Advent Day Nineteen

Summary: Set after Avengers: Endgame. Fluff and stuff leading up to Christmas.
Warning(s): Explicit. Disciplinary and erotic spanking; Heavy Domination/submission; sexual situations; dub/non-con (consent after the fact/reluctant agreement); violence and mentions of violence; AU

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To say America was feeling frustrated was an understatement.

She was still struggling to use any magic. Jumping to different dimensions was easy; she could do that without thinking. She'd done it in her sleep before. But casting shields, or offensive magic, was coming much more difficult to her. And part of that was due to how difficult she was finding it to meditate.

Her most recent attempt had ended in failure, when her nose had begun itching and a sneeze had built in spite of her best efforts. The sneeze had been loud enough that it had disturbed a few of the butterflies who had settled on the plants around her.

Groaning loudly, America stood up and brushed herself off. This is pointless. She didn't really mean to send the words through the bond...but it was hard not to let her frustration bleed through to her mate.

It really isn't... came calmly through the bond. Several feet away, Misty stirred from her own position where she was meditating. You lasted five minutes longer than last time. She lithely stood to her feet, moving to her mate's side, and running a hand gently up America's arm. Explain to me what you are doing when you attempt to meditate. I know a lot of times, people think it is clearing your mind and not thinking, but I have found that to be impossible.

That's what I have been trying to do, America admitted. And it was working, sort of. Until my nose started to itch, and I had to sneeze. Something like that seems to happen every time...and I can't ignore it for long.

I've found that trying to not think about anything at all stresses me out worse... Which does make meditating pointless. What I do is find one thing to focus on. My breathing works well, usually. Misty smiled and took America's hand. Come. Sit across from me. I'll help you.

Taking a deep breath, America gently gripped Misty's hand and moved to sit down across from her mate, crossing her legs. The frustration was easing slightly, with the other woman's offer of help.

Okay. Close your eyes. But I don't want you to clear your head. Instead, I want you to pay attention to your breathing. See if you can slow it down slightly... Breathe in. Hold for a count of five. Breathe out. Hold for a count of five.... Misty did as she was directing, so that America could follow her example. In for five... Out for five....

America did as she was instructed, focusing her attention on her breathing, and listening to Misty. The other woman's voice was soothing...helping to ground her as strongly as focusing on her breathing was doing so.

Misty continued with the simple instruction, eventually letting her own voice quiet so that America was doing the breathing exercise without instruction. Thirty minutes later, she opened her eyes and smiled. America hadn't fidgeted once during the time she was 'breathing'. She watched her younger mate, waiting for a few moments to see if America noticed she was being stared at. If she didn't, Misty would get her attention.

It was easier to focus on her breathing, especially with Misty's help and encouragement. America hadn't even noticed when Misty had stopped giving her the instruction...and she continued to focus on her breathing, unaware of the fact she was being watched.

Misty just continued to watch fondly, happy that she'd been able to help America. When America had been meditating for nearly an hour though, she finally interrupted. "America? Sweetie? I think it is time to do something else...." she said, through the bond and out loud.

America opened her eyes and blinked several times, before focusing on Misty. "Wow. That's the first time I haven't felt frustrated and irritated trying to meditate." Gratitude came clearly through the bond.

Misty smiled. "I've found that it is easier when I find something to concentrate on, instead of trying to concentrate on nothing. And once you've got used to doing that, it will help you calm and center yourself so that the other things you need to focus on become easier to concentrate on." She slanted her head. "If you want to practice one of the magical actions you have been trying to learn, I'd like to watch. And then we can have lunch!"

America nodded quickly, her enthusiasm growing at the idea. "I think I might actually have a good chance of creating a shield this time." She stood up and moved her hands in front of her in the spell she'd been taught to create the shield.

Misty watched quietly her pride clear.

Unlike the last several times she'd tried, America was able to summon a magical shield, causing the air to shimmer around her. She couldn’t hold it for more than a few seconds...but even when it faded, her eyes were bright with excitement. "I did it!"

"I knew you could!" Misty declared, without an ounce of doubt. "How about we go get some lunch... And then maybe we can make a cake to celebrate?"

"That sounds awesome." America obviously lit up, happiness clear through the bond.

"I'm thinking a soup of some sort. Do you have a preference?" Misty wrapped an arm around her mate and led her out of the park and toward the kitchen.

****

Scott was looking at the information for 'shopping spots' that had been put together. He knew exactly what he wanted to get Cassie and his new 'daughter'. He also knew exactly what he wanted to get Rhodey. He just needed to figure out the best spot to do so.

Rhodey approached his mate, able to tell that Scott was thinking about where to go shopping. I need to get some gifts as well, he said. I figure we can get all the presents together, except for the ones for each other. Then we can split up briefly.

That sounds great, man. I know exactly what I want to get. I'm just trying to decide which of the abandoned towns is best... Scott grinned.

Why don't we try this town? Rhodey pointed to one of the locations on the map.

Sure. It's as good as any.... And it has a candy store, so we can bring back some treats for everyone else too... Scott agreed.

Are you ready to go now? Rhodey asked.

Scott nodded. I am. Do we need to find one of the speedsters to take us, or are we going to walk? The place you pointed out is about an hour's walk away....

We can, unless you'd like the exercise, Rhodey replied. Of course, it's probably too cold to do a lot of walking, so maybe one of the speedsters is best.

True. Friday indicated it was supposed to snow tonight, so we probably don't want to walk in case it comes early... Scott agreed.

Rhodey sent a silent agreement, then asked out loud, "Friday? Can you ask one of the speedsters to meet us, please?"

