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fleckcmscott · 4 years ago

Text

Out of Sight

Summary: Y/N has an unexpected dash of inspiration. Arthur doesn't require much convincing.

Warnings: Swearing, Smut

Words: 4,221

A/N: This fun little request comes from @sweet-nothings04. You're wonderful and I hope this meets your expectations. Thanks for the request - I can't imagine ever writing this without it! 🙈 Special thanks to @jokerownsmysoul for agreeing to beta!

If you have any thoughts or questions, please comment, feel free to message me, or send me an ask. Requests for Arthur and WWH are open!

Words didn't often fail Y/N, but the admission left her foggy, reminiscent of what she'd experienced after tipping over in a wheelbarrow race at a school fair. Her foot swung back and forth as she sat on the counter. Fiddled with the phone cord and twisted its beige, plastic curls around her fingers. Were there signs she'd missed? Was her gut right in insisting she was a terrible friend?

"Marriage counseling?" she repeated.

Arthur stopped filling his bowl with sandy, pecan cookies, alarm encroaching his features. She waved off his concern, mouthing "not us" before she spoke into the receiver. "I'm so sorry." With a grimace of understanding, he patted her knee and ducked out, sweets in hand. No doubt he'd ask her to elaborate. Not that she had anything to share. Not yet. "I had no idea you and Robert were having problems."

Patricia laughed lightly on the other end. "Neither of us have our bags packed." A whistle came from the background. Vague cheering. Then mild cursing about how terrible this season's Gotham Guardsmen's picks were. She sighed. "The little green monster's dropped-in since your wedding. Don't get me wrong. I couldn't be happier for you if you were my own sister."

Y/N wished Patricia was within arm's reach instead of all the way in Burnside.

"Next month we'll have been married thirty-five years," Patricia continued with a rare nostalgia. "We're a team, Robert and me. But we've both let things go, gotten old. I'd like the spark back before we lose the kindling."

Pursing her lips, Y/N bit back her qualms. Rebutting the steps Patricia had taken was uncalled for, and doubly so when she needed her support. Besides. Y/N understood them. She'd climbed them once, too.

When she'd begun to figure out the direction in which the weather vane of her life pointed, the comfort and confidence she'd shared with her ex-husband had started to wither. Transformed over the years into an awareness that her childish belief in love being enough was inaccurate. It was natural, she thought in hindsight. They'd wed at seventeen and twenty-one. But divorce had been uncommon back then, particularly in a small town in the Bible Belt. The night she'd moved in with a friend (a tactic to delay confessing defeat to her family), Jeff suggested they speak with a professional. Though her heart had known it was over, she cared for him. She couldn't deny them the chance to salvage their union, no matter how remote.

A solitary counselor was available, a disadvantage of rural living. The man claimed to be a pioneer in couples therapy, having begun his practice in the thirties. One forty-five-minute drive later and they'd found themselves squished into a leather loveseat in a smoky, cramped office. Diplomas and certificates covered the walls, the veracity of which she couldn't verify. Dr. Ellis's puffy pink cheeks and offer of sweet tea had been kinder than his approach.

Fountain pens and worksheets were provided with the mumbled instruction to answer honestly. But the questions had not fit her situation. They were for women who desired to be happy homemakers. To plan meals and do the weekly shopping. To nurse children and have dinner ready by six. Responsibilities and life stages that had given her mother purpose - a purpose that mostly eluded Y/N. Every comma and quotation mark inferred fault. And Dr. Ellis had read her responses like a disappointed teacher.

Somehow the filmstrips, accompanied by a crackling LP, were worse. Mr. Provider and Mrs. Housewife were featured. He consistently came home on time. She always wore an apron. The narrator's spiritless voice contrasted with the cheery soundtrack while matching Y/N's mood. A lively ping! cued them to advance to the next still, a duty switched between her and Jeff to practice teamwork. At least the sidelong looks they shared could still connect them.

The slides, the homework, the speeches. They all pointed to one problem: her. Her parents were a model couple. Didn't she know encouraging her husband in his livelihood was her job? That his main obligation was to invite her to share his success? She had to mend her ways. Make herself more attractive. Be grateful he displayed his affection by returning to her after a long day at the office; he could just as easily hang out at The Rusty Boot.

Not a little indignant, she'd stared at Jeff's profile. Downcast eyes betrayed his regret and assured she'd maintain composure, for his sake if nothing else. She fixed her focus on Dr. Ellis and gave the situation a good, long think. Jeff had never questioned her ambitions. Who the hell was this jackass to judge?

She'd covered Jeff's hand, rubbed his knuckle with her thumb. "You're the expert here, doctor. But isn't it possible neither party is at fault?"

"Mrs. Thompson, I've heard that misconception from many of my clients. It's never led anywhere positive. Now-"

"But what if they're both good people?" she interrupted, hanging onto diplomacy by a thread. Her resolve stayed, even as her volume lowered at the prospect of wounding the man she'd loved as a girl. "Good people who've grown apart?"

Dr. Ellis took what she'd learned was his usual position on the corner of his cherry desk. "You're mistaking natural sex differences for incompatibility. Not every husband allows his wife to work outside the home." His paternal smile hadn't diminished the sting of his words. "If you want your marriage to thrive, I'd advise a little more maturity. And I think I have just the book to help you."

Twenty tons of silence festered on the ride home, louder than the pulse beating her eardrum. Distress distracted her from noticing the run in her stockings. And it was drizzling. She cracked the passenger window of the Lincoln Continental, anyway. Closed her eyes at the bite of raw air against her overheated face.

"Look, I don't agree with what that guy says," Jeff started. He pulled at the gearshift and flicked the turn-signal. "Not when it comes to you."

As the car came to a stop, she swiped at her eyes. "I'm not going again." The press of a napkin to her palm prompted a mix of appreciation and annoyance. For his courtesy and that he'd detected her tears. "Do you even like being married to me?"

"Y/N-"

"Please." She flinched at his attempt to embrace her. "Don't spare my feelings."

Headlights from a passing car flashed in the cabin, revealing his stretched lips. He raked back his thinning hair. The quiet shake of his head when he moved to gaze at her was a relief. "I miss the girl I fell in love with."

She offered a slight shrug and pulled the corners of the tissue. "I don't like it, either."

His rapid blink softened her posture, along with the recognition that the dream they'd had was also out of reach for him. "I'm proud of the woman you've become," he said. "Even if she's not what I need."

"I don't want to be a lawyer's wife." A quiet laugh bubbled up. "The oral arguments are terrible."

He checked his blind spot and put the sedan back into drive. "I'll file the papers tomorrow. We can tell your parents and sister together. If you'd like." After some seconds, she'd slid across the bench seat and put her head on his shoulder, heartened by an affinity she'd nearly forgotten.

Counseling techniques must have evolved, Y/N considered. Perhaps Patricia would find help instead of blame. If not, tips in women's magazines were a tacky if economical alternative. She'd have to check the breakroom at work for forgotten issues.

She hopped off the counter and poured herself another cup of decaf. "Let me know if we can do anything. And how it goes."

"The first few sessions were great. I picked up a few booklets. 'Modern Marriage,' 'The Complete Woman...' Oh!" Paper shuffled as Y/N put back the milk. "'Enrichment & Exploration: Tips for Bedroom Fun.' I tried reading it with Robert the other night, but he left when I mentioned massagers and blindfolds."

"He's sixty," Y/N snorted. "Give him time."

Peeking around the corner, she spotted Arthur in his writing nook. He stood to stretch, then grab his lighter and pack of Stuttons. The low sit of his pajama bottoms was enough of a temptation for her to tuck her lip. An unexpected spasm tickled her abdomen. "Brief me on the blindfold chapter."

~~~~~

Nervous anticipation had kept her feverish for hours, ever since she'd bid farewell to Arthur with a "Save a smile for me" on her way out the door. His clumsy smooch lingered as she changed the date on her rubber stamp. While she cleaned the office refrigerator, she spent a good sixty seconds pressing a cup of expired yogurt to her flush cheeks. When the shoulder strap of her canvas bag gave out, she shrugged rather than cursed and settled the tote in her lap. With her plan in mind, the corners of her lips refused to relax .

After working the grand opening of the Gotham Mall, Arthur had the workshop she'd registered him for, a beginners' seminar for stand-ups. He'd be home right around six. That would give her thirty minutes to change into her mini nightdress with the ruffled hemline, dab musk oil behind her earlobes, and put on an LP. Dinner would be delayed - neither of them would be in the mood if they were too full. If she remembered correctly, they had a pizza in the freezer, the good kind with the real pepperoni and rising crust. She just had to figure out if she should wait in the bedroom or lounge on the sofa like a poor-man's Lauren Bacall.

As she unlocked the apartment, however, there came a muffled phomp-phomp-phomp. The unmistakable sound of a sink plunger. Fuck. This was the third time this month. Pushing through the door, she hoped the super had called a different plumber. It had taken ages to clean up the stray sediment left behind by the last one. Upon entering, Arthur's plaid bag came into view, next to his keys on the counter. A glance into the kitchen confirmed he was trying his hand at the repair.

"Hey." Y/N hung her coat, glad her consternation was hidden by the wall. "What happened to your class?" she asked with deliberate playfulness. "Did they decide you were too advanced?" She crossed her arms and moved to the doorway. Tried to hold onto the tendrils of fading arousal by taking him in.

A pleased chuckle. "The instructor left a message." Phomp-phomp-phomp."It'll be rescheduled."

"I know you were looking forward to it." The rolled-up sleeves of his shirt and flexing biceps were having the right effect. She ambled towards him. "Let me help."

"It's fine. I had to do this a lot at my old place." The set of his jaw tightened as it gave it another go.

They went through the litany of usual questions. Arthur contently reported the mall had gone well, except for a couple of teenagers who'd given him grief at the start. ("Nothing serious. They were just kids.") Her nine-to-five had been quite low-key, she explained, and had allowed her to catch-up on a backlog of paperwork. ("With the new judge, we keep having to file motions for correction.") But when he asked about this evening, she mused and tapped her fingertips on the counter. Horny, annoyed at her thwarted plan, yet nevertheless itching to seduce him

Water streamed as he turned the faucet's handle, followed by his satisfied hum. He tidied up, then washed to his elbows. Grabbed the nearby dish towel and pivoted on his heel to face her. "What is it?" he asked at her lack of response. He wiped his hands a little harder. "I thought you'd be glad I'm already here."

Seeking to allay his concern, she scooted next to him with a gentle nudge. "You know I am. You've been running through my head all day." She scrunched her nose. "I just had this idea for a romantic evening and wanted to surprise you."

"Oh." Pink colored his chiseled cheekbones and his eyes softened. "You still could. I'd like that." Ardor sparked anew in her belly. Unfurled as he leaned into her, grin cutting across his mouth and straight into her heart. "Would ten minutes be enough?"

Her toes curled. His enthusiasm for her, for them, had a habit of sending electricity up her spine. "Better make it eight," she pronounced.

A sharp nod and a pat to her bottom later, he dashed off. Once the bathroom door shut, Y/N rushed to rummage in his workbag, delighted when she found her prize. She scurried to the stereo and put on one of her soul records. Adjusted the volume to a suggestion instead of distraction. Though the genre wasn't his favorite, it never failed to induce the swivel of his hips. Unbuttoning, unzipping, she made her way to the bedroom. Yanked off her tan skirt and jacquard sweater before carelessly tossing them in the nearby chair.

She'd just gotten settled on the foot of the bed when Arthur sauntered in. Clad in his white briefs and wrinkled socks. "That was five," she said and wadded her pantyhose to hurl at him.

He dodged it easily, stepping forward to gaze at her with hooded eyes, their clear green darkened with need. He licked his lips. "I think it was four." Without further preamble, he knelt between her legs. Scrambling up the bed, she kicked subtly against his hold on her calves. Bit her lip on a giggle as he crawled over her lap to smother her with kisses. She rested on the headboard and nabbed his red and gold Carnival tie from under her pillow.

He quirked a dark brow. "What, you want me to wear it?"

Before any reservation could resurface, she smoothed the broad neck of the tie over her eyes and secured it loosely at her temple. Hesitation floated through the air. Threatened to pierce the veil of desire that enveloped her. She wondered what he was waiting for. If he was wearing that wolfish grin he saved for the bedroom. Or if a modicum of anxiety had spawned. She had sprung this on him without prior discussion. The muffled music from the living room switched to the next song. She attempted to peek under the bottom of the makeshift blindfold, tried to make out more than a vague shadow in the muted light.

But then he sunk into her. Wrapped his arms around her shoulders and pressed her into the mattress. "If you're uncomfortable, tell me," he murmured into her mouth. "Please."

The implication of his request, albeit more loving than licentious, wracked her with want. She couldn't halt her shudder. Blindly, she reached to cup his face. "I trust you," she promised. To both him and herself.

His round nose dragged down the underside of her jaw. "Where'd you get this idea?"

The caress of his smile on the crook of her neck caused a delicious heaviness to settle in her center. "A pamphlet."

"On what?" He tugged at the knot between her ample breasts. Fondled her through the thin satin. "How to make your husband high-strung?"

She carefully skimmed the rigid bulge in his briefs with her knee. "It was actually on how to loosen him up," she retorted. He always loved it when she paraphrased one of his jokes.

Every hushed kiss, every whisper of him against her flesh was magnified. Forced her to concentrate solely on him, to pay attention to each move he made. His humid, hot breath teased her nipple, prompted it to pebble with a twinge. When she released an embarrassingly desperate whimper, he snorted lightly and slipped his palm to the middle of her back. Following his lead, she arched into him. His soft curls brushed her as he laved her areola, swirled his tongue around it, her skin coming alive at the contact. Weathered hands that had so eagerly learned how to touch her groped her neglected breast, rolled its peak between slender, nimble fingers. She fisted the pillow, tipped her head, and grasped his shoulder with a cry. "Arthur..."

Getting her going usually wasn't difficult. Especially when she'd been thinking about making love for an inappropriate number of office hours. But the suspense of not seeing where he'd next pet her, of every caress being a discovery, had her core already pulsing for him. The intrigue was a treat. The best case she'd ever worked on. His strokes walked a path to every clue.

His fingertips skimmed her inner thighs. Groaning, he hooked them under the waistband of her bikini, tugged until she lifted her rear. He pulled them off hastily. With a gentle pressure, he encouraged her to open herself to him. She did so gladly, splaying her legs without a hint of self-consciousness. The relatively cool temperature of the room hit her hot, swollen folds and she quivered.

Then there was an odd sensation at her clit. Scratchy. Rough like a canvas. And was that a corner? After a few seconds it was clear it wasn't doing it for her. And she didn't think Arthur was trying to wipe away her slick. Reaching down, she found a twisted bedsheet in his fist. She was relieved he hadn't run to the kitchen for ice.

"Not good?" he asked.

She softened the blow. "You feel better."

The pad of his thumb trailed over her patch of springy hair, a faint tease that sent a dizzying current racing through her limbs. She strove towards him but he didn't oblige. Rather, he took her hand and placed it on her labia. Guided her to dip within her inner lips. A short moan left her, at the sensation and the sound of his increasingly labored breathing, tinged by his deep voice. "You look like sex," he blurted.

Laughing, she halted. Whenever something brazen spilled from his mouth, however left-footed, she adored it. She clasped his sides. "What does that mean?"

"If I'd seen you in a magazine," he started, moving to settle over and straddle her. His hard-on grazed her abdomen, leaving a damp trail of his arousal in its wake. Even as she wondered when he'd taken off his underwear, her muscles tensed and she gasped. Playful pecks met her cleavage. "You'd be pasted on every page of my journal."

Her reply slipped out before discretion could take hold. "We better buy a Polaroid." A stitch of reluctance before she added, "Just keep them in your desk."

He uncurled her fingers and pressed her palm to his chest. "Touch me," he whispered, pleaded. Her pulse quickened. With an unhurried deliberation, he guided her over the peaks and valleys of his body. The lean pectorals she loved to nuzzle after a weary day. The freckled indent of his sternum. Downward, to the slightly loose skin around his navel, then the soft, toned curve of his abdomen.

Unable to resist, she stretched to chart the ridge of muscle leading to his groin. "You make me so wet."

He let out a bashful giggle, edged with excitement. The instant he rasped his next words against her forehead, she knew he was doing his damnedest to rival her. He pushed her hand to his erection. "You make me so hard."

She followed the bulging vein from base to tip, encircled him with a firm grip. The vibration of his harsh grunt rumbled through her and he jerked forward. Released her wrist to stroke her vulva and flick back and forth along her aching nub. Focusing on the satiny feel of his flesh, the heaviness of his length, she felt petite. Feminine. Powerful. Her hand glided between his legs, cupped the sensitive skin with care. His practiced rhythm faltered. The elbow beside her ear trembled.

While he was a captivating visual, one she missed, her imagination was determined to compensate for her lack of sight. Breathless moans spun her fantasies. Perspiration tickled her nose, woodsy and sweet, conjuring memories of his taste in her mouth. Then all at once he was inside her, going down on her, sucking at her while fucking into her. Impossible feats that nevertheless caused a fever in her brain. "Oh, god," she mewled. Her wanton writhing hastened. She ground against his thigh. "I want your cock in me."

He took hold of himself as she held herself open. The blunt tip of him slid just inside her entrance, a drop when she needed an ocean. She grabbed his hips and thrust upward, hissing as he stretched her completely. "You're fucking tight," he uttered through clenched teeth.

She smoothed her palms over his back, memorized each notch of his ribs. The odd angle of his distended shoulder. The strong tendons at the nape of his neck. He crushed her closer, until her mouth bumped his clavicle. She nibbled lightly, licked the salty sheen of sweat from its hollow, drawing her name from his lips and rapid bucks of his pelvis. "Fuck me," she said, a command and an appeal.

A creak came from above. She followed his taut arm to find he'd clutched the headboard. It occurred to her, then, that her inability to see had been liberating for him. Enough to let go of his inhibitions, to give voice to the bawdy, wonderful things he'd said, to not worry about his appearance.

She reached to swipe her clit steadily, relentlessly. Tears pricked her eyes as she became weightless. Her frame seized, and she came with a choked cry. She sniffled and laughed into his neck, overwhelmed by him. The way he made love to her as if he sought to erase her earlier trials and replace them with the present.

His throaty, punctuated groans, his fingernails digging into her ass divulged his approaching release. She ran her foot along his calf, relished in his body as its angles pressed into her. He balanced himself on his knees, snapping into her at an erratic pace. Then all at once he moaned sharply and went rigid, cock twitching. She cradled the back of his head while his essence marked her walls, closed her eyes when he sprawled on top of her.

Raking her hands through his loose waves, she swallowed thickly. Although she'd always enjoyed sex, exploring this way hadn't been conceivable with anyone else. Allowing that match to light, allowing herself to fan that flame had been unthinkable. She'd felt inadequate. Unable to live up to others' demands, especially her own. There'd been too many boxes to check. Revealing herself in that way would have been a demonstration of trust she wasn't quite ready for.

Being an established woman on equal footing with her partner wasn't something she'd believed possible. She'd been content to go without and find meaning through her work. Arthur had helped her augment that. She could be tough as old leather or delicate as gossamer without concern he'd see her differently. If expectations were left unmet, their easy discussions and compromises promised they'd never become resentments. They supported each other - authentically and as themselves.

For the first time, she knew she was loved for who she truly was. And she wouldn't have to change to keep it.

Choppy panting gradually ceased, replaced by leisurely, happy sighs. He skimmed her flank, then the curve of her hip. She tickled his midriff gently, only stopping when he reclaimed her lips and slid his tongue against hers. Tenderly, he loosened the knot at her temple. She blinked at the orange, evening light invading her eyes. When his came into focus, they were still dilated, a tad sleepy. And so full of affection her breath caught.

Cheek propped on the heel of his hand, he raised his eyebrows. "How was it?"

"You have to ask?" she chuckled, swatting his backside.

A stray lock tumbled towards her as he bent closer. "I wanna hear it."

"Wonderful." Her thighs tightened, keeping him within her. "What I've been craving all day."

His smile was a slow build, equal parts shy and deservedly smug. Then he stared at his tie. "I- I don't know if I'll ever be able to wear that again."

She snorted and looped it around his neck, secured it with a half-Windsor knot. "You're a professional, Mr. Fleck. You'll manage."

He rolled to her left and yanked open the nightstand drawer to riffle through its contents. "What else is in the pamphlet?"

"Hey!" She batted him half-heartedly, boosted herself on her elbow, and spooned him. "What if I had a surprise hidden in there?"

Undeterred, he huffed. "It wouldn't beat this."

"Patricia told me about it." He stilled and slanted his gaze her way. "I can get a copy."

At first, Y/N assumed he'd contradict her. That he wanted to keep their escapades private. But once a few seconds had passed, Arthur acquiesced with a smirk and snatched a nearby tissue. Wiped himself off and tossed it in the woven wastebasket. He reclined beside her, hands folded behind his head. "Okay. Just don't give away my whole act."

~~~~~

Tag list (Let me know if you want to be added!): @harmonioussolve @ithinkimaperson @sweet-nothings04 @stephieraptorr @rommies @fallenstarsabyss @gruffle1 @octopus-plasma @tsukiakarinobara @arthur-flecks-lovely-smile @another-day-in-chuckletown @hhandley80 @jokerownsmysoul @mrscarnival

#arthur fleck #arthur fleck fanfic #arthur fleck smut #arthur fleck x reader #arthur x female reader #arthur x ofc #joker 2019 #watchwhathappens

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danddymaro · 4 years ago

Text

Shy Guy | ((Black butler)) Snake x Reader

Pairing : ((Black butler)) Snake x Reader

Thoughts are italics in quotations = ‘Example’

Flashbacks are in italics = Example

Word Count : 1889

Shy Guy

Strange, cold chills ran down her spine as little goosebumps married the skin beneath her long-sleeved uniform. With worried eyes she glanced around, certain she'd find someone creeping about, but finding nothing out of place.

No bard.

No Finny.

No squabbling Mey-Rin walking around either.

Heck, not even Sebastian himself was there to chide her for standing around instead of doing her work.

Logically, she knew there was nothing to be afraid of or be paranoid about for that matter. Despite that, there was a feeling of being watched and stalked, and it made her skin crawl.

A feeling of being preyed upon made her want to bolt out of the manor, or at the very least find a good space to hide in for the time being, all until everyone else came back home to make her feel safe yet again.

“Paranoid...just paranoid.” She muttered with an uneasy tone. “I'm just paranoid and everything is fine,” She said softly, trying to comfort herself.

She tried to put logic behind her fears, attempting to justify the unease she felt with harmless little facts.

For one, The manor was huge and relatively new to her and that was enough to make her feel uneasy, or, anyone for that matter.

'So, of course, I'd feel uneasy,' She told herself smiling crookedly.

There was also the fact that everyone was gone, which again, would make anyone feel uneasy.

Everyone else had gone out for a very small picnic, something quite sensible for someone as wealthy as their earl, but it had been per request of the young lady Middlefield. And of course, (f/n) had been invited, just as the other workers had been, but she had graciously declined.

She offered instead to take care of the manor, going on with regular chores than to attend the little event.

It wasn't that she didn't like lady Middlfold, because she was considered a very sweet and kind, little gem in the (h/c) haired young woman's eyes. However, when (f/n) thought of all the involuntary dress up games she had been forced to partake in, the young maid decided she could go without a break.

She then brushed off her paranoia with a shaky smile, attempting to focus more on her work instead, all while a pair of golden eyes peered at her from the doorway, staring wide and unblinking at her movements.

She took a heavy breath before letting a light hum leave her, echoing in the near-empty kitchen as she looked down at the dirty dishes, washing the undoubtedly expensive dishes with as much care as she could.

One by one she began to put them up and finally came to the last piece,

“A plate alone would be more than my own life,” she chuckled. “Besides Mr. Michaelis doesn't seem like one to let something like a few broken plates go by unnoticed. The man is almost like a demon...” she muttered to herself.

‘ A demon,’ She mused, ‘ What am I thinking,’ She added , actually giggling and feeling lighthearted due to her silly, little idea.

Far away, the former Noah's ark member bit his lip, attempting to calm the rather uncomfortable feeling rising from the pit of his stomach. Silently, Snake continued to spy on her from behind the wall, peeking at her through the open door space.

He stared at her with all of his focus, entranced by the slow rock of her body as her hips lightly swayed left and right.

They moved in slow, intriguing movements, making his tongue go dry, a small shutter racking up his entire body as he glowed pink.

The sound of her voice bounced off the walls in a soft melodic tune as she hummed her gentle tune, making his stomach bubble, fizzing up.

Tightly clutching the edge of the doorway, he swallowed a large lump stuck in his throat, mustering up every bit of courage he could wring out before he approached her with little, timid steps.

He practically shook with every step he took, silently moving across the room, reaching her within the span of a short minute.

He'd never been so close, always shying from her whenever she so much as looked at him, something he desperately tried to overcome, because he really, really liked her.

Everything about the woman was making him feel lightheaded, especially her scent.

She smelled wonderful, sweet and alluring like a little patch of pretty wildflowers.

Swallowing hard, he balled up his fists and placed a shaky hand onto her shoulder, mindlessly giving it a short squeeze to try and pull through the action,

'All or nothing,' He told himself, taking in the advice of the chirpy, little blonde male who'd easily caught on to his dilemma and was rooting for him.

“Aah-” before he could say anything more than a sound she swung a large pan at him, effectively shutting him down and making him see nothing but a world of black and silence.

The loud sound rang, the power of her swing full of determination to lay the intruder down.

"- Wait," She breathed, the tight hold of the pan's handle loosening before it fell completely, realizing what she'd done.

"Snake!" she exclaimed as she cried out in horror, running to where he had landed, the poor man nearly splattered onto the wall.

“Oh no ... I'm so sorry !” she cried out in worry. “I'm so so so so so sorry!” She frantically repeated over and over as she pressed her clasped hands to her heaved chest.

Falling to her knees, she gingerly picked up his upper body, almost cradling him like a newborn in her hold.

His head rolled back, and limply his body hung from her hold like a cooked noodle, causing her (e/c) colored eyes to moisten,

“I really didn't mean it,” she said whispering to him, feeling truly sorry for having hurt the poor guy.

The poor thing didn't even get a single word in before she swung at him, and it made her feel worse knowing that he would have never approached her unless he needed something.

'He finally comes up to me willingly... and I attack him,' She thought with dismay.

Gently, her fingers ran over the right side of his face where she had hit him with the bottom flat portion of the pan, noticing it was already bruising, his paper-white toned skin so sensitive it was already purple.

“Poor baby…” she said sighing.

"I should move you somewhere more comfortable," She delicately spoke, struggling to carry him, grunting at the exerting force before she realized it was a task she wouldn't be able to do alone.

"You're a little too heavy," she said to his unconscious body, deciding to lay him down instead, having no choice.

Biting her lip she then fluffed down her long skirt before placing his head on the cushion of her thighs, deciding that it was better than just leaving him laid sprawled on the floor.

Just then, a little snake peeked out from behind his ear, causing her to lightly jump before she stiffened, afraid of the scaly beast.

It's little, black eyes then landed on her, his tiny tongue peeking out to present it to her as he released a little, harmless hiss, something she found to be oddly intriguing, and overall cute.

Shakingly, she inched her index close to it, her finger's pad gently trailing over its tiny head,

'Oh ... wow,' She thought to herself, the stiffness in her muscles dispersed, "You're kind of cute," she mused, watching as the little creature coiled around her finger, no sign of malice detected from her part as she watched him explore her, soon finding his way into her empty apron's pocket.

"I'm glad I didn't hurt you," She said to the serpent, chuckling softly, finding a strange little fondness for the beast. “Can’t say the same for your friend,” she added before sighing with upset.

It was a couple of minutes before the man that lay on her lap even moved, the young maid eyeing him with expectancy as he came to.

Upon waking, the sweet smell of daisies was the first welcome he had to the world, smelling it instantly before he had peeled his eyes wide open, recognizing the smell.

His head ached as he woke up, blinking several times to get used to the lighting above him, slowly adjusting,

“Hey,” she said smiling gently, still worried to death she had practically scrambled his brains with such a hard swing. “I wish I could have carried you off somewhere more comfortable,” she said looking down at him with pity.

"But you're a lot heavier than you look," She told him, featherlight amusement present.

His golden eyes were completely wide, almost popping out of his sockets as she peered down at him, the woman being so close to him he thought his heart would burst.

Her face was just inches from him, looking down at him with a soft, sweet look, completely concerned about his well being. silently, her hair fell forward, soft (h/c) colored ends brushing his face with little tickles, making him feel fuzzy.

Her hand so tenderly caressed his cheek, making shivers run over his body, and it only got worse when she lightly grazed the patches of scaly skin, her soft hands running over the flesh with the same affection, not showing disgust.

She seemed unbothered by the interaction between her soft fingers and his rough skin and that was greatly due to the fact that she was far more focused on the ugly mark formed on his bruised cheek.

“I’m really sorry,” she apologized wholeheartedly, her (e/c) eyes softened, seeming blue as she gazed down at him with sincerity. “I really didn't mean to hurt you, “ she added, receiving nothing but silence from him.

She managed to blink away the little tears that attempted to flood her eyes before she offered him a gentle, sweet smile,

“Snake ?” she asked him with concern, her head slightly tilting to her left side.

He shook his head rapidly, a squeak leaving him as he fumbled out of her reach, scrambling out of the room to make space between them.

As he ran out, red-faced and heated, she giggled into her hand, finding his actions to be adorable.

He was so cute, and obviously a shy guy, something she'd caught onto rather quickly, but hadn't realized it was to such a degree.

She only hoped he had enough in him to come back around, knowing that eventually, he'd have to face her again.

she opened up her pocket to see the little serpent still comfortable within the warm, dark space,

"He'll come looking for you," she said to the little thing, knowing just how much he cared for his scaled companions.

"I'll make sure to keep my eye out for him," she added with a light grimace because she wouldn't be able to live with herself if she ever struck him again.

Going towards the door he'd fled out of, she cupped her hands together, yelling into them with a wide grin,

"come back again anytime!" She said to him, " I promise I won't hurt you!” she said out loud.

"We'll be waiting!" (f/n) added, smiling largely, hoping he'd heard her and find his way back.

#black butler #black butler fanfiction #black butler fanfic #black butler snake #black butler snake x reader #black butler snake x reader insert #kuroshitsuji #kuroshitsuji fanfiction #kuroshitsuji x reader #kuroshitsuji x reader insert #kuroshitsuji snake #kuroshitsuji snake x reader insert #kuroshitsuji snake x reader #snake reader insert #snake x y/n #black butler one shot #black butler reader insert #kuroshitsuji reader insert

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ilguna · 4 years ago

Text

Metanoia - Chapter Twelve (f.o)

Summary: you will be crowned victor of the 75th hunger games.

Word Count; 3k

Warnings; swearing, mention of murder and torture

NOTES: i give reader a last name to fit the world.

–

The second that you stepped foot off of the hovercraft, all you heard was the distant sound of gunfire. The peacekeeper gave you a bitter reminder of your due date, and then kicked you off the ramp almost instantly after. You waited a moment to make sure that the hovercraft was long gone, and then you went straight for the noise.

You know that they would want you to head straight to your house, which is the exact reason why you chose not to. They probably have something there waiting for you. A note, a bunch of roses, your house being trashed, bloodstains--maybe it’s been set on fire! It doesn’t matter to you all that much.

You’d much rather know what’s going on in the heart of the district, than take a shower and get a change of clothes. Plus, you only have two weeks until your evaluation by Snow, which means you have to act fast. And this is all under the assumption that there won’t be people checking up on you every couple of days.

You came up with a plan on the way here, as any sane person would. The basis of the plan being; you’re not going to follow Snow’s directions in the slightest. You’re not going to calm the people down, you’re going to add fuel to the fire.

Snow threatening to kill Tanith is the last fucking straw. Him threatening to strap you to a chair and torture you like Peeta and Johanna is one thing, but bringing Tanith into this, when she has nothing to do with it, is a whole ‘nother ring of hell. If he thought for one fucking second that he’d get away with a statement like that, he’s wrong.

You’re not going to fuck up your life twice, especially not because of what Snow says or does.

You weigh the necklace in your hand for a second, staring down at it. Then, you unclasp it, and bring it around your neck. Once it’s not tangled in your hair, you let it rest against your chest.

The entire district seems to be barren--at least that’s what you’ve seen on the way. All houses have their doors shut, but windows are broken and porches are in splinters. The shops are basically the same way, though it’s much worse. Some are burnt down, others are void of all things that were once inside.

It looks like a tornado blew through here, and had no mercy. Everything that could have been ruined, is. It’ll cost thousands of dollars to fix the damage done on these places. Buying a whole new house or store would be much easier than to restore what it looked like before.

“Approaching civilian!” Someone yells above you.

Covering your eyes, you look up to see where they are, since this is the first person you’ve come across the entire walk. The second that your eyes adjust, you’re met with a gun pointed at your face.

“Point that away from me!” you snap.

“Who are you, and how did you get back here?” a different voice asks closer to you.

Lowering your hand and whipping your head to where it came from, the situation isn’t much better. There’s a man with an automatic rifle pointed at your chest, finger near the trigger as if he doesn’t know if he should pull it or not. Not to mention all the people behind him hovering, and having the same intentions as him.

You should pick your words carefully.

“My name is (Y/n) Rosecelli, victor of the sixty sixth hunger games, tribute of the Quarter Quell.” What a hell of an introduction, “And I walked.”

He lowers the gun a bit, “You’re alive?”

Your first reaction is to scoff, “It’ll take a lot more than the Capitol to kill me, am I supposed to be dead?”

“That’s what we were told.”

“Hell of a shock, then.” you resume walking, “Who’s in charge of District Two’s rebellion? Like, who’s organizing the attacks against the loyalists?”

“Lyme.” A girl answers, “She’s also a victor.”

Lyme… well, you definitely recognize the name, and you can hardly remember what she looks like. Tall, likes to exercise, short blonde hair. She’s always been more modest and rebellious, it doesn’t surprise you that much. She’s older than you, almost twice your age.

“Take me to her.” you tell them.

“You’ve got it.” the boy says.

It’s a long walk, as you’re told. The only good news he had to offer was that you wouldn’t have to fight your way through gunfire to get to the Capitol building--where she’s at. They’ve pushed back most of the loyalists into the train tunnels that run through the mountains. Everyday they gain new ground, but they don’t really dare to go inside of the tunnels. It’s the loyalists’ territory.

“So, where have you been?”

“The Capitol.” you say, following the boy around the corner, “Unconscious and recovering from venom. I’m not easy to get rid of.”

“How’d you get here?”

“Snow organized a personal hovercraft to drop me in the abandoned part of District Two, near Victor’s Village. You should probably get some people watching over there in case it happens again, so the peacekeepers won’t be able to sneak up on you as easily.”

They don’t say anything else after that, even though you mentioned Snow pretty boldly. Of all things they could have asked you about, they ignored the one that would give them the most answers on why you’re here and wanting to see Lyme first.

“I’m going to check to make sure that it’s clear.” the girl says, the rest of you wait for minutes on end, and none of them seem antsy about it.

When she does show up, she tells you that you’re clear to head up, but they’ve got to go back to parolling. She says that you should mention the abandoned thing to Lyme, since she’s more likely to listen to you, and then they walk away.

You take the easiest path you could possibly take to approach the Justice Building. It’s also the one that will put you in the open, allowing the people standing out front to get a good look at you. If you snuck up through the shadows, they’d likely be more distrusting.

You hold your hands up even before you’re out from around the corner. They turn their guns on you quickly, but you don’t stop walking, “I’m here to speak to Lyme.”

“Stop--!”

“I don’t have any weapons on me, put your guns down before you shoot me by accident.” you head up the stairs, “My name is (Y/n) Rosecelli, and I’m here to talk to Lyme. I don’t have much time, so let’s leave the formalities for another time.”

“We should go get her--”

The second you turn to look at him, he stiffens, “Open the fucking door and bring me to her, or you’re going to be added to the graveyard.”

His eyes slowly drag to your arm, which is very clearly presented thanks to the short-sleeved shirt.

No words come from him as he opens the door and heads inside. You follow behind him, and from how new your shoes are, they sound like heels against the tile floor. You’re surprised that they aren’t squeaking as if you’ve just come in with water on the bottom of them. You guess that you should be grateful instead.

The guy brings you up the staircase, “You don’t have any weapons on you?”

You have a hundred snarky things that you’re willing to say to him, but you settle for the simple, “No.”

He brings you around a corner, and knocks on a door a couple times. He makes you wait out of sight while he opens the door, “You’ve got a guest.”

“We’re busy--”

“She insists.” he says, and then he allows you to come over.

You don’t wait in the doorway, you head straight inside, “Scram, runt.”

He tries to stand his ground, but the second you force the door to shut, he removes his fingers. After that, you go up to the table to see who’s standing there.

Lyme, as you expected. But there’s a strangely familiar face standing near her, finger still pointing out a place on the map. When she realizes that you see the place she’s pointing at, she retracts her finger into a fist.

“Who are you?” she asks.

You laugh, crossing your arms as you get closer to the map. There’s a bunch of lines drawn in pink marker, and considering the amount of space left behind the line, you’re guessing that’s the rebel’s side. As for the loyalists, they’re marked in red, like they’re the bad guys.

You place your hand on the free space, “Just letting you know, since this entire place is abandoned, the Capitol can sneak right in.” you look up, they’re puzzled, “The Capitol had enough room to drop me off and leave without anyone noticing--I walked for miles until I finally came upon one of your scouting groups. If you’re not careful, they can drop peacekeepers off behind you guys, and you might as well be extinct after that.”

“You’re from the Capitol?” Lyme asks, one of the guys by the window reaches for something in their belt, you can take a solid guess on what it is, even without the sight of it.

“I’m a little disappointed that you don’t recognize me, but I can point you two out even if your guys’ hunger games were ten to twenty years before mine.” you remove your hand from the map now, “As I’ve introduced myself a hundred times now, (Y/n) Rosecelli, District Two’s tribute for the Quell.”

Lyme’s face lights up, “I thought I knew you. You were in the Capitol?”

“Snow took Peeta, Johanna and I out of the arena. While he was ordering people to torture Johanna and Peeta, he put me in a ‘medically induced coma’.” you use the quotation marks, “Because of the spider venom in the arena. Today is my first day back to life, and I’ve experienced more than my fair share of shit today.”

“Welcome back.” Paylor says.

Paylor is a victor from District Eight, like six years or so before your games. She’s young, and really fucking pretty. You’re just a little dumbfounded on why she’s here in District Two, rather than ordering around her own district.

“Thanks.”

Lyme shifts on her feet, “You don’t look too bad.”

“I’ve got scars all over my body, they’re just not visible above the waist.” you shake your head, “And the only reason why I’m even in good condition, is because Snow wants me to calm down the rebels.”

“But you’re not going to.” There’s an edge to Paylor’s voice.

“No, I’m not. Instead, I want a ride to District Thirteen. That’s where Katniss and Finnick are, right?”

Lyme nods, but her face is scrunched up, “I can’t send a hovercraft there because I don’t have any. You’ll have to wait until Coin sends one here with supplies.”

“Coin?”

“President Alma Coin.” Paylor answers, “She’s the leader of District Thirteen.”

Great, another dictatorship.

“Alright, when’s the next supply drop?” you shift on your feet.

Paylor and Lyme share a look, clearly thinking.

“We got one a week ago?” Lyme asks.

“Not even that, a few days ago,” Paylor shakes her head when she looks back at you, “You’ll have to wait at least a week, maybe more.”

You laugh, but nothing about this is funny, “You do know the state of Peeta and Johanna?”

“We know about Peeta, he’s been televised a few times.” A guy says.

“Alright, well take the last time that he was on air, and worsen that by ten. They’re fucking torturing them, you realize that? Johanna had her head shaved and she was drenched in water, like they were waterboarding her.” you lean forward, “We need to get them out.”

“We don’t have an opening for that, much less know where they’re keeping them--”

“The training center.” you say, “And I know how to get to them, I was a door away from them, Peeta and Johanna saw me.”

“That’s the heart of the Capitol.” Paylor says, “Even if we did get the volunteers to do it, we wouldn’t be able to go.”

You raise your eyebrows, “You’re telling me that Beetee hasn’t tried to hack into the security already? Didn’t he work on it for them? He would know some secret window at least.”

They share another look, and Lyme tilts her head, “She has a point.”

“And then what? You think anyone would actually want to go in?” Paylor asks, “It’s a suicide mission.”

“Listen to me,” you lean forward on the table now, they look at you, “I have two weeks--maybe not even that. If Snow finds out that I was lying or keeping information from him, he’s going to come for me and I’ll end up like Peeta, Johanna and Tanith. And if I don’t help the loyalists, he’s going to kill Tanith.

“I am working on a strict time frame, and you guys bickering about this, isn’t helping. Contact Alma Coin or whatever, at least present the idea, and if she likes it and asks for volunteers, you put me at the top of that fucking list. I will lead as many volunteers as she wants to the others. The only thing I ask in return is a free ride to District Thirteen.

“If Tanith is out of his hands, and I’m in thirteen, Snow can’t do anything to me.” you raise your eyebrows, “He won’t be able to use anyone as leverage anymore, and you’ve gained another foot in the rebellion. But all that can’t happen without you at least suggesting the idea to your supreme leader first.”

Lyme rubs her forehead for a moment, before saying; “Get Coin on a call.”

“Want to sit?” someone asks, pulling out a stool.

“Thanks.” you sit, crossing your legs.

You watch as they set up the entire call and as it pends. You spend most of the time fiddling with the hemming on the bottom of the shirt, ripping the stitching out, and then pulling on the string.

Paylor goes back to what she was saying with the map and all before you came inside. She writes down that she needs to add people to scout behind her lines, and then plans the ways that they can get into the tunnel. You want to chime in some way, but you keep out of it.

You can help as soon as Tanith is safe. You need to get Tanith out of the Capitol first, because if you’re even taped being around Lyme and Paylor with no argument going on or anything, you’re going to be fucked. Snow doesn’t have any morals, as much as he hates to admit it. He’s heartless.

“The call’s gone through.” the one by the computer says, “Plutarch’s answered.”

He projects it onto the large blank wall in front of you, but Paylor has to turn around to see him.

“Plutarch… Heavensbee? The gamemaker?” you ask, “Why?”

“He’s the one that helped organize getting them out.” Lyme tells you.

Plutarch has a smile on his face, “(Y/n), it’s nice to see you healthy.”

“You got Katniss, Finnick and Beetee out of the arena?” you ask.

Plutarch nods, “With the help of Haymitch, yes.”

“Fuck you.” you spit, “You fucking left me there! I was right there--you could have gotten me and you let me be taken by the Capitol! You’re the reason why the Capitol has had me for the past couple of weeks, you asshole--”

“Calm.” Lyme comes over, placing her hand on your shoulder, “You can yell at him later, keep on track.”

“Whatever.” you shrug her hand off, crossing your arms.

Paylor picks up where you didn’t start, “She’s been in the training center with the other tributes. She knows how to get to them, and we’d like to try and revisit the idea of a rescue mission with the tributes.”

His face says no, but his words say otherwise; “I wish it was my decision, but Coin has already decided that now isn’t the time. Especially not after we were just attacked by the Capitol.”

“When?” Lyme asks.

“A couple hours ago, we haven’t gone to the surface just yet to make sure that it’s over.”

Your mouth drops open a little bit, “I was on that hovercraft.”

Paylor nearly breaks her neck from how fast her head whips in your direction, “You were?”

“Yeah--I thought it was odd that the space was filled with… bombs. I was expecting them to attack two almost immediately after I hit the city, but they just flew off, away from the direction of the Capitol.” You shake your head, “Before you ask; no, I didn’t hear anything while I was in there.”

There’s a moment of silence, before Paylor sighs, “Where’s Coin?”

“Making sure the systems are still running, I sent someone to get her, so she should be here soon.”

“Good.” you slide off of the stool, “Because when she gets there, you’re going to do everything you can to convince her to consider the idea.”

Plutarch raises his eyebrows.

“She means--” Lyme tries.

“I mean what I said.” you lean against the table, staring at Plutarch’s face, “If you were just attacked, they’re going to be expecting some sort of retaliation. So, you attack their defense systems using Beetee’s knowledge. You get them down long enough, and that’s when the hovercraft slips through. Beetee stops, and then when the hovercraft is heading back, he starts again, or whatever.”

“That’s not exactly how things work…” someone in the corner mumbles.

“Well, they need to make it work.” you stand again, “Because I will be getting them all out of the training center. Even if I’m the only volunteer, I’ll do it.”

Plutarch laughs, “Not hellbent on killing them anymore?”

“They’re strapped to chairs being tortured like animals. Even I know when enough is enough.” you back off after that, “If I come back in here in an hour, and her answer is no, you better start fucking praying, because I am much worse than the Capitol.”

#ilguna #finnick odair #finnick odair imagine #finnick odair fanfic #finnick odair x reader #finnick odair oneshot #finnick odair metanoia #metanoia #metanoia chapter twelve

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traphousebois · 5 years ago

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Scratches and Hickeys

Requested: Yes

Summary: After a fun night with your boyfriend you notice all the damage that you two left behind.

Masterlist

Your Pov;

Peeling my eyes open I was met with the sight of Colby’s white ceiling. I blinked a few times to get away any sleep that was threatening to stay. Once I was sure I got rid of the sleepiness I rolled over to the left. The sight that greeted me was a sight that made me smile brighter than the sun. Colby shifted and I was afraid that I had woken him up but he ended up only moving an inch. Colby looked perfect. His brown was a mess from the rough night that we had. His cheeks were flushed and his lips were plumped and chapped. Even though he looked like a little bit of a mess, I still thought the was the prettiest boy alive. I was so lucky to be able to call him mine. With that thought in mind I reached over and gently placed my lips upon his.

“Good morning baby.” I whispered once I pulled away.

Colby let out a soft moan.

“Morning.” He said while wrapping his arms around my waist and pulling me closer to him so I could lay upon his chest.

“How did you sleep?” I asked once I got comfortable.

“I slept fine,” He replied while his thumb rubbed up and down my shoulder. “How about you?”

“Same as you.”

He nodded and pressed a light kiss upon my forehead.

“Do you have any plans for today?” He asked.

I shrugged. I honestly didn’t know what my plans were today. I was the type of person to just go with the flow.

“Do you just want to hang out here all day?” He asked. “I’m pretty sure everybody’s just filming today so we could just chill.”

I laughed at Colby’s statement.

“What’s so funny?”

“I love how that since you think everybody’s gonna be filming it's gonna be chill.” I replied to him while using my fingers to create quotations marks around the word “chill.”

Colby pushed out his bottom lip.

“Don’t roast me,” He said. “It’s too early for that.”

I rolled my eyes. If I had to guess the time it was probably around 11.

“Babe, it's probably almost 11, that’s not early at all,” I said. “Early is considered around like 8.”

“Stop being so mean to me.”

“I’m doing it out of love.”

“Uh uh sure you are babe.”

Colby and I cuddled in bed for about an hour before we decided that it was finally time to start the day.

“Whoa,” Colby said once I stood up from his bed.

I gave him a confused look.

“What?” I asked. “What’s wrong?”

“You might want to look at your neck.”

At that, I grabbed my phone that was sitting on his nightstand and opened up snapchat. As soon as the app opened up I switched the camera so it was facing me. Once it focused I let out a loud gasp.

“Colby! Look at what you did!” I shouted at him.

My neck was covered in black and blue marks. They were so dark that I knew that I wasn’t going to be able to cover them with makeup.

“Baby, there not that bad.” Colby said trying to defend himself.

“Not that bad?” I asked in disbelief. “It looks like I got strangled to death!”

“I wouldn’t go that far babe.”

I rolled my eyes. He was so dead.

“That’s it! No sex for a month.” I stated while placing my phone back down and walking over to his closet.

“Babe! You can’t do that to me!” He said with his voice slightly raised.

I shook my head.

“Yeah I can.”

My eyes scanned over the various amounts of clothing in Colby’s closet. For a guy who wears the same thing nearly everyday he sure does have a lot of items.

“Babe, come on,” Colby said.

From my peripheral vision I could see him standing up from the bed and make his way over to me.

“You can’t do that,” He said while placing his hands on my shoulders. “Besides, it’s not like you didn’t want it.”

He did have a point.

“Whatever,” I muttered under my breath, knowing he was right.

I quickly grabbed one of his sweatshirts and pulled it over my head. I had to hide these hickey’s somehow.

“Besides, it’s not like I’m the only one who left marks on the other person.”

I quickly turned around to face him.

“What do ya mean?”

Colby let out a slight smirk and turned around.

His back was littered with scratch marks. They were long, red, and angry.

“Oh my god,” I said while bringing my hand out to touch one.”Do they hurt at all?”

Colby shrugged and turned back around.

“Eh not really. Just a slight stinging.”

I let out a pout. I never meant to hurt him.

“I’m so sorry,” I said while burying my face into his naked chest. “I never meant to hurt you.”

Colby’s chest rumbled against my cheek.

“It’s okay babe,” He said while running his hands up and down my back. “You didn’t mean to do it.”

We stayed in each other's embrace for a while. The both of us not wanting to let the other go.

Our moment was cut short by Jake opening the door.

“Hey you guys- whoa is everything okay?”

Colby and I pulled apart and started to laugh.

“Everything’s fine brother, What’s up?”

Jake furrowed his eyebrows in concern before shaking his head.

“I wanted to know if you wanted to be in a video?”

Colby shrugged.

“Sure, what video?”

“It’s some skit I wanna do,” Jake said. “I’ll tell ya more about it when you come downstairs.”

Colby nodded and turned around to grab his shirt that was laying on the floor. As soon as he did Jake caught a glimpse of his back and let out a loud laugh.

“Looks like someone had a fun night.”

Colby quickly grabbed his shirt and pulled it over his head.

“Ha ha ha very funny.”

“It looks like you got murdered brother!” Jake shouted while throwing his hands out in front of him.

“This is nothing,” Colby said. “If you want to see what murder looks like you should see Y/N’s neck.”

My eyes grew wide. I was not expecting him to say that.

At his statement Jake quickly came over and pulled down the top of the sweatshirt I was wearing. Once he saw what was underneath he let out a gasp.

“Damn brother,” He said while inspecting my neck. “I didn’t know you were a freak.”

“There’s a lot of things you don’t know about me.”

Jake just shook his head.

“Welp, I’m gonna go downstairs now,” He said while making his way over towards the door. “I found out a lot more information than I needed to.” And with that Jake closed the door shut behind him.

I looked up at Colby.

“Well that was interesting.”

“Agreed.”

“Come on,” I said while grabbing his hand and walking towards the door. “Let’s go downstairs before anything else happens.”

Colby nodded his head in agreement and let out a slight chuckle.

“And to think I thought this was gonna be a chill day.”

Authors note: Hey guys! Sorry I haven't been posting as much. I’ve just been super busy with concerts, work and school. But now that my millions of concerts are over I’m gonna try to knock out the rest of the imagines that I have. I have most of them started but I just get stuck halfway through them lol. But I hope you enjoy this one and thanks for all of your patience! Love you!

#colby #colby brock #colby brock x reader #colby fluff #colby brock imagine #colby imagine #imagines #imagine

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horansqueen · 5 years ago

Text

You & Me : chapter 12

A Niall Horan fanfiction ; rated MA

Sequel to AM CONVERSATIONS

CHAPTER 1 || CHAPTER 2 || CHAPTER 3 || CHAPTER 4 || CHAPTER 5 || CHAPTER 6 || CHAPTER 7 || CHAPTER 8 || CHAPTER 9 || CHAPTER 10 || CHAPTER 11

NOTES:

-one chapter is her pov, the next is his. -4.9k -im sorry, i never proofread, i hate it. -there WILL be smut. but not only smut. -this is a romance, comedy, smut story. -for the summary, check my MASTERLIST.

- notes: i hope it sorta hit a bit? does it sting? it had to happen sorry! i cant wait to write the next chapter 😭

if you want to be on the list of blogs i notify when this is updated, just message me :)

requests! : i didnt add the “never have i ever” suggestions that i used but THANK YOU if you sent some, i used a few! also, i had other requests and ideas from people and i may use them a bit later, in a future chapter. actually i know when ill use them lol youll see :)

Chapter 12 : Her chapter

OLIVIA

"Shit, I don't know what to wear!" I exclaimed to myself as i put clothes in front of me, standing next to to mirror. "Horrible."

I threw the shirt away, aiming for the bed but it fell next to it and I didn't even send it a glance as I took an other one.placing it on my chest and tilting my head at my reflection. I glanced up when I saw Louis walk by and stop immediately, holding himself on the door frame with a smirk.

"Put a skirt on." he let out, making me raise my eyebrows. "It'll be easier for him to fuck you against the wall."

My eyes got smaller and I reached out for my tissue box before throwing it his way. He moved right on time and it hit the wall in a thug, making him laugh.

"Don't be so violent!" he smirked, walking in my room and leaning on the wall. "I'm just saying out loud what you think about late at night, if you know what I mean."

I turned to him, opening my eyes wide and shaking my head. I couldn't believe Louis was talking about me masturbating to the thought of my ex boyfriend like it was nothing.

"Oh my god, shut up!" I let out with a chuckle. "You're so annoying!"

"Look, I woke up and he was getting out of your room." Louis pointed out. "He spent the night with you. In your bed. Wearing nothing but BOXERS!"

"We just slept." I argued with a shrug, trying not to show him that the thought of Niall almost naked in bed with me was actually doing something to me. "I was sick, remember?"

"Yea, you were 'sick'" he repeated, pronouncing the last word louder and adding fake quotation marks with his fingers.

"I was! A few of your sushis weren't good, Lou." I explained, throwing an other shirt away and grabbing a new pair of jeans. "You know it's true, I heard you vomit in the middle of the night, too."

"That's not the point." he explained, getting suddenly a lot more serious than he normally is. "Olivia, you should break up with Dylan." I stopped dead in my track and even stopped breathing. My heart, though, was beating extremely hard against my rib cage and it's all I could hear. "Did you even think about him recently? He's not here and you don't even seem to miss him, especially not when Niall is around."

I did think about Dylan, though, but I didn't talk about my thoughts, mostly because I felt fucking guilty about almost everything that came to my mind. I felt like shit towards my boyfriend but I didn't have the guts to tell him that I was getting closer and closer to Niall. I didn't know how to tell him that spending time with Niall had been some sort of relief in my life, that being able to be around Niall again was making me generally happier, that when I was near him, I felt more alive. There was no good way to tell that to the man you were about to marry, not without hurting him.

"I love Dylan and I miss him, you know that damn well, Louis." I argued, feeling tears coming to my eyes. "But Niall is... Niall is Niall. Niall is the love of my life."

Louis uncrossed his arms and walked closer as I closed my eyes. I didn't want to look at him. I didn't want to face reality at all. I wanted to spend time with Niall and pretend I would be able to resist him the next time he'd try to kiss me. I wanted to pretend that I was going totally okay with watching Niall and Heidi get married and have kids at some point in the future while i'd do the same with Dylan. I wanted to believe I didn't have to break an incredible man’s heart because of my own disgusting selfishness... that everything was fine and that what was happening between Niall and I was perfectly normal.

"I know he is." Louis said gently, placing his hands on my upper arms from behind. "I see you two interact and it's so obvious, Olivia. The way you two connect it's... it's probably terrifying for Dylan and Heidi, you know?"

I opened my eyes and sniffed before swallowing the lump in my throat. I was not going to cry. There was no fucking way I was going to cry now and ruin my make up. We didn't connect, and we wouldn't connect on that night, I was going to make sure of it.

"Don't worry, I'll be okay. I'll prove to you and everyone else that Niall and I are only friends, you'll see."

I was mostly trying to convince myself of that but I just reached out to my wardrobe and grabbed a skirt, like Louis had proposed. I was going to have fun tonight and nothing else.

"Liv, don't be like that."

I turned to Louis and shook my head slightly.

"I'm not losing Dylan, okay? I can't. Do you know what are the chances for me to find an other man like him? Kind, sweet, smart, funny and who truly loves me? I've risked my relationship enough, don't you think?"

"So last night, when Niall joined you in your bed, you didn't feel anything?" he asked a bit harshly, raising his eyebrows at me. "I saw him take care of you when you were puking your guts out, you know?"

"You don't base a romantic relationship on lust, Louis. You should know that." I shook my head, searching my drawers for a shirt. "Niall always took care of me, since we were kids. It's nothing new. And it means nothing."

Louis stayed there, motionless and quiet as I picked my clothes and when he realized I wouldn't look at him again, he sighed.

"We're leaving in 10 minutes." he turned around and walked to the door as I swallowed my tears again. "And Liv? I love you. I want what's best for you. My opinion is just that, an opinion but... I don't think you'll ever be happy if you're not with Niall. I don't think he'll ever be happy without you either."

---

The bar was crowded but we reached a quiet spot on the second floor, in the back of the room. Everyone was arrived and I couldn't stop glancing at Niall, who ended up sitting next to me. Now that he was close, all the bullshit I had told Louis earlier didn't seem so important anymore. Nothing ever seemed more important than Niall, and it was a problem.

Louis came back with a pitcher and sat on the other side of me with Eleanor while Harry, Liam and Julie sat on the other side of the table. I didn't know where Harry's girlfriend was, or if he even was with her anymore. We had told each other we would remain friends but things change and we drifted apart. I sighed low, a bit nostalgic of that friendship before we all started drinking. I was getting drunk and from the way Niall's eyes sparkled, I felt like he was getting there, too. Or maybe it was just that I was so drunk I was starting to imagine things.

I could feel the skin of his arm brush against mine and I cleared my throat, trying to stop thinking about it before turning around to send him a smile.

"So where's your girlfriend?" I asked, raising my eyebrows.

"Oh she'll be here soon."

I didn't expect this answer and raised my eyebrows as my lips parted. I didn't want to see her, and it was not only because we didn't get along. Most of all, I didn't want to see her all over Niall the way she had been when they invited us for dinner. Why was I so ready to prove everyone that I was able to resist my ex boyfriend but as soon as he was near, I couldn't handle myself?

"Okay, let's play a game!" Liam said, tapping the table a few times with his palm. "Truth or Dare?"

"No no, 'never have I ever'!" Louis argued, making me raise my nose up in a grimace.

These games never ended well, at least most of the time, except that one time where I decided to just kiss Harry, but a few minutes later, Niall had kissed a girl too and that was not a good ending, at least not to me.

"Okay, I found questions online!" Eleanor let out with a chuckle. "If you've done it, you take a sip, and no one lies!"

"Yea, I'll call you out if I see one of you lie!" Louis agreed, making my heart skip a beat.

I was screwed.

"Never have I ever... drunk-dialed an ex!"

I held my breath and started nibbling on my bottom lip. So many times, I had wanted to call Niall when I was drunk but every time, Louis was there to snatch the phone out of my hands. I glanced when I saw Niall drink and I wondered who he had tried to call. I had never received a phone call or a text message from him after we broke up, so I knew it was not me, and somehow, it made me jealous. He missed an ex so much that he called her... did that mean he never really missed me?

"Never have I ever... stolen someone's food!"

"Louis! You drink!" I let out, my eyebrows raised. "You always eat all my fucking left-overs!"

"What? Nah."

"He does!" Eleanor agreed with me with a chuckle, hitting him gently with her elbow.

He groaned but finally took a long sip of his beer, making me smile more.

"Okay, never have I ever... called a partner the wrong name during sex!"

I chuckled but felt my heart jump in my chest when I noticed Niall taking a long sip of his drink. We all looked at him and started laughing and he simply shrugged.

"I was drunk, I didn't know the girl's name!" he argued, laughing too.

I let my eyes roam on his face, wondering who exactly was that girl and if she had been someone he had sex with after he left me but I didn't dare to ask.

"Never have I ever.... lied to a law enforcement officer."

I laughed when I saw Louis drink and Liam started laughing, his eyebrows raised.

"Wait what? What was the lie?" he asked curiously, leaning slightly against the table.

"He lied to get out of a ticket." I replied, rolling my eyes.

"Why? Because he was going too slow?"

Everyone started laughing and Louis grimaced before flipping Liam off, making everyone laugh even more. I leaned closer to Louis and kissed his cheek gently before he wiped my kiss vigorously from his skin.

"Traitor!" he whispered as I chuckled, blowing him an other kiss.

"Never have I ever... sent nudes."

Without thinking, my eyes found Harry immediately and his did too. We stared at each other for a few seconds before our lips curled. I grabbed my drink and took a sip as he did the same, just like Julie, Liam and Louis.

"Did you send nudes to your boyfriend or your ex boyfriend, Olivia?"

I sent a mean glance at Louis and he smirked, making me know he was getting back at me for the last question.

"One time, Harry, Niall and I played 'truth or dare' and Harry asked me if I had ever taken nudes. I guess we continued that conversation a bit later and.. shared.. selfies..."

Louis' eyes got bigger and he pressed his lips together, knowing he had made things a bit awkward but finding it funny anyway. I glanced at Niall, noticing he was staring at me, and finally cleared my throat, asking El for the next question.

"Never have I ever.... hooked up with someone of the same sex or gender."

My eyes once again found Harry. I knew we were pretty much the only one who didn't want to label ourselves around the table and I brought my drink closer to him. He smiled and clinked his glass against mine before we both took a sip.

"You guys have no idea what you're missing." he let out after swallowing, making us laugh.

"Oh my god, Liv, you're gonna love this one. Never have I ever had food poisoning."

I laughed and took a sip, pushing the side of my body against Louis'. He groaned and took a sip and when I turned around, I noticed Niall frowned. I moved closer, holding my breath to make sure I wouldn't smell his incredible scent, and smiled a bit.

"Last night, Louis got sick because of his sushis, too."

I saw an emotion pass on Niall's face and his lips finally curled before he chuckled. Was that relief? I nibbled on my bottom lip when I remembered what he had asked me in the middle of the night and the right corner of my lips raised. I didn't know why he didn't want me to be pregnant with Dylan's baby but I liked it.

"Never have I ever been the subject of a rumor that wasn’t true." Eleanor read with a big smile. "Oh god, I think we can all drink!"

We all laughed and ended up finishing our glasses, handing each other the pitchers to fill them back again. I almost choked on the sip I was taking when Heidi arrived and she quickly sat next to Niall, making something stir in my stomach. I closed my eyes tight when she kissed him and I felt Louis' hand on my arm.

"It's okay to be hurt, love." he whispered. "If it matters, she's got nothing on you. She's also doing that to get to you."

I breathed in and out slowly before opening my eyes again. I noticed Heidi looking at me and sending me a sly smile that really bothered me.

"I'll get shots!"

Harry left with Liam and the whole time they were gone, I played with my fingers nervously. I felt like the whole evening was ruined because of her but I couldn't let that get to me, right? As soon as the guys put the shots in the middle of the table, I grabbed one and swallowed it quickly, followed by Louis.

"Wait, guys! This is for the game!" Harry explained. "And it's a surprise, you don't know what you drink!"

That's when I noticed the huge amount of shots on the table and raised my eyebrows just as Eleanor read the next question.

"Never have I ever... caught someone masturbating."

I held my breath and my eyes got bigger. I didn't want to turn to Niall but it was stronger than me. He was already looking at me and he chuckled.

"One time, when I was 13, Liv caught me masturbating. She just walked in my room without knocking!"

I smiled and pressed my lips together but my smile faltered when I realized he had no idea that I had caught him masturbating last time I actually slept at his place. The sight of him jerking off flashed in my mind and I gripped my glass tighter until I heard his voice again.

"Oh and remember at the lodge?" he asked with a smirk. "I came back in the room the first day we got there and-”

"Nooo! Shut up!"

I moved closer to him, trying to press my hand over his mouth but he dodged me and ended up just holding my wrist as he finished his sentence.

"And I caught Olivia masturbating in the dark, in our room!"

"Oh my god I hate you." I groaned, leaning my forehead on the table as I heard laughter. "That was a secret!"

"Was it though?" Niall asked, his lips dangerously close to my ear.

I held my breath and waited a few seconds to look up, noticing Louis had given a shot to Niall and was now handing me one. I drank it quickly, turning the glass around and putting it on the table. Tequila, ouch.

"Never have I ever... tried anal sex."

Once again, I closed my eyes and groaned, bringing one of my hands on my face as Niall laughed next to me. I was really going to get drunk. I reached for two shots and handed one to Niall who just chuckled and drank it fast. I did it took and raised my nose up. Sambuca. I hated that.

"Wow, who the hell are you?" Louis asked, raising his eyebrows while looking at me. "Little wild thing. Can't believe you let him!"

It was not my first time trying anal but I decided not to mention it. The truth was, when I was dating Niall, I would have done anything for him. There was no limit, as long as he stayed with me and was happy, it was all that mattered to me. I suddenly felt the urge to kiss him and held my breath as I stared at him. My heart was hitting so hard against my rib cage I thought it was just going to escape. Literally. It was ridiculous. I was not ready to do anything for anyone anymore, except myself. That's how things should be.

"Never have I ever... hooked up with an ex’s friend."

Once again, I knew I had to drink. Not everyone in the room knew that I had slept with Louis and I thought maybe it would be better if I didn't drink at all but the worst would be if I hesitated. If I just drank, they could believe it was an other ex than Niall but if I didn't seem sure, they'd know I was not at ease and it would be suspicious. I rolled my eyes, realizing I was going a bit too far in my thoughts and just grabbed an other shot, swallowing it quickly. I felt Louis' hand squeeze my thigh and my lips curled slightly. He knew and it was enough for me.

"Never have I ever... tried to make an ex jealous."

I sighed and took an other shot, shaking my head.

"We need to find questions that won't force me to get so drunk I won't be able to walk in half an hour!" I argued with a chuckle, watching as Niall grabbed a shot too.

I was starting to hate this game, if only for the fact that all I did was drink and check if Niall would drink too and if he did, I'd just spend a few minutes wondering who it was about and what exactly it meant. I glanced at Heidi, thinking she should probably drink but didn't and I rolled my eyes.

I never really had tried to make Niall jealous but I had hoped for it. I was not getting married to make him regret leaving me, but when I noticed his reaction when he found out and stormed out of the cafe, I couldn't pretend it didn't do anything to me. It did. I liked it. It gave me hope. Hope for what? I was not sure.

"Never have I ever... second-guessed a relationship."

I was getting pissed at myself for letting all his simple gestures and actions get to me. I loved him, I loved him so fucking bad it was driving me insane, but there was no way I was going back to being the 'no-back-bone-and-fucking-blind' girl I used to be when we were dating. I didn't want that. I reached for a shot and placed it in front of Niall a bit roughly, spilling a few drops of what I believed was rum, or at least, it smelled like it.

"Do you need only one?"

Somehow, everyone stopped talking and although I should feel guilty, I really couldn't. I was past the tipsy stage and a few memories were coming back to my mind. I also didn't enjoy Heidi's presence and the way she was so close to him. Niall looked down and licked his lips, waiting a few seconds before drinking the shot and pushing the glass away. Eleanor cleared her throat and I just shook my head with a sigh.

"Uhm, never have I ever cheated on a partner."

I closed my eyes again but this time for a complete different reason. I thought about the first time Niall touched me. I could almost still feel his fingertips brush on my skin before he had pushed them inside me. I can't remember being this excited ever in my whole life. This time, I didn't have to say anything. Niall just reached out to grab a shot and swallowed it.

"Not on Liv, right?"

Niall turned to Louis and shook his head.

"No. With her." My eyes moved to Heidi's hand who gripped Niall's arm tighter sinking her nails in his skin. I couldn't help but think she did that when they fucked, too. "It was back when I was with Maya."

I noticed Harry was looking at me with a frown and I just shook my head slightly, answering his silent question. He nodded and his lips curled a bit as I answered his smile. No, I had no cheated on Harry. I wouldn't have done that, not even for Niall... right?

"It was... unplanned." Niall added, making me press my lips together.

The memory was so vivid, probably due to the alcohol and mixed with the proximity of Niall's body, that I had to get up and go to the bathroom. As I got up, I realized how drunk I was and tried to walk straight. I didn't like to show I was drunk and I was not sure why but when I got out of the bathroom, Louis was leaning against the wall, waiting for me.

"El and I are leaving, we've got a brunch in her family tomorrow morning, so I'll sleep at her place." he explained with a frown. "Are you okay? We can give you a ride home if you want."

"No, thank you." I shook my head. "I'll just take a cab."

"No, no cab by yourself. One of those fuckers will bring you home when you'll be ready. I'll make sure of it. And if anything happens, you call me."

I nodded and he pulled me into a hug, making me close my eyes. I wanted to tell him that I missed him, and that I missed having sex with him, but it was a lie. What I actually missed was to be close to someone, and I sort of felt like I was losing him, somehow. Soon, we were not going to live together anymore and I had no idea if I was okay with that.

"Sorry for that game, although it went better than you thought, right?"

I chuckled and pulled away before nodding. He sent me a wink and told me goodnight and I watched him leave before sighing and walking back to the table with difficulty. Liam and Julie were getting up too and I frowned, tilting my head when I got closer.

"Are you guys leaving too?"

"Yea, we're both a bit tired." Julie explained.

They said their goodbyes to everyone and I ended up sitting next to Harry and in front of Niall. I watched as Heidi talked in his ear with a smirk and I glanced down to watch her arm disappear, realizing she probably had her hand on his thigh, or even somewhere else. I looked away and swallowed at the intense feeling of jealousy invading me.

"Oh, Olivia, I know you'll be alone tonight, would you rather sleep home?"

I frowned at Heidi, a bit surprised about her proposition and licked my lips, trying to find a reason why she would actually want me to be with both of them at his place. To show me he belonged to her, perhaps? To keep on being all over him in front of me?

"No it's okay, she can come home." Harry just said, getting up and grabbing his phone. "I'm alone tonight, too."

"It's cool, Harry. She'll sleep at mine." Niall quickly replied, getting up to. "Plus, it's closer."

They looked at each other and Harry finally sighed before bending down and whispering to me.

"Are you okay with that?" I just nodded and he did the same. "Okay, darling."

Heidi drove us back home since she had barely drank and I noticed Niall kept glancing at me in the mirror but I didn't acknowledge him. I knew he was a bit mad at me for some of the things I had said and if I wanted to be honest, I really thought I was over all of that, but the thought of him breaking my heart and not being sure of the relationship we had made something burn inside me... I was not mad. I was still hurt. I probably always would be.

Niall let me borrow a pair of his sweatpants and a shirt and none of us really talked at all. We just went to bed and before I knew it, I was laying on my back, under the covers, in the dark, just staring at the ceiling. Normally, I would have a conversation with Niall until we'd both fall asleep but that night, it was impossible. He was going to cuddle her all night, and not me. The thought made me swallow hard and I tried to keep my tears in. I was intoxicated and just closing my eyes made me dizzy.

That's when I heard it. It made my heart jump so hard in my chest I was near throwing up. A moan. Just a low moan disturbing the silence of the night and then, an other one. I got up slowly, my heart beating harder, making my whole body throb and when I opened the door, I held my breath. I stepped out of the room and It was clear, now. A bunch of moans reached my ears and I leaned my back against the wall, shutting my eyes tight.

"Oh, fuck, Niall!"

I felt tears invade my eyes and I let myself slide on the wall until my ass hit the floor. I heard noise, like the annoying sounds of a mattress moving, and I brought my hand to my mouth, trying to keep in the sobs that wanted to escape. This is exactly why Heidi wanted me to sleep at their place but the one I really blamed was Niall. How could he do that to me? Wasn't breaking my heart once enough? What the hell was he thinking?

I was sitting down alone in the hall, now as sober as possible in these circumstances, listening to my ex boyfriend, the man I was in love with, having sex with his girlfriend. It was so pathetic I didn't even take the time to wipe the tears that fell on my cheeks, I just accepted my fate, motionless, like it was something I actually deserved. I tried to think about my boyfriend, filming a movie in an other country, but it couldn't distract me from the noises coming from his room. All these images of Heidi riding him as he touched her and told her how much he loved her invaded my brain and I felt suddenly nauseous. It made me realize one thing. It was not so much that they had sex, that really bothered me, although it did hurt me to some extent. What was really hard to accept was that he may have feelings for her, stronger feelings than he had for me. I also couldn't really believe he cared so little about me that he'd literally do it while I was in the same house, in the room literally next to mine.

I cried more, feeling like this moment would never fucking end. It's only when I heard his voice for the first time that something inside me seemed to click. He had groaned and I hated it. It was a low and simple grunt but it made me want to literally die on the spot. I don't know where I found the strength but I quickly got up, walked back to the guest room and grabbed my purse before rushing to the front door and stepping out of the house into the dark night. The door closed roughly behind me and I realized they may have heard. I quickly left and ran across the street, my shoes hitting the ground being the only sound around. It was only when I was totally out of breath that I decided to call a cab. I just wanted to erase that whole evening from my mind. I just wanted to erase all my feelings and be happy again but I couldn't lie to myself. The only time I was truly happy was when I was with Niall... and that was over. There was no hope left inside me.

#niall horan #niall horan smut #niall horan fluff #niall horan fanfic #niall horan fan fic #niall horan fanfiction #niall horan fan fiction #niall horan story #niall horan writing #my fanfics #yam #i just want to write the next chapter tbqh #i just cant wait to write it!!!

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doom-dreaming · 5 years ago

Text

“Dear Digital Diary”

I finally finished it! So this is my fic for @shanblackwood - as part of a trade (that beautiful bloody monstery boy from a while back). It got much longer than I was expecting, so most of it is under the cut. There’s a lot of pining, a little bit of smut, and copious amounts of fluff. (I hope it’s everything you wanted!!)

(Read it on Ao3 here!)

- - - - - - - - - -

“Oh fuck, we’re gonna have to retake that—” He grins briefly at the camera, all sharp white teeth and sparkling eyes, before ducking his head, laughing.

Your heart skips a beat. You rewind. Pause. It feels like that smile is for you. Like those pale blue eyes are looking directly into yours. You take a screenshot. It joins the other thousands in the folder labeled ‘outtakes.’ You think it sounded innocuous enough.

Not that either of them ever go through your files—you’re one of the few people they trust. They have no reason not to. You’re just the video editor, after all. They’re the faces on the screen. They’re the voices on the radio. You’re not much more than a useful tool to them.

You press play. “—have to retake that—” A few keystrokes, a few clicks, remove the clip from the rest of the recording. ‘>DELETE or SAVE?’ the screen prompts.

Keystroke. >SAVE Click.

- - - - - - - - - -

“How do you always manage to fuck these up?” Tyreen sounds incredulous, but not angry. She punches Troy’s arm and he jumps away with an exaggerated yelp, then smiles. It’s equal parts dazzling and dangerous.

Your heart does a little flip as you play it back in slow motion. >SAVE

The next one is Tyreen’s. She mispronounces a word. “What’s that about me fucking up?” Troy teases, repeating her slip-up in a mocking tone. “Shut it, asshole.” Again, not angry. Playful. He sticks out his tongue at her. Laughs through a grin.

You cut the footage. ‘>DELETE or SAVE?’ Your hand hovers over the keys. >DELETE Click. You attempt to distract yourself with the rest of the video. Anything to keep from thinking about that slick pink tongue on your neck, between your lips...between your thighs.

Three hours later, you pause with your cursor over the power menu. Instead, you nudge it toward the little trash icon. Click. Click. ‘RESTORE TO “outtakes”? >YES NO’ Click.

- - - - - - - - - -

It’s late. Your work had been easy, for the most part. Just fixing pacing, sound and color correction, little things. The twins had stayed professional—well, as professional as they could be, which wasn’t saying much. But they’d gotten their point across with minimal mistakes.

All except for the few minutes before the cameras started rolling when Troy had decided to sing. You’d never heard it before—the song—but you rewound and replayed it so many times that you knew the words by the time you finally forced yourself to move on. After cutting and saving the clip, of course.

He hadn’t been trying to put on a show. He hadn’t even been particularly loud—you had to adjust the volume and bump down the ambient noise to even make out most of it—he was just...singing for the sake of it. Fixing his hair, his eyeliner… ...singing. The usual frantic beat of your heart had settled into a gentle flutter—not the typical reaction when you saw him.

And now you’re leaned back in your chair, watching it again. His eyes are unfocused, distant, but not troubled. He seems calm. Content. That cloying warmth is wrapping itself around your heart again. You find yourself wishing you could touch him. You want to reach through the screen and run your hand through his hair. Trace his jawline. Kiss him. You want to feel him murmuring those lyrics against your lips, humming into your mouth—

You shove your chair away from your desk. Run your hands through your hair. Sigh and close your eyes and shake your head. You can’t do this. You absolutely can’t let yourself feel this. Sooner or later, it’ll start affecting your work, and if you give anything less than what the twins expect—if you’re not useful anymore—

You stand. Close the video. Turn off your monitor. Go to bed. But not even sleep lets you escape from visions of his hands on your body, his mouth on your neck, his whispered words in your ear.

- - - - - - - - - -

You wake the next morning to the insistent ‘ping’ of your ECHOcomm. More work. Well, that’s a good sign.

Your breath stops—no, it feels more like it’s punched out of you—when you see the name of the sender. That single, simple, four-letter name. Troy. Troy Calypso. You hate the way your fingers shake as you open the message. It’s semi-formal, all business, a simple request for more editing. He’s attached several files. More work, you reassure yourself. Just more work.

Still, it takes you the better part of an hour to finally sit down at your computer. But you do, armed with shitty coffee and a very fragile grasp on your willpower. Six videos. DOWNLOAD ALL? >YES NO Click. You try not to watch the progress bar.

Why in the hell do you feel like this? Sure, you’d always had a tiny crush on Troy—but so did a lot of people. They’d be stupid not to, you think. He’s tall and toned and dangerous and confident...and those eyes... You sip at your coffee, grimacing against the half-burnt aftertaste. This crush is getting out of hand, that’s your problem. And it’d come completely out of left field, too. Day one was, ‘oh, he’s cute,’ and now… Well, now you were here. Working yourself into a frenzy over the sight of his goddamn name.

A chime sounds, announcing the download’s completion. You gulp down the rest of the coffee, crush the flimsy cup in your hand, and start clicking. You recognize the setup from the thumbnails alone. New gun reveals. Some of the tension drains from your body. These are something you can handle. Granted, they’re more candid than the usual broadcasts, but they’re still not as personal as you’d been expecting. You fight back the wave of disappointment, rationalizing it away. Telling yourself it’s for the best.

“Hey, ECHOnet, it’s your favorite twin, with another shipment of kickass guns! Tyreen had something “super important” to do—” You smile as he claws the quotation marks into the air. “—so you get me all to yourselves…” He winks. Your heart flips. “Okay! So let’s jump right in—” He makes a face. Cocks an eyebrow. “Jump? Dive? Feels like I need something better than “let’s get started”—” More air quotes. “That just sounds lame.” He sighs and rolls his eyes.

“Your voice makes anything sound good,” you murmur to the screen. He sits in silence for a minute, chewing on his bottom lip, looking lost. The urge to reach out and touch him comes back, even stronger than before. And then the vulnerability is gone, replaced by the cocky, carefully-crafted mask of charisma and confidence that everyone else assumes is normal. “Okay! So let’s break down these new guns! First up, we have…”

Pause. Rewind. Click, click, click. >SAVE Play.

The rest of the video goes more smoothly, as do the next three. Not much to cut, even less to keep for yourself. You continue to fight back the disappointment. Two left. Just two more and you can distract yourself for (hopefully) the rest of the day—

The fifth video catches you off guard. It’s...not a gun haul. It’s not set up in a studio. It’s dark, but there’s enough ambient light to make out shapes. It looks like it’s been filmed from a personal recorder and…

Troy’s face slides into the frame and he’s grinning, looking happier—and more devious—than you’ve ever seen. “Ty’s asleep…” It pans away, toward a vague shape across the dark room, before flipping back to Troy. You realize he’s the one filming it. “...and, uh...the new skag puppies are harmless right now, so…thought I’d play a little prank on her…” He creeps closer, quieter than you would’ve assumed, keeping the camera trained on the bed where Tyreen’s sleeping, clinging to a pillow and… You adjust the volume. ...yeah, she’s definitely snoring.

An odd feeling washes over you. For the first time, you feel as though you’re intruding into something you shouldn’t be seeing. The twins, your gods, are so...human. Granted, you’re smarter and saner than the majority of your peers—you know about sirens and relics and everything that could feasibly give them the illusion of divinity, but this still feels nigh-sacrilegious. He couldn’t have meant to send this…could he? You watch it anyway.

He holds up some sort of treat, then makes a show of placing it on the bed. After a few minutes, both the bed and Tyreen are practically covered and he’s retreating to the doorway, stifling involuntary laughter behind his free hand. You find yourself smiling along with him. “...gonna go release the hounds,” he announces as soon as he’s a safe distance down the hall, although the giggle that follows completely negates any sense of drama. Your stomach curls around itself in a funny twist.

The camera shakes horribly as he jogs across the compound, but you’re glad you don’t speed through it. “Goin’ to see the babies,” he sing-songs to himself once the skag pens start to come into focus. You swear your heart almost explodes. How the fuck is he...like this? Does anyone else see this, aside from Tyreen? Do they know their god is so...sweet?

He whistles as he approaches. The reaction is immediate. A litter of skag pups bowls out of the nearest den, tripping over each other and their own legs, yipping and growling. The camera dips—you assume Troy's kneeling. “Hey, killers...heh, yeah, hey…” He's laughing, scratching at their heads, letting them snap at his fingers. “Oh! You’re gettin’ big, Pepper. Yeah, not really the baby anymore, huh? Wanna go play with Ty? Yeah?” There’s a lower growl, somewhere offscreen. “Easy, big girl… I promise I’ll bring ‘em back.” With that reassurance, he opens the gate.

The remaining three minutes of footage go exactly as expected, in a flurry of hungry skag pups, laughter, cursing, and a few death threats from Tyreen. You watch, awestruck. They’re so playful, so normal. Again, so human. Innocent, almost. The video ends with a mad scramble for the recorder, from which Tyreen emerges victorious. The screen zaps to black, cutting her stream of half-sincere verbal abuse off mid-sentence.

You stare at the replay symbol, vaguely aware of your reflection in the monitor. They wouldn’t know if you kept a copy...would they? Click. Click. Click-click. You name the duplicate something inconspicuous. Not that they’ll go looking for it. ...but just in case.

Steeling yourself, though you’re not sure exactly what for, you click on the last video. The name doesn’t give anything away, none of them do—they’re all titled by filming date—and you can’t make anything out from the thumbnail, but you’re expecting another haul. Surely the personal recording was included by mistake— ...it’s some sort of reaction video. Troy’s own computer screen is the focus. His webcam feed is in the upper right corner.

“Probably gonna regret this…” he mutters. “But what the hell. Okay! The “horny for Troy” chat is officially open!” You pause. Rewind. No...you'd definitely heard him right the first time. “I want you to know you're all sluts.” He shoots a saccharine grin at his webcam. You feel the faintest twinge of guilt. “First question, here we go. ‘Starting with the obvious’—ooh, watch that confidence, fucker—’dom or sub?’ Okay, listen—” The smirk on his lips betrays his dramatic sigh. “These collars?” He yanks on the metal loop with one finger. “Not just for the aesthetic. But truthfully, I can do both. Next question.”

You fidget, acutely aware of how hot everything feels. Your head. Your hands. Your thighs. It's as if half the blood in your body rushed north and the other half rushed south. It's fluid, fiery, desperate. You toss your headphones onto the desk. Push your chair back. Rake your fingers through your hair.

You imagine they're his. Gripping your head as he kisses you, forcing his tongue between your lips, claiming you, marking you. You're mine, he'd growl. The words would rattle through your ribs, filling you up, making you believe them. And in that moment, they’d be true. Just you. Just him—

NO. You have to control yourself. It's not professional, it's not right. Whether or not he meant to send this doesn't matter. It doesn’t justify…

You glance back at the screen. You wish you hadn’t, because your fleeting fit of common sense dissipates as soon as you see the blush on Troy’s face. It’s deep red, beautiful against his skin, splashed across his cheeks and the bridge of his nose. He’s laughing about something, reaching back to rub at his neck, looking down, long eyelashes fluttering almost shyly—

CLICK. That’s all it takes. A single, swift, definitive motion. The window closes. Your flustered reflection stares back at you. Your heavy pulse taunts you. Your arousal mocks you.

You ignore all of it. With more self-control than you've been able to manage recently, you load the edited videos onto a new drive. You'll deliver them yourself. Maybe that will keep the fantasies at bay for a while. Maybe.

- - - - - - - - - -

You find him in the antechamber of the throne room. Not the most private place, but maybe that's for the best. It was always funny to you, how your reactions mellowed when you were actually, physically close to him. It was a blessing, you supposed. You doubted you'd have a job if you turned into an incoherent, fumbling mess whenever you looked at him.

“You could have just sent them back,” he mutters, plucking the microdrives from your hands. “But whatever. Thanks.”

You nod, though he probably misses it as he turns to look back through the door to the throne room. Tyreen is readying for a hearing. You chew your lip, unsure how to broach the subject really on your mind. To hell with it. “Did you mean to send—?”

“Shit.” His focus returns to you. “You got more than the gun hauls, huh?”

“...yeah. I didn't do anything to them.” It isn't a lie. The original videos are still intact.

“But...you watched them?” One eyebrow quirks. He doesn't seem angry.

You nod. And take a risk. “They were kind of endearing.” You keep your completely unprofessional reactions to yourself.

He huffs a soft laugh. “Don’t hear that a lot.”

“Troy!” Tyreen’s voice barks from the throne room. It cuts into the air between the two of you. “C’mon!”

He rolls his eyes and pockets the microdrives. “Thanks again. Wish I could stick around to hear more of your compliments, but…” He jerks a thumb over his shoulder. “Godhood calls.”

His bootsteps fade, leaving you alone with your racing thoughts and deceptively-calm heartbeat.

- - - - - - - - - -

The rest of the day is uneventful, you busy yourself with software updates and routine server maintenance. It’s easy, menial work, but it’s enough to keep your thoughts from wandering too far in any direction. Maybe you’d been right, maybe seeing Troy in person had been enough to take the edge off—

Your ECHO pings again and you nearly jump out of your skin. Meet me in Studio B. Troy. You read it again. And again. And once more to be sure. And then you obey.

Your heartbeat isn’t so calm this time. What does he want? Had you made a mistake? Said something wrong?

The studio is dim when you arrive, just a few low lights flicked on behind the booth. Troy’s waiting, his feet kicked up on the mixing desk, fiddling with his ECHO. The door creaks as you enter. You cringe.

“That was fast.”

“An order’s an order.”

He watches you for a long moment, then hums. “I’m not blind, you know.”

“I—” What? You know that, what is he—?

“Or stupid.” He stands, faster and more fluidly than you’re anticipating. In a second, he’s right in front of you. “I know exactly how you feel when you’re around me.” His voice has dropped to a whisper and your stubborn, stupid, misbehaving heart— “I hear the way your pulse skyrockets when you think about what you want me to do to you.”

You blink. Swallow. Is this actually happening? Warm, human fingers press under your chin, tilting your head, forcing you to look at him. There’s mischief dancing behind his pale eyes.

“Stop trying to hide it.”

“I—is that an order?”

His razor-sharp grin is enough of an answer. And then it happens. Those coy lips are pressed to yours. That hot, pink tongue that had invaded so many of your wet dreams is now invading your mouth. He’s gripping the back of your neck. Tugging at your hair. Moaning and growling and laughing—and the sounds are bouncing around your ribcage.

The surrealism of it all flips an interesting switch in your mind. In all your daydreams, every fantasy, you’d assumed you’d be paralyzed with shock in a situation like this. Frozen in awe and disbelief. Pliable and soft in his hands. Instead? You go wild.

All your actions blur into a haze of sensations. His teeth on your neck, biting deep, drawing blood. Your hands running over the sleek lines of muscle that define his body. The jagged tearing of cloth as something is ripped off. His knee between your legs. The world spinning as you’re lifted and pushed onto your back. You hardly notice the jabs of the knobs and switches on the instrument panel beneath you—your legs are wrapped around his hips and you’re clinging to him with all the strength you can muster.

Frantic, desperate fingers tug at your belt, slide inside you, curl forward. Stars bloom behind your eyes. You moan. He growls. Panted, breathless exclamations ricochet between you. Names are chanted, recited like prayers.

You’re wide open and ready for him by the time he thrusts up into you. Quick, needy. You move with him effortlessly, rocking up to meet his hips, digging your fingers into his back. All you can do is feel. Feel his body, feel his lips, feel his breath whispering over your neck as he leans down, pushing deeper. And finally—

It breaks. Tension releases. Heavy breaths mingle with sighs and feather-soft kisses. Bliss.

- - - - - - - - - -

You wake up groggy. Sore. Not naked, but you may as well have been because you know this feeling. You’d definitely had a good, thorough fucking. There isn’t enough fog in your brain to make you forget who’d done it, either. He knew how you felt and he’d… God damn, had he done something about it. You swear you can still feel the echoes of your orgasm throbbing between your legs and you wonder how long ago—

A brisk knock at the door nearly kills the mood. You scramble from your bed, praying that none of the...evidence...of your rendezvous would be apparent to whoever— It’s Troy. Heat blossoms in your face.

There’s a lazy, satisfied smirk on his lips. “Sleep okay?”

Fuck it. “Would’ve been better with you.” You don’t even attempt to maintain a normal pulse rate anymore.

His eyebrows arch. His smirk grows wider, showing teeth. The faintest hint of crimson colors his cheekbones. “Is that an invitation?”

You shrug. Keep cool! “If you want.”

He nods. Bites his lip. “I’ll, uh...keep that in mind. But, here, in the meantime…” He pulls a microdrive from his pocket and holds it out to you. “It’s not work, it’s…you’ll see.”

You take it, letting your fingers brush his palm. You don’t miss the way his blush spreads. Still so goddamn cute.

“I’ve gotta go, but...watch that tonight. Tell me what you think.”

“An order?”

He winks.

- - - - - - - - - -

You settle into your chair and load the microdrive. One file. Click-click.

You recognize the setup immediately. It’s Studio B. And there’s Troy. You’re fully expecting what comes next, but you still groan when you hear the door creak open and you step into view of the camera. Of course he’d filmed it. You’re not surprised in the least.

It’s...comforting, though, how you can allow yourself to watch this without trying to school your emotions. He’d made this for you. He’d given you what you wanted. He knew. You don’t stop—you don’t have to stop—yourself from curling up in your chair, biting your knuckles, blushing, and… ...yes, you’ll admit it—touching yourself while you watch.

The two of you look good from this angle. You don’t remember pushing his coat off, but there it goes, crumpling to the floor, revealing his bare back as he lifts you onto the table. From here, you can see his cybernetic spinal support, glowing with dim red light when he dips down to grind against you. You want to touch it. You’re surprised you didn’t. Maybe next time...

For once, the fantasy of there even being a “next time” fills you with warm hope. Unless you’ve been reading him wrong, he seems...interested. It makes you giddy. It makes you feel as though all of your initial reactions are justified. Now that you know he’s reciprocating.

You feel like you’re dreaming, watching all of this play out on the screen. Those are your hands scratching red lines down his shoulder blades. Your limbs tangled with his, wrapped around him. Your body moving perfectly, fluidly, rhythmically beneath his. Your voice panting out his name like an absolution.

And his voice doing the same with yours.

