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Part 4 of Imagination (2020)
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Published:
2020-03-19
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2020-04-13
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4,304
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26/26
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A is for Alabaster

,

Summary:

More multifandom fic and art fun! ♡

Notes:

This list is courtesy one of notjustmom's FB friends. :-)

(See the end of the work for more notes.)

Chapter 1: A is for Alabaster

Chapter Text

Crowley forgets to breathe for a moment as he sees Aziraphale for the first time - well, it had been a bloody long time. He had forgotten how candlelight made his angel glow. He shakes his head and clenches his jaw as he begins to tiptoe down the aisle, reminding himself why he was saving the idiot again from discorporation once again.

Because. Because you love him. And deep down, in spite of their differences through the centuries, he knows he is fiercely adored in return.

And besides, who else would put up with his driving?

Chapter 2: B is for Boisterous

Summary:

Brothers gotta hug.

Chapter Text

In a slightly alternate universe:

 

"HULK!" Thor laughed as he lifted his friend into the air. "Long time no see!"

"Thor?"

"Yes, it's me, how've things been? I, well - I was tracking one of the stones, and... long story, maybe later. So, you have a fan base now, looks good on you, big guy." He stepped back and saw the look in the Hulk's eyes, he knew Banner was in there somewhere, but now was not the time. "I'm ready when you are, big guy, let's give them a show, yeah, then maybe we'll grab a beer later? Aw hell...."

Chapter 3: C is for Charge

Summary:

Another multi-fandom grab bag!

1. Thor

2. Tony and Mark 42

3. John and Sherlock

Notes:

I'm hoping to have stories for all of these at some point today... posting to share the brilliant artwork <3

Chapter Text

It had been far too long since he'd had a worthy opponent. In fact, the metal man seemed to be nearly his equal, perhaps even stronger than himself if he thought about it honestly. However, he shook the idea away and using the hammer as a last resort, charged one last time.

Harley paused after he flipped the light switch, and blinked at the two figures on his couch. One was - no. He was supposed to be - he opened the newspaper in his hands and looked at the blurry image of Tony Stark, then glanced at the man who let out a snore. Nope. That was definitely him, a little worse for wear, next to - "No way..."

Tony rubbed his eyes and slowly got to his feet. "Sorry for the intrusion -"

"That's Iron Man?" He asked as he walked over to the still silent armor.

"Technically, I -"

"Technically, yer dead. What's wrong with him?"

"Battery ran down - needs to be charged up, think you can help with that?"

"Really?"

"Yeah, really."

"So..." Sherlock gazed uncertainly at the machine.

"Don't tell me you've never used one of these before."

"To be honest, I've never actually shopped for groceries before."

John snorted. "You've never -"

"Mrs Hudson. Before that - there were people -"

"You never had to waste your Mind Palace -"

Sherlock shook his head and handed John his card. "A bit like the -"

"Solar system?" John shrugged and grinned at him. "Here, let me show you how."

Chapter 4: D is for Detritus

Chapter Text

He cleared his throat to say something to Aziraphale when he felt the angel’s soft curls nestle against his shoulder, “never mind, angel.” He gave a thought to his collection tucked away in a cupboard that he hadn’t yet had the courage to share with his... what was Aziraphale to him anyway, other than, well, his partner in crime for the last six thousand years, perhaps one day, he would show him and tell him everything he’d always wanted to...

“I already know, you wily serpent...” a voice muttered next to him.

“Already know wot, precisely?”

“Me too...”

“You too...?”

“Bits and bobs of our adventures. Wasn’t sure you wouldn’t think it was a bit too sentimental...”

“Silly angel,” Crowley whispered, but couldn’t help the shiver that ran through him as Aziraphale settled closer against him and let out a satisfied snore.

Chapter 5: E is for Elegant

Chapter Text

He had always admired them from afar, catching glimpses of them when he would remove his gloves, or steeple them together when lost in thought, or traveling through his mind palace. He had always thought them elegant, and capable, but as he touched his cheek for the first time, he closed his eyes and trembled slightly at the softness, and the slight roughness of his calloused fingers made him realize just how human Sherlock truly was.

