#btw this 2 minute ad is gold

[punkitypunker]

2014 Royal Rumble commercial. Bonus blooper gifs :

[mxmade-up]

It's alright!! The ramble is just fine!

I'm surprised, I hadn't heard there'd only be 5 episodes! Though, it absolutely does make sense, and I don't mind much.

At first when I saw the art I was a bit put off but, I think I do like it after getting used to it? Though some of the designs I agree, I wish were a bit more faithful.. I understand simplifying them for animation, but their designs right now feel a bit.. Strange? Like it feels like they don't keep a lot of key things from their game designs, which could've been very fun! But, I understand they may be going something that maybe we just don't see right now? I'm deciding to stay optimistic.

I agree with the dead cells as a framework thing, and I honestly think that could be really interesting. I hope the show will be good! I'll see if I can't get the game for myself to celebrate it.

I was very put off by the art style too at first. This is coming from someone who didn’t grow up from cartoons and has a low tolerance for a lot of the art styles. In motion, I think it looks fine for most scenes. Or at least most of the scenes they showed.

Btw, on the episodes number I was wrong. Don’t know French so was only picking out the numbers. Sorry! :(

From what I can tell, there will be 10 episodes total, each ~7 minutes. I again ask people to remember motion twin is indie. 5 airing on ADN (French anime streaming service) on June 19 and the other 5 on the 26. About ADN, you can’t watch for free with ads on there. You have to subscribe. Unless there’s a free trial, I think that will be a big turn off for a lot of people. Maybe one dedicated fan will make it pirate-able and then that will help with access. Also, I can’t tell if there’s guaranteed English subs.

you’ll need a VPN too, looks like it’s France only

Link to Dead Cell Immortalis’ page on ADN

Take everything I say with a grain of salt I may have misinterpreted a lot of things

As for the designs? I have a few theories

1. They want to make the show more approachable by non-dead cells fans. The less previously established characters you have and the less motifs, the less background you need. I mean, Laure was created with the explicit purpose of informing our favorite amnesiac cell blob of the world

2. They wanted people to be able to draw visual connections between the the Beheaded and king. Assuming they’re still connected at all

In game the Beheaded has a star/cross instead of an eye on the default head.

This can also be seen in the trailer. Sometimes.

(Also spider rune and ground pound yayy)

King’s symbol change was to

Almost a star. But, stylized to resemble a crown too. This very well could be a stretch. Maybe they just felt the original coat of arms didn’t have the old sci-fi look half these guys have.

3. They’re designed so the heads stick out. Like fingernails. Because they’re the hand. Do you guys even get what I’m saying with this

Not design related, I want to mention UI

Cells and gold moved to where mutations would be. Prisoner’s collar, 1 flask charge, base sword, base shield, and mystery item #3. We can assume from this it’s early on in the series. Amulets moved to be visible. Empty health but no scrolls of power indicator. I just found it interesting

[zaptap]

cleared 15 more floors of side order last night and left the last 5 for tonight (i remembered that i beat octo expansion like a day or 2 before the first splatfest after it--the orange juice one--so i decided i should try to be done in time for this one too)

and i beat it! (some spoilers ahead)

first 2 phases of the final boss weren't so bad, but in the third i died once (from the stingray... i remembered stingers are the number one thing i die from in salmon run so after that whenever i heard it i just RAN. reefsliders also broke my armor once so i learned to be careful of those too)

and since i only have 2 lives i had to play it super safe the rest of the fight. after dying, it literally took me almost 20 minutes for just that one phase (i recorded my playthrough so i know exactly how long it took).

i'd swapped my special for killer wail at a vending machine early on (using dualies btw) so my strategy was just to continue swimming + inking around the perimeter of the stage and then point the wail at it and go back to running. i also had a swim speed up chip and that certainly helped. slowly i wore each of the targets down bit by bit until they were gone (and sometimes ofc if i felt safe enough i'd hurl a splat bomb--i also got those--or go in and shoot at it)

wave 4 was super fun but i let all that power (and the music) go to my head and almost got killed by stingray again (if i didn't have armor i wouldve been dead)

was a little surprised that you only have to clear 30 floors (i guess 40 including the tutorial) considering how quick a lot of them go, i guess the expectation is you'll lose at least one run? (and i guess i did come close to doing that)

it's gonna get harder from here though probably. generally i chose based on which color chips seemed best, so i ended up doing a lot of easier floors (and i quickly learned my dislike of splat zones extends to this version of them too, i barely made it through a couple of normal/hard ones and decided to avoid them for the rest of the run) (tbh they're still better than defending an orb. at least you don't die if they take the zone)

....but i expect i'll probably want to clear all of the floors at least once in the end, just like how i've cleared every octo expansion/rotm stage with every weapon even though that isn't really necessary. so im going to have to go through splat zone hell later. maybe that'll make me better at splat zones though (also i guess the hacks should make that significantly easier. all i had was one extra life and slight damage reduction)

i did do one rigorous floor, acrobatic_triangular.floor, and it was fine. as with a lot of things in this game the trick was to just keep moving

and now that i've finally unlocked inkopolis square i can work on clothing store badges again (having unlocked the gold one in splatsville recently). i added up the amount needed to get everything i didn't have from 1 star to 2 stars and it was well over a million (this was before fresh season added more, too) so i didn't have to worry about potentially not being able to put money towards the jelfonzo badges. but at least now i'll get them sooner

i do still need gold hat/shoe badges from splatsville (i have all the inkopolis plaza ones) so i guess i'll be running back and forth until i have all of those and can focus my purchases entirely on inkopolis square shops

anyway splatfest for the next couple days so i guess i won't be doing anything in side order until at least after that. i do have several days off in a row though. also i gotta do my taxes. also i gotta get up for work in like 3 hours goodnight

[inkofamethyst]

May 3, 2023

Mysterious Cool Girl Effect ruined.  Had to reveal where I was going for grad school to my ex.  Was kind of trying to see how long I could go without telling him.  Devastated.  

A while ago (September 8, 2022), I commented on how I have a terrible streak of comparing myself to others.  This is not going to disappear quietly, I know, and I think it might even get worse with my new environment.  It’s on my mind because the person I was comparing myself to has announced her plans for graduate school and it came up on my feed.  And even with all of my accomplishments, I still find myself doing it.  Comparing.  The same mess that made me start this journal in the first place (with significantly less crying).

Simone Biles got married recently, and I saw a post on LinkedIn (I know, groan) from some other olympic gold medalist (who I don’t follow or even know or anything btw) who quipped that “with all the medals and podiums, your greatest feats will be known as ‘Wife & Mother!’”  And maybe it’s just the raging feminist in me, but that comment literally makes me so wildly upset????  I don’t want my attachment to someone else to be my greatest achievement????  What about all the amazing things Simone has accomplished?  The way she’s made herself a name known around the world?  Yes, I am so happy that she’s been able to find love, and it’s not that those roles can’t be incredibly fulfilling because I am sure they absolutely can be, but it feels so severely reducing.  

It’s incredibly refreshing to be in a position where I could fully get a D on tomorrow’s stats midterm and still be just fine in the class overall.  I mean, I barely revised for the last one (admittedly, a poor decision) and nearly got full marks.  I could probably just, show up tomorrow armed with a vague idea about a few hypotheses and be all right.  I’m not gonna do that.  Of course not.  (Probably not.)  [edit, next day: that is exactly what I did.  finished the exam in twenty minutes.  not sure if I understood everything perfectly or if I was flying blind (I feel like I’m the kind of person to literally just skip an entire page of an exam on accident :/).]  But I’ve got the sleepytired again...  [the sleepytired won.  if the exam went terribly horribly wrong, at least I got an amazing night of sleep, I guess.  I’ll find out tomorrow] 

Today I’m thankful for uh.. for the fact that I live close enough to home that I can pop over there for a day just to wash my hair because my apartment shower is trifling.  After this upcoming set of braids, I’m going to give my hair a break.  It’s been in braids back-to-back since January with nary a rest, so this summer is going to be protective styles with my own hair only.  No blow driers, just focusing on hair health.  This fall.. maybe I’ll “splurge” on a 30″ set...

[edit 2, late afternoon the next day: ACED CELL BIO MIDTERM 3 WOO!!!  even though it was an open-note test, it feels fulfilling because I did have to legitimately think for some of the questions]

[edit 3, two days later: I did, in fact, skip an entire page of the stats exam.  Actually did end up with a D.  My prof emailed me to let me know that normally she’d offer me the opportunity to come in and take that page over again (literally the sweetest prof I’ve ever had), but as long as I submit the final project, I’ll still get an A in the class, and she could surmise based on the rest of the exam that I knew the material quite well anyway :’)  I think it’s funny that she added a note to “not obsess over this” because that is exactly the type of thing I’d do lol (I even went in to check the math to make sure I’d still get an A (I’ll be above the cutoff by two points)).  All in all, a learning opportunity.]

[sneezefiction]

dance with me

Bokuto x Reader - Scenario

event request: “Can you do prompt 2. Dance with me for Bokuto?? Congrats btw!”

a/n: i’m always down to write anything for Bokuto, bb. enjoy some fluffy, slow-dancing moments with your fiancé, Bo, for me please, love!!

warnings: mentions of marriage & engagements

wc: 1350

---

“Y/n, can you set that down for a minute?” Bokuto’s grin peeks over the top of your paperback book as he pushes it down with his hands.

“But Bo, I’m at the best part!” You whine, pulling it towards your chest, away from his grasp.

He’s leaning over you now, a signature pout adorning his expression. You try not to look up, but you can’t help it.

No.

Not those eyes.

His puppy-dog expression tugs at your heartstrings in the worst way. His eyebrows are knitted together with such sorrow, imploring you to give him your undivided attention.

“For me? Please.” He’s begging. Again, a puppy-dog. 

“I just want to be with you…” His head is tilted, eyes pleading.

You sigh helplessly. So needy.

But you give him a soft smile, gently marking the chapter and setting aside your beloved book for the boy you love even more.

His eyes light up immediately, Bokuto’s smile is beaming at full-force once again. Just as it should be.

“Fine-” 

As soon as he gets verbal confirmation, he’s grabbing you firmly by the underneath of your thighs and lifting you up off the couch causing you to gasp. Your balance is thrown completely off. He laughs as you frantically tuck your legs behind his back and throw your arms around his neck to keep yourself from falling backward.

With that, you give him a frustrated frown, but the moment his eyes crinkle with mischief, you know you’re in trouble. He squeezes your thighs, tickling you, which forces you to abandon your forced frown and sends you into a bout of bubbling laughter.

A peachy blush forms across his grinning face at the sound of your voice, even though he’s the one who’s supposed to be getting you flustered. Bokuto buries his face into the crook of your neck, drawing your body even closer to his. You tighten your hold around his neck, loving the way his soft, grey hair brushes against your face.

Bokuto is always trying to find new ways to incite that divine sound. 

It’s like music to his ears… 

Music...

“AH MUSIC.” He blurts out, jolting his head back to face you, a flash of excitement glimmering in his golden-yellow eyes.

His sudden movement shouldn’t have startled you since he’s almost never calm for more than a few seconds, but you still haven’t fully adapted to his chaotic tendencies.

“Babe, what?” You question, cocking an eyebrow at his goofy expression. 

“Ahhh, just come with me!” He expresses impatiently.

“Bo, you’re literally carrying me.” You state, but not without a laugh.

So he sets you down gently, allowing your feet to meet the floor before immediately dashing to the next room over, leaving you confused and wondering what your boisterous sweetheart was getting you into this time.

But in all truth, you’ve never loved someone more.

Before Bokuto, you’d always fallen for short-term lovers. “Bad boys,” as Bokuto now cheesily refers to them as.

It was easy to fall for their mysterious, eye-catching personalities and attractive faces. 

They promised you pretty things. Long, steamy nights in dim-lit hotel rooms. Flirty, messy kisses in darkened theaters. Yes, your past boyfriend’s showered you in dirty, devoted promises about what they would do to you.

But it was never about what they would do for you.

You would always end up wishing for more. For something beautiful to happen in the slower, cloudier moments of life. For someone to last longer than the sunny, sensual seconds…

Yet they never stuck around to share the little things. You were always racing against time. Any ounce of conflict or trouble would crumble the already shaky foundation of your relationship.

It was never like that with Bokuto.

It didn’t bother him if you were sick, blowing your nose for 4 days straight or leaning over a toilet seat. He was there. Never leaving you alone except to get groceries or medicine. Holding your hair back and buying you boxes of tissues and cough drops. He would gladly catch a cold for you.

It didn’t matter that you were trapped inside your apartment on your 2 year anniversary, sheets of pouring rain coasting across the window panes, the weather laughing at your attempts to go out. Bokuto was impossible to faze in moments like these. He lit candles across the kitchen counter-tops when the power gave out and wrapped his arms around your shoulders as you concocted a dessert of some sort. You two consumed ungodly amounts of cookie dough that night and shared in celebratory chocolate kisses.

It didn’t change when you were grief-stricken. When you’d locked yourself behind a closet door, sobbing and mourning your most recent loss. He would sit on the opposite side of the door. Waiting for you. Crying with you. That small space under the door? Bokuto used it to feel around for your fingers, linking them together with his digits when he found them. That day, and many times after, he coaxed you out of real and metaphorical closets with loving, gentle words. 

It’s why you chose to set that precious book down today. 

It’s why you let him hold you whenever he’s feeling needy or lonely, a knowing smile etched onto your face.

It’s why you decided to put on that gold-laced engagement ring. Why you accepted his teary-eyed marriage proposal months ago.

Because for so long, you couldn’t see yourself with anyone for more than a couple months at most. It always seemed to end no matter how much effort you put into your side of the relationship.

Yet Bo gave you every reason to believe that he would stick around, making you feel like you always had a place by his side. That you were always wanted. Worthy of a lifelong commitment. 

And whether you liked it or not, he would’ve bugged you until you agreed to marry him, so it’s probably a good thing you accepted the first time around.

You’re snapped out of your thoughts because just as soon as he had raced out of the room, he’s back with a newfound energy, hands full with a massive Bluetooth speaker and a fully-charged phone.

The moment it’s set up, he’s choosing a song. His eyes dash through all of his beloved playlists labeled with strangely specific names. You peer over his shoulder, catching a glimpse of the one he’s scrolling through.

The playlist is titled “Dance With Me.”

You burst into another soft fit of giggles over the lovey-dovey name, causing him to turn his head, much like a curious owl.

He had the makings to be a charmer. And a cheeseball.

Both, for sure.

“Y/nnnn, don’t make fun of me! I need to practice for the wedding, don’t I?” He wiggles his eyebrows at you like a schoolboy with a crush.

A smile silently adorns your features.

With the click of a song, your ears are blessed with the melodic flow of R&B, thick with bluesy guitars and lyrical loveliness. A true slow jam, perfect for rocking on heels and leaning into broad shoulders.

You roll your eyes, throwing your arms around his neck for the 2nd time today.

“We’ve still got 8 months til we’re married, baby.” You remind him, your heart jumping at your own words. 

8 short months.

8 months until forever.

Forever with your favorite person.

And it doesn’t scare you. No, the flutters in your stomach are reassuring and brimming with excitement. 

You couldn’t wait.

So you rest your forehead against his, staring deeply into his contemplative orbs.

As you two sway to the beat, you can tell he’s thinking. Pondering that sentence. Cultivating a response. You can feel it in the way his thumbs stroke the sides of your hips in deliberation.

He’s searching your gaze and his own mind. Drawing a conclusion.

You just wait. Swaying to the beat, drinking in his almond, vanilla scent, patiently watching his thought process unfold before you.

“I just wish it were sooner.” He whispers, eyes locked on yours.

Oh.

Oh Bokuto.

You release your hold around his neck, slowly drawing your face away from his and moving your hands toward his features. The slow dancing pauses, his feet subconsciously planting themselves on the floor in curious anticipation of what’s to come.

Your knuckles stroke his cheekbones, causing him to flush slightly. Fingers brush against his jawline, your eyes now concentrated on his lips.

How dare he speak such beautiful things with that mouth. Always so smooth when you least expect it.

You lean in, giving him a soft peck, lingering on his lips for just for a moment. Enough to tease him. Because it’s so unfair of him to say things like that... 

When he knows full well that you would marry him right here, on the spot.

Under the broken chandelier in your dingy apartment’s living room, you would dedicate your whole life to him, vows and all, while twirling to a playlist called “Dance With Me.”

---

tags: @cherryonigiri, @yams046, @kaidasen, @miss-rin

(comment or send an ask to be added to my general tag list)

[houses-of-lamentation]

Love Letters!

In Which . . . You decide to confess your feelings in a somewhat unorthodox way

A/N: first headcanons, make some nOISE, idk what im DOING

Lucifer

How ELSE were you supposed to confess your feelings for Lucifer of all people??

You worked damn hard on making this letter look nice by the way, we talking Aesthetic with pretty calligraphy too (ya gotta impress Lucifer somehow)

You slipped it underneath his door (far safer than putting it anywhere his brothers could find it—) and hid in your room until your nerves could die down

Lucifer was undoubtedly surprised when he received said letter, though of course flattered

Will not admit it but after reading your confession, he absolutely spent at least several minutes just trying to Think

Not only did you have feelings for him but you put effort into this elegant letter of sorts??

You made the Avatar of Pride soft!!

The next chance he gets, he asks you for a moment alone

Gets right to the point though and immediately tells you how flattered he is

And fortunately, he absolutely reciprocates your feelings

Hope you enjoy your upcoming date at Ristorante Six—!!

Mammon

Yes you did use gold ink for this love letter, duh

You slipped it underneath his door and even though he wasn’t in there, you absolutely made yourself scarce

When he finds it, he at first thinks this is just another letter from Lucifer like that one time,,,

Of course, he practically dies when he realizes it is actually from you!!

Doesn’t even get a chance to read the whole letter before he starts freaking out

You!! Wrote!! Him!! A!! Love!! Letter!!

Him!!

Immediately texts all of his brothers, and they can’t even understand what he’s saying, far too many typos

Tries to play it off immediately after but it’s far too late

Goes to your room instantly upon finishing the letter

This dumbass is in your room like “The Great Mammon SUPPOSES he could take you out on a date—” as if he isn’t shaking and blushing like a whole tomato

He’s also never ever ever getting rid of that letter now, btw

Leviathan

A love letter just made sense to you, alright! Maybe you panicked—

You were over in Levi’s room playing games with him, and afterwards, you’d made sure to leave the letter behind

Genius plan, really

He was entirely confused when he had found it, moments after you left

Thought you had forgotten it but,,,it has his name?? On it?? If you had something to tell him, why not just tell him??

Then he reads the letter

Oh

Look, he’d seen this before. He’s read about it, he’d just never thought that HE’D be on the receiving end!

Lies to himself as if this hasn’t made him the happiest demon in the Devildom—

After deciding this ISN’T a betrayal to Ruri-Chan, you promptly receive a text or two from him

Totally trying to play it cool but even over text you can practically FEEL how flustered he is

He’s already planning your first date, fun fact, it has to be perfect! You’re his Player 2 now!

Satan

Satan would absolutely appreciate a nice love letter, look at this mans

So, of course, you decided to put down all your feelings in a nicely written love letter

You even signed your name in CURSIVE, the absolute EFFORT

You slipped it underneath his door which might’ve been a bad idea, honestly

Have you seen how cluttered his room is??

Takes him at least a day to notice the letter so you definitely think he’s rejected you for a moment there—

He’s?? Never?? Received?? A?? Love?? Letter?? Before??

Honestly does NOT know how to feel, of course he likes you back?? But you went to the trouble of writing him a letter!

Should he write one back??

Just invites you out for a nighttime walk instead, but he’s got a plan!

He gives you a book, as some sort of gift, but when you open it, you find your letter inside

He’s added a little note though, about reciprocating your feelings and yes, you two hold hands for the rest of the walk—

Asmodeus

Look, you are dealing with THE Avatar of Lust, shouldn’t your confession be,,,big???

You have to imagine he’s been confessed to every number of ways but it’s probably been a while since he’s gotten a love letter!

