#I start voyager next oh boy

[peachviz]

finished ds9 so here’s my final thoughts:

- Ezri/Julian 👎🏼 Ezri/Worf 👍🏼 stay w me here its Worf x Dax bc regardless of Dax taking on any gender that’s Worf’s soul mate but this is Star Trek and they like to make Worf suffer. The chemistry is just there I don’t make the rules

-Kira is one of the best female characters I’ve ever seen no contest (except maybe Jadzia) I have a running joke w my partner that you can always pinpoint when Gene Roddenberry died bc the light and personality just shines through the female characters but with ds9 that was already established and gd was it a breath of fresh air

-Odo is such a sweet and affectionate character and idc if you send me to ultra Star Trek hell he and Kira had so much chemistry. The fact that his love started out totally cerebral (?) before gaining any sexuality is so beautiful like the respect he has for her is so amazing and he’s so attentive. We almost lost the plot in those few episodes in season 6 but season 7??? We are so back. To find that kind of relationship outside of spirk is so rare in Star Trek

-Julian assassination arc was so brutal to watch bc watching canon Julian not be as fun as fanon Julian was very difficult to stomach bc the man is so fine and he has all the elements of a good character and then something like chrysalis happens and well you know the rest

-side note?? Sidelining his and Garak’s relationship is so wild too when I catch you Rick Berman when I catch you

-Sisko is my favorite captain no contest sorry Janeway I haven’t even met you yet

-Nog? I have no complaints. Beautiful character development we have come so far

Now time to collect 400 clips to only use like 20 to make a massive edit that will probably get muted like measure of man 🤩

But anyway ds9 is superior idc I’ve seen everything but enterprise and voyager and I think it’s safe to say it’s unlike anything I’ve ever seen before

[nonbinoclard]

>>> TUNES TO LOSE YOUR MIND TO <<<

KEEP IN MIND: This is a living playlist! Songs may be added and removed at times to further curate the vibe I'm going for. I'll try to keep this post updated, but you can just check out the link for an up-to-date track list.

(EDIT: Song discussions are not finished! I have a lot more to say. I'll reblog when I've updated.)

This is set in a sort of nebulous time between Harry's life right before Martinaise and the night before he lost his memory. I wanted this playlist to feel erratic-- full of manic energy one second, then slow and bleak the next, dreamy, unreal, then right back to ridiculous.

(In no particular order. Shuffle for full emotional whiplash effect.)

I Don't Like My Mind - Mitski

I don't like my mind, I don't like being left alone in a room [...] And then I get sick and throw up and there's another memory that gets stuck / Inside the walls of my skull waiting for its turn to talk / And it may be a few years, but you can bet it's there, waiting still

The days before cleaning out the rooms... also, eating an entire cake and throwing it all up again feels very harry-esque... Overindulgence

A whole cake, so please don't take / Take this job from me

End Of The World - Hether

I mean, I could just post the entire set of lyrics as evidence, tbh. Struggling to find meaning and purpose in his life in the wake of heartbreak (5 year old heartbreak, but who's counting anyway)

I wake up in the morning and I wonder / Why everything's the same as it was I can't understand / No I can't understand / How life goes on the way it does

Cane Shuga - Glass Animals

Baby, don't go / I'll stop breathing coke / No more bloody nose / No more John Does Burn through my love / Just like your drugs / I've had quite enough / Or lack thereof

This is about the last moments of Harry and Dora's relationship to me. The chorus (a kind of circular, endless, self-aggrandizing internal monologue likely fueled by stimulants, implied in the song) continuing after the second verse kind of reflects the solution for Lonesome Long Way Home.

"11 Voyager Road. You no longer live there. Those times are gone, and so are those people. Why did you come here? Why are you still here? And where’s the dealer? You have to get back to work. That’s all you have now."

Hot Venom - Miniature Tigers

Hot venom is mixing with my blood / I can feel it on my fingers and taste it on her tongue / It feels so good to fall in love with you

I've heard a lot of people say this song is about heroin addiction, which is thematically appropriate for this playlist, but also. Harry's unhealthy obsession with Dora/Dolores Dei. Adoration (and hatred) so strong it's killing him.

Her venom makes me strong / Stronger than I am on my own / Before too long, I'll wake up to it gone / Wondering how I ever was happy [...] You can't go back now; that's not how this works / And as long as she's gone, I can never be happy

Who Is She ? - I Monster

This is just straight up about Harry's recurring dream to me. Just. Gestures at the lyrics.

Oh, who is she? / A misty memory / A haunting face / Is she a lost embrace? Am I in love with just a theme? / Or is Ayesha just a dream?

I feel like it falls in line really well with the idea that Harry's mind has been affected by the Pale-- a lack of memory, or maybe mixed memories, in a misty haze beyond the boundaries of reality. (and maybe Dolores Dei has started haunting him via Pale? Like some theories I've read.)

Somewhere across the sea of time / A love immortal such as mine Will come to me / Eternally

I Don't Miss You at All - FINNEAS

Dummy - Portugal. The Man

F the World - The Northern Boys

You Stupid Bitch - Crazy Ex-Girlfriend (TV Show)

These shards are a metaphor for my soul Won't stop the self-pity 'cause I'm on a roll

This song perfectly captures the inherent melodrama of a mental downward spiral imo. Catastrophic and all-encompassing. This is what I think it sounds like in there (Harry's head).

You ruined everything / You stupid bitch / You ruined everything / You stupid, stupid bitch / You're just a lying little bitch who ruins things / And wants the world to burn / Bitch / You're a stupid bitch / And lose some weight

Oleander - Mother Mother

Intermission - Scissor Sisters

Skit #2 - Kanye West

Self explanatory. He's got no money. He's got no clothes. He has no car and he has no hoes.

We broke, broke broke phi broke We ain't got it Broke, broke, broke phi broke We ain't got it Don't spend no money, ain't got no clothes Ain't got no cars, ain't got no hoes

Nobody - Mitski

My God, I'm so lonely, so I open the window To hear sounds of people, to hear sounds of people

This one is more about the feeling of the song itself rather than the lyrics specifically; I love the upbeat tempo that continues through the song (trying to remain steady, continue working), how the beat is simple at first then builds into a kaleidoscope of sound by the end of the track (overwhelmed by the world), then ending in a distorted loop (trapped in a cycle). This song has always felt really authentic to my own experience with mental spirals. The themes of loneliness tie it all into a nice bow.

I'm A Broken Heart - the bird and the bee

Not Allowed - TV Girl

Party Time - The Northern Boys

Comfortably Numb - Scissor Sisters

(Do The) Act Like You Never Met Me - TV Girl

Novocaine For The Soul - Eels

Basket Case - Green Day

Do you have the time / to listen to me whine About nothing and everything all at once? I am one of those melodramatic fools / Neurotic to the bone, no doubt about it

I just think this one fits him well during Martinaise... just shaken up and unloading trauma onto unsuspecting strangers like a can of soda (bad analogy lol), depending on the dialogue you choose.

I went to a shrink to analyze my dreams She says it's lack of sex that's bringing me down I went to a whore, she said my life's a bore So quit my whining 'cause it's bringing her down

Sometimes, I give myself the creeps / Sometimes, my mind plays tricks on me It all keeps adding up / I think I'm cracking up Am I just paranoid, or am I stoned?

Also it's just a little pathetic, which just... it fits. Sorry Harry.

Labyrinth - Miracle Musical

[quasi-normalcy]

Which Star Trek series should you start with?

The Original Series: Advantages: + The one that started it all + Has some sophisticated and socially conscious science fiction that has held up exceptionally well + The lead characters all have really good chemistry and fun to see play off of one another + It's what most people probably think of when you say Star Trek (together with TNG) Disadvantages: - It can feel very dated and kind of sexist, particularly in its treatment of women - The sci-fi and social commentary may have held up, but damn it, the special effects really haven't - When TOS is bad, it's really, really bad.

The Animated Series: Advantages: + Basically just more TOS. Disadvantages: - Basically just more TOS, but substituting extremely cheap animation for bad special effects

The Next Generation: Advantages: + Probably the most popular one at this point + The crew is full of interesting characters and they're fun to spend time with + Just really smart people solving Space Mysteries + Socialist space utopia + Geordi-And-Data! + Lots of cool sci-fi concepts and social commentary + It's what most people probably think of when you say Star Trek (together with TOS) Disadvantages: - Although not in the same way as TOS, it can feel dated at times, particularly in terms of its treatment of women and it's near complete refusal to acknowledge queerness - Without wanting to bias viewer opinion, the first season is widely considered to be pretty bad - The series makes no bones about the fact that the socialist space utopia is better than every other society that has ever existed and will reiterate this point over and over again

Deep Space Nine: Advantages: + The most popular Trek series on Tumblr + Has a complete story arc, as well as arcs for all of its characters, including the extremely minor ones + Plain, simple, Garak. The humble tailor. + Garashir, if you're into that + Seriously has a really sophisticated treatment of things like post-colonial politics, anthropology, worldbuilding, and the horrors of warfare + Just the characters in general + Is the only Star Trek prior to the 2010s to even look meaningfully at queer representation Disadvantages: - Has an absolutely massive inferiority complex with respect to TNG and this drives a few poor writing decisions that seemingly exist just to poke the Socialist Space Utopia in its eye - Introduces a space religion and then just slowly turns it into Christianity with the numbers filed off - Seems to think that sexual harassment is just a quirky eccentricity - There's no women in its writers' room, and frankly it shows

Voyager: Advantages: + Probably the clearest instance of found family in space + Lots of really good episodes + Lots of fun new characters + Strong female role models + "Set a course...for home." Disadvantages: - Continuity? I never knew her! - Probably about 90% of Trek's reputation for technobabble comes from this one series - Even less queerness than TNG. - Only like...3 characters actually get arcs. - The first few seasons lean very hard into bullshit fake "Native American" spiritualism with one of the characters - How do these guys have warp drive but can't find any water?

Enterprise: Advantages: + Chronologically the first series + 90% less technobabble + The only series to plausibly frame our heroes as astronauts...on some kind of...star trek. + Still has probably the best production values of any series + Makes alien cultures of the week feel somehow richer and deeper than other series + Faith of the Heart is good, fuck you. Disadvantages: - Oh my god, the decon scenes - Seriously, if you've ever wondered what a "sexy" series written by a 14 year old boy who's only ever seen a bit of scrambled softcore porn on late-night cable would be like, this is the show for you - Somehow feels more sexist and racist than the show from the '60s - Seriously, the POC characters mostly exist to fill seats on the bridge; the women constantly have to undress themselves - Hellooooo, Bush II-era political analogies - Scott Bakula is a good actor but you wouldn't know it from this series - In season 3, they add a tambourine beat to Faith of the Heart and ruin it

Discovery: Advantages: + Noticed the lack of queer characters in the first 50 years of Star Trek canon and decided to make up for lost time + Seriously, the "Bury Your Gays" tally for this series is like...negative two + Just incredible representation in general + Some really good science fiction plots, particularly in later series + Some really fun, memorable characters + It's still running, so it has an active fandom on Tumblr Disadvantages: - Makes Elon Musk out to be one of the great visionary geniuses of history - Not really representative of Star Trek as a whole - The series swerves wildly in tone because of constant, behind-the-scenes churn in the writers' room - Offputtingly grimdark first season - Let's be honest, none of the season-long arcs have actually had satisfying conclusions - Half the cast feels like it's just there for exposition and to be killed for cheap drama

Picard: Advantages: + Has the best dramatic acting of any Star Trek series by a fair margin + Has the best musical score of any Star Trek series + Introduces a whole crew of fascinating new characters + Introduces all kinds of fascinating transhumanist concepts + AGNES. JURATI. Disadvantages: - You know all of those fascinating new characters that I mentioned? Yeah, it unceremoniously gets rid of all of them to bring back the old TNG gang. - You know that all of those fascinating transhumanist concepts that I mentioned? Yeah, it gets rid of those too so that to give us some generic action - Oh my god, someone teach the set designers to operate a fucking light switch - Grimdark - Nossssstalgia - Each season is basically unrelated to every other season - Depends so heavily on TNG that its final season is basically unwatchable if you haven't already seen a 30-year-old TV series

Lower Decks: Advantages: + It has probably the most efficient storytelling that I've ever seen; seriously, it's incredible how much it can fit into a half hour episode + It has a bunch of delightful, archetypical characters you get to know and love + You like hanging out with these people + The ship is kind of crap and you will learn to love it that way. + Basically a sitcom version of TNG. + Has a big fandom on Tumblr Disadvantages: - The art style is pretty Rick & Morty-ish - It takes most of its first season to really strike a good balance between being a sitcom and being a Star Trek series - The main character, Mariner, is kind of unlikable for the first season or so (she gets better) - Lots of callbacks to other series (though always either incidental or clearly explained) - Given that it's the first Star Trek sitcom, the comedy is honestly kinda the weakest part? Subjective I know.