"John, is this okay?"

"Yes, yes, it's fine, better than."

Chapter 6: F is for Fern

Chapter Text

“Dad?”

“Nope.”

“Come on, you can’t hide in there forever...”

“Can so.”

“You know you can’t,” Cassie said with a smirk and crossed her arms until he returned to regular size. “I know you hate shoe shopping, but... come on.”

 

(okay, yeah, I wouldn’t mind being able to go shoe shopping today, and that is my eighth circle of hell)

Chapter 7: G is for Gorge

Summary:

Gorge - a narrow valley between hills or mountains, typically with steep rocky walls and a stream running through it. This is Shuri and Agent Ross training on the flight simulator Top Gun style.

Chapter Text

Everett glanced over at Shuri and caught her smiling cautiously at him. He didn’t blame her. It had been a few years since he had flown anything, let alone anything that forced him to use his imagination, and being essentially a bureaucrat for the last ten years certainly couldn’t add to his resume in her eyes.

“I can do this,” he said finally.

“Yeah, we’ll see, colonizer, we’ll see.” She paused and shrugged. “It’s been a while, generations in fact, since we have had to deal with real outsiders, we are used to peace, our idea of peace, means being isolated. Not always a good thing. I did look at your record, while you were healing. Impressive. Show me.”

Chapter 8: H is for Help

Summary:

a bit of fluff...

Chapter Text

“What the -” John began then saw the look in Sherlock’s eyes and shook his head. “At least it doesn’t seem that we need the fire brigade this time, come ‘ere. What’s the special occasion, anyway? It’s not my birthday and it’s not our anniversary -”

“I just wanted - it’s been a long couple of weeks, and I just wanted to make you breakfast.” Sherlock finished as he wrapped himself around John and hid his face against his shoulder.

“I appreciate the thought, love. How about you go back to bed, and I’ll get this cleaned up, and I’ll make something later, hmm? Cereal, no heat needed, hmm?”

Sherlock nodded, but held onto him tighter. “C’mon, I’ll get you settled, yeah?”

“Please.”

Chapter 9: I is for Incense

Chapter Text

Tony wasn’t quite sure about the whole meditation thing; the incense made his nose itch, and the candles, well, they made do with some of the candles he’d given Pepper over the years, but he promised Stephen he’d give it a try.

Stephen settled easily into his pose, and closed his eyes, but couldn’t help peeking over at Tony, who was obviously thinking he had something better to do with his time. Eventually though, Tony closed his eyes and took a deep breath, then let it out slowly as he had taught him when he woke from those nightmares that kept him on edge. He wondered if he had ever seen Tony so still before.

“Hey, no peeking.” Tony muttered under his breath.

“How did you know?”

“Didn’t, just guessed.”

“Douchebag.” Stephen murmured back, as he closed his eyes again, but couldn’t keep the adoration from his voice.

“Love you, too.”

Chapter 10: J is for Journey

Summary:

How are only just now talking about House?

Chapter Text

There had been a time when it might have been possible for them to exist without the other. That time had long passed, Wilson finally acknowledged the moment he saw House sitting on his steps.

“I’m dead.” House had said with a bit of a smirk, without any trace of regret in his voice, and he knew more than anything, that only one person in his life had truly ever loved him. Accepted him for the mess he was, most people saw the placid exterior that he had carried off for so many years, only House knew the truth, and knew what he needed most. “Road trip?”

“When do we leave?”

“Whenever you are ready.”

“Where -?”

“Anywhere you want to go.”

Chapter 11: K is for Knife

Chapter Text

"Ohhhh, my..." Aziraphale sighed. "It does remind me -" he stopped as Crowley raised a knowing eyebrow at him.

"Yes...?"

"Never mind. You say you bought this online?"

"Uhmhmm, only cost me ten quid, and I got one of those tomato knives with it. You know the one, it slices it so thin you can almost see though it without smushing the skin."

