Maladaptive Ninja

Pizza. Manga. Marvel. Books. You can find Marvel fics I write on @maladaptive-ninja-returns

[tarithenurse]

Empress - 6

FANDOM: MCU AU.

PAIRING/STARRING: Mob boss!Steve Rogers x fem!reader x Mob boss!Loki Laufeyson.

WORD COUNT: 1655.

SUMMARY: Sometimes all that’s needed for two competing mob bosses to bring them together is a person. You.

CONTENT: Results of violence (nothing graphic), worrying/anxiety, feelings, a first, a trip, threats.

A/N: Please please please, I’d love to hear what you think of this. As per usual: please like, comment, and especially reblog – that’s the only way to make sure other people see it too. Here’s my TAGLIST and my MASTERLIST for more.

6.

They never stay with you on their own – it’s either both or none – and after a little month of that, you’ve gotten used to the comfort or their presence while relishing in the simplicity of the nights you have on alone. And yet...you miss them when they’re not there.

That’s why, when you hear the key in the lock late one evening, that you light up in a smile rather than wonder why they’re coming home to you.

Getting off the couch where you’ve been reading, you head towards the door but stop in your tracks when you see Laufeyson coming in, supported by Rogers. You see the bloody knuckles. See the shakiness in Laufeyson’s steps.

“It’s okay, flower,” the dark-haired man rasps, “I’ve been patched up.”

Nodding, though unsure, you help get him settled on the couch. He groans as he lifts his feet up, allowing you to pull off his shoes only to realize that he’s sprained an ankle.

“I’ll get something to clean you both up with,” you mumble.

“Wait,” Rogers stops you as much with the plea as with a hand on your arm. “You don’t have to.”

There’s something in his eyes, a desperation or a need but you don’t know what to do and all you can think of is to slip into an embrace where you tug yourself close to his chest.

“What happened?” you whisper, looking from one man to the other.

They both shake their heads but as you keep waiting for an answer, Laufeyson relents:

“Stark had a thing or two to say about our arrangement. Sent some of his men after me when I was meeting with my second, Mobius...” His voice trails off, indicating that whatever Stark’s guys did wasn’t good.

Rogers tucks you closer to his chest. “Loki got word to me. Got there in time. Mobius in the hospital and Loki needed a slug dug out. We both lost some men but at least we taught Stark a lesson.”

Freeing yourself, you kneel next to the couch, kissing Laufeyson on the cheek. “I’m glad you’re okay-ish.” Then you look from one to the other. “Get cleaned up. I’ll sort something to eat for you both.”

You can’t think of any other way you can help and it makes you feel powerless but at least your hands and mind are occupied as you set about making a quick pasta dish while the guys clean up and get into more comfortable and, most importantly, clean clothes.

It’s the first time you see Laufeyson in a t-shirt and it looks too casual on him. It also reveals part of a white bandage on his upper arm and you figure that’s where he got shot. Trying not to stare at it, you silently dish out the pasta, earning thanks from both men before they dig into the food.

Something has shifted. It’s not just the fact that there have been consequences to your arrangement, but rather an unspoken understanding between the men.

Then you realize: Rogers could have decided not to come to Laufeyson’s aid, leaving him to whatever fate there’d be for him and have you for himself. Instead, he’d decided to come and save him.

“Ro-...Steve...” Your use of his first name make them both stop mid-bite and you have to look away from their intense gazes. “Thank you for helping Loki today. Thank you for getting you both home to me.”

He reaches for you, and you take his hand gingerly, trying not to touch his raw knuckles.

“Always.”

That’s all he says. No more is needed.

---

The men have switched sides in the bed, allowing Laufeyson to lie on his good side while still getting to face you. As if wanting to make him feel better, Rogers has wordlessly made you spoon with his former competitor while he himself has nuzzled up as close as he can, a leg over your hip – heavy and shielding.

It takes a long time for you to find rest: the first light is peeping in past the edges of the curtain before you surrender to sleep and even then it’s light and marred by nightmares.

At one point you wake, silent tears streaking your face and wetting the pillow. As you move to wipe them away, Rogers stirs. A furrow forms between his brows as you looks at you, then he kisses the tears away, gingerly as if afraid he’ll cause more to spill over.

A sudden need fills you, then, and you tilt your head to catch his lips with yours. Heart beating in your chest like mad and breath stuck in your lungs, your mouth lingers there but then he kisses you back and you feel right. Relaxing in Laufeyson’s embrace, you allow him to part your lips, his tongue dipping in to taste you before he pulls back.

“Steve...” you whisper.

Smiling, he cradles your cheek. “Don’t rush. We’ll wait for as long as you need.”

“Why?”

He hesitates like he’s never considered that before, even tilts his head a bit before shrugging: “It just feels right. Complete.”

You know what he means. Nodding, you snuggle down once more – a little bit calmer.

---

The men have a lot to see to, even Loki despite his injuries, but they promise to be back as soon as they can while asking you to tell them if you go anywhere. Of course, there’ll be two of their guys coming with you, should you leave (you hadn’t expected that to change), but even so, you can sense Steve and Loki rather want you to remain at home. It’s safer. Easier.

It turns out to be boring and slightly claustrophobic too and so eventually, you text them that you’ll do groceries before poking your head out the door.

