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ysabetwordsmithThis story is a sequel to "Love Is for Children," "Eggshells," "Dolls and Guys," "Turnabout Is Fair Play," and "Touching Moments," "Splash," "Coming Around," and "Birthday Girl."
Fandom: The Avengers
Characters: Phil Coulson, Clint Barton, Natasha Romanova, Tony Stark, Bruce Banner, Hulk, Steve Rogers, Betty Ross, JARVIS, Bucky Barnes, Nick Fury.
Medium: Fiction
Warnings: Mind control. Inferences of past child abuse and other torture. Current environment is supportive.
Summary: A mission in Russia introduces the Avengers to the Winter Soldier. Steve wants Bucky back and will stop at nothing to make that happen. Everyone else helps however they can.
Notes: Asexual character (Clint). Aromantic character (Natasha). Asexual relationship. Sibling relationships. Fix-it. Teamwork. Canon-typical violence. BAMF!Avengers. Bucky!whump. Vulgar language. Drama. Rescue. Hurt/Comfort. Emotional whump. Survivor guilt. Friendship. Confusion. Mind control. Memory loss. Slow recovery. Nick Fury makes stupid-ass decisions. Fear of loss. Arc reactor. Fluff. Nonsexual ageplay. Making up for lost time. Tony Stark has a heart. Games. Trust issues. Safety and security. Howard Stark's A+ parenting. Obadiah Stane's A+ parenting. Food issues. Multiplicity/Plurality. Sleep issues. Non-sexual touching and intimacy. Yoga. Personal growth. Family of choice. ALL THE FEELS. #coulsonlives.
Begin with Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4, Part 5, Part 6, Part 7, Part 8, Part 9, Part 10, Part 11, Part 12, Part 13, Part 14, Part 15, Part 16, Part 17, Part 18. Skip to Part 21, Part 22, Part 23, Part 24.
"No Winter Lasts Forever" Part 19
"I could cut your hair, Bucky," Steve offered.
"If you ever put a bowl over my head again, I will paint your shield pink," Bucky said, his mood brightening to mischief.
It's like watching clouds move over the sun and then away again, Phil thought. He suspected that the mercurial quality was more imposed than innate, although it had built on earlier traits, based on Steve's previous stories about Bucky. Perhaps in time the wild swings would settle back toward normal.
"How was I supposed to know you wouldn't like it?" Steve asked Bucky. "You cut my hair that way."
"I could do it," Betty said quietly. "You've at least met me, Bucky. I've cut Bruce's hair before, pretty much for the same reason as yours. He'd been on the run for a while, it was all shaggy, and that bothered Hulk when they shifted. Hulk doesn't like it when his hair gets over his eyes so he can't see clearly." Phil remembered that from the bilgesnipe fight that ended with a team bath and Hulk mopping his wet hair out of his face.
Bucky stared at her. "My control is ... not very reliable right now," he said, rubbing a hand over his metal arm. "Do you not realize that I could snap and kill you?"
"In a room full of superheroes, that's not very likely," Betty said, sweeping a gaze around the table. "Besides, if your control is shaky then you need to practice holding it steady. I'm happy to help with that too. Bruce-and-Hulk find my presence soothing."
"So do I," Tony said. "I think it's your voice, you know? That time I hacked into the AIM system to call for pickup, hearing you on the other end was just -- okay, everything's fine now, we're going home. Such a relief."
It's not just Bruce responding to her as a handler. Betty is starting to have the same effect on the other team members too, Phil realized. It felt good to know they had more than one person who could fill that role if needed.
"Thank you, Tony, that's very sweet," Betty said. Bruce draped an arm around her waist and leaned into her.
Bucky sniffed, then said in a wondering tone, "You're not scared of me at all, are you?"
"No. Not much scares me anymore. Besides, you're a decent person who's been injured and might lash out, not a violent person who just likes intimidating and hurting people. That makes a big difference," Betty said. "So, do you want me to trim your hair or not?"
"... go ahead," Bucky said.
That's a good sign, Phil thought. He saw Bruce slip out of the room.
Tony jittered around the cabinets, pocketing a few extra smoothie ingredients from the bulk jars. "Little of this, dab of that ..." he muttered as he scooped things into baggies. His voice sounded edgy.
Phil didn't think it came from any fear of Bucky, but he suspected it was related somehow. He sidled over to Tony's corner of the kitchen. "Are you all right?" he murmured.
"Yeah, it's just -- Steve told me about the crap with Fury and the World Insecurity Council," Tony said. His eyes narrowed. "I am so very pissed with them right now. I have a few things in mind. Don't get in my way."
"I wasn't planning to," Phil said mildly. People had been warned not to toy with the Avengers; let them reap the consequences of ignoring those warnings. "Just don't leave yourself vulnerable, Tony. Those people have no mercy."
Tony clicked his nails sharply against the arc reactor. "I don't need their mercy. I have brains and science," he said. "Guys who tried manipulating me in the past never had any mercy either, and look how well that turned out for them."
"I did actually point that out to Fury, pictures and all," Phil said.
Tony flashed the razored grin that Phil recalled from the infamous Senate meeting. "Knew there was a reason I kept you around," Tony said.
"The only thing I'll ask is that, if you haven't already released the recording of the confrontation in Fury's office -- and I know you have that -- please hold onto it for now," Phil said. "Seeing proof of betrayal would destroy SHIELD morale. Let's see if we can find a way to defuse the situation that will do less collateral damage than Fury's style of planning usually does."
"And meanwhile it doesn't hurt to have blackmail material," Tony said. "Okay. I can work around that. By the way, I loved watching you go Agent Uncle all over Fury's ass. You're so protective." Then Tony disappeared out the door. He was getting to where he'd do things for other people, but either never thought of cleanup or considered it beneath him. Phil returned to the table.
"JARVIS, please find me one of the old photos of Bucky," said Betty. A hologram popped up showing Steve and Bucky together. "Now give us a few samples from current fashion that have a similar look and won't let his hair get in the way." Five more images appeared next to the first. "Okay, Bucky, pick one that you like, or if you hate them all, you can ask for more choices."
"The middle one looks fine," Bucky said.
Betty got up to stand next to Bucky. "JARVIS, display instructions," she said. The extra images closed, leaving the old picture and the middle sample for reference. Then a column of text appeared.
"You think you can learn hairstyling, just like that?" Bucky asked.
Betty chuckled. "Tony isn't the only genius who can pick up new skills with a good book and a few hours," she said. "Actually it's easier this time because I've got JARVIS to give me step-by-step instructions. Last time I just had to guess with what I could remember from styling magazines that I'd read in salons."
Bruce came back with a bath towel and a pair of scissors. "Figured you'd want these," he said.
"Thank you," Betty said. She draped the towel around Bucky's shoulders, making sure it covered everything. Then she put three fingers under his chin to tilt his head up and said, "Relax. Sit still. Be patient."
* * *
Notes:
A bowl cut is a simple hairstyle that looks something like this. Yes, it can be done by putting a bowl over someone's head and cutting around the rim. Most people used to cut their hair at home instead of going to a salon. Because the bowl cut is so easy, it's popular for children and people who can't or won't go to a stylist.
PTSD can cause serious control issues. It's linked to anger, violence, and impaired impulse control. This can raise the risk of domestic violence and other crimes. Bucky recognizes that he can't always control himself, so he's trying to find other ways of avoiding mishaps. There are tips for strengthening self-control.
The Avengers have an advantage in coping with outbursts: they're not just super-powered, they have some training in how to de-escalate conflicts. There is advice on what to do and not to do in calming an angry person, along with general ideas on controlling angry people. De-escalation is an important skill with step-by-step methods and techniques to avoid violence. There are also ways to control someone without hurting him.
Betty's soothing voice likely comes from a combination of innate talent and learned skill. Growing up in an abusive home, you learn to use whatever you've got to stay alive. There are general guidelines for improving your voice. There are also tips on how to cultivate a relaxing, friendly, and calm voice. It helps to speak gently to yourself and others. Betty also understands that good leaders stay calm in a crisis, and how to do that. Basically when people feel out of control, confused, or threatened they tend to gravitate to anyone who makes them feel safe.
The World Security Council is in charge of SHIELD and various other activities allegedly aimed at peace and stability. Their actions conflict with their stated intent. You can see why Tony doesn't like them.
Collateral damage is harm done to anything or anyone outside the intended target or goal. Director Fury believes that the end justifies the means and favors expediency over precision. Agent Coulson believes that today's mistakes become tomorrow's disasters and favors efficiency over speed. It's the difference between a chainsaw and a scalpel.
Here's an "old" picture of Bucky and Steve together. If you look closely at Bucky, then at the Winter Soldier in comics and the upcoming movie, you can see why the floppy hair would be driving him nuts. The modern haircut Bucky picked out would probably be along these lines.
[To be continued in Part 20 ...]
Fandom: The Avengers
Characters: Phil Coulson, Clint Barton, Natasha Romanova, Tony Stark, Bruce Banner, Hulk, Steve Rogers, Betty Ross, JARVIS, Bucky Barnes, Nick Fury.
Medium: Fiction
Warnings: Mind control. Inferences of past child abuse and other torture. Current environment is supportive.