"Oh, I do love tomato sandwiches." Aziraphale sighed.

"I know, angel," Crowley answered, and miracled a plate of tiny perfectly round sandwiches for their tea.

"You do love me."

"Was there ever any doubt?" Crowley growled gently as he pushed his specs back onto his nose.

Chapter 12: L is for License

Chapter Text

“It’s not too, too, is it?” Aziraphale asked with a bit of a shy smile.

“Uhm, hmm... nooo, I mean, that is, angel, it’s just a driving lesson, I suppose one of us should have a a proper license and all.” He finally cleared his throat as he took the keys from Aziraphale’s hand, and admitted quietly, “Yer just splendid, angel.”

“Thank you, m’dear, I did hope you might notice -”

“How could I not, angel? Maybe lunch after?”

“The Ritz?”

“Where else could I possibly take you?”

Chapter 13: M is for Malleable

Chapter Text

"How do we always end up in the bloody cupboard?" John hissed as his shoulder reminded him he wasn't getting any younger.

"We don't always -" Sherlock whispered back, then covered his mouth with his hands as giggles threatened to escape.

"Idiot."

Sherlock's eyes focused above John's head and John rolled his eyes as he recognized the stillness, then the contented hum. "Got it all sorted, then?"

Sherlock nodded, then kissed the tip of John's nose. "It's a good thing we are still as malleable as we are."

"Speak for yerself," John answered with a half-hearted glare.

They waited until they saw the light under the cupboard door go dark, then heard a key turn in a lock, and footsteps fade away, before they silently opened the door and slowly uncurled from their positions where they had been secreted away for the last three hours.

"Home?" Sherlock asked with a weary, but satisfied grin.

"Please."

They were in an unfamiliar part of London, somehow it had been left off of Sherlock's Mind Palace map, but even so, just as John was about to fall asleep against Sherlock's shoulder, a taxi arrived. He was gently nudged to nearly full awareness, then all but fairly folded onto the seat.

"221 B Baker Street." was the last thing John heard as he drifted off to sleep in Sherlock's lap.

After a quick, hot shower, and an even quicker meal of toast and jam, John watched as Sherlock sprawled onto the couch and pulled his robe tightly around himself. Somehow John got settled next to him, and at a contented sigh, rested his fingers into the still damp curls. He smiled to himself as Sherlock mumbled out, 'love you,' and let out what John could only describe as a purr as he tugged ever so slightly.

"Love you, too."

Chapter 14: N is for Nourish

Chapter Text

There were rare occasions, when Crowley would visit the bookstore, intending to take his angel for a spin, when he would find him lost in the pages of a book. You’d think 6,000 years would be enough time for him to have read his limit, but, no, people kept writing, so books were still being published, and so once in a while, Crowley would have to remind his angel to stop and eat.

“Oh, Crowley. I didn’t - I mean, I was - uhm -”

“Good book, then?”

“I’ve read better and worse, but you know how it is, once one gets started, sometimes, it’s nearly impossible -”

“Nope. I don’t know, but carry on, angel. More tea?”

“Please.”

Chapter 15: O is for Oops

Chapter Text

“Oops,” Strange uttered with a bit a of a smile.

“Oops? I’ve been falling -”

“About half an hour, I’d say?”

“You think you’re so -” Loki’s voice faded, knowing his powers were of little use against a master sorcerer in his sanctum, and rolled his eyes just as Strange waved his fingers at him.

“Bye, bye..”

“One day, Strange,” Wong sighed from the top of the stairs, and crossed his arms at him. “One day, we’ll need their help, and they tend to have long memories -.”

“Manners, Wong, I returned them to their father as asked. How long is it going to take to repair the damage in the library?”

“A couple of hours, more or less.”

“Fine. If anyone else shows up -”

“You’re busy, got it.”

Chapter 16: P is for Portent

Summary:

The Peter Tingle, but Spider-Verse Spidey-sense style.

