#and end up meeting a certain young woman who is definitely me and who you will definitely fall in love with

[luciferanalyzestar]

Viv definitely not planned out things because she has habit of arbitrarily change plots and characters because of one thing that she gets interested in (Vaggie being an angel? That was just a popular fan theory about her which Viv made canon, Vaggie was originally intended to be a sinner who was a prostitute that died in 2014, Did you know that Cherri Bomb is australian just because Viv listened to australian music? Or how Nifty is made to be japanese just because her pilot va can speak japanese fluently? Or how stolas x blitzo came to be just because she saw a piece of fanart where young stolas and blitzo meet each other)

Vaggie being a prostitute would be better if Viv did not create her. Naming a sex worker after genitals is misogynistic. End of story!

Her backstory is similar to the hundreds of cases of serial killers targeting sex workers because they knew the sex work is stigmatized and no one will notice that they went missing. There have been times where a woman survived her attempted murder, but no one believed her due to her status of being a sex worker.

Vaggie's name not being changed is also childish on Viv's part. She is the only Sapphic character in Hazbin and that is her name?? Just learned that Vaggie is not a WLW/Lesbian, she labeled as 'Queer' on her fandom wiki page, I don't know how to feel about this info.

Viv will never beat the misogynist allegations.

Back to the show, Vaggie being an angel makes Charlie and Vaggie's relationship to similar to Lucifer and Lilith's. I think Charlie/Vaggie's relationship would have been stronger if Vaggie stayed a Sinner.

Imagine in episode five when Lucifer said that Sinners are all awful people and Charlie claps back and uses Vaggie as an example of how some Sinners are kind people that got screwed over or done certain 'sinful' things to protect themselves?

If Viv wanted Vaggie being an angel to have more weight to it, remove all the Alastor bullshit, have a moment where Lucifer would have taken Vaggie aside while Charlie distracted. He confronts her saying that he knows she is an angel and asks Vaggie how she rounded up in Hell. Vaggie does not explain her full backstory, but she was once an exorcist, and that Charlie does not know.

"Post-pilot dialogue recording, Vivziepop decided that she wanted Cherri to be Australian, after becoming inspired by Australian folk music. Though the dialogue could not be re-recorded, Vivziepop has expressed interest in making Cherri Australian for future episodes and projects featuring the character."

Oh, my goodness. It does not help that Cherri's voice is annoying and forced. Americans cannot do an Australian accent without it sounding unrealistic. Anyway, if Viv founds something to be "cool", she just adds it to a character. When Cherri gets her own song, will the instrumentals be inspired by Australian folk music?

"Vivziepop said that, although she had yet to lock down all of the characters' races and ethnicities, she had been writing Niffty with a mind to her being Japanese. This was originally due to Niffty's pilot voice actress being able to speak Japanese fluently."

No wonder they changed Niffy's skin tone from the plot to the show. Saying that a character is now Japanese while their skin tone is yellow is unfortunate.

Do you know how surprised fans are when finding Niffty is Japanese? I find it 'funny' that Cherri has an accent, but Niffty does not one? Her VA is from Japanese descent. I would have been neat if Niffty said certain words in Japanese when speaking like how Vaggie does but with Spanish.

I remember seeing a post about the child Stolas/Blitz fanart, but I cannot find it for the life of me. They actually showed what the fanart looked like. I FOUND IT!! This was shared by an alleged ex-Spindlehorse employee. They said that another crew member drew it, not a random fan.

Blitz and Stolas being "childhood friends to lovers" is corny! I have no issue with the trope, but Blitz was sold to Paimon to play with Stolas for the day. That is dark which would have been fine if the show portrays it has dark and how twisted the Ars Goetia are and not "AWWWWWW! <3 THE ARE SO CUTE AND DESERVE TO BE TOGETHER!!!!!!!!" Them knowing each other as child is never bought up again in season two either so what was the point?

Viv not her own stories planned out is obvious. There nothing wrong with changing a plot detail or characterization. Do not do it last minute where episodes are in production and lines are being recorded.

[ravenmacduff]

To those Pokémon leaks and the specifically the myths. People do know that the moral of all those stories is that humans can be cruel?

In each one we have humans being the aggressors, that includes the Typhlosion one.

In the Ponyta story, it’s the rival eastern hunter who disrespects Pokémon, and hunted female Rapidash Ponyta. Specifically targeting the young, and his actions angered Rapidash and eventually led to his death at the hands of the western hunter. And I think the other point of this myth is to act in a sustainable way. Male Rapidash can breed with many females, but the females can’t, if you want to protect the population, you hunt the males. It’s why in real life, hunters are given a certain amount of “antlerless” moose tags.

For the Octillary Story it’s pretty cut and dry, human cruelty. Reading closely I’m not actually sure if the sex between the father and the Octillary was consensual or not, since the Octillary didn’t verbally consent, but it kept returning to the same spot perhaps to see the man? Regardless it’s sketchy as hell. The Son is where things are definite. The son was cruel to the Pokémon around him, injuring and maiming them for no other reason than his own enjoyment. He wasn’t hunting them for food, he was slaughtering them because he felt like it (tbh this reminds me a lot of big game hunters, who don’t intend to eat what they kill, who get the thrill of the hunt and a trophy. Which I believe disrespects the animal). The Son was also very much given a chance to repent. To forsake his old violent ways and become a better person but he refused and in the end it led to his death.

I would say the Slakoth story was very similar to the Octillary story in that we have a human being needlessly cruel to Pokémon to animals. And in having a child who was the same as the people she hurt she learned just how cruel she was. And the other women learned the same lesson when they killed her child, and she committed suicide. I get the vibe that this story has an anti-bullying message. To be honest it shouldn’t take having a child to realize one’s wrongs, but there it is.

And lastly we come to the Typhlosion story that everyone has been obsessing about. In a lot of ways it resembles old Japanese tales. I’ve read one in the past where a man meets a beautiful woman, and cheats on his wife with her, ending up married to this woman and having children. Eventually something breaks the spell over him and he finds out that he was living with a vixen underneath his own porch tbe whole time. The Typhlosion one follows a similar beat, that a woman stays with a man because he looks after her and takes care of her. She eventually finds out he’s a Typhlosion but she decides to stay with him in that moment instead of fleeing. The child they produce may or may not be out of rape, but reading the story it doesn’t seem like that. The way she sees the Typhlosion as her husband suggests that it was more consensual. When she wanted to return to the human realm and live as a human once more, she tried to shed her old life, but she wasn’t able to. And the humans saw that she was changed forever and were cruel to her and her child. Even her own family drove her out.

I guess one thing I want to say before I end this is. It seems like people here and on other places on the internet seem to take these stories as literal. Instead of what they’re supposed to be, which are myths. Myths and tales didn’t necessarily happen in the way told, or happen at all. The point of myths and tales is to provide insight into the world, to provide a story with some sort of lesson. It’s clear from the final version of these myths present in the DPP games that they reduced these myths to their base element to give the player an idea about the world. And myths make a world seem real.

[i-am-vita]

A Night at Loguetown

A Bogard x FemOcReader Oneshot

+ 7,700 words Looong, I don't know what the hell happened here.

👉 My Masterlist, Oc Ghost Rose Masterlist

Fic based on my OPLA hot older guys headcanons. Just a little angsty love for the five Bogard fans out there. Shot out to those who wanted some Phantom Captain content.

Summary: 8 years ago you had to go into hiding with your little niece to protect her after the demise of your entire stranded family. During the process to claim her as your ward, you meet again with the man whose heart you broke along with yours when you ran away from the life your family had decreed for you. Warnings: Some swearing. Mention of family loss. Bittersweet, things may get angsty. Mention of drinking. Light NSFW, no smut but implicit sex. Definitely angsty ending. Expect: They have History... and not just Bogard and Reader. Lovers to Strangers to Lovers. Idiots in Love who won't talk things out. Lost Chance. Use of You, not Y/N. FemOcReader, fem pronouns. Bad english, consistent time tenses not detected.

Any other warning or expectation you detect, let me know.

Really, dear showrunners had no business hiring such a young handsome actor for Bogard. I accept no complaints.

.

8 years ago...

Poorly. You had thought of this poorly.

You've made a career in white collar robbery and piracy by planning and being prepared for every eventuality. You didn't enter a room without a full plan of action and at least three escape routes.

But all those years of pirate life went to hell the moment you heard of the ultimate demise of your entire estranged family. So when you knew of the survival of your niece and where she had been sheltered after the shipwreck, you had to make an effort not to zoom into the Loguetown Marine Base in a frenzy that would rival Kuro's during one of his bloodlust nights.

Still, you charged through the main door and into the hallways with such a pose and authority that the guards took a while to realize you weren't an Officer or even a Marine at all, despite your pristine two-piece cream suit.

Really, the pencil skirt and heels should have been a clue.

"I shall talk with the captain in charge of this base!" You demanded while looking in your pockets for the permission with the appointment when intercepted by two guards who didn't take kindly to being bossed by a random civilian woman and rudely grab your arm. "Get your paws off me!"

In an instant, you had the first guard on his knees in a painful joint lock, his twisted arm being held by your right hand, your fingers pressing certain paralyzing points on his flesh. Your left was preparing to deflect the baton of the second one when a scabbard appeared and intercepted the weapon, sending it flying with the smallest of flourishes along with the guard who ended up crashing against the wall.

Your eyes followed the length of the scabbard to the figure of a man dressed in a formal gray suit with the white coat of a high rank Marine Officer, a gray fedora obscuring the features of his face.

Suddenly you were aware of the situation you found yourself into, bursting into a Marine Base and technically attacking an officer, with absolutely no escape route or back up since you practically jumped the ship as soon as you docked.

Then, the man in the fedora raised his face and the world stopped spinning for a second.

Oh, fuck...

Because of all the Marine Bases in all the Blues, you had to storm into the one he was stationed.

"Rick?"

Bogard had heard some Marines calling for a person but it had been the feminine voice speaking with such authority that stopped him in his tracks.

He turned the corner of the hallway in time to witness a guard rudely grabbing the arm of a well dressed woman while spitting words unfitable for a respectable Marine towards a civilian, let alone a lady.

"What the..." He heard the Vice Admiral who was turning himself while you immobilized the guard.

In an instant, Bogard had advanced towards the conflict and got rid of the second guard with a flourish of his still sheathed sword.

A heavy silence followed as he heard his first name from your lips. Nobody had called him anything but his family name since he had enlisted in his youth. Since you.

Your name too escaped his mouth in disbelief. His eyes widened as they traveled up and down your figure, taking note of your polished appearance but, more shocking, your martial pose.

You were never a fighter. Even from the short time you spent together in your youth it was clear you lack the ability to put on a fight. And here you were, ten years later, having blossomed into this stunning woman capable of dealing with a fully trained man bigger than you with only your non-dominant hand. In a skirt and heels.

It's not that you had been pinning over the memory of your first love all these years. You've lived the life you chose without regrets and had your own share of lovers through the time. But it had been an emotional amount of weeks with the memories of your beloved sister and previous life haunting you even in your sleep.

And with the memories of past times, inevitably came him and the day you broke both of your hearts…

The throat clearing of his boss brought both of you out of your reverie.

"Ejem... Madam, would you be so kind as to release the Ensign." You heard the heavily accented voice of an older man in full white suit and Marine coat pointing to the guard who still remained immobilized by your left hand.

I'll be damned... You thought when recognizing Vice Admiral Garp.

You loosen the guard's arm who snatched it and tried to regain his footing while reaching for his baton. A heavy glare from Bogard was enough to freeze him in place.

"Dismissed, Ensigns. You will answer for your manners later." He commanded both guards before returning his gaze back to you.

"... Madam, is there a reason why we shouldn't proceed as protocol for this exchange?" Garp questioned looking from you to Bogard who still remained unable to take his enthralled eyes off of you.

You barely managed to withdraw your eyes from your former suitor to look at his superior when another visitor showed up.

"Excuse me, Vice Admiral Garp, isn't it? May I intercede?" Spoke an elegant gentleman coming from the opposite side of the hallway, being escorted by a couple of guards. Dressed a little over the top with a dark blue three piece suit, a short cape, top-hat and a rapier sword at his hip, the old man looked like he had just come out of a ballroom.

Of course you knew your Captain Erik better. That was his to-go outfit for almost everything not pirate-related. And now he was presenting himself with his real identity to save your sorry impulsive ass.

"Shostakovich Eriksson, from Angel’s Arts and Exports." He introduced himself with an ostentatious curtsy. "I believe my employee has a meeting with the current captain of this base regarding the custody of a certain late Captain Charles’ child." He extended a folded paper accompanied by an ornate business card. The same paper with the appointment you had forgotten in your hurry.

Bogard received the papers and scanned them while Garp looked intensely at the newcomer, like trying to figure out something about him.

"Have we met, Mr. Shostakovich?" With a little gesture of his hand, Bogard showed his superior the card with the full name and rank of the gentleman. “... Duke Shostakovich.” Garp corrected himself.

"I believe we have spoken on the Mushi from time to time..." Your Captain answered enigmatically, giving the Vice Admiral a very particular gaze.

Both assistants looked baffled at their bosses.

You had no idea Captain Erik maintained certain communication with Vice Admiral Garp from all high rank Marine Officers. He tended to avoid them like the plague. Meanwhile, Bogard was sure at that point he knew all of his boss' associates out of the Marine but that gentleman's name had never come up.

Unless it was one of his unsavory contacts only known by a code name...

His sharp gaze went from Duke Shostakovich to you wondering what kind of job you’d do for someone like him. His only clue about what had become of you after breaking your courtship was a very recycled story from your family of you going away to be an artist against their wishes and cut all ties with them… and himself.

“A nasty situation.” Garp finally spoke. “Captain Charles was an exceptional Marine. Still, we are used to losing even the best of us, but his family too?” A pregnant pause. “I’m sorry for your loss, Madam.”

“Thank you, Vice Admiral.”

“Let's put behind this little misunderstanding. We have an appointment after all.” Suggested Eriksson signaling the hallway that led to the Base Captain’s office and making a small salute by bringing a hand to his top-hat as a farewell sign.

