#don't ask how that ties in I won't tell ya

[thevoidstaredback]

It's always graveyards. Why is it always graveyards? They're creepy as hell and, well... that's it. On the bright side, the Protection Spirits watching the gates recognize him and realize the danger he's in. Well, maybe he wasn't in real danger because the Bats and Birds don't really do the whole purposefully harming civilians things, but they are scary as hell! Chasing him down like a bat straight outta hell- obviously he was gonna run! They cornered him! Maybe he'll invest in getting them lessons in how to interact with people in and out of costume?

Honestly, Nightwing, Danny expected better of you. At least Red Hood and Signal know how to treat innocents.

Here's the thing about Protection and Guardian Spirits, though. They don't like intruders. If you're running from something and you don't have time to ask permission to enter, you best say "thank you" and bring them shiny things on your next visit. If you do have time to ask permission, you ask permission. If they think you're a threat or rude, they won't let you enter whatever they're guarding.

"Thank you," Danny said as he slowed to a walk further into the graveyard, the sound of the gates slamming closed behind him confirmation that the Bat and his gaggle wouldn't be following him in.

Wasting no time, Danny pulled a piece of chalk from his pocket. It was a handy little thing he'd picked up during his stay in the House of Mysteries. Draw and door, tell it where you wanna go, open it, and go through! Beetlejuice style. Though, unlike what the Handbook for the Recently Deceased says, these doors won't actually open a door to the afterlife. He fixed that tiny glitch a while ago.

Anyway, a quick few chalk lines on the side of a mausoleum later, and Danny was opening a door to Fawcett, Philadelphia. Probably not the best choice, considering that he was trying to stay away from the Justice League, but it's better than Metropolis.

"Whoa." Damn it! He should've stayed home. "What was that, mister?"

Danny made sure the door closed behind him, praying for strength. Why did he feel like several deities were laughing at him? "Hey, kid. Can you, um, maybe not say anything about that?"

The kid, short brown hair and a red jacket stood out the most to Danny for some reason, seemed very amused. "You're gonna have to buy my silence."

Again, Danny let out a quiet, long suffering sigh. "Coffee is so not worth it." Looking at the kid, he said, "Alright, fine. I was getting coffee anyway, I'll buy ya lunch. Know any good places?"

Grinning, the kid cheered, "Hell yeah! Follow me!"

Resigned, Danny followed after the kid, easily keeping pace. About a block later, he figured he should probably get the kid's name. "I'm Danny."

"Billy."

"No last name?"

"Fae rules, dude. What's your excuse?"

He had to give it to him. "Touché."

Another three blocks of walking, Billy finally stopped at a cafe. It was a quaint place with stained white brick and a dark grey roof. There were metal chairs and tables outside the building surrounded by a wrought iron fence. The table umbrellas and the awning over the black door were light blue, matching the curtains in the inside.

The inside walls were painted baby blue with a white ceiling and a pinewood floor. The tables and chairs were all stained black with light pink cushions and table cloths. The curtains, as observed before, were all baby blue, tied back with baby pink ribbons. The lights were barely yellow, giving the room a warm feel. The counters were white with black paneling on the outside and white granite as the tops.

"Welcome in," the young man at the register greeted with a smile, "What can I get you two started with today?"

Danny envied the man. He'd obviously not been doing this long enough to gain the veteran's shine to his eye. He turned to look at the menu after telling Billy to get whatever he wanted. A mistake he'll probably pay for. "I'd like a large Red Eye, equal parts coffee and espresso, with cinnamon, honey, chocolate syrup, mint, and vodka, please."

The 'newbie' light in the man's eyes dimmed a little bit. "Um, we don't carry vodka." Glad that's the only thing he's worried about. Priorities.

Danny clicked his tongue. "Oh, well, it was worth a shot. I'd like everything else, though, please. Mix it at your own discretion."

"Alright," he was very valiant to go back to grinning, "Anything else?"

Danny motioned for Billy and the kid stepped up. "Can I get a large mocha, three chocolate chip cookies, and two sandwiches?"

The blond entered the order. "Of course! That'll be $25.37." A quick card swipe from Danny. "Thank you very much, we'll have your order out to you soon!"

The two didn't say a word as they chose a table in the corner. Danny let Billy take the seat that was open to the rest of the cafe so he wouldn't feel cornered. He had a good view of the door, though, so he wasn't complaining.

"So, how'd you do that?" Billy asked after they'd gotten their orders.

"How'd I do what?" Danny sipped his drink.

"How'd you walk outta that wall? It's solid!"

"Magic."

"I guessed that much."

"Then why'd you ask?"

"Will you teach me?"

"No."

"You didn't even think about it!"

"Okay," He paused. "No."

"Not fair." he pouted.

Putting his drink on the table, Danny summed as much fake-it-till-you-make-it energy as he could. "Magic isn't a toy and takes years of practice to get a handle on, not to mention you have to actually have an aptitude for it before you can even try. Besides, I don't know you nearly well enough to trust you with anything else."

Billy finished the cookie he was eating. "I can do it! You just gotta teach me!"

Another sigh that Danny had stopped counting. "Look, you seem like a good kid, but I'm not gonna teach you magic."

"Why not!"

"However," he continued, ignoring the demand, "I'm not gonna leave ya fully defenselessness."

"What do you mean?" Billy backed away slightly, his eyes narrowing as he moved to be able to run quickly.

Another sip. "Based off of the dirt you're covered in, the grease in your hair, and the overall poor condition of your clothes, I'm gonna bet that you're a street kid. So," he pulled a small card from his pocket, very aware that Billy was watching his hand aptly, "I'm going to leave you with this."

Slowly, the brunet took it and turned it over. "What it is?"

The white card had the initials DP in the middle, circled by an Ouroboros. The initials were completely solid, but the snake of the Ouroboros was made up of tiny runes of protection and health and healing and good fortune.

"My calling card. If you're ever in danger, hold that to your chest and ask for help. I'll be there."

Still obviously suspicious, Billy took a moment to scrutinize the card. It was cute to watch the kid act like he knew what he was looking at or for. When he seemed satisfied, he shoved the card into the inner pocket sewn into his jacket. "Thanks."

"No problem, kid," Pulling out his phone, Danny saw the time and stood, "I've gotta go now. I assume I've sufficiently bought your silence on the whole magic thing?"

Billy grinned, "I guess, but you gotta come visit me, okay?"

He chuckled, "Sure thing. See ya."

Part 2 Part 4

(I don't drink coffee, so Idk how that shit works)

Tag list: @zaiothe4th

[obsessedwrhys]

ᶻ 𝗓 𐰁 .ᐟ The Boys x Rogue!Reader (2)

ᯓ★ angst, fluff, typical the boys content, Butcher is an asshole?!?! (what a surprise) 😲. Reader is fem!! Here's part 1 if you missed it. (Didn't proof read because im sick again 🤒)

Sounds of muffled talking... needles poking through your skin... your mind fogged from the effects of the drugs... the heavy feeling of helplessness as you were tied down. Nothing you could do. You were hopeless. You didn't stand a chance.... Slowly you squint your eyes open as the vision of your friend's corpse comes to view. The horrifying sight jerking your body awake.

"Oh...oh..." You breath heavily with your body covered in cold sweat. The adrenaline coursing through your veins. You looked around to make sure you weren't inside your cage, but rather inside the room your brother had given to you.

When you were sure you were safe, you let out a relieved sigh as you rub your eyes, giving yourself a moment to settle down. Something tells you this won't be the last nightmare you'll have. Once you were sure you were in a stable condition, you got out of bed and decided to head downstairs to what seemed to be their office.

After last night when you were taken to their headquarters, Butcher offered you some clothes to change into and also making sure you were well fed. From how exhausted you were at the time, you could only remember talking about something to Butcher before passing out on his bed.

As you descend from the stairs, you couldn't help but peek your head to look at who were present. Even though they were told to be his friends. You yourself weren't that 100% willing to trust a bunch of strangers just because he said they were 'not the worst people he's met'. To your surprise it was just three people inside and they were each doing their things.

Butcher wasn't anywhere in sight.

This sucks.

Since you aren't planning to stand and wait at the stairway, you entered the office, it only took a few steps for your presence to be noticed. You sat on the sofa just a few feet from the girl who appeared to be busy writing in her book. She shoots you a warm smile which you hesitantly smiled back.

"I'm (Y/N)... what's your name?" You asked but she suddenly shifts her eyes from you to someone else. Curious, you looked over the sofa to see someone already approaching you.

"Her name's Kimiko..." He said as he takes a seat beside you.

"You still remember my name yes? I was the one who snuck you out" You thought for a second before finally recognising him.

"Frenchie right?" You asked and judging from the smile on his face. You must be right.

"I didn't get to say but thanks for rescuing me" You said to which he laughs.

"Ahh...! Don't thank me! Your brother would have skinned me alive if I refused. If you had seen his outrage when he found out Homelander had you involved, you'd think twice before pissing him off by saying no" He recalled, emphasising everything he says through his hand gestures and facial expressions.

"He does have a temper..." You uttered.

Just then the door opens and all four of you turned to see Butcher walking in with another guy. You got to your feet and went over to your brother who after taking off his coat, hands you the takeaway he had bought.

"Here ya go sis. I figured durin' your days as a lab rat you probably ate like one" He said as you realise he had bought you your favourite food.

The simple gesture somehow making you feel like a kid again. The simpler times where you felt stress free. Just sleep and eat. Though you didn't dwell too much into the feeling as the feeling of hunger soon made you quickly sit down and started eating. Butcher eyes you for a second before walking off to talk to his friend about something that you could care less about.

Mm... good food...

You were too focused gobbling down the food in front of you that you failed to notice the guy sitting on the chair before you. He watches you consciously as you ate like you never eaten in ages. It was when you began to choke that he panicked and quickly pushed the cup of water towards you. His hands retreating back to his lap to avoid any contact with your skin.

As you gulp down the water and finally waited for the burn in your chest to vanish was when you realised you had been eating like a wolf. Months of being locked up by Homelander felt like a physiological torture that you seemed to have lost all your self control. You really lost touch with humanity. It makes you hate him even more for what he did.

"Hey um... you holding up alright? We haven't properly met. I'm Hughie" He said once he sees you zoning out. You look at him with your brows slightly raised.

His voice was somehow soothing. Like the feeling of a fever dream.

"I'm (Y/N)"

"I know" He smiles slightly at you, almost like he's fascinated by your presence.

"So you're his sister. I didn't even think he had any family. He was always private about his life"

"So am I. I guess it runs in the family..."

Your harmless joke making him chuckle softly. As you go back to eating in a more slower pace, he couldn't help but watch your every movement. It was like watching a kid eating for the first time. When they had saved you, you were almost all bones. Your hands are trembling even now just from holding the spoon.

Just even thinking of that night, what still intrigued him was even after those months of torture you still had the energy to argue with your brother. It was there where he finally understood how you were both related. You were just as much as a fighter as your brother is.

"Ahh motherfucker" You cursed as you fan at the fly to get away from your food though the second it touches your skin, it instantly drops dead on the table.

The two of you stared at it as it twitches slightly before going limp.

Problem... solved?

"I assume that you did that on demand?"

"I... think so?"

Just when you thought things were ever gonna be back to normal, your powers always had to remind you of the true reality. The reality that you are NOT normal. Since you were curious of your new abilities, you reached out and touched the flower pot just placed in the center of the table.

Just one touch of your finger on the leaves. The plant slowly devolves from a lively colour to a rotting brown. The flower withers as the stem grows weak. Due to the lack of stability, it collapses completely. Somehow the sight of the dead plant made your throat dry. Images of your friend's corpse flashing in your mind.

Hughie took notice of your dilated eyes and decided to take the plant off the table, placing it carefully on the ground to make sure it's out of your sight. You could only take long breaths as you tried to get rid of the terrible image. Gosh... you can't even imagine how her family is dealing with this... or if they even know she's... sigh..

"Oi!" The sound of Butcher's call causing you two to look at him. When he waves at you to head over to him, you shoot Hughie an apologetic look as you got up to see what he's calling you for.

"You know you don't have to call me over like a dog, I have a name"

"Oh really? Your character hardly screams 'man's best friend', especially with that pissy look" He teases you with a slight smirk which you simply ignored.

"What is it?"

He stares at you, taking note of your expressionless face before nodding to himself. His whole demeanour becoming serious within seconds.

"It's about your powers" He said, his words catching your full focus in an instant.

"From what we've known... the only possibility for a non-supe person to have powers is to dose themselves with a modified version of compound v. But that's only temporary, and yours... are permanent" Butcher said, his eyes avoiding yours.

"Whatever they did to you, we're gonna figure it out... so, while I do that, M.M will be supervisin' you, won't ya M?" Butcher said, looking over his friend who's hunched over his table and writing something down.

"Well if it ain't me then who else is gonna"

"I can!" Frenchie spoke up, his forwardness catching everyone's attention. Once he realises the looks he was getting, he awkwardly smiles.

"You know, for research" He adds. You sigh as you close your eyes, turning your head to face your brother.

What are you getting yourself into at this point...

"Nothing you say quite makes sense to me. The fuck is a compound v??"

"It's what gives the supes their powers"

"What??" You narrow your brows.

"You're saying they weren't gifted?? Like, God didn't bless them and made them our saviours?? They're just a bunch of normal people high off of superpower drugs??" He grins widely at your conclusion.

"Congratulations sis, you're finally catchin' up" He said, giving you a pat on the back before walking away. You stand there, still a bit confused before going after him.

"Waitwaitwait, where are you going? You just got back a few minutes ago" You asked as he puts on his coat.

"I'm going to meet someone. Hopefully they can help me with your situation, or at least provide some insight on what Homelander did to you"

Homelander.

Just the mention of his name being said by someone made your blood boil.

You wanted to tear him apart.

"Alright... but don't take too long... okay?" You look at him, almost like you were trying to beg him to stay with your eyes. You could tell it was working when you saw how his face started to relax a bit.

"Yeah..." He reaches for your head but stops midway when he realises he can't.

The sad reality of wanting to hold his own sister could cost him his own life was completely breaking him.

All the more reason to meet up with this contact to figure out a solution.

He doesn't say anything after letting his hand fall to his side. You could only stand there and watch him leave. Somehow, some part inside of you was fearful of the speech Homelander gave you was becoming true. That his goal of striking fear in Butcher by using you was slowly working.

"Hey, (Y/N). I'm gonna need you to come here" M.M said. You didn't say anything but sat on the chair he instructed you to sit on. You watch as he scribbles something on his book before eventually turning to face you.

"Alright so I wrote down some theories and I need you to work with me" He said, his instructions pretty clear. Your eyes however couldn't help but peek at what he had written down.

Does it only work when it's in contact with skin?

Is it like poision? Or does it disintegrate everything it touches?

Can it be controlled?

If it's dangerous then how dangerous can it be?

"Here, put these on" He then handed you a pair of leather gloves.

You took it and did just as he said. You couldn't help but clench your hands a couple of times to adgust to the fabric of the gloves. Somehow you felt hopeful of this plan. Just then you see him pick up a small plant and placing it on the table in front of you. He nods his head towards it, telling you to touch it.

Though you hesitated... before finally obliging.

You let your fingertips touch the leaves just as you did only a few minutes ago to the other plant. To your surprise, it didn't change colour nor grow weak. It was perfectly fine. This discovery caused you to be overjoyed to the fact you were struggling to form words. M.M simply nodded as he wrote something in his book.

"Holy shit it worked" You exclaimed and couldn't help but stare down at your gloved hands.

"Guess the only thing that can stop you from hurting someone is those gloves..." He turns to face you once again. The smile on your face slightly drops at the mention of hurting someone.

"Guess so..." You uttered, a wave of sadness washing over the joy you were experiencing just now. This will have to be the new normal now...

"Hey, at least it's better than nothing" He said, giving you a comforting pat on the arm. You look at him with a grateful smile, acknowledging his optimistic view of the outcome.

For the next few days you were able to conduct several experiments with the boys. Ranging from testing out your strength to trying to read minds. There were definitely some very odd ideas they've come up with but neither of them wanted to leave out anything so they had to think of all the possibilities of what you could do. Although you were still uneasy about this new change, you felt reassured after knowing more about your powers. In a way you like to think that you had more control over yourself.

It was now Sunday, you were in their office resting on the sofa. Compared to your first day here, you could tell by your own body language that you were beginning to grow comfortable around the group. As you watched whatever was on the TV, you overheard a conversation going on between Butcher and M.M nearby. However judging by their tone it seemed to be about something serious.

"Seriously Butcher? You want to get him involved?" M.M said, displeased with something.

"Nobody knows this better than he does and I'm runnin' out of options"

"Options or patience Butcher, do you have any idea what he's done? If you ever so blink, he will put a bullet right between your eyes"

"Well then, you can rest assure that I'll keep my eyes wide open for any bullets" Butcher's stubbornness earning an annoyed grunt out of M.M.

"Relax mate... I've got this. When have I ever let you and the others down, huh?" He said, placing his hand on his shoulder.

"You actually want me to answer that?"

Without saying another word, Butcher simply walked away and you, who've been secretly hearing their conversation couldn't help but take a peek of your brother. Once you see him heading to the other part of the room far from the rest, you decided to get up and approach him.

"Are you having a fun time staring at the wall?" You said, pointing out how he has his arms folded as his hand is stroking his chin. His brows perked at your words.

"You're talkin' about me?" He scoffs.

"Honestly it's better than starin at your face... what do you want?" He looks at you, a playful look on his face.

"What were you talking about with M.M just now? Sounds like it was tough"

"Oh it's nothin', he's just being dodgy about the guy I strucked a deal with"

"If I heard it right, he also said he's slick enough to put a bullet through your head" You lift your gloved hand up to point at his forehead which he simply brush your hand away from his face.

"I've got my share of bullet wounds, I'll survive"

"Not through the skull though"

"How ironic, you've always did call me hard-headed sis" Just as he said that, he started to walk off like he always does when he feels himself being lectured by you, or anyone. That's why you stood in his way when he was just a few feet from the door.

"Where are you going?"

"What makes you think I'd tell you?"

"Okay, fine, don't tell me, just take me with you" He stares at you, unsure of what you were trying to do.

"No way in hell am I bringing you outside"

"If that's your concern then I can wear a disguise. Nobody will know it's me"

"Nobody is not my concern, my concern is you. What if you accidentally let a bit of your skin show and you, oh I don't know, turn a pedestrian into a fucking mummified corpse"

"What the fuck are you crying about? I can wear layers! C'mon, anything to get out of this cooped up place for once"

"You're complaining about this being cooped up? Tell me, would you rather spend a year here or that lab?"

"Hey fuck you! That is not what I meant! I just wanted to go outside!"

"Alright alright! Would you two quit it before you tear my ears off" M.M said, having to be the one to end the bickering.

"I was just about to leave anyways" Butcher didn't even look you in the eye and walked past you. His attitude was making you angrier than ever.

You just wanted to shout and throw things around. This is just like your argument with him regarding his path of going down a life of committing crimes against supes. He always never chooses to take you seriously. Yet even after years where you'd think the consequences of his actions would shape his character a bit, it sure as hell didn't, instead it just gave him a sloppy kiss on the face. You went upstairs into your bedroom and just as you open the door, you found Hughie inside. Awkward, he quickly stands from where he was crouching.

"What are you doing in my room?"

"Oh uh sorry I was looking for the tools Frenchie asked for, he said it was in Butcher's room... which... is... your room now..." He clears his throat as he avoids your gaze.

"Is it the yellow box with the 'Do not touch' note on it?"

"Y-Yeah how do you—?" Without even letting him finish, you were already heading over to your bed to get it out from underneath it. You hand it to him and he takes it with a surprised look. The heavy weight causing his body to drop a bit but he quickly recovers from it.

"I guess I'll go... thanks" He said but you had your back turned to him as you went to sit down on your bed, clearly indicating you weren't in the best mood. He walks to the door, though he doesn't leave. After hesitating, he turns around to face your back once again.

"You okay?" He calls out. His question leaving you feeling even more conflicted.

"Just Butcher" You replied.

Oh.

Somehow that simple answer clears it up. He may not have worked with him the longest but he's worked long enough to know that the man can be such a pain in the ass. Pretty much a day with the man is enough to get a clear picture of his personality. What didn't make it any better was the difference in their beliefs about the supes.

"Do you wanna talk about it?" Hughie asks. You stared down at your hands that are scratching at your nails. You do wanna talk about it but you're not sure anyone would listen to you, like actually understand how you felt.

"Are you gonna judge me?" You asked.

"Judge you? Why would I do that?"

"Well... would you be concern if I told you I'm debating whether or not if I should punch him the next time I see him?" You looked at him, searching for his reaction.

"... would it make you feel better if I told you I once had?" He said and the image of someone like Hughie punching Butcher made you chuckle a bit to yourself.

"I find that very hard to believe... but did it at least feel good?" You look at him and you could see him slowly inviting himself into the room as the conversation continued on.

"It did. For a while..." Soon he sat himself beside you on the bed.

"I don’t wanna seem like I'm intruding but why is it that you guys are always at each other's throats... I mean, he really seems to care about you so shouldn't you two get along well?"

"Psssh... he doesn't care about me"

"Errr, if he didn't he wouldn't have gone out of his way to save you from Homelander. He even sent me to spy on you when you were at work once. It was kinda—"

"Huh?" You interrupt him and your reaction had him hold his tongue.

"Spy on me? When was that?" He stares at you, batting his lashes at you blankly a few times.

"Uh I thought Butcher told you... I was the customer who asked to go to the restroom. Remember? The one with the jacket on?" He said but you were having a hard time recalling the exact memory. Your mind still a bit fuzzy from everything that happened before the kidnapping.

"I don't know... but I can't believe he would do that. Spying on me?" You said and once again the anger that was slowly dying down was now going back up.

"He was worried about you"

"If he was worried about me then he would talk to me face to face, not send one of his friends while he hid away like a coward"

"Maybe he was trying to find the right time?" You suddenly turn your head to look at him.

"Why are you making so much excuses for him??" You called him out since you figured from some of the things he told you, he probably hated him just as much as you did.

"I don't know... maybe it was that night when you guys hugged that... kinda changed my mind about him a bit... it's hard to explain but a different side of him showed. After you went to sleep, he stayed up the entire night in the office figuring out how to help you. I did try to get him to sleep but he just started cursing at me to fuck off" He said, recalling the night.

Just thinking of your brother going through computers and documents trying to find the reason behind your manifestation of powers made your heart melt a bit. You can only imagine the hours of sleep he missed, not that he even gets enough sleep but all that hours he could be using to rest and instead using it to solve your issue was nice yet sad to know. Too bad it lead him to doing business with some shady person you don't even know about. All because he wanted to help you.

"So I'm pretty sure that yeah, he does cares about you..." You stare at him, somehow amused at his way of talking things out with you.

"You really went all out trying to prove a point huh?" You said to which he laughed.

"Force of habit maybe? Anyways, I better go, Frenchie needs his tools and you look like you need some rest" He got up and began heading towards the door again but before leaving, he stops to look at you.

"Hopefully you guys work it out. He's been through a lot and I think having his family close by might keep him... human" He added. You take his words into consideration as he finally goes.

....

"Why'd you let that happen to me?" She yelled through her tears, grabbing at your shoulders as if she needed support from her limping body.

......

"You dragged me into this mess!!" Her nails were so sharp you felt like it was digging through your skin.

.............

"You killed me!! You were my friend!! You fucking bitch!!!" You couldn't breath. You felt like you were floating in an endless void.

...................

"Rot with me" She uttered. You scream as thousands of hands began grabbing at every corner of your body. The countless amount of nails on your skin sent shivers down your body. You try to scream for help but its as though your voice was stuck in your throat as no sound comes out.

........................

"NO!! STOP!!" You shout as you awake on your bed. Your screams were loud enough that it caused the door to swing open.

Your brother quickly sat himself on the bed, being careful to wrap you in the blanket before holding you close in his arms. Though your mind was too focused on the nightmare to even know who it was that was holding you. Her whisper like voice, her skeleton face, and fuck... the feeling of the thousand of nails poking your skin haunted you even more. It was so real.

"Sis... hey...! You're safe. You're here with me. No one's goin' to hurt you" He said, his voice being the thing to bring you back to the present. Your breathing somehow steadies after scanning the room to double take.

You really are safe.

"Shit.. sorry..." You could only say as your brother rubs his hand behind your back. The sight of your pale face grew concern.

"You wanna talk about what's got you screamin' in your sleep?" He asks and you let out a half embarrassed sigh. Hopefully you weren't that loud.

"I don't think I'm ready for that..." You said since what you wanted to do now was forget it.

"Aight..." He nods and continues on rubbing your back to provide some comfort. He's not big with words so this is the most he can do...

The room remained silent while you enjoyed the peace you got from his presence. When you felt yourself finally able to think rationally, you can't help but think of what Hughie told you. Working things out... To be clear, talking about your feelings with your family, let alone your sibling ain't easy as it seemed. But seeing the things you and him have gone through, that seems like the best option right now.

"Can I ask you something?" You look up at him and he looks down at you, you could tell he was worried about what you might say, yet he nods.

"Go ahead"

"... what happened after I left... like how did it lead to this? To... how you are now...?" You asked and it caused him to look away with a defeated grunt. As though he saw the question coming from a mile away.

"Theres not much to say... I fought... and I did what I had to do to survive... I wish I could tell you I was a good person for it but... I'd be lying, you wouldn't look at me now if I told you half the things I've done" He answers with his hand placed on your arm. You frown.

"It feels as though you're treating me that way already. You're my brother but sometimes you treat me like I'm just a package to you. That's what your job is about right? Whatever this job is..."

"That's not true sis..."

"Then why does your face tell another story?" You said and your words made him furrowed his brows even more. He stares at you, as if he's considering something in his mind.

"... you won't understand it"

"What don't I understand? We're family right? Blood is thicker than water. That sort of bullshit. We've been through hell together as kids. Having to take abuse from our shitty parents... then losing Lenny..." The mention of his deceased brother pained him even more that he was struggling to maintain eye contact at this point.

"Don't push me away... not again..." You pleaded while placing your other hand on top of his arm. He stayed quiet... almost too long that you were beginning to think he was gonna choose the quiet route out of the conversation until he finally opened his mouth to speak.

"How do I even start... I was furious when I found out Homelander got you involved in our fued.. but then through that rage, I also thought... what if I never went on pissing off a bunch of supes for my selfish reasons? It could have prevented how it led to this. To how he found you" Butcher began to say and you could just hear the guilt in his voice as he began confessing to you about his feelings.

"I regret some choices and some not so much... sometimes I wonder if I should've listen to you and visited that therapist you suggested. I still have the card in my wallet... but I also thought the road was too blurry to head back. I've already got too much blood on my hands, enough to fill a whole sea..." He pauses, then letting out a shaky breath.

"But if I'm being honest with you, my biggest regret would be puttin' you in any danger. Now I can't even look at you without being reminded of my mistakes... that's why it was better that you hated me instead, because it's not fair for you to forgive me after all that"

All his talking about himself was painful to even hear. Let alone the sad and defeated expression on his face. This was the most vulnerable he has ever shown himself to you. The big brother you always thought to be this indestructible force was now bawling out his emotions to you. Oddly enough, you felt glad to see him open himself up to you. This was a new start... when he became quiet, you decided to speak.

"I get why you'd think that but... didn't you tell me it was useless to dwell on things you know is irreversible? Yeah sure, I did have bad stuffs happen to me but you also helped me out of it"

"Bad things which you wouldn't be in if it weren't for me" He was quick to add when you paused but you were fast to respond.

"I know I know but... my point is... some good came out of it... and we can't change the past so we might as well control what comes next. You know... shape our destiny..." You said, feeling awkward as he stares at you a bit too hard but suddenly out of nowhere he snorts into laughter.

"What! Why are you laughing about?" You were confused at his reaction because you weren't sure if he was genuinely humoured or losing his sanity.

"I didn't know you were into that cheesy Shakespeare shit. Where'd you read that one from? The library?" He wheezes and you roll your eyes from his teasing. He can never take you seriously.

"Did you even hear what I said?" You said and from his body shifting a bit was when you realise your feet has been pressed against his leg the entire time you've both spoken. The heavy weight of the blanket must have made it harder to feel.

Even though your skin is touching his, he doesn't seem to be rotting or anything. Rather, he's still laughing at your talk just now. When he finally stops is when you point out your discovery to him. By the time he sees it, he's fast to pull his leg from contact of your skin as to not play with his luck.

"Well shit... what do you make of that?" Butcher looks at you after pretty much leaping up to his feet.

"Then it means that my powers could be controlled?? How is the question..." You said but Butcher seemed to have lose interest on that as another thing is already on his mind.

"So you don't blame me... after everything?" He asked and you look at him, your body frozen with your hand was in the process of lifting up your feet just now to get a close inspection.

"No... but if you keep pissing me off with your attitude I might start hating you" You said after finally leaving your feet alone. He chuckles lowly.

"You're not the brightest person I know" He said but there was a smile on his face. A happy one to be precise.

"That's because I'm related to you, fucker" You joked back.

Eventually after you two seemed to resolve the tension between you both, you manage to go back to sleep with Butcher willing to watch over you by sitting beside you on the bed, but it didn't take long for him to fall asleep, which trying to be as discreet as possible, you were able to catch a peek of. Since you didn't want him to freeze, you place the extra blanket onto him. After all, maybe he's not that much of an asshole.

TAGS

@demodemo909 @naniky @1infp1

[zosan-secondchances]

The Pirate King of the North: Part 7

Main Themes: Villain Sanji, Alternate Universe, Zosan Ship

Warning: Long post ahead with One Piece spoilers. Contains strong language and explicit content.

Part 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9

Zoro should count his lucky stars when Nami showed up when she did. She was on her way to Sabaody Archipelago to personally deliver the map that he asked for. He hadn’t seen their former navigator for almost a decade so he was taken aback at how powerful she had become manipulating the weather the way she did. It’s not that he ever underestimated her before, but he won’t openly admit that to her. She practically took on an entire armada of Pacifistas on multiple Marine vessels without so much as getting a scratch or being seen. It looks like travelling the world on Weatheria has worked out very well for her. The swordsman reminds himself to send a letter to Usopp to compliment his handiwork with her new staff as well.

Law had received their message and had been waiting at Duval’s base ahead of them. They should be celebrating Sanji’s success and their return, but the Heart Pirates had no smiles to share that night.

Bepo pushed the stretcher where Sanji laid, rushing him to the surgery room aboard the Polar Tang. Keeping up with them, a few other members of the Heart Pirates worked together to wrap a breathing mask around the blonde’s face, manage the gas tanks and calibrate other medical equipment attached to the stretcher while Law held the IV line that’s secured to the blonde’s arm. He injects a clear liquid into the drip chamber as he walks along quickly.

Law

Penguin, I need that blood result as soon as you can get them. We may need to look for donors if we don’t have his type in stock. I doubt royal blood type comes in abundance.

Penguin

Yes, Captain!

Penguin turns his heel with a few other members of the crew following him. They walk past Zoro, who is following closely behind, the entire front of his robe stained with dried blood.

Sanji

Wait…

Law

Sleep tight, Mr. Prince-ya.

Sanji weakly pulls the pouch that was looped around his wrist. He stretches it towards Zoro, wincing when he holds out his hand to a certain extent.

Law

Don't move, idiot!

Seeing that Sanji wouldn't listen to the doctor, Zoro rushes to his side and grabs the pouch by its bottom. The blonde clasps Zoro’s hands in his as he holds onto it tightly. With a dry mouth, he speaks in a rasp.

Sanji

I'm entrusting these to you until I get back. Promise me that you won't lose them.

Zoro opens his mouth as if to say something but ends up staring at their hands. There's just about a million things that he wants to tell and ask him, but can't seem to decide which one to say out loud first.

Sanji resists closing his eyes shut. He props himself on the elbow on the side without the open wound, still holding onto the swordsman as if his life depended on it.

Law

Oi! Lay back down.

Sanji

Marimo, I need to hear it.

Zoro looks up to his eyes. What was once bright and blue are now completely filled with pain and desperation, much like a helpless animal cornered by a beast.

Sanji coughs, getting a splatter of blood on the white sheets of the stretcher, some drips at the corner of his mouth. Law pushes him back down by the chest.

Law

I said lay down! You’re making it worse!

Sanji

Zoro, your word.

Zoro wants to give him the moon on a silver string.

Sanji

Please….

Zoro

Y–yes! I promise.

Sanji

Good….

At that, Sanji succumbs to slumber.

—

Zoro emerges from inside the submarine and into the chill of the night on the top deck. His head is down and hands tucked inside his sleeves, working the pouch loops around his forearm to keep it secure and out of sight. He stops then straightens himself in front of Nami who’s reading the most recent papers that she had acquired just a few moments ago. When the navigator sees him, she quickly folds the paper and tucks it under an arm.

Nami

So…was that who I think it was?

Zoro

The Pirate King of the North?

Yeah….

Nami tilts her head on the side as she eases back against the railing of the deck.

Nami

The one you wanted dead.

Zoro

Yes.

Nami

For…what, twenty years? Give or take? And…now, for a reason you wouldn’t tell me, you want him…not dead?

Zoro

Y–yeah….

Zoro rubs the back of his neck awkwardly. It’s not that he doesn’t want to share any details with her, it’s just that he’s still trying to figure out how he feels about the man himself.

Nami

He’s kinda cute, actually. Minus all the bleeding.

Zoro

Yeah….

Nami raises her eyebrows. She gives the swordsman a moment to process his own response.

Zoro’s mind is still shocked and dazed following the events of Sabaody Archipelago. When he realises what he had said to the navigator, he stammers, and tries to find the right response to save himself. After not coming up with one, he settles with just crossing his arms and looking away grumpily. He eyes Duval’s tiki bar on one of their open docks where the man himself and the rest of his Flying Fish gang are currently at, drinking merrily while looking after the family that they had liberated.

Nami gives the swordsman a cheeky smile. After a second, her expression darkens.

Nami

You’re not going to like this then….

The navigator holds out the papers to him.

Zoro takes the papers hesitantly then unfolds them to the front page. His blood boils at the sight of the headlines.

“WORLD NOBLE DONATES TO CHARITY, GETS DISMEMBERED AND ROBBED BY PIRATE KING.”

Nami

Zoro…did this actually happen?

The swordsman remembers what Law had told him about the Marines twisting the truth in favour of the Celestial Dragons. While he knew that the headline and the article weren't entirely untrue, it didn't cover anything about the malice behind the World Noble. Unintentionally, he starts visibly shaking with fury, ripping the entirety of the paper from its sides. Purple aura starts to surround him and sparks of red zap from within. At that point, he wants to rid the face of the planet of all Celestial Dragons and their supporters.

Nami

Hey! I was reading that!

Duval

Is everything okay up there?!

Duval was shouting with concern from the tiki bar down at the docks. When Nami looks over from the side of the sub, she gives him and the worried crowd a reassuring wave after noticing how tense everyone had become–no doubt feeling the swordsman’s unintentional haki flexing.

Nami

Yes, yes! The adults are talking here, so don’t come up!

Duval

But I’m technically older than you….

Looking slightly hurt, Duval returns to making drinks for the people around him. He tries to think of a good distraction to take everyone’s attention from all that tension aboard the ship.

Nami carefully reaches out and places both her hands on Zoro’s shoulders.

Nami

I know this is hard, but you need to calm down. You can wreck this whole place just by doing that. You don’t want that to happen.

Zoro continues to tremble under her but the navigator has learned from the past that nagging him about this would just fan the flames. She approaches with care.

Nami

Remember your breathing exercises? How you had to really step it up because of Brook distracting you?

Zoro’s shoulders flinch at the memory. His aura starts to stabilise.

Nami

How about that song he likes to play…? Do you remember it?

Sure enough, when the swordsman finally gets his senses back, he hears the chorus of Bink’s Sake sung out happily below them by the drunk Flying Fish Pirates and the joyous family that they had freed. Touched at the scene, along with the memories that start flooding through his mind, he relaxes. His aura disappears as quickly as it came.

Nami gives Zoro a couple of pats on the shoulder and takes a step back, separating herself from him.

Nami

Good job. Now come on, let’s get a drink. You look like you could use one. Or two. Or several. Honestly, knowing you, you’d bleed them dry. Screw it, let’s go get drunk. It’s been a while!

Zoro smiles at that, and nods. He misses having a friend who he trusts enough to let his guard down–let alone someone who can keep up with him when it comes to drinking.

Seeing the papers almost tipped him over the edge. Everything that they’d gone through from that previous island left him drained and suffocating. Now, he just feels so tired that he just wants to spend the rest of the night drinking, then nap the whole week away–not wanting to think of a certain blonde who’s currently fighting for his life.

The swordsman misses the times when things are a lot less complicated and a lot more straightforward. At this stage in life, he expects himself to be older and wiser, to know exactly what to do and when. However, nowadays he finds that he’d been second-guessing himself a lot more than ever.

He begins to think about the seemingly innocent game show at Sabao Dome, and how it quickly spiralled into dealing with a Celestial Dragon. He wonders if telling Sanji not to kill him was the right thing to do, and starts questioning his own knowledge of the world. He thinks about his own ignorance and the consequences that someone else had paid for in his lack thereof.

Maybe some people just deserve to die, so he considers going back to get the job done out of spite now that he has a better understanding of how and why his “friend” sees the world the way he does, and the world hates him for it.

Out of nowhere, he feels a slim arm wrap around his own as his navigator friend pulls him out of his trance to walk with him side by side. He doesn’t know how long he’d been just standing there just staring blankly. He welcomes Nami’s presence as it brings him back to reality, taking the opportunity to ground himself.

With a deep breath, he focuses on what’s currently around him. He slowly comes to, feeling the navigator's warmth next to him, smelling the sea in the air, and hearing the sounds of his own feet against the wooden deck and the merry singing in the distance. He pulls himself together and decides that he should stand by his own morals, to stay strong and keep his values. Now is the worst time to falter. If he’s to prove himself to be a real man to protect his friends, he shouldn’t be one to bend so easily.

—

Zoro wakes up the next morning feeling like hell. He pushes himself off whatever ground surface he ended up on, running his hands over his face, trying to ease the throbbing pain in his head. He doesn’t get hangovers a lot but for whatever reason, this is one of the few rare moments when he does and he has it bad.

The swordsman stretches, then winces at the pain from his back and shoulders, only just realising how sore he is from all the fighting and fleeing yesterday. When he looks down, he sees that he’s in a very loose orange boiler suit with the Heart Pirates jolly roger embossed on its front pocket. His face scrunches as a memory comes to mind.

He remembers getting a full lecture from Nami for not changing out of his blood-stained clothes before going out drinking. The Heart Pirates agreed with her so they took matters into their own hands when he refused to take her advice. It took almost the full crew to pin him down so they could clean and dress his wounds to avoid infection. To add insult to injury, Bepo forced him into his spare clothes, which are the only ones that aren't too small for the swordsman, to keep him protected from the chill of the night. They were very concerned that he’d catch a cold, especially having been soaked for hours in the oceanic storm.

He looks around to figure out where he is, then recognises that he’s sat in the middle of the floor of their room aboard the Polar Tang. The familiarity gives him relief. Over at the bunk beds, he sees a mess of orange hair on his pillow. A flash of another memory comes back to him–he’d talked to Nami a lot last night. She promised that she’d be there for him as he waits for Sanji to come out of surgery.

Zoro scooches his butt so his back rests against the far wall. He turns his gaze at the round window. By the looks of it, it’s already late morning so they’d just missed breakfast in the ship’s galley. He digs through his mind, trying to figure out if he saw the blonde at some point in the night but can’t seem to recall anything of the sort. Then he hears blankets shuffle around.

Nami

Morning…. Ugh…someone, kill me.

The navigator struggles to push herself up to a sitting position. With both hands, she parts her hair from her face then nurses her forehead with her fingers. She swings her legs off to the side to face Zoro.

Nami

So…do you want to talk about last night?

Zoro raises a brow at her then returns his gaze to the window.

Zoro

What else is there to talk about? I told you everything already.

Nami

No, you haven't!! You passed out first so I didn’t get all the details!

Zoro groans at the volume of her raised voice. He covers his eyes with a hand.

Zoro

I don’t know what you’re talking about. Mind if you keep it down? You’re doing my head in, witch. Also I didn’t pass out first–you did.

Nami

You were about to tell me about the kiss!

Zoro

Oh–then, no.

Nami

Zoro! Come on! This is the first time I hear you being involved with someone! Is he your first?

Zoro

Look, just forget it, alright? My head wasn't in a good place and I had too much to drink. Why do you care anyway? It’s none of your business.

Nami stands and puts her hands on her hips, looming over him. She gives him an intimidating glare.

Nami

That's not fair, Zoro.

The swordsman grunts in annoyance and chooses not to face her out of spite.

Zoro

What did I do now?

Nami

Do you only talk to me when you have a favour to ask? Or when you need something from me?

Zoro slides his hand off his face to properly look the fuming navigator eye to eye.

Nami

Do you have any idea how worried everyone's been? Sometimes we don’t even know if you’re still alive because no one hears anything from you, sometimes for years. We only know you are because you'd pop up in the papers once in a while.

We try calling but you always throw your snails away. We send you letters but you've only ever replied twice. So you'll have to forgive me if I get all excited just to hear just a smidge of news from someone who means a lot in my life.

Tears welled up in her eyes and snot dripped from her nose as she spoke. She sniffs and runs an arm over her face in an attempt to clean her face.

Zoro’s eye softens and he stands in front of the now crying navigator.

Nami

I really, really miss everyone.

He opens his arms to her, and she runs into it, giving him a tight embrace. The swordsman returns her affection shyly with a hug of his own.

Nami

Zoro, we just want to be there for you.

Zoro

I know….

Nami

But you have to let us in, alright? Otherwise…

Nami pulls away to look up to him, gripping onto his arms.

 Nami

Otherwise…we don’t know if you’re okay.

Zoro quietly nods.

—

The family that were freed from the Celestial Dragons are enjoying their newfound freedom. The merchild had taken to swimming laps around the entire perimeter of Duval's base while the adults celebrated with the gang for hours on end, and doing absolutely anything they can think of “just because they can,” as one of them would say. Such things included eating food any time they wanted, sunbathing, running around wild, singing out loud and wearing the gang’s leather jackets for fun–anything and everything that they can think of they do happily–their future looking as bright as the sun above them.

Man 1

A–are you sure you want us in Weatheria?! We really don’t want to impose…everyone’s done so much for us already!

Nami

Don’t worry about it–you and your family are welcome to stay for as long as you like! We’ve got plenty of space up there and there are no Marines to catch you. It moves as fast as a den-den mushi but we go to different parts of the world collecting data about the weather. Maybe one day you can find a more permanent home but that’s really up to you.

Woman 1

Up to…us?

Nami

Yeah! It’s your life!

Nami turns her heel and waves behind her, walking away to join the swordsman who is currently fishing by a nearby pier.

Man 1

Did you hear that, junior? We can do whatever we want, and go wherever we want!

Merchild

REALLY?! Thank you, kind lady!!

The merchild jumps around happily, clapping to himself. He proceeds to swim all the way around the base for the twentieth time, spouting long streams of water from his lips as he goes–simply because he can.

Nami joins the unhappy looking swordsman who’s grown impatient from the lack of bites from his fishing line.

Zoro

“Kind” is a bit generous.

The navigator’s temper snaps. She delivers a strong kick to Zoro’s back, sending him flying into the horizon.

—

That afternoon, when Zoro had gone and changed into fresh dry clothes, he made his way to the infirmary and knocked on the door as soon as he was told that he could visit Sanji.

Law

Come in.

The swordsman quietly lets himself in, the cool air-conditioned room is a welcome sensation on his sunburnt face.

Law

Oh good, it’s the other one who doesn’t follow my plans.

Law scribbles angry notes onto a clipboard and hangs it on a nearby wall. His face is looking a lot more grumpier and sleep-deprived than usual, which makes sense given that he was up all night performing surgery. The swordsman isn’t even sure if he’s slept or eaten yet.

Zoro closes the door behind him. He puts his hands in his pockets as he approaches, looking at the sleeping blonde tucked comfortably in the infirmary bed. He felt relieved to see that Nami had used her cat burglar skills to pick the slave collar off him earlier. It was an ugly sight and he was glad to have rid of them. In place of it are bandages around his neck, proof that Law had already tended to the wounds.

As Zoro stares at the sleeping patient, the doctor frowns at him for wearing Bepo’s oversized outfit but chooses not to say anything about it. Instead, he stays on topic about his first point.

Law

You lot always do whatever the hell you want. If I didn't know any better, I would have thought that the Pirate King was a Straw Hat.

Zoro

Shut up. It’s not the end of the world, okay? Nami’s here, and we got the funds to pay her for the map.

Law

Great, but we still have to find a bubble ship, unless you know a way to make my ship fly. The only capable shipwrights that I know of who specialise in modifying submarines or making bubble ships are in Sabaody Archipelago.

Zoro crosses his arms and gives him an unimpressed face in return.

Zoro

You know the scientists in Weatheria practically invented bubble ships, right?

Law raises an eyebrow, intrigued at the idea.

Zoro

It’s smaller and probably can’t carry everyone you wanted…but it flies. If you play your cards right and you’re nice, maybe the Pirate King will give you more of his money to buy it off our navigator.

Zoro pulls out Sanji's bag from under his sleeve and shakes it in front of Law's face. Its contents jiggled with sound.

