louder this time, broke through your muddled thoughts. It was coming from the room across the hall. Remy's room. You sat up slowly, pushing back the blankets that had wrapped themselves around you during your restless sleep. As you unplugged your phone from its charger, you turned on the flashlight, the beam guiding you across the wooden floor and toward the source of the noise.
The closer you got to Remy's door, the more distinct the sounds becameârustling bedding, the low, pained groans that sent a shiver down your spine. Your hand hesitated on the door, a knot of worry tightening in your chest. You knew what those sounds meant; you'd heard them before. Knocking softly but not waiting for a response, you pushed open the door, bracing yourself for what you might find.
Remy lay tangled in his sheets, his body tense and twitching as if he were fighting some invisible force. His eyes were tightly shut, his expression twisted in pain. But it was his hands that caught your attentionâglowing a deep, ominous purple as they clenched the bedding with a vice-like grip. You swallowed hard, your mind racing with what to do next. On one hand, you wanted to wake him, to pull him out of whatever nightmare had him in its grip. He was obviously experiencing something traumatic, and you couldnât just stand by and do nothing.
But on the other hand, you remembered the last time youâd tried to wake him like this. The memory of being flung across the room by a burst of his kinetic energy was still fresh, the bruises having only recently faded. You cursed under your breath, glancing around the room for something that could wake him without putting yourself in harm's way.
But as Remy's breathing grew more labored, the groans turning into soft whimpers, you knew you couldnât waste any more time. âFuck it,â you muttered, making up your mind. Moving quickly, you circled to the other side of the bed, close enough to reach out but with enough space to dodge if needed.
Taking a deep breath, you grabbed his arm tightly, feeling the heat of the energy pulsing beneath his skin. âRemy!â you shouted, your voice cutting through the tension in the room. You held his arm down with a strength that surprised even you, your grip firm as you called his name again. âRemy, wake up!â
His eyes shot open, wide and unfocused at first as he gasped for air. He blinked rapidly, his breathing slowly evening out as the glow in his hands faded. Finally, his gaze found yours, confusion and lingering fear swimming in his red-on-black eyes. âWhat are you doing in here?â he asked, his voice hoarse and laced with embarrassment.
You stepped back, giving him some space as you tried to lighten the mood. âAh, well, I thought it would be a good surprise to wake you up at 2am with my dazzling face,â you replied sarcastically, the corners of your mouth quirking up into a small, teasing smile. âYou were having bad dreams again.â
Remy swallowed hard, his eyes dropping to the crumpled sheets beneath him. âI didnât hurt you again, did I?â he asked quietly, his voice thick with guilt.
You shook your head, your smile softening. âSurprisingly, no,â you said gently, relieved that youâd managed to wake him without any incidents this time, "We're doing better".
Ever since that nightâsince that fight when heâd accidentally sent you crashing into the wallâsomething had shifted between you and Remy. The event had left a scar on both of you, not just physically but emotionally as well. But in the aftermath, a new understanding had begun to form. Remy, who had been so guarded, so unwilling to let anyone in, had started to open up to you more. It wasnât immediate, and it wasnât easy, but slowly, he began to let you see the cracks in his armour.
The nightmares were a part of that, a window into the darkness he carried with him. And each time you sat with him after he woke, each time you reassured him that you were okay, that he was okay, a little more of that wall between you crumbled away.
Now, as you stood in the dim light of his room, watching him as he tried to steady himself, you could feel that connection deepening. It wasnât just about the nightmares, or the guilt that he couldnât shakeâit was about the trust that was growing between you, the way he was starting to rely on you, just as you were starting to rely on him.
You watched as Remy shifted, pulling himself up to sit against the headboard, his shoulders slumping slightly as the tension slowly drained from his body. The room was still dim, the soft glow of your phoneâs flashlight casting long shadows across the floor. You hesitated for a moment, then crossed the room to sit on the edge of the bed beside him, careful to give him space but close enough to let him know you were there.
The silence stretched between you, heavy with unspoken words. You knew this wasnât the first time heâd been haunted by nightmares, and it certainly wouldnât be the last. But each time it happened, it seemed to weigh a little heavier on both of you. You took a deep breath, deciding to break the silence.
âWhat were you dreaming about?â you asked softly, your voice barely above a whisper. You werenât sure if he would answer, or if heâd brush you off like he often did when things got too personal. But you had to try.
Remy stared straight ahead; his eyes unfocused as if he were still trapped somewhere in the depths of his dream. For a moment, you thought he might not respond at all. But then he sighed, running a hand through his tousled hair before finally looking at you.
âItâs⌠itâs nothinâ you need to worry about,â he said, his voice low and guarded. He was trying to protect you from whatever darkness he was wrestling with, that much was clear. But you could see the struggle in his eyes, the conflict between wanting to confide in you and wanting to keep you at armâs length.
You nodded, letting his words hang in the air for a moment before speaking again. âI just want to help, Remy.â
Remy looked at you then, really looked at you, as if he were seeing you for the first time. There was a softness in his gaze, a vulnerability that he rarely let anyone see. But just as quickly, it was gone, replaced by a shadow of his usual guarded expression.
He studied you for a long moment before asking quietly, âWhy donât you ever tell me what keeps you up at night?â
The question caught you off guard, hitting a little too close to home. You opened your mouth to respond, but the words got stuck in your throat, a familiar tightness spreading through your chest.
âWhat? You think I donâ hear you moving around in your room at night?â He asked simply.
âItâsâŚâ You hesitated, searching for the right words. âItâs complicated,â you finally said, your voice thick with emotion you couldnât quite hide. You looked down at your hands, twisting your fingers together as you spoke, avoiding his gaze.
Remy nodded, his expression softening with understanding. He didnât push you for more, didnât pry into the past you clearly didnât want to revisit. Instead, he reached out, gently placing a hand on your shoulder for just a momentâa brief, silent gesture of solidarity. Then, he stood up, his movements slow and deliberate as he made his way to the door.
âIâm gonna get somethinâ to drink,â he murmured, more to himself than to you, before disappearing down the hallway.
You sat there for a few moments longer, listening to the faint creak of the floorboards as Remy walked away. A sigh escaped your lips, knowing you werenât going to get anything more out of him tonight unless you were willing to open up too. The realization weighed heavily on you, the truth of it settling in your bones.
Finally, you pushed yourself up from the bed, the cold air biting at your skin as you padded down the hallway toward the kitchen. You found Remy standing by the counter, his back to you as he poured himself a glass of water. The dim light of the moon filtered in through the window, casting a soft glow over the room.
He didnât turn around when you entered, but you knew he was aware of your presence. You leaned against the door frame, watching him for a moment before speaking.
"I can never drink water at night, otherwise I'm up all night peeingâ you stated, your tone lighter, trying to ease the tension that had settled between you both.
Remy glanced over his shoulder, giving you a half-smile that didnât quite reach his eyes. âSeems like neither of us gets much sleep these days,â he replied, taking a sip of his water before setting the glass down on the counter.
You stepped closer, the cool tiles of the kitchen floor sending a shiver up your spine. You tapped your fingers on your legs for a moment, âMaybe weâre just too stubborn to let go of the past,â you said, trying to keep the mood light, but there was a truth in your words that neither of you could ignore.
Remy leaned against the counter, crossing his arms over his chest as he studied you. âMaybe,â he agreed softly, his eyes searching yours as if trying to read the thoughts you werenât saying out loud.
You met his gaze, feeling the weight of everything unspoken between you. There was so much you both were holding back, so much that had been left unsaid. But in that moment, standing in the quiet of the kitchen with the world asleep around you, you knew that maybe it was time to start letting some of it out.
You nodded toward the living room, silently inviting Remy to follow you. He trailed behind you without a word, the tension between you both palpable but unspoken. As you entered the living room, you curled up on the sofa, wrapping your blanket tightly around you. Remy chose the armchair across from you, sinking into it with a heaviness that matched the mood.
After a long pause, you broke the silence. âWhat Iâm about to tell you stays between us. I trust you, Remy, and thatâs why Iâm going to talk about it. No one knows, definitely not Wade. The only people who know are the people who were there.â
Remyâs eyes met yours, a silent acknowledgment passing between you. He nodded slightly, signalling that he understood the gravity of your words. You took a deep breath, feeling your heart pound in your chest as you prepared to share a part of your past you had kept buried for so long.
âBack in 2018âŚâ Your voice wavered, but you pressed on. âI donât know if you were already in the Void by then,â You paused, trying to steady yourself. âSomething happened. His name was Thanos. He wanted to wipe out half the universe, said there werenât enough resources to sustain all life. But to do that, he needed to collect these stones⌠the Infinity Stones.â
Remyâs expression remained impassive, but you could see the flicker of recognition in his eyes. He leaned forward slightly, his body tense with anticipation.
âWe lost a lot of good people in that fight. Tony Stark, Natasha Romanoff⌠they were just a few.â Your voice broke, tears welling in your eyes as the memories flooded back. âThanos succeeded; he got the stones and wiped out half the planet. So many people were just⌠gone. Families destroyed; economies collapsed. And we had no idea how to fix it. I jumped through universes and timelines, trying to find something, anything that would change the outcome. But every universe was the same. Thanos always won. We didn't know what to do, we were just sitting ducks. We were meant to stop this, to save the world but instead-â You shrugged a shoulder and looked a way for a moment.
Tears streamed down your face now, the weight of the past five years pressing down on you. âFive years later, we managed to fix things⌠but I lost someone as a result.â
You turned away from Remyâs sympathetic gaze, unable to meet his eyes. The room seemed to close in around you, the memories suffocating. You pinched the bridge of your nose, trying to stop the tears from coming out.
âWho'd you lose?â he asked quietly, his voice gentle, as if afraid to push too hard.
You hesitated, searching for the right words. âI was meant to be getting married, but when the blip happened cars were without drivers, planes were without pilots,â you admitted, your voice cracking under the weight of the admission. âThey were on their way back from a conference in Michigan when the blip happened. They called me the night before; they somehow knew what I was going to do because they always did. They told me to stay safe, that they loved me.â
Remy stayed quiet, his eyes full of understanding. He wanted to come over and comfort you, but he held back, knowing you needed to get this out on your own.
âI was meant to be retired. We were planning on maybe starting a family after the wedding, settling down properly. So, I wasnât going to fight, but he knew that this was one I couldnât just sit out of,â you continued, your voice thick with emotion. âWe agreed that the odds were good. There were hundreds of us going to Wakanda, so I went.â You shrugged helplessly, your voice barely a whisper. âGod I hoped-â you choked back the tears you were holding in, âWhen they didnât answer their phone, I hoped they were just blipped you know? So, in five yearsâ time when we managed to fix things, and everyone came back. They didnât and I knew,â
Remy shifted slightly in his seat, his eyes never leaving you. âYou know there was nothing you could do,â he offered gently.
You gave him a tight smile, one that didnât quite reach your eyes. âI know that now. Back then not so much,â you replied, your voice hardening as you tried to push the pain back down, âI tried to find ways to bring him back. I fucked with a lot of timelines and universes,â
Remy nodded in understanding. âIs that why the TVA came after you?â he asked, his voice low and careful.
Another tight smile crossed your lips. âThat⌠and other things,â you admitted. âI did a lot of stupid things.â
Silence fell in between you.
âYour turn,â You prodded, a gentle smile on your face as Remy looked at you.
Remyâs eyes were distant, clouded with the remnants of whatever nightmare had gripped him. He seemed to be wrestling with something deep inside, something that weighed on him so heavily that it had followed him into his sleep and refused to let go. When you asked him about his dream, his initial reaction was silenceâa heavy, oppressive silence that filled the room like a thick fog.
For a long moment, he didnât speak, and you could see the internal battle waging within him. He had always been guarded, keeping his thoughts and emotions locked away behind a well-constructed façade. But now, in the dim light of the early morning, with the memory of his nightmare still fresh, those walls seemed to be crumbling, even if just a little.
When he finally spoke, his voice was rough, like it had been dragged across gravel. âIt was⌠about them,â he said, the words heavy with unspoken grief. He didnât need to say who âthemâ was; you knew. You had heard enough from him in the rare moments he opened up about his past to know the ghosts that haunted him. âI canât stop seeing their faces,â he continued, his gaze dropping to his hands, which were now clenched into fists. âI see their eyes, the way they looked at me⌠like I was a monster.â
His words hung in the air, and you could feel the weight of his guilt pressing down on him. He hadnât been himself when it happened, that much was clear, but that didnât make the memories any less real or the guilt any easier to bear. The fact that he had been manipulated, his mind twisted by forces beyond his control, didnât change the fact that it had been his hands that had done the terrible things he now couldnât escape.
You wanted to reach out to him, to offer some kind of comfort, but you knew how fragile this moment was. Remy was a man who carried his pain like a shield, using it to keep others at a distance. If you pushed too hard, he would retreat back into his shell, and you would lose whatever small connection you had managed to forge.
âIt wasnât youâ you said gently, choosing your words carefully. âYou werenât in control of what you did.â
Remy shook his head, his expression one of deep anguish. âBut it was still me,â he said, his voice thick with emotion. âI was the one who did those things. My hands, my powers⌠I canât just pretend that didnât happen.â
You could see the self-loathing in his eyes, the way he struggled to reconcile the man he wanted to be with the man he believed he had become. It was a battle that was tearing him apart, piece by piece, and you werenât sure how to help him put those pieces back together.
âI was back there,â he said, his voice low and haunted. âIn that place⌠with them. I couldnât stop it, no matter how hard I tried. I kept reliving it, over and over. Their screams, the look in their eyes⌠it was all the same.â
You could hear the tremor in his voice, the way it wavered as he spoke. He was trying so hard to keep it together, but the pain was too much to bear. You could see it in the way his shoulders sagged, the way his hands shook ever so slightly. This was a man who had been through hell and back, and it was clear that he was still living in that hell, even now.
Remyâs gaze drifted away, his eyes unfocused, as if he were staring into the past, seeing something you couldnât. His fingers tightened around the edge of the armchair, knuckles turning white. The air in the room felt thick, like the weight of his memories had seeped into the very atmosphere, pulling everything down with it.
âWhen I think about Anna,â he began, his voice barely above a whisper, âitâs like Iâm right back there, in that moment.â He swallowed hard, his throat working against the lump that had formed there. âI can see her, feel her⌠everythinâ is so clear, like it just happened yesterday.â
He paused, his breath hitching as he fought against the wave of emotions threatening to overtake him. You stayed quiet, sensing that this was something he needed to say, something heâd been carrying alone for too long.
âShe was tryinâ to protect the kids,â he continued, his voice trembling. âThey were all huddled together, scared outta their minds, and she⌠she stepped in front of âem. Told me to stop, told me I didnât have to do this. But I wasnât⌠I wasnât me.â
The room seemed to close in around you both, the gravity of his words hanging in the air like a dark cloud. You could see the torment in his eyes, the way he was reliving every detail, every second of that memory.
