to those of you asking, apparently tumblr decided to defy all conceivable understanding of the laws of physics and become even more unusable than it was before I left so chapter 19 was flagged as mature (ugh) and is now hidden automatically from view (ugh) unless you go on a desktop (UGH) and change your settings. so just go on ao3 and read there instead if you haven’t already tbh wtf is tumblr live and tumblr mart?? and the paid checkmarks christ don’t fuckin encourage them it’s embarrassing
alright gotta do another edit it’s 13.7k right now im nervous dsksjfjf
sorry I had to take a sip of water a year and a half ahem ah yes like I was saying rough day chapter 20 will be posted on Sunday March 12 2023 at 9pm est thank you
Pairing: Steven Grant x reader; Marc Spector x reader; Jake Lockley x reader
Warnings: Violence, mentions of Sexual Assault, mentions of 18+ content(kinda?), fluff, angst
Word Count: 1.9K(not bad?)
Summary:
You and Jake have kept your distance because you get the distinct impression that he hates you, but you couldn't be more wrong. On Jake's day in control you happen to get into a fight that left more than just one bruise. Jake doesn't like being kept in the dark.
Authors Note:
I had this idea before I went to bed last night and it kept me up, so here ya go. Hope you like.
Laters, Gators.
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Tension was so tight in the air around Jake that you thought if you breathed wrong you're sure that every fiber would snap. It's something you wanted to desperately avoid because you were convinced Jake hated you. His no-nonsense-keep-away-at-arms-length-avoid-eye-contact-at-all-costs method was the icing on the cake to your theory.
Of course you don't know but Jake loves you, he just doesn't know how to show or approach it. Sure, he didn't love you at first, contemplated getting rid of you at all costs but after he saw Steven and Marc look at you with pure love in their eyes; he knew he could do no such thing. Surprisingly, he started falling in love with you through their eyes.
It was weird for him at first but want really won him over was your overprotectiveness over Steven and Marc. The caring, the voice of reason, the 'I will make your eyeballs taste like meatballs and serve them as a part of your mom's spaghetti' threats when people get too close to them. Even though your threats seem outlandish, doubt flew away from the venom that dripped from your mouth with the threat, promising worse than death to the flirtatious person who had their eyes on Marc or Steven.
Yeah, Jake was crazy about you. But he didn't want to mess up the dynamic you had with Marc and Steven, nor did starting a conversation with 'how exactly would you go about frying someone's ear to the crisp of a potato chip because a woman started touching us all flirty like?'
When he entered the apartment you were drinking tea in the kitchen staring out the window, kinda weird since he knows you like to drink tea and read one of the many books Steven has laying around this messy apartment. But he didn't say anything and you didn't look at him. Nothing to outta the normal he guessed.
You cleared your throat and slid an arm around your torso.
Oh, he so wanted to come up from behind you and wrap his arms around you pulling you so close that no one could take you from him. Yet, he went to lay down on the bed with his arms crossed leaning on the headboard. He just replied with a grunt.
Maybe if you stood there long enough for Jake to fall asleep you could sneak out to have sometime alone, well, more to figure out how the conversation was going to go with your black eye, bashed cheek, and split lips.
Not to mention the horribly bruised knuckles that you were now hiding under your armpit in a hopeful attempt to seem curt enough to be left alone.
Did you win the fight against the random man? Debatably. Evidence shows the bastard got a few good hits in but you have bruised knuckles for a reason. If the security didn't stop you the man would be eating out of a straw right now. You can only hope you did enough damage to his jaw that the pain that radiated through his face when he tried to speak would be a reminder to NEVER touch you like that again. Or any woman.
Jake was a bit skeptical that you didn't say anything else. You usually asked him about his day or what he wants to eat. As different as Marc, Steven, and him were, so too, were their palates. He sighed through his nose, waiting.
Despite the front you put out, you hated fighting. So this bloody aftermath was far from worth it but savagely satisfying. Does that make sense? A tear slid down your face dropping into your mug and you cleared your throat once more, "I'm going to get pizza. I'll be back."
Jake just grunted. Great, we are on non-verbal communication now. Fantastic. How you wished Marc or Steven were here, it would be....it would be easier? Would it be easier to show them?
You grab your wallet and phone, slip on your cute sandals Steven got you for your birthday a couple of weeks ago, and practically ran out the door.
