#happy penguin awareness day

[montereybayaquarium]

Hey! HEY! Happy Penguin Awareness Day!

Although they’re best known for their fancy tuxedos and donkey-like braying, did you know that African penguins also have a secret superpower? Scientifically known as projectile defecation, these birds have the incredible ability to shoot their poop up to several feet away! It’s particularly helpful during nesting season because leaving the nest is not an option when duty calls. Instead, African penguins turn around and poop out the front door! Messy, but effective—as long as they’re mindful of their neighbors!  

Historically, massive deposits of this guano provided the surprisingly perfect substrate for African penguin burrows. Eventually, humans caught wind and started harvesting this nitrogen-rich waste as fertilizer for crops, causing irreparable habitat destruction. Today, conservation organizations are working to protect wild populations and their breeding grounds around South Africa and Namibia – a reminder that we can all do better to mitigate our effects on the natural world.

[asterwild]

African Penguins (Spheniscus demersus), also known as jackass penguins, are small penguins found along the coasts of southern Africa. You can read more about the penguins, threats to the species, and conservation efforts at their IUCN Red List page and the Global Penguin Society.

(reference image)

[positiveupwardspiral]

Happy World Penguin Day! 🐧

[sinkovia]

Coffee Shop: VIII

Simon Riley x Fem!Reader

You work at a small cafe that Simon starts visiting when he’s not deployed.

Coffee shop Masterlist

In the following weeks that passed after you went over to Simon’s house, a subtle but noticeable shift occurred in the routine. Simon found himself lingering longer at the cafe, no longer constrained by a schedule. Conveniently, he managed to time his departures to coincide with the end of your shift, providing an opportunity to walk you home. 

Simon couldn't ignore the routine he'd established—walking you home, exchanging casual conversation, and the comforting warmth that enveloped him when you smiled.

In the beginning, he clung to the excuse that he merely enjoyed the way you made tea. He wasn't interested; he repeated the words like a mantra. But the days blurred, and a subtle transformation occurred. A small smile appeared unbidden on his face when you spoke, and your laughter became a melody that lingered in his thoughts.

As the weeks passed, he noticed a lightness in his chest, an unfamiliar sensation. 

Love. 

It took him a while to accept the truth. Denial crumbled like sand, revealing a simple reality—he was falling for you. Every day spent with you became a cherished moment, and he couldn't deny the truth any longer. You had woven your way into his heart, and he was grateful for the joy you brought into his life. His chest felt lighter, his heart seemed to skip a beat in your presence, and he couldn't deny the warmth that enveloped him whenever you were near. 

You made him happy, and, more importantly, you made him feel in ways he hadn't allowed himself to acknowledge before.

A week after Simon deployed again, you found yourself on the couch, surrounded by the comforting presence of Riley and Missy. To your surprise, the two pets, despite their differences, got along remarkably well. You couldn't resist capturing the moment, snapping a picture of them sleeping peacefully. You decided to share the moment with Simon, sending him the photo.

In the rec room at the base, Simon received the picture. A smile played on his lips, though his expression was hidden behind his balaclava. Johnny, his keen eyes catching the subtle change, teased Simon about you.

"How’s the missus?" Simon put down his phone and met Johnny's gaze with a poker face.

“She’s not my missus,” His tone betraying little.

“When you asking her out then?” Johnny grinned, fully aware of the dynamics at play. Simon fell silent, the notion of pursuing a relationship with you lingering in his thoughts. He contemplated whether you would even want someone with his scars and emotional baggage.

“I'm not,” 

“Why’d you have to think about it?” Johnny's smile grew wider, prompting Simon to huff in mild frustration. He abruptly stood up and left the rec room, Johnny calling after him.

“L.t she likes you, don't overthink it!” Johnny's words echoed as Simon disappeared back into his room, contemplating the possibilities that lay ahead.

A few days later, after getting out of the shower, Simon received a Facetime call from you. He quickly threw on a black shirt and answered. As the call connected, he saw Riley on the screen and smiled when he heard the dog whine.

“Miss me, Riley?” Riley whined again, and then your face came into view, a breath of fresh air after not seeing you for two weeks.

“How has he been?” you set up the camera so both you and Riley were in the frame as you sat on your couch. “He’s been good, he destroyed one of his toys.” You flipped the camera to the shredded stuffed penguin, the remains scattered around. Simon laughed, and you smiled, feeling warmth and lightness in your chest.

You flipped the camera back, “How have you been?” Simon set you down on the sink counter, drying his hair with a towel as he looked at you, not wanting to waste a second admiring you before the call ended.

“Been alright, wrapping up a mission tomorrow. I’ll be back in a week.” You smiled, and Simon noticed the way your eyes lit up.

“How have you been, love? How’s work been?” You rambled about a rude customer and then about the snowfall, covering your garden to protect the vegetables. Simon just smiled, loving to hear you talk, finding ease in your voice.

“There’s this book convention in two weeks, they raffle off a five hundred dollar Barnes and Noble gift card. Some authors go, and you can get your books signed too!”

“Five hundred dollars? Sounds like a steal.” You lay down on the couch with Riley taking up most of the camera.

“It is! You could tag along with me… if that’s something you’re interested in.” You nervously started petting Riley, and Simon smiled. “I’d love to, it’ll give me something to look forward to when I get back.”

“Okay, sounds like a plan.” You smiled, continuing to pet Riley. Simon’s attention shifted to his door, where Johnny called out that the captain wanted them in the debriefing room.

“I have to go, love. I’ll talk to you later?” You sat up and smiled, Simon's eyes lingering on it. He tried to burn the image in his mind, your hand going to Riley again, aggressively petting his head.

“Yeah, be safe, Si.” He smiled at the nickname you had been using for the past few weeks, relishing in the warmth it brought.

“I will, love.��� You smiled and held up Riley, waving his paw. Simon laughed before hanging up the call. He sat for a moment in his room, the silence deafening. Was this really what his life was like before he met you?

Depressing?

You had truly become the light in his life.

His mission went by in a blur, and before he knew it, the day of the convention arrived, and Simon found himself on your front doorstep. He asked if you wanted to tag along while he took Riley to the park in the morning. 

Simon dropped the leash, and Riley ran around in the grass, chasing a small butterfly on a flower. He bit a dandelion before wiggling around in the grass. You laughed as you watched Riley, but Simon's eyes were on you as he smiled.

After taking some pictures of Riley on the slide and letting a few kids pet him, you decided it was time to head back. On the drive home, you pointed out a diner that had really good milkshakes and recommended it to him if he ever had the craving. Simon changed lanes and turned into the parking lot of the diner.

“Could I get fries and a vanilla malt?”

“What do you want, love?” he turned to you and caught you smiling up at him, to which he only smiled. Caught in the moment, the cashier cleared their throat, and you quickly muttered out what you wanted.

You sat in the booth across from Simon, admiring the retro-style diner. "Forever" by The Little Dippers was playing on the jukebox, and he smiled as he gazed at you playing with Riley in your lap. The waitress brought over a small cup filled with whipped cream for Riley, and you both conversed about random things as Riley destroyed the whipped cream next to you on the floor.

You checked the time on your phone after you both finished your food. “We still have a little over two hours before the convention starts.” Simon sat back in the booth, thinking for a moment. What could the both of you do for two hours?

“Is there a theater nearby?” You nodded and put your napkin on your tray. “Yeah, there is actually one right next to the convention.”

“Wanna catch a movie?” You smiled and got up from the booth. “Yeah, I’d love to.”

Simon drove back to his house and dropped Riley off before making his way to the theater. There was a showtime in about ten minutes, so you decided on watching "Priscilla." You both stood in line for concessions. Simon ordered you a Coca Cola slushie and nachos before you walked side by side to the theater, which was fairly empty. After the movie, you rambled on about how awful Elvis Presley was, telling him you hoped he was rotting some where.

“God, what an asshole. The way he whistled when that girl told him she wore Chanel, and Priscilla literally wears the same perfume!” You went on a whole rant as you waited in line to enter the convention, and Simon just laughed as you dragged Elvis through the mud.

You walked up to the raffle stand and wrote your names down with your contact information on small pieces of paper and slipped them into the big bowl.

“May the odds be ever in your favor, Si.” you smiled, and Simon quirked his brow, “You want me to win?” You opened your mouth, shocked.

“The Hunger Games?”

“Never heard of it.” You lightly slapped his arm with the back of your hand, “We need to watch them; they are the best movies. A Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes came out a few months ago, so it's perfect!” Simon smiled and nodded. He didn't know what a ballad had to do with the movies, but he was just happy that he was going to have another excuse to hang out with you.

For the next few hours, you and Simon walked around the convention, buying a few books and getting some signed by the authors. Simon wasn’t a book fanatic like you, but he loved the way your eyes lit up and the smile you had after an author signed a book you purchased. You would say how cool it was and even show him the signature, even though he was standing next to watching them sign it.

Simon observed from a distance as you eagerly approached the booth where another author sat, ready to get your book signed. His eyes narrowed with an unreadable intensity as he watched the author engage you in conversation. The author's questions seemed to linger a bit too long, and Simon, ever vigilant, detected subtle undercurrents of flirtation that you, in your excitement, remained blissfully unaware of.

Unbeknownst to you, Simon had subtly positioned himself right behind you, an almost protective aura surrounding him as he kept a watchful eye on the exchange. His gaze hardened when he noticed the author beginning to write something other than a typical autograph—numbers, perhaps. The scratch of the pen abruptly stopped as Simon cleared his throat.

Simon loomed over your shoulder, an unmistakable death glare fixed upon the author. The author's smile wavered as he met Simon's intense gaze. Hesitatingly, he put his pen down and closed the book, offering a swift, somewhat forced farewell, sensing the change in atmosphere. 

Simon's protective stance remained, sending a clear message that your excitement was to be respected, but not exploited. His hand subconcously went to your upper back as he guided you away from the table. 

You showed him the autograph, and he hummed before checking his watch, “The raffle is about to start; we should go to the main room.” You nodded, and you both walked over to where everyone was gathered. They began calling out the names for the smaller prizes, the gift baskets, and fifty-dollar gift cards. Neither of you won those, which was good since the people who got those prizes could no longer win the grand prize.

“We will now pull the name of the winner of the five hundred dollar grand prize!” The room was silent as everyone watched him reach into the bowl and grab a slip of paper. He opened it and paused for a few seconds.

“Simon Riley!”

You gasped and turned to him, hugging his arm and shaking it, “Si, you won! Oh my god!”

“Everyone whose name was called can pick up their prize before leaving at the main desk.”

“Bloody hell, I did,” Simon smiled as you shook his arm again, “You just won five hundred dollars to Barnes and Noble! Do you know how many books you can get?!” Simon laughed at the fact that you were more excited than he was. He had already told himself that if he won, he would give it to you since he had more than enough money to buy books.

You were now on your way back home, going back and forth after Simon told you to keep the gift card. “Si, you won the raffle; I can't take it from you.”

“Love, I insist. I don't need it; I know you go through books quickly.”

“Si, I'll feel bad if I take it from you.”

“You can't refuse a gift, love.” You opened your mouth to protest but then sighed. He was right; if you tried gifting him something and he refused, it would break your heart.

“Fine, but I'll make it up to you.”

“Mm, maybe tea on the house?” You laughed and nodded, “Fine, tea on the house.”

As Simon pulled into your driveway, a slight sinking feeling settled in your chest, knowing that your time together was coming to an end. The day had been nothing short of amazing, and over the past month, you and Simon had grown remarkably close. Now, with the engine humming to a stop, you wondered whether it was the right time to express your feelings.

Thoughts swirled in your mind, wondering if he felt the same way. The connection you felt with Simon was special, and you found yourself yearning to spend more time in his company. His smile, his voice—everything about him seemed to captivate you. 

As he walked you to the door, you turned around and looked up at him, a smile playing on your lips. The moment felt significant, and you couldn't bear the thought of going another day without telling him how you felt. 

"I had such an amazing day today," you began, meeting his eyes with sincerity. "Thank you for everything. I honestly can't remember the last time I had this much fun... Your company means a lot to me."

Simon's smile softened, and he looked at you attentively. "I'm glad you had a good time”

Say it Simon, say you enjoyed being with her too.

“...I um… I enjoy spending time with you too," Simon's expression remained warm, and for a moment, it felt like time stood still.

Encouraged by his response, you both find yourselves face to face, the air charged with a subtle tension. Simon stands extremely close to you as he gazes down, and you meet his eyes, feeling a connection.

The moment seems to stretch on forever, and in the warmth of the shared silence, you decide to make the first move.

As you slightly leaned in, hoping to bridge the gap with a kiss, Simon unexpectedly leaned back on instinct, causing you to pull back, your heart sinking a bit.

The air shifted, and you took a step back, searching for clues in his eyes. There was a pause, a moment of uncertainty hanging between you. Simon's wide gaze remained fixed on yours, leaving the unspoken tension lingering in the air.

Simon watched as the pain of rejection etched itself onto your face, and in that moment, a whirlwind of thoughts raced through his mind. Why had he pulled away? Was it fear? Fear of letting himself be vulnerable to love? Fear of admitting that he cared deeply for someone? Fear that if you knew the real him, you might turn your back on him? Fear of not being good enough for someone as perfect as you?

Seeing the hurt in your eyes, Simon felt an ache in his chest, and the weight of his actions pressed down on him. He tried to find the right words, his brain going a million miles per hour, but all he managed to utter was a sincere, "I'm sorry."

The apology hung in the air, and Simon desperately wished he could articulate the maelstrom of emotions within him. The fear that had driven him to pull away now seemed like a barrier between what he desired and what he feared.

In that vulnerable moment, he struggled to make sense of his own feelings and reconcile them with the connection he felt with you. The air between you was heavy with unspoken words, and Simon knew he owed you an explanation.

He takes a step forward, desperation in his eyes, but you instinctively take a step back, your hand raised as if to stop him. "No, it's okay," you assure him, managing a small, understanding smile. "I understand."

Simon, desperately wanting to explain, takes a breath, "It's not what you think—"

Cutting him off gently, you shake your head, "It's okay. You don't need to explain yourself. I understand." Despite your attempt to hold back the tears, your eyes water, reflecting a mix of understanding and hurt.

“Thank you again for today simon, goodnight.”

Simon's heart splits as he sees your eyes water, and he's left standing there on your doorstep, feeling the weight of his choices. Silently, you turn away, leaving him outside as you retreat into the comfort of your home. Behind closed doors, you let the tears flow, the soft sobs muffled against your pillow.

[fatehbaz]

Travel back [...] a few hundred years to before the industrial revolution, and the wildlife of Britain and Ireland looks very different indeed. 

Take orcas: while there are now less than ten left in Britain’s only permanent (and non-breeding) resident population, around 250 years ago the English [...] naturalist John Wallis gave this extraordinary account of a mass stranding of orcas on the north Northumberland coast [...]. If this record is reliable, then more orcas were stranded on this beach south of the Farne Islands on one day in 1734 than are probably ever present in British and Irish waters today. [...]

Other careful naturalists from this period observed orcas around the coasts of Cornwall, Norfolk and Suffolk. I have spent the last five years tracking down more than 10,000 records of wildlife recorded between 1529 and 1772 by naturalists, travellers, historians and antiquarians throughout Britain and Ireland, in order to reevaluate the prevalence and habits of more than 150 species [...].

In the early modern period, wolves, beavers and probably some lynxes still survived in regions of Scotland and Ireland. By this point, wolves in particular seem to have become re-imagined as monsters [...].

Elsewhere in Scotland, the now globally extinct great auk could still be found on islands in the Outer Hebrides. Looking a bit like a penguin but most closely related to the razorbill, the great auk’s vulnerability is highlighted by writer Martin Martin while mapping St Kilda in 1697 [...].

[A]nd pine martens and “Scottish” wildcats were also found in England and Wales. Fishers caught burbot and sturgeon in both rivers and at sea, [...] as well as now-scarce fishes such as the angelshark, halibut and common skate. Threatened molluscs like the freshwater pearl mussel and oyster were also far more widespread. [...]

Predators such as wolves that interfered with human happiness were ruthlessly hunted. Authors such as Robert Sibbald, in his natural history of Scotland (1684), are aware and indeed pleased that several species of wolf have gone extinct:

There must be a divine kindness directed towards our homeland, because most of our animals have a use for human life. We also lack those wild and savage ones of other regions. Wolves were common once upon a time, and even bears are spoken of among the Scottish, but time extinguished the genera and they are extirpated from the island.

The wolf was of no use for food and medicine and did no service for humans, so its extinction could be celebrated as an achievement towards the creation of a more civilised world. Around 30 natural history sources written between the 16th and 18th centuries remark on the absence of the wolf from England, Wales and much of Scotland. [...]

In Pococke’s 1760 Tour of Scotland, he describes being told about a wild species of cat – which seems, incredibly, to be a lynx – still living in the old county of Kirkcudbrightshire in the south-west of Scotland. Much of Pococke’s description of this cat is tied up with its persecution, apparently including an extra cost that the fox-hunter charges for killing lynxes:

They have also a wild cat three times as big as the common cat. [...] It is said they will attack a man who would attempt to take their young one [...]. The country pays about £20 a year to a person who is obliged to come and destroy the foxes when they send to him. [...]

The capercaillie is another example of a species whose decline was correctly recognised by early modern writers. Today, this large turkey-like bird [...] is found only rarely in the north of Scotland, but 250–500 years ago it was recorded in the west of Ireland as well as a swathe of Scotland north of the central belt. [...] Charles Smith, the prolific Dublin-based author who had theorised about the decline of herring on the coast of County Down, also recorded the capercaillie in County Cork in the south of Ireland, but noted: This bird is not found in England and now rarely in Ireland, since our woods have been destroyed. [...] Despite being protected by law in Scotland from 1621 and in Ireland 90 years later, the capercaillie went extinct in both countries in the 18th century [...].

---

Images, captions, and text by: Lee Raye. “Wildlife wonders of Britain and Ireland before the industrial revolution – my research reveals all the biodiversity we’ve lost.” The Conversation. 17 July 2023. [Map by Lee Raye. Bold emphasis and some paragraph breaks/contractions added by me.]

[xxchaosjojoxx]

Hi :)

I have always loved law since his first appearance in the anime.

May I ask for a law x Reader but reader is an absolute GREAT at lying. Like they lie all the time and no one would know it was a lie due to specific things that aren't exactly related to the lie but was somehow a "proof" that it was believable. It even fooled Law himself.

Reader is always so happy, like always smiling and cheerful and everything. But with a really constructed lie, a smile isn't always real.

You get what I mean?

Most lies I was talking about was:

"I ate dinner" for example.

Reader didn't actually eat but can be proven to because 1, reader could have planned to "eat" later due to "work" when in reality, they just planned to go inside the lunch room for a few moments and made sure someone saw so they'd have an alibi.

So basically, it's based on alibis and statements that make said lie true.

A/N: Thanks so much for your request. I had an idea in my mind and suddenly it went dark/angst. I hope it is still to your liking and I’m not sure if I should do a second part to add some fluff like I had originally planned.

Lies

You were the sunshine on and inside the Polar Tang. With your bright smile, you could earn a lot of happy smiles and joyful words whenever you enter a room. No one would ever think that this was a facade. That all of this would be a lie. Even your captain would call anyone crazy who would think not of a bunch of sunshine whenever you are around.

Your skills as a thief back in the day are kinda handsy. You are quick and precise when it comes to battle. With your radiant presence and this bright smile paired with those big soft eyes it was easy to gain a lot of free supplies and goodies, whenever your duty was to go shopping. You joined the Heart pirates after stealing some things from Penguin and Shachi nearly 4 months ago. Sadly you couldn’t escape the blue orb nor the teleportation as this man, now your captain, Trafalgar Law was grabbing you with a smirk on his face. You had skill, this might come in handy for sure. That was his reason to let you join his crew. The fact that you would probably lose your head was not an option back there. He was intimidating but handsome. You would be a fool to not follow an attractive man.

The life you had back there was a life you wished to erase forever.

As a foster kid some adults used you for stealing. Kids are small, they can hide better, right?

Over the years you could perfect your stealing skills and one more skill. To lie. Whenever you trembled, whenever you where crying or doing not exactly what they told you, they would hurt you, torture you. You had to learn to lie, because you needed to survive. You had to lie to yourself, that all of this wouldn’t be your whole life. That you would find something better for sure someday. Then you met the heart pirates, they all welcomed you like a family. And even though you showed them your brightest smile, your happiest face, the loudest laugh, you were still aware of them. This is not real. They will use you when they get a chance. Don’t trust them. All of this was repeating in your head every now and then. No one knew what you were hiding because no one suspected anything.

The first time Law suspected something was not too long ago. He worked a lot today and went to the kitchen, to get a snack as he passed you. “You ok, y/n-ya? You look pale? Did you eat anything?”

You were looking at him, giving him a bright smile. “Hey Captain. Of course. I ate dinner already. I just ate too much, maybe that’s why.”

He looked at you with a stern look. “Ok don’t overwork yourself.”

“Aye aye Captain.” and with that you left him. Only after he entered the kitchen and saw the dish, he knew something was off.

Law saw Shachi and Penguin sitting at the table, talking and laughing. “Was Y/N in here?”

They looked at him. “Yeah, she just left with a plate in her hand. She has too much work to do, so she wanted to eat in her room.” The red haired said and Law tilted his head in confusion. “I just saw her, and she didn’t even have a plate in her hand.”

Bepo entered the kitchen from behind. “Oh she gave me the plate earlier. Said I should eat it. She had too much earlier and put way more on the plate for her to finish.”

“I see.” With this Law grabbed a snack and returned to his office with a bad feeling.

He was reading some paperwork as he took a bite from his snack. His mind was wandering back to you. It felt off. Did you really have dinner? The fact that you filled your plate with food and the fact why you didn’t have it when he met you earlier, it all was reasonable. But something was still weird. Would you lie to him? You had no reason for it. But remembering the food, he knew that Shachi was in charge of cooking today and he also knew that Shachi used some spices especially one you didn’t even like. There was no way you wouldn’t notice it and there was also no way that you would eat it to the point you would grab another plate. He hid his face in his hands and was remembering every situation with you in it since you joined. There was never an occasion that he would feel like this. Without even realizing he went towards the storage room, knowing you were on duty today, to write down what else you would need when you dock on the next island.

You stand there with a pencil and a little book in your hands, taking notes. As you felt his presence you turned around to see your captain and smiled at him. “Hey Captain. Can I help you with something?”

“Yeah, can you give me your hand for a second please? I need to confirm something.”

With a confused look you reached your right hand towards him, his warm hands were cupping your own and you could feel a light blush on your face.

“What exactly do you confirm?” You gulped and were looking at him.

“I thought I saw something earlier.” He had not enough time to think of anything clever.

“Do you feel better now? You know because of your second plate of food today.”

He had to concentrate on your heartbeat, on your pulse.

You were looking at him even more confused. “Yes, thank you.”

He squeezed your hand a little tighter. If people lie, their heartbeat, pulse and the breath would give them away, but everything was normal. Not even a slight change. But he knew that you didn’t have another plate. You gave it to Bepo. “Didn’t you give it to Bepo?”

He was staring at you. You felt a little shiver as he was staring at you with this cold look.

"Yeah, I did. I thought I could eat more, but then I felt sick so I gave it to Bepo instead.” Again you were smiling. You didn’t even have to think long enough or even stutter. Your answer was way too perfect. Even if you were telling him the truth, you wouldn’t answer as fast as possible.

“Did you ever lie to us?”

You shook your head and your eyes were wide. “What? No, why should I?”

“Tell me the truth.”

“I do. I never lied to you or anyone else on this ship.”

You were looking at him in determination and in this moment knew, he wouldn’t get the answer out of you.

He knew something was off but he couldn’t prove it. Just his gut feeling wouldn’t be enough.

He let go of your hand. “I’m sorry. I'll let you finish your work.” Law was about to leave the room as he turned his head towards you.

“You can trust us, you know? I know that your past was hard, but you are safe now. If you wanna talk with anyone about anything, do it please.”

Law could see a small nod coming from you. “Of course I do, captain. I already trust you. Thanks for checking on me.” You showed him a big grin and Law couldn’t help but feel this bad feeling inside him to blossom. Now that he felt off he couldn’t help but wonder, if those smiles of yours and your shining personalities are fake. What about you is real? What is a lie? He was determined to find the truth from this day on.

[malk1ns]

october 31 2024 vs ducks, 2-1 OT win

continuing my bond fic from the last game because it's speaking to me right now.

The jangling bond hasn’t left Zhenya’s awareness since Tuesday.

Now that he knows it’s there, he kind of can’t believe they didn’t notice it sooner. How long has it been waiting for someone to point out the obvious so that it could slip into place? How many years have they been half-bonded and not even noticed?

Zhenya doesn’t want to think too closely on the answer to that.

Luckily, there’s a losing streak to snap.

It’s just the Ducks, but Zhenya watched some tape on their off-day, pacing his living room and scratching absently at his neck because he couldn’t stay still, pausing and rewinding over and over to get a look at the Anaheim goalie. He’s good. And there’s still the lingering embarrassment of the own goal from last season. Zhenya’s determined to make up for that mistake this year.

When the game starts, though, something odd happens.

He’s still on Sid’s wing. There’s a bit of him that rankles at being relegated to left winger, but it’s drowned out by the need to be close to Sid, to sit next to him on the bench and watch plays develop and just know that when they swing over the boards together they’re going to eat the other team alive. Zhenya’s been playing well all season, he’s not too humble to say so, but it’s different when he and Sid are on the ice together.

He’s not putting up points yet, though.

None in the last game, before they knew what had happened, and none tonight either, somehow not on either of Sid’s goals even though Zhenya was out there for the first one, fought for possession and backchecked and got his stick in lanes and did everything he could to make sure Sid had a clear line at the net.

And that’s the strange part, really. Zhenya can play defense, despite what certain pundits in town like to bleat about. He used to be on the penalty kill when he was younger. It’s just not what the team has needed from him for the last couple of years, so he’s focused on offense, on scoring and setting up plays and putting the team on his back and hauling them onto the scoresheet, just like Sid.

But this season, Zhenya’s comfortably at a point-per-game pace. Sid? Isn’t.

And so all game, Zhenya found himself deferring to Sid’s playmaking, Sid’s shots on net. He backchecked, he passed, he snuck his stick into the Ducks’ play to disrupt their momentum and direct the puck back to his own teammates. He worked his ass off to get Sid the chances he needed, and he didn’t get a single point for himself.

It’s important for Sid to get on the score sheet, of course. The Penguins only ever go as far as their captain can take them, and Sid elevating his play back to what he’s capable of is more important than Zhenya’s personal stat line.

But it makes him itchy. The bond is pushing him to step back, to simplify and do the hard work in the corners to make sure Sid can finish his shots, and as happy as Sid is to be back on track, as happy as that makes Zhenya, there’s also a part of him that worries that his contributions are going to fade into the background.

