Caffeine Cold

Another hunt, another motel. Dean pumps gas while the other three are inside. He goes to reach for something in the glove box when his hand brushes against something. He stops, pulls out the bottle that reads "Alertness Aid, 25 mg caffeine."

“Static, no,” Dean whispers, knowing she’s the only person besides Sam to put anything in Baby’s glove box. Then he remembers she’s already had two energy drinks and it’s not even noon. “Damnit, Static.” Autumn, Ash, and Sam return to the impala with goods in tow. He knew after the last couple of hunts had her sleeping less, but this wasn’t just aftershock. Autumn was running from sleep as if it cursed her bloodline. As they load back up into the impala, Dean hears the breath of yet another energy drink can opening. “Static, how many have you had?”

“Like two, maybe three,” Autumn answers. “Why?”

“You know those things cause heart palpitations, right?” Dean asks, his tone becoming increasingly serious.

“You can drink a whole pot of black coffee and still sleep,” Autumn deflects. “I have a high tolerance. Did I tell you I was conceived when my parents worked at Dunkin' Donuts together? I’m hardwired for caffeine.” Dean just shakes his head at this. It isn’t until later that he has to step in. It's 2 am. The room is quiet except for Ash’s snores. Dean is wide awake. He sees the bathroom door ajar, light peeking out from behind it. It’s been like that for a half hour. He stands and crosses the room.

“Static,” he says softly before pushing the door open completely. He internally panics when he walks in, seeing Autumn sitting with knees against her chest, rocking herself back and forth while her body visibly shakes from the caffeine overload. There’s an empty Alani can beside her. Dean kneels in front of her, keeping some distance so he wouldn’t immediately overwhelm her. Something in him aches when the fluorescent light catches the tears running down her cheeks. “Static, hey, look at me.” Autumn quickly, almost jumpy, looks up at Dean.

“I, I’m sorry; I’m sorry,” Autumn repeats through tears shakily. “Don’t let me go back there.” Dean gets closer.

“Hey, Static, you’re in the motel bathroom, okay,” Dean says softly, reminding her where she is.

“I don’t wanna go back there,” Autumn cries, leaning into Dean. Dean’s arm wraps around her shoulder, and he pulls her into his lap.

“You’re okay, Satic; I’ve got you,” Dean says, rubbing soft circles into her back. And it’s those words that make Autumn feel grounded. “I’ve got you.” Dean carries her over to the empty bed.

“Dean, stay?” Autumn asks softly.

“I’m not going anywhere, Static,” Dean confirms. “I’m right across the room in the chair.” He keeps watch as Autumn eventually lets herself rest, moving a bit in her sleep like she has before. The next morning, Ash and Sam went to investigate, leaving Dean and Autumn at the motel.

“Morning,” Autumn says, stepping into the kitchenette. “No coffee?”

“Not until all that caffeine is out of your system,” Dean responds. “You realize you were physically vibrating from all those drinks, right? And had I not found you, you might’ve been one away from cardiac arrest.”

“I’m fine, Dean, really,” Autumn says, guilt sinking into her stomach.

“You wanna tell me what these are for then?” Dean asks, placing the pill bottle on the table. “Found them in Baby’s glovebox. Knew it couldn’t have been Sam.”

“They help,” Autumn says.

“With what, seeing through time?” Dean questions.

“I can feel the veil pulling me, Dean,” Autumn admits. “Just like it has before, trying to pull me in the in-between space. And I don’t want to go back there. So when I feel it pulling stronger, I overcaffeinate.”

“Static, that’s not healthy,” Dean says.

“Yeah, well, my dad would usually handle my veil episodes,” Autumn explains. “He was always there to pull me back. But I told him I’d be okay going away to school, and then my phone breaks, and I don’t even know if he knows I’m okay. For all I know, he could think the veil took me.”

“Hey, I’m sure he knows, Static,” Dean says. “You’re a strong girl. And you’ve said he’s part of this veil stuff. He’d know then if something were wrong.”

“I really hope you’re right,” Autumn says.

Watermelon Chapstick

“For the love of Chuck, Dean, make a damn move already!” Sam says, exhausted by this will-they-won’t-they energy surrounding the motel room. Autumn and Ash are out and about raiding vending machines like raccoons do trash bins. “You clearly care about her. Hell, Cas even can tell, and Cas doesn’t understand human love like that!”

“Sammy, it’s not like that,” Dean deflects.

“Like hell it’s not!” Sam reacts. “Dean, if you don’t, you might not get another chance.”

“You think I don’t know that?” Dean questions. “You think I’m not scared this veil that’s been terrorizing her since childhood is going to take her and she won’t be here when I wake up? She’s been through hell, Sam, in ways I still don’t fully understand. I’m scared if I make this real, she’ll disappear.”

“You can’t make this choice out of fear, Dean,” Sam says. “Because I see it, the way you two are around each other. The way things aren’t so rough around the edges with her. You’re hopelessly in love with her, Dean. And there’s no time like the present to make a move.” Day is gradually becoming night. Sam is in the motel room researching, while Ash is currently fighting a vending machine because it apparently gave her the wrong drink. Dean takes one look at Autumn, who’s currently finishing scrunching product through her dark curls that are faintly traced with purple. He stands in the bathroom doorway for a moment, then Autumn catches his gaze in the mirror she has decorated with cute clings.

“Hey, let’s go for a drive,” Dean says. “Just you and me.”

“Okay,” Autumn agreed. She finishes up her curly hair routine, then grabs the camouflage jacket hanging by the door: military style with spots for patches, clearly thrifted during her time in this universe. Then she picks up the pink messenger bag with the strawberry print, another thrifted item that’s become part of Autumn's hunter persona. Dean winces at the sound of the charms and keychains on either side of it clinking together.

“I still don’t know how a monster hasn’t just scooped you up hearing that,” Dean says, shaking his head.

"Just lucky, I guess,” Autumn remarks. Baby’s engine purrs as Dean turns the key.

“You eat today?” Dean asks her. “Besides coffee and a Pop-Tart?" Autumn shook her head. Dean sighs. “What’m I gonna do with you, Static?”

“Keep me from self-sabotaging like you always have,” Autumn responds.

“There’s an all-night diner just down the road,” Dean says. “We’re stopping.” The light from the diner floods the windshield as Dean pulls into the small parking lot. Cleo’s is lit up in turquoise neon lights. They enter, finding a booth close to the back. Autumn gets breakfast food because she’s convinced she won’t take home any leftovers and still manages to bring back hashbrowns. Meanwhile Dean gets a burger and fries he lets Autumn steal. And then dessert to-go. Dean gets pie, obviously, and Autumn gets blue jello she eats during the drive back to the motel. By now it’s late. Sam’s most likely asleep, while Ash is still battling the vending machine. She tosses her cup from her jello and reapplies her watermelon chapstick. She and Dean are now sitting on Baby’s hood, just taking in the moment.

