but i'm not a wordsmith

Motion Practice, an Avengers AU
Chapter 5 Interlude: “In Which Anthony Stark Goes For the Win”
Bruce Banner, Tony Stark
Rated PG-13 for language; 2,124 words
Author's Note: Takes place during Motion Practice Chapter 5.


Jordan Silva-Riberio is dead, Zebediah Killgrave has been arrested, Bruce Banner has been harassed by press, and now:

“It’s some kind of flowering desert cactus, according to the internet.”

“You Googled your cactus?” Darcy asks.

“Not my cactus. Tony’s cactus.” Bruce looks directly at Clint. He narrows his eyes, and suddenly, Clint understands why social workers wait until he’s out of the office to submit sloppy reports. That look could wither a whole garden of cactuses—cacti?—at twenty paces. “Tony gave me a cactus.”

Clint—still isn’t following. He’s not sure he’s meant to follow, like maybe this is a psychological test of some kind. A mind game. “That’s—nice of him?”

“He gave me the cactus because ‘if Barton can have a pillow, you can have this.’” He opens his hands. “I don’t want a cactus.”

“I—”

“I don’t,” Bruce repeats, “want a cactus.”

This is the story of Bruce Banner's cactus.


( Chapter 5 Interlude: In Which Anthony Stark Goes For the Win )


Previous chapters: Disclaimer | Prologue | Chapter 1 | Chapter 2 | Chapter 3 | Chapter 4 | Chapter 5

Motion Practice, an Avengers AU
Chapter 4: “To See, To Say”
Clint Barton, Tony Stark, Natasha Romanoff, Bruce Banner, Darcy Lewis, Thor Odinson, Bucky Barnes, Wade Wilson, Phil Coulson, Maria Hill, Steve Rogers
Rated PG-13 for language; 9,723 words
Author's Note: In jury selection, a "challenge for cause" is a tool an attorney uses to dismiss a juror for a sound legal reason (i.e., that juror is too biased to decide the case impartially). In most jurisdictions, the challenging attorney must present his reasoning to the court and allow opposing counsel to respond. Attorneys generally have an unlimited number of challenges for cause. A "peremptory challenge", on the other hand, is one in which the attorney does not have to explain his reasoning. These challenges are usually limited in number and, as long as the attorney isn't doing something improper with them (i.e. using them to eliminate all the women on the panel), the court and opposing counsel do not interfere.


When Clint Barton takes a job prosecuting traffic offenses and DUIs at the Suffolk County District Attorney's office, he's pretty sure his life is finally going in the right direction. But the problem isn't the direction: it's where he ends up.

In this chapter, Clint discovers that sulking is simultaneously productive and lonely, and decides that one of those conditions is unacceptable.


( Chapter 4: To See, To Say )


Previous chapters: Disclaimer | Prologue | Chapter 1 | Chapter 2 | Chapter 3

Motion Practice, an Avengers AU
“Chapter 2: Ascent”
Clint Barton, Sif Rowan, Darcy Lewis, Jane Foster, Bruce Banner, Tony Stark, Natasha Romanoff, Phil Coulson, Maria Hill, Loki Laufeyson, Thor Odinson, Wade Wilson, Peggy Carter, Steve Rogers, Volstagg, Fandral, Hogun, Heimdall, Nick Fury, Pepper Potts, Obadiah Stane
Rated PG-13 for language; 11,455 words
Author's Note: This chapter contains a motion hearing regarding evidence of a rape victim's behavior, and whether the victim's behavior prior to the assault can be admitted into evidence during trial. There are no graphic descriptions of rape or sexual violence, however; I tried to ensure it wouldn't be uncomfortable or triggering for anyone.


When Clint Barton takes a job prosecuting traffic offenses and DUIs at the Suffolk County District Attorney's office, he's pretty sure his life is finally going in the right direction. But the problem isn't the direction: it's where he ends up.

In this chapter, Clint finally finds his footing, puts his foot in his mouth, makes a friend . . . and learns that with every ascent comes a fall.


( Chapter 2: Ascent )

Previous chapters: Disclaimer | Prologue | Chapter 1

Motion Practice, an Avengers AU
"Prologue: The First Day"
Clint Barton, Maria Hill, Steve Rogers, Tony Stark, Pepper Potts, Thor Odinson, Bruce Banner, Darcy Lewis, Natasha Romanoff, Jane Foster, Nick Fury, Phil Coulson
Rated PG for language; 5,896 words


When Clint Barton takes a job prosecuting traffic offenses and DUIs at the Suffolk County District Attorney's office, he's pretty sure his life is finally going in the right direction. But the problem isn't the direction: it's where he ends up.

In this chapter, Clint experiences his first day of work.


( Prologue: The First Day )


Previous chapters: Disclaimer