The Abyss

Andy Barber - Defending Jacob (2020) Ari Levinson - The Red Sea Diving Resort (2019) Bryce Langley - Fierce People (2005) Cary Baston - Opposite Sex (2000) Cole Turner - Ghosted (2023) Colin Shea - What's Your Number? (2011) Curtis Everett - Snowpiercer (2013) Drew Devlin - Honey Don't (2025) Frank Adler - Gifted (2017) Jack O'Malley - Red One (2024) Jake Jensen - The Losers (2010) James Mace - Sunshine (2007) Jimmy Dobyne - The Loss of a Teardrop Diamond (2008) John Pitts - Materialists (2025) Johnny Storm - Fantastic Four (2005) Kyle Cooper - The Perfect Score (2004) Lloyd Hansen - The Gray Man (2022) Mike Weiss - Puncture (2011) Nick Gant - Push (2009) Nick Vaughn - Before We Go (2014) Pete Brenner - Pain Hustlers (2023) Ransom Drysdale - Knives Out (2019) Steve Rogers - Captain America (MCU) (2011)

Night Watch

James Mace x fem!Reader Status: Complete Drabble Summary: Long nights aboard Icarus II are easier to face when someone is waiting beside you. Warnings: slight fluff

You found James where he usually was this time of night. Sitting at the flight console during the night watch. His eyes drifted from one display to the next, making sure every system aboard Icarus II continued to operate within acceptable parameters. A metal cup of water rested in one hand, and he took an absentminded sip just as you stepped into the control room.

Without looking away from the screens, he spoke over his shoulder. "Do you ever sleep?"

A quiet laugh escaped you. Crossing the room, you leaned over his shoulder, stole the cup from his hand, and took a drink. "Chemists do their best work at night." You handed it back. "Everybody knows that."

James glanced up at you, the corner of his mouth tugging into a small smile. "I think you're talking about a different kind of chemistry, Alchemy."

He took the cup back and another sip before his attention returned to the console. 

You hummed thoughtfully as your own eyes wandered across the displays, checking the atmospheric readings and the countdown to destination. "Didn't want to sleep."

He nodded as though that answered everything. It usually did.

Leaning one hip against the back of his chair, you looked over at him. "You always volunteer for the night watch."

James gave a quiet snort. "Somebody has to."

You reached over and stole the cup again for another drink. "I could do it." You shrugged. "I'm always awake anyway."

He looked at you again before slowly shaking his head. "Nah." A faint smile tugged at his lips. "You get too wrapped up in your experiments to keep one eye on the monitors." He hesitated. "…Besides…" The sentence faded away. Apparently he had decided not to finish it.

Curious, you took the cup from him again, your fingers brushing his. His eyes immediately lifted to yours. "Besides?"

Instead of answering, James reached into his pocket and pulled out a protein bar. He held it out.

You frowned. "What's this for?"

"You skipped dinner."

You stared at him for a second before taking it anyway. "I lost track of time." Peeling back the wrapper, you took a bite. "You still didn't answer my question."

James only winked. "Not going to."

Rolling your eyes, you set the metal cup on the console before stepping closer. One hand settled lightly on his shoulder to steady yourself as you leaned down and kissed him.

His hand slid into your hair, keeping you close for one lingering moment before he finally let you pull away.

You smiled. "I like our conversations too."

James looked more amused than embarrassed. "Good night, Alchemy."

Straightening, you gave his shoulder a gentle squeeze. "Night, Mace."

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Balcony

Nick Gant x Watcher!fem!Reader Status: Complete Drabble Summary: Even on the run, peace can be found in the right company. Warnings: Fluff

The two of you had been walking for hours. Ever since splitting off from Cassie and Kira that morning, you and Nick had wandered through Hong Kong with no real destination in mind. Staying unpredictable was half the battle. Division had a nasty habit of showing up anywhere you stayed too long. Being a Watcher made you valuable. Unfortunately, it also made you a target.

Nick turned down another side street, his eyes constantly scanning the people around you, the rooftops above, and every reflective storefront window you passed. You had long since stopped asking why he chose one route over another. If something made the hairs on the back of his neck stand up, you trusted it.

At the end of the block stood an aging apartment tower that had clearly seen better days. Several floors were boarded up. Perfect.

Nick checked the entrance before giving you a subtle nod. The two of you slipped inside. You climbed several flights of stairs without speaking, your footsteps echoing softly through the empty building. When you reached one of the abandoned floors, Nick eased open the fire door and motioned for you to stay back while he swept the hallway. Clear. 