Chapter Text

This scene takes place before Peter understands what has happened to him, and before Ned knows anything is different about his friend.

 

"What the -?" Ned looked at Peter as he ducked just in time to miss the milk carton that whizzed past his head.

Peter shrugged as he sat down at their table, then realized he was hearing every little sound, and seeing everything around him as if in slo-mo, but not. He closed his eyes tightly and tried to breathe normally, then opened his eyes to find Ned staring at him.

"Peter?"

"I'm okay - just a headache, or something."

"Pete." Peter shook his head, then pulled Ned down beside him as a pudding cup flew through the air. "How didya -?"

"Dunno," he whispered, "something's not right," he held up his hand and grabbed the apple that was aimed at his head.

"Damn," Ned whistled in amazement.

"Yeah." Peter nodded, and tried to turn his attention to his lunch again, but failed. He looked over at Ned and said quietly, "don't say anything, yeah?"

"What would I say?"

"Dunno, just -"

"Yeah, promise, dude. Mum's the word."

Chapter 17: Q is for Quest

Chapter Text

Gamora gazed at the photo in her hand, Rocket had figured out to get the timer on the old camera they had from some time or other, and they had managed to find the last 24 hour photo shop in that weird galaxy that they had dropped into a few months back. “Family, my family, such as it is...” She knew they were on a ridiculous quest, and that there was no guarantee they would all get through it in one piece, but she slipped the folded photo back into a pocket and closed her eyes.

“Hey.”

“What?” She grumbled lightly as Peter was in front of her.

“Yer just being quiet, is all.”

“I can’t be quiet?”

“Just - nothin’.”

“What?” She repeated, less grumpy this time, as she reached for his hand.

“Just wanted to be sure, of you is all.”

“I’m here, Quill, yeah?”

“Okay. Good.” She watched his mouth work, and she knew he wanted to say something more, but they weren’t like that - they didn’t say things like that. She rolled her eyes at him and he went back to his seat, and buckled himself in.

“Ready?”

A chorus of impatient voices answered in the affirmative, and with one last look at Gamora, he closed his eyes and breathed out a sigh of relief as the engine started in a fierce blast of slightly controlled chaos.

Chapter 18: R is for Remnant

Summary:

Ritchie!Holmes

Chapter Text

He fell to his knees at the sight of his friend, and reached over to touch him, then looked down to see the remnant of - no. Yes, it was from one of his old scarves, clutched in Watson's hand.

"Watson," he whispered, and watched as he opened his eyes, still the same blue, and yet, not. He could see a trace of some deep sadness in them. "I'm back."

"Holmes? You've gone a bit silver at the edges, and you're long overdue for a haircut."

Holmes smiled gently at him, and helped him to his feet. "How are you, old man?"

Watson narrowed his eyes at him, then shrugged, and gave up and wrapped his arms around him, holding on tightly, as if afraid he were a dream, and not made of whole cloth.

"It's really me, Watson. I'm home for good."

"Promise?" Watson asked quietly.

"I promise."

Chapter 19: S is for Silence

Chapter Text

Aziraphale slowly approached the bench, then glanced over at Crowley, and without a word, they shared a smile. They had outsmarted the 'powers that be,' with a bit of witchcraft, and frankly, well, because the 'powers that be' hadn't spent enough time around human beings. Human beings had a knack for hoping for the best when hope seemed quite, well, illogical, and they were stubborn. On the other hand, they did tend to talk too much, when silence was far more eloquent.

He slouched onto the bench next to Crowley, and though he had six thousand years worth of words he wished he had said, he knew this moment wasn't the time as they looked around to make sure no one was watching, then held hands and slowly became themselves again.

Chapter 20: T is for Trust

Chapter Text

“Do you trust me?” Tony asked quietly and held out his hand. He needed to finally know, after everything they had been through together and on their own, he needed to know that Steve was with him this one last time. He knew it was a long shot, but he knew if they worked together as he knew they could, they could pull it off.

