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Chapter Text

“It’s been almost 2 full years.” Shuri said, looking at Tony in their lord's lab. Tony looked up from his papers.

“Really? Wow time flies when…” “You lose twice and are made into Thanos' pets.” He nodded as Shuri said what many couldn’t. Thanos won, erasing almost everyone on earth along with 50% of the universe. Leaving the avengers alone on earth, no support, no medical attention for Tony after Thanos cut off Tony’s forearm. And no where to hide when Thanos’ army came to hunt them down. Realizing how dangerous they could be unchecked and seeking revenge (again).

Their lab door opened. One of thanos’ messengers walked in, Hope van Dyne. “The Lord wants to see your work.” Tony and Shuri exchanged glances, who would go see him? Neither really wanted to, scared of him now. Seeing what he did to break the heavy hitters. Make them serve him above everything else. Their fighting spirit was lost with the earth's people.

“I’ll go see him. You stay here.” Tony said he saw in Shuri’s eyes a bit of relief, she was scared of upsetting him in any way. Her brother’s neck in Thanos’ hands, if she tried anything Thanos would break it. Tony gathered his statistics work and followed Hope to Thanos’ throne room.

“Lord, he is here.” Hope moved to the side to let Tony walk through. He took in the throne room. Wanda at his side, one of the heavy hitters that was broken. She did anything the Lord asked of her, for just a touch of the mind stone. Getting a fragment of the love she once had. Mantis sitting on the stairs, she had the same job she had with Ego. Sooth Thanos and to make sure no one lied to the lord. Thanos saw her as a pet, and dress her up like one long white dress with a train. Mantis stood up to greet Tony. She touched Tony’s forehead. Thanos’ raised his hand as a sign to start talking.

“Lord, me and Shuri had looked over everything. Nature and it’s resources have been coming back healthier and stronger. Growing now that there aren't so many people after them.” Thanos stops him. And looked at Mantis.

“He is nervous, but he is telling the truth.” Tony swallowed not knowing what Thanos would think. Even if he did lie and Mantis couldn’t catch it. He knew Wanda was in his head.

“What about the people who were on the brink of extinction?” Thanos asked.

“They are recovering with the help and guidance from" Tony cleared his throat "them.” Them being team Thanos had put together using multiple of his… pets. He didn’t get to know who was on the team. But he assumed Steve and maybe Nat? On the other had Thanos might have gotten a kick out of giving Steve to that grand master dude Thor told him about. But he didn’t get to know those details.

“He wants to know who is on your recovery team Lord.” Tony knew Mantis would speak out about some of his thoughts and questions he wouldn’t want or dare to ask.
“I told you. You don’t need to know.” Thanos said, clearly doing this for another reason.

“Why can’t he, he is upset.” Damn you Mantis. “He also wants me to stop.” Thanos nodded telling her to stop vocalizing all his thoughts. He found it entertaining; he managed to dig out weeds using Mantis.

“Back on topic, what about the people who seek revenge?” He asked.

“They are being taken care of by the exterminators.” He wasn’t allowed to know who was given the title of exterminator, but it had to be Hulk, Thor, Carol, the strong ones. He glanced at Wanda. He didn’t know where most stood in the Lord ranking, but probably she got to know.

Tony sighed as he came back into the lab. Rubbed his eyes with his metal arm. Shuri had probably left for her bedroom. They were confined to this room. It had a lab then led into two bedrooms. They wouldn’t leave or enter without someone. He was trapped, it gave him a sense of deja view. Being held hostage and told to use his brain, but not to make weapons this time. Of course Thanos had spies and would cut him down or one of his friends if he tried to make a suit. Again.

Chapter Text

Peter helped gather crates full of supplies to help this planet that was on the brink of extinction. He saw a civilian struggling to move a crate. It was about the size of a shopping cart and was heavy for someone without spider strength.

“Here I got it!” He picked it up and moved it onto the cargo transportation.

“Good job kid.” Steve said, the paint on his shield scuffed and scratched off almost completely. He gave the kid a nod. Even after all this time of helping these people for his lord. He couldn’t shake the feeling that Thanos had other ideas and motives. The assumed leader stepped forward and said something Steve couldn’t understand.

“Nebula!” Steve called her over, to talk with him. He walked off to the ship to meet up with the rest of the team, he signaled Peter to follow him. The rest of the team was on the ship.

“God, this is taking forever!” Rocket yelled as he fell back into his chair.

“Suck it up, Panda, we know we don’t have a choice.” Natasha sighed, her and Rocket did not get along that well. She looked over to see Steve and Peter walk in. She walked over.

“I am Groot.” Everyone was still struggling to understand him. They looked at Rocket.

“He wants to know if we are almost done.” Rocket sighed. “You guys need to put more effort into understanding him.” The air started to feel somewhat stiff now. They nodded agreeing with Rocket. They weren’t doing anything else all this time.

“Yeah I think we checked every one of the boxes.” Steve looks at a checklist from their ship's computer. Nebula walked in.

“The leader wanted to thank father for helping them.” Natasha scoffed as she walked to sit down. Nebula still continued. “They want us to tell him, he has a new ally when they get back on their feet.”

Natasha groaned and rubbed her face. “Oh my god! This is so dumb, Thanos killed half of everything, then he is framing himself as a hero. Giving people resources!”

“Natasha!” Nebula tried to cut her off. Thanos had put Nebula on the recovery team because he had a recording system in her. He would know if they tried anything. And they all knew he didn’t take well to bad mouthing. More importantly she was never allowed to tell them or face consequences she couldn’t bear to go through again.