“See those three stars right there?” Autumn asks Dean.

“Yeah,” he answers.

“That’s Orion’s belt,” she explains. Dean is invested in what she’s saying, truly, but his focus is on her mouth. Autumn rubs her lips together, then pulls out the tube of chapstick to reapply.

“What flavor chapstick is that?” Dean inquires.

“Watermelon,” Autumn responds. “Want some?”

“Yeah,” Dean says with a shit-eating grin. She’s holding the tube, fully expecting him to take it from her hands, but that’s not the case. Instead, Dean pulls her closer so that their lips touch. It’s not clean or slow. It’s messy and passionate, and it lasts a bit.

“Do it again,” Autumn says when Dean pulls away. Ash walks back and sees Autumn and Dean.

“Finally!” Ash exclaims, drinks in hand and completely out of change. “Here I thought we were playing the waiting game for another month or two.” Dean and Autumn pull away from each other quickly. “Oh, don’t stop on my accord.”

“Were we that obvious?” Autumn asks.

“Apparently,” Dean answers. “Listen, Static, I’m not going to force anything on you.”

“No, Dean, I want this,” Autumn confirms. “I really, really do want this. I want to stay.”

Eldritch Ponies

It was supposed to be a basic hunt. The four are searching the woods for something they don’t even know, but it set off the EMF reader purple, just like it did when Autumn and Ash arrived.

“So whatever it is, it’s connected to the veil,” Autumn realizes, a chill creeping up her spine. That’s when they see them: horses, but with bat-like wings tucked against their bodies as they grazed. One is black with garnet eyes; the other is white with cornflower blue eyes. “They’re beautiful.” Autumn slowly steps closer.

“Static, do not go near the eldritch ponies,” Dean warns. “They could suck out your soul for all we know.”

“They don’t feel dangerous,” Autumn says continuing to approach the cosmic wildlife. Ash follows, pulling riding equipment from her drawstring bag.

“You know if I didn’t, she’d bareback it,” Ash defends. The white horse looks at Autumn like it recognizes her energy.

“Hi, beautiful,” Autumn says barely above a whisper. “How’d you get here?”

“Dean, this changes our understanding of Autumn and the veil,” Sam observes.

“Stop talking about my girl like she’s a specimen,” Dean comments.

“This is the second creature to fully just understand her,” Sam continues. “Orbit literally guarded her bed like he knew something we didn’t.” Ash preps the horses for riding with the precision of a tattoo artist.

“Let’s ride, pretty lady,” Ash smiles. Each girl mounts a horse and takes off with a running start. The white one is the first to open its wings and fly.

“New problem, they just flew,” Sam panics.

“Ash better bring her back in one piece,” Dean says, crossing his arms.

“What makes you think Ash will survive?” Sam asks.

“The bag,” Dean answers. “So do we wait here or hope they meet us back at the motel?”

“Rock paper scissors?” Sam suggests. Dean nods. “Oh, Dean, always with the scissors. Looks like we’re going back to the motel.” It’s nearing sunset when Autumn and Ash enter the motel room.

“We’re back,” Autumn announces.

“You alright? No sudden hunger for souls or anything?” Dean asks, checking her over for injuries.

“I’m fine, Dean,” Autumn laughs. “That was something I’m never going to forget.”

“Yeah, when your boyfriend tells you not to go near the eldritch ponies, and yet you go toward the eldritch ponies,” Dean remarks.

“We’re back though; nobody’s hurt,” Autumn defends.

“Hey, I think I got something,” Sam says from the table with his laptop. “So get this, these creatures you've been encountering aren’t random. They’re called "starflesh," which is a mutation that can affect any mammal with no known origin.”

“The veil,” Autumn says. “It’s affecting normal things because I’m here.”

Slipping Through

The night is quiet after the hunt. Sam and Ash are out on a supply run for snacks, first aid supplies, and ammo.

“We’ll get you some more arrows too while we’re out,” Ash says before she and Sam head out.

“We’re gonna have to teach you to use a gun soon, Static,” Dean teases. Autumn just nods.

“Yeah,” Autumn says almost breathlessly. Dean picks up on this immediately. She starts picking up stuff in the motel room: pillows, jackets, hair ties, something to keep her mind off of what’s currently happening to her. Dean sees how she’s rushing around and purple energy is running beneath her skin. He takes her wrist in his hand gently.

“Hey, you still with me?” Dean asks worriedly. “Autumn?” She pauses in the middle of the room, too still. “Baby, you hear me? Static?” Dean’s internally panicking by now, not ever witnessing her this badly. He blinks, and she’s gone, faint traces of purple energy left behind. He searches for logical reasoning, even though Autumn has told him about veil slips. Dean is checking the bathroom, outside, and even the closet. “Autumn, if you can hear me, I don’t know, flicker a light or something!” The first twenty minutes are brutal. Before long an hour passes, and that hour turns into two. Then the wall flickers purple, spitting Autumn out. She catches herself on her hands and knees, visibly shaken. Her hair is wet despite the weather being warm and dry. Her shoes are gone. She’s in the same gray camisole and black leggings as when she disappeared, but somehow they are worn. She doesn’t say anything, just gasping for air initially. Dean is immediately kneeling in front of her. “Hey, baby, look at me. Are you hurt?” Autumn shakes her head. “Need to hear you say it, baby.”

“I’m here,” Autumn says, still shaken like a Starbucks espresso. He stays there with her on the floor for a moment before helping her to her feet.

“Think a hot shower might help?” Dean suggested.

“Yeah,” Autumn says with a nod. He follows her to the motel bathroom, helping her undress since she’s still shaking like a leaf in a windstorm. He starts the water. “Join me?”

“You sure?” Dean inquires.

“I’m sure,” she confirms. “Don’t wanna be alone.” So he undresses himself and joins her in the shower. Not in the sexual way, in the grounding way. Dean helps her massage shampoo into her hair.

“That’s it, baby; I’m here,” Dean reassures. He turns the water off and wraps her in a towel. He quickly dries off and dresses, then grabs Autumn a Motorhead shirt of his to wear. It fits oversized, reaching down to her mid-thigh. “I’m still here.” That night, Dean holds Autumn protectively in his arms on one of the motel beds. She doesn’t sleep, though, not easily. Her eyes seem fixated on the corner like the drywall will open up and eat her alive. “Hey, eyes on me; you’re not going back.” She buries herself in Dean’s warmth as tears start to fall. “That’s it, sweetheart; let it all out. I’m here. I’m not going anywhere.”

“You know what’s fucked up, I still blame me even though it all started after she left,” Autumn speaks through tears. “My mom, she left when I was four. Liz was too young to really remember what she was like. All I remember is her looking at me like I caused her suffering. And I wish I knew why. And my grandma, she refused any connection with the veil after it took her daughter. She always seemed cruel, but she was scared for my dad, and then for me. I had times where I thought if I ended it, the pull would stop. I would pop pills; I still have scars on my wrists. But Tonia and Devin pulled me out. But now the veil is bleeding through here, and it’s all my fault.”

“Shh, none of this is your fault, baby,” Dean comforts her. “You said so yourself; it’s the veil. You are not the veil; you’re Autumn. You’re the girl who steals my fries and plays crap music, and I love you, every part of you.”

“And I love you, Dean,” Autumn says softly against his chest. A moment of silence hovers over them as Autumn finally drifts asleep in Dean’s arms. Sam and Ash return to the motel laughing, and Dean shoots them a look as if to say if you wake her, I’ll kill you both.

Drink Vocabulary

“Hey, could you grab me a pop from the fridge?” Autumn asks casually.

“A what?” Dean asks, genuinely concerned.

“A pop,” Autumn repeats innocently.

“It’s a soda, Static,” Dean corrects.

“I’ve always called it pop,” Autumn says.

“Well, it’s soda,” Dean repeats.

“Chicago has always referred to it as pop,” Autumn restates.

“You’re from Chicago?” Dean asks.

“Yeah, Kansas; I’m from Chicago,” Autumn answers.

“That explains so much,” Dean shakes his head.

“You say that every time you learn anything remotely close to an origin story about me,” Autumn remarks. “One of the things I love about you, Kansas.” That’s when it stops Dean.

“Did you just call me Kansas?” Dean asks, mildly offended.

“Yeah, ‘cause you’re from Kansas,” Autumn answers.

“Alright, Chicago,” Dean quips.

“You two should get another room,” Sam says, internally disgusted.

Sometimes to Run is the Brave Thing

It’s early in the morning. Ash stirs awake to see Autumn shoving clothes and toiletries into her bag, struggling to zip it.

“What do you think you’re doing?” Ash asks, immediately sitting up and stepping off the couch. “Woah! Too fast!”

“Things are being affected here, more so than before,” Autumn says, not looking up from the clothes she’s haphazardly packing.

“You literally have already started building something beautiful with Dean, and now you’re going to run like you did from Jason?” That hits hard.

“This is different,” Autumn deflects.

“Yeah, because unlike Jason, Dean makes you feel safe,” Ash states.

“You know what this life means now, and I never wanted to burden you with it,” Autumn says. “But if I stay longer, the veil continues to bleed through. This isn’t just about me staying anymore! It’s about what happens to everyone!”

“Maybe you should tell him that,” Ash says, motioning to Dean followed by Sam in the doorway with this week’s supply run.

“Static, what’s going on?” Dean asks.

“I have to go; I’m sorry,” Autumn says, guilt sinking further through her.

“No,” Dean immediately refuses. He doesn’t raise his voice. He talks to her like he did when she came back from her slip. “You don’t get to walk into my life like you did and make me think I have a reason to keep going, and then leave without an explanation other than you have to go.”

“Dean, the veil,” Autumn says.

“The veil wants to get to you; it’ll have to get through me,” Dean says. “This thing has terrorized you since you were a kid, and it's got you thinking you don’t get to stay. Well, what do you want, Static?”

“I want you to be safe,” Autumn answers. “Because the longer I stay, the more things start to change. I’m not stabilized here, not completely.”

“Safe’s not really my forte, sweetheart,” Dean says. “As long as you’re safe, that’s what matters to me. As far as things changing, I can handle change. Things get weird; I’ve faced weird. But something tells me if you walk away now, you’re going to be doing worse than you were when Sam and I found you.”

“I want to stay,” Autumn confesses.

“Then stay,” Dean urges.

“Kansas, it’s not that simple,” Autumn explains.

“I don’t want simple; I want you, Static,” Dean responds. “Stay.” She looks up at him with watery blue-violet eyes.

“I’ll stay,” she says.

Sleepless in the Onyx Night

Another hunt, and it’s late. The four return to their current motel haunt in clothes soaked in blood, but definitely not like previous times. It’s unnatural and purple in color. Something corrupted by the veil. It wasn’t like any of the previous creatures. Sam and Dean have handled possession, changelings, and demon viruses, but this was new territory. With the veil bleed-through gradually continuing, they find themselves going after something that alerts the same purple EMF signal between their ghost-of-the-week sort of hunts.

“I hate cats,” is all Dean says as he tosses his jacket onto the back of a chair.

“It was a lion,” Sam corrects.

“A puma, actually,” Ash corrects both of them. “And it definitely wasn’t friendly.” She slurps her Baja Blast freeze she definitely begged for Dean to stop at Taco Bell for. Autumn is silent during this whole exchange, which worries Dean.

“You good, Chicago?” Dean checks in on her.

“Oh, yeah, I’m okay,” Autumn fibs. Dean gives her a knowing look but drops the subject. “I’m alright, Kansas." Ash is already rummaging through her drawstring bag, pulling out a whole Sally Beauty’s worth of skincare.

“Spa night, anyone?” Ash suggests. Autumn’s jaw audibly drops.

“You’re just now revealing we could’ve been getting toiletries from your bag instead of having to run to Walgreens every other supply run?” Autumn asks, genuinely confused.

“I keep telling you, the bag knows,” Ash responds. “After that bad kitty, we definitely deserve a spa night.”

“What gets me is why this time the creature was violent toward Autumn,” Sam thinks aloud. “I mean, between the horses, Orbit, and Pancake, they all had some sort of trust or recognition toward her. Orbit literally protected her as she slept.”

“I’m literally right here, Sam,” Autumn remarks.

“My point being, if the veil is changing these animals into starflesh beings, why is this one different?” Sam asks.

“To be fair, Pancake was just a regular goat,” Autumn reminds him.

“But the horses, Orbit, they all were protective or recognized something in you,” Sam restates.

“Sam,” Dean interrupts.

“Dean, you were there. Aren't you at the least curious why these creatures and Autumn are connected?” Sam reasons.

“That overgrown winged cat could’ve killed all of us, and you wanna talk lore?” Dean asks, voice raising ever so slightly.

“It’s a genuine concern, Dean!” Sam argues. As the tension in the room rises between Sam and Dean, Autumn’s fingers instinctively start fidgeting with the hem of her jacket.

“And she’s a person, not a middle school science fair project!” Dean yells.

“I’m going for a walk,” Autumn exhales. The motel room slams behind her.

“See what you did? Hope you’re happy, Sammy!” Dean fumes. He grabs his jacket and follows outside, the door slamming even harder this time. “Autumn!” He catches up and finds her standing in the gold light of a convenience store, the color almost making the purple streaks threaded through her curls invisible, like if she weren’t burdened with cosmic inheritance. “Static, don’t you ever run off like that! You had me worried you could’ve slipped, and I wouldn’t know where to find you if and when you came back.”

“I’m okay, Dean, really,” Autumn says softly.

“No, no, you’re not,” Dean corrects her. He stands next to her under the convenience store light. “What’s going on in that pretty mind of yours?”

“Just don’t like yelling,” Autumn confesses. “My parents yelled a lot before my mom left. After that, my dad swore he would do his best not to raise his voice at either of us. But, you know, when your oldest daughter’s touched by the veil so young and you have to not just be a father but get pulled back into the veilkeeper life you thought you had abandoned when you got married, it gets hard. Sometimes Liz and I would be in tears. When we got older, it was acting out or giving the silent treatment. That’s when he made one rule: never go to bed angry at each other, because you never know if everyone will still be there when you wake up.”

“I’m sorry, baby, I am,” Dean apologizes.

“It’s not your fault,” Autumn whispers. “It’s not Sam’s either. My nervous system’s just wired for something bad to eventually happen and someone eventually leaving.”

“Nobody’s leaving, sweetheart,” Dean reassures her. “Especially not me. Not after we spent the first year out of the past two and a half figuring out what we even were to each other.” Thunder roars. “Sounds like we should get back.” Autumn nods in agreement. She slides into the passenger seat of Baby as rain begins to pour. Dean cannot see clearly out the windshield even with the wipers going. “Looks like the universe gave us some more time here.” His hand finds Autumn's, which is fidgeting with the ties on her cropped hoodie. “Hey, you still with me, Static?” Autumn nods. “Need to hear you say it, baby.”

“I’m here,” she confirms.

“Something still on your mind?” he asks.

“Earlier, when we found the puma,” Autumn explains. “It wasn’t like the things before.”

“That’s obvious; the thing went right for you,” Dean comments. “Had Sammy not double-tapped it in the chest, Static, I was afraid I was going to lose you, and I don’t mean like a slip. I thought you were gonna get yourself killed.”

“I’m here though,” Autumn repeats.

“I know,” Dean responds. “But you almost weren’t.”

“It recognized me still, Dean, but this time it felt correctional,” Autumn explains. “It felt like the veil was trying to corrupt something to erase me from here, even if it meant death.”

“That terrifies me more,” Dean admits. “Thinking that this thing can send more to nearly kill you.”

“I can handle myself, Kansas,” Autumn says, squeezing his hand firmly. “I’m not gonna die, not on either of our watch.” The rain slows down enough for them to make the drive back to the motel. They step out, but before they reenter the motel room, Autumn pulls Dean closer to her by his shirt collar, letting her lips intertwine with his. It lasts a bit despite the pouring rain. When they both pull away, it’s quiet for a moment. ”Thanks for not letting me run, Kansas.”

“Someone’s gotta keep your feet on the ground, Chicago,” Dean smirks. That night, Autumn lies beside Dean, who spoons her as he drifts asleep. But Autumn’s still wide awake. Her mind is racing. Eventually, she looks over at the clock on the nightstand that reads 2:15 am. Dean stirs awake when Autumn shifts a bit, unable to still fall asleep. Dean blinks a bit, then sees the full picture. Dark circles forming under her eyes told him she hadn't gotten a wink of sleep. “Static?”

“Do you think it’ll come for me when we’re like this?” Autumn asks fearfully. That’s all it takes. The lamp flashes on, Autumn squinting from the initial brightness. “I feel safe when I’m with you. What if the veil takes advantage of that?”

“Easy, baby,” Dean says, regaining her attention. “Listen to me; you’re my girl. And I don’t give a rat’s ass if the veil thinks it can take you from me, because I’ll take you back from it kicking and screaming even if it’s the last thing I do.”

“Don’t do that,” Autumn says.

“Don’t do what?” Dean asks.

“Don’t swear your life for mine or make promises neither of us can keep,” Autumn says. “This is bigger than both of us, and if that means it comes down to either me or you living, I want you to live.”

“And I can’t let you die,” Dean says.

“I hope you both realize that means you’ll both die and be idiots like Romeo and Juliet were.” Ash’s tired voice came from the motel bathroom. “Just with cosmic destiny and trauma. I can smell your parental issues from here, and it smells like shit.”

“Maybe that’s because you’re in the bathroom,” Dean jokes. He turns his attention back toward Autumn. “You hungry?”

“I could eat,” Autumn responds.

“Grab your shoes and a jacket; I saw a diner not too far from here,” Dean says.

“It’s literally three in the morning, Dean,” Autumn laughs softly.

“No better time for pancakes like the present,” Dean remarks. Autumn is quick to slide on her pig slippers and a pair of shorts under the oversized Motorhead shirt from Dean and, of course, grabbing Dean’s hoodie as her jacket of choice. Dean has the car started when she slides in the shotgun seat. “I said shoes, Static.”

“They have a hard sole, so it should count,” Autumn defends.

“And when they end up inevitably stepping in a puddle, don’t cry to me about it,” Dean teases. His eyes then see her jacket. “That mine?”

“Not at the moment,” Autumn replies. Dean shakes his head with a smile.

“God, I love you,” he whispers.

“Love you too, Kansas,” she whispers back.

Consequences

The four are in a diner that feels oddly empty with the exception of the four of them. It’s dark and late, and they just wrapped up a basic salt-and-burn hunt. Ash is dealing a game of blackjack between the brothers and Autumn with cards pulled from the drawstring bag. She pauses when she sees an orange flicker near the wall, recognizing the source a bit too well.

“Hey bitch, we have a problem,” Ash leans over to say to Autumn.

“What kind of problem?” Autumn asks. “Another Starflesh correctional entity?”

“More like a wizard problem,” Ash says, nodding toward the far wall. Autumn turns to look. Into the diner steps none other than Dr. Strange. He walks over to the booth.

“There you two are,” Strange says exhaustedly. “Do you know how many universes I’ve been through trying to pinpoint you both? Hawkins, enchanted forest, the waverider—now I find you here. Do you both understand the cosmic fuck-ups you’ve catalyzed?!”

"Woah, buddy, a little late for Halloween?” Dean comments. “Look, we don’t want trouble, so here’s a snickers, and you can be on your way.”

“Dean Winchester, just like I’d expect,” Strange remarks. “It’s them I’m here for.” Strange motions to Autumn and Ash.

“Static, you know this circus magician?” Dean asks. Autumn goes quiet.

“Unfortunately,” Ash answers.

“You both have collapsed narrative structures across universes, which I’ve had to put back together,” Strange explains.

“Narrative structures?” Sam inquires. “You mean like stories?”

“Yes,” Strange answers. “Tweedle-Dee and Tweedle-Dum here have been going across universes, rewriting the set stories, preventing fixed-point events.”

“We saved people,” Ash defends.

“You rewrote canon, just like you’re doing now,” Strange says.

“What’s he talking about, Static?” Dean asked protectively.

“Oh, of course you leave that detail out,” Strange deadpans.

“What do you mean?” Sam questions.

“Where these two are from, you two are characters on a TV show,” Strange reveals. “They ended up here to prevent someone from dying.”

“Yeah, you gonna pull a rabbit from a hat too?” Dean joked.

"He's not kidding, Dean,” Sam says, believing Strange’s words much faster.

“Static?” Dean asks.

“It’s true,” Autumn confesses, barely above a whisper. “It’s all true.”

“Who was it?” Sam asks. “Who’s supposed to die?”

“It’s Dean,” Autumn reveals. Hearing this, Dean storms out of the diner. Autumn gets up to follow him. “Dean! Dean, wait!”

“So what even was I to you?” Dean asks, anger lacing his words. “Some character you felt bad for?!”

“No,” Autumn answers, tears already falling. “Dean, it’s not like that.”

“Then what is it?” Dean asks.

“You became real to me when I ended up here,” Autumn confesses.

“And for the past three years, you’ve known?” Dean asks, still feeling betrayed. “You knew I was supposed to die, and you didn’t say anything?"

“Because it doesn’t change things, Dean! I still fucking love you!” Autumn cries. “I didn’t expect to fall, but I did, and here we are. Dean, you are so much more to me than a character. You’re my anchor. And I want to stay, to be here with you. But I need you to know before I even met you, I knew I couldn't let you die. Please, I never wanted to hurt you.”

“You know what the worst part is, Static?” Dean asks. “I still fucking love you too.”

“Then don’t let it be the worst part,” Autumn says.

“I can’t see my life without you in it anymore,” Dean continues.

“I know, because I don’t see a future without you in it,” Autumn responds. Dean leans closer, softly holding her together despite his feelings. “You changed me, Dean.”

“Guess we both did a bit of that for us both,” Dean adds. “You sticking around?” Autumn nods. “Need to hear you say it, baby.”

“I’m here,” Autumn says. “I’m staying.” They walk back into the diner; it’s all too quiet. “Where’s Ash?”

“I’m sorry, Autumn, but I can’t let you continue to rewrite realities,” Strange says. Dean protectively stands in front of her. “This isn’t your consequence.”

Next stop: Gotham City

“Where’re we now?” Ash asks.

“See that?” Autumn points out the light above. “We’re in Gotham City, New Jersey. Universe: DC.” The universe adjusts to them once again, Autumn’s purple hair returning closer to its dark brown/black coloring. 

“You think we’ll run into the bat?” Ash questions.

"Well, you had mentioned saving Jason Todd, so it’s inevitable we cross paths with Bruce Wayne’s emo alter ego,” Autumn remarks. “Speaking of, I think that’s the batmobile driving this way.” The Batmobile pulls over beside them, and the window rolls down, but it’s not Batman driving. “Nightwing, didn’t think you would be behind the bat’s wheels.”

“You ladies look lost,” Nightwing says. 

“They look like trouble, Grayson,” Robin comments.

“Okay, Dami, how many times do I have to tell you about using my name while out on patrol?” Nightwing complained. 

“I was simply making an observation,” Robin states.

“Dick Grayson, Damian Wayne, I’m Ash, and my purple-y people-eater friend here is Autumn,” Ash introduces to them both.

“How do you know who we are?” Dick asks.

“Details to be discussed later,” Ash continues, “Now what we seek is to be vigilantes!”

“Vigilantes?” Autumn mouths to Ash. Ash nods. 

“We are super-powered individuals, and we are just so inspired by you and Red Hood and all that we want in on the action,” Ash explains. Dick and Damian exchange a look, domino masks thankfully hiding any obvious expression in their eyes. Autumn pulls Ash by her jacket. 

“I can’t believe that’s the best you can come up with,” Autumn says.

"Well, it’s not like we can outright tell them about being veil-sensitive and being from a whole other universe where they’re a comic book,” Ash argued in whispered tones. 

“So you’re metas?” Dick asks, finally breaking the silence. 

“Not exactly,” Autumn responds. “More like cosmically displaced.”

“Get in,” Dick says. 

Dancing is a Dangerous Game

While it is safe to say that the girls equally puzzled and concerned the Bat-Family, they are eventually in good standing in the Wayne house. 

“You can’t seriously be eating that!” Dick reacts loudly to Autumn’s barbecue, bacon, egg, and cheese sandwich. “Barbecue sauce on eggs?!”

“I once saw Tim try and make ramen noodles with coffee, and this is where you draw the line?” Autumn asks. By now, Autumn and Ash have been in Gotham longer than they were in Marvel. 

“How do you sleep at night?” Dick asks, clearly still disgusted. 

“I don't; I overcaffeinate more than Tim,” Autumn responds. 

“That’s mildly concerning,” Jason comments. 

“That’s the least of your problems,” Autumn remarks. “Now if you’ll excuse me, I’m going to need protein before the gala if we’re expecting a big bad attack, which is inevitable in this house.” Autumn continues to enjoy her sandwich. “You think I’m bad now? You should see me with hot sauce.” Ash enters the room.

“Hey guys, purple pants outfit or red pants outfit?” Ash asks. 

“You do own other colors besides purple and red, right?” Tim asks, sleepily looking up from his bowl of Fruit Loops. 

“Black, but that’s technically a shade,” Ash responds. “Oh, I’ve got it; I’ll wear orange. Thanks for your help!” 

“You’re welcome?” Jason responds confusedly. 

“That reminds me, what’re you wearing to the gala, Autumn? Dick asks.

“It’s a surprise,” Autumn admits. “You’ll see it later.” Later, at the annual Wayne Charity Gala, Autumn appears at the top of the stairs in a lavender dress with black criss-cross detailing. 

“Woah,” Dick and Jason unknowingly say in unison, looking up at Autumn like she’s carved from amethyst. She descends the staircase, immediately finding her place beside Ash, who is standing by a table eating a hoagie. Autumn’s gaze falls on Ash’s accessory of choice. 

“You brought your bag?” Autumn asks. 

“You never know what you might need, but the bag does,” Ash explains.

“Like a hoagie?” Autumn teases. Cello renditions of songs fill the ballroom. 

“You underestimate the bag’s power,” Ash says. The music eventually is a cello rendition of “Losing My Religion" when Jason approaches Autumn. 

“You look great,” Jason compliments. “Both of you, really.” 

“You don’t look so bad yourself," Autumn replies. That’s when Jason figures it’s now or never.

“Dance with me?” Jason asks. Autumn and Ashley share a look.

“Go on,” Ash whispers encouragingly. Autumn accepts Jason’s offer. 

“What have you got so far?” Autumn asks as they dance. 

"They're definitely Penguin’s,” Jason answers before spinning Autumn.  

“How long until they make a move?” Autumn questions. 

“End of the song,” Jason states. Autumn nods, understanding the mission. Jason dips Autumn dramatically before the windows shatter and more of the penguin’s goons storm the party. Jason’s immediately reaching for his gun. Ashley digs in her bag. 

“Your sword, m’lady,” Ash says, handing a sleek sword to Autumn. 

“Wait, how did you know I’m trained with swords?” Autumn asks.

“I didn't; the bag did,” Ash answers. “Not sure how much help a t-shirt canon’s going to be, but I’ll make do.” As the fight ensues, the band is still playing. This time it’s a cello rendition of “Don’t Fear The Reaper." 

“I’ve got your six,” Jason tells Autumn.

“And I’ve got your nine,” Dick adds. 

Bandaids Don’t Fix Bullet Holes

During the fight, Autumn gets her shoulder grazed by a bullet. As soon as it’s over, Jason’s at her side immediately. 

“You’re bleeding,” Jason says.

“No shit, Sherlock,” Autumn remarks. Jason smirks a bit at this before pulling her away from the scene of the action and back to her room. Her body is still shaking with adrenaline, but she could care less. “Could you, um, unzip me?” Jason unzips her dress. She lets the garment fall, leaving her there in just her black bra and matching panties, not really giving a fuck if Jason’s still in the room. She pulls on a pair of charcoal gray sweatpants and walks into the bathroom. Immediately going under the vanity for the first aid kid, Jason stops her.

“Let me take care of it,” Jason says softer than he would usually. 

“I’m a big girl, Jaybird,” Autumn responds. Jason’s brain short circuits at the nickname. 

“Sit down,” Jason says more firmly this time. “You’re still shaking from all the adrenaline.” 

“Caffeine’s done worse,” Autumn jokes, obeying Jason’s request. 

“Yeah, well, Tim’s my little brother, so nothing I can’t handle,” Jason teases. He’s inspecting Autumn’s shoulder like a school nurse checking students for lice. 

“Give me the news, doctor,” Autumn says half jokingly. “Don’t sugarcoat it on me.”

“You’re lucky that it doesn’t need stitches,” Jason says, running a hand through his hair. “It’s definitely going to scar though.” 

“Guess it’s time I get a cool tattoo to cover it up then,” Autumn smirks. Jason lets out a short breath of a laugh. 

“This is gonna fucking sting,” Jason warns. He soaks a cloth in hydrogen peroxide and dabs the flesh wound. Autumn hisses as the peroxide makes contact. “I know, I know. Eyes on me, okay.” Jason finishes cleaning Autumn’s wound and then wraps it up nice and tight. “That too tight?” Autumn shakes her head. “Good. I’ll give you some space then.” He tosses her the Def Leppard t-shirt that was on her bed. 

“Jason,” she says softly, “stay, please.” Jason’s expression softens at her words. 

“Okay,” he agrees. 

Truth or Dare, but it’s just truth

Neither Autumn nor Ash knows how it happened, but they ended up tied back-to-back in the Lasso of Truth. Diana’s icy gaze piercing into them. 

“Who are you two, really?” Diana asks. The lasso compels them to be honest. 

“We’re veilwalkers!” Autumn admits. "I was born one; Ash here became one by accident. We’re from another universe and got transported to Marvel. Now we’re here, and we’ve been saving people along the way.” 

“Another universe?” Diana inquires. 

“Yep, you and everyone else here are fictional characters,” Ash responds. “And we’re not really supposed to stay long, but now that Autumn’s with Jason, the bat boys love her. I’m a bit of a legend with a weird bag. Go ahead, reach in.” Diana reaches in the black drawstring bag and pulls out a plush pig big enough to be a beanbag chair. 

“Interesting,” Diana comments. 

“So if you’ll excuse us, we have a game night to get to,” Ash adds. The two are released from the lasso’s hold. 

“We’ll be watching you both,” Clark warns. Autumn and Ash return to Wayne Manor.

“B, we’re here, and we have takeout!” Autumn announces as she and Ash enter. 

“You had me so worried; what took you so long?” Jason immediately questions, getting up from his seat and instinctively scanning Autumn for injuries.

“Jay, I’m fine,” Autumn reassures. “We just may or may not have pissed off Clark and Diana.”

“Of course you two managed that,” Bruce comments. 

“See Grayson, trouble,” Damian adds, nudging Dick. 

Forever is the Sweetest Con

But nothing stays permanent for the veilwalker. 

“You’re doing that thing again." Ash frowns.

“What thing?” Autumn questions.

“The thing where the universe gives you something good, but you want to run from it,” Ash answers. “It’s a shame, though. He’s good to you and cares. You’re going to leave him now after he’s spent the last four months absolutely adoring you in his own Jason way.” 

“I let myself get attached, and that means I have to go whether you’re with me or not,” Autumn explains. “But I can feel it, through the veil’s energy in me. You’re still slipping at night. Not always at night either. You went still during lunch the other day; you were slipping between here and the veil.” 

“Okay, Miss doesn’t process her feelings,” Ash remarks. 

“Excuse me?” Autumn reacts. 

“You always run just when you get a taste of normalcy,” Ash says. “Your walls are higher than Snoop Dogg on 420, but as soon as a wrecking ball like Jason Todd or Matt Murdock comes around, you let them crumble just to build them back up again. That’s not healthy.”

“It keeps people from disappearing, though,” Autumn argues. “Let’s get packed; we’re leaving now."

“You’re not going to even say goodbye to him?” Ash asks. 

“I told you how it went with Matt,” Autumn says. “I’m not making that mistake again. Besides, I know Jason will fight to keep me here, but that’s what makes it worse. I can’t stay. We can’t stay. Not when staying puts everyone at risk.”

“You know I support you, but you really need to find a better way to deal with this emotional Hawaiian roller coaster ride you’ve brought me on,” Ash deflects jokingly.

“I’m sorry,” Autumn apologizes. “I never meant for any of this to happen. I never meant for the veil to rewrite your biology. I never meant for any of this, but you made this into something worth experiencing. And for everyone’s good, we have to go. Because now Diana knows. That means she knows too much, and the veil could come to collect. It’s only a matter of time before I’d have to tell Jason." Autumn shoves what she can in her duffle, leaving behind a ring on the nightstand. Autumn and Ash meet outside the manor when they’re done packing, opening the next rift in the veil and stepping through. Jason walks up to Autumn’s room, finding that she left. 

“Jason what’s wrong?” Dick asks, seeing Jason holding Autumn’s ring. He knew it was hers: the one she wore on her middle finger since he met her. 

Welcome to the MCU, Earth-616

When the veil reacts, so does Autumn’s veilbreaker energy. So from being attacked with tickles to now the sidewalks of New York, but it wasn’t their New York. Ash stops and looks around when Autumn does.

“How the actual fuck did we end up here?" Ash asks.

“I probably should’ve said something sooner,” Autumn answers. “I’m a veilwalker.” Ash lets out a laugh.

“You almost had me there for a second,” Ash wheezes.

“I’m not kidding; I was born like this,” Autumn defends. “My mom was a veilbreaker, and my dad was a veilkeeper.”

“English, por favor,” Ash responds.

“I can travel the multiverse because of cosmic genetics,” Autumn reiterates.

“So then where exactly has your secret superpower landed us?” Ash questions.

“Look,” Autumn says, pointing out a familiar building: an oddly shaped skyscraper with a certain logo on it.

“You’re kidding,” Ash realizes. “We’re in Marvel?”

“It appears so,” Autumn replies.

“Well bring us back,” Ash urges.

“It doesn’t work like that,” Autumn explained. “In our world, it’s Halloween, the thinnest day of the year for the veil. I didn’t control us ending up here.” Autumn begins to reach for her phone, only to find the impact with the sidewalk has completely destroyed it. “Fucking hell.”

“That can’t be good,” Ash comments.

“It is,” Autumn confirms. “My phone is anything but functional, and that’s my only way to let my dad know something veil related went wrong.”

“He doesn’t just feel a disturbance in the force?” Ash inquires. Autumn shoots her a look as if to say, 'Really?'. “What, it’s a valid question!”

“If the veil sent you with me, then it’s already affecting your biology as we speak,” Autumn adds.

“Great, love that for me,” Ash remarks. “So what now?”

“We blend in,” Autumn suggests. “I don’t really know; it’s never happened like this before.”

“You’re an amateur?" Ash panics.

“Not exactly,” Autumn replies.

Then There Was An Idea

“So you mean to tell me you have powers that allow you to travel across reality,” Ash starts rambling.

“The veil,” Autumn corrects.

“Whatever,” Ash responds. “But you’re saying now since I came with you, I’m technically becoming a universe hopper myself, and that means we can travel the whole multiverse?”

“The correct term is 'veilwalker,' and technically yes,” Autumn explains. “The veil has its limits though. And if it doesn’t like you, it’ll rewrite you.”

"Well, that’s comforting,” Ash grins. “Anyway, we’re in Marvel, Earth 616, the movie version, right?” Autumn nods. “Then we can change things.”

“Changing the story is veil-breaker territory,” Autumn protests.

“And you are already halfway there thanks to your mom,” Ash adds. “Which means there are people here, characters from our screen, that don’t have to die. Hell, there’s other universes out there that hae people there who are going to die, and we can change that.”

“You’re not thinking, Ash,” Autumn warns. “The veil has a way of correcting things, and I won’t let that happen to you.”

“We won’t know unless we try,” Ash admits. “Think about it. Tony Stark and Vision, they’re supposed to die. Or even Jason Todd, Dean Winchester, and Sir Pentious. We can save those people.”

“If the veil comes for us, I swear I’m blaming you,” Autumn agrees.

Earth’s Most Chaotic Heroes

It’s late 2015, and Ultron had completely destroyed Sokovia months ago. The world was angry at them; the government wants to control them. But two superpowered young adults just happened to drop into the universe, giving Nick Fury some hope.

“Based on your scans, your powers are equally correctional and cause for destruction,” Fury explains. “My team is in need of supervision, and that’s where you two come in.”

“You want us to babysit the Avengers?” Autumn asks in disbelief.

“Then who’s going to babysit us?” Ash immediately adds. Fury completely ignores that. When they arrive at the Avengers Compound, Autumn and Ash are definitely not welcome with open arms. Right away, Tony Stark and Steve Rogers are looking between them and Fury like he just told the punchline wrong.

“You’re expecting teenagers to supervise us until the government decides if it’s going to step in?” Tony jokes. “Fury, I must’ve misheard you.”

“We’re actually in our twenties,” Autumn corrects.

“Not really much better,” Tony remarks.

“This should be fun,” Ash smirks.

The Bluey Incident

By now, Autumn and Ash are full-fledged Avengers, with Autumn sometimes also being an on-and-off member of the Defenders. They’ve been in the Marvel universe for what’s been at least a year, but it’s barely been a day back home. There was a fight, dividing the Avengers, but it resolved under better circumstances with the two veilwalkers there.

“Alright, we’re going on an intel mission,” Autumn said, grabbing her bag. “We’ll be back. Nobody under any circumstances touches the TV."

“Peter, make sure they don’t,” Ash adds. "We're recording the entirety of Percy Jackson.”

“I won’t let you down,” Peter confirmed.

“So, what’re we watching?” Natasha asks as she and the other Avengers enter the lounge with popcorn and snacks, prepared to watch a movie.

“How about Wicked?” Wanda suggests.

“Actually, the TV is staying right where it’s at,” Peter says, standing in the entryway.

“Whadaya mean, Pete?” Tony quizzes.

“Autumn and Ash are recording their show, and I’ve been tasked with making sure the channel doesn’t change,” Peter explains

“That’s a bit overkill, don’t you think?” Tony argues.

“You wouldn’t let anyone change the channel when you were binging Dancing With The Stars,” Peter remarks.

“Touche, kid,” Tony smiles. “Well, how bad can it be?” That’s when the theme music starts. “Mother of God!”

“Guess we’re watching Bluey,” Peter smirks, filling his face with a fistful of popcorn. Hours later, Autumn and Ash return.

“Successful intel retrieval!” Autumn announces through the compound. The other Avengers looked annoyed at her. “What’s up?”

“We didn’t change the channel,” Peter confirmed.

“Thanks, Pete,” Ash replies.

“So you left us to suffer with Bluey?” Tony asks annoyed.

“In our defense, we were going to anyway,” Ash answers.

Purple hair and Altered genetics

Autumn and Ash are sitting on the roof of the Avengers Compound, twenty piece chicken nuggets between them and two drinks per person.

“So glad they still have McDonald’s in Marvel,” Autumn says, wiping barbecue sauce from her lip.

“I’m glad you’re still the chaotic girl with curls I met during orientation,” Ash replies. “When we fell into this world, I was starting to miss her.”

“How’re you doing, though?” Autumn asks, “Y’know, now that the veil sees you as a walker too?”

“Ah, alright,” Ash fibs.

“I felt it the other night,” Autumn admits. “You had a veil slip.”

“So that’s what that was,” Ash comments. “Here I thought it was food poisoning from Taco Bell.”

“Glad to see you made it back okay,” Autumn added.

“You get those too?” Ash questions.

“Yeah, since I was five,” Autumn admits, putting herself in a vulnerable place emotionally. “About a year after my mom left, the veil reached for me. My dad, he was terrified of that happening to either me or my sister. But he knew it was bound to happen. Especially since they both were veil-sensitive, just different sides of the same coin. My little sister was untouched by the veil, thankfully. But that doesn’t mean she wasn’t affected by all of it. The veil would get thin if we stayed somewhere too long, so we were always moving. My dad’s Corvette felt like home. That was until my grandma took us in. She’s not veil-sensitive either, but her house had been warded from the veil since her parents owned it.”

“That’s a lot,” Ash says softly.

“My point is, if it gets bad, I’ll be there whether it’s just to talk or to pull you back,” Autumn says.

“Thanks, pretty lady,” Ash smiles. “You ever realize how purple-ly your hair looks here?”

“Yeah, the veil adjusts for the universe,” Autumn explains. “Purple just happens to be its chosen color.”

“And yours apparently,” Ash remarks. “What are you, Twilight Sparkle?”

“Very funny,” Autumn deadpans.

“You’re already thinking of leaving, aren’t you?” Ash asks. Autumn nods. “Why though? We’ve already stopped Civil War from ending like it did, Peter still has Tony and May, Wanda still has Vision; and I don’t think Steve’s leaving Bucky anytime soon. Why leave now?”

“Because the longer we stay, the more the veil tries to correct us later on,” Autumn explains. “And the veil changes people the way it sees fit, and it sure as hell doesn’t like connection. My mother surrendered love and human connection to the veil. And all this time, I’ve known deep down it all started when she had me. She knew what I was before my dad did. But she couldn’t just stay and be my mom.” Autumn was fully crying at this point, tears streaking her eyeliner. “We can’t stay, or the veil won’t only be coming for us. It’ll erase all of them.”

“I understand,” Ash said with a soft nod. Autumn and Ash both silently went to their rooms and began packing their duffles. They were unusually stealthy, but they weren’t completely unnoticed.

“You’re leaving?” Peter gasped in Autumn’s doorway.

“Unfortunately, Pete,” Autumn frowned.

“But why?” Peter asked.

“Because people like me aren’t meant to stay, Peter,” Autumn answered. “I’m sorry.” Peter saw as tears welled up in Autumn’s eyes.

“Hey, c’mere,” Peter says, pulling Autumn into a hug. “Nobody’s telling you to go. Please, you can stay.” Now Peter’s voice quivers from forming tears. “You can moe close by. There’s plenty of apartments to rent in Queens.” Autumn shook her head.

“I wish it were that simple, Pete,” Autumn cries. “I have a few goodbyes to make in Hell’s Kitchen, but I’ll be back so Ash and I can all say goodbye before we leave.”

Shout At The Devil

Autumn momentarily teleported herself to Hell’s Kitchen, New York, a place that she ventured solo for a few on and off months during her time here.

“I thought I sensed your energy,” a familiar voice spoke from behind her.

“Good to know Fisk still doesn’t have your head on a spike, Matt,” Autumn says, turning to face the blind lawyer.

“You didn’t come for a quick catch up, did you?” Matt asks her.

“I actually came to say goodbye,” Autumn admits. “The veil, it’ll come for you all if Ash and I stay any longer.”

“That so?” Matt inquires. “So this has nothing to do with your fear of abandonment?”

“I told you that in confidence, Matty,” Autumn says. “I told you about the veil, about what I am, about all I’ve lost to get here. And you loved me! And maybe I was starting to love the idea of us, but Matt, the veil doesn’t like connection, and I can’t let one little fling keep me!”

“So that’s what I am, a fling?!” Matt argues.

“You know damn well what you are!” Autumn shouts. She steps back and takes a breath. “Where’s Frank?”

“Why should I tell you?” Matt asks angrily.

“Because the man deserves a damn goodbye!” Autumn yelled. “He protected me when you couldn’t, Matt. He was like a father to me while I was here. And now I need to at least make sure he gets a goodbye. So I’ll ask again. Where’s Frank?”

“The carousel,” Matt says.

Shell of a Man

Autumn approaches the bench in front of the carousel where Frank sits as if she steps wrongly, a grenade will blow. She musters up the courage to speak.

“Frank,” she says softly. The ex-marine turns to face her.

“Hey, kid,” Frank smiles. “Thought you might come around.”

“I won’t be long, Frank,” Autumn says.

“I know,” Frank says, taking a sip of his coffee. He hands her a similar paper cup. “Cream, no sugar.”

“You remembered,” Autumn smiles.

“You’re a simple lady,” Frank admits. “Easy to remember.”

“Thank you,” Autumn replies, “for everything.”

“This ain’t just about the coffee, is it?” Frank asks.

“I have to leave, Frank,” Autumn confesses. “I wish I could stay, but that puts you in danger, you and everyone else I've become close with since coming here.”

“Like Red?” Frank inquires.

“Yeah, like him,” Autumn nods. “It’s what I’e always had to do when cosmic stuff gets weird.”

“Just because it’s what you’ve always done, doesn’t mean it can’t change,” Frank says. “You just need to find a place that’ll fight to keep you part of it, not just you fighting all this space magic mambo-jumbo.” That gets a soft laugh out of Autumn. “I ain’t goin’ to force you to stay or go, that’s up to you, kid.” Frank puts an arm around her shoulder that she mirrors.

“Maybe we’ll see each other again, Frank,” Autumn says hopefully.

One Hell of a Goodbye

Ash and Autumn stand in front of the Avengers, who are all sitting in the lounge. Ash opens her black drawstring bag, which somehow has gained cosmic powers during the time spent. She’s elbows deep, pulling out a fully functioning coffeepot with freshly brewed coffee.

“I knew I wasn’t hallucinating you pulling out a coffee pot in the lab!” Tony laughs.

“Figured bad news usually goes better over coffee,” Ash shrugs.

“What do you mean bad news?” Wanda asks.

“We’re leaving,” Autumn confesses. “I don’t know if we’ll be coming back. But I’m not going to pretend none of this happened. You all were an amazing chapter in our existence, so we’re sorry to do this. But I want you to know it’s for the best.”

“We’ll miss you guys,” Ash adds.

“Don’t be a stranger,” Bucky says.

“We’ll try our best,” Autumn smiles sadly, stepping out of the compound with Ash.

“Where to next?” Ash asks.