#Ace actually has feelings for them but isn't aware they are return

[kingconia]

TWISTED WONDERLAND'S HOUSEWARDENS WITH A READER, WHO IS INSPIRED BY THE PROTAGONIST FROM THEIR STORIES

A/N: I didn't add Kalim or Jamil, because I feel their storyline is too much Aladdin & Jafar inspired already to do anything else with them.

Riddle Rosehearts. ❤️

— That was definitely a dislike from the first sight. He predicted you to be his future reason of headache as soon as the mirror sent you to the Heartslabyul;

— Riddle sees you as an air-headed fool, who only asks too many unnecessary things, daring to question the wishes of the Red Queen, instead of serving to your dorm as a proper student would do;

— You, from the other side, struggle with understanding what makes Riddle hate you so much. You were nothing but kind towards him, always suggesting to eat some sweets together, and trying to ask him to take a break from his studies to hang out with you or others;

— When he overhears that your signature spell makes you others to tell you the truth, Riddle is... Intimidated. He is afraid that you will use is against him, and so, he starts ignoring you more often.

•

”Housewarden acts like an asshole towards you, though.”

Riddle doesn't even need to think twice to recognise a loud voice of Ace Trappola, another troublemaker in his form. He knows that he should just give him a punishment and leave for a lesson, but instead, he hides in the nearest bush, waiting to hear the rest of the conversation.

”Oh, Ace. You are being rude,” you mutter softly, sighing at your classmate. ”Perhaps, a housewarden doesn't like me, but this feeling is not necessarily mutual.”

Riddle raises his brows in surprise. Why, though? He is aware that his attitude is nothing but awful when it comes to you. He doesn't have a proper reason for that, either.

”You should, really,” Ace rolls his eyes. ”Dude has a problem with you liking white. And what else? Being nice?”

That isn't true. He is fine with you liking white—though, he admittedly got frustrated when you asked him on your first day why painting roses red, if they are prettier when they are white—and being nice. He just considers you too naive for this world.

”I think, you are... Misjudging him.”

That is right, Riddle mutters mentally. Tell him, Y/n.

”I think, the reason why housewarden is so... Let's say, annoyed by me, it is because I am everything he grew up hating and being restricted with. And it is harder, when something you should never be interested in, is nice and interesting. I think, housewarden is just confused.”

He feels his cheeks blushing furiously.

What did you say—

”And I think you are just being delusional,” Ace chuckles, patting your shoulder softly. ”Now, please, let's get out of here. I want to find Deuce.”

Riddle listens to the sound of your rushing steps, but he can't care less about it now. All he can do, is to recite your words, again and again.

Does he really think you as a nice and interesting?

Yes.

Does it make him hate you even more?

No, but he wishes it could work this way.

Until now, though, he merely returns to his studies. Maybe, you can be honest with yourself and everyone, but this kind of thing is not for him at all.

Leona Kingscholar. 💛

— Leona didn't notice you at first. Honestly, never planned too, until you started to cling to him in some idiotic attempts to be... What? Friends?;

— You remind him so much of Cheka, but he actually likes his nephew deep inside. And your presence is absolutely insufferable;

— You are too childish and annoying, and all you do is sway your tail as you try to befriend him, while pretending that you actually like him. Leona knows you have ulterior motives. Stop lying to him!

— He finds it stupid how someone so moronic as you managed to pull out such an interesting signature spell. Manipulating dreams of others? How cruel.

•

”Stop doing that,” Leona hisses, digging in your wrist as you try to touch his hair. ”I am seriously going to kill you, if you keep doing this. Do you hear that?!

A few weeks ago—approximately since you figured out your magic—Leona started saw dreams. Very colourful ones, cheerful even. And each, with the same meaning: he becomes the king, and his family and people adores him.

He hates it.

And he hates you for doing that.

Because, of course, he doesn't need your fucking pity. Your condescension. Your gifts. He doesn't need to be mocked!

”Ah? Leona-sama, what is it?” You blink, confused.

”What is your problem, huh?” He hastily jumps on his legs, towering on you. ”Don't you have anything to do? Go and mind your business, brat!”

Your lostness shifts in sadness. You are not scared of him, you are never are—another proof that you don't take him seriously—but you dare to look at him like that. As a kicked puppy.

”What did I do?”

”Stop sending me these stupid dreams! I don't need your pity, do you hear me?!” He yells, still gripping your wrist tightly. ”Go and dream of your family or something, instead, would you?”

”I... I am sorry,” you mumble, and your eyes dart on the floor.

Leona closes his mouth, when realisation dawns on him. You don't have a family to dream about; you are an orphan. Yours, the previous crown family, were killed by his great predecessors.

He doesn't know why he feels bad, when you picked the fight first.

”I will never bother you again, Leona-sama. I apologise.“ You repeat, and your voice suddenly sounds numb.

That is not the sight of you he, or anyone else, was used to. Not a single emotion on your face. You just snatch your wrist from his hold, before leaving him alone as he asked to.

”You are such a jerk,” Ruggie whistles from behind, appearing almost from nowhere.

”Shut up.”

”You know that they can't send any control dreams, right?” He continues, hands on his hips.

”What?” Leona unwillingly turns head on his vice.

”Dunno, but they only can adjust if it is going to be nightmare or a good dream,” Ruggie yawns. ”They are just a first-year, so... It is your brain that decides where is where for now.”

Fuck.

Leona hisses furiously.

He is so fucked up.

Azul Ashengrotto. 🩵

— Oh, so this is love? He notices you in the crowd of other students, as you flinch from loud voices from dynamics, clearly knowing very little of this world, and he is amused. Someone is clearly more social awkward than he is;

— Azul thinks you don't like him that much, though, because you only wave at him, and when he once tried to speak, you merely nodded and smile all the time without answering him properly;

— It is until twins tell him that you don't have a voice. You were brought to this world completely mute, because of the family curse, and though you hear everything, your only way to communicate with others is writing. Or a sign language;

— But if anything gods blessed you is your magic. Everything you touch turns to gold, and that is actually the main reason why you were kept isolated over years. Azul is over heels for you now...

•

”I am glad that you took time to accept my invitation, Y/n.”

Azul locks his hands together, looking at you with unhidden excitement. He is always too nervous in your company—luckily, you can't read a room—but today is a special day.

You smile at him, instead of answering.

”The reason why I asked you to came here, it is because I have a deal for you,” he continues carefully, weighing his every word. ”Do you see that?”

He points with his finger at the middle of the table. There is very beautiful necklace with pearls and a little seashell, looking quite normal and mundane. You nod again.

”That is something that could break your curse,” he explains, enjoying the way your eyes widen in the poor shock. ”Yes, yes, you heard me right. With that, you could speak easily.”

Azul can't help but soften as you tear up instantly. There is a whole minute, when he fights an urge to give it to you for free, but... He built his reputation too long to break it so easily.

”But, of course, I will need something from you in return.”

You tilt your head in question.

”I...”

I need you to love me.

”...I need you to use your power for my business when it will be required.”

And with that, Azul quickly shoves another contract to you. You blink a few times, but there is no back thoughts in your head. Quickly, as if afraid that he will change his mind, you took the pen, and leave your signature on all places, where it was needed.

Ah... Angelwish, why are you so naive! It kills him! What if he tried to use you? You didn't even read a contract! You really should be glad that Azul loves you so much.

Before he realises that, you are already putting a necklace on yourself.

One second, two. Three.

You are staring at him.

”Well?” He asks, anxiously.

”A... Azul?”

His heart drops.

Your voice is amazing. And hearing you saying his name is even better than he expected. He blushes.

”Azul... Thank you?”

”S-sure.”

Seems, like it is his turn to be speechless...

Vil Schoenheit. 💜

— He originally had nothing against you... Until other students didn't start to call you the most beautiful person in the world, following you everywhere obsessively, and suggesting you to become the next housewarden;

— Vil now officially hates you. Each time you come to him ends up with short anger impulses that he hardly hides from you, and he wishes you could just disappear;

— He is quite... Cruel with you. He wants you to change your dorm, actually, so he desperately pushes you to the edge by giving you impossible tasks to fullfil, and turning others against you;

— And he thinks your signature spell, speaking and controlling animals is another proof that you should leave Pomefiore for Savanaclaw.

•

“I don't think you are stupid, un petit entraîneur.”

Vil narrows his eyes, leaning slightly forward from his balcony. The sight of his vice speaking with you—hunter's interest in you was his another concern—annoys him instantly.

”What do you mean, Rook?” There is a big cat in your lap, clearly another of your minions.

”You know that our dear housewarden wants you out of here,” he murmurs, moving closer to you. ”A fair exchange with Savanaclaw, I would say. He doesn't like you here.”

You sigh.

”I figured it out, trust me. He made it very clear by always putting me in dangerous situations and giving me outdated products for skin, making me look like a fool in front of others.”

You don't mention how he makes you clean dark and messy rooms of other students.

”Yet, you are not willing to give up?” Rook touches the strand of your hair curiously.

”You know, I actually liked him a lot,” you admit suddenly, patting the cat behind its ear. ”Vil was the world for me. I was so amazed by him. By how collected he was, how hard he worked. I was excited to become his student... I wished to show him what he is worthy of. That others see his hard work.”

Vil's breath hitches. He remembers you mentioning that you were his fan, but he punished you for this remark; he didn't need to be so violently degraded. But... Was it a truth, then?

”...It is in the past now. I witnessed his true colours, and I will not tolerate it,” your smile twists in something more vicious, a ghostly fondness leaving your pretty face. ”He doesn't need to be scared of me being better anymore. Because I am going to be so much worse.”

He shudders as he hears that, your voice cold, and eyes gleaming dangerously. And as if Rook addresses him, he sighs suddenly, with the strange excitement in his voice:

”Oh, mon doux karma. What had you done?”

Idia Shroud. 💙

— From the minute you open your mouth in his presence , Idia knows he will hate you desperately... It is not serious, though;

— You are unbelievably loud, and too cheerful, and too proud, and you are so self-centred? Also, a fucking bimbo. Idia has no idea why everyone so into you, and what you are even doing in Ignihyde! Go away!

— You annoy him so much, and he actually hates the way you try to befriend him and make him more normie! Stop be like that! You are not welcome!

— Idia is absolutely not impressed that your signature spell is an instant tactics creation. Fuck you, by the way.

•

“You do know, that doors exist, right?” Idia hisses, not even stopping his game to spare you some attention.

”I do!” You say, climbing through the window with a loud thud.

”Then, why don't you use them, idiot?!”

Idia has no the slightest idea why anyone, let alone you of all people—he means, since you genuinely think that it is healthy to spend all your time outside of the room—would want to become his friend. But here you are. Trying to befriend him for a month already.

”Because you never open the door, Idia-sama,” you shrug easily.

”Take a hint, maybe.”

You close the window behind yourself, taking place behind his chair. Putting elbows on it, you hum thoughtfully, glancing from Idia to the screen of the computer, where the game flashes on. Another few minutes, and familiar yelps fill the room:

”Shit!”

Game over.

”Idia-sama,” you frown, ”maybe, I can help you?”

Idia snickers, rubbing his tired eyes. As if.

”Have you ever played this game, even?”

”No,” you murmur shyly, scratching the back of your neck. ”But I am good at tactics. And it is combat game, correct?”

Idia ponders for a while. That is surprising, because... You are actually absolutely correct. For once.

”Sit down, first year,” Idia exclaims, suddenly excited. ”I am going to teach you how to play this game.”

You smile widely, doing as it was told.

Finally, you cracked the code! And they said you weren't for this dorm...

Malleus Draconia. 💚

— Of course, he missed you as the new student at first, since he forgot to arrive at the orientation day. But it is not that long as he starts hearing others praising you, Lilia especially;

— You are quickly becoming the part of the school life as everyone loves you, and calling you ’the heart of the school’. And while Malleus wants to befriend you, too... He also can't help but feel envious of how easy it is for you. The socialization;

— You are quick to fall asleep everywhere, much like Silver. And since Malleus can't find courage to speak to you, he wanders around, when you are asleep at the strangest places, instead;

— When the first overblot incident happens, your signature spell kicks in. To everyone's horror, it is absolutely terrifying. Your magic is about thorns. Thorns, that wrap around Riddle's weakened body, when he touches you. He almost dies. And the same thing happens with Ace, who accidentally brushes your skin. Now... Everyone shun you away.

•

”Hello, Malleus-sama,” you mutter, eyes sleepy as you look around. ”I apologise.”

Malleus doesn't quite mind you falling asleep in the class, where his gargoyle's researches are going currently. He is the only member, anyway. But he nods.

”I had never seen you here before,” he notices in a poor attempt of the small talk.

You shrug.

”There is no other students here. And it is better for me not to show up around them.”

What a familiar thinking process... Somehow, he finds it easier: to approach you know, when you are not everyone's favourite anymore.

”I see. You can stay, then. I am not welcomed by them either, so no one is going to enter this classroom.”

You offer him a smile. It is short, strained at the edges, but still sweet. Malleus thinks he understands how you so easily charmed others in the last months; you are much like sunshine, when you are happy. It is a shame you are not, anymore.

”You know, Malleus-sama, I always wanted to become your friend,” you admit suddenly, making him open his eyes in surprise. ”And, I think, you wanted to be mine friend, too.”

You? Why would someone like you want to have him as your friend?

”And why would you think that?”

You fold arms on your chest slowly.

”You are always here, when I am sleeping,” Malleus feels blush touching the tips of his pointy ears. You elaborate. ”I am not sure people realise, but I sleep too much not only because I am lazy, but also because I feel surroundings better like this. I remember everything I hear in my sleep, and I do feel if someone is around.”

Ah. So, that is the secret of yours. And he wondered how you master in all your classes, when you sleep all the time...

”...I see,” Malleus mutters, ashamed. ”I apologise, then.”

He reminiscences of how often he whispered you some nonsense when you slept—childish complaints about how he hates you for being so easily loved by others, random poems that came to his mind as he sat down by your side, stories from his childhood—and feels like disappearing in the shame wouldn't be that bad.

”You know, Malleus-sama, you and I... We are not so different. We both do what we have to do to keep our loved ones to ourselves,” you sit down on the couch beside him slowly. ”But it leads only to one thing.”

Malleus gazes at you curiously as you suddenly curl on his lap, much like a cat. Your eyes met as he helps you to settle more comfortably.

”To destiny?” He asks aloud, tilting his head.

”To pain.”

There is a beat of silence in which your smile suddenly appears to be more bitter, less serene. Malleus doesn't know what happened with you in details, and how awfully these changes in your reputation affected on you, but he can say that it was hard.

”Now, if you don't mind, and I believe, you don't, Malleus-sama, I would like to dream a little bit.” You warn him, already closing your eyes, not really waiting for the answer.

Still, Malleus nods. Though that is not something you can see.

”Sleep, then... Beastie,” he sighs, patting your hair gently.

You snicker, before your breath slows down, alarming that you completely drifted off.

Malleus stares at you openly now.

Ah, who would've thought? He had finally made a friend.

Part two with Leona & Vil is here.

[factual-fantasy]

25 asks! Thank you! :}} ✊

@candyglumboy

I haven't dropped the project, but its slowed down a lot with the creation of my Digital Circus AU and with my returning art block.. 😔

@avaeevo

Other than Kaufmo having a dark sense of humor and being good friends with Jax.. also his brotherhood with that other clown guy.? I'm still developing his character..

However, there's something I've been thinking about for Kaufmo and his brother. I kind imagine the turning point in their relationship to look like this scene with Lars and Steven. Specifically 2:06 to 2:58

I'm thinking that Kaufmo entered the circus first and then his brother followed a few minutes later. Kaufmo eventually assumed that his brother is trapped here because he tried to follow him. He feels so guilty about it.. but at the same time.. he's kind'a glad he's here. Kaufmo doesn't know what he'd do if he didn't have his brother by his side..

@palettepainter

Abstractions are still a thing and there's supposed to be a handful of people who have abstracted. Caine tries everything he can to prevent abstractions and he takes this handful of humans as a hard and cold warning that he isn't trying hard enough..

After their abstractions he keeps them in the cellar because the dark and wide open environment with a shallow pool of water at their feet seems to.. keep them calm.. for some reason..

Caine has never stopped trying to unabstract these people and he will never stop trying..

The others are aware of abstraction and have seen it happen.. Sometimes Caine will allow other circus goers to visit their abstracted friends when they are at their calmest.

I have yet to decide if abstraction will be reversable in my AU.. 👀

Banana laffy taffy?? :DD

@kiki-is-hurt-but-not-anymore

When I read this I was just waking up so "behind me" was my bed and then the floor XDDD

XDD It caught me really off guard. Really funny!

@cherrycreamfairy

Thank you! :) I'm hangin in there as best I can, approaching another art block though <:/

@beryl-shade

Absolutely! If they ever wanted to Caine would relaunch the code for that adventure :)

Some of that comes from the support and effort from Caine to keep everyone sane. And a lot of that comes from the other circus goers providing an immense amount of comfort and emotional support <:}}

@nerdyskullcap

:DD Thank you so much!! :)) And I'm always kind'a hoping I have a change of heart and open up to fanart. But I just cant help that I'm not comfortable with it. <:/

@lunarmoon8361

Why? :(

@mimiocto

Yes I'm aware- but considering that's the only time I can recall him swearing vs Zooble who swears nearly every time she's on screen... yeah I like Kinger more-

XD Caine if he was in Coraline

@gachaclubideas

Aww Munna.. such a nostalgic Pokémon. 💞 And that other critter is so cute! :DDD

I imagine that Caine wouldn't thrust Pomni into an adventure right away. He would spend some time with her to delicately explain the situation and who he is. He would maybe then show her around a bit but eventually he would just leave her alone in her room for a while for her to process everything.

Eventually she would calm down and Caine would create a very mild in-house adventure to help her settle in and introduce her to the other members of the circus.

I think the 4 ace cards for a head is a neat design! But the giant hands.. I'm sure there's a reason for it but I'm not a fan- 💀

@caronaro-flipaclip

.... w h a t

I present to you, a treat.

Kermit drinkin malk

(Referencing this post)

I figured if she can have that little pink wing on her shoulder, why not just full on wings? That can actually fly??

@king-ryuusei

Gummigoo's bandana is actually supposed to look like a fruit roll up 😅 I've seen through the comments that the red and blue didn't translate well... he's due for a redesign-

@hhbluedynamite

Thank you! :DDD And while I don't think they would outwardly call the others their kids, (They're all adults so that's kind'a weird-) some of the others definitely find a sense of parental comfort and security in them <:)

@lathan-chillyfilm

I'd love to hear all about it! :DD

@ink-machine-kidd

He's still an NPC :00 its just that when he showed up in the circus, Caine didn't delete him. He let him stay for Pomni's sake. <:)

@taco-hyeh

[pixelbytesquad]

OKAY- so umm- I did mention AS Mira in my Alignment Shift post, then I talked about Mirage and Fire Mira... but I always tend to forget to do a post about another reoccurring Mira alternate I tend to show on here and my side account (@bakugan-doodles)...

I guess it's time to change that-

So- I should finally talk about...

Gosh this image is long

Fun fact, I slightly updated the design just to prepare for this... and then forgot...

Anyways... so here's my genderflipped Mira, or as I call him- Mire-

I am NOT doing a full on genderflip AU (too much work and I don't want to do that- if anyone wants to do it, be my guest-)- however, this isn't just the same story in canon but now it's Mire- it's a bit different.

Now, for a quick warning- Mire's AU has some bits of transphobia present in his story (to make it short... Clay is just an awful father).

I say this because... Mire is trans! Link of drawing I did of him for pride month!

Now, as mentioned earlier- Clay isn't that thrilled of the idea... however, here comes Keith- who would always stick by Mire's side... until out of a sudden he just, disappeared... right when the family was supposed to move to New Vestroia...

Shortly after that, similar to the canon, he'd stumble in Clay's lab and notice Hydranoid... however unlike canon- instead of seeing Keith, there's Spectra-

So, he does run, start the resistance and tries to free the bakugans... however unlike canon, there are some changes to how his story goes-

While he still tries to look for Keith, that mission is pretty much a side quest as he mainly puts his energy into the main mission at hand. There's no moment when he does ditch the team.

And then we get to Earth and when he learns that Spectra is Keith... yeah he won't take it well. Since he saw Spectra in the lab, he pretty much took it as Spectra working with Clay- and learning that Spectra is Keith, pretty much angers him (Julie would have to hold him so he won't just beat the shit out of Spectra).

When the moment comes for the group to just return to New Vestroia... he doesn't betray the team, meaning in his universe, the girls actually end up coming to New Vestroia to help the team- ALSO- not as important but the rest of the resistance on New Vestroia doesn't get captured.

So umm- yeah- dude's just ends up sticking with the team no matter what-

I do need to explain some stuff about him before I'll move forward.

Unlike canon Mira... he's a bit more on the dumb side... but in a charming way?

Despite all that, he doesn't fall into the pitfalls of "trying to find his brother". Mainly because he thinks he'd be just like him (in the sense of disappearing/ditching him) to the team.

There's also him and Ace... while for the most part in canon, Ace's the one to have a crush on Mira, while Mira is oblivious... here both Ace and Mire are oblivious to one another... but somehow still act like they're married couple. (Dan would try to call it out but they both deny it).

My brain's also like "Hey let's give him big brother energy", esp when I think ab the potential interactions he'll have with Runo and Julie.

This is also the reason why he doesn't betray the team when they return to New Vestroia, he's aware he'd leave everyone stranded and ruin the chance for the girls to join them.

So yeah- in short, he may be dumb, but he's- well, sweet, in a sense of "everyone likes this dude".

Honestly this is also why I depicted him once as a shoulder angel- it's also funny to look at him and AS Mira. AS Mira is just the most evil person you'll see, meanwhile Mire is the most compassionate person.

Also ngl, both of them are so different from canon Mira- but I like it? I really like when AU characters can be so different from their original counterpart. Their own person, splintered from someone else.

If you have any question about him or his universe, feel free to ask, I'll try to answer.

Last fun fact: His universe is named "The butterfly effect", to reflect how a tiny change can just spiral into something bigger.

[blackjackkent]

The fight with Ethel's masked henchmen went pretty smoothly. The trapped area with all the noxious gas less so; Rakha's brand new disadvantage on perception checks definitely did not help matters and everyone ended up facetanking quite a few explosions.

Short rest, and then on into the lair!

The girl, Mayrina, is being held in a large cage of vines suspended over a pit at the center of the lair. She looks frantic with fear as she sees Rakha and her companions enter. "Leave me here!" she cries, shaking her head, gripping the cage's bars.

Fair enough, thinks Rakha, and then pays no further attention to her. She is not here for the girl, in truth - she just wants Ethel dead.

And there she is.

"You come into my home," the hag screeches, "interfere in my business, and now have the gall to face me in the heart of my lair?! You petulant bollocks!" Her lips curl in a ferocious grin. "I'll rip your spine out your arsehole! I'll use your blood to spice my stew. I'll keep you alive until I've sucked the marrow from your bones! And then I'll bring you back and do it all over again!"

She speaks like the beast, Rakha thinks distantly. And indeed, the dark urge in her head is rising in answer to Ethel's taunting, its blood-hunger starting to blot out any rational thought. Take her, kill her, rip her ribcage out and toss it down that black pit below the girl--

Fire flashes in her palms and she hurls herself down the slope towards the hag with an inarticulate scream.

-----

The fight is, of course, chaos. Ethel seems to know Rakha's every move before she makes it, and she has plenty of tricks up her sleeve as well - splitting apart into illusions, going invisible, setting Mayrina's cage on fire as a distraction.

Wyll manages to put the cage out with a carafe of water from his pack; Rakha barely notices it, or Mayrina's desperate screams for them to leave. Her attention is all on the hag, every bit of her power brought to bear on overwhelming Ethel's cunning with sheer, violent force.

(A/N: I learned something in this fight! I was always pretty annoyed by Ethel's move where she disguises herself AS Mayrina and you have to risk killing Mayrina if you pick the wrong one to shoot at. However - I learned from Reddit today that you can investigate both of them and their images are slightly different! The real Mayrina, obviously, is pregnant - Ethel's illusory imitation isn't!

The real Mayrina is also level 1 and Ethel is level 5, which is more obvious, but this is a fun little detail and one that is actually discernible from an in-game perspective as well. XD (I feel like they used to have different health pools and AC but that doesn't seem to be the case now.)

Of our little group, Shadowheart has easily the best perception so I assume she was the one that picked up on this during the fight.

Also, weirdly, Ethel never did her cutscene at low health where she offers to bargain her hair. Rakha was never going to take the bargain anyway, because she wanted Ethel dead, but it's puzzling.)

It's a brutal fight, bloody and vicious. But in the end, Ethel falls in a pool of her own blood. Rakha stares down at the hag's broken body and feels the beast urge in her head begin to settle, sated, satisfied. There's for your betrayal, she thinks bitterly. And be damned to you.

As she slowly returns to herself, she becomes aware that Mayrina is still screaming - not in terror but fury.

"You bastard! You ruined it! You ruined everything!"

Rakha looks at her blankly. She was barely aware of Mayrina's presence the whole time, so fiercely was her focus fixed on Ethel, and she has no idea what the woman is talking about. "Slow down," she says bluntly. "What did I do?"

"Ethel was going to bring my husband back!" Mayrina wails. "Back from the dead! And now I'll never see him again - because of you!"

Rakha thinks this over. She remembers the pathetic prisoners in the upper room of the lair, and the bits of lore Wyll related to her on the way down. She remembers a book she found in a house in the blighted village. And most of all, she remembers her own eye - the pain that lingers in half her face despite Shadowheart's healing, the pain that she thought was buying her salvation but was only treachery in the end.

"Hags don't work for free," she says. "What did you promise her?"

"This..." Mayrina looks down at her swollen stomach. "Just a bit longer and my child would have been born! And all this... all this would have been over."

Rakha is so puzzled by this that what little tact she might have had slips away. "You were going to trade your baby for your dead husband?" she asks, bewildered.

(Husband. A marriage. Love. A love, it seems, this woman was willing to sacrifice everything for. The idea is... puzzling. And frightening - because she is starting to know herself also capable of deep emotions that she does not understand.)

"Don't judge me," Mayrina snarls. "I have nothing! My baby would have been raised in rags! Auntie Ethel promised to give this child a good life - teach them magic, even!" Her head bows and her voice lowers. "More than I could have done..."

"You should have known better," Rakha says harshly. "Hags don't help anyone but themselves."

It's not Mayrina she's speaking to, of course - not really. I should have known better. I shouldn't have trusted her. Perhaps I shouldn't have trusted anyone.

"Well, I didn't bloody ask you, did I?!" Mayrina cries. "I didn't ask for any of this! I just wanted Connor back..." Her voice breaks and she turns away, walking back up the slope by which they entered. "Now I have to drag his corpse back home, coffin and all, because a goddamn grave is the closest I'll get to seeing him again. I hope you're happy."

Rakha watches her go and her right eye gives a sharp twinge, and she shakes her head. No, she thinks bitterly. I think this might be the least happy I have been yet.

[bronanlynch]

it took me over nine months to finish ace attorney 5 but here we are with the lawyer rankings (of whose file clerk I'd rather be)

athena: once again I draw the line at working for a teenager, and also I would be so uncomfortable if she ever tried to tell me what emotion she knew I was feeling. cannot stress how miserable that would be for me, and also a discrimination lawsuit waiting to happen. also, emotions-based lawyering doesn't seem likely to produce as much paperwork as I would like, since that leaves me with less to do. 2/10, of course there's discord in my heart I'm at work leave me alone.

apollo: if he started his own firm I would work for him in a heartbeat but unfortunately him leaving and then coming back to the wright anything agency is not great in terms of like, job security for his hypothetical file clerk. like, do I get laid off when he leaves and then brought back when he returns a few days later? I want a little more stability than that, sorry. 7/10, he would at least help get my benefits paperwork sorted out and I appreciate that in a boss.

phoenix: Idk has he learned how to pay his staff yet because judging by the repetition of the ending bit abt how he doesn't want to buy them noodles the answer seems to be no. "your bonus this year is a pizza party" kind of boss except you have to buy your own pizza. sure he's learned how to be a more supportive mentor to athena than he was to apollo but my boss's faith in me will not pay my rent. 3/10, phoenix you're dating the chief prosecutor surely you can do better than this.

edgeworth: he's gotten his shit together in a way that makes me very proud of him, and he does seem to care abt his employees. also he looks good in those glasses. 8/10, if he can get blackquill's conviction overturned he can make sure I have dental insurance.

payne: the thing about payne is that he doesn't listen to the things people tell him and he doesn't seem to learn anything ever, and that's a very frustrating quality in a boss. the kind of boss that tells you to do something but explains it badly and when you ask a clarifying question he responds with even more incomprehensible bullshit. half of your email responses to him are just copying and pasting things you've already told him. 2/10, every interaction with him is a sisyphean nightmare.

blackquill: trying to process the ethics of an imprisoned prosecutor (they make him wear a shock collar in court jesus fucking christ) makes my brain short-circuit but that's also just the ace attorney experience. other than that he seems like a decent boss, as long as you can overlook some of his uh dramatic tendencies and also as long as he doesn't sic taka on you. but I think if you had a good rapport with him it would be fine, even if it would probably mean a lot of transcribing bc presumably he'd have to hand-write anything he wants to file with the court and send them to you via bird and then you'd have to type them up and actually submit them. 6/10, honestly he gains several points just because I want to pet taka.

professor means: he's so smug, is the thing. he's just the smuggest man and he treats his students like idiots so I can't imagine he'd be any better and less condescending to his employees. he's probably looking for every excuse to be like "gotcha! you made one (1) minor error (that isn't even actually an error, it's just that he personally would have done it differently" and because everything has to be a Teaching Moment he'll bring it up in department meetings and also use you as an example in his classes. 3/10, he gains a few points for his awareness that the legal system is fucked up and rigged in favor of the prosecution and then loses most of those points for being a condescending asshole.

klavier: he would be fine probably. presumably his office is in the same state as it was in aa4, which is not ideal, as it stresses me out when filing cabinets are so full/disorganized that you can't close the drawers. on the other hand maybe that was just because he hadn't gotten around to dealing with it yet and he's not living like that on purpose and he would appreciate a file clerk to help him get his shit together. 7/10, just don't call me fraulein and we'll be fine.

( aa1 | aa2 | aa3 | aa4 | aai | dgs1 | dgs2 )

[rosescries]

Hello, idk if you're accepting asks atm or if you'd even be willing to do this since it's about a story you're not continuing but would you be willing to write all the mobs reactions to finding out MCs their soulmate from "Cheating Death"? (Basically just their reactions to that bombshell at the end of the last chapter)

Oh, I'm happy to answer asks about this fic even if it is abandoned.

I'm always taking asks too, no one has to wait until I request them.

I don't know if this is what you meant, but I'll explain their reactions.

Guns (Mobtale Sans) is as furious as he is surprised. He... wasn't expecting to have a SOULmate, much less for them to be a Human. But of course she dead when they find her, of course. That's just what he should've expected. But... he's also not going to let this happen. Now that he has her, she's going to live dammit!

Ace (Mobtale Papyrus) is shocked and a bit devastated. He's simultaneously overjoyed and heartbroken, and not just because of her current state. He was hoping for a SOULmate, but also kind of hoping he didn't have one. Or if they did exist, that they were in the same business as him. Even if that wouldn't work out well. He won't, he can't, let go of her now, but he is regretful that she won't be able to just rest easy.

Don (Mobtale Gaster) is absolutely furious when he finally returns. Not just at her death, but the fact that he has to share her, and with his sons even. What cruel trick is fate trying to play here with that? Her death is something that angers him greatly though too, another cruel trick of fate. But that anger is mainly at the fact that he couldn't prevent the tragedy, even if there's no reasonable way he could've.

Hit (Mobfell Sans) is mainly in shock. He goes out to save some stupid college kids and one of those idiots turns out to be his SOULmate?! And in fact the only one that died. He admires her determination to keep her SOUL together long enough to save her friends, and he's aware she's not... really his. But he feels that strong connection anyway, so it's good enough. But he's... going to need a drink.

Sniper (Mobfell Papyrus) isn't exactly... happy. He means, none of them are happy about this situation. Their SOULmate's dead. But he's not particularly happy about her presence all together. She's soft and innocent, there's no need to croupt her. But he can't ignore the instinct telling him to save her, save her, SAVE HER. Nor the one telling him to get closer, even if he doesn't really want to.

Boss (Mobfell Gaster) is just not happy to have to share her. He wants revenge on her friends for her death, but mainly just wants to get closer to her and make sure she stays on this plane of existence. He's not willing to let her go now that she's here.

Lucky (Mobswap Sans) is very upset by all of this, but he can work with this. He just needs to make sure she's all taken care of and doesn't get close to anything that could harm her fragile SOUL. This is kind of preferable actually, he's got a reason to keep close to her. Keep an even closer eye on her too.

Strike (Mobswap Papyrus) finds this to be very... regrettable. He feels bad for her mainly. She very obviously wants to pass on and doesn't understand why they're doing this to her, and she's in pain he can see it clearly. He wishes they could've met under better circumstances, or better yet never met at all. The only thing he can do is try to comfort her the best he can.

Cat (Mobswap Gaster) doesn't really... care? He's got other things on his mind and she's got enough of them doting on her. He's more focused on the situation and possibly how to make her form more solid and permanent. Mostly out of curiosity of it they can really cheat death this way. She's not really his after all, and he won't get to keep her if they end up back in their own universe.

Capo (Mobswapfell Sans) finds this completely unacceptable. First off she's a Human, second of all she's an innocent, and third of all she's DEAD?! He's not going to stand for this. Absolutely not. She's going to keep her cute little ass on this plain if it's the last thing he sees to.

Clip (Mobswapfell Papyrus) is just... devastated really. Her whole situation is just awful and he's upset it had to be this way. He'll keep an eye out for her friends for her, since obviously they meant a lot to her. Make sure none of the others try to take their grief out on them and just.. to help them he guesses. They were important to you, so they're important to him.

Barone (Mobswapfell Gaster) isn't impressed, nor is he really interested. He'll engage if he has to, or is forced to by that insufferable connection between their SOULs, but otherwise he doesn't honestly want much to do with her. If it was up to him, he'd let you pass on. It'd be for the best really. But perhaps he'll indulge once in a while, while you're here. If for no other reason than to anger his counterparts and the sons.

Pass (Horrormob Sans) feels... nothing. Of course this is how it turns out to be. Of course his SOULmate is dead, she's probably dead in his own universe too. It should be what he expects by now, the universes wouldn't have it any other way. But you're still tethered to this world, if by force. So... he'll have to make the most of this while he can. He doesn't want to let her go.

Button (Horrormob Papyrus) is very upset. He's... not surprised, because of course this happened. He can't even have his own SOULmate alive, safe, and happy. Of course he can't. The universes hate him. But he's going to try to make this as comfortable as possible for you, even if you are in pain. He has to, he just found you. Even if he does have to share.

Crank (Horrormob Gaster) is just... sad. It's a battle between wanting to let you free and desperately trying to keep you here. He knows letting you move on would be for the best, no matter how much it hurts them. But he also can't deny the desperate desire to keep you here. Ultimately, he's selfish.

Gamble (Mob G!Sans) honestly... doesn't know what to think. He doesn't really like the idea of being tied down, but now he can only think of her when with another woman or man. Drives him crazy, especially since he knows the right thing to do would be to let her go. There's a good chance of this all going wrong and her SOUL is one gamble he's not sure they should be taking.

Vig (Mob G!Papyrus) is almost desperate to find a solution to this problem, even if it doesn't seem like it on the outside. Can he bound your SOUL to an object to tether her here? To one of them? Is she like a Monster Ghost? What can he do for her? To ease her pain if nothing else. She can't heal properly and the tether they gave her made her more physical, which made her injuries all the more present. There has to be something.

Doll (Lustmob Sans) thinks it would've been better if they had never found you. They wouldn't have to deal with this pain and you wouldn't either. You're obviously traumatized and there's not really anything he can do for you. Quite a few of the others seem to just ignore the pain their touch puts you through, agitating your injuries from the cave in. You could've been resting peacefully, if not for them.

Sheba (Lustmob Papyrus) is on pretty much the same page as his brother. Under the belief you'd probably be better off had she never met them. But there's.. not much they can do. They're already the outcasts of the group, their words mean little and the others are always crowding you and determined to make you stay. They're all selfish like that.

Peach (Lustmob Gaster) would very much like to make her pain all disappear. But he doesn't know how to do that without touch, not that anyone really lets him or his sons get close to you despite you being their SOULmate too. But he'll work with what he can get. There's not much else he can do at this point.

[marcoacesabo]

I just adore your Pizza Pie for my Eye AU!!! Please tell me theres a part 2! 😆

Marco returns to Spade Pizza at least once a month.  Once in a while, he goes bi-monthly because Ace moves around and gets a little closer to the Moby Dick that a quick fly would get him there on time.

He’s favorite is Pineapple Pizza, especially when Ace adds in stuff crust. Marco has tried everything on the menu, but he finds himself falling back on this order despite himself. 

Thatch had been right, this place food was worth the trip. Even if he wasn't bewitched by the owner he would still attempt to find time to come here just for the pizza.

 It’s gotten to the point where as soon as the staff sees him, they have his seat at the bar ready and his order being sent to the kitchen before he can even sit down.

Ace had joked he and Tobi were his most loyal customers since they were the only ones willing to keep track of where the restaurant went. Marco laughed nervously, terrified he meant he didn’t like him following and put off his bi-monthly trip twice just to be safe.

“Hi, Marco!” Ezra says. She doesn’t grab his menu from her little stand. “Go on ahead. No one in your seat but Tobi already here”

She gives him a little teasing wink edge with just enough ruthlessness it’s both playful and frighting. 

The teenager of seventeen, having joined Ace three islands into his journey back when she had been but a mere twelve-year-old. Of course, at the time she was just tagging along with her older brother who had been twenty and Spade Pizza’s second chef but she remained working ever since.

She also, finds it hilarious when people pin after her boss/second older brother. Apparently, in all the time Ace had sail not once has his attention been captivated by hopeful suitors. Ezra likes to watch fail and fight over him. 

Marco thinks she would make a terrifying pirate.

“Thank you yoi” He says refusing to let her see how much it upset him that Tobi - who’s real name is Sabo! He hasn’t forgotten- had already arrived before him. 

Ezra’s grin is all but feral. She waves a dismissive hand, turning to the family that just walked in. Spade Pizza is dock on a new island today, one with various size villages at a walking distance between each other. 

News of the exciting new pizzeria had spread fast. Marco heard three different people on the walk along, suggesting Ace’s restaurant. No doubt this has made Ace very happy.

Marco smiles just thinking about the glee that must be painted on that freckled face. 

 He follows the familiar path between the tables. It’s become all too familiar by now, but he likes taking the time to look at the decorations. Ace had told him once the restaurant was based off a bar he grew up in which makes it very important to notice all the little things. 

 The small details are what tells him the most about Ace. And Marco wanted to know everything about him. From little things like his favorite color to bigger ones such as his deepest fear.

Marco’s good mood- always brought on by any thought of Ace- suddenly evaporates when he spots the eyesore of fake red hair. Haruta- who once came with him- had said it looks natural but Marco knew better. 

There was no way Tobi-Sabo was an actual redhead. 

The man in mention turns his stole glaring at him from the corner of his eye. Marco meets the intense stare with one of his own, turning up his nose as he passes.  

Tobi-Sabo humphs then takes a large sip of his cup. Marco watches him do so because while the guy made his teeth grind, he did have a fantastic jawline. Marco’s own was covered in short stumble but it’s more round then define like his. 

Sometimes he was jealous others he wanted to reach out and trace the jawline with his fingers. It didn’t make any sense to him on the way seeing that this guy was his love rival but Marco chalked it up to him being very gay and left it at that.

“Hi, Marco” Ace says going over with a bright grin. In one of his hands, he’s carrying a mug which the pirate is sure carries his sweet tea. His steps are graceful without any wasted movement. 

Marco loves that. It’s a sign of a good fighter, and although he has yet to see Ace in action, he can tell it would be brilliant. 

“Hello, Ace.”  Hoping he came off as casual he leans, on one hand, making sure to give him a lopsided smile.  It’s one of his best moves and he’s rewarded with the way freckle cheeks flush just a bit. “Been busy these last few weeks?”

“Oh yeah! We get mostly families now. Adding that kid play area was a great idea.” Ace chirps placing the cup in front of him. His eyes are shining and suddenly Marco is frozen in his seat. “I’m thinking of adding a ball pit soon. Sea knows my baby brother loved those things so any good kid would too right?”

“Of course yoi” 

Ace beams at him. One thing Marco had notice was Ace’s love of his baby brother.  Score one for him!

“Hey, Ace. Look what I have!” Tobi-Sabo says suddenly. The two turn to find him waving a wanted poster at them. On it, Strawhat Luffy’s grinning face is flashing a new bounty.  “Your brother just got his bounty tripled!”

Ace rushes over, his expression between proud and worry. Marco watches him go with a sneer aimed at the very smug-looking redhead who is the only one about to see the blond’s look. “What did that idiot do now?” 

“He declared war against the World Government.”  Somehow Tobi-Sabo sounded a bit proud himself. He hands the poster over, smiling up at Ace with a piece of hair between his eyes. Marco knows he’s going to reach up and push it behind his ear the moment he has Ace’s attention- the  Pizzaiolo was too caught up inspecting his brother’s poster- and then lower his eyes lids.  

It’s a move he’s seen Tobi-Sabo do over and over again, in his attempts to flirt with Ace. It’ offense him on both the account that he’s flirting with Ace and that it makes something flutter in Marco’s stomach whenever he does.

Stupid amazing jawline bastard.

Ace makes a happy sound that has both pair eyes snapping to him and the blonds jaw’s drop at the absolute affection on his freckled face.  “Luffy! I’m so proud of you!” 

He looks up from the paper shouting for the whole restaurant to hear.  “Put this up immanently Ezra!”

“Right away boss!”

Ace is all but glowing in glee. He turns the pair of men.  “Dinner is on the house.” 

Then he does something he’s never done before. He winks at them. Tobi-Sabo makes an odd choking sound and Marco’s throat drys like a desert. Attempting to hide this reaction he reaches for his drink just as Ace turns around with a quick “I’ll make your food now! The usual for both of course” over his shoulder.

Marco is so busy staring at him, he completely misses the straw and ends up licking the air with his tongue in an ill-fated attempt to grab the utensils. He ends up spilling half the tea onto himself.

Tobi-Sabo snorts.  “Smooth”

“Go flutter your eyelashes at someone else Tobi yoi” 

“I do not flutter my eyelashes!”

Marco meets his glare with a mocking chin tilt. “Oh sure, you don’t. Maybe you just have something in your eyes each time you look at a guy then?”

Tobi-Sabo flushes then sneer back  “Maybe your neck gets so stiff all the time so you have to tilt your chin up all the time. You're old.”

“You take that back yoi!”

“Never!”

Ezra appears then carrying a tray with refills.  “Boys boys, you both pretty. Stop it already, table nine is complaining about the noise. We wouldn’t want my dear old boss to learn of your less than honest work would we?”

Both males freeze. Yes, Ace is proud of Luffy’s pirate career but it seems the freckled male couldn’t stand any other lawbreaker all that much. Marco wasn’t sure how far but he’s heard from his various brothers who all stop here at one point, that Ace firey temper mostly erupted when pirates or revolutionaries made a mess of things on the island. 

Besides wasn’t there that rumor of his grandfather being in the Marines? What if Ace got offended that he regularly injured those idiots?

“Behave” Ezra crackles. Flouncing away with chippy little steps. That brat.

“Truce.” Tobi-Sabo offers. It’s not overly surprising. They have been calling little truces for a few weeks now after that one terrible time Ace had caught them mid bickering battle and looked utterly devastated.  Marco never wanted to see that expression on his face ever again.

“For now yoi”  

Tobi-Sabo grimaces at him.  “Old man.”

“Lying wig wearer.”

“For the last, my hair is real!”  

[twistedtavern]

How would the twisted! boys react to their small human friend giving them a kiss on the cheek?

ohsdjfnek omg fluff moment

Twisted!Crowley: Happiest bird papa, he is loved by his baby ^w^ Be ready for lots of snuggles and affection, very little could sour his mood for the rest of the day after that

Twisted!Grim: Oh lord his ego. His (adopted) henchman likes him best! He is parading around with Yuu on his back all day being proud of himself.

Twisted!Riddle: At first he's surprised, then he goes full bloom mode. Yuu thought they made him mad, but he is desperately trying to keep his composure and not just devolve into verbal keysmash from being flustered. May very lightly scold Yuu for making him embarrassed, but it's definitely not a serious reprimand. Yuu could tell from how vibrant his petals were for a while that he was actually very happy.

Twisted!Ace: Ah, yes, a kiss between homies. Will tease Yuu a little bit before giving them a little kiss on the head like a kitten in return

Twisted!Deuce: He will cry. Yknow those edits where someone is crying and there's hearts with motion blur on them all over the screen? That's him rn. SHAMBLES. No chance at recovery. Kiss attack at Night Raven College, 1 dead.

Twisted!Trey: Just goes "aww <3" before also giving kisses, a little bit embarrassed by it, but is still a happy boi

Twisted!Cater: Will definitely ask Yuu to do it again for a selfie, but is very happy about it. Definitely becoming his screen saver #LoveIsStoredInTheYuu❤️❤️❤️

Twisted!Leona: Yuu has awakened him, and now he shall make them pay for it by being his plushie. It's just to hide the way he smiled, but he certainly couldn't hide his big rumbly purr.

Twisted!Ruggie: Shishishishi!! He'd definitely tease Yuu for being soft or just trying to bribe him for snacks, but that smile is genuine. Maybe try the other cheek if they're trying to ask him for something? >;3c

Twisted!Jack: Hurricane Jack's Tail is entering your vicinity, take shelter immediately. All he can do against the kisses is hide behind his hands and grumble about how it wasn't fair of Yuu to do that. Poor doggo, too much cute for him.

Twisted!Azul: One-way trip to the octopus pot for this poor boy, he is returning never. Yuu will be signing a non-disclosure agreement about this very soon. Also, please don't use this to get out of shifts, he wouldn't be able to say no.

Twisted!Jade: You feel no fear and I am deeply afraid of you. He is surprised at first, but his smile is much less dark and menacing afterwards. More teasing, but will also try to coax Yuu into giving him more kisses.

Twisted!Floyd: You fool. Yuu is getting kissed all over now, there is no escaping it. Floyd is now aware that kisses are on the table, and will often chase Yuu down to not only squeeze them, but completely smother them in kisses from here on out.

Twisted!Jamil: You get exactly one (1) shy noise out of him before he hides in his hood. Will definitely ask Yuu what it was for, but he isn't complaining. He's too shy to ask for more kisses, even though he really wants them. Give him a kiss when he does something well or as a thank you for a good hypno-sleep ^w^ he deserves it

Twisted!Kalim: Once again, you fool. The boy essentially becomes a flashbang and there's rainbows and sparkles everywhere good lord Yuu will go BLIND. He is literally so bright help

Twisted!Vil: Oop there's a dent in his face- but still he's quite happy. Yuu gets headpats from potato dad, maybe a boop as well? 😳

Twisted!Rook: Do you have no sense of self preservation sir/ma'am/m'theydy?? HELLO? You have seconds to start running, please commence immediately. But Yuu does receive kisses of their own once they're caught.

Twisted!Epel: how could you. There's flowers blooming everywhere on him and his leaves are super green and oh lord there's bees all over the place, this is far from a sturdy, manly look. What in tarnation, sugar pea. This is not darn tootin. Yeehaw.

Twisted!Idia: Samurai.EXE has stopped working. Complete verbal keysmash, head in hands, it's a complete critical hit. He will never ever live it down. You have broken the poor boy, and he will stay in his room until this error code is sorted out.

Twisted!Ortho: Definitely surprised, but oh my god he's so happy look at him. Just pure, absolute sunshine from this little machine. This memory is going into his most secure file, it's precious to him.

Twisted!Malleus: ahem, BE NOT AFRAI- Im not making that joke again lmao. He applauds your bravery, little one ^w^ Malleus was definitely stunned for a while. He's so happy to have Yuu around, and he wishes he could give his own kisses. He only has his one eye, sadly. No mouth.

Twisted!Lilia: Awww, little baby bat is such a sweetheart! Many nuzzles and some fawning is in order, and maybe a story as well? Ole peepaw bat hasn't felt this much love in his heart since Silver was little.

Twisted!Silver: A kiss of true baby has woken him up. He'll ask Yuu if they wanted anything from him, and if they say they just wanted to say hi he'll give them the softest older brother smile they've ever seen. Will definitely be open to snuggling.

Twisted!Sebek: AH! AFFECTION FROM THE TINY CREATURE! HOW UNBEFITTING OF A GUARD! In all seriousness, he looks downright scandalized, but he looks downright scandalized about everything. Croco boi is just loud and embarrassed.

[shaanks]

i'd love to hear more about it whenever you're not feeling sleepy anymore :3 (idec about spoilers anymore)

thank you for including the original post I'd already forgotten abt it lmfao BUT ok I'll try, long ass meta post under the cut.

I actually don't think Luffy's codependent exactly, I think he's very keen to inspire his friends and loved ones to see in themselves the potential he sees, and to help them on their own personal journeys, and he's as likely to step out of the way and let them do things on their own as to get involved.

BUT

The line in that post that I think really started the gears turning in my brain was "love as a cosmic disastrous redemptive force."

The two examples I'm gonna cite are platonic relationships. I wanna make it very clear, I don't think what he feels for Ace and Robin are in ANY WAY romantic or sexual. But think about the arcs that he goes through with both of them. The exact millisecond that Luffy became aware that what Ace and Robin were going through was a) not their personal choice and b) beyond their ability to control, he turns into a completely different dude. Not just a force of nature, but vicious, single-minded, driven beyond even the vaguest consideration of failure...out of pure, blinding, obliterating, selfless love for another.

In the case of Robin in Water 7, he is told repeatedly, sometimes BY Robin herself, that she is an irredeemable monster, a curse, an abomination whose very birth was a sin and a crime. He is told that someone like her could never form true bonds of trust and love, that he should not only let her go, but celebrate the loss of her because her death would improve his life.

Each and every time, without a second's hesitation, he tears right through that narrative, sometimes gently, sometimes desperately, almost always with his teeth, because he believes in Robin. Because in Luffy's eyes, people are their choices rather than their circumstances.

Luffy, and all the Straw Hats (even the wayward one), drive through an impenetrable hub of the World Government and go to war for her, literally, declare that if the whole world is Robin's enemy, then they will be the world's enemy in return. Most importantly--and I think most interestingly--he lets Robin scream at him. He lets her lash out, he lets her be vicious, he lets her be in pain...and still stands there with his arms out, eyes upturned, waiting for all of that to pass out of her so that she can access her own hope. It doesn't ever even occur to him that her desire to live has been crushed. (though god help my poor darling, I think that's bc he's lived through agony beyond imagining too, and fought through it the same way). His strength and trust in his friends carry him through, for certain, but it's love for his friends that pushes him to become what he does in that arc.

I'm not gonna go too much into Impel Down/Marineford for Ace because I'll cry lmfao, but it's safe to say that not one informed person on the planet thinks Luffy has a chance. They think--and directly tell him--that going after Ace in this circumstance is suicidal. But Luffy, who knows everything his brother has gone through, who loves him beyond comprehension and speech, goes anyway, goes through hell, sells off pieces of his life, keeps restarting his heart artificially, just so he can buy himself one more moment of being able to stand and fight for Ace. For Ace, who has for all his life, believed himself to be a mistake, who has been struggling to understand why it's okay that he exists at all, who generally shrugs off the love of others as a kindness, as pity, as a misunderstanding soon to be rectified.

Luffy, objectively, isn't on the same level as the Navy forces that gather to stop him, or the Warlords, or even Whitebeard and his New World fleet, but that doesn't even enter into his thoughts, because the alternative to doing absolutely everything he can to save his brother is unthinkable. Unacceptable. So he flings himself into hell and then into a war immediately after with such ferocity and such pure, unflinching love that it galvanizes not only Whitebeard's allies on the ground, but Whitebeard himself, and even figures like Mihawk, Sengoku, and his own grandfather. The focal point of the pirate world is on the plaza of Marineford that day, and it bends around Luffy and his love for his brother like he's a singularity, ultimately changing and shifting the fate of that whole world in the process.

In both cases, Luffy's love for the other person elevates him beyond his own stature--sometimes of only like two minutes beforehand--and in both cases, that love is for individuals who had been largely written off as bad blood, lost causes, monsters from a bygone era better killed and discarded.

So yeah. Luffy's love is a cosmic, disastrous, redemptive force, in that he becomes capable of great and terrible harm in defense of those he loves, and that the ferocity of his love nearly always burns away whatever was keeping the person from seeing themselves as worthy of that level of devotion in the first place.

[saltymongoose]

Any thoughts on skinner on the self-aware au? Highly doubt it cause he is most definetly not one of the main characters and i just personally want to grab him and shake him violently. And i feel that sentiment isn't shared by most but its worth a try yk?

I totally get it, as it turns out I'm a pretty big fan of Skinner. He's just so nice, how could anyone not like him?

For the self-aware au, I think that Skinner is unique in how he'd actually have more of a connection to the Arena Character once the main four show their true colors around them. He's someone who seems really easy to open up to, so I can see the AC just venting about what happened to him as he fixes up some of their minor injuries. This is what likely would kickstart his own thing for the Player as well.

If anything, I'd think he'd come to respect you deeply, as you're someone who also holds immense care for your character and tries to keep them safe. He has you to thank for not having to put them completely back together most of the time, and for making sure that they're strong enough to handle themselves. And most of all, you don't ask for anything in return. This is extremely rare for those in Nevada to encounter, and it's this genuine kindness that first really makes him consider you in a more affectionate light.

If we add in a point where he'd be able to see your strings and hear your voice, naturally this only deepens his budding feelings for you. Hearing your jokes and the way you compliment your character and cheer them on just makes him feel warm. The entire time this happens he is stuck wondering how someone so sweet could ever have an interest in the S.Q.'s work.

I think that he'd grow to have kind of a crush on you, to be honest. It's more of a slow-burn than the main fours' obsessions, but that doesn't mean it won't reach that point. Simply that the most you'll get out of him in the beginning is him leaving the offer out there for your character to chill out in the Medbay with him. A simple way to keep close to you, and to check on his star patient. But perhaps, as time goes on, he'll try to keep them there just the slightest bit longer. And even better for him, your character will probably just go along with it. Because unlike the four who constantly suffocate your character with their presence, Skinner keeps his love for you on the down-low. (They won't realize the true depth of his affections until he thinks of doing something very direct.)

And he's always been so trustworthy, so it's not like they'd assume he'd do anything unethical, right?

[gildedmuse]

Hey, everyone.

So recently I've (predictably) very not well. Actually, whenever I don't post for long periods, just assume my body is trying to kill me. But I've gotten messages from three people asking if I. Okay, which is super sweet. I am actually trying to work on the next All Hearts, a really long ZoLaw post and two request fics, but mixing chronic kidney pain and capitalist society's mandate to work 40+ hours is not recommended.

But to prove I'm okay and still me, here is some Shanks antics with him being a total slut while Mihawk and Beckman just roll their eyes and go along with it. [Shout out to @jhaernyl who not only listens to me ramble about this stuff, but actively encourages it]. I also have many thoughts on the latest episodes and so many screenshots it's embarrassing. Hopefully, when I'm in less pain, I'll get around to actually posting those. Otherwise I just look like an insane person who literally takes by the second frame shots every time Zoro is on screen.

.... What is that? I look like that anyway? Fair.

Shanks Is A Bad Influence

It feels like Buggy and Shanks split up after Roger's death (the crew was told to, and they are the only ones who went to his execution) and I find it impossible to think Shanks didn't immediately set out and find a crew; like, pirating is the only thing this kid knows in life. This means two things:

He set out from East Blue. Also, he seemed at ease and familiar with the East so it's possible he spent like a year there getting everything together. Maybe he even played around in the other blues for a while before heading back to the Grand Line. I say this because his crew is from all over so either he found and recruited them in the Grand Line or visited various blues. Either way, I'm gonna say it took him about two years before getting a 'proper' start. In that case, he would have started out properly at the age of 17 and we know One Piece likes it's parallels.

That still puts Shanks at 17 to Benn Beckmen's 28. How the fuck did Shanks manage that? I'd call it grave robbing, but let's face it, the little tyke probably got up to some actual robbing of graves as well.

My point being everytime Shanks teases Mihawk about keeping this 19 year old kid on his personal island, mostly shirtless, Benn Beckmen just lifts an eyebrow.

Excuse me, captain, who had prefected the 'opps still don't have my sea legs' trip-and-fall into their first mates lap by the age of 17?

Shanks: Beckmen, you caught me! *Shamelessly nuzzles up* Thank goodness! I could be a devil's fruit user after all and - Ahh!

Benn: *Drops Shanks straight over the side of the ship into the water*

Shanks: *Sputtering* What what that!?

Benn: Checking to see if you had eaten a devil's fruit on us, Capatin.

Benn: You didn't.

Smart ass. But he can't resist Shanks forever. Shanks will wear him down eventually.

Next time Mihawk tracks him down for another match - because you know he gets bored way quicker than he'll ever admit and Shanks is at least amusing a challenge - Shanks makes a big deal out of how Mihawk follows him around, "accidentally" revealing they slept together, sighing about how it's so hard to resist him.

Benn Beckmen is just leaning against the side of the ship, sipping his booze.

Shanks: -and I can't stay for hours like last time!!

Mihawk: Are you quite done?

Shanks: *whispering* Does Benn look jealous?

Mihawk: He looks bored. Much like I am. Is this some strange attempt to get out of my challenge, Akagami?

Shanks: What? No, come on I told you I was game. But, hey, could you do me a favor? Maybe like try and kiss me or something? Like take a swing like your going to hit me but then stop shot and grab me by the waist instead.

Mihawk: .... Trickery is beneath you. Besides, you're absolute rubbish at it.

Shanks: Oh, come on, I would totally help you get laid if you asked!

Mihawk: .... *Sigh* I want a proper match afterwards.

Mihawk: *In a forced, monotone voice* After this I will take you to my lair and have my way with you, Akagami.

Mihawk: ... My lair? Really?

Shanks: *Holding up cue card with quickly scribbled line* What? That is how you talk.

Mihawk: I can't believe I wasted precious hours of light tracking you to this atrociously rural port.

Shanks: See? Now, read the next one.

Benn: Captain? If this is going to take all night, I am going to go join the rest of the men in the tavern.

Shanks: Huh? Wait! Benn! What if Miha really stabs me this time!?

Benn: *Salutes Shanks with his bottle* Sounds like that is his plan captain. Have a good 'challenge'.

Shanks: What? No... *Reaching out hand, like he might die if Benn leaves, looking completely devastated* Not even a little jealous...

Mihawk: You couldn't have thought that pantomime would actually work.

Shanks: Benny, don't leave me.... *Turns to Mihawk, immediately brightening* Oh, well, there's always tomorrow. Hey, Miha, guess whose free all night and horny as a pirate in the calm belt?

Mihawk: .... *Sigh* Very well.

Mihawk might as well get something for the trip he made. Although, he's reconsidering if the sex was actually worth the trouble after he ends up listening to Shanks worry half the night that Benn is shacking up with someone else (after a couple hours of rough and raw fucking, admittedly).

Is it the hat? He likes his captain's hat. Miha, you think his captain's hat is sexy, don't you?

Mihawk: It's utterly ridiculous.

Shanks: ....

Shanks: ....

Shanks: *Smile* Ahh, Miha, I knew you liked the hat!

Shanks: What do you old Northerns find sexy?

Mihawk: I am only four years older than you.

Mihawk: And silence.

Trying to convince Mihawk to go spy on Beckman for him. Shanks doesn't actually care if he does sleep with someone else, it's more that Beckman didn't immediately turn angry and jealous like Buggy would have that has him paranoid.

Mihawk is going to fuck this annoying red head again just to shut him up.

Mihawk: Maybe he doesn't like red haired boys who don't know when to be quiet?

The next morning Shanks is pacing among his poor crew that's gotten stuck listening to Shanks obsess about Beckman again. IS IT REALLY THE HAIR!?

It's not even a matter of Shanks's age (or obvious immaturity). I mean, Beckman got on board and stayed, didn't he? Beckman just enjoys watching Shanks try so hard to get his attention. Like Benn's attention isn't constantly on Shanks. He had to when his captain is always one step away from disaster.

He only left him with Mihawk because it was clear Dracule is not a real danger to Beckman's captain.

Except maybe insulting him to death. But Beckman is pretty sure Shanks can handle it. He's met Buggy. He's suspects Shanks LIKES it if anything.

It gets to the point where when they dock somewhere and see Mihawk waiting, or come back to the ship and spot his familiar silhouette, most of the crew goes off somewhere for another drink (sometimes the newer kids will stay to watch such an awesome fight, everyone else is like... Look, you'll have plenty of opportunities later. This is not a one off.)

Benn just takes a look around, nods to Mihawk (a silent signal for, "he's all yours, do with him as you please, if anything happens to him I will track you down and make sure your last few hours on this blue world are as painful as humanly possible") and heads off.

Oh, it's just the Hawk boy.

That's fine then.

Benn use to be a sailor on a trade ship between the North, East, West and Grand Line. He's seen it all.

They called him The Gun Slinger BEFORE he joined Shanks's crew and became a pirate.

So this young, broke ass kid from the streets of some near artic northern island trying to pass himself off as a Lower North rich type has a thing for his captain? Not really enough to keep Beckman up at night, no matter how good at swords he's supposed to be

Besides, he's pretty sure for the kid to keep tracking down Shanks, he must be bored out of his skull. He's not going to do anything to endanger their captain.

Not if Shanks is the only thing he can find to keep him entertained.

One day, Mihawk is going to be waiting on the dock when a bunch of Red Haired pirates are stumbling home, laughing and chattering amongst themselves (Shanks's crew always seems to be in a good mood). One of them will catch sight if Mihawk and walk by with a smile, patting him on the shoulder.

The captain's occupied. Seems likely he'll be 'occupied' for a good while, too.

Mihawk won't smile, but he will think "So you finally warmed him up to you, Akagami?" and snort lightly.

Poor Benn, though. Mihawk could never imagine being with someone so much younger than him. Shanks is only four years his junior and already it strains Mihawk to put up with his occasional moments of "youthful whimsy" (aka being an annoying, immature child)

"A young, cocky pirate with strangely colored bright hair"

Mihawk just putting that on his Not To Do List.

That lasted until Roronoa.

(Mihawk just looking at Zoro knowing this is bad news.)

Mihawk: *Takes list from Benn*

*Cross out, scribbles*

*Hands back to Benn*

Do Not Do:

- A young, cocky pirate with strangely colored bright hair a silly hat, who is overly dramatic and in any way, shape or form related to Gol D Rogers.

Ace: Hey what's up?

Mihawk: *Takes list from Benn*

Go ahead, Benn, laugh it up. Mihawk is aware he has a type. Young, pretty, and utterly insane.

After that night where Shanks was otherwise 'occupied', it's over six months before Mihawk sees his friend his rival again. He is, as expected, far too smug and proud looking.

Shanks: Oh, Miha, so sorry you came all this way, I'm-

Benn: Well, I'm off, captain.

Shanks: What!? But we, you, I... Benn, hessoeexyarentyouworriedforyourcaptain?

Benn: *patting Mihawk on the shoulder* Have fun with him. Don't forget to return him by noon tomorrow, we have a schedule. Oh, but if you can babysit him for at least four hours? That would be great.

Shanks: BABYSIT!?

Mihawk: I suppose I can be troubled to do so.

Shanks: TROUBLED!?

Benn: Thanks, Hawkeyes. I owe you.

Shanks: *Fake tears clinging to his lashes* You two are so mean!

No, don't feel bad for him. Shanks is just trying to guilt the two of them into bed at the same time, and they both know it.

Thanks no thanks, they're not into that. But Shanks can be pretty cute when he's trying so hard (Benn) and at least he's not as boring as everything else in this world (Mihawk) so they allow him to keep up the act

Shanks: *looking at Zoro's wanted poster over Mihawk's shoulder* But I feel like you'd gladly go to bed with him and his captain if he asked. That doesn't seem fair to me. You'd never go that far with me and Benn.

Mihawk: *Eyes Benn*

Mihawk: *DEAD. ONLY.*

Mihawk: I have my reasons.

They can and do agree on plenty of things, including reciprocally not being that attracted to each other.

Shanks: Sounds fake to me

Shanks: But guys!

Shanks: This isn't about you

He's gonna need you guys to drop the egos and focus on what HE wants. I.E., being in the middle of two sexy Northern men.

Honestly, so mean to poor Shanks!

[tsunonotarou]

HEARTSLABYUL | SAVANACLAW | OCTAVINELLE | SCARABIA | POMEFIORE | IGNIHYDE | DIASOMNIA

— finding out their S/O’s lockscreen/background is them

Part two | Part three | Part four

This part will contain Heartslabyul and Savanaclaw

: gender-neutral reader!

Riddle Rosehearts

This boy stares

And stares

And stares until it finally sunk in and he blushes a shade redder and darker than his own hair

He didn’t meant to peak at your phone, honestly. It just suddenly lit up—along popping with a message—when you’re not around and he just so happen to caught a glance of it

He look around to make sure no one was near and hesitantly took your phone in his hand, he swiped away the message notification to have a better, full look on your lockscreen

It was a rare picture of him happily enjoying the tart Trey made, he knew someone was watching him but he payed no mind back then

So it was you, sneakily took this picture of him with stuffed cheeks and a content smile. There were even crumbs at the corner of his mouth and he cringed; he must’ve felt very happy back then to not notice the tart crumbs

Nonetheless, his face softens. The thought of you taking this picture—even though aware of what he’s capable of if he ever caught you—and setting it on your lockscreen kinda warms his heart

“Riddle?”

He let out a startled sound and jerked upwards, turning around to see you curiously looking over his shoulder to have a look on what occupies his mind so much

In a panic he tried to hide your phone away but failed, sighing defeatedly as he blushes even more at your cute chuckle, you gently take back your phone and unlocks it, much to Riddle’s curiosity, he stepped closer to have a look and gets warmer at your screen background

It was him, again. This time sleeping

He places a hand on his forehead and tries very hard to hide his face

Trey Clover

A smile would adorn his face as he looks at your lockscreen, you were lending your phone for him to research some recipes since his was left back at his dorm room, and you shamelessly showed off to him how you place both your lockscreen and background with his picture

Prepare for some teasings, he’d instantly pull you close and poke your cheeks all while asking how did you get these pictures

Not much of a reaction from outside but his heart is literally hammering against his chest and he feels so happy

When Ace, Deuce, Grim and Cater suddenly popped up behind the two of you and have a look at your phone, though, that’s when he blushes real mad

“Wow! That’s so cute! *snaps picture* #thirdwheeling” etc etc from Cater as Ace spouts all kind of teasing shits, though Deuce tries to get him to knock it off he secretly thinks you two are the cutest and gets a little red

Trey would instantly heave a sigh and rests his forehead on your shoulder to try and hide his face

Cater Diamond

This boy isn’t surprised at all and there isn't much to say because he has your picture as his lockscreen and background too!

He actually clung to you and whines about how much he wants to see your phone’s lockscreen/background and you soon gave in. A cute grin spread across his features as he was indeed correct, you do have him as your lockscreen and background

This made him immensely happy and cradle you into his arms and shower you with sweet kisses, oh, not before getting a picture together and post it on MagiCam first, though!

Ace Trappola

You have been hiding your phone away from him because you just know he’s going to say dumb stuff and teases the hell out of you

It might seem like a good idea to hide it from him but no, it’s not

He was getting suspicious and pissed at whoever or whatever that made you prioritize your phone over him, so he quickly snatched your phone during one of the times where you were hanging out with him

His frown slowly turned into a grin as he unlocks your phone, his own picture greeting him back

Cue him rolling on the floor as he laughs his heart out, only getting up and gives you a hug when you got all pouty and mumbled curses for him

He’d pull on your cheeks since you're so cute and talks about how you’re head over heels for him and that he felt so happy because your lockscreen/background is him

Thank God Deuce came, because he came with Ace’s phone in hand, screen brightly showing the lockscreen he currently have

“Ace! You left your phone in the dorm room and I think your brother called you just now!”

You quickly took your boyfriend’s phone in your hand, saying a quick ‘thanks’ to the other confused Heartslabyul member

After slapping away Ace’s hands and ignoring his panicked screams, you click on the button on the side of his phone to have another look

Ace’s face would instantly heat up, freezing in place as he watch your lips stretch into a wide grin

You shoved his phone in his face and teases him back for having you as his lockscreen and background

He blushed ten times more than you did

Deuce Spade

Like Riddle, he really didn’t mean to intrude your privacy, but your phone was ringing! And it might be important, and you forgot to bring it with you, so as your lover, he should definitely deliver it to you!

Poor boy was panicking so much as he went to look for you because it was ringing all the time, and he wasn’t sure whether he has the right to answer it or not, it might be personal business

When he finally made up his mind to help you answer it (he still couldn’t find you), it stopped, it stopped ringing and the screen returned to your lockscreen

“Eh?” He immediately froze, startled and stiff. Movements robotic as he brings the phone closer to his face to examine it, a blush slowly creeping up his cheeks and shading deeper and deeper

“Deuce?” Your soft voice knocked him out of his dazed mind as he quickly turned around, hiding your phone behind his back on instinct then only realizing there’s no point in doing that

It’s not like he was snooping around or anything, it’s just that he saw something he probably shouldn’t have, because his heart is beating crazily and cheeks getting hotter and hotter as seconds pass, he wasn’t sure if this was good for him or not

Quickly handing you your phone (and almost dropping it) he stutters out about a phone call, urging you to call them back in case it was important

Your hand reaching out to caress his hot cheeks only made it hotter and his mind foggier, honestly. He assured you he’s fine and shouldn’t worry about it

Your worried gaze was still on him but decided to listen to him for now, heading to a corner to call whoever it was back

Deuce fixed his eyes on you and gulped, slowly calming his heart down, he won’t talk about it now, but he sure will ask to have a look at your phone screen again and talk to you about it

Hm, maybe he should change his lockscreen to you too

Leona Kingscholar

An arrogant smirk would instantly plaster onto his face, whatever he was annoyed about earlier instantly gone from his mind, now solely thinking of how whipped his herbivore is for him

Would plop down onto his bed after, your phone still in his hand as he admires the picture the two of you took that day

More like you posing while he naps

The picture came out surprisingly well

Since the two of you know each other’s passwords and allow each other to gain access to your phones when it’s an emergency

And saving this photo of the two of you is definitely an emergency, he needs to have it now

So he typed in the password or placed his finger on the sensor

Going through your photo album solely with the intention of finding that photo, he came across others which you secretly took too

So he sends it all to his own phone

He wouldn’t set his lockscreen or background as your photo, but he’ll definitely look through them everyday, and a smile would appear on his lips without him even noticing

Ruggie Bucchi

“Shishishi”

To be very honest he never thought he’d find a lover

Ruggie wasn’t born with wealth and a silver spoon in mouth, so surviving and getting whatever he can that is edible is his only goal in life

He's so lucky to find a lover like you and whenever he does part time jobs he cannot stop thinking about this

When he finally has time for himself and relaxes, it finally sink in and a blush slowly creep up his cheeks

Will definitely tease you later when he finds you

Jack Howl

He takes a step back in shock and stutters so fucking much and sputters out words that I'm pretty sure nobody would understand

Definitely the "E-E-E-E-E-E-Eh...?" type

HIS BLUSH

He asks you where did you get this picture and gets extremely embarrassed

It was a photo you secretly took while he was stretching, getting ready for his daily jog

Rubs his nape and looks away from you, he tried to remain composed obviously failing and tells you if you like it so much, continue to keep it as your lockscreen/background then

Isn't one to snoop around in other people's phone but once in a while when you're not around, he'd take your phone to have a look whether you still have him as your lockscreen/background or not

And he'd always smile when you still have it

[capri-ramblings]

These two were conveniently requested together so I decided to make it into one whole post. Also I posted this awhile ago but it didn't show up smh so I'm reposting it aha. I'm sorry for the long wait and thank you for your patience! (*´ω｀*)

Please refer to Pinned post before requesting.

Green as Envy II

Idia Shroud

- Idia's type of jealousy is the quiet one, though I wouldn't say it's not unnoticeable.

- He's immensely more reclusive and spends his time locked up in his room.

- Being pessimistic and awkward, Idia gets Jealous over small things that he tends to over think about

- Like the time Ace gave you his blazer when yours got dirty during lunch break or when Cater takes pictures of you and has his arms over your shoulders

- He knows they're your friends and that being the social person you are, you're bound to be surrounded by people but he just can't shake off the feeling that you're trying to get away from him

- As if you're using his dislike of crowds so you wouldn't have to put up with your closet boyfriend

- He isn't the most interesting person after all. He plays games and is an avid Otaku. It makes sense if you didn't want to be near him

- With that thought in mind, Idia starts to distance himself from you. He makes sure you don't bump into him after classes and he makes Ortho swear to always tell you he's busy when you come over to Ignihyde

- He's frustrated and insecure. He isn't sure where he is on your list or how much you really like him and Idia has never dealt with emotional pressure well

- He lets the Jealousy fester inside him and it caves in his entire mood. Just thinking about you hanging with Ace and Deuce riles him up

- When playing games, he switches to the kinds that are violent just so he can lash out a bit of his tension. Afterwards though he just lays in bed with his phone in his hand, wondering why you never bothered to call him.

- Gradually,Idia just gets moodier and whenever he sees Ace and Deuce, his gaze turns dark. He doesn't hate them,it's just...He wished he could be as fun as they were.

- Consoling him is easy though, convince Ortho you know how to make him feel better and you already have access to his cave.

- He'll be very fidgety of course when you suddenly enter his room. Part of his mind actually thinks he's gone insane but then you start talking and it's just horrible.

- You said you were worried about him? Has he been troubling you all along with his insecurities? How? And why?

- He won't know what to say but he will apologize even if a small Jealous part of him says it's your fault for being so carefree with other people

- If you hug him and nuzzle your head against his chest, you'll make him melt and Idia will stop processing thoughts all together

- It doesn't take much to reassure him but you'd have to reassure him a lot so his jealous side won't get the better of him again

Rook Hunt

- Oh,you made Rook Jealous?

- Well,at least now you'd know why Leona finds him intimidating.

- Rook doesn't express his Jealousy like most would, his eyes flicker too subtly for you to catch how he looks at you attentively watching Trey beat the pastry batter. How his hands just lightly overlap with yours almost like in a dreamy state

- A Jealous Rook is a Rook who starts to realise how easily likable and attainable you are to others and it's a jealousy that runs deep in his veins

- He won't say anything that indicates his Jealousy nor would he act any different, but if you paid a bit more attention to how his body reacted when other males make you smile or laugh, you'd notice how still his gaze is. As if he was burning the faces of those people in his memory

- Rook understands with you both being young and filled with life that there will always be things that will garner your attention greatly but the fact that anyone could so easily take your hand away from his whenever he's not looking...It just gives this bad taste gurgling in his stomach.

- He won't do anything that could hurt you though but he will act more profoundly and take you away with him anytime he sees fit

- You and a lot of other people would see it as Rook being his usual self, but the reason he's pulling you away isn't because he wasn't listening to your conversation but because he couldn't stop listening to it. How melodic and happy your voice sounded talking to Riddle and Epel.

- Rook will start leaving you small, unexpected gifts be it on your bed or in front of the porch of your dorm. Anything to make you feel pleased because of him.

- To Rook, Jealousy is simply another expression of love, so he isn't inherently frustrated by it but it does get him in a certain kind of mood. He'd describe it as the very first feeling he had when he went hunting. A Dangerous thrill.

- He's not upset but if you shower him with more attention than most, it'll earn you a lot of his in return.

Malleus Draconia

- Sulking.

- There isn't any other way to describe it.

- Malleus will say he isn't Jealous and he has no reason to be but the way he looks at you and the people around you is obvious if you really look

- It's like a brief glint that shimmers in his green gaze and colours it slightly off than usual

- He'll frown too but with Malleus always looking stern, it goes unnoticed often.

- Despite himself, Malleus gets Jealous when he sees how hands on you are with those around you,how involved you get into their lives whether or not it's planned and generally how people seem to just flock to you

- Usually the jealousness comes and goes pretty quickly but some days it just lingers in his head

- He won't ever tell you that he has no time though and insist you're allowed to come and visit as you'd like but he seems so distant and too quiet for you to not realize something is troubling him

- If you ask him he'll just stare at you a bit too long before he sighs and shakes his head

- "Just thoughts." He'd say

- Malleus rarely gets the chance to be around people and have them like him so when he sees you doing it so naturally, it makes him kinda envious

- He's not typically riled up by the fact you're surrounded by guys though since he trusts you completely but he won't lie that he gets a teensy bit irritated when people act as if he isn't part of your life

- Eventually he gives in and just expresses how he feels, asking if it bothered you or not that he wasn't able to solve such a simple emotional conflict

- All you have to do is just reassure him that it's normal to not be able to handle emotional things alone and that he's just like everyone else

- Simple words of comfort and a warm presence is the natural remedy to soothe this young dragon after all.

Epel Felmier

- Epel hates feeling Jealous, so whenever he does feel it, he tends to brush it off as a small matter and refuses to acknowledge it at all.

