An Archive of Our Own, a project of the Organization for Transformative Works
Fandom: Star Wars Prequel Trilogy
Rating: Teen And Up Audiences
Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply
Relationships: Obi-Wan Kenobi & Mace Windu
Characters: Obi-Wan Kenobi, Mace Windu
Additional Tags: Coma, Ficlet, The Dark Side of the Force (Star Wars), Angst, Podfic Welcome
Summary:
"What would you have done?" Mace asks, the words heavy with weariness. Could Obi-Wan have faced the fallen master in a duel and won? Likely. But that isn't what Mace is really asking. He's asking if Obi-Wan could face the one he trained, finding Darkness where there should have been Light, and do what was needed of him?
An Archive of Our Own, a project of the Organization for Transformative Works
Fandom: Game of Thrones (TV)
Rating: Mature
Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply
Relationships: Tormund Giantsbane/Jon Snow
Characters: Tormund Giantsbane, Jon Snow
Additional Tags: Skinny Dipping, Kissing, Ficlet, Author Is Sleep Deprived, urban fantasy au, Podfic Welcome, Implied Sexual Content
Series: Part 1 of Howling Songs - Jonmund Urban Fantasy AU
Summary:
When Jon lures Tormund away from the festivities, promising something warm and relaxing, it's like they finally can have everything they've fought so long for.
This is a fill for yesterday’s @februaryficletchallenge Day 16: Out to Sea and a follow up to Part 1 of Flying the Flag of Freedom - which in turn will eventually fill my @allcapsbingo AU: Fugitive square.
Captain Rogers and his crew find unexpected resistance as they try to offer help to the foundering ship they’d been tracking.
Fandom: MCU/Marvel
Pairing: Steve Rogers & Bucky Barnes & Sam Wilson
Major Tags: Pirate AU, Historical AU, slavery, conflict
Word Count: 279 words
It didn’t take long for Captain Rogers and his crew to catch up with the other ship. It was clearly being handled by amateurs who didn’t have even a basic understanding of tacking, the few sails they had raised luffing in the wind.
As the Saucy Peggy arrived within hailing distance, one of the sailors on the other ship raised a rifle; Rogers and his crew hit the deck as a gunshot rang out “Anyone hurt?” he called out.
The responses of “No, Captain” were a relief, but only for a moment, as a low, dangerous-sounding chant started to carry across the water: Sun’qhe-la! Sun’qhe-la! Sun’qhe-la!
“Any idea what they’re saying, Jonesy?” Bucky asked, peeking over the rail at the other ship. A good two dozen men or more, all black, stood defiantly on the deck. Some had makeshift clubs they shook menacingly, others simply thrust raised fists in the air as they repeated the same three syllables over and over.
“Yes, sir.’ Jones replied with a worried frown. “It means something like, ‘don’t underestimate me’.”
“In other words, a warning,” Rogers broke in. “Tell them we’re on their side, that we want to help.”
“I’m not sure they’ll hear -- or believe me -- but I’ll try.” Crouching by the rail, Jones put his hands to his mouth and shouted a few words towards the other ship. The chant continued.
“Give me a moment, then try again.” Rogers slowly got to his feet, arms spread wide to show he held no weapon and was not a threat. The band of men on the other ship shouted excitedly for a moment, before one of them stepped up onto the rail and made a sharp gesture over their heads. They quieted almost immediately.
The man -- clearly some sort of leader --- then turned towards the Saucy Peggy and with a fierce, gap-toothed grin, called out some sort of question. Jones repeated the offer of help. The man tilted his head to one side, as if judging Jones’ words, then shouted back a response. He followed it by pointing to Rogers, holding up a single finger with one hand, and making a ‘come here’ gesture with the other.
“Let me guess,” Bucky said with a sigh. “He wants the captain to come over. Alone.”
This is a fill for today’s @februaryficletchallenge prompt: Ice as well as my @stuckybingo square Fairytale AU.
Fandom: MCU/Marvel
Pairing: Bucky/Steve
Rating: General
Tags: Double drabble, Fairy tale AU, prose, outsider POV
Word Count: 200
Once upon a time, there were two men -- one dark-haired, one light, one strong and one sickly. These two men had loved each other since before they knew what love meant.
Once upon a time, there were two men -- one dark-haired, one light, one strong and one sickly. These two men had loved each other since before they knew what love meant, spending their childhoods days together, inseparable, one protecting the other.
The strong one went away to war; the sickly one was given a chance to transform into a protector of the world, a leader and a Captain. Circumstances and stubbornness led the two of them to a reunion and it seemed nothing could stop them. They savored each moment together until the fateful day that one of them fell.