Jake thought that was different. You usually gave him a small smile or at least an obscene gesture when he got on your nerves that-although he wouldn't tell you-made him laugh. He peeked open an eye to see the door slam shut.
"Steven, you might be the smartest of us if Jake can't manage a verbal response." Marc grumbles from the mirror on the other side of the bed.
Jake just shrugged, he didn't need to talk, didn't want to.
"Mate, you might be right. Hopefully, Jake can make eye contact with her before he shy's away-" Steven agrees
Jake interrupts, "Alright, enough."
"You couldn't of, I don't know, say hello? It's what people do these says, yeah?"
"She didn't say hello."
Marc throws his hands up, "Oh, my god. You two are killing me."
"Look, she'll be back in a few, so just try-" Jake covers a pillow over his head to try to block them out. Eventually, he dozed off.
You didn't end up going to the nearest pizza shop, you didn't really end up going to any pizza shop at all despite how hungry you felt. You just took a long walk and nearly got lost in the process.
You just need to tell him. Why was this such a big deal? So you practiced, "Yes, hi, Jake. I got a bruised face but I got pizza."
no.
"Jake, my boyfriends other alter that hates me, don't worry no ones coming after Marc and Steven."
no, maybe...
"Jake, soften the blow to Marc or Steven when they see me? Wow, these are all incredibly horrible."
You give up and head back to the apartment stopping at Bobbies Pizza Shop. He demanded to know what happened to your face and then proceeded to give you the pizza for free along with the pasta of the day, "For Jake, so he doesn't go kill the guy." Bobbie laughs.
'He wouldn't do that for me.' You refrained from saying but you smiled, "Oh, who's to say he hasn't already."
Bobbie laughed harder, "You guys are my favorite. Tell Jake I say hello.'
'You'd get a hello at least.' "Will do!"
You held the pizza and large pasta with your bruised hand, wincing at the heat that seeped into your knuckles. Probably not the best thing to do, but it may soften the explanation of what happened.
That was until a child dropped her toy on the elevator floor under your feet. The mom apologized but you said it was not a problem. Adjusting the pizza on your hip where your bruised knuckles were now flashing everyone, you picked up the toy. The little girl didn't care about your face as she took the toy and sweetly said thank you. The mom didn't say anything either but nodded after she got off on the 2nd floor.
Kids. You wonder if Marc or Steven want kids. Should we have kids? Do you want kids? What would we name our kids? How-no. You open the door to the apartment still balancing the pizza on your side. This conversation is for another time.
Jake remains were you left him but curled on the side, asleep. And you found that you were smiling softly, even if Jake did hate you that doesn't mean you'd have to hate him.
Walking over you nudge the side of the bed, "Jake, Bobbie gave me extra pasta for you. Take it."
Jake begins to stir and you reach toward the kitchen table still holding the pizza and pasta out for him while you throw your phone onto the counter top. He snatches the pizza from you and you continue to walk to the kitchen to grab some napkins when a strong hand catches your wrist. Shit. SHIT.
You turn toward Jake who is just staring down at your hand. He runs his thumb over the sensitive flesh, flipping over your hand to look at your wrist.
"Oy, mate. Her...her face-" Steven remarks making Jakes head snap up. Marc doesn't know what to say. Jake suddenly standing over you gently grabbing your chin and turning it to the side, taking in the damage.
Honestly, you had no words. The anger simmering off of Jake with his eyes full of concern was enough to make you speechless. And this is the closest you've ever been. You can feel his breath as he stares down at you. Inches away.
"It's-it's not as bad as it looks." You mumble. Jakes demeanor changes. No more room cutting tension but murderous rage echos against the walls, "Who-"
"Just-just some guy." You whisper, "It's-it's fine."
Jakes eyes shoot to yours, "No, it's not."
"Damn straight." Marc crosses his arms. Steven nods his head in agreement, "We have to kill 'em."
He stalks toward you as you back into a book shelve until he's towering over you yet again, "What. Happened."
"The guy was getting handsy." Both Jake's hands rest on either side on your head as he leans against the book shelf watching you, "I told him to stop, he didn't listen, he hit me but I got a few good hits in-"
"Yea, I see that." A muscle in his jaw flickers as he looks me over again, "Why didn't you tell me?"
"I didn't think you'd care very much and-"
Jake chuckles darkly, "Didn't think I'd care?"
Your brows raise, "I mean, that-I mean we-we don't-I'm pretty sure you hate me."
"Oh, princess..." Jake leans closer to your lips, "Quite the opposite."
"Well, you have funny way of showing it." Your heart is pounding against your rib cage. This is so so so so so different.
His forehead is leaning against yours, "I'm barely here-" He begins to pull away but you pull him closer, "Who said I didn't want you here?"
Jake doesn't say anything, he just stares at you, "I'd kill to know what you're thinking-"
Jakes dips closer and kisses you, careful not to hurt your split lip any more than it is. Your hands move to cup his face, pulling him closer for a more claiming kiss. You feel a small smirk against your lips and wood groaning behind you as Jake tightens his grip on the shelves, "Easy, princess. You're still hurt."
"To hell with easy." You mumble against his lips. Jake gives in a bit as you slide your tongue against his lower lip begging for more. To taste him. To make up for lost time. He breaks apart the kiss carefully putting a hand on your chest but leans in for a one more kiss and breaks apart again.
You let out a small whine unfazed by the embarrassment you might feel a bit later.
"I want to, believe me I want to. But what I want to do involves those beautiful lips of yours healed."
You silently curse yourself for letting the bastard hit you, "If I'd known all I had to do was beat someone up so you'd confess your love for me, I would've done so ages ago."
Jake pushes off the shelf taking your bruised hand and lightly kisses it, "I promise to be more apparent with how I'd like to declare my love next time. And..." Jakes continues to kiss up your arm to your ear, "I promise I'm better in bed than Jack and Jill are."
"Oy!" Steven objects at the same time Marc's "Watch it."
But you couldn't hear that and the blush that grew across your features seemed like a worthy challenge in Jakes eyes.
Although Jake's murderous rage seemed to subside for a while, you still couldn't shake the feeling that Jake, Marc, and Steven were secretly hatching a plan to kill the guy. And you didn't care one bit.
Pairing: Steven Grant x reader; Marc Speector x reader
Warning: Major Fluff, angst???????, Violence. mentions of blood
Word Count: 5k(yea, no idea how that happened)
Summary: You have been dating Marc and Steven for some time now. You know all the complicated things about Khonsu and his delightful acts of vengeance. As you've been helping Marc and Steven try to wiggle out of this deal, this particular mission of Khonsu's ensues more danger than any of them thought. Causing you to dabble in picking up the Moon Knight mantle.
Authors Note:
I have not wrote in a long, long time. But I hope this is somewhat good. I will be writing more(shorter) pieces but I thought about how this would be a small cool beginning. It turned into something I didn't realize. Anyway, if you could be kind and make requests that would be amazing.
Laters, Gators.
----------
The alarm rings loud enough to wake-up everyone from here to America, I swear. I reach up and slam the snooze button before cuddling back into the sleepy beautiful man next to me.
We should get up." Marc mumbles and begins to pull out of my embrace.
"Noooooo." My grip on Marc's torso tightens, I am not leaving this bed. I could sleep for eternity. His small laugh melts my body. "No one needs work."
"I beg to differ."
I slowly open an eye to peak at him. Him and his greek gorgeous body barely covered by the blankets could make anyone swoon. The muscles hidden beneath velvety soft skin, I run my hand up past his chest to tangle in his hair. He leans into the touch. Oh, Oh, he wants to stay. "I have a strong argument against that."
He closes his eyes and sighs, "I know you do. I know you do, baby."
We stay like this for a few more moments. The word 'stay' yells throughout my mind, my body. Just stay. I open my mouth to demand he do just that when I'm interrupted.
"Steven will be late to work, it's his time to shine." Marc mocks referring to the deal between Steven and him. They both try to adhere to a scheduled agreement of who has control of the body. Try. Meaning whatever Khonsu's kicked up always knocks the 'oh-so-perfect' schedule out of reach.
"How about Steven calling into work. Could we pencil that in?"
Marc huffs a small laugh but doesn't say anything. Marc not saying anything is as a close to a yes as any. No denial, no argument. Maybe he is actual going to call in-
"We'd love to stay in, yeah? But Donna will be off her rocker-"
I gaze into those wonderfully curious eyes, Stevens' eyes. The harmonious heart beat beneath my ear quickens, smiling softly I hold his attention.
"No. No. Don't-Don't look at me like that."
"Like what?"
