bakerstreet

Is pegging a normal thing people do?

[TJ almost chokes on his iced tea.]

Uh. Well, it depends on the people and what they're into.

Depends on the people? What kind of people?

Well yeah. Everyone has preferences, Bucky.

But.... how?

This is a weird thing to ask, isn't it. I'm already failing as a friend.

[It's a really good thing TJ's so very comfortable with all things to do with sex.]

I mean, it's not a question I expected but. That's how people learn right? So just to clarify, you're asking how it works in the literal sense?

Sorry.

Uh- no. I mean... yeah. Maybe. You don't have to tell me if you don't want to, though.

It's fine. You don't know what you don't know.

It's when a woman uses a toy -- generally a strap on, to have sex with a man.

[He's being more delicate with terminology than he would with most because Bucky seems truly embarrassed and being colorful with language here seems impolite.]

Obviously not everyone is into it, but some people are.

We never talked about these things growing up.

A strap on. So- that's...

[He trails off there, because he's trying to fit these things into context. Sure, he's been back a while, but nothing in his life has ever been about that. Not even close.]

Does the woman want this- or does the man?

That's fair.

It's basically a dildo that's fixed on a belt-like thing that she straps around herself.

[He pauses there at that last question though, because now TJ is Concerned.]

Well hopefully both do. Any kind of sexual act should definitely get an enthusiastic yes from both parties.

Got it. I guess that would make it easier to.... do it.

[He does know what a dildo is, at least. Women just never strapped them on themselves, back in his day.]

Right. Yeah, of course. But I mean- if a man wants it, why don't they just go be with another man? I thought that was ok these days.

Well, he might be attracted to women but curious about what it's like. And then he might find out he likes it, but he's still only attracted to women, you know?

And yeah, it is. You know, for most people. Lotta people still frown on it and say you're going to hell. Which, I probably am, but not for that.

And all of that's okay. Even if you're dating someone? It's just- okay?

Do you really believe that?

Yeah. Again, as long as everyone's on board. If they're not, no one should be pressuring them into doing anything they don't wanna do.

Which part? Going to hell because I'm gay?

Wow. Things really have come a long way.

No, you said for other things. But I guess also that, yeah.

I guess, yeah. [Still feels like they have a long way to go, sometimes.]

Well, if I'm being honest, I don't really believe in all the religious stuff. But I guess if there's a hell, I'm probably going there, yeah.

But not because I'm gay. I've just -- done some pretty shitty things over the years. Fucked up a lot.

[ They certainly do, but Bucky only has his own frame of reference. ]

So have I. I guess I'd be going there too.

Hey, at least we'll know each other.

Good company and all that, right?

Anyway- sorry for all these strange questions. Thanks for not getting weird or offended by them. You've been a big help.

Exactly.

Yep, no problem. Take care, Bucky.

Oh, uh. Thanks.

[He didn't mean that as like- he was done with this conversation, but he'll never be the one to push for more. TJs a busy guy.]

You too. Take care.

Yes.

But....

*Butt

Did you want a statistic or a youtube tutorial?

Wow- how utterly and completely mature of you.

I'm not watching a video tutorial.

Well would you rather see a live demonstration?
I have a peach and a purple strap on.

NO. God, no. Fuck.

A peach? A what? You know what? No. Never mind. No.

A purple, glittery strap on. Keep up.

Attached is a store bought 12 inches, to fuck a man right in the ass.
The peach was just for a snack.

I have no idea what you're talking about.

You're full of shit. You're absolutely full of shit.

Actually, I've never been more serious in my life.

No, you're doing this just to try and shock me.

That's what you do.

You attended my impeachment trial and it shocks you that I'd want to fuck a man in the ass?

That's not the part I'm talking about and you know it.

Well if you don't want to see evidence, then you'll just have to ask Fury as my witness.

I have so many questions but I'll keep them all to myself.

I'm going away for the weekend.

You can always ask when you get back, if you're still curious.

Have a good weekend.

[ Everyone seems to be going on vacation lately, maybe it's about time she goes somewhere new. ]

Yeah, I do it all the time?

You-- really?

Sometimes you have to? Like me and Walker and Yelena.

Unfortunately we couldn't get Bob along.

Wait...

What?

All of you, just- do this?

Regularly?

I'm not sure I'd say regularly. Just sometimes it's the best option.

You don't have to be judgy about it. I'm sure you've done your fair share.

I have not.

Not... that I'm being judgy about it. I'm not. I'm just.

Shocked?

Shocked?

Bob was meant to come along with us. At first I was just going to go at it alone, but realized I couldn't quite get up by myself.
And then it was Bob's idea, that we do it back to back. Except Yelena kept complaining he was wet. And Walker thought I had a hard butt.
Then Bob kept going on about cucumbers.

Anyway Walker of course got a little selfish and went first.

Sounds like you all really worked... together. Very hard.

Is this one of those team bonding things in modern times?

I'm not surprised on the Walker front, but. Should I be included in this? Am I supposed to be? Or...

Would you all rather I just wasn't?

Not sure we're really comparable to other teams, but what would I know. I usually don't trust anyone else. I barely even knew them. But Yelena ended up on my back, and restrained Bob by the ankle. And then Walker made sure we were all fine. So I guess that's bonding.

I mean it was a bit of a you had to be there moment. Not sure if we exactly planned a repeat. But since you ended up tying us all up, I figured you were into it.

Unless you planned on pegging it without us. I know you have people you like better.

...

....Sounds like some very intense, heavy bonding. Honestly I didn't think you all trusted each other that much, but- that's. It's good. I guess it's... it's good.

Tying you up? Wait... when?

I'm not going after anyone else. I'm here with you.

With those chitauri cuffs. In the abandoned auto shop in the desert?
[good lord she knew you were old, but she didn't think he was going senile. but maybe it's the constant brain freeze and thaw.]

Well. Good. Because it makes us all look a bit like pathetic cowards if it's just us retreating and you stay behind to get your ass kicked.

Yeah, I remember that, but I'm not really sure what that has to do with any of this?

Why would you retreat if this is a team bonding thing? Wouldn't we all be doing it together?

Can we refer to it as something other than ass kicking? It's more like.... ass appreciating?

Because if you hadn't rounded us all up and forced us to cooperate, we were just going to go our separate ways after all that.
So really it's thanks to you we're much of a team at all. So if you weren't planning on sticking it out with us, just because your friend doesn't like us...

I mean that's the idea, yes. That's why I grabbed your arm on the way out.

Why, has hr been talking to you too?

So now... Now you're inviting me to be a part of your- pegging situation. Which I appreciate but- I don't know. I really don't know. I'll have think about it.

When is the next...bonding thing?

HR? They're involved in this too???

...You have HR? The disgraced Captain America wannabe said you didn't have one.

Yep. You've got a pleasurable spot deep inside you that the right tool for the job can hit.

Not everybody's into it, but I'd say don't knock it until you've tried it.

Yeah, lots of people really like it.

And they just talk about liking it all out in the open?

Not like with everyone, but with partners and probably close friends. The usual sorts of people you’d talk about your sex life with.

People talk to their close friends about their sex lives?