Without a moment’s hesitation, Steve took his hand and answered, “Yes.” He understood at that moment he had been forgiven, whether he deserved it or not, and he knew without a doubt that they would get home.

Chapter 21: U is for Umbrage

Chapter Text

In spite of everything, Sherlock couldn’t hold back a smirk as John took his brother down a peg or two. For a moment things were like they used to be, almost. But John was here on sufferance, he hadn’t wanted to be there, hadn’t even let him know he was back in town from their ‘sex holiday.’ And yet, there he was: staring down Mycroft with a glint in his eye, and in that prickly stance he took when anyone, especially Mycroft attempted to mess with him.

He would take what he could get.

Chapter 22: V is for Vixen

Summary:

Nanny and Brother Francis

Chapter Text

Aziraphale hadn’t been sure that Crowley’s plan would actually work, but the first time she, the vixen, had slinked into the garden, he somehow knew they would be able to carry it off.

“Nanny -”

“Brother Francis.” She smiled over at him in a way that was different, and yet, it was still so very Crowley. As he offered her a rose, he brushed his fingers lightly over hers and stilled for a brief moment, then withdrew as if he had been burned. “Thank you, you are sweet.” She smiled warmly at him, and winked behind the dark glasses, then turned on her heel and walked back to the house as slowly as possible.

“Tease,” he muttered to himself as he drew on his gardening gloves, and miracled an ancient rose bush into bloom that hadn’t produced a single flower in two generations. He glanced up at the house only to see Nanny wriggle her fingers back at him, and raising his hat, he bowed in return.

Chapter 23: W is for Well

Chapter Text

Holmes walked quietly into the room with Watson’s morning tea, and stopped short as he saw his friend sitting fast asleep at his desk, his head nested on his arms. He had, as always, managed to put away his pen and ink, and blown out the nub of candle that he used to write by, before exhaustion took him. He sat on the edge of his bed, and watched him sleep for a few moments, before something startled Watson and he sat up with a jolt.

“Holmes? Something amiss?” He asked as he stretched, then muffled a yawn. “Apologies.”

“No, I was awake early, and I made tea -”

“You made tea. For me.” Watson took the offered cup from Holmes’ hand and sniffed at it suspiciously before taking a sip. “You’ve never made me tea before. It’s good, I’m not complaining, just curious -”

“It occurred, this morning, don’t know why, precisely, that, well, I tend to, take advantage of your good nature, and I thought, maybe, I should let you know more often how much I appreciate -”

“That I allow you to take advantage of my good nature?” Watson scoffed lightly before breathing in the scent of the tea.

“No, I meant -”

“I know what you meant, it is most excellent tea, not Mrs Hudson’s normal blend. I finished up the latest case this morning, I know you don’t care for my tales, but -”

“When I was away, one thing that kept me going was the reprints of your tales, reminded me of what I had been once, or at least how you used to see me.” He turned away and pretended to study the pattern of the wallpaper in Watson’s rooms.

“I still see you that way, Holmes.” Watson murmured lightly. He finished his tea, then carefully stood and helped Holmes to his feet. “I think you know how highly I regard you, how I have always regarded you.”

“Watson.” Holmes looked up into the blue eyes that were now smiling at him, and he shook his head. “You can’t possibly.”

“I can, you know. For all your genius, you can be quite an idiot at times.” With a single finger, he lifted Holmes’ chin, and leaned down to kiss him lightly, then caught him as his knees began to give way. “Apologies.”

“No need, Watson. Perhaps, later, you will read me your latest?”

“It would be my pleasure.”

Chapter 24: X is for Xylem

Chapter Text

"Morning," John mumbled as he placed a cup of tea next to Sherlock, even as he knew his presence wasn't noted, as he heard something about xylem and phloem, terms he hadn't heard since that one semester he sat in on a botany class because he had nothing better to do with his time. They had been going through a rough patch lately, no cases, even the cold ones were colder than usual, but Sherlock seemed to be content, even smiling to himself as he babbled what seemed to be nonsense to John's ears.