âI remember the way her voice sounded,â he said, his eyes glistening with unshed tears. âShe was begginâ me to stop, to come back to her. But it was like⌠it was like I could hear her, but I couldnât stop. All I could feel was the power surginâ through me, pushinâ me to do what I was programmed to do. I wrapped my energy around her throat, and she⌠she was still tryinâ to get through to me. Even as I was ready to kill her, she was still fightinâ for me.â
His voice cracked on the last word, and he had to look away, unable to meet your eyes. The raw pain in his expression was almost too much to bear, and you felt your heart break for him, for the agony he was clearly reliving.
âI can hear her, but I canât stop,â he murmured, his voice barely audible now. âItâs like I donât know how. Like somethinâ inside me just⌠snapped. And I knew I was hurtinâ her, knew I was destroyinâ the only good thing I ever had, but I couldnât⌠I couldnât stop myself.â
He closed his eyes, a single tear slipping down his cheek. His hands were trembling now, and you could see the battle he was waging within himself, the desperate attempt to hold onto his composure.
âWhen I finally snapped outta it,â he continued, his voice a broken whisper, âit was too late. She was on the ground, gaspinâ for air, barely able to look at me. And the kids⌠they were screaminâ, cryinâ, tryinâ to get away. But all I could see was her⌠all I could see was what Iâd done.â
He took a shuddering breath, his hands clenching into fists as he fought against the tidal wave of guilt that threatened to drown him. âI can still see her face,â he whispered, âthe way she looked at me, like she didnât recognize me anymore. Like I was a stranger. And I donât blame her. How could I? I was the monster sheâd always feared, the one sheâd tried so hard to save. I loved her so much.â
His voice broke completely then, and he bowed his head, his shoulders shaking with the effort of holding back the tears. The silence between you was heavy, suffocating, but you knew there was nothing you could say that would ease the pain he was feeling. This was a wound that ran too deep, a scar that would never fully heal.
You stood up, walking over to him and placing a hand on his arm, offering what little comfort you could. He didnât pull away, but he didnât look at you either. He just sat there, lost in the darkness of his memories, drowning in the guilt that had become his constant companion.
âIâm sorry, chĂŠrie,â he whispered, his voice barely audible. âIâm so damn sorry.â
You squeezed his arm, wishing there was something more you could do, something that would take away even a fraction of the pain he was feeling. But you knew that this was a battle he would have to fight on his own, a demon he would have to face if he ever hoped to find any semblance of peace.
âRemy,â you said softly, your voice filled with a quiet determination, âyouâre not that man anymore. Whatever happened back then, whatever they made you do, it wasnât your fault. You have to believe that.â
He didnât respond, but you could see the conflict in his eyes, the way he was struggling to accept your words, to believe that there was still something good left in him. But you also knew that it would take time, that healing from something like this wasnât a simple process. It was messy and painful, and it would take more than a few words to break through the walls heâd built around himself.
But you werenât going to give up on him. Not now, not ever. Because youâd seen the man he was, the man he could be, and you knew that somewhere deep down, beneath all the pain and guilt, that man was still there, waiting to be found again.
âIt took such a long time for me to be able to forgive myself for something that was out of my hands. It took a lot of crying and anger, but I got there. I had people who supported me, who allowed me to feel those things. So, you need to let your self feel the guilt and feel angry, but you canât let yourself drown in it,â You whispered to him, crouching down in front of him.
For the first time since heâd started speaking, he looked at you, really looked at you, and for a moment, you thought you saw a flicker of hope in his eyes. It was faint, barely there, but it was enough.
And in that moment, you knew that no matter how long it took, no matter how difficult the journey ahead might be, you would be there for him. Because thatâs what you did for the people you cared about. You stood by them, even when the world felt like it was crumbling around you, even when the darkness seemed too vast to overcome.
You stood by them, and you helped them find their way back to the light.
âRemy,â you said softly, your heart aching for him. âYou donât have to go through this alone. You have people who care about you, who want to help you.â
He looked at you then, his eyes filled with a mixture of pain and gratitude. âI know,â he said, his voice barely above a whisper. âBut itâs hard. Itâs hard to let people in when all you see is the darkness inside yourself.â
You nodded, understanding all too well what he meant. You had your own demons, your own memories that haunted you in the quiet moments when you were alone with your thoughts. It was hard to let people in, to trust them with the parts of yourself that you wished you could forget.
âI get it,â you said, your voice gentle. âBut you donât have to carry that darkness by yourself. You donât have to let it consume you.â
Remy sighed, his shoulders slumping as if the weight of the world was pressing down on him. âIâm trying,â he said, his voice filled with a quiet desperation. âBut itâs hard.â
You swallowed the lump in your throat, âTell me about her, tell me about Anna,â
As he began to speak, his voice softened, and you could see the tension in his body start to ease. He talked about Rogue, and for the first time since you had known him, his face lit up with something other than pain. There was a warmth in his voice, a fondness that softened his features as he recalled memories of herâher stubbornness, her bravery, the way she smiled at him when she thought no one else was watching.
You listened intently, watching the way his entire demeanour changed as he spoke about her. It was as if just the memory of her was enough to bring a small piece of him back to life. âYou might get lucky,â you said quietly when he paused, âThe universe has a strange way of leading people to where they need to be⌠and who they need to be with. I donât think youâll be away from her forever.â
Remy shrugged, his expression darkening slightly. âIf sheâs still alive,â he muttered, a bitterness creeping into his voice.
âShe is,â you insisted, your voice firm. âShe has to be. From what youâve told me sheâs a complete badass. And if she can deal with your shit then she can handle anything.â
He sighed, running a hand through his hair. âI just hope sheâs happy,â he said softly, the weight of his guilt still clear in his voice.
A heavy silence fell between you both, the only sound in the room the faint ticking of a clock in the distance. You moved back to the sofa and patted the seat beside you, a silent invitation for him to join you. For a moment, he hesitated, but then he stood up, crossing the room and sitting down beside you.
You rested your head on his shoulder, the closeness a comfort in the quiet room. âThank you,â you whispered, âfor telling me. Especially about Anna.â
He hesitated for a moment, then slowly wrapped his arm around your shoulder, pulling you in for a one-armed hug. It was tentative, almost awkward, but there was a sincerity in the gesture that made you smile.
âTheyâd be proud of you,â You didnât even need to ask who Remy was talking about, you swallowed the lump in your throat and nodded once, acknowledging what he said without saying anything in return.
âWeâre taking a trip to the open-air market when the sunâs up,â you announced, trying to lighten the mood. âAs a way to cheer us both up.â
Remy gave a small chuckle, leaning his head back against the couch. âDeal,â he agreed, his voice lighter than before. You pulled the blanket over both of you, tucking it around him as well.
âI think youâre more of my bestie than Wade at this rate,â you joked, earning a genuine smile from him.
As the night stretched on, the exhaustion finally caught up with both of you. Slowly, you both drifted off to sleep, your head still resting on his shoulder. For the first time since being pruned, Remy found himself slipping into a restful sleep, free from the nightmares that had plagued him for so long. And as the first light of dawn began to filter through the windows, there was a sense of peace in the room, a quiet understanding that, maybe, just maybe, you both were starting to heal.
<> <> <>< <> <> <>
The sun was out, casting a bright light over the open-air market, but the crisp, cold air nipped at your cheeks, turning them a rosy pink as you walked side by side with Remy. The market bustled with lifeâvendors calling out their goods, the murmur of conversations, the occasional laughter of children darting between stalls. Despite the lively atmosphere, there was a quietness between you and Remy, a comfortable silence that hadnât always been there.
After the conversation you had the night before, something had shifted between youâa new understanding, a mutual respect born out of shared pain and vulnerability. It was as if the walls both of you had been carefully maintaining had crumbled just a little, enough for you to see the raw, unfiltered emotions underneath. It made this simple outing feel different, more significant. Every glance, every small smile exchanged between you felt laden with meaning.
You stopped at a stall selling handmade hats, reaching out to try on a woollen beanie that caught your eye. âWhat do you think?â you asked, turning to Remy with a playful grin.
He tilted his head, studying you for a moment before a small smile tugged at the corners of his lips. âLooks good on you, chĂŠrie,â he said, his tone warm.
There was something lighter about him today, you noticed. His shoulders werenât as tense, and there was a certain softness in his expression that hadnât been there before. It was as if the weight heâd been carrying had lessened, just a little.
You moved to another stall, this one filled with colourful candles in every imaginable scent. You picked up a lavender-scented one, holding it up to Remyâs nose. âWhat do you think? Too floral?â
He leaned in, taking a deep breath, and then shrugged with a slight smile. âNot bad. But Iâm more of a cedarwood kinda guy.â
You chuckled, placing the candle back. âGood to know.â
As you continued through the market, showing Remy the different stalls, you couldnât help but notice how he seemed to take in everything with a new appreciation. He wasnât just passively following you; he was engaged, asking questions, making small comments about the items on display. It was a small change, but it felt significant, like he was finally allowing himself to be present in the moment rather than being consumed by his thoughts.
When you reached a fruit stall, you picked up a large apple, holding it up with an exaggerated look of shock. âFuck me, look at the size of this,â you exclaimed, earning a small chuckle from the elderly cashier and a smirk from Remy.
âIt canât be natural,â you added, turning to the elderly man behind the counter. âIs it natural?â
The old man nodded, shuffling over to you with a proud smile. âMmhmm, grown right here in my orchard.â
Remy picked up his own apple, turning it over in his hands as he examined it closely. âDid you wanna get some?â he asked, glancing at you.
âIâd only need three. One would last me a whole day,â you said with a grin, grabbing the apple from Remyâs hand and adding two more to your selection before handing them to the cashier.
While Remy and the cashier exchanged pleasantries, your attention was drawn elsewhere. A strange sensation crept up your spine, making the hairs on the back of your neck stand on end. You quickly turned around, scanning the crowd, but all you saw were passing families and couples, their laughter and chatter blending into the background noise of the market. But that feeling, that overwhelming sense of being watched, didnât go away.
Remy noticed your sudden change in demeanour, his easy smile fading as he turned to you with concern in his eyes. âWhatâs wrong?â he asked, his voice low, barely above a whisper.
You hesitated, still searching the crowd for any sign of whatâor whoâwas causing this unsettling feeling. âI donât know,â you admitted, your voice tight. âI just⌠I feel like weâre being watched.â
Remyâs expression darkened, the lightness that had been there just moments ago vanishing as his eyes scanned the crowd with you. âYou think itâs them?â he asked, his voice barely hiding the edge of tension.
âI donât know,â you repeated, more frustrated this time. âBut if it is, we need to get out of here. Itâs too busy, too many people. I donât want a showdown with collateral.â
Remy didnât need to be told twice. He quickly handed the money to the cashier, thanking him hastily before grabbing your hand and pulling you through the crowd. His grip was firm, protective, as if he were determined not to let anything happen to you.
As you wove through the bustling market, you noticed how Remyâs demeanour had shifted. The easy-going man who had been sampling candles and trying on hats just moments ago was gone, replaced by someone with a hardened expression, his eyes sharp and alert. He was silent, focused, mentally mapping out the best escape routes and planning how to keep you safe.
But despite the tension, there was also a sense of connection between youâa bond that had strengthened in the face of shared danger. The conversation from last night still hung in the air, unspoken but not forgotten, adding another layer of understanding to the way you moved together, instinctively in sync.
When you finally made it out of the market and into a quiet alleyway, you both stopped, catching your breath. Remyâs hand was still wrapped around yours, his thumb absently rubbing circles against your skin, grounding you in the present.
You both watched as two men and a woman came to a stop just outside the alleyway you were hiding in. Remy pulled you back flush against the wall, his hand suddenly glowing purple as a fail safe in case they couldnât hide from them. The light cast an eerie glow on the brick wall, a stark contrast to the cold shadows that surrounded you.
All you could hear was your heart beating in your ears, the sound nearly deafening in the tense silence. The murmurs of the agents just outside the alleyway reached you, muffled but clear enough to make out fragments of their conversation.
âWe know they were here,â one of the men said, his voice rough and authoritative. âSplit up. They canât have gone far.â
The woman nodded, glancing down the alleyway but not quite looking into the shadows where you and Remy were hidden. âIâll take the east side,â she said, her tone clipped and efficient. âYou two cover the west and north. Weâll regroup in fifteen.â
Remyâs grip on your hand tightened, his other hand still glowing with kinetic energy, ready to defend you both if necessary. You pressed yourself closer to the wall, trying to make yourself as small and unnoticeable as possible. The sound of footsteps grew louder, then softer as the agents moved in different directions.
For a moment, it seemed like you might be safe. But then, one of the men paused, turning back towards the alley. âWait,â he said, suspicion lacing his voice. âCheck the alleys. They might be hiding.â
Your heart raced even faster, a cold sweat breaking out on your forehead. Remyâs jaw tightened, his eyes narrowing as he prepared for a fight. You could feel the tension radiating off him, his body coiled like a spring ready to snap.
The agent started towards the alleyway, his footsteps echoing ominously. You held your breath, praying that the shadows would be enough to conceal you. But just as he was about to step into the alley, a loud commotion erupted further down the street.
âHey! What are you doing?â a voice shouted, followed by the sound of something crashing. The agent paused, glancing towards the source of the noise.
âForget it,â the other man called. âWeâve got bigger problems.â
The agent hesitated for a moment, then turned away, heading towards the disturbance. You let out a shaky breath, your heart still pounding.
âThat was close,â you whispered, your voice barely audible.
Remy nodded, his hand slowly losing its glow as he let the energy dissipate. âToo close,â he agreed, his voice low and tense. âWe need to move. Now.â
You nodded, taking a deep breath to steady yourself. âLetâs go.â
You moved cautiously through the alley, sticking to the shadows as much as possible. The marketâs sounds faded into the background as you navigated the narrow, winding pathways. Remy led the way, his senses on high alert for any sign of danger.
Instead, you spotted Wade and Vanessa strolling together, Wadeâs obnoxious waving catching your attention immediately. Despite the tension, a small, involuntary groan escaped your lips at the sight of him jumping up and down like an overgrown child.
Wade jogged over with that signature wide grin plastered across his face, his usual irreverent energy seemingly oblivious to the gravity of the situation. âHey, lovebirds! Having a cute first date? Didnât know Remy had a romantic side,â he teased, waggling his eyebrows.
You rolled your eyes, exasperated, but managed a quick, tight hug with Vanessa. âWade, this isnât the time,â you said, your tone sharper than usual, laced with the urgency of the situation. âWe have the TVA on our ass.â
Wadeâs grin vanished instantly, his face taking on an uncharacteristically serious expression. He glanced over at Remy, then back at you, his usual levity replaced with concern. âYou sure itâs them?â he asked, his voice low and steady.
âYes,â you confirmed with a nod, feeling the weight of the situation settling heavily on your shoulders. âWe need to get out of here. Itâs too busy, and I donât want to risk a confrontation.â
Vanessa, always perceptive, looked around the park, her brow furrowing in concern. She could sense the unease in your voice, the way your eyes flicked toward every shadow, every stranger who walked past. âWe should head back to your place,â she suggested, her voice gentle but firm. âItâs safer there.â
âAgreed,â came a gruff voice from behind. Logan had appeared beside Wade, his presence solid and reassuring. âLetâs move.â
You looked surprised to see the dark-haired man suddenly by Wade and Vanessaâs side, âWhere did-â you shook your head, âYou know what never mind,â.