Summary: A mission in Russia introduces the Avengers to the Winter Soldier. Steve wants Bucky back and will stop at nothing to make that happen. Everyone else helps however they can.
Notes: Asexual character (Clint). Aromantic character (Natasha). Asexual relationship. Sibling relationships. Fix-it. Teamwork. Canon-typical violence. BAMF!Avengers. Bucky!whump. Vulgar language. Drama. Rescue. Hurt/Comfort. Emotional whump. Survivor guilt. Friendship. Confusion. Mind control. Memory loss. Slow recovery. Nick Fury makes stupid-ass decisions. Fear of loss. Arc reactor. Fluff. Nonsexual ageplay. Making up for lost time. Tony Stark has a heart. Games. Trust issues. Safety and security. Howard Stark's A+ parenting. Obadiah Stane's A+ parenting. Food issues. Multiplicity/Plurality. Sleep issues. Non-sexual touching and intimacy. Yoga. Personal growth. Family of choice. ALL THE FEELS. #coulsonlives.
Begin with Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4, Part 5, Part 6, Part 7, Part 8, Part 9, Part 10, Part 11, Part 12, Part 13, Part 14, Part 15, Part 16, Part 17, Part 18. Skip to Part 21, Part 22, Part 23, Part 24.
"No Winter Lasts Forever" Part 19
"I could cut your hair, Bucky," Steve offered.
"If you ever put a bowl over my head again, I will paint your shield pink," Bucky said, his mood brightening to mischief.
It's like watching clouds move over the sun and then away again, Phil thought. He suspected that the mercurial quality was more imposed than innate, although it had built on earlier traits, based on Steve's previous stories about Bucky. Perhaps in time the wild swings would settle back toward normal.
"How was I supposed to know you wouldn't like it?" Steve asked Bucky. "You cut my hair that way."
"I could do it," Betty said quietly. "You've at least met me, Bucky. I've cut Bruce's hair before, pretty much for the same reason as yours. He'd been on the run for a while, it was all shaggy, and that bothered Hulk when they shifted. Hulk doesn't like it when his hair gets over his eyes so he can't see clearly." Phil remembered that from the bilgesnipe fight that ended with a team bath and Hulk mopping his wet hair out of his face.
Bucky stared at her. "My control is ... not very reliable right now," he said, rubbing a hand over his metal arm. "Do you not realize that I could snap and kill you?"
"In a room full of superheroes, that's not very likely," Betty said, sweeping a gaze around the table. "Besides, if your control is shaky then you need to practice holding it steady. I'm happy to help with that too. Bruce-and-Hulk find my presence soothing."
"So do I," Tony said. "I think it's your voice, you know? That time I hacked into the AIM system to call for pickup, hearing you on the other end was just -- okay, everything's fine now, we're going home. Such a relief."
It's not just Bruce responding to her as a handler. Betty is starting to have the same effect on the other team members too, Phil realized. It felt good to know they had more than one person who could fill that role if needed.
"Thank you, Tony, that's very sweet," Betty said. Bruce draped an arm around her waist and leaned into her.
Bucky sniffed, then said in a wondering tone, "You're not scared of me at all, are you?"
"No. Not much scares me anymore. Besides, you're a decent person who's been injured and might lash out, not a violent person who just likes intimidating and hurting people. That makes a big difference," Betty said. "So, do you want me to trim your hair or not?"
"... go ahead," Bucky said.
That's a good sign, Phil thought. He saw Bruce slip out of the room.
Tony jittered around the cabinets, pocketing a few extra smoothie ingredients from the bulk jars. "Little of this, dab of that ..." he muttered as he scooped things into baggies. His voice sounded edgy.
Phil didn't think it came from any fear of Bucky, but he suspected it was related somehow. He sidled over to Tony's corner of the kitchen. "Are you all right?" he murmured.
"Yeah, it's just -- Steve told me about the crap with Fury and the World Insecurity Council," Tony said. His eyes narrowed. "I am so very pissed with them right now. I have a few things in mind. Don't get in my way."
"I wasn't planning to," Phil said mildly. People had been warned not to toy with the Avengers; let them reap the consequences of ignoring those warnings. "Just don't leave yourself vulnerable, Tony. Those people have no mercy."
Tony clicked his nails sharply against the arc reactor. "I don't need their mercy. I have brains and science," he said. "Guys who tried manipulating me in the past never had any mercy either, and look how well that turned out for them."
"I did actually point that out to Fury, pictures and all," Phil said.
Tony flashed the razored grin that Phil recalled from the infamous Senate meeting. "Knew there was a reason I kept you around," Tony said.