You even spray the cardstock with one of the various fragrances he’s gotten you, yes we ARE putting out all the stops here

Plus, you get him a nice little rose because you can’t go wrong there, right?

You leave it in his room and honestly, he doesn’t notice it at first

But he instantly does a double take and !!!

You think his heart wouldn’t MELT when he sees you wrote him a love letter??

It’s just so wholesome and soft and gosh, it’s been awhile since someone did something so sweet for him,,,

He bouta buy you a whole bunch of gifts if you aren’t careful, I’m telling ya

Immediately shows up to your room and he’s GLOWING, this man is on CLOUD NINE

This is the softest you have ever seen Asmo and honestly??? It’s a vv nice look, enjoy your new boyfriend because he is NOT going anywhere

Beelzebub

Is a love letter the best way to confess to Beel?? Who knows, but you also bought him a box of chocolates SO!

You leave it in the kitchen which, obviously, sounds like a bad idea but he’s going to be the first one to find it

Plus you shoot him a text to check the kitchen (gotta be careful, okay!)

Just notices the chocolates at first and is super flattered because hey! You bought him food!

He is definitely confused when he reads the letter at first. Like,,,is this,,,normal for chocolate gifts??

Shows the letter to Belphie, who of course tagged along, and Belphie’s just very deadpan about it

“It’s a love letter, Beel”

You don’t get a text back for awhile and when you check the kitchen, he’s gone

Later though, there’s a knock at your door

It’s Beel and he bought you your own set of chocolates, he didn’t even eat it on the way here!

He says something about hoping to share all the food he gets with you from now on

He’s blushing like mad and he somehow seems even softer than normal

You better share those chocolates with him—

Belphegor

Honestly, a love letter made the most sense to you, you wouldn’t get flustered this way!

You leave the letter on his pillow (in his room ofc because he never goes anywhere without his cow pillow—)

He stares at the letter for a few moments just confused

Why are you writing him letters? You live in the same house?

He reads the letter and this does not decrease his confusion

He is totally blushing, but that’s not important!

Shows up to your room not long after reading it and he’s playing it off really well

“You didn’t have to write me a letter...”

Funny because you’re not getting the letter back either, that’s his now, it’s going to stay under his pillow forever, hands off

He says he likes you back though so??

He is sleeping in your room tonight though, move over, he’s tired

He still wants to be with you, okay—

[monkeydluffy19920]

I also noticed he’s wearing the circles like Nami does. Is there a reason for those circles?

——————————————————-

Greetings @icantthinkof1posts and many thanks for the submission :) I’ve never paid attention to this detail while watching Heart of Gold-tv special before so thanks for pointing this out!  Now that I look at the jacket pattern it surely reminds me of Nami’s skirt and jeans’ circles and after browsing her outfit gallery in One Piece fandom wiki it seems like these circles appear in many of her outfits:

The reason how those circles ended up in Sanji’s jacket in Heart of Gold probably remains a mystery forever but it indeed is a nice detail from the perspective of shipping. However, I think it is partly a coincidence, they both enjoy fashionable clothings and maybe they like same clothing brands. An interesting topic and for example my fellow shippers @pernanegra [x] and @sanjiafsincedayone [x] have written nice thoughts about clothing related to Sanji x Nami for Sannami week- event.

But in general, it’s actually pretty interesting to notice that Sanji and Nami indeed do seem to have some similarities and/ or “parallels” when it comes down to their style and clothing. For example in the following cases there seem to be something:

Sanji’s Alabasta’s outfit

First one might be very far fetched but I admit when I first saw the desert outfit after a long while, the sun on his sleeve reminded me of the logo of the Sun Pirates and guess who was part of the Sun Pirates? Arlong and then who was working under Arlong? Nami!

It’s hard to say did Oda-sensei mean any foreshadowing in this but now to think about the connection to the Sun Pirates came up later in the story line when Jinbei revealed to be close to Arlong.

Sanji knew about Nami’s backstory because Nojiko told it to them earlier when Nami struggled to fight against Arlong’s terror. She didn’t know Sanji knows so she was probably surprised why it was difficult to Sanji to face Jinbei’s confessions.

Actually the Nami’s backstory that returned in Mermaid Island arc turned unexpectedly into a parallel at the latest in Zou arc where Nami became the one who learned about Sanji’s backstory (well there was also Brook and the others but the point is, they both know their backstories)

A bit similar pattern in shirts

Before the Strawhats arrived to Alabasta, Nami wore this colorful heart-patterned shirt and later she changes it to the black/blue bikini top. Sanji also switches his outfit in Skypiea to this red-shaded and flowery patterns too that are a bit similar to Namis (who knows, maybe the same brand?)

 Punk Hazard style

Sanji’s winter outfit after the main adventures in Punk Hazard is stylish and has Nami’s colors and those S-patters partly resemble Nami’s iconic pinwheel tattoo. Her jacket instead follows a bit of Sanji’s suit jacket style (with 6 buttons)

Of course those swirls in Sanji’s jacket and in Nami’s could also represent the symbolism behind their names. My fellow shipper @eleamaya wrote a interesting analyze about their names:  Sanji = whirlpool  // Nami = Wave both things are linked to swirls.

The swirls can also be symbolism for Sanji’s curly eyebrows and now to think about, the symbol of the Arlong Pirates reminds a bit of a whirlpool if one looks quickly.

wearing blue and orange

There are obviously dozens of outfits Nami has worn but one thing that crossed my mind after browsing the One Piece’s fan gallery was that she wears a lot of blue, either the top or the bottom part which is nice because blue is a nice color.

(and yes I am color blind, I can’t distinguish blue and purple-ish well *laughs*)

Also Sanji likes to wear blue but also he has worn a lots of shades of yellow/orange.  Shipwise this  is an interesting thing to notice because their theme colors are blue and orange. Eleamaya linked it to the colors of the sunset which has these two very colors and she also pointed out there the common link in their names (related to the element of water).

(btw @sanjiafsincedayone‘s post about orange and blue sums ups well this theme)

ties

Both Nami and Sanji have been seen wearing ties both in canon and in Color Spreads, if we return into a earlier subject, Nami wears blue again in Water 7.

Offering the suit jacket to the lady

Sanji is a gentleman so it’s natural nice gesture for him to offer his jacket. First time he offered it to Nami when they survived the ordeals in Little Garden. Nami’s reaction was annoyed.

Later he gave his jacket when they were freezing in Punk Hazard’s cold side. Then Nami’s reaction was more friendly (she seemed actually be surprised about him doing it again). This is most likely because they’ve known each other for a longer time in Punk  Hazard arc.

Number 3 in clothing

There has been great analyzes about this topic but to sum it a little bit: Oda-sensei has given each Straw Hats a “theme”number that is based on their birthday and names, Sanji’s is 3.

He has worn number 3 in his outfit in Whole Cake Island arc in flashbacks when he was a child, mostly so their father and his minions could distinguish Sanji and his siblings.  Nami as well has worn number 3 in Water 7 arc. Actually Luffy has also worn numbers in the flashback arc.  but they are linked to his own birthday as far as I remember, Nami is only strawhat who has worn numbers “just for fun” so far but correct if it’s false.

Of course it might be that since  Nami was the third one to join the Straw Hats, her number also is therefore 3 which could be the reason why Oda-sensei made her wear that in Water 7.

clothing details in official art

@sanjiafsincedayone also wrote posts about the colors blue and orange and how they appear in One Piece. Oda-sensei likes to share his official One Piece art in Color Spreads between the chapters and in art collections (Color Walks) and once these are published, we fans then enjoy to find details that match to our OTP. 

Here are some of the stylish details that has been pointed out in Sanji x Nami posts about official art:

- similar/matching accessories

One thing Sannami fandom has pondered together is that they like to wear accessories, for some reason there has been a couple of drawings where the accessories are very similar to each other

(the picture below with giraffe theme is from Color Spread chapter 357 and the picture below with similar flowery necklaces is from Color Walk 5)

(They both seem to really enjoy wearing necklaces)

(and who knows, maybe that necklace that appears in Color Walk 4 could be the same as in  chapter 357)

When it comes down to similarities, there has also been same styled wristbands in chapter 878′s Color Spread

and sunglasses in the Color Spreads of chapter 941 and 835

Sanjiafsincedayone pointed out also that Nami seems to like to wear blue colored kimonos in Color Spreads

A couple of times Sanji and Nami either wear the same patterns in their clothes (i.e chapter 507)

or one wears swirls and the other rings (Chapter 937)

- character shirts, a (far fetched) foreshadow?

In chapter 692′s color spread Sanji wears a shirt where there is a character who l1ooks very much like Nami (with all the bikini top-style and curly hair)

Nami has actually worn character shirts as well, in chapter 578′s Color Spread. If the theory would be far fetched  then we could imagine that picture in her shirt could be referred to Alabasta arc (because of the cactus and desert) where he referred himself with a codename Mr Prince.

If we wanted to put this thought of this even more trickier we would think about Sabo’s background as a noble who never wanted to be a noble and ran away, just like Sanji did so that picture on her shirt could be also a parallel

but  since  the guy looks  more like Sabo perhaps it was more likely foreshadowing to Dressrosa when the Luffy’s long lost  brother made a comeback.  

And now to think about, Nami’s outfit in chapter 771′s and 588′s  Color Spreads could have foreshadowed the upcoming art since Sanji also wore ruffle-styled shirt before the tea party? (and actually, Nami’s WCI arc dress had ruffles too).

fun fact: Robin’s outfit in that Alice in Wonderland themed Color Spread was very close to what Sanji wore in WCI)

sweet escape

The gingerbread theme in chapter 902′s color spread was cute and as a shipper the view of Sanji and Nami sharing the same pattern icing/frosting/topping is cute (there were other Straw hats too in that picture but their patterns were different).

Movie 2 Clockwork Island

Last but not least in the list is One Piece’s second official movie. Yes, it’s a movie and therefore it’s non-canon but I find it interesing that out of all outfits and characters, Nami and Sanji are dressed as they could walk to the wedding aisle any minute. What makes it even more amusing is that Usopp and Zoro are dressed more traditionally and could bless their union *laughs*

And after the Whole Cake Island’s and Thriller Bark’s events and marriage theme that is quite a parallel in total (first Nami being the damsel in distress who needs to be saved from a forced marriage and then later Sanji being forced to marry because of his father’s policies) the more funnier the link between the arcs and  movie 2 feels (since there is too Nami being kidnapped and almost forced to marry someone she doesn’t want and the movie’s promo picture includes a bridal carry)

When it comes down to the concept of the word canon, It really depends on the shipper which is counted so called shipwise-material. For some everything is potential but dor some,  only manga as canon counts and  therefore everything else like side stories (fillers, movies), merchandising (ads etc.) is shipwise just so called “nice extra” (like some of these examples mentioned before) since  these filler-stories and movies are still mostly handwritten and directed by someone else than the main mangaka. Obviously Oda-sensei is the main supervisor and is very strict about what should happen and what not and he might do these detail things just for fun and it’s us reading it as signs for OTP. So all in all, as always said,

as much as we like to seek for details to support the ship,  it’s all about interpretation ;)

[927roses-and-stuff]

Miracles in Gotham: Chapter 4: Unwelcome Discoveries (Part 2)

Hey, guys! This fic is inspired by @ozmav’s Maribat AU. Shoutout to @mystery-5-5 for brainstorming ideas with me for this fic. 

Woah, updating twice within the same week? It’s like I finally learned how to manage my time!... Not. Honestly this is my stress relief right now because I have two papers due tomorrow and those subjects are not as much fun to write about. On another note, I just finished my midterm and passed! So, yay! Anyways, hope you guys enjoy and have a little bit of luck come your way too. 

Btw, after you’re reading this can you guys please tell me if I’m writing too much angst after reading through this chapter??? I am writing what I think would logically happen in this type of scenario, but I also tend to be really pessimistic. 

If you want to see more, follow: #miraclesingotham or ask to be added to the tag list.

Tag list: @northernbluetongue @zerotosiki @spicybelladonna @my-name-is-michell @legendaryneckjudgestudent @lokiifriggasonn

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By the time Marinette entered the classroom, her mood had lifted considerably from moments before. She sat at her usual seat and prepared her things as the rest of the class filed in. Her mood was slightly disrupted by a disgruntled Lila who roughly swept past her, but otherwise it seemed like today was finally going to be a normal day; well as normal as one could get in Paris, anyway. As the last remaining students settled in, Mme. Bustier walked into the room with a huge stack of papers. She settled them on her desk before addressing everyone. 

“Good morning, everyone!” 

“Good morning, Mme. Bustier,” the class parroted back in varying degrees of enthusiasm. Mme. Bustier smiled in satisfaction. 

“Now before we begin our usual morning exercise, I would like to call up Marinette and Alya to help me distribute these packages for you. I will give you a few minutes to look through it before discussing it further,” she said, as she split the pile of papers in half and handed one half to each girl. Marinette’s eyes bulged. The stack of papers consisted of multiple stacks of paper about twenty pages long each. She and Alya shared a glance before obeying Mme. Bustier’s orders. She started at Chloe and Sabrina’s desk and ended with Rose and Juleka at the back. Then, she returned to her seat, analyzing the stack of papers in front of her.

“Wayne Enterprises Sponsored International Connections Program in Gotham City, USA Information Package and Permission Forms”

After that was a bunch of paragraphs that Marinette skimmed over. The first few pages detailed what the program was for, their accommodations, costs for travel along with what necessary documents were needed, and all sorts of other details that made Marinette dizzy. The next few pages after that outlined the risks specific to Gotham and resources that students and their guardians were strongly recommended to review before even stepping onto Gotham grounds. The pages after that were permission forms asking for the legal guardian’s consent, her personal info, insurance, etc. 

Needless to say, the whole class was baffled. In fact, some of them were downright lost, considering they didn’t even know a Gotham City existed in the US. Or what Wayne Enterprises was supposed to be and why they were offered to join this program. Only Max and Alya seemed excited at the prospect of the field trip, judging on the excited murmurs that Marinette could hear. She picked up on the word “vigilantes” from Alya and “greatest detective” from somewhere behind her  and suddenly it all made sense. She wasn’t sure if she heard correctly, but she was pretty sure she heard Lila talking in self-assured whispers to the confused people around her. She held in a scoff, before returning her attention to the papers in front of her.

Marinette frowned, closing the package and pushing it away from her. She waited for Mme. Bustier to explain the details more clearly. Unfortunately, Marinette already knew there was no way she could go, at least, not without risking Paris’ safety. 

“If you have finished, please bring your attention to me. I will explain everything. Please leave all your questions till the end,” Mme. Bustier said, clapping her hands to get everyone’s attention. “As you may have noticed, this opportunity has been given to us by M. Bruce Wayne of Wayne Enterprises. He has chosen our school as a trial school for a program that he wants to implement next year to help expand student achievement nationally and internationally. As well as to encourage young students like yourselves to make connections with students from other countries. In fact, I believe it was Mayor Bourgeois who sent M. Wayne a glowing recommendation of our class from fundraising events to everyone’s extracurriculars and achievements! I am so proud of all of you.” 

At the front, Chloé straightened in her seat and smiled smugly. Beside her, Sabrina was looking from Chloé to the stack of papers in front of her in disbelief. The class was in a similar state of shock, and soon whispers erupted excitedly from most people in the class before Mme. Bustier silenced them all. 

Oh, that made sense, Marinette thought. Despite the sense of pride she felt for herself and the class (their hard work deserved some reward after all, especially with all the akumas recently), she knew Mayor Bourgeois was not the type of person to recommend just anyone from the goodness of his heart. He had recommended this class to M. Wayne for Chloé’s own success. Which was a bit of a shame, Marinette thought, since Chloé had more than enough resources to find opportunities for herself. However, she couldn’t help but feel grateful to whatever deity convinced Mayor Bourgeois to include the class, anyway.

“Anyways,” Mme. Bustier said when the class had calmed down. “I expect everyone here to listen to what I have to say and take it to heart.” Mme. Bustier’s voice settled lowered, her tone becoming dangerously low. “This program is a huge opportunity however, Gotham City is full of many risks and I am making it absolutely mandatory for everyone in this room, as well as their legal guardians to use the sources outlined under “Risks to be Aware of While in Gotham City” Section. While M. Wayne has assured the supervisors for the trip as well as M. Damocles that our accommodations will be in Gotham’s financial district, there is still going to be danger; more than what we’re accustomed to in Paris.” 

At the end of her spiel, the atmosphere in the room weighed heavy on Marinette. She had never seen Mme. Bustier so strict before, her teal eyes piercing through everybody in the room. 

“Um, Mme. Bustier?” Lila spoke and stood up. The class swivelled their attention to her. “I’ve actually been to Gotham City and have met M. Wayne before for a humanitarian project. I’m sure M. Wayne will make sure to do everything to keep us safe.” 

“That may be, Lila, but I assure you, these instructions were given to me by M. Wayne himself via email. He will do his best to make sure our trip is as safe as possible, but that means we need to do our part in keeping ourselves safe.” 

Blinking owlishly, Lila faltered. “Yes, of course, Mme. Bustier.” She forced a smile. “I was just saying so because it would be an absolute shame for anyone to miss out on such a great opportunity!” 

Marinette rolled her eyes. Sure, she thought. That, or she just wanted everyone to know that she knew Bruce Wayne- whoever he was- and be impressed.  At least she didn’t claim that she saved Bruce Wayne’s horse or something similar. Or claim to be friends with the vigilantes Alya had been fangirling about earlier.

The rest of the morning was spent going through the rest of the package from how to ensure that everyone had their visa, to what they should bring and how they should behave while they were there. Marinette frowned; there was something off about this trip. She wasn’t sure whether it was the duration of the trip ( which had a minimum of one month, with extra time being granted in case of any future interruptions), or why an American company would choose this specific French class for the trial program instead of a class in say, London, or any other country that spoke English. It seemed that Max was thinking along the same lines as her, because the moment Mme. Bustier finished, his hand shot up in the air. 

“Yes, Max?” 

“I have a few questions concerning this program. Why is there a minimum allotted time for our stay? Would our parents need to agree to any extension of staying? And how are we supposed to communicate or even understand anything when most of us don’t speak English?” 

Mme. Bustier smiled. “Those are all excellent questions. As I have said before, Gotham City is dangerous so there might be trips that are part of the program that will need to be rescheduled or we may need to take a later flight in case anything happens at the airport. Therefore, we need to be aware that our trip may last longer than the required month. Next, while we are there, you will be put in remedial English classes along with any classes you choose to take at Gotham Academy for the duration of our stay. This way, you will have the opportunity to brush up your English skills.” 

Alya was quick to stand up and shoot her hand in the air. “Will we be going on any field trips outside of Gotham City? Like Metropolis?” 

Mme. Bustier stared at her. “Maybe, but as for now, all details of the trip are included in the itinerary in your packages.” 

Alya deflated, slumping in her seat. Marinette turned toward her and whispered, “What’s so special about Metropolis?”

She perked up and whispered excitedly. “It’s the home of Superman, Booster Gold and Blue Beetle!” Marinette had absolutely no clue -nor any real desire to know- who those were. It didn’t seem to matter as Alya rambled on. “And, and, and, it’s also the home to Pulwitzer prize-winning journalist Lois freaking Lane  from the Daily Planet. I love her. I think I told Nino once that I would leave him for her (Nino gave an affirmative “uh huh”) if the opportunity ever arose and he said he wouldn’t mind as long as he could be with Superman. But that’s alright because Lois Lane is a badass and I love her; she is a genius-” 

“Ahem.” Mme. Bustier coughed. Alya stopped mid-speech and laughed sheepishly. Her voice must have been louder than she realized.

“Sorry Mme. Bustier.” 

“No problem, Alya. Just keep your excitement until the end of class.” She smiled softly. “And, I will see if I can mention your love for Lois Lane to M. Wayne.”

The way Alya froze in her seat, her jaw unhinged and wide eyes, Marinette wasn’t sure if she was in normal shock or if Mme. Bustier had actually managed to kill her with words. She chuckled before nudging her side to bring her back to reality. Shaken out of her stupor, Alya thanked Mme. Bustier and sat in her seat. Her smile was record-breakingly wide and she seemed to vibrate in place. 

