Story: "Hairpins" Part 30
Apr. 28th, 2014 12:15 am![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
ysabetwordsmithThis story belongs to the series Love Is For Children which includes "Love Is for Children," "Eggshells," "Dolls and Guys,""Saudades," "Turnabout Is Fair Play," "Touching Moments," "Splash," "Coming Around," "Birthday Girl," "No Winter Lasts Forever," "Hide and Seek," "Kernel Error," "Happy Hour," and "Green Eggs and Hulk."
Fandom: The Avengers
Characters: Phil Coulson, JARVIS, Clint Barton, Tony Stark, Steve Rogers, Natasha Romanova, Bruce Banner.
Medium: Fiction
Warnings: This story is mostly fluff, but it has some intense scenes in the middle. Highlight for details. These include dubious consent as Phil and JARVIS discuss what really happened when Agent Coulson hacked his way into Stark Tower, over which Phil has something between a flashback and a panic attack. They also discuss some of the bad things that have happened to Avengers in the past, including various flavors of abuse. If these are sensitive topics for you, please think carefully before deciding whether to read onward.
Summary: Uncle Phil needs to pick out pajamas for game night. He gets help from an unexpected direction.
Notes: Service. Shopping. Gifts. Artificial intelligence. Computers. Teamwork. Team as family. Friendship. Communication. Hope. Apologies. Forgiveness. Nonsexual ageplay. Nonsexual intimacy. Love. Tony Stark needs a hug. Bruce Banner needs a hug. #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.
Here ends "Hairpins." Thank you all for sticking with the series this far! I love your input. Final thoughts on the story overall are welcome, in addition to reactions on this specific chapter. I also have a list of favorite photogenic scenesfrom the whole series for fanartists to consider, partly compiled from audience requests.
Next up is "Going Down," which is a missing scene from Captain America 2: The Winter Soldier. After that, we'll switch back to Love Is For Children with "Querencia."
A note on feedback: While it's not necessary to comment on every post I make, remember that I don't know who reads/likes things if nobody says anything. Particularly on long stories, I've discovered that I get antsy if there's nothing but crickets chirping for several posts. So it helps to give me feedback at least once, even if it's just "I like this" or "This one doesn't grab me." First and last episodes are ideal if you rarely feel inspired to comment in the middle.
"Hairpins" Part 30
Phil led Bruce back to the bathroom and shut the door behind them. The latch clicked softly as the red lock-light blinked on. Phil watched Bruce's body language very intently as he reached out to unfasten the buttons on the shirt. They felt tighter than they looked. Bruce gave a soft little sigh and leaned forward ever so slightly, some of the tension beginning to drain from his body.
Phil peeled the clothes off of him, one piece at a time. Then he folded them into a neat stack and set them aside. Bruce stood there wearing only the clingy Hulk-out pants that Tony had made for him. He still looked thinner than Phil liked, but at least his ribs didn't show the way they had before. Here and there, old scars marred the skin.
"Left foot up," Phil directed, and Bruce obeyed. Phil slipped the first footie over his toes. "Right foot up." Phil repeated the process. Then he tugged the pajamas gently up Bruce's body.
Bruce sniffled just a little. It was quiet, but the bathroom was quieter, so Phil heard him.
Phil checked to make sure Bruce still wanted his company, but Bruce hadn't stopped leaning into his touch. "You okay?" Phil asked.
Tiny nod. Bruce tended to keep his feelings to himself.
Well, fine. If he's not ready to share yet, I won't push. He'll get there when he gets there, Phil thought.
With careful motions, Phil fastened the front. At last he smoothed a hand over the soft cloth and patted Bruce on the shoulder. "There you go. That seems like everything fits as it should. How does it feel? Are you comfortable in your new jammies?" Phil asked.
"Okay," Bruce said, pressing his chin against his chest.
Phil stroked a gentle finger under Bruce's jaw, encouraging him to look up. "Good boy. I think you look very nice like this. You'll fit right in now."
"Thanks," Bruce whispered. He wriggled his toes inside the footies.
"You're welcome," Phil said. "I like taking care of you. I'm happy to do it any time." Phil led Bruce back to the couch. Bruce gave Phil a fleeting hug before disappearing under the coffee table.
"The beans and weenies will be ready in about half an hour," JARVIS announced. "There is time for a short game before supper."
