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!
From:(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!
From:(no subject)
Date: 2014-04-28 07:18 am (UTC)-Dunerowl
You're welcome!
From:Still Around
Date: 2014-04-28 02:04 pm (UTC)Re: Still Around
From: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
From:(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!
From:(no subject)
Date: 2014-04-28 07:59 pm (UTC)Giddyant
You're welcome!
From:(no subject)
Date: 2014-04-28 08:20 pm (UTC)-A
Thank you!
From:Love This Story
Date: 2014-04-29 02:59 am (UTC)Re: Love This Story
From:(no subject)
Date: 2014-04-29 03:05 am (UTC)Yay!
From:(no subject)
Date: 2014-04-29 05:18 am (UTC)Okay...
From:(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!
From:Had to add-
Date: 2014-04-29 03:22 pm (UTC)Re: Had to add-
From:(no subject)
Date: 2014-04-29 07:42 pm (UTC)Thank you!
From:(no subject)
Date: 2014-04-30 10:04 am (UTC)(no subject)
Date: 2014-04-30 06:28 pm (UTC)You're welcome!
From:(no subject)
Date: 2014-05-01 05:47 am (UTC)Thank you!
From:wow
Date: 2014-05-01 09:54 am (UTC)Re: wow
From:RockafellaSaint
Date: 2014-05-10 01:01 pm (UTC)Re: RockafellaSaint
From: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
From:Re: comment by sweet co
From:Re: comment by sweet co
From:(no subject)
Date: 2016-07-21 04:23 pm (UTC)~KishiKeahi
Thank you!
From:I liked Hairpins
Date: 2018-04-06 10:07 pm (UTC)ChickaDelSol
Re: I liked Hairpins
From: