Valerie

@valerie-patton

Currently not for hire.

10.3K posts

27. She/her. You may as well say hey, if you're gonna stick around.

Current employment: 'Bodyguard.'

Aliases: Viper (at the Den), Val, Little Soldier (Call me this and I will kill you).

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//Mod here! Hi, I'm bringing out another oc- same mod as @/thereal--arabellastark and @/unofficially-tonystark

Main blog is @/theholydivines but if you want to interact with mod do so through @/nevereclipse :)

>16 DNI. Character info below! Please respond to starters and send asks <33.

CHARACTER INFO:

Valerie was born as the result of genetic engineering on Bucky Barnes whilst he was still the Winter Soldier. HYDRA was looking for biological super soldiers and also a new Soldier in case Winter became too erratic. Thus she was born and raised as an Asset of HYDRA.

As a result of her father's biology, she is Enhanced. Not a full Super Soldier but still slightly beyond what should be humanely possible.

She spent a year as a cage fighter known as Viper, while she tried to find some sense of identity (including choosing a name), and now works in private security as a bodyguard, though she still regularly fights in the Cages due to a Hydra failsafe.

Short dark brown bordering on black hair, grey eyes, fair skin, sharp face. Plenty of scars, and many tattoos. Blunt and sarcastic, but longing for connection beneath miles-thick walls.

#mcu #marvel rp #marvel oc roleplay #valerie patton #marvel roleplay #mcu roleplay #mcu rp blog

Open Roleplay Non-Hydra/Cage Fighter AU [tw for violence & manipulation]

Most people knew her as Viper. That was the callsign she'd been assigned in the cages, anyway, and it was her technique whenever she fought - strike hard and strike fast. She moved from cage to cage, leaving a trail of defeated opponents in her wake. Losses were few and far between. She'd been fighting for years, ever since she'd been picked up at thirteen by her... manager.

It had been a rough week of fighting. A few days prior, she'd pulled her shoulder in a fight and hadn't exactly been given the proper time to rest after resetting it. As of now, Valerie stands outside in the cold night air, sweat clinging to her. She's in the break between fights - best out of three against another well-known fighter. Lots of money on her to win, but... she lost her second fight, and bad.

The person approaching her just catches the end of her manager's rant. "I don't keep you around here to watch you lose fights. You want to go back to where I found you?" He'd shoved her back. "You better have your shit together before you come back inside for the next round."

Valerie lights a cigarette and leans back against the jagged brick wall, side eyeing the person who approaches. "What?" She snaps.

carlos-thatcher

“Hi.” Carlos waves a hand, shifting to lean against the wall next to her, his Dad’s one of the owners of the most popular places to go to fight. He definitely knows about her. “Manager seemed annoyingly pissed at you.” He holds a hand out for a cigarette, Carlos has the reputation of being a rich brat. Though he’s very much not.

Valerie raises an eyebrow when he holds a hand out for a cigarette, but hands one to him anyway, chucking him the lighter. "Well, I'm with him to win, not to let some borish meathead beat me with a cheap trick," she answers. She's heard of him to, fighting at Pierce's ring

carlos-thatcher

“Yeah but everyone has off days, your manager seems awful. Controlling.” Carlos lights the cigarette and takes a long draw, letting out a relieved breath and bumping his head back, glancing to Valerie. “What’s your name besides Viper? I’m Carlos.”

Valerie shrugs. "He's just stressed. I'm worth a lot of money, lotta angry gamblers if I don't win." She defends him easily, though a touch... tense. She takes a long draw of her own. She isn't really meant to tell people her name but she figures he probably can find out anyway. "It's Valerie."

carlos-thatcher

Carlos rolls his eyes, looking down at his cigarette. “The fighting is so…” He trails off and makes a face. He nods a bit and smiles. “Valerie… nice to meet you, which jerk is your manager?” He tips his head to the side. “Controlling, mean, yelling at you, treats you awful I’m sure… let me guess… Williams?”

Valerie frowns. The fighting has been the only life she's known for a long time. "He's not mean," she snaps defensively. "But yes. William." Her body tenses but her voice softens on the name. He's definitely more than her manager.

carlos-thatcher

Carlos makes a face at that. “Ew…” He mumbles, resting back against the wall. “He shouldn’t be doing whatever he’s doing to you.” Carlos takes another drag from his cigarette, he has a small bruise on his chin, not a normal place for one. “I know Williams, I know he’s not treating you right, how old are you?”

She purses her lips at his argumentativeness. "You don't know him like i do. He isn't doing anything wrong," she tells him, taking a other drag. She exhales harshly. "Im 22," she answers, arms crossed.

carlos-thatcher

Carlos drags his eyes over her before shrugging. “Sure he’s not.” He gives her a small smile. “Just so you know, you could do so much better then that creep.” He looks at her for a moment before looking away. “You know… I don’t have a fighter…”

Valerie's body is littered with bruises and scars. It's hard to tell if they're from the fighting or from something, someone, else. She looks at him. "Why do you think he's a creep?" She asks, almost curious. He had found her when she was 13... "I'm not looking to change."

carlos-thatcher

Carlos frowns at all the marks on her. He puts out his cigarette. “He has a tendency to scoop up people young, make them fighters, train them too hard and do disgusting things to them. I’ve seen it before.” Carlos looks down and flexes his hands out. “I could offer better than Williams.”

Valerie frowns. She drags her cigarette, not liking the thought of William treating other people how he treats her. She wanted to be different to him, maybe cause he was all she had. "He isn't like that with me. He doesn't push me too hard." He does. She scoffs. "Please. A daddy's boy like you? You've probably never even seen the inside of a ring."

carlos-thatcher

“Valerie, I can see the bruises and cuts not from ring fighting.” Carlos frowns and narrows his eyes. “Yeah… I’ve never seen the inside of a ring…” He pushes back his hair, showing her his blind eye. “Never.” He tugs up his shirt, he has a long jagged scar that goes from his chest to disappearing at his waistband. “Never set foot in one.” He shoots her a look.

"I have to train as well. Jesus, you think he's beating me or something?" She scoffs, crossing her arms over her chest and stamping out her cigarette. She eyes the scar, surprised. "...huh. So why don't you fight? I bet Pierce wants you to."

carlos-thatcher

“I know he’s not treating you well.” Carlos says carefully. He huffs and shoves his shirt back down. “I’m not good enough for him, I’m better at training fighters, I could pay you well… make you even better.”

Valerie rolls her eyes. "You're so suspicious of him, and for what? He loves me. I love him. We work well together, I make us thousands each time I step in that ring." She's prickly and defensive. "You don't know anything about my life. And I'm not looking for new management."

carlos-thatcher

“Sick kind of love.” Carlos mumbles, he crosses his arms over his chest, raising an eyebrow. “You could make more money for me, I could set you up well, nice house, nice money, not being hurt or belittled by your manager.” A door in the back flings open. “Carlos! Get inside!” Someone yells. Carlos rolls his eyes. “Piss off! I’ll come in when I want to!”

Valerie rolls her eyes. "I make plenty of money. I get a 40% cut, that's more than most." That was just blatantly wrong, most managers had to give at least 50... "Yeah? You gonna fuck me, too? Keep me being the best in the ring?" She raises an eyebrow and then scoffs. "You better run and watch the next show. Your daddy is calling."

carlos-thatcher

“40%?” Carlos makes a face. “I could give you 70% percent. 40 is just wrong.” Carlos scoffs and shakes his head. “No, unlike Williams I actually have class.” He rolls his eyes and waves a hand towards the door. “That’s not my daddy as you say. It’s fine.”

Valerie stares at him then bursts out laughing. "Now I know you're fucking with me. No one is giving their fighting 70%." she shakes her head, crossing her arms. "No? I hear your close with Rumlow, too."

carlos-thatcher

Carlos shakes his head a bit. “I do, I’m not messing with you. Fighters should be treated well.” He crosses his arms and snorts. “Brock… he’s my… partner. Father chose him. Don’t be thinking you can get at me with him.”

"I am treated well. You're talking about paying me, what, twice the required amount? No one is doing that." She clearly has no idea.. all her information about tbe world of the rings came from William. "Oh, so he's your boyfriend?No wonder. You want to talk about a dick, pick on him."

carlos-thatcher

“I am doing that, and it’s not that unusual. Williams been lying to you, if he’s the first person you ever got, he educated you on it wrong.” Carlos shakes his head, glancing back towards the ring. He crosses his arms and shakes his head. “Partner. It’s not like I let him walk all over me, it’s for show.”

Valerie narrows her eyes. There's no way, right? "...He's the only manager I've had. He got me into this," she tells him after a brief pause. "Yeah, alright. Cause that's so normal for you to be a show pony for Pierce. Clearly I'm the one im a weird situation."

carlos-thatcher

“You got a bad manager for your first one, I’m sorry.” Carlos says gently, he reaches out and briefly touches her shoulder, he steps back and shrugs. “Yeah maybe we’re both in weird situations, but I have control over what I’m doing. Brock doesn’t own me.”

"Well, it doesnt matter anyway." She stares at the hand that touched her. "Brock maybe doesn't own you but he owns me. He saved my life. Even if i wanted to leave i couldn't."

carlos-thatcher

“He doesn’t have to own you, you wouldn’t be the first fighter I got away from a toxic manager. He doesn’t own you cause he saved you.” Carlos pushes his hair back, he stares back at the door.

"He does. I signed a contract." She still doesn't want to admit that he's toxic. She does love him, and she doesn't know anything else than him.

carlos-thatcher

“I know how to get people out of contracts.” Carlos dusts his shirt off. “You’re in a bad place, and you can’t see how bad it is, here- come with me.” He grabs her hand, pulling her towards the ring.

Valerie should fight him off, but she doesn't. Instead, she follows him to the ring, crossing her arms. "What exactly do you think I can't see?" She snaps.

carlos-thatcher

“I’m just showing you something.” Carlos tugs her up into a private room where Pierce usually is, it’s empty at the moment. “Look, I can set you up even better then Williams… I won’t hurt you, you’ll be safe, be in the best places and get good money.”

Valerie sits down across from him. "I am safe. And I already fight against the best, in the best rings," she argues, assuming its true. "Why do you want to do this?"

carlos-thatcher

“I didn’t say fight against the best, I said treat you the best.” Carlos shoves a door opens, showing her an incredibly nice room for fighters for between fights, it’s… nicer then the usual ones considered nice. “Because I don’t like seeing people treated like trash.”

Valerie raises an eyebrow at the room around her. "Shit. Guess being Pierce's kid pays off," she says as she looks around. It's much nicer than hers. "...I'm not treated like trash." Its weaker this time.

carlos-thatcher

Carlos nods slowly. “It comes with at least one good perk.” He reaches out and touches her arm again. “Hey… you just can’t see it… but you’ll be happier here, I promise. I can help you.”

Valerie stares at the hand on her arm. "What makes you so sure?" She asks. "You have a grudge against Will. Okay. Sure. But you don't know me. Why don't you think I'm... happy?"

carlos-thatcher

Carlos keeps his hand on her arm. “Because I know what this looks like, I know you’re not happy, not truly in the way you could be. I’ve seen it before… and I try to fix it, help.”

"You think my life needs fixing." She should shove him away, but she doesn't. Maybe part of her knows that something isnt right. "I have two years left in my contract. Signed at 14.

carlos-thatcher

“Mm… I phrased that badly. You need help, and I want to help you.” Carlos doesn’t move his hand, he huffs and shakes his head. “Signing you that young is disgusting.”

"Right." Valerie crossed her arms and then feels the need to defend herself quickly. "It wasn't like that. I had been begging him to sign me officially for almost a year!"

carlos-thatcher

Carlos shakes his head. “That makes it worse actually.” He sits down in a chair, turning to face Valerie. “Williams took you young, and he took advantage of you not knowing anything about ring fighting. Trust me, this isn’t normal.”

Valerie leans against the wall, hands crosses tightly against her chest. "Yeah, no shit. Abnormal doesn't mean bad. Besides, I wasnt some naive kid, I'd been living on the streets for a year at that point."

carlos-thatcher

“Mm, so you were vulnerable then, he preyed on that. Maybe abnormal doesn’t mean bad, but what you have with Williams isn’t just abnormal, it’s toxic.” Carlos shrugs and leans back in his seat.

Valerie scowls. "Stop twisting my words!" She really has no idea how awful their relationship is. "It isn't toxic. I'd be nothing if it wasnt for him!"

carlos-thatcher

“I could make you something better.” Carlos says softly, he sighs and tips his head back. “Listen, I know you can’t see how bad it is because you’re in it. But if you come with me… it’ll be even better, Valerie.”

"I'm already the best. What could possibly offer to make me better?" She's hesitating, though. Carlos seems so kind. But no one in this world is truly kind, right?

carlos-thatcher

“Better training, a manager who doesn’t tell you what to do for every single thing, better pay, your own apartment, private rooms to train in, the best fights in town, my fathers security. And a… a friend.” Carlos smiles and looks up at her, eyes softer.

She can't deny that it sounds appealing... but. "Comfort isn't going to make me better. Progress only comes through pain." The words come out clearly parroted. "...but a friend might be nice."

carlos-thatcher

Carlos wants to argue against that, but he knows right now it will do no good. “I would be happy to be your friend…” He holds his hand out towards her. “I can be your friend, give you a happier life… safer.”

Valerie nods. "I would like that. I dont... really have any friends." She doesn't really have anyone except William. "You're really just doing this to be nice?"

carlos-thatcher

Carlos nods and nudges the chair next to him. “Neither do I…” He glances around the room with a sad expression. His eyes dart back to Valerie and he softens. “I really am… and I wouldn’t mind a friend too.”

Valerie smiles. "Okay." She looks around the room too. It really is nice, much better than hers. "I gotta go. The next round will be starting soon, but I'll.. see you around?"

carlos-thatcher

“Yeah, yeah come back up here after, I’ll have security make sure Williams can’t get to you.” Carlos pulls out a large stack of cash, he’s used to bribing security. “I’ll go sit in his area actually, make sure of it.” He smiles gently at Valerie. “But come up here after, yeah?”

Valerie frowns. "You don't need to do that," she protests. "He's not my keeper. He won't mind if I come see you." She eyes the large stack of cash. "But yeah. I'll come here."

carlos-thatcher

Carlos shrugs a bit. “I just want to make sure this is as safe as it can be.” He flips through the cash and nods. “Good… I have to go see Brock anyways… I’ll say hi to Williams after then come back up here.”

"...okay." She doesnt bother arguing with him. She knows he won't believe her if she insists she's safe. "I'll see yu soon." She slips away to go fight again.

carlos-thatcher

“See you soon.” Carlos waves then makes his way out of the room, a few minutes later he’s finding Williams with Rumlow at his side, arm wrapped around his waist. “Williams, glad you could make it.” Carlos says as he glances the man over.

Williams looks the pair over. "....of course. I'd never miss one of my own's matches. I'm surprised to see you." He nods at Rumlow, clearly respecting him more.

carlos-thatcher

Carlos laughs and plops down next to Williams, dragging Rumlow down with him. Rumlow gives Williams a nod in reply. “Oh well, we’re just happy to have your fighter here.”

Williams hums approvingly. "Yes, she is exceptional." He watches the two of them, glancing at the cages where Valerie and her opponent are warming up. "Well, excusing that last match..."

carlos-thatcher

Carlos hums and watches, leaning forward a bit. He wants to get Valerie away from him. Rumlow snorts and nods, playing with Carlos hair. “It was a terrible match.” Rumlow says with a glsre. Carlos hums softly. “Maybe.”

Williams nods, looking annoyed, though where at the match or Rumlows comment isnt entirely clear. "Yes, she'll be made aware of that fact," he reassures him. Below, Valerie is winning her current one.

carlos-thatcher

Carlos tilts his head, smiling to himself a bit. Security had been well payed to keep Williams away, at least until Valerie is with him. “Mm,I’m sure.” Brock rolls his eyes and grabs Carlos shoulder. “Come on, let’s go.”

"Eager to take off with your boy I see," Williams says with a soft laugh, taunting Rumlow but in a friendly way. He has no idea about the bribes. Valerie is almost to Carlos' room, the fight over.

carlos-thatcher

“Always.” Rumlow grins and kisses Carlos before pulling him out. Carlos glares at Rumlow when they’ve left. “Piss off, we showed off.” He shoves Rumlow away and hurries towards his room.

Williams snickers as they leave, and gets up to try and find Valerie, but is indeed stopped by security. Valerie is waiting in Carlos room, nursing an ice pack to her shoulder.

carlos-thatcher

Carlos shuts the door firmly, leaning against it and breathing heavily for a long moment, he turns and startles. “Oh- you’re here already, good.” He softens and smiles, walking over to her. “Your shoulder going to be okay? I have painkillers.”

Valerie watches him with a curious gaze, then shakes her head. "I don't take painkillers. I'd take a cigarette id you've got on, though." Strange combination.

carlos-thatcher

Carlos tilts his head, brow furrowing. “What? Why no painkillers?” He digs through a bag in the room, mumbling under his breath to himself.

Valerie shrugs. "Keeps me fresh. if I know where I'm getting hurt I know where my form is weak." She watches him dig through his bag.

carlos-thatcher

Carlos makes a disgusted face. “That’s terrible, terrible practice. I’m sorry.” He pulls out a bottle of painkillers and water, offering them out to Valerie. “Please… take them.”

"How else am I meant to improve?" Valerie shrugs, and then winces as she does so. She. begrudgingly takes one of the painkillers and some water.

carlos-thatcher

“By training when you’re actually healed, so you can get better instead of just fighting through the pain.” Carlos glances to her, happy she took the painkillers.

"Fighting through the pain is how you learn." She doesnt sound defensive, just like she genuinely believes it. She gulps down more of the water.

carlos-thatcher

“It’s a bad way to learn… I don’t mean to be offensive but… it’s not a good way.” Carlos pulls out a pack of crackers and offers them to Valerie.

"Oh." Valerie looks away, surprised. She doesn't know what to do with that information.She takes the crackers hungrily, she hasnt eaten in a while.

carlos-thatcher

Carlos drops his head into his hands for a moment, he hates Williams so much. “It’s going to be okay… I’ll help you, I’ll help you know what’s normal and what’s not.”

"How do I know what you're saying is normal?" Valerie bites jer lip then eats another handful of crackers hungrily.

carlos-thatcher

Carlos sighs and sits back. “I’ve been in this business since… the day I was born. I was briefly a fighter… I… you’ll have to trust me.”

She hums non-committally and hands him back the food. Its practically empty save for a few crackers. "Maybe." She smikes weakly.

carlos-thatcher

Carlos looks a little concerned. “We can get some proper dinner in a bit.” He hums and nods, giving her an incredibly warm smile.

Valerie frowns, ans then shakes her head, saying all too casually, "It's alright. I lost my second fight, so.."

carlos-thatcher

Carlos looks up sharply, his expression horrified. “Valerie no- no, that’s not…” He shakes his head angrily. “You get food no matter how you fight.”

"Yeah but not food-food." She looks at him, taking in the horrified expression with a frown. "What.. are you okay?What did I say?"

carlos-thatcher

“No, you’re supposed to get real food, no matter the results from the fight.” Carlos blinks a few times, shaking his head. “The thing about losing a fight and implying that means no dinner, that’s so wrong.”

Valerie frowns, blinking like she doesnt understand. "No its... thats normal, isnt it?" She asks m, sounding confused.

carlos-thatcher

“No, no that’s not normal.” Carlos shakes his head, looking sad. “I’m sorry…” He checks the locks on the door.

Valerie frowns. "Oh." That's always been the way. Williams training has always been brutal. She eyes the door. "...he doesn't train properly, huh."

carlos-thatcher

“That’s awful… I’m sorry.” Carlos rests his forehead against the door for a moment. “No he doesn’t…”

"Its okay." She hadnt known. Valerie bites her lip and then blurts out the question on her mind. "Are there-- i mean, did you know other things?That hes doing and shouldnt?"

carlos-thatcher

Carlos sits down against the door, his eyes flick up to Valerie. “Yeah… I do know about other things he shouldn’t be doing…”

"With me?" She looks at him for a long moment. "Tell me. Please... I need to know..." She wanted to understand his worry. The disgust in his expression.

carlos-thatcher

“Yeah… well first, your manager shouldn’t be sleeping with you, hurting you, or getting into a relationship with you.” Carlos says as he looks down, touching his blind eye.

Valerie presses her lips together. "But why?It wasnt like i didnt want it. I'm the one who initiated it." She can see why maybe he shouldnt hurt her, but... "If he doesnt hurt me how would I learn."

carlos-thatcher

“Sometimes people have a way of manipulating us to do things, even in ways we don’t notice, or we feel like we owe it.” Carlos shrugs and covers the left side of his face, which effectively blinds him by covering his only seeing eye. “There’s other ways to learn… better ways.”

"You think he manipulated me into wanting him?" The thought makes her sound sad, and she watches him, intrigued, as he covers his only seeing eye. "Maybe... probablt not as effective..."

carlos-thatcher

Carlos looks down sadly. He keeps his hand over his eye. “Yeah… sadly. I’m sorry, I know it’s a horrible sad thought. My father did the same to me… I mean, in ways.” He tips his head back against the door. “Mm… but it’s still a better way, being hurt is never the way.”

Valerie's eyes widen. "Your father manipulated you into having sex with him!?" She's horrified by the concept and then looks down. "I just want to be the best."

carlos-thatcher

Carlos looks up sharply. “No! No- I meant- I…” Carlos flushes and sits back, covering his face. “Not him- but I had a lot of sex with my other manager and… it was just a mess- But I got permanently banned from fighting.” He glances up to Valerie. “You deserve to have more than just fighting in your life.” His voice is oh so soft.

"oh. That makes more sense." She nodd a little. "...i heard about that. Will told me about it once." She looks away. "Im sorry you got banned." And then she looks up and shrugs. "I don't have anything else, though... I dont even have my father anymkre." her voice turns bitter, almost angry

carlos-thatcher

“It’s okay… I didn’t want to fight.” Carlos tips his head against the door. “Yeah… turns out recording your fights for your own benefit is illegal in most underground rings.” He taps the left side of his head. His eyes soften and he reaches out, touching her hand. “I’m sorry about your father… I lost my mother.”

Valerie bites back a smirk. "I'm somehow not surprised by that..." She looks down at their now-intertwined hands. "...he's not dead. We just don't exactly.. speak. I'm sorry about your mother."

carlos-thatcher

Carlos smiles a bit, he squeezes her hand gently. “I’m still sorry… that’s really hard.” He glances up to her, expression soft.

"Yes." Valerie looks away, her eyes going sad before they turn angry again. She doesn’t know that Bucky never stopped looking for her.

carlos-thatcher

Carlos runs his thumb over her knuckles, sitting by her quietly. “I can’t imagine how hard that is.” He whispers. “I’m sorry.”

"You would think so, wouldn't you?" She shakes her head. "I don't want to talk about him. He made his choice."

carlos-thatcher

“Okay, we don’t have to talk about him.” Carlos lets go of her hand, playing with a strand of his hair.

"Thanks." She swallows and sits back. She grabs thr water bottle and drinks some more of it. "...i should go train. Its late."

carlos-thatcher

Carlos tilts his head confused. “You should go to bed, it’s late.” He stands up and stretches his arms out. “I have a place you can crash.”

Valerie hesitates. "I.. shouldn't. William will be upset if I don't go home." She shared an apartment with him...

carlos-thatcher

Carlos frowns and takes her hands. “Hey… you’re not his anymore, you can leave it all behind, please… I can give you so much more. Just one night, one night. Please.”

Valerie bites her lip, worried about what will happen if she goes with him. "...do you want something?I can pay, or.. or something..."

carlos-thatcher

Carlos shakes his head, his eyes soft. “I don’t want anything from you, I just want to give you a better life.”

"I'm not sure I deserve one," Valerie says quietly. She wrings her hands together, watching the calloused flesh writhe.

carlos-thatcher

“I think you do.” Carlos says gently, resting his hands on hers. “Everyone deserves a good life, no matter where you come from.”

"Maybe." Valerie turns to intertwine their hands, feeling like she needs the gentle touch again.

carlos-thatcher

Carlos holds her hands gently. He smiles softly and nods.

Valerie swallows and sits back. "So. I can. I can go sleep..?"

carlos-thatcher

“Of course, there’s a bed in here, I’ll be in the room right outside.” He smiles and stands.

"...thank you," Valerie says quietly. She stands and moves for the presumably spare bed. "You're kind."

carlos-thatcher

Open roleplay

(Teenage Carlos with divorced parents AU. Carlos is 16, his mom’s name is Isabella)

Carlos paces around in his bedroom at his Mom’s house, he has a bag packed to go to his Dad’s, tomorrow, after the child custody court in the morning. His parents are divorced and custody has been a mess, tomorrow’s an important court day.

Carlos smiles when he hears someone open his bedroom door. “Hey, thanks for coming.” He pushes his hair back, giving them a slightly nervous smile. “I know it’s not going to be very fun going to court with me.” He’s worried, nervous about talking to the judge, what the custody will be, and his Mother’s planning to move back to England… it’s a lot.

Valerie had been new to Carlos' school about a year ago, they'd been fast friends. She'd changed schools after moving with her father away from the old one to escape a bunch of drama.

"I wouldnt miss it," she promises him. "I'm here for you, C, you know that."

carlos-thatcher

Carlos smiles and nods. “Thanks Val.” He’s incredibly fond of her, she’s been an amazing friend to him the past year. He smooths a hand down his shirt nervously. “Does this look okay?”

"Always." She smiles, and walks over to gently smooth his shirt. "You look great, Carlos." He always does.

carlos-thatcher

“Thanks…” Carlos smiles at the touch, letting her fix his shirt. “Okay- I need to get my bag in the car. Then mother is going to take us all to the court house, Dad will be there and I’m probably going home with him…”

"Ugh." Valerie scrunches her nose, she hates Carlos' father. He was an asshole. "Will he let me go with you?"

carlos-thatcher

“Yeah.” Carlos scrunches his nose and slings his bag over his shoulder. “I don’t know. He might if he’s in a good mood.”

Valerie follows him towards the car. "Unlikely then." He was always pissy, at least with her. "Ill just sneak over."

carlos-thatcher

“I’ll keep my window unlocked.” Carlos grins at her. Isabella looks up from the car, she looks tired and worried, she wants full custody of Carlos. “Hey Valerie, you coming with us?” Her voice is warm, a thick British accent.

"Hell yeah." Valerie grins and then softens a little when she sees Isabella. "Of course, Ms. Thatcher. I want to be there for Carlos."

carlos-thatcher

Carlos climbs into the car, leaning back in the seat. Isabella smiles warmly. “Thank you Val, I’m glad he’s not alone.” She slips in the drivers seat.

"Never is." Valerie smiles and slips in next to Carlos. She knows she cant change the custody outcome but she can be tbere anyway...

carlos-thatcher

Carlos rests his head on her shoulder, watching the buildings pass by as the drive. “I’m nervous.” He whispers as they pull up to the court house a few minutes later.

"It'll be alright. He's not gonna win," Val promises, playing with his hair as they drive. She gets out with him.

carlos-thatcher

Carlos hums softly. He glances around, his face dropping when he sees Pierce. Pierce smiles fakely and walks over. “Carlos, I missed you my boy.” He holds his arms out, Carlos glances to Valerie before reluctantly hugging Pierce, but softening into the hug. Isabella frowns. “Carlos go inside with Valerie please honey.”

Valerie doesn't bother greeting Pierce. She hates him, hates how he treats Carlos and his mother both. "Okay, Ms. Thatcher." She smiles at Isabella and reaches for Carlos.

carlos-thatcher

Carlos steps back from Pierce, who tug his hair lightly. Carlos scurries over to Valerie and takes her hand with a smile, pulling her inside the court house.

Valerie smiles back at him carefully. "You ready for this?" She asks, looking at him to try and see if hes alright.

carlos-thatcher

Carlos glances to her nervously. “I guess… it’s not going to be fun.” He sighs and rests his head on her shoulder as they walk. “I just hope mom gets full custody… but you know how Father is.”