There is a small group, but you recognize one of them as Steve’s guy and figure that the rest must be one more of his and two of Loki’s. They’re on either side of the hallway as if being too close would be unsafe or maybe feel like fraternizing with the enemy.

“Ma’am?” the guy you recognize straightens up.

Be confident. “Just wanted to let you know I’ll be heading out soon,” you manage to say in a clear voice. The four men look at each other questioningly. “I’m not choosing which of you will accompany me, so consider this your chance to figure it out.”

Then you slip back inside, preparing for a trip into the dangerous world where the ones who care for you get hurt.

By the time you lock the door to the apartment, two of the guys seem to be ready to accompany you. The introduce themselves, at your request, as Jim and Oluf, respectively Steve’s and Loki’s guys.

“Alright. I’m not planning a huge trip, don’t worry,” you explain to them, “just some groceries.”

And with that, you head down the stairs and out on the street.

It’s getting later in the summer and the heat is oppressive still, making your skin clammy with dewy sweat within seconds. Thankful for your airy summer dress, you put on your sunglasses and tug at the strap of your purse before stepping fully into the sun.

You notice how Jim and Oluf look in all directions, alert and keen to stay close to you as you lead the way down a few blocks to the grocer.

It’s still relatively early, meaning that most of the shoppers haven’t gotten off work yet, allowing space for the small crowd of retirees or stay-at-homes. Grabbing a cart, you make your way through the shop, picking the things you need without dallying too much.

It’s as you reach for a bottle of olive oil that it happens: a prettily manicured hand snatches it before you, and when you look up, your gaze lands on a red-headed woman. She’s, frankly, gorgeous...but something in the way she regards you makes you tense up and look around for Jim and Oluf.

They’re both there, each with a hand under the light jackets – a sudden understanding that they are grasping at weapons hits you – and eyes narrowed at the woman and another figure who’s a bit further down the aisle: another woman.

“Fancy meeting you here,” the read-head purrs, your name rolling off her tongue easily.

“And you are?” Strangely, your voice is calm.

“My name’s Romanova,” she smiles...a smile that fades slightly as you manage to keep a stone-face somehow. “So you’re the one upsetting the balance...” Gone is the softness from her voice, instead lacing it with ice.

You could point out, that you weren’t given a choice but that’s not entirely true: even if you couldn’t have denied them completely, you could have chosen just one, leaving Loki and Steve to stand without this new alliance and thus keeping the power distribution as it has been for a long time. Instead, you straighten your back fully, trying to live up to the first lesson on how to deal with this world.

“I’m not part of their businesses. You’ll have to deal with them instead,” you announce.

That makes her arch a brow. “Oh, but you are. So tell them this...any means necessary to reestablish order.”

Her gaze lingers on you – searing your skin, it seems – before she turns and leaves, dumping the bottle of olive oil in your cart.

You stay stock still until she and the other woman is out of sight. Then you sigh, allowing your body to sort of collapse over the handlebar of the cart. Completely deflated, even the deep breaths your take are not quite enough to give you your power back.

“Ma’am,” Oluf mumbles, suddenly a lot closer, “we should leave.”

He’s absolutely right. And still a part of you protests at the thought of being bullied into submission.

“Just missing a few things,” you weakly protest.

[tarithenurse]

Taglist

Everything tags: @maladaptive-ninja-returns​ @castielscaplan

MCU: @wolfsmom1 @eleniblue

This fic: @societyfolklore

[maladaptive-ninja]

Oooh Romanova!!!

Rrrrrrrrrrrrr

[tarithenurse]

Empress - 5

FANDOM: MCU AU.

PAIRING/STARRING: Mob boss!Steve Rogers x fem!reader x Mob boss!Loki Laufeyson.

WORD COUNT: 1036.

SUMMARY: Sometimes all that’s needed for two competing mob bosses to bring them together is a person. You.

CONTENT: The plot is simmering.

A/N: Please please please, I’d love to hear what you think of this. As per usual: please like, comment, and especially reblog – that’s the only way to make sure other people see it too. Here’s my TAGLIST and my MASTERLIST for more.

5.

The cover is wrapped around your legs when you wake up but even so, you’re hot because you are tucked tightly between two bodies. Your first instinct is to move, to get up and away from the involuntary sandwich you find yourself in...but it’s also somehow really comfortable.

Blinking blearily, you realize that you’re facing Laufeyson, his arm wrapped around your waist and his forehead less than an inch from yours. That must mean that the body you feel pressed against your back as a hard wall of muscle is Rogers who has a hand on your hip and something hard prodding against your butt that makes your breath stutter at the realization.

As if on cue, Laufeyson opens his eyes and meets your gaze.

“Good morning,” he whispers.

“Morning.”

He smiles for a second before a serious frown crowns his brow.

“Excuse me.”

Half expecting him to get up, you’re caught by surprise when he instead kisses your forehead. His lips are cool on your heated skin and you realize you’re instinctively chasing the contact when he slowly pulls away. Stopping yourself, you can’t make yourself meet his gaze but thankfully he doesn’t comment on it. Just kisses you gently again.

Hot lips press against your shoulder at the same time. A hand tightens on your hip but doesn’t dare pull you closer.

So you try.

Slowly, you stretch, allowing your ass to press against Rogers’ groin while, at the other end, your chest brushes against Laufeyson. You see his eyes darken, his hand drifting up your side so the thumb is so close to touch the side of your breast. But he doesn’t. Just waits to see what your reaction will be.