---
Found at the bottom of the frozen chasm, ice became his prison, shattering his memories and freezing his heart. Once a protector, now a tin soldier; an unfeeling weapon made to kill.
They meet again years later, finding themselves on opposite sides and of equal strength. The Captain can not, will not destroy his beloved, even as the Soldier lands heavy blows.
“I’m with you til the end of the line.” Words spoken from the heart. Words powerful enough to crack the ice, to spark a memory. But the realization comes too late. When the Captain falls, the Soldier follows.
This is a fill for today’s @Februaryficletchallenge Day 13: Vampire and/or werewolf AU - also a partial fill for @tonystarkbingo A1 - AU: Regency square, as I have another scene or two I might add. FYI - it is a remix of To Tame a Werewolf and as such, will make more sense if you read that first.
As steward of Brookline Manor - home of the Connaght pack of werewolves, Phillip Coulson ought to be used to being taken by surprise.
Fandom: MCU/Marvel
Pairing: Tony/Bucky
Rating: Teen
Tags: Werewolf AU, Regency AU, Remix, Outsider POV
Word Count: 458
As steward of Brookline Manor - home of the Connaght pack of werewolves - Phillip Coulson ought to be used to being taken by surprise. However, when the pack’s beta and the newest addition to the manor’s staff appeared to not only have met previously, but to have done so in an intimate fashion (based on their use of familiar nicknames) he was determined to avoid further surprises.
Phillip had already suspected that there was more to Anthony Stark that met the eye. Lady Margaret herself had put the young man forward as a potential claviger, but had been oddly reticent to provide many details about how the two of them were acquainted, saying simply that he was from a ‘good family’ and his mechanical aptitude would be quite useful around the manor.
Of course, Phillip would have been remiss in his duties if he hadn’t done a bit of research on his own. While there was no Stark to be found in the Roll of the Peerage, a Birmingham city guide made ample reference to the prominent and distinguished businessman Howard Stark as well as indicating that he had a son, Anthony.
After making a few inquiries among his contacts, Philip discovered that Anthony and Lady Margaret were related through the maternal line. Phillip also discovered that Anthony had recently spurned a suitor, much to his father’s displeasure. Which explained why someone so accustomed to city life had found himself in the relative wilds of eastern Scotland.
As for Sergeant Barnes, Phillip was well aware of the beta’s romantic and amorous leanings, as well as his high standards. It had been a relief to finally see Lord Stephen settled with a compatible mate, and Phillip intended to see the Sergeant settled as well, for the good of the pack. As it seemed he and Anthony had already developed a connection, it made sense to encourage that relationship.
Anthony passed his first real test with flying colors; interacting with the pack in their full wolf form. After the initial re-acquaintance, Anthony assisted with escorting the beta to the basement cells in the nick of time. The following morning, Phillip instructed Anthony to assist with feeding the pack. Not only did he seem fearless, but Anthony spoke to the pack members - particularly the Sergeant - as if there was nothing untoward about the situation.
In turn, the wolves were as well-behaved as one could expect. Since Anthony showed no fear, they remained relatively calm. The extended eye contact between the Sergeant and Anthony didn’t go unnoticed, either; in fact, Phillip half-expected Anthony to reach between the bars to pet the large grey wolf But perhaps Anthony was too aware of Phillip’s presence and restrained himself.
Bucky does a little research on hanahaki and discovers that things are more serious than he thought.
This is a fill for today’s @februaryficletchallenge Day 12: Secret Admirer. It’s a continuation of A Secret Garden.
Fandom: MCU/Marvel
Pairing: Bucky/Tony
Rating: General
Tags: Hanahaki, Unrequited Love, Mutual Pining, Bucky POV
Word Count: 273
Bucky had thought hanahaki was something most people caught - and recovered from - while they were growing up, the result of a teenage crush on someone unobtainable. He remembered his own bout, coughing up daisy petals. He’d claimed it was because of his crush on the neighbor girl of the same name, but in reality, he was attracted to her older brother. When the family moved away the following summer, Bucky recovered quickly enough.
But as Bucky did some research to figure out why someone Tony’s age would be suffering from what was basically a childhood illness, he discovered that, much like chicken pox, this disease could re-emerge once you were an adult, and have much more serious consequences.
Bucky couldn’t help but wonder who Tony was in love with, and why it was unrequited. He couldn’t imagine the woman (or man) that could resist Tony’s charm, his wit and kind heart, to say the least of his good looks.