"He's persuasive," Valerie agrees. She wraps an arm around his waist. "But you're mum is a good person. She'll convince them."

carlos-thatcher

Carlos hums as he pulls Valerie to the front of the room, sitting down. “I hope so, but then… but if only Mother gets me I won’t be able to see you… cause she’s moving back to England.”

Valerie leans against him when they sit. "I'll come visit. I'd rather you be far away from me if it means you're far away from him."

carlos-thatcher

“I suppose yeah… but I’ll really miss you.” Carlos leans into her back, smiling when Isabella walks in. He scrunches his nose when Pierce follows.

"I'll really miss you too." She hugs him quickly and smiles at Isabella, dropping the smile at the sight of Pierce.

carlos-thatcher

Carlos settles back in his chair, anxiously chewing on his lip as court starts. He just wants to be with his mother- He leans shakily into Valerie, he’s nervous about when he has to speak.

Valerie keeps close, even when it gets a side eye from Pierce. Eventually, Carlos is the one who has to speak. "You got this."

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Carlos nods shakily and goes forward, he keeps his eyes on Valerie. He bites his lip when the judge asks him about how his parents treat him. Carlos glances to the judge. “Um…” He trails off and looks down, not saying another word.

"Carlos, you're not going to get in trouble," the judge gently reassures him. "We just want to head your side of things."

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Carlos nods, his eyes nervously flicking to Pierce, which alone tells the judge a lot. “Can Valerie sit up here with me?” He glances to the judge again, biting his lip hard. “Mother is great, she makes sure I’m taken care of… she never hurts me physically or emotionally.”

The judge considers. "I don't see why not. You are a minor." Valerie quickly comes and sits beside Carlos. She squeezes his hand, the judge eyeing them. "That's good, Carlos. What about your father?'

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Carlos immediately leans into Valerie, giving her a grateful smile. He looks to the judge quickly. Isabella looks worried, Pierce just looks smug. “He’s fine.” Carlos blinks slowly, fiddling with Valerie’s fingers nervously. “He’s fine…”

Valerie holds his hand tight. "Has he ever hurt you?" The judge pushes, looking at Pierce and Carlos with a frown.

carlos-thatcher

Carlos looks to Pierce quickly. Pierce tilts his head ever so slightly. Carlos eyes Valerie carefully, nervously squeezing her hand. “No.” Isabella looks furious.

Valeries face isnt as neutral as Carlos'. Her dislike of Pierce is clear. "What about emotionally?"

carlos-thatcher

Carlos leans further into Valerie, growing increasingly nervous. He glances to Pierce again, Pierce gives him a very small frown. “No.” Carlos shakes his head. Isabella covers her face, clearly upset.

Valerie wraps an arm around Carlos, she can tell Pierce is controlling him and what he says and she hates it. She bites her tongue, though. "...you're excused, Carlos."

carlos-thatcher

Carlos lets out a small sound and quickly gets down, rushing back to his seat, pulling Valerie with him. He looks scared. Pierce glances their way, Isabella mumbles under his breath upset.

Valerie glowers at Pierce as she follows Carlos away. she holds him close as she sits down, the judge speaking to his parents.

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Carlos taps his fingers rapidly against the table, eyes wide as he stares down. “I shouldn’t have said no-” He chokes out. Pierce slips behind Carlos and squeezes the back of his neck firmly as he goes to speak. Carlos flinches, leaning into Valerie.

"It's okay. You can tell them now," she promises, pulling Carlos away when Pierce touches him. "Dont touch him," she snaps at him.

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“No I can’t.” Carlos says quickly. Pierce glares. “Don’t talk to me girl!” The judge looks up sharply. “Mr. Pierce…” Pierce looks up and flashes a smile. “Coming…” Carlos shudders and runs a hand down his face. “Judge…?” he whispers.

"Dont touch him then!'Valerie crosses her arms protectively. She glares as Pierces walks away. "He'll believe you if you tell him," she insisted.

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Carlos nods shakily. “Judge?” He stands up quickly, pulling Valerie up with him. “Can I come back up?” Pierce looks over and narrows his eyes. “Sit down Carlos, now.”

"Be quiet, Mr. Pierce. Carlos, of course you can. What would you like to say?" He asks gently, allowing Valerie to go with Carlos without comment.

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Carlos quickly goes up, trying not to look at Pierce. “Sometimes father says things that hurt.” He says carefully, glancing to Valerie instead of Pierce this time. “He’ll call me stupid, a waste, he’ll yell at me for a long time.” He says it all in a rush.

Valerie smiles encouragingly, even if she hates Pierce. "Thank you, Carlos," the judge tells him. "Does he ever hurt you? Physically?"

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Carlos fidgets with a strand of his hair. “No…” It’s still a lie but… he can’t make himself say that yet. Isabella stands quickly. “Carlos-”

"Please sit down, Ms. Thatcher," the judge warns. Valerie purses her lips, knowing its a lie, but this is progress, right. "Is there anything else i shoukd know, Carlos?"

carlos-thatcher

Isabella sits down, she just wants Carlos to tell the truth, wants him away from Pierce. Carlos thinks for a moment. “Father sometimes has friends over and they’re not nice men.” Yeah the friends may actually be from a gang but he’s not about to say that.

Valerie looks up. She didn't know this part. The judge frowns. "What do you mean, Carlos?Do they hurt you?"

carlos-thatcher

Carlos shrugs and traces a pattern into the bench. He quiets and thumps his head down on Valerie’s shoulder. Pierce looks furious.

Valerie runs a hand through his hair. "Carlos, this is important," the judge pushes. "When your father has his friends over, whay happens?"

carlos-thatcher

Carlos shrugs again unhelpfully, he chews his lip and leans into Valerie’s hand. “You brought those men around my son!” Isabella yells, she’s never even raised her voice around Carlos and Valerie, but she’s furious. She starts to storm towards Pierce. “You brought those men to our house?!”

Valerie and the judge both frown at Carlos lack of answer. Valerie widens her eyes in surprise when Isabella yells, she's never seen her yell before. "Carlos who are they?" She whispers.

carlos-thatcher

Security immediately rush for Isabella, who looks about ready to murder Pierce. Carlos eyes widen as he takes in Isabella yelling, she’s never done that before. “Dad’s gang.” He whispers incredibly quiet to her.

"Ms. Thatcher, I must insist you sit down!" The judge insists. Valerie's eyes widen. "He-- Carlos, what? He lets them around you!?"

carlos-thatcher

“He let those men around my son!” Isabella yells, she sits down heavily, only because she knows she needs to, for what’s best for Carlos. Carlos shrugs. “Yeah… but it’s fine. He’s always had a gang.” He whispers so the judge can’t hear. Pierce sits down, shaking his head.

"Sit down," the judge repeats. Valerie hugs Carlos tight, this isnt okay at all. She holds him as the judge addresses him again. "Carlos. Is there anything else i should know?"

carlos-thatcher

Carlos hugs her back, he shakes his head. “No sir.” Isabella lets out a frustrated cry. Piece just looks pleased.

"...Alright." The judge nods. "I'll make my judgement after some deliberation." Valerie leads Carlos down to Isabella.

carlos-thatcher

Isabella immediately wraps her arms around Carlos. He hugs her tightly, but quickly pulls back to snuggle into Valerie.

Valerie holds him tightly. "I hate him," she whispers, glancing over her shoulder Pierce furiously.

carlos-thatcher

Carlos nods shakily. Pierce frowns at Valerie. Carlos glances back towards Pierce. “He’s going to kill me.” Carlos presses a hand to his chest, taking a hiccuping breath.

"No, he isn't," Valerie says firmly. "I won't let him." She glares at Pierce before focusing all her attention on Carlos, pulling him close to her chest, holding him.

carlos-thatcher

“He’s gonna be so mad.” Carlos’ British accent comes out incredibly thick. Carlos hides against Valerie, wincing when the judge starts to speak.

"In the matter of custody over Carlos, I have given Ms Isabella Thatcher primary custody, with Alexander Pierce seeing Carlos one week of the month." Valerie scowls.

carlos-thatcher

Isabella drops her head into her hands. Carlos glances nervously towards Pierce, who looks both annoyed and pleased.

Valerie squeezes Carlos hand and tentatively lays a hand on Isabella's shoulder. It could've been worse? Shes still annoyed.

carlos-thatcher

Isabella gives Valerie a weak smile. Carlos squeezes Valerie’s hand tightly. “I’m glad he only has one week.” He whispers quietly.

"Me too." Valerie kisses his cheek quickly. She wishes that none of this had happened...

carlos-thatcher

Carlos smiles at the kiss, he pushes himself to his feet reluctantly. Pierce walks over and claps his hand on his shoulder. “Good thing I get you first hm? You’d miss me.” Carlos frowns a bit. “Yes father…” Carlos shifts to lean against Valerie.

Valerie pulls Carlos close so that he's out of Pierce's reach. "We're gonna work on our English assignment. right, C?"

carlos-thatcher

Carlos nods shakily. “Yeah, yeah English assignment. Val has to come over.” Pierce frown, he opens his mouth to say something but Isabella storms over, grabs his wrist and drags him down a hallway.

"I'm not leaving tonight," valerie promises once Pierce has been dragged away by Isabella. "not alone with him."

carlos-thatcher

Carlos hugs Valerie tightly. “He’s doing to be mad… he wanted more than a week.” He hides his face in her neck.

"Well he'll have to suck it up," Valerie says firmly. She holds him tight, stroking his hair gently.

carlos-thatcher

Carlos nods. “Screw him…” He takes a slow breath, looking up as Isabella walks back into the room. She rushes over to them and pulls both Carlos and Valerie into a hug. “I’m sorry-”

"Exactly." Valerie smiles at that. She hugs Isabella back tightly, she really loves Carlos' mother. "Do t be sorry!"

carlos-thatcher

Isabella hugs them tightly. “I just don’t want either of you near that man.” She cups the back of Carlos head protectively. “I’ll be okay Mother.” Carlos whispers.

Valerie looks over Carlos' head to meet Isabella's eyes. "I'm gonna keep him safe," she promises her.

carlos-thatcher

“Thank you…” Isabella whispers. Carlos pulls back and grabs Valerie’s hand. Pierce storms over and looks annoyed. He rests a heavy hand on the back of Carlos neck. “Let’s go.” Carlos glances back to the judge nervously before nodding.

A quick, jerky nod from Valerie. "Always." She hugs Isabella tightly and then rushes after Carlos, hooking their arms together as she walks with him, ignoring Pierce.

carlos-thatcher

Pierce looks annoyed at Valerie coming with them. Carlos happily links his arm with Valerie.

Valerie leans into Carlos, smiling blithely whenever Pierce glances at them. She sits in the middle seat of the car just so she can stay close as they drive.

carlos-thatcher

Carlos glances back to her every now and then. It’s not long before they arrive at Pierce’s house. “Get inside.” Pierce snaps, shoving Carlos towards the door.

Valerie frowns when Pierce shoves her. She follows in after him quickly, not hiding her disdain for Pierce. "Cmon, lets go study."

carlos-thatcher

Carlos grabs Valerie’s hand, shooting Pierce a dirty look. “Yeah- let’s go.” He hurries off to his room before Pierce can stop him.

Valerie rushes off with him. "Im so sorry," she says as soon as the door closes, pulling him into a tight hug.

carlos-thatcher

Carlos bursts into angry sobs as soon as they’re alone, he collapses into the hug, clinging to her. “I should’ve tried harder!”

Valerie strokes his hair soothingly. "You did your best. You knew he'd get some custody... at least its only occasionally..."

carlos-thatcher

“He’s going to kill me!” Carlos shudders and closes his eyes, taking a few shaky breaths. “It’s going to be hell here Val!”

"I'll be here as much as I can," Valerie says. "And you can come to my house whenever! It'll be okay..."

carlos-thatcher

Carlos rests his head on her shoulder, nodding shakily. “Okay…” He winces as he remembers all he said in court. “How much did… did you know about? From what I said in court… and how my mother reacted.”

Valerie sighs. "I knew he was cruel to you. I know he hits yu even if you refuse to admit it..." She trails off. "I didn't know about the gang."

carlos-thatcher

Carlos nods slowly. He knew she knew about him being hit. He glances up quickly at Valerie. “I’m sorry… it wasn’t safe to tell you… and father would’ve killed me… or his friends…” He shudders a bit. “Dad runs a big gang, it’s a bad one.”

"I'm not mad at you. Just him. I'm worried for you..." She trails off, looking away. "This isnt safe. What if his friends hurt you?"

carlos-thatcher

Carlos sighs and sits on his bed. “They have already. I’ll be fine Valerie, you can’t exactly just leave a gang.” He looks to the side. “Or run away from a gang.”

Valerie comes and curls up next to him. "I know, I just... i worry about you, C." She lays on his chest.

carlos-thatcher

Carlos shakily wraps an arm around her. “I know… I’ll be fine.” He whispers, taking a few slow breaths. “They don’t always bug me.”

"Yeah, but still.' She hates that he's in that situation at all... she just hayes that Pierce can hurt him and get away with it.

carlos-thatcher

Carlos shrugs and looks to the side. He buries himself into Valerie. “Carlos!” Pierce voice rings through the house. Carlos lets out an annoyed sound.

"Shh... pretend to be asleep,"she murmurs, shifting away from him. She doesn't want to be caught cuddling him, knows it would be bad.

carlos-thatcher

Carlos nods shakily and curls up, missing Valerie as soon as she’s not cuddling him. The door flings open a moment later. “Carlos!” Pierce yells.

Valerie has already pulled open her laptop in that time, making it look like she was working. She glares. "He's asleep."

carlos-thatcher

Carlos bites his lip to stop himself from saying anything. Pierce looks annoyed. “Of course he is…”

"Did you need somethign?" She shuts her laptop, crossing her arms over her chest.

carlos-thatcher

“I needed Carlos, I forgot you were here.” Pierce narrows his eyes at Valerie. He walks over to the bed, looking down at Carlos.

"Oh. Shame. I'll tell him to see youu when he wakes uo." She stands up, watching Pierce suspiciously.

carlos-thatcher

Pierce brushes Carlos hair out of his face. “Good, let him know.” He glares at Valerie. “And I don’t want you here girl, you better be gone by the time my friends get here tonight, understood?”

Valerie wants to argue, but she doesn't want to put Carlos in danger. She was going to stay, she'd just lie about. "Yeah. Sure thing. What time?"

carlos-thatcher

“Seven.” Pierce shakes his head angrily and leaves. Carlos sits up quickly. “Sorry Val-” He whispers quickly.

Valerie immediately moves to hold him again. "Don't be. I'm not leaving you, fuck him. I'll hide somewhere."

carlos-thatcher

Carlos rests his head on her shoulder. “I know you’re not leaving… I’m still sorry.”

"I forgive you." She kisses his head gently. "Get some rest. You'll need it."

carlos-thatcher

Carlos nods and closes his eyes. Starting to slowly drift to sleep.

Valerie holds him. She does, actually, work on her English, but she also slips away to hide when 7 rolls around.

carlos-thatcher

Carlos wakes up by seven, working on his math homework. He cringes as he hears loud voices filling the house.

Valerie stays as close to him as she can, hoping that Pierce and his friends just leave him alone. She doesn't want him hurt, or bothered.

carlos-thatcher

Carlos fidgets with his hands, glancing to where Valerie’s hidden. “Carlos…” Pierce opens the door., glancing around. “I she gone?” Carlos nods shakily.

Valerie stays silent, even if shes glaring at where she thinks Pierce is. He cant see her, so what does it matter?

carlos-thatcher

“I’m so disappointed in you Carlos.” Pierce says sharply. Carlos looks down, biting his lip. “I’m sorry father…” Pierce sighs deeply. “You’re going to be very sorry… I’ll see you later”

Valerie glowers in her hiding spot. As soon as Pierce is gone, she comes out. "Carlos, what did he mean by that?"

carlos-thatcher

Carlos shrugs and kicks his feet out. “Probably just going to get punished. I don’t know… it’ll be bad without mother.”

"Do you want me to come out and stop it, if that's what happens, or...?" She trails off, slightly unsure.

carlos-thatcher

“No… I don’t want you hurt.” Carlos sighs and tugs at his hair lightly.

"So you want me to just let him hurt you..." She looks sad.

carlos-thatcher

“I guess…” Carlos mumbles looking incredibly sad.

"There's nothing I can do?" Valerie asks sadly.

carlos-thatcher

Carlos shakes his head and lets out a broken sound. “No…”

"Im sorry." She pulls him into a tight hug.

carlos-thatcher

Carlos hugs her back tightly. “I wish he didn’t hate me!”

"So do I. I wish you could be with dad and I when you aren't with your mum..." She kisses his head.

carlos-thatcher

Carlos melts into her touch. “I might be able to spend most of my time at your place… father forgets about me.”

"Good... we'll do that. You know my Dad loves you,"sbe says with a small smile.

carlos-thatcher

“Your dad’s amazing.” Carlos smiles a bit. He lets out a shaky breath. “Can we go there now?”

"Of course." She steps back. "I'll sneak out tbe windows while you ask."

carlos-thatcher

Carlos brightens and nods. He scurries out to ask Pierce.

Valerie waits, hoping that Pierce says yes... she climbs out the windows.

carlos-thatcher

Carlos finds Valerie about twenty minutes later. His lip is split and bleeding, and he has a large bruise on his face.

Valerie's eyes widen in panic, then anger. "Carlos! What happened? What the fuck did he do to you?"

carlos-thatcher

Carlos winces and looks away. “Father hit me… it’s fine let’s just go, he said I could go.”

"...I'm gonna kill him,"Valerie decides, furious at him.

carlos-thatcher

“No! Let’s just go!” Carlos grabs her hand, moving down the steeet.

Valerie glowers at his house but walks off with him. "I hate him."

carlos-thatcher

“I do too.” Carlos covers his face as he walks quickly, trying to get to Valerie’s house.

"Lets just go..." She takes him home. Bucky is in the living room. "Hey, sweetheart. Carlos, are you okay?"

carlos-thatcher

Carlos makes a small sound and covers his face. “I’m fine!” He snaps, his voice raising a bit. Carlos never yells.

Bucky raises an eyebrow. "There's no need to speak that way, Carlos." He looms worried.

carlos-thatcher

Carlos tucks his arms over his chest, the bruise on his face has swelled up badly, bloods staining his chin from the cut. “I said I’m fine!” He full on yells, chest heaving. “I’m fine!”

Bucky frowns. "Alright. Alright, kid, I believe you," he reasures him. He looks at Valerie with a deep frown.

carlos-thatcher

Carlos breathes shakily. “Sorry-” He gasps out before he dissolves into sobs, he holds his arms out for Bucky. “Why does he hate me?!”

Bucky instantly softens and wraps his arms around Carlos. "Oh, kid... I'm sorry. Its not your fault hes the way he is."

carlos-thatcher

Carlos cries against Bucky, holding one hand out for Valerie. “I didn’t even do anything!”

Valerie takes his hand in hers instantly. "You didnt. Its not your fault," Bucky soothes him.

carlos-thatcher

Carlos cries and clings to both of them. He hides his face in Bucky’s chest for a long moment before pulling back. “I hate him! I hate him so much- but he’s my dad!”

"I know.." Bucky doesn't know what to say. "I'm sorry you have to deal with him, kid. You're always welcome here."

carlos-thatcher

Carlos nods shakily, wiping at his lip, blood smearing onto his hand. “Thank you- I’m… fathers going to kill me.” True terror fills his voice, likes he actually worried Pierce will kill him.

Bucky clasps his shoulders. "I'm not going to let that man hurt you." His voice if firm, completely resolute.

carlos-thatcher

Carlos startles, he grabs onto Valerie’s hands. “You can’t stop him! He has a gang!"

"I'll find a way. I have my own connection." Bucky hadn't had a good past, he'd just stopped when Val was born.

carlos-thatcher

Carlos nods shakily, tucking his arms around himself. He’s terrified. “Valerie-" He holds his arms out for her.

Valerie pulls him into her arms instantly, just like she always does. Bucky watches, clearly worried.

carlos-thatcher

“I want my mom-” Carlos sobs as he clings to her, shaking violently.

"Im sorry." She keeps holding him oh so gently.

carlos-thatcher

Carlos holds onto her, hiding against Val. He glances to Bucky nervously. “Please… please I can’t go back- he’s going to kill me.”

"you can stay here. Fuck what the courts say." Bucky gives him a reassuring look when he speaks.

carlos-thatcher

Carlos nods shakily, he hides his face into Valerie’s neck. “I hate this!”

"So do I," Val whispers. she keeps him close to her, stroking his hair lightly.

carlos-thatcher

Carlos buries his face against her, breathing carefully. “What if he comes here?”

"I won't let him in. He's not stronger than me.' Buckys voice is firm.

carlos-thatcher

“What if he brings his gang?” Carlos whispers, terrified. He leans into Valerie. “Can we just go to bed? Please.”

"Ill keep you safe." Valerie softens. "Yeah.. you wanna stay in my room?" She offers, meaning her bed specifically.

carlos-thatcher

Carlos nods shakily, he glances to Bucky. “Is that okay?” He leans against Valerie, already shuffling towards her room.

Bucky nods. "Of course." He smiles teasingly. "But no baby making in my house, understood?"

carlos-thatcher

“Bucky!” Carlos flushes a deep red, he tugs Valerie down the hallway, and can’t stop himself from calling back, “Don’t worry! We do that at my house-” before hurrying into Valerie’s room.

Bucky barks out a laugh, even as Valerie turns bright pink, blushing hard. "Carlos!" She complains, though some part of her is laughing slightly as she shuts the door.

carlos-thatcher

Carlos laughs and plops down onto the bed. Smiling a bit. “Sorry…” He flops back and stares at the ceiling.

"Oh, shush." She falls down next to him, burying her face in his neck. "...are you okay..?"

carlos-thatcher

Carlos touches his split lip and shakes his head. “Not really…”

"Im sorry..." Valerie trails off softly. "Can i make it better...?"

carlos-thatcher

“Just stay.” Carlos whispers, tucking closer to her.

"Not oging anyway." She kisses his head and holds him tight.

carlos-thatcher

Open roleplay

(Carlos as a Shield agent not undercover yet. Age 22. Will feature his wife Lillian who is a Hydra agent.)

Carlos sits in a Shield room, humming quietly to himself as he looks through a file, he’d just gotten back from a difficult mission, one that will haunt his dreams for a while. He sighs softly as he writes, some missions were just hard.

Carlos doesn’t look up as he hears the door open, expecting it to be his wife. “Hey Lillian, I just finished that report…” Carlos looks up and blinks in surprise, that’s not Lillian. “Hello… can I help you?” He tilts his head, slowly closing his file.

Valerie blinks in surprise at Carlos' presence. "...I was looking for Lillian," she lies. She hadn't expected Carlos to be in her office. Lillian was briefly supervising further undercover training for her - she was young, probably seventeen, maybe eighteen.

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Carlos tilts his head confused. He rests his hands on top of the file. “Oh… Lils- Lillian isn’t here right now… she was grabbing something from Fury’s office.” He eyes Valerie for a moment, softening. “What do you need from her? I’m sure I can help.” His voice is soft, just the hint of a British accent.

Valerie flicks her eyes from Carlos to the file. Her handler wanted her to get more adept at subterfuge, hence why she was here. She just needed to get some files from Carlos' office. She quickly reaches for her cover story. "Oh, she agreed to help me with my senior thesis! She used to live in my building."

carlos-thatcher

Carlos blinks and tucks the files into a drawer, he looks tired, brow pinched wit pain. “What’s it about? Love in your… oh…” He sits back in his seat, yawning quickly and folding his arms over his chest. “What’s your name? I’m Carlos, Carlos Thatcher.” He holds out a hand.

Valerie notes the pain. She can use it, if she needs a to. "Oh, its about women in positions of power," she answers. "I tried to get an interview with the Black Widow but she didn't bite," she adds jokingly. "I'm Alice."

carlos-thatcher

Carlos snorts out a laugh and smiles. “Yeah Natasha’s hard to get a hold of.” He glances around the office. “Well Lillian’s not here right now… she’ll probably be back in bit but you can stay until she is.” He glances her over carefully. “Lils has never mentioned a… friend named Alice.”

Valerie flushes a little, trying to look sheepish, or like she's a little awestruck. "Well, we aren't Iike, friends, friends. I just thought she was cool, when she lived in my building. She was across the hall from my mom and I."

carlos-thatcher

“Ah…” Carlos pulls out his files again, writing a few things down. “She is pretty cool.” Carlos smiles slightly before shaking his head, clearing his throat. “Oh the building down in Brooklyn?”

"Yeah," Valerie breathes. Hero worship is easy to fake. abyway. She nods. "Yrah, over on 2nd? She wasn't there for very long, but I've been there years..."

carlos-thatcher

“Hm…” Carlos had tried that as a trick, because he’s suspicious, when is he not by now? He didn’t think Lillian had lived in Brooklyn, but maybe it was so brief she never mentioned it? “Huh, she always told me she lived in Manhattan.”

Valerie shrugs. "Do you know her well?" She asks curiously. She's going to be so fucked if she messes this up. "It was only for like, a couple months."

carlos-thatcher

Carlos eyes her suspiciously before he softens. He rubs at his forehead for a moment. “Yeah, she’s my wife.” He nods slowly, wincing a little. “I’m sure it was.” She probably had a mission out there, yeah.

Valerie fakes shock. "Oh, wow. I didn't realise that was you! That's awesome, you're really lucky." She nods. "Yeah.. i should probably go find her, or I'll have to come back tonmorow.."

carlos-thatcher

Carlos nods slowly, massaging at his head. “No, no, I’ll just text her to come on down and meet you here. You can’t just go wandering around a Shield building.”

"Are you alright?" Valerie asks lightly and then smiles at him brightly. "Oh, thank you! That would be wonderful." She just needs him to leave...

carlos-thatcher

“Sorry, me head hurts a bit.” Carlos bites the inside of his cheek. He nods as he grabs his phone, sending a text to Lillian. He glances back to his work and sighs, he just wants to go home for a bit.

Valerie fakes sympathy. "Oh, I'm sorry." She looks around for a place to sit. "You don't have to sit here and watch me! I'm not gonna do anything."

carlos-thatcher

Carlos gestures a chair at the side of the desk. “I know… I just need to finish up my report.” He taps the file in front of him with a long sigh.

Valerie quickly comes and sits beside him. If he'd just open that file, she'd be able to read and memorise it. "...of course. Must keep you busy here."

carlos-thatcher

Carlos scoots the file back a bit, keeping it closed. “It does… just got back from a… hard mission. Lots to report.” He taps his pencil against the file.

Valerie nods. "Makes sense." She sits quietly, pulling out a phone to idly scroll on. Its an older model, on the outside.

carlos-thatcher

Carlos glances the phone over, he opens his file and starts to write a few things down, keeping it out of Valerie’s view.

Valerie scowls. She needs some sort of plan. She's not good at this sort of thing yet. "Im sorry to be a pain, is there a bathroom somewhere?"

carlos-thatcher

Carlos nods and points to a door attached to the office. “Bathrooms in there.” He smiles softly.

Valerie smiles brightly. She slips into thr bathroom to text Lillian.

I need help.

carlos-thatcher

Carlos goes back to writing.

What with?

Valerie anxiously waits. She needs this.

He won't leave.

carlos-thatcher

Stupid girl. I’m on my way.

She winces.

Thank you.

She quickly flushes and slips back into the office. "Thanks, Carlos!"

carlos-thatcher

Carlos looks up and smiles. “Of course.” The door opens a moment later and Lillian walks in.

Valerie fakes a bright familiar smile when Lillian walks in. "Lily!! Hi! Thank you for agreeing to see me."

carlos-thatcher

Lillian smiles back. “Of course… I’m glad to help you.” She walks over and kisses the top of Carlos head.

Valerie smiles. "I didnt know your husband worked here too!" Val says with feigned excitement.

carlos-thatcher

Lillian laughs and shakes her head, petting Carlos hair with one hand. “Oh yes, we work together closely.”

"Thats so cute." Valerie smiles at Carlos, privately a mix of amused and disturbed that he has no idea about Lillian being Hydra.

carlos-thatcher

Carlos smiles back. “I know, working couple.” He laughs and gives her a kiss, Lillian rests a hand on the back of his neck. “Alice, I see you’re behind on your essay.” She looks annoyed.

Valerie nods a little bit. "I... yeah." She withers slightly under Lillian's stare, but not a suspicious amount.... "I just cant find the evidence I need."

carlos-thatcher

Lillian hums and shakes her head. “That’s disappointing.” Carlos frowns a bit and looks up.

Valerie drops her gaze. "I'm sorry. I'm trying." She wrings her hands behind her back.

carlos-thatcher

Carlos raises an eyebrow. “It’s just an essay…” Katrina hums and masssges the back of his neck. “Of course…”

"Yeah, its just for my finals, so..." Valerie shrugs. "Could we maybe use your office for our interview?" She asks Carlos.

carlos-thatcher

“Oh of course.” Carlos smiles and stands, giving Katrina a quick kiss. “You know… we have a free evening if you’d like to come to dinner, you could talk lots more at our place.” Carlos says with a smile before leaving the room.

"Thanks!" Valerie smiles brightly. "I appreciate the offer, but my dad will want me home. I'm pushing curfew as it is." She rubs her neck sheepishly then drops the act as soon as he's gone, moving for the file.

carlos-thatcher

Katrina scowls and slams her hand on top of the file. “Why are you still here girl?” Her demeanor completely changes, anger flashing in her eyes.

Valerie falters, pulling her hand away from the file quickly. "I--. He wasn't supposed to be in here," she says cautiously.

carlos-thatcher

“Mm, maybe. But you’re supposed to know how to react and get the information even when things don’t go to plan.” She snaps angrily.

Valerie looks down. "I know, ma'am. That's why I asked you to come over... he trusts you."

carlos-thatcher

“You shouldn’t have had to do that, girl. You could’ve thought of something better.” She shakes her head and shoves the file to Valerie. “Of course he trusts me, I’m his wife.”

Valerie nods and takes the file, scanning the information to be able to report back. There's nothing important for the test. "...yes, ma'am. "

carlos-thatcher

Lillian shakes her head a bit. “Go.” She points to the door, unaware Carlos is still outside it.

Valerie slinks out of the room, startling when she sees Carlos to put her persona back on. "Oh! Hi!"

carlos-thatcher

Carlos smiles and looks up from the file he’s holding. “Hi… everything okay?”

Valerie nods rapidly. "Everything's fine. Thank you. I just gotta get home."

carlos-thatcher

“Let me walk you out.” Carlos says gently, he feels like something’s off.

Valerie nods. She has no reason to say no, so... "Oh, thank you."

carlos-thatcher

“Of course.” Carlos starts walking, wincing a bit and tucking his files to his chest.

Valerie follows after him quietly. She fakes a yawn. "This is nice if you."

carlos-thatcher

Carlos shoots her a smile. “I like to make sure people get home safe, is your dad picking you up?”

Valerie shakes her head. "I'm just getting the bus. I do it all the time," she adds quickly.

carlos-thatcher

Carlos nods slowly. “Well the bus stop is the next street over… it’s getting late.” He looks worried.

"Carlos, thats sweet, but I just met you, I'm not gonna let you drive me home," she says, predicting the offer.

carlos-thatcher

Carlos flushes and ducks his head down. “Right… sorry, I just worry.” He blinks a few times. His eyes flick down the street and he freezes, eyes widening a bit. “No-” He whispers, he grabs Valerie’s arm and flings them against the wall.

Valerie starts to walk away. She immediately pulls a knife, instinct kicking in, and shoves him away. "What the fuck are you doing?"

carlos-thatcher

Carlos cries out sharply when she pushes him away, his eyes wide. “I saw- I saw…” He breathes heavily and grabs at his face. “I’m sorry, I’m so sorry- I thought…”

Valerie crossed her arms over her chest, shoving her knife back into her pocket. "You thought what?" She says shrilly.

carlos-thatcher

“Why do you have a knife?” Carlos gasps out, he doubles over a bit, taking a few shaky breaths. “I thought I saw someone from… from my past, I’m sorry.”

"Because im a teenage girl walking home at night." She glares at him lightly. "Why did you freak out so much?" Its probably someone from the tac team coming to collect her--

carlos-thatcher

“Right-” Carlos rests his hands on his knees, breathing quickly. “Because they’re awful people, and I- I…” He stares with wide eyes. “Please get Lillian- I need Lillian…”

"Yeah, yeah, okay." She was going to be in so much trouble. But she calls Lillian anyway. "Hey, um- Carlos was walking me to the bus stop, and he said he saw someone?He's freaking out, Lily, he asked for you-"

carlos-thatcher

Carlos doubles over further. Lillian sounds furious when she replies. “Why was he walking with you girl?! I’m on my way-”

"Thank you..." She cant answer the question in front of Carlis without being suspicious, so she just anxiously awaits Lillian's arrival.

carlos-thatcher

“Thank you-” Carlos chokes out. Lillian storms out of the building, glaring at Valerie before resting her hand on the back of Carlos neck. “Lo, enough. Calm yourself down, deep breathes, you are fine. Calm it down, now.”

Valerie watches. Some part of her feels... bad for him? She quickly shoves that feeling away in the hopes Lilian won't notice.

carlos-thatcher

Lillian gives her an angry look, she definitely noticed. She tucks Carlos head against her chest. “Shush, that’s enough Carlos, you’re fine.”

Valerie looks away, scolded. She's already made Lillian mad and she has no doubt that her handler is going to find out. She hopes Carlos is okay..

carlos-thatcher

Carlos takes a few deep breaths, he’s starting to look highly ashamed of himself. Lillian rubs his forehead, glancing to Valerie with disgust.

Valerie steps back. In fact, she slips away entirely, not wanting to get in any more trouble and leaving to meet her ride.

carlos-thatcher

Carlos looks up after a moment, frowning a bit. Where did she go…? he frowns and looks around quickly.

Valerie is hurridly walking away before Xarlos can catch up, hoping he just forgets about ber...

carlos-thatcher

Carlos frowns a bit, he goes back to his apartment with Lillian, but the next day he’s looking through files, trying to find anything on her.

There's very little, and there's no record of her ever having a relationship with Lillian beyond thr address in her file.

carlos-thatcher

Carlos frowns and sits back in his seat, tapping his pencil against his desk. Who on earth could she be? He starts researching further, trying to find anything, an address, a picture, something so he can find her again.

He finds one, tucked away deep in files that are more Hydra than they are Shield. Its not much, just a photo with the name Valerie next to it.

carlos-thatcher

Carlos curses under his breath, covering his face. Hydra- of course it would be Hydra. But why… why would Lillian know her? No- that just can’t be. He shoves himself to his feet, he has to find Valerie.

Valerie has already been whisked back to Hydra. She'd been picked up early, and had to report her numerous near failures to her handler. Three's barely a file on her, but her age.. that hadn't been a lie.

carlos-thatcher

Carlos frowns, he gets a disguise and does something he didn’t think he’d be doing for a long time… he goes back to Hydra, wandering around the base, eyes flicking over it.

Valerie, by pure coincidence, had been out on the grounds training, in the fresh air instead of in one of the internal rooms. She doesn't notice Carlos, because of his disguise, but she's clearly hard at work.

carlos-thatcher

Carlos frowns as he watches, slipping closer. He doesn’t want to be here- “Valerie!” He calls out, testing the name.

Valerie whirls around instantly, eyes scanning before the land on Carlos. "Yes, sir?" She greets, not recognising him but figuring better safe than sorry.

carlos-thatcher

Carlos pales, he looks quickly to the side, a hand flinging up to press to his chest. No, no this is not happening! She is not- no!

Valerie frowns and approaches him cautiously. "Sir?Are you alright?" She cocks her head to the side. "Did you need me?"

carlos-thatcher

Carlos drops his head into his hands. Lillian- Lillian knew her! “Agent Lillian. Information please, did she make it back?” Please say no, please say she’s not Hydra-

Valerie nods quickly. "Yes, sir. But she isn't here right now. Did you need me to pass along a message?"

carlos-thatcher

Carlos stumbles back, eyes widening. He opens his mouth to say something but nothing comes out. No-

"Sir?" Valerie frowns, confused. "If you need something, I can fetch my hander...?"

Open roleplay

(Modern, teen Steve. At camp)

Steve steps off the camp bus, glancing around the camp with wide eyes. His Ma had sent him off to this camp, managed to get enough money to send him, Steve had insisted he didn’t need to go, to save the money. But she’d wanted him to go, to experience it, get away from the city for a bit.

Steve glances around at all the other teens, fidgeting with the strap of his bag, he’s a bit anxious about the next three weeks. It’s a long time to be away from home. He chews his lip as he looks around, trying to find his group. He looks beyond lost, turning and bumping into someone on accident. “Sorry!”

Valerie had wanted desperately to go on the camp. She'd paid for it herself, because her foster father had refused to. But she was thrilled for three weeks away from him.

She looks up at Steve, shrugging. "...it's fine.. you okay?"

Steve startles and turns quickly, his eyes are wide, he’s clearly on edge to be here. “I’m okay, are you-” He plucks at his bag, eyes darting around the camp, he’s never been to anything like this before. And he’s worried, his Ma is home with just his Pa.

"I'm fine," Valerie says with a quick nod. Her eyes glance over him, she can tell that he's on edge. She slings her backpack back over her shoulder, sleeve slipping to show a couple bruises on her arm.

Steve nervously fidgets with his bag, biting his lip. His eyes flick to the bruise and he starts walking, he doesn’t know where he’s supposed to go, so he falls in step by Valerie.

Valerie seems a bit nervous. "So. I'm Valerie," she introduces herself cautiously. She doesn't know entirely what to do, but she came here to kinda meet people..

“Steve.” Steve gestures to himself, he fidgets with his hands. “First time here too?” He gives her a small smile, he didn’t expect to be quite this nervous. But he really just wants to be back in Brooklyn, with his Ma, make sure she’s okay.

unofficially-tonystark

Valerie nods. "Yeah, my first time too." She's glad she isnt the only one here for the first time... "Its nice to meet you!"

“You too!” Steve ducks his head down, hair falling into his face. He kicks a rock and watches it skip away. “I guess I’ll see you later yeah? At dining hall? I think I’m supposed to be with my group.” He glances around confused, looking for a counselor.

Valerie runs a hand through her hair, then ties it up. She hated how long it is... "I dont know where my group is," she admits. "But yeah!! I'll see you at dining hall!"

Steve watches her and smiles. “I think yours is over there?” He points over to a group of girls. “We can sit together then!” He smiles, glad to have someone before he dashes off to find his group.

"Perfect." She smiles, and then rushes off to meet her group too. Despite being nervous, she is extremely excited for the camp, for three weeks away from home.

carlos-thatcher

Open roleplay

(Carlos as a Shield agent not undercover yet. Age 22. Will feature his wife Lillian who is a Hydra agent.)

Carlos sits in a Shield room, humming quietly to himself as he looks through a file, he’d just gotten back from a difficult mission, one that will haunt his dreams for a while. He sighs softly as he writes, some missions were just hard.

Carlos doesn’t look up as he hears the door open, expecting it to be his wife. “Hey Lillian, I just finished that report…” Carlos looks up and blinks in surprise, that’s not Lillian. “Hello… can I help you?” He tilts his head, slowly closing his file.

Valerie blinks in surprise at Carlos' presence. "...I was looking for Lillian," she lies. She hadn't expected Carlos to be in her office. Lillian was briefly supervising further undercover training for her - she was young, probably seventeen, maybe eighteen.

carlos-thatcher

Carlos tilts his head confused. He rests his hands on top of the file. “Oh… Lils- Lillian isn’t here right now… she was grabbing something from Fury’s office.” He eyes Valerie for a moment, softening. “What do you need from her? I’m sure I can help.” His voice is soft, just the hint of a British accent.

Valerie flicks her eyes from Carlos to the file. Her handler wanted her to get more adept at subterfuge, hence why she was here. She just needed to get some files from Carlos' office. She quickly reaches for her cover story. "Oh, she agreed to help me with my senior thesis! She used to live in my building."

carlos-thatcher

Carlos blinks and tucks the files into a drawer, he looks tired, brow pinched wit pain. “What’s it about? Love in your… oh…” He sits back in his seat, yawning quickly and folding his arms over his chest. “What’s your name? I’m Carlos, Carlos Thatcher.” He holds out a hand.

Valerie notes the pain. She can use it, if she needs a to. "Oh, its about women in positions of power," she answers. "I tried to get an interview with the Black Widow but she didn't bite," she adds jokingly. "I'm Alice."

carlos-thatcher

Carlos snorts out a laugh and smiles. “Yeah Natasha’s hard to get a hold of.” He glances around the office. “Well Lillian’s not here right now… she’ll probably be back in bit but you can stay until she is.” He glances her over carefully. “Lils has never mentioned a… friend named Alice.”

Valerie flushes a little, trying to look sheepish, or like she's a little awestruck. "Well, we aren't Iike, friends, friends. I just thought she was cool, when she lived in my building. She was across the hall from my mom and I."

carlos-thatcher

“Ah…” Carlos pulls out his files again, writing a few things down. “She is pretty cool.” Carlos smiles slightly before shaking his head, clearing his throat. “Oh the building down in Brooklyn?”

"Yeah," Valerie breathes. Hero worship is easy to fake. abyway. She nods. "Yrah, over on 2nd? She wasn't there for very long, but I've been there years..."

carlos-thatcher

“Hm…” Carlos had tried that as a trick, because he’s suspicious, when is he not by now? He didn’t think Lillian had lived in Brooklyn, but maybe it was so brief she never mentioned it? “Huh, she always told me she lived in Manhattan.”

Valerie shrugs. "Do you know her well?" She asks curiously. She's going to be so fucked if she messes this up. "It was only for like, a couple months."

carlos-thatcher

Carlos eyes her suspiciously before he softens. He rubs at his forehead for a moment. “Yeah, she’s my wife.” He nods slowly, wincing a little. “I’m sure it was.” She probably had a mission out there, yeah.

Valerie fakes shock. "Oh, wow. I didn't realise that was you! That's awesome, you're really lucky." She nods. "Yeah.. i should probably go find her, or I'll have to come back tonmorow.."

carlos-thatcher

Carlos nods slowly, massaging at his head. “No, no, I’ll just text her to come on down and meet you here. You can’t just go wandering around a Shield building.”

"Are you alright?" Valerie asks lightly and then smiles at him brightly. "Oh, thank you! That would be wonderful." She just needs him to leave...

carlos-thatcher

“Sorry, me head hurts a bit.” Carlos bites the inside of his cheek. He nods as he grabs his phone, sending a text to Lillian. He glances back to his work and sighs, he just wants to go home for a bit.

Valerie fakes sympathy. "Oh, I'm sorry." She looks around for a place to sit. "You don't have to sit here and watch me! I'm not gonna do anything."

carlos-thatcher

Carlos gestures a chair at the side of the desk. “I know… I just need to finish up my report.” He taps the file in front of him with a long sigh.

Valerie quickly comes and sits beside him. If he'd just open that file, she'd be able to read and memorise it. "...of course. Must keep you busy here."

carlos-thatcher

Carlos scoots the file back a bit, keeping it closed. “It does… just got back from a… hard mission. Lots to report.” He taps his pencil against the file.

Valerie nods. "Makes sense." She sits quietly, pulling out a phone to idly scroll on. Its an older model, on the outside.

carlos-thatcher

Carlos glances the phone over, he opens his file and starts to write a few things down, keeping it out of Valerie’s view.

Valerie scowls. She needs some sort of plan. She's not good at this sort of thing yet. "Im sorry to be a pain, is there a bathroom somewhere?"

carlos-thatcher

Carlos nods and points to a door attached to the office. “Bathrooms in there.” He smiles softly.

Valerie smiles brightly. She slips into thr bathroom to text Lillian.

I need help.

carlos-thatcher

Carlos goes back to writing.

What with?

Valerie anxiously waits. She needs this.

He won't leave.

carlos-thatcher

Stupid girl. I’m on my way.

She winces.

Thank you.

She quickly flushes and slips back into the office. "Thanks, Carlos!"

carlos-thatcher

Carlos looks up and smiles. “Of course.” The door opens a moment later and Lillian walks in.

Valerie fakes a bright familiar smile when Lillian walks in. "Lily!! Hi! Thank you for agreeing to see me."

carlos-thatcher

Lillian smiles back. “Of course… I’m glad to help you.” She walks over and kisses the top of Carlos head.

Valerie smiles. "I didnt know your husband worked here too!" Val says with feigned excitement.

carlos-thatcher

Lillian laughs and shakes her head, petting Carlos hair with one hand. “Oh yes, we work together closely.”

"Thats so cute." Valerie smiles at Carlos, privately a mix of amused and disturbed that he has no idea about Lillian being Hydra.

carlos-thatcher

Carlos smiles back. “I know, working couple.” He laughs and gives her a kiss, Lillian rests a hand on the back of his neck. “Alice, I see you’re behind on your essay.” She looks annoyed.

Valerie nods a little bit. "I... yeah." She withers slightly under Lillian's stare, but not a suspicious amount.... "I just cant find the evidence I need."

carlos-thatcher

Lillian hums and shakes her head. “That’s disappointing.” Carlos frowns a bit and looks up.

Valerie drops her gaze. "I'm sorry. I'm trying." She wrings her hands behind her back.

carlos-thatcher

Carlos raises an eyebrow. “It’s just an essay…” Katrina hums and masssges the back of his neck. “Of course…”

"Yeah, its just for my finals, so..." Valerie shrugs. "Could we maybe use your office for our interview?" She asks Carlos.

carlos-thatcher

“Oh of course.” Carlos smiles and stands, giving Katrina a quick kiss. “You know… we have a free evening if you’d like to come to dinner, you could talk lots more at our place.” Carlos says with a smile before leaving the room.

"Thanks!" Valerie smiles brightly. "I appreciate the offer, but my dad will want me home. I'm pushing curfew as it is." She rubs her neck sheepishly then drops the act as soon as he's gone, moving for the file.

carlos-thatcher

Katrina scowls and slams her hand on top of the file. “Why are you still here girl?” Her demeanor completely changes, anger flashing in her eyes.

Valerie falters, pulling her hand away from the file quickly. "I--. He wasn't supposed to be in here," she says cautiously.

carlos-thatcher

“Mm, maybe. But you’re supposed to know how to react and get the information even when things don’t go to plan.” She snaps angrily.

Valerie looks down. "I know, ma'am. That's why I asked you to come over... he trusts you."

carlos-thatcher

“You shouldn’t have had to do that, girl. You could’ve thought of something better.” She shakes her head and shoves the file to Valerie. “Of course he trusts me, I’m his wife.”

Valerie nods and takes the file, scanning the information to be able to report back. There's nothing important for the test. "...yes, ma'am. "

carlos-thatcher

Lillian shakes her head a bit. “Go.” She points to the door, unaware Carlos is still outside it.

Valerie slinks out of the room, startling when she sees Carlos to put her persona back on. "Oh! Hi!"

carlos-thatcher

Carlos smiles and looks up from the file he’s holding. “Hi… everything okay?”

Valerie nods rapidly. "Everything's fine. Thank you. I just gotta get home."

carlos-thatcher

“Let me walk you out.” Carlos says gently, he feels like something’s off.

Valerie nods. She has no reason to say no, so... "Oh, thank you."

carlos-thatcher

“Of course.” Carlos starts walking, wincing a bit and tucking his files to his chest.

Valerie follows after him quietly. She fakes a yawn. "This is nice if you."

carlos-thatcher

Carlos shoots her a smile. “I like to make sure people get home safe, is your dad picking you up?”

Valerie shakes her head. "I'm just getting the bus. I do it all the time," she adds quickly.

carlos-thatcher

Carlos nods slowly. “Well the bus stop is the next street over… it’s getting late.” He looks worried.

"Carlos, thats sweet, but I just met you, I'm not gonna let you drive me home," she says, predicting the offer.

carlos-thatcher

Carlos flushes and ducks his head down. “Right… sorry, I just worry.” He blinks a few times. His eyes flick down the street and he freezes, eyes widening a bit. “No-” He whispers, he grabs Valerie’s arm and flings them against the wall.

Valerie starts to walk away. She immediately pulls a knife, instinct kicking in, and shoves him away. "What the fuck are you doing?"

carlos-thatcher

Carlos cries out sharply when she pushes him away, his eyes wide. “I saw- I saw…” He breathes heavily and grabs at his face. “I’m sorry, I’m so sorry- I thought…”

Valerie crossed her arms over her chest, shoving her knife back into her pocket. "You thought what?" She says shrilly.

carlos-thatcher

“Why do you have a knife?” Carlos gasps out, he doubles over a bit, taking a few shaky breaths. “I thought I saw someone from… from my past, I’m sorry.”

"Because im a teenage girl walking home at night." She glares at him lightly. "Why did you freak out so much?" Its probably someone from the tac team coming to collect her--

carlos-thatcher

“Right-” Carlos rests his hands on his knees, breathing quickly. “Because they’re awful people, and I- I…” He stares with wide eyes. “Please get Lillian- I need Lillian…”

"Yeah, yeah, okay." She was going to be in so much trouble. But she calls Lillian anyway. "Hey, um- Carlos was walking me to the bus stop, and he said he saw someone?He's freaking out, Lily, he asked for you-"

carlos-thatcher

Carlos doubles over further. Lillian sounds furious when she replies. “Why was he walking with you girl?! I’m on my way-”

"Thank you..." She cant answer the question in front of Carlis without being suspicious, so she just anxiously awaits Lillian's arrival.

carlos-thatcher

“Thank you-” Carlos chokes out. Lillian storms out of the building, glaring at Valerie before resting her hand on the back of Carlos neck. “Lo, enough. Calm yourself down, deep breathes, you are fine. Calm it down, now.”

Valerie watches. Some part of her feels... bad for him? She quickly shoves that feeling away in the hopes Lilian won't notice.

carlos-thatcher

Lillian gives her an angry look, she definitely noticed. She tucks Carlos head against her chest. “Shush, that’s enough Carlos, you’re fine.”

Valerie looks away, scolded. She's already made Lillian mad and she has no doubt that her handler is going to find out. She hopes Carlos is okay..

carlos-thatcher

Carlos takes a few deep breaths, he’s starting to look highly ashamed of himself. Lillian rubs his forehead, glancing to Valerie with disgust.

Valerie steps back. In fact, she slips away entirely, not wanting to get in any more trouble and leaving to meet her ride.

carlos-thatcher

Carlos looks up after a moment, frowning a bit. Where did she go…? he frowns and looks around quickly.

Valerie is hurridly walking away before Xarlos can catch up, hoping he just forgets about ber...

carlos-thatcher

Carlos frowns a bit, he goes back to his apartment with Lillian, but the next day he’s looking through files, trying to find anything on her.

There's very little, and there's no record of her ever having a relationship with Lillian beyond thr address in her file.

carlos-thatcher

Carlos frowns and sits back in his seat, tapping his pencil against his desk. Who on earth could she be? He starts researching further, trying to find anything, an address, a picture, something so he can find her again.

He finds one, tucked away deep in files that are more Hydra than they are Shield. Its not much, just a photo with the name Valerie next to it.

carlos-thatcher

Carlos curses under his breath, covering his face. Hydra- of course it would be Hydra. But why… why would Lillian know her? No- that just can’t be. He shoves himself to his feet, he has to find Valerie.

Valerie has already been whisked back to Hydra. She'd been picked up early, and had to report her numerous near failures to her handler. Three's barely a file on her, but her age.. that hadn't been a lie.

carlos-thatcher

Carlos frowns, he gets a disguise and does something he didn’t think he’d be doing for a long time… he goes back to Hydra, wandering around the base, eyes flicking over it.

Valerie, by pure coincidence, had been out on the grounds training, in the fresh air instead of in one of the internal rooms. She doesn't notice Carlos, because of his disguise, but she's clearly hard at work.

carlos-thatcher

Carlos frowns as he watches, slipping closer. He doesn’t want to be here- “Valerie!” He calls out, testing the name.

Valerie whirls around instantly, eyes scanning before the land on Carlos. "Yes, sir?" She greets, not recognising him but figuring better safe than sorry.

carlos-thatcher

Carlos pales, he looks quickly to the side, a hand flinging up to press to his chest. No, no this is not happening! She is not- no!

Valerie frowns and approaches him cautiously. "Sir?Are you alright?" She cocks her head to the side. "Did you need me?"

carlos-thatcher

Carlos drops his head into his hands. Lillian- Lillian knew her! “Agent Lillian. Information please, did she make it back?” Please say no, please say she’s not Hydra-

Valerie nods quickly. "Yes, sir. But she isn't here right now. Did you need me to pass along a message?"

Open roleplay

(Modern, teen Steve. At camp)

Steve steps off the camp bus, glancing around the camp with wide eyes. His Ma had sent him off to this camp, managed to get enough money to send him, Steve had insisted he didn’t need to go, to save the money. But she’d wanted him to go, to experience it, get away from the city for a bit.

Steve glances around at all the other teens, fidgeting with the strap of his bag, he’s a bit anxious about the next three weeks. It’s a long time to be away from home. He chews his lip as he looks around, trying to find his group. He looks beyond lost, turning and bumping into someone on accident. “Sorry!”

Valerie had wanted desperately to go on the camp. She'd paid for it herself, because her foster father had refused to. But she was thrilled for three weeks away from him.

She looks up at Steve, shrugging. "...it's fine.. you okay?"

Steve startles and turns quickly, his eyes are wide, he’s clearly on edge to be here. “I’m okay, are you-” He plucks at his bag, eyes darting around the camp, he’s never been to anything like this before. And he’s worried, his Ma is home with just his Pa.

"I'm fine," Valerie says with a quick nod. Her eyes glance over him, she can tell that he's on edge. She slings her backpack back over her shoulder, sleeve slipping to show a couple bruises on her arm.

Steve nervously fidgets with his bag, biting his lip. His eyes flick to the bruise and he starts walking, he doesn’t know where he’s supposed to go, so he falls in step by Valerie.

Valerie seems a bit nervous. "So. I'm Valerie," she introduces herself cautiously. She doesn't know entirely what to do, but she came here to kinda meet people..

“Steve.” Steve gestures to himself, he fidgets with his hands. “First time here too?” He gives her a small smile, he didn’t expect to be quite this nervous. But he really just wants to be back in Brooklyn, with his Ma, make sure she’s okay.

unofficially-tonystark

Valerie nods. "Yeah, my first time too." She's glad she isnt the only one here for the first time... "Its nice to meet you!"

“You too!” Steve ducks his head down, hair falling into his face. He kicks a rock and watches it skip away. “I guess I’ll see you later yeah? At dining hall? I think I’m supposed to be with my group.” He glances around confused, looking for a counselor.

Valerie runs a hand through her hair, then ties it up. She hated how long it is... "I dont know where my group is," she admits. "But yeah!! I'll see you at dining hall!"

carlos-thatcher

Open roleplay

(Carlos as a Shield agent not undercover yet. Age 22. Will feature his wife Lillian who is a Hydra agent.)

Carlos sits in a Shield room, humming quietly to himself as he looks through a file, he’d just gotten back from a difficult mission, one that will haunt his dreams for a while. He sighs softly as he writes, some missions were just hard.

Carlos doesn’t look up as he hears the door open, expecting it to be his wife. “Hey Lillian, I just finished that report…” Carlos looks up and blinks in surprise, that’s not Lillian. “Hello… can I help you?” He tilts his head, slowly closing his file.

Valerie blinks in surprise at Carlos' presence. "...I was looking for Lillian," she lies. She hadn't expected Carlos to be in her office. Lillian was briefly supervising further undercover training for her - she was young, probably seventeen, maybe eighteen.

carlos-thatcher

Carlos tilts his head confused. He rests his hands on top of the file. “Oh… Lils- Lillian isn’t here right now… she was grabbing something from Fury’s office.” He eyes Valerie for a moment, softening. “What do you need from her? I’m sure I can help.” His voice is soft, just the hint of a British accent.