"Oh, Oh. You know what you're doing, don't you, love? Giving me that smile and those gorgeous eyes."
"I-I have no idea what you are talking about." I fight to hide any other dead give aways in to what it is I am 'doing'.
Steven stares for a moment longer. I bring my thumb to trace his lips, soft and sweet. I move his falling curls off his eyes and cup his cheek, bringing my mouth closer to his but to kiss one corner of his lips. Hovering closer to kiss him fully I quickly move to the other corner of his lips smiling a bit, teasing him. I act like I'm going to really kiss him this time. I make my way leaning fully over him. Sliding my legs over his hips nearly chest to chest. My heart beat barks against my rib cage so much so that I'm 100% certain Steven can hear it. I can feel his arm move across my waist and the other griping my shoulder. I lean down to kiss his lips but move quickly to kiss his cheek.
"Alright, you. Enough teasing, now." Steven laughs as he rolls me onto my back and uses his elbows to prop himself up and stare down at me, "What did I do to deserve you?"
I shrug best I can, "Became my savior in flannel of a truly boring museum tour guide." Stay.
"You should right in a review, yeah. Tell Donna all-all about how I wooed you over talking about the-the Duat. Real winner I am."
"First place in my heart." I grin while rubbing his arms. Just ask him, just ask him to stay. Stay. "I love you."
Stevens bright smile returns as he leans down till he hovers just a fraction away from my lips. His hungry gaze focuses down to the small space between us. "I love you more." And kisses the corner of my lips before pulling away to get ready for work.
The word is at the tip of my tongue. Stay. Just Stay.
"I'll be back just before six, okay? We'll have dinner and talk all about how you won me over, yeah?"
I hum in agreement as I stare blankly at the ceiling. I can feel it in my gut, I should've asked him to stay.
Focus. FOCUS. Focus- No, there is no more focusing. It's too quiet. The eerie silence seems to echo across the apartment threatening the busy street below. I've tried and failed to feign interest in one of these poetry books, having the slightest hope that time would run along much faster than the slowly mocking ticks of the clock by Gus' fish tank. I think I might smash that clock to pieces.
Biting my nails despite my inside protests, "They should've been home by now". I throw the book back onto the stacks as I make over to lean through the window, in yet another desperate attempt to see Marc or Steven. Nada.
If I could summon Khonsu I.....maybe I am over-reacting? They've been gone just seven hours. Roughly two more than intended. Call. Marc just needs to call me or text me or summon the moon or whatever to tell me that everything is fine. He's fine. Steven's fine.
Is it idiotic to want the love of your life to text you they might be late coming home because the bird-God they serve might have taken it a bit to far this time?
I groan. That is what my world has come to then. This is taking way too long. I slam the windows shut and stomp over to my phone. No new messages, "Could-it wouldn't be that hard for you to let me know what's going on..."
Wind rips across the apartment throwing a huge stack of books on the floor, "LITTLE BUG. MARC NEEDS YOUR HELP."
Khonsu towers over me slamming his staff into the floor. I knew it. I knew it. Forcing myself to stand my ground I ask, "Where is he?"
He doesn't reply. What do I need to say please? "Khonsu!"
"Marc needs your help, Little Bug.”
Those are words I never thought I'd hear from a God. Either things were bad in the beginning or they've gotten much worse. Why be on this stupid mission at all, "Can't you reach Marc or Steven and get him out of there? Abort the mission and all that, yeah?"
"I cannot reach Marc."
My heart threatens to stop working. I turn to Khonsu tilting my head to the side, "Steven?"
Khonsu says nothing.
My throat tightens as tears threaten make their escape. No. No. No. "What do you mean you can't reach them?"
"The men Marc followed were waiting for him."
I knew it. I fucking KNEW. I should've told him to stay in bed....yanked him in and called into work. I should-
"He's not dead, yet."
I am going to kill this god, "This is becoming too painfully ominous to drawl out." I turn towards the apartment door to find that damn bird standing in front of it.
"I can't allow you to go."
I scoff, "You asked me to help Marc. You can't do anything to me besides knock shit over. I am going to-"
"Part of the deal I have with Marc is to keep you from harm."
"Marc could be dying, Khonsu! To hell with the deal!" Neither of us make a move.
"What if we temporarily amend the deal?”
I say nothing. Marc warned me about this. About Khonsu trying to ensnare me into this 24/7 nightmare of his. Marc would do anything-Steven does do everything to keep this from happening. Creating a new deal? One where-no. The answer is no....but if Steven and Marc are dying would I be able to live with myself for not even trying to save them?
They have already sacrificed so much to protect this. This pocket of reality where I get to wake up in their arms in the morning; where I get to hold hands with Steven and walk around the museum; where Marc and I adventure into the curiously unknown. If they are willing to do so much to protect it, then so am I.
Khonsu just stands there, waiting. A part of my gut nags at me to stop, to stop this from going any further. I haven't listened to my gut all day, might as well keep the track record going, "Like. What."
"I call upon you as my Avatar when Marc finds himself unable to summon the suit."
No. No. Too many variables, "You can do that? Have two avatars?"
"When you are my Avatar Marc will no longer have access to the suit-"
"No. Can't-Can't I borrow the armor for a night?"
"I'm afraid they don't have much time left. You need to agree to help me now." I follow Khonsu's gaze to the window. They are out there, hurt. And I am just going to let them die?
"I-" Marc nor Steven would hesitate in this position. They would do whatever it is to save me. But they would not want this. I square my shoulders and look back at Khonsu, "I agree to be your avatar for one night-this night only. After tonight, once Marc and Steven are safe, I will no longer be your avatar. That is the deal I propose."
Khonsu doesn't answer me. He spins the staff in his hand as if he contemplating the terms of our small agreement, "Agreed. Do you, (Y/N) (L/N), swear to protect the travelers of the night and bring my vengeance to those who would do them harm?"
This time I don't hesitate, "Yes. I swear." Blinding light melts over my body as a version of the ceremonial suit molds against me. The suit.....it feels good, great in fact. Unlike Marc and Steven's version of the armor, mine holds a small cape from to crescent moon pins on my shoulders, the chest piece doesn't hold any weapons like Marcs but binds to my pants with a black belt. It reminds me of Steven's suit. Thank the God it's not a skirt. The sleeves break apart from my shoulders only to begin just above my elbow all the way down my arm to cover my hands. In the reflection of the fish tank I can see the mask covers my entire face, glad one thing doesn't change between suits. Where the hell is the weapon?
Khonsu moves away from the door, "Come. We do not have much time."
He turns into wind and flies out of the window, and I follow.
The large drop from the edge of this building makes my stomach queazy. I bite my cheek in attempt to ignore the fact that even though I can heal- falling off the roof will hurt more than I'd wish. The building across the large fall is the Students Art and Design Showcase Quarter. Large enough for the many students to display their work in anticipation for hopeful career and small enough to house Khonsu's avatar, I suppose.
"Marc is in there." With that Khonsu disappears.
I regret not indulging Steven when he asked me to visit this place. If I did I'd have a better idea of the layout. I make a silent promise to myself to visit anywhere and everywhere Steven and Marc want to go. Even if it's across the damn world.
They probably have guards stationed at the entrance and exits to keep out any unwanted visitors, but they wouldn't be looking at the windows. Sending a small prayer that I don't fall to my death I jump/stumble to the adjacent structure that slightly overlooks the glass ceiling.
My body freezes. One Jackal circles a bruised up and bloody man-MARC. Oh-oh no. He's barely moving-barely breathing. These people did this to him? For what? To say hello to Khonsu? To receive the powers of being his avatar? I wonder why Khonsu doesn't leap to the opportunity, he has devoted followers just like-just like Ammit. Huh. Stone grinds against stone as I realize that I gripped the ledge too hard. A piece snaps off. Well, this might be a good distraction.
Over looking the court yard beyond the entrance door, I throw the rock into the window of a small boutique shop. The crash in louder than anticipated as the siren echos along the ally's startling the few drunk people making to stumble down the street.
The jackal bolts in the direction of the sirens followed by a few others with swords. After a minute or two, I jump and crash through the glass ceiling not too far from Marc. I can only hope that the monsters and men are too far to make it back.
"Marc?" I kneel down to the near-to corpse of the love of my life, "Marc, I need you to open your eyes, baby." His faint breathing is the only thing that replies. "Steven? Wake up for me, okay? Just-Just please look at me."
"Get him out of here." Khonsu demands.
I wrap my arm around his legs and nestle his head on my arm as I haul him up. So, so different from this morning. I really should have said yes to that date a few days ago. Honestly, 'I should have' seems to be the poisonous thorn in my life right now. Making my way opposite of the guards, I venture down the dark hall only to hear the howl of the jackal.