"Of course, Sir," Friday responded.

Five minutes later, Druig was knocking on their door. "Friday said you needed me?" he called out.

Rhodey went over to open the door and smiled at Druig. "Yes, thank you for coming. We wanted to make a shopping trip to this town and were hoping you might be able to take us." He pointed out the location.

Druig nodded. "Sure thing. I can look around while you are shopping. Get a few more things off of people's lists."

Rhodey nodded. "Do we need to grab anything before we go?" He looked towards his mate.

"Nope. I'm ready..." Scott grinned as Druig took both of their arms and rushed them out of the compound and to their chosen town.

"I'll meet you back here in... two hours?" Druig glanced between them to make sure that was enough time.

Rhodey nodded. "I think that should be enough time." He looked at Scott, though, in case his mate needed longer.

"Yeah. I know exactly what I want to get, so unless I can't find it, that is plenty of time," Scott agreed.

"We'll be back here in two hours," Rhodey said to Druig. He moved so that he and Scott could start heading towards the first shop they had in mind.

***

Scott and Rhodey had separated about an hour into their trip so they could get the gifts for each other. An hour later, they were meeting Druig again so he could take them back to the compound.

"All ready to go?" he asked the two men.

"I've got everything I needed...and some of the items from the general lists, too," Rhodey said.

"Yeah. Me too!" Scott agreed with Rhodey.

Druig took hold of both. "Here we go, then!" He took off and shortly they were back in the compound's elevator.

Scott looked at Rhodey. As soon as I wrap the gifts and put the list items in storage...wanna hang out in our room?

That sounds good to me, Rhodey agreed, clearly wanting to spend some time with his mate.

Smiling, Scott quickly left to put the items he wasn't wanting away, then wrapped the gifts he'd got Rhodey, Cassie, and Lyja (since she was a part of his family now). When they were wrapped, he took them into the park and put them under the Christmas tree. I'm done. Are you ready for me to return to the room? he asked through the bond.

I'm all done too, Rhodey confirmed. You can come back to the room any time you're ready.

Scott quickly went back to his room to spend time with his mate. When he walked in, he quickly closed the door, then glanced around to find Rhodey.

Since they were spending a bit of time in their room, Rhodey was in the process of changing out of the clothes he'd worn to go outside. Currently, he had his shirt off and was preparing to pull a different one on.

Grinning, Scott moved forward and ran his hands over Rhodey's shoulders and back. If you want to undo the brace... Lay down... I can massage you. The brace is wonderful for helping you walk, but I know it makes you ache. When they were prisoners, Rhodey had hidden the aches and pains well, afraid that Ultimus' followers would remove the brace and make it impossible for him to walk again. He still hid it, not wanting anyone to think he couldn't pull his weight, but Scott knew and did what he could to make it easier for his mate, while making it clear he knew Rhodey was strong. Maybe after, you can remind me who is in charge... I feel itchy through the bond, he added impishly, if honestly.

Rhodey's first instinct was to say he was fine...that the brace didn't really make him ache that much. But he took a deep breath instead, reminding himself that he was mated to Scott...that he could trust the other man wouldn't use any weakness against him. So, he took a deep breath and let himself lean into the touches, not trying to hide how they made him feel. Yeah. That sounds good to me, he agreed, not bothering to try to hold back his arousal.

A feeling of warmth and happiness filled Scott at Rhodey's trust. He carefully led his mate to the bed, helping him sit before beginning to remove clothing and the brace, helping his mate situate on his stomach so Scott could begin to massage. Thank you... For trusting me....

It's easy to trust you. You're my mate. Rhodey relaxed as Scott began to massage him. Feels good. He groaned softly, his body relaxing the longer the massage went on for.

That doesn't always matter... I got lucky when we ended up together... Scott thought. He continued the massage, making sure each tense area was loosened before moving to another spot. Stay still... he requested, before quickly going into their bath and retrieving the first aid kit. You have a few spots that are rubbing against the brace... he reported, as he put cream on the areas and a thin bandage to protect the area. Maybe we can ask Tony to add a little extra padding in those areas....

Rhodey sighed, relaxing further as his mate treated him. Might be a good idea, he agreed. The brace was initially fitted well...but I think the weight loss while we were locked up has caused it to be more ill-fitting.

Makes sense. Now that we are safe and the inventor of it is in the building with us, we should get it refitted. Scott finished treating Rhodey, leaning over and kissing his shoulder. I want to make certain no accidents happen because it isn't fitting perfectly.

Thank you. Rhodey shifted enough so that he could slide his arms around Scott, kissing him semi-chastely.

You are very welcome... Scott smiled, returning the kiss in a way that was anything but chaste...even if he held back enough to leave Rhodey in control of it. We should leave it off a bit longer so that you can get a break from it. Anything else I can do for you since we get to spend the afternoon in bed? His smile turned naughty.

You can let me help you with your clothes...since one of us seems a little overdressed. Rhodey ran his hands over his mate's body, putting action to words as he began to slowly strip Scott of his clothing.

Scott moved close to his mate, so Rhodey could easily move him how he wanted. With Scott's cooperation, it didn't take long for Scott to be naked. He shivered and shifted closer to Rhodey. What do you want most? I... I just want to be close and obey you, whatever form it takes.

That's what I want, Rhodey replied. What I need. For you to be close to me. For you to obey me. He began to kiss and gently squeeze every part of Scott's skin he could get to.

Scott let out a happy little sigh at the squeezing. Then tell me what to do... And I'll do my best to obey every word....

For the rest of the day, Rhodey and Scott continued to connect and deepen their relationship as Rhodey gave his mate orders and Scott followed them.