The walk back to your house was tense, the air between you all crackling with unspoken fear. Remy stayed close to you, his hand brushing yours every so often, a silent gesture of support. You appreciated it more than you could say, but the knot of anxiety in your stomach refused to untangle.
<><><><><><>
You went to the closet, pulling out a small, well-used toolbox. The metal clink of the latch as you opened it seemed louder in the quiet of the house. Your movements were methodical, almost mechanical, as you carried the box to the kitchen. Everyone was scattered around, talking strategy and safety, but you needed to keep your hands busy. It was a way to cope, to ground yourself amidst the chaos.
You crouched down in front of the cabinet under the sink, pushing aside cleaning supplies and other miscellaneous items. You squeezed into the cramped space, the cold of the tiles seeping through your jeans. Pulling out a few tools, you began working on the sink with a focus that bordered on obsession. You unscrewed a small back panel, felt around inside, then put it back and sealed it up with cornice cement. Your movements were precise, as if you were performing some ritualistic task rather than merely fixing a sink.
Remy watched you for a moment from the doorway, his brow furrowed with concern. The way you worked so intently, seemingly trying to fix something that wasn't broken, worried him. After a few minutes, he turned and joined Wade and Logan, who were deep in discussion about possible fail-safe options in case the TVA showed up. His worry was palpable, but he knew that staying close to you while you worked through your anxiety wasnât helping, so he focused on the conversation.
Vanessa, sensing your distress, made her way over. She crouched down next to you, her presence gentle and non-intrusive. âWhat are you up to?â she asked softly, her eyes observing you with a mix of curiosity and concern.
You froze momentarily, your hands hovering over the tools. You had been so absorbed in the task that her question broke through your concentration. You took a deep breath before finally responding. âA fail-safe,â you said, your voice steady but laced with a trace of fear. âIn case they get me, that in there is my fail-safe.â
Vanessaâs eyes softened with sympathy as she took in the sight of you working under the sink. She could see the layers of tension in your shoulders, the nervous energy that radiated from you. âDo you really think theyâre going to get you?â she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.
You looked up, meeting her gaze with a mixture of resignation and fear. âVanessa, Iâm one of the only people in this universe who can bounce through universes. The first time they ever caught me, I was classified as a type 7 threat. It means that they canât kill me because Iâm too important to my timeline, but they can capture me.â You shrugged, a small, bitter smile forming on your lips. âAnd after telling me what will happen to me if they do catch me, Iâm terrified.â
Vanessaâs expression hardened with determination as she looked over at the balcony, where Wade, Logan, and Remy were gathered. âThere are three men out there who are going to do everything in their power to stop them from getting you,â she said firmly. âThey wonât let you go without a fight. Remy wonât let you go without a fight.â
You glanced through the window, watching the men in question as they strategized. Your heart ached with a mix of gratitude and fear. âYeah, I know,â you replied, your voice slightly unconvinced. âBut knowing that and feeling it are two different things.â
Vanessa placed a comforting hand on your shoulder, her touch warm and reassuring. âWeâll get through this,â she said softly. âYou have to believe that.â
You nodded, though the tension in your body didnât fully ease. Vanessa stayed with you for a moment longer, a silent support as you finished your makeshift fail-safe. When you finally emerged from under the sink, you felt a bit more grounded, but the fear still lurked, an ever-present shadow on your thoughts.
Logan, Wade, and Remy reentered the house, their faces showing the determination and concern that had been etched into their features. Vanessa watched from her stool as you busied yourself in the kitchen, pulling out a teacup and starting to make yourself a cup of tea. The comforting aroma of the tea leaves filled the air, a small solace in the midst of your anxiety. You hoped that the caffeine-free tea would be gentler on your nerves than coffee.
As the tea steeped, you stared blankly at the swirling amber liquid, your thoughts a tumultuous mix of worry and resignation. âBeing a timeline anchor with my abilities makes me a prime target,â you said softly to the three men who just walked into the room. âThey can use me to stabilize timelines and universes, keep them from collapsing. And with the multiverse already starting to fall apart, they need me more than ever. Jumping through universes is becoming harder because of it. Itâs why Iâve been struggling the last few times.â
Logan, who had been standing near the doorway, stepped forward with a concerned frown. âIs there anyone else who can do what you do?â
You hesitated, taking a deep breath before nodding. âWhen I was with Doctor Strange, I met a girl who had similar powers. But sheâs just a child. Her abilities arenât as strong as mine yet. When I knew her she couldnât even control them.â
Loganâs face darkened, and his expression hardened. âMaybe we could find her.â
âNo,â you snapped, the sharpness in your voice betraying your frustration. âSheâs a literal child. Get that thought out of your head right now.â
Loganâs hands flew up in a placating gesture, his brow furrowing in surprise. âAlright, alright. I just thoughtââ
âI know what you thought,â you cut him off, your voice trembling with a mix of fear and anger. âBut we canât drag her into this. She deserves a chance at a normal life.â
The room fell silent, the gravity of your words settling over everyone. Loganâs face softened, a look of understanding dawning in his eyes. âYouâre right. Iâm sorry.â
Wade, having overheard the ongoing debate between you and the others, stepped forward with a determined look. His tone was resolute as he addressed the room. âWeâre going to stay here for a few days. Just until everything calms down.â
You bristled at his words, crossing your arms defensively. âI donât need anyone staying here,â you said, trying to keep your voice steady. âI appreciate the concern, but itâs already cramped enough. Iâd rather you all leave and let me handle this on my own.â
Loganâs expression hardened slightly, his eyes narrowing. âYouâve got no idea what you might be dealing with. You know better than anyone that the TVA is no joke, and if theyâre closing in, youâre going to need all the help you can get.â
Wade, never one to miss an opportunity for a quip, chimed in with a wide grin. âYeah, you know, stay close just in case we need to fend off some TVA goons. I vote we keep the fun going!â
You glared at Wade, your frustration evident. âThis isnât about fun. Itâs about keeping everyone safe, and right now, adding more people to the mix isnât going to help.â
Logan took a step closer, his voice firm but calm. âWeâre not just here to make things harder. Weâre here to make sure youâre protected. If the TVA gets close, weâll be ready.â
Wade nodded in agreement. âPlus, itâs not like you have a secret panic room or anything. Weâre just trying to be practical.â
Your eyes darted to Remy, who had been quietly watching the exchange. You could see the concern etched in his face, and you felt a pang of guilt for snapping at him earlier.
Remy cleared his throat, his voice carrying a weight of sincerity. âActually, Iâd much rather they stay. If the TVA is really closing in, itâs safer for all of us if theyâre here and close. I know itâs not ideal, but itâs better than taking chances.â
You looked at Remy, searching his face for any hint of insincerity but found none. His calm demeanour contrasted with your rising anxiety, and you could see the genuine worry in his eyes.
"Who's side are you on?" You exclaimed to him, throwing your arms up in exasperation.
Logan gave a satisfied nod, turning to you with a look of quiet triumph. âThere you go. Itâs settled then.â
You sighed heavily, rubbing your temples. âFine,â you conceded, though your voice was tinged with reluctance. âBut I swear, if this turns into a disaster, Iâm blaming you all.â
Wadeâs grin widened. âOh, itâs going to be a blast. Weâll make it work.â
Vanessa, who had been quietly observing, stepped forward. âIâll help with the bedding, I noticed you don't really have alot. Weâll figure this out.â
As they moved to set up the additional bedding and make the space more liveable, you felt a mixture of relief and exasperation. You were grateful for their support, but the added stress of accommodating everyone weighed heavily on you.
As you watched the others bustling around, setting up the makeshift sleeping arrangements, you couldnât shake the feeling of being overwhelmed. But seeing everyone working together to make the best of the situation gave you a glimmer of hope that maybe, just maybe, things would turn out alright.
You emerged from the hallway with more blankets and pillows, trying to make the living room as cozy as possible under the circumstances. You tossed the blankets onto the sofa with a sigh. âI know itâs not much,â you said, your voice carrying a hint of apology, âbut I donât really do sleepovers, or have people over at all, actually. Rarely. I hate having people over.â
Wade, ever the one to find humour in every situation, looked up with a mischievous grin. âHey, Iâm excited for this. Finally getting to stay over. Breaking in in the mornings just aren't as fun. Plus I might finally get to realize my dream of sleeping with a certain mutant over there," He turned to Remy, "Not you beautiful, the other one".
Logan grunted in response, his face contorted in a mix of irritation and resignation. âIâd rather sleep in the chair outside,â he muttered, clearly not thrilled about the prospect of sharing sleeping space.
You rolled your eyes, feeling a mix of frustration and amusement. âWell, you're right. Weâll have to double up since there arenât enough blankets and itâs pretty cold tonight. So, if anyone wants to avoid freezing, they might have to share.â
As you moved to gather the last of the bedding, you glanced over to see Wade and Logan busy rearranging the living room. Wade was making a production out of organizing the pillows, tossing them around with exaggerated flair and cracking jokes about their new âsleepover headquarters.â His attempts to lighten the mood were both a welcome distraction and a small comfort amidst the tension.
Meanwhile, Remy had retreated to the kitchen, his posture rigid as he stared into space. The concern etched on his face was evident, and you could sense his inner turmoil. You wanted to reach out to him, offer some reassurance, but the exhaustion and stress of the day made you feel like you were running on empty.
You approached Remy, placing a gentle hand on his shoulder. âHey, you doing okay?â you asked softly, trying to offer him a moment of comfort.
Remy looked up, his eyes filled with a mix of worry and resolve. âYeah,â he said, his voice low but steady. âJust a bit overwhelmingâ.
You gave him a small, encouraging smile. âI know. Itâs been a really really long day.â
As you turned back to the living room, you saw Wade holding up your phone, clearly amused by his latest idea, âLack of bedding and snacks? Thatâs what Instacart is for. Oh, look the appâs already downloaded,â
âYou canât Instacart more bedding, Wade,â you said, clearly exasperated. âItâs expensive, itâs stupid, and how often is it going to be used?â
Wadeâs grin widened, unfazed by your frustration. âAre you saying you donât want more super special BFF sleepovers?â
You placed your hands on your hips, trying to suppress a smile despite your exhaustion. âNo, I donât want any more super special BFF sleepovers. Youâre like an ADHD child on crack. I am exhausted by you,â you said, though there was a trace of amusement in your voice.
Wadeâs grin only grew wider. âWell, youâd be able to rest and get some sleep if we Instacarted more bedding to make the sleeping space biggerâ.
You stared at Wade for a moment before shaking your head and turning on your heel, âI need something strong if Iâm going to get through tonight,â you walked back into the kitchen, searching the top shelf for whatever alcohol you may have left over. Â
You start getting a headache that had been slowly building throughout the day. The constant buzz of conversation, the stress of your current situation, and the weight of everything else had all finally taken their toll. The dull throb at the back of your skull was a reminder that youâd been pushing yourself too hard, trying to hold everything together when, in reality, you were hanging by a thread.
Wadeâs grin only grew wider as he noticed your discomfort, completely oblivious to the storm brewing in your head. "I feel like Wendy's maybe?â he quipped, his voice annoyingly cheerful given the circumstances.
You stared at Wade for a moment, trying to process his words through the haze of your headache. It was clear he was trying to lighten the mood, but it only made you more irritated. Shaking your head, you turned on your heel, muttering under your breath, âI need something strong if Iâm going to get through tonight.â
Without waiting for a response, you walked back into the kitchen, your steps purposeful as you made a beeline for the top shelf where you kept your alcohol. Your fingers fumbled slightly as you reached up, searching for whatever you had left over. The headache was getting worse, the pressure behind your eyes intensifying with every passing second.
You finally grabbed a bottle, not even bothering to check what it was. You just needed somethingâanythingâto take the edge off. Unscrewing the cap, you poured yourself a generous amount, the liquid sloshing slightly as your hand trembled. The sharp scent of alcohol hit your nose, and for a brief moment, you hesitated.
You didnât usually drink to numb the pain. It was a habit youâd seen too many people fall into, a crutch that often led to more problems than it solved. But tonight, the thought of dealing with everything sober felt unbearable.
Remembering the words you spoke about your friends drinking just a few weeks earlier reverberated throughout your mind.
With a heavy sigh, you set the glass down, resolving to face whatever came nextâheadache and all.
As the noise from the living room continuedâWadeâs playful banter and the rustle of blanketsâRemy found himself needing a moment of quiet. He slipped outside onto the small balcony, hoping the cool evening air would help clear his mind. Logan, noticing Remyâs sudden departure, followed him out, his face marked by concern.
Logan leaned against the railing, casting a sidelong glance at Remy. âYou alright?â
Remy, leaning against the railing with his arms crossed, looked out at the street below, his expression troubled. âJust needed some space,â he admitted, his voice low. âItâs a bit overwhelming in there.â
Logan nodded, taking in Remyâs pensive demeanour. âI get it. Things have been intense. But youâve got a lot on your mind. Whatâs really bothering you?â
Remy turned his head to look at Logan, his eyes clouded with worry. âItâs just⌠everything thatâs happening. Seeing her so scared, so vulnerableâitâs messing with my head. I know she keeps saying sheâs okay, but she keeps having this look on her face. I know weâre all here for her, but I keep thinking about what would happen if the TVA really does come for her. What would happen if they got her.â
Loganâs expression softened with understanding. He crossed his arms, his gaze steady. âI know itâs hard. Sheâs important, and itâs not just about her abilities. Itâs about the person she is. But youâve got to remember, weâre all in this together. Weâre not letting anything happen to her.â
Remy sighed, rubbing his temples with his fingers. âItâs not just that. I keep thinking about how sheâs handling all this. Iâve seen her put on a brave face, but I know sheâs terrified. And thatââ he paused, his voice catching, ââthat scares me more than anything. I just feel so helpless.â
Logan stepped closer, placing a reassuring hand on Remyâs shoulder. âYouâre not helpless. Weâre all here for her, and weâre doing everything we can to keep her safe. Itâs okay to feel scared, but donât let it consume you. She needs us to be strong, to keep our heads together.â
Remy glanced back toward the living room, where the sounds of Wadeâs jokes and the rustling of blankets continued. âI know. I justââ He paused, searching for the right words. âI just wish there was more I could do. I wish I could make everything better for her.â
Loganâs gaze was steady, his voice firm but kind. âWe all do. But sometimes, just being here, supporting herâthatâs enough. Weâve got her back. And as long as we stick together, we can handle whatever comes our way.â
Remy and Logan lingered on the balcony a moment longer, the quiet camaraderie between them a source of comfort. Remy took a deep breath, letting the cool air fill his lungs before exhaling slowly. The tension in his chest began to ease, though the worry for you still gnawed at him.