Together you checked each apartment until you found one that required the least amount of cleanup to make livable for the night. Nick disappeared down the hall and returned a few minutes later dragging an old mattress he had scavenged from another unit.

You dropped your duffel bag beside it and began pulling out blankets, bottled water, and a change of clothes for both of you. 

Neither of you talked much. The silence was not awkward. It never was. You were simply exhausted.

As you spread one of the blankets across the mattress, a vision flashed through your mind. 

Nick quietly slipping out of bed. The balcony. A blanket wrapped around both of you as Hong Kong glittered below.

It lasted only a heartbeat. You blinked, then continued making the bed as though nothing had happened. There was no point mentioning it. You already knew how it ended.

A few minutes later the apartment fell quiet. You and Nick lay down side by side, hoping to steal a few hours of sleep before the road called you onward once again.

When Nick woke, darkness had settled over the city. You were no longer beside him. He smiled to himself. You would be back before morning. You always were.

Stretching, he pushed himself off the mattress and wandered out onto the apartment's narrow balcony. 

You were already there. Wrapped in a blanket, you leaned against the railing with two steaming mugs of instant coffee waiting.

A quiet chuckle escaped him. "You saw me."

You shrugged, holding one mug out to him. "You looked lonely."

Nick accepted the coffee before stepping beside you. Without a word, you lifted one side of the blanket and draped it over his shoulders as well. He pulled it around himself a little tighter and took a sip while the lights of Hong Kong stretched endlessly below.

You bumped your shoulder lightly against his. "I'm a Watcher, not a mind reader." You smiled into your mug. "So… what's up?"

He snorted softly before looking back out over the skyline. "I hate splitting up." His voice was quiet. "I know it's the smart play, but…" he sighed. "…I don't like it."

You nodded. "You, Cassie, and Kira are family." Your gaze drifted toward the sea of lights below. "I understand why it's hard."

That made him turn toward you. A small crease formed between his brows. "You know you're family too now, right?"

Heat rushed into your cheeks. "I…" You looked down into your coffee. "I haven't been with you all that long." A small laugh escaped you. "I didn't want to assume."

Nick smiled. He reached beneath the blanket until he found your hand and laced his fingers through yours. "You became family the day you saved Cassie's life when I couldn't." He squeezed your hand gently. "Trust gets built pretty fast when you're living on the run."

You smiled and squeezed back. "At least, for tonight, we're safe." The words came out quieter than you intended. Looking out across the city, you silently hoped Cassie and Kira had found somewhere just as safe. "If they aren't…" You looked back at him. "We'll find them."

Nick nodded once. "Yeah." His certainty never wavered. "We will."

A cool breeze drifted across the balcony. Without thinking, you tugged a little more of the blanket over his shoulders, leaving your own arm exposed. It took him all of three seconds to notice.

Instead of saying anything, he stepped behind you. He gathered the blanket around both of you before slipping one arm around your waist, gently pulling you back against his chest.

You smiled. "Warmer?"

Nick rested his chin lightly against the top of your head as he looked back out over the city. "Efficient."

A quiet laugh escaped you. "Right." You settled more comfortably against him. "Efficient."

He gave your side a playful squeeze. "Cheater."

You hid a grin behind another sip of coffee. "I have no idea what you're talking about."

Nick shook his head. "Watcher trickery." He smiled to himself. "That's what this is."

You waited a beat. "You're not moving."

Turning his head, he pressed a gentle kiss to your temple. "No." His arm tightened around your waist just a little. "I'm not."

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Strawberries

Pete Brenner x fem!Reader Status: Complete Drabble Summary: Office lunches become a lot more interesting when flirting turns into field research. Warnings: Fluff

You and Pete were in the office on a Saturday. Why? Because quarterly reports were due.

At least now it was lunchtime. You were perched on the counter beside the sink in the break room when Pete strolled in carrying a carton of strawberries. He wandered over to the sink and began washing them, somehow managing to make even that look like a presentation.

"You know," he said thoughtfully, "these are criminally underrated."

A laugh escaped you. "They're strawberries."

He smirked. "Exactly."

He shook the excess water from one before holding it up between his fingers. "No one's excited until they actually have one."

Maintaining eye contact with you the entire time, he bit into it and gave an exaggerated hum of approval.

You rolled your eyes. "You're unbelievable."

Pete tossed the stem into the sink before selecting another berry and holding it up like a product demonstration. "Now, I'm not saying strawberries improve quality of life…" He turned it slowly between his fingers. "…but preliminary research is encouraging."