Valerie flicks her eyes from Carlos to the file. Her handler wanted her to get more adept at subterfuge, hence why she was here. She just needed to get some files from Carlos' office. She quickly reaches for her cover story. "Oh, she agreed to help me with my senior thesis! She used to live in my building."

carlos-thatcher

Carlos blinks and tucks the files into a drawer, he looks tired, brow pinched wit pain. “What’s it about? Love in your… oh…” He sits back in his seat, yawning quickly and folding his arms over his chest. “What’s your name? I’m Carlos, Carlos Thatcher.” He holds out a hand.

Valerie notes the pain. She can use it, if she needs a to. "Oh, its about women in positions of power," she answers. "I tried to get an interview with the Black Widow but she didn't bite," she adds jokingly. "I'm Alice."

carlos-thatcher

Carlos snorts out a laugh and smiles. “Yeah Natasha’s hard to get a hold of.” He glances around the office. “Well Lillian’s not here right now… she’ll probably be back in bit but you can stay until she is.” He glances her over carefully. “Lils has never mentioned a… friend named Alice.”

Valerie flushes a little, trying to look sheepish, or like she's a little awestruck. "Well, we aren't Iike, friends, friends. I just thought she was cool, when she lived in my building. She was across the hall from my mom and I."

carlos-thatcher

“Ah…” Carlos pulls out his files again, writing a few things down. “She is pretty cool.” Carlos smiles slightly before shaking his head, clearing his throat. “Oh the building down in Brooklyn?”

"Yeah," Valerie breathes. Hero worship is easy to fake. abyway. She nods. "Yrah, over on 2nd? She wasn't there for very long, but I've been there years..."

carlos-thatcher

“Hm…” Carlos had tried that as a trick, because he’s suspicious, when is he not by now? He didn’t think Lillian had lived in Brooklyn, but maybe it was so brief she never mentioned it? “Huh, she always told me she lived in Manhattan.”

Valerie shrugs. "Do you know her well?" She asks curiously. She's going to be so fucked if she messes this up. "It was only for like, a couple months."

carlos-thatcher

Carlos eyes her suspiciously before he softens. He rubs at his forehead for a moment. “Yeah, she’s my wife.” He nods slowly, wincing a little. “I’m sure it was.” She probably had a mission out there, yeah.

Valerie fakes shock. "Oh, wow. I didn't realise that was you! That's awesome, you're really lucky." She nods. "Yeah.. i should probably go find her, or I'll have to come back tonmorow.."

carlos-thatcher

Carlos nods slowly, massaging at his head. “No, no, I’ll just text her to come on down and meet you here. You can’t just go wandering around a Shield building.”

"Are you alright?" Valerie asks lightly and then smiles at him brightly. "Oh, thank you! That would be wonderful." She just needs him to leave...

carlos-thatcher

“Sorry, me head hurts a bit.” Carlos bites the inside of his cheek. He nods as he grabs his phone, sending a text to Lillian. He glances back to his work and sighs, he just wants to go home for a bit.

Valerie fakes sympathy. "Oh, I'm sorry." She looks around for a place to sit. "You don't have to sit here and watch me! I'm not gonna do anything."

carlos-thatcher

Carlos gestures a chair at the side of the desk. “I know… I just need to finish up my report.” He taps the file in front of him with a long sigh.

Valerie quickly comes and sits beside him. If he'd just open that file, she'd be able to read and memorise it. "...of course. Must keep you busy here."

carlos-thatcher

Carlos scoots the file back a bit, keeping it closed. “It does… just got back from a… hard mission. Lots to report.” He taps his pencil against the file.

Valerie nods. "Makes sense." She sits quietly, pulling out a phone to idly scroll on. Its an older model, on the outside.

carlos-thatcher

Carlos glances the phone over, he opens his file and starts to write a few things down, keeping it out of Valerie’s view.

Valerie scowls. She needs some sort of plan. She's not good at this sort of thing yet. "Im sorry to be a pain, is there a bathroom somewhere?"

carlos-thatcher

Carlos nods and points to a door attached to the office. “Bathrooms in there.” He smiles softly.

Valerie smiles brightly. She slips into thr bathroom to text Lillian.

I need help.

carlos-thatcher

Carlos goes back to writing.

What with?

Valerie anxiously waits. She needs this.

He won't leave.

carlos-thatcher

Stupid girl. I’m on my way.

She winces.

Thank you.

She quickly flushes and slips back into the office. "Thanks, Carlos!"

carlos-thatcher

Carlos looks up and smiles. “Of course.” The door opens a moment later and Lillian walks in.

Valerie fakes a bright familiar smile when Lillian walks in. "Lily!! Hi! Thank you for agreeing to see me."

carlos-thatcher

Lillian smiles back. “Of course… I’m glad to help you.” She walks over and kisses the top of Carlos head.

Valerie smiles. "I didnt know your husband worked here too!" Val says with feigned excitement.

carlos-thatcher

Lillian laughs and shakes her head, petting Carlos hair with one hand. “Oh yes, we work together closely.”

"Thats so cute." Valerie smiles at Carlos, privately a mix of amused and disturbed that he has no idea about Lillian being Hydra.

carlos-thatcher

Carlos smiles back. “I know, working couple.” He laughs and gives her a kiss, Lillian rests a hand on the back of his neck. “Alice, I see you’re behind on your essay.” She looks annoyed.

Valerie nods a little bit. "I... yeah." She withers slightly under Lillian's stare, but not a suspicious amount.... "I just cant find the evidence I need."

carlos-thatcher

Lillian hums and shakes her head. “That’s disappointing.” Carlos frowns a bit and looks up.

Valerie drops her gaze. "I'm sorry. I'm trying." She wrings her hands behind her back.

carlos-thatcher

Carlos raises an eyebrow. “It’s just an essay…” Katrina hums and masssges the back of his neck. “Of course…”

"Yeah, its just for my finals, so..." Valerie shrugs. "Could we maybe use your office for our interview?" She asks Carlos.

carlos-thatcher

“Oh of course.” Carlos smiles and stands, giving Katrina a quick kiss. “You know… we have a free evening if you’d like to come to dinner, you could talk lots more at our place.” Carlos says with a smile before leaving the room.

"Thanks!" Valerie smiles brightly. "I appreciate the offer, but my dad will want me home. I'm pushing curfew as it is." She rubs her neck sheepishly then drops the act as soon as he's gone, moving for the file.

carlos-thatcher

Katrina scowls and slams her hand on top of the file. “Why are you still here girl?” Her demeanor completely changes, anger flashing in her eyes.

Valerie falters, pulling her hand away from the file quickly. "I--. He wasn't supposed to be in here," she says cautiously.

carlos-thatcher

“Mm, maybe. But you’re supposed to know how to react and get the information even when things don’t go to plan.” She snaps angrily.

Valerie looks down. "I know, ma'am. That's why I asked you to come over... he trusts you."

carlos-thatcher

“You shouldn’t have had to do that, girl. You could’ve thought of something better.” She shakes her head and shoves the file to Valerie. “Of course he trusts me, I’m his wife.”

Valerie nods and takes the file, scanning the information to be able to report back. There's nothing important for the test. "...yes, ma'am. "

carlos-thatcher

Lillian shakes her head a bit. “Go.” She points to the door, unaware Carlos is still outside it.

Valerie slinks out of the room, startling when she sees Carlos to put her persona back on. "Oh! Hi!"

carlos-thatcher

Carlos smiles and looks up from the file he’s holding. “Hi… everything okay?”

Valerie nods rapidly. "Everything's fine. Thank you. I just gotta get home."

carlos-thatcher

“Let me walk you out.” Carlos says gently, he feels like something’s off.

Valerie nods. She has no reason to say no, so... "Oh, thank you."

carlos-thatcher

“Of course.” Carlos starts walking, wincing a bit and tucking his files to his chest.

Valerie follows after him quietly. She fakes a yawn. "This is nice if you."

carlos-thatcher

Carlos shoots her a smile. “I like to make sure people get home safe, is your dad picking you up?”

Valerie shakes her head. "I'm just getting the bus. I do it all the time," she adds quickly.

carlos-thatcher

Carlos nods slowly. “Well the bus stop is the next street over… it’s getting late.” He looks worried.

"Carlos, thats sweet, but I just met you, I'm not gonna let you drive me home," she says, predicting the offer.

carlos-thatcher

Carlos flushes and ducks his head down. “Right… sorry, I just worry.” He blinks a few times. His eyes flick down the street and he freezes, eyes widening a bit. “No-” He whispers, he grabs Valerie’s arm and flings them against the wall.

Valerie starts to walk away. She immediately pulls a knife, instinct kicking in, and shoves him away. "What the fuck are you doing?"

carlos-thatcher

Carlos cries out sharply when she pushes him away, his eyes wide. “I saw- I saw…” He breathes heavily and grabs at his face. “I’m sorry, I’m so sorry- I thought…”

Valerie crossed her arms over her chest, shoving her knife back into her pocket. "You thought what?" She says shrilly.

carlos-thatcher

“Why do you have a knife?” Carlos gasps out, he doubles over a bit, taking a few shaky breaths. “I thought I saw someone from… from my past, I’m sorry.”

"Because im a teenage girl walking home at night." She glares at him lightly. "Why did you freak out so much?" Its probably someone from the tac team coming to collect her--

carlos-thatcher

“Right-” Carlos rests his hands on his knees, breathing quickly. “Because they’re awful people, and I- I…” He stares with wide eyes. “Please get Lillian- I need Lillian…”

"Yeah, yeah, okay." She was going to be in so much trouble. But she calls Lillian anyway. "Hey, um- Carlos was walking me to the bus stop, and he said he saw someone?He's freaking out, Lily, he asked for you-"

carlos-thatcher

Carlos doubles over further. Lillian sounds furious when she replies. “Why was he walking with you girl?! I’m on my way-”

"Thank you..." She cant answer the question in front of Carlis without being suspicious, so she just anxiously awaits Lillian's arrival.

carlos-thatcher

“Thank you-” Carlos chokes out. Lillian storms out of the building, glaring at Valerie before resting her hand on the back of Carlos neck. “Lo, enough. Calm yourself down, deep breathes, you are fine. Calm it down, now.”

Valerie watches. Some part of her feels... bad for him? She quickly shoves that feeling away in the hopes Lilian won't notice.

carlos-thatcher

Lillian gives her an angry look, she definitely noticed. She tucks Carlos head against her chest. “Shush, that’s enough Carlos, you’re fine.”

Valerie looks away, scolded. She's already made Lillian mad and she has no doubt that her handler is going to find out. She hopes Carlos is okay..

carlos-thatcher

Carlos takes a few deep breaths, he’s starting to look highly ashamed of himself. Lillian rubs his forehead, glancing to Valerie with disgust.

Valerie steps back. In fact, she slips away entirely, not wanting to get in any more trouble and leaving to meet her ride.

carlos-thatcher

Carlos looks up after a moment, frowning a bit. Where did she go…? he frowns and looks around quickly.

Valerie is hurridly walking away before Xarlos can catch up, hoping he just forgets about ber...

carlos-thatcher

Carlos frowns a bit, he goes back to his apartment with Lillian, but the next day he’s looking through files, trying to find anything on her.

There's very little, and there's no record of her ever having a relationship with Lillian beyond thr address in her file.

carlos-thatcher

Carlos frowns and sits back in his seat, tapping his pencil against his desk. Who on earth could she be? He starts researching further, trying to find anything, an address, a picture, something so he can find her again.

He finds one, tucked away deep in files that are more Hydra than they are Shield. Its not much, just a photo with the name Valerie next to it.

carlos-thatcher

Carlos curses under his breath, covering his face. Hydra- of course it would be Hydra. But why… why would Lillian know her? No- that just can’t be. He shoves himself to his feet, he has to find Valerie.

Valerie has already been whisked back to Hydra. She'd been picked up early, and had to report her numerous near failures to her handler. Three's barely a file on her, but her age.. that hadn't been a lie.

carlos-thatcher

Carlos frowns, he gets a disguise and does something he didn’t think he’d be doing for a long time… he goes back to Hydra, wandering around the base, eyes flicking over it.

Valerie, by pure coincidence, had been out on the grounds training, in the fresh air instead of in one of the internal rooms. She doesn't notice Carlos, because of his disguise, but she's clearly hard at work.

carlos-thatcher

Carlos frowns as he watches, slipping closer. He doesn’t want to be here- “Valerie!” He calls out, testing the name.

Valerie whirls around instantly, eyes scanning before the land on Carlos. "Yes, sir?" She greets, not recognising him but figuring better safe than sorry.

carlos-thatcher

Carlos pales, he looks quickly to the side, a hand flinging up to press to his chest. No, no this is not happening! She is not- no!

Valerie frowns and approaches him cautiously. "Sir?Are you alright?" She cocks her head to the side. "Did you need me?"

Open Roleplay Non-Hydra/Cage Fighter AU [tw for violence & manipulation]

Most people knew her as Viper. That was the callsign she'd been assigned in the cages, anyway, and it was her technique whenever she fought - strike hard and strike fast. She moved from cage to cage, leaving a trail of defeated opponents in her wake. Losses were few and far between. She'd been fighting for years, ever since she'd been picked up at thirteen by her... manager.

It had been a rough week of fighting. A few days prior, she'd pulled her shoulder in a fight and hadn't exactly been given the proper time to rest after resetting it. As of now, Valerie stands outside in the cold night air, sweat clinging to her. She's in the break between fights - best out of three against another well-known fighter. Lots of money on her to win, but... she lost her second fight, and bad.

The person approaching her just catches the end of her manager's rant. "I don't keep you around here to watch you lose fights. You want to go back to where I found you?" He'd shoved her back. "You better have your shit together before you come back inside for the next round."

Valerie lights a cigarette and leans back against the jagged brick wall, side eyeing the person who approaches. "What?" She snaps.

carlos-thatcher

“Hi.” Carlos waves a hand, shifting to lean against the wall next to her, his Dad’s one of the owners of the most popular places to go to fight. He definitely knows about her. “Manager seemed annoyingly pissed at you.” He holds a hand out for a cigarette, Carlos has the reputation of being a rich brat. Though he’s very much not.

Valerie raises an eyebrow when he holds a hand out for a cigarette, but hands one to him anyway, chucking him the lighter. "Well, I'm with him to win, not to let some borish meathead beat me with a cheap trick," she answers. She's heard of him to, fighting at Pierce's ring

carlos-thatcher

“Yeah but everyone has off days, your manager seems awful. Controlling.” Carlos lights the cigarette and takes a long draw, letting out a relieved breath and bumping his head back, glancing to Valerie. “What’s your name besides Viper? I’m Carlos.”

Valerie shrugs. "He's just stressed. I'm worth a lot of money, lotta angry gamblers if I don't win." She defends him easily, though a touch... tense. She takes a long draw of her own. She isn't really meant to tell people her name but she figures he probably can find out anyway. "It's Valerie."

carlos-thatcher

Carlos rolls his eyes, looking down at his cigarette. “The fighting is so…” He trails off and makes a face. He nods a bit and smiles. “Valerie… nice to meet you, which jerk is your manager?” He tips his head to the side. “Controlling, mean, yelling at you, treats you awful I’m sure… let me guess… Williams?”

Valerie frowns. The fighting has been the only life she's known for a long time. "He's not mean," she snaps defensively. "But yes. William." Her body tenses but her voice softens on the name. He's definitely more than her manager.

carlos-thatcher

Carlos makes a face at that. “Ew…” He mumbles, resting back against the wall. “He shouldn’t be doing whatever he’s doing to you.” Carlos takes another drag from his cigarette, he has a small bruise on his chin, not a normal place for one. “I know Williams, I know he’s not treating you right, how old are you?”

She purses her lips at his argumentativeness. "You don't know him like i do. He isn't doing anything wrong," she tells him, taking a other drag. She exhales harshly. "Im 22," she answers, arms crossed.

carlos-thatcher

Carlos drags his eyes over her before shrugging. “Sure he’s not.” He gives her a small smile. “Just so you know, you could do so much better then that creep.” He looks at her for a moment before looking away. “You know… I don’t have a fighter…”

Valerie's body is littered with bruises and scars. It's hard to tell if they're from the fighting or from something, someone, else. She looks at him. "Why do you think he's a creep?" She asks, almost curious. He had found her when she was 13... "I'm not looking to change."

carlos-thatcher

Carlos frowns at all the marks on her. He puts out his cigarette. “He has a tendency to scoop up people young, make them fighters, train them too hard and do disgusting things to them. I’ve seen it before.” Carlos looks down and flexes his hands out. “I could offer better than Williams.”

Valerie frowns. She drags her cigarette, not liking the thought of William treating other people how he treats her. She wanted to be different to him, maybe cause he was all she had. "He isn't like that with me. He doesn't push me too hard." He does. She scoffs. "Please. A daddy's boy like you? You've probably never even seen the inside of a ring."

carlos-thatcher

“Valerie, I can see the bruises and cuts not from ring fighting.” Carlos frowns and narrows his eyes. “Yeah… I’ve never seen the inside of a ring…” He pushes back his hair, showing her his blind eye. “Never.” He tugs up his shirt, he has a long jagged scar that goes from his chest to disappearing at his waistband. “Never set foot in one.” He shoots her a look.

"I have to train as well. Jesus, you think he's beating me or something?" She scoffs, crossing her arms over her chest and stamping out her cigarette. She eyes the scar, surprised. "...huh. So why don't you fight? I bet Pierce wants you to."

carlos-thatcher

“I know he’s not treating you well.” Carlos says carefully. He huffs and shoves his shirt back down. “I’m not good enough for him, I’m better at training fighters, I could pay you well… make you even better.”

Valerie rolls her eyes. "You're so suspicious of him, and for what? He loves me. I love him. We work well together, I make us thousands each time I step in that ring." She's prickly and defensive. "You don't know anything about my life. And I'm not looking for new management."

carlos-thatcher

“Sick kind of love.” Carlos mumbles, he crosses his arms over his chest, raising an eyebrow. “You could make more money for me, I could set you up well, nice house, nice money, not being hurt or belittled by your manager.” A door in the back flings open. “Carlos! Get inside!” Someone yells. Carlos rolls his eyes. “Piss off! I’ll come in when I want to!”

Valerie rolls her eyes. "I make plenty of money. I get a 40% cut, that's more than most." That was just blatantly wrong, most managers had to give at least 50... "Yeah? You gonna fuck me, too? Keep me being the best in the ring?" She raises an eyebrow and then scoffs. "You better run and watch the next show. Your daddy is calling."

carlos-thatcher

“40%?” Carlos makes a face. “I could give you 70% percent. 40 is just wrong.” Carlos scoffs and shakes his head. “No, unlike Williams I actually have class.” He rolls his eyes and waves a hand towards the door. “That’s not my daddy as you say. It’s fine.”

Valerie stares at him then bursts out laughing. "Now I know you're fucking with me. No one is giving their fighting 70%." she shakes her head, crossing her arms. "No? I hear your close with Rumlow, too."

carlos-thatcher

Carlos shakes his head a bit. “I do, I’m not messing with you. Fighters should be treated well.” He crosses his arms and snorts. “Brock… he’s my… partner. Father chose him. Don’t be thinking you can get at me with him.”

"I am treated well. You're talking about paying me, what, twice the required amount? No one is doing that." She clearly has no idea.. all her information about tbe world of the rings came from William. "Oh, so he's your boyfriend?No wonder. You want to talk about a dick, pick on him."

carlos-thatcher

“I am doing that, and it’s not that unusual. Williams been lying to you, if he’s the first person you ever got, he educated you on it wrong.” Carlos shakes his head, glancing back towards the ring. He crosses his arms and shakes his head. “Partner. It’s not like I let him walk all over me, it’s for show.”

Valerie narrows her eyes. There's no way, right? "...He's the only manager I've had. He got me into this," she tells him after a brief pause. "Yeah, alright. Cause that's so normal for you to be a show pony for Pierce. Clearly I'm the one im a weird situation."

carlos-thatcher

“You got a bad manager for your first one, I’m sorry.” Carlos says gently, he reaches out and briefly touches her shoulder, he steps back and shrugs. “Yeah maybe we’re both in weird situations, but I have control over what I’m doing. Brock doesn’t own me.”

"Well, it doesnt matter anyway." She stares at the hand that touched her. "Brock maybe doesn't own you but he owns me. He saved my life. Even if i wanted to leave i couldn't."

carlos-thatcher

“He doesn’t have to own you, you wouldn’t be the first fighter I got away from a toxic manager. He doesn’t own you cause he saved you.” Carlos pushes his hair back, he stares back at the door.

"He does. I signed a contract." She still doesn't want to admit that he's toxic. She does love him, and she doesn't know anything else than him.

carlos-thatcher

“I know how to get people out of contracts.” Carlos dusts his shirt off. “You’re in a bad place, and you can’t see how bad it is, here- come with me.” He grabs her hand, pulling her towards the ring.

Valerie should fight him off, but she doesn't. Instead, she follows him to the ring, crossing her arms. "What exactly do you think I can't see?" She snaps.

carlos-thatcher

“I’m just showing you something.” Carlos tugs her up into a private room where Pierce usually is, it’s empty at the moment. “Look, I can set you up even better then Williams… I won’t hurt you, you’ll be safe, be in the best places and get good money.”

Valerie sits down across from him. "I am safe. And I already fight against the best, in the best rings," she argues, assuming its true. "Why do you want to do this?"

carlos-thatcher

“I didn’t say fight against the best, I said treat you the best.” Carlos shoves a door opens, showing her an incredibly nice room for fighters for between fights, it’s… nicer then the usual ones considered nice. “Because I don’t like seeing people treated like trash.”

Valerie raises an eyebrow at the room around her. "Shit. Guess being Pierce's kid pays off," she says as she looks around. It's much nicer than hers. "...I'm not treated like trash." Its weaker this time.

carlos-thatcher

Carlos nods slowly. “It comes with at least one good perk.” He reaches out and touches her arm again. “Hey… you just can’t see it… but you’ll be happier here, I promise. I can help you.”

Valerie stares at the hand on her arm. "What makes you so sure?" She asks. "You have a grudge against Will. Okay. Sure. But you don't know me. Why don't you think I'm... happy?"

carlos-thatcher

Carlos keeps his hand on her arm. “Because I know what this looks like, I know you’re not happy, not truly in the way you could be. I’ve seen it before… and I try to fix it, help.”

"You think my life needs fixing." She should shove him away, but she doesn't. Maybe part of her knows that something isnt right. "I have two years left in my contract. Signed at 14.

carlos-thatcher

“Mm… I phrased that badly. You need help, and I want to help you.” Carlos doesn’t move his hand, he huffs and shakes his head. “Signing you that young is disgusting.”

"Right." Valerie crossed her arms and then feels the need to defend herself quickly. "It wasn't like that. I had been begging him to sign me officially for almost a year!"

carlos-thatcher

Carlos shakes his head. “That makes it worse actually.” He sits down in a chair, turning to face Valerie. “Williams took you young, and he took advantage of you not knowing anything about ring fighting. Trust me, this isn’t normal.”

Valerie leans against the wall, hands crosses tightly against her chest. "Yeah, no shit. Abnormal doesn't mean bad. Besides, I wasnt some naive kid, I'd been living on the streets for a year at that point."

carlos-thatcher

“Mm, so you were vulnerable then, he preyed on that. Maybe abnormal doesn’t mean bad, but what you have with Williams isn’t just abnormal, it’s toxic.” Carlos shrugs and leans back in his seat.

Valerie scowls. "Stop twisting my words!" She really has no idea how awful their relationship is. "It isn't toxic. I'd be nothing if it wasnt for him!"

carlos-thatcher

“I could make you something better.” Carlos says softly, he sighs and tips his head back. “Listen, I know you can’t see how bad it is because you’re in it. But if you come with me… it’ll be even better, Valerie.”

"I'm already the best. What could possibly offer to make me better?" She's hesitating, though. Carlos seems so kind. But no one in this world is truly kind, right?

carlos-thatcher

“Better training, a manager who doesn’t tell you what to do for every single thing, better pay, your own apartment, private rooms to train in, the best fights in town, my fathers security. And a… a friend.” Carlos smiles and looks up at her, eyes softer.

She can't deny that it sounds appealing... but. "Comfort isn't going to make me better. Progress only comes through pain." The words come out clearly parroted. "...but a friend might be nice."

carlos-thatcher

Carlos wants to argue against that, but he knows right now it will do no good. “I would be happy to be your friend…” He holds his hand out towards her. “I can be your friend, give you a happier life… safer.”

Valerie nods. "I would like that. I dont... really have any friends." She doesn't really have anyone except William. "You're really just doing this to be nice?"

carlos-thatcher

Carlos nods and nudges the chair next to him. “Neither do I…” He glances around the room with a sad expression. His eyes dart back to Valerie and he softens. “I really am… and I wouldn’t mind a friend too.”

Valerie smiles. "Okay." She looks around the room too. It really is nice, much better than hers. "I gotta go. The next round will be starting soon, but I'll.. see you around?"

carlos-thatcher

“Yeah, yeah come back up here after, I’ll have security make sure Williams can’t get to you.” Carlos pulls out a large stack of cash, he’s used to bribing security. “I’ll go sit in his area actually, make sure of it.” He smiles gently at Valerie. “But come up here after, yeah?”

Valerie frowns. "You don't need to do that," she protests. "He's not my keeper. He won't mind if I come see you." She eyes the large stack of cash. "But yeah. I'll come here."

carlos-thatcher

Carlos shrugs a bit. “I just want to make sure this is as safe as it can be.” He flips through the cash and nods. “Good… I have to go see Brock anyways… I’ll say hi to Williams after then come back up here.”

"...okay." She doesnt bother arguing with him. She knows he won't believe her if she insists she's safe. "I'll see yu soon." She slips away to go fight again.

carlos-thatcher

“See you soon.” Carlos waves then makes his way out of the room, a few minutes later he’s finding Williams with Rumlow at his side, arm wrapped around his waist. “Williams, glad you could make it.” Carlos says as he glances the man over.

Williams looks the pair over. "....of course. I'd never miss one of my own's matches. I'm surprised to see you." He nods at Rumlow, clearly respecting him more.

carlos-thatcher

Carlos laughs and plops down next to Williams, dragging Rumlow down with him. Rumlow gives Williams a nod in reply. “Oh well, we’re just happy to have your fighter here.”

Williams hums approvingly. "Yes, she is exceptional." He watches the two of them, glancing at the cages where Valerie and her opponent are warming up. "Well, excusing that last match..."

carlos-thatcher

Carlos hums and watches, leaning forward a bit. He wants to get Valerie away from him. Rumlow snorts and nods, playing with Carlos hair. “It was a terrible match.” Rumlow says with a glsre. Carlos hums softly. “Maybe.”

Williams nods, looking annoyed, though where at the match or Rumlows comment isnt entirely clear. "Yes, she'll be made aware of that fact," he reassures him. Below, Valerie is winning her current one.

carlos-thatcher

Carlos tilts his head, smiling to himself a bit. Security had been well payed to keep Williams away, at least until Valerie is with him. “Mm,I’m sure.” Brock rolls his eyes and grabs Carlos shoulder. “Come on, let’s go.”

"Eager to take off with your boy I see," Williams says with a soft laugh, taunting Rumlow but in a friendly way. He has no idea about the bribes. Valerie is almost to Carlos' room, the fight over.

carlos-thatcher

“Always.” Rumlow grins and kisses Carlos before pulling him out. Carlos glares at Rumlow when they’ve left. “Piss off, we showed off.” He shoves Rumlow away and hurries towards his room.

Williams snickers as they leave, and gets up to try and find Valerie, but is indeed stopped by security. Valerie is waiting in Carlos room, nursing an ice pack to her shoulder.

carlos-thatcher

Carlos shuts the door firmly, leaning against it and breathing heavily for a long moment, he turns and startles. “Oh- you’re here already, good.” He softens and smiles, walking over to her. “Your shoulder going to be okay? I have painkillers.”

Valerie watches him with a curious gaze, then shakes her head. "I don't take painkillers. I'd take a cigarette id you've got on, though." Strange combination.

carlos-thatcher

Carlos tilts his head, brow furrowing. “What? Why no painkillers?” He digs through a bag in the room, mumbling under his breath to himself.

Valerie shrugs. "Keeps me fresh. if I know where I'm getting hurt I know where my form is weak." She watches him dig through his bag.

carlos-thatcher

Carlos makes a disgusted face. “That’s terrible, terrible practice. I’m sorry.” He pulls out a bottle of painkillers and water, offering them out to Valerie. “Please… take them.”

