#( gotta reblog it on this one first because i need to share it with THE WIDE WORLDDDD T-T )

[star-scrambled]

blaugghhhh i need better Tumblr tags and i need to figure out my themeeeeee

[keikikait]

ꜱʜᴏᴜʟᴅ'ᴠᴇ ʙᴇᴇɴ ᴍᴇ (ʀᴀꜰᴇ ᴄᴀᴍᴇʀᴏɴ x ꜰ!ʀᴇᴀᴅᴇʀ)

this is part three. for part two, click here!

pairing: rafe cameron x f!reader, (not au, both are early to mid 20's)

word count: 6.7k. i got carried away. i locked in all day to write this.

summary: a trip to get your new phone results in something new…until rafe finds out

warnings: SMUT WARNING 18+! HEAVY cunnilingus (pretty much all pussy eating), slight nipple play (f receiving), rafe is a munch argue with the wall, slight dom!reader (never written it before so soz if it’s awkward), leg humping, cumming in pants, some angst at the beginning/middle, smut at the end, jealous!rafe, some jj x reader, i haven't finished s4 so if i get shit wrong i'm sorry, not proofread

a note: i am so locked in on this series. that being said, this is most likely the final part. but don't worry, i have another rafe idea in mind!

please reblog and like, it means a lot! let me know what you think!

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You only get a few hours of sleep before Rafe is stomping around your room, getting dressed to leave you yet again.

The sunlight pours in through your now open window, your curtains flowing softly in the wind. Your bed is so warm and soft that you don’t even want to get up, your duvet smelling faintly of Rafe’s cologne. You sit up, rubbing your eyes. “Rafe?”

He turns to look at you, his blue eyes softening when he looks at your sleepy face. He slips his arms through the holes of his shirt before pulling it over his head, smirking. “Yeah? You okay?”

“Where are you going?” You ask, yawning.

“I gotta go.” He says, straightening his shirt out. “I was supposed to meet with Sofia for breakfast today. Some new breakfast bistro opened up downtown.” Rafe sits down on the edge of your mattress, leaning over and kissing your forehead. “I’ll be back tonight, alright?”

You whine, reaching out and grabbing his wrist. “No.”

Rafe sighs, grabbing your hand and gently pulling away your grip. “Sweetheart, don't do that.” He says, his voice stern. “I told you, I'm supposed to be with her for breakfast.”

“No!” You tug him onto the bed. “You love me, not her. You said so yourself.”

He falls onto the bed, cursing under his breath as he looks at you. He sighs, reaching out and taking your chin in his hand. “Don't do this, pretty girl. I'm supposed to be with her right now. Don't throw another tantrum like that. Not now. I don't want to be late. I'm not going to be late just because you are being a brat.”

You push his hand away, sitting up fully. “You can’t keep doing this to me, Rafe. I don’t want to tolerate your bullshit anymore.”

Rafe sighs again, frustrated. He grabs your chin again, more roughly this time. He moves closer to you, pinning you against the pillows. “You just promised me last night you wouldn't doubt my love for you again. I'm going to spank that bratty little ass of yours if you keep this bullshit up.”

“I’m not doubting you, I just…” You sigh, pushing against his grip. “I want to be your first choice. I want to be your only choice. I don’t want to be the other woman anymore.”

“You don't think I know that?” He snaps, his grip tightening. “I know that, sweetheart. You think I don’t know that? I know you don’t want to share, I know you want me to be only yours, I know all of that. But I don’t have a choice right now, alright? Why can’t you understand that?”

His grip stings your skin. You wince slightly, pushing against him. “Why can’t you just break up with her, Rafe?”

“Because I have to play the long game with her, baby. I don’t expect you to understand, but you gotta trust me. This will pay off in the long run, I swear. So stop being a brat about this, please.” He moves closer, shifting one hand to pinch your hip as a warning. “I don’t want to have to punish you for questioning me.”

You whine, squirming under his grip. “Rafe, please, just listen to me! I swear, you don’t need her, she’s just using you--”

Rafe’s phone starts ringing, vibrating on your bedside table. 

It’s Sofia.

Rafe looks over the nightstand, gritting his teeth when he sees her name. He sighs, grabbing his phone and holding it to his ear. “Hey, babe.” He says, his voice suddenly soft. He turns to look at you, a warning gaze telling you to keep your mouth shut.

The way he says babe makes your heart ache, tears welling in your eyes. You crawl towards the edge of the bed, wrapping your arms around his hips, and press your face into his stomach. You want him to stay with you.

He gently places a hand on your head, his fingers running through your hair as he talks to Sofia. “Yeah, I’m on my way right now, I’m just running late.” He says, his voice sweet as usual. There’s a pause as Sofia responds to him, his voice softening even more as he answers. “Of course I still want to come, babe. You know I do.”  He tugs your head back before moving his free hand to your chin, pinching it between his fingertips as he glances down at you.

Your bottom lip trembles as his thumb brushes over it. You kiss it, trying to nuzzle his hand.

Rafe’s silent as he listens to Sofia respond to him, his gaze growing dark as he glances at your face. He lets you nuzzle his hand, dragging his thumb across your teeth as he responds, his voice growing a bit deeper as he speaks. “Yeah, I’ll be there in half an hour, I promise, okay?” He sighs, holding your chin. “Alright. I love you too, babe. See you soon.”

I love you.

I love you?

Your eyebrows furrow and you immediately pull away, moving towards the head of the bed, trying to soften your cries as he hangs up the phone.

Rafe sighs, shutting his phone off and setting it back on the nightstand. He glances at you, watching as you scoot backwards towards the top of the bed. He frowns. “Hey. Come here.” His voice is so soft that you almost give in.

You shake your head over and over, bringing your knees to your chest. How stupid could you be? Why did you even believe him in the first place?

“Stop it.” He snaps, his voice suddenly serious. He grabs one of your ankles, pulling you down towards him. “I said, come here. Don’t make me say it again.” He pulls you down the rest of the way, pinning you against the headboard with his large, strong frame.

You try not to cry, biting the inside of your lip, squirming underneath him. “Just go. You’re going to be late.”

“Baby-” He sighs, his brow furrowing as he looks at you. “Why are you being such a brat? We talked about this last night, alright? I told you to trust me, so why can’t you trust me?” He gently takes your chin in his hand, forcing you to look at him. “I swear, this attitude of yours really needs to stop. Don’t make me put you over my knee.”

The way he talks to you makes your skin crawl and your stomach churn. You squirm, trying to get him off of you. “Please let go, Rafe. I understand. Please just let go.”

He sighs again, frustrated. He sits back a bit, but he doesn’t move back entirely. He continues to hover above you, towering over your frame. “Sweet girl, please, stop this. I told you last night, I don’t want to have to punish you. I don’t want to fight you, but you have to let me work with her. I swear to you that I’m going to dump her as soon as I can, alright? You have to trust me.”

You sniffle, squirming underneath him. “Promise?”

“I promise.” He says, cupping your face and forcing you to look at him, his face just a few inches from yours. “I swear to you, I’m gonna dump her soon, alright? I’m not just saying that to make you feel better, sweetheart. I love you, alright? I swear.”

“I love you too.” You say. And you mean it. Does he?

He sighs, his brow softening. He leans in and kisses you, his lips gently gliding over yours. He pulls away after a moment, just to stare at you for a moment. He then glances at the clock on the nightstand over his shoulder, sighing again. “Okay, pretty girl, I really do need to get going now. I’m definitely gonna be late if I’m any more late. I’m sorry.” He moves back, releasing your chin.

“Be safe.” You call, standing up from your bed.

Rafe pauses, glancing back at you with a small smile, lingering by the door to your bedroom. “I will. Don’t throw any tantrums while I’m gone, alright?” He sighs, his expression growing soft. “I’ll call you when I’m headed back, baby. Love you.”

He exits your bedroom, and a few seconds later you hear your front door open and close.

You’re alone. Again.

It's only 8:30 AM, but the weight of the world already presses down on your shoulders. You groan, climbing back into your bed and burying your face in the pillow. You sniffle, wiping away the tears on your cheeks and your undereyes. Your mind races, and you know you should get up and get ready for the day. You should also eat something. The tasks loom like dark clouds on the horizon, threatening to overwhelm you. Instead, you close your eyes and go back to sleep, even just for a little bit.

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You forgot you smashed your phone.

After your morning shower and a rather large breakfast, trying to make up for the last two days. You search your living room for a while before finding it curled around the corner of the plaster wall. It’s smashed in half, the screen cracked all the way down to the charger port. Thankfully, you had a bit of forethought last night, ordering the phone to be for next day pickup rather than delivery.

You pick up the two halves of your phone, your finger accidentally running over the screen. Somehow, the phone still turns on, glitching for a moment. You carefully throw it into the trashcan before sweeping up the excess glass. You’ll have to go pick up your new phone today, as much as you don’t want to.

Maybe I’ll just go after lunch…, you think. You really don’t want to go out right now, especially not to the Apple Store in the mall, but then you remember that Rafe said he would call you tonight. You rub your eyes, letting out a loud groan before heading into your bedroom to change.

It takes you around an hour to get ready, picking out your outfit, fixing your hair, doing your makeup, getting yourself looking somewhat presentable and not like you just laid on your couch for two days. You end up picking a simple yet cute outfit, a white sweater tucked into a short dark blue skirt, black tights, and some heeled boots, and a small black leather shoulder bag. You check your reflection in your bedroom mirror, sighing to yourself. You looked good, really good. You could almost hear Rafe’s comments on your outfit; ‘You look great, sweetheart, but that means other men will think so, too.’ But maybe you did want them to think that way.

You hesitate a moment when you grab your keys. You’re still exhausted and really don’t want to go get your phone, but you need to get your phone, even for non Rafe-related reasons.

With a heavy sigh, you grab your keys and head out. 

After a short drive and a long peruse of the parking lot, you finally head inside the mall. You feel inclined to check Sofia’s Instagram, reaching for a phone that isn’t there. Making your way through the mall, you finally reach the Apple Store, which is mostly empty, and you’re quickly able to get in line for customer support. Luckily, it doesn’t take too long for you to get in, and soon enough, you’re talking with one of the employees, giving them the serial number of the phone you ordered. The woman behind the counter is all smiles, seemingly kind and cheery. She taps away at the computer on the counter top, typing in the number. She asks you routine questions before setting up your phone for you, sliding it across the table. 

“Thanks.” You say, standing up. “We’re all good on payment, right?”

The woman, Sherri, smiles and nods. “Everything’s all set, honey!” She says, cheerful. “Anything else we can do for you today?”

“I am all set.” You say, giving her a smile before hurriedly rushing out of the Apple Store. You mess around with your phone settings, looking down as you walk. 

“Ow. Hey—” You bump into someone as you step out of the Apple Store, glancing down at your phone instead of watching where you’re going. A familiar voice makes you stop dead in your tracks, and your head tilts slightly, a small smile on your face. 

“JJ, hey.” You say, putting your phone into your purse for safe keeping. 

JJ is grinning, as usual, his hands stuffed in his pockets and that charming smirk still on his face. “Hey, sugar.” He says, looking you up and down. “You look fancy today, you goin’ somewhere?”

“Just had to get a new phone,” You say, pulling it out to show him. “Smashed mine by accident.”

“Damn, that sucks, baby doll.” He says, leaning in a little closer to look at it. “You gotta be more careful with your stuff. A pretty thing like you needs to take care of herself.”

You blush, and your ears turn pink, too. You shouldn’t be feeling this way, especially with JJ. Even though Rafe had filled your head with tons of negative opinions on JJ, you had never had a problem with him. “Y-yeah, I know.” You’re having a hard time forming sentences, stuck on an endless loop of blushing and admiring the blond in front of you. 

“Mmm, such a cute blush. You’re a lil flustered.” He teases, leaning in closer, his eyes looking you up and down. He reaches out and grabs your hand to gently pull you closer, and you oblige, getting right up against him. “C’mon, baby doll, you got a crush on me now or somethin’?”

“Maybe.” You say softly, looking up at him with wide eyes. 

He chuckles, looking down at you. “Yeah, sweetheart? You got a thing for me?” His tone turns teasing, his blue eyes sparkling with mischief.  His moves his hand up to cup your face, rubbing his thumb along your jawline. “What, boyfriend ain’t treatin’ your cute little ass right, or somethin’? That why you got a crush on me?”

“You know I don’t have a boyfriend, JJ.” You say, reaching out and rubbing the hem of his button-up shirt, your thumb swirling on one of the buttons. 

JJ grins at you, the smirk growing wider. “That right, pretty girl?” He asks, letting go of your chin and grabbing your hand, stopping you from swirling your thumb along his shirt. He grabs your hand instead, his touch rough. “If you don’t got a boyfriend, then that means you’re free game, darlin’.”

You intertwine your fingers, tugging him closer. “That I am.”

“Oh yeah?” JJ grins, being pulled closer to you. He grabs your wrist, turning and pulling you against his chest, his free hand resting comfortably on your hip. “That means I could kiss you, and you’d let me?” His voice is low, just above a whisper, as he looks down at you. He grins. “Maybe I’ll try it right now.”

“A kiss before our first date?” You ask, tilting your head a little. “How naughty of you, JJ.”

He chuckles again, shaking his head. “I’m a naughty boy, sugar, everyone knows that.” He says, his eyes looking you up and down once again. “But you look just too damn cute in that girly little outfit of yours, I can’t resist you. You’re too damn pretty.” He smiles again. “But yeah, I guess I should take you on a proper date first, huh?”

You nod, tugging him closer, wrapping your arms around his neck. “Are you free now?”

JJ laughs, his arms wrapping fully around your frame as you tug him closer. He rests his hands on your hips as you wrap your arms around his neck. He squeezes your hips with his fingers. “Free as a bird, baby doll. You wanna go right now?”

You nod, incredibly eager, willing to do anything to get your mind off of Rafe. You look up at him and bite your lip. “How about we try that new breakfast bistro downtown?”

“Whatever you say, sugar.” JJ says, his smirk growing wide as he notices the eager look on your face. “You seem like you’re kinda hungry for somethin’.” His hand moves to the small of your back, gently holding your frame close to his. “Breakfast bistro ain’t a bad place to start.”

“My car or yours?” You ask. 

He grins, grabbing your chin and tilting your face up to look at him. “You don’t mind ridin’ with me, do you, sweetheart?” 

You shake your head. 

He smiles back down at you, leaning in closer. His face is just a few inches away from yours, his eyes staring down into yours before glancing to your lips. “Good.” He whispers. “Cuz I don’t think we can both fit in your teeny, tiny car. Plus…riding on my bike means you can hold onto me.”

You glance at his lips before meeting his eyes. “I’m ready when you are, handsome. But remember,” You lean a little closer. “It’s just one date.”

He chuckles, his grip on your chin tightening just slightly before he leans in to give you a gentle kiss. “You’re cute as hell, you know that?” He asks, pulling away a moment later, grabbing your hand again. “C’mon, sugar, my bike’s parked out back.”

You eagerly follow him, your whole body feeling fuzzy.

The new bistro is called the Early Bird Cafe & Bistro. 

It’s totally not your fault it’s the same restaurant Rafe and Sofia are supposed to be at, just like it’s totally not your fault that you’re here with JJ at the same exact time. You spot Rafe right away, wearing that light blue sweater that drives you absolutely crazy, hugging his biceps and shoulders so well you wish you could sink your teeth into him. 

You slip the hostess $20, hoping she would let you get the empty table directly behind them. Sofia would have her back to you, but Rafe would get a front row seat. Your little bribe works, and she quickly leads you and JJ into the bistro and to the nearest empty table, right behind Rafe and Sofia’s table. You can feel Rafe’s eyes on you as you hurry into your seat, JJ sitting across from you, resting his hand on the table.

It’s perfect. You and Rafe can look each other dead in the eyes, while Sofia and JJ will have no idea. 

At first, you try to focus on JJ, listening to him talk as you look at the menu. You only peek at Rafe every few seconds, your eyes drawn to him, no matter how hard you try. He’s just sitting there, talking to Sofia as usual, but he keeps glancing at you, his eyes watching you intently. You order the cheapest thing on the menu, leaning across the table and holding JJ’s hand while he talks about his bike and how much it cost to fix it.

You prop your hand up on your palm, pushing your lips into a pout, and look up at JJ while he talks. You know Rafe is watching you.

JJ is absolutely loving your attention, oblivious to the fact that you’re doing all of this just to make Rafe watch. He laughs, raising an eyebrow at you when he sees the pout on your lips. “Oh, c’mon, you gonna give me that cute little pout? You tryna make me blush or somethin’, baby doll?” He reaches out and brushes his thumb along your lower lip. You kiss it, pressing your tongue against it.

He groans under his breath at the gesture, the smirk spreading wide on his face. “Oh, shit. You know, I love that mouth of yours.” He says, a hint of warning in his tone, his hand still holding your chin as his thumb continues to rub along your lower lip. You lick the tip of his thumb again, Rafe’s furious expression visible even out of the corner of your eye.

JJ’s lips twitch at the gesture, letting his thumb slide fully past your open lips, pushing into your mouth as he leans closer to you. “God dammit, you know how to tease a man, don’t you?” You kiss his thumb again before pulling back as the waitress rounds the corner, setting your food down.

Rafe is furious, chewing aggressively and holding his silverware so tight it might snap under the pressure. Sofia is rambling about something he doesn’t care about, completely unaware of his eyes remaining solely on you.

You keep your attention on JJ for the rest of your date. All things considered, he's actually a really sweet guy. Even after finishing your food, you continue to sit and chat, and you notice Rafe and Sofia doing the same. He was keeping an eye on you, occasionally glancing your way. The bistro starts to close down, so you and JJ start to head out. You fish through our purse for some more cash, but JJ’s already throwing it down, even including a small but reasonable tip.

“Thanks, JJ.” You say, slinging your purse over your shoulder. “You didn’t have to do that.”

“Don’t you worry about it, sweetheart.” He says, wrapping an arm around your shoulder. “I’m treatin’ you, alright? You don’t worry your pretty little head about it.” 

And you don’t.

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JJ gives you a ride back to the mall so you can pick up your car. After sharing a few more kisses, your back pressed against the hood, he reluctantly pulls away. 

“I had fun, sweetheart, seriously.” He whispers, his thumb rubbing your lips again before resting his hands on your hips as he leans closer. He gives one final kiss, pressing his forehead against yours for a moment. “I’ll call you later, alright?” He mutters, kissing you one final time. 

You nod. “Ride safe, okay?”

He chuckles, kissing your nose before letting you go. “Of course.” He says, putting on his helmet. “I’ll call you later. You be safe, too.�� He gives a last wink before getting onto his bike and riding off. You wave him off, watching him leave the parking lot. You ride home on cloud nine, your chest feeling light, almost euphoric. You felt happy and wanted for the first time in a while.

When you go to pull into your parking spot, you see Rafe's dirt bike parked right next to it. “Fuck.” You groan softly, grabbing your purse before getting out of the car, closing the door behind you.

As you walk towards your front door, unlocking it, you hear the soft sound of music inside. You push open the door, your eyes widening when you see Rafe sitting on the edge of the couch, sitting in the dark. The only thing that gives the room any light is the streetlamp outside, the soft glow filtering through your windows. He looks up at you as you come in, a cold, blank expression on his face.

“How did you get in here?” You ask, setting your bag down.

At first, he doesn’t respond to you, sitting completely still. He watches your every movement, his eyes narrowing as you set down your bag. He stands up, slowly approaching you. He grabs your face in an iron grip, squeezing your cheeks just a bit too hard as he tilts your head up so you’re forced to look at him. There’s nothing but barely restrained anger in his eyes. “You have some gall.” He says, his voice low. “Being there with him. Letting him kiss you. Letting him touch you.”

“You didn’t answer my question.” You say. “You do that a lot.”

“Shut up.” He says, his hand still on your face. His eyes are cold and furious. “I had to watch him touch you. Kiss you. Look at you. Hold you.” His grip on your face tightens slightly. “I had to sit there and watch it. It was all I could do not to drag him out into the alley and break his goddamn fingers. I should’ve been on that date with you. That should’ve been me.”

“I’m tired of being your second choice, Rafe.” You snap. “I want a boyfriend. I don’t want to sneak around. I don’t want to be the other woman anymore.”

“Don’t you dare throw that in my face.” His voice is soft yet threatening, his fingers tightening around your face even more. “You know it’s more complicated than that. You’re not my second choice, sweetheart, you’re just-.” He sighs, frustrated. “Damn it, sweetheart, you’re just…” He shakes his head. “You’re mine. You belong to me. End of story.”

“Then fucking prove it.” You say. “You want me? You want me to belong to you? Dump Sofia. Dump her right now.”

He’s furious. He grabs your arms, squeezing them hard. “I don’t know how many times I need to tell you, I can’t yet.” He hisses, pulling you closer to him. “I can’t get rid of her until I’m ready, alright?”

“I’m not going to wait that long.” You say.

Your phone vibrates on the dining table, a phone call from JJ.

Rafe groans under his breath, his eyes darting to your phone just a few feet away. “Don’t.” He says, his grip on your arms tightening. “Don’t you pick that up.”

Your face falls slightly. “I’m not waiting around forever, Rafe. I’m not going to sit here and just hope that one day you’ll want me.”

He groans again, his grip on you bruising. “God damn it, I want you now.” He says, pulling you so close against him that you’re practically pushed flush against his chest. “I promise I’m going to break up with her, I promise, just give me some goddamn time.” His eyes are growing red and bloodshot.

You shake your head, your voice soft when you speak. “I can’t wait that long, Rafe. I won’t. You either have me now, or you don’t have me at all.”

Rafe scoffs, his eyes narrowing. “So what, you’re gonna run off to that dumbass, just because I can’t leave Sofia yet?” His grip tightens again. “Is that it, sweetheart? You’re just gonna toss me aside for some nobody?”

“I don’t know what I’m supposed to do.” You say softly. 

He lets out a shaky breath, his arms wrapping around you. He buries his face into your neck, pulling you tight against his chest. “You’re supposed to trust me, pretty girl.” He mutters, his voice trembling. “You’re supposed to trust that I’m gonna pick you, that I’m gonna break up with her.”

“I don’t want some of you. I want all of you.” You say. “I don’t want to wait around until you decide to pick me.”

“You’ve got all of me, baby, I promise you.” He mutters into your neck, his arms squeezing you tighter. “I swear to you, you’ve got all of me, I just-.” God, he sounds so desperate, and his eyes are starting to well with tears. “Sweetheart, I need you to trust me, alright? I swear I’m gonna end it with her.”

You shake your head. “Rafe, I’m sorry. I can’t wait around for you anymore.”

He whines, pulling you back by your shoulders so he can look at you. He cups your cheeks, forcing you to look at him. “God damn it, sweetheart, you’re killing me here. Don’t you understand? I need more time--”

His phone rings this time, lighting up from its spot on your dining table.

A call from Sofia.

You take a deep breath. You can do this. “You can either break up with her right now, or you can leave.”

He stares into your eyes, his face growing desperate. He can’t believe this is really happening. He’s going to lose you, he’s going to lose his mind, he’s going to lose the last good thing that ever happened to him. He doesn’t even know what to say.

The phone stops ringing.

You breathe out softly as it starts ringing again. “Choose, Rafe. Sofia or me. You can’t have both anymore. It’s not fair to me or her.”

He’s desperate, and panicked. He’s losing you. He doesn’t know what to do. He doesn’t know what he’s going to do if he loses you. He whines again, the ring of the phone still echoing through your apartment. He doesn’t have time to think about it.

He slams his lips against yours, kissing you heatedly, passionately, desperately.

You pull away. “No, Rafe. Fucking pick something for once in your goddamned life.”

His hands are shaking as he grabs your shoulders. His breathing is shaky as he tries to pull you in for another kiss, but you won’t let him. He looks so desperate, his eyes full of panic as he stares into yours. His phone starts ringing again and finally, he slams his palm down against your dining table, the sound loud and harsh. “I-“ He pants, his voice strained. “I choose you, pretty girl. Alright?” He reaches over and picks up the phone, putting it up to his ear.

You’re honestly a little surprised. You were certain he was going to pick Sofia. You reach out and grab his free hand, rubbing your thumb against his palm. He’s still wearing that blue sweater.

He swallows, standing up straighter and gripping your hand. “Hey, So-.” He’s interrupted, Sofia’s muffled voice ringing through the phone. She sounds annoyed, maybe even a little angry. Rafe’s expression grows even more desperate as he listens to her talking, his fingers squeezing around yours almost painfully. 

Finally, Sofia stops talking. Rafe’s quiet for a long moment, swallowing hard again as he takes a long, deep breath. “Oh. Um, yeah, Sofia, about that-” He pauses again as she speaks through the phone. He swallows again, his eyes beginning to tear up as his voice breaks. “Actually, I think we should break up, I-.” More talking from Sofia, longer this time, sounding even more pissed. Rafe grimaces, biting his lip as his fingers squeeze yours even tighter.

You step forward, reaching out and wrapping your hand around his bicep, squeezing it softly, a silent sign of support.

Rafe’s eyes flick over to you, a little surprised you’re still willing to be this close to him, but he looks relieved, his eyes growing glassy and even more desperate as he stares into yours. He nods, his voice still trembling as he tries to respond to what Sofia is saying. “No, I mean it, Sofia… I’m serious, it’s over… because I- I’m actually- I’m seeing someone else.”

You squeeze his bicep again.

He closes his eyes, swallowing hard, his whole body tense and on edge. He’s never been in a situation like this before. Sofia says something else, her voice louder through the phone. Rafe sighs, running a hand through his hair, shaking his head, trying to keep his composure. “No, Sofia, I- I’m not doing this shit anymore. I’m in love with her, alright? I’ve been seeing her for months now, and I’m in love with her… and I can’t keep doing all this. I’m sorry.”

You hear Sofia screaming at him before she hangs up. Rafe tosses his phone onto the table. A soft squeak leaves your mouth when he suddenly hugs you, burying his face in your neck.

You hug him back, rubbing his back as he starts to cry. “Rafe, honey, it’s okay.”

He hugs you so damn tight. His shoulders are shaking, his breathing shallow and desperate. “Please, god…” He mutters, nuzzling his face into your neck. “Sweetheart, please don’t leave me. God dammit, I’m so sorry, I’m so sorry I put you through that, please don’t leave me. I need you, sweet girl. I need you.” His voice is soft and trembling into your ear as he whispers.

“I’m not leaving.” You say softly, rubbing his back. “I’ll call JJ tomorrow and let him down easy. I’m not going anywhere. You have me.”

Rafe squeezes you tighter. He’s scared, his breathing still shaky, his grip like iron. “Promise me.” He whispers, his lips brushing against the skin of your neck, pressing gentle kisses to your skin between each word. “Please, please promise me. Promise me you’re staying with me. Promise me you aren’t going anywhere, that you won’t leave me. Please.”

“I promise.” You say, over and over, as many times as he needs. You gently take his face in your hands, wiping away some of his tears.

He lets you wipe away his tears, the shaking in his shoulders lessening. He keeps his face close to yours, his arms still wrapped around you. He nuzzles his nose against yours gently, leaning his forehead against yours as he closes his eyes. “Thank you.” He mutters, his voice still trembling, barely audible. “Thank you, baby. You’re not leaving me. You’re still staying with me. You’re still mine.” His hand lifts to gently cup your cheek.

You kiss him, gently at first. He lets you lead the kiss. It’s gentle, and soft, and tender, he just wants to feel your lips on his, needs to feel them against his. But after a moment, his hands slide down to your waist, pulling you closer, wanting more, needing more. His lips move against yours more hungrily now. You eagerly match the hungry pace.

You shiver as his hands travel down from your waist to your lower back, then to your ass, grabbing and squeezing it. There’s a new desperation in his kiss, in his grip, in his whole being. It’s like you’ve finally gotten through to him, finally broken through the bullshit and made him realize just how much he needs you. He eagerly picks you up, and you let him, wrapping your legs around his waist as he carries you into your bedroom.

The bed squeaks as he throws you down onto it. Rafe kneels at the end of it, grabbing your ankles and tugging you towards him. He’s quick to remove your tights and your skirt. “I’m sorry, baby. I’m gonna make it up to you. I’m gonna be a good boy.”

“You are a good boy.” You say gently as you lift your hips. He slides the tights all the way down, kissing up your legs.

Rafe groans, loving the way you call him ‘good boy.’ You can feel the smile that spreads across his lips as he kisses along your legs. He kisses his way up your thighs, stopping to bite at your skin, leaving behind bruises.  He reaches your hips, yanking down your panties and tossing them away. He leans forward, pressing a soft kiss to your hip. He looks up, meeting your eyes. “You’re so pretty, baby.”

You bite your lip. "Are you sure you want to do this?”

Rafe nods, moving his hands to grip your hips. “I'm sure. I want this.” His voice is firm, filled with determination. He leans down, pressing a kiss to your inner thigh before trailing his lips higher. He nuzzles against your cunt, inhaling deeply. “Fuck...you smell so good.”

He parts your folds with his fingers, revealing how wet you already are for him. He licks his lips hungrily before diving in, his tongue lapping at your slit eagerly. He moans into your pussy, the vibrations making you gasp and arch off the bed. His hands grip your hips tighter, holding you in place as he eats you out like a starving man. “Mmmm...so fuckin' sweet,” he mumbles between long licks.

A moan escapes your lips, your back arching off the mattress as pleasure courses through your body. “Oh god, Rafe…” You pant, your fingers tangling in his hair. “Fuck…”

Rafe growls low in his throat. He doubles his efforts, his tongue delving deeper, swirling around your clit. He sucks on it gently, flicking the bud with the tip of his tongue. His hands slide up to cup your breasts, thumbs rubbing over your nipples through the thin fabric of your top. He pinches and tugs at the hard peaks, sending jolts of pleasure straight to your core as you squeal, squirming underneath him.

“Look at you. So responsive,” he murmurs, his breath hot against your skin. “Gonna make you come so hard, baby.” His nose nudges against your clit as he tongues your entrance. You squeal, your back arching off of the bed. You reach up and tug on one of your nipples, your pussy gushing on his face.

Rafe laps up your juices greedily, his tongue thrusting inside you, fucking your dripping cunt. He moans at the taste of you, more turned on than ever. He reaches down with one hand, unbuckling his belt. His cock throbs in his slacks and he can’t take it anymore, edging closer to your legs. Caught up in the smell, taste, and feel of you, he starts to hump your calf, his thighs squeezing your leg to steady it. He moans into your cunt, pulling away from your little clit for only a second before latching back on.

He continues to suck and nibble on your clit while finger-fucking you roughly, plunging two digits deep into your tight cunt. “You're so fuckin' wet for me, baby,” he grunts, breaking the seal from your pussy to speak. “Love eating this sweet cunt.” 

Your toes curl. “You didn't ask if you could hump me, baby.” Normally Rafe is always the dominant one, using you like a personal fuck toy, but with his face buried between your legs and his cock rubbing up against your calf, you feel like taking charge.

Rafe whines, stopping his hips. “Baby, fuck, please let me hump you! It feels so good, eating you out feels so fucking good.” His breath is hot against your slick folds, his tongue darting out to lap at your juices, savoring the flavor of you. He gazes up at you, sucking your clit directly into his mouth.

Your back arches deliciously, and you nod. “You can hump me, baby. Make yourself feel good.”

With a relieved groan, Rafe resumes humping your leg, his thick cock sliding against your skin through his pants. He rocks his hips faster, the friction driving him wild. His tongue never leaves your clit, continuing to swirl and suckle the sensitive bundle of nerves. “You like watching me hump you, don't you?” he rasps, his voice strained. “Seeing me lose control because of you... Fuck, I love it. I love you.”

“I love you too,” You moan, hips bucking in his face. “Good boy. Keep going.”

Hearing you call him ‘good boy’, Rafe lets out a satisfied grunt. He increases his pace, his hips rocking against your leg even harder. He continues to lick and suck on your clit, driving you crazy with pleasure. He can feel himself getting close, his balls tightening and his cock throbbing. “God, baby, I'm gonna... I'm gonna cum!” he warns, his voice shaky with anticipation. “Cum with me, please!”

Rafe's warning turns into a guttural moan as he finally loses control. His hips jerk erratically, grinding his clothed erection against your leg as he orgasms. Thick ropes of cum spurt from his cock, soaking through his pants and staining your skin. At the same time, he sucks your clit into his mouth, his tongue working overtime to bring you to climax alongside him.

As the waves of pleasure subside, he slowly pulls away, licking his lips clean of your essence. He climbs up onto the bed next to you, his eyes glazed with satisfaction and adoration. “I love you. I love you so much,” he whispers, brushing a strand of hair from your face. “You're so fucking hot when you cum for me. Such a good girl.”

“I love you too,” You say, grabbing him and pulling him closer.

He looks down at his slacks, soaked and covered with cum. He hums, reaching up and cupping your face. “Do you wanna clean me up, baby?”

You take a deep breath, a small smile gracing your face. “Yeah.”

Rafe grins, climbing up to lean against the headboard as you start to lick the wet spot on his slacks.

*:･ﾟ✧*:･ﾟ✧*:･ﾟ✧*:･ﾟ✧*:･ﾟ✧*:･ﾟ✧*:･ﾟ✧*:･ﾟ✧*:･ﾟ✧*:･ﾟ✧*:･ﾟ✧*:･ﾟ*:･ﾟ✧

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[irisintheafterglow]

invisible string (gojo x you)

summary: the story of the first time megumi used ten shadows.

wc: 3k

cw/tags: fluff to angst/comfort and back to fluff, canon-typical violence, mild language, mentions of kidnapping, weapons (gun, knives), established relationship with pet names (babe, baby, sweetheart)

note: coparenting megumi? coparenting megumi. something about little megs at a dog shelter is just so cute to me but then yk we gotta have the soulmate-tie-object angst/comfort because it's impossible for me to write solely fluffy jjk content hope you enjoy!

likes/reblogs/feedback are appreciated <3

“Alright, Megs. Let ‘em rip.” You nod reassuringly despite the hesitancy riddled on his face. 

“Are you sure I’m not going to hurt you?” His voice is small, different from his usual boredom. For the first time in the two years since you’ve met him, Megumi was scared. He was scared of causing you harm, and for good reason. Even though he was barely taller than your hip, Satoru believed it to be a good idea to tell him that, in the future, he could grow to become the next god of the Jujutsu world. It made the boy slightly nervous, then, to unleash something that he wasn’t a hundred percent sure he could control. “I’d rather test with Satoru in case something goes wrong.” 

“You want to test with him or test on him, bud?” You smirk at his pursed lips and frustratedly furrowed eyebrows. It was no secret that he’d rather see your boyfriend get hurt than you, even though nothing could touch Satoru since he mastered unconscious activation of Infinity. “If you really want to, we can wait for him to get back from his mission, but that won’t be for another few days; I’d really like you to try out the technique with at least one of us with you, but it’s ultimately up to you.” You never wanted to push him into something that he didn’t want since he was already caught in a delicate balancing act. It was hard enough having the Zenins’ prized technique and even harder to prioritize relatively mundane spelling tests. If he were with his power-hungry relatives, you knew education and training would go hand in hand, but he’d also be taught that strength equals worth. That’s not shit you nor Satoru wanted such an inherently good kid to be learning. 

He bites the inside of his cheek in contemplation and you can see the gears turning in his mind. “I don’t know how to…say it.”

“You don’t need to say anything if you don’t want to; you just do the thing with your hands.” You squint against the sun hanging high in the sky, bathing in the warmth that radiated from the school’s courtyard. An idea crossed your mind of bringing Megumi inside where there’s less light, but he stops you before you can say anything. 

“No, it’s not that. I know how to do it, but I…don’t.” His eyes avoid yours in shame and you kneel down in front of him, taking his hands in yours. “I don’t know how to connect with them and I don’t know how to fix it.” You smile softly and gently ruffle the spikes of his hair. 

“It’s okay, really. Let’s get lunch and then we’re gonna make a pit stop before we come back; does that sound alright?” He nods and the tension in his shoulders dissipates. “Go get your bracelet.” 

He groans in protest. “Do I have to? It’s all the way over–”

“Megumi.”

“Fine.” His little steps run up the stairs in the direction of his backpack and you glance down at the shining black ring on your right hand lightly glowing with Cursed Energy. It was a gift from Satoru that you received a few months prior and a third of a shared present between you and Megumi. 

“As much as I love you, it’s way too early to get married.” 

“What? No. I wouldn’t propose using something as boring as that.” He shakes his head adamantly as Megumi inspects his gift with all the care of a scientist analyzing radioactive material. For all you knew, maybe it was radioactive. With a sly grin, he takes your hand and slides the ring onto your finger. “Look closer. I didn’t get it just ‘cause it’s shiny.” Your eyes narrow and you gasp when you see the faint aura of blue Cursed Energy imbued in the ring. “See it?”

“Why does it do that? It’s not a weapon, is it?” 

“Wait and see,” is all he whispers before he takes the beaded bracelet from Megumi and slides it carefully onto his wrist, cinching it securely. “Alright, Megs. Tell me what you see.” 

“It’s a bracelet,” the boy deadpans as his eyes flick up to Satoru’s boredly. 

“Well, no duh, it’s a bracelet. Tell me all your practicing hasn’t been for nothing.” Satoru gives Megumi one of his rare serious expressions and you see the lightbulb flicker to life in Megumi’s brain. His eyes narrow in concentration on the bracelet and his mouth opens in realization. Satoru’s eyes shine in determination as he asks the boy what he sees.

“What color–”

“Blue. Light blue, like the sky.” 

“Mhmm, good!” Your boyfriend hums triumphantly and pulls out a chain he must have been hiding under his shirt. Slung on the chain is a single black pendant glowing the same color as your ring and Megumi’s bracelet and you smirk in understanding. 

“You’re putting GPS on us? Didn’t know you were the stalker-type, babe.” You admire the ring and stick your tongue out teasingly when Satoru’s expression becomes defensive. 

“For the record, I am most definitely not that type.” A flash of amused skepticism blinks across Megumi’s face and you both catch it. “I’m not! I’m simply giving the people I care about a way of contacting me if something were to go wrong and they need me.” He crosses his lanky arms across his chest, huffing an indignant exhale. 

He’s so cute when he acts angry. “Oh, when we need you, hmm? What about when you need me to get you toilet paper at three in the morning because you didn’t check before going to take a–” 

“I’m still here!” Megumi’s slightly panicked voice pipes up and you can’t hold back your laughter any longer, doubling over and covering your teary eyes with your hand. Your boys start laughing with you, Satoru chuckling defeatedly and Megumi smiling a little nervously. 

“So, what? We hold these and talk to you like walkie talkies?” 

“No, that’s what phones are for. If one of these breaks, everyone else’s will too and I can use the Cursed Energy it releases to track where you are.” 

“How will you know which one of us broke it?” 

“There’ll be a significantly larger release of energy, or so I’m told.” 

“Does it repair itself afterward? Or will I have to get a new one every time you forget a towel in the shower?”

“No, and I forgot to mention that these are for emergencies only. Dangerous emergencies only.” Your face falls and the big picture hits you like a semi-truck. He wanted you two to be connected to him at all times with essentially a direct SOS line to the most powerful human on the planet. He wanted to be able to save you, even if you couldn’t reach him through technology. The fact that he needed to think about this felt like several hundred needles in your soul. “But!” His serious aura is gone in a snap. “I’m already with you all the time so these will probably just become redundant.” 

“Thank you, Satoru. This is really thoughtful of you.” You reach for his hand and give it a squeeze, the melancholy smile he shoots you making your heart ache. “Megs?” 

“Thanks. I’ll get strong soon, though, and then I won’t need it.” Your boyfriend breathes a subtle sigh and smiles sadly. 

“That’s exactly the point, buddy.” 

From that moment onward, the ring stayed on your finger at all times, even when you showered or went to bed. It was there as you drove to lunch with Megumi, there when you called a friend for a last-minute favor, and there when his voice quietly asked from the backseat where the pit stop was going to be. It was there when his little hand wrapped around your pinky while you walked up the steps of the shelter, and there when you gave the front desk your name. The rich darkness of the band glittered as you were led outside into the yard and met with the cacophony of barking dogs, and stayed there while an attendant brought you two enormous Husky-Shepherds. 

“What are we gonna do with them?” He hesitantly stands behind your legs, peering at the animals sprinting about the play area. 

“We’re gonna help you make a connection, Megs.”

When the two dogs first enter the field, they bolt to the other side and back multiple times. After they seemingly run out their excess energy, they make their way to you and Megumi, who reaches out a cautious fist for them to sniff. He laughs softly when they affectionately lick his hand and nudge their heads against his body. Despite being huge compared to the little boy playing with them, the dogs were incredibly gentle and obediently brought back the ball whenever he threw it for them to fetch. At one point, he turns back to look at you with a grin brighter than the sun as the dogs race across the grass for the ball. You watch him observe the dogs in awe when they play-fight, tumbling over each other and lightheartedly nipping at each other. In the short time that you’re there, Megumi creates a game with them where he creeps around the perimeter of the fence; when they inevitably follow behind him, he jumps into a funny stance and the dogs leap away playfully, tails wagging faster than helicopter blades. You take a video and send it to Satoru, hoping it makes him just as happy as it was making you. 

When the time comes for the attendant to take the dogs back to their kennels, Megumi has both his arms wrapped around the dogs’ necks and his head buried into their thick fur. You crouch next to him, rubbing his back while he kisses each dog on the forehead and commits their faces to memory. 

“So are they going to be adopted?” He asks on the walk back to the car. 

“They are. They’re gonna go home with one of the shelter’s volunteers who just so happens to be my friend from middle school. When I told her you were working on Ten Shadows, she invited us to meet them to better understand what it’s like having dogs.”

“I liked it.” His dark eyes twinkle more than you’ve ever seen before. “I like dogs.”

“I’m glad; I really am. Do you wanna get ice cream and try out your technique again at school?” He gives you a fierce nod and you smile, opening the door as he climbs into the back of your car and immediately grabs hold of his stuffed wolf. 

To your surprise, he continues to talk about the dogs even after you leave the shelter. 

“Would you ever get dogs like them?” 

You can’t help chuckling at the earnest hope in his innocent eyes and you wipe ice cream from his chin with your thumb. “Why, you want me to get dogs so you can play with them all the time?”

“Yep.” He takes another confident spoonful of ice cream. The sun finishes its descent over the horizon as the sky rapidly darkens. You can see the moon in the reflection of Megumi’s eyes. “Do you think Satoru would get dogs like them?”

“Satoru can barely take care of himself, Megs, much less two other living creatures.” Cool night air breezes past your face while you finish the last of your ice cream. 

“He takes care of you and me.” 

“That is true. Though, sometimes it feels like we’re taking care of him, huh?” He snickers, meeting your gaze contentedly before his eyes flick over your shoulder, to something behind you. His eyebrows furrow in suspicion. 

“Do you know him?”

“Who?”

“That guy. He’s been watching us for at least ten minutes.” You don’t look back at what Megumi sees yet, not wanting to raise unnecessary alarm. Instinct tells you something is wrong, but not your sorcerer instincts. You sense no immediate threat from Cursed Energy, but can detect the malicious aura from miles away. 

“Cursed Energy?”

“Not that I see.” 

“That’s weird. Is it okay if you finish your ice cream in the car?” He agrees wordlessly, eyeing the figure behind you that now walked closer as you turned to face it. 

The man looks at you with a revolting sneer and nods to another person you’d seen lingering by where you and Megumi were eating. There were more men now, all with an equally predatory expression that made your skin crawl. Before you can grab Megumi’s forearm and start running, a hand darts out with a knife. You dodge it easily, but the momentary distraction takes your focus away from Megumi. One of the men grabs him and you scream only to be cut off by a rough hand over your mouth. You wiggle out of your assailant’s grasp and kick back hard and he goes tumbling down the sidewalk. Autopilot takes over while you take down each attacker until the sound of a readied gun makes you freeze, cold metal pressed against your back from someone you didn’t sense. 

You catch sight of Megumi struggling in one of the attackers’ grips and shake your head, pleading with him to stop so he doesn't get hurt. He does, eyes wide with anger as you try to slow your racing pulse. The men were using Cursed Tools, you realized, but had no Cursed Energy which is why you couldn’t sense them coming. With sudden death at such close proximity, you couldn’t do anything but wait for an opening to attack. 

“This the one?” The man holding Megumi shoves him forward and it takes all your willpower not to grab him and kill everyone within a three mile radius. 

“Yeah. That’s the kid they want.”

“What do we do with his little babysitter?”

“Kill ‘em. Get rid of the body.” 

You have half a second to concentrate as much Cursed Energy as you can to your back before a bullet collides with it and you fall forward trying to push back against the energy-infused metal struggling to pierce your skin. With a pained cry, you successfully reject the bullet but it knocks the wind out of you, your forehead hitting the sidewalk while you futilely try to pull yourself up. Head spinning and barely able to summon any amount of Cursed Energy, your hand against the concrete gives you an idea. 

“Megumi, my ring!” Your voice sounds hoarse but he understands, throwing his hands together in the position you’d been helping him perfect for a week. You can’t tell who the screaming is coming from; but, in an instant, a gigantic white dog is tackling your assailants while an equally large black dog goes for the throat of Megumi’s captor. In that opening, the boy rushes forward, sliding the ring off your finger and smashing it to pieces. The beads of his broken bracelet clatter to the floor at the same time his technique wears off, the huge dogs returning to black voids. You grab Megumi and stumble to your feet, forcing as much Cursed Energy as you can physically create into your hands while your back hits a wall. 

Not that you need it. 

A telltale wave of vibrations hits your ears and your shoulder sag in relief when he finally takes form between you and the surrounding ring of men. 

“Hiring mercenaries and kidnapping? That’s low, even for them,” is all he says before he’s moving faster than you can blink, and in seconds he’s cradling your face gently while the men groan in agony behind him. Your arms are locked around Megumi, holding him close to your body, but you don’t realize that you’ve slid to the floor with your back against the wall. Satoru briefly checks Megumi’s face but returns to you when he deems him safe. “Hey, babe. You can let go of Megs now; I think you’re strangling him.” 

“Oh, shit. Sorry, baby.” You let your arms drop but Megumi’s arms stay squeezing around your torso, like you’d disappear if he stopped. “I hope I didn’t steal you away from something important.” 

“Nah, I was finished anyway. I was souvenir shopping, in fact. I found a very delightful pair of socks with pandas on them that I wanted to get Yaga.” You chuckle and his hands brush stray hairs from your forehead. “Thanks for keeping my kid safe, sweetheart.” 

“Our kid,” Megumi murmurs against your chest and Satoru turns a shade pinker. “You didn’t almost die trying to make sure I wasn’t kidnapped.” 

“You almost died?” Electric blue eyes dart to you in alarm and you tiredly shush his worries, reassuring him that you did not, in fact, almost die. 

“It was just a gun with Cursed Bullets. Not sure why they brought that if they were only trying to take Megs.”

“Probably thought he’d be with me.” Your boyfriend draws his mouth into a tight line and you lightly punch his shoulder. “Ouch, what was that for?”

“Stop thinking like that. I didn’t get hurt because you weren’t here. If it meant making sure he was safe,” you glance down at the boy curled into your body, “I’d get hurt like this a thousand times more.” 

“Alright, let’s get you both home before that becomes a possibility.” His arms effortlessly snake under your back and legs, lifting both you and Megumi off the ground and pulling you close to his chest. The familiar, roller coaster-drop feeling of warping envelopes your body and you close your eyes. 

When you wake, two pairs of arms wrap around your body as Satoru’s stretches over both you and Megumi, whose arms are firmly wrapped around your torso. A bright blue eye lazily winks open. Of course, he’s awake. You hush him before he says anything, glancing down at the sleeping boy between you both. He nods but his voice is still a loud whisper. 

“I’m so damn mad I missed his first Ten Shadows.” 

“It’s okay, babe,” you say as your thumb brushes over Satoru’s cheek and you think about Megumi playing in the yard with the two huge dogs. 

“I doubt it’ll be the last time he uses it.”

[1] New Message - Volunteer Announcements

Today at 12:07 P.M

We are proud to introduce our Shelter Volunteer of the Month: FUSHIGURO MEGUMI (7 yrs old)

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[jen-with-a-pen]

(In Your) Arms Tonight - 1/2

summary: Hypothesis: If he (Wade) turns off the AC, then they (Wade and Logan) will have no choice but to strip naked and end up sticky and gross and hard together!

That's what he was taught in middle school, right?

pairing: Logan Howlett x Wade Wilson / Worst Wolverine x Deadpool

word count: 1.3k

warnings: MDNI 18+, Wade's POV-ish, blood mention, knife mention, beer mention, Wade's fuckin horny and thirsty y'all, pining, cursing, claws, Wade is looking ✨respectively✨, crude humor and language, slight Deadpool and Wolverine spoilers, no smut (yet, sorry)

a/n: AUGH DONT LOOK AT ME (actually please do I cannot hold this in any longer.) currently part one of two parts. posting the first one now as I am currently traveling for work and won't be back until beginning of September and then part two will be out when i either A. Get home or B. Finish it and format it in between running around like a chicken with my head cut off. Please be patient with me! I will not tolerate "whEreS PaRt Two?¿??" when I literally just told you. Hope y'all enjoy one of the many products of my brain rot. More to come in due time ✨

Not beta'd. Written on my phone and edited via gdocs. Post formatted on mobile because I don't wanna use my work computer lmao

Please let me know if there are any spelling or grammar mistakes!

If I've missed any tags, PLEASE let me know!

gif by @tomshiddles | dividers by @saradika-graphics | warning banner by me ❤️

My AO3 | My Masterlist

Read this fic HERE on AO3

❤️ Reblogs and comments are appreciated, as always ❤️

PART ONE | PART TWO

The abs are great. More than great, actually. In fact, they're all Wade thinks, dreams, and fantasizes about. All day, everyday, non-fucking-stop. The moment replays over and over in his fucked up noodle brain like a scratched record. He knows muscle memory is a thing, but what about salivatory memory?

Christ. He's gotta get a grip instead of getting hard.

But what about when Logan isn't flexing hard enough to rip his goddamn suit off?

Wade notices Logan becoming more relaxed around the apartment as the days pass. Adjusting to his new life, coming out of the bedroom earlier than he has to on days when he gets a turn to sleep on a real bed. It's Sofa City most of the time– which he really doesn't mind, he almost prefers it most of the time (since it's in clear sight of the front door) but Wade more often than not likes to insist they share his 'much-too-big-for-lil-old-me' twin XL mattress that's seen more stains than sex in the last year alone.

Logan's compromise is he'll take the bed and Wade the couch half the time. Alone. They're still working on the negotiations of said compromise, but the jury– Blind Al– is still out on recess.

Once he's more settled in, Logan learns that it's okay to kick off his boots and put his feet up. It's not often, but enough that Wade silently wishes he'd rest those big meaty calves on his lap instead. He's been needing a new weighted blanket and Adamantium-coated tibias and hairy legs are so in right now.

Logan doesn't know it, but Wade secretly plays 'ohmygodhetotallylookedatme' whenever he so much as catches a glimpse of Wade oggling at him in his peripherals. Wade can't help it when Broody and the Beast's ribbed white muscle shirt pulls taut against those deliciously plump pecs that he silently prays it'll burst off again. Or he'll rip it off. Or Logan will rip it off. For him.

A boy can dream.

It's especially hard to win at 'OMGHTLAM' when Logan accessorizes– AKA throwing on whatever flannel is in rotation out of the several he finds at the thrift store a few blocks over. Wade feels his throat tighten like his jeans do when Logan wears the forest green one. Really brings out his eyes.

And smile. And lips. And–

It's still summer, so on the hotter days, when sweat glistens on his brow and Wade desperately wishes to be the back of Logan's hand, the tank top comes off. All Logan's sweaty, gloriously muscular body has on is a wonderfully worn-in pair of jeans with the hem of black briefs poking out behind the denim waist.

Do they have AC? Yes. Because Wade would have to plan a funeral for Al if they didn't.

But when she's out and about, he likes to turn it off and let the New York heat wave run its course. Sure, it leaves him sticky and gross, but he'd rather be sticky and gross and hard when he can help it.

Luckily, Blind Al is gone for the whole weekend. Some girls trip or a drug mule job. Same difference.

Hypothesis: If he (Wade) turns off the AC, then they (Wade and Logan) will have no choice but to strip naked and end up sticky and gross and hard together!

That's what he was taught in middle school, right?

With the push of a button and a sprinkle of patience, Logan is splayed out on the couch in a matter of hours with a lukewarm beer in hand while fighting his eyelids from dozing off to some random war documentary. Sweat beads on his temples and there's a slight sheen to his skin from his biceps to the lower V pointing down to between his thighs. He chuckles every so often, mumbling things to himself between swigs of beer and shaking his head when the narrator gets something 'wrong.'

Wade busies himself in the kitchen but his eyes are permanently glued to his roommate. He doesn’t miss the way Logan's stomach rises and falls gently, the rock-hard six pack softening into rolling hills of muscle with a layer of dark hair covering as much surface area as immortal-like hormones will allow. Grown out beard, chops, and messy hair really throw the whole look together; very 2000s, if you ask Wade. His pecs look just as soft as a pair of titties, if not softer, and Wade knows it. He'd do anything to lay his perfect little head on Logan's chest. Maybe lick it too, if he's a good boy. 

Logan perks up suddenly from the couch.

Oh God did he say that out loud?

"Wade?"

Wade doesn't hear him. Can't hear him. Half-refuses to hear him, honestly. Daydreaming takes up a whole lotta brain power and this show isn't running itself. Economy, budget cuts, unprecedented times. You know the shtick. 

"Wade."

Nothing but a bead of drool comes out of Wade's mouth. 

Suddenly, there's a crash right behind Wade's head and now he's awake. He whips around to the ale-spattered wall behind him and back to Logan, who's now standing with claws drawn and chest heaving.

Wade swears he's blushing. 

Eyes wide and brow standing up straight like his good little soldier, Wade looks down at the counter before him to find a bloodbath of a scene: one hand's on a knife while the other spews blood all over the yellowed counter tops; there's remnants of a carrot that was finished five minutes ago, followed directly by remnants of fingers cut down to the last fucking knuckle and slice marks beginning down the back of his hand.

Wade holds up his spurting stump, gashed artery doing a spot-on impression of Ol' fucking Faithful.

"Oh. Huh. Thought I smelled something," he says, staring at his now-tingling hand. Baby fingers for the rest of the night were so worth the staring contest with Logan's beautiful body.

"Fuckin' idiot," Logan mutters, sheathing his claws and striding over to the hall closet to grab a towel. Wade's already stopped bleeding, but just because they might be immune to bloodborne pathogens doesn't mean Al is.

"Gah– get back, damn mutt." Logan shoos Dogpool out of the kitchen to prevent her from lapping up her papa's bodily fluids. He throws the towel in Wade's face and goes to grab the bleach out of the cupboard under the sink. Logan learned very quickly where to find it the first time this happened a month or two ago.

"Sorry baby, Mommy's got a boo-boo and Daddy's just trying to help," Wade coos at Dogpool. "You're too good to me, peanut. Someone oughta wife ya up before I do."

Logan responds with a scowl as he tosses the carrots out and tries to keep the counter from staining. "Why th'fuck did you do that?"

"It was time for a new hand. Old one was so last season."

Wade mops up the blood from his arm and wraps the towel onto his head like he's just gotten out of the shower. Holding up his regenerating stump, he poses like a cover model for Vogue.

"Whatcha think, peanut?" He strikes another pose. "Is this doing anything for ya, big boy?"

Logan grunts as he tosses a wad of paper towels into the trash can. He turns to leave the kitchen, eyes flicking to Wade. It's the quickest once over ever, but Wade sees it. Commits it to memory while he pulls a Flashdance in a chair from the kitchen table and follows Logan's denim-clad ass as it sways off to the bathroom. 

"'M gonna go shower. Don't wait up,” Logan calls before shutting the door and locking it. 

Sighing, Wade looks down at his crotch, pants tent pitched higher and tighter than a first-timer on Everest.

Good thing he's ambidextrous.

[tteotlma]

Blurred Lines & Bright Screens

— movie night shenanigans turn into almost-kisses.

(Wolverine/Reader) 2.3kw

a/n: i couldn’t find the right gif i was looking for — also i hope this makes sense ALSO i wanna write sm*t SO bad but all i can think abt rn is domestic/mutual pining/slow-burn HUGH JACKMAN

TW: mild sexual tension, implied violence, mentions of alcohol, snoring if u think it’s an ick.

Btw: i wrote this at work enjoy! also pls reblog so i can share my writing w more people !!!

"I'm so glad you finally agreed to watch this movie with me!" You exclaim, giddy as you set a giant bowl of popcorn on the coffee table. Settling onto the plush velvet sofa, you rest your back against the armrest and pull your knees up, watching Logan trudge into the room.

"Well, it's only 'cause you kept buggin' me about it," he mumbles. Nonetheless, he plops his thick frame onto the sofa, the weight of his body causing your sock-covered feet to slide under his thigh.

You tense a little, giving him a quick glance before turning to the TV. He doesn't say anything, so you leave your feet under his warmth. Silence falls as you flip through the streaming apps.

"Um," you speak up, trying to cut the one-sided tension. You're pretty sure Logan is unfazed, but you want to be wrong. You mumble to yourself, filling the silence for your own comfort.

The room goes dark as the movie starts, and you try to settle in. Grabbing a giant blanket, you drape it over your legs, the fabric pooling where you touch Logan. You hope he might grab the blanket too, but he doesn't.

You scoff at the embarrassment creeping up your throat and try to focus on the movie. As you open your mouth to comment, Logan cuts you off.

"You don't gotta do that," he grumbles.

Sinking further into your seat, you bring your legs a little closer and grab the popcorn, attempting to pay attention to the screen. It works pretty well until you feel Logan shift beside you, and suddenly all you can think about is him.

You and Logan have been "friends" for about a year now, but have known each other for three. It took you two years to befriend the guy. Granted, your first year at the school was spent interning with Storm, and you were as timid as a mouse, always hiding behind her - especially when Logan came around.

It wasn't until the end of your first year that Storm felt confident enough in your abilities to loosen the lead. She began letting you go on missions with other people. At first, you avoided missions involving Logan; he was still too intense at times, and your self-confidence wasn't as strong as Storm's faith in you. But after a few big missions, you began to grow into yourself, and your confidence skyrocketed.

Missions evolved from involving handfuls of students and professors to solo projects as things got more serious. Then came one particular mission where Charles and the team felt it best that Logan accompany you. You protested right up until you left.

"Y/n," Charles stared at you intently as you stood by the door, Logan's footsteps thudding around the corner. "It's not that we think you aren't capable. We need your full focus on decoding the encrypted system."

"And I can-" You feel yourself getting fussy, as childish as it sounds. Scott grabs you by the shoulders, cutting you off mid-sentence, shocking you.

"Listen, Y/n," he sighs. "As much as you hate it, you're one of us now. The information you're going after is too valuable to risk doing it on your own. We need you to be one hundred percent focused on that, because once Sebastian Shaw realizes we're trying to get into his system, he will rain hellfire on whoever gets in his way. Logan is the only one who can be of service to you right now, so please." His voice softens as he begs. You see the worry sewn into his eyebrows and look at Charles, who is staring right back at you.

You sighed, just as Logan walked up behind Charles.

"Okay," you give a tight smile, and Scott taps his knuckle against your chin, trying to cheer you up. You let out an airy laugh and shove his hand away.

"You'll be fine," he tousles your hair before turning to look at Logan, who's staring intently at you both. Logan doesn't say anything and begins walking out the door.

"Professor," he grumbles as his figure fades into the dark of the night. Charles watches Logan walk off, then turns to you with a smirk on his face.

"Don't worry, everything will work out as it's supposed to." He gives you a wink, leaving you confused about his meaning.

"Uh, alright," you say, giving him a small nod as you head out following Logan.

After that mission, you and Logan became an oddly almost inseparable pair, which you deem as "friendship" even if he doesn't agree. Although you weren't glued to the hip, Logan was almost never far behind, and neither were you. Over the past couple of months, though, your relationship with Logan has evolved into something... complicated. There's an undeniable closeness between you, but it's hard to define. Sometimes, it feels like you're the little sister he never had - he's protective, gruff, and occasionally teases you mercilessly. Other times, there's a crackling tension in the air that makes you wonder if there's something more.

Like the time you were reaching for a book in the library, and Logan came up behind you to help. His chest brushed against your back as he grabbed it, and when you turned, you found yourself trapped between him and the bookshelf. For a moment, neither of you moved, your eyes locked, hearts racing. The air felt charged, and you could've sworn you saw something flicker in his eyes before he stepped back. You whispered a shy "thanks," avoiding eye contact by pretending to wipe dust off the book jacket. Logan straightened up, muttering "No problem, kid," as he walked away.

Or the time you were bantering in the garage while he worked on his bike. What started as playful teasing about him being demanding turned into something more when you challenged his ability to intimidate you anymore. He stood up slowly, moving close until you were almost nose to nose, growling softly, "Wanna bet?" The tension was palpable until Scott's voice broke the moment.

Then there's how you've fallen into these little routines without even realizing. Like how Logan always saves you a seat at briefings, or how you automatically grab two beers when heading to the kitchen after a long day. Or especially when, on every second and fourth Sunday morning of the month, both you and Logan have brunch (that's right) at this one diner that you insisted was to die for. It wasn't until Beast commented on your "domestic routine" that you both seemed to realize how couple-like you'd become.

And who could forget those late-night talks? Like the time you wandered into the kitchen at 2 AM, plagued by mission nightmares, only to find Logan there. What started as a few words of comfort turned into hours of conversation, sharing fears and hopes. As dawn broke, Logan squeezed your hand and said, "You're stronger than you think, kid." The look in his eyes made your heart skip a beat.

Moments like that leave you wondering if there's something more brewing between you and Logan, something beyond the boundaries of friendship or family. But neither of you has been brave enough to cross that line... yet.

You've tried to convince yourself it's nothing more than a close friendship, possibly a mentorship even. But there are moments - fleeting and intense - that make you question everything. You're stuck in this limbo, too afraid to push for more, yet unable to ignore the possibility that there might be something deeper brewing between you and Logan.

A guttural roar rips through the air, startling you out of your focus. Your head snaps towards Logan as another snore cuts through the silence. You don't know whether to laugh or look adoringly at the giant man sitting beside you.

He's sunken deeper into the sofa than when the movie first started. His arms are crossed over his chest, and his head lolls to the side, chin resting uncomfortably on his chest. His arms and head rise and fall with each breath, obviously so far gone at this point. You feel heat creeping up the back of your neck as you watch the usually stone-faced and stoic man sleeping beside you.

He's clad in comfortable clothes: black sweatpants, a zip-up hoodie, and his usual wifebeater clinging to his skin underneath. Your eyes focus on the bare skin that peeks out between the fabric of his sweater and the sleeve of the tank top. His hair is tousled and fluffier than usual, the air conditioning giving you occasional whiffs of peppermint and eucalyptus — his signature shampoo. The scent is never overwhelming, rather a subtle reminder of his presence.

You find yourself studying his face, softer now in sleep than you've ever seen it. The perpetual furrow between his brows has smoothed out, and his lips are slightly parted. Another snore rumbles through him, and you can't help but smile. It's rare to see Logan so unguarded, so... human.

A part of you wants to wake him, to tease him about falling asleep during your favorite movie. But a larger part revels in this moment of vulnerability, this glimpse of Logan that so few get to see. You wonder what he'd do if you gently brushed that stray lock of hair from his forehead, or if you repositioned yourself so you were closer.

The movie plays on, forgotten, as you lose yourself in contemplation of the man beside you. You're hyper-aware of every point where your bodies touch: your leg against his thigh, your arm brushing his as you shift slightly. The warmth of his body seems to seep into yours, and you find yourself leaning closer, drawn in by his presence even in sleep.

It's in quiet moments like these that the line between friendship and something more blurs dangerously. You know you should look away, should focus on the movie, but you can't bring yourself to break this spell. Instead, you allow yourself this stolen moment, committing every detail to memory, all the while wondering if Logan ever has moments like this about you. 

All of a sudden, Logan jolts and his head falls back against the headrest, another loud snore coming from his mouth and physically shaking your chest.

Alright, that's enough.

You shift closer to him while grabbing the pillow from behind your back and swing it towards his face. He instinctively grabs your wrist before you can make contact and pulls you in closer. He opens his eyes, staring at you threateningly as if asking "what the hell do you think you're doing," but when he realizes it's you, his gaze softens.

"What," he says, his voice deep with sleep. He unconsciously pulls you closer so your chest barely brushes against his shoulder.

"Get up, you're snoring and I can't hear the movie," you quip, trying not to let your voice falter - as if being this close to him had no effect on you whatsoever. Not like you were paying attention anyway. Logan sighs, lowering your hand from his face but not letting go of your wrist. Instead, he continues to hold it in his hand as he rests it on his stomach. Your hand tenses against the warmth of his body and - god, you hope he didn't feel that.

"Then turn it up louder," he says, closing his eyes and trying to make himself comfortable once again. You don't move. Instead, you... maybe... lean in closer? Logan doesn't notice.

"What, so you can yell at me for waking you up?" You give him a little nudge with your leg. "I don't think so."

Logan's eyes remain closed, but his grip on your wrist loosens, his thumb absently tracing circles on your skin. The gentle touch sends shivers up your arm.

"You woke me up anyway," he murmurs, his voice a low rumble that you feel more than hear.

You try to steady your breathing, very aware of how close you are. "Well, someone had to save you from choking on your own snores."

His lips quirk up in a half-smile. "My hero," he says dryly, finally opening his eyes to look at you.

The intensity of his gaze catches you off guard. There's something there, something beyond his usual gruffness. Your breath hitches as his eyes roam your face, lingering on your lips before meeting your eyes again.

"Logan," you whisper, not sure what you're asking for.

He shifts slightly, turning his body towards you. Your knees dig deeper into his hip and thigh, and he still hasn't let go of your wrist. With his free hand, he reaches up, tucking a stray strand of hair behind your ear. His fingers linger on your cheek, and you instinctively lean into his touch.

"Yeah?" he responds, his voice rough and low.

The air between you feels charged, electric. You're hyper-aware of every point of contact between you - his hand on your face, his fingers around your wrist, your legs pressed together. Your heart is pounding so hard you're sure he can hear it.

Logan leans in, slowly, giving you every opportunity to pull away. But you don't. You can't. You're frozen, caught between anticipation and disbelief. Is this really happening?

Just as his lips are about to brush yours, a loud explosion from the forgotten movie makes you both jump. The spell is broken. Logan pulls back, clearing his throat.

"We should, uh... finish the movie," he says, but he doesn't move away. His arm comes to rest on the back of the couch behind you, not quite touching but close enough that you can feel the heat radiating from him.

You nod, not trusting your voice. As you settle back to watch the film, you're hyper-aware of Logan beside you. The almost-kiss hangs in the air between you, unspoken but impossible to ignore. Every now and then, you catch him looking at you out of the corner of your eye, and you know that something has fundamentally shifted between you.

The movie plays on, but neither of you are really watching anymore. You're too busy wondering what might happen when the credits roll, and secretly hoping that maybe, just maybe, you'll get another chance to finish what you started.

[tiredfox64]

Dad bi han headcanons?

Father, Father I Crave Violence

Prior notes: FATHER, INTO YOUR HANDS I COMMIT MY SPIRIT! I feel like you thought of this cause I reblogged that artist’s drawing and I will not say their name cause I don’t like involving them in my bs.

Who’s your daddy?: Bi-Han, congratudolences he got you pregnant!

Warnings ‼️: HE IS THE FATHER *camera man goes crazy*

Big, muscly, meanie (Regular Bi-Han)

He needs a son. That’s the heir to the Lin Kuei right there.

When the kid is five he will be trained to defend himself.

Don’t worry he won’t bring the kid on missions he’s not dense.

He has a soft spot for his children. Though he is cold those are still his blood children. He wants to take good care of them.

He won’t let any of his assassins take care of or even hold his child.

Bi-Han can be a little paranoid, he worried someone will hurt his child. He can never be too careful. Once the child is old enough to defend themselves then they will have some freedom.

That motherfucker (literally) will be pumped to see if his children gain his ice abilities. If they gained your abilities that’s ight too.

The max is two. No more no less. Don’t matter if it’s two brothers or a brother and sister.

Okay but what about a girl?

Overprotective and overbearing oh gosh.

If anyone in the Lin Kuei takes a peak at her they are getting smacked. Poor guys.

Bi-Han will teach her how to defend herself as well. She needs to know. He will even give her a knife to protect herself (which you take away cause she is only five)

If the son comes first it’s his duty as the older brother to protect his sister from any nasty boys.

When they seem ready (like maybe 15) they can start going out for missions. Simple ones at first. Gotta build them up.

I know I said he will teach them to defend themselves but he will teach them to fight eventually. Yes there is a difference.

His daughter wants to play. Ehhhhh, fine, just because she is crying. But he will be taking it too seriously.

“That’s not how you pour tea.” “Your dolls can’t have multiple partners.” “The dog can’t talk.” You have no imagination sir.

What do you mean they need toys? He didn’t have many toys back when he was a kid. Give them a stick and a rock.

Fine, he’ll get them toys. Only a few though. They need to be focused on other things.

Puberty is gonna suck for everybody involved.

Pads? Yes. Tampons and diva cups? What are those?

You know what helps with cramps, working out. Yeah he’s that kind of dad. They don’t need Advil they got this.

The boys are fighting again. Now Bi-Han is yelling again. Has your tinnitus kicked in yet?

He doesn’t care what they are into they just better be loyal to the Lin Kuei.

Titan Bi-Han (y’all know why I made it separate)

It’s very similar.

He isn’t too overbearing he is still overprotective.

There are too many sharp things in the temple oh lord hide them!

Bi-Han, they can’t even walk how are they gonna reach the butter knives on the tall counter.

He is serious but I think he would crack a dad joke or two.

“Dad, I’m hungry.” “Hi hungry, I’m the Lin Kuei’s grandmaster.” FEED THE KIDS STUPID!

Please don’t take my pupusas away cause I made that joke.

They will be begging him to teach them to fight. He is hesitant but eventually gives in.

Two? Why stop there? If you’re comfortable he would like a few more. Don’t worry he’s not asking for six.

Spoils them! Spoils them to death! His daughter gets anything she wants. His son can have that puppy. They just have to share NO ARGUING!

Only the most trusted of his clan can take care of his children, aka Kuai Liang and Tomas.

Puberty will never be easy in any timeline.

Pads and tampons? Yes. Diva cup? Still don’t know what that is.

Heating pads, medicine, working out, curling up into a ball on the floor, he understands his daughter is in pain.

The boys can’t fight in front of their dad or else he will get scary.

He cares about what they like and will get concerned over some things. I don’t think he will appreciate them liking technology or having a fascination with Volcán de fuego (cause like I never did I promise). They just need to stay loyal to the Lin Kuei or else they will break his heart.

After notes: I did this one earlier cause my dad said some crazy shit this morning. He said marmalade is disgusting and strawberry jam was created by the devil. The only good kind and only kind there should be is grape. And then he went on about how he knew someone who would ask him to drink a bottle of bourbon and find Jesus. I told him “dad, if you drink a whole bottle of bourbon you don’t find Jesus, Jesus finds you”. Very strange morning but the breakfast was good. Adiós!

[belbelcries]

♡How to try and be productive when you are bedrotting♡

These are some tips and tricks that help me a lot, and I want to share them with all of you ♡

We all know how hard living can get, especially when we have things that we must do but can't get ourselves to do them even if we really want to.

If you want to try to change that, keep on reading ♡

Start by writing down what you have to do:

It might sound a bit dumb, but it helps you to visualize what you have to do! For this part, try not to write too many things so you don't end up overwhelming yourself.

If you need to keep yourself accountable, you can set reminders and/or tell a friend to ask you about it!

Start working little by little:

When I need to study something that works for me , I start slowly getting into the mood of studying to get the motivation!

For example: if I have the reading material on my tablet or phone, I start by just reading, not trying to highlight or learn anything, just read in the same way you are reading this now, and if it has any videos to go with I start by watching those!

During this time, you can use the ponodoro method and read for 10 minutes and have a 5 minutes break until you feel the spark of doing it for longer.

Once you feel that spark, you can try and start studying for real/do what you need to do.

Tip! Remember to always start from the easiest thing.

Slowly try to get out of bed:

I think that this might be a difficult one. When I want to get out of bed, I can't help myself to do it all at once. What I do is step by step. How does it work? Easy, first I try to sit on my bed and slowly moving myself so I'm sitting in the corner of the bed with my feet touching the floor, so finally, when I feel like it, I stand up. Of course, this takes some time, and it will vary from person to person.

Change clothes, do your bed or take a shower:

I find doing these things really helpful to set another mindset, one that says, "This is important, I have to do it." I know that it can be hard sometimes to do these daily things, so don't be so harsh on yourself if you can't do it!

Find something to motivate yourself:

It can be giving yourself time to do something that you really like, getting a drink after doing it, buying yourself a little something, basically giving yourself a little treat after accomplishing your task.

I like to buy something nice or make myself my fav tea or a coffee!

Don't be so harsh on yourself!!:

If you are already having a hard time trying to be productive, don't punish yourself even more!! I know that we all have self-destructive tendencies, but for this stuff, we gotta try to fight them!!

Try to give yourself some love in order to try to do your best, and by best, I don't mean a 100%, of the best you can do at that moment is a 50% or a 20% that's okey dokey!!

This is the end of these tips and tricks for now.

Remember, this is what works for me, and if it doesn't work for you, it's perfectly fine because we are not the same person. The important thing here is that you are trying to do something for yourself and get some work done, and just for that, I'm proud of you!! ♡♡

If you want to share your opinions and help others by commenting or reblogging, you are more than welcome to!!

Pls take care, bye-bye, pretty angel~♡

[hotvintagepoll]

Propaganda

Rosaura Revueltas (Salt of the Earth)—She was a Mexican actress who is best known for starring in salt of the earth, an amazing pro-labor movie made by blacklisted filmmakers. She also starred in the Mexican remake of madchen in uniform, one of the first representations of lesbian romance onscreen. She was really dedicated to making progressive films and was also such an incredible actress and artist I truly believe more people should know about her and her work.

Romy Schneider (Mädchen in Uniform, la piscine, 10:30pm Summer)— Such a beautiful woman and she has the full range: she can be anything from cute to seductive to tough - and all the time she's elegant. Also you just gotta love how she left Germany and her fame there behind to start all over in France, wanting to break free from always being typecast as the cute (royal) girl. She put an extreme amount of energy into learning French perfectly in just a few weeks so she could prove herself by starring in a theatre play by Luchino Visconti (who put enormous pressure on her). Anyway, everything went well and she could continue her career in French cinema with more complex and challenging roles.

This is round 1 of the tournament. All other polls in this bracket can be found here. Please reblog with further support of your beloved hot sexy vintage woman.

[additional propaganda submitted under the cut]

Romy Schneider:

She only had a brief stunt in Hollywood but starred in many French movies plus of course the role I know her best for, Empress Elisabeth of Austria in the movies Sissi. I see those eyes, I see that smile and of course her voice and just, perfection. Warner Bros. planned to do a movie about her, which was sadly cancelled but there is also a musical about her life, because she is just that great. (According to Wikipedia she told the author of her biography that she was what we would call bisexual these days, but because the source is french I can't confirm it)

need to show the backstage pic of her with alain delon because it makes me insane:

I'm submitting her to have some french representation in the poll, because we got our fair share of pretty vintage ladies over here (well, she was german, but she later acquired french citizenship). And also, just. Look at her.

She’s hottt

Linked gifset

She played in a lesbian movie! During the 1950s! Gif here [link] She worked for some of the best directors : Orson Welles, Otto Preminger, Luchino Visconti, Joseph Losey etc

She will always be Empress Sissi to me.

[orbleglorb]

tumblr in the blaseball universe, part 10

part 1, part 2, part 3, part 4, part 5, part 6, part 7, part 8, part 9

image descriptions: the first image is a thick black bar meant to separate posts. the second image is a thin gray bar meant to separate reblogs. they are used continuously throughout the post when appropriate. like right now

☎️ official-jessica-telephone 🔁

☎️ official-jessica-telephone

what happens if the real JT wants this URL. it's a part of me now. who do i become if i have to give it up

🐟 offishal-jessica-telephone Follow

she'll have to krill you for it

☎️ official-jessica-telephone

WHO ARE YOU

102 notes

☕ eyesinthedark11

every day with salmon weather for the past few months, my dad has miraculously "found" fresh salmon for us to have for dinner. should i ask him where he's getting it from

#personal #i know the answer. i just need the verbal confirmation

0 notes

Whoops, looks like this post doesn't exist!

🐍 gamer--gorgon

shoutout to the guy (who i think might be in our shadows?) that goes fishing during every salmon game. you should see if you can get anything from the floods

#if he's a shadows guy it's extra funny because he's gotta come up from new jersey #all the shadows share an apartment there #charla said she thought she knew him but every time she tries to get into the stands to talk to him he just disappears lmfao #i get it king. i really do

41 notes

☎️ official-jessica-telephone

what do you MEAN they're rebooting supernatural???

35 notes

☕️ eyesinthedark11 🔁

☕️ eyesinthedark11

i understand that this is ostensibly a terrible thing to say but i truly do not think parker macmillan did anything wrong. if my mom was the coin i woulda done worse. i wouldn't have only been passively killing

🦆 peripheral-duck

everyone wants to act all gifted kid burn out fleabag mommy issues #coquette #girlblogger but the minute mommy decides murder is okay if it gets her some money it's all "well why didn't PARKER do anything :/" you fake fucking bitches. bro got cursed to bring destruction in his wake and THEN cursed to wander everywhere. we're not going to question that??

☕️ eyesinthedark11

if the coin was my mom i would have burned the whole earth years ago. not even because of firewalker or anything i woulda just done that

#like you are looking at mommy issues supreme. you show some fucking respect #<- PREV #on one hand it feels really weird to say these things about a Real Guy who is possibly still alive #on the other hand. you fake bitches #if you've reblogged a fleabag quote i don't wanna hear shit from you #'maybe the fireballs didn't know what instability was' valid point! #but that does not mean they're not at fault. you know #idk why everyone expects parker to just. fix everything. #if he's in the vault then he's been 19 for like 50+ years. he suffers more than jesus

5 notes

🐶 catgirlfirefighter

it's somehow the league's best kept secret that mike townsend is deaf. people keep coming to me like, "idk how you're friends with the guy, he just ignored me, he's such a dick" bro he can't hear you. and also yeah he is a huge bitch

#right judgement wrong reason #mike if you're reading this. ily <3

112 notes

🦞 marketplace-shellfish

Hey has anyone heard from that guy who was making the "meatcute is not real and can't hurt me" affirmations recently? I can't tell if it's a bit or not but they haven't posted since.

#blaseball #san francisco #san francisco lovers #hopefully it's nothing and i'm just anxious lol

11 notes

[tarithenurse]

Handle with care - 2

Fandom: MCU. Pairing/starring: Eventually Bucky x fem!reader, The Avengers, Pepper Potts, Happy Hogan, SHIELD. Word count: 1167. Content: Introductions, pining already and someone realizes. A/N: This will be a small series. Let me know what you think and please reblog – it’s fuel for more! There’s a taglist too so send and ASK if you want on it.

2.

It’s the same girl in the reception as yesterday, smiling friendly and asking you once more to take a seat – this time to wait for the infamous Happy Hogan.

He turns out to be a slightly balding, soft man who acts a lot tougher than you think he is but you don’t test it, instead listening intently to his spiel about security, passes, and codes. Poking away on his tablet (after first having had trouble turning it on), he pulls up several files to quickly flash at you while he quizzes you on safety protocols. But eventually he relents, handing you a key card with your photo on.

“Okay, young lady,” he orders with the voice of a tired father, “I’ll show you how it works.”

Entering the smaller elevator with you, he points where to swipe your key card and then carefully pops in the code on the key pad. 2703.

“Remember it. Don’t write it down. Don’t tell it to anyone,” he imprints.

“Yes, sir.”

Smiling benevolently at the form of address, the man straightens up and pushes the floor number. Once again, the lift leaves your innards on the first floor while rocketing up to the highest levels of the Stark Tower.

Yesterday, you learned that the top three floors were private quarters for Stark and Potts. The ten beneath that are apartments for the Avengers, then comes the “play room”, as Potts had called it: the labs and tech rooms where especially Stark and Banner tinker to their hearts’ contents.

Where do you fit in? The very lowest floor that the little lift can bring you to is a sort of shared work space for any of the Avengers and Potts. Individual offices and meeting rooms laid out along with a communal gym, kitchen, and media room.

When the lift comes to a stop, you and Happy step out.

“Well, I gotta get back down there and make sure things are alright,” he huffs, seemingly mighty important.

“Thank you for the help, mister Hogan,” you smile, holding out your hand.

His is a bit clammy but the handshake is firm and somehow serves to calm your nerves a bit. If the infamous Happy Hogan doesn’t mind leaving you here then you must have done something to impress him. And if you can impress him? Well, maybe others will take kindly to you too.

Turning, you head down the hall the way he points you. Towards the kitchen. You can already smell the coffee and to be honest you could really use a cup because you hadn’t slept nearly as well as you should have – you’d been far too nervous.

Stepping into the open kitchen, you stop dead in your tracks as several people turn to regard you. Shit. They’re almost all there: Romanoff, Banner, Stark and Potts, Rogers, and Barnes.

Barnes.

You’ve read about it in your romance novels, how it’s like being hit by a train. Love at first sight. You’ve always scoffed at it even if you loved gobbling it up. Now...now you’re the one standing on the train track, feeling his smile and stormy eyes bored into your soul.

“Good morning!” Stark’s clear voice cuts through your reverie, mercifully moving your attention elsewhere. “Welcome to the family!” Coming over, he wraps an arm around your shoulders and pulls you towards the others. “Introductions first but maybe you need some coffee with that? Cream? Sugar? Doughnut?”

He is a force of nature almost, sweeping you up and making you feel at ease as you’re loaded up with a mug with the Stark logo on and shake hands with everyone. Of course he doesn’t use their real names but rather a series of nicknames that sometimes make them roll their eyes or scoff. You like it. Like the banter. But you can also sense why Potts must have her hands full just dealing with him.

The superheroes slowly begin to disperse, wishing you good luck on your first day.

---

Potts, or Pepper as she wants you to call her, has been a star, helping you getting the hang of the IT systems and introducing you to the always-present FRIDAY who is the commanding soul of the Tower and an invention of Stark’s.

You allow yourself to make it a late day, there’s plenty to get caught up on and you’re not yet navigating as fast as you’d like with the holographic screens and everything. But eventually you pack up, turn the lights off in the office and close the door behind you.

You just need to wash off your coffee cup, so you head to the kitchen first, expecting to find it empty.

Instead, Barnes is there. Oh boy, is he there: grey sweats and a black tank top that’s doing nothing at all to hide his physique or his metal arm. He has a little towel slung around his neck and his hair is almost pulled back in a bun as much as that’s possible, stray strands falling into his face anyways.

“Hi,” you try a smile.

“Hm,” he smiles back, grabbing a bottle of water from the fridge. “Had a good first day?”

You nod. “Lots to get used to and catch up on but yeah,” you admit.

You’ve been watching some group interviews to get a feel for the Avengers’ PR awareness and Barnes tends to be quiet if maybe a bit sullen. He lets the others talk and while it is the safe route, it also means he can come off as brutish. You will have to work with him eventually. Not now, though.

“Good to hear,” he hums, “see ya tomorrow?”

“Absolutely.”

With that he stalks off down the hall towards the gym and you just stand there like some lost fool looking after him.

“Liking what you see?” a soft voice purrs right behind you.

Turning with a squeak, you’re shocked to see Romanoff. Has she been there all the time?

“I- it’s- he just-” you babble, heart in your throat.

“Relax,” the redhead grins, “I want spill the beans.” She waltzes over and starts another brew. “Just...never seen him that talkative with strangers.”

“No?”

You suppose his silence in interviews stretches further...but you also find it hard to believe that this little conversation was the height of his communicative prowess.

“He’s plenty chatty with Rogers and me,” Romanoff admits as if having read your thoughts, “it’s just...” she shrugs.

You nod. “He has a hard time trusting,” you guess.

Knowing the man’s history, that would make sense at least. You can’t help but wonder if there’s anything you can do to make him feel more at ease, but you also don’t want to force yourself upon the poor guy.

Popping your mug in the dishwasher, you bid the former (probably actually current) spy goodnight and head to the elevator. It’s by the door to the gym and you can hear the muted clanks of weights. Then the elevator dings and you start your descend.

[cheshireliam]

"The Fairytale Keeper's Final Assessment" Story Event: Chapter 2

Liam Evans

This is a fan-made translation solely for entertainment purposes with no guaranteed perfection; expect mistakes, grammatical errors, and some creative liberties. All original content and media used belongs to Cybird. Please support the game by buying their stories and playing their games. Reblogs appreciated.

Read this before interacting

Liam: This is the entrance hall. If you ever want to meet someone, you can wait for them here!

Liam: Oh, speak of the devil…

Jude: What’re ya doin’ chatterin’ away at a place like this. 

Ellis: Good morning, Liam and Kate. 

Liam: Morning, are the two of you just returning from work? 

Ellis: Yeah. One the merchant ships Jude was doing business with sank, so we had to go deal with the aftermath.

Jude: Ah, right… take this. 

Liam: … What’s this? Canned food?

Jude: A can of salted ‘n fermented herring. Since the ship sank, the goods’re all dirty now and can’t be sold. Ya can have it.

Liam: Oooh… shall we eat it together later, Kate?

Kate: Canned food is usually mostly meat, right? I haven't eaten much fish, so I look forward to trying it.

Liam: I wonder what we should pair it with. Maybe we could spread it on some bread?

Ellis: Oh… that canned herring has an incredibly strong smell, so you should pick the right time and place to open it.

Ellis: Even just one drop of its broth getting on your clothes will ruin them, be careful of that.   

Kate: Eh!? That doesn't sound very appealing… why would you give such a thing to Liam…?

Jude: C’mon now, somethin’ this extreme suits the guy just fine, don’t it?

Liam: You know me so well, Jude. Thanks. 

Jude would occasionally bring me rare and unusual things he came across at work. 

They always satisfied my curiosity in the best ways. 

(Of course, it’s never without expecting something in return…)

Liam: … So what do you need me to do?

Jude: In two weeks’ time, I need yer face at a business meeting. 

Jude: The lady we’re dealin’ with’s got a thing for flashy lookin’ guys like ya. 

Jude: All ya gotta do is stand next to me and flash those pearly whites of yers when I give ya the signal. 

Liam: The usual, huh. Sure, no problem. Just let me know the details and I’ll clear my schedule.

Jude: Hah. A well-trained cat’s a handy one to keep ‘round. 

After saying his piece, Jude left with Ellis. 

Kate: Um, does Jude often ask you for favours?

Liam: He does it every now and then. I can’t always agree to his favours because I have my own things to do, though. 

Liam: The first thing he ever said was “let me make full use of that charm and pretty face of yers”. 

Kate: That does sound like something Jude would say… but don't overdo it, okay?

(Could Kate be worried about the favours Jude asks me for…?) 

(It’s true that Jude’s words and attitude can be rough, but I should say something to ease her worries!) 

Liam: The first time Jude approached me with something to offer was after I completely messed up on a mission. 

Liam: While I was forcing myself to act like I was fine, Jude kept piling tons of work onto me. 

Liam: Somehow, that made my situation better because I felt like I was still useful in some way.

Liam: Looking back, I think that might've been Jude’s way of showing kindness. 

Kate: I see… 

Liam: So I’m really not doing anything against my will. … This time, I’m not forcing myself to smile. Alright?

“Forcing a smile might be kind to others, but not to yourself.”

Those words were something Kate and I had both shared with each other.

Kate: … Okay. As long as you’re fine with it, I feel at ease too.

Liam: Uhh… s-sorry about that. I ended up rambling about stuff unrelated to the tour.

Kate: Unrelated to the tour…?

Liam: My story isn’t necessary for the tour, you know?

(I must've wasted her time with all that.)

(I just really want Kate to see the best of Crown today.) 

Liam: Let’s get going! There’s still lots of places I want to show you.

Kate: Okay… 

…

Liam: It’s almost noon, how about we grab some lunch?

Liam: I made sure to request your favourite dishes in advance, but let me know if there's anything else you’d like to have. 

Kate: You’re so thorough. 

Liam: Yeah, someone dear to me once said to me… “you have to eat to gain strength to face tomorrow”. 

Kate: That’s… 

Liam: Fufu… that’s right, it was you who told me that.

Liam: If you’re eating to gain strength, don't you think it’s best to eat something delicious?

Liam: The chef pours their heart into every dish, so we get to enjoy delicious hot meals every day.

Kate: I see. I’m looking forward to that! 

(Alright, I think I’ve successfully made the food here appeal to her. Other things I should explain are—)

Harrison: … Why are you giving Kate a tour of the dining hall?

Harry strolled into the dining hall, staring at us with a puzzled look. 

Liam: We’re doing a guided tour of Crown for any new members who might join us in the future.

Kate: I’m helping out by being the “test subject” for it.

Harrison: Huh… sounds like you’re up to something fun.

Narrowing his mint-coloured eyes, Harry gave a faint smile. 

Harry, who had the ability to tell when someone was lying, definitely knew that my words were a lie and that Kate fell for them. 

(What Harry meant by “something fun” wasn’t my tour, but my lie.)

Harrison: Liam, make sure to share the results of the tour with me later on. 

Kate: Are you interested in the tour too, Harrison?

Harrison: Kind of. … Oh, right. Why don’t you try introducing me as a test?

Liam: … The gentle man over there is Crown’s very own human lie detector, Harrison Gray!

Liam: Harry’s my best buddy, and he’s super dependable. You can always count on him if you need help. 

Harrison: Be my guest, but bear in mind that my services come with a price. 

Liam: For example, you’ll have to pay him with sweets.

Harrison: I wouldn't mind taking you as my payment, though?

Harry shot a teasing look in Kate’s direction.

Liam: … Harry. 

Harrison: Relax, I wasn’t saying that to Kate specifically. This tour is for newcomers, no?

Liam: You wouldn't say that to a newcomer either, would you?

Harrison: Yeah, yeah. My bad. 

Kate: You two seem very close. Have you been like this since the beginning?

Liam: As for that—...

The three of us laughed and chatted away. Before we knew it, lunchtime was over. 

…

Liam: Alright, now that our stomachs are full, our next stop is— 

Kate: Oh, this sound… 

Liam: … That’s Will playing the piano. Shall we go have a look?

…

Drawn by the graceful melody, we made our way to the grand hall where Will was playing the piano. 

Liam: This is William Rex. 

Liam: There’s a grand piano in the hall, so you’ll occasionally get to hear Will’s playing. 

Kate: What a beautiful tune. It feels soothing to listen to.

We gave Will a round of applause as his performance came to an end. 

William: Well, well. It looks like the robin and cat are off exploring Crown’s castle. Have you found any treasures, perhaps?

Liam: We sure did. Your live performance was a huge treasure, Will. 

William: Thank you for your kind words. I’m thinking of playing another piece… feel free to make a request if you’d like. 

Kate: What’s a song that you like, Liam?

Liam: I’m fine with anything. You choose, Kate. 

(I want Kate to enjoy the tour. I want her to see how great Crown is…) 

(And so I must put her first…!)

Kate: …

Liam: …? What’s wrong?

Kate: Ah… no, it's nothing. … I’ll leave the decision to William. 

William: In that case, I shall dedicate this one to both of you. Chopin’s Waltz No. 9… “Valse de l’adieu (The Farewell Waltz)”. 

The melody Will played was sweet and heartrending. 

William: … It is said that this piece was composed by Chopin as a gift to the woman he loved.

Kate: Why is it called “The Farewell Waltz”, then?

William: They were still in a relationship when he composed it. However, the woman’s parents opposed their relationship… and the two parted ways. 

William: And that’s why people came to call it “The Farewell Waltz”. 

Liam: … Even though it wasn't meant to be a farewell song when it was composed. How heartbreaking.

William: Which is why, Liam and Kate…

William: I hope your story remains free of disruptions from anyone, and that it will continue to be written till the very end in a way that satisfies you both. 

(Could it be that… Will knows about the assessment and is trying to comfort me?)

(“In a way that satisfies the both of us”... huh.)

Liam: … Thanks, Will. I hope for the same. 

After Will’s performance, I continued with the tour, showing Kate to the castle’s infirmary, lounge, and library. 

…

Liam: And this is your room. That concludes our tour. 

Liam: … How was it?

Kate: I think it was fantastic.

Kate: The explanations were thorough, and while I didn't have the chance to meet everyone, I did meet a few members of Crown. 

Kate: I believe that any newcomers would surely feel reassured about living here. 

Liam: … What about your personal opinion, Kate?

Kate: My… personal opinion…? 

Kate: … There was one explanation I was looking forward to the most, but it wasn't mentioned. I suppose that was something that made me a little disappointed. 

[kalpeavaris]

MD: Echo Info Post #1 (Character Edition)

So I reblogged this image about wanting to (over) share about OCs... and then I got a mysterious message telling me to speak about my OCs... 👀(*cough* @inkyprince I said I'd tag you hehe *cough*)

So I've decided to just do it, lmao. I love sharing stuff about my OCs, stories and whatnot and this is my blog, imma do what I want!

Gotta lay out some trivia & information about my Murder Drones AU, Echo! Wether it be characters or concepts, because maybe it'll get some people interested :D All of the info is below the cut, and for the first iteration of this I've chosen Kira, aka "ZWEI", for this!

Kira - "ZWEI" - White Witch

A lot of her information can also be viewed on her ToyHouse Profile (logged in user only, sorry!)

Playlist - Pinterest - Voice Claim - Theme Song

Content Warnings: Mentions of self-harm, suicidal thoughts (non-explicit), chronic (terminal) illness (in... robot-terms?)

(older art, but it does the trick lmao)

Kira was one of the Drones that were tested and infected with the Absolute Solver code back in the 3040s and 50s in the Cabin Fever Lab Cathedral with her number being 24.

As a Communication Drone the Solver's abilities affected her in a different way than her fellow Worker Drones, causing the humans to become aware of certain powers that she exhibited which weren't displayed in other Drones.

Her "exorcism" (or, well, patch) was botched as Kira's OS wasn't capable of adapting to the patch version, causing it to corrupt and allow for a vunerability that lead to Echo (a mutated version of the AS) planting it's own code inside of Kira's, which jump-started Echo's influence on Communication Drones.

Kira's Solver is always active - that's why her eye doesn't return to normal and only ever displays the emblem. She overheats extremely easily all the time and is prone to physical pain and tinnitus due to her being unable to block out inbound signals if she picks them up.

This has her health deteriorating quickly over the course of the MD: Echo story, slowly succumbing from it, though she keeps on pushing forward to stop ECHO and it's hosts. She needs actual medication to keep the pain at bay and constantly consumes Oil at a high rate to stop overheating. If her Solver was to deactivate she'd most likely pass away within a few days.

Her secondary name, "ZWEI" means "Two" (or could also be interpreted as "the second") in German. It is a reference to her part in the story, as well as her connection to ECHO. (won't be spoilered for now 8D) She associates alot of trauma with it and doesn't like being referred by it.

Personality wise Kira seems fairly withdrawn from everyone around her except her friends and partner/family. If she's in a good headspace she's fairly open and confident, almost fierce in the way she appears to others. Kira's keen on keeping up a strong facade to not show strangers her weaknesses or true condition.

"But what are Communication Drones?"

I'm glad you asked! Communication Drones look like normal Workers, though the one thing that sets them apart are the two antennas on their head which can vary in size & style depending on their desired function (short-range, long-range, ground signals, air signals etc.)

These antennas function as ears for them, so if they're removed, their hearing is damaged (not entirely deaf, but definitely worsened). So if a "normal" CD loses their antennas they're having a harder time adapting as their intake of sound is greatly reduced.

As an AS user/host, Kira's able to pick up on stronger signals from far away or even sending out signals to stun/manipulate others around her in a short radius. This effect doesn't stay though, it'll wear off over time and actively consume energy from the Drone using it.

Disassembly Drones can also have the subtype of a Communication Drone as shown in the sketch below (left DD) - their antennas are usually shorter and made for short-range and aerial signals as they're capable of flight, too.

(I almost made them a polycule not going to lie they all hot as fuck) wish that was me-)

--

(Kira on her way to cast 'gun, prepare to meet god' in the face of a fucking angel-robot-AI that believes to be god itself)

Kira plays a big part in the MD: Echo universe next to some minor characters & canon characters. Her main motivation is to help stop Echo, as it also tries to infect her via the unstable Solver code in her OS.

--

Crucifix Symbolism

(the power of christ compels you!)

Something very important to Kira is her botched patch / "exorcism". She's obsessed with crucifix looking symbolism which continues to haunt her almost 30 years later during MD: Echo's timeline.

She's desperate to break free from this, but cannot help herself. She compulsively collects cross-shaped imagery and in the first few months after her escape from the Lab she actively built crosses from all sorts of materials.

It's mainly coming from her OS being overwhelmed by the botched patch and the crucifix imagery of the USB burning itself in her memory files as some sort of "salvation" she has yet to achieve. Luckily, this started to fade out over the years, especially after meeting T who helped her to overcome the trauma of the incident.

--

(CW: Mentions of Self-Harm)

After being infected by the Absolute Solver, Kira desperatly tried more than once to remove her antennas to keep the voices from appearing. It talked to her from the inside, but she didn't realize this yet. Like almost all other AS Users however she kept on regenerating, unable to escape the inner turmoil of the Solver's possession and Echo trying to get inside of her OS as well.

--

Effects of the AS on her psyche

(holy shit have you ever seen a centipede that big? what is this? australia?)

Haunted by visions of the Solver, it's communications with the other Drones and later on the landing pods of the Disassembly Drones Kira had a hard time to tune out these visions she got from time to time. Similar to Nori in that regard Kira wrote everything down she heard through these intercepted signals, amassing hundreds of pages of logs she was able to get.

--

Meeting her partner

("Girl I swear I have normal hands too don't be distracted by my sexy claws")

In the 3060s, she stumbled upon one of the Disassembly Drone squads outside of the colony's Outpost she was seeking shelter in. She had intercepted their landing pods signals and was "curious" to seek out whoever had arrived, trying to solve the mystery of whatever the Solver had her experience.

That's when she found Serial Designation T - the navigator of the squad, who at first attempted to kill her like he'd been tasked to do. After all, Kira was a Solver Host that couldn't be fully mind-controlled anymore. But in the middle of him attacking her T's code was halted by Cyn herself, deactivating his executive task to kill the Host he had infront of him. He himself didn't know why exactly the Solver did this, but in hindsight it was due to the fact that Kira was still able to be of use to it later on.

(POV: you deleted system32 from your PC because some random kid on roblox told you to)

Now neutral, T got curious about Kira whom he tried to speak to with her Kira (driven by curiosity on why he had stopped being aggressive all of a sudden, being able to intercept the communication he had with Cyn) staying to talk to him.

Over the following weeks the two grew acustomed with each other, slowly building a friendship that later on evolved into a more romantic nature. Kira hid him in the Outpost and brought in food for the two of them as she constantly needed oil as well.

[meetmypointlessaddiction]

December Fic Day 11 ~ Baking

Had a bit of a mental dip so took a few days off but I'm back and hoping to get the rest of my prompts written and posted before Christmas Day, if not some may just be posted towards the end of December.

Summary: Raising two kids while Logan works can be stressful but spending quality time with your little family makes it all better.

Warnings: none that I'm aware of

Pairings: pretty sure this is suitable for everyone (fem!reader/male!reader/gn!reader) but I am still new to writing anything other than fem!reader so any pointers are greatly appreciated.

Enjoy and please like and comment if you do. Something as simple as an emoji literally makes my day better and reblog to share my work :)

Christmas had always been yours and Logan’s favourite season. Ever since your first Christmas together, it has established itself as one of the best days of the year and the build up to Christmas is just as fun. For the first time, both of your children are old enough to actually be able to experience the joys of Christmas and the days leading up to it. Your little boy, Roman, was 6 and your youngest, Isabella, was 4 meaning that the Christmas magic was very real for them. 

With Logan working a little later that day and the kids feeling too restless to just sit and watch movies, you decided to take them on a shopping trip for baking supplies and when Logan got home, you could bake all sorts of sweet treats, because god knows you would not be able to control both children alone. 

“Rome, Bella, c’mere. I’ve got an idea.” You called into the living room and both kids came running into the kitchen, looking up at you with wide eyes. “Shall we have a baking day when daddy gets home?” Both of them nodded quickly, Bella squealing yes while Roman just grinned. “Alright, that means we gotta get our shoes on and go to the store to buy some supplies okay?” 

~~~~~~~~~~

Your children were not badly behaved, not by a long shot, but with the excitement of Christmas looming and the knowledge that when daddy came home they’d get to bake and have fun, they were definitely a little more rowdy than was probably socially acceptable. You had decided to put both of them in the cart where you could definitely see them and they weren’t causing chaos. “Alright, what kind of treats do we wanna bake, kiddos? Brownies? Cookies? Gingerbread?” 

After a five minute long argument over sugar cookies and brownies, even though you had agreed to buy both, you were finally ready to go pay, pushing the cart to the checkout and scanning the items through as the kids got more and more restless while they waited. It was only after you scanned all your items through did you reach for your card and realise you had left it at home on the kitchen counter when you were helping Bella put her shoes on. “Crap…” 

“Need help, bub?” You heard the familiar voice over your shoulder as someone leaned over and slotted a few notes into the machine. It was only when the kids started screaming for their daddy that you turned and realised that it was Logan. He pressed a quick kiss to your cheek before starting to load the stuff into the cart, ruffling both of the kids' heads and kissing their foreheads. 

“Well, if it isn’t my knight in shining armour.” You teased and he grinned, grabbing hold of the cart with one hand and wrapping the other around your waist and smirking. 

“Always. Came to fill up the truck and saw your car in the lot. Thought I’d come make sure the little rascals were behaving. Lucky I came in.” 

~~~~~~~~~~

Back at the house, Logan was taking the kids’ shoes off while you measured out ingredients for both the brownies and the sugar cookies. When the kids came into the kitchen, Bella was clinging onto Logan’s neck while Roman walked quietly beside him, holding his hand. You managed to get Bella to move to the other side of the counter with you so that the pair of you could make the sugar cookies.

Five minutes in and Bella was giggling as Logan threw a chocolate chip at me, hitting your nose. “That’s how you wanna play it huh, Howlett?” You glared at him, grabbing the chocolate chip and throwing it back at him. “You’re just jealous because our cookies are gonna beat your brownies.”

“No way!” Roman yelled, both of the kids giggling as you and Logan threw glares at each other, the stress of the day fading away as you watched your kids enjoying themselves and you see Logan relaxing. 

“Yours and daddy’s brownies are gonna lose.” Bella said to Roman and the boy turned to Logan with the most serious look on his face. 

“Daddy we have to win. Brownies are so much better.” Logan looked at Roman and, trying his best not to laugh at how serious the boy had turned, nodded and got back to work reading the instructions and telling Roman what to add and when. 

The sweet treats were in the oven soon enough and Logan took each of the kids upstairs to get them showered and ready for bed while you waited for the cookies and brownies to finish cooking. The decorations could then be added once the kids were in their pyjamas and finished getting ready for bed. 

~~~~~~~~~~

With the promise of sugar before bed, both Bella and Roman were easily convinced to settle down, letting the icing and sprinkles set on the treats. Putting a movie on the television and settling under a blanket together, Roman on Logan’s lap and Bella snuggled against your side, you felt like you could finally relax after what was definitely a stressful day.

Dividers: @coolcatsgraphics

I'm also on A03 :)

Any feedback in the comments is greatly appreciated or we can just chat :)

Requests are also open if there is anything that people want me to write💛

[lunamochii]

Need you close to me || part I

Synopsis; Just like Spider Soccoro, you grew up together with the Sully kids. Although when you got older, you stayed most the time in the lab. Trying to perfect your project of making your own avatar. Although this has made Neteyam worry for you to the point he almost forgot his duties.

warning; y/n have acrophobia, Neteyam being the sweetest, fluff, angst

1.8k words

a/n; hope you will like my first fanfic on Avatar! Characters may be out of character but please bear with me! Reblogs and feedbacks are very appreciated🤍 request are open!

part 2, part 3, part 4, part 5

—

“You’re out of your mind!”

Flinching at his sudden increase of his voice, you get why his mad right now it’s all because Spider spilled the project you are making during the shared dinner you had with the Sully’s

You glance at your side and flip your finger to Spider who have a grin plastered on to his face. You flinch again when you felt Neteyam’s gaze at you

“I just want to experience the same feeling Jake experienced okay!”

“Dad was an adult! Of course he can handle the side effects!“

You huff and march away from them, you got back to the lab so fast and you slam the door so loud that it might have echoed throughout the forest

Neteyam pinch his forehead and hisses with annoyance and immediately followed you, Lo’ak and Spider look at each other and grin knowing that you and Neteyam are just fools in love but can’t admit

Neteyam composed himself before knocking on the door “It’s me princess..”

“Go away skxwang”

He rolled his eyes and tilt the lock and let him self in and he saw you sitting on a table, hugging your legs and he can hear your soft sobs

He shook his head and went closer as he put his hands on both of your side and lowered him self to your level

“I’m just worried Y/N, my father often tell us that on the making of their avatar there are sometimes conflicts.. I’m just..”

You look up and Neteyam smiled softly as he wipe your tears

“I’m just afraid that something will happen to you”

“Norm and Max is helping me. Trust me in this one, please Teyam?” You replied while rubbing your cheeks on his big palms, Neteyam close his eyes and when he opened his eyes once again he stared right at your eyes as if he can see beyond, you felt your cheeks heat up making you push him away as you got down from the table

“I gotta go now, Norm and Max still needs me to complete the project”

He watch you walk away and he found him self staring at his palm, your warmth lingering, he clench his hand and brought it to his lips

“Guide me, greatmother…”

+ next day +

“You sure you wanna do this?”

Max ask you and you reply with a nod. Max and Norm nod at each other as you lay down on the machine, your heart beating fast as they slowly close the pod

“Relax Y/N”

Max told you before completely closing the door, you shut your eyes close and leave the rest to them

+ somewhere in the forest +

“Stop walking back and forth Neteyam… I’m getting dizzy”

Tuk muttered and went to hug her older sister, the oldest let out a sigh and finally sat down which made everyone sigh in content

It has been 5 hours ever since Spider informed them that Y/N decided to test out their project, both Jake and Neytiri went to check but in Neteyam’s mind he can’t help but feel restless

He was about to go when he heard the whistling of his dad and when they finally landed, he saw him helping someone get down

The moment your legs touch the ground it immediately wobbled and you found yourself catching your breath, hand over your chest as you close your eyes

“Are you okay?”

Neytiri is beside you, rubbing your back as you weakly nod and the woman help you get up. Putting your arms around her neck

“You’ll get use to it, princess”

You smiled weakly to Jake and Neytiri as you guys walk towards to their home. Who knew that your acrophobia will still act up even in your avatar form and YES.

You together with Norm and Max succeeded on the project although after this you don’t know when you will be able to experience being on your avatar body again. You saw the group of people gathered in one hut, you immediately recognized them as you wave to them

“Y/N! It’s Y/N!”

Tuk got on her feet and came running straight to you, letting a small laugh as you pat her head. Kiri went to your side and place her forehead to yours, as you smile at her warmly

“Whoa! Now you can finally spend a lot more time with us!”

You laugh at Lo’ak’s remarks knowing full well he will be disappointed later on that you still need to do some observation on this new body of yours

“Sit for now Y/N. You still ought to gain strength”

“Yes, Neytiri”

You bow your head down slightly as you watch the Sully couple walk away from the hut. The second the parents left their eyes away from their childrens, Neteyam immediately sat down beside you and place your head on his chest, kissing the crown of your head

His one arm wrap around your waist, you sigh in relief and make your self be at ease on his embrace. You notice Spider staring at you making you smile

“Don’t worry Spider, I will als—“

“It’s fine. I don’t need a avatar to beat Lo’ak ass everytime we compete”

“Hey!”

And that’s the start of their bickering in which often you see inside the lab. Kiri and Tuk excuse their self not wanting to hear more and Lo’ak challenged Spider to some race only Eywa knows where

You are left with Neteyam and you can feel his gaze, his thumb rubbing the back of your hands

The you in front of him is a new sight for him. You are already beautiful when you are human, you’re even more beautiful on your avatar form

“You don’t know how agonizing it was for me, those hours were pure torture”

You laugh and move away from him although you are still holding his hands

“I’m here now, ain’t I? So.. how about teaching me to ride and climb?”

Neteyam shook in disbelief as he stood up and pulled you up. You can also tell that the weakness you felt on your legs were gone, he called out his ikran and the fear of flying again is engulfing you once more

“Don’t be afraid, pretty. I’m here”

He said and swoop you up, placing you infront of him as he connected his queue to his ikran and you immediately wrap your arms around his neck, earning a laugh from the future Olo’eyktan

“Open your eyes, my love”

Opening your eyes slowly, you saw how grand it is to see the floating island this much close. Since down on the ground all you could see is the large trees and the clouds. You can’t help but scream as you stretch your arms, letting out your pure joy

“See? Told you that you’ll like it” Neteyam is wearing his infamous smirk and you giggled as you put both of your hands on the side of his cheeks and give him a quick kiss

“I love it!!”

Neteyam blink twice before joining you on your hoorah, the both of you very much enjoying the time. He took you to all the beautiful spots that he knows, spots that only he knows, spots that holds dear to him, spots where he swore one day he would take you to

Neteyam can give up everything just for you, for him to see you smile like that always, for him to hear you laugh, to feel you.

You turn around and hug him tight, he hug you back and the both of you just spent a couple of minutes hugging before deciding to head back to their home

Neytiri and Jake watch as their eldest get off of his ikran assisting his fated mate, you got down having a wide smile and you kissing Neteyam on the cheeks as you jog towards Tuk

“Reminds me of us back then” Neytiri said as she look at Jake

“Yeah but I wonder where that boy got his moves” Neytiri laugh at her husband remarks, surely Jake is oblivious to the things he did back in the past

———

The night fell upon the pandora and the pod you laid in opened as Max and Norm help you get up, you can’t help but feel dizzy that you wanted to throw up. The moment your feet touch the ground your vision black out and the last thing you remembered was Norm and Max screaming your name

———

The moment Neteyam woke up he immediately went to the hut where your avatar is supposed to be resting but his brows furrowed when he saw no one is laying down there

“Bro bro! Follow me quickly!”

Neteyam didn’t question his brother and immediately rode his ikra towards the lab

There he found his father inside with his mom calming Kiri and Tuk, he got inside and Lo’ak together with Spider tried to stop him entering further

“She could have exerted her self when she was out, she was coughing up blood when she got back”

He heard one of his friends dad say and his head whipped to the girl laying on a bed, he saw the wires connecting to her body. He even saw her avatar that was just on his arms yesterday

His ears droop down, tail hang low as he watch his mate through the glass. Jake saw his son and he excuse himself and the two sky people return on doing all they can to monitor and make sure you’ll be okay

Jake tap the shoulder of his son letting him know that his here, that his family is here

“Let’s go back for now Neteyam. She’ll wake up soon don’t worry”

Neteyam clench his fist and shook the hand of his father making Jake stun, his boy never did this, not even once

“I want to stay here father”

He sounded stern, Jake wanted to protest but he just let out a sigh before patting the head of his son and walking out together with the rest of their family. Spider was kind enough to stay back and be with Neteyam.

———

It’s been weeks ever since he last spoken to you and he is going sane as the day goes by, he needs to feel your warm, your palm against his cheeks, your smile, your laugh, your everything!

Neteyam is touch starve if only he can go in and hold your hand but all he can do is stare at you. His even skipping the hunt and forgetting his duties

Resting his forehead against the glass, he close his eyes and prays to Eywa to bring his mate back or he will lose sanity soon

“Need to see and touch you, my Y/N..”

[dadsbongos]

dads rockin' new year's eve!

count the seconds and belt those carols because the new year is approaching quick! let's celebrate right by appreciating our fictional loved ones! be sure to read through the do's & don't's below the cut or be kicked outta VIP! 17/23 prompts remain

tagging peeps who seemed inch rested: @toxycodone / @maniacpixiedreamboy + @xyfanficarchive + @antoine-tte + @dreamsandsuns + @kingofthe-egirls

**collab is open!**

PARTY RULES let's be mindful of our guests and ourselves!

full-length fics are completely non-necessary, but if the inspiration is hot i want people to have plenty of wiggle space! i’d say minimum ~400 words - 5k absolute max.

prompts are first come first served with no repeats. prompts remain open until picked or until December 15th. 

NSFW is allowed, however, i'll need an age or adequate age-indicator plainly visible on your blog or it’s gonna be a party foul! all characters involved must be aged up to 18 or older. dark content is allowed, so long as it’s appropriately tagged.

if, for any reason, you gotta ditch a prompt before midnight please let me know asap so we can get it back out there for a different date! switching one prompt for another can only be done once.

feel free to post as soon as you’re done, posts will be reblogged but not shared on a cohesive masterlist until closer to the deadline: December 26th. please tag your post #dads rockin new year and link back to this post :] 

also! i’d like to avoid repeating characters as much as possible, after 2 prompts are filled by the same character then we’ll need to freshen it up with a new face!

RSVP when's the party, and how to enter!

the big new year's eve bash will be on December 31st, no posts will be let in after the party ends!

to enter: pick an available prompt and drop the emoji in my inbox or messages along with what character you’re writing for (and what fandom they hail from!)

BYOB pick a prompt! the fun part!

12 grapes 🍇

champagne bubbles 🍾

gold tinsel 🥇

silver spoon 🥄

ball drop 🎊

hangover 💊

sloppy midnight kiss💋

fireworks🎆

woop-woop sirens!!🚨

snowball 🍧

recluse at a party 🌱

daddy’s fancy yacht 🚢

minutes after midnight, already broke a resolution⏰

regrets ⭕

last chances! 🍷

and the best part of this year was… 🍰

“you can’t spend the night alone!” 👯‍♀️

late night toast 🍞

stargazing ⭐

streamers 🎉

party favors 🎈

auld lang syne 🎶

secret special super surprise pick! ☢️

(dad spins a wheel and randomly assigns a prompt not pictured on screen. one re-roll allowed.)

GUESTLIST who's allowed in, who's coming, and their date for the party!

writers: @toxycodone x daisuke (mouthwashing) - sloppy midnight kiss💋 @toxycodone x chilchuck (dunmeshi) - regrets⭕ @24kills x satoru gojo (jujutsu kaisen) - silver spoon�� @dreamsandsuns x katsuki bakugou (bnha) - ball drop 🎊 @xyfanficarchive x captain curly (mouthwashing) - stargazing⭐ @antoine-tte x kylar (degrees of lewdity) - recluse at a party🌱

fandom: any, be wild be proud be unabashedly cringe as we welcome the new year!

feel free to ask if you have any questions i either didn't cover or if you need any clarification! this is my first go at an event like this, so i want it to run smoothly!

[differentpostrebel]

Lost and Found: A Pirate's Promise

Chapter 39: Fog of Zou and Forbidden Whispers

The first gif because Robin be saying the most out of pocket thing when it was the Zou arc LMFAOO

And this one because the reaction LMFAOOO

A/N: And we are back at it again with another chapter!, thank you guys do much for liking, reblogging, sharing and commenting on these chapters! Starting on chapter 42 its officially the start to whole cake island arc!” I am still working on the bonus chapter for Doflamingo in there. It’ll say chapter 41.5 Bonus Chapter. Each bonus chapter will be a .5 and say Bonus chapter so that way it’ll be easier. I might do color coordinating for the chapters when I go on my master list so that way the different arcs are highlighted. We get a slight confession by Zoro in the end… but all is fair in love and war ;). Now with out further ado, let the adventure begin!

Word Count: 14K

Sanji x Reader, Sanji X Y/N, One piece X Reader 

Y/N POV…

"Are we all ready?" I called out, making my way down the steps. My sword was secured on my back, and the two blades King had given me were strapped snugly to my thighs. As I descended, I felt the weight of everyone's eyes on me. Zoro let out a low whistle, his gaze trailing up and down.

“My, my,” he muttered as he stepped closer, his hand finding its way to my hip, casually flipping my hair over my shoulder with a playful smirk. “Looks to me like you’ve healed up nicely.”

I shot him a smirk of my own, confidence swelling in my chest. “Well, I need to make sure I’m at my best.” My hand instinctively went to the hilt of my sword. “Especially since this Vinsmoke guy has an ass-kicking coming his way after pulling that stunt on my wanted poster.”

Before Zoro could respond, Kinemon’s voice interrupted. “Sir Law! There you are! Where have you been?”

Law’s gaze was still locked on me, a lingering look of desire flickering in his eyes from our earlier moment. I smirked knowingly. “It’s alright, Kinemon. He was probably just checking his vivre card, making sure his crew is still safe.”

Kinemon nodded, seemingly satisfied. “Alright, let’s catch up to them!” Luffy exclaimed, brimming with excitement.

“Be careful out there!” Usopp called, already inching away from the group.

“Oh no, you're coming too!” I said, pulling him back. Zoro added a playful smack to the back of Usopp’s head.

Kanjuro stepped forward, beginning to sketch what appeared to be... something. "Is that a worm?" Robin asked, tilting her head.

“No, it looks like a fish?” I said, narrowing my eyes at the drawing.

“It’s got legs, Y/N. I’d say it’s a lizard,” Franky added with a shrug.

“What is it though?” Luffy asked, confused.

“It’s a snake, I told you!” Usopp interjected confidently.

“A snake, you say?” Kinemon echoed.

Kanjuro pinched the bridge of his nose in frustration before exclaiming, “Appear, rising dragon!” Suddenly, the drawing came to life.

“No way!” Luffy shouted in amazement.

I couldn’t help but question the creature. “Is that dragon okay?”

“Unleash your might, dragon!” Kanjuro urged, but the dragon looked anything but mighty.

“Whimpy or not, if it can fly, it’ll make things easier,” Usopp muttered.

“Make haste, everyone! Climb upon it so that it may carry us,” Kanjuro announced.

“So it can fly!” Usopp said with a bit more enthusiasm. One by one, we climbed onto the dragon. As I was about to get on, Zoro lifted me up effortlessly and placed me in front of him.

“Really, Zoro?” I said, raising a brow.

“Gotta make sure you’re secured,” he teased, his grip tightening slightly around my waist, a flirtatious reminder of how he held me back in Dressrosa when we rode the bull.

Before I could respond, I felt a sudden shift. In the blink of an eye, Law’s Room technique activated, and suddenly, Zoro was switched with Law, who was now behind me, his chest pressing lightly against my back.

I glanced over my shoulder, catching Law’s smirk as he leaned in slightly. “Looks like I’m the one keeping you secure now.” His voice was low, sending a shiver down my spine.

Zoro let out a frustrated sigh. "Tch, damn room technique..."

As we continued to travel up the elephant's leg, the drawing Kanjuro drew was having a difficult time pulling all of us up. "You can do it, big guy!" Luffy shouted encouragingly.

"How long is it?" Usopp asked, looking up at the towering elephant. His voice wavered with nervousness.

"Hey, Luffy! Your biggest fans have something to say!" Franky called, glancing back to see Bartolomeo and his crew, who were in tears.

"Oh yeah! I forgot to thank them for everything!" Luffy exclaimed, turning toward them. "Hey, Lomeo, thanks for bringing us here! You and your crew were a huge help!" Luffy yelled, waving energetically.

"Please take care, Mr. Luffy!" Bartolomeo yelled back, tears streaming down his face.

"Same to you! Be careful, and see you later!" Luffy waved one last time as we continued to ride the dragon, now climbing higher along the elephant's leg.

"We're so high!" Usopp groaned, clutching the dragon tightly. "I can't take this!"

Suddenly, the dragon started to slip, its grip faltering as it tried to maintain its balance. Instinctively, I tightened my grip, my heart racing. Law's hand moved to my waist, steadying me, and I gasped softly at the sudden contact. His fingers tightened slightly, the warmth of his touch grounding me.

I turned to look at him, catching his intense gaze. His eyes were filled with a mix of concern and desire. "Careful now," he murmured, his voice low, the closeness between us heightening the tension.

"Aw crap! We're all going to die!" Usopp screamed as the dragon started slipping again.

"Are you trying to pull my pants down, or what?!" Zoro yelled at Usopp, who was clinging onto him in a panic.

"Don't give up on us now, buddy!" Luffy cheered, holding on as the dragon struggled to maintain its footing, slipping all the way back to where we started.

Usopp, his nerves getting the better of him, named the dragon "Reonosque."

"That scared the crap out of me," Law muttered, his usual calm demeanor shaken just slightly.

I clenched my left hand in frustration. "I'm on the verge of just flying up there myself."

Law’s hand gently gripped my arm. "You're not going anywhere, princess."

Kanjuro suddenly mentioned his friend Raizo, a ninja, causing every single guy in the group to light up in excitement.

"Oh my," Robin said with amusement.

"That's so cool!" Luffy's eyes sparkled.

"Does he have shuriken?!" Zoro asked eagerly.

"Does he sit on a waterfall?" Usopp added, starry-eyed.

"Does he have powers? He has to!" Law's usually composed face was lit up with interest, almost geeking out at the thought of an actual ninja.

"Can he move in shadows and disappear?" Franky chimed in, his excitement infectious.

Robin and I exchanged a look, both confused but amused by the guys' reactions. "So… are we going to move, or—"

Suddenly, a loud sound came from above, startling us. Something fell toward us at high speed. "Ahh, that came out of nowhere!" Luffy yelled.

"Hit the deck!" Luffy shouted again, but before I could react, something hit me square in the face, causing me to lose my grip.

"Y/N!" Law shouted as I began to fall.

"Ahh!" I screamed, trying to steady myself as the wind rushed past me. In mid-air, I noticed Kinemon and Kanjuro also tumbling through the air.

"Why are you guys falling too?!" I yelled in disbelief.

"We lost our grip!" they both shouted back, flailing wildly.

"You boneheads!" I shouted, the panic in my voice mixing with the absurdity of the situation.

Taking a deep breath, I clenched my left hand and used the momentum of the fall to leap back into the air, flipping gracefully. "That was close," I muttered, landing safely back on the dragon.

Zoro smirked as I settled in front of him. "Comfortable now?" he teased, his arm naturally wrapping around me to steady us both.

"That was one rush, geez," I said, smoothing my hair out of my face, the adrenaline still pumping through me. I glanced back at Law, catching his expression—guilt weighing heavily in his eyes. I gave him a soft smile and a playful wink, letting him know it was alright. His features softened, though the hint of jealousy lingered.

"At first glance, I thought it was a wounded man covered with knives," Robin commented dryly from behind us.

"Really, Robin, can you not be morbid for one second?" I chuckled, trying to shake off the absurdity.

"Or perhaps a little monkey," she continued with a deadpan expression.

Suddenly, we heard Kinemon’s voice call out, "We’re alright! We’ll reunite soon!"

The dragon continued to climb, even though Usopp and the others kept insisting that it was suffering. "He’s struggling; we better press on," Usopp said, looking genuinely concerned as tears formed in his eyes. "Stay strong, Reonosuke!"

"You can do it!" Robin added, holding her hand over her mouth to contain her emotion.

As the evening sun began to set, casting a warm glow over everything, Luffy, completely oblivious to the tension, decided it was nap time and fell right on me.

"Luffy! I swear, if I fall off one more time..." I muttered, trying to shift under his weight.

"Hey, look up there! I see the top!" Franky shouted, his voice filled with excitement.

Suddenly, Luffy stirred in his sleep, lost his grip, and nearly toppled over the side, which set off a chain reaction.

"Phew, that was a—" I started to say until I was cut off by screams.

"Crap! Luffy fell!" Usopp shouted in panic.

"Usopp!" I yelled back. 

"How stupid can you be?!" Zoro roared, clearly frustrated with the chaos.

Before things got worse, Luffy managed to save himself by using his stretchy arms to grab hold of the dragon’s horns, but the sudden shift caused us to start tipping over. Now, Zoro, Usopp, and I were hanging upside down, blood rushing to my head as I tried to maintain a tight grip on the dragon.

Zoro’s arm tightened around my waist, pulling me in closer to secure me. "I got you, Y/N," he whispered, his voice low and filled with a mix of protectiveness and something more... intimate.

I could feel Zoro drawing me even closer, his grip firm yet gentle as he pulled me against his chest. His face was now tucked between my neck and shoulder, his breath warm against my skin.

Suddenly, I felt him place a light, teasing peck on my neck. My breath hitched at the unexpected gesture.

"Z-Zoro…" I started, but his hand remained on my waist, his touch lingering. The playful flirtation between us was undeniable, and Law, from his spot behind, was watching—his eyes darkening with jealousy.

Law clenched his jaw, his irritation clear as he witnessed the moment, but Zoro’s smirk only grew wider. He held me tightly, his lips grazing my skin again, sending a shiver down my spine.

Zoro's smirk widened as he held me tight, still savoring the tension between us, his lips grazing my skin one more time before we both refocused on the task at hand. Luffy, oblivious to the earlier moment, finally managed to pull himself up and land on the dragon's nose. Despite still hanging upside down, we all cheered for Reonosuke to keep going.

"You can do it, Reonosuke!" Luffy yelled encouragingly.

"That’s your word of encouragement?" Usopp said, clearly about to slip off himself.

"Do your best, dragon!" Zoro muttered, annoyed but smirking again. "Actually, take your time."

"Zoro, really!" I said, rolling my eyes at his teasing, though secretly enjoying the playful moment. Finally, Reonosuke managed to pull himself up, and we sped ahead, the dragon straining but continuing the climb.

"Almost to the top! Almost to the top!" everyone cheered, calling Reonosuke's name.

"Be strong, Reonosuke," Robin whispered, tears in her eyes as she covered her mouth.

We finally reached the top and all dismounted the dragon. "We made it! We're here!" Luffy exclaimed with joy.

Robin and I turned to thank the dragon, but he was starting to change back into the drawing.

"You can’t leave!" Usopp cried, emotionally attached now. "Please, Reonosuke! You’re a true hero!"

The rest of us, except for Law and Zoro, were moved by the dragon’s sacrifice.

"This is dumb," Law muttered, crossing his arms. "It’s just a crappy drawing."

Zoro snorted. "Yeah, let’s not get sentimental over a doodle."

As we continued forward, the atmosphere shifted. The once lively place looked abandoned, and the gate ahead was destroyed.

"Did something happen here?" I asked, my eyes scanning the eerie surroundings.

"You see Curly Brows anywhere?" Zoro asked as he stood next to me.

Usopp, who had climbed a tower, yelled down, "Nope, nothing!"

"Should we wait for the others?" Robin asked, a little hesitant.

"Nah, they’ll be fine," I said, waving it off as we ventured further inside. The place felt strange—like something ominous had happened recently.

"Look at the trail too," Zoro pointed out. "No normal animal could’ve made a path this wide."

"I wonder what caused this," Usopp said nervously. Zoro and I exchanged a glance, both sensing the tension in the air.

I clenched my right hand, allowing electricity to surge through it. "Only one way to find out!" Zoro and I said in unison as we moved ahead.

"Wait, slow down!" Usopp yelled, clearly panicking.

"The flowers here grow in odd places," Robin mused, her eyes examining the strange flora around us.

"Geez, what happened here?" Franky added, sniffing the air. "It smells like gas and gunpowder."

Suddenly, we all felt a presence nearby. Zoro unsheathed his sword with a confident grin. "I got this."

A figure darted out from the shadows, swiftly dodging Zoro’s attack mid-air. Before the figure could land a strike, I managed to block it with my electrically charged hand, sending sparks flying.

"Sorry, Zoro, looks like you needed a little backup," I teased, electricity still crackling from my fingertips as I smirked over at him.

Before Zoro could respond, a voice called out. "Carrot! Stop immediately!" Another figure—a giant gator—burst through.

"Since when are there gators here?!" I asked, not taking my eyes off the mink who had just attacked.

"Talking animals?" Usopp said, his voice shaking.

"They’re the Mink Tribe," Law explained, sounding more intrigued than alarmed.

"Wait a second... I know those clothes!" Usopp shouted, realization dawning on him. "But that’s not Nami…"

The mink and I stood off, both still charged with electricity. I raised an eyebrow. "Why don’t you lower your hand?" I suggested, smirking at her. The mink hesitated but backed away as I did the same, turning off the electrical current in my arm.

"There's an invader in the Whale Forest too?!" the mink, Carrot, exclaimed, her eyes wide.

"Yes, the situation is dire," said another mink, wearing Nami's clothes. "The Guardians won’t be happy about this."

"Listen, what did you do to Nami?" Usopp shouted, his fear clear.

"Do you think they’re cannibals?" Robin asked with her usual calmness, causing Usopp to scream in terror.

"Great, now I’m double scared!" Usopp wailed.

Just then, the mink I had faced, Carrot, leaped into the air with impressive force. "That technique looks similar to mine," I thought. "I’m definitely learning that to improve my left leg's agility."

I turned to Zoro. "I could use that move."

Zoro chuckled but stayed focused. "Looks like it could come in handy."

"Carrot, see anything unusual?" the other mink asked.

Carrot pointed west. "Over there!"

The mink in Nami’s clothes got ready to move. "There’s no time to transport you all-tia, so head west to the Trump Forest. That’s where you’ll find your crew’s corpse. Wait for us on the right flank."

The words hit us like a punch. Usopp dropped to the ground in shock.

"Wait… what?" I asked, my voice trembling. "What did she mean by corpse?"

Fear surged through me as the reality of the situation began to settle in. Something terrible had happened to the crew, and we needed to find out what.

Fear still gripped me, but Zoro’s calm logic cut through the panic. "Nobody’s been killed. Curlybrows is with them, remember?"

Usopp, still crying, sniffled, “But she said something about a corpse!”

“Well, she did say ‘corpse,’ which means they haven’t been eaten… yet,” Robin added, ever the realist.

“That’s not the point!” Usopp wailed, shaking his head dramatically.

"Those animal ladies must’ve been trying to trick us," Franky added, his voice tinged with skepticism.

"If that’s the case, then it’s a terrible lie," I said, crossing my arms, trying to push down my own anxiety as I watched Usopp continue to cry.

“Are they the only tribe, or not? And are they cannibals?” Robin asked, still fixated on the worst possibilities.

"Can you please stop with the cannibal stuff?!" Usopp freaked out, his nerves clearly getting the best of him.

"First things first, we need to learn everything we can about this place," I said, trying to focus the group. "Law, your crew should be here, right?"

Law nodded, his expression serious. "Yes, they should be."

"And can you contact them?" Robin asked, always thinking ahead.

"I'm afraid not," Law replied, a hint of regret in his voice. "I didn’t expect to see them again this soon, but I do still have this." He pulled out a small piece of paper from his pocket. "It’s a Vivre Card—from our navigator, Bepo."

“That’s right!” I said, feeling a bit of relief. “Bepo should be here, waiting for you.”

"Yeah," Law added, "this place is where he was born. But he left the island when he was little, so he doesn’t remember much about the Mink Tribe."

"Are you sure we can trust him?" Usopp piped up, his voice shaky. "Like, what if he still longs to taste human flesh?"

Before Law could respond, I stepped forward, holding up a hand. "Usopp, calm down. I know Bepo, and he’s the sweetest little mink you’ll ever meet. He wouldn’t even think about doing something like that."

Usopp was still unconvinced, his eyes wide. "Y/N, you’ve only met him a handful of times! How can you be so sure?!"

I rolled my eyes, sighing. "Because, Usopp, I met Bepo back in Sabaody. I even gave him my number back when we were in that auction house. When we met, he was so nervous! Trust me, he’s super sweet. Once you see him, you’ll understand." My words came out with complete confidence, trying to ease Usopp’s worries.

As I turned to Law, I noticed something. His gaze had softened as he listened to me talk about Bepo. There was a warmth in his eyes that wasn’t there before, like hearing me speak fondly of his crewmate had stirred something in him. His usual calm demeanor shifted slightly, and for a brief moment, his expression held a depth of emotion—appreciation, admiration, maybe even something more.

But just as quickly, Law broke out of his trance, clearing his throat and composing himself. "Look," he said, his voice steady but with a lingering softness, "I’ve known Bepo for a decade. He’s my friend, and if you want reliable info, follow me." His tone carried a certainty, but there was still that lingering connection in the way he looked at me, like something unspoken had passed between us. 

"Wait! There was a town back there, what if they’re all there waiting?!" Usopp said, still not convinced.

"There might be some cannibals," Robin chimed in, causing Usopp to freak out further.

All of us followed Law as we made our way into town. Destruction was evident everywhere—buildings and houses were reduced to rubble, and debris littered the streets.

"What happened?" I asked, feeling a chill run down my spine as I took in the devastation.

As we moved further, Zoro’s voice came from behind me. "What is this?" He pointed toward a series of crude torture devices scattered in the ruins.

"I don’t know, but it doesn’t look right," I replied.

"Hey, check this out!" Law called, showing us a giant dent in the ground. "This is huge."

"Two weeks," Robin said, eyeing the area. "This place has been abandoned for two weeks."

"Two weeks?!" Usopp exclaimed in disbelief.

Suddenly, the ground shifted beneath us.

"What is it now?" I said, my voice laced with frustration just as a water eruption burst forth, sending us all into chaos.

"Run, guys!" Robin shouted. "Get to higher ground!"

"It’s too late, brace yourselves!" Franky yelled as the floodwaters swept us away.

I fought to stay above water, but the current was relentless, pulling me under again and again. Water filled my lungs, and every gasp for air was followed by another forceful wave that dragged me down. Just when I thought I might be lost to the flood, a strong hand grabbed hold of me.

"I got you!" Zoro shouted, pulling me to safety along with Franky, Usopp, Robin, and Law.

I collapsed onto higher ground, coughing up water as I tried to catch my breath. "Th... Thanks, Zoro," I managed to say, my voice weak but grateful.

Zoro knelt beside me, his strong arms helping me to sit up as I placed a trembling hand on my chest, focusing on steadying my breathing. "Easy, princess, breathe," he said in a tone that was both protective and teasing.

As I opened my eyes, I saw both Zoro and Law staring at me. There was a palpable tension in the air. "Is everything alright with you two?" I asked, my confusion growing as I followed their gazes—only to realize, with a jolt of embarrassment, that my wet top was now clinging to my body, revealing far more than I intended.

Zoro's smirk widened as he looked at me with his usual playful glint. "Well, if you wanted to get my attention, you definitely succeeded, princess," he teased, his voice low and suggestive. His fingers brushed against my arm again, sending another shiver through me. "Though you didn’t have to go this far."

I shot him a glare, my face heating up. "Zoro, seriously—this is not the time."

He chuckled, clearly enjoying my flustered reaction. "Could’ve fooled me," he murmured, leaning in slightly as his grin deepened. "But hey, I’m not complaining."

I turned away, trying to regain some semblance of composure, only to lock eyes with Law, who had been silently watching the entire exchange. His expression was harder to read, but his eyes were dark, filled with an intensity I hadn’t seen before. Though he said nothing, the hunger in his gaze was unmistakable, sending a different kind of shiver down my spine.

"Law?" I asked, my voice hesitant. "You okay?"

He blinked, breaking free from whatever trance he was in, but the tension in his body and the lingering look he gave me told me everything. He cleared his throat, his usual stoic demeanor returning. "I’m fine," he said curtly, though his gaze drifted back to me, betraying his words.

"Right..." I muttered, feeling the weight of both their stares.

Suddenly, Usopp's frantic voice echoed through the air. "Luffy! Luffy's with that Nami dog lady, and the flying rabbit is there too!"

"Ahh! Luffy is being eaten... kinda!" Usopp screamed from above.

"Then it's true, they must be..." Franky started, his eyes wide with disbelief.

"A cannibal tribe," Robin finished calmly, as Usopp spiraled into another panic.

I slapped my hand on my forehead in frustration. "Of course..." I muttered as we quickly made our way toward Luffy’s direction. The idea of a cannibal tribe was starting to become ridiculous, but convincing Usopp otherwise seemed impossible.

As we ran, Law swiftly used his powers, calling out "Shambles!" In an instant, we were teleported—Usopp and Franky landed horribly on the ground, groaning and tumbling in disarray. Robin, as always, landed gracefully alongside Zoro.

Just as I braced myself for a rough landing, I felt strong arms catch me mid-air. Law held me steady, his grip firm but gentle, and for a brief moment, I was suspended in his arms, our faces inches apart.

I blinked, surprised by the sudden closeness. "Thanks for the catch," I said, my voice soft as I met his eyes.

Law gave a small nod, his usual stoic expression momentarily replaced by something warmer. "Anytime," he replied, his voice low and deliberate, his gaze locked on mine for just a moment longer than necessary.

I felt my cheeks heat up at his words, but before I could respond, Law finally let his hand fall away, leaving a tingling sensation in its wake as he turned his attention back to the task at hand.

"Hey, look who it is?" yelled Luffy, his voice echoing across the clearing as we saw him standing with two Minks by his side. "Are you okay? No missing arms or legs?" Usopp questioned, hiding nervously behind Zoro. Then, in typical Usopp fashion, he took over, pretending to be Zoro, moving his arms like a puppet as if he was Zoro himself.

I sighed, shaking my head at the absurdity. "Well, this is a mess, whatever impression you guys have, it’s all wrong," said the female Mink, crossing her arms. "Look over there. There’s a guard and a gate to our fortress," she continued, pointing ahead where a group of Minks stood guard, watching us cautiously.

"None of them meant any harm. They just didn’t know they were supposed to ring the welcoming bell, open the gate, and deliver this message for me—the Straw Hat Pirates have arrived!" she announced proudly. "We have very important guests! They are friends of our saviors and should be welcomed as such!"

Instantly, the crowd of Minks surrounding us cheered in unison, "Garchu!"

I let out a small laugh, shaking my head. "Well, I’ll be damned."

"Garchu!" Luffy yelled back, beaming at the crowd.

Suddenly, familiar voices cut through the noise. "There they are!" came Nami’s voice.

"You’re right! I see them!" shouted Chopper, running toward us.

"Chopper!" I called out, rushing forward to meet him. His little arms flew around me as he jumped into my embrace.

"Hey, look! It's Nami and Chopper, and not a scratch on them!" Usopp cried, tears streaming down his face.

"Y/N! You’re not dead!" Chopper sobbed, squeezing me tightly.

"Of course, I’m not, Chopper!" I laughed, hugging him close.

"Luffy!" Nami yelled, relief clear in her voice as she threw herself toward him. "I was so worried! I’m so glad you’re safe!" Luffy just grinned, completely relaxed.

But then, as I held Chopper, I felt him start to tremble. I looked down, only to see him starting to cry again. "Chopper, what’s wrong?" I asked softly, my heart sinking a little at seeing him like this.

He sniffled and looked up at me with tear-filled eyes. "Why didn’t you tell me you were engaged?"

I froze, completely blindsided. "Engaged?" I blinked. "What made you think that, Chopper?" I asked, genuinely confused, wondering what could have given him that idea.

But before I could get a response, I turned to the others. "By the way, have you guys seen Brook or Sanji? I need to talk to Sanji... I’m sure he’s been going through it." I chuckled, imagining his dramatic reaction to everything.

However, Nami’s expression turned serious. Her smile faded, and I could see the weight of something dark in her eyes. "I’m sorry, but... Sanji is gone."

Her words hit like a punch, and everything around me seemed to blur. "Gone?" I whispered, feeling the weight of the revelation press down on me.

The shock lingered as time passed, but eventually, the minks began to bring us food and booze, trying to lift our spirits.

I found myself sitting next to Zoro as they served us some kind of monkey wine. Zoro took a sip, nodding appreciatively. "This is fine wine," he said, sounding a bit impressed.

"Mind if I try some?" I asked, curious. I was handed a cup, and as I took a sip, the warmth of the drink immediately spread through me. "Delicious," I murmured, feeling a slight flush rise to my cheeks.

Suddenly, the minks began to cuddle up to Zoro, yelling, "Garchu!" and nuzzling against him. I couldn’t help but giggle at the sight.

Zoro, looking completely annoyed, tried to shake them off. "Enough of the cuddles! Can’t you see I’m drinking here?" he growled, pushing them away gently.

"Aww, but it’s fun!" one of the minks whined, trying to cling to him again.

Laughing, I leaned in toward him, teasingly adding, "You guys, Zoro isn’t the mushy type. Watch this." With a smirk, I nuzzled my cheek against his, just like the minks had done. "Garchu!" I said playfully.

Zoro’s eyes widened slightly, and for a moment, he froze, caught off guard by my sudden closeness. But then, with a playful smirk of his own, he slid his arm around my waist, pulling me even closer. His breath was warm against my skin as he whispered, "Oh, so you think you’re clever, huh?"

I giggled, enjoying the lightheartedness of the moment. "Looks like you’re getting used to the cuddles, Zoro."

"Don’t push your luck," he murmured, though his tone was laced with amusement. His fingers gently brushed my side, and I felt the warmth of the wine and his touch mix, sending a slight shiver down my spine. He leaned in, his lips brushing close to my ear. "I’ll give you something to 'garchu' about."

His words, paired with the proximity, sent my heart racing. "Oh, really?" I teased, trying to keep my voice steady, but the tension between us was palpable.

Zoro chuckled, his grip on me tightening slightly. "Remember that favor you owe me from losing that drinking bet?" he said, his tone playful but carrying a hint of challenge.

I blinked, momentarily surprised. "Oh? I thought you’d forgotten about that," I replied, laughing lightly.

"Not a chance," he whispered, his lips almost grazing my ear as he spoke. His voice was low and teasing, making it clear he had been waiting for the perfect moment. "I’ve just been waiting for the right time to cash it in. And trust me, you won’t forget it when I do."

I was about to respond, but the minks once again garchued Zoro, and I couldn't help but laugh at the adorable interaction unfolding. "Don't be mean, Zoro! They are giving us all this meat, and you can't be nice for one second," Luffy muttered, his mouth full of food.

Suddenly, a mink came up to me, garchuing with excitement. "You're so cute! Garchu!" it squeaked. I couldn't resist the playful energy around us, joining in the laughter as we all began to mingle and enjoy the feast.

Just then, someone burst through the doors. "You're... you're here!" Brook exclaimed, rushing towards us with an air of excitement.

"Brook!" I exclaimed, placing my drink on the floor and rushing to greet him. "Brook!" everyone echoed joyously, their voices filling the room.

"Ohhh Joy! I read about your big battle!" Brook cried, his eye sockets dripping with tears of relief. "I'm so glad you’re all okay!" His gaze fixed on me, and he added, "Y/N! You’re not dead!"

I laughed, a sense of warmth spreading through me. "No, I’m very much alive!" I replied, grinning at his exuberance.

But then Brook's expression shifted to one of concern. "Also, why didn’t you tell me you were engaged?!" he asked, rushing over to hug me from the side, his tears now flowing freely.

"Brook, what are you on about?" I replied, slightly confused. I raised my right hand, showcasing the only ring I carried. "Engagement ring? The only rings I carry are the ones King gave me!" I insisted. "Who told you I was engaged?"

Before Brook could answer, he turned his attention to Luffy. "I’ve missed you!" Brook cried, suddenly clinging to Luffy and shedding tears. "What’s wrong? You’re all banged up!"

"Never mind me, I’m sorry about Sanji! I feel like I’ve lost all face! Although not that I have one to begin with," Brook lamented dramatically. I was about to ask about Sanji when Usopp interrupted.

"Oh yeah, wasn’t Momo supposed to be with you guys?" he asked, curiosity lighting up his face.

Brook tensed up at the mention of Momo. "Momo isn’t fond of the minks," he explained, his tone becoming more serious. He then pulled us aside for a private chat, clearly wanting to ensure the discussion remained discreet.

"We aren’t allowed to mention samurai or Wano," Brook explained, glancing around cautiously. "It might cause offense or pain to the minks."

"What’s the deal?" I asked, confused and concerned about the implications.

Just as Brook was about to continue, he was suddenly bitten by one of the dog minks, who seemed enamored with his bony figure. "He’s so popular," Robin remarked, smirking as we all walked to sit down together.

"Luffy, I don’t see Traffy anywhere," Chopper said, looking around.

"Yeah, he said ‘bear place,’" Luffy replied, scratching his head in confusion.

"Bear place?" Chopper echoed, his brows furrowing in thought.

"I think what Luffy is trying to say is that Traffy is with Bepo and the rest of his crew," Robin clarified, rolling her eyes at Luffy’s usual antics.

I felt a surge of relief knowing that Traffy was with his crew. "I hope they’re okay," I said quietly, glancing at my friends.

"He’s fine! Instead, we should worry more about Sanji," Nami interjected, her expression turning serious.

"He left you a letter, didn’t he? His thing will work out," Zoro said, his tone indifferent, though I could sense his concern.

"Actually, Zoro, he left two letters, and one was for Y/N," Nami corrected, holding out the folded paper to me.

"A letter for me?" I said, my curiosity piqued as I took the letter from Nami's hands.

I carefully opened its contents, and as I read, the words made my eyes glossy with tears. "What is he saying?" I whispered, my heart racing.

The letter read:

My beloved Y/N,I didn’t want you to find out this way, nor did I want the crew to think I was hiding anything. I’m not marrying Big Mom’s daughter, nor do I care about engagements. The only woman I have my eyes set on is you. I’ll be damned if I let anybody harm you or force you into doing anything against your will. I’ll be back in no time, once I sort this whole situation out. Y/N, as I write this letter, I want you to know...

The ink smudged slightly, and I could feel my heart pounding in my chest. The words danced before my eyes as I tried to process everything. I only want to be engaged to you, and I’ll be damned if I let a Vinsmoke claim you as his.

"This letter doesn’t make any sense," I said, my voice trembling as I struggled to comprehend his declarations.

Luffy began to ponder, his brow furrowed in thought. Zoro’s grip on my waist tightened slightly, a possessiveness evident in his posture. "Hmmm, he didn’t get kidnapped; he just left?" Luffy mused, trying to piece together the situation.

"That’s what I’m worried about! It all seems too fishy!" Nami exclaimed, her eyes wide with concern.

"I’m so sorry!" Chopper chimed in, his voice quivering with emotion. "We couldn’t do anything to stop him."

"You’re going to need to give us more details because I’m lost," Franky added, crossing his arms as he looked at Nami expectantly.

"Same here!" I echoed, my thoughts racing. With the letter Sanji gave me, my wanted poster stamped with "Only Alive," and the ominous mention of a Vinsmoke, I felt like I was caught in the middle of a storm. "I need a rundown of everything."

"Listen, Nami, we need to know the details in full. Tell us what happened in the last 11 days since you left Dressrosa and boarded the Sunny," Robin urged, her expression serious.

"Okay, I’ll tell you everything that happened," Nami said, her tone shifting as she prepared to recount the story.

As Nami began to detail the events that unfolded—from my capture by Doflamingo to the sudden appearance of Big Mom’s ship—we all listened intently, absorbing every word. The atmosphere shifted from anxiety to excitement as Nami recounted how they fought valiantly against overwhelming odds.

We all cheered as Luffy recounted how they kicked ass. 'Way to go, guys!' I said, resting my head on Zoro’s chest, feeling the comfort of his presence. His heartbeat was steady, a reassuring rhythm amidst the chaos of our situation. Zoro looked down at me, a hint of a smirk on his lips, as if he was proud to be my anchor in this whirlwind of emotions and revelations.

"So, you came here after that? How long did it take?" Robin asked, her curiosity piqued.

"Zou was close to us, so we arrived in a day," Nami replied.

"We’ve been here ten days!" Chopper added, holding up his hooves, his eyes wide with surprise.

Robin then turned her attention to Wanda, asking about the city’s situation. With a solemn expression, Wanda recounted the tale of what had transpired, her face bearing the weight of the tragic events. She explained how they owed everything to the Straw Hats and Chopper's medical expertise for saving many lives in the aftermath of the attack.

Just then, the minks received news that the Duke was awake. "Duke Dogstorm would like to meet the saviors," one of the minks announced, excitement rippling through the gathered crowd.

Wanda continued, her tone turning serious as she recalled the assault by Jack and the Beast Pirates. "They wanted something we didn’t have," she explained, her voice thick with emotion. "The Beast Pirates attacked and caused destruction beyond what we could handle."

"So it was Kaido's crew that attacked, and they are the Beast Pirates," Robin clarified, piecing together the information.

Wanda nodded, confirming Robin's deduction. "Those bastards," I muttered, my anger flaring at the thought of what the minks had endured.

Sensing my growing rage, Zoro placed his arm around my shoulder, a silent gesture of support meant to calm me down. His warmth enveloped me, grounding me amidst the tumult of emotions swirling within. I leaned into him slightly, grateful for his presence as I tried to push the anger aside 

"They wouldn't listen to a word we said; we were forced to fight or die," Wanda recounted, her voice heavy with the memories of the battle.

"Wait, so Jack ended up leaving but he never found the samurai?" Usopp asked, piecing together the timeline.

Luffy, oblivious to the tension, began bouncing with excitement, his voice high and squeaky. "Wow, that was fun!" he declared, moving up and down the bridge in his usual overenthusiastic manner.

"Luffy! Stop!" I shouted, half-amused and half-exasperated.

"Not for us!" the rest of the crew chimed in unison, their frustration evident.

We finally arrived at the place where Duke Dogstorm was resting, and Wanda continued sharing details about Cat Viper and the Duke, her tone shifting to a more somber note. "But then... a poison gas," she said, her expression darkening.

Realization dawned on all of us simultaneously. "You know what that means," Chopper chimed in, his eyes wide. "The poison gas—it was Caesar's."

"Looks like he’s getting another ass-kicking," I muttered, my determination hardening. "He’s number three on my list." I made a mental note to settle the score with Caesar, the memory of his past actions fueling my resolve. Zoro tightened his grip on my shoulder,

"So I see the connection now! Kaido's bio-weapons came from Doflamingo!" Robin said, her words cutting through the room with sharp clarity.

The mention of his name made my body tense up, a wave of anxiety washing over me. My breathing became shallow, and the air around me felt like it was closing in. The memories of Doflamingo's cruel grip, his suffocating presence, all surged back.

"Y/N, breathe... breathe," Zoro's voice came, steady and firm, his hand gently squeezing my shoulder.

I closed my eyes, focusing on the rhythm of my breaths, trying to push the panic back down. Just the mention of Doflamingo was enough to set me on edge, but Zoro’s calm presence beside me helped me regain control. I nodded slightly, silently thankful for him as I worked to ground myself, the weight of the past momentarily easing.

Luffy gritted his teeth, fists clenched tight. "Caesar!" he growled, fury evident in his voice. "He's getting an ass kicking!"

"I've already made a mental note, Captain," I said, my eyes narrowing. A small electrical current sparked from my fingers as I added with a smirk, "He's getting an ass kicking and a shock."

Luffy grinned, his anger momentarily turning into excitement at the thought. “Good! He deserves it!”

Luffy’s grin faltered, replaced by a more serious expression as Wanda continued recounting the terrible events they endured. “It wasn’t your fault, you must’ve been frustrated,” Luffy said, trying to comfort her.

Wanda’s voice trembled as she recalled the horrors. “We were all completely paralyzed… and as for what happened next... I don’t even want to say it.” Her eyes brimmed with tears. “I can’t shake the screams of innocent lives, begging for help…”

I felt my heart ache for her and the minks. “I’m so sorry,” I whispered, wishing there was more I could do to ease their pain.

“We were spared by fate,” came a deep, weary voice. Duke Dogstorm was now awake, slowly lifting his head.

“How long have you been awake?!” Luffy exclaimed in surprise.

The Duke, still groggy but focused, lifted a newspaper to show us. The headline read that Jack had died. "The day Jack left our kingdom was the day you two, Gara,"—he nodded towards both Luffy and me—“challenged Doflamingo. I realized then, Jack was trying to liberate Doflamingo from captivity. It must have been bound by some deep-rooted connection. The reason they left... was because of you two.”

The Duke’s words weighed heavily, the realization settling over us all. His eyes closed again, falling back into sleep as exhaustion claimed him.

Wanda, tears still fresh, turned to us. “Knowing that, I feel even more gratitude. All of our lives are deeply indebted to you.”

“And the day Doflamingo was defeated was the day we arrived here,” Chopper added, putting it all together.

I couldn’t help but feel the immense gravity of our actions—how they rippled across the world and saved so many lives, even when we didn’t realize it.

Zoro’s grip tightened slightly, his proud grin never faltering. “That’s my partner,” he repeated, leaning down to kiss the top of my head again, his lips lingering just a bit longer this time.

I smirked, unable to resist teasing him. “Look at you, Zo. Being all soft.”

Before Zoro could reply, Usopp’s voice cut through the moment. “Soft? Zoro? Are we still talking about the same guy?!” Usopp threw his hands up in exaggerated disbelief. “Must be the wine talking, no way he’s being all cuddly!”

Zoro shot Usopp a glare, his face flushed—probably a mix of both embarrassment and the booze. “Hey!, keep it up and you’ll be next.”

Usopp immediately raised his hands in surrender. “Alright, alright! No need to get all ‘swordsman’ on me!” he said, backing off with a grin.

Zoro pulled me closer, his arm a steady presence around my shoulder as Chopper recounted their harrowing journey to Zou. He detailed how Nami and Brook faced off against one of the Beast Pirates, and how he, Sanji, and Caesar saw the devastation that had torn through the Mink Tribe. The image of the crucified Minks caused a chill to settle over the group. Chopper explained how he managed to create an antidote, saving lives while Caesar, predictably, gloated about his role in creating the gas.

"Man, Gas Guy sucks," Luffy muttered, his face twisted in disgust.

"Just wait until I get my hands on him," I growled, my right hand now glowing with a red crackle of electricity. The spark of power surged through me, fueled by the anger at the devastation Caesar had caused.

Zoro gave a quick side glance at the electricity in my hand, a smirk tugging at the corner of his lips. "Seems like someone’s extra fired up."

“Y/N?! When did you learn to do that?!” Chopper asked, eyes wide with surprise.

I was about to explain, but Zoro cut in. “The princess’s blades pick up on her energy. So it depends—one can be blue, one can be yellow, and I believe red. Right, princess?” he said, resting his chin on my head with a casual possessiveness.

“There’s more to the blades,” I added, “but I’m still figuring it out. They can even cast white sometimes.”

Usopp, ever observant, raised an eyebrow and smirked. “Zoro, are you sure that wine didn’t do something to you? You’re acting a bit… soft.”

Zoro’s eyes narrowed, but before he could retort, I grinned and added, “Maybe it’s the garchu he got earlier.”

The group continued to laugh as Zoro tightened his hold around me, a playful yet protective gesture. Chopper then recounted how he and Caesar had managed to neutralize the gas, detailing the tense moments where time was against them. “We were in a race against time,” he said, his eyes reflecting the gravity of the situation. He explained how Wanda initially thought they were enemies, but Pedro and Tristan vouched for the Straw Hats. With Caesar’s reluctant help, they managed to create a vaccine to save the minks.

Wanda’s voice trembled as she spoke, tears welling in her eyes. “You-tia saved our civilization.”

Franky, ever the emotional one, began to cry openly. “I’m so proud of you guys! Look at that! You guys are super!” His exaggerated sobbing only added to the warmth of the moment.

Chopper suddenly perked up, remembering something. “Oh! Since the sun’s down, that means I’m on night shift. I’ve got to take care of Cat Viper!”

“I’m coming! Let’s go meet him!” Luffy said excitedly, his energy as boundless as ever.

“Let’s all go!” I chimed in, my own curiosity piqued by the mysterious figure of Cat Viper.

“Sweet, guess that settles it!” Luffy grinned as we all made our way to climb onto Wanda’s gator. 

as we all made our way to climb onto Wanda’s gator, excitement buzzing through the group. As we rode through the lush forest, Luffy leaned forward, his curiosity clearly building. “Anyway, Wanda, you never finished the story.”

“Yeah, you didn’t tell us what happened to our dumbass cook and idiot gas guy,” Zoro added from behind me, his arms wrapped securely around me as my back rested against his chest. His casual comment earned a few chuckles from the others, but there was an edge of concern beneath his words.

As the gator moved through the forest, the cool night air brushing past us, I could feel Zoro’s steady heartbeat against my back. His head resting gently on my neck sent a soft laugh bubbling up from my chest, and I couldn’t help but lean into the moment, feeling completely at ease.

That’s when Usopp, always the drama king, jumped in with a theatrical gasp. "Zoro has definitely gone soft! This would totally set Sanji over the edge!" He threw his hands in the air for extra emphasis, grinning widely as he continued his teasing. "It’s like you’re claiming Y/N or something!"

Everyone burst into laughter at Usopp’s over-the-top performance, and I shook my head, trying to stifle my giggles. "Usopp, you’re too much!" I managed to say through the laughter.

Zoro, however, remained calm, though the corner of his mouth quirked into a smirk. "Tch. Let Sanji think what he wants," he muttered, his arms tightening just a bit more around me. "I don’t need to explain myself to him."

Usopp snickered. "You’re totally claiming her!"

Zoro smirked, completely unfazed. “Well, she is my partner, after all,” he said boldly, tightening his grip slightly.

My cheeks flushed at his statement, but I couldn’t help but laugh along with everyone else, feeling a mixture of warmth and excitement. “I thought I was just your nap sidekick?” I teased, looking up at him with a grin.

Zoro leaned in, his grin widening. “You’re that too,” he replied, making the others chuckle more. Usopp exaggeratedly threw his hands up again.

“Now they’ve got titles for each other! Sanji’s gonna lose his mind when he hears this!” Usopp added dramatically, shaking his head.

Before Wanda could respond to Luffy’s earlier question, Brook suddenly intervened, strumming his guitar ominously. “Perhaps it’s best if I tell the rest of this tale,” he said solemnly. “I fear our dear friend Sanji may never return to our side.”

“What?!” Luffy and I both exclaimed in shock.

“That’s crazy. In both our letters, Sanji said he was coming back,” I argued, confusion creeping into my voice.

“He wouldn’t lie to us! I believe Sanji’s story!” Luffy shouted, fists clenched in determination.

Zoro, leaning back with a scoff, added, “Don’t know about you guys, but I wouldn’t miss him. If I never see him again, he was kind of dead weight for us.”

I turned in Zoro’s arms and thumped him on the chest. “Don’t be mean!” I said, giving him a stern look before turning back around.

“Sanji is still our friend, Zoro!” Luffy yelled, his temper flaring slightly.

Brook then continued the story. “It was then that Pekoms and Bege from Big Mom’s crew showed up on the island as well.”

“So, Big Mom’s pirates were here on Zou?” Usopp asked, his voice incredulous.

“Yeah, so Sanji must have kicked their pickled asses, huh?” Luffy added, grinning wide.

“That would’ve really set Big Mom off!” Usopp said, a mix of awe and fear in his voice.

“It’s fine since I already started that fight,” Luffy said nonchalantly.

Brook strummed his guitar once more, his voice softening. “Sanji is as kind-hearted as they come... He led those two into a fortress in the forest. But Bege kept mentioning something odd. He kept asking, ‘Where’s the girl?’”

I furrowed my brows. “What do you mean?”

Brook looked at me seriously, his hollow eyes reflecting concern. “When Sanji confronted Bege about it, he thought they were talking about Nami at first. But we were all taken inside Bege’s body. Sanji sat across from Bege, while Pekoms was shot for being willing to call Big Mom and tell her the mission failed. Nami, Caesar, Chopper, and I were all chained.”

My body tensed at the revelation. Zoro’s grip on me tightened instantly, his protective instinct kicking in.

“Wait, inside his body?” I interrupted, my body tensing at the strange revelation.

“How’d you guys even fit?” I asked, trying to lighten the mood despite my rising unease.

"I would presume you'd need to cut up his abdomen," Robin said casually, prompting Usopp to freak out.

"Enough with the body horror, okay?!" Usopp exclaimed, visibly disturbed.

Brook continued. “After that, Bege asked about ‘the girl’ again. Sanji, still assuming it was Nami, asked who they meant. But then Bege clarified, saying the one they were looking for was Princess Y/N.”

“What?!” I shot up from my position, now sitting straight. “What could Big Mom want with me?!”

Zoro’s grip tightened further, his tension matching mine as he tried to keep me calm.

“We all tried to figure that out too,” Brook said gravely. “But then, there was startling news. Bege revealed that Big Mom had planned two weddings, and she requested both Sanji and Y/N’s attendance. Sanji was enraged and rejected the idea, saying he was already engaged—to you, Y/N.”

“He said what?!” I shouted, coughing in surprise as I tried to process the revelation. "I never agreed to any marriage! Why would Sanji say that?!" My mind raced, recalling the words in Sanji's letter. “Is that why he added that to my letter?!”

Brook nodded, continuing, “Which is what I told Nami—it’s more of a one-sided marriage since you didn’t agree to it.”

“But I just know you would’ve made a blushing bride! Yohohohoho!” Brook added, his laugh oddly light-hearted despite the tension.

Before I could respond, Luffy, oblivious to the seriousness of the situation, cut in. “Y/N! Why didn’t you tell me you were engaged?! We could’ve done something on the Sunny!” he said with wide, innocent eyes.

“Well, you know, Captain, I was hoping to keep it under—" I began sarcastically before losing my temper. "I HAVEN’T EVEN AGREED TO A PROPOSAL!” I yelled, my rage finally spilling out.

Zoro, sensing I was on the verge of losing control, got up from his lounging position and pulled me back into his arms, holding me close. He leaned down to whisper in my ear, his voice calm but firm. “You’re not marrying anyone you don’t want to, princess. I’ll make sure of that.”

Brook then revealed the next shocker. “Bege pulled out a second invitation—this one meant for you, Y/N. You were to be married to the first son of the Vinsmoke family, Ichiji.”

“So I’m in an arranged marriage?!” I said, my voice rising with the burning anger inside me.

Luffy’s confusion was palpable as he scratched his head. “Wait, Y/N, I’m confused. So are you marrying Sanji or this Ichiji guy?”

“I’M NOT MARRYING EITHER ONE!” I yelled, my frustration boiling over.

Zoro’s arm tightened protectively around me as he smirked, his voice low. “That’s the spirit.”

Brook continued with the story, “Sanji then asked whose bright idea it was and why. Bege answered, telling him he’s a Vinsmoke and how should he know. Sanji even asked why you were involved, to which Bege said that Ichiji would have been there, but he was taking care of business for Judge. He’s excited to see his soon-to-be bride, but what shocked me was that he was the one who called for your wedding and that yours would be first, then Sanji's,” he said, causing me to cough once more.

Brook continued, saying that the revelation that Sanji was also a Vinsmoke chilled him to the bones. “Sanji kept denying it, saying he wasn’t going to marry or go to a tea party for Big Mom, and that he’d be damned if he let any of those bastards harm Y/N,” Brook added, looking solemn.

“Bege was adamant in having you there as well, but since you were in Dressrosa fighting, they both kept arguing back and forth.” Brook continued, his tone growing more serious. “Bege even said that if you didn’t show, then something would happen.”

“What do you mean, something?” I asked, my heart racing at the implication.

“We don’t know,” Brook admitted, his expression grave. “But Sanji willingly left with Bege and helped us escape. He said that he was going to deal with his… family, along with the whole wedding situation.”

“So now I understand why my wanted poster suddenly showed ‘Vinsmoke Y/N.’ This Ichiji guy was trying to claim me,” I said, the weight of it all crashing down on me.

"One of Bege's members also whispered something to Sanji which caused him to tense, which also led to him deciding to go," said Brook.

"Okay! If we can't figure it out, then we'll just have to go and ask Sanji!" yelled Luffy.

"You're crazy!" Usopp exclaimed, eyes wide. "Bad idea!" Zoro chimed in, still gripping my waist.

"I'm with you, Luffy!" I declared, causing everyone to turn to me in disbelief. "What?!"

"You guys have to understand, I'm also at stake here," I insisted, pulling out one of my blades from the thigh halter, its blue hue glowing. "I'd like to pay my fiancée Ichiji a visit."

"You’re crazy! So you think we can just waltz on over to Big Mom?" Usopp protested.

"Yeah, we gotta," Luffy affirmed, determination in his eyes.

"She's one of the Four Emperors! We've never faced anyone like that," Robin cautioned.

"Right, which is why we gotta be sneaky!" Luffy said, and I pointed at him, nodding. "That's the idea."

"Now that I think of it... I might know a way," Chopper added thoughtfully. "They did leave someone behind, so he could tell us something helpful."

As time continued to pass, I found myself leaning against Zoro as we traveled to Cat Viper. His hands traced soothing patterns on my body, trying to ease my anxiety. My blades were now back on their halter. I turned to look up at him; he met my gaze with a lazy grin, clearly enjoying the moment of peace.

"Poor Pekoms, he put himself in harm's way to defend us," Brook said with a sigh.

"We need to know where to find Sanji. Pekoms is the best lead we have," he continued.

"Right! He'll talk to me. If not, I'll drag it out of him," Luffy declared, enthusiasm bubbling over. "Then when we find Sanji, we can figure out if he’s getting married or what."

"And I can kick Ichiji's ass and make him take off his last name on my wanted poster! It’s a win-win if you ask me!" I chimed in, grinning.

We finally arrived at Cat Viper's location, greeted once again by the guardians. Pedro came down from the tree, his demeanor sheepish as he apologized for attacking Luffy earlier.

"Go see Bepo; they’re in the back," said Pedro, motioning for us to move.

"Not right now. We want to talk to Cat Viper and Lion Viper first," Luffy responded, his tone firm.

Pedro leaned in closer and whispered, "Pekoms is awake. We should head to the back."

Chopper, starstruck by a lady reindeer, decided to check on Cat Viper himself. I couldn't help but smirk at the interaction. Robin, Brook, and Usopp followed Chopper, while Luffy, Zoro, Nami, Wanda, Carrot, and I made our way to see Pekoms.

As we approached, Pekoms looked weary but determined. "That bastard Bege, I’m sorry I couldn’t do more, but your pal Black Leg’s long gone," he said. "No one can refuse Mama’s wedding."

"As for you, Princess," Pekoms continued, "Ichiji will more than likely look for you since you're not on the boat with Black Leg."

"He can try, but I’ll still be able to kick his ass," I smirked defiantly. "No one is going to force me to marry anybody, and these Vinsmokes can all get their asses kicked too if I have anything to say about it."

Luffy chimed in, "Sanji would never just pick one girl to marry. Besides, he said he was engaged to Y/N already."

I thumped him on the head, feeling my face heat up. "We aren’t engaged!" I snapped, frustration bubbling over. "There were already two agreements established: one was Mama’s, and the other was Sanji’s father. Since, Princess, you are to be married to Ichiji, then you were also invited to Mama’s party, and your wedding is first."

"Again, I’m not marrying anybody," I said, my tone still defiant.

"So what kind of person is Sanji's father?" Nami asked, curiosity shining in her eyes.

"He’s got quite the reputation in the underworld," Pekoms replied, a serious expression crossing his face. "Are you familiar with a group called Germa 66, the warmongers?"

"The Vinsmoke family sits at the top, and their leader is Black Leg’s father," Pekoms said, his voice steady.

"What?!" I exclaimed, disbelief washing over me. "If you know anything about them, then you’d know they are a vicious group of assassins."

Suddenly, the revelation caused me to stumble back slightly. "So... does that mean..." I said in a low voice.

"That’s right, your future husband is an assassin," Pekoms confirmed, his words hanging heavily in the air.

“No way! This can’t be happening!” I shouted, feeling panic rise like a wave threatening to crash over me. My chest tightened as I felt the weight of it all—the forced engagement, Sanji's family, and everything beyond my control. "I won’t be part of this! I refuse to let anyone dictate my life like this!"

Feeling overwhelmed, I muttered a rushed excuse and bolted from the room. Once outside, I pressed my hand to my chest, trying desperately to steady my breathing. The cool air hit my face, but it did little to calm the whirlwind inside me. My other hand gripped my hair tightly, as if holding myself together.

From inside, I could still hear Luffy’s voice, his tone sharp with determination. "Is Sanji coming back to us or not? I don’t care if he’s getting married! Listen, if you think we’re going to work under Big Mom, then you’re crazy! I’m fine with making an alliance, but you guys gotta work for us!"

Luffy's words were bold and comforting in their own way, but I could barely focus. My breaths came shallow, rapid. My heart was pounding too fast, too hard. I was teetering on the edge of a full-blown panic attack.

Suddenly, I felt strong hands snake around my waist from behind, pulling me close to a warm, familiar chest. "Breathe, princess. Breathe," Zoro’s low voice rumbled in my ear as he gently kissed the back of my neck. His lips grazed my skin, and the sensation sent shivers down my spine.

"I… I can’t—" I started, but he tightened his grip just a little, his calm presence pulling me back from the brink.

"Shhh," he whispered, his lips still close to my neck. "You’re stronger than this. I know you are." His hands slowly moved up to my shoulders, grounding me, his thumbs tracing slow circles. "No one’s going to make you do anything you don’t want. Not Ichiji. Not Sanji’s father. No one."

I leaned back into him, letting his steady breathing guide mine, the storm inside me slowly subsiding.

"You don’t have to handle everything alone," Zoro murmured into my ear, his voice deeper now, filled with something more than just comfort. His lips brushed the edge of my jawline. "You’ve got me. And I won’t let anyone hurt you, not them, not anyone."

I could feel the heat of his breath against my skin, his hands sliding down to my hips, holding me firmly against him. There was a protective intensity in the way he touched me, but something else lingered beneath the surface.

He leaned down, his mouth ghosting over the shell of my ear. "I’d take on the entire Vinsmoke family myself if it meant keeping you safe. Don’t doubt that for a second."

My heart, still racing from the panic, now fluttered for a different reason. "Zoro…" I whispered, his name barely leaving my lips as his hands wandered lower, his touch both reassuring and wanting.

He turned me around slowly, his eyes dark, intense, locking onto mine. "You don’t have to be afraid, Y/N," he said, his voice rough with emotion. "Not when I’m here. I won’t let them take you." His forehead rested against mine, his breath mingling with mine as his hands gripped my waist tighter.

"Zoro... thank you for everything," I whispered, my voice barely audible, but he heard it clearly. My hands slid up behind his head, fingers tangling gently in his hair as I scratched lightly at his scalp. He let out a low, quiet groan, the sound rumbling in his chest and sending a thrill through me.

For a moment, I stayed there, relishing the warmth of his body and the comfort he gave me. Slowly, I began to pull away, my heart still racing, though for entirely different reasons now. Before I let him go completely, I leaned in and placed a soft kiss on his cheek, feeling the heat of his skin beneath my lips.

"Thank you... again," I whispered, my breath brushing against his face. His eyes stayed locked on mine, the intensity never leaving them as he nodded, though I could see a flicker of something deeper behind those dark eyes.

I turned and made my way back inside, feeling his gaze linger on me as I reentered the room, a small sense of calm returning to my chaotic world.

“So you get it or not?! Go tell Big Mom that’s the deal!” Luffy shouted as I finally reentered the room. My eyes met his as he turned to me, grinning. “Your little eyeballs are funny,” he said with a laugh to Pekoms, as both he and Carrot giggled.

“Either way, neither Blackleg nor the princess can get out of this marriage,” Pekoms muttered darkly.

“And why not?” Luffy snapped back.

“Nobody puts Mama to shame, not without paying the price,” Pekoms responded.

“What do you mean by that?” I asked, feeling the dread rise in my chest again.

“In a couple of days, if they don’t show up to the party, Mama’s guests get a surprise. They get a box... with the loved one’s decapitated head in it,” Pekoms said grimly. I felt the weight of his words crash down on me, heavy and suffocating.

Pekoms continued, “It might be one of your heads if Mama sees fit, or maybe it’s one of the heads of Blackleg’s old crew back at the restaurant, or someone who trained with him from Kamabakka Kingdom. And for you, princess, it’s the same. Could be one of your crew, or King, or one of the men you trained with.”

My eyes widened, and rage surged through me. Before I could stop myself, I lunged at Pekoms, grabbing him by the shirt. I didn’t care if he was injured—I wasn’t going to let him finish that threat.

“Now you listen, and you listen good, you lion viper!” I snarled, tightening my grip. “I will not let you or anybody lay a hand on my crew, or King, or the men I trained with back on that island! You got that?!”

“Y/N, relax!” Nami tried to intervene.

“No, Nami, you don’t understand!” I shouted, tears welling in my eyes. “I’d rather die than let anything happen to you or them!” The tears finally spilled over, and I could feel the overwhelming sense of helplessness creeping in.

Luffy’s voice snapped me out of my rage. “Hold on, how do you guys even know all this about Sanji and Y/N?”

“There’s no hope... she’s gonna follow through with it. That’s why no one can fight the Four Emperors,” Pekoms muttered as I released him, feeling a wave of exhaustion hit me.

Pekoms coughed before adding, “Once these marriages happen, Blackleg and the princess will no longer be part of the crew. These marriages are strictly political.”

I felt lightheaded. Luffy, clearly frustrated, grabbed Pekoms and shook him. “What the hell kind of threat is that? Y/N and Sanji are my friends! Okay?!”

“Alright! You can take me with you!” Luffy declared, determined.

“Luffy!” Nami protested.

“Listen, I’m going without you,” Luffy said, turning to her. “I’m with Robin on this one. If we all go together, it’ll be like we’re starting a war.”

Luffy then turned to me. “Y/N, you’re coming with me too!” he said confidently.

“Now that’s what I’m talking about!” I smirked, pulling my sword from its sheath. “We don’t have time for an all-out war. If I stick with this guy, all we need to do is stop Sanji’s wedding and kick Ichiji’s ass.” said Luffy

“Hey, screw you!” Pekoms interjected.

“Well, too late, Pekoms. Looks like you’re doing it,” I said with defiance.

“I never agreed to this,” Pekoms grumbled.

“And I never agreed to get married. Looks like we both got issues,” I shot back, making my way outside.

As I stepped out, I could see Luffy and Zoro talking. “You’re worried about Sanji too, huh?” Luffy asked.

“You want me to cut you? I’m more worried about Y/N than that lovesick cook,” Zoro muttered.

I couldn’t help but smile at his words. “Thank you for worrying about me, Zo,” I said as I leaned in, placing a kiss on his cheek. He was taken off guard, eyes widening in surprise.

Just then, Usopp called out. “Hey! Luffy! Zoro! Y/N!”

The rest of the crew caught up to us, and Chopper asked, “Hey, how’s Pekoms doing?”

“Oh, good! You’re here! Pekoms is bleeding a lot and banging his head—better check him out,” Luffy said casually as Chopper rushed over.

“Hey there! You guys must be the Straw Hats!” a voice called out. We turned to see Cat Viper approaching, towering over us.

“He’s so cute!” I squealed in surprise.

Suddenly, Cat Viper charged at us with excitement, giving us a giant thank-you “Garchu,” knocking Luffy, Zoro, and me onto the ground.

“Ugh... oww,” I groaned.

Luffy, who had already bounced back up, grinned. “Alright, Zoro, it’s your turn.”

As I tried to pull myself back up, Zoro straddled me, smirking down with his trademark lazy grin. “I’m actually starting to like this position,” he said with a teasing edge to his voice.

I felt my cheeks flush at his words, but I rolled my eyes, not willing to give him the satisfaction of seeing me flustered. “You would,” I muttered, trying to push him off, but his weight remained firm, pinning me beneath him. His grin only widened as he watched my futile attempts.

“Zoro! Get off her, we don’t have time for this!” Usopp called from behind, half-panicked but also mildly amused by the scene

Zoro’s irritation was palpable as he pulled out his swords, but I couldn’t help but laugh at his frustration. “If you want to garchu to death, do it without me!” he barked at Cat Viper, who looked like he was having the time of his life despite the injuries.

Luffy and I burst into laughter at the sight of Zoro dealing with the giant feline's enthusiastic energy. "Come on, Cat, get up! We’re going to fight!” Zoro growled, drawing his two swords.

“Woah, take it easy! He’s still injured,” Usopp shouted, trying to calm Zoro down.

Zoro, with a cocky grin, muttered, “So? He’s got nine lives. About to be eight, though!”

I quickly smacked him on the head, giving him a stern look. “Don’t be rude!”

Amid the playful chaos, I heard Luffy call out, “Hey, Traffy!” My gaze followed his voice, and there stood Law with his usual stoic expression, seemingly ignoring the lively commotion. “Is this your crew!” said Luffy eying traffys crew. 

“Those are the Heart Pirates, twenty members strong,” Luffy said, pointing toward Law’s crew. Each of them struck poses in unison, proudly displaying their unity.

“Thanks for taking care of our captain, Strawhat!” they called out in unison.

“No problem!” Luffy replied with his signature grin.

Law, ever the serious one, tried to steer the situation back on track. “Let’s talk in private,” he said, causing his crew to boo in disappointment.

“We’re not having a party, and we’re not friends. We are strategic allies,” Law added, his tone firm.

I couldn’t resist the chance to tease him. I crossed my arms and smirked. “Ohh, is that so?” I said, stepping forward.

Law’s eyes widened when he finally noticed me. “Princess... I...”

Before he could finish, I clenched my left fist playfully and leaped into the air, landing gracefully beside him. “Are we really just strategic allies?” I teased, leaning in slightly with a playful smirk.

Law, flustered, was about to reply, but before he could, Bepo’s loud voice interrupted. “Y/N!”

I laughed as I turned to Bepo, who was already making his way toward me. “Bepo! Come here!” I exclaimed, running toward the giant polar bear, who lifted me effortlessly and nuzzled my cheek. His soft fur tickled my face, making me laugh harder. “I missed you!”

When Bepo finally set me down, I turned to see Penguin and Shachi standing nearby, their expressions a delightful mix of awkwardness and warmth. “Penguin, Shachi! Always good to see you!” I exclaimed, pulling both of them into a hug. They exchanged glances, unsure whether to hug back or blush, their faces turning a bright shade of pink.

“It’s great to see you too, princess!” they finally said, giving in to the hug with relieved smiles.

“And these must be the rest of the Heart Pirates,” I noted, eyeing the crew curiously. “I’m sorry if your captain hasn’t introduced us to you guys, but my name is—”

“Ohh, we know who you are!” one member interrupted with a playful smirk.

“Yeah, Captain goes on and on about you,” another chimed in, grinning.

“Oh really? Is that so?” I teased, turning my gaze to Law, who was trying his best to maintain a stoic expression while Luffy pointed and laughed at him. I could see a faint blush creeping onto his cheeks.

Bepo's eyes widened in excitement as he spotted the half heart necklace hanging from my neck. “Ohh, Y/N! Is that the heart necklace?” he asked, practically bouncing on his feet.

“Yes, it is, Bepo! But while I was with Doflamingo, he yanked it and it split in two. So I keep one, and Law kept the other. He’s wearing it too,” I explained, smiling at the memory.

“Look at that! Our captain has a matching accessory with the princess!” Penguin teased, elbowing Shachi, who giggled in response.

“Getting pretty cozy, aren’t we, Captain?” Shachi added, winking at Law.

I laughed at the teasing, enjoying the light-hearted atmosphere. Just then, Law suddenly teleported next to me, wrapping his arm around my shoulder. His hat tilted forward, casting a shadow over his face as if to shield himself from the relentless banter of his crew.

“Don’t mind them, princess.,” he said, trying to play it off casually, though the smirk on his face betrayed his amusement. I rolled my eyes playfully.

In response, Law leaned closer, whispering softly, “At least I can hide my face while still being close to you.” He then subtly pressed a soft kiss to my shoulder, his breath warm against my skin. The gesture sent a delightful shiver down my spine, and I couldn’t help but smile at the unexpected sweetness amid all the teasing.

The crew exchanged glances, clearly noticing the moment, and Shachi raised an eyebrow, smirking. “Wow, look at you, Captain! Getting all romantic now!”

“Shut up,” Law muttered, but I could see the hint of a smile creeping onto his lips, even as he tried to maintain his usual stoic demeanor.

Bepo grinned, clearly pleased for his captain. “I think it’s sweet!” I laughed, pulling away from Law’s embrace. “I’ll see you inside, okay?” I said, placing a hand gently on his cheek and slowly gliding down to his chin, making sure to savor the moment just a bit longer.

With a playful smirk, I clenched my left hand once more and leaped into the air. “Great meeting you guys! I can’t wait to hang out more!” I called back, waving as I made my way toward Luffy.

“Well, that was fun!” I said, laughing as I joined Luffy, who wore a wide grin.

Minutes passed, and Law, along with our crew, finally stepped inside. Usopp was animatedly giving him the rundown of everything, from Sanji's arranged marriage to my own alleged engagement.

Law’s expression darkened at the mention of my supposed marriage, his brows knitting together in frustration. “What do you mean, Y/N is getting married?” he snapped, his voice low but intense.

Usopp scratched his head, looking sheepish. “Uh, well, it’s a long story, but apparently, she’s supposed to marry Ichiji from the Vinsmoke family,” he explained.

“Like hell I am!” I interjected, crossing my arms defiantly. “I won’t let anyone dictate my life like that!”

Law's gaze softened slightly as he looked at me, but the irritation was still evident in his posture. “You shouldn’t have to deal with this, Y/N. We need to figure out a way to stop it,” he said, his voice calmer now but filled with determination. 

“Don’t worry, Y/N and I are going to get Sanji and kick this Ichiji guy’s ass!” Luffy declared, grinning broadly while seated on top of Cat Viper, who looked a mix of bemused and amused.

“Do you mind if we hold off fighting Kaido a little?” Luffy asked, glancing around.

“Not really my call. Anywhere around it, Kaido is going to come for us,” Law replied, standing next to me with a serious expression. “My original plan was to hide out here in Zou for a while, but now that they know we’re here, we’re screwed. If they come back for us and invade this country, then its people will suffer, and it’ll be all our fault.”

Just then, the minks overheard, and a few of them began to shed tears. “That is so kind!” one of them exclaimed, clearly touched by Law’s concern.

Cat Viper, who had been resting, suddenly woke up with a loud declaration. “Let’s have a party! BBQ time!”

The mood instantly shifted as everyone cheered, and we began to feast on the meals provided. The smell of grilled meat filled the air, and drinks flowed freely.

“Cheers!” I said, raising my cup with a wide smile, surrounded by my friends. “Again, this is great booze,” I added, taking a long sip.

Zoro, sitting next to me with his drink in hand, smirked. “You know, if you keep enjoying it this much, you might turn into a total lush.”

I laughed, nudging him playfully with my elbow. “And what’s wrong with that? Someone has to keep the party going!”

As we all dug into the delicious food, Cat Viper brought out a massive tray of lasagna, setting it in front of us. “This is my special recipe!” he proclaimed proudly.

As I took a generous bite of the lasagna, I couldn’t help but let out a little moan of delight. “This is so yummy!” I exclaimed, savoring the flavors.

“Zoro, are you okay?” I asked, noticing he wasn’t looking at the food but at me, his gaze intense, a darker hue glinting in his eyes.

He blinked a few times, seemingly pulled from a trance. “Uh, yeah,” he replied, a slight flush creeping onto his cheeks. “I just didn’t expect that sound to come from you.”

I raised an eyebrow, a teasing smile playing on my lips. “What, you never heard someone enjoy their food before?”

Zoro smirked, leaning a bit closer. “Not like that. You’ve got to be careful; a sound like that might give someone the wrong idea.”

“Maybe I want to give someone the right idea,” I shot back, my heart racing a little at the implication.

Time passed and I found myself settled against Zoro's chest, the warmth of his body enveloped me like a comforting blanket. The night had taken on a cheerful glow, with laughter and chatter filling the air, but as the drinks began to flow, I felt a gentle drowsiness creeping in.

"Zoro, what are you..." I started to ask, but he shushed me softly, his grip tightening around me as he pulled me closer. "Shhhh, get some rest," he murmured, his voice a low rumble that soothed me.

With the rhythmic beating of his heart echoing in my ears, I let my eyes flutter shut, my mind drifting in and out of sleep. "You know, it's kind of funny," I confessed, the wine loosening my tongue. "The way you're holding me is the same way Sabo used to hold me back when I was training."

Zoro, feeling a bit tipsy himself, chuckled softly. “Yeah? Well, Sabo’s not here now, and I’m not letting you go.” He tilted his head back slightly, allowing a lazy grin to spread across his face. “Plus, I think I’m better at it than he is.”

I couldn’t help but giggle softly, feeling the warmth of his body against mine. “Is that so?” I teased. “What makes you think that?”

He smirked, his eyes glinting mischievously. “Because I’m not just holding you for training; I’m holding you because I want to.” There was a playful confidence in his voice, and even in my drowsy state, I felt a flutter in my chest at his words.

“Is that your way of flirting, Roronoa?” I half-laughed, half-yawned, snuggling deeper into his embrace.

“Maybe it is,” he replied, his voice dropping to a husky whisper as he tightened his hold, making me feel safe and cherished. “But don’t get used to it. I might just be too tired to do it again tomorrow.”

“Yeah, right,” I mumbled, already slipping into the comforting embrace of sleep. The last thing I heard before I fully succumbed to slumber was Zoro’s low chuckle, warm and reassuring, echoing in the night air.

Third person POV…

As the party continued around them, Zoro found himself enveloped in a haze of warmth and contentment, his heart beating steadily beneath Y/N’s gentle weight. The laughter and chatter of the crew were like distant echoes, a soundtrack to this rare moment of tranquility. He had always been the stoic swordsman, known for his fierce loyalty and unwavering resolve, yet here he was, cradling Y/N as if she were the most precious treasure in the world.

The soft rise and fall of her chest against his own made him acutely aware of the closeness they shared. In that cocoon of warmth, he allowed himself to let down the walls he had carefully constructed over the years. “What am I even doing?” he muttered softly to himself, a mixture of disbelief and acceptance washing over him. “This isn’t like me at all.”

Zoro’s tipsy mind spun with thoughts he rarely entertained. He thought about how Y/N had a way of breaking through his defenses, melting the ice that surrounded his heart. The way she laughed, the way she fought, and how fiercely she cared for her friends—it all drew him in like a moth to a flame.

“You’re not just some princess,” he whispered, his fingers absently tracing patterns on her back. “You’re… different.” He shook his head slightly, as if trying to shake off the feelings that threatened to overwhelm him. “It’s a pain, you know?”

Yet, beneath his gruff exterior, a soft smile tugged at the corners of his lips as he glanced down at her peaceful face. She looked so serene, lost in her dreams, and for a fleeting moment, Zoro wished he could protect that tranquility forever. “You’re going to get me killed,” he murmured, half-laughing as he recalled the danger that seemed to follow her wherever she went.

As he sat there, holding her close, the tension from earlier began to fade. His thoughts drifted back to Sabo, to the challenges they faced, and to the looming threat of the Vinsmoke family. But in this moment, none of that mattered. All that existed was the two of them, wrapped in the soft glow of lantern light and the warmth of camaraderie.

Y/N stirred slightly, murmuring something incoherent that brought a grin to Zoro’s face. “What did you say?” he teased, gently shaking her. She responded with a soft sigh, nuzzling deeper into his chest. “You’re lucky you’re cute,” he chuckled, feeling his heart swell with affection.

In that moment of vulnerability, he leaned down, brushing his lips against her forehead. It was a subtle gesture, but it carried the weight of unspoken words. “I’ve got your back, you know? Always,” he whispered, his breath warm against her skin.

Just then, Cat Viper’s booming laughter broke through the haze, and Zoro’s attention flickered momentarily to the chaos surrounding them. He watched as Luffy and the others feasted, their joy infectious, but his heart remained tethered to Y/N.

“You’re trouble, princess,” he said, his voice low and teasing as he pulled her a little closer. “But I wouldn’t have it any other way.” He felt the heat rising in his cheeks, a testament to the alcohol coursing through him and the intoxicating pull Y/N had on his heart.

With a smirk, he pondered how this moment might look to an outsider: the fierce swordsman, often viewed as aloof and detached, holding a girl in his arms, completely lost in the experience. “What would the others think?” he mused to himself, stifling a chuckle.

But as he gazed down at Y/N, he found that he didn’t care. In this world of pirates and chaos, of battles fought and friends lost, she was his anchor, a light in the darkness that surrounded them. “You’ve got me wrapped around your finger, huh?” he whispered, a hint of amusement coloring his tone.

And with that thought, Zoro finally surrendered to the quiet, allowing sleep to take him. The sounds of the party faded into the background as he drifted off, the weight of Y/N in his arms anchoring him in a way he had never imagined possible. For tonight, he was just Zoro, the man who would do anything to keep her safe, and the man who, for the first time, dared to dream of a future where they could both be free.