#don’t i’ll pass out at work and become a danger to myself -> go to work -> repeat

[angelstrawbabie420]

it’s been such a long fucking week jesus christ

[nicolinocolino]

@wolfstarmicrofic | May prompt #3: love confession | word count: 882

“I dare us—“

Remus’s stomach swoops.

“—to drink this,” Sirius punctuates by setting a delicate glass vial of clear liquid onto the table between them.

“Veritaserum?” Remus asks. Dizziness overtakes him.

A spontaneous game of truth or dare in the Gryffindor common room ended moments ago with Lily daring James to go to bed. It earned laughs all around, although James took it as a euphemism instead of his right cue to leave her alone. It left him with a mouth hexed shut.

Now, with the stragglers headed to their dorms, Sirius and Remus are the only two left.

Sirius looks smug. “Brewed it myself.”

“Why?”

“Just to see if I could.”

They lock eyes with a long, dangerously charged glare.

“Okay,” Remus agrees, his rare Gryffindor courage taking over.

Sirius throws him a wicked grin that has him second guessing.

Remus drinks the potion first, just a sip to coat his tongue, then passes it to Sirius who does not break eye contact when pressing the vial to his lips.

“Is it working?” Sirius asks.

“Yes.” The truth leaves Remus immediately. This will be tricky.

Sirius leans forward, elbows on his knees, chin in his hands. Ringed fingers cradle his face. “You go first,” he decides.

Remus swallows. He’s strung up like a kite. “All right. Truth or dare?”

“Truth.”

“Why did you really brew the Veritaserum?”

“To move this along.” Sirius waves his hand dramatically in the air between them.

“This?”

“Us.”

Remus notices the first hitch he thinks he’s ever seen in Sirius Black’s throat, as if Sirius himself is startled by how reckless the truth feels coming up with no control.

“Truth or dare?” Sirius continues before Remus can respond.

“Dare,” Remus chooses, afraid.

“Really?” Sirius questions him. He sounds annoyed. “Fine then. I dare you to kiss me.”

The space between them shrinks. Sirius, on the opposite couch, still has his chin in his hands. His smile is sly and his movements coltish, like he knows exactly what he’s doing. Having fun, even.

Remus does not move.

“What? Don’t want to?”

“No, I want to,” Remus confesses, then groans. “Don’t do that, Pads.”

“Do what?”

“Cheat.”

Sirius rolls his eyes. “Are you going to play or not, Moony?”

Remus stands up, crosses the distance, and sits next to Sirius on the opposite couch. He can feel his heart beat behind his teeth it’s so fervid; his hand shakes as he gently cups Sirius’s cheek. It’s difficult to think of anything more anxiety inducing than the moments before his transformation every full moon, but this comes awfully close.

“Well, Moons?” Sirius repeats in a whisper. His grey eyes bounce between Remus’s, wide and hopeful.

“Yes, I’ll play.” Remus tucks a strand of Sirius’s hair behind his ear and leans in.

Their lips barely meet before Sirius responds with earnest, smile blooming. Remus’s fingers drift back to comb through curls, tugging slightly. It’s rapacious. Sirius gasps and laughs. Remus can’t do this for much longer before the point of no return will ruin him forever.

“Truth or dare?” Remus pants, pulling away with a wild expression.

“Truth,” Sirius chooses. His lips are shiny, eyes dark. Remus wants to devour him.

“Am I a good kisser?”

“Yes. That was the best kiss of my life.”

Remus has to put some space between them soon before that point of no return opens up like a black chasm and becomes an inescapable void. He gets up quickly, awkwardly, and goes back to the opposite couch. The fire in the fireplace gives a sharp, crackled pop.

Sirius looks disappointed, rejected, almost angry. “Truth or dare?” He snaps.

“Dare,” Remus chooses again.

Sirius sets his jaw tight, exasperated. “I dare you to tell me how you really feel about me.”

Remus takes a deep breath. “I’m in love with you,” he whispers, the truth ringing in his ears after he says it. He hides his hot face in his hands and lets out a strangled, muffled scream. “You clever git. That’s cheating. Merlin, you really are bold tonight.” He risks a peek through his fingers at Sirius opposite him. Face unreadable, the weak flames of the fireplace dancing golden and scarlet across his face.

“Now ask me,” Sirius says softly.

“What?”

“Ask me,” he repeats. “The same.”

“Truth or dare?”

“Truth.”

Remus hesitates. “How do you really feel about me?”

“I’m in love with you too,” Sirius is saying, already halfway off the couch, approaching Remus, tucking in next to him on his knees and grabbing his face with force, kissing him for the second time that night.

Love and hunger and relief and joy. And a little bit of panic. They pull at each other, kiss like they can’t get enough.

Remus breaks away. “For how long?” Veritaserum still coursing through them, he will milk the powerful truth potion for all it’s worth.

Sirius does not let their lips be apart for very long. “Moons,” he says through an open mouth. “It’s been all year.”

Remus melts.

“And you?” Sirius continues. “How long?”

“I don’t know. I don’t remember,” Remus confesses.

Sirius slides a hand down Remus’s chest. He feels how heavy and quick it beats under his palm.

“It’s been so long, I don’t remember,” Remus repeats.

It must be the truth.

[kurishiri]

95k bonus . . . Liebe geht durch den Magen

꒰ ִ ֺ ⊹ @ notice ⊹ ֺ ִ ꒱ this translation may not be 100% accurate or contain creative liberties due to characterization or narrative flow purposes. if you enjoy, please consider reblogging, but don’t repost these or claim these as your own!

꒰ ִ ֺ ⊹ @ warning ⊹ ֺ ִ ꒱ none; it’s really just vogel being silly! hope you’re ready for the dari, nica, and ring galore, hehe.

Kate: A tea party with all of the members of Vogel…?

Victor: Mhm, it seems like all of them have taken an interest in you. So they asked for a chance to speak with you.

Kate: Well, seeing as I’m the only one who isn’t Cursed, I guess it makes sense they would hold an interest.

Victor: Indeed. …How would you like to answer? It’s completely up to you.

V: …However, both parties hold their own secrets.

V: And we do often take care of them, seeing as they are diplomatic guests.

V: Should there be anything making you anxious, or you feel even slightly you don’t want to do this, or anything of the sort, then you are always free to turn them dow—

Kate: …Victor. I will attend the tea party.

Victor: Wait, really? Are you sure?

Kate: Since they have come here to deepen relations between the organizations, turning down an opportunity like this wouldn’t leave a good impression, I’d imagine.

K: And besides, I would like to be of some use to you and Crown, for extending such hospitality to me.

When I expressed my honest feelings, Victor’s expression softened in turn.

Victor: I’m grateful for your honesty. Well then, it’s about time I give them a response.

V: Ahh, but… I’ll have Roger listen in from nearby, so if something happens you can just give a shout, okay?

V: No matter the time and place, I’ll come running.

After Victor’s words resonated in my heart, several days passed——

Darius: Thank you for accepting our invitation, miss fairytale keeper.

D: Did you perhaps prepare everything on this table?

Lined up on the table was filled to the brim with snacks, causing Darius to blink.

Kate: Victor and I prepared them. We were hoping it would be nice if you could eat these…

K: And that we can be on more friendly terms as we’re chatting like this.

Ring: You want to be on more friendly terms with the ones who might kill you? I don’t see the point?

Kate: …Gh.

Nica: Riiing, now don’t go saying gruesome things like that. You’ll bother the Spatzi.

N: So sorry about that? Ring is a Jungfrau [1] who tends to get a bit more nervous around cute girls.

Wearing an amiable smile as he faced me, Nika lifted the heavy air around us.

Kate: Jung…?

Ring: Y-you don’t have to ask what it is! …And also, it’s not like I’m nervous.

R: But, I won’t deny… that you are… cute…

He was simply cautious around me; it was not as though he was really doing me any harm for now.

…Even so, though, I myself had become ever so slightly anxious.

(The members of Vogel are also Cursed, if I recall, right…)

(If they had such intentions, they could easily take my life.)

The fear that I had first felt when I started working for Crown started to paint over my heart, when…

Darius: …Are you nervous, by any chance?

Donning a childlike innocence, Darius looked into my face.

Kate: Ah… umm…

Darius: Well, well… if we did possess a strong ability much like Sir Rex…

D: I wouldn’t blame you for feeling powerless even while simply conversing.

D: But you can relax around us. My ability will not kill you.

D: ——In fact, there is absolutely no way it will. Okay?

Nica: Oh, me and my brother’s abilities aren’t really harmful too.

N: That said, it can probably make you feel really good and maybe make you feel a bit fuzzy, but that’s actually a good thing, isn’t it?

Kate: R-right…

(Just what ability does that entail…?)

Although I still held my doubts, I knew that their abilities didn’t pose a danger to my life, which ebbed my fear.

Darius: Now then, now that you know we mean you no harm, how about we partake in these?

With Darius’ encouragement, Ring quickly reached out to a cake in front of him.

Ring: Mm…! This is really good.

Taking large bites, the cake was gone before I knew it, and Ring then reached out for another snack.

Nica: Geez, Ring, why are you just taking whatever’s in front of you? Pick the ones that especially look good.

While saying so, Nica reached for a baked pastry diagonal of him.

Nica: I recognize this shape. Isn’t this from the high-class bakery near the castle?

Kate: I’m surprised you know of it! That shop——

Nica: Mn… hm? It’s good, but did it really come from that shop?

Kate: Well, what I wanted to say was that shop’s pastry shapes were the inspiration for these homemade sweets.

That said, this time, Victor and I did make our rounds around a variety of bakeries, and put this together.

And I tried to make homemade pastries here at the castle that were freshly made or were hard to obtain.

Nica: They’re ‘homemade’? So they’re basically cheap foods, in which case I don’t want any.

Kate: Eh—

Nica: Here, Ring, say ‘ahh.’

Nica pushed his half eaten pastry into Ring’s mouth.

Ring: Mn… this is also really good…

When he was eating it, Nica said it was ‘good,’ but maybe he’s actually not good with homemade pastries…?

Darius: Hey, miss fairytale keeper, this is Baumkuchen [2], isn’t it?

This time, Darius called out to me while pulling on my sleeve.

Kate: That’s right. We figured since you’re here, we could prepare some German pastries… or that’s what Victor said.

Darius: Ho-oh…

Darius used a knife to lightly cut a slice before he carried it to my mouth.

Darius: Here, have a bite?

Kate: Mn… mmm, it’s really fluffy and delicious!

Darius: I’m glad to hear. Then it’s my turn.

With layers of the Baumkuchen spilling, Darius brought it to his mouth.

Darius: Mm, it’s delicious. …But, I take it it’s not something made in most of England. So where did you get this?