"How else am I meant to improve?" Valerie shrugs, and then winces as she does so. She. begrudgingly takes one of the painkillers and some water.

carlos-thatcher

“By training when you’re actually healed, so you can get better instead of just fighting through the pain.” Carlos glances to her, happy she took the painkillers.

"Fighting through the pain is how you learn." She doesnt sound defensive, just like she genuinely believes it. She gulps down more of the water.

carlos-thatcher

“It’s a bad way to learn… I don’t mean to be offensive but… it’s not a good way.” Carlos pulls out a pack of crackers and offers them to Valerie.

"Oh." Valerie looks away, surprised. She doesn't know what to do with that information.She takes the crackers hungrily, she hasnt eaten in a while.

carlos-thatcher

Carlos drops his head into his hands for a moment, he hates Williams so much. “It’s going to be okay… I’ll help you, I’ll help you know what’s normal and what’s not.”

"How do I know what you're saying is normal?" Valerie bites jer lip then eats another handful of crackers hungrily.

carlos-thatcher

Carlos sighs and sits back. “I’ve been in this business since… the day I was born. I was briefly a fighter… I… you’ll have to trust me.”

She hums non-committally and hands him back the food. Its practically empty save for a few crackers. "Maybe." She smikes weakly.

carlos-thatcher

Carlos looks a little concerned. “We can get some proper dinner in a bit.” He hums and nods, giving her an incredibly warm smile.

Valerie frowns, ans then shakes her head, saying all too casually, "It's alright. I lost my second fight, so.."

carlos-thatcher

Carlos looks up sharply, his expression horrified. “Valerie no- no, that’s not…” He shakes his head angrily. “You get food no matter how you fight.”

"Yeah but not food-food." She looks at him, taking in the horrified expression with a frown. "What.. are you okay?What did I say?"

carlos-thatcher

“No, you’re supposed to get real food, no matter the results from the fight.” Carlos blinks a few times, shaking his head. “The thing about losing a fight and implying that means no dinner, that’s so wrong.”

Valerie frowns, blinking like she doesnt understand. "No its... thats normal, isnt it?" She asks m, sounding confused.

carlos-thatcher

“No, no that’s not normal.” Carlos shakes his head, looking sad. “I’m sorry…” He checks the locks on the door.

Valerie frowns. "Oh." That's always been the way. Williams training has always been brutal. She eyes the door. "...he doesn't train properly, huh."

carlos-thatcher

“That’s awful… I’m sorry.” Carlos rests his forehead against the door for a moment. “No he doesn’t…”

"Its okay." She hadnt known. Valerie bites her lip and then blurts out the question on her mind. "Are there-- i mean, did you know other things?That hes doing and shouldnt?"

carlos-thatcher

Carlos sits down against the door, his eyes flick up to Valerie. “Yeah… I do know about other things he shouldn’t be doing…”

"With me?" She looks at him for a long moment. "Tell me. Please... I need to know..." She wanted to understand his worry. The disgust in his expression.

carlos-thatcher

“Yeah… well first, your manager shouldn’t be sleeping with you, hurting you, or getting into a relationship with you.” Carlos says as he looks down, touching his blind eye.

Valerie presses her lips together. "But why?It wasnt like i didnt want it. I'm the one who initiated it." She can see why maybe he shouldnt hurt her, but... "If he doesnt hurt me how would I learn."

carlos-thatcher

“Sometimes people have a way of manipulating us to do things, even in ways we don’t notice, or we feel like we owe it.” Carlos shrugs and covers the left side of his face, which effectively blinds him by covering his only seeing eye. “There’s other ways to learn… better ways.”

"You think he manipulated me into wanting him?" The thought makes her sound sad, and she watches him, intrigued, as he covers his only seeing eye. "Maybe... probablt not as effective..."

carlos-thatcher

Carlos looks down sadly. He keeps his hand over his eye. “Yeah… sadly. I’m sorry, I know it’s a horrible sad thought. My father did the same to me… I mean, in ways.” He tips his head back against the door. “Mm… but it’s still a better way, being hurt is never the way.”

Valerie's eyes widen. "Your father manipulated you into having sex with him!?" She's horrified by the concept and then looks down. "I just want to be the best."

carlos-thatcher

Carlos looks up sharply. “No! No- I meant- I…” Carlos flushes and sits back, covering his face. “Not him- but I had a lot of sex with my other manager and… it was just a mess- But I got permanently banned from fighting.” He glances up to Valerie. “You deserve to have more than just fighting in your life.” His voice is oh so soft.

"oh. That makes more sense." She nodd a little. "...i heard about that. Will told me about it once." She looks away. "Im sorry you got banned." And then she looks up and shrugs. "I don't have anything else, though... I dont even have my father anymkre." her voice turns bitter, almost angry

carlos-thatcher

“It’s okay… I didn’t want to fight.” Carlos tips his head against the door. “Yeah… turns out recording your fights for your own benefit is illegal in most underground rings.” He taps the left side of his head. His eyes soften and he reaches out, touching her hand. “I’m sorry about your father… I lost my mother.”

Valerie bites back a smirk. "I'm somehow not surprised by that..." She looks down at their now-intertwined hands. "...he's not dead. We just don't exactly.. speak. I'm sorry about your mother."

carlos-thatcher

Carlos smiles a bit, he squeezes her hand gently. “I’m still sorry… that’s really hard.” He glances up to her, expression soft.

"Yes." Valerie looks away, her eyes going sad before they turn angry again. She doesn’t know that Bucky never stopped looking for her.

carlos-thatcher

Carlos runs his thumb over her knuckles, sitting by her quietly. “I can’t imagine how hard that is.” He whispers. “I’m sorry.”

"You would think so, wouldn't you?" She shakes her head. "I don't want to talk about him. He made his choice."

carlos-thatcher

“Okay, we don’t have to talk about him.” Carlos lets go of her hand, playing with a strand of his hair.

"Thanks." She swallows and sits back. She grabs thr water bottle and drinks some more of it. "...i should go train. Its late."

carlos-thatcher

Carlos tilts his head confused. “You should go to bed, it’s late.” He stands up and stretches his arms out. “I have a place you can crash.”

Valerie hesitates. "I.. shouldn't. William will be upset if I don't go home." She shared an apartment with him...

carlos-thatcher

Carlos frowns and takes her hands. “Hey… you’re not his anymore, you can leave it all behind, please… I can give you so much more. Just one night, one night. Please.”

Valerie bites her lip, worried about what will happen if she goes with him. "...do you want something?I can pay, or.. or something..."

carlos-thatcher

Carlos shakes his head, his eyes soft. “I don’t want anything from you, I just want to give you a better life.”

"I'm not sure I deserve one," Valerie says quietly. She wrings her hands together, watching the calloused flesh writhe.

carlos-thatcher

“I think you do.” Carlos says gently, resting his hands on hers. “Everyone deserves a good life, no matter where you come from.”

"Maybe." Valerie turns to intertwine their hands, feeling like she needs the gentle touch again.

carlos-thatcher

Carlos holds her hands gently. He smiles softly and nods.

Valerie swallows and sits back. "So. I can. I can go sleep..?"

carlos-thatcher

Open roleplay

(Teenage Carlos with divorced parents AU. Carlos is 16, his mom’s name is Isabella)

Carlos paces around in his bedroom at his Mom’s house, he has a bag packed to go to his Dad’s, tomorrow, after the child custody court in the morning. His parents are divorced and custody has been a mess, tomorrow’s an important court day.

Carlos smiles when he hears someone open his bedroom door. “Hey, thanks for coming.” He pushes his hair back, giving them a slightly nervous smile. “I know it’s not going to be very fun going to court with me.” He’s worried, nervous about talking to the judge, what the custody will be, and his Mother’s planning to move back to England… it’s a lot.

Valerie had been new to Carlos' school about a year ago, they'd been fast friends. She'd changed schools after moving with her father away from the old one to escape a bunch of drama.

"I wouldnt miss it," she promises him. "I'm here for you, C, you know that."

carlos-thatcher

Carlos smiles and nods. “Thanks Val.” He’s incredibly fond of her, she’s been an amazing friend to him the past year. He smooths a hand down his shirt nervously. “Does this look okay?”

"Always." She smiles, and walks over to gently smooth his shirt. "You look great, Carlos." He always does.

carlos-thatcher

“Thanks…” Carlos smiles at the touch, letting her fix his shirt. “Okay- I need to get my bag in the car. Then mother is going to take us all to the court house, Dad will be there and I’m probably going home with him…”

"Ugh." Valerie scrunches her nose, she hates Carlos' father. He was an asshole. "Will he let me go with you?"

carlos-thatcher

“Yeah.” Carlos scrunches his nose and slings his bag over his shoulder. “I don’t know. He might if he’s in a good mood.”

Valerie follows him towards the car. "Unlikely then." He was always pissy, at least with her. "Ill just sneak over."

carlos-thatcher

“I’ll keep my window unlocked.” Carlos grins at her. Isabella looks up from the car, she looks tired and worried, she wants full custody of Carlos. “Hey Valerie, you coming with us?” Her voice is warm, a thick British accent.

"Hell yeah." Valerie grins and then softens a little when she sees Isabella. "Of course, Ms. Thatcher. I want to be there for Carlos."

carlos-thatcher

Carlos climbs into the car, leaning back in the seat. Isabella smiles warmly. “Thank you Val, I’m glad he’s not alone.” She slips in the drivers seat.

"Never is." Valerie smiles and slips in next to Carlos. She knows she cant change the custody outcome but she can be tbere anyway...

carlos-thatcher

Carlos rests his head on her shoulder, watching the buildings pass by as the drive. “I’m nervous.” He whispers as they pull up to the court house a few minutes later.

"It'll be alright. He's not gonna win," Val promises, playing with his hair as they drive. She gets out with him.

carlos-thatcher

Carlos hums softly. He glances around, his face dropping when he sees Pierce. Pierce smiles fakely and walks over. “Carlos, I missed you my boy.” He holds his arms out, Carlos glances to Valerie before reluctantly hugging Pierce, but softening into the hug. Isabella frowns. “Carlos go inside with Valerie please honey.”

Valerie doesn't bother greeting Pierce. She hates him, hates how he treats Carlos and his mother both. "Okay, Ms. Thatcher." She smiles at Isabella and reaches for Carlos.

carlos-thatcher

Carlos steps back from Pierce, who tug his hair lightly. Carlos scurries over to Valerie and takes her hand with a smile, pulling her inside the court house.

Valerie smiles back at him carefully. "You ready for this?" She asks, looking at him to try and see if hes alright.

carlos-thatcher

Carlos glances to her nervously. “I guess… it’s not going to be fun.” He sighs and rests his head on her shoulder as they walk. “I just hope mom gets full custody… but you know how Father is.”

"He's persuasive," Valerie agrees. She wraps an arm around his waist. "But you're mum is a good person. She'll convince them."

carlos-thatcher

Carlos hums as he pulls Valerie to the front of the room, sitting down. “I hope so, but then… but if only Mother gets me I won’t be able to see you… cause she’s moving back to England.”

Valerie leans against him when they sit. "I'll come visit. I'd rather you be far away from me if it means you're far away from him."

carlos-thatcher

“I suppose yeah… but I’ll really miss you.” Carlos leans into her back, smiling when Isabella walks in. He scrunches his nose when Pierce follows.

"I'll really miss you too." She hugs him quickly and smiles at Isabella, dropping the smile at the sight of Pierce.

carlos-thatcher

Carlos settles back in his chair, anxiously chewing on his lip as court starts. He just wants to be with his mother- He leans shakily into Valerie, he’s nervous about when he has to speak.

Valerie keeps close, even when it gets a side eye from Pierce. Eventually, Carlos is the one who has to speak. "You got this."

carlos-thatcher

Carlos nods shakily and goes forward, he keeps his eyes on Valerie. He bites his lip when the judge asks him about how his parents treat him. Carlos glances to the judge. “Um…” He trails off and looks down, not saying another word.

"Carlos, you're not going to get in trouble," the judge gently reassures him. "We just want to head your side of things."

carlos-thatcher

Carlos nods, his eyes nervously flicking to Pierce, which alone tells the judge a lot. “Can Valerie sit up here with me?” He glances to the judge again, biting his lip hard. “Mother is great, she makes sure I’m taken care of… she never hurts me physically or emotionally.”

The judge considers. "I don't see why not. You are a minor." Valerie quickly comes and sits beside Carlos. She squeezes his hand, the judge eyeing them. "That's good, Carlos. What about your father?'

carlos-thatcher

Carlos immediately leans into Valerie, giving her a grateful smile. He looks to the judge quickly. Isabella looks worried, Pierce just looks smug. “He’s fine.” Carlos blinks slowly, fiddling with Valerie’s fingers nervously. “He’s fine…”

Valerie holds his hand tight. "Has he ever hurt you?" The judge pushes, looking at Pierce and Carlos with a frown.

carlos-thatcher

Carlos looks to Pierce quickly. Pierce tilts his head ever so slightly. Carlos eyes Valerie carefully, nervously squeezing her hand. “No.” Isabella looks furious.

Valeries face isnt as neutral as Carlos'. Her dislike of Pierce is clear. "What about emotionally?"

carlos-thatcher

Carlos leans further into Valerie, growing increasingly nervous. He glances to Pierce again, Pierce gives him a very small frown. “No.” Carlos shakes his head. Isabella covers her face, clearly upset.

Valerie wraps an arm around Carlos, she can tell Pierce is controlling him and what he says and she hates it. She bites her tongue, though. "...you're excused, Carlos."

carlos-thatcher

Carlos lets out a small sound and quickly gets down, rushing back to his seat, pulling Valerie with him. He looks scared. Pierce glances their way, Isabella mumbles under his breath upset.

Valerie glowers at Pierce as she follows Carlos away. she holds him close as she sits down, the judge speaking to his parents.

carlos-thatcher

Carlos taps his fingers rapidly against the table, eyes wide as he stares down. “I shouldn’t have said no-” He chokes out. Pierce slips behind Carlos and squeezes the back of his neck firmly as he goes to speak. Carlos flinches, leaning into Valerie.

"It's okay. You can tell them now," she promises, pulling Carlos away when Pierce touches him. "Dont touch him," she snaps at him.

carlos-thatcher

“No I can’t.” Carlos says quickly. Pierce glares. “Don’t talk to me girl!” The judge looks up sharply. “Mr. Pierce…” Pierce looks up and flashes a smile. “Coming…” Carlos shudders and runs a hand down his face. “Judge…?” he whispers.

"Dont touch him then!'Valerie crosses her arms protectively. She glares as Pierces walks away. "He'll believe you if you tell him," she insisted.

carlos-thatcher

Carlos nods shakily. “Judge?” He stands up quickly, pulling Valerie up with him. “Can I come back up?” Pierce looks over and narrows his eyes. “Sit down Carlos, now.”

"Be quiet, Mr. Pierce. Carlos, of course you can. What would you like to say?" He asks gently, allowing Valerie to go with Carlos without comment.

carlos-thatcher

Carlos quickly goes up, trying not to look at Pierce. “Sometimes father says things that hurt.” He says carefully, glancing to Valerie instead of Pierce this time. “He’ll call me stupid, a waste, he’ll yell at me for a long time.” He says it all in a rush.

Valerie smiles encouragingly, even if she hates Pierce. "Thank you, Carlos," the judge tells him. "Does he ever hurt you? Physically?"

carlos-thatcher

Carlos fidgets with a strand of his hair. “No…” It’s still a lie but… he can’t make himself say that yet. Isabella stands quickly. “Carlos-”

"Please sit down, Ms. Thatcher," the judge warns. Valerie purses her lips, knowing its a lie, but this is progress, right. "Is there anything else i shoukd know, Carlos?"

carlos-thatcher

Isabella sits down, she just wants Carlos to tell the truth, wants him away from Pierce. Carlos thinks for a moment. “Father sometimes has friends over and they’re not nice men.” Yeah the friends may actually be from a gang but he’s not about to say that.

Valerie looks up. She didn't know this part. The judge frowns. "What do you mean, Carlos?Do they hurt you?"

carlos-thatcher

Carlos shrugs and traces a pattern into the bench. He quiets and thumps his head down on Valerie’s shoulder. Pierce looks furious.

Valerie runs a hand through his hair. "Carlos, this is important," the judge pushes. "When your father has his friends over, whay happens?"

carlos-thatcher

Carlos shrugs again unhelpfully, he chews his lip and leans into Valerie’s hand. “You brought those men around my son!” Isabella yells, she’s never even raised her voice around Carlos and Valerie, but she’s furious. She starts to storm towards Pierce. “You brought those men to our house?!”

Valerie and the judge both frown at Carlos lack of answer. Valerie widens her eyes in surprise when Isabella yells, she's never seen her yell before. "Carlos who are they?" She whispers.

carlos-thatcher

Security immediately rush for Isabella, who looks about ready to murder Pierce. Carlos eyes widen as he takes in Isabella yelling, she’s never done that before. “Dad’s gang.” He whispers incredibly quiet to her.

"Ms. Thatcher, I must insist you sit down!" The judge insists. Valerie's eyes widen. "He-- Carlos, what? He lets them around you!?"

carlos-thatcher

“He let those men around my son!” Isabella yells, she sits down heavily, only because she knows she needs to, for what’s best for Carlos. Carlos shrugs. “Yeah… but it’s fine. He’s always had a gang.” He whispers so the judge can’t hear. Pierce sits down, shaking his head.

"Sit down," the judge repeats. Valerie hugs Carlos tight, this isnt okay at all. She holds him as the judge addresses him again. "Carlos. Is there anything else i should know?"

carlos-thatcher

Carlos hugs her back, he shakes his head. “No sir.” Isabella lets out a frustrated cry. Piece just looks pleased.

"...Alright." The judge nods. "I'll make my judgement after some deliberation." Valerie leads Carlos down to Isabella.

carlos-thatcher

Isabella immediately wraps her arms around Carlos. He hugs her tightly, but quickly pulls back to snuggle into Valerie.

Valerie holds him tightly. "I hate him," she whispers, glancing over her shoulder Pierce furiously.

carlos-thatcher

Carlos nods shakily. Pierce frowns at Valerie. Carlos glances back towards Pierce. “He’s going to kill me.” Carlos presses a hand to his chest, taking a hiccuping breath.

"No, he isn't," Valerie says firmly. "I won't let him." She glares at Pierce before focusing all her attention on Carlos, pulling him close to her chest, holding him.

carlos-thatcher

“He’s gonna be so mad.” Carlos’ British accent comes out incredibly thick. Carlos hides against Valerie, wincing when the judge starts to speak.

"In the matter of custody over Carlos, I have given Ms Isabella Thatcher primary custody, with Alexander Pierce seeing Carlos one week of the month." Valerie scowls.

carlos-thatcher

Isabella drops her head into her hands. Carlos glances nervously towards Pierce, who looks both annoyed and pleased.

Valerie squeezes Carlos hand and tentatively lays a hand on Isabella's shoulder. It could've been worse? Shes still annoyed.

carlos-thatcher

Isabella gives Valerie a weak smile. Carlos squeezes Valerie’s hand tightly. “I’m glad he only has one week.” He whispers quietly.

"Me too." Valerie kisses his cheek quickly. She wishes that none of this had happened...

carlos-thatcher

Carlos smiles at the kiss, he pushes himself to his feet reluctantly. Pierce walks over and claps his hand on his shoulder. “Good thing I get you first hm? You’d miss me.” Carlos frowns a bit. “Yes father…” Carlos shifts to lean against Valerie.

Valerie pulls Carlos close so that he's out of Pierce's reach. "We're gonna work on our English assignment. right, C?"

carlos-thatcher

Carlos nods shakily. “Yeah, yeah English assignment. Val has to come over.” Pierce frown, he opens his mouth to say something but Isabella storms over, grabs his wrist and drags him down a hallway.

"I'm not leaving tonight," valerie promises once Pierce has been dragged away by Isabella. "not alone with him."

carlos-thatcher

Carlos hugs Valerie tightly. “He’s doing to be mad… he wanted more than a week.” He hides his face in her neck.

"Well he'll have to suck it up," Valerie says firmly. She holds him tight, stroking his hair gently.

carlos-thatcher

Carlos nods. “Screw him…” He takes a slow breath, looking up as Isabella walks back into the room. She rushes over to them and pulls both Carlos and Valerie into a hug. “I’m sorry-”

"Exactly." Valerie smiles at that. She hugs Isabella back tightly, she really loves Carlos' mother. "Do t be sorry!"

carlos-thatcher

Isabella hugs them tightly. “I just don’t want either of you near that man.” She cups the back of Carlos head protectively. “I’ll be okay Mother.” Carlos whispers.

Valerie looks over Carlos' head to meet Isabella's eyes. "I'm gonna keep him safe," she promises her.

carlos-thatcher

“Thank you…” Isabella whispers. Carlos pulls back and grabs Valerie’s hand. Pierce storms over and looks annoyed. He rests a heavy hand on the back of Carlos neck. “Let’s go.” Carlos glances back to the judge nervously before nodding.

A quick, jerky nod from Valerie. "Always." She hugs Isabella tightly and then rushes after Carlos, hooking their arms together as she walks with him, ignoring Pierce.

carlos-thatcher

Pierce looks annoyed at Valerie coming with them. Carlos happily links his arm with Valerie.

Valerie leans into Carlos, smiling blithely whenever Pierce glances at them. She sits in the middle seat of the car just so she can stay close as they drive.

carlos-thatcher

Carlos glances back to her every now and then. It’s not long before they arrive at Pierce’s house. “Get inside.” Pierce snaps, shoving Carlos towards the door.

Valerie frowns when Pierce shoves her. She follows in after him quickly, not hiding her disdain for Pierce. "Cmon, lets go study."

carlos-thatcher

Carlos grabs Valerie’s hand, shooting Pierce a dirty look. “Yeah- let’s go.” He hurries off to his room before Pierce can stop him.

Valerie rushes off with him. "Im so sorry," she says as soon as the door closes, pulling him into a tight hug.

carlos-thatcher

Carlos bursts into angry sobs as soon as they’re alone, he collapses into the hug, clinging to her. “I should’ve tried harder!”

Valerie strokes his hair soothingly. "You did your best. You knew he'd get some custody... at least its only occasionally..."

carlos-thatcher

“He’s going to kill me!” Carlos shudders and closes his eyes, taking a few shaky breaths. “It’s going to be hell here Val!”

"I'll be here as much as I can," Valerie says. "And you can come to my house whenever! It'll be okay..."

carlos-thatcher

Carlos rests his head on her shoulder, nodding shakily. “Okay…” He winces as he remembers all he said in court. “How much did… did you know about? From what I said in court… and how my mother reacted.”

Valerie sighs. "I knew he was cruel to you. I know he hits yu even if you refuse to admit it..." She trails off. "I didn't know about the gang."

carlos-thatcher

Carlos nods slowly. He knew she knew about him being hit. He glances up quickly at Valerie. “I’m sorry… it wasn’t safe to tell you… and father would’ve killed me… or his friends…” He shudders a bit. “Dad runs a big gang, it’s a bad one.”

"I'm not mad at you. Just him. I'm worried for you..." She trails off, looking away. "This isnt safe. What if his friends hurt you?"

carlos-thatcher

Carlos sighs and sits on his bed. “They have already. I’ll be fine Valerie, you can’t exactly just leave a gang.” He looks to the side. “Or run away from a gang.”

Valerie comes and curls up next to him. "I know, I just... i worry about you, C." She lays on his chest.

carlos-thatcher

Carlos shakily wraps an arm around her. “I know… I’ll be fine.” He whispers, taking a few slow breaths. “They don’t always bug me.”

"Yeah, but still.' She hates that he's in that situation at all... she just hayes that Pierce can hurt him and get away with it.

carlos-thatcher

Carlos shrugs and looks to the side. He buries himself into Valerie. “Carlos!” Pierce voice rings through the house. Carlos lets out an annoyed sound.

"Shh... pretend to be asleep,"she murmurs, shifting away from him. She doesn't want to be caught cuddling him, knows it would be bad.

carlos-thatcher

Carlos nods shakily and curls up, missing Valerie as soon as she’s not cuddling him. The door flings open a moment later. “Carlos!” Pierce yells.

Valerie has already pulled open her laptop in that time, making it look like she was working. She glares. "He's asleep."

carlos-thatcher

Carlos bites his lip to stop himself from saying anything. Pierce looks annoyed. “Of course he is…”

"Did you need somethign?" She shuts her laptop, crossing her arms over her chest.

carlos-thatcher

“I needed Carlos, I forgot you were here.” Pierce narrows his eyes at Valerie. He walks over to the bed, looking down at Carlos.

"Oh. Shame. I'll tell him to see youu when he wakes uo." She stands up, watching Pierce suspiciously.

carlos-thatcher

Pierce brushes Carlos hair out of his face. “Good, let him know.” He glares at Valerie. “And I don’t want you here girl, you better be gone by the time my friends get here tonight, understood?”

Valerie wants to argue, but she doesn't want to put Carlos in danger. She was going to stay, she'd just lie about. "Yeah. Sure thing. What time?"

carlos-thatcher

“Seven.” Pierce shakes his head angrily and leaves. Carlos sits up quickly. “Sorry Val-” He whispers quickly.

Valerie immediately moves to hold him again. "Don't be. I'm not leaving you, fuck him. I'll hide somewhere."

carlos-thatcher

Carlos rests his head on her shoulder. “I know you’re not leaving… I’m still sorry.”

"I forgive you." She kisses his head gently. "Get some rest. You'll need it."

carlos-thatcher

Carlos nods and closes his eyes. Starting to slowly drift to sleep.

Valerie holds him. She does, actually, work on her English, but she also slips away to hide when 7 rolls around.

carlos-thatcher

Carlos wakes up by seven, working on his math homework. He cringes as he hears loud voices filling the house.

Valerie stays as close to him as she can, hoping that Pierce and his friends just leave him alone. She doesn't want him hurt, or bothered.

carlos-thatcher

Carlos fidgets with his hands, glancing to where Valerie’s hidden. “Carlos…” Pierce opens the door., glancing around. “I she gone?” Carlos nods shakily.

Valerie stays silent, even if shes glaring at where she thinks Pierce is. He cant see her, so what does it matter?

carlos-thatcher

“I’m so disappointed in you Carlos.” Pierce says sharply. Carlos looks down, biting his lip. “I’m sorry father…” Pierce sighs deeply. “You’re going to be very sorry… I’ll see you later”

Valerie glowers in her hiding spot. As soon as Pierce is gone, she comes out. "Carlos, what did he mean by that?"

carlos-thatcher

Carlos shrugs and kicks his feet out. “Probably just going to get punished. I don’t know… it’ll be bad without mother.”

"Do you want me to come out and stop it, if that's what happens, or...?" She trails off, slightly unsure.

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“No… I don’t want you hurt.” Carlos sighs and tugs at his hair lightly.

"So you want me to just let him hurt you..." She looks sad.

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“I guess…” Carlos mumbles looking incredibly sad.

"There's nothing I can do?" Valerie asks sadly.

carlos-thatcher

Carlos shakes his head and lets out a broken sound. “No…”

"Im sorry." She pulls him into a tight hug.

carlos-thatcher

Carlos hugs her back tightly. “I wish he didn’t hate me!”

"So do I. I wish you could be with dad and I when you aren't with your mum..." She kisses his head.

carlos-thatcher

Carlos melts into her touch. “I might be able to spend most of my time at your place… father forgets about me.”

"Good... we'll do that. You know my Dad loves you,"sbe says with a small smile.

carlos-thatcher

“Your dad’s amazing.” Carlos smiles a bit. He lets out a shaky breath. “Can we go there now?”

"Of course." She steps back. "I'll sneak out tbe windows while you ask."

carlos-thatcher

Carlos brightens and nods. He scurries out to ask Pierce.

Valerie waits, hoping that Pierce says yes... she climbs out the windows.

carlos-thatcher

Carlos finds Valerie about twenty minutes later. His lip is split and bleeding, and he has a large bruise on his face.

Valerie's eyes widen in panic, then anger. "Carlos! What happened? What the fuck did he do to you?"

