#and then ace is like “no no no i mean your parting with your freedom. lmao have fun being tied down like a loser couldnt be me-”

[actual-corpse]

You can't be an ally to anyone (LGBT+, religion, race, etc) and then say a group of people "should die".

[iamsoconfusedallofthetime]

Fanfiction of fanfiction is something I love and never get to see because it's so funny when it happens

Platonic Mal scenario where you know how he is about being invited to things and tell him if you ever end up getting married, he's obviously invited. He gets a little too excited about that and starts playing match maker so it can happen as soon as possible.

[nina-ya]

could i please request a version of your ‘loving them’ series with ace? thank you so much in advance!

A/N: i forget just how much i love some characters like Ace until I write something for them!! Pairing: Ace x reader CW: none, mild backstory spoilers if you squint Other versions: Luffy Zoro Sanji Law Ace • masterlist • ko-fi • discord server •

✦ . 　⁺ 　 . ✦ . 　⁺ 　 . ✦

Loving Ace is like chasing the sunset knowing you cant ever quite catch it, but still, you run because the colors that it paints across the sky are worth every step. He’s like that- unreachable at times, always running far ahead and driven by something deeper that you can’t quite understand. But when he stops and lets you catch up, the moments that he shares with you feel like the most precious things in the world. 

Loving Ace is waking up to the warmth of his body curled protectively around you like he’s protecting you from the horrors of the world, even when he’s the one who needs protecting. His arms are tight around you even in his unconscious state like he’s afraid you’ll slip away, like he doesn’t quite believe that he deserves to have something so precious. 

Loving Ace also means understanding the darkness that lurks behind that bright smile of his. It’s recognizing that beneath his playful and laid-back exterior, lies a heart burdened by doubt, insecurity, and the heavy weight of a bloodline he never asked for. Loving him is realizing that sometimes he needs to burn brighter than ever to hide that coldness that sometimes creeps up from inside, that there are days when his flames flicker, and that he needs someone to remind him that he is worth every ounce of love that the world has to give. 

Loving Ace is kissing him in the dead of the night, his lips hot, burning with the same fire that makes up his very essence. It’s as if he is pouring everything that he feels into that one moment. It’s desperate, passionate, a release of all the things that he feels, hoping that he can convey them with this one action. And he only pulls away when you both are starved for air, both of you breathless, lips ghosting over yours, the gesture leaving your heart racing in a picture-perfect moment. 

Loving Ace is seeing the world through his eyes- a world where freedom is the ultimate prize, where loyalty is learned through actions, not words, and where family is everything. It’s understanding that to love him is to love his crewmates, his brothers, and everyone else he has chosen to protect. Though his heart is shared with many, there’s a part of it that’s just for you, a part that no one else gets to touch. 

Loving Ace is feeling the thrill of his warm hands on your skin, the way he touches you as if he is committing every part of you to memory. His fingers dance along the flesh, tracing toasty trails along the way, and when his lips follow in soft and teasing pecks, it’s enough to send a shiver down your spine. He pulls you closer, planting kisses across every surface he can reach until he finally lands on your lips, kissing you deeply, savoring the feeling.

Loving Ace is a rollercoaster with many twists, turns, and drops. It's unpredictable, thrilling, and filled with moments that take your breath away and moments that terrify you. But no matter how far he runs, no matter how erratic those flames burn, you’ll always find your way back to each other. Because when it comes to love, Ace doesn’t do things halfway. When he loves, he loves with everything he has and you feel it in every glance, every touch, every breath, every shared moment. 

Loving Ace is standing beside him watching the sunset, hand in hand, knowing that you have a love that will last a lifetime. He is your endgame. Ace is the love of your life and that love will only grow day by day as you two face life together. And as the night falls, as the stars above mirror those freckles that dot the face of the man besides you, you know that this love- this wild, fierce, and all-consuming love- will carry you through anything. 

[punkpandapatrixk]

❤️‍🩹I Just Want to be Loved ♦︎ Timeless Pick A Card

We attract terrible loves for various reasons; so many lessons; but now sorrow has got to lessen. Let’s reveal patterns by exhuming roots. We’ve got to stop this cycle of disappointments. Done being made to feel as if we’re hard to love.

We’re not hard to love. Many of us were simply denied love, warmth and affection as we were growing up… Don’t know how to love self; don’t know how to love others; basically don’t know how to even receive Love… Who’s to blame now?

Why the hell were so many children denied love, warmth, affection…?

What are you going to do with yourself when you were denied love, warmth and affection as you were growing up?

☆♪°・.

‘The child who isn’t embraced by the village will burn it down to feel its warmth.’ – an African proverb

People denied warmth and affection tend to fall into a desperate loop of fishing for attention as a result of love-deficiency, right? Some learn to lick love off a knife; some pursue success (whatever that means) all too frantically; some…shoot complete strangers in broad daylight; and some who ain’t got the guts to murder complete strangers in public places go instead for antagonising strangers on social media… Gosh, that is desperate.

But you know what, not all hope is lost because there’s still plenty of us who are blessed with this incredibly RARE thing called self-awareness. There are plenty of us who will take our traumas to the graveyard than pass them down the next generations.

You, don’t deserve to have your sanity and your Life ruined by some psychos who didn’t know how to love you. Reclaim lost pieces of yourself by understanding THREE Houses in your natal chart, babe:

4th House: your roots; tells you what was lacking in your home; explains your erratic 10th House ambitions

8th House: your marriage or your desire for a bond like it; this the House where trauma manifests itself in full spectrum

11th House: your wish fulfilment; where you connect with people who support your visions; breeds a healthy sense of connection, even community

SONG: Emptiness by BoA

MOVIE: Breakfast at Tiffany’s (1961)

[PAC Masterlist] [Part 2] [Part 3]

[Patreon] [Paid Readings]

☆♪°・. ☆♪°・. ☆♪°・. ☆♪°・. ☆♪°・. ☆♪°・.

Pile 1 – Because I Can’t Even Trust Myself

VIBE: Trust by Hamasaki Ayumi

lost pieces (pertaining to 4th House) – Ace of Pentacles Rx

It’s clear your childhood didn’t offer a sense of stability or security—the physical kind that children usually need. It could be that a grownup left early or it could be that you moved around a lot, so you easily lost contact with new friends you’d just made. In essence, it feels like you grew up feeling ‘everything disappears eventually; everyone leaves eventually’.

Some of you might’ve grown up not having a lot of material resources, but for the majority of you tuning into this Pile, it was more a feeling of a lack of warmth. For children, the pain of neglect and a lack of emotional connection do really affect our physical health more severely. You might’ve grown up poor and sickly due to all the grownups around you being inattentive, unaffectionate, and just…unreliable at best.

Because of this awareness, from a young age you realised you would have to do everything yourself. You wanted to grow up quickly and do your own things your own ways. It’s not like you had to grow up fast, you wanted to grow up fast to have your freedom and power! It was…hard to trust adults. It was hard to trust the world at large.

growing pains (pertaining to 8th House) – 8 of Pentacles

On the path of growing up, I think you became a hard worker of sort? This is very nuanced though—there are layers to your developing yourself to become a hardworking person. In many ways, you grew up responsible because you didn’t want to become like the adults who had disappointed you. But since this sense of ‘responsibility’ is a product of neglect and trauma…this is coming off as your feeling responsible for everything. Everything!

Some of you could’ve been too hard on yourself, expecting way too much for your age. You’ve felt like you’re always the one with everything to prove. It’s hard living like that. It feels like you’ve put so much effort into keeping everything together, and yet, nobody sees how much you care. Nobody truly understands the fear in your mind and pain you carry in your heart.

In matters of relationship, you cling extra hard to friends or lovers, too; because deep down you’re afraid of losing things and people, again and again. This unhealthy attachment—and to some extent, controlling behaviour—is truly your wounded inner child attempting frantically to keep your Reality from falling apart…

reclamation (pertaining to 11th House) – 4 of Cups

I’m very sure that at some point in Life, your Higher Self and team of Spirit Guides are going to kick in and meddle with your Earthly business. For some people, it’s possible you could lose contact with everybody you’ve ever known in Life and go into a hermit mode to find yourself again. For some, it could be that your whole Life is simply flipped, without necessarily losing key people in your Life, for you to look at Life and human connections from a very different point of view.

It’s going to be hard, of course. Emotionally, it could be devastating. Themes of abandonment and betrayal are big in your incarnation. But you know, ultimately, all of these challenges serve to remind you that the Cup of Love and Affection you’ve been looking for has always been right inside of you. You’ve had a bitter time with a lot of people because deep down you couldn’t trust them. You couldn’t trust other people’s loyalty because you didn’t even believe that you’re worthy of that Love and Loyalty you yearn for.

Your Spirit Guides are saying, that although at some point in Life things are going to get really tough, know that when you’ve graduated those lessons, you’re going to be rewarded with the most beautiful Soulmate-shit friendships, familyship and relationship. Truth be told, part of your Soul’s scenario in this incarnation is to find your Soul Tribe; and find your Tribe you shall~

A L O N E🔻💗

ALL of you – Red Alchemist (John Dee)

becoming ONE and whole – Priestess of Healing

Access full reading + cards on Patreon🌸

☆♪°・. ☆♪°・. ☆♪°・. ☆♪°・. ☆♪°・. ☆♪°・.

Pile 2 – Misled by My Own Compassion

VIBE: Cry Me A River by Julie London

lost pieces (pertaining to 4th House) – Knight of Cups

It’s very likely your 4th House is in a Water sign, but if not, you’re still very much a Water-y person; perhaps your Ascendant or Moon is in a Water sign, or that you have Neptune/Moon near/in your 4th, 7th or 11th House. All of this generally makes you a deeply compassionate person. No matter what outer appearances give, you strive to look deeper into a person’s Soul. You have so much empathy and you want to believe in the good of people.

Alas! This rotten world doesn’t make it too easy. This world is not a world where kindness and compassion are truly rewarded, if we don’t learn to be a tad cruel ourselves. You’re not in the wrong for being so genuinely good and compassionate; it’s this world that’s the wrong world. You know that? Therefore, it is paramount you learn to be a bitchilante! But I’m getting ahead of myself.

In spite of this PAC’s intro, I sense the majority of you tuning into this Pile actually grew up quite well. Many of you actually grew up in loving homes and that’s why it’s been quite challenging for you to grapple with the realness of the ugliness of the world outside of your loving home. Really…people in the real world…are monsters! And you were taken aback!

But some of you instead most likely grew up in chaotic, battlefield-esque homes and that’s why you’ve striven to be so good to a point of detriment.

growing pains (pertaining to 8th House) – 0 The Fool Rx

Be that as it may, you being you… Well, you do put in the effort to try and understand what makes monsters the way that they are, right? It’s all good and wonderful, until you get yourself in deep trouble where nobody can save you but your own monstrosity. Depending on your age when reading this, this could be something that’s happened in the past or will happen; where you will be forced to grow up in the sense of seeing the world as it is and get firm with assholes!

Dr Jordan Peterson has this gold shit to summarise this spiritual lesson you will be taking at some point in Life: ‘You should be a monster, an absolute monster, and then you should learn to control it.’ Well, that’s male speech. In female speech, we just say: ‘you gotta grow up and be a bitchilante!’

Be a bitch only to those who deserve it. How would you protect yourself from monsters if you don’t have the strength to fight them at their own game, darling? If you’re harmless, weak as a fawn, if anything, the real monsters in the world are going to toy with your sanity: ‘I saw my “crazy” side once and decided I wouldn’t be involved with anyone that would take me out of my peace like that ever again.’

Be a bitchilante. That whole concept of ‘good, harmless, love and light, positivity-only’ bullshit was put out there not to really make you good but to weaken you against the truly monstrous ones. WAKE UP, BITCH!

reclamation (pertaining to 11th House) – 4 of Pentacles

So? So what if you’re selective with your affection? Not everybody deserves your compassion. That’s for sure. There are many people in the world and you can’t be nice to all of them. One at point or another, you’re gonna be a villain in someone’s story—so what? Everybody else is the main character of their own Stories; that, you can’t control.

Be careful that you’re not falling victim to your own narcissism in wanting to be praised in everybody’s Story, yeah? So then, pertaining to your 11th House, weirdly enough, your wish fulfilment is in the form of a psychological liberation from your own idea of yourself in the minds of others. I sense that if you’re East Asian this is gonna resonate much harder and louder LOL

Anyway, I want to assure you that once you’ve graduated from your spiritual lessons, you will be met with unique, courageous, rebellious weirdos who will be just as clear as you are about what it truly means to be a good person in a world that’s often very bad. How good should a person be to truly be considered a good person?

‘If I offended you, cry me a river. I’ll bring snacks and a raft. I will literally float down your tears eating chips and working on my tan.’ – Fuckology

A L O N E🔻💚

ALL of you – Green Geographer (Gerardus Mercator)

becoming ONE and whole – Priestess of Success

Access full reading + cards on Patreon🌸

☆♪°・. ☆♪°・. ☆♪°・. ☆♪°・. ☆♪°・. ☆♪°・.

Pile 3 – Lights Out; I’m Out to Find Myself

VIBE: To. X by Taeyeon

lost pieces (pertaining to 4th House) – Ace of Cups Rx

I’ve to preface this Pile by saying this the pile that gets a little violent…

You were originally such a positive, happy-go-lucky kid, but quite early on, this world gave you so much darkness. So many reasons to be sad. It’s not been a very kind life, to be honest. Defo many of you have tragical placements here—your 4th or 5th House could start or end in Scorpio; have Lilith/Pluto/Chiron/Saturn there or in the sign of Cancer/Pisces; or it could be that your Venus/Moon is imprisoned in the 8th or 12th House and harshly aspected, too...

If your childhood has been violent or mightily confusing, it’s a group thing, OK? You can think like that. It’s not your fault. Know that practically everybody who has these harsh placements has gone through very similar things as you. So you’re really not the only one who’s failing—whatever that means. You’ve been gaslit a lot into believing there’s something wrong with you, but it was your environment that was just filled with totally terrible Human beings. That much I’d like to assure you.

It wasn’t natural how you were abused psychologically and emotionally. The people around you drew a parallel to Cinderella’s stepsisters in the Disney classic. It’s ridiculous like that. I think you grew up terribly lonely and created comfort characters in your head to console your sorrows? It’s very likely that your comfort characters were in actuality a mirror fragment of your Soul Family’s existence locked in your memory bank.

growing pains (pertaining to 8th House) – XIV Temperance Rx

Life, unfortunately, isn’t a Disney movie. As a result of the psychological and emotional abuse you’ve endured in childhood, your friendships and relationships might’ve been quite turbulent, at times even violent. Juuust a small number of you could’ve dealt with being called a violent kid, or you could’ve struggled with anger management and have terrible tantrums. All of these have made human connections quite difficult to navigate.

It’s not like you want to be a nasty person, right? Many times, you couldn’t help the way you react/respond to what’s being said and unsaid because, somehow, there are many things that people do and say that trigger a trauma response in you. There’s a very difficult Mars thingy going on here. I think many of you resonating with this Pile have some difficult Mars (ruler of Scorpio) placements/aspects that affect the way you manifest human connections in your Life.

Speaking in terms of synastry, it could be that you’ve attracted a great deal of people whose Mars aspected badly in your natal chart—consequently triggering bad traumas and manifesting violent outbursts in your connections. Ultimately though, these negative experiences with other people could’ve enforced your belief about how unlovable you are, which, really, is a false belief…

reclamation (pertaining to 11th House) – 5 of Wands

It is a false Reality that you’re unlovable or unworthy of a healthy relationship. That bullshit was implanted in you through the creation of a harsh environment that caused you a great deal of rage. Of course, you’re accountable for how you behave towards other people, but your foundation was never quite healthy or peaceful or harmonious, so… How about we put it all behind us and focus on healing? After all, it’s not like the people you’ve had a beef with were completely innocent? XP

It's kinda selfish to think like that, but you can depend on your own discernment to distinguish who amongst the people you’ve hurt or had a beef with to apologise to. Remember: sometimes apologies only make you weaker and looking at the unique bullshit astrological placements you were born with… apologising to the wrong fucker would only get you gaslit even more! So, don’t. Don’t apologise for the distress you experienced under other people’s lack of support.

Burn that bridge and detach yourself from that old stinking world. With your sheer willpower, you have it in you to rebuild your own little world of love and peace. After all, those harsh placements you were born with, are you aware of just how much power they bestow you? These placements come with a lot of turbulences but once you graduate your first Saturn Return, they also give you a burst of power unlike any other!

Lights out. Not entertaining aenergies that seek to nip your power at the bud anymore. Burn, baby, burn strong! Burn the whole Tower and find yourself on new lands~!

A L O N E🔻💜

ALL of you – Gold Alchemist (Roger Bacon)

becoming ONE and whole – Priestess of Solitude

Access full reading + cards on Patreon🌸

☆♪°・. ☆♪°・. ☆♪°・. ☆♪°・. ☆♪°・. ☆♪°・.

[PAC Masterlist] [Part 2] [Part 3]

[Patreon] [Paid Readings]

[kalims]

cupping their face

parts. one , two , three , four , five , six , seven

characters. heartslabyul

content. gender neutral reader

riddle

he has very squishable cheeks despite his concerning diet mainly revolving around tea, biscuits, and whatnot (tarts).

you suppose the chubbiness in it comes from the mounts of sweets he can't exactly resist. of which trey is probably to blame.

riddle grew up with his very picky mother with her particular food choice for him so when he arrived in NRC without her eyes he gained a lot of freedom.

so if you hold his face in your hands the fat from his cheeks pokes out of the hole between your thumb, and pointer fingers. it's so cute 😭 so you can't resist the urge to sneak a squeeze.

it makes it all the more comical becomes he looks so confused, furrowing his brows at you like he can't believe whatever the hell you're doing right now.

plus points if you start to randomly caress his face cause he's slowly realizing that this is just a show of affection and is turning more red by the minute.

it would be a flustered riddle without the steam out his ears after all!

riddle avoids your eyes. "what in the world are you doing?" but makes no move to... well, move.

trey

uhh compared to riddle he's not in that level of squishy cheeks despite him being a baker and all.