Logan, sensing that Remy needed a bit more time to gather his thoughts, gave him a final pat on the shoulder before heading back inside. Remy stayed behind, leaning on the railing as he watched the lights of the city flicker in the distance. He could hear your voice faintly through the open window, talking to Wade and Vanessa about the sleeping arrangements, and he allowed himself a small, sad smile. Even in the midst of all this chaos, you were still trying to take care of everyone.
He finally turned back inside, walking into the living room where Logan was helping Wade arrange the blankets on the couch. You were bustling about, trying to make the limited bedding stretch as much as possible. The sight of you working so hard for them, despite everything, tugged at his heart.
Remy approached you quietly as you tossed another blanket onto the couch. âYou donât have to do all this, chĂŠrie,â he said softly, his voice full of warmth.
You glanced up at him, a tired smile on your face. âI know, but I hate feeling like Iâm not doing anything to help. Keeping my hands busy keeps my mind from spiralling.â
Remy nodded, understanding all too well. âYouâre doing more than enough. Weâre all here to protect you, to keep you safe. You donât have to shoulder everything.â
You looked at him, your eyes reflecting a mix of gratitude and exhaustion. âI know,â you whispered, âbut itâs hard not to feel like a burden sometimes. Like youâre all here because of me, and Iâm the reason weâre in this mess.â
Remyâs expression softened as he reached out, gently tucking a stray strand of hair behind your ear. âYouâre not a burden,â he said firmly. âYouâre worth fighting for, worth protecting. Donât ever doubt that.â
You blew out a breath, swallowing the lump in your throat. You managed a shaky smile and nodded, appreciating his words more than you could express.
Wade, noticing the tender moment between you and Remy, couldnât resist interjecting. âAww, look at you two being all sappy! Makes me wanna puke and hug you at the same time.â
You rolled your eyes, grateful for the distraction. âWell, I hope you keep your bodily fluids to yourself, Wade,â you shot back, a bit of your usual spark returning.
Wade grinned, clearly pleased with himself. âNo promises!â
Logan, always the pragmatist, cleared his throat. âAlright, weâve got the bedding sorted as best we can. Iâll take the chair outside if I have to.â
Wadeâs eyes lit up with mischief. âOr you could just share the couch with me, big guy. Think of all the bonding we could do!â
Logan shot him a withering look. âIâd rather sleep in a dumpster.â
You couldnât help but laugh, the sound easing some of the tension in the room. âIâm sorry I donât have more space,â you said, glancing around at the makeshift sleeping arrangements. âI donât really have people over. Like, ever.â
Vanessa, ever the diplomat, placed a hand on your shoulder. âItâs okay. I'm heading home soon anyway so it'll be one less person you have to worry about.â
You opened your mouth to say something but Vanessa shook her head, "I'll be back in the morning. Someones got to feed that stupid dog Wade brought home".
Remy, who had been watching you with a mix of concern and affection, finally spoke up. âSomeone can take my bed,â he offered, his tone firm. âIâm not going to get much sleep tonight anyway.â
You frowned, the worry returning to your eyes. âRemy, you need to rest too. Youâve been through a lot.â
He shook his head, his gaze steady. âIâll be alright, chĂŠrie. Iâd feel better knowing youâre all comfortable.â
As the makeshift sleeping arrangements were finalized, Logan stood near the window, peering out into the night. The weight of the dayâs events hung heavily in the air, and he knew the night ahead wouldnât be restful for any of them.
âIâll take first watch,â Logan announced, his voice gruff but steady.
You glanced at him, a mixture of appreciation and concern in your eyes. You werenât sure how you felt about any of them staying up, especially after how tense things had been. Before you could say anything, Remy stepped forward.
âIâll go with you,â he offered, his tone calm but resolute.
Logan nodded, seeming to appreciate the backup, though he didnât voice it. He simply turned back toward the door, ready to head out.
Remy, however, lingered for a moment, his gaze meeting yours. There was something in his eyes, a mix of protectiveness and something deeper that made your heart ache. âGet some sleep, chĂŠrie,â he said softly, his voice laced with concern. âIâll see you in the morning.â
You opened your mouth to say something, perhaps to protest or to tell him to be careful, but the words caught in your throat. Instead, you closed your mouth and nodded once, your expression softening. âStay safe, both of you,â you finally managed to say, your voice barely above a whisper.
Logan gave a curt nod, already heading toward the door, while Remy lingered for just a heartbeat longer before following him outside.
As the door clicked shut behind them, you stood there for a moment, the silence in the room feeling almost suffocating. You turned around to find Vanessa gathering her things, getting ready to leave for the night. Despite everything, she managed to offer you a reassuring smile as she approached.
âItâs going to be okay,â Vanessa said gently, pulling you into a warm hug. You hugged her back, trying to draw some comfort from her words, though the anxiety gnawing at you was hard to shake.
When she finally pulled back, you nodded, giving her a grateful smile. âThanks, Vanessa. Be careful out there.â
She nodded, giving your hand a final squeeze before heading toward the door. Wade, who had been watching the exchange, leaned casually against the wall with his arms crossed. His usual humour was still present, but there was a seriousness in his eyes that wasnât often there.
As Vanessa left, Wade turned to you with a mischievous grin. âSo, do you still have any of those cute little facemasks I saw in your bathroom cabinet a few weeks back? I feel like a good pampering session is exactly what we need right now.â
You blinked at him, momentarily caught off guard by the question. But then, you couldnât help the small smile that tugged at the corners of your lips. Wadeâs ability to lighten the mood, even in the most stressful situations, was something you found oddly comforting.
âYouâre unbelievable, Wade,â you said, shaking your head in mock exasperation. âBut yeah, I think I have a few left.â
Wadeâs grin widened, and he straightened up, rubbing his hands together. âPerfect! Letâs slap those bad boys on and have ourselves a little spa night. We might as well look fabulous while the TVA hunts us down, right?â
You chuckled softly, appreciating the levity he brought to the situation. âSure, why not,â you said, heading toward the bathroom to retrieve the facemasks.
As you walked away, you couldnât help but glance back at the door, where Logan and Remy had just left. The worry still lingered, but for now, you were grateful for the small moments of normalcy, even if they were few and far between.
Authors note: Not 100% convinced that I'm happy with this chapter, but I'm about 95% sure I'm okay with it.
Warnings: Swearing, violence, gore, smut, angst.
Summary: You did your time when it came to timelines and the multiverse when Wanda Maximoff entered your life. So when Deadpool and Logan need to rescue their friends from a the Void, they turn to you, someone with the power to bounce between timelines and realities. But when you finally arrive, the only person left standing is Gambit. Together, you all return to the current timeline, but your life takes an unexpected turn when Gambit decides to stay with you, offering his protection against the TVA as a thank you for rescuing him. You can't ignore the way your heart races when heâs near, or how his touch lingers just a moment longer than necessary. The fear of the TVA dragging you back is real, but so is the comfort you find in his presence. As the days pass, your emotions grow more intense, leaving you torn between your heart wanting what it knows it can't have and the terrifying reality that time itself is your enemy.
You stirred, your mind slowly surfacing from the depths of unconsciousness. The room was dimly lit, the soft hum of conversation filtering through the haze. You blinked a few times, trying to shake off the disorientation. Shadows danced across the walls, distorted by the faint light seeping in from the hallway.
Eventually, you managed to sit up, wincing at the dull ache in your head. The last thing you remembered was the hideout and the battleâeverything after that was a blur. The familiar surroundings of your home were a welcome sight, though the faint scent of something burning caught your attention. It was a sharp, acrid smell that clashed with the otherwise comforting ambiance.
With a groan, you pushed yourself off the couch, the room swaying slightly as you steadied yourself against the wall. Your legs felt unsteady, each step a reminder of your exhaustion. You made your way to the kitchen, driven by the mix of curiosity and concern over the burning smell and the familiar, yet unexpected, sound of Wade munching on something.
As you approached the kitchen, the voices grew clearer. Wadeâs laughter, along with the clinking of dishes, filled the space. You could hear snippets of conversationâVanessaâs melodic voice and Loganâs low rumble. The scene that greeted you was oddly domestic: Wade was perched on a stool by the counter next to Remy, a plate of charred remains in front of him, while Vanessa and Logan chatted, seemingly amused by the situation.
Remy was quietly observing the scene unfolding before him. His gaze was distant, and he seemed more withdrawn than usual, his eyes shadowed with unspoken thoughts. Logan, ever perceptive, noticed the silence, casting a concerned glance in Remyâs direction.
âFinally awake, huh?â Wade said with a smirk, his mouth full as he leaned against the counter. âWe were starting to think youâd slept through the apocalypse.â
You rubbed your temples, trying to shake off the lingering fog in your mind. âWhat happened? And why does it smell like somethingâs on fire?â
Vanessa, standing by the stove, gave you a sympathetic look. âYouâve been out for a while. We were trying to make dinner, but Wade took over, and, well, letâs just say the kitchen isnât his natural habitat.â
âWhen did you get here?â you asked, surprised to see her.
âA little while ago,â she said with a smile. âI couldnât let Wade destroy your kitchen without at least trying to help.â
Loganâs eyes twinkled with a mix of humour and exasperation as he turned away from the thoughts about Remy. âTried to warn him, but you know Wade. Heâs got a talent for turning a simple meal into a disaster.â
Wade chimed in, pointing at Remy. âSpeaking of disasters, you shouldâve seen itâRemy carried you inside like a true Romeo after you collapsed. And letâs not forget, it was our charming Cajun here who busted in your door to get to you.â
Remyâs face flushed slightly as he turned to you, a touch of embarrassment in his voice. âIâm real sorry about the door. Iâll fix it, but I ainât sure where the tools are.â
You chuckled, giving him a reassuring smile. âDonât worry about it. That door has seen better days. You probably couldâve pushed it open if youâd tried. It was already on its last legs.â
Wade laughed, adding, âYeah, I think you couldâve knocked it down with a gentle breeze. But hey, nice to know youâre all about making a grand entrance.â
Remy shook his head with a soft smile. âNext time, Iâll make sure to bring my own toolsâor at least not break anything.â
Wade smirked, leaning in. âRemy, just remember: when youâre carrying someone in, try not to also carry away the door with you.â
You joined in the laughter, appreciating the light-hearted banter. Despite the lingering headache, the humour was a welcomed distraction. You moved to the sink to pour yourself a glass of water, the cool liquid helping to clear the fog in your mind. âHow long was I out for?â
Logan glanced at the clock on the wall. âItâs 10 p.m.,â he replied, his voice gruff but laced with concern. âHowâre you feeling?â
You shrugged, trying to ignore the pounding in your skull. âIâve had worse hangovers.â Your gaze shifted to Remy, who had come to sit at the table. âHowâre you doing?â
Remy looked up, his red-on-black eyes meeting yours briefly before he offered a faint smile. âDoinâ as well as I can, cher,â he replied, his Cajun accent thickening slightly as he spoke. âConsiderinâ the circumstances, anyway.â
You nodded, understanding the weight of his words. It wasnât easy adjusting to a new reality, especially after everything that had happened. You made your way over to Wade, who was still munching away, and plucked the remaining bits of leftovers from his hands. âGuess Iâll have to settle for whatâs left,â you said with a smirk, popping a piece into your mouth.
Wade grinned at you, not the least bit sorry. âYou snooze, you lose, babe.â
You took a sip of your water, the coolness easing the remnants of your headache. Logan, now leaning against the counter with a concerned expression, joined you in the conversation. âSo, what do you think the TVAâs planning?â he asked, his tone serious.
You shrugged, feeling a mix of frustration and anxiety. âHonestly, Iâm surprised they havenât followed us. I thought theyâd be all over us by now,â
Logan nodded; his gaze thoughtful. âYeah, itâs odd. Theyâve always been like a dog on a bone. I keep wondering if theyâre biding their time, waiting for the right moment or some kind of signal.â
Remy, who had been quietly listening from his stool, spoke up with a contemplative tone. âMaybe theyâre waitinâ for somethinâ. Could be theyâre planninâ somethinâ big. They donât strike me as the type tâ just sit back and do nothinâ.â
Logan raised an eyebrow, clearly intrigued by Remyâs insight. âThatâs a good point. Theyâve always seemed to have a plan, and they donât usually act without a reason. Maybe theyâre setting up a trap or preparing for another move.â
You nodded, considering Remyâs comment. âItâs possible. The TVAâs always been meticulous, and they wouldnât just let us slip away without a reason, thatâs not their style. Theyâve chased me through universes before. This feels, I dunno, different.â
Logan sighed, rubbing his chin thoughtfully. âWell, whatever it is, we need to stay sharp. We canât afford to let our guard down.â
You rolled your eyes as you continued to pick at the charred remains, âIâve dealt with them before; weâll be okay,â You reassured.
You turned to Remy, who was still silently watching you and Logan talk, and pointed down the hall. âRemy, the bathroomâs down there if you need a shower. Â Iâm pretty sure I can find some clothes around here that you can squeeze into.â
Wadeâs eyes lit up, a mischievous glint in his gaze. âOh, do tell. Why do you just have menâs clothes lying around? Who have you been sleeping with?â He waggled his eyebrows in an exaggerated fashion, clearly enjoying himself.
Logan snorted, shaking his head as he leaned back in his chair. âLet it go, Wade.â
But Wade wasnât done. âNo, really! Iâm curious now. Are we talking ex-boyfriends, or is this a whole secret life thing?â
Vanessa chuckled, shaking her head in amusement. âWade, you know youâre not helping. Besides, I think itâs a bit more about practicality than scandal.â
Remy, trying to hold back a laugh, shot Wade a look of bemusement. âItâs fine, really. I didnât expect a fashion show when I came here.â
Wade grinned. âOh, I see! Itâs a classic case of âhereâs some clothes, now tell me all your secrets.ââ
Vanessa rolled her eyes playfully. âWade, you should know better than to assume everything is a scandal. Sometimes people just have clothes lying around.â
Wade shrugged dramatically. âWell, if itâs not scandalous, then why not share? Itâs a boring dinner otherwise.â
You raised an eyebrow at Wade. âOh, is that right? And what would you do if I told you? Write a tell-all book?â
Wade leaned in with a mock-serious expression. âAbsolutely. âThe Secret Lives of Ordinary People: Volume 1.ââ
Vanessa chuckled again, shaking her head. âRemy, donât mind him. They all get a bit ridiculous after a day like today.â
Remy smiled, clearly appreciating the light-hearted distraction. âNo worries. I think Iâll just take that shower and let the clothes be a mystery for now.â
Wade threw his hands up in mock surrender. âAlright, alright. Iâll behave. For now.â
Ignoring the now huffing man-child, you turned to Remy, who was still sitting on the kitchen stool, looking slightly more bemused. âHey, Remy,â you said gently. âI know itâs a bit forward but if youâre looking for a place to stay, Iâve got a spare room available. Itâs not much, and it smells a bit weird, but itâs available if you want it.â
Remy looked up, surprise and relief flickering in his eyes. âI appreciate that,â he said, his Cajun accent evident. âI donât have anywhere else tâ go right now.â
You offered him a warm smile. âNo problem. Itâs not the Ritz, but itâs a space of your own. If youâre interested, I can show you the room and the rest of the house.â
Remy nodded, looking grateful. âIâd like that. Thank you. I wasnâ sure how Iâd manageâeverythingâs so different here.â
You led him down the hall, chatting to ease the transition. âI get it, it be overwhelming adjusting to a new place, especially with everything youâve been through. The roomâs down this way. Itâs pretty basic, but itâs private. You can make it your own space however you like.â
Remy followed, his gaze shifting to take in the unfamiliar surroundings. âIâm sure itâll be fine. Iâm just glad tâ have a place tâ settle, even if itâs just for now.â
You stopped in front of the door to the spare room. âHere we are. Itâs not much, but itâs yours if you want it.â
Remy opened the door, peering inside. The room was small but functional, with a bed, a dresser, and a few personal touches that made it feel like a room ready for someone to call it home. âIt looks good. Better than I expected. I appreciate this.â
You nodded, feeling a sense of relief. âGlad to hear that. If thereâs anything you need to make it more comfortable, just let me know. Iâve got some extra blankets and pillows if you want them. Not very many because I donât always have guests, but I have a fewâ.
