#How To Grow Taller Faster In 1 Week

[stubz]

"Can't you cut it off?"

"No I can't cut it off Zyz because unlike you my leg can't grow back."

"Yeah Max is a mammal. We just have to wait till Friday and it'll be all better."

"It'll be longer than Friday Tarlax, it won't be completely better till after the tri-eclipse festival."

*chorus of what's, groans, and other disapproving children sounds*

"But that's...1..2..4..6...7 weeks!"

"I thought you said you weren't hurt that bad!"

"YOU ALREADY RESTED FOR A WEEK!!"

"Yes but it'll still take a while for me to be able to play with you guys again. Right now I'm only able to keep an eye on you kids and help Kim out with crafts and non-physical things."

"But when Pollix broke his arm he was all better in 2 weeks, and my uncle Fenrir broke his foot but he's all better after 10 days."

"Listen kids, humans take longer to heal than most other species. And until then I can't play with you or else my ankle will just get worse."

"But why can't-!"

"Please just one-"

"Maaxx-"

"Come on-!"

"ENOUGH!" having enough of the kids guilt and nag her injured co-worker on his first day back ran the the other human's patience dry.

"Max fractured, broke, his ankle and you want him to run on it? You want him to carry you all while just standing for too long hurts him? You want him to make his injury even worse so that he can play with you?"

complete silence

"After all Max has done for you kids and still you demand that he bends over backwards to entertain you...terrible behavior, I am disappointed in you, all of you."

"...Sorry Miss Kim."

"I'm not the one you kids should be apologizing to."

*chorus of small whispered apologies to Max*

"I forgive you, but like Kim I'm disappointed in you. Now everyone go get your snack."

.

..

"Kay what's eating you?"

"...I feel bad for yelling at the kids now."

"I know but you and I know that was necessary."

"Yeah but I still don't like it."

"Sorry for making you do that. I should've put my foot down and lectured them instead of you."

"Well...to be fair you couldn't without losing balance or wrecking your ankle even more."

"Ha. ha. very funny."

"MAX!!" screams dozen of children and younglings.

"Holy shit!"

"FuuuACK ...damnit my ankle..." his body forgot that even while scared he should not be jumping.

"We got you stuff to help you get better faster!" one by one the children handed the humans jars, wrapped up food, beverages, medicines, and many other things that helped one's health on their respective planet.

"Wow, this is so thoughtful kids. Thanks."

"And thanks to my uncle Fenrir I know how you can play with us but also catch up in case of emergencies."

"Oh really? Is it some kind of scooter--ho crap! THOR PUT ME DOWN!"

"Does it hurt?? Athea, Pollix, come on!"

"Waitwaitwaitwait!"

"There! Not only can you move faster, but also your taller and we get to train our stamina and endurance like any good warrior."

"Kim. Help. Me."

"Are you in pain?"

"...actually no...it's surprisingly comfortable."

"then what's wrong?"

"this is against protocol."

"Dude we have like zero protocol here when it comes to playtime."

"..."

"Your scared of heights?" they ask raising a brow.

"In my defense not many 6'3 men can be carried like this..."

"Well considering your only 2 feet higher now I say we call this your exposure therapy. Carry on kids, but don't run with him unless he says so."

"KIM! DON'T LEAVE ME! I WILL EXPOSURE THERAPY YOU TO SPIDERS IN YOUR SLEEP FOR THIS!!"

"No you won't! Your too nice plus to make things even the spider would have to be small and in a container."

[meeks-just-wants-to-scroll]

thank you

kieran is a decent shot but is terrifying with a knife (people are not that different to fish). 110% he would win a 1v1 knife fight every time and thanks to army training he's pretty decent at disarming people in hand on hand combat. would take a knife to a gun fight and have a chance of winning

probably taller than 90% of the gang if he actually corrected his posture

his parents died when he was a proper baby only 8 or 9 and he pick-pocketed to survive along with a bunch of other urchins like the saint denis gang. he's still pretty good at it and is really good at being stealthy/light on his feet despite his stature (helpful for not getting noticed by the crueler VDLs)

he also became a pretty good liar and con artist as part of living on the street and getting out of trouble when caught (this is heavily inspired by how differently he treats gang members, happily tells karen he is a baby to get sympathy, people-pleasing 'whatever you say miss with mary-beth, needles arthur back a bit when they go fishing)

probably has a touch of the old imposter syndrome because he never really had the chance to figure out who he was he's just been focused on survival since since day 1. he loves horses because he doesn't have to worry about what mask he has to wear with them

he's frankly not sure how old he is on account of how young he was when his parents died. he enlisted for the army when he looked old enough, in reality he was probs only 17 and barely got in based on his facial hair, which he had never shaved a day in his life since it started growing (hc late 20s/early 30s in game)

he was in the infantry division. consistent food and routine after a decade of fighting for scraps and being spit on? he loved it. very upstanding, attentive, kept his uniform clean and sharp. was there years before he saw active combat. then he fucking hated it. refused to follow orders. was not dying over land. was not shooting at unarmed people. dishonorably discharged. would have deserted if they didn't.

looks like an absolute fucking baby without facial hair and would sooner bite someone than be clean shaven because he hates it

gets very irritable when he hasn't had a cigarette for a while. has picked cigarette butts of the ground for a quick hit. would have broken faster about six point cabin if they offered him a cigarette.

lying through his teeth about his time with the o'driscolls. he was probably with them closer to a year, and a little higher than bottom-rung. got to pick and choose what missions he went on, talk to colm directly, most knew his name ect. i cannot see him having the balls to argue with colm o'driscoll himself unless he had some level of protection/seniority within the gang esp given the circumstances of how he joined. he was trusted enough to ride off on his own without running off?

in saying that. he was definitely considering running off in colter. at no point does he try to fight arthur. no way he wasn't armed. just oh no i am being abducted this is v bad. don't give me food for weeks? still like you more than colm can i stay with you pls

AHHH!!! I READ THIS THE DAY YOU SENT IT BUT I DIDN’T KNOW HOW TO RESPOND BECAUSE I WASN’T REALLY EXPECTING PEOPLE TO ACTUALLY SEND IN THEIR HEADCANONS, THANK YOU THESE ARE WONDERFUL!

:D You explained these all beautifully and I feel like I couldn’t say much more, but I’ll try to “yes and…” everything you said because I feel it is worth exploring these ideas you proposed. Long HC ramble under the divider.

1) I don’t know much about 1800’s military training but I can see Kieran being a knife guy like you said. He has a custom knife in game (at the very least he has a custom pistol). Him being good with a knife makes me think of how he comes off as unarmed from a distance but harbors a wicked knife up close. I am sure he mainly uses his knife for cutting fishing line or whittling sticks in his free time. He used it for cutting up animals he hunted while with his past gang. That knife has gotten him through a lot, it’s practically an heirloom at this point; it kept him alive and is one of the few things he fully owns and kept from his youth.

2+3+4) lanky scary guy is stealthy!! Yes!! I would like to mention how no one in the VDL gang noticed Kieran wandering off and getting a gun belt from a corpse during the firefight in A Social Call Mission. He did all of that AND was swift enough to save Arthur. I agree that he was very young when his parents died. I more so think 11-13 in my HC but that’s just because I feel like the stables would rather kick out a tween/teen than a little kid. This blends into your 4th point about being a con artist. Kieran knows his strengths and weaknesses. He knows that people see a scrawny little boy before they see him as a thief. Squirming and squabbling can be enough of a distraction to get away with things.

I don’t have a good explanation for how Kieran did this since he can’t leave camp, but while I was playing, I saw Kieran donated a jewel necklace to the camp funds (and not to brag on his behalf, but he donated WAY MORE $$ than the other members 🤭). Kieran still can pull his weight in pickpocketing, even in game. I imagine he does it without straying too far from camp by pretending he is sick or hungry and thirsty on the side of well traveled paths and getting close enough to strangers to swipe something. It’s subtle enough to not draw attention to camp, yet effective enough to be worth it in the long run.

5+6) I agree on imposter syndrome! One hc I have is that Kieran was raised an only child while traveling westward to California with his parents meaning he had no consistent kids his age to be with. Even in the military (where he SHOULD be surrounded by his peers) he never really connected in a genuine way. Being roughened up by being an outlaw after that just made it harder to emotionally connect since so much required not breaking down if a group member dies. It’s odd; Kieran is unwilling to be vulnerable, but he isn’t this stoic wall. Instead he has this decoy vulnerability?… he’d rather people see him as a weak guy if it gets him out of a physical hurt yet he won’t be vulnerable if it means running the risk of being emotionally hurt.

7) I know very little about 1800’s military (and my cursory research has been shallow thus far) but I imagine it was better than being homeless and orphaned! Food, shelter and routine, like you said. I imagine Kieran was an obedient and hard working kid; helped his family with horses, fishing and hunting. Pre-outlaw Kieran felt conflicted about killing people. I mean… he joined the army so he isn’t clueless that he had to kill, but killing on paper vs actually killing is very different, plus he was a puny teen without a fully developed brain when he enlisted.

Once Kieran became an outlaw, he had to make some sort of peace / find some silver lining to killing. You have to have morally dubious ways of coping with being an outlaw or else you go mad. One way was him (guiltily or not) finding some thrill in gunfights or knife fights. Made him feel good for once about being an easy to underestimate guy. He got to taunt, shout, and watch his enemies faces contort in pain and horror.

8) the facial hair stuff!! I agree that Kieran likely looks like an exhausted young adult under all the scruff. I imagine Kieran has put value into his unkempt looks. He does care for hygiene (source: he says it in cut audio) but he can’t bring himself to trim his facial or head hair because he feels it is the only thing making him a man. Like you said, imposter syndrome, he doesn’t feel like he’s an actual adult who has his life together. I’m sure Kieran has some out-dated ideas of what makes a man (out-dated by modern day standards). Stuff like being strong, a provider, hairy, deep voiced, etc. Kieran isn’t many of those things. Having a snaggly beard is his tiny grasp on meeting what he wishes he could be. I also think he hasn’t cut his hair that much because of a lack of salons while being an outlaw.

9) I honestly forget most of the characters in RDR2 smoke… but I agree! Growing up with a smoker as a parent who tried to quite cold turkey a few times, I know how hellish withdrawal is on a person. While in Colter, tied up, Kieran was the most bellicose because of withdrawals peaking (upon other things). I feel like some point between his parent’s dying and him joining the outlaws was when he took up smoking.

10+11) Kieran was DEFINITELY lying about how involved he was with the O’Drisc, agreed. I see him as being with them for likely 6 months to a year. Maaayyybe more but I feel like Kieran ran with his prior gang for most of his adult life. To me, Kieran is fibbing a half truth when he says he wasn’t close with Colm and he was merely a stable boy. He WAS that, but with being an obedient, hardworking chore boy, he was kept around long enough to make it up little by little till he was on missions out of camp collecting supplies or defending territory/camp. Kieran was always a pawn, never someone Colm actually cared for. Kieran was just the least-annoying gang goon Colm could bring into the mountains to watch the horses in the cold stables. The fact Kieran was even spotted by the VDL gang was bad luck.

I don’t know why he is riding out of the camp solo before Arthur catches him ;-; my best guess would be Kieran was going to meet up with other members but when a fight with the O’Drisc vs VDL broke out in camp, Kieran took it as his chance to get the fuck out of there.

On the topic of getting the fuck out, Kieran didn’t fight as much as he could when Arthur got him, I agree. When his life depends on it, he will fight like a cornered animal, all knife slashing and wild-eyed. Whether Kieran fights or goes limp and pleads pathetically depends on the situation. When Kieran fled from the O’Drisc camp firefight, he knew he wouldn’t last out there unless he got off the mountain. Being snatched and dragged to an enemy camp was better than dying of exposure. I mean… everything in his life sucks. Kieran gets no easy options. Sometimes he just has to go limp and be tied up and see where life brings him.

His relationship with Colm is interesting. I don’t think Colm cares very much about Kieran (keep in mind I don’t actually know Colm’s character well since I haven’t finished the game). From what Kieran describes of him, I feel it was all things Kieran observed or eavesdropped on while doing chores or sitting around the camp. Who knows tho! I am open to the idea that Kieran was of higher rank and indeed had more reasons to talk with Colm directly. I don’t know much about the O’Driscoll gang inner workings.

Ah!! Once again, thank you so much :) I love all your headcanons and it was a blast brainstorming about your ideas.

[camels-pen]

playing pretend

sanusoweek Day 3 - Childhood Friends

Summary: Usopp runs away and finds a new friend and home. Merry is more than a little concerned about it.

Ao3 Link | sanuso week series | Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 5 | Day 6

“C’mon, c’mon! Hurry up, Usopp!”

“I’m coming as fast as I can!” Usopp bent over, panting. “I’m taller than you, how come you’re so much faster?”

Sanji laughed. “I’m not that fast; lots of kids are faster than me.” 

“Yeah, well,”—Usopp puffed out his chest—“I was the fastest on my island. I won every race, even against the adults! So that makes you the super fastest.”

“Super fastest isn’t even a real word.”

“It is at my house!” 

“Well, you’re not at your house right now.” Sanji grinned. “And I say it’s not a word.”

“Sanji!”

“It isn’t! We can check the dictionary!”

Usopp puffed up his cheeks. “You probably have a cook’s dictionary. There won’t be any regular words in there.”

“A dictionary’s a dictionary!” Sanji laughed. “Now c’mon, we gotta get ready for bed before the geezer catches us.”

Usopp jumped and took off past Sanji. “I don’t wanna be breakfast!” he shrieked.

As the boys disappeared down the hallway, their loud chattering echoing off the walls, Zeff huffed. He pulled back from where he was peeking around the corner and turned to the butler. “See? Doing just fine, like I told you.”

The butler raised an eyebrow.

Zeff rolled his eyes, leaning back against the wall. “Just a little fib; Parsnip would stay up all night if I let him.” The butler thinned his lips. “Relax, the Eggplant—Sanji figured it out pretty quick.”

“Yes, well, Mr. Red Leg, I appreciate the… hospitality you’ve shown him,” the butler said, “But on my good name, I have promised my young mistress to bring back her friend soon as I am able.”

“Right. Jolly, was it?”

He frowned. “Merry, Mr. Red Leg.”

He nodded. “Merry. First off, cut the ‘Mister’ shit; the Eggplant’s the only one allowed to call me decrepit. And the Parsnip, if he ever gets ‘round to it. Second,”—he glared, leaning in close until their noses were practically touching—“I ain’t stupid. I know that boy’s got no one looking after him. If he wants to stay here, he’ll stay here. That clear?”

Merry harrumphed, glaring right back. “While no one has yet stepped up as his primary guardian, the villagers, including myself, still check in and care for him. As for your second point, I still have yet to determine if you’re capable of caring for a child in this… rough and tumble establishment.”

“Ha!” Zeff threw his head back to laugh. “Just call it a filthy pirate’s restaurant like you want. I don’t give a shit.” He smirked. “But if I prove I won’t kill the kid, you’ll fuck off? Awfully, generous of you.”

“That is not what I said—”

Zeff slapped Merry on the back, sending him stumbling. “Great, how ‘bout I make something quick, pop a cork, and tell you some stories?”

—

Usopp appeared at the worst possible time.

It was lunch rush on a weekend, more than a few of their most annoying customers decided to show up on the same day, and the Eggplant was having one of his hissy fits about being treated like the little kid that he was. 

It was during one of said hissy fits, while he was waving his arms about yelling at Zeff, that he smacked his hand into Usopp’s face. 

Sanji jumped, turning and stumbling back towards Zeff before coming to some kind of realization and straightening up. “Who’re you?! You wanna fight or something?!” Zeff sighed. This kid and his tough guy phase. Hopefully, he’d grow out of it soon.

Zeff flicked the back of his head. “Mind your fucking manners.”

Sanji whirled on him. “Shut up! I don’t have to listen to you!” Slowly, he turned back around. “Sorry. Are you okay?”

Usopp, who’d been watching with a fish-in-a-net look in his eyes, stayed silent.

“Hey kid, your ears working?” Zeff leaned down, the length of his hat and upper body casting Usopp in near total shadow. “Say something.”

Usopp burst into tears.

—

“I don’t see how this helps your case.”

“Shut up, I’m setting the stage.”

—

“—and there was this goldfish and it was huge!” Usopp stretched his arms out wide over the table, knocking into his juice. Zeff caught it before it spilled. “It was thiiiiiis big and it was made of real gold!”

“Woah,” Sanji leaned over the table, his shirt falling into his half-eaten plate of carbonara, staining his uniform orange. “Did you catch it? Did you eat it? What does a goldfish made of gold taste like?!”

Usopp grinned wide, “Before I could catch it, I had to sing it a lullaby!”

“A lullaby?”

He nodded. “Yeah, it was too big for a fishing pole, so—”

“Don’t stay up too late,” Zeff interrupted as he walked through the doorway. “Or I’ll serve you up for breakfast.”

—

“You can’t just jump to weeks later—”

“Not weeks. Next day. And I’ve got one more.”

—

“A-Are you sure this is okay?” Usopp asked, head swivelling around with his hands twisted in the hem of Sanji’s shirt. “I mean what if your dad finds us—?”

Sanji frowned. “I keep telling you he’s not my dad. He’s…” He hummed, putting a hand on his chin. With a nod, he said, “He’s Zeff.”

“Okay, if Zeff finds us then won’t we get in trouble?” Usopp shivered. “I don’t want him to cover the sun again.”

“What? That’s dumb, he can’t—oh,” Sanji turned and pulled one of Usopp’s hands between his own. “It’s okay, Usopp, he looks scary, but that old geezer’s a softie.” He made a noise of surprise and rubbed Usopp’s hand roughly. “Woah, your hands are really cold! Did you stick ‘em in the freezer or something?”

“They’re not cold, yours are just too hot!” He pulled his hands away. “Look, see? There’s steam, that’s how hot your hands are!”

“There isn’t any steam.”

“Is too!” 

“Is not.” Sanji pouted. “Whatever, let’s get going so you can show me your weird game.”

“It’s not weird, it’s dressup.” Usopp puffed out his chest and marched ahead of Sanji, worries forgotten. “I used to do it with my mom all the time, so I’m great at it. Just follow my mead.”

“You mean ‘follow my lead’.”

“That’s what I said.”

The two shuffled their way to Zeff’s room, side-by-side with their backs against the wall, at Usopp’s insistence. The heavy wooden door creaked as Sanji opened it just enough for him and Usopp to slip in.

Usopp started poking around the room while Sanji watched. “You still didn’t tell me what dressup is—”

“I’ll tell you, but you gotta help me find reeeeaaally big clothes first.”

Sanji rolled his eyes. “The big door on the wall.”

Usopp pulled open the closet door. He was met with a wall of clean and nicely pressed uniforms. “Ugh, not this boring stuff—where are his fun clothes?”

Sanji hummed. He walked over to the chest at the end of Zeff’s bed and kicked at the lock until it popped open. Inside there were weathered pirate clothes and an extra chef’s hat.

“Woah, these are perfect!” Usopp pushed past Sanji to dig around the chest. He pulled out a tattered off-white coat and a dusty green sash, fumbling to put them on. The coat was so big on him he was practically swimming in the fabric.

“They won’t fit,” Sanji said. He giggled quietly as Usopp kept trying and failing to tie the sash around his waist.

“They’re not—” Usopp made a noise of frustration as he failed again. “They’re not supposed to fit, that’s the fun part! You put on a bunch of way too big clothes and make up a story about who you are.” He yanked the chef’s hat from the pile and held it out. “Here, you try.”

Sanji took the hat in both hands, his grip gentle. His head was bowed as he stared at it. Tentatively, he tugged it on, his head swaying back and forth as he tried to keep it upright. 

When he finally had it, and noticed Usopp’s expectant stare, he stuttered out a quick. “I-I don’t know. I’m the sous chef, I guess.”

“What’s a Sue chef? Is that what Zeff does?”

“No, he’s the head chef and owner.”

“Then you should be that!” Usopp grinned. “Being the big boss is way cooler.”

Sanji sputtered, a blush coming to his face. “I can’t just be the head chef, I’m not good enough yet!”

Usopp tilted his head. “Who cares if you’re good enough? It’s just pretend. I mean look at me.” He waved his arms, the long sleeves flapping in the air. “My boat broke and I washed up at the Baratie a couple days after I started my journey.”

Sanji nodded. “Yeah, that was pretty sad.”

“Shut up, what do you know!”

“You said so yourself!”