“What? I’m just saying!” She shrugged.

“Ready to leave guys. Sit down and stop.” Steve added as everyone took their seats ready to leave and head to the next planet.

“Yeah, she didn't really say anything wrong, right? He did kill half the universe, then started to help people. Thanos is literally a big guy, I'm sure he won’t hurt us for her saying it was dumb.” Peter added as he sat down.

“You mean Lord.” Rocket added on with sarcasm. He looked over to Groot. “Sit down Groot.”

“The less you take him seriously when he isn’t here the worst it will be for one of us.” Nebula said, trying to stop them from digging a hole they couldn’t get out of. That hushed everyone. Before Groot spoke up.

“I am Groot!” he pointed out.

“Shit, you’re right Groot. Guys we have to check in with him. We finished the 3rd planet.” Everyone looked at Groot, then looked at Steve.

“I… Nat you have the coms. We must.” Steve said before moving in his seat. Nerves racked a bit. This Titan had beat him twice. Steve remembered how the mad titan smiled as Steve yelled at him to stop Punching Tony after his arm was ripped off. Then the second snap.

“Hello my pets.” Thanos voice was clear and deep. Cutting through everything and anything. Everyone looked at him, his purple face being on a call covering their entire screen.
“Lord, we have finished the 3rd planet with only 2 left.” Natasha said.

“Good, Nebula?” He asked. They looked back at her.

“They said you have a new ally once they get back on their feet, father.”

“Good, the other plants have shown they don’t want help, you are to come home. Understand?” Steve heard Thanos’ words and had to ask.

“What will happen?” He asked Thanos to look at him for a moment. “Lord.” Steve added.

“I called one of the exterminators for each planet.” Thanos cut off whatever Steve might say about the Extermination team. “You’re new orders to come home. Do you understand?”

“Yes Lord.” He forced himself to say. Then the Call was ended.

“Home.” Natasha said. “Come home.” She gripped her chair’s arms.

“Nat?” Peter said, the room was all quiet now.

“This isn’t our home! He erased our home! And now we do his bidding?!” She yelled, there was only so much a person could take. Being taken away from her home at birth, then after she found herself somewhere new. People she felt safe with then taken away again. At least she had people with her this time.

“What’s wrong with us.” she said in a voice right above a whisper. Steve knew so much was going through her mind. He held her hand. He looked at her, she kept her eyes down.

“For the people we have to keep safe. The people he broke, Wanda, Bruce, Thor, and Carol. We have to do this for them till they can lift their head to the sky and believe again. We have no idea where some people are but we know he’s keeping them alive. Tony, Shuri, T’Challa, Bucky, Clint and Fury.” Her brows furrowed at his name. Clint helped her break free from the red room, Fury gave her a home. She missed Them.

“He won, he has a grip on us we can’t break free from just yet, but if we don’t stay strong we might not be able to save them.” She looked at Steve eyes locking.

Nebula felt a pang in her. A sense of betrayal she couldn’t control. Her eyes recorded everything. When they got home, it would be painful for one of them. Thanos liked to break people mentally by using others they cared about and had formed a connection with. She looked over at Peter. His mask halfway on, mouth showing. He looked at her and smiled. She looked away, down at her lap. Knowing Thanos would probably target him. Still young, imperishable, a teen with a sensitive mental state. Knowing Tony was alive but never seeing him took a toll. Peter had fought Thanos closer than most. Closer Than Natasha or Rocket. He knew what Thanos could do, and he was scared of the titan.

She could feel herself sinking, her own thoughts confirming and spiraling Peter would be the one picked for punishment.

Chapter Text

“So, what did you do? Assault the kid, for what Romanov said.” Dr Strange asked. He wasn’t broken like people were led to believe. Just chained to a chair, by the infinity stones magic. He wouldn’t break out anytime soon.

“It crossed my mind, but no.” Thanos said sitting across from him. “I had bigger ideas...”

“He won, he has a grip on us we can’t break free from just yet, but if we don’t stay strong we might not be able to save them.” an audio recording said. The recovery team was kneeling to their lord in the throne room. Faces shocked he knew, how!? Natasha licked her lips nervously about to speak up. Nebula shook her head no, giving her a look that said. Don’t you dare speak, it will only make it worse.

“I let you live, bring you into my home. Let you help people like you’ve done on earth. Letting you live out the only thing you could ever be good for besides selling you to the highest bidder. And you want to leave?” He stood his closed his fist and admired his infinity gauntlet. Clearly trying to send a message.

“Escape even?” He looked up from his gauntlet, now they could speak.

“My Lord,” Steve took a deep breath knowing they were in serious shit. “I didn’t mean it like that. I’m grateful for you and—”

“Peter, child come forward.” They all looked at him. He was kneeling at the back. He stood. Walking forward Steve and Natasha exchanged glances. He walked up the stairs. Face to face with that man he tried to get the infinity gauntlet from. Then tried to run to a time portal truck thing with said infinity gauntlet. He locked eyes with the mad titan. His spidey senses went off like crazy. He ducked down. Missing the mad titans punch he didn’t even know what was coming.

“L-lord I…” Peter looked up at him. He went cold. Seeing the Titan glare at him before smiling. What the fuck.

“Child.” He reached his hand out resting on his shoulder. “Do you think they should receive punishment?” Peter looked back at them. Everyone looked scared, but not for themselves.

“No.. they just made a mistake. I’m sure they didn’t mean it.” Thanos made him look back at him. Using his bare hand grabbing Peter by the chin. Making him lock eyes. He could feel just how big Thanos was. He could crush his head.

“Would you take their punishment?” He narrowed his eyes. Peter had to give an answer. Natasha and Steve quickly stood up.

“My Lord! Please I can— mmhhnn!” Natasha found her mouth completely gone. She made eye contact with Wanda. Her eyes glowing red.

“Nat! Lord please” Steve pleaded and he took her in his arms. Before they were both blasted back by Wanda. They groaned out in pain trying to get up. Groot and Rocket stood, knowing they could do nothing and moved to the side guided by Mantis. She held Rocket and hugged Groot. Not often she was allowed to be with her friends, actually she was never allowed to see them, face to face at least.

“Well child? Thanos asked, his grip became more present.

“So you manipulated a child? Groundbreaking.” Dr Strange said, interrupting Thanos’ story.

“Not quite, I manipulated all of them, not just a child. He is their weakest link, you break him, you break the chain. Leaving it unable to complete it’s task."

"But in this case it was a fighting spirit they kept alive for more than a year." Dr Strange said.

"Why do you think I put him in the team? To grow close then at the right moment rip him away.” Thanos said, leaning back in his chair and looking over at the cage where the cloak of levitation was held. It hadn't stopped trying to get to Strange. But was never successful. He looked at it, his eyes narrowed and brows furrowed.

“Welp, hurry and tell me.” He braced for the answer he already knew. The memories he had of the spider coming through when he helped fight Thanos. Thanos cleared his voice ready to continue.

“Kid don’t.” Steve said. “My lord— mhnn!” Wanda’s magic once more. Peter looked conflicted. Then he looked over to see Groot, Mantis, and Rocket all wrapped up together. Their connection and relationship ran so deep. Even after Not seeing them for a while.

“I’ll take it, their punishment.” Peter said. Thanos smiled.

Chapter Text

Mantis rubbed her eyes. Sitting up and looking over at Wanda. They shared a room and a quite large bed. She shook Wanda’s shoulder.

“Wanda? Wake up.” Mantis was met with a groan and a turn. Mantis sighed and got up. Her feet touching the cold floor. Just like Ego she didn’t really get a say in her life. She went over to the table, her outfit already laid out for her.

“Kid what were you thinking?” Steve said, trying to retain himself from yelling.

“Well… I just” Peter shrugged then looked over at Rocket.

“Oh no kid! This ain't my fault I just stood to the side. They were the losers getting beat.” He pointed to Natasha who had her arms crossed and Steve who didn't have the patience for this.

“Look you little… ferret.” she narrowed her eyes taking a step in Rockets direction. Steve stopped her. His hand grabbed her upper arm.

“Natasha.” Steve said, locking eyes with her. Then she looked back at Peter, mask off looking down at his web shooters.

“How did he even find out!” She yelled her arms flared out.

Wanda was still half asleep. Mantis was brushing her hair, trying to keep her straight up. Wanda felt something when Mantis took care of her like this. Warm memory of her mother's touch came back.

“Okay, your turn.” Wanda said looking and at Mantis, Mantis smiled, handing the brush to Wanda. And turning around. Unlike Wanda, Mantis' hair grew past her butt. Wanda wasn't allowed to have her hair grow past her shoulders. Thanos thought it would get in the way of her real purpose.

Wanda found it therapeutic, a small moment of peace when Thanos wasn't telling her to hurt someone. It made her feel like she was missing something though. A maternal feeling bubbling up. But only when she brushes Mantis’ hair. Any other times she was with Mantis she felt something else. Not love, that was for the Vision. When Thanos allowed her to kneel And touch his gauntlet touching the mind stone, reaching to Vision. That was love.

“Thank you Wanda, the braid you give me is always lovely.” Mantis said. As Wanda used her magic to make Mantis’ hair flow into a nice clean braid. If she used her hands it would no doubt take longer and be messier. Thanos didn't like his pets to look messy.

“Yes of course. But Mantis, do you know why our outfits are different today?” Wanda asked. Usually Wanda wore black and red fighting uniform. But now she was given a deep red almost black dress. Mantis was always given a simple long white dress with a train. She was no longer meant for combat, no matter what. Her dress given today had a lot more gold decorations/jewelry spread all over it.

“Peter's punishment is today.”

“Look kid. We don't really know what Thanos is gonna throw at you.” Natasha said.

“You don't but I do.” Peter said back. “He had me watch Thor's and Clint's punishment was like Mantis his pet. Why do you think I wasn't on the recovering team originally.” He looked up at them all.

They all remembered the hug Natasha gave seeing him for the first time in months. Just glad to see another ally had made it. When he was put of the recovery team, late. Everything clicked.

“Son of a bitch he did this on purpose.” Natasha said, stepping away and rubbing her face.

“I am Groot?”

“Rocket?” Steve asked. Rocket sighed.

“Groot asked why.”

“To keep us in check.” Steve said in his chair looking down at the floor. “Fuck.”

“I am Groot?” He asked Peter.

“Lord told me I was never allowed to say. Or I would face worse than that.” Peter said unable to look at anyone. Remembering what he saw.

“So what are the punishments? Lord doesn't allow me to see them like you got to Wanda.” Mantis asked as Wanda was putting jewelry around her neck and vice versa.

“It depends on the "crime". I really don't know what will happen to the kid. Sold at a high price, rented, or cryo-freeze, entertainment, put with the grandmaster to serve him.”

“What happens if he is rented or bought?”

“Whatever they want.” Wanda said as they both were now ready with one final check in the mirrors. They were now allowed to walk down the stairs, down the hallways, through those big double doors, into Thanos quarters.

They saw Thanos standing up putting his armor on and admiring his helmet he held in his hand. “Pets.”

“Lord.” They said in unison bowing to him. He stood from his chair. And walked over, looming over the two.

“Don’t you both look lovely. Let's go.” He walked past them the following only a few steps behind.

“Peter parker.” Clint said. Getting the attention of the group. All of them exchanged glances for what they once Natasha and Steve frozen. He was fucking alive! Natasha smiled and ran to hug him. But Clint was now a messenger just like Hope. He cleared his throat and looked at Peter. Briefly returning the hug he wanted for years and pushing her off gently. This slapped Natasha to reality and she backed away. Clint was changed, was if Fury was too. She left the room panick in her mind.

“He will see you now.” Steve looked at Clint pleading with his eyes. Just for him to try something. As Peter got up and walked past everyone to Clint. Clint’s eyes said I'm sorry as it took everything in him to tear his eyes away. Clint had lost his family, Thanos made him watch as the time stone played it back. A time loop just for him, it lasted 5 years or 1,827 days. Ever second every hour every moment. The room was quiet when the two left. The only noise being the door shutting.

He was led to a big ship. The doors opened Thanos, Mantis, and Wanda all aboard.

“Wanda, he needs to change.” Before Peter could process this. Wanda waved her hand and blasted the kid with something. It turned his suit into a white loose clothes draped like a tunic or something from the ancient Greek era? Peter was confused. This isn’t what happened to Thor? He was put in a gladiator ring and forced to fight copies of his brother for days on end. Then forced to fight the avengers soon after. It was a time loop. Being forced to fight is deep friends and lost brother.

“You think I showed you everything? Please i just showed you the time loop punishment.” Thanos said to Peter. Peter felt his feet get heavy. His body no longer wanting to move.

“You are about to be rented to the highest bidder. The same thing that happened to some of your friends. Like the other Peter you may remember?” Peter wanted to sink into the floor at Thanos’ words.

“B-but Thor—” “He was rented. The customer thought it would be funny. With a little persuasion from my Pets here.” He waved his hand over to Wanda but where was Mantis?”

He felt calm all of a sudden. And dilated? Maybe? Also sleepy in a way he never felt before. All terrors and nightmares drifted away from him. He fell backwards Mantis had caught him.

Chapter Text

“Mhnnn ughh” Peter groans out. He lifts his head bonking it on… glass? What? His back was on something flat and cold. Almost no room. It was a pod with a completely glass front. Peter looked around as he puts his hand on the glass about to try and break it. But Mantis walks into view, he relaxed slightly. Stopping what he was doing.

“Don't worry Peter, it's just something to keep you sterilized and clean, or pristine? Maybe that's the word?” She stops to think.

“Where… what?” Peter says confused bringing a hand to his forehead.

“You're being rented to the highest bidder.”

“What!” He bangs on the glass. Everything started to come back to him. He looks down to see himself in a fucking loin cloth! It was long and white decorated with gold and jew embroidery. And he was in fact dressed in gold chains and necklaces and jews as well. With a few gold paint markings.

“Don't worry Peter Lord and Wanda will be here soon their getting you slot sorted out then you can be let out.” She tried to give him a smile. Before opening her mouth to add on.

“Don't waste your energy either, if Thor couldn't break out I don't think you can. Lord doesn’t want you to scuff or damage yourself.”

Peter fell back to the cold metal. He didn’t know what was going to happen. He saw Thor's battle but didn't know anything behind the curtain. Whatever this was, it felt like a rich person's Auction. Tony! Maybe Tony Was here? Maybe Tony would by him, save him?! There was an alliance and revolution being put together? There had to be!

He heard a distinct noise form behind him. It had to be an automated door. The slide and the “chhhh” noise. Then heavy footsteps. Thanos, it had to be and it was. Thanos walked Into the view of Peter's pod. Wanda close behind. Her footsteps were drowned out by his.

But wait the door it opened again? Those footsteps were just as heavy. Thump But less firm. He shivered as a memory came back to him.

“You are about to be rented to the highest bidder.” Thanos said in Peter's memory. Was it time. Thump. Why wasn't he on stage? Thump. Was he already rented? Thump. Did It happened when he was asleep? Thump. How heavy was his sleep? Thump. His face and body went cold with paranoia as the thought.

Thanos spoke up. “He hasn't been rented yet. I doubt he was ever touched by another too.” That snapped him to reality and made him feel a bit embarrassed then a bit sad, MJ was gone Ned was too. He started to look down.

“You get a sneak peak for helping with the others.” He said as the other alien came into view, Peter didn't look up. As you could tell, he has a habit of getting lost in his thoughts.

The alien was a dark color. Fat, slimey, with some of the smile forming into drips and tentacle looking. He was a bit like a blob. Not Transparent and he wore a suit like one ones on earth. He was as just a little shorter than Thanos.

Thanos and the alien talked in a language he couldn't understand. Then alien shook his head no presumably. But Thanos held out a finger to tell him to wait.

Knock knock knock. Peter snapped out of it once again. Seeing the alien for the first time the tentacles made him look like some sort of fat mind flayer from dnd, with a non football shaped head. Peter's face was shocked seeing the new alien. He pressed himself up against The metal gulping.

The fat alien made a facial expression. Then spoke in English. “Hello, do you speak?” Peter nodded. “Then say something.” it said.

“H-hi I'm P-peter Parker.” He said timidly, cringing at his stuttering mentality. The Alien laughed. Then turned his back to Peter. “He'll get along with…” The Alien asked waving his hand with emphasis. Another person! it had to be, as he saw Thanos nod yes. An ally, oh he hoped it was… Anyone!

Thanos and the other alien walked off talking in A different language Wanda and Mantis stayed by the pod.

Peter cleared his throat. “So umm. How will this work?” No response from Wanda, Which encouraged Mantis to say something.

“I'm not sure I never watched–” “Mantis.” Wanda cut her off.

It was silence for the rest of that undesignated but long time period. Then the pod opened.

“Alright let's go Peter.” Mantis said. The pod was open, he didn't have his web shooters. But he was across from a door. He could still stick to walls, run as fast as needed, and was still strong. He was a smart kid. Would he make a run for it? He took a step forward looking at the door.

Wanda saw Peter and knew what would happen but she wouldn't say anything out of fear of losing the mind stone, Vision. The only thing that made life worth living. She looked over at Mantis and shook her head no, telling her not to stop him.

Why weren't they trying to stop me, just block my path. I know Thanos doesn't want the goods to be ruined. But…

Wanda saw him pause, thinking before running away. Then he looked at her, she looked down.

Mantis deep down hoped he could get away but why wasn’t Wanda stopping him.

Something wasn't right he took another few steps forward to the door. Now about a yard from Wanda and Mantis.

Mantis was about to do something but Wanda stopped her again. Then his Spidey senses went off and he moved back to the pod, in a few swift and quick steps. He was next to Wanda and Mantis. Then his Spidey senses calmed.

“Alright let's go Peter.” Mantis said gently. He followed Mantis and Wanda. He glanced back at the door, whatever was behind that door was better left unknown.

Mantis was suddenly split from Wanda and Peter. Leaving them, Peter turned to follow her but Wanda said. “No, you're with me.” And just like that the two kept walking.

Soon that had reached the side of the auction stage. Some alien women was up there long blonde almost white hair black eyes and Antennas like Mantis. She was sobbing, and couldn't keep it together. She looked at Peter and that made him run cold. She knew what was gonna happen to her, what was gonna happen to him? Everything hit him like a train.

He was being sold– rented to anyone and do anything they wanted. He felt his feet glue To the floor. His bones turn into cement so heavy he couldn't move.

He couldn't even understand what The auctioneer was saying, how much this woman was worth. He felt sick.

Then a loud bang, the auction must have been over. She was taken off stage. Now it was his turn.

As Wanda saw all of this play out before, she knew what he was thinking. “Go, or Lord will be mad and you'll be rented to the worse one.” He didn't move.

“You'll come back in bloody pieces if you come back at all.” She said with a slight nudge on his shoulder. He moved one foot forward. He couldn’t understand anything as the stage light shined down on him, blinding him.

He could see Thanos in the audience with Mantis. All the Alien's Raising their hands looked different, with different plans in mind. He felt his legs grow weak. He stomach wanting to push whatever he ate back up. He couldn’t do it.

You could hear a thump and the clanks of jewelry as he fell. He wasn't knocked out he just couldn’t stand he wanted to run. He would be forced to do anything and probably everything he didn’t want to do. 

So he ran, or got up quickly before Wanda magic held him in place. Running was never an option. His legs were stuck and the bids kept going. His vision got blurry and his eyes grew wet.

He could tell by the increase in noise that his tears made him a bigger sell. Then bang it was over and he was rented.

Chapter Text

It had been almost 8 months without Peter. Everything felt off, and the air was always filled with worry and paranoia for what was happening to him.

The recovery team was standing at attention. They had been called here, just landed their ship. It was time for him to give Peter back. Oh god, Natasha's brows furrowed knowing he wouldn't be okay, beat up, bloody maybe. Thanos walked in the room Wanda and Mantis following behind but where was Peter. Oh god…

Natasha felt a pull inside her something in her that was already broken, breaking more, crumbling into more pieces then she knew it ever would, but yet knew it could break more. Her lips quivered as she parted them, a shaky breath being inhaled sharply. She knew she could play the mind games, Loki, Derykov. But Thanos played her game better, even changing the rules. She never felt this weak sense Ohio.

“W-where” “I’m afraid as strong as my will is, I couldn’t control myself when he started to beg.” Oh god that made them all want to hurl. Natasha’s skin crawled, Steve got the familiar feeling when he saw the winter soldier tapes. Rocket got a chill, and Groot felt like he had termites. Nebula closed her eyes knowing what would happen, what did happen.

“I am Groot!”

“Don’t worry Groot, he is coming.” Thanos said. “The man who rented him has another pet, who is bringing him. Now moving on I want you all to think about how you talk to your lord, who can change your life within a second. I am keeping you all alive, don't make me punish you again. It will bring me pleasure, not regret.” 

The door opened and it was “Bucky” Steve said. Bucky was similarly dressed like Mantis, decorated like a pet just darker colors. He was carrying Peter, oh god everyone took in his appearance. Peter was… “Oh god” Rocket said.

Where was Peter's suit? Why was he wearing a white toga and it was stained with something light purple. He was clearly hurt and beaten. “N-Natasha.” Steve said, looking over at her. She ran to grab a gurney from the med bay in the ship. Nebula followed.

Silence.

“I expect all of you to learn from this.” He turned to leave. “Girls.” Mantis and Wanda left.

“Steve.”

“Buck.”

…

Rocket and Groot left the room to prepare the med bay for when Natasha brought him over.

…

“What happened to you? Him?” Steve asked. He felt… relieved? Well Bucky was alive, it was a good thing, but what did he go through?

“I was sold.” Steve opened his mouth to respond. Bucky cut him off.

“We have bigger problems like the kid.” He said as Natasha came in, perfect timing. Bucky set him down. Steve and Natasha turned to leave. But Bucky did not follow.

“Buck, come on.”

“I can't.” He looked down. Steve wanted to ask why and Bucky sensed that. “I was sold, he was rented, I have an” He closed his eyes to say it. “An owner.”

“Bucky I'm sorry, it was nice to see but I gotta help the kid. I wish we could've met again under better circumstances.” Natasha said, prioritizing Peter's safety and health.

Bucky smiled with the little spirit he had. “The world has a habit of doing that to us.” Natasha and Bucky held each other's gaze. Understanding each other, mind control, murder, the confusion and loss after giving freedom. Natasha broke her gaze away and rolled Peter away.

It was just Bucky and Steve in the room. It was suddenly the 1940s.

“Are you okay?”

“No”

“Buck I'm sorry”

“You did nothing wrong. You always tried the best you could.”

They hugged. Everything felt okay for a moment, calm.

“What happened to the kid?”

“Rape.”

The hug tightened and the memories from the tapes resurfaced. Steve didn't want but he needed to know. His eyes glazed over as his lips parted.

“Were you?”

“Everyone who was ever sold or rented was.”

Chapter Text

Steve walked into the med bay. “How is he?”

“His vitals are fine, I think he passed out, but I can't tell from what. It could be overstimulation, exhaustion, or maybe even starvation.” Natasha said, not looking up from a screen monitoring his vitals.

“But it could be a combination of all those things.” Rocket said. “I ran a few tests and it seems these could all have contributed to this. Not feeding him properly, which led to him being tried more, then whatever they had him do. He clearly couldn't take it.”

Steve stiffened. “Steve, what did Bucky tell you?” Natasha asked.

He felt a lump in his throat, he couldn't move. He opened his mouth to speak but nothing came out. God he hadn't felt this pathetic in a long time. He wasn’t even the one it happened too.

“Natasha, he was” Steve closed his eyes. “Run a Sexual assault forensic exam. With the stuff we have.” He turned to leave. “Tell me when the kid gets up.”

The door shut behind him was the only noise.

“If we're gonna do that we need him to be awake. I'll go find Groot, and we'll Get the it set up.” Natasha nodded in response to Rocket.

Natasha was left only with Peter, the heart rate monitor began to get louder. Deafening even. She winced and hovered her ears. Then a blue light? It was a portal using the space stone. It was across from her on the other side of Peter. Thanos walked in alone.

Natasha stood there Like a deer in headlights. Thanos grabbed her by the neck holding her over Peter's. “Don't you ever say anything like that again or Peter won't come back next time. Steve won't come back either. Do you understand.”

Her vision was blurry, then she remembered the arsenal of weapons she had on her, her widow bites. Then a red light from the infinity gauntlet enticed her to act. She swung her arm up and she what her sleeve it was gone?

“Do you understand?”

She reached down to her side for a knife, gun, anything. She was starting to get scared. Then she felt her hip? What? Not knifes or guns, not even the fabrics of her suit.

“I'll ask you one more time.” He let her go. She landed on the med bay table missing Peter's body by a hair or two. She got off the table falling on her ass, as she backed into a wall. She coughed as she gained her ability to breathe again.

“Do you understand?” He started to walk around Peter. To Natasha. She felt scared like a little girl. She felt small.

“It's a simple question, do you understand?”

“I understand.” 

Thanos smiled. “What do you understand?”

“I, I understand not to disrespect you.” She said. She brought her knees to her chest to cover up.

“And?”

“You hold all the power. I am… nothing.”

The red glow happened again. She felt her suit her weapons. “Good, I apologize for having to strip you down. But when we are bare, we relieve our truth.” And with that he opened a portal sparing a glance to Peter as he left.

Rocket walked in, seeing Natasha in a corner curled up. “Natasha?” She stood. 

“I'm fine, do you have the kit?” She said as she dusted herself off.

“I am Groot.” Groot Handed her the kit.

“Alright let's get this set up well we wait.” She said pulling out a table.

Chapter Text

The med bay was quite, Steve had left it and hadn't come back. Unable to face what his words caused, what was supposed to comfort one hurt another. Groot was off handing Rocket tools to the ship as he was making adjustments. Natasha was at Peter's side as the both slept. Natasha hadn't left, feeling just a guilty as Steve. She fell asleep on Peter's bed, arms crossed for a pillow. Peter was regaining his strength through an IV tube, sleep, and whatever else the recovery team could offer even prays. It was dead silent on the ship. Nobody talked sense Thanos left and Natasha set up the kit. The only noises were Rocket tinkering then all the way across the ship was Peter's heart rate monitor in the med bay.

Then it started to get faster, louder. Beep… beep… Beep.. BEEP, BEEP, BEEP. Peter jolted up in a cold sweat but somehow was burning up. He felt hot but shivered. He looked around as he breathed. He wasn’t in that room anymore, he had a faint memory of Bucky picking him up. Before he feel alseep.

He started to feel sick as the memories of his rent came back. Then he heard Natasha stir awake.

“Peter?” She said rubbing her eyes. She looked at him for a few seconds before realizing he was awake.

“Peter!” She sat straight up. “I'm so glad you're awake.” She slowly reached to hug him to see how he reacted.

Peter was hesitant but hugged back, his spidey senses clearly knew better than him. Natasha would never do what that alien did.

The hug was tight, he could tell Natasha was there. Natasha on the other hand couldn't feel Peter, only a few pats on her back.

As the hug broke she looked Peter in the eyes. “I know what happened,” Peter looked down. “Bucky told us. We have a… kit to help you out. I'm here for you.”

“I umm,” He knew Bucky would but what still surprised. “How would a kit help? I know who did it.”

“Peter a SAFE kit doesn't just collect the assaulters DNA. It helps look at how bad you were hurt, what to do to help you get the right care, and yes collecting DNA.” She adds on with a bit of a smile, bringing the kit over.

“If your not comfort with me using the kit, we could work something else out surely.”

Peter nods. “I'd like for you to do it. If that's okay.” He added on.

Natasha smiled. “Of course Peter.” She walked over to the door. “Is it okay if I lock it, so no one will walk in on you?”

Peter looked down and shook his head no. “I want it unlocked.” Natasha smiled again.

“That's okay. We can leave it unlocked.” Her voice was so gentle. So calm. She was really trying to comfort him. Make him less tense as possible.

“Let's get started.” She walked over to the tray with the SAFE kit.

“I am Groot!” Steve looked dumbfounded but was started to understand.

“Uhhh, Awake? What?”

“I am Groot.”

“Look Groot I'm not the kid,” Groot perked up. “I just don't understand you as fast as he did.”

“I am Groot! I am Groot!”

“What? The kid? Ohhhh, the kids awake?”

“I am Groot” Groot nodded. Damn he wished Rocket was here. That wouldn't have took so long.

“Thanks, I'll check on him in a bit.” And Steve gave him a wave as Groot left.

Steve went back to thinking. The first Time he had seen Bucky sense Thanos won. Bucky was sold. And they couldn’t even have a proper talk. He remembered back to the only interaction with Bucky he had.

“I can't stay long Steve.” Bucky said as he broke off the hug.

“What, why? Just a little longer please Buck.” Steve said, not even trying to hide the desperation in his voice.

“He said if I say to long, I'll be punished.” He looked down. Steve was shocked.

“Punished? Bucky.”

“No, I'm sorry Steve, I want to be here with you. Make sure Peter is okay. But he gave me strict orders. I intend to follow them.” Bucky couldn't look at Steve as he continued well aware how sad and pathetic his life was, it felt like I new low. But at least it wasn't hydra. His only justification and dumbass reasoning.

“Peter will need medical attention. What he went through.”

“Did you go through it too?”

“Yes, that's not the point. As soon as we were captured by Thanos army. I didn’t see you again.”

“Right the cells, I could hear you but couldn't see you. How long were you kept in there?”

“I was with Wanda. For about 6 months. Then I was sold. I don't know what happens to her.” what Bucky was saying made Steve realized nobody had the full picture.

“Thanos broke her.”

“What?” Bucky shot his eyes up.

“Yeah, she is” He paused, unable to say it at first. Not accepting this was Wanda's true self. “She is his right hand.”

“Steve.”

“I'm serious.”

“It was really nice seeing you again Steve.” They hugged one more time before he left.

“Mr Rodgers?” It was Peter, he was dressed in pj's and not the

“Peter? What are you doing out of the medbay! Are you okay?”

“Yeah…” After Peter's answer Steve was inclined to say are you sure but held back knowing now not to act like he knew Peter more than Peter knew himself. So Steve just nodded. The air was filled with quiet.

“I just wanted some air. What's going on with our missions.”

“Oh umm,” Steve cleared this throat. He felt he knew the kid, but Stark just had a spark with him.

“Well, Thanos, he has given us our planet list.” He walked over to the ships main computer to pull up the list for Peter as he did.

“Look Queens.” The nickname, was trying to make this come off softer. “You need to process what happened to you.”

“I have.”

That cut whatever see wanted to say or worries to voice off. The stern tone. It wasn't kind or admittedly awkward tone he normal had. It was clear Peter needed time to open up.

Time.

Chapter Text

The door was opening, they had landed on the next planet for recovery. Peter raised his hand to cover his eyes. His brows furrowed in thought as the sun shined through the cracks.

His foot planted in the planet's soil. He was in his suit, he had his webs, he was safe. He had to be. Steve saw Peter clench his fist as he looked at the ground.

“I am Groot?” Peter heard faintly. He didn’t care to try and understand at the moment. But then he felt something hard touch his cheek and his face.

Everyone was left immensely worried and shocked when they saw how he reacted to Groot reaching out with a branch to touch Peter’s face. He had webbed to a nearby building, sticking to the wall.

I can get away this time. I can keep myself safe. No! I am... Safe? I am safe with them, I, I have to be. He was too lost in his own mind to hear anything. Including Steve's voice call out to him.

“Why isn't he responding.”

“Steve you know why.” Rocket said sharply. Steve might have shoot back but Natasha wasn't going to have this right now.

“Okay stop, both of you. This isn’t about us. Argue later–” Before Natasha could finish scolding like she hated doing. Peter swung over landing.

“Sorry…” Peted said plainly.

“Why would you be?” Natasha said. “You didn't do anything wrong.” Peter held Natasha gaze for a moment.

“Maybe you should stay on the ship for a while Queens.” Steve stated.

“No. I want to be here.” He did a little shake off. Shaking his hands walked forward. But he knew sooner or later he would have to talk about what happened to him. That made Peter shiver, they wouldn't judge him but they would change, that was a fact, he just didn't know how.

As the people of the planet gathered around the recovery team for help. Nebula, Steve, and Natasha could be seen handing things out. Well rocket was setting up technology to help them stay connected to Thanos’ soon to be empire. And Groot helping kick start the planet crops.

Peter was sitting a top a building. Thinking, sinking back to his time with Bucky.

“Can I ask, what happened to your metal arm?”

“He took it.” Bucky said blankly. As he adjusted Peters new clothes.

“The Alien guy?”

“Yeah”

“Why?”

He didn't want to tell Peter the truth, but he didn’t want to force him into this mess blindfolded. He took a sharp breath.

“He likes weak and broken things, it makes him feel like a hero.” Bucky didn't turn to look at Peter's face. Knowing what it was implying about him. Bucky knew it would be hard to get his jailer's attention away from a new toy.

“What is gonna happen to me.”

“Nothing.” And looking back on this now Bucky did try to make this a reality.

Peter liked to think he understood Steve in this moment. Why he broke laws for him. Peter looked down from his building at Steve. Bucky did try.

“All right Peter, this guy has a temper. Don't try to upset him. And if you do make him mad, just remember this isn’t permanent. You'll be out of here in no time.”

“Can you tell me more?” Peted tried to hide that he was shaken maybe scared. He couldn’t put a word on it.

“He likes games.” Before Peter could ask what he ment, he heard the door slide open.

“Remember what I said.” The light at the end of the tunnel.

“I am Groot!” Peter snapped out of it.

“What really?” He said looking around, the sun was going down already? I guess he better get back to the ship. Groot could hear the whip of his webs.

Nebula was in the main room of their ship. She heard the entrance close and open. Groot and Peter walked in.

“I am Groot.” He said fo Nebula.

“I know it's annoying.”

Peter shot a confused look.

“Wait, what?”

“We haven't finished everything on the checklist so we must stay one more day.” That's odd they never stayed more than one day, just worked into the night then left.

“Why don't we just finish now?” Peter asked.

“There's someone called a moon worm on their planet.”

“Wha–”

“It's something you don't want to meet. It's in the same family as those giant creatures the avenger fought when loki was attacking new york.” Nebula didn’t have to look over to know Peter got excited, that gasp did it for him.

“Wait, the thing the Hulk punched and it was like super epic!”

“Yes” Nebula heard Peter Let out another gasp

“Oh my god, those are on this planet!” Peter turned to look out a window.

“Similar type, just more deadly. So Steve had given orders, no night time exploring, no night walks, and he’ll be handling anything that has required to go outside.” Nebula said.

Peter understood why, but these rules, they made his chest feel tight. They made him feel confined, stuck? He didn't get why but it was best he finally get rest in his own bed.

Chapter Text

Bucky was rubbing circles on Peter as he vomited. “Just try to breathe kid.”

Kid? Peter looked at him. “I'm not a kid” Not anymore. And Bucky couldn't call him that after seeing that.

“You're right I-” The door opened. And it was him, the alien was speaking in a language Peter didn't understand but Bucky got the gist of it. And his eyebrows were furrowed.

“Just breathe Peter, remember this isn’t permanent.” Bucky said before walking over to the Alien. He grabbed Bucky by the base of his hair, taking him away. He would be back for Peter.

Peter awoke in a cold sweat. He pushed himself out of bed and fell to the floor panting. He frankly looked around.

He moved to sit on the floor. Gulping down air, arms rested on his knees. Gathering himself, he put one hand over his eyes.

“Just breathe,” Peter repeated to himself. Well he could get some air on top of the ship. It's not like he would be out wondering. He would be safe on top of the ship. He hurried to get dressed.

“It's not as bad as it looks,” Bucky said. His “owner” didn't play nice, Bucky had multiple bruises.

“Peter, he can't treat you this bad, you're not officially his.” They both knew that wasn't as comforting as they wanted.

Peter used a window and his powers to get to the top of the ship. Making sure to be quiet and not wake anyone. Or touch the ground just in case that's how those moon worm things got people. He wouldn't know he's never seen one and hopefully it would stay that way.

“So, do you know how many others were… sold like you” Peter asked.

“I don't know really, I know anyone who evaded being sold or escaped their owner multiple times were locked up in some box and buried. Some were sent to be experimented on.”

“What, do you have names!” Peter was utterly shocked.

“I'm not sure didn't ever go to the prisons.” Bucky's thoughts lingered on if it would be better or worse than this. “But one girl, Yelena, we shared an owner. But she was sent away years ago. He hated dealing with us both.”

Peter watched the night sky, as she clutched his jacket. It was cold but warmer than that hell.

“Look Peter there is something you need to tell the others. Thanos and my owner were talking and you need to tell Steve I know he hasn't given up yet. Thanos has grown relaxed with power. He doesn’t think anyone will fight let alone win against him these days. So he is bringing everyone together. For the ultimate showing of his grand win.”

Peter gasped. “Wait, everyone from earth is coming back together? For what?”

“Once his recovery team reaches their last few planets they will be recalled back to home base. Along with everyone, every sold or rented will come back. Everyone who tried to stop Thanos. Will be brought back and they will be put on display. Tell steve”

“All of us back in one room.” Peter said to himself as he looked at the sun starting to peek out.