Rogers, on the other hand, is perhaps in a tighter spot. Rather than being tempted beyond his limits, though, he pushes on your hip to create a smidgen of space between the two of you.

“Don’t get me wrong,” he rasps with a deep morning voice, “this is a great way to wake up but...don’t rush things, doll.”

Laufeyson’s hand cups your cheek. “We have time. We’ll wait until you’re ready.”

Other people might take it as a threat and honestly, a part of you still does but...not all of you. Actually, most of you seem even more inclined to get the best out of the situation on all levels but it is nice to know, they won’t force you to do anything.

---

You must have fallen asleep again, because the next thing you know, you’re alone in the huge bed. Lying, staring at the ceiling, you hear the voices of the men. It sounds like they’re in the kitchen and as you pick up the scent of freshly brewed coffee, you decide to join them. For the sake of the coffee, of course.

The moment they spot you, though, they both light up, making something inside you flutter with delight before you shove it deep down again.

“Good morning,” Laufeyson smiles.

Rogers pulls out a chair for you. “Hungry?”

Yeah, you are. Taking the offered seat, you and the men dig into the feast they’ve prepared for you all.

“I have some business to take care off,” Laufeyson says, “it shouldn’t take too long, though.”

“What is it?” you ask only to regret it right away when you see his brow arch. “Sorry,” you mumble.

You’re watching the syrup soaking into the fluffy pancakes – anything to avoid seeing how angry he might have become at you.

“One day, you might learn more about our businesses,” the dark haired man calmly tells you, “but for now it’s probably best you don’t know.”

Nodding, you try to shake the image of him doing something gruesome. That might be who he is when “working” but he is kind to you. Same with Rogers. You’ve noticed the scars on his knuckles, but whenever he touches you, he is careful and gentle.

“I understand,” you admit.

Then you straighten up and send both men a smile as if everything is okay. “I need you to bring more of your clothes and things so it’s also your home and not just mine.”

Lighting up with their own smiles, the men seem to appreciate the change of subject.

---

They end up bringing what must be half their wardrobes over the weekend and you help them getting things sorted in the walk-in closet. Just like with most other things in your the arrangement, you find your things in the middle like a wall between theirs. Between them.

You’re silently impressed with them, though: considering they used to be competitors, enemies even, then they manage to keep it civil and you suspect that they actually enjoy having one less opponent to worry about. Or maybe they just keep any disagreements out of sight from you.

The idea is both worrying and heartwarming. You’re starting to like how they care about you. You shouldn’t but it’s been a while since someone’s treated you with that kind of attention and sweetness. You notice yourself trying to make them smile, trying to get them to touch you by lingering in their presence as you contemplate reaching out for them.

At night, you fall sleep neatly lying on your back with a bit of distance to both, but in the morning, you’re tangled up in their limbs and it makes your body throb with the need for something more that you don’t dare to ask them for yet. Still, you find yourself indulging in the nearness in those early morning hours, drifting in and out of a dreamy state where you’re unsure where you end and they start.

Like now.

Twisting gently in the arms of the men, you try not to wake them as you get comfortable again. If you were a cat, you’d have been purring.

“Darling,” Laufeyson groans, “it’s too early.”

“I know,” you whisper, deciding to nuzzle into him, “go back to sleep.”

Embracing you, he plants a soft kiss on your head but then Rogers makes grabby hands for you. Urging him to turn so he, as big as he is, can be the little spoon, you smile when you hear him sigh.

[tarithenurse]

Taglist

Everything tags: @maladaptive-ninja-returns​ @castielscaplan

MCU: @wolfsmom1 @eleniblue

This fic: @societyfolklore

[maladaptive-ninja]

Ugh!!!

UGHHH!!!!!

[tarithenurse]

Empress - 4

FANDOM: MCU AU.

PAIRING/STARRING: Mob boss!Steve Rogers x fem!reader x Mob boss!Loki Laufeyson.

WORD COUNT: 1340.

SUMMARY: Sometimes all that’s needed for two competing mob bosses to bring them together is a person. You.

CONTENT: Two firsts. Nothing bad.

A/N: I have so high ambitions for this story but I’d love feedback from you guys. Please. As per usual: please like, comment, and especially reblog – that’s the only way to make sure other people see it too. Here’s my TAGLIST and my MASTERLIST for more.

4.

“First lesson, doll,” Rogers tells you in the cab, “is to ooze of confidence.”

Considering how you’re feeling as of late, that seems pretty impossible and you are about to say as much when Laufeyson leans in.

“First actual step: fake it ‘til you make it.”

That’s get a chuckle out of both men. Maybe they do that more often than you thought? But they’ve got a point, so you breathe slow as you straighten in the seat, preparing to put on a show that should earn your an Oscar.

Rogers and Laufeyson exit the car from either side, looking about as if expecting something before Rogers holds a hand out for you to take, helping you onto the sidewalk as Laufeyson rounds the cab to join you on the other side. Both offer you an arm, and you try your best to seem confident as you accept both to walk between them the short way to the restaurant’s entrance. As if it was normal for you. For them.

You’re all greeted just inside the door by the host who asks for a name of the reservation only to damn near pass out when hearing Laufeyson’s name.