Kate: Actually, while I was racking my head on how to make Baumkuchen…

K: Victor made a gadget that could make it.

In order to make a delicious Baumkuchen by the tea party, I practiced baking it day in and day out.

…I feel that I can keep the fact that for some time the castle’s snacks consisted of nothing but Baumkuchen to myself.

Darius: He made a whole gadget just for this? Hmm… he’s quite strange, I’d say.

Kate: I can’t argue with that… but I’m sure it’s just that he was happy.

K: Happy that you guys, who are also Cursed, have come to England——or rather, to Crown.

Darius: …The pleasure is ours. I’m delighted at how warmly we’re treated here.

D: I do like the Baumkuchen, so do make it again sometime.

Kate: Alright!

I was so glad he liked it that I gave an immediate answer, but…

(Making it is quite time consuming and requires skill… but I’ll try my best.)

Nica: This topic’s all well and good, but what I really want to hear about the Spatzi [3] herself.

N: You know, like what fragrances you like, or which types of guys you fancy, that kind of thing… what about you, Ring?

Ring: Mngh…!? U-uhm…

R: ………M-maybe, like, which color of the sky she most likes?

Nica: The sophistication’s lacking, I see.

Ring: And what’s the problem with that?

Darius: I do agree with Nika here though. I would also like to get to know you better.

D: But simply asking would be a bore, so how about we play a guessing game?

Nica: So, Ratespiel? Now we’re talking.

Darius: Let’s make it so each person can make a single guess, and until then, we can continue asking questions…

D: Come play with us, why don’t you, miss fairytale keeper?

D: If possible… I would prefer you choose a topic that pertains to yourself.

Kate: Alright, then…

K: Out of the foods on this table, which one is my most favorite?

Darius: Hehe, that’s quite a charming topic? Then let’s start.

Nica: Sounds good to me, though I’d like to propose another twist.

N: The first person to guess the correct answer will be able to ask the Spatzi out on a date. Well, how about it?

Ring: A date…!? [surprised]

Darius: You do make a good point. A competition does call for a prize of sorts… well, miss fairytale keeper? Are you fine with this?

Kate: U-um, I think a date may be a bit——

When I tried to speak up, though, the three of them looked at me, causing my breath to catch in my throat.

Ring was looking at me with a guarded look, as though he were a guard dog who could tear my neck apart with a single order.

Nica was looking at me with a scrutinizing look, as though he was thinking about how to play with a toy.

And Darius was wearing an amiable smile, but his eyes alone were sharp, like that of a predator aiming for its prey——

With the three of them looking at me in their own way, I couldn’t bring myself to disagree, feeling myself surrounded by a heavy air.

Darius: ‘I think a date may be a bit’ what was that now?

Kate: …Nope, never mind. That works for me.

Overwhelmed by the pressure, I could only nod, and Darius returned the gesture with an angelic smile.

Like a signal, the tense atmosphere became more lax.

Darius: Thank you. Then, let the game start.

With that, the tea party proceeded such that Darius, Nika, and Ring asked me questions.

While the discussion occasionally went off track, this peaceful time continued to pass by——

Ring: I got it!

The one who had his answer ready first was Ring.

Darius: A friendly reminder that you only have one chance. If you miss the mark, that will be the end… are you sure you would like to answer?

Ring: Don’t worry, I’m sure of this.

R: The answer is——that fruit before your eyes!

Kate: …Miss.

Ring: Wh…!? I-I see… so it was wrong…

Ring looked a bit despondent at my answer, and though he looked like a guard dog before, in an instant, he looked more like an abandoned puppy,

and I had to desperately fight the urge to say ‘actually, it’s a hit.’

Nica: …Hey, Ring. Mind if I say how you got to your answer?

Ring: ‘How I got to my answer’?

Nica: When you were about to grab that fruit, the Spatzi said ‘go ahead’ to you with a smile and put it on your plate,

N: and so you held a positive association with that fruit, leading you to your answer?

Ring: N-now that you mention it… that might’ve been the case… it was completely unconscious…

Darius: Ahaha, you’re so adorably honest, Ring.

Nica: Well then, it’s about time I guess too. The correct answer is… this chocolate.

N: It’s a bit on the mini side, and it looks cute too, and not to mention the packaging is also intricate. It practically oozes the traits a girl would like.

Kate: Miss.

Nica: Oops, too bad.

As opposed to Ring, who seemed down upon getting his guess wrong, Nika didn’t show any signs of caring, even if he did.

It was as though he knew from the beginning his answer was wrong.

Darius: I would prefer you make a serious guess, or this game will really end up in a bore.

Nica: But I thought long and hard about what girls would like and picked based on that?

N: Besides, this is where a subordinate hands the torch to the master.

Nika gave a smug wink, and Darius shrugged his shoulders in response.

Darius: It seems I bear a great responsibility now. If I’m unable to answer correctly, I’m afraid the little miss fairytale keeper——

D: And Crown as well would be disappointed in me.

Kate: Don’t worry, I won’t be disappointed even if you don’t answer correctly. It’s just a game, after all.

Darius: Hmm, so you believe I won’t get the answer right, is that it?

Kate: That…

(If I’m being completely honest, yes, I did think that.)

(Because the answer to this question is… a bit special.)

Darius: Hehe, seeing you have such low expectations of me makes me want to try my utmost hardest.

D: Alright, I have my answer.

D: I see you were trying not to eat this chocolate cake, right?

D: Because you like it, you saved it for last, I take it. So, my answer is that chocolate cake.

I was about to reply with an immediate ‘miss,’ when he opened his mouth before me.

Darius: …is what a normal person would say, but that would be incorrect.

Kate: Eh…

Darius: The answer to your question is——-

D: ‘Everything here on the table.’

Kate: …That’s a hit.

Ring: A-all of it…!? Is that answer even possible?

Nica: Well, we never established that the said thing had to just be a single thing, so yeah, it’s fully possible.

N: But even so, way to bend the rules there, Spatzi. I didn’t think you had it in you.

N: …You really are an interesting one, aren’t you.

Darius: I did think it was a strange answer, but considering the little miss fairytale keeper’s character, it wasn’t too difficult.

D: Perhaps you thought something like, ‘If I’m preparing something for guests, I would choose the things I believe are the most delicious’… am I right?

Kate: It is as you say…

While consulting with Victor, I chose all of the pastries here.

So, that’s why if I were to choose my most favorite among these, the answer would naturally be ‘everything.’

Kate: It was a bit of an underhanded answer, so I didn’t think you would get it.

Darius: Hehe, but I did. Oh, but, I don’t think it’s underhanded.

D: After all, I take it you thought up of such an answer so that you didn’t have to assign winners and losers, yes?

Kate: Yes, there was also that. Since it was such a fun tea party, I didn’t want to label anyone as winners and losers…

Darius: To see you try to put us on an equal footing without assigning a winner…

D: You truly are sweet to the point it’s cloying… and kind as well.

Ring: B-by the way… will Darius ask her out? O-on a date, that is…!

Darius: Ahh, that nearly slipped my mind. Well, miss fairytale keeper, will you go out on a date with me next time?

Kate: …I will.

I didn’t have much reason to turn him down, and now that I got to talk with them like this, I started to become more interested in the members of Vogel.

(…And going out together with them seems pretty fun too.)

Nica: Okay, then, when you’re done with your date with Dari, let me know, okay? We can plan a date of our own then.

Kate: Eh—

Nica: The prize for the game was the right to ask you out on a date, but there’s no need to hinge something like that on a game, right?

N: Besides, if the answer to the question is ‘everything on the table,’ that would technically make my answer right, too, yeah?

Kate: I… guess so…?

Nica: And you caught my interest too anyway…

N: …Ah, that’s right. Since we’re talking about this, why don’t you invite the Spatzi on a date too, Ring?

Ring: O-on a date…!? I… I’ll pass.

R: …But when you go on your date with Nica and Darius, I’ll tag along behind you guys.

Nica: Wait, why though?

Ring: If she’s around, you’ll let your guards down and lose sight of your surroundings, right?

R: So I’ll cover those bases during your date.

Nica: Ehh…

Darius: Hehe, thank you, Ring.

D: …Hey, miss fairytale keeper. I must say that half a day isn’t nearly enough.

D: Why don’t we take our sweet time chatting on our date, the two of us?

A smile played on Darius’ lips, and I couldn’t look away from his honey-colored eyes.

Just then, I remembered Victor’s words from before I went out.

—— Flashback ——

Victor: Ahh, that’s right, Kate. There’s one thing I should say.

V: If you wish to return to your normal everyday life after this month passes… you mustn’t let your heart get stolen by them.

—— End flashback ——

(It’ll be alright… I think I was able to enjoy this time today when I tried talking to them.)

(This feeling won’t blossom into love. Surely…)

Fin.

will vs darius jude vs nica alfons vs ring

NOTES:

[0] according to our handy google translate, the title of this story, Liebe geht durch den Magen, translates to “love goes through the stomach.” I assume this may reference or be the equivalent to a similar English saying, “the way to one’s heart is through their stomach.”

[1] “virgin” in German nhdkshfds

[2] and here we have a quote from Wikipedia: Baumkuchen is a kind of spit cake from German cuisine. It is also a popular dessert in Japan. The characteristic rings that appear in its slices resemble tree rings, and give the cake its German name, Baumkuchen, which literally translates to “tree cake” or “log cake”.

[3] originally, I had Rotkehlchen, which is like the literal translation for “robin” as far as I know. Spatzi means “sparrow,” but can be used as a term of endearment in the same way the Crown members call Kate “robin” out of endearment. In his collection story event, he mentions that the word he used is German for robin, but it could be localized to something like “it is a German-equivalent term of endearment for robin.” Thanks to @.citrusmornings for providing this link!

END NOTES: did you enjoy this story? because i know i did, haha. i really enjoy all the vogel characters so far; they all have interesting personalities, and they bounce off each other in a fun way as well.

honestly, i’m still trying to sort of get an idea of how i want to sort of translate and write these characters. overall, though, i tried to give darius a more innocent air, with some hints of his nobility, while also having a strong sort of presence. and i tried to capture nica’s sort of casual and flippant (but also clever and sharp) air, which contrasts with how ring gets shy and flustered pretty easily.

i’d love to hear your thoughts!

full masterlist 🕊️

[catboydreamer]

“you need to let him go” Scaramouche x reader

author notes: prerelationship, deals with themes of an abusive relationship between reader and current partner, can be read as platonic or as showing developing feelings but it’s up to you:) it’s purely self indulgent so ye:)

he watches from afar, giving you space and time. even as he watches the light fall from your eyes. even as he sees your shoulders straighten when he’s around. how small you try to make yourself. 

and yet, the opposing man tries to say he loves you dearly. 