"The only thing I'll ask is that, if you haven't already released the recording of the confrontation in Fury's office -- and I know you have that -- please hold onto it for now," Phil said. "Seeing proof of betrayal would destroy SHIELD morale. Let's see if we can find a way to defuse the situation that will do less collateral damage than Fury's style of planning usually does."
"And meanwhile it doesn't hurt to have blackmail material," Tony said. "Okay. I can work around that. By the way, I loved watching you go Agent Uncle all over Fury's ass. You're so protective." Then Tony disappeared out the door. He was getting to where he'd do things for other people, but either never thought of cleanup or considered it beneath him. Phil returned to the table.
"JARVIS, please find me one of the old photos of Bucky," said Betty. A hologram popped up showing Steve and Bucky together. "Now give us a few samples from current fashion that have a similar look and won't let his hair get in the way." Five more images appeared next to the first. "Okay, Bucky, pick one that you like, or if you hate them all, you can ask for more choices."
"The middle one looks fine," Bucky said.
Betty got up to stand next to Bucky. "JARVIS, display instructions," she said. The extra images closed, leaving the old picture and the middle sample for reference. Then a column of text appeared.
"You think you can learn hairstyling, just like that?" Bucky asked.
Betty chuckled. "Tony isn't the only genius who can pick up new skills with a good book and a few hours," she said. "Actually it's easier this time because I've got JARVIS to give me step-by-step instructions. Last time I just had to guess with what I could remember from styling magazines that I'd read in salons."
Bruce came back with a bath towel and a pair of scissors. "Figured you'd want these," he said.
"Thank you," Betty said. She draped the towel around Bucky's shoulders, making sure it covered everything. Then she put three fingers under his chin to tilt his head up and said, "Relax. Sit still. Be patient."
* * *
Notes:
A bowl cut is a simple hairstyle that looks something like this. Yes, it can be done by putting a bowl over someone's head and cutting around the rim. Most people used to cut their hair at home instead of going to a salon. Because the bowl cut is so easy, it's popular for children and people who can't or won't go to a stylist.
PTSD can cause serious control issues. It's linked to anger, violence, and impaired impulse control. This can raise the risk of domestic violence and other crimes. Bucky recognizes that he can't always control himself, so he's trying to find other ways of avoiding mishaps. There are tips for strengthening self-control.
The Avengers have an advantage in coping with outbursts: they're not just super-powered, they have some training in how to de-escalate conflicts. There is advice on what to do and not to do in calming an angry person, along with general ideas on controlling angry people. De-escalation is an important skill with step-by-step methods and techniques to avoid violence. There are also ways to control someone without hurting him.
Betty's soothing voice likely comes from a combination of innate talent and learned skill. Growing up in an abusive home, you learn to use whatever you've got to stay alive. There are general guidelines for improving your voice. There are also tips on how to cultivate a relaxing, friendly, and calm voice. It helps to speak gently to yourself and others. Betty also understands that good leaders stay calm in a crisis, and how to do that. Basically when people feel out of control, confused, or threatened they tend to gravitate to anyone who makes them feel safe.
The World Security Council is in charge of SHIELD and various other activities allegedly aimed at peace and stability. Their actions conflict with their stated intent. You can see why Tony doesn't like them.
Collateral damage is harm done to anything or anyone outside the intended target or goal. Director Fury believes that the end justifies the means and favors expediency over precision. Agent Coulson believes that today's mistakes become tomorrow's disasters and favors efficiency over speed. It's the difference between a chainsaw and a scalpel.
Here's an "old" picture of Bucky and Steve together. If you look closely at Bucky, then at the Winter Soldier in comics and the upcoming movie, you can see why the floppy hair would be driving him nuts. The modern haircut Bucky picked out would probably be along these lines.
[To be continued in Part 20 ...]
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Date: 2013-05-29 06:29 am (UTC)That noise you just heard is me squeeing, because I know you said you'd come up with something about this, but *it's here*. Black and white. I am now a seriously happy fanperson.
Also, sorry I've been quiet the last few days, but I got bit by the writing bug. Avengers style. And yes, it's ALL YOUR FAULT. Well, not really, but mostly. Like, 75%, the other 25% being that I was irritated about certain tbings even before I read your fic, and had people elsewhere deliberately feeding the bunny until it Hulked out on me and took over my brain.
Yay!
Date: 2013-05-30 07:24 am (UTC)Fanservice, *high five*! Of course, I used it because it was a well-conceived plot point, so thanks for that. Yes, the Avengers have various plans in progress to make Fury's life less comfortable. Some of that begins to unfold over the course of this story.
>>Also, sorry I've been quiet the last few days, but I got bit by the writing bug. Avengers style.<<
That's okay, writing is good!