You could not help smiling. "Research?"

Pete smirked back. "I've eaten three today."

"And?"

His grin widened. "They're delicious." 

You snorted. "I don't think that's science."

"It's persuasive data."

Chuckling, you reached toward the carton.

Pete immediately slapped your hand away. "Absolutely not."

Your mouth fell open. "Oh, come on, Pete. Can't I have just one?"

"You can." He gave you another suspicious look. "But no cross-contamination."

You folded your arms. "Seriously?"

He shrugged innocently. "I'm CDC-compliant."

Giving him a flat look, you huffed. "You sell pharmaceuticals."

"I care deeply about food safety."

Rolling your eyes, you leaned back on your hands. "So how exactly am I supposed to eat one?"

Pete studied you for a moment. After a moment, he simply said, "Open."

You blinked. "Excuse me?"

Still holding the strawberry, Pete stepped between your knees. "Trust the professional."

After only a moment's hesitation, you parted your lips. He placed the strawberry between them, watching as you bit down. The sweet juice burst across your tongue.

Pete's eyes lingered on your mouth before lifting to meet yours. "I should probably verify the product."

You licked your lips. "You already had one."

He shook his head. "No." His voice dropped just enough to make your heart skip. "I need to make sure yours met quality standards."

Your lips parted ever so slightly. "…Pete." 

He smiled. "I'm committed to quality assurance."

Then he leaned in and kissed you. Your eyes fluttered shut as his lips found yours.

His tongue brushed lightly against your lips, tasting the lingering sweetness of the strawberry before slipping inside. Tentatively, you answered the kiss, your tongue brushing against his. That seemed to be all the encouragement Pete needed. His hands settled on your hips, drawing you effortlessly to the edge of the counter until you were flush against him. Your own hands disappeared into his impossibly soft hair.

When he finally pulled away, you were both breathing a little harder. Your foreheads nearly touched. 

You smiled. "So…" You bit your lip. "Was that your professional opinion?"

Pete rested his nose against yours while reaching for another strawberry. He smirked again. "Further testing required."

He gently traced the berry along your bottom lip, leaving behind a cool trail of water. You opened your mouth and bit into it. A bead of juice escaped the corner of your lips.

Without hesitating, he caught it with a quick kiss before claiming your mouth again. Blindly, he tossed the stem into the sink, one hand returning to your waist as he deepened the kiss. Without thinking, your legs wrapped around his waist.

Pete lifted you effortlessly from the counter and carried you the few steps to one of the plastic break room chairs without ever fully breaking the kiss. 

The two of you traded slow, lingering kisses for several minutes, separating only long enough to steal a breath before finding each other again. His hands wandered across your back and along your sides, never pushing for more. Your fingers made a thorough mess of his hair.

Eventually Pete rested his forehead against yours, smiling to himself. "I think we've completed the clinical trials."

You giggled and stole one more quick kiss. "What if I need another appointment, Doctor?"

Pete's grin turned positively incorrigible. "I'll write you a prescription."

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Sparkler

Cary Baston x fem!Reader; Aged Up Status: Complete Drabble Summary: Some sparks light the sky. Others have been burning between best friends all along. Warnings:Fluff; slight pyromania

Stargazing had always been one of your favorite ways to spend an evening. Tonight, however, you found yourself far too distracted to appreciate the stars.

Cary Baston lay beside you on the blanket, his hands folded behind his head as he searched the sky for constellations. Somewhere between late-night phone calls, inside jokes, and countless afternoons spent together, your best friend had quietly stolen your heart. Not that he had any idea.

A few weeks ago you had finally broken up with your latest jerk of a boyfriend. While you did not miss the relationship, you missed having someone to spend time with. That was the excuse you gave Cary when you called him just after midnight and asked if he wanted to go stargazing. He had not even hesitated.

Now you were lying shoulder to shoulder in the middle of the park, trying very hard not to kiss him every time he turned his head to say something.

A cool breeze drifted across the grass. You shivered.

Cary looked over immediately. "Hey… you cold?"

"A little."

Without another word, he sat up. You followed, watching curiously as he tugged his hoodie over his head and held it out to you. "Here."

"You'll freeze."

He shrugged one shoulder as though it was the most obvious thing in the world. "You can keep me warm, right?"

You rolled your eyes, unable to stop the smile tugging at your lips. "You are ridiculous."

"I've been told."

You slipped the oversized hoodie over your head, instantly surrounded by the familiar scent that was unmistakably Cary.