I mean it's more of a 'you can feel the curve of his cheekbones' rather than the 'chubby cheeks' kind of thing. let me tell yall, the muscles in those damn arms aren't there for show!!

but yeah I firmly believe he just takes bites out of his batter / finished product to check if he should add a certain ingredient from the taste.

but it's usually the other people that do the eating.

though if you pinch hard enough you might be granted the satisfaction of smothering his cheeks (and a trey who is trying his best to keep the increasing pain off his face cause you seem to be enjoying yourself too much.)

anyways yeah cupping his face! from my memory, to me he seems like a person with a more lean face? (I have not seen him in a while lmao) but when you do he just raises his brow a little and watches you patiently.

you won't know if he's caught on what you're doing but you'll know he's starting to enjoy it when your palms are growing heavy from trey slowly leaning the weight of his face on it.

"is this a reward for my hard work?" trey huffs in amusement. "tell me when it's too heavy."

cater

wow he's so cute 😞

cater likes to snack every now and then and all that food just teleports to his face rather than anywhere else so it's prominent even if he laments about it.

I think it just makes his smile cuter cause you can see dimples pop out of his cheeks as well 😭 it tempts you to poke them all the well.

notable. they're also kinda stretchy, you can poke, pinch, and stretch them wow. the versatility. at this point everyone should have a cater to poke, pinch, and stretch out his cheeks.

^ stress reliever.

as you're cupping his face his response is just to automatically cup you back? and he's already giggling about this 'couple bonding' thing so you're not quite sure how to proceed.

but cater's laugh is pretty contagious so you end up laughing along. both of you are cupping each other's face, and you can feel the curve of his grin from your palms.

... next thing you know in a poof of smoke two more cater appears wearing similar pouts, of which are whining about their turn..

"you guys go away!" the cater which you remember to be the original dramatically pours himself over you. arguing with.. himself. "this is og cater and (name) bonding time, shoo!"

ace

is his cheeks squishable or not? we will never know cause everytime your hands are near his face he's flying backwards to avoid you.

what a menace with the suspense and all. ace is always trolling you so it's understandable. he's like: "haha get trolled." AND WHEN YOU ACTUALLY IGNORE HIM HE'S LIKE: "wait no that was a prank too pls."

if his ego wasn't taller than him he definitely would have regretted it 💀 honestly I'm so in dynamics with ace where he thinks he's the dominant one in the relationship and if you tell him to sit he's immediately sat.

it's gonna be more of a challenge to actually get a hold of his face but pro tip: just tell him to stop with a stern face, and he's just gonna go stiff but grumble when he feels your fingertips.

he's looking annoyed the whole way but you notice the twitch of his brows. suddenly he's looking just a little more comfortable in your hands.

point it out it out if you want but his face is just gonna revert to that annoyed look, just honestly let him loosen up (and loosen up he will, don't be surprised if he just starts demanding those face caressing thing you just did in the future.)

^ well he's only doing that if you initiated it a handful of times. if not he's taking that desire to the grave.

"wow. are you really that much starved for me?" ace smirks, and nods. probably praising himself in his head. "just keep doing whatever you want, I don't care." ???

deuce

the most squishable cheeks. I take no objections, I do not care ‼️ (even though certain official art might not say so) I bet he eats with a mouth full of food, it just inflates his cheeks lol.

if we have characters we call baby girl like jamil over here, we got deuce spade our resident baby boy.

probably the one that eats up all your attention even if he's embarrassed. not of you of course! but if you ever do public displays of affection he's just hyper aware of the eyes kqbsjajss.

but he likes you a lot so he just tolerates it <3

cupping his face hmm... honestly he looks like a very innocent puppy, he's watching you with those kind of eyes. curious and patient 😭 he's watching to see what you'll even do next.

he doesn't really speak. was this man even actually a delinquent before? who the hell was that cause all you know is this very endearing, shy deuce of yours.

if there was a tail it would be wagging slowly!

man the inner man is him is wrestling him rn cause where is his pride?! but the person it's fighting is his love for you so the inner man is losing lowkey 😞

"..." there is no words, just a very flustered, pleased deuce.

end notes

trey the gentleman fr.. also ace's part is vv chaotic lamao

[starboyshoyo]

Wedding Bells

Characters: Riddle, Deuce, Epel, Silver x fem!reader (seperately)

Fandom: Twisted Wonderland

Genre: fluff, romance

Proposals and weddings with your beloved!

Riddle Rosehearts

Married life with Riddle comes in stages. It’s extremely difficult at times, especially in the beginning, and easier in others. You’d better be ready to take your vows seriously, because Riddle certainly will- even before you’re actually married. Especially the ‘for better or for worse’ part. He’ll outright refuse to hold a wedding until he can be financially and emotionally independent from his mother, refusing to subject you to her tyranny.

One way or another, Riddle will gain his freedom, either from gradually taking back control or from being disowned. Without the shadow of his mother hovering over him, he’ll decide to follow a path of higher education to law school. It’ll be a tough time period for you as a couple. Riddle is always busy studying and working hard, hoping to earn his degree early. He’ll attempt to help with house chores when you move in together, but he never learned practical home skills when he was younger. The combination of teaching him how to manage a household in addition to his school workload means that for a time, you will be doing most of the home duties.

The wedding discussion also has to be put on hold for a while. Your fiance is a perfectionist and refuses to hold anything but the perfect ceremony for you, with the most beautiful ring he can get his hands on. After graduating law school and landing a job, he’ll save up for the ring of your dreams.

He’ll propose after a romantic evening at home, under a full moon at midnight. Not everything went the way he thought it would- the ring was the wrong size (“What do you mean, fingers have sizes? I thought only shoes had that.”) and he burned the food at one point, but the two of you spent year waiting for this moment. Just seeing your eyes light up in disbelief and happiness when he finally gets down on one knee makes everything worth it.

Riddle will ask you to take the Rosehearts last name. He likes the idea of being joined, in life and in legal matters. Having his last name makes him feel like he’s truly your provider and protector. Plus, he’s just a hopeless romantic and wants to hear you being called Mrs. Rosehearts. He won’t complain if you don’t want to, though. Tradition is important to Riddle, but he respects your wishes much more.

The ceremony is small- held at an indoor venue in a courthouse, with just a few attendees. The Heartslabyul graduates will help set everything up, and catering is taken care of, courtesy of the Clover family. Riddle couldn’t be happier when he sees you walk down the aisle, escorted by Ace and Deuce. Deuce will give him a nod before stepping back, while Ace’s gaze will linger on Riddle’s a bit. The message is clear: take care of her, or else.

Deuce Spade

The moment Deuce realized he was in love with you was the moment he knew he wanted to marry you. You are Deuce’s first and only love, and the only person he’ll ever need. The two of you are engaged just after graduation- he proposed on the spot without being prepared. He just saw you running towards him in your cap, diploma in hand and gown fluttering in the wind behind you, and blurted out, Will you marry me?

This was not how he planned the proposal at all, and he apologizes profusely when he realized he didn’t even get down on one knee or give you a ring. In the last week or so of school, he’ll practically be living in NRC’s metal workshop, learning to bend and hammer out a ring for you. And with Crewel’s help and a bit of luck, he’ll even create a small gemstone himself, to add to the ring.

He’ll definitely marry you soon after the ring is done. Like Riddle, you and Deuce have a small, private ceremony. Crowley was generous enough to let you hold it on NRC’s campus, with Ramshackle as the venue. The run-down, homely dorm you stayed in during your high school days was also the place you spent the most time with your best friend, so it’s only fitting you’d marry him there too!

While Riddle, Cater, and Trey agree to be Deuce’s groomsmen, Ace actually requests to be a bridesman instead! He says it’s because “this is the last time he’ll ever get you to choose his side over Loosey Deucey.” He’ll definitely send pictures of your day out to Deuce, rubbing it in his face that Ace got to have a self-care day with you while Deuce didn’t. Deuce can’t be too mad, though. After all, it’s him you’re marrying, not Ace :)

Deuce would actually discuss name changes with you before the wedding. He actually likes the idea of taking your name. He would feel very close to you by being connected to you by name. But he also likes the idea of you being a Spade because it’s like he’s bringing you into the family!

You’ll most likely move in with your husband and his mother for a year before moving to a small house nearby. Ms. Spade absolutely loves you, and dotes on you when Deuce is out working for the day. She’ll try to help you with your own work as well, especially if you’re working remotely or working from home a lot.

When Deuce is home, he’ll spend as much time with you as possible. There’s a lot of sleepy cuddling and long naps in your shared room. Even if he’s busy, he’ll help you and his mother with chores. Grocery runs are his favorites, because it gives him time to go out on a pseudo-date with you.

When on the couch together, Deuce loves placing your hands side by side, looking at the rings on both of your hands and thinking about how lucky he is. He can’t believe that you’re with him now, forever.

Once you finally get your own place, Ace will try to ask for a key. Deuce will give him one, and then change the locks just to mess with him.

Epel Felmier

Epel didn’t even think about marrying you until the two of you moved back to Harveston. The townsfolk don’t have much news to talk about, so a lot of the gossip will be diverted to you and Epel. Every time you go out, expect to have at least three elderly residents asking when your wedding will be! Most of the time, you’ll laugh it off and assure them that you’re happy. But it’s happened so much that Epel begins thinking about it.

He brings it up to you one day in the orchard, lying in the grass with his legs propped up on a tree. This is the first time you’ve discussed marriage, and you come to an agreement- if your relationship in Harveston works out, in a year or two you’ll get married. It’s a simple plan, but people can’t help but notice Epel has a spring in his step now when he talks about his new fiancée.

With his degree in magical chemistry and background as a farmer in Harveston, Epel will always be financially stable. He is one of the few young people in the town and the older residents welcome the help with labor. With extra income from occasional jobs Vil will call in with, you guys are set! You have plenty of time to spend with Epel every day. It’s quite the pleasant life.

Your marriage to Epel will take place in the town hall. Every Harveston resident will attend, as well as many of your friends from your days at Night Raven College. The village elders insisted on doing everything themselves- making food, catering, helping with clothing and ceremony. It’s been decades since they were last able to prepare for a wedding party!

Originally, the gathering was planned to be relatively small, with just friends, family, and locals. But word got out that the Vil Schoenheit would be attending the event in place of the Bride’s father, and security had to be hired. Not only that, but the presence of nobles like Kalim, Leona, and Malleus garnered attention as well. Harveston’s economy got a big boost just from your wedding alone.

Much to Vil’s chagrin, you had hired Neige to be the live performance during your first dance with your new husband. He’ll complain about it for years, even if you reassure him that you would have asked him if he didn’t already have a part in the wedding party.

Epel is secretly smug that so many people are seeing you marry him. You’re his now! He’s yours! Take that, world! Everyone knows you’re Mrs. Felmier now. Speaking of that, Epel wants you to take his last name. He really wants you to be his in that way. He might pout a bit if you refuse but ultimately he accepts your decision. Either way, you’re his wife now! Nobody else’s!

Silver

Two matching silver bands on yours and Silver’s ring fingers are the only indicator to the outside world that you got married in secret, on a humid summer evening before your final year at NRC. Worried about Lilia getting on in years and not being able to see his son’s special day, Silver asked you to marry him in a quiet, extremely private ceremony. Only Lilia, Malleus, and Sebek were present but Silver tried so hard to make it romantic. He promises that once you’re older, you can do it again, properly.

The ring exchange was overseen by Malleus, who had power for every official duty in Briar Valley. For Silver’s own band, he requested the gem on his magical pen to be turned into the centerpiece for his wedding ring. That way, he’ll never be without you or his magic now.

As the only humans in Briar Valley, you and Silver still need protection. Silver would never leave his job as Malleus’s guard either, so you’ll be living in the Thorn Fairy’s Castle for now. As a wedding present, Malleus had a new wing of the castle built just for you and your new husband, complete with a tower. It’s spacious and supposed to provide more privacy for newlyweds, but Lilia has a bad habit of barging into the rooms anyways, gushing about how his little boy is all grown up. If you need a place for more private affairs, the cottage out back might be a better location.

When you return to NRC for your final year, the rings on yours and your husband’s hands aren’t hidden. No one seems to notice, though. Not even the observant ones like Azul and Jamil. If they do, they probably assume that the rings are promise rings. Silver doesn’t bother to correct them- he’s wary of telling people already, lest someone target you for it. Stolen kisses in empty corridors are good enough… for now.

Comments and reblogs are greatly appreciated!

[ronearoundblindly]

Hideout (4.2)

touch-starved!Nomad Steve Rogers x motel employee!Reader

Horny Teen, part two (see previous or series)

Summary: A late-summer heat wave hits you and Steve hard.

Warnings for smut (kinda unprotected sex, momentarily--guess that's dubcon to be safe--fingering, lots of foreplay things and dirty talk but Steve can't actually talk dirty, so...hot talk? IDK, gang, I 'bout died writing this. Prepare thy loins, babes). MINORS DNI. There is plenty for you to read on my Light Masterlist, but this series is not for you! WC 3.1k

A/N: This part contains a cannibalized version of the original idea for this series, but since we've developed differently to this point, it is very different.

He calls ahead. For the first time in a year of visiting, he calls ahead and knows you aren’t working the night he’ll be here.

You work in the garden as long as you can stand before hopping in a cool shower. You aren’t even wrapped in a towel when the trill of your room phone—extension 14, as Steve now knows it—blares through multiple closed doors.

He’s checked-in, and in Room Two, but no pressure, if you want, if you don’t have plans, he’s here. It is the most adorable and awkwardest conversation of all time. It also never gets old to hear him scramble for the simplest of sentiments.

Translation: I’m excited to see you.

Your heart soars then immediately stalls in the stifling weather.

“I’ll be down in a few minutes,” you chuckle.

Of course, he opens his arms for a bear hug the instant the door labeled ‘2’ swings wide. Steve has fewer troubles with platonic affection when alone, that’s for sure, but who could blame him? You’re elated he’s here under any circumstances.

Record-setting heat this late in the summer has left all the AC units taxed to the brink, running constantly, and even with the in-room thermostat set stupidly low, a tank top and shorts is too much.

This means another first: both of you, in bed, naked.

Nothing’s happened, mind, because the swelter of the day zapped energy out of every creature for miles and miles around. The ice machine can’t keep up with eight rooms and your family needing relief from the blaze. From the bright stripe of red across Steve’s cheeks and his earthy musk, he was outside plenty. He’s wiped, too.

You wonder absently when the last time he wore cologne was and what it smelled like. Perhaps he never used it. Perhaps he misses small luxuries more than he ever realized.

Steve looks on the brink of heat-stroke, so you inched yourself onto one side of the bed to start, thinking skin-to-skin contact might be unwelcome. You barely got your palms on the sheets before he pulled you to him. You did not fight it.

It’s meant to be a profound comfort—your weight atop him—and it is.

Your cheek settles on his chest, eyes watching through the sheer curtains as dusk takes over the sky, a happy man stretched like a cat beneath you, smiling, heart beat slowing in your ear. So strong, so steady, so secure.

He’s safe. He’s comfortable. That’s all that matters.

You peer up from your perch. The thin worry lines on his forehead have relaxed. He seems younger. Freedom looks good on Steve Rogers, just as good as it looks on Captain America, maybe better.

You fall asleep straddling his hips, one knee hitched so the crook of your ankle drapes his thigh, slowly pushed up and down by his deep breaths.

You’re drifting, rocked gently by powerful waves in the nothingness of your blank mind, free like him, blooming in the warmth of a bright sun embracing you.

The glow continues until Steve gently shakes you awake.

The room is pitch black, the lights of the parking lot too muted to pass through the gossamer layer over the window.

“You’re…you were squirming a lot. Thought you might be having a nightmare,” his rough timber booms close to your ear.

“No, I—“ you wipe at your face “—I don’t think I was dreaming.”

Steve’s not so relaxed under you now. His abs quake slightly, and those slow breaths have become stunted, shallow with control.

“Did you?” you ask, looking towards his face, useless in the dark but your drowsy brain hasn’t caught up yet.

There’s a shuffling noise above you.

“Is that a ‘yes?’ Did you have a nightmare? You alright?”

The shuffling repeats, accompanied by a strangled “yes,” and you lift your arm to brace on his chest. It unhooks your leg from his, and the hard length of his erection moves from its perch at your ass, nudging the joint of your hip and thigh from below.

“Not—not a nightmare,” he whispers. “Just ignore it.”

Steve’s voice is husky, his grip on the back of your knee tight and unyielding, keeping you from trapping him between your legs.

Your impulse is to soothe him, to tell him he is fine and it is okay to be turned on, generally, when naked and pressed to someone you find attractive—hell, you definitely are—but if he wants you to ignore it, if he’d rather not, if it’s too soon or too hot (metaphorically, physically) or just too much right now, then you respect that. None of this has ever been about making him feel like how he chooses to receive affection is wrong.

Without moving any limbs, your fingers retract and relax, a gentle, nailless scratch to his broad pec beneath your hand, and his cock twitches, tapping your leg.

“Sorry,” Steve huffs.

“Do you want me to get off of you?” You suppress the urge to make a minor edit in that statement because it’s very close to what you want to do.

The shuffling noise sounds different.

“No,” he says softly.

You slide your hand up his chest to his neck and around the back of his head, petting the corner of his bearded jaw just below his ear, careful to use as few muscles as possible.

His cock taps you again anyway. “Sorry,” he mumbles.

You ignore it, as asked, and continue scratching lightly at his scalp.

“Hey,” you start in the darkness, “is this comfortable?”

You run your fingertips over his features while he nods, following his jaw up and down. 

Unable to see, this paints the most vivid picture of Steve’s reactions. You feel the vibration of a hum through his cheek, the draw and release of his brow as you skate over his forehead. You hear his short chuckle when you brush ever-so-gently across his long lashes and boop his nose. Finally, you trace his open-mouth smile with the edge of your thumb, his ragged exhale rushing over your palm.

Tap.

“Sorry.”

“Comfy though?”

His voice is deeper than you’ve ever heard it. “Yeah.”

The drag of your fingers past the edge of bristly stubble and down his throat makes him shiver.

Twitch.

“Sorry.”

You flutter across his collarbone, wondering if that means he’s ticklish on more than just his sides.

“Comfy?”

He hums. You feel it rattle your cheek as much as you actually hear it in your ears.

You continue. His corded muscles giving only slightly to the pressure of your touch. His arm, his chest, down to the hand he keeps on your leg.

Several more breathy apologies sound above you. Steve’s other arm is draped over your waist, and with every pulse of need that betrays him, his grip tightens just a little. His fingers now dig into your soft flesh absently.

It’s hard to hide how desperate he’s made you, but the issue is mutual based on how his abs won’t stop tensing, searching for attention where he denies it. 

You flatten your hand to his chest and make to move.

“May I?”

Steve’s swallow is louder than the ‘okay’ he returns.

You are careful not to push him in any weird angles as you raise up to your knees and straddle him, pinning his erection beneath you, not directly between your folds but nestled at the apex of your legs, just so he won’t have to worry about every involuntary poke. 

With such fresh contact, he clenches his ass hard in response, lifting your whole weight completely before he settles again. The surge of heat to your core has you biting your lip to muffle a moan.

“Comfy?” you rasp at the same moment Steve offers a strangled “sorry.”

The low, constant whine of the air conditioner fills the hollow space around your cocoon of anticipation.

“New plan,” you laugh, relaxing your fingers to splay across his warm skin, “both of us stop doing that, huh? You have nothing to be sorry for, and I’ll trust you to tell me if you aren’t comfortable.”

“So…” Steve shuffles on the sheets, but whatever he moves doesn’t affect your position. “Can I touch you?”

You bite your lip harder before answering, your voice dropping to a sweet reassurance. “Yes. Of course you can, Stevie.”

You keep your pets of his chest and arms light, trying not to tickle him. He’s always so hesitant; you’re worried the tiniest misstep will send him back into his head—not in a good way.

The silence now feels purposeful, dense with possibility, and then rough fingertips land like a foreign explorer who’s braved months at sea solely to experience this moment.

A calculated inhale and exhale rock your pelvis, a wave of nerves foaming in your gut.

He starts innocently enough, mapping your thighs, muttering something about how soft they are, but you don’t dare lean to hear him better. No sudden movements. None. Even though your skin lights up as explosive as those 4th of July fireworks you missed.

Since there’s nothing to see in the room, you feel everything.

He keeps to the periphery of you at first, abandoning your legs to brush the same arms touching him, running fingers together, separating them just as quickly, caressing your palms gently, and dragging his short nails up your wrists without pressure.

You stiffen in pleasure, fighting not to shrink away from the purest intimacy you’ve ever experienced.

His long arms reach the curve of your shoulders, flit across your collarbone, and you’re doing your damndest to keep it together, leaning your head back in lieu of talking.

Don’t scare him.

It can’t last; you’re only human.

Steve’s hands slowly descend over your breasts, middle fingers catching your peaking nipples, and a lewd and aching cry tumbles from your bitten lips.

The force of it surprises you, but more surprising still is him, unfazed, encouraged to linger.

In that low timber, he growls.

“You like that… Knew you would.”

Your body throbs, pulsing with need and emptiness.

That means he thinks of you. He’s imagined this. He’s wanted this.

Stunning electricity shoots through your body as he pinches and twists, squeezes and kneads. Nothing too harsh, but he’s highly motivated when you purr and gasp atop him.

What else does he think about doing? How long has he fantasized? Is this as good as his imagination?

Yours aren’t the only noises now. He sounds tortured with little pleas and whimpers escaping before each guttural moan.

Arousal pools at your folds, and without realizing you started to move, the shy momentum of your hips has nudged his length to lay flush with your dripping center. His tip glides over your clit.

Again and again.

Again and again.

A hot pressure builds in you, faster than ever, kerosene dumped on your wet-dreams and burned to life, a spell manifest in the night.

Steve shakes beneath the palms you brace flat on his chest, the heels digging into his diaphragm.

He moves to grip your thighs hard.

Fire spreads beneath your skin as you two pant and gasp, his whole cock slick and slotted so close to where you truly long for him.

“Wait,” Steve groans, but you can’t understand.

No one could imagine how good this feels, how much you need this, how—

He sits up to stop you, accidentally notching himself at your entrance, your residual motion sliding the thick head of him past the that first, tight ring.

Steve’s lusty moan is barely eclipsed by your own, and you’re too close to halt sheathing him within you, arms instinctively wrapping his shoulders. Desire winds the coil in your belly too taut, the thought of losing this climax unbearable.

“N-uhhh god—“

He’s too sensitive though. He flips you both so your back crashes to the soft sheets and digs his grip into your side, his other hand thumping to anchor on the headboard. Steve sucks air through his teeth like he’s afraid the faintest smell of sex will set him off.

“Don—don’t move,” he orders in thick command.

It makes things worse.

You’re so close, vaulting off the ground and suspended by legs clamped around his waist, dangling on the precipice of ecstasy. You whine and clench, totally unable to control yourself, your nails digging into his back.

Steve cries out, choked at the hilt by your desperation and lost to his own finish.

His hand races from your side to your ass. He pulls out of you only to slot himself there and thrust his cock between your cheeks, cum shooting on the sheets below.

Mindlessly, you ride the cut of his abs, his course pubic hair adding almost enough friction to keep ascending toward your own end, but the void left behind is too consuming. The fire sputters and dims.

Steve buries his face in your neck, breath cooling the sweat lining your skin as he curls away from you, overwhelmed.

“Swear I was gonna wait,” he confesses to the tender spot behind your ear. “I swear.”

“Please,” you croak, tears prickling your eyes in lament for your ruined orgasm.

“Was gonna be better. Swear I’ll do better for you.”

You grope and claw at those thick arms which hold all but his face far away. “Please,” you beg pathetically, “fucking touch me, please.”

A drawn out grunt vibrates the column of your throat.

“Y’shouldn’t have ta beg...”

He shifts to his forearm, caging you in as you plead over and over. He kneels to hover, and your thighs weakly squeeze at his own to emphasize what you need.

“Sounds so pretty when you do…”

Something between a screech and a snarl erupts from your chest.

Steve shushes you, smoothing a big hand across your damp cheek, and quietly, he commands you, “show me what to do.”

Your quivering hold guides him by the wrist down your body. Words to instruct him won’t form in your sex-steeped brain. As luck would have it, he doesn’t need specifics.

“Next time I’ll taste you.” One finger teases your folds in search of his entrance. “Next time you’ll have to beg me to stop.” Two fingers drive forward, displacing a gush of your shared juices. “So wet,” he groans, agonized to silence when you jerk his hand to thrust faster.

“More.” 

He sets a loving and delicate pace, the heel of his palm working your clit. 

Too delicate.

“More,” you gasp.

He obliges, muttering how good he’ll be to you from now on. You’ll always be first. He promises.

The fire takes over again.

“More, Stevie. Please.”

You grind down on him to prove your point, and he marvels that this isn’t too rough for you.

Each strangled breath ties your moans together in a crescendo worthy of Carnegie Hall.

“God,” he rumbles by your ear again, “I know that sound. You’re close, aren’t you?”

Steve’s pumping fingers bully your body farther and farther up the bed, using only a taste of his real strength.

Your chant of ‘yes’ catches in your taxed lungs. He doesn’t need an answer though.

The super-stretched band snaps, a plateau of peace and weightlessness tipped at the vertex until—crash—nerves are razed all along you like a carpet-bombed battlefield.

“Uhnn, is that what you’re gonna feel like around me?” He sighs at the thought and stills his hand just to commit the ripple to memory. “How’m I s’pose to last?”

You slap a hand over his mouth, trying and failing to hold in your yelp of relief.

That mouth…that fucking mouth of his is a weapon all its own.

Tiny explosions wreak havoc on you, body and soul, as his fingers greedily coax you to keep coming—just a little more—just for him—one last rush���give him everything.

His lips open in your palm, but you grip his face harder.

You can’t. You can’t listen right now. You can’t hear one more dangerously sexy, completely innocent thing fall from his beautiful mouth.

Steve lets his hand go lax but doesn’t take it away from your clenched and spasming thighs.

He tries to speak again then gives up, waiting.

Finally, before you can collapse boneless to the bed, he hooks his arm behind your leg so you don’t land on the cold, cum-stained sheets.

He shakes off your forgotten grip of his jaw.

“Tops?” he whispers, patience personified in the long pause before you hum acknowledgment. “Can I kiss you?”

That fucking mouth…

There’s barely enough breath in you to make a sound, but the instant the ‘ye—’ forms in the back of your throat, Steve’s lips are on yours.

It's your first real kiss, of all the ways, after all this time, following all that.

You’d laugh if you weren’t smiling, suffocating in the gentle press that becomes deep and adoring. He kisses you thoroughly after each frantic gasp for air, savoring you, even in the reckless passion of the moment.

Steve rolls to lay you atop him again, more intimately than before. He keeps his face close, sharing breath even in the heat and stench of sex in the room, your wetness now smeared from his navel to his knee.

Turns out, he is a very good kisser, focusing on the act of physical connection. Not only do your lips touch, but he likes to nudge you into whatever minutely different position with his nose. He likes to nuzzle his beard on your sensitive skin until you giggle and squirm. He relishes you like you relish him. 

He whispers things too soft to make out at first. It takes him a while to find his voice, to push past his insecurities, to find his confidence, but eventually, you hear it.

He mumbles how he should have been better, more prepared.

You weave all your fingers through his hair, propped on his chest by your elbows, smiling so he’ll be able to tell in your tone.

“Take the win, Cap.” 

You freeze.

You’ve never called him that, and Steve stays silent for an excruciating beat.

“Sorry,” you offer in the dark, air conditioner churning out sobering drafts of reality.

Steve runs his knuckles gently in patterns across your bare back. There’s a short huff and an amused snort, you mind scrambling to plan some explanation as to why you’d haul the drama of out there into his safe space.

He guides you to settle against him again, tucking you into his strong hold with his chin resting on your forehead.

After what feels like an eternity, he simply asks, “comfy?”

A/N: In case you were wondering...

[Next part: Desperate Man, part one]

[Main Masterlist; Ko-Fi]

@supraveng @1950schick @patzammit @whiskeytangofoxtrot555 @yiiiikesmish @ashesofblackroses @jaqui-has-a-conspiracy-theory @brandycranby @buckysprettybaby @ellethespaceunicorn @rogersbarber @bucky-fricking-barnes-reads @fallinallinmendes @mrsevans90 @lemonadygirl

[lullabyalikpoptarot]

Enhypen's Thoughts on Being an Idol

Okay, now I like to do this reading for Enhypen, same idea as the Ateez one. I will ask what they and dislike about being an idol, for the dislike I will exclude Saesangs, because of course that is a crappy part. I will ask what they learned from the past and what they think of the fans. Here we go.

Disclaimer: If you find your idols perfect and sweet, do not read this, especially Jake's part, some parts of this are not pretty and does not paint them in the best light. When I channel I get some wild messages, it is how it is. I keep it real and post what I get, unless I find it very uncomfortable to post. At the end of the day. I am a girl with cards. Don't take this seriously and no hate towards these people. I don't know them. If you don't mind that they aren't, keep reading lol because there is some interesting stuff here.

Heeseung

What he likes? (Queen of Swords) I am getting his ability to speak and communicate. It is like this is his outlet to express himself. It is like if he wasn't an idol he would be silenced, weird message, but going with it. It is like being an idol has given him more confidence. He is able to learn from others and gather information and hear others out. He is able to gain knowledge through this, interesting, weird, I thought I would get a more creative card here too, but then again, they really don't have much creative freedom, so I get it.

What he dislikes? (4 of Pentacles) Interesting he got this card, because he did get this card a lot for my general readings of him back in August. He doesn't like that he has to preserve or reserve himself. He is kind of constrained. He needs to protect what he has. He can't spend freely, there isn't a lot of wiggle room in his career, lack of freedom. A lot of control when it comes to his career, a bit confining.

What he learned from the past/experienced? (The World) He's like legit just giving me exactly what happened in the past, not really what he learned, like this is about the world tour, he is happy it is completed. I am getting, he learned a lot from it, he was able to put his all in it, his time, his emotions, his passions, and knowledge gained from it, so that is nice.

Thoughts on fans? (6 of Swords) This is interesting, there is troubled waters here. A need to move on from a difficult period. I think he may want fans to move on from all the complaints they have tbh. The 6 of swords is about moving towards positive change, so maybe he sees fans trying to make positive changes for them. But I am getting look onward, there are brighter, calmer days ahead.

Jay

What he likes? (Queen of Pentacles) Well, this card likes to pop up. That he can nurture his career and create his own independence through that. And he can make money out of it. There is a sense of pride in what he has created. Pretty straightforward there.

What he dislikes? (Ace of Swords) Honestly, his ideas being shut down, that they never go anywhere, he has a lot to say and has lots of ideas, and he may share it, but it doesn't go anywhere. I love how easy to read this boy is. To the point and clear, which kind of represent the ace of swords, which is funny. Like if you think of the ace, it is like you have an idea, but it never goes any further than that.

What he learned from the past/experienced? (The Empress) Kind of gives me similar vibes to what I got from Yeosang, but it he knows his creative power more. He knows what he can create. He has planted the seeds of creativity, but not sure it has seen the light of the day. This dude is crazy creative, but we will probably not see that, this is what that gives me. There is something about his Mom here too, like things she has helped or qualities she has, that he has, that has helped him in the past to be where he is as an idol today. Idk what that all means.

Thoughts on fans? (3 of Pentacles) Bruh, this is so matter of fact, where are the emotions boys? I think he believes they work well together, they work as a team, which surprises me, because as a fandom we can be messy. They make a good team effort, this could also do with the effort the fans have to give them rest, but there is a bit of a mess there too, so idk. It is like we work together to build something great. It is like he sees all of us as a team.

Jake

What he likes? (The High Priestess) I am getting that magic, the mystery behind it, and my next thought is what!? He kind of likes to be mysterious, this is weird dude. Bruh, it is like he likes the behind the scene bs, like I have a secret you don't know, what is this? Okay, it is like he likes the mystery of being an idol, like that they have to put a facade on, bruh, this boy is a strange one, he makes me laugh. He likes that we don't know the real him, legit what I am getting, this boy. He is making me laugh here. Boy is a true Scorpio here. I just keep getting that saying I know something you don't know, in that playful manner. I can't stand him sometimes. I say this in a loving manner.

What he dislikes? (Strength) Again, weird card here for a dislike. Omg, I am getting lowkey toxic messages here, I am just going to say it, I am just a girl with cards, no facts, I hear feminine power and women in power. Because in the card there is a woman, with the word strength, it gives me women with strength and power. I just don't get why I got to get this message wtf dude I am looking at the women in the card and she is strong and powerful, and this is a dislike for him, I also got the divine feminine. Ya'll I hate this, remember just channeling, if you don't like this, don't believe me. That simple. Now if you think back to his ideal type reading, because I am being pulled back to that, you may see where that all stems from. Ugh Jake man, I hope what I am getting is completely wrong, because I don't like this, but at the end of the day I try not to take this seriously, it is Tarot, we don't know these people. And as I mentioned, he may need to do some healing. Also, not sure why this is showing up in his dislikes as an idol? What does that have to do with him being an Idol wtf Also, he may not be consciously aware of this as well, so he may not actively put women down, or feel women are inferior, but this innate need to overpower them. I feel this is an inner struggle with him he fully does not understand. I do feel this also stems from childhood. I feel this is something he needs to work on healing. I want to stress do not hate on this dude! I feel this is much more complex than we would know.

What he has learned from the past/experienced? (Knight of Swords) His ability to speak his mind, he has gained confidence in his voice and what he has to say. Now the Knight can be a bit overly confident, a bit overzealous, so he may want to careful with how he uses his words, because they can speak without much thought and say some wild sh**. I am kind of getting, I know the power of my voice.

Thoughts of fans? (2 of Wands) I was kind of scared of what I was going to get here lol This seems fine. He finds them inspiring, attractive, passionate. They fuel him. Probably build his confidence tbh. Ugh, got another weird message. The person in the card is holding a ball of fire, it is giving me he likes us in his grasp, like he likes having a hold on us. This dude needs healing, anyway, yup, there that is, moving on.

Sunghoon

What he likes? (Queen of Wands) I have to shuffle like 4 times before he pulled a card out for me, which barely happens, so maybe there is like a specific thing, he likes, or he doesn't like much. This one confuses me, this QOW's does not feel like his energy, so is this a specific woman, why would that be what he likes? Is this the fans? I am sorry, but every time I am in his energy I am so confused, what I am getting is weird. I'll just go with it, It is like he can stand in his feminine power, why does he like that though? It is like he can be softer as an idol. I can see this as him being able to shine on his own and wanting to inspire others. I am just going to move on, because this makes no sense to me.

What he dislikes? (6 of Wands) How this man makes no sense to me, for real. Sunghoon has always giving me the vibe that he is competitive af so why is this a dislike, omg, I think I get it, he may not like sharing the spotlight with others, holy sh** what did I step into. Because if you look at what he likes, the Queen stands alone, let me find out he a queen, okay girl, let me stop. He wants to shine on his own, not share the spotlight. Now I can say he may dislike people who are egotistical and prideful and wants to steal the spotlight, okay I can say that, because the QOW's doesn't steal the spotlight, they just own it. But I will say what you don't like, can actually trigger what you actually want to be like, but just can't. Well Sunoo is popping in my head, not sure what that is about, but putting that out there, this isn't romantic peeps, just something about him may be what he wants to be like, it is like he stands in his feminine power and is confident, and he can't be that way oh sh** It is like this boy was instilled to be masculine and tough and not be vulnerable, and that is it, no in-between, but I feel he wants to show a softer side.

What has he learned from the past/experienced? (10 of Pentacles) Bruh, what is this? Why are you doing this to me. Is he like the company's darling, does he bring money to them? What is this? Does he have family obligation here, because 10 of Pentacles is about family pride as well. Doing things for the family. This is giving me, hey, go out there and make money for the family vibes. I could be completely wrong here. I am going by vibes and what this card is giving me. But at the same time, don't Korean families do this sh**. Okay, this could also mean he needs to invest in the future, so he chose this career, but with looking at the images on this card, nope, it isn't giving me that vibe.

Thoughts on fans? (The Hanged Man) He seems he can't do much for the fans, his hands are tied, once again, does this have to do with what is going on. This is giving me, this is a difficult situation, there isn't much that can be done vibe here. It is like you got to see things in a different light, he may want fans to do that. Bruh what am I stepping into here. Please Sunoo be a light read.

Sunoo

What he likes? (6 of Cups) It seems he enjoys making memories with the 6 members. Living out his childhood dreams, this may be what he wanted to do as a child. It just seems he is just having fun. This doesn't give me much. This is pretty simple. He seems like a simple person, not in a bad way, he is just not that complicated.

What he dislikes? (3 of Pentacles) This is weird lol He dislikes teamwork, effort, working with others. It is like he enjoys the fun, playful side of it, having a good time, but the not the serious aspect of it. It seems he hates discussing the work aspects of things. you know what I am being drawn to. You know how they do their lives after concerts and Sunoo seems so done, people think he is sad or lonely, I lowkey felt that way sometimes, but he just finds these topics boring af You can say he is tired, but girl, they all are. He just isn't here to discuss topics about work, he wants to have fun. He likes the emotions involved, but not the work itself.

What he learned from the past? (Death) This is kind of dark, not sure I want to go into full details of what I got here, but idols who have passed may have affected him, and I am hearing, I don't want to go that route. Alright, not sitting with that any longer, moving on.

Thoughts on fans? (10 of Cups) Yeah, the first one with cups! He sees Engene as family. You guys fill him with lots of love and support and happiness. It is like ya'll are one big happy family. He's got a lot of love for the fans.

Jungwon Okay my bias, please don't give me anything too dark here, please! Oh god, I am nervous lol

What he likes? (6 of Cups) Another one with the 6 of cups! He likes that he can be youthful and fun. There is something about him that likes to stay young. I have gotten that from him in the past. I am getting, live out my youth, how would being an idol do that though? He also enjoys the memories he can make from being an idol. He is young at heart. I guess being an idol helps with that, okay Jungwon lol

What he dislikes? (8 of Cups) Oh no, having to search for myself came to me, no Jungwon, no! I am going to be real. I don't think he knows who he is outside being an idol. This is something I kind of felt from him in past readings, like does he know himself. 8 of Cups is someone walking away from it all, going on a self-journey, seeking more out of life. But what does this have to do with him being an idol? Oh, the time away, I don't think he likes when they are on hiatus at all. He hates it I hear. He wants to be in front of fans. In the spotlight. Bruh if you think this boy wants a break, you are wrong. Yeah he's tired and overworked, but they all are, all idols are, he doesn't want to step away. He may just have to find himself I hear. He may have to deal with his emotions, and I don't think he wants to do that, so he rather distract himself.

What he has learned from the past/experienced? (4 of Pentacles) It probably has been instilled in him to preserve his career, value it, hold tight to it, to do whatever to keep it. To have a lot of self-control and restrain himself. Bruh this boy holds tight to his image and career. Not surprised at all.

Thought on fans? (9 of Cups) Not surprised he got cups, of course he does, boy got a lot of love for the fans. He appreciates them and adores them. He appreciates every single one of them. I love my bias lol I am getting that he dissociates, because in the card, the man's head is on the plate, but his body is sleeping. I don't know what that means though. Omg, had to look up dissociation and how that correlates, he uses fans to disconnect from whatever anxiety or sadness he has, like a coping strategy, they help him cope, oh wow, that makes sense to be honest, boy is always online. And I always felt that way intuitively. Because boy post a crazy a lot of times, like a lot. I know ya'll want to say it is because he loves the fans, but nah, all members love the fans. He does it for his own reasons. We all got our own reasons for doing things. Aww, I mean I get it, the industry is tough. I want to hug him.

Ni-Ki

What he likes? (The Hanged Man) Weird card for a like. It is like he is learning to see things differently; things being flipped for him. It is like he doesn't have to work hard or put effort into it, like things comes easy for him, this is weird, I don't really get this.

What he dislikes? (10 of Swords) The mental exhaustion, the criticism, the pain. The betrayal, being stabbed in the back. Now ask me what this means? He doesn't like the shady sh** that comes with the industry is what I got. The dark cloud over him, also getting that, he may have a lot of dark and negative thoughts that loom over him as an idol. Yeah, that is a bit dark, but the card is intense, so yeah.

What he has learned from the past/experienced? (The High Priestess) Secrets being kept, things hidden. I just keep getting random messages, but no explanation as to what these mean with him. I am getting, keep things secret, keep things to himself. I am being pulled to the book on the card, he may journal about these secrets, or his real truths about things. Like he can't share how he truly feels, so journal about it type of sh**. Journal about it and then let it go. I mean journaling can do that, so makes sense, it is therapeutic.

Thoughts on fans? (8 of Swords) Oh no...Oh god, what is this? This is not a good card to get for how he feels how about fans. I am getting, you are trapped in your mind. Remember just getting random messages, don't take this as fact. He may have to limit himself and not express himself as much with fans, which makes sense. He has to like tip-toe around his thoughts, like be careful about what he says. This all makes sense to me tbh. Fans are super critical of everything this boy says or does.

Okay, that was wild and long. Hope you enjoyed, remember just a girl with cards lol

[twst-rose-prisms]

Twst boys and their respective Vocaloid songs

As the title said, I've been wanting to assign some Vocaloid songs for the twst characters as there are quite a lot of songs that specifically fit them! I'll include some lyrics part as of why I think it fits along with a small analysis + song link! I'm letting my Vocaloid braincells taking over this time hehe 🌹❤️

Shout out to my bestie @twst-megane for helping me out a bunch once again!!

Characters: All NRC students Warning: Some of these songs contain angsty/dark themes or imply self-harm, however it's nothing too much as that's the nature of Vocaloid songs in general and I recommend you checking them out if you guys can!

Part 1 | Part 2

🌹 Heartslabyul 🌹

Riddle: Bitter Choco Decoration

Pretty self-explanatory from the lyrics if you remember Riddle’s backstory with his strict, controlling mother. His entire life up until he became a student has been under his mom’s influence and it ended up him being too strict even to himself and his emotions - just like the meaning of the song too.

“Bitter choco decoration I long for the ideal that everyone wishes for Bitter choco decoration I reduce my individuality and my emotions to ashes Bitter choco decoration Kill your desires and ego, and bury them all underground Bitter choco decoration I've finally grown up, mama” “Surely, tomorrow, and the days after This hell will continue on and on. Alas, so please, just for now Let me keep the feelings I had when I was but a child And be the naked me.”

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Ace: Lost One’s Weeping

Being a rebellious person, I’m thinking this song fits Ace the most as it’s about questioning the flawed system, questioning one’s being and purpose and that if we have to keep living under some sort of authority for the rest of our life. As you can already see how he acts in Book 1 towards Riddle - defying authority, questioning it, and being rebellious about it.

“Can you say the formula for area ratio? Can you say the dreams of your childhood? Who threw those dreams in a ditch? Hey, who was it? You know who it was! When are you going to grow up!? What is a grown-up anyway? Do you know who has the answers? Hey, what should I do? I don't care anymore!”

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Deuce: RAD DOGS

I picked this song for Deuce because of the lyrics, but also the beat and the meaning. The strong, powerful beat with the fast rap part really fit him don’t you think? The lyrics speaks of the struggle of going against the grain and choosing a life of freedom, although it comes with an effort and the ability to face everything life throws at us. We need to take a leap of faith and not settle for anything less than what we truly want, emphasizes the importance of taking a risk and restarting, not worrying about the reason or justifications for doing so, just like how Deuce acts in general with his goal and dream.

"My unseen devotion, sympathy that I don’t feel, and all the things that I can't have What kind of story? Whose story is it? If you don't have something, you'll start to want it, isn’t that right?" "Now, I’ve decided to restart for the first time Just saying “I want to be like you” is all you need, right? Not knowing the reason why, not needing the reason why I'm defying against fate’s rules" "Now, I’ve decided to restart and burst out Just saying “I want to see it” is all you need, right? Let that groovy sound beat, let me hear that heartbeat Since there’s no time to just stand still" "With the tailwind blowing Alright, we keep going forward without looking back"

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Trey: Ai no Material

Trey gives me a melancholic, casual and mature vibe, like an older brother who you can depend on anytime and he would give you his usual smile. That’s why I picked this song for him, although he always helps out everyone but I feel like he can be lonely sometimes, like perhaps he would need a helping hand or maybe some support. When I read the lyrics I think of him! I want to interpret it as Heartslabyul to Trey, who’s been always working hard for the dorm, and it’s the message that he might want to hear the most!

"(Jump into tomorrow!) It seems that the stars will fall down. (Always) You wear a sparkling smile. (With a smile) But even if it's hard, you hide the pain away, (Want to meet you) and without showing it, you just laughed." "I always want to smile, after all. It's not hard, so I'm going to try harder! I wonder if I've been embracing such a lie tightly, And kept walking all this time." "Fly up more, higher and higher. If it's you, you can do it with a smile. But it's okay even if it's just a little bit, It's okay to quietly depend on me too." "Words like "I'm alright" or saying "I'm okay", While showing your usual smile. I understand those lies you utter, And that's why I tug on your hand."

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Cater: Phony

I know it might sound like it doesn’t fit him but in my opinion, this song sums up Cater as a character. We haven’t seen much of him in actual depth, but I definitely think he has more than he just appears. This song talks about how a person can mask and deceive themselves in lies, they’re aware of it, but they have to put it up in order to meet societal expectations. A constructed image or persona - the “fake” that they created and now they struggle to reconcile with their true self, and I think he is like that as well. (Aniplex please more Cater content for us we're waiting-)

“There’s no flower in this world more beautiful than an artificial one That’s because everything is manufactured from lies Antipathy world” “The rain of despair pelts my umbrella and Dampens my bangs and the hidden side of my heart Oh, it’s all so troublesome” “Before I knew it, the words had already withered The fruit of the truth is ripening within me Painting lies upon the mirror’s reflection, a “makeup” of the loss of oneself” “Before I knew it, the mimicked cries joined the unpleasant chorus Their eyes, leery, are dissolving you I am missing from the mirror’s reflection. There is only a “fake” that everyone mistook for someone else”

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🦁 Savanaclaw 🦁

Leona: Meltdown

The song is about one wanting to disappear, wanting to kill their old self and erase everything as if it’s like falling asleep. Though I think this song can be interpreted as having depression - and from what we see going on with Leona, I feel like he does show signs of it, I wish they would dive deeper into his story in Book 2 though! Other than that, I feel like the lyrics in here suit him a lot, especially the “sleep” part in the lyrics.

“I'm like a lighter out of fluid My insides are on fire Sometimes I wish It was all a lie” “I want to jump into the core My memories would melt into brilliant whiteness and disappear If I could jump into the core I feel like I’d be able to sleep again like I used to” “If I jumped into the core I'd vanish, like I had gone to sleep A morning without me Would be perfect All the gears meshing together That's how the world would be”

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Jack: Night Sky Patrol of Tomorrow

I think this song fits Jack a lot, the vibe is definitely for him but also the lyrics as well. The headstrong vibe, full of uncertainty but also full of hope for tomorrow, despite feeling hopeless at times but what is important is never give up and head forward to the future. The song’s meaning is to convey resilience, independence, and the importance of cherishing the present moment even when you’re uncertain about some things. You could also take this as a JackMC song haha, It just fits him a lot imo!

“I'm a boy who picks out his enemies to fight, Depending on whatever suits my mood. No hopes for the future, I wanted to be drawn in a dream." "And yet I fear the future, Hating tomorrow, wishing towards the past. There's no longer anything I can do, so I shout, "Tomorrow, tomorrow, please, don't come!" "If you want it, then make it come true yourself." Eh... You said that..." "I think about what I want, To go see you again tomorrow night. But I don't know, maybe you won't be there, But even so, we will always be one." "So, see you later, Sky Arrow, let's smile on! I want to be together with you in the future, However short our time may be, so I'll shout out, "Remember this day someday in the future, whoever we are then..."

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Ruggie: Moonlight

This song fits Ruggie a lot in terms of lyrics, with numerous mentions of rags and junk and collecting them together to the longing of being your own self instead of being in someone else’s shadow and chasing after them. The singer compares themselves to a piece of junk or trash as they think of themselves lowly, just like Ruggie himself. The mention of moonlight here represents the singer’s ideal that they always chase after, like Ruggie’s life goal. Overall, the vibe of the song fit him a lot! (I recommend checking out the Vivid Bad Squad version too!)

“A collection of junk, Covered with a piece of rag, A replica in a hideous shape Words spun by someone else, Tones played by someone else, A fake made by a distorted collage of them” “Even being junks, even a piece of rag In the blood pumped from its heart There was only my own anger In the end, there must be nothing left Love, spun songs, and my name will one day fade away I wonder why? It's stuck in the back of my chest, A loneliness similar to the silence of a winter night” “Whether or not I'm a fake, Looking back now, there was only Those blurred memories” “The irony of being a waste, I'm trying to get out of the cliché, but "Another rehash of someone else’s work?" "Is even your identity a trick?" "Do you want love, even if you have to steal it?" “Even being junks, even a piece of rag After following the never ending dream I'll find my own light, all the way”

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🐚 Octavinelle 🐚

Azul: Delusion Tax

In my opinion, this is the most fitting song I could think of for Azul. As said in the lyrics, we all have desires of our own, and the person (or in this case Miku) in this song is a genie that can grant any wishes, but in the end everything come with a price, anyone who make a wish with her will have to sell a part of themselves. Sounds just like Azul and his contracts don’t you think? But you can also think this reflects Azul’s own desires once you know his backstory too! (and also, check out this amazing art by my bestie! Her art is amazing!!)

“Turning wishes into reality Right now, buy back your future! Afflicted by so badly wanting to do “that”, consumed by desire Come now, let’s go beyond all this pain” “Existing for your sake alone, mandatory affections and obligated kindness Though you should be satisfied, a voice from within shouts “NO!” We have an idiot on our hands, it seems…” “None of it will come true if you don't pay the price Look, just up and borrow the "desired amount" Reality is a bitter-sweet pill to swallow Come now, let’s go beyond all this pain” “That which you wish for, the person you think of, The past which you hate as well, they’ll all be as you like. The kind of face and chest you desire, they’ll be granted if you pay. “It’s a promise”

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Jade: SHANTI

I feel like the song is pretty self-explanatory, as you can see with the lyrics. It just fits Jade’s job and his approach to the “targets” and lure them into signing a contract with Azul, but it’s probably just more than the said goal… But you can never tell with that smile of his as his “kind” words accompany his looks. Until you realized you fell into the trap and become one of Azul’s underlings due to the contract (at least, until post-Book 3, but who knows)

“Hey, young man who’s hanging his head Did something bad happen? If you’re fine with me, do you wanna talk about it? I can help you What in the world happened? That sounds terrible, brother I'll give you this, so cheer up, ok You can pay me back next time” “So you came again tonight Was it to your liking? The fee is this much Huh? Huh? Huh? So you can’t pay Then it can’t be helped I’ve got the perfect job for you, so come and follow me”

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Floyd: Matryoshka

A chaotic, addictive rock song that is very fitting for Floyd. Why though? According to the wiki “Most of the lyrics are nonsensically vague or ridiculous, with a slight hint of pain or sadness, giving the overall song a crazy and psychotic feeling. Therefore, the lyrics have been interpreted in various ways.” Just like the moody guy himself, don’t you think?

“My headache is singing about a package The clock's hand is stuck at 4 o'clock No one would tell me why But the world has begun to rotate in reverse” “Ah, would you please dance even more? Kalinka? Malinka? Just play the strings" "What should I do with these kinds of emotions? Won't you please tell me? The signal reception is good, 5-2-4! Freud? Keloid? Just hit the keys Let's just laugh everything off Hurry up and dance, you group of fools!" "Together let's clap our childish hands To this intentionally deranged rhythm Surely, I couldn't care less about everything The world's temperature is beginning to melt”

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[cozage]

The Daughter's Return: Part 12

The Morning After

Part 1 | Next Part | Table of Contents | Read this on A03

We did it folks! We made it to the end of the first act! I hope you enjoy!!! Thanks so much for sticking with me through this little journey (and if you're new here, I suggest you go all the way back to Part 1 and start from there!)

Word Count: 6.7k Characters: female reader x Portgas D. Ace CW: they’re just being cute and flirty once again

You woke with a start, a loud bang echoing nearby. It took you a second to place where you were and why your body ached. The mission, the ball, Garp, running through the woods, the files, Ace. 

“It’s okay,” Ace whispered. His strong arms were still wrapped around you, your head still against his chest. “Just sunrise artillery from the Navy Base.”

You nuzzled deeper into his chest. You didn’t get cold, but you liked the warmth he emitted. “How’d you sleep?”

“Didn't,” he said. 

“What do you mean you didn’t?”

He lazily traced lines across your back, deep in thought. “I kept watch all night.”

You snorted. “That was stupid.”

“What if the Navy found us?”

“We would’ve heard them.”

“What if they were sneaky?” He tickled your sides, making you let out a joyous laugh and jerk away from him. 

You quickly curled back into his chest once you were sure his assault was over. “We still would’ve heard them.”

Ace hummed. “What if a candle knocked over and caught the place on fire?”

“We’re made of fire, idiot.”

“Oh yeah.” He pulled you closer, so that you were almost completely on top of him. “Guess that’s true.”

“We should get up,” you noted. Marco would be waiting for you at the shoreline. 

“Five more minutes,” Ace begged. His fingers swirled along your back, enticing you to stay longer.

You sighed, snuggling closer to him. You didn’t want to get up yet. You just wanted to stay here with Ace, in your own corner of the world. 

“Hey, listen,” Ace started, breaking the silence after a few minutes. “I’m really sorry about last night.”

Your heart dropped. Was he already feeling remorse about your time together? 

“What about it?” 

“I sacrificed the whole mission and your safety because I didn’t tell you about my connection with Garp. I’m sorry for putting you in danger. That won’t happen again. That was really stupid of me.”

“That was really stupid of you,” you agreed, a wave of relief washing over you. You couldn’t even be mad at him anymore. You were furious last night, but it all seemed so trivial now. “Just, please promise me no more secrets from now on, okay? Especially ones that are important like that. And no more lies.”

“Okay,” he sighed, rubbing your back. “Then there’s something else I probably should tell you.”

His voice sounded more guarded, as if he were anxious. Your head jerked up, meeting his eyes. “What?”

Ace gave a hard swallow and sat up, pulling you along with him. Your heart started to quicken again, wondering what could be making him so nervous. 

You could tell he was trying to muster courage, so you didn’t rush him. Your hand reached out and grabbed his, giving it a squeeze of encouragement. 

“I lied the other day.” Ace finally said, his words rushing out. “I don’t want us to be casual. I want to be only yours, and you be only mine. I know I said I don’t like the whole exclusive thing, because I like freedom or whatever. But when I’m with you…God when I’m with you, I feel more free than I’ve ever felt in my life.

“I just…I wanted to tell you.” He paused for a moment, giving a hard swallow. “I don’t expect you to feel the same way, but I couldn’t keep it in. I hope it doesn’t make things awkward between us, because I want you in my life, whatever I can get. If you don't-”

“I do,” you said, squeezing his hands tighter. 

“You do?”

“Of course I do!” You pulled him in so your forehead touched his, the smell of campfire flooding your senses. “Portgas D. Ace, I want to be yours and only yours.”

“And I’m yours,” he mumbled back, pushing his lips against yours to seal the deal. 

You stayed tangled in the bed sheets, embracing each other fully, until the sun was brightly shining through the curtains. 

You finally pulled away from him, trying to get up. “We should head for the coast,” you said. “Marco’s probably getting impatient.”

Ace groaned, grabbing your arm and pulling you back to him. “Five more minutes.” He dotted your forehead with kisses between his words. 

“You said that five minutes ago. And the five minutes before that. And the five minutes before that.”

“And I’ll say it again in five minutes.”

You giggled and pinched his sides, forcing him to release you. You quickly jumped out of bed, pulling the covers along with you. 

“Hey!” Ace desperately reached for the duvet, but you managed to yank it from his grasp. 

“Up!” you shouted, throwing the blanket across the room and walking into the closet. “Come on! We have to go!”

Ace puckered out his lips in a pout, but he got up and sulked across to the closet, trying to find an outfit to wear. 

“Let’s go as a couple on a mid-morning beach stroll,” you offered, looking through the sundresses that the owner of the house had left behind. There was a checkered white and yellow dress that caught your eye, and you grabbed it. 

“So I just need to wear shorts and some flip-flops?”

“And a shirt.” You didn’t need another repeat of last night. You could hear him groan, but he didn’t put up an argument. You browsed the woman’s shoes, and picked out a cute pair of white-flowered sandals. They were a size too big and they weren’t very practical, but after running in heels last night, you weren’t afraid of anything. You retreated out of the closet and into the master bathroom to change. 

The dress was a perfect fit, and you twirled around in front of the mirror to check all of the angles. It was comfortable and easy to run in, but still complimented you in all the right ways. The only thing you were missing was a sun hat to cover your face and a beach bag to hold your things. 

You quickly combed your fingers through your hair, trying your best to tame the flyaways and knots that had formed overnight, and then you walked out of the bathroom. Ace was waiting for you in an unbuttoned dark blue floral shirt and tan cargo pants. He looked so handsome standing there, you couldn’t help but smile. 

“What?” he asked, a pink hue from embarrassment spreading across his cheeks. He looked down at himself, as if he was afraid he had forgotten something. 

“Nothing.” You walked up to him and wrapped your arms around his neck, giving him a soft peck on the lips.  “You just look nice.”

“As do you.” Ace gave you another, slightly longer kiss. “A life like this wouldn’t be too bad.”

You laughed and broke away from him to go find a bag. “We’d both be bored and you know it.”

“I know, I know.” His voice sounded like it had a hint of longing. 

As you dug through the closet, you couldn’t help but think of a life like this. You used to scoff at the idea of an island life, but maybe Ace wasn’t wrong. The two of you in a small cottage together, never having to look over your shoulder or be afraid of the Navy discovering your hideout. Maybe you could even have a few local friends, like that girl at the bar. Life could hold a slower pace. It didn’t sound so terrible with Ace by your side. 

But you loved your life of adventure on the sea, and you couldn’t imagine that being taken away from you. The beauty in life was the thrill of the chase. You can’t have that as a law-abiding island citizen. Besides, the Navy would never just look the other way if they ever saw you or Ace strolling the streets casually. You’d never be free from those wanted posters. Even if you wanted a quiet life, the two of you could never have it now. It was better to just push that delusional thought away and focus on what you did have. 

You were deep in thought when you came across an oddly shaped box. Curious, you opened it and found the perfect hat to complete your outfit. You squealed out in joy as you placed it atop your head, admiring the look. It was a straw hat, similar to the one Shanks used to wear when you were a kid. But this one was much higher quality, with a wider brim and a dark blue ribbon with a bow, almost the same shade as Ace’s shirt. 

“Everything okay?” Ace asked, walking into the closet. He laughed upon realizing the source of your excitement. “Cute hat.”

“Isn’t it?!” You beamed at him, satisfied with your find. “It’s perfect!”

“Reminds me of Luffy,” he noted. “He’s got one like that.”

“You need a hat too.” You flipped over to the husband's side of the closet, looking through the options. 

“I have a hat!” Ace scowled. “The orange one, remember?”

“I mean right now! To cover up that hair! And your face! The Navy got a better look at you than me, after all.”

You found a plain yellow ball cap that was only a few shades off of your dress, and handed it off to him. 

“Yellow isn’t really my color,” Ace said, taking the cap reluctantly.

“Too bad.” You pointed to your hat, and then to his shirt. “Our hats match the other one’s outfit. It’s like a couple thing.”

Ace groaned. “Please tell me you’re not that kind of girl.”

Your eyebrows knitted together in irritation. “What kind of girl?”

“The kind that’s gonna make me wear certain things because we're a couple and we have to match with everything we wear and do.”

“Idiot!” You hissed, smacking his head. “This is our cover story! To slip past the Navy and meet Marco?”

Ace gave you a blank stare, looking between his cap and you in silence. It was clear he had forgotten that you all were on a mission, not a vacation. 

“Just put the hat on,” you grumbled, turning back to look for a beach bag again. 

After a few moments, you found a decent-sized tote that would fit your dress and the files you had collected. You quickly shoved your items in the bag, and Ace extinguished the remaining candles around the room. 

You checked yourself over one more time in the bathroom mirror, and realized there were welts and bruises up and down your neck and chest area from last night’s activities. You fished out some of the concealer Whitey had left you, and did your best to cover them up. 

As you worked, you let your mind wander again. You wondered if there was a place you could be safe enough to live a quiet life. The islands your father protected had to be somewhat safe, especially if you were there. Perhaps the Navy would leave you and Ace alone if you didn’t cause any trouble. You had only just begun your adventure with him, but you couldn’t help but enjoy the simplicity of a home, a space to call your own. 

Ace popped his head into the bathroom, breaking you from your thoughts. “Ready?” 

You didn’t do as well as Whitey did, but most people probably wouldn’t notice the bruises on your body. Smoothing out your dress, you tried your best not to think about the what-ifs. You were a pirate, and so was Ace. You would live as pirates, and die as pirates. There was nothing more to it.

“Yeah.” 

You grabbed the house key and left behind the sapphire necklace you had worn the previous night, just in case the family returned home again. You wanted to give them something for allowing you to stay in their house, even if they had no say in the matter.

The two of you slipped out the back door and locked it, hiding the key where you had found it before. 

“Where do we go from here?” Ace asked, looking around. The little street was completely empty, no people to be seen. 

You pointed to the left. “That’s north, so let’s head that way. Stay on the paths, though.”

The two of you walked silently on the sidewalk. There weren’t many people out, and the ones you passed would barely make eye contact with you. The Navy must’ve sent out some kind of vague warning to keep people off the streets. It was smart. 

Ace’s bounty poster was up all throughout the town. You hadn’t noticed that detail yesterday evening, which made you unsettled. Thankfully his poster wasn’t a good representation of how he looked now. The blonde hair helped, but his bounty picture looked a few years old at this point. 

“I was seventeen in that picture,” Ace mumbled, reading your mind. “I didn’t even have my tattoos yet.”

“How’d you rack up a bounty that high when you were seventeen?” 

“I didn’t. I started out at 10,000 or some low number. It kept growing over the years, but the picture never changed. Not sure why.”

You laughed. “It helps us now, at least. Kind of funny that they have such a high bounty on the picture of a kid, though.”

“You’re one to talk! The little braided pigtails and the tongue sticking out at the camera is such a cute look on you.” Ace grinned at you, and you groaned. Your old bounty poster was at least five years old now, probably more than that. 

“They thought I was dead,” you whispered. “It’s different.”

“You don’t even look threatening in your picture. Three hundred and thirty million berries for a child is insane.”

You sighed, kicking a pebble down the sidewalk. “Not when you’re a Newgate. That name has gotten me more of a reputation in life than I could ever give myself.”

“Maybe for the Navy.”

“For everything,” you said. “For my position, my ideas, my upbringing, even my devil fruit powers. It always ties back to my father and my name.”

Ace shook his head. “Not true.”

You shot him a look. “What do you mean, not true?”

“Everything I heard about you was your own,” Ace said. “I didn’t find out you were a Newgate until I saw your bounty poster. Sure people make snide comments sometimes, but you got to where you are now because you’re good at what you do. Not because of your name.”

“Well yeah.” You had to agree with him there. “But I only got that opportunity because of my na-”

“No.” Ace’s voice was more forceful now. “Names have nothing to do with it. Blood has nothing to do with it. You are where you are because of the choices you made. Not because of who your father is.”

You could tell this was a sensitive subject for him, so you chose to let it go. He was right, after all. Even if you didn’t always feel that way. 

Instead of answering, you laced your fingers through his and the two of you resumed walking in silence until you reached the coast. You had passed by a few low-ranking Naval Officers as you walked through town, but none of them had stopped you. 

But the coast was different. It was slightly secluded and was crawling with Naval members of much higher ranks. There were still civilians on the beach, but Officers seemed to be checking IDs before they’d allow anyone past them. 

“Fuck,” you hissed under your breath, and Ace’s grip on your hand tightened. 

You kept your casual pace, walking down the street that ran parallel to the beach. There didn’t appear to be a good option. You couldn’t even see the ocean to see if Marco was waiting for you. 

“This way,” you whispered, leading Ace off into a dense patch of trees. You needed a better vantage point. You needed to look for Marco’s boat. If he was there, you could make a better plan. 

The two of you moved through the woods as quietly as you could, aiming for the top of the gentle slope. When you got to the top, you peered out across the horizon, until your eyes fell upon a small fishing boat. 

“Do you have binoculars?” you whispered, but Ace shook his head. 

“They’re back at the rendezvous point, I think.”

It was all or nothing, then. If the boat wasn’t Marco, you all would be in deep shit anyway. You pulled out your compact mirror, trying to catch the light that fell between the tree branches. 

“It’s weird, isn’t it?” Ace asked, looking around. 

You aimed the mirror at the small fishing boat, moving it slightly from side to side to signal it. “What is?”

“There were so many high-level officials. Admirals, Vice Admirals, even Sengoku. But we haven’t seen them yet.”

“They’re here,” you assured him. The man on the fishing boat got up and turned to look in your direction. After a few moments, the boat started rowing toward the dock nearby. 

“They’re hiding,” you continued to explain. “Waiting for us to make an appearance. The island is about 10 miles of shoreline, so they’re probably evenly spaced throughout it. Sengoku and the two admirals that are here are likely in the middle of the island, waiting for an official report to come through so they can get to the scene and capture us.”

“Can they get here that fast?”

“Sengoku can.” He was one of the few navy men that really scared you. You could escape from Akainu and Aokiji- in fact, you had once before. You hadn’t seen Kizaru last night and suspected that he wasn’t on the island, which was the best outcome. You’d take Akainu and Aokiji over Kizaru any day.

But Sengoku was not someone you ever wanted to encounter again. Once had been enough, and thankfully you hadn’t been his target. Since you had acted with civility and he respected your father, he had let you off with a warning. But that had been when you were just a child. You doubted he would give you the same grace now. 

Your eyes stayed on the boat as it rowed closer. A small blue flame was burning at the front, and you breathed a sigh of relief when you finally saw it. Marco. You were almost to safety. 

“And how do we beat him?” Ace asked. “Sengoku?”

You referred back to your old strategy compendium. “As long as he hasn’t been told directly to target you, he will usually leave low-level pirates alone if they’re not causing problems. He just wants to get his job done.”

Ace bit his lip, deep in thought. “But he’s been told to target us. And we have been causing problems.”

You gritted your teeth, frustration and fear rising. “I know.”

“So how do we-”

“I don’t know, Ace!” you cried, looking at him in desperation. “We’re screwed if he finds us, okay? I don’t have a plan!”

“Hey.” Ace’s arms immediately wrapped around you, pulling you tight against him. “It’s okay. We’re almost home and we’ve got each other. We’ll make it.”

You let him hold you for a few moments, trying to calm yourself down. It was a short distance between the forest and the dock. If you timed it right, you could sneak out without ever alerting the guards. You could escape without them being the wiser. 

As the row boat got closer, you realized there were three members aboard. Kala and Mihal must’ve made it to the boat already, which was good news. You were likely only going to get one go at this. You also noticed that the boat had been fitted with a new engine, an addition that Ace seemed to be thrilled about. 

“I can use my flames to power that,” he said. “Pops had it built custom for me. We’ll be able to fly out of here.”

“We just have to get there,” you mumbled. Your eyes scanned the shoreline, and your dread mounted as you watched two Officers begin to walk toward the little dock Marco was heading towards. 

“Get ready,” you grabbed his hand and crept to the tree line, crouching to remain more hidden. “We’re going to have a short window of time.”

The two navy men stood, waving to the boat. You could hear them calling out, demanding to see forms of identification from each member. Marco continued drifting in at a slow pace, pretending to rummage around for an ID. 

Once Marco finally got close enough to the dock, you pulled Ace’s arm. “Let’s move.”

The two of you walked briskly to the little dock, trying your best not to draw attention to yourself. It was only thirty yards. You were so close. 

“I’m telling ya, I don’t carry an ID on me! You’ve seen me out here all morning!” Marco yelled to the officers. “Why would I-”

“I’m sorry sir, then we’ve got to call it in. Just protocol. We’ll get the Fleet Admiral down here and we can sort it out.”

“I don't think that's...” Marco’s voice faltered when he saw you and Ace coming towards him.

The man pulled out his snail transponder. “Hello, Fleet Admiral? This is section 2-0-6-B-5. We’ve got a situation.”

Seconds. You had seconds to act. You sprinted as fast as you could, Ace right on your heels. In a panic, you grabbed the transponder and pushed the man into the ocean. Ace followed suit, shoving the other Navyman into the water. The two of you jumped onto the boat, not even bothering to look back. 

“Come in section 2-0-6-B-5.” Sengoku’s eager voice was on the other end of the line, and your stomach did flips. “What’s your status?”

The engine roared to life, Ace fueling it with every drop of power that he could. The boat took off, the tiny dock and the island getting smaller by the second. 

“2-0-6-B-5.” The voice was angrier and deeper now. You suspected it was Akainu. “Give your status report! Right now!”

Everyone’s eyes were on you, waiting to see what you would do. Ace gave you a playful grin and nodded, encouraging you silently. 

You pressed the snail transponder button, your voice echoing through the speaker. 

“You lose again, Akainu. Better luck next time.” 

A smile appeared across your face at the thought of his reaction, and you were certain he could hear your smug attitude across the transponder. 

“Newgate?!” Akainu shouted. “Somebody get Garp over here immediately!” 

You could hear roars of anger and frustration as the chaos ensued, and you quickly disconnected the snail so you couldn’t be tracked or contacted again. You threw the connection device into the ocean, pride swelling in your chest. It had been close, but there were no casualties or injuries, which means it had been an overwhelming success as long as…

You turned to Kala. “Did you get the photos of the documents?”

“A walk in the park.” She grinned, handing over her snail to you. “We were in and out in 20 minutes. Took the Navy a little too long to realize Ace probably wasn’t acting alone. By that point, we were already out and setting off the flare.”

You let out a sigh of relief. “Good to hear. Glad it was a success.”

“You scared the shit out of me,” Marco said, shoving you lightly. “I heard on the hacked transponder that Ace was captured. And then Ace was free. And then he was gone and had taken a prisoner with him. I never heard anything about you! What the hell were you doing?”

“Wait, they never said anything about me?” you glanced at Ace, confused. Surely the Navy should know by now. Garp should’ve told them when you escaped.

“Nothing,” Mihal said, and Kala nodded in agreement. “You must’ve played your part pretty damn well. No wonder Pops calls you for infiltration work.”

“You were amazing!” Kala gushed. “That slap sounded and looked so real! How long did you guys rehearse that?”

“The slap was real,” Ace groaned, but he was smiling down at you from where he was. “She did it with no warning, too. Incredible thinking on the spot.”

Marco glanced between the two of you, eyes narrowing in suspicion. “I think I’m going to need a recap of the night.”

“We will,” Ace assured him. “When we get back to the Moby Dick. We’ll give everyone a briefing of what happened.”

Marco kept trying to catch your eye, but you refused to look at him. You knew he would be able to read your face to learn whatever he wanted to know, and you didn’t want to deal with the repercussions of last night quite yet. 

Instead, you curled up on a small part of the boat and opted to take a nap. You had gotten good sleep last night, but you had been up quite late. And between all of the running and adrenaline rushes, you were starting to feel very drained now that you were safe. 

You dreamed of a small stone home that overlooked the sea. You felt safe here, on this hidden island away from the world. It felt like the home your father always told you about when you were young. You were standing at the front door, calling out to a group of people that were playing in the surf of the ocean. A man, who you quickly realized was Ace, and two small children. You couldn’t help but smile, watching them run up the hill to your home, the toddlers struggling to keep up with the man you were so fond of. This was your little family, you suddenly realized. Your slice of paradise, the people who you would live and die for. 

And then, on the horizon: what you had thought were clouds were actually sails, the crest of the Navy proudly displayed. Your joy quickly turned to horror, and you turned and ran inside to grab anything to defend yourself. 

As you walked through the threshold, your home became a concrete room. Shackles on the wall suddenly tied to your wrists and pulled you in, clinging you to the wall. You were trapped. The sound of an iron gate slammed behind you. 

“Did you really think you could get out?” A calm voice came from behind you. Sengoku. “Did you really think you could escape from the Navy? I won’t be so forgiving this time, I’m afraid.”

“Please,” you sobbed, turning to face him. “I just want to live a normal life. Just me and Ace. Please.”

Sengoku’s face slowly morphed into Akainu, and you flinched from the heat he was emitting. Normally you burned hotter than he did, but today was different. The sea prism cuffs made you feel his full effect, and you realized why so many people were afraid of him. 

He grinned down at you, pure hatred in his eyes. “You’re going to get exactly the life you deserve,” he growled. “It’d be a fitting end for a magma girl to be burned at the stake, don’t you think? And we have just the man to set the flames.”

Ace appeared next to him, looking at you with such disgust that you shrank into the wall. If looks could kill, this surely would’ve been the end for you. He was dressed in a Navy outfit, just last night. But he was colder towards you, as if he were a stranger now. 

“Did you really think I cared about you?” he goaded, laughing in your face. “You need to wake up.”

You couldn’t help the tears that fell from your eyes now. The shackles held you so tight, you couldn’t even wipe them away. “Ace-”

“Y/N. Wake up,” he said again, his voice still full of anger. “Wake up!”

You opened your eyes with a start, letting out a soft sob. Ace’s big, dark eyes stared at you in concern, his hand resting on your face. It was a dream. Of course it was a dream. 

“You okay?” He tucked a strand of hair behind your ear. “You’re crying.”

“Fine,” you mumbled, pushing away from him and finally wiping at your eyes. “I’m fine.”

“Bad dream?” His arm reached out for you and you flinched away from him, causing him to hesitate. 

“I just want to be alone right now.”

“Well, bad news about that…” Ace gave a nervous chuckle. “We’re home.”

You looked up at him in slight alarm, your heart spiking. “Home?”

He pointed upward, and you realized you were sitting in the shadow of something massive. You turned around to find the Moby Dick in front of you. Home.

“Why don’t you go to my room and take a nap? I’ll go debrief Pops and then tomorrow we can have a full debrief with everyone together. You look even more tired than you did when you fell asleep.” 

“No.” You shook your head and wiped at your eyes. “I’ll be fine. It was just a bad dream. ”

“Do you want to talk about it?”

“No!” you snapped. He looked hurt by your harshness, and you tried to rephrase it in a gentler tone. “Sorry, not right now. Maybe later, if that’s okay?”

“Of course,” Ace said immediately, a smile returning to his face. “Whenever you want.”

You gave a silent nod and stood to grab the rope ladder. You climbed one rung before you turned back to him. 

“You’re not a secret Navy officer, right?”

Ace gave you a momentary blank stare and then burst into laughter. “Do you think I’m smart enough to pull that over on you? A pirate’s life is the only way for me.”

You gave him a nervous smile and started climbing again, trying to ignore the dull ache in your chest. You could trust Ace, you knew that in your bones. He would never betray you. It was just a bad dream. 

But if a pirate’s life was the only way for him, then the first part of your dream was just as unrealistic as the second part. 

“There she is!” 

Thatch pulled you over the railing of the ship and the other commanders gathered around to greet you. As you planted your feet on the ship, you remembered why you loved it here. Everyone’s smiling faces, glowing with pride at your accomplishment. There was never any envy among you and your adoptive siblings. Ace was right. This was home. 

Ace joined you on the deck, and the group of commanders and strategists began walking to the meeting office where you knew your father was waiting for you. Ace seemed to get more nervous the closer you got to the briefing room, but you were excited to share your successes of the previous night. 

You chose to sit between Ace and Kala since you knew that you all would be doing most of the talking. After everyone was seated, Ace began his recap of the evening. It took everything you had not to interject or add extra details, but you didn’t want to appear disrespectful. 

“We ended up deciding that Team A would become the distraction team while Team B would move to retrieval. The distraction-”

“Why?” your father interjected. He was never afraid to question decisions.

Ace turned to you, unsure how to respond. 

“There was an altercation with a Rear Admiral,” you admitted. 

Whitebeard’s eyes narrowed. “What kind of altercation?”

“I was dancing with him, and he offered to give me a tour of the house. I accepted but failed to inform Ace of the change in plans. He thought the Rear Admiral was taking me away, and quickly intervened. It drew the attention of the higher-ups, so we changed plans.”

Your father watched you and Ace very closely, looking for any signs of a lie. But you had told him the truth. Mostly, anyway. 

“And what exactly was this distraction?”

“She slapped me. Hard. It hurt pretty bad,” Ace said, rubbing his cheek at the memory. You had to cover your mouth to keep yourself from giggling, but the rest of the table wasn’t so polite and burst out into laughter. Even your father cracked a smile. 

Once everyone settled down, you continued the story. “I implied that he had made some kind of derogatory comment and got him taken away by some high-level officers and-”

“And then they took my shirt off and saw my tattoo!” Ace shook his head, chuckling as he remembered. “That really threw things into chaos.”

“Where were you?” your father directed the question towards you, and everyone turned to look.

“Oh.” You gave a shrug. “I was being questioned by a few Navy people about the man I came with and such. It wasn’t much of a big deal.”

“Nobody recognized you?” Marco asked. He sounded shocked. 

“My wanted poster is old and discontinued,” you explained. “And I had a good cover story.”

“You didn’t answer the question,” your father said, and your cheeks tinted in embarrassment. 

“A Vice Admiral recognized me as he was speaking to me privately, but it appears he didn’t notify anyone until after we had left the island.” 

Your father’s eyes widened. “Who?”

“Monkey D. Garp.”

You could hear a few sharp inhales around the room. Even your father looked startled, but his gaze was now on Ace. 

“How did you escape that?” Thatch asked. You could tell the group was holding you in a newfound respect, but you hadn’t done much. You were fairly certain Ace appearing was the only reason you weren’t rotting in a cell now. 

“Ace,” you said. “He burst through the window and shocked Garp, and the two of us made an escape. We hid out in an abandoned house until morning, and made our escape.”

A few whistles and whoops of congratulations came from around the table, but your father’s gaze on you was clear. He’d let you lie now, but you were expected to tell him the truth later. 

“That’s one hell of a re-entry back into the pirate world,” Namur said. “They don’t even know why, but a woman they thought was dead and the second division commander wrecked a Marine Ball for no reason, and then escaped off the island riddled with Marines without even being noticed.”

“Oh actually, they probably do think we had a reason for being there.” You reached into your bag, grabbed the files you had collected, and slid them across the table to your father. “Four files, mostly unimportant. But they think they know what we were doing there.”

Your father picked them up. “Have you examined them?”

You nodded, listing them off on your fingers. “A report on a country in Paradise under the control of a warlord. One about Roger’s late life. A falsified RA attack, and a rookie report.”

Your father nodded. “Could be useful, if put in the right hands.”

You shrugged. “Interesting reads for curious minds.”

A strategist from the eleventh division, Omri, reached for a file, but your father shoved them under some other papers he had. “I’d like to look at each file first before I distribute them. Kala and Mihal, please tell your side of the story now.”

Kala spoke most of the time, but the report was fast. Your father didn’t ask any questions, surprisingly, but she was very thorough in her report. She knew what was important and what wasn’t. You could see yourself getting along with her if you got to know her better. 

“Then the mission was a success,” your father said after Kala was done. “I’m glad to hear. Good job on everyone’s hard work to get it done. A celebration is in order for tonight. Everyone is dismissed.”

Everyone let out a closing cheer and started to get out of their seats. There were chores to be done and meals to be cooked, and you wanted to see those naval schematics to fine-tune your plan. 

“Division two leaders, stay behind.” Your father’s voice made your skin tingle. You were certain you’d have to answer a lot of questions, some you really weren’t looking forward to. 

A few of the commanders laughed as they left the room, but you and Ace stayed seated. Neither of you spoke, waiting for your father to ask the first question. You weren’t about to offer up more information than what he asked, and you were sure Ace felt the same. 

After a prolonged silence, he finally spoke. “Would you like to tell me what really happened last night?”

Ace stiffened beside you, proving that there had been some kind of lie that had been told. You silently cursed him. He’d have to get better about acting under pressure if he was going to stick around. 

“Garp knew who I was, but based on the intel I collected, he didn’t inform anyone of my identity until after we left the island.”

“Go on.” Your father watched you, his eyes flicking to Ace occasionally to see if you were telling the truth. Ace was like a walking lie detector around him. That would be troublesome if he asked the wrong questions.

“He brought my bounty poster into the room when he spoke to me. I believe his goal was-” You hesitated, but a nod of encouragement from Ace allowed you to keep talking. “His goal was to lure Ace into the room. He was sure that Ace was waiting outside, and he positioned himself to make it appear as if he was hurting me. Ace came through the window, the three of us spoke for a little while, and then Ace and I escaped without further problems.”

“What did you speak about with Garp, exactly?”

Ace cleared his throat. “About how he wanted me to be a Marine.”

You shot him a look. “And that you didn’t tell me your grandfather was in the Navy.”

This news didn’t seem to phase your father. “And after that? Then what happened?”

You nodded, getting back to the information you had to share. “Marco said that there was only ever a report that Ace grabbed a hostage. And the next morning, there were plenty of posters for Ace. But I didn’t see any for me.”

Whitebeard nodded. “So the Navy doesn’t know you’re alive? Good.”

“Well…” You gave your father an embarrassed smile. “I might have revealed it as we were leaving the island.”

Your father scowled at you, clearly irritated by your decision. “I told you to stop burning boats as you leave places. It gets messy.”

“I didn’t! But…hypothetically, I may have sent a message with a Marine Transponder Snail to Akainu telling him better luck next time.”

Your father stared at you for a few moments, trying to decide whether to scold you or laugh. You had to admit, it was a pretty stupid blow of your cover, but it was such a hilarious way to reintroduce yourself to the Navy you weren’t even mad about the increased risk you had given yourself

“You’ve got to watch that Admiral,” your father finally said, giving a light chuckle. “He’s cocky, but he’s got a temper that burns hotter than yours.”

You scoffed. “Too bad he doesn’t have the power to match it.”

Your father really laughed now, and you could feel the tension melt away again. You and Akainu were similar in all of the worst ways, but you had always been better than him. Which meant you had to mess with him whenever you could. And you almost always had your father’s support when you messed around with the Navy. 

“Okay, you two can go.” Your father wiped a tear from his eye and you smiled. 

You started to get up and head for the door, but Ace stayed seated.

“There’s one more thing you need to be aware of, Pops,” Ace said. The tone in his voice made you stop in your tracks. 

“Ace-”

“We’re dating.” Ace was staring at his hands, too afraid to make eye contact with you or your father. His words brought fluster to your cheeks, and you could see your father’s eyes widen in response. 

Whitebeard’s eyes flashed to you, dangerous and stormy. “Out,” he commanded. 

“But-”

“Out!” His haki began to roll over you in waves, but it didn’t affect you like it used to. You just rolled your eyes and exited the room, praying that you’d still have a boyfriend after their conversation was over. 

You waited for five minutes, and then ten. Ace still hadn’t come out, and you had started pacing the deck outside the office in anticipation. You were so anxious, you didn’t notice Marco standing nearby until he spoke. 

“Ace has been in there an awful long time,” Marco said, causing you to jump. 

“I don’t want to hear anything,” you grumbled. “You’re only going to make it worse”

“You know you’re off limits, right?” Marco asked, walking over to you. “Pops has never outrightly said it, but the commanders are supposed to leave you alone.”

You laughed dryly. “Only if they know what’s good for them. I could take any of them any day.”

“Not in a fight. I mean romantically, dummy.” He ruffled your hair, causing you to shoot him a look. “Commanders are to leave the Princess alone. It’s the unspoken rule.”

God, you hated that nickname. You could feel your blood boil at the mention of it. Your father had called you that when you were a kid, and certain crew members let it take on a meaning of its own; one that painted a much less kind image of you. Marco never meant it maliciously, but the name still made you angry regardless of who said it. 

“And what if the Princess pursued the commander?” you hissed, throwing venom into your words. “Then what?”

Marco shrugged, leaning back up against the wall. He pointed a thumb at the door and gave you a slight smirk. “Guess we’ll have to find out together.”

You didn’t respond to him. You were too worried to come up with any more witty responses. So you paced back and forth again, fiddling with your fingers. Waiting. 

After an eternity, the door creaked open. Your eyes quickly found Ace’s dark ones, lit up with mischievous glee. A smile spread across his face as he walked toward you, ignoring your glare.

“What is wrong with you?” you hissed. “Why did you do that?!”

“So I could do this!” He wrapped you in his arms and gave you a quick kiss on the lips, bringing an instant blush to your cheeks.

“Gross!” Marco called out, startling you both. You had forgotten he was there. “No more of that please!”

You stuck your tongue out at Marco, but Ace gave you a big kiss on your cheek, causing you to shriek and erupt into a fit of giggles. 

“Great,” Marco scoffed, but there was a smile on his lips. “This ought to end well.”

“It will!”

And it could have. It really could have.

--

Part one is complete!

What Now?

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[l-in-the-light]

Some thoughts on the relationship between Law and Corazon? Is Law obsessed with Cora? Are there romantic vibes (maybe Law would chose a partner that reminds him of Cora 🤔)? Sometimes I have the impression he values him more than his dead family🙄 I mean we never hear him saying he wants revenge for Flevance.

Tbh I see why you would think that, because I also used to think this way. Like everything Law does is for Cora-san, but never for Flevance, for his parents or his sister. This won't be the usual analysis post, but more like me trying to put everything Law did so far into a bigger picture, to reveal what his actual, longterm goals might be. But first, let's start with Law's love for Corazon.

Who is Cora-san to Law? Many people say a parent, a sibling, a religious figure (because of his devotion and obsession), but I think it's actually none of these. I think Corazon is for Law what Oden is for Yamato. Yamato idolizes Oden, wants to be like Oden, but Oden also gave him hope, a dream, a heart (you could say), because before Oden all Yamato had was Kaido and Kaido took away Yamato's freedom long before Oden even happened. He expected Yamato to be the next ruler of Wano for him, to continue in his footsteps, ever since Yamato was born. Yamato's own wishes didn't matter. But the moment Yamato saw Oden everything changed. It's exactly how Ace says it "you're imprisoned by cuffs, but why would you let him cage your heart as well?". Oden was that light for Yamato he finally saw in the darkness, passion, love for the country and people in it, freedom. And he wanted that too, probably for the very first time, for himself. That's why Yamato carries Oden in his heart wherever he goes. Because Oden just by existing and loving his country gives Yamato hope and strength to keep going. Just like Law carries Cora-san in his heart wherever he goes as well.

Cora-san is his saviour, without him, Law would not be alive anymore. But more importantly he saved Law's heart, he showed him love, compassion, he treated him like a person, not a monster. And he gave him all that when Law needed it the most, literally like a hand of salvation. In that case it indeed feels a bit religious. Does it mean Cora-san is more important for Law than his parents? Not neccessarily, let's not forget Law still has at least one tattoo in memory of Flevance, also he still keeps his hat with him at all times and that's his only memento of his family, most likely. But Cora-san is the one who gave Law a "new life", the same way Yamato received "new life" from Oden, even though they didn't even talk once. And that new life is definitely like a new (re)birth for both of them, that's why Cora-san and Oden will never get replaced in their hearts. Taking away Oden from Yamato will leave him with nothing, and while maybe it wouldn't be as drastic for Law, it would still remove the core of who he believes himself to be and cause a major inner crisis.

In another translation of this line, Law says "It's thanks to Cora I'm what I am now". Cora-san is indeed always on Law's mind, just like Oden is always on Yamato's mind. They both try to live like their idols, Law even called his crew the Heart Pirates in honour of Cora-san, but he also mimicks Cora in many ways: how he walks, how he sits, not to mention that silencing spell he used in battle. Yamato as well, even to the point of him changing his gender and wearing Oden-like clothes. Those hearts on Law's clothes also resemble a bit Cora-san's clothes that always had some heart-like motifs. Would you call it idolatry to the point of obsession? Personally, it reminds me of fans behaviour towards their boyband/girlband idols, especially in Japan. I know it, because I'm also part of that fandom. One of my idols has a special place in his hometown and he talked about it in one of his concerts. Next time he knows he hears from his friend reporting him that fans are now flooding that spot, because they all want to see it. They all want to experience that special connection and treasure it inside their hearts. That's devotion and obsession, sure, but you know, I also think it's really beautiful when the love you have for someone expands to places and things they love, cherishing them like they're special now to you as well. And it doesn't matter if that love is romantic, platonic, family-like, worshipping, because love is just love. If you feel it, you get it. It's that special feeling, the warmth, you carry with you everywhere you go and want to share with the world (or keep it close to your heart, or, sometimes, even both?).

So do I think Law has romantic feelings for Corazon? Nope. But he does love him the most in the world. Would Law want his partner to remind him of Corazon? That's a tricky one though. I basically think Law has a thing for cheerful people (Heart Pirates are cheerful, Bepo is joyful, Luffy is also full of smiles and joy), because he surrounds himself with them. But then one thing doesn't really leave my thoughts: why is Sanji the only one who is called by his title "Blackleg-ya" besides "Strawhat-ya"? Zoro, Nami, Chopper, they're all called by their names or surnames, not counting the few exceptions who get no name/title at all. I can understand why Luffy is privileaged considering the importance of their Sabaody meeting, but why is Sanji? They seem to have no connection. And then I realized what LawSan shippers probably did forever ago already: Sanji is a caring blond guy who smokes like crazy. And that must remind Law of Corazon. And that's the only reason why Sanji gets the extra respect (the onigiri though probably helped as well, ngl!). So I guess I have to reluctantly agree that maybe he has a soft spot for smoking blond guys, because they remind him of his beloved Cora-san. Law seems to be a pretty sentimental guy, so it does make sense.

Now let's move on to the question you didn't ask but sort of asked: does it all mean Flevance or his family doesn't matter to Law anymore?

For starters, Law's goals are very obscure and not really explained well in the plot. But let's look at "waves" that are the result of his plan to defeat Kaido and Mingo. Just the news of Doflamingo quitting warlords put the whole New World in a state of panic. It kickstarted rebellion in Dressrosa. Rulers of kingdoms in the middle of wars started to feel anxious, because they got their weapons from Doflamingo. Kaido was also in trouble, ofc. But it's not just that: right after Dressrosa Big Mom suddenly became interested in Germa... seems she was also benefitting from her deals with Doffy (it shouldn't surprise us, he did say he was holding reins to every emperor and monster there is in the new world!) and with Doffy out of the picture, she was in emergency to find a new business partner. Why Germa? Because of his scientifical research. Many of those kids of Big Mom might also not have been "naturally" born, who knows.

In the end those who benefitted the most from Law's plan were Revolutionary Army (they gained weapons, many nations stopped wars and they could instead influence them for rebellion), Blackbeard (unfortunately) and Buggy (his business was suddenly flourishing). After Wano repercussions for the world grew even bigger, but especially in one direction: World Government. We were told Kaido and Orochi did business with World Government, that's how they got their weapons. Now they're kinda in a pinch, aren't they? They can't get them from Kaido, they can't get them from Doflamingo. This was a huge blow to the Government.

And then we also have Sword, which is rumoured to aim it's blade against World Government or at least Marines in some way. Law clearly has some connections to Drake, whether we believe he's part of Sword himself or not doesn't matter (I know those theories are floating around, and I personally think they're just scratching the tip of the iceberg).

Now let's go back to Flevance. Who was responsible for the tragedy?

World Government. And let's not forget for Law World Government means also Navy. They're both guilty. Taking down Kaido helped Wano, ofc, but it also hugely impacted World Government's sources for supplies of weapons. Taking down Doflamingo freed Dressrosa, sure, but it also eliminated a person that was Government's errand boy, basically. That's another blow aimed at Government. It's all about weakening them, they're extremely strong enemy that no one can take on alone, overpowered, cutting them off from supplies sounds like a good first step towards taking them down, wouldn't you agree? That's a similar thing to what Revolutionary Army did to Marie Geoise, btw.

But then, Law said he only cared for taking revenge on Doflamingo, didn't he? That he has been living only for that purpose. Actually... that's not true, he says some really contradictionary things about his own goal:

Let's sum it up: his goal is to fullfill Cora-san's wish, to free himself (because that's what Cora-san wanted for him, to be free), to pull the trigger Cora-san couldn't on that day 13 years ago. If he thinks Cora-san wanted to pull that trigger himself but couldn't then that would make sense. But that's disregarding the fact that Corazon probably never wanted to kill Doffy, he even said it himself that dying is the only option for him. Law knows it. When he says the line about the "trigger" it's about Law's own wish, he thinks Doflamingo should have died instead of Corazon after all. Cora-san's actual wish was for Law to be free, but Law thinks it was something else: stopping Doflamingo. There are like multiple different wishes clashing here, obscuring the truth from us. And let's not forget the most crucial information: Law never planned to take down Doflamingo by himself! The whole plan was about making Doflamingo resign from warlords so he leaves Dressrosa. Law didn't even care what will happen afterwards to him (though it's clear he wished Navy would take care of him, more so than he cared for Kaido to take care of Doflamingo).

And then we have this:

"I've lived the past 13 years so I could strike Doflamingo down" which sounds suspiciously close to what Kyros was saying before and Law was there to hear it. Yeah, I think he "borrowed" that reason from Kyros, because he didn't actually want to voice his real intention here. We never doubt Law in this scene, because later on he repeats the same thing to Sengoku, and we don't expect him to lie to Sengoku, right? But I think what Law said was aimed just to make Sengoku feel better (he can relate to that, Sengoku is just mourning Rosinante!), and Law keeps quiet and hesitating what to say before Sengoku literally pushes an answer out of him. Law is hiding things from us, many many things, and most important one of all: what's his ultimate objective.

Whatever Law's true goal is, it must be related to this conversation he has with Cavendish. "You will be in the eye of a storm", and Law's answer: "That's my intention".

Of course as we learn from his conversation with Sengoku, Law has perhaps some doubts whether going around and causing chaos (and perhaps aiming for Government's neck) is the thing he should be doing, and he voices his concern like this:

Is this what a D. should be doing? Is this what Law should be doing?

And then in Wano we learn that his next goal is, curiously, to find out the meaning of the D. He still wants the answer to this question (is this what he should be doing?), that's why. But I believe Law is already setting a plan in motion to take down the Government somehow. That plan is very dangerous and can swallow his life in the process. He never told Luffy about it, because he wants to keep him out and away from it, not to "drag him down" together with Law (trying to finish alliance early was probably also partially a prevention of this). I wouldn't say what Law is aiming for is suicidal, but he is ready to put his life on the line and die if that's what it takes. And I hope we will finally find out the full scale of this and his ultimate objective, before this guy does something extremely stupid and reckless.

Last, but not least: Law is basically the person pushing the new era (after Whitebeard's death) forward: he destroyed the gears in Punk Hazard, he announced the deaths of the emperors, all those moments carry symbolic meaning. But is Law trying to make a world a better place or is he just trying to get revenge on World Government? I guess only time will tell us. I have faith in him and I think he cares more about the world and people than it seems. But he definitely also wants to give them a payback, for Flevance, for his parents, and also for himself. And now that he's free, truly free (in his own words: he stopped Doflamingo so he's free to do whatever he wants now), what's stopping him? Probably his own heartbroken ass at the moment, because of what happened to Heart Pirates, but ugh. I really think it won't stop him for long. We will get that revenge, Law will be the vigilante we hoped he will be and it might break us.

I could ramble more about Law's plans, but it would enter highly speculative territory and basically I would be grasping at straws at every corner. But I think I did catch on to some obscure foreshadowing, once again. Anyway, anon, not sure if this is the answer you hoped for, but those are my honest thoughts based on overthinking a lot about plot, story and stuff like that, as well as about Law, like always.

[cheezeybread]

American McGee Alice anon, back at it again [if I keep this up, I might label myself something cheesy like "Anon McGee." How does that sound?]

I was going to gather more to send your way regarding the topic of the last request, but I couldn't actually put much together today. So, instead, I'm delivering some potentially mildly incoherent ramblings and a lot of creative freedom to take them wherever you'd like.

I'm thinking especially of something along the lines of- likely post Riddle Overblot- a gradual shift into the MadAlice Reader becoming more genuinely comfortable with everyone in Heartslaybyul as they begin to create a differentiation between them and that which hurt them in the previous mental wonderland they'd retreated to.

Obviously there's still plenty of Rocky moments to be had- just because they're comfortable doesn't mean all will always be well- but overall, I'm just thinking of a bit of a fluffy-ish scenario that encapsulates the reader growing closer to the students of Heartslaybyul. Maybe hurt/comfort at best, but still comfort nonetheless.

Again, take as many creative liberties as you want here, I'm doing my best to balance being vague enough to allow wiggle room but also trying not to keep too many details out to the point it's just entirely unclear, lmao.

YEAAHHHH ANON MCGEE BACK AT IT AGAIN! Totally start calling yourself that now, it has such a silly ring to it!

Don't worry, I totally got you (unless I don't oops), so have this little sucker of a one-shot! I haven't written very many comfort fics lately, so I might be a taddddd rusty, sorry!

𝐅𝐭: 𝐑𝐢𝐝𝐝𝐥𝐞, 𝐓𝐫𝐞𝐲, 𝐀𝐜𝐞, 𝐃𝐞𝐮𝐜𝐞, 𝐂𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐫

..••°°°°••..

You had woken up sooner, rather than later, to the relief of the entire Heartslabyul dorm. But no one was more relieved than Riddle.

As soon as you woke up, Riddle was there, leaning his head down to read out of a thick textbook. You almost didn't recognize him at first...he wasn't wearing the attire you normally saw him in. Instead of the crown and wonderland-esque uniform, he had on a shirt that looked to be a size too big, and a baggy pair of sweatpants.

You sat up slowly, the movement sending a dull throb through your back. Geez, how long were you out? The shuffling of the bed made Riddle's head jerk up, and the tension on his face faded as soon as he saw your eyes opening.

"You...you're awake," He said, his voice in a whisper.

You couldn't think of what to say to this guy who was practically a stranger to you, so you made a small "mhmm" back.

Riddle looked back down to his textbook before closing it softly, setting it down on the ground beneath his chair. He took his time before looking back up at you, his gaze focused on your shoulder rather than your eyes.

"I wanted to say that I'm...sorry," He started, a bit awkwardly. One of his hands reached down to his sweatpants, idly pulling at the fabric "For everything. I wasn't very kind to you, which went against one of the rules of the-" He stopped himself, furrowing his brows "I mean, it wasn't nice of me. And I knew that you had some...issues with our dorm. But yet, because of me, you kept having to be dragged back there. Even though I could tell how much it was hurting you."

Riddle sat up a bit straighter, taking a deep breath before continuing "I was....wrong. It was wrong of me to treat you like I did, and I was wrong about so much other stuff, too. The Quee- sorry, her rules aren't everything, and since my accident, I've come to understand that the person with the most power isn't necessarily the most right, much less the most righteous ruler there could be." He folded his hands in his lap "I know that you have issues, I can see the burns on what little parts of your skin show. I hear from Ace, from Cater, everyone who's seen you, that you have something happening. Some sort of paranoia. And I cannot express how deeply apologetic I am for playing into your fear."

You swallowed thickly, trying your best not to remember the events that transpired just before you blacked out. You tried not to see the malice and hatred in Riddle's eyes now that you had seen before. But it was hard. "M'kay," was all you could manage.

"I won't disrespect you by demanding you tell me what's going on, or what had happened to you in the past," Riddle continued "I only wish for you to help me act better, for you to tell me how I can help. I wish to improve myself, and my dorm, to become a place where you can rest easier than you have in the past. Or, if you'd rather be left alone by us entirely throughout your stay at this school, I can do my best to ensure my students won't get in your way in the slightest."

He...he actually wanted to help you? After all that happened, after all that he himself went through as well? The thought brought a small smile to your face, and you reached out a shaky hand, resting it on top of Riddle's head

"That sounds nice."

Riddle gave a small smile in return, his relief palpable. He had expected you to blow up in anger, based on how he acted. To see you holding no ill will towards him was more than he could hope for. He stood up quickly, nodding his head towards you in a professional manner, before he walked out of the room.

It wasn't until a week later that you realized he had not worn his uniform so that you wouldn't panic at the sight of him.

★・・・・・・★

Things were slowly getting better. For real this time.

It wasn't easy, but no recovery ever should be. But with some baby steps, you were on your way to a better place, mentally and emotionally. You could tell that Riddle was healing alongside you, which made the path to happiness a little more rewarding.

You never did tell the Heartslabyul dorm what had happened to you in detail. Only offhandedly mentioned your scars coming from a house-fire. And they never asked for any more information, despite their intense curiosity that you could feel oozing out of them with every glance towards you. You suspected this was mainly because of Riddle's influence over them. You were grateful for it.

Speaking of, Riddle kept his word, true and deep.

You gave a text everytime that you were about to come over to their dorm, and Riddle would instruct his student to change into their loungewear, even if they were in the midst of doing work. He told Ace and Deuce, knowing that the two of them were around you more often, to warn you when there was an Unbirthday party at their property, so they could, in turn, warn you.

He even asked if you'd like them to wear makeup over the card symbols on their skin. It was an enticing offer, since the symbols still made your heart sink every time you noticed them...but you denied it. You had to learn to deal with some things, or else you may not heal fully. Besides, Riddle and the others were bending over backwards for you as it was, it would be unfair for you to make an obscenely large amount of demands of them.

You cooked with Trey, who always made a habit of telling you when he needed a "hand in the kitchen", even though you knew he'd be better off without your held. The two of you would talk about anything under the sun, except for cards, parties, and painting roses red. And in the end, you would get a slice of whatever dessert you two whipped up.

You went on walks with Cater, who kept you up-to-date on the latest trends and scandals going on both in school and in the world around you. He always found some silly story to make the two of you cackle and howl, and eventually, the conversations would drift from real-life stories to fantastical tales involving dragons, knights, and magical geese who could blow up the world with a single honk! They weren't the best made-up tales, but you two had fun with them.

You played games with Ace and Deuce, who were both masters at trying to one-up the other. Sometimes they would get caught in a prank war between each other, and each one would recruit you to prank the other, which led in a lot of back-and-forth banters and ended with them laughing about how you "betrayed" them by joining the enemy's side. Sometimes they would teach you how to play video games, and sometimes you would play a lame version of basketball with the mediocre players.

And you would hang around Riddle while he studied in the library. In return for your company, he would tell you stories about his own life- keeping careful watch of what he said so that he wouldn't slip and begin talking about the Queen- about his mother, his unhappy childhood, and how he had struggled throughout his life with feelings of being inadequate unless he was at the top of the list in anything and everything. He found comfort in telling his secrets, and it almost made you want to tell him yours. But he never asked to hear yours, and in the end, you were content to keep your own secrets.

You were getting better, day by day.

°°••....••°°

[entomjinx]

Luffy and his perception of love

Small thing from twitter because twitter is exploding and I realized I never posted it here. Inspired by my urge to subvert expectations and this post:

Luffy's perception of what it means to be loved may be warped by all he's been through. His own love is pretty much unconditional, and he cares so deeply for others. However, when it comes to being loved himself-

He thinks he has to earn it via fighting or persistance.

Before I delve into individual characters, I'd like to acknowledge that Luffy is probably the most emotionaly intelligent person in the manga, but also that trauma can affect how a person views themself, leading them to hold themselves to higher/different standards than others.

Let's start with Garp. Garp constantly puts him through training as a child and tells him he must be a marine. He uses his "fists of love" on him to try and make him obey. The one time we see Garp look even remotely affectionate is when he thinks Luffy will become a marine, only for him to get even angrier upon Luffy declaring he wants to be pirate king. He also left him alone in the jungle all the time, and even threw him down a ravine.

Dadan makes a point of loudly declaring she doesn't want them around, which is an obvious lie to the audience, but not as much to the kids. The "If you don't hunt, you don't eat," rule in the mountain bandit's hideout also helps reinforced that important things (food, love) must be earned.

Luffy followed Ace around for three months, being hit with attacks meant to seriously injure him so that he'd be forced to stop following. Many of those attacks may have killed him were he not made of rubber. When he caught up to Ace and met Sabo, they threatened to kill him for knowing about the treasure. Instead, they leave him behind for Porchemy to find.

They spent all that time moving their treasure because they expected Luffy to tell Porchemy it's location. Instead, Luffy went through several hours of torture and refused to speak. If not for this, Ace and Sabo wouldn't have let him be their friend, let alone call him brother and love him. (and while we, the audience, know that Luffy might have broken through to them another way, Luffy doesn't. He would think that not giving into the torture is the biggest part of why he was allowed to be their friend, and later brother.)

He had to blackmail Zoro into joining the crew at first, and Zoro threatened to make him commit hara kiri (suicide via disembowlment with a blade) should Luffy get in the way of his dream to be the greatest swordsman.

He had to free Nami from Arlong for her to join the crew for real.He argued with Sanji at every turn until he wore him down (I refuse your refusal). Robin didn't call him (or anyone) by name until post Enies Lobby, choosing to only refer to him as "Captain."

He saved the lives of most of them, or offered them a way to complete their dreams.

He fights tooth and nail to gain their trust and friendship, because he thinks that they love him the way he loves them if he doesn't. Which could be a major part of why the strawhat grand feet's willingness to follow him confuses him. We know he values freedom above all else, and that he wants them to do what they want, but he still doesn't understand why that choice was following him... because he hasn't done enough to earn that.

Yes, they were all involved in the chaos that was Dressrosa, but that doesn't equal loyaty to that degree.

If it did, Law would finally admit they were friends, and not just allies. Hence his continued insistance of friendship and even though Law says they'll be enimies in the future at the end of Wano, Luffy ignores it. He knows it'll just take so more persistance, because that's what's worked in the past. Growing up in the Gray Terminal would have taught Luffy that people who are nice right off the bat or who suddenly switch to being nice probably want something from you, and while he is canon attitude leads him to not care most of the time, he's definitely aware of it. So he expects people who will eventually care for real to be meaner at first. as if "Real love is always earned and never just given" is a true statement in his mind.

On top of all this, Luffy hates being alone. So of course he fights so hard for these friendships, for the love that he has for his crew and friends... because without them, he'd be alone. What other choice does he have?

[raven-at-the-writing-desk]

Good evening, I got another idea for your new event

Aces' older brother and grim interaction like "oh, Ace, how you got so tall— agh! It's not Ace" "oh? Oh. Oooh, hello. Isn't it that 'stupid raccoon' my lil' bro was talking about? " "HEY! Don't call THE great Grim raccoon! "

[Referencing this interaction!]

… I like how we’ve come to a silent consensus that Big Bro Trappola is just a taller version of Ace 😂

Fun fact: In the JP fandom, a lot of fans call Ace’s brother “Jack”, a reference to the character “Jack Hearts” from the Villain Recruiters group (part of Tokyo Disney Sea’s Halloween events).

Family means Nobody is Left Behind or Forgotten.

You heard Grim's familiar shrill cries echo up from the bottom of a twisting stairwell. Peering down over the banister, you found an auburn-haired boy detaining Grim by the scruff, the poor little beast flailing for freedom. You called out to them as you jogged down the stairs, speaking a name you knew so well: Ace.

As you approached, a realization started to set in—that Ace was far taller than usual. But surely it was the same cheery troublemaker you'd always known. He had the same cheeky smile and bright eyes.

A growth spurt? Or had he defied Riddle's warnings to not eat the dubious mushrooms that grew in the Heartslabyul gardens?

Ace casually raised his free hand to wave as you descended. “Yo.”

“Hey!! Wow Ace, when did you get this tall?” you said teasingly.

The corner of his mouth lifted, amused. You noticed that he had parted his bangs today, and had drawn on his heart much smaller, more of an accessory than a statement piece.

“Well, you know how it is. A growing boy like me’s always got something up his sleeve.”

“M-Minion, there you are!!” Grim sputtered, aggressively kicking his furry feet midair. “Quick, after this imposter!”

“Imposter?”

“Don’t mind him. Little dude’s got his tail in a twist cuz I called him a raccoon.” A wicked grin crept onto Ace’s lips. It was easy and devil-may-care—and Ace was that devil. “Isn’t that right, ta-nu-ki-chan?”

He prodded Grim’s cheek with each singsong syllable. One, two, three, four… and Grim lost it.

“MYAAAH!!” He thrashed about wildly, swiping his paws at his just-out-of-reach captor. “I’m so MAD, I could spit!! When I get my paws on you, I’ll…!”

“Watch it, or you’ll set the whole dorm on fire,” you warned, “and then we’ll have an upset Riddle to deal with.”

“Who, the teapot tyrant? Isn’t he off sipping tea somewhere? I wouldn’t worry about him.”

“Ace!!” You gaped at him, eyes wide. “You talking about him is just going to make Riddle magically manifest to collar you again! It’s like the universe is out to get you at this point.”

“I’m cool with that. I doubt he’ll behead me anyway.”

“What makes you think he won’t?!”

Ace simply shrugged and wiggled his brows—as if daring you to guess. “Let’s just say I don’t think I’m the guy he’d be after,” he said mysteriously with a wink.

“AHHHHHHHH!!”

You startled at the scream that tore through the air. Your head whipped in the direction of it, expecting an enraged Riddle, face red and nostrils flaring, charging at you. Instead, the person scrambling over was…

“Ace?!”

You looked back at the young man holding onto Grim, then again at the one fast approaching. Side by side, the little differences between them came to light.

The taller Ace was sharper in every way—eyes, lips, face. His attire was far more casual than Riddle would allow for: an open vest, dress shirt undone a few buttons, a loose tie thrown over his shoulder. He had a relaxed maturity about him, as though Ace had been aged into some semblance of adulthood, but had maintained all of his wonder.

The imposter assumed a sheepish smirk. “‘Sup, lil’ bro?”

“Don’t ‘sup, lil’ bro me!!” Ace groaned, marching over to land a swift punch to his brother’s arm arm. “Dude, you can’t just ditch me to go screw with my friends! Only I'm allowed to do that!"

“My bad, my bad. I was just curious about what kinda people you hang around with.” His brother laughed, setting Grim back on the ground. You were quick to grab him before he circled around to attack the older Trappola’s pant leg.

“So,” Ace’s brother continued, his gaze trained on you and Grim, “you must be the ones that had Ace running to Sage’s Island over winter break. He was really worried when you got your SOS text. Basically broke his piggy bank to make sure he had enough allowance to take public transportation back to NRC.”

“Oh? Really? I had no idea he was so desperate to be my hero.”

“H-Hey, don’t listen to him! He’s blowing it out of proportion! I totally wasn’t that worried,” Ace protested. “Besides, if dummies like you and Deuce weren’t around… then school life would be so much more boring. A wellness check here or there’s fine, so lay off!”

His brother chuckled. Leaning into your ear, he murmured, “That’s how Ace shows that he cares.”

“Oi, what are you whispering about?!” Ace cried, elbowing his brother out of the way. “Stop gettin’ all chummy with MY friends and butt out. You’re supposed to be spending time with your family today anyway, so let’s get going!”

“What, I was just about to embarrass you by sharing stupid stories with them~”

“Like I’d like that happen!!” With a pout, Ace yanked on his brother’s arm. “Come on, you have adult stuff to do!!”

"Like you don’t have kid stuff to do?”

“I’m NOT a little kid anymore!”

“And I’m still young at heart.”

Stuck between the duo, you and Grim exchanged knowing glances.

“Those two… they really are alike, huh?”

“You know it, minion.”

[0lshadyl0]

Thoughts on communal Yandere crew? Probably just platonic, granted, but still. I'm thinking Whitebeards specifically. Like, they're all yandere but relatively stable so most don't notice, even if they're a 'darling' and most members have rules. Like, Ace has to eat with someone so he doesn't drown in his soup. Marco has designated rest times that are enforced. Whitebeard has a drinking limit. Ect. Ect. Some have favorites, like any normal family, but they look after their own. It just feels like a somewhat overprotective family right up until someone is threatened or tries to leave without clearing it first. For the latter, they'll probably be grounded and maybe more depending on how they try to leave. The former? Nothing left to identify and it all happens so FAST.

New crewmates tend to wave off red flags. Like, how does Thatch ALREADY know their favorite food? How did Marco know they were being harassed by Marines? Why can't they go anywhere without seeing a 'brother' or 'sister' around every corner? *Shrugs* must be because it's such a big crew.

I mean... Ace was literally recruited with low-key Stockholm tactics, so it's not like it's far off from canon. I imagine legit yandere Whitebeards would be impossible to leave, difficult to figure out, and really good at the whole "You'll love it here if you'd just accept that we want to love you!" bit. Which is touching if you ignore the very real possibility that you slide too far into 'beloved darling' territory and never have any real freedom again.

For your own good, of course.

Certainly, my friend, it is just as you say (especially in part about Ace and how he ended up with the whitebeard pirates) and that is, if we really think and get a little creative by distorting the plot of the series, almost all pirate groups would be platonic yanderes with their own members, since we have seen how several of their captains care about their nakamas, an example of this is Trafalgar Law or Esusstas Kid in Wano

But yes, the best demonstration of a platonic yandere pirate group with its members, is definitely the whitebeard pirates, (which I like to think that whitebeard had the yandere disease thanks to his harsh childhood and he indirectly instilled it in each son that came to his crew) after all, Ace (if we see it in a yandere perspective) was looking for Teach to kill him and thus avenge Thatch's death, isn't that what yanderes do?, kill for the beings they love?

Not only that, Whitebeard in marineford was also shown to be a platonic yandere along with his group, after all, how many lives were lost in that battle, just to save a young fool who underestimated his enemy

Now that I think about it, Ace could well have been the darling of the whitebeard pirates and we hadn't realized it

[bigball-thefrog]

Not So Different Pt1: Dragon Sabo X Dragon Trainer User

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(Poll)

Alright so I'm back again, sorry if I'm taking too long, it's just extremely hot where I live and it's absolutely draining me of all energy. But I've brought the next voted idea from the pole and the second last one of the week! And yes you did read the total correctly, bec I will definitely be posting a part 2 of this!

Warnings/Tags:

Gender neutral reader

Talking about hunting and killing dragons

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Narrator POV

Sabo stood atop a cliff, glancing at his map then back at the forest below, not knowing where he was going but there was a destination at the end, and that's all that matters.

Sabo wasn't like most dragons that would pick a cave to live in and hoard something. No. He was a free spirit, and because he was a dragon, who could stop him from doing what he wanted. Freedom, adventure, with the only problem being solitude, that was the life of a dragon. He loved it though, but it could get lonely sometimes. Yes he had his brothers Luffy and Ace, but they had their own adventures, and once awhile all three brothers would by accident meet up and a new story for the history books would be created before the three parted ways again, destined to meet up again and and add a new story to the tales of the three dragon brothers. But then he'd be alone again, because who would want to be around a dragon such as himself. Folding his map and placing it in pocket, Sabo had planned his route and knew where to go. Spreading his arms out, Sabo leaned forward and fell off the cliff, before he hit the trees below, he aimed his head upwards and transformed. His body growing and morphing, clothes, skin and hair turning into beautiful white scales, eyes becoming sharper, hands growing talons, his back sprouting wings and a tail, and of course the fire in his heart coming to life once again as his new adventure began. Within the blink of an eye Sabo transformed from a young gentleman into a graceful white dragon, soaring through the air. His adventure had begun, and he had a feeling this one would be special.

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Landing in a small clearing, Sabo turned back into a human, this was to be his camp for the night. Catching some fish nearby Sabo made a fire and ate dinner. Tonight was peaceful, warm weather, clear starry skies, no sound but the crackling fire and nocturnal animals, singing their nighttime song. He enjoyed night like these, but he enjoyed nights like these better when he had someone to share stories with or just talk to... He missed his brothers but he knew it wouldn't be long before he saw them soon, he just wish it could be sooner. But he didn't need to mope about that now, he needed to go to bed! Because the sooner he went to bed, the sooner he would wake up and that would mean he could carry on sooner with his latest adventure. Putting out his fire, Sabo turned back into a dragon to sleep for the night, that way no nearby monsters would want to attack him.

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A snapping branch caught his attention. Sabo lifted his head and peered into the darkness of where the snapping sound came from, and quickly he found the silhouette of a person coming towards him, he raised his head further to see them better. Once they got close enough and thanks to their torch that he could see, you, he instantly looked at their clothes and scowled. He recognized those clothes, you came from a village known for their dragon hunting. He should've been more on guard, no he was facing someone that hunted his kind for trophies! He let out a low growl and stood up, so you knew he could see you. You stopped at a distance away from him and he could see your face, you seemed... Different... Your face didn't seem to hold any malice in it, but rather seemed kind... Still not trusting you he growled again, this time making smoke come out his nose as if to say "Go away or I will attack" but you didn’t move, you just held up your free hand, in a surrendering gesture. "Hey hey, take it easy, I'm not here to hurt you..." you said. Sabo was confused, why would a hunter not be there to hurt him? But he still didn't let his guard down and kept trying to sense for anymore hunters while keeping his eye on the one in front of him. But then you surprised him again, you threw a large leg of raw meat at him, were you trying to feed him?! He still didn't trust it, and he didn't eat raw meat, so he just left it.

You sighed, then sat down, "I'm not going to hurt you... I just want to... Tame you..." tame him?! Sabo hadn't heard of someone wanting to tame a dragon of all things, and you were from a village of hunters, why were you talking about taming what your village took pride in killing? Sabo didn't trust it and he could sense it was just you so he could easily fly away, but he didn't... He didn't know why but there was something different about you, maybe you were telling the truth. He thought about the thing you said about taming him and it amused him this time. He was more than just a simple dragon to be tamed, he was still half human, but your kind didn't know that. So he decided to tease play along with you. He sat back down and loafed, meaning he was calm. You perked up and looked surprised. Standing back up you inched closer to the dragon making sure to move sma steps at a time so as to not make him uncomfortable and aggravate him. Sabo just watched in amusemt as you got closer and stayed silent. Once you were right in front of him you spoke again, "Is it alright if I touch you?" you asked in a quiet and calm voice. Sabo lowered his head and you gently rubbed the scales. He let out a noise of contentment, both to play along with his joke, but also because your hands felt nice.

You eventually stepped back a bit and took off your bag, "Such a beautiful creature, my village is wrong with hunting your kind." you said and Sabo was pleased to hear that, it was unusual for humans to say that about dragons, almost everyone feared his kind, but he had gotten used to it by now. "You're such a pretty one, such beautiful white scales... I think I'll call you Nimbus," Nimbus?! What were you talking about?? Why on earth were you naming him, Sabo thought. Oh god, you were trying to turn him into a pet, weren't you? Now this was becoming hilarious! Not only were you trying to ame Sabo, but you were trying make him your pet! Sabo was holding back from laughing right in your face, but he had to continue, just to mess with you more. You started digging through your bag, and brought out a large Seattle and reigns, oh now this was getting even better! You were trying to ride him like a damm horse! "Alright Nimbus, is it alright if I put this on you?" you asked in a calming voice again, now Sabo just couldn't resist...

In the most clear, firm but amused voice, Sabo finally spoke to you, "No, I'd rather you not treat me like a horse." you dropped the saddle and your jaw, Sabo continued, "And my name is not Nimbus, it's Sabo actually." your jaw dropped even lower, and to make it all worse, Sabo transformed back into his human form making your jaw drop all the way to hell. "See, not just an animal you can tame like a pet. My kind isn't that stupid you know~" He said with a smirk, obviously enjoying your reaction. He got closer to you and when he touched your shoulder, you just collapsed, he managed to catch you and he just chuckled and looked you over, deciding what to do.

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When you finally sat up you were laying next to a fire. You sat up, taking in your surroundings when you saw Sabo. He sat poking the fire until he saw you were awake and smiled, "Ah, you're finally awake. You didn't react well to my little surprise there~" he got up and sat next to you, "Are you alright? I didn't scare you too much, did I?" He asked with a more softer smile this time. You sat up and shook your head, "No... I'm fine.. Are you, really that?" "That same dragon? Yes. Your kind doesn't know this because you kill us before getting to know. Us but all us dragons have a human form." you blushed from embarrassment, "Oh... I'm so sorry for us humans... I never liked hunting..." "Thank you for that, it's rare someone doesn't fear or hunt my kind and it's kind of refreshing that I can just talk to someone that won't run away. So tell me, why the sympathy for dragons?" he scooted a little closer to you with a curious look and a soft smile. You sat up and started talking, "As you could guess, I live in the dragon hunting capital and, I've just never liked it when someone brought back a dragon... It was kind of a rare occasion, but still happened enough to gain the reputation, but all I remember from those days was the looks on the dragons faces... Filled with fear, desperation... It made me feel sick, and it made me think that there must be another way to deal with dragons other than a massacre, and so I thought... Maybe like we did with wolves and cats, we could tame your kind... But now I know, that we're not all that different, and I'm sorry if I upset you for seeing you as a potential pet, but I hope we could become friends at least..." You gave him a hopeful look, he smiled back. "Of course, I like to make new friends and it's been ages since I've made friends with a human." you smiled back.

There was a brief comfortable silence before you asked, "So, what else can you do other than transform into a dragon and fly?" Sabo smirked and placed his hands on his hips confidently, "Well, we are the first ever users of fire magic, so we're masters of it actually. We breathe fire in our dragon forms, in our human forms we can summon and control fire, and we use a special type of fire magic to send messages!" he said confidently and you were amazed." How does the message thing work??" You asked curiously and his smirk grew wider. "Well we'll write down our message on a piece of paper and light it up with our fire magic, and the ashes will catch in the wind and blow towards the person we're sending the message too and when it reaches the person it reforms back into its paper form with the message on it." you were even more amazed "But how do the ashes know where to go???" Sabo chuckles, "Well, we just think of who we want to send it to and it'll find them, it's magic." He said casually like it was obvious while you were just dumbfounded. Sabo chuckled at your reaction when wind blew and ashes flew past his face, "Ah, here comes one now." Sabo held out his hand and th ashes blew around his hand before materializing back into a scroll of paper. He unrolled it and began reading, while you just silently watched. As he rad it his smile dropped and he gripped the paper tightly. But he calmed down and put the scroll in his pocket before looking at you, "Well, it's seems my brothers need my help, one of them has been caught by your village and is going to be executed and I need your help." "My help?" "Yes, it's your village and you know the place so I would really appreciate it if you could me save one of my brothers..." Sabo pleaded. You hesitated, you didn't like it in your village and you knew if you went back that it might not be such a warm welcome, but Sabo was your friend now, something you haven't had before, and you didn't want to just abandon him now when he needed you, so you nodded, "Alright, I'll help you."

Sabo smiled and stood up, putting out the fire and handing your things he helped you up too, "Alright, just put your hands on my shoulders, and hold on like your life depends on it!" "Uhh, couldn't we just use my saddle for me to sit on...?" Sabo laughed and shook his head, "Oh hell no! We don't have time to figure out how a dragon saddle works and I have enough pride not to wear one, now come on!" Before you could protest Sabo grabbed you by the waist and you both shot up in the air as he transformed and flew into the sky. Once the initial reaction of fear and screaming was over, you finally opened your eyes to see that you were soaring through the night sky while being firmly held in Sabos talons. He looked down to where you were and gave you a toothy grin, "Don't worry, I won't let you fall~ And if I do, I'll just catch you... Hopefully." He teased but you still looked mortified. He just laughed and looked back up, flying towards your village of dragon hunters where you now had to confront your people and sobe someone you were raised to kill...

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Alright, that's another one for today, and if anyone was wondering, yes the way how dragons deliver messages is a reference to how Spike delivers twilights messages to princess Celestia in My Little Pony, I thought it would be funny sorry (´｡• ω •｡`). But I'll try and post the Sanji idea soon, if not tomorrow then I'll definitely post it Saturday so I'll see you all very soon.

Kelly🐸