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Carlos winces and looks away. “Father hit me… it’s fine let’s just go, he said I could go.”

"...I'm gonna kill him,"Valerie decides, furious at him.

carlos-thatcher

“No! Let’s just go!” Carlos grabs her hand, moving down the steeet.

Valerie glowers at his house but walks off with him. "I hate him."

carlos-thatcher

“I do too.” Carlos covers his face as he walks quickly, trying to get to Valerie’s house.

"Lets just go..." She takes him home. Bucky is in the living room. "Hey, sweetheart. Carlos, are you okay?"

carlos-thatcher

Carlos makes a small sound and covers his face. “I’m fine!” He snaps, his voice raising a bit. Carlos never yells.

Bucky raises an eyebrow. "There's no need to speak that way, Carlos." He looms worried.

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Carlos tucks his arms over his chest, the bruise on his face has swelled up badly, bloods staining his chin from the cut. “I said I’m fine!” He full on yells, chest heaving. “I’m fine!”

Bucky frowns. "Alright. Alright, kid, I believe you," he reasures him. He looks at Valerie with a deep frown.

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Carlos breathes shakily. “Sorry-” He gasps out before he dissolves into sobs, he holds his arms out for Bucky. “Why does he hate me?!”

Bucky instantly softens and wraps his arms around Carlos. "Oh, kid... I'm sorry. Its not your fault hes the way he is."

carlos-thatcher

Carlos cries against Bucky, holding one hand out for Valerie. “I didn’t even do anything!”

Valerie takes his hand in hers instantly. "You didnt. Its not your fault," Bucky soothes him.

carlos-thatcher

Carlos cries and clings to both of them. He hides his face in Bucky’s chest for a long moment before pulling back. “I hate him! I hate him so much- but he’s my dad!”

"I know.." Bucky doesn't know what to say. "I'm sorry you have to deal with him, kid. You're always welcome here."

carlos-thatcher

Carlos nods shakily, wiping at his lip, blood smearing onto his hand. “Thank you- I’m… fathers going to kill me.” True terror fills his voice, likes he actually worried Pierce will kill him.

Bucky clasps his shoulders. "I'm not going to let that man hurt you." His voice if firm, completely resolute.

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Carlos startles, he grabs onto Valerie’s hands. “You can’t stop him! He has a gang!"

"I'll find a way. I have my own connection." Bucky hadn't had a good past, he'd just stopped when Val was born.

carlos-thatcher

Carlos nods shakily, tucking his arms around himself. He’s terrified. “Valerie-" He holds his arms out for her.

Valerie pulls him into her arms instantly, just like she always does. Bucky watches, clearly worried.

carlos-thatcher

“I want my mom-” Carlos sobs as he clings to her, shaking violently.

"Im sorry." She keeps holding him oh so gently.

carlos-thatcher

Carlos holds onto her, hiding against Val. He glances to Bucky nervously. “Please… please I can’t go back- he’s going to kill me.”

"you can stay here. Fuck what the courts say." Bucky gives him a reassuring look when he speaks.

carlos-thatcher

Carlos nods shakily, he hides his face into Valerie’s neck. “I hate this!”

"So do I," Val whispers. she keeps him close to her, stroking his hair lightly.

carlos-thatcher

Carlos buries his face against her, breathing carefully. “What if he comes here?”

"I won't let him in. He's not stronger than me.' Buckys voice is firm.

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“What if he brings his gang?” Carlos whispers, terrified. He leans into Valerie. “Can we just go to bed? Please.”

"Ill keep you safe." Valerie softens. "Yeah.. you wanna stay in my room?" She offers, meaning her bed specifically.

carlos-thatcher

Carlos nods shakily, he glances to Bucky. “Is that okay?” He leans against Valerie, already shuffling towards her room.

Bucky nods. "Of course." He smiles teasingly. "But no baby making in my house, understood?"

carlos-thatcher

“Bucky!” Carlos flushes a deep red, he tugs Valerie down the hallway, and can’t stop himself from calling back, “Don’t worry! We do that at my house-” before hurrying into Valerie’s room.

Bucky barks out a laugh, even as Valerie turns bright pink, blushing hard. "Carlos!" She complains, though some part of her is laughing slightly as she shuts the door.

carlos-thatcher

Carlos laughs and plops down onto the bed. Smiling a bit. “Sorry…” He flops back and stares at the ceiling.

"Oh, shush." She falls down next to him, burying her face in his neck. "...are you okay..?"

carlos-thatcher

Carlos touches his split lip and shakes his head. “Not really…”

"Im sorry..." Valerie trails off softly. "Can i make it better...?"

Open roleplay

(Modern, teen Steve. At camp)

Steve steps off the camp bus, glancing around the camp with wide eyes. His Ma had sent him off to this camp, managed to get enough money to send him, Steve had insisted he didn’t need to go, to save the money. But she’d wanted him to go, to experience it, get away from the city for a bit.

Steve glances around at all the other teens, fidgeting with the strap of his bag, he’s a bit anxious about the next three weeks. It’s a long time to be away from home. He chews his lip as he looks around, trying to find his group. He looks beyond lost, turning and bumping into someone on accident. “Sorry!”

Valerie had wanted desperately to go on the camp. She'd paid for it herself, because her foster father had refused to. But she was thrilled for three weeks away from him.

She looks up at Steve, shrugging. "...it's fine.. you okay?"

Steve startles and turns quickly, his eyes are wide, he’s clearly on edge to be here. “I’m okay, are you-” He plucks at his bag, eyes darting around the camp, he’s never been to anything like this before. And he’s worried, his Ma is home with just his Pa.

"I'm fine," Valerie says with a quick nod. Her eyes glance over him, she can tell that he's on edge. She slings her backpack back over her shoulder, sleeve slipping to show a couple bruises on her arm.

Steve nervously fidgets with his bag, biting his lip. His eyes flick to the bruise and he starts walking, he doesn’t know where he’s supposed to go, so he falls in step by Valerie.

Valerie seems a bit nervous. "So. I'm Valerie," she introduces herself cautiously. She doesn't know entirely what to do, but she came here to kinda meet people..

carlos-thatcher

Open roleplay

(Carlos as a Shield agent not undercover yet. Age 22. Will feature his wife Lillian who is a Hydra agent.)

Carlos sits in a Shield room, humming quietly to himself as he looks through a file, he’d just gotten back from a difficult mission, one that will haunt his dreams for a while. He sighs softly as he writes, some missions were just hard.

Carlos doesn’t look up as he hears the door open, expecting it to be his wife. “Hey Lillian, I just finished that report…” Carlos looks up and blinks in surprise, that’s not Lillian. “Hello… can I help you?” He tilts his head, slowly closing his file.

Valerie blinks in surprise at Carlos' presence. "...I was looking for Lillian," she lies. She hadn't expected Carlos to be in her office. Lillian was briefly supervising further undercover training for her - she was young, probably seventeen, maybe eighteen.

carlos-thatcher

Carlos tilts his head confused. He rests his hands on top of the file. “Oh… Lils- Lillian isn’t here right now… she was grabbing something from Fury’s office.” He eyes Valerie for a moment, softening. “What do you need from her? I’m sure I can help.” His voice is soft, just the hint of a British accent.

Valerie flicks her eyes from Carlos to the file. Her handler wanted her to get more adept at subterfuge, hence why she was here. She just needed to get some files from Carlos' office. She quickly reaches for her cover story. "Oh, she agreed to help me with my senior thesis! She used to live in my building."

carlos-thatcher

Carlos blinks and tucks the files into a drawer, he looks tired, brow pinched wit pain. “What’s it about? Love in your… oh…” He sits back in his seat, yawning quickly and folding his arms over his chest. “What’s your name? I’m Carlos, Carlos Thatcher.” He holds out a hand.

Valerie notes the pain. She can use it, if she needs a to. "Oh, its about women in positions of power," she answers. "I tried to get an interview with the Black Widow but she didn't bite," she adds jokingly. "I'm Alice."

carlos-thatcher

Carlos snorts out a laugh and smiles. “Yeah Natasha’s hard to get a hold of.” He glances around the office. “Well Lillian’s not here right now… she’ll probably be back in bit but you can stay until she is.” He glances her over carefully. “Lils has never mentioned a… friend named Alice.”

Valerie flushes a little, trying to look sheepish, or like she's a little awestruck. "Well, we aren't Iike, friends, friends. I just thought she was cool, when she lived in my building. She was across the hall from my mom and I."

carlos-thatcher

“Ah…” Carlos pulls out his files again, writing a few things down. “She is pretty cool.” Carlos smiles slightly before shaking his head, clearing his throat. “Oh the building down in Brooklyn?”

"Yeah," Valerie breathes. Hero worship is easy to fake. abyway. She nods. "Yrah, over on 2nd? She wasn't there for very long, but I've been there years..."

carlos-thatcher

“Hm…” Carlos had tried that as a trick, because he’s suspicious, when is he not by now? He didn’t think Lillian had lived in Brooklyn, but maybe it was so brief she never mentioned it? “Huh, she always told me she lived in Manhattan.”

Valerie shrugs. "Do you know her well?" She asks curiously. She's going to be so fucked if she messes this up. "It was only for like, a couple months."

carlos-thatcher

Carlos eyes her suspiciously before he softens. He rubs at his forehead for a moment. “Yeah, she’s my wife.” He nods slowly, wincing a little. “I’m sure it was.” She probably had a mission out there, yeah.

Valerie fakes shock. "Oh, wow. I didn't realise that was you! That's awesome, you're really lucky." She nods. "Yeah.. i should probably go find her, or I'll have to come back tonmorow.."

carlos-thatcher

Carlos nods slowly, massaging at his head. “No, no, I’ll just text her to come on down and meet you here. You can’t just go wandering around a Shield building.”

"Are you alright?" Valerie asks lightly and then smiles at him brightly. "Oh, thank you! That would be wonderful." She just needs him to leave...

carlos-thatcher

“Sorry, me head hurts a bit.” Carlos bites the inside of his cheek. He nods as he grabs his phone, sending a text to Lillian. He glances back to his work and sighs, he just wants to go home for a bit.

Valerie fakes sympathy. "Oh, I'm sorry." She looks around for a place to sit. "You don't have to sit here and watch me! I'm not gonna do anything."

carlos-thatcher

Carlos gestures a chair at the side of the desk. “I know… I just need to finish up my report.” He taps the file in front of him with a long sigh.

Valerie quickly comes and sits beside him. If he'd just open that file, she'd be able to read and memorise it. "...of course. Must keep you busy here."

carlos-thatcher

Carlos scoots the file back a bit, keeping it closed. “It does… just got back from a… hard mission. Lots to report.” He taps his pencil against the file.

Valerie nods. "Makes sense." She sits quietly, pulling out a phone to idly scroll on. Its an older model, on the outside.

carlos-thatcher

Carlos glances the phone over, he opens his file and starts to write a few things down, keeping it out of Valerie’s view.

Valerie scowls. She needs some sort of plan. She's not good at this sort of thing yet. "Im sorry to be a pain, is there a bathroom somewhere?"

carlos-thatcher

Carlos nods and points to a door attached to the office. “Bathrooms in there.” He smiles softly.

Valerie smiles brightly. She slips into thr bathroom to text Lillian.

I need help.

carlos-thatcher

Carlos goes back to writing.

What with?

Valerie anxiously waits. She needs this.

He won't leave.

carlos-thatcher

Stupid girl. I’m on my way.

She winces.

Thank you.

She quickly flushes and slips back into the office. "Thanks, Carlos!"

carlos-thatcher

Carlos looks up and smiles. “Of course.” The door opens a moment later and Lillian walks in.

Valerie fakes a bright familiar smile when Lillian walks in. "Lily!! Hi! Thank you for agreeing to see me."

carlos-thatcher

Lillian smiles back. “Of course… I’m glad to help you.” She walks over and kisses the top of Carlos head.

Valerie smiles. "I didnt know your husband worked here too!" Val says with feigned excitement.

carlos-thatcher

Lillian laughs and shakes her head, petting Carlos hair with one hand. “Oh yes, we work together closely.”

"Thats so cute." Valerie smiles at Carlos, privately a mix of amused and disturbed that he has no idea about Lillian being Hydra.

carlos-thatcher

Carlos smiles back. “I know, working couple.” He laughs and gives her a kiss, Lillian rests a hand on the back of his neck. “Alice, I see you’re behind on your essay.” She looks annoyed.

Valerie nods a little bit. "I... yeah." She withers slightly under Lillian's stare, but not a suspicious amount.... "I just cant find the evidence I need."

carlos-thatcher

Lillian hums and shakes her head. “That’s disappointing.” Carlos frowns a bit and looks up.

Valerie drops her gaze. "I'm sorry. I'm trying." She wrings her hands behind her back.

carlos-thatcher

Carlos raises an eyebrow. “It’s just an essay…” Katrina hums and masssges the back of his neck. “Of course…”

"Yeah, its just for my finals, so..." Valerie shrugs. "Could we maybe use your office for our interview?" She asks Carlos.

carlos-thatcher

“Oh of course.” Carlos smiles and stands, giving Katrina a quick kiss. “You know… we have a free evening if you’d like to come to dinner, you could talk lots more at our place.” Carlos says with a smile before leaving the room.

"Thanks!" Valerie smiles brightly. "I appreciate the offer, but my dad will want me home. I'm pushing curfew as it is." She rubs her neck sheepishly then drops the act as soon as he's gone, moving for the file.

carlos-thatcher

Katrina scowls and slams her hand on top of the file. “Why are you still here girl?” Her demeanor completely changes, anger flashing in her eyes.

Valerie falters, pulling her hand away from the file quickly. "I--. He wasn't supposed to be in here," she says cautiously.

carlos-thatcher

“Mm, maybe. But you’re supposed to know how to react and get the information even when things don’t go to plan.” She snaps angrily.

Valerie looks down. "I know, ma'am. That's why I asked you to come over... he trusts you."

carlos-thatcher

“You shouldn’t have had to do that, girl. You could’ve thought of something better.” She shakes her head and shoves the file to Valerie. “Of course he trusts me, I’m his wife.”

Valerie nods and takes the file, scanning the information to be able to report back. There's nothing important for the test. "...yes, ma'am. "

carlos-thatcher

Lillian shakes her head a bit. “Go.” She points to the door, unaware Carlos is still outside it.

Valerie slinks out of the room, startling when she sees Carlos to put her persona back on. "Oh! Hi!"

carlos-thatcher

Carlos smiles and looks up from the file he’s holding. “Hi… everything okay?”

Valerie nods rapidly. "Everything's fine. Thank you. I just gotta get home."

carlos-thatcher

“Let me walk you out.” Carlos says gently, he feels like something’s off.

Valerie nods. She has no reason to say no, so... "Oh, thank you."

carlos-thatcher

“Of course.” Carlos starts walking, wincing a bit and tucking his files to his chest.

Valerie follows after him quietly. She fakes a yawn. "This is nice if you."

carlos-thatcher

Carlos shoots her a smile. “I like to make sure people get home safe, is your dad picking you up?”

Valerie shakes her head. "I'm just getting the bus. I do it all the time," she adds quickly.

carlos-thatcher

Carlos nods slowly. “Well the bus stop is the next street over… it’s getting late.” He looks worried.

"Carlos, thats sweet, but I just met you, I'm not gonna let you drive me home," she says, predicting the offer.

carlos-thatcher

Carlos flushes and ducks his head down. “Right… sorry, I just worry.” He blinks a few times. His eyes flick down the street and he freezes, eyes widening a bit. “No-” He whispers, he grabs Valerie’s arm and flings them against the wall.

Valerie starts to walk away. She immediately pulls a knife, instinct kicking in, and shoves him away. "What the fuck are you doing?"

carlos-thatcher

Carlos cries out sharply when she pushes him away, his eyes wide. “I saw- I saw…” He breathes heavily and grabs at his face. “I’m sorry, I’m so sorry- I thought…”

Valerie crossed her arms over her chest, shoving her knife back into her pocket. "You thought what?" She says shrilly.

carlos-thatcher

“Why do you have a knife?” Carlos gasps out, he doubles over a bit, taking a few shaky breaths. “I thought I saw someone from… from my past, I’m sorry.”

"Because im a teenage girl walking home at night." She glares at him lightly. "Why did you freak out so much?" Its probably someone from the tac team coming to collect her--

carlos-thatcher

“Right-” Carlos rests his hands on his knees, breathing quickly. “Because they’re awful people, and I- I…” He stares with wide eyes. “Please get Lillian- I need Lillian…”

"Yeah, yeah, okay." She was going to be in so much trouble. But she calls Lillian anyway. "Hey, um- Carlos was walking me to the bus stop, and he said he saw someone?He's freaking out, Lily, he asked for you-"

carlos-thatcher

Carlos doubles over further. Lillian sounds furious when she replies. “Why was he walking with you girl?! I’m on my way-”

"Thank you..." She cant answer the question in front of Carlis without being suspicious, so she just anxiously awaits Lillian's arrival.

carlos-thatcher

“Thank you-” Carlos chokes out. Lillian storms out of the building, glaring at Valerie before resting her hand on the back of Carlos neck. “Lo, enough. Calm yourself down, deep breathes, you are fine. Calm it down, now.”

Valerie watches. Some part of her feels... bad for him? She quickly shoves that feeling away in the hopes Lilian won't notice.

carlos-thatcher

Lillian gives her an angry look, she definitely noticed. She tucks Carlos head against her chest. “Shush, that’s enough Carlos, you’re fine.”

Valerie looks away, scolded. She's already made Lillian mad and she has no doubt that her handler is going to find out. She hopes Carlos is okay..

carlos-thatcher

Carlos takes a few deep breaths, he’s starting to look highly ashamed of himself. Lillian rubs his forehead, glancing to Valerie with disgust.

Valerie steps back. In fact, she slips away entirely, not wanting to get in any more trouble and leaving to meet her ride.

carlos-thatcher

Carlos looks up after a moment, frowning a bit. Where did she go…? he frowns and looks around quickly.

Valerie is hurridly walking away before Xarlos can catch up, hoping he just forgets about ber...

carlos-thatcher

Carlos frowns a bit, he goes back to his apartment with Lillian, but the next day he’s looking through files, trying to find anything on her.

There's very little, and there's no record of her ever having a relationship with Lillian beyond thr address in her file.

carlos-thatcher

Carlos frowns and sits back in his seat, tapping his pencil against his desk. Who on earth could she be? He starts researching further, trying to find anything, an address, a picture, something so he can find her again.

He finds one, tucked away deep in files that are more Hydra than they are Shield. Its not much, just a photo with the name Valerie next to it.

carlos-thatcher

Carlos curses under his breath, covering his face. Hydra- of course it would be Hydra. But why… why would Lillian know her? No- that just can’t be. He shoves himself to his feet, he has to find Valerie.

Valerie has already been whisked back to Hydra. She'd been picked up early, and had to report her numerous near failures to her handler. Three's barely a file on her, but her age.. that hadn't been a lie.

carlos-thatcher

Carlos frowns, he gets a disguise and does something he didn’t think he’d be doing for a long time… he goes back to Hydra, wandering around the base, eyes flicking over it.

Valerie, by pure coincidence, had been out on the grounds training, in the fresh air instead of in one of the internal rooms. She doesn't notice Carlos, because of his disguise, but she's clearly hard at work.

carlos-thatcher

Carlos frowns as he watches, slipping closer. He doesn’t want to be here- “Valerie!” He calls out, testing the name.

Valerie whirls around instantly, eyes scanning before the land on Carlos. "Yes, sir?" She greets, not recognising him but figuring better safe than sorry.

Open Roleplay Non-Hydra/Cage Fighter AU [tw for violence & manipulation]

Most people knew her as Viper. That was the callsign she'd been assigned in the cages, anyway, and it was her technique whenever she fought - strike hard and strike fast. She moved from cage to cage, leaving a trail of defeated opponents in her wake. Losses were few and far between. She'd been fighting for years, ever since she'd been picked up at thirteen by her... manager.

It had been a rough week of fighting. A few days prior, she'd pulled her shoulder in a fight and hadn't exactly been given the proper time to rest after resetting it. As of now, Valerie stands outside in the cold night air, sweat clinging to her. She's in the break between fights - best out of three against another well-known fighter. Lots of money on her to win, but... she lost her second fight, and bad.

The person approaching her just catches the end of her manager's rant. "I don't keep you around here to watch you lose fights. You want to go back to where I found you?" He'd shoved her back. "You better have your shit together before you come back inside for the next round."

Valerie lights a cigarette and leans back against the jagged brick wall, side eyeing the person who approaches. "What?" She snaps.

carlos-thatcher

“Hi.” Carlos waves a hand, shifting to lean against the wall next to her, his Dad’s one of the owners of the most popular places to go to fight. He definitely knows about her. “Manager seemed annoyingly pissed at you.” He holds a hand out for a cigarette, Carlos has the reputation of being a rich brat. Though he’s very much not.

Valerie raises an eyebrow when he holds a hand out for a cigarette, but hands one to him anyway, chucking him the lighter. "Well, I'm with him to win, not to let some borish meathead beat me with a cheap trick," she answers. She's heard of him to, fighting at Pierce's ring

carlos-thatcher

“Yeah but everyone has off days, your manager seems awful. Controlling.” Carlos lights the cigarette and takes a long draw, letting out a relieved breath and bumping his head back, glancing to Valerie. “What’s your name besides Viper? I’m Carlos.”

Valerie shrugs. "He's just stressed. I'm worth a lot of money, lotta angry gamblers if I don't win." She defends him easily, though a touch... tense. She takes a long draw of her own. She isn't really meant to tell people her name but she figures he probably can find out anyway. "It's Valerie."

carlos-thatcher

Carlos rolls his eyes, looking down at his cigarette. “The fighting is so…” He trails off and makes a face. He nods a bit and smiles. “Valerie… nice to meet you, which jerk is your manager?” He tips his head to the side. “Controlling, mean, yelling at you, treats you awful I’m sure… let me guess… Williams?”

Valerie frowns. The fighting has been the only life she's known for a long time. "He's not mean," she snaps defensively. "But yes. William." Her body tenses but her voice softens on the name. He's definitely more than her manager.

carlos-thatcher

Carlos makes a face at that. “Ew…” He mumbles, resting back against the wall. “He shouldn’t be doing whatever he’s doing to you.” Carlos takes another drag from his cigarette, he has a small bruise on his chin, not a normal place for one. “I know Williams, I know he’s not treating you right, how old are you?”

She purses her lips at his argumentativeness. "You don't know him like i do. He isn't doing anything wrong," she tells him, taking a other drag. She exhales harshly. "Im 22," she answers, arms crossed.

carlos-thatcher

Carlos drags his eyes over her before shrugging. “Sure he’s not.” He gives her a small smile. “Just so you know, you could do so much better then that creep.” He looks at her for a moment before looking away. “You know… I don’t have a fighter…”

Valerie's body is littered with bruises and scars. It's hard to tell if they're from the fighting or from something, someone, else. She looks at him. "Why do you think he's a creep?" She asks, almost curious. He had found her when she was 13... "I'm not looking to change."

carlos-thatcher

Carlos frowns at all the marks on her. He puts out his cigarette. “He has a tendency to scoop up people young, make them fighters, train them too hard and do disgusting things to them. I’ve seen it before.” Carlos looks down and flexes his hands out. “I could offer better than Williams.”

Valerie frowns. She drags her cigarette, not liking the thought of William treating other people how he treats her. She wanted to be different to him, maybe cause he was all she had. "He isn't like that with me. He doesn't push me too hard." He does. She scoffs. "Please. A daddy's boy like you? You've probably never even seen the inside of a ring."

carlos-thatcher

“Valerie, I can see the bruises and cuts not from ring fighting.” Carlos frowns and narrows his eyes. “Yeah… I’ve never seen the inside of a ring…” He pushes back his hair, showing her his blind eye. “Never.” He tugs up his shirt, he has a long jagged scar that goes from his chest to disappearing at his waistband. “Never set foot in one.” He shoots her a look.

"I have to train as well. Jesus, you think he's beating me or something?" She scoffs, crossing her arms over her chest and stamping out her cigarette. She eyes the scar, surprised. "...huh. So why don't you fight? I bet Pierce wants you to."

carlos-thatcher

“I know he’s not treating you well.” Carlos says carefully. He huffs and shoves his shirt back down. “I’m not good enough for him, I’m better at training fighters, I could pay you well… make you even better.”

Valerie rolls her eyes. "You're so suspicious of him, and for what? He loves me. I love him. We work well together, I make us thousands each time I step in that ring." She's prickly and defensive. "You don't know anything about my life. And I'm not looking for new management."

carlos-thatcher

“Sick kind of love.” Carlos mumbles, he crosses his arms over his chest, raising an eyebrow. “You could make more money for me, I could set you up well, nice house, nice money, not being hurt or belittled by your manager.” A door in the back flings open. “Carlos! Get inside!” Someone yells. Carlos rolls his eyes. “Piss off! I’ll come in when I want to!”

Valerie rolls her eyes. "I make plenty of money. I get a 40% cut, that's more than most." That was just blatantly wrong, most managers had to give at least 50... "Yeah? You gonna fuck me, too? Keep me being the best in the ring?" She raises an eyebrow and then scoffs. "You better run and watch the next show. Your daddy is calling."

carlos-thatcher

“40%?” Carlos makes a face. “I could give you 70% percent. 40 is just wrong.” Carlos scoffs and shakes his head. “No, unlike Williams I actually have class.” He rolls his eyes and waves a hand towards the door. “That’s not my daddy as you say. It’s fine.”

Valerie stares at him then bursts out laughing. "Now I know you're fucking with me. No one is giving their fighting 70%." she shakes her head, crossing her arms. "No? I hear your close with Rumlow, too."

carlos-thatcher

Carlos shakes his head a bit. “I do, I’m not messing with you. Fighters should be treated well.” He crosses his arms and snorts. “Brock… he’s my… partner. Father chose him. Don’t be thinking you can get at me with him.”

"I am treated well. You're talking about paying me, what, twice the required amount? No one is doing that." She clearly has no idea.. all her information about tbe world of the rings came from William. "Oh, so he's your boyfriend?No wonder. You want to talk about a dick, pick on him."

carlos-thatcher

“I am doing that, and it’s not that unusual. Williams been lying to you, if he’s the first person you ever got, he educated you on it wrong.” Carlos shakes his head, glancing back towards the ring. He crosses his arms and shakes his head. “Partner. It’s not like I let him walk all over me, it’s for show.”

Valerie narrows her eyes. There's no way, right? "...He's the only manager I've had. He got me into this," she tells him after a brief pause. "Yeah, alright. Cause that's so normal for you to be a show pony for Pierce. Clearly I'm the one im a weird situation."

carlos-thatcher

“You got a bad manager for your first one, I’m sorry.” Carlos says gently, he reaches out and briefly touches her shoulder, he steps back and shrugs. “Yeah maybe we’re both in weird situations, but I have control over what I’m doing. Brock doesn’t own me.”

"Well, it doesnt matter anyway." She stares at the hand that touched her. "Brock maybe doesn't own you but he owns me. He saved my life. Even if i wanted to leave i couldn't."

carlos-thatcher

“He doesn’t have to own you, you wouldn’t be the first fighter I got away from a toxic manager. He doesn’t own you cause he saved you.” Carlos pushes his hair back, he stares back at the door.

"He does. I signed a contract." She still doesn't want to admit that he's toxic. She does love him, and she doesn't know anything else than him.

carlos-thatcher

“I know how to get people out of contracts.” Carlos dusts his shirt off. “You’re in a bad place, and you can’t see how bad it is, here- come with me.” He grabs her hand, pulling her towards the ring.

Valerie should fight him off, but she doesn't. Instead, she follows him to the ring, crossing her arms. "What exactly do you think I can't see?" She snaps.

carlos-thatcher

“I’m just showing you something.” Carlos tugs her up into a private room where Pierce usually is, it’s empty at the moment. “Look, I can set you up even better then Williams… I won’t hurt you, you’ll be safe, be in the best places and get good money.”