>> And yes, it's ALL YOUR FAULT. Well, not really, but mostly. <<
*happydance* I love it when I inspire people. There's at least one other person that's happened to recently.
>>Like, 75%, the other 25% being that I was irritated about certain things even before I read your fic, and had people elsewhere deliberately feeding the bunny until it Hulked out on me and took over my brain.<<
I'd enjoy hearing more about this.
I've got another story written, not in the Love Is For Children series, but dealing with a scene that bugged the crap out of me in Iron Man 3. So I'm hanging onto that in case I need an extra spaceholder later.
Re: Yay!
Date: 2013-05-30 08:01 am (UTC)Basically, what I've done, is taken the Avengers movie and gone AU on its ass. See, thinking back on it, (in part thanks to things you've pointed out in your fics and in our convos in the comments) I realized there was some seriously funky shit going down with the Avengers.
Tony was .. not really being the Tony we all came to know in Iron Man 1 and 2 ... you know, the guy that tore Stane, the Ten Rings, Hammer, that senatorial hearing and Vanko new assholes. He was *letting Fury yank his chain*. This ... makes no damn sense whatever.
And Steve ... gah. The guy who bucked practically every rule in the military handbook was suddenly all 'Fury's the boss, let's do what he says' ? Yeah, no.
And then there were the Loki issues. And Fury being a fuckwad.
So I went 'what if?' and had Thor notice that Loki's eyes had changed color (in Thor they were greenish, in Avengers, blue like Barton and Selvig's were post-mindwhammy, so I ran with it as an excuse), and Tony and Steve are ... not happy with Fury, and then just for added fun, I tossed the X-Men into the mix (six months post X1, X2 isn't gonna happen, and First Class/the Wolverine movies are not canon), because they exist in the same universe, and when you've got an alien army coming at you, you don't settle for six people. You get ALL THE HELP YOU CAN FIND.
And I brought them in through Tony, because Warren Worthington and Charles Xavier both are rich as hell, and if they don't travel in Tony's circle, they get dang close. Also, Tony is the god of all things tech, and HIM having supplied the X-Mansion with its tech toys (as opposed to Hank building it all) just makes sense.
That this means *Logan* is with the gang was just gravy, because of the canon fact that he fought beside Steve.
I have plans all over the place. Fury's going to get his ass kicked. Odin's going to get ripped a new asshole, the WSC is going to get schooled HARD, all sorts of fun. And I'm hauling in the Superhero Support Squad (also known as the Avengers' girlfriends and their friends).
And don't talk to me about Iron Man 3. I am SO PISSED OFF about that movie it's not funny. I mean, seriously, what the HELL? Tony fucking quit? What? Like HELL!
Re: Yay!
Date: 2013-05-30 08:59 am (UTC)I can't wait to see this!
>>Tony was .. not really being the Tony we all came to know in Iron Man 1 and 2 ... you know, the guy that tore Stane, the Ten Rings, Hammer, that senatorial hearing and Vanko new assholes. He was *letting Fury yank his chain*. This ... makes no damn sense whatever.<<
I basically figured Tony had to be playing out the rope for Fury to go hang himself with.
>>And Steve ... gah. The guy who bucked practically every rule in the military handbook was suddenly all 'Fury's the boss, let's do what he says' ? Yeah, no.<<
Particularly after the Phase II discovery.
>> And then there were the Loki issues. And Fury being a fuckwad. <<
Yeah, Fury wads up all the fucks ever given.
>>So I went 'what if?' and had Thor notice that Loki's eyes had changed color (in Thor they were greenish, in Avengers, blue like Barton and Selvig's were post-mindwhammy, so I ran with it as an excuse), and Tony and Steve are ... not happy with Fury, and then just for added fun, I tossed the X-Men into the mix (six months post X1, X2 isn't gonna happen, and First Class/the Wolverine movies are not canon), because they exist in the same universe, and when you've got an alien army coming at you, you don't settle for six people. You get ALL THE HELP YOU CAN FIND.<<
Oh, well played!
>>And I brought them in through Tony, because Warren Worthington and Charles Xavier both are rich as hell, and if they don't travel in Tony's circle, they get dang close. Also, Tony is the god of all things tech, and HIM having supplied the X-Mansion with its tech toys (as opposed to Hank building it all) just makes sense.<<
I do like connecting the rich boys.
>>That this means *Logan* is with the gang was just gravy, because of the canon fact that he fought beside Steve.<<
That will be good for both of them.