Could it be Pepper - Tony’s former paramour? Tony had said they’d parted on good terms, but perhaps he still carried a torch for her, even as she had moved on to become involved with Happy Hogan.
Or maybe -- could it be Steve? From what Bucky had been told, the two of them had a rocky start, but had mended their fences since then, and were now often found in each other’s company. But Steve was tragically straight, which would explain Tony’s symptoms.
Bucky didn’t know what to do, how he could help. Tony deserved to be loved as strongly and deeply as he himself loved, evidenced by the flowers blooming from his heart. And then the unexpected happened. There was a tickle in his Bucky’s throat; he coughed and discovered a single golden petal on his tongue.
Cheating a bit once again with today’s @februaryficletchallenge prompt Day 9: “Wet your whistle” by writing a new scene for an old fic: Decision at Sundown . Hopefully it’s entertaining enough on its own.
Jim Rhodes had come to Miss Carol’s hoping to find a companion for the evening, and had to admit he liked what he was seeing so far.
Fandom: MCU/Marvel
Pairing: James “Rhodey” Rhodes/Tony Stark
Rating: Teen
Tags: Western AU, sex work, flirting, Rhodey POV
Word Count: 350
It was nearly sunset, and Jim Rhodes had come to Miss Carol’s hoping to find a companion for the evening. He had to admit he liked what he was seeing so far.
The man behind the bar was dressed just as fancy as the women of the brothel; a red and gold brocade vest over an off white, open-throated shirt that set off his olive skin. His mustache and goatee were neatly trimmed, and there was a mischievous glint in his large brown eyes. “Wet your whistle, handsome?”
“A shot of whiskey, please,” Jim replied, his cheeks heating slightly at the compliment.
“That will be two bits.” Jim slid over the coins and received a glass in return. “So,” the man continued with a knowing look, “are you just here for a drink, or to slake another thirst?”
“That depends on whether I find a willing partner.” Jim winked, hoping he wasn’t being too bold.
But before his companion could reply, a statuesque blond came out of the back room, a barrel of whiskey under one arm and a pistol tucked into a holster slung around her hips.
“Anthony - what have I told you about playing barman? Now shoo!” She made a gesture both threatening and dismissive, but there was a fond look on her face.
Anthony made a show of ducking under her arm, then came around the corner of the bar to stand next to Jim. “That’s Miss Carol herself. She runs a pretty tight ship and is about the last person you’d want to cross.”
“So you’re...” Jim trailed off, not sure how to phrase his question. If Anthony wasn’t tending bar, did that mean he was one of the brothel workers?
“Available? For a handsome man like you, I certainly am.” Anthony took Jim’s hand and set it on his arm. “So, what name will I be breathlessly exclaiming later this evening?”
“Jim.” Things were moving much more quickly than he’d expected, but he certainly wasn’t about to complain.
“All right, Big Jim.” Anthony looked up at him, those huge brown eyes making all sorts of passionate promises. “Would you like to finish your drink, or shall we head upstairs?”
While Bucky has accepted Tony’s offer to build him a new arm, there’s clearly something bothering him. When Tony learns that the first words Steve spoke to Bucky - his soulmate mark - was on the arm he lost, he proposes a solution.
This is a fill for today’s @februaryficletchallenge Day 9: Soulmate AU prompt, as well as my @buckybarnesbingo Flash Bingo U card - Ultimatum and @stuckybingo O2 - Stark Tower prompts. Huge thanks to CoffeeOwl for an awesome prompt (see end of fic)
Fandom: MCU/Marvel
Pairing: Steve/Bucky, Steve & Bucky & Tony
Rating: General
Tags: Soulmate AU, Stark Tower, Bucky’s Metal Arm, pining!Tony
Word Count: 986
“It’s ready.” Tony tried to keep his voice even; while Bucky had initially seemed interested - excited even - about having a new arm built to replace the Fist of Hydra, over the last couple of days, it seemed something had changed. Steve had noticed it too, but Bucky wouldn’t talk about it to him either.
“Okay.” Bucky rose from the couch and joined Tony in the elevator to the workshop. As the car descended into the basement of Stark Tower, Tony bit the bullet.
“Something’s bothering you about the new arm, isn’t it?”
Bucky tilted his head slightly. “You don’t miss much, do you?”
“Noticing things - and fixing them - is kind of my job,” Tony replied as they stepped out into his workshop. “So talk to me. Did I make it the wrong color? Shiny finish instead of matte? Steve already said I couldn’t give you switchblade fingers--”
Bucky’s soft huff of laughter was music to Tony’s ears. While he knew that Steve and Bucky were true soulmates and devoted to one another, Tony couldn’t help but be attracted to a man who had been through hell and kept going. It also didn’t help that his teenage crush on Captain America was threatening to come back in full force.