He found himself remembering bits of the drawings he had sketched, he had thought plants beautiful at the microscopic level, all circles and whirls, and then he blinked and found Sherlock staring intently at him. His mug of tea was held tightly in his hands, more for something to hold onto than for warmth at this point, and he asked quietly, "You know what xylem does?"

"Hmm... far as I can recall, it has something to do with the transport of water in plants?" He answered, before sipping at his tea again.

"I know it's not the most romantic idea, but it's occurred to me that you are like that at times - like this tea, you are quite necessary, I don't know if I tell you that as often as I should." Sherlock said before nodding, then placing the tea back down next to him, and turned his attention back to whatever had caught his imagination on the slide.

John grinned then leaned in close to kiss his cheek and whispered, "You are quite necessary as well. I'm going back to bed, if you care to join me." He carried his tea back to their room, and grinned as he heard the familiar footsteps follow after just a few moments later.

Chapter 25: Y is for Yodel

Summary:

Snacks are serious business.

Chapter Text

“Seriously, Yodels?” Tony managed to stifle a snort, but when Stephen raised a curious eyebrow at him, he shook his head. “Now, a Swiss Roll- that’s a snack cake.”

“Yodels got me through Med School.” Stephen suddenly found the ancient floorboards of the Sanctum fascinating for a long moment, then looked up at Tony and admitted quietly, “To be honest, I’ve never actually had a Swiss Roll.”

Tony looked at the Yodel in his hand and sighed. “You’ve got to be kidding me - you’ve never had a Swiss Roll?” He took Stephen’s coffee out of his hand and hollered in the direction where he knew Wong was lurking, keeping an ear and eye on them both. “I’m taking Stephen out to buy Swiss Rolls. Back in a bit.”

“Hey, can you pick up some Nutty Buddies while you’re at it?” Wong’s voice could be heard from somewhere in the Sanctum. Tony had given up trying to understand the building and it’s inhabitants weeks ago, now. All he knew was that he loved the Wiza- Sorcerer, even without his cloak, or battle dress, when he looked like anyone else, until he happened to catch the light in his eyes...

Tony grinned, “Now, we’re talking. Haven’t had a Nutty Buddy in years - please tell me - oh, Stephen, this explains so much. You got it, Wong, back in a bit.”

Chapter 26: Z is for Zone

Chapter Text

Sherlock flew up the seventeen steps and threw open the door, then stopped short as John was sitting in his chair, the fire nearly in ashes, on one of the coldest days of the year. He had obviously returned home from his shift, made a fire, and tried to read, but he couldn’t concentrate and was now in a world of his own. He took off his scarf and coat, hanging them up carefully, then went into the kitchen to plug in the kettle, when he spotted the date on the morning paper. on the counter.

“Damn,” he whispered to himself. He plugged in the tea kettle, and tried to think of the words that could break John out of his fugue, then he thought back to the early days after he had returned, when John had simply held him until he was able to come back to himself. He had always wished he could do the same for John, and he understood what he needed most. He unplugged the kettle again, then walked into the sitting room, loudly enough so John knew he was there, and slowly knelt in front of him.

“John. I’m here. You’re safe. I’m going to rebuild the fire for you, and then -”

“Sherlock.” He opened his eyes and reached out to touch Sherlock’s face.

“I’m here, John.”

“Yes, you are.” John offered him a gentle smile and whispered, “I’m so glad you are here.”

“Is there anything you need, anything I can do for you?”

“You’ve already done it.” He saw from the look on Sherlock’s face that he knew why the last few days had been so hard, and why today in particular was so painful. “I don’t want to talk about it, can we just -” Sherlock stood and offered John his hand, and they both let out a sigh of relief as his trembling left hand settled into Sherlock’s and Sherlock helped him to his feet.

“Nice and slow, hmm?”

“Thank you, Sherlock.”

“No thanks are necessary, John.”

Notes:

If you have suggestions for future words, or an idea for a future list, just leave them in the comments! We love your feedback and ideas! ♡♡♡

Series this work belongs to: