#“club penguin looking son of a bitch”

[atariaaren]

trying to get used to drawing them with my tablet

[boydepartment]

Pizza Parlor- Lee Felix: Chapter 7!

Description: Y/n is a stressed-out college student who has no idea what she is doing with her life. She is always wrapped up in nostalgia and her friends seem to know exactly what they're doing. Feeling insecure one night she decides to go on an old website. Club Penguin. Little does she know; she would encounter a certain penguin who was also having a rough night.

Stray Kids are idols, TXT is not.

Partial smau, mainly written.

Warnings for chapter 7: cursing!

WC- 2.4k???? I think????

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masterlist

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Song for Chapter 7: Mr. Loverman – Ricky Montgomery

Chapter 7: The first I love you.

Another week flew by quickly and you found yourself having to pick up more shifts. You really overestimated your paycheck. The taxes on said paycheck were really killing you and it was hard to save money when you needed school supplies, food, your discounted school gym membership, amongst helping pay rent. Everything costs money and you were more aware of it than ever. You tried to not let it stress you out, but it still did. You even found yourself drifting a bit from Felix because of it. You didn’t want to; it was just stressful, and you didn’t want him to see you like that. Life just continued getting in the way again. Walking into your dorm after your closing shift and grocery run you flicked on the lights. You saw Taehyun peek his head from the hallway.

                “Hey! How was work?” He walked into the kitchen where you now started to put your groceries away in their designated shelf.

                “It was kinda stressful today, I had to rush after class so I wouldn’t be late.” You sighed and tried to not start crying at everything. You missed not being stressed out; everything was so great a few days ago…

                “Have you talked to your friend recently?” Taehyun asked now getting a bottle of water.

You swallowed hard and shook your head no, “he’s been really busy and so have I…”

                “You should come to the gym with me.” Taehyun said and grabbed another water bottle, shaking it in your face, “helps with stress.”

You grabbed the water bottle and nodded, “yeah… I will come.”

Taehyun was right, it helped get a lot of stuff off your mind and helped with the stress. You were going to end up being sore but that was fine. For the first time in a few days, you felt a wave of stress relief.

                “You have work tomorrow?” Taehyun asked as you guys walked out of the gym into the cold air.

You took your head no, “nah, Lea wanted to cover for me. She said I have been working too much.”

                “You have, Y/n.” Taehyun spoke, and he cracked open another water he bought from the gym.

                “I know, it’s just when I go on that trip with Kai and his family, I don’t want to have to worry about money…” You mumbled.

Taehyun put his hand on your shoulder, “it’ll be okay.” You looked over at him and saw he was smiling. In that moment you did really believe that it would be okay. You were just psyching yourself out as usual. In retrospect you did technically have enough money saved.

                “Thank you, Taehyun.” You smiled back at him.

                “You’re most welcome!” He gave you a goofy nudge on the shoulder then you two walked home in comfortable silence. After you arrived you took a shower and started to really think about things.

Taehyun was right, it will be okay. You have been working 10x harder than you usually have. You really deserve a break tomorrow. You washed your hair and finished washing your face. Y/n you are going to do nothing tomorrow and you are going to like it.

You reluctantly got out of the shower after a couple minutes of debating it. When you got out you heard yelling again. Son of a bitch! You threw on your clothes and quickly jogged out seeing Taehyun and Yeonjun practically blocking the door.

                “Y/n leave this isn’t about you!” Beomgyu’s girlfriend yelled.

                “You have no right to be mad at any of us! You egged our home when you knew Y/n was the only one here!” Taehyun said, “AND YOU COME HERE IN THE MIDDLE OF THE NIGHT… THAT IS… REALLY WEIRD!”

Yeonjun let out a noise of agreement, “like goddamn what is your PROBLEM!?”

                “Beomgyu broke up with me because of YOU guys!” She practically yelled.

                “Okay and!?” Yeonjun spoke in a voice laced with attitude.

You were about to speak when you heard footsteps down the hallway and saw Kai.

                “What the hell is going on?” Kai asked.

                “Beomgyu’s ex is here.” You said and walked to the kitchen, she could see you and Kai through Taehyun and Yeonjun.

                “I am closing this door I am so done. MOVE YOUR FEET.” Yeonjun then really did slam and shut the door.

Kai looked between everyone, “What? When did Beomgyu break up with her?” You and Kai have been somewhat out of the loop. He was busy arranging the trip with his family and you were busy working and focusing on school. So, it’s not like either of you knew what the hell happened to lead up to her coming to your apartment… again… unannounced. Well other than her being a fucking psycho.

                “A couple weeks after the egg incident.” Yeonjun looked at Taehyun for confirmation. He nodded and Yeonjun continued, “he said she had been trying to control him too much and she was the reason why he was close to getting kicked out from a couple of his classes.”

                “I am gonna talk to the landlord tomorrow and tell her that she isn’t allowed here anymore.” Taehyun started to talk to Yeonjun. They were sort of the head of the house. You and Kai focused more on keeping everyone together if necessary.  

You just nodded and went back to your room, walking back in your bathroom you finished washing UP and brushing your hair. Shouldn’t you be happy that he finally dumped that psycho? Part of you felt kind of bad. But not because of that, no. You eyed your phone and saw you were still on delivered from Felix. You sighed and picked up your toothbrush. You really missed him.

Maybe you should try to call him? Maybe he just didn’t see it? Ugh… You didn’t know. You guys have barely talked AT ALL and you were starting to really worry. What if he was hurt? Or something happened?

You turned off the bathroom light and walked to your desk. You sat down and pulled your laptop out of your bag. The last time you felt this shitty you went on Club Penguin. Where you met him. Maybe it wasn’t good that you got so attached to him. Maybe it was a horrible thing, and you should be thankful you two drifted. Maybe you just needed to… God you didn’t even know. You typed in your password and opened up google. You had homework to do, you had to stop thinking about him.

15 minutes passed.

Then 25 minutes.

Then 45 minutes.

You, Y/n, have gotten no work done. You glanced at your phone which was still sat on your desk next to your laptop. The only think you succeeded at was becoming dehydrated due to crying.

You still did not have any notification from anyone, if you and Felix drifted, does that mean you could break your pinky promise? The thought made your chest tighten; you did not want to think about that. That was the last thing you wanted. The thought of you never talking to him again broke your heart. But your left brain really said to look at the logic about it. I mean you knew him for like a little over a month now. Statistically you should have known this was going to happen since he was so secretive and busy. Before you knew it you opened another tab and quickly started typing.

                                                   Stray Ki-

Your phone started ringing and you got a call.

You were getting a call. Quickly you looked over and saw it. It was FaceTime, so you just answered it without setting up your phone. You probably looked like a mess of tears.

                “Y/n I am so sorry, I got into some trouble at work, and they got unreasonably mad at me. My contract literally says I can talk to whoever I want! I am not under a ban anymore and I don’t know why they fucking got so mad at me. I felt fucking horrible I am so sorry I still- “Felix sounded the most stressed you have ever heard him.

                “Ban?” You asked.

                “It was in my contract, it’s- it’s complicated… Y/n I am so sorry, are you angry with me?”

You couldn’t stay mad at him, “I wasn’t mad… Just a little upset is all.” You voice wavered.

                “Y/n…” You heard him drop his bag and lay down.

                “It’s just been stressful these past few weeks and I just-“You took a deep breath, “I-“

From the other side of the phone, you heard talking, then Felix telling someone to genuinely get out.

                “I missed you…” You mumbled, “I have been so stressed out because of work and getting enough money for my trip that I have totally been overworking myself to the bone and it has just been too much.”

Felix sighed and took a deep breath, “I am really sorry I haven’t been there as much… I told you if you ever need help with anything like that to let me know…”

                “No! Felix please don’t apologize it’s not your fault… please. And I would feel terrible for asking that from you.” Your voice broke and you ended up crying again.

                “Y/n please don’t cry you’re going to make me cry.”

You tried to calm yourself down, “can you just like… talk to me… about anything, it can be about you.”

He hummed and moved around again, “I can talk to you…” Felix took a deep breath, “I went to a catholic high school, I used to be really popular there actually. I used to go on stage a lot for plays and talent shows. I guess I have always had a thing for performing. I almost got hit by my neighbor’s car. Uhhhhh, I graduated early, I never went to college though. Part of me wishes I did, because then I could help you more.”

Your breathing started to even out the more he continued to talk.

                “I used to live with 8 other people… Then it went down to 7 other people… That was pretty crazy to be honest. But now I just live with 3 other people. I guess my friends just needed more room, no more sharing rooms. Sometimes I do miss the old dorm. My friend, the one who my club penguin username refers to, he lives in the other apartment now.” You could hear Felix get lost in thought, he then started to laugh, “I have a pillow of him though, so I think I am still winning… How are you feeling y/n?”

You blew your nose, “I-I’m better thank you. I am really thankful for you Felix.”

                “Y/n you have no idea how much I am thankful for you.”

This caught your interest; you hadn’t really done anything to deserve this high praise. You were just his friend who he talks to sometimes.  

                “How so?”

Felix took a deep breath, “well, you make me feel normal. You don’t get mad at me even though I can’t tell you some things. You see me as a normal guy, you care for me, and you met me in such a casual way. Y/n I don’t get that. I don’t meet people casually anymore. I can’t make friends randomly anymore. You are an exception and- “You heard him huff, “I love you for that. It is so easy to love you. When we first started talking and I wasn’t as busy I would come home to talk to you. Because to you I am just some guy- “

                “You are not just some guy Felix, wait what’s your full name? If you can tell me.”

He let out a small chuckle, “Lee Felix.”

                “Lee Felix you are not just some guy! You are so incredible! You are so kind and caring. The world needs more wonderful people like you! When I talk to you all my worries wash away and I look forward to talking to you. Everytime you laugh or smile at me through the screen I feel so special that the world really threw you at me. I am so thankful that we came into contact because you really- you really-“ Fuck, take a deep breath Y/n, “you really are someone who- I just- I love you a lot too. And maybe I am just stupid and emotional right now but need I remind you; you said it first. I love you Lee Felix, even if you need to take time to tell me certain things. I will wait however long you need me to. You aren’t someone who I want to lose because we are both busy…”

                “We are crazy Y/n.” Felix laughed, “I can’t believe we met on fucking club penguin.”

You smiled to yourself then broke out into a fit of laughter, “sometimes I forget.”

                “Honestly me too…” You heard him shuffle around then sit down again, “do you want to play again?”

You perked up, “only if that means I kick your ass at sled racing again.”

                “No way!”

                “I am so going to kick your ass dude!” You started laughing and then you decided to finally set up your phone so he could see you. He didn’t notice at first until you opened Club Penguin and the music in the plaza was blasting and you jumped.

                “Hi Y/n.” You looked over and saw that he set his phone up too so you could see him.

                “Hi Felix.”

He grinned at you, he looked exhausted, “are you sure you’re okay to play?” You wanted to ask, if he needed rest then you wouldn’t want him to play.

                “I will be okay! Just a stressful day, all I want right now is to be around you though.” He put things so simply, it made you smile at him.

You two ended up playing Club Penguin for hours that night, you ended up falling asleep on call with him. You obviously didn’t mean to fall asleep on your desk. It had just been a long day and you two ended up watching something that Felix streamed on his Discord. He wouldn’t let you leave the FaceTime call though. Part of you felt like he was watching you more than the gameplay he put on to watch from YouTube. At some point during the night, you must’ve gotten up and flopped into bed because that’s where you woke up in the morning. Getting up and stretching you checked your phone and saw that Felix sent a screenshot from the call last night.

HE TOOK A SCREENSHOT OF YOU SLEEPING!?!??! UGH!

You couldn’t stay mad, you loved him. Honestly, you weren't sure what this meant but you figured it could be tackled another day. You loved him and he loved you, that's what was important right now. You quickly texted back and “’I’m awake! I love you!” message and headed out to the kitchen. You were sure by now he was still asleep; it was late, and you didn’t want to bombard him.

                “Did everyone sleep okay?” Yeonjun asked when you entered the room. Woah, everyone was here, this hasn’t happened in a while.

                “I did!” Kai looked at you, you nodded in agreement and grabbed a small snack from the pantry. Taehyun must have cooked breakfast already because he was washing dishes.

                “Oh, I did want to say, Y/n and I are going on a trip with my family soon. I just wanted to give everyone a heads up.” Kai sat at the counter.

                Yeonjun looked over, “hey sick invite man.” He teased. Kai rolled his eyes with a smile.

                “I got invited by Lea too!” You stuck your tongue out.

                “WHAT!? KAI’S REALLY HOT SISTER!?” Yeonjun’s jaw dropped. You smacked him upside his head, “OW WHAT THE HELL!?”

                “Kai has TWO HOT SISTERS!” You said then looked over to Kai who really expected you to scold him not THAT. Taehyun rolled his eyes then started asking about the details of the trip, Kai said is parents most likely are booking it spring break, which was coming up! You were very giddy to try all these new foods and go sightseeing!

                And of course, also seeing the Huenings!  

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taglist: @bloofairyfox @yellowroses-world @g4m3girl @forevrglow @nepytune @rensimps @curly-fr13s

taglist is always open :)

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Author's note: Hi guys, sorry this kinda took a bit. I haven't been doing too well irl. I started my cycle and I get really sick on my period. I also had some struggles with some friends which really wasn't fun. I will try to post 7.5 soon.

If you're interested I am taking requests for Valentine's Day oneshots! I am in a bit of a festive mood. I love the colors of Valentine's Day it is so sweet.

I hope everyone is doing well! Thank you guys again for enjoying my story, as always my dms and ask box are always open and feel free to follow me on instagram if you'd like, I do post a ton tho (ddeadrising2) Have a wonderful day or night my dears please take care of yourselves and keep moving forward <3 I love you

[selkymaiden]

Inspired by some sass. 🤺

'Look at him, that little bastard.' Runs through her mind as she watches Oswald Cobblepot limp through her lobby. Her own steps are slowed as she walks the length of her office - it's huge, the full length of the ceiling of The Temple. One side is a complete window, tinted so only those inside can look out onto the whole first floor of the club.

This afternoon she's taking him in for a meeting at her place. Some of her staff are in early already, getting ready for their shift for the night, she can see some of the girls hanging around watching The Penguin and some of his crew. That's another thing, Sophie isn't sure if she's annoyed he brought the amount of muscle he did just to show off, or if he actually thinks she's a threat. Most likely just posturing. Either way, she's made sure the only one coming up on the elevator is the man himself. The rest of his 'minions' he's referred them to, can stay downstairs.

'You fuckin' ruined everything' and, 'You son of a bitch you took my privacy.' Fuels the fire in her heart before she snuffs it out. It's no good being angry right off the bat before he's even made it into her office to defend himself. Not that he can.

So when the knock on her office door does come, she's cool and civilized as she takes a seat on the couch opposite the window. Deciding not to sit at her desk, as it's hidden behind monitors and tech. No. The woman would rather stare at the man that's a cause of a lot of her problems now.

Said man however cannot be quite the same as her though, because even though when he shuffles in and his features show something genial. It's surface level at best. There's even a moment when they both lock eyes, something comical about it as they figure out how the mood is to be set.

"You're mad." Without preamble Oswald states it. He's the first to talk.

The perception of him actually astounds her and something of a hint of a smile forms on Sophie's face, he however decidedly looks cautious. But more than that displeased. Displeased he has to be here, displeased he was asked or more like made to come here- as if everything should be on his time and at his place.

"So is that why I'm here? You're mad. Something you did not want to elaborate on when you called to set up a meeting with me." As he stands nearer to her now, his once genial demeanor is slipping away as when faced with his problem. Her. He cannot help but show his true colors.

"Your friend Batman paid me a visit." Is all she says in reply. It's enough of an answer to get him to sit down in the chair opposite of her with a heavy thud. And upon that, his features twisted into several different things, almost as if he's going through the 5 stages of grief. Yet Sophie is sure something reflects in his eyes an almost pleasure of her being 'visited', or as they both see it: annoyed by Batman.

Sounding upbeat but sarcastic, a tight smile shows on Oswald's features. "Did he have anything good to say?"

"It was a warning. But I'm not too worried, he and Black Mask have danced around enough I know what I can and cannot do."

"So then why did you ask me here if you know what you're doing?"

The testy and impatient tone Oswald gives Sophie gets under her skin. Enough for her to sit up and lean forward, resting her elbows on her knees as she stares at her bird problem.

"Unlike you, I've never had a problem with the Batman, now suddenly he's visiting me. In fact, a lot of people have been visiting me or requesting me, or talking about me. It's a little bit of pressure I don't care for. Especially when I have Roman-"

Oswald waves his hand between them, interrupting her and letting out a sigh.

"I'll be honest with you, Sophie. This sounds like a you problem and not a me problem."

"Oswald, I will make this an us problem if you really want to go there."

The silence that follows after is palpable. But not in a deadly sort of way, more for her she has her arms crossed, stubborn, and set on being an annoyance. For him, he's automatically trying to think of the different ways she could fuck this up for him.

"Well, what do you want me to do about it? He comes for me also." Oswald finally responds, looking at a loss with his mouth turned down into a frown.

"You want to be the boss right? One of the things a boss has to do is listen to the complaints of his employees."

"You're not my employee."

"Oh? You don't want to be allies a-"

"I do. But you're a partner, an equal."

That takes her back. The whole exchange was something she wasn't expecting so Sophie goes quiet. She knows, at least she thinks she knows he's not being honest with his words. Oswald Cobblepot wants to be The King of Gotham like he was those many years ago, and when he was at the top it was just him. No one else. So why would it change now? 'It wouldn't.' Sophie thinks to herself. So he's just using... Who knows, maybe trying to use her vanity, her ego, or something he thinks just calling her an equal will get her to give in to him more.

It just makes her more suspicious.

"That's interesting. Because I'm a nobody you want to be partners with?"

"You're not a nobody. Not anymore. Medusa, Gorgon, whatever you want to be called. You've got a place now-"

"Which is your fault."

"I- Excuse you?"

"I was doing fine just minding my business in Black Mask's territory, paying him his stupid little tax, doing odd 'jobs' for him and that was fine."

At her accusing words, Oswald narrows his eyes but looks unbothered otherwise.

"Minding your business? You hated it, you've hated being under him from what I've known of you, for a while now. You don't like what he does or how he runs business so that's why you've been so willing to help me out. Which... I do appreciate."

"Yeah! But I didn't want to be dragged into anything!"

"Newsflash! You're a criminal, you do criminal activities, you're going to be cornered sooner or later by a bigger fish so I suggest to get with the program and be that bigger fish!"

They're both silent again. Sophie for her part won't look at him and instead stares out past his left ear to the window. Oswald openly stares at her features and takes her in; something like not guilt, perhaps more sympathy enters his manner. Something he has not shown her until now.

"I'm sorry you've been thrown-"

"You're not sorry."

"I'm sorry, Sophie."

His words are grounded out of him, and the finality of them makes her stop and she can feel her heartbeat. 'I think he's actually being honest.' She tells herself as his mismatched eyes bore into her.

Blunt and to the point, Sophie replies with: "I think you actually meant that."

It perplexes him but also does make him waver, his mouth even trembles before it's set in a thin line. "Maybe."

[jeromesxreader16]

Such a Joker (50)

Part 49 Here

~o0o~

Jim POV:

As I come out of my office I see a large number of cops watching Jeremiah sitting calming in the holding cell. "Don't you all have work you should be doing?" I yell towards them as they scatter.

"Pardon me, Jim."

I walk over to Jeremiah raising my brows. "What is it?" "I'd like to press charges against Bruce Wayne's butler. I mean, just look at my face. I can't have my wife seeing me like this."

I scoff smirking with pure anger, "I think you look great."

"And I'd like to speak to Bruce again. We couldn't really talk before what with his girlfriend bleeding out all over him."

"You tried to prove you're better than your brother. But I'm still here. I'm searching for (Y/n), and the city's still here. You're a failure, Jeremiah. Enjoy Arkham. Your brother did. I'll be the one to make sure (Y/n)'s visiting hours will be less than none."

"Bring me, Bruce Wayne... I'll let you speak with (y/n), and I'll tell you where the other bombs are." I walk closer engaging. "We have all your bombs."

Jeremiah nods with an underlying smirk, "The maze bombs, yes. I mean the other ones. Jim, as an engineer, you expect systems to fail. So, you build in redundancies. And I am a very good engineer."

"You're bluffing."

"Am I?" He smirks at me waiting for a reaction.

"You're right, you know. I did fail. I didn't yet understand the vision I was servicing, but, I do now. My eyes are open as will yours be. When you realize I'm not bluffing, bring me, Bruce Wayne. And I'd like a coffee. Black. Two sugars."

~

"How many bombs are there? Where are they?" I challenge him again. "I want to talk to Bruce Wayne."

"Tell me where they are, you son of a bitch. Who's helping you?"

"Bruce Wayne."

I grunt, shaking my head in frustration, "You are never gonna talk to Bruce Wayne. You hear me?"

Jeremiah shrugs smirking, "Then more people will die and you will never see (Y/n) or meet your grandchildren." I look up meeting his icy eyes with cold blood. "What? You're lying." Jeremiah sighs, "My wallet, right sleeve, forth slot, a sonogram photo of my two twins. I don't bluff, Jim. Why do you think I ask for your blessing? Wouldn't want your daughter unwed and knocked up, huh? But once again you resented her happiness, and she ran right into my arms. You never were good at holding on to what you care about, were you, James?"

~

Bruce finally walks in as I'm strapped to the dolly awaiting transportation to Arkham. "Hello, Bruce. It's great to see you."

"Where are the bombs, Jeremiah? Where is (Y/n) Gordon?"

"Closer, please."

As Bruce teds near I speak again. "Tell me. How is the young lady doing?" Of course no reaction. I smile switching subjects, "You know why we're destined to be best friends? Because we're very much alike. You are as I used to be. At war with your true nature. You must truly embrace it if you ever want to be free. I'm just trying to help you."

"Trying to help me? By torturing Alfred? Trying to destroy Gotham?

By shooting Selina? You think we're alike because there's a darkness inside both of us. But the difference is, I know how to control mine."

I scoff smirking, "I think you could be so strong. I see it. He sees it too." Bruce looks at me confused walking closer. "What do you mean, "he"?"

"Where are the other bombs?"

I roll my eyes looking up at the camera playing the game, "What bombs?" "Bombs you planted around the city. You blew up the Mayor."

"Ah, that bomb. Yes, that was the only one. But it did what it had to do. It got you here."

"You said, "he." Who do you mean?"

I smile gasping at Bruce. "The one who opened up my eyes. Who showed me that everything I was doing, was not to create a Gotham of my own for (y/n), and I, But yours, Bruce. The Gotham you need. Your dark island. And it will come to be, Bruce. Tonight."

"Tell me his name," Bruce demands empty-handed.

"What did the doctors say? Will the little bitch ever walk again? What vertebrae did I sever? I was hoping for the lumbar..." "TELL ME HIS NAME!" I laugh at his anger. "You already know his name. You're his heir."

Bruce gasps letting my suit wings go. "Ra's al Ghul... No, it can't..."

"Shh." The lights flicker as the room goes dark and I am freed from this hold.

~

Enter the building I see (Y/n) waiting with Ra's, overlooking the old city. "Jeremiah! Ra's was just telling me he could marry us!" I grin walking over as the men get Bruce ready for the arrival.

"Could you?" Ra's nods smirking, "Just say when my boy. I can-" "Now." I pull out two solid gold bands passing mine to (Y/n). "You're prepared." She giggles. "I've been waiting."

Ra's chuckles offering off a quick blessing to us as a couple. "Do you Jeremiah Valeska take (Y/n) Gordon as your lawfully wedded wife?" "I certainly do." I grin watching my love. "And do you, (Y/n)-" "Yes." Ra's gestures between us chuckling. "Wonderful, you may kiss your bride, Mr. Valeska."