"Well, darn," Tony said. "I wanted to play something, but there's nobody to play with me." He had evidently discovered the new addition to the toy cabinet, pulling out the Candyland game that Phil had found at a flea market.
"Clint and Natka are here, but that game might be a bit young for them," Phil said.
"I want to play Go Fish," Natka said. She was good at reading people; it gave her an edge in most card games.
"I'll play with you, Natka," Clint volunteered.
Tony drummed his fingers on the cardboard lid of the box. "Then who's going to play with me?" he said.
Bruce rocked toward him, then back under the coffee table.
"Bruce, would you like to stay in your hidey-hole or come out to play for a little while?" Phil asked.
Tony opened the box without saying anything. He started unpacking the colorful pieces. They made an enticing display.
Phil smiled as Bruce edged away from his sanctuary. Game night had a way of coaxing people out of their shells. Phil's gaze drifted to the cabinet where one more set of jammies waited patiently against future need, the Dodgers uniform also wrapped in protective tissue. Phil couldn't help thinking about JARVIS dropping hairpins, and himself picking them up, and how a clever fellow could use those to open all kinds of doors.
"What are we playing?" Bruce asked, looking to Tony for guidance.
"You'll love it," Tony said. "It's Candyland."
* * *
Notes:
Abused children require special treatment and parenting to help heal the damage. For adult survivors of abuse, there are also integrated care models and treatment manuals. Know what you can do for a survivor of child abuse.
Living creatures are designed to sense and respond to gentle touch. Understand and practice the gift of gentleness. While the context in this story is nonsexual, friendship like romance goes through stages of intimacy as people gradually lower their barriers. Here is an excellent set of instructions for touching a girl gently and nicely so that she enjoys it instead of resenting it.
Dressing a toddler can be fun or miserable. Know the tricks of the trade to get it done right.
Enjoy a recipe for Beans and Weenies.
Games and toys typically come with a recommended age range. In childhood development, this helps teach the right skills at the right time, and avoid accidents or frustration. In ageplay, these are extremely valuable markers, not just for past associations, but because they naturally and quite subtly draw attention to the developmental concepts of a specific age. There are general and more specific tips on choosing the right board games for yourself and your family.
Go Fish is a popular card game; see the rules for it. Candyland is a board game for young children who are learning basic skills such as taking turns and following directions.
Decision-making is an essential life skill that families need to teach. Offering appropriate choices encourages autonomy and learning while it minimizes conflict.
Tony's quote about Candyland comes from The Avengers.
~ MISSION ACCOMPLISHED ~
Fandom: The Avengers
Characters: Phil Coulson, JARVIS, Clint Barton, Tony Stark, Steve Rogers, Natasha Romanova, Bruce Banner.
Medium: Fiction
Warnings: This story is mostly fluff, but it has some intense scenes in the middle. Highlight for details. These include dubious consent as Phil and JARVIS discuss what really happened when Agent Coulson hacked his way into Stark Tower, over which Phil has something between a flashback and a panic attack. They also discuss some of the bad things that have happened to Avengers in the past, including various flavors of abuse. If these are sensitive topics for you, please think carefully before deciding whether to read onward.
Summary: Uncle Phil needs to pick out pajamas for game night. He gets help from an unexpected direction.
Notes: Service. Shopping. Gifts. Artificial intelligence. Computers. Teamwork. Team as family. Friendship. Communication. Hope. Apologies. Forgiveness. Nonsexual ageplay. Nonsexual intimacy. Love. Tony Stark needs a hug. Bruce Banner needs a hug. #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.
Here ends "Hairpins." Thank you all for sticking with the series this far! I love your input. Final thoughts on the story overall are welcome, in addition to reactions on this specific chapter. I also have a list of favorite photogenic scenesfrom the whole series for fanartists to consider, partly compiled from audience requests.
Next up is "Going Down," which is a missing scene from Captain America 2: The Winter Soldier. After that, we'll switch back to Love Is For Children with "Querencia."
A note on feedback: While it's not necessary to comment on every post I make, remember that I don't know who reads/likes things if nobody says anything. Particularly on long stories, I've discovered that I get antsy if there's nothing but crickets chirping for several posts. So it helps to give me feedback at least once, even if it's just "I like this" or "This one doesn't grab me." First and last episodes are ideal if you rarely feel inspired to comment in the middle.