Law’s eye twitches at the bag, and at Zoro’s attitude towards him.

Law

I just saved his ass!

And since when do you care so much about him? He gave you everything he got, didn’t he? Given how much you wanted him dead, what’s stopping you from just leaving him behind right here and now?

With an impassive look on his face, Zoro returns the bag in his sleeve, pulls up a chair and sits by Sanji’s side. Calmly, he replies.

Zoro

Would you?

Law crosses his arms and looks away, thinking carefully, as if weighing his options whether or not to also ditch the swordsman who’s apparently now taken the Pirate King’s side–literally and figuratively. 

Law

No.

Zoro

Because you and I know that we’re better than this…

The swordsman reaches out to hold Sanji’s hand in his, gently stroking his knuckles with his thumb.

Zoro

And he needs to see that the world isn’t such a cruel place.

The doctor stays quiet, now looking at Zoro and Sanji’s entwined hands. After a few moments, he decides to give them privacy and walks towards the door.

Zoro

Hey, Traffy…

Law stops but doesn’t turn to face his way.

Zoro

Thanks….

We’ll find Corazon. I swear to you.

Law hides a smirk on his face and continues to move to the door.

Law

I know we will.

—

Zoro didn’t want to part with Nami so quickly, but he knew that the longer they stayed at Duval’s base, the more they put the people around them in danger. Law agreed with him, stating that they need to leave quickly before they leave too much evidence of their visit behind.

They purchased the map and the bubble ship from Nami as planned, giving her a single condensed Seastone that Sanji acquired. The swordsman wasn’t actually sure if the bubble ship was hers to give away, but nevertheless they finally have what they need to travel to Skypiea.

She had also given Bepo a work-in-progress copy of the Grand Line map with a very clear disclaimer stating that it’s incomplete so they may find islands that aren’t drawn on that she isn't aware of. When asked why she gave it for free, she looked at the swordsman and secretly told him that it’s a reward for opening up about his personal life. In truth, Zoro knew that her heart was too big for that, and that she’d give him anything if she thought he needed it.

Duval generously offered to escort Nami and the liberated family to Weatheria with his entire gang on their flying fish mounts to ensure their safe travel. He didn’t ask for much in return but he approached Law to see if he could give him a facelift so he could look just as “handsome” as the Pirate King. Zoro cringed at the idea, but the man was insistent that he wants the same popularity as Sanji did when he saw him in the video feed during the game show at Sabaody Archipelago. Naturally, the doctor refused until Duval begged him for the umpteenth time so Law had to say yes in the end just to shut the man up. Now, Duval looks like an extra “handsome” version of the Pirate King, but much taller.

It’s been three days since they set sail and Sanji still hadn’t woken up from his sleep after his big surgery. Law reports that it’s not because of the wounds inflicted on him but rather the serum that they detected in his blood. It was a type of drug that’s designed to keep the victim in a helpless state for several days. The fact that the blonde was awake for hours after receiving it would have taken a strong constitution on his part. They had flushed it out of his system successfully but his body still needs time to recover naturally. The whole idea of him potentially being in the hands of the Celestial Dragon in that state just makes the swordsman want to turn the ship around to give the World Noble a piece of his mind, and maybe shove one of his blades down his throat while he's at it.

Zoro felt particularly protective so he’d been spending most of his time keeping the blonde company in the infirmary instead of staying more comfortably in their bunk room. He’s been kindly lent a futon to be set up in the corner of the room whenever he needs it. Unsurprisingly, other Heart Pirates have also come to visit Sanji at least once a day not just to check in on their patient, but also to hang out, trying to be supportive of Zoro and hoping to be there the very moment Sanji wakes up. The swordsman welcomed their company lest he spirals too deep into his own mind which he’s been trying to avoid recently. 

Shachi

I reckon he did all that just so he can skip out of doing chores, the lazy fuck.

The others laughed at the snide comment as they played a round of cards between themselves on the floor. They figured that now is the best time to make fun of the blonde, in front of his own face, without worry of any retort.

Penguin

How do you like your new outfit, Mr. Bushido?

Zoro looks down, admiring the orange boiler suit that is now tailored exactly to his size. Over one side of his chest, they embossed the Straw Hat jolly roger on with the Heart Pirate’s one just underneath it, especially made just for him.

Zoro

It’s fine, thanks. It’s great, actually. Luffy would love it too.

Bepo

You properly look like one of us now! It’s a good colour!

Sanji

The Marimo…turned into a giant carrot.

Everyone in the room poke their head up from the floor to look at the blonde on the bed.

Sanji gives the crowd a warm smile and a weak wave.

Heart Pirates

CHORE BOY!!!

They immediately surround Sanji, giving him hugs, pats on the head and cheerful greetings.

Zoro stood behind them, watching the group finally celebrate his return and recovery. He can’t help but smile at the touching scene. The blonde makes eye contact with him and returns his grin with his own.

When the hype had gone down and they felt like they gave the blonde enough affection, the Heart Pirates wished Sanji well and returned to their duties to leave him to rest. Zoro closed the door behind them and turned to approach the bed.

Sanji

It's a shame that I didn't get to meet your nakama.

The blonde massages his neck where the heavy collar once was.

Sanji

I would have liked to have thanked her personally. It was like the heavens sent her.

Zoro lets out an unexpected hearty laugh, making Sanji jump.

Zoro

Sent from the hells, more like.

Sanji

Marimo! You talk about ladies that way?

Zoro

If you knew Nami, you would too.

Zoro gets a faceful of pillow thrown square at him.

—

Hours have passed since the Heart Pirates have left but Sanji can't seem to settle himself comfortably on the bed, his body feeling too sore to properly relax on the unfamiliar thin mattress under him. He gives up eventually and decides to watch the waves of the waters through the round window. He feels that familiar pull again, as if the ocean itself is beckoning him. It's a comfortable feeling that he's always sought after since reading about the All Blue when he was a child in that damp cell where his father kept him.

The repetitious calm waves eventually makes him drowsy, but he fights going back to sleep. He thinks, not just yet. He knew that he’d already missed out on precious days that he could have been spending being up and about, even with the limited space the Polar Tang offered. If he was being completely honest with himself, he’s also feeling scared and fragile–a feeling that hasn’t arisen until the recent encounter with the Celestial Dragon. He's afraid that if he falls asleep, he'd never wake up.

The bed sinks on one side. He turns his head to find that the swordsman had sat next to him, making him smile at the contact and the newfound comfort that the man seems to have with him. It was reassuring and warm to the heart but Sanji knew he’d have to stop whatever this is before he gets too emotionally attached to the man.

This isn’t supposed to happen. He’s planned to have the swordsman by his side as an asset as he does with Doflamingo–to instill fear where he needs it, and destruction where he wants it. The extra sex would have been beneficial as well.

He shouldn’t care about the swordsman. He wanted the challenge of turning someone worth their salt, someone who can keep up with him, someone who the Marines respected. He meant to strip him bare, break him slowly, confuse him, then use him. But now he can’t seem to get himself to do any of that.

Finding love wasn’t supposed to be on the table–or whatever it is that he’s feeling. He starts fearing for the things that might scare the swordsman if he learns too much about his life, and the heartbreak that will inevitably come if this gets too far.

Out of nowhere, Zoro reaches out and takes his hand in his. He gently lifts it to plant a light kiss on the back where an old scar is. The blonde’s eyes soften at the sight.

Sanji

Mellorine…

Zoro

You’re shaking. Have you gone for a nap?

Sanji

No… I couldn't.

The swordsman flips his hand and pecks an old burn mark on his wrist. He looks at Sanji in the eye then places his next kiss on his inner forearm where the burn spans. Slowly, he continued the trail of affection up his arm, then his shoulder, until he found the bandaged area of his neck, kissing over the material right in the middle where he very well knew an old scar is.

Sanji holds his breath as he feels Zoro’s tenderness in the area. The mark was from another slave collar that he tried to force off by hand when was younger, and he’d always associated it with nothing but pain. The swordsman's gentleness on it was a new sensation that made his heart practically flip.

He can’t help but stretch his neck to present himself, exposing his vulnerabilities and succumbing to the affection as the other man continues his barrage of kisses on different spots of his skin. His breath quickens. His face scrunches when he tries to resist the pleasure, only for his body to betray him and demand more.

Zoro pulls the blanket down with his teeth, revealing Sanji’s top half bare. He's fully unclothed aside from the wrappings around one side of his chest where he just had his surgery.

Zoro

This one, I know about….

Zoro kisses a scar on Sanji’s collarbone. He trails his lips down, finding his way on one of the blonde’s pecs, never removing his mouth off his skin.

Sanji

Mhmm…

Sanji wraps his arms around Zoro’s neck, spreading his legs to give him better access.

The swordsman takes the opportunity to mount the bed and hover over his figure with care. 

Sanji

You gave me that one and…

Sanji pushes Zoro’s head further down where the swordsman finds an old stab wound on the side of his waist where he once pierced him with Wado.

The swordsman gives it a light smooch.

Zoro

Don’t forget this one….

Zoro tilts his head and gives an unexpected lick along a deep scar on the V of Sanji’s hips, making the blonde yelp in surprise.

Sanji can’t help but chuckle at the playfulness of it all, entangling his fingers into the man’s soft hair.

The swordsman starts dragging his hands up and down Sanji’s front to soothe him, all the while continuing to lick and peck the man’s skin wherever he can find old and new wounds. They stay like this for a while, with Zoro remembering each instance when he’d harmed the man and leaving him gentle kisses in his wake like a form of apology.

Sanji

Marimo…why are you doing this?

Zoro

Hmm….

Zoro starts using his tongue, dragging it down from the man's chest, following the line in the middle of his abdomen.

The blonde takes a sharp inhale, arching his back. He ignores the slight pain from his chest.

The swordsman, liking the reaction, shuffles himself under Sanji’s blanket and covers himself in it. He continues his onslaught of kisses closer to Sanji’s core, out of sight between the man’s legs.

Sanji

Fuuuuck…

Sanji jerks his hips in the air involuntarily, trying to get any sort of friction.

Zoro

You were saying something?

Sanji

I… I forget.

Sanji’s mind has gone blank and can no longer see what Zoro’s doing. Everything became about touch alone. He could feel the swordsman’s rough hands glide over his hips and legs, comforting him. He remembers pain from the bite marks that the Celestial Dragon had bestowed on him. But now, in its place, the swordsman took his time to lightly kiss the area in his inner thigh as an attempt to make him forget by replacing the hurt with his own affections.

Sanji

Z–Zoro… I don’t know if I can get hard right now after…you know….

Zoro pokes his head out of the blanket to look at him eye to eye.

Zoro

That’s not what I’m doing this for.

Though…you do smell fuckin’ amazing down here.

Sanji winges.

Not wanting to torture the other man too much, the swordsman moves up, still dragging his lips over his skin. He leans his arms against the pillow, caging the blonde underneath him. He peppers his face with tender kisses–under the jaw, at the corner of his lips, the tip of his nose, and the spot between his brows. He repeats this on the other side. He feels the blonde release the breath he’d been holding, easing into his touch.

After a few moments, he feels pressure against his chest from Sanji trying to push him. The swordsman parts himself to look into his wide blue eyes. He looked pained.

Zoro

What's wrong?

Sanji

…I don't think I want to marry you anymore.

Zoro stops his movements abruptly. He pulls himself back to separate himself from the blonde. He sits back on his heels, his face looking confused and offended.

Sanji

Don’t take it the wrong way. It’s not that I don’t want to do this….

Sanji entwines his fingers around Zoro’s collar and pulls him back at his eye level. With his other hand, he brushes back stray strands of the swordsman’s hair that had gone awry on his forehead.

Sanji

I don’t want to marry you anymore because I want to do this right…. Whatever this is.

Zoro

Hmm…

Zoro eyes the blonde up and down, as if trying to gauge him and read his thoughts.

Zoro

Alright.

Sanji

Alright…?

Zoro

Yeah…I want to do this right too.

Whatever this is.

Sanji raises his eyebrows in surprise. He’s never been one to go exclusive and steady, but the swordsman didn’t explicitly say that. The one thing he knows for sure is that he wants Zoro in his life, in a very different way than he initially thought. Whatever plan that he had concocted for the man before had already gone down the drain ages ago, opening an opportunity for a fresh start. It’s not exactly the cleanest one, but it might be what he needs while he figures things out.

There is a knock on the door.

Zoro clumsily throws the blanket over Sanji’s head to cover his nakedness and readjusts himself back to a sitting position at the edge of the bed, trying to look as casual as he can.

Sanji sputters, pulling the blanket down from his face irritatingly, earning him a smirk from the swordsman.

Sanji

Hey!

There is another knock, this time, more urgent.

Sanji

It’s open!

Law opens the door slightly, just enough to poke his head in. He looks especially furious behind his polite tone.

Law

You have a guest, Mr. Prince-ya.

He steps inside and pushes the door wider. Behind him, a familiar man with long pointed blue hair and a dark cape around his shoulders ushers in. Sanji notices a particular iron helmet not being worn, but instead tucked under one of his arms, leaving his curled eyebrows exposed.

Zoro

Who’s this?

Sanji

Commander.

Commander 2

Your Highness. We lost track of him.

Sanji narrows his eyes, his expression instantly changing into something dire.

Sanji

Who, exactly?

Commander 2

The Warlord, Donquixote Doflamingo.

----------

Coloured to show that Sanji looks healthier when he's happy.

Also I really enjoyed drawing Zoro in Heart Pirates outfit!!

[eggtartz]

✧ 22th October ✧

Izana Kukorawa // Dumb Girl (f! wife reader)

kinktober masterlist

warnings : degradation, slapping, mention of blood, implied aftercare, izana is a good husband

you sat quietly beside kakucho as you watched your husband has a basically brawl with the newer members of his gang. he was giving punches with fury despite his bloody nose. you wince at times, clutching to his right hand's jacket too tightly without realizing. he wasn't in a shirt, fists wrapped with boxer's gloves and his white hair tied up at the front. "fucker! you're fucked after two punches! what kind of gang member are you if you can't handle that?!" his voice was raised as he stomped his feet on the guy's face, probably giving him fractures.

"you're a pathetic waste of space, how dare you waste my time like this" he hissed, using his feet to kick on their guts. "i took you in! trained you! and this is what's supposed to be your best?" he swung a punch. "don't fucking come at my face again, ya hear me?" he spat blood on the ring and came out.

you immediately chased after him as kakucho snapped his fingers, telling them to clean after themselves. "izana!" you called out to him. he turned around and you smiled "hmph, you have a bloody nose" you commented, swiping away the blood. "this? it's just a scratch babe, no worries" he said, squeezing your butt while doing so and walked ahead "wanna patch me up?" he asked, entering the lockers room with his clothes on the bench.

"yeah! i'll do it" you already took the medical kit and when he patted his lap, you straddled him and gently wiped away the blood. "what did you think?" he gently asked all the while his hands are squeezing on your butt tenderly, a habit he has grown used to. "i liked it" you bit your lip.

here's the thing. izana did those things for two primary reasons, one is to of course get some senses into the newer members head if they get too sloppy and two? because you're a freak for degradation. while izana was at the ring earlier, you had to cross your legs beneath your long skirt to stop your pussy from pulsating too loud, a part of your head didn't wanted to taint kakucho beside you. under your skirt, you wore nothing and just parade all around with no panties. izana was reluctant because he was worried he'll go too far so he did these every single day, every day asking if it was okay or no and maybe, maybe today he'll finally initiate it.