He smiled, apparently satisfied, then casually draped an arm around your shoulders and tugged you back down onto the blanket. Instead of ending up on your back again, you found yourself curled comfortably against his side. Like it was the most natural place in the world to be.

Cary brushed a loose strand of hair behind your ear before looking up at the sky again. "There," he grinned. "Now we're both warm."

Your heart threatened to beat right out of your chest. One day, Cary Baston was going to be the death of you. Not because he was trying to drive you crazy. Because he had absolutely no idea he already was.

Smiling to yourself, you snuggled a little closer before pointing toward the sky. "See those three stars? That's the beginning of Orion…"

Cary had decided he and his best friends were geniuses. For New Year's Eve, he, Jed, and Phillip had found an abandoned warehouse with roof access and bought an obscene amount of fireworks. Now the three of them were busy setting everything up while you, Miranda, and Kate passed around drinks and party hats.

Phillip picked up one of the discarded wrappers and frowned. "You know all these have warning labels on them, right?"

Jed scoffed. "Everything has warning labels."

Cary snorted and threw an arm around Phillip's shoulders. "We're playing with fire, Phil. That should be warning enough."

You wandered over and plopped a party hat onto Cary's head. "Really? That's your reassurance?"

He looked at you with a crooked grin before reaching into his pocket and pulling out a Zippo lighter decorated with a pin-up girl. "Relax." He flicked it open with practiced ease. "I've done this before."

Kate laughed as she handed Phillip a drink. "I've seen this movie before. Don't give Jed the Roman candles this time."

"Hey!" Jed called without looking up from the rockets he was arranging. "That was one time!"

Miranda spread three blankets across the rooftop. "This is a terrible idea. He nearly burned down a car last time."

You covered your mouth, trying not to laugh. "A car?" You looked over at Jed. "Really? Is that why we're on a roof this year?"

Jed immediately held up both hands in surrender. 

Cary bumped your shoulder with his while laughing. "It's absolutely why we're on a roof."

Phillip picked up a sparkler and handed it to Cary. "Since you've got the lighter, congratulations. You're officially designated fire guy." One by one, he passed a sparkler to everyone else.

Cary lit yours first. He smirked. "Excellent." He held the Zippo up triumphantly. "Tonight… I am Fire Lord Baston."

Phillip looked at him. "You absolutely are not."

Everyone dissolved into laughter. 

Still grinning, Cary moved toward the line of fireworks and began lighting fuses. "Everybody back. I'd really like to avoid a hospital visit tonight."

You all obediently took several steps back as the first rocket whistled into the sky before exploding in brilliant color overhead. Sparklers danced through the air as everyone waved glowing circles and laughed beneath the bursts of red, gold, and blue.

Miranda and Kate claimed one blanket while you settled onto the one beside them. The guys lingered near the fireworks, watching another rocket disappear into the night.

Jed casually stole Cary's lighter. "If you two don't kiss before midnight, I'm collecting on the betting pool."

Cary stared at him. "You started a betting pool?"

"I absolutely did." 

Phil shook his head. "I can't believe you started a betting pool."

Lighting another fuse, Jed grinned shamelessly. "I've got twenty bucks on tonight."

Cary snatched the lighter back before Jed could get anywhere near the Roman candles. "I'm getting new friends."

Phillip folded his arms. "You like her."

Cary sighed, glancing across the rooftop toward you. You happened to look over at that exact moment and smiled brightly before turning your attention back to the fireworks. His own smile softened. "She likes me."

Jed and Phillip both looked at him.

"She's just not ready."

Phillip raised an eyebrow. "So you're waiting?"

"Yeah." Cary shrugged. "She just got out of a relationship. I'm giving her space."

Jed looked genuinely surprised. "You're actually waiting."

Cary shot him a flat look. "I'm not a complete dog."

Jed laughed. "Fair enough."

Before anyone could stop him, Cary scooped up the bundle of Roman candles. "None for you." He pointed one at Jed. "Betting pool. Jesus Christ."

As Cary walked away, Jed threw his hands into the air. "It was one time!"

Cary ignored him. Stopping beside you, he handed most of the Roman candles to Kate. "Your job is making sure Jed doesn't burn anything down."

Kate accepted them with a laugh. "I can handle that."

Keeping the last two, Cary dropped down onto the blanket beside you. He handed one over. "How's my favorite girl doing?"

Warmth crept into your cheeks as you lightly swatted his shoulder. "You're impossible."

He scrunched his nose. "I brought you fire." He held up the Roman candle. "You should be happier."

You laughed outright. "Fine, Sparky. Help me out."