"Hairpins" Part 30
Phil led Bruce back to the bathroom and shut the door behind them. The latch clicked softly as the red lock-light blinked on. Phil watched Bruce's body language very intently as he reached out to unfasten the buttons on the shirt. They felt tighter than they looked. Bruce gave a soft little sigh and leaned forward ever so slightly, some of the tension beginning to drain from his body.
Phil peeled the clothes off of him, one piece at a time. Then he folded them into a neat stack and set them aside. Bruce stood there wearing only the clingy Hulk-out pants that Tony had made for him. He still looked thinner than Phil liked, but at least his ribs didn't show the way they had before. Here and there, old scars marred the skin.
"Left foot up," Phil directed, and Bruce obeyed. Phil slipped the first footie over his toes. "Right foot up." Phil repeated the process. Then he tugged the pajamas gently up Bruce's body.
Bruce sniffled just a little. It was quiet, but the bathroom was quieter, so Phil heard him.
Phil checked to make sure Bruce still wanted his company, but Bruce hadn't stopped leaning into his touch. "You okay?" Phil asked.
Tiny nod. Bruce tended to keep his feelings to himself.
Well, fine. If he's not ready to share yet, I won't push. He'll get there when he gets there, Phil thought.
With careful motions, Phil fastened the front. At last he smoothed a hand over the soft cloth and patted Bruce on the shoulder. "There you go. That seems like everything fits as it should. How does it feel? Are you comfortable in your new jammies?" Phil asked.
"Okay," Bruce said, pressing his chin against his chest.
Phil stroked a gentle finger under Bruce's jaw, encouraging him to look up. "Good boy. I think you look very nice like this. You'll fit right in now."
"Thanks," Bruce whispered. He wriggled his toes inside the footies.
"You're welcome," Phil said. "I like taking care of you. I'm happy to do it any time." Phil led Bruce back to the couch. Bruce gave Phil a fleeting hug before disappearing under the coffee table.
"The beans and weenies will be ready in about half an hour," JARVIS announced. "There is time for a short game before supper."
"Well, darn," Tony said. "I wanted to play something, but there's nobody to play with me." He had evidently discovered the new addition to the toy cabinet, pulling out the Candyland game that Phil had found at a flea market.
"Clint and Natka are here, but that game might be a bit young for them," Phil said.
"I want to play Go Fish," Natka said. She was good at reading people; it gave her an edge in most card games.
"I'll play with you, Natka," Clint volunteered.
Tony drummed his fingers on the cardboard lid of the box. "Then who's going to play with me?" he said.
Bruce rocked toward him, then back under the coffee table.
"Bruce, would you like to stay in your hidey-hole or come out to play for a little while?" Phil asked.
Tony opened the box without saying anything. He started unpacking the colorful pieces. They made an enticing display.
Phil smiled as Bruce edged away from his sanctuary. Game night had a way of coaxing people out of their shells. Phil's gaze drifted to the cabinet where one more set of jammies waited patiently against future need, the Dodgers uniform also wrapped in protective tissue. Phil couldn't help thinking about JARVIS dropping hairpins, and himself picking them up, and how a clever fellow could use those to open all kinds of doors.
"What are we playing?" Bruce asked, looking to Tony for guidance.
"You'll love it," Tony said. "It's Candyland."
* * *
Notes:
Abused children require special treatment and parenting to help heal the damage. For adult survivors of abuse, there are also integrated care models and treatment manuals. Know what you can do for a survivor of child abuse.
Living creatures are designed to sense and respond to gentle touch. Understand and practice the gift of gentleness. While the context in this story is nonsexual, friendship like romance goes through stages of intimacy as people gradually lower their barriers. Here is an excellent set of instructions for touching a girl gently and nicely so that she enjoys it instead of resenting it.
Dressing a toddler can be fun or miserable. Know the tricks of the trade to get it done right.
Enjoy a recipe for Beans and Weenies.
Games and toys typically come with a recommended age range. In childhood development, this helps teach the right skills at the right time, and avoid accidents or frustration. In ageplay, these are extremely valuable markers, not just for past associations, but because they naturally and quite subtly draw attention to the developmental concepts of a specific age. There are general and more specific tips on choosing the right board games for yourself and your family.
Go Fish is a popular card game; see the rules for it. Candyland is a board game for young children who are learning basic skills such as taking turns and following directions.