You were about to turn around when the Vice Admiral voice called for your Captain.

“Your Grace, may I have a word in private?”

A look of panic filled your face at the prospect of being left alone with the man who once asked for your hand so many years ago.

“... Why not?” Was your Captain’s answer.

Well, fuck.

.

Garp extended the glass of whisky he had just served from the local Captain’s stash to the elegant gentleman and served himself a second.

“... Really, Erik, a Duke?” He asked finally after assessing his counterpart.

The Phantom Captain made a small shrug that did little to alter his perfect sitting pose while sipping his whisky.

“You never asked about my real identity.”

Garp sighed heavily and drank his whole whisky in a go.

From all the things he expected to uncover after Captain Charles and his family’s perish, the identity of one of his oldest associates was not in the list. While his acquaintanceship went as far as The God Valley Incident thirty years ago, when Garp teamed up with Roger and his allies to fight off the Rocks Pirates, their formal arrangement started as recently as after the execution of the King of Pirates. As a last gesture, Roger had shared with him the contact of his main informant, the elusive Phantom Captain, just in case he needed something. Since then, his exchange of information was limited to Den Den Mushi calls and the occasional meet with the mysterious masked figure.

“And why now? After all these years…”

“I've learned to go with the current when the unexpected happens. Would you rather me to deny everything and leave you suspecting with all these other dubious facts around the former Captain of this base?”

“And about your little assistant?” The Vice Admiral inquired about the pretty lass that had single handed immobilized one of their officers and had his subordinate so entranced.

“Ah, that information is not up to trading. She’s been like another daughter to me and her secrets are her own.” The threat was evident in Eriksson’s tone. Garp understood, he himself was protective of his underlings too, no matter how old and experienced they were.

“Funny thing, I was considering giving you a call as long as I was out of here. What information do you have about Captain Charles?”

“Native of somewhere in the New World. No registered relatives. Surprisingly wealthy young man. Enlisted at 21 years old under your personal tutelage. A meteoric career. Married at 26 to the eldest stepdaughter of late Admiral Thorne. Very low profile since then.” Eriksson kept enlisting the many accomplishments of his assistant’s brother-in-law. “Recently promoted to Loguetown Base… Killed a month ago during a raid at the ship that transported him and his family to his new residence. No survivors except for his only child.”

“Officially, that was an accident.” Grunted Garp tightening his hand around the glass. It had been frustrating to be asked by the upwards to let the case be archived as a shipwreck and brushed under the carpet.

“... That’s new.”

“Fresh from this morning.”

“Oh? They found out the culprit, didn’t they?”

“Not to my knowledge. What do you have?”

“Uhm… Didn’t you ever wonder about your former pupil's family name?”

“Are you calling a family feud? But no, no registry of his family.” Garp considered this new angle for a second. Marines hardly have any ties to their families once enlisted. Orphanhood being a most common occurrence. “Charles…” Understanding finally entered the Vice Admiral's mind. “No way.”

“Alleged fifth son, expelled and erased from the family records at 19 years old. Managed to steal a large amount of treasure before disappearing. What he took that was so valuable they were after him all these years and how they finally found him remains unknown.”

“Treasure or not, that would make that little girl the grandchild of…” The Phantom Captain made an affirmative nod. “No wonder they were eager to send her somewhere hidden and secure.”

“To send her…”

“The child was sent to a secure location when it was apparent the claiming process by her aunt was going to take a longer time than anticipated.” Eriksson’s left eye twitched in annoyance at not having been privy to that knowledge.

Like you would’ve said: well, fuck.

.

The insistent tic of a nearby clock marked the pass of seconds since both older men had entered the small office an overeager Captain had borrowed, leaving their younger underlings at the small and empty waiting room.

Bogard’s gaze almost hadn't left your figure since the moment he caught sight of you, feeling like a caress in its intensity, leaving you flustered like that young debutante in his first ball that you were once.

"You look good." His words broke the heavy silence, finally addressing you for the first time in ten years.

"Thank you…” You found the courage to take your attention off the clock and back to your former beau. Time had certainly suited him turning that young promising officer barely out of teenaging that you were so enamored with in your late teens into this earnest and dashing man. “... I like your hat."

An unamused chuckle followed your remark. Bogard diverted his face to the side while taking a step towards you before returning his intense dark gaze to you again.

“... Are pleasantries all that’s left of us?”

Bogard had thought himself prepared to face you. After the death of his dear friend Charles with his wife and in-laws, it was obvious there was only one person to take care of their surviving child and the family's inheritance. With Vice Admiral Garp in charge of the investigation, it was inevitable that your paths cross again.

But a week passed, and then two. A solicitor from a private firm assured them you were on your way. More weeks… And just on his last day ashore, you stormed into the Loguetown Base, assaulting the first guards who dared to stop you from your meeting, looking all proper and polished with a Duke as your benefactor.

He was prepared to face the girl that had rejected his hand, he was not ready for the stunning woman that arrived instead.

“I didn’t believe there was an us left after...”

“After you ended it all?” The accusing tone was evident in his low voice, something that was expected. What you didn’t expect was the pang of longing in your heart when another step brought him closer to you, enough that, if you dared to uncross your arms, you could raise your hand to touch his clean shaven jaw and discover if it felt as soft as it looked.

“I understand if you’re still angry at me, but this is hardly the time…”

“There hasn’t been a time in ten years.” He spat coldly. “I looked for you. I asked and asked again but nobody would tell me a damn thing. Sometimes I wondered if you were still alive…”

Those first years after your departure were a torture to Bogard. Wondering where he went wrong for you to reject him and leave so suddenly. What befalled to you? Where you safe? Did you even make it to where you were supposed to?

“Because nobody knew.” You fought to keep your voice low in vain. “I didn’t want to be found. I didn’t want anything to do with that life anymore.” It had taken you years to finally dare to contact your sister, a fact she had sworn to keep a secret. Still, not even she would have been capable of pinpointing your location.

“... Was the prospect of marrying me so daunting?” Were his affections not enough for you? He knew his heritage was not nearly as much as your family may have wanted but his promising career and friendship with your brother-in-law were considered adequate enough when he asked for their permission to court you.

“It wasn’t. That’s what scared me the most. You were ready to reject the Vice Admiral’s promotion to stay with me and I was suffocating at the idea of a life like my mother and my sister.”

There it was, you’ve finally said it out. You both had your own dreams and ambitions before meeting each other, how were you so ready to let it all go wasted after mere months together?

“You were my first love, you still are the only man I’ve ever loved…”

You knew you never loved Shanks as more than the best of friends even if your on and off relationship had been the longest of all; Kuro had been a lie, a master manipulator that knew how to twist your affections and the memory of your first love to his interests; Buggy was a pretty eyes nuisance, it was just one time and you were wasted drunk after dumping Kuro. But Bogard? You may have been just a teen but your regard towards him was still one yet to be surpassed, and it was precisely its intensity that scared you off.

To hear that confession from your lips after so many years was like a balm to Bogard’s heart. His hand raised almost on its own volition towards your face, his fingers barely grazing your cheek when your next words halted his movement.

"... but we were too young.” You added in a defeated tone. “We knew very little of each other when we were together all those years ago and now… it’s just too late. We have our lives. I'll go with my niece soon and you to your next commission. If we leave it this way we may remember the good of those days as happy as they were instead of the tragedy that brought us today.”

Bogard wanted to punch himself for his idiocy. Here you were, dealing with the sudden demise of your family, changing your entire life that you had made for yourself to take care of an orphan child you barely knew. And here he was demanding and complaining for his ten year old unresolved feelings towards you like the sulking teenager he once was.

An apology was already forming on his lips when the office door finally opened letting out Garp and Eriksson who regarded their younger assistants with equal looks of bewilderment at their closeness.

You backed away to a proper distance, knowing that whatever time life may have offered you with your old flame was gone.

“Farewell, Lieutenant.” You made polite curtsy like those you were taught in your youth.

“Madam…”

Bogard brought your hand gallantry towards his lips in a goodbye kiss. His dark eyes never leaving yours. You let out a small gasp, soft red lips slightly opened like begging for a proper kiss akin to the one he couldn’t give you the first time you went away from him.

Sad eyes followed the figure of the Vice Admiral Second while both Marines walked away into the hallway.

“So… that was The Guy.” Eriksson murmured in a teasing tone. You could feel the blush taking over your cheeks. It had been years since you shared the story of your first love at a drinks night with your crew. You didn’t think he would remember.

At that moment, the current Captain of the base called you into his office to start the process you were called upon.

“So… that was The Lass.” Garp murmured to his second. Bogard cleared his throat uncomfortably, not letting his mask of stoicism drop from his face.

How could Garp forget all those years ago when the best of his young former cadets, freshly promoted to Petty Officer and ready to be permanently assigned to his ship, almost left everything for the hand of a pretty lass? A pretty lass that displayed a little more common sense by rejecting the proposal and returning his prize pupil to his original ambitions.

Garp knew it had been a bitter pill but the life of a Marine rarely left time for personal attachments and romance. Most officers ended up having few contact with their families and significant others until the relationships cooled down into mere acquaintanceships.

Eriksson's little assistant had made the right call and for that Garp respected her. Enough to make a small concession for a day, even if it came years in the after.

“All is in order to set sail with the first tide in the morning.” The Vice Admiral commented after several minutes of silence while the pair exited the base, heading to the docks.

“Aye, sir. All permits have been signed.”

“Good, good. Let’s take the rest of the day off.”

“Sir?”

“Life's too short to not enjoy a nice free evening when it shows up so unexpectedly.” The older man gave his younger companion a significant look. “I may look for a nice place to dine, call upon some acquaintances if they’re still around. See you on the morrow, my lad.” Garp gave a friendly path over his collaborator's shoulder and parted away leaving a very astonished Bogard.

.

Bureaucracy was the worst.

Paperwork filling, walking from office to office, and explaining time and time again why it had taken you a month to arrive at Loguetown to fulfill your new responsibility as the only direct heir of your family and ward of your niece.

“You try to cross from the other fucking side of the Grand Line in less than a month…” You would think bitterly.

“Do not mistake the tardiness of my First Assistant as apathy toward her duty.” The Duke would supply, detecting the signs of stress over the fidgety of your fingers. “My dukedom is not around the next island and the Grand Line is not smooth sailing on the best of days.”

The presence of the Duke and the lies of your parents over your disappearance had worked well on your behalf. The fact your sister kept the carefully edited letters you sent her from time to time over the years and your personal Den Den Mushi contact helped too. That’s how the family lawyer had found you.

You were yet to be taken with your niece. They won’t even tell you where she was and that was the worst. Was she injured? Scared? Was somebody with her or did they keep her alone in some hide room for her own sake?

“All papers are in order…” The Marine Lawyer finally declared to you and the solicitor from the family that had taken your niece, a kind lamb-look-alike gentleman that introduced himself as Mr. Merry. “Miss Thorne may lay claim over the child as her legal tutor at any moment from now.”

“Excellent.” Claimed happily Mr. Merry offering to shake your hand. “I'm so glad this matter was finally settled. I don’t know how many more days I would be allowed to wait at Loguetown for the legal procedures.”

“And I deeply apologize for the delay, Mr. Merry. It has not been the easiest of transitions.” You said to the lamb-man.

“Of course, and I am deeply sorry for your loss, Madam. Your sister and her family were greatly appreciated by my employers and rest assured you and your niece are welcome as many times as you wish at their state. Their daughter, Miss Kaya, would be delighted to have her dear friend close.”

It relieved you to know that your niece was well cared for among family friends and arranged with Mr. Merry to set sail to Syrup Village in your respective ships the next day after brunch.

.

The sun was low in the sky when you and Eriksson finally walked out of the Base. The weary sight of you gaining a concerned look from your Captain.

You were one of his best assets on the field, steady and fast when retrieving any information he may be after, your knowledge and culture toward appraising any of his retrieved pieces of art and treasures remarkable, your leading as his First Officer for the last years outstanding, but your patience towards more polite intercourses runs thin. Added the emotional turmoil of the last month and your recent encounter with whom he assumed was your first love… He knew you were ready to snap.

“What was all that with the Vice Admiral?” You asked suddenly.

“Dunno. What was all that with the Vice Admiral’s handsome subordinate?” A small smile finally appeared on your lips at your Captain Erik’s antics. “Where do you think all those assignments to acquire intel from Marine Bases came from?”

“...  You've got to be kidding me.”

Would there ever be a day when the Phantom Captain didn’t leave you stunned with a random fact about his mysterious acquaintanceships?

An hour later, you were still munching the new information about Vice Admiral Garp and Captain Erik’s association. Does that mean Bogard would be privy to the same information? Would his superior share the identity of the Phantom Captain with him? He looked as surprised as you at Garp’s assessment of the Duke when he introduced himself. Would Bogard judge the fact you ran away from your engagement to end up becoming the same thing he fought against? That you were the Ghost Rose?

“Stop, I can see the smoke coming out of your ears. If dad thought it acceptable to share his identity with the Vice Admiral it means he’s legit and won’t snitch on him.” The soft voice of Raoul tried to serene your thoughts.

“For once, it’s not the well being of the Captain that concerns our dear rose, is it?” Added Carlotta between sips of her pink cocktail.

“Ohhh, more like some tall, noir and handsome Lieutenant in a fedora.” Purred Meg giving you a nudge.

You drank your glass of sweet red wine in a go to have something to blame for the subtle blush on your cheeks. After you came back from your appointment at the Marine Base, your crew decided a farewell night of drinks was due. It had been during one of your first bonding over drinks night that you had shared the story of your first love and how you came to be where you were with them. You couldn’t believe they still remembered but that’s what you get when you deal with a crew who thrive in collecting intel from all the seas.

“Hey, if you need the night to sort things out, we won't hold it against you. I know these past weeks haven’t been easy.” Murmured Carlotta, giving your hand a friendly grip.

Your crew knew that while you loved them to death, you were also a person who valued more alone time when something plagued your thoughts.

That’s how you found yourself wandering the streets of the city of your youth, letting your feet guide you wherever they desire.

From your vantage point on a stone bridge, you could sight The Angel of Music at port, captain Erik’s favorite vessel, where you had been sailing for the past years.

It was ironic that, from all the crews sailing the seas, you ended working for an extravagant Duke posing as a Pirate Captain.

“Nobility was suffocating me. I could no longer live among the fake and lies of the World Government so I decided to run away to discover the secrets of the world.” Your captain had shared with you when you asked him why he had chosen you as a protegee among the Red Hair Pirates. “Your Redhaired boyfriend was raised in this Pirate World and has all the intention of living and dying in it. We had a very different upbringing. Life has a way of finding us and pushing us back where we come from, one way or another. So we, upper runaways, should stick together. We have better odds to face the comeback side by side.”

How forewarning have been the Duke’s words. Your old life had indeed found you and dragged you back where you started.

Your eyes catched the sight of the Marine Vessel captained by Vice Admiral Garp. Small figures in white running up and down, ensuring their evening chores, preparing to depart at first light in the morning and, hopefully, with it the memory of your encounter with your first love.

You turned from the view of the port and kept walking the polished and well kept streets of Loguetown, lost in your head among memories and ghosts of the past but sure of the certainty of your decision. You’ll go the next day to meet with Mr. Merry’s employers who had taken your niece temporarily under their wing. Whether she wants to go living with you to your birth town or both stay in Syrup Village with her friend, your life would change irrevocably. Again.

You found the square following the melody of string instruments. More like a hidden corner between the tall elegant buildings. A little cafe spreaded its product’s scent on the air along with the bread, cheese and spices of the adjacent diner. A few young Marine cadets and civilians occupied tables and benches, enjoying the still warm weather of the late afternoon and the ocean view.

A small band at the corner played soft tunes to which some couples danced at the center of the square.

You love dancing. It was the only joy you found among the insipid upper class you were dragged to after the second marriage of your mother in your infancy. You wanted your little town by the sea back, the seasonal festivals full of lively music and food, the narrow shabby streets with intimate corners such as this one…

You were brought out of your reminiscence by the silent approach of the same gentleman that plagued your thoughts earlier. His stoic countenance softened by the smallest of smiles while his eyes roamed your figure now free of your previous formal wear and encased in a fitting black lace dress.

After your exchange of words that morning, Bogard had thought you gone for good again. Dread filling him at his inability to express the longing for you in his heart. So many years of putting on a facade of soldierly professionalism had taken its toll and it had been tough to let himself be vulnerable with another again. He had gone defensive over your candor at addressing your past courtship and inexperience in dealing with the fervor of your affection toward one another.

The dismissal of his superior for the rest of the day gave him hope to set things right between you. He knew what the bureaucratic processes entailed so he was left with time to seek one of his favorite places for the very few occasions when he had had a free evening in the city and freshen himself up, but he couldn’t resist calling upon some favors to obtain some information about this Duke Shostakovich.

There was something about all that earlier interaction that wouldn’t let him be.

Hours later, he hadn’t come with anything that seemed dubious enough. Duke Shostakovich had had a clean business since he had claimed his title and current lands; his islands were a safe haven in the Grand Line for both his subjects and refugees. Nobody had dared to fight his territories, some islands near him even asked for his protection. If it wasn't for his philanthropic image and lack of expansionist ambition, he could be considered an equal to the Emperors of the New World… And have you been working for him all these years? Doing what exactly?

The sun was already set near the horizon when he was informed through a mutual at the Base that the procedures had finished more than an hour ago and the Duke and his assistant had left.

Bogard cursed his researcher nature for taking so much of his time. In his haste to depart to find you, he left behind his white coat and suit jacket. He was about to go back upstairs for them when a vision of a beauty in a black lace dress crossed his sight.

It was not the first time in the past ten years that he let himself be swayed away by the image of a woman reminiscent of yourself. He had to look twice to ensure that it was indeed you walking in the small square near the inn, regarding the dancing couples with longing.

Years of training made Bogard’s steps almost soundless. He was about to clear his throat to call for your attention when a sudden stiffness took over your back and you turned around. Your left hand moved unconsciously to your thigh where your trusted blades laid sheathed under the fabric of your short dress.

Your eyes danced over the silent approaching figure of the Vice Admiral’s Second. His coat and jacket nowhere to be seen, the cuffs of his shirt rolled over his toned forearms, the gray waistcoat accentuating his lean figure previously hidden by the burlines of his coats.

“Am I under any suspicion to merit this silent approach, Lieutenant?”

“It depends. Have you engaged in suspicious activities recently, madam?” The light jest brought a smile to both former lovers. Oh, if only he knew. “I happen to have a room in this inn.”

“Do you happen to spend many nights at inns?”

“Being in close quarters at sea for weeks can get… tiring. A good night ashore makes wonders.”

“Yeah, tell me about it.” You smiled at the memory of your first months at sea. How that first sensation of liberty turned into dread pretty soon. “I was ready to jump overboard and swim to port the first time we spotted land after three weeks at sea.”

It wasn’t the first time that something in your demeanor was off for someone presumably invested in the arts world, starting with your fighting display from earlier. Bogard wasn’t the most connoisseur of the arts trade but something didn’t match...

“You are thinking too loud.”

“May you elaborate, madam?”

“You have that same frown from the first time we met and I asked you to help me hide from my brother-in-law and whoever of his friends he was set to pair me with.” Bogard chuckled at the memory.

By request of your mother, poor Charles was left with the responsibility of introducing you to his most eligible acquaintances during your debut. Bogard already knew of you, having been asked by his friend to dance with you to get rid of his meddling mother-in-law. He didn’t expect to find a kindred spirit in his discomfort of upper social gatherings. Time flew by dancing and conversing with you.

Like that first night, Bogard extended a hand to you in a silent request for a dance. You gave him your own hand in return and let him guide you to the center of the square where other couples danced at the rhythm of the band’s instruments while a female voice sang about a night of romance in a far away city. He followed the familiar steps of the square pattern with ease and grace.

“You haven’t forgotten.”

“What kind of swordsman would I be if I didn’t have a perfect stance and footing.” He repeated his words from that first time you danced when you expressed your surprise over his skilled steps. “About earlier today…” He added after more seconds of swaying. He had a second chance that day to make it right with you. “Please, forgive me.”

“After how I ended everything, I should be the one asking for your forgiveness…”

“No, you were right in walking away from it all. We were too young and I asked too much from you too soon.”

“Let’s not lean on it, we are not those children anymore.”

“Indeed…”

You were right to point out how little you really knew about each other. He was so set in enamored you and made you his that he failed to assess your wishes for the future. While he could recognize and accept the infatuation of his younger self as immature in nature, the memory of your past romance was mixing with the current feelings of a full grown man towards a woman whose beauty and mysterious allure enchanted him.

His hand on your waist tightened until pressing your bodies closer in a sensual move that had nothing to do with those he’d attempted when dancing with you in your youth. Your left temple laid gently against his smooth cheek thanks to the added height of your heels. If he moved slightly, he could taste your lips with his and determine if they were as sweet as he remembered…

His intent was stopped by your retreating body while your head denied his advance.

“Nothing has changed from this morning, Rick. We are still set for different paths tomorrow.”

“There’s still tonight.”

Bogard drew you back to him and the soft sway of your bodies at the slow rhythm of the string instruments. Your traitor body eager for his touch, warmth filling your belly at the prospect… Would it be that bad to let yourself get a taste of what could have been?

“What then, Lieutenant?”

“May I invite you a drink, madam?”

A drink turned to full dine at one of the small tables at the terrace, among longing gazes and soft hands touches, sharing under the candlelights and between sips of wine those parts of your lives safe enough to not break the illusion of normalcy that you wished to enjoy if only for the short time you had…

You didn't mean to stay the whole night in Bogard’s bed, but your body refused to part from his warmth, your face hidden in his neck, the scent of his aftershave still lingering on his skin, his fingertips tracing imaginary lines over your naked back and shoulders leaving delicious shivers.

The first time you were set to retire from his room, but his thoughtful care at cleaning you and ensuring your comfort after your joining made you lure him against you again, and then more until exhaustion finally took over, letting yourself be drawn first to a light slumber and finally pass out in his arms.

.

Bogard woke up first after some hours of rest, his body used to rising before dawn after years of life at sea and setting sail with the first light. Reluctantly, he abandoned the softness of your body under the sheets to retrieve both of your clothes from the spots where they have been left behind during the night.

His foot made contact with a cold metal and he remembered the satchel of rose carved blades tied to your left thigh he had uncovered after removing your dress, the carvings combining with those of the rings that adorned both of your middle fingers. A small sight of panic had seized your eyes before he knelt and his skilled fingers got rid of the offending garment to continue his survey of your skin with his lips.

Now his inquiring mind insisted on his suspicions from the day before but why couldn’t there be a simple and innocent explanation? Yes, you worked for a noble dedicated to the arts and philanthropy for years, a Duke whose lands were located in one of the most dangerous regions of the seas. The Grand Line was unforgiving and a death sentence to those who didn’t prepare to deal with its hazards. You had lived in it, probably sailed it regularly as commissioner of your boss’ exports, of course you had hardened and developed fighting abilities to survive…

A soft slide of sheets brought him out of his thoughts to retrieve your possessions and leave them at the feet of the mattress. Your still sleeping form getting restless without his presence beside you.

He continued getting dressed, the Marine in him insistent in departing towards his duty, the man already yearning for your soft skin and the intoxicating flowery scent of your hair but he wanted to respect your decision of letting it be. In the past, he had overseen your wishes, took for granted that your mutual affection was enough to start a life together at the expense of both your dreams and ambitions.

Now he knew better and pondered if with the years he would have gotten restless or resentful toward renouncing Garp’s promotion and be stationed somewhere safe and have a family with you, like his friend Charles had done with his own.

Even when his body burned for you, more now that he had got the opportunity to have you, he could not feel other than grateful for you taking the decision for both to go live your own separate lives all those years ago but… what about now? You had taken the decision to come back from your life to care for your niece and start anew somewhere safe.

Would you be willing to have him in your life again?

Bogard rejected the thought as soon as it formed. What kind of companion would he be to you or even a father figure to your child? Always absent sailing the seas with the constant threat of losing his life in the line of duty. You had already lost a father and a stepfather like that.

No, you were right from the beginning. It was better for you two to go your own separate ways…

You were pulled out of your slumber by the subtle sounds of movement and fabric, your mind too trained to be alert to keep you in sleep anymore even if it recognized the safe space you were in with your companion for the night. Among the shadows of the predawn, you recognized the male figure of your lover getting dressed, the muscles of his back moving enticingly while he put on his white shirt and the rest of his formal wear.

Knowing the farewell was upon you, you rise from the bed and put on your dress, a sudden need to be covered to face Bogard for a last time. You approached silently and touched his shoulder gently, his lack of a sudden reaction indicative of his awareness of you.

“Let me.” You signaled the hastily made knot of his tie and helped him tidy it. His coats and hat remained at the table next to the door, ready to be taken. You couldn’t help taking the gray fedora to place it on his head, your fingers caressing the line of his short hair, down to his forehead, over his elegant nose and lips…

Bogard pulled you towards him for that last kiss he regretted not giving you before. His mouth eager and passionate while his hands roamed the skin of your back still free of the zipper of your dress. Your own hands wandered over his jaw and clothed shoulders, fighting not to tear off the fabric to feel again his warm skin under your fingers.

His tongue nudged gently your lips to deepen the kiss and yours answered in equal fervor. Both trying to convey with your bodies the yearning for a life that was no longer available to you. His eager lips drift down your neck to murmured sweet endearment in your ear between kisses.

“Mia cara rosa, I…”

“No, please, don’t say it.” If you heard him say it out loud you may have broken right there.

He acquiesced and finally pulled away from your embrace. You’ll remember everything happening very quickly from there. You helping him put on his gray coat, white Marine overcoat folded on his arm. You opening the door, Bogard pulling you in for another kiss, you drawing him in for one more… And then he was gone.

You rested your forehead on the dry wood of the closed door, letting out a small whimper and the tears you didn’t dare to spill in the presence of your love for fear of making him doubt your resolve of going separate ways again but…

Would you dare? You wondered while getting properly dressed yourself.

To share with him your true identity as the Ghost Rose, open up about your recent past, the things you have done, even against the World Government and the Marine.

As Garp’s subordinate, would his sense of order and justice be as flexible to accept you in his life? Or would he ask for no explanation and look the other way around to every suspicious detail of your life, letting the secrets accumulate until you drown each other in distrust?

You walked back to your Captain’s ship, silently and slowly, the heels of your shoes the only source of sound in the dark streets before dawn, unsure if in fear or anticipation of finding Bogard waiting for you after all.

The view of the docks greeted you finally, the first lights of the sun coloring the sky in bright pinks while a Marine vessel set sail to the horizon.

You couldn’t help yourself. You ran towards the space Vice Admiral’s ship occupied minutes ago and to the edge where the waves crashed against the concrete, watching the sea taking your love away the same way he saw you go all those years ago... A hand found a place on your shoulder giving it a friendly grip, you turned lighty to see your Captain Erik comforting smile.

Yes, life had dragged you back where you started, but you had people at your side to face the comeback.

.

.

.

I'm not crying, you are...

Moots and interested people I remember: @fanaticsnail @jintaka-hane @cinnbar-bun @gingernut1314 @writingmysanity @feral-artistry @holylanguagesbatman @triangularz

[mnemomnemonomi]

Roronoa Zoro x Reader : An Adrift Love

Hello everyone ! I finished translating the last One Shot I wrote on Wattpad. It’s still in third POV. I will now focus on creating a masterlist and rules articles to open the request for everyone !

Synopsis : Y/n is a young woman that was rescued by the Strawhat crew while she was adrift on the sea. She became acquainted with everyone and want to help them but a certain grumpy swordsman makes it quite difficult. But is it really that difficult ? Isn't Zoro just a misunderstood soul ?

Content : Y/n is not part of the crew, Y/n is hardworking, Zoro isn't honest, Zoro is surly not misogynistic, Zoro centered.

Words : 3.4k

An Adrift Love

It had been a few weeks now since Y/n had been aboard the Thousand Sunny, the famous ship of the Straw Hat crew. She had been very lucky to stumble upon a ship, and even luckier to stumble upon them!

She reminisced about their meeting as she looked out at the horizon. Half unconscious when the lion-headed ship appeared, she had felt relieved, saved. She wasn't going to die as she had feared. Then... she saw the famous Jolly Roger of the pirates, and for her, she no longer had any chance of survival. What would pirates do with a young woman like her, helpless and frail? Would she become a slave? Would they kill her? She would have preferred to die at sea rather than by the hands of pirates!

In the end, it was a man with a long nose and long black hair who exclaimed upon seeing her:

"Guys, I think someone here needs help!"

She had then heard fast approaching footsteps coming from where the long nose was, and she had barely had time to feel some sort of embrace around her waist before she passed out from exhaustion.

When she woke up, there was a creature with a big round pink and blue hat tinkering with scientific equipment. She had then sat up abruptly, only to lie back down groaning. She was so hungry that she couldn't do anything. The creature in question turned around somewhat panicked.

"Don't move, you need to stay in bed! Sanji will bring you food, but for now, you need to conserve your strength!"

"Wh-What are you going to do to me? You're pirates, right?" she had asked, half growling.

"For now, I'm going to heal you and get you back on your feet. Afterward, you can do whatever you want."

"-L-Lies... You're definitely going to do something bad to me!" the young girl had retorted.

"Why would we do that? We don't even know you, it would be strange to harm someone without reason..."

"... Are you really a pirate...?"

"Yes and I'm the doctor!" the little creature had smiled. "By the way, I'm called Chopper!"

"Oh um... I’m Y/n. Thank you, Doctor Chopper..."

It was at that moment that she had met a second member of the crew. A young blond man with twisted eyebrows and a slight goatee had knocked on the door and entered swaying.

"Mademoiselle, I'm delighted to make your acquaintance. I've prepared some treats especially for you, I hope you'll enjoy them," he had said in a charming tone.

"Sanji, here, is the cook of the ship. You’ll see that everything he’s cooking is delicious and good for you." explained Chopper.

"It... It smells so good..." the young woman had admitted, starting to salivate.

"Chopper told me that you haven't eaten in a while. I've prepared a special meal to get you back on your feet in no time! You’ll love it believe me! Oh and don't hesitate to call me if you need anything, Miss with the radiant beauty!"

With that, he had placed a plate full of food on the bedside table next to her bed and had disappeared from the infirmary.

That's how she had gotten to know Chopper and Sanji for a few days before finally meeting the rest of the crew and, most importantly... getting out of the infirmary to explore the ship! She had met all the crew members, and everything had gone well, even though a certain swordsman had been ready to slice her into pieces...

When Zoro had spotted her on the deck of the ship, he had immediately drawn his swords and yelled to everyone that there was an intruder. Of course, Sanji had come to her rescue, seeing that this "idiot swordsman" had dared to point his swords at "a beautiful innocent young woman."

After that, they had all gotten to know each other, and she had even played cards with Luffy, Usopp, Chopper, and Franky. The Straw Hat crew was really nice, and they were nothing like the pirates she had heard about... That's why, to thank them, she had decided to help the crew in any way she could. After all, they had taken care of her and were hosting her...

So she had helped Franky as best she could by bringing him the necessary materials in his workshop with Usopp. She had organized the books in the library by theme, being careful with Robin and Chopper's books. She hadn't dared to touch Nami's belongings, fearing she would mess up her cards and damage them. That’s why right nown, she was, taking a little break. With all these exercises, she was somewhat tired, and she felt a bit hot. It was Luffy who brought her out of her thoughts.

"Hey Y/n, want to come and play cards? Oh, and afterwards, why not play Pirate and Marine? (A version of Tag in One Piece)"

"Oh yes, I'm coming right now!" she replied with a smile.

A little heat was nothing! And it would pass! She rushed over to Luffy, Usopp, and Chopper to start playing. She owed them that, and it was fun to play with these three.

After several rounds of cards and Tag, Y/n began to feel out of breath from running around trying to catch Luffy. The captain was a real monkey! Usopp used his techniques to escape and hide better, while Chopper... He was smaller, and it was easier for him to evade Y/n’s movements. She decided to take a little break convincing herself that she was going back to chase them after a few minutes.

"Aren't you playing with them anymore?" asked a grumpy voice next to her.

"Ah! It's you, Zoro, I didn't notice you."

"It's hot, and the sun is beating down. I hope they don't get a sunstroke," he announced before leaving.

" Huh? Why is he saying that? They all wear hats..." she murmured.

"Hey, Y/n, we're over here!" Luffy shouted, waving his arms.

The young woman with h/c hair redirected her gaze toward the green-haired swordsman, then shrugged and joined Luffy. They played all morning, even though Chopper insisted that Y/n take breaks from time to time, saying she wasn't in the best shape yet.

She later helped Sanji prepare lunch, then decorated the table as nicely as possible. Of course, the cook was absolutely delighted that the beautiful young woman was assisting him. He would never say no to such a beautiful woman!

Sanji came out of the kitchen and announced that everything was ready. Luffy was the first to arrive and began devouring anything that looked like meat. Nami was by his side, correcting him by hitting him on the head while scolding him. Franky filled up on cola and then served Chopper and Usopp. Y/n watched the scene with joy and smiled. Well, she was still hot, maybe even more so than before, but she had cooked, so she thought it was only natural.

Zoro was eyeing the food with his open eye before looking at Y/n. It was clear that she was sweating much more than usual. He looked at the food again before closing his eye and sighing.

"Hey shitty cook, do you need someone to do your job properly?"

"What? Repeat that, two-bit swordsman?!"

"You heard me perfectly, you're so overwhelmed with work that you need someone to help you? And you call yourself the best cook..." Zoro added, opening his eye and looking at Sanji mockingly.

"I don't need Y/n to do my job. She wanted to help, who am I to refuse the assistance of such a goddess?!" Sanji replied.

"Yeah, right, just excuses. Well, if that's really the case, you can make us a lot of little dishes for tonight, all by yourself like a big boy, right?"

"Of course, I can! You brainless cactus head!"

"What? Are you picking a fight?!"

"Zoro... Sanji, wa-wait..." Y/n tried to intervene.

“So, twisted eyebrows, are you looking to get sliced into pieces?" the green-haired man retorted, beginning to draw his swords.

"I'm going to chop you up, you damn swordsman!" the blond chimed in, getting into a position to strike with his legs.

Nami got up, walked over to them, and scolded them while hitting them. The two of them separated and returned to their places, simmering with frustration. Lunch continued as Zoro and Sanji exchanged dark looks.

After the meal, Luffy fell asleep on the bow of the ship, Chopper cleaned and restocked the infirmary, Franky and Usopp locked themselves in the workshop, promising to invent something amazing. Brook played the violin for Nami and Robin as they read, and Sanji cleaned the kitchen. Y/n thought about offering to help the cook, but Zoro's voice stopped her.

"Oy, Y/n, come with me."

"But, um, I wanted to help San-"

"He doesn't need you. Follow me," Zoro repeated.

The woman with E/c eyes complied and wondered what the swordsman wanted from her. After all, she didn't really know him. He kept his distance and had this wild and somewhat mysterious side that piqued Y/n's curiosity but also made her a bit anxious.

Zoro suddenly stopped, and the woman, lost in her thoughts, didn't notice and gently bumped into the green-haired man. He turned his head towards her with a questioning look before Y/n blushed and apologized.

"Sit here," he instructed, pointing to a shaded area with a lounge chair and a cool drink.

"But why? Do you need something, Zoro?"

"Just sit, dammit!" he replied, running a hand through his hair in frustration.

The woman with e/c eyes complied and kept an eye on Zoro.

"Damn woman," he grumbled. "Okay, you stay here; I'll be back."

Y/n nodded, watching as the swordsman walked away. She wondered what Zoro was up to. She didn't know him well, and he had this enigmatic and wild side that both intrigued and unnerved her.

Zoro came to a sudden stop, and the young woman lost in her thoughts didn't notice, bumping into the green-haired man. He turned his head toward her with a questioning look before Y/n blushed and apologized.

"Sit here," he instructed, pointing to a shaded area with a lounge chair and a cool drink.

"But why? Do you need something, Zoro?"

"Just sit, dammit!" he replied, running a hand through his hair in frustration.

The woman with E/c eyes complied and kept an eye on Zoro.

"Damn women," he grumbled.

"Okay, you stay here; I'll be back."

Y/n nodded, watching as the swordsman walked away. She wondered what Zoro was up to. Up until now, the green-haired man's behavior made no sense. And what was with this habit of giving orders like that?! But on the other hand, if Y/n had really wanted to, she could have retorted, but she didn't really have the energy for it... And besides, it was one of the rare interactions she had with Zoro, so yes, she was quite curious to know what he wanted from her.

Zoro finally returned after a few minutes, carrying his enormous dumbbells. He placed them in the blazing sun a few meters away from where Y/n sat.

"Okay, we can start," Zoro announced, beginning to lift his gigantic dumbbells.

After a few minutes of silence, the woman on the lounge chair spoke up.

"Um, Zoro ? If you're planning to train, it means you don't need me, so I'm going to help Sanji, okay?" she said, somewhat disappointed by the turn her interaction with Zoro had taken.

"But are you even listening to me? He doesn't need you, so stay here," Zoro replied, his frustration evident.

"And why should I stay here, huh?" she asked, no longer understanding the conversation.

"... I need someone to count how many times I lift my weights..."

"But you usually do it alone!"

"Yeah, but it's hot out here, and we're in direct sunlight! I don't want to think that I potentially trained incorrectly because I miscounted due to the heat!" retorted the swordsman.

Y/n acquiesced and tried to make sense of their conversation.

"Fine, I'll just count, right?" she relented.

"Yeah, and you better not get lost in the numbers!" Zoro warned.

"Yes, yes, okay, let's start. 1... 2... 3..."

And so, for a good part of the afternoon, Zoro trained alongside Y/n, although she couldn't concentrate on counting the green-haired man's weightlifting repetitions for more than a few minutes. She ended up falling asleep with a headache. Zoro noticed and sighed.

"Some training partner you are... Well, it's not like I needed you to count. 153, 154…"

It was only a few minutes later that Nami's voice echoed throughout the ship.

"A violent storm is approaching! We need to raise the sails, everyone to their posts!"

"Huh? What's going on?" Y/n woke up, disoriented.

"Y/n, can you go down and place the cola barrels in the compressor? We're going to use the Burst to avoid being in the eye of the storm!" Nami commanded.

"Uh, yes, right away," Y/n replied, getting up suddenly.

She had to hold onto the lounge chair to avoid falling due to her lingering headache. She stayed still for a few moments until she got used to the sensation, then hurried to the Thousand Sunny's compressor.

Finally arriving at her destination, she quickly grabbed a barrel but underestimated its weight, causing it to wobble. She managed to catch it just before it fell and put it back in its original position. The task would be challenging given her condition and the weight of the barrels, but Nami and the entire crew were counting on her, so she didn't have a choice.

She tried to lift the barrel again, carrying it as best as she could to the compressor. She placed the barrel just at the foot of it and took a deep breath before putting the first barrel into the compressor. She didn't have time to celebrate this small victory before she heard the thunderstorm.

"I need to hurry!"

She quickly made her way to the other two barrels and almost lost her balance due to the turbulent sea. She grabbed one barrel and did as she did with the first, but with all this effort, her vision started to blur. Her headache felt like a jackhammer in her head, and she suddenly felt cold. She shook her head and took a firm hold of the barrel, lifted it, and positioned it.

"Come on, just one more," she thought while gritting her teeth.

She hurried to the last barrel, and despite the ship's swaying, she managed to get closer to the compressor. She felt her strength leaving her gradually, but she had to finish placing the barrels, after that, she didn't care what happened to her. Someone would surely come to check on her realizing she hadn't returned.

As she lifted the last barrel as high as she could, the ship was hit by a powerful wave that caused it to tilt. Y/n felt herself falling backward due to the imbalance, leading to the barrel falling on top of her. She closed her eyes instinctively, preparing for the impact, but she felt nothing except pressure on her back.

"Let me handle this," Zoro's voice rang out.

She opened her eyes and saw Zoro holding her waist with one arm, but with his other hand, he put the barrel on the ground. He then left Y/n and pushed the barrel into its designated spot in the compressor and then turned to the woman.

"You should have joined me in training after all. It's not with your feeble..." Zoro began, teasing her gently.

He stopped abruptly when he saw her condition. The young woman was red-faced, breathing heavily, and trembling. He put his free arm under her knees, lifting her, and asked if she was okay. She managed a faint smile before she fainted in his arms.

"Oi, Y/n! Damn it! Chopper, I need help!" the green-haired man called out, rushing back to the Thousand Sunny's deck.

"Zoro? What's hap—Y/n!" Chopper exclaimed.

"She suddenly passed out. She was pushing herself too hard, and-" Zoro explained, his concern evident.

"I suspected as much, I should have done something. Anyway, this is not the time. Zoro, take Y/n to the infirmary! Usopp, take my place!" Chopper ordered, his expression serious.

"Okay!" Usopp replied.

So, while Chopper and Zoro, acting as his assistant, tended to Y/n, the rest of the crew did their best to help as Nami gave orders until Franky used the Burst to get them safely out of the storm. Once they were at a safe distance from the tempest, Nami breathed a sigh of relief and asked Usopp about what had happened to Y/n. The others did their best to assist while waiting for Chopper to come out of the infirmary.

"Chopper, how's Y/n doing, my love?" Sanji asked, visibly worried, holding a tray with a drink.

"She's resting, and Zoro is keeping an eye on her. She overexerted herself while she wasn't fully recovered from being adrift at sea," Chopper replied.

"WHAT?! Why is that cactus head keeping an eye on her?!" Sanji exclaimed.