He hands Sid the victory helmet in the locker room after the game. He doesn’t know quite what he said, but it doesn’t matter—Sid won’t let them post that footage, not with the bond so fresh. Sid smiles at him, but he’s swallowed up by the noise and attention from the rest of the team, and Zhenya—

Zhenya steps back, and tugs off his base layers, and slips into the showers.

He scrubs at his hair angrily. Sid’s joy is bright in his peripheral vision, magnetic, and Zhenya wants to go to him, wants to say, look Sid, did you see how I helped, did you see what I did to get you those points?

He wants to worm his way next to Sid, wants to drape his arm over Sid’s shoulders and draw him close. He wants to touch Sid, wants Sid to touch him back, and that’s new and different and frightening.

Zhenya’s feelings are so conflicted, and the bond is tugging at him so strongly, that he feels sick to his stomach. He practically skids into the change room to throw on his sweats, thinking that if he can only get home, maybe some distance before they have to be in to practice tomorrow will settle his stomach and calm the bond down.

He’s almost to his car when Sid catches up with him.

“G,” Sid says, and his hand on Zhenya’s arm feels like a brand. He echoes Zhenya’s sharp inhale. “Hey, where are you…you can’t leave yet.”

Zhenya turns. Sid’s brows are drawn together, and the drowning happiness he’d been feeling since his OT winner went in has flickered, overlaid with anxiety and the same sort of sickly, creeping need that Zhenya’s had crawling over his skin since the trainers finally let them both go home Tuesday night. “Need to sleep,” Zhenya croaks out, clenching his fists. The need to step close and get his hands on Sid’s skin is overwhelming now that they’re so close together.

Sid doesn’t bother holding back. He gets into Zhenya’s space, backing him up against his car and practically pinning him in place. When he pushes his face into the crook of Zhenya’s neck, the sickening spiral of closerclosercloser resolves itself so abruptly that Zhenya would stumble if he weren’t being held so firmly.

“God,” Sid says, voice muffled into Zhenya’s skin. “What is this? Have you…I didn’t notice until you left the locker room, but you’ve…has it been like this for you all night?”

Zhenya swallows. “Since Tuesday,” he admits, wincing as the bond goes remorseful. “I’m think maybe, like, it’s new, but then…” He shrugs.

Sid picks up where he trailed off. “You were playing different all night,” he breathes, tilting his head up and snaking his hands around Zhenya’s waist. “I noticed. You were all over the ice, but you weren’t…it was different. Was that because of me?”

Zhenya’s palms find their way to Sid’s shoulder blades without his permission. “You need points,” he says, sinking lower so their bodies press together. His eyes feel heavy. “I know you’re need so bad, like, I have to do everything to make sure you get.”

“Geno,” Sid sounds…

Zhenya shivers, clutching Sid closer. Suddenly, the mere idea of them being separated is the worst thing he’s ever heard.

“What’s happening?” Sid says. He sounds young, plaintive and lost, and all Zhenya can do is shake his head and try to hold them both steady until this passes and he can get them home.

[darkficsyouneveraskedfor]

Sunshine, Lollipops, and Rainbows 4

Warnings: non/dubcon, clashing personalities, exclusion, and other dark elements. My username actually says you never asked for any of this.

Characters: moody boy Curtis Everett x bubbly, plus-size reader

My warnings are not exhaustive but be aware this is a dark fic and may include potentially triggering topics. Please use your common sense when consuming content. I am not responsible for your decisions.

As usual, I would appreciate any and all feedback. I’m happy to once more go on this adventure with all of you! Thank you in advance for your comments and for reblogging.

You vow yourself to confinement. You will not leave your desk for any reason. You even brought a thermos of coffee. The container is a honey brown and the lid has bear ears, an animated face painted on the metal. It makes you smile despite the gloom that clouds you.

You don’t know how it happens. You always mean well but things always end up so wrong. So you’ve determined you’re better off on your own. Minding your own business and getting through the work day without calamity.

It’s lonely. You eat your lunch in your cubicle, watching a crochet video on the small screen of your phone. You still can’t figure out how to get just the right shape for the hippo you’ve been working on. It’s the final piece in your collection; to go along with the giraffe, the elephant, lion, and zebra. With your new job, you haven’t even had the energy to try.

You get back to work, eyes fuzzy as you stare at the spreadsheet. Millennia of human existence and for what? For excel and stale coffee? Is this really progress?

You reign in your wandering mind and work through the numbers. You just want to get through your first week. That will be a feat you can be proud of. You drain the last lukewarm sip from your thermos and pout. You could really use a refill but you will resist. You can’t risk it.

At the end of the day, you sneak out down the stairwell. You’re breathless by the time you reach the bottom, dizzy from the winding levels above. You shake it off and head off. You could use a nice hot bath, those office chairs are really not comfy.

Your night goes by as any does. You get your bath and eat some ramen before tucking into bed and mindlessly scrolling on your phone. You fall asleep with the light on and wake up to the blare of your alarm the next morning. 

It’s Friday! You get up and get dressed. A lilac skirt that buttons up the front and a frilly white blouse on top. You pull on a lemon yellow cardigan and a pair of matching flats. It’s bright and fun! Unlike anything else in that gray office.

You shove one of the pillows from the couch into your bag, the one that looks like a sprinkle donut, and grab your thermos. You race out to catch the bus and throw yourself into the day ahead. You just need to make it to the end and you have the whole weekend ahead of you.

Once at your cubicle, you settle in. You place the donut pillow on the thin cushion of the office chair and kneel on the floor as you work at readjusting the backrest and arms. You get up and plop down, testing the height and swiveling a bit. It’s slightly better.

You roll closer to your desk and boot up for the day. You reach for your pen cup but stop short as you find only the boring Bic sticks that overflow the supply cupboards. Huh?

You reach under your desk and grab your bag. You stir around, certain you careless slid your pen in there. You can’t find it! Your most favourite pen is gone. There’s a tiny penguin at the end and the pen’s body is filled with water and glitter that shimmers and looks like falling snow. Where is it?

Your panic has you searching the empty drawers of the desk and down on your knees crawling around. You don’t find it. You give up as your chest sinks and you mope at your monitor, clicking mindlessly on your Outlook and the company’s shared drive. 

You sit back and uncap your thermos. You take a drink and nearly choke. Oh no! It’s so bitter it leaves your tongue gritty. The filter must’ve split in the machine again. You let out a blech and get up, letting your chair roll back carelessly.

You go down to the break room and dump the coffee down the sink. That’s when you remember you’re not supposed to be in there. Shoot. You look around. It’s empty. You should have time enough to fill your cup.

You go to the machine and pick a pod from the rack. You don’t pay attention to the flavour, you just want coffee. You wait for the machine to grind and claim your cup as the brew stops below the brim. You quickly retreat back to your desk and sit, leaving the lid off the thermos to let it cool.

Ow! Your tailbone hits the thin seat and jars your spine. You get up and look down at the barren cushion. Your pillow is gone. What the heck?

You roll the chair around, thinking maybe you knocked it off when you stood up. It’s not that hard to miss. Nope, it’s gone. 

You look over at Dana as he yawns over a Starbucks cup. She has no donut under her bottom. Who would do that? Who would steal your pillow? You chew your lip and resign yourself to another day of discomfort.

You taste the coffee. Mmm, it must be the dark roast. It’s full-bodied and rich, slightly smoky. You don’t usually go for it, you prefer more caffeine. It might be good for you, you really don’t need the extra jitter.

You plant your elbow beside your keyboard and fall into your work. The office awakens around you. The clack of keys, the clicking of mice, and the low voices that rise and fall over cubicle walls. 

You lean back and check the time. Barely an hour in. You stretch your neck and massage your shoulders as you try to work out the kink of your poor posture. As you do, you sense a shadow approach Dana’s desk. You shift your chair and peek over, quickly wheeling back to your desk to hunch down and hide. It’s him.

“Phillips,” he calls her by her last name, “you still in charge of supplies?”

“Morning, Curtis,” she replies tritely, “what is it? We don’t have budget left for tech upgrades until end of month.”

“Coffee,” he growls, “dark roast.”

You tap your foot nervously. You didn’t know he liked the dark roast. If you did, you wouldn’t have taken the last pod. Maybe you should offer him what you have left… no, you should just leave him be.

“I’ll add it to the list,” Dana acquisces dismissively, “anything else?”

He grunts but doesn’t answer as he pivots on his heel. You peek up above the wall of your cubicle and immediately regret it. His attention is drawn by the movement and his eyes meet yours as his features twist into a scowl. You try to smile and he rolls his eyes before setting his shoulders and striding away.

Oh, you have an idea!

[justwritingscenarios]

Welcome back, hope you're doing well!! I would like to request scenario 13 with Law!

Tysm and hope you have a nice day/night <3

Hi! I'm so happy to write about my hubby after such a long time. Sorry about the delay ! I hope it was what you wanted to read ! - Lara

Scenario 4 : having to share a bed and accidentally end up cuddling

Law x GN!Reader // Words : 1.7K // No warnings (no beta reader).

Ever since you joined the Strawhats, it was the first time the crew divided. Sure, everyone was separated for two years, but it was forced by Kuma initially. Here Luffy was taking half the crew with him to Whole Cake Island to bring back Sanji from Big Mom’s hold. You wished you could have gone with them, but you had followed Zoro – as he was the second in charge – on Trafalgar's "ship".

You wouldn’t say you disliked the idea. The Polar Tang was impressive, and you had been curious to visit it. However, what you preferred the most about the underwater trip to Wano was to see more of Trafalgar Law.

Since you met him on Punk Hazard, where he asked Luffy to be his ally, your eyes were attracted by him whenever he was around. To your great despair Robin and Nami had noticed. And to your great relief none of them messed with you. Except maybe that time Robin entrusted Law’s safety to you when she had to fight against Gladius in Dressrosa. But she didn’t let you alone with him, Cavendish was there as well, even if you were the one patching up Law. The man was riddled with bullets and had an arm cut off from his fight with Doflamingo, you couldn’t do much but stopped the haemorrhage. You were so aware of Law’s state of health that you didn’t complain once about your own injuries. Even when Leo and later Manshelly had helped him getting better, you didn’t leave his side. He didn’t grumble about it though. And you knew he acknowledged your presence from the beginning of your shared adventures.

Law worked with Chopper and you back in Punk Hazard’s lab. You even had talks and played cards on the Sunny on your way to Dressrosa. After that you helped him change his bandages when you were sailing to Zou under Bartolomeo’s flag. You went along together.

You had many times the opportunities to look at Law closely. Yet you never found him as attractive as you did the moment you got to see him moving around his submarine, surrounded by his crewmates. Around his friends, he smiles. Not smirk, smile. You swore his shoulders loosen, and his eyes hold a certain tenderness as he listens to their stories. Once you saw him snort before quickly hid under the visor of his furry hat. You often thought about it, to the extent of being lost in your mind.

“(Name), we-“ You were in the empty dining hall, sketching a duck on a napkin when Bepo’s voice surprised you.

“I didn’t hear you entering, Bepo.”

“… I’m sorry.” His whole body loosened. You patted his hand.

“Hey, don’t be sorry. I was lost in my thoughts, that’s why I didn’t hear you.” You offered him a bright smile and were happy to constate his fluffy ears went up again. “What did you want to tell me?”

“Oh yes! Captain said we’re going to emerge soon. He said that since you’re not used to stay in locked up places like us, you would appreciate to take a breath of fresh air before we reached Wano. That way, we’ll cool down the air in the sub too.”

“Thank you for telling me! Are the others aware of it?”

“Almost everyone knows. But we are still looking for Zoro.”

“Wasn’t he supposed to always be accompanied?”

“Yes, he was with the captain. Law talked to Hakugan for a minute and when he turned around Zoro had disappeared.”

“Rookie mistakes. Rule number 1: never let Zoro leave your sight.” The both of you laughed. “I’ll help you find him.”

A few minutes later, when Zoro was eventually found by Franky and Penguin in the engine room, the Polar Tang was emerged, and the main door was opened. Everybody came out to take a breath of fresh air. It was pleasant, especially for Bepo and not-Heart-crewmates. Law was right; you weren’t used to stay inside for so long, you were spending your whole days on the deck of the Sunny. You liked his initiative even more as at that time the sun was slowly getting low, the sky and the clouds getting warm colours. Most of you stayed outside talking and having a drink.

*

It’s been two hours since you surfaced. Most of the crewmates had come back inside and the sun had left its place to the moon. You hadn’t seen Law since getting out and the last time you saw Bepo, the polar bear was holding a blanket and a small tray to another place behind the main platform. You followed the way he took to the highest outside platform of the submarine.

There, were Law and Bepo. The big polar bear was laying on the floor, asleep. Law was leaning on the bear’s tummy. You guessed his legs to be crossed under the blanket. On the tray, the drink and the plate were empty, but a candle was still lightening Law’s reading. He either saw or heard you because he looked up.

“Hey.” You whispered.

“You can talk normally. Bepo has a deep sleep. You need something?”

“No I just- I noticed Bepo coming here earlier and wondered why he wasn’t coming back. Now I know.” The both of you looked at Bepo for a moment before you kept going. “I also wanted to thank you.”

“What for?”

“For emerging. I know we are quite in a hurry to reach Wano and not that we couldn’t have waited a few more days to see the surface but… It feels good to be out for a few hours. I never appreciated the cold air of the night that much before.” You took a deep breath and looked around.

“Actually, we aren’t in a hurry. The sub moves faster than a ship and Luffy won’t be there before us so…” You nodded to his words; he was right. Your eyes fell on the book he had put opened on his knees, opened about the midway. That’s when you realised…

“Oh I’m sorry, I disturbed your reading-” “It’s ok.” “If you went there it was to be at peace after all-“ “I don’t mind.” “Do you want me to bring back the tray-“ “(Name)-ya.” “It doesn’t bother me to do it-“ “(Name)-ya!”

You eventually kept quiet when he called your name a bit louder to stop your stammering. For a second, you thought he was annoyed but neither his tone nor his look was. The small smile on his face only showed amusement.

“It’s true that I came here to read peacefully but I don’t mind your presence, ok? You can stay. I can even read to you if you want.” He showed you the book. It wasn’t a medical book like you first thought. You kneeled before him to read the title.

“Moby Dick. Or The Whale. I never thought you’d be interested in those kinds of stories.”

“Not my usual reading but I’ve wanted to for a long time. You read it?”

“I was supposed to read it for school when I was… 9? I lost the book and got reprimanded by my teacher. Found it in my cat’s litter later. Don’t ask me how it end up there. Just know that she refused to lend me books after that.” Law snorted the way you saw him do with his crewmates. It made you quivered a bit. Which he saw and misinterpreted it.

“Come here. You’ll get cold if you stay like this.” As he talked, he stretched out his legs and lifted the blanket so you could come under next to him. You were still hesitated that your body was already moving to come next to him under the fabric. “You can lean on Bepo, it won’t bother him.” You did slowly as he told you, unaware of his soft gaze on you.

“Can you sum up the beginning?”

“I can also read from the beginning.”

“What? No! You’ve come so far. I just want to hear you read.”

“Oh really? If that’s so. Can I at least start again from the beginning of the chapter?” Law turned his head in your direction, his teasing eyes looking for you. You had to look up a bit as he was still taller than you were even in that situation. You played his game and squinted your eyes. Of course, you didn’t mind… all you wanted was to listen to his voice.

“Ok as it’s you.”

“Well, thanks.” He turned back to his book and started reading. “Slowly wading through the meadows of brit, the Pequod still held on her way north-eastward towards the island of Java…”

You weren’t sure when but at some point, in the story, Law’s voice became a distant lullaby in your ears. He didn’t see it right away. He just checked on you while turning a page, like he did already numerous times before, except your eyes were closed this time. He set down the book on the side, his eyes never leaving your sleeping face half sunk in the white fur, just inches away from his.

*

When Law woke up, it was still early. The very first sunrays were started to lighten the sky even if the star wasn’t showing yet. The temperature was low, but he didn’t feel cold. The cover and Bepo’s body warmth greatly helped but you did to. You had moved enough that your head was resting on his upper chest, one of your hands grabbing his sweat with the blanket.

After watching you for a few minutes, wandering what he should do, he let his fingers touched your visible cheek and then your hand, not so far. It was warm, meaning that you weren’t cold either and could stay outside longer. Because the truth was, he didn’t want to move. He felt good. He wasn’t used to it, but he was comfortable. With your head on his chest, your hand on his side, with just you.

Law wasn’t sure how he will deal with you when you’ll wake up, what your reaction would be… for the moment, he just wanted to stay like this.

[floofeh-purpi]

~ 𝐒𝐞𝐥𝐟 & 𝐁𝐥𝐨𝐠 𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧(?) ~

my written works are here too dont worry

"Oh? Ah, hello there, fuzzie! If you just so happened to stumble upon this blog within the crevices of this... uhm— place...? Anyways, let me introduce myself! "

"Oh? Me? Obsessed with Mk1 and Mk11??? Nuh-uh!"

Warning: This blog is pretty safe... if you'll exclude the swearing, that sub pantalone fic that I wrote and deleted, and some concerning reblogs. Oh! And those concerning reblogs of mine if diven deeper.

My OCs!

「Credits to @/cafekitsune for the dividers that I will use in my posts btw!」

☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆

Name: Purpi. Aka the Fluffball Collector of this corner, and a person that write genshin stuff! (Mostly sagau)

Birthday: 02/02.

Age: 6 x 3! ^^

Pronouns: Them/They.

Nationality: Pilipino.

Favorite color: Purple, Blue, Green, Black, Grey, and White.

Favorite food: Pancit canton (Chilimansi top tier), Chicaron (Give.), buttered shrimp, fish, chocolate, scrambled egg, waffles, ice-cream, MANGO FLOAT AHHHH—. I dont wanna make this list so long...

Favorite drink: Water, chocolate milk, uhmm... thats all I remember—

Favorite animal: Dogs, cats, penguins, I love dogs, sharks, cows with shampoo-ed fur(?), I love dogs, curly haired mice, mini goats, hotdo— I mean wiener dogs. Im a dog owner.

Hobby: Writing this wasnt apart of my list but oh well, singing, being a delulu little bi—, being a yapper.

My nicknames for you: Fluffball(s)/fuzzie(s)

Facebook acc: flofehpurp (Display: FloøfehPurpı)

~~~~~~~

My Written Works!

• Getting Isekai'd?!

Sagau! Genshin Fatui x Gn! Reader (ft. Your bsf)

Part 1, Part 2 , Part 3, Part 4, Part 5, Part 6

Part 7, Part 8, Part 9, Part 10, Part 11

「Part 12 is in progress!!」

• Creator x Destroyer.

Sagau! Foul Legacy x Creator! Gn! Reader

Part 1, Part 2

• His beloved creator.

Sagau! Dottore! x Creator! Gn! Reader

Here!

• "And thus, The Creator wreaked havoc across Teyvat."

SAGAU! Some GI characters x Creator! Gn! Reader

Here!

• Zzz. (100 FOLLOWERS SPECIAL!)

Sagau! Childe x Gn! Sick! Creator! Reader.

Here!

• Happy Birthday! (Mootie's b-day special!)

Childe x Gn! Reader

Here!

• Through the Screen.

Self-aware! Obey Me x Gn! Reader

Here! Part 2

『Beloved fluffball/s mentioned below! 💜』

@/justmare @/mc-cos-charm @/keirennyx @/fantasticarcadefan @/catratnap

『My silly and fluffy lil anon/s:』

🍰

☆

Please say what anon you wanna be in my asks or if you wanna be tagged in one of my works :>

Made: July 23, 2024. 10:34pm.

[bagopucks]

A. Matthews - Needs Approval

✄————————————

Auston Matthews x Reader

Requested✨

Word count: 3.4k

Warning(s): itty bitty happy crying

Proofread once

—————————————

“Alright. We have plans.”

Spontaneity was not something I knew Auston for. So when he came through my front door with these ‘plans’, I had to refrain from looking too surprised.

“Auston, you can’t just blow through here unexpectedly, trying to take me out. I have a kid-“

“No, that’s who I’m looking for.”

My face lit up in shock and slight amusement.

“Sad is the day a woman is outshined by her son. To the man of her dreams, I have become but a mere oracle to consult.”

“Okay, Shakespeare.” Auston smiled, walking over to help me pick up Hudson’s few toys scattered across the floor.

“What are these plans?” I asked, watching him sit next to me.

“I was gonna take him to see that new kids movie.”

“Is there a reason I can’t go? I mean- I’m all for the bonding, but.. I’m a little surprised there’s no invite.”

“Well.. ya know I just thought,” Auston shrugged, “give you a night to yourself. Maybe you could call one of your friends, or- you could always go to my place and hang with Felix. Whatever you want.” I couldn’t quite tell what he was hiding, but I knew it was something. Auston didn’t like to make eye contact when he was avoiding a topic.

“You know I go stir crazy when you boys aren’t around.” I teased, gently nudging his leg with my foot.

“I promise I’ll invite you to the next movie outing.”

“Alright. He’s coming home from a friend’s house. They were working on a project.”

“What kind of project?” Auston glanced up at me before setting another toy into the tub Hudson had designated to his action figures.

“A science project. Creating your own habitat. He and his friend are doing something Arctic with penguins and polar bears.” I smiled, recalling the creativity Hudson had been blessed with. He had so many materials he wanted to use, and so many great ideas.

“He asked me if you could get him a little plush of Carlton so they could set it up in the hall by their habitat.”

“Sounds cool. I’ll definitely get one when I can.”

“By next week.” I was quick to add. “They’ll need it by Friday. That’s when the project is due.”

“I feel like two weeks is a long time for a project like that.”

“Not all kids can be as smart as the one we’ve been raising together.” I didn’t miss the way Auston’s eyes lit up. Then a sheepish smile took over his lips.

“That makes us sound like bad people.” He commented.

“But not bad parents.” I would never tell another person that my child was smarter than theirs, nor did I ever feel as such. I was aware all kids grew and learned at their own pace. But at times it was nice to admit that Hudson was such a curious and driven child, always eager to learn. It was nice to admit Auston and I were shaping a pretty successful child.

“So we’re parents now?”

“Auston, you’ve been here long enough. I’m not ignoring what’s in front of my face. You’re a father to Hudson. You know what he told me the other night?” Auston stopped what he was doing to focus on me. “He told me he wished you didn’t have to bring clothes over all the time. That you could just stay here and be with us every day.” I smiled and tossed another toy into a smaller bucket. “He also said he really loves your house. He said he loves when you have sleepovers there, because he can swim and have ice cream all day.”

“I feed him other stuff!” Auston laughed, shaking his head. “That kid. I promise I feed him other stuff.”

“I’m not too worried about it.” I admitted with a shrug, reaching for another toy. I glanced up at Auston, watched the way his eyes went blank, staring me down. I didn’t ask. Usually he spoke his mind. So I waited, going back to tossing toys in the bucket.

“Do you want me here?”

“You’ll have to explain a little.”

“If we ever move in together. Do you want me like- in this house with you, or do you want to live with me? Or we could get our own place.”

“Change is gonna be a little hard no matter what we do. But I think what’s best is searching for a new home together. Something that’s ours equally. I want a new house, with new memories. Unless that’s too expensive.”

“No, I totally understand. And nothing’s too expensive.”

“We’ll buy a place we agree on. And as much as I love the modern touch of your house, I still want something that feels like a home.”

“Whatever you and Hudson want.”

“I’ll let you have a man cave.” I teased, smiling at his quiet laugh. We had time to discuss it. We were in no rush. We had just only started talking of marriage a month ago. We actually had to get married before anything else. At least that was the next step Auston and I agreed on.

“Do you want any more kids?”

“Are you kidding?” I laughed, resting my hand on the floor to support my weight. “Every time I see you with Hudson I think I want another kid.”

“But after the change?” Auston asked.

“Yes.” I picked up the last action figure and set it in the small bucket. A small test. I knew Auston would pass it before his hand even reached into the bucket to remove the figure, tossing it into the bigger one. “I want Hudson to feel comfortable in a new place, and feel secure before we go making any additions.” I watched a brown curl fall out of place. “It’s important that he feels like your kid before we have any others. The last thing I’d want is for him to feel like you’ll love him any less.”

“I could never. He’d be my kid just as much as the others.” Auston slowly leaned back to lay on the floor. I made my way over to lay with him, resting my head on his chest.

“Others plural?”

“At least three.”

“Three between us?” I gasped.

“No! No. Like- Hudson, and then two others.”

“Why three?”

“‘Cause kids that grow up in families with just one sibling- they end up weird.”

“What?”

“My first example is Mitch.”

“Auston!” I scolded through soft laughter. “He’s not weird.”

“He’s pretty weird.” Auston chuckled, warming my heart with the way his body moved beneath me. I lifted my hand to check the time on my watch. A sigh fell from my lips. We’d only just laid down, and already we had to get up.

“You wanna come stand with me on the porch? Hudson’s gonna be here soon.”

“Boy do I.” Though Auston’s words were teasing, I knew he was excited. I stood up and helped him off the ground. I walked toward the door and unlocked it while I put my slippers on. Pulling the door open, I walked out onto the porch, Auston close behind.

“What time do you think you’ll be getting back?” I asked as I pulled the door shut.

“Probably around eight? If thats not too late.”

“Eight is just fine. Maybe hold off on the sweets though if you get movie snacks.”

“What do you mean if? You always get movie snacks.” I laughed at Auston’s argument.

“The popcorn is pretty good.”

“And the little chocolate crunchy things.”

“The Buncha Crunches?”

“Yeah, those.” Auston nodded. I leaned against the porch rail, and Auston mirrored my stance next to me.

“He’s gonna be so excited to see you.”

“Oh, quit that.” Auston bumped his hip against my own.

“You don’t understand how much he loves you. Or how much he misses you. When you’re on road trips. And how scared he gets when he thinks you’re hurt.”

“I’m always a call away.”

“Yeah I know. I just hate not knowing your schedule when you’re in another city.”

“Shoot me a text.” Auston rested his hand atop my own. “You’re a first priority. I’ll always text you back fast.”

Our conversation was cut off as a car pulled into the drive. The back window rolled down as Hudson hopped out with his book bag. His friend waved and shouted goodbye.

“Thanks for the ride Mrs. Haleigh!” Hudson bounced up the driveway, but the second he turned in our direction, his speed picked up. I waved to Haleigh before she pulled out of my driveway and left.

“Auston!” He climbed up the porch steps and dropped his bag.

“You mind if I steal ya for a bit tonight?” Auston asked, holding his hand out for their elaborate handshake.

“Did you ask mom?”

“Of course I did.”

“Can I put my stuff inside?”

“I’ll get it.” I answered quietly, laughing. “I’ll take a hug first before you leave.” I added quickly. Hudson was swift to spin around and hug my legs. “Be safe. And listen to Auston.”

“I always do.”

“I’m serious.” I pulled away to grab his bag from the floor.

“I’ll see you boys later.” Hudson was already jogging down the stairs by the time I turned to Auston. I rested my hand beneath his chin and guided his lips to my own. “I love you.” I whispered.

“I love you too.” Auston smiled, pressing another quick kiss to my lips. Hudson had never been one of those kids to gag or groan. He usually just smiled or looked away. I had no doubt it was because of his happiness. He didn’t grow up for five years with a proper example of love. He was content with knowing love provided happiness. With understanding that we had a good situation.

“Ready, Hudson?” Auston finally followed the kid down the steps.

“Yes!”

I gave one last wave before they left. When the silence set in, I felt both at ease and antsy. I decided to slip back inside to find something to busy myself with.

——————

“So what snacks do you want?”

“Can we get gummies?”

“I’m cool with that. What about slushees?”

“Oh! Blue!”

Auston followed and enforced every rule you did. Almost every rule. When it came to movies, he didn’t give Hudson a sugar limit other than what would make the kid sick. And when it came to hockey, Auston told Hudson sometimes cursing was appropriate. Hudson however, was keen on saying words and phrases you told him never to say. Like “stupid” and “jerk.” Hudson knew of curse words, but they weren’t well rounded in his vocabulary yet.

“Did you get that?” Auston asked the woman behind the counter, who smiled and nodded.

“Cute kid.” She complimented.

“He’s my girlfriend’s.” Auston used to love the attention in Toronto. Girls always managed to find him, speak to him, contact him. It brought a lot of confidence, and worked wonders on his ego. If he was honest with himself, Auston didn’t know what he was getting into when he first met Hudson. Auston always said he wasn’t opposed to meeting somebody, he just never found the right person. Turns out his right person was actually two people. Now he only needed one love to make him feel like a million bucks. And the admiration of the kid standing next to him, trying to gnaw open a bag of gummy worms.

“You think mom’s okay on her own?” Hudson asked after Auston had paid, and they were handed the rest of their snacks.

“I think she’s doing just fine.”

“How’s come you didn’t invite her?” Auston led the kid toward the theatre corridor.

“‘Cause I just wanted to have a fun night with you.”

“You always invite mom.” Auston sighed, glancing down at Hudson.

“I have a really important question for you.”

“How important?”

Auston had to pause, thinking of a good comparison.

“Like.. Stanley Cup important.” He found amusement in the way Hudson immediately looked up at him, wide eyed.

“Dude…” Hudson whispered. “That’s pretty important.”

“I know.”

“Why do you need to ask me?”

“Because right now, you’re kinda like.. the keeper of the cup.”

“That’s cool. What does he do?”

“He protects the cup. Makes sure it doesn’t get any scratches. Travels everywhere with it, and keeps an eye on it.”

“Well that sounds like a pretty boring job.”

“Yeah, but its important.” Auston paused as he pulled the door to their theatre open.

“So what are you asking me?”

“Well I can’t tell you right now.” Hudson groaned as he walked up the isle into the theatre, Auston following close behind.

“Why do I have to wait?”

“I wasn’t gonna bring it up until after we watched the movie.” Auston reasoned as he helped Hudson find their seats. Hudson’s silence was a bit out of character, but Auston let it slide. Once they got comfortable, Hudson turned to him.

“Nobody’s ever told me I’m as important as the guy who watches the Stanley Cup.” He admitted softly.

“Well I’m glad I got to be the first.” Auston smirked, reaching for the extra straw he’d stuffed in his pocket.

“What’s that for?” Hudson asked, watching as Auston peeled the wrapper off and crumbled it up. They made brief eye contact before Auston stuck the straw in Hudson’s slushee and took a sip.

“Hey!” Hudson laughed quietly, and soon Auston was laughing too. “That’s not fair!”

“Yeah, we’ll I paid for it, pal.”

“You’re mean,” Hudson teased as he swatted the bill of Auston’s hat.

“I only do it cause I love ya.” The words left Auston’s lips before he could really think of them. He looked away almost immediately, holding his breath and trying to act natural. A kid can smell panic from a mile away. But instead of Hudson asking any more questions, or teasing, he let out a big old sigh and looked forward as well. Auston saw him smile from the corner of his eye. Then he felt a small hand rest on his arm.

“I love you too.” Auston could hardly contain his smile, and he was still grinning like an idiot as soon as the movie began.

The boys sat quietly through the movie, though admittedly Auston missed most of it, replaying the quiet moment he shared with Hudson over and over again in his head. He’d worked hard to earn Hudson’s respect and acceptance. He worked hard to fill a role he knew he hadn’t been prepared for.

When the movie ended, Auston knew he’d have no trouble asking Hudson his important question.

“That was such a cool movie.” Hudson beamed as the credits began to roll. Auston helped him gather their trash before they left the theatre and threw everything away.

“Thanks for taking me out, Auston!” Hudson skipped along the tile floor in the lobby, careful not to step on any cracks. Auston laughed at his excitement. The kid was all hopped up on sugar.

“Hold up, Buddy.” Auston immediately reached for Hudson’s hand when the boy made it to the door. Hudson high fived Auston before pushing the door open.

“No, Hudsy. It’s a dark parking lot. Hold my hand.” Auston’s amused laughter was met with a bashful smile from Hudson, who slipped his hand into Auston’s. They were careful when walking across the parking lot, and Auston opened the front door for Hudson.

“My car seat’s in the back.” Hudson reminded.

“We have to talk first, little dude.”

“Oh! Oh yeah.” Hudson climbed up into the front seat, before Auston walked around the car to join him on the other side. He pulled his door shut and turned the vehicle on.

“So, this big question.”

“Yes.” Hudson pulled his legs up onto the seat to fold them up, turning to face Auston.

“You ready for it?” Despite his certainty that he’d get a yes, Auston still felt nervous.

“Yes!” Hudson insisted.

“Alright.. I want you to be honest with me. Like completely honest. Okay?”

“Just ask, Auston.” Hudson urged. His impatience got the best of him.

“Is it okay if I marry your mom?”

There was a beat of silence. Hudson taking time to process the question, while his wide eyes studied Auston’s face.

“You wanna marry my mom.” Hudson repeated.

“Yeah? I really love her, Aus. And I love you. I’d love to join your little family.” Auston fidgeted with his own hands, occasionally glancing down to avoid the steady gaze from the kid across the console.

“So you mean like.. I’m gonna have a dad? Like a real dad?” Auston immediately looked up.

“Of course, Hudson. That’s what I’ve been trying to do.”

“I’m gonna have a dad.” Hudson’s features shifted from excitement to shock, then he couldn’t sit still. His hands pulled at the fabric of his pants, seemingly distressed as tears clouded his vision.

“Hudson?” Auston immediately reached across the car to rest a hand on the boy’s arm. “What’s wrong?”

“I’m gonna have a dad.” Hudson cried out, the tears spilling down his cheeks. Years of confusion and grief, always feeling like he was missing out on something. It was finally coming to an end. Hudson’s mind could only focus on one thing. Having a second parent.

“Buddy, come here.” Auston gently guided Hudson forward. The kid practically climbed over the console and right into Auston’s lap, wrapping his arms around the man’s shoulders to sob against his collar. Auston held onto Hudson like his whole life depended on it. The situation choked him up, but he kept a brave face. At least he thought he did, until he felt a few tears of his own sliding down his cheeks.

“Hudson,” Auston forced the word from his lips. He knew Hudson would be happy eventually, but the pain had to come first. Kids were too young to completely understand their emotions. Hudson’s tears came from fear and relief. Relief of knowing the wait was over, and fear of not understanding why that made him want to cry. He just needed to let it out. Auston learned he was pretty good at sitting and waiting for that.

“I gotcha, Hudson. You wanna take a few breaths for me?” He felt Hudson’s choppy breathing stop for only a moment before it started again. He was listening.

“Those were pretty bad breaths, dude.” Auston teased softly, sniffing quietly, a quiet quivering laugh falling from his lips.

“Shut up.” Hudson pouted, his voice broke as he spoke. He gently punched Auston’s shoulder.

“You wanna try that again?” Auston moved one of his hands from Hudson’s back to reach for the hand that hit his shoulder. Hudson only tightened his grip.

“I just-“ he hiccuped. “I just wanna hug a little bit longer.” He whispered.

“You got it.” Auston nodded, wrapping his arm back around Hudson.

At some point, Hudson’s legs grew tired, and his grip on Auston finally loosened. So, the hockey player took his chance to help Hudson lean back, a smile on his lips as he pulled the sleeve of his sweatshirt over his palm.

“You okay now?” Auston asked as he wiped Hudson’s face with his sleeve. Hudson managed a smile and nodded.

“I’m really happy.” Hudson finally admitted, though his voice sounded as though another round of tears were close behind.

“You can’t tell your mom, okay? You’re gonna help me with everything, but you can’t tell her.”

“I can do that. I won’t tell anybody.” Hudson spoke as he stood on the seat between Auston’s legs, leaning back against the steering wheel.

“Betcha didn’t expect me to ask that kinda question tonight. Did ya?”

“That’s bigger than the Stanley Cup.” Hudson giggled quietly, still sniffling as he rubbed at his face.

“I know. That’s why I had to ask your permission. You and your mom mean the world to me. I wanted to make sure you were okay with it first.”

“It’s okay with me.” Hudson clarified, as if he needed to. “You can marry my mom.”

“You know.. as her son, you’ll get the third piece of cake in the wedding.”

“Who gets the first and second?”

“Me and your mom.” Auston helped Hudson back across to the passenger seat.