Valerie sits down across from him. "I am safe. And I already fight against the best, in the best rings," she argues, assuming its true. "Why do you want to do this?"

carlos-thatcher

“I didn’t say fight against the best, I said treat you the best.” Carlos shoves a door opens, showing her an incredibly nice room for fighters for between fights, it’s… nicer then the usual ones considered nice. “Because I don’t like seeing people treated like trash.”

Valerie raises an eyebrow at the room around her. "Shit. Guess being Pierce's kid pays off," she says as she looks around. It's much nicer than hers. "...I'm not treated like trash." Its weaker this time.

carlos-thatcher

Carlos nods slowly. “It comes with at least one good perk.” He reaches out and touches her arm again. “Hey… you just can’t see it… but you’ll be happier here, I promise. I can help you.”

Valerie stares at the hand on her arm. "What makes you so sure?" She asks. "You have a grudge against Will. Okay. Sure. But you don't know me. Why don't you think I'm... happy?"

carlos-thatcher

Carlos keeps his hand on her arm. “Because I know what this looks like, I know you’re not happy, not truly in the way you could be. I’ve seen it before… and I try to fix it, help.”

"You think my life needs fixing." She should shove him away, but she doesn't. Maybe part of her knows that something isnt right. "I have two years left in my contract. Signed at 14.

carlos-thatcher

“Mm… I phrased that badly. You need help, and I want to help you.” Carlos doesn’t move his hand, he huffs and shakes his head. “Signing you that young is disgusting.”

"Right." Valerie crossed her arms and then feels the need to defend herself quickly. "It wasn't like that. I had been begging him to sign me officially for almost a year!"

carlos-thatcher

Carlos shakes his head. “That makes it worse actually.” He sits down in a chair, turning to face Valerie. “Williams took you young, and he took advantage of you not knowing anything about ring fighting. Trust me, this isn’t normal.”

Valerie leans against the wall, hands crosses tightly against her chest. "Yeah, no shit. Abnormal doesn't mean bad. Besides, I wasnt some naive kid, I'd been living on the streets for a year at that point."

carlos-thatcher

“Mm, so you were vulnerable then, he preyed on that. Maybe abnormal doesn’t mean bad, but what you have with Williams isn’t just abnormal, it’s toxic.” Carlos shrugs and leans back in his seat.

Valerie scowls. "Stop twisting my words!" She really has no idea how awful their relationship is. "It isn't toxic. I'd be nothing if it wasnt for him!"

carlos-thatcher

“I could make you something better.” Carlos says softly, he sighs and tips his head back. “Listen, I know you can’t see how bad it is because you’re in it. But if you come with me… it’ll be even better, Valerie.”

"I'm already the best. What could possibly offer to make me better?" She's hesitating, though. Carlos seems so kind. But no one in this world is truly kind, right?

carlos-thatcher

“Better training, a manager who doesn’t tell you what to do for every single thing, better pay, your own apartment, private rooms to train in, the best fights in town, my fathers security. And a… a friend.” Carlos smiles and looks up at her, eyes softer.

She can't deny that it sounds appealing... but. "Comfort isn't going to make me better. Progress only comes through pain." The words come out clearly parroted. "...but a friend might be nice."

carlos-thatcher

Carlos wants to argue against that, but he knows right now it will do no good. “I would be happy to be your friend…” He holds his hand out towards her. “I can be your friend, give you a happier life… safer.”

Valerie nods. "I would like that. I dont... really have any friends." She doesn't really have anyone except William. "You're really just doing this to be nice?"

carlos-thatcher

Carlos nods and nudges the chair next to him. “Neither do I…” He glances around the room with a sad expression. His eyes dart back to Valerie and he softens. “I really am… and I wouldn’t mind a friend too.”

Valerie smiles. "Okay." She looks around the room too. It really is nice, much better than hers. "I gotta go. The next round will be starting soon, but I'll.. see you around?"

carlos-thatcher

“Yeah, yeah come back up here after, I’ll have security make sure Williams can’t get to you.” Carlos pulls out a large stack of cash, he’s used to bribing security. “I’ll go sit in his area actually, make sure of it.” He smiles gently at Valerie. “But come up here after, yeah?”

Valerie frowns. "You don't need to do that," she protests. "He's not my keeper. He won't mind if I come see you." She eyes the large stack of cash. "But yeah. I'll come here."

carlos-thatcher

Carlos shrugs a bit. “I just want to make sure this is as safe as it can be.” He flips through the cash and nods. “Good… I have to go see Brock anyways… I’ll say hi to Williams after then come back up here.”

"...okay." She doesnt bother arguing with him. She knows he won't believe her if she insists she's safe. "I'll see yu soon." She slips away to go fight again.

carlos-thatcher

“See you soon.” Carlos waves then makes his way out of the room, a few minutes later he’s finding Williams with Rumlow at his side, arm wrapped around his waist. “Williams, glad you could make it.” Carlos says as he glances the man over.

Williams looks the pair over. "....of course. I'd never miss one of my own's matches. I'm surprised to see you." He nods at Rumlow, clearly respecting him more.

carlos-thatcher

Carlos laughs and plops down next to Williams, dragging Rumlow down with him. Rumlow gives Williams a nod in reply. “Oh well, we’re just happy to have your fighter here.”

Williams hums approvingly. "Yes, she is exceptional." He watches the two of them, glancing at the cages where Valerie and her opponent are warming up. "Well, excusing that last match..."

carlos-thatcher

Carlos hums and watches, leaning forward a bit. He wants to get Valerie away from him. Rumlow snorts and nods, playing with Carlos hair. “It was a terrible match.” Rumlow says with a glsre. Carlos hums softly. “Maybe.”

Williams nods, looking annoyed, though where at the match or Rumlows comment isnt entirely clear. "Yes, she'll be made aware of that fact," he reassures him. Below, Valerie is winning her current one.

carlos-thatcher

Carlos tilts his head, smiling to himself a bit. Security had been well payed to keep Williams away, at least until Valerie is with him. “Mm,I’m sure.” Brock rolls his eyes and grabs Carlos shoulder. “Come on, let’s go.”

"Eager to take off with your boy I see," Williams says with a soft laugh, taunting Rumlow but in a friendly way. He has no idea about the bribes. Valerie is almost to Carlos' room, the fight over.

carlos-thatcher

“Always.” Rumlow grins and kisses Carlos before pulling him out. Carlos glares at Rumlow when they’ve left. “Piss off, we showed off.” He shoves Rumlow away and hurries towards his room.

Williams snickers as they leave, and gets up to try and find Valerie, but is indeed stopped by security. Valerie is waiting in Carlos room, nursing an ice pack to her shoulder.

carlos-thatcher

Carlos shuts the door firmly, leaning against it and breathing heavily for a long moment, he turns and startles. “Oh- you’re here already, good.” He softens and smiles, walking over to her. “Your shoulder going to be okay? I have painkillers.”

Valerie watches him with a curious gaze, then shakes her head. "I don't take painkillers. I'd take a cigarette id you've got on, though." Strange combination.

carlos-thatcher

Carlos tilts his head, brow furrowing. “What? Why no painkillers?” He digs through a bag in the room, mumbling under his breath to himself.

Valerie shrugs. "Keeps me fresh. if I know where I'm getting hurt I know where my form is weak." She watches him dig through his bag.

carlos-thatcher

Carlos makes a disgusted face. “That’s terrible, terrible practice. I’m sorry.” He pulls out a bottle of painkillers and water, offering them out to Valerie. “Please… take them.”

"How else am I meant to improve?" Valerie shrugs, and then winces as she does so. She. begrudgingly takes one of the painkillers and some water.

carlos-thatcher

“By training when you’re actually healed, so you can get better instead of just fighting through the pain.” Carlos glances to her, happy she took the painkillers.

"Fighting through the pain is how you learn." She doesnt sound defensive, just like she genuinely believes it. She gulps down more of the water.

carlos-thatcher

“It’s a bad way to learn… I don’t mean to be offensive but… it’s not a good way.” Carlos pulls out a pack of crackers and offers them to Valerie.

"Oh." Valerie looks away, surprised. She doesn't know what to do with that information.She takes the crackers hungrily, she hasnt eaten in a while.

carlos-thatcher

Carlos drops his head into his hands for a moment, he hates Williams so much. “It’s going to be okay… I’ll help you, I’ll help you know what’s normal and what’s not.”

"How do I know what you're saying is normal?" Valerie bites jer lip then eats another handful of crackers hungrily.

carlos-thatcher

Carlos sighs and sits back. “I’ve been in this business since… the day I was born. I was briefly a fighter… I… you’ll have to trust me.”

She hums non-committally and hands him back the food. Its practically empty save for a few crackers. "Maybe." She smikes weakly.

carlos-thatcher

Carlos looks a little concerned. “We can get some proper dinner in a bit.” He hums and nods, giving her an incredibly warm smile.

Valerie frowns, ans then shakes her head, saying all too casually, "It's alright. I lost my second fight, so.."

carlos-thatcher

Carlos looks up sharply, his expression horrified. “Valerie no- no, that’s not…” He shakes his head angrily. “You get food no matter how you fight.”

"Yeah but not food-food." She looks at him, taking in the horrified expression with a frown. "What.. are you okay?What did I say?"

carlos-thatcher

“No, you’re supposed to get real food, no matter the results from the fight.” Carlos blinks a few times, shaking his head. “The thing about losing a fight and implying that means no dinner, that’s so wrong.”

Valerie frowns, blinking like she doesnt understand. "No its... thats normal, isnt it?" She asks m, sounding confused.

carlos-thatcher

“No, no that’s not normal.” Carlos shakes his head, looking sad. “I’m sorry…” He checks the locks on the door.

Valerie frowns. "Oh." That's always been the way. Williams training has always been brutal. She eyes the door. "...he doesn't train properly, huh."

carlos-thatcher

“That’s awful… I’m sorry.” Carlos rests his forehead against the door for a moment. “No he doesn’t…”

"Its okay." She hadnt known. Valerie bites her lip and then blurts out the question on her mind. "Are there-- i mean, did you know other things?That hes doing and shouldnt?"

carlos-thatcher

Carlos sits down against the door, his eyes flick up to Valerie. “Yeah… I do know about other things he shouldn’t be doing…”

"With me?" She looks at him for a long moment. "Tell me. Please... I need to know..." She wanted to understand his worry. The disgust in his expression.

carlos-thatcher

“Yeah… well first, your manager shouldn’t be sleeping with you, hurting you, or getting into a relationship with you.” Carlos says as he looks down, touching his blind eye.

Valerie presses her lips together. "But why?It wasnt like i didnt want it. I'm the one who initiated it." She can see why maybe he shouldnt hurt her, but... "If he doesnt hurt me how would I learn."

carlos-thatcher

“Sometimes people have a way of manipulating us to do things, even in ways we don’t notice, or we feel like we owe it.” Carlos shrugs and covers the left side of his face, which effectively blinds him by covering his only seeing eye. “There’s other ways to learn… better ways.”

"You think he manipulated me into wanting him?" The thought makes her sound sad, and she watches him, intrigued, as he covers his only seeing eye. "Maybe... probablt not as effective..."

carlos-thatcher

Carlos looks down sadly. He keeps his hand over his eye. “Yeah… sadly. I’m sorry, I know it’s a horrible sad thought. My father did the same to me… I mean, in ways.” He tips his head back against the door. “Mm… but it’s still a better way, being hurt is never the way.”

Valerie's eyes widen. "Your father manipulated you into having sex with him!?" She's horrified by the concept and then looks down. "I just want to be the best."

carlos-thatcher

Carlos looks up sharply. “No! No- I meant- I…” Carlos flushes and sits back, covering his face. “Not him- but I had a lot of sex with my other manager and… it was just a mess- But I got permanently banned from fighting.” He glances up to Valerie. “You deserve to have more than just fighting in your life.” His voice is oh so soft.

"oh. That makes more sense." She nodd a little. "...i heard about that. Will told me about it once." She looks away. "Im sorry you got banned." And then she looks up and shrugs. "I don't have anything else, though... I dont even have my father anymkre." her voice turns bitter, almost angry

carlos-thatcher

“It’s okay… I didn’t want to fight.” Carlos tips his head against the door. “Yeah… turns out recording your fights for your own benefit is illegal in most underground rings.” He taps the left side of his head. His eyes soften and he reaches out, touching her hand. “I’m sorry about your father… I lost my mother.”

Valerie bites back a smirk. "I'm somehow not surprised by that..." She looks down at their now-intertwined hands. "...he's not dead. We just don't exactly.. speak. I'm sorry about your mother."

carlos-thatcher

Carlos smiles a bit, he squeezes her hand gently. “I’m still sorry… that’s really hard.” He glances up to her, expression soft.

"Yes." Valerie looks away, her eyes going sad before they turn angry again. She doesn’t know that Bucky never stopped looking for her.

carlos-thatcher

Carlos runs his thumb over her knuckles, sitting by her quietly. “I can’t imagine how hard that is.” He whispers. “I’m sorry.”

"You would think so, wouldn't you?" She shakes her head. "I don't want to talk about him. He made his choice."

carlos-thatcher

“Okay, we don’t have to talk about him.” Carlos lets go of her hand, playing with a strand of his hair.

"Thanks." She swallows and sits back. She grabs thr water bottle and drinks some more of it. "...i should go train. Its late."

carlos-thatcher

Carlos tilts his head confused. “You should go to bed, it’s late.” He stands up and stretches his arms out. “I have a place you can crash.”

Valerie hesitates. "I.. shouldn't. William will be upset if I don't go home." She shared an apartment with him...

carlos-thatcher

Carlos frowns and takes her hands. “Hey… you’re not his anymore, you can leave it all behind, please… I can give you so much more. Just one night, one night. Please.”

Valerie bites her lip, worried about what will happen if she goes with him. "...do you want something?I can pay, or.. or something..."

carlos-thatcher

Carlos shakes his head, his eyes soft. “I don’t want anything from you, I just want to give you a better life.”

"I'm not sure I deserve one," Valerie says quietly. She wrings her hands together, watching the calloused flesh writhe.

carlos-thatcher

“I think you do.” Carlos says gently, resting his hands on hers. “Everyone deserves a good life, no matter where you come from.”

"Maybe." Valerie turns to intertwine their hands, feeling like she needs the gentle touch again.

carlos-thatcher

Open roleplay

(Teenage Carlos with divorced parents AU. Carlos is 16, his mom’s name is Isabella)

Carlos paces around in his bedroom at his Mom’s house, he has a bag packed to go to his Dad’s, tomorrow, after the child custody court in the morning. His parents are divorced and custody has been a mess, tomorrow’s an important court day.

Carlos smiles when he hears someone open his bedroom door. “Hey, thanks for coming.” He pushes his hair back, giving them a slightly nervous smile. “I know it’s not going to be very fun going to court with me.” He’s worried, nervous about talking to the judge, what the custody will be, and his Mother’s planning to move back to England… it’s a lot.

Valerie had been new to Carlos' school about a year ago, they'd been fast friends. She'd changed schools after moving with her father away from the old one to escape a bunch of drama.

"I wouldnt miss it," she promises him. "I'm here for you, C, you know that."

carlos-thatcher

Carlos smiles and nods. “Thanks Val.” He’s incredibly fond of her, she’s been an amazing friend to him the past year. He smooths a hand down his shirt nervously. “Does this look okay?”

"Always." She smiles, and walks over to gently smooth his shirt. "You look great, Carlos." He always does.

carlos-thatcher

“Thanks…” Carlos smiles at the touch, letting her fix his shirt. “Okay- I need to get my bag in the car. Then mother is going to take us all to the court house, Dad will be there and I’m probably going home with him…”

"Ugh." Valerie scrunches her nose, she hates Carlos' father. He was an asshole. "Will he let me go with you?"

carlos-thatcher

“Yeah.” Carlos scrunches his nose and slings his bag over his shoulder. “I don’t know. He might if he’s in a good mood.”

Valerie follows him towards the car. "Unlikely then." He was always pissy, at least with her. "Ill just sneak over."

carlos-thatcher

“I’ll keep my window unlocked.” Carlos grins at her. Isabella looks up from the car, she looks tired and worried, she wants full custody of Carlos. “Hey Valerie, you coming with us?” Her voice is warm, a thick British accent.

"Hell yeah." Valerie grins and then softens a little when she sees Isabella. "Of course, Ms. Thatcher. I want to be there for Carlos."

carlos-thatcher

Carlos climbs into the car, leaning back in the seat. Isabella smiles warmly. “Thank you Val, I’m glad he’s not alone.” She slips in the drivers seat.

"Never is." Valerie smiles and slips in next to Carlos. She knows she cant change the custody outcome but she can be tbere anyway...

carlos-thatcher

Carlos rests his head on her shoulder, watching the buildings pass by as the drive. “I’m nervous.” He whispers as they pull up to the court house a few minutes later.

"It'll be alright. He's not gonna win," Val promises, playing with his hair as they drive. She gets out with him.

carlos-thatcher

Carlos hums softly. He glances around, his face dropping when he sees Pierce. Pierce smiles fakely and walks over. “Carlos, I missed you my boy.” He holds his arms out, Carlos glances to Valerie before reluctantly hugging Pierce, but softening into the hug. Isabella frowns. “Carlos go inside with Valerie please honey.”

Valerie doesn't bother greeting Pierce. She hates him, hates how he treats Carlos and his mother both. "Okay, Ms. Thatcher." She smiles at Isabella and reaches for Carlos.

carlos-thatcher

Carlos steps back from Pierce, who tug his hair lightly. Carlos scurries over to Valerie and takes her hand with a smile, pulling her inside the court house.

Valerie smiles back at him carefully. "You ready for this?" She asks, looking at him to try and see if hes alright.

carlos-thatcher

Carlos glances to her nervously. “I guess… it’s not going to be fun.” He sighs and rests his head on her shoulder as they walk. “I just hope mom gets full custody… but you know how Father is.”

"He's persuasive," Valerie agrees. She wraps an arm around his waist. "But you're mum is a good person. She'll convince them."

carlos-thatcher

Carlos hums as he pulls Valerie to the front of the room, sitting down. “I hope so, but then… but if only Mother gets me I won’t be able to see you… cause she’s moving back to England.”

Valerie leans against him when they sit. "I'll come visit. I'd rather you be far away from me if it means you're far away from him."

carlos-thatcher

“I suppose yeah… but I’ll really miss you.” Carlos leans into her back, smiling when Isabella walks in. He scrunches his nose when Pierce follows.

"I'll really miss you too." She hugs him quickly and smiles at Isabella, dropping the smile at the sight of Pierce.

carlos-thatcher

Carlos settles back in his chair, anxiously chewing on his lip as court starts. He just wants to be with his mother- He leans shakily into Valerie, he’s nervous about when he has to speak.

Valerie keeps close, even when it gets a side eye from Pierce. Eventually, Carlos is the one who has to speak. "You got this."

carlos-thatcher

Carlos nods shakily and goes forward, he keeps his eyes on Valerie. He bites his lip when the judge asks him about how his parents treat him. Carlos glances to the judge. “Um…” He trails off and looks down, not saying another word.

"Carlos, you're not going to get in trouble," the judge gently reassures him. "We just want to head your side of things."

carlos-thatcher

Carlos nods, his eyes nervously flicking to Pierce, which alone tells the judge a lot. “Can Valerie sit up here with me?” He glances to the judge again, biting his lip hard. “Mother is great, she makes sure I’m taken care of… she never hurts me physically or emotionally.”

The judge considers. "I don't see why not. You are a minor." Valerie quickly comes and sits beside Carlos. She squeezes his hand, the judge eyeing them. "That's good, Carlos. What about your father?'

carlos-thatcher

Carlos immediately leans into Valerie, giving her a grateful smile. He looks to the judge quickly. Isabella looks worried, Pierce just looks smug. “He’s fine.” Carlos blinks slowly, fiddling with Valerie’s fingers nervously. “He’s fine…”

Valerie holds his hand tight. "Has he ever hurt you?" The judge pushes, looking at Pierce and Carlos with a frown.

carlos-thatcher

Carlos looks to Pierce quickly. Pierce tilts his head ever so slightly. Carlos eyes Valerie carefully, nervously squeezing her hand. “No.” Isabella looks furious.

Valeries face isnt as neutral as Carlos'. Her dislike of Pierce is clear. "What about emotionally?"

carlos-thatcher

Carlos leans further into Valerie, growing increasingly nervous. He glances to Pierce again, Pierce gives him a very small frown. “No.” Carlos shakes his head. Isabella covers her face, clearly upset.

Valerie wraps an arm around Carlos, she can tell Pierce is controlling him and what he says and she hates it. She bites her tongue, though. "...you're excused, Carlos."

carlos-thatcher

Carlos lets out a small sound and quickly gets down, rushing back to his seat, pulling Valerie with him. He looks scared. Pierce glances their way, Isabella mumbles under his breath upset.

Valerie glowers at Pierce as she follows Carlos away. she holds him close as she sits down, the judge speaking to his parents.

carlos-thatcher

Carlos taps his fingers rapidly against the table, eyes wide as he stares down. “I shouldn’t have said no-” He chokes out. Pierce slips behind Carlos and squeezes the back of his neck firmly as he goes to speak. Carlos flinches, leaning into Valerie.

"It's okay. You can tell them now," she promises, pulling Carlos away when Pierce touches him. "Dont touch him," she snaps at him.

carlos-thatcher

“No I can’t.” Carlos says quickly. Pierce glares. “Don’t talk to me girl!” The judge looks up sharply. “Mr. Pierce…” Pierce looks up and flashes a smile. “Coming…” Carlos shudders and runs a hand down his face. “Judge…?” he whispers.

"Dont touch him then!'Valerie crosses her arms protectively. She glares as Pierces walks away. "He'll believe you if you tell him," she insisted.

carlos-thatcher

Carlos nods shakily. “Judge?” He stands up quickly, pulling Valerie up with him. “Can I come back up?” Pierce looks over and narrows his eyes. “Sit down Carlos, now.”

"Be quiet, Mr. Pierce. Carlos, of course you can. What would you like to say?" He asks gently, allowing Valerie to go with Carlos without comment.

carlos-thatcher

Carlos quickly goes up, trying not to look at Pierce. “Sometimes father says things that hurt.” He says carefully, glancing to Valerie instead of Pierce this time. “He’ll call me stupid, a waste, he’ll yell at me for a long time.” He says it all in a rush.

Valerie smiles encouragingly, even if she hates Pierce. "Thank you, Carlos," the judge tells him. "Does he ever hurt you? Physically?"

carlos-thatcher

Carlos fidgets with a strand of his hair. “No…” It’s still a lie but… he can’t make himself say that yet. Isabella stands quickly. “Carlos-”

"Please sit down, Ms. Thatcher," the judge warns. Valerie purses her lips, knowing its a lie, but this is progress, right. "Is there anything else i shoukd know, Carlos?"

carlos-thatcher

Isabella sits down, she just wants Carlos to tell the truth, wants him away from Pierce. Carlos thinks for a moment. “Father sometimes has friends over and they’re not nice men.” Yeah the friends may actually be from a gang but he’s not about to say that.

Valerie looks up. She didn't know this part. The judge frowns. "What do you mean, Carlos?Do they hurt you?"

carlos-thatcher

Carlos shrugs and traces a pattern into the bench. He quiets and thumps his head down on Valerie’s shoulder. Pierce looks furious.

Valerie runs a hand through his hair. "Carlos, this is important," the judge pushes. "When your father has his friends over, whay happens?"

carlos-thatcher

Carlos shrugs again unhelpfully, he chews his lip and leans into Valerie’s hand. “You brought those men around my son!” Isabella yells, she’s never even raised her voice around Carlos and Valerie, but she’s furious. She starts to storm towards Pierce. “You brought those men to our house?!”

Valerie and the judge both frown at Carlos lack of answer. Valerie widens her eyes in surprise when Isabella yells, she's never seen her yell before. "Carlos who are they?" She whispers.

carlos-thatcher

Security immediately rush for Isabella, who looks about ready to murder Pierce. Carlos eyes widen as he takes in Isabella yelling, she’s never done that before. “Dad’s gang.” He whispers incredibly quiet to her.

"Ms. Thatcher, I must insist you sit down!" The judge insists. Valerie's eyes widen. "He-- Carlos, what? He lets them around you!?"

carlos-thatcher

“He let those men around my son!” Isabella yells, she sits down heavily, only because she knows she needs to, for what’s best for Carlos. Carlos shrugs. “Yeah… but it’s fine. He’s always had a gang.” He whispers so the judge can’t hear. Pierce sits down, shaking his head.

"Sit down," the judge repeats. Valerie hugs Carlos tight, this isnt okay at all. She holds him as the judge addresses him again. "Carlos. Is there anything else i should know?"

carlos-thatcher

Carlos hugs her back, he shakes his head. “No sir.” Isabella lets out a frustrated cry. Piece just looks pleased.

"...Alright." The judge nods. "I'll make my judgement after some deliberation." Valerie leads Carlos down to Isabella.

carlos-thatcher

Isabella immediately wraps her arms around Carlos. He hugs her tightly, but quickly pulls back to snuggle into Valerie.

Valerie holds him tightly. "I hate him," she whispers, glancing over her shoulder Pierce furiously.

carlos-thatcher

Carlos nods shakily. Pierce frowns at Valerie. Carlos glances back towards Pierce. “He’s going to kill me.” Carlos presses a hand to his chest, taking a hiccuping breath.

"No, he isn't," Valerie says firmly. "I won't let him." She glares at Pierce before focusing all her attention on Carlos, pulling him close to her chest, holding him.

carlos-thatcher

“He’s gonna be so mad.” Carlos’ British accent comes out incredibly thick. Carlos hides against Valerie, wincing when the judge starts to speak.

"In the matter of custody over Carlos, I have given Ms Isabella Thatcher primary custody, with Alexander Pierce seeing Carlos one week of the month." Valerie scowls.

carlos-thatcher

Isabella drops her head into her hands. Carlos glances nervously towards Pierce, who looks both annoyed and pleased.

Valerie squeezes Carlos hand and tentatively lays a hand on Isabella's shoulder. It could've been worse? Shes still annoyed.

carlos-thatcher

Isabella gives Valerie a weak smile. Carlos squeezes Valerie’s hand tightly. “I’m glad he only has one week.” He whispers quietly.

"Me too." Valerie kisses his cheek quickly. She wishes that none of this had happened...

carlos-thatcher

Carlos smiles at the kiss, he pushes himself to his feet reluctantly. Pierce walks over and claps his hand on his shoulder. “Good thing I get you first hm? You’d miss me.” Carlos frowns a bit. “Yes father…” Carlos shifts to lean against Valerie.

Valerie pulls Carlos close so that he's out of Pierce's reach. "We're gonna work on our English assignment. right, C?"

carlos-thatcher

Carlos nods shakily. “Yeah, yeah English assignment. Val has to come over.” Pierce frown, he opens his mouth to say something but Isabella storms over, grabs his wrist and drags him down a hallway.

"I'm not leaving tonight," valerie promises once Pierce has been dragged away by Isabella. "not alone with him."

carlos-thatcher

Carlos hugs Valerie tightly. “He’s doing to be mad… he wanted more than a week.” He hides his face in her neck.

"Well he'll have to suck it up," Valerie says firmly. She holds him tight, stroking his hair gently.

carlos-thatcher

Carlos nods. “Screw him…” He takes a slow breath, looking up as Isabella walks back into the room. She rushes over to them and pulls both Carlos and Valerie into a hug. “I’m sorry-”

"Exactly." Valerie smiles at that. She hugs Isabella back tightly, she really loves Carlos' mother. "Do t be sorry!"

carlos-thatcher

Isabella hugs them tightly. “I just don’t want either of you near that man.” She cups the back of Carlos head protectively. “I’ll be okay Mother.” Carlos whispers.

Valerie looks over Carlos' head to meet Isabella's eyes. "I'm gonna keep him safe," she promises her.

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“Thank you…” Isabella whispers. Carlos pulls back and grabs Valerie’s hand. Pierce storms over and looks annoyed. He rests a heavy hand on the back of Carlos neck. “Let’s go.” Carlos glances back to the judge nervously before nodding.

A quick, jerky nod from Valerie. "Always." She hugs Isabella tightly and then rushes after Carlos, hooking their arms together as she walks with him, ignoring Pierce.

carlos-thatcher

Pierce looks annoyed at Valerie coming with them. Carlos happily links his arm with Valerie.