"Because he helped me examine her and reduce her fever," the doctor responded, not understanding where Sanji was going with this.

"WHAT?!?!" Sanji's imagination ran wild, and he felt a strong urge to strangle the swordsman.

Fortunately for Zoro, Chopper forced the cook to stay out of the infirmary, explaining that Y/n would need a good meal.

In the meantime, Zoro was sitting on the floor beside Y/n, who had been sleeping for quite some time. He watched her and got lost in his thoughts. He had tried to make her understand to take it easy, hadn't he? The hat, the shaded area with the lounge chair... It seemed he hadn't been direct enough. But this girl troubled him.

He had a strong desire to protect her, admired her dedication to everything she undertook, even if it wasn't her expertise. But seeing her push herself and neglect her health to please the entire crew irritated him. He never wanted this to happen; in fact, he was the only one who had noticed that Y/n hadn't been feeling well lately.

"Damn woman," he sighed, scratching the back of his head, frustrated with his reaction to Y/n.

It was at that moment that he heard the sheets on the bed rustling. He raised his head and approached the bed where the young woman who troubled him lay.

"Complaining about women again?" Y/n asked weakly with a small smile.

"No just you. You're quite the troublemakers. Are you stupid or something? Overworking yourself like that," replied the green-haired swordsman as he approached T/p.

"Sorry..."

"Don't apologize, idiot. You better recover quickly, or I'll have to deal with you," Zoro replied, flicking her on the forehead.

"-Ouch... No need to do that..."

"From now on, you'll stay with me, so forget about the others. No more 'I'll help the others,' especially Sanji. Got it?"

"What?" she exclaimed, sitting up before feeling dizzy and falling back on the bed.

"You're not in a position to negotiate, so stay in bed and listen to me."

"And why should I stay with you, anyway? It's not like you specifically need me to train," the young woman admitted, somewhat demotivated.

"That's true. But if you're not near me, how can I look after you?"

"But I don't need anyone to look after me," Y/n began before seeing the gentle expression on Zoro's face, who had a slight smile.

It was the first time she had seen this expression on the young man, who always seemed serious and tough. After a few seconds of silence, she felt herself blushing realizing what he implied. She covered her head with the sheet, not wanting Zoro to realize she was blushing. However, the sheet didn't stay there for long, as Zoro took it and made sure he could see the young woman's face.

"Do you understand what I'm trying to say?" Zoro asked, returning to his usual expression and getting incredibly close to her.

"Y-Yes..." she nodded, struggling to meet the swordsman's eyes.

"That's good then," he finished, planting a kiss on the young woman's forehead.

Y/n couldn't help but turn bright red, unsure of how to react to the advances of the young man. Lost in her thoughts, Zoro was already at the infirmary door and announced, with his back turned.

"I'll say it again, no Sanji within 10 meters, and now rest. I'll be here when you wake up," he said before leaving the infirmary and closing the door. Now, Y/n couldn't wait to recover as quickly as possible so she could see the unexplored side of the swordsman, who, despite his rough exterior, hid a caring young man.

[joeliz99]

Second Chance- George Weasley

George Weasley 

Sixth Year of Hogwarts 

The sixth-year girl walked through the hallways, searching for a place to spend her free period before returning to class. She ended up choosing to recline against one of the arches that overlooked the main gardens of the castle, intending to resume reading the new book she had started recently. She had been trying to avoid a certain person since yesterday, and so far, it had been successful, as she didn't have any classes in common with the Gryffindor boy that day and had breakfasted earlier than usual. However, her reading was interrupted by the voice of someone calling her. Without even having to turn her face to know who it was, her body tensed, and she closed her book, ready to leave.

-Hey, Fernsby! Wait! - The redhead boy quickened his pace, leaving his brother and best friend behind. ---(Y/N)! - The Ravenclaw stopped with a sigh, knowing this time there was no escape, and turned around, forcing a smile.

-George... What's up? - He raised an eyebrow when he noticed this and crossed his arms, observing her.

-Are you avoiding me? Because that's what it looks like. -

-No- (Y/N) shook her head repeatedly, glancing at the two people now behind George. -Fred, Lee. - She greeted warmly, smiling halfheartedly.

-(Y/N)- Both said simultaneously, mirroring the young woman's gesture.

-Guys, why don't you go on ahead? I need to have a conversation with (Y/N) for a moment. - George said, making the girl feel uncomfortable for a few seconds, Fred and Lee watching both with some amusement.

-Sure, see you in the Great Hall, Georgie. - His brother tapped him on the shoulder and smiled in farewell to (Y/N) before leaving with Lee, leaving the two alone.

-So... What do you need to talk to me about? - The Ravenclaw asked, biting her lip in a nervous reaction to the tension she felt in that moment. She knew perfectly well what they needed to talk about.

- I waited for you for an hour yesterday at the Three Broomsticks as we agreed, and you never showed up... I even had to give someone the butterbeer I bought, for you. -

- Oh...- (Y/N) couldn't help but feel a pang of guilt when George mentioned the latter. Perhaps standing him up hadn't been as good an idea as she thought. In fact, it hadn't been a good idea at all. -I'm sorry, I honestly completely forgot that we were supposed to meet, and I didn't even go to Hogsmeade. -

- You're lying- George almost immediately said, still with his arms crossed over his chest.

- I'm not lying! -

- Of course you are. Every time you lie, you can't look people in the eyes, and you play with the ring you're wearing right now. -

The girl glanced at her hand for a second, ceasing the spinning of her ring to look back at George, somewhat surprised by that observation.

-What's going on, (Y/N)? I thought you were okay with going on a date with me...- She sighed upon hearing that and briefly averted her gaze from the redhead before speaking.

- Listen, George, I'm sorry. It's just that I don't think this— - Her hand moved, pointing to herself and then to him- is a good idea. Maybe it's better if we stick to me helping you with Potions and nothing more. - George frowned upon hearing this and shook his head.

-That's stupid. What made you change your mind? Did I do something wrong? Did someone tell you something about me? -

- No - (Y/N) hurried to say, being completely honest this time. - I just... I don't think I'm what you're looking for in someone, George. There are plenty of other girls who would love to go out with you. Much prettier, more interesting, definitely more laid-back- She added with a forced laugh, avoiding direct eye contact. -I don't want to waste your time, not when it comes to me. -

His expression twisted upon hearing these words from (Y/N), huffed, shaking his head before moving a bit closer to the girl. Making her lift her face to be able to see him due to the significant height difference.

-It's me who decides what I'm looking for in someone. I don't want to date anyone else; I want you... I thought I made that pretty clear when we talked before- He moved a bit closer, causing the girl's nerves to spike along with the beating of her heart.

—George—

—Let me finish— He whispered, never breaking eye contact with (Y/N). -I don't need someone who's just like me; I want someone who complements me. I don't care if you prefer being in the library instead of pulling pranks. I definitely don't care if you think you're carrying a few extra pounds or if you sometimes struggle with your hair- His hand takes a curl resting on (Y/N)'s face and moves it aside as his gaze descends to her lips. -Don't push me away without giving me a chance. That's all I'm asking for.-

(Y/N) sighs at the redhead's words, the butterflies in her stomach now fluttering intensely as he was so close, she could feel the gentle brush of their noses.

—A date, just that— The boy whispered, daring to draw her closer by the waist, his lips now brushing against (Y/N)'s. -And if you're not pleased, I'll let you go. We'll just go back to being the same old classmates... Please. -

He left a small kiss on her lips, causing (Y/N) to feel like she was melting in the arms of the beloved redhead. She gazed at him for a moment before nodding, returning the gesture with a small, shy kiss that brings an immediate smile to George's face.

—Should I take that as a yes? — He chuckled, pulling back slightly to get a better look at her. —Yes...— (Y/N) smiled shyly, forcing herself to step back completely. -This Friday, we'll meet at the Black Lake at 5 in the evening. I'll take care of the rest. It's the least I can do after leaving you hanging yesterday. - George laughed and nodded, slipping his hands into his pockets as he watched the girl start to walk away, keeping her gaze fixed on him as she walked backwards.

—It's a date then, see you later, Fernsby!

—Until later, Weasley. Don't be late for tomorrow's tutoring! — The redhead chuckled at that, shrugging while keeping his eyes on her.

—I can't promise anything, darling. — (Y/N) rolled her eyes, shaking her head before turning around to continue her way to the class about to begin, unable to shake off thoughts of a certain someone who was slowly but surely stealing her heart.

[sofargoneao3]

three's a crowd

“I think I was just propositioned for a threesome,” Remus said as he set down their butterbeers on the table.

Peter choked on his handful of peanuts so violently bits flew out of his nose, Sirius barked out a laugh, and James’ mouth dropped open in shock.

“By who?” James asked, looking around The Three Broomsticks curiously. For a Saturday, it wasn’t that busy so whoever it was would definitely be noticeable. 

“That witch at the bar,” Remus pointed at the witch who sat with a large mug of mead in front of her.

“She’s about fifty,” Said Peter, after he’d finished coughing.

“Not bad looking though,” Sirius observed. 

He wasn’t wrong, she had red lipstick and looked good for her age, but her graying hair and the style of cloak she wore definitely gave it away that she was getting on in years. Remus grimaced slightly and James laughed at Sirius.

“Nothing wrong with an older woman, if you ask me,” James said proudly, “look at Lily!”

“James, she’s two months older, not two decades,” Peter looked over his shoulder at the witch again, “Or two millennia.”

“What did she say?” Asked Sirius, as if he was considering going over to her if Remus didn’t plan on it.

“Er, she just asked if I was busy later,” Remus took a drink of his butterbeer, “and if I had any friends that would be available as well.”

“Too bad we’ve got that Order meeting tonight then,” Sirius grinned, “threesomes are very in right now, even with muggles.”

“Remus, don’t do it, she’s just an old hag who wants to watch you make out with some other young guy for the evening, it’s creepy!” Peter shook his head

“Piss off, Peter, you haven’t got a clue what you’re on about,” Sirius said, and smiled mischievously. “You haven’t even tried it.”

“Well, maybe I would… if there were two girls,” Peter said quickly, and the rest of the group laughed as he blushed.

Sirius waved his hand dismissively. “This isn’t the right way to do it, anyway. You’ve got to be the guest.”

“The guest?” James asked curiously.

“Yeah, you’ve got to be the third party, so you’re just there for the fun.”

“Speaking from experience, are you, Pads?”

Sirius smirked. “I might be.”

“Bit like being the seeker, isn’t it? Just come in at the end for the glory?” James said, like suddenly it all made sense if it related to quidditch.

“Exactly. You don’t want to go around mucking up things with your friends or girlfriend.”

“You haven’t got a girlfriend,” Peter pointed out uselessly.

“That’s why I’ve done one and you haven’t,” Sirius said, goading. Peter put his head in his hands, looking slightly traumatized by this revelation. 

“I haven’t done one.” James said as he swallowed his butterbeer.

“You have got a girlfriend!” Peter snapped. 

“I haven’t either,” Remus said, though he was certain they all already knew that.

“You wouldn’t, you’re far too well behaved,” Sirius said as James sniggered beside him. 

“She called me a bad boy!” Remus gestured towards the witch at the bar with his head. James doubled over in laughter while Peter spluttered in disbelief. 

“She’s just trying to convince you! That is so creepy-” Peter shook his head, baffled.

“Well, if you’re going to do it, you can’t do it with a friend,” Sirius said defiantly. “we’ll have to pick someone else out.” Sirius looked around the bar, and pointed over to Benjy Fenwick, who was sitting across the restaurant, “oh, he’d be good.”

“No, no,” Remus said, playing along, “it would have to be someone I trust… like James!”

James grinned proudly, “Ah, Moony, you flatter me. I don’t think Lily would approve though, you might have to go for someone with more experience… Sirius?” 

Sirius grinned and leaned back in his seat, his hands resting behind his head. “Thank you, James, that means a lot. But no, I’d have to go for Remus here, for the fun of his first time.” 

While the other three shared sly smiles, Peter looked at them in disbelief. “Oh great, thanks, just forget all about me.” The rest of the boys shouted out protests but Peter just rolled his eyes at them. “It’s like being picked last for quidditch teams again with you lot.”

“You said you’d only do it if it was two girls!” Remus pointed out.

“Well, yeah, but you know,” Peter waved his hands frantically, “I want to be included still!”

“Alright, next time we’re all having a pretend threesome, we’ll make sure to invite you,” James patted Peter on the shoulder as he said it.

“Thank you,” Peter sniffed, looking slightly less offended. 

“Alright, I think I’ll go talk to her then,” Said Sirius, and before any of them could stop him, he was leaning against the bar, chatting up the middle aged witch.

“He’s certifiable,” Peter mumbled as he watched Sirius from their booth.

“Oh, you know him,” James shook his head, “probably can’t stand that she asked Moony before him, he’s got to one up him.”

“What do you think he’s saying-” As Remus asked, the witch grabbed her mug of mead and tossed it towards Sirius, the red liquid splashing over his face and hair before dripping down onto his shirt. “Er, that’s not good.”

Sirius grabbed a napkin and wiped his face before hurriedly walking back over to his group of friends, who were all howling with laughter. He threw a handful of galleons on the table, and grabbed his leather jacket from where it was hooked over the back of the chair.

“Remus, you plonker, she wanted help carrying some boxes,” Sirius shook his head, and specks of mead were flung about, “we’re about to get kicked out of here, let’s go.”

The rest of them could barely walk out with how hard they laughed, Rosmerta’s shouts only fuelling their hysteria.

[androgynousblackbox]

Welcome to Hazbin Vale. 8 [Appleradio, Radioapple]

"Salutations, my dear beloved listeners. Isn't just wonderful to being able to wake up and see such a splendid day like the one we have today? The sky is so clear, birds are singing and everywhere you look there is a friendly face.

As long you don't look in the wrong places, that it. Like maybe inside of a rock that is clinging to the ceiling with all it's might, holding together the whole ceiling! I hope the promise of it giving away and crushing your young little heads kept you all entertained enough while staying there.

Such a pity for those who didn't listen in our past broadcast and didn't know about the community center not being available anymore.