Scaramouche always narrows his eyes, not believing it for a minute. and yet, you’ve told him to not interfere. he sees no reason for it but listens regardless. 

but… things become dangerous. 

Scaramouche was still awake at one am. of course he was. a book lay on his lap as he lazily read through the text, mostly trying to pass time. he’d be a liar if he said he wasn’t thinking of you. 

there’s a soft knock on the door. it’s followed by a much harsher knock. Scaramouche jumps up, grumbling, “I’m coming, I’m coming.” 

when he swings open the door, he doesn’t expect to see you. then, he sees a larger shadow out there. he pushes you into the house and walks out. he knew exactly who it was. 

“you know what? you aren’t welcome here. I don’t give two shits if they want you here or not, I’m not allowing it. I’ll drop them off when this is all over.”

“you can’t fucking talk to me like that. I didn’t do shit to you?!”

“I’m not a blind man. I can see what you’ve done to them. So get. out. “

with that, Scaramouche turns on his heel and slams his door shut. it vibrates throughout the house. 

you’re drenched in water from the rain. you insisted on walking all the way here and he followed you. 

immediately, he grabs your arm and drags you to the bathroom.

“shower. now.” 

he slams the door behind him and marches to his bedroom. his hands tremble over giving you his own clothes to wear. he’s unsure if the pants will fit properly but he knows there’s a drawstring so at the very least you can tighten it. 

his palms are sweaty as he makes his way back to the bathroom. he knocks on the door before yelling, “I GOT YOUR CLOTHES.” 

he puts a hand over his face as he opens the door. it’s super steamy in the bathroom already. as he collects your wet clothes off the floor he grumbles, “tch. don’t burn your skin off.”

he runs your clothes through the washer and dryer for you

by the time all is done, you are emerging from the bathroom. he still works at his previous task of putting the kettle on. 

some warm tea will help relax you a bit, surely. 

you slowly walk into the kitchen, cautiously.

Scaramouche doesn’t even turn around, simply speaks, “you’re welcome here. there’s no use in being shy.” 

you sigh as you sit at the table. a shell of your previous self. the one he grew to know so easily.

“I’m sorry for coming by so late,” your voice comes out low.

you hate the person you are right now. but you’re starting to resent himmore. 

Scaramouche shot you a glare just as the tea kettle started wheezing. he quickly pours the water into an empty cup and pops a tea bag in. he stirs it together. carrying it over to you felt easy and simple . 

your hands go to cup the tea, enjoying the warmth radiating off of the cup.

“I guess I’ll start with why I’m here,” you pause to take in a deep breath, “he asked me to go with him to go live with his mother. the war over there finally subsided and apparently it’s time to go home. I told him no, and he screamed at me. endlessly for a minute. I locked myself in my bathroom for at least fifteen minutes as he taunted me on the other side. by the time I gathered my courage to get out I already knew I was going to come see you. I don’t know why but I felt out of everyone you would get it the most. you could say… I felt safest telling you.” 

you were trembling by the time you finished speaking. unbeknownst to you, tears streamed down your face. 

Scaramouche stood leaning against the counter, arms crossed. he moved from his spot and kneels in front of you so you could see him face to face.

“you need to leave that bastard. now. and pray to god I never get my hands on that motherfucker.” 

you felt stone cold. you knew what needed to be done but only fear ran through you. 

“what if he tries to tell our friends I was the abuser?”

“if they listen to that scumbag they don’t deserve you anyways,” scaramouche spits out angrily. 

he takes your hand into his, “seriously. he is going to hurt you, and I cannot let that happen. do you understand?” 

you nod but gulp roughly. “I’m scared.”

A hint of a smile appears on his face. “I know. I can come with you if it’ll make you feel safer.”

you nod vigorously. 

Scaramouche lets out a tiny laugh and stands up. he runs a hand through your hair before offering a hand to you. “Ready to get this shit over with?”

the both of you go over to your soon to be ex’s house. 

Scaramouche waits outside of his car, ready to be there if it gets out of hand. he expects that it will.

here’s how it goes: 

you break the news to your boyfriend that you are done with him.

he starts crying and pleading. you refuse to be empathetic. this angers him and he gets aggressive.

you back away from him. 

he threatens to harm himself, if there’s no you then nothing matters. 

you finally have the strength to roll your eyes and walk out the door. 

he follows you out, ready to grab onto you and pull you back until his eyes scan the driveway and see Scaramouche standing there, leaning against his car. 

“you dare to touch her and you’ll be on the ground so fucking fast.”

your ex scoffs, he was clearly bigger than Scaramouche so he didn’t believe it.

big mistake. Scaramouche was across the lawn within three seconds, an iron grip on his wrist. 

“I said. don’t. touch. her.” 

Scaramouche released him and he scurried into the house. 

Scaramouche turns to you, who looks at him in awe. 

in a gentle tone you didn’t know he possessed he asks you, “you okay?” 

you nod. “I just want to go home now, please.” 

you aren’t even upset about losing all your items all of it is replaceable. 

Scaramouche drives you back to his house but not without sneaking glances at you to make sure you are truly okay.

he will slowly breath life back into you. 

[abilouwrites]

WRINGING MY HANDS IN MY LAP

AND YOU DONT KNOW IF YOU’LL MAKE IT BACK

I don’t appreciate uncertainty, growing up confident and sure of how my life was going to turn out. That I would become a doctor; or a nurse maybe.

I didn’t expect to fall into a committed relationship with someone I was so sure I wanted to marry at twenty four. I never wanted to date a hero; it’s common within hospitals. Finding a fling with a sexy injured hero. I didn’t except it to be for me.

Yet it was. I fell in love with him, “so you’re leaving?” I ask as he walks out of the shower. Just after dropping the bomb he would be leaving for a secret mission early the next week.

“No” he states, pouring himself a glass of wine and joining me at the stove, “I’m just going on a mission. I dunno when I’ll come back” he restates, but there’s a change. He changed his words.

“No. You said ‘I don’t know if I’ll come back’ Katsuki what does that mean? Are you going to die?” I ask, clicking the stove off and turning to face him, “let me rephrase it” I clarify, “do you think you’re going to die?”

He looks uncertain, damp hair brushes through his eyelashes, it makes me scared. The uncertainty on his face, the way his lips are turned down and sucked against his cheek, “I don’t know” he admits, “I wasn’t told much about it. Just that it was dangerous. But all of my away missions usually are”

I feel like throwing up, “they couldn’t have picked anyone else? Anyone?” I ask, “I don’t like this” I shake my head and take a sip out of my glass. I feel sick to my stomach, like whatever happens it’s not going to end well.

“I’m a hero, it comes with the job. If you can’t deal with that, maybe we shouldn’t” I know where this is going to end. I know he’s going to say we shouldn’t be together.

“No. I’ll.. I’ll be ok” I murmur, I find myself shutting down. Sitting and observing instead of listening. I’m not mad. Scared maybe, “what happens if you don’t come back?” I ask. My knees brought to my chest as I sit in my dining room, watching him pass me the plate of chicken

“I’ll come back” he says, “I promise”

“No. That doesn’t work for me” I tell him, picking at my dinner, “I need to know what happens. If you don’t come home. We’re not married” I explain, “you have no legal ties to me”

“You’re in my will. Im not stupid” he retorts, it’s like the thought never crossed my mind. But he’d never told me.

“But you never told me this, how am I supposed to know when you never told me ‘hey y/n. I put you in my will, hope that’s ok!’” I groan sitting up from the chair, “it’s like when you put me as your emergency contact without talking to me first”

It’s so frustrating when he does this, does something and doesn’t talk to me about his choice. Then gets upset when I become frustrated, it’s a never ending cycle of this, “I’m going to bed. I have to work tomorrow” I mumble grabbing my phone from the counter and walking to the only bedroom in my little apartment.

I feel when the bed dips, his arms instinctively move under and over me. Like a prolonged hug, I don’t want to move. I feel him plaster soft kisses against the nape of my neck, “I love you” I hear him whisper, “and I’m going to come back, and then I’m going to marry you” I listen, allowing the words to soothe me. Comfort me. Allowing myself to imagine me. In a white dress, with a ring on my finger. I want to picture it.

God I wanted it so bad.

It’s been a year, and each night it’s the same dream. Kirishima with a sorrowed look on his face as I walk out of the patients room to where I’ve been called. I knew it when I saw his face, closed eyes and a lip quivering underneath his teeth. My heart sinking into my stomach, “tell me it’s not what it is” I begged, holding onto his wrists as he guides me into an ‘on-call’ room. Sitting me in the chair and gently gripping into the plush of my thighs. Repeated apologies of how he couldn’t have saved him.

Except each time I keep waking up, just as he bows his head at my knees and tells me the love of my life. The only person I ever thought I could marry. Died. And somehow— he keeps thinking it’s his fault. Even if it wasn’t— and as much as I want to blame him. I can’t.

I’m heaving, wailing and crying once again. Four in the morning; crudely awoken from my sleep by the haunting memories. I shake as I pull myself out of bed. Trembling down the hall.

I hate this feeling, so empty even though I feel like I should’ve gotten over it. I should’ve grieved all I had to grieve. But I can’t.

I was stiff and uncomfortable at his funeral, picking at my skin and sitting in the back-row. His mother pleaded I sit with her. I wanted to, but I was just a girlfriend- a girlfriend he wanted to marry.

I knew he wouldn’t come home, deep in my heart I knew he wouldn’t return to my little apartment, no matter how badly I wanted him too.

[mizading]

REPLACEMENT

The poison of Akaza’s obsession penetrates you.

Yandere Akaza X Reader

Warnings: Obsessive/Yandere themes, Dark themes, Abuse, Stockholm syndrome

Summary: A failed mission to put an end to Akaza, one of the twelve Kizuki almost killed you. Instead of being rescued by your fellow hashiras, Akaza took you for his own. You slowly realize that you're merely a replacement. 

You awaken to the soft, uneasy breaths taken by the unknown presence beside you, causing you to jolt up. This was a mistake. You completely forgot about your unsuccessful battle that occurred not long ago; the pain you felt was enough for you to reconsider your position as a former demon slayer.

 "Please lie down; I can't have you getting too hurt love". 

“Love?” You said, turning to face the familiar voice that projected beside you. A cold sense of fear trickled down your body. At once realizing who the familiar voice belonged to, the demon in which you failed to get rid of. Akaza stroked your hair lightly, continuing his uneasy yet soft breathing pattern you had taken notice of before.

 "Relax; the tension in your body is starting to worry me. I couldn’t help but take you back here after you passed out.” Without thinking, you instinctively moved yourself as far away as possible. "Don’t run from me; it’s no use. I'm sure you know that by now, don’t you?". 

“What is it that you want..I don’t have anything to offer” you spoke, voice shaking slightly. Akaza crept up on you, picking your body up from the floor with ease, carrying you bridal style. "I don’t have time to deal with your childish behavior; I’m taking you to get dressed in clothes more fitting for you". Realization hit, and you realized how dangerous your situation really was. Not wanting to dig yourself further into this loop, you complied. As he was carrying you to what seemed to be a bedroom, you took time to look around what you assumed to be his home. It was more of a traditional style, with mainly wood on the inside and dimly lit candles. What caught your eye were picture frames with images of a woman on the inside. She was beautiful, definitely above average. Her expensive-looking pink polka-dot kimono stood out brightly in the photograph. As you study her, you also notice the man beside her; he looked awfully familiar. You quickly glanced at the demon carrying you and took a mental note of their similar appearance. They looked like twins, one just.. human.

You made it to the bedroom. Akaza softly placed you on a king-sized bed in the middle of the room. "Wait here for a moment while I grab your new clothes". Not wanting to find out what he would do to you if you moved, you once again complied. “Look, I don’t understand what this is about but please I just want to go home”. 

Akaza came back with what seemed to be a kimono. “I thought I explained this to you already? I couldn’t help myself, I've never seen anyone like you love”. Your eyes widen when you see the details of the kimono—pink with white polka dots. The same one seen in the photographs of the woman. 

"I’ll help you put this on, then I’ll work on your hair flower’. He then slowly started removing your clothes, taking deeper breaths as he saw more and more of your bare skin. “I didn’t ask for this, I’m asking nicely please, just let me leave”. You tried as hard as you could to suppress the fear in your voice. You still had slight hope that he would let you go.  

"You're so beautiful, I don’t think I can handle it; it’s taking everything in me to respect you and keep myself together seeing you like this". Your body slightly shook at the feeling of his cold, large hands caressing your soft, plush skin; he had a drunk, dazed look when staring down at you. It took all Akaza had to keep his intentions from becoming impure when it came to you. You're the first woman to make him feel anything since his wife Koyuki died; by this point, he’s not sure if his own former wife was able to make him feel such a way. 

The way you gaze at him, the way your pretty chest rises when you breathe, your soft touch, your beautiful smile that could put the sun to shame—all of it was too much for him to handle. He just needs you entirely.

 “You're being delusional just let me go.” Your meek sentence didn’t seem to affect him in any way. Akaza continued carefully wrapping your body into the different layers of the Kimono, despite your protests. 

The moment the two of you met, you did something to his heart. The fight that introduced you two ended shortly, Akaza knew you would be no match. With only a few hits, Akaza was able to knock you out into a short coma and bring you to his home.Throughout your week long deep sleep he took the opportunity to study you, study your body. With your presence, his once incomplete heart shattered by his former wife's death now felt whole again. For now, your only job is to replace his dead wife and stay with him, promising to never leave his side.  

Akaza finished dressing you and was now fixing your hair. You had to admit that the way his hands felt in your hair was enough to put you to sleep. He was so gentle with you despite the battle you two fought, however long ago. No matter how much you hate to admit it, his treatment towards you has been nothing but loving. He touched you as if you were fine china, one of a kind, and could break at any moment. In his presence, you got the strange feeling that nothing else could ever lay hands on you, even if attempted. You were uneasy, noticing how he was transforming you into the girl in the picture. Mustering up all your courage, you decide to ask who the woman was. Akaza hummed softly as he delicately pinned up your hair; he was in pure bliss just by being able to lay his hands on you. He hasn’t felt such love for another human since his wife, Koyuki. 

“A- Akaza..? You spoke softly.”

 "Yes, baby?" he hummed in response. 

The little name made you repulse. "Who’s the woman in the pictures around your home?" you said. He paused, resting his hands on your shoulders, massaging them slightly. You scoffed at the action, Akaza acting as if he didn’t kidnap you made your sanity drop even lower. Then he spoke. "Koyuki, a woman I once loved; she’s long gone now, so no need to worry, precious". No matter how he put it, you knew deep down that you were replacing her in a way; the way he dressed you up was enough proof.

 "Don’t worry about things like that Y/N soon you'll be replacing those pictures" said Akaza while placing a heavy, wet kiss on your neck. There was nothing you could do but accept his love and affection. You were simply no match, any type of fighting or protest beyond this point would be completely useless. It may even get you in more trouble.

You're already in too deep, and there's no escaping his "love" now. Akaza grabbed your face harshly, contrasting his previous sweet actions. He forced a hungry kiss onto your soft lips that revealed more than his words. “Stop! w-what are you doing” you frantically attempted to escape his harsh grip. Akaza still had a tight grip on your face, causing a stinging sensation in your cheeks.

 "Your mine; do you understand that? Trying to leave will have consequences". You had done nothing wrong..? Was playing into his game not enough for him? This delusion of his went on for weeks. You would dress up in Koyuki’s old clothes, and Akaza would pretend that you were his wife and always have been.

 Over time, you grew too tired to fight back. After months of Akaza being your only contact with another being, you slowly started to crave his touch, the way he coddled you, his dark but loving gaze, his love in general. You find yourself willing to do anything for a piece of his love; you desire and need it.

 “Akaza please! You pleaded, I promise to be a good girl, just don’t make me sleep alone again”.

 Earlier that night, you accidentally broke a plate during dinner, dropping it. His punishments for you were harsh, especially if your mistake disturbed the "perfect wife" role you played for him. Sleeping alone was one of the worst punishments; you needed his touch. Having nobody to come save you and no chance of escaping guaranteed your stay here.This was your new reality.  Being a replacement didn't matter to you anymore. You would do it all for him, as long as he kept his love for you. 

The poison of Akaza's obsession consumes you entirely; you need him more than ever now.

Word Count: 1493

A/N: Thank you for taking the time to read! This is my first story so bear with me. Feel free to leave me any type of criticism. Requests are open and I'm always available to chat about whatever. 

[amalgamateofficial]

Hey everyone. I hate that I’m here once again announcing that I’ve made another callout video, but this one is really serious. So please, if you’re in a safe headspace to do so, please watch this video. It’s in some ways a follow up to my Zemaroon video, but this time it’s about Agent0Fluffy and GravityUniverse115 (the ones referred to as “F” and “V” in the previous video).

Agent0Fluffy has been beyond inappropriate with a minor, and both Agent0Fluffy and GravityUniverse115 are a danger to minors overall.

If you’re comfortable doing so, please also share this video to help spread awareness about what these people have done – especially Agent0Fluffy, who has a large platform, and whose actions are technically a crime. The more awareness is raised, the easier it’ll be to prevent something terrible like this from happening again.

I truly didn’t want to have to do this, and working on this video for the past two months has felt like absolute torture. All I’ve ever wanted to do is make content to entertain people, and instead I’ve become a harbinger of despair, spreading misery across the fandoms that I love. But I can’t sit by and allow people like Zemaroon, Agent0Fluffy, and GravityUniverse115 to continue endangering others. My inaction made me complicit before, and I won’t allow that to happen again.

I’m emotionally preparing myself for the backlash I’ll probably receive from this video, but I wouldn’t be able to live with myself if I sat back and allowed more people to get hurt. Depending on how bad the backlash is, it’s possible I might step away for a while. We’ll see how things go. But after being emotionally beaten down for all of 2024, this whole situation with Agent0Fluffy and GravityUniverse115 has felt like some kind of deathblow. I was trying so hard to glue together the shattered pieces of what I’d built, but they’ve been scattered so far now, I don’t think many of the pieces can ever be found again.

I hope there will be better times ahead, but that’s seeming less likely with each passing day. Perhaps it would be better to say: “I hope there will be safer times ahead” for everyone.

Thank you to everyone who's been so supportive through all of this, and to everyone who's helped out with this mess. And to everyone who's been affected by all of this, I am so sorry. I truly do hope things will get better soon..........

[appalachianapologies]

@impossiblepluto I couldn't stop myself. Behold, a short Leverage/MacGyver crossover snip

Mac knows that he’s nosey. He’s been told so his entire life, and at this point, he just counts it toward some of his charm. It is, however, something that he can’t exactly turn off. Which is why the second that he opens his mouth and questions the ex-soldier in front of him, he already knows it’s a mistake. “Who was that?”

The flip phone snaps shut with a force that echoes around their small motel room. “Nobody.”

The single word is as gruff as everything else. With a huff, Mac looks away. “Okay, fine. I don’t care who’s on the other side. But if it can be tracked-”

“It won’t be tracked. I know a guy.”

Mac knows a guy, too. Or rather, a woman. Guilt prickles under his skin when he thinks of Riley and the rest of the team. Selfishly, he wonders if they’ve even noticed that he’s gone yet. Check-ins have become more and more sporadic as the weeks have passed. 

“I’ll take first watch.”

“I’m good.”

Eliot glares back, arms crossed. “You’re asleep on your feet.”

“So are you.”

“I can stay awake longer than you could even fathom.”

Mac can’t stop his eyes from rolling. It’s barely been a week since he agreed to work with him, but everyday Eliot finds a way to remind him that he’s braver, stronger, better than Mac in every way. “Fine. Suit yourself.” Mac flops over to his side, turning away from Eliot. The twin sized frame makes an uncomfortable groan underneath him, and the mattress sways. 

Without saying a word, Eliot dropped his duffle on the bed closer to the door the second they walked in, not bothering to even pretend to entertain anything different. It’s been like that since day one.

Or, seeing as how they had been going nonstop for the first forty hours, day two.

“Why do you want to find him so damn badly?” It’s practically the first time Eliot has started a conversation that could almost be mistaken for casual.

Despite himself, Mac turns back, not quite fully facing him, but instead at the ceiling. It’s not possible to explain to someone what Jack means to him, especially not a near stranger, so Mac settles for, “It’s what he would do for me.”

“You sure about that?”

These days? Maybe. “Yes.”

“’Cause if it were true, why would he leave without telling you in the first place?”

“He told me,” Mac bites back. “And he… had to. It was important for him to find Kovacs.”

There are a few moments of silence before Eliot asks, “He tell you who Kovacs was?”

“He told me enough.” And Mac filled in the rest with Riley’s help and the information available in the Phoenix’s records. 

Eliot gives another one of his huffs, clearly not believing Mac.

Fine. Whatever. As long as he watches Mac’s back in the field, he doesn’t need to listen to him outside of it. Trust only matters if they’re in danger. Not in some dingy room, waiting the night out. 

Against his better judgement, Mac asks, “Why did you agree to help me?”

There’s a fraction of hesitation too long to be normal before Eliot replies, “I owe him.”

“From when?”

“From before you were born.”