Remy turned back to you with a small, grateful smile. âI might take ya up on that. For now, I just need tâ get settled and find a bit of peace. Itâs been a rough transition.â
You gave him a sympathetic look. âTake all the time you need. Weâre all adjusting in our own ways. If you need a break from it all or just someone to talk to, Iâm here.â
Remyâs Cajun accent softened his words, and his expression showed a mix of relief and weariness. âThank you. It means a lot tâ have someone in my corner.â
You smiled warmly. âAnytime. Now did you want me to show you where the bathroom is?â
Nodding once, Remy stepped forward, âUh, please. Feels liâ a lifetime being in these clothes,â
You led him down the hall to the bathroom, the soft glow of the hallway light illuminating your path. Once inside, you flicked on the overhead light, which cast a warm, comforting glow over the small space. You pointed out the body wash, shampoo, and a neatly stacked pile of fresh towels. âEverything you need is right here. Just make yourself comfortable.â
As you were about to leave, you hesitated, glancing back at him. Remy stood in the middle of the room, looking somewhat lost and out of place, like a man caught between worlds. His clothes were a bit too big, and his expression carried a mixture of weariness and wariness.
âIt does get easier, I know it sounds repetitive and fake, but it does,â you said softly, offering him a small, reassuring smile. âI promise you.â
Remy met your gaze and returned the smile, though it didnât quite reach his eyes. There was a shadow of doubt in his expression. âI hope so. Itâs a biâ of an adjustment,â he admitted, his voice carrying a hint of vulnerability.
You nodded, fully understanding the enormity of what he was facing. âTake your time,â you said gently. âNo rush. If you need anything, just let me know. Iâll just go grab you those clothes.â
He gave a slight nod, seeming to appreciate the kindness behind your words. âThanks,â he said quietly.
You gave him one last reassuring smile before gently closing the door behind you, leaving him to his solitude.
 You slipped back down the way you came and into your bedroom, the soft creak of the floorboards betraying your quiet steps. The room was dimly lit, the shadows cast by the small lamp on the bedside table a serene but dark atmosphere. You crouched beside the bed, reaching under it to pull out a clear plastic tub filled with menâs clothes. The tub felt heavier than it should, each movement sending a shiver of nostalgia through you.
With a deep breath, you lifted the lid and peered inside. The mix of fabrics and colours was a jumble of memories. Your hands trembled slightly as you began sifting through the clothes. The smell of laundry detergent and old fabric filled the air, mingling with your own rising emotions.
Your fingers brushed against a flannelette shirt. You brought it up to your nose, the light familiar scent of it filling your senses. The memories came rushing back, vivid and painful. It was a scent that spoke of late-night conversations, laughter, and warmthâa stark contrast to the emptiness that now accompanied it. Tears welled in your eyes, the ache in your chest almost unbearable. You took a shaky breath, forcing yourself to place the shirt back into the tub, as if by putting it away you could somehow push the memories into the past.
You continued rummaging through the clothes, your movements becoming more deliberate as you searched for something practical for Remy. Your fingers found a pair of well-worn tracksuit pants, a simple black top, and a cozy jumper. These items seemed neutral, almost mundane, and you hoped they would offer Remy some comfort in his new, uncertain world.
With a sense of urgency, you closed the tub and slid it back under the bed. You stood up, your emotions still raw but hidden behind a calm exterior. You approached the mirror, checking your reflection. Your eyes were red-rimmed, but you managed to compose yourself, smoothing down your hair and adjusting your posture to mask any trace of your internal struggle.
You walked back to the bathroom door, knocking gently before speaking. âRemy, there are clothes just outside the door for you. If you need anything else, just let me know.â
You placed the clothes neatly outside the door, your hands lingering on the handle for a moment before you let go and turned to head back to the kitchen. The sound of Wadeâs voice drifted down the hallway, accompanied by the light-hearted laughter of the group. âI bet even his abs have abs.â
You rejoined the group in the kitchen, feeling a sense of satisfaction after showing Remy to his new room. âI showed Remy the spare room,â you said, taking a sip of your drink. âIâm happy to have him stay with me until he gets settled in.â
Wade, always quick with a joke, grinned. âAh, so youâre just roommates now, huh? I guess that means I can crash in your room if I need a quick escape.â
Vanessa rolled her eyes and gave Wade a playful slap on the arm. âWade, stop it. Itâs nice of you to offer Remy a place to stay.â
Logan nodded, his expression thoughtful. âItâs good youâre helping him out. At least now heâll be here to keep an eye out in case the TVA comes knocking.â
You raised an eyebrow, feeling the need to clarify. âThatâs not the reason I offered him the room. I just wanted to help him get settled and give him a bit of stability.â
Vanessa chimed in, her tone practical. âBut it does help that heâll be here. We can all use a bit of extra vigilance with the TVA still out there.â
You nodded in agreement, recognizing the practical aspect of the situation. âItâs an added benefit, but my main goal is to make sure he feels comfortable and has a place to call his own for now.â
Wade smirked, looking relieved. âWell, as long as he doesnât mind my occasional visits for emergency takeout runs, everything should work out just fine.â
You laughed, appreciating the light-hearted moment amidst the seriousness of the situation. âIâm sure heâll be just fine. And who knows, maybe heâll even teach you a thing or two about cooking.â
The group chuckled, the camaraderie providing a welcome break from the tension. You felt a renewed sense of purpose, knowing that you were doing what you could to support Remy while also keeping your own household and its occupants safe.
Over the following weeks, Remy gradually settled into a routine, blending into the rhythm of the household with a cautious but steady presence. He took on various chores around the house, adapting to the new environment with a mixture of reserve and quiet determination. Each morning, you would find him slipping out for his daily walks before you were awake, his movements soft and deliberate. The sight of him leaving the house was a subtle reminder of his need for solitude and a hint of the struggles he faced.
As the weeks wore on, Remyâs habits became more apparent. His morning walks were a constant, but his evenings were marked by an increasing distance. You couldnât help but notice the lack of sleep that seemed to accompany his nightly routines. Whenever you tried to bring it up, he would skillfully deflect or change the topic, his Cajun drawl adding a layer of charm that made it harder to push the issue.
Despite the growing concerns, you made a conscious effort to respect his space while still being supportive. The dynamic between you shifted subtly, with a blend of shared moments and unspoken struggles weaving through your interactions. You both navigated the delicate balance between maintaining a sense of normalcy and addressing the quiet challenges that lay beneath the surface.
Until it all came to a head.
âThis is great, isnât it?â
You looked over at Wade and Vanessa who were sitting on your couch, Wadeâs arm falling easily over his girlfriendâs shoulders. The man continued, ignoring your raised eyebrow; âI mean, it really is. We both have an insomniac alcoholic each. You with Remy LeBeau, me with the Wolverine. We could almost start up our own adoption centre if we keep collecting them like PokĂŠmon,â
Turning your head to look over your shoulder into the kitchen, where you could see Remy and Logan quietly talking with copious bottles of brown liquid between them, you turned back to Wade. âHave you ever thought theyâve been through some shit? Both of them are out of their own timelines, their own universes, starting again from scratch on top of dealing with our shit; yeah, itâs bound to tip you over the edge,â you justified.
Wadeâs smile faltered slightly, but he shrugged, the gesture dismissive. âYeah, I get it. Theyâve got baggage. But that doesnât mean we just sit around and watch them drown in it.â
You sighed, feeling the weight of the situation pressing down on you. âRemy seems to be pretty holed up since being here,â you added, your voice tinged with worry. âIâve tried to talk to him about it, offering to show him around the city just so heâs not inside his head but he brushes me off.â
Wadeâs expression softened slightly. âI hear ya. Loganâs been downing whiskey like itâs water, and Remyâs got that whole brooding thing going on. Itâs like theyâre both trying to drown out their pasts, but itâs not working.â
Vanessa, who had been listening quietly, interjected. âTheyâre not just dealing with the loss of their timelines. Theyâve got the trauma of being pulled from their lives and thrown into this chaotic mess. Itâs a lot for anyone to handle.â
You nodded in agreement. âExactly. And itâs not just about the alcohol. Itâs the isolation, the feeling of not belonging. Remyâs been keeping to himself, and Loganâs been trying to numb the pain. Iâm worried that neither of them are really facing whatâs going on.â
Wade raised an eyebrow and added sarcastically. âSo, what do you suggest we do? Send them to superhero therapy?â
Vanessa gave him a nudge. âIs there one of those?â She looked at you and frowned when you shrugged your shoulders and shook your head, âBut seriously, it might be worth considering some sort of support. They need to talk to someone who understands their situation.â
You shrugged. âI donât really know what to do. Iâve dealt with something like this once before, but the person only started to make progress when they were sent to Wakanda for a while. Itâs not like we can just send them off to another world for therapy.â
Wadeâs face took on a more sarcastic expression. âMaybe we can find someone who specializes in this kind of thing. I mean, thereâs gotta be someone out there who deals with multiverse trauma thatâs in the yellow pages.â
You pulled a face at him, âNice Wade, great chat,â You retorted, looking back at the two men who were now discussing something quickly and harshly.
The conversation drifted as Wade and Vanessa shifted topics, but your thoughts remained on Gambit. The echo of the bottles and the murmur of voices in the kitchen served as a constant reminder of the struggle unfolding just beyond the threshold.
âScrew this,â You mumbled to yourself as you stood up, earning a surprised look from Wade and Vanessa.
Determined to confront Remy about his drinking, you approached the kitchen, where he was now sprawled on a bar stool, the bottle of whiskey nearly empty. Logan had retreated to the living room, leaving you and Remy alone. You took a deep breath, steeling yourself for the conversation you knew had to happen.
âRemy,â you began softly but firmly, trying to keep your voice calm despite the knots of anxiety twisting in your stomach. âWe need to talk.â
Remy looked up from his drink, his red eyes dim and unfocused. He was clearly a few drinks in, his usual sharpness dulled by the alcohol. âNot now, chère. Just let me be,â he muttered, his voice carrying a weariness that youâd come to recognize too well.
You shook your head, stepping closer, feeling the tension tighten your chest. âYeah, no, thatâs not happening. Weâre doing this, and Iâm not letting you charm me out of it by using your French cowboy Cajun accent thing,â you said, your tone firmer than you felt. âYouâve been staying in my spare room for weeks, months even, and all Iâve seen you do is drink and not sleep. Itâs not healthy, Remy.â
He sighed, turning his gaze back to the half-empty glass in his hand, swirling the amber liquid absently. âIâm fine. Just tryinâ to get through it, same as everyone else,â he muttered, clearly wanting to avoid the conversation.
âGetting through it?â You echoed incredulously, the frustration in your voice bubbling to the surface. âRemy, youâre drowning in it. And Iâm just supposed to sit back and watch you self-destruct?â
His jaw tightened, and his eyes narrowed at your words. The tension between you was palpable, and you could feel the situation escalating. âYou donât get it, chère,â he said, his voice growing colder. âYou donât know the things Iâve done. You donât know what itâs like.â
âThen tell me,â You urged, stepping closer, desperate to break through the wall heâd built around himself. âTell me whatâs so terrible that you think you deserve to punish yourself like this.â
Remyâs hand tightened around the bottle, and for a moment, you thought he might just walk away. But instead, in a sudden burst of anger, he hurled the bottle across the kitchen. It smashed against the wall, shattering into pieces, the sound echoing sharply in the room.
You flinched, your heart racing as you stared at the broken glass scattered across the floor. Remyâs chest heaved with emotion, his eyes blazing with a mixture of rage and despair.
âI donât belong here!â he shouted, his voice raw and filled with pain. âI wasnât even sure it was worth cominâ here in the first place. Things like meâŚwe belong in the Void, where we canât hurt no one else!â
The weight of his words hung heavy in the air, and for a moment, you were too stunned to respond. The sight of him standing there, so lost and consumed by guilt, broke your heart. His usual confidence, the easy charm that seemed to come so naturally to him, was nowhere to be found. Instead, he looked like a man on the brink of collapse, haunted by memories that he couldnât escape, by demons that he couldnât outrun.
His red eyes, usually so vibrant and full of mischief, were dull and glassy, reflecting the turmoil swirling inside him. The way his shoulders slumped, the tension in his clenched fists, the raw edge in his voiceâit was all too much. You could see how much he was hurting, how deeply he believed that he didnât deserve a second chance, that he didnât deserve to be here, surrounded by people who cared about him.
Your heart ached with the need to reach out to him, to pull him back from the edge he seemed so determined to throw himself over. But the wall heâd built around himself felt impenetrable, and for the first time, you felt the crushing weight of helplessness. How could you convince him that he was worth saving when he couldnât see it himself? How could you break through the thick fog of self-loathing that clouded his mind, that made him believe he belonged in the Void, away from everyone and everything?
You swallowed hard, fighting back the sting of tears that threatened to spill over. This wasnât the man you knewâthe man who could light up a room with just a smile, who could make you laugh over the most mundane things. This was someone who had been broken down by the weight of his past, by the choices heâd made, and the things heâd seen. And it shattered you to see him like this, to see how much he was hurting and how far heâd fallen.
âRemy,â you whispered, your voice trembling with emotion. âYou donât have to go through this by yourself. Iâve told you this time and time again. You donât have to punish yourself like this.â
But even as you spoke, you could see the doubt flickering in his eyes, the way he recoiled from the idea of being saved, of being worth saving. It was as if he couldnât bear the thought of letting anyone in, of letting anyone see the depth of his pain.
He turned away from you, his back hunched as if he could physically shield himself from your words, from the concern and care you were offering. And it tore you apart to realize that he might never let you in, that he might never believe that he deserved anything more than the darkness he was drowning in.
The room felt colder, the shattered glass on the floor a stark reminder of how fragile everything wasâhow easily things could break, how quickly someone could slip through your fingers if you werenât careful.
