#and i need to figure out how developed the island is

[aelisinsims]

i'm sorry there's so many pictures, i was just so happy with this area and i wanted to show you guys

[honnelander]

go fish! part 2

guyssss i did NOT expect this little series to blow up. y'all are amazing! i'm turning into a Sanji writing blog and am i mad about it? no lmao i received a couple of requests and i'll work on them as soon as i can. i'm really in the zone rn so i'll ride this wave as long as i can. if you want to be a part of the taglist for whenever i post new Sanji content, lmk. i hope you enjoy!

WARNINGS: none

word count: 2.8k

pairing: opla!sanji x fem!reader

summary: after being humiliated by Usopp earlier, reader stays in her room to decompress. however, she gets a visitor.

prequel part 1 part 3 part 4 masterlist

taglist: @smolracoon25 @mischiefmanaged71 @jovialcat123

Mortified. That’s how you felt. Still. 

Ever since you ‘forfeited’ from finishing your Go Fish card game with Usopp a couple of hours ago, you had taken your glass of water that Sanji had poured for you and boarded up in your shared room with Nami, refusing to come out due to “heat exhaustion”. 

Poor Luffy, ever the golden hearted captain, was immediately worried for your wellbeing as soon as he heard that but after multiple reassurances from you and getting up off of your hammock multiple times to prove you were in fact, just fine, he relented from wanting to stop by the nearest island so he could find a doctor for you. Usopp had managed to convince him as well that all you needed was some water, alone time, and that you would be fine by dinnertime. 

You rubbed your eyes as you let out a sigh, vowing to yourself that the next time you wanted some time by yourself, you should just take a bath or something, since any other excuse would cause someone on the crew (Luffy) to lose their mind at the thought of someone not feeling well. 

You readjusted yourself, sitting more upright, as you downed the last of your water, it being warm by this point since it had been poured by Sanji hours ago. 

Sanji. Ugh.  

Your heart fluttered once again at the mere thought of him, but that flutter was immediately replaced by a wave of crashing embarrassment at the thought of the afternoon’s sequence of events. What had happened earlier wasn’t even anything that groundbreaking or special, but to you? It was everything. It wasn’t common practice in your life for the object of your affections to be so kind towards you, so thoughtful, to read and anticipate your needs before you even knew they were even there. But Sanji? He was all of that and more. And you didn’t even know him for that long! You’ve all been a part of the straw-hat crew for 5 months at this point and it felt silly to admit to yourself that you had developed a crush on one of your crewmates in that short amount of time. 

And having feelings for your crewmate? Someone who you literally couldn’t get away from since you all were trapped on a ship together (not that you would ever want to be away from him or anyone else for that matter, besides Usopp, but still), it felt morally wrong. You guys were all a team. Sure, you all were off to sail around the world and chase dreams, but achieving all of that required teamwork and trust, and that was hard to do if two of those people were caught up with matters of the heart every hour of every day. 

Like, what if things didn’t work out in the end? Would you really want to put the crew’s dynamic at stake just because you thought the blonde guy was cute? No, you wouldn’t. It would be selfish so you would never dare to put yourself or Sanji in that position. No matter how much you liked him. 

So as much as it pained you, you could never tell Sanji how you feel. You would never cross that line of being a ‘professional pirate’ into something more, like a pirate wife. Or a pirate chef’s wife. 

It definitely didn’t help that freaking Usopp of all people on the crew knew about your affections for Sanji. Ugh, you groaned. He was the absolute worst person to know about it too. Why did he have to figure it out? Why did he have to be the one that had put two and two together to equal four? That your random bouts of awkwardness and shyness plus ‘heart eyes’ and blushes whenever Sanji was around equaled to you having a forbidden crush on the crew’s chef? It was embarrassing. And complicated.  

He loved to stir the pot too, so whenever he could tease you for it when you both were alone or in front of a clueless Sanji, he would. You remembered the kiss he had shared with Kayla back when the straw-hats had acquired the Going Merry, so you definitely jabbed him right back when you had had enough, since part of you felt guilty for it since Kayla was thousands of miles away and Sanji lived on this ship with you. Your situations were slightly similar but completely different.  

Also, completely different in the way that him and Kayla were basically dating at this point, albeit long distance, and had shared a kiss while you could barely sustain eye contact that lasted more than 5 seconds with Sanji. 

You were hopeless. 

“Knock, knock,” a familiar accented voice came through the closed door. “Y/n? Are you awake?” 

"Sanji?” you blurted out in complete surprise.  

Shit. You weren’t mentally prepared to see him just yet. At all. You were still replaying the interaction you both had earlier in your head, your overthinking mind going over every minute detail to figure out if Usopp’s careless teasing had given away your affections.  

Usopp, you mentally ground out. You were going to kill him. Sanji had never stopped by your room before so what on earth was he doing here now?  

Suddenly, a thought struck you like a bolt of lightning and made your stomach drop fifty miles below sea level: if Sanji had specifically stopped by your room just to gently let you down, that no, in fact he did not feel the same way about you, that he only thought of you as a member of the crew and nothing more....then yeah, you were definitely going to kill Usopp and throw him overboard. 

Before you could mentally plot out more details on Usopp's murder, the door opened and the straw-hat chef’s blonde head appeared. His eyes quickly scanned Nami’s empty hammock on the room’s left side before turning his head to the right, his blue eyes immediately finding your surprised ones, a (relieved?) smile lighting up his face at the sight of you. 

“So, I take it you’re awake?” Sanji asked in a light, teasing tone but not making an effort to move himself away from the doorway. 

“Uh, y-eah,” you stuttered out in surprise as you just stared at him dumbfounded. You still couldn’t figure out why he was here. 

Sanji continued to lock eyes with you, making your cheeks flush the longer you both stared at each other, and your palms sweat as the silence stretched on, making the tension in the air become thicker by the second. He blinked, his eyes darting to the side in confusion, raising an eyebrow as he asked, “May I come in?” 

“OH! Yes, of course- sorry,” you stuttered as you waved him inside, sitting up in your hammock and mentally face palmed yourself. Of course, Sanji was waiting on you to invite him inside. Like always, he was acting like a true gentleman. “Please, come in. Have a seat. Sorry, that was rude of me. Make yourself at home.” 

Sanji stood up to his full height and walked into your room with an easy smile and a small laugh, closing the door behind him. “Ah, don’t ever apologize y/n. You could never be rude to me,” Sanji rebuttalled and waved off your apology as he looked around and took in your very plain and basic shared room with Nami.  

Your room, or side of the room more specifically, wasn’t much to brag about considering you really didn’t have much to your name but for now, it was home to you. Your side consisted of your hammock, a wooden barrel next to it to act as a makeshift nightstand that housed your only book, a journal, and a lamp, along with an empty wooden crate to act as a makeshift seat and another to hold some of your other clothes and small travel bag. Nami’s side was similar to yours but had a touch more personality as she hung up some maps she found at various markets and drew up herself on her wall. 

You swallowed, suddenly feeling a tad self-conscious about the lack of things in your room considering your current guest was dressed, as usual, to the nines in his signature black suit and blue and white striped shirt complete with a skinny black tie. “Sorry for the sad state of my room-” 

“Sad?” Sanji stopped admiring your room and snapped his gaze to look at you. His eyebrows pulled together as another confused smile adorned his features. “Why would you say that? Your room isn’t sad, I like it. It’s a reflection of you,” his next words came out softer, “and I think that’s beautiful.” 

You could feel heat crawling up your neck at his words as you busied yourself with placing the empty glass in your hand on your barrel nightstand. There was no way Sanji was calling you beautiful, he was just commenting on your room. With Nami. On your shared room that owed any ounce of ‘personality’ to the ship’s navigator because it was obvious you literally brought nothing special to this room whatsoever.  

You stopped yourself from spiraling into ‘I don’t bring anything special to the straw-hats, I don’t know why they keep me around’ thoughts because now wasn’t the time to think about any of that. Those dark thoughts were reserved when you couldn’t sleep in the middle of the night.  

As you placed the glass on the nightstand, you asked, “So, what brings you all the way to my room? Aren’t you usually prepping for dinner around this time?” 

Sanji’s eyes followed your hand and lit up when he saw the sole book on your nightstand. “Oh, a book? I didn’t know you liked to read.” His megawatt smile lit up a couple of notches as his eyes sparkled, he looked like he had just learned one of the universe’s greatest mysteries as he took a seat near you on an empty crate. “What book is that?” 

“Oh, that?” You mentally deflated at the fact you now had to tell Sanji about your favorite book, “It’s Pride and Prejudice.”  

You weren’t ashamed of having that book specifically, you loved it and it was your favorite book of all time, you had lost count at how many times you had read it at this point, but it was the fact that you now had to share this part of yourself with the guy you fancied. Guys normally scoffed and turned their nose up at romance book and romantic things, so you were bracing for Sanji to scoff and laugh at you like all the other guys did (like even Zoro and Usopp did when they first saw you reading it) but it never came. 

Instead, Sanji’s smile remained bright. “Ah, so you’re a lover of classic romances? Pride and Prejudice? Romeo and Juliet?” 

Immediately, you smiled, finding yourself instantly comfortable suddenly whenever you got to talk about one of your favorite things. “Absolutely. I don’t think there’s a problem big enough out there that love can’t solve. Family backgrounds? Wealth and status? At the end of the day, none of that stuff matters. What matters is if two people love each other.” 

Sanji stayed quiet for a moment, looking into your eyes with a twinkle of an emotion that you couldn’t decipher. It made your heart skip a beat. “Yeah,” he agreed quietly, never breaking eye contact. “I agree.” 

You swallowed. “You like this stuff too? Have you read Pride and Prejudice?” 

Sanji blinked and that indescribable emotion he had in his eyes was gone. His smile remained, however, and became sheepish as he held up his hands, “Ah ok, you caught me. I’ve never read the full thing, but I know the main parts of the story. My favorite part that I did read though, was the first dinner with Mr. Collins and he complimented the Bennets on their ‘excellent boiled potatoes’.” 

You couldn’t help but laugh at that, shaking your head slightly as you teased, “I should’ve known that the chef of the Going Merry’s favorite part of the book is when food is discussed!” 

The blonde cook held his hands up again with a good-natured laugh, “Ah, you got me!” His face softened as he asked, “What about you?" He nodded towards the book. "What’s your favorite part?” 

You paused for a second as you mulled the question over. “Well, I'm not sure if you know about this part since you never read the book...” 

“Try me,” he encouraged softly. 

Your face turned to the side, your eyes looking at the wooden wall to your right, unable to bring yourself to look at Sanji as you told him your favorite part of your favorite book. You took a deep breath to steady yourself and calm your nerves, your voice becoming quiet as you told him, “My favorite part is...when Mr. Darcy barges in on Elizabeth for the first time, while she’s at her friend Charlotte’s house writing a letter. He had come to practice ‘conversating’ with her since he admitted that it wasn’t something he was good at and she had told him to practice it. So, Mr. Darcy just barged in and they had one of the most painfully awkward conversations ever...and he did all that just because he loves her. He did something he hated and was bad at, and opened himself up to embarrassment just because he wanted to improve and be better for her. It’s so romantic and beautiful.” 

The air was quiet after your mini monologue and for a moment, nothing could be heard except for their quiet breathing and the occasional crash of the ocean from outside your small window. 

Part of you worried that your little rambling had bored Sanji, so when you finally looked at him, imagine your surprise when you found him leaning in towards you, hands clasped, elbows resting on his knees and his eyes watching you, completely engaged. It was like he was hanging onto your every word. 

Sanji scanned your face for a moment, the corner of his lips curling upwards as he said, “Yeah, you’re right. I’m not familiar with that part in the book,” and before you could open your mouth to bring yourself down, he continued, “but, that doesn’t mean your answer is wrong.” He leaned back and slapped his hands against his thighs, “Hell, it’s a much more insightful answer than mine!” He laughed. “I just liked how they were poking some fun at boiled potatoes.” 

You laughed with him because yes, that part in the book also made you laugh as well. But at the mention of food, you realized that you still didn’t know why Sanji was here in the first place. Wasn’t he normally prepping for dinner at this time? He had to be running behind schedule at this point. 

“Why are you here, Sanji? Isn’t it almost time for dinner?” 

“Yeah, it is actually but I heard you weren’t feeling well so I wanted to check in on you, make sure you’re feeling alright and see if you have any special requests for dinner?” 

You couldn’t help the slight smile that overtook your face, trying to hide the blush at the fact that he was kind enough to check in on you and offer to practically be your own personal chef for the evening. 

You hummed for a moment, acting like you were deep in thought before asking with a raised eyebrow, "And what would you say if I requested some boiled potatoes?”  

The smile that lit up the chef’s face was priceless. He had never looked more beautiful. “To that, I would say ‘Absolutely. If that’s what the missus wants, then that is what the missus will get.’” 

Missus. There it was again. You felt all warm inside whenever he called you that, it made you feel like he was your husband and that you were his wife. But that wasn’t the case. Sanji definitely must have called other women that before. You weren’t special to him, he was just being polite.  

You swallowed down your emotions, putting your sudden wave of sadness away for later, putting on a small smile. “Then that sounds perfect. I would like to formally request some ‘excellent boiled potatoes’ as a side for dinner, please.” 

If Sanji noticed your sudden change in mood, he didn’t show it. Instead, he grinned as he said, “Excellent choice, Madam. Boiled potatoes, coming right up.” As he stood up and made his way towards your door, Sanji did one of the most unexpected things that nearly knocked the wind out of you. With his left hand on the doorknob he said, “And don’t worry, Madam. I’ll sprinkle in a little bit of extra love in there,” he turned and winked at you, “just for you.” 

With that, Sanji left your room, gently closing the door behind him, leaving you completely dumbstruck in your room, your mouth agape and body frozen. 

Did Sanji just say he loved you? 

You shook your head, because there was no way he did, right? He said he’d ‘sprinkle in some extra love’ into your potatoes, not 'I love you". You weren’t a chef, maybe that was a euphemism for something. 

You sighed.  

Those better be some good boiled potatoes. 

[zyafics]

PLAY FAKE | 12

MASTERLIST (Series)

Pairing — Rafe Cameron x Female Reader .ᐟ

Summary — When Rafe needs to secure a girlfriend for his father to see him as a viable candidate for Cameron Development, he enlists the help of a bartender who wants nothing to do with him.

Content — 18+, smut, angst, depictions of jealousy + aggression, emotional turmoil, mild descriptions of violence, and usage of drugs.

You had no choice. Newly orphaned with two acquired guardianship, on the brink of homelessness, you caved into desperation. You started to steal; pick-pocketing unsuspecting tourons and swiping valuables at island parties.

The latter is how you came across Aaron. He saw you stole from one of his clients and struck up a conversation. You thought you would be arrested, or done worse as retribution, but he gave you his number to contact. Said you could call him if you were strapped for some cash. When you learned more about him through JJ—and how Luke owed him money once, leading to a bad dispute that ended in the loss of his job and a black eye—you realized you were dealing with a bad guy.

The consensus was to stay away from Aaron because of his shady conduction of business and excessive use of violence. But you were in a deadlock. No one would offer you a loan because of your bad credit and you were on the cusp of losing your family's legacy. So, you did it.

Now, it's back to bite you in the ass. The reason why loan sharks are dangerous is their exorbitantly high interest rates and lack of regard for the law. If you're unable to pay them back within strict deadlines, they will double the initial amount you owe and go to extreme lengths to threaten friends and family for payback. It's a tactic that works best because you can't turn to the police.

When you finish your anecdote, the atmosphere falls into an eerily silence. You can hear the sound of a pin drop or the soft laughter of your sisters three doors down. You're perched on the end of Rafe's bed while he's leaning against his desk, back pressed against the counter, digesting your words.

Your throat feels dry. It wasn't even a long explanation but something about the way Rafe's watching you, his eyes never straying, and the lack of response afterward. You feel like you're burning under his gaze.

This must be how he felt when you were silent.

"Say something," you urge, voice smaller than intended. His eyes shift and observes the look on your face with an indiscernible expression.

"How much did you borrow?"

You pull your bottom lip between your teeth before answering. "30K."

"Jesus Christ," he mutters under his breath, exhaling sharply. Guilt gnaws at your stomach and your eyes pinch with a wave of sodden emotions. This is one of the reasons why you hesitate to tell him; you don't want him to take your burden as his.

You sigh tightly. "I told you it's bad."

"Does this mean you owe him sixty grand now?"

"No." You shake your head. "I paid back ten."

The numbers still aren't optimal. "So forty then?"

"No," You blurt out, before retracting. "I think. I–I don't know. He hasn't contacted me..." You trail off, not wanting to imagine your debt doubled. If you had paid the required amount, as scripted in your contract, within the due date, you would've been fine. Now, you're in an ambiguous grey zone with no clear direction on where to go next.

"But when he does?"

You look up from your crestfallen gaze to find Rafe's jaw set, his eyes searching your face. Frustration rolls off his strong demeanor, and you take it as a sign of his irritation—at your negligence—that you can't help but feel obligated to alleviate the feeling. "It's fine." You say evenly. "I'll figure it out."

"It's not that." He declares roughly, pinching the bridge of his nose, and exhaling another deep breath. Recognizing his own turbulent emotions are flaring, he doesn't want to take it out on you. "I offered you money. We could've avoided this. At the start of our deal, I offered you—"

You cut him off. "I know."

His expression is sharp. "Then why didn't you take it?"

"I—" You draw in shaky breath, fingers grabbing at the sheets beneath you and tightening them into fists. "I had a plan."

"You had a plan?" Rafe repeats, his voice dripping with disbelief. While he's trying to be patient with you, he can't gauge how your mind works. How it's so set on an independent mode that now—even now—you seem to want to do it all alone. "Does it look like your plan is working?"

This time, it came harsher than he intended, and he wanted to take it back immediately but it was too late. His words were laced with a certain venom that spewed onto you.

But instead of being upset, your own anger erupts.

"Were you going to drop 20K for a couple of fake dates?" You snap, standing from your own seat. You knew what you had done was moronic and you can't take it back but you did have a plan. When Rafe doesn't give you a proper answer, you take his silence as complicity. "Exactly. It would've been stupid on your end and I would've never agreed to such a ridiculous deal. I've already made that mistake once."

He knows you just called him stupid, but Rafe can't stop the rising smile on his lips. In your scorn, you're almost back to your old self.

"Why are you smiling?" You cross your arms, attempting to maintain your level of authority, but his grin broadens. "Stop it."

"I miss you."

Your heart stutters and all your momentum drops. Rafe uses the opportunity to cross the small distance and capture your face in his palm and you lean into his touch, shoulders sagging. You can't believe you're reduced to putty in his hands.

Trying to regain some sense of control, you avert your gaze from his face, and both your palms flatten against his chest. "You're mean, Rafe."

"I'm sorry, baby," he murmurs, running the pad of his thumb across your cheekbone. "What was your plan?"

Part of you didn't want to tell him, to withhold the information, but when he tilts your chin up to meet his eyes, the earnest look behind them shatters that desire. With your heart leaping in your throat, you explain slowly. "When you get Cameron Development, the plan was that I was gonna get a steady income as your regular caterer. Therefore, when payments were due, I would have a reliable source of income."

His breath hitches at the implication behind your words. Rafe's expression hardens. "That's dependent on me getting the company."

You keep his gaze. "I know."

"You based your entire plan on me?"

You can't exactly decipher the tone behind his sentence, and you feel the need to lower your gaze to his chest, grabbing a handful of his shirt. You mumble, "You make it sound like it's stupid."

"It's not—" He grabs your chin again, forcing your gaze up to his. Your eyes are soft and big, while his darkened one scans your face, trying to read your intent. He asks lowly, "You believe in me that much?"

Your voice is gentle when you answer. "Of course."

His heart sings. Rafe can't believe what he's hearing, or rather what he's not. It's the same subtle underlying language he's used to translating; the unspoken. Your entire plan is contingent on his success. That means your trust in him started since the beginning of our arrangement.

He never had someone who had that much faith in him that they would bet it all. It's an indescribable feeling, that's first met with doubt, before transforming into something else. To know someone is always in his corner, always rooting for his success, always believing in him.

Fuck.

He's in love with you.

His eyes stray to your lips and the urge to kiss you overwhelms him. His actions have always been better at demonstrating his emotions than his words ever can. But he resists with a couple of measured breaths. Then, he nods once. "Okay. We'll figure it out."

You're in a dazed state. "We?"

He doesn't want you to think you have to do this all alone. You have him now. "Yeah, but later. I can't focus right now."

Before you can seek clarification, his other hand cradles your cheek and Rafe slams his lips onto yours.

It catches you by surprise and a small moan slips out that Rafe swallows. He wants you. Mind, body, and soul. All of it—the taste of you, the feeling of your skin on his, your words against the column of his throat. He wants to feel you writhing beneath him with pleasure, to save all your best memories for him, and to know that you're completely and unequivocally his.

Rafe parts, just a breath of distance, and whispers against your swollen lips. "God, I miss you."

Your fingers thread through his hair. "I've been here."

His eyes are hungry. "Not what I meant."

He silences any reaction by resuming the kiss, forcing you backward against the bed, and your back lands on the mattress with a soft thump. Rafe hovers over you, his weight pressed comfortably against your body while he kisses you like a starved man.

Even if you don't say it, you missed him too. The feeling of him against you, your heart meeting his at precise beats. When Rafe moves to plant kisses along the curve of your neck, a small whine escapes you. You want to feel his lips on yours, to feel his warmth on your tongue, but he wants to satisfy every inch of you.

His hand starts to caress the hem of your shirt—his shirt—pushing up the fabric to reveal more of your exposed stomach to your bare breasts. With little words spoken, like a coordinated dance, you move enough for Rafe to pull the material completely off of you.

"Shit," he swears, taking a moment to take you in, "I'm never going to get used to this." Then, he descends to your nipples and captures one between his teeth.

You let out another moan, feeling his tongue swirl around your sensitive bud, clashing with the metal barbell. Your legs spread wider, allowing Rafe to slot between your thighs. The boxers he let you borrow are thin, and you feel his hardened erection rocking against your heated core.

Your fingers find the button of his jeans. "Rafe," you whisper, aching with desire. "I need this off."

"Need, huh?" He teases, his hot breath fans against the valley of your breasts and you shiver. "Tell me how much you need me, baby."

He wants to hear it all. Even if it's fake, even if it's just dirty talk spoken during sex. For a brief, fleeting moment, he wants to pretend you need him as much as he needs you.

You draw your hands up to cup either side of his face, forcing him off your tits and tilting his gaze to yours. "Rafe Cameron, I need you inside me. Badly."

Hearing the desperation behind your voice—and his name rolling off your tongue, Rafe removes his clothes and helps you out of yours. Before you have the chance to say anything else, Rafe's fingers are between your folds, spreading them apart, and a sound of satisfaction is heard from the back of his throat. "God, you're wet."

You are. Your arousal coats his digits, and with a slow stroke of his hand, your hips buck into his palm that rest against your clit.

"Rafe," you whine, knowing he's toying with you. His fingers stroke your pussy, but not enough pressure to give rise to your climax. "Inside, please. I'll be so good."

He grins and retracts his hand. When he lines his swollen cock against your entrance, he pauses for a moment. Rafe's eyes connect with yours. "Did you take your pill?"

When Rafe went out this early morning, with your sisters, he went to the pharmacy to pick up some birth control for you. It currently sits on his desk, opened and with one missing tablet. "I did."

"Good, I need to feel all of you."

Without another word, he thrusts into you, causing your back to arch off the mattress.

Rafe doesn't go hard and fast like normal but instead bends forward to capture your lips against his teeth. Your heart is hammering in your chest regardless, the feeling of your walls wrapped around him, the way he fills you—like a puzzle finding its missing piece—makes your head spin.

"Feel so fucking good," he whispers against your heated skin, his hand reaching out to take yours, intertwining with your fingers. "Can't believe I almost lost this."

You can't believe it either, but you couldn't say it. Rafe angles himself where his cock hits right against your cervix, causing your head to tip back and dig into the sheets, moaning wildly at the pleasure. Rafe easily kisses you to swallow the noise of your open mouth, reminding you that your sisters are just a couple of doors over.

You should care. You really should. But you don't. You need him. Closer. Harder. Faster. Your legs wrap around his torso, trapping him. "Need you," you whimper, as each thrust grows more choppy. "Need you so fucking bad, Rafe."

He can't control himself. Removing his constraint of trying to keep it sentimental, to keep it sweet. He loves how desperate you need him. How rough you want it. His pace quickens with the rut of his hips, and you feel the familiar white-hot pleasure searing through your body, climaxing.

"More," you beg, arms wrapped around his neck, fingers clawing against his back muscles. You're removing all the space between him and you, until there's nothing but skin-on-skin. "Please, more."

"Baby, I'll give you everything," he grunts breathily, scraping his teeth against the curve of your neck, hitting a sensitive spot that leaves you whining. "Everything and more if you'd let me."

Something about his words twists inside you and you come hard. Rafe feels you clenching around him, so tight, that it causes him to slow his thrust but the pleasure is unbearable. Easily, he follows after, coming inside you with the familiar hot cum filling you up.

Rafe lands on top of you, careful not to crush you under his weight. You welcome it, nonetheless, liking the way he presses against you. Both your breaths are heavy, clambering to catch up on missing air, and Rafe's still inside you. You like that too.

Your hands are still intertwined, and you're the first to retract from the hold to place your warm palm against the side of his profile, causing his head to lift to meet your gaze. He's settled between the valley of your breasts, his stubble tickling your skin, and you take the moment to lean forward and plant a chaste kiss on his lips.

It feels sentimental. Vulnerable. Almost too real.

"Okay, now get off," you say jokingly, undercutting the tension in the room. Rafe scoffs but listens, rolling off, slipping out of you. The loss of him makes you frown, but you quickly wipe away the expression as you turn on your side, facing him.

Rafe studies you. This time, the sex felt different. More. He'll never say it, in fear of it scaring you away, but he truly never felt as vulnerable as he did moments ago when he was inside you. The memories flooding through him could easily get him hard again, but he tries to distract himself, taking a strand of your hair between his fingers.

You smile softly, noting how mesmerized he is with your hair. Of the color and the texture. It draws you into your thoughts, and you're suddenly reminded of a question that's been stuck in your head for the past twenty-four hours.

You say his name, causing him to stop and look at you. "Why were you with Leila the other night?"

"She called me." He answers truthfully, and before you can question him further, he adds. "I was coming over anyways."

This surprises you. "You were?"

"Couldn't leave you like that."

"You didn't stop me."

"I know, I fucked that up," Rafe admits, eyes scanning over your face, trying to express his sincerity.

You study him, recognizing his truth, but you still have some doubts. Another question about your relationship hangs in the air, and as your lips part, Rafe recognizes the question before you even have the chance to ask.

"We're not broken up."

A sense of relief fills you, but there's also the remnant of heartache.

Your voice is soft. "I said a break."

"We're not doing that either."

You don't know if you can separate from him. You don't know if you want to. But you wanted this extra layer of protection, just in case. "If you were worried, I was still committed to doing all the things you needed with Ward—"

"I don't care." He sharply cuts you off. "If someone asks you who you're with, don't answer that it's complicated. It's not. You're with me, got it?"

He's addressing the moment when Kelce asked if you were in a relationship with Rafe and you answered vaguely. It must've been stuck in his mind. Rafe never set perimeters on who knows the truth behind your little farce, only that his father remains oblivious, but you guess it also extends to the rest of the Kook public.

You don't answer him, not wanting to taint the aftermath of good sex with discussions about logistics and labels. You want to enjoy the fleeting moment, even if it's all you get.

Rafe sees your silence and softens his voice. His hand cups the side of your face, brushing his thumb across your cheek. "You're mine, you know that?"

You do, but you don't think it's in the way Rafe realizes. The lines are so blurred, you don't know what's real or fake anymore. You don't know if this is a sentiment shared during intimacy or a parade with the public, or if he does want you. Asking for clarification has burned you twice and you'd rather not put yourself in that situation again.

You're silently asking Rafe to tell you more. To give you more words. To speak. If he reveals that he has feelings for you, telling you he wants you—truly wants you—beyond this arrangement, you would be his. All his.

But Rafe's never been the one to willingly talk and reveal things. You have to break an arm and a leg for him to consider giving you the time of day. You rather not break your heart too.

A banging on the locked bedroom door absolutes you from answering him. "Rafey!" Amara screams from the hallway, "You promised you'd see my dress!"

"Dress?" You turn away from the door. "What dress?"

Rafe says nothing, but the small smirk on his face reveals everything. "Rafe. What did you get them?"

You didn't go with your sisters on their early morning excursion with Rafe. You were too tired and were catching up on sleep. When you woke up, they were already back and had been gleefully locked away in the guest bedroom the entire afternoon.

"Don't worry about it."

Rafe slips off the bed and gets redressed while you watch. You admire the planes and ridges of his chest, and when he finishes, he picks your clothes off the floor and throws them at you, telling you to get up too.

You do, and after you're no longer bared and exposed on his king-sized bed, Rafe unlocks the door to reveal an impatient Amara standing behind the door. She's carrying a foreign doll between your arms; something handmade and name-branded, something she definitely didn't have before.

"Rafe..." You warn lowly, but it lacks the critical threat behind its tone. He just grins at your attempt, grabbing your hand and dragging you out of his bedroom. Amara leads you to the living room, where the registration of how much Rafe bought your sisters comes to light.

Scatters of large shopping bags, of various shops and boutiques you never heard the name of, litter across the floor. Leilani is sitting on one of the couches, messing with something in her hands. A phone. Amara’s ruffling through one of the bags, trying to find her dress.

You turn back to Rafe. "You got to be kidding."

"Just because you won't let me buy you nice things doesn't mean you should deprive your sisters of that opportunity," Rafe shrugs, taking a seat on the closest couch, and tugging you along. There's plenty of room on the cushioned chair, but Rafe decides to pull you onto his lap.

You don't even mind; you like your spot on his lap. His arm lazily wraps around your waist while your legs dangle off the side. While Amara recruited Leila along to search for their dresses—because they have that much stuff—Rafe playfully bites your exposed shoulder.

Finally finding their princess gowns and diamond tiaras, Amara grabs Leilani's hand and drags her off to the nearest bathroom. They're giggling while they skip away, bouncing on their feet, behaving the exact opposite of what you expected them to be after a traumatic experience.

"They're happy."

"Of course they are." He scoffs, "We spent the entire morning ransacking every store downtown, buying everything they set their eyes on."

You chuckle softly, and gratitude passes through you. "You didn't have to do that."

"Nah, I had to," Rafe slides you closer. "Got to stay on their good side, you know?"

You shake your head, hiding a smile. The sound of a door opening is heard and you turn to the source of the sound, expecting to see your sisters return with their costumes, but instead find the sudden appearance of Sarah Cameron standing in the middle of the foyer.

"Sarah." Rafe stiffens under you, surprise evident in his voice. "What are you doing here?"

"It's my house, Rafe," She says with the roll of her eyes.

"It hasn't been your house since you ran away three months ago," he snaps, a hardness to his words. "Where's your Pogue boyfriend now?"

She ignores her brother, shifting her attention to you. "Who are you?"

You feel like you're caught in the crossfire of their rivalry. Before you get the chance to answer, Rafe cuts in for you.

"She's my girlfriend," Rafe sneers, his arm tightening around your waist. "Which is none of your business."

"Gee, Rafe, really a great welcome home party," Sarah says sarcastically, adjusting the large bag over her shoulders, which you presumed is stuffed with her things. She looks back at you. "You're the Pogue my dad mentioned, right? The one who owns the bar near the docks?"

Something about the Cameron siblings minimizing you to a social class. Nonetheless, you nod. "Cool. Nice to meet you. I'm sorry you have to deal with that one," she points to her brother, who's shooting daggers at his little sister. She ignores the look. "Well, I hope you had a good... shopping trip. I'm going to go unpack."

Before you have a chance to correct her, she walks away, and Rafe shouts after her. "Don't unload too much, just in case you wanna run away again," he reminds, to which Sarah responds with a flip of her middle finger, turning onto the stairwell and disappearing.

You don't know how to deal with a Rafe post-Sarah, especially because you've heard of his long-winded rambles about the golden child. You don't even want to step into it, because what Rafe feels for his younger sister is none of your business. It's his complicated family. You can't fix that.

Instead, you pull him back to Earth, turning his head away and tilting his gaze back onto you. His heated eyes, darkened and full of resentment and anger, soften upon meeting yours, and you wrap your arms around his neck.

Leaning into him, the both of you say nothing, doing nothing, until Amara and Leilani emerge from the dressing room with glamorous princess gowns and a crown over their head. Then, they did a little show for you.

The moments spent with you make him forget about his issue with his sister. With her return and what it means to the company. Who earns in favor with their father. 

She’ll be a problem for another day. 

Not realizing how true those words will be. 

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Navigation — Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13

[demonpiratehuntress]

the only one

Portgas D. Ace x F!Reader

summary - Ace was always a flirt in whatever bars you went to, but once he's in love with you that changes.

warnings - none

a/n: i forgot to add this part in "marry me" so i just decided to make it its own fic. it was haunting me

When you first met Ace, he was perhaps the biggest flirt you had ever come across in your life. Anywhere and anytime, if you were in a bar he would be chatting up almost every local woman he met. It never used to bother you when you were just friends, but once you developed a crush on him it became a bit of a problem.

Most nights you would end up going back to the ship alone, and even though he wouldn't do anything with them - as evident when he returned to the ship after you alone - it still ate away at you. Made you feel things you didn't want to feel, unpleasant emotions that had you crying and sobbing into your pillow late at night when no one could hear.

Or at least, when you thought no one could hear.

Ace's room was next to yours, and every night he was absolutely crushed to hear your sobs. He was never sure what caused them, but he knew you wouldn't tell him. So he set out to discover the cause himself, and did as such on another island trip.

Noticing the way your face fell when he left the table to go talk to some girls at the bar, it instantly hit him that you were hurting because of him. And that was his first sign that you liked him.

That's when everything changed.

Once Ace was sure you had a crush on him, he stopped trying to suppress his feelings for you. They came out in full bloom, and his behaviour in bars and pubs completely changed, noticeable to everyone who knew him.

When Ace decided to show he was deeply in love with you, you noticed.

Every bar you went to after that involved him sitting right next to you the whole time, drunkenly flirting with you and you alone. Telling you how pretty you are, how cute you looked when you were so red, and how sweet you always were to him. No matter how many pretty girls were in the bar that day, he was glued to you.

"Ace," you would giggle and push his head off your shoulder. "Those girls in the corner are eyeing you out, they're pretty."

The raven-haired commander pouted, not even shooting them a glance, "But (Name), no one is prettier than youuuuu." He smiled, dropping his head back onto your shoulder. His breath reeked of alcohol, so you just dismissed it as drunken rambling, your face bright red.

But then there were times when he didn't drink at all, and still ignored anyone other than you trying to get with him.

"Sorry, can't talk right now."

You watched him dismiss yet another pretty woman as he made his way back to the table, handing you another drink. He plopped down in his seat next to you, offering you his goofiest grin yet.

"Ace, you just-"

He shrugged, still grinning at you, "I didn't do anything."

"But that girl-"

"What girl?"

He was staring at you, awestruck by your beauty. His eyes were only ever on you these days, and nothing changed that. He didn't look at anyone else, never finding the need to, since he was so hopelessly in love with you. Even when you went to go get drinks for the group, Ace would watch you go and come back, his eyes stuck on your figure. He would stare with the most loving, adoring gleam in his eyes, feeling butterflies each time you returned his smile.

You were still oblivious, "Ace, I think you should talk to one of them. They seem to like you, and you need a girlfriend."

"Well I don't like them," he replied, suddenly leaning forward, "And I already know who I want as my girlfriend."

"Oh." Your face fell, but he was quick to make you smile again.

"(Name), you're so dumb."

"Am not!"

"Are too! I stare at you in every bar and all you think about is me talking to other girls!"

You blushed hard, stuttering and stammering out a nonsense reply, but you found it difficult to argue with that.

"Ace, you deserve better than me. And they're prettier."

"If I really thought that," he leaned in so close that your lips almost touched, "I wouldn't be sitting here with you, would I?" He grinned again. "You're the most beautiful woman in this bar, and every other bar, so I'm happy right where I am."

Then you started dating, and all Ace would do in bars was show you off. To both men and women that approached him, even if it had nothing to do with the conversation.

"Did you see my girlfriend?" He would ask them, drunkenly. "She's the HOTTEST-" Marco would usually have to drag him away before he spilled something more explicit.

Any time a woman would come up to him, Ace would hightail it out of there and do one of two things. One, he would hide behind you and grip you so tightly as he points you in the direction of the daring woman. Two, he would perch himself on your lap and kiss all over your face with his arms around your neck. Each one depends on how drunk he is.

"No thanks, I have a girlfriend."

"My girlfriend's right over there."

"My girlfriend is prettier than you."

"(Nameeeeeeeeeeee), come and tell them that you're my girlfriend!"

He's so in love that he doesn't even pay attention to anyone but you wherever you go. If you tell him to drink less than last time, he will. If you tell him to stay at the table, he will. He will sit you on his lap and lock you in his arms, not allowing you to move for the rest of the evening. He usually falls asleep against your neck, but you don't mind.

But, generally, when Ace is with you in a bar he will keep you glued to his side so everyone knows that he is taken. The brave ones who still approach will usually have to deal with you, and he loves to watch.

Once you're married, you best believe this man is going into every bar yelling to anyone who will listen that he's married, that he has a wife, or that his wife is the hottest person in the universe. He clings to you and makes sure people know you're married, even if they are just passing by and have no intention of talking to either of you.

"How times have changed," you teased him one day, sitting on his lap in yet another bar. "A while back you'd be flirting with every woman in this bar."

"That was before I knew you liked me!" He protested, blushing in embarrassment. "And anyway, that's what happens when you find the one."

"The one?" You blushed.

"Yessss," he smiled happily, pecking your lips. "You're the one. My one. The only one I will ever want and ever need." He peppered your face with kisses. "To me, you're the only woman in these bars."

"Good."

[luvkirby4ever]

Absolutely massive lore drops from Shadow Generations

Gerald Robotnik had 2 sons (which we have a picture of!!) whom he loved very much. One of them had Gerald's love of archaeology, the other his love of robotics.

The archaeology son is the one who initially discovered Emerl.

Gerald had found Angel Island and the altar of the Master Emerald but left things alone because he wanted to be respectful to the land.

^This explains why the Eclipse Cannon's core has a structure shaped like the shrine in SA2.

SPEAKING OF SA2... you know those cameos of Big the Cat in (the Dreamcast version of) SA2? Yeah, those are canon. Apparently he loses Froggy a lot which causes him to go on a ton of adventures. He even tells Shadow that he saw him running past a few times on the ARK.

Gerald was absolutely adamant about his research being used to help people, not develop weapons. He seems to have been constantly clashing heads with GUN who would not fund his research (which was to try and cure Maria) unless he was making weapons.

^Because of this, any weapons he developed (or in Emerl's case, studied) had some sort of counterbalance that Gerald would add in order to make the weapon suck less (see following couple of points).

He hoped that the technology that he developed to make Artificial Chaos (AI that can be added to any body of water to shape it as needed) would be used to help save flood victims by scooping them up out of the debris.

While studying Emerl he established a link and noted that since Emerl wouldn't listen to anybody else that at least he wouldn't be used for evil. He also attempted to change Emerl's AI to become "free-willed and emotions-based."

He didn't want to develop the Eclipse Cannon so it was purposely made to be too destructive to be useful. He figured he'd also use it to deal with Black Doom.

Project Shadow was named as such because Gerald thought the goverment were idiots for trying to make him pursue something as impossible as immortality. He saw it "as intangible as a shadow" and described the project as impossible as "chasing a shadow."

But when Maria saw Shadow she said "shadows let you know which way the light is" and Gerald remarked that she turned his bitter naming convention into something hopeful and pure.

Speaking of Project Shadow... we have a picture of Maria holding the little baby Biolizard!

Gerald developed the Chaos Drives (those things that come out of GUN robots that you feed your Chao in SA2) to try and apply Chaos Emerald energy to living tissue without damaging it. He used them on the Biolizard.

Gerald reluctantly provided GUN Chaos Drives so that he could continue researching a cure for Maria.

Maria loved the Biolizard.

The Biolizard grew large because of the experiments... which its body couldn't support. Thus the life-support apparatus on its back, though it seemed to be in great physical pain. It was hidden away in the area you fight it in SA2.

^These failures are why Gerald struck up a deal with Black Doom. Without Doom's DNA Shadow would have gone the same way as the Biolizard.

Maria has a little sister!!!

Maria was born on Earth and sent to the ARK because the low-gravity environment makes her condition more manageable. Gerald's journal makes it sound like Maria's sister was born after she got up there but in-game Maria mentions how she misses her sister so maybe not?

@nagichi-boop (I hope it's okay to tag you) has a nice post talking about the excellent "invisible disability" representation. Both Gerald's journal and Maria discuss aspects of her disability, including Gerald's anger the over ARK researchers who talk about Maria behind her back.

Maria helped develop Shadow's air shoes and inhibitor rings, her insight valuable as these are framed as disability aids.

If Shadow takes off the inhibitor rings, he'd probably explode.

Maria and Shadow were taught by a lady teacher aboard the ARK. Shadow never turned in his homework.

The only thing Maria ever saw Shadow consume was coffee.

Maria met Big in the white space and instantly loved him. Big asked Maria and Gerald if they wanted to go fishing.

Omega is not powered by Animals, Chaos Drives, or any Emerald-based mechanism. He mentions something about absorbing environmental energy or something? The takeaway is that he's probably not destined to end up like most robots in the series (dead) because he doesn't have a power source that's going to screw him over.

E-123 "I don't have emotions" Omega was worried about Rogue and values Shadow and Rogue's friendship. Just don't call it friendship.

Maria being up on the ARK for so long was causing strain and division between Gerald and his sons. Gerald was desperate to cure Maria and get his family back.

Big has met Elise.

Commander Tower was the only other kid aboard the ARK.

Gerald gave Shadow some pre-set memories so that his awakening would go smoothly. Maria and him became friends instantly.

According to Maria, Shadow is more confident now than when she knew him.

Gerald called Shadow son. I'm not crying you are.

Both in the journal and in-game Gerald mentions how he is sorry for the trouble and weight that he has placed on Shadow (because of needing to strike a deal with Black Doom).

Emerl was handed over to GUN to try and buy more time for Maria's research. GUN reestablished a link by showing him an increasingly dangerous amount of weapons until Emerl started to freak out and destroy stuff. One of his rampages caused an automatic SOS ping to be sent out...

...It was that ping that summoned the soldiers who killed Maria.

[ageingfangirl2]

Are You Flirting With Me? Sanji x Reader (OPLA)

Sanji is a known flirt around all women, but y/n isn't sure if he's flirting with her or not and they confront them. Sanji x Female Reader

Y/N

Sanji was a very confusing man. He was a shameless flirt and ladies' man, fawning over every girl who crossed his path. Nami said he was all over her when they first went to The Baratie and had continued his ways since joining the crew. But when you joined the crew after they beat Arlong Sanji was odd, initially flirting and complimenting you, but after a couple of months, he seemingly stopped but continued with Nami and the other girls.

It didn't bother you at first, it was a nice break. You didn't have body issues, in fact, you liked how you looked and took care of your image, and before you left your island to join Luffy you'd been proposed to twice. But now when you look in a mirror you start to notice small flaws in your appearance. You hated what you were becoming, you had to get off the ship and away from the blonde cook for a bit.

With one last look in the small mirror by your hammock you throw it against the wall and watch it smash into tiny pieces on the floor, 'stupid cook,' you hiss.

Grabbing your jacket you leave the sleeping quarters and head back up onto deck.

'Y\N DINNERS READY!' Usopp calls out from the deck above.

You wave him off, 'I'm not hungry, I'm going to head into town for a bit.'

Before Usopp can say anything you're already walking down the gangplank.

SANJI

'Where's y/n?' Nami asks as Usopp comes back into the kitchen frowining.

I finish plating up y/n's food and put it down in their usual spot next to mine.

'She said she wasn't hungry and was going into town, looked upset,' Usopp answers.

Nami slams her hands down on the table, 'WHICH ONE OF YOU UPSET Y/N?'

The four of us share looks at one another, trying to figure out the answer, but no one comes forward to admit to doing anything wrong. It couldn't possibly be me because y/n and I had developed a close bond, the only girl seemingly immune to my flirting but still played along and gave me compliments when the rest of the crew wouldn't. Maybe I'd check on them after dinner.

TIME SKIP

There weren't many places to go in this town and I found y/n in the first tavern nursing what looked to be their third beer.

'What's a girl like you doing in a place like this?' I joke, and sit down next to them.

y/n doesn't even look at me as they reply, 'Are you...flirting with me?'

'Gods no! What gave you that idea?' I say, a little shocked.

y/n shrugs their shoulders, '...I mean...have you heard yourself talk around girls?'

I order a beer and bump my shoulder with y/n's, 'I've been told, look at you y/n, even with my flirting you looked past that and actually wanted to get to know me.'

y/n's head snaps in my direction their eyes wide, 'so that's why you stopped? You don't think I'm ugly.'

I shake my head, 'You're beautiful y/n. Wait is this why you're upset?'

y/n nods and faceplants the bar top grumbling. After a minute or two y/n explains how they thought they were ugly because I stopped flirting with them while continuing to do it with Nami and other girls around them. y/n was embarrassed, but I had to admit I was also in the wrong for not noticing my actions around them.

'I'm sorry Sanji,' y/n mutters.

I smile and throw an arm around their shoulder, 'I'm sorry to y/n. Trust me you're not ugly, because whenever we dock somewhere the guys and I have to keep guys away from you. Now I managed to save you a plate before Luffy could eat it if you're still hungry.'

y/n leans into me and smiles, 'You are the best cook I know. Thank you for coming after me Sanji, it means a lot.'

The two of us finish our drinks and leave the tavern, y/n holding onto me as they stumble having drunk on an empty stomach.

'On a scale of one to ten, you're a nine, and I'm the one you need,' I say seriously, but wiggle my eyebrows at them.

y/n bursts into laughter, 'Never change Sanji.'

From now on I would try and find the right balance because I never wanted to lose y/n.

[sunrise-imagines]

Can I get some childhood friends to lovers hcs for Finn? Like the reader grew up with him and now they're dating as adults? Gender neutral or male reader also please :3

Of course!! I love this idea so much. Hope you enjoy!

TW: Light angst, lots of pining, hurt and comfort

Adult Finn x Reader Childhood Friends to Lovers

• Being the only two humans in Ooo, it was only a matter of time before you met each other at the ages of 12.

• Similarly to Finn, you had been found as a baby by a couple from the Candy Kingdom, and they raised you as their own with the help of Princess Bubblegum, her and Marceline becoming sort of older sister figures to you.

• One day, while visiting the castle, Ice King burst in from the wall in an another attempt to kidnap Princess Bubblegum, snow blowing everywhere as you looked up in fear.

• But then, out of nowhere, a boy with a bear hat and a magic dog burst in, beating the crap out of Ice King who fled back to his castle.

• When he turned to look at you, you both became shocked. Neither of you had any weird mutations or odd features, and he certainly wasn’t made of candy. He was human. You were the same.

• And from that day forward, you and Finn became inseparable friends, with you sometimes joining him and Jake on their many adventures.

• You watched as he grew up, fell in and out of love, found an entire island of other humans, met both his biological Mom and (deadbeat) Dad, lost his arm, and eventually prevented a war/world ending event. You sat with him as Fern lay dying, and went with him to plant the seed that would eventually sprout a new willow tree.

• Sometime after the end of Adventure Time, Finn and Huntress Wizard amicably broke up, deciding their relationship worked best as good friends/occasional work partners.

• Having developed a longtime crush on him, you had hoped that now was your chance, but your nervousness and not wanting to ruin your friendship got the better of you so you continued to admire him in secret.

• That was until Jake passed away, and Finn’s personality reverted back to when you were kids and the only thing that mattered was fighting monsters and adventuring.

• You grew concerned as he started to go on more and more dangerous missions, often times for no reason other than the thrill of it, and time after time he’d come back with even worse wounds. But you were always there to patch him up, no matter how bad it got.

• But today was different. After Simon had opened up to him and expressed his depression and how he felt out of place in this world now that he lost his magic, Finn had the bright idea that a life-threatening adventure was what he needed to cure his sadness.

• This of course went terrible for Simon, but Finn thought it was great, and when he came back afterwards with a giant slash on his back and told you about it, that was it.

• You went off on him, telling him that while you know he’s still grieving, almost getting himself killed all the time isn’t the answer. You were tired of seeing him get hurt, and in your righteous anger, you finally admitted that you were in love with him. Tears flowed down your cheeks as you softly admitted that you’d loved him since you were kids, and seeing him act like this after all of his past growth was hurting you.

• Finn’s eyes grew wide, he had no idea that you had felt that way about him. And even more, that you reciprocated the feelings he’d had since you were 18. But with everything going on, adventuring and eventually Jake’s death, he felt like he never had time to pursue a relationship you.

• So he pulls you into a hug, stroking your hair as you continue to cry into his shoulder. He apologizes for making you worry, saying that he didn’t know why he acted the way he did, he just needed a distraction from the pain of losing his brother. But in doing that, he had forgotten he still had you.

• He puts his hand on your chin, directing you to look at him. He smiles down at you, wiping away your tears with his thumb as he confesses that he felt the exact same way.

• Your tears change from ones of sadness to joy, and you feel the urge to kiss him. Luckily he has the same idea, and gently pulls you towards his lips and kisses you sweetly.

• Eventually you both pull away, and in that moment, everything feels like it’s exactly how it’s supposed to be.

• After you officially start dating, he stops going out on adventures as much, instead opting to spend more time with you and Jake’s kids.

• Of course, adventuring is still a part of him, but he focuses more on helping people than fighting and killing things, and of course he brings you along for the ride. Finally, after so many years waiting, the two of you are together.

[osarina]

honestly the most tragic relationship in civzai/pmreader universe is yosano & reader and i will stand on that hill forever.

like originally i was thinking maybe they only rarely interacted while on tokoyami island, but the more that i thought about it, the more i realized that they probably did interact frequently. mori would've wanted his "immortal regiment" as soon as possible and to have it perfected, he needed reader's ability to be able to "heal" the soldiers' minds. so mori would've likely had yosano try to help her figure out how to work her ability. they would have been friendly enough with each other, the only two young girls in the warzone, both dragged into this war in some manner or another, yosano probably saw her as a younger sister tbh being 3 years older, wanted to help her as best as she could.

and then mori does mori things. when yosano's help doesn't give him the progress he needs, he starts using other tactics to try to get her to develop her ability in the way he needs. starts comparing her to yosano, starts holding her place at his side over her head, threatens to send her back if she can't be useful. all things that a kid in her situation would be terrified of.

and like you guys have to understand pmreader does NOT have a reliable narration of those years. like we'll see it in the canonverse & the civzai verse (which is actually what stemmed this post), but her memories of those years are very warped courtesy of trauma & mori's manipulation. it all happens directly after she watches her entire village slaughtered in the crossfires of the great war so she's already very unstable, and mori gets in her head VERY quickly.

so she thinks back to these years and can only remember the threats of being dropped back off in the ruins of her village & the way mori held yosano as a type of idealized figure that she'd never be able to catch up to no matter how hard she tried. "be more useful like yosano and you can keep your place here" and stuff like that. she doesn't have like ANY memory of the months yosano spent trying to help her figure out her ability, doesn't remember how she would sit with her for hours and tell her that she's making good progress even when mori would give that disappointed frown, doesn't remember anything because its all been warped and twisted by moris' constant threats and comparison. so naturally she becomes resentful and hateful about it.

meanwhile, poor yosano only remembers the 7/8 year old girl she tried & failed to help, couldn't do anything when mori separated them and turned reader against yosano. yosano got off of the warfront and out from under mori's thumb, but reader didn't, and yosano has had so much guilt over it for years, living in the what ifs and wondering what ever happened to her.

and obviously mori's manipulations of reader never stopped after that—probably gets worse, even, because he would lament losing yosano while keeping reader, would've preferred the opposite. so when reader and yosano meet again years later, reader immediately rejects and spurns her, and yosano is just soooo distraught over it like the one person that could rlly truly fully understand her rejecting her in such a manner HURTS. hurts even more when she sees how reader has turned out so similar to mori bc she still remembers her as the kid she was and failed to protect.

i suppose while we're on the topic - i always get a lot of questions about reader and mori's relationship. dazai kind of mentions it in 'i laugh like me again,' but reader has like undying loyalty toward him that he definitely doesn't deserve. as shitty of one as he is, he's the only father figure she remembers, she still feels like she owes him her life for rescuing her from the warzone and has a VERY intense complex of trying to make him proud of her. i wouldn't say that mori doesn't care about her, he does in his own way, but whatever feelings he does have for her are overshadowed by his ambitions.

anyway tldr: yosano and reader are tragic, and mori is a cunt. i feel like im missing stuff concerning reader's and mori's relationship but that wasn't the point of this post anyway maybe ill make it its own post

[goingsunnythousandmerry]

Hey! Can you write shanks with a mysterious reader who opens up one minute then becomes reserved the next? Their relationship is sort of like a friends either benefits one, it’s like they pin for each other, but shanks will be on the sea within less than a week so there’s some pressure to put a label on the relationship. Please include some smut if you’re able to! Make the ending angsty 😉

Shanks x Mysterious Reader - Relationship or Fling?

Authors Note: Hey! So sorry it took me so long. Life ya know? Hope you like the read. If not let me know. Request, Comment, Critique below! Let me know if we need the rest of the beach acts, just didn't want to make it too long or keep you waiting any longer. Thanks again for your patience!

Summary: Shanks and his crew stop by your island in need of a bit of a vacation. He meets you at your work, the local bar. You have had relationships with pirates before, always liking the more rugged type. Knowing full well it never works out, you try to keep your distance. You and Shanks end up friends with benefits during his stay and the two of you begin to develop feelings. One night trying to discuss his feelings with you and your plans for the future the two of you get carried away.

Warnings: MDNI, fingering, use of terms such a slut, pet names-princess and daddy, public sex-beach/bar, praise kink, i don't own these characters, ANGST, mentions of "love", mutual pining

The red-haired captain sat nestled in the glittering white sand, sipping on a bottle of sake. The ocean waves gently lapped at the tips of his sandals, their rhythmic ebb and flow echoing in the stillness of the moonlit night. The salty air mingled with the faint scent of smoke, a lingering reminder of a distant bonfire Shanks's crew was partying at. Shanks took a deep breath, savoring the peaceful moment, before taking another swig straight from the bottle.

Each sip was an attempt to drown out the restlessness within his soul. The warmth in his chest did little to ease the weight pressing down on his heart. Shanks’s gaze was fixed on the dark sea, trying to figure out where the water had ended and the sky had begun. A boundless expanse that mirrored the uncertainty of his thoughts. His fingers tightened around the sake bottle, eyes squinting against the moonlight as if searching for answers in the waters before him. He took another sip.

"Shanks!" A sweet voice called from behind him.

You dragged your feet through the warm specks of sand, watching as he turned to face you and choked on his sip of what you could only assume was sake—his favorite. You had chosen your outfit with a purpose. You knew how you looked in the flowing floral dress would take his breath away, and you were right. Glancing up at the stars hanging brightly above you, a smile spread across your rose-colored cheeks. Even when caught off guard, Shanks was undeniably handsome you thought, your eyes falling back on his face. He set the bottle beside him and wiped his chin with the sleeve of his white, flowing shirt.

"Hey, Y/N! Where’ve you been? The boys were looking for you." Shanks grinned, his eyes twinkling with desire as they roamed over your dress-clad figure.

"I’ve been around." You shrugged, your tone distant as if you were barely present. "Hope I’m not bothering you, Beckman told me where you were.” You said, wandering over to his side.

He forced a grin, though it didn’t reach his eyes. “You could never bother me.” He looked you up and down again, his forced grin fading to a warm genuine one before he turned to examine the water again. A troubled frown creased his brow.

"What's on your mind?" you asked, sitting beside him and reaching for the bottle nestled in the sand. "You thinking of leaving?" You took a sip, the coolness of the sake contrasting sharply with the warmth of your emotions.

"I don't know." His brow furrowed and he grabbed the bottle from your hand. "Our vacation has been long enough. I probably can't stay longer than the end of the week." He took a long drink, avoiding eye contact, his voice tinged with regret.

"I see." Your voice was flat, emotionless.

You tried not to look over your shoulder at him. Instead, you nodded your head, accepting the fact he was leaving. You bit your lip focusing on the sound of his breath. Your thoughts raced thinking of how warm it would feel against your neck. 

You lifted your chin looking at the scars on his left eye, tracing the lines of his face, sending your heart aflutter. You raised a hand to touch his shoulder. You just wanted to touch him, but it trembled as you lifted it from your lap. The sensation of the slight tremor in your fingers caused your breath to catch in your throat.

The feeling was familiar, too familiar. You stopped yourself, lifting your hand to adjust your hair then resting it back in your lap. You Withdrew back into the comfort of your guarded silence.

***

Two weeks ago, Shanks and his crew arrived on your island, their laughter and boisterous energy announcing their much-needed break after a successful treasure score. It was in the dimly lit bar where you first encountered them. Shanks immediately stood out amidst the chaos. Despite the raucous behavior of his crew, he exuded a calm authority. His respect for others was evident in how he apologized to the other patrons for the noise and generously covered their tabs. The sincerity in his gestures set him apart from the usual pirates who came and went without a second thought.

That first night, the bar was emptied of its usual stock, yet Shanks lingered after hours, helping you tidy up. His genuine interest in you was palpable, an anomaly in a world of transient pirates. You were used to them arriving, making a mess, and leaving without a trace, but Shanks seemed different. His charm was magnetic, his intense gaze drawing you in despite your reservations.

As you mopped the floor, too absorbed in his story about a boy named Luffy you lost your footing. Shanks was there immediately, his arm encircling your waist with surprising tenderness. His onyx eyes locked onto yours, and you felt a warmth spread across your cheeks and down your body. You looked away momentarily trying to hide it, your fingers grazing a stray strand of hair, and tucking it behind your ear. But the pull of his gaze was irresistible. When you looked back, your hand found its way to his chest, the muscles bulging beneath his shirt grounding you.

A shiver ran through you as his breath hit your cheek. His eyes darted between your lips and face, making your pulse quicken. His touch lingered a moment longer than necessary, and you could feel the heat radiating from his body. You bit your lip and before you could blink. his mouth captured yours in a kiss that was both fierce and tender. 

The night stretched on, the mundane task of cleaning forgotten as you and Shanks lost yourselves in each other. Tables were knocked over, the bar counter bore witness to your passion, and time seemed to stand still in the haze of your heated embrace.

***

"Y/N." Shanks’ voice pulled you out of the memories swirling in your head.

You shook your head, blinking a few times to clear the haze of nostalgia. His arm wrapped around your waist, pulling you close, but you instinctively pushed away.

He let out a sigh, his intense stare meeting your tightening jaw. "I don’t want to go without talking about us," he said, his voice tinged with the sweet and genuine authority you loved to see him use on his crew.

"Shanks, you’re a pirate. What is there to talk about? You’re leaving at the end of the week," you replied, your voice cold enough to make you shiver.

"Y/N..." His calloused hand found yours, his grip firm yet tender.

You sighed, the weight of the words in your heart, pressing down on you, making your chest feel heavy. "Then say what you want to say," you murmured, turning to meet his gaze, your heart pounding.

The thought of your days ending without the comfort of his gaze was suffocating. You squeezed his hand, desperately clinging to the moment.

“I don’t know what to say." His voice trembled, faltering as if the words were caught in his throat. He paused, running a hand through his hair, struggling to find the right words. "I need to go, but...".

His gaze dropped to the ground for a moment, his shoulders slumping. When he looked up again, the longing in his eyes was palpable, a mixture of desperation and yearning that seemed to pull at the very core of his being. He leaned in slightly, his proximity a silent plea, but his body remained rigid, as if afraid to close the gap between you. "I need you."

You had been here before, and you swore you’d never fall for a pirate again. That first night with Shanks, you were a fool. You let your guard down and fell for the charming stranger with a high bounty. The next morning, you scolded yourself, hoping you’d never see him again. But when he showed up that night, your chest ached, and your stomach turned because you knew it was already too late. 

You hoped he’d ignore you, but his eyes found yours across the room. His presence was like a drug, and you couldn’t help but crave him. You kept your guard up, pretending it was only a fling by flirting with his crewmates and other guests to cover your true feelings. Your lone moments behind the bar were spent regaining your composure, battling the panic of potential loss. The only solace was that your jealousy drove Shanks wild, and he made his desire clear through passionate encounters.

You kept up the façade, until now, when you felt your walls crumbling faster than you could repair them. Your body pressed against his, one hand caressing his cheek, the other clutching his shirt. Tears welled as you focused on his nose brushing against yours, his lips hovering so close.

"Shanks..." You tried to speak, but his lips descended onto yours.

His body rolled on top of you and pinned you to the ground. The taste of alcohol and salt on his lips had you fervently exploring his body with your hands. Lust filled your mind as you reached for the waistband of his pants, your heart racing as the need to be with him, to feel him, overwhelmed every rational thought you had.

***

Shanks sat up slightly and shifted to straddle you. The moonlight casting shadows across his face as he gently took your hand from his waistband and brought it to his shoulder. His touch was tender, yet there was a fire behind his eyes—something unspoken simmering beneath the surface. His fingers brushed along your wrist before traveling up, slowly, before thumbing at the strap of your dress. His hand slipped down to the fabric of your dress at its bodice. You could feel the heat radiating off his fingers as they brushed against your chest. He took a deep breath, nuzzling his nose against your cheek, his breath intermingling with yours. His hand sank lower down the dresses material, tracing soft patterns over the fabric as if memorizing every line of your body.

Your breath hitched as he captured your lower lip between his teeth, drawing a quiet gasp from your throat. At the sound, his lips left yours, trailing kisses down your chin and neck, lingering just below your right ear where he nibbled softly. The sensation sent a shiver through you, and your fingers tangled in his hair, holding him close as though you feared the moment would slip away. 

His lips peppered kisses down your neck, while his leg nudged between yours, and gently pressed, urging you wider as his hand wandered lower. Your nipples became sensitive and erect as his lips and hand wandered across your body. The satin of your dress was cool against you, a stark contrast to the warmth of his touch as it reached your chest. His fingertips explored your plump breasts through the satiny fabric admiring. Shanks lips returned to yours as he began twisting and pulling at your nipples. The cool fabric mixed with the motion of his hand made you writhe beneath him. Your heart pounded in time with the waves crashing against the shore, your body responding to his closeness with an intensity you hadn’t expected.

His lips pulled away again moving to your collarbone where he bit down, leaving a fleeting mark as his kisses continued their path downward. When he reached the low dip of your dress covering your cleavage, he paused, his breath warm against your skin. With a flick of his fingers, he tugged the fabric aside, revealing the soft curve of your breasts and perky buds. His eyes flicked up to meet yours, searching for something—an invitation, a question—before he allowed a small, teasing smile to play across his lips.

“So naughty of you, princess,” he whispered, his voice a low murmur that carried the weight of his desire, “to let me see you like this, show you off like this, here.”

Your heart raced at the edge of his words, caught somewhere between anticipation and longing. His lips found yours again, softer this time, almost reverent. His lips dove into yours as his hand squeezed at your breasts. Your tongue danced with his before he pulled away, a trail of saliva connecting you. As he pulled away, his hand slid down, fingers brushing the edge of your dress hem, his touch feather-light against your thigh. His tongue lapped at your nipple causing you to out another moan. His pointer and middle finger began to raise the hem higher and higher, until your core was fully exposed to Shanks and the beach. 

“My, my, a bit underdressed for the beach, wouldn’t you say princess?” Shanks asked a slight smirk growing on his lips as they released your nipple.

“Shanks.” You cooed, his teeth sinking into the plush skin of your breast.

He growled. “You going to let daddy take you right here on the beach?”

You nodded, biting hard into your lip as his thumb began to roll along your clit. 

“I knew you were a slut, always flirting with my crew to make me jealous.” His middle and fourth finger slipped between your folds. “Then not wearing underwear or a bra to meet me.” His fingers traced the shape of your lips throbbing between your legs. “Now you’re so wet at the idea of me taking you on this beach.” His head lifted from between your breasts and his gaze met your.