"It seems...Khonsu already found a new avatar." A man drawls as he makes his way into the moonlight. The tall man is wearing a sharp dark blue suit with huge gold cuff links, smiling as if he's already won. Asshole. Two others flanking him with swords.
"Temporary avatar." I growl, setting Marc down against a large canvas of a blended morning to night sky. The sun melting into the moon as stars fight to be brighter than the day before it. It's beautiful. And if I wasn't here like this I would have stared at it all day. "I just came to admire the art. I hope you don't mind if I take a piece home, yeah?"
The jackal crawls its way up to the mystery man watching me like I'm a late night snack. They truly are as terrifying as Steven described.
"You'd need to pay for it."
The men inch closer trying to surround me. In instinct, I reach behind me grasping the hilt of some sort of weapon, "I am not going to pay for what's already been stolen from me." I pull the weapon from my back to reveal a solid metal staff. I'll have to think about the physics later.
The mystery man laughs and the jackal lunges.
---------
Pain ripples across my stomach from being sliced open by the last mans' sword. I can feel the armor trying to heal the wound but my strength gives away inch by inch as the jackal pins me to the floor. The staff parts the jackals jaws keeping it from snapping my neck. How does Marc and Steven do this?
Gathering what seems to be the last of my strength, I kick my foot into the chest of the jackal sending it up into the ceiling. I panic and break open my staff to reveal to sharp sword like points. The jackal falls impaling itself. Luck.
I throw the disintegrating hound off my body, discarding the staff, and move over to where Marc leans up against the painting.
I caress his cheek, "Baby, will you please open your eyes?" His breathing seems less labored than before which I hope is a good sign. "Steven, can you hear me? Don't-Don't leave me."
The mystery man begins to stir, "This? This is what Khonsu summoned me for?"
"...what?" I turn slowly to the man climbing onto his feet, "What-what did you just say?"
He laughs as blood slides down his chin, "Khonsu wanted me here." I didn't see it until I felt it. The CRACK as the end of the staff hits my temple. I fall to the floor groaning, trying to stand up only to be kicked over on my side, "You think he cares SO much about his avatars?"
He brings the staff down on my ribs and all the air flies from my body. He does it again,
and again,
and again.
"Khonsu always plans far ahead." He kicks me and I fly into the opposite wall, the damage happening faster than I can heal.
I should've known that this would happen. I should have told Steven to just stay with me for the day. I should have been present with him more. Focus more on those mornings that I had with him, or when Marc and I would argue, or when we would cook together. I should-
The glare I receive from the couple in the elevator sets my skin on fire but I manage a small nod, "Drank too much...at a fashion event." The elevator shutters on the 3rd floor nearly knocking Marc from my grip. It would have been a great time to have Steven's suit, easier to convince I bet. He moans a bit as the suit he successfully summoned (after about a mile from the Art Quarter) slowly heals him.
The couple hurries off as I slide across the back of the elevator and kick our floor with my foot sending shooting pains throughout my torso. I bite my lip and ignore it.
We hobble down the hallway to our apartment. I remove his arm from my shoulders as I lean him up against the wall and open the door slightly using the handle to lean into the door. I regretfully take a deep breath leaning off the door to grab Marc-now Steven and haul him inside.
"Of course you'd pick now to change your suit, Mr. Knight."
Kicking the door closed I make our way to the bed, carefully setting him on top of it. The armor remains but I kiss his temple regardless.
Marc and Steven watch through the mirrors reflection as (y/n) slides down the side of the bed wincing, "It shouldn't have gone this poorly."
"Oy, you got that right, mate. What the hell happened back there?"
With the little movement granted in this mirror-exchange Marc wanted to pace about but only could shake his head. His brows narrowed to his body, his gaze hard-set in wondering how it all went wrong so quickly. You'd tell him he's got his 'interrogation-stare' then kiss in between his brows, but you couldn't see him no matter how badly he wanted that kiss, "I-I don't know. I just-"
"Just what? Decided to take a nap in the middle of fight?"
"Okay, big guy. Why don't you tell me what happened, huh? How did we go from kicking ass to getting our ass kicked?"
Their heads snap in your direction as you haul yourself up and begin to walk to the door.