Decision-making is an essential life skill that families need to teach. Offering appropriate choices encourages autonomy and learning while it minimizes conflict.
Tony's quote about Candyland comes from The Avengers.
~ MISSION ACCOMPLISHED ~
![[identity profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/openid.png){kind=small}
(no subject)
Date: 2014-04-28 05:59 am (UTC)RIGHT IN THE FEELS. Oh my goodness. All of this, yes, this was the perfect way to conclude Hairpins. I am now just openly dripping tears all over my laptop, in that mixed-up happy/sad mess you fall into when a piece just hits all the right emotional notes and is both satisfying and yet you still want more. What can I say, I'm greedy. Lovely as always.
YOU! :) You rock.
-kellyc
Thank you!
Date: 2014-04-28 06:03 am (UTC)Bullseye. World's greatest
marksmanwordsmith.>> Oh my goodness. All of this, yes, this was the perfect way to conclude Hairpins. <<
Yay! I'm glad you enjoyed it so much.
>> I am now just openly dripping tears all over my laptop, <<
*hankie*
>> in that mixed-up happy/sad mess you fall into when a piece just hits all the right emotional notes and is both satisfying and yet you still want more. What can I say, I'm greedy. Lovely as always. <<
Always leave 'em wanting more. ;)
There will, in fact, be more later in the week.
>> YOU! :) You rock. <<
*bow, flourish*
(no subject)
Date: 2014-04-28 07:18 am (UTC)I also am up way too late, as usual, and spent maybe half an hour or more reading down the Avengers quote page (and I'm a fast reader) before I remembered what I was looking for and still hadn't found. So I opened the page source and used a little HTML-fu. The exact link is http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0848228/quotes#qt1690929 .
Thank you!
Date: 2014-05-01 06:56 am (UTC)(no subject)
Date: 2014-04-28 07:18 am (UTC)-Dunerowl
You're welcome!
Date: 2014-04-29 06:21 am (UTC)Still Around
Date: 2014-04-28 02:04 pm (UTC)Re: Still Around
Date: 2014-04-30 07:31 am (UTC)That's okay.
>> However, I'm still reading and still enjoying the story, especially this last part as Bruce is a particular favorite of mine. <<
I'm happy to hear that. There will be more about Bruce in the future.
Great ending
Date: 2014-04-28 03:26 pm (UTC)Tony reached out to Bruce, and Bruce accepted. That's major, for different reasons. Tony found a way to reach Bruce at his CURRENT level, not just Bruce-the-Genius-Twin. Wow.
Bruce, ever so cautiously, moved far from his safe place, physically and emotionally...
Finally, Uncle Phil has them ALL together, and is turning a hopeful eye toward Steve.
WONDERFUL.
Re: Great ending
Date: 2014-04-30 07:46 am (UTC)I'm glad this works for you.
>> For Clint and Natka, it's a slower, more stable development. <<
It's still early, and in some ways they are more stable because they've had more time with Phil.
>> Satisfying, but not as surprising/rewarding as the changes in both Bruce and Tony. <<
Yeah, they're more dynamic here.
>> Tony reached out to Bruce, and Bruce accepted. That's major, for different reasons. Tony found a way to reach Bruce at his CURRENT level, not just Bruce-the-Genius-Twin. Wow. <<
Despite Tony's patchy people skills, he has a good imagination -- and of course, he and Bruce would do darn near anything for each other.
>> Bruce, ever so cautiously, moved far from his safe place, physically and emotionally... <<
Farther from his comfort zone, which is exactly what he needs to be doing; but all of game night is safe space, and Bruce is beginning to learn that.
>> Finally, Uncle Phil has them ALL together, and is turning a hopeful eye toward Steve.
WONDERFUL. <<
Yay! I had fun with this. It was challenging to write a story and place it inside the timeframe of another story, and get everything to fit. But now we know why Phil had the jammies ready before Steve even showed up to game night. He likes to be prepared.
(no subject)
Date: 2014-04-28 03:54 pm (UTC)One thing I loved about this story, which has come up in others as well, is the fluid dynamics between characters. Phil comforts JARVIS, JARVIS reassures Phil, Tony, even when little, takes care of Bruce... I love that there is no strict hierarchy, no fixed rules/roles of who takes care of who, who has power and who is vulnerable. It shifts from moment to moment in a beautiful way. I know Turnabout dealt with this as well, in a full role reversal, but I liked this time even more. Lots of little moments of that feeling that everyone is both leaning on and supporting everyone else.
Thank you!
Date: 2014-04-30 07:13 am (UTC)Awww!
>> One thing I loved about this story, which has come up in others as well, is the fluid dynamics between characters. Phil comforts JARVIS, JARVIS reassures Phil, Tony, even when little, takes care of Bruce... <<
Yes, that's a key feature of this series. Healthy families trade off like that.
>> I love that there is no strict hierarchy, no fixed rules/roles of who takes care of who, who has power and who is vulnerable. <<
This came up explicitly in "Hide and Seek" too. In an abusive relationship, power only goes one way. In a healthy relationship, it flows back and forth. You earn the right to push someone's boundaries, challenge their poor decisions, or fall apart in front of them by allowing them to do the same to you. Different people will set the thresholds in different places, but it's the reciprocity that matters.
So in this story, Phil and JARVIS are very delicately feeling their way through the process of connection, to figure out how comfortable they feel exchanging more layers of trust and intimacy.
>> It shifts from moment to moment in a beautiful way. I know Turnabout dealt with this as well, in a full role reversal, but I liked this time even more. Lots of little moments of that feeling that everyone is both leaning on and supporting everyone else. <<
I'm glad you enjoyed this so much! I had fun writing it. I like the little details like that.
(no subject)
Date: 2014-04-28 07:59 pm (UTC)Giddyant
You're welcome!
Date: 2014-04-30 12:36 am (UTC)I'm sorry your month sucked, but glad I could help.
>> The exploring of Phil's and JARVIS' relationship was wonderfully done and it was well chosen both in the timing within the narrative and how you framed it. <<
Yay! I'm glad it worked for you.
>> With the new understanding I have of these two, well, it makes me want to go back and reread the rest with this in mind (I love going back over something with a new perspective). <<
That's not a bad idea.
>> I look forward to what you write next. <<
I'm happy to hear that.
(no subject)
Date: 2014-04-28 08:20 pm (UTC)-A
Thank you!
Date: 2014-04-30 07:07 am (UTC)I'm happy to hear that.
>> Your writing is amazing, so in depth and complex. It hits right in the feels, and I love it. <<
I like digging into characters, and using the hurt/comfort dynamic to increase tension.
>> I can't wait to see more! <<
"Going Down" just posted. On Friday we should be back to LIFC.
Love This Story
Date: 2014-04-29 02:59 am (UTC)Re: Love This Story
Date: 2014-04-29 03:26 am (UTC)That's okay. Comment when you feel like it.
>> But I love this series! I actually started reading it here because I was reading through Archive too quickly. Thank you so much for writing them! <<
Yay! I'm glad you liked this so much.
>> I look forward to the next one! <<
Next up is a Winter Soldier missing scene, then we'll be back to Love Is For Children on Friday.
(no subject)
Date: 2014-04-29 03:05 am (UTC)Yay!
Date: 2014-04-29 06:17 pm (UTC)(no subject)
Date: 2014-04-29 05:18 am (UTC)Okay...
Date: 2014-04-29 05:23 am (UTC)(no subject)
Date: 2014-04-29 01:22 pm (UTC)I like that you ended something that started out tense on a sweet note.
Thank you!
Date: 2014-04-30 07:03 am (UTC)Had to add-
Date: 2014-04-29 03:22 pm (UTC)Re: Had to add-
Date: 2014-04-30 07:04 am (UTC)Thanks for the feedback!
>> Any hints when the next piece will be posted? <<
I just posted "Going Down." The next LIFC installment should appear on Friday.
(no subject)
Date: 2014-04-29 07:42 pm (UTC)Thank you!
Date: 2014-04-30 06:49 am (UTC)Yay!
>> but I especially like the ones in which you explore JARVIS. <<
There will be more of these in the future.
>> This, with JARVIS and Phil getting to know each other as people was great. <<
I'm glad you enjoyed it.
(no subject)
Date: 2014-04-30 10:04 am (UTC)(no subject)
Date: 2014-04-30 06:28 pm (UTC)You're welcome!
Date: 2014-05-02 06:26 am (UTC)(no subject)
Date: 2014-05-01 05:47 am (UTC)Thank you!
Date: 2014-05-02 06:05 am (UTC)I'm happy to hear that. I like him too.
>> (Figures, doesn't it?) <<
Sooth.
>> The way different authors handle AI characters always intrigues me. <<
It's a favorite motif of mine.
wow
Date: 2014-05-01 09:54 am (UTC)Re: wow
Date: 2014-05-01 06:11 pm (UTC)Thank you!
>> Your writing makes them people instead of just comic book heroes. Even without the amazing way you write each character and fully develop their individual personality you treat the subject matter as what it is; serious trauma and its lingering aftereffects. <<
I love delving into the characters that way. I do it both in fanfic and original writing. A lot of topics don't get handled very thoroughly in mainstream writing, so I look for ways to do them justice in my own work.
>> It is so refreshing to see a story so well researched and presented. All of the links showing how much thought goes into your story are perfect. Really cannot express how much I love you right now. <<
Yay! I'm glad you like this. I write nonfiction too, so that's where the notes began. I've always tended to include occasional tidbits where relevant, but this series is where it really exploded due to audience demand.
RockafellaSaint
Date: 2014-05-10 01:01 pm (UTC)Re: RockafellaSaint
Date: 2014-05-10 03:41 pm (UTC)Yay! I'm glad you enjoyed this.
>> Thank you for continuing this series, I hope to see more of it soon. :) <<
There are new pieces up. See the landing page.
comment by sweet co
Date: 2014-06-01 03:19 pm (UTC)I followed you here for a quick sneak peak, of what's to come (since I knew, you had more story up here) and suddenly I'm through the whole Hairpins story. (Speaks for your talent to make a compelling - addictive? - read)
So quick feedback:
You know, I come for the age-play, so the ending was perfect deliciousness for me! Poor Bruce-y, never been cared for. And super nice Tony is super nice (I've never played Candyland, but it sounds a bit like shoots and ladders and that I would never play with very young kids (or Tony whatever age) since it can be very frustrating). And Clint&Natka-playtime = super-friendship of cute awesomenss...
I think this story was a great "bonus fic", in terms of showing a little more of the mechanics behind the game nights and how much *thought* (Uncle) Phil and JARVIS put in every detail (not that that wasn't clear before). And a great "flashback fic" about the friendship, about the recognition of JARVIS as a person by Phil. It was a great bread crumb trail from great search engine - who does those nice little things, I better thank them - Jarvis is a human being! (is that right? humanoid maybe?) - and he's my friend! (I bet it's super hard to make friends, when your a secret agent)
I cannot say I disliked the rape/violation analogy or say that it's wrong, but that is one of the trickier parts of this story. I still have to think on this. Does JARVIS have emotional modules he can turn off? And does Phil? (I think it would be some form of compartmentalization) After the initial shock they talk about it very... maturely. Like they're not two deeply scared people with a ton of emotional baggage but very sophisticated and calm headed top psychologists. And I'm not even sure they're the right people to talk with each other. I mean, of course, you should talk directly to the people you made a connection with, apologize if you hurt them, comfort them, but a maybe-rapist talking to the maybe-victim - it felt like they needed outside help. Maybe Phil needs his own top psychologist or some "outsider" he can trust and discuss his own issues with or (peer) review his own advices and help to the others. And JARVIS... I don't even know what I think JARVIS needs. A hug maybe?
Sorry, that I ranted off here... Take it as a compliment, you make me think a lot!
Thank you for this story and the sweetest greetings to you!
sweet co
Re: comment by sweet co
Date: 2014-06-02 08:01 am (UTC)Yay!
>> (Speaks for your talent to make a compelling - addictive? - read) <<
People have described my work as "flypaper for eyeballs."
>> So quick feedback:
You know, I come for the age-play, so the ending was perfect deliciousness for me! <<
I'm happy to hear that.
>> Poor Bruce-y, never been cared for. And super nice Tony is super nice <<
That's good to hear.
>> (I've never played Candyland, but it sounds a bit like shoots and ladders and that I would never play with very young kids (or Tony whatever age) since it can be very frustrating). <<
Chutes and Ladders is an ideal game for teaching kids how to *cope with* frustration, which makes it useful for Bruce-and-Hulk. But they need to be fully comfortable with other aspects of play and emotions first, or it backfires as you have noted.
>> And Clint&Natka-playtime = super-friendship of cute awesomenss... <<
I had fun with that.
>> I think this story was a great "bonus fic", in terms of showing a little more of the mechanics behind the game nights and how much *thought* (Uncle) Phil and JARVIS put in every detail (not that that wasn't clear before). <<
Parenting is hard work. Ageplay can be even more so when your Littles are as damaged as the Avengers. That has been hinted in the past, but I wanted to bring it up front this time.
>> And a great "flashback fic" about the friendship, about the recognition of JARVIS as a person by Phil. It was a great bread crumb trail from great search engine - who does those nice little things, I better thank them - Jarvis is a human being! (is that right? humanoid maybe?) <<
JARVIS is a person. He has human parents. He is neither Homo sapiens nor humanoid, and in fact, he's not comfortable with a humanoid body except when he and Tony are being Iron Man together which is really not the same thing.
>> - and he's my friend! (I bet it's super hard to make friends, when your a secret agent) <<
VERY hard. In canon, Phil's friends are primarily Nick Fury (who is a dick) and Jasper Sitwell. The movies also imply Pepper as a friend of Phil's. So of course he latches onto another intellectual, handler-type person with a dry sense of humor.
>> I cannot say I disliked the rape/violation analogy or say that it's wrong, but that is one of the trickier parts of this story. <<
Agreed.
>> I still have to think on this. Does JARVIS have emotional modules he can turn off? <<
Yes, and he does that in "Hide and Seek," which is made more explicit in "Kernel Error" where you can actually see his thought processes playing out as the emotions and file functions go haywire, until he starts shutting off the emotional subroutines. JARVIS still doesn't deal well with emotional flares above a certain level of intensity.
>> And does Phil? (I think it would be some form of compartmentalization) <<
Pretty much, although in humans it's a bit different. What Phil did here was push down his emotions so that he could deal with the problem more rationally. He was really freaked, and he was in a safe place, so he could afford to take the time to do that.
For the emergency shutoff valve, see Steve's response to finding Bucky in "No Winter Lasts Forever." That was appropriate under combat conditions, but it cost him later.
Also, Phil isn't all done processing this experience. He and JARVIS just got through the first surge of it, then managed to start working out what happened. He will still need to think about it later. There's a bit in "Hide and Seek" when Tony and JARVIS offer to teach Phil the proprietary code, and Phil asks if they're sure, specifically citing that hacking incident. So you can tell it's still on his mind.
>> After the initial shock they talk about it very... maturely. Like they're not two deeply scared people with a ton of emotional baggage but very sophisticated and calm headed top psychologists. <<
They are two deeply scared people with a ton of emotional baggage ... who are also sophisticated, very experienced at pulling calm from the jaws of panic, have read a lot of psychology, and tend to live in their heads. It makes certain boundaries blurry, and others ragged.
>> And I'm not even sure they're the right people to talk with each other. <<
Ideally, no, they aren't. In context, they are among the least inappropriate options.
Phil's other options are SHIELD psych, most of whom frankly suck and none of whom are cleared to know about JARVIS; or the other Avengers, who have been told about JARVIS but may or may not be friends with him yet, and whose relationships with Phil are still developing; or Tony, who might be sympathetic or might decide to break Phil's nose.
JARVIS' other options are Tony (see above), the other Avengers (same), Pepper (who respects him professionally but doesn't like him personally and since she is Phil's friend would take his side and now I'm imagining that clusterfuck over the nightmares in IM3), Rhodey (not speaking to him since IM2), or Happy (who is very unsophisticated and might listen but would have no clue what to do).
Or they could use one of their many aliases to chat with a phone therapist, but they'd have to change so many identifying details it would make real problem-solving difficult.
>> I mean, of course, you should talk directly to the people you made a connection with, apologize if you hurt them, comfort them, <<
That much is true.
>> but a maybe-rapist talking to the maybe-victim - <<
Yes, there is a creepy factor there. It's meant to be. Sometimes there are no perfect options within reach. Being a super-spy and an artificial intelligence means some of your options are very narrow, and you have opportunities to make mistakes in fields that most people don't even know *exist*.
>> it felt like they needed outside help. Maybe Phil needs his own top psychologist or some "outsider" he can trust and discuss his own issues with or (peer) review his own advices and help to the others. <<
Ideally, yes. Later on, they get Dr. Leonard Samson, and I'd like to add Sam Wilson. Also Phil gets better at leaning on his team, not just holding them up all the time. There are examples of him turning to Steve and Bruce for help. But early in the timeline, Phil feels much less able to reach out like that.