Oh, but don't worry too much, there won't be any need for a service for them today or any other day. The workers already took care of everything so everyone who ever missed them or care about their pathetic lives can rest easy, crying in the corner on their room as they should so nobody else has to hear it. No doubt filled with all the memories of those that are never returning and regrets over everything they can't change anymore.

I almost get giddy just thinking about it.

Do you see, my friends, this is why we come together in this stations of ours. You should know by now that when we are together here, everything will be just right and the raccoons won't have to gnash their teeth into a surprised face.

If they still end up with a face, though, at least it will be after you have been properly warned. Isn't that what counts in the end?

Ah, but those deaths is not the only good news that we have for today, dear listeners! As all of you should know, for a few months the toy store that was abandoned was bought and in the process of renovation by our local toy maker.

After a lot of working, painting, rebranding and whatever else, the new toy store is finally opening it's door for the public.

Rejoice.

I… won't be going to the party inauguration.

But, Alastor, I can hear you scream with reckless desperation. This is definitely going to be news worthy! The tiny toy maker invited everyone in! There is going to be food and child appropiate drinks and even some bouncy castles!

Well, my dear listener, for as much as seeing kids potentially breaking their ankles and giving each other more than one black eye is entertaining, I am afraid I am sitting this one out. Instead I will be sending one of our production assistant Niffty to take a few notes and see how it goes.

A real gal that one! Don't ask me what she is chasing half of the time, though, I have no idea! She came with the building. I think. Or she was a homeless woman who came in from the window. One of the two!

She has been living on the attic most of the time, where we save up old records, and it's a lovely woman once you get to know her. More than one time she and I shared a nice cup of coffee as the announcements were playing.

Well, I was drinking it at least. She just stared at me with a permanent smile and didn't blink the entire time, not even when a fly landed on her eye. I don't believe she was breathing either, HA HA!

Ah, I am sure that kids will love to meet her. Although, if I can give just the tiniest bit of advice, maybe don't leave her alone with any scissors. I can't promise anything not splattery if you do that. Or do, if the party gets too boring at any point.

Which reminds me, I have to ask a certain chief officer to keep an eye on her. Just to make sure that she comes back safe, you see. If she gets a little bit too excited, don't worry, she doesn't bite.

Usually.

She might still do other things that none of us can imagine. But at least it won't be our problem.

Yes, she will be my little corresponsal at the party. Everyone please be as receptive, talkative and kind to her as you would with me. Remember that I am always listening, even if I am not there.

As to the reason why I won't be attending the party, it's obviously because I am taking care of my diet, of course! Lately I have been indulging a little bit too much on so many sweets. A very unlike me thing to do, as you all know.

I just can feel the risk of my teeth rotting inside my mouth already, thinking about all that sweet I had shoved into my mouth with too much carelessness. The sickly, disgusting, nauseating sugar that doesnt belong on my plate anyway. A plate that was made to contain meals of a red and darker variety.

Without any stupid shiny condiment on top.

Yes, that is right. I am finally giving it up.

I just can't keep pretending like that was the kind of man I am, dear listener. It will take probably a little bit of time to get back to a normal routine before the sweets invaded everything I see and think about, but! I have full trust that with a bit of willpower and concern for my health, I will manage to get that saccharine taste out of my mouth for good.

Frankly, I don't even know what I was even thinking getting involved with those kind of food in the first place.

Maybe was the golden wrapper? The blue sugar? The gentle little sounds that it made when I taste it? The way that it seemed to taste me as if it was finding something sweet too?

No, no, that couldn't be. What a delusional thought is that. My, couldn't be that I am also catching a fever? Such irrational and stupid ideas don't seem like me at all.

All the more reason to not go partying. It could be contagious for all I know. And we don't want that, don't we?

I will be fine. I managed to have a perfectly decent life without any sweets before. I had not a single complaint. Waking up at the same hour, preparing for work, come here and share with all of you whatever was worth knowing about our beautiful small town was all I could ever ask for. Why would you ever attempt to mess with perfection such as that?

Without any tiny feet coming down the hallway or a hand reaching for my shoulder while the coffe is brewing. Without anyone pulling on my leg to show me their new piece of art or my arm to show me their latest idea. Always pulling. My feet somehow moving along with it.

My house was fine without all of that extra noise.

I don't need sugar and cream, dear listener.

I don't need it. I never did.

In fact, I will probably do even better than before. Just getting back on the old savoury goodness that I have come to know will put me good as new in no time.

So! That is my resolution from now on and I am sure that my teeth will appreciate it just as much as my stomach. Other people might find it disagreeable, but I have made up my mind to this.

I was never meant to taste that sweetness anyway. It wasn't made for this tongue.

I am still hungry, unfortunately. I might never stop being hungry. But now I at least know that my food is elsewhere.

Now, the weather…"

[esther-dot]

I have been reflecting on Jon's past book storyline and trying to reconcile the GoT series with asoiaf. Trying to pull out what is D&D's sad attempt at fanfiction from cannon. One of my conclusions is that Daenerys cannot be Jon's sacrifice for love. All of Jon's most secret hopes and desires are the exact things Daenerys cannot give him. A throne? he doesn't want it. Lust? already had that lesson with Ygritte. Power? It's a burden of responsibility for him not an end. Children? She is barren.

I agree that Jon isn’t power hungry, but to me, the point of him being legitimate or the temptation that Dany might offer isn’t power or a throne, rather, acceptance by society, having the shame he’s burdened all his life eased. For a guy who has been perceived a certain way all of his life, distrusted through no fault of his own, all of his childhood made to feel inferior, viewed as a threat, to then be presented with some form of legitimacy, possibly the why of his birth....well, it can’t erase the pain, but it would lock into all of it and say, “They were wrong about you. You were loved, you were wanted, you were the hope for your house, not a threat to it...” I mean, that is some sweet, sweet poison. Dany had that vision of Rhaegar, imagine her, the last Targaryen, offering that to Jon.

I don’t disagree with you, Jon isn’t gonna flip out and want the throne the way so many others do, but I do think there’s a very real, personal temptation in the idea of being a legitimate Targaryen (we debate this, most don't buy it, I am inclined to think it's a definite possibility for torturing Jon purposes), or simply being accepted by or married to the last of his father’s house. This could be a very short lived temptation, an offer, an inner monologue, rejection, but I think there would be something.

Although, now that I say that, Jon being a Targaryen bastard offers another interesting angle because he’s been tempted to take Winterfell while trueborn Starks live (which would seem related to the negative bastard stereotypes), and he refused. But what if the Targaryen heir is unworthy, what if fighting the trueborn Targ is morally justifiable, necessary, even? That too presents an interesting development of Jon's struggles, and a fun way to write Jon's feelings regarding his Targ family.

I guess I don't think Martin is interested in anything being easy or pat, seems like there has to be something there to torture Jon with? There needs to be an interesting angle to write from, and I don’t particularly care which one, but I do think there will be some element to create inner turmoil for our boy. Not that it changes anything, Jon will assuredly choose the Starks, but imagine reading a Jon chapter post Dany’s arrival or a POV of their meeting. There’s gotta be something interesting for Martin to explore.

As for your point (yes, I got to it, I’m surprised as well! 😂) I never gathered those together that way before, but when you lay it out so clearly, it’s pretty wild. Obviously, I’m not thrilled with Martin’s focus on whether or not a woman can have children, but it’s plot relevant so we end up having discussions about young teens and their fertility which is…unfortunate. But, I buy the idea that we’re meant to see mother of dragons as fundamentally incompatible with mother of children. This is less about kiddos, more about the bigger ideas of war vs peace, how you create or can’t create a future.

It was strange how much emphasis D&D put on Dany having a kid in s7, and I think D&D were beyond foolish to tease Targ restoration so much for the sole purpose of hiding Dark Dany/the ending, but personally, when we think of what Jon wants, the fact that it’s a quiet, domestic life which may be what Dany thinks she wants, but in actuality she has chosen war, will bring war to Westeros...just add it to the list of ways they’re incompatible, anon!

[elliepassmore]

A Natural History of Dragons review

5/5 stars Recommended if you like: dragons, epistolary narrative, light academia

Usually I review books as I read them, but this time I'm reviewing this after I've finished the series (barring the spinoff/companion novel), so I have the benefit of hindsight. This series is great if you like epistolary narration since Isabella/Lady Trent is writing her memoirs and thus takes the narrative style of someone who knows they're telling a story. It's heavy on the academia, so if you like light/dark academia, I definitely recommend it and it does cover some additional topics other than dragons, though obviously they're the bulk of Isabella's interest. This first book does feature dragons and Isabella does get to study them somewhat, but I would say this book is the least draconic of the series. It was a little disappointing for me in that regard, but I went on to read the rest and was not disappointed at all in the dragon content. And to be honest, the fact that she wasn't too involved in studying dragons in this one makes sense.

I have to say, I greatly appreciate Brennan being an anthropologist and think we should have more light/dark academia books written by people with such professions. I can definitely see how studying and working in anthropology have influenced her writing here and enjoyed the little things she was able to naturally incorporate into this book and the rest of the series.

This book covers Isabella's childhood and the way she fell in love with dragons and her various misadventures pursuing them in adolescence. The meat of the story really starts when she meets her husband-to-be and manages to get them both on a dragon studying excursion to Vystrana.

In terms of the world's geography Anthiope = Europe and Scirland = England. Bulskoi, which doesn't really come into play until toward the end of the book, is Russia. Vystrana, the country Isabella and co. spend the most time in, is clearly Eastern European of some kind, though it's harder to pinpoint. Likewise, I'm not entirely certain what country Chiavora is meant to map onto. My theory currently is that Vystrana = Georgia and Chiavora = Turkey. None of this is particularly relevant to enjoying the story, but I find it interesting.

While it is only lightly touched on in this book, I found the way Brennan does religion, culture, and language to be fascinating and I really enjoyed the worldbuilding. While Isabella might not be an anthropologist, she does note a lot of details about the location she is in, including cultural details. Religion also comes up in this book because Scirland is 'Magisterial' and Vystrana worship in the Temple (I assumed that mapped to Christianity and Judaism, later I revised my hypothesis), and along with the main religion, there are also folk beliefs held by the people of Vystrana and Isabella accidentally steps right into them and ends up in a whole mess.

Isabella definitely comes across as young in this first book, which makes sense since it covers her childhood and adolescence, and I believe she's all of 19 when the book closes. That being said, it's easy to forget both her youth and the fact that she isn't the anthropologist when she has clearly educated herself on her topic(s) of interest. She's well-read and stubborn, and she generally has a good grasp on how to steer people toward what she wants them to do.

I did have some moments where I cringed at her behavior and thoughts while in Vystrana though. It becomes very, very clear that she isn't a trained anthropologist nor has she had any kind of cultural relativity training once she's on the expedition. Props to Brennan though for creating a voice who sounds very much what I would imagine a Victorian-era European woman would sound like when studying in the field (for those also cringing and/or uncomfortable by these behaviors/thoughts, Isabella improves with each subsequent book).

The other 'main' characters in this book are Isabella's husband, Jacob; the trip's leader and benefactor, Lord Hilford; and draconologist Tom Wilker. Jacob is open and understanding of Isabella's interests, and by and large has little problem with her pursuing them. They do have some issues at the start, with him not understanding why dragons are so interesting and important to her, but over the course of their trip they grow even closer and develop a stronger bond than before.

Lord Hilford is a wonderful mentor and wholeheartedly supports Isabella's interests. His own niece (grandniece?) has her own 'unfeminine' interests, and so he's even more open-minded than Jacob and provides Isabella opportunities to learn, hypothesize, and grow over the course of the trip. I really liked his character and found him to be an enjoyable part of the story.

Tom Wilker is more unpleasant and he and Isabella settle into a kind of petty rivalry. He clearly looks down on her for being uneducated, and perhaps for being a woman, and she in turn starts (or perhaps already did) looking down on him for being lower class. Their interpersonal relationship is a whole issue, but Wilker definitely knows his stuff about dragons. He has experience studying them and provides valuable insight into their behavior.

Overall I enjoyed this book and found it to be an interesting read. It's definitely academic, and I liked learning different things about the language, culture, and religion of the region, as well as about dragons. This is the 'least draconic' book in the series, but I still found it very interesting.

[blithesrps]

Act 1 Scene XII

“What the hell happened?”

Ara slowed her approach, wariness rising as Leona’s anger became clear. In response, he stepped forward, meeting her on the sidewalk with a wary Ruggie over his shoulder.

“Hey,” Ruggie greeted in lieu of a proper hello from Leona, and Ara gave him a shy smile.

“Ara. Are you deaf?” Leona demanded, taking her jaw in his hand and turning her face to see how far the bruise under her eye extended back.

“No,” she answered, watching Leona’s ear twitch with irritation. She knew she looked rather roughed up, by their standards. The Isle of Woe medic who had patched her up had insisted she wear a sling on her arm, though Ara was certain she could have faired fine without it. Besides that, and the nice shiner she was sporting, she also had a nasty bruise up one side of her ribs, but that was thankfully hidden under her shirt.

“Where’s Shroud?” Leona asked, and Ara inwardly winced.

“I…don’t know,” she answered carefully, “He just escorts me there and back. It wasn’t his fault, Leona. Really, it’s not so bad. I-“

“Every time you ship off to that place you come back looking like shit,” Leona interrupted bluntly, “We talked about this. You don’t belong to anyone anymore. Tell them to fuck off.”

Ara hesitated. Ruggie flicked his gaze between them, tail swishing nervously. This was…new for all of them. He and Leona had messed around almost since he started running errands for the prince, but their mutual interest in Ara had turned that bond into something more solid. They’d had to tread carefully with the inexperienced young woman, but finally the three of them had settled into what could almost have been considered a normal relationship. But lately…

“I go because I want to, Leona. I like being useful,” Ara said carefully, and a flicker of disgust passed over Leona’s face. He knew she was being taken advantage of, that having a hivechild dropped into their laps was too big a boon for the top dogs to pass up. But he hated it, and he didn’t understand why she didn’t hate it too.