You wanted to reach out, to touch him, to pull him back from the ledge he was teetering on. But you were afraidâafraid that if you pushed too hard, he would shut down completely, that he would retreat even further into himself, where you couldnât reach him.
So you stood there, the silence stretching between you like a chasm, filled with all the things you couldnât say, all the fears you couldnât voice. The sight of him, so broken and lost, etched itself into your mind, a painful reminder of how much he was hurting, of how much he needed helpâand how powerless you felt in that moment to give it to him.
 âEveryone has done bad things. But that doesnât make you a bad person. You canât keep running from your past like this. Youâre here now, with people who care about you, who want to help you.â You stated, âI donât know anything about you but what I see, but I know youâre a good person who had to make bad choices to survive,â
He shook his head, his eyes filled with torment. âYou donât understand. The things Iâve doneâŚâ
âI donât need to know every detail to understand that youâre hurting,â you said, taking a step closer, trying to reach him. âBut shutting us out, pushing us awayâitâs not going to make it any better.â
Before Remy could respond, the door to the kitchen burst open, and Wade, Logan, and Vanessa rushed in, drawn by the sound of the glass shattering. Wadeâs eyes darted around, taking in the scene with a mixture of concern and curiosity.
âWhat the hell happened in here?â Wade asked, his usual humour absent as he looked between you and Remy.
You quickly put up a hand to calm them down. âItâs okay, weâre just having a small disagreement,â you said, trying to diffuse the tension.
Remy scoffed, his expression a mixture of bitterness and frustration. âSmall disagreement, huh? Is that what weâre callinâ it now?â
Loganâs eyes narrowed as he took in Remyâs state, the tension in the room clear to him. âThis doesnât look small,â he said, his voice low and measured.
Before you could respond, Remyâs anger flared again. âYou donât need to play referee, Logan. Just stay outta it.â
Logan stepped forward, his presence calm but commanding. âThatâs enough, Remy. Go cool down,â he said, his tone leaving no room for argument.
For a moment, it seemed like Remy might push back, his fists clenching at his sides. But something in Loganâs gaze made him pause, the fire in his eyes dimming slightly.
Vanessa moved toward Remy, her expression softening as she reached out to him. âCome on, letâs go outside for a bit,â she said gently, taking his arm. âGet some air.â
Reluctantly, Remy allowed her to lead him out onto the back balcony, the tension in his posture slowly easing as he stepped outside.
As they left, the room fell into a heavy silence, the weight of the argument still lingering in the air. Logan turned to you; his eyes filled with concern.
âYou okay?â he asked, his voice softer now that the immediate tension had passed.
You nodded, though your heart still ached from the confrontation. âOf course, I dealt with worse. We all have our demons, right?â
Logan placed a reassuring hand on your shoulder. âHeâs got a lot heâs dealing with. But heâs lucky to have you looking out for him.â
Wade, who had been uncharacteristically quiet, finally spoke up. âYeah, weâll make sure he doesnât do anything too stupid,â he said, trying to inject a bit of his usual levity into the situation, though his tone was more subdued.
You managed a small, grateful smile. âThanks, guys.â
Remy sat on the step outside, the cool night air brushing against his skin as he stared out into the darkness. Beside him, Vanessa sat quietly, her presence calm and steady. He held his head in his hands, the weight of regret pressing down on him like a heavy stone.
âI messed up,â Remy muttered, his voice thick with guilt. âAfter everything sheâs done for me, this is how I treat her? Lashinâ out like some kind of idiot.â
Vanessa nodded, her expression understanding but firm. âYou did mess up, Remy. But sheâs not the kind of person to hold a grudge. If she was, Wade and half of our friends wouldâve been tossed out on their asses a long time ago.â She glanced at him, her eyes softening. âShe gets that youâre struggling. We all do. But you canât lash out like that at the people who care about you, the people who want to help you.â
Remy sighed, the tension in his shoulders easing slightly as he listened to Vanessaâs words. âI know. I know I shouldnât have⌠it just all came to a head. The drinkinâ helps me forget, but it ainât enough to keep the nightmares away.â
Vanessa looked at him with concern, urging him to continue.
âLately, Iâve been startinâ to remember things,â Remy confessed, his voice low and haunted. âMy own timeline, the things I did to people⌠the hurt I caused. Itâs all cominâ back, and I donât know how to deal with it. I thought I could just drink it away, but it ainât that simple.â
Vanessaâs gaze softened further, and she placed a reassuring hand on his arm. âRemy, every single person in that room has done things they regret. You wouldnât believe some of the things sheâs had to come to terms with. If thereâs anyone who knows how to forgive themselves, itâs her. But youâve got to let her help you. You canât do this on your own.â
Remy nodded, understanding the truth in her words but still struggling to fully accept it. âI had someone once⌠someone I loved more than anything,â he admitted, his voice tinged with sorrow. âAnna. She was the love of my life, but⌠things didnât work out. Some things happened that I canât-â He swallowed deeply, his head down, âI thought Iâd lost my chance at something good.â
Vanessa listened carefully, noticing the way Remyâs tone shifted when he talked about you. There was something different there, something that hinted at something he might not even fully recognize yet.
âYou know,â Vanessa began gently, âsometimes life gives you a second chance. But youâve got to be open to it. Youâve got to let yourself lean on people, let them in. Thatâs the only way youâll ever move forward.â
Remy was silent for a moment, his thoughts racing. He hadnât realized it until now, but there was something about youâsomething that drew him in, that made him want to be better. Maybe it was the way you never gave up on him, even when he didnât deserve it. Or maybe it was something deeper, something he wasnât ready to admit even to himself. Maybe it was the reason why he was so angry at you; you refused to let him wallow in self-pity the way Anna did. Maybe it was the way you still kept trying even after being pushed away.
Vanessa smiled knowingly, seeing the conflict in his eyes. She didnât push him, didnât need to. Instead, she simply encouraged him to take that next step. âCome on,â she said softly, standing up and offering him her hand. âYouâve got some grovelling to do.â
Remy looked up at her, a small, grateful smile tugging at the corners of his lips. âI really appreciate this.â
She squeezed his hand gently, her smile warm and reassuring. âWhateverâs happening, let it. Sometimes good things do happen, Remy,â she said, her words carrying more meaning than he might realize.
<> <> <>
âThis kitchen has seen some stuff over the years,â Wade remarked lightly, leaning against the counter as he watched you move to clean up the broken glass. His tone was casual, but there was a hint of concern behind his playful facade.
You crouched down, carefully gathering the shards with a small broom and dustpan. âYeah, like that time with Hawkeye,â you said with a half-smile, trying to lighten the mood. âRemember that? We had to patch up the roof after that little escapade.â
Wade chuckled, shaking his head. âHow could I forget? The roofâs still got that stain. Clint insisted it was just a âquirky reminder of our wild times,â but I think itâs more like a badge of honour at this point.â
Vanessa and Remy reappeared, having taken a moment to let the tension settle. Vanessaâs expression was firm but sympathetic as she gave Wade a pointed look, a silent signal that it was time for him to make his exit.
Wade threw a casual wave over his shoulder, his usual irreverence masking his understanding. âAlright thatâs our super secret signal to leave,â He places the dustpan on the counter âIâll make sure not to do anything I wouldnât do normally. Catch you later, folks,â he said, his voice carrying a mix of levity and concern.
Logan followed suit, offering a nod and a reassuring smile. âYeah, thatâs my cue to leave too. Take care, alright?â
Vanessa approached you, her presence a calming contrast to the chaotic energy of the earlier argument. She gave you a comforting smile. âEverything will be okay,â she said softly, her voice soothing. âJust give it time. Call me if you need anything.â
âThanks,â you replied, your voice quiet but heartfelt. âI will.â
As Wade and Logan headed out, their voices fading into the night as they bantered about their plans, the kitchen fell into a deeper silence. It was the kind of quiet that settles after a storm, heavy and introspective. You stayed behind, focusing on the task at handâsweeping up the remnants of the eveningâs tension. The broken glass scattered across the floor seemed like a stark reminder of the argument that had cut too deep, its jagged edges reflecting the emotional sharpness of the night.
With each sweep of the broom, you could feel the weight of the dayâs events pressing down on you. The kitchen, once a hub of life and laughter, now felt like a sanctuary of calm after chaos, a place to collect your thoughts and regain your composure. As you worked, you reflected on the eveningâs tumult and the silent promise to mend what had been brokenâboth the glass and the hurt feelings that lingered in the air.
The soft sound of footsteps approached, and you looked up to see Remy walking towards you. His expression was subdued, the usual cocky grin replaced by something softer, almost hesitant. Without a word, he crouched down beside you, reaching for the dustpan and broom. His movements were careful, as if he was afraid of causing more damage.
âIâm sorry âbout earlier,â Remy said, his voice low and sincere. He didnât meet your eyes at first, focusing instead on sweeping up the shards of glass. âI shouldnâtâve lashed out like that.â
You paused for a moment, taking in the vulnerability in his tone, the weight of whatever he was carrying. You gave him a small smile, hoping to ease some of the tension between you. âDonât worry about it. Not everyone can be perfect like me.â
Remyâs lips quirked into a small smile, and he let out a short, almost reluctant laugh. âYeah, right.â He shook his head, the brief moment of humour fading into something more serious. âBut really, Iâm sorry. I know Iâve been⌠difficult. And after everything youâve done for me, you havenât deserved itâ.
You could hear the strain in his voice, the struggle to put into words the turmoil he was going through. It wasnât just the argument earlierâit was everything. The confusion, the loss, the displacement. You knew he was trying to hold it all together, but the cracks were showing.
âItâs okay, honestly,â you said softly, reaching out to place a hand on his arm. The contact was brief, but it was enough to let him know you were there, that you understood. âYouâre going through a lot. Itâs not easy to deal with everything at once. Trust me, I get it better than a lot of people,â
He looked at you then, his red-on-black eyes meeting yours with an intensity that made your heart ache. âYou donât deserve to be caught up in my mess,â he murmured. âIâm just tryinâ to figure things out, but⌠itâs hard, chĂŠrie. Feels like everythinâ I knew is just⌠gone.â
You swallowed, the weight of his words sinking in. âI have a friend; he woke up in a new time. Well. Not wake up exactly. Anyway, for years he struggled. He struggled with just existing. He started drinking or doing stupid things just to feel okay again. Eventually he got help. As far as I last heard heâs doing things legit and he lives in Brooklyn now, I think. I sometimes see him on the news,â you shook your head from your rambling, âMy point is, is that everyone struggles. Sometimes, if youâre lucky, you have someone to share that struggle with,â
For a moment, the two of you just sat there, the silence between you no longer heavy with tension but filled with a quiet understanding. Finally, Remy broke the silence, his voice softer now, almost weary. âIâll finish up here if you want to head to bed.â
You hesitated, not wanting to leave him alone just yet, but knowing he probably needed some space to process everything. âAre you sure?â
He nodded, offering you a small, reassuring smile. âYeah, I got this. Go get some rest. Weâll talk more tomorrow.â
You rose slowly, giving him one last look before you turned to leave the kitchen. As you reached the doorway, you glanced back at him. He was still crouched on the floor, focused on cleaning up the mess, but there was a determination in his movements, a sign that he wasnât ready to give up just yet.
âGoodnight, Remy,â you said softly.
âGoodnight, chĂŠrie,â he replied, his voice carrying a warmth that hadnât been there earlier.
With one last glance, you headed to your room, leaving Remy alone in the kitchen. He watched you go, his mind swirling with thoughts and emotions that he hadnât fully come to terms with yet. The simple act of cleaning up, paired with your gentle encouragement, had struck a chord with him, making him realize just how much he valued your presence in his life.
Summary: You did your time when it came to timelines and the multiverse when Wanda Maximoff entered your life. So when Deadpool and Logan need to rescue their friends from a the Void, they turn to you, someone with the power to bounce between timelines and realities. But when you finally arrive, the only person left standing is Gambit. Together, you all return to the current timeline, but your life takes an unexpected turn when Gambit decides to stay with you, offering his protection against the TVA as a thank you for rescuing him. You can't ignore the way your heart races when heâs near, or how his touch lingers just a moment longer than necessary. The fear of the TVA dragging you back is real, but so is the comfort you find in his presence. As the days pass, your emotions grow more intense, leaving you torn between your heart wanting what it knows it can't have and the terrifying reality that time itself is your enemy.
You loved the mornings.
Mornings were a time for solitude and reflection. You enjoyed the quiet moments alone with your thoughts, the calm before the world demanded your attention. You would stretch out, feeling the soft, cozy warmth of your bed, and savour the slow, deliberate process of waking up.
There was a comforting predictability to it allâthe way your routine unfolded with a certain rhythm. Youâd shuffle to the kitchen, make yourself a cup of coffee before making your way to the bathroom and getting yourself ready for the day. It was a simple pleasure, but one that brought a sense of peace and normalcy.
Every morning was a fresh start, a new beginning. The world was full of possibilities, and you loved how the morning light seemed to promise that anything was possible. It was a time for new plans, for dreaming about what the day could hold, and for setting the tone for the hours ahead.
That is, until the peace of your morning was abruptly shattered by the sound of rapid banging on your door.
Startled, you jolted awake, your heart racing as you scrambled out of bed. You had barely managed to untangle yourself from the mess of blankets before you were racing down the hallway, each step bringing you closer to the source of the loud banging.
You threw open the door with a mix of irritation and confusion, only to come face-to-face with the last person you expectedâor wantedâto see.
Wade Wilson stood on your doorstep, grinning like heâd just won the lottery. The early morning light bathed him in a halo of golden light, making his red suit and mask look almost surreal against the backdrop of your cozy home. His grin widened as he saw you, clearly enjoying the spectacle of your dishevelled state.
âHey bestie. Long time no see,â Wade Wilson greeted, his grin stretching from ear to ear as if he had just won the lottery. âI would have called, but I donât have your numberââ
âFor a good reasonââ you cut him off, not in the mood for his usual antics or charm.
Wade barrelled on, seemingly oblivious to your interruption. âSo, I thought Iâd just pop in for a quick visit. You know, with all the timeline hopping and reality-bending shenanigans going on I thought you wouldnât be feeling too great latelyâ.
âWhat the fuck are you doing here, Wade?â you demanded, stepping aside reluctantly to let him in.
You had gotten used to unexpected visitors, but Wade was always a special case. Nobody ever showed up at your doorstep without a reasonâand that reason was almost always something youâd rather avoid. Wade strutted into your living room with a flourish, his dramatic flair making the whole situation feel even more absurd. He turned back to the man standing behind himâa tall, brooding figure in a flannelette shirt and jeans. âAnd this is Logan. Heâs from another timeline or something. Long story.â
You met his gaze, feeling a pang of recognition. You had already sensed something off about him, a subtle but unmistakable ripple in the fabric of reality. You knew he was from another timeline long before Wade even mentioned it. The moment Logan had been removed from his own timeline, you had felt itâa sharp disturbance that left you physically and emotionally drained.