“Right away, sirs...miss...this way,” he stutters, leading you to a round table in the corner where there’s an excellent view of the entire place.

Rogers pulls out the chair for you after Laufeyson has taken your jacket. You don’t look for the seat as you sit down, trying to trust that he has your best interest at heart and indeed – you get a softly purred “good girl” from him.

Fuck. That comment, soft and just for you, sparks something inside you that you don’t want either of the men to know of.

Trying to shake it off, you try to shrug off the comment but Laufeyson reaches for you, touching the tip of your fingers as if to reassure you too and it almost does you in when you meet his gaze and he’s looking into your soul, a tiny smirk gracing his lips.

“I think, our girl will do well as we mentor her in the ways of the city,” he quietly relays to Rogers as they both sit.

You know your way around table manners, fine dining, and the like. Not that you’ve gone to this fancy places often, but your parents had believed in a strict upbringing as if they expected you to some day dine with the president. Well, that was now your luck as you can behave properly with your two companions. Dates. Boyfriends?

“Champagne? On the house.”

A waitress has tiptoed over and is holding up a bottle and three glasses. When Rogers nods, she continues with her job as if completely unfazed by the guests...and you envy her. Even more as she retreats, leaving you alone with the full attention of the men once more.

“To our future.” Rogers lifts his glass in a friendly toast which Laufeyson quickly returns.

Both look at you expectantly and of course you join. What else can you do? Forcing a smile, you are surprised to see how still your hand is despite your inner turmoil.

Moments later the waitress is back with an arrangement of appetizers and the menus, giving you something else to put your mind to than the odd sensation that’s still lingering within you after the tiny exchange as you sat down.

---

It is nearly impossible to enjoy the start of the dinner but as the evening goes on and the men keep the conversation going, you find that you begin to relax. Or maybe it’s the wine that does it. It doesn’t matter what it is as long as you can just breathe and not worry so much all the time.

Laufeyson is the one who talks the most but Rogers has his moments as he sneaks in comments that have you giggling at times. Each laugh they win from you the men gobble up.

“Tell me, doll, what’s your dream for that cafe of yours?”

Looking briefly at Rogers, you figure he genuinely wants to know, but ever so briefly a flare of insecurity burns in you as you weigh your words before speaking.

“I want to create a place that’s safe for people to come when they have no other place to go to aside from home.” You’re staring at your plate, the remnants of the sauce smeared across the porcelain. “A cafe with board games and tables for role playing games and soft chairs and couches for curling up with a book while enjoying whatever you’ve gotten to drink or eat.”

“Flower,” Laufeyson urges you to look at them, “that is a beautiful idea.”

“I could have used a place like that when growing up,” Rogers admits.

Talking about your dream to these men is strange yet freeing as you’ve never dared to say those words out loud before. Now that you have, though...

“I want the chairs and tables to all be different, allowing people to choose what they prefer. I think I’ll try to keep it in deep red and golden colours though so it’s warm and cozy. Real plants.”

You can see it for your inner eye – ideally you’d want rugs on the floor too but that would be difficult to keep clean so you’ll accept something else.

What you don’t see it the softness in the eyes of the men that are listening to your dream.

---

You’re plenty tipsy by the time you unlock the door to your new home, leading the two mobsters in, but the moment the door closes with a soft click of the lock, the tipsiness evaporates, replaced by a cold realization of what is about to happen: the men will follow you to the bedroom and undress with you before joining you in bed. Somehow, you don’t see the two men spooning, meaning that you instead will be sandwiched between them.

But then you look at them, how they toe their shoes off and take their time to neatly hang their coats away, and something inexplicably calms inside of you. Riding that high, you bring them to the bedroom but there your confidence dies out and you excuse yourself as you grab your pyjama and hurry to the bathroom to change there.

The mumbled voices of the men are audible through the door but you can’t pick up on what they are saying and by the time you join them, they’ve gone quiet again. Laufeyson is sitting on the edge of the bed, a silken emerald pyjama on, while Rogers is wearing nothing but boxers and for a moment you forget anything else because, honestly, he’s a sight for sore eyes and something inside you wants to be heard: a little voice that whispers that maybe you can get used to the physicality they eventually expect of the arrangement.

As Rogers and Laufeyson go to the bathroom, you enter the bed, carefully adjusting the pillows on either side of you to grant a bit of distance. And then you wait.

You don’t have to wait long before the men shoulder their way through the door and pick a side each to crawl into bed. Laufeyson on your left and Rogers on your right, both turned towards you but keeping neatly to themselves as if to let you be the one to decide whether to take it all a step further. Reaching for their hands, you silently try to get comfortable despite the fact that the awkwardness is making you lie stiff as a board.

“Thank you for tonight,” you manage, surprising yourself by meaning it as you add: “I enjoyed it.”

“Anytime, sweetheart,” Rogers purrs.

Laufeyson nods. “It was our pleasure, flower.”

A frail smile from you make them grin proudly and then, as if by a shared thought, they lean in and kiss you on either cheek.

“Goodnight,” you whisper, feeling a warm spark on either cheek and praying that they don’t notice how flustered you are.

[tarithenurse]

Taglist

Everything tags: @maladaptive-ninja-returns​ @castielscaplan

MCU: @wolfsmom1 @eleniblue

This fic: @societyfolklore

[maladaptive-ninja]

I am…

Oh my God

[ashyminivet]

india is not a democracy anymore.

everyone needs to hear about the situation in india right now. the youth of this nation are going through hell and back to protect the foundations that our country was built on in the first place, while the adults who are supposed to actually be in charge try to silence our voices.

NEET, which is an exam taken by millions of students per year and is the ONLY gateway for medical admissions across the country, had its papers leaked. so many took their lives because this exam meant everything for their future. and NTA, the agency who conducts this exam, was not held accountable.

there was national backlash. cockroach janta party (initially a satirical political party formed by abhijeet dipke in retaliation to the remarks of the chief justice of india calling the youth "cockroaches" and "parasites of society") started protests at jantar mantar, demanding the resignation of the union education minister, dharmendra pradhan. the movement also asked for ten million inr (~100,000 usd) in compensation for the families of students who died by suicide and wanted NTA be held accountable.

sonam wangchuk, a climate activist and education reformer, also went on a hunger strike at jantar mantar to protest against this corruption in india's higher education system. his fast began on june 28, demanding the resignation of the union education minister. his fast lasted for 20 days until delhi police FORCIBLY removed him and admitted him to safdarjung hospital on july 18.

because of this, cockroach janta party announced "chalo sansad," a march to the parliament beginning on june 20th, 9:00 am ist. but the police seems to be responding with water cannons, mobile jammers, and baton charge. all of this, because of a peaceful protest led by people no older than 30.

and yet there has been absolutely no indian media coverage about a movement that spans the entirety of this nation. so, please, if you see this, keep talking about us. we will not let those old bastards stoop any lower than they've already had. we will not let them ruin our country any further. we will not be silenced

[tarithenurse]

Empress - 3

FANDOM: MCU AU.

PAIRING/STARRING: Mob boss!Steve Rogers x fem!reader x Mob boss!Loki Laufeyson.

WORD COUNT: 1127.

SUMMARY: Sometimes all that’s needed for two competing mob bosses to bring them together is a person. You.

CONTENT: Lore/background, angst, feels, surprise.

A/N: Got time to write already! Yay! As per usual: please like, comment, and especially reblog – that’s the only way to make sure other people see it too. Here’s my TAGLIST and my MASTERLIST for more.

3.

Rogers and Laufeyson grant you the space to get settled in in your new home before joining you for real. They come by in the evening, each carrying something of theirs and take out dinner, and leave again by the time they deem it’s time to go to bed.

And you hate it. Not that they leave as such, but that you’re hovering around without truly taking the step to commit fully. Like hesitating to pull off a band-aid. The difference being, of course, that once the band-aid is off, the discomfort will fade and that probably won’t be the case with your life.

On the other hand, the men are very attentive and courteous, so maybe it won’t be half-bad? You try to give them the benefit of the doubt, try to linger on the gentle tendencies rather than focus on what they do for a living.

Rogers is, as you had guessed, a bit more direct in his mannerisms but he’s still kind. He asks you outright how you’re feeling and what he can do better whereas Laufeyson takes his chances to adjust according to your behaviour – and frighteningly, he is often correct. He must be a very good judge of character and undoubtedly, that’s what’s brought him to the top of his livelihood. They have both established a sort of quiet communication between each other, allowing them to relax a bit more. Jokingly, and only to yourself, you consider the place a sort of Las Vegas: what happens here, stays here. Whatever they get up to outside of the apartment is a different world – a world you want to learn to navigate.

There are five mafia bosses in the city, each ruling over their own section of both fronts and areas. Whatever the other bosses are up to is unknown to you, because Laufeyson and Rogers refrain from talking business in your new home, as if it would defile it somehow.

“Thank you,” you hear yourself say tonight as your mind strays to the delicate balance. “Both of you.”

“For what, flower?” Laufeyson asks, although you’d wager he knows already.

“For keeping business out of this place,” you explains. “But I need to...I would like to know what’s going on so I know what to expect if anything uhm...spills over.”

Rogers straightens his back at that, eyes narrowing as he shoots the other man a glance who nods in return.

“We are trying to hold any information about you to a select few people but of course, rumours are spreading already,” Rogers admit.

Laufeyson nods. “That is to say...there is tension among the Enclaves.”

Enclaves. As opposed to the classic setup, not all of the mafia groupings in the city are based on families, and so the press has dubbed them “the Enclaves” instead. There is Laufeyson and Rogers, of course, then Stark, Odinson (which is a family thing as per tradition), and finally Romanova. None of the Enclaves used to openly work together though there are certain understandings and contracts to prevent open war among them.

“They see you as allying?” you wonder, earning nods from both men. “And that upsets the balance.”

“There have been multiple attempts to find out who you are but we’ve contained it,” Rogers bluntly announces.

Something heavy settles in your gut rather than, as it has been, roll around. You’ve been granted a security whenever you go anywhere, no longer discreet and at a distance, but right by your side. You’ve hated it but haven’t dared object to it.

“Would they...” you start hesitantly, “would...am I...in danger?”

Laufeyson grabs your hand, stroking the knuckles with his thumb. “You have two enclaves protecting you. Nothing bad will happen.”

Looking from one man to the other, you hate that you still find them so hard to read. “But if it was up to the other enclaves?”

“It would be a bold move but not impossible for them to try to use you against us,” Rogers admits.