>> And JARVIS... I don't even know what I think JARVIS needs. A hug maybe? <<
That's a start, and I'm working on it. Also he just plain needs more human interaction. Almost all of it is from Tony. The rest of the personal interaction is Rhodey, Happy, and Pepper. Then the Stark Industries employees and other people who interact on business but don't know JARVIS is a person. Adding the Avengers has more than doubled the number of people who even know about JARVIS, let alone are members of his intimate family. The expansion in emotional and social data is exciting, but also overwhelming. And Tony isn't much help because he's having the same problem.
>> Sorry, that I ranted off here... Take it as a compliment, you make me think a lot! <<
I love making people think.
>> Thank you for this story and the sweetest greetings to you! <<
You're welcome!
Re: comment by sweet co
Date: 2014-07-24 03:29 am (UTC)Hmmm. Candyland involves pure random chance, as you spin the spinner and move to the next space with that color. Once I realized I couldn't control how my piece moved on the board (no choice of how to move, no dice to shake in my hands), I lost interest in it; but for learning how to deal with deep simplicity, giving up control, and dealing with frustration I could definitely see Candyland as an excellent game for childlike persons. In fact, probably the whole point of the game many times is spending time with the other player(s)! People who are distracted (whether by fun or by something else) tend to open up a bit more than usual and say what they mean. For Bruce, that gives a whole new set of opportunities.
Plus, Candyland is meant for someone who isn't really able to control the world yet anyway, which makes it an ideal game for pre-reading children of about age 3-6, able to toddle around, talk, and move pieces but not really make the game about choice or control. That means Hulk must have gotten something out of that session, too, just by Bruce beginning to understand better how to give up control in a safe situation. :)
Me being precocious, I think I was ready for Uno and Parcheesi about age 5. Monopoly was fun for long enough that I didn't realize its whole point was to frustrate players, since only one player could win what is always an unfair fight once the ownership balance tips in their favor... leading to aggressive, socially manipulative players having the best advantage. If I remember, Phil decided not to include the game because of those competitive implications.
Backgammon, on the other hand, well, around age 12 my parents got me a nice set in a leather folding case that doubled as the board. I never did quite learn the rules properly, but I did enjoy the game the few times I played. Maybe that's a game that the older littles could have fun with; the math-lovers of the group would definitely appreciate its numerical focus.
And you know, once I realized the sort of rush Phil was getting from meeting JARVIS "face to face" rather than as an application interface, I couldn't help but open all the chapters in tabs and rush through, saving the comments for later. I'll be backtracking over the next couple of days, possibly replying here and there.
Re: comment by sweet co
Date: 2014-07-24 04:21 am (UTC)I think for Bruce, it's a game that he can't mess up with bad choices, and nobody can conspire against him, precisely because it IS pure chance.
>> That means Hulk must have gotten something out of that session, too, just by Bruce beginning to understand better how to give up control in a safe situation. <<
Also true. Hulk loves game night, as much as he can perceive of it through Bruce.
>> And you know, once I realized the sort of rush Phil was getting from meeting JARVIS "face to face" rather than as an application interface, I couldn't help but open all the chapters in tabs and rush through, saving the comments for later. I'll be backtracking over the next couple of days, possibly replying here and there. <<
I'm glad you enjoyed it so much. Feedback is candy.
(no subject)
Date: 2016-07-21 04:23 pm (UTC)~KishiKeahi
Thank you!
Date: 2016-07-21 06:02 pm (UTC)Thank you! I'm glad you like it so much.
>> I love JARVIS taking care of Phil <<
Phil needs people to take care of him ...
>> and the two of them working together to take care of them team is absolutely precious! <<
... and both of them need people to take care of. The Avengers are all high-maintenance, high-reward people.
And MCU has shown us what happens when you don't take good care of your superheroes. >_< Like not cleaning a weapon before you put it away, that leads to things blowing up in your hands.
>> They both need hugs. The whole team needs hugs. I think I'm going to go reread TurnAbout now. <<
Aww! Good ideas.
I liked Hairpins
Date: 2018-04-06 10:07 pm (UTC)ChickaDelSol
Re: I liked Hairpins
Date: 2018-04-06 10:12 pm (UTC)