Letting out a giggle, Marinette was ecstatic for her best friend. Sure, she may not know the superheroes she mentioned, and still wasn’t too sure of who Lois Lane was, but Alya looked like she won a million euros and meeting her idol would be a great opportunity. As Alya continued to freak out however, she shared glances between Adrien and Nino in front of her and had to stifle their laughter. 

Maybe if Alya did meet Lois Lane and Superman, and Gotham vigilantes, she could share her excitement with Marinette when the class returned to Paris. 

The rest of the day had been pretty normal, with the addition of excitement in the air as her class discussed the trip to Gotham. Students from other classes seemed to be split between being jealous of the class for the opportunity, or relieved at the foreseeable absence of what they dubbed as “the akuma class.” Students from her own class huddled together in their small groups, already planning on what they wanted to do, what they thought Gotham would be like, and how they were excited to meet any cute Americans. Marinette couldn’t help but let their excitement affect her as well. Not only was going abroad always a cause for excitement but surely it was a relief to be able to leave Paris in the foreseeable future. It was exhausting being targeted by stupid demonic butterflies and sucking up your feelings like they didn’t exist (Unless you were Lila, then you cried and let everyone worry about your emotional state and any akumas that could come from it, that is). However, Marinette had a feeling that this trip to Gotham would stir a lot of drama within their class, when everyone had the chance to reveal any negative emotions without the consequence of an akuma around. 

Well, that was that, she supposed as she went home for the lunch break, the permission forms tucked under her arm. She had been half tempted to chuck them in a bin somewhere, but knew her parents would be pissed if she didn’t tell them. Thus, she entered the bakery and once there was a lull in the orders, asked both of her parents if they could talk. 

She led them upstairs in the living room and placed the bundle of papers on the dining room table. Marinette briefly explained the program and let them read through the package carefully. By the time they finished, Marinette only had an hour left of her two hour lunch break. 

“So?” She prompted, trying to gauge their reactions. 

Her maman and dad exchanged a glance and nodded, before turning back to her. 

“You’re definitely going.” Her maman said, putting the package back on the table. 

Marinette’s jaw dropped. “Wait, Maman, don’t you need some more time to think about this?” She couldn’t believe it. She should’ve chucked the package in a bin. 

Her dad frowned. “Marinette, we don’t like it either, and it’s not...ideal, but we believe it’s for the best if you stay away from Paris for now.” 

Marinette’s eyes widened, glancing back and forth between her maman and dad. “What do you mean?” 

Her maman sighed. “Ever since we almost got akumatized on the day you were expelled, me and your father have been talking, and well, Paris isn’t safe for you anymore. It hasn’t been for a long time.”

Her dad nodded in agreement. Marinette felt befuddled. She felt like she definitely lost a few brain cells. 

“Gotham City isn’t safe either, Maman, Papa. Didn’t you see the risks listed?” Marinette asked, grabbing the package and desperately scouring through the package. This was so not happening; she couldn’t afford to leave Paris. 

She heard a sigh coming from her maman, before her hands settled on Marinette’s own. Marinette glanced up to stare at her maman’s cloudy grey gaze. “It’s definitely not ideal, and we wish you were somewhere safer, but I trust that M. Wayne and the school administration would never have allowed this to happen if it was too risky.” 

“But-” 

“And, “ her dad interjected before Marinette could continue. “If this hadn’t come up, we would’ve sent you away with your grandmère and you would’ve had to pause your schooling and travel around Europe with her until it was safe to come back home.” 

“Or,” her maman added, giving Tom a small glare. “We would’ve sent you to Shanghai with your uncle Wang. At least this way, you can continue with your schooling and still be with your friends under the maximum amount of protection.” 

Her breathing turned heavy at her words. Her heart was beating faster, was it just her imagination or did it feel like the room was stuffier than before. She didn’t understand. Why now? They had been planning to send her away. She pressed a hand against her chest to try to control her breathing. In through the nose, out through the mouth. It had been a calming trick Master Fu had shown her when she had been at the edge of getting an anxiety attack. 

Not for the first time, Marinette wished she could just tell her parents she was Ladybug. Then again, maybe that would’ve motivated them further to get her out of Paris. 

No, her maman and papa loved her. They just wanted her to be safe. They weren’t aware she’d been taking care of Paris all this time. 

She felt her maman’s warm presence beside her as her papa engulfed them both. She barely registered the apologies her maman whispered as she stroked her hair. She was too busy pushing down all her anxieties. 

She couldn’t risk getting akumatized. 

Her lunch break had been long over by the time she had calmed down. By then, both her maman and papa had returned to the bakery with promises that they would talk about this tomorrow and that they would call the school to report her absence for the afternoon. 

Marinette barely registered them as she trudged up to her bedroom. Then her bathroom. Shower. Dry hair. Change of clothes. Bed. 

She didn’t know what to feel. She didn’t notice the kwamis flying towards her and snuggling with her, in her hair and the crook of her neck. 

“What do I do?” She asked listlessly. 

Tikki floated to her field of vision. “Marinette. It’ll be okay.” 

“How?” 

Tikki didn’t give an answer. She sighed and sat up. She was going to write in her diary until she read her last entry. Right. Marianne. She sighed. She’d call her and then go on an early patrol of the city. 

She didn’t want the helplessness that came with being Marinette.

Taking a long, deep breath, she grabbed her tablet and called Marianne through video chat. Surprisingly, despite her age, Marianne adapted to technology pretty well. She and Master Fu were living somewhere in London, enjoying their retirement together. Marinette liked to keep up with them regularly, since she missed Master Fu, and their present now gave her hope for her own future. 

She waited for the screen to load, and smiled widely when Marianne’s face entered the screen. She looked like she had just gotten home; the makeup she was wearing was starting to fade, and her hair was tied in a slightly wet updo bun.

“Marinette! Bonjour! How have you been, darling?” Marinette noticed that she had adopted a slight British accent when she talked. It hadn’t been that long since they last talked, so maybe her and Master Fu had been going out more. 

“Bonjour Marianne.” She softly waved her hand. “Everything’s fine actually. How are you and Master Fu?”

Marianne smiled, re-focusing her own screen so Marinette could see her more clearly. “Everything’s been great. Wang has taken to liking massage parlors again. We just visited one yesterday.” 

Marinette smiled fondly. She could feel Wayzz’s presence on her shoulder as he listened intently. If anyone had been more devastated than Marinette about Master Fu’s amnesia and departure, it would have been Wayzz. It had taken a long time for him to open up to Marinette and the other kwamis, often leaving the Oolong tea she brewed for him to run cold. Fortunately, he was getting better and opening up more. Their love for Master Fu had been what helped he and Marinette bond together as a new Guardian and kwami. 

“I’m glad. It seems like you two are really happy.” 

Marianne squinted her eyes; she could feel her gaze through the screen. “Why did you call, Marinette?”

“I, ah, had a question about the Miraculous actually. I was wondering if your time with Master Fu before had given you any insight to them.” 

Marianne frowned slightly, rubbing her chin. “I’ve picked up on a few things, but Wang was really secretive. I’ll give it my best shot for you, dear.” 

“Thank you! I was wondering if you had any clue as to why the Miracle Box turned into an egg when Master Fu renounced his Guardianship to me?” 

Marianne sighed. “I wish I could tell you, but I’m as lost as you are.” 

She deflated. Her hands gripped the tablet tighter. She knew there was only a miniscule chance that Marianne would’ve known anything, but a tiny part of her had hoped that luck would be on her side. Exhaling, Marinette thanked her. 

On the other side of the screen, Marianne’s frown deepened. As happy as she was with Wang Fu, it was cruel for destiny to hand such a young child the enormous and numerous responsibilities that the Guardian had to bear. She glanced at Wang, who was sleeping on the couch contentedly. She was happy they could now spend the rest of their lives together in peace when most of it had been previously spent in war. 

Speaking of war… 

“Marinette, darling! I think I might know of someone who can help you!” 

Marinette perked up. She had been about to change the subject or close the call, but maybe she had a bit of luck on her side after all. 

“Who?” 

“During the war, when Wang and I escaped to Paris, we were aided by someone who would become one of our closest friends. When he was recruited to battle in the war, he was very young, so Wang had lent him the Snake Miraculous for its powers of Intuition, at least until the war was over.” 

Marinette felt Wayzz stiffen on her shoulder. 

“She doesn’t mean…”

“Unfortunately,” Marianne continued. “When he returned home, he had an argument with Wang and almost didn’t return the Miraculous. It was only a month later that he left it on our doorstep. We haven’t heard from him since, but maybe he might know something. He was always a genius and intuitive beyond his years.” 

Marinette frowned. “Do you know where he might be now?” 

“His name is Alfred Pennyworth. He mentioned once that his family had a tradition of serving a family called the Waynes.” 

Marinette’s frown deepened. There was the name Wayne again. Which meant Gotham. It felt like the universe really wanted her to go there. She sighed. At least she’d have an objective while she was there- if she did go in the first place. She smiled again, once she saw Marianne’s worried stare. 

“Thank you so much, Marianne. I need to go now and plan what to do. I hope you and Master Fu stay well.” 

Marianne smiled. “You too, Marinette. Don’t hesitate to call me for anything, dear.” 

She merely nodded, and they both logged off. She set aside her tablet and turned to face Sass, who was already in front of her. 

“Tell me everything you know about this Alfred Pennyworth and your time with him, Sass. I need to know if he can help before considering everything.” 

The snake kwami merely nodded. “Of course, my Guardian.”

[fanmoose12]

Hi! Are you still taking levihan prompts? If so, I have 2 that you can pick from: 1. Anastasia AU 2. Despicable me AU (mostly from the 2nd movie). Idk why but I can see them in both AU's lol! You don't have to both btw

i decided to go with Anastasia, ‘cause i loved this movie so much as a kid! hope you enjoy my fic as well!

“I’m fucking sick of it.” Levi declared, looking at another ‘Princess’. “Just look at her, Erwin!” he gestured to the woman on stage, who was currently reciting all of Czar’s relatives. “She looks nothing like the Princess Hanna! She’s blonde for fuck’s sake!”

“We can always get her a wig.” Erwin noted with a smile.

“Her eyes are green.” Levi hissed.

Erwin chuckled, rising his hands in placating gesture. “Fine, fine. Maybe, you’re right and she doesn’t look like our Princess, but we can’t just give up.”

“We’ve been doing this for three weeks now! And in all that time we haven’t seen at least one girl, who resembles a Princess.”

“Maybe, I should get you a wig?” Erwin asked, smirking. “You’ll make a great Princess, Levi. I’ve heard that all Princesses are extremely whimsical.”

Levi gave him a flat look. “Very funny, Erwin.”

“Mm, you’re right once again. No one could mistake you for a member of Zoe family. You are too short for that.”

“Continue with those shitty jokes, and I’ll walk out of here, Erwin. And I won’t come back.”

“We both know you’re lying.” Erwin briefly glanced at the woman, who was still standing on a stage. Giving her a charming smile, he dismissed her with a wave of his hand. Then he returned his attention to Levi. “I’m your friend, Levi, and possibly the only person who can tolerate your constant bitching. Besides, if we manage to find a Princess, we’ll be rich! Just think about that!”

“It’s the only reason why I’m still here.” Levi replied, making a face. Sighing, he rose to his feet. “I’ll go and make some dinner. You can continue with your fruitless search, I’m done with it for today.”

Levi walked out of the theater, and headed to the other part of the palace. The palace corridors were icy cold at this time of year, and Levi wrapped his coat tighter around himself. He hated the cold, but it was still better than living on the street. Erwin and he were lucky to find the palace unoccupied.

As he made his way through the halls, Levi heard a strange sound. Someone was talking. Someone, whose voice didn’t sound like Erwin’s.

Levi took out his trusty knife and slowly followed the voice. It sounded closer and closer, until Levi stopped in front of giant doors.

The doors looked dirty, the gorgeous gold color from before now faded. Behind them was a giant ballroom. Levi remembered it as a grant, beautiful place. It was spacious and bright, almost every surface sparkling in the warm candlelight. But now it was grim, dark and covered with cobwebs. Nothing lasts forever, Levi mused before slowly and quietly opening the door.

As he entered, he immediately saw two figures, standing on the other side of the room. They didn’t even notice Levi’s arrival, as they stood with their backs to him, loudly arguing about something.

Well, Levi didn’t care what they were doing here. Or who they were. He lived here, and that meant that they had to leave.

“Oi!” Levi raised his voice to get their attention. “Who the fuck are you?”

The two figures span around, staring at Levi in surprise.

And as Levi studied their faces, as he looked closely at the woman in front of him, his breath hitched in his throat.

She looked so much like her.

That woman resembled Princess Hanna almost uncannily. She was older, of course, and wore a pair of round glasses, but she looked just like the lost member of the royal family. She looked just like the girl Levi had saved all those years ago.

The woman was saying something, as Levi saw her lips move but couldn’t hear what she was saying. His mind was reeling, his thoughts were in frenzy.

“Erwin!” Levi suddenly shouted.

The woman and the man, who stood beside her, stared at Levi with wide eyes. But he didn’t say anything, waiting to hear the sounds of Erwin’s heavy and hurried steps.

A moment later he walked in, coming to stand next to Levi.

“We have guests?” Erwin asked with a surprised smile.

“Erwin,” Levi tugged at his sleeve. “Look at her.”

And without saying anything else, Erwin did. Levi watched, how Erwin’s eyes focused on the woman’s face and then quickly darted behind her, to the portrait of a royal family.

“Oh,” Erwin breathed out. “Oh.” He repeated, still shocked.

He recovered almost immediately, as he took a step closer, a charming smile appearing on his lips.

“Good evening, my lady,” he took the woman by the hand, kissing her palm. “May I know your name?”

“Hange…” the woman said slowly, eyeing both Levi and Erwin with suspicion.

“Just Hange?”

The woman scratched her head, looking away. “I don’t know my last name.”

“Interesting,” Erwin rubbed his chin. “Well, my name is Erwin Smith, and that is my friend, Levi Ackerman.”

“What the fuck are you doing here?” Levi asked, glaring furiously at the newcomers.

“We were just passing by!” Hange hurried to explain, her eyes darting nervously from Erwin’s sweet smile to Levi’s hard face. “My friend Moblit and I,” she gestured to the man with chestnut hair, who was standing behind her. “We’ve heard that there lives a man, who knows how to forge documents.” She smiled a little sheepishly. “And we need them to go to Paris.”

“Paris?” Erwin’s smile became a lot wider. “What a coincidence! My friend and I are planning to go there as well. If you wish, we can accompany you.”

“I…” Hange looked at her friend, and they seemed to have a silent conversation. “What will it cost us?”

Erwin’s eyes glinted almost wickedly. “Before I answer your question, will you answer mine, please?”

“Alright…” Hange nodded, looking even more wary than before.

“This may sound weird, but do you know your family?”

“My family died.” Hange replied in a strange, detached voice. “Or they left me. I don’t really know. All I have is this thing,” she showed Erwin and Levi her necklace. “It says ‘together in Paris’. I don’t know what exactly this means, but I’m determined to find out.”

Erwin nodded and came to stand next to Hange, wrapping his hands around her shoulders and spinning her around.

“Do you see this girl, Hange?” he gestured to the smallest member of Zoe family. “Don’t you think she looks just like you?”

“You’re joking.” Hange scoffed, although her eyes didn’t leave the portrait and her hand was clutching the necklace tightly.

“I am not,” Erwin assured her in a calm, deep voice. “It is known that Princess Hanna was the only one of Zoe family, who managed to escape from the revolutionaries. And if you don’t remember your parents, you might as well be the long lost Princess. Princess’ grandmother, Empress Olga, lives in Paris now, why don’t you come with us and pay her a visit? It may be your chance to find out about your past.”

“To find out about my past…” Hange whispered in daze. “I always wanted to do that.”

She continued to stare at the portrait for another moment, and then she turned around, looking intently at Erwin and Levi.

“Do you really think it’s possible that I can be Princess Hanna?”

“I’m sure of it.” Erwin gave her another smile.

“And you?” Hange came to stand in front of Levi, her eyes boring into his. “Do you also think I’m a Princess?”

“You look like a dirty tramp and you reek like a wet dog.” Levi told her, crossing his hands on his chest. Erwin elbowed him in the side, whispering him to shut up, but Levi paid him no mind, keeping the entirety of his attention on the woman in front of him. “But I’ve seen hundreds of Russian girls, who have claimed to be a Princess. And no one resembled Princess Hanna like you do.”

Hange stared at Levi for a long moment. To his surprise, she didn’t seem to be offended by his words. On the contrary, her lips curved into a small, but amused smile.

“Alright then,” Hange declared, still gazing at Levi. “I’ll come with you.”

“Excellent!” Erwin straightened out, giving Hange another brilliant smile. “Then pack your suitcases, Princess. Paris is waiting for us!”

***

As he sat next to her on the train, Levi couldn’t stop glaring at Hange. The speck of dirt on her left cheek irritated him. His hands twitched with desire to tell her to wipe that shit off her face, but he promised Erwin he’d behave around her.

Still, the more he looked at it, the angrier Levi became. 

Another ten minutes passed by with Levi’s gaze still focused on Hange. Erwin and Princess’ friend Moblit began to give Levi weird looks, but Levi ignored them. In return, Hange ignored him. She either didn’t notice his intense stare, or just didn’t care about it.

Another ten minutes, and Levi had enough.

He swiftly took the handkerchief out of his pocket and threw it at Hange. It landed right on her face.

She slowly lifted the white cloth and gave Levi a questioning look.

“Your face is fucking dirty, four-eyes,” Levi growled. He instantly wanted to smack himself – he promised to be polite and considerate around Hange, so she would get used to her role as a Princess. But her sloppiness pissed Levi off so much!

Another thing that pissed off Levi was her constant carelessness and her inability to take anything, and especially him, seriously. Even now she was giggling at Levi’s annoyed face, her eyes sparkling with mischief.

“And clean your glasses, for fuck’s sake,” he added, looking at her with disgust.

“Yes, sir!” Hange stuck her tongue at him and then burst out laughing.

Levi’s eye began to twitch. “Can you stop behaving like a child for at least a moment? And can you stop slouching in your sit? Princesses don’t sit like that!”

“And you know a lot about Princesses?” Hange asked. The stupid amused expression was still plastered on her face.

“More than you do.”

“But you do believe that I am a Princess, right?” Hange’s eyes glinted with mischief.

“Of course.”

“Then stop bossing me around!” she exclaimed.

In the sit across from Levi, Erwin chuckled. When Levi turned his gaze to Moblit, he saw that he too was hiding a smile behind his palm.

Fucking assholes.

Levi swiftly rose to his feet, heading out of the train cabin. He needed to get some fresh air. And get away from Hange. The smug grin on her lips made Levi’s blood boil.

***

Levi slowly made his way through the train. Almost everyone he passed through was busy checking their documents, making sure that the Inspector wouldn’t find anything suspicious.

Levi briefly glanced at the passengers’ passports. They were red. But as he walked out of the cabin, he was sure that Erwin held blue passports in his hands.

Shit!

Levi returned to their cabin as swiftly as he could without raising any suspicions.

“Erwin!” Levi said breathlessly, as he tumbled inside the cabin. “Everyone has red passports!”

Erwin looked at the passport in his hand and then back at Levi. “Shit.” He said quietly, but with feeling. Levi couldn’t agree more.

“Is something wrong?” Hange asked, fixing the glasses on her face. Levi was relieved to see that she had cleaned them. Small mercies and all that shit. “I thought you were good at forging documents.”

Erwin gave her a tight-lipped smile. “We are, but we mostly specialize on Russian documents. French passports are, sadly, not my area of expertise.”

“We need to run.” Levi urged, getting his suitcase. “If the Inspector sees us…”

“Yeah, I know,” Erwin nervously ran a hand through his hair. “Take Hange and go, Levi. Moblit and I will follow you.”