Not everyone, but some do. I personally have a few friends that get a few of my stories.

I won’t date anyone that I don’t feel comfortable sharing desires with.

Huh. Okay.

That's true. That's a good... yeah. Good call.

So, I’m just guessing that you have some interest in pegging?

Me? No.

Butt stuff has been around for all of human history. We wouldn’t still be doing it if it didn’t feel good.

I get it. That's great. Glad for everyone involved. Glad everyone talks about it so freely too.

Wow, hit a nerve?

No, I'm being very sincere.

Just also very uncomfortable?

...Yeah. That.

It’s cool, I understand. There is still so much embarrassment around sex.

Is there really? Because I sure don't see it. People seem to openly talk about it left and right.

Who are you hanging out with?

My very outspoken team.

They young? I teach college, and university students seemingly leave nothing off the table.

They're... a lot younger than I am, but not young as a whole.

A lot younger than what? 35?

Or are you older than you look?

...I'm a lot older than I look, yeah.

How much?

I'm not sure you'll actually believe me.

Try me.

[haha, she will]

I'm a hundred and ten.

You look great for your age.

I’m older than you, by a lot.

Are you really...?

Well that's damn refreshing. By how much?

This is when you won’t believe me.

I’m over 5,000.

....

Oh. Wow.

See how I have to believe you, cause I know it's possible. But still- wow.

You have a Norse god that regularly comes and helps the planet. Probably makes it easier to believe in the Greek pantheon as well.

Yeah, I figured it was something like that.

I go by Stella these days, but I am the Muse Polyhymnia.

Nice to meet someone else who is deceptive in age.

Well- it's nice to meet you.

I'm Bucky.

Hi. This is not usually how I meet people.

Any other deeply personal questions you want to get out there?

...How long have you been thinking about this question.

Way too long. And possibly not long enough.

...Is this a confession type thing, Buck?

What? No. How would it even be...how would I. Oh. I mean- yeah okay. I guess I could but I haven't even thought about it till now. In the sense of what it is. With a woman? Jesus Christ.

You know we could call Tony or Nat if you need the details of "how' explained. Pretty sure they might be able to handle that conversation better than I. Tony might even have props.

[ He's more amused than he should be as he folds his arms over his chest.]

...So not with a woman then?

NO! You are absolutely not calling Tony or Nat about this, are you trying to give me a damn heart attack? Props?

[Oh god. Can he handle this conversation? Probably not.

He just stares at Steve, slightly wide eyed.]

I....don't think it's called pegging with a man.

I mean- Nat might also might try and hook you up with someone who is..intrested in that. So, hey, that would be an experience.

[ He's still messing with you Buck.

Though his eyebrows arch slightly at that explanation of what he meant.]

Oh.

No.

It's called...

I mean, I guess you're getting fucked either way.

I'm not interested in it. I just wanted to know. I was curious, alright?

[He's about to drag his hands down his face.]

You're being very casual about this, Steve.

So curious and yet not interested in it?

[ He's just digging that knife closer as he sucks on the inside of his cheek to hide that smile that's breaking over his face.]

Right. Should I be more a wilted flower about it? Be a little more shocked? You and I were both in the army Buck. Come on-

Plenty of guys shared a blanket, you know.

It's a new concept!

[Steve's giving him shit, isn't he. He's starting to think Steve is giving him shit.]

No one ever did that in the army, Steve. Especially not back then. Come on.

Wait.... did you?

[No. Nope. He's not going to accept that. Not after all the pining he's done.]

I think the new concept is people actually talking about those sorts of things...they normally happened behind closed doors and secret places.

[ There's a tilt of his head at that because...]

Oh, they did that. Well, they did the version without the...added help.

[ As the other put it.

At the "did you" Steve was just going to reach his hand up behind his head to scratch it because-..]

Listen...

Yeah, exactly. So I'm just- trying to...

[Trying to keep his blood pressure down is what it is. He's probably lucky his body doesn't work like that.]

...

.......

Oh.

The USQ uniform was popular.

[ Which honestly feels like a lame excuse as that humor his gone from his voice and he folded his arms over his chest with a little intake of his breath.]

And I was sort of soaking up the attention.

Yeah. Makes sense.

So... who was it? The person you were with.

Does it matter?

[ Because hey, that was literally years ago now.]

[ Yeah, it matters. It matters a lot, cause it wasn't him. He gives a small shrug either way, though. ]

Guess not.

It was just something that happened Buck. An experience.

[ The person didn't matter- some eager guy with stars in his eyes.]

So.

[ There's a beat before-]

You got a girl or guy in mind for your curiosity?

No, that's great. It's good that you explored and experienced.

[He wonders, though- if there had been any interest, it would have happened when Steve was exploring, right? So maybe there wasn't. Isn't.]

I don't think it matters much at this point.

Wouldn't have thought I was the only one that did.

[ Buck had always been more popular than him after all- The guy that everyone looked at anytime they walked into a room.]

Come on- You've been thinking about it right? It matters, Buck.

Guess I was just very focused on being a part of your team.

[And really, who else could he have possibly wanted to be with but Steve?]

I was mostly thinking that I really need to update myself when it comes to certain things. I've gotta stop being so shocked.

Sort of happened before you were on the team. So.

[ Besides he'd seen Buck with stars in his eyes for woman for as long as he could remember. He didn't think the other wanted to...share a bunk.]

That's actually fair...I mean, I get it. It took me...ages to adjust. Hell, even now there are still things that I can't wrap my head around.

Before? But you said you were in the army when it happened....

[Now he's a little confused- but maybe he just misunderstood.]

I feel like I need a dictionary just for modern terms. You think they make those?

I save it for special occasions, like International Women's Day. But some couples do it more frequently. It all depends on how freaky you are. But yes "normal" people does it. It's not a weird thing to do.

So either it's normal or it depends on how freaky you are. Which one is it?

This one bi guy I had on my feed actually said that all women should try pegging just so they know how much work it takes.

Hm?

Oh yeah, pegging is definitely not a "normal" sex act. Though if you ask people to define what's normal they'd probably say "only missionary style with space for God." Or something along those lines. I don't think a lot of straight guys ever fantasize about getting pegged.

Edited 2025-05-18 16:44 (UTC)

Work? Not really sure what kind of sex he's having. Or that I'd even want to know.

So it's mostly guys who aren't straight who are into it.

Edited 2025-05-18 16:58 (UTC)

He's a sex worker and have a girlfriend so he's probably getting more pussy than you.

I didn't say that. Pegging is a straight and/or lesbian activity. Gay guys doesn't need to do "pegging" they already got the tool to do it.

I don't doubt that.

You're very confusing.

I get that a lot.

Some does it, some doesn't. It depends on what you enjoy. I'd avoid the word "normal" tho. There's too much variance to be able to say if something s normal or not when it comes to human behavior. I'll say though, don't try to put something that might break or get stuck up there please. I have seen way too many cases coming by ER where someone got frisky with all sorts of vaguely phallic shaped things. Please, use things that's intended for that.

Avoid the word normal- right. I didn't really mean it in the sense of abnormal.

What? People... do that?

Yes... they do. We have boxes filled with stuff we have found up people's anal canal. It's always an "accident", I "fell on it". We don't judge, but we know. We do our jobs and hope they learn a lesson.

...Jesus christ.

Just another day's work in the ER.

Now if you're interested in testing it, make sure to use plenty of lube and be careful. If it hurts, stop. That's the best way to avoid injury. And please, get the thing you want from a sex store, not your kitchen.

Guess you really do see all kinds of things there, huh.

I'm not- no. I'm good, thanks.

If it wasn't for HIPAA I could write books about what I've seen.

Good. If you have other health questions, feel free to ask.

I'm sure most people do anyway.

I guess I never thought about any of this stuff as health questions.

They shouldn't, not without consent. It's a privacy violation. If people don't feel safe telling their doctor about their issues, we can't help them.

Sexual health is an area of medicine. I can't offer any advice on toys or positions. I'm not a sex therapist. I can just say what you probably shouldn't do and what you should do if something goes wrong.

Edited 2025-05-18 18:10 (UTC)

They can if they change the names, can't they?

I'm good, but thanks.

That's one way to get around HIPAA, if they also purge or alter any personally identifiable data.

There you go.

...

Right. Well, if that's all then have a good day.

Same to you.

Uh... follow-up question... what's "pegging"?

I don't think I should be the person explaining this to you.

Hey! I'm an adult. I can handle it! [He's a 6'4 giant. Just... grew up in a small rural town.]

It's not about you being an adult. It's about me having to explain it.

Then... why did you ask about it?

Because I was asking for the information, not looking to give it.

Fair enough.

"Uh, what, and I mean this in the nicest way possible, the actual fuck, Bucky? Where did that come from?

My team.

I know, I know.

"Do you actually want me to elaborate? Because if I do and I'm down to, but I'd like if you could promise it won't make things weird." They'd worked so hard to be on good terms, he didn't need sex-ed to ruin things.

I'm pretty sure Yelena's just trying to shock me at this point, so she's not actually being very helpful.

And everyone else gives me shit.

As if they're all just doing this on a daily basis.

Although- I think they might be, because Ava is pretty into it.

"Well, I wouldn't say pegging isn't normal? Some men just wanna..." If he looks awkward it's because this feels awkward. "Take it up the ass but don't wanna sleep with men, y'know? Which is totally valid! It's not for everyone.

"Wait... who is Ava pegging?! It's Walker, right?? He totally looks like the kinda guy that wants to get fucked by a strong woman."

So they want to be with women, but still do the act of being with a man. Are they in denial? Because hey, I get that too.

Walker, Bob and apparently Yelena, though you think after all that, she'd tell me about it.

"Nah, man. The male g-spot is in the ass. Which is kind of a real downside for men who are too 'masculine' to let someone put something in their butt because it's fucking great. But like, some men are only attracted to women but still wanna be the... penetrated party, y'know?

"Wait... what are you in denial about? Weren't you and Steve, like, a thing?

"I could absolutely imagine Yelena pegging Walker. That guy needs someone to knock him down a peg. Haha, peg. Pegging. Of course if he really wants to experiment..."

Oh.

Oh.

What? No. Steve and I were never.... look. He wanted to be with Peggy, alright? I was nowhere in his frame of...

[Well shit. This is getting him upset. Upset upset. He's gonna reel this in real quick. He's not gonna think about him and Steve never being a thing and how much that hurt. He's never doing that again.]

I don't wanna think about it. I really don't. You're supposed to be helping me here, not descending into this madness.

"Oh. Oh shit, sorry man."

Yup, moving away from the Steve and Bucky not thing real quick.

"What? He might be an ass but he's hot. You're all hot. It's insanely unfair. Pretty sure the only person on your team I wouldn't let fuck me, or peg me, is Valentina."

Do with that information what you will, Bucky.

...Okay.

Maybe you should take my place then.

"Did I make it weird? I made it weird.
"It's the lack of filter. But also... you did ask about pegging."

You made it weird.

I asked about pegging, not a run down of everyone you'd fuck on my team.

I'm so goddamn tired.

"Okay, valid but also... I never claimed to have a filter. Or shame. But mostly the filter thing.

"Just tryna be honest with you, man."

I never asked. Not about that.

"Yeah, look, that's my bad. Can't take it back now."

[ What did Joaquin think about not wanting sex-ed to ruin things between them? ]

You're right, you can't. But this did help, I guess. I'm gonna tell them no- even if it means I can't bond with them.

"You think that sex is the only way they'd wanna bond with you? You can bond with someone without sleeping with them."

I know that. I mean- I felt like I knew that. But I'm not sure that's how things work anymore.

"Nah, c'mon man, I don't think that's what they mean. Would be kinda shitty if that's all there was to it."

The world is real shitty these days, so I really don't know.
But if that's how they want to connect, I'm not gonna stop them. It's not my place.

"Maybe you need to talk to them. And like, people are shitty but I don't think it'd be a 'fuck or you're out' situation. Yelena doesn't strike me as the type, for sure."

Probably not, no.

But if you're willing, I'm sure they wouldn't say no to that either.

"Are you... actively encouraging me to come to New York to sleep with your team?"

It's what you want, isn't it?

"I wouldn't say no. I mean, we're a bunch of attractive, single people and if we're all consenting adults, then there's no harm. Safe, sane and consensual." Even if sane is a loose term here. "But also... casual sex is not the only thing there is."

Seems like what everyone is about, so. Have fun.

"Not everyone. But uh... thanks?"

Yeah, everyone. Including you. It's alright, really. You're all young.

"Not you. Means not everyone. That's okay too." And they are all young. And also a little emotionally stunted, meant as nicely as that sentence can be, given the traumatic upbringing most of them have endured. Maybe they all view sex in weird and different ways and it is okay.

It's also okay that Bucky doesn't view it as something to be casually done just because.

...Thanks.

It's normal to like your butt getting played with, I suppose. So why not get creative?

Is it possible to love someone and to hate them simultaneously?

I guess it depends on how you define the terms, but in my experience, yeah it's possible.

Then, let me define. To care for them deeply and owing them a life's debt, but to loathe everything they have made of one's life and of oneself.

Then, yes, absolutely been there. It's a thing, as fucked up and complicated as it is.

I'm sorry for you, in that case. For the both of us.

Same to you.

... It was my adoptive father. I eventually had to kill him, so that page has turned.

In the end, I think he did me a kindness by disowning me. I would've followed him down that awful path the way that I was back then.

How awful. [ It's uttered on a breath, sounding genuinely sympathetic. ] For me, it's my husband. Although, I fear I am the one who has carved out my own path.

I didn't meet his standards, so he got rid of me. Did a number on me, but I came back from it.

Sometimes you do have to go your own way. Want to talk about it, hear what someone thinks that isn't involved?

If you have found your feet in the aftermath, perhaps you would be the right person to ask. If you truly wouldn't mind.

I've found some sort of purpose. I can't promise it'll be easy for you, but I'm at least willing to hear you out.

Thank you.

My husband is a good man. He married me after my father's shop had burned to the ground and we had nothing left, ensured my family was sheltered, provided for. But I loved someone else long before I became his wife, and in doing so... I put myself, as well as both that person and my husband in a difficult position.

That's a sticky situation. The wife of someone in a society like yours loving someone else isn't unheard of, but it's trickier when the husband is a decent guy.

I'm going to guess if anybody found out, your husband would be in bad social standing, and would be expected to harm or even kill the person you love?

[ Her eyes brim over with tears and she looks down. ]

It would be disgraceful not only for him, but for my family. For... that person. My husband would never call upon his rights, should he find out, but we would all be poorer for it. Knowing.

[She places a hand on the other woman's shoulder. Magilou wasn't that good at consoling, but she was going to try, at least a little.]

That's not easy. Only you can decide where you go from here.

... If your family and husband didn't lose standing from this, would you be willing to go to your lover, even if it meant never seeing your husband or family again?

[ She is quiet for a while, considering the question with some seriousness. Then, nodding her head once, firmly, clearly decided, she replies, simply: ]

Yes. I would go.

With a resolute answer like that, I have to pull this off, huh?

So, my first suggestion might sound extreme, but I think it's the path of least resistance. The woman you are now has to die.

By which I mean I play a role I've played before, the heretical witch. I make a show of force in whatever big city you live now. Make sure to embarrass the ruler's men without seriously hurting their bodies, just to make sure no one can say later your husband was too weak.

I make a show of "killing" you and then whisk away your "corpse". A change of your hair, eschewing your country's traditional makeup, and you'd come across as a new woman. Take on a new name and live the life you know in your heart you desire.

Oh.

[ She sounds hesitant. Looking the woman over, she doesn't even blink at the mention of the witch, but instead straightens up a little, clasping her hands in front of herself. ]

Do you think that would work? [ A pause follows, then, perhaps a bit like a plea, ] Is there a second suggestion?

I think it would. They can't chastise your husband too hard for his "failure" if I embarrass the highest ruler in the city first. I'd take something from his estate for good measure.

They'll focus on chasing me down rather than dealing out demotions.

[However, she had to ask for an alternative. Magilou thinks.]

Rather than a murder, I could make it look like an accident. Something that could happen to anyone. A tragedy, but not one that would tarnish your family's image.

No matter what, if you want to avoid consequences for your family, you have to become a woman that is not part of that family and leave that old self behind.

[ At that second option, Inu looks visibly relieved. Her whole face changes, takes on a lighter, more relaxed air. Smiling, just a tiny bit, although her heart is mourning that she will have to leave her children behind, knowing Saburo-sama can fend for himself, maybe even find a more suitable wife to take on the role... If Inu really were to disappear. ]

An accident... sounds better. [ Then, another pause, longer this time. ] What kind of payment would you expect for such action?

[This woman really did have a soft heart. She didn't want to have such a big spectacle of death occur, even if it was all faked. Magilou was impressed at the innocence.]

Whoever you decide to be, make sure that woman is satisfied with her actions until the day you actually die.

And, I guess if you and your lover want a private ceremony, let me be involved. You might've guessed already, but I don't care what social taboo your union would break, as long as it's what you both want.

[ Her breath falters for a moment at that instruction. Inu stares at the other woman for a long time, then bows low, hands pressed to the front of her thighs. ]

I promise!

[ Straightening up, however, she adds quickly at that last offer, ]

I have to find her first. She... She was wandering the mountains last I heard from her. But I want to believe, she would like a ceremony. It was what she always wanted, for us.

[ Perhaps, Inu thinks, Natsu-chan will finally forgive me for making the wrong choice. ]

[Magilou smiles at the promise.]

Good. Because if you asked me for a repeat show, I would actually have to charge, and a service like that isn't cheap.

[She considers what Inu was saying.]

Then we have two options there too. You could suggest to me roughly where to look for her, and I go on my own to have her nearby before the "accident" or you and I go looking for her together after the "accident".

The issue with the first choice is she won't know me, so she might be hesitant to believe what I'm saying. However, the issue with the latter choice is that if we don't run into each other, and she hears about your death before we can get to her, then she will be mourning your loss.

I think I would go with the first choice, personally, as long as you can give me enough details so I know her on sight and I can tell her things only you should know.

If you will go, I would be very grateful. [ Somehow, once she's started, simply thinking about it becomes easier and doing it, not unfathomable. Inu nods her head with determination and reaches out, grasping the other woman's hands in both hers, a tight hold. ] Please! Natsu-chan is a poet, she was travelling between the villages at the foot of the Akaishi Mountains, her last letter was from there.

[She holds Inu's hands in turn, smiling at her.]

Of course, I don't want to do this half-way. I'm going to the effort, so I need to make sure you get the conclusion you want. What you do after is from your own efforts.

My name is Magilou, and though you'll be abandoning the name soon, I should know what it is.

Magilou-san. [ A true smile this time. ] My name is Inu. It is a great fortune for me, that I should meet you.

Those feelings aren't opposites, and they both entail being overwhelmed with thoughts of someone else, so it sounds... possible. Very difficult to deal with, but possible.

It is not something you have experienced yourself?

Oh...

[You know, he assumed that Inu was speaking about romantic love in particular ~~and he's kinda in denial about his own experiences on THAT front~~, B U T...]

I have, in a manner of speaking. Not with a partner, but I know that some emotions seem to go against all common sense sometimes. And I wish I could offer you a solution, honestly.

[ She bows her head to him politely, acknowledging his sentiment. For her, it is a romantic love, but also a familial bond and deepfelt friendship, all at once. His words echo that experience. ]

Thank you.

I sometimes wonder if there is a simple way to love another person. Where all common sense is not eradicated, simply by feeling like that.

[And he bows back at once, not as the knee-jerk reaction it usually is, but as an honest sign of understanding and sympathy.]

That's a very good point. Pain appears to warn us from danger, but love softens everything around it. It's harder to make the right choice like that, isn't it?

If nothing else, it's comforting to know I'm not the only person feeling like this. I hope that doesn't sound too weird.

[ This time, it is a smile that takes over her features, her eyes brightening a bit. ]

Being two people sharing an experience makes any experience easier, I believe. It makes any choice easier, too.

Edited 2025-05-18 10:12 (UTC)

For a long time, I thought that sense of kinship could only be achieved through books. But it turns out that understanding other people is easy, especially when they're kind.

[He gives a sheepish smile, realizing he's openly rambling to someone he doesn't even know.]

Sorry, I'm not giving a proper answer and I haven't even introduced myself... I'm Atsushi Nakajima.

[ Nodding in understanding, Inu smiles and bows to him. ]

I'm Inu. It's my pleasure to meet you, Atsushi-san.

[ As she straightens up, she tilts her head to the side slightly, looking a little sheepish herself. ]

Perhaps it's not about right or wrong. Love or hate. Perhaps it's only a question of being brave enough to feel either, or both.

The pleasure is mine.

[Customary bowing olympics have commenced, it seems. At least, until the words really sink in, leaving Atsushi in silent contemplation.]

I'm not sure if it's a matter of bravery. But at times, I wish emotions could be turned off somehow, or at least put aside for a while. And that does sound kind of cowardly, if I think about it.

You have interesting insights to share, Inu-san. Are you a poet or something like that?

[Inu-chan, meet Okami-sama~

She can't say with words her full answer to that, but as always she tries her best to look like a big friendly dog as she gives a little bark, raising a paw to beckon at the girl.

Yes. And they can come in bursts of one or both at the same time. Depends on the type of love. Would be the answer, but for now wouldn't it be nice to pet a nice doggy?]

[ It is nice to meet a kindred spirit, which is what Inu sees, when looking at the wolf. Crouching next to the big animal, to seem smaller and less threatening, she murmurs, ]

Good afternoon, wolf. Will you not bite?

[ Attemptively, she reaches out a hand and strokes the animal's thick coat. ]

[A soft whine of enjoyment escapes her, and she moves in close, sitting now next to the young lady.

No, she won't bite. She's not a licker either but she is a snuggler and nuzzler.

Good afternoon, child. What ever the girl is going through, she'll listen at least.]

[ As the wolf sits down next to her, Inu eases down on her knees too and leans in against the big animal, letting it take some of her weight. It reminds her of Kumo back home, but somehow more real in a way she can't explain. She leans her head in against the side of the wolf's thick neck, sighing. ]

Do you have someone, wolf? A mate, perhaps? Someone dear to you? And are you far away from them right now?

[Oh, Amaterasu has had many a lover and mate. One still chases her across the sky...

Admittedly, she still loves all of them, and understands still being angry with a loved one. So, she nods, nuzzling the girl, grumbling as soothingly as she can...and trying to resist nibbling on her like she would a puppy.

So very, very dear.]

Given that the opposite of love is not hate, but rather apathy, I would say absolutely. Love and hate both rely on passion at their core, and share many similarities.

Do you know what knife-cut noodles are?

I do, but what does that have to do with romance?

What is the difference between a romantic relationship and a friendship with sex?

[ doesn’t matter what the previous topic was, we’re doing this now. ]

I'd say romance is a sincere commitment. Meanwhile, the other’s more of an 'arrangement'. Still, I’m sure there’s love to be found in both—each with its own shape and weight.

Friendship seems like a commitment. Less focus, maybe. On being the person for the other person.

Meanwhile, acquaintances could be considered just a friendly face—and perhaps a pleasant surprise when they do show up—if we’re continuing down the hierarchy of relationships here. Anything past that I think could be seen more as being strangers. Either way, I think those big-picture assessments are pretty sound. Clear enough that most people would likely accept those definitions.

[ big think here, since it's not often he gets to think about these things without his thoughts being used against him whether for good or bad. woo, the constant game of optics. ]

Unless you’d like to pick apart my answers a bit more. Got any other hot-ticket questions while we’re here, Mr. Connor? I might not be an expert in these sorts of topics, but I wouldn’t mind an interesting chat with good company.

I just don't see where you decide one is the other. Everything described to me is a spectrum with overlap.

Ah, you raise a good point. I’d say the descriptions are accurate—broad, general, and easy to understand—but relationships themselves are undoubtedly complicated. That’s because we each start to apply our own beliefs, experiences, and interpretations to those definitions.

In my case, I tend to ‘decide’ how I view someone—whether as a friend or acquaintance—based on how much I can trust them and how I perceive certain behaviors. Meanwhile, a good coworker of mine relies more on textbook definitions of emotions and a keen eye for reading facial expressions. All in all, Mr. Connor, I believe your answer to that is entirely dependent on you.

Which is not my favorite way to go about something like this, to be honest. Knowing feelings is one thing, reading a room is just something else. Reading people. I don't know that many people. I don't want to mess things up.

Thankfully, your thoughts on the matter aren’t anything new—and I mean that in a good way. It’s normal to worry, but fortunately, there are seldom any perfect people. Opening yourself up just to get to know someone is a risk that goes both ways, but that shouldn’t stop you from trying.

If you were the perfect business partner, associate, or even close friend of mine, I’d be more nervous if you didn’t mess things up from time to time. Why, our dear head nurse has spent—oh, I’d say—centuries in getting to know people. I myself have fumbled through my fair share of negotiations and conversations that set me back now and then, but those usually turn into ‘aha’ moments more than anything. And that hasn't stopped me from finding friends in odd places.

[Whatever the previous topic was, this new one just gets a pause out of Glenn, a couple of blinks as he gets onto the new topic, and then a slight frown as he gives the question some genuine thought.]

...Without going into the details of the spectrum of the human experience, let me point out the similarities first:

Romance and friendships are two kinds of love. I believe there are... seven? or was it nine? different types of love in the Greek language, for an example. If my memory serves. I looked it up once or twice as I was trying to find information on the topic ages ago. Romance and friendship can and often do coincide.

As a disclaimer, I only have a single article of experience regarding romantic love.

Without including the complications of other scenarios or dynamics, at its base, a romantic relationship is not necessarily a sexual arrangement between two or more partners. They often involve a spectrum of feelings, including but not limited to: adoration, devotion, camaraderie, and respect. Romance can also include sex.

[Glenn pauses, letting out a breath (if only to attempt to blow his singular antenna out of his face, from where it drooped over,) feeling a little stressed from talking about something he only has a passing knowledge of. It feels disingenuous, despite the fact that he's knowingly giving his opinion with what information he knows. He threads his gloved fingers together and rests his chin on them, a knee bouncing while he sits still, otherwise. His gaze drifts about as he continues speaking.]

By this same margin, friendships can and often do include similar feelings. Friendships can also be just as loving and simply not be in the romantic sense. I imagine feelings of mutual desire, or frustration regarding a lack of sexual release, can accompany such friendships, as such, they can resort to seeking out fulfillment with each other? I am unsure on this matter.

...Though I do not know if any of what I know on the matter is helpful. I would argue that it is more opinion than fact. Would you like to look things up together? ...Does something trouble you?

I don't feel troubled. Maybe. It's kind of exasperating. People treat things as self evident that are definitely not self evident. You just guess what the right answer is. They want you to figure it out like it is this whimsical thing everyone knows. Only it is not whimsical, it is annoying. [ oops, taking a rude tone. ]

Guess I'm troubled. I don't know, sorry.

[Glenn is entirely not bothered by the ruder tone. He just nods, understanding that it's not anger at him. That has a different sound entirely.]

People are strange that way. They come with many perspectives, never quite exactly the same.

It is alright to feel troubled. Feelings in themselves rarely follow easy logic, and are confusing on top of it.

You are welcome to ask me about my experiences, even if you do not think it will help you understand your own stance. But having a larger data pool may assist in you finding out what does not align with you. That is, after all, how I came to understand myself better.

[He hopes he's not being pushy. He just wants to assist. That frustration Connor is showing - or Glenn thinks that that is what it is - is truly understandable.]

I don't want any of it, for me. I just want to understand what's happening with everyone else. Feel further away than I should. There's not many people to ask.

Oh! I understand.

[He nods twice, eyes slightly wide as the pieces regarding Connor's motivation hit closer to his own experiences than he first thought.]

To that end, my offer remains. If you think it would help you understand others more, I welcome any questions you may have. I do not believe that there are too many "stupid questions" as it were.

Do you have the requisite experience?

My experience is limited to one romantic, non-sexual relationship that started as friendship and lasted...

[He pauses, trying to count, it was so long ago...]

...Six or seven years.

My memories may be a little hazy. It was a long time ago....

When did you know it was different than friendship?

It is a little hard to say, but for certain, it was when she explicitly asked me out on a date, with romantic intentions, and I said yes. We went to a restaurant by the harbor, and we sat there, talking for so long that we wound up getting kicked out at closing.... About anything. Everything.

[Faintly, he starts to smile at the memory.]

She protected me from bullies, when we were growing up, and was always there for me no matter what happened, the good, and the bad. And... hearing her intentions, I could not help but think "this was meant to be." Which is strange... because I generally do not have faith in anything but what I can experience first hand, or details from evidence-backed creations and reports.

But I had faith in her. In her affection, in her love. And the more she got to know me, and I her, the more in love we both fell.

Though I was not really aware before her proposition, in hindsight, I had been in love with her since I was little. I was just too young and lacked the knowledge at the time to fully grasp my own feelings, let alone name them. It can go unnoticed for so long until it hits me in the face with the force of a truck.

I just thought all friendships made you feel jittery and excited, like butterflies in your blood. Because she was my first and only friend, I lacked the experience to understand that not all friendships feel that vibrant and intense.

A conversation.

[ But he's just going to arch his eyebrow over at Connor as he shifts back in his seat.]

...Do you want to have one or...?

We're having a conversation. [ get it together, markus. oh— ]

You mean about romantic relationships. No. I don't care about sex. Just one of those things people put a lot of emphasis on. There's no consistent answers, though.

A romantic relationships involve feelings on a deeper degree. It's about building a life together. Friends tends to live separate lives from you. Love is more involved. You want to build a future and a family with them. You can't see yourself with someone else.

Being friends that fucks is just that, it's about desire and release. Sure you might be good friends that hang out together. But you probably wouldn't have a kid with them.

In the end it comes down to the intensity of your feelings. If it's more than just the sex that keeps you around. It's very individual. Some might never want to be romantically involved but don't mind having sex.

Okay. [ there would be a little whir of gears if he was built that way. ]

Sorry, it— this seems broad. I understand that romance is deeper feelings, [ finger quotations for emphasis. ] There's no gauge for when one becomes the other, a line. There are futures with friends. They feel involved.

[ this is why he is going to live in a box with a dog. ]

I know I'm being difficult.

You're not. It's a difficult concept to explain. You don't what is love until one day it happens.

Maybe. Thank you. It's one of those things where people just go, of course. The thing everyone knows about. Even a lot of androids. Good luck with that thing. I don't know that I can do that thing. [ he does not like stranger dumping, but sometimes it's nice to have binary robot answers. ]

I think I might never say thing again. That was too many.

It's never a bad idea to ask questions. It's how we learn. There's plenty of love stories and movies that can give you an idea what love is. But it won't replace experiencing the feeling of being in love. Don't ever apologize about trying to learn and understand.

how to attract hot divorced dads
divorced dad near me
is it weird if i look like his ex wife?
rebounds with divorced dads success rate
is it sexual tension or does he just want to argue
how often do divorced couples get back together statistics

[yes she thinks this is google oops]

Divorced dads are susceptible to hot and/or caring individuals.
2 matches found.
No, statistically many men date women who look like their ex-wives, but are younger.
As high as 70% of rebounds are successful for divorced dads.
Some men get off on argument as a means of foreplay.
48% of couples are likely to be back together at some point.

...

[play it cool, she doesn't know.
could be any divorced dad.
maybe she's just asking for a friend.]

Well, you are the expert.

Just trying to help, and I'm still bitter about Debbie.

... Debbie?
[is this something she actually wants to know about]

The NSA Liason lady who looks like me that I can't get fired.

Guess that's better than having a beef with snack cakes.
Is that my next target?

What did the cakes do to you?
Now that you mention it...I'll consider it.
At a minimum, I'll let you mess with the system in her building.

No, the little snack cakes are the only Debbie I know. Though they really don't taste as good nowadays as I remember as a child.

Oh good, I do love terrorizing unsuspecting bureaucrats.

Nothing ever does, they keep changing the recipes.

I can't decide if I want to take her out, or take her out.

You'd think things would improve over time with new innovations, and yet somehow they make them worse instead. Corporate greed ruins everything.

Not to be confused with ordering takeout. One of those things you have to be real careful about specifying.

I know, even my designer stuff is not like it used to be these days.

For a little background, my ex-husband was undercover at the time he asked her out so she wouldn't realize the connection. Takeout is good, then I can decide how I want to handle her in the car.

Why make quality anything when the fast fashion microtrends and overconsumption all have a chokehold on filling our closets to the bursting point and items with the tags still attached rotting away in landfills? Anyway I'm mostly just bitter because I have to wear the same thing all the time.

Asked her out as a strategic maneuver, or... Anyway, sounds like his fault. Not hers for the coincidental resemblance and his sad inability to move on. Think your handling of her should be more of the hot revenge variety.

...

Horrifying.

What. I have eyes.

It might be time to have them tested.

Spend five minutes watching him in the weight room, then you'd understand.

I really very sincerely doubt that.

I guess I could see the appeal of tying him up and gagging him, but I don't know if I'd fuck him after.

Suit yourself. Maybe two frustrating blondes just repel each other. Like negatively charged particles.

Thanks for the suggestion.

Maybe we do. Maybe I just do not trust a man that claims to be sexually attracted to women but scared of seeing them naked.

Happy to help. See if you can swap out the stick up his ass for something else, too, I think it will make him more bearable all around.

Ah. Well. At least that's not a problem he'd encounter here.

... Cucumber?

Sure, that would work.

Good for more than sneezes.

I'm supposed to know answers for all of those things?

This... was meant for the virtual assistant. [whatever that AI thing that Yelena was talking to on her ipad...]

Uh-huh.

You are as ridiculously horny as the rest of them. One day there is going to be a disaster and everyone is going to be too busy. Alexei getting a brand deal and the rest of you all daydreaming about fucking each other cause you do not have the guts to actually do it.

No, I actually check my phone alerts.

And I'm not... horny. I'm just frustrated. By how annoying everyone is.

Please. If someone put you on your back, you would forget your phone existed.

Sure.

Good thing for the safety of the world that nobody is willing nor capable of doing such a thing.

You've met them. Do you not agree?

There is that willful ignorance again.

Oh, they are very annoying. I would be annoyed if I found them attractive too.

Until you prove it otherwise.

Do you not?

Why would I rush when the neediness is such a good look on you?

I don't think so.

For the safety of the world, Antonia. Remember?

Hm. What is your type, then?

I forgot. Remind me.

Missed the day they assigned those.

You can only play that off so often, you know.

Still confused to what mine is. Bad ideas, I guess.

Play what off?

Yeah.

...

You're lucky you're cute.

Me? Now you really aren't making sense.

You'll figure me out one day.

You think so? I can't imagine you running out of surprises.

Then you'll just have to try and keep up.

"Try." You're cute.

Only for you.

Are you?

Well.

I could be.

I am not a hot divorced dad.

I could still call you daddy.

Is that what you want?
Either of those things?

I want you to make me earn it.

You want me to make you earn both calling me Daddy and being mine and just mine?

I'm sure you could research it, since you've been so thorough.

Oh, I will. I am just making certain I understand.

You do. As long as it's what you want, too.

I had not previously considered the Daddy thing. I will have to let you know about that one.

To be fair, I hadn't considered it until that moment either. If it is not to your liking, you can help me find one you prefer.

I think I have to hear it in the correct context to know for sure.

Are they supposed to require the same amount of earning, in your expectations?

That makes sense. That goes the same for any of this.

... The name calling seems as if it should be easier earned, maybe. But I'm not sure in which way the other is... achieved. In a concrete way.

Yes.

I agree.
I guess... it seems like it might be one of the cases where we just know?
It is going to take longer if you are wandering around here lusting after everyone else, I can tell you that.

Is there a name you want to be called?

Maybe. Or. Something symbolic. [she doesn't want to say like wedding rings, that feels too serious, not... not quite what she means.] Like. I have something of yours. And you have something of mine. Or your name written, where only you'd know. [these all feel a little embarrassing to suggest, especially so early but... that's why it's a thing to earn, right?]

And if you... properly attend to my needs. Not sure I'll have any interest in the others. [look, Antonia is right, she's so damn horny these days being around all these way too attractive super people all the time, and she needs an outlet before it becomes a Problem.]

Hm. Maybe try out a few. Nothing derogatory, though.

A trade or a mark. [Please hold while she does a quick examining loop of Ava.] Those both have potential.

You're going to have to eat all those little 'if' statements.

[Careful what you wish for. A pause, a head tilt, and then:] Sweetheart. Honey. Baby. Pretty. Darling. Kitty cat. Sunshine. Love. Pumpkin. Sugar. Beautiful. Dumpling. Sexy. Babe. Lover. Cutie. Precious. Jelly bean. Sweet pea. Sugarpie. Honeybun. Snugglebug. Gorgeous.

[her gaze follows around one way, picks up as she comes around the other, shifting a bit shyly.]

Gladly, eat them right out of the palm of your hand.

[she considers the list, some of them earning an immediate wrinkle of her nose. absolutely not sunshine, or dumpling. sexy gets a shake of her head. and honeybun and snugglebug sound a bit too silly. but] I think I can be your kitty cat. [she's been compared to one often enough.]

Yes, you will. [Is she actually sure of this? No. Would she admit that even under pain of torture? Also no. Too invested now.]

Is kitty, kitty cat, or kitten better?

[it's certainly easier to say these things. especially knowing that Antonia is hooked along now. but how any of it actually plays out? she has no idea. just likes the vague concept of it all, that she can perhaps provoke it into some sort of action.]

Interchangeably.
... But not around anyone else. [she doesn't want to have to go explaining that.]

[There is something satisfying about making up the rules as they go along.]

Okay.
I don't care if you say it in front of other people. [She just won't explain. Easy.]

[rules are certainly more tolerable when it's their own. and not being enforced upon them by anyone else.]

Ah. [she's not sure if that's a don't care (neutral) or... if maybe Antonia wants to flaunt it just a bit.]

[Much more tolerable. Other things make them more tolerable, too.

Since that's not a question, Antonia just nods.]

[well maybe she'll have to work her way up to being less shy and skittish about it all, to figure out which one it is.]

Feel free to make me earn that too, if you want.

You'll have to be very good to kitty.

Kitty will have to be very good herself, if that's what she wants.

Oh you know I always am. [no, no she's not.]

Starting with a lie. Guess you don't really want it.

I don't want it easy.

Funny, the conclusions you draw sometimes.

To be fair, you are a bit difficult to read. [which honestly it's why she wears the mask herself, but only on missions. she knows Antonia wears it for entirely different reasons beyond that, which is why she's not certain if she's allowed to find the mask hot or not.]

Who, me?

I'll give you this one free, since you still aren't quite daring enough to ask. You shouldn't assume just because you're good, I'm not going to give it to you hard.
[This better land. She's spent so much time studying how to make an innuendo.]

Edited (phrasing) 2025-05-20 00:58 (UTC)

Oh-
[it lands alright, that stir of curiosity because it's all still just hypotheticals they haven't put into practice yet. because it evokes a few possibilities, all of which... yeah, she wants.]

And if kitty is real bad, then what?

If kitty is real bad... We start finding out how much more frustrated you can get. Or how close you can get to satisfied without tipping over.

Oh, I think the reason kitty has been so bad is lack of proper stimulation. Cooped up inside all day. No lap to crawl into.

Having to smile for a bunch of pointless pr campaigns.

I think kitty has been so bad cause it almost gets her off, doesn't it?
She'd have a lap to crawl into if she asked nicely.

[a frustrated little huff, because yes. yes the teasing and the provoking with search results in retaliation to Antonia's own, the back and forth gets her... almost something. attention alone isn't quite bringing her satisfaction.

so asking nicely it is. and test out if the whole daddy thing works or not.] Please, daddy. Won't you sit down so your kitten has somewhere cozy to curl up?

[Shame she can't see the smug smirk that little huff causes.

Oh, yeah, that answers that question, that definitely works. Antonia backs across the room, to keep from turning away from Ava, settles down into one of the armchairs, pats her thigh.] There. That wasn't so difficult, was it, kitten?

[she waits until Antonia is fully seated, patting at her thigh in beckoning, until making her approach. a lazy slinky little catwalk, that ends with her crawling right up face-to-face to straddle said thigh, a flip of her skirts out from behind her so they're less in the way.] Maybe a little. [a pout, as she shifts around pretending to get more comfortable. cheeks flushing just slightly at the pleasant feeling from the friction.]

[for the moment, she settles her hands lightly, fingers spread, on Ava's thighs, and otherwise remains still as a statue.]

A little. Is that your way of saying you think you've earned a reward from me, kitty cat?

[she arches her spine as she simultaneously leans in at the shoulders, face coming closer. and sliiides back against Antonia's thigh until her cunt is pressed right over her kneepad, lips curling into a very pleased smile.]

Yes? [and then she flicks the tiniest little lick against that cute little skull nose.]

[Dammit, Ava, pick a lane. How's she supposed to deal with you being sexy AND adorable at the time? Have a heart. Pause for reboot, that contact on the mask makes her feel a third confusing type of way, too.]

That doesn't sound certain. Is there some other bad behavior you should confess to?

[Screw it. She gets to be impatient, too, sliding her hands up to Ava's hips to hold her still (in theory) while she presses her knee up into her.] Sure you want to be that far away, for this reward?

I didn't read the packets.

[it's hard to pick a lane when she's been so deprived that she wants it all at once. she's in overdrive, anxious and impatient and so needy as she grinds down against Antonia's knee... but at the same time, that's what makes Antonia taking control, regulating the pace, so appealing. keeping Ava from spinning right off, with that firm grip on her hips.

she blinks a bit hazily, at the conundrum presented. yes, she very much wants whatever reward that Antonia has determined she earned, and slides herself right back up along her thigh, so close.]