His eyebrows raised and a pleased grin spread across his cheeks. Your hands explored his chest, head falling to his shoulder. Your hips bucked at the friction of his fingers spreading your slick between your folds. You closed your eyes, letting the sound of the ocean and the gentle rhythm of his touch consume you.

His lips fell to your ear. Your breath was shallow with desire against his neck. His middle and fourth finger dipped into your core, his thumb drawing circles along your clit. You bucked at the fullness within you, causing you to clench down. You loved how his thick fingers felt within you, but you always wanted more. You gripped his shoulders tighter, adjusting as his fingers began to dip in and out of you. Your hips shifted against him, seeking more, each movement in tune with the rhythm he set. 

The soft friction of his clothes against your bare skin made you feel alive, as though the world beyond the two of you had disappeared. All that mattered was the steady rhythm of his fingers, the way your body responded to every subtle motion, and the quiet intensity that hung between you—unspoken, but deeply felt.

“That’s a good girl. Be loud for daddy.” He softly whispered into your ear, lips pressing against it as he did.

The motion of his thumb sped up. His fingers within you found your g-spot causing you to release a moan. Your hands clawed deep into his clothed back, deep enough you felt they would leave a mark. His finger rolled against your g-spot pounding faster and faster. Your breath caught in your chest. The fire is brewing within your abdomen. Your eyes crossed.

“That’s it, let's go for daddy.”

“SHANKS!” You yelled as within you an explosion erupted causing the lower half of your body to shake against his fingers.

He softly chuckled and laid you back down in the sand. He stared at the rise and fall of your chest admiring how beautiful you looked, naked body accentuated by the moonlight. His fingers left their place inside you making you clench against your new found emptiness. 

Your half-lidded eyes drifted upwards, the stars a blur against the night sky as you lay there, feeling the warmth still coursing through you. Shanks had a way of making you feel like the world melted away, leaving only this moment. A soft blush crept across your cheeks as you became aware of your body— how vulnerable yet cherished you felt on that quiet stretch of beach.

You blinked, and your gaze found him watching you, his expression soft but intent.

“You’re beautiful,” he murmured, the sincerity in his voice sending a flutter through your chest.

A small smile tugged at your lips. “Yeah? I thought you…” You paused, your breath still uneven as you came down from the high of pleasure he’d just given you. “I thought you were going to take me here? Can’t let me have all the fun.”

His lips curved into a teasing grin, a glint of mischief in his eyes. “Now who said I was done with you?”

As the two of you continued in your beach activities, all thoughts and worries of your prior conversation dissolved. All that mattered that night was the moment, not the uncertainty of what might happen next, not the unspoken tension between you—only the warmth of his body against yours and the quiet, shared intimacy of the two of you on the beach under the moonlight.

***

After a bit more fun, you and Shanks dressed and wandered back to his crew. You stayed for a couple of drinks, but the excitement of the night quickly faded as reality set back in. Eventually, you left alone, too worn out from the earlier events to stay late and party, though something deeper gnawed at you. That night, you went to bed with a smile on your face, but it didn’t last. As you lay there in the quiet, the smile faded into a sigh. The moment on the beach had been perfect, but the knot in your chest only tightened, knowing how unresolved things still were between you and Shanks.

Your thoughts kept circling back to the feeling of his touch, the warmth of his presence. You always wanted to be with him, but he was a pirate. He wouldn’t stay grounded for long and you couldn’t possibly go with him. What did it mean? Was this just another night to him? Would he leave at the end of the week and come back? Were you just another girl to him or were you something different? No matter how hard you tried, sleep eluded you, leaving only the hollow ache of uncertainty.

The next afternoon, you dragged yourself into your shift at the local bar, exhaustion and questions weighing heavily on you. As you walked in, your boss handed you a letter with your name on it. "Some guest dropped it off before opening," they said, shrugging it off as if it were nothing.

Your heart raced. The envelope was sealed neatly, and the handwriting was unfamiliar, yet there was something about it that made your pulse quicken. You hesitated for a moment before carefully pulling at the edge of the envelope. Inside was a small, folded letter, the faint scent of sake rising from it. You didn’t need to see the signature to know who it was from. 

With trembling hands, you unfolded the note.

Y/N, we had to head out earlier than planned. 

Just know I love you. 

-Shanks

The words seemed to blur on the page as you stared at them. Love. Did he mean it? Would he come back? He didn’t say? If he did love you, why didn’t he say goodbye or at least invite you to go with him? You clutched the letter tightly, your chest heavy with the weight of his absence, a thousand questions flooding your mind. Was that the last you’d see of him? Was "love" enough to keep him coming back? The ache inside you deepened, a reminder of how fragile everything between you was.

As the sounds of the bar came to life around you, you felt impossibly small, lost in the uncertain space between the past and whatever future lay ahead.

[glassesfreekjr]

Can we analyse Tulin for a bit?

Apart from being the keet birb boy, perhaps what makes his character so enthralling is how it so brilliantly reflects and offers commentary on the influences that have shaped him.

Whether that be Revali, his father Teba, and ESPECIALLY Link. Hell, it's no wonder that Link & Tulin have garnered such a sibling dynamic. Tulin essentially IS Link, from a time before the burden of responsibility and pain caused Link to cave in on himself pre-Breath of the Wild.

Right down to the veteran warrior father figure (Link's father was captain of the guard) and their acceptance of a newfound legacy out of forthright integrity. Tulin, at this point in his life, has yet to give himself away until there's nothing of him left to give, and let's pray he never needs to.

But Tulin would do that in a heartbeat, if called upon. He is very much his father's son.

You can see it in how archtypical childish spunk is tempered, like steel, by Teba's down-to-earth bluntness and sheer work ethic.

(BTW I wonder if Link sees his own father in Teba? That'd check out.)

But what caught me most pleasantly off-guard is Tulin's skepticism, which has become one of his most compelling traits for me. It's not something you would expect.

He did not believe that the Stormwind Ark existed, and while ultimately proven wrong, it frankly wasn't an illogical assumption to make. Tulin clearly thought through that opinion. He'd also grown frustrated that the Rito placed their faith on a songbook miracle — a eucatastrophe, if you will — instead of something more concrete like personal skill or, say, Link's whole-ass existence.

The second Link arrived and offered his aid, Tulin accepted his help without hesitation. He turned his skepticism inward to reevaluate his own tenets. And it's as a duo that they brought about said eucatastrophe through no one's strength but their own. They are siblings, Your Honor. Aryll 2.0

(If Revali had been blessed with a support network saying "it's okay to accept help. no man is an island," doubtless he still would have perished in Vah Medoh. But there would be less of an ego to shatter. He would have faced death with less blind panic and more dignity. And most importantly, he'd have other people to bolster the wind beneath his wings during his short life. (At the very least, Revali would not have as big an ass not be as big an ass, just as Tulin would be a different person without his family.)

dammit quaquaval you have RUINED me

Also, one thing that everyone seems to miss is just how deceptively intelligent Tulin turns out to be. This kid fuckin' knows his stuff. His mastery of aerodynamics beyond the instinctual is almost on par with Revali at such a young age. And how many precision headshots has his avatar saved your ass with, don't lie.

He somehow managed to follow his father back through time. Tulin can see Koroks.

It's not the same kind of passion-fuelled intellect as, say, Zelda has. More of an unyeilding conviction to learn all he can and put it into practice. About as understated a quality as Yunobo's inexplicable business acumen and economic sense.

As his mother Saki put it, for Tulin to develop as an individual, he needs to experience more of reality and its hardships. Shooting bullseyes and improving one's flying prowess / wind magic can't contend with genuine combat. True to her word, Tulin had to experience mistakes firsthand, and critically examine his own naïve ways of thinking in order to take those necessary steps.

...

So then, uh, is it wrong for me to wish something horrible upon him, if only to witness the positive character growth that springs from it? Tulin isn't the sort who'll shatter under pressure, like Revali did at the end of his life, or like Link did under the weight of expectation. Buckle, yes — but not break. Tulin's steadfast conviction, inherited from his father and guided by the people he loves, would assuredly see him through.

In any event, his Hero's Journey isn't close to over. I'd be curious to see Tulin at its conclusion.

tl;dr I wanna Emesis Blue his bitch-ass, AITA?

[ginis-wonderland]

midnight treat

pairing: dad!simon riley

summary: returning home at midnight after a long day in the base, simon needs to eat but after his baby joins him, he can never say no to ice cream.

genre: fluff

word count: 1.5k

the house was quiet when simon arrived home. he locked the door as soon as he stepped foot into their entryway and he tried to not make as much noise by taking off his heavy boots. the balaclava was thrown to the small table that was flushed against the beige wall and his keys were gently placed onto the small ceramic plate that his oldest daughter made a year ago. his stomach grumbled and he sighed, knowing he needed to eat something before bed but it was already so dark and late that he didn't want to. 

all that paperwork was enough to keep him at the base the entire day and he was developing a migraine from reading so much words on the pages. simon just wanted to go to bed and wrap his arms around his wife to sleep. that was it.

the family dog, berk, peeked from the corner of the wall by the stairs and once it saw the familiar face of its dad, it quietly trotted over for attention. simon bends down slightly to rub the german shepherd's head and the man nearly tip-toed his way over to the kitchen. he knew he was a naturally silent walker but with his girls sleeping in the house, he didn't want to risk a screaming newborn and tiny girls running down the stairs past bedtime. he knows how hard it must've been for you to get them all to sleep so he didn't want to ruin your efforts.

he opened the fridge and winced at the bright light so he averted his eyes from it but he saw a tiny figure by the wall, leaning against the corner and rubbing their eye.

"papa?" a small tired voice filled the silent kitchen and simon couldn't help the smile that itched his lips.

"hey, bug," he whispered back. 

the little girl inched her way closer to him, dragging the blankie with her and simon naturally held his hand out for her to grab so he could pull her close. her blonde hair was all over the place and he tried to smooth it down but to no avail. 

"why're you up?" he asks her quietly and she looks up at him with those bright blue eyes, still bleary from sleep.

"heard your car," she answers. simon chuckles at her.

"you should've been sleepin'."

she shakes her head. "can't sleep long time if papa not tuck me in."

wren was his middle child. the daddy's girl of the family. she was only 4 years old and had a 3-year-gap with his oldest and his youngest. she was the baby he got to spend time the most since he took a longer break from work when she was born and only returned a year ago. therefore, she was spoiled with the most attention from her dad and only did things if her dad was there with her, like sleeping.

simon closes the fridge and reaches over to turn on the kitchen light above the island so he could pick her up and sit her on one of the chairs. he mumbles a small apology and a kiss on her chubby red cheeks when she whines at the bright light. he moves to stand opposite from her.

"didja eat yet, papa?" she wonders and rests her chin on the marble island to look at him.

simon didn't sit down but leaned on his elbows in front of her. "not yet. 's why i was lookin' in the fridge."

her eyes lit up. "ice cream! let's eat it together!" she whispered yelled with a grin that showed her missing front teeth.

her father raised an eyebrow. "'t's well past bedtime, missy."

she pouts.

then he sighs.

he could never say no to her.

"i eat ice cream when 'm tired," she argues with her pout still strong on her lips that she inherited from you. 

simon laughs lightly at her response and nods, pushing himself off of the surface. berk wags his tail as he follows his papa to go to a cupboard and quietly pull out two small, colorful bowls that were meant for ice cream and two small spoons. he brings it to the island in front of wren and sets it down gently before turning around to open the freezer and grabbing the vanilla dairy-free ice cream. 

wren's eyes shone and she hurriedly slipped from the chair to go to a drawer to yank the ice cream scooper out then went back to her spot to hold it out to her father.

"smart girl, you are," simon praises with a ruffle of her hair and grabs the scooper. 

she eagerly watches her strong papa glide the metal scooper across the delicious treat and plop a large ball of it on the bowl. he places the spoon on it before gently sliding it over to her.

"remember-"

"don' be messy. got it," she finished for him in a hurry so she can eat.

honestly, simon should eat more than just some ice cream but his wren wanted to eat ice cream together so he will. it wasn't much and definitely nothing special but spending time with his baby was enough to satisfy the grumble in his stomach. 

"were you good today?" he asks and she nods with a grin, carefully setting the spoon down to not make a mess.

"helped mama plant daisies," she gushes. 

"after rolling around in the dirt with berk," a voice startles them both.

simon can hear anyone that was near him before they even speak but his wife, oh boy, she was more of a ghost than he was. 

he gives you a sheepish smile and wren gasps. 

"mama!" she says with a smile then remembers the ice cream which she hurriedly slid over to her father. simon looks at her with an offended expression.

"you little cheat!" he whispers to her and wren gives him an oopsies look.

"sorry, papa. mama is scary when she's upset," she defends.

you cross your arms and walk to stand next to simon's seated form. even sitting, he was the same height as you. 

"good evenin', lovie," he grumbles, pressing a kiss on your cheek that became sticky from the ice cream on his lips.

"it's morning, mister riley," you tutted. 

but simon knew you weren't upset. you had that small twitch in your lips that meant you were fighting back a smile.

he knew seeing him would be enough to erase all questions and irritation.

"and usually, we don't have ice cream for breakfast in this household," you comment.

wren looks at you with a smile. "but we were celebratin' that papa was home!"

finally, a smile breaks free and you chuckle at your daughter's antics. "yes, darling. my apologies. we must celebrate your father's homecoming."

simon wraps an arm around your waist and he pulls you to be closer, your wide eyes looking at him. "bug and i were just havin' a treat. would you like some?" he asks, looking from your eyes to your lips.

you bit your lip before realizing wren was still sitting there so you turn away from his intense stare and smile at your daughter.

"tell you what. you go on to bed and papa will be up there to tuck you in then we'll have chocolate chip pancakes when you wake up," you bargain and she nods eagerly.

"pancakes," she repeats to herself then hauls her blanket up and slides down to the floor. she looks at their dog and she waves him over. "c'mon, berk! let's go to my room!"

the dog quietly barked at her and ran after her.

"no running up the stairs, please!" you call out after her and finally, she disappears around the corner.

simon slides his hand from your waist down to your hips and to your bum to teasingly squeeze it. you swatted him, scandalized while he laughed.

"mister riley!" you gasp and he smiles at you.

"yes, missus riley?" he whispers back.

he leans forward to give you a gentle kiss that evolved into a deep kiss, one that had you cupping his cheeks. you both separated only because of the lack of air and you gasped, foreheads and noses still touching.

"i missed ya today," he grunts and you nodded.

"i missed you too, si."

simon loves the way your lips move as you speak and he feels like he's 18 again when he first saw you enter that shop he worked in. he didn't expect a decade and some change later, you would be married and have children of your own even after he swore to never have a family.

for you, he changed.

and for you, he became better.

you separate from his kiss making him instinctually growl and chase your lips but you leaned back with a giggle. "c'mon. let's go upstairs. we can't risk another child coming down."

simon took no time and hauled you over his shoulder, making you squeal in surprise, before he's marching up those stairs with a mission.

"gonna show you how much i missed you, pretty." 

gini's notes: ugh, gosh i love simon riley. he is such a girl dad and he defo just wanted an excuse to eat ice cream haha.

[kinkandkreep]

𝑨/𝑵: 𝑯𝒆𝒚 𝒉𝒆𝒚 𝒚'𝒂𝒍𝒍! 𝑯𝒆𝒓𝒆'𝒔 𝒑𝒂𝒓𝒕 2 𝒕𝒐 𝒎𝒚 𝑴𝒊𝒈𝒖𝒆𝒍 𝒊𝒎𝒂𝒈𝒊𝒏𝒆! 𝑰 𝒌𝒏𝒐𝒘 𝑰 𝒔𝒂𝒊𝒅 𝑰 𝒘𝒐𝒖𝒍𝒅 𝒑𝒐𝒔𝒕 𝒊𝒕 𝒕𝒐𝒎𝒐𝒓𝒓𝒐𝒘 𝒃𝒖𝒕 𝑰 𝒈𝒐𝒕 𝒂 𝒍𝒊𝒕𝒕𝒍𝒆 𝒆𝒙𝒄𝒊𝒕𝒆𝒅 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒅𝒆𝒄𝒊𝒅𝒆𝒅 𝒕𝒐 𝒑𝒐𝒔𝒕 𝒊𝒕 𝒕𝒐𝒅𝒂𝒚.(ᵔ.ᵔ) 𝑰 𝒉𝒐𝒑𝒆 𝒚'𝒂𝒍𝒍 𝒆𝒏𝒋𝒐𝒚❣︎ ᵃˡˢᵒ ˢᵒᵐᵉᵇᵒᵈʸ ᵖˡᵉᵃˢᵉ ˡᵉᵗ ᵐᵉ ᵏⁿᵒʷ ⁱᶠ ᵗʰᵉ ˢᵖᵃⁿⁱˢʰ ᵗᵒʷᵃʳᵈˢ ᵗʰᵉ ᵉⁿᵈ ⁱˢ ᵒᶠᶠ.

♡︎ 𝙿𝚊𝚛𝚝 1 𝚑𝚎𝚛𝚎

♡︎ 𝙿𝚊𝚒𝚛𝚒𝚗𝚐: 𝙼𝚒𝚐𝚞𝚎𝚕 𝙾'𝙷𝚊𝚛𝚊 𝚡 𝙵𝚎𝚖!𝚁𝚎𝚊𝚍𝚎𝚛

♡︎ 𝙲𝚆: 𝚂𝚕𝚒𝚐𝚑𝚝 𝚖𝚎𝚗𝚝𝚒𝚘𝚗 𝚘𝚏 𝚋𝚕𝚘𝚘𝚍/𝚒𝚗𝚓𝚞𝚛𝚢

♡︎ "__" 𝚛𝚎𝚙𝚛𝚎𝚜𝚎𝚗𝚝𝚜 𝚢𝚘𝚞𝚛 𝚗𝚊𝚖𝚎

.・゜-: ✧ :-.・゜-: ✧ :-.・゜-: ✧ :-.・ ✧ :-.・゜

When you awoke the next morning, it was to the enticing smell of blended spices. You could pick up the basics, like paprika and pepper, but also something more unique, like turmeric and dill. 

You inhaled deeply, a smile curling your lips at the warm, fragrant scent. It was…comforting. 

And then you remembered where you were.

‘Wait, I’m at Gigi’s. He can cook? Well, I suppose he does live alone and would need to know how.’

Shrugging to yourself, you stand, stretching until you hear several small pops sound from your back. With a quiet yawn, you made your way back into the en suite, going once again through your oral hygiene routine and splashing some water on your face to help you wake up. You check to see if Miguel has the room stocked with any facial cleanser, and finding there is none, you grab a clean washcloth and give your face a thorough, albeit gentle scrubbing. 

With that done, you shuffle your way back down the hall and around the corner into the kitchen, pausing at the sight that greets you. 

Miguel stands with his back to you, broad back bare and thick muscles shifting beneath tawny brown skin. He moves about the kitchen with practiced ease, picking and replacing ingredients as he goes. 

You notice there are two plates already set out, each with an empty glass and cutlery to accompany it.

Smiling to yourself at the domesticity of it all, you begin approaching, only to realize that Miguel is apparently speaking to someone. 

“Yeah, she’s here. Showed up last night bruised up pretty badly. Said she got into a fight with some thugs. She suspects they were using Lazarus. Perhaps this epidemic is becoming worse than we originally thought.”

Quietly taking a seat at the island, you continue listening, curious to see what else Miguel might say. 

“I suppose so. We’ll have to be more vigilant.” He’s silent for a moment as the other person speaks. “Alright, well if that’s all then. Let me know of any further developments.”

Once his call has ended, Miguel sighs, pausing in his movements momentarily before turning. 

“Good morning,” he greets, a little grin curving his lips. 

“Good morning,” you respond with a little smile of your own, slightly surprised that he’d apparently heard you.  

“I made omelets. I wasn’t sure how you liked yours, so I just added basic seasonings, cheese and flank steak.” He turns to lift the pan, sliding the steaming omelet out and directly onto your plate.

“I figured the extra protein would do you good. Contributes to accelerated wound healing, and all that.”

He turned back to the stove, speedily cracking six eggs and adding extra ingredients and spices into his own omelet.

You decided to wait until he was finished to begin eating, finding yourself content to just watch him move. As you watched him, your mind began to wonder. 

‘How nice it would be to have this all the time.’

You jerked slightly at the sudden thought. Where had that come from?

The more you thought about it however, the more you leaned into the notion.

How nice it would be indeed, to have a sexy man make you breakfast every morning. 

You giggled at the thought, causing Miguel to hum curiously. 

“Something funny?”

You waved your hand dismissively. “Oh nothing, just had a thought.”

Miguel hummed again, turning to dispense his own finished omelet onto his plate. Just before sitting, he poured himself a cup of freshly pressed coffee.

“Coffee or orange juice?” He presented both options to you. 

“Hmmm…orange juice.”

Nodding, Miguel filled your cup, placing the still mostly full pitcher on the counter in front of you. Taking his seat, the two of you began to eat in comfortable silence. 

The rain had since stopped, and the sky was a little overcast. This high up there weren’t many birds, but you could inevitably still hear the sounds of the city far below. 

“Gigi, can I ask you something?”

The man paused, curiosity swirling in his red irises. He’d stopped mid chew, leaving his cheeks adorably puffed. You laughed yet again at the sight, missing the way Miguel’s expression softened at the sound. 

“Yes?”

Stifling your remaining giggles, you leveled Miguel with a more serious look. 

“About last night-”

“Ok, I’m not sure how much you remember, but I can assure you we didn’t have sex.”

Your eyes widened, blinking once, twice, before collapsing into another fit of raucous laughter. 

“No, I know that Gigi. I was bleeding, not concussed. Thankfully.”

Miguel sighed, setting his fork down on his plate. 

“Ok good. So, what about last night?”

You took a moment, considering your words carefully. You didn’t want to startle Miguel into closing off, but you needed to get a straight answer. 

“Um, well, I heard you talking to Lyla last night.”

Miguel’s eyes began to widen, and you quickly threw up your hands, waving them in front of you. 

“No no no! Just wait. Before you shut down on me just…let me finish, ok?”

Silently, Miguel nodded, gaze still focused in on you. 

Breathing a sigh of relief, you continued. “I heard you say that you didn’t know if I “felt the same way” about something.” 

Meeting Miguel’s eyes, you steeled yourself. “What did you mean by that?”

The man was quiet, almost unnervingly so as he just stared at you. You squirmed almost imperceptibly in your seat, trying not to appear intimidated. 

After quite a few moments, Miguel sighed yet again, and he averted his gaze. 

“Ah mierda. I was really hoping you hadn’t heard us.” His eyes were closed, until they snapped open and he turned to you, narrowed crimson gaze sharp and scrutinizing. 

“You were eavesdropping?”

Having been caught, you looked away, scratching your cheek nervously. “Sorta, yeah. Sorry ‘bout that.”

Rolling his eyes, Miguel turned his body towards you, propping his elbow onto the island and his head onto his now raised hand. 

“Hmm, how do I say this?” Miguel's expression was pensive. 

“After you showed up last night, all injured and bloody, it made me start thinking.”

You listened quietly, the beat of your heart beginning to pick up speed. 

“What we do is dangerous. Being vigilantes- heroes, whatever- does not come without risk. I know I don’t have to tell you this, but this is honestly what was on my mind.”

He paused again, and you took the opportunity to speak. 

“It wasn’t so serious Miguel. Just some contusions and a few scrapes.” You tried to downplay your injuries, but realized that was the wrong move as Miguel’s expression hardened.

“Maybe to you, __. But what if it hadn’t just been some “contusions and scrapes?” What if those thugs had broken your ribs, or given you a serious head injury and left you unconscious or…or worse?”

Though you knew he didn’t mean to sound condescending, a part of you couldn’t help but feel like Miguel doubted your abilities. This irritated you, and you scoffed, arms folded across your chest defensively.

“What, you actually think I would’ve let that happen? Shows just how much faith you have in me huh?”

Miguel’s stare narrowed once more. “You know that’s not what I meant, __.”

“Well that’s what it sounded like, Miguel.” You missed his visible wince at the emphasis you put on his birth name. 

Sighing, you stood, moving to the sink to rinse your dishes, then placing them in the empty dishwasher. Turning back to Miguel, you approached the opposite side of the island where you now stood, leaning your upper body against it. 

“Look Gigi, I understand what you’re getting at. What we do is dangerous. But that’s why we have the abilities we do, right? I can’t say with certainty that last night was a one off occurrence. If I continue down this path, I’m sure there’ll be plenty more fights and injuries and lots more blood to accompany them. But it’s ok. I know better than to get myself killed. And I don’t do this just for the fun of it. It’s my duty to protect. And it’s one I take very seriously.” 

You reached out, placing a comforting hand on Miguel’s shoulder. 

“Besides, I couldn’t leave my favorite guy behind, could I?” You smile brightly at him, eyes slipping closed. Your hand instinctively moves up, gently tussling Miguel’s hair. 

With your eyes closed, you don’t see Miguel’s soft, fond smile, or the way his eyes slightly mist over. 

Your eyes open when you feel him stand to his full height, and you blink up at him questioningly. 

“Gigi?”

He doesn’t respond, instead his breathing begins to pick up, and you worry he’s on the verge of a panic attack. 

“H-hey, Gigi! Are you ok? Do you need-...”

“I love you, __.”

You freeze, your entire body taut with shock. Miguel spoke so calmly, and you can feel heat blooming in your chest. 

“Y-yeah. Love you too,” you playfully punch his arm, tone awkward. “Bro.”

Miguel grabs your hand from his arm before you can move it away, instead bringing it to rest on his chest, right over his heart. 

“No, __. I mean I love you. And I know it’s sudden, but I’ve been contemplating this for quite some time.”

He steps closer to you, releasing your hand. You unconsciously keep it on his chest, feeling the calming rhythm of his heartbeat. 

With both hands free, Miguel lifts them to cradle your cheeks,  staring into your eyes intently. 

“You’re right, I was talking to Lyla about you last night. She was trying to convince me to be honest about my feelings with you. I thought at the time, I didn’t have it in me just yet, and right then wouldn’t have been appropriate anyway. But, I’m sort of glad you did bring it up, because now I can more easily tell you how I truly feel.”

Your lips have been parted this whole time, so entranced you were by Miguel and his words. You finally move your hand, now bringing both yours up to wrap around Miguel’s wrists. 

“Miguel-...”

“Ssshh.” He playfully shushes you, repeating your words back from earlier. “Just let me finish, ok?”

You nod, waiting for him to continue. 

Once he feels you won’t interrupt, Gigi sighs, shaking his head. 

“I may have seemed calm then, but seeing you last night in the state you were in sent me into an internal state of panic I don’t think I’ve felt before. Rage also built up in me, so angry I was at the thought that someone put their hands on you in such a way.” Miguel needed to take a deep breath, as he could feel the anger beginning to creep up again. 

“But I realized it was par for the course of being a hero, and me lashing out and being irrational would do you no good.” 

At this point, Miguel backed away, guiding you towards the couch. You sat facing each other, knees bumping and eyes still locked. 

“I guess what I’m trying to say is, I know that I love you, __. But I’m so afraid to give my heart to you for fear that you’ll be snatched away from me one day. I don’t think I could handle something like that.” He placed a hand on your thigh, squeezing gently. “It would feel like a part of me was missing.”

The man choked on the last few words, and you were taken aback as tears began slowly trickling down his cheeks. Snapping out of your reverie, you quickly leaned forward, tenderly wiping the tears away with your thumbs. 

“Hey, hey. It’s ok.” You cooed. “Thank you for telling me how you feel.”

Miguel nodded, trying to meet your eyes through his tears. You smiled at him, feeling something warm and fuzzy spread through your chest. 

“To be honest with you Gigi, I…have a little crush on you myself.”

At that, the man perked up, eyes widening. “You do?”

You nodded, feeling a bit bashful now. “I wasn’t going to say anything either, for fear of how you might receive me. But, I’m so glad that now we’ve gotten the opportunity to air everything out.”

You gave him an adorably crooked grin. 

Gigi didn’t respond immediately, his eyes focused on your lips. Without making eye contact, he spoke. 

“I hope this doesn’t seem too forward, but…can I kiss you?”

You were stunned for only a moment, before that grin morphed into a genuine, warm smile. 

“Yes Gigi, you’re welcome to kiss me.”

The end of your sentence was a bit muffled by Miguel’s lips crashing into yours. The kiss was prolonged, a sensual dance of tongue and buried feelings being brought to the surface. Miguel tasted like warm spice, courtesy of his omelet from earlier, but also something dark and sweet. 

You found yourself quickly becoming addicted. 

Lips still entangled, Miguel lifted you by your waist, sliding you into his lap as he rested against the back of the couch. Your hands found themselves tangled in his messy chestnut locks, pulling slightly on instinct. 

You were surprised by the low growl that sounded from Miguel, and for a second you worried you’d done something he didn’t like. 

“Pull my hair more.”

Unwilling to displease your new beau, you did as asked, very pleasantly surprised when the kiss became more intense as a result. 

The two of you stayed that way for quite a few minutes more, each simply savoring the taste of the other. 

Eventually, you were the first to pull away, giggling as Miguel’s lips desperately followed yours. 

“Where’d you learn how to kiss like that?” You lifted a quizzical brow. 

Miguel smirked. “I’d tell you, but then you’d probably want to kill me.”

Laughing, you nodded. “Yeah, you’re probably right.”

Now sliding off of Miguel’s lap, you curled up next to him, one of his muscular arms moving to cradle you into his side. 

“Soooo…”

He hummed. “So what?”

“We’re officially dating now right?”

Miguel looked at you from the corner of his eye, smiling after a moment. “Yes __, we’re officially dating now.”

You grinned happily, placing a peppy kiss on his cheek. “Good.” 

It was quiet for a bit between you before you spoke again. 

“I love you, Miguel.”

“Yo también te amo, mi cariño.”

[katerinaaqu]

Okay so that people will not think that I am an unecessary hater here are some things that I actually liked or loved about Epic the Musical:

So everyone who knows me, I openly express my dislike on the changes of Epic the Musical (although as I say many times the music is really good, the production very passionate and I congratulate the creator for getting so much love despite the fact that I personally dislike his artistic choice on the matter)

However here's a small list of things that I actually liked very much about the musical (sorry if it gets long!)

The first two sagas:

Honestly the two sagas (Troy and Storm) were masterpieces not only song-wise but also plot-wise. The adaptation remained loose with many things being adapted for modern audiences but it was still generic to the Epic Cycle in general and Odyssey in particular. The pace of the plot was quick like the fall of Troy was, the heroes speak as if they are on the right ("tonight we shall make the Trojans pay") to encourage each other even though then the reality check falls on them. Amazing fast pace songs give their turn to a slow and dramatic one

Odysseus and Astyanax:

More specifically as a sequence on the above I really liked the way the myth was depicted and again very loosely adapted off Iliou Persis version which is the one version we know where Odysseus clearly kills the baby with his own hands by "throwing it off the walls". Even if generally I am more aligned with the version of the myth that has Neoptolemous doing it, the fact that we have the actual protagonist do the brutal act was a very good touch and I love it how he uses only that small and so under-analyzed concept and he created a very beautiful moral dilemma. The setting stone of "monster vs man" was a promising thing too (although I personally got disappointed at the actual execution of it because of the changes in storyline). The way that Odysseus knows it is the logical choice to kill the heir of Troy and it tears him apart inside is not just amazingly executed but also very much IC with Homer's Odysseus.

Full Speed Ahead:

No need for explanations here. The song was great, was keeping in touch with the original Odyssey, spirit of Odysseus on-point and the essence of it great! Although it was way too happy after the darkness of the "Just a Man" one can understand that the tension created should be released and somehow it did point out the coping mechanism of Odysseus at some parts of the Odyssey which also lead to many emotional breakdowns for Odysseus (ironically the most infamous was the one that got him to offend Poseidon in the first place)

Giving Eurylochus and Polites more lines:

Eurylochus is known for questioning the authority of Odysseus and Polites for being his best friend but in general we do not see too much of them in the Odyssey (especially Polites who only appears once as mentioned at Circe's island). Even if making Polites a bubbly token character to balance the whole emotional burden of the war was a bit too overused theme for me I didn't dislike it per se. And it was good that he plays a good balancing role there. Also generally speaking Eurylochus's character development was not bad either (daresay I liked his character development more than Epic!Odysseus! XD) because it starts from a strong but opinionated man to a basic arch-rival figure to the end part.