“Roger.” Levi nodded, grabbing Hange’s hand and yanking her up. “Let’s go, four-eyes. We need to hurry.”

“And where exactly are we going? Where are we going to hide?”

“There isn’t a place on this train, where Inspector wouldn’t look for us. So we have to get off this train.”

“Get off?” Hange’s eyes widened and her brows furrowed. “Do you mean—”

“Yes, we’ll jump off the train,” Levi said impatiently, leading Hange to the most secluded area of the train.

“Jump?!” Hange shrieked. “We can die!”

“Don’t tell me you’re scared, four-eyes.” Levi smirked. “C’mon, get ready.”

He let go of her palm and put his hands on the big metal door. To Hange’s surprise, Levi opened it without much of hassle. He was so short, but his back was wide and his arms were evidently strong.

“On the count of three?” he asked Hange, as he stood on the edge.

“On the count of three.” she agreed. She took a deep breath and then grabbed Levi by the hand.

Levi glanced at their joined hands in surprise, but then nodded, squeezing Hange’s palm.

“Three.” He whispered, jumping and dragging Hange after him.

While they were falling, Levi managed to maneuver himself in a different position. Still holding Hange’s hand, his other arm grabbed her waist, pressing her closer to him. As a result, when they landed, Hange fell on top of him.

“That was awesome!” she exclaimed, grinning from ear to ear. Hange’s eyes were practically sparkling with excitement.

All Levi could do was to slightly node. Hange was close, so very close to him, and all thoughts seemed to leave Levi’s head.

“Hange!” Moblit shouted, as soon as he and Erwin landed not far from Levi and Hange. “Are you alright?”

“Of course!” Hange’s voice was loud and cheerful. She briefly glanced back at Levi. “Thanks for being a cushion for me!” she patted his shoulder and winked. 

Then she got up and went to Moblit, who continued to fret over her. Levi didn’t know if he should be disappointed or relieved at the loss of warmth Hange’s body was giving him.

Of course, Hange’s clothes were dirty, and she herself was disgusting, but to Levi’s surprise, she didn’t smell as bad as he expected. She actually smelled kind of nice…

Still lying in the snow, Levi shook his head, he was slowly going crazy. Hange’s craziness was probably contagious.

“You seem kind of shaken,” Erwin stood above him, outstretching his hand towards him.

“Hit my head during the fall.” Levi lied, taking the offered hand and hoisting himself up.

Dusting off his snow-covered coat, he looked at the horizon. The train had almost disappeared from the view, leaving a cloud of dust after it.

“What are we going to do next?” Levi asked ignoring Hange’s excited blabbering behind him.

Erwin sighed, rubbing his face tiredly. “If my estimates are correct, we are somewhere in Poland. I guess we can get aboard the ship in Germany.”

“And how will we get there?”

“We can catch a bus in Strasburg. But the road there will be a long one.”

Levi glanced back. Moblit was holding Hange’s face in his hands, inspecting it for signs of injury. Noticing Levi’s stare, Hange stuck her tongue at him again.

Levi sighed, turning to face Erwin again. “Yeah,” he grunted. “The road will be long.”

***

“So?” Levi asked as soon as Erwin walked out of the postman’s office.

Erwin nodded, looking pleased. “It’s all set. Mike is waiting for us and he promised that Nanaba will talk with Empress.”

“What is set?” Hange suddenly appeared behind Levi’s shoulder. “Who is Mike and why is he waiting for us? Who is Nanaba and why does she have to talk with Empress?”

“Mike is my old friend,” Erwin explained with a smile. “His wife Nanaba is Empress’ distant relative. She’ll talk with her and persuade her to see you.”

“Persuade?” Hange’s eyebrows were furrowed in confusion. “But I thought that Empress was already waiting for me?”

Erwin’s warm smile became nervous. He stared at Hange in slight panic, not knowing what to say.

Levi decided to come to his rescue. “Empress doesn’t know about you yet.” He said in his usual bored voice. “But once you convince her that you’re the real Princess Hanna–”

“Convince?” Hange cried out, looking at Erwin and Levi in shock. “Convince?!” she repeated even more outraged. “No one told me I had to convince anyone! I didn’t agree to this!”

“Hange, please—” Erwin tried, but Hange silenced him with one furious look.

“No.” she said sternly, her eyes burning with cold fury. “No, I’m not going to do it.”

She turned around, but Levi grabbed her by the hand. “What the fuck?” he hissed, holding her wrist tightly. “We went so far and now you just want to quit? What the fuck happened?”

“You both lied to me, that’s what happened. I just wanted to find my family, I don’t want to lie to anyone!”

“But that’s not a lie! You’re Princess Hanna!”

Hange let out a merciless laugh. “And who is going to believe me?” she said, spreading her hands out. “You are the one, who always tells me how dirty and messy I am! Empress would never believe that I am a Princess!”

Hange jerkily freed her hand out of Levi’s grasp and started to walk away. And Levi just stared at her retreating back, not knowing what to say or what to do. What Hange just said was true, he did treat her like shit, always calling her names and scolding her. It was his fault that Hange was losing her confidence.

“C’mon, Moblit,” Hange took her friend by the hand, grabbing their suitcase. “We can find some other way to Paris.”

Hange was walking further and further away, but Levi stood still. Erwin moved passed him, giving him a pointed look and hurrying after Hange.

Levi watched how Erwin caught up with Hange and Moblit. He felt like the biggest asshole in the world. But surprisingly he didn’t care about their scheme right now. He wasn’t worried that Hange would walk away and he would lose his money. Instead he felt anger and regret. He was angry at himself for always running his mouth, for never thinking how his cruel words affected other people. He was regretting all the stupid things he had said to upset Hange.

***

“Wait, Hange, please!” breathlessly, Erwin took Hange by the elbow. “Let’s talk.” Erwin tried to use his most charming smile, but Hange wasn’t fazed.

“Are you going to ask me to continue our journey?”

“I’m not.” Erwin promised her seriously. The smile disappeared from his face, and he looked at Hange earnestly. “I just want to tell you something, that’s all. If after our conversation, you still decide to leave, then I’ll accept it.”

Hange gave him a long, critical look. Then she sighed. “Fine, let’s talk.”

“Thank you,” Erwin nodded and linked his hands with Hange. “We won’t be long,” he promised Moblit and started to lead Hange away.

They walked in silence for some time, and Hange was starting to get impatient.

“I thought you wanted to talk,” she reminded when they reached the small bridge.

Erwin gave her an enigmatic smile and came to stand next to the railing. “Come here,” he softly urged.

Hange huffed, annoyed by his strange behavior, but obeyed his request. She stared into the blue water of the lake beneath the bridge, watching her reflection.

“What do you see?” Erwin asked.

“I see you,” Hange grumbled. “And me.”

“Right, but what exactly do you see?”

Hange stared at the surface of the lake. Her expression stared back. Looking at her messy hair, big glasses and dirty clothes, Hange felt anger stir inside her. Levi’s words echoed in her head, as though mocking her.

“I see stupid and naïve girl,” she crossed hands on her chest, glaring at the water. “I see someone without past. And without future.”

Erwin softly chuckled. “Not to agree with Levi, but maybe you really should clean your glasses, Hange. Because I see something different.” he hugged Hange by her shoulders. His reflection in the lake was smiling gently. “I see a woman, whose bravery and kindness can only rival with her intelligence. I see a good, noble person.”

As Hange gave Erwin a sidelong glance, she saw that even though the smile was still present on his lips, his gaze was becoming distant and melancholy.

“You know that I grew up in the palace?” he began slowly. “My parents were a part of the court, and I’ve spent my childhood alongside other nobles. I’ve never met you, of course, I was a bit older after all. But I do remember tales about an insufferable little girl, who was running around the palace and hiding from her nannies.”

Hange didn’t remember that, all she could remember from her childhood was the cold, uncomfortable beds and angry shouts from the governesses in the orphanage. But she could picture what Erwin was talking about quite clearly. And she liked that image. A small, involuntarily smile appeared on her face, as she continued listening to Erwin.

“What I wanted to tell you Hange, was this - I met a lot of nobles in my life, I was surrounded by them, and well,” Erwin shrugged. “Most of them were terrible people. They were cruel and greedy, and they didn’t respect anyone, who was beneath them. But you Hange… you are different. I can see how bright you are, how sympathetic. It might be foolish of me, but when I look at you, I feel like you’re the only true noble I’ve ever met. Maybe you don’t look like a Princess, but it doesn’t matter. I’m sure that once Empress sees you, once she looks into your fierce and clever eyes, she will know that you’re her granddaughter.”

Hange stared at Erwin for a long moment, thinking over everything he just told her. Slowly, a grin appeared on her face.

She slightly nudged Erwin in the side. “You know, with the way you talk, I’m sure you can probably convince Empress that you’re Princess Hanna.” Hange paused, her eyes focusing on her reflection once more. Then she sighed, straightening her shoulders and turning to look Erwin in the eyes. “Alright, you won. Let’s continue our journey.”

“That’s it?” Levi’s voice suddenly came from behind them “Your tantrum is over?”

“No thanks to you,” Erwin pointed out, giving Levi a disappointed glare.

Levi huffed, and Hange could swear that his cheeks had slightly reddened. “I was an asshole.” He said, looking Hange in the eyes. Even though he was embarrassed, he didn’t look away. He wanted Hange to believe in his sincerity.

“Yeah, you were,” Hange easily agreed and Levi was shocked to see a grin on her lips. “But I’m already used to that.” She patted his shoulder, walking past him. “I guess that’s just how you are. So I’m not upset, don’t worry.”

“As if I would worry about something stupid like that,” Levi grumbled. The amused expressions on Erwin and Hange’s faces told him that they could see right through him.

Damn it, Levi cursed, both of them were annoyingly perceptive.

“Alright!” Hange exclaimed, making a wide gesture with her hands. “Gentlemen! Teach me how to be a Princess!”

***

“We are lucky that you’re better at remembering names of Czar’s family then at playing chess,” Erwin chuckled after winning another game with Hange.

She huffed, crossing her hands on her chest. “That’s unfair! I’ve learned the rules just yesterday, of course I’ll bad at it!”

“Believe me, four-eyes,” Levi came to stand beside her. “You can spend years playing chess and you still won’t be able to win against Erwin. He is insanely and annoyingly good at this game.”

Erwin shrugged, grinning slightly. “Do you want to try your luck, Levi?” he gestured at the chess board.

“No thanks,” Levi made a face. “I don’t want to be humiliated.” Then he turned to Hange, passing her a wrapped package. “Besides, I came to give Hange this.”

Hange’s greedy hands immediately began tearing off the wrappings. Finished with them, she took out what was inside and gave it a confused look.

“What’s this?” she asked, cocking her head to the side.

Instead of answering, Levi came closer and snatched the glasses of her face. He directed them to the light, inspecting them. Then he huffed. “Your glasses are surprisingly clean, Hange. Have your eyesight became even shittier? Or have you never seen a dress before?”

“Of course, I have!” Hange protested, pressing the dress to her chest. “But I’ve never wore one.” She whispered, hanging her head.

“Well, what are you waiting for? Hurry up and put it on.”

When Hange lifted her face, there was a big smile on her lips. She shot up to her feet, briefly hugging Levi. “Thank you!” she shouted right into his ear. She swiftly kissed his cheek and then sprinted off to her cabin.

Levi gingerly touched the place, where Hange had kissed him. The skin there was warm, and even warmer feeling spread across his chest.

Standing with his hand on his cheek and a dumb-struck expression on his face, Levi was sure that he looked like an idiot. “Shut up,” he grumbled, seeing the smirk on Erwin’s face. He sat down heavily next to him. “Let’s play your stupid game.” He added, putting figures in their places.

Hopefully, a chess match with Erwin would give him something else to focus onto and he would forget about Hange’s dumb happy smile or her stupid pretty eyes.

***

Half an hour later, Hange appeared on the deck of a ship, accompanied by Moblit. Levi’s eyes widened as he looked at her.

She was wearing a dress Levi had given her and she let her hair down, the brown locks reached to her shoulders and framed her flushed face. She came to stand in front of Levi and Erwin, nervously smiling at them.

“What do you think?” she asked, tucking a loose lock of her hair behind her ear. “Do I look… acceptable?”

“You look gorgeous.” Erwin replied, standing up and taking Hange by the hand.

Levi couldn’t agree more. When he was a child and lived in a palace with his mother, he oftentimes sneaked into the ballrooms to gawk at all the ladies in beautiful gowns. Their dresses were expansive, their hair was put into complicated hairstyles, and their carefully applied make-up hid every imperfection they had.

Hange looked nothing like them. Standing in her simple purple dress, slightly blushing and shyly smiling, she looked more beautiful than all the ladies, duchesses and princesses Levi had ever seen.

In the meantime, Erwin span Hange around. “You are ready for the ball, Princess.” Erwin said, smiling softly at her.

The blush on Hange’s cheeks intensified. She casted her eyes down, her fingers were fidgeting with the hem of her dress. “Truth be told, I don’t know how to dance…”

“Ah, it’s a problem that can be easily solved.” Still holding Hange’s hand in his, Erwin laid his other arm on Levi’s shoulder. “Because our Levi just so happens to be an incredible dancer! He will teach you everything you need to know!” finished, Erwin let go of them and took a step back.

Hange still looked a bit shy, but she was the first one to make a move. She laid her left hand on Levi’s waist, while her right one took his palm.

Beside them, Erwin chuckled. “While, I agree that the taller person should be the one to lead,” he began, earning a fierce glare from Levi. “But for your first time, I think you should let Levi lead, Hange.”

“Oh,” Hange slowly blinked, changing the position of her hands. “That’s how I should do it?”

Erwin nodded with a smile, and in the next moment, Levi started to slowly move Hange around the deck.

“Relax and follow my lead,” he whispered to Hange, squeezing her hand. “There’s nothing complicated about it.”

Hange nodded slightly, her eyes focused on her toes. Levi tsked.

“I know my face is ugly, but you have to look your partner in the eyes.”

“You’re not ugly!” Hange argued immediately, lifting her face and glaring at Levi. “Maybe, you scowl too much, but it doesn’t make you unpleasant to look at! On the contrary, I like looking at your face.” Hange’s eyes widened as she realized what she had said. “I mean— not that I’m looking at you all the time or something! I just—” Hange’s hand twitched in Levi’s hold, as she wanted to run a hand through her hair. Levi didn’t let her go.

He was sure that his face was as red as Hange’s, but still he tried to keep a straight expression, continuing their dance. “Even with your stupid glasses, I like looking at your face as well.”

Levi cursed at himself, wondering what had possessed him to say those stupid words. However… the smile that appeared on Hange’s face afterwards was kind of worth it. Even if Levi felt like a fucking idiot.

“Thank you for the dress,” Hange whispered. She was still following Levi’s request and looked him straight in the eyes. And Levi stared back, unable to turn away from those warm brown eyes.

“You’re welcome.” Levi whispered back.

“I feel lightheaded,” Hange admitted after Levi had spun her around.

“And your heart is beating fast?” Levi asked.

“Too fast.” Hange agreed.

“I feel the same.” Levi said. He stopped moving, but didn’t let go of Hange and didn’t look away from her face.

“It’s probably from all that dancing,” Hange forced a grin on her face.

Levi nodded. “Maybe, we should stop.”

“But Levi,” Hange looked at him in surprise. “We already did.”

“Hange…” Levi began, staring at her almost desperately. “Hange… I—” he almost did it, almost said those words, almost told Hange how she made him feel. But Levi stopped himself, shaking his head.

What the fuck was he thinking? Hange was a Princess, and a few days later he would get her to Paris and then never see her again. Whatever he thought he was feeling couldn’t be real. He was just being foolish.

“There is nothing I can teach you anymore,” Levi finished, patting Hange’s hand before letting her go. “You won’t look like an idiot on your first ball, so my job is done. I… I need to go.”

And then he left, his heart pounding in his chest. He walked back to his cabin, not even once turning around to look at Hange. He knew that if he looked into her eyes again, he wouldn’t be able to stop himself from spilling out the truth about his feelings.

***

Levi motionlessly lay in his bed, staring with unseeing eyes at the ceiling. The evening’s events kept replaying in his head, over and over. He just… he couldn’t understand.

He couldn’t understand what was happening to him, didn’t know what he was feeling and why he was feeling it. Levi had never felt like that, no one had ever made him feel like that. But whenever he was with Hange, something awoke in him. Something that made him feel at ease, that made him almost happy. Something that made him feel alive.

Levi didn’t know the name of this feeling. Or maybe, he did but was afraid to put a name on it. Surely, it couldn’t be that, he couldn’t be in love with Hange. They knew each other for a little more than a week, Levi barely knew her! But he wanted to know more – wanted to know her quirks and habits, her fears and dreams, her thoughts and feelings. Everything. He wanted to know everything about Hange.  

And that scared Levi. More than he was willing to admit.

Because Levi didn’t believe in love. His life was full of sorrows and losses, there was no place for feelings and other foolish things. But looking at Hange, staring at her big smile or getting lost in her bright eyes, Levi felt something that dangerously resembled hope, blooming inside his chest.

Hange made him feel… she made him feel, she always managed to elicit some kind of reaction and emotion out of usually stoic Levi. She irritated him with her endless teasing, she amused him with her stupid jokes, and she amazed him with her kindness.

She made him feel other emotions, too. When Levi saw, how Erwin touched her shoulder or held her hand, when he watched, how Hange kissed Moblit on a cheek and hugged him tightly to her chest, a weird, angry feeling arose in Levi. His fists clenched and his mouth formed a hard line.

And whenever Hange touched him, whenever she laid her hand on his shoulder, when she was laughing too hard, or whenever she pressed herself against his side, leaning on him, Levi’s heart began to drum erratically, his breath hitched in his throat, as something warm settled in his chest.

Levi cursed, running a hand through his hair. He was so fucked. Because no matter what he felt for Hange, if it was love or some other dumb shit, the end of their story was near. Hange would go to Paris and she would become a Princess. She would wear fancy dresses and she would attend balls. She would be adored by everyone around her, and men would throw themselves at her feet, asking for a minute of her attention.

There was no place in this world for a scum like Levi. There was no place for him in Hange’s life.

***

Levi woke up with a start. He didn’t notice how he fell asleep, too engrossed in his solemn thoughts.

At first, he couldn’t understand what had woken him up. But then, a moment later, he heard it again – a quiet, muffled sound. Levi instantly became alarmed. He was sure that he was in the room alone, Hange, Moblit and Erwin had decided to join the ship’s crew for a round of drinks. Had they already returned?

The same sound came again, and Levi rose from his bed, trying to look around the dark room. As his eyes adjusted, he saw that the bed on the other side of the cabin was occupied by Hange.

She tossed and turned, sobbing quietly. Levi froze, his eyes wide as he stared at her. Hange was probably having a nightmare, and despite the fact that he frequently suffered from them as well, Levi didn’t know how to help. He looked around the room once more, but there was no sign of Moblit or Erwin. Levi cursed. If Moblit was here, he would know what to do. And Erwin would definitely find the right words to calm Hange down. But they were absent, and that meant that Levi was the one, who had to help Hange.

He slowly approached her, kneeling beside her bed. He looked at her and his heart caught in his throat. Hange’s face was contorted in pain, her cheeks stained with tears.

Levi outstretched his hand, tentatively laying it on Hange’s shoulder. “Oi, Hange,” he slightly shook her. “C’mon, wake up.”

But Hange didn’t seem to hear him, her breath getting more erratic and her sobs becoming louder. “No,” she whispered, furiously shaking her head. “No, no, please don’t leave me!”

Levi’s heart ached, as he watched her struggles. Wrapping his hands around her shoulders, he shook her again, more forceful this time. But still, Hange was unresponsive.

And so Levi decided to try a different approach. With his hands still around her, Levi pressed Hange close to his chest. One of his hands came to rest atop of Hange’s head, as he soothingly patted her hair.

“It’s just a nightmare, Hange,” Levi whispered in the softest voice he could muster. He pressed a gentle kiss on Hange’s sweaty temple. “None of it is real, none of it can really hurt you.”