“Tch. Fine. Have it your way,” he grunted, shaking his head and slipping back into a feigned ambivalence. If she wanted to get the shit beat out of her every other week why should he care?

Ara’s brows knit, her heart giving an anxious flutter in her chest. Every conversation she had in this world was a sort of test, and she hated the thought of failing one, especially where Leona or Ruggie were concerned. They had become very precious to her.

“Leona…” she began, but he turned away with a wave.

“I gotta get to class,” he huffed, a lie no one would have believed. Ruggie tried to put an encouraging smile on his face, reaching to grab Ara’s hand before she went after him.

“Aw, let him go. He’s just pouting,” he assured her with a half grin, “He was worried, y’know?” Ara didn’t answer, watching Leona storm away until he turned the corner.

“Are you upset too?” she asked Ruggie, eyes glistening in the way that always made him feel like he’d kicked a puppy.

“Nah,” he lied easily, throwing an arm around her hip and turning her to walk away the other direction, “I know you can take it. Come on, let’s go find some snacks at Sam’s and I’ll fill you in on what you missed over the weekend.”

“Very well,” Ara agreed, but after a few steps she stopped them, turning to press a soft kiss to Ruggie’s cheek. He flustered with a bashful grin, one she returned with relief. What had had they been so upset about again? Oh, right…Leona…

Ruggie sighed. He’d go find him later and see if he could talk him down. Knowing Leona he’d want to sulk and then try to move on without solving anything. He definitely was too stubborn to give any quarter, and Ruggie was beginning to suspect Ara had the same streak.

He had sure ended up falling for the troublesome ones…

--

Just a little drabble on some conflict that arises between Ara and her boys as she begins serving on the Nyx task force. Leona's not a fan of her weekend job and it results in conflict that follows them post-graduation as well...

[finniestoncrane]

Hello! Can I have a blind date? I'm a plus size (250+) woman, neurodivergent in SOME way, who is demisexual. I have short, layered curly brown hair and multicolored glasses. I do have an hourglass figure with bigger hips but I do have squishy thighs and a bigger belly that make me a bit self conscious. I have my degree in biomedical engineering, and in my free time I love to cook, bake, embroider, sew, paint, and crochet. I also LOVE video games when I get the chance to play! I love little trinkets, and I'm really proud of the way I have decorated my apartment even if it isn't always the cleanest. I love bringing baked goods into work to share with people, and I like it when people compliment me on how good they are! I would love a partner that makes me know I'm loved, and who knows and remembers little things about me.

Ty 🥹💙💙💙💙

💜 blind date 💜 the kitchen is now closed! 🔞minors dni🔞 • masterlist • kofi link • tag: finnie1500 (to follow or to block) a/n: anon ty for the opportunity to indulge myself here as a fellow big girl💚

"Hi! Welcome to the Vill-Inn. Are you here for the blind date? I have to admit, I've been hoping you weren't going to show. If you'd given it ten more minutes I was clocking off an joining her myself!"

You're gestured towards a table where you are sat down in front of your date, a red headed woman with soft, green hued skin and bright, inquisitive eyes.

"Hi, I'm Ivy. It's a pleasure to meet you."

Her voice is gentle, warm, and so sultry. It takes you a few seconds to tell her your name, but you get there eventually. And then it's non-stop.

Ivy is filled with compliments, and they all sound so sincere and genuine, and sprinkled thorughout the evening, just when you least expect them.

"Your hair reminds me of newly sprouted shrubbery, when it's young and fresh and complex in it's growth. Your body reminds me of the petals of a rose, the way it curves out to an extreme and then tempers back in again. I love those glasses on you, the way they catch the light is like morning dew on the blades of grass."

It never seems superficial that she's focused on your appearance, likely because she's so focused on getting to know you as a person. And she's filled with excitement when you mention your degree. It's so rare for her to meet another scientist who she can have a conversation with. And biology is definitely her subject, although with a definite botanist's skew.

Everything you mention, she seems to find a way to call back to it during the conversation, particularly your hobbies. You're certain you only mentioned embroidery in passing at the very beginning of the date, and now an hour later, she's suddenly remembered that she wants to show you some designs she found of various succulents, asking if you could maybe make one for her in exchange for a succulent of your choice from her garden.

"I really relate to other creative minds. Gardening is an art form, just the same as your hobbies. They complement each other too, don't you think?"

At the end of the date, you pluck up the courage to ask Ivy back to your apartment for dessert. She laughs when she realises you're being genuine, and not just trying to get her back to your place alone. The temptation of home baking is too good, and who knows. If it's really as amazing as she imagines it will be, you might be getting second helpings.

[crystalflygeo]

“are you sure you haven’t seen her around?”

“no,” yaoyao said sadly, “i’m sorry, mei jiĕjie… i asked the other adepti and they also said they haven’t spotted spring bringer in a few days now…”

“i see… and you say you overheard the funeral director saying that the consultant on the parlor is taking a few day offs?”

“mhm! but… why do you ask? are they related?”

“…. you could say that.”

meirin’s frown deepened.

were they perhaps just taking a vacation together? but in that case, why…. why didn’t she respond to my prayers? no, something is definitely wrong here. if anything happened to her, there was no way that person would stay silent, after all.

the young child looked up worriedly as the woman’s expression turned darker, the lines between her eyebrows creasing further. her dainty fingers tugged on the adult’s hand, “…. jiĕjie, have you had lunch?”

“hm? oh, not yet… hey, why don’t we get lunch together over at wanmin? my treat, of course.”

“i was about to suggest that! it's always better to think with your stomach full! ah, but i can pay for myself…”

“no no, consider it thanks for helping me with the information gathering. besides, i’m craving some liyue-style meat-based dishes…,” meirin paused, remembering a certain tale - or, well, it would be more proper to describe it as an incident - which crys had told her before.

“…. yaoyao? after the meal, can you show me the way to the nearest post office? i’d like to send a letter to fontaine before planning my next move.”

if the geo dragon is missing, then i’ll try my luck with the hydro dragon….

...... i hope al haitham has some new information when we regroup later.

“Survival skills like those become very much a necessity when you’re wandering all over the world. The wind can tell us many things including the coming of rain or the presence of danger.”

“I still think it’s impressive! You have very keen senses…”

The pair chats calmly as they eat, this time enjoying a meal at one of the village’s restaurants, sitting side by side at the counter, taking small bites with their chopsticks and enjoying fragrant tea. A ship set to Liyue will sail early the next morning and agreed to take them for a comfortable price (With Crys promising she’d pay Kazuha back ASAP and once again thanking him profusely)

“So, you’ve been to Liyue and Mondstadt before, any other place?”

“I’ve wanted to visit Sumeru for a while… hmm, what about you? Mentioned Fontaine for a… business meeting? And the Ministry of civil Affairs… I’ve heard before of an adeptus working there.”

“Oh! Well… I do… I travel a lot too I suppose. Though I cannot recall much, and specially not being here in Inazuma before.”

“Hmm.” Kazuha remains pensive, statements like those does make it sound like she’s probably important, most likely people will quickly recognize who she is as soon as they steep on the harbor, or at least he hopes so. Or that at least going back to a familiar place her memories would come back easier.

“Oh! I want some of th-”

“Do you think-”

Crys stretches a bit in front of him to pick a piece of sashimi, at that moment Kazuha turns back to her and both end up faces mere inches apart, noses almost brushing.

Kazuha’s cheeks get warm with a healthy blush spread while Crys immediately turns scarlet.

“I-I’m sorry-!!”

“No! i-it was me I-!”

“Um…!”

Both sit back a little apart, Crys practically shrinks into her seat looking at her lap while Kazuha pointedly stares at a wall. There a short silence.

Awkward…

Crys feels bad, her ears droop. “I’m sorry Kazuha, it was my bad.”

“No worries…”

Oh.

Great.

“Well, if it isn’t my favorite diplomat.” A female voice purrs with amusement. “I thought you’d be long gone back to Liyue, dear.”

The pair turns across the counter, there sits a woman with long flowing pink hair, fuzzy ears hanging low adorned with jewelry, and a stylized shrine priestess’ outfit. She rests elbows on the table, chin propped at her crossed hands with a mischievous glint.

Crys stares and blinks.

“Ah… Guuji Yae.” Kazuha murmurs.

“Hm, I thought after your business at Narukami a couple of weeks ago you’d be right back home, how interesting to find you here in such unique company.”

“I’m sorry I… we know each other?” Crys asks embarrassed.

Yae Miko stays silent for a few moments, her eyes sharp and unreadable as she seems to calculate a million things at once. Finally, she speaks again, her tone completely serious. “What happened to you?”

“She’s… lost. She lost her memories it seems, can’t remember a lot of things, flashes come and go in the past few days” Kazuha explains. “I found her passed out outside Chinju forest almost a week ago, Lady Guuji.”

Yae Miko hums, eyes narrowing. “Any aggressiveness? Has she passed out again since then?”

“N-no…” Crys mumbles.

“So probably not erosion. Anything particular?”

“Um… I can’t… remember people close or important to me, their names, faces, my own names… it's like just out of reach, I have them at the tip of my tongue but”

“But,” Kazuha pipes in. “Whenever she does remember a name, other memories seem to come back along with it.”

Miko’s eyes widen a fraction. “I see… allow me, just a moment.” She stands up and gets closer, much to Crys’ nervousness. Her gohei materializes with a glow and she waves it around a couple of times in slow precise movements before almost tapping the illuminated beast on the head.

Her expression turns severe.

“Hm. As suspected.” She sighs and dismisses the item again. “You my dear, have been ‘pranked’ by a powerful youkai.”

“W-what?”

“It’s an ancient and difficult technique, usually meant to… ensnare others and force them into subservience. You’ve had your name stolen.”

“My… name?” How can one steal a name?

“That’s right” She drawls, sitting back again across from them. “Your memories, your experiences, your identity, they are all tied to your name, it’s who you are, and so long as you don’t reclaim it, you’ll continue being lost…” She explains calmly.

Crys pales, she feels anxious, sick.

“Can’t you undo it, Lady Guuji? After all you are… very powerful.” Kazuha clears his throat. Miko gives him a look.

“Unfortunately, only the bearer of the curse can break it you see.”

“B-But-!” Crys stands up, she’s shaking slightly. “Y-You know who I am, you know me, you know my name, my real name… don’t you, Lady Guuji?”

Yae Miko sucks in a breath almost imperceptibly. “It’s been… centuries since you called me that.” She murmurs. Then shakes her head, and Crys’ feels her hope drop. “I have always known you officially as Spring Bringer and for several centuries you have gone simply by ‘Crys’ I’m afraid I am not privy to your true name.”

“That… can’t be…” Crys drops back into the chair, crying. Panic rises in her chest, how did this happen? How can this be? How does no one know? What if no one knows? How does she herself not remember her own damn NAME!!

This time Kazuha stands up, placing his hands on the crying woman’s shoulders trying to comfort her as she sobs. “But then how did some random youkai know her name?”

“Simple, to steal a name you need it to be written down. Literally ripping out or destroying it seals the deal. You must have had some document or letter on you with it perhaps.” She shakes her head. “Regardless, Spring Bringer, listen to me, do not fret. Go to Liyue. The other adepti will know, they will help you.” She reassures.

Yet, the distressed adeptus continues crying.

Kazuha steels himself. At least they now have answers… and a solution.

Lost in the forest, so deep In solitude’s embrace, shroud of mystery A deer wanders, and softly weeps     

no drawings this time but ayyy biggest lore bomb drop 1k words

@i23kazu ebg Jan 19-26

[op15-moonwaltz]

"You look so chilly, my dear!"

Jack's been dragged to New York for an After-Christmas gettogether with the Cane family! He couldn't be more terrified and nervous, most children are put-off by his icy nature and appearance.

However he learns that the Cane's are pretty 'chill' when it comes to his icy looks! Read out the little mini-story here for the After-Christmas of '69! (jack's ears definitely twitch around and show how he's feeling if his goofy little noises don't give him away first)

==== It was After-Christmas, 1969. Nick had brought up the idea of me visiting his family with him off in New York for the occasion, but I always came up with an easy lie to get out of going.

Not because I didn't enjoy his company, not at all! I adored having someone around that listened to what I had to say, I just. .

Didn't know how his family would react to me. Icy hair, stark blue eyes, pointy ears, frosty clothes- Not exactly 'huggable and warm,' now is it? And he apparently had a granddaughter now, something with a 'C'. Charlotte? No no, that was his wife's name. .

"Jack, are you alright? You've been staring at that piece of broken cement for the last four minutes like it's gonna move."

I looked up at him and felt my ear twitch as a snowflake floated past. "Huh? Oh! Yes, yep, I'm alright. Just thinking and all that." I watched him raise a brow over his glasses and then push them back up his nose. I flashed him a grin and then I heard the patter of feet, oh gods.

"Pa, you're home!" I watched this young woman run out of the house with no coat, just a sweater, bellbottom jeans, boots that looked too fancy to be out in slushy wet snow and a head of fiery orange hair.

"How's my girl? Look at you! How long has it been since I last visited?" I hoped that staying by the sleigh made me more invisible. I kept my ears as flat against my head as I could get them, and part of me wished I thawed my hair out before I agreed to come.

"Over a year, pa. You know this, you ask how long it's been every year!" I could hear Nick laugh and then I watched the woman turn her gaze toward me. I could feel my heart pounding in my chest at her shocked face. "And who's this fella here?"

I tried to put my charm up despite my nervousness and stepped up to her, offering my hand for a handshake. "Frost! Jack Frost, Legendary Figur-" I got cut off as the lady took my hand and shook it, laughing a little as she did. I squinted at her.

"So you're the one Pa's been working with all these years! I've been waiting to meet you, Ma's been too!" I felt my brain stutter and I only realized the handshake ended when snow hit my palm. "My name's Judy, by the way! Now come inside, it's cold out there and I bet yous' are hungry!"

"You sound like your mother!" I heard from Nick and I shook my head slightly to wave off the slap of confusion I felt prior before walking inside with him. The house was beautifully decorated in reds and golds, even some blues and silvers lining certain areas like the front windows of the house.