"Where in the hell is she goin'?" Marc asks. You stop just in front of the fish tank and grab the fishbfood. Huffing a laugh you slowly open the food and sprinkle it atop the bubbling water, "Steven would be upset if I forgot to feed you guys."
"Not if you are hurt I wouldn't." Steven mumbles but finds your act endearing.
You lean on the glass tank and watch whatever food doesn't get devoured float to the bottom. You push off the tank and make your way back to the bed, "I don't even know what to say." One arm wrapped around your chest and the other out against the desk for stability as you continue to the bed, "but I am not surprised."
"Marc...Marc, what is she talking about?"
"I-I don't know." Marc replies, "How, how did she get us out of there?"
"What?"
Marc jumps slamming his hands on the glass, "The Art Quarter, Steven! How did she get us out?"
You sit just beside them straightening the creases of their suit, "Why is it taking so long to heal?"
Wind rushes across the room, "I told you I can not have two Avatars.”
"She-She made a deal with...with Khonsu?" Steven asks in disbelief. Marc covers his face, "GOD DAMN IT!"
"Yeah, well, my time to shine is up." A smile smile graces your features, "So, you don't have two Avatars. You only have..." Your voice tightens on the word, "..him."
"There is still time between now and sunrise."
You laugh despite the pain raging against your rib cage, "Good. Yeah, that's-thats great even. Because now I can ask why you summoned those mercs here."
Khonsu said nothing as you stared up at him. Marc and Steven silent themselves. Their hand moved a bit as you grabbed it to hold to your chest, "Never thought a God would be struck silent."
"Easy, baby." Marc warns, like you could hear him.
"Those men defied what I stand for, protection against those who do harm. I sent my Moon Knight after those who've done unspeakable evil-"
"And if Marc and Steven died?"
"They know the risks."
Spoken like a true manipulator. "I'm sure."
"Speak up, Little Bug."
"I said, I'm sure you stupid bird!" Anger bursting through every pore of your body. Khonsu slams his staff on the ground making the wood beneath groan, the lights flash in blinding patterns, and the wind knocking things off the shelves, the desk, flying everywhere all at once.
Marc and Steven watch with terror as Khonsu storms to you but...you don't back down. You just stare right back at Khonsu. Pride begins to bloom right next to their terror.
"If you are so certain of this, that I manipulated them to believe they didn't have a choice, then take their place."
"No." Marc and Steven say at the same time but a groan escapes their mouth.
"What?" You manage.
"I am giving you the choice. Take their place and they'll be free of the deal. You care for them, don't you?"
"I-" Marc and Steven swear they can feel your heart bang against your chest, wanting out, out, out.
"Make a new deal with me and I'll release them."
You stare down at them, tears forming in your eyes.
"Baby, if you-please do not agree to what the bastard offers." Marc pleads. Steven nods his agreement, "Yeah, Yeah! Don't believe a bloody word that comes out of his mouth!"
"Do you, (Y/N) (L/N), swear to protect the travelers of the night and bring my vengeance to those-?"
"No." You state, "I do not."
Khonsu huffs a small laugh, "Very well", and disappears.
It's silent for a few minutes before you begin to speak again, "Y'know this is the most quiet you've been? Can't even get you to stop talking as Marc when he's just 'bruting' about. Not that I am complaining, I never want you to stop talking, to stop hearing your voice."
Steven lifts a small smile with tears running down his face, Marc just watches with sad, yet hopeful eyes.
You sniffle a small sob but you grip both ends of his jacket, "You listen to me Steven Grant and Marc Spector. I love you. And no matter what life brings us I will always love both of you. I will not leave you because some bird with an ego tries to manipulate us, I will not leave you because you are Moon Knight, I will not leave you because you can anger the shit out of me. I ask, just ask you, just-"
You grab his hand and lean into it, "Just stay. Stay with me."
Their body doesn't move no matter how much Steven and Marc try to take control of it. But the sun rise peaks out over the buildings and you feel a weight pull from your body.
Their suit slowly melts away and reveals their clothes from the day before. Steven was definitely in control of this body before they suited up. I check their face, their arms, and their chest. No previous bruising from what I saw last night which means that everything is somewhat back to normal.
I reach over to grab the blanket on my side of the bed, the pain from the staff blows' has receded a little bit but I've no doubt that I'll have some bruising there for sometime. Pulling the blanket, two hands grip my wrists and I freeze.