Pulling back from both men, you get up from the dining table. You’re not going anywhere, clearly you shouldn’t, but you need to move – all you can do is pace.

None of them say anything, allowing you the time you need to come to terms with another facet of reality, and eventually you turn to them.

“Teach me how to protect myself too. I don’t want to be cooped up here forever out of fear that someone will come for me.”

Laufeyson’s smile turns wicked. Rogers nods as if he’s impressed by your resilience.

---

That night was the last night you spent alone in the penthouse.

You didn’t know it at the time, lying awake in the huge bed with the silken sheets you were just filled with anxiety and determination that seemed to battle for dominance, impossible to push aside to grant you some rest.

At one point, you got up and wandered through your home as it was only illuminated by the city lights from below. You felt like an intruder. An imposter. This wasn’t your life. It couldn’t be. And yet, when you accidentally slammed your toe into the leg of the coffee table, it very much was all real and it was that pain from the physical accident that sent you over the edge and made you cry. Curled up on the soft rug, you couldn’t hold back the tears any longer. They weren’t loud, soul-wrecking sobs, rather a silent stream that seemed to have no end even as your body started to ache from the awkward way you were lying.

---

You wake up, tired but somehow lighter than you’ve been in a long time. How long has it been? A quick look at the date informs you it’s been a bit more than a week even if it feels like a lifetime.

You’ve only just showered and gotten dressed when the doorbell goes off. Puzzled, you open to meet one of the men you recognize as Rogers’ who’s holding large bag from a boutique and a bouquet of flowers.

“Boss wants you ready at six,” the guy explains, handing over the things.

Baffled you take them and watch him turn to leave before you’ve found your voice.

---

There was a note with the flowers, proving them to be from Rogers and Laufeyson both...but there had been no other explanation. Still, the meaning was clear when you looked at the contents in the bag: a lovely dress and a pair of heels to go with it.

A few minutes before six, you find yourself fidgeting with the clasp of your purse as you wait for the two mobsters to come fetch you for what must be your first official date.

[tarithenurse]

Taglist

Everything tags: @maladaptive-ninja-returns​ @castielscaplan

MCU: @wolfsmom1 @eleniblue

This fic:

[maladaptive-ninja]

First. Official. Date.

[tarithenurse]

Empress - 2

FANDOM: MCU AU.

PAIRING/STARRING: Mob boss!Steve Rogers x fem!reader x Mob boss!Loki Laufeyson.

WORD COUNT: 1120.

SUMMARY: Sometimes all that’s needed for two competing mob bosses to bring them together is a person. You.

CONTENT: Decisions and all that follows including the start of a plan. Nothing bad.

A/N: Alright, I’m trying to do this because I haven’t been able to get it out of my head: series Mobster AU time, here we come! As per usual: please like, comment, and especially reblog – that’s the only way to make sure other people see it too. Here’s my TAGLIST and my MASTERLIST for more.

2.

Their gazes are heavy on you, like oil on your skin. You know, they want an answer now but it’s so hard to think straight with the shock of their request still echoing in your mind. Sure, they are attractive in each their own way and the promise of your own cafe is tempting, but it’s the idea of “the rest” that’s making you hesitate. What if they turn out to be horrible? They aren’t mobsters for nothing, after all. Then I can play them against one another, a little and absolutely devious voice comforts you.

Looking at them, both men are sitting as if relaxed, but you see the tension in their shoulders and the set of their jaws. Surely, refusing them would be worse than accepting your fate.

Inhale, exhale. Nice and slow to steady your nerves. You shift in the seat, hands now flat on the table before you. It’s only cool against your palms for a moment before the wood warms and the grain becomes evident.

“If I say no, it’ll turn ugly,” you summarize, hating how they both nod, “but if I say yes and I’m not happy with my new life?”

There’s a flicker of something soft in Rogers’ eyes as he reaches out to take out to take your hand. The gesture is repeated by Laufeyson and you’re astounded by how different their hands look and feel. Both big, one is more slender, soft, and cool, while the other is broader, warm, and calloused.

“We understand your trepidation,” Laufeyson assures you.

Rogers nods. “We’ll be good to you.”

Now, if only you knew what their definition of “good” was. Still, you find yourself nodding along.

“I cannot possibly make an educated choice between the two of you,” you hear yourself say, “so you’ll have to learn to live with each other.”

You hear Rogers’ nasal intake of breath, see Laufeyson’s free hand flex. They shoot each other a short glance but their attention is back on you in a heartbeat.

Everything that follows is a blur: they have you close up the cafe, barely allowing you to send a text to your boss to warn that you’ll be gone and that you are sorry. Then they walk with you to your home, both of them busy on their phones arranging for moving boxes to be delivered and for the best real estate agent to clear their schedule for the rest of the day.

At your little apartment, they allow you the privacy to change out of your work clothes before sweeping you into a taxi – seemingly the only neutral vehicle they could agree on rather than any one of the men having to accept a ride from the other.

Squished between the men on the backseat, you’re thankful that they keep their hands to themselves at least for a while longer – no, you have no hope that will last but for now it feels like you only have your own body left under your control and it makes the air scratch in your lungs as if wanting to escape on a scream. Still, you keep quiet.

The first place you drive to is on the edge of downtown and it isn’t hard to guess that it’s right on the border between Rogers’ and Laufeyson’s turfs, making it possible for both men to come and go without “trespassing”.