And, surprisingly, it seemed to work. Soon, Hange’s sobs ceased and Levi felt how her hands fisted in his shirt. She breathed heavily, her whole body moving with excursion.

Finally she raised her head. “Levi?” her eyes were wide as she looked at him. Without her glasses, Hange seemed so young, so innocent and vulnerable.

“You had a nightmare.” Levi answered her unasked question. He still held her in his arms.

“Oh, I’m so sorry,” Hange whispered, bowing her head in shame.

“Don’t be.” Levi said rather forcefully. “It happens to anyone, and I’m glad that I managed to help you.”

“Thank you,” Hange softly smiled, and Levi’s heart melted. She was smiling at him, he made her smile like that. “But aren’t you angry? My tears ruined your shirt.”

“It’s fine,” Levi waved his hand, finally letting Hange go. A strange look appeared in her eyes, something that looked a lot like disappointment, but it was gone before Levi could inspect it more closely. “As I said, I was glad to help. You’re a Princess, after all. It’s my duty to help you.”

And now Levi was sure that Hange’s eyes were sad. “Is that everything I am to you?” she whispered. “Just a Princess?”

“It’s everything you should be to me.” Levi retorted, looking away from Hange. Her gaze was making him uncomfortable, it almost made him regret his words. “Go to sleep, Hange.” He sighed, getting to his feet. “Tomorrow is an important day.”

Tomorrow, they would finally arrive to Paris, Levi thought bitterly. Soon he would have to say goodbye to Hange.

***

The next day, Levi, Hange, Erwin and Moblit got off the ship. They stepped on the land and were immediately approached by a man and a woman.

The woman was lean and tall. With her stylish blue dress and short blonde hair, she was unmistakably Parisian. However, the man next to her, a big and wide guy with blonde thick hair and even thicker moustache, was undeniably Russian.

“Oh, god!” the woman exclaimed, as she ran up to Hange. “You look so much like her! You really are Princess Hanna!”

Hange awkwardly scratched her head, shrugging. “Everyone keeps telling me that.” She said with a lopsided grin.

“And they are correct, my dear,” the woman wore a bright smile. She took Hange's hands in hers, squeezing them tightly. “I’m so glad to meet you! And I’m sure Empress will be incredibly happy to see you. She missed you terribly, Hanna.”

Hange smiled at the woman. It looked more than a little forced. “I prefer to be called Hange.”

Even if the woman was taken aback by her words, she didn’t show it. “As you wish. But you need to at least get used to your title. Everyone will call you Princess now.”

Hange’s eyes immediately turned to Levi. She avoided his eyes as soon as their gazes met, but Levi didn’t miss the same hurtful look from yesterday.

“Ah, where are my manners!” the woman clasped her hands together and then outstretched her right one to Hange for a handshake. “I’m Nanaba. And that is my husband Mike.”

Hange smiled, and this time it was sincere. “I’m Hange, and this is my friend Moblit.” She gestured to him.

“Charmed,” Nanaba nodded, shaking Hange’s and Moblit’s hands.

And while Hange shook hands with Mike, Nanaba came to stand next to Erwin.

She grabbed his face and kissed both of his cheeks, smiling from ear to ear. “It’s good to see you again.”

Erwin shared her sentiment, looking just as happy. “I’m glad to be here as well, Nanaba. You look more beautiful with each day.”

Nanaba shook her head, chuckling. “You never change, Erwin.”

Then she turned to Levi, although she didn’t greet him the way she did Erwin. “It’s nice to see you, too, Levi.”

Levi nodded slightly. “I’m glad to know you’re doing alright.”

A moment later, Mike walked up to Erwin. He enveloped him in a tight, suffocating hug. “It’s been too long, my friend.” he said with feeling.

Erwin chuckled, hugging Mike just as tightly. “I missed you, too.”

As he let Erwin go, a big smile curved Mike’s lips. It disappeared as soon as he laid his eyes on Levi. “Ackerman.” He said. All the warmth in his voice was gone.

“Zacharius.” Levi replied in the same manner.

“Are they going to fight?” Hange asked Erwin, watching the scene with great interest.

“They did, a few times.” Hange was surprised by Erwin’s nonchalant tone. Her eyes widened as she saw that Mike’s face broke into a wide grin. He ruffled Levi’s hair, laughing heartily. “I see you still haven’t grown up.”

“Shut up, you ugly giant,” Levi made a face. “And get your dirty hands off me!”

Mike started to laugh even harder, and soon everyone joined him. Everyone, except Levi, who was glaring at them.

“So…” Hange began uncertainly with her hands behind her back. “When I will meet Empress?”

“This evening,” Nanaba promised. “She will attend a play in the theater and I’ll introduce you to each other. Before that, we need to get you a dress. This one is pretty,” she nodded at Hange’s purple dress. “But you need something fancier.”

“Oh, alright. Of course.”

“Great!” Nanaba smiled once more, linking her hands with Hange. “Then let’s go shopping!”

***

Hange threw the curtain open, revealing yet another outfit to her audience. She grinned, spinning around to give them a better look. However, as she stopped, she was surprised to find out that almost everyone was gone. Only Levi remained in his seat.

“Eh?” her brows furrowed in confusion. “Where are the others?”

“They went to grab a lunch,” Levi said as he came up to Hange. “I have a more pressing question, though. Where the fuck have you found this monstrosity?” he stared displeasingly at Hange’s bright dress. “This thing looks like someone had eaten the rainbow and then vomited it all over the fabric.”

Levi’s colorful description sent Hange into a fit of giggles. She clutched her stomach, laughing even harder. Levi tsked, although his eyes were full of amusement, as he gazed at Hange.

“C’mon,” he softly shoved her back into the dressing room. “Take off this ugly dress, I’ll look for something… more presentable.”

Still chuckling, Hange nodded and disappeared behind the curtain. She was angry at Levi before, and more than angry, she was hurt, but their easy banter made her forget about yesterday’s conversation.  She could almost pretend that everything was fine. That Levi and her were friends.

Five minutes later, Levi touched the side of the curtain. “Here,” he passed her a dress. “Try this.”

Hange looked at the dress in her hands. A smile appeared on her face, as she admired its bright yellow color. Her favorite.

She swiftly put it on and walked out of the dressing room, looking a bit shy. She still felt uncomfortable while wearing a dress.

“Yes,” Levi said in a strange, almost breathless voice. “We should take this one.”

Hange turned to the mirror, studying her reflection. The dress wasn’t long, reaching to her knees and showing off her long and slender legs, it wasn’t tight either, but it followed every curve of her body, accentuating her slim waist. The bright yellow color contrasted with Hange’s tan skin.

“Do I look pretty?” Hange grinned, looking at Levi in the mirror.

“You look beautiful.” Levi told her seriously, staring right into her reflection’s eyes. Hange felt her cheeks reddened, but she couldn’t look away from Levi’s eyes, which looked at her so intently.

“Alright,” she said, shaking her head and looking away. “Let’s take this one then.”

“Get changed and let’s meet with the others. They’re waiting for us at the café.”

***

“Hange, this dress is marvelous!” Nanaba admired the fabric in her hands. “You have an excellent taste!”

“Ah, I wasn’t the one who chose it. Levi did,” Hange said, grinning at him.

“Really?” Mike raised his eyebrow. “Levi, I didn’t know you like fashion so much.”

“This is your last warning, Mike,” Levi growled. “Shut the fuck up.”

Unfortunately, Mike didn’t seem intimidated. He just chuckled, sharing a long and knowing look with Erwin.

“Hange,” Nanaba called, unexpectedly serious. She took Hange’s hand in hers. “I need to ask you something. I believe you really are Princess Hanna, but I just want to make sure.”

“Of course.” Hange smiled, trying to hide her nervousness.

“Do you… do you remember the night of the attack?”

“I remember a ball,” Hange slowly began, staring into her cup of coffee. Nanaba slightly nodded – everyone knew that revolutionaries attacked the Winter Palace during a noble’s festivities. “I remember there were screams and sounds of gunshots, people running in every direction. Then there was a secret door, but I… I couldn’t open it. But this boy…” Hange raised her head, briefly glancing in Levi’s direction. Levi’s heart skipped a beat, as he stared at Hange back. Could she remember him? “He pushed the door open for me, he… well, I guess he saved me.” Hange shrugged, grinning crookedly. “Sorry, but I don’t remember much.”

Tears gathered in the corners of Nanaba’s eyes, as Hange finished. She pressed her close to her chest. “You remember about secret door! It’s really you! Ah, I’m so happy we finally found you.” She whispered in her shoulder.

Hange patted her on the shoulder. “And I’m happy to be found.”

***

Hange stood in front of a grand, gorgeous theater. Her hands trembled, and looking at all the people around her – beautiful women in fancy dresses and handsome men in rich suits, she felt completely out of place.

Hange had half a mind to run away. To turn around and flee, as fast as she could. She almost took a step back, when Levi came to stand beside her.

“Nervous?” he asked, giving her a side glance.

“Of course not!” Hange exclaimed, trying to sound far more cheerful than she felt.

Levi silently raised his eyebrow. Hange huffed and lowered her head. “Fine, you’re right. Maybe, I feel a little nervous.”

“You’ve been dreaming about this moment your whole life, right? Of course, you’ll be nervous.” Levi replied in a strangely soft voice. He took Hange’s hand in his, giving her palm a squeeze. “I’ll be there, if you need me.” He promised.

Hange instantly felt better. She relaxed slightly, as all of her panic seemed to leave her body. Levi’s presence gave her a weird sense of comfort. With him by her side, she felt like she could do anything.

Still holding his hand, she entered the theater.

***

Hange fidgeted in her seat, picking at her dress. She tried to focus her attention on the stage, where an undoubtedly spectacular play was in motion, but her eyes had been glued to the old woman in the next balcony. Could it really be her? Her grandmother? Her family? Looking at her, Hange tried to feel something, some connection, but she felt nothing but panic.

Erwin and Levi left a couple of minutes ago, telling Hange they needed to discuss something with Nanaba. And Hange had been panicking ever since.

“Calm down,” Moblit whispered, leaning to her. “There is nothing to worry about.”

“Nothing to worry about?!” Hange hissed. “What if she doesn’t recognize me? What if she does recognize me?”

Moblit smiled, taking Hange’s hand in his. “If she doesn’t recognize you, then we move forward, continuing to look for your family. And if she does recognize you, then you’ll become a Princess.”

“But what if… what if I’m not sure if I want to become a Princess?” Hange whispered, suddenly vulnerable.

Moblit shrugged. “You’ll figure it out. We can always run away, you know, travel to some other place.”

“You’ll run away with me? You won’t leave me?”

“Of course, I won’t. Hange, I followed you from Russia to Paris. We’ve known each other, since we were kids. I’m not leaving you alone.”

Moblit’s earnest words and his unyielding loyalty warmed Hange’s heart. She moved closer and circled her hands around him, hugging him tightly. “Thank you, Moblit. You are a far better friend, than I deserve.” Holding Moblit in her embrace, all panic seemed to leave Hange’s body. She relaxed in his arms and enjoyed the warmth his body was giving to her.

“Oi,” suddenly came Levi’s displeasing voice. “Stop your lovey-dovey shit. We need to go.”

Hange giggled, letting go of Moblit and getting to her feet. “There is no need to get jealous, Levi. I can give you a hug, too, if you want.”

“Yeah, I think I’ll pass.” Levi grumbled. “Hurry up, four-eyes. Erwin is already waiting for us.”

And just like that, Hange’s worry returned. She nodded shakily, tightening her hands into fists to prevent them from shaking.

She followed Levi into the corridor. He led her to a big oak door and stopped. Erwin was already there, smiling encouragingly at Hange.

“Are you ready?”

“Let’s do this.” Hange replied. She grinned, remembering Moblit’s words. He was right, there was nothing to be afraid of.

Levi briefly squeezed her hand. “Wait here. We need to announce your arrival first.” His hand touched the handle, ready to open the door.

“Wait!” Hange stopped him. “I need… I need to tell you something.” It was on Hange’s mind for a while. What she felt for Levi… maybe, it was her last chance to say it. “I feel… I feel…”

“Yes?” Levi moved closer, staring at Hange intently. “What do you feel, Hange?” his voice was no louder than a whisper.

“I feel like…” And Hange did it, she almost said those words, but… “I feel like I should thank you. For everything you’ve done for me.” No, now was not the time for that. She had to meet her family. She could deal with her feelings for Levi later.

“Oh.” Levi’s face was as neutral as usual. But his gaze seemed disappointed. Hange tried not to think about it. His hand reached to the handle again, he almost turned it and opened the door, but suddenly he turned around. “Hange,” he called, laying his arm on her elbow. “Hange, I wanted to tell you—”

“Y-yes?”

Levi stared at Hange hopelessly, his mouth almost formed the needed words, but then he shook his head. “I wanted to wish you good luck.” Levi finished, shaking Hange’s hand. He cringed at his awkwardness, but he knew it was a right decision. He couldn’t let Hange know about his feelings – not now, not ever.

With one last look at Hange, Levi turned around and opened the door.

“Maybe, you should have confessed?” Erwin whispered in his ear, as they walked into the room.

“No,” Levi shook his head. “She’s a Princess, and I’m the servant’s son. We’re not meant to be.”

Erwin obviously wanted to disagree, but Levi silenced him with look and pointed to Nanaba, who was waiting for them. “We have more pressing matters now.”

Nanaba walked up to them, shaking her head sadly. “She refuses to see you. Or Hange.”

“Why?” Erwin’s thick brows furrowed.

Nanaba shrugged. “She’s an old woman. And her heart was broken for a very long time.”

“What a load of bullshit.” Levi growled, moving past Nanaba and heading towards Empress.

“Levi, wait!” Erwin tried to stop him, but Levi didn’t even turn around. Erwin gave Nanaba an apologizing look and then hurried after him.

“What are you doing?” Erwin hissed, as he caught up with him.

“I don’t care what this old woman wants. Hange is waiting for her, desperate to meet her family. I can’t let her down.”

“No,” Empress Olga said, as soon as Erwin and Levi stood before her. “I told Nanaba already that I don’t want to see you, and especially I don’t want to see another one of those ‘Princesses’.”

“But, your majesty, please listen to us!” Erwin begged, reaching to her.

Empress made a face of distain. “Do you have any respect towards me?”

“Of course!” Erwin was quick to assure her.

“Then respect my wish. I’m an old woman, I’m tired and weary. Do you know how many girls I’ve seen who had claimed to be my dear Hanna? I do not wish to see another imposter, my weak heart won’t be able to take it.”

Erwin stared at her, and for the first time in his life he didn’t know what to say, what words to use to persuade Empress.

Beside him, Levi took a step forward, his grey eyes narrowed as he glared at Empress. “Behind that door stands a young woman. She lost her family, and all she wants to do is to find it again. She traveled from Russia to here, just so she could meet you in hopes that you will turn out to be her grandmother. And you don’t want to waste one minute of your precious time just to see her?”

Empress was silent for a long moment, staring at Levi and Erwin in deep thought. It looked like she was actually considering to change her decision, but then her mouth formed a hard line, as an arrogant look returned to her eyes.

“I think I know you, gentlemen,” her sharp eyes looked at Levi and Erwin with utmost precision. “Erwin Smith and Levi Ackerman, am I right? Your reputation precedes you. The tales of your frauds reached even Paris.” Empress rose from her seat, sneering at the two men. “And I’ve heard about your little audition. You’ve been looking for Princess Hanna’s lookalike for a long time, haven’t you? So don’t come to me, crying about some lonely girl! When all you want is to take my money! You don’t care about me, or that girl, all you care for is money! Guards!” Empress called loudly. “Take those bastards away, and make sure they don’t come back!”

Instantly, two pairs of strong arms grabbed Levi’s shoulders and started to drag him away. He kicked and pushed, trying to free himself but his struggles were in vain. He got thrown on the floor and the door closed behind him.

And as Levi looked up, he saw Hange’s beautiful eyes. They were full of anger and hurt. And Levi realized – she had heard everything.

Levi hopelessly stared at her, his eyes wide.

“Hange!” Erwin tried, reaching to her, but one furious look from her and he took a step back.

“No.” She said, her voice deadly calm. “I do not want to hear anything from you two. You were lying to me, this whole fucking time, you’ve been lying to me!”

As she started to walk away, Levi finally recovered. He ran up to Hange, grabbing her hand. Hange recoiled, as though she was burned.

“Don’t you ever touch me.” Her voice was cold and angry, so unlike the Hange Levi was used to.

“Hange, listen to me, please!” Levi asked, desperate to explain himself, to make Hange understand.

“Are you going to tell me another lie? I trusted you, Levi, I thought we were friends! But you and Erwin were just using me! You didn’t care about me, you cared about money! And I was so foolish! I believed you were helping me out of the kindness of your hearts! I thought I meant something to you, Levi.” She said bitterly. “I thought I was in l— Ah! It doesn’t matter anymore! Just go away, Levi,” Hange sighed, so wearily and tiredly. Levi’s heart clenched. “I don’t want to see you anymore.”

And then Hange started to walk away, and all Levi could was to stare after her, feeling his heart shutter into million pieces.

***

“I’m so sorry, Levi,” Erwin laid a comforting hand on his shoulder. “I didn’t know this would result in such a disaster.”

“All of it is my fault,” Levi replied bitterly. “I shouldn’t have gotten… attached.”

He sighed and hanged his head. He kept seeing the hurt expression on Hange’s face and he shook his head, trying to get it out of his mind. Suddenly, out of the corner of his eyes, he saw Empress. She was walking out of the theater, and looking around, Levi noticed a car she was heading to. Without another thought, he rushed to that car. He opened the door and threw the driver out.

“Sorry,” Levi told him, as he took his place in the driver’s seat. “I’ll return the car later.”

In the next moment, Empress sat down in the car, completely unaware that her driver was missing. Levi started the engine and began driving.

“Andrey, slow down a little,” she asked, staring out of the window.

“I’m not Andrey, Empress,” Levi looked at her face in the rear window.

The woman gasped, clutching her chest. “You! What are you doing here? Stop this car immediately!”

Levi shook his head. “Can’t do, Empress. I won’t stop until you agree to meet with your granddaughter.”

“I can throw you in jail for this, do you understand?”

“I do. But I don’t care.”              

Empress sighed. “You’re an incredibly stubborn man, messier Ackerman. Fine, let’s meet with this girl of yours. I very much hope she’s worth it.”

“She is.” Levi promised her fiercely. “You don’t know it yet, your majesty, but your granddaughter is one of the most amazing people I’ve ever met. She’s fearless, kind, strong and unbelievingly smart.” 

Empress’ eyes were studying Levi’s reflection in the mirror. “You love her.” She didn’t ask, just stated it as a fact.

Levi averted his eyes from Empress’ knowing gaze. “It doesn’t matter. I know my place, your majesty. Street rats and princesses don’t belong together.”

Empress said nothing, just continued to stare at Levi.

Soon he stopped the car. They arrived to the hotel, where Hange was staying.

“She’s there, your majesty,” he told Empress, as he opened the door for her. “On the third floor, room number five. Be kind to her, and try to understand her.”

“You’re not coming with me?”

Levi sadly shook his head. “She doesn’t wish to see me anymore.”

“I was wrong about you, messier Ackerman. You’re a better man than I expected.” Empress didn’t smile, but her eyes were softer than moments ago. Then she got out of the car and slowly made her way inside. When she disappeared inside the building, Levi lifted his head. The light in Hange’s window was on, and he could see her silhouette, as she walked around the room. He stood there for a long moment, watching her. Then he sighed, and got back into the car, driving as far from Hange, as he could.

***

Hange was hurriedly packing her belongings in a small suitcase, when she heard a knock on the door of her room. Her treacherous heart skipped beat at the thought that it could be Levi. As she began thinking about him, the pain in her chest returned with a renowned vigor. She still couldn’t believe that Erwin and Levi had done this to her.

“I’ll answer the door.” Moblit said, squeezing her shoulder briefly.

