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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, Part 19, Part 20, Part 21, Part 22, Part 23, Part 24, Part 25, Part 26, Part 27, Part 28, Part 29, Part 30, Part 31, Part 32, Part 33, Part 34, Part 35, Part 36. Skip to Part 39, Part 40, Part 41, Part 42.
"No Winter Lasts Forever" Part 37
Natasha brushed her fingertips over Phil's and then pulled away. "Did you forget that herbs get stronger when you boil them?" she said to Bruce.
"Remembered," he said, "might have underestimated ... little bit." Bruce pinched a sliver of air between his fingertips.
"Well that's marvelous, Bruce," said Natasha in a tart tone. "You've clearly been spending too much time with Tony. You could have overdosed or something."
"Not us. We're too ... 'special.' Wouldn't recommend more'n one cup for real people though," Bruce said. Then he almost fell out of his chair.
"Oh my god, you are so stoned," Tony laughed. He caught Bruce and returned him to the former position.
"Naahhh," Bruce said, "just ... really, really ... relax ..."
"Totally stoned," Clint said with a grin. One hand fished in his hip pocket. "I gotta get a picture of this."
"No, Clint," Phil said firmly, confiscating the phone. There was the security feed, of course, but JARVIS was very determined about not letting people use that to tease each other. "Just help Tony take care of Bruce. I imagine you two are sufficiently familiar with this state of mind and body to manage him safely."
Tony gave a rueful chuckle. "Yeah, this is my payback for all the times Rhodey had to drag me home from wild parties. Thank JSTOR I've got the relevant experience. At least Bruce still has all of his clothes on, which is more than I could say for myself," Tony said with a quicksilver smile. "Hey, Bruce, can you walk or do we need to spoon you into a bucket and carry you to bed?"
"Hah," said Bruce. "Can walk." He made a futile effort to heave himself upright, then slumped back onto the table. Evidently whatever went into the tea wasn't something even Bruce-and-Hulk could shrug off quickly. "Maybe ... need some help up."
Tony and Clint got their shoulders under Bruce and hoisted him to his feet. He didn't like being hemmed in from both sides. "Leggo," Bruce whined, even as he wobbled in place.
Clint soothed him, saying, "Easy, buddy, we'll keep you safe. There's a nice cushy bed waiting for you at the end of this trip."
"Mmkay," Bruce said. He let them walk him toward the door, managing to keep his feet mostly underneath himself.
"I'll come with you and tuck him in," Betty said as she led the way.
Phil tapped a thoughtful finger against the tin of tea. Very little had much effect on Hulk, and therefore on Bruce. Sometimes a combination would work when a single substance would not, at least for a little while. It helped that Hulk's power grew from negative emotions, so without that impetus, the resistance was lower. Phil looked over the label again. Bruce really was a brilliant biochemist.
Then Phil turned his attention to Bucky. "Steve, do you think we can move Bucky to a bed without waking him up?"
"Yeah, he's out cold," Steve said, pressing his fingertips against Bucky's throat. "Pulse is slow and steady. He hasn't so much as twitched at the conversation, either. Once Bucky falls asleep, he tends to sleep like a rock -- or at least he did when we were younger." Steve's hands patted gently over Bucky's body, seeking a secure grip. "This is kind of an awkward position, though ..."
"I have the chair anchored," Natasha said, tucking her foot behind one of the legs and grasping the back.
"Here, let me help you lift him," Phil said to Steve. Together they managed to transfer Bucky from the chair into Steve's arms. Bucky snored on, oblivious to the motion.
Steve looked down at him with a soft expression. "He used to carry me to bed like this, when I was little," he said. Steve smoothed Bucky's shortened hair out of his face and tenderly shifted him into a more comfortable position.
"How? He isn't that much older than you are. You should have been close to the same size," Natasha said.
"Oh, Bucky was always big for his age, and I was ... tiny. When I joined the army I didn't weigh a hundred pounds soaking wet. Bucky took care of me in a lot of ways people didn't expect, or understand, or even believe sometimes," Steve said. "Now it's my turn to return the favor, is all." He carried Bucky out of the room, with Natasha trailing behind them.