The apartment is a penthouse and the real estate agent that’s waiting for you is babbling about the view and the spaciousness as she shows it off. You have a hard time focusing on what she says even though you try. It doesn’t matter, though: you can’t see yourself living in a place like this because as fancy as the apartment is, it’s also devoid of any soul. So by the end of the tour, you just shake your head softly and the two mobsters sweep you out the door and on towards the next place.

A brownstone near a park. Three floors and a little garden out back. Kids that play in the street which makes you nauseous at the idea of bringing the mobsters into their neighbourhood and so you refuse to even finish the tour before you quietly ask to leave. You know you’ll have to chose something at some point but it can’t be this.

Another street in the liminal space between the men’s hunting grounds. Tall buildings with old facades and parisian roofs that hold yet another penthouse – this time with a roof top terrace – where a new real estate agent awaits, nervously wringing his hands until he spots the men whose presence reducing him to an ass-licking wimp. You don’t blame him.

And somehow, even if just for a moment, this place distracts you from your situation as you wander through the rooms. Despite the current emptiness, it’s easy to envision what it could end up being with furniture – even if you hesitate in the bedroom at the idea of the size of the bed needed. Will Laufeyson and Rogers be able to share a bed?

“Do you like it here?” Rogers asks softly under the real estate agent’s ramblings about flooring materials.

Do you? It’s not anything you had ever thought you’d achieve in your wildest dreams but...yes.

“I do,” you admit quietly.

Laufeyson has overheard your answer and with a nod he turns to the frazzled man trying to sell the place. “We’ll take it.”

“You...oh...lovely!”

---

They tell you that you can bring over whatever furniture from your old place you might want to keep but frankly, IKEA is not the provider of anything particularly sentimentally valuable and, you figure, you might as well get the most out of this situation as possible, so you opt for the exhaustive project of shopping for new furniture in the days to come. Sure, some of your things will be needed to tide the gap until the new stuff has been chosen and delivered but you will be in charge of decorating and furnishing the apartment as you want and you grab at that frail feeling of control.

Control.

What an absurd notion to long for when you’ve signed yourself over to your new fate, but it is what you want to regain nonetheless, and as you lie awake that night in your own bed – alone for the last time – you realize that you will have to learn to play their game if you want to remain sane. You will have to study the men, understand how things work in their world. Not to become them, but to beat them at their own game. You will have to be careful, subtle...but maybe one day you can thrive again.

[tarithenurse]

Taglist

Everything tags: @maladaptive-ninja-returns​ @castielscaplan

MCU: @wolfsmom1 @eleniblue

This fic:

[maladaptive-ninja]

*me knowing full well where this is heading*

[tarithenurse]

Empress

FANDOM: MCU AU.

PAIRING/STARRING: Mob boss!Steve Rogers x fem!reader x Mob boss!Loki Laufeyson.

WORD COUNT: 1391.

SUMMARY: Sometimes all that’s needed for two competing mob bosses to bring them together is a person. You.

CONTENT: Propositions, thinly veiled threats, stalking, mobster themes. Nothing bad in this but...if I write more there’ll be very mature content!

A/N: This is an early bday pressie for Mal. Thank you for being you! This might turn into a series. Not sure yet as I’ve never written Mob AU before. As per usual: please like, comment, and especially reblog – that’s the only way to make sure other people see it too. Here’s my TAGLIST and my MASTERLIST for more.

Empress

You don’t know how you’ve ended up as practically contested territory in a cold war between the mafia bosses Loki Laufeyson and Steve Rogers. You’re not even sure why you’re even on their radars but apparently you are and you’ve got to deal with it whenever you go out the door: just a few meters down the street, the first of the goons working for either man will perk up, make a quick call and then trail after you at a decent distance as you do your errands or head to work at the small cafe near the park. You’ve learned that with the surveillance comes safety. The men are ordered not to bother you but rather to chase off any unwanted attention. So yeah...you feel strangely safe with the shadows following in your footsteps through the city.

That feeling of security does lessen as soon as either Laufeyson or Rogers shows up and it’s completely gone if they both are there. They tend to take a seat in opposite ends of the cafe, glaring daggers at each other while treating you like a princess despite the fact that you’re at work.

Today is different.

Well...not at first, but when the two mob bosses get to the cafe, they don’t take their usual seats but rather share a table so it’s with some trepidation (but also curiosity) that you go to take their orders.

Laufeyson orders his usual Special Blend Tea. Rogers wants a black coffee – plain and simple. Of the two of them, he has the rumour of being more straightforward in all of his affairs. Harsh but following a clear code. Laufeyson, on the other hand, is supposed to be more impulsive. Two very different men.

So why are they sitting with their heads together, shooting glances at you?

Are you afraid of them? In a way, yes.

You know they are mob bosses and they don’t shy away at anything to get what they want or punish those who have wronged them. But you also know they keep you safe in an odd way. And it’s exiting too, to have the attention of two men who are both so powerful in their ways as well as handsome. The last bit you don’t want to admit to thinking but it pops into your mind at unfortunate moments. Like now when they sit so close together that their opposite appearances become so obvious.

Out of the corner of the eye, you see them nod to each other before leaning back in their seats, gazes fixed on you which makes your nervousness spike.