It had been weeks since that incident, but the aftermath was still fresh in your memory. The impact of such a shift in reality had left you bedridden for almost a week, your body and mind struggling to recover from the strain of feeling multiple timelines collide.
You studied Logan with a mix of curiosity and sympathy. âI know. I felt it. It messed me up pretty bad. I was sick in bed for almost a week. Thanks guysâ you sarcastically replied.
Loganâs eyes softened with a mix of understanding and surprise. âDidnât realize it hit that hard.â
You shrugged, trying to downplay the severity of your experience. âYeah well, next time you decide to start playing around with things you donât understand give me a call first for a heads up.â
Wade, seemingly oblivious to the conversation, looked between the two of you with a puzzled expression. âSo, can we get back to why Iâm here? I need your help to get back into the void and rescue my friends. Theyâre stuck there, and I need to get them out before itâs too late.â
You choked for a moment, âExcuse me? I donât think Iâve woken up properly because I swore you just asked me for help to take you into the void?â
Wade nodded enthusiastically, âYep that pretty much sums it up. So, are you in? You know, like old times,â He flopped down on to the couch and crossed his legs on top of your small coffee table.
âIâd much rather not, especially if itâs anything like the old times you just mentioned. Do you have any idea how much of a clusterfuck it will be if I take you guys to the void?â You stated incredulously.
Another shrug left his shoulders, âBut it will be a fun clusterfuck,â He pointed out. His feet fell of the table as he leaned forward, âPlease. I donât begâŚunless thereâs a collar around my neck, but Iâm begging you now. Can you please use your super awesome powers to take me and metal wolf boy here to the void to rescue some really cool people,â
The chaos of Wadeâs arrival and the gravity of the situation were starting to weigh heavily on you. Your head felt like it was spinning with the implications of what they were asking.
 It wasnât even 8am yet and you could feel the headache already coming on.
Frustration churned in your chest, knotting your insides. It wasnât just the surprise of Wade showing up unannouncedâit was the audacity of his request. To risk your safety, your existence, just to help people you barely knew, felt like an enormous gamble.
 You had your own life, your own safety to consider, and the TVAâs persistent surveillance was a constant, ever-present threat to that.
Wadeâs pleading look and earnest expressions were impossible to ignore. You knew that he was sincere about his friends, but the potential consequences of aiding him were terrifying. You could vividly recall the aftermath of dealing with similar situations beforeâthe physical and emotional exhaustion that had left you bedridden for weeks. It was a cruel irony that your unique abilities to travel through timelines made you a sought-after resource while simultaneously isolating you from a semblance of normalcy.
âYou donât get it, Wade,â you said, your voice trembling slightly despite your attempts to sound resolute. âEven if I wanted too, this isnât just about wanting to save your friends. Itâs about the TVA. Theyâre relentless. If they catch me, Iâm not just risking a few days in bed. Itâs much more severe than that.â
Wadeâs eyes flashed with frustration. âIâve dealt with the TVA before, and Iâve come out on top,â He turned to Logan, âThanks for that by the way, this timeline you really came through for me,â He turned back to you, standing up and placing a hand on both of your shoulders, âI canât do this alone. Theyâre counting on me. You canât just shut me down like this.â
You shook your head, feeling a surge of anger mixed with a deep-seated fear. âYou donât understand the stakes. Every time Iâve had to deal with timeline issues, itâs taken a huge toll on me. It leaves me sick and vulnerable. I have the TVA ready to take my ass back there as their prisoner. You want me to walk into that mess willingly? No, Wade. Not happening.â
Wadeâs face fell slightly as he removed his hands from your shoulders, but he quickly masked it with stubborn determination. âBut youâre the best at this. Iâve seen what you can do. You can walk through universes and timelines like youâre walking through doors. There has to be a way you can do this without them finding out.â
You crossed your arms tightly, trying to stem the flood of conflicting emotions. âIâm not just saying no out of spite. Despite you still owing me one from the whole Francis debacle. The TVA doesnât play fair. If I help you, Iâm risking more than just my comfortâIâm risking my entire existence. Do you understand that? And for what? To pull people out of a void with no guarantee they even have a place to go. There will be no guarantee that taking them back to any timeline-even their own- wonât end up with us being completely fuckedâ.
Loganâs practical tone cut through the heated argument. âWe have a plan,â He reassured, âWe can tweak it to account for the TVAâs bullshit, but heâs right. There are good people there. People like us. People who donât have a home. They risked their lives to save us. To bring us back here to this world. Itâs time we repay the favour,â He swallowed deeply, âWe need to repay the favourâ.
You sighed heavily, the weight of the conversation pressing down on you. The thought of possibly facing the TVAâs wrath was daunting, but so was the thought of leaving Wade and his friends in a risky situation. Your mind raced with the possibilities and the risks, trying to find a balance between what was right and what was safe.
Taking a deep breath, you turned away from the doorway and headed towards the kitchen. The comforting ritual of making coffee provided a small solace amid the chaos. As you poured the dark liquid into your mug, the rich aroma filled the room, a grounding force against the whirlwind of emotions.
You leaned against the kitchen bench, cradling your mug as you took a moment to gather your thoughts. The warmth of the coffee seeped through the ceramic, a simple pleasure in the midst of a complex dilemma. Your gaze shifted to Wade and Logan, who were waiting expectantly, lingering near the fridge.
âAlright,â you said, your voice steadier now but still tinged with frustration. âLetâs say I decide to help. How do you expect to find these people in the void? Itâs not exactly a walk in the park.â
Wadeâs expression softened slightly, his eyes reflecting a mixture of hope and uncertainty. âIâve got a lead on where they are. We need your ability to just kind of drop in on them in their little hidey hole. I know itâs risky, but itâs our best shot.â
You took a deep sip of your coffee, letting the warmth spread through you. The practical side of you was still grappling with the risks, but there was a part of you that couldnât ignore the urgency and sincerity in Wadeâs plea; âHow do I know where their quote hidey hole unquote is? Iâve never beenâ.
âI was kinda hoping you had a special something up your sleeve that could help us find them? Like a sniffer dog type thing?â Wade replied sheepishly.
You rolled your eyes and took another sip, âOther than relying on something I have no idea if I can even do whatâs next?â
âWe search,â Logan stated simply, âItâs a big place, might take us a while but what other option is there?â
Wade scoffed, âSheer fucking luck at this pointâ.
Leaning against the bench, you looked at them both, your resolve hardening despite the unease. âFine. Iâll help. But we need a solid plan. And we need to make sure weâre prepared for whatever the TVA throws at us. Iâm not going in blind.â
Wadeâs face lit up and he started bounding up and down clapping his hands âOh thank you, I promise you wonât regret it.â
âGod youâre an asshole,â You replied, walking into your kitchen.
As you leaned against the kitchen bench, the warmth of your coffee mug grounding you, you could see Wade and Logan watching you with varying degrees of curiosity and concern. The gravity of your past encounters with the TVA weighed heavily on your mind, and you knew you needed to explain the full context of why this situation was so risky for you.
Taking another sip of coffee to steady yourself, you began. âAlright, let me fill you in on why dealing with the TVA is such a big deal for me. I mentioned that the TVA has been keeping an eye on me, and thatâs not just a casual oversight.â
Wade raised an eyebrow, his expression shifting to curiosity âOh I love a story. Do tell?â
You gave a scoff and an eyeroll and took a deep breath, gathering your thoughts. âRemember the whole Wanda Maximoff and Doctor Strange incident? Westview? Wanda decided to jump through universes chasing someone whoâs like me. Except this person was a kid. Doctor Strange asked for my help. I was part of a mission that messed with the timelines in a big way. The TVA wasnât too pleased with the disruptions caused by our actions. As a result, they decided to put me in a special category.â
Logan, who had been quietly listening, frowned. âWhat kind of category?â
You sighed, feeling the weight of the memories. âThe TVA wanted to make me a âtimeline anchor point.â Basically, they wanted me to exist outside of the timelines, serving as a permanent anchor to keep things stable in case something like that happened again. It was their way of punishing me without pruning me entirely. The idea was to trap me in a sort of limbo where I couldnât affect the timelines anymore.â
Wadeâs eyes widened with understanding. âThat sounds like a hell of a punishment.â
You nodded. âYeah, it is. I had a demi-god vouch for me, someone who had clearly pull. Them and someone else. They argued on my behalf, convincing the TVA that I shouldnât be used as an anchor. That it was too dangerous and unstable. So instead of being pruned or condemned to that limbo, I was allowed to continue my lifeâbut with a constant surveillance and tight restrictions.â
Loganâs eyes narrowed with concern. âSo, the TVA is keeping a close watch on you because of this?â
âExactly,â you said, taking another sip of your coffee. âThe TVA has me on a short leash because theyâre still wary of my abilities and the potential disruptions I could cause. Theyâre waiting for me to slip up, and any significant deviation from their rules could result in either me never existing, or me existing too much.â
Wadeâs expression softened with empathy. âThat sounds rough. So, if the TVA finds out youâre helping us, it could mean a huge rod up your ass for you.â
You nodded solemnly. âYes. Itâs not just about risking my safetyâitâs about risking everything Iâve worked to maintain. Helping you could draw their attention and put me in a position where they might finally decide to prune me or worse.â
Loganâs gaze was steady and understanding. âThat explains why youâre so cautious. But it also means we need to be extra careful if weâre going to involve you in this mission.â
Wade looked between you and Logan, his earlier frustration giving way to a more considerate tone. âAlright, I get it now. Weâll make sure to keep everything as low-profile as possible. The last thing I want is for you to get caught up in TVA problems because of me.â
You gave a small, appreciative nod. âThanks, Wade. Iâm in this now, but I need to know that weâre taking every precaution. So come on, 1, I need to find something comfortable to sit on if Iâm going to be listening to whatever shit you two come up with, and 2, I need to know that you guys arenât about to make me once again regret helping you,â you laughed as you led the two men back into the living room.
<><><><><><><>
The world blurred and twisted around you, colours blending into an unrecognizable swirl as you, Logan, and Wade were pulled through the fabric of reality. The transition was always rough, but this time, it felt like your insides were being wrung out and twisted into knots. You could feel it suffocating you. Â When you finally hit solid ground, the disorientation was too much. You stumbled slightly as Wade and Logan let go of you, Wade doubling over to catch his breath and Logan looking over at you incredulously, âYou do that all the time?â
âItâs usually smoother,â You commented, feeling your stomach curdle and your head spin.
You landed in a dense, shadowy forest. The air was thick with an unnatural chill, the trees towered overhead, their twisted branches blocking out what little light there was.
You stumbled to the side, barely able to brace yourself against a tree before you started to vomit, your body rebelling against the harshness of the journey.
Logan crouched beside you, his hand steadying your shoulder. âEasy,â he murmured, his voice low and gruff, but with a hint of concern. âBreathe.â
You nodded weakly, trying to focus on the coolness of the earth beneath your hands and the solidity of the tree against your back, âIâm okay,â you said simply, trying to stand back up straight before shaking your head, âNope. Not okay,â and vomiting again.
Before you could fully catch your breath, a sharp rustling of leaves broke through the oppressive silence. Logan stiffened beside you, his hand instinctively moving to his side where his claws were ready to spring.
Suddenly, Wade was yanked off his feet and slammed against a nearby tree. His eyes went wide in surprise as he found himself staring into the fierce, glowing eyes of Gambit.
âWho the hell are you?!â Gambit hissed, his voice low and dangerous. His grip on Wadeâs collar was tight, his other hand sparking with kinetic energy, ready to release.
âWhoa, whoa, hold on there, Cajun!â Wade blurted out, raising his hands in mock surrender. âItâs me, Wade! Deadpool! The lovable mercenary? Chimichangas? Red suit? Cassandra? Remember?â
Gambitâs eyes narrowed, his mind still processing, but the recognition slowly dawned in his expression. The tension in his shoulders eased, and the energy in his hand fizzled out. He released Wade, letting him drop unceremoniously to the ground.
Wade, rubbing his neck, looked genuinely surprised. âOkay, wow, I mean, good to see you too, buddy! But damn, didnât expect you to be so⌠jumpy.â
Gambit took a step back, running a hand through his hair as he tried to calm himself. âSorry, mon ami. Didnât know it was you. Been on edge.â
Wade glanced over his shoulder, noticing you still slumped against the tree, looking pale and sickly. âYeah, well, Iâm not the only one whoâs had a rough trip.â He nodded toward you. âThis is our friend. Sheâs the reason we got here so fast.â
Gambitâs gaze followed Wadeâs, softening as he saw your condition. He hesitated, unsure if he should approach, but Logan was already moving, crouching beside you and gently helping you to your feet.
âYou okay?â Logan asked, his tone as gruff as ever, but his eyes held a rare concern. You nodded, though you still felt weak, leaning heavily on him for support.
âThis is Gambit,â Wade continued, filling the silence with his usual chatter. âRemy LeBeau, master of cards and the coolest accent this side of the multiverse. Gambit, this isââ
You cut him off, managing a weak smile as you met Gambitâs eyes. âNice to meet you, Gambit.â
âLikewise, chère,â Gambit replied, his voice softening as he took in your state. âSorry âbout the rough welcome.â
Logan helped you to your feet, keeping a steady arm around you as you leaned on him, your legs still shaky. The group started moving through the forest, the oppressive silence broken only by the rustle of leaves underfoot and the distant, unsettling sounds of the void around you.
As you walked, Gambit led the way, his eyes scanning the forest with a wariness that spoke of too many battles fought alone.
âTheyâre all gone,â Gambit finally said, his voice barely more than a whisper. The weight of his words hung heavy in the air. âEveryone⌠they didnât make it.â
There was a pause, the realization sinking in, a mix of grief and grim acceptance. The void had taken more than just their friendsâit had stolen the hope of rescue and reunion.
âIâm the last one left.â Gambitâs voice was steady, but the pain was clear. âBeen holdinâ out here, tryinâ to find a way back⌠but itâs just me now.â
Loganâs grip on you tightened slightly, a silent acknowledgment of the loss. Wade, for once, didnât have a joke ready, his usual bravado replaced by a sombre silence.
You looked at Gambit, seeing the exhaustion in his eyes, the weight of the void pressing down on him. Despite your own physical weakness, you felt a surge of resolve. You werenât just here to rescue a friendâyou were here to pull him out of the darkness that had claimed so much already.
âWeâll get you out of here,â you said, your voice stronger than you felt. âAll of us. Together.â You gave a small laugh âWell mostly me since Iâm clearly carrying the weight of the team right now,â
Gambit felt a ghost of a smile cross his face as Wade gave a sharp scoff.
The forest grew denser as you continued, the darkness closing in around your small group. The silence was almost suffocating, broken only by the occasional crunch of leaves beneath your feet. Gambit led the way, his movements sure and practiced, but you could see the tension in his shoulders, the way his gaze darted around, constantly on alert.
Logan kept his arm around you, his presence steady and grounding as you leaned on him for support. Wade followed close behind, for once uncharacteristically quiet, his mind clearly processing the gravity of the situation.