That left Phil to tidy up the kitchen. He took care of the samovar. It reminded him of Natasha: elegant in shape, decorated just enough to look special without seeming fussy. He washed the heavy cups, the Stark Industries logo sliding under his soapy fingers.
Then Phil picked up the tea tin. It rustled faintly as he shook it, almost empty. There was probably enough left to make a cup or two of tea, though, so it still needed to be put away. "JARVIS, where does this go?" Phil asked.
"In the tea cabinet, on the middle of Bruce's shelves, in the gap toward the left side. The contents are arranged first by category, then by name in alphabetical order per the English language or closest transliteration," JARVIS replied. A holographic arrow helpfully pointed the way.
"Thank you," Phil said as he set the tin in its place. Then he slumped against the counter, exhaustion catching up with him. It wasn't that late at night. He hadn't exerted himself physically, either. However, the mental and emotional efforts still took a toll. There was SHIELD paperwork to finish -- there always was -- that he'd meant to continue after supper. Phil yawned and pushed away from the counter.
"Phil, allow me to suggest that now might be an opportune time for you to retire for the night," JARVIS said. "I promise to wake you if anyone or anything requires your urgent attention."
"That sounds wonderful, JARVIS, thanks," said Phil. He headed to bed, letting JARVIS turn off the lights behind him. Phil appreciated not having to grope around for the switches all the time. Soft piano music followed him down the hall, wrapping around him like an invisible blanket.
* * *
Notes:
Boiling herbs really does make the tea stronger. It's usually used for things like bark or roots, rather than leaves or flowers. Bruce's Nightcap blend contains a variety of plantstuff.
Taking care of intoxicated friends is an important point of responsible partying. There are instructions for helping someone who is drunk or stoned.
Dynamic durability is one of Hulk's powers. Anger boosts his strength, but also his healing factor. Hence the importance of Bruce finding a recipe that Hulk would put up with instead of burning off almost immediately.
Mental exertion can cause fatigue, just like physical exertion can. Emotional effort likewise expends emotional energy. People with a strong empathic sense are more prone to emotional fatigue. Both mental and emotional exertion play into combat stress. There are tips for maintaining mental and emotional health.
Music reduces stress and aids relaxation, especially soothing classical music. Piano is popular for this purpose; here is a good example. Phil seems like the kind of person who would appreciate gentle, sophisticated music.
[To be continued in Part 38 ...]
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, Part 19, Part 20, Part 21, Part 22, Part 23, Part 24, Part 25, Part 26, Part 27, Part 28, Part 29, Part 30, Part 31, Part 32, Part 33, Part 34, Part 35, Part 36. Skip to Part 39, Part 40, Part 41, Part 42.
"No Winter Lasts Forever" Part 37
Natasha brushed her fingertips over Phil's and then pulled away. "Did you forget that herbs get stronger when you boil them?" she said to Bruce.
"Remembered," he said, "might have underestimated ... little bit." Bruce pinched a sliver of air between his fingertips.
"Well that's marvelous, Bruce," said Natasha in a tart tone. "You've clearly been spending too much time with Tony. You could have overdosed or something."
"Not us. We're too ... 'special.' Wouldn't recommend more'n one cup for real people though," Bruce said. Then he almost fell out of his chair.
"Oh my god, you are so stoned," Tony laughed. He caught Bruce and returned him to the former position.
"Naahhh," Bruce said, "just ... really, really ... relax ..."
"Totally stoned," Clint said with a grin. One hand fished in his hip pocket. "I gotta get a picture of this."
"No, Clint," Phil said firmly, confiscating the phone. There was the security feed, of course, but JARVIS was very determined about not letting people use that to tease each other. "Just help Tony take care of Bruce. I imagine you two are sufficiently familiar with this state of mind and body to manage him safely."
Tony gave a rueful chuckle. "Yeah, this is my payback for all the times Rhodey had to drag me home from wild parties. Thank JSTOR I've got the relevant experience. At least Bruce still has all of his clothes on, which is more than I could say for myself," Tony said with a quicksilver smile. "Hey, Bruce, can you walk or do we need to spoon you into a bucket and carry you to bed?"
"Hah," said Bruce. "Can walk." He made a futile effort to heave himself upright, then slumped back onto the table. Evidently whatever went into the tea wasn't something even Bruce-and-Hulk could shrug off quickly. "Maybe ... need some help up."
Tony and Clint got their shoulders under Bruce and hoisted him to his feet. He didn't like being hemmed in from both sides. "Leggo," Bruce whined, even as he wobbled in place.
Clint soothed him, saying, "Easy, buddy, we'll keep you safe. There's a nice cushy bed waiting for you at the end of this trip."
"Mmkay," Bruce said. He let them walk him toward the door, managing to keep his feet mostly underneath himself.
"I'll come with you and tuck him in," Betty said as she led the way.
Phil tapped a thoughtful finger against the tin of tea. Very little had much effect on Hulk, and therefore on Bruce. Sometimes a combination would work when a single substance would not, at least for a little while. It helped that Hulk's power grew from negative emotions, so without that impetus, the resistance was lower. Phil looked over the label again. Bruce really was a brilliant biochemist.
Then Phil turned his attention to Bucky. "Steve, do you think we can move Bucky to a bed without waking him up?"
"Yeah, he's out cold," Steve said, pressing his fingertips against Bucky's throat. "Pulse is slow and steady. He hasn't so much as twitched at the conversation, either. Once Bucky falls asleep, he tends to sleep like a rock -- or at least he did when we were younger." Steve's hands patted gently over Bucky's body, seeking a secure grip. "This is kind of an awkward position, though ..."
"I have the chair anchored," Natasha said, tucking her foot behind one of the legs and grasping the back.
"Here, let me help you lift him," Phil said to Steve. Together they managed to transfer Bucky from the chair into Steve's arms. Bucky snored on, oblivious to the motion.
Steve looked down at him with a soft expression. "He used to carry me to bed like this, when I was little," he said. Steve smoothed Bucky's shortened hair out of his face and tenderly shifted him into a more comfortable position.
"How? He isn't that much older than you are. You should have been close to the same size," Natasha said.
"Oh, Bucky was always big for his age, and I was ... tiny. When I joined the army I didn't weigh a hundred pounds soaking wet. Bucky took care of me in a lot of ways people didn't expect, or understand, or even believe sometimes," Steve said. "Now it's my turn to return the favor, is all." He carried Bucky out of the room, with Natasha trailing behind them.
That left Phil to tidy up the kitchen. He took care of the samovar. It reminded him of Natasha: elegant in shape, decorated just enough to look special without seeming fussy. He washed the heavy cups, the Stark Industries logo sliding under his soapy fingers.
Then Phil picked up the tea tin. It rustled faintly as he shook it, almost empty. There was probably enough left to make a cup or two of tea, though, so it still needed to be put away. "JARVIS, where does this go?" Phil asked.
"In the tea cabinet, on the middle of Bruce's shelves, in the gap toward the left side. The contents are arranged first by category, then by name in alphabetical order per the English language or closest transliteration," JARVIS replied. A holographic arrow helpfully pointed the way.
"Thank you," Phil said as he set the tin in its place. Then he slumped against the counter, exhaustion catching up with him. It wasn't that late at night. He hadn't exerted himself physically, either. However, the mental and emotional efforts still took a toll. There was SHIELD paperwork to finish -- there always was -- that he'd meant to continue after supper. Phil yawned and pushed away from the counter.
"Phil, allow me to suggest that now might be an opportune time for you to retire for the night," JARVIS said. "I promise to wake you if anyone or anything requires your urgent attention."
"That sounds wonderful, JARVIS, thanks," said Phil. He headed to bed, letting JARVIS turn off the lights behind him. Phil appreciated not having to grope around for the switches all the time. Soft piano music followed him down the hall, wrapping around him like an invisible blanket.
* * *
Notes:
Boiling herbs really does make the tea stronger. It's usually used for things like bark or roots, rather than leaves or flowers. Bruce's Nightcap blend contains a variety of plantstuff.
Taking care of intoxicated friends is an important point of responsible partying. There are instructions for helping someone who is drunk or stoned.
Dynamic durability is one of Hulk's powers. Anger boosts his strength, but also his healing factor. Hence the importance of Bruce finding a recipe that Hulk would put up with instead of burning off almost immediately.
Mental exertion can cause fatigue, just like physical exertion can. Emotional effort likewise expends emotional energy. People with a strong empathic sense are more prone to emotional fatigue. Both mental and emotional exertion play into combat stress. There are tips for maintaining mental and emotional health.
Music reduces stress and aids relaxation, especially soothing classical music. Piano is popular for this purpose; here is a good example. Phil seems like the kind of person who would appreciate gentle, sophisticated music.
[To be continued in Part 38 ...]
(no subject)
Date: 2013-06-16 06:12 am (UTC)*wants so badly to tuck them all in and play guard-dog in the lobby* I love this series, so much, because they pull so wonderfully at the heartstrings. ♥
Thank you!
Date: 2013-06-17 05:47 am (UTC)As much angst as this story has, it really needs the quiet moments when people take care of each other.
>> I was worried that Bucky might wake up, and this would have all been for naught. <<
*chuckle* Not after drinking several cups of Nightstick.
>> *wants so badly to tuck them all in and play guard-dog in the lobby* <<
Right next to JARVIS, eh? Who is also both nurturing and protective, and heaven help anyone who threatens his people within his reach.
>> I love this series, so much, because they pull so wonderfully at the heartstrings. ♥ <<
Yay! I'm glad you find this so moving. That's what I'm aiming for.
Re: Thank you!
Date: 2013-06-22 07:18 am (UTC)Exactly! :D So many authors forget that though, but considering everything in that Tower that JARVIS controls, I can see him laying down a serious assault to protect his family, you know?
Re: Thank you!
Date: 2013-06-22 07:54 am (UTC)That's because most people don't think of JARVIS as a person. I don't have that speciesist perspective.
>> but considering everything in that Tower that JARVIS controls, I can see him laying down a serious assault to protect his family, you know? <<
Oh yes. After the Battle of New York when Loki crashed the tower, Tony and JARVIS enhanced its defenses considerably. Heaven help anyone who goes in or near the place with hostile intent. JARVIS isn't Asimoved and is half of Iron Man.
But I'm sure he'd tip the cleanup crew handsomely.
Re: Thank you!
Date: 2013-06-22 08:15 am (UTC)^^This. Because, really, he is!! JARVIS runs both the Tower and the Malibu house, the armors, runs herd on Dummy and You and Butterfingers, and also keeps track of Tony through various means. I can't remember it, but I once found a story when I first got into Avenger fandom, in which someone had broken into the Tower to kidnap Tony. They trapped him in the workshop, which was a really BAD idea. The Avengers were scared of JARVIS after seeing what he did. And it always resonated that yeah, he's badass, and last time he didn't keep track of Tony, he wound up kidnapped and had an arc reactor shoved into his chest. And the next time something happened, it was Obie trying to kill Tony. So I have no doubt JARVIS would be utterly ruthless in protecting his family. ♥
>>But I'm sure he'd tip the cleanup crew handsomely.
*laughs* Very true. XD
Re: Thank you!
Date: 2013-06-22 08:44 am (UTC)Yes. He can polylocate. JARVIS also handles the refined response, fine targeting control, telemetry, and who knows what else for Iron Man while Tony handles the large-to-medium body movements, jets and repulsors, and choice of goals. And I think, by this time, JARVIS has infiltrated enough of the world that he could find Tony anywhere if necessary, so he probably keeps at least light contact bouncing around the globe all the time just in case.
>> I can't remember it, but I once found a story when I first got into Avenger fandom, in which someone had broken into the Tower to kidnap Tony. They trapped him in the workshop, which was a really BAD idea. <<
Surprising a super-engineer with PTSD in his lab is never safe. Surprising him inside the body of his extremely protective digital offspring who also has PTSD from some shared incidents is just ... Darwin Award, First Class.
That sounds like "Silver Linings," which is one of my benchmarks for AI literature in general and JARVIS in particular. It's part of a series.
>> The Avengers were scared of JARVIS after seeing what he did. <<
Sometimes it takes a while to realize that the person you thought was innocuous, who just revealed himself to be quite savage when provoked, is still the person you've known all along, and won't hurt you without drastic cause. I've got some moments like that which I hope to bring into this series, and not just with JARVIS.
>> And it always resonated that yeah, he's badass, and last time he didn't keep track of Tony, he wound up kidnapped and had an arc reactor shoved into his chest. And the next time something happened, it was Obie trying to kill Tony. <<
Yeah, JARVIS has PTSD from those incidents as much as Tony, it just doesn't show the same ways. But this is also something I'm the process of exploring.
>> So I have no doubt JARVIS would be utterly ruthless in protecting his family. <<
Yea, verily.
Re: Thank you!
Date: 2013-06-22 09:52 am (UTC)Yeah, JARVIS has PTSD from those incidents as much as Tony, it just doesn't show the same ways. But this is also something I'm the process of exploring.
Ohhh, you have no idea how excited you've just made me. *twirls* I love explorations of JARVIS, and even moreso with the protective nature of him drawn out. *squeaks*
And yes, that is the story, and I had no idea that it was a series! Guess what I'm reading today! ;)
Alrighty, I'll be good and stop buggin you for now. ^_^ Have a wonderful weekend!
Re: Thank you!
Date: 2013-06-24 06:12 am (UTC)Yay! I love the relationship between Tony and JARVIS. It's the longest one he's had at this point in this life, and it hasn't blown up, and they're both grateful for that. They need each other. But it's easy to forget that everything which affects Tony also affects JARVIS, and frankly Obie raped both of them. So I want to show how that affects the group dynamics.
>> And yes, that is the story, and I had no idea that it was a series! Guess what I'm reading today! ;) <<
I'm glad I could show you that.
>> Alrighty, I'll be good and stop buggin you for now. ^_^ Have a wonderful weekend! <<
I like the conversation with fans.
Re: Thank you!
Date: 2015-12-09 04:36 pm (UTC)Re: Thank you!
Date: 2015-12-10 12:49 am (UTC)As far as my own, I believe that AO3 has all my current works. I've not written in a very long time, sadly. I do thank you for the praise though! :)
Re: Thank you!
Date: 2014-10-05 12:13 am (UTC)(no subject)
Date: 2013-06-16 11:39 am (UTC)Thoughts
Date: 2013-06-18 04:07 am (UTC)Thank you!
>> Its amazing that something even works on Bruce and Bucky. <<
Well, that's courtesy of a world-class biochemist. It took a lot of trial and error, and some compromise, for Bruce to come up with something that would work at all. Even then, Hulk has to be at least partially willing or he'll wear through it too fast -- which is how Bruce can gauge when it's most likely to work for Bucky.
>> I like everyone being finally able to sleep with Jarvis standing guard. <<
Just having him there, all the time, watching over them, is reassuring for most of the Avengers. Bruce is the one who's twitchy about being watched, but he seems to be okay with JARVIS. For Phil, Clint, and Natasha it's a big relief to have someone who can always be on guard. And JARVIS is someone you really don't want to fuck with.
>> In reference to the last chapter, Bucky knew the tea contained Bruce's sleepy mixture and agreed to drink it.<<
Essentially, yes: consent, just not full disclosure. Bucky didn't really think it would work, but was desperate enough to try and foggy enough that his spy reflexes didn't really kick in to quash the idea.
>> He would probably be surprised that it worked so quickly. <<
Some drugs work fast. Herbs tend to go slower; some will start to kick in after 20-30 minutes and most within an hour. (Of course, a stronger dose sometimes works faster.) In this context that's an advantage: Bruce-and-Hulk find a fast, harsh drop alarming after some of their unfortunate experience. A softer, shallower slope feels more natural and thus less distressing. The same is likely true for Bucky, possibly compounded by ingrained responses to whatever chemical controls Department X used.
There is more discussion of this stuff once Bruce and Bucky start talking in the morning.
You can't say you can't play
Date: 2013-06-17 01:46 am (UTC)Re: You can't say you can't play
Date: 2013-06-24 06:51 am (UTC)Wow, that's pretty cool.
>> As amazing as it was, all I could think of was Natasha hearing that phrase while out and about - maybe a teacher says it at a park, or museum, or something, and going home and hugging Phil, and thanking him for the rule. <<
Aww ... I'll have to make a note of this. It would make a good scene.
>> And all of this is a really long way to say thanks for sharing with us your amazing story telling ability. <<
You're welcome! I'm glad you like this.
(no subject)
Date: 2013-06-18 04:57 am (UTC)Yay!
Date: 2013-06-18 07:19 am (UTC)