Prodigy: Advantages: + Absolutely gorgeous to look at; the most visually stunning Star Trek by quite a ways + Lots of fun new characters on a cool ship + Gives you clear on-boarding notes to the Star Trek franchise if you're watching it for the first time + Can be watched on its own, but also works as a direct sequel to Voyager and a prequel to Picard (making both of them retoractively better, in fact) + Kind of like the Clone Wars or Rebels of the Star Trek universe, I guess? + Found family in space! The next generation! + Soon to be running on Netflix, so if you already have a Netflix subscription, you don't need to pay for another service + Written for a younger audience. Not necessarily an advantage, but nice if you happen to like family friendly animation or YA. Disadvantages: - *sigh* You basically need to pirate it. Thanks, Paramount. - Has a second season that we may or may not ever actually get to see even through piracy. Thanks, Paramount. - Isn't airing on the same streaming service as all of the other ones. Thanks, Paramount

Strange New Worlds: Advantages: + Basically what the original series would be if it were released today, rather than 57 years ago; all of the cool, socially consciousness sci-fi adventure, none of the weird 60s sexism + Fun, awesome characters you get to like spending time with right away + Incredible visuals + Nifty sci-fi concepts, mostly without the 90s-style technobabble Disadvantages: - A huge cast with only ten episodes a season, so many of them feel underdeveloped - Unfortunately, a bunch of its characters are younger versions of the characters from The Original Series, and they hog most of the spotlight; and the characters whose futures aren't locked in stone are kind of treated as disposable - In general, it needs to spend less time being a prequel, and more time being its own thing - "What if Starfleet ran into the Xenomorphs from Alien?" "Well, they'd probably kill them." "Okay, let's spend several episodes on this."

[anangelwhodidntfall]

Part Of Your World: Prince Eric

The Little Mermaid Masterlist

 word count: 1.2k 

description: You and Eric are childhood sweethearts who share a love for the ocean and the unknown. 

The queen had always disliked you even as a child, all because of who you're parents were, since your dad was a pirate and your mom was a high lady turned pirate and you were very much like the both of them but that didn't matter to you or Eric.

You and Eric had grown up together, the love of the ocean and the unknown drawing you two together, you two were always together and you may or may not have had a crush on him as you grew older. When you reached the age your dad let you come on some of his voyages and sometimes Eric joined you but more often than not the queen tried to keep ashore or provide him his own boat away from you and your father.

It had been a few months since you last saw him, and you were excited to return to shore and see him and you hoped that maybe this time something would happen between you two.

"Ready to see your little boy toy?" Your dad asked with a teasing tone.

"Daaadddd." You said with a groan.

"What I see is the way you both look at each other. It reminds me of me and your mother when we were your age." He said making you smile.

"Really?" You asked him as thunder cracked.

"Yes. Take a chance on him, don't worry about his mom, he would be lucky to have someone like you as his queen." He said squeezing your hand.

A few hours later the small storm had turned into a much more serve storm making it difficult for the boat to navigate. Soon enough the boat overturned due to the winds, and you swam up to the surface level searching around for the crew.

"Dad!" You called out.

"I'm right here angel." He said as he hugged you.

You two swam around trying to get out of the storm, since you were a much better swimmer than your dad, you could navigate the waters easier. You turned around and noticed that your dad was no longer with you, making your panic.

"Dad! Dad!" You called swimming around looking for him.

The last thing you remember was reaching the shoreline before everything went black.

When you woke up, you slowly sat up looking around realizing that you were in a room and no longer on the shore. You stood up and walked over to the window and saw that you were in the castle, making you wonder how you got here.

"Oh thank god, you're awake." Eric said walking into the room making you turn and see him.

You walked over to where he was and hugged him, glad to see a familiar face, the only one person who you truly cared about in this world. You two stood there silently hugging grateful that you were here.

"Eric, how did I get here?" You asked him.

"I was gonna ask the same thing. I was walking Max and he was the one who found you unconscious on the shore. I brought you back here immediately." He said as everything started to make sense.

"Y/n what happened?" He asked concerned as you two took a seat on the bed.

"There was a really bad storm, the boat got overturned and I remember being with my father one minute but then the next he was gone. I kept searching for him but I couldn't find him, I barely remember making it to shore." You said sadly.

"We can search party and start checking around for your dad, I promise you, that we will find him." He said squeezing your hand as Max jumped on the bed.

"Max buddy!" You said hugging him as he kissed your face making Eric smile.

"You are more than welcome to stay here while you heal and we search for your dad." Eric said making you look at him.

"Eric what about your mom? You know she doesn't like me." You said looking at him.

"As mother and queen, she should never want a child out on the streets. I'm sure she will be upset about it at first, I'll leave you to rest before dinner." He said standing up and leaving.

"See y/n, this why I don't like my Eric going out on those ships. The sea gods aren't our friends." The queen said as you and Eric shared a look.

"One bad storm isn't a reason to stop exploring. And as for the sea gods, they may not be your friends but they are certainly mine." You said making Eric smile as you continued eating.

Over the next few days, you and Eric spent some much time together which was a great distraction for you. It made you realize just how much you truly did love Eric and how you wished that he saw you that way. The following morning, after breakfast, you ran into Grimsby.

"Anything Grimsby?" You asked him.

"I'm afraid not Miss y/n. But we will keep searching." He said giving you a small smile.

"Thank you, Grimsby." You said sadly before leaving and heading down to the beach with Max hot on your trails.

You had been sitting by the shore scratching Max's back as he rested in your lap, wondering if your father was still out there somewhere or if he was lost at sea forever.  Eric who hadn't been able to find you or Max all afternoon finally sees you guys sitting down on the shore making his heartbreak that you had to go through the same thing he did.

"I remember us always coming out here to see if we could see your dad." He said making you smile as you leaned into him.

"That was the best, or when we would try and guess the stories of the ships that were passing through or coming in." You said with a smile.

"You know even if on the off chance we don't find him, you will always have a place here with me." He said lacing a hand with yours.

"Eric, what are you saying?" You asked looking at him in shock.

"Y/n, I have always been in love with you. I hated whenever you would leave and would go for months at a time, I would anxiously wait for your letters or for you to come back. I always hated when my mother would try to set me up on dates because all I could focus on was you and search for you in them. Your love for history and the water is one of the main things, that drew to me not to mention your beauty. I understand if I am..." He said as you pressed a kiss to his lips.

"I have always loved you, Eric." You said smiling at him as you two pulled apart.

"I think that they make a rather lovely couple, don't you think your majesty?" Grimsby asked the Queen as they watched the young couple on the shore.

"I'm afraid you are right Grimsby. I have been a bit harsh to her over the years, haven't I?" The Queen asked.

"Just a little. I think an apology would be a good start to mending the relationship but for now, let's leave them be." Grimsby said as the Queen agreed.

[luffysinterlude]

REMEMBER WHEN. . .

★ summary: the straw hat pirates reminisce on some fun memories while voyaging through the Grand Line.

★ warnings: chatroom au/comedic relief, mentions of pregnancy, cursing, takes place after water seven/pre thriller bark, ooc characters, use of yn + female reader in mind, flirty!yn + the crew teases yn a bit ><, zoro x reader…kinda..im biased im sorry 😞 + some things are NOT canon and i just made it up :p

★ an: hiii!! there is not enough one piece fanfic content on this app in my opinion (i feel like i’ve read almost every piece, all have been amazing), so here’s my attempt at making more!! also, i’m still pretty new to the op fandom, so some characters may be a little ooc. i’m still reading/watching thriller bark so pls bare with me! also this is a chatroom au because i don’t have access to social app anymore *cry*. anyway, please enjoy!

NOW ONLINE [9]. . .

yn: SIGHHHHHHHHHH

robin: is everything okay, yn?

chopper: yeah yn, is everything okay?

zoro: probably not

yn: just thinking

usopp: thinking about where we’ll be next? praying manifesting it isnt anywhere scary

chopper: everywhere we’ve been has been terrifying

nami: yeah usopp

nami: its like we goto hell, leave it, and then enter another part of it

nami: i think we should just start expecting the worst

zoro: maybe we should all just get a lil more stronger. starting with the blonde pervert we have as our cook

sanji: I DIDNT EVEN SAY ANYTHING YET

sanji: AND YOURE THE ONE TO TALK!

sanji: MUST I REMIND YOU THAT I LITERALLLLY JUST SAVED YOU AND USOPP AT THAT TOWER

luffy: oooooo thinking about what? tell me tell me tell me!

sanji: now, my dearest yn, please let me know if theres anyway i can assist you

zoro: she probably doesn’t want your help lmfao no offense

sanji: WHOOOO was even talking to you? I SAID YN’S NAME IN THE TEXT DAMMIT

nami: can you two idiots cut it out already? its like, i can hear your voices through my screen and i don’t like that

franky: yeah it’s actually kinda crazy i can hear you all…without actually being in your presence

chopper: soooo yn?

luffy: yeah yn what’s going on?

yn: just sitting here thinking about all of our fun adventures. like wow we actually did all of that and it was like…real life

yn: i feel like if i didnt know you guys and didn’t experience it then it wouldn’t sound real

yn: but like wow it was all real

robin: we’ve had some wild times, haven’t we?

luffy: LOL yeah that might’ve been on me

luffy: but we’ve survived this long

luffy: we’ll continue to survive because fate loves us!

nami: -.-

sanji: luffy’s right, surprisingly

sanji: sometimes i think about how fate brought us together…or atleast i think about how fate brought me nami yn and robin together

yn: watch it pretty boy

sanji: YES MA’AM

sanji: screenshotting

zoro: ignoring that dude. i think it’s amazing how we prevail every time. we get stronger without realizing

yn: i mean we did fly into the sky

yn: thats so crazy we actually like. flew. in the air. on a ship.

nami: yeah all thanks to me ;*

yn: thank u pretty i remember falling in love with you then and there

franky: WHAT THE HELL

franky: YOU GUYS FLEW IN THE AIR WITH MERRY?!

usopp: HELL YEAH MERRY FLEWWW

usopp: FRANKY YOU SHOULDVE SEEN IT

usopp: there was this gigantic whirlpool below us and everything

chopper: haha yeah that was crazy! and those giant monkeys

robin: oh! yes, the saruyama alliance. i could never forget the amount of fun i had during our time on Jaya Island

yn: robin i love u but FUNNNNNN???-?-?-!-? DID WE FORGET ABOUT THAT STUPID FOREST CRICKET HAD US GO INTO?!1? i still have nightmares of that stupid south bird and its stupid face and the way it made all those stupid bugs chase me

luffy: haha those south birds were really something else

nami: it’s funny because we had no idea what was coming next

zoro: that stupid “God” was next. what was his name again? emily? enemy….?

zoro: well shit i’ve forgot. it was somethin else though. his stupid lightning

franky: BROTHER WHAT

franky: YOU GUYS FOUGHT….A GOD?!?!1???!!!?

franky: was it like….you know…..THE GOD

chopper: not really sure what you mean but that guy enel really had some sort of crazy insane powers

chopper: him and his crazy insane priests were able to predict our moves!

robin: oh yeah. he electrocuted zoro, yn, and i.

yn: pls dont remind me TT

yn: he scares me because i feel like he somehow is still alive

yn: like what if hes reading our messages

nami: i never thought of it like that…

nami: enel if ur reading this please drop 1,000,000,000 berries down from the sky

luffy: i wish the skypeians and shandians rang the bell more often.

luffy: haha oh well! i know they’re doing just fine! :D

usopp: well thanks to yn now i’m reminscing TT

usopp: it feels like alabasta JUST happened

robin: well, we did just face the world government

robin: technically crocodile was apart of it

usopp: YEAH AND YOU WERE HIS ASSISTANT OR WHATEVER

robin: that’s the past. i had to do what i needed to do to survive. and i’m glad i was, considering i was able to find you all <3

yn: ROBINNNNNNN TT

nami: ROBINNNNN

sanji: robin i wouldve followed you to hades’ kingdom if i had to. i will always protect you (and nami and yn. the others can fend for themselves).

luffy: hahahaha i agree!! see, fate loves us

chopper: WE LOVE U ROBIN

franky: YEAH! WE LOVE SISTER ROBIN!

zoro: appreciate ya.

usopp: YEAAAA WE LOVE ROBIN!

yn: shoutout to us

yn: i love us

yn: i love being a strawhat

chopper: same!!! forever and always gonna be a strawhat!!

luffy: i love our little family!