Valerie leans into Carlos, smiling blithely whenever Pierce glances at them. She sits in the middle seat of the car just so she can stay close as they drive.

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Carlos glances back to her every now and then. It’s not long before they arrive at Pierce’s house. “Get inside.” Pierce snaps, shoving Carlos towards the door.

Valerie frowns when Pierce shoves her. She follows in after him quickly, not hiding her disdain for Pierce. "Cmon, lets go study."

carlos-thatcher

Carlos grabs Valerie’s hand, shooting Pierce a dirty look. “Yeah- let’s go.” He hurries off to his room before Pierce can stop him.

Valerie rushes off with him. "Im so sorry," she says as soon as the door closes, pulling him into a tight hug.

carlos-thatcher

Carlos bursts into angry sobs as soon as they’re alone, he collapses into the hug, clinging to her. “I should’ve tried harder!”

Valerie strokes his hair soothingly. "You did your best. You knew he'd get some custody... at least its only occasionally..."

carlos-thatcher

“He’s going to kill me!” Carlos shudders and closes his eyes, taking a few shaky breaths. “It’s going to be hell here Val!”

"I'll be here as much as I can," Valerie says. "And you can come to my house whenever! It'll be okay..."

carlos-thatcher

Carlos rests his head on her shoulder, nodding shakily. “Okay…” He winces as he remembers all he said in court. “How much did… did you know about? From what I said in court… and how my mother reacted.”

Valerie sighs. "I knew he was cruel to you. I know he hits yu even if you refuse to admit it..." She trails off. "I didn't know about the gang."

carlos-thatcher

Carlos nods slowly. He knew she knew about him being hit. He glances up quickly at Valerie. “I’m sorry… it wasn’t safe to tell you… and father would’ve killed me… or his friends…” He shudders a bit. “Dad runs a big gang, it’s a bad one.”

"I'm not mad at you. Just him. I'm worried for you..." She trails off, looking away. "This isnt safe. What if his friends hurt you?"

carlos-thatcher

Carlos sighs and sits on his bed. “They have already. I’ll be fine Valerie, you can’t exactly just leave a gang.” He looks to the side. “Or run away from a gang.”

Valerie comes and curls up next to him. "I know, I just... i worry about you, C." She lays on his chest.

carlos-thatcher

Carlos shakily wraps an arm around her. “I know… I’ll be fine.” He whispers, taking a few slow breaths. “They don’t always bug me.”

"Yeah, but still.' She hates that he's in that situation at all... she just hayes that Pierce can hurt him and get away with it.

carlos-thatcher

Carlos shrugs and looks to the side. He buries himself into Valerie. “Carlos!” Pierce voice rings through the house. Carlos lets out an annoyed sound.

"Shh... pretend to be asleep,"she murmurs, shifting away from him. She doesn't want to be caught cuddling him, knows it would be bad.

carlos-thatcher

Carlos nods shakily and curls up, missing Valerie as soon as she’s not cuddling him. The door flings open a moment later. “Carlos!” Pierce yells.

Valerie has already pulled open her laptop in that time, making it look like she was working. She glares. "He's asleep."

carlos-thatcher

Carlos bites his lip to stop himself from saying anything. Pierce looks annoyed. “Of course he is…”

"Did you need somethign?" She shuts her laptop, crossing her arms over her chest.

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“I needed Carlos, I forgot you were here.” Pierce narrows his eyes at Valerie. He walks over to the bed, looking down at Carlos.

"Oh. Shame. I'll tell him to see youu when he wakes uo." She stands up, watching Pierce suspiciously.

carlos-thatcher

Pierce brushes Carlos hair out of his face. “Good, let him know.” He glares at Valerie. “And I don’t want you here girl, you better be gone by the time my friends get here tonight, understood?”

Valerie wants to argue, but she doesn't want to put Carlos in danger. She was going to stay, she'd just lie about. "Yeah. Sure thing. What time?"

carlos-thatcher

“Seven.” Pierce shakes his head angrily and leaves. Carlos sits up quickly. “Sorry Val-” He whispers quickly.

Valerie immediately moves to hold him again. "Don't be. I'm not leaving you, fuck him. I'll hide somewhere."

carlos-thatcher

Carlos rests his head on her shoulder. “I know you’re not leaving… I’m still sorry.”

"I forgive you." She kisses his head gently. "Get some rest. You'll need it."

carlos-thatcher

Carlos nods and closes his eyes. Starting to slowly drift to sleep.

Valerie holds him. She does, actually, work on her English, but she also slips away to hide when 7 rolls around.

carlos-thatcher

Carlos wakes up by seven, working on his math homework. He cringes as he hears loud voices filling the house.

Valerie stays as close to him as she can, hoping that Pierce and his friends just leave him alone. She doesn't want him hurt, or bothered.

carlos-thatcher

Carlos fidgets with his hands, glancing to where Valerie’s hidden. “Carlos…” Pierce opens the door., glancing around. “I she gone?” Carlos nods shakily.

Valerie stays silent, even if shes glaring at where she thinks Pierce is. He cant see her, so what does it matter?

carlos-thatcher

“I’m so disappointed in you Carlos.” Pierce says sharply. Carlos looks down, biting his lip. “I’m sorry father…” Pierce sighs deeply. “You’re going to be very sorry… I’ll see you later”

Valerie glowers in her hiding spot. As soon as Pierce is gone, she comes out. "Carlos, what did he mean by that?"

carlos-thatcher

Carlos shrugs and kicks his feet out. “Probably just going to get punished. I don’t know… it’ll be bad without mother.”

"Do you want me to come out and stop it, if that's what happens, or...?" She trails off, slightly unsure.

carlos-thatcher

“No… I don’t want you hurt.” Carlos sighs and tugs at his hair lightly.

"So you want me to just let him hurt you..." She looks sad.

carlos-thatcher

“I guess…” Carlos mumbles looking incredibly sad.

"There's nothing I can do?" Valerie asks sadly.

carlos-thatcher

Carlos shakes his head and lets out a broken sound. “No…”

"Im sorry." She pulls him into a tight hug.

carlos-thatcher

Carlos hugs her back tightly. “I wish he didn’t hate me!”

"So do I. I wish you could be with dad and I when you aren't with your mum..." She kisses his head.

carlos-thatcher

Carlos melts into her touch. “I might be able to spend most of my time at your place… father forgets about me.”

"Good... we'll do that. You know my Dad loves you,"sbe says with a small smile.

carlos-thatcher

“Your dad’s amazing.” Carlos smiles a bit. He lets out a shaky breath. “Can we go there now?”

"Of course." She steps back. "I'll sneak out tbe windows while you ask."

carlos-thatcher

Carlos brightens and nods. He scurries out to ask Pierce.

Valerie waits, hoping that Pierce says yes... she climbs out the windows.

carlos-thatcher

Carlos finds Valerie about twenty minutes later. His lip is split and bleeding, and he has a large bruise on his face.

Valerie's eyes widen in panic, then anger. "Carlos! What happened? What the fuck did he do to you?"

carlos-thatcher

Carlos winces and looks away. “Father hit me… it’s fine let’s just go, he said I could go.”

"...I'm gonna kill him,"Valerie decides, furious at him.

carlos-thatcher

“No! Let’s just go!” Carlos grabs her hand, moving down the steeet.

Valerie glowers at his house but walks off with him. "I hate him."

carlos-thatcher

“I do too.” Carlos covers his face as he walks quickly, trying to get to Valerie’s house.

"Lets just go..." She takes him home. Bucky is in the living room. "Hey, sweetheart. Carlos, are you okay?"

carlos-thatcher

Carlos makes a small sound and covers his face. “I’m fine!” He snaps, his voice raising a bit. Carlos never yells.

Bucky raises an eyebrow. "There's no need to speak that way, Carlos." He looms worried.

carlos-thatcher

Carlos tucks his arms over his chest, the bruise on his face has swelled up badly, bloods staining his chin from the cut. “I said I’m fine!” He full on yells, chest heaving. “I’m fine!”

Bucky frowns. "Alright. Alright, kid, I believe you," he reasures him. He looks at Valerie with a deep frown.

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Carlos breathes shakily. “Sorry-” He gasps out before he dissolves into sobs, he holds his arms out for Bucky. “Why does he hate me?!”

Bucky instantly softens and wraps his arms around Carlos. "Oh, kid... I'm sorry. Its not your fault hes the way he is."

carlos-thatcher

Carlos cries against Bucky, holding one hand out for Valerie. “I didn’t even do anything!”

Valerie takes his hand in hers instantly. "You didnt. Its not your fault," Bucky soothes him.

carlos-thatcher

Carlos cries and clings to both of them. He hides his face in Bucky’s chest for a long moment before pulling back. “I hate him! I hate him so much- but he’s my dad!”

"I know.." Bucky doesn't know what to say. "I'm sorry you have to deal with him, kid. You're always welcome here."

carlos-thatcher

Carlos nods shakily, wiping at his lip, blood smearing onto his hand. “Thank you- I’m… fathers going to kill me.” True terror fills his voice, likes he actually worried Pierce will kill him.

Bucky clasps his shoulders. "I'm not going to let that man hurt you." His voice if firm, completely resolute.

carlos-thatcher

Carlos startles, he grabs onto Valerie’s hands. “You can’t stop him! He has a gang!"

"I'll find a way. I have my own connection." Bucky hadn't had a good past, he'd just stopped when Val was born.

carlos-thatcher

Carlos nods shakily, tucking his arms around himself. He’s terrified. “Valerie-" He holds his arms out for her.

Valerie pulls him into her arms instantly, just like she always does. Bucky watches, clearly worried.

carlos-thatcher

“I want my mom-” Carlos sobs as he clings to her, shaking violently.

"Im sorry." She keeps holding him oh so gently.

carlos-thatcher

Carlos holds onto her, hiding against Val. He glances to Bucky nervously. “Please… please I can’t go back- he’s going to kill me.”

"you can stay here. Fuck what the courts say." Bucky gives him a reassuring look when he speaks.

carlos-thatcher

Carlos nods shakily, he hides his face into Valerie’s neck. “I hate this!”

"So do I," Val whispers. she keeps him close to her, stroking his hair lightly.

carlos-thatcher

Carlos buries his face against her, breathing carefully. “What if he comes here?”

"I won't let him in. He's not stronger than me.' Buckys voice is firm.

carlos-thatcher

“What if he brings his gang?” Carlos whispers, terrified. He leans into Valerie. “Can we just go to bed? Please.”

"Ill keep you safe." Valerie softens. "Yeah.. you wanna stay in my room?" She offers, meaning her bed specifically.

carlos-thatcher

Carlos nods shakily, he glances to Bucky. “Is that okay?” He leans against Valerie, already shuffling towards her room.

Bucky nods. "Of course." He smiles teasingly. "But no baby making in my house, understood?"

carlos-thatcher

“Bucky!” Carlos flushes a deep red, he tugs Valerie down the hallway, and can’t stop himself from calling back, “Don’t worry! We do that at my house-” before hurrying into Valerie’s room.

Bucky barks out a laugh, even as Valerie turns bright pink, blushing hard. "Carlos!" She complains, though some part of her is laughing slightly as she shuts the door.

carlos-thatcher

Carlos laughs and plops down onto the bed. Smiling a bit. “Sorry…” He flops back and stares at the ceiling.

"Oh, shush." She falls down next to him, burying her face in his neck. "...are you okay..?"

carlos-thatcher

Open roleplay

(Carlos as a Shield agent not undercover yet. Age 22. Will feature his wife Lillian who is a Hydra agent.)

Carlos sits in a Shield room, humming quietly to himself as he looks through a file, he’d just gotten back from a difficult mission, one that will haunt his dreams for a while. He sighs softly as he writes, some missions were just hard.

Carlos doesn’t look up as he hears the door open, expecting it to be his wife. “Hey Lillian, I just finished that report…” Carlos looks up and blinks in surprise, that’s not Lillian. “Hello… can I help you?” He tilts his head, slowly closing his file.

Valerie blinks in surprise at Carlos' presence. "...I was looking for Lillian," she lies. She hadn't expected Carlos to be in her office. Lillian was briefly supervising further undercover training for her - she was young, probably seventeen, maybe eighteen.

carlos-thatcher

Carlos tilts his head confused. He rests his hands on top of the file. “Oh… Lils- Lillian isn’t here right now… she was grabbing something from Fury’s office.” He eyes Valerie for a moment, softening. “What do you need from her? I’m sure I can help.” His voice is soft, just the hint of a British accent.

Valerie flicks her eyes from Carlos to the file. Her handler wanted her to get more adept at subterfuge, hence why she was here. She just needed to get some files from Carlos' office. She quickly reaches for her cover story. "Oh, she agreed to help me with my senior thesis! She used to live in my building."

carlos-thatcher

Carlos blinks and tucks the files into a drawer, he looks tired, brow pinched wit pain. “What’s it about? Love in your… oh…” He sits back in his seat, yawning quickly and folding his arms over his chest. “What’s your name? I’m Carlos, Carlos Thatcher.” He holds out a hand.

Valerie notes the pain. She can use it, if she needs a to. "Oh, its about women in positions of power," she answers. "I tried to get an interview with the Black Widow but she didn't bite," she adds jokingly. "I'm Alice."

carlos-thatcher

Carlos snorts out a laugh and smiles. “Yeah Natasha’s hard to get a hold of.” He glances around the office. “Well Lillian’s not here right now… she’ll probably be back in bit but you can stay until she is.” He glances her over carefully. “Lils has never mentioned a… friend named Alice.”

Valerie flushes a little, trying to look sheepish, or like she's a little awestruck. "Well, we aren't Iike, friends, friends. I just thought she was cool, when she lived in my building. She was across the hall from my mom and I."

carlos-thatcher

“Ah…” Carlos pulls out his files again, writing a few things down. “She is pretty cool.” Carlos smiles slightly before shaking his head, clearing his throat. “Oh the building down in Brooklyn?”

"Yeah," Valerie breathes. Hero worship is easy to fake. abyway. She nods. "Yrah, over on 2nd? She wasn't there for very long, but I've been there years..."

carlos-thatcher

“Hm…” Carlos had tried that as a trick, because he’s suspicious, when is he not by now? He didn’t think Lillian had lived in Brooklyn, but maybe it was so brief she never mentioned it? “Huh, she always told me she lived in Manhattan.”

Valerie shrugs. "Do you know her well?" She asks curiously. She's going to be so fucked if she messes this up. "It was only for like, a couple months."

carlos-thatcher

Carlos eyes her suspiciously before he softens. He rubs at his forehead for a moment. “Yeah, she’s my wife.” He nods slowly, wincing a little. “I’m sure it was.” She probably had a mission out there, yeah.

Valerie fakes shock. "Oh, wow. I didn't realise that was you! That's awesome, you're really lucky." She nods. "Yeah.. i should probably go find her, or I'll have to come back tonmorow.."

carlos-thatcher

Carlos nods slowly, massaging at his head. “No, no, I’ll just text her to come on down and meet you here. You can’t just go wandering around a Shield building.”

"Are you alright?" Valerie asks lightly and then smiles at him brightly. "Oh, thank you! That would be wonderful." She just needs him to leave...

carlos-thatcher

“Sorry, me head hurts a bit.” Carlos bites the inside of his cheek. He nods as he grabs his phone, sending a text to Lillian. He glances back to his work and sighs, he just wants to go home for a bit.

Valerie fakes sympathy. "Oh, I'm sorry." She looks around for a place to sit. "You don't have to sit here and watch me! I'm not gonna do anything."

carlos-thatcher

Carlos gestures a chair at the side of the desk. “I know… I just need to finish up my report.” He taps the file in front of him with a long sigh.

Valerie quickly comes and sits beside him. If he'd just open that file, she'd be able to read and memorise it. "...of course. Must keep you busy here."

carlos-thatcher

Carlos scoots the file back a bit, keeping it closed. “It does… just got back from a… hard mission. Lots to report.” He taps his pencil against the file.

Valerie nods. "Makes sense." She sits quietly, pulling out a phone to idly scroll on. Its an older model, on the outside.

carlos-thatcher

Carlos glances the phone over, he opens his file and starts to write a few things down, keeping it out of Valerie’s view.

Valerie scowls. She needs some sort of plan. She's not good at this sort of thing yet. "Im sorry to be a pain, is there a bathroom somewhere?"

carlos-thatcher

Carlos nods and points to a door attached to the office. “Bathrooms in there.” He smiles softly.

Valerie smiles brightly. She slips into thr bathroom to text Lillian.

I need help.

carlos-thatcher

Carlos goes back to writing.

What with?

Valerie anxiously waits. She needs this.

He won't leave.

carlos-thatcher

Stupid girl. I’m on my way.

She winces.

Thank you.

She quickly flushes and slips back into the office. "Thanks, Carlos!"

carlos-thatcher

Carlos looks up and smiles. “Of course.” The door opens a moment later and Lillian walks in.

Valerie fakes a bright familiar smile when Lillian walks in. "Lily!! Hi! Thank you for agreeing to see me."

carlos-thatcher

Lillian smiles back. “Of course… I’m glad to help you.” She walks over and kisses the top of Carlos head.

Valerie smiles. "I didnt know your husband worked here too!" Val says with feigned excitement.

carlos-thatcher

Lillian laughs and shakes her head, petting Carlos hair with one hand. “Oh yes, we work together closely.”

"Thats so cute." Valerie smiles at Carlos, privately a mix of amused and disturbed that he has no idea about Lillian being Hydra.

carlos-thatcher

Carlos smiles back. “I know, working couple.” He laughs and gives her a kiss, Lillian rests a hand on the back of his neck. “Alice, I see you’re behind on your essay.” She looks annoyed.

Valerie nods a little bit. "I... yeah." She withers slightly under Lillian's stare, but not a suspicious amount.... "I just cant find the evidence I need."

carlos-thatcher

Lillian hums and shakes her head. “That’s disappointing.” Carlos frowns a bit and looks up.

Valerie drops her gaze. "I'm sorry. I'm trying." She wrings her hands behind her back.

carlos-thatcher

Carlos raises an eyebrow. “It’s just an essay…” Katrina hums and masssges the back of his neck. “Of course…”

"Yeah, its just for my finals, so..." Valerie shrugs. "Could we maybe use your office for our interview?" She asks Carlos.

carlos-thatcher

“Oh of course.” Carlos smiles and stands, giving Katrina a quick kiss. “You know… we have a free evening if you’d like to come to dinner, you could talk lots more at our place.” Carlos says with a smile before leaving the room.

"Thanks!" Valerie smiles brightly. "I appreciate the offer, but my dad will want me home. I'm pushing curfew as it is." She rubs her neck sheepishly then drops the act as soon as he's gone, moving for the file.

carlos-thatcher

Katrina scowls and slams her hand on top of the file. “Why are you still here girl?” Her demeanor completely changes, anger flashing in her eyes.

Valerie falters, pulling her hand away from the file quickly. "I--. He wasn't supposed to be in here," she says cautiously.

carlos-thatcher

“Mm, maybe. But you’re supposed to know how to react and get the information even when things don’t go to plan.” She snaps angrily.

Valerie looks down. "I know, ma'am. That's why I asked you to come over... he trusts you."

carlos-thatcher

“You shouldn’t have had to do that, girl. You could’ve thought of something better.” She shakes her head and shoves the file to Valerie. “Of course he trusts me, I’m his wife.”

Valerie nods and takes the file, scanning the information to be able to report back. There's nothing important for the test. "...yes, ma'am. "

carlos-thatcher

Lillian shakes her head a bit. “Go.” She points to the door, unaware Carlos is still outside it.

Valerie slinks out of the room, startling when she sees Carlos to put her persona back on. "Oh! Hi!"

carlos-thatcher

Carlos smiles and looks up from the file he’s holding. “Hi… everything okay?”

Valerie nods rapidly. "Everything's fine. Thank you. I just gotta get home."

carlos-thatcher

“Let me walk you out.” Carlos says gently, he feels like something’s off.

Valerie nods. She has no reason to say no, so... "Oh, thank you."

carlos-thatcher

“Of course.” Carlos starts walking, wincing a bit and tucking his files to his chest.

Valerie follows after him quietly. She fakes a yawn. "This is nice if you."

carlos-thatcher

Carlos shoots her a smile. “I like to make sure people get home safe, is your dad picking you up?”

Valerie shakes her head. "I'm just getting the bus. I do it all the time," she adds quickly.

carlos-thatcher

Carlos nods slowly. “Well the bus stop is the next street over… it’s getting late.” He looks worried.

"Carlos, thats sweet, but I just met you, I'm not gonna let you drive me home," she says, predicting the offer.

carlos-thatcher

Carlos flushes and ducks his head down. “Right… sorry, I just worry.” He blinks a few times. His eyes flick down the street and he freezes, eyes widening a bit. “No-” He whispers, he grabs Valerie’s arm and flings them against the wall.

Valerie starts to walk away. She immediately pulls a knife, instinct kicking in, and shoves him away. "What the fuck are you doing?"

carlos-thatcher

Carlos cries out sharply when she pushes him away, his eyes wide. “I saw- I saw…” He breathes heavily and grabs at his face. “I’m sorry, I’m so sorry- I thought…”

Valerie crossed her arms over her chest, shoving her knife back into her pocket. "You thought what?" She says shrilly.

carlos-thatcher

“Why do you have a knife?” Carlos gasps out, he doubles over a bit, taking a few shaky breaths. “I thought I saw someone from… from my past, I’m sorry.”

"Because im a teenage girl walking home at night." She glares at him lightly. "Why did you freak out so much?" Its probably someone from the tac team coming to collect her--

carlos-thatcher

“Right-” Carlos rests his hands on his knees, breathing quickly. “Because they’re awful people, and I- I…” He stares with wide eyes. “Please get Lillian- I need Lillian…”

"Yeah, yeah, okay." She was going to be in so much trouble. But she calls Lillian anyway. "Hey, um- Carlos was walking me to the bus stop, and he said he saw someone?He's freaking out, Lily, he asked for you-"

carlos-thatcher

Carlos doubles over further. Lillian sounds furious when she replies. “Why was he walking with you girl?! I’m on my way-”

"Thank you..." She cant answer the question in front of Carlis without being suspicious, so she just anxiously awaits Lillian's arrival.

carlos-thatcher

“Thank you-” Carlos chokes out. Lillian storms out of the building, glaring at Valerie before resting her hand on the back of Carlos neck. “Lo, enough. Calm yourself down, deep breathes, you are fine. Calm it down, now.”

Valerie watches. Some part of her feels... bad for him? She quickly shoves that feeling away in the hopes Lilian won't notice.

carlos-thatcher

Lillian gives her an angry look, she definitely noticed. She tucks Carlos head against her chest. “Shush, that’s enough Carlos, you’re fine.”

Valerie looks away, scolded. She's already made Lillian mad and she has no doubt that her handler is going to find out. She hopes Carlos is okay..

carlos-thatcher

Carlos takes a few deep breaths, he’s starting to look highly ashamed of himself. Lillian rubs his forehead, glancing to Valerie with disgust.

Valerie steps back. In fact, she slips away entirely, not wanting to get in any more trouble and leaving to meet her ride.

carlos-thatcher

Carlos looks up after a moment, frowning a bit. Where did she go…? he frowns and looks around quickly.

Valerie is hurridly walking away before Xarlos can catch up, hoping he just forgets about ber...

carlos-thatcher

Carlos frowns a bit, he goes back to his apartment with Lillian, but the next day he’s looking through files, trying to find anything on her.

There's very little, and there's no record of her ever having a relationship with Lillian beyond thr address in her file.

carlos-thatcher

Carlos frowns and sits back in his seat, tapping his pencil against his desk. Who on earth could she be? He starts researching further, trying to find anything, an address, a picture, something so he can find her again.

He finds one, tucked away deep in files that are more Hydra than they are Shield. Its not much, just a photo with the name Valerie next to it.

carlos-thatcher

Carlos curses under his breath, covering his face. Hydra- of course it would be Hydra. But why… why would Lillian know her? No- that just can’t be. He shoves himself to his feet, he has to find Valerie.

Valerie has already been whisked back to Hydra. She'd been picked up early, and had to report her numerous near failures to her handler. Three's barely a file on her, but her age.. that hadn't been a lie.

carlos-thatcher

Carlos frowns, he gets a disguise and does something he didn’t think he’d be doing for a long time… he goes back to Hydra, wandering around the base, eyes flicking over it.

Valerie, by pure coincidence, had been out on the grounds training, in the fresh air instead of in one of the internal rooms. She doesn't notice Carlos, because of his disguise, but she's clearly hard at work.

Open roleplay

(Modern, teen Steve. At camp)

Steve steps off the camp bus, glancing around the camp with wide eyes. His Ma had sent him off to this camp, managed to get enough money to send him, Steve had insisted he didn’t need to go, to save the money. But she’d wanted him to go, to experience it, get away from the city for a bit.

Steve glances around at all the other teens, fidgeting with the strap of his bag, he’s a bit anxious about the next three weeks. It’s a long time to be away from home. He chews his lip as he looks around, trying to find his group. He looks beyond lost, turning and bumping into someone on accident. “Sorry!”

Valerie had wanted desperately to go on the camp. She'd paid for it herself, because her foster father had refused to. But she was thrilled for three weeks away from him.

She looks up at Steve, shrugging. "...it's fine.. you okay?"

Steve startles and turns quickly, his eyes are wide, he’s clearly on edge to be here. “I’m okay, are you-” He plucks at his bag, eyes darting around the camp, he’s never been to anything like this before. And he’s worried, his Ma is home with just his Pa.

"I'm fine," Valerie says with a quick nod. Her eyes glance over him, she can tell that he's on edge. She slings her backpack back over her shoulder, sleeve slipping to show a couple bruises on her arm.

Toni is sitting out on the balcony, curled up on the chair as she smokes. Her phone is face up on the table as Valerie’s ‘on my way’ flashes across the screen.

@kitty-toni

Valerie climbs up and onto the balcony, immediately approaching Toni. "Hi, sweetheart," she greets warmly, dropping a light kiss onto her partner's head.

“Hello my love” she smiles, shuffling over on the day bed so Valerie can sit with her

Valerie plops down beside her happily. "You look beautiful."

Toni giggles “I’m just sitting here in sweatpants”

"I know. You're still gorgeous," Valerie declares.

Toni leans into her with a small giggle “you’re gorgeous” she gives her a kiss on the cheek before silently offering Valerie a hit, forgetting she can’t get high.

Valerie takes a hit anyway, more for the experience of doing it with Toni than any real desire to get high. "You said something about shotgunning?" She murmurs.

“Mhm” Toni lets out a small giggle and blushes, letting Valerie take the lead on whatever she wants to do

Valerie grins, tilting Toni's chin up. She takes another hit and leans forward close to blow it out.

Toni giggles, already blushing and giddy before placing a small kiss to Valerie’s lips

Valerie grins and breathes out the smoke happily, enjoying the action even without the high.

Toni hums with a small upturn of her lips before she deepens the kiss, breathing in the smoke. She lets on hand rest of Valerie’s shoulder and the other softly holding her face

Valerie smiles into the kiss, cupping Toni's face in turn before she pulls away so that Toni can breathe out the smoke. "That's more fun than I remember."

Toni giggles and breathes out the smoke “yeah?” She teases softly “you thought it was fun?” She whispers against her lips before giving her another quick kiss

Valerie nods. "With you? Definitely." She sighs happily into the kiss, sitting back ever so slightly. She runs a hand through Toni's hair, the touch gentle. Tender.

Toni leans forward as Valerie leans back, not breaking the kiss. She hums softly against her lips before reaching to hold Valerie’s face softly

Valerie hums happily into the kiss, sliding her hand down to cup Toni's jaw. "Wanna do it again?" She offers.

Toni immediately nods, smiling with her bottom lip between her teeth and lifting the joint up to Valerie’s lips again

Valerie grins and takes another slow drag, leaning in to blow it out into Toni's mouth gently.

Toni giggles before pressing her lips against Valerie’s, slowly kissing and inhaling the smoke

Valerie grins, pressing close and then pulling away again. She brushes Toni's hair back.

Valerie @valerie-patton - Tumblr Blog | Tumgag