- Similar to Riddle though, his mood will tip over more often and he tends to lash out

- Epel's jealousy stems from the lack of progress he makes in making himself a strong and dependable partner for you and even if it's a one sided feeling, it frustrates him a lot

- He knows you're always putting yourself in danger and the thought of you being protected by other guys makes him want to grow as tall as Floyd and step on people who would hurt you

- He gets slightly touchy like Riddle too, and whenever anyone else tries to pull you towards them he gets this dirty look on his face and when he speaks his accent slips

- Epel will actually go as far as to use his naturally soft features to manipulate you into spending more time with him

- He'd pout his lips and his eyes would look so sad, how could you possibly say no to helping him make notes for his potion class?

- He doesn't see the manipulation to be wrong since he's not hurting you in any way, and plus it makes him less frustrated too. So it's good on both sides.

- At the end of the day though, Jealous Epel is harmless and actually makes him more motivated and boosts his spirit into building himself up as a man but if his moods get out of control, all you have to do is tell him there isn't a man on earth that could ever take you away from the one already holding your heart.

Ruggie Bucchi

- Despite himself, Ruggie gets Jealous a lot and his defense mechanism is similar to Leona's,minus the physical proof of it.

- He won't start biting or marking you like the beast prince would but his words does get kinda condescending whenever he sees that you don't realize you're making him Jealous

- Ruggie's seen it all, you know. How some relationships turn bad quick and it was mainly the reason he stayed away from it.

- But life is unexpected, and now that he's in a relationship himself, Ruggie's survival instincts kicks in fast.

- Unlike most Jealous partners,Ruggie's senses heightened and he becomes more observant of his partner's action and gestures.

- He doesn't trust easily, so this comes to bite him in the back and it starts playing thoughts in his head that riles him up even more than he is already

- Ruggie won't say he's Jealous,nor will he make it obvious that he is. When you ask him why he seems tense though, he'll laugh if off and add in something like, "What? Are you suddenly becoming some kind of mood radar?"

- He'll purposely let his words take you aback and he'll admit that he wants to see you a bit hurt but if it gets too bad Ruggie just starts to avoid you by acting like he's too busy

- While he's aware that putting the distance himself he's giving way to the possibility of you leaving him, Ruggie's conscience knows it's wrong to hurt you just because he's frustrated.

- He does a lot of self reflecting and tries to put a bit more trust in the relationship,but of course it doesn't happen in a day,right?

- Dealing with a Jealous Ruggie is better when you're patient and give him his space so that he can have his own thoughts before you come to confront him about it

- He's a bit harder to reassure but once he sees how genuinely worried you are,Ruggie will go soft and just let you shower him with any sort of comfort he needs.

- Though honestly the fastest way to convince him is to let him know that you only want him holding you.

Floyd Leech

- Floyd's a handful.

- A Jealous Floyd? That's just a nightmare coming to life.

- With his unpredictable moodswings, Floyd is always getting Jealous over things that you will never truly understand.

- He'll tell you that he's upset and that you're the reason behind it but he won't tell you how to fix it

- "Ha? Figure it out yourself why don't you? I'm kinda pissed so I don't want to help you."

- His eyes turn sharp in a split second before it goes dim and dull. Like he's bored of watching you look at him with confusion

- This goes on for days and not even Jade could help you, and that's only when his Jealousy is still mild.

- An extremely Jealous Floyd consists of Jade helping you avoid him at any cost everyday for an entire month because if Floyd so much as sees you, he'll make you run until you're crying for a brief minute to just get air into your lungs

- It's never sure as to why Floyd could get jealous nor is there any indication of it until he comes out and say it

- Most of the time though Floyd gets over his Jealousy when he has you cornered and he sees how scared you are of him, how close you are to crying in front of him. It makes him feel like he really does matter a lot to you if you're in pain because he's Jealous

- Rather Twisted,Floyd doesn't really know he scares the living lights out of you when he's in that state but once he's over it though,he's all over you with hugs and smiles.

- Best advice for Jealous Floyd? Make sure you work on your stamina.

Jade Leech

- Jealous or not,Jade will always smile even when he's displeased.

- His speech mannerisms doesn't change at all but somehow, whenever he's near you, his polite demeanor feels sick and dark. Like a looming dark cloud during a sunny day.

- He'll reassure you that he isn't upset or in a bad mood but the smile doesn't seem to reach his eyes

- "Oya,how could I ever be mad at you?"

- You must've done something to make him like this but like his twin,Jade won't say what it is.

- It shouldn't be easy to make him Jealous but once he is,Jade will probably the most hardest to reconcile with.

- Depsite his polite composure,Jade isn't so forgiving and even when he acts as if he's always in contro, he's not.

- Maybe it was the way you're always around those Heartslyabul boys or how doting you are with your first year schoolmates like Jack and Deuce.

- Either way,even when he's severely upset,Jade enjoys seeing you stumble on your existence trying to appease him, though eventually he'll get over it and start acting normally again

- When faced with a Jealous Jade,it's probably better for you to try and not get him in an even worst mood. And maybe try to not get too happy around him either, he'll think you're doing it on purpose to spite him.

[lovee-infected]

twisted wonderland theories part 3 : Opening explanation and parallels

Well well , hope you guys enjoyed reading the previous two parts of twst theories so far

Anyways , this is the third part . I decided to go through the opening and original disney animations and also black Butler anime references one more time so this is the combination of all I've found this time , together with some stuff you might've missed

Twst's official opening was pretty mysterious and is most likely giving us hints of the upcoming adventures during the storyline . Well here's the link to opening with eng sub and also the summary of the main character references that were given to us:

1) Ace and Deuce's rivalship : We talked about this one a lot back in (part 2) so let's skip this one

2) Leona's sadness and pain : Leona's tearn falling to the ground and the Ruggie and Jack coming for him ; that's just how he always is : mentally sad and broken with a horribly frustrating past , but will avoid expressing himself and letting anyone see his pain anyway . Not really weird that these two are always around him , Leona does really need to be looked after ...

3) Azul's seek of power : He just looked...mad in this scene . Ursula's shadow on his fave and that creepy smile totally freaks anyone out. It really explains how great his desire of power is . His neglected self in the childhood and pretty poor talent got him to this point...

4) Jamil's cold and kinda confused self : Well this one isn't really clear yet since ch 4 isn't out . But perhaps depression has this guy... spending his whole life serving the the nasty Kalim he might've grown the same characteristics as Jafar , who was so long sick of being the second one in everything . But still his ideal of life is much different from Jafar's . We saw him hypnotizing Kalim in order to make him force students to do better at school . He's trying his best to leave up to his promises as the vice dorm leader but still , having the nasty Kalim as the dorm itself is making it a lot harder for him so he's got no choice but to hypnotize him...

5) Idia's severe anxiety and his protectiveness toward Ortho : This one was mentioned in s rather old re blog but here e go again : Well with how the rumors of the "cursed Shroud family" , Idia's anti-society self might be a bit explained . This guy's overblot is surely going to be EPIC ... we just know very few about him and yet that's more than enough for him to overblot at once . Also the mention of the process of bringing Ortho back to life was a bad hit...His family curse might've been the reason of whatever thst has happened to Ortho

6) Vil's anger of not being the fairest and breaking the mirror: This one's been pointed out a lot . His anger being the same as evil queen's and also the fear of him actually poisoning someone to become the fairest one more time....**

7) Malleus' isolated self and his hidden evil aura : This one's being shown too obviously . The lonely dark prince exposing his evil side under the full moonlight . All alone , beyond the forest of thorns (Lol how ironic) while the others are running to save him before it gets too late...***

(note : **,***: Vil and Malleus' description will be continued undercut)

Very well these were the general hints found on the opening , but don't miss the final seconds which included the biggest hidden facts you could've missed

Firstly , the splitted ink (This one was previously discussed on part 1 but still...) : We talked about how in the "Epic Mickey", Mickey accidentally splits the magic ink over the kingdom and which led to the creation of "shadow blot". This sight seems to be much similar to what we had here in the epic mickey

Well this parallel might be more than just an accidental one and finally and it might actually be that overblot is kinda Crowley's fault , too

Crowley crosses the mirror , turns into an actual crow and flies away...(DaMn YoU bIrDiE wHERe ArE yOu gOinG I'M noT doNe YeT-)

Well the reason he suddenly runs away isn't clear yet but being a fan of black butler for years , I was suddenly reminded of how Undertaker disappeared all of a sudden at this scene from the movie :" Book of Atlantic "

pretty similar , aren't they..?

In Book of Atlantic , Undertaker revealed his original identity as a reaper and the mastermind behind the "Bizzare dolls' " project after pretending to be a just a crazy cookie lover for so long . And at once , he comes up with his stunning sudden self-reveal , leaving everyone in the room speechless

Now now , what do we have with Crowley?

A principal who keeps hiding his face (remember that Undertaker hid his eyes , too?) , telling everyone "how kind he is" many times ... also:

1) In the opening , he was standing smiling in the mirror hall while the seven dorms were burning through seven mirrors

2) He didn't ever try to stop anyone from overbloting ; even Riddle whose overblot occurred right in front of him

3) In the beggining of the game, he asked the mirror to choose the right one and then! and MC was chosen ! MC took the hand of the one appearing through the mirror (seemingly Dire Crowley) and came here. With all said , so why did the mirror reject MC afterwards?

Also , how couldn't he help MC return to Their own world and didn't know about it if he himself brought MC here..?(Could it be that...MC doesn't remember how she/he was brought here?)

4) If he literally is THIS useless and can't ever stop or help anything, then why would he be the principal.....?

Sooooo enough with Crowley ; but what's with these two....?

The spindle wheel & the poison apple ; Sleeping beauty and Snow white

Well it seems that Diasomnia and Pomefiore are going to play a greatly important role in the storyline . We were kinda sure of Diasomnia's but Pomefiore's...? What's so special with it?

(A few hours earlier)

(Me : Hmmm ... the black mirror...where have I seen this before..? *googling - searching Snow White- going to the magic mirror scene* Me : Uh...)

Well... here it is : The Crowley's beloved flower of evil , back at his days with evil queen

feeling old yet ...?

Btw , just how important is being "the fairest one of all "to him ? How 'far' would he go to be the fairest...? With the bitten apple in the last few seconds of opening , it most likely seems that he IS gonna 'kill' to be the fairest again ...Who would he kill ? We don't know . But how about our pretty small guy Epel? Could it be him ? The stubborn freshman who refuses following Vil around and is usually mistaken with a girl......?

Also , why would the original mirror be so important to Crowley? If Vil's supposed to represent evil queen , why isn't 'he' the one owing the mirror...?

And now , the spindle wheel .Great maleficent's legacy , in the hands of Crowley...Well well this is 'too' much . Malleus' family treasure being kept hidden in NRC... pathetic

Also , the mirror which Vil broke in the opening . Well well seems like he isn't having the original magic mirror , afterall....

But wait , if there's the spindle wheel , who's gonna be the evil witch to pull the sweet princess to eternal sleep..? Right , there's only one who might be...

Well we talked about all we'd got so far , but what about Grim ? Isn't anyone going to mention his importance or why he was also mentioned in this chaotic final seconds of opening ???

So... this is what we had in the final seconds :

1)The apple

2) Crowley

3)The black ink

4)Grim

5)The spindle wheel

We talked about all of them except nu 4 . But before that , I've got the same question as before : Why is it "Sleeping beauty" & "Snow white"..?

We discussed the "overblot Grim " hints in (part 2), but here's another thing :

Very well , ever heard of "Grimm brothers"...?

In the case that you don't know who they are , here' the point : They are the authors of 'original' versions of sleeping beauty & snow white; two of the darkest , deepest and possibly creepiest stories of their own throughout the history

I believe that most of you are familiar with the original versions , but you may like to take a look at these two if you haven't yet heard of them check the two of these stories out : (note: I'm aware that there are darker , deeper versions of these too but I'm not gonna mention any of them because : 1)They aren't written by Grimm brothers & 2) They include overly sensual and inappropriate content which has no place in my posts . If you care to know about them , check them at your own risk)

Alright , if you ever wondered who was Grim named after , I guess we've got it now . Mentioning Grim , Snow white and Sleeping beauty together at once is too direct to be a coincidence ...but it's also terrifying ...

Thinking that Disney is actually referring to the original books written by Grimm brothers is a bit too dark... Original stories are really horrible and a great way to ruin one's childhood , but all these hints fit each other way too great and now , they may no longer be just a coincidence...

[grayyxv]

An Analysis of Portgas D. Ace

Alright I decided to do this since people actually enjoyed the analysis i did for Kid. Also, i find myself relating to him more and more recently. So, I thought: why not do an analysis of him?

Ace is undoubtedly one of my favorite characters in all of one piece so this might segway to become a "Why is Ace such a good character?" post.

Before I begin, just a disclaimer; I am aware that not everyone will agree with what I say so just make sure you understand that this is just my opinion. im just a psychology student so im just using whatever crap i learnt into analyzing this.

* This post might contain spoilers *

Here we go.

I think we can all agree that Ace is definitely one of the most loved characters in one piece. He has a shit ton of fans so i dont even NEED to convince you on why you should like him. But of course, there are fans that like him only because of his appearance or because of his abilities. So, id like to offer a different perspective- the same goes with my Kid post. Im just here to kind of breakdown the reasons why Ace is such an amazing character such that we can all appreciate him even more.

1. Background

Let us take a look at his background shall we? I think this is a very important part of Ace's character as all his choices and decisions stems from how he was raised during his childhood.

In the recent chapters of one piece, they showed a panel of Roger saying how he wanted a son. But we all know how that went. He was dead so he couldnt take care of Ace. Instead, taking care of Ace became Garp's responsibility, then it shifted to Dadan's responsibility.

Dadan was Ace' primary caretaker. While she provided and place for him to stay & food to eat, she isn't really shown spending time with him. She cared for him, that's for sure. But did she meet his emotional needs? I dont think so. Spending time with a chuld is very importsnt for their growth. But Dadan did not do that. It's evident that Ace displays the insecure-avoidant attachment style as he is unconcerned about his caregiver. This led him to develop trust issues as he got a bit older.

Another reason that could explain his behaviour in his childhood is that no one tried to address the relationship between him and Gol D. Roger. No one took time to acknowledge Ace's feelings about Roger. Everyone around him had said that he was an amazing man, but no one understood Ace when he said that Roger wasn't as great of a father. This led him to resent Roger even more- as well as the people who praised him.

Sabo's 'death' really affected Ace. Sabo was the first person who accepted Ace and I guess Ace must've grieved over him. (I mean, he does have a tattoo in memory of Sabo) But, Sabo was the reason why Ace decided to become stronger. So that he could fight for whoever he cared about.

2. Love

This is arguably the main theme in Ace's character.

His whole character arc revolves around acceptance and his goal in life was simply to find someone that could love him for who he was- not because he was the son of Roger. As explained above, he had attachment issues as he wasn't really shown any love as a kid. The firet person to accept him was Sabo then eventually, Luffy. It's unclear how Sabo and Ace met but, Sabo was definitely the first person to help Ace open up his heart. This is purely hypothetical but I think Ace saw similarities between himself and Sabo which eventually led them to becoming friends. On the other hand, he took a long time before he accepted Luffy. Luffy was an interesting child because he was so persistent in getting Ace's attention and acceptance. I'm sure Ace must have felt confused as to why someone would try so hard to even be accepted by him. Was it because he was Roger's son? Or did Luffy really want to befriend Ace because of who he was? When they became sworn brothers, it had meant that Ace was going to sacrifice everything for Sabo and Luffy. They followed different paths but Ace never stopped caring for them.

Moving on to the point where he first joined the Whiteheard pirates, this is when he experienced what it was like to have a family. Over time, they taught him about how a family should be like. They showed him unconditional love and sheltered him from those who would try to harm him. In return, he does the same for them. This was when Ace had found his purpose. His purpose was to protect those he cared about and those who cared about him.

3. Marineford

This is where Ace's character really was at its peak. We see that everything that we have understood about Ace makes sense as they are reflected in his actions. Him going after Blackbeard after he killed Thatch, then getting captured. But, this is where we learn that Ace is still struggling with his issues. He doesn't want to be saved because there's a part of him that thinks that no one cares about him. He thinks that nobody would bother risking their lives for him so, he didn't ask for any help as he didn't want to ne disappointed when no one came. At the same time, part of him clung on to that hope that he could be saved. That maybe just one person would come and rescue him.

As an audience, his conflicting emotions really impacted me because his feelings are all too real. What do i mean? This is kind of personal but, if you have ever struggled with mental illness you'll understand Ace's feelings. I've dealt with depression all my life and I could really relate to his feelings. Sometimes I wonder if I'm worth the effort, if there is any point in me living. Does anyone really care about me? Even if you don't have a mental health condition, surely you must have had times where you were in despair. That is when you wonder to yourself if there is any point in clinging onto hope. If there is anyonr that could save you from this situation. I think this side of Ace's character is so well written because it reflects reality.

The most heartbreaking scene is when Ace protects Luffy from Akainu. Some people argue that Ace's death was his own fault as he shouldn't have gotten agitated when Akainu insulted Whitebeard. But, you need to understand Whitebeard's relationship to Ace. To Ace, Whitebeard was the man that gave him everything a father would have. He was there for Ace physically and emotionally. He literally was the one who gave Ace the confidence and strength to fight for who he loves. So, I think that his actions and choices in that scene is perfectly valid. It fits his character.

Finally, Ace's death and his last words.

"Thank you for loving me."

This fucking broke my heart.

Everything about Ace's character is coming in full circle. His past, his choices, everything had been leading to this moment where he would die protecting the one he loved. He had finally achieved his goal in life- which was to find someone who could love him. He must've felt so fucking happy when he saw how so many people were willing to fight to save him. He finally attainted the happiness he had been searching for so, so long.

Then, he died.

This is going to segway a little but I really, really couldn't accept his death because he didn't deserve to die. Don't get me wrong, I do know how important his death is for the story and Luffy's character but I still can't accept that he couldn't live out the rest of his days happily. Also, the fact that he never got to see Sabo again just fucking breaks my heart because Sabo was the first person in his LIFE to accept him. (that is why i ship them lmao)

Anyways.

In summary, I think the reason why everyone loves Ace so much was because they could see themselves in his position. We can understand his conflicting feelings, his fears and worries because they are a reflection of reality. We desire for the same thing as he does: Love and acceptance. Which is why, we root for him. In times of despair, he clings on to hope- much like how we do in real life.

With that said, like how Ace deserves all the love in the world, you do too.

You deserve better.

TLDR; i love this man so, so much

[branwyn-says]

i just want to tell you that while i haven't read new sherlock fic in literal years and have no interest going back to that fandom or browsing the ao3 tag ever again, compatible damage is so important to me that i reread it regularly and if i ever got an e-mail notification saying you updated it, i'd drop everything immediately and check it out. this isn't meant to be a shitty please update ask though, i just want to say that i have a lot of feelings about that au and i appreciate your writing!!

You’re wonderful. I feel the same way about Sherlock fandom but sometimes I wish I could get back into that headspace just so I could finish The Silences, Here is how that story was going to go, if anyone cares: --The premise of the story was that it would mash up the basic plot of the Arthur Conan Doyle story The Abbey Grange (Holmes decides to let a naval officer off the hook for killing his friend’s abusive husband) and the Holmes backstory from The Adventure of the Gloria Scott (Holmes’ bff at college was a guy named Victor Trevor whose dog bit him on the ankle). --The same early 20th Sherlock Holmes pro fic (the Baring Gould book) that gave us William Sherlock Scott Holmes as his full name speculates that Mrs Hudson came into Holmes’s life via the Australian criminal named Hudson who blackmailed Victor Trevor’s father. --In my fic, “The Silences”, Victor Trevor and Mrs. Hudson have a close bond, because she was around his family when Victor was a kid and when her husband died it was good for both of them. He was abusive and Victor saw the ugliness and pain of all of that first hand. 

--Years later, after going into Ambiguous Spy Work following a naval career, Victor finds out that an old friend, Mary Foster, is now trying to escape an abusive marriage. He tries to help Mary get out, but when her husband finds out, Victor kills him, and the case is unsolvable by the police because Victor is MI6 and just that good. --...Yeah I am just now realizing that the plot of this story is basically John Reese’s back story from Person of Interest which explains a whole lot now I think about it. --Anyway, in the period between “I have to get Mary to safety” and “oops never mind, the abusive jackass is dead”, Victor writes to Mrs Hudson: “Do you happen to know if Sherlock is still alive because I would like to discuss A Situation with him.” Mrs Hudson gives Sherlock that letter, prompting Sherlock to reach out to Victor. --Victor has already committed the murder he wanted Sherlock’s help to avoid having to commit, so...he acts real cagey. But he’s a spy so, that tracks, and Sherlock is not that suspicious at first. --But Lestrade has been tasked to solve the murder of Sir Eustace Brackenstall because blah blah important dude unsolvable case, so he attempts to get Sherlock and Joanna in on it. Joanna is down. Sherlock is, “No, my one purpose in life is to tend to Joanna’s medical needs until she is fully recovered.” Joanna: Getting you out of the flat is a medical need that I have. On account of, you are suffocating me. Sherlock: That’s just the opiates I drugged you with talking. --This story was always meant to be the culmination of the <a href=“https://archiveofourown.org/series/13134”>Compatible Damage series</a> theme of “Joanna Watson has expert knowledge of how trauma and domestic violence cause people to behave in irrational ways that baffle Sherlock’s deductive logic” --Because Joanna is recovering from the serious injuries sustained in <a href=“https://archiveofourown.org/works/294574”>Let Sense Be Dumb</a>, she spends a lot of time chatting with Mrs. Hudson while Sherlock is investigating for Lestrade and getting reacquainted with Victor. Mrs. Hudson talks a little about her awful marriage (this was all plotted out long before there was any Mrs. Hudson back story in BBC canon) and thus, Joanna is very In That Headspace where she’s having trouble with the concept that healthy relationships can exist, especially heterosexual ones. (I am not sure if I ever made it clear but Sherlock and Joanna are both biromantic and slightly ace spectrum in my stories.) --Things are very tentative between Sherlock and Joanna. They’re both aware that they want intimacy with each other, of some kind, that they love each other, to the extent they understand what that means, but how the hell do they proceed? Joanna’s in bad shape, Sherlock is constantly anxious and overprotective and slightly smothering in his nursing duties, and is also terrible at nursing. Joanna is just tired of Other People and sometimes, Sherlock Specifically. --Mrs Hudson offers to cook a big dinner so they can have a small party and invite Victor and his new fiancee Mary over! This will end well. Actually, it goes great, and Victor is over the moon to meet Joanna and they bond over Sherlock’s baby pictures so to speak, and then Sherlock takes Victor aside for...idk, something, and Joanna and Mrs. Hudson and Mary all have an after dinner tipple and a chat... --...and by the time Victor and Mary are getting into a cab, Joanna knows for A Damn Fact that Mary’s previous relationship was abusive, and that Victor was trying way too hard to charm everyone. She doesn’t say anything to Sherlock because...it’s a friend! A Sherlock friend! She isn’t going to fuck that up! Please get Sherlock out of the flat, Victor, Joanna needs some space! But boy that was some suspicious body language and protective behavior she saw. --Lestrade is coming over a bunch, because he and Joanna are bros, and Sherlock is Unavailable For Detective Work Because Joanna is Hurt, so Lestrade gets Joanna to help him think shit over. So that’s how Joanna finds out that Mary Foster was Lady Brackenstall, until recently. 

--From the outside, there is no evidence of abuse in the Brackenstall’s marriage. Lestrade isn’t even looking at the wife as a suspect or a motive. The “gang of thieves in the area” thing from ACD canon is still his best lead.  --In the ACD story, Holmes stages a mock trial where he exonerates the naval officer, acting as judge, with Watson as the jury. He’s cleared and sent on his way to marry Mary and start a new life. Watson is not thrilled that Holmes is “taking the law into his own hands”, but as Holmes says, furiously, “I am not retained by the police to supply their deficiencies.”  --In this story, that decision is going to fall on Joanna. She is the only one who has figured out, or can figure out, that a) the murdered dude was beating his wife and that b) his wife had a close friend who was dangerous as hell and would do anything to keep her safe. Unless she makes that link for Lestrade, the case will just go unsolved. --And the thing is, she doesn’t even feel completely certain that Victor did the killing. The timing of the murder is off, for one. He would have had to show up at the Abbey Grange house and shoot Sir Eustace more less within an hour of getting back to England. It’s a really narrow time window, and it only creates a bare sliver of possibility, and she really wants to ignore it. --Except, then she and Sherlock have a moment. Joanna tells him that Mary’s husband was abusive, without drawing the connection to Lestrade’s murder investigation. Sherlock doesn’t put the pieces together until the next time he’s with Victor and Mary together. He thinks about what Joanna told him, and he sees how tender and protective Victor is toward Mary. It gives Sherlock a nasty turn, because 1) That is how he looks at Joanna, so does that mean that he and Joanna are supposed to be a couple like Victor and Mary are? and 2) He knows how he feels about the various people who have hurt Joanna, which is to say he wants very much to Kill Them All, and if Joanna got married to another person, and that person trapped her in the house and hurt her on a regular basis, then Sherlock would... well Sherlock would do what Victor undoubtedly did, and kill the fucker. --The resolution, as far as I had it planned out, was that Joanna confronts Mary (instead of Holmes confronting Captain Croker, as in the ACD story), Mary admits it, Joanna feels satisfied that the actual killing really was unavoidable self defense. She feels bad keeping it from Lestrade, but Mary and Victor are planning to leave the country and not return. So Joanna lets them go. --And then she tells Sherlock what happened, and what she did, and is prepared for it to be a Thing, except then Sherlock admits he made the same deduction at practically the same moment, and explains how he came to the conclusion, and they agree that after Victor gives them an all clear, they’ll give Lestrade enough information to close the case.

--And then Sherlock and Joanna awkwardly face down their big big emotions and it’s painful and weird but they smooch, and are a couple, and that is the end of the series.