"i'm really wet" you frowned "won't you fuck me, izana? please? i promise, i'll stop the moment i hate it! promise!" you whined, bouncing on his lap "baby, are you sure? absolute sure? i can be pretty mean, you know?" he tilted his head but your face, angelic yet tainted was difficult for him to refuse.

"please? just this once?" you battled your pretty eyelashes as he chuckled. "alright, on your knees" he said, defeated again by his own wife.

not that he minded.

eager, you went quickly to your knees as izana bought his shorts down, his dick already half hard. you gave teasing licks on the tip as izana hissed, already tempted to shove your mouth on it. "suck it, c'mon i don't have time you know?" he raised his eyebrow as you giggled, spitting on his cock and bought him deep in your throat. your gag reflex was already long gone as you always had him in your throat so you smiled while bobbing your head againts his pubic hair. "fuck, that's it. you like this, slut? bet you do, can't live without this cock can you?" he taunted, pulling your hair back as he slapped your face.

"answer me, whore. has my cock got your brain mushy again you can't fucking speak?" he hissed as you smiled "no! it hasn't, please put it back.. need it.. it's empty in me.. please.." he grinned, opening your mouth with his fingers as he shoved inside. "damn it! good thing you're my wife, huh? i'm damned lucky to get to use this throat all night" he thrusted inside, gripping your hair in one hand while the other choked you.

"c'mon, whore. that's the best you can do? fucking work on that dick" you bobbed your head faster, using your tongue swirl around the head and your hands squeezed his balls making him groan. "oh fuck! stand up, i'm gonna your pussy mold into the shape of my cock you hear me sweetheart?" he pulled you and kissed your lips, immediately plunging his tongue inside as his fingers worked inside your wet cunt, pushing you to lean on the locker.

"look at that. your pussy is soaked!" he mocked, bringing his fingers for you to see as you moaned "please! put it in me! can't do it anymore!" izana slapped your clothed tit as you whimpered "shut the fuck up, slut. you don't get to order things here." he thrusted his cock inside you.

"i do"

his hard, veiny dick was thrusting inside and out and you were out of breath. it blew your mind at how harsh izana's word was but his movements are still gentle and sloppy. he calls you names but his tone and his eyes are endearing. he's doing this because he loves his wife. you fall apart on his dick as love filled up your heart and cock filled up your weeping pussy.

"fuck! harder, izana!" he grunted "of course you do. you whores never learn patience" he bought his hand under your right knee, spreading you wide and vulnerable as he penetrated inside vigorously "yeah, that's it. clench on my fucking cock. fuck!" izana felt sweat on his forehead as he looked at how your pussy swallowed him so easily.

"o-oh! i'm gonna cum! aahh!" you squealed as he spat on your clit, rubbing it harshly "then fucking do it. gush all over my cock!" he groaned as he felt your insides got warm, clenching on his aching dick. he spread your legs, yelling profanities with his lungs. "gonna cum, princess. where do you want it?" he broke character but you roll your hips "inside please.. use me please" you begged so sweetly it invited a laugh in izana. "whore."

he spurted inside, making sure to drop every last bit of cum, tapping the tip on your clit as um oozed out. "you good princess?" he still asked as you drooled on him while he was wiping your thighs. "shoo good" you giggled. looks like izana would do this often for his wife.

[worriedvision]

Right place, wrong time - Sunday

Gender neutral reader, angst lol. Soulmate au.

--

Reading the words on your arm, you immediately knew who your soulmate was based on the fact there was only one man who took the job of "judging" peoples actions - how, you didn't exactly know. You did, however, know he was a very important man. Being a bodyguard working under Gallagher, you doubted your skills in relation to being worthy of association with Sunday.

Gallagher was a supportive dad to you - when he sensed you were off, he made you a drink on the house and had a conversation with you. When you show him your arm, he lets out a hearty laugh before beginning to pour himself a drink.

"It wouldn't hurt to strike a conversation, right?" He asks. "He probably also knows your first words, and he'll most likely believe you when you explain the arm."

"But what happens afterwards? It's not like he knows who I am, and he isn't really supposed to. It's kind of the point of these confession booths..." You trail off, taking a sip of the drink you have in hand. It is an odd mint taste - almost synthetic, this could be due to a herb thats also been thrown into the mix. It's...strangely clarifying, yet still you are left with questions.

Gallagher prepares a shot for you, almost like he knew this was going to happen, and he slides it over. Turns out, he decided to hydrate you with this shot. You down the show before rolling your eyes.

"Could you give me a glass of water next time?" You ask, Gallagher smirking as he pours some water for you.

"Here ya go, kiddo."

---

"Welcome to the confession booth. Please state the purpose of your confession, starting with the most pressing sin." Sunday asks, how looking down at your arm as you see the words glowing as he states them.

"This may sound strange...but you appear to be my soulmate, but I don't know what I can do with this information." You scratch the back of your head, Sunday pausing in thought.

"...I suppose this was going to happen at some point." He sighs out longingly. "Given my position, I'm afraid my responsibilities do not allow me the opportunity to indulge too much in relationships."

"I knew that - I'm surprised you didn't tell me to get out by now." You laugh, Sunday pausing once again.

"...I suppose you know more about me than I do if you. How about we spend this time we have to find out about you?" Sunday asks, a smile evident in his voice.

With a smile, you reminisce about general information about yourself - your career, your favourite things, your family, anything Sunday asked about you'd answer. Sunday seems to enjoy the conversation, throwing in his little parts here and there as well.

By the end of the conversation, you both round things off with a laugh before you both remember you likely won't see each other again. Hell, he's never seen you!

"I'm sorry fate has tied us together. Please proceed in your life knowing that in another life, perhaps we would have been very close." Sundays smile drops. "I'd like to ask your name, however due to anonymity I am not allowed to ask this. I wish you the best - if you find a special someone, don't wait for me."

You open your mouth to tell him off for telling you to move on, but then you realise you're asking him to prioritise you in the future.

So, you leave without another word, leaving Sunday to stew in his misery as you go to Gallagher to cry about it.

[talesofesther]

sweet calamity | ch 2

Wednesday Addams x Reader

Series Summary: It was something people described as the sweetest pain, the feeling of when the soul that's destined to find yours is closer to you. Wednesday saw it as a curse, promised herself she would hate whoever was chosen for her; but it's easier said than done.

A/N: Slowly, the story is shaping itself, hopefully y'all will like it. Also thank you so much for 7.5K followers, love ya. <3

Masterlist | Read ch 1 here

It was rare the times where you woke up before your alarm, given that you weren't exactly a morning person. But you could barely sleep last night, excitement and apprehension twirling inside your stomach; so it was no surprise when you woke up with the birds this morning.

Today was your first official day at Nevermore, the place where, supposedly, you belong. You were lucky to already know a few of the students here, Eugene for one, who had given you a basic tour of the school yesterday.

To say that Nevermore was big would be an understatement, the ancient, castle-like structure had your anxiety spiking as soon as you walked through the gates. It was a given that you'd take your sweet time getting lost here.

Just as you are right now.

You were leaning back on one of the stone walls on the quad, cell phone in hand as you read one of your mother's latest texts; have a good first day darling, remember to make friends and don't isolate yourself, love you.

With a soft sigh, you typed back the generic response you always gave your mom, a sweet thanks and I love you that usually did the trick so she wouldn't press the matter.

Stashing your phone on your backpack, your gaze roamed over the hallways and doorways, searching for any clues on where the hell botany class was supposed to be. Technically, you could just ask someone. Your fellow outcast colleagues came and went, passing by you nonstop. Yet part of you didn't want to be the lost newbie.

You pushed yourself away from the wall, turning around on the spot, forcing your peers to dodge you as you took a slow step backward to get some new perspective.

And that's when it happened again, so suddenly this time that it got you stumbling on your own feet.

It reminded you of when you accidentally touched that hot frying pan when you were seven. The burning, sharp and angry against your skin; right on the pulse point of your wrist. The same one you felt for the very first time just yesterday, and maybe that was the main reason for your restlessness today.

Your mother always talked with you about soulmates, about how she was lucky to have found hers and that maybe you would be too. But at the end of the day, she was also a realist. She had never once allowed you to dream too big, hope too much. Because she knew it wasn't a reality for everyone.

You grew up in a world of maybes. Maybe you will find yours, maybe you won't; both are okay. And that was your truth, you were content with any outcome.

Until yesterday.

It's strange how a few seconds can change a lifetime.

You had never cared much about having a bond with someone, but then you felt it. It was almost palpable if you focused enough, that fragile red string tied around your finger, sending shockwaves to your heart and changing its rhythm.

Overnight, the thought of breaking this bond became almost unfathomable.

Your backpack bumped into someone when you lost your footing, you quickly turned around with an apology on your lips, but the person spoke first;

"Whoever it was, do it again and I will break each of your fingers." She spoke lowly, with a bite to her tone that gave you goosebumps.

You could tell she straightened her tie before turning around to face you, and once she did so — ever so slowly — any words you had tangled on your tongue faded completely.

She was all raven black hair and smooth pale skin, her lips had a dark shade of burgundy to them, shaping the lines to perfection; if you squinted, you could see freckles over her nose; her eyes were just as dark as her hair, lashes kissing the corner of her cheeks as she blinked once, twice and then kept her gaze on you with a faint frown to her eyebrows.

Something about her got your heartbeat going haywire. It was addictive.

Only when the silence was bordering awkward that you found your voice again; "shit, I'm so sorry, I didn't mean to bump into you." It didn't help your nerves that you could feel the eyes of the passing students on you, as if they were watching a live decapitation ceremony — plus the ever-present ache on your skin.

Talk about an eventful first day.

All the girl did was angle her chin up, her eyes skimming up and down your body. "Stop walking backwards and maybe it won't happen again."

You pursed your lips, nodding once. Touche. "That's great advice, actually." You attempted a smile, but when you got no response back, you continued; "uh anyway, I have to go to botany class so, I see you around?"

If you looked closely, you could tell she acknowledged your words with a nod of her own. Figuring that's all you were getting, you turned around and took a step the opposite way.

A beat or two passed, almost as if she was considering if you were worth her time of day or not.

"I'm heading to botany as well," the raven-haired girl's voice called after you.

You looked at her over your shoulder.

"And that is not the way." She told you pointedly, raising a perfectly styled eyebrow at you.

Good one, idiot. Was all you could think to yourself.

You stood in the middle of the hallway with six feet between you and the girl whose name you were already itching to know, unsure if she wanted you to tag along or not.

"I'm not gonna wait on you forever," she said then, impatiently, and you scrambled to fall into step beside her.

You followed by her side as she left the quad, passing through Nevermore's gardens — which were breathtaking this time of year, the huge trees with a mix of faded green and yellow on their leaves, some of them already forming a blanket on the grass beneath them, old stone paths for you to walk on and a cold breeze in the air, countered by warm sunlight; you could spend hours out here — until you saw the big greenhouse in the distance.

"Thank you for this," you spared a timid glance at the girl beside you, "really, I would probably still be walking in circles if it wasn't for you."

There was no response other than a blank look in your general direction; you wanted to hear her voice though. "I'm Y/N, by the way." The question about her own name went unsaid.

Did you always have the need to speak so much? Wednesday wondered.

By no means, she was one to care enough in helping newcomers find their way around. They could be bothersome, asking too many questions and delaying her routine.

Yet there was something about you that got her feeling uneasy when she considered parting ways. For a second, she wondered if it was your soul that was doomed with hers, but you had already bumped into her and the cursed burning was still there; with no pattern to it, ever unpredictable, resembling the push and pull of waves on the oceanside yet never going away entirely.

And Wednesday wanted to be annoyed, she should be annoyed, shouldn't she? Because the sooner she finds out who her other half is, the sooner she can put an end to it.

She wasn't. She wasn't bothered that it wasn't you. Because the thought of hating you was slightly unappealing.

Her jaw was tight, sunlight framing her profile and reflecting on her pupils as she said; "Wednesday."

Were you going to be another Enid? Talking her ears off every given minute only to warp your way inside her cold heart eventually?

Wednesday let out an indignant scoff at the mere thought of it.

Her response lit you up like a Christmas tree; "Enid's roommate?"

You reached the greenhouse and Wednesday stopped in front of the glass doors. She turned to face you, her eyebrows scrunched in confusion.

"Uh, we're friends," you were quick to elaborate, eyes focused on the way Wednesday's fringe flowed with the wind, "well, our parents are friends so we became friends too, she talked a lot about you on vacation. I almost feel like I already know you."

To that, Wednesday sharpened her gaze daringly, sure that Enid's version of her had the potential to be twisted into something sweetly inaccurate.

And was it bad that your panicked face was somewhat adorable?

"Not trying to imply that I do," you hurriedly said, eyes a tad too wide, "I'm just saying that I've heard a lot about you."

You amused her; the same way a cat finds it amusing to play with its prey. There was a ghost of a smile on Wednesday's lips; "yes, we do share a room."

The greenhouse was already partly filled with students when you walked in together, its glass walls almost entirely covered by plants, allowing only little bits of sunlight to come through as the smell of several different flowers engulfed your senses.

There were a few seats empty, but when you settled on a table at the back, Wednesday felt compelled to follow suit, making herself comfortable on the chair beside yours.

You kept surprisingly quiet during most of the class, taking notes in your notebook and occasionally tapping your pen against the paper but other than that, quiet. Wednesday felt strangely at ease in your company.

Wednesday had her hands neatly resting on the table, half listening to the new teacher's boring explanation about a poisonous plant and half counting the new species added to the greenhouse since she last came here.

She had counted twelve by the time her attention was captured, by you, no less.

There was a potted orchid resting by your side, it was a small thing, its soil a little too dry and its petals a little too pale — apparently the new teacher wasn't as attentive with her plants.

Wednesday watched the way you raised a hand to the poor flower, fingertips grazing the tip of its petals, and from each place you touched, a burst of life erupted. Slowly, the flower regained its bright colors, the leaves standing tall again in a deep shade of green at the same time that a loving smile came to your lips.

"Interesting," this time, Wednesday was the one to break the silence.

Her voice made you flinch, as if you had been in your own world for a moment. You took a deep breath before saying; "she was looking a little sad."

With her eyes still on the colorful orchid, Wednesday asked; "you make things come to life?"

"Uh, plants mostly," you shrugged, like even you didn't know the full extent of your abilities, "but yeah."

You looked up at Wednesday, not expecting to find her eyes already on you; dark as the night, if you looked closely, you could find galaxies in them to get lost in. You couldn't remember ever becoming this quickly infatuated with someone before, so much so, that it got you wondering — hoping — what if it's her?

The hairs on your arm stood up, a shiver going up and down your back. Could it be her?

"Enid always loved it," you forced out, at the same time that you forced the what-ifs out of your head — because you could almost hear your mother saying; hope is dangerous, don't ever let it overcrowd your senses. "She used to tell me that I'm lucky, that I could just conjure up any bouquet I'd want when I find my soulmate," you grinned at the memory, "and I always told her it was not that simple, that I can't make things out of thin air."

"Enid can be naive," Wednesday stated, tone a tad too tight, "she often times sees the world through rainbow lenses."

You chuckled, "do I sense some disdain?"

There's a beat before Wednesday says anything; a beat where she just looks at you, wondering when you got so comfortable with her, and why she let you.

"Quite the contrary," she tells you then, "Enid is one of the few people I tolerate here."

You smiled faintly, eyes downcast and focusing on Wednesday's hands instead of her eyes, "not for Enid."

Wednesday blinked slowly as understanding downed on her, she straightened in her seat; "most people fail to realize that having your soul linked to another is nothing short of a burden." Her words rolled off her tongue easily, that was her truth.

You nodded, not agreeing but acknowledging her view, "why would it be a burden?"

"Because no one asked for it, it's an inconvenience that's forced upon you. And people expect you to just accept it, love it, even," Wednesday told you, her eyebrows scrunched together in anger, "why would I ever want something like that?"

Your lips parted as you felt her hatred as if it was choking you, her black nails tapping against the table at the same rhythm your heart pumped blood. "What happens if you meet yours?"

"For their sake, I hope it never happens."

⋆* ☾ ⋆*･ﾟ:⋆*･ﾟ

Read ch 3 here

Thank you for reading this little story. Feedback and reblogs are literally what keeps me motivated to continue posting here, so I'd appreciate it if you could take some time to reblog and comment if you want. <3

Wednesday’s taglist: @milkiane @bookfrog242 @heelaechan @imagine-reblog @gayestfeels26 @sakurarukas @bluetreecloud20 @the-night-owl-blr @imlike-so-gaydude @user284747 @dreifhraniquo29 @emeraldevan @witchyhs-blog @tobylikesfire @simp4nat @boobabietch @impossibleliv1031 @deadpool-in-a-snood @rainbow-love4ever @maria-403 @pompompuri @halleest @wandaromanova @marveloussimp @rainbow-hedgehog @left-and-right-up-and-down @get-the-fuck-outta-here @awolfcsworld @elduster @alexkolax @georgi-salva @imdumbhi @ladey @youralphawolf72 @reginassweetheart @justyourwritter69

[iliveforyouilongforyouvesuvia]

Full HC for Julian's time as a captive physician at a pirate ship? I remember in a HH interaction he mentioned he survived on that pirate ship by his "quick wit and an in-depth knowledge of sword based injuries" xD.

He reminds me so much of jack sparrow

The Arcana Drabbles: Julian's Pirate Adventures

Julian has a strange capacity for resilience that you're still learning to predict.

One surgery developed complications and the patient's recovery got extended by two weeks? He's spiraling, muffling his anguished self-condemnations into your lap as you sit with him on the couch after supper. You'll have to talk him out of closing his practice again.

A horde of bandits storms his clinic, holding him at knife point and insisting he come with them quietly, tied up and blindfolded so he can treat their boss's injury? He'll gleefully reenact their bloodthirsty intimidation tactics with a spare tablecloth and soup spoon.

There was a lot to unpack after you defeated the Devil and started your lives together. Your romance was a whirlwind of uncertainty and leaps of faith, and while you trust who he is and his love for you, there's still so much about him you don't know. It says a lot that it's three weeks of catching up on mundane life before you get around to the pirates.

"- and that's how you grill a fish with only salt and liquor for seasoning. I learned that one from the pirate ship's cook."

"Pirate ship? You never told me about how that happened."

"Ah," he sets your plates down on the table, waggling one arm in a show of casual swagger. "It's a hair-raising tale, if you've got the guts to listen to it."

He glances between you and the grilled fish he helped you gut earlier, waggling a brow at the punny attempt. You smile in an effort to prompt him to keep talking.

"Truthfully, there's not much to tell. They raided the ship I was traveling on, took all the rum, and must have smelled enough on my breath to take me too. They would've abandoned me on a deserted island once I stopped smelling so pleasant to them, but with all the untreated splinters from running around a wooden ship, I was able to make them an offer they couldn't refuse." He pauses to take a large forkful of grilled fish and washes it down with a hearty gulp from his tankard.

"And the knife injuries?"

The candlelight gleams off his bloodshot eye and he leans back with a contented smile. "Ah, my expert knowledge wasn't required until several days later. They were obliged to have me until then to dig out their splinters and mop up below decks, but the trouble didn't start until the cook called for me." He smacks his lips and takes another bite and sip to build the suspense.

"They were an intimidating old grump, barely came to my waist, and could snap a man in two if they wanted. I never had the pleasure of exchanging more than two words with them until they bellowed for me early one breezy morning." Julian leans in close, elbows on the table, opening his gloveless hands wide so he can gesture along with his story.

"The sailors must have dragged me down, oh, at least forty steps to get to the kitchen. When I saw the blood on the floor and the pots and knives spilling out the door, I thought my time had come."

He rears back and clutches one of his wrists, twisting his face into a pained sneer. "'Get you out o' me sight, ya quack!' they snarled, 'yee're no more'n a lad wi' a big black mask!'"

He shifts again, dropping into a more submissive pose and hunching his shoulders as he stares doe-eyed down his nose at an imaginary angry cook. "'Please sir,' I told him, 'surely it won't hurt you to let me look.'"

The sneering transformation happens again, your lover raising his chin to the ceiling as he screams up at his past self. "'Won't hurt! Won't hurt, says he, I'll warrant ye'll take one look a' me and try ta amputate!!'"

He pauses to wipe his mouth from the spray of recreating the scene so enthusiastically.

"And?" You ask him, "did you have to amputate?"

"Thankfully not." He straightens in his seat and quickly swallows another bite of fish. "If I had been any less experienced, it would have been the necessary course of action, but I had just learned a thing or two on the battlefield and was able to save their hand. My knife skills impressed them so well they took me on as an apprentice for a couple hours."

"Only a couple hours?"

He slouches in his seat, mouth crumpling as he blushes into his tankard. "Apparently, ah, two hours is all it takes to - er - blow up a stove? Convincing them I was still worth keeping around - that's where my quick wit came in handy."

He gestures proudly to the fish you've been trying not to take a second bite of. "I still learned one recipe, though!"

[thescarletnargacuga]

IT'S ME AGAIN! BACK AT IT AGAIN WITH ANOTHER KINGDOM AU REQUEST!

Could you do one where Pomni gets kidnapped by the gummi bandits and taken to the dark lands where the Ether dragon (sun and moon) is? And then have Caine come in to rescue her?

And have a romantic ending? 👀👀👀

ALSO BUBBLE TRANSFORMING INTO A HORSE BECAUSE CAINE NEEDS A NOBLE STEED HEHEHE

A/N: a classic fairytale setup, I like it!

MY HERO

A KINGDOM AU SHOWTIME ONESHOT

AU credit @allisonraeyt @tadk-ask-blog

WARNING: fantasy action

~~~

Pomni felt dizzy as she slowly came to consciousness. The world was still dark when she opened her eyes. She tried to move. Only to find that her hands and ankles were tied. She let out a gasp and her voice was muffled by the rag tied around her mouth. Her heart started to race and she struggled against her bonds.

Torch light blinded her against the night when the bag over her head was violently ripped away. "Knock it off!" A gruff voice barked in her face. Pomni flinched away and froze in place, breathing heavily against the gag. "Cooperate, and you won't get hurt. Understand?"

Pomni had no idea where she was other than some cave. It smelled dank and reeked of animal filth. Three anthropomorphic gators stood over her. The largest held a bright burning torch that lit the whole cavern.

"Boss," The smallest of the three gators spoke. "When is the dragon gonna be here? The longer she's with us, the more likely-"

"Shut it. They'll be here when they get here. The amount of gold from their hoard they're offering for her will be worth the wait." The largest gator pointed a jagged knife in Pomni's face. "And once you're no longer our problem, you can scream and struggle all you want. No one gets past the Ether Dragon."

~

Gangle knocked on Pomni's door not long after sun up. "Princess? Are you awake?" The bedroom was silent, so she opened the door carefully. "Princess Pomni? I'm terribly sorry to-" The room was completely upturned. "Skies above! Guards! GUARDS!! PRINCESS POMNI HAS BEEN KIDNAPPED!! GET PRINCE CAINE!!"

Not even a minute later, Prince Caine rushed into the bedroom. He was just as taken aback as Gangle was on first entering. "What...!? How did this happen!? Did none of the patrols hear anything!?" He roared at the guards that followed him.

"No, my liege. We had no reason to believe anything was amiss." One guard answered quickly.

Pink magic glowed along the edge of Caine's pupils. His mystic sight scanned the room. The room was a mess, but jewelry and expensive silks were still there. Pomni fought back. She had to have cried for help.

There was a strange aura to the room. He could feel it. He kicked aside a broken drawer to find the source. A piece of scroll parchment covered runic symbols was stuck to the floor. "A silencing seal. That explains why no one heard her, and tells me they don't have natural magic."

He went to the open window. It was a long drop from her bedroom. Claw marks scratch the strong stone wall. "Strong enough to climb several stories without rope." Caine commented to himself. At the bottom of the tower, something glistened.

Caine vaulted out the window, much to the shock of everyone else in the room. He let himself freefall most of the way down before teleporting short range to the ground. He knelt down to inspect the shining magic only he could see. A single drop of water, sparkling on a single blade of grass.

"A tear!" Caine elated. "Well done, Pomni!" He looked ahead and saw another shining tear in the distance. Caine whistled loudly and Bubble flew to him as quick as a lark. "I need you to be my wings! The princess is in danger!"

"Right away, your majesty!" The tiny voice of the bird shapeshifted into something much larger and more regal. A pegasus. His bright white coat shined in the morning sun as he pawed the ground, eager for take off.

Caine mounted bareback, no time to saddle up. "Ya!"

Bubble reared, flaring his wings and galloped into take off. His powerful wings putting distance between him and the ground quickly.

Caine watched for tears on the ground, steering Bubble to follow. "I'm coming, Pomni."

~

Pomni wiped her cheek on her shoulder. Her face was still wet with tears. She hoped the spell Caine taught her worked, even when they knocked her out. She and her three captors sat in silence for a long time before a booming echo came from the entrance. Something huge landed at the entrance to the cave.

With each rumbling footfall, Pomni lost more and more hope that it was Prince Caine. From the dark emerged a two headed, dark blue and bright gold dragon. Its colors split down the middle like the horizon at twilight. The golden head glared down at the group. The dark blue head gazed down with indifference.

"We got your prize. Hand over the gold and we'll be on our way." The leader of the three bandits boldly states to the Ether Dragon.

"Stifle your arrogant tone, mortal. Or I will burn it away." The eyes of the golden head flared like stoked flames.

The two meeker bandits backed up. The leader stood steadfast. "This mortal successfully stole from the High Prince himself. I have every right to be arrogant, but we're not here for me. You want to Princess? Hand over the reward."

The golden head huffed angrily, but remained silent when the dark blue head looked at her. The blue half clutched a large chest and set it down in front of the bandits. "As honored."

The lead bandit kicked open the chest. It was full of treasure from the dragon's horde. He gestures to his lackies to bring Pomni forward. "She's all yours. Pleasure doing business with you."

Pomni fought the grip of the bandits, doing everything in her power to stay out of the dragon's clutches. She screamed against the gag as the clawed hand of the golden dragon reached for her.

A pink bolt streaked through the air and exploded on impact against the scaled hide of the dragon's claw. The Ether Dragon roared in pain and turned to the entrance of the cave to see a winged horse and rider swooping into the cavern.

"UNHAND HER!!" Caine held up a shining silver sword, blazing magenta with magic.

With all attention on Caine, Pomni headbutted the bandit lacky next to her. He doubled over and dropped his knife. She awkwardly hopped over and managed to get a hold of it. She struggled to try to cut her wrist bindings as the cave shook with the movements of the huge dragon.

The golden head immediately shot a stream of bright orange fire that heated the whole cavern. The blue head tried reaching for Pomni again.

Bubble flew forward bravely headlong into the wall of fire. Caine pointed his sword straight ahead and a powerful beam of pink magic split the dragon's fire.

Pomni barely dove out the way in time to avoid the pearly white fangs of the blue dragon head snapping at her. Her ankle bindings held tight but she was making progress on freeing her wrists. She squirmed away as fast as she could out of reach of the reaching dragon head.

"Foul light bringer." The dark blue head bared its fangs, unable to reach further without the cooperation of its more temperamental half.

The bandits sheltered in place the best they could. The packed treasure chest was too heavy to move quickly and they were staying out of this fight.

The golden head roared and snapped its jaws at Caine as he flew into range. Caine lashed his sword and pink magic flared out in a wave, slicing into the dragon's face. Both heads felt the pain, and the dark blue head turned to fight Caine as well.

Caine was waiting for that. He has Bubble swoop down and he reached out for Pomni. Pomni had just got her wrists free and dropped the knife and rope as she reached out for Caine with both hands. Caine grabs her wrist and hoists her up in his lap on Bubble's back.

Bubble double timed it out of the cave. Both dragon heads roared as the dragon gave chase. Once outside, the massive wings folded to the dragon's sides unfurl and the Ether Dragon takes to the skies. Both heads release a breath attack, orange fire and light blue lightning merge to create an overpowered blast of elemental energy.

Caine held his sword out vertically behind him and shielded Pomni with his body as the energy hit the sword's defensive aura. Fire and lightning blazed around them with terrible force. Bubble's wings were singed but he kept flying as fast as he could.

Caine's eyes went completely pink as he whispered to his sword. The sword sang with a metallic ring and he threw it. The sword flew like a guided missile and sliced through one of the dragon's wings multiple times. The dragon rapidly lost altitude, despite its best efforts to stay in the air.

The sword boomeranged around to Caine's open hand. He blinked the light like from his eyes as he watched the Ether Dragon crash-land on a hillside, roaring furiously.

Caine tapped the rope around Pomni's ankles with his sword and the binds disintegrated. Things were finally calm enough for Pomni to pull off the gag in her mouth. "Blegh!" Her mouth felt horribly dry, so instead of speaking, she buried her face in his chest in a right hug.

Caine snapped away his sword and hugged Pomni back. "Thank the stars you're okay."

Pomni looked up, tears of overjoyed relief walked in her eyes. Caine gently caressed her cheek. "The tears shall lead you to the Kingdom. I'm proud of you for remembering."

"I had a good teacher." Pomni said quietly.

~

The three gators bandits. Slowly carrying their massive box of loot, the smallest makes conversation. "Why didn't the Ether Dragon steal Pni themselves? Aren't they super powerful?"

The other lacky answered. "The castle has special defences just for ol' two face. They can't get close, but even if they could, they're massive! Caine would see them coming miles away and he's quite powerful himself. He's High Prince for a reason."

"Oh."

They stop when the ground starts shaking out of nowhere. It's not until they look behind them, they see the massive enraged Ether Dragon sprinting right at them.

"No Princess. No deal." Stated the blue head.

"I'M GOING TO DESTROY YOU FOOLS!! YOU LED HIM RIGHT TO US!!" Screamed the gold.

[koremakaria]

How to tell ya girl that you love her, Xie Wei's edition. A polite reminder that this man is not exactly sane, in the most delicious way possible.

🚩 when ya girl witnessed you offing a few people and is scared of you. She asks 'are you going to kill me?' And Xie Wei, in a chilling tone was like 'Do you think I won't" yes totally reassuring

🚩 when ya girl asked Xie Wei for a favor for saving his life way back when and she said with this favor we're even. Being the not sane person, Xie Wei got angry and said 'are you so eager to cut ties between us?' Again very normal because he wants to be tied to her in any way possible.

🚩 when ya girl is spending too much time with this upstanding GOOD GUY, Xie Wei was absolutely ready to off him in full public view. This was only prevented because ya girl was like don't kill him and Xie Wei could never say no to her.

🚩 when ya girl is keeping her distance because she is scared, Xie Wei basically told her 'fine fine. You can run away from me, but know this no matter where you go or how far you run, I will find you.' Xie Wei, the romantic 🚩🚩

🚩 when ya girl was like I'm afraid that you will kill me so Xie Wei was like [sighed] 'alright why don't YOU just kill ME, right here and right now, with your own hands, so that you won't be scare of me anymore' He then guided her hands on the blade and stabbed himself ... seriously ... soooo extra.

There are plenty more. These are just some of the standouts.

[esotheria-sims]

Hi!

I really like your creations and good looking game. May I ask how you managed to made it so "perfect"? Which computer do you use with wich OS and gpu?

Hi! Gosh, thank you so much!

I wouldn't know about my game being "perfect", but I'd say I've managed to accumulate a well-curated mix of cc and mods that work well together!

(Long reply under the cut!)

The secret is to constantly be on the lookout for cool cc (old or new) that fits your game, and to keep testing and trying until you've found the perfect balance.

You gotta have a general idea about the kinda aesthetic you're going for and start from there. Are you playing a modern hood with a touch of magic? Get the right cc. A medieval fantasy world? Get the right cc. A grungy desert dystopia? Get… well, you catch the drift. Want to play all of the above? Multiple dedicated cc folders are a thing, too! But as with everything else, you gotta Get The Right CC.

There are tons of posts, videos, blogs, and even sites dedicated to themed or general cc recommendations, so I won't make this long post even longer by listing them. But one general piece of advice I can give you is to comb through your favorite simmers' blogs/channels/pages/discords/etc. and see what they recommend. Some simmers have a Masterpost where they list all the mods & cc they use in their game. Most people have a WCIF tag on their blogs (here's mine!)

Also, remember to thoroughly comb through all the big cc sites and forums such as MTS, Garden of Shadows, PlumbBob Keep, SimPearls, HellHasSpoken, etc. I probably sound like a broken record on this one, but old sites and forums contain TONS of cc (some of it pretty iconic!) and it'd be a real waste to skip out on them.

As for my own PC, it's pretty mid-tier by today's standards. It's a Win10 desktop with an AMD Ryzen 5 3600 CPU, 2x16GB RAM kit, NVidia GeForce GTX 750 Ti, and 120GB SSD + 1TB HDD. Funnily enough, I remember a similar ask from a while ago wondering about the same thing, and lemme tell ya, my specs back then were… nothing to write home about. 😅

Which brings me to my next point: you don't actually need a high-end PC to play The Sims 2! This is a fussy old game, and from what I've seen in the community, how well it'll run on a given computer is… kinda random. At this point, I feel like the game relies on voodoo and spite more than any particular hardware configuration. Which is actually good news, because it means you can have a pretty game (and take pretty pics!) even if you don't have a beast of a computer!

[johnny-slaughter-me]

— “ 𝐂𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐫𝐲 𝐒𝐨𝐝𝐚. ” | Johnny Slaughter x Gender -Neutral Reader.

Drabble. In which Johnny takes a trip to the city and brings you back a lil something to make you happy.

Notes. English isn't my native language so typos and grammar issues are likely.

Warnings. This fic is sfw. Canon gore and cannibalism mentioned.

Enjoy. I hope you enjoy the content. Much love, Cherry. 🍒

"No" Nancy said, Johnny took a breath and collected his thoughts once again. He had expected his mother to be against the idea of him taking you with him to the city, but with all his love to her, he new that leaving you alone with her was a bad idea. "Then I'm leaving them with Sissy until I'm back." "Do you not trust me?" Nancy said harshly, "no, not really." Johnny replied. "I love you ma, but you don't really like them and I do if I come back and they turned into dinner I'll loose it, do you want me to suffer ma? After everything I've done for the fam?" He asked Nancy, in a cold tone, looking her straight in the eyes. "Fine, leave them with Sissy. If they are truly that important to you." Nancy and Johnny finally come to an agreement.

"Hey there, cutie." Johnny tells you, "hey" you shyly reply. It was when you and your friend came looking for Maria, Ana's sister who had gone missing. Loosing your fate in the authorities you decided to make your own search party. Unfortunately your friends, Connie, Leland, Julie, Ana, and Sonny all met the same fate as Maria. But Johnny felt something when he first saw you tied up in the basement. He took you to his shed, when you woke up he started talking to you, conversations he never could share with the family. You were refreshing for him. "Now if you don't wanna end up served next to mash potatoes like your friends, I suggest you listen to me." Johnny told you, and you have been part of the family since. Nancy still being the coldest one towards you, but you were just grateful to be alive. But now Johnny, the one you had grown close to, and despite the fact he was basically your kidnapper he was also the one protecting you, from Nancy mostly. Now he told you he had to go to the city, and he had to leave you, "What if your mom tries to kill me?" You asked Johnny, "don't worry cutie, im leaving you with Sissy, and Drayton and Nubbins will also protect you. And ya know, Bubba will do his best to not scare ya." Johnny reassured, but then continued "say, didn't ya tell me that time we clean the shed that what ya missed most was cherry soda?" In disbelief, your eyes grew bigger and you just stared at Johnny for a moment, then you came back to your senses and said "yeah, I didn't expect you to remember, its such a mild detail." "Well, cutie pie, how 'bout this? You behave and when I come back you'll have a lil treat, on me."

It's been a few days since Johnny left, and his family took care of you, even Nancy tried not to scare you since she knew how much you meant to her boy. Just before dinner Johnny pulled back to the house, everyone rushed to say hello, and unload all of the goods he had brought with him. Whilst the family started walking toward the house you and Johnny stood by the back of his truck. "I've missed ya, cutie. Glad to see no one hurt you." "Oh Johnny you won't believe it, but mom even told me good morning once!" You shared with excitement. "Glad to hear. Now wait here I got ya a lil somethin'." And just as he promised you, Johnny came back with a 12 pack of cherry soda.

[wowcatboys]

Hihi! May i request power and denji w/ a shy s/o? Thank you <3

You're very welcome! 🖤

Denji

Denji thinks it's absolutely adorable that you're shy. Every time you all-but-shrink behind his shoulder in a crowded room his heart speeds up a little in his chest. He won't make a big deal out of it, especially if you see your shy nature as a flaw, but sometimes he can't resist mumbling a "God, you're so cute" against your ear if you lean in to him, whispering your thoughts so that only he can hear.

Denji has no issue speaking for you, if that's what you want. Tell him what you want at a restaurant, and he'll unflinchingly order for you (most of the time, he asks for an extra dessert, even if you didn't say you wanted one--because fuck it, every day's better with some sweets). Hold a ringing phone out to him and he instantly knows he's supposed to answer for you. Someone tries to strike up a conversation in line at the grocery store or next to you on the subway? Don't worry, Denji's right there to take the heat off you.

Despite this, Denji still encourages you to speak up for what you want or need. Whenever you manage to push past your shyness and assert yourself, he always congratulates you afterwards, no matter how small your act may have been. "Hey," he offers you a lopsided smile, "When you told your roommate to start doin' their own dishes? Badass. Ya did good!" He completely means it, too! He's beaming with pride whenever you push past your shyness.

He knows you need some extra support, so Denji's on you like glue at social events. If it's something more casual, like a hangout with friends, he keeps his arms wound around your waist in a permanent hug, or pulls you down to lounge in his lap while you socialize. Anything more formal sees his hand locked through yours. He rubs his thumb reassuringly against your knuckles if he senses you're getting a bit nervous or uncomfortable. While the PDA might fluster you a bit, especially because he's openly showing you love in a way that tends to draw attention, he reasons that the reassurance you get from his gentle, encouraging touch helps you feel more secure.

If he can tell you're obsessing about what you said or how you acted in any given situation, Denji encourages you by pointing out just how weird people are. "Don't worry too much about it, cutie," he reassures, ruffling your hair. "People are really freaks...I don't know what to do around 'em either, most of the time. Trick is to just not let it bug ya."

Though he's not one to tease (much), Denji does love to fluster you with constant compliments. He knows your shy nature means that professing his love will put an adorable blush on those cheeks of yours. He loves to tell you how your smile makes his chest feel all tight and tingly, or that hearing your laugh makes his whole day better. When you giggle shyly and hide your blushing face, he feels a swell of pride that he managed to get such a cute reaction out of you.

Power

Power tries to understand, she really does, but for the life of her she can't figure out why you're shy. After all, what does a smart, attractive, funny, caring person like yourself have to be nervous about? Especially around a bunch of puny humans! (If you protest and tell her that you're also a puny human, she just scoffs. "Nonsense," she proclaims, "You are in a league all your own! 'Tis obvious!") Even if she doesn't get it, though, she does her best to be supportive.

Power will absolutely speak up for you, which is nice, but she sometimes gets what you wanted to say hopelessly scrambled up, which is...less nice. You need to be very clear with what you want if you'd like her to relay it. Otherwise, you might end up with your friends thinking you said their Saturday night plans were foolish or your boss fuming that you want to quit without notice. She'll always rectify the situation if she accidentally lands you in hot water by speaking for you and saying the wrong thing, but damnit if you haven't received a handful of angry phone calls from people convinced you told your girlfriend to go insult them. (Power, even if she fixes the mess, is never sorry. Any misunderstandings she creates, she simply shrugs and blames on 'fickle, obscure human communication'.)

If there's one thing Power's good at, it's getting the attention of everyone in the room. When you're together in public, though, she does her best to dial her over-the-top personality down. She hates seeing you nervous, so even if it's extremely difficult for her to lower her volume and stop manhandling Denji, Aki, or you, Power attempts to control her antics. She expects her efforts to be rewarded with a generous amount of kisses, of course.

Bless her heart, Power wants to help you any way she can, but she just doesn't get humans sometimes. One of the better ways she helps you feel more comfortable is by draping her jacket over your shoulders, surrounding you with skin-warmed, comforting fabric. It smells like her and is just big enough to make you feel guarded, protected. One of the worst ways she tries to help you, though? Threatening everyone in the room. "You'd better make my darling comfortable," she places her hands on her hips and bares her fangs in a threatening grin, "or I shall make you regret ever talking to them in the first place!" Thankfully, she doesn't do the latter anymore if you ask her to stop...not in front of you, anyway.