Good choice, kitten. Now - [Antonia shifts a little closer to the edge of the seat, sits up a little straighter and widens the stance of her legs to make this, in theory, a little easier.

Then, somewhat less nervous by sheer virtue of the physical effect this was having on her as well, no room in her mind left to think about fucking it up, she goes to start guiding Ava's hips into a slow, steady, firm rhythm.] You're going to let me - Daddy direct how you're moving, and you're going to focus on letting me see or hear or feel whatever reaction you're having. If you want something to change, you can ask nicely, and we'll see if you get it. Understand?

What did you do with the packets instead?

You're giving me a lot of shit for someone who doesn't know how to use Google.

Oh, ha ha. I was trying to use that new virtual assistant Valentina installed.

But it seems down. [right let's talk about that rather than what she was trying to search instead]

Why does she have a new virtual assistant? I thought Mel was her assistant.

Yeah. Mel is her assistant. This is so we stop bothering Mel with meaningless requests all the time.

I was... trying to see if I could break the algorithm. Can't trust these AI, you know.

Why is everyone bothering her with meaningless requests?

I know we can't. So did you break it?

i don't know, but she kept hinting to me that somebody else was behind us coming together. not valentina. you know anything about that?

of course i didn't break it. i think they just forgot to register my voice to it.

Well- it was her. She was the one.

So instead you Googled a bunch of things about divorced dads.

[he hasn't forgotten, dont worry.]

She was rather insistent, right up until she wanted to drop the subject.

... Well. Walker's seemed a bit. You know. Overly aggressive and emotionally constipated lately. Was wondering how we could get him hooked up so he stops taking it out on the gym equipment.

Maybe she doesn't want the credit. But she also doesn't want people to think it was Val.

That's pretty much how he always is. This is actually toned down. Are you sure you're not the one looking?

No, see that's what I thought she meant at first. But then she was deflecting from that too.

Looking? I mean I could look any time I wanted. [who is deflecting now]

So what do you think it's about?

Looking in this case meaning interested.

No clue. Wondered if she said anything sketchy like that to you.

Please, I have some dignity.

... You knew him before, right? [considering he's the one that outed Walker's wife left him in the first place, she's aware that the answer is indeed yes.]

No, she hasn't. She just asks me if I'm alright. All the time. Is that sketchy?

Okay.

I did, yeah.

Could be, if she's monitoring your wellbeing for some reason. Or for someone.

... Did he. Seem happier? Before. Or...

For Val? I don't think she'd do that.

A lot happened, Ava. Maybe he was happier, yeah. But it's hard to say. He was different, had different goals, a different outlook on life.

No telling. You know her better than I do.

... [a small shrug.]

I don't know her all that well. I just- have a feeling about her. I've had a feeling about her for a while now.

Why are you asking?

... What kind of feeling? [because most of Ava's feelings about people are suspicions, and then she doesn't typically stick around them long enough to figure out if they're true or not.]

It's. [a frustrated sigh] Complicated right? Because he... he's upset. About the divorce. I assume he still... loves her and wants her back, to... have his. Family again. [arms wrapped a bit defensively over her midsection.] So is it wrong of me to hope that he doesn't?

That's a lot of questions there... but I take it that you're interested in a divorced man? I say, go for it. Have fun while you can. It might lead to something, it might not. But you won't know until you try.

No. It's probably better that I don't.

No? Well, I won't tell you what to do. But y'know, he might be into you. Better trying than not.

He's not. And it doesn't matter anyway. I'm broken.

Nobody is broken.

No, I'm quite literally physically messed up. Even if anyone was willing to look past the personality issues.

Ava, is there something you'd like to talk to me about?

...
What.

Oh. You thought this was about you? Don't flatter yourself. You're not the only divorced man out there.

You can't deny the similarities.

[oh she can deny so much.]
Look, I know you're going through a rough time and probably looking for some validation.

But I'm just.. asking for a friend.

You don't have any friends.

Hah.

Scott Lang.

[they knew each other about two weeks after she tried to kill him... like a decade ago. but yeah that's the closest thing she had to a friend.

and the only other divorced dad she knows.]

So you're asking all this for Scott?

...

Yes.
[ok but why does the cover up feel even more embarrassing]

You sure?

Yeah. I like that whole... growing big thing he does. It's very, you know. Enticing.

[oh god kill her]

So you like it big.

... [that sure was the implication she made wasn't it]

Mhm. So big. Nice and... [holds her hands apart in what she estimates a big penis would be, and it's probably hilariously off] long.

So you don't have to worry.

Well, that's a relief. Now I don't have to let you down gently.

Hah... ha. That would be so very humiliating, wouldn't it. For you. To think such a thing. Glad we could avoid such a misunderstanding.

[yep, seems like a great night to go lay in her glass box.]

[Sure does.]

I hope things go well with Scott. Even if he seems like a bit of a douche.

Just have to lure him in and tie him up again. You know how it goes.

Can't say that I do.

Yeah. Guess you wouldn't.

Anyway. If anyone needs me...
[they don't, and honestly she doubts anyone will notice her missing at all.]
I have other matters to attend to.

Good luck.

[ He's staring, with exactly that look. ]

Girl.

What? It's just speculative.

Might I suggest we speculate on a rose toy? I hear they cause fewer headaches. [ What does he know? He's just a bit of a shit-stirrer. ]

Sure but does a 'toy' say things that make me want to push it against the wall and strangle it? [because that's the part she likes.]

Ohhhh. [ That perks him up a little. ]

Okay, proceed, then. The frustration is the goal.

So to sum this up:

Daddy Issues

Gotcha.

No.

Sure. Lie to someone who can read minds.

[Wanda merely chuckles, shaking her head in amusement.]

Kidding aside, I'm not one to judge. You've probably seen Vision—no kink shaming here. But I am, however, kink concerned, kink curious, and possibly kink inquiring. I am, what the kids saying these days, a safe space

Remember, Ava Starr, I can read your mind.

... [okay, fair point on the whole fucking an android thing.]

It's not daddy issues. My first father blew my family up and left me with a debilitating condition that has kept me isolated from the rest of society for the entirety of my life. So dating hasn't really been on my radar.

And my father that adopted me from the orphanage. He's great. There's no like... weird projection or misplaced feelings there. This... [wave of her hand] subject of inquiry is nothing like him at all. [honestly there isn't much in common at all between Dr. Foster and one John Walker.

except a very crucial aspect. the protectiveness.]

It's more like. He is a father. Was. [she's not even sure how involved he plans on being with his kid now that he's separated from his wife. how much she even wants him around. it's not her business, not exactly, outside of trying to figure out how available for mingling that makes him.]

Oh, so he's the start of the issues, then. [Wanda nods.] Right. [She chuckles.]Kidding aside, do you like that he's a good father, then? A lot of women do "dig" that sort of thing.

I don't think he's a good father at all, actually. Or wasn't. His whole... happy family situation fell apart. Maybe he's trying to do better about it now. But I guess that's why I'm trying to research it a bit. If it's even a good idea.

Asks

ask

the remix

Bucky Barnes | MCU l ota

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imagery for his nightmares

And so begins the five stages of grief lmao

lmaooo god

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skull emoji

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Threadjack!

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