I scoop her in my arms kissing her deeply. I pull away as the men waltz a masked Bruce into the room. "Ah, hate you missed the ceremony, friend." I walk over pulling the bag off of his head.

"How did you two..." "Find each other?" Ra's finishes, "I'd like to think it was you, Bruce. You brought us together."

Ra's turns to me and (Y/n) as we look at the city. "I trust things went smoothly?" "Like clockwork. Did your men retrieve my bombs?" "They are en route to their positions as we speak. From here, we can take in the full majesty of Gotham's destruction."

"You're both insane!"

Ra's shakes his head in disappointment, "I know it's difficult to fathom, Bruce. But Jeremiah and I are doing this for your benefit."

"How is destroying Gotham supposed to help me?"

"Because I had a vision. That out of this crucible of blood and fire will rise the Dark Knight that your city needs. That I need."

I scoff pulling away from (y/n) and joining Bruce and Ra's. "To be honest, Bruce. Prophecies, visions. Not really my cup of tea. But our friend revealed something to me. That my twin obsessions, rebuilding Gotham and rebuilding you, are one and the same. You're the brother I never had. The one Jerome never could be. We will create a legacy in this city. Gotham falls. We rise. Together."

Barbara walks in passing each of us towards Ra's. "Oh, hey, Bruce. Freak. (Y/n), looking beautiful!"

"Hello, Barbara. I'm really glad you came." She sighs shrugging. "Bad news, baby. I'm not leaving. Gotham's in my blood. And I don't think I can let you leave either. You see, you say you're leaving. But I've got a feeling you're gonna be back. And I don't like looking over my shoulder."

"Need I remind you, Barbara. You've already tried using that knife. And also, you're outnumbered."

She hums smiling "Hmm. That Demon's Head is really not working out for you, huh?" Suddenly Oswald yells striking us and the fight breaks out quickly.

Tabith tackles me to the ground as I search for (Y/n) in a blind panic. She holds her knife to my neck sneering, "So you know, this is for Selina." I flip her overtaking the blade from her and pressing it to her skin. "In that case, it must be very disappointing for you to be dying like this." She smirks and moves her arm. "I'm not talking about you." She pulls her trigger making me search where the bullet traveled.

The bombs go off destroying the city as my wife falls bleeding from the bullet that pierced her. "No!" I growl rushing over. She cries holding her chest. "Jer-" "No, no, don't speak. You're going to be fine." The city burns down as my love's life source lowers.

"You're going to be fine, love. We're all going to be safe. Tomorrow is a new day,"

~

Staying by her bedside the entire night as the doctors work to remove the bullet, and stabilize her and the babies. "She should wake soon, Sir. The children are healthy. She's lucky it wasn't any closer to her heart." I nod boring my eyes into her face.

"Thank you, Doctor."

(y/n) mumbles and opens her eyes slowly. I smile leaning over, "Rise and shine, beautiful." She looks up at me confused, then looks down at her chest gasping, "That bitch." she sneers growling and trying to sit up. "No, no, don't try that." She gasps, putting a hand on her belly. "Jer-" "They're alright, doll. You're very lucky. All four of us are."

She looks over to me putting a hand on my cheek. "What do we do now, Jeremiah?" I smile rubbing my hands on her stomach. "Now, my love, we enjoy our marriage, and wait for our children." Her cheeks glow as I speak of our children. "I love you, Jeremiah." "I love you too, Mrs. Valeska. Always."

~ Day 87~

I sit at the radio discussing yet another call on the state of Gotham to the officials over the bridge. "Your people have decided to ignore evacuation orders." "No, no, no, no. It is clear you don't understand." "What's to understand, Mr. Gordon? I'm afraid you're making your-" "For the last time... after the bridges blew and the government declared Gotham off-limits, the city was up for grabs. Given over to criminals and murderers. New territory is controlled by whoever has enough power to hold it. I mean, we have Penguins in City Hall, for God's sake. Barbara and the Sirens control an area around their club. It's the only place in Gotham not suffering for food or booze. Barabra trades mostly for information. It's women only, but men can buy windows of time. To the west Jonathan Crane, the Scarecrow. Victor Freeze is further north warring with Firefly. And to date, there have been no confirmed sightings of Jeremiah Valeska, or my Daughter, (y/n). Then there is us. The GCPD controls a ten-block area around the precinct, where we feed and protect 150 civilians. That number could grow as who knows how many others are trapped around the city. These are innocent people who couldn't get out. The Government has a duty to protect them. You have a duty to help them." I finish waiting for the response.

"We've been over this time and time again. No one is allowed in or out of Gotham."

"People we are protecting are not criminals." "And anyone who stayed after the evacuation order is no longer the government's responsibility." "We're surrounded by hostile forces. We are running out of food, ammunition. There are children here. You need to evacuate them." "A committee is being formed regarding the situation in Gotham."

I huff shaking my head. "At least let us resupply ourselves."

"We understand the situation."

"You DON'T understand. If you did you would do something. Just say we're on our own." The radio waves stay silent as no response comes through. I nod gruffly and turn off the communication.

I look to the corner of the desk seeing a photo of (Y/n), along with the photo of the unborn twins. I sigh holding them to my heart. "Please be okay."

~

"I like Jeremy," Jeremiah says as we relax on the couch together. "And for a girl?" He hums thinking. "What if we stuck with the J name? I kinda like Juliet." Jeremiah looks at me smiling. "I think that's lovely."

I stroke my small belly with love. "I just want them here already." Jeremiah laughs kissing the top of my head. "They'll be perfect."

~

Months pass of us hiding, gaining followers, and then finally start to dig under the city for our escape. Fully 6 months pregnant and things are just seeming harder. "You're sad," Ecco says frowning. She scoots over massaging my shoulders. "Tell me what's wrong." I sigh stroking my stomach feeling a wash of sadness. "I miss my dad. I hate to say it, but I do. These kids won't have a Grandpa." Ecco nods sighing dramatically. "I am so sorry, (Y/n). I wish I could help." I smile leaning my head on her shoulder. "How's that bullet feeling in there?" I tease as she giggles. "It's still rolling around in here!" She shakes her head, knocking the loose pieces in her brain. "I still can't believe you did it." She shrugs giggling, "Anything to help you, (Y/n)."

"Come on, let's see how the boss is. It's been a while since I've seen the progress."

Ecco helps me down the steps into the area where they're digging the large tunnel. "Wow! Looks, good everyone!" I yell, making the workers greet me with forced smiles. "Darling." Jeremiah clams walking to me, placing hands over my stomach with a grin. "Ecco, you're not supposed to bring her down here. It's dangerous." He glares at her. "Jer, I wanted to, she was obeying me." He reluctantly nods waving her away.

I switch the radio station finding a slow song and smiling. "Dance we me, Jer." I grasp his hand swaying with him to the music. "We're close aren't we?" I nod laughing. "Just three more months, Jeremiah." He shutters with a smile. "I can't wait." 

[anubislover]

“Welcome to the Heart Pirates, Nami-ya” Chapter 13: The Lesser Evil

Nami awoke slowly, her fogged brain sluggishly processing her strange surroundings. A high-pitched beeping noise. Low, muttered voices. Scratchy sheets against her skin and a stiff mattress beneath her back. Her eyes cracked open only to immediately shut again in pain from the blinding white light. She attempted to shield them but was startled to find her wrists bound with thick leather straps to a metal headboard.

Memories of Jinzo and the club snapped to the forefront of her mind. Had she been captured? Was this that creep’s brothel? Where was Ikkaku? Was she still bleeding out in the alley? Where was Law?!

Panicked and disoriented, she screamed and struggled helplessly until a pair of large, gloved hands firmly but gently grabbed her shoulders, pinning her down as Law’s hard face blocked out the bright light, allowing Nami to finally see.

“Nami-ya, calm down; you’re in my infirmary.”

“What?”

He neglected to answer as he inspected her eyes, his stern expression softening with relief. “No blue in the iris—looks like I got all of the drug out. Do you remember last night?”

“Of course I remember! Law, you need to get Ikkaku—”

“Right here, Nami,” a voice from one of the other beds groaned. The redhead breathed a deep sigh of relief when she saw Bepo unshackling the engineer before gingerly helping her sit up. There was an IV full of fluids hooked to her arm and she was in one of the Tang’s hospital gowns, but she was alive. “Neptune’s beard, I never want to see another martini again.”

Nausea bubbled in her stomach as Nami recalled Hypnotique and the state she’d had to leave the other woman in. “Those men…they didn’t—”

“They tried.” Penguin’s face was dark as he leaned against the wall. Tension and quiet rage radiated from every pore as he stared at his shipmate, latex gloves squeaking softly as he clenched and unclenched his hands. “We barely got there in time.”

“I was out of bullets, and Mandōreku had me pinned…” Ikkaku trailed off with a shudder.

“Penguin pulled him off you,” Law said quietly, though Nami could see the angry tic in his jaw as he ground his teeth and the way his tattooed knuckles were white with rage as he released the straps around her wrists. “Shot him point-blank in the family jewels.”

“Did you kill him?” Ikkaku asked, turning to the first mate.

“Not right away,” he replied coldly, the brim of his hat casting his eyes in shadow. “You’d lost a lot of blood and the uranos needed to be dealt with immediately, but once Law had you unconscious and in the infirmary, I took care of him.”

“Good. I only wish I could have done it myself,” she snarled. “Apparently, that son of a bitch was the one who spiked our drinks and supplied the drug in the first place.”

“If I’d known that, I’d have let him bleed out from the hole in his crotch instead of finishing him quickly,” Penguin growled. “I thought he was just a regular scumbag.”

“What’s important is that we got the drug out of you both in time,” Law cut in as he helped Nami sit up. “Uranos basically acts as a stimulant and aphrodisiac. If not treated quickly, it can cause enough brain damage to turn even the most level-headed person into a pleasure-addicted zombie. To say nothing of how much it fucks up your liver, kidneys, and reproductive organs.”

“At least your powers could get it out of us,” Nami stated, remembering how he’d managed to remove the birth control from her system.

“Yes, but given how many vital parts it effects and how fast it works, it takes a lot more concentration and energy than usual—especially since I couldn’t afford to treat you one at a time. I also find it’s easier when the patient’s unconscious; a slowed heart rate means the drug’s processed less quickly, plus it lessens the amount of distracting moaning and writhing from the patient. Not that it stops entirely,” he stated, nodding at the leather restraints.

She flushed. So that’s why he knocked her out. She could now clearly remember how she threw herself at him, practically begging him to fuck her. God, how humiliating! And to think she’d been so overwhelmed by need that she nearly hadn’t told Law about Ikkaku. If he hadn’t managed to trick the answer out of her…

“Thanks for getting us, Boss,” Ikkaku said, breaking the tense silence that fell upon the room.

Bepo gave her a faint smile as he rubbed her back, carefully avoiding scratching her with his claws. “Law’d never leave you two behind.”

“Jinzo didn’t think so,” she replied sourly, hands tightening into fists. “Planned on making Nami his star attraction, and he was going to hand me over to the bartender as a bonus for his ‘services’. Knew there was something off about that guy, especially when he wouldn’t get us water.”

“I’m sorry I left you alone with him,” Nami whispered guiltily, drawing her knees against her chest. Mandōreku had seemed so nice, but behind that charming smile had been utter scum. To think, she’d even encouraged her friend to give that creep a chance!

Ikkaku shook her head insistently. “Nami, I specifically told you to go to the bathroom because I had the feeling something was up, and I wanted you safely out of the way in case things turned violent. Which they did, and you ended up coming out and saving my ass anyway, so no harm, no foul.”

“What’s ‘foul’ is the fact that that bastard had enough uranos to spike the drinks of an entire bar,” Penguin snapped. Despite the girls being safe and sound, his scowl hadn’t eased up, and his posture still implied that he’d like to go out and kill something. But even though anger radiated off of him, he stayed put, not moving so much as an inch from his place by Ikkaku’s bed.

Gloved hand rubbing his goatee, Law nodded in agreement. “Uranos is extracted from a berry that only grows on a single island in the South Blue—Jinzo must have sunk a fortune into getting enough juice to dose a whole bar full of women. Just 15ml costs at least 50,000 belli.”

“If he got the shipment in recently, plus factoring in buying property, remodeling, paying his guards, and all his other expenses, no wonder he didn’t have the money to pay you and Drake,” Nami said, tallying up the rough costs of everything Jinzo had likely been spending in the past month.

Frown deepening, the surgeon looked at her in consideration. “He and Kimo-ya had always done well in the black market trade, but I guess with so many upstart pirates moving on to the New World to take advantage of the chaos, he wanted a fallback in case his normal clientele dried up. It’s not a bad plan, but he should never have tried to muscle in on Haiko-ya’s territory; she may be married to his partner, but she’s basically the unofficial ruler of Grimm’s nightlife.”

“Haiko’s that powerful?”

“She’s established quite the foothold over the past two years. Hiroshi once told me that, before she married Kimo-ya, Grimm was even worse; the dead bodies of whores were regularly found on street corners, drug lords ran rampant, you never knew if you were drinking alcohol or formaldehyde, and the slave trade was out of control. When Haiko-ya arrived, she used her influence to start cleaning things up. The first thing she did was reform the brothels; because of her, they’re now run like legitimate businesses with willing employees that are treated well.”

“Yeah? Jinzo seemed to have had other ideas,” Nami said softly. “He had us all drugged so he could cut down labor costs. No need to pay whores if they’re mindless sex slaves.”

Law scoffed. “Idiot. Women who take uranos have a life expectancy of a month, tops, and that’s still longer than men. Aside from the organ damage the drug can cause, being in a constant state of arousal like that typically results in dehydration, puts a massive strain on the heart, and when you’re only focused on fulfilling your sexual desires, basic human needs like eating and sleeping fall by the wayside. Most wither away to nothing.”

Penguin took off his hat to rub his forehead, scowl deepening. “So, even if he’d succeeded, once those girls died, he’d have to pay out again for a new batch of brain-fucked prostitutes.”

Nami shuddered at the thought. That could have been them. She would have died a mindless sex slave. Despite her life of servitude and the dangers she’d faced as a woman on the Grand Line, such a fate had never even occurred to her. Even when Absalom had kidnapped her and tried to marry her, she’d never even considered it—mainly because she’d been unconscious, but also because she never doubted that Sanji or Luffy or Zoro would save her. Those three always seemed to show up when she was in trouble. But Law…

She had far more faith in the Surgeon of Death than she used to, but it wasn’t the same instinctive trust that she had with her nakama—if she hadn’t gone looking for him, would he have shown up in time to get her and Ikkaku out of there? Luffy would drop everything if he even thought one of his friends was in trouble. Zoro, for all his terrible direction sense, never failed to stumble across her in the nick of time. Sanji had a sixth sense for women in danger. Even Usopp and Chopper, her fellow scaredy-cats, could be relied on to overcome their own fears if she were in trouble.

But Law had been on his own mission. The man had his own goals and priorities that wouldn’t always line up with hers. She couldn’t always rely on him to save her. She shouldn’t always rely on others.

Ignorant to the navigator’s inner turmoil, Law shook his head. “You’re assuming Haiko-ya would let him live that long. She already knew he was opening a brothel, so the second she caught even a whiff of uranos being used on the girls, she’d burn the place to the ground.”

“Unless…” Bepo began before stopping himself. “Sorry.”

“Unless what, Bepo?” Ikkaku asked curiously.

“Speak,” Law ordered, eyes narrowed.

The bear looked nervous as he twiddled his claws. “Well, what if Jinzo planned on getting Miss Haiko out of the way? With Mr. Kimo out of commission, it would be a lot easier for him to take over and drive her out. Or kill her. Or,” he swallowed harshly, “maybe even drug her and add her to the brothel.”

It made a sick amount of sense, and Nami watched Law’s gold eyes burn with understanding. “Haiko-ya probably suspected Jinzo was looking to take her out before his new business opened. That’s why she asked me to go after him last night.” Glare deepening, Law stalked towards the door, motioning for Penguin to follow. The first mate reluctantly left his post, tossing a concerned glance at Ikkaku before leaving the infirmary.

The room was filled with an uncomfortable silence until Nami uttered, “Bepo?”

“Yes, Nami?”

“What happened to the other girls? The ones in the club that were also drugged?”

Her fellow navigator seemed reluctant to answer, glancing around as if hoping someone would pop out to answer the unpleasant question for him. “Well…Captain’s primary concern was you two, but he did order us to sedate and deliver them to Miss Haiko. Once he was sure you would be alright, he went to see what he could do for them, but given how far gone most of them looked…” He bowed his head sadly. “I’m sorry.”

Nami bit her lip, tears welling up in her eyes as she stared down at the white tiled floor. Given all that she’d heard about the drug, she felt overwhelming pity for those girls. What would happen to them? What kind of lives could they expect? Did they have husbands or boyfriends or families? Would they ever know the girls’ fates? Were they better off not knowing?

“I’m so sorry, Nami,” Ikkaku murmured, catching her attention. The Heart Pirate looked utterly devastated, tears welling up in her dark eyes. “I was so, so stupid. I figured since Haiko’d been cleaning up the clubs and bars, it was safe to have a night out.”

“You couldn’t have known this would happen,” Nami replied weakly.

Bepo nodded emphatically as he pulled his crewmate into a tight hug. “Don’t blame yourself; even Law thought it was safe enough for you two to go out alone! New bars don’t open without Miss Haiko’s approval, after all. And with the way she’s been running things, it’s more dangerous to go out alone during the day than at night!”

“Really?” Nami asked, surprised.

“Oh yeah. Since Miss Haiko pretty much runs the island at night, she doesn’t get involved with things during the day. It’s the compromise she made with Mr. Kimo and Jinzo. So, slavers and stuff are still a problem while the sun’s up, but once things get dark, it’s a lot safer.”

“Kimo’s really ok with stuff like that?”

“Yeah,” Bepo said nervously, round ears drooping. “He may be more honorable than Jinzo, but he’s still pretty ruthless—wouldn’t be in the black market organ trade otherwise. Handing over control of the island at night to Miss Haiko was basically his wedding gift to her. Jinzo really hadn’t liked that—the red light district had been his domain.”

Frowning, Nami considered his words. Since arriving on Grimm, she’d assumed that Kimo was the lesser of the two evils between himself and Jinzo. But something wasn’t quite right; considering all the work that went into opening a new business, Jinzo must have been planning on starting the brothel for at least a month, if not two. Yet if Kimo had handed control of Grimm’s evening affairs over to Haiko, there was no way Jinzo would have dared disrespected his partner like that, right? And Kimo would have had to be completely stupid not to notice his partner muscling in on his wife’s territory.

Stupid, or in on it, Nami thought, eyes widening as she remembered her brief encounter with Haiko. The club owner had seemed pretty pissed about what had happened to her husband, but not nearly as distraught as one would expect from a woman whose beloved had been possibly assaulted by his long-time partner. And she’d been so quick to point the finger at Jinzo. More than eager to push a slighted Law in his direction. To step back and let someone else get their hands dirty.

It was all conjecture, and she had no proof, but Nami’s gut had told her when they first met that she was the kind of woman who could slit a man’s throat with a smile. And now her gut was saying Haiko was far more involved in this whole mess than she’d let on.

Lost in thought, Nami didn’t realize Law had returned until she heard a low, rapid thumping inches from her face. Looking up, she jumped back like a startled cat as she found herself staring at a beating heart in a translucent cube.

“What the hell is that?!” she screeched.

“I think that’s pretty obvious, Nami-ya; a heart. Specifically, Jinzo’s.”

“Why do you even have that?!”

Tossing the disembodied organ causally into the air and catching it with one hand, he replied, “Well, because I was a bit preoccupied with saving your life, I didn’t have the time to make that bastard suffer like I wanted to. So, I took his heart and handed the rest of him over to Drake-ya.” His grin was cruel and pleased, especially as the organ in his hand beat faster, clearly under some kind of distress. “When I explained the situation to him, he was more than happy to deliver justice in my stead. Especially since Haiko-ya agreed to pay him the money he’s owed, plus a bonus for taking care of this disgusting pest problem.”

“What’s Drake doing with him?” Ikkaku asked, glaring at the heart with cold determination.

“Torture. He promised to use every trick the Marines and his father ever taught him. Broken bones, waterboarding, hot pokers, acid in open wounds, bamboo shards under his nails—but he’s not allowed to kill him.” Gold eyes landed on Nami. “That’ll be my pleasure. Unless you’d like that honor for yourself?” he asked, offering the organ to the navigator like a macabre Valentine.

She gasped in horror. “I’m not killing anyone!”

“You sure? After what he did to you? Think about what would have happened, Nami-ya; he tried to make you a sex slave. He would have profited off your body and laughed as you served every sick scumbag willing to pay. You’d be used, abused, and at the mercy of men who’d only see you as a notch on their belts and a warm hole to fuck,” he sneered, grip on the fragile organ tightening unconsciously.

She shuddered. The picture Law painted wasn’t pretty. Just the thought of what she would have been reduced to made her want to vomit. She and Ikkaku and all those other girls…

Swallowing hard, Nami nervously met his cold eyes. “Law, did you manage to cure the other girls?” Bepo had been doubtful, but a small part of her prayed for a miracle from the doctor.

Law ran a hand through his dark hair. “Haiko-ya’s familiar with uranos—she had some anaphrodisiac on hand to hold back the effects, but not enough for everyone. Some I was able to fully cure. Others will likely be nymphomaniacs for the rest of their lives, but at least still have their higher reasoning intact. Several unfortunately succumbed to the permanent effect before I even got to them. And a few had been taking other drugs that didn’t play well with the addition of uranos and alcohol—needless to say, they died.”

Her throat tightened like a fist had wrapped around it. “Oh my god.”

Holding the rapidly-beating heart out towards her like a rose or box of chocolates, he asked coaxingly, “So, considering the number of lives Jinzo ruined tonight, are you sure you don’t want to give it a little squeeze?”

Fingers twitching, Nami was tempted to take him up on his offer. To grab that fragile organ and crush it between her fingers. To make Jinzo suffer in a way he never could have prepared for in the name of the women he’d been willing to use for his own ends.

But her conscience won out. She wasn’t a murderer. Maybe if it had been Arlong’s heart, she would have done it. This Fishman had spent nearly a decade pushing her to the breaking point. Hell, she’d tried to kill him at least a dozen different ways before resigning herself to the fragile glimmer of hope that he’d honor their deal and free her village.

She had no doubt that Jinzo was just as bad as Arlong, and he’d certainly wronged her and her friend, but as far as personal stakes went, Jinzo paled in comparison. So, even though he deserved it, she couldn’t bring herself to kill him in such a callous, ignoble way. Luffy would never approve. None of her nakama would. She didn’t give a damn about honor or fair fights, but killing him like this, when the man had no chance to fight back, was a slippery slope she didn’t want to go down.

Gingerly, Nami pushed Law’s hand away. “I’m sure. It just…I could never…”

The Surgeon of Death seemed disgruntled that she refused his macabre gift, but he got over it quickly. “Suit yourself. Ikkaku?”

The engineer seemed to consider it, but one look at Nami’s ashen face changed her mind. “Better take that somewhere else, Boss—I don’t give a shit what you do to that bastard, but Nami doesn’t need to see it.”

Law glanced at the woman in question before shrugging and tossing the heart onto an empty bed. Casually, he checked Ikkaku’s IV and stitches along her side as he said, “Fine. I should call Drake-ya first and see if he’s gotten bored of ripping chunks of flesh off of the bastard, anyway. Hate to interfere with his fun. Penguin’s getting your breakfast—eat up, then get dressed. The log pose has reset and we’re leaving Grimm no later than sunset. This visit has been an absolute shit show.” Satisfied with his engineer’s condition, Law retrieved Jinzo’s heart, tossing it up and down like a beanbag as he ordered, “If you have anything you wanted to pick up before we head off, this is your last chance—though you’re both wearing the uniforms. No arguments.”

“Fine by me,” Nami murmured, refusing to look at the vulnerable red organ.

Her chin was lifted gently, and she was forced to meet Law’s tired eyes. “Nami-ya, I promise the next island we land on will be much more relaxing. No black markets, drugs, or creepy psychopaths.”

“That…that sounds great, Law,” she replied uncomfortably.

“That’s it? No complaining? No demands for monetary compensation? No insults?” His frown deepened as he took a step back, taking care to keep Jinzo’s heart just out of her line of sight. “What’s on your mind, Nami-ya?

She worried her lip. Haiko was Law’s friend, or at least they were on good terms. Should she really risk inciting his anger by making accusations against her without proof?

Then again, Law was an intelligent man, and he knew the woman better than Nami did. If anyone could put her mind at ease and prove her theory right or wrong, it was him.

For better or worse, she’d trust his judgment.

Taking a deep, steadying breath, Nami asked, “Did Haiko ever tell you what kind of accident her husband was in?”

A dark blue eyebrow raised in bemusement. “No. We were a bit preoccupied with brainstorming ways of making Jinzo pay for his transgressions. I assume it was something pretty serious, though.”

“But she knows how good a doctor you are. You completely repaired Hiroshi’s hands. You can pull drugs and poison out of people and find out exactly what’s wrong with someone with your powers. Why wouldn’t she ask you to look Kimo over and see if you could help him?”

“Because—” Law paused, quickly realizing he had no answer. “That’s a very good question, Nami-ya.” Brow furrowing, he stood before her in deep thought for a few minutes, idly running his thumb over the heart in his hand. It continued to beat at a dizzying speed—Jinzo was terrified, in agony, or both.

Finally, with a dark glint in his golden eyes, the Dark Doctor stated, “I’ll look into it. As for you two; rest, eat, and be ready to set sail by tonight.”

“Aye-aye, Captain,” Ikkaku replied while Nami nodded mutely.

Without another word, Law stalked out of the infirmary, leaving the two women and the Mink alone.

Determined not to endure any more awkward silences, Bepo walked over to Nami, lifted her up like she weighed nothing, and carried her over to Ikkaku’s cot. The bear sat down and pulled both women onto his lap, hugging them close like they were a pair of dolls.

“You had us all worried,” he whimpered, rubbing his muzzle against Ikkaku’s tangled hair. After six hours and all the craziness that had ensued during that time, the dark strands were regaining their natural curl. “I thought we were going to lose you.”

Despite the stress and trauma she’d endured over the past few days, Nami couldn’t help but feel the need to reassure the sweet bear. “We’re ok, Bepo. You guys got to us just in time,” she promised, patting his soft fur comfortingly.

“We knew you’d never let us down,” Ikkaku agreed, smiling softly at the way the Mink nuzzled her.

“But what if we hadn’t—”

“If you’re worried, next time you’re coming with us on Ladies’ Night,” she offered.

“Yeah,” Nami chimed in. “No one would dare mess with us if we had our fierce Mink bodyguard with us!”

“I don’t think you’re getting a choice on the whole ‘bodyguard’ thing,” Bepo admitted. “Law was a wreck. Pretty sure he’s not going to let either of you off the ship for a while without either him or a whole entourage for protection. Sorry.”

As much as Nami wanted to be annoyed at this, she couldn’t blame the dark captain for such a precaution. Grimm had taught her that, if she wanted to get through the rest of the year in one piece, she was going to have to adapt to her situation better. Life with the Straw Hats had made her forget just how much danger a woman faced.

Ikkaku had said she was lucky to have kept her virginity for so long—that she had the chance to choose who to give her first time to—but she hadn’t fully realized just how lucky. Absalom, Jinzo, Harpin—she could have been raped by any one of them. And though she was fortunate enough to have powerful people looking after her, she needed to be better prepared to defend herself in the future. As it was, she was a liability, and she couldn’t always count on others to rescue her.

Resting her head against Bepo’s furry neck, she made a decision. “Hey, Ikkaku?”

“Yeah?”

“Think you could take a look at my Clima-Tact later? Maybe see if there’s a way to bulk up its attacks, or give me some tips on how to utilize it better? I…I don’t want you to feel like I’d be in the way of a fight again.” Usopp would probably freak that she’d let someone other than him mess around with his invention, but Nami was sure he’d understand that it was for the sake of survival.

“I didn’t exactly think you’d be in the way,” Ikkaku replied, though there was a hint of hesitation in her tone. “I just didn’t want you getting hurt. I mean, if it turned out Mandōreku had a gun, I couldn’t risk him shooting you.”

“I get it, but if I’m going to stand a chance in the New World, I need to up my game. I’m never going to be a great fighter like Luffy or Sanji-kun, but that doesn’t mean I shouldn’t try to get stronger.”

The engineer smiled sympathetically. “Then sure, I’ll look at it. Honestly, I’ve been dying to study that thing for a while but didn’t want to overstep.”

“I appreciate it,” Nami said. She meant it, too; Ikkaku might have been blunt and a bit pushy at times, but it was good to hear that she really did respect Nami’s boundaries.

“If you want some combat training, I can teach you a few of my moves,” Bepo offered, turning to rub his fuzzy cheek against her forehead affectionately.

“That’d probably be a good idea. Law said it was time to start some combat training, but I’ve been avoiding it. Guess it’s time to bite the bullet.”

“You want to learn to catch a bullet with your teeth?!” the Mink asked, shocked. “Not even Law can do that!”

Neither Ikkaku nor Nami bothered to correct him. Not that they could have; both women were laughing too hard.

XXX

Several hours later, Nami, Law, Jean Bart, Shachi, Ikkaku, and Penguin were loading the last of the supplies onto the submarine. The two women weren’t really in any condition to do any heavy lifting, but Nami was determined to spend as much time outside as she could before they submerged, as she had no idea when she’d get the chance to enjoy fresh air again. Ikkaku had decided to keep her company while the men did most of the work, and Law had agreed to let them lounge on the docks as it allowed him to supervise the men and watch over the women at the same time.

Normally, Nami would be on edge from his scrutiny, but she barely noticed as she was more interested in the amount of attention Penguin was giving them. Or rather, Ikkaku. The first mate had come up with practically every excuse under the sun to come over to check on them, mostly under the guise of ensuring his crewmate didn’t do anything to pull her stiches.

“I swear, he thinks I’m an invalid,” Ikkaku scoffed as Penguin scuttled off to help Shachi load up the supplies for the greenhouse Clione had ordered. “I’m not going to tear my stiches getting a drink.”

“Give the guy a break—he was freaking out when he realized you were in danger last night,” Nami replied, sipping her tea as she reclined in her deck chair. Penguin had insisted on fetching them some from the galley to ward off the gloomy island’s chill. It was definitely appreciated; a thick fog had settled over the Fall island since mid-morning and, combined with the chilly ocean spray, even the normally warm navigator was getting goosebumps.

“I guess. He’s a good guy like that,” she acquiesced with a small, affectionate smile. “He’s always looking after the crew. Speaking of, how’re you holding up in the uniform? You’re not getting overheated again, are you?”

The navigator gave the beige jumpsuit she’d once again been saddled with a brief scowl. “I’m fine—just trying to think of ways to make this damn thing palatable without Law freaking out.”

“Maybe we could modify it or something—make you a custom version. So long as it’s got the Heart Pirate emblem on it, I’m sure Law wouldn’t mind if we made it a bit sexier,” she said with a suggestive wink. “Especially if he gets to parade you about like his very own mikan arm-candy.”

Before Nami could tell her off for such an absurd suggestion, the man in question approached as if sensing the girls were talking about him. “And how are the two princesses doing?” he asked, tone teasing as he leaned Kikoku against his shoulder. “Has Penguin started feeding you grapes and offering foot massages?”

“Sadly, not yet,” Ikkaku snickered. “Need something, Boss?”

“I’m going to go run an errand. I won’t be gone long, but until I get back, stay close to the ship.”

The two women shrugged. Law had been popping out to run various errands all day; at this point, none of the Heart Pirates gave it much thought anymore.

“Don’t worry,” Nami replied, waving away his concern as she sipped her tea. “If I never set foot on Grimm’s shores again, I’ll be a happy woman. The docks are as far as I plan to go.”

“Good to hear it. Anything you two want me to pick up while I’m out?”

“Being awful magnanimous there, Boss,” Ikkaku drawled, an eyebrow raising suspiciously. “You trying to butter us up? Bribe us?”

He gave an insincere, too-wide smile. “Maybe I just feel like spoiling my two most beautiful subordinates.”

“And now I know you’re up to something. Well, if you insist on buying our silence, you can get me a huge box of gourmet chocolates or something,” she quipped, smirking up at her captain challengingly.

“Make that two boxes,” Nami giggled. “One for each of us. And a case of the most expensive sake the island sells.”

Law rolled his eyes, exasperated. “Greedy wench. Should have known you wouldn’t settle for a coffee or something.”

“If you don’t like it, I take cash, too.”

“Speaking of, you still owe me—”

“Nope!” she cut him off. “You said I could pay you back in cash, or with a kiss. And guess what, oh Surgeon of Death? I distinctly recall kissing you last night.”

“Under the influence of a sex drug.”

“You never specified the circumstances of the kiss. As far as I’m concerned, we’re even.”

Law let out an annoyed tch, and it took Nami a ridiculous amount of willpower to keep from commenting on the fact that the infamous Supernova was basically pouting. “Fine. I should be back in a half-hour. If I’m not, avenge my death.”

“Will do, Boss,” Ikkaku replied as she reclined in her seat, unbothered by the concept of her captain’s grisly demise. Not that she had reason to be—word had quickly spread about what had happened to Jinzo, so even if any of his former subordinates wanted revenge, only the truly stupid would risk their boss’ fate.

A blue bubble encased him and Law vanished before their eyes. Not wasting any time, the engineer turned to her companion. “So, you kissed him, huh?”

Nami scowled half-heartedly at her. “Because of the uranos.”

“Sure, sure,” Ikkaku chuckled but didn’t press the topic any further. It was good that she was feeling comfortable enough to make the occasional joke about last night’s debacle, but Nami could tell she didn’t wish to dwell on it longer than needed. There was a moment of comfortable silence between them before Ikkaku sighed. “Damn, now that he’s mentioned it, I kinda do want that foot massage. I’m getting a little cold, too; I’m gonna see if I can talk Penguin into giving one inside. You in?”

“Nah, I’m good. I think I’ll stay here and enjoy the fresh air a little longer. Go treat yourself!” she laughed, shooing the engineer away.

Normally, Nami rarely said no to a free foot massage, but she had the sneaking suspicion that Penguin wouldn’t mind doting on just Ikkaku for a while. With all his hovering, concern, and fury towards her attacker, Nami was beginning to theorize that the first mate might just have a burgeoning crush on the beautiful engineer. And even if she was completely off-base, Ikkaku deserved a little extra pampering after the night she’d had.

As Ikkaku meandered back into the sub, Nami wandered over to the edge of the pier, giving Jean Bart and Shachi a reassuring wave when they made to get up from where they were resting atop a stack of crates. Making sure to stay in their line of sight and within shouting distance, she stood there for several peaceful moments and relished the feel of the ocean spray on her face. She hoped the journey to the next island wasn’t too long—Grimm was damp and chilly and grey and an overall miserable experience, but she certainly hadn’t been bored.

“You seem to be doing well.”

Nami whirled around to find herself face-to-chest with Drake. Instinctively, her hand went to her Clima-Tact—Law had practically strapped it to her leg himself, though she doubted she’d risk leaving the submarine without it again.

Drake looked down at her critically, blue eyes lingering briefly upon the Heart Pirate insignia on her breast pocket before snapping back up to her face, a faint blush rising to his cheeks as he realized exactly where he’d been staring. He coughed into his fist awkwardly, waiting a moment for his composure to return. “I heard you ran amuck of some uranos. I suppose it’s a good thing you had Trafalgar for a temporary captain. I loathe the man, but his medical skills are beyond compare,” he spat as if giving Law even the slightest bit of praise filled his mouth with a foul taste.

“Y-yeah, he really came through for me,” Nami said nervously, fingers twitching above her batons.

Drake noticed her disquiet and took a half-step back, putting a respectable amount of distance between them. “I’m not here to kidnap you, Miss Nami—especially not with your companions ready to attack if I so much as blink at you wrong.”

Her anxiety eased up at the reminder. Glancing at her shipmates over her shoulder, she noticed Shachi glaring daggers at the rival captain through his sunglasses as he polished his rifle. Next to him, Jean Bart cracked his knuckles meaningfully. Confidence returning with the knowledge that she had good people watching her back, she returned her attention to Drake, hand retreating from her weapon to rest elegantly on her hip. “Smart man, though if abduction’s not on the agenda, why are you here?”

“Partially to check up on you. I was concerned Trafalgar would want to take advantage of you in your drug-addled state.”

“Law would never!” she snapped, instantly offended on the Dark Doctor’s behalf. The man may have been a sadistic, flirty bastard, but she instinctively knew he had never considered using her like Jinzo had intended. After all, she’d basically offered herself up on a silver platter, and when he’d kissed her back, it had been for the sake of distracting her. Law was a lot of terrible things, but “rapist” was not among them.

Holding up his hands in surrender, Drake raised an eyebrow at her outburst. “You’ve certainly changed your tune. Just two days ago you told me you didn’t even like him and literally begged me to help you strip off his uniform. I’d hoped you’d be smart enough not to fall for his seduction techniques so easily.”

“I haven’t fallen for anything—I’ve just realized that, even if he is a creepy asshole, he’s at least got enough honor to keep me safe from other scumbags. He’s the lesser of the evils out there.” Biting her lip, she reluctantly brought up, “By the way, I heard that you’re the one who…took care of Jinzo.”

With a nonchalant shrug he replied, “Normally, doing anything that benefits Trafalgar turns my stomach, but I was willing to make an exception in this case. The lesser of the evils and whatnot. That, and Haiko offered me a rather impressive sum of belli in exchange. I certainly wasn’t going to turn down that kind of deal—especially when I found out what Jinzo had done.”

“You…said he owed you a lot of money for something. What was it?” she asked, not sure she wanted to know the answer.

Piercing blue eyes narrowed as he crossed his arms. “You’re not accusing me of selling him uranos, are you?”

“Jinzo did sink a small fortune into getting his hands on enough to drug a whole bar. Maybe it wasn’t the only thing you sold him, but you did say he owed you 600 million belli,” she countered, though her heart wasn’t in it. Drake may have been a dangerous Supernova and attempted kidnapper but considering how he’d seemed rather shy around unclothed women, she highly doubted that he’d supply a drug that would turn girls into sex-slaves. Still, it didn’t hurt to check.

His answering glower put doubt into that thought, though. “Miss Nami, I understand you’ve been through a traumatic ordeal, and thus I’ll humor your idiotic accusation—no,” he stated, voice barely more than a deep, threatening growl. “What he and Kimo owed me money for was a job they requested assistance on, plus I had raided a merchant ship full of uncut diamonds, platinum, and silk. And considering how you relieved Jinzo of his cash, even if I did bring in the uranos, do you really think I’d hand it over without getting paid?”

Ice water ran though her veins at his tone. Drake was deeply offended at her allegation. She couldn’t blame him—despite the near-abduction, he’d been remarkably courteous to her since they’d first met. Besides that, even if he wasn’t a Marine anymore, it was clear he was far more honorable than most pirates. But every man had his limits, and if she didn’t lighten the mood fast, she might end up sharing Jinzo’s fate. Backing up a half-step and holding out her hands as if to calm down an angry beast, Nami simpered, “Hey, I’m sorry! You’re right—it was stupid of me to think you had anything to do with this. I-I’ve been through a lot over the past couple days and wasn’t thinking straight!”

Drake took a deep breath, and the tension eased from his shoulders as his hands fell to his sides. Behind her, Nami could hear the safety of a gun clicking, and she suspected her bodyguards had something to do with his new calm. “I may be a pirate, Miss Nami, but I don’t care for my honor being questioned.”

“I’ll remember that.”

His stern expression softened at her obvious fear. A large hand rubbed the back of his neck with a hint of embarrassment. “I confess, though, I do now feel a bit guilty for even considering selling you to that madman. Uranos is nasty business—rumor has it that the Navy briefly considered using it as a form of torture for female pirates in Impel Down, but Sengoku shot it down.”

Bile burned the back of her throat at the mere thought. “Dare I ask who proposed that option?”

“I believe you robbed his mansion last month.”

A disgusted shudder wracked her body. Of course that perverted psychopath would suggest such a thing. Considering Harpin’s low view of women and shady dealings, she wouldn’t have been surprised if he suggested it so he could get his hands on some for his own depraved use.

“God, the Navy employs the sickest people,” she groused. “How can they even look at themselves in the mirror?”

“People will go to quite the extremes in the name of Justice,” Drake answered, tilting his head down so his face was cast in shadow. “You can’t always stop evil by playing by the rules.”

Nami bit her lip. She probably shouldn’t be discussing such things with a former Rear-Admiral. Even if he had no love for his former leaders, she doubted such a conversation would go anywhere pleasant. She was trying to keep the mood light, after all. “Right. So, where are you heading next? Off to the New World?”

“No, not yet. It’s still too chaotic on the other side. Perhaps in a few months, when the waves of idiots looking to make a name for themselves have all killed each other. If I hope to stand out, I can’t just be another voice screaming for attention.”

“Not the worst plan in the world, I guess.” In fact, it was pretty similar to Law’s. Perhaps all North Blue pirates were this pragmatic—it seemed they were the only ones willing to wait for the best moment to strike instead of recklessly rushing into certain death.

“So glad you approve,” he replied sarcastically, though there was an amused tilt to his lips. “I may also be staying on this side for the sake of enjoying Paradise while it’s unusually peaceful—it’s almost like a vacation.”

Just like that, the rest of the tension between them dissolved like sugar in hot tea, and Nami found herself able to relax. Drake was an intimidating man, especially when he was angry, but like Law, he didn’t seem the type to cause trouble unless he could gain from it. Especially not with the Heart Pirates so close by.

That in mind, Nami gave him a small smile, intent of staying in his good graces. “By the way, thank you for…what you did to Jinzo. I’m sure getting payback on my behalf wasn’t a factor in your decision, but it’s good to have the peace of mind knowing he won’t be coming after me again.” Death and torture were never things she’d be able to condone, but it seemed smarter to praise Drake rather than condemn him.

Broad shoulders lifted in a mild shrug, but the large captain seemed pleased enough at her gratitude. “Honestly, while it wasn’t at the top of my list of reasons, when I was informed that he’d drugged you, it did help sway my decision. I thought perhaps my act of chivalry might help you see sense and convince you to join me instead of Trafalgar.”

A wry smile curled her lips and she jutted out her hip as she replied sassily, “Torturing a guy isn’t a great way to earn a lady’s affections, though points for creativity.”

Drake blushed slightly at the mild teasing in her tone, pulling the brim of his hat a bit further down to hide it the damning tinge of pink. “Perhaps not my preferred way to win you over, but I work with what I have.”

Intent on keeping the mood light, she teased, “Well, Captain Drake, how would you prefer to ‘win me over’, as you put it? A shopping trip? Candlelit dinner? A long stroll on the beach under the stars?”

“I’d rather appeal to your sense of reason—you’re an intelligent woman from what I’ve seen, and surely by this point Trafalgar would have shown you his true colors. While he might not be the absolute worst piece of scum sailing the ocean, you’re better off without him. That insane bastard will bring you nothing but trouble.”

Part of her appreciated the fact that Drake seemed even the slightest bit concerned for her safety—it was always good to have allies, after all. “Law’s a little unhinged, I’ll admit, but still far from the worst captain I’ve ever served under. He’s loyal and protective of his crew, and I guess that includes me now. That, and I have this sneaking suspicion that you only want me because I’m his.” She blinked before smacking her forehead with her palm, cheeks burning bright red. “That didn’t come out right.”

Drake let out a faint chuckle as he closed the distance between them with a few casual steps. “Whether or not you meant it that way, you’re not wrong. Considering all the times he’s gone out of his way just to screw me over, I wouldn’t mind the chance for some payback.” He leaned in, his voice a seductive growl in her ear as he continued, “And what better way to do it than to steal away the woman he clearly plans to fuck?”

“Wha—”

“Back it up there, Drake,” Shachi snapped as he audibly clicked the safety of his gun off again, raising the rifle meaningfully. “We cut you some slack when you badmouthed the boss, but trying to seduce our Cat Thief is a big no-no.”

Nami shivered as a puff of Drake’s hot breath danced against her neck when he scoffed. “Oh? Don’t you have faith in her loyalty to your captain? Or do you think she’d be so easily seduced?”

“Like you said, Miss Nami’s a smart woman,” Jean Bart replied, once more cracking his knuckles, ready to fight. “Smart enough not to fall for such an obvious ploy from a guy who tried to kidnap her just two days ago.”

“Then you boys have no reason to worry.” His attention returned to the woman in question when he felt her small hand lightly press against his torso. “So, what will it be, Miss Nami? Surely such a gorgeous, intelligent woman knows she deserves a better captain than an unhinged scoundrel like Trafalgar. Someone like me. Perhaps I could convince you over a bottle of wine in my cabin.”

Memories of the fantasy she’d shared with Ikkaku about how she’d seduce Drake popped into her head. She certainly hadn’t imagined he’d try to beat her to the punch like this. But while his attempt was admirable, the execution was unrefined. He had the proximity and the low, coaxing tone down, but he wasn’t even trying to touch her. He was smart to compliment her looks and intelligence, but he wasn’t quite making her feel wanted. Or maybe she’d just gotten used to Law’s much more patient, methodical approach. In fact, she couldn’t help but wonder if Drake was trying to imitate him but wasn’t quite comfortable enough to commit.

And too bad for him, when a Cat Thief like her sensed weakness, she took advantage.

“Hmm, I admit it’s a tempting offer,” Nami cooed, playfully running her fingers along the fur trim of his bolero. Large brown eyes gazed up at him through long lashes as she continued, “Having the famous X Drake so interested in little old me is certainly doing wonders for my ego. And what woman wouldn’t want to serve under such a big, strong, handsome captain?” For extra measure, she blew a light stream of air against the bare skin of his sternum as she drew a little heart on his prominent abdominal muscles.

Drake’s face turned the same shade as his hair, prompting Nami to laugh and drop the act, stepping away from him. “Unfortunately, I’m pretty sure that if I ran off with one of his rivals, Law wouldn’t take too kindly to it. But I’ll keep it in mind.”

Growling faintly in annoyance at how easily she’d gotten under his skin, Drake sought to compose himself by dusting off imaginary dirt from his sleeves. “Hmph. Well, in case you do come to your senses, just know the offer expires when I leave for the New World.”

“Fair. Now, unless you were looking to say goodbye to Law…” she trailed off, suggestively wagging her eyebrows.

Any composure Drake might have regained fell away instantly. “It was bad enough dealing with that smarmy bastard over the phone,” he snapped, ears burning brightly. Given what she knew of their interactions, Nami could guess that call had been utterly dripping with Law’s smug, suggestive flirtations. No wonder Drake had waited until he was gone to approach her. “All I have to say to him is ‘burn in Hell’!”

“Well, unless you plan on telling him that yourself, you should get going—he’s due back any minute,” she warned with a teasing smile. She’d never admit it out loud, but Law had been right—the best way to deal with Drake was to lean into the sexual tension to knock him off balance.