If you just don't want to be around people, that's totally okay with Power. In fact, she prefers hanging out with just you! She'll drag you all over the place for two-person activities. Power thinks it's much more fun holding your hand as you throw bread crumbs at ducks, or ride the Yokohama ferris wheel, or monopolize the swing set in an empty playground. She'll take that over mingling with puny, insufferable humans any day.

[jessource]

prompts:　spotify on repeat,　pt ii."

“i hate this story where happiness ends and dies with you.”

“i don't wanna call it off, but you don't wanna call it love.”

“i heard you like magic, i got a wand and a rabbit.”

“i want you to stay till i'm in the grave.”

“i'd love if you knew you were on my mind.”

“whether I'm gonna be your wife or gonna smash up your bike, i haven't decided yet.”

“sometimes there's no proof, you just know.”

“i burn for you, and you don't even know my name.”

“heartbreak is one thing, my ego's another. i beg you don't embarrass me motherfucker.”

“i keep finding his things in drawers, crucial evidence, i didn't imagine the whole thing.”

“he said he'd love me all his life but that life was too short.”

“i don't care that you're a stoner.”

“i would've died for your sins, instead i just died inside.”

“too soon to tell you i love you.”

“you got a lot of nerve, don't you, baby?”

“i wish you the best for the rest of your life.”

“how am i supposed to leave you now that you're already over?”

“you kicked out the stage lights but you're still performing.”

“no one's touched me there in a damn hot minute.”

“i like my bed, but it likes you, too.”

“baby, don't you like this beat? i made it so you'd sleep with me.”

“people say i'm jealous, but my kink is karma.”

“sometimes i wish i kept some of my feelings in the basement so i'd still have some left.”

“hi, it's [name], i know you just landed and i know you're probably busy but i would love to see you so, call me when you can.”

“kissing after a conversation 'bout how we'd probably be better off as friends.”

“i cry a lot but i am so productive, it's an art.”

“i just don't understand how you don't miss me in the shower and remember how my rain-soaked body was shaking. do you hate me?”

“what's it take to get your number? what's it take to bring you home?”

“you'd have to stop the world just to stop the feeling.”

“you're nothing more than his wife.”

“selfishly don't wanna give you time to be on someone else's lips.”

“i need to confess, i told you a lie. i said you were the love of my life.”

“watch this be the wrong thing, classic.”

“were you sent by someone who wanted me dead?”

“not overdramatic, i know what i want.”

“it isn't asking for a lot for an apology.”

“if the riptide comes to get me and pulls me under, it won't upset me, i'll go down.”

“we been talking for hours 'bout how we shouldn't talk for hours on end.”

“i hate you but i love you just the same.”

“i wake up in the middle of the night with the light on, and you're not here.”

“i thought good guys get to be happy.”

“you have a favorite spot on the swing set. you have no room in your dreams for regrets.”

“got what you wanted, so stop feeling sorry.”

“i apologise if it's a little too much, just a little too soon.”

“birds of a feather, we should stick together.”

“some nights when i get high, i think about him, hope he's doing fine.”

“you don't wanna know how alone i've been.”

“i was forced to marry another man. you still would've been mine.”

“please, please, please don't prove i'm right.”

“i'm tired of you still tied to me.”

“lying to your friends about how he's such a god damn good lover.”

“not forever, just for now.”

“what if i'm with someone forever and never get there?”

“i loved you, and i still do.”

“the old me is still me and maybe the real me.”

“i'm over that son of a bitch.”

“i can't relate to desperation, my give a fucks are on vacation.”

“you can say that we are nothing but you know the truth.”

“i want you to see how you look to me. you wouldn't believe if i told ya'.”

“my hand was the one you reached for.”

“i don't wanna assume this stuff, but ain't it love?”

“i just want you to make a move.”

[apomaro-mellow]

Part 2

Steve backed into his case of a bed as he was met with two toads.

"Where am I? Who are you?"

"I'm Carol and this is Tommy", one toad gestured to herself and then the other. "We've decided to graciously welcome you into our home~"

"After we saw that fairy pestering you all night, that is", Tommy croaked.

"Eddie?", Steve's face scrunched a little at the insinuation. "He wasn't pestering me or anything like that." Last night had been the most wonderful night of his life and now his morning was sour.

"In fact, I need to get home." He crawled out of his bed, fully awake now, realizing he had been kidnapped in the dead of night. "I'm supposed to be seeing him again today."

"Again?!" Both toads exclaimed.

"Now that would be a bad idea", Tommy said, shoving Steve back into the case as Carol sat next to him.

"If you hang out with that prince, he'll actually get the idea you like him or something."

Steve blushed. It was a lot more than just like at this point. Apparently they could tell just by looking at him because they just laughed.

"Listen, you obviously don't know, but those fairies are freaks", Tommy sat on Steve's other side, boxing him in between them. "They're always flying around, like little flies."

"Delicious, but annoying", Carol added. "And so high and mighty."

"Ooh~ Look at me, I change the seasons."

"If you run in with their crowd, you're gonna be too busy for any fun."

"Busy?", Steve questioned.

"With all their busy-body fairy stuff. Getting involved in everyone's business", Tommy scorned.

"And keeping to themselves too much. They hardly go anywhere."

Steve didn't know how you could be a busy-body AND not go anywhere at the same time.

"Well, Eddie said he could show me the world. And I want to see it."

"Tommy and I have already done that! We could show you all the good spots~"

"And you won't be tied down to some prince."

"The bakeries of France, the monuments of Greece-"

"The shows in Spain, the art in Germany-"

"We'll take you there, free of charge."

The constant back and forth had him swiveling his head and losing his way and the more they talked, the more it sounded like a good idea to go. After all, seeing the world was what he wanted, wasn't it?

"The decision's made then", Carol decided without a word from Steve. She grabbed his hands and pulled him to his feet. "And to seal the deal, let's have a little party."

"A party?"

Tommy grabbed Steve by the waist and before he could protest, was set down on a lily pad.

"Of course a party", he said. "Gotta celebrate your nuptials."

"My WHAT?!"

"We're gonna get some other toads. Then we can really get crazy", Carol grinned. "While we're gone, you can decide which of us you're gonna marry. Fun fact, Tommy burps when he croaks."

"And Carol's tongue lashes out in her sleep."

"Hey wait a minute!"

"See ya soon~!", the two toads crooned as their boat skuttled down the stream, in search of the rest of their friends.

Steve looked at his surroundings. On a lily pad, no dry land in sight. He sighed, ran a hand through his hair and then jumped in. Better start swimming. Hopefully Eddie wouldn't mind that he was late and also soaking wet. He wasn't quite sure of his direction, but all water had to lead somewhere and eventually get to land. As he swam, a bird flew overhead and noticed him.

"Uh, hey, quick question, what're you doing?", the bird asked, flying low.

"Swimming", Steve answered shortly, not having much room to talk.

"I can see that, but why?"

"To get home."

"Mhm. And you thought this was a good idea because?"

"What's it to you?!" Steve finally paused and floated in place while the bird landed on a cattail.

"Just seems like there's better options than swimming back. Like some sort of vessel."

"Yeah, well, my kidnappers took the boat, so this is my only choice."

"I mean you also could've just waited for someone to come by and help you."

"Who are you anyway and where were you when I got stolen?"

"Name's Dustin and if your kidnappers operate like most, it was probably night. So I was asleep."

"Well Dustin, I'd love to talk but I've got a date to keep. So bye." Steve started to swim again only to hear the bird call out once more.

"So were you planning on getting out before or after the waterfall?"

Steve didn't have time to ask before the current suddenly got faster, pulling him without even trying. He let out a shout before it took him under. He tried grabbing onto a stalk, a rock, anything to root him but his hands were too slippery and he was too disoriented. Dustin rushed after him and tried to pull Steve out himself but he wasn't strong enough. It wasn't until the other animals got involved, herding Steve away from the precipice that they were able to save him and get him out of the water.

Steve choked up what he swallowed and let out a shuddering breath. He looked around and tried to gather himself.

"Thanks. I owe you guys one. I'm...I'm Steve, by the way."

"So what're you gonna do now?", Dustin asked.

"I'm trying to go home, but..." Steve looked up at the grasses that surrounded him, much taller and keeping him from seeing any path that led back to his mother, back to Eddie. "It's looking kind of hopeless at this point."

He didn't even know which direction the toads had taken him. And then that stunt in the stream had him even less sure of where he was.

"So you're just gonna sit here and mope then?", Dustin asked.

Steve glared. "It's not that simple. I have no idea where I am or where to go!"

"Sitting here isn't gonna change anything. The way I see it, you got four choices."

"Four?"

"Yeah, go east, west, north, or south." Steve rolled his eyes as the bird continued. "Eventually, you'll either find home, or find someone who knows the way. Maybe you'll even run into that prince guy."

"How do you kno-"

"I think half the forest saw you two last night. Really gross by the way, you should get a room."

"I had one." But Dustin was right. He had to get moving somehow. Maybe Eddie had already gone to his house and saw that he wasn't there. Maybe he was already looking for him. Steve got to his feet, he took off his shirt and wrung it out as best as he could but made do with the fact he'd be wet for a little while.

His determination renewed, he started on his journey home, again.

----------------------------------

Eddie had gone through a plethora of emotions in the past few hours. Anticipation and elation when he returned to Steve's abode. Confusion when he found his mother crying. Heartbreak and anger when she said he had been kidnapped. Anxiety as he tried to figure out how to find him. Knowing it was toads didn't exactly narrow it down.

In his frenzy, he did remember to stop by home to speak with his uncle. If looking for Steve was going to take a while, he had to be sure he actually had the time.

"First you shirk off your duties last night to go gallavatin' and then you come in here tellin' me you found the boy of your dreams and now he's just disappeared into thin air?"

"Kidnapped. Kidnapped is what I said. And I need to find him."

"Doesn't seem like the helpless type", Wayne said, stroking his chin. "You're the one who said he parried you with a needle."

"Yeah", Eddie swooned a little. "But he's probably unarmed and he can't fly. Even if he gets free, it could take him ages to find his way home."

"So what do you want me to do about it?"

"Hold off on the chill. Just until I find him."

"Hold off? Summer's nearly done, son." Wayne knew he was in love but messing with the seasons was a tall order for just one person.

"Please. If things freeze over I'll never find him. He could die!" Spurred on by the urgency, Eddie hopped onto Honey and left before he could get a response. He'd find his Steve. Or he'd die trying.

Part 4

Tag team:

@telidina

@novelnovella

@ajeff855

[eggtartz]

✧ 27th October ✧

Phillip Graves // Too Long (f! los vaqueros reader)

kinktober masterlist

warnings : blood, psychological torture, manipulation, the sex part is soft though 🤭

las almas was your home, a place you always fought for. when the accident with the shadow company and the fact that they took your commander, it was reasonable that you were satisfied when their commander, phillip graves was reported killed on action by rudolfo. so imagined your horror when you see him in front of you as you got tied up. you remember that day you were joking around the vaqueros as you went to your patrol alone and the next thing you remember is someone suffocating you. you snarled as you counted how many days it has been since your captive.

"come on, doll. just tell me where the rest of vaqueros is and it won't be too difficult for you" he glimmered his eyes, coaxing you like he has been doing all this time. you responded by spitting on the concrete floor "go to hell, graves" you said and he smiled in disbelief. "i warned ya, doll. hate to see a pretty face like yours broken" he grabbed a brass knuckle from a table behind him, punching your face multiple times that your mouth bleed and you coughed harshly. "giving up, doll? we can do this all night!" he waved his hand in front of you, mocking your thinning endurance. "fuck.. yourself.." you mumbled before coughing again.

"i gotta give it to you doll. you're a tough cookie are you?" he snickered, taking off the brass knuckles. "shame no one's coming for you though" he said as you looked up. you spat the blood in your mouth and spoke "what does that mean?"

graves smiled. the bait is booked and now he needs to pull his fish on the hook.

"i'm just saying, you've been here for a week right? how come not even one vaquero came here to save you, hm?" you visibly flinched at his question as your brain went haywire. when you thought about it back, no one came for you. why was that? "i guess you're not as valuable as they say you are, doll" he added again. the thought of your own team abandoning you mixed with the constant pain was taking a toll over your hazy brain. "you're lying.. they'll never leave me, they haven't found me yet, that's why you don't realize the tears running down your cheek. "oh you poor thing" graves cooed, kneeling in front of you to wipe the tears away. you sniffle, face smeared with dirt, blood and now tears.

"if they did, where are they? it's been so long, they at least have already found where you are but there's no signs, doll. where are they?" he bought his face close to your face as you weep, denying his words. "no.. it can't be., they're looking for me.. i know they are" you sniffle as his rough fingertips grazed against your cheek again. "it feels painful does it? to be left? to be abandon to die?" his words were manipulative, tricking your vulnerable state. you slowly sobbed as you nodded "I understand that feeling, doll but look where i am now. the shadows didn't left me. not like those vaqueros, leaving you to die in a torturous way, did they not?" he said again "I can't believe they'd do me like this.." you sobbed as graves comforted you, you feel exactly into his trap.

"don't cry for the people who left you" he said as he loosened the ropes binding your body. "let me take the pain away. join us, doll" his eyes bore into yours as you weakly leaned onto him, desperate for any warmth possible. he hummed, stroking your hair gently. you buried your face on his shoulders as he took off your ripped vest and the jacket underneath it. "hold me, please.. please.." you sniffle, sounding like a small insecure girl and not the soldier you trained yourself for.

graves shushed you as his hand traced your shirt and unbuttoned it. his warm hands felt comfortable to you as he undressed you easily leaving you bare and naked while he's still fully clothed. "doll? wanna do more?" he asked gently, not wanting to spook you away when you're so close to surrendering yourself. you nodded slowly, wiping your face. "yes, please" he nodded and unzipped his cargo khaki pants, his erect cock sprung out. "it's okay, i'll be careful" he whispered, rubbing the head slowly along your folds as you jolted. he shushed you again, slowly inserting his dick into your cunt while he guided your legs around his waist. "there you go. hold on tight" he said and made slow, sloppy thrusts as you whimpered. any sexual needs you had was always ignored for the sake of your training to be in las vaqueros but now, you felt free in a sense.

you moaned as your tits bounced with his rhythm as he holds you easily with his strength. "fuck, you feel good. if you weren't a soldier, i'd probably make you the barrack bunny, you'd like that wouldn't you?" your pussy clenched, imagining yourself being appreciated for once despite it meant that you'd be treated like a thing to pass on. "I do.." you shyly confessed as he fastened his thrusts. "I know damn well you want that. i know you more than anyone" he smiled as you melted, gushing over his warm length as you milked him. you shuddered as you came all over him and he grunted.

"you're precious to me. too precious.." he thrusted deep into your wet as you cried moans of pleasure and graves smiled at the view. he loves breaking down soldiers like you, mending you back and recruiting you as one of his own. "fuck!" he yelled when he busted his nut inside you as your cunt drinks it all. he pulled out and soothe your orgasm with rubbing your clit in circles, "c'mon. i'm not finished with you yet"

[shunin-gumis]

As Master Joe Wishes - Track 09

Seasonal Team Event - L4mps

Thank you Myun for handling this chapter!

Location: Inside the Company Car

Daniel: Alright, why don't you tell us what happened back there? 

Samejima: Hahhh, the world is going straight to ruin…  Everything’s all in shambles because I messed up… 

Netaro: Sammy, cheer up! Until my planet brings about the apocalypse, you gotta live on!

Samejima: Haah, I got no choice, huh…. That’s the life of an adult. No resting till you’ve paid off your loans.

Daniel: You’ll know when to call it quits.

Daniel: You just gotta keep on struggling ‘till the time comes. 

Samejima: — Alright. That’s all sorted, then.

Samejima: The main player of Anonymous came onto the scene late, and then they disguised themself as me and hijacked the chain of command at the scene, taking Joe away.

Samejima: My impostor must’ve forced the detectives out of the car around the Shuto Expressway area. 

Samejima: That guy — We’ll call him X— his motives are quite complex. He ordered members ABC to act as his decoys while he escaped from the manor. 

Samejima: They must have escaped from the police car into a vehicle they prepared ahead of time.

Netaro: You’re saying that during that sequence of events, our dear Sammy was all tied up and gagged?

Samejima: Stopp!!! Don’t remind me! You’re gonna make me cry!! 

Daniel: If they’re planning to flee the country, they’ll have to go through Tokyo Metropolis International Airport first.

Daniel: They probably didn’t take into account that their disguise would be found out so quickly, nor that they’d get caught up in some car chase.

Samejima: I wonder…Putting aside the members ABC who were left behind, X seems quite capable of making a solo getaway. Even if they had to do it by force, they could probably blend in with the crowd at the airport and slip away.

Daniel: Welp, looks like it’s gonna be a race to see who can get to the airport first.

Daniel: Though, won’t we get a ticket for speeding?

Samejima: It’s okay. The road’s been closed off since morning for this escort under the guise of construction work.

Daniel: So that’s how it is. Ya hear that, bikers? 

Nagi: The Shuto Expressway. We won’t get our license suspended by riding tandem, right?

Ryui: Dumbass, you’re gonna make us fall over!!

Nagi: Ryui, you need to hold on tighter or we’ll be off-balance.

Ryui: Fuck off!!

Daniel: Doesn’t look like there’s a speed limit. Feel free to go full throttle in order to get the little lady back.

Nagi: Okay.

Location:  Highway

Nagi: Ryui. If we go at this speed, I’ll be able to stabilize the bike better. That okay?

Ryui: Don’t ask me about every little thing. 

Samejima: —Please listen, you two.

Samejima: It’s going to be a dangerous road from here on out. As embarrassing as it is to admit, our unit won't be able to get there in time.

Samejima: If you’re even a little bit unsure, please do not hesitate to pull back. That might even work better for us—

Ryui: We’re going. We’re absolutely doing it.

Ryui: I’m not doing it for Joe. Everything I do is for Toi above all else.

Nagi: …Yeah. 

Nagi: Me too, I want to save our master.

Nagi: Let’s go, Ryui.

Samejima: —I understand. Thank you for your assistance.

Samejima: In that case, Yowa-kun, if you would.

Netaro: Leave it to me~! Daa, get me closer to the bike.

Daniel: ’Kay.

Nagi: ? Netaro, it’s dangerous to lean out of the window.

Ryui: What’s with that fancy-ass feathery device?

Ryui: You tryin’ to stick that on the bike?

Netaro: I invented it in a jiffy just now, I call it my “Breaking through the Stratosphere Over-the-Rainbow Booster Engine”!

Netaro: The feathers on the sides were made in the image of Icarus’s wings♪

Ryui: Won’t they fuckin’ melt!!!!! 

Netaro: Aaaand, the installation is finished. Gii, give twisting the grips and upping the throttle a go.

Nagi: Okay, I’ll—

Nagi: !!!??

Location: Inside the Company Car

Nagi & Ryui: AAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!

Daniel: Ooh, those two were gone in the blink of an eye…

Netaro: WAHAHA! Their screams are quite pleasing to my eardrums♪

Samejima: … Ah, dawn is breaking.

Location: Inside Car

Anonymous Member A: Phew~ Seriously, thanks for saving our asses.

Anonymous Member B: If things kept going downhill like that, I probably would never have seen my family again. 

Anonymous Member C: You sure this teddy bear is really a “national treasure?”

X: …..

Anonymous Member A:  O-Oi, stop talking while driving. 

Anonymous Member A: Don't let your guard down till we get to the airport.

Anonymous Member C: R-Right. Sorry. 

Joe: (This is the man who pretended to be Samejima. He may have donned a mask and sunglasses to hide most of his face, but I can still feel a chilling gaze coming from him…)

X: Here, use this.

Anonymous Member B: Eh, scissors…?

X: Our mission isn’t to take this teddy bear back. It's to find the "precious treasure." So there's no problem if we make it easier for us to carry around.

X: … Do you understand what I’m saying? 

Joe: ……！

Anonymous Member B: W-Well… Then, starting with the nose….

Joe: No!! Halt this instant!!

X: !

Anonymous Member A: W-What the hell, the back window just cracked!!