>> I have plans all over the place. Fury's going to get his ass kicked. Odin's going to get ripped a new asshole, the WSC is going to get schooled HARD, all sorts of fun. And I'm hauling in the Superhero Support Squad (also known as the Avengers' girlfriends and their friends). <<
*offers bigger hammer* *goes to make popcorn*
>> And don't talk to me about Iron Man 3. I am SO PISSED OFF about that movie it's not funny. I mean, seriously, what the HELL? Tony fucking quit? What? Like HELL! <<
I found it entertaining as a movie, and there were some scenes I loved, and some I'd love to play with.
But the core of it really disturbs me, because ... destruction of property is abuse, and it's not any better if you induce the person to destroy their own stuff that they invested a huge amount of time and personality into creating. And there's the erasure of disability, which is implausible as well as morally wrong. And the scene with Pepper and Tony in bed is the worst possible response to PTSD nightmares in the history of ever.
That last is the one I dealt with. Based on my logic, if Bruce drops front, Hulk picks it up. So that's who heard Tony's story, and of course Bruce has no recollection of it. Hulk is not best pleased by all this bullshit.
Re: Yay!
Date: 2013-05-30 10:01 am (UTC)There's actually already eleven chapters of the fic written. 25k in five days. *stares* Last time I managed that sort of pace was two years ago.
>>Particularly after the Phase II discovery.<<
Exactly. I mean, Erskine made a point of asking Steve to promise to 'stay a good man' rather than a 'perfect soldier'. He *died* reminding Steve of that promise, and like HELL Steve would go back on something like that. It would have been like Tony saying 'Yinsen who?' and just continuing to be the way he had been prior to Afghanistan.
>>*offers bigger hammer* *goes to make popcorn*<<
Yeah, it's definitely going to be one of those fics, guaranteed. Though I'm going to be making a point of dealing with the interpersonal and personal stuff in between smacking people with cluebats like it's going out of style. Though I have to admit that, in order to spare myself some serious pain, I'm pretending the vast majority of Norse god lore either doesn't exist or was MADE UP, because if even a tenth of that shit really happened to Loki, I cannot see how they wouldn't fucking *level* Asgard in reaction and beat Thor to death, because holy shit.
>>I found it entertaining as a movie,<<
I actually haven't seen it, just heard about it from people that have. In this particular case, it's saved me money, because I HAD planned to go see it in the theaters, and now I'm all 'hell no'.
Re: Yay!
Date: 2013-05-31 02:47 am (UTC)Re: Yay!
Date: 2013-05-31 02:56 am (UTC)Re: Yay!
Date: 2013-05-31 03:04 am (UTC)That's the link for all my fics. The Avengers fic is 'Damaged Defenders'.
And if you've watched the MCU movies and X 1, you're pretty much good to go. I am ignoring most of the comics lore, because that shit is confusing as all hell. All I've done is add Remy, Warren, Kurt, and Hank back into the X-Men, with the explanation that they'd been away from the mansion when X1 happened, which is WHY X1 happened then. Because Magneto is not stupid, and knows that hitting your enemy when their forces are scattered to heck and gone ups your chances of success considerably.
Just his luck Rogue crossed paths with Logan, the one-man army that mucked up his plan but good.
Re: Yay!
Date: 2013-05-31 03:39 pm (UTC)Uh - huh.
The comics are all I know of these characters, mostly or entirely before the movies came out, and it's been many years since I read them. I know Magneto, and I think I know Rogue & Logan, but "Remy, Warren, Kurt, and Hank"… I might remember them under their supernames, but not like this.
:-) Don't worry about it, and don't try to explain it all to me. I'll pick it (back) up as I go along, or I won't, but I expect to enjoy it either way.
Re: Yay!
Date: 2013-06-01 12:51 am (UTC)*GLEE* I have started reading this and I'm enjoying it immensely.
Hmm, want to cross-reference our writing in the notes? The tones are different, but the team-as-family and many other themes are the same, thus likely to appeal to some of the same readers.
>> Exactly. I mean, Erskine made a point of asking Steve to promise to 'stay a good man' rather than a 'perfect soldier'. He *died* reminding Steve of that promise, and like HELL Steve would go back on something like that. It would have been like Tony saying 'Yinsen who?' and just continuing to be the way he had been prior to Afghanistan. <<
Good point.
If I get a chance, I'm hoping to touch on Steve's relationship with Erskine. It was a major thing for him, even though they had so very little time together. More an affirmation than a turning point as Yinsen was for Tony, but still, a guiding light in Steve's life.
>> Yeah, it's definitely going to be one of those fics, guaranteed. Though I'm going to be making a point of dealing with the interpersonal and personal stuff in between smacking people with cluebats like it's going out of style.<<
That all sounds good.
>> Though I have to admit that, in order to spare myself some serious pain, I'm pretending the vast majority of Norse god lore either doesn't exist or was MADE UP, because if even a tenth of that shit really happened to Loki, I cannot see how they wouldn't fucking *level* Asgard in reaction and beat Thor to death, because holy shit. <<
I'll probably pick and choose, if I get far enough to write about Loki. Sleipnir is movieverse canon so I'm going with that for sure. I have an idea for Loki's mouth being sewn shut too. Beyond that, I'm not sure. I do think it will be interesting to contrast some differences between Asgardian and Midgardian laws regarding things that Loki and Thor have done, or had done to them; and what Fury and some other people have done; and how that affects relationships between the realms.
>>I actually haven't seen it, just heard about it from people that have. In this particular case, it's saved me money, because I HAD planned to go see it in the theaters, and now I'm all 'hell no'.<<
I've noticed an increasing tendency for me to be unsold on movies. I'll see a trailer and think, "That might be worth watching," then read something about it that sucks and think, nah. Avatar: The Last Airbender and Star Trek: Into Darkness over whitewashing, Oz the Great and Powerful over warping the gender dynamics, etc.
Re: Yay!
Date: 2013-06-01 02:40 am (UTC)Hmm, want to cross-reference our writing in the notes?<<
*dances* Glad you like it so much.
And sure! I'm more than happy to do that. I can even do it yet tonight, because I'm in the middle of another chapter. Fun one. Pepper versus Fury and the General. And I am having FUN with the implications behind the SSR being disbanded and Howard continuing to search, and ... yeah. Fun. Fury is pissed.
I've already begun having fun sorting through the hows and whys of things in the various movies, like a possible explanation for why Rhodey was a dick to Tony in the two movies at really bad times. I'm trying to keep both him and Pepper as being firmly on Team Tony, but having screwed up when poodoo hit the fan, and not happy with themselves that they did that, determined not to do that again and trying to make up for it.
>>Star Trek: Into Darkness over whitewashing,<<
Oh, don't get me started on that one, either. What a WASTE. It's essentially Star Trek: Wrath of Khan Take Two. Which makes NO FUCKING SENSE EVER. AT ALL. Just ... seriously? FAIL. JJ Abrams fails forever, that is all. Gah.
Re: Yay!
Date: 2013-06-01 03:40 am (UTC)Thank you for writing this. You handle the Avengers very well.
>> And sure! I'm more than happy to do that. I can even do it yet tonight, because I'm in the middle of another chapter. <<
Cool. I put the pointer to your story on my LIFC series page.
>> Fun one. Pepper versus Fury and the General. And I am having FUN with the implications behind the SSR being disbanded and Howard continuing to search, and ... yeah. Fun. Fury is pissed. <<
Sounds like somebodies are about to get their balls handed to them on a sterling silver platter.
>> I've already begun having fun sorting through the hows and whys of things in the various movies, like a possible explanation for why Rhodey was a dick to Tony in the two movies at really bad times. <<
Rhodey can be a dick, but I see the relationship between him and Tony as Rhodey being the responsible one and Tony getting himself or both of them in trouble all the time. Which gets really old. So there are scenes in my storyline with Tony taking care of people and referencing how Rhodey would look after him, and this is Tony's way of paying it forward.
>> I'm trying to keep both him and Pepper as being firmly on Team Tony, but having screwed up when poodoo hit the fan, and not happy with themselves that they did that, determined not to do that again and trying to make up for it. <<
That's a good approach, I think. Sometimes people do screw up, but if they're good people, they admit it and try to fix it.
*ponder* Which is another reason Tony is so fucked up: nobody ever seems to accept his apologies, they just keep ragging on him. I get that they're HYOOGE mistakes, but still. He needs somebody to say, "What you did really hurt me, and these are the problems it caused. Now how are we going to fix this mess, and what can we do to prevent something similar from happening again?"
>> Oh, don't get me started on that one, either. What a WASTE. It's essentially Star Trek: Wrath of Khan Take Two. Which makes NO FUCKING SENSE EVER. AT ALL. Just ... seriously? FAIL. JJ Abrams fails forever, that is all. Gah. <<
Well ... it's maybe .001% short of a total waste. I did get a story out of it, just from the fannish rants without having to pay for a movie ticket.
Re: Yay!
Date: 2013-06-01 04:11 am (UTC)D'awww, gosh. Thanks for that.
>>Rhodey being the responsible one<<
You and I are on exactly the same page with this, as Rhodey, in his chapter, expressly mentions thinking of Tony as an annoying younger brother.
>>I did get a story out of it,<<
I have now read it and am dead of laughter. That was freaking hilarious. Also, linked you on my story.
Re: Yay!
Date: 2013-06-01 04:23 am (UTC)Hee! I think Rhodey would sympathize with Thor and Bucky, in that regard.
>> I have now read it and am dead of laughter. That was freaking hilarious.<<
I'm glad you liked it. Sometimes I get fed up with the nonsense, and my bitchfic can get really bitchy.
>> Also, linked you on my story. <<
Thank you! That was very nice. I hope we get some good cross-traffic.
(no subject)
Date: 2013-05-29 06:33 am (UTC):)
(no subject)
Date: 2013-05-29 09:49 am (UTC)Yay!
Date: 2013-05-30 06:06 pm (UTC)I wanted to show that, while Tony is brilliant, he's not the only genius in the household. Bruce is in his league. Betty has to be, in order to keep up with Bruce. Steve started out darn clever and must have gained a lot from Project Rebirth, just hasn't had an opportunity to develop his wits as much as his fighting skills.
And when you put smart people together, they tend to raise the collective intelligence, because they teach what they know to other folks and encourage them to develop their own talents. Sometimes it's thermonuclear astrophysics, other times it's figuring out how to cut hair without triggering a meltdown.
Which any parent of a neurovariant child can tell you are approximately equal in difficulty.
(no subject)
Date: 2013-05-29 09:11 am (UTC)You're welcome!
Date: 2013-05-30 09:08 pm (UTC)Sooth. I love that complexity about Tony. It makes for excellent plot tension.
>> Bucky's really surprised with Betty's attitude and proposition, it feels like he can't decide if she's naïve or very skilled! <<
Yes. He's not used to being around folks who treat him as a person rather than a threat. Betty's thresholds were set by General Ross and Hulk, so she has a ... nonstandard idea of what constitutes a problem worth worrying about. Certainly Betty is skilled. She is not so much naive as idealistic, much like Steve; she prefers to give people a chance to put their best face forward, and resort to firmer measures later if necessary.
>> Neat chapter, thanks! <<
I'm glad you liked it.
(no subject)
Date: 2013-05-29 09:49 am (UTC)BRILLIANT. I want to be as wise as Betty when I grow up, but I also thought that in the story where they rescued her.
Incidentally, I recently did an NY Times crossword (won't say which for fear of spoiling someone) in which a clue was "Pepper's partner" and my instant response was "Tony"; incorrect for the puzzle, of course, but I was amused by my brain. Will we get to see Pepper at all in these stories?
Come to think of it, if you feel like adding more female characters, I would ADORE it if Maria Hill came down squarely on their side versus Fury. It would certainly fit my headcanon of her being fiercely protective of S.H.I.E.L.D. personnel.
Thank you!
Date: 2013-05-31 02:06 am (UTC)Yay! I'm glad that she comes across this way. I try to write Betty as smart and wise and strong.
>> Incidentally, I recently did an NY Times crossword (won't say which for fear of spoiling someone) in which a clue was "Pepper's partner" and my instant response was "Tony"; incorrect for the puzzle, of course, but I was amused by my brain. <<
*laugh* Love it.
>> Will we get to see Pepper at all in these stories? <<
I don't know. She gets mentioned in passing, but so far hasn't shown an inclination to come onstage.
>> Come to think of it, if you feel like adding more female characters, I would ADORE it if Maria Hill came down squarely on their side versus Fury. It would certainly fit my headcanon of her being fiercely protective of S.H.I.E.L.D. personnel. <<
I am leaning in this direction -- especially because she is almost the only person in SHIELD who challenges his stupid-ass decisions. Particularly calling him on the bullshit with Phil's cards.
(no subject)
Date: 2013-05-29 01:27 pm (UTC)Yay!
Date: 2013-05-31 07:13 am (UTC)They had it coming.
>> And it's a very Tony thing to say. <<
I'm happy to hear that!
(no subject)
Date: 2013-05-30 10:48 pm (UTC)Also, the "World Insecurity Council" makes me happy. I work in a field dealing with a great deal of data security, so this sort of joke comes up a lot. It was a very authentic thing for a techie to say.
Thank you!
Date: 2013-06-01 06:51 am (UTC)She really is. I'm glad that this comes through, and people are reading her that way, even though she hasn't done any actual fighting (which is usually what people use that tag for). If I have time to carry the series far enough, I have some ideas for showing more of Betty's BAMF side.
>> Also, the "World Insecurity Council" makes me happy. I work in a field dealing with a great deal of data security, so this sort of joke comes up a lot. It was a very authentic thing for a techie to say.<<
Yay! I've heard some of my geek friends say similar things, so it seemed like a good line. Heh, and it suits them, and Tony is a smartmouth.
(no subject)
Date: 2015-11-28 03:49 pm (UTC)I famship them all so hard, it makes me happy to see them be a family~.
~kishikeahi