Things had started off rocky in both cases: Tony and Steve had butted heads on the helicarrier, and it had been difficult for Tony to learn the truth behind the events of December 16th, 1991.
But then Tony discovered the lengths that Hydra had gone to in order to erase the man Bucky Barnes had been and that they had never quite succeeded. It allowed him to accept the fact that the Soldier had been a weapon who didn’t choose his targets, and any anger or desire for revenge should be aimed at his handlers instead.
“It’s the words,” Bucky blurted out, pulling Tony from his reverie.
“What words?” Tony asked, confused.
“Me & Steve’s words - the first ones we said to each other.” Bucky took a shuddering breath. “When I lost my arm.... I lost them too.”
“I see.” Tony replied; then an idea hit him. “Would it help if I engraved them on your new arm?”
Bucky’s face brightened, just a little. “You could do that, couldn’t you?”
“Of course. Want them inlayed in gold, too?”
Bucky chuckled. “Nah - that’s too fancy for a coupla kids from Brooklyn.” He paused. “Could you trace over Steve’s handwriting?”
“Not a problem. Want JARVIS to ask him to join us?”
“Please.”
“You heard him, J,” Tony called out. “Page Captain Rogers to the workshop.”
Steve arrived a few minutes later, a worried expression on his face and a little out of breath; apparently he hadn’t bothered waiting for the elevator. “What’s wrong?”
“Nothing, Stevie, “Bucky assured him. “At least not any more. Our resident genius came out with a solution to something that’s been on my mind.”
Tony felt his cheeks heat, even as Steve looked at him quizzically. “Bucky mentioned that when he lost his arm, he lost your words. So I suggested engraving them on his new one.”
Steve’s face lit up with amazement and joy. “That’s a fantastic idea, Tony!”
“I have them every once in awhile,” Tony shrugged off the compliment as he opened the case that contained Bucky’s new arm. “So, where exactly were they? It’ll be easier to put them on now, before it’s attached.” After Steve showed him the spot on the inside of the bicep where his words had originally been. Tony spent a few minutes prepping the metal surface.
Watching Steve carefully write out ‘Yeah - and I ain’t no kid.’ Tony couldn’t help but ask, “So, what’s the story behind that?” He winced internally, knowing that while some people were happy to explain their words, others felt them to be a private, personal thing.
“I was getting beat up in an alley, and Bucky came along and gave the bully what for.” Steve grinned fondly at the memory as he pushed his sleeve up to show off his soulmate mark, which read ‘You okay, kid?’
“To be fair,” Bucky shot back, a grin on his face as well, “you looked like you were nine instead of fourteen!” They argued good-naturedly about the details of that first encounter as Tony traced over the letters with an engraving tool.
Carefully wiping away the minuscule metal shavings, Tony felt a pang of jealousy, mixed with the pride he felt at giving his two friends (alas, only friends) a piece of their own past back. A look passed between Bucky and Steve; something fleeting and inscrutable.
“Do you remember the first thing you said to me, Tony?” Bucky’s voice was soft and touched with remorse.
Tony nodded in reply; Bucky had made a heartfelt apology, and he had simply said that it would be some time until he could forgive him. “I want you to put those words on my arm too,” Bucky continued.
“Why?” Tony and Steve asked at the same time.
“To remind me of the lives I’ve taken.” Bucky’s jaw jutted out stubbornly. “Don’t put that arm on me until those words are right there where I’ll see 'em every damned day.” He tapped the metal insistently with a stiff finger.
Tony thought for a moment; he understood better than most what Bucky was feeling. But he also believed he had a solution to the situation. “Okay.” He picked up the engraving tool, only for Steve to give him a shocked look.
“Tony, what are you--” Bucky blocked Steve from reaching out and interfering.
“This is my arm, so I get to choose what’s on it,” he growled.
Steve glared back, clearly ready to argue. “Hold on, Steve. Wait til I’m done,” Tony broke in. In neat block letters, he wrote ‘It will take a while before I forgive you'. Tony then went back and drew a neat line through the first six words.
Original Prompt as shared in the STB Enthusiasts Discord channel
CoffeeOwl ?prompt Soulmate AU: When Bucky lost his arm, he also lost his words. Tony builds him a new one and gives them back. (WinterIron, Stuckony or friendly favor for Stucky 😇 Ooooh maybe Tony does it for Stucky and then Bucky asks Tony to add *his* first words as well?