“If that’s any of those assholes, don’t hesitate to throw them out.” Yes, she was hurt, but more than that she was angry. Angry at Levi and Erwin for using her and lying to her, angry at herself for believing them, for starting to care about them, for falling in love with one of them.

Hange’s solemn thoughts were interrupted by a sound of heavy, unhurried footsteps. Moblit didn’t walk like that. Hange raised her eyes and gasped, as she saw Empress, standing in front of her.

“My dear!” Empress came closer, laying her hand on Hange’s elbow. “You really do look like her. You’re almost a copy of my beloved Hanna.” Empress kept looking at Hange, when suddenly her eyes widened.

“This necklace!” Empress exclaimed, taking it in her hands and opening. Her eyes filled with tears, as she read the familiar words. “Together in Paris…” she whispered, holding the necklace in her trembling palms. “It’s really you, isn’t it? My dear Hanna, you’ve really returned home?”

“I hope so.” Hange shrugged and grinned unsurely.

“Oh my dear!” Empress threw herself at Hange, nearly suffocating her in tight embrace. She was crying loudly in her shoulder, and Hange awkwardly held the old woman in her arms. She didn’t know her, didn’t really remember her, but this woman clearly cared about Hange. It was nice. It was good to know that there were people who cared about her. People, who considered her a part of their family.

When Empess, calmed down, she took Hange’s face in her hands and studied it. “Look at you!” she exclaimed, smiling happily. “You’re so pretty, Hanna! We have to announce your return! Ah, yes, I should organize the ball. Everyone will love you!”

Hange smiled in return, and hoped it didn’t look too forced. She was happy, really happy to meet with her grandmother, it was her lifetime dream, but she felt uncomfortable, thinking about the ball. And she still wasn’t used to be called Hanna. She was Hange her whole life…

“Grandmother, I’m so sorry,” Hange touched the older woman’s hand. “But can we talk about this tomorrow? I had a rather stressful evening.”

“Of course, my dear, I’ll send a coach for you in the morning.” Empress rose to her feet. She looked around the hotel room, her face filling with distain. “And you should take all your belongings to my manor. An heir to Russian throne can’t sleep in a place like these! And by the way,” Empress leaned in, lowering her voice to a whisper. “Who is that man who answered the door? Is he your lover?”

“No!” Hange protested, waving her hands around. “It’s Moblit, he’s my friend! We grew up together, he’s like a brother to me.”

Empress hummed, still looking displeased. “Anyway, you shouldn’t sleep in the same room as him. It’s very improper.”

When the door after Empress closed and Moblit came back into the room, Hange breathed out, willing herself to relax.

She had never thought that meeting her relatives would be so hard.

***

“Come in,” Empress said, staring out of the window.

“Good day, your majesty. You’ve sent for us?”

Empress turned around. Messieurs Erwin Smith and Levi Ackerman were standing in front of her, looking uneasy.

“I did,” Empress said, taking a step closer to them. “It wasn’t easy to find you, messieurs. I can’t help but wonder why. Don’t you want your reward?”

“We didn’t expect you t—” Erwin began, but Levi cut him off.

“We don’t want it.” He said seriously. Then, glancing at Erwin, he hastily added. “I don’t want it. You should give all money to Erwin.”

“No, Levi’s right.” Erwin smiled, although it didn’t seem to work on Empress. “We wronged your granddaughter, your majesty. We’ve wronged her and we’ve hurt her. We don’t deserve a reward for that.”

“Huh, it seems like even criminals have honor. But are you sure, messieurs? You’ve returned my granddaughter to me, and I wish to repay you for that. Is there anything I can do for you? Maybe, there is something else you desire?”

“With all due respect, your majesty,” Levi began. “But you cannot give me what I desire.”

“Well, if that’s your decision,” Empress shrugged. “Do tell me one last thing, though – are you going to stay in Paris?”

“No, your majesty, we’ll continue to travel.” Erwin said. “Maybe, visit England, look for some job there.”

“Then I wish you luck.” Empress nodded, dismissing them.

***

Hange was trying yet another one of a dozen dresses her grandmother had bought for her. She studied her reflection in the mirror skeptically, while servants around her cheered and complimented her. She paid no mind to them, she had learnt already that their words and praises meant nothing. They would say anything, just to make her happy.

Suddenly, she heard footsteps on the stairwell behind her. She turned around. Her eyes widened as she saw who was descending.

Erwin and Levi.

Hange wanted to turn around, to ignore them, but they’ve already noticed her.

“Good day, Hange,” Erwin said warmly. “I see you are slowly getting used to your life.”

Hange nodded, and her eyes involuntarily darted to Levi. He was staring right at her, his eyes unreadable. 

“Hange…” he whispered, his hands twitching with desire to touch her. “Hange, I’m s—”

“You can’t address a Princess like that!” one of the servants interrupted. “You have to call her ‘your highness’! And her name is not Hange!”

“It’s fine,” Hange smiled gently at the servant, dismissing him. “You don’t have to—”

“No, he is right,” Levi’s voice was completely devoid of emotion. “My apologies, your highness. I shouldn’t have forgotten my place. I hope you’re happy with your new life.”

Hange nodded once more, and even though her heart was breaking again, even though seeing Levi’s calm face and hearing his cold voice, calling her by that stupid title she was starting to loathe so much made the pain inside her chest intensify tenfold, she put on a smile. “And I hope you are happy with your reward, messier.” Swiftly turning around, she hurried away from that stairwell. She didn’t wish to see Erwin’s sad face or Levi’s impassive one.

And as Hange walked away, she didn’t see the pain that was inside Levi’s gaze, as his eyes followed her retreating figure.

***

“You look marvelous my dear!” Hange’s grandmother cooed. “Everyone will adore you! You’ll be the talk of all Paris!”

Hange restricted herself from making a face. Her grandmother was a good person, and she treated Hange with so much kindness, but the woman in the mirror wasn’t her. That woman in rich and beautiful dress with silk gloves and high heels, with crimson red lips and dark eyeshadow, with hair put into a tight bun instead of a messy ponytail, it wasn’t Hange. She could barely recognize herself.

“Had something happened?” Empress asked. “You look a little distant, Hanna.”

Hange slightly flinched. She didn’t want to be called that name either, she still preferred Hange, but she didn’t know how to say this to her grandmother without hurting her feelings.

“I’m fine, grandma,” Hange forced a smile.

But her grandmother was more perceptive than that. Her hard eyes studied Hange’s face. “I hope it’s not because of that fool, messier Ackerman.”

At the mention of Levi, Hange’s heart skipped a beat. She turned her face away from Empress, hiding her emotions. “I don’t know what you’re talking about, grandma. Levi and Erwin were nothing, but a way to get into Paris. And once they’ve done their job, we’ve parted ways.”

“They refused to take my money, you know?” Empress said nonchalantly. Her lips curved into a slight smirk, as she watched how her granddaughter’s eyes widened in surprise. “They told me that they’ve hurt you and they felt sorry for that. Messier Ackerman seemed especially troubled.”

Hange shook her head vehemently, refusing to even think about such possibility. “You’ve surely misunderstood something, grandma. Levi didn’t care for me at all.”

Empress hummed, knowing that nothing couldn’t further from the truth. “Maybe, you’re right. I don’t know them as much as you do. Anyway, I’m glad to hear that you don’t think about them anymore. It’s time for you to start a new chapter of your life. And speaking of that, hurry up! Your guests are waiting for you!”

“Of course, grandmother,” Hange sighed, preparing herself to go downstairs.

***

Hange breathed out in relief as soon as she left the ballroom. The room was big and spacious, but Hange was suffocating. Her tight corset and the never-ending stream of nobles, who wanted to great her, made Hange’s head spin.

Entering a chilly garden, she willed herself to relax. She walked to the nearest bench and sat down heavily. She couldn’t stop thinking about Levi. Why didn’t he take the reward? Was he actually guilty for using Hange? Could he really care for her?

Ugh, Hange wanted to see him so bad! She wanted to stare into his stupidly beautiful grey eyes and ask him what the fuck did he mean by his actions. Was it Hange’s wistful thinking or did he really feel something for her? Hange wanted to snatch out her own hair, that man was so insufferable! Even from afar he managed to frustrate and confuse her!

Hange was suddenly broken out of her thoughts by a warm hand that settled on her shoulders. She glanced aside and saw Moblit who sat down by her side.

“Why did you escape? Did you not enjoy the party?”

Hange groaned in reply. Because she had been thinking about that for a while as well. As much as she dreamed of meeting her own family, she didn’t like her new life. Truth be told, she loathed it. She hated having to wear fancy dresses, or chat with stupid nobles, or flirt with rich men. She hoped that by finding her family, she would be able to find herself, to finally realize who she was. But instead, she felt like slowly losing herself. She wasn’t meant for this life, she couldn’t feign politeness and she didn’t want to follow stupid rules and useless etiquette. Her grandmother was a good, kind woman, and Hange liked her! But she didn’t feel any connection, she didn’t feel like they were family.

And Hange suddenly realized – she didn’t feel like Empress Olga was her family, because she had already found her own family. She had found it in Moblit’s calm and constant presence, in quiet and engaging conversations with Erwin, and in an amusing banter with Levi.

“Moblit!” Hange put her hands on his arm, her eyes burning almost feverishly. “Moblit, do you know where Erwin and Levi are?”

If Moblit was surprised by her question, he didn’t show it. He just nodded and checked his watch. “They planned to get board a ship that will get them to England. It leaves in about an hour.”

 “Do you want to run away with me?” she asked him with a big grin on her face.

“Of course.” Moblit replied without hesitation. He smiled at Hange in return. It was so long, since he had seen that crazy grin of hers.

Hange jumped to her feet. “Then let’s hurry! We have to catch up with Erwin and Levi!”

“Alright,” Moblit kneeled in front of her. Ignoring Hange’s confused gaze, he took her dress in his hands and then tore the fabric, tying two ends just a little over her knees. Then he raised to his feet and put his hands in Hange’s hair, freeing her hair out of a tight bun. “There,” he whispered fondly. “Now you look like your usual self.”

Hange’s eyes almost watered. She truly didn’t deserve such an amazing and loyal friend. But they had to hurry. So grabbing Moblit by the hand, she started running.

***

“We’ve been standing here for a fucking hour,” Levi grumbled, scowling furiously. “Why the fuck they aren’t letting us in?”

Erwin shrugged, listening to his friend’s complaints with a smile. “They probably are rechecking their equipment. And what’s the hurry? Are you so eager to leave Paris?”

“I’m sick of this city.” Levi muttered, hiding his face. He wanted to leave Paris as fast possible. And more than that he wanted to leave all the painful memories it brought him.

Suddenly Erwin and Levi heard a sound of hurried and loud footsteps. They turned around, and Levi’s breath hitched in his throat. He watched with wide eyes, not believing that it was actually real.

Hange was running towards them, dragging Moblit with her.

“Were you really just using me?” she asked breathlessly, as soon as she reached them. “Or do you also consider me a friend?”

“We’ve hurt you, Hange. And I cannot possibly apologize enough for that. But we do care about you,” Erwin’s lips curved into a warm and gentle smile. “In that short time, I’ve grown to care about you a great deal.”

Hange answered him with an almost crazy grin. Her hair was even messier than usual, her make-up was all smudged, her glasses were askew and her dress was torn in half. She looked absolutely wild.

And she gave Levi and Erwin no warning, as she launched herself at them, putting her hands around their necks. “You fucking assholes,” she laughed merrily. “I missed you so much.” Then without missing a beat, she asked. “Do you have a room for Moblit and me at your ship?”

Erwin chuckled. “Of course, we do.”

“Excellent!” Hange let go of them, still grinning from ear to ear. “Then let’s get aboard!”

“Wait,” Levi stopped her with his hand on her elbow. “What the fuck does all of it mean, four-eyes? Did you run away?”

“Yeah, I did.” She announced rather proudly. “Right from the ball.”

Levi huffed. “You’re insane.” He muttered with a small smile on his face.

Hange couldn’t stop staring at him. She grabbed his arm and started to drag him away to a more secluded area. “We need to talk.”

Despite his racing heart, Levi managed to keep a straight face. “What do you want to talk about?”

“How did you recognize me?” Hange asked suddenly. “I know you did, from the very first moment that you’ve seen me. So. How did you do it?”

“I… I saw your portrait.”

“Bullshit.” Hange replied with a grin. “You were that boy, right? The one, who saved me?”

Levi’s eyes widened. “How did you—”

“I didn’t remember you, not at first. But then, some pieces started to come back to me.” She chuckled. “You really believed I was a Princess, huh?”

“Of course, I did.” Levi crossed his hands on his chest, trying to appeal nonchalant.

All of his attempts were rudely destroyed, when Hange unexpectedly leaned in and gave Levi a peck on his lips. “W-what was that for?!” Levi spurted. “For saving your life?”

“Of course not, dummy,” Hange’s eyes gazed at him with a mix of amusement and fondness. “That was for being the most insufferable short grump I’ve ever met!”

“Oh?” Levi raised his eyebrow, putting his hands on Hange’s waist. Standing on his tiptoes, he kissed Hange again. “Then that was for being such a four-eyed weirdo, who literally never stops talking.”

Hange’s smirk grew wider. She tangled her hands in Levi’s hair, pressing closer to him. “That’s for always hiding your feelings and never showing how kind and caring you truly are!” She put her lips on his, and this time the kiss was much longer and deeper, leaving both of them breathless. Pressing her forehead against Levi’s, Hange grinned like an idiot.

Levi’s hand touched her cheek, gently caressing it. He waited until his breath was under control, before whispering right in Hange’s lips. “And that’s for being so incredibly smart and irritatingly amazing. And also for making me fall in love with you.”

His lips almost touched Hange’s, but suddenly they both heard a polite cough. Turning around (with their hands still around each other), they saw Erwin. He was standing beside them with a smug grin on his face.

“While I am very happy for you both,” he began, trying to stop himself from laughing out loud. He had never thought that he would get to see Levi looking like this – with red, swollen lips and messy hair. “But you can always continue this some other place. The ship is sailing soon. Moblit is already aboard,” Erwin added, answering Hange’s unasked question.

“Then let’s go!” she shouted, wrapping her hands around Erwin’s and Levi’s shoulder.

With her friends beside her, and a bright future ahead, Hange felt happier than she did in years.

[bxthharmon]

Never Go Home Again, Pt. XII || JJ Maybank x Reader

Words: 3130

Series Warnings: violence / talking about abuse / toxic relationships / talking about nudes sex and sex tapes / drugs / underage drinking

Pt. Warnings: Guns / blood and violence

Series Summary: A new girl, a shoebox of old memories, a past she’s trying to forget coincide with a hotheaded, but selfless, boy.  teenagers getting in way over their heads

Pt. Summary: Chaos catches up, causing trouble for everyone involved

A/N: sorry for the slow updates, but with the event (tysm btw ily) i’ve been busy. i have a few more requests, and i promise im getting to them. anyway! feels weird, only 2 or 3 parts left. tysm for all this support <3

Chapters linked in my masterlist.

“masterlist”

JJ woke up before you. His face felt stiff from the tears he’d shed the night before, and the corners of his eyes were filled with sleep. He rubbed his eyes, phosphenes decorating his mind as he pulled them open. The window was wide open, curtains fluttering in the light breeze and the sun decorating the room with a natural glow. He became aware of the towel thrown over the dresser and the wet clothes hanging in the window sill, the memories of last night returning. He looked down at you.

You were curled up, one of his tops and a pair of his joggers covering your body as you gripped his arm lightly in your sleep. He blinked, admiring the lock of hair falling over your face, the curve of your lashes and the relaxed smile that adorned your sleeping frame. He brushed the hair out of your face and let it fall. He realised that he was in deep. Somewhere across the room, the ping of a phone notification pulled him from his thoughts. He looked up, seeing the bluish light coming from the floor on the other side of the room. He slid his arm from your hold, careful not to wake you as you unconsciously pulled the pillow into your grip instead. He rose from the bed, careful not to let the bed creak as he left you. He padded across the room, picking up the phone from the wooden floorboards.

The phone awoke as he lifted it, a series of fresh messages lining up under the time. 

Tyler: hey

Tyler: ik i fucked up with us, but i cant stop thinking abt seeing u when u visited

Tyler: can we try again?

Tyler: ik u said u were seeing someone and dont wanna fuck it up, but i still love u

Tyler: let me know. I miss u

He almost choked, heart beating in his ears as he looked back to your sleeping frame, rising and falling with oblivious breaths. He looked back at the phone, placing it on the dresser softly. He left the room, clicking the door shut as softly as he could, and making his way to the kitchen. He rinsed a mug and put the kettle on, rummaging through the cupboards for the instant coffee granules. He pulled the silver pot from the shelf, peeling the cap off and tapping it on the side of the mug so the granules tumbled in, the dark brown contrasting the light ceramic. He poured the contents of the boiling kettle in, watching the hot water consume the granules and turn brown. He stirred and sipped, hissing as it burnt his tongue. He never had the patience to wait for it to cool down.

He studied the cupboards again, finding no edible food, not trusting the bread after his previous experience. He sipped the coffee again, allowing himself to look back at the closed bedroom door. He wanted to know what happened when you went back, but knew he wouldn’t like the answer. After last night, he knew Tyler was an asshole, and wanted more than anything to fly to California and punch him in the face, but couldn’t understand the text. Thoughts were flashing through his head, ideas rushing to his head. He wondered if he should ask, or leave it and wait for you to tell him. He knew you had no obligation to him, but he also knew that you two had something going on. Whatever that something was. He sighed. 

He thought about how he felt when he saw you smile, how much he’d spiralled after your argument, how vulnerable he was around you. It hit him suddenly, an epiphany that took all his air away but made him feel alive, made him feel broken and brilliant all in one moment. He loved you.

Down the hall, on the other side of the door, he heard the bed creak. There was a pause, and then he heard the floorboards moan. Another minute, and he heard the ping of your phone notification. There was another pause, then the door opened and you stood in front of him, hair tousled by sleep and eyes fresh. You smiled at him, reaching out and pulling him in, kissing his temple and stepping away to make your own coffee. His heart pulled, not letting him push you away and reaching out as you left his arms, but not wanting it because of those stupid texts. In that moment, he fights his impulse and decides to wait for you to tell him. Would you tell him?

He draws his attention to you, hopping back onto the counter next to you. He watched you, enamored with the way you moved, the way you brush against him, the way you seem so carefree in the moment. He wants to kiss you, but he knows he won’t until he knows what’s going on. 

Faster than he wants to admit, you’ve finished your coffees and Kie and Pope are awake, moving about after leaving their slumber on the pullout couch, and then setting up the pulley for the well. Your mood changes when they’re up. You’re more talkative, brushing over any mention of the night before, helping when you can. You look back at him a couple of times, and each time his heart flutters.

You can feel blisters working on your skin as you help Pope with the winch, the rope burning at your skin in the force of the friction, but you don’t pay it any mind. You finish with the mechanism, stepping away and sitting down next to JJ, passing some witty banter with Kie, and opening a bottle of beer, the cool glass soothing the hot skin on your palms.

“What does it feel like?” Pope asked, watching Kie as she sat in the can hanging from the pulley.

“Feels good.” she confirms, pulling the rope slightly.

“John B’s pulling a Houdini.” JJ stated, putting his own beer down.

“Yeah, where is he?” you asked.

“I got my scholarship interview in the morning.” Pope reminded, “We gotta get this done.”

“Speak of the devil!” JJ grinned as John B strode past you all without so much as a ‘hello’. “Hey! Dude, I put up the entire winch to pull up the gold and everything.”

“No he did not.” You laughed.

“We did that.” Pope said, gesturing between you.

John B ignored you, and Kie called after him as he entered the Chateau. “Okay, that’s it?” you muttered.

“What’s that all about?” Pope asked, walking to you and JJ.

“I was gonna ask you the same question.” JJ said, you and him getting off the hot tub and following him into the Chateau. When you entered, John B was pulling the house apart, searching.

“You alright, man?” Pope asked, “What’s up?”

“What are you looking for?” Kie added.