“Fine,” he growled, shoving his hands into his pockets and marching away with his head held deceptively high. “One last bit of advice, Miss Nami—I know it’s inevitable, but at least make him work for it before you sleep with him.”

Her jaw dropped in shock and outrage. “You—I’m not going to sleep with that jerk!”

“That’s the spirit,” he replied dryly over his shoulder, his large silhouette fading into the fog.

Once the former Marine was out of sight, Shachi was at her side, leaning his elbow on her shoulder. “You ok, Nami?”

The red haired thief was grateful for the cool air, as it helped her blush fade more quickly. “Yeah, I’m fine. Thanks for having my back.”

“No problem. Glad we didn’t have to fight him, though. I hate to say it, but Drake’s got a higher bounty than Law for a good reason—guy turns into a total monster during a fight.”

“Literally or figuratively?”

“Yes.”

“Of course,” she sighed. Not that she was surprised—she’d seen his hand become a green scaled claw back in the alley, and she’d heard rumors that he could transform into carnivorous dinosaur of some kind. “How long until we plan on leaving?”

“Probably no more than an hour,” Jean Bart replied, hoisting up one of the larger supply crates. “Why? Need to get anything before we go?”

A cat-like smirk curled her lips as she fanned herself with a wad of cash. “Nah. I’d just rather we be on our way before Drake realizes he’s missing a few thousand belli.”

Shachi immediately doubled over laughing. “Holy fuck! When did you pull that off?!”

“When you two were distracting him with your chivalrous display,” she said evenly, tucking the money into her breast pocket. Even if Drake did realize his wallet was suddenly empty, there was no chance he’d dare let his hand go anywhere near her cleavage.

“Seems you three are having fun,” Law said, appearing like a specter from the thick fog, Room dissipating around him. “What did I miss?”

“Just Miss Nami picking Drake’s pocket,” Jean Bart said with a chuckle, picking up the crate of sake that had appeared with his captain and hauling it towards the submarine.

“Dumbass tried to seduce her and got robbed for his troubles,” Shachi explained gleefully, though it was replaced with a low grunt as two massive boxes of assorted gourmet chocolate were dropped into his arms. He let out another oof as Kikoku unceremoniously landed on top of them.

“Drake-ya tried to seduce you?” the captain asked Nami, lips curling into a smirk. “Without my permission? I’m not sure if I should be pissed at him or proud.”

“Does he need your permission to seduce me?” Nami scoffed lightly. “Maybe I should have gone with him; having an actual gentleman for a captain would make a nice change.”

“I’m surprised he didn’t try to appeal to your desire for a more flattering uniform.”

“Wait, they have better uniforms? Drake, come back!” she called mockingly, making a show of trying to run off in the older captain’s direction.

Chuckling, Law caught her arm and pulled her back against him. “Shachi, bring those boxes to the girls’ room and check the cargo hold to make sure we have all the provisions we need.”

“Aye-aye, Captain,” Shachi replied, already halfway to the sub. He knew Law was just giving him busywork to get some alone time with the beautiful thief, but he wasn’t going to argue—if Law wanted to, he could easily just Shambles him to the other side of the island to get rid of him.

The Dark Doctor didn’t get to enjoy that alone time for long, though, as his second mate was quickly replaced by a second redhead, though this one was far more beautiful and curvaceous.

“Hello Law,” Haiko purred, her ruby lips curled upwards in a satisfied smile. In stark contrast to the sexy silver dress she’d preformed in, today she wore a smart black blazer with a tight pencil skirt, though her generous cleavage was tactically on display. “Your work last night was exemplary. I’m going to have to think of new VIP perks to give you. Maybe have Hiroshi write another song.”

Nami tensed at the appearance of the seductive club owner. She still had no idea what was up with her—if Haiko could be fully trusted. Law had said he’d look into it, but had he? Or had he just said that to appease his suspicious shipmate?

“Thank you, Haiko-ya,” Law replied casually, though it didn’t escape Nami’s notice that he placed himself deliberately between the two women. “How are Jinzo’s victims?”

The assured smile fell slightly. “I sent the ones you cured home to their families. The dead will hopefully be identified and given proper burials.”

“And the nymphos?”

“A few are going to try and return to their normal lives. The others…I’ve offered them employment at one of my brothels—if they’re going to crave sex for the rest of their lives, they might as well get paid for it. And at least with me they’ll be safe.”

“Very generous of you.”

Though she waved off the comment, Nami could see the subtle stiffness in her posture—as if she were an actress not entirely comfortable with the character she had to portray. “It’s the least I can do. If I’d taken care of Jinzo earlier, none of this would have happened.”

“I can’t argue with that. Though he must have done a great job covering his tracks to keep both you and Kimo-ya from realizing he intended to muscle in on your territory. What will happen to the black market trade now?”

Her easy confidence returned—when it came to talking business, Haiko was clearly in her element. “Well, since I’ll have my hands full keeping that from imploding, I’m entrusting Oscar with running the red light district. Hiroshi can manage Ruby 8 until things settle down. I admit, since so many of your peers have run off to the New World, the black market’s taken a bit of a dip in profits.”

“And with fewer pirates around, the island’s entertainment and legitimate businesses must have been more accessible to citizens and other visitors.”

“All the more reason to clean this town up, I suppose.”

“Kimo-ya won’t be happy about that,” Law said casually, studying his nails.

She shrugged, though her red lips turned in a subtle frown. “My husband’s a crime lord—to him, rampant rape, drugs, and murder meant that his clientele were happy. But when such a thing is the norm, it’s only a matter of time before you fall victim to it yourself.”

“Of course. It’s easy to rule the underworld when everyone else is a good, law-abiding citizen.”

Seductive smirk returning to her face, Haiko playfully stroked Law’s goatee. “Oh, don’t worry, Dr. Heart Stealer; you’ll still have a place to sell of your ill-gotten goods, and after last night, you can expect VIP treatment at any of Grimm’s fine establishments.”

The Surgeon of Death flashed a devilish smirk. “Good to hear. And without the risk of drugging, rape, and kidnapping, maybe next time we visit, Nami-ya will be able to actually enjoy herself.”

Pulling her hand away from Law’s face, Haiko turned to Nami, green eyes apologetic. “Yes, I heard you were one of the girls Jinzo’s goons drugged. It’s good to see you’re doing well. No one hurt you, did they?”

“I’m fine,” Nami replied, shifting uncomfortably. Though her concern over the thief’s welfare felt sincere, she still wasn’t sure if the island’s new Queenpin had a hand in the island’s drastic power shift, or if she was just taking advantage of the opportunity she’d been presented with her husband and Jinzo’s removal. Her goals at least appeared admirable.

“If you’re ever back in Grimm, you’re welcome at Ruby 8 anytime. In fact, next visit your meals and drinks are on the house.”

Law stepped between them again, and for a brief moment, Nami felt him run a reassuring hand over her back. “Perhaps by that point, Kimo-ya will have recovered—we can make it a double date.”

“Oh, I doubt that,” Haiko stated, a nearly imperceptible tightness in her jaw. “My medical staff says that with the damage he suffered, even if he does wake up, he’ll be confined to his bed for the rest of his life. He took a tremendous fall down the stairs and broke his neck, you see.”

“Was that before or after he was stabbed in the liver?”

Green eyes narrowed. “Excuse me?”

This time, Law blatantly pushed Nami behind him, looming dangerously over the older businesswoman as they stared each other down. “Well, since I seemed to be in the habit of doing you favors, I thought I’d add to my good karma and stop by your house to see if I could do anything to heal your beloved husband. He certainly has a broken neck, and the bruises and cracked skull line up with your story, but that stab wound sticks out like a sore thumb.”

Haiko’s stone-cold expression would put a professional poker player’s to shame. “Well, the fall did break a few steps—perhaps he landed on a sharp piece of wood.”

Law’s own face was just as unreadable. “No, the size and shape clearly indicate that it was a knife. A small one that a lady could easily hide under her dress. I also noticed that your home doesn’t have any stairs.”

Her expression hardened, a fierce green fire flickering in her eyes. “Are you accusing me of harming my husband, Captain Trafalgar?”

“Haiko-ya, you’re a woman I genuinely admire—you’re cunning and determined, yet you still have standards higher than most of the criminal underworld. You’ve come a long way from that underground gin joint you started in the North Blue. You’ve spent years cleaning up the brothels and bars on Grimm; I’d certainly be upset to find my husband was conspiring to undo all of my hard work simply because he couldn’t adapt to the changing times.”

Nami held her breath as she and Law awaited her answer. This was the moment of truth.

“That’s quite the theory you have,” Haiko replied coolly, crossing her arms and raising an auburn eyebrow. The anger in her gaze dimmed down into a tranquil simmer. “Do you have any proof?”

“Nothing physical, nor do I really care—if you stabbed Kimo, I have no doubt it was well-deserved. Perhaps it was even an accident, or in self-defense.”

“Or perhaps you’re just making baseless accusations.”

“Haiko-ya, it doesn’t matter to me what really happened. If anything, I imagine you’ll be a better business partner than either of them. I simply don’t appreciate being used and lied to.”

When she gave no reply, Law gave Nami a meaningful look, gold eyes flicking down to her Clima-Tact before holding her gaze intently. “Nami-ya, why don’t you disappear for a bit? I think this is a conversation Haiko-ya and I should have without an audience.”

Catching on, she nodded, ducking inside the Polar Tang just out of sight. While Law distracted the club owner by leading her towards the edge of the pier, Nami quickly cast her Mirage Tempo, rendering herself invisible so she could sneak back over, footsteps silent as a cat’s paws. For extra measure, she crouched behind a nearby crate, peaking her head over the top so she could watch the duo’s interactions.

Law casually slung his arm over Haiko’s narrow shoulders, dropping his voice so only Nami could eavesdrop. “Look, I know power struggles are common in the underworld, and innocents getting caught in the middle happens. However, this little spat hurt two of my subordinates. I’m sure you understand that, if something like this were to happen again, I’d take it upon myself to wipe out both sides of the conflict in revenge, correct?”

The redhead stiffened. “Of course, Law.”

“Good. Because I respect your reasons—Kimo and Jinzo betrayed you. Tried to undo all your hard work because their own profits were down. Potentially even planned to slip you a little uranos out of spite. But I won’t stand for someone else’s grudge putting my crew in danger. Nor do I tolerate being used—if you want me to kill someone for you in the future, I expect you to be straight with me instead of treating me like a pawn.”

For a moment, Haiko stood in silence, staring out at the churning waves as they slapped against the pier. Finally, she spoke, voice tight and minutely vulnerable. “A few nights ago…Kimo came to Ruby 8 with a few of his thugs after closing. We argued about him helping Jinzo open a brothel under my nose—he said if I didn’t give the red light district back, he’d burn my club to the ground and put me to work as one of the whores.”

“Is that when you stabbed him?” Law asked, tone even and calm.

“Of course. Oscar and the band overheard the commotion and took care of the thugs while I ran, but Kimo followed me to the top of the stairs…”

“Well, that lines up with what Hiroshi told me. I appreciate your honesty.”

“You questioned Hiroshi?” she asked, angered at the musician’s betrayal.

“You forget—he owes me. I guess he also figured I’d be more lenient with you if I knew how you’d been backed into a corner.” Law paused, letting the tension between them simmer before he admitted, “He was right. Kimo deserved what you gave him, and if I hear he’s tragically succumbed to his wounds, well, I won’t shed any tears.”

Haiko sighed, shoulders sagging in relief. “I wanted to trust you, but you had a profitable partnership with Kimo. I couldn’t be sure whose side you’d be on—I just knew it wouldn’t be Jinzo’s.”

“A common enemy is a good hook for an alliance—I just hope you plan to be more honest with me if you intend on maintaining our partnership.”

“Of course.”

A shadow fell across his eyes as he turned the woman so she fully faced him. “Did you know about the uranos shipment?”

“No. Nor was I aware that Venus would be used to distribute it,” Haiko explained, looking him straight in the eye. “The owner was new but on the level; he had my full permission to host a Ladies Night to attract customers. When I went to confront him this morning, I found his body—he’s been dead for at least a few days.”

Nodding at her answer, Law’s somber expression relaxed. “Good. Because not telling me about Kimo and Jinzo’s betrayal is forgivable. Not warning me about the uranos…”

“I am truly sorry your girlfriend and engineer were subjected to that.”

Nami had to physically slap a hand over her mouth to keep from screaming “I’m not his girlfriend!” She doubted Haiko would appreciate it if she found out she was being spied on, and Law would be pissed that she’d ruined his plan.

Perhaps he could feel her rage, because Nami caught Law’s amber eyes glance in her general direction before returning to Haiko. “Pretty words aren’t the kind of apology I’m interested in. I expect compensation.”

Haiko’s confident, naturally seductive grim returned as she leaned in, running a finger along the Heart Pirate insignia on his sweatshirt. “Oh? And what exactly did you have in mind?”

“I’m sure you’ve already thought of something—I doubt you would have come all this way just to say goodbye.”

“That I have; in fact, it’s exactly why I came down here. Two weeks ago, a man named Dira tried to sell Kimo and Jinzo some items. Most of it was junk, but there were a few things that stood out. One of them was a lovely white vase.”

“Are you seriously offering me a vase as reparations for Nami-ya and Ikkaku nearly becoming sex slaves?” he sneered, eyes narrowing in offense. Nami bristled in solidarity. She didn’t care how drop-dead gorgeous Haiko was; unless said vase was made of platinum and filled to the brim with belli and gems, she’d kick the older woman’s ass for being so cheap!

“Oh, no—the vase isn’t even here!” Haiko replied, smile never wavering despite the anger radiating from the Dark Doctor. “Once he realized what it was made from, Kimo turned it down and told the man to take his wares elsewhere.”

“And what, pray tell, was it made of?” Law asked sarcastically, patience wearing thin.

Her manicured hands reached up to smooth out the wrinkles in his sweatshirt. “At first, they thought it was marble or alabaster, but upon closer inspection, Jinzo realized that the white was just paint. It took a little arm-twisting, but Dira admitted that the vase originated from a certain tragic island in the North Blue.”

That immediately caught the surgeon’s attention, and the full focus of those golden eyes was fixated on the club owner. The hostility vanished, replaced by cool intent. “Where did he go?”

“Atifakuto. None of us wanted something coated in Amber Lead, of course, but I remembered you once mentioning that you had an interest in such items. In fact, I even have an eternal pose to the island—I took my last vacation there.” Reaching into her generous cleavage, she pulled out the hourglass-shaped device. As she handed it to the pirate captain, she fluttered her long lashes sweetly. “So, am I forgiven?”

“…for the most part. You’d better not be playing me, Haiko-ya,” Law replied, studying the magnetic compass intently, looking for anything that might give away whether or not it was fake.

“I think I’ve learned my lesson about leading on The Surgeon of Death. You did me a favor, so I’m returning in kind.” Standing up on her tip-toes, she brushed a kiss to his jaw. “I do hope you visit again soon. And treat that Cat Thief of yours right—maybe it’s the red hair, but she reminds me of myself at that age.”

“Unscrupulous and greedy?” he asked, taking her hand and pressing his own farewell kiss to her knuckles.

“And a magnet for dangerous men,” she purred as she flounced away. “Safe travels, Captain Trafalgar. Always a pleasure doing business with you.”

When the new Queenpin of Grimm was out of sight, Nami dropped her illusion, jogging over to Law. “Well, that was…quite the conversation.” Part of her was relieved—Haiko had done some shady things, but she couldn’t fault her reasons. Another part was flattered. She was a dangerous, stunning, formidable woman—someone Nami could certainly admire and wouldn’t mind becoming someday. Though, she hoped she’d manage to avoid marrying someone who’d betray her.

And one tiny, sneaky part of her burned with irrational jealousy over the fact that Haiko had kissed him. It shouldn’t matter—Law was obnoxious and arrogant and certainly not someone she had any intention of kissing when not under duress. But for some reason, she had been really tempted to use her Cyclone Tempo to knock her into the water.

“That it was. Seems a trip to Atifakuto is in order,” Law said lowly, the brim of his hat casting a shadow across his eyes as his tips twisted in a sullen frown.

Nami’s brow furrowed. She knew Law had some kind of interest in Amber Lead, but why would he want to hunt some down? “Is that our next destination?”

He rubbed his goatee in brooding thought as his eyes fixated on the delicate needle pointing towards the horizon. Nami could practically see the wheels in his head turning, an internal argument raging in his mind. His body was as stiff as a cadaver’s, the tendons in his neck straining as he held in whatever powerful emotions he was feeling.

Finally, he shoved the eternal pose into his pocket and answered, “Not yet. I promised you the next island we landed on would be far more relaxing, and I need time to plan, anyway. But don’t expect a long vacation; I can’t let the trail grow cold.”

She sighed in relief. After the horrors of Grimm, she was in desperate need of a breather. Especially if they ended up going after an artifact from Flevance; she’d only heard tragic stories about that place. How they’d once been prosperous and highly-renowned, until the whole country had come down with a horrible, incurable disease. A disease that, if Law was to be believed, hadn’t been as contagious as the World Government had claimed.

Before she could ask any questions, Law pressed his hand between her shoulders, gently but insistently leading her towards the Polar Tang. The darkness in his expression had faded significantly, and his sly smirk was back in place. It felt phony, though—like a mask. “By the way, I appreciate you staying close. Considering what she did to her husband, I half expected Haiko-ya to stab me and push me off the pier.”

“Yeah, I figured you only wanted me there so I could save your ass,” she snipped, though her heart wasn’t quite in it. Law had berated Haiko about being honest with him, yet it felt like he was putting up a front with her. Sure, it wasn’t quite the same—Haiko had been using him, while Law seemed to be just keeping his thoughts to himself—but the slight hypocrisy grated at her.

At the same time, she couldn’t entirely fault him for it. Their relationship and sense of trust in each other had certainly improved over the past twenty-four hours, but she couldn’t blame him for not enlightening her to his troubled thoughts. She only hoped he’d confide in Penguin or Bepo.

“The singular pitfall of wielding the awesome power of a Devil Fruit—water is your nemesis,” he replied sourly.

“Then why’d you lead her so close to the dock’s edge?”

“To make her feel less threatened. Her husband attacked in her own bar. Ruby 8 is as much home to her as the Tang is to us. People value that illusion of safety; when it’s compromised, especially by someone we should trust, it can turn someone into a skittish, feral animal.”

“Ah. Yeah, makes sense,” she replied as they stepped through the submarine door. He definitely had a point—if she’d been attacked on the Thousand Sunny, a place she’d always felt safe and secure in, she’d probably be on-edge for months. “It was still a risky move, though.”

“But a calculated one. Did you really think I’d accuse a woman as cunning and dangerous as her without a plan, or at least a basic understanding of how her mind works?” he asked, dark blue eyebrow raised in annoyance.

“No, but are you confident enough in that understanding to guarantee she’s not sending us to our deaths?”

“Another reason to take a slight detour and recover our strength before heading to Atifakuto,” he said nonchalantly, smirk becoming darker but more genuine. “I’m not particularly worried, though. Haiko and I think alike in many ways; she values long-term planning. She knows she only has one shot at killing me, so she wouldn’t risk it all on a scheme she threw together in a day. She’d wait until I least expected it, even if it took years, all the while carefully moving the pieces into place. And when she struck, she’d get the outcome she wanted no matter how the cards fell.”

“Do you…have someone you’re planning to kill?” Nami asked, a hint of nervousness bleeding into her voice. “Because you sound like you’re speaking from experience.”

“No one you’ve met, and no one you’d miss,” he said vaguely, his hand finally moving from her back so he could climb down the ladder to the next level. “You should worry more about getting stronger and preparing for the New World; Bepo tells me you’re finally ready to start combat training.”

“Let’s just say Grimm’s been a bit of an eye-opener,” she replied, carefully climbing down after him. Her heeled sandals made a reverberating clank as she stepped down onto the metal floor. “Luffy can’t risk me being a liability—if I can’t handle myself in Paradise, I’ll stand no chance on the other side of the Red Line.”

“Exactly why I’m willing to train you—I’d hate to have put in all that effort into saving Mugiwara just for his crew to bring him down.”

Nami glared at him, but he ignored her all the way to his quarters. Upon realizing she’d followed him, his eyebrow arched upwards again, though this time in amusement. “Were you looking for something, Nami-ya? A private tour of the captain’s bedroom, maybe?”

She blushed slightly at his suggestive tone but held her ground. “You gave me crap about keeping secrets from you, and yet you spew out the most irritating non-answers when I ask you a simple question. Your hypocrisy is infuriating.”

“I gave you crap about keeping secrets relevant to your well-being,” he countered easily, slipping inside his room. “Your tenure as a Heart Pirate will be long done by the time I enact my revenge, so it’s nothing you need to worry your pretty little head over, sweetheart.”

Before she could reply or even get a good look at the inside of his quarters, he shut the door in her face.

Staring at the steel barrier, Nami felt her stomach twist uncomfortably.

She trusted Law. She knew he was sincere in his desire to help her train for the New World. That he would protect her until she returned to Weatheria at the end of the year.

She also trusted her gut, and it was screaming that he had ulterior motives. That this generosity, along with his rescue of Luffy, had something to do with some long-term plan.

Trafalgar Law was the lesser evil now, but how long until that changed?

[philjacobsen-blog]

Antarctica. How I learned to stop worrying and love the isolation.

I put on my gloves and face mask like I had done every day for the past six months. I wanted to protect myself, be safe and I wanted to be healthy. No, I wasn’t a prepper preparing for the end of the world and/or the coronavirus, I lived in Antarctica.

From 2002 to 2018, I spent over six years of my life working and living in Antarctica. Math might tell you that looks like “16 years,” but Antarctica works on a different schedule.

Scientists and contract laborers (like myself) have been limited to work a maximum of 14 months straight in Antarctica. Because, after 14 months of isolation, it has been said, “You might lose your mind.” Therefore, four weeks, six weeks, or eight weeks of coronavirus quarantine is like a walk on the frozen ocean.

Everyone loves Top 10 lists, but first, here is the background of life in Antarctica.

There are two different seasons in Antarctica: summer and Winter. For the laymen, that’s when it’s light 24 hours a day (summer) and then when it’s dark 24 hours a night (Winter). It’s not by accident that “Winter” is capitalized and “summer” is in lowercase. This is because you need to respect Winter.

I have spent four Winters in Antarctica. While there have been changes to the Winter schedule, when I Wintered in Antarctica at McMurdo Station, the largest of the three American bases on the 7th Continent, a plane with all of our friends, hopes, dreams and escape plans left in February. The next time we would see the lights of a plane in the sky would be in August.

In other words, shit got real when that last plane left. We had to trust we had enough food, talent and toilet paper to last us until the end of August. This is because, as the saying goes, “If we don’t have it, then you don’t need it. And, you don’t need it, because we don’t have it.”

If you run out of chicken, then you eat pork. When you run out of pork, you eat lamb, when you run out of lamb, you eat hamsters--hamsters are, what we called, microwavable breaded (or deep fried) ham and cheese Hot Pockets™®.

In other words, the grocery stores are open; quit panicking. When you’re outside, hoping your squirrel trap has been bountiful today, this is the time to panic. However, today, it’s not minus 45 degrees outside. Walmart will be restocked soon, put on your mask and gloves and purchase only what you need. Then go home.

And, if Walmart is out of toilet paper, hook a garden hose to your faucet and clean your ass, and be happy your water supply doesn’t give you frostbite.

It’s going to be fine.

In Antarctica, we were living like it was Gilligan’s Island, “No phone, no lights, no motorcar, not a single luxury.” The only difference was we had phones, lights and motorcars, but when we went outside it was minus 45 –degrees—not a luxury. Stay inside on your couch and be happy that when you do go outside to take out the trash, walk the dog or mow your lawn, you’re not getting third degree frostbite and having your toes cut off.

This little piggy went to the market. This little piggy watches Netflix. This little piggy stays home.

Speaking of movies and TV shows, my good God, we would have loved to have had Netflix, bootlegged versions of Game of Thrones, YouTube or Facebook in Antarctica. Instead, the entirety of McMurdo’s bandwidth is mostly for Science.

Rarely could I “LOL” with my friends on Facebook or “YOLO” with spring breakers at the beach. Nope, Science is the priority in Antarctica.

Science, I tell you. A bunch of people, who we called “Beakers,” is the entire reason McMurdo Station exists. These Scientist are in Antarctica to prove or disprove Global Warming and/or can penguins fly and/or are penguins cute. Generally, they proved it, but why listen to scientists?

Scientists went to school and studied stuff, but have they ever studied the “economy” or “Facebook?” Can you imagine an entire community who listens to scientists? Oh wait, you can? Possibly because we’re in a global pandemic? Yeah, listen to scientists?

During my Winters in Antarctica, I could go days and only see the one person who I worked with, and guess what? I hated him.

In the community, we called him “Skin Suit.” This was his nickname because, even though he passed his battery of psychological examinations, which are required in order to Winter-Over in Antarctica, he said to Suzy—a la “Silence of the Lambs.”

“I wish I could wear your skin, so I could touch you all day.”

So, there I was, working at the bottom of the world, with Jame “Buffalo Bill” Gume as my coworker for six months, in total darkness, and do you want to know how I got along with him (aside from the one time I threw hot coffee in his face)? I complimented his outfits. I tried to look for the positive in the people who surround me.

My first job in Antarctica, I was a dishwasher. I left my home, friends and a girlfriend to seek this adventure. I’m still happy with two out of three of those decisions.

The first year I spent in Antarctica there was a “Dishwasher Emergency” at the South Pole (850 miles from the sea level solitude of McMurdo). Just like we need grocery store employees, drive through food and universal health care, the South Pole needed a dishwasher—and they chose me.

The South Pole is located at 9,301 feet above sea level. That’s not very high. When I live my life in my hometown of Salt Lake City, I live at 4,327 feet above sea level. I have climbed high mountains in Utah, like Mt. Timpanogos that is 11,752 feet and Mt. Nebo that is 11,928 ft. I’m not healthy, but I’m also not fat.

When I was asked to work at the “high altitude” of 9,301 feet of the South Pole, I said, “Okay. I’ve done that.”

However, what I didn’t know, was that because the South Pole is at “The South Fucking Pole” it’s not just about the altitude. The South Pole has a variance of altitude because of the Earth’s centrifugal force which makes the South Pole seem much higher than the actual 9,301 feet. At times it can feel, because of lack of oxygen, as though you are over 12 or 13 thousand feet.

Before going to the South Pole, the doctors and scientists said I should take “prophylactic acetazolamide” to combat the feelings of high altitude sickness. However, my friend Donald said, “You’ll be ‘okay.’” He said that since he was from Colorado and I was from Utah, that I would be fine, because I was “use to the high altitude.”

I was at the South Pole for eight days. I quit taking prophylactic acetazolamide on day four, because I was feeling great. I listened to Donald.

On day eight, I nearly died. This wasn’t Utah. Because I’d lived at sea level for four months at McMurdo Station, and Donald didn’t know shit, my pulse oximeter (the amount of oxygen which should be in my blood and close to 100) was 52. I was failing breathing.

Pulmonary edema cut the oxygen supply to my brain making me think 3 + 7 = Cat. The South Pole doctor said, “Phil, you are two to four hours from death.”

All flights to the South Pole were canceled on this day, due to weather, but, due to “2 to 4 hours of death,” a C130 National Guard Airplane risked their lives and flew from McMurdo Station to rescue me at the South Pole. If not for universal Antarctica Health Care, I could be dead.

On this day, I learned I needed to listen to the scientists, and not to Donald.

This story ended up being too long. I’m sorry. I’ve lived through isolation, listened to friends, instead of the medical community, and somehow I’m still alive. How did Antarctica prepare me for the isolation of the coronavirus?

1: Do something today better than you did yesterday. Did you go to bed sooner? Wake up earlier? Brush your cat?

2: Exercise. In Antarctica my exercise routine was called, “Brushing the Dust Off of David.” There is no reason to take a hammer and chisel to David. All you need to do is to take a wet cloth and brush off the dust. Do 10 sit ups, pushups, or jog in place. Be happy with who you are, and barely maintain. If you set higher expectations, you might fail. Simply, brush the dust off of your personal David.

3: Do something better today than you did yesterday. There were many times in Antarctica I got more drunk on Friday than I did on Thursday. I’m not advocating alcoholism, but lower your expectations. Don’t look for perfection when a glass of wine might do.

4: Did you make your bed after you woke up? Some days you will go to bed and your biggest accomplishment will be, “I made that bed today.” Congratulations.

5: Groundhog Day. Every day may seem like yesterday, but, how did you make it different? In Antarctica, after six months of Winter the trash shelves are lined with “Learn ‘This Language’ in 30 Days” DVDs. Nobody accomplishes a lot during the isolation of Winter. But, if we do little, then that is a lot.

6: Communication. Does your phone work? In Antarctica, no one can call us, so we have to call out. Instead of waiting for ‘that phone call.’ Make it.

7: Don’t go outside. It’s too cold. In the Covid-19 case, it’s too dangerous. My dad goes to dialysis three times a week; please don’t kill him. Don’t go outside.

8: Appreciate your pets. In Antarctica we are not allowed to have pets. I started the “Antarctica Cat Club.” All we did was share photos of our cats from home that we wished to be with. Now, we get to live a cat’s life. Nap. Eat. Shit. Nap. Clean. Nap. Eat. Repeat.

Love your pets you lucky sons of bitches.

9: Art. Be creative. Rather you’re by yourself or preferably, with only yourself. Do something artistic. For instance, today, I chose to write this Manifesto. In Antarctica a group of us recreated the (drunk) history of the race to South Pole by Roald Amundsen and Robert Scott (https://vimeo.com/35084075). What will you or your isolated group create?

10: Know that it ends. A plane will come and take you away or scientists will tell you it’s safe to go outside. And then, it’s over. You take off your mask and gloves. You shop at a grocery store, you go to a movie, you hug your parents or, you love being able to hold those who you love.

Stay warm. Stay isolated. And, stay indoors.

[jamiefairfaxisntcool]

/mu/core album review | Neutral Milk Hotel - In the Aeroplane Over the Sea

/mu/core album review #1

this week on /mu/core album review, we look at:

Neutral Milk Hotel - In the Aeroplane Over the Sea

Ah yes, In the Aeroplane Over the Sea. The album that’s mostly known as either, “that one weird album from the 90s,” or, “/mu/ basic bitch meme music.” If you’re anywhere past a casual music fan, you have most-likely heard some songs off this project, if not the whole thing, doubly so if you’re into 90s culture, Indie, or any sort of Art-Rock or Folk movements. As I type this, the most popular YouTube rip of the album has about 4.3 million views, a playlist separating each track stands at 500,000 views, and the title track has a remarkable 40,733,956 plays on Spotify. Holy shit, to put that into perspective: AV Club writes that, “In The Aeroplane Over The Sea was originally slated to sell about 7,000 copies,” that’s roughly 5,819 times the predicted sales numbers of the album on just that song. This also means that this song has been listened to for approximately 131,163,338 minutes, a total of around 131,163,299 more minutes than the actual album length. Humanity has spent a collective 249 years listening to In the Aeroplane Over the Sea. Oh, and that’s just the title track.

If I couldn’t spell it out so clearly there, this album is fucking outrageously popular.

Even if you haven’t heard any material off the LP, this album is memed pretty heavily in the music corners of the internet. I don’t think I can find a single music meme page or forum that hasn’t jumped upon the ITAOTS or NMH bandwagon.

At this current point in time, ITAOTS has became a permanent resident in the zeitgeist of internet music culture. NMH, and by extension, it’s creator, Jeff Mangum have been elevated to a cult of personality status. The band and this project are accompanied by a never-ending choir: 15-25 year old sad white boys who cry while sing-screeching about semen and Anne Frank and poorly play open chords on their detuned Ibanez acoustics.

It’s oddly beautiful.

The album is so deceptively simple, so creatively cryptic and has all the elements of a slog faux-folk fest filled with whining that would bore me to so many tears that they could rival the sad boy indie kids who lose their e-girls to their more socially active explore-page bait counterparts. To a person not familiar with it, ITAOTS could look like an over hyped, masturbatory depression tape. It looks boring. It looks like it should be boring.

If it should be boring, then why have I only listened to it and absolutely nothing else for the last two days?

This isn’t a joke, I revisited the album of course to refresh myself before sitting down and writing this review. I kept listening, over the course of a school day, in-between production and songwriting sets, while playing games, and as I write this, I just finished my eighth spin of the record. Before those last two days, I had only listened to the album probably twice. 

I remember listening to it back in seventh grade and not particularly disliking it. I was really into Yes and a lot of other Prog and Psych bands, but I wasn’t particularly impressed with the almost yuppie voice that Jeff had used on the record compared to vocal beasts like Freddie Mercury, Bowie, and Jon Anderson. Later on, I listened in freshman year, and I appreciated it much more, and had a few songs come up in my shuffle play, but thought nothing much of it.

Now, war had changed.

part 1: i’m the fucking carrot king

As I plopped down in my computer chair, my window crackled and banged like a distant firecracker with the smack of heavy rains on a Summer afternoon. I placed my headphones firmly atop my ears, closed my eyes and leaned back in my chair. I heard the opening chords of The King of Carrot Flowers Pt. 1 and tried not just to hear the instrumentation, but also pay attention to the lyrical content of Mr. Mangum.

When you were young, you were the king of carrot flowers And how you built a tower tumbling through the trees In holy rattlesnakes that fell all around your feet

Okay, so what the fuck is actually happening here?

Upon my listens, I inferred that Jeff is speaking to another party here, most likely a female love interest, in what seemingly starts in a nostalgic tone. This sounds almost like a picturesque, coming-of-age, Americana film. Maybe one starring Molly Ringwald and River Phoenix, with a surprise cameo from someone famous back then like Jack Nicholson. Maybe John Candy, with a John Hughes script. Everything would have those faded out, classic colors, a hearkened back era. Quickly, by halfway through the first act, the tone shifts. A darker mood, a stark, grim reminder that life wasn’t always sunny and shinning in Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood.

And your mom would stick a fork right into daddy's shoulder And dad would throw the garbage all across the floor As we would lay and learn what each other's bodies were for

The Mang informs us of a horrific family life, specifically about what seems to be his dad’s, stepmom’s, and stepsister’s interpersonal relationships. The lines are obvious and straightforward, the life of our protagonist was rife with unhealthy familial and sexual relationships, and a sense of love and sweetness was not found there. Keep that in mind when thinking about later songs such as Oh Comely.

After the somber intro of Carrot Flowers Pt. 1, we reach my personal least favorite track on the album: The King of Carrot Flowers Pt. 2 and 3.

Look, I know the meme. “I LOOOOOOOOOVE JESUUUS CHUHRIEEEIISSSSTT,” and all that shit. I’m not even worked up about that line in particular, I just dislike Pt. 3. It’s the weakest of the upbeat songs on the album, with the weird yodel-screech voice that Gumman performs with really takes me out of the experience, which sucks because the buildup and atmosphere of Pt. 2 felt pretty amazing. Luckily, Pt. 3 is fairly short, so we don’t have to worry about it too much.

part 2: earth angel’s thesis

The title track for this album is one of the best songs on this album, no fucking contest. In the Aeroplane Over the Sea, Oh Comely, The Fool, and Two-Headed Boy Pt. 2 are top contenders when discussing this album. If you like the faster, fuzzier, upbeat songs you could probably substitute The Fool for Holland, 1945.

The title track has a familiar sounding chord progression and we can hear Gum from Jet Set Radio’s saccharine but yelp-y voice belt out from atop the mountains his undying love and admiration for... Anne Frank?

What a beautiful face I have found in this place That is circling all round the sun What a beautiful dream That could flash on the screen In a blink of an eye and be gone from me

In the first verse, Geoff mentions meeting or viewing a beautiful person on this fleeting rock circling round the Sun. He also matches this with the idea that it’s truly futile for him to chase after this beauty, as it is only a dream that could escape him when he awakes. El Jefé has actually mentioned that some of his surrealist lyrics are derived from dreams. Perhaps these lines could imply a more literal dream fading? I don’t exactly know, all I know is what I interpreted.

The instrumentation of this piece is nothing straying from NMH’s usual repertoire: Mandrake on Guitar and Vocals, Scott Spillane on the Horns, Robert Schneider on Bass and Production, Julian Koster playing... something. What is he playing? Wait, give me a second.

He’s playing the Singing Saw? I thought it was like, a Theremin. What the fuck is a Singing Saw?

Oh.

Okay sure, you can play that, however the fuck you do that.

And finally we have Jeremy Barnes on Drums.

The personnel handle the music with a light, bouncy feeling, and the tone and timbre remind me of a faded, old, seaside town on the east coast. Another thing to mention is that the chord progression is G-Em-C-D; I-vi-IV-V. A funny thing I noticed is that this song shares a chord progression with tons of songs from the 50’s and early 60’s, which adds to the waning Americana feeling, but it more specifically shares that progression with Earth Angel by The Penguins. In the 80’s film, Back To The Future, Marvin Berry covers the song with his band for the Enchantment Under The Sea Dance where Marty’s dad and mom have to dance to ensure that the future stays intact. There’s no further real connection, but I thought that was kinda cool to mention.

After looking through the lyrics for In the Aeroplane Over the Sea, I will admit, as a brainlet Two-Headed Boy Pt. 1 eluded me. Patrolling through Genius and some other reviews, I guess the consensus about this track was that it was about Anne Frank again? Manta Jeff’s cryptic lyricism continues to fool me. Besides the lyrics, this track mostly remains a piece of really good filler.

part 3: stop the military occupation of my brainwaves

The Fool is amazing, anyone who says it’s filler is wrong. I know I might anger some people by literally implying that Two-Headed Boy Pt. 1 was filler, but seriously The Fool just makes me a feel a way. My brain creates a scene reminiscent of a depressing diesel-punk Les Misérables. Even though Scotch Spillage’s fantastic piece for horns is beautifully imperfect, it lacks lyrical content and is short and length. So, let’s instead talk about Holland, 1945.

This awesome, uptempo, almost punk-like piece of fuzzy brass is groovy son. It’s probably the song you could show someone not familiar with this project and they’d be like, “Oh, is this Cake? Why is the lead singer singing so high now?”

Holland, 1945 is a song that you can just listen for the instrumentation. Holland, 1945 is a song that promotes peace and love. There’s so many great things I can say about Holland, 1945. How it’s theme is so perfectly fitting for today’s political climate, how it manages to blend these psychedelic and bluesy timbres with a fast and loud sound and how well it continued the semi-conceptual narrative of Joff’s admiration and love for... Anne Frank.

Okay, fuck it, I have to say it. It’s bothered me ever since I discovered it.

Why Anne Frank? Like, I know why Anne Frank, but I mean like, why, y’know? I’ll say I admire Anne Frank, she was trying her best to live a normal life in a terrifying time to be alive, but I never wanted to fuck her. xxJeffxx’s mentions of Anne kind of make me raise an eyebrow. Especially because the album’s not just about her either. When he gets sexual, it’s difficult to determine whether he is mentioning a third party or Anne, which would be pretty weird, as she was 15 when she died and Heff was 28 when he wrote this. Maybe this is just some patrician music shit that I’m too plebeian to understand, like heated toilet seats or drinking for fun rather than to drown the pain. Maybe I haven’t sat down and watched enough flowery-squarespace-sponsored-lofi-hip-hop-muzak-using-pretentious video essayists to understand it, but what do I know.

part 4: the proletariat cries

To wrap on the second half of the album, this is the half that I cried in.

Communist Daughter is a good song, but with how short it is, it left me wanting more. This track is one of the few that actually features a soft-spoken Jeffen, and its open and dark but dreamy atmosphere left my jaw agape. The mountaintops weren’t the only thing stained.

Oh Comely, Oh Comely. Oh Comely is a song that deserves its own review. The lyrical chops of The Mangum Magnum are on full display as he belts somber, brutal verse after verse, with plenty of juxtaposition between sickening, sexual and vile situations alongside a description of a sweet, innocent young girl, just trying to survive with a guitar by her side. This beautiful, lovely girl gets taken advantage by someone, some people, perhaps even Yeff himself, only seen as an easy lay, a whore, like the ones her father visits often. He disgustingly describes semen in the garden, and her making miracles with her mouth, but I didn’t get a tone similar to so many songs about “sexual-empowerment.” The song is about self-deprecating depression leading to her being used, perhaps even abused. A situation all too real, too close to many of us. As I type this, I don’t know what to think. A woman should of course have individual sexual freedom, but this song doesn’t describe that. It describes trauma, emotional, psychological trauma. Meaningless sex, a rotten smell, staining the flower of a woman, all of this language that could be simply described as gross. This isn’t a happy song about fucking bitches. This song is about how a girl wanted to play music, pluck vines and was taken advantage of, reduced to her roots, and deflowered. Fuck. I wish I could save her. In some sort of time machine.

Two-Headed Boy could refer to a number of things. I have a head canon. This girl, Comely, is being used by the Two-Headed Boy for sexual favors. The Two-Headed Boy then “repays” her in friendship and music, playing their silly little songs. On the surface, Comely assumes the Two-Headed Boy trusts her and cares for her, but really all he wants is sex. Comely, living in a broken home and without a proper male figure in their life, is conned by the Two-Headed Boy, and just wants to live a normal life. Comely is trapped. She’s living in a place that is surrounded by the texture of scum and she knows it, she just can’t call upon the strength to leave. She’s trapped in a home, a ghetto, wanting to live a normal life, but she’s been placed here by the Two-Headed Boy, who knew her mother and father were broken, and she would be too. The Two-Headed Boy broke in, claimed to be her friend, and supports her, before defiling her. Comely was pretty, bright, and intelligent. She was just in a bad situation.

Comely was Anne Frank.

Not to say that they were literally one in the same, but I mean J. Mangum (private eye) is comparing two children, ripped from their lives by this awful world, and intertwining them, blurring the lines.

Who’s the Two-Headed Boy? As I said, it could be a number of people. Nazis, Peter van Pels, hell, even Jeff Manga himself could be the Two-Headed Boy. It doesn’t matter as long as we realize the relationship between oppressed and oppressor.

There is a glimmer of hope for Comely though. Read the closing words from Two-Headed Boy Pt. 2:

Two headed boy, she is all you could need She will feed you tomatoes and radio wires And retire to sheets safe and clean But don't hate her when she gets up to leave

Comely and the Two-Headed Boy split away from each other. Comely leaves the Two-Headed Boy, and the narrator says not to hate her when she leaves. On a deeper level, this could be an introspective Jeff Mangum relating on his past. I don’t really know.

outro

Neutral Milk Hotel - In the Aeroplane Over the Sea

9/10

What did you think? Was I way off the mark, or do you agree? What should I have covered? What did you like, what did you dislike, I’m all ears. Leave a follow and a like if you liked it and I’ll see you on Wednesday.

[finderskeepersff]

44.

“You are so fat!” Leyton shouted down the phone while on face time “it’s called a baby, shut up” turning around “but you huge, I noticed you also walk like a penguin” looking at my phone “you know what, you are all going to be so jealous when I am back to my normal body. This is just a baby” Leyton laughed out “I am joking with you, I am excited for you. When is he coming?” I am glad to see my brother happy, he looks so full of life and smiling and that is all I want “erm four weeks left, not long at all” placing my hand on the kitchen counter feeling my lower back go again “god” scrunching my face up “what is it?” Leyton asked “this baby, it’s not easy but how is school? Forget me, do you like it? Is it how it should be?” I haven’t heard a complaint from him “good, I really like it. I have met so many new people, like my old school wasn’t as good. Listen to this, the school isn’t far from where Cassius lives, you know how I know? These niggas I am friends with was saying how his family live in the apartments he put them in, I was like my sister is with him so I was like he my family now. All of them scared of me” I laughed nervously “oh goody, did auntie send you into a school in Brooklyn? Like that is any good?” I swear I should have made sure it was not a school there “yes, I like it though” I guess he is ok if he likes it “you better be learning though, it’s not a game ok? I mean it” I will beat his ass myself “I am, trust me and that money you sent me I bought some books for school. And some sneakers of course” I expected that “well I am happy with you, I am really happy you are being good” seeing Jasmine walk into the kitchen area “you just woke up?” I asked like I was shocked, I don’t know what waking up late is anymore “yes and oh my god it’s little L, hey boo” Jasmine got into the camera “hey Jasmine, you and Hunter together yet?” she kissed her teeth moving away from the camera “now you ruined it!” I chuckled “she still working on that Leyton” I chuckled at her when she hears that name.

It’s been nice to have Jasmine here, she really does keep me entertained. It’s made me very happy. She makes me laugh too, we have been out on some walks and went out to eat. I did let her drive Cassius car, he isn’t here so who cares but it took that burden off me with driving, I hate driving when pregnant, besides her being a troll with everything she has helped me so much. She even cooks for me at times “what are you doing my little penguin?” Jasmine skipped over to me while on the couch in my bedroom “packing my bag for when I have the baby, just getting ready. I am just deciding on the baby grow too” Jasmine picked the two from my lap “these are so adorable and I can’t wait for him to be here, take both. You never know” she is right “I have packed an outfit too, you never know. I might feel the need to do that” Jasmine smiled at me “well the bag is going to be here at the side of this couch, you may be my birthing partner so you need to bring this bag and the car seat with you” Jasmine stared at me all wide eyed “but I think he will be here” waving her off as I went back to packing the bag “I don’t know anymore, he’s been out what two weeks you say? So I give up, I just want my baby to be ok. I did feel sorry for him but now it’s turning into annoyance and anger, he is hiding away from me and I don’t think I want him there. So he can be there to be like aww it’s my son. Fuck no” Jasmine put her head down.

I think Jasmine didn’t expect me to get riled up but I did, I did now because he has been out for two weeks. I have seen Myles and Kyle five times within that and have even cared enough to ask me if I need help but him, no. He is hiding, I am angry at him. My care has turned into anger, even when I speak to his mom he could say Sofia I will be there for our son “fucking men” I said to myself and then another sharp pain hit me, stopped me from placing the baby bag down at the side “damn, ok” I am not ready for what is to come, look like my baby is team daddy “calm down” placing my hand on my stomach, taking in a deep breath stretching my back out. I have been getting these cramps ever since, just need my baby to wait it out for me.

Switching off the TV “screw love” I am not about that lovey dovey garbage right now, I say this then my mind wonders. I just can’t believe he did this, the fact I will give birth on my own, I may as well be on my own because Jasmine is kind of useless but great company. I want to see him so much, why do I have to love him. It is my love for him that would make me just fall in his arms but I am also angry at him, I wish he would come to me “shall we go for our walk, I have my new sneakers on” looking behind me towards the door at Jasmine “sure, let’s go for a walk again. Sitting down is making my back hurt anyways” placing the remote at the side of me “also it says walking makes the baby come down quicker” I am not sure if to believe such things from Jasmine, she is not the brightest “you think” I laughed getting up from the couch and I froze just feeling the trickle down my leg “no, no, no, no, no not now please no” falling back on the couch “no, please stop” I said as a sob left my lips “not now” I said “oh shit, I will get the bags” Jasmine ran off.

Bryce is still not liking me, he remembers and he doesn’t call me C anymore, he just runs away from me. I guess that is everyone now, they all run. I mean even on the streets because they assume I am out for revenge and that is why I disappeared but it was never that. I still ain’t gained weight, I did actually ring Henry too, he is a good guy “I won’t be long Cassius, I am just making sure the home is all ready for your dad” funny thing about my dad, he still hasn’t spoken to me. We are sat in the same room and he hasn’t spoken to me, I do prefer that “you’re making all this effort for what? She can look after herself. She has Jasmine there, Cassius can go himself too” he speaks, I knew he would “shut up Carnell, what do you know” my mom is supporting me, I seem like a little bitch right now but with Sofia I am struggling. Nobody understands how much I have fucked up with Sofia, I did everything I said I wouldn’t and that is a mess, I did everything I promised her I wouldn’t and I can’t forgive myself for this. I could kill anyone right now and I wouldn’t care but I love Sofia and I didn’t mean to do it, I am fucked.

“Are you coming?” I said to my mom, she won’t even get out of the house “Cassius!” looking ahead of me and there stood Ethan “what’s up?” walking down the steps of the front porch and towards him “come to drop you off, how you feeling?” dapping him “I am good, I am happy with the way things are right now. Everything seems to be running perfectly with how I wanted it. I just think I need to work on Atlanta more but I have something bigger to deal with. I am ok now, I am glad niggas know I am back. I am impressed with the fucking money though, you see how it is running now? But things are a little too quiet right now, someone will be plotting somewhere else, you know me” I am forever plotting “I am here” my mom came from behind me “the queen herself, hey Mrs Warren” Ethan said, he sounds so creepy “I am ok, let’s go to Atlanta now” I feel like a big baby, how can I be such a pussy to not go and see Sofia how hard can that be but then my heart is like you fucked up homie, she will hate you and my heart is right.

Looking down at my watch “the flight delayed like a bitch, I should have took the jet” shaking my head sitting forward “Cassius, I know you are worried. I know you are thinking you can’t do this, I am telling you now. I am only here to make sure you get there. I just want you to see her. She cares about you so much, you need to make it clear that you will be there for Sofia and the baby. You have to be there for her and the baby Cassius. I don’t know why you think she hates you when she doesn’t. You need to let it go” sitting back in the seat “I left her mom, I mean she left me but I left her and the last thing I spoke to her about was me threatening her. About the guy she wanted to know, I was being spiteful and that is not me. I do have it in me but not with Sofia, look at me now? I can’t face her because I can’t stand to see her hate me. I am hurting and you know that” I ain’t going to cry here but I feel it “Cassius I know, you have been so worried and upset about this, I know baby. Break ups are hurtful, especially when you love that person” my mom rubbed my arm “when I speak to Sofia, she is concerned that she will be a single mother, you haven’t spoken to her for months Cassius. I bet you don’t remember what she sounds like?” my smile grew “I can never forget that mom” that is engraved in my mind.

Look at me, walking with my mom like I need a bodyguard with Sofia. I am a little bitch, I mean when it comes to this I am but this is shameful “I can’t wait to hear what Jasmine has been up too, that girl is no damn help but I needed someone to be there. I would have said it for you but I am glad you came home to me, you wasn’t ready for this but I know you are now. I need you to show Sofia your heart, I need you to show her. Break down that wall, you don’t need to be a man about things every time. Speak of the devil” my mom said holding her phone up, rolling my eyes. This Uber is taking it’s time “what have you done now? Sofia done told me you went out to the club, I don’t care if it’s your brother’ club you don’t go there and demand VIP, I am coming there right now. I am about to whoop that ass” my smile grew, I want to see that actually “oh no, oh my god. Is she ok?” looking back at my mom “is she ok Jasmine? We are in Atlanta baby, we are coming. Don’t worry” my mom disconnected the call “well, Sofia waters has broke” my mom said to me and I just stared at her like she is crazy “what is that?” pulling a face in confusion “baby is coming stupid” my mouth fell open “what!?” I spat, this is not right “the calculation is not right, it’s early!?” My mom is so calm “don’t calculate, just know we need to go and see her that is all” this is even worse, I am scared.

God doesn’t like me, this is even worse. I haven’t even spoke to Sofia, the baby is not supposed to be here yet “if you go in first then you can tell how her mood is” my mom just smiled at me “you my boy are going to be growing up very soon, she will be angry with you as she should be, you accept it. We just need to know she is ok Cassius, my grandbaby is here early and I am nervous about this, now speak” my mom said pointing at the intercom, moving ahead of her “parent and baby unit” this is a mess “Cassius Warren, I am here for Sofia Bundy, she should be here” I hope she is anyways, it went quiet and then I got buzzed in “she is here then, I am nervous but also scared. I hope my baby is ok, it’s just hit me like a ton of bricks. My bay is early, is he ok “come on” my mom said, walking ahead of her. I didn’t even know what unit she was in, we have been in this building just wondering around “Sofia Bundy, where is she?” the sound of urgency came out of me, this is not good “room four, that is on your right” she said, rushing off. Turning on my right and seeing room four just in front of me, this is so hard, staring at the door “I don’t have the time for you to stare at the door” my mom walked ahead of me and opened the door “mom” Jasmine spat, taking in a deep breath. Holding the door as I walked in “wow, this is fancy” my mom said looking around the room, walking further into the room. Sofia is already looking at me, it’s not the loving look but a look of anger and hurt “hey” I said lowly, looking at Sofia’ bump that is double the size since I last saw it “lets go and get some food Jasmine” my mom said, Sofia is burning a hole through my face with the look she is giving “a simple hey, a hey? Is that it? You come here for what?” my mom is ditching me “we aren’t together so a simple hey is fine, you look like shit and I hate you” putting my head down, nothing I say will make this right.

[theabominableblogger]

My Reaction to “Gotham” S5E2

In Which Harvey Continues to be the Best Goddamn Thing in This Show

I was a lucky son of a duck and managed to get this reaction while the episode was airing live on FOX last night.  For episodes 3-12, I will be waiting for Hulu to receive them because of an upcoming spring semester at college.  So for episodes 3-12, I will be in the dark until Friday or Saturday (so no spoilers from y’all).

Also, on TV, there are so many GOD.  DAMN.  COMMERCIALS.

AN:  I managed to record my reactions to this episode and hopefully I can transcribe what I said into this post.

*Recaps shows the chopper*  OK, so who freakin’ shot down the chopper?

Oh, Tabitha...

*We see a whole bunch of injuries on Will’s back*  What the...

“They call themselves the Soothsayers.”  The Sooth- what?

“They’re digging some sort of tunnel.”  *gasps and reels back*  It’s Jeremiah!  ‘Cause he has a tunnel!  Oh my God!

What’s the tunnel for?

OK, never mind then, I don’t think Jeremiah’s in charge of the Soothsayers

“The second you [Jim] step outside that door, someone’s gonna take a shot at you, and if it’s not you that’s getting hit, it’s the schmoe standing next to you.”  *laughs*

*Jim hangs up on the radio*  Who’s on the other end?

“Four shells each.  Half a mag each.”  Wow.

“Will says the Soothsayers are here, which means we have to pass through Sirens territory.”  Ooh.

“She’s [Barbara] gonna be thrilled to see you [Jim] after what happened with Tabitha.”  Ooooff...

Wait, so is the Dark Zone like around Gotham?  At the docks or...

What?

So this is Robinson Park, OK... so this is where Ivy is.

Oh, these sets look nice.  Getting some serious Arkham Knight flashbacks.

Swore I just saw someone move in the background...

*Bruce catches a guy trying to sneak up on him*  Yeah.

“They came for help too!”  What district are they from?  Why are they British?

*jams along with opening theme*

*silently headbangs to heavy metal cover of "Ring of Fire” by Social Distortion playing in Barbara’s club*

*Everyone stops dancing when Jim arrives*  Oooohhhh... ooohh hoo hoo hoooo...

“It’s a police matter.”  “You know, they should really write that on your tombstone.”  *laughs*

“Drive right into this nightmare you’ve created.”  Actually it’s Jeremiah... kay...

“HAVE AT HIM!  RIP HIM TO SHREDS!”  Ooof.

*Panning shot of an absolute dark Gotham*  Oh my God.

*laughs*  There’s just this one random burst fire hydrant!

So is this whole episode gonna be them [Jim and Harvey] fighting their way out of the Dark Zone?

*jaw drops when someone shoots an arrow at Harvey*

“It’s a freaking arrow, Jim!  IT’S A FREAKING ARROW!”  *scoffs in shock*

Whooooo I remember her [the Day of the Dead lady] from the trailers!

Yeah, that’s the same... freaking tunnel

“The smoke... you [Gabriel] should take it.”  No.

“It’ll give you energy-”  Oh my God, is that Viper?  Is that Viper from S1?

“-see the future.”  What?

Or does Jeremiah shanghai this whole tunnel later this season?

“Once this tunnel is complete, we will have exclusive access to the mainlands.”  Oh my God, they are going to the mainland!

God, that guy [Sykes] just spit everywhere!

Sykes?  Isn’t that the bad guy from Oliver and Company?

“In Penguin’s grace, we will remain.”  Ohh, that’s a good line.

“What are the cattle prods for?”  “Fun.”  *scoffs in hilarity*

“If he [Sykes] moves, kill him.”  Oh ho!  Jim’s not messin’ around!

Yeah, that’s that same tunnel that Jeremiah [and Ecco] are in in some of those pictures.

AN:  Take a shot every time I mention the damn tunnel.

So is Gabriel Will’s older brother?

“Why would anyone be a cop in a world like this?”  “Well, the Halloween shop was all out of gas masks so it was either this or Sexy Nurse.” *reels back in chair from laughter*

“Let take ‘im, boys.”  CHEESE IT, BOYS!

*Sykes and his men try to take the kids*  Oh no.

*Jim comes to the rescue*  Yay.

*One of the car tires get shot*  Ooohhh...

*Commercials start*  OK... OK... so... what?

Wait, so is Jeremiah gonna leave for the mainland?  Like “Syke, I’m gonna get out of here!”

Noo... because his mission is Bruce so I don’t think he even wants to leave Gotham.  It’s the whole “I don’t wanna kill you!  What would I do without you?” mantra going on.

Whaaaaaatt...

What is she [Ivy] wearing?

“You have to believe me.”  “Forgive me if I find it hard to do so.”  COLD.

“It wasn’t me.  It was the park.”  *in unison with Bruce*  The park?

“The plants are my protection.”  ...OK.

“Maybe we can help each other.”  Bruce...

TELL HER IT’S SELINA!

“There’s a seed.  It’s growing under the oaks.  It’s said to have magical qualities.  When digested, it goes to the damaged tissue and bone.”  A seed?

Wwwhhhhaaaattt?

Ed?  Hello?  How are you?  Where are you?  Are you in the library again?  Why are sleeping with your glasses on?

What is going on?

That [library] looks like Oswald’s old house [the van Dahl mansion]

Oh my God, are we gonna see Ed peeing?

EEUUGGHHH we don’t need to be seeing this...

Oh my God, there’s someone in the frickin’ [bathtub]...

“There’s nothing there.”  *laughs*

Waaaaiit... what’s going on?

[Ed] You’re gonna attack him [the Street Demon] with a toilet plunger!  *cackles*

“Did I uh...” *chuckles*

“We’re gonna have to do all this again?  Guess so...”  *scoffs*

What is that place?

“It’s not safe out there.”  No dip, Jim.

“Maybe there’s still good people left in Gotham.”  Mmmmmm....

Yeah, you’re [Jim and Harvey] gonna leave three kids there [in the lobby].  All alone.  In a strange building.  Great.

Harvey, you’re a blessing.

Yeah, you’re gonna leave the three kids there.  Right.  Great idea.  Great idea.

These sets are fabulous.

“Hello?”  Blaaggghh!  Jump scare!

“GCPD.”  Take a shot!

Was that a crow [in the background]?

There’s just a bunch of random folded clothes everywhere.

*Harvey finds the dinner table full of body parts*  Oh my God...

Are those teeth?

*Harvey finds a plate of bloody fingers*  :0

Oh my God, freaking- they’re freaking cannibals?!?

*gasps when Mother attacks Harvey*

*has to leap out of seat to cool off when commercials start*

Oh wow, I love Sweeney Todd.

*ends up coughing up a lung*

So far, again, this feels like a foundational episode.  It’s just like “OK, we gotta work on this, we gotta make sure this is safe,” and yeah.

I wonder if the Jaime Murray character is gonna show up at the end of the episode or something.

AN:  You may think that... but no.

I also wanna know what kind of crack these writers were on for this final season.  Tze Chun had the good shit; I dunno about the others.

*gasps in disgust when Ed hits the Street Demon in the mouth with a wrench.”

“[Ed] You wanted to know where the Street Demons base was.”  Why?

“Aaand you wanted to make sure the boss would be there.”  Why?

“OK, how did I [Ed] seem?  Was I... confident?  Flamboyant?  Charisma for days?”  *giggles*

“Or was I conserved, kinda repressed, a little nerdy?”  *laughs*

Soo... did Hugo combine the two personalities?  ‘Cause the pushing up the glasses is a new thing.

*gasps when Ivy kills the men who were holding her.”

“[Bruce] You are so utterly naive.”  Oh my God.

“[Selina] She is paralyzed and has lost the will to live.”  “Good.”  What?!?

“That bitch destroyed the last of the Lazarus Water.”  ExCUSe me?!?

“Let her suffer.”  Noooo...

You can tell that Peyton List [Ivy] is just wearing a whole bunch of face powder on.

“I am feeding the earth these wretched creatures.  It consumes them.”  She has lost her freakin’ mind.

*Ivy starts caressing Bruce’s neck*  Do not prick his neck.

“Those men you killed were right.  You are a witch.  A murderous, callous witch.”  WHOOOOOOO- oh my God...

Hoo!

“What’s your name?”  “I- I can’t remember.”  What?

“She found me?”  “Who?”  “The ghost!”  The ghost?

“She makes me call her.. Mother.”  *reels back and puts hands in the air*  It is Mother and Orphan!

Wait, is that the kid?

*The kid stays behind*  It is the kid!  That’s Orphan!

Oh my God...

“The lights will make you dizzy.  And then you’ll go to sleep.”  Oh this is cool..

“Jim, I don’t feel so good.”  Wow, I love Infinity War.

Actually no, I hated it.  I was sick the first time I saw it.

*gasps when Mother sneaks up behind Jim*

They really do need to put a flashing lights warning on this.

*gasps when Mother fights off Jim and Harvey*

*Harvey tries to leave*  There’s an open window!  You broke a window!  Go through the window!

*looking through the Gotham tag on Tumblr during commercials*  Wow, someone wrote some fanfiction quick.

Oh wow, I love Ghost Adventures!

*gasps when Ed and the Street Demon find the Street Demon leader wiped out.”

[Penguin Was HERE] Really?!?

*imitates the guitar riff going off*

*Ivy leads Bruce to the seed*  Oh my gosh, that’s so pretty

*Ivy gives Bruce the seed*  I ain’t eatin’ that...

“One thing’s for certain... the seed will alter her [Selina] forever.”  Great.

“Some say, the darker angels of our mind-”  Great.

Also, yay for natural lighting finally in this show.  I love it when they use natural lighting in the show.  It looks so nice.

“What’s the matter, Bruce?  Don’t know if you can trust me?”  I don’t trust you.

“I don’t.”  “Good.  then you’re finally becoming a man.”  Ivy, you’re like his age.  shut up.

*Ivy sits in one of the low sitting trees*  OK, so if the tree branches just grab her and just sink down into the ground, this will be the greatest thing.

“Detective Gordon, your hand’s bleeding.”  Uhhh...

*Sykes and his men arrive*  Oh my God... monster truck!

“Wait just a minute!  Please...”  Whoaaa... who are you?

I don’t know who that is.  She [the Day of the Dead looking lady] looks cool though.

*commercials start*  Who is this?  Who are you?

Five bucks:  Barbara comes in and saves the day even though she still hates Jim.  She hates everybody.  She comes in like “I’m just here for the kids, not you.”

Oh noo...

“Did you [Bruce] find the witch?”  “It was Ivy.”  Great!  Alfred’s like “Oh bloody brilliant!”

“What choice do I have?”  Bruuuce...

“I want to help Selina as much as you do but Ivy’s a maniacal, cold-hearted killer.”  You met her like twice, Alfred!

But true, she is.

“So if Ivy wants to kill me, she can have at it.”  Oh my God...

Who wrote this episode?  I’m gonna have words.

*Bruce gives Selina the seed*  Yeah, you’re gonna shove that down your throat.  Great.

Is she gonna chew it?

*Selina starts chewing the seed like a gummie vitamin*  OK then...

It’s the Spiderman bite except in fruit form.

*freezes when Selina starts seizing*

“God, what have I [Bruce] done?”  *extremely sad face*

“I’ll tell you what!  I’ll [Sykes] take his head!  And you can have the rest of him!”  *scoffs in shock*

*gasps when Jim shoots the Day of the Dead lady*

Is that a monster truck?!?

My sister:  Is that a tank?!?

That’s a monster truck!

*both immediately at loss of words when Barbara hops down*

Wow, I love Hot Wheels!

*jaw drops when Jim uses his last bullet to kill Sykes and defend Barbara*

Wow... that just... came out of nowhere!

“Wow.  Wasted your last bullet for me.  Must be love.”  No it is not.  Barbara, how dare you say that?

*Barbara tells Jim she wants to kill Penguin.”  Great.  Great plan.

Wait, you’re gonna invite Barbara to the Green Zone?  Yeah, great plan, Jim.  Great plan!

*Jim and Co. arrive at the Green Zone*  Whoa!

He [Lucius] looks fab!

Wait a minute, is this [the Green Zone] that apartment complex that got blown up in the trailer?!?  Are you freaking kidding me?

They’re gonna freaking blow this place up later in the season.  God dang it.  Who did it and why?  Who does it and why?

We stan one future police commissioner.

“See you around, killer.  We have some unfinished business, you and I.”  Nooo you don’t.  Cool off!

Oh crap, is she [Selina] gonna be gone in the morning?!?

Oh my God, Bruce hasn’t slept in like 48 hours?!?  Great.

*gasps*  She’s [Selina] not there!  Did she go out the window?

Did she pull a “Dark Knight Rises” and back flip out the window?

“Bruce...”  Oh no.

She [Selina] looks like Michelle Pfeiffer.

“[Selina] How do you feel?”  “Different.”  Why are her eyes closed?  Open yo eyes!

“I’m better.  Even better than before in fact.”  Mmmmm no!

*Bruce hugs Selina*  Yay hug!  We like hugs!  We like some hugs!  Yay!

Oh my God, she’s gonna go on a murdering spree and kill some people, isn’t she?

*Selina’s eyes*  WHAAATT the frick?!?  Wha-

WhaAAAAttt?!?

*gasps when Ecco pops up in the promo for next episode*

*ejects out of chair to cool off*

AN:  Ecco, your man better treat you right or I’m gonna fight him AND the writers.

We’re getting WhaAAAtt??? WHaaaAAT?? 

Oh my God...

[chimswae]

Chapter 14

Foreword:

Some stories are better left unsaid.I couldn’t change anything for the world, although the fame part of this industry is tough to handle.Do i have a life? Yes I have my fans.Do i have friends? Yes the members that I cherish. Do i have love? No I have to let go.Life always offers you a second chance. It’s called tomorrow. But do i have any tomorrow?

Pairing: Jimin x OC (Other characters: BTS, OCs, Lee Taehwan)

Genre: Idolau, Fluff, Romance

Word Count: 2,812

Author Note: I crosspost this story from my Asianfanfic account. Mind you, clicheness OVERLOADS

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14

Chapter 14:  Hold me tight, trust me

[ +120, -13] Did you see Min Suga flip out? He was trying to be polite to that reporter but guess her questions really tick him off kekekeke The reporter is nosy anyways, so rude. He is just trying to protect his friends.

 [+71, -122] Park Jimin really had a hard time, I don’t blame him. Medias are going crazy. I heard they ambushed the girl’s home too. How inappropriate.

 [+46, -3] Why cant people leave him alone? It is his life. I feel bad for the girl and the kid, they must be terrified. I am supporting you Park Jimin! Hwaiting~!

 [+88, -149] BTS Jimin is a bad influence to teenagers. He made baby when he’s still in school and dumped the girl to become an idol. How horrible is that. I heard they are the president of middle school club something but they don’t act like one. Rip the title off from them.

 [+21, -99] That bitch must be after his money. She wouldn’t just appear without reasons. What a disgrace to whole nation.

 [+23, -62] He is a scapegoat kekekekkekee What will happen to Bangtan now. Major flop.

 [+33, -178] Wow, I knew from start Park Jimin is a trash. Get that asshole out from the group. A bad example to younger fans!!

 [+43, -199] Since he cant sing without sounding like a damn penguin, maybe he can reconsider babysitting his son at home kekekekeke

 [+64, -15] I heard a wedding bell ringing~~ kekekeeke who’s going to attend a trashy wedding ceremony. The girl is taking gold digging into a whole new level.

  Slamming the laptop shut, Taehwan gave Yeoul a look “I told you to stop reading comments, they are judging both of you without knowing the truth. Horrible human being” he sighed.

 Wretchedly, she covered her face to hide tear filled eyes. Yeoul was used to bearing pain without showing how much it hurt. However, she cried at last even though it was part her distress. No one with sane mind would be fine after reading such nasty comments.

He shifted closer to where Yeoul sat, embraced the poor girl in a tight hug “I am sorry that you have to face this Yeoul ah, I wish I can take the pain from you” he stroked her long hair lovingly. Taehwan wished he had the ability to erase bad memories from her. Endurance was never her forte.

 She cried way too much every single days without failed, that was not a good sign for her health. Another thing was that, she waited for Jimin to come safe and sound as he promised. Of course, she didn’t put much expectation on that since his boss might not let him carelessly travel across the region just to get her. But, having a little faith wouldn’t hurt right?

 “OMMA! I SAW APPA OUTSIDE” Minyeol’s squealed returned their attention to the younger boy who was on his toes in front of the window scanning their backyard. Yeoul told him to use a secret passageway behind to avoid the crowd in front of their house. Another commotion was the last thing that they wished to see at the moment.

 Taehwan walked up to Minyeol helping the hyper boy opening the door for his dear father and giving no time for Jimin to digest, Minyeol crashed his body against him.

 Hugging him tight, Minyeol smiled widely “Appaaa is back.. Minyeollie miss appa so much” he startled at the sudden impact but softened to see his son clinging onto him. One of their managers accompanied Jimin to Busan and though he was well aware of the scandal, it was still amusing to see another side of Jimin. It was unusual.

 Jimin picked him up, rocking his body side to side “Appa misses you too, how’s my Minyeol” Yeoul stared at him blankly, part of her soul slowly leaving her body. The sight of Jimin much alive and untouchable was a huge relief.

“Minyeol is terrified. The people outside is hurting omma and yeollie” he pouted.

 “Appa is here so I will make sure bad people wont get you and your omma, alright?” smiling affectionately, he squished the younger boy close before setting him down on ground again.

 He shifted his gaze to Yeoul sad face, their orbs met, their gaze seemed to concentrate and they stood motionless, as if spellbound. Not to mention, it had been a rough week for both of them, to be in the same room, breathing the same air was almost impossible after the event.

 She hung her head and huffed out a sigh, finally meeting his gaze, that one face she missed the most “Hey…” Yeoul broke her silence with a soft voice enough for him to capture. Jimin looked steadily into her solemn eyes, he couldn’t help but feel sorry for causing the pain. It was unbearable to watch his girl cried because of him.

 “Yeoul…” eventually his arms crossed over her, embracing her tight and she relaxed against him. Nuzzling her face in his chest, she finally could her the sound of his heartbeat. Calming yet help to sooth away the pain from her.

 “I am sorry that it took me so long to come and I missed you” she heard he whispered lowly in her ears. Tentatively, she wrapped her arms around him returning the hug with a wide smile, letting herself melt into Jimin’s strong embrace.

 Giving the couple time to catch up, Taehwan brought Minyeol upstairs and the younger boy nodded obediently with a smile. Being in the same room as Jimin was the last thing that he wanted to do today, Taehwan was not fond of that guy just yet. He needed time.

 Yeoul pulled away, caressing his cheeks with a glint of worries in her eyes “You lost weight, did Jin oppa even feed you properly?” he chuckled.

 “Hyung barely cooked lately, so we just ate takeaways food” she cringed in disagreement.

 “That’s unhealthy! I am scolding Jin oppa for feeding you guys unhygienic food”

 Grazing his fingertip to tap her nose softly, he shot her a smile “I don’t remember we ever eat an-oh-so-hygienic food either back then? We basically ate ramen and fried chicken” scrunching her nose cutely, she puffed her cheeks.

 “That was long time ago. My cooking skills improved over time, so don’t judge.” Yeoul realized there was a tall man far at the corner leaning against the wall, and once in awhile he would steal a glance at them with a teasing smile.

 “mm.. Jims.. who is that?” she squished his hand and whispered softly.

 Jimin glanced at his manager hyung “Oh that is manager hyung. He is here to accompany me. You know we need to head to Seoul in a bit right” he tilted his head at her direction.

 Yeoul nodded “I know.. your manager hyung is too good looking to be one. I thought he is the hidden Bangtan members” her gazed were fixed at him. When he caught her staring, he put a friendly smile with a small bow causing her to flush.

 As he noticed the girl in front of him was fawning over his manager, he flicked Yeoul forehead with a frown “Lower your gaze. Manager hyung is taken, so are you” he exclaimed. His manager chuckled in process grasping their conversation, ignoring Jimin death glare.

 She rubbed her forehead with a pout “I am being a normal girl! Blame him for having that good look. And who says I am taken?” Jimin squished her cheeks.

 “You are taken by Park Jimin”

 “I am not”

 “Yes you are, you said ‘i love you’ back to me. TWICE!”

 “Psh… that is just an ‘I love you’..I can say I love you to anyone that I like”

 “Yah, don’t you dare”

 “Yes I do.. I am going to say it to your manager hyung now” she teased with a playful smug.

 Jimin turned to face his manager who had dumbfounded look on his face “Don’t smile hyung!” he whined almost sounded like a spoiled kid throwing tantrum.

 “Manager Oppa… I Lo-” he cut her off with a kiss, muffling her sinful mouth from spurting more nonsense. His manager flustered upon seeing the unwelcoming scene before him and he immediately turned to face the wall.

 Holding her body close, he nibbled her lower lips with a smirk ‘No you cant say I love you to anyone’ Yeoul returned his kiss anyway. They pulled away with a stupid smile on their face not long after. The couple didn’t  want to prolong their affection not with the presence of his manager.

 “Let’s pack, its going to be a long day” she felt his soft lips against her cheeks.

 ------------

 “Appa and omma will be back soon, so for the time being you will stay with Taehwan ahjussi and granny okay? Be a good boy” Yeoul stroked his hair with a motherly smile.

 “When will omma come back?” Minyeol fingers fiddled with her lock as his other hand slowly caressed Yeoul cheeks.

 “As soon as possible. When omma comeback we will go buy your favorite bunny” his sad smile was replaced with a bright one as soon as he heard the ‘bunny’ part. Minyeol wrapped his arm around her neck, though deep down inside she didn’t want to leave him alone but she had too.

 Exposing Minyeol to medias was not a good idea either, she didn’t want public got a hold of her son. He was just a kid.

 Jimin knelt beside Minyeol, hugging him “Now, will you promise appa to behave when we’re away?” he held his pinky fingers out as the younger boy excitedly linked his pinky with Jimin.

 “Tae-ah thank you for doing this” holding his hand tight, he felt the spark in his heart again.

 He sighed softly “Don’t worry, Minyeol and your mother will be safe with me. Come back safely” ruffling her hair, his encouraging smile gave Yeoul strength to face the reality from now. After bidding their last farewell, his manager urged them to be faster since they have a flight to catch. Worries after worries gnashed her heart, would things turn out good as they hoped?

 ------------------

 The journey was rather smooth though from time to time people would recognize them in the flight including the flight attendants, but thankfully they left Yeoul and Jimin alone. Sucks to be an idol sometimes, people pretended that they knew everything about them and quick to judge.

 Passing the last security procedure, they were now ready to leave the area but surprised to see the huge crowd formed in front of the arrival hall. Jimin gave his manager a baffle look “Hyung.. I thought no one knew about me going back to Busan?” he blinked.

 Scanning the area, Yeoul could feel her heartbeat rate increased rapidly. The last time she was surrounded by human with camera, it turned out badly. Now the size of the crowd in front of her resident was nothing in comparison to this. This was almost like a mini fanmeeting and for some reason it mortified her.

 “I got a call from the company, they said someone leaked the news. This is out of control but they have secure the place and the vehicle is ready to transport us back safely. Will Yeoul be okay to walk through this huge crowd?” he shot her a concern look.

 Chewing her lower lips, she was unsure how to answer the question. Even though she said no, what could they do? They still had to face these people in the end. Jimin hugged her shoulder with a concern smile “We can find another way, if you are uncomfortable” he assured.

 Yeoul was not used to cameras and screaming fans, but she didn’t want to get him into trouble either. She gave them a small nod “I will be okay” unfazed, Jimin eyebrows were furrowed deeply. He knew Yeoul was not okay.

 “You don’t have to feel pressured, if you cant do this. We will find another route”

 “I am really fine Jimin. Don’t worry about me, just umm stay by my side. I am not used to this” she convinced him with a smile.

 “Then you are stuck with me. Hold onto me tight” he nodded at his manager way signaling they were ready to leave the area. Putting his black shade, he interlaced his fingers with her and slowly made their way outside and like a flock of birds fighting for food, they were quickly ambushed by flash of cameras.

 “IT IS PARK JIMIN”

 “Park Jimin ssi is the rumor true about you and the girl?”

“THEY ARE HOLDING HANDS. THEY ARE REAL”

 “Miss Na, how long have you been keeping your relationship from everyone”

 “Miss Na and Jimin-ssi we have questions. Wait up”

 Petrified, Yeoul scooted closer to his side seeking for comfort, she squished his hand tighter ‘This is scary as hell’ there were press everywhere though they were securities around them blocking their path but some was smart enough to grab her arm once in awhile.

 Jimin pulled Yeoul to walk in front of him as he enveloped one arm around her from back “I will be here, keep walking” he muttered close to her earlobes.

 Some fans were squealing hard upon witnessing Jimin heroic action. He was being very protective over Yeoul at the moment, since there were ignorant people trying to grasp her at any chance they had. It was sickening.

  “JIMIN OPPA WE WILL SUPPORT YOU AND UNNIE”

 “IGNORE THOSE MEAN PEOPLE JIMIN OPPA”

 Jimin glanced at his fans with a thankful look and continued to pass the huge crowd before the crowd got bigger and suffocated both of them.

 “Make way, don’t crowd the area” the securities warned the press who tried to take a clear picture of Yeoul and Jimin together. At one point, they successfully exited the arrival hall and were getting closer to the black vehicle in front of them.

 Just few more steps and the nightmare will end, Yeoul prayed in her head.

 His manager opened the door, loading a luggage inside and signaled Jimin to walk quickly. Since there were too many people surrounding them, things got uncontrollable at one point.

 That include..

 A balloon was thrown at Yeoul and burst, she was drenched with red stain from head to toes.

 “YEOUL!” Jimin eyes widened his eyes.

 The assault continued as there was a group of people throwing balloon contained a kind of red paint at her direction. Jimin frowned in anger and pulled Yeoul into a tight hug, blocking the balloon from hitting his girl.

  Everyone gasped at the sight and some concerned fans tried to find the source of the attack to make it stop.

 “Over there! They are throwing the balloons!”

 “Jimin oppa are you okay?”

 “Omo omo omo I hope they are alright”

 Yeoul clutched onto his shirt tight and shuddered at the coldness, her tears cascaded down without warn. She felt humiliated but at the same time she worried of Jimin since he took the hit for her. Would this get him in trouble?  

 Jimin tried to hold back the anger bubbled inside him, he heard people whispered around him with insult. He snapped “YAH YOU THINK THIS IS FUNNY! ARE YOU EVEN HUMAN? JUST FUCK OFF” he turned to face a group of anti fans who were already being captured by the securities there.

 “Jimin… don’t..” Yeoul held him back concerned that he said something mean and as a result it gave the medias an upper hand to twist anything that came out from his mouth.

 His manager went to their side “Jimin we have to go now, it is not safe. Lets get inside quick” he patted the younger boy, ushering both of him and Yeoul inside the vehicle. The door slid closed and within a second Jimin already took her face in his hand examining Yeoul in case she got hurt.

 “Are you hurt anywhere?” he took a clean towel from manager hyung and started to clean the red stain off from her face. Yeoul chose to keep silent as she watched Jimin diligently, her fear subsided.

 “I am sorry Yeoul. I am sorry, I should protect you. I am sorry” his indistinct mumble sounded silly but it made her smile.

 She eyed him, holding onto his wrist “You got hit too…” snatching the clean cloth from his hand. She dabbed his forehead along his cheek, Yeoul smiled meekly not knowing how to react. Things that they experienced just now was beyond horrible.

 “We are heading to the company. Others are there too along with Bang PD” manager hyung broke the silence. The couple nodded with a small smile and Yeoul was mentally ready to face this Bang PD. Anything for Jimin and Minyeol, she would do it without complain.

Previous | Next

This work belongs to  Chimswae © 2019. All Rights Reserved

[whatif-animagineblog]

Summary: Casey Forman lives a fairly normal life in Gotham. Making her way the best she knows. That’s when she get’s an offer from a certain green suited genius gives her an offer and she slips further down into the Gotham Underground then she ever imagined she could go.

Warnings: The normal foul language you have come to know

Pairing: It’s a slow burn I’m sure you can figure it out. 

A/N: This is a change of pace for me. I know I’m known for Star Trek on here but this is my original fandom that I still love dearly. This is the first part of a series I’m starting, staring my OC Casey Foreman.  I hope you enjoy.

Words: 1029

Gotham was rough. Everyone knew that. It didn’t matter if you lived in Metropolis or all the was in National City, everyone knew Gotham was one of the worst places to live. Yet people stayed because it was home. At least that’s how Casey Foreman felt, she grew up in the Narrows of Gotham City, she knew how to play the game. So he had no problem taking her place in a little club called Cobalt. Ask no questions, get no answers joint. Mostly, the richer end of the crowd, kids avoiding their parents, adults avoiding their spouses, and just folks getting away. Though it was not uncommon to see some criminal elements, mostly some mid-level thugs that worked for the Falcone’s or Penguin or maybe even Dent’s crowd. But sometimes even those of the super-villainous variety would waltz in. None made a regular appearance, until recently when an Edward Nygma has been there almost every Friday night for the past few months. It’s hard to miss, dumbass walking around in that obnoxious green suit, just begging for attention.

Casey made sure to avoid him whenever she worked, he was far too smart. She needed gullible fools for her side business she cultivated in the club. Either stealing credit card numbers and fencing them or simply scamming drunk assholes who were a sucker for tears. He could ruin her.

She would pull the used bottles from the trash, fill them with water. She would carry across the room and trip. Then waterworks. All about how she needs to support her baby and that the price of the liquor will be taken out of her paycheck, and if her boss finds out she’ll be fired. Oh, it did the trick, with the cards and the broken bottles she was raking in about an extra 600 a week, maybe every other week.

And tonight was not any different. Casey moved effortlessly through the club, then she tripped, making sure the bottle broke. “No! Oh no!”

Some of the men stood up and looked from the broken glass to her. “Hey, hey, it’s okay,” one of them started as Casey burst into tears.

“No, it’s not! M-My boss, he’s going to get so mad! He’s gonna take it out of my paycheck. He might fire me! I-I can’t lose this job! I have a little baby at home! I-I,” Casey started blubbering intelligible nonsense.

“Hey,” the first man said looking over to his buddies. “We’ll help cover it.” He dug out his wallet fishing out a few bills, the other men did the same grumbling some.

“Thank you! Thank you so much,” She gushed as she took the bills. As she turned she ran into a solid body. “Oh, I’m so sorry,” as she looked up she met eyes with the Riddler. He was there in a black button down, a purple tie and a green vest with matching green pants. Casey froze, her tears instantly drying and her blood running cold. He just smirked and opened his wallet, never breaking eye contact and pulled out a few bills.

“You should be more careful,” His cool voice spoke before handing over the money, winking and walking off.

“Shit,” She looked down at her hands and those few bills were hundreds. “Shit.”

At the end of her shift, Casey left through the back door, as she walked she heard footsteps. She whirled around and pulled out her pug-nose gun and aimed. The figure stopped and raised his hands, a cane dangling off the crook of his elbow. “Now, now, is that any way to thank someone who tipped you as well as I did.”

Casey dropped her gun to the side, “Son of a bitch. What do you want?”

The Riddler stepped closer coming into the light in his full suit, bowler hat, the whole thing. “Honestly, Casey, did you not know?”

“And you know my name,” she groaned as he stepped even closer so both of them were in the light. “So, Riddler, you have been watching me.”

“Please, call me Edward. And yes, a few months ago I came over to Cobalt, Oz and I were in a bit of a squabble, so the Iceberg Lounge, my usual spot was a no go. I was not impressed. Then I saw you,” He leaned in over his cane, more into her space. Emphasising the good foot of height he had over the small woman. “ It’s hard to hide things from me, my dear. But that little con of yours, brilliant.”

Casey sighed and folded her arms, there was no sense defending herself. “I guess I should take that as a compliment.”

“Of the highest regard. It’s hard to impress me.”

“Did you come here just to stroke my ego or?”

He laughed, “Right to the chase, aren’t we? I’m here to make you an offer. Work for me as an informant.”

“An Informant?”

“So, that means sticking my neck out on the line to get you information?”

“Not exactly, because of your skills, I’ll plant you were I need you. Perhaps as Mayor Hill’s new secretary? I don’t exactly have that many women on the payroll and you seem perfect.”

“And the pay?” 

“Well you are getting paid by the mayor, and I’ll give you a bit of a stipend say...1000 every two weeks and for everything you bring me will be an extra amount depending on how good it is.”

Casey watched him for a minute, searching his face. Finally locking her blue eyes with his green. “What about protection if things go pear-shaped?”

“If you do as well as I think you will you won’t need it.”

With that Casey stuck her hand out to him, “Okay. Deal.”

He took her hand firmly shaking it a few times “Deal,” he chirped. Before pulling her close, his mouth next to her ear, “I also know who your fence is for the credit cards. Don’t disappoint me.” With that he pulled away and carried on down the alley, whistling. Casey looked down at her hand and found a slip of paper that read: Dock 9, Warehouse B, 6:30 am.

“Shit.”

TAGS: Join the tag team for this!

[themisadventuresofcando]

Life #3 (DC)

Character Sheet

 Basic

Name: Carmencita D. Kerr/Quinn (Depends)

Meaning: Little Song

Nicknames: Carmen, Little Carmen, Dee, Alice in Gothamland

Meanings:

·         Carmen: Shortened from Carmencita

·         Little Carmen: Carmencita translates to Little Carmen

·         Dee: Short for Tweedle Dee,  used in tandem with Tweedle Dum (Also my middle intial)

·         Alice in Gothamland: Costume

Titles: Clown Princess of Crime, Princess of Gotham

Aliases: Alice Caroll, Trickster

Age: 16

Date of Birth: June 4th

Species: Human

Affiliation: Joker, Rogues Gallery

Social Status: Fugitive

Dead?: Eventually

How?: Mysterious Circumstance (Honestly, Dum probably got us killed… again)

Appearance

Eye Color: Blue

Glasses/Contacts: Contacts

Skin Tone: PALE

Hair Color: White

Hair Style: Curly and Loose

 or Pigtails

Hair Length: Waist Length

General Height: Short (5’1)

Notable Features: Umm… My entire appearance

Piercings: Two Ears

Tattoos:

Matching with Dum on Ankle

Inner Wrist

Left Shoulder Blade

Right Ear

Scars: Diamond Shaped Scars on Legs and Arms

Birthmarks: N/A

  Wardrobe

Style: Pastel Blue and Black

Casual Outfit 1: Pastel Blue Skirt with Suspenders and Heart Shaped Buttons, Black Off the Shoulder Long Sleeve Shirt, Black Thigh High Tights, Pastel Blue Converse, Black Bow Chocker with a Dangling Pearl, Teddy Bear with Bunny Ears Purse, Rose Gold Headphones, Pastel Blue Bow

Casual Outfit 2: Off The Shoulder Blue Ombre Sweater with Music Note Design, Black Jeans, Grey Ankle Boots with Gold Studs, Black Bag with Teddy Bear Key Chain, Shooting Star Cuff, Black Bow Chocker with a Dangling Pearl

Formal Outfit: Pastel Blue Strapless Above The Knee Dress with Tule Skirt, Tule Flower on Waist, and Ribbon Trim, Black Leather Jacket, Black Combat Boots, Rose Gold Heart Cut Diamond Ring, Rose Gold Bow Necklace and Dangling Diamond Heart, Rose Gold Bracelet with Diamond Heart, Stacked Rose Gold and Pastel Blue Heart Bracelets

Alter Ego Outfit: Jester Headband, Strapless Knee Length Dress with A Half White Half Checkered Bodice and Blue Tule Skirt With Black Trim, One White Pastel Blue Fingerless Glove, One Black and White Checkered Fingerless Glove, One Black Thigh High, One White Thigh High With Checkered Jester Garter, Checkered Jester Chocker

Winter Outfit: Pastel Blue Leather Jacket Lined in White Fur, Black Jeans, Blue Boots, White Knit Hat and Gloves, Moschino Bear Backpack, Black Bow Chocker with a Dangling Pearl

Accessories: Black Bow Chocker with a Dangling Pearl or Anything Rose Gold

Scent: Sugar, Wildberry

 Family, Friends, and Enemies

Mother/Mother Figure: Harley Quinn

Father/Father Figure: The Joker

Brothers/Brother Figures: N/A

Sisters/Sister Figures: Dum

Aunts/Aunt Figures: Poison Ivy

Uncle/Uncle Figures: Frost (HE HATES US), Lex Luthor, Penguin

Cousins/Cousin Figures: N/A

Nieces/Niece Figures: N/A

Nephews/Nephew Figures: N/A

Sons/Son Figures: N/A

Daughter/Daughter Figures: N/A

Current Guardian: Harley Quinn and The Joker

Mentors: Frost, Assorted Villians

Best Friend: Dum

Friends: Duela Dent, Assorted Villians, A Few Hero Sidekicks

Team Mates: Dum

Rivals: Duela Dent

Enemies: Batsy, GCPD, That BITCH Amanda Waller (Though My Mother Again… I DARE YOU)

Love Interest: Dick Greyson

Current Significant Other: Dick Greyson (It’s Complicated)

Pets: FOX NAMED FOXY

 Relationships 

Relationships with Parents:

           Our original parents were actually murdered by The Joker for attempting to steal form his club. We weren’t really old enough to remember our parents but we were told that they were planning to take the money and leave us.

           Harley found us in our room asleep and took us without the The Joker’s permission. Mom says they got into to a big argument about it and dad only agreed to keep us because mom threatened to leave. Dad didn’t care about us until we got older and we got interested in continuing the family business (if you know what I mean). He got Uncle Frost to teach us to fight and use weapons (after a few failed teachers) and now as his heirs he could not love us more. I love my daddy and mom just as much!

Relationships with Siblings:

           Dum is dumb. She lacks common sense, is too reckless for her own good or anyone else’s for that matter, she is afraid of her own shadow, she’s an attention whore, she can’t lie and she is one of the most annoying humans to ever grace this planet. Somehow she is still alive and somehow I still love her.

Other Relationships: 

           Aunt Ivy only loves us because we are our mothers and she loves our mother. Ivy likes to take us out on girls days and try to get us to talk shit about daddy to make her feel better… usually works too. Ivy got me into gardening and its something we bond over.

           Aunt Selina love to teach us stealth. We frequently make it a game to see who can steal the most without getting caught… she always wins but I’m catching up! Dum likes to take after our parents and draw as much attention as possible (she gets caught a lot quicker and causes less chaos). I prefer Aunt Selina’s method mixed with mothers to make my own which I call quiet chaos (Its much more destructive than you’d think and it takes more time for them to catch me)

           Frost is our oh so loving uncle… NOT! Frost is annoyed to hell by us but he deals with it for daddy dearest. He taught us how to fight and use our weapons. And I know he secretly love us!

           Ahhh… Uncle Lex… See there was a period of time when my sister and I were sent away from home for our protection and to continue our training. Dum was sent to Ra’s al Ghul to work on her stealth killing and I was sent to Lex to work on manipulation and strategy. We di NOT get along well at first, which, was my fault because I was being a complete bitch about having to leave my family. Once I got over that (It took longer than I care to admit) we did actually grow close. He even offered to house me if I ever needed it!

Relationship Status: …It’s Complicated

 Health

General Health: Okay (Tend to get sick when its hot out)

Injuries: HAHAHAH DO YOU NOT KNOW WHO I AM?!?!?!

Disorders: Mild Anxiety, PTSD, Kakorrhapiaphobia

Deformity: N/A

Allergies: Peanuts, Honey

Disabilities: N/A

Mutations: I’m double jointed in places I didn’t know could double jointed

 Education 

School: Gotham Academy

Best Class: Psychology

Worst Class: Math

Sports: Track, Gymnastics

Clubs: Art Club

 Abilities

List of Powers/Abilities: Enhanced Agility,, Enhanced Aim, Enhanced Flexibility, Enhanced Stealth

Origin: Birth and A Hell of a Lot of Training

Strengths: Gymnastics, Running, Long Distance, Stealth, Stealing, Strategy, Manipulation

Weaknesses: Short Range, Failure, Family, Strength, Animals, Babies

Restrictions: Still Human

Immunities: N/A

 Combat

Fighting Style: Long Distance, Stealth, Quick

Weapons: Throwing Knives, Darts, Exploding Playing Cards

Targets: Anyone really…

 Criminal Record

Wanted For: HAHAHAHAHA A LOT

Wanted By: Amanda Waller, Belle Reve, GCPD, Justice League

Prize for Capture: I Actually Don’t Know

Prison Time: Somewhere around two years served sporadically

 Personality

Likes: Cards, Gymnastics, Drawing, Jokes, Laughing, Making People Laugh, Animals, FOXES, Teddy Bears, Family

Dislikes: Failure, GCPD, Batman, Pink, Jerks, Self-Centered Assholes, Threats (Just FUCKING Do It!!!!)

Hobbies/Interests: Drawing, Gymnastics, Track

Talents: Gymnastics, Stealth

Sense of Humor: Very Dark and Twisted

Greatest Fear: Failure

Why?: Have you met my father?

Other Fears: Being taken by Amanda Waller

Why?: She’s more insane than my mother

Most at Ease When: Running or Hidden in the Dark

Most Uncomfortable When: Being questioned (You Just Assume I’m Gonna Give Away All My Secrets)

Darkest Secret: Having Fears

Does Anyone Know?: NOPE

Who?: NOPE

 Favorites

Prized Possession: Bow and Pearl Choker

Color: Pastel Blue or Rose Gold

Song: Milk and Cookies by Melanie Martinez

Quote: “I may not be playing with a full hand, but did you honestly think I was showing you all my cards?”

Movie: Alice in Wonderland (have you seen me?)

Food: White Chocolate Mousse (Blame Uncle Lex)

Season: Winter (WHITE HOT CHOCOLATE)

Book: Alice in Wonderland

Genre: Fantasy

Flower: Tiger Stripped Roses

Flavor: White Chocolate

Dessert: White Chocolate Fondue (Again… Blame Lex)

 Either/Or

Pessimist or Optimist: Pessimist

Pacifist or Fighter: Fighter

Introvert or Extrovert: Extrovert

Proud or Humble: Proud (Not Like I Have A Choice)

Messy or Tidy: MESSY

Risky or Safe: Risky (Look at me life, look at my choices)

Strength or Wisdom: Wisdom

Flashy or Simple: Simple

Long Range or Short Range: Long Range

Cats or Dogs: FOX

Hot or Cold: Cold

Book or Movie: Movie

Loud or Quiet: Quiet

Logic or Emotion: LOGIC (LEX BEAT THAT SHIT INTO MY HEAD)

Work or Relax: Work

Confident or Shy: Confident

 Out of 10

Knowledge: 7/10

Wisdom: 5/10

Motivation: 9/10

Agility: 9/10

Hand to Hand: 5/10

Long Range Accuracy: 7/10

Offense: 6/10

Defense: 4/10

Reflexes: 8/10

Speed: 7/10

Strength: 3/10

Sociability: 2/10

Bravery: 4/10

Generosity: 3/10

Endurance: 7/10

Evasion: 8/10

[vaultenhanced]

YUGI-OH: THE ABRIDGED SERIES EP. 51-55 STARTERS.

EP. 51

you’re gonna die, [ muse name ]! i’m always the annoying douchebag! suddenly i miss being blind. open me! that didn’t sound like no pony. but, [ muse name ], free pony ride! we can’t ride him, what a rip! wait, will we have kung-fu grip? i reconsidered. in my defense, i thought you were permanently blind. are you blind now? this is the most disappointing three-way i’ve ever been a part of. i get to die the way i’ve always wanted.  falling, screaming like a girl into a pit of boiling hot lava; flesh being seared from my bones… augh, i’m gonna throw up.  but it will still be very sexy somehow. i mean emotionally, not physically. and the bad news? i’d still hit it. i’m not a human!  i’m a penguin. mmmm, tentacle porn! what a digital dummy! theme song battle, go! right in my sweet ass! try bringing sexy back now, human! you’ll have to confuse it to death! ‘fraid so, metal man. yeah, we can never forget my sweet ass…

EP. 52

remember what happened with the scissors?! just look at his hair: it’s so pointy! well, that was highly improbable. now i’m the guy kicking your ass with a stick. [ muse name ], you just shoved him through a building. are you on steroids?  if so, can i have some? aw, come on!  i just got this bike! EAT IT, NERDS! it’s a good thing i’m [ muse name ], or that might’ve actually hurt me. what the hell is this thing? SHUT UP, ROBOT MONKEY! oh, look.  another person i’m supposed to care about. lemme guess, you’re one of [ muse name ]’s seven evil ex-boyfriends? and that’s AMERICALONOVANIA! i think i might have some week-old donuts in the fridge. AWESOME!  now THIS is a kidnapping! but my deck; it’s almost completely FILLED with internet jokes and references! BEST.  KIDNAPPING.  EVER. guys, i hate this song! god, i hate cute. I NEVER LOSE! too late for that. BE AN ASSHOLE. what am i supposed to do with this? only then will you earn a place in the club of corporate scumbags. you mean like disney? gimme the money. [ muse name ], you don’t have any shares. of course not, you’re like FIVE. my first order of business?  build the ultimate theme park. yeah, okay, i’m an asshole.  what’s your point? now it’s the internet’s job. KITTEH FACE! DUH!  WINNING! [ muse name ] took me on a pizza…

EP. 53

you’ve been acting way more horny than usual. it’s a long story that involves the name ‘steve’. i’m not really used to being inside women.  i don’t think i like it very much. wait, why does my mouth taste like fish?! hello, insert name of sibling. i have been programed to tell you that i do not love you anymore. just pretend we’re siamese twins. i hope you like sing-a-longs! hate so intense, makes me run faster! this time it was only halfway intentional. i still prefer this to the sing-a-long. I HAVE NO IDEA WHAT I’M DOING! now he’s sensing danger in my cleavage! WHY ARE THESE THE ONLY WORDS I KNOW?! me woman, me dumb. I’M RICH! can it with the phineas and ferb jokes. this is about donuts? [ muse name ], you’re ruining the metaphor. spongepants squarebob, he’s a friendly little guy! apply the handbrake, ya moron! i look like i’m ten… I HAVE NO SON! SWAB IT, I SAY! hello, pot.  my name is kettle.  i’m black. FRIENDSHIP PILEDRIVER! THIS DOOR IS A BITCH!

EP. 54

but then i took a card game to the motorcycle. shipping forta? god, i hope not. this one isn’t drooling all over your sister. are we SURE that’s not the actual [ muse name ]? that makes waaaay to much sense. why don’t any of you want my body?! i want your body. WHY ARE THERE SO MANY STAIRS?! that’s my worthless friend you’re talking about! am i right? just isn’t the same when he’s not here. TUBULAR IDEA, PHARAOH! you’re going to get us to like you? i hated my brother! nyaaaaah!  brooklyn rage! HOW VERY UNTIMELY! did i just watch a snuff film? OH MY GOD, WHAT IS HAPPENING TO MY FACE?! this has never happened before, what the frigg? and i don’t know if you haven’t noticed this, but i am damn handsome man. pigs don’t speak latin! [ muse name ], you’re japanese.  you’re supposed to be speaking english. i don’t read crap. it’s funny because she’s a woman. THAT’S CRAZY! TELL ME! so why aren’t you naked?! fetch me a better one!

EP. 55

NOW, WHERE’S MY MILLIONS OF DOLLARS?! ‘what a load of wankers,’ said thomas. i forgot how entertaining the ‘it’s a small world compared to my ego’ ride was. it’s time to yaba-daba-duel. try doing the opposite of THAT. i’ll even use YOUR lame-ass deck. the wet pants? how the hell is that ordinary? what, do you guys not have those? and, MAN, he had guts. and THAT’S why it’s so funny. because there was a dead kid lying in the middle. can you guess who i am?  I’M JESUS. the big mean ceo jerk beat in a card game! wah. oh my god, what’s wrong with his face?! what the hell is wrong with everyone’s face?! that is MESSED UP. shut up, [ muse name ].  mommy and daddy are talking. blah, blah, blah…  i’m a crappy dueler. there’s only so much weird touching i can take. yeah, but i’m still the king, BITCH. it’s the puppy apocalypse. it sounds like someone needs a spanking. and i’m the guy who’s gonna be doin’ the spanking. on a scale of one to me, he’s a measly six-and-a-half. i have the weirdest boner right now. i thought that card was banned years ago. i have an urgent hair-sharpening appointment i have to get to. some god you turned out to be. i had no idea that gods still wet the bed. and nothing of value was lost. NO!  NOT THE ROBOT MONKEY! ugh!  manly fainting noises! BEGONE, FOUL BEINGS! only for the purpose of this hallucination. believe me, i’ve looked into it. i’m just here for the food. AND MY AXE! how dare you treat my friends so shamefully! doodalah, mothafucka! and FUCK MY LIFE. and fuck my life hard. your nipples belong to me. make him work for it. if he don’t got the cash, he don’t get the ass. looks like one of us is gonna have to go home and change.

[ash-etherwood]

FUCK MY PAPER IN THE ASS.

first of all I LOVE YOU you asshole here we go!! (maybe I should point out first that these asks look like they were made for people who have like 20 OCs and not 3247298 million like me ... OH WELLL HAHAHAA)

1. Who’s the oldest character of yours that you still use? Uhhhh I think the oldest ones I still use are probably those from around 2008/2009/2010 ... so that would be the OvF-Gang (2009), Okami from SR as the first and oldest character from that story (assuming that @peachnouis writes back sometime ..... I love u girl), and the freshly redesigned Chain Keepers Yeliz and Kirsten (2008)! I think apart from my old neopets characters those two are my oldest OCs I can think of, from when I already vaguely knew what original characters were. They were born when I was still super active on Neopets and actually were used in an rp with Flauch back then! (see her birthday present heehee)

2. Who’s the oldest character of yours, defunct or not? Honestly, I've been making characters for as long as I can remember ... since I first started drawing. Some really old ones I remember are the "5 fairies" from 2007, some kind of winx club/w.i.t.c.h.-ripoff (who I also redesigned in 2014 as weird edgy grimdark junkies and magical girls), and of course my Neopets!! Most of them were furries tbh, back in the days nobody cared if you liked to draw animals with human anatomy, it was just a normal thing on Neo, and now everyone wants to yiff in their fursuits, the times surely have changed ... one of these neo characters was a hunky penguin guy in a black matrix coat and shades, who was also shirtless and had juicy penguin abs. But there were many, many others, most of them horses, since I was a big clichee horse girl back then and another, actually way older horse girl actually got me into rps and deviantART, so thanks for that, girl! <3

4. Any minor characters that have either taken over or branched off into their own stories? RAI. YOU KNOW IT RATSCH. 8DDDDD Well actually, my SR-characters are pretty much on hiatus right now, including Rai, but because you love him so much, I revamped and brightened up his destiny a bit, I mean SR needs a lot of tweaking actually, there are so many characters, some of them can probably just be striked out and a lot of them need new and better designs sooo ... other than that, I mean atroCITY is just a huge fucking pile of side characters doing their own thing I guess??! Riley, Isis, Jamie, the Creator and a few others were supposed to be the main characters, but right now it's actually just about the Traceys and Hellways and their allies???? Everyone else is just lame and boring, but the realtionships between Ulysses and Cole/Atlas and Jackson give me life. 8DDD Oh, and there's also Ostrakon, a big family of domestic Russian super babies who love each other and do nothing all day except eating lasagna and snuggling ... 8D

6. When creating a character, do you come up with the visual concept or the written concept first? It's usually the visual, I think. I have several severed pieces of personality or design elements floating around in my head for a few weeks before I finally get down to draw them out into a single person. And because most of my current characters are old, redesigned ones (redesigning has become kind of an addiction for me ...), I usually already have an old concept and visual in my head and I just have to build it up á la "you know what, they're BLACK now"

12. Do you fantasize about being any of your characters, or are you more detached? Plaese don't expose me like this, I'm SUPER attached to many, many of my characters ..... after all they all have a little piece of myself inside them, don't they? But since they all have mostly horrible lives and suffer a lot, I don't think I would want to be in their place .... 8D

13. Do you create playlists for your characters? YES, some of them! Mostly the ones I actually write about. Jackson has a playlist full of sad hipster and Marina and the Diamonds songs, the OvF kids have their own playlists (Judy's and Vance's are my faves because their songs have such dark lyrics hahahaaaa) and I have a general playlist for CR4 with a few songs that fit specific characters.

16. Is there a character of yours who’s a real struggle to write/draw? Why do you think that is? Ahaha I think everyone is a struggle to draw!! 8D Especially since I've drawn some of them for so long and I feel like I still can't get their faces right or just CAN'T remember how their eyelids look and stuff! (I'm talking about you Jackson you son of a bitch) But writing? I don't feel like it's hard for me to write specific characters? I mean it sometimes happens that a character suddenly turns out completely different than I had planned before or I get into a situation where somebody has to say an important thing but none of the present characters' personalities fit the saying of the thing, but individually I think I know how my kids think.

18. Is there anything you really wish you could do, character-design-wise, that you feel is outside your current skillset? A concept that you wish you could pull off but are uncertain about? Uhhhh, monsters/aliens! I am so bad at designing monsters and I envy people who can do that! My favourite type of monster is silent-hill-like distorted human bodies (I'm a big slut for silent hill). It really took me a while to get the gods for atroCITY right, and Fab and I also had a project some years ago about a dystopian, zombie-apocalypse-like world were the characters could turn into monsters and I was SO unsatisfied with how I designed their monster forms .... but it's SOOO hard for me!!!! I have some characters that are gods or some other interdimensional space entities and it's so hard to give them a body that is not too human but also not too "clichee" monster ..... oooh and werewolves! I just can't seem to find the perfect fusion of guy and doggo, it never looks right to me. :/

[luckylq9-blog]

They work in different profiles for the remaining year and weekdays

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[paradoxicalca]

(OC) Don Cherry Drafts the Toronto Maple Leafs (An Alternate Reality)

(Previous parts of this series include: Tom Wilson-Proofing the Penguins, Dundon DIYs the Hurricanes, Re-Chiarelling the Oilers, Moneyballing the Sens, Covertly Tanking the Wild, and Frenchifying the Canadiens.)​This is way longer than I thought it would be - turns out 2004 is longer ago than I thought.~~~~~~~~~~~Part INobody remembers exactly how it happened.According to the contract, it was the 20th of December, 2003. The Maple Leafs had just defeated the Montreal Canadiens 4-2, their fourteenth consecutive game without a regulation loss. General Manager John Ferguson Jr. was riding high, and he didn't care who knew it. He was just months into his tenure with the Leafs and he was already almost certain to be the first GM to bring a Cup to Toronto in 36 years. So he decided to celebrate with friends and a few bottles of wine at the best restaurant he could think of: Wayne Gretzky's, just a few blocks away.Half-remembered through the haze of cigar smoke and wine, it was one of the best nights of Ferguson's life. The soirée was a who's who of hockey royalty - incredible stories were being passed around over freshly microwaved meatloaf and cheese-sprinkled nachos. But the life of the party was CBC's Don Cherry. He had regaled the group with anecdotes about Ferguson's father - "one of the toughest guys you'll ever see in the National Hockey League, and he could put pucks in the net! Ya don't see that much these days!" But he also had a lot of concerns with the direction the league and the Leafs had taken - drafting gutless players who'd never win a Cup like Alex Steen in the first round. "If I was in charge of scouting", he assured Ferguson, "teams wouldn't be excited to be playing the Leafs I tell ya!"The next morning, Ferguson awoke with a splitting hangover and checked his answering machine. Don's voice bellowed out:"Hey Johnny, glad we could work things out last night. I won't let you down I'll tell ya that much!"Ferguson had no idea what he was talking about until he received the email from Cherry's lawyer. Attached was a picture of a hand-written but impeccably worded contract with both men's signatures on it.The signing parties of this legally binding contract recognize the following stipulations: 1. That Mr. Donald Cherry be vested with the full and final power to decide who the Toronto Maple Leafs hockey club drafts in the first round of the National Hockey League entry draft. 2. That the Toronto Maple Leafs not trade their first round pick in the NHL Entry Draft without the express permission of Mr. Cherry. 3. That the Toronto Maple Leafs not trade players that Mr. Cherry has drafted without the express permission of Mr. Cherry. 4. That the existence of this contract not be disclosed to the public unless the Toronto Maple Leafs win the Stanley Cup or the contract is violated. 5. That the violation of the above stipulations will result in the payment of $50,000,000 CDN to the estate of Mr. Cherry. 6. That the above be valid each year for the remainder of Mr. Cherry's life, regardless of changes made to management or ownership. To their horror, the Leafs' lawyers could not figure out a way out of this. From that day on, Don Cherry was the most important scout the Leafs had.Part II2004While Cherry was tempted by the notion of receiving Brian Leetch from the Boston Bruins, he was keen to make a swift impact on the Leafs' future. With the 24th overall pick, the Leafs selected G David Shantz of the Mississauga Ice Dogs. When he asked if this pick was solely based on that fact that Shantz played for the OHL team Cherry owned, Ferguson was assured that Shantz is a beautiful kid and a hell of a goalie, and always willing to sacrifice the body to block shots.2005When the Leafs' scouting department told Cherry that they wanted to pick some Euro named Tooka Rask, he was amazed that a guy as smart as Ferguson had hired those morons. They wanted to pick a goalie outta Finland? Guy probably had never even faced a slapshot before! Not to mention that Shantzy was already their franchise goalie of the future. Instead they drafted a real big kid with #1 defenceman potential: D Matt Pelech, a 6'4 member of the Sarnia Sting. He may not be an offensive guy, but 74 penalty minutes in 31 games? This guy's a Hall of Famer in the making.2006The Leafs barely missed the playoffs, in large part due to bad goaltending. When Cherry heard that Ferguson had tried to trade Shantz to Boston for Andrew Raycroft he was mad. When he heard that his scouts wanted some guy named Yeery Taloosty outta Checkaslovakia he was furious. You gotta beautiful kid like LW Chris Stewart on the board and you're gonna take some wuss? Ridiculous.2007The backstabbing son of a bitch tried to do it again. What is it with Ferguson and these Finnish goalies? You wanna give up a first for Vensa Toksala? Unbelievable. He told Cherry that it was a shallow draft and that the pickings would be weak at 13th overall. Ya wanna call LW Colton Gillies weak to his face? Here's a beautiful kid, big kid, 6'4 207 with size and a hell of a shot, plays the game the right way, nephew of a good guy: Clark Gillies.2008Ferguson was fired in January, and Cliff Fletcher was hired as his interim replacement. The team finally had a top draft pick, and Cherry was ready for a fight. Luckily, everyone could agree that they had to pick up a beautiful kid named D Luke Schenn. He can hit, he'll drop the gloves, and his tendency to ice the puck will give Cherry plenty of opportunities to complain about touch icing on Coach's Corner.2009Chris Stewart, Luke Schenn, and Colton Gillies made their NHL debuts and boy did they look big out there. Viewers of Hockey Night in Canada wondered why Cherry was constantly advocating ferociously for the Maple Leafs to call up David Shantz from the ECHL. New general manager Brian Burke, when informed by his predecessor of the Cherry contract, was completely non-perturbed until he realized it would stop him from trading away first round picks.The 7th overall pick demands real reflection: so many beautiful kids available. You got Jared Cowen, Zack Kassian outta Windsor - now there's a guy who stands up to his teammates. And then there's Kadri. TALK ABOUT HEART this kid is a hardworker, gets to the tough areas, God love ya. Cherry decides to let Burke take C Nazem Kadri.2010No way in hell is Don gonna let Burke trade those precious picks for some American guy who doesn't even defend. The Leafs, led in scoring by Chris Stewart, finish second last in the NHL. Brian Burke invests a full month trying to convince Cherry to let him take Tyler Saygenn. But it's no use. Sure Seygen's flashy, and Cherry's sure he's a nice kid, mum and dad raised him well, but when you've got D Erik Gudbranson on the board you're taking the 6'5 defenceman every day of the week.2011Another big season by Chris Stewart keeps the Leafs out of the basement but the rebuild continues. By the end of the season they end up with the 7th overall pick. Cherry tells the scouts he's considering two players: Sam Couttserier and Dougie Hamilton. The scouts try to sell him on the Bathurst product but it was never really in doubt: Hamilton is a beautiful kid, plays the game right, big shot from the point, 6"6, and plays for the Ice Dogs. D Dougie Hamilton is the guy. Fortunately for Hamilton, his parents unwittingly helped his career prospects by concealing his love of reading and museums from Cherry when they met at the CHL Top Prospects Game. Cherry also fully supports Burke's picks of RW Tyler Biggs and D Stuart Percy.2012At this point, Cherry can hardly watch a Leafs game without bursting into tears at the beauty of it. Kadri and Stewart at forward, Schenn, Phaneuf, and Gudbranson on defence. Sure the team is absolutely terrible, but they're losing the right way. The Leafs end up with the 3rd overall pick, and appear poised to draft talented centre Alex Galchneeyuck. Instead they pick up a real good guy: D Griffin Reinhart.2013With Stewart falling off a cliff and no offensive star to replace him, the Leafs do not make the playoffs in 2013. Instead, they draft LW Max Domi at 10th overall, good kid from a great family, an absolute beauty, you know his dad, his dad always left it all out on the ice, still a good friend, loves the troops, good stuff! The scouts don't even bother trying to talk him into taking a Russian guy named Valerie.2014Shanahan is now in charge and is furious that nobody mentioned this arrangement to him before he promised fans a full rebuild. William Neelander was never gonna be Cherry's guy. It's LW Nick Ritchie. He’s 6-foot-3 and 230 pounds. Only three players scored more than this guy. He is tough. He can score. He has beautiful hands. Leafs have enough weak wingers.2015The Maple Leafs take a guy with size and skill D Noah Hanifin with the 4th overall pick, and Cherry almost dissociates at the thought of drafting an American over a beautiful Ontario kid like Marner.2016The Leafs finally bottom out. Shanahan begs Cherry to take a guy from the Southern USA who plays in friggin Switzerland of all places, Austin Matthews, 1st overall instead of LW Matthew Tkachuk. Beautiful kid, and what a family I tell ya what I REMEMBER yknow Keith now there's a hockey player they send him down to the desert, what a disgrace, there's a great player!2017With the 10th overall pick, the Leafs take D Cal Foote, big kid from a beautiful family, his dad, Adam, big friend of the show, always finished his checks, and that's why, yknow that's why he's got those rings! These goofs really wanted some girly looking Euro called Timoth Linegren, forget about it. Cherry is really starting to hate these hippy pinkos in charge of the Leafs.2018Leafs go off the board and select C Ryan McLeod outta Mississauga in the mid-1st round instead of trading down for Rasma Sandy (again with the Swedes? It's a nice place to visit sure but quit sending us hockey players!). John Tavares chooses to sign with the San Jose Sharks, a contender, instead of the mediocre Leafs. Desperate for a 2nd pair left defenceman, the Leafs sign Jack Johnson to a 5 year, 4 million AAV contract.EpilogueThe Maple Leafs now have this lineup :​Matthew Tkachuk - Max Domi - Zach Hyman Patrick Marleau - Nazem Kadri - Andreas Johnsson Tyler Ennis - Brandon Leipsic - Josh Leivo Tyler Biggs - Dominic Moore - Leo Komarov Noah Hanifin - Dougie Hamilton Jack Johnson - Erik Gudbranson Griffin Reinhart - Luke Schenn Fredrik Andersen Garret Sparks Shanahan decides that enough is enough. Bringing his new General Manager Kyle Dubas with him, he summons Cherry for a meeting in the Maple Leafs war room. Grapes mockingly wears a pink three piece suit dotted with Shanahan's face."Don, we're here to negotiate. We need to get out of this contract.""Oh THAT'S what this is about then eh? Ya need more Swedes and Soviets out there? That's not how ya win a Cup!""We're willing to offer you 25 million dollars in cash right now to void the agreement."After a couple minutes of thinking, Cherry realizes that could buy every team in the QMJHL and fold them for that money. "Awright ya punks, you gotta deal. But these team's goin' nowhere if you pack it full of Euros and weaklings." He stares directly at Dubas and barks "Kids, you gotta always keep your head up out there or you're gonna get hit""Are you threatening him?""He knows I'm kiddin' around! I swear, these guys out here, can't take a joke anymore. Ya know Shanny, you were a real good player hard in the corners good Irish kid God love ya. Dunno why ya went so soft."Shanahan shakes his head "Don, the game's changed. You need speed and skill, not just big tough guys out there to win. It's not like when you were playing anymore."Don gets up and walks towards the door, but turns around before leaving. The old man's face is as orange as the jersey Bobby Clarke used to wear, now there's a player, eat your heart out yknow when we used to play the Flyers ya had to watch out for that guy because he's small sure but what a warrior he'd drop the gloves no questions asked. He has tears in his eyes."Yeah whatever Shanny. This isn't the first time I've gotten in trouble for putting too many men on the ice."~~~~~~~~~~~~~Next time: The Islanders accidentally give Mike Milbury a second chance. (OC) Don Cherry Drafts the Toronto Maple Leafs (An Alternate Reality) Source