I prepare for the tongue lashing of a lifetime but I'm only met with wide eyes. No words come from his mouth so I'll be the first to stammer, "Listen, before you get all mad and refuse to talk to me I just want to say that I was worried and I felt like I had no other choice."
He doesn't say anything. I don't even know who's staring at me right now.
"And when I was able to make a less than twelve hour deal with the God of the Moon or whatever I didn't regret it but I didn't jump into the roll either. I remember what you said-and I-I made a pretty fair deal."
Still nothing.
"And I kicked ass, kicked more ass than you, apparently."
He raises an eyebrow at that.
"Not-not that I meant it was any trouble. NOT THAT I MEAN YOU couldn't have done that same as I did if you tried."
Both eyebrows raise.
"That's-that's not what I meant. I only mean, I mean that I kicked ass in the, in the name of your-your ass? I don't even know what-I'm just-Could you say something, anything?" I would yield no more to this fluttering.
"You called Khonsu a 'stupid bird'." Marc mumbles. Yanking me into his chest and rolling over till he's towering over me, "and you made a deal with him."
I barely registered the pain, "You heard that?"
A muscle tenses in Marcs jaw as he looks over my body, "I heard it. All of it."
Be honest, "I thought about it, y'know." Marc stills over me, raising his interrogation stare into my very soul. I wince, "I mean, wouldn't you? If he offered to free me, would you have taken the deal?"
He huffs a breath as it blows my hair out of my face, "Yeah, Yeah, I would have. But that doesn't-"
"No, no it doesn't. I know." I take in a shaky breath, "I need you in my life Marc, you and Steven. I will do whatever it takes to keep you in my life. And if that-"
Marc lips crashes into mine, devouring, claiming. His hand slides up my arm and pins my wrist above my head. Brushing his tongue across my lower lip, I part my mouth to deepen the kiss and Marc doesn't hesitate. My whole body floods with heat and desire as Marc moves his leg in between my own. Lighting shoots across every point of contact he makes, frying every nerve in my body with need for more, more, more. My free hand runs through this dark curls pulling him closer, a small groan rumbles against me and I can't help but smile a bit.
He pulls away leaning against my forehead as we catch our breath, "We'd never leave."
He doesn't say anything for a minute as we lay together, my heart beat relentless as always as I wait for him to speak.
"A bit crazy, innit? Having a big old bird to argue with."
"Steven?"
He doesn't move away and grips me tighter, "Promise to never do that again, please? Just promise us that you-you won't ever, ever do that again."
"I-I promise."
Steven leans down and presses a few kisses to my cheek, "Good, yeah. That's great." He leans in to what I think is a full kiss but he feigns to the right to kiss a corner of my lips, then the other corner. Steven moves to my cheek and kisses me there, "Doesn't feel that great to be teased, now, does it?"
I hum, "If I'm being teased by you, I can't complain."
Stevens dorky smile widens as he tries to suppress a laugh. But before I can kiss him he says, "I-I should be honest, though. We-Marc and I-are still mad at you. You did something totally reckless and-and you put yourself in a danger."
I nod with what room I have, "I know."
"No, No, you don't know, do you?" Steven presses. I clamp my jaw shut, surprised by Steven's anger, "You could've died. Be kil-taken an' all that, yeah?"
"I-"
"Then-then what we'd do from that?"
"I-"
"You can't just-" I cut off his scolding as I press my mouth to his. His sweet lips part slightly and I kiss him again. His hand moves from my arm to my cheek and I lean into his touch. He breaks away and looks into my eyes, "I am-I am still fuming."
I nod, "Okay."
He leans down to kiss me once more BEEP BEEP BEEP
-but the loud alarm clock startles us. He reaches a hand up the the stand and tugs it from the wall throwing it across the room just below the fish tank and winces, "Sorry, guys."
I move his gaze back over to me, "Stay with me?"
"Always."
Disclaimer:
I own none of these characters that associate with Marvel. Marvel has all rights given to these characters.
The film tackles the transition from childhood to womanhood, challenges of mother-daughter relationships and generational trauma all in under two hours. While many praised the project for its normalization of these topics, some parents who watched the film felt that its themes were “too mature” for their children…
Director Domee Shi said she hopes the movie “starts those conversations and that we can eventually just normalize talking about puberty and menstruation and not feel so weird about it.”