“Bro, what’s going on, man?” JJ asked, following him as he pulled the gun from under the cushioning on the sofa.

“John B, what do you need the gun for?” You and JJ stepped forwards, both reaching to take the weapon. John B grabbed your shoulders, pushing you over and shoving past JJ as you all yelled for him to chill and talk to you. Pope tried to block his exit.

“What are you, JJ, now?” Pope asked as you and Kie yelled for him to calm down. John B pushed Pope back into the table as you followed him out, asking for him to explain, or calm down. You ran down the steps, the others close behind. He mounted the dirt bike, looking back at the four of you.

“John B, what the hell?” Kie yelled.

“Ward knows about the gold.” John B spoke for the first time. “He killed my dad.”

You ran as far as the dirt track, watching the bike disappear as JJ swore.

--

“What now, we just go up to the front door and ask, ‘Hey, have you seen John B’?”

The night felt dark, cold, and your boat felt fragile next to the stupidly big boat across the pontoon from you. The shape of the Cameron house was huge and adorned with golden windows on the other side of the lawn.

“Look, he lives in Tannyhill now, it’s plausible.” Kie reasoned, but you could tell she was just grabbing at loose ends. “We can play dumb.”

“Play dumb?” you frowned.

“It’s pretty late.” Pope added.

“Look, I’ve never seen John B like that. We should honestly be going to the cops.” Kie countered.

“The cops? And say what, Kie?” you almost laughed, “‘We’re worried about our friend because he’s going off on a rampage because Ward Cameron killed Big John’? They’re not gonna believe us!”

“Hey, I see Ward.” Pope interrupted you, binoculars up as he watched the house. Kie took the binoculars, checking for herself. “Doesn’t look dead to me, let’s go home.”

“What?” Kie turned, shocked and offended.

“Uh, okay. Obviously Mr Cameron is fine, and even if John B was here, he isn’t now, okay? Plus, I have the biggest, most important moment of my life in six hours.”

“Yeah, well our friend is in trouble.”

“I’m in trouble! Guys, I haven’t been home in three days! My dad’s probably put all my shit on the street by now.”

“Okay, so that’s it? In a time of need you’re just gonna bail? You’re just gonna walk away?”

“Okay, yo, guys.” You spoke from the other side of the boat, “Can we not do this right now?”

“Hey, I have a scholarship interview in the morning.” Pope reminded Kie.

“Okay, well what about John B?” Kie asked.

“Why is it always about John B?” Pope questioned, and you sighed, looking away as Kie looked around, caught off guard.

“It’s not always about John B. You’re so stupid! It would be any of you in this situation.”

“Bullshit!”

“Guys.” JJ tried to stop them.

“This is about friendship!” Kie powered on.

“Bring it down.” said JJ.

“This is about pogues for life!”

“What about forensic pathology, huh?” countered Pope.

“Forensic pathology?” Kie scoffed.

“It’s my life! It’s everything I’ve worked for!”

“That’s your priority?”

“Would you stop with the moral high ground bullshit?”

“Pope, come on.” you cut in.

“No.” he rejected, “No, no. She has no room to talk.” You looked down, knowing you didn’t either. “Where were you when Big John went missing? You weren’t there. You weren’t there for John B. You weren’t there for any of us! Remember your kook year?”

“Dude.” JJ tried, again, to stop the argument.

“Yeah, you forgot about us. Now you feel guilty.”

“Give me a break.” She pushed him, and he staggered but held his ground, you and JJ were up within seconds. “Is that what you need? You need a break? Move!”

You and JJ pulled them away from each other, shouting for them to stop, to cut it out. You held Kie’s shoulders, the both of you breathing heavily. She stared straight ahead, holding eye contact with Pope as JJ looked between them.

“If I’m the one mediating, we’ve hit rock bottom.” JJ sighed. You dropped your hands from Kie’s shoulders. She sat down as you sent Pope to the bow of the ship, sitting down as well.

“Pope, we’ll drop you off.” You said, JJ steering the boat. 

--

You sat, facing away from the group, water washing around your ankles, arms propped up on the wood as you stared at your phone. You were aware of the conversation - the gold was gone - but you weren’t really listening, or paying attention. Your mind was plagued with worries that felt trivial compared with what was going on, but still felt like the world would implode if you didn’t sort them.

Tyler was rejecting your refusals, insisting you humour him. You turned around briefly to look at JJ, who was watching you. You wondered if he had worked out that you’d slept with Tyler, even though you hadn’t mentioned it. But, of course, you hadn’t mentioned it - he couldn’t know.

You broke from your thoughts as Pope came blundering down the path. “Guys!” he halted when he reached you, and you picked your legs up, swinging around to face the group. “Oh, God, I ran all the way here.”

“How was the interview?” you asked.

“Don’t ask.”

“Promising.”

“JB, look, I’m sorry dude. About everything.”

“It’s fine.” John B disregarded.

“But - but I don’t have a lot of time, and I have information that is tactically relevant. So, before I had my interview, my dad said he was going down to the private airstrip to cut palms for Cameron’s big plane. Because it was too heavy, it needed a longer landing strip to take off. So, I’m there sitting in my interview, thinking to myself, ‘Hm, why would Cameron need a longer airstrip to take off? What could be so heavy to weigh it down?’”

“Gold.” JJ turned.

“That’s right.” John B confirmed.

“Exactly! Guys, this is our chance, but it leaves tonight, and we have to go.”

“We can’t give up now.” Kie smiled, jumping down from where she was balanced.

“What’s the plan, big man?” JJ asked.

“We’re gonna steal that shit back.” John B stated.

You smiled, this was going to be a shit show.

--

“We go in there, guns-a-blazin’, make Ward Cameron beg for mercy, abscond with as much gold as possible, and vámanos, get the hell out of there.” JJ summed up.

“Send that shit right down the intracoastal.” John B added.

“Wait for the weather.” Kie reminded.

“Exit to Cuba.” Pope finalised.

“Cuba?” JJ sounded offended at the idea, “No, man, Xcalak, the jewel of the Yucatan. Lobsters so thick, mangoes, no word for money.”

“I like the sound of that,” you hummed, sitting up from where you lay across the back seats, “Let’s do this shit.”

The VW rattled on for a few hundred feet, John B curving into a break in the thicket, the lot of you leaping out of the car to a wire fence.

“What’s the plan?” Kie asked. “Broad strokes.”

“I don’t think we got that far.” John B admitted, Pope pulled out his binoculars.

“They’re loading up the gold.” Pope pointed out. 

John B took the binoculars, watching the scene before him. You were all pressed up to the wire fence, and you could see a car rolling up to the plane. You watched the figures exit, faintly recognisable without the binoculars. John B lowered the black instrument, Kie asking him what was going on.

“It’s Sarah.” 

You looked back at the plane. They played out like a scene in a play, little figurines moving around, until Sarah was being dragged onto the plane by the shape that must have been her father. John B disappeared from your side as the engine began to whir, loud enough to be audible from your spot behind the fence. Behind you, a car door slammed, and you shouted for your friend as he started the engine, forcing all of you to step back as he smashed through the gate, JJ’s “Don’t be a hero!” resounding in the air.

Still shouting, the four of you ran through the gap as he accelerated towards the moving plane, your shouts fracturing the air. Upon the realisation that whatever stupid, reckless thing John B was doing couldn’t be stopped, you waited in baited breath. You watched the van swerve in the plane’s path, the screech of the brakes reaching your ears. You heard and watched the second squeal as the plane halted, barely feet away from the pogue.

Somewhere in the distance, you heard the sirens.

“Guys, I can’t get arrested.” Pope spoke, breaking the shocked silence you had been standing in.

“I’m on probation.” JJ added. 

“We’re no good if we’re all in jail.” Kie confirmed, and you turned to the three of them.

“You serious?” you almost laughed.

“Y/N,” JJ started.

“Go, if you have to.” You nodded, “I’ll step in if he needs me, God knows what’ll happen.”

Kie and Pope nodded,setting off, but JJ stood. “You can’t-”

“JJ, you said yourself - you’re on probation. But they don’t know I’m here, I’ll be fine.” You smiled, stronger than you felt, “Go.”

He followed your friends, and you stepped back into the trees, the sick feeling in your stomach foreboding a turn of events. The blue and white police car was racing down the runway, and you could almost feel the panic in your friends.

You saw the Sheriff get out, and the exchange that led to Ward’s arrest. You watched her get him on the floor, gun pointed at his face, you heard a bang.

The scene froze for a second, but suddenly time sped up, the Sheriff collapsed, and there was another figure. The gun was pointed at John B. You felt yourself move forwards, but the figures were moving - Sarah’s crumpling onto the floor, Ward standing, John B’s moving to help Sheriff Peterkin. You watched Ward and the new figure. Fuck it.

“John B!” you screamed, and he looked up. He was sprinting towards you as the three Cameron’s started fighting. You jogged, the pair of you breaking into a sprint as you got to the woods, fighting your way through the thicket as more sirens joined the melee. Shots were fired, but they sounded numb to your racing mind. He was slightly ahead of you, faded hoodie flashing as you both ran flat out. Before you registered the road, the horn was honking and John B was rolling over the bonnet of a car. You grabbed his shoulders, pulling him up, the pair of you running as the driver shouted for you.

You needed to find the others.

You ran for a while, slowing to a walk as you discussed where the others would be. The junkyard, you thought.

After five minutes, you stopped, forcing him to prove to you that the blood on his arms was only Peterkin’s, and that he wasn’t injured.

Somewhere above you, there was a plane. 

You were walking slowly now, approaching the junkyard. You felt numb, knowing that everything was completely different now. You turned the corner, seeing the three other pogues gathered, Pope taking a hit from JJ’s juul. Weird.

They ran to you, seeing the blood in John B’s hands and your shirt (from your attempts to check his injuries) and immediately began to panic, giving you once overs.

“Who’s blood is that?”

You all ducked behind the clutter to avoid the approaching sirens, allowing yourself a moment to breathe. You glanced at the blonde boy next to you, but as you went to speak, he turned away harshly. What the fuck?

Tags: @tangledinsparkles​ @jellyfishbeansontoast​ @lolitstiana​ @ilikealotofpeople-younotsomuch​ @teamnick​ @thoughtsofthestars​ @obxmxybxnk​ @jjmaybankswife​ @kaelyn-lobrutto24​ @sxcretinhuman​ @alexa-playafricabytoto​ @angvelics​ @badwolf00593​ @coloradogirl07​ @mendesmaybank​ @jiaraendgame​ @5am-cigarette​ @emerald-xcd​ @haharudy​

[goodtimingz]

dreaming you would come true

intro. pt1. pt2. pt3. pt4. pt5.

AN: I’m so sorry for the long wait, I have 2 weeks before midterms are over and I can write all about park jaehyung and day6 (can’t wait).(rn i’m writing bc 4am vibes) HAPPY MYDAY ANNIVERSARY BTW <3 

(I strongly insist that you check out the blm carrd  You can sign petitions, stream videos made so that all money from ads will be donated, and generally educate yourself/spread awareness. Keep the conversations going, don’t let this be just another trend. I love you all, please be safe if you are attending protests and fight the good fight. )

tags: studentlife, jae day6, fluff, college!au, sexual acts implied.

: the one where you meet jae in your second year of college and it’s basically love at first sight. just little excerpts of what i think a relationship w jae would be like c:

1k words. 

As the day passes, my heart grows deeper and deeper for you.

The night before Jae had left to fly home, the two of you had been determined to make it memorable. That obviously meant eating McDonalds at midnight, walking around the town holding hands for hours and cuddling until his alarm sang at 8am. Maybe the two of you were clingy, the honey-moon phase very alive… But it still felt good to be together even if one month wasn’t supposed to be a long time.

Surprisingly it wasn’t so bad. Jae had rang you every day even for just 5 minutes to tell you a bad joke, and between that Wonpil had visited your room about 3 times a day just because he could. The break had felt great, but when Jae knocked on your door at 8pm on a Saturday, you couldn’t refrain from jumping into his arms immediately.

“Feels good to be home.” Jae laughed loudly, his arms tightly wrapped around you. You blushed, placing a kiss on his cheek for good measure. When he placed you down, it took about 20 seconds before you had pushed him onto your bed and joined his side, resting your head in his arms happily. Being with Jae again felt like meeting him for the first time, but feeling so safe at the same time.

Jae placed a kiss on your head before wriggling his arm out from underneath your neck. “I bought you something…” He reached into his bag, pulling out a big bottle of Vodka with a bow on it, but it didn’t stop there. He reached outside your door only to present you with a skateboard. Trust Jae, alcohol and skating was a summary of his favourite hobbies.

“Are you sending me a message here?” You raised an eyebrow before a grin spread across your face. Jae placed the two objects infront of you with a deep and dramatic bow. “For you my queen… and yes.”

Message received loud and clear. Tonight’s plans were skating and drinking until you couldn’t stand up straight. Jae had been wanting to teach you how to skateboard for so long, he wouldn’t stop talking about it. Although you whined in response about breaking your back if you tried, the thought of being able to skate with Jae late at night seemed fun.

“Thank you so much Jae!” You hugged him gleefully. You could feel his smile against your neck, the smile that knew he’d made you happy. “I also bought you something…” You detached yourself from him, reaching into your drawer before sitting on your bed. Jae raised his eyebrows in surprise but sat back quietly. Pulling out a small box with gold letters writing “TO Jae.” on the top. You handed it to Jae, watching as he gently took it from you and opened it.

You’d spent hours searching for something decent, something Jae wouldn’t call cheesy or tease you for (out of love), something he’d actually use. This lead you to a website that made cuff bracelets with personal engraving, and you knew Jae would look too good with one of them. Of course, it had only been one month (officially), so you went for the subtlest engraving you could think of, which was the longitude of your University. Hoping, wishing that the bracelet would be meaningful for a long time to come.

Jae’s big, wide eyes looked up at you from underneath his long hair. He looked so sweet and innocent like that and you couldn’t help but melt. “Thank you, I love it Y/N.”

Suddenly Jae was directly in front of you, his nose nearly touching yours. You had missed this, his breath fanning across your lips and his eyes shutting gently as you leaned in to meet his lips. When you kissed Jae it felt driven, almost every time. His lips moved quickly and then slowly, always first to swipe his tongue across your bottom lip, and you weren’t one to deny him.  He parted your legs to make space for him, pushing you back so you were lying on your bed with him on top. His hands travelled from your hips up, while you tangled your hands in his hair softly. When you finally pulled back for a breath, Jae scrunched his nose cutely before placing a kiss on your forehead. “I think it’s time you teach me how to skate, don’t you think?” You spoke breathily, pushing yourself to sit up again.

Jae whined, obviously a bit needy (which was beyond cute). Of course that lasted for about a minute before he excitedly picked up your board while you rushed to grab your coat. In the 2 days after you’d cried infront of him, you two had been … busy to say the least. But whenever you asked to stop or didn’t want to, Jae would always respect your decision. He would quickly bounce on to the next topic or activity like it was no big deal, and it wasn’t.

,

The cold night air felt like a slap the minute the two of you stepped out of your dorm. Jae had been quick to place your hand in his pocket while you carried the skateboard to Jae’s dormitory. There were few people out at this time, but the familiar sound of skateboard wheels on concrete echoed through the quiet streets. “Youngk and Dowoon flew back about 12 today, wanna bet it’s them?” Jae informed you, listening as the sound grew louder. As expected, when the two of you turned the corner you were nearly hit by the pair.

"Jae! Y/N!" Dowoon greeted happily. He went in for a hug while Younghyun's just smiled awkwardly... Weird. Jae almost immediately noticed the fox-like boy's vibe was far off.

You greeted them from Jae's side, obviously noticing Younghyun's demeanour also. After about 2 minutes of making plans to meet later in the week, the boys went on their way.

"What's up with Younghyun?" You asked, gazing up to meet Jae's eyes as soon as the two were out of ear-shot.  Jae could only shrug in response with a puzzled expression. "Maybe his crush didn't text him back," is all he could say, but he noticed the worry on your face didn't fade one bit. He really loved that you put so much effort into getting to know his friends and caring about them, but he didn't want this to cloud your thoughts.

"I'm sure he'll tell us in the morning, you know how he is." Jae smiled, kissing you gently on the forehead. You'd finally arrived at his dormitory and he ran inside to get his board. Jae's mind raced as he rushed around his room to grab a scarf and some bandaids incase you fell (or he did). He also couldn't get Younghyun out of his head.

He returned to you with an apologetic smile, taking your hand in his. "Are you ready for this?"

You both placed your boards down and Jae positioned himself infront of you on the flat concrete outside of the dorm. He tried to explain the stance you should take and any precautions because the last thing he wanted was to hurt you. He'd spent hours looking for a decent board for you, altering it for the best control and he was beyond nervous. Jae watched as you had your first attempt, biting his lip nervously before a wide grin spread. You moved slowly, and your body wobbled despite him holding your arm (and you holding onto him with a death grip). However, it was adorable watching his girl taking enough interest in his hobbies like this, and you were trying so hard!

Jae could watch the grin that spread across your face when you passed each milestone on replay. The way you laughed every time you fell, and the way you poked fun at him whenever he fell was all too much like the dreams he'd had. You, Him, a freezing cold night, skating. His heart was full.

,

Skating represented Jae well. Whenever you stood on the board it felt so unstable, but when you kicked off it felt safer each time. That's kinda how you felt with Jae. At first he seemed too chill, too much like he didn't really mind life passing by for your taste. However, as time went by you learnt that he did care, he was surprisingly organised (spreadsheets for days) and his main goal was to make you feel happy, loved and safe.

Just like the feeling of your cheeks going numb from the cold and the laughter that came with it, Jae's love felt like that. Like a cold night that didn't matter, because you had each other.

Jae had fallen off about 3 times already, although he successfully performed an ollie after 10 attempts ("I swear I've done this 100s of times before!"), and you had laughed so hard that your voice grew hoarse. Which meant one thing, and one thing only. Time for a good old macca's run and some alcohol. Exactly how 2 college students should spend a saturday night.

"Y/N, I think you're making me an alcoholic." Jae laughed, pinching your cheeks in a teasing motion. The two of you sat once again on your rooms floor, listening to 88rising and making comments every so often. "Jae, we both know you're the bad influence here! Look!" You giggled, reaching out to point at the small plaster on his knee as an excuse to steal another fry from his McDonald's bag. Jae looked as if he was about to protest, before quickly diving in to steal a nugget from you. 

And for the rest of the night you caught up on everything and anything, stole a lot of food from each other and drank a bit too much. (Which of course meant you spent 20 minutes just laughing at each other hard out because Jae tried to imitate a spider).

[janevx]

maybe| Yuta Nakamoto III

Genre: mafia au, smut, angst

Part II: https://exostoriesbyjuliettx.tumblr.com/post/619367402133684224/maybe-yuta-nakamoto-ii

Today it’s second day sicne she was bringing there. Soyeon likes very much Mark, he was someone who laugh with her and talk about everything. After what Yuta said to Katherine, she didin’t talk a lot. She was scared, because everyone knows Yuta. He and Taeyong are guys who don’t fuck with anybody. And he didn’t talk a lot with Soyeon. Japanese knows that she is afraid of him, what was funny and cute for him, because he knows that Soyeon won’t leave him. After few minutes he knew it. 

 Today they going to some event with other mafia, she heard something about BTS, and she have to go. She knew that there will be some girlfriends with she must talk. It’s be her first time. Soyeon and Yuta gotta go at 7 p.m and now is 2 p.m so they have a lot of time. NCT and BTS have to meet, because of some bussines and issues with weapon. NCT think that leader of BTS stole their weapon and money, so they decided to talk with them than fight.

— Soyeon come here!  —  Yuta shouted out from downstair. She goes down and sit at the couch.  — I bought you some jewerly and dress. I geuss you can do make up so you gonna do this. There will be three girlfriends, wife of Kim Seokjin - Kim Jaeyeol, Min Yoongi’s girlfriend Seo Taemin, and Jeon Junggook girlfriend’s Jung Miseok. They are extremlly stupid. They don’t know when to shut the fuck up, so your mission is easy - Find out about where their boyfriends were at Wednesday, got it? 