This time, an eye roll doesn’t suffice, and a humorless snort escapes Mac. “Sure.” He’s heard that one before. “Jack was seventeen when I was born, so unless you rescued him from a stray cow on the ranch, I seriously doubt that.”

“It was before you’d have been old enough to care,” Eliot corrects himself, sounding about as happy as anyone ever is when Mac gets snappy. 

“Were you a Delta?” The look that Eliot sends him is a threat, but Mac’s always prided himself on ignoring the warning signs. “Ex special ops?”

“It doesn’t matter who I was.”

“Clearly it does, otherwise we wouldn’t be here, would we?”

“If Dalton never told you, I sure as hell ain’t gonna be the one to do it.”

The southern drawl, whenever it comes out thick from Eliot, makes Mac want to flinch. It’s so similar. It’s too similar.

“You oughta get some sleep,” Eliot says, finally moving to sit at the edge of his own mattress. “Couple of long days ahead of us.”

“You should too.”

“I told you-”

“First watch, yeah, I heard it. But you’re not going to be any good to either of us if you’re tired.”

“I’m fine, kid.”

“I’m not a kid.”

“You just worry ’bout yourself. And maybe try doin’ that once or twice out there, yeah? I’m not saving your ass twice in one week.”

Much like his accent, the words hit far too close to be comfortable. 

Clenching his teeth, Mac turns back toward the wall. He’ll never be able to fall asleep with his back to the door, but it’s about the principle of the action. If Eliot wants to act like an asshole, that’s fine by Mac. Just as long as he expects the same treatment that he’s dishing out. 

[kotegiris]

[Event Story] 1st Anniversary -Butler's Prayers-

previous chapter ✧ all ✧ next chapter

Chapter 5: Zepal the Butler

Opens

Muu: Heh~ So this is the eastern church.

Muu: Feels a bit different from the central church!

> Yeah

Muu: Ah! Over there are Lato-san and Flure-san!

Flure: Huh? Aruji-sama and Muu too…

Flure: Are you two here to pray?

Muu: Yes! Aruji-sama and I will be joining the ritual!

> Please let us pray with you

Flure: I knew it!

Flure: Thank you, Aruji-sama. I’m very happy to hear that.

Lato: Hm… So Aruji-sama will be joining us.

Lato: I’m glad. Everything is more fun with Aruji-sama.

Muu: Huh? By the way, I don’t see Miyaji.

Muu: We were told that all the basement floor butlers were here…

Flure: Huh? Uhm, Miyaji-sensei is…

Flure: He’s preparing for the ritual somewhere else right now. He should be here soon.

Lato: Oh? But…

Flure: (Shh! You don’t need to mention that something happened with Lucas-san…)

Flure: (If you tell them, you’ll just make Aruji-sama worry…)

Lato: Ah, I see. I understand.

Muu: ? What are you talking about?

Flure: N-Nothing!

Flure: Anyways, Muu, could you help lay out the offerings?

Muu: Yes! So we’re giving offerings at this church too!

Muu: Huh? But these offerings…

Muu: Is this an outfit…?

> You’re giving an outfit as an offering?

Flure: Yeah.

Flure: Actually… This is a gift for a friend who was also a basement floor butler…

Muu: A friend… So you two knew him?

Flure: Yeah. He passed away before you and Aruji-sama came to the mansion…

Flure: But… I’m sure you’ve at least heard his name before, right?

Flure: It’s Zepal-san…

> Now that you mention it… > Who was that again…

Muu: Ah! I remember now.

Muu: I think we heard about him during the “Grim Reaper Incident”... 

Lato: Yeah… So you still remember.

Lato: That was the incident where the angels dug up his grave and stole his corpse…

> From that time…

Muu: But.. Why are you gifting him an outfit?

Flure: That’s because…

Flure: Before me, Zepal-san was the one in charge of outfits.

Muu: Huh!? Really?

Flure: Yeah. Zepal-san’s sewing skills were way better than mine…

Flure: Until then, I taught myself how to sew, but he taught me professional techniques.

Flure: My current skill level is thanks to him.

> I see…

Lato: And he was a pretty strong butler too…

Lato: Flure really admired Zepal-san…

Flure: Y-Yeah…

Flure: To me, he was my number one role model.

Flure: But then… Two years ago, he died fighting angels…

Flure: And now… It’s not just his life the angels took…

Flure: They’ve taken his body too…

Flure: I’ll never forgive them… I’ll definitely get it back…

> Flure…

Lato: Hm… I do wonder what they’re doing with his corpse…

Lato: But… We don’t even know where they’ve taken it.

Lato: I’m sure it’s in their stronghold…

Lato: Maybe it’s somewhere in the Ancient Towers?

Lato: If you’d like, Flure, should the two of us go look for it now?

Muu: WHAT!?

Muu: L-Lato-san… That’s too dangerous…

Flure: Yeah… I agree.

Flure: Honestly, I want to get his body back as soon as possible, but…

Flure: With my current strength, I’ll only get taken out.

Flure: I’m still weak… I have to get stronger.

Flure: I have to hurry up and get stronger… And take back Zepal-san’s body with my own hands…

Muu: Flure-san…

Lato: Hm…

Lato: You’ve changed, Flure.

Lato: Before, you used to just lament over your lack of strength, but…

Lato: Now you’ve accepted it and are working to become stronger.

Flure: T-That’s…

Flure: It’s true that the old me was even weaker.

Flure: Especially when I first became a Devil Butler…

Flure: Honestly, I thought I’d die quickly.

Flure: I thought that Devil’s Palace was a strict and brutal place and…

Flure: I thought that the Devil Butlers were terrifying…

Flure: Diving into a world like that… I thought that someone like me would get taken out immediately.

Flure: But… When I became a Devil Butler…

Flure: Everyone kindly welcomed someone as weak as me…

Flure: They protected me, so I didn’t die.

Flure: As friends, they looked after me.

Flure: I wanted to get stronger for their sake…

Flure: I wanted the strength to protect my friends, but…

Flure: I couldn’t protect my precious friend… I couldn’t protect Zepal-san…

> Flure…

Flure: I was really depressed then…

Flure: I gave up on getting stronger…

Flure: But then… Aruji-sama came to the mansion…

Flure: And once again… You awakened the desire within me to become stronger.

> Me…?

[journeyneverends]

August 17, 2024 Scottsdale AZ Dear little Mosey: ( Little Mo ) Although you are only 9 months old I thought I would write to let you know what I’m up to. I figured I’d do this because I may be too old to remember exactly why I did this or even what I did. I have found it’s helpful and more accurate if I write things down as I go. It may be interesting to know a little bit about what people were like in other parts of the world and what the world looks like from a bicycle.

I am 66 years old now and here is what I look like. As I get older I find that I become less willing to go on an adventure. This trip will hopefully keep me mentally and physically flexible. I have no solid plan

You are about 9 months old now and this is what you look like. It was you first Kayak trip. I have been traveling up to see you at your house in Rigby Idaho. One of the projects that your mom and dad and I are working on is restoring an 1870’s Stone Granary. Eventually we will restore the log cabin for the same thing. Both are near the 1928 farm house you grew up in. You are surrounded by wheat fields and the trumpeter swans spend their winters there.

This will provide a nice place for interesting people to stay. You will get to know people from all over the world who will stop by to have dinner and visit. Here is one of your first rides when you were about six months old. Your dad made you a rain poncho out of a grocery bag. I thought it was cool.

I am getting ready to go on a bike trip that retraces the route of Lt. Colonel Daryle Stuckey. He was my father in law and the father of Erika, your moms stepmother. That would make him your great step grandfather. He was a young man living on a farm near the the very small town of Upper Sandusky Ohio when WWII began. Wars are complicated and I’m not sure I understand them but he like many young men were called to fight for their country. He became a B-17 bomber pilot in WWII and was 2nd Lieutenant. He was about 21 years old and was the pilot of a crew of nine other men. His job was to fly missions to bomb a country we were at war with. Each journey to the other country was called a mission. They were very dangerous so they made a rule that if you made it to 25 you could go home. As the war went on they ran low on experienced pilots. So they changed the rule to 30 missions. He went down on his 28th mission and was captured by the Germans. Our enemies at the time. He became a prisoner of war POW.

I am going to retrace his last mission on my bike. The bikes name is Curiouser. I thought it was a good name. I’ll try to explain where it came from later.

This is what his aircraft looked like.

Becoming an airman and pilot in WWII required that you pass many test. To be captain was even harder. I am going to end this letter for now but I will write again soon Love Morris ( Big Mo )

PS

I apologize for errors in punctuation and grammar. I don’t consider myself a great writer. I thought it was best to get this down now rather than wait until I become a great writer and trying to send it then. It may be a very long time or never. Hopefully I won’t get in trouble for being a bad example.

[ohmyronpa-imagines]

Hi I was the person who requested the Gundham x reader killing game AU awhile ago and I loved what you wrote.

Would I be able to request a Ryoma x reader one shot where the reader stops Kirumi from killing him…. if this is too specific I don’t mind if you do something else, I’m sure I’ll like whatever you write.😸

Here you go, anon! I'm glad you enjoy my work! Also, do y'all like my new icon? Made it myself! (Apologies for it being a little blurry haha!) -Mod Hajime

Reader Saves Ryoma From Kirumi's Murder Attempt (x Reader)

It had all happened so quickly.

You had been having a hard time sleeping since Kaede’s execution and were aimlessly wandering around the academy.

Sure, it was dangerous, but you sincerely doubted that anyone was actively scouting for a random victim.

Unless you had become someone’s target.

A pit formed in your stomach at this idea and you immediately stepped away from the doors that led to a random classroom. Maybe going to your room was safer than being active at night. You rushed back to the dorms but paused when you heard a loud crack coming from a hallway. 

You turned the corner against your better instincts and froze. Kirumi was standing above Ryoma with some long pole, or was it a stick? What you did know was that Ryoma was unconscious and Kirumi was holding a possible murder weapon.

For some reason you didn’t run away to call for help. That’s what a smart person would have done.

But no, you ran straight into danger, nothing but adrenaline and an odd sense of justice fueling your once tired body. Kirumi barely had time to register what was happening by the time you slammed her into the ground.

She struggled against you, both of her eyes visible to you. The maid looked crazed and with an impossible surge of strength, she threw you into the wall. Your head bounced off the drywall and you grunted in pain.

However, when you saw Kirumi going near Ryoma’s unconscious (you hoped) self, the pain dulled and you staggered to your feet. You reached your hands out and shoved her to the ground. With a speed you didn’t remember possessing, you picked up Ryoma and hauled him over your shoulder before running away.

Your heart thrummed in your chest as you ran, leaping up flights of stairs to reach a destination that felt too far away. Was Kirumi following you? Did that even matter right now?

Eventually, after what felt like hours, you reached your dorm, flung the door open, and rushed Ryoma to your bed. You pulled his hat off, which was damp. When you removed your hand, you saw a messy smudge of pink on your fingers and palm alongside the disturbing scent of iron.

Stifling your gag, you checked his hair and saw what looked like a gash in his scalp. Luckily, you had gone into the nurse’s office, stolen a bunch of supplies, and stuffed them into your bathroom before this had happened.

You were hesitant to leave him, but after you finally checked if he was breathing, you rushed to your bathroom and grabbed supplies. Returning with a damp rag, gauze, and some kind of ointment, you got to work.

You really hoped that this wouldn’t make his wound worse.

By the time you finished, your hands were shaking and you were near passing out. You put your first aid things aside and crawled onto your bed, wrapping Ryoma in a layer of blankets and setting his hat on your nightstand.

In your sleep, you were hugging his cushioned body.

When you woke up, you realized that Ryoma was also awake, but he was as still as a statue. You looked down to see him red in the face but with his eyes wide open. Quickly, you asked if he was okay.

“Yeah. What happened? Wasn’t Kiru-” He cut himself off. You got out of bed and changed his bandages, happy to see his wound was minor and had scabbed during the night.

Even though you stayed silent, Ryoma could tell what you were thinking. “Don’t… Don’t blame Kirumi. What she did was out of love for the country.” You raised an eyebrow at this and asked him what he was talking about.

He explained as well as he could, but the obvious concussion was causing him to blank on some parts of information. He also mentioned random names and places that he didn’t recall. You brushed it off as a delusion from getting his head whacked.

But when he said why Kirumi picked him, you felt your heart squeeze painfully in your chest. What did he mean his life meant nothing? And why did his life mean everything to you?

“I’m only a shell of who I used to be. For a cause as noble as hers, it’d be pretty damn shameful to deny her request. So-” You pulled him into a gentle hug, tears threatening to fall from your eyes.

It was quiet except for your occasional sniffling as the two of you sat on your bed. After a minute, Ryoma decided to hug you as well, patting your back. He didn’t understand why you were crying. The killing game must’ve finally hit you after days of living in shock.

You parted from your hug and handed him his hat, apologizing for the blood. He shook his head, giving you the faintest hint of a smile. He put it back on his head and sighed.

Ryoma patted his pockets, rubbing his hat when he realized he was missing his candy cigarettes. You sat with him, keeping a close eye on him.

The sound of the Monokuma announcement blared through your ears and you both grumbled about that “damn bear”. 

You stood up and reached your hand out for him. He hesitantly took it and you left your dorm holding hands. He looked away from you and huffed, smiling to himself.

“I guess I’ve still got a ways to go.”

[radfemsiren]

I am from France and we've been living in quite an odd time regarding Islam. Muslims are an oppressed minority, our police forces are prejudiced against them, but I feel scared about the rise of Islam in my country as a woman.

I am tired of people slandering our laws about religious free areas that represent the state. Separation from religion is a good thing and leftists have forgotten it here, and foreign news twist it to make it seem like we only ban Muslim attires everywhere when it's any religious signs only in places that represent the state (like public schools and public hospitals).

Leftists in general have become... honestly more American in their discourse. "If it's an oppressed minority then they can do no wrong" kind of thinking. But the thing is I can very much see that muslim men come from places that are incredibly more misogynistic than here, and that they've been raised to consider this their religion, to never question it and to use it to their advantage. Like, muslim people are present enough for me to form an opinion like that, I have spent my childhood with at least half of them as the people I saw, and it is really bad and going unquestioned. This whole thing would get me killed in leftist spaces, the most common defenses are "but catholic men and atheist men are bad too!" except that catholics have been shrinking as a group here and atheist men are awful but don't have misogyny as a religious dogma they can spread.

Overall I'm worried. Some people say we're gonna be majority muslim next century and I worry about how this will affect women and the laws that get passed. Leftists approve of anything muslims do because they're oppressed here, and this includes turning any criticism of religion into some choice feminism bullshit. They constantly say women want and choose to be exploited that way and it is gut wrenching to hear. I'm worried about the increasing population of muslim men who are taught to see me as an object so vividly and I'm worried about my rights being threatened by them. I'm worried about my safety as I've had multiple bad encounters with those misogynistic men irl and on online French spheres. Those spheres are now filled with those same men who simply justify sexism by saying they're muslim and its in their culture, or muslim women who talk about marrying as soon as they turn 18 or even arranged marriages gleefully.

Hm I’m Arab-American so I’m not super educated on issues happening in Europe considering Muslim immigration. I’ll have to research more into it to form a well informed opinion on the situation.

What I can tell you is there are many Muslim and ex-Muslim women who are critical of male supremacy in our cultures and religion, and I recommend reading about and interacting with irl, radical feminists from our cultures to help your fears. Finding allies and understanding there are many like-minded women that share your goals makes the heart at peace. I love Nawal Elsaadawi, she is the Simone de Beauvoir of Arabia and close to my heart because she is Egyptian like me lol. The fall of the Imam is good if you want written work expressedly against Islam.

I think cultural relativism is dangerous and all women must be protected. We shouldn’t shy away from calling out misogyny everywhere it rears its ugly head. As long as we are educated and well informed with our criticism, I see no issue with calling out patriarchal oppression from other cultures. I got an ask calling out why I don’t also speak about misogyny against black women, and I thought about it. I think many of us, including myself, try to stick to our own community and what we are familiar with in our feminism, and we should move away from that. Let’s all educate ourselves on the different forms of patriarchy around the world and work hard to end it in all the forms it comes in!

[rrezshifts]

🐈‍⬛ 🦦 & 🐇 for the little friends ask game!!

the little friends ask game with my young avengers reality

🐈‍⬛ ⊹ ࣪ ˖ balanced black cat ↠ have you made yourself overpowered (no judgement btw) or are there aspects of your being that counteract your powerful nature?

i don’t like overpowering myself because i can only wonder how that would make my body and mind feel. i doubt it’s something that wouldn’t have intense ramifications that i personally can’t handle. the only power i have is fear manipulation of any living being. i can sense and manifest or decrease fear for someone. however i am not a hero, i don’t try to save anyone’s life on a major scale. i’ll step in from the shadows if, for instance, a man tribes to rob someone, i can make his terror or dread spike causing him to either run away or pass out from fear. but i try not to try anything to put me in danger because that could put others in danger. my powers do come in handy for myself, i can be a very anxious person in numerous aspects, so i’ve gotten used to using my powers to minimize or even eliminate anxiety in certain situations.

🦦 ⊹ ࣪ ˖ observant otter ↠ what are the little things about your desired reality that some might overlook but you love?

my college and what i’m learning, for one. i’m going to columbia university, majoring in environmental sciences with a focus on ecology and evolution. it’s really fun getting to learn and work on things i enjoy on such a beautiful campus and then just, anytime i want, go to the avengers tower to hang out with my friends and boyfriend. the duality of normalcy and uniqueness within my life is something i enjoy, especially the normalcy though. i enjoy hanging out with my friends, and going out or on trips to certain stores and shops. having to say no to plans because of a test or a research project. then skipping a lecture to hang out with my friends.

🐇 ⊹ ࣪ ˖ rational rabbit ↠ what are the beliefs and or prophecies that people in your desired reality believe in simply because of tradition?

honestly nothing special like beliefs or prophecies that were not already established in a less fantastical world. this reality is very much just earth if it had superheros. there is a certain stigma against mutants, but that has become less “popular” of a belief as the years have gone on and some of the most beloved heros turned out to be mutants. there are beliefs or prophecies attached to other alien species. but those aren’t well known on earth.

© rrezshifts last updated. 01/05/2025

[dontjudgemeimawriter]

Dead Darlings Tag

Tagged by @charlesjosephwrites

🌑 Rules: Share a part of your writing you love that got cut for the greater good. It doesn't matter if it's a line or a paragraph. It doesn't matter if you might work it back in. If it's not currently in a WIP and you want to share, please do.

So I don't actually have a whole lot of this. When I get stuck I do sometimes put what I backpedel on in a scraps folder, but apparently i haven't done it too much, and usually I stop writing it because I don't like it or where it's going or I'm just treading water in the scene. I'm not at a stage where I cut major things that I enjoyed-- I will when I edit for real, but I just don't do that as I go. The draft currently has a character at the beginning tha I decided doens 't exist, I just haven't edited him out yet because why should I?

There are some scraps though, and here's one scene that I kept in the scarps folder but wound up deleting. This takes place between the two scenes posted here-- you can see there that I had a chapter break, between the first post and the reblog. This scene is essentially what I started writing for that chapter, then deleted.

Tagging: @thegreatobsesso @scripe-of-stories @ceph-the-ghost-writer @squarebracket-trickster & @avrablake

Mika paid for my meal without us discussing it, nothing more but a small smile in my direction and a gesture to leave. 

I still had focus up, was still confident that my wall was up, yet I noticed something. I smiled back reflexively, caught the door behind her without thinking about what signal it gave off, even found myself talking without rehearsing every word first. 

Our previous back and forth, me antagonizing her, had been me playing the role she wanted me to be. She’d wanted me to be the villain so I’d complied, because I couldn’t deny the reason. But I hadn’t realized how exhausting that role had been.

Our conversations had always hit a dead end in the past, either from me or from her, but we were actually talking now, even if it was light, surface level conversation.

Was this okay? Was it the right idea to do this? Wasn’t getting this comfortable dangerous? 

A hand raising in a wave caught my attention, and in an instant, and comfort I’d started to feel evaporated. Abigail.

I waved back, shifting instantly. Mika noticed my reaction before following my gaze to Abigail, but a glance in her direction told me she wasn’t sure who she was seeing. 

“Hello, Terran, Mika,” Abigail greeted us. She stopped walking, so we did too, facing her.

“Hi,” I said. For once, someone was there, possibly having caught me— for what? Talking to Mika, who lived with me? She’d been passing, not spying. I glanced at Mika. She was holding something back, but I wasn’t sure if it was confusion or nerves. “You two have met, right?”

Mika nodded, and Abigail gave a huge smile that made me uneasy. “I’m sure Zachary’s been singing my praises,” she said in a way that meant the opposite. Zachary had not been quiet about his disapproval of her becoming the Judge’s right-hand man. “but yes, we’ve met, though I don’t believe we’ve talked much. Mika, yes?” Mika nodded, gathering herself enough to respond. “Correct, and I see no need to change that.”

Abigail didn’t react, just turned to me. “Well, it’s been a while, hasn’t it? I didn't get to ask how you were the other night.” 

She’d been the one delivering the order on Jesse, I remembered. Did she know the story I’d fed Zachary, or had he kept it to himself?

“Well, thanks for giving me a job. I’d been bored,” I replied, watching her expression. Mika, next to me, sighed, but dammit, Mika, I still gotta play the game. 

“Oh?” She raised an eyebrow. “And how is that going?”

“There’s been some complications,” I said, still fishing for how much she knew already, but maybe she was letting me tell it. “But I’ll get him.” I needed to find out how much the Judge already knew. I considered for a moment, then added, “He’s gone off the grid and I’m having trouble tracking him down. You wouldn't happen to know any more than what was in the file, do you?”

Her gaze flicked to Mika for a moment. “All I remember about that was he got a hit on him for learning too much. P.I.'s really serve a problem, the Judge’s been considering making some changes in how they’re licensed.

“Oh no,” Mika deadpanned. I glance at her. Her eyes had narrowed at Abigail.

“Well, good luck finding him,” Abigail said. “Though if you end up hitting a dead end, feel free to hand the job off— I’m sure we can find someone else to carry it out.”

“Thanks, but I’ll find him,” I said. No way could someone else take it, but if I couldn’t get this, I might not be able to stop someone else looking for him. 

“Good luck!” Abigail said, giving us a wave and heading off. I gave her a wave back, then took a deep breath and turned back to Mika.

Mika was watching Abigail walk off, and after a moment, after she was out of earshot, she looked at me. “I know Zachary doesn’t like her. What do you think?”

I shrugged. I had once trusted her, but that had been so long ago, and so much had changed. So much about me had changed. “She works for the Judge. All of us should be wary.”

Mika nodded, biting her lip considering, then added “She was lying.”

I’d been about to keep walking, move on, and then I stopped. Mika could tell when people were lying. “About what?”

“What she knows about that guy. The P.I. I don’t know what she does know, but she knows more.”

Shit, of course she did. “Do you know what?”

“Couldn’t get that far.” Mika shrugged. “And didn’t care that much. Not exactly a big fan of helping you catch this guy. I’d be happy if he got away.”

“That’s not what’s at stake, though.” I said, and already that comfort was making me fuck up, wasn’t it? “It’s either I find him or someone else does.”

She shrugged, and of course it made no difference to her—to her, I was going to kill him. I didn't need her to care, though, right?

Wrong.

Mika knew Jodi. Or at least, had known her—and Jodi was who Jesse was looking for. At least that was what he’d claimed. 

She wasn’t going to help me murder a man, though, and I couldn’t tell her I was trying to ensure he lived. “Listen,” in urgency I put a hand on her shoulder and she jerked it away, but it didn't matter. “Jesse, the P.I., he’s on a case. He’s looking for Jodi Gibson, you said you knew her, right? Can you help me find her? I think it’s the best way to find him.”

“For Jodi?” she repeated. I nodded. She considered, and I could tell— her stubborn side didn’t want to, just to spite me. But we’d just truced, just agreed to give each other a chance. “You’re not killing her, though? Just that guy?”

I nodded, but I could see her still hesitant. She still didn’t completely trust me, after all. Us agreeing to stop fighting didn't necessarily include working together. Finally, she relented. “I don’t know what to tell you. We were friends when we were kids.”

“But what I should really do is talk to her friends and family,” I said. “I doubt they’d talk to a random guy, but maybe they’ll talk to you.”

[arleniansdoodles]

As an avid sunshine x grumpy connoisseur (both rokantic and platonic) i so understand the mc-sean thing. Its just so fun to write and read!

N e ways could you perhaps share your thoughs on The Olds (Jinfeng, Sifu and co.)? Pretty please?

Ooh I’d be more than happy to share my thoughts about the oldies! Regarding the Wood and Water Guardians, I don’t have a lot of headcanons about them except for creating OCs as their surviving relatives post-massacre 😅 So I’ll stick with Sifu, Sean’s father, and Jinfeng for now XD

Starting with Jinfeng, I didn’t know her backstory at the time of writing my fic (nor do I have the game, so I couldn’t check for myself), so I created one for her - only to realize much later that her backstory is written on a wall in the Tower 🙃 Basically, she was born to an impoverished family (which I’d already assumed) as the eldest of four sisters, only to lose her family and right arm in a terrible criminal attack. Following that, she relocates to the city, trains, and becomes the first female Sifu in that region, teaching poor families, women, and girls how to fight, etc.

I’ve kept all that as the basis and just added my headcanons on top loll Before the attack, little Jinfeng is sent to a kung-fu school so she can learn how to defend her younger sisters. And it’s there that she finds Sifu and Sean’s father, and becomes their little sister – not just as a fellow student, but in a more familial way XD She becomes the sunshiney one while Sifu is the voice of reason and Sean’s father is grumpy loll I’d say they’re kinda like the older generation version of Yang-Sean-MC, which presents quite a few parallels between Jinfeng and fem!MC.

Following the attack, Sifu and Sean’s father avenge Jinfeng by dealing with her attackers, though Sifu is affected enough by the experience that he vows to take the Wude path; on the other hand, Sean’s father has no problem beating people up loll And afterward, they support Jinfeng as she heals, and they all train and grow up together! 😁

Regarding Sifu and Sean’s father, I imagine they lived in a similar region as Jinfeng as kids – Sifu was probably better off; meanwhile, Sean’s father was in the roughest neighbourhood and developed a rough personality because of it, which is later passed down to Sean. I’d say Sifu was the most level-headed of the trio (though he’d still get in some trouble as a kid hahaa); he’s the “middle sibling” and the most conscious about the virtues in kung-fu. Sean’s father was protective of Sifu and Jinfeng as a kid, given that he’s the eldest; but he’s probably the reason they got in rough (or dangerous) situations in the first place loll 😅

In their adult era, I like to think that Sifu and Sean’s father are pretty smart when they’re separate, but when you put them together, they gotta share one braincell while Jinfeng gets the other to herself 😂 I even had this crack idea about putting the three in an escape room; Sifu would climb out the window (or search for the key if there’s no window), Sean’s father would break the door down, and Jinfeng would force them to solve the room lmaoo

I think having Jinfeng as their little sister adds to the betrayal later when she works with Yang to take down the Guardians. By that point, she likely had some disagreements with Sifu and Sean’s father about the talismans, but they didn’t realize how far she was willing to go to do it. I do think she truly believed what she did was for the best – she wanted to prevent others from suffering what she did as a child – but at the same time, I imagine she had to bury her guilt and grief so deeply that she wouldn’t feel it anymore.

I also headcanon that she’s kept her conspiracy board up for eight years because she regularly goes down to the Rift to look at Sifu and Sean’s father’s portraits, since she has no other mementos of them (which is something I’ve added to my extended Sifu fic XD)

And that’s the summary of my thoughts! I did start a mini-comic about Jinfeng last year, but it’s been sitting in my drafts forever and I don’t know if I’ll ever return to it 😭But anyway, thank you so much for your ask, anon!! I always love a chance to ramble about my ideas lololl (and feel free to share yours too, if you’d like! 😊💗)

[mugiwara-no-toshokan]

Thrice Prophesized

CisFem Reader x Roronoa Zoro

CW: In-Universe levels of violence, amnesia, romance, reader gets some good bad-ass moments, but shouldn't feel Overpowered if I did my job well, surprisingly no smut in this one loves, but it's book 1 of 2.

Still 18+

Chapter 4: Treason.

Nami and Robin had helped you get situated in your space. You were sharing a room with them, and Franky had made you a very comfortable bed. You got your gifts moved into the room and even had a little nightstand by your bed that you could do with as you pleased.

After dinner you had spent a couple hours letting Robin and Nami provide you with clothes. You had enough to keep you going for a long while, and Usopp even offered to stitch things together for you to make something custom if you wanted. But at least this way you wouldn’t be wandering around in pajamas all day.

You slept well enough that night and found yourself up just before daybreak. Leaving Nami and Robin to their sleep, you put on what you had deemed your training clothes and went out onto the deck to begin what you hoped would become your usual routine.

Working through your sword forms, you practiced and focused on trying to coat your blade with armament haki as Jinbei had instructed you. If you couldn’t get the hang of it while moving you were going to focus on it after you were done, as a sort of meditative cooldown. As you moved you saw the cook cross the deck and head into the kitchen to start breakfast. He took note of you, but didn’t interrupt, and you only noticed him because you were trying to encompass the ship with observation haki.

Working two at once was maybe ill-advised, but it was better to strain yourself in training than to find yourself struggling later. What little you knew of this world was danger and conflict. Which wasn’t too dissimilar from your own world, except that you had grown up with those specific dangers and conflicts and knew what to expect.

Here their swordsmen were demons, and their magicians were difficult to spot.

By the time you’re done the sun is mostly above the horizon and the rest of the ship seems to be waking up. You clean up a little and join everyone for breakfast – it’s a little less intense than dinner was, as it seems some of the crew aren’t exactly morning people, but it’s still quite lively.

After breakfast you sat by the helm while Jinbei guided the ship on Nami’s guidance and listened as the older man spoke of this world. He spoke of the fishmen and their lands under the waves, he spoke of the World Government and the Celestial Dragons. He spoke of slaves and marines and pirates and citizens, and the different islands and their governments that – on paper at least – worked alongside the World Government.

He told you about the CP organizations, and the revolutionaries. He spoke of his experiences, and the end goal of descending upon the Grandline Metro and finding the One Piece – to name Luffy the King of Pirates and maybe even change the world for the better.

“If this One Piece is known to exist within such a small location, how has it not been found?” You ask when there’s a break in Jinbei’s explanation.

“As I understand it, it is a bit like finding a specific drop of water in the ocean. If you don’t know you’re looking for that specific drop, you could pass by it a hundred times and never find it.”

“Specifying a single drop of water in the ocean sounds like trying to match snowflakes – sounds impossible.” You admit. “Luffy believes he can do this?”

“He does, and he will.” Jinbei says with such assurance that you’re reminded of Luffy’s proclamation yesterday during the meal.

“Hm.”

“Does all of that help?”

“It does.” You say, standing up and stretching. “I have seen parts of this world already, and I’m sure I’ll see more, but this is enough that I should be able to avoid making a fool of myself. Usopp drew me a picture of what Marines can look like, so I understand the uniform.”

“Forgive me, but it seems something is still heavy on your mind.” Jinbei says, his eyes are on the horizon, but you get the feeling he’s focused more on you than what he’s looking at.

“I… hm.” You consider things for a moment and then sigh. “Forgive me, this may sound rude in the face of everything, but I don’t understand why you’re all helping me – And, I mean, I get that your Captain has decided, but I don’t understand why from him.”

“Do people require a reason to extend assistance in your world?”

“With few exceptions, yes.” You reply as Jinbei looks at you fully.  “Political intrigue, kingdom connections, family ties, wars, feuds, mercantile dealings, even the Knightage all have parameters that guide their decisions. Someone like my lord has power enough to follow his whims, but such is a rarity.”

“Then, perhaps it will help to consider Luffy as being powerful like your lord.”

“But… He has no land. You are all monstrously capable, but you are a mere nine vassals. Even your ship is – grand and beautiful, yes, but this is no fleet.” Your tone is one of confusion, not one of derision. “You are, yourselves, a drop of water within a vast ocean. What foundation is it that you stand upon? Do you have a castle in this Metropolis?”

Jinbei laughs. “Hardly! This ship is hearth and home for this crew.” He explains, laughing harder as your face goes slack. “You’ll see. We’ll be at the next island tomorrow, and I’m sure that whatever happens, it will help you understand. Not just this world, but this crew and its strength as well.”

You bow, “Thank you for your time and wisdom, Master Jinbei. I think I need to use my body after spending so long filling my brain.”

“You’re welcome, Miss (Y/N).” He says, giving you a small bow in return. “It has been my pleasure.”

You leave from the helm and consider training more with your sword and your Haki, but the Haki part of that equation required a lot of focus still. You needed a break from thinking, and normally that would be mean running laps or sparring with a fellow knight, but neither option was readily available on a ship. In looking around to consider what to do, you looked up and realized that there was one place on the ship you hadn’t been.

Climbing the rigging was exactly the kind of physical activity you were looking for, and the Crow’s Nest on this ship was far more unique than anything you had ever seen before. You got to the crossbar of the sails and climbed the ladder into the crow’s nest itself.

You gave a knock on the trap door before you opened it and clamored the rest of the way into the space. You were grateful that you had pulled yourself entirely into the area before you looked around or you might’ve fallen to the deck and died from shock.

Zoro was in the crow’s nest, in nothing but pants, exercising with weights. It wasn’t his lack of clothing, or the weights themselves that nearly broke your brain, it was the combination of the two. The weights looked, and sounded, entirely too heavy, and you weren’t sure how long it was going to take for you to adjust to the clothing styles of this world. People in this world seemed allergic to wearing layers. The Skeleton was the only one who wore an appropriate amount of clothing, and he was also the only one who could bandy about naked if he wanted without concern.

“What’re you doing up here?” Zoro asks after he sets the weights down and turns toward you.

“I… uh… I…” You shook your head. You had caught a glimpse of the scar across his chest before now but seeing it in its entirety was something else. Luffy had a scar on his chest as well that made you wonder what threats these men had faced down to earn such marks. “Master Jinbei had filled my head full of knowledge, so I was hoping to give it a break and exercise. I realized I hadn’t come up here yet, so I am, I guess, sating my curiosity. If this is a personal space for you, I can leave.”

“It’s fine.”

“Pardon my intrusion then.” You say, walking around the room while Zoro sits on the bench and takes a break.

You poke around the crow’s nest, and even try lifting some of the weights. The measures are in numbers you recognize, but the designation symbols by them are foreign to you, but it hardly matters, you can barely lift the smaller ones a few inches off the floor.

“How much do you weigh?” You ask him, looking up from the barbell you’ve been trying to decipher.

“Eh?”

“We measure weight back in my world in units called stones. You have… markings on this plate that I don’t recognize. You look like you’re… 14 or 15 stones, but I don’t understand that in terms of this… kay-gee marking.”

“Oh. Ninety kilograms.” He answers.

You look back down at the plate and realize it says 225kg, and there is an identical plate on the other end of the bar. That’s 70 stones. It’s a bit more than five times that man’s own weight. It was nearly nine times your own weight – which was small wonder why you could barely lift it.

“Are you truly not part demon?” You half question him, half mutter to yourself. You do the math in your head, despite meaning to take a break from thinking and nearly feel your legs buckle as you start to comprehend the weight he is lifting.

“Who else can use these weights?”

“… Franky. Maybe Jinbei.”

Franky, as you’ve learned, is a cyborg, which – according to him – means he is partially human and partially a machine. He’s more construct or golem as you’ve come to understand what he means by it. Jinbei is, strictly, not human as you understand how this world works, and fishmen are stronger than humans on average. You snort at the short list and shake your head.

“I bet the kind doctor has a form that could lift these as well,” you murmur.

Zoro grunts. “Chopper has a form that could lift the Sunny if needed.”

You look over at him in surprise and are more surprised to see he’s being serious. You don’t really know what to do with that information. Every time you think you’ve gotten a grip on the capacity of this crew some new information comes in and shatters it.

“Well, er – thank you for your time.” You say a little more hastily than you mean to, heading to the ladder to begin descending.

“Thought you wanted to exercise.”

You flinch, but you don’t turn to face him this time. “I… just don’t want to get in the way of your routine Master Roronoa,” you say, and quickly add. “Besides, it wouldn’t be a bad idea to get used to climbing around the rigging as a form of exercise!” You manage to scramble out of the room in the time it takes you to say all that and lean against the mast for a moment to calm yourself before you do anything else.

It was the first time you had interacted with him where you didn’t see him as a demon. He was relaxed and at peace and didn’t have that heavy aura around him, and he was naked – partially naked. Mostly naked. It wasn’t like you hadn’t seen some of your fellow knights shirtless before, but only when such was expected.

You were going to have to adjust to how people dressed in this world, or perhaps, how they didn’t dress.

Letting out a deep breath you start down the rigging back to the deck of the ship. Climbing around the rigging was good exercise, and good practice. There was at least one thing in this world that mirrored your own, and that was the style of knots used for the rigging on the ship. Knots that held tight, but that were easy to release if needed.

As a knight of a winter-locked land, you didn’t sail often, but you were educated and practiced in it. This way you could aid the sailors instead of hindering them if things went wrong. Coming down the rails again for the dozenth time, you leaned into the rigging and looked out over the water.

Remembering your world made your heart heavy.

You notice something in the sky that looked like a bird, but wasn’t quite right. Turning to look around you noticed the sniper was working on something out on the deck nearby.

“Hey, Master Usopp,” you call out to get his attention and point at the weird bird. “What’s that?”

“Oh, it’s a News Coo.” He explains, waving his hands and beckoning the bird to descend.

You have to grab onto the rigging to stop from falling as you see a strange bird – some mix between gull and albatross – with a sack of newspapers strapped to it land nearby. Usopp puts a coin in one pouch and takes a paper. He also provides a small snack for the creature which seems to be appreciated.

“It’s like a carrier pigeon, or messenger hawk.” You finally manage to say as the News Coo ascends back into the air.

“Your world has something similar?” Usopp prompts.

“Yes. On a smaller scale, but similar. Messenger hawks couldn’t deliver papers like that, but they can relay personal messages.” You explain, coming down onto the deck to look at the paper. You were relieved to see that you not only recognized the alphabet being used, but you could read and comprehend it.

Usopp had it open and was flipping through the first few pages when he came to a stop. Looking over at you he looked back to the page and then looked back to you.

“Oh no.” He pulls the single page out and hands it over to you. “Sorry, (Y/N).”

“Sorry? For wha-.” You stop as you look at the page in your hands. It’s more of a poster, with an accurate drawing of your face in the middle of the page. There was other information around it, but it didn’t include your name. You understood the concept of the page immediately but were left with another issue – the symbol by the long series of numbers didn’t make sense to you.

“I am… wanted alive.” You felt a little relieved by that and pointed to the number on the bottom of the page. “What does this mean?”

“Belly,” Usopp explains. “It’s a world-wide currency.”

“And, this number? Is it significantly high?” You ask, pointing to the number on your poster.

Usopp nods. “It’s below the average for the crew on the ship, but it’s significantly high.”

“… Master Usopp, what are the bounties of this crew? Is it rude of me to ask?”

Usopp laughs. “Not at all, any good pirate is proud of their bounty!” He assures you, even though his laugh sounds a little shaky. Luffy’s is the highest at 1.5 billion belly, Zoro’s is 320 million, Sanji’s is 330 million,” He begins, counting off on his fingers. “Nami’s is 66 million, Robin’s is 130 million, Franky’s is 94 million, Brook’s 83 million, and Jinbe’s is 438 million – he used to be a government affiliated pirate, but when he joined us his bounty went up.”

“And yours?” You prompt, a small smile on your lips.

Usopp seems to pale, but his smile doesn’t fade. “2-200 million.” He admits, doing his best to sound proud of it and not terrified by it.

“My apologies then.” You say flatly, reading your 250 million belly bounty on the poster.

“Oh, hahaha! Ah, d-don’t worry about that.” He laughs nervously and looks at you a little sheepishly. “Are you okay though? I mean, that’s uh – we’re not newbie pirates, when we started making our own way Luffy had a whole 30 million belly on his head, and no one knew our names. We’ve had time to adjust to this sort of thing.”

“I… spoke of treason when I arrived here. I imagine this is gentle in the face of that.”

“T-treason?!” Usopp exclaimed and then looked at you curiously. “Treason against who?”

“Something called the Empty Throne.” You say, “I was not in control of my words when I arrived, Master Usopp, I was speaking a prophecy.”

Usopp’s face went so pale he seemed to turn blue. After a small flurry of concern between you and him, he called the crew together and you recounted what you could remember of your arrival here. From the uncomfortably manicured lawn and man to the words you had repeated even as the last vestiges of your winter magic had sent you away from the Red Line.

“The empty throne is called such because no one is supposed to sit in it,” Robin explains. “The idea is that no one person rules this world, and at best the five elders collectively decide world-wide events.”

“But if your prophecy is to be believed, someone does sit on the empty throne,” Brook said solemnly. “I remember songs and poems about the empty throne, but even decades ago it was considered merely symbolic.”

“Whether someone does or doesn’t actually sit there, this explains why this was in today’s paper.” Usopp adds, putting your wanted poster on the table.

“I’m surprised we didn’t see one yesterday.” Sanji states. “Considering what we know.”

“They probably weren’t sure if she was dead or alive.” Jinbei says. “If they released a wanted poster for a corpse there would be problems. Debating what to do is likely what delayed it.”

“Only alive.” Zoro says and there’s a deeper scowl on his face than usual.

“But that’s good, right?” You ask. “Capture is difficult compared to killing. My chances are better, aren’t they?”

There’s a tense silence and then suddenly numerous arms sprout from your body and hold you tight. You grunt against the sudden movement, but you didn’t feel any hostility, and aren’t alarmed.

“Some Devil Fruits are well suited to capture.” Robin says as her hands turn to flower petals and release you.

“… This world is dangerous.” You admit, feeling a heavy weight in your stomach. “Oh, but haki can overcome Devil Fruits, yes?”

“If you’re strong enough in it, yes.” Jinbei replies. “So you can improve your odds by continuing to cultivate your haki.”

“Until then I suppose I should do my best to not get separated from the rest of you.”