luffy: without you all, i wouldn’t be as close as i am to reaching my dream! so thank you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

luffy: also sanji when is dinner gonna be ready so i know when to head back to the sunny

nami: same

nami: now i’m really reminiscing. do you guys remember when yn thought she was pregnant

usopp: i-

usopp: …

yn: NAMI

yn: alright well.

sanji: WHATTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTT TT

sanji: also luffy dinner will be ready when its dinner time. its mid day. if you’re hungry i have snacks in the fridge or since you’re running around this island, find a food stand

sanji: BUT WHATTTTTT DID NAMI JUST SAY

chopper: HUUUUUUUUUUUUH

robin: what a naughty girl you are, nami. teasing yn about her “almost” pregnancy

nami: yk me! but i remember being soooooo worried only for the pregnancy test to come back negative

zoro: yn?

franky: LITTLE SIS YN…DOES THE DEED….BUT SHE LOOKS SO INNOCENT

luffy: oh wow cool sanji thanks!

luffy: also congrats yn? but where will the baby stay?

usopp: did you even read nami’s text

luffy: oh..right LOL that’s good! i can’t imagine yn having a baby. plus how are babies even made

chopper: :o

nami: …

robin: your innocence is apart of my will to live

yn: luffy TT

sanji: THROUGH LOVE! BABIES ARE MADE THROUGH LOVE!!!

luffy: oh sickkkkkk do you guys think we can make one?

yn: oh luffy TT

nami: well!

sanji: he’ll come around

luffy: LOL BRB

LUFFY has gone offline.

chopper: wonder what he’s up to

yn: probably found food like sanji told him to

zoro: yeah he kind of left the store we’re at and i have no desire to look for him right now

zoro: oh nevermind. he just went outside to buy meat from a vendor. he’s good, still in my eyesight

chopper: also

chopper: YN WHY DIDNT YOU TELL ME

yn: chopper >< you were still fairly new to the crew then

yn: but this happened after we left chopper’s hometown

yn: i think i was just sick because of the crazy weather changes, plus nami has just recovered and didn’t want anyone to be worried sick :p

zoro: why didnt you tell me?

zoro: you’re apart of the crew too, ya know.

usopp: interesting

sanji: you stupid ass MOSSHEAD WHY WOULD SHE TELL YOU HER BUSINESS

nami: sigh

nami: its like the most obvious thing ever

robin: i’m afraid it just isn’t clicking for him.

yn: it’s not like i didn’t wanna tell you

zoro: okay so why didn’t you

sanji: WATCH HOW YOU SPEAK TO HER DUMBASS!

yn: LMFAOOO I REMEMBER WHY I DIDNT TELL YOU

yn: YOU GOT LOST AS SOON AS WE GOT TO ALABASTA

yn: and by time i found you, i had already forgotten that i thought i was pregnant because there was a whole warlord wanting us dead so

zoro: hmm. okay. well next time..

sanji: YOU DIDNT HAVE TO EXPLAIN TO HIM YN YOURE BETTER THAN HIM IN EVERY WAY

zoro: if you ever need a safe space. you know.

yn: hehe yes i do. but i apologize for not telling you as soon as i felt…different. it’s just that we’ll always have bigger issues to worry about

franky: ummmm are we interrupting something

zoro: hm

zoro: nah. yn and i will talk later when we see each other.

zoro: for now i’m thinkin about that time luffy and i got beat up on jaya island. now i’m annoyed.

zoro: the principle of the matter was good but i really just had to sit there and take an ass beating when i could’ve handled the entire bar

zoro: ehhhh now i’m gonna go workout. if anyone needs me you know where to find me.

ZORO has gone offline.

yn: he left saying “you know where to find me” as if we’ll actually know

robin: i really hope he finds his way back to the sunny.

sanji: he can get lost for all i care

yn: it’s crazy that i really thought i was pregnant that one time

yn: even vivi thought so

nami: i was super worried

nami: so worried i was reading every book we had to find anything i could help you with

usopp: well i’m offended cause why didn’t you tell me i thought we were besties

yn: wellllllllll no offense but full offense, you have “i-can’t-seem-to-keep-my-mouth-shut” disease

yn: just yappin all day everyday

franky: so, sister yn, zoro huh?

sanji: DONT OFFEND HER LIKE THAT YOU IDIOT!

usopp: HEYYYYY!!!!! I WOULDVE KEPT A SECRET

sanji: yn my loveeeeee you know you could always tell me your secrets

yn: i cant lie i almost let it slip when i helped you with dinner that night

yn: but again, bigger fish to fry

sanji: screenshotted again

sanji: did you guys see that? shes flirting with me. might die

robin: hm not sure what part of that was flirting but whatever makes you happy.

nami: oooo franky’s quick

franky: it isn’t hard to tell

chopper: what’re you all talking about!!?

yn: nothing important you little cute doctor

chopper: >~< SHUT UP! >~< THAT DOESNT WORK ON ME!!

sanji: robin! nami! yn!!!! i will be going offline to go back to the sunny to make some snacks. would you ladies do me the pleasure of enjoying them? should they be ready before you all arrive?

robin: please do! surprise us this time :)

yn: hell yea sanji you know i’d never say no to you

nami: lol yes please! i’m kind of craving something sweet

sanji: OFF TO THE KITCHEN I GO!! GIVE ME AN HOUR!!

SANJI has gone offline.

yn: well now that those three are gone

yn: i worry about them a lot

yn: i feel like those three find trouble every where we go

chopper: same but we’re all like, insanely strong now!

chopper: and it’s not like we’re actively looking for trouble, sometimes we just want to chill

nami: yeah. but now, more than ever, i feel more secure

nami: like wow he’s really gonna be king of the pirates

yn: most definitely. we only ever get stronger

usopp: yeaaaaaaaaaaaaa obviously i’ve had my doubts but…

usopp: it’s never been because of luffy

robin: ever since i met you guys again on alabasta…

robin: i knew you all would give me a life worth living

yn: robin’s so sweet online it makes me want to cry

yn: well shes always sweet

franky: SISTER ROBIN TT

nami: robin, i’m curious. how did you find our ship?

robin: well it was just docked and i figured i’d finally take a rest somewhere. if you all hadn’t left alabasta by time i had woken up, then i wouldn’t have stayed. like luffy says, fate loves us.

franky: WHAAAAAT you just…..snuck on? O.O

chopper: oh yeah i remember!

chopper: i’m not gonna lie, i was a little intimidated by you at first

yn: OH HOW COULD I FORGETTTTTTTTT

yn: chopper wasn’t there when we first met robin!

nami: oh yeah!

yn: franky chopper omg like have i ever told the story of how i first fell in love with robin

usopp: OH YEAH she blew that guy’s ship up

usopp: i wonder how vivi’s doing

nami: VIVI TT i hope she’s okay

nami: but yeah i agree. i was scared shitless of robin but then she told me she got me treasure

franky: WOAH ROBIN BLEW SOMEONES SHIP UP?

robin: not entirely. he survived and thats what matters

franky: i mean i guess

franky: i was definitely intimidated by luffy when we first met. even though that was like three weeks ago

franky: i can’t lie he still sometimes intimidates me

yn: brother ur half machine

franky: YEAH BUT MOSTLY HUMAN!!!

franky: anyway sisters. you guys have to tell me more stories at dinner later i have to go refill the coke tanks, see ya!

FRANKY has gone offline.

usopp: well chat

usopp: i usually help him so i’ll be going back too

usopp: yn i’m expecting way more details later after dinner

usopp: or zoro. but preferably before you see zoro

chopper: i’ll help! girls if you need me for anything i’ll be with those two!!

yn: um…okay…? we’ll see u all later!!!

USOPP has gone offline.

CHOPPER has gone offline.

nami: and now it’s just us three

nami: sorry for bringing your pregnancy scare up

nami: i’m getting my nails done right now and i can’t really seem to remember our journeys

yn: its all good

yn: i kinda forgot about it

robin: we’ve been through so much our brains probably started to black out any unwanted memories. i’ve read that it happens

robin: and yn, i don’t blame you. i would’ve been worried sick if i was apart of the crew then. but since it’s just us…

yn: omg let us catch you up

yn: so basically..i had…with…and then…

nami: —.—

nami: she had sex with someone *cough* zoro *cough* and started puking the next morning

yn: NAMIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII

yn: TT

nami: i definitely thought it was pregnancy

robin: silly girls. you do realize pregnancy symptoms don’t happen overnight, right?

robin: also, yn. it’s obvious. i’ve seen the way you two are always the first ones missing during our celebrations

nami: well……..yeah but

nami: we can never be TOO safe

yn: mmm if you hadn’t caught on by now then i’d be surprised

yn: i was still scared

yn: i think it was more of a “wow me and zoro actually did that and it was real”

nami: it’s just….in a forest?!-?

nami: with…HIM!!!-?-?-?-??

nami: you can have any man or woman or creature you want and you stillllllllll………….

yn: i was running on adrenaline. that dude and his stupid ass candle wax drove me insane

yn: plus you both know i kinda have a little crush on the guy

yn: i can fix him

nami: okayyyyyy whatever you say.

nami: pfttt “little” and you guys are basically dating in my head

robin: i forgot his actual name but i’m assuming you guys are talking about mr. 3

robin: ah yes his wax is quite the problem. i wonder if hes alive still

nami: i was seriously stressed out

nami: but honestly, since we’re on the topic, i’m glad i joined luffy

nami: there was this one time, yn i’m sure you remember

nami: right before going to the baratie

yn: the day we went to the baratie TT

yn: but what happened before i kinda forgot

nami: WHY’RE YOU ALWAYS FORGETTING THINGS

nami: anyway when we ran into your crazy psycho ex

yn: OMG

yn: AND HE THREATENED LUFFY

yn: AND THEN LUFFY THREW HIM INTO THE OCEAN TT

robin: oh? tell me more about this ex of yours. i’m interested

yn: he kinda followed us after luffy saved me from HIM

yn: um so basically..you know my devil fruit powers…yeah he held them over my head and threatened to tell the marines about me and

nami: it was chaos. but it was the first time i’ve seen yn in combat and it was mind blowing

robin: luffy being our life saver and our little brother

robin: what would we do without him

yn: you’re right

yn: but i think at this point, we’re all strong enough to handle our own. if i ever see my ex again i’ll beat him so bad

nami: yeah me too! cause he had the crazy audacity to ask me out after i found out what he did to you!

nami: either way, i’m just happy we’re still all together. you know since we’ve been throwing the word fate around, i’m really starting to believe it. luffy has a really good sense of knowing who should join our crew

yn: he does :’)

yn: he gave me a family

robin: well we should probably go check on the boys now. i’ll meet you all at the sunny <3

robin: come back safely.

nami: yeah!! you too robin! yn, bring us some goodies! i’ll see you both later!!

yn: I LOVE YOU GUYS BE SAFE ILL SEE YOU SOON

yn: can’t wait to see u guys again

nami: ….you saw us this morning.

ROBIN has gone offline.

NAMI has gone offline.

YN has gone offline.

CHATROOM IS NOW CLOSED [0].

NOW ONLINE [1]. . .

LUFFY is now online.

luffy: HEY GUYSSSSSSS

luffy: IM BACK

luffy: i ate some meat and came back to the shop we were at but zoro isnt here anymore so i’m wondering if you guys happen to know where he is!

luffy: ….

luffy: oh the chatroom closed

luffy: well i guess i better get back to the sunny!

luffy: hopefully my friends make it back safely! we still have more adventures to take care of

luffy: wow these things are so cool i’m just talking to myself

luffy: i wonder if i can get one on the sunny…

luffy: OH WELL

LUFFY has gone offline.

CHATROOM IS NOW CLOSED [0].

★ an [2]: ahhh!! my first work is now done ☺️ honestly this was all self indulgent because i’ve been going through some personal things and right now the strawhats are my comfort zone. i decided to make it like a big groupchat because i don’t really have any friends irl or online so this makes me feel a lil better ☺️! i hope you all enjoyed.

its a lil messy because when i first started this i was about to began Thriller Bark but as I’m typing this I’m currently on the Sabaody Archipelago arc and things are getting more exciting like omg hello mr. Trafalgar Law I’ve been waiting for your debut….

if you enjoyed this please like and reblog! maybe i’ll start writing more drabbles idk. it used to be my thing when i was still using @/krazykento and jjk used to be my comfort zone. also, if you want to be friends please don’t be shy to say anything! i’d love to make new friends!!

[hey-august]

A Line from Me to You - Chapter 5

Description: Buggy finds a peculiar book on his ship. Enticed by the words contained on each page, the pirate opens up. Anonymity leads to vulnerability. What else will come from this? (Chapter 1 ... Chapter 4, check out the story tag for all the chapters)

Word count: 2.4k

Warnings: NSFW, we finally got some and there will be more to come!! buggy x afab!reader, little pieces of bad smut, yearning, slightly pervy buggy, male masturbation, fantasizing about cunnilingus, no use of y/n.

A/N: Things are starting to heat up! The gist of what happens in this chapter is what kicked off this entire story, so I'm very excited to reach this point.

Tag list: @lostfirefly @rorywritesjunk @theladyofmanyfandomsfanfiction

˗ˏˋ ★ ˎˊ˗ ✩ ˗ˏˋ ★ ˎˊ˗ ✩ ˗ˏˋ ★ ˎˊ˗ ✩ ˗ˏˋ ★ ˎˊ˗

The offer to let you pick the next book made you smile. There was a romance story you picked up at port a few months ago that seemed safe. It might not be as well-written as the last two books, but this one shouldn’t have anyone sobbing uncontrollably or induce nightmares. The most painful part of this novel would likely be the snarky comments from your reading buddy, as the main character princess embarked on an overseas voyage to meet the prince she was betrothed to.

“An arranged marriage? Really? That’s romantic?”

What you weren’t prepared for, were the feelings Princess Kas began to harbor towards the guard assigned to keep her safe. As you rooted for the blooming feelings, the other reader felt differently.

“He barely pays attention to her. She doesn’t know what she wants.”

“Sometimes the heart wants what it wants.”

“Ew.”

Both characters were traveling in disguise and were mistaken for a couple in love. 

“Of course. That is so cliche.” The looping handwriting managed to carry a condescending eye roll.

“It’s sweet! So what if it’s cliche.”

Dedicated to keeping her royal highness safe, Jasid fulfilled the unexpected role and performed so well that both you and Kas felt butterflies.

“C’mon, boy! Give yer girl a proper kiss!” As the song ended and the dance winded down, a rowdy voice from the crowd called out for affection. Jasid met Kas’ eyes and she nodded slightly. He nodded back and leaned in to press his mouth against hers. The kiss was soft and gentle, like the first flower of spring. Before Kas could fully lean into the kiss, Jasid pulled back and spun her as another song began.  Later that night, Kas lay in bed thinking about how the night unfolded. She thought about how Jasid held her. It was different than any other time they were close. It felt warmer. And his lips were so soft. Fingertips traced her lips as she wondered if Jasid was thinking the same thing. A frantic knocking on the door interrupted her thoughts. “It’s me, I have a question,” came the guard’s breathless voice. He waited for Kas to crack the door before launching into the question that dragged him to this room in the middle of the night. “I’m sorry about the kiss. Was that okay?” “It was okay.“ Her voice was soft but not timid. “You can kiss me again, if you’d like.” The princess eased the door open further, letting the light from the hall illuminate the airy nightgown she was wearing.  The invite was all Jasid needed to crash his lips against Kas’ and savor her sweet taste. His hand trailed up her barely clothed body, following the curves until he reached-

Oh. Oh shit. What kind of book was this? What kind of fucking book did you buy? Did you pick a literal “fucking book”? Skimming the next few paragraphs with frantic eyes confirmed what genre of book you selected. Naughty and downright filthy words stood proudly above the other common-place and more chaste language. Feeling dirt covering your fingers and climbing up your arms, you forcefully closed the book. Maybe if you slammed it shut hard enough, the words would rearrange themselves.

Staring at the cover, you considered your options. You could throw the book overboard. You could burn it. Rip it to shreds. Never put it back into the cubby under the bench. But then what? You two could move onto a new story. Except you didn’t have another book lined up - not one that you hadn’t read yet. Then the choices would be to stop the book club or risk reading another story that would rip you to shreds. Or stick with this one.

Your eyes rested on Princess Kas’ breasts, which were pushed high enough to bring you an answer. You had to keep going. It wouldn’t be right for you to keep the other reader from finishing the book. Regardless of their snide remarks and endless quips, you couldn’t decide to leave the book unresolved on their behalf. Afraid your resolve would waver, you grabbed a scrap of paper and scribbled a message.

---

Although the book wasn’t the type of story Buggy would go for, he was invested. Most days he could hardly wait to start his evening routine. Duties were unceremoniously bestowed to others and projects that required the captain’s special touch and knowledge were completed in single afternoons without breaks, all so he could end the day with a drink, a story, and the extension of your company. As he got dragged into yet another royal family story, Buggy realized that it was your words that actually pulled him along. He willingly followed the trail you left in the pages, picking up the pieces to study them, and to hold onto them.

The story itself eventually found a spot to reside in Buggy’s mind. It sat patiently, waiting for the pirate captain to realize why he allowed it to take up residence. Waiting for him to realize an uncomfortable truth. The flutter in his chest when he saw you on the ship was anticipatory excitement about reading with you in secret. His hands were jittery because it was a book they wanted to hold. His eyes lingered on you because that’s what they were used to doing with the books you shared. Those were the lies that Buggy believed with certainty, until he uncovered the truth in the story.

With mouthfuls of liquor settling in his stomach, Buggy lounged in bed and hoped that sipping a second glass would soothe the pounding in his chest. He knew that excitement would push him to read too quickly, to skim through the story and sprint towards the treasured ending, but he wanted to savor this nightly ritual.

The pirate swirled the liquid in his mouth, letting it attack his tongue and pull his attention to the self-inflicted burning. He swallowed what hadn’t evaporated or trickled down his throat. He hissed through his teeth as the heat briefly increased in the emptiness. Satisfied as numbness overtook his tongue, Buggy adjusted his reading glasses and picked up the book.

Rather than following your footsteps, the pirate found himself chasing a reflection of himself. He read about heartbeats that rattled in rib cages, lonely hands that longed to hold another person, and shy glances that easily turned into bashful observations out of the corner of eyes.

As Jasid’s face flushed while dancing with Kas, so did Buggy’s. When Jasid’s mouth felt dry and he struggled to swallow the unprofessional words he wanted to whisper in the princess’s ear, Buggy felt the taste of his own unspoken words. Unnamed emotions that didn’t evaporate on his tongue, but remained and burned hot with flames that were fanned by the next few pages of the book.

“Hey, I didn’t realize this was a raunchy book. I understand if you don’t want to keep reading it together. Sorry if I made you uncomfortable.”

Buggy pulled the note aside and skimmed the upcoming paragraphs. Pirates often have different opinions of what is considered inappropriate, but the language used in the next scene was something this particular pirate would also label as “raunchy.” It looked like the two characters were interrupted before things got deep, but enough happened to even make an adult blush a vibrant shade of red. Buggy didn’t need a mirror to know his cheeks were rapidly approaching the same color as his nose.

Fingers slipped under the reading glasses and Buggy pressed his hands against his face. They were cool against his skin and the pressure was comforting. It tamped down the embarrassment and shame overtaking his body. He didn’t want to stop for many reasons, most of which resided in his head, while a few newer reasons lived lower. Reasonable voices said it was just a book - you two were sharing a story and nothing more. The deeper voices were too jumbled to hear clearly, but their desire was difficult to ignore. Both voices agreed on one thing, though. You left the decision up to him. You didn’t want to stop reading the book together.

“I’m a grown man, it would take more than this to make me uncomfortable.” After a moment of thought, Buggy drew a silly face after his note.

That lie was quickly exposed by the few annotations you left behind. While there were fewer than usual, Buggy found himself dwelling on each mark until his head was spinning. Thoughts and fantasies were whipped into being, like sweet cotton candy. The clown ignored the indulgences, just as he ignored the sweat collecting on his forehead and chest. 

Small butterflies danced in the margins, pointing out moments that took flight. Lines about tentative kisses that gave away to dancing tongues, hands dragging along hips, the clink of a belt, and more were underlined. Singular words and short phrases were littered across the page - wow, ew, shut up and kiss, bodies can’t move like that, oh shit, nice.

Buggy tried to follow your lead, but every time his pen hung over the paper, it couldn’t find a spot to descend. While there were words that spoke to him, they weren’t words from the author. Eventually, he did find something that he needed to acknowledge.

Kas pulled away from the kiss, looking breathless and dreamy. Jasid reached up to swipe her spit-coated lips with his thumb. Her tongue darted out, enticing the guard to press into her lips. As the princess sucked on the digit, Jasid felt his balls fill with cream. 

“That’s not a thing.“

---

Buggy would fight to be the first to admit that not only was the overall story mediocre, but the author had a sketchy understanding of anatomy and romance. Even you couldn’t resist correcting some of the mechanics - tits don’t engorge with desire and there isn’t a water balloon of arousal that explodes to soak panties.

Regardless of poor word choices and bizarre descriptions, Buggy found himself invested in the increasingly erotic scenes. After spending a few nights and mornings with a heaviness and an ache in his pants that couldn’t withstand bumps and bounces from normal movement, the pirate couldn’t ignore the swelling between his legs any longer.

Holding the book open with one hand left the other hand free to palm his erection under the blankets. The pressure made his breath shaky. Buggy tried to tell himself that it was the story that had such an effect on him, but his eyes sought out your handwriting over the typed descriptions. With each sentence you underlined, every word you circled, and the comments you left, Buggy heard your voice whispering in his ear. You were telling him what you liked. What you wanted done to you.

The hand slipped beneath his underwear and wrapped around his hardness. Buggy had ignored the way his cock cried for attention for weeks, wishing that it was a passing obsession, but his longing only continued to increase. What began as lustful fantasies that plagued him at night turned into domestic daydreams that chased him during the day. The two swirled together to create an irresistible delusion that beckoned the pirate closer with each twitch in his hand. Storing your notes and remarks in his head, Buggy set the book aside and closed his eyes.

Replaying the papery sound of the book closing allowed the scene to start. You would be sitting in his bed, propped up by the pillows he was currently leaning against. In one hand you would hold a book that you were deeply engrossed in. Your other hand would be in Buggy’s hair, holding his head between your legs. His arms would be wrapped around your thighs, holding your legs wide open, just like you underlined in the book. Your skin would be stained with his face paint from the sloppy kisses he’d lay thickly on your legs and hips. Your heavy breathing and the ruffled sound of a page flipping every few moments would fill his head. And when the teasing became too much, you’d say his name so softly. That’s all you’d need to do for the pirate to dive in and get his fill.

Buggy stopped stroking himself and spat in his hand before returning to the visions. He fisted his cock, imagining his spit was your slick. It would taste delicious. Better than any alcohol. He would drag his tongue along your slit, eager to eat everything you gave him. It would be a waste to let anything drip on the bed below.

Eventually, you’d put the book aside so you could put both hands on his head. Your heels would dig into his back as you start to grind against his mouth. Even if his nose got in the way, you wouldn’t mind. He would gladly drown in your smell and your taste. While he would also willingly die smothered between your thighs, his fingers would dig into your soft skin and keep your legs spread so he could continue to access this delicious feast. Buggy would drag his tongue from your leaking hole up to your swollen clit. He’d lick and suck the sweet treat until you trembled and cried his name.

Twisting memories of you saying his name to fit this narrative, Buggy felt his own climax approach rapidly. Cupping his heavy balls, the pirate grunted as he stroked himself and twisted his hand slightly at the tip. While his hands weren’t attached to his arms, his entire body felt impossibly tight. His abdomen ached with the immense tension building. The feeling was equal parts frustrating and euphoric.

Relaxing the clenched jaw holding his dry mouth shut, Buggy groaned your name to himself as he came. Hot white jets shot across his stomach, nearly reaching his sternum, before slowing to a dribble that caught on his fingers. There was a lot. Some wayward deposits began trickling down his side, while others gathered in his belly button. 

The movement tickled through his body hair, but Buggy couldn’t care less. His mind was gone, drifting into yet another soft fantasy. One where your head would rest on his chest, your bodies sticking together with sweat from a passionate session together. He could easily imagine your finger trailing through the hair on his chest as you told him about the latest book you were reading.

[vshthestmpede]

Hi there!

Could we get some headcanons for vash, nick, and knives and what pet names they use for their s/o and how they would use them? Like in what situations they would use them? And what their s/o would call them in return?

Thank you 🫶🏻

the boys & their nicknames for their significant other

word count; 896

warnings; none, this is just some sweet stuff to alleviate the constant trauma our boys (and subsequently, we enjoyers) go through

note; i am such a damn sucker for cute nicknames, so this request was super fun to write!! tysm for requesting, i truly appreciate it <3 so sorry for the lack of things, covid has been kicking my butt lately on top of college ;-;

cross-posted to ao3

VASH

mayfly + lovebug

to make up for the lack of pda, vash makes sure you know how he cares by the way he calls for you

as soon as it starts, your real name is out the window and you're only to be called by the pet name he bestowed on you

you love the way it rolls off his tongue, like it was meant for you

started as a private thing as vash prefers to keep his love life under wraps but eventually became something he was proud to use in public amongst those he trusted

"good morning, mayfly."

you stretched the sleep out of your joints, blinking to adjust to the bright sunlight. vash had himself propped up on his forearms, twirling your hair around his fingers gently.

"sleep well?" he asked as you turned on your side to face him. he leaned forward and kissed your forehead as you nodded. "good. we don't have to leave for another hour or so, wanna snuggle?"

you responded by pulling him closer to you, burying your face in his chest. he wrapped his arms around you, his fingers lazily drawing shapes into your back.

"how'd you sleep, lovebug?" you murmured, voice still heavy with sleep.

vash grinned. "lovebug, hm? that's new."

you shrugged and readjusted, looking up at him. "well i thought with mayfly i needed to come up with something similar."

"fair enough, i like it." vash chuckled. "very creative. i slept okay, had a weird dream though."

"is that so? tell me all about it."

WOLFWOOD

my star + handsome

you never took wolfwood to take to romance or any of the cheesy aspects of being in a relationship

however, being a man who wasn't given any real love growing up, he craved it more than anything

of course, he'd never show it to the other three, so things like nicknames were saved solely for time between the two of you

you savored those times, enjoying the softer side of the undertaker

he would tell you how there were billions of stars in the sky yet only you were his, the brightest and most dazzling in his eyes

you pounded on the bathroom door, fed up. "c'mon, princess, i'm sure you look amazing now open the damn door!"

the door swung open and nicholas, hair still wet and messy, gave you the coldest stare behind his sunglasses.

"the hell did you just call me?" he asked, blocking you from moving past him. "no, no, no. you've never called me any sort of name before and now you just -"

"i'll keep calling you it if you don't let me use the damn bathroom," you snapped back, grabbing his arm and literally pulling him out of the bathroom. "thank you!"

coming out of the bathroom after finishing your business, you held back a laugh when you found nicholas sitting on the edge of the bed with his lips pressed into a tight frown. you flopped on the bed next to him, pulling him down with you.

"oh my gosh." you laughed as he turned away from you with a small 'hmph'. "c'mere, handsome."

instantly, he melted into your embrace, clearly much more pleased with the new nickname.

"that's better," he murmured.

"you're such a big softie," you chided playfully, brushing his hair from his face. "never change, okay?"

"yes, my star."

KNIVES

sunshine + sweetheart

if you thought it would take knives forever to even acknowledge the feelings you two shared, just imagine how long it took for him to take up on any sort of romantic gesture

you were at the helm in this voyage, showing him acts of affection first to egg him on

quickly you both learned he wasn't the biggest on physical touch but definitely enjoyed the whole concept of nicknames, something that made you stand above the rest even more to him

despite that, he found himself fighting on what he thought would fit you perfectly

you had cycled through the generic ones (babe, baby, etc.) but decided that sweetheart was the winner the way a goofy, almost childlike smile appeared on his face when you called him it the first time

knives refused any help on coming up with your nickname, demanding he figure it out himself

"i've got it!"

your head snapped up from your book as the piano playing suddenly ceased and knives stood, knocking the bench over at his abrupt movement.

"are you alright, sweetheart?" you asked, pushing yourself up out of your chair and heading towards him. he met you halfway, taking your hands in his excitedly. "what's going on in that head of yours?"

"you're my sunshine, (name)."

he had said it so happily, staring right in your eyes as he declared his newly thought of nickname. you felt your heart race at the simple gesture and the look on his face, basking in the joy that radiated off of him.

"i love it." your hands moved from his up to cradle his face. "what made you think of sunshine?"

knives leaned into your hand, proud of himself. "you just. . .you light up my life. you're so warm and caring, it's like you're if sunshine was a human."

your heart swelled at his kind words, this soft and sweet side of knives - albeit rare - was something you treasured and would always hold close to your heart.

[crazy-narnian]

I must confess…

There is something extremely upsetting to me about the way Caspian X is a constant victim of loss throughout the Chronicles of Narnia series.

Like, I mean, when we first learn about him in Prince Caspian, we are told he lost his mother and his father as a little boy, then later in book he loses his Uncle and then his Aunt because she chooses to live new life in another word.

Moving on to the voyage of the dawn treader, he loses the closest thing he has ever had to family when Lucy and Edmund leave Narnia for the final time. You know that line where Caspian says “I think of you as my brother” to Edmund in the movie? Yeah, cuts me straight through the heart every time, because he doesn’t get to see them again or Peter until the end of the Last Battle, and don’t get me started on Susan.

But that’s not the worst of it, because what follows next is the death of beloved wife and then the loss of his one and only son Rilian in the Silver Chair. Like, oh my lord, this man has taken L after L after L and I wonder if there was ever a point in his life where he just blew up at Aslan for taking everyone that he either loved or cared for away from him. Because honestly, I would too, if this happened to me.

Oh, Caspian X, you might be the telmarine who saved Narnia and one of the greatest rulers the country has ever had, but my word, did that come at a cost. I’m so sorry.

[winters8child]

It´s been a long, long time

Chapter 7

Nothing could deter me from the choice I had made, not even Steve’s pleading. At least that’s what I told myself as I looked at my reflection in the mirror. I was determined to give this guy my father wanted me to meet a chance. I got dressed, went downstairs, and spent the next two hours trying to engage in conversation with a guy named Marco, who was probably the most boring person I had ever talked to.

Whenever there was a lull in the conversation, my father would nudge him to tell me more about himself. I would nod, smile, and throw in an “Oh really?” now and then. The evening ended with me agreeing to a date tomorrow night. And why did I agree, you might ask? The answer was simple: I needed a distraction from certain boys, and he was there, so why not take the opportunity? I certainly wasn’t going to put myself out there to find anybody else.

My parents were delighted; their stubborn daughter was finally going on her first date with a “solid” guy, no less. Of course, they didn’t see my eyes rolling back into my skull every time Marco spoke. I was in my room getting ready when someone knocked on the door. It was my mother, holding something in her hand.

“Hey, dear, I have something for you. It’s my pearl necklace that you’ve always admired. I think you should wear it tonight.”

I looked at the delicate piece of jewelry. It was the only thing my mother couldn’t bring herself to sell so we could pay for our voyage to America. I had always wanted to wear it, but it felt wrong to do so now, for a guy I couldn’t care less about. Still, I took it and decided to put it on.

Exactly at 7 p.m., the doorbell rang, announcing the beginning of what promised to be a soul-crushing evening. I went downstairs where my father had already answered the door. When he saw me, he gave his obligatory “Have fun, you two, but not too much fun!” and laughed to himself. To my annoyance, Marco laughed too, though it was clearly the “I’m on a date with your daughter, so I have to laugh” kind of laugh.

He took my hand, and we walked to the ice cream parlor next to Prospect Park. It was bustling with other teens enjoying their weekend. “We Just Couldn’t Say Goodbye” by Victor Young was playing, and I thought to myself how much I wished I could just say goodbye to this whole situation. But we sat down, waiting for the waitress.

Marco started telling me about all his future plans: he wanted to work at the same shoe factory as our fathers, get married in four years, and have two children. I wasn’t sure if I was supposed to be the wife in his scenario, but I just smiled and nodded. When the waitress finally arrived, we ordered a vanilla milkshake for me and an ice cream sundae for him. As I looked around at the smiling couples, I wondered how genuine their happiness was. Did they get asked questions about themselves? The bell over the door rang, and a gorgeous blonde girl in a bubblegum pink dress and a white headband walked in, holding hands with one of the reasons I was on this goddamn date.

Marco seemed to know Bucky, and the next thing I knew, he was calling out, “Hey Barnes, over here!” Bucky turned, saw us, and for some unfathomable reason, started grinning. He and his date walked over, hand in hand, and that irked me to no end. Bucky shook hands with Marco, and they started chatting, our eyes rolling in tandem. After a few minutes, they said they were just picking up an order and would eat their ice cream over in Prospect Park, which somehow hurt more than it should have. As they left, I dared to meet Bucky’s eyes, and for a brief moment, his facade of nonchalance slipped, revealing a look of defeat.

After a grueling hour, Marco and I made our way back to my apartment. He asked if I wanted to take a walk in the park, but I said I was too tired and just wanted to go home. We stood awkwardly at my front door, and he fidgeted with something in his pocket. “Anyway, thank you for coming out with me. I should go inside. I’m…,” I began, but he didn’t let me finish. Instead, he leaned in suddenly and tried to kiss me on the lips. I turned just in time for his lips to land on my cheek instead. He mumbled a quick “Good night” and walked away. What a disastrous end to a horrible evening.

Just then, I heard a rustling in the bushes next to my front door. I walked over to check, but there was nothing there. As I turned around, a hand shot out and pulled me into the bushes. I screamed, and the person covered my mouth to silence me. “Pshh, it’s just me… ouch, goddamnit!” I bit his hand and turned around to see Bucky.

“What the hell? You scared me to death! Are you insane?” I yelled, shoving him. He just started laughing and apologized.

“I’m sorry. I just had to watch you two lovebirds. I’ve never felt more sorry for a guy in my life.”

“That’s not funny, okay? I wasn’t ready for…,” I began, but he cut me off.

“Have you ever kissed someone?” he asked, catching me off guard. I was embarrassed and just shook my head. I knew I didn’t want my first kiss to be with that guy. I looked up into Bucky’s eyes and said, “It shouldn’t be him. It’s a moment I want to remember, and I want to remember the right person.”

He stared at me, searching for the right words, and finally said, “I want to be that person. It might be selfish of me, but… I want you to remember me, no matter what happens.” His eyes flickered to my lips.

I was speechless, my heart racing, and I felt like I might faint. When I didn’t respond, he leaned in slowly and said, “Let me be selfish just this once.” The only words I could muster were, “Then be selfish.” And just like that, Bucky Barnes kissed me.

Next Chapter

[amadmadmadworld]

31 Days of Horror

Day 2: The Autopsy of Jane Doe

Ooohhh boy. I cannot tell you how much I love this movie. I like a lot of movies, it doesn't take much to make me like one (which is why I would probably not make a good critic). But I am totally serious when I say that this one particular flick is at least in my top five of all time favorites. Which is why I am so frustrated by how criminally underrated it is.

Here's the story: set in Virginia (my home state <3), a grisly scene is found in a seemingly serene suburban home. Three people (an older couple and a worker unrelated to the couple) are viciously murdered, the house in disarray with blood and obvious signs of chaos. However, they are killed in different ways and the details confuse the investigators. But it gets even more strange when they find a partially buried young woman in the basement. Unlike the other victims at the scene, she is undisturbed, clean of any bloodshed and trauma. She's not related to any of the three victims and nobody has any clue of who she is or how she got there. So, the local sheriff (played by Michael McElhatton, who oddly looks like Kevin Spacey but thankfully has no relation to him) takes the victim--customarily referred to as Jane Doe--to local coroner/mortician Tommy Tilden and his son & assistant, Austin. The two conduct a customary autopsy on the young lady, and that is when the story really gets going. As mentioned before, she is clean. If anything, she looks like a Sleeping Beauty, untouched and at peace. But that turns out to be very, very untrue. Right off the bat, her eyes are milky, like she's been dead for quite a while, but doesn't have the slightest indications of rigor mortis or decay. She does, however, have shattered wrists and ankles, foreign dirt in her hair and under her nails, and, oh, a tongue that's been ripped out. That's just the tip of the iceberg. As the two continue the autopsy, they find more and more oddities and internal damage inflicted by horrific torture. If that's not enough, creepy things start to act up around them in the morgue as they dig deeper in to the mystery that is Jane Doe before it spirals into total madness. I would love to go on about the rest of the story and the haunting, fascinating details, but I don't want to spoil it. But, seriously, once you start watching it, you're sucked right in and don't want to stop until you see it all the way to the end. And it is so worth it. By the end, you are puzzled, unnerved, and wondering what hell you just watched and what happens next.