— Yes, but what if they gonna realize? 

— Don’t worry, they shouldn’t, but if yes.. — He stopped.  — Then you gonna think what to do. And one more thing. You need to show them where their place is, okey honey?

 He get closser to her and touch lightly her cheek.

— Y-yes.  — She sighed and he take back his hand.

— Are you still scared of me, honey?

— K-kinda yes. You took me from my house and if I’m not gonna listen to you, you will kill me.

— If you be the good girl you will live. And remember, never take of your ring, because Taeyong will cut your fingers off.

 She looked at her fingers and nod.

— Use words honey.

— I remember, Yuta.

— Good girl. Now I’m gonna start dressing so you should too.

---------

 They arrived. Big restaurant that looks like a big castle. Walls are gold and shiny. Infont of restaurant stood a lot of sport, expensive cars. When Soyeon realized how much money stood infront of restaurant she feel a little bit bad. She was never rich and never see car like this. Buah, she never sit in car like this, but tonight she came with one of this car with Yuta. 

 Yuta grab her hand and both of them walked in. With smile on their faces, they walked in. Everybody was looking at them, because..shit..they looked like million dollars. Eveybody in this room know about Yuta’s standards. He loves to feel the best. BTS for him was a little gang that steal others things and thinks that they are powerfull, but for real nobody was scared becasue of them. Jin, Suga and Junggook feel chills when they saw Yuta and his wife. They took their seats and look at everybody.

— Good evening Yuta, nice to see you again.  — Jin started with smile  — I hope everyhting gonna work out.

 Soyeon looked around. At the back stood her husband’s men. Ready to fight and protect her and him. 

— Soeyon, darling.  — he turn around to face her  — You should get to know their girlfriends, very friendly girls. I have some business to do, so maybe you four should go to walk or drink some coffee and be back about 15 minutes, huh?

— Of cousre, Yuta. Girls, are you in?  —  She smiled

 Girls looked at their partners faces, and when boys nod at them, they stood up.They goona go to next room to drink some coffee and talk about “regular” things. Soyeon acts so good. She smile all the time, looks like she is interest in conversation.

— By the way, Soyeon how it is?  — Jaeyeol asked

— What?

— You know, being Yuta’s wfe. — Miseok added

— Nice. He is very nice to me, romantic, take care about me. He is really in love with me. 

— My god, imagine being his wife.  — Taeim groaned  — He is so handsome and hot, not like Yoongi. He ignores me everytime. And my god if he is so hot, he must be

— He must be god of sex.  — Jaeyeol end  — He fuck propably like god. Imagine his body. For sure you have a lot orgams during sex with him.

 Soyeon never in her life felt this embarrasded like today. Her cheeks burn like tomatoe. First: This wasn’t weird talk about sex with new meet person? Second: He is HER husband.

— I don’t mean to be rude, but he is my husband.  — Soyeon clenched her jaw  — Yes, he fucks me good. Only me. And his body is art.  — She felt a lot more confidence  — So we can end topic about our sex life. Yours husband don’t fuck you all good?

 They looked at the ground.

— Maybe. Damn I’m jelous.

 Yuta was right. They are really stupid. Soyeon was tired, but left a few minutes and they have to come back.

— Okey, so I recommend talk about it with them. Btw, what did you do two days ago? Were you with your boyfriends? 

— Why you asking?

— You don’t know what was at Wednesday?  — Soyeon looked like surprised  — At Wednesday was international “Lovers Day” something like Valentine Day, but not at all. Couples at this day should spend time together.

— What?! Min Yoongi you asshole!  — Miseok looks sad  — I didn’t spend this day with him. He was busy with work.

— Same here.  — Taemin look at them  — I geuss your husband was outside too, right Jaeyeol?  — She nodded  — They have some work at the end of Seoul. Weapon? I don’t remember.

— Yeah.  — Jaeyeol shouted  — This assholes choosed work above us. Yeah, Jin talked about weapon and money from big head of some poeple, I don’t know about who was he talking.

— Nevermind.  — Miseok end  — This assholed don’t gonna have sex with us, because they skipped international Lover Day. Did you spend your time with Yuta?

— Yeah.  — She smilled lightly  — We were at cinema and then at dinner. Very beautifull time. Oh shit.  — She looked at watch  — We should come back. Already passed 20 minutes.

 Soyeon couldn’t belive that this girls belived her about “lovers day” and talk her everything about Yuta asked for. They are really stupid. She was happy, becasue Yuta would give her space and don’t do anything wrong to her or talk with her.

 Girls come back and sit next to their partners. Yuta was looking at Soyeon with interest in his eyes. She nodded to him and sit next to him.

— Babe, how was your time with this girls?

— Very good. They are very, very talkative women.  — She smiled and feel a little bit stressed.

— What you was talking about?

— I think it’s not important.  — Jaeyeol was sip of her drink

— I decide what is important and what not.

— They think that you are hot, and was curious about our sex life and how good you fuck me.  — Yuta smirked look into his rivals eyes.

 Their faces was pale and looked a little bit angry. Girls looked at the ground, shocked that Soyeon tell him about their dirty minds.

— Something more, honey?

— They didn’t spend Wednesdat together. They were busy by work. Steal some weapons and money, like their girlfriends said.

 Yuta could spill the fire. He was pissed of, because this guys sweared to him that they were busy with their partners and papper work in office. BTS feel bad and stressed, they know how can this end.

 At Yuta’s face make new sinister smile. His men knows what is coming.

— Thank you darling.  — He throw his fist at the table  — I thought you were honest with me, you three motherfuckers. You know what I’m going to do?  — He turn around to his wife  — Honey, Haechan and Jaemin took you to home, I have to end business with this men. I’ll be back about hour or two, don’t wait for me.

 She nodded. Stand up and walked to his men. There was six of his men, and two of them have to take her back to home. 

— What do you think Yuta is going to do?  — Jaemin asked

— You jerk, what do you think? Of course, he’s gonna kill them, and this women gonna work at club in China. For sure WinWin or Kun goona take care of them.  —  Haechan laughed  — How do you feel Soyeon? Is everything good?

— Y-yes. It’s good. Does he often kill people?

— How do you think? He is in mafia, it’s his job. By the way, good job.

 She nodded and started look at window. It’s hard. She was more afraid of him, because she knew about this that he can kill, but it hits diffrently when someone tell you this. She closed her eyes and clean her mind.

[greaserbloom1324]

GGC Example Writing

Hey all! I'm excited to post some of my writing work on here. Although excited, I'm a little nervous bc I don't know if a lot of you liked my idea of doing a crossover with The Outsiders with 2 of my favorite magical girl shows, Bishoujo Senshi Sailor Moon and Winx Club (back when Winx Club was for teens & preteens and not just kids like it is now 💔) Btw I'm using one of my ocs in this example writing & in my Outsiders au, she is Ponyboy's love interest (and later boyfriend). But anyway, please enjoy!

"Pony, I can't show you. You'll get scared of me."

I've known Pony and his gang for a while now. Darry isn't fond of me because of my father making him fall into financial debt, which is why he doesn't seem to like me, unlike the other guys, who don't care about that. What mattered to them is if I'm a cool person and that I can get along with them. Well, I'm not exactly cool, due to the emotional abuse and neglect I had to endure at home. I couldn't take it and had ran away, before trying to get a job.

I don't think it's possible for a 13-year-old like me to get a job, especially if I am mentally disabled. Well, it's just hard to explain. Basically, I have autism, more like aspergers syndrome. It's supposed to be more on the positive side, since it's making me so intelligent, but I don't feel it. Maybe it's because I'm so used to my parents, older and younger brothers, and my grandmother treating me like utter dog shit, that made me feel utterly useless and stupid. Well, not in the gang's eyes.

They see me as something my family doesn't see in me nor do they care: a kind, sweet young girl with weight problems, anxiety and depression added to the mix, you get the idea. If you don't, then I don't know what to do for you. But all I could say is, if it weren't for Johnny meeting me at the junkyard, then I wouldn't be living with the gang like I am now.

"Mary, I won't get scared. If it's weird, I won't laugh. If it's scary, then I won't freak out in horror. Please let me see." He talked to me gently, but with comfort in his voice. It always gets me when he speaks to me like that. He's so dreamy and gentle. Gee, I wonder why he has to put up with someone like me to love, care and talk about to the boys over and over again. I eventually gave in. "Alright, you win. Let me position myself..."

Pony nodded and stepped back to give me space. Once I was in a comfortable position, I closed my eyes, threw my arms in the air and crossed my fingers. "Mary Transform!!" After what seemed like minutes, I opened my eyes and looked down. My jeans, black Taylor Swift Speak Now album t-shirt, and red converse sneakers had vanished and turned into this: a magenta strapless mini dress, baby pink mini shorts, magenta below-the-knee short heel boot, baby pink fingerless arm gloves that reach to my elbows with a slight flair at the other end on my wrists, a gold tiara appeared on my head, alongside a pair of small pastel pink wings with dark pink tips.

"Wha-What do you think??" I stuttered nervously. I felt my face turn hot, just as Pony stared at me in awe. "Oh Mary, you look so beautiful already!!" He exclaimed. I gently played with my long light brown curls. "Oh, you shouldn't have..." "Mary, no. If I say you look beautiful, then I mean it. Don't listen to your shitty parents on what they said to you. Even if you don't see it, you'll always be beautiful."

I was speechless. "I, well um-" I stopped myself when he gave me a hug. I felt my eyes watered. He's so sweet. "Thank you, Pony. Thank you so much."

"You're welcome, Beautiful."

Tags: @stayingsilvertonight @leuiesroom

If I left anyone out in the tags section, let me know and I'll edit it asap

[attract-mode-collective]

It’s Zelda 2, But Starring “The Zelda Trio”

Arne Niklas, whom you may recall as the artist behind that in-between a NES and SNES in a different timeline, is back with an alternate take on everyone’s not so favorite Legend of Zelda, aka Zelda 2: The Adventure of Link (though for a hot minute there, it was the cool thing to claim as being your secret fave).

Just like last time, Arne likes to lay it ALL out, and as someone who also has massive reasons for the tiniest of details, his rabbit hole is one that I very much admire and enjoy. Here’s his explanation behind the four figures above, BTW/FYI…

“One way to lessen the monotony of a game is to offer multiple playable characters… which character that you choose has more to do with play-style than solving puzzles, and I like that. In TMNT, the turtles act as lives, making you use all of them.

Three characters seems right for a Zelda game, of course. They could each embody a triforce piece - Wisdom, Bravery, Strength. You'd start the game as any of the characters, setting out to find the others in the early game. Like in Zelda 2, you'd level them up, but they each have slightly different proficiencies (Diablo 1 style?).

Left to right: Wisdom, White Mage, Rogue - I wanted to draw something more "girly" to balance the other characters which I had already drawn. The outfit is based on traditional white-pink/purple-gold Zelda from the "newer" games (anything >Z2 is newer games to me).

Bravery, Warrior - Started out as a redesign of the old future/bikini Zelda concept art piece, but I ended up putting some more clothes on for some reason…

Strength, Brute/Barbarian/Ogre - Fuzelchomp. Influence should be obvious, but there's a little Sheik in there too…

Uh... so, I added a figure and now it's a trio of four? Three princesses representing the three pieces, but, surprise twist, it's actually a 3D Tetrahedron, which has four faces. Maybe the characters are from South, West, East and North? Or perhaps from different worlds altogether. There are a bunch of fan theories about a fourth triforce piece. Some say the 4th piece is the negative space and the origin of shadow Link.”

And here’s additional concept sketches; again, things you’ve seen countless times without giving them any thought are expanded upon, and connections made between things that seem so obvious, but only now…

Again, there’s a LOT to dig into, including brand new lore, though I mostly dig the critiques…

“Zelda 1 had an unreal feel to it, with many strange monsters and no signs of ordinary life or earthly culture themes. The desolation, with old people hiding in caves suggested that something had gone down, perhaps long ago. The bustling towns in 2&3 undermined my narrative, though Z2 still had an exotic feel to [it] with the Cambrian(?) monster designs.

The Z3 monster designs come off as kind of knee-jerk goofy and haphazard. I also thought that the Arabian(?) influence felt out of place. This kind of culture theme'ing is common in many of the newer Zeldas and screams ���design meeting’. Too derivative and earthly - I shout as I jump hysterically in my hermit pit, beard bobbing, clutching a dirty Zelda 1 cartridge with a long dead battery.”

[azulwaves126]

This is my first attempt at a Destiel fanfic, since I finally had time to write. (coffeeshop au) Sorry if it sucks. It’s not done btw. 

Dean grabbed the boiling kettle, it’s whistle sounding in unison with several others. The warmth of the steam fogged up his glasses, which were already making their way down his nose. Weaving around the other baristas who were frantically prepping drinks, he poured the coffee into a cup covered in candy cane designs. It was a month and a half till Christmas, and still, businesses decided to take advantage.

“What a bunch of greedy bitches.” he grumbled to himself as he slapped on a top for the cup.

“One black coffee to go for...Castiel?” he called out. What a strange name, but who was he to judge? He was just a barista.

He was already turning around to prep another drink as the man hurried up.

“Thank you.” came a small reply.

“Sure thing.” Dean answered, still not looking up from mixing a peppermint mocha.

The day went on just like that, filled with frantic customers who waited exasperatedly. With the regulars who chatted up a storm. With the rambunctious families who left a war zone behind.

But Dean loved the coffee shop. All throughout his rough childhood, the twinkling windows and kind-hearted workers were what kept him going. What kept him believing. When his father threw fits, and left Dean and his little brother alone for days on end, he would go to the shop and get a free coffee and warm blanket for him and his brother. When his brother, Sam, spiraled into addiction and ended up in rehab, the owner, Jody Mills,  put in some of her own funds to his recuperation. The shop was his safe place, and he would be damned if he wasn't gonna make it that way for others.

Snow started falling early evening, just when his day ended. The white puffs looked like feathers as they floated onto the ground. It was dusk as Dean walked to his home, his breath sending puffs into the air and pine needles crunching under his feet. He shivered, and wrapped his jacket tighter around him. Tahoe was a great place to live, but the cold was a drag sometimes.

The prickly outlines of pine trees loomed over his street, the deathly quiet accentuating every rustle of their branches. His house, well, more of a cabin, was on the outer reaches of South Lake Tahoe, separated from the touristy areas. It was close to the mountains, and his neighborhood was usually calm, the amount of people encountered were sparse to none. That worked fine for Dean. It gave him the privacy he needed. But lately, it had been feeling very empty.

After letting himself in, Dean turned on the gas fireplace and threw his parka onto the couch. His cabin could probably fit 2 to 3 people, but that meant he had plenty of room. He got settled in the couch as the wind howled outside, and turned on the tv. As the voices droned on, and the storm blew outside, he drifted to sleep.

Dean was startled awake, and it took a moment for him to orient himself. The watery light of the winter sun filtered through his blinds, hitting him right in the eyes. Crap. He was late for work. Cursing and kicking himself for falling asleep on the couch, he jumped into his clothes from yesterday, grabbed some things he’d think he’d need, and rushed off to get to the shop on time.

“I freaking hate myself sometimes.” he muttered under his breath, practically fast walking to the shop.

As he approached the cafe, Dean had to admit it looked extremely inviting. The large glass windows looked in on plush chairs in front of fireplaces, filled with people enjoying their warm drinks. “Phoenix Cafe” was painted on one of the windows in gold calligraphy. But it seemed too good to be true.  Was his life really working at a fluffy coffee shop on weekdays and going hiking on weekends? When his brother was in rehab, and his father dead? Shoving the thoughts down, he walked in, the heat from the fireplaces almost steaming the snow off of him in a surge of warmth.

Dean was greeted by warm smiles and the smell of cinnamon. Winter days were his favorite, especially on tough days. He made his way behind the cashier and put on one of the brown aprons hanging on the wall, rubbing his bleary eyes.

“ Hey deano, you’re 7 minutes late and sleep deprived! ”

“Thanks for letting me know Donna.” Dean answered dryly. He was in no mood for their usual banter today.

“You betcha, just don’t fall asleep on me okay?” Donna said as she handed him a cup of coffee. She was a lot more perceptive than she let on.

Dean gratefully took the cup and had a long swig. Wiping his mouth, he walked over to the register to begin his shift. Even at 7:30 in the morning, a line was already forming. He took care of several aloof lawyers and a very stressed looking mom dressed in work clothes and holding a little girl’s hand. “I’ll get you another one to go, for free.” Dean let her know.

“Really? Thank you so much!” the mom distractedly answered while reining in her adventurous toddler. Dean got her her payment and let Donna know to make the mother an extra cup.

“That was really sweet of you.” came a gravelly, and similar voice, from the counter. Dean turned back around to face a man in his mid thirties, about Dean’s age. His disheveled black hair framed a warm face lit up by two extremely blue eyes.

Quickly realizing he was being talked to, Dean replied, “I like doing it. Those small things usually make a big difference for others.”

“Hmm, wisely said.” the man smiled warmly and took his phone from a pocket in his tan trenchcoat, “I’ll have a black coffee please.”

Dean snapped his fingers. “That’s where you’re from. You were here yesterday, Castiel right?”

“Actually, yes. You remember me?”

Dean shrugged, “I like keeping track of my customers. Ya never know when they can become regulars.”

Castiel shot him a mischievous look that almost melted Dean on the spot. “I’ll take note of that.”

“Hey, what’s holding the line up!” yelled yet another smug man in a suit.

“Just a second!” answered Dean. He rung up Donna for a black coffee. “Anything else Castiel?” he queried.

“That’ll be all for me. See you around Dean.” added Castiel.

Dean moved to the next customer, watching as Castiel grabbed his coffee and strode into the snow outside, his trenchcoat fluttering behind him.

[ashandcalscurbsidemilkshake]

Shuffle Music Library

Thank you @heyquackson for tagging me in this ❤️ you’re beautiful btw, Ik it’s been forever but ily

Rules: Hit shuffle on your music and listen to and list the first 10 songs

Btw imma use Spotify (ugh) BC it has more songs saved then amazon (which I normally use) so get ready

1. Invisible - 5sos (beautiful, amazing, gorgeous, Calum, violins, everything, 10/10, gold star, def not crying)

2. Hearts On Fire - Gavin James (middle school?? Also pretty chill)

3. Mine - Bazzi (🙄🙄🙄)

4. Wherever You Are - 5sos (not tearing..., up)

5. Congratulations- Post Malone (surprisingly still slaps)

Idk if I told y’all how much I hate Spotify, but I hate Spotify, why? BC I GOT ANOTHER FREAKING AD! Like whoa who would wanna be stopped for AN AD ABOUT BABY WIPES WHILE LISTENING TO THEIR TUNES?? BC I SURE DO! Sorry okay back to the list

6. Happier - Marshmello (then only for a minute I want to change my mind cause this just don’t feel right to me I wanna raise your spirits I wanna see you smile know that means I’ll have to leave) (this song is longer than I remember)

7. Dying in LA - Panic! At The Disco (a true masterpiece 👏👏👏)

8. Right Now - Nick Jonas (i don’t even remeber putting this in my playli— OH NVM, it got to the chorus and now I feel dumb)

9. Secrets - One Republic (wow we are getting in the middle school years, I got Spotify around the time skh came out and that’s all I remeber)

10. Youth - Shawn Mendes ft. Khalid (aww my baaaabbbyyyy)

Dude if I learned anything from doing this, it’s how much my music taste has changed, at least this wasn’t torcher EXCEPT FOR IT BEING ON FREAKING SPOTIFY NEXT TIME IMMA DEF USE AMAZON BC I HATE SPOTIFY IDC

Imma tag these people:

@rip-lukes-balsamic

@sunshinelukee (who is tumblr famous) ((congrats on the follower reach))

@five-seconds-of-ashton-irwin

@post-traumatic-mess

@xpowerlessx

@blackcloudbyjuly

@hazzasgayvodka

@httpmassiveflirt

If you find it weird as to why I tagged you, it’s because you have an awesome blog and you obviously don’t have to do this