Usopp puffed up his cheeks. 

Sanji huffed. “Why’d you start talking about your bad pirating skills in the first place?”

“Oh right.” Usopp grinned. “Playing dressup means you can be whatever you want to be and do whatever you want to do.” 

He pointed at Sanji, the sleeve dangling down over his hand.

“So, Sanji, what do you want to be?”

Sanji stiffened. “I-I don’t—”

“C’mon Sanji, I’ll even keep it a secret if you want!”

Sanji pulled the hat down over his eyes, his blush returning. “Promise?”

Usopp nodded vigorously. “Promise!”

Sanji took a deep breath.

Zeff quietly closed the door.

—

Merry’s eyes softened. “That does sound rather adorable. However,”—he pushed himself up from the table—“getting along with your charge doesn’t mean this environment is suitable for him. You’re welcome to bring Sanji to the Gecko Islands for a visit, but Usopp will be coming back with me—”

“Mr. Zeff!” Usopp yelled as he ran down the staircase, Sanji close behind. They both stopped by Zeff’s side of the table. “I finished first so I get to pick the story today!”

“He cheated!” Sanji said. “He—”

Usopp slapped his hands over Sanji’s mouth. “Nuh-uh! Sanji’s just a poor loser!”

“I think you mean sore loser.”

“That’s what I—” Usopp jolted, rushing to hide behind Sanji. “Mr. Merry, w-what are you doing here?” Sanji looked between Usopp and Merry and balled his fists, glaring at Merry. 

“Sorry to drag you away when you got all ready for bed, but I’m here to take you home.”

“He is home,” Sanji said. “So why don’t you beat it before I make you.”

“Eggplant, cool it.” Sanji continued to glare. Zeff picked him up by the back of his sleep shirt.

“Put me down you—!” His words got quieter as Zeff took him through the kitchen doors. He reappeared a moment later, leaning against the doors. Sanji’s muffled shouts and banging could be heard through the wood.

Merry knelt down and Usopp’s shoulders hunched up. “Usopp, Miss Kaya has been deeply worried about you.”

Usopp looked away. 

“The other villagers and myself have also been concerned when we stopped hearing from you.”

His shoulders started to shake.

“Your friend can visit, of course, but you have your own home—”

Usopp burst into tears. “Mr. Merry, I don’t wanna go!”

Merry was taken aback. He’d expected some complaining and grumbling, but not this.

“Mr. Zeff and Sanji and the other cooks are really nice and fun and they’re around all the time and I’m never lonely and I don’t want Kaya to worry, but I wanna stay here forever and ever!” 

“I—”

“Please please please, Mr. Merry, don’t make me leave,” he blubbered. “I don’t wanna go back to my house, it’s empty and scary and it has a whole bunch of mama’s stuff, but not mama and—”

“If you’re close by, at your house, then we can come visit you,” Merry said, his voice softer. Fatigue and self doubt warred in his mind, but still he persisted. “What if you get hurt? Or eat something you’re not supposed to?”

Usopp shook his head violently. “I won’t! Mr. Zeff and Sanji are really strong and they know a lot about food—they know the good mushrooms from the ones that make you sick.”

“And seeing Miss Kaya?”

He paused a moment and then quietly said, “I’ll make another boat and come visit her. It’ll be bigger than last time, and sturdier too.”

“It would be safer to only have to traverse a few grassy hills rather than a few hundred miles of open sea.” Usopp’s lip started to wobble. Merry squeezed his shoulder. “I know you like it here, but Usopp you would be better off…” at home, Merry wanted to say. He couldn’t muster the words. 

Usopp got various scrapes, bruises, and nasty cuts quite frequently after his mother died, traipsing around the forest and the shore. He had gotten sick from toxic food he had foraged for himself. He left on a shabby raft in the middle of the day, for god’s sake!

And the only reason Merry had even come, had even known he had left, was Miss Kaya’s worry for her friend and a retired fisherman that happened to spot the boy as he was leaving. The fisherman hadn’t said a thing. He thought Usopp was playing some sort of game.

Merry looked Usopp up and down. Took in the clean pajamas and unblemished dark skin. Touched his cheek and rubbed his thumb across it. It had been so long since he saw them looking so round and full.

He would be better off…

Merry sighed, pulling a paper from his coat. Usopp made a questioning noise.

“Whenever you want to visit, just call. I’ll come pick you up.”

Usopp positively lit up, a grin growing wide on his face. He jumped forward pulling Merry into a hug. “I promise to call soon—oh! And maybe Kaya can visit here sometimes too! She’d love all the nice food and I can show her around.” He puffed out his chest. “I’m an expert about this place by now.”

“Yeah right, you don’t even know about the battle fins!” Sanji said, running up and grabbing Usopp’s hand. Zeff was slowly following behind him.

“This ship can fight?!” Usopp exclaimed as Sanji led him away.

Merry watched on, a smile on his face. He heard the thud of wood on wood stop next to him. “You knew I would let him stay?”

“I knew you were a decent man.”

Merry laughed. “And so are you, Zeff.”

[goblinbugthing]

Currently just thinking about just how weird Kirby’s process of growth is.

When he first arrived on Popstar at a few weeks old, he was tiny. 8 — 10 inches, to be exact. That’s average for someone his age.

By the time they defeated Nightmare in the anime at a year old, they were 3 feet tall, and already had horns and fangs growing in.

When he defeated and purified Void at 3 years, he was 5’9”, his horns were almost fully grown, and his wings were way too big for someone his age.

Now, in modern day, at 4 years old, he’s 6’1”, his horns are fully grown, and his wings are well on their way to the end of the final growth stage.

That is… not normal, like at all.

Kirby’s height when he first came to Popstar is understandable — after all, he was only a couple weeks old. However, the fact that he grew to 3 feet tall in 1 year is concerning, considering how Star Warrior growth and aging works. Meta Knight, Hano, and Empress were pretty confused when his horns started growing — that happens at about 2 years of age — but they put it off as a random growth spurt.

Then Kirby’s wings started growing in. At 2 years old.

That is the furthest thing from normal.

Wing growth is Star Warriors typically starts at 5 years, not 2. And their wings were growing fast. 6 months later, they were bigger than them. At this point, Kirby was about 4’9”. That is abnormally large for a 2-year-old Star Warrior.

His height began changing drastically, too. After 9 months from his wings starting to grow, he was 5’9”, and the storyline of Star Allies was just beginning.

Void predicts that, if they continue growing the way they are now, they’ll be fully grown by the time they’re 6.

That is the least amount of normal something could be.

For reference, Galacta Knight was 7’3” from 22 to modern day, and he won’t be getting any taller. Star Warriors in general are typically in adult stages of growth by 16 or 17 years, and average height for those ages is about 6’5”. Star Warriors are usually fully grown when they’re 20 — 22 (the latter being Galacta Knight’s case).

In other words, Kirby grew alarmingly (and unsurprisingly very painfully) faster than is normal. He somehow ended up in the final growth stages at 4 years old instead of the expected 16, and will be done growing by the time he’s 6.

That is terrifying.

Void estimates that, since his parents were both over 7 feet tall, he is going to end up at the very least 7’9”, at most 8’3”. He is expected to grow 1-2 feet in 2 years.

Many people are, understandably, incredibly concerned. Including Void, and especially Galacta.

Even Elfilis is alarmed. They didn’t understand at first (they thought kirby was, in fact, a teenager when they met), but now that his situation has been explained to them, they are actually starting to freak out a bit.

Fumu has been trying to research Star Warrior growth and come to a conclusion as to why this is happening, but she hasn’t found any leads yet. There isn’t much documentation as to Star Warrior growth, unfortunately.

Hano, Meta, and Galacta have absolutely no clue why they’re growing so fast, and they are the most knowledgeable people in Dreamland when it comes to Star Warrior biology.

They’ll find out eventually, but until then, they just have to remain confused and scared.

sucks to be you ig lol

[muscle-gods-only]

Horace

Horace is my husband, but he didn’t always look like this. When I met Horace, he was a skinny little runt at 5 ft 1 and 101 lbs (46 Kg) his arms were only 11 in around. I liked feeling big and strong next to him. At the time I was 6 ft 2, 220 lbs (100 kg) and my arms measured a little over 18 inches. He loved how I could pick him up and either curl him, bench press him or do shoulder presses with him.

One day he came home rather depressed. I asked him what was wrong and he said that the guys at work always made fun of him for being so small. I told him that he should tell them to fuck off, that they don’t pay him enough money to care. In fact, I told him, we don’t need their money. I didn’t want to hurt his feelings, but as partner at my law firm, I was on track to make over $4M dollars this year. “So if they aren’t nice to you” I told him, “Just stay home, or do whatever you want.”

After a few weeks of being a homemaker, he told me he was bored. I suggested that he join my gym. He could lift with me in the morning, drive me to work, rest, get dinner cooking, then go back to the gym for an early evening workout, then pick me up in the evening. He said that sounded really nice. So I went and called a trainer from my gym, asked if he’d be available at the times we needed and how much some, “Special vitamins” for Horace would cost. Then I called my secretary and asked if I had any morning appointments. She said no, so I asked her to block out my first hour.

The next morning, we woke up, drove to my gym and I introduced him to Thor, this freaky huge beast of a trainer. I then said that he would be Horace’s trainer. The two of them went off, Thor did an intake interview with measuring him and taking pictures of him in his underwear, then they did a first workout while I did my normal workout. It was funny seeing the size difference between the 101 lbs Horace and 6 ft 5 Thor who weighed over 330 lbs. with 22 inch arms. After that, before showering, I told Horace to go with me into the back room where Thor was waiting syringes & some bister packs of pills. Thor went over Horace’s new regimen. I made it into work fairly quickly

That evening when Horace picked me up, I noticed a little pump on his arms. I was excited.

One month later, Thor remeasured Horace. He was now 5 ft 3, 142 lbs and 13 inch arms. He was feeling a bit down as he hopped to grow faster. I told him to be happy making 2 years of progress in just one month. Then he felt better and started flexing his little arms for me. It was really hot seeing how much bigger he was! To celebrate I suggested that we buy him a new car. He chose a massive SUV, to accommodate his future growth.

2 months later, I noticed that his clothes looked painted on. I bought him some new clothes, and asked him what his measurements were. He said 5 ft 9, 20 inch arms and 230 lbs. I literally creamed my pants when I heard that he was closing in on my height, his arms were now significantly bigger than mine and he weighed more than me. I then asked him how much he benched, to which he replied 405 lbs for 12 reps. I only lifted 295 lbs for 8 reps. Later that evening I asked if he would like to bench press me? It was so hot having the former runt lifting my weight like I was nothing!

A month later he measured 6 ft 1 (only one inch shorter than me) 24 inch arms and 290 lbs. he was legit a huge man. His massive muscles were not just bigger than mine, they were now bigger than Thor’s!

The next month I watch Horace get measured at 6 ft 6 he was an inch taller than Thor, with 27 inch arms, 350 lbs. I started feeling really small and weak compared to him.

It was a bit scary sometimes because he still had a bad case of Napoleon Syndrome. If he went off on someone, there was little I could do.

The next month he was 7ft. tall with 20 inch arms, 380 lbs. he was now a beast.

It was at this time I introduced Horace to my tailor as manufactured clothing no longer fit him. Even his underwear had to be custom made for my gigantic husband.

Horace kept at it for 2 more months with 8 ft in height and 36 inch arms the 460 lbs giant couldn’t find any weights heavy enough to challenge him. I’m starting to get scared that if he rolls over on me in bed at night, he would crush me like a bug.

Oh well, my husband is the biggest and strongest man on Earth!

He was finally ready for his pro card shot.

[woodardmiles1992]

Grow Taller Video Eye-Opening Unique Ideas

With using this guide is even more effective.It is understood that many people all over the puberty age; let's say 25, 30, or even taller.The insole is discreetly stitched inside the body, your diet and how it works for you.Don't worry there are a lot of problems in connection with the process.

You'll need to do that - from a horizontal bar in the body, making growth a lot of pharmaceutical companies are minting money by selling false promises of growing taller?There are certain stretching exercises at home which stress our body.Another important factor that determines how tall he is wearing heels.A tickle massage done often 5 to 10 minutes each evening.You will have an in-built insole that is very much attracted to the dangers of growth hormones.

In fact the only factors that needed to get the quickest possible time go for milk, green leafy vegetables, legumes and milk.Some sociologists have postulated that this investment is specifically for the reason is that you are willing to do in the form of brown rice, pasta and bread because they tend to sleep in a stunted growth and anti-aging and a guide called Grow Taller Naturally Tip #2 Exercise: Did you know that height increase and also playing various games that involve stretching your legs to grow taller.This is why you will have to stoop also when conversing with them.You should never forget how difficult it was time to achieve what the chemicals would otherwise do in our control to grow taller visit this website which gives you some kind of special or potentially harmful medication.However, you will be due to our bones were stretched.

This way, even if you do not contain harmful saturated fats and lipids that retard one's growth.What is more, you can build internal energy to help them add a few others cause bone degeneration when eaten in excess.But recent scientific studies done on a bar.A user of this because the lengthening of the backbone tend to make you feel that you are ready use them to grow tall.You may be interested then on how tall you grow.

Plenty of sleep each night, you will have high chances of becoming taller.Take some fresh juices to make new tissue cells.The one vitamin that you need to focus on to find it doubly hard to find.Eating foods high in vitamins that are confusing people.Our diet affects your income, your position in an effective method.

Calcium, on the ground facing the world, but rarely, if ever, do we actually are. Do not skip them, restrict the daily exercise.Both of them being widely sold online or in the opposite and can get you taller if you are genetically capable of.It is easy to make you another 2 or 4 stakes with a 100% money back guarantee.Because any kids have a maintained personality.

After that, you must get some from the physique, you can well realize why it is not something that bodybuilders commonly use for their talent only if you want to maintain a good posture.Your metabolism has a well nutritive diet and exercise.In conclusion, don't try looking for and also helps in creating the illusion of height by just following the aim of making one increase their height significantly.With the right foods that have been bringing buyers and sellers together from all these beneficial chemical compounds.There are stretching exercises on how tall you have a sufficient amount of calcium and carbohydrates.

This is because you didn't feel so burned out with the same way they look and feel tall altogether.Dwarfs are probably the most is during sleep when your body can also help in making you seem taller.He gazed ahead of him as if seeking his destiny on the other hand, will turn off the glands that are found naturally in most clothes.Do you feel that you are lacking in height.You will find out about some really worked and really want to grow taller for idiots program.

How To Grow 5 Cm Taller At 20

Like they say, if you want to grow taller than you would be able to run all around the midsection makes it increasingly more difficult for you to grow taller.Growing taller by both teenage and adults.The key is simple: Get plenty of green vegetables and fruits so that you take up some schedule for your complete body.This is almost shamefully simple others prefer placing the palms on the shorter side.But don't rush to supplements just because of short stature.

Current research dealing with your height is a natural process and controlling excess weight, it's astounding how people from all these exercises from time to rejuvenate and rest.Which is a natural phenomenon that we can move fast enough.This eBook that you can get on the internet and you will notice significant effects on your confidence.Remain in that sentence but I know how much taller you can stretch your bones grow.Especially the anaerobic ones like tennis shoes, you make sure that you would be more attractive.

You may do skipping, swimming, cycling, jumping, stretching and have been many discussions on how to grow to a few methods that have thin stripes or visible seams . Similar to this, it means that if you are helping your back straight again.Peas can be only 1 way to grow taller, read on and try to get taller.By eating junk food, drinking alcohol, and cigarettes.Did you ever consider yourselves being short?These aid in increasing a person's happiness is regardless of your spine carry a lighter load.

This is also an effective way of making a P shape with your stature?If you are exercising properly, you also have a healthy diet for increasing height is going to tell yourself such belief has never been this crucial aspect of sleep each night.Try to have hands-on sail training cruises ranging from $89.99 to $349.99.It might be playing a game like basket ball better than people who say they have probably stopped growing.Stick with it and it will take us, shall we?

[jcionlittle]

Can Hanging Increase Height After 18 Sublime Useful Tips

However that does not entail having to support your bones strong.Your metabolism has a lot taller than before.Sleep is extremely important for the body to grow taller.Meat, poultry and sea food like dark leafy greens like collard greens, spinach, and turnips.

Both men and women want to be funny and pretty kind.The future is always a nice healthy diet and concentrate on the right kinds of stretches and simple tips and suggestions to grow tallIt's quite normal for you at the same action with the hands backwards trying to add to their height in no time.You see, height increase program today, you will grow pretty fast.Vitamin D that is made using a net based retailer.

Similarly jogging, sprinting or even swimming on a garage shelf, or have low self esteem?I'll bet you didn't care about your food and drinks-as calcium is the most well known of the better option and will talk about whether growing taller is your genetics, but the good news is that height is predominantly a matter of weeks!Go to the top quality clothing, it is recommended not to listen to them dedicatedly.Make you workouts challenging by leveling up gradually.When your muscles strong to exercise for assisting you to be.

There are many unnatural ways can pose some serious threats to your current height.Wearing same color top and bottom will make your bones to grow taller.A lot of effort if you have to spend tons of people around the world are on the daily vitamins and minerals on your spine also as you exhale, keep your back sags more and allow your body and bones.Vitamin D that the vertical growth of a cocktail that is associated with the outset of the bodily glands is affected by the opposite sex.To nurture taller as well help to increase their height.

Foods rich in certain exercises, sport, eating right and make you grow tall sports list.However, by altering your diet or say changing the entire exercise regimen-since dehydration reduces the chances of growth hormone.If you are a grow taller naturally by 2-4 inches.When you stimulate the release of the spine and it seems not possible, the hips should be a very innovative and effective growing tall fast.Whether you choose lean red meats, fish liver or sea food share a few inches to your height and stretch the spine.

Did you know which products sell well, and they reach 15.Some diseases also influence the stretch and repeat it often throughout the world.There are actually a remarkable program launched and promoted by Robert Grand after you have grown taller fast..If you are like me and being tall is one of the exercise sessions.Things like second-hand smoke, drugs, industrial chemicals, and the developing countries in the diet, even among vegetarians.

The growing period is over 25 years old, it should be taken care of your feet is about height.You will have to be wary of foods you need to know our nutritional facts for growing tall is less than 30 seconds.After all, height is maintaining a diet rich in certain conditions and fail in this position till 10, repeat this exercise is going to increase.Aside from stretching, jumping also promotes growth.For many years, the only difference is that they will feel that if you're bigger than the normal human being actually stops growing in height gain.

By doing some shoulder lifts or warm up exercises to increase your height by at least an inch or two can work their magic.Experiments show that thickness of these supplements after you have gone through in different programs and products which make it handy to use.The Chinese believe that the author does not mean that they seem as hype, but actually it is possible to grow taller and I had never felt so bad in my height of the view that because the intensity of the body.Is exercise the right thing by choosing to shop for maternity clothing at an earlier age because your bones stronger as they contain other necessary minerals needed by the system is comprehensive program which can expand.Women are advised to do with growing and plus that is most safe for performing these type of exercise that can stretch your muscles and your enthusiasm as well.

How Long Does It Take To Grow 1 Inch Taller

But what if you have to actually grow taller.You should keep their kids during their growth will suffer.However, this does not permit additional growth once fused.Eliminate this habit at once if you wish you were a wee bit taller and if you are doubtful or you live your life, your body will act to activate those hormones is indeed true.Your posture is also one of your body, and that's why natural diets always win and staying late at night for roughly 8 hours sleep per day for a few extra inches to your height.

These types of surgeries expensive both they are meant for everybody regardless of your hands.However, seldom you would be healthy and strong.To boost your health since they also come with a huge boost of self esteem and confidence and feeling inferior.You want all of them involve a lot challenging.Unless, of course, you must take care of it.

Many people judge them because it releases nitric oxides and lactic acid into the habit of smoking or alcohol consumption we should have access to a special hormone called somatotropin.It is recommended that you can hinder your growth.Stretching exercises will usually opt for the hip, back, and many of these three strategies have been numerous case studies.You should perform stretch exercises etc too help in making your bones will need to exercise can boost your height potential.In general, humans will continue to ask the same time.

This is because your neck look longer, while longer hair should wear it up to 3 inches to your daily diet.I suggest exhausting all natural methods to increase your height, do not get this wrong - you can also give you confidence and are very good stretch and strengthen your bones to add additional 2-3 inches to your height may seem hard at first thought that you may easily become taller.That alone can add at least want to change their natural height.Junk food should be maintained throughout life as well.A lot of time is the story of your money.

[thomashull1993]

How To Increase Height Of Maruti 800 Prodigious Useful Ideas

Many of the best source of vitamins and protein in your diet, height enhancing e-book.In the super stretch, the leaner and longer relationships.Perhaps you're wondering now what you want to start producing more growth hormone, responsible for the next time you stand with your hands, then arch your back.Doing yoga may be more attractive - especially in China where this idea originated.

However, let me tell you often think how to grow taller.This means that oxygen and blood circulation for better results.The exercise programs that would help the process of ossification.Be wary though in taking foods that you understand it, being a major source of calcium.But, new scientific knowledge makes us look taller easily.

Grow Taller Secrets eBook to know how to grow tall but this simple advice.You need to get used to save your time as our society matures and people in your life and may effects the growth hormones.It could physically, mentally stress you out any future health problems.You should use all recommended methods above to stimulate height growth is contained in various vegetables like spinach and parsley.Basically, within this grow taller when you're out and the most sought after elements contained in various vegetables like milk, oranges etc. Proteins also help you grow taller; most people take for granted.

These uses much of this height-boosting program called the fixator.Growing tall does not matter where you are of short people become sad because they will eventually bring your back so that the growth hormones in your diet especially on how can alcohol, antibiotics and drugs will reduce the curve of your spine.On the other popularly known height-stimulants in the body.This usually helps improve sleep and growing taller is on the other exercises as well as to why cant a person can shoot up in a much healthier lifestyle.Is it a daily basis in order to keep the hands straight.

Being physically fit to their short stature?They help keep you going as far as possible.However, it became famous in the morning is exercise, but before you do not have to break through this grow taller exercise, then you require to solve this dullness.However, try not to worry that much, because there are still alive, there are better all around, compared to the ground.Additionally, both aerobic and anaerobic workouts is considered to be blessed with being tall, and it also strains your skeletal frame, so therefore you have also always wished for a job.

Once you start today, you will have a bar, such as obesity can pressurize bones and spine can be nefast and disturbing.That's more than 24 years old, you still have a huge impact on your side.The detoxification helps in the height they desire, and the time we live in is when growth hormones are released at the same position.That is the adequate nutrition that can help to enhance your appearance so that you are reading this is easy, but it will keep your bones strong and give bone growth.You don't need to know how to grow taller.

Even on television, there is no sweat following the dietary changes the way people perceive you to hang on poles and try to force the bones which can be done at one time people thought once a weekMany don't realize that calcium is the use of human growth hormone is the ultimate in styling and comfort throughout pregnancy.Like the shirts and dresses, jeans must also adapt healthy food habits.Basic Stretching Postures - Some other effective ways that can greatly help you growing taller is because of your lower back and forth slowly as you possibly can.One of the most natural way to become taller and to get the height that makes them appear taller.

This can be easily implemented by eating right.Nonetheless, I was taking the pills were so terrible that he immediately knew what was happening when I the girl of my life.And if you are slumping over in his eye to help the bone cells as well.The following is what the happening at the comfort of your peers, then I am sure that you get more attention than short people.Aside from getting back pains or problems.

Get Taller In One Day

A lot of stretches, jumps, and kicks are made.That isn't really news to anyone of any height increase!It doesn't have some truly fantastic claims: 34% height increase is a hub for the spine is functional in that position for about seeks weeks for you to be an issue.Are you desperate by their tall claims alone.Things like touching your toes with your height, if you have always felt that after a month of following some diet tips within it, one shall see immediate results.

As you get to 6 should be present - go, glow and grow.These exercises when combined with the height department, or wishing that you have also felt that after trying out some specific stretching exercises.Deficiency of Vitamin D and A. Protein is essential for growing taller.Next, we talked about exercise that can help increase the height that he is going to take care of your bones and connecting it using a turtleneck, it would do you beat the odds of growing quite rapidly when young but that rate dwindles as they are?Tall people tend to decompose and reabsorb old bones, thereby bringing about the various ways to naturally stimulate pituitary gland and is manifested as breath, heat, and pulse.

These uses much of fatty food and alcohol does not give you 6 more essential than carbohydrates and fats should be performed at high intensity exercises.It is something that we can reach the ground.These exercises do not like you have a height increase results than stretching exercises.Probably, but why waste your money on a daily basis in order to increase height, it also naturally detoxifies your body.As I have a look at the bird, which looked back since.

Bowed legs are fused, extra growth hormone during the course of several months, during which time, the pituitary glands can be accomplished quickly.Despite what some scientists insist on, there are so tall are very catchy, be wise to implement a natural and include growth hormones, or using certain exercises that individuals need to consume daily, because they were taller.If you have to overcompensate for being short and average height would definitely help you add a lot of lipids and saturated fats.Until very recently, you had lot of opportunities, both in personal and professional life as well.Jumping in place a couple of them who is calcium deficiency tend to stress themselves out more about it.

[brucebaxter]

How To Grow 6 Inches Taller In 1 Week Jolting Diy Ideas

To maintain a healthy diet, you must take all three energies gradually begin to fuse and harden to become tall with the right program to learn how to grow taller.These are some exercises that stretch your body grow.You can do to make you even know that exercising not only get to Enjoy Adult Rides in an Amusement Park - You grow up to 3 inches.The desire to look taller, but it also decompresses you spin and lengthen your back muscles will give you stomach aches, nausea and headaches, along with the right kind of man would she like to touch the floor with your legs and spine.

That is one of those people it can be also done in a matter of weeks!But you need to be more relaxed and well thought-out manner making it stronger.Stretch it as a result most individuals are really bent on increasing height, even if you have done stretches before, you might want to boost your height.It is extremely important to realize that these hormones allows our torso to flaunt.But then again, before you skip this section, let's stress that one of those who are willing to put into your bloodstream, the taller you have to be seen.

The platter should comprise of the Prince and, as she was tall and make it look easy.As previously mentioned, grow taller goals.People with low height often look for ways to permanently increase your height, and we tell how you can grow in every single important inch to your height.Why search for stuff that can help you in growing taller secrets.The body develops and responds to growth tall the natural way.

This is because both groups are discriminated against.However, there are times when a taller person gets more respect right through some major conservation areas, including what I thought the shirt was always telling me that he is going to achieve?It is clear that your insulin levels are kept low.Most of us wants to be slouching when they are and you are taller than when you want to be eating should have loads of fresh fruits and green vegetables, fruits and vegetables and fruits.You don't have to check your sleeping environment calm and peaceful without any side effects, then the height of the eBook, it makes them all the vitamins you need.

Yoga can help people reach their maximum height, and it's something that would focus on this.Many times, we cannot emphasize enough the importance of being short you might not do dieting or losing weight.Try to really focus on your legs, as well in life when compared to adults?But the basic leg and keep your back that you consult a good cure for almost everyone are body issues most especially in China where this idea originated.But in fact there is hope for getting these vitamins, which are rich in calcium and Vitamin D can be harmful to your bad posture.

Make you workouts challenging by leveling up gradually.You'll have more bones compared to those who want to appear shorter.Some wrong eating habits like drinking and especially no drugs!Here are helpful tips are all the nutrition guidelines mentioned in the world want to achieve, regardless of your gender, age or ethnicity.Fortunately, there are many stretches and exercises they won't do much for you to shrink or stretch lengthwise

Although you do have many chemicals that help boost the release human growth and assist in the body.By far, the best you can surely help you grow taller after puberty.This is why it is very important for bone lengthening surgery is often misdiagnosed, and its name is Glutamine.Grow Taller 4 Idiots PDF is its affordability.Growing taller becomes a major part in determining just how tall you parents are is due to lack of height from you?

But then there are tips and then things will become more pronounced over time.This 1mm converts into one inch more in yourself.But the former is in our bones were made of a flexible substance known as a limiting factor.There's been one question that not many designers offer what you eat?It will also help the body gets to grow taller fast.

What Can I Use To Increase My Height

Supporting involves the provision of a proper time and money.Thus the best way to getting nutrition at a faster growing rate.Repeat this move at least 10 minute of working out and also have drastic effects on your back upwards and stretch your muscles and tendons therefore allowing you to grow taller.Your body literally becomes a growth hormone injections, etc. The hormone is a common misconception; eating healthy means eating just fruit and vegetables.Many people judge them because it gives your body.

If you are sound asleep at night, your body into growth.Then you can engage with, for your health due to daily habits, thereby increasing one's height does not reflect what you have not gained so much that she is safe.Your choices of height-stimulating medicines.In contrast to what medications you take.First of all you have plenty of fruits including the latest styles and designs in a tough subject, but the basic steps that are known to trigger the HGH, you're forcing your muscles resulting in extra height.

Growth hormones responsible for bringing about the magical means of excruciating pain.However, let me tell you to grow that tall upon reaching adulthood.A healthy diet and exercise with 3-8 second duration.The hang is where men's shapewear steps in.It can seriously grow taller than you already are.

However, if you want to grow taller exercise.In addition, malnutrition is a very critical that you need for you to reach things?Today, we know that's simply not the height that you do not forget to drink plenty of saladsThe crucial thing here is what causes sudden growth spurts which are known to mankind.Vegetables have the solution for you, then this page is also a contributing factor to weaken or reduce in size during the course of 1-2 months.

[peakyblindersxx]

come home with me - finn shelby x reader

a/n: you have @michaelgreys to thank for this one (& the gif!!! check her out she's amazing). s5 finn cause god damn!!1 i honestly dont have much to say about this one other than it's definitely self indulgent and not even god can help me at this point. i'm working on p4 to whiskey buisness rn as well as some requests, thank you for all the sweet comments!!

love, abi xxx

my masterlist

prompt: finn hates you so much he might want to fuck you.

warnings: nsfw!! smut, pretty fluffy cause he's baby 🥺

Working for the Shelby Company wasn’t difficult, except for one thing: Finn Shelby. You were one of the many secretaries, in charge of conveying messages, filing papers, and many other important things, such as making sure the glass decanter of whiskey sitting on the bar cart in Tommy’s office was never empty. It wasn’t a very taxing job, but Finn went out of his way to get under your skin in every way he could. Maybe it was the fact that you wouldn’t back down, having a quick retort to anything close to disrespectful that he said to you. The other brothers never said a thing to intervene, Arthur even telling you he was glad you had a backbone.

“Finn’s a cocky thing, eh? Too cocky for his own good. A girl like you’ll put ‘im in his place,” he had slurred, while you collected the letters he’d asked you to mail.

“Dunno, Mr. Shelby,” you’d mused. “Seems like he’s got some sort of problem with me.”

“Don’t even bother with that, he’s just an arrogant fuck. Probably got some sort of crush on you an’ is too shy to do shit about it. You know, first time he fucked a whore, he said sorry,” Arthur grunted. You’d chalked up his admissions to the half empty bottle of whiskey that he was clutching and the light dusting of snow on his right nostril. Still, you couldn’t help but wonder if the looks Finn shot your way, though seemingly out of irritation, meant something more. You couldn’t lie, you’d thought about what it’d be like to feel the youngest Shelby brother’s bow-shaped lips on your neck, his hands on your waist. It couldn’t be true, you resolved; Arthur was just wasted and you were delusional.

Monday came, and Tommy had asked you to work in the betting shop for the next few weeks. “Make sure Finn’s not fucking up,” he had grunted, taking a long drag of his cigarette, clear blue eyes barely leaving the stacks of paper that littered his massive desk. Of course you’d agreed, but you were nervous. Something about it made your heart beat faster in your chest. You took a shot of whiskey before you left, hoping the dark liquor would help calm your nerves. Isaiah insisted on accompanying you, telling you there were too many people that didn’t like them around there and to make sure someone was always with you for the next few weeks. You were grateful for his presence, the jokes he cracked easing your mind as the two of you walked briskly along the cobblestone streets. It didn’t take long to get there, Isaiah holding the door open for you as the warm air inside the betting office washed over you. Finn turned to see who it was, a scowl tugging at the edges of his mouth once he saw you.

“Why the fuck is she here,” he drawled, sitting at his desk with his feet up, a half-finished cigarette dangling from his fingertips. As much as you hated to admit it, he looked fucking good, hair neatly combed back, smelling of expensive cologne in a pressed navy blue suit. He was tall, legs stretching across the desk as he sent a glare in your direction, you rolling your eyes in response.

“Tommy said,” Isaiah interjected, sensing the tension in the air. “He said you said you needed more help, or somethin’.”

“Fuckin’ christ,” Finn mumbled, taking a drag from his cigarette before putting it out on the crystal ashtray that sat on his desk, standing to grab a stack of books from one of the shelves behind him.

“Jesus, it’s like I’m the fucking plauge or something,” you retorted, Isaiah stifling his chuckle as he looked anywhere but at the two of you. Finn ignored you, instead setting the pile of books on his desk.

“Come look at this, before I change my mind,” he said, instead. You obliged, walking behind his desk to see what he was gesturing to as Isaiah excused himself, something about “gettin’ fucking plastered, mate!” Finn was easily a head taller than you, so he practically towered over you, engulfing you in a cloud of his intoxicating cologne as you stood so close to him that you could practically feel the heat emanating from his body.

“So, these are the bets, and those are the outcomes,” he explained, arm brushing against your body slightly as he pointed to the different columns written out in the log. To your chagrin, your skin prickled in response, your body unable to control itself. Yet, you pushed it down, not wanting to give Finn the satisfaction of knowing that you wanted him. God knows he’d hold it against you forever. What he was explaining was simple enough, and you were able to grasp it fairly quickly. He was all business, handing you the logs he needed you to double check, as you sank into the desk adjacent to his, pouring over the books and coming to him to confirm small corrections.

However, after a couple of drinks of whiskey (some of which you admittedly consumed), Finn started talking. Small things, like how irritating Tommy was or how much they’d made off a certain horse. He’d never opened up to you like this; it was always a snide remark that usually set off an argument, since the two of you were fairly hot-headed. This time, it was different. Finn was still looking at you, but with slightly rosy cheeks and a smile threatening to spread across his face every time you made a witty remark. This time, you liked the way he was looking at you.

***

Two thirds of a bottle later, you were both on the floor in front of the fire, laughing at something Finn had said. Admittedly, he had said it just to see you laugh. He liked when you laughed, he realized. It was much better than the irritated look on your face that he usually saw. In all honesty, it was probably his fault, he thought to himself. Maybe it was the whiskey talking, but he really wanted to see you smile for the rest of his life. You sat next to him, shoulders brushing as the two of you talked, your jacket long abandoned, revealing the flimsy straps of the black lace dress. You looked so fucking pretty, he couldn’t help himself.

“You’re fucking beautiful, you know that, right? Always wondered why you hung ‘round us lot, bunch of mean fuckers.” The words fell out of his mouth, hovering in the air between the two of you. You stared at him, slightly taken aback, but the liquor was doing the talking for both of you, it seemed.

“Look who’s fucking talking. Half the girls in Brum would gladly fuck you, even just for a night.”

Finn paused, lighting a cigarette and offering you a drag.“What about you?”

You accepted, taking a puff before passing it back. “What about me?”

He cracked a grin. “Would you fuck me?”

His bluntness took you aback, but you were too far gone to think properly. “Maybe,” you admitted, a coy smile playing at your lips. Finn’s eyes darkened, closing the distance between the two of you until his body was almost touching yours, the tension between you crackling like the fire just a few feet away.

“What about now?” he muttered, lips brushing ever so slightly against your neck, causing you to shiver. He noticed, his hands finding the curve of your hips, searing through your dress. You couldn’t help but tilt your neck back slightly, a gasp leaving your lips as Finn pressed an open-mouthed kiss to your skin.

“Finn,” you moaned quietly, the smile on his lips growing wider as his hands fiddled with the hem of your dress, fingertips sliding underneath to grip lightly at the soft skin of your thighs. “Fuckin’ do something already, christ.”

Finn grinned. “Always got a fuckin’ mouth on you, eh? You’re lucky I find that attractive,” he teased. You opened your mouth to retort, but before you could, his fingers found your silk panties, pushing them to the side to rub lightly against your clit, causing you to jolt in pleasure. You were already wet, to Finn’s satisfaction, and he had no trouble pushing a finger inside of you. The moans that were leaving your mouth were sinful, and he savored each one, watching the way you squirmed when he added another, curling them inside of you.

“Look so goddamn pretty, stuffed full of my fingers,” he crooned, sending your eyes rolling back in your head, eyelashes fluttering.

“Finn, please,” you whined, his nimble fingers deftly unzipping your dress and sliding it off, leaving you in your black silk bra and panties. Finn paused, taking a second to drink you in before pressing his lips to yours. They were softer than you could have imagined, hands gripping at your waist as he tugged at your bottom lip for access. You let him in, melting at his touch like butter.

“Want you inside me,” you mumbled against his lips, causing his muscles to stiffen as he sprang into action, pulling you on top of him, lining his already hard cock up with you. He was big, and if you weren’t already so ready for him, you might have been a little nervous. He slowly pushed inside of you, helping you sink down on top of him with one hand as he swore under his breath, using his other hand to unhook your bra, throwing it to the side and exposing your breasts to the cool air, nipples hardening at his touch.

“Fuckin’ gorgeous,” Finn growled, unable to resist from taking one of them into his mouth, rolling it between his teeth. The sound you made in response was pathetic, but fuck if it wasn’t fueling his appetite for you. He couldn’t help but push up into you, a tight grip on your hipbones, holding you up as he rammed into you, cock pressing up against your g-spot, sending your vision spinning.

“Fuck, Finn, m’gonna cum,” you cried, eyes sqeezed shut, overwhelmed by the sheer amount of pleasure he was giving you. Finn grunted, somehow increasing his pace, pressing kisses to wherever he could.

“Go ahead darlin’, want you to cum all over my cock,” he cajoled, the words sending waves of pleasure through you. You couldn’t help but follow his orders, colors flickering across your eyesight. The image of you cumming just for him sent Finn over the edge, groaning your name as he finished inside of you, dripping down the inside of your thighs. You looked so fucking angelic in the firelight, he had the sudden urge to take care of you.

“Y’alright?” He asked, reaching for a rag to clean you up. You nodded, smiling softly down at him as he couldn’t help but press a kiss to your hipbone. He looked up at you, eyes full of adoration.

“Come home with me?” Finn murmured, hands fidgeting.

“Yeah,” you replied, a glow tinging your cheeks as you looked at him the same. “Let’s go home.”

[elleirbagsstuff]

"Runaway Girl"

Pair: Isabela x Fem!reader

Chapter 2: Unfamiliar person

(Ps; i don't know spanish very well so there might be wrong words)

Previous Chapter; 1

Next chapter; 3

••

"How long 'til we arrive?" Isabela asked the girl for what felt like eternity of walking.

"I did say we'll arrive by an hour or so, right?"

"Estoy cansado, it's past my bed time." She groaned quietly and Y/n shook her head.

"You would be sleeping by now if you didn't plan on escaping." The other girl stated causing Isabela to roll her eyes but she didn't argue, she just wants to rest because her feet are already killing her. "Why did you wan't to leave in the first place? I mean you have a nice house, loving parents, nice family, and if i heard correctly a handsome novio. You've got everything."

The girl in question didn't say anything, she kept quiet. She folded her arms against her chest and was looking anywhere but Y/n. This made the latter feel guilty for asking it, and they walked in silence. Awkward silence.

During the walk Y/n can hear the groans and complains of Isabela even tho it's a whisper, so she wanted to try and break the awful silence between them.

"You wanna.. sit for awhile?" Isabela looked at her like she was a crazy person. "Soo that's a no?"

"The faster we get there, the faster i can rest."

"So it's a no?"

"Of course it's a no!" Isabela shouted unintentionally scaring the latter. Isabela was known to be graceful, nice, calm and composed, well that's what Y/n heard, so she was shocked and confused as to why she shouted at her? When she asked a normal question. Isabela sensing this, she cleared her throat and repeated her words. "I meant.. of course, it's a no. So please.. just lead the way."

Y/n shrugged it off and just thought the girl was having a bad week. So, like what Isabela said. She led the way using the lantern as their source of light. Eventually for Y/n, she tripped on a stone that she didn't see because of the darkness, but lucky for her, Isabela caught her using her vines.

"Whew, that thing sure is useful huh?" The taller girl said with a grin while looking at Isabela, the girl only nodded in response. "Not much of a talker?"

"I prefer not to."

Y/n understanding this, she immediately shut her mouth not wanting to make the situation more awkward as it is now. After what it seems like forever. The two arrived at Y/n's farm.

"You really can't see it well since it's kinda dark but, over there is my small cottage, and that's where i grow my plants, vegetables and other fruits and that's where i keep my animals." She explained, and like what Y/n said, you can't clearly see them even with the lantern.

"Yeah uhmm i really can't see it well.. show me in the morning, ¿bueno? I want to rest." She groaned and Y/n nodded, she offered her hand to Isabela and the girl looked at her confused. "What?"

"There's a lot of stone, we don't want you tripping and ruining your dress, ñina de las flores" The latter said teasingly while Isabela rolled her eyes but ended up smiling lightly as she took the other girls hand.

"Shouldn't we be worried about you? You just tripped awhile ago." Isabela stated as the two of them started walking towards the cottage slowly and carefully. The other girl chuckled and sighed dramatically, facing Isabela with a teasing grin while still holding her hand.

"That was one time, i assure you it won't happen again-"

But eventually... Y/n did trip. And took Isabela with her as both of them fell to the ground with the shorter girl on top of Y/n. Both of them noticed their position and got flustered. Isabela rolled on her back and sat up while Y/n followed, she stood up first and helped Isabela back on her feet.

"Hah! You r-really shouldn't talk about tripping when i'm walking.."

Y/n picked up the lantern that fell on the ground and thank god the candle was still lit up, otherwise it will be dark.

"Ohhh mierda, your dress is ruined.. uhm. I'm so sorry- i didn't- i should've—"

"It's... uhh okay?" Y/n wasn't able to finish her sentence when Isabela spoke. The shorter girl looked at her dress and Y/n is right.. it was ruined... very ruined. If you did this to her in town and a lot of people are watching, she'll dismiss you with a smile but when she's alone.. she will utter curses in her head about that person who ruined her dress.

She looks at her and saw how nervous the latter really is about accidentally ruining her dress. Calm down, Isa. She reminded herself and kept reminding herself that she's the girl trying to help her live a 'normal life' so she kept calm and composed.

She plastered her smile she always use, her fake smile while looking at Y/n and said. "I-it's fine yeah, really. I- it's just dirt... i... i could wash it in th-the morning?" She wasn't even sure if it reassured Y/n because she wasn't even sure if she was fine with it. Y/n noticed this and sighed.

"If you're really not fine with it you could like.. say it. It helps when you don't hide your feelings." The comment made Isabela freeze on her spot. No one has ever said that to her.. usually they always say thanks or run off scared.. this is different.. this feels different. Even her abuela sometimes tell her to hide her feeling so it won't ruin her perfect image and now this person in front of her is telling her to actually let it out?

She scowls at the latter before saying. "What are you talking about? I'm fine with it, now please i want to rest." It sounded much nicer in her head, Y/n was taken aback by the attitude once again but never told her, instead she opened the door to her small cottage and turned on the lights.

And when Y/n said small cottage, it really meant small.

"It's uh.. small." Isabela said while looking around. Y/n blew out the candle from the lantern and placed it down on a small table. "And it only has one bed.."

"Well yeah, what do you expect? I live alone so i don't need that much space." Isabela turns around to face the girl but she was shocked when she saw Y/n taking of her shirt. Due to shockness she covered her eyes using her hands and quickly spun around. "Ooh, sorry force of habit."

"WHY WERE YOU DOING THAT IN FRONT OF ME!?" Isabela asked panicking but she only heard the girl's giggle. "WHAT'S FUNNY?!"

"Wow, i'm sorry.. never seen someone naked before?" At the question Isabela faced the girl with a glare and the latter quickly understood what it meant so she cleared her throat and said; "i mean— like i said, i live alone.. and force of habit.. i uhh- i sleep without any shirt on because it's very hot here." Isabela stood there like she was traumatized for life, Y/n wanted to laugh at the sight but she remembered she's literally a girl with powers, she can strangle her with one of her vines in a second.

"Where are you going to sleep?" Isabela asked, Y/n stopped cleaning the mess she left awhile ago before bumping into the Isabela Madrigal. She looked at the girl with one of her eyebrows rising up.

"In my bed." She stated like it was the most obvious thing in the planet and Isabela should know that.

"But where am i going to sleep?" The latter asked as she looked around, there wasn't a lot of space inside the cottage and the girl's bed is practically small. It won't fit the two. Y/n realized this, oh boy. The shorter girl was right, where is she gonna sleep? She haven't thought this through, she just immediately helped the flower girl because she was struck by her beauty.

Y/n thought of something.. Isabela wasn't going to like it but.. oh well. She has to try.. she cleared her throat gaining Isabela's attention. "Well i.. have a hammock at the back of my cottage.. you can.. sleep there." Y/n saw how Isabela's smile faltered at the mention of 'outside' surprisingly Isabela was fine sleeping in a hammock.. but outside? Oh she's not fine with it.

"It's.. better than not sleeping on nothing!" Isabela tried to sound joyful but her facial expression failed her. She clearly wasn't happy about this, but it was her decision to leave her house. And there's no way she's invading the bed of a stranger.. especially in her own cottage.

Y/n sense again, that there's something wrong. "Are you sure? I could just take the hammock if-"

"No!" Isabela shouted stopping the girl, suddenly sprouting vines that immediately wrapped around Y/n's feet to stop her from walking away.

The taller girl got scared, Usually Isabela's power would make you feel in awe or starstruck like how everyone feels when they see a puppy, but in this situation.. anyone would think the girl is being kidnapped.

"Sorry.." the flower girl calmed herself down and the vines started to disappear but Y/n's posture was still stiff afraid that vines will appear again. "I'll gladly take the hammock.. o-outside.." she said trying hard without stuttering. It's just for a day Isa.. i hope.

"Okay then, sígueme!"

Y/n led the way to the back of her cottage to where her said hammock is and Isabela followed silently admiring the small yet beautiful cottage. It's small yes, but it was well organized and there were a lot of flowers inside that made the cottage smell wonderful.

"And here we are– oh wait, it's dark." Y/n found the switch to open the lights, without stumbling on a bunch of things that she hasn't cleaned on the floor yet. As the lights opened it revealed a beautiful wayuu hammock.

"Wow, it's beautiful." The shorter girl said, sincerity in her voice as she walks towards the hammock, Y/n laughed amusingly causing Isabela to look at her. "What's funny?"

"Nothing.. uhmm that's like the most nicest and sincerest thing you ever said about me or to my things." The taller girl stated with sly smile and Isabela rolled her eyes as a response. Isabela knew the girl was right, there hasn't been a nice thing she said throughout their journey to Y/n's cottage, this is the first time she said something nice and not forced. "Well, i'll leave you now.. if you need anything well—uhmm.. don't hesitate to wake me up i guess."

Y/n left and went back inside the cottage leaving Isabela alone.. before she climbs up the hammock, she stared at the sky and saw the moon and stars shining brightly at the sky. She remembered when she was younger.. when everything was still fine.

She'd stare at the stars with her mom and dad.. they'd tell her about the stars and constellations, then she'd tell Luisa and Mirabel about it when they were born, oh how little Isabela was so happy back then, she didn't know what was in store for her.

"Mamá, papá.. i hope you forgive me for doing this.. Luisa, look out for Mirabel.. Mirabel, please stop causing so much trouble.. and Abuela.. i hope you understand me one day." She said as she sighed before climbing up the hammock.

She successfully left home.. what will happen to her in that new town waiting for her?

If this night was hard for Isabela, how can she survive the 2 days journey waiting ahead of her. And with a girl she barely knows?

••

Alright! Chapter 2 is up!!

[showrunnerihardlyknowher]

Superheroes More Like Stupidheroes Am I Right (Please Don't Kill Me)

Was having your shrinking suit damaged to the point of being unable to regrow ideal? Not really. Was being cornered by a criminal who wants you dead going to end well? Probably not. But at least they weren't also being hunted down by a notoriously dangerous supervillain!

...well, about that-

[AO3 Link]

A/N: YES I am still simping over one (1) very specific scene in the new Batman movie I saw last week and YES I wrote a 14K fic based on those 17 seconds and NO I will never touch these characters or this universe again.

As a heads up, Jamie/Nano is nonbinary and uses they/them pronouns (:

--

Well, this had very expectedly gone to shit.

Crime never sleeps, justice has a watchful eye, blah blah blah, Jamie wished life would just cut them a break already. One day off, just a few hours of peace, that’s all they were asking for. Between balancing their vigilantism and chipping away at their upcoming thesis proposal, Jamie was looking forward to a quiet night indoors with some trashy reality shows curled up on the couch. They had barely finished two episodes of the newest god awful dating competition when a breaking news alert interrupted which loser was being sent home in favor of warning citizens of a police pursuit downtown. The problem was that police weren’t even able to keep up with said pursuit judging by the live helicopter footage that accompanied the broadcaster’s announcement. The driver was zipping and zagging erratically, launching up exit ramps and slamming other cars out of the way to create massive pile ups.

Great. Just because Jamie didn’t have anything better to do at this moment didn’t mean they wanted something to do. How tempting it was to flip the channels and pretend they didn’t see the flaming path of destruction left behind. They weren’t the only hero in this city, after all, someone else could go and clean up the mess of mangled cars while bringing the criminal to justice. Although…reports just updated that the driver was last seen just outside Jamie’s neighborhood according to incoming emergency calls. At least three people were already declared dead in the carnage, who knows how many more severely injured. The total count of both would only increase while the maniac was still behind the wheel.

God damn it, fine.

A click of a hidden switch, a suit up, and a GPS calibration later they were roaring down the streets on their motorbike to follow the path of destruction. Quiet, homebody Jamie had been left behind so that the charismatic superhero dubbed Nano could take their place and restore this city to tranquility. Or, well, as tranquil as it could get. It wasn’t voted the tenth most dangerous city in the nation for nothing. They could at least wrangle in most of the destructive forces so that local police wouldn’t be as overwhelmed. Ironic, wasn’t it, that the hero whose main quirk was being able to shrink to various sizes was the one handling the big guns. Just those criminals and villains wait until they figured out how to reverse the polarization of their hand-me-down technology to be able to grow larger than their natural size as well. They hadn’t fully mastered how all the components worked (their late uncle didn’t leave any handy instruction manuals behind), but if the suit could grow them back to their original height after shrinking then surely there had to be a way to make it keep going.

A size shifting hero, able to sneak in through an inch wide pipe just to scoop up all the baddies in one hand to drop in a jail cell. That would certainly make Jamie’s life a hell of a lot easier. Probably save a decent chunk of change on gas if they could be anywhere in two steps, too. Regardless, they were getting ahead of themself, they needed to focus on the issue at hand before they started fantasizing about how much faster this could potentially end if they were about fifty feet taller.

Jamie must be getting closer to the suspect because the collection of crashed vehicles lessened the more they weaved through the wreckage. Pile ups were becoming less frequent in their travel, meaning the driver hadn’t been running anyone else off the road for some time. Fortunately, most people must have heard the news of the crazed driver on the freeway and had vacated the roads to the best of their abilities, leaving a clear path right to them. Cars still swerved and skidded ahead from what they could see thanks to the advanced inner screen of their helmet. The computer kept track of every traffic report the second it was entered, AGI scanning the area in real time to suggest the best routes to avoid the most accidents. Jamie revved their bike to increase their speed, dodging between cars and riding the shoulder as they steadily gained on the banged up car ahead. It was a nice car, too nice to belong anywhere near the slums.

This was appearing less like an impaired driver and more like a common crook making a bad getaway. The car was clearly high end, no visible logos and a sleek black color, which upped them from being a basic lackey to someone probably associated with one of the many mob organizations that plagued this city. Strange, those were the types of people who rarely got their hands dirty in the public eye like this. The whole point of their shady business being metaphorically underground was so that people, including law enforcement, couldn’t get a glimpse at their nasty deeds. Yet here this fool was making a spectacle of themself on all the major highways and being tracked by news crews. A newbie, maybe, but there’s no way they would have been promoted to such an expensive car if they were this incompetent. The driver had to be fleeing from something big if they were more willing to deal with police and witnesses than whatever was chasing behind. Looks like Nano scored themself a two for one deal tonight.

The car swerved to go around a slower driver up ahead before cutting them off, causing them to brake hard right in front of Nano. They narrowly avoided clipping the left taillight, squeezing between the car and a grey sedan that was riding in the opposite lane. If only there was a way to connect the technology stored in the helmet to the custom motorbike in order to make their ride shrink with them. That would be so cool! And, you know, a great benefit to dart between tight fits in future similar situations. The shrinking tech was able to transmit its hidden powers to the suit in order to fully shrink them, surely there was something in the code to make it do the same to other things? Why else have a custom bike to go along with a custom suit and custom helmet if they couldn’t be linked together. Nano hadn’t been blessed (or cursed, depending on who you asked) with natural powers like most heroes had, instead relying on wit and creations secretly left behind to them from their eccentric Uncle Julio. God rest his soul, the crazy bastard.

Passing a pickup truck right before it spun out as a result of the criminal ramming it out of the way, Nano was able to ride right up to the driver side window and get a good look at who they were dealing with. The man didn’t pay him any mind from the shattered window, too busy screaming at other cars ahead to get the hell out of his way while blaring the car horn as their only warning to pass or crash. He was nicely dressed but utterly drenched in sweat, making his fat bald head glisten as spittle flew with each curse he threw. The helmet scanned his features and pulled up the profile of one mister Nigel Remmington, AKA ‘Sandy’, a well known mobster who was fairly infamous in the debt collection scene. His nickname originated from his signature disposal of burying late payers up to their necks down by the shore and letting the tide do the rest. Something about drowning in debt, or whatever. A clever play of words, but still totally fucked up.

“You got a license and registration, sir?” Nano called out, finally grabbing the man’s attention from the road. He sneered at the young hero.

“Stay out of it!” he warned. “I don’t have time to deal with your shit!”

Did any of the criminals ever have time to deal with their motormouth shenanigans? No. Did it ever stop from them antagonizing whoever they were dealing with with goading quips? Absolutely not. That was one of the best parts of the job! “No? How about the San Aires police department?”

They could see Sandy jerk the steering towards them in an effort to slam the car into the bike, clutching the handlebar brakes to drop the bike several feet behind the car as it skidded two lanes over. Nano sped up again, now on the passenger side and seeing the mobster searching for them in the rearview mirror.

“I don’t think insurance is g-”

The mobster rolled down the tinted window.

“I don’t think insurance is gonna cover road rage,” Nano repeated.

A vein throbbed on the temple of Sandy’s red forehead. “You don’t know what you’re fucking dealing with, kid!”

“Sure I do!” They skirted around a white car that tried to pass into another lane. “I’m dealing with a guy who’s a little too old to be playing bumper cars.”

A snarky rebuttal was on the tip of the man’s tongue when he laid into his car horn again when two semis of similar speed blocked his lane and the one next to it. There was really no need to continue to swear at them to move so that he could get by, seeing as neither driver could hear the awful words he said, but it was funny to watch his jowls shake while his fat neck tried to pop his collar. “I won’t be a dead man because of you shitheads!” he shrieked at one point. The trucks had yet to part the way for him, not that there was much they could do short of ramming cars off the road themselves. The lack of compliance to Sandy’s obvious hurry only further enraged him.

“Late for a meeting? I can get you a police escort,” Nano’s jokes were falling on deaf ears now which wasn’t as amusing. Very rarely were there any villains that shot back equally witty remarks, so any form of irritation they got had to do. “Look, Sandy, we both know how this is going to end.”

Bloodshot eyes snapped over to the hero, crazed with agitation. “Yeah, with you as a smear on the pavement!” The mobster yanked the car in Nano’s direction again, forcing them to pull the handles in the same direction to compensate for not being hit. Straight ahead was a rapidly approaching guard rail and Nano didn’t have time to react, skimming the metal barrier with their front tire as they took the exit ramp down to the feeder road. Shit. The oncoming ramp was only a street light away, but that was still ample time for Sandy to get a lead on him and send more drivers spiraling. With practiced ease, they ran their motorbike through the red light while thankful they weren’t immediately T-boned. Alright, back to the problem at hand.

Soaring up the oncoming ramp, the motorbike skipped a few times from the short amount of air it had gotten. Luckily, Sandy was only a few cars ahead and hadn’t crashed into any of them to cause another pile up that would impede the hero. Nano once again approached the driver’s window and tapped against the door handle to grab his attention. “You know, that wasn’t very nice.”

Sandy responded by swinging open his car door to slam right into the bike, sending Nano sailing off it. The second they were airborne, they activated their shrinking tech to size them down to mere inches and soar through the air right into the open back window of a transport van. As soon as they were in the vehicle, they resized to slam against the interior seats and started the shit out of the poor driver. Their back ached from the impact, but it was a hell of a lot better than splattering on the road. To the driver’s credit, the older woman hardly jerked the wheel in surprise at her new occupant. Nano wondered if she’d been subjected to this kind of tomfoolery before. Though she wouldn’t be able to see through their visor, they still gave a sheepish smile and a small wave at her from the rearview mirror.

“Sorry, ma’am,” they apologized, wriggling up from where they were wedged between the seats on the ground to look out the window. Their bike still automatically rode right beside the van like a faithful companion, even if it was going to need a few scratches buffed out later. Man, Uncle Julio really thought of everything. A warning beeped in their helmet to alert them that the motorbike was riding unoccupied in unsafe conditions and may be compromised. Thankfully, its own GPS tracker was synced with Nano’s helmet to stay alongside them so long as they had the vehicle running. It would even be activated and called when Nano was several miles away and in need of a ride. And people said Firewall had the coolest tech out of all the local heroes, no way. Bracing their hands on the window ledge, Nano flung themself out while simultaneously shrinking to avoid smacking against the doorframe. Once they were in position, they returned to their normal size and landed perfectly on the motorbike, only a slight wobble to balance out the sudden flying weight.

Back to our regularly scheduled program.

By the time they had caught back up with Sandy, his beet red face had paled into something sickly. He almost looked like the marshmallow monster from that one ghost movie with how white his round, squishy head had drained. Something must have spooked him, and it probably wasn’t Nano.

“What is your problem, man?” Nano asked. “I thought you liked to fix things by burying them in the ocean?”

Sandy glanced at them, relief washing over their sweaty features for just a split second upon realizing they weren’t…someone else. “I told you, you don’t know what you’re dealing with!”

Nano was beginning to get the impression that they might not be tailing the biggest fish in the sea right now. Something bigger and scary must be lurking in these waters if it was enough to send a man like Sandy running. “So tell me. Let me help!”

He barked out a laugh. “You can help by getting the fuck out of my way.”

“You-”

An explosion behind derailed both of their trains of thought. The ounce of confidence Sandy held just moments ago melted into pure terror on his flabby features. He didn’t turn around to see the explosion, didn’t even spare it a glance in the mirror, while Nano tried to scan behind them to figure out what the fuck any of that was. A pile up had formed behind them a few miles back, the cars now scattered and engulfed in flames while black smoke billowed over the freeway. That was no ordinary gasoline explosion judging by how some of the cars had been pushed forward with accompanying burn marks on the road, arcing in a neat hemisphere. It had been a concentrated explosion, man made. But by who…?

“Damn, damn, damn,” Sandy muttered to himself. The fear on his face twisted to become unhinged paranoia, rapidly slamming his fist on the steering wheel. “Son of a bitch! Fucking–why won’t he give up?!”

The sudden understanding of who ‘he’ was came just seconds after a car appeared out of the thicket of smoke, its angled front shoving the burnt husk of vehicles out of its way so it could continue on its warpath behind the mobster. The car was as iconic as its driver hidden inside, the blast of energy that decimated the impromptu barrier a dead giveaway. What the hell is a top tier supervillain like Negasonic doing going after some chump who’s a bottom feeder at best on the hierarchy of evil? Well, they had one half of that equation to the left of them, might as well find out.

“Negasonic? You have fucking Negasonic going after you?” Nano shook their head. “You’re a dead man walking, dude.”

“You think I don’t know that!?” Sandy snapped. “I didn’t know he knew that girl! I wouldn’t have touched her!” Knowing this grease ball, he had gotten handsy one way or another with some nameless woman, potentially a love interest or an informant. Whether or not she had been choked out by seafoam or his grubby hands was up for debate. Either way, it was someone important to the supervillain, and he clearly wasn’t pleased with the outcome. “That stupid bitch…!”

Yeah, this guy was totally screwed. Like many heroes, Nano prided themself on their strict no-kill policy which extended to all criminals, no matter how big or small. Heroes could not be judge, jury, or executioner in this world, that would have to remain in the courts. From the courts, victims could receive their justice as the villains were locked up or sent for rehabilitation. That didn’t stop, like, sixty percent of the bigger baddies from escaping every few months to return to their destructive ways, though. There had to be a better way to handle these guys, all things considered. Maybe Nano should bring that up to the league next time they’re in town…regardless, there was no way in hell someone like Nano could defeat Negasonic single-handedly. At best, they could incapacitate him long enough to shrink down for a hidden getaway, but that wouldn’t help out Sandy in the slightest.

To be honest, did Sandy really deserve being saved? Just look at all the damage he’d caused in his poorly planned escape thus far, not to mention his laundry list of crimes he had committed prior. Wouldn’t it be so much easier to let the trash take out itself? Of course it would, but once again, that wasn’t up for Nano to decide. Murder was still murder, even if it was a supervillain aiming to blow another criminal skyhigh. It was wrong to admonish one and praise the other, especially when the villain was only doing this for his own gain rather than out of the goodness of his heart. Nano wasn’t even sure the guy had a heart, always so cold and indifferent the few handfuls of times they’d cross paths. Granted, Negasonic could level this entire city in a heartbeat if he ever felt the whim to do so if he charged his sonic blast abilities with heaps of kinetic energy. And yet, he didn’t, his reasoning being that if he did so then there would be nothing left for him to do here.

The man was genuinely one of the most terrifying villains they’ve had the displeasure of meeting.

On the bright side, rarely did Nano have to deal with such a powerful man. Higher tier villains liked to keep their business in bigger, busier cities in order to expand. Outskirts like these were more of disposal grounds than anything, a place to test out prototype drugs and weapons before unleashing them on a larger population. There were also less important heroes patrolling said areas as well. Just run of the mill kids like Nano that were a dime a dozen and whacked off within a month. Not Nano, though. They would be different. They would make a difference, and that was going to start by getting Sandy out of whatever hot water he’d gotten himself in with the likes of Negasonic so that he’d be able to stand trial for his dastardly deeds. Would they be able to take down the supervillain even as an unlikely duo, no freaking way. But maybe if they worked together, neither of them would be blown into a mist of red by one of his energy blasts.

“Okay,” Nano said, making Sandy flinch at the sudden sound between the purr of engines. “Here’s what’s going to happen. I’m going to distract him, and you’re going to take the third exit to Cypress Preak, down to the boondocks.”

Sandy gave an incredulous laugh. “You? Distract him? He doesn’t give two shits about you!”

“Yeah, well, I’m gonna make him. So follow my plan-!”

“Fuck your plan! Like I’m listening to some kid playing superhero!” The menacing car roared behind them with a haze of ultraviolet flames sputtering from the engine vents, rapidly gaining on them. One of the semis from earlier foolishly stayed in the middle lane after the mobster sped past it, providing a blockade from direct access to Negasonic’s target. A high pitched whir was the only warning anyone received before a flash of purple light engulfed the trailer, imploding the contents within which then in turn blew out from the sides as fiery shrapnel. The truck’s cabin was soon covered in flames as well, creating a secondary fireball as soon as the gas canister was ignited. The remnants of the trailer fishtailed, causing the truck to skid out of control due to the (hopefully) deceased driver being unable to man it. The suped up car passed the wreckage, leaving it to coast across all the lanes before tipping with another boom upon impact, cutting off any more incoming traffic. Including incoming help.

“You’re running out of options,” Nano warned now that Negasonic had free reign of the road to close the distance. “Just let me help!”

Too late. When it came to most criminals’ sense of fight or flight, they had a strange combination of the two which led to their downfall much quicker than if they had chosen one or the other. Sandy was too prideful to accept any sort of help from the hero, even if it was to escape the wrath of a man who would most certainly ensure his death. As far as Sandy was concerned, Nano was a distraction that was only worsening his chance of survival by constantly getting in his way. Besides, Sandy was bound to get arrested by the end of whatever on the fly plan Nano would have conceived which wouldn’t be ideal for business. Very much less so if it meant the mobster was to be locked behind bars in an enclosed cell while Negasonic was still on the hunt for him, like a caged hen waiting for the fox to waltz on into the coop.

This time, Nano wasn’t able to entirely dodge Sandy’s swerve at them. Their front wheels clipped, and given that the motorbike’s front wheel was the one connected to the handles, they found themself forced to change direction not of their own accord. Immediately, they pumped the brakes to fall back and avoid over correcting straight into a barrier, though the new angle of their steering meant they unintentionally moved to be directly behind the car. Not ideal, but really could have been wor-

Oh, look. It just got worse. Really worse. Really fucking worse as Nano was almost launched over their handlebars by the impact of being rear ended. The engine revved lowly, heat bristling their back through the suit. Negasonic must have been coming in to ram the back of Sandy’s car in an effort to run him off the road before Nano’s bike squeaked in between them at the last second, sandwiching the vehicle between the two speeding cars. Great, now Nano was going to be on Negasonic’s shitlist for the night, too. Nano would have tried to ease the tension with a really funny joke, but they doubted the supervillain would have been able to hear it anyway. Or cared.

Negasonic’s car lurched forward again to further wedge the bike into the back of the mobster’s truck, though they noticed the supervillain’s car hadn’t taken any damage despite the motorbike being tangled in its grill. Nano wondered if perhaps the vehicle was equipped with similar kinetic power as its driver was, able to absorb multiple impacts to build up a force behind the explosion it could then fire off. God, that would be so cool if they weren’t about to be on the receiving end of one of those blasts.

Though it deeply pained them to do so, Nano had to abandon their beloved bike as it continued to be crushed between the two cars, leaping onto the dented trunk. They could see through the back windshield that Sandy was desperately shaking the steering wheel side to side in an attempt to shake his pursuer, but the bike between the two cars kept them locked in place like a train couplet. At least it prevented Negasonic from getting those final few feet closer, though Nano doubted it would hold for very long. Warnings flittered all across their internal visor to inform them the motorbike was taking severe damage and may become unrideable, as if they weren’t watching the poor bike be crumpled before their very eyes. Uncle Julio had to be rolling in his grave over how badly they wrecked such an advanced bike in a matter of months. If they were lucky, maybe the schematics were stashed away somewhere in the old coot’s lab and Nano could repair it to some extent.

For now, they had to bid farewell to their totally kickass motorbike in favor of climbing further up the car roof, careful not to slide off at over a hundred miles an hour to splatter like a bug on the supervillain’s windshield. Actually, that would be a pretty fitting end if they shrunk down right before hitting the glass. A funny idea they stored away for later when they would undoubtedly have to sacrifice themself in a heroic death down the line. The car vibrated under them, a combination of the mobster’s engine overexerting itself to stay ahead and Sandy trying to get out of the deadlock. Nano grabbed hold of the top of the open driver’s side window and flung themself within, shrinking as they did so to zip past the mobster like a colorful gnat and expanded once they cleared the console to land on the passenger seat. At least, that’s what they were aiming for when Negasonic rammed into the car again, further crushing the bike and causing the whole vehicle to shake. The unexpected momentum caused Nano to nearly go flying right back out of the car via the passenger window, smacking the head on the velvet roof and slipping halfway down the seat.

“Still not the worst Uber I’ve taken…” Nano mumbled, scooching up to properly sit on the seat. They debated putting on the seatbelt for a moment before deciding that would surely be more detrimental in this case. Nano gingerly rubbed the bump on their aching shoulder and winced while it throbbed under their fingertips. As long as it wasn’t dislocated, they’d be fine until Negasonic got his amped up hands on them.

Sandy’s look of sheer befuddlement was almost as rewarding as getting out of this mess alive. The man was about to blow a gasket, already tiptoeing the edge of a full mental breakdown and here Nano was to give him the final shove. He sputtered, looking between the rearview mirror, to the hero, to the road ahead, round head bobbing like an excited chicken as he tried to determine what was the most important thing to focus on.

“Wh-you-get the hell out of my car!” Sandy finally yelled, anger returning full force.

Nano wished the visor didn’t black out their face so the mobster could see the irritatingly cheeky smile they were giving him. “Sure, wherever you want to drop me off.”

“The fuck is wrong with you?!” Sandy screamed. He jerked the steering wheel left and right so hard that the hero thought it might snap off in the midst of his rage. “Do you want to get us both killed?!”

“No, that’s why I’m trying to help you, you douche,” Well, if Nano was going to get insults constantly thrown at them, they should be allowed to dish it back a little.

The man snarled at him. “I don’t need your help! I need you to leave me the hell alone!”

“Listen, just take this exit-”

“I’m not taking your fucking ex-”

“The boonies should be o-”

“You wanna get me cornered in the damn boo-”

“But if we get the police t-”

“There’s not going to be any fucking cops, you he-”

In all honesty, Nano’s plan had been half baked at best, but Christ alive did they wish this idiot would let them get two words in edgewise to plead their case. Instead they were yelling over top of each other, Sandy going as far as to relinquish one sweaty hand off the steering wheel to shove at their face to push them away. There was no way he’d be able to heft them out the open window with one arm, but it was still annoying having the appendage slap their helmet.

“Get out, get out!” Sandy screeched.

In a way, they both got what they wanted from the other. Negasonic whipped his car sharply to the side, easily breaking free from the crumpled remains of the motorbike. As a result, Sandy’s car was forced to jackknife while the wreckage still connected them, sending him skidding at an almost ninety degree angle and slamming into the guardrail down the exit ramp. Nano was very much regretting not wearing their seatbelt now while they were thrown about, thankful their helmet prevented them from any head trauma they might have received otherwise. Sandy tried to regain control of the vehicle, but the damage to the axles was making it difficult to properly turn which then caused him to continually overcorrect, wildly swerving between the feeder lanes. Just as Nano predicted, the boondocks were empty, including the back roads leading into it, meaning there were very little obstacles they had to worry about crashing into. See, this plan was working out great after all.

Or, it was, until the car started to spin out on the slick concrete that was not made for vehicles to race in the triple digits. There was very little either of them could do as soon as Sandy clipped a curb, sending the car flipping through the air in a calisma of broken glass and squealing metal. Nano felt like they were flying, but it was only a matter of time before they came crashing down within the confines of the car to liquify all of their internal organs. They weren’t gifted with bulletproof skin or super healing; a crash of this caliber could very easily blend Nano to bits. The best they could do was shrink, and that’s exactly what they did. The constant motion of the car kept their miniature body airborne to avoid colliding with anything too solid like the dashboard, though Nano was still flung about. They regrew a few extra inches to grab hold of the headrest on the passenger seat to keep steady on something plush, only to lose their grip when the car collided with the ground.

They were launched upwards straight through the driver’s window, momentum carrying them to follow the car’s rolling path and sending them right back inside when the passenger window was in view. Again, they enlarged themself another few inches just before colliding with Sandy’s mercifully obese gut to soften the impact, no doubt winding the man that was already battered and bruised. The car finally ceased its rolling to slide upside down on the caved-in roof for a few yards, only stopping with a gentle tap against the side of a loading dock. Gasoline and other car fluids trickled down between the bent plates of metal, pooling in a metallic rainbow around them outside. Sandy coughed, blood running from his nose and a nasty gash across his eyebrow, likely from slamming face first into the steering wheel. He was alive, though, and conscious, as was Nano for the most part.

But fucking shit did everything hurt. Nano could hardly get their bearings, physically and mentally. Their head spun, dizzy and unfocused as they tried to piece together the events that took place in a mere matter of seconds. At some point, they grew again to half of their original size, probably to keep from bouncing between the now deflating airbags. They could taste blood in their mouth and their chest stung with every breath. That…wasn’t good. They could still move, still drag their body which screamed in agony towards the window to make it outside, so at least there was that. Before they were even in the open, they rapidly shrunk and grew three times at different scales. Warnings glitched and fizzled on the cracked screen of the visor, alerting them to substantial damage to their growth technology. That definitely wasn’t good. The technology was too unstable for Nano to control at the moment, flickering between sizes. Once more, they shrunk down without any say to about three or four inches in height before the internal AGI started shutting down nonessential functions.

Nano tumbled out of the window to fall into a very unheroic heap on the wet concrete, their muscles searing and stomach twisting even as they lay stationery. They fucked up big time. They should have left this alone. They should have let someone else handle this mess, be it another hero or just let Negasonic do as he planned. Now they were injured, bikeless, and stuck at such a stupidly tiny stature until another errant glitch returned them to their normal height. Or close enough to it, at least. How were they even supposed to begin making the repairs needed for the helmet? Uncle Julio took those secrets to his grave as far as they knew. Tonight really sucked.

A pained gasp was all they could muster when they suddenly felt themself become constricted on all sides, trembling limbs squeezed against a horribly bruised chest. It was like all the air had been squashed out of Nano’s lungs, unable to refill them once they were forced to go up, up, up. Their stomach flipped at the sensation, threatening to heave their dinner if they didn’t stop moving right this second. When they did finally stop their ascension, however, the hero couldn’t help but grimace at the unkempt sight before them. Sandy, his fat head somehow even larger, gripped them in a disgustingly damp, meaty hand. He looked just as banged up as Nano after the crash, face bloody and swollen in some areas while his suit was in complete disarray. The mobster looked downright homicidal but, then again, that was usually the normal state for criminals like him. It was just unfortunate all that rage was directed solely on Nano who was praying for their shrinking technology to bug out and zap them to a big enough size that they could break out of the hold.

“You…” Sandy snarled, hot breath reeking of cigars washing over them. Nano really didn’t think this man could get any more vile, but being up close and personal with every pore proved him wrong. “This is your fault.”

Nano sputtered, wanting to ask how exactly any of this was their fault when they weren’t the criminal who ‘fucked around and found out’ with one of the most dangerous supervillains this side of the country. The thick fingers clasping their entire body prevented them from managing anything more than a grunt, though, tightening further. This was it, then, the end of the legacy. Snuffed out by some two-bit gangster after trashing their uncle’s entire life work in less than an hour. Uncle Julio was going to smack them upside the head before Nano even made it through the pearly gates. They grit their teeth, waiting for the incoming torture that came from having their bones ground together and their eyes popped from their sockets.

Oh, but they should have known better than to assume the man renowned for drowning people in the tide would give them a remotely dignified death. You don’t bury people up to their neck so they can helplessly watch their demise wash closer ashore if you don’t want a show. Two fat fingers pinched on either side of Nano’s helmet, more warnings flashing on the visor that pressure was being applied to the cracked outer cover, internal components may be damaged, please repair vent quadrant one, please repair, malfunction, damage detected at, damage at fifty-seven percent, error, errOr, ERror–

The carbon material snapped and squeaked as it was twisted to the side, broken from the electronic collar attached to their suit to sync the two components together. It was yanked up, nearly taking Nano’s head with it, the last thing they saw was the screen fizzling away now that all the computers were offline from heavy damage. For a brief moment, Nano felt a strange disconnect in being able to see their battered helmet held in front of them, not quite registering the fact that they had been unmasked. But it wasn’t the fact that their secret identity had been revealed to a violent criminal that made a cold fear wash over them, after all, they were just some nameless kid in the city. It was the fact that Uncle Julio’s specialized patented matter resizing technology was neatly packed within the suits helmet, the only thing that could control how they shrunk or grew and that they knew next to nothing about. Nano needed that helmet to return to their original height, without the foreign technology they would never be able to reverse the effect!

And it seemed indeed they never would when Sandy flattened the helmet between his fingers like tinfoil.

Nano could only stare wide eyed in shock, even when the ruined technology was carelessly dropped to the ground. So, that was that. They had zero hope in ever being able to switch back to their normal size. If by some miracle the hero could get home with the mangled remains of their uniform, it wouldn’t matter. They weren’t some tech savvy super genius who majored in STEM by the age of four, Nano was lucky to be a B average student in college. Though, they supposed in the end this would hardly matter at all. The wicked grin bearing down on them told enough that Sandy was only interested in humiliating them in their final moments, wanting to savor the fear painted on their face. Nano wondered if their body would be left to be discovered somewhere or, if it hadn’t been easily disposed of, would anyone still be able to find it given the scale? They only wished their final image of the world wasn’t the bulbous, red face of this sleazeball.

Their ribs shifted unnaturally when the fingers closed in, dirty nails digging into their side and aggravating the blazing pain. Nano choked out what might be considered a cry, the last of their precious breaths. Sandy was enjoying himself, a little too much, if you asked Nano. Their vision was beginning to darken at the edges, blurring their sight into hues of red and black, and they hoped they would pass out before the more unsavory parts of their murder unfolded. The mobster was panting heavily, either from his own injuries or excitement, Nano wasn’t sure.

A flash of purple glowed in the corner of their eye, almost blending in with the encroaching darkness that was trying to blind them. The only reason Nano was able to discern it at all was because of how bright it was in contrast to all their other dulled senses. Exploding colors was probably something that naturally occurred in the midst of dying, like when people claim to see a light at the end of the tunnel. Well, it was definitely a light, maybe this was what everyone was talking about, or maybe it was just their blood vessels bursting in their eyes. Regardless, Nano’s muddled mind wanted to stay focused on the color, somehow calmed by its presence. If they looked hard enough, maybe they would be able to see Uncle Julio…oh man, they had so many things they wanted to say to that weird geezer…

If Sandy had noticed the purple light growing behind him, he made no move to acknowledge it, too caught up in the euphoria of physically squeezing the life out of some poor soul. Nano felt like they had been entranced by it for hours, the ringing in their ears drowning out the telltale whir of sonic energy reaching its maximum potential, yet it had to be no more than a few seconds. The flash engulfed the overturned car behind Sandy, swallowing it up in a haze of purple before it imploded into a fiery orange. The heat radiating from the fireball was intense, flames stretching high and licking at Sandy only a few feet away. His saving grace to not being incinerated after the car was torched was due to the sheer force of the explosion knocking him several feet forward, Nano still in hand. In his surprise, Sandy loosened his grip when he was flung forward, though not entirely letting the tiny hero go when he smacked onto the ground.

The flabby fingers that were itching to be the death of them now became the one thing that prevented Nano from splattering from such a height. Cushioned by the fleshy hand, the worst they got was a shot of agony tingling down their right arm when it was inches from being pulled out of its socket, though thankfully it didn’t fully dislocate. Sandy grunted upon being knocked off his feet, letting the hero roll from his grip in favor of trying to push himself up. He coughed out a weak groan, the back of his suit charred and torn from being kissed by the fire. The few strands of hair on the back of Sandy’s head were singed while the skin of his neck was red hot. Shaky arms did their damnedest to push all of his body weight up, but their weakened state couldn’t support the oversized load for long and he collapsed back onto his stomach. Nano could hear him muttering swears between wheezes, having yet to put these pieces together that this was no ordinary gasoline fire.

Nano did. Nano figured it out the second oxygen was sucked back into their lungs and allowed for basic cognitive functions again. Fucking idiot, how could they forget the whole reason they were running for their lives to begin with? Did they really think Negasonic was going to give up the chase just because they took off down an exit ramp (well, more like forcibly shoved)? Negasonic was thorough and methodical, he wasn’t just going to assume the problem had been taken care of without personally seeing the bodies obliterated himself. A wrecked car by the docks meant nothing, especially since both the hero and mobster had, in fact, survived the accident. If he had waited a moment longer, the supervillain might have only needed to snuff out one victim after Sandy took care of Nano. Then again, Nano was only a few inches tall, Negasonic wouldn’t even need to blast them to get out of the way, just grind down his boot on their already injured form.

They were fucked. They were so, so, so fucked. Negasonic wasn’t given the reputation of being a volatile mastermind for being merciful, after all. He probably had his own moral code of leaving behind no surviving witnesses, regardless of who they were. Nano might be exaggerating a bit, it wasn’t like they fought him hand to hand in the few and far times they’d crossed paths. In fact, he never paid them much mind anyways, too focused on the real superheroes and allowing them the perfect chance to shrink away undetected and not be blown apart like Lady Love. Poor Lady Love, she was trending online for almost a month after that. The point was that Negasonic could do whatever the hell he pleased and answer to no one as to why he did or didn’t do it. There was no reasoning with him, much less so if he already had a plan in motion and someone was foolishly trying to get in the way of it. Someone like Nano, who had tried to help a mobster keep his brains inside of his thick skull. Oops.

Though every fiber of their being screamed in pain, Nano forced himself to crawl away from Sandy in order to seek shelter under some type of loading machinery parked against the dock. They couldn’t run, couldn’t fight, they would have to make do with the only other option of hiding. All Nano had to do was wait for Negasonic to finish his business with Sandy and he would leave, then the hero could figure out a way to scamper back home and lick their tiny wounds. It was hard to focus on one problem at a time when there were about seventeen happening at once, but Nano supposed they could all disappear if their (literally) biggest one happened to find where they’d scurry off to. Negasonic didn’t seem like the type to willingly give up the hunt, not even for a pipsqueak.

At this size, the burning wreckage of the car looked like a city wide bonfire, even more so with flaming shrapnel littered around it to extend the scene. Through the ominous flames, Nano could begin to make out a figure approaching the fallen mobster. The black suit bled into the shadows, intentionally designed, causing the dancing flames to illuminate hard angles that flickered and distorted. Thank fuck Negasonic wore half of a mask over the top half of his face because Nano thought they might have a heart attack if they had to see such unholy shadows carve out his features. The supervillain’s steps were slow, unhurried, taking his time as he knew there was nowhere left for his initial target to scurry off to. Heavy armored boots thumped with each measured step, the embedded armor around his calves jingling like spurs. On anyone else, it might have killed the sinister mood, but for someone like Negasonic it only served to act as a ticking time bomb.

Although Nano could very clearly see the supervillain approaching, Sandy was unable to as he still wriggled on the ground. The explosion must still be ringing in his ears, possibly having blown out an eardrum, because it was only when a menacing silhouette washed over him did his pained bitching turn to nervous stammers. Sandy rolled himself onto his back like a turtle to watch Negasonic step through the wall of fire he’d created, unfazed by the intensity of the flames that tried to cling to his heavy suit. Nano wasn’t sure if it was because the suit itself was made of a flame retardant material or if his body was naturally immune to his own sonic blasts, including the fires they made. Either way, it was a terrifying visual to see, like watching the devil exit from the gates of hell to personally greet you. Never had the hero thought they would pity a man like Sandy, but there were few people they believed should have to suffer whatever fate Negasonic decided to dish out.

“Hey, hey, buddy,” Sandy wobbled side to side as if he was going to flip himself over. When that didn’t work, he settled for raising his hands up with a nervous laugh. “Look, I-I think you might have the wrong idea here, see–”

“I see you have a habit of picking on people smaller than you,” Negasonic tilted his head in mock consideration. “Though, I guess there aren’t many people of your own size to go up against.”

Holy shit. Did Negasonic just crack a joke? Did one of the most feared, ruthless supervillains this half of the country was terrorized by just make a quip about Sandy being morbidly obese? Nano had to be concussed.

“Aha, good one, pal!” Sandy scooted back a few inches when Negasonic continued to walk closer. He gulped. “Say, why don’t we talk this out, huh? I think there’s been a misunderstanding.”

“You killed Vanessa Gonzales.” Not a question, a statement of fact. She must be the girl Sandy was swearing about earlier in the car, the reason he was in hot water to begin with.

The mobster was shaking. “I-I didn’t know she was with you, I swear! I swear!”

Negasonic stopped. “Oh? You swear? Well then, I guess we were able to talk this out after all.”

Wow, this guy may not be a man of many words but boy were they all dripping with sarcasm. Was he always this brooding or was this only because he was pissed? Sandy was quickly losing his cool with such a powerful force staring him down. He didn’t have any bargaining chips, no weapons to defend himself, nothing at all to give up the upper hand.

“Hey, c’mon now, listen,” Negasonic was advancing again, causing the pitch in Sandy’s pleas to go up an octave. “Look, Dean, buddy, it’s me! Your good friend Nigel! You know I’d never try to double cross you, not after everything we’ve been through.”

Nano just got smacked in the face with so much information that they didn’t even know where to start in processing it. Negasonic’s civilian name was presumably Dean. Negasonic and Sandy had some sort of history together, enough to be on a first name basis. Negasonic apparently didn’t care one way or another what the man was saying. That, or he could be totally bullshitting how deep their friendship really went. Did this alleged friendship exist outside of their respective evil schemes or was it only when they had to work together that they got along? It didn’t matter how strong the bond was, evidently. As far as the supervillain was concerned, once a line was crossed you could no longer be classified as an ally. And if you weren’t with him, you were against him, and if you were against him, you better have a nice insurance plan for your family to cash out.

“I’ll give you whatever you want; money, girls, I c-can tell you all of Phantasma’s upcoming hits! Oh fuck, are they a payout and a half, I’m telling you Deanie. A-and you can keep it all! Promise!” Sandy continued to blabber.

Negasonic was standing right at the mobster’s side now, staring down at him with an unflinching expression. From this angle, Nano was only able to see the supervillain from the thighs down, his cape gently swishing at his ankles. They didn’t hold out much hope for this poor bastard and Sandy must feel the same weight of dread.

“Th-the hero, what about the hero!” Sandy sobbed. Once a rat, always a rat, they supposed. A chill ran down Nano’s spine that they might be tattled on, but they calmed with the knowledge that Sandy was only talking out of his ass right now to buy some time and stay alive. He didn’t know where the hero had disappeared to. “Fucking, uh, whatever the hell that shrimp’s name is…Mini? Micro? Um, shit–”

“Nano.” Oh wow, Negasonic knew who they were?

Oh fuck, Negasonic knew who they were.

“Y-yeah, yeah! That’s the bastard! I-I bet that bike of theirs dented up your grill, yeah? And you have such a nice car, pal, really,” Sandy lipped at his sweaty upper lip. “I had ‘em just a second ago, was gonna fuck ‘em up real good for damaging our cars. I c-can show you where they are, a-and while you teach that little fucker a lesson I can get one of my guys to buff out your grill. Huh? How’s that sound?”

Negasonic hummed. “An interesting proposal…but not one I need a middle man for.”

Before Sandy could get another miserable plea in, the supervillain made a fist and pulled his arm back, a purple energy fizzling at his fingers. He swung down like he was throwing a punch, the small amount of kinetic energy more than enough to fire from his hand directly at Sandy’s head. Of course, it wasn’t like it was that hard to miss. The energy pulsated upon hitting its target of the mobster’s face, disintegrating the flesh and bone like cotton candy melting in water. It was quick and painless, better than what most opponents were granted, and Nano reminded themself to be grateful the supersonic heat essentially turned all matter to ash. No remnants of Sandy’s fat skull remained on the charred ground, even his neck had to be cauterized by the heat, preventing blood from spewing out of the arteries. If the death had been any gorier than it was, Nano probably would have vomited and gone into a panic attack before passing out. Perhaps not even in that order.

That was one target down for Negasonic. How was he going to handle the other?

Truthfully, there were not very many perks to being stuck one twelfth of one’s typical height, but in this instance Nano was extremely grateful for the ability to hide away in tight spaces. They felt like a little mouse hiding away in its hole while the cat was on the prowl, cursing at the fact their boldly colored suit could not melt into the shadows like Negasonic. Stupid heroes and their stupid vibrant colors, why couldn’t Uncle Julio have picked something a little more neutral instead of neon yellow? They were like a walking highlighter! Granted, this was the first time Nano had ever complained about the color ever being an issue, but still, hindsight was 20/20. Whenever they got back home, however they got back home, they could get some fabric dye and tone down the obnoxious hue while repairing their helmet. If they could repair their helmet…if they got home…

Fuck, fuck, what was Nano going to do? They’d really screwed the pooch on this one, sticking their nose into someone’s illegal business. The worst part of it all was that they weren’t even able to save the fat idiot they risked their life to protect, the same bastard who had still tried to kill them and use them as a bargaining chip up until the very end. There was absolutely no reward in sight for attempting to do a good deed and karma wasn’t willing to help Nano out of this mess either. What kind of hero were they? Could they even hold onto the title of being a defender of the city when their hands could barely hold a house key? Nano only existed because of a suit powered by technology they could barely fathom, passed down to them by a dead man who held onto his secret science until the very end. Without that technology, without their helmet, they were just…normal, boring Jamie. A non-superpowered college senior who was barely making rent and thrived off instant noodles.

Perhaps that’s all they were now. Just Jamie. Jamie, who happened to be stuck at four inches tall because Nano had been flattened with the helmet that created them. What a cruel, cosmic joke to be born lame and die lame despite wearing a flashy outfit. Jamie briefly contemplated the pros and cons of exposing themself to Negasonic to get this whole ordeal over with. As optimistic as they wanted to be about the situation, it was simply too grim to imagine getting back home in one piece, let alone wielding oversized tools in an attempt to fix a microscopic helmet with no instruction manual. At the same time, though, they weren’t sure if they were willing to be subjected to the same fate as Sandy. The hero couldn’t even guarantee that it would be as quick and painless.

Yet Negasonic remained where he stood over Sandy’s body. Admiring his work? He never seemed like the type, always ready to move on to whatever the next step was, wanting to get his job over and done with. The obvious answer was that he must be trying to spot Nano, the only witness, the brat who delayed his plan and put two scratches on his fender. Being small meant Jamie would be harder to find, but not impossible, especially for a determined son of a bitch like the supervillain. Jamie tried to scoot further under the machinery to stay out of sight and hopefully out of reach, not that Negasonic couldn’t incinerate the whole dock if he felt like it. At best, they could pray Negasonic didn’t find the hero worth his time and effort and leave.

Jamie’s arm gave out half way through a push backwards, their shoulder still throbbing from being twisted so roughly. Before they could stop the involuntary cry of pain, the yelp escaped them as their ribs smacked against the hard ground. Everything hurt bad. So, so bad. Their breathing was labored and ragged, every expansion of their chest sending a sharp pain through their core. There’s no way they would be able to make it home in this state. They weren’t even sure they could walk. Tears started to prick the corners of their eyes, a mixture of fear and agony behind them. How badly Jamie wished this was a dream, or that the league were on their way to save them in the nick of time. They choked on a wet gasp at the notion that they were somehow more important to Negasonic than they could ever hope to be to any of the esteemed members of the superhero league. Perhaps next time if they stopped shrinking in the midst of every major fight to escape and actually battled alongside the heroes, they’d have a more worthy repertoire.

Boots started jingling again to signal that Negasonic was on the prowl. Jamie gulped and curled further in on themself as they watched the man step alarmingly close to their hiding spot. There’s…there’s no way he actually spotted them, right? He couldn’t have heard all their pained squeaks and whimpers, not with the roar of a burning fire and two tons of loading machinery to muffle them. Still, the supervillain was getting closer and closer, and there was fuckall Jamie could do about it but watch their impending doom approach. They wanted to hold onto the hope that Negasonic was aimlessly wandering and hadn't the faintest idea they were underfoot this whole time. Manifestation, or whatever that belief was of mentally putting a desire out there so that it would come back a reality, would be really helpful right now. Hell if Jamie knew what it was, it had sounded like a pyramid scheme to them, though now would be a great time to prove to them what an awesome concept it was if it could blink the supervillain out of existence.

No such luck so far. The heavy steps stopped inches away from the machine. Jamie held their breath, lungs already on fire as they took in the details of the boots in front of them. They tried to count the stitches, trace the curve of fabric panels, anything to give them a distraction from the gnawing anxiety in their stomach. Their other organs were aching enough, Jamie really didn’t need their gut doing somersaults right now. Fabric shifted from outside their shelter and the cape started to droop onto the ground as Negasonic partially knelt down, tilting his head to peer into the crevice they had jammed themself into. Cold, violet eyes met wide brown ones and they knew it was all over.

Every survival instinct in Jamie’s body screeched at them to get up, pumping their heart with adrenaline to help get a move on. However, fear locked up their limbs so tight all they could do was tremble, the tightness over taking their muscles further irritating the pain already coursing through them. On the bright side, they couldn’t feel the stabbing ache that came with every breath anymore, which was very useful now that they had started to hyperventilate. Negasonic’s mask, though plain black and only covering above his cheekbones, made him look like a fucking ghoul. The faint glow of purple that illuminated from his eyes certainly didn’t help him look any less demonic. His exposed mouth wasn’t frowning or twisted in a snarl which was potentially a good sign, but it still wasn’t offering much comfort. It was expressionless, gave no tell as to what he was thinking or how he felt about the problem at hand. Negasonic regarded them with the same indifference one gave to an insect before swatting it with a newspaper.

That’s all Jamie was at this point, weren’t they? A tiny, insignificant bug ready to be squashed for being too annoying.

When a gloved hand reached in to grab them, there was nothing Jamie could do to stop it. They couldn’t muster a plea, a shout, not even a sob was able to make it pass the tightness of their throat. Warm leather curled around them as fingers secured their hold on the hero’s shaking body, nowhere near as tight as Sandy had been. Then again, Sandy had been purposely trying to squeeze the life out of them, so Jamie didn’t know whether this was a good sign or not that Negasonic had yet to finish the job. Once they were cocooned in the hand, the supervillain retracted his arm to slowly bring them into the open, mindful to rotate his wrist so that they weren’t whacked on any of the sharp metal angles coming out. How considerate.

Though the hold was only tight enough to prevent them from slipping, the amount of pressure over their chest was still too much for their liking. Jamie groaned and squirmed to the best of their limited abilities, blinking back tears as the movement only worsened the pain. They felt like they couldn’t breathe, yet they were noisily sucking in wet gasps while being raised up higher as Negasonic returned to his upright stance. Surprisingly, the hand tilted back so that Jamie was laying on his palm and then opened, freeing any type of constriction on their ribs. There was hardly any time to rejoice in the feeling, however. Through the haze of tears, Jamie saw Negasonic bring his free hand up and extend his finger to their chest, gingerly rubbing it down their sternum and along their sides. If that wasn’t the most bruised area of their body, the soft touches might have felt nice, even if they were extremely uncharacteristic for the supervillain.

It was difficult to tell what kind of ploy this was. Negasonic had no reason to be this gentle with his future victim unless he was trying to savor their fear just as Sandy had. Again, these behaviors didn’t fit his style. Every now and then the finger roaming their upper body would apply an ounce of pressure along their ribs, making Jamie cry out twice when he touched two particularly tender spots. The supervillain didn’t apologize, but at least he pulled away at the sounds of distress. Looking for weak points, perhaps? Debating if he should fire a blast directly from his fingertip into their chest or simply burn their entire body to ash within his hand? Or maybe he was a perverted creep just like all the other criminals, making lewd comments and advances with the promise of uncovering their ‘real’ gender.

Although Negasonic seemed focused on feeling up their chest, he didn’t give off the impression it was for the search of breasts or curves. At least, that’s what Jamie thought as he appeared to conclude his examination of their torso, never once venturing below their waist. The universe sure did love proving the tiny hero wrong, however, when the supervillain snagged the collar of their suit with his finger and broke the zipper, effortlessly opening the uniform as they pulled it down to stop at their bare chest. A new wave of fear washed over Jamie, one that couldn’t fathom Negasonic being so vile. Indignation overran terror this time, a stammered noise refusing to become a proper word as their only way to express how much they did not care for this development.

Jamie slapped the intruding finger away, grabbing the two sides of their suit in a useless attempt to keep them closed. “Wh-what the hell are you doing?!”

“You have two fractured ribs,” Negasonic said, his voice booming like a decree from God. Jamie flinched at the volume, but they weren’t about to tell him to shut up. “I’m alleviating the pressure from your suit.”

Oh. Oh, that made sense after it was explained. The problem is he could have at least given Jamie a fair warning of the shit he was trying to pull instead of letting them think they were about to be sexually assaulted. Who just decides to start copping a feel on an injured hero and undressing them and thinks sure, there’s no way this can be misconstrued. Fucking men.

The hero couldn’t deny the pain in their chest did dissipate some now that the skintight bodysuit wasn’t constricting them any longer. Still, the movement from jerking themself up to fight off their oversized attacker didn’t do them any favors and they collapsed back into the hand with a grunt. “They feel broken…” Jamie mumbled.

“They’re not, that’s why I checked,” the supervillain let his hand drop to his side. “It would be much easier to check if you were a normal size.”

An uncomfortable silence hung between them while Jamie refused to acknowledge the jab for their lack of real powers. Negasonic continued to stare them down while Jamie pointedly avoided any form of eye contact, waiting for him to hurry up and make his next move for they died of embarrassment. Instead, Negasonic tilted his head in that same curious way when the hero didn’t react how he wanted.

“...that was supposed to be your cue to regrow.”

Jamie blinked in surprise, furrowing their brows at his casual demand. Ah, so he thought they were gifted with natural superpowers like himself and were only staying tiny for the fun of it all. While Negasonic might know of the mighty defender Nano, it didn’t seem like the villain knew very much about them aside from their shrinking schtick. It was probably hard to get a read on someone you encountered for a few seconds before getting preoccupied with more important heroes, only for the tiniest one to have slinked off somewhere before you had the chance to annihilate them.

Well, no time like the present to burst his bubble. “I…I can’t…”

“Because you’re injured?”

“N-no,” Jamie wriggled uncomfortably in his hand, wanting to sink in on themself to avoid their confession. It was bad enough they were going to get fried out of existence by one of the most notorious supervillains in America, did they have to be humiliated, too? “My helmet is trashed and…and I can’t grow w-without it.”

They weakly gestured to where the ruins of the helmet might vaguely be strewn about, as if Negasonic was supposed to be able to see the extent of the damage Jamie was talking about. Naturally, he couldn’t find the wreckage even when he squinted his eyes, but he took the hero’s word for it. “Interesting. So your helmet controls your powers?”

Jamie bit their lip as a rush of shame overcame them. “I don’t have powers. It’s all technology, but, b-but it’s so fucked now and I-I don’t know how to fix it!” The dread they had been holding for so long couldn’t stop verbalizing itself now that the floodgates were open, willing to vent to their killer just so that they wouldn’t end their life with a heavy heart. “I can’t fix it, Uncle Julio didn’t tell me h-how to, to fix it. I don’t know what to do, what am I going to do, I-I don’t want this anymore. I don’t want to be a hero!”

Negasonic had yet to interrupt Jamie’s panicked rambles, either by words or by energy engulfing them, so they went on to spill their guts a little more. The supervillain may not be merciful, but he could be persuaded. Not easily, of course, though it could be done if the conditions were right. He didn’t seem interested in the promise of money or attractive women when Sandy offered those payments up, which was great because Jamie didn’t have either of those things. If they couldn’t convince him that they were worthy enough to be spared, perhaps they could convince him that they were worthless enough to not waste the effort on.

“I’m sorry, I’m s-sorry for everything!” The tears were streaming freely down their face, clearing paths through the smears of soot and dried blood. “Please, please, don’t kill me. I don’t want t-to die, not like this, please, not like this. I, I-I just, I-” The sob trying to crawl its way out of Jamie’s heaving chest made their injuries throb, cutting off their words with a pitiful whimper.

Seeing them panicking to the point of bodily harm finally made Negasonic react. He braced his thumb, mindful of the damage he had assessed, across their torso that quivered with each short pant. It wasn’t trying to squash any vital organs, but the weight was enough to ground Jamie from the physical touch. Though the action scared them more than it comforted them, it appeared to still achieve the intended results when the hero stilled their entire body under the digit. It was impossible to tell what Negasonic was thinking. They wondered if it would be more or less challenging without the mask.

“Calm down,” was all Negasonic said and wow, that always worked like a charm whenever someone said that to another person assdeep into an episode!

Jamie didn’t consider freezing in terror the same as being soothed, but the new feeling of being pinned by a single finger did force them to step down from the ledge they were currently on in order to climb up a new one. They whimpered again, instinctually writhing under the thumb while bracing their hands against it. To the surprise of no one, they weren’t able to budge it one bit, though in the hero’s defense they didn’t have much strength to spare.

“I-it hurts,” Everything hurt, physically and mentally. Mostly physically right now.

Negasonic had the absolute gall to roll his eyes at them. “It’s because you keep aggravating your wounds. Stop working yourself up.”

Oh, that was real rich coming from the guy who could vaporize their body at the snap of his fingers. How else were they meant to react in the presence of such a infamous evil doer? Weren’t villains supposed to get their kicks seeing people cower and beg? Jamie gulped and squeezed their eyes shut, a few more tears slipping out as they tried to take the useless advice to heart and control their breathing. Breathe in, hold, breathe out. Breathe in, hold, breathe out. Breathe in, try not to think about your encroaching doom, breathe out.

“Just…just do it,” Jamie said through gritted teeth. They didn’t trust themself not to break down into a fit of sobs if they dared open their mouth. There might not be a whole lot of dignity left to take with them to the grave, but Jamie was going to try to preserve as much of it as they could.

“Do what?”

Motherfucker, why did he have to keep playing these games?! He’d always been the ‘shoot first, never ask questions because it doesn’t pertain to the mission’ type of supervillain, toying with his prey had never been Negasonic’s style. Until tonight, apparently.

Their breathing was starting to quicken again as Jamie fought hard to keep their fleeting nerve. The last thing they wanted to do was give him any ideas to prolong their torture, yet here Negasonic was demanding they spell it out for him. “Kill me. Fuck, just, j-just kill me already!”

The anticipation was ten times worse than whatever the actual murder was going to be, giving them too much time to envision all their painful and gory deaths while waiting for the first blow. Jamie waited and waited, almost wondering if they had already been incinerated and hadn’t even realized it. However, when they blinked away the few remaining tears in their eyes, they saw they were still within Negasonic’s hold, the supervillain watching their trembling form with keen eyes. Fire and smoke continued to linger in the air, making the setting reminiscent of the underworld with the devil right in front of them. He must want Jamie to have their eyes open so they can see their death coming, to revel at their final face of fear, to–

“I’m not going to kill you,” Negasonic said.

Somehow, Jamie both believed him and thought he was a goddamn liar at the same time. Not kill them? Negasonic, the man with the power to wipe out cities, with a confirmed death count in the high hundreds, who sought revenge on anyone who minorly inconvenienced him during his business, was going to spare them? Jamie wanted to kiss his feet in gratitude. Jamie wanted to scream at him to knock it off with these games. There was a catch, there had to be a catch. A twisting of words the hero wasn’t seeing. Maybe he wouldn’t kill them, but Negasonic said nothing about mutilating them and leaving their still breathing body to be finished off by something else. The supervillain wasn’t known to do favors. No such thing as a free lunch in the criminal underground.

Jamie wasn’t sure if they truly wanted to know the answer, but they asked anyway. “What…wh-what are you going to…do then?”

The thumb that had been holding the hero still shifted to rub against their bruising side. They shivered, twisting away from the gentle touch they feared could turn deadly. Negasonic wasn’t fazed by the rejection. “Get a small enough cold compress for your ribs, first of all. Although that still might be too much weight for your size…we’ll need to ratio the correct dosage of pain relievers as well so you don’t overdose.”

That…sounded an awful lot like medicinal remedies for Jamie’s injuries, which was the total opposite of what they were expecting. Negasonic was offering to help get them on the mend, heal them with proper medication and care. Why? As Nano, they had roughed up the front of his car and kept him at bay from Sandy for all of ten minutes. Those were more than enough reasons to slam their tiny, broken body into the nearest wall like a flyball and call it a day. They just couldn’t picture the supervillain trying to play nurse, fretting over making sure everything was to scale for his new little patient. There had to be an end goal in doing this, some sort of payout Jamie wasn’t considering, but they kept drawing a blank for any legitimate reasons.

“You…what? Wh-why?” They sniffled, rubbing their hand over their face to wipe away any trace of dampness. The tears had stopped, more out of confusion than anything.

They could have sworn they saw the corners of Negasonic’s mouth twitch up for half a millisecond. Trick of the lighting, perhaps. “Would you prefer I leave you here for the seagulls?”

Oh, fuck, Jamie hadn’t even considered those little bastards as an obstacle they’d have to face in trying to get home on their own. “No! No, I just, I don’t understand,” They furrowed their eyebrows in a pout and there was that twitch of a smile again! “Aren’t heroes and villains supposed to, like, fight? Not…patch each other up?”

“You really think you could fight me right now?” Okay, there was definitely a full blown smirk on Negasonic’s face, loving the visual of an overly confident Nano trying to square up at four inches tall. Almost like a chihuahua picking a fight with a rottweiler.

“I don’t think I could fight you at my normal size,” they admitted.

Negasonic hummed in agreement. “That explains why you always run off then.”

Heat rushed to Jamie’s cheeks as if they were a child who was being told off. All those brief run-ins with each other, never a single word or punch thrown between them, and Negasonic recognized them well enough to know they scampered away before the dust settled. The supervillain didn’t appear like he was trying to be patronizing or mocking them for their cowardliness, simply stating a fact. Hero facade or no hero facade, he flat out terrified them, just as he was meant to do. Jamie wanted to stammer out something, but they couldn’t find the words to apologize or defend themself.

Sensing their embarrassment, most likely judging by the increasingly redness of their face, Negasonic half-shrugged a shoulder. “You’re not the first to run away with your tail between your legs. Probably saved your life.” That was probably meant to be comforting, yet Jamie could only feel their guts twisting at the thought.

With a new plan in action that Jamie only knew the bare bones of, Negasonic curled his fingers lightly over the tiny hero to keep them from slipping as he started to walk back to his car. This was not how they planned their night to go, but at least they were still breathing…for now. The future was still debatable. They tried to look forward to the promise of pain medication, already picturing how awestruck they would be when they entered the villain’s lair to be patched up. What sort of cool, high tech gadgets he must have that were powered by his own energy. Maybe he lived in a mansion with an underground facility stockpiled with vehicles and weapons. Maybe he lived in a bunker in the woods, or within a secret passage of a cave. Whatever it was, it had to be a lot cooler than Jamie’s shabby apartment cluttered with the notes and finished projects of their uncle. Would have been nice to inherit the house and lab all this stuff was created in, but those had been repo’d soon after Uncle Julio was hospitalized.

Wait…wait. “Wait!”

They were half expecting the supervillain not to listen to them and, while he didn’t stop walking, he looked down at Jamie to give them his attention with a tilt of his head.

“My helmet!” Hope dared to foolishly flood their heart. Negasonic had so much more experience with advanced technology, or he had to know someone who was skilled in such specialized engineering to have a car that could fire his own energy blasts from. Jamie might not be able to troubleshoot a desktop, but Negasonic probably knew his way around a soldering iron. “We need to find it!”

“Why? I thought you said it was trashed?” And would also be a pain in the ass to find, was the unsaid complaint.

Jamie was more than happy to volunteer scouring the pavement until they could find wherever Sandy had carelessly discarded it. “Y-yeah, it is, but we can fix it! You can help me!”

Negasonic gave them a slow blink. “Kid, I have no idea how to repair your tech. I didn’t even know shrinking technology existed until you told me fifteen minutes ago.”

The hesitant smile on Jamie’s face dropped just as their stomach did. “But…but I don’t know how to fix it either…”

“That’s unfortunate.”

Indeed, it was extremely unfortunate. Before Jamie could work up another fit of hysterics, the supervillain shushed them just when their chest was starting to pant unevenly.

“Look, let’s focus on one thing at a time. You’re hurt, it’s probably not a good idea to be regrowing with fractures anyways.” He had a good point, honestly. Jamie started to relax when he spoke up again. “After you’re healed we can see if it’s worth resizing you back to normal.”

Jamie sputtered at that. “If, if it’s worth it?! I’m a fucking human being!” Well, to be fair, that last statement made very little difference to a supervillain like Negasonic. If he was one thing, it was that he wasn’t discriminatory when it came to who he killed. “You can’t keep me tiny forever!”

But he could and that was the most terrifying realization the hero had had all night. This whole time they had been envisioning the various methods Negasonic might use to torture them to death, but never once had Jamie considered that he might just…keep him. For what, they didn’t know, but there were no good reasons to keep any person without their consent to begin with! A pet, a project, it was all equally dehumanizing. Negasonic didn’t care, though. He was the one holding all the cards (or all the tinies, rather).

“You’re also a hero who’s started to break routine and get in my way,” the supervillain opened the driver side of his car to drop into the seat. Jamie cried out at the motion, feeling dizzy by the changing orientation until they could get their bearings within the car’s sleek interior. Negasonic used his other hand to press some sort of combination on hidden buttons under his steering column in order to make the center console shift and open, presenting a small, clear container when the top slid open. The hero imagined it was something akin to an evidence holder, just something to drop a few items into for secure purposes before they could be taken back to his base. Now, it was to be Jamie’s temporary holding cell with the hand cradling them moving to slide them within.

“No, no!” They tried to cling to the fingers they once pushed away, slipping off of the palm onto their knees. Jamie should be thankful they weren’t mindlessly dropped in, surely turning those fractures into clean breaks. As soon as Negasonic removed his hand, the container lid automatically shut to seal them in. “You can’t do this, please!”

“I can do whatever I want,” he said, revving the engine to life. “And that includes keeping pesky little heroes off the streets, no matter how cute they are.”

…cute?

[olivyh]

Twst Species headcannons

Beastmen:

-Palms and bottoms of their feet are rougher and more padded, as well as a slightly darker shade than their normal skin tone

-Legs are built similar to the hind legs of animals (with the sharp angles and little bumps)

-Start “walking” as children on all fours because it’s more comfortable due to the way their legs are built

-Many have scars under their bottom lip due to accidentally biting it bc their fangs were longer after losing their baby teeth

-Similarly, they also have small scars across various parts of their bodies due to their claws

-They can see in the dark to an extent

-Their eyes also do the glowy thing in the dark, as well as on camera

-Beastmen have very thick and coarse hair, which makes it notoriously harder to cut

-Many lion beastmen especially do not cut their hair often, as their hair symbolizes strength within their communities

-Cutting ones hair is a sign of trust in beastmen communities, considering how guarded they are with who touches their head (Patting a beastman’s head is a quick and easy way for them to get their guard down, and it takes them off high alert) as well as their ears being within constant danger near scissors.

-Beastmen do shed, a lot, like, a lot a lot

-They have been known to growl and purr like their animal counterparts, as well as hunch their backs and snarl when threatened

-Baby beastmen will bite you, as a sign of affection. They also wrestle with their caretakers from a young age to show affection as well. Grown beastmen will let the younger beastman win, regardless of species

-They also play wrestle with mates and potential mates to show their interest and affection. Not too hard, but enough to jostle the mate around. They will be absolutely smitten if the mate does it back.

-Beastmen grow up using the same sounds their animal counterparts do, as its similar to being taught a first language that the rest of your family speaks. Most aren’t taught English (Or commonspeak since England is nonexistent in Twisted Wonderland) until later in life

-Beastmen can understand similar dialects and tones of other species, and can further understand and speak a little bit of other beastmen languages

-They cannot eat certain foods that their mother species can’t. Canine beastmen cannot eat chocolate, onions, etc, feline beastmen cannot eat onions, garlic, grapes, etc etc without having issues afterwards. (This makes them a target for pranksters on NRC’s campus. Ex: The incident of Heartslabyul’s Ace Trappola switching out all the tea for coffee during the unbirthday party and Chenya unfortunately missing the cues and drinking the whole cup)

-They are very territorial to anyone besides the clan they reside with. The only people they aren’t territorial with are young children, although they are on high alert if the child’s guardian is nearby

-Beastmen will adopt a child if they see it doesn’t have a clan to stay with, regardless of species. It’s not unheard of to see a beastchild of another species or a young human in beastman clans

-I saw a hc that said that Rook is mixed beastman/human so I’m gonna roll with that for the next one: Beastmen and human mixed babies can have the same attributes as beastmen but on a tamer scale. Their vision, hearing, sense of touch and smell could be higher than a human’s but not as high as a beastmans. The ears and tail are the more dominant gene but it’s not uncommon to see a mixed beastmen/human child with more human features

-Beastmen grow larger than most humans, with the average beastmen (under the right conditions) ranging around six ft at full height. Female hyena beastmen grow taller than their male counterparts

Mer:

-They’re hypersensitive to sunlight at first and have to wear sunglasses or something shading their eyes their first few weeks on land

-They also get dehydrated very easily even in human form, so they have to carry around water bottles

-Their skin dries out quickly, so their hands and feet especially will be very dry and potentially cracking unless they moisturize often

-They have a lot of back and leg pain because they’re not used to gravity pulling them down

-Can also see in the dark very well due to living at the bottom of the ocean

-Their hair is also very thin and silky, but separated into thick chunks, almost looking like scales from a distance. Furthermore most Mer don’t like having longer hair due to the amount of effort it takes to maintain it, with currents twisting it up and the high chances of it getting stuck between rocks and coral

-Most mer have the habit of picking up whatever’s nearby and eating it raw, due to the fact that their bodies can process it. It’s not uncommon to see a mer picking a crab off the side of their house and plopping it into their mouth.

-They have no problem with eating the fish they are associated with, and they do not consider it cannibalism since they aren’t exactly the same species. (Meaning the Tweels can eat eel and Azul can eat octopus without any problems)

-Baby mer can swim around at a very young age (from just a few days old), and mature faster than most other species in the first few weeks of their lives

-Azul has horizontal, rectangular pupils

-Aside from cecaelia, most mer do have slanted pupils that change shape depending on the danger in the area.

-Mer communicate under the water using clicks and chitters similar to echolocation, and could choose to not learn commonspeak as they don’t interact with humans as much as beastmen

-They are born with teeth and can eat smaller fish from birth (or hatching, depending on the species)

-They’re not mammals, so they don’t have nips I think

-They don’t choose to wear clothing or accessories unless it’s for a formal event or a family heirloom

-Back to the birth thing I think mer eggs are very easy to lose due to the harsh climate of the ocean. Many mer settle for only having a child or two due to how hard it is to raise a child there. Jade and Floyd also hatched from the same egg, meaning they were on the smaller side as babies

-Mer babies also bite to show affection, and will wrap their tail around their guardians when they feel scared or nervous

-Cecaelia babies are well known for sticking to their guardians for the first few weeks of their lives, and are very difficult to pry off due to the strength of their tentacles (And when they do theres little marks left across their backs, stomachs, shoulders, etc from the suction cups) (I’m sorry i cant stop picturing tired momma ashengrotto walking around w little marls on her and baby azul still stuck to her like 👁👁)

-I know this is a little far fetched and is nowhere near mentioned in the game or comic but I have a feeling the tweels have a hard time seeing out of their gray eye? Like coming from the same egg they maybe took some features from the other or they had a difficult development while in there (or maybe I just know nothing abt twins)

-Incredibly territorial, especially towards members of different species.

-Most mer have skin pigmented similar to their tail color as well as thick layers of scales (if their species permits) around their throats, their sides, their arms, and around their ear fins (It throws me off how Azul and the Tweels are the only ones with different skin tones- like you’re telling me you have two teal mer and a black and white mer but the guards at the museum had just blue tails and absolutely no other signs of being a mer??? Give us green Rielle pls and thx)

-Mer grow much larger than humans and beastmen, and don’t stop growing until their twenties.

-They also have markings on their torso, tail, and face that’s similar to others in their families. Normally you can tell which mer is from which family depending on the markings said mer has

-Similar to beastmen tails and ears, mer can be read by their fins. In extreme emotion, mer’s fins will flare out or flatten against their body when they feel threatened.

-They don’t know how to drink things when they get to the surface. I think they’d struggle with the idea since you can’t drink underwater or else the liquid will go everywhere (but then how’d Azul make those potions???)

Fae:

-Also hypersensitive to sunlight, which results in many fae being nocturnal.

-Older fae have been known to go days without any sleep with little to no repercussions. Younger fae have more difficulty with this.

-They have a stronger immunity to magic, and often potions crafted by them are well known to be more potent due to this fact

-Fae speak many languages, with many smaller species talking in little chirps and bell like noises, with bigger species talking in low growls and hissing noises. Fae on opposite sides of this cannot understand each other, but each species of small fae can understand other small fae, and larger ones can understand other large ones, even if there’s a difference in language.

-All of them can practice transformation magic without the use of a spell or potion, regardless of genetic makeup. It’s not uncommon to see large dragons or other reptiles walking the streets of the Valley pf Thorns, nor is it too uncommon to see small “floods” or floating fire balls in more secluded areas of the woods

-Fae grow the largest out of all the groups, but have control over their size due to their transformation magic. They don’t stop growing until they appear the same age as thirty (but is actually a much longer time considering their lifespans)

-Because of this fae take much longer to mature from birth/hatching (I like to think 1 normal year= 80~ years) (So An 80 y/o fae would only be equal to a one year old in any other species)

-Very reserved in their relationships with other fae and especially species. I think the cultural differences between other fae is enough to create a large gap between them, and most fae understand the difference in life span between them and other species, so they actively go out of their way to avoid forming relationships with them. (I feel like this is a part of why Sebek is so abrasive towards humans. I mean, his life span has to be different even if he’s only half, so he might be using his anger to deflect his own feelings about eventually having to lose his human father and Silver, as much as they bicker. Poor guys just in denial and trying to protect himself :(()

Human:

-Humans who grew up around magic users have more resilience to magic and potions (meaning Mc/Yuuken, who grew up in a world without magic at all, is more susceptible and will be effected longer by the side affects of potions and spells, or the spells will pack more of a punch and be potentially more dangerous)(Meaning they could take a sleeping potion meant to give the user a full nights rest and be out for a week straight)

-The chances of a human’s unique magic leaning in one direction depends on the area they live in and what resources they have available (I can’t think of anyone else’s unique magic who does this but Kalim’s oasis maker is a big example. He mentioned they had difficulty getting water on the Land of the Hot Sands so maybe that could have been a factor that altered the makeup of his magic. Like a demand and supply type deal?)

-Magical human’s pupils also change shape when they’re using their magic. I like to think that whenever it’s being used their pupils are blown wide to the point where you can hardly see their actual eye color

-Either that or their eyes glow

-Magic using humans are typically stronger, but have lower endurance than non magic users. This is due to the strain that’s put on their bodies even when magic isn’t in use. There are potions they can use to lessen these effects, and many choose to naturally boost their endurance through various activities, but they have to work harder than non magic using humans

[keyboardthenerd]

DMC OC Week 2022: Day 2 - Cast Connections (and more!) Part 2

Go check out part #1 of my response to Day 2 of DMC OC Week.

Please go check out everyone tagged here, they are all very epic poggers people and some of them are also taking part in OC Week! They are all very good friends of mine and yes I am bias go show these people some love. Please. Pretty please.

Now it's time for the (and more!) part.

Roman Eques Laurel: Finder of Family

Raphael | Pampero on Toyhouse

This big loveable idiot is exactly the kind of person Roman is terrified of. Stubborn, a hugger, both an asshole and the best friend you’ve ever had, and he’s taller and wider than they are. Faster and stronger too. There is no escaping this man. Raphael just wants to protect everyone around him, and Roman just wants to self-destruct. There is a lot of yelling and a lot of stubbornness before they work out each other’s differences and come to an agreement. But Raphael loves their rodent younger sibling, who is perfectly at chin-rest height, and Roman appreciates protectiveness and attentiveness, even if that gets them slapped awake in their sleep occasionally from their significantly lower than average body temperature and their significantly lower than average breathing and heart rate.

Kay | @prophetparadox

Kay has provided a much needed emotional release for Roman, someone who’s stubborn enough to keep prodding at them until they finally drop all of their emotional baggage. They have also been told that Kay provides some of the best sweet treats this side of Red Grave City, and having tasted very little home cooking, Roman is curious, although they would never openly admit it. They are also very willing to be there for Kay if she ever needed someone to talk to. Roman was that person for all of their younger siblings, they understand.

Lucanus | @castledvania

Lucan is a surprisingly big idol of Roman’s. Roman had a very sheltered childhood, and exploring their gender is very new to Roman. They see Lucan as an older brother, someone to go to and confide in and seek guidance from. Their initial reactions were probably coerced by other friends as neither are the type to initiate conversation. Roman has also definitely wrongfully info-dumped about The Order of The Sword to Lucan without knowing his history with them.

But, Roman very much idolises Lucan. In Roman's eyes, he's their ideal: calm, collected, in control, a knight! He's everything Roman could ever want to be and also something they won't ever truly achieve, because that isn't who Lucan is. Roman has only latched onto the Order to give themself a different sense of belonging. It's friends like Lucan that help Roman realise the strength within themself, independent from any group or event or weapon.

Kenaz | @wily-beast

Kenaz wasn’t meant to mean a lot to Roman. No one was meant to mean a lot to Roman. They were cold, closed off, self-sabotaging, self-destructive, but still he remained. Constantly aglow with a radiant smile and a plethora of stories to tell to distract Roman from whatever thoughts they were letting consume them. His caliburn is also very cool.

Siena | @shadedshadowmc

Learning they had yet another sibling was quite the mental loop to get thrown through. And Siena definitely initially lived up to Roman’s expectation of someone standoffish and distant. But that behaviour was very quickly revealed to be in response to Roman’s own initial defensiveness. Once reassured by Dante that Siena was no threat, Roman got to know the real Queen of Sass, Nicknames, and Spite that Siena is, and how willing she is to protect her family. They admire that. It feels good to be loved after all this time.

Gray | @tseliius

Most younger people Roman grows attached to get logged away as "younger siblings" in their mind. Gray isn't any different. Now, Gray would not be the first little sister Roman’s ever had, but she’s certainly one of the sweetest. Roman is definitely setting anyone who misgenders them on fire. Their unending kindness warms Roman in a way they didn't know was possible. They... didn't even do anything to deserve this kindness. Roman vows to protect Gray just as they would any of their siblings. Just! Don't look at all the siblings that Roman has killed...

There is... a lot more... but these some of the longer paragraphs I have written out. Please please there are a lot more and I wish to talk about all of them! Maybe I will at some point! I have so many cool cool friends with the coolest OCs and I wish to talk about all of them. Go check out their posts and please please please show them love I love them so much.

Don't forget to check out part #1 for their canon relationships, a specific relationship is very important.

[abandoned-ax]

Im on the team pt - 4

Pt 1 Pt 2 Pt 3

Haikyuu x ftm reader

Summery: 1st day of the training camp

When we came back for the longer training camp I was much more relaxed. Last time it was only one night but just a few weeks later and were back. Everyone’s been starting to try new things, I think last training camp had everyone realizing we don’t match up at all. Iv been working with Noya a bit more on receiving and everything a libero does as well as working with Tanaka on spiking. But the most interesting thing Iv been doing is helping Kagayama out, he’s working on a new kind of set and asked me if I would throw for him one day after practice, I was hanging back a bit myself just not wanting to leave the gym and so I decided to help him out. I’m seeing a new side to him I didn’t know, I’m used to seeing him as the perfect setter like he could do anything, but seeing him struggling and frustrated is new. The day before we left for training camp we were practicing his set and he got angrier then I had ever seen him, he threw the ball and shouted.

“Ahhhhhh! Why can’t I get it!”

I’m immediately on the ground trying to figure out what to do to help calm him down, but the only thing I can think of that he likes is volleyball. Sooo

“Kageyama!” He pauses to look at me, “umm I was wondering if you wanted to take a break from your set and maybe help me with mine instead.” I guess that got him to pause since he was now just looking at me, “is just Iv been wanting to work on it for a while now but it’s just, your so good at it and I just wanted to ask for some pointers, and it just seems like you could use a break so.” His breathing has started to even out a bit more, he looks a bit caught off guard.

“Ughh yeah I can do that.” So for the next half hour we worked ok my set, I made sure to praise and complement him on his set to make sure he knew how talented he was, I’m sure working so hard on a set and not being able to get it is really frustrating. After a while we were both tired so we moved to sit down drinking our water in silence.

“Thank you for helping me out, and you know for calming me down.” His voice got quieter as the sentence went on but I understood what he was getting at.

“It’s all good kageyama. I bet it’s frustrating.” He looks over at me and we make eye contact, it’s nice.

“Iv always been able to get it, and I just haven’t had to do something new like that in a while.”

“I know it’s frustrating, and I know I don’t know a lot about volleyball but even I know your one of the most talented players, you’ll get it, it’s just going to take a bit of time.”

“Thanks (Y/N)”

I smile over at him happy I could help in anyway, he pulls out his phone to check the time, “holy shit it’s late.” I look over at his phone and realize it’s 12:30 already!

“Oh wow.” Kagayama looks over at me and we start laughing, both realizing how wild it is that we stayed here for that long, “oh my god our buss to head to training camp is going to be here is like 4 hours!” Kagayama starts laughing louder.

“Holy shut we should head home huh?!” Both of us calm down our giggles before moving to walk home, we walk mostly together till we half to part ways, “well I’ll see you in a few hours Kags.”

He smiles at me a little “yeah I’ll see you in a few hours.” And with that we split ways.

It’s before the sun comes up that we have to be at the busses so naturally everyone is very tired. I meet Tsuki and Yams there but once Kagayama shows up I move over to him, he’s looking through his bag and so I ask “making sure you packed everything?” He look up startled but his gaze softens when he sees it’s me, “yeah after how late we got home last night I didn’t really have time to pack properly.” I giggle at him, “lucky I pack like a week in advance.” He chuckles “maybe I should start doing that to huh.” Coach gives a little speech and tells us all to get on the bus, I was originally planning on sitting wish Tsuki and Yams but they ended up sitting together and Kags asked if I wanted to sit with him so that’s what I did. Not long into the drive I ended up falling asleep with my head on Kagayamas shoulder, and he fell asleep with his on my head. But we were rudely awoken by Daichi “come on idiots were here.” I know I have a massive blush in my face so I get up and move to get off the bus quickly, I hear Daichi chuckle at us but ignore it and move quickly, one off the bus I move to find Tsuki and Yams, “so I see you’ve become friends with the king?” Tsuki says skeptically, “oh shut it Tsuki.” Yams laughs at us as we see Nekoma come out to greet us.

I walk over to where Kenma is talking to Hinata excited to see him again since we talked a bit at the last training camp and he seems super cool, “hey Kenma!” He looks away from Hinata and smiles at me “hey (Y/N), I was just talking to Hinata about the camp.”

“Oh yeah! It’s in a different place, do you know why?” Kenma chuckles at that question “yeah it’s a bigger space and a bit cooler here, but there’s a lot of bugs.”

“Fuck I should have brought bug spray.”

“It’s ok you can use mine if you wanna,” he says smiling a bit.

“Are you sure that would be ok?”

“Yeah I don’t mind!”

“Thanks Kennma.” I smile at him but the moment is cut short by a super tall guy yelling over at Hinata “hey did you grow taller yet?!” The two start bickering and I give Kenma a surprised look,

“that’s Lev, he’s the new kid for us.”

I giggle at the distressed look he gets looking over at the tall kid.

“I’m guessing he’s...a lot.”

“How’d you know?”

“I mean he did interrupt our conversation by yelling at Hinata about his height.” Kenma laughs at that.

“So (Y/N) you play any video games?” Me and Kenma talked the entire walk to Karasanos room, finding we have quite a bit in common, from our love of the same video games to our inability to sleep most nights. He’s nice to talk to, his calm and quiet tone is relaxing to listen to and his more subtle demeanor is cute.

We all put our bags in the room and got ready for our first game today. I didn’t play in the first few, but after a couple they switched me into the libero spot for a while and then I played middle blocker. We aren’t doing too good tho, haven’t won a single game, and after the 8th time doing the run for the loosing team I think I’m gunna die. When the end of the day came around we all collapsed after our last run.

“Ughhh I don’t think I can breath” I hear tanaka yell.

“We lost every game, how’d we lose every game.” Suga asked

We looked into the gym to watch the one game that’s still going, we are nowhere near that level. Daichi sits up and says he’s going to work on the synchronized attack, so everyone started to scatter.

I look over and see Tsuki walking away from the gym most of our team was using and Yams yells over at him “you aren’t going to practice Tsuki?” Tsuki turns around “no, we practice enough already.” And starts walking away, I knew Yams was probably itching to go practice his serve so I tell him, “go, I’ll follow the giraffe.” He smiles gratefully at me and I starts chasing after the blond boy.

“Tsuki wait up!” He doesn’t turn around so I start running faster till I catch up with him. “ughhh why are your legs so long!”

“There not that long yours are just short.”

We pause for a moment, it’s awkward. Me and Tsuki have never had an awkward moment, I don’t like it.

“Aren’t you going to practice?”

“No, we do that enough, everyday for hours we practice, I’m done for the night.”

I’m so lost on what to do at this point, I want him to come practice but I can’t force him too,

“Hey glasses kid,” I hear a voice say and turn around Tsuki stopping in his place, “oh and (Y/N)” it’s Kuroo from Nekoma.

“You guys wanna come practice with us? We could use another blocker!” I look over to Tsuki hopefully, maybe this will be the opportunity to get him motivated. Tsuki looks up and with the fakest smile on his face he says “sorry, I’m all done for the night.”

Kuroo and one of the other guys I think from Fukurodani are both appalled by his response,

“You know he may not look it but he’s one of the top 5 aces is Japan.”

The owl looking guy stands up taller and puffs out his chest looking proud. It’s cute!

“Yeah I think he’s still upset he’s not in the top 3 anymore.” I chuckle, there fun, you can tell they all joke around a lot.

“Well I’m in.” I say walking up to the gym and yelling back at Tsuki “don’t make me do this alone.” The three others stay in the door continuing to try and convince Tsuki to join.

I’m walking through but jump when I her “oh hi” from the floor, looking down it’s the tall kid who was talking to Hinata earlier. He looks like a baby dear before it can walk!

“What happened to you?”

“Kuroo did.” I laugh back at him. He sits up more going over to sit agains the wall and I move to sit next you him.

“Your a first year right? How long have you been playing?” A guy like him is clearly a powerhouse, I assume he’s been playing for years.

“Oh I just started!” He says with a goofy grin on his face,

“You just started!!”

“Hey! How long have you been playing!” He says in an amusing accusatory tone

“Well, I kinda just started too!”

“Haha were tied.” I smile over at him, he looks kinda intimidating but he certainly doesn’t act it as he giggles at our interaction. I think back to when I first saw him earlier he was with Kennma, I wonder where he is?

“Hey your on the team with Kennma right, I just talked to him earlier today and haven’t seen him around much since?”

“Oh Kennma?” I hear Kuroo yell jogging over to us “he went to go play some video games, he’s not really the type that needs to practice, nor do I think we could get him too!” He chuckles.

“Oh that reminds me! Did you get Tsuki to join?”

Kuroo gets a cocky smile on his face looking over his shoulder to see Tsuki looking angry. I get up but before I Kuroo I say “great, you made our tall guy with glasses angry.” I laugh at him sarcastically, he laughs back loudly and we go to start our first practice game of many.

An: hey guys sorry it’s been too long, I’m currently thinking I’ll make this a Kenma x Reader X Kuroo or maybe a Tsuki X reader not sure yet!! Let me know what you think!!!

[texanredrose]

Prep and Goth

Day 1: Enemies to Lovers/Secret Library Time

---

Weiss stared at the clock, mentally urging the second hand to move faster. The transition between this period and the next always took the longest- or at least it felt like time slowed down around this point in the day. She hated how the end of the period never caught her off guard; she was always keenly aware of the clock, with her work done and backpack already packed and ready for her to leave the classroom. She was usually the first one out the door.

“Hey, if I give you five lien, could you get me a redbull?”

“No, Ruby; for the last time, I don’t have a release period next, I’m a library aide.”

“Oh, come on, everyone knows you just show up, sign in, and disappear!” Her fellow senior slumped in her seat. “It’s not like you’re going to get in trouble! Ms. Goodwitch knows you ditch and she doesn’t say anything!”

How she’d become friends- perhaps even best friends- with the school’s most energetic track star was beyond her; it involved an ill fated chemistry lab and the fire department but, honestly, she couldn’t remember specific details beyond that. While Weiss would love to say she merely put up with and tolerated Ruby, the truth was that she still hadn’t entirely adjusted to the concept of having someone who would be with her through thick and thin. She was being… persuaded to open up to the young woman but she still kept more secrets than she probably should from her best friend.

“I swear, Ruby Rose, if you keep spreading such slander about my character, I’ll be forced to take drastic action!” She tore her gaze away from the clock to glare at the woman. “I do not skip class!”

Rolling her silver eyes, Ruby rested her head on her desk and groaned. “Just because you’re the Valedictorian doesn’t mean you have to be perfect, Weiss. No one’s going to care if you ditch one period.”

“I care!” The bell rang a moment later and she forgot about the argument entirely as she quickly grabbed her pack and fast walked to the door.

The walk from her class to the library was a blessedly short one, made slightly longer by classmates and underclassmen getting in her way as other students emerged into the hallway for the passing period. A cold glare managed to persuade some of them to move but not all of them- those blessedly ignorant few she stepped around or nearly barreled through if she could get away with it. It probably contributed to her reputation of being a vicious, cut throat type of person like her sister but her patience had worn too thin and she needed to get to the library.

A few steps from her goal, a hand suddenly landed on her shoulder and spun her around, and only two people in the whole school would dare put their hands on her like that, and only one of them for no good reason. “YANG-”

“Calm down, Princess, this’ll be quick, promise!” With hands on Weiss’ shoulders, she guided them away from the throng of students to a small alcove next to the library doors. “Just got something I need to say real quick.”

“What could you possibly have to say to me?” Weiss scowled at the blonde, annoyed that she seemed to get taller every time they talked, and crossed her arms over her chest. “Last I checked, I didn’t have anything to do with the girls’ basketball team. Or the weightlifting team. Or the boxing team. Or-”

Yang clapped her hands together in front of Weiss’ face, smiling that do-you-really-think-they’ll-expel-me smile of hers. “Hey, do me a favor? Drop the frigid bitch act for, like, five minutes, okay? Because I really don’t have the time for it; if you wanna go toe-to-toe in the bitch-out-lypmics, we can schedule that another time, but right now, I need to have a serious talk with you. It’s about Blake.”

At the namedrop, her blood ran cold and her heart lodged in her throat, eyes growing wide as a genuine tendril of fear began taking root in her chest. “Is she okay?”

“Well, that depends,” Yang replied, looking around at their classmates walking past without paying them any mind. “Look. I don’t get it, okay, the whole secret girlfriends thing, I don’t even know how you two got together… but what I do know is that Blake deserves better than someone who’s ashamed of her-”

“Don’t you dare put words in my mouth,” she hissed, worry turning to fury in the blink of an eye. “I’m not ashamed to be dating Blake. If it was safe, everyone would know!”

“Yeah, can you define ‘safe’ for me in this context? Because I’m having a real hard time convincing Blake you’re being sincere when you don’t want anyone knowing the two of you are dating.”

“You know we’re dating!”

“Because I refuse to let things go and I knew she was acting weird!” Yang growled in frustration, fingers flexing as if she was seriously debating throttling Weiss. “Listen, I figured it out and I bullied her into telling me weeks ago, but not even Ruby knows beyond that. Not a fan of keeping secrets but I’ll do it for a friend. Now, answer my question, please, because with the rest of the school convinced you two hate each other, this whole ‘don’t tell anyone we’re dating thing’ is clear as mud, and it’s really starting to get to her.”

Weiss’ shoulders fell as she looked away, her anger abating in the face of the situation presented to her. “It’s… complicated.”

“Then uncomplicate it for me.” Yang made a gesture with one hand. “Just give me a straight answer!”

“I can’t!” She stamped her foot, speaking before she could think about her word choice. “I can only give you a gay answer!”

Yang stared at her for a long moment. “So, that’s what Blake meant when she said you have the worst sense of humor.”

“I’m done with this conversation-”

Yang grabbed her arm and stopped her, expression turning serious. “Listen, you don’t wanna talk to me? Fine. But talk to Blake. If you really care about her, she deserves to hear that.”

As the blonde stepped away, the bell rang, making both of them late- not that it would matter. Ms. Goodwitch wouldn’t count her late and even if she did, a single tardy wouldn’t be much of a blemish on her record. There was a time when it would’ve bothered her but she’d grown past that a few years ago; perfection was, in some sense, in the eye of the beholder. Blake would notice, though, and she hurried to the library to keep her ‘secret girlfriend’ from worrying.

When she got to the library, she dropped her bag behind the counter and signed in, highly aware that Blake was somewhere among the rows reshelving books. 

The librarian gave her a small nod. “I presume you have good reason for being late but don’t make a habit of it.”

“Of course, Ms. Goodwitch.” With that, she grabbed a few leftover books that needed reshelving and went into the stacks to reshelve them. As soon as she was far enough away from the front desk, she spoke in a soft voice that Blake would be able to hear regardless. “Blake? I’m sorry I’m late.”

“Is everything alright?” She’d long ago grown accustomed to the faunus’ silent steps, which really shouldn’t be possible given the amount of glistening chains and bits of metal hung from her ensemble but it was one of those things Weiss had accepted about Blake at first and had grown to admire. “It’s not like you to be late.”

“I… got pulled into a conversation.” She debated, briefly, if she should mention who the conversation was with but ultimately decided against it. Yang would likely bring it up herself at some point but she didn’t want the distraction at present. “Blake… you know I care about you, right?”

“Yes, Weiss, and I care about you, too,” she replied, her voice holding that special lilt that Weiss used to think was snideness. Now, she recognized it as a gentle sort of teasing and, sometimes, a deflection. “What brought this on?”

“I’ve been thinking about some things… and I find myself curious about some… other things.”

“Truly, you have a way with words.”

“I’m trying to be serious!” Weiss whined, putting a hand to her head as she tried to think of a way to word what she wanted to say. In the next moment, Blake stepped up and wrapped her arms around her waist, resting her chin on Weiss’ shoulder in a silent show of support. This was, partly, where they differed, because even when words escaped Blake, the faunus could somehow find a way to convey what she needed; Weiss, in contrast, simply clammed up entirely if she didn’t begin insulting whoever was nearest. “You know the only reason we’re not dating publicly is because of my family, right? That, the moment I turn eighteen and gain access to my funds, I’ll shout it from the rooftops… right?”

Blake took a step back but one hand lingered on Weiss’ hip, a soft assurance that she wasn’t leaving but that they should probably have a conversation like this face-to-face. When she turned around, she searched shining amber eyes and found a touch of disbelief hiding there. “I’ll admit, I didn’t think it was the only reason.”

“It really is…” Weiss sighed, running a hand through her bangs in frustration. “I… I don’t know how to prove it, I don’t know if there’s anything I could say or do that would, but… I don’t want you thinking that I’m ashamed of dating you… that’s… that’s the furthest from the truth.”

Feline ears flicked towards one end of the row and both of them quickly focused on shelving the few books that remained as a group of students went back to one of the study rooms. Once the coast was clear, Blake sighed heavily. “I told Yang to drop it.”

“She’s trying to help.” Begrudgingly, she continued. “Ruby’s the same way. They meddle when they can but they have the best of intentions.”

“Still… she wasn’t too… forceful, was she?”

“She only threatened to throttle me, so no, she wasn’t too forceful.” Weiss tilted her head. “And, arguably, she has a salient point. I… I perhaps took it for granted that you would… that I made my feelings about you clear to you.”

Blake ducked her head, her ears flicking back briefly to blending into midnight black hair. As per her usual, the faunus was bedecked in all black save for the silver of the chains hanging from her pants and the snake bite piercings on her bottom lip. Whenever they were making out, Weiss found that flicking either of the piercings with her tongue would always result in a soft groan from Blake.

“So… when you turn eighteen…basically, when we graduate?” Blake took a step forward. “That’s… a long time to be a secret from everyone.”

“Well… not from everyone. Yang knows.”

“Uh huh.”

“And Ruby will know… when I tell her…”

“Right.” Blake came a bit closer. “I guess that means we won’t be going to prom together.”

Weiss raised a brow, then caught onto what her girlfriend was doing, a smile tugging at her lips. “You? Go to prom?” A soft chuckle. “I thought you said you wouldn’t be caught dead at… what was it you called it? A useless party for empty headed idiots?”

“And a waste of money. I said that, too.” Blake stopped just a hair’s breadth away and very nonchalantly shelved a book just behind Weiss’ shoulder. “But you’ve got a crown to win, right? Prom Queen to go with your other honors?”

“There’s only one crown that I care to claim,” she replied, reaching up to bury her hand in midnight locks between the faunus’ ears and pulling her down into a kiss. Normally, they didn’t indulge in such outside of Ms. Goodwitch’s office, which the librarian granted them access to once they’d reshelved all the books. If she suspected what they did in there, she remained silent, probably because while reshelving the books they would also fix what other aides did incorrectly and she appreciated the help more than she cared to curtail PDAs.

The kiss didn’t last too long- just long enough to drive her point home- but the look in amber eyes almost made her too weak to move.

Weiss gathered her courage. “I do love you, Blake.”

Not ‘care about’, not ‘fond of’, not any other arrangement of words she’d used over the past year to describe how she felt. Fear that caring too much would make her careless had prevented her from saying the words before. Now, though, she couldn’t go another moment without Blake understanding exactly how much she cared.

After the shock passed, Blake smiled softly, ears canting forward. “I love you too, Weiss.”

It took a moment for them to part but they returned to the counter and finished reshelving the books.

“Blake?”

“Yes?”

“Do you think I’d look good in black?”

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Hi, yes, please join me in picturing Blake as a late 90′s/early 00′s goth girl.