Which is why I was kinda disappointed that Polites was killed off at Polyphemus's cave because it seemed to me that he was there for the drama (even future scholiasts of the Odyssey do not think that Polites was in the cave at all yet alone killed in it) but again given that Polites is pretty much a clean slate character if that was like the major change of it I wouldn't necessarily mind it.

Warrior of the Mind:

The song was beautiful and it captured Athena's essence very well (minus the very much overused mind vs heart content of hers which is good that it was somehow rectified a bit with God Games given that Athena was never against emotions neither did she try to stop her champions from having them and she doesn't make separation of logic vs emotions. In fact she fires up emotions to her champions many times knowing what a helpful thing emotion is. I think he overplayed the fact that Athena encourages logic to make her "cold logic material" but that wasn't really my issue so much I mean it is just an over-used trope but it is not completely inaccurate).

It was interesting to connect the boar of Parnassus to Athena (which is again a common trope in greek mythology that gods send random tests for whoever is worthy) and how ellegedly Athena and Odysseus meet in this context. Again it has nothing to do with the original Odyssey and yet this loose adaptation of their meeting was an interesting interraction with a lot of potential and emotional connection. I also like how Athena appears more cold in her speech like "change from the way I designed you" or "don't disappoint me" which is basically a genuine trope of Athena's. Like every champion of hers that disappointed her (for example Tydeus) didn't really end up well! Which is a change I adored for the Musical adaptation

About 2.5/3 of "Remember Them"

Okay the part with the dialog with Athena had me cringing a bit but the rest of the song was a masterpiece. Odysseus saying that there is no time to bury or mourn but have time only to save themselves and remember their fallen friends afterwards is EXACTLY what Odysseus would say and encourage his men to work their backs on something to save themselves and get out of their nasty situation. Also the final 45 seconds of it with his name reveal was probably what hyped me and wanted to get into the musical in the first place (before I started disliking the changes) because it was EXACTLY how it would go down! Also the choice for Odysseus's name officially be revealed on that song was incredibly clever and very nicely chosen

So basically I would only remove the dialog with Athena there given how it just didn't do justice in my head to the extremely complicated situation that led to him revealing himself. I also felt that the line "let's grab the sheep and away we go" was a bit too hasty to show their escape given how much complicated it was but I also understand the way to keep the song going and that wouldn't be done by adding a dramatic angst in the middle. That would mean that there should be a song in-between with their escape and that the second half of "remember them" would turn into a reprise of some kind. So yeah I understand that.

How Much Longer:

That song was also amazing and again not an event that happens to Odyssey but something that perfectly aligns with the spirit of it. Having Eurylochus openly disagreeing here and Odysseus taking him to the side to talk to him, the way that Odysseus comes up with a crazy plan before to groppel upon the castle that floats in the sky etc. It was a great foreshadowing on the actual events that follow which again seem to align greatly with the Odyssey and the events of it even if that itself is not linked to the material itself.

Done For:

Again one more song that I hyped over was "Done For". Harmonies were perfect, the way that the two of them have a duet, which is something that doesn't happen before in order to signify their aligning was amazing and the way Odysseus acts like a cheeky bastard there was something I adored. (Of course got crushed with "Other Ways" hehehe but the build up till there was great. To be fair "Other Ways" till that freaking "I can't!" or the whole "seduce so you can kill him" theme which also kinda ruined it fo4 me, was also a masterpiece to me, like I mention to another post of mine it would be great if the song was to signify their intercourse). The song was a perfect adaptation of the homeric poem for modern audiences (for it doesn't include everything like Odysseus drinking the potion, Circe being terrified and in wonder that her spell doesn't work on him etc) and it keeps the essential part of their interraction making it into a great choreography (with the exceptions of the "I have to protect my nymphs!" thing but again if that was the only change they made on it I wouldn't mind it so much at all in fact it is interesting that the nymph servants of the goddess mentioned in the Odyssey make a cameo here. Would i have liked that we wouldn't get a toned down Circe and instead we got her in her gray glory? Absolutely. But like I said if that was the only thing added here i wouldn't have minded it so much. Unfortunately though it was the whole Circe misadventure that was changed so yeah for me it was potential lost but i hyped at Done For).

Chorus of the Underworld:

Like you know I am one of the exceptions that wasn't impressed by the Underworld Saga and found it brushed off however the idea to add the dead men singing and bringing more guilt to Odysseus was an idea I knew Jorge would go with and he did and it was interesting. Not only the melody of that part was really beautiful and haunting but also the impact was great (I will just choose to ignore the part of "ruthlessness is mercy" and the "klling of cyclops" because of thesame reason that I didn't like the dialog between Athena and Odysseus before the revelation of his name). I also liked the parts of Odysseus's solos but for the rest of it again I think it would be more impactful to me if the original plot was followed more faithfully.

Tiresias song was good, very good actually, as a song but as I mentioned to another post of mine, too vague, too not answering anything.

The rest felt scrapped off. I would love to see at least one or two of the interractions of Odysseus with the dead especially his mother because as I mentioned before it is of outmost importance that Odysseus knew beyond doubt that his mother didn't just die waiting, she died BECAUSE she was waiting. And that has a big difference for me. But again that is just my opinion.

Aphrodite speaking of other types of love:

Gods Games is just a not for me for many reasons but the detail of Aphrodite mentioning a mother's love intead of romantic love was a great touch and amazingly changed from the usual reoccuring pattern of romantic love or passion. It was good that her arguement was based on a mother's love and pain and ironically Aphrodite herself is a mother who has children to protect

The final part of Love in Paradise:

The rest of the song was ak-ok for me (and thank the old gods and the new that at least THIS experience of Odysseus was kept faithful to the original up to one point. I mean the sexual abuse is not touched there directly but given the leap of time and the condition Odysseus is to the final part one can expect that it did happen maybe? I am talkng only on the perspective of the listener since I do not know the background info on it). In my mind it happens and the song just dodges to addrsss it like it happened before but as I said that is only me hearing THIS specific song not any other around it or the background info of it.

But the final part where Odysseus stands at the edge ready to throw himself at the sea to his death is definitely having me "FUCKING FINALLY!" and be so happy that they kept that dark theme at least! Because I simply loved that essence of the myth in the Odyssey and it was something I can absolutely see happening myself and contemplating it as a scene when reading the Odyssey; how Odysseus might possibly make more than one attempt against his life and Calypso stopping him somehow.

The rest of the song was okay as I said before and thankfully it was touching the homeric thing (I lso liked how Jorge chose to get there by having us hear the small portions of other songs as Athena "scans" although as I said the chole concept of "my goodbye" or something just didn't align to me) but the choice was really good but as I said before it was the final part that truly got me! With the final prayer to Athena which again would be something I would SO imagine myself Odysseus would do! In fact I myself imagining him doing it many times over!

That part was probably my favorite so far and is just a few seconds! Which again makes me wish more things were like that...

~*~*~*~

Anyways I believe that concludes it so far. Generally as you know I am not a fan and no I do not have problem seeing this as "different media" or "loose adaptation" or "retelling" or whatever. It just is not my cup of tea and I it doesn't need to be (and the fact that it is so changed beyond recognition of the original is what makes me think of it of yet another average "loosely based on" holywood film material and we have had enough f those already in my opinion of course). I still adore the harmonies the music the singers and such are amazing and the passion is apparent

Is just that I just cannot stand the butchering of the story to the point of literally being easy to replace the characters names and still with the proper background buildup the story can still be told! Because it is not the Odyssey anymore.

HOWEVER

No one said that I disliked every single bit of it. This is a small sample of things that I liked and a small reasoning why. I hope that helps

[isa-ghost]

Birds of a Feather AU

General Concept

Somehow someway, following the events of QSMP, hc!Phil and o!Phil cross paths while o!Phil is in a minor crisis. Surviving on his own while searching for his parents is going,,, not well. But luckily, this "old fuck" he's encountered has seemingly infinite wisdom about life and survival, which is-- whether he wants to admit it or not --exactly what he needs.

Little do either of them know, they have strangely similar yet distinctly unique traumas, and the longer they spend time together, the more they'll start to heal each other as a sort of Mentor And Apprentice dynamic develops.

hc!Phil

Is also SMPEarth!Phil, c!Phil, and q!Phil. All lore from those SMPs apply to him. All of my qPhil headcanons also apply to him.

Typical vaguely slutty /j fanon Phil outfit. Also has his Antarctic Empire outfit, and his Quesadilla Island "vacation" outfit (a beach coverup like his robe, a sunhat like his normal hat, and a green print Hawaiian shirt.) (Hopefully I'll eventually draw that)

Trust and attachments are complicated for him. He can't help but develop them, it's only natural, but with losing Chay & Lullah so recent in his mind, the wound is raw and he's once again gone back to keeping everyone he meets at arm's length or further away. He is NOT going to be happy stumbling across o!Phil, especially when they just,, kinda become stuck with each other.

o!Phil

Obviously the cameo from Rats SMP applies to him. I might also apply Phil's cameo in ASMP to o!Phil even though that wasn't o!Phil just because they were sorta similar in personality.

Goes by Crowfather. Phil has, in Crowfather's words: annoyingly, nicknamed him "Crowley"

Basically 1:1 with his skin but like. The hot brooding fanart versions people make. Basically looks like a bougie goth aristocrat but bird. Has more actual bird traits whereas Phil is more just,, a dude with wings and bird mannerisms (perching, collecting shiny things, etc)

Is this weird equilibrium between being cold as fuck and sociable. Is an entitled snot at the worst of times and a clearly clueless, golden spoon-fed tory who doesn't know a damn thing about the real world at best. He's been forced into this position by Circumstances (his parents being MIA) and is still working through figuring out how to be an independent and actually likeable person.

Phil is teaching him the above, at least the independence part. Unlike Crowley, Phil has lived for god knows how long and that's given him tons of life experience and wisdom to pass on.

Deep inside, he's just severely hurt and traumatized. Still not a good person outside as a result, but much of the outside would change if the inside healed.

Misc Plot & Lore Stuff

Vague Plot

Phil & Crowley's Dynamic

Crowley's Character Development

[demonpiratehuntress]

steal the show

Trafalgar Law x F!Reader

summary - Based on 'Steal the Show' by Lauv. Law has seen many women before, but had never paid any attention to them. you, however, have him staring as soon as you walk into a room or when you do anything basically

warnings - none

Trafalgar Law is not a man known for being good with women. He is, in fact, not, and has never felt the need or want to be. He's never expressed interest in romance, and didn't even entertain the idea of one-night stands.

Then you came into his life and flipped it upside-down.

The whole crew notices when Law develops a crush on you, because suddenly his cheeks are just slightly more pink than they were a few seconds ago because you had just smiled at him. Suddenly his eyes are only on you when you enter a room, as if magnetically drawn to your figure.

"Captain!" You called cheerily as you slipped into his room without knocking, something he seemingly only allowed you to do.

At once, Law's eyes shot up to greet your figure. He cursed himself silently, annoyed that he would instantly gaze at your beautiful figure gracing him with your presence. You hadn't done anything to your clothes or hair, but you looked absolutely radiant and Law had to try his hardest not to blush when you gave him your sweetest smile yet.

"Happy to see me, captain?" You teased, unknowingly hitting it spot on.

"You called, (Name)-ya," he coughed, trying to keep the lovesickness out of his eyes and voice. He apparently failed, because you smiled more.

"We're approaching an island."

Suddenly, your babbling has become very interesting to Law, even if it isn't anything scientific and is actually completely useless information.

"And then Nami told me Luffy got them stuck on this sky island, and..." As you rambled on and on, Law listened intently, despite the fact that what you were saying meant absolutely nothing to him. "Sorry, captain. I must be boring you."

"And then what happened?" Law asked, tilting his head slightly. He ignored your comment, because you could never bore him.

You were surprised, but smiled again and then launched into an even longer explanation of the Straw Hats exploits in Thriller Bark, as told to you by Robin. But then your smile faltered a little, and Law frowned.

"What's wrong, (Name)-ya?"

You sighed, "Robin's so smart and so pretty. Just your type." You thought you'd murmured the last part, but Law heard it. Before he could question you or say anything, you excused yourself.

And Law wanted to so badly stop you and tell you that you're his type, but he was frozen, unsure what to actually do.

Law can't help it. He's never had a crush on anyone before. He's never been in love before. This is completely new to him, but somehow because it's you, he feels okay with it.

But he's afraid to tell you.

He tried to bring it up in another conversation you had with him a few days after you'd said Robin was his type, but he was interrupted by Bepo coming to get you to finally teach him how to make cookies shaped like him, just like you'd promised. And Law watches you go, pained by the fact that he can't tell you how he feels.

So he asks the bear for help.

And a few days later, he finally gathers up the courage to follow Bepo's plan and invite you to a private dinner in his room, set up and arranged by Shachi, Penguin and Bepo because Law himself had no idea what to do.

And when you walked in wearing the prettiest yellow sundress, braving the cold of the submarine just to look nice for him, Law ends up staring at you for so long that you get nervous and think he thinks you look weird. Or that he's going to reprimand you for not wearing your boiler suit. But he says something you never ever expected.

"You always manage to steal the show, (Name)-ya," he blushed as he said it, looking a tiny bit flustered, as if he couldn't believe he said it.

"Thank you, captain," you smiled at him, a blush of your own dusting your cheeks. Butterflies bloomed in your stomach, but despite your nervousness you were so incredibly happy that this was happening.

Law was thinking about what to say as you both ate. You looked so cute when you got food on your face and quickly apologised, flustered, making it hard for him to concentrate. Again, he couldn't help but stare and his heart beat wildly in his chest just looking at you.

"I want you to be mine, (Name)-ya," he finally spoke, slowly. Then his eyes widened, "Not because I think I own you-"

"It's okay, Law," you giggled, "I know what you mean. And I've always been yours."

He relaxed and smiled at that, before leaning over to kiss you sweetly. It was unlike anything you'd ever felt, and you immediately wanted more. You kissed him deeper, longer, dreading the minute you'd have to let his warm, soft lips go. It came all too soon, but he cupped your cheek in one of his hands and affectionately brushed his thumb over your warm, red cheek with a soft smile.

"Good, because I've always been yours too."

[fivestar-outlaw]

New Horizons (Park Seonghwa) (Ch. 3)

Chapter 3: Scorpions

Pairing: Park Seonghwa x Fem!Reader

Words: 3.5K+

Warning(s): insecurities and discussion of insecurities, angst, someone's rude to MC :( (None of the guys), slight hurt/comfort, dumbdumbs in love but dont realize each others feelings

A/N: Here is chapter 3. I think this one is the second hardest to write (The fourth chapter is kicking my ass rn). I'm not sure how I am feeling about this chapter? I had like three/four different ideas for it. Sooo I did a 'spin the wheel' and went with what it landed on for this lol. I feel like this is the weakest chapter but it has some charm. Regardless, I hope you all enjoy <3

Reader is implied to be living in the US bc uh TIMEZONES ARE FUCKY and i didnt realize how reliant i was on mine (PST) when looking up KST

Summary: Attempting an all-nighter while playing Animal Crossing alongside your bias, you didn't expect your turnip prices to be such a high amount... nor did you expect Park Seonghwa to actually accept your offer to sell his turnips on your island.

Series Masterlist | Navigation

"I can't tell her, Woo." Seonghwa sighed.

Wooyoung nearly ripped out his hair at the very similar phrase he has heard you tell him before. The others all groaned as they lounged around in the recording room, 10 minutes before they needed to start recording and re-recording lines for their last song on the next album.

It was now February, two months since Seonghwa figured out his feelings towards you that night you fell asleep on video call. He immediately told Wooyoung the next day he had been right and ever since then, the younger has been trying to push Hwa into confessing. He even tried assuring the older male that you most likely returned his feelings without giving away you told Wooyoung you developed a crush on Hwa just a few days before Hwa told him.

Woo's mind thought back to his conversation with you a week ago.

"I don't think he likes me like that, Woo. No matter how much you tell me." He heard you say with a dejected tone through the call. He had snuck away on his own during practice, having the choreography down before the others. "I mean, I met him as a fan. I don't want him to think I offered him to sell turnips for this outcome."

"I don't think he assumes any ulterior motives, (Y/N)." He said softly. "He speaks fondly of you."

"And that's another thing. He is Seonghwa. He is the super kind, very lovable, handsome, and talented guy who loves to mimic his villagers, build Legos, and is an all around great person. It's hard not to fall in love with him... and then there is me. The average looking, college student working at the local bookstore. I feel so inadequate-"

"Hey. Don't speak like that about yourself." He scolded, his tone and facial expression serious. "You are amazing. You are beautiful. You've been a great friend and we all deeply appreciate and love you."

"Sorry." You sigh. "I just... I want to believe you, but it's hard, you know?"

"I get it, I do. Just... keep thinking on it, okay?" Wooyoung smiled sadly. He could see the self-doubt was still eating at you and his words didn't fully penetrate the self-conscious wall you built up. He just hoped you'd keep holding out long enough for him to try and push Seonghwa into confessing.

"Okay, why not then?" Yuhno asked, exasperated.

"It's clear she only views me as a friend. And I am fine with that."

"You don't know that for sure, hyung." San offered a kind smile.

"Are you guys sure (Y/N) likes me like that?" Hwa gave them each a pointed look. Everyone tried arguing that it was clear to them you did, though the only one who knew for sure was Wooyoung. "I... I truly come to appreciate her and every time we speak I feel like I am falling further and further for her. She is sweet, funny, gorgeous, and I feel my heart is always about to burst when talking with her..."

"He's a love sick puppy." Yeosang teased, making everyone chuckle. The eldest's face adorned a bright blush but he made no attempt argue against the notion.

"It's adorable seeing you crush so hard on someone, hyung." Mingi cooed.

"Why not try and talk to her now? It should be..." Hongjoong looked at the time, seeing that it was nearly 10am for them. "... about 6pm for her. Try gauging her feelings for you and bring up wanting her to visit next month for her spring break."

"I don't know..." The eldest unlocked his phone and had your contact pulled up. Wooyoung immediately moved spots and sat next to Seonghwa.

"Seonghwa-hyung, just go for it. We are all here cheering you on." Jongho smiled softly and the others nodded in agreement.

"And its not like your confessing now either. We've told you the signs, now watch for them." Wooyoung added. The others decided to join in on the call, hoping to catch anything that gave away you had feelings for their friend.

Seonghwa took in a deep breath before slowly exhaling as he pressed the call button. He felt two large hands on both shoulders pat him and give a firm squeeze as he slowly extended his arm to make sure everyone could be visible to some extent. He felt anxiety building up with each ring, waiting anxiously for you to pick up.

They all smile when you finally pick up. You were sitting at your desk, adding what looked like the finishing touches of your makeup on your face. You looked at the camera with a small smile before you looked down, picking up a tube of lipstick.

"Hello boys. Usually you text me before you start a call. What's going on?" You ask, eyes flickering to the phone again before you focus on your hand mirror.

Seonghwa felt Wooyoung nudge him off camera. "I wanted to check in on you, (Y/N), and they all decided to join me."

"Aw, really?" Your face seemingly brightened at the fact and the eldest could feel Jongho on his left excitedly tap his leg.

"Compliment her, Hwa." Hongjoong hissed into his ear, a toothy grin was on his face as an attempt to mask any suspicion.

"Did one of you say something?"

"O-oh it must of cut out." Seonghwa nervously chuckled. "I said you look amazing. Is there a special occasion going on?"

You got a bit bashful and smiled, though everyone could tell it didn't fully reach your eyes. "I got asked out on a date."

Seonghwa felt like he was punched in the gut.

But his face remained soft with a smile.

"Really? Who is the person?" He asked, his voice steady.

The others eyed him in concern but did their best to mask it while on video.

"His name is Charlie. He is in my English course this semester. We worked on some in-class assignments together a few times before he asked me out today."

"I'm happy to hear. Well, we better get going. We are about get to recording." Hongjoong could pick up some shakiness in Hwa's voice. "Have fun and please periodically message me, just to give me peace of kind on your safety."

"Thank you, Seonghwa, and I will." You gave them a wave goodbye before hanging up the phone.

It was silent in the room. Seonghwa slowly lowered his arm, resting his phone and hands in his laps. The smile he had dropped just as slowly as he took in a deep, trembling breath.

"Hwa, are you okay?" Hongjoong hesitated, placing his hand on his friends shoulder.

"Yes. I'm fine, Joong." He asserted, getting up from the couch.

"Are you sure?" San asked.

Languidly, the eldest turned to face the rest. Their breaths caught in their throats. His eyes were full of tears, his lips were quivering as he still maintained his smile.

"I told you guys I am just a friend to her. And I will be fine with that." He sniffled, one tear rolling down his cheek. He hastily wiped his cheek with the back of his hand. "Please, lets drop it and get work done today."

"Of course, hyung." Yuhno spoke with a comforting voice and stood up, wrapping an arm around the older males shoulders. "Lets grab some waters together." Carefully, the taller of the two led Hwa out of the room. The second the door closed, everyone exhaled.

"Maybe...Maybe we were wrong." Jongho mumbled.

"No we weren't." Wooyoung insisted, pulling out his phone.

"Wooyoung-" San tried to speak but the younger male kept talking.

"We weren't! (Y/N) told me herself she likes Seongwa!" The others watched as he called you, pressing speakerphone.

The phone rung a few times when they hear the line click.

"It's just me, (Y/N)." Woo gave the others a look to be quiet. "What was that? What do you mean date?"

"Exactly that, Youngie." You sighed, your voice sounding as if it lacked any confidence.

"But you like Seonghwa... You love him."

"... I do." The others in the room looked at each other in shock, their eyes wide.

"Then why did you agree to the date, (Y/N)?"

There was a moment of tense silence before you spoke again, starting your sentence off with a sniffle.

"Because I can't logically believe he likes me the same way. He just see's me as a friend and I just feel so inadequate to be on any level with him." You faltered. "I don't have any particular feelings for Charlie but I... I just wanted to try to get over loving Hwa."

"(Y/N)..."

"I need to get going Woo. I'll... message you tomorrow." Before he could say anything more you hung up.

The room was just as tense as before. No one knew what to say. Wooyoung pressed his lips tightly together as he kept his own tears at bay. When they heard the door open everyone else started getting up and getting ready to start recording. Seonghwa looked to have calmed down. Wooyoung refused to look at his oldest hyung until he could calm down.

---

After the video call with Ateez and the call with Wooyoung, you decided to try to to push any negative thought aside and finish getting ready. You put together a outfit that wasn't too fancy but still looked nice. You styled your hair the way you liked most for things like this. Overall, despite the heavy heart, you felt cute. You left your place with an Uber, figuring you may have something alcoholic to drink, with enough time to get to the restaurant on time, sending a message to Seonghwa letting him know you were heading there...

You glanced at the clock on your phone for the umpteenth time. It had been an hour since your uber dropped you off at the restaurant, 50 minutes since you were sat down at a table, and 35 minutes since that sinking feeling in your gut that you had been stood up started kicking in.

You sighed dejectedly as you finished paying for the meal you ordered. You may have been stood up but you weren't going to let that stop you from a nice meal. Luckily your waitress was kind and nobody paid you much mind. You felt that any pity sent your way would make you feel worse.

You slowly walked outside the restaurant, your phone out as you get ready to order another uber, when you heard loud cackling. Your head turned to the left and just a few cars down in the parking lot was Charlie in a car full of people. They were all laughing and looking at you.

It felt like a bucket of ice water was poured over you.

Ignoring them and the button to confirm the uber, you started walking in the direction of your apartment. You needed to get away. You could feel your chest tightening with humiliation and panic.

"Oh come on, (Y/N). It was a joke!" You heard Charlie yell but you just kept walking. You heard the car roar with life and could hear from their rolled down window various jokes directed at you.

They all cackled and decided that was enough teasing. Charlie then nearly squealed his tires as he drove away. The tears you kept at bay finally spilled over. You hiccupped as you glanced down at your phone. It was 8pm for you, which meant it would be around noon for him.

You didn't think, really. You just knew you needed to hear his low toned, comforting voice. You opened your phone and immediately dialed Seonghwa, pressing your cell to your ear as you walked back to your place. You felt pathetic but you knew you needed to speak to someone or else you would be a sobbing mess if you were left to stew.

---

It was lunch time in the canteen area at KQ when Seonghwa heard his phone ring. His brows furrowed when he saw your name on the screen. He finished his last bite and quickly wiped off any possible crumbs on his hands with a napkin.

"Didn't she leave for her date like an hour ago?" Mingi tilted his head, everyone else had a confused look.

Seonghwa pressed the green answer button and raised his phone to his ear.

"(Y/N)?" His voice with smooth and low. "You're calling me so soon-"

"Seonghwa..." He heard your voice trembling, making him freeze. His face must of gave away to the others something was wrong, as they stared at him intently.

"Hold on, (Y/N). Let me go somewhere private." He quickly got up fron his seat and wasted no time getting into the hallway where there were less people. "What's wrong? Did something happen?"

"I-I got stood up." You sniffled.

"What?"

"I sat there for an hour looking like a fool. And then... And then I went to leave and I saw him outside in his car with his friends." Seonghwa could feel his blood start to boil with anger. "They laughed at me. They made fun of me." He could hear you take in a shuddering breath.

"Where are you now?"

"I'm walking home..."

"How long until you get back?"

"Maybe... Maybe 10 or 15 more minutes?"

"Stay on the phone with okay? I want to make sure you get home safe." He needed to take deep breaths to stay calm. In the corner of his eye he saw the others leave the canteen, though they stayed back, giving him and you some privacy.

"I just don't get what I did wrong to-"

"You did nothing wrong, (Y/N). Don't start blaming yourself for some asshole's behavior." He glanced to his friends, feel a pinch of confidence. "You are a wonderful person. It's his loss."

There was silence for a moment.

"Did I interrupt work?" You asked in a small voice.

"No, I was just finishing lunch. Did you eat?"

"I had something small after I realized he wasn't showing up." Hwa felt some relief when he heard your voice getting steady. "I'll probably have some ice cream when I get home."

"It better not be mint chocolate chip." He joked and smiled when he heard you giggle. "You really did look amazing, by the way. You should send me and the group chat any selfies if you took any. I'm sure the others would like to see the full look."

"Really?" Your voice was meek.

"I would never lie to you... You truly look beautiful. You always do."

"Thank you, Hwa. I really needed to hear that, especially from you." He could hear your voice tremble again.

"Don't start crying because of me, jagiya." He gently teased, the petname slipping out seamlessly.

"Where are the others?"

"They are watching me down the hallway I'm in." He looked over and saw that they were still there. Wooyoung, San, and Jongho kept their eyes on him while the others were looking at their phones, occasionally looking back at the eldest.

"Am I keeping-"

"I want to be talking with you. They can all wait." Seonghwa huffed, which pulled a giggle from you. He was glad he was able to get you to cheer up, even if it was a miniscule amount. "They are very concerned for you though."

"You can tell them what happened. Woo will bug me when he can until I tell him."

"He is good at that isn't he?"

"Too good." You snort.

There was another moment of silence before Hwa spoke again.

"How close are you to home?"

"Uh..." You pause. "I'm pretty close. I'm passing the park thats nearby. I'll probably be there in two minutes."

"Good." He hummed. "I'm glad you called me."

"Really?"

"Yes, really. Besides enjoying the sound of your voice, I am glad you felt comfortable enough during this vulnerable time to reach out to me. It warms my heart."

"I'm glad you answered."

"For you? Always. Well, unless I am on stage or Joong is lecturing us." He couldn't help but beam when he got you to laugh again.

"I see my apartment. I'm walking up to the door now." Hwa heard your keys jingle in your hand. "I'll let you go now. Thank you for everything, Hwa."

"It wasn't a problem at all. I'll check in on you when I have the time okay?"

"You don't have to." He faintly heard you unlocking the door and then heard the door close.

"I want to." He smiled. "Get comfortable, have that ice cream, and smile for me okay, (Y/N)? I'll talk to you soon. Have a goodnight in case you fall asleep."

"Have a good rest of your day, Hwa." There was a lingering pause before you ended the call.

Seonghwa let out a deep sigh, his face dropping into a scowl as he pocketed his phone. The rest of Ateez took that as a sign to approach him. They nearly froze when they saw the angry look on his face.

"I'm going to need one of you to stop me from buying plane tickets right now." Hwa muttered.

"What happened?"

"Why are you so upset?"

"Is (Y/N) okay?"

Were questions all asked at the same time.

"Let's get back to the recording studio first." Hongjoong offered. It took a lot of restraint for them to not run down the hallways.

The second that door closed to the studio, everyone turned to look at Seonghwa, who still looked pissed off. He sat down on the couch staring past the glass that viewed the recording booth. He needed to take a moment to calm himself down.

"Did something happen to our dear (Y/N)?" Wooyoung sat next to the older male, looking at him with desperate eyes.

"She called me crying, saying her date stood her up." Seonghwa finally spoke. Everyone let out shocked noises and some curses. "That's not even the worst of it. She said he and his friends were waiting for her to come outside to make fun of her."

Wooyoung pulled out his cellphone. "I'm buying you and I plane tickets."

"Count me in, I want to beat that guys ass for making her upset." San sat on the other side of Seonghwa.

Hongjoong quickly snatched Wooyoung's phone.

"Hey-!"

"You won't be making a spontaneous trip to her place and you all are definitely not going off to fight this guy." He said, using his captain voice.

"Come on, hyung. It'll be worth it." Jongho tried bargaining but quickly stopped at the look he got from their leader.

"Seonghwa." Seonghwa's attention was on Hongjoong's face after he called his name. "You already did most of your recording today. Unless you want to hang out with those who still need to record and need to re-record, or do some choreography practice with Yuhno, you should head back to the dorm and spend some time with (Y/N)."

"Thank you, Joong." Seonghwa smiled and gathered his belongings.

"We want to spend time with her too." Wooyoung whined.

"Too bad. You're assisting Yuhno after you re-record your lines." The eldest male smiled at his friends playful banter as he left the room.

He quickly fished out his cell and called you as he walked down the hallway. He was heading to his managers office to get home. He wasn't entirely sure if he had the confidence to confess right now, nor did he want to spring on a confession to you after the night you had... but he wanted to let you know he would be there for you. That he would never let you feel less than or alone. That stupid guy lost his chance and Hwa wanted to be the one treasure you. He was going to confess and tonight would be the start to his plan to do so.

"Seonghwa?" Your voice sounded confused when you quickly answered.

"Hongjoong is giving me the rest of the day off. Do you want to watch a movie with me? Or we can play Animal Crossing? Whatever you want, I want to do it with you." He took in a deep breath. "I'll even pick up mint chocolate chip ice cream and we can eat it together."

You laughed. "Sure, I would love that."

There was a pause in the conversation. Seonghwa was now waiting in front of the manager's office.

"I have a question for you, (Y/N)." He wanted to wait for later to ask his question but Seonghwa felt he had the confidence to ask now.

"What is it?"

"You said you took time off work for your spring break next month, right?"

"Yes, I have the Friday before that week off to Monday after it. Why do you ask?"

"Come visit me." He was shocked he got it out.

"What?"

"Come to Korea and visit me. I'll help pay for the flight and you can stay with us at the dorm. Is the issue with your passport?"

"My passport is fine." You sighed and took a moment before speaking again. "Are you sure, Hwa? Are the others okay with that? What about-"

"Everything will be fine. The others, our manager, and I have already discussed this in length and will probably want to discuss with you later."

"Well..." You didn't speak, which had Seonghwa feeling rejection would soon follow. "I would love to."

"...Is this a yes?"

"Yes it is." You chuckled. "I've been actually thinking of planning a visit after I graduate in May, but honestly, the sooner the better."

"Make sure to message the others about this, they'll be so happy." He smiled, unable to hide his excitement. "I am about to leave the office here soon. I will call you when I am back at the dorm."

"Get back safely."

"Of course. I will talk to you soon."

"And- Fuck!" You swore loudly.

"Is something wrong?" Worry seeped into his veins at how your voice sounded.

"I got stung by scorpion while island hopping."

Taglist: @stopeatread@hee0soo@pocketjoong-reads@seonghwaddict@tridkeys