You stay there, curled in your chair, one hand trailing idly over your thighs, long after the last of your cries have faded. After he cradled you to his chest and helped you back to your feet. After the video ended.

It’s all real, you know that, but it feels like it shouldn’t be. He hadn’t even really known who you were until yesterday. Had he? You guess it doesn’t really matter. You’re both getting what you want, but… ...deep down, you’re hoping it’s not that shallow.

- - - - - - - - - -

He finds you in the morning. You’re back in the server room, allowing your thoughts to sort themselves out. At least… ...that was the plan. Until you hear his voice.

“So...what’d ya think?”

You don’t look at him at first. Your hands work with swift, practiced motions, tying a bundle of wires together. You’re not ashamed of the way your heart skips anymore, but what are you supposed to say to something like that? “Kinky,” you manage to joke.

He sighs, but there’s a hint of a laugh at the end of it. “And here I was expecting some quality constructive criticism.”

“I thought you said it wasn’t work.”

“You know what I mean.”

You watch him out of the corner of your eye. There’s nothing to lean on; his hands are fiddling awkwardly. He’s shifting his weight from one leg to the other. He seems expectant.

You finally look up, meeting his eyes. Your heart is racing, as usual. Not with anxiety or anticipation. With newfound hope. With affection. A smirk tugs at your lips. “Maybe a better angle next time? Not that the one you chose was bad…”

And then he does it. He ducks his head, laughing, exactly the same way he’d done in countless videos, in hundreds of cut and saved clips. That same scarlet blush adorns his cheekbones and the bridge of his nose. And you fall in love all over again.

- - - - - - - - - - @corpseyb0nes @afterthedreamer @mischiefsilvertongue @marigold-magpie @tricerathotss @vanderlinde-exe @ayilachan @zipp0flare @luxury-of-insanity @nikyri-reaper @argentineanweaboo @vanillabuttercreamm @anni000001 @imchaoticnerd

#borderlands fanfiction #my writing #troy calypso x reader #this has some smut but it's not necessarily graphic #not safe for shirts #i feel like i'm missing a lot of tags #smut #pining #fluff #troy's a cutie who blushes a lot

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palettepainter · 5 years ago

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“Raaammmieeellllll!” A familiar sounding voice whispered into her ear. Ramiel stirred in her slumber, but didn’t open her eyes, nor did she sit up from her bed to greet the visitor. She was fully aware of who they where, and if she had learnt anything from them, it was that giving them no reaction at all was often the best choice to take. It went quite for a few minutes, before something poked her cheek “Raaammieeeeelll!!” The voice sang, poking her cheek with a huge child like grin on their face, seeming to not understand that the said sleeping angel wanted them to go away. Ramiel’s brows furrowed a bit, and she tried to shove away their hand with her shoulder, alas, her attempts were futile. Once again silence, and Ramiel shifted back into a comfier position to sleep...until “Ramiel Ramiel Ramiel Ramiel Ramiel Ramiel Ramiel Ramiel-“ The cheek poking became repetitive, and soon became quickly affective at waking her up. Any other angel would have reacted with annoyance and even anger, (obviously), but for Ramiel, she had come to accept this as simply being one of the many morning greetings from her friend. And the said friend was none other than: “Jevil..” “Good morning dearest!!~” The mighty god of chaos sang cheerfully, casually floating above her and smiling ear to ear. Ramiel groaned sleepily, reaching for her glasses as she shifted into a sitting position. “So good to see you! Why! It feels like it was an eternity since we last saw each other! Don’t you think?” “..We saw each other yesterday” Ramiel said blankly, stating an obvious fact Jevil sighed “Oh how time flies!” Rolling over in the air, Jevil laid on his back, folding his arms behind his head and throwing one leg over the other, tail swaying slowly. “Hmm..” Jevil tapped his chin, darting his eyes up and down Ramiel’s exhausted look: with her usually neat and finely combed brown hair now a messy tangle of nots, her smart attire now just a simply blue night vest, and the droopy look in her expression, like she was struggling to stay awake. “Though I must be honest with you, you have been better looking!“ he batted his hand, still smiling “Now don’t take that to heart! It’s just that in my professional opinion, you’ve always suited having the smart and intellectual look over the morning bed head look.” Ramiel cocked her brow, unamused “..That’s because it’s midnight Jevil.” She directed a hand to her window, where the night sky twinkled down on the whimsical land of heaven. Jevil let out a small cackle, and leaned his noodle cat like body down near Ramiel “I knew a smart cookie like you would point that out!” Jevil offered several pats to Ramiel’s head, beaming at her like a mother would with their child. Leaning away, Jevil crossed his arms, gesturing with one hand “Yes I figured you’d be a little bit salty with me for showing up so horrifically early - but sadly, altering the cycle of the sun isn’t something a-“ he made quotation marks “-‘reformed god’ does. After all-“ Jevil pulled a sassy grin, expecting his nails coyly “I am reformed!” He snapped his fingers, conjuring up a halo above his head “..Well, apparently not breaking into friends houses still needs work” “Ah-Ah-Ah!” Jevil wagged his finger “Whoever said it was a forced entry?” Jevil paused, before jabbing a thumb down the hallway “The kitchen window was open.” Ramiel pinched the skin between her nose, huffing under her breath. “What is it you want Jevil?..” she asked, tiredness still evident in her voice. The god smiled happily, clapping his hands together eagerly “Isn’t it obvious dear? Why, I’ve come to deliver little Leo’s birthday gift!!” Silence hung in the room, and Ramiel blinked, genuinely unsure if Jevil was being serious. But when Jevil only continued to smile and wait for her response... “..Jevil..You do know that babies usually aren’t..awake at midnight.” “Yes.” Jevil answered politely, curiously inspecting the pillows on the end of Ramiel’s bed “..And that Leo’s birthday party doesn’t start until lunch time, correct?” “At 2pm sharp!” Jevil added formly Ramiel held her hands together, inhaling a calming breath, before she dipped then like a steeple “..So dont you think it would be better if you gave Leo your gift..at the party?” She paused, and took that moment to glance momentarily out of her window “..When the sun is up.” Jevil let out a merry chuckle, rolling about in mid air as if he had just been told a hilarious joke, but Ramiel remained looking unamused, her brow raised at her friends behaviour. “Ramiel Ramiel Ramiel!” Jevil sang, teleporting to Ramiel’s side in a flash of light “My dear DEAR friend-“ He slung an arm round Ramiel’s shoulders “You underestimate the sheer love and affection I have for your son! After all - I DID make a vow to be his godfather, did I not?” “It was more like begging.” Ramiel correcting “Details details.” Jevil rolled his eyes. “Besides, I most sadly wont be able to attend the delightful celebration.” He held the back of his hand to his head “Truly tragic, a party is never a party without dancing tea cups and cotton candy rabbits” Ramiel sat their staring in surprise. When did Jevil ever miss a party? More so, when did Jevil ever miss any of Leo’s parties! Ramiel couldn’t find any reason why Jevil wouldn’t be able to attend, she knew perfectly well Jevil didn’t care for doing chores or errands for anyone unless she persuaded him too, and Jehovah had banned any chaotic magic on the main land, so he had not chaotic work to do. “..Why won’t you be attending?” She finally asked Jevil was quite for a brief moment, his ears lowering a little, before he quickly flashed a grin and patted her shoulder “Oh it’s nothing to worry about! I simply misplaced my butterfly sandwich catching net at the bottom of the upside down lake!” He faked slapped his hand, throwing his head back a tad “I’m such a butter fingers! And I can’t attend a party without my butterfly sandwich catching net! After all, catching the sandwich’s rather then devouring them straight away is much more fun!” Ramiel had the sneaky suspicion that maybe that wasn’t the true reason, and her expression must have said so, because as soon as Ramiel went to speak, Jevil beat her to it. “Well then-“ he floated upwards, and pulled a goofy looking alarm clock from his pocket “It seems I’ve jabbered long enough!” He shook the clock near his ear and listened to the rythmatic tic tocking, before shoving it back inside its rightful pocket. “I had better deliver my gift!” He held up a finger as he spoke “Now: I want my gift to put to full use! By the time the clock strikes midnight tomorrow, the gift shall be of no more use!” “..No more use?-“ “And I want to also add, this is quite the generous gift, and I’m not quite used to being this giving.” He held a hand to his chest “And although you are not one for pestering Ramiel, do not expect me to be giving this gift back willy nilly.” Ramiel blinked “..What do you mean by-“ “And there of course shall be no magical side affects!” “..Magical...side affects?” Ramiel suddenly became uneasy, and a pit settled on her gut “..From..what?” Jevil scoffed “From the gift! Do pay attention Ramiel.” Jevil cracked his fingers, and then rubbed his hands together, tail wagging, clearly excited to give this mysterious gift “Now then! I shan’t waste anymore of your time Ramiel! After all, you’ll need to be looking your best for the party!” Jevil held up his fingers and prepared to snap, closing his eyes, but paused to quickly add “Oh! And do save me a slice of cake and sandwiches!” “Jevil wait!-“ Snap. The floating god snapped his fingers. Ramiel expected some kind of dramatic explosion of confetti or for a massive plush toy to appear in the far corner..but to her surprise, nothing happened. Eyes remaining closed, Jevil rummaged around in his pocket again, pulling out a small silver zip “Delivery, officially delivered!” He praised outload, before he let the zip float in front of him. He pulled the zip down, creating an opening back into his chaos realm “Toodle-loo!~” He said with a waggle of his fingers, before he stepped through the portal, as it shut neatly behind him. Ramiel stared at the spot where Jevil once was, all that remained now where some sparkles that gradually disappeared. Jevil’s instructions ran through her head, the cogs turning as she tried to piece it all together. What kind of gift had Jevil gotten? What did he mean by no magical side affects? Had Jevil..put a spell on Leo! Now that she thought about it she realised it wouldn’t be such a surprising thought, Jevil did enjoying using his magic to its full use, but if so, then what kind of spell had he casted? She knew it wouldn’t be anything dangerous, Jevil wasn’t THAT careless! Especially when it came to Leo. ...Ramiel exhaled a long breath “Well...guess I’ll just have to find out” she said to herself, before placing down her glasses, and drifting back into sleep. ~~~~~~~~~~~ “And after that he just..left?” Ramiel nodded with an ‘mhm’, placing down a second bowl of crisps on the table. Her two eldest brothers exchanged confused looks “Hmm, odd..” Baraquiel adjusted his glasses, thinking for a moment longer before he spoke “Mister Jevil has always been a peculiar person but..it’s not like he would miss Leo’s birthday party for nothing.” “And you’re SURE he was making up an excuse?” Nathanial asked while turning to his sister, who only nodded. Both brothers hummed, and then exchanged looks once again, like they where having a telepathic conversation. “He told me he misplaced his net by the upside down lake..” Ramiel idly traced her finger round the edge of one of the plastic party cups, sighing quietly “But...something told me he was lying..” Ramiel fell silent, and let out another quite sigh, shifting a few things about on the table, trying to find something to keep her mind off the topic. Baraquiel cleared his throat, and then walked up to Ramiel, Nathanial soon following his lead “I’m sure Jevil will come along in his own time” “Yeah, you know him” Nathanial said paired with a shrug “Always fashionably late.” Ramiel peered up at her siblings, and tried her best to smile, it was still clear she was upset - Baraquiel and Nathanial wanted to try and reassure Ramiel further, but the two decided against it, perhaps it would be best to leave the topic be for now. “Well..” Ramiel glanced to the clock briefly, and then peered back to her siblings “The guests will be here soon, could you two finish with the food?..I’m going to go and wake Leo.” Ramiel could vaguely hear Nathanial and Baraquiel agreeing as she walked off down the hallway, but her mind was elsewhere, and she hardly heard what it was they said. Her mind was pondering on the question she’d be asking herself for the whole of that morning: Why had Jevil lied? The god of chaos worked in mysterious and unexplainable ways, and no one truly knew what it was that he was planning or going to do next. But for Ramiel, things where different. She had picked up on certain behaviours of his, and how he acted in different scenarios. At this stage, Ramiel was confident that she could read Jevil like a book. And her gut was telling her for sure that Jevil hadn’t been honest with her. But why? Why would Jevil had needed to lie? Did he simply not want to attend the party? Was he nervous about the angels that would be showing up? Was he nervous he may make the party worse with his magical antics? The last option seemed like it could have been a reason, but Ramiel soon thought against it, Jevil was never really shamed to show off his abilities. However, with 2pm drawing closer and the party almost ready, there was no time for her to find Jevil and question his actions. ‘I suppose I could talk about it with him later..maybe he will show up, Jevil is very fond of parties after all’ she told herself Approaching the door to her sons room, she could already hear the familiar gurgling and babbling coming from inside. Smiling, Ramiel reached for the door handle and then poked her head inside “Good morning Leo” the birthday boy was sitting up in his crib, back facing his mother as he waved his stuffed bear enthusiastically, giggling away. Ramiel couldn’t help but snicker as she walked inside the room, reaching into her sons crib and lifting him up to cradle him “Happy birthd-“ Ramiel’s words got caught in her throat, and in that second, if felt as if even the earth itself had stopped moved. For in her arms, staring back at her with child like glee, love, and curiosity - where two pink, spiral eyes. Jevil’s eyes Leo waved his tiny hands up at the face of his mother, wanting to touch her face. Lost in both wonderment and pure fear, Ramiel slowly lifted Leo up to her, just like how she would do every morning so that he could tell if it was her. Leo drooled on his onesie sleeve, and then reached a curious hand out, grabbing his mothers cheek. Ramiel felt a fresh bulk of tears gathering in the corner of her eye when a lob sided smile pulled at her little angels lips He let out a gurgly giggle, hands freely roaming her face as he felt at her cheeks, forehead and glasses. He soon began to nom on some strands of her hair, but she didn’t care, she choaked back a sob, her lips curling up into a smile. “Ramiel?” Nathanial poked his head into the room, his brother senses kicking in when he heard her light sobbing from the hallway. Concern growing he quickly walked over to her, soon followed by Baraquiel. Once the two where close to her, their eyes widened to the size of plates when they saw Leo with bright pink eyes. He gurgles at the two new faces, reaching curious hands out to both of them. “W-What..” Nathanial pointed a slightly trembling finger at his nephew “What happened to his..eyes?” Baraquiel, compared to Nathaniel looked much more calmer, and slowly waved his finger in front of Leo from side to side, the baby followed his finger, and then grabbed it with a giggle. He hummed “It...seems he can see.” He said, half lost for words “..Jevil’s eyes” “..What?” Nathaniel gave his sister a cocked brow Ramiel smile grew more, as she finally brought Leo close to cradle him, the curious tot was peering all around the room, taking in the new sights that he could not see before. Ramiel lowered her head to gently kiss his forehead, and it earns her a string of giggles and tiny excites claps. “They’re Jevil’s eyes...His gift!” It all finally clicked into place, and Ramiel suddenly realised what gift Jevil had given. “He said there would be no magical side affects..I, assumed he had casted some spell, but..” she paused, before sniffling, and wipping at her eye “I didn’t except anything like this!” Once again she drew Leo closer to her, hugging him with the most tender loving care, showering his forehead with kisses, and little Leo happily took the attention from his precious mother. Nathanial And Baraquiel, gradually recovering from their shock, eagerly knelt a little to make eye contact with Leo, who glanced to his Uncles. “Hey there little dude! What’s it like to see now huh?” The only response Nathanial got was incoherent babbling, but it sounded happy, so he’d take it. He let out a rare chuckle, before he moved out of the way for Baraquiel to say hello. “Hello there little one!” Once again, Baraquiel reaches out his finger and gently tickled Leo’s stomach. The baby let out a squeaky laugh, before grasping at Baraquiel’s finger. Ramiel couldn’t help but snicker under her breath, unfolding her wings she gently pulled her two oldest brothers into a hug, eyes still smiling down at Leo with warmth and love. The moment was perfect, until a very ‘poof’ sound came from the lounge..followed by a thud and a groan All eyes went to the doorway of the bedroom, Nathanial felt his fingers curling into a fist was was prepared to throw a punch, but relaxed when very familiar and fuzzy face leaned into the doorway. “Ramiel!!~” Jevil greeted enthusiastically, waving four nets in his hand as he beamed a mischievous grin “I brought my sandwich catching net!! And lookie-“ He gestured to the other three “I brought spares!~ Who’d have know my sandwich nets where in my closet the whole time! Oh were going to have so much fun my dear!!” Jevil went to pat Ramiel’s head, only for him to pat nothing. Chuckling nervously, Jevil guided himself cautiously into the room, before he found who he guessed to be Ramiel from the sound of Leo’s gurgling, and patted her head softly. “Ah, I’m terribly sorry for that.” Jevil pointed to his eyes, that where now replaced with glassy shiny eyes, Leo’s eyes. “I may have made a slight misjudgement, this is a lot harder then I thought it would be.” There was a brief pause, and for a small moment, Jevil was worried he had said something wrong. His intrusion might have interrupt a sweet moment- Jevil felt something wrap around his middle, and then something fluffy resting on his back. He hummed, ears perked forward. He looked down where the sounds of Leo’s gurgling where strongest. Though he couldn’t see it, Ramiel was hugging him. One arm and wing wrapped around his back while the other arm held her son, who was still babbling away. Something warm began to grow in Jevil’s chest, it felt weird, but oddly nice. Smiling, Jevil reached a hand gently down to feel Ramiel’s head, before he carefully knelt down to wrap his arms and wings round her and Leo, returning to hug. Leo cooed, leaning his head to the side - he reached out a hand and rugged at one of Jevil’s feathers, causing him to flinch. “Oh don’t worry!” Jevil leaned back and balanced himself perfectly on his tail, leaning his head down to what he guessed was at eye level with Leo “Your old Uncle Jevil hasn’t forgotten about you!” Leo clapped his hands and kicked his legs excitedly, remembering Jevil’s voice almost instantly. With Ramiel’s help, she guided Jevil’s arms so that he was now cradling Leo. Jevil’s grin couldn’t have been more bright as he fondly nuzzled Leo, the enthusiastic tot cooed once again, hands reaching to Jevil’s cheeks to feel at his fur, the soft touch bringing back more memories of him. KNOCK KNOCK “Ah, must be the others.” Nathanial and Baraquiel walked to the doorway “We’ll let you guys catch up, see you two out there!” Nat said whip casually waving as he and his brother left out into the hallway. As guests filled up in the lounge, Jevil continued to coddle and dot over Leo, speaking in the most sugary sweet baby voice he could make. It was an amusing sight to see, the mighty lord of chaos fussing over a wee baby. Ramiel watched with a content smile, sighing quietly. “Well-“ Jevil snapped his digits, and the four sandwich catching nets magical materialised into his spare hand and Leo safely appeared in his mothers arms. “Aren’t we going to go and join the others? This IS a party after all!” Smile still present, Ramiel let Leo lean on her shoulder, lightly bouncing him in her arms “Yes, let us join them.” ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ @cosmic-artzz I’M SO SORRY THIS TOOK SO LONG! I had this idea ages ago and it was inspired by some RP’s me and Cosmic had over Twitter, involving my god of Chaos OC Jevil, and her angel OC’s Ramiel and her son Leo. I’m not sure when exactly Leo is born in Cosmic’s heaven AU, but this story probably takes place way in the future. To anyone who doesn’t know about these characters: Ramiel was assigned to be Jevil’s caretaker of sorts, so that Jevil can become reformed (I’m not sure if this is cannon in Cosmic’s main heaven AU or if this takes place in a completely separate AU) - I told Cosmic that Jevil would adore Leo, he’d trade his left arm and right leg of it make him happy. This is a story of Jevil generously leading Leo his sight for his birthday, while Jevil has Leo’s blindness for the day, but that won’t stop him from having fun! (sorry if some parts aren’t written well, I’m not that good at writing sappy stuff)

DO NOT REPOST/EDIT/COPY/TRACE MY ART, THE OC’S OR MY WRITTING!! Ramiel/Leo/Nathanial/Baraquiel - @cosmic-artzz Jevil - me

#Story #Jevil #Ramiel #Leo

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justincaseitmatters · 5 years ago

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Rewind: How a religious group you’ve never heard of influences policy in both Washington and Topeka

From KCActive.com, July 24, 2009

The new Netflix documentary The Family deals with some of the subjects I discussed with Jeff Sharlet, who was an executive producer on the series and who is one of the people discussing this mysterious and troubling group on camera. ---

Until South Carolina Gov. Mark Sanford made a trip to see his mistress in Argentina on state funds and Nevada Sen. John Ensign got a bad return on the hush money he paid former lover and staffer Cynthia Hampton, few Americans had ever heard of a powerful religious group known as The Family or The Fellowship.

The Family provided spiritual counseling to both Sanford and Ensign and, according to Hampton’s husband, drove Ensign to a FedEx office to send a “Dear Jane” letter to Hampton.

While the former convent house they now run on C Street, just a few blocks from the Capitol in Washington DC, is now synonymous with scandal and seems like something from a conspiracy theory, the impact the Family has had in Washington has been real, and current and past members of Kansas’ congressional delegation have sought The Family’s support.

Ensign even lived in the C Street house while he was in DC, and in a recent divorce case, the wife of former Mississippi Congressman Chip Pickering claims he rendezvoused with his mistress within the building’s walls.

The Family’s Tree

The organization, which has several subsidiary foundations, was founded in 1935 by a Norwegian immigrant pastor named Abraham Vereide. It was his response to the rise of unions during the Great Depression. Vereide thought the economic meltdown was caused by the nation’s sin of siding with unions and “against” businesses.

In 1953, he established the annual National Prayer Breakfast, where the President and several other American and World Leaders meet every year. The meeting helped lead to the 1978 Israeli-Egyptian peace deal, but it also helped solidify America’s ties to Indonesian dictator Suharto (a nominal Muslim more interested in power than either Jesus or Mohammed), whose regime killed nearly 500,000 of his own people in a single year.

The Family’s activities have had a very public impact by keeping a low profile. Sharlet lived in their complex, named Ivanwald, for nearly a month in 2002 and later dug through nearly 600 boxes of archives for The Family at Wheaton University, and conducted dozens of personal interviews to write The Family: The Secret Fundamentalism at the Heat of American Power. The book, first published in 2008, has just been released in paperback.

“In the early days of The Family, Abraham Vereide was doing a flow chart of responsibility. One man was ‘finances;’ one man was ‘meetings.’ Beside his own name was ‘power.’ That was going to be his responsibility. And then in this really interesting move, he crosses it out. What Vereide’s great insight about power was that it can’t be had. In other words, if you have to declare your own power, you’re not powerful,” says Sharlet by phone from New Hampshire.

“If you talk about (The Family) at all, you’re breaking the rules. They believe they must practice in secrecy, which is in defiance to what the Gospels teach about openness and doing your deeds in the light. Those who do evil deeds will shy away from the light.”

In addition to the Family’s own secrecy, the author says that the American press has unknowingly been complicit in keeping The Family in the shadows.

“For a long time, they’ve been benefiting from the fact that the American political press is religiously illiterate. They don’t know how to ask these questions,” says Sharlet. “There was a failure to distinguish between evangelical Christianity in America, which is a mainstream movement, and The Family, which is a very different kind of theology: very authoritarian. It is unrecognizable to any evangelical church in America.

“They’re Washington insiders. A lot liberals are happy to bash fundamentalists when they think they’re hillbillies or backwoods and that kind of stuff, and they don’t know what to do with a group like The Family, which is establishment, which is elite and sophisticated and internationalist.”

While Ensign and Sanford are Republicans, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and Arkansas Sen. Mark Pryor, both Democrats, have also been actively involved with The Family. “It’s a rightward movement pulling on both parties,” says Sharlet.

Prayer for Power

Some of the most familiar quotations from the Gospels display a wariness of wealth and power and a deep concern for the underprivileged. In

John 18:36, Jesus states, “My kingdom does not belong to this world,” and in Matthew 25:40, he ends a parable by declaring, “And the king will answer, ‘I tell you this: anything you did for one of my brothers here, however humble, you did for me (New English Version).”

It’s also hard to forget Mark 10:25, where Jesus warns his followers, “It is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.”

According to Sharlet, Vereide and his successors believe that their ministry was to the “up-and-out” instead of the “down-and-out.” One of their core beliefs is that many rulers who have come to power, regardless of wretchedness, gained their thrones through divine selection.

“This is not actually in the book. It’s in a bunch of audio sermons we found after the book had already gone to press. Doug Coe (who succeeded Vereide before the founder’s death in 1969) does this little rhetorical move where he wants congressmen to understand what he means about power.

“‘Who are the three 20th century leaders who best understood Jesus’ message in the New Testament?’ You imagine people guessing something like (South African Nobel laureate) Desmond Tutu, (German Anti-Nazi theologian Dietrich) Bonheoffer, or Martin Luther King or maybe Billy Graham even,” recalls Sharlet.

“And he says, ‘None of those guys. It’s Hitler, Stalin and Mao.’ Your jaw drops. These are evil men. He’s not saying you should commit genocide. ‘They are evil men, but they understood the bottom line of the New Testament.’ That’s a constant of all their stories.”

Kansas Connections

Two of the Sunflower state’s most prominent Republican politicians, Sam Brownback and Todd Tiahrt, have been regular visitors at the counseling sessions. Brownback is expected to run for governor of Kansas after declaring he would not run for reelection to the U.S. Senate. Tiahrt, who is the current Fourth District Congressman, is a 2010 U.S. Senate candidate for Kansas.

He received national attention when he lamented a House bill that might have led to taxpayer-supported abortions in DC, if applied to earlier generations, would have led the mothers of Barack Obama and Clarence Thomas to end their pregnancies.

U.S. Sen. Sam Brownback and Congressman Todd Tiahrt, both representing Kansas, are regular visitors at counseling sessions conducted by Douglas E. Coe, leader of The Family, a secretive Christian movement.

Sharlet says Tiahrt’s emphatic rhetoric is unusual for Family members. “They don’t like bomb throwers. That’s not their style. It’s easy to forget that Brownback can be a very subtle player. I don’t know if Tiahrt can.”

In the book, Sharlet recounts a counseling session with Coe where Tiahrt lamented that Christians were losing the race with Muslims because Muslims were having more babies and Christians were aborting theirs.

“Apparently, in Todd Tiahart’s world, there are no American Muslims,” says Sharlet. “(Tiahrt and Coe) were sitting in a breakfast nook of the C Street house. They were sipping their hot cocoa. I brought them their cocoa.”

Ironically, Sharlet’s experiences in The Family landed him an extensive 2006 Rolling Stone interview with Brownback despite an unflattering article he’d previously written about the organization in Harper’s. The author recalls that a Kansas reporter sent the senator a dossier on Sharlet warning Brownback not to consent to the article.

“Once you’ve been a member of The Family, because it is a type of bastardized Calvinism, you’re always a member of The Family,” says Sharlet. “God uses you for a purpose. In Brownback’s case, it really seemed in my conversation with him, it really seemed like he felt that if he could show me what he did and what he believed that I would be overwhelmed by the goodness of it and come back to the fold.”

Sharlet also describes a vivid example where Kansans don’t have to look far to see the impact of the Family on the state.

“A bunch of Family guys on a Senate appropriations committee are in charge of military construction. What they’ve been doing is green lighting mega-church size and style chapels across the country. And Fort Riley’s got one under construction that came through Sam Brownback. Keep in mind Fort Riley (already) has a chapel. They don’t need a new chapel for $18 million,” says Sharlet.

“At the same time, this committee couldn’t fund a much more modest and ecumenical chapel at the Dover Air Force Base that would have been for the families of the war dead. They couldn’t find three million bucks for that.”

He Never Left

Sharlet’s expertise on The Family and his first-hand observations have suddenly made him an omnipresent pundit. The week I had spoken to him, he had written a Family-related article in Salon and made his fifth appearance on The Rachel Maddow Show.

“I published the book last spring. It made it on the bestseller list for a week, but it wasn’t a big hit,” says Sharlet. “None of it took. And now come sex scandals, the great American blood sport. Americans know how to deal with it. Hypocrisy, they get. What’s been promising about all the attention is that it starts with the sex scandals but in a lot of the media we’ve been doing, we start with the sex scandals but we get to the real issues at hand, which are not about who’s sleeping with who but about where the money is going, what kind of political influence is being used, what kind of ideology is being pushed out there. I’m very glad that people are paying attention.”

#Jeff Sharlet #The Family #documentary #netflix

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zoroism · 6 years ago

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The Strawhat’s Deja Vu

This is my entry for the @opbigbang 2019! This is actually my first long fanfic (or fanfic in general) and I hope you all would like it! I had so much fun writing this and I hope you’ll have fun reading it too!

A big thank you to my partner @babblebuzz! for the amazing animation they made for the fic! And for being so understanding bc my work schedule is crazy xD Check out their artblog @junonboi! (You’ll see amazing art please go and check them out)

The day was perfect. The sun was shining, the wind was blowing through his grass hair and there were no signs of rain coming anytime soon. A very good day for a road trip indeed. They say Roronoa Zoro was king of the road trips. Why you ask? Since he absolutely didn't know where he was going most of the time. Though he knows where he needed to go he just doesn't know how to get there even with the best GPS apps. He just keeps on getting lost and the man is very sure that he was not the problem. It was those stupid apps. So when you want a short adventure just tell Zoro to maybe go to the nearest McDonald's and you'll most certainly be on a highway going to the next city.

"Zoro, I'm hungry." A teenager with curly brown hair and freckles running across his cheeks groaned. He was sitting in the passenger seat with his phone on his hand checking the map if they were going in the right direction every minute.

"Sorry Chopper, we'll get there soon," Zoro answered with an apologetic expression. He saw the discomfort on Chopper's face that tells him that the boy was indeed very hungry. Zoro couldn't blame him, after all, they were driving the Red Line Highway for eight hours now and their snacks were all out.

The two of them were headed to Marie Jois City. They were moving there since Chopper got a scholarship to Marie Jois University for a degree in Medicine. Zoro was still in shock that the boy was going to college at an early age but he did know that Chopper was a genius. The boy was already doing adult stuff like paying the bills, budgeting their money and cleaning the house while Zoro was at his job. He was very responsible for the age of fifteen.

Zoro and Chopper were orphans. They met at the orphanage where they both grew up. The place took care of them very well but potential parents that interviewed them didn't want them. Maybe because Zoro dyed his hair green and maybe because he looked like a delinquent that no one wanted him and thought that he was too "rough" for them since parents did want a more "cuter" and "nicer" kid. For Chopper's case, he was always around Zoro. So when someone tries to talk to him Zoro gives them a deep stare. He was just checking out if they were nice people, it wasn't his intention to scare them away. Maybe. He just wanted to make sure Chopper was adopted to a nice family.

So when Zoro turned eighteen, he left the orphanage with Chopper by his side. Of course, the orphanage didn't allow this at first since they needed to make sure that Zoro had the means to pay for the bills. He first got multiple jobs to show that he was capable and Chopper showed the people in the orphanage that he was responsible enough that he might be the one taking care of Zoro instead even if he was just twelve years old. In the end, they were both allowed to live together as brothers with the help of some convincing that Zoro did. That was three years ago. And of course, during those three years, they had a hard time adjusting to their new lives as independent people but they were moving to a brighter future now.

"We don't have to do this now you know." Chopper whispered barely audible for Zoro to hear. "I can get some job first then work my way up."

"Don't think about the bills or anything related to that. Just go and live your dream." Zoro answered with his eye looking directly at the road. He had to leave his job back at Shimotsuki City and he knows that Marie Jois is an expensive city since people call it the "City of Dreams" where rich ass people live. Though he knows Chopper got a scholarship at the university, there were still some school expenses they needed to pay plus their rent and food money.

"We got this okay? Things will work out. I'm the adult here let me handle the money matters, I want you to focus on what you want." The man said again shaking those thoughts out of his head, he knew things would work out in the end. He wanted to do this for his brother.

"Well at least let me drive. You're getting lost again!" The teenager exclaimed while pointing at the map on his phone.

"Like hell you'll drive! You're underage!" The green haired man exclaimed.

"Wow! Coming from a man who certainly follows the "street rules"" Chopper did quotation marks with his hands to emphasize his point. "You know I know what your true job is!"

"Are you seriously bringing that up now?" The man question with a pained expression. Zoro knew working at retail won't pay the bills. He knew it wasn't enough for both of them so he had to do something else and that way was the only way he could earn some quick cash.

"Did you seriously think I'm that dumb to not know? How could I not notice the car you're driving?! It's a new car! You even bought me the newest Samsung phone, the best laptop AND we're moving to Marie Jois. Given that we still don't have enough right now BUT NOT JUST ANYONE CAN MOVE THERE!" Chopper was technically yelling at the last part because he still thought it was amazing how Zoro's job could pay all these and of course he was very thankful for Zoro's hard work. Well, he was especially amazed at how Zoro could do that job given that the man was directionally damaged, he actually really wanted to know how Zoro could do it. "Plus I know what really happened to your left eye you know. You got in an accident during a race didn't you?"

Zoro glanced at Chopper to see his sad expression. Zoro felt bad for worrying the boy that night. It was two years ago during the Summer season. Zoro got the chance to race with a man known to be the best at Shimotsuki City, Dracule Mihawk. They decided to race from the top of the mountain to the bottom. During the first part of the race, Mihawk was in the lead. In a sharp turn, Zoro tried to overtake Mihawk but he actually got lost during his drift. Zoro was able to be in the lead when he got out from his little "detour" and jumped out from a small road and landed in front of Mihawk. Nearing the end of their race, there was another curve and his opponent saw this opportunity and bumped him at the back of his car. It caused his car to spin but Zoro still got his grip on the wheel, he thought about Chopper and he knew he couldn't die there. He directed his car to hit the mountain wall which caused rocks to break his window side and the glass hit his left eye which was the reason why he couldn't open his eye and how he got a big scar on the left side of his face. He was still able to calm his car down and finish the race. Mihawk was impressed with his skill and luck and told Zoro that he would await him until he was ready to fight him again. It was then Zoro swore to himself that he would beat Mihawk one day.

"Being a street racer has its perks you know." Zoro grinned and shuffled Chopper's hair with his right hand. The boy smiled and said, "One of the reasons why I wanted to be a Doctor.".

"But how can you be directionally challenged but still be a street racer at night?" Chopper genuinely asked putting his index finger and thumb on his chin with a thinking look on his face.

"Stop that you look like that stupid thinking emoji. Just don't ask, things work out in the end." Zoro himself didn't know how he wins his races besides knowing he had the skills and a stroke of excellent luck on his side.

"I will stop questioning this logic. It pains my head." Chopper agreed. When he glanced at his window, Chopper's eyes grew big and he immediately shouted "ZORO YOU MISSED THE EXIT! OUR EXIT WAS 10 EXITS AGO!".

When the boys finally got to the right road to Marie Jois city they were amazed by the big castle they see in the distance. It was literally a big medieval castle surrounded by tall buildings that had the same style as the castle. The road they were traveling through was a straight road where you can see if you squint your eyes enough, that it goes until the entrance of the castle. You would think there was a border around the city since before you get there the only thing you'll see is grasslands, farm animals, and crops but it was open for anyone to enter.

"I was not expecting a castle to set the bars of how rich the people at this city are." Chopper said with his mouth open ready for that fries he has on his hands. They went to a drive-thru before they continued their road trip to the city. It was nice timing since they felt like they were about to puke even though they didn't have anything in their stomachs. They were driving half a day now since Zoro missed their exit.

"That's probably the city's government office or something." Zoro answered before sipping his coke.

"Probably. Since this road leads straight to there. Maybe they want us to pay before we find our new house?" Chopper turned his head to face his window. His eyes were greeted by trees that lined up perfectly beside the road. It goes on until they got to the castle where it is placed at the center of a big roundabout with three exits that were simply named, North, East, West, and judging from the names he concluded that they came from the South road. Chopper was in awe about how big the city center was. Besides the big castle, there was a small park with mini stalls surrounding it where he saw people walk and talk with each other. There was a big fountain where kids were playing with the water, teenagers had water guns that they were shooting others with and some people were even bathing in it?!

"You're not thinking of joining them are you?" Zoro teased the boy. Though he knew Chopper was a genius, the boy was a teenager after all. He still wanted the kid to experience what normal kids do, he wanted him to have fun and enjoy being a kid. Just not the dark side of those "fun" things though.

"O-of course not!" Chopper answered trying to hide a blush creeping up his cheeks. "It's not like it looks fun or anything!" The boy was trying to hide the fact that he indeed, wanted to play with those kids but Zoro knew him well enough to know what he truly wanted. He might push Chopper to go to the center after they finish unpacking their stuff.

"Well, it looks fun. Find some friends and go have fun. I'm not gonna stop you unless you're hurting yourself. Not that I needed to remind you. I know you." The man said with a soft smile. "You should go and meet kids your age. Don't get cooped up in the house and do all those housework again. You're not a maid. We're in this together."

"I know that." Chopper became quiet and gazed at the scenery outside, he was starting to drown in his own thoughts. It wasn't like Zoro was forcing him to do those things, he just wanted to do it since he saw how Zoro was working so hard for him. He was the best big brother anybody could ask for. And he was constantly worried at night if Zoro will come home again with blood all over him like how he did when he raced with Mihawk.

"Well, now we need to find the East exit." Zoro said disturbing Chopper's racing mind. Chopper looked at the window and slapped his forehead.

"Zoro, We've been circling this roundabout five times now." He respected his big brother so much but just, damn his directionally challenged brain.

"Well, this road keeps on moving!"

"Exit the next one! This roundabout has just four exits and we came through one! How can you get lost?!" Chopper exclaimed and sighed when the man was turning to the right exit. When they turned to enter East Road they were greeted by a long straight street with three-story buildings that also looked medieval but had high-class stalls that looked new at the first story. It was almost dark so they could really appreciate the lights the whole street emitted. Not to mention the road wasn't asphalt or cement, it was pebbles which was a nice complement to the medieval theme of the city.

"This is a beautiful city." Chopper said with excitement in his eyes. He was truly in awe about how beautiful and lively the city is. The boy loved Shimotsuki City but the city was small and dark compared to Marie Jois. The city just breathed new opportunities everywhere.

"This is a city that never sleeps. I expected it to be like this." Zoro answered while he was trying to fiddle his phone with his right hand. Chopper took the phone from his hand and looked at the address on the screen.

"Give me that! I know you're an awesome street racer but it's still not safe to use your phone while driving. Plus we don't know what the rules here are yet!" The boy read the directions they got from their new landlord. "It says here that we should turn right on the third street then we'll see a red brick building there."

Zoro followed Chopper's instructions and they got to their new house safely. He parked on the street just beside a small three-story building that had red brick walls. Each floor, besides the bottom one, had a balcony in the middle that aligned on top of the big antique brown door with wood carvings that looked like the waves on the first floor. There was a small parking lot just on the right side of the building but Zoro figured it was best to knock and great the landlord first.

"Wow, Zoro this looks really nice!" Zoro saw the sparkle on Chopper's eyes. He was happy that his little brother liked the new place he got for them.

"This is the cheapest one here you know."

"This is the cheapest one?! This actually looks like one of the most expensive apartments in Shimotsuki City!" Chopper was waving his hands in the air as if he was emphasizing how impressed he was with the difference between their old home and the new one.

"Well let's go check it out." Zoro grinned and shuffled Chopper's curly hair.

The boys rang the doorbell and waited for a few minutes. They heard footsteps and the door opened. They were greeted by a beautiful black haired lady with blue eyes that smiled at them with delight.

"Are you Zoro?" She asked in a sweet voice.

"Yeah, I'm here for the apartment?" The green-haired man nodded. Chopper hid behind Zoro's back as he was very shy with other people. He was very open to Zoro but when it comes to other people or at least strangers, he was very quiet.

"Come on in, I'm the landlady. My name's Nico Robin." Robin opened the door widely and gestured for the brothers to enter their new house. When they entered the apartment they were greeted with a hallway full of bookcases and statues that look like it was from the ancient times. There were two doors on the right side of the hallway, one was open that showed the staircase and the other was closed and the brothers assumed it was the landlady's apartment.

Chopper observed the bookcase near the main door and his eyes lit up with delight. "Zoro! These books are old medicine books! There are different techniques that I could learn from here! Maybe I could combine them and develop a better technique?!"

"Woah there buddy those aren't hours." Zoro patted Chopper's back and pointed at Robin to let his little brother know that they were hers.

"Are you interested in my books?" Robin chuckled and looked at Chopper.

"Y-yes..." Chopper was startled with the question and hid behind Zoro's back. There was a blush creeping up his cheeks.

"He's really shy but he's a sweet boy. This is Chopper, my brother. He got a scholarship at the Medicine course in Marie Jois University." Zoro said with a proud tone on his voice.

"How wonderful! You can borrow my books anytime you want. You can knock on my door and I'll show you my whole library." The lady smiled and there was an aura she was emitting that made Chopper feel safe and at home and he felt like he immediately warmed up to the lady. He moved from Zoro's back to directly talk to Robin.

"Can I really?" He asked with his big cute eyes.

"Of course, You're a cute doctor after all." She answered with a sweet smile.

"It's not like your compliment made me happy!" Chopper smiled and started to clap his hands and buried his face on his palms hiding how red his face turned. Robin chuckled at Chopper's reaction and appreciated how cute the teenage boy was.

"I should show you your apartment. You'll be living on the third floor." Robin gestured for the three of them to climb up the stairs. Robin went first while Zoro and Chopper followed. "The only apartment mates you'll have here are me, I live on the first floor, as you guessed and Usopp who lives here on the second floor." Robin gestured at the door they were facing when they climbed up the first set of stairs.

There was a loud explosion that surprised Zoro and Chopper. Zoro immediately pushed Chopper behind his back out of instinct while Robin just chuckled in amusement.

"Don't worry, Usopp's a mechanic you'll get used to it." Suddenly they heard running and shouting from the inside of the apartment. "Oh I think he's burning himself alive," The landlady said with a smile on her face.

This surprised both Zoro and Chopper, they couldn't hide the horror on their faces. The door swung open and they were greeted by a comical face that had both his eyes and tongue out in a spiral manner.

"ROBIIIN!" Chopper shouted in surprise and Zoro instinctly grabbed the face and to his surprise, a mask was in his hand and he gazed at it for a few seconds before looking at the man standing at the door.

The man with curly black hair tied in a bun and long nose laughed. "That was an amazing greeting, wasn't it? That was how we used to greet worthy people who didn't need to go thru a trial to live with us." The guy pointed himself with his thumb and he looked very proud of his obvious fake story.

"Really?!" But Chopper didn't know it was a lie. He was impressed with the man because even though he nearly scared Chopper to death it was still a unique way of greeting new neighbors.

"Yeah! I got a whole bunch of tools inside from my adventures, Do you wanna see?" Before Chopper could say anything, Zoro stopped him because he knew Chopper would say yes. His whole face lit up with excitement when he heard the word "adventure" come out from Usopp's mouth. "Okay buddy, let's unpack first."

"I'm Usopp by the way! Just come back later if you want!" Usopp grinned and waved goodbye to Chopper. Robin, Chopper and Zoro climbed the stairs once again and when they got to the top they were greeted by a blue door.

"Now this is your apartment. It's a two bedroom apartment which also includes a balcony." Robin keyed the lock and opened the door. She gave a key to Zoro and smiled. "We can talk about the payment some other time. Just settle here first. I can see you both look like you need some sleep. You can park your car anywhere in the parking lot on the right side of the building"

"Thanks, We'll knock once we're done with the unpacking."

"The moving truck already arrived here first so your things should probably be already inside. Well then, I'll go down now. Just knock on my door when you need something" Robin once again smiled and winked at Chopper before she climbed down the stairs.

"Let's get inside then." Zoro and Chopper slowly entered the door. When they entered their new apartment they were first greeted by the shoe rack and a door for the closet. If they look at their left side, they saw a hallway that leads to a small bedroom. The boys decided to check what was behind the wall of the closet first. The apartment had an "open concept" type of feel to it since the walls were white and the living room area was connected to the kitchen and dining area in an L manner. Their furniture was placed on the corner and was covered by a large white cloth to protect it from the dust. There was a glass door that gives the place a natural light, though it was getting darker since the sun was setting. When they walked towards the tail of the L part of the apartment, they saw their kitchen lined up at the left side of the wall. It was the usual kitchen with a refrigerator, cabinets at the bottom and a sink, it was all white and black though. What wowed them the most was the oven and dishwasher, they didn't have one of those back at their old place. They went back to the hallway and they were greeted by two doors on the right side. They opened the first door and saw a washing machine and dryer inside.

"Zoro! We don't have to go outside to do laundry anymore! I'll take that off the budget now." Chopper exclaimed and made a mental note. He surely was loving the new apartment.

They got to the next door and it was the bathroom. They got to the end of the mini hallway and was greeted by the first bedroom. It was a small bedroom with a window in the opposite wall of the door. The moving guys placed Chopper's bed, study table, and bookshelf on the corner under a white cloth. There were about five boxes beside it too.

"You like it?" Zoro asked with a smile on his face. He already knows the answer. It was all over Chopper's face.

"I do!" Chopper ran inside and started opening the boxes beside his bed to start unpacking and start decorating his room.

"Remember to wipe the dust first okay? I packed cleaning supplies on one of the boxes in the living room." Zoro reminded his little brother since he saw light dust on the walls.

"I know!"

Zoro chuckled and continued to his room. It was the door at the end of the hallway. It didn't really look that much different from Chopper's except he didn't have a whole wall of closet, just a small one, and his window was at the side of their apartment balcony. Zoro looked at the scenery outside his window and saw that the sky was already dark.

"Chopper let's check the balcony first." Zoro knocked on Chopper's door where he saw him sorting out his clothes in his closet.

The boys went outside and were mesmerized by the view. Living on the third floor, of course, had its perks and this was definitely one of them. They could see the city lights that were like stars that were twinkling in the sky. It was very different from their old city where at this time people were already turning off their lights to sleep, here in this city people were still outside getting to where they needed to go.

"I'm starting to love this place." Chopper said while gazing at the beautiful view in front of him.

"So do I."

Zoro was awakened by the light coming from the window. He slowly opened his eyes and the first thought he had was where the fuck am I? He sat up and looked around his room and finally realized where he was at, oh right we moved. He slowly stood up, stretched his body, did some "light exercise" of a thousand push-ups to warm up and left his room. The smell of bacon filled his nose and he immediately knew Chopper already cooked breakfast for them.

"You should've just relaxed today." The man said as he entered the kitchen and saw Chopper cooking pancakes which were a great partner for the bacon.

"I'm just cooking breakfast Zoro, and it's already pass nine and I'm very hungry." Chopper answered as he flipped the pancake. "You do remember that I'm supposed to go to the university today right?"

"Oh shit, was that today?" Zoro couldn't hide the oh shit expression he had on his face. Of all the days he would forget it was the day they would visit Chopper's new campus for the first time. Chopper placed the last pancake on a plate and Zoro picked it up to place on their table.

"Yes, it's today at 1 pm" The boy took a bite from his food and picked up his phone from the side of his plate. He scrolled through his emails and showed Zoro the message he received from his new school.

"So you've got admission things you need to do." Zoro read the email and saw that Chopper needed a guardian since even though he was a college student, he was still underage.

The boy nodded and they silently finished their breakfast. Zoro told Chopper to get ready while he washed the dishes. After finishing the dishes, Zoro sat at their sofa and was in deep thought. Now that they were at Marie Jois city, he needed to find a job to support their finances. He still had backup money that could maybe last for a couple of months but after that, they would be broke. That money was what he won from his races the past few months, he started racing like crazy before they moved since he knew they needed money. He could apply for part-time jobs around the city to cover up for their bills but he knew he still wanted to race. There was a certain euphoria he felt every time he was on the wheel and he certainly liked that winning feeling he had whenever he comes first place. It wasn't an official racing match like the world cup but it was so rewarding to win a race. If he wanted to race around this city he needed to see what type of racers this city had. He knew that Marie Jois City was known to be a racer's den at night, racers from around the world come to the city and race to be the best. Despite its government to be very strict with their road rules, the roads here were definitely a good place to train himself and tune his car up to be able to beat Mihawk. To introduce himself to the racing community, he needed someone to show him where the race usually takes place and fill him in about who was the best.

The knock on their door interrupted Zoro's thoughts. Zoro stood up and opened their front door and the first thing he saw was a long nose.

"Hey there! I know you're new here and you don't even know where the bus stops are. I've got some free time today. Do you want the Great Usopp to tour you around?" Usopp wiggled his eyebrows. Zoro was unsure of what he should answer. He was very cautious of whom he interacts with since he didn't know if the guy was a bad guy that could be a bother to their lives.

"Usopp! Maybe you could show us where Marie Jois University is?" Zoro nearly facepalmed himself when Chopper easily accepted the man's invitation. Chopper just got out from the shower and he had a towel over his curly hair. Not that he was judging so badly since when Zoro double looked the man he didn't have any bad aura coming off of him.

"Oh right, Robin told me you were accepted for their scholarship! That's amazing but not as amazing as me!" Usopp said with a grin. "I can take you there. What time do you need to be there?"

"Did you just call me amazing?! I'm not that amazing! " Chopper tried to hide his face with the towel he had on top of his head. The boy just couldn't take compliments.

"We need to be there at 1." Zoro answered and accepted Usopp's invitation. There's nothing he could really do here since Chopper seems to like the guy and maybe even Usopp knows how the street works.

The three of them were finally ready for their errand of the day and their first trip together as a group. They said goodbye to Robin and headed outside to the parking lot and stopped in front of two cars that were under a brown and violet cloth.

"We take our cars here very seriously, they're our babies. That's Robin's car under the violet one." Usopp grinned, a very proud one at that. It was like he was preparing for this moment his entire life. He was just going to show them his car.

The cloth revealed a dark red car, the same color as the Doritos nacho cheese flavor. The car's hood was long and big that even without opening the hood you could already determine that the car's engine was a different class from normal cars. The headlights looked like they were the eyes of a robot and the brake lights had three of those faces that scared Chopper and Zoro yesterday. The mirrors were shaped like wings. The hubcaps of the wheels were colored gold and were shaped like a star. The top of the trunk also had a small spoiler attached to it. Finally, there were only two doors on the side of the car that makes it look like a two-seater car but when you take peek on the inside there was a seat that could fit two people on the back.

"Isn't this a Toyota Supra?" Zoro said with awe as he eyed the car from the hood to the trunk. "Weren't they faced out during the early 20's?"

"Yeah, the base is a Toyota Supra but I changed the inside completely. I also added some touches on the appearance as you can see." Usopp winked. "This baby..." He slapped his car roof to emphasize his next phrase. "Can run faster than a jaguar."

"Wow! That's amazing Usopp! Are you a street racer?!" Chopper asked with sparkles on his eyes, clearly amazed by Usopp's car and Usopp himself.

"Hmmmm... Am I?" The long-nosed man placed his thumb and pointer finger on his chin, as if he was thinking of something deep. "I know you're amazed by me and have a lot of questions but we should get going. You guys might get late."

Usopp unlocked his car and opened the driver seat. He bends the seat to let Chopper enter the seat at the back. Chopper happily entered his car and was amazed by how comfy his seats were. The ride to Marie Jois University was filled with funny stories Usopp told that were not lies. He told them of a time he was driving his car so fast that he was able to climb the mountain walls by driving upwards.

"You're a street racer aren't you?" Zoro asked randomly since his curiosity was eating his brain. Besides the obvious fact that his car was pumped up, there were multiple buttons beside the wheels and the shift had an additional gear.

"I'm the best one out there!" Usopp answered proudly. Zoro rolled his eyes, he knew he was lying but Chopper believed him. "I do race, but I don't always do it. I enjoy racing but I enjoy building cars for racing more." There was silence between the three of them as Usopp made a turn and entered a gate that had a sign above that read "Marie Jois University". They were met by an intersection that had signs which directed to the buildings of the different majors that the school offered. Usopp made a right turn to lead them to the Medicine Building. Along the way, Chopper saw students walking at the sidewalk with a pile of books in their arms and he never felt this excited to learn new knowledge about medicine.

"If you're interested I can upgrade your Civic but you have to meet my crew first." Usopp said barely audible but Zoro understood what he said. The car was slowing down indicating that they were at their destination.

"I don't deal with crews." Zoro sternly answered. He prefers to work alone. He was a lone wolf and thought that crews were troublesome to deal with since those type of groups usually got into fights more often and he wasn't in the position for those since Chopper might get into the mess.

"At least just meet them first, they're not that bad." The long-nosed man said with a grin. "You have my number now right? Just text me after you're done with the admission process and we can meet up."

"Thanks for the lift Usopp!" The small curly-haired boy exclaimed with an excited expression on his face. He was basically beaming. Zoro got down first and bent his seat down to let Chopper out of the car. He waved goodbye to Usopp as the man drove away.

When they turned around to face the school they saw a large white building that looked like a coliseum. Large words were printed on top of the door that said "Marie Jois Medicine Department". There was a fountain in the middle that has a statue of two snakes winding around a winged staff, a symbol of medicine, in its core. Students were walking around with multiple books on their hands and their eyes were as black as a panda. Everyone and everything looked different from high school and Chopper suddenly felt overwhelmed by everything.

"Zoro, I think everyone here is on a different level." Chopper said with an intimidated expression on his face.

"And you're a level above them." A simple sentence like that was enough for Chopper's worry to fade. His brother always knew what to say when he felt lost and he knew that Zoro was always there for him and it made him feel like he could do anything. Zoro slapped Chopper's back to slam the boy with confidence again. "You've got this."

"I've got pain in my back." The boy joked as he rubbed the place where Zoro slapped him. Zoro was a tall and muscular man so a simple slap on his back was enough for Chopper's lungs to come out.

The two brothers entered the school building and the inside was just as amazing as the outside. Though the outside had an old but elegant feel to it, the inside had a modern design. The entrance hall had a huge staircase that leads to a second floor where they saw students were reading books and lounging around. There were four huge doors that lead to different departments on the first floor. The first thought Chopper had was that he needed to hold his big brother's hand or he wouldn't find the guy for a week.

"Where do we go?" Chopper said his thought out loud, he was worried that he would be late for his appointment, it wasn't a good image to start with after all. The building had different hallways and rooms and it might take ages for them to find the admissions center. The only way they could get there on time is to ask how to get there.

"You're blocking the way." The boys turned around to see a black haired man with a very deep and black eyebags who had tattooed letters on his fingers that when put together spelled "DEATH".

"You can just walk past us, there are no people around!" Zoro raised his eyebrows and looked around him to check if there were other people in the large entrance of the building. There were none, and the man could have just avoided them and went on his day.

"Zoro... We are blocking the way..." Chopper said in a low voice. He didn't want trouble before he could even start going to classes.

"Oi Law, don't scare them." A man wearing a white lab coat came up to them. He was wearing eyeglasses and he had blonde hair on top of his head but the sides were completely bald. Somehow, he reminded them of a pineapple. "I'm guessing you're looking for the admissions?" He questioned with a smile.

"Yes." Chopper answered the man. The boy glanced at Zoro, who was having a staring contest with Law.

"I'll take you there. I'm Marco, a professor at this university and this..." Marco placed his hand on Law's shoulder and gave it one light slap. "is Law. Despite him looking like a criminal, this guy is a graduating student and the top one at that." Chopper looked at Law in a different light. At first, he thought the guy was a delinquent but now he sees him as a star student. He thought the guy must be very grumpy because he was staying up all night to study and do school work, he can see it in the guy's eye bags.

"Go to your class, Law. You'll be late." Marco looked at Law and shooed him away. Law gave the brothers one final look before he turned his back and walked to his class.

"Don't worry, he's a pretty nice guy if you get to meet him better. He's not in a great mood this morning because of school work. Now then, shall we?" The professor smiled and gestured that they climb the stairs. He escorted them all the way to the admission area where he told them to sit down at the reception and wait for a while. Marco gave Zoro a clipboard to fill up Chopper's personal information while they were waiting.

"This is it Zoro." Chopper whispered while watching Zoro filling up the form. Zoro grunted to acknowledge what Chopper said. They knew they would move to Marie Jois City but it felt like a dream that when they wake up it would go away but now that they're here with their fancy new apartment and Chopper's new amazing school everything finally felt real for the both of them and they're proud of how far they come. They both waited patiently on their seats and after thirty minutes Marco came back and asked for the clipboard.

"Sorry, the dean got busy with work so he asked me to process your admission instead uhhh..." He looked at the clipboard to see the name of his client. "Mr. Chopper?" Marco questioningly looked at Zoro because he thought the name didn't quite fit the guy. Zoro made the no motion with his head and pointed at the actual Chopper beside him. The professor made a questionable expression with his face at first but then he immediately lit up like he remembered something.

"Oh! You're that genius kid the faculty's talking about!" Marco exclaimed with a huge grin on his face. "Everyone's excited to meet you!"

"Don't call me a genius! It doesn't make me happy!" Chopper hid his blushing face in his hands. He couldn't take the compliment that the whole faculty knows about him and recognizes his talent. The thought gave him a confidence boost. Marco looked at Zoro to ask if Chopper was okay and the green-haired man nodded his head in response. The pineapple-haired man chuckled.

"We'll just do a short orientation." Marco leads the two boys to an office where they talked about the requirements for Chopper's scholarship. The man explained that the boy needed to maintain an above average GPA to maintain his scholarship and that it only covers the whole tuition for his years at the university. So the money to buy for books and medical equipment needed to come out from their pockets. If the school also needed a student volunteer they'd need Chopper to be there to help them. Marco showed them the school curriculum and available subjects they had for the semester. He suggested that Chopper shouldn't rush since they still had a month before the semester starts but he also told him to pass the schedule he wanted two weeks before. Marco made Zoro sign a contract about the conditions for Chopper's scholarship. The school knew Chopper was still underage so they made his guardian sign for him and included him to the orientation just to be sure that they know what the boy was about to go through. After a short two hour talk with Marco, they finished the first step of the admission process and told them to come back with the schedule.

"I'll see you in class then, Chopper." Marco said while shaking the boy's hand. After their exchange, the brothers left the room and walked to the exit of the school building where they texted Usopp to come and pick them up.

"Well, that went well huh?" Zoro ruffled Chopper's hair as if telling him that he did a good job and that he was very proud of him. Before Chopper could answer there was a loud grumble from his stomach.

"Hungry?" The man asked and Chopper nodded in agreement.

"I've got packed lunch in my bag, we could eat it while waiting for Usopp." Chopper opened his backpack and took out the lunchboxes he made, he figured that they might get hungry while waiting and that a homemade lunch would cost cheaper than eating outside. The two brothers found a tree near the road where they sat down and ate their lunch. It was a nice spot where Usopp can easily spot them. Usopp replied that he might be late because he visited a friend on the campus and that he was still with them which was fine for the boys because they didn't have anything else to do that day and a short picnic was nice. They ate their lunch while talking about how the university will be for Chopper and after they had their fill Zoro fell asleep laying on the grass while Chopper read the curriculum and available subjects Marco gave him.

It was silent until a loud screeching sound of tires and explosive sounds of engine disturbed their peace. Chopper looked around to see where the noise was coming from but all he saw were students, who were also chilling on the school grounds, shook their heads and facepalmed and just had this expression of "not again" in their faces.

When Chopper faced the road, he saw a small white car speeding. The bottom half of the car, as well as the hood and side mirrors, were colored black. It was too far away to see most of the details but he saw that the windows weren't tinted so you could see a silhouette of a person with a strawhat sitting on the driver's seat. There was a red Ferrari behind him trying to catch up but the white car suddenly burst speed as flames from the back of the car erupted. The car suddenly stopped on the nearest tree to where Chopper and Zoro were sitting under. There were tire marks on the road and Chopper could hear laughing from the white car. The Ferrari stopped beside the white car and rolled down the window in the passenger's seat and started shouting. It was amazing how Zoro was still asleep during the whole act.

"REMEMBER THIS STRAWHAT." A man with blue hair and a big red nose stuck his head out for a second to look at the white car's driver and stared at him to try and intimidate him. But Chopper could hear a loud laugh from the white car, the clown man looked irritated and just drove away in defeat.

"I'll beat you as many times as you like Buggy!" A boy with a stawhat stuck his upper body outside as he shouted and waved goodbye to Buggy. Now that the white car was closer, Chopper saw the plate on the back of the car that said "KING" and taillights that had three X on each side. There were three exhaust pipes on the back and the hubcap was also shaped like an X. Chopper stood up and walked to see the details on the front side of the car. He saw that the headlights were slanted on each side and that the hood was wider than most cars but the thing that interested him most was the word "TRUENO" in the middle part of the bumper. Overall, the car looked old but the thing still beat a Ferrari at full speed.

"You wanna race me?" Chopper didn't notice but the boy at the driver's seat got out of his car and was watching the boy while he was examining his car. The freckled boy noticed that the driver had black hair and a scar on his left eye. A huge X scar was also visible on his chest under his white thin shirt. Chopper was curious about the scar since he looked too young to have such big injuries but he was a racecar driver after all.

"Ah! I'm not a racer so..." The boy looked disappointed with Chopper's answer but before he could say anything a loud grumble could be heard and Chopper looked at the boy.

"I'm hungry, do you have any food? I'm Luffy by the way!" The sudden change of topic surprised Chopper but the expression of hunger from Luffy's face was something he couldn't resist. Chopper scanned the place where Zoro was sleeping, looking at the lunchboxes that were spread near the man and remembered that he still had some fried eggs left, it was food for dinner but it seemed like Luffy needed it more. "I think we've still got some food left."

Luffy clapped with joy and followed Chopper to their picnic place. Chopper handed him the eggs and he looked at the food with sparkles in his eyes. It was like he saw fried eggs for the very first time. He positioned himself to sit on the grass not noticing a certain green-head sleeping right below him. Before Chopper could warn him, Luffy sat on Zoro's face and like right on cue Luffy felt some air he needed to release and right there and then he did.

Zoro immediately woke up and pushed Luffy away coughing for some fresh air. Luffy not only laughed at the sight in front of him, which happened because of what he did but also because he didn't know a man can blend so well with the grass. Zoro layed on the grass again taking deep breathes to rejuvenate his nose that took a huge bomb from some asshole. He was about to kick someone's ass for that.

"I like you both! You should join my crew!"

Zoro stood up and walked towards Luffy. He grabbed Luffy by the collar and looked directly in his eyes with a menacing look but Luffy kept on laughing. Chopper knew where this was going and he was scared for Luffy. Most of the time Zoro was calm but when he gets angry, he really gets angry that he can beat up a person until they can't walk anymore. To avoid the worst to happen, the boy tried to calm his brother by pulling his shirt. It was a small gesture but it was something.

"Oi, Luffy!" As if an angel came down from heaven, Usopp came just right on time to stop the fight that was about to spark. The long-nosed man closed his door on the driver's side and walked towards the group. "You like them? They're the two brothers I was texting to you about!"

"They're funny! This guy..." Zoro released Luffy from his grip and the strawhat boy patted his hair to emphasize his next statement. "looks like the grass! And that little guy there gave me food!"

"So you do like them?" Usopp asks again not really getting the answer he wanted from Luffy.

"I do! And I want them to join the crew." Zoro swatted Luffy's hand out of his head.

"We're not going to join your crew! What crew do you even have?! A pirate crew?!"

"As I said before that I AM the captain of my own crew, Luffy here is the captain of another crew that I am in, I took pity on them because they need my greatness!" Usopp answers while pointing himself with his thumb. Zoro knew he was lying but Chopper still believed him and even Luffy did too! Now that he thought about it, Zoro confirmed that Usopp was a streetcar racer and if this boy was their captain then he must be the best one in their crew. It would be a good idea to race Luffy to warm up to the racers of Marie Jois City.

"Whatever, I don't care about your crew. Let's just race to see who's the best one here."

"I won't take no as an answer. Whatever you might think, you and that small guy there are in our crew now." Luffy answered confidently. It was like he didn't understand what Zoro was saying and just kept on making the decision for them.

"You don't have to join the crew if you don't want to, Luffy’s just a bit stubborn" Luffy looked at Usopp with a scrunched face, obviously disagreeing with what he said. "What do you mean they don't have too? They're already in the crew!" Usopp looked at Luffy again in disbelief but sighed in defeat and facepalmed to try to slap the headache away. "Forgive him, he's just like this."

“Are you sure he’s just a bit stubborn?” Zoro mocked Usopp’s statement earlier. They looked at Luffy who was picking his nose reaching far for a treasure inside his nose. He was really a stubborn man.

“He’s a pain in the ass but he’s a good captain, not like me though, but anyway! You guys should meet our crew!”

"I want to meet them they seem fun!" Chopper said in a nearly inaudible voice. The boy was quiet for a while that Zoro almost forgot he was there. The look in his eyes tells Zoro that he seems excited to meet these people, it was new since Chopper was a very shy boy and he doesn’t open up to just anyone. Maybe this crew was a good thing for Chopper’s development. Although they still won’t join Luffy but maybe they might hang out with them sometimes.

“That’s it! They’ll like you little guy!” Luffy agreed giving him a wide grin and a thumbs up.

"Let’s go then." Everyone was looking at Zoro and waiting for his approval. It was really hard to say no at this situation especially when Chopper asks for something, he rarely asks for anything after all. When they all heard his approval, they all cheered like little kids who got candies.

Zoro didn’t agree to ride with Luffy since this was the first time they met and he really wasn’t sure if he was a safe driver not for him but for Chopper. So, the two brothers were sitting in Usopp’s car while Luffy was right in front of them to lead the way to their crew hideout. During the car ride Usopp was telling them stories about their crew. They were called the "Strawhat Crew" and they were well-known within the city and they were gaining popularity outside. He told them that one day Luffy was visiting his city, Syrup City, and he beat some street racing punks that were causing trouble within the city. The punks then left the city alone after Luffy confronted them. A funny thing was that Syrup City wasn't really fond of street racers so they didn’t see him as a hero but acknowledged the deed he did. Luffy then asked Usopp to join him and he decided to come with him to Marie Jois City to start a new life and live his dream of building fast race cars and that was the reason why he was living at the best city in the world.

The two brothers were amazed by his story. It didn’t seem like it was a made-up story like what Usopp usually tells all the time the details seemed too real. Whatever the case was, what Zoro got from the story was that Luffy wasn’t that bad of a guy. He seems like a great guy to be Chopper’s friend.

Their ride ended when they got to the far end of Marie Jois City where the road meets the sand and the sea. Usopp’s car stopped in front of a huge building, the top part had a big lion head with rays that were supposed to be the fur surrounding the face in a circle. For a hideout, that large thing pretty much gave them away. There was a huge garage door that automatically opened and following Luffy, Usopp entered and parked his car inside. When the two brothers got out of Usopp’s car they saw multiple cars parked inside a huge gray garage and the cars were hidden under a cloth like the mechanics didn’t want anyone to see what they were making.

"Our builder likes to keep his projects hidden so you'll see a lot of those here." Usopp pointed to a row of cars under clothes and each cloth had different colors. It was like the cars were coded for a specific person. He gestured the two brothers to follow him towards a door. They opened the door to find a huge room with wooden walls that makes them feel like they were inside a ship. It really felt like the crew hideout was a legitimate pirate crew from the seas. There was a long bar with different alcohol drinks displayed, a huge U shape red sofa in the center of the room with a large flat screen TV in front of the seat. A large aquarium on the wall where a variety of fish can be seen got Chopper’s curiosity. The feel of the room was homey and Chopper and Zoro felt comfortable and hungry because there was a delicious aroma of food coming out of the door on the other side of the room.

"SANJIIII! ARE YOU COOKING? I'M HUNGRY!" Luffy burst from the door behind them surprising the two brothers. "Sanji makes good food." Luffy told Chopper with saliva falling down from his lips. With a statement and expression like that and with an amazing aroma within the room, how can Chopper not believe him. The boy followed a hungry Luffy to the kitchen door where they disappeared.

"Don't worry about them. The only thing you should be worried about is Chopper getting too fat from good food." Usopp chuckled thinking about a cute little chubby Chopper. He walked towards the sofa and sat down and gestured for Zoro to come sit with him. Zoro took Usopp's word and felt less worried about where and what Chopper was doing at the moment. The boy knows what to do if something comes up anyway. Besides for Chopper to make friends, he also had another agenda why he came with them. He needed to meet these people and see if he can get any information about the different crews and who needed to beat to be the best in this city.

"Oh, hey Brook! Where's Franky?" Zoro didn’t see the old man sitting on the couch, not until Usopp talked to him at least. He was very thin that he almost looks like a skeleton, he had a big afro black hair, and he wore a nice suit. Overall, he looked very fancy.

"Ah! Usopp! He's with Nami. They went to get some gears for Nami's car." Brook looked at Zoro and gave him a warm welcoming smile. "Who might this be?" He questioned as he acknowledged Zoro’s presence.

"This is one of the guys who moved in the apartment above me. This is Zoro." Usopp patted the green-haired man’s shoulder who only grunted in response, he wasn’t really feeling chatty that day.

"Are they the guys Luffy texted Franky about?" Brook stood up and walked towards the corner of the room to get a violin case. He removed the instrument from its case and started checking if the tune of the violin was in perfect shape.

"Yeah! They are." Usopp answered.

"Well then, I should play a song for our new friends." The old man started playing his violin and a soft song can be heard inside the room, it was relaxing and Zoro felt peace after a long crazy day but the short moment of relaxation was interrupted when they heard a scream coming out of the kitchen.

"LUFFY! YOU'RE EATING ALL THE FOOD BEFORE I EVEN GET TO SERVE IT." A man's voice echoed throughout the whole house. Luffy was then thrown out across the room with a huge steak on his mouth and another two on both of his hands. "I jufst whantedf toof tasfte ift." He said while chewing his food, they really couldn’t understand him because of the food on his mouth but they knew he was just trying to defend himself.

A man with blonde hair covering his right eye, which Zoro thought was really ridiculous, came out from the kitchen with plates on both of his hands. Chopper was right behind him with a single plate too. They went to the bar and placed the food on top of the counter.

"Thanks Chopper, you're a good boy." Sanji said with a smile. The man got a fork, knife and plate from the counter drawers and gave Chopper a slice of the steak. Chopper was shy to receive the plate of food at first but Sanji looked persistent and the boy gladly accepted it. The first bite of the steak brought Chopper’s taste buds to heaven because the meat was so soft and the juices were oozing out of the meat that gave it additional taste that he couldn’t resist.

"I take it that you like it." The blonde man chuckled and lighted a cigarette that he placed on his mouth. Chopper’s expression gave it away, he couldn’t talk because of how good the food tasted like. This was the first time he tasted anything so good.

"This is really delicious!" Chopper said while he was slicing the steak into pieces. He couldn’t wait for another bite. "I never tasted something this good in my life before!"

"Right? Right? Sanji makes the best food in the world!" Luffy spread his arms out to give emphasis to his statement. Sanji kicked him in the head because he knew the reason why he spread his arms like that was to get food from the plate again.

"So, are you going to introduce these two new friends to us Luffy?" Sanji looked at Luffy expecting him to act like a captain at this moment. Although he respects his captain’s decisions, he still needs to be wary of the two new recruits. Though Chopper looked too pure to be a bad addition, he was actually happy that Luffy asked him to join.

"I never asked their names yet." Luffy answered with a laugh.

"Why do you do this." Sanji facepalmed not really knowing what he expected because Luffy was their captain after all.

"I'll introduce them to you!" Usopp stood up from his seat and pointed at Zoro. "This is Zoro." He then pointed at Chopper. "And that, I guess you already know, but that is Chopper! He got a scholarship at the Medicine Department at Marie Jois University! And he’s only fifteen years old!"

"So, you're a genius boy." Sanji ruffled Chopper's hair who was still enjoying his piece of steak. Chopper choked and looked at Sanji with a blush on his face. He still didn’t know what to do when someone compliments him.

"Don't say that! I'm not that smart!" Chopper said while he hid his blushing face on his hands.

"He can't take compliments," Usopp answered Sanji’s confused look and the blonde man nodded, understanding a part of Chopper’s personality.

"Oh what! You're a doctor?" Luffy looked at Chopper with sparkles in his eyes, clearly impressed with what he said. "That's so great! Now we have a doctor in our crew!"

Chopper dropped his knife and fork to bend down on his knees, hide his face and kept saying. "I'm not that good!" Everyone except Zoro were laughing at Chopper’s cute reaction. The phrase “joining the crew” were words Zoro didn’t want to hear from anyone in the room since they really weren’t going to join. It was a dangerous world and he didn’t want Chopper to get caught up in something that might ruin his life.

"We're not joining your crew." Zoro interrupted the fun and had a stern look on his face. Luffy looked at him and studied his expression for a while then he grinned, the next thing he said surprised everyone inside the room. "Want to race then? If I win you'll join us. If you win, I'll let you go." There was silence in the air as it got heavier and intense.

"Zoro, they're not bad people." Chopper stood up from his crouching position and looked at his brother. He was trying to coax him to join the crew without any race or fight. It didn’t really seem like they needed persuading because he himself, wanted t to join the crew.

"Things might get dangerous and you still got a huge future ahead of you." Zoro was trying to be a responsible brother for Chopper at the moment. This was a decision he had to make for themselves. "I'll race you tomorrow for it. But Chopper's out of that bet. You got it?"

"I better be out of that bet because I'm joining this crew! I believe I’m matured enough to make my own decisions now." Chopper looked at him and Zoro saw how upset his brother was getting. This was the first time he answered him like this. It wasn’t like he didn’t trust Chopper to make his own decisions, Chopper was the one making the household decisions after all. But he knew the world of street car racing more than him.

“You can’t race you’re too young!” The green-haired man shouted making the air in the room heavier since this was a fight between family.

“I’m only saying that you both should join the crew, not race with the crew. Everyone here has their own thing that helps the crew move forward to be the number one.” Luffy spoke like how a captain would respond to the situation. Everyone looked at him in shock because of how responsible Luffy sounded, he wasn’t all food and games after all.

"Fine. Do your own thing." Zoro said as he was looking at Chopper who was sending a thumbs up sign to Luffy. This was his defeat, Luffy and Chopper had their points and he knew that whatever happens he will be there at Chopper’s side.

"Let's race tomorrow night then." Luffy grinned returning to the challenge at hand. The strawhat boy had a look on his face that said that Luffy was so sure that he was going to win the race. It fired up Zoro's determination to win and beat Luffy’s grinning ass so bad. If he was going to join this crew, even if he didn’t want to but the opponent won fair and square, the captain needed to earn his respect anyway and the only way he could do that is if he beat him in a race.

"If you want me in your crew, you need to earn my respect." Zoro stated his condition and looked at Luffy in the eyes to try and intimidate him but the boy laughed, he looked amused by the whole situation.

"I really want you in my crew now."

The door suddenly opened and revealed a man with blue hair who was wearing speedos and a woman with long orange hair wearing jeans and a plain black shirt. They stopped and looked at each of them with a confused expression. Both of them could feel the tension in the air.

"What's with the heavy atmosphere?" The blue-haired man said removing his sunglasses and putting the box he was holding on one hand on the floor.

"NAMIII!" Sanji bent his knee in front of Nami and held a rose he grabbed somewhere in the room. "You still look beautiful as ever." Nami rolled her eyes not interested in Sanji’s rose but she looked at Luffy who was still grinning from ear to ear. She followed her gaze and found a man staring at Luffy and a boy who seems scared. "I'm guessing those two are the "two new friends" you found this morning."

"Yeah! Chopper's joining us and he's a doctor." Luffy dragged Chopper in front of Nami. The teenage boy gave Nami a small wave too shy to say something but Nami gave him a warm smile, welcoming him to his new home. "Zoro wants to race with me first before he joins." He said again pointing at Zoro. He was still so sure that he's going to win and Zoro didn’t like that one bit.

"Are you the boy Robin's talking about?!" Nami clasped his hands and pinched Chopper's cheeks. "You are so cute!"

Chopper slapped Nami's hand away and hid his blushing face in his hands "I'm not that cute!"

"Wait, you know Robin?" Zoro asked Nami curiously.

"Yeah, she's in the crew too." Nami answered. Zoro looked at her in disbelief he never thought Robin was a type of person that raced. He turned to face Usopp with a confused face to get some explaining he wanted to hear.

"I told you we take our cars seriously. I thought you'd get the hint." Usopp said shrugging his shoulders.

"I didn't think you were so dense, Zoro" Zoro heard Robin’s voice and a chuckle after her sentence. She entered the main door and looked at him with amusement.

"Alright! We're all here!" Luffy raised his hands and ran to the counter aiming for the food but Sanji kicked his face away before he could devour everything again.

"At least Introduce us properly to the guests..." Sanji danced over to Robin and took her hand and placed a sweet kiss. She doesn’t seem to mind his actions. Robin just looks at him and chuckles. "Right ROBINNNN" He said with those heart eyes again, so does he do this to every woman he meets? Zoro thought how stupid that blonde guy was.

"I’m gonna go first! I'm Franky, The engineer of the crew. Just tell me what you want and I can make the modifications to make your car extra SUPER!" Franky said as he placed his two arms together above his head completing his star tattoo. Chopper’s eyes sparkled because of how cool Franky looked in front of him. He wanted to get to know him more since he looked like a chill guy he could hang out with and maybe he could learn a thing or two about cars.

"I'm Nami, I'm a cartographer. I can make it easier for you to win a race with secret roads but you'll need to pay me." She said while doing an okay sign but obviously it meant money. Zoro could benefit a map from Nami he thought how it would make memorizing the roads at his new city easier for him. Maybe he could talk to her later about the price.

"I'm Brook, I'm a musician. Luffy said he wanted to have a musician in the group! I understand him because music makes everything fun!" The old man laughed as he played a brief piece on his violin. Luffy was nodding in agreement to what Brook said. Zoro guessed no one understood why Luffy wanted a musician in a street car racer crew since all they could hear during races were their engines.

"Sanji. I'm a chef." Sanji didn’t seem that interested in his introduction but he did give Chopper a smile since he was getting too fond of the boy.

"I know you know me but I'll tell you my role here. I'm a mechanic. I help Franky with the modifications!" Usopp said while pointing at himself with his thumb.

"I'm a historian and I just find this crew very interesting." Robin chuckled as she got confused looks from Zoro and Chopper. But it gave Zoro an idea how and why she joined the crew, maybe she was one of those who stood on the sidelines to get information.

"I'm Luffy! Captain of this crew and the future king of the roads." Luffy said with a grin on his face.

"Everyone's so great! I'm Chopper and I'm going to start studying as a Doctor and that's my brother Zoro, he's a street racer." Chopper pointed at his brother who just stood there silently. Though they were introduced a million times they still needed to introduce themselves, it was different and seemed appropriate.

"Luffy, I think you'd be happy to know that Zoro's one of the 11 rookies that popped up two years ago with you" Robin said with delight on her face. Zoro was surprised to know that the woman knew about him. But it wouldn’t be that surprising since she was a historian, they get information everywhere and maybe she uses her connections to get information of racers outside their city.

"What?! I didn't know you were that good!" Zoro was his brother but he didn't know that his big brother was one of the best. Chopper knew why though, he knew Zoro wanted him to live in the sidelines. But there wouldn’t be no harm in knowing your directionally challenged brother was a top racer in the whole wide world!

"If you're aiming for the top then it'll be troublesome if you're in my crew." Luffy had a serious expression on his face for the first time after they met. He looked like a lion who was defending his title in his pride.

"I don't plan on being the king. I just need to beat the guy who gave me this scar." Zoro briefly showed the whole crew the wide long scar he had on his chest. Luffy looked at him curiously that prompted Zoro to go on with his story. Why Zoro was explaining these things to someone he just met he doesn't know himself either. He wasn't planning on joining the crew but he was opening a private part of his life. "Mihawk's known to be the best driving a Civic and I want that title. I challenged him two years ago but he beat me and told me he finds potential in me and that I should come back and challenge him when I'm prepared."

Luffy once again became silent and looked at Zoro for a little while and grinned ear to ear, he was impressed with the man's determination. "Is that so? Then you're in my crew again." He said with his hands on his waist while he laughed a giddy laugh. "Enough with this and let's have a party for our two new members!" Luffy grabbed Zoro and Chopper in a tight hug. Chopper was laughing with his new friend but Zoro had a pained look on his face.

"I said I'm not joining!"

The party started with beers in their hands, besides Chopper, of course, he had apple juice. Brook played his violin while Luffy, Usopp, and Franky danced and sang with him. Chopper wanted to join the fun of course but he was cornered by the two women who were interested in dressing him up that they were already planning when they were going shopping with the boy. They also asked questions about his interests and how he got into medicine. Chopper told them that when he and Zoro were still in the orphanage he met two doctors who came to their place for a random check-up. They told stories of what doctors do and he got fascinated by their tales. Since then, Chopper started reading medicine books and made it his goal to treat every disease in the world.

"So, are you and Zoro not blood-related?" Nami asked curiously.

"Nope, but we're brothers." Chopper said with a grin and Nami lightly ruffled Chopper's curly hair. He was right, being brothers weren’t only about being blood related but about how they treated and respected each other. "If you'd let us, this crew can be your family too."

"Why did you join the crew?" Chopper asked while sipping his apple juice, it was to hide the huge blush creeping up from his face and tears that were forming in his eyes. He really liked the crew and thinking that the crew can be his family made him feel warm and safe.

"Luffy invited us and like how he's doing with your brother, he doesn't take no as an answer." The orange haired woman sighed while Robin chuckled beside Chopper. "But Luffy helped us..." Nami played with her glass of wine with a happy expression on her face. "Just know that even though Luffy’s an idiot, he’s the best idiot captain. We've got different stories about him but we’ll tell you about it another time. Let's just enjoy the night." She grinned and dragged Chopper to where the boys were dancing and they joined the fun.

Zoro was happy that Chopper was having a nice time with his new friends and maybe, possibly, his new friends too. Even if he didn’t join the crew, they can still be his friends, just with different ideals. He was silently drinking his beer while sitting on the couch, chilling, watching the whole crew having the time of their lives. His peaceful time by himself is going to be ruined soon because Sanji sat down beside him.

"Luffy will beat your ass so just accept his offer already." The blonde man said as he was giving his cigarette a huff. He was pretty chill for saying such an offending statement to Zoro.

"What the fuck did you just say?" Zoro looked at Sanji and he was ready to punch the person in front of him because no one in his entire life disrespected him like that and got away with it

"I'm not saying you're a weak little shit, which probably you are," Sanji smirked earning him a murderous glare from Zoro. "But Luffy seems to like you and he won't stop until you just give up and say yes."

"Well, he better gives up unless he wins tomorrow." The green-haired man answered. He was considering if he should beat the man up but for Chopper he won’t. This was a night of fun for his brother and he doesn’t want to ruin it for him so he decided to change the subject by asking a question that was bothering him ever since they got to the place. "How did you guys find this hideout?"

"This is a garage my friend used to have." Usopp slid down the couch and joined in their conversation. He drank a few gulps from his beer and wiped sweat out of his face. The man probably got tired of dancing and needed downtime. "Her name's Kaya. She gave this to us because she wanted to support the crew. I let Franky live here because he basically lives here anyway since he works on the cars day and night. It’s better for the building too because someone will take care of it."

"The hideout's location is far away from the city center so no one randomly knocks on the door. I can work in peace here." Franky sat down beside Usopp and chilled with the men sitting on the couch. The dancing stopped since Luffy and Chopper went to the bar to get some food to energize themselves while Brook chatted with the ladies probably about how nice the new additions to their crew were.

"I can add modifications to your Civic if you'd like." Franky wiggled his eyebrows like it was a physical way of telling Zoro to accept his offer. Zoro was actually considering it because if he wants to beat Mihawk, he needed to upgrade his car and skills. Franky looked like he knew what he needed to do and with the addition of Usopp’s ideas, the car would have awesome enhancements that would exceed any civic model.

"These two are the best mechanics in the world! So, you really should let them upgrade your car!" Luffy jumped behind Usopp and Franky and pulled them into a hug. It was like he was showing how proud he was of his crew members.

"Sounds promising," Zoro agreed to what Luffy said.

"Great! We'll start doing the blueprints after your race tomorrow." Usopp did a thumbs up with his hands. It was a done deal and Zoro couldn’t be more excited to see what upgrades they would do to his car. Luffy then dragged Usopp and Franky back to the dance floor and continued to party. Sanji left the couch to join Brook and the ladies and he had those heart eyes while he was talking to the girls. He looked really stupid to Zoro. When he saw his big brother alone again, Chopper went and joined him on the couch.

"Sorry if I'm being a hard-headed kid today." Chopper said in an almost faint voice. Zoro didn’t know what Chopper was being sorry for, the kid was having fun with new people he met. He was growing and spreading his wings and bit by bit tearing down that wall he made to keep strangers away. It was a proud moment for Zoro.

"I don’t know what you’re sorry for but whatever it is just forget about it. I do see that this crew seems different from the other crew I interacted with, they’re nice people and a good environment for you." Chopper's face lit up since it was rare for Zoro to warm up to people. "But I still need to see how capable their captain is."

"Whatever, do your thing. I know myself that I’ll feel at home here because I can feel that they’ll treat me, us like family”

Maybe. Just maybe, Zoro thought the same too.

Zoro started his day with a quick workout in their living room. If he wanted to win that race, he needed to be in his top shape today. He even did a minimum of 1000 pound weight for an hour. After he did his morning routine, he cooked breakfast for him and Chopper. The boy was still sleeping because they partied until 3 AM and that was past his usual bedtime so Zoro let him sleep until noon today. His race with Luffy was set at 7 PM near Merry so he still had time to tune up his car.

"G'mornin" Chopper said with a yawn as he entered the kitchen with messy hair and puffy eyes from his sleep. The boy sat down and Zoro put his plate in front of him but the boy's head was still nodding off.

"If you're still sleepy you should've just stayed in bed." Zoro grunted not really understanding why Chopper ate his breakfast while his head was still in dreamworld.

"I wanted to do my schedule today." Chopper sleepily lifted his fork and started picking up his eggs.

"You've still got a month to do those." The man had a confused face.

"Yeah, but I wanted to check if I can get classes with Dr. Hiluluk and Dr. Kureha. You know they're one of the reasons why I applied to Marie Jois University." How could Zoro forget about those two names, Chopper didn't stop talking about them since that check-up they had like seven years ago. He kept up to date about their achievements and even decided to go to the school where they taught at to see them again.

"Do what you gotta do, I'll just be downstairs tuning up my car." Zoro quickly finished his meal and politely asked Chopper to wash the dishes which the boy happily obliged to do. The man spent his entire afternoon checking if his engine was in top shape and if his car still had gas and if his tires were still good. Three hours before his race, Zoro went up to take a bath and meditate in his room. Now that his car was in top shape and that he physically felt that he was in his best form, the next thing he needed to do was mentally prepare himself. He needed to stop thinking about anything else and clear his mind. He can't race with a troubled mind after all.

"Zoro, we need to leave now." Chopper knocked on his door and slowly opened it to peek inside. He saw Zoro half naked sitting on the floor cross-legged and meditating. The man opened his eyes and looked at his baby brother. It was finally time for his first race in Marie Jois City. “Usopp said he’ll show us the way to the race track.”

On the way to their meeting place, Zoro rode alone in his car following Usopp who was in front of him. Chopper was with Usopp because he didn’t want to bother his big brother that much and he wanted to hear more stories from Usopp. The boy did warn Usopp that Zoro was directionally challenged and this surprised the long-nosed man since Zoro was a street car racer, how does he win races if he didn’t know where we he was going? As they were talking about Zoro, Usopp glanced at his mirror to check if Zoro was still behind him but not much to his surprise he didn’t see Zoro’s car. They looked for Zoro and herded him to the right path. That cycle went on for about three times before they got to the place.

They passed by the hideout and kept following the road until they got to the end part of the beach where they saw a mountain beside it. The whole strawhat crew were already there and they were all looking at the cars that stopped in front of them since they were already late for about an hour. Chopper, Usopp and Zoro got out from their cars and joined the group.

“Before anything, I just want to say that this guy is unbelievable.” Usopp was the first one to speak, he pointed at Zoro to emphasize how bewildered he was about the guy. He was the first one from Marie Jois City to experience Zoro’s unusual talent.

“Whatever! Let’s just start the race!” Luffy looked so impatient from waiting too long.

“Let’s start the race first before we talk about what happened.” Nami agreed with Luffy because she wanted the race to finish quickly.

“How do we do this?” Zoro asked Nami since she looked like she was the one officiating the race.

“Since this is an unofficial race, we won’t need any judges though a contract has been set. If Luffy wins you join the crew if Zoro wins Luffy leaves him alone.” The girl looked at both the racers and they nodded in agreement with the “prizes” the race had.

“Unofficial race?” Chopper didn’t know that street racing had rules they had to follow. He looked so confused that Usopp explain everything to him.

“There are two types of racing in street racing, the official and unofficial races. Unofficial races are usually the fun racing where they won’t bet anything big that might destroy their reputation so these races don’t need judges. Official matches are the ones where crew fights happen and this is where “contracts” happen. Contracts are what each side place as bet, most of the time captains bet their cars, money or their hideouts. Though there are times where they fight for a title that brings them closer to challenging the yonko or the top four racers where when you beat them you become the king of the roads. Judges come in the official races to make everything fair, to make sure no one cheats.” Usopp finishes his explanation and now Chopper understood the world of street racing better.

“The race type will be a sprint, the first one to come down the mountain wins.” Nami points to the top then to the makeshift finish line they did. “Both of you should get into positions.”

Zoro and Luffy started to drive towards the top of the mountain. The night was silent except for the noise from their car engines. The road was dark but the street lights gave enough light to see what was in front of them. It built up their excitement for the race. When they got to the top, Zoro was in awe when he saw the view. Marie Jois City was indeed a city that never sleeps because he could see the city lights from the top and the starry sky added a little sparkle that made the whole scene in front of him more beautiful.

"It's beautiful huh?" Zoro heard Luffy shout from his car. He looked at the boy from the driver’s seat and saw his goofy smile. "We'll have a picnic here with the whole crew next week!"

"As if I'm going!" Zoro quickly answered. It’s not like he has all the time in the world to relax, he needed to find a job to pay the bills after all. Luffy grinned ignoring what Zoro said and closed his car window.

"You two get into your position!" Nami's voice startled Zoro. He looked around to see if she was there but the only thing he saw was a drone that was above their cars. Luffy reversed his car and got into his position while Zoro did the same.

"Ready?" The two boys showed a thumbs up sign in the rear-view mirror so the drone can capture their signal to let Nami know that they were ready for the race.

"START YOUR ENGINES!" Nami’s shout echoed throughout the empty road. They could hear the cheers from the crew as they both geared up their cars. This was Zoro's first race in this city even if this wasn't an official race where money or reputation was involved, he would still take this seriously. This was a good warm up for him.

"IN 3..." He cleared his mind and stared at the road in front of him. This was really it. It was really happening.

"2..." Zoro clutched his steering wheel tightly and he could feel his palms sweating from excitement.

"1..." He could hear his heartbeat not from fear but from the thrill to be on the road again.

"GO!"

Zoro and Luffy dashed from the starting line at the same time. Their cars darted from the starting point to the curve ahead of them in seconds. The incline of the mountain road added a little more speed to their cars. For normal drivers it was dangerous and they needed to slow down to be careful but for racers the incline was a natural boost. Zoro could feel his palms sweating from his tight grip on his steering wheel.

The two racers got near to the first curve of the road. This was a part where he could gain the first spot easily by drifting ahead. As they approach the curve, Luffy grinned and pressed a button beside his steering wheel that gave him a speed boost. Zoro could swear he saw rockets come out from the side of Luffy's car. With the speed boost, Luffy easily took over the race and passed the curve in just a few seconds and he was in front of Zoro.

As Zoro passed the curve Zoro saw the two rockets from the side of Luffy's car fold and go deep inside somewhere within the vehicle. Zoro grinned, this was a thing that Marie Jois city racers had, rockets and power-ups and he was excited to beat this challenge without any of those powerups. He shifted his gear and pressed his pedal at full and his car was blasting the road away like how Luffy's car did, though he was still behind the strawhat boy. He could see another curve coming up from the road. The man couldn't remove the grin from his face, this was his chance.

As Luffy drifted at the curve Zoro saw an opening and shifted his gears, pressed the break and swerved right in front of Luffy. As he looked at his side mirror, he couldn't see Luffy and he smirked knowing that he was going to win the race. As Zoro continued driving he got confused because he couldn't see the city view from his right side like he used too. All he could see was trees and darkness and he swore this wasn't the road they passed by when they drove up the mountain. Maybe the road changed? or maybe he accidentally took a shortcut?

He kept driving and driving which felt like it took him hours until he saw the whole crew's back. Zoro could hear shouting from the distance and some loud engines that was nearly drowning the voice of the shouting person. Were they in trouble?

He parked his car behind them and got out of the vehicle and slammed his door shut. It was loud enough for the crew to know that he was there because he saw Chopper running towards him.

"What's happening? Are you hurt? I told you joining a crew was a bad thing! Just stay behind my back." Zoro instantly turned into big brother mode. The shouting and engines made him worry for the boy. It wasn’t like he wanted to diss crews so much but he was doing it for Chopper’s sake.

"I'm not hurt Zoro, I was more worried for you because Luffy got here first and said he didn’t see your headlights behind him. He told us when you drifted around the second curve you disappeared." Chopper answered calmly and crossed his arms. There was amusement in his face. How can he not be amused? "So, you got lost. How do you even win races?"

"Oh, just shut up, I'm not used to the roads here yet." Zoro answered and an old red truck passed by their side followed by two other cars that seemed like they were in pursuit. Zoro got worried and pulled Chopper to his side but the boy seemed unbothered. Chopper pulled Zoro’s shirt and pointed towards the crew, he nodded and they walked to join the small crowd.

"BUGGY! JUST GET OFF THE CAR ALREADY." A mysterious voice shouted from one of the three cars in pursuit.

"Shouldn't you all be worried about this?" Zoro asked Nami as he stood beside her, she had this unimpressed look on her face and as Zoro observed the others they all had the same bored expression.

"Well, we should be, but they're all idiots so I don't bother," Nami answered and looked at Zoro. Her bored face change to a delightful look as she saw something that interested her. "So how are you a racer if you get lost mid-race?" You can see the amusement in her eyes. Zoro rolled his eyes to ignore her enjoyment in his situation. He watched the cars again to understand what was going on.

"Who are they anyway?" He asked.

"That old red truck is Ace's car, one of Luffy's older brothers. Buggy stole it, he's the one driving it right now." Nami pointed at the red truck going circles around beach. "Those two behind him are Sabo, Luffy's other older brother and Marco, a very good friend of Ace, they're on the same crew called the Whitebeard Pirates."

"Whitebeard Pirates? That's one of the most popular crews! Isn’t their captain one of the Yonko?" Zoro was surprised to know about Luffy’s ties with a member from a well-known crew. Not that it intimidated him but more like it didn’t look like Luffy was someone who had connections. "And didn't Luffy beat Buggy in a race a few days ago?"

"Yes, and Ace and Marco are one of the top members in that crew." The man from Chopper’s school, who he almost had a fight with, stood beside Zoro and casually joined their conversation. Zoro was confused to see Law at the beach with them. "Buggy probably wanted to take revenge on Luffy. I was with Marco and Sabo when Buggy stole the car, I came with them here but I’m not stupid enough to mindlessly follow Buggy in circles. Does that answer your question?” Before Zoro could say anything snarky they were interrupted by Luffy’s loud voice.

"Oi Zoro! Where did you go? But you lost anyway so you're in my crew now!" Technically Luffy did win the race and Zoro was officially in the crew. He had to accept that fact since he did agree on the bet so he had nothing else to do Zoro wouldn’t back down on his words but he still didn’t consider Luffy as his captain, the boy needed to do something to earn his respect.

Luffy jumped and wrapped his arms on Zoro and Law's neck. "Zoro meet Torao! Our crews are good buddies!" The two men in Luffy’s grip were struggling to get out from his hold but he was strong for a thin boy.

"OI STRAWHAT! RACE ME!" Luffy released the two men when Buggy stopped the truck in front of them. He rolled his windows down and glared at Luffy.

"Sure!" Because they knew Luffy so well, it didn’t surprise the whole crew to see him accepting any challenges their captain gets from his enemies. Luffy gave Buggy a thumbs up to physically show that he was up to the challenge.

"Luffy?! Are you just gonna ignore the fact that he stole Ace's truck?!" The two cars that was follow Buggy pulled up in a corner and the drivers got out to join the commotion. Sabo gave his little brother a light slap on the head to wake up some senses in him.

"Ace is strong, why should I be worried?" Luffy looked at Sabo with a confused expression. They both know that their brother was strong and that he was capable of beating Buggy into a pulp himself so why Sabo was so worried Luffy didn’t understand.

"He's only strong because of the power-ups of this car" Buggy said with a sly grin on his face. Luffy's mood shifted from happy to angry in just a few seconds and everyone became silent. They all knew that when someone talks badly about the people that’s important to Luffy he gets ballistic. It was very sweet of him to protect his loved ones even if they weren’t there. Luffy looked furious when he returned his attention to Buggy, it might have scared the blue-haired man for a bit but he kept on going in his act.

"What did you just say?"

"You know you heard me."

"Even if he isn't using that car Ace could still beat your ass." Luffy slowly walked closer to the truck to get nearer to Buggy. He was itching to punch some senses to the clown’s head.

"I doubt it" Buggy laughed at his own joke but his cheerful moment was stopped when Luffy punched the side of Ace's truck to get his attention. That punch might have made some dents to the truck but Luffy really didn’t mind though a silent Franky was already planning on how to deal with the small damage his captain has done to Ace’s car.

"Let's race Buggy, I'll show you even with all those power-ups you can't beat me or Ace. It's not just about the boosts it's pure skill and Ace has that, you don't." Luffy challenged Buggy and the clown was up to the challenge, this was his revenge plan after all. He wanted to rile up Luffy and beat him in his most serious mode to show the world how weak he was. Buggy knew he wouldn’t beat the boy if he used his own car so he stole Ace’s car to add chances to him winning and to rile up Luffy. It was a win win situation.

"I thought you'd never ask."

The match was set at the road between the strawhat’s hideout and the mountain where Zoro and Luffy raced. The Strawhat crew placed a finish line sign at the end point of the decided meters of the race and Luffy and Buggy's car were already at the starting point. The whole crew knew that this race was different from the 'casual races' Luffy usually does so Franky double checked Luffy's engine and tires if they were in top shape. He was almost done with his 'last minute enhancements' for the car while Buggy was fiddling with the controls of Ace's car when Sabo called the two racers.

"Buggy, Luffy, come here." Luffy and Buggy walked towards Sabo and faced each other not once backing down from the intense eye contact they had. "Shall we make this an official race?"

"Yes." They both answered simultaneously.

"Then with Me, Marco and Law being neutral we will become the judges of the race. What will you place as your bet?" Sabo nervously looked at Luffy, although he was considered a 'neutral' person at this event because he wasn't in Luffy nor Buggy's crew, he was still Luffy's brother and he knew exactly what Luffy will place as a bet for the race. And he really wasn't sure if that was a good idea.

"Ace's car." Luffy smirked and everyone around him sighed. Sabo facepalmed himself, this was his brother after all. He knew what was in Luffy’s mind at this point.

"It isn't your car but you place it as a bet?" The clown was laughing his ass out. He couldn’t believe the unusual contract he was making with one of the craziest racers in Marie Joise city. "I bet this car too but if I win, I also want your car."

"Sure."

"WHAT, LUFFY?!" Usopp shouted and you could hear the dismay in his voice. Both he and Frank had done so much work on that car that they’ll trade their own cars for it. "WE WORKED SO HARD FOR THAT CAR?!"

"Like I'm gonna lose." Zoro was impressed with Luffy's confidence in his skills. If the boy showed a bit more of his respectable aspects Zoro might just consider him his captain and pledge his loyalty to him. The fact that Luffy fought someone because they dissed his brother was already commendable. Zoro fully understood what Luffy felt.

"With the contract done, get inside your cars!" The racers had one last look at each other then slowly walked to their cars. They got inside and made themselves comfortable in the driver’s seat when Sabo walked towards the center of the starting line with a flag in his hands.

"Start your engines!" Luffy keyed his car and riled up his engine. He needed to be serious this time, though he was always serious during a race.

"3!" Luffy breathed in trying to calm himself down and to prepare himself for his competition.

"2!"

"1!" Though the racer themselves weren’t nervous the audience outside felt the excitement.

"GO!" Sabo waved the flag and both the cars passed by so quickly that he felt his hair got messy, which it actually did.

The race started with Buggy and Luffy neither in the lead. They were in equal standing but the quick sprint would end soon and both needed to make their move immediately if they wanted to win. The clown felt his sweat dripping from his forehead to his face, he glanced at the wheel and saw the different buttons that had different commands. He knew that those were his key to winning the race but he didn't know which one he should press.

Buggy gave a quick glance at his left side and he saw Luffy grinning from ear to ear like he knew he was going to win the race. He bit his lip; he knew he had the best car in this race why was Luffy still catching up to him? A mere lemon can't compare its engines to a powered-up truck! Luffy’s crew did say that they did upgrades to his car but Ace's car also had upgrades that were greater than his and with the most advanced technologies the mechanics could touch.

In his moment of self-doubt, he didn't notice Luffy was going faster than him. He panicked and pressed a random button on the wheel. The car then had four rockets come out of its side and gave him the extra boost he needed. Buggy started laughing and thanked his great luck.

Luffy grinned as Buggy was passing him quickly. He pressed on his clutch and changed his gears to gear third and slammed his right foot to the accelerator to give him a boost to catch up. The strawhat boy was just warming up after all. The boy then flipped a switched on his stick and different gears were added to his arsenal. On the side of the fourth gear came out "Boundman", "Tankman" and "Snakeman".

It was the middle of the race and Buggy was still on the lead but Luffy was at his tail. Luffy once again changed from the third to the fourth gear and he was faster than before. He could distinctly hear Buggy laughing. The pace both racers had was consistent until they were near the finish line. When Buggy saw the finish line he changed his gears and pressed another button that gave him a nitro boost and he aligned his car in front of Luffy so he couldn't speed his way up. Luffy grinned at the challenge.

At the finish line, Chopper was waiting with half of the crew members since the other half was at the starting point but they were in a car behind the racers so they had the full view of the race themselves. They were watching the race from afar and they were feeling nervous about the outcome of the race since they saw Buggy was on the lead.

"Luffy would win, right?" Chopper asked Nami who had a blank expression on her face but her eyes were glued to the two cars.

"He will." She answered. Nami was quiet but she knew her captain would win.

Luffy looked directly at Buggy's car with a smirk on his face, he knew Buggy was looking at him at his rearview mirror. When both of them were just seconds away from the finish line, Luffy moved his stick from the fourth gear to the "Snakeman" below it. It gave his car an immense speed boost and he swerved to the right and quickly passed Buggy. He pulled his handbrake to drift in front of the clown to cross the finish line first. Everything was a blur for a moment and Buggy's jaw just dropped in surprise.

"The winner of the match is Monkey D. Luffy!" Sabo got out from his and announced the winner loud and clear. Everyone cheered and ran to Luffy to congratulate him. As everyone cheered Buggy quietly slipped away. Law saw him and told Luffy.

"The clown is running away Mugiwara-ya." He pointed at Buggy's running form.

"Buggy! Thanks for the great race! Let's race again someday!" Luffy shouted loud enough for Buggy to hear. It wasn’t the reaction they were expecting, Law thought that Luffy would run after him but he guessed that beating Buggy in a race was enough for Luffy.

As everyone was talking to Luffy, Zoro contemplated for a second, he was impressed by Luffy's way of racing. Luffy had the skills that could beat anyone and the boy was someone Zoro could actually follow and swear to him until he was the king of the roads. He cared for his crew and family too. His crew wasn't all that bad either, they were like family and Chopper and him would enjoy that type of companionship. The green-haired man had finally decided.

He walked towards Luffy and everyone became silent. Zoro held his hand in front of Luffy for a handshake. "Nice race, Captain." Luffy grinned and returned his handshake. It was a simple sentence from Zoro but the whole crew knew that he was officially a member not only because he was forced to but also because he saw how capable Luffy was.

“So, we’ve got a new family?” Chopper stood beside Zoro as they were looking at their new crew in front of them.

“Yes, we do.” Zoro ruffled Chopper’s curly hair.

This was only the beginning of their new life at Marie Joise City.

#fanfic #opbigbang #17702 words :O #first time for me aaah! I enjoyed it very much

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pkmntrainergreyze · 6 years ago

Text

I Am Up To No Good Pt. 1 (Pete Wentz x Reader)

a/n: Sorry I didn't updated so quickly, I had tons of drafts I want to finish all at the same time! I learned that I can do things one at a time.

I noticed I've been leaning more on First Person POV, I'll try to make this in 2nd. Also, I couldn't think of the character names so I used my friends' OCs. I hope you'd like this modern HP!Au

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Pete had always been the friend you love to hate. Whether the circumstances involve the Hogsmeade games or not, in the end he'll always be the man you'll call for help when pranking Brendon or bricking Joe's Samsung.

Yeah, usually the "hate" intensifies when it's the infamous decking halls season. Especially when old Mrs Minerva initiates the Hogsmeade field trip, which she also did this year. The duels in form of curses— whether work of magic or foul mouths— it's what made the Hogsmeade games so popular.

The magic of your friendship had been slipping lately, a shame really. He rarely ever joins your party, putting your letters back to the rejected-Pete-invites mailbox.

Now's the 27th invite, and you prayed prank wars will spark your friendship once more.

So here's to the fifth anniversary of the Hogsmeade games

You created a group

Nicole Row What's this group for?

You named the group Genius Ravenclaws

Andy Hurley I'm honored

Dallon Weekes I failed divinations why am I here?

Ray Toro Good evening everyone

You Hey genuises

Nicole Row set his name to Nic

Dallon Weekes set his name to DJazzy

You Where do you find trolls?

Nic ?

Ray Toro What for?

You Pete

Dallon Why do you insist on participating.

Nic Forbidden forest. Saw one near Hagrid's place, almost made an unbreakable vow

Ray Toro Maybe it's about time you stop? Let me remind you last time you got the all of us in detention

You Thanks guys

Nic Don't tell Hagrid I said that

Andy Hurley Are you sure you're not a slytherin??? @Nic?? Seen by Nic, Dallon and Ray Toro

You went offline.

You dove back to your azure blue bed. The bedsheet engulfed you in a light hug in seconds. The more you sunk, the more you can sniff the 4th year's "love potion" project, like yesterday, it reeks of wood, mint and... vinegar?

You hooked your hand to the edge of the mattress and kicked high enough for you to reach the faraway lamp. Before you could complain about the smell you heard a distinct cough, a very gutteral one. Almost intended.

You turned to look, only to see a disappointed Hufflepuff in a riddle secured Ravenclaw dorm.

The dandelion haired boy lingered beside your nightstand. He pulled his hand back as he saw the lights flicker on. When your eyes met he immediately fixed his tie and took a deep breath.

"I heard the game's still on" He's soaked in what seemed to be his house's trap. The acid slid into your nostrils. Your immediate action was to grab your wand. You waved it and like magic— no, with magic, the awful stench was gone and his cloak's dried.

Patrick muttered "thank you"

He rubbed his shirt and smiled a bit "I was absent when Miss Quills taught that" Thankfully he went for one of the brightest witch of the year, but the gleam in your eyes told him no excuses.

"Were you also absent when Sir Ford taught us the hot-air charm?"

"Um, yeah.... that seemed to be the case" He chuckled. He ruffled his hair and avoided your eyes. No, I didn't understand a word Mr Ford said.

You chuckled.

"Understood" You chirped "but why are you here? How did you got here?"

Patrick looked at you as if he was expecting for you to know the answer to life's toughest questions, then cleared his throat. His eyes balled around, reluctant to answer

"Pete"

When the name rolled off his tongue you dashed and dug your wand in his neck. He yelped, taking large steps backward, nearly tumbling down. His terrified eyes had no effect on your daunted aura. His lips wobbled and nose scrunched. You directed your malice at him. Eyes twitching in anger.

"Talk."

"HetoldmethepasswordfortheHufflepuffdormchangedandsaidIshouldaskMikeybutthenitturnsoutitwasn'ttherealMikeyitwasBrendonUrieandhetoldmethepasswordwasSherbertLemonsbutitwasn'tandoneofthebarrelsspiltvinegaralloverme—

"Um" You stopped kneading his cloak "Say what?"

Once you held back he scurried two feet apart from you. He took a Marina's Trench deep breath, before he attempted to rap.

"PetewillneverstopteasingmeandIneedreveng—

"Are you trying to copy Eminem, the Rap God or Ryan Ross?" You furrowed your eyebrows. "Cause honestly, no one knows what Ryan tells his girlfriend"

He raised both his hands, and bended his spine down. He bowed down for seven times till his chanting morphed into something audible

"please let me help you in the Hogsmeade games..."

With that, you clapped both hands to his shoulder. You turned your head up, and greeted him with sun bright eyes with zigzag smile crooked enough to scare him.

"Permission granted"

You both entered a dim room at seven pm.

"Are you sure this is the right place?" You asked. The blonde nodded and swiped the curtains up.

"Yeah, from what I've heard, Miss Clovette stores it in her chest"

You gave him one last stare before you scurried to find said chest. The Hufflepuff said the box is supposed to look give a luxurious and ancient vibe. You checked under the table, around the bookshelves, stumped the floorboards for a secret passage— alas, nothing.

You turned back to Patrick, defeated and skeptical.

"You said this was the place?"

"I'm sure it's here somewhere," He bit his bottom lip "I saw the third years practicing the riddiko-what-lous charm in it"

You can faintly remember that Bogarts were part of your brother's lesson, and he's a third year. If your recollection is correct then Patrick's statement wouldn't be so far fetched. He grinded his teeth, fingers subconsciously sneaking up his mouth. You sighed. What's his motif anyways?

While you turn books and scraps around, you asked questions.

"What did you say your reason to help me was again?" You paused for a bit. You levitated another pile with your wand and Patrick mimicked your movements, before he gave up and had to use labor instead.

Patrick groaned as he dispatched another pile aside. The weight lifted from his chest set him eased him. He wiped his brow.

"Payback"

Shame, for a Ravenclaw you find yourself completely puzzled. You opened your mouth but shut it. You tried to think about an image of Patrick and Pete arguing but none were valid in your standards. Besides, the only moments you see the two together is in Quidditch.

But the word does compliment a hot ass like Pete's, so you let your experiences talk for itself.

"As much as I want to believe me, cause everyone knows Pete can be a dick" Patrick chuckled slightly, which made you huff a laugh too "—Aren't you two the bestest of friends?"

Patrick frozed

"Y-you" He gawked "You don't get it do you?"

You shook your head "No, why?"

"He forces himself that he's my quote on quote" He drew an air quotation mark

"—Best friend, treats me like his personal entertainment at reunions, finds a way to push my buttons, makes a scene, next thing I know I had him covered in purple paint and have detention!"

"Wait" You poked his chest "Good boy Patrick is in detention?!"

You refused to believe such thing. Maybe Patrick is in Pete's side of the war on this one.

He squalled "What's more disappointing is that you actually thought Pete and I are close!"

You scowled "well it's not that farfetched, you're cousins and Quidditch fanatics"

"Yeah, but it gets annoying how Slytherin wins all the time"

"Cause Hufflepuffs are weak"

He squeaked. The voice was dark but it cheeped like a bird. It didn't felt natural.

You made sure you focused on Patrick, and only him, even when his crooked finger pointed behind.

"Patrick...." You cooed "take out your wand"

He whimpered "W-why?!"

"Just do it"

"Aww Patrick's quivering, look at his eyes (Y/n)! Look at him!"

You tried eyeing the man behind you but your eyes reached it's peak. You don't need to look to know what it was, the cold shivers down your spine spiked a wave to your left brain.

"You know the spell"

Patrick gulped and with shaking hands, he reached for his pockets. It took him a while to feel the edge of his wand, before he slowly aimed above your shoulder.

He took a deep breath

"Riddikulus!"

You turned around quick and tried to contain the Bogart. However, when you did, you saw nothing. You looked from left to right, then found the answer down below.

An egg wearing eyeliner.

"Didn't thought it would work" He gasped in disbelief

"So... is turning Pete into a hard boiled egg one of your wildest dreams?" You smirked, in which he returned with a shrug and toothy grin.

"You could say that" He chuckled "last Christmas he told the entire Stumph and Wentz family when making eggnogs that he usually scrambles eggs but would fertilize them for some quote on quote crazy superfine lasses—"

"Alright! Alright!" You covered your ears, feigning innocence "I don't need to know that!"

Patrick grabbed the egg and pursed it to his abyss-like bag. You avoided gazing at it. Everyone would prefer not to look directly at their fear, unless paid with a million galleons perhaps.

"Is it in?"

"That sounds awfully dirty" Patrick shivered. With the amount of time he must've spent with Pete his quotes rubbed off him. You smacked him directly at the head without looking. You felt sorta proud of your achievement and guilty at the same time.

"Merlin's beard, just tell me!"

"Yes, it's in the bag"

This is going to be a long week, ain't it?

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a/n: Sorry Pete's barely in here. He appears more on the next parts, I just wanna cut things off so it wouldn't last 5k like last imagines. Promise I'll try to make up for it.

#pete wentz #x reader #pete wentz x reader #pete wentz imagines #fall out boy #imagines

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language-rxgers · 6 years ago

Text

Grease Lightning (Bucky x Reader High School!AU)- Final Part

Summary: You meet with the gang at the diner, play X’s and O’s with Bucky, and have the best fries and milkshake you’ve ever had. Bucky gives you a ride back, and you learn whether he feels the same way you do.

Pairing: Bucky x reader

Characters: Bucky Barnes, Reader, Natasha Romanoff, Bruce Banner, Thor Odinson, Steve Rogers, Peggy Carter, OFC Kate

Warnings: nothing but fluff and teen awkwardness

Word Count: 2710

A/N: Here’s the final part! Hope you guys like it, and I’m so sorry about the wait! Please let me know if you have any requests, now that it’s summer, I’ve got lots of free time and nothing to do! Thank you for your support, lovelies!

masterlist

part 1 / part 2 / part 3 / part 4

Bucky pulled up outside of an inviting diner to which you had never been; the fading letters of the name “Maggie’s” above the door gave you the impression that this establishment had seen many eras come and go. Bucky turned off his car and raced around to your side.

Natasha had dashed to the back seat in the parking lot at school, and not wanting to be rude, you had reluctantly climbed into the passenger side, your shoulder no more than a foot from Bucky’s. His car was fairly neat; a few gas receipts and some loose change occupied the bottom of the cup holders installed between the two of you. You had noticed with a smile that he had a family photo clipped to his sun visor. It must have been a few years old; Bucky’s hair was shorter and he still a little bit of baby fat in his cheeks. His parents were stood behind him and a girl whom you assumed to be his sister was next to him. His father was chocolate-haired with a five o’clock shadow growing in; his captivating yet kind dark eyes complemented his ruggedly handsome features. Bucky’s mother was blonde with piercing blue eyes, just like Bucky. She was graced with an effortless beauty you couldn’t help but be envious of; her features were delicate and kind. Even just in the photo, she radiated warmth. Bucky’s sister was like a carbon copy of him; his mother’s eyes with his father’s hair, facial features a combination of the two with pouted lips and strong jaw structures. They were a beautiful family, but your enchantment and adoration were soon swept away with frustration at the fact that this newly acquired information only strengthened your stupid feelings for the boy driving 12 inches to your side.

You were snapped out of your thoughts as your door was opened by Bucky, and you gave him a surprised smile as you climbed out. “Thank you, you, uh, you really didn’t have to, to uh, do that…” You stuttered out, but inside, your chest was thundering with giddiness at the fact that Bucky Barnes had just opened your door for you. Like. A. Gentleman. Bucky’s cheeks appeared to grow darker in the diner’s glowing light, but you couldn’t be sure.

“Oh, it was nothing. Habit, I guess.” Uh oh.

‘Habit, I guess.’

And suddenly that thundering heart of yours skidded to a halt and dropped, hard and heavy like an anvil out of the sky. Right. It was here that you remembered who Bucky was. He wasn’t just the theatre nerd you’d come to know. He was a varsity athlete, popular and known throughout the school. He’s somebody. Obviously he’s used to opening the door for girls. He’s a fucking gentleman, what girl wouldn’t get on that? And he’s done this for so many other somebodies already that it was just a force of habit that he would do the same for a nobody. You swallowed thickly around that reality check and cleared your throat, moving closer to Nat’s side. You gestured towards the diner. “Shall we?” You forced out.

As you entered the diner, you immediately spotted the gang occupying a booth in the back corner. As you approached, you caught Steve’s eye and his face broke out into a grin, waving quickly before gesturing for the group to move down and make room. You sat next to the ocean-eyed blond, expecting Nat to follow beside you. However, the redhead slid into the open space beside Bruce across the table for you, which left only one place for Bucky.

The dark haired boy sat down beside you, grinning to you before turning to the table. “Hey guys, so you obviously all know Nat and (Y/N), except Thor.” Your eyes landed on the only unfamiliar face in the group. His gigantesque muscled frame dwarfed all the other occupants of the table, but his long golden locks, bright eyes and pure smile simply gave him the likeness of a golden retriever. You liked this jock bro immediately, something you never thought you would hear yourself say. “Thor, this is (Y/N) and Natasha; (Y/N)’s my makeup artist and Nat does Bruce.” His eyes mirrored those of Natasha and Bruce as they widened in shock at the realization of the double meaning behind his words. “Makeup! I-I meant makeup. Nat does Bruce’s makeup.” Steve snorted into his water and you chuckled.

“For now,” you muttered amusedly, though it seemed you had underestimated the volume of your voice. The table erupted into laughter and Nat and Bruce’s cheeks flushed furiously. Thor’s booming laughter seemed to shake the walls, and he clutched his chest.

“I like this one,” he commented in admiration, piercing eyes meeting your own. You grinned shyly. At least you hadn’t completely embarrassed yourself like you’d expected. It seems you’ve even made yourself a friend. Sure, Thor was absolutely gorgeous, but as you studied those captivating stormy orbs of his, you could only see a platonic amicability brewing within them. And, you thought with satisfaction, the feeling was mutual. Bucky cleared his throat beside you, gaining your attention.

“You’ve gotta try the shakes here. They’re really thick, perfect for dipping fries in.” You let out a playful scoff.

“Bold of you to assume it’s up to the milkshake. It’s the fries that determine the quality of the fry-shake combo, didn’t you know? It’s the stiffness and salt-to-fry ratio that make or break the dish,” you stated matter-of-factly. Bucky threw his head back in laughter, hand flying to his stomach.

“I suppose this isn’t your first rodeo?” He ducked his head before peering at you. You shrugged, chuckling.

“I’m just giving you a hard time. But really, this is your diner, so whatever you suggest, I guess I gotta try, right?”

A waitress, looking to be about university age, came up to the table. “Hi, so I guess the rest of the party’s arrived?” She asked, looking at you, Bucky and Nat. Peggy nodded.

“Yes, the gang’s all here now.”

“Great! My name’s Kate, for those of you who arrived later, and I’ll be your waitress. Can I get you guys started on drinks, or are you ready to order?” The table all looked among themselves before collectively nodding.

“I think we’re all set to order,” Peggy answered. The orders started with Nat and made their way around the table until Kate turned to you.

“Could I have the burger, fries and a chocolate shake?” You asked. Kate nodded as she wrote down the order, and Bucky ordered the same as you, save for a vanilla shake instead of chocolate. As Kate left, everyone fell into easy conversation among themselves. Nat was flirting shamelessly with a bashful Bruce, Thor had Peggy and Steve captivated as he animatedly recounted a story, and you and Bucky were playing X’s and O’s on a napkin. You won for the fourth time, and Bucky sat back in defeat.

“How do you keep winning? Is there a strategy or something to this game?” He held your gaze, eager to learn your secrets to victory. You shook your head, grinning.

“I can’t just share all my tricks! All I’ll tell you is the obvious one, try to predict all the possible outcomes of your next move, don’t just mark your boxes randomly.” Bucky nodded in comprehension before drawing out a grid for another game. He played first, in the middle. You placed an O in the bottom right corner box, and he squinted at the game as he contemplated his next move. You giggled behind your hand as he analyzed the game with Bobby Fischer-like focus, before placing an X above your O. You put an O beside his two X’s, preventing a three-in-a-row for him. He grumbled before putting an X in the corner above his X, and you countered his tentative diagonal three-in-a-row by placing your O in the bottom left corner. He placed an X in the bottom row between your two O’s, but you put an O in the top left corner, slashing a line through your three O’s and marking your victory. Bucky groaned, smacking his forehead.

“How?! Please, tell me. I’ve gotta know. I promise I won’t double cross you, just please tell me your secret!” Bucky begged with you. As funny as it was to see how horribly he took to losing, you rolled your eyes playfully.

“But that will mean we can’t play anymore. If I expose my secret to winning, then neither of us will ever win. It’ll be an endless cycle of Cat’s Games.” Bucky scrunched up his face in confusion.

“Cat’s?” You nodded, like it was obvious.

“Yeah. When no one wins X’s and O’s, you write ‘CAT’ across it and say it went to ‘The Cat.’” You made air quotations at the end of your sentence. Bucky let out a laugh.

“I’ve never heard that in my life.”

“Okay, who’s never heard that before? It’s a very common term.” Bucky shook his head as he giggled, a fleetingly pleasant sound that you immediately wished to hear again.

“Okay, I’ll start using the Cat term if you tell me your secret.” You laughed at his persistence.

“You’re like a dog with a bone when you want something.”

“Oh, darlin’, you have no idea,” he crooned. You were about to ask what that meant when your orders arrived to the table. Shrugging off the shiver of intrigue that ran up your spine at his words, you dug in to your meal.

Bucky was right, the milkshake was the perfect consistency for fry-dipping, and you were right in that the fries were just the right stiffness and had a good amount of salt. In all, the meal was delicious. After you had all paid and left a generous tip, the group left the diner, chatting animatedly. You parted ways in the parking lot; Steve left with Peggy, Thor headed to his own car with a lively wave goodbye, and Nat nudged your shoulder, saying Bruce had offered her a ride home. You gave her an excited smile and told her to text you when she got home. She nodded, waving goodbye as she walked off hand in hand with Bruce. That just left you and Bucky.

He opened your door for you again, to which you thanked him, and then the two of you were off. You told him he could drop you off at the school as you had left your car there. Conversation between the two of you was easy and constant during the ride to your school, and you found yourself enjoying his company more and more. Bucky was funny, intelligent, cultured, polite, and charming- though you of course already knew this.

As he pulled up behind your car on the street across from your school, you felt a seed of disappointment begin to sprout in the pit of your stomach as the night came to an end. Bucky turned off the car, but neither of you moved to get out.

“I, uh, I’m re-really glad you decided to come tonight. It was fun,” Bucky finally spoke out through the silence. You nodded.

“Yeah, me too. The diner was really great. I’ll definitely be wanting to go there again, so thanks for introducing me to it.” Bucky nodded, squeezing the steering wheel in a vice-grip. He kept his gaze focused ahead as he opened his mouth. You felt butterflies erupt in a flurry of anticipation in your stomach as you waited for him to respond. Your heart thudded in your chest. Oh God what’s he about to say what’s he about to say what’s he about to say-

“Would you, um- if you want, you could- we could, uh-“ He squeezed his eyes shut before taking a deep breath. “Wecouldgotogethersometimeifyouwant?” Your breath hitched.

“P-pardon?” You bit your lip to hold back the giddy smile that tugged at your cheeks. Bucky turned slightly to face you, releasing the steering wheel to rub his hands on his thighs.

“Would you like to go again with me sometime? To the diner, I mean.” He stared fixedly at the loose change sitting at the bottom of his cup holder. Your heart stopped, as did your breathing. You felt your chest swell and your stomach clenched to contain the squeal of excitement that threatened to tear itself free. You nodded eagerly, biting down a grin. You and Bucky both seemed to become aware of your silence at the same time, and as he looked up to meet your eyes, you blurted out a ‘yes!’

You cleared your throat, giggling. “Sorry. Yes- uh, yeah, yeah, I’d like that. Like, with you as…-?” You trailed off.

Bucky’s lips stretched into a giddy grin before answering. “As like a date? Is that okay? I, uh-“

“Yeah, I’d like that. I’d like to go on a date with you, Bucky,” you answered immediately. You hoped you didn’t sound too eager, but you couldn’t find it in yourself to care as Bucky’s eyes lit up in excitement and relief.

“Good. Cool, uh- that’s- I- Good. Great.” Bucky scratched the back of his neck. “Sorry, I was really nervous, I didn’t know if I was totally misreading things or- I’m really bad at reading signs, so I just really hoped I wasn’t coming off as a total jackass or anything, but I really like you, so that’s- that’s good. That you said yes, that’s- I’m glad.” You giggled. You were surprised that Bucky was being so awkward and nervous around you- he always seemed to be so cool and collected, and to see him actually act like a normal teenager with a crush was very reassuring, surprisingly. Oh, God. Normal teenager with a crush. A crush. On you. You couldn’t believe that this was real. This never happened in real life, not to you, at least. This was so unreal, you had to get out of here before he changed his mind.

“Me too,” you whispered. Your eyes trailed to his watch, spotting that it was already ten minutes to your curfew. “Oh, Jesus, I need to go. Sorry, my curfew, I need to-“ Bucky shook his head, holding up a hand in reassurance.

“Right, me too. I’ll let you get going, but I’ll see you tomorrow, for the next show?” You grinned and nodded your head.

“And we can discuss the details for our, uh, our date.” God, those words sounded so unreal coming out of your mouth.

“Yeah.” Bucky smiled almost to himself. He looked up as if he had been surprised by his next thought. “Oh, yeah, I should probably give you my number or something.”

“Right,” you grabbed your phone. You exchanged devices and put in your numbers. As you handed each other’s phones back, you both looked down to the newly created contacts on your phones. You smiled for what felt like the hundredth time in two minutes- oh Jesus, look how much things have changed in all of two minutes- before reaching for the door handle. “I’ll see you tomorrow.” You gave him a small wave, and Bucky searched your eyes, seemingly fighting his with own thoughts. Suddenly, with a deep breath, he leaned forward, placing a quick kiss on your cheek.

Your fingers hovered over the remaining shadow of his lips on your skin, grinning like an idiot. “Sorry, I didn’t mean to be too forward, I should’ve asked…” Bucky bit his lip in embarrassment. You shook your head.

“No, don’t be.” You gave him a reassuring smile and a look of adoration to let him know you were entirely okay with the kiss, before tugging open the door. “I’ll see you tomorrow, Zuko,” you whispered.

“Yeah,” Bucky breathed out, an absent-minded smile tugging at his lips. You climbed out and gave him a last wave goodbye before getting into your own car and starting it up. You pulled away from the curb, heading home. As Bucky’s car grew smaller and smaller in your rear view mirror, your hand subconsciously raised to your cheek again, and you found yourself praying to any god out there that come tomorrow, this wouldn’t be a dream from which you could wake up.

part 1 / part 2 / part 3 / part 4

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soldrawss · 7 years ago

Text

Shadows, Scars and Salted Lines

HisGrace: You find it ok?

WiseGirl: Yeah and just my luck, it's under the library.

HisGrace: Under?

WiseGirl: Yeah, like, in the basement of the building. Not creepy in the SLIGHTEST.

HisGrace: Really? That seems a little too extra

HisGrace: Like, they're trying too hard with the paranormal aesthetic

WiseGirl: Well, they are the Supernatural Activity Club. So... go big or go home I guess?

HisGrace: I guess, but, you sure you're ok? I can get off my shift early to come with you. I'd feel better about it at least.

HisGrace: What if they're like? A bunch of weirdos that only play pretend Ghostbusters but really just marathon The Shining and The Conjuring all day. The last thing you need is a couple of jerks pulling your chain around.

WiseGirl: I think I can handle a few horror fanatics, but thanks Jase. I'll be fine. I'll call you if I need any backup. PromiseX

HisGrace: Call me regardless. I'll pick you up and we can get pizza or something afterward. My treat~

Annabeth smiled at that and sent a thumbs up emoji before shoving her phone into her jacket pocket. Jason's mother hen worry was sweet, but Annabeth wouldn't dare bring herself to ask for any more help than what he'd already unquestionably given her. Which, after the last few weeks she's had, was a life time's worth.

Playing with the beads on her necklace, Annabeth steeled her nerves and made her way down the dark staircase that was located at the back of the large library. She had spent the better part of her Saturday tearing through the campus hunting for the mysterious paranormal society and as far as almost every person she asked, the club was practically nonexistent. It was only by sheer luck that one of the college's librarians happened upon a conversation she was having with another staff member and was kind enough to point her in the right direction.

And of course, it was located in the basement of one of the oldest buildings on campus. Down a dark and empty staircase leading to who knows where. She had to admit, choice place for a ghost club. Where else could you talk about creepy stuff other than a creepy location? The only things that probably could have beat it were an abandon mental hospital and an actual graveyard.

She'd rather take her chances with the underground library classroom.

But Annabeth has always been a bit wary of the dark. She wasn't afraid of it, per say; she'd long since outgrown her childhood fear of what goes bump in the night. But that didn't mean she couldn't have a fairly healthy respect and mindfulness to it. Of course, she never believed there was anything in the dark to be afraid of in the first place. Annabeth didn't believe in the paranormal.

But she still turned her hallway light on every night. Just in case there was ever a need to have a just in case protocol.

However, the last few weeks had changed her skeptic and rational mindset about the dark. So when she descended the concrete stairs to the bottom floor, she did so with one hand in her pocket with Jason's number on speed dial and the other resting on her furiously pounding heart.

Room B322. Room B322. Room B322. Annabeth muttered the classroom number under her breath like a practiced mantra as she scanned through the dimly lited hallways. Her footsteps echoed throughout the quiet mazelike basement, making every small sound ring deafeningly. The late September cold of underground New York seemed to cling to her skin in cold sweats as the musty, unused air filled her lungs.

Despite her urgency to find the clubroom as soon as she could, she couldn't deny herself the curiosity of the other classrooms that occupied the abandoned space. The ones that weren't locked, were filled with forgotten boxes of outdated textbooks and dusted over classroom supplies. None of the classroom lights worked, their bulbs have long since expired, so Annabeth never lingered long.

Finally, having almost given up twice because of some too close for comfort encounters with some rogue spiders, she spotted a soft yellow light coming from under the door of the last classroom down one of the hallways. As she briskly walked closer to the room, she could hear the faint sound of music playing, followed by some voices and laughs too muffled for her to make out.

It was only once she was right outside the door did she noticed the plated B322 hanging only slightly askew on the door. Annabeth held her breath for a few moments, before digging up whatever courage she had left in her and knocked on the door.

Almost immediately, the muffled voices stopped, and Annabeth forgot to breathe in the few seconds of silence that followed. The thought of running back towards the staircase raced through her mind, and she would have considered following through with the retreat if a strangled voice from behind the door hadn't interrupted her train of thought.

"Um, come in?"

Annabeth didn't wait for a second invitation and turned the old creaking handle.

At first, she was blinded by the sudden shift from darkness to light, but her focus quickly came back as she looked around the room.

And was surprised by what she saw.

Annabeth didn't really know what to expect from a club about ghosts, but somewhere in the back of her mind, she expected something a little more like a Halloween decoration shop.

With spider webs and skeletons and gory horror movie posters hanging on the walls. Some half melted candles strewn about with she didn't know, maybe a Ouija board on the table. A bloody handprint or two on the ceiling, accompanied by a soundtrack filled with evil laughter, thunder claps and bloodcurdling screams in the background?

You know, the spooky works.

She certainly didn't expect to be greeted with plenty of lights, warmth and soothing music. Fairy lights were hung in almost every corner, along with the regular light fixtures above, casting the classroom into multiple soft shades of whites, yellows, and pinks. The room smelled of lavender incense and faint jazz music was playing from somewhere unseen, turning the small classroom into something comfortable and inviting.

Pushed against the left wall was an array of low shelving units, each shelf holding a few dozen trinkets that caught Annabeth's attention. Bottles of different sizes and shapes holding liquid in almost every color imaginable. Multitudes of crystals and rocks were scattered on another, followed by a few more shelves that held some different dried out herbs.

The shelves continued, each holding various baubles and knickknacks until Annabeth's eyes widened to the sight of a large bookshelf that covered the entire expanse of the adjoining wall. It shouldn't have been surprising, they were under a college library after all, but the sheer number of literature crammed into the bookshelves was something awe-inspiring.

To the right of Annabeth was a large whiteboard and a giant map of New York City. A few colorful sticky notes decorated the map in different areas while the whiteboard held various writing passages that made no sense of Annabeth and a few doodles crowded in the bottom corners. There were two couches that formed an L shape pointing towards the whiteboard with a small coffee table in between. A large wooden table sat closest to the wall near Annabeth, with a few opened books and papers scattered on it.

And sitting at the table, were two college students around Annabeth's age, staring at her with the same confusion and awe that Annabeth felt.

"Oh my god is that an actual person or am I pulling a Jackson right now?" The one on the right said, more to himself than to the room in general. The girl next to him smacked him gently on the chest, not taking her multi-colored eyes off of Annabeth.

"Um, hi," the girl started as she smiled and raised an unsure brow at Annabeth. "You lost?"

"I sure hope not. It took me all day to find this place. I now know this campus like the back of my hand," Annabeth tried to joke, but her nervous laughter was met with nothing but blank and curious stares. Annabeth continuing to fiddle with the beads on her necklace out of nervous habit. "This, um, is the Supernatural Activity Club, right?"

The two students looked at each other, sharing what Annabeth could only assume was a swift mental debriefing before turning their attention back towards her.

"Oh, yeah, no, you're at the right place. Sorry, it's just, uh, we don't get very many visitors down here," the girl replied, flipping one of her twin braids over her shoulder. The guy leaned back in his chair, folding his hands behind his head casually.

"More like we don't get any visitors down here. We're not a very well-known club, if you couldn't tell by our location."

"No kidding. I looked for you all over campus," Annabeth sighed, rubbing the back of her neck. "Your guy's club isn't on any of the official school rosters so no one knew how to help me find you."

This got a surprised look from the girl, but the boy just waved his hand in the air noncommittally.

"Ahhh yeah, we're technically not an actual registered club," the boy said, using his fingers to form quotation marks in the air above his head. "Apparently you gotta pay fees and fill out a bunch of paperwork and we're technically a club that's not up to snuff with the school's regulated code of conduct and professional demeanor, blah blah- OW!"

The boy had continued to use quotations marks around the emphasized words until the girl smacked one of his hands, harder than the first time, by the way the boy snatched his hand back and rubbed it, giving her an offended glare.

"Knock it off with the quotation marks, Leo." She said, ignoring his look of disapproval like a seasoned pro as she kept her focus solely on Annabeth. "How did you find us anyway? Since, you know, we're not on any of the school's registries."

"I found your website while I was searching fo- well, I saw it and I noticed you put a phone number to contact as well as an address, which was the school's address. I thought about calling you, but well, I figured it would just be easier to meet up with you in person instead since I have classes here too." Annabeth shifted uncomfortably in the doorway. Having yet to still close the door behind her, Annabeth was just now noticing the difference in temperature between the cozy classroom and the clammy, dark hallway against her back. They must have had a heater somewhere hidden in the room to make such a stark difference. "Anyway, you didn't specifically say which part of the campus you were in, so I had to go around to nearly every department asking for you. It was just my luck that some guy that worked upstairs heard that I was looking for you and told me you were down here in room B322. And uh, here I am."

Annabeth stuck her palms out openly in a humble shrug. The boy, Leo, leaned forward in his chair again and pointed a finger in Annabeth's direction.

"Was it Malcolm? Tall? Skinny? Blond hair that kinda sticks up funny in the back? Looks like he hasn't slept in days and is jacked up on coffee and Lara Bars?" Leo interrogated, acting out each description as he went. Annabeth could barely get out a clever, 'uhhh' before Leo was talking again. "I bet it was Malcolm. The guy apparently keeps secrets about as well as he controls that cowlick of his."

"Leo," the girl warned in a tired way that made it seem like she'd heard 'the Malcolm' rant before, but Leo wasn't apparently done from the way he threw his arms into the air in exasperation.

"I practically wrote his engineering thesis last semester and this is the thanks I get? I mean, he does keep our little secret hideaway away from any curious staff member. And ok sure, he does cover for us when the electricity and heating bills go up when school's in session so we don't get caught or fined," Leo began, listing off the different points on his fingers. To which Annabeth noticed were wrapped in multiple colorful band-aids.

"Leo," the girl warned again, pinching the bridge of her nose in annoyance.

"And OK YEAH SURE, he did help us put all those protection signals and wardings up around the library where no one could see or get to them accidentally. Which I guess was cool of him. But that doesn't mean he can just give confidential information out all willy nilly like this! What if he told someone important! Like, the college president or campus security?" At that thought, Leo gasped and faced Annabeth with a wide-eyed expression. "You're not campus security, are you?"

"Protection signals?" Annabeth questioned, choosing to focus on that piece of information alone. She rubbed her left shoulder absentmindedly.

"Leo, enough!" The girl said and shoved what looked like a bulky version of a handheld radio half towards him. "Geez, and you think Malcolm is a loud mouth. Just fix the spirit-talkie, before Percy gets back."

Leo took the few pieces of tech that the girl had pushed towards him without debate, but eyed Annabeth suspiciously as he got up from his seat. "Find out if she's an undercover or not. If need be, the safe words are, Nico smells. Then I'll tackle her and you make a run for it." He whispered not at all quietly into the girl's ear before he stood up and walked over to one of the couches, where an assortment of gears and tools were laid out on the coffee table.

The girl rolled her eyes before smiling at Annabeth. "Sorry about him. He likes to watch a bunch of conspiracy theories while he tinkers. He's really a cool guy once he gets to know you. Still as talkative and hyper, but cool. Which reminds me," she said, standing up from her chair and walking over to where Annabeth stood. She held out her hand in greeting and gave Annabeth an award-winning smile.

"I'm Piper McLean. The gear head is Leo Valdez. What can we do for ya?"

Annabeth took Piper's hand and shook it, feeling the tension and apprehension before seep from her body as she fully entered the classroom, shutting the door behind her. Returning the smile, albeit, hers was probably a little more awkward, Annabeth sat in the chair that Leo had previously vacated.

"Annabeth Chase. Nice to meet you." Annabeth watched as Piper walked over to a small mini fridge she hadn't notice before and pull out a can of Arizona Tea.

"You want one?" Piper asked, opening the one in her hand and taking a drink.

"Uh, sure, thank you," Annabeth replied.

"Dr. Pepper for me," Leo called from his little work spot on the couch. Piper leaned back into the fridge and pulled out a water bottle, tossing it to him instead. He caught it effortlessly with one hand and gave her a disapproving look. Piper simply blew him a kiss as she walked back towards Annabeth and handed her the unopened can.

"He's on a caffeine break," Piper supplied, noticing the confused brow Annabeth had shot her as she retook her seat. "A month ago, he was rushed to the ER because of an ulcer in his stomach. It wasn't bad, thank God, but drinking nothing but energy drinks and taking Ibuprofen certainly helped cause it. Since then he's been on a strict, no caffeinated drink diet."

"Which I hate!" Leo called from the couch.

"Which he'll get used to." Piper smiled again sweetly, taking another sip of her tea, cueing Annabeth to do the same. Piper had gotten her the green tea flavored one, which happened to be her favorite, and Annabeth smiled back when Piper had sent her a little wink in return.

"So Annabeth Chase, what brings you to our humble little rebel basement?" Piper asked, crossing her legs while playing with one of her long braids.

Annabeth tapped the side of her can with her nails, making a soft tinging sound as she chewed her bottom lip anxiously. "You guys are a, um, paranormal club, right? Not the kind that just watches horror movies and speculates over fuzzy youtube videos, but like, actually knows something about ghosts and spirits and... and things like that? You're kinda like, real-life ghostbusters, right? At least, that's what your website made your club out to be."

"It better have, I designed it," Piper replied, twirling her braid around her finger. "And I mean, we do have movie night on Thursdays, but those aren't totally restricted to horror. We more often than not just watch Jackie Chan movies and Parks And Rec."

"And anime," Leo called again from the couch.

"And anime," Piper reassured, taking a drink from her tea. "But yeah, you're right. We do know a thing or two about the metaphysical. Well, I don't personally. I'm just the manager of sorts. And what you'd probably picture as ghostbusting isn't exactly what we do."

"It could be if you guys would ever just chill and let me create cooler things than just spirit walkies and EMF detectors. Can you imagine an actual Proton Pack gun? How'd sick that'd be?" Leo exclaimed, leaning over from his spot on the couch excitedly. Piper crumpled up a piece of paper next to her and tossed it at Leo's face with impeccable aim.

"You know exactly why you can't do that so that's enough from the peanut gallery," she responded back. Leo rolled his eyes and stuck his tongue out at her, muttering something along the lines of 'says the manager of sorts,' before sitting back down on the couch. Piper returned the action and rolled her eyes at Annabeth animatedly, making Annabeth smother a chuckle.

"But, like I was saying, yes. We are a paranormal club. Dealing with ghosts is kinda what we do." Piper stopped twirling her braid and straightened her position in her chair, giving Annabeth a quizzical look. "You seem pretty easy going with the whole idea of the paranormal being real. Why is that? Don't tell me you actually want to join, do you?"

Annabeth noticed Leo stopped fidgeting with the talkie in his hand and turn to look at her, expression just as curious as Piper's and Annabeth hoped her cheeks weren't turning pink with embarrassment. Rubbing her left shoulder again, Annabeth looked down at her feet.

"Ahh no! Sorry, that's, that's not what I came here for-" was all Annabeth was able to say before the door beside her opened. A quick and cold breeze swept through the classroom for only a few moments before the door was shut again, but it was enough of a draft to make a cold shiver run up Annabeth's spine.

"Sorry it took me so long to get here. I sorta ran into a little trouble outside the library. And it took me forever to find the peanut butter cookies Hazel likes so much. By the by Pipes, the store didn't have any of that vegan chocolate you like, so I just got you some Kettle BBQ chips. The lady at the register said they're vegan so they'll have to do for now."

Annabeth's attention was immediately caught by the new presence in the room as the young man entered further into the classroom, taking no notice of Annabeth as he talked about a mile a minute. He had dark black hair, disheveled but in a way that was almost slightly fashionable and was carrying a skateboard in one hand and a few grocery bags in the other.

"Did you get the stuff I asked for?" Leo whirled around so that he was backwards on his seat, leaning over the back frame of the couch as he reached for one of the bags the new guy was holding.

"Yes, but Leo- God, stop. Leo!" The guy laughed, pulling the bag Leo was tugging on away as he sat his skateboard down against one of the lower shelving units. "Leo, listen. I got the stuff on the list, but you gotta promise me you won't use any of these items for evil. For example, putting super glue on the toilet seat or duct taping anything, and I mean anything, to anyone, by which I mean specifically Nico. Got it, Leo? I'm trusting you with this privilege."

"Ok, first of all, Nico almost definitely deserved every last inch of that duct tape and I regret nothing," Leo replied, but after noticing that the bags weren't going slack in his favor, put a hand on his chest and looked at the guy with a new found seriousness that Annabeth didn't think he was capable of holding. Even if she has only known him for less than a half hour. "But you have my word that I will only use my power of greatness for good, fearless leader. On my honor, I will not betray your trust. Cross my heart and hope to live a very long and happy life."

"Yeah, yeah, I'll believe it when I see it." The guy rolled his eyes as if he was annoyed, but a second later he was smiling fondly and tossing the bag over to Leo, who caught it easily and began digging through it as he slid back onto the couch. The guy slid his jacket off and folded it over the couch frame, rubbing a hand affectionately through Leo's curly brown hair as he passed, and began walking towards where Piper and Annabeth sat.

"Anyway Pipes, I hope you like the chips. They look pretty good, but if you don't like them I can always go back and-" The guy paused, finally noticing Annabeth and greeting her with the same wide-eyed curiosity as Leo and Piper had before. Annabeth couldn't help but stare right back at him just as curiously and noticed that she couldn't seem to look away from his startling green eyes.

For a second, it almost seemed like he was looking through her, too intense to just be looking at her but instead looking somewhere deeper than what was physical. The moment only seem to last for a second, even though it felt longer to Annabeth before he seemingly snapped back to reality and gave her the same fond smile he had just given Leo.

"Oh, uh, hey there," he smiled crookedly, handing Piper the other grocery bags. As soon as Piper took it, he crossed his arms and leaned against the back of her chair, only breaking eye contact with Annabeth to give Piper a little nudge to the back. "Aww, Pipes, I didn't know you had any friends outside the SAC. We wouldn't have pressured you to join if we'd known you wouldn't have been so lonely without us."

"Oh please. You guys don't know about my other friends because I don't want you to. I don't need your weirdness spreading any farther than it already has. And you know I only joined cause you and Leo can't be left alone together without something breaking or catching fire." Piper answered, digging through the bags and pulling out the BBQ chips.

"Lies and slander! You can't prove that those incidents were because of us! And even if they were, it only happened like, four times. Complete coincidence!" Leo voiced, a piece of jerky hanging from his mouth that he must have fished from the bag when Annabeth wasn't looking.

"Five if you include the time at the aquarium with the big squid," the guy added helpfully, smothering a grin behind a hand when Piper shot him an annoyed look.

"Oh, yeah, I definitely count the squid. Nevermind Beauty Queen, five times. And you can't prove a single one," Leo called back thoughtfully, earning him a laugh from the black haired kid as Piper ignored them expertly, turning her attention back to Annabeth.

"Anyway, Annabeth, this is Percy, our dorky club President. Percy this is Annabeth Chase." Percy stopped laughing and with a lingering grin, held out a hand towards Annabeth when Piper made the introductions.

"Nice to meet you Annabeth. I'm the SAC's dorky club president, Percy Jackson." Piper rolled her eyes at that, but his smile was infectious, and Annabeth couldn't help but smile back as she shook his hand.

"Nice to meet you too Per- you're bleeding."

Percy's smile fell just as Annabeth stopped shaking his hand, and pointed to her own forehead, a little above her eyebrow. "You're bleeding, right here," Annabeth remarked, surprised by the sudden red that dripped into view under the wave of black. Piper turned to look at Percy just as a little trickle of blood, that was once unnoticeably hidden under his black bangs, crept down the side of his face.

Percy rubbed his cheek with the heel of his hand and pulled it away to inspect it. The only response he made towards the blood was an unsurprised 'huh' before he wiped his hand on his jeans.

"Oh my God, I seriously can't leave you alone for a second, can I?" Piper asked, sounding more mildly annoyed than actually worried as she got up and walked to one of the cubbies in the shelving units and pulled out a large first aid box. She walked back over and placed in on the table between Percy and Annabeth and began searching through it with practiced ease. Like this wasn't the first time Percy's walked into the clubroom bleeding. "What did you do this time."

"Uh, would you believe me if I told you nothing?" Percy answered back in a nonchalant tone, sitting in the chair Piper once occupied. Rummaging through his back jean pocket, he fished out a simple hair clip with a small flower on it and pulled his bangs back, clipping them into place and out of the way of his cut forehead. "Actually don't answer that. The truth is, I don't really know what happened."

Piper brought out some tissue wipes, Neosporin, and a box of colorful band-aids. Catching the half empty water bottle Leo had thrown back at her, Annabeth was silently impressed by how in sync they were despite their lack of communication, she wet some of the wipes and began cleaning the side of Percy's face. "I was coming back from the store when I noticed this sorta, presence, I guess you'd call it, outside the library. I was gonna ignore it, cause I've seen spirits hang out there before cause they're attached to someone inside the library but they can't cross the boundaries cause of the wardings Hazel put up."

Annabeth remembered Leo mention something about protective warding earlier, but when she turned towards Leo to get some further info about what that was, all he did was mouth the name Malcolm at her. He then made a disgusted face, rolling his eyes and then turning his attention back on to the role of duct tape he was using.

"They're confused, but usually perfectly harmless, so I just let them be. But this presence, I don't Pipes, there was something about this-sssst ow! Little warning next time, that stings."

"Sorry," Piper smiled like she wasn't sorry in the slightest as she continued to spread Neosporin on the cleaned cut on Percy's forehead. It wasn't huge, but it looked a little too deep for Percy to have not noticed till Annabeth pointed it out. "Continue."

"Something felt off about this presence, Piper. Like, I don't know how to explain it. It didn't feel like a usual spirit. It just felt... wrong. Heavy. Dark." Percy tried to supply, rubbing the back his neck in exhaustion.

"Didn't Hazel say she put up all kinds of sigils to ward off anything and everything supernatural? What if it wasn't a spirit at all but something else?" Piper asked, putting the Neosporin away and grabbing the box of band-aids.

"Whatever it was, it wasn't happy about being warded against the building, but I couldn't just leave it lurking outside with that much negative energy. Someone could have gotten hurt or it could have attracted something worse. So I tried talking to it." Percy sighed, opening Piper's bag of BBQ chips and popping one in his mouth. "Operative word is tried. Turns out- give me one of the blue band-aids- he liked me even less than the building. He went right through me. Power blasted me so hard he knocked me back down the front steps. I must have cut my forehead sometime during then."

Piper finished putting on one of the bigger band-aids on Percy's forehead, a sweet baby blue color, before putting the supplies back in the first aid box and returning it to its respective cubbies. "You and I are gonna have a discussion about this later, Percy, cause you know how I feel about you putting yourself in positions like these without backup."

Percy raised a confused brow, pulling the flower pin out of his hair and letting his bangs fall wildly over his forehead again. Tosseling them just a bit so that they fell just above those piercing green eyes. "Aww but you love lecturing me. Why hold off what I'll ignore later when I can ignore it now."

Piper crossed her arms pointedly, cocking her hips to the side in annoyance. "I don't know if you've forgotten, stupid, but we kinda have a guest here who's not used to the whole paranormal stuff, and I think you may have just pushed her into the deep end before we could teach her how to swim first, if you know what I mean."

Percy must have forgotten by the way he whirled his attention back onto Annabeth, and his expression turned to something of a kicked puppy when he noticed just how hard Annabeth was gripping her now empty tea can. An embarrassed flush of pink shown on his cheeks and the tips of his ears as he ran a hand through his black hair.

"Oh, uh, geez, I'm sorry, I thought you knew. You're just, here at the SAC so I thought you, well, I assumed you knew about uuhhhh... that we, ummm," Percy floundered, trading glances between Annabeth and Piper nervously. "You probably think I'm just messing around, huh?"

Annabeth had expected the club she had searched all day for to be nothing more than a lazy excuse for a Ghostbusters fan club. She had hoped that maybe they had just a little bit of info, just a little something extra that could help her where Wikipedia had failed her. She prayed that, at least, something would point her in the right direction in solving her problem.

The last thing she expected was the answer to all her hopes and prayers, in the form of a dorky college kid, with a kind smile and wild green eyes.

"You... you can see ghosts? Like, actual, real, dead spirit ghosts?" She practically whispered, letting go of the tea can with one of her hands and resting it on her left shoulder. "Like, Jennifer Love-Hewitt level, see ghosts."

"I think he's more of an Amy Allen myself," Leo called unhelpfully from the couch, followed by the sound of a smack and an undignified "OW-WAH!" that Annabeth didn't see.

Percy just stared back at her, brow furrowed and green eyes intense enough to probably set Annabeth on fire if he really wanted to. "You believe me? Just like that?" He asked, and Annabeth's grip tightened on her shoulder.

"I have to. That's the whole reason why I'm here." Annabeth replied, and she could feel all eyes rest on her with caution. Taking a shaky breath and ignoring the silent buzzing come from her phone in her jacket pocket, Annabeth admitted what she so desperately wanted to deny for the past few weeks.

"I think there's something bad haunting my apartment. And I think you're the best chance I got at getting rid of it."

#my fic #LONG #pjo #ghost hunter au #chapter 1 #ohhh boy #i stayed up till 6 in the morning writing this #cause I had to #so sorry if it's crummy #and there are spelling errors my eyes hurt #hope yall like it #i'm so excited to introduse this world to you #cause!!! i'm have so many head canons #and so many characters to introuduce #and i want to make it into a long thing eventually #but take this for now #whoo hoo

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