Chuckling, Cary pulled a second Bic lighter from his pocket and lit the fuse for you. You immediately aimed it toward the sky as bright balls of color shot upward one after another.

Cary barely watched the fireworks. He watched you. The excitement dancing across your face made him smile without realizing it. He knew you liked him. He could see it in the way your eyes always searched for him first, the way you found reasons to call, the way you leaned into him without thinking. What worried him was not whether you would say yes. It was risking the easy friendship the two of you had built if he asked too soon.

The last flare fizzled out. You giggled before leaning comfortably against his side. "Come on." You nudged him with your shoulder. "Your turn."

He cleared his throat and lit his own Roman candle. "Right."

Across the rooftop, Kate had wandered back to Miranda while Jed and Phillip continued launching the remaining fireworks into the sky.

The night echoed with whistles, cracks, and booming explosions. Without thinking, Cary slipped an arm around your shoulders as the two of you watched his Roman candle paint streaks of light across the darkness.

Maybe Jed was right. Maybe you had had enough time. Maybe it was finally his turn to stop waiting.

As midnight drew closer, smoke from the fireworks drifted across the rooftop. Miranda produced a bottle of champagne along with a stack of brightly colored plastic flutes while Kate helped pour and pass them around.

Once everyone had a glass, Miranda held hers up with a grin. "Here's to another crazy year together."

The six of you clinked glasses before taking a drink. 

Phillip pulled out his phone. "Countdown time."

"Ten… nine… eight…"

As everyone joined in, Cary stepped in behind you, resting his chin lightly on your shoulder. "You got a New Year's resolution?"

"Seven… six… five…"

A shiver ran down your spine as his breath brushed your ear. "Not really." You turned your head just enough to glance at him. "You?"

His nose lightly skimmed the side of your neck before he answered. "I'm done being the definition of insanity."

You frowned. "What do you mean?"

He smiled to himself. "Doing the same thing over and over while expecting a different result."

"Four… three… two…"

Your eyes drifted closed for just a second, savoring the warmth of him standing so close. "That actually sounds like a pretty good resolution."

"One!"

"HAPPY NEW YEAR!"

Cheers erupted around the rooftop. Fireworks exploded in the distance. Everyone hugged, laughed, and wished each other a happy new year.

You and Cary simply looked at one another. For one impossibly long moment, the rest of the world disappeared. You were certain he was going to kiss you.

Instead, you broke eye contact first and took another sip of champagne. If you kept looking at him…you really were going to kiss him.

With the fireworks finished, everyone began gathering wrappers, folding blankets, and cleaning up the rooftop. Reluctantly, you joined in. Cary was not far behind.

By the time everything had been packed away, the six of you climbed down the fire escape together.

At the sidewalk, Miranda and Kate headed one direction with a wave. Phillip and Jed started off the other way.

Cary reached for your hand. "I'll walk you home."

You smiled and let your fingers slip between his. He gave your hand a gentle squeeze as the two of you started down the quiet sidewalk.

The walk was not long. Neither of you spoke much. You were far too aware of the warmth of his hand in yours, convinced your heartbeat had become loud enough for him to hear. If he noticed…he did not say anything.

When you reached your front porch, Cary pulled you into an easy hug. "Goodnight."

You hugged him back, lingering just a little longer than you probably should have. "Goodnight, Cary."

As you pulled apart, neither of you moved very far. Your faces remained only inches apart. For one hopeful heartbeat, you thought…this is it.

Instead, Cary bit the inside of his cheek and stepped back. "See you later."

"Yeah." You swallowed hard. "See you." You slipped inside, closed the door, and leaned back against it with a quiet sigh.

Outside, Cary made it all the way to the sidewalk before stopping. He looked back toward your porch. Then at the street. Then back again. He let out a slow breath. "Fuck it."

Turning on his heel, he marched back up the walkway and knocked. The door opened almost immediately.

You blinked at him curiously. "Did you forget something?"

Cary rubbed the back of his neck and gave you a crooked half smile. "Yeah."

He stepped closer. One hand slipped into your hair while the other settled gently at your waist, drawing you toward him. "This."

He kissed you. Soft. Sweet. Everything the two of you had been dancing around for months. You melted against him instantly, your arms sliding around his neck as you kissed him back. When he finally pulled away, he stole two quick kisses before resting his forehead against yours.

Your eyes searched his bright blue ones. "You have no idea how long I've wanted you to do that."

A slow grin spread across Cary's face. "Yeah?" He brushed his thumb lightly against your waist. "Me too."

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