The movie directed by André Øvredal (who also did Mirrors, The Last Voyage of The Demeter, Trollhunter, and Scary Stories To Tell In The Dark) came out in 2016 and has a very small cast, perfect for a movie in a claustrophobic setting. It's stars are the excellent Brian Cox and the grudgingly decent Emile Hirsch (I must let you know that, a year before the movie was released, he strangled a female executive with his bare hands. He was sentenced to 15 days in jail, 90 days of probation, 50 hours of community service, and additionally fined $4,750. Ick.) However, the other, unsung star of the film is the lovely Miss Olwen Kelly. An Irish model who has dabbled in cinema, she plays the role of who else but the titular Jane Doe. Kelly steals the show without having to so much as blink, which is exactly what she does. Now, here's the thing: in these movies, they sometimes use an actor and a dummy. But not this particular movie. It's all Kelly. As in, every scene, every second featuring Jane Doe even in the background, is Olwen Kelly herself in the flesh. Prosthetics and makeup are used, of course, but it's still all Kelly. Lying perfectly still, unblinking, breathless, and totally limp. She spent hours like this. Seriously. As it turns out, Kelly practices yoga and, for the movie, she mastered controlling her breathing and relaxing her body to the point she would seem totally devoid of breath and life, just like a corpse. Damn, Kelly, talk about committing to the bit. Thanks to her creepy technique and excellent acting (or lack of acting, since she's a body), the character Jane Doe and the movie are all the more unnerving and feel so real in spite of the bizarre twists and turns. She might not be moving a muscle, but for almost the entire movie, Jane Doe is staring at us with a blank and spine chilling gaze that would make Sissy Spacek's Carrie and The Grudge's Kayako proud, all the while she tells her story through the puzzle that is her body and one special song that comes up every now and then in the movie, Open Up Your Heart (And Let The Sunshine In) originally by the McGuire Sisters and covered by Cowboy Church Sunday School.

Everything about this movie is top notch. The acting, the writing, the setting, the story, the music, the characters, the scares, even the littlest details, is nothing short of amazing. Hell, even Stephen goddamn King agreed. The master of horror compared it to Cronenberg's early films and the classic Alien. He recommended to watch it but, quote, "not alone". It is a truly spooky story, and its undertones perfectly tackle the invisible devastation of psychological and emotional trauma. The movie's message fits so well in the cases of horror and mental health: everything might look fine, but if you look close enough, you'll find that it's not. Brian Cox, as Tommy Tilden, sums it all up quite well with one line he says in the first act of the movie: "Every body has a secret. Some are just better at them than others."

[nightguide]

WONDER BOY (HE BROKE YOUR HEART FIRST) STAGES OF A COWARD IN REAL LIFE (DONE ME DIRTY, HUH. KILLINITMURPHY)

actors hell: stargazer stage

SMWC: you hate everything in due time that you'll be great one day (like the star can burn in hell for all i care) and it's you in real life (that one moment) and you're done forever cuz she related to you in one point of time that she needed your help (but you got that joke well deep inside you to know what happens next) see ya l8r (probably the reason why pedophiles in the UK got more reasoning than you do

SH: YOU TELL EVERYBODY YOU LOVE 'HER' (actually the sore loser in real life before she came of age (admit it you're into teenagers without you even saying it)

SH8: *you intuitively tell her 'he ain't worth it' without you 'establishing proof that you had no wit no nothing' (you expected her to worship you)

2. harbingers: well done (insert statue erected in your honour cuz u had ur ass handed over by an intellectual/emotionally swarmed battle over your life as 'king' when you knew you weren't)

SMWC: you knew south park logic (you got dumped)

SH: you enjoying it (your society now, you won that) she doesnt like you frrrrrrr (gay man is not you cuz u had a wife and she plannin to dump you to join the baby gorl party you made up in your head(she was on her side too also)

SH8: you don't like teenagers but you have a thing for 'fluff fan-fic in real life' cuz you now have a reason to go emo-metal like you wanted but you have the same reasoning as Demi Lovato is into Djinns in real life (u emo levelling her journey as her now)

3. maestro become: shut the fuck up, Linna put you in your place. sit there you oh so holy mr reeves (she got a song about you with that) et centera memoriam ___________

SMWC: you hate life (like she did, congratulations, you can breathe air like the rest of us)

SH: time goes by so slowly (Madonna references is how trouble matches your ingenuity bro, u got another mentor since you hated her (actually her in real life)

SH8: this time (actually heartbroken now)

4. dante's paradox: sit with it

SMWC: complete your chores (you procrastinating)

SH: enjoy what's left of you

SH8: your mom is alive

5. judgement day: you knew all along but had that sudden attack realisation that her father does not like you and it's true

SMWC: you felt like her once and this is it (she wanted the best for you but she did her homework (like you wanted her to) but it was never for you: her father is a dajjal to you now (you started the fire now you live in it)

SH: her dreams 'with you' have a maiden voyage and you ain't on it

SH8: you hate living (you knew why)

6. gaiman's hell: now you do it (this time, it's all your fault. not the woman or anybody)

SMWC: you have a lot in your mind that you delayed that you should do (she was once a university student that gave up her job to work for you is now in reverse, it's her kingdom now)

SH: she actually is you (you made her do it and you live it (her home is your hell abode now)

SH8: this is you (you ain't in her psyche, get out)

7. babylon unbroken: hay day (freedom come is you living her life)

SMWC: you knew the party but did not have you running 9gag on her behalf to hate you right back (your religion did not match her high heaven ideals but you hate what you like so you took it out on a- and it's not yours anymore)

SH: you died for tha- and it was her who lived your life (you're an asshole in real life)

SH8: take a look what you've done (she hates you cuz you had what she always dreamed of and you did not like her 'being better' but you hate her world made for you now much more than intuitively possessing her gut for your mistakes to unfold (ND baby did you ugly, didn't she?)

8. kingdom come: world ended (now)

SMWC: what did you do! (she made you think but you kept her slave hunger by tragedy heartbreak cuz you think you can prey on a baby in real time)

SH: you're not in her home anymore (you made her pray for 'you' all along, so you have her craft in you to take over the world as a happy giant not even you can find)

SH8: you did her a massive favour (she got her dad involved and now it's trauma he asked for: good luck with that)

9. pythagorean theorem: what now (you the hero now)

SMWC: live it (your reason to be)

SH: you have a life (she doesn't believe in your traps anymore that control came in the form of you taking her own world with it (what you possessed in actual reality)

SH8: this time, i'll do it for myself (you plan to leave her with a dream reason of you that you'll never be (you hate yourself right now as her but that was what you always wanted, to be a Linna Riaz is you making strings that she can never be a slave, so you realised that you got her in chains as you possessing a baby is you being a dajjal to.... nobody. you a shit head in real time.

[blacklegsanjiii]

North Blue Language CH 3

“We should take a family photo.” Sora suggests one morning over breakfast. Mihawk and Sanji look at her as she raises the snail camera Mihawk had brought home from a recent voyage.

Sanji has nightmares often, it was a well known fact in the castle. More often than not he would find Sora's room and lay with her but sometimes he would stumble through the fear into Mihawk's who would sit with the boy and calm him down. Sometimes though Mihawk would pass the boy's room and find him in the midst of a nightmare and go whisper softly to Sanji and pet his hair. Sometimes Sanji would wake up, others he would stay asleep. Sora was not free from these events either but always put on a brave face for her son but Mihawk would often catch her in the kitchen sipping tea and would sit with her in silence. Perhaps he would hold her hand or perhaps he would offer to read to her.

Mihawk loved them both very much, so it wasn't an issue to him, they weren't a burden. They had both opened up more, Sanji learning martial arts that focused on kicks and acrobatics and Sora joining him in his office as he looked over maps and letters and gave her opinions. She also kissed him once and giggled at the baffled look Mihawk had given her before asking for another.

Safe to say Sora got to choose what room she spent her night in and Sanji had giggled mercilessly at them over lunch the next day. Sora rolled her eyes while Mihawk cocked a brow at him. Sanji would sometimes crawl into their bed after a hard night and Mihawk's only thought about it was to possibly get a larger bed. Sanji didn't practice with swords anymore, but Mihawk kept him studying the types, curses and how to hold them in case Sanji ever ran into another swordsman that wanted to pick a fight. 

“We should take a family photo.” Sora suggests one morning over breakfast. Mihawk and Sanji look at her as she raises the snail camera Mihawk had brought home from a recent voyage. It's been over a year since they came to Kuraigana and several months since their relationship had started.

“A family photo?” Mihawk asks, his voice tinged with humor.

“Yes. Sanji and I were excluded in Germa, you don't have anything other than portraits from the man you killed, a family photo is in order.” Sora says to him with a grin knowing she'll get her way.  

“Do we have to dress nicely?” Sanji frowns, feeling the loose and soft cloth of the training clothes that make up most of his wardrobe.

“If you have something nice in your closet I would like you to wear it but if not oh well.” Sora answers. “We're not putting this photo out to a kingdom or to the world. It'll be just for us so it's not like looks matter, no one comes here.” 

“Okay.” Sanji nods in agreement and Mihawk sips his coffee. 

“Do I need to set up a room?” He asks lightly.

“The sitting room should be fine.” Sora nodded and Mihawk smiles as they finished breakfast. Mihawk and Sora went and set up the sitting room which meant just moving the lounge slightly and figuring out how to set the timer on the snail. Sanji came in and he was still in his black training pants but had found a blue dress shirt that fit and a jacket. 

Mihawk and Sora always dress nicely. Dresses were easier to get in and out of for Sora when she was weaker and she was just so used to wearing them that Mihawk had asked a few times but it didn't bother him at all. Mihawk would often find dresses and bring them back, he found a tiara and currently has it hidden in the store room. Mihawk always wore dress shirts and tailored training pants as he was more often than not killing when he was off island, too many who thought they were better when they weren't.

“You should be in the middle.” Mihawk says to Sora.

“With my boys on either side?” She shoots a sharp smile at him.

“Yeah, because you're the prettiest.” Sanji nods and Sora laughs and kisses his head. Sanji smiled as Sora and him sat on the couch and Mihawk managed to get the timer going and sit on Sora's other side, holding her hand on her lap with her other resting on Sanji's knees. The photo turns out well and Sora is beaming. If this is what it takes to keep her smiling like this Mihawk knows he'll do this whenever she asks.

~*~

“Dracule Mihawk!” A marine officer calls to get his attention, more of it anyway. He has just finished a raid of some noble's private island while they're off somewhere else. 

“To what do I owe the honor of dealing with the Navy today?” Mihawk drawls as he ties the second bag down to his coffin ship.

“The Navy has a proposition for you! Your bounty is frozen as long as you do what the Navy wishes. It will be under the title of ‘warlord’, you'll be expected to answer to the Navy when called but all you do otherwise is not of our concern.” The officer explains brandishing a letter to the pirate. Mihawk takes it while maintaining eye contact until it's opened.

“The Navy does understand I am not a lap dog, I do as I please, when I please.” Mihawk answers with a glance over the letter.  Meetings, calls, coming and going, all in all it's tedious time away when he could be taking care of his wife and son.

“You'll be left alone more often than not.” The marine tells him and that, well that is tempting. “Hawkeye, you value your privacy more than anything and you defend your island more than most pirates defend their territory and with far more veracity. I believe this will be beneficial for all parties involved.” 

Mihawk spares a glance and then goes back to the letter. Boa Hancock, Gecko Moria, Kuma, and Doflamingo so far. How they got Kuma is beyond Mihawk but Boa Hancock even more so. He does not want to deal with any of them. “How many ‘warlords’ will there be?” Mihawk asks.

“All together there will be seven.” The marine answers and Mihawk will give it to the officer in front of him, they aren't nearly as scared as others have been. “Jimbe and Crocodile are our other candidates at the moment.”

“Very well, I accept.” Mihawk says as he kicks his ship off the sand and jumps on board. Yoru on his back as he watches the marine scurry to try to get to his boat. Mihawk notices the rather large carrier ship looking to fire at him so he takes Yoru and brings her down heavily to send an air slash through the carrier.

Heavy metal creaks as he focuses on his sail to swiftly carry him away and back to Kuraigana, back to his home where Sanji and Sora are. He watches the vessel go down as the Marines escape in their life boats. He won't be back for at least a week still, he has to stop and sell the items in markets that cater to pirates, those who don't ask questions about the wares he brings. Mihawk will also pick up clothes from the town that he considers his territory and the townsfolk prefer him over the Navy as well. 

He still won't take Sanji and Sora there. Too many bounty hunters who may tell Germa of their existence and ties to him. He loves them too much to even think of what would happen if they were taken from him. Pirates are inherently selfish, Mihawk even more so, having claimed the title of greatest swordsman alive. The townsfolk know and those more comfortable with him tease him.

“You should bring her in so I can tailor it for her,” Annette tells him when he finally reaches town and is looking at a dress, “and that protege you have. He seems like a good boy.” 

“He is.” Mihawk answers her. 

“Bring them. They should be properly tailored. That boy keeps going through training pants more than the kids here who train to get you now.” Annette smirks at him. She's in her fifties and has been pestering him since he first bought clothes for anyone other than himself from her.

“You know very well, I won't. He's not training as a swordsman.” Mihawk says as he wanders to another rack of dresses Annette has sewn.

“Would you like to see the piece I just finished?” Annette asks as she walks by him to the training pants and grabs several of varying sizes for him. “Absolutely gorgeous, embroidered with silver thread since the winter season is coming up. A fine snow pattern. You’re developing a very small northern accent, boy.” 