Forcing your hands to calm, you grab the tray with the things and weave your way back to the table in the centre of the room, a place where they can see you at all times unless you go out back.

“Here you go,” you make yourself smile as you place their orders before them.

It’s when you turn to leave it happens: cool fingers grab at your wrist at the same time Rogers speaks your name. Calm and quiet, they stop you dead in your tracks. Your breath is caught in your chest, stunned like the other patrons in the small cafe who are watching without wanting to be noticed.

“Take a seat,” Rogers demands, pulling the chair out that Laufeyson gently has turned you towards.

Silently panicking, you sink into the chair while you clutch the tray to your chest. The only sound in the cafe is the soft music playing – Norah Jones – and the hiss of the dishwasher as it completes one of the clean cycles.

“Mister Rogers and I have come to an agreement,” Laufeyson begins. His hand is lying on the table, stretched towards you as if he wants to still touch you. “We would like you to answer honestly when we ask you some things first, though.”

You nod, mute – too afraid your voice would betray your fear.

Rogers smiles softly as he reaches out and takes the tray from you. With a long arm, he places it on the neighbouring table and you’re left without any tangible defence.

“What are your goals in life?” he asks.

Stunned, you try to formulate your answer. “I would like to...to open up a cafe of my own some day. Or taker over one like this.”

It sounds silly to you as you for the first time say it out loud, but it is your dream and both men nod as if they approve of it.

“We can make that happen,” Laufeyson purrs quietly.

You feel both of them staring at you unabashed, taking in every single micro expression you make as the words sink in.

It’s too good to be true. You’re an insanely long way off from having saved up enough yourself and even if your employer likes you, you’re not about to take anything over for her as that’s a family business. You’ve braced yourself with patience – patience that suddenly is disturbed with the idea of a quick way to achieve your dream. But at what cost?

“What’s in it for you?” you hear yourself say more boldly than you actually feel.

The men exchange glances. Then Rogers clears his throat and orders everyone to pay and leave, forcing you to be alone with the men. It takes a moment before the cafe is empty, Laufeyson trailing behind the last guest so he can lock the door and turn around the sign with “Open” on one side and “Closed” on the other.

When the slender, dark-haired man returns, he passes behind your chair, allowing the tips of his fingers to trail over your shoulder. You notice the pointedly arched eyebrow of Rogers. However, not a word is spoken before you lose your patience.

“What is this about?!”

They both smile. Confident because they’re used to getting what they want.

“You. We both want your company and while we could battle it out, we’ve come to the conclusion it wouldn’t win you over,” Laufeyson explains.

Rogers nods. “So we’ve agreed to give you a choice. Pick one or let us share you.”

For a moment, you just sit staring blankly at them. Then a giggle breaks out at the absurdity of what just has been said and that laughter refuses to be silenced right away. Pick? Share?? But as they keep watching you, waiting for an answer, you realize they are serious and you quiet down once more.

“You...what?”

“We both find you attractive in many ways,” Laufeyson tries to clarify, “if you want only one of us, the other will back off but be given a property by the one you choose.”

“And if I want none of you?” you manage to eek out.

Both heads dip a bit, brows furrowing already to darken their eyes in a way you don’t really like in terms of what your chances might be. It’s the gazes of men who get what they want.

Rogers reaches a hand out to you. “We had hoped, you would understand the implications of such a choice without needing them to be spelled out.” Then his face softens. “You wouldn’t want innocents to be caught up in anything, would you?”

Of course you won’t.

“So...how...what...” You have to stop and swallow before you can continue. “What would you both expect of me?”

Laufeyson smiles as they realize you’ve accepted at least that much of what might be your life. “We’ll help you move to your new home, either with one of us or at a new location of your choice that’s fit for all three of us.”

“And...?” you press.

“I suppose there would be a period of transition,” Rogers muses with an agreeing nod from his temporary partner in crime, “to get to know each other. Get comfortable. You would be expected to keep company, alone or at events, like any loving partner would.”

You’re not stupid. You realize what “keeping company alone” refers to and your insides tense at the thought...but you also feel your treacherous cunt flutter at the idea of sleeping with either of the men.

“What would happen to your...erm...businesses, if I opted for both of you?” you dare to wonder out loud.

“Don’t worry about that...but know you’d be the queen of both.”

[tarithenurse]

Taglist

Everything tags: @maladaptive-ninja-returns​ @castielscaplan

MCU: @wolfsmom1 @eleniblue

This fic:

[maladaptive-ninja]

SO THAT IS WHY YOU WERE ASKING ME ABOUT THE CHARACTERS!!!!!!

[thememedaddy]

[deadpowol]

[tahthetrickster]

[thememedaddy]

[stupid-twink-girl]

[thememedaddy]

[bloodraven55]

never forget when saruman literally told gandalf "you've been smoking too much weed bro"

[chasetriesagain]

"You're smoking too much weed," says the guy who got addicted to manosphere podcasts on his orb and started a fascist militia with a side hobby of deliberate environmental destruction. Started cutting down trees to own the woke elves.

[anxietyproblem]

[memeuplift]

[maladaptive-ninja-returns]

Dear Universe

I know you have putting these hurdles in front of me because you want me to learn some long awaited lessons. I know that.

But you know me! Your strongest soldier has the biggest cry in situations like these!! That too sending them all together when my period is about to start…

[dafancyuhinspiration]