Gambit finally broke the silence, his voice low and weary. âAfter you two left⌠it all went to hell. We tried to hold out, tried to stick together, but if it wasnât the others who killed us it was the void⌠it got to us. One by one, they fell. The ones who survived longer⌠they just disappeared, like they were swallowed up by the darkness.â
He paused; the memories clearly painful. âI donât know how I made it. Maybe luck, maybe somethinâ else. But I couldnât save any of âem. I tried⌠but I was alone before I knew it.â
The weight of his words settled heavily over the group, the loss of his friends felt deeply by all of you. It was a grim reminder of the dangers you faced, and of the toll the void took on those who lingered too long.
âWeâre lucky we found you,â Logan said gruffly, breaking the silence that followed Gambitâs words. âWeâll make sure you donât end up like the others.â
Gambit nodded, but there was a haunted look in his eyes, as if he wasnât entirely convinced he deserved to be saved.
As you trudged on, the oppressive atmosphere of the void pressing down on you, you remembered the other threat looming over you. You looked up at Logan and Wade, your voice raspy but firm. âWe need to stay alert. The TVA⌠they could show up at any moment.â
Gambit glanced back at you, his brow furrowing. âWhy would the TVA be after us? They usually donât bother with folks like us, unlessâŚâ
You took a deep breath, trying to steady yourself as you explained. âItâs because of me. Iâve pissed them off a few times in my time. The TVA doesnât like that. Iâm on probation with them.â
Wade chimed in, a bit of his usual humour returning. âYeah, apparently we give the TVA major heartburn. And our little escapade here? Itâs like spicy chili on top.â
Gambit absorbed this, his expression thoughtful. âSo, theyâll be cominâ for us, huh? Guess that explains why you looked like you were runninâ from somethinâ.â
âTheyâre relentless,â you said, your voice strained. âThey wonât stop until theyâve fixed whatever they think is broken. And right now, thatâs us.â
Gambit stopped walking and turned to you, his gaze steady and intense. âThen weâll be ready for âem. But first, you need to get your strength back. If weâre gonna get out of here, you need to be in good shape.â
You nodded, appreciating his calm reassurance, but the thought of the TVA still gnawed at you, a persistent fear that wouldnât easily be shaken.
After what felt like an eternity of walking, you finally arrived at the hideoutâa small, makeshift shelter hidden within a grove of thick trees. It was basic, but it offered protection from the harshness of the void.
Gambit led the way inside, the dim light casting long shadows across the walls. âYou can lay her down over here,â he said, gesturing to a rough, but stable, cot in the corner.
Logan helped you to the cot, easing you down carefully. The moment you lay back, a wave of exhaustion washed over you, the physical and emotional toll of the day catching up with you.
Gambit crouched beside you, his expression softer now. âYou want somethinâ to drink? Water? Or⌠maybe somethinâ stronger?â
âWaterâs fine,â you replied with a faint smile, knowing that anything stronger would likely just make you feel worse right now.
Gambit nodded and stood, moving over to a small, makeshift table where a few supplies were scattered. As he poured the water into a metal cup, you could see the care in his movements, the way he was trying to keep his mind occupied, to push away the darkness that had been haunting him.
Wade flopped down into a chair, his usual bravado slipping back into place. âSo, this is home sweet home for now, huh? Gotta say, Iâve stayed in worse places.â
Logan remained standing, his eyes constantly scanning the room, as if expecting danger to burst through the walls at any moment. âWeâll rest here for a bit, but we canât stay too long,â he said, his voice a low rumble. âWe need to figure out our next move.â
Gambit returned with the cup of water, handing it to you with a small, encouraging smile. âDrink up, chère. You need to get your strength back. Weâll figure out the rest as we go.â
You took the cup, the cool water soothing your parched throat, and nodded gratefully. Despite the dire circumstances, there was a sense of comfort in being surrounded by your friends, in knowing that you werenât facing this nightmare alone.
As the group settled in, the fear of the TVA still lingered in the back of your mind, but for now, you focused on the simple act of recovery, on the strength you would need to survive what was coming next.
The hideout was dimly lit, shadows dancing on the walls as the flickering light from a single lantern cast an eerie glow. Gambit leaned against the rough-hewn table, his fingers tapping lightly on the edge as he looked at Logan and Wade. His expression was contemplative, his red-on-black eyes reflecting the flicker of light.
âSo, whyâd yâall come back for me?â Gambit asked, his voice thick with his Cajun accent, a lilt that made his words smooth but slightly edged with suspicion. âAinât like we know each other that well. Only met the one time.â
Logan glanced over at Wade before meeting Gambitâs gaze, his expression as stoic as ever. âYou got us outta that hellhole last time,â he replied, his tone gruff but sincere. âSaved our lives. Least we could do was return the favor.â
Gambit tilted his head slightly, considering Loganâs words. âAinât too many folks whoâd risk their necks for someone they barely know.â
Wade, ever the comedian, jumped in with a smirk. âWell, lucky for you, Cajun, weâre not just âany folks.â Weâre the kind that get attached. Like ticks. Or a bad rash. And now, youâre stuck with us, just like *she* is,â he said, gesturing toward you with a flourish.
You chuckled softly, the sound tinged with exhaustion as you leaned back against the cot. âWadeâs the biggest pain in the ass Iâve ever known,â you remarked dryly. âSo thatâs not exactly a great thing.â
Gambit couldnât help but grin at your banter, though it was clear there was still a heavy weight on his mind. He turned his attention back to you, his gaze softening. âYou mentioned somethinâ âbout the TVA chasinâ you. What got you mixed up in all this, chère? Donât seem like the kinda trouble youâd go lookinâ for.â
You sighed, the exhaustion weighing heavily on you, but you pushed through it, knowing Gambit deserved an explanation. âItâs⌠complicated,â you began, your voice quieter now. âI have this ability to move between timelines and universes. Itâs something I didnât ask for, but itâs part of who I am. The TVA doesnât like it when someone messes with the timeline, and Iâve done my fair share of that lately. Theyâve been after me ever since.â
Gambit listened intently, his expression thoughtful. âSeems like youâve been through more than your share of messes, chère. Canât be easy, always lookinâ over your shoulder.â
âEven when I say Iâm out,â you continued, a bitter edge to your voice, âIâm never truly out. The TVA doesnât forget. They donât forgive. Itâs like being caught in a web you canât escape.â
Wade, never one to miss an opportunity, leaned back in his chair with a grin. âAww, look at you two with your young love. So sweet. So tragic. So doomed.â
Before you could respond, Loganâs head snapped up, his senses on high alert. âSomethingâs outside,â he growled, the hair on the back of his neck standing on end.
Gambit and Wade immediately tensed, their expressions hardening. âStay here,â Logan said to you, his tone brooking no argument. âWeâll check it out.â
As Gambit, Wade, and Logan stepped out of the hideout, the oppressive atmosphere of the void seemed to thicken around them. The forest was eerily quiet, the only sounds the faint rustling of leaves and the distant calls of creatures that lurked just beyond the shadows. Loganâs senses were on high alert, his eyes scanning the tree line for any sign of movement.
Gambit kept his cards close at hand, the kinetic energy pulsing faintly beneath his fingertips. His red eyes flicked to Logan and Wade, a silent understanding passing between them. They might have only fought together once before, but in the void, survival had a way of forging bonds that ran deep.
âGot a bad feelinâ about this,â Gambit muttered, is accent thick as he glanced around the clearing.
âYeah, well, youâre not the only one, Gumbo,â Logan growled, his voice low and tense. His claws slid out, the sound slicing through the quiet like a knife. âStay sharp.â
Wade, ever the joker, was uncharacteristically quiet, though his hands were already hovering over his holstered guns. âSo, who wants to place bets on how many TVA agents are about to show up and ruin our day?â he quipped, though his tone lacked its usual bravado.
As if on cue, the air seemed to shift, a ripple of energy that made the hairs on the back of Loganâs neck stand up. A moment later, figures began to emerge from the shadows, stepping out from the trees with military precision. They were dressed in the unmistakable uniforms of the TVA, their faces obscured by helmets that gave them a faceless, inhuman appearance.
The leader of the group stepped forward, his voice cold and devoid of emotion. âSurrender the anomaly,â he commanded, his words sharp and cutting through the tension like a blade. âWe have no interest in a fight. Comply, and no harm will come to you.â
Gambitâs eyes narrowed, his grip tightening on the cards in his hand. âYou must be talkinâ to the wrong folks, mon ami,â he said, his voice low and dangerous. âWe ainât in the habit of surrenderinâ.â
Wade took a step forward, his usual bravado returning in full force. âYeah, about that⌠Remember the last time we met? Pretty sure you guys are still down a fuckton of agents. We gonna do that again? âCause Iâm game.â
The TVA leader didnât respond, but the slight shift in his stance was all the answer they needed. In an instant, the clearing erupted into chaos.
Gambit was the first to move, his cards glowing with kinetic energy as he flung them toward the nearest agents. The cards exploded on impact, sending shockwaves through the ranks of the TVA, scattering them like leaves in the wind. The air crackled with energy, the explosions lighting up the darkness with bursts of violet light.
Logan followed suit, his claws gleaming as he charged into the fray with a feral snarl. He was a force of nature, slicing through the ranks of TVA agents with brutal efficiency. His movements were swift and precise, every strike calculated to take down as many opponents as possible. The agents fought back, but Loganâs healing factor kept him going, even as they tried to overwhelm him with sheer numbers.
Wade was a blur of motion, his guns spitting out bullets as he danced through the chaos with an almost reckless abandon. He laughed as he fought, a manic grin plastered on his face as he took down agent after agent. âCome on, guys! Itâs just like old times! Donât let them get the drop on you!â
Gambit moved with fluid grace, dodging attacks and retaliating with his charged cards and his bo staff, which he wielded with deadly precision. He fought with a controlled fury, his red eyes glowing with determination as he focused on taking down the agents who posed the biggest threat to his friends. But even as he fought, a part of him couldnât shake the feeling that this was just the beginningâthat the TVA had more up their sleeve.
In the midst of the battle, Gambitâs gaze flicked back toward the hideout, where he knew you were still inside, trying to recover. The thought of the TVA getting their hands on youâof them dragging you back into their clutchesâspurred him on, pushing him to fight harder.
Logan, too, was fighting with a ferocity that came from more than just survival. He knew what the TVA could do, the kind of control they could exert over someone like you. He wasnât about to let them take you without a fight. His claws tore through armour and flesh alike, leaving a trail of fallen agents in his wake.
As the battle raged on, it became clear that the TVA had underestimated their opponents. The agents began to falter, their ranks thinning as Gambit, Logan, and Wade systematically dismantled their forces. But just when it seemed like they might have the upper hand, reinforcements arrivedâmore agents stepping out of the shadows, their numbers seemingly endless.
Wade, panting slightly from the exertion, looked over at Gambit and Logan, his grin faltering slightly. âOkay, Iâll admit, this is getting a little too crowded for my liking. You guys think itâs time to hightail it out of here?â
Gambit nodded, his eyes scanning the tree line for any sign of you. âWe need to get back to her,â he said urgently. âAinât no way we can hold off this many for long.â
Just then, your voice rang out from the hideout, strained but determined. âWade! Logan! Gambit! Get your asses over here, now!â
The three men exchanged a quick glance before they fought their way back to you, each movement fuelled by the urgency of the situation. Wade covered their retreat, his guns blazing as he provided cover fire, while Logan and Gambit cut a path through the remaining agents.
When they reached you, you were already standing, though barely, your body trembling from the effort. But your eyes were fierce, your power thrumming just beneath the surface as you prepared to open a portal. You didnât have much strength left, but you knew you had to get them out of thereâback to your timeline, where you might have a chance to regroup and plan your next move.
As the portal began to form, the energy crackling around you like a storm, Wade and Logan grabbed onto you, steadying you as you focused all your remaining energy on the jump. Gambit reached out, his hand wrapping around yours as he gave you a reassuring nod. âWeâre right behind you, chère. Letâs get the hell outta here.â
With a final, desperate push, you pulled all four of you through the portal, the world around you twisting and warping as you were yanked back to your timeline. The last thing you heard before everything went black was the distant sound of the TVA agentsâ shouts, cut off as the portal closed behind you.
<> <> <> <>
The four of you landed with a jolt, the familiar surroundings of your home coming into focus as the disorientation of the jump faded. You barely had time to register the success of the jump before your body gave out, the strain of the battle and the portal taking its toll.
âOh look, we made it. Go me,â you murmured weakly, a faint smile tugging at your lips before everything went dark.
Gambit caught you just in time, his arms wrapping around you as you slumped into unconsciousness. His expression was a mix of relief and concern as he looked over at Wade and Logan. âSheâs out cold,â he said, his voice laced with worry.
Wade stepped forward, his usual humour tempered by the gravity of the situation. âNo time to stand around gawking, Romeo. Letâs get her inside.â
Logan led the way, his claws retracting as he moved with purpose. âThis way,â he grunted, heading toward your house. When they reached the front door, Gambit, still carrying you, kicked it open with a forceful shove, the door slamming against the wall.
Wade shook his head with a chuckle. âYou know, she keeps a spare key in that hanging plant pot. That whole door-kicking thing? Totally unnecessary.â
Logan shot him a look, his voice low and serious. âShe can complain about it when she wakes up.â
Gambit carried you to the couch, laying you down gently. He grabbed a blanket from a nearby chair and draped it over you, tucking it around you with care. For a moment, he just stood there, watching the rise and fall of your chest, making sure you were still with them.
Wade and Logan stood nearby, giving him space but keeping a close eye on the situation. After a moment, Gambit turned to them, his expression conflicted. âMerci for gettinâ me outta there,â he said quietly. âBut I donât know if I belong here. Ainât got nowhere to go, nothinâ left for me in this universe.â
Logan, always the pragmatist, motioned toward your unconscious form. âYouâre family now,â he said simply. âAnd Iâm sure sheâd be more than happy to have you stay.â
Wade, never one to pass up a chance for a jab, grinned widely. âI feel the start of a fanfiction happeningâ.
Logan shot Wade a look but then nodded toward you. âWeâll talk about it when she wakes up,â he said, his tone serious. Then, after a brief pause, he added in a lower voice, âIf she wakes up.â
The weight of those words hung in the air, a stark reminder of how close you all had come to losing everything. Gambitâs gaze remained on you, his expression unreadable, but there was a determination in his eyes that hadnât been there before. He wasnât going to let you face this aloneânot after everything youâd just been through together.
people need to stop tagging their âx oc storiesâ as âx readerâ. itâs so ANNOYING bc Iâm searching for âx readerâ and all I get is the âreaderâ having a first name and blonde hair with blue eyes. like I donât want to read that shit. just fucking tag your oc stories as âx ocâ.
and donât get me startet on them just tagging random characters that arenât even mentioned in the fanfic. When I search up fics for a specific character I do NOT want to find fics of a different character. just let me read that âcharacter x readerâ and leave me alone
LEARN TO USE TAGS CORRECTLY. ITâS NOT THAT FUCKING HARD