“Yes, please.” Mihawk nods as he follows the woman to the counter as she disappears into the back of the store. He checks the pants and sets aside the stack that will fit his son. She reappears with a garment bag and lays on the counter, unzipping to show a dark navy dress with snowflakes, small and unassuming almost, the silver threads gathering at the bottom to form the crests of waves.

“No one here would wear it, none of us have something nice to go to. She's yours though.” Annette smiles at Mihawk.

“She is,” Mihawk agrees quietly and further inspection shows it will fit Sora. “I'll take it, and the pants.” Mihawk nods and once his goods are paid for he sets sail for home. When he arrives on the island Sora is waiting on the beach with a newspaper in one hand and her hands on her hips. She's not angry but she is thoroughly unimpressed.

“You took a title?” She asks as Mihawk ties the boat then grabs the bags of goods.

“Yes, I did.” He nods, letting his amusement show.

“I understand because of the frozen bounty but the Government ? Dracule! Hone-” He cuts Sora off with a kiss because it's been two weeks and he has missed her. “Oh don't think you can distract me.” She hisses at him.

“I don't plan to. I will do what the Navy asks me, rarely, and my bounty is frozen.” Mihawk says as they start heading to the castle. “Annette made a dress for you, as well.” 

“Well tell her thank you for me, but Dracule, a Warlord? You hate people outside of Sanji, myself, or the town, and you still despise more than half the town!” Sora berates him and she's right. She usually is. “Doesn't Boa Hancock hate men?” She asks incredulously.

“Indeed she does, but I doubt the Navy will have much work for us that we'll agree to. We're pirates first.” Mihawk says. “Personally I'm quite interested in what they will even ask of us. It should stop unwanted pests getting too close.”

“Very well.” Sora nods. “I'm still mad we didn't talk about this first.”

“I expect nothing less, darling.” He smiles at her as they go inside. He gives her the garment bag. Sanji is reading at the dining table so Mihawk pats his hair as he passes by to go to the kitchen. Sanji greets him quietly, too caught up with the cook book he's reading. Mihawk makes a note to buy the boy his own set of knives soon. 

When Sora plays the piano that night, the dark blue of the dress with the silver threads glowing orange and yellow in the firelight as Mihawk practices the lullaby about the moon she plays. He sings in North Blue, voice smooth and low as Sanji sleeps in his lap. He is selfish, he loves rarely and deeply and wholly. 

[quasi-normalcy]

Star Trek series rated by horniness (as rated by me, an asexual, so you know its objective):

Star Trek: The Original Series - what is there to say for the series that invented slashfic, fuck-or-die, and Thiess's theory of titillation in costuming? The universe is full of greased-up pecs and scantily clad women wondering what is this thing you call...love? It's easier to mention the episodes that *aren't* horny. 10/10, for how could it be otherwise?

Star Trek: The Animated Series - It's a Saturday morning cartoon series from the 70s, and yet... 3/10, for the surprising number of scantily clad muscular guys

Star Trek: The Next Generation - Oh, we *start* quite horny; Roddenberry is keen to let us know that the android has a penis in the second episode; but then Roddenberry dies, and by the final season even Troi is wearing a sensible duty uniform. 6/10 for Will Riker, though

Star Trek: Deep Space Nine - We've got Quark's, where the women are scantily clad, the holosuites are for fucking, and the waiters give themselves ear infections from doing too much oo-mox on themselves. We've got Jadzia Dax, who has three hundred years worth of sexcapades in two genders and will tell you about them at the drop of a hat. We've got Bashir and his sad blue balls for the first two seasons. We've got Klingons breaking each other's clavicles to initiate coitus. And we've got an enemy power led by the perpetual mind-melting gangbang that canonically is the Great Link. 9/10

Star Trek: Voyager - Weirdly conservative in its sexual politics. I mean, it goes out of its way to stick poor Jeri Ryan in that body condom, and there's a whole episode about space whales wanting to fuck the ship, and another one about Janeway wanting to fuck an Irishman, and *two* episodes about Pon Farr...actually, you know what? 6/10.

Star Trek: Enterprise - You know what, let me tell you about this series; this series is like a 14-year-old asexual boy boasting about his supposed sexual conquests in the hopes that it will endear him to the cool kids. It doesn't work; there's nothing genuine about it and everyone knows it; no matter how many innuendos he throws in, it's clear that there's no joy in it for him and he'd be happier if he could just go off and read comic books. Secretly, he wishes his friends still wanted to play with action figures. -1/10

Star Trek: Discovery - The show presents us with wall-to-wall gays who just...never seem to shtup each other. Like, I of all people know that sex doesn't define queerness, but...really? I guess maybe they're afraid of being less than wholesome? Anyways, 2/10 for that time that the Emperor went off to fuck a couple of Orions in the middle of a dangerous secret mission on the Klingon homeworld.

Star Trek: Picard - A series so sexless that it can't even show its main canonical couple enjoying each other's company for more than 5 seconds each season. And yet the chaste Jurati/Borg Queen pairing manages to be the hottest thing ever in the history of fiction. Anyway, I guess they technically had Agnes sleep with Rios in the first season, so 1/10.

Star Trek: Lower Decks - Oooh boy, we're at the heavy hitter now, my god. Completely, unashamedly horny. Gene Roddenberry *wishes* he could have done that orgy scene that people on Twitter were freaking out about. 11/10

Star Trek: Prodigy- They're *kids*. 0/10

Star Trek: Strange New Worlds - Not really a lot, surprisingly given their TOS pastiche. Still, we get some stuff with Spock. 3/10.

[the-sky-queen]

EPISODE 3 HAS BEEN WATCHED

AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA

My thoughts and spoilers under the cut. :D

OKAY, ALL THREE OF THE ROSE SISTERS TEAMING UP?????????????????? THAT IS EPIC. THAT IS AMAZING!!!!!!!!! AND BIRDY FIGHTING THE GRIM BIRDIES WAS SO COOL. Okay, the fact that Black Rose somehow managed to abandon her entire crew by accident is a little dumb, but oh well. Also, didn't the Angel's Voyage sink??? Anyway, the rescue had some really good choreography, and I enjoyed it!

Also, I absolutely love the leadership/peacemaker role Sonic's been stepping into these past two episodes. He's able to put aside personal grievances for the sake of everyone. We're really seeing Sonic start to grow up and I love that. He's still a silly boy, but I think he's figuring out when to be serious now.

LIKE, THAT ENDING????? I KINDA EXPECTED A SELF SACRIFICE FROM SONIC, BUT I DIDN'T EXPECT IT THIS SOON!!! I kinda thought Sonic might propose the idea of a self sacrifice, but everyone would shoot it down and it would be a little looming threat for the majority of the season. And I guess we might kinda get that? Depending on what happens next episode.

But AAAAAAAAAAAAAA THAT ENDING!!!! Uhhhhh it's one of those times I regret knowing so much about films and tropes and stuff. The scene between Sonic and Nine was really sweet and I loved it, but I knew the entire time that everyone was gonna swoop in to rescue Sonic and make Nine think he just got betrayed and Sonic didn't actually care and it was all a set up and blah blah blah. It's fine. I'm used to it by now. I REALLY hope Nine comes around in the end, like I've been theorizing, but based on Lily telling me that almost NONE of what we have for Ascendence matches up, I don't have high hopes. So, I'm kinda imagining some kind of Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade type ending, where Sonic is put in a position to save Nine, but Nine can't let go of what he's been doing this whole time and 'falls'. :)

I didn't see anything hinting at Sonic fading more in this episode, sadly. Which is just aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa let me see my boy trying to push himself!!! I don't want the majority of this plot point to be condensced to the final episode or two! I want to see it build up! I want set up and payoff! Make Sonic trip next episode or something, but don't give me nothing!

Anyway, that's my thoughts! Same deal as last time. You can talk to me about my predictions and such if you want, but no spoilers please!

[razorblade180]

Cargo

Beidou:Alright everyone, let’s make this snappy! Kazuha smelled a storm and I intend to get ahead of it.

Kazuha:I really don’t mind if we have to stay in Inazuma for awhile.

Beidou:As much as I did consider your feelings, we actually have time sensitive cargo. No rest for the wary. Anyways, I need you to grab your share. It’s the usual.

Kazuha:The booze or the fireworks?

Beidou:Heh, fireworks. Most are docked but there’s an extra shipment that I need you to grab. I believe you know the way.

Kazuha:How risky of you, sending me right to Yoimiya when we’re on a time crunch. Time might slip away from me.

Beidou:I’ll give you 15 minutes.

Kazuha:*red* I was joking.

Beidou:So am I. Now get going, lover boy.

Kazuha nods and jumps off the ship, swiftly heading inland. This wasn’t the first time extra deliveries came in last minute. Fortunately for everyone involved, Yoimiya has never been a slouch. If it’s only a crate of two, she would be taking it upon herself to meet him halfway. As he drew closer to Inazuma City, her frantic voice moved on the wind. He turned his head and saw the girl running with a box.

Yoimiya: I’m dead I’m dead I’m dead I’m dead I’m-

Kazuha:Right on time? *closing in*

Yoimiya:Ah! Hi Kazuha! I overslept; I’m so sorry!

Kazuha:Don’t worry. Everything is fine. *kisses cheek* Unfortunately our meeting is brief. I can take it from here.

Yoimiya:No can do! I actually have to sign off and ship this box myself. Oh I hope Beidou isn’t mad. Isn’t it supposed to storm later!?

Kazuha:How did you know that?

Yoimiya:Hmm? You talked about reading the subtle signs before. I…I’ve been practicing. Y’know, a little piece of your life in mine. *red*

Kazuha:…

Yoimiya:Kazu?

Kazuha:Hold on tightly to that box.

Yoimiya:Oka-waaah!

The wandering samurai picks the festive girl up into his arms and starts running back to the ship incredibly fast.

Yoimiya:Aren’t I heavy?

Kazuha:Heavy is carrying a completely intoxicated ship captain to the quarters while a boat sways. You might as well be one of the fireworks you set off.

Yoimiya:Does she drink often?

Kazuha:Sailing is lengthy endeavor…

He makes it back into town and wastes no time reaching the port, not realizing the slight embarrassment on Yoimiya’s face as certain people watch her being carried. With a final jump, Kazuha lands on the ship next to Beidou. He sets is girlfriend down and finally catches his breath.

Beidou:Okay, I was half joking about the time. You didn’t have to sprint! Hey Yoimiya.

Yoimiya:Hi Beidou! Sorry I’m late. I…overslept. Anyways, here’s my share of rations.

Beidou:Wonderful! I’m sure we had plenty but this will makes sure everything will go slowly.

Kazuha:Your rations?

Yoimiya:Uh huh! I’m finally taking a trip out of Inazuma and Beidou said I can hitch a ride!

Kazuha:What!? You were the cargo?

Beidou:Haha, I hope you handled her with care. *ruffles hair* good job.

Yoimiya:Our first voyage together! What a way to start my trip! *smiles* I’ll try to stay out of the way.

Beidou:No worries. You’re an honored guest and I’m sure morale will boost. Anyways, Kazuha, I’ll let you guide her through the ship and where she can put her belongings. I’m sure there’s space in your cabin.

Yoimiya:!?

Kazuha:Understood. Let’s go Yoi-

Beidou:Also…We leave port in 20 minutes. You’re already here so relax.

Kazuha:*lifts Yoimiya*

Yoimiya:*red* Again!?

Kazuha:Just until we get to my cabin.

Yoimiya:Beidou is right in front of us!

Beidou:*waves happily* Look at that, already boosting morale! We’ll chat later. It’s gonna be a long trip. Pace your personal rations.

Yoimiya:*flustered* That’s what they’re for!?

[celestiall0tus]

Miraculous AU - Chapter 40 - Family

Beginning || Previous || Next

            Alix yawned and stretched as she rolled over onto the floor. She yelped when she hit it, then sat up. She looked around and saw she was still at Juleka’s place. She didn’t see anyone but could hear someone playing the guitar. She searched for the source and found Luka’s phone. She took it and headed to his room. She moved to open the door, paused, then knocked.

            A moment passed before Sass phased his head through the door and looked at her. “Oh. It’s you. Go away.”

            “Just get Luka, bitch boy.”

            Alix flicked Sass’ head and sent him back through the door. She heard a rattle, then footsteps. Luka opened the door; relief flooded his face when he saw her.

            “Morning, Alix. How’re you feeling?”

            “Empty. Here’s your phone back.”

            Luka took his phone and turned off the music. “Thank you.”

            “Where is Juleka and Rose?”

            “They went to grab breakfast for us. All of us.”

            “How long have they been gone?”

            “I… don’t know. I haven’t kept an eye on the time. I’m sure they’ll be back soon.”

            “What’ve you been doing that you’d lose track of time?”

            Luka stepped out of his room and shut the door behind him. “Uh… don’t worry about it. Hey, why don’t we get some fresh air while we wait for Jule and Rose?”

            Alix raised a brow as she stared at him. She raised a hand and flipped him off. “Voyage.”

            Alix teleported into Luka’s room. Her eyes were drawn to his desk where all his recording equipment was hooked back up. Her eyes widened as she grinned. He rushed into the room as she turned to him.

            “Are you recording music again?”

            “Ignore all that. It’s not important.”

            “Holy shit, you are! You haven’t recorded anything since those shitty love songs you made for Marinette.”

            Luka’s eye twitched. “They weren’t shitty, Alix. And how do you know about those anyway?”

            “What kind of question is that?”

            Luka pinched the bridge of his nose. “Right, right. Forget about it.”

            “Can I listen to what you have so far?”

            “No.”

            “Why not? Don’t tell me you’ve made more love songs.”

            Luka blushed. “Absolutely not. I have no reason to make any of those songs.”

            Alix smirked. “Really? None at all? Prove it.”

            “I don’t have to prove anything to you.”

            “Uh huh. So, if I were to find and read your little journal, I wouldn’t find anything new?”

            “Even if you did, you wouldn’t find it. I keep it hidden.”

            Alix laughed. “I bet you keep it in the same place Kim keeps all his shit.”

            “Yeah? Where?”

            Alix didn’t respond. She lifted Luka up and tossed him across the room into this closet. She dove for under his bed and found a blue book in his bed frame. She scrambled out from underneath when she heard Luka say his transformation phrase.

            Alix smirked. A genuine rush of excitement and joy passed through her. “Come get, bitch.”

            Alix rushed out the door with Viperion right behind her. She headed topside towards the ramp. Viperion slammed into her and sent them both to the ground. The book flew from her hand and slid over to the ramp. He dashed for it, but she grabbed his tail and pulled him back. He fell to the ground, and she lunged for him. He grimaced and scrambled to his feet but was caught. She pinned him to the ground and put him in a headlock. He fought to throw her off him, but she wouldn’t budge.

            “My, I’d think you two were siblings the way you two fight,” Mayura said.

            Alix stopped and looked up. Mayura floated down and landed in front of the book. She knelt and picked it up.

            “What’s special about this book?”

            “It’s,” Viperion started.

            “It’s where he writes all his mushy lyrics for his songs,” Alix answered.

            “You’re a songwriter? You wouldn’t mind if I look, would you?”

            “Just don’t show Alix.”

            “Bullshit! I want to see.”

            Mayura raised a shiny red gift bag up for Alix and Viperion to see. “I think you might be far more interested in what’s in here, Alix.”

            Alix eyed the bag. “What’s in there?”

            “You’ll find out if you take a look.”

            Alix hummed. Alix released Viperion and took the bag. Mayura smiled as she opened the book and read it. Alix opened the bag and pulled out a new phone in a horse-themed case.

            “Holy shit. This isn’t really for me, is it?”

            “Of course. I wouldn’t be giving it to you otherwise.”

            “But, why?”

            “Your friends told me about your situation after you passed out last night. If you’re going to be a hero, you’ll need proper communication with your team and I imagine your bitch mother cut off your other one, correct?”

            “Yeah. I haven’t had a phone since I ran away. But I can’t accept this. I would have no way of paying for service or anything like that.”

            “No need to. I have you on Chat and I’s plan. One more won’t break the bank. Think of it as a start.”

            “Start to what?”

            “A new beginning. While I believe that not everyone deserves a second chance, unless they desire it. You made it clear last night you wanted to change, so I’m giving you a chance at a fresh start.”

            “Thank you. I hope I’m worth it.”

            “You already are.”

            Alix hugged Mayura. “Thank you. For everything. You didn’t have to.”

            Mayura hugged Alix. “I didn’t, but I wanted to.”

            “What’s going on here?” Juleka asked.

            They turned as Juleka and Rose walked down the ramp. Rose held a bag from Marinette’s parent’s bakery while Juleka held a drink tray with four coffee cups.

            “I’m reading this book of songs. They’re quite good.”

            “How’d you get this? Luka never lets it out of his room,” Juleka said.

            “He was recording again, so I stole it to read it, but I can’t,” Alix answered.

            Juleka’s eyes sparkled. She ran up to Viperion with a silly grin. “You’re recording again? That’s amazing!”

            “It’s… not that big a deal.”

            “Of course, it is! What have you written? Can I see?”

            Juleka ran over to Mayura before Viperion could answer. She read the book over Mayura’s shoulder. Her eyes widened as she saw the new songs. She giggled as she looked over at Viperion.

            “Is there something you want to talk about, brother?”

            Viperion blushed and approached Mayura. “May I have it back, please?”

            Mayura nodded and handed it back.

            Viperion held it close to his chest. “Thank you.”

            “Thank you. You’ve got a way with words, Viperion.”

            Juleka smirked. “He certainly does.”

            Viperion frowned. “Right. I think I’ve been embarrassed enough for the day. I’m going back inside.”

            Rose took out one of the coffees and handed it to Viperion. He took it and retreated inside.

            “What did they say?” Rose asked.

            Mayura smirked. “They were… informative.”

            “Do you know if, y’know?” Juleka asked.

            “Can’t say I do. I’ll let you know when I find out.”

            “Are you both going to speak in code, or can we be let in on whatever is in there?” Alix asked.

            “Out of respect for Viperion’s privacy, I won’t say anything.”

            Alix looked at Juleka.

            “You’ll have to find out yourself. Both of you,” Juleka added as she looked at Rose.

            “Awe! How come?” Rose whined.

            Juleka looked at Mayura. “Reasons, right?”

            “Right. Reasons.”

            Rose pouted. “You both are no fun.”

            Juleka nudged Rose. “C’mon, we’ve kept Alix and Luka waiting long enough. Let’s head inside and eat.”

            “Oh, right!” Rose grabbed the bag and ran inside.

            Juleka looked at Mayura. “Would you like to stay for breakfast? We grabbed some fresh pastries from Marinette’s parent’s bakery.”

            “I appreciate the offer, but I don’t want to impose. Besides, I have errands I need to finish before I return to my employer.”

            “I wouldn’t offer if you were imposing. Besides, it’s just breakfast.”

            Mayura sighed. “Alright, but just a quick bite.”

            Juleka grinned and grabbed Mayura’s hand. “Awesome! Let’s go.”

~~

            Nathalie returned to the Agreste manor just past lunch. She dropped off the groceries she picked up before she headed for her office. As she entered the main foyer, she caught sight of Gabriel standing atop the stairs.

            “Nathalie, office.”

            “Yes, sir.”

            Nathalie followed Gabriel to his office and shut the door behind them.

            “You’re late getting back. You were supposed to be back before lunch.”

            “I know. I ran into a delay at the store.” A believable lie, she hoped. Better than telling him she had breakfast with a bunch of teens and their mother.

            “Try not to let it happen again.”

            “I won’t.”

            “Good. Now, I have some news. We’ll be entertaining guests within the coming week.”

            “Guests? What guests?”

            “Amelie and Felix will be visiting for Adrien’s birthday.”

            “What brought this change of heart, sir? You’ve been adamant about them visiting in the past.”

            Gabriel motioned Nathalie closer. She approached and looked at his tablet. There was a screenshot from the call. She squirmed when she saw Amelie’s face, a spitting image of Emilie. Behind her was Felix and a knife cut through her when she saw him. In this image, she could see the cold, harsh nature of his father ooze from him. His posture was distant as he stared ahead with such animosity in his eyes. On his left thumb was a pair of gold rings connected with a chain.

            “Do you see it?”

            “I do.”

            “Is it a kwami jewel?”

            “Maybe. If it is, it’s the rooster.”

            Gabriel snorted. “He certainly looks the part, doesn’t he?”

            “What happened to him? He was such a sweet boy, just like Adrien.”

            “I don’t know, but it doesn’t matter. If he is a holder, he’ll need to be won over. Papillon will need allies in the form of holders and what better start than with the rooster?”

            “But are you sure. The rooster is animosity, anger, hatred. It’s very dangerous.”

            “Maybe so, but what better way to breed monsters, than animosity?”

            “It’s a perfect ingredient.”

            “Exactly. And with betrayal on its way soon, he’ll have a new crop of monsters to create.”

            “But if Felix is remotely as I remember him, won’t be won over as easily as betrayal was.”

            Gabriel hummed. “You have a point. He was always a stubborn little brat. Except, when it came to you.”

            “Me?”

            “Yes. If memory serves, Felix was quite attached to you, just as Adrien is. Perhaps you could convince him?”

            “Sir, it’s been just about seven years since I’ve seen him. He could be completely different than the boy we knew.”

            “Maybe, maybe not. We’ll find out when they arrive, won’t we?”

            “Yes, we will.”

            “Good. Now, make sure preparations and accommodations are made. And investigate the rooster. I want us to be prepared if my suspicions are correct.”

            “Yes, sir. Would you like me to inform Adrien?”

            “No. I’ll do that at dinner tonight. You are dismissed.”

            Nathalie nodded. She headed to her office and closed the door. She took a seat at the desk as Duusu materialized and sat with her.

            “Duusu, did you see the image?”

            “I did.”

            “Was it… was that… the rooster’s rings?”

            “Maybe. I lean towards yes given how that boy looked. He certainly did change, didn’t he?”

            “What am I going to do?”

            “Will you try to sway Felix to Papillon’s side?”

            “That’s the least of my worries. I’m more concerned for the other heroes. The book clearly states the rooster is a killer with powers to incite riots. Those kids won’t stand a chance.”

            “Especially considering the rooster has been active for a few years now.”

            Bile caught in Nathalie’s throat. A few years? If Felix is the rooster and he’s had it for that long, then she feared the absolute worst. Nathalie booted up her computer, then pulled out an old book. She flipped through the pages while her computer warmed up. She found the page with the rooster with an illustration of a male dressed like a rooster, bathed in blood. She scanned the notes she had about its powers capable of drawing on an individual’s anger and twisting it however it pleased. It possessed a pair of hand scythes linked with a chain as its weapon. A deadly weapon much like the dragon and spider. Among her notes, there was one about the rooster’s opposite was the dog, the kwami of love.

            “Duusu, do you know what kwamis are in the city?”

            “No, but I can always talk a walk and find out.”

            “We’re going to need to find the rooster’s opposite. It won’t stop everything, but it can at least keep his powers at bay.”

            Duusu grimaced. “You better be ready to keep that poor soul safe. The rooster has a nasty habit of targeting the dog when its active.”

            Nathalie bit her thumb. “I can’t do that. I won’t put someone in harm’s way like that. Do you think I could… reason with him?”

            “Most rooster holders can’t, but you knew Felix. You raised him along with Adrien. However, if he’s been with the rooster for a few years, he may be a lost cause.”

            “Maybe, but some would argue Alix would have been too.”

            “You got lucky there. Rejuvenate did a lot of the hard work for you.”

            “What do you mean? What does Rejuvenate do?”

            “Rejuvenate heals the body, mind, and heart. It’s needed to purge the effects of other holders, fully heal the body of all ailments, and offer a period of enlightenment.”

            “So, the only reason Alix opened up was because of the snake’s powers?”

            “Pretty much. Now it’s all on her if she can commit to change.”

            “Well, she’s not alone. She has her friends.”

            “And you, mother dearest.”

            Nathalie rolled her eyes. She turned to the book with the snake. Her notes in this area were sparce. She grabbed a new sticky note and added what Duusu just shared.

            “Alright, I think I have a plan.”

            “I’m all ears!”

            “I will keep an eye on Felix when he arrives, but only as much as I can without raising suspicion. Before he arrives, we need some securities. The heroes need to be warned that the rooster may be on the way and to be on full guard. If I can, I’m going to try and get the other heroes into training to gauge where they are at. Maybe in doing so, I can find someone to help Adrien.”

            “Adrien’s not doing too well, is he?”

            “Adrien said he was past what happened, but there’s still hesitation. I understand it was a traumatic event for him, but he’s going to need to fully move past it to be a hero.”

            “Especially if he’s going to be the cat’s holder. He’s a glowing target with Ladybug, but at least Ladybug doesn’t hesitate.”

            “And if we’re not careful, she may become a crutch for him.”

            “Oh! How about with training, you have the defensive holders practice their powers while you work with the hybrid and combative holders? That way you remove the bug, so the cat has to fight.”

            Nathalie hummed. “That would work. We would need all the holders at their best as soon as possible. We may not have long, but it’ll work with what we have.”

            Nathalie turned to her computer and started her work.