I let my ears stick up just a little more as I looked at the snowflake paper towel cutouts that hung delicately from the ceilings with what looked like fishing line and thumbtacks. Which not only seemed tedious as all hell, but showed absolute dedication.

"My! You look so chilly, dear!" I looked away from the ceiling when I heard a woman's voice, she was clearly older, hair snow-white, short and curly. I could see her walk up to me, and I realized who this was as I stuck my hand out for a handshake.

"You must be Charlotte, right?" "Righto! You must be Jack Frost, as well. Pleasure to finally meet you, my dear!" I smiled as she shook my hand and then led me over to a playpen. "That there is baby Caroline, she's almost 3 years-old!" I nodded, watching the 2 year-old dance around her playpen a little. Okay. .

Maybe kids were a little adorable. But only this one in particular.

I could feel myself getting led over to the dining room, how long did I have to stay here? I looked at the wide spread of food that covered the dining table and I had to admit, it did smell pretty good. I could hear Nick laugh as he sat near the head of the table. "You've done it, Charlotte. You've got him fascinated by all the food."

"I'm not. . 'fascinated', I've just never seen so much food before." I watched as Judy pulled a chair out and sat down, then Charlotte after hooking little Caroline up in a highchair. And I was left trying to figure out where to sit. I was a guest in the home, so maybe I sat. . somewhere out of the way? Or more toward the far end of the table?

"Here, dear- You can sit next to me if you're a little lost." I watched Charlotte wiggle out a chair for me next to her and I timidly took a seat. "Sorry, I've just uh- Never done a holiday dinner before." I watched Judy look at me with a face of disbelief and Mrs. Cane (should I be formal?) already started fixing me a plate of ham, mashed potatoes and gravy, they even had a various array of wines-

"You've never had a holiday dinner before? Aren't you literally part of a holiday?" I put up a timid smile, nodding a thanks to Mrs. Cane as she placed my plate in front of me. "T-Technically I'm part of a holiday, but I don't have any real Reign over all the Christmas-y stuff-" I heard Nick scoff as he adjusted the bun in his hair.

"You Didn't have any reign over Christmas, you do now though! And I hope to see it stay that way, the blues and silvers you add is a lovely change." I felt my ear twitch and Judy looked at me ecstatic. "The blue and silver decor is you? I love the sparkly look they always have, it's so beautiful!"

I laughed a little, eying the plate of food and trying to ignore the twitches of my ears even though I knew Nick caught sight of them by the smile on his face. "Thank yous', really though it's Nick that deserves the credit! He's done a lot to help me get more recognition in the season." I could hear Nick brush me off and slowly let the conversation drift away from me, deciding to instead enjoy the meal.

Little Caroline was busy mushing around mashed potatoes in her highchair. Nick and his family fell into conversation as I stayed out of it and ate quietly. The silence was. . comfortable. It felt like they still knew I was there, even if I wasn't a part of their conversation. Completely different from how the Council made me feel.

I only realized I had been twitching my ears to the beat of Frank Sinatra's 'Let It Snow!' when Caroline actually giggled. I watched her try to mimic the twitches of my ears with her hands and I felt my chest warm up at the little laughs she did as she flapped her hands around.

I listened to the 'awe's that came from the table as they finally saw what I was doing and I only kept up the ear twitches to keep Caroline laughing, even after my face felt all warm and I knew the tips of my ears were red. "Seems like Jack is finally warming up to kids." I glanced at Nick, almost shooting him a small glare when Caroline started tilting her head side to side like my ears twitching up and down.

Okay, maybe kids weren't horrible. I could maybe get used to this specific tiny human. I smiled.

I could maybe get used to this whole holiday dinner thing too.

[bookaddict24-7]

REVIEWS OF THE WEEK!

Books I’ve read so far in 2023!

Friend me on Goodreads here to follow my more up to date reading journey for the year!

___

52. Nic Blake & the Remarkables: The Manifestor Prophecy by Angie Thomas--⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I read this book as an audiobook from the library, but I also have an ARC from the publisher (full disclosure), which didn't affect my review in any way. I didn't know what to expect when I started this new MGLit title by the incredible author that is Angie Thomas, but I'm happy to say that I really enjoyed it!! Our MC is a young black girl who finds out some hard truths about why her and her father are always moving around. What happens after is a whirlwind of adventure and great dialogue, along with a very cute demon puppy. One of the things that stood out for me is how Thomas, like always, inserted important social commentary into her story. The comparison of her magical fictional world and our very flawed non-magical world will hopefully be a great way for younger readers (and the older ones who pick this up) to truly see the disparity with which certain people in society are treated in comparison to others. If you want a fun adventure full of magic and self-discovery, but also with some important topics being touched on, then I think you might really enjoy this one. I'm excited to see where Thomas takes this story!

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53. Meet Me Halfway by Lilian T. James--⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Re-read April 2023: I was on a re-reading streak this month, so I picked up another title I loved like hell when I first read it. I have to say that I STILL loved this. I loved how the gruff love interest slowly grew warmer with the MC and how their relationship developed. I don't have much else to say because this is still a favourite! I love this trope so much lol.

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54. The Score by Elle Kennedy--⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

It has been five hundred years and I have finally finished this book. Despite how long it took me to read this book, I actually really enjoyed it. I loved the sexual tension between the two characters, even when they were denying it. I won't say much about this one because it felt a bit like a fever dream (once I started reading where I had left off before, I couldn't stop), but I absolutely adored how the MMC just completely fell so hard for the FMC, especially with how he reacted when she needed him during an emotional situation. Loved that ending too, since it really sets up the next book (which is a favourite trope of mine). Also, of course, can't forget the spice and how good it was. Gotta love that, too.

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55. Mayhem by Jamie Shaw--⭐️⭐️

Re-read April 2023: Sigh. I changed the rating for this one because while I've chuckled at my past self about being so over the top in my annoyance with some trashy books, this one was something I was really surprised to see I had loved. The story itself is fun and I can definitely see why I loved that, but holy shitballs, this was a pool of slut shaming. So. Much. Slut. Shaming. Like, I lost count of how many times this MC called another woman a whore, a slut, or a hooker simply for having the audacity of trying to get with her crush, a literal rock star. "This bar smelled like sluts" was a personal favourite. I kept finding myself saying, as I listened to the audiobook, "wow, she is so mean. Why are you calling her that?" I get being jealous but like... come on. Anyway, like I said, I enjoyed the story of her falling for the rock star and hiding her identity from him, but it's definitely not the five star read I gave it years ago.

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56. The Foxe & the Hound by R.S. Grey--⭐️⭐️⭐️

I finally listened to the audiobook for this after having it on my Kobo account for years. I've been intrigued by this author for a while because one of my friends really enjoyed her work (and binge read it a few years back). While this wasn't the best romance book I've ever read, I can see why there's hype behind R.S. Grey--the writing is fun, quick, flirty, and humorous. I loved the pup in this and how it had such a massive personality and was basically a main character alongside the FMC and the MMC. I also loved that the story did follow through with the idea of him being trained. I did like the characters together--the sexy new guy in a small town and the awkward beautiful girl who doesn't realize how many men actually want her? Sign me up. But a part of why this one wasn't super memorable for me was that even though I enjoyed these two characters, I didn't fully get the spark. It all felt very fast and the drama at the end felt forced. Would I read more books by this author? Definitely. But I will enjoy them simply as light and quick summer reads that won't linger too long in my brain after the fact.

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57. Coach by Devney Perry--⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Listen, a woman can only see so many people reading this and adding it to their TBRs before caving. Also, hi, I'm a sucker for a single parent romance...that is also lowkey forbidden. Not the biggest fan of second chance romances, but this one was delicious enough with angst that it wiped away that sense of frustration. I really enjoyed this--it was spicy, had a good few stolen kisses, had one hell of an office scene, and had two characters who oozed enough sexual tension to make your toes curl. I can see why so many people are jumping on this bandwagon. Honestly, it's always the football player and never the football coach. This was a nice change of pace. My main complaint is the awkward af prologue. I thought it was too quick and really, really awkward dialogue-wise. That alone could potentially be off-putting because the writing style is stilted and so different from the rest of the book--as if it was an addition during one final edit. There was some good communication in this one and the mother-daughter relationship in this broke my heart. I'm excited to read the next one in this series!

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Have you read any of these books? Let me know your thoughts!

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Happy reading!

[ash-and-books]

Rating: 1/5

Book Blurb: “If you grew up reading Jane Austen and Agatha Christie (or are a fan of Bridgerton and Knives Out), you will adore A Most Agreeable Murder.”—Kate Stayman-London, bestselling author of One to Watch Feisty, passionate Beatrice Steele has never fit the definition of a true lady, according to the strict code of conduct that reigns in Swampshire, her small English township—she is terrible at needlework, has absolutely no musical ability, and her artwork is so bad it frightens people. Nevertheless, she lives a perfectly agreeable life with her marriage-scheming mother, prankster father, and two younger sisters— beautiful Louisa and forgettable Mary. But she harbors a dark secret: She is obsessed with the true crime cases she reads about in the newspaper. If anyone in her etiquette-obsessed community found out, she’d be deemed a morbid creep and banished from respectable society forever. For her family’s sake, she’s vowed to put her obsession behind her. Because eligible bachelor Edmund Croaksworth is set to attend the approaching autumnal ball, and the Steele family hopes that Louisa will steal his heart. If not, Martin Grub, their disgusting cousin, will inherit the family’s estate, and they will be ruined or, even worse, forced to move to France. So Beatrice must be on her best behavior . . . which is made difficult when a disgraced yet alluring detective inexplicably shows up to the ball. Beatrice is just holding things together when Croaksworth drops dead in the middle of a minuet. As a storm rages outside, the evening descends into a frenzy of panic, fear, and betrayal as it becomes clear they are trapped with a killer. Contending with competitive card games, tricky tonics, and Swampshire’s infamous squelch holes, Beatrice must rise above decorum and decency to pursue justice and her own desires—before anyone else is murdered.

Review:

Jane Austen meets Agatha Christie in this story about a young lady who loves solving murder mysteries who finds herself facing a real murder mystery. Beatrice Steele lives in a little township called Swampshire, where there are strict codes that women are meant to follow, and one of them is that women should definitely not spend all day reading about murder mysteries and sending off letters to detectives about their opinions on their cases. Beatrice adores Inspector Huxley, and dislikes his ex partner detective Drake. When she is on her way with her family to e party where a new and wealthy man is in town to possible get a bride, they run into the grumpy and rude detective Drake. Drake and Beatrice instantly dislike one another and Beatrice’s prejudice is clear ( reminding anyone of Pride and Prejudice?). Beatrice is the eldest daughter and is expected to marry but her younger sister Louisa is the beauty that everyone falls for and their youngest sister Mary is the quiet one no one notices, while their father is a prankster and their mother is a hell bent on getting them married and settled ( SOUNDING A LOT LIKE PRIDE AND PREJUDICE???) theres even a woman that Beatrice dislikes named Caroline, and a huge flirt named Frank who is known for being a playboy.... who just happens to have his eye on a certain younger sister ( SERIOUSLY). Beatrice and Drake and co all end up at the party and then dead bodies start dropping and now Beatrice and Drake have to find a way to work together to solve this locked party murder mystery. Unfortunately this one missed the mark for me in so many ways, I was so looking forward to a fun Jane Austen/ Agatha Christie mystery ( I adore both of those authors so much) and this one just felt so meh compared to what it was inspired by. Beatrice was insufferable, I don’t know whether its because she is written as so much younger and feels like a teen rather than an older young lady, and honestly the mystery itself was lackluster. I just found myself happy to have made it to the end of the book despite not having a fun time at all. Overall, if you like mysteries with a bit of Jane Austen, give it a try, maybe it’ll work out better for you than it did for me.

*Thanks Netgalley and Random House Publishing Group - Random House, Random House for sending me an arc in exchange for an honest review*

[tomyunbornchild]

Baby,

As someone who has many aroace friends and isn’t really looking for romantic partners currently, I have few opportunities to talk about my “type” so I wanted to tell you. This is all coming from the lens of someone who is semi certain that they are demiromantic and demisexual.

I have no gender preference. While it would be difficult to be in a relationship with a woman or nonbinary person due to my parents being somewhat homophobic, I am not against it because I do have a tendency to form stronger emotional connections with non-men in comparison to men. However that could also just be because I don’t have any friends who are boys that fit my other criteria for being my type.

For physical appearance, it’s hard to describe. I definitely have people I think have nicer facial features than others but it varies a lot. I’ve also noticed that the more I connect with somebody on a personal level, the more physically attractive they appear to me. (That’s why I always say I’m only friends with hot people.)

In terms of personality, I prefer someone who is nice. Not someone who showers me with gifts and compliments, rather someone who has good sense. Someone who doesn’t speak badly of everyone and tries to see the good in others. Being funny is a plus, but I have the second worst sense of humor in the world so that’s not a very hard expectation to meet. (I like to think at the very least I’m funnier than people who joke about trans people and are misogynistic.) I’d prefer someone with a similar world view. I’ve always thought that their religion doesn’t matter, so long as we can respect each other’s beliefs.

For other weird assorted criteria, I want to marry someone who is fluent in at least one other language. It doesn’t matter to me if said language is sign language or French or Korean or Tagalog or Swahili or what. As someone who loves different languages and cultures, I think it’s attractive to be fluent in another language. I can’t help it.

I really really want to marry and have kids young, like early twenties. At the very least before 30. I also know though that the more I wish for this the less likely it will be that it happens or that I will end up with the right person for me. My parents were 30 and 32 when they had me, so I know it’s fine to have kids in that age range but I’m an impatient person who dreams of having their own family and maybe a PhD if they have the time for it.

I hope it isn’t too weird to hear your mom talking about what type of person they’re into. Who knows, maybe I’ll have you via IVF and you won’t have another parent so this will be super weird, or maybe I’ll end up with someone completely different from this. It’s just a teenager’s thoughts, not an adult’s experiences at this point.

Sincerely,

Joy