“You’ll share a little bit with me though.. won’t you?” Hudson’s question made Auston scoff out a laugh.

“We’ll talk about it more when the time comes.”

✾❀✾❀✾❀✾❀✾❀✾❀✾❀✾

[ladymorghul]

My Brackwood modern AU head cannons:

Vet Aeron - Davos routinely comes home to find that there’s an injured penguin in the bathtub and an orphaned fox resting by the fireplace.

Artist Davos - he makes really intense metalwork sculptures

Vegan Aeron - Davos struggling through various tofu dishes that he hates because he’s so down bad for that boy

Virgin Davos - his jealousy hits its peak when he finds out that Aeron has slept with someone before him

Aeron being in a bible study club with Aemond but really they just hang out, smoke and complain about their families.

More than one person has mistaken Aeron for a girl. Davos finds this hilarious

Davos saving all the cute animal videos he finds on TikTok to send to Aeron.

Epileptic Aeron and Davos going from freaking out and having no idea what to do when he has a seizure to being fully prepared and not letting anyone else help

oh these are so cute!!

Vet Aeron - Davos routinely comes home to find that there’s an injured penguin in the bathtub and an orphaned fox resting by the fireplace.

one thing about vet aeron is there's never a dull day with him and his small army of rescues. davos groans and acts annoyed sometimes but he does find it cute.

Artist Davos - he makes really intense metalwork sculptures

love this. can totally see davos as an artist, including sculpting. you know those hands know how to work! 👀

Vegan Aeron - Davos struggling through various tofu dishes that he hates because he’s so down bad for that boy

bless him, he's so far gone for aeron that even though he likes eating meat he'll try what aeron's eating and they do find stuff that davos really likes a lot. aeron slowly almost completely converts him. the blackwoods aren't happy with a bracken converting their boy! lol

Virgin Davos - his jealousy hits its peak when he finds out that Aeron has slept with someone before him

tbh one of my headcanons is that aeron was aware of his sexuality earlier than davos so he did experience a bit more than him (whether he had good or bad experiences, or both, it's up to the reader) before meeting davos and it's aeron that sometimes guides davos towards what feels best for both of them.

Aeron being in a bible study club with Aemond but really they just hang out, smoke and complain about their families.

it's so funny to imagine cute aeron sitting next to aemond who looks completely unhinged to everyone around them.

as a helaemond i have to insert this joke here but aemond just saying "fuck she's really beautiful" with aeron saying "dude that's your sister"

More than one person has mistaken Aeron for a girl. Davos finds this hilarious

it's not his fault he's a pretty boy!!

Davos saving all the cute animal videos he finds on TikTok to send to Aeron.

i just know davos is the type to send 20 tiktoks and make sure aeron watches them all

Epileptic Aeron and Davos going from freaking out and having no idea what to do when he has a seizure to being fully prepared and not letting anyone else help

davos learning how to take care of him when he has a seizure? aeron knowing he can count on davos to help? oof i love it

[kmrougeposting]

🐧Happy Penguin Awareness Day!☂️

[project-sekai-facts]

What's ur fav piece of trivia for every* character?

(*or at least as much as you can recall off the top of ur head)

my favorite trivia for characters is usually just whatever i think is funniest so just keep that in mind. that's not always the case but you might see it become a pattern. oh the other thing is whatever is most soul-crushing so yeah.

Ichika - either the fact her name comes from how her parents met (because i think it's really sweet) or that she accidentally discovered miku when she was watching videos on her dad's tablet and opened a recording of a miku concert

Saki - she used to listen to the song Time Machine when she was in hospital (at Ichika's recommendation) to remind her of family and friends. It's the in-universe reason why she is featured on the cover. This is actually one of my favorite facts in the game overall.

Honami - she is surprisingly good at flirting

Shiho - not one I've posted before, but in Run! Sports Festival! she couldn't bring herself to throw any of the balls in the ball toss because they had cute animal designs on them

Minori - she once passed out because Haruka wished her happy birthday.

Haruka - she likes penguins because she thinks the way they waddle is cute and she likes how round a lot of penguin merch is

Airi - she followed all of Shizuku's campaigns and bought all the magazines she was featured in when she was still a member of Cheerful*Days. She insists it was just research.

Shizuku - either that she usually has a thermos of miso soup on her to eat after practice or archery club or that she isn't good at texting. i haven't posted either of these before

Kohane - again one I haven't posted yet, but her favorite photo she's taken of Count Pearl is one of Pearl eating mice. the rest of VBS are surprised that she isn't squeamish about that sort of thing (i dunno what they're talking about that sounds like a very cool photo).

An - the possible symbolism of the black stripe on her new school cardigan. hello to the person who submitted that i am still not over it.

Akito - in Cinema he's the only person to sing solo during the first two choruses, the others don't get solo parts in the chorus until the end of the song. i think about this one a lot actually

Toya - he can't swim

Tsukasa - he's the comedic relief and there's a lot of really random shit i know about him because of that, so my favorite fact about him is whatever will have the most impact in the moment if i were to mention it out of nowhere. for a less vague answer, this one although i consider it to be one of my worst posts

Emu - she's very good at replicating cartoon faces. i like this one because it raises a few questions about whether the L2Ds are still exaggerated or if she just looks like that and no one questions that she actually has a cartoon face. what if project sekai ends with them all becoming self-aware.

Nene - either the fact that she thinks the forest has good graphics or that she called rui's mom "auntie" when she was younger because i think it's cute.

Rui - i like a good reference and i appreciate that he sometimes references famous people and media.

Kanade - she's left handed. i also like that her family name was made up specifically to contrast with the rest of N25.

Mafuyu - either that it's shown one time that she can see ghosts and then it's never brought up or referenced again, or that the "mom's cooking" listed as her favorite food might refer to the bunny-shaped apple slices her mother would make for her when she was a kid. i also like the detail that her eyes being two-tone is because she inherited the eye colors of both her parents.

Ena - twitter user. also despite loving cheesecake, she doesn't like cheese. girl what the hell.

Mizuki - they started out editing by making AMVs for a magical girl anime they liked. Amia comes from the name of a character from that anime. also did you know they put ice cubes in noodles because of their sensitive tongue. ice cubes.

Bonus - some side character stuff I like

Kotaro's favorite food is strawberries but he doesn't like strawberry flavored things for whatever reason

Asahi and Sakurako's family names are Chinese mythology references

Tatsuya's hobbies are motorbiking and fishing. these are not things you expect to go together

Nagi hated tomatoes but she would eat them in front of An

Iori hates spicy food, whilst Mio's favorite food is super spicy ramen. Meanwhile Mio doesn't like cream, but Iori likes crepes (which usually have cream on them).

Souma started listening to foreign music after Arata left for America

gbr i forgot about the vocaloids for a second but before i call it a day i think it's incredibly funny that Len cannot reach the stools in crase cafe.

[britcision]

Happy WIP Wednesday everyone! Hmmmm… What do I have for you today? Is it Danny’s question?

Nope! It’s Jason! ☺️ because I’m a bad person and I like making you all wait. I will tell you though, you’re getting Waylon’s answer from his own perspective, which is why Danny’s part cuts off where it did

———————

I’ll Take The Highway ii

Jason didn’t exactly object to being led out of the bar by Harley; Danny wanted to talk to Waylon in private.

Jason had figured Danny had something to ask the guy about. He hadn’t exactly expected not to be part of the conversation, but that was fine.

He’d know if Danny got into trouble. Fuck, Danny could handle any trouble Gotham could dish out, probably. And the rogues had some basic manners; not starting shit in Freeze’s place was one of them.

Penguin might put the squeeze on and make your life uncomfortable if you lit up the Iceberg Lounge. Dr Freeze’s cold shoulder was a lot more literal, and he didn’t do “proportional response”.

So yeah, he could be cool and give Danny some space.

It wasn’t exactly a surprise that Harley wanted to talk to him either, although he still didn’t see the point. But he let her guide him around the side of the building to a back alley anyway.

“Still fine, Harley,” he said before she could get started, both hands raised in front of him.

She gave him an all too knowing look and hopped up to sit on the dumpster. Put her about a head taller than him. Not that he cared.

“Sure, kid. You’ve been goin’ through a lot though, so I gotta ask; is there anythin’ ya wanna talk to Auntie Harley about?” She asked in her sweetest voice, interlacing her fingers under her chin and batting her lashes.

Jason snickered and leaned against the other side of the alley.

Shit, he wasn’t even annoyed with her play acting. The pit was a happy little puddle in his chest, all sunshine and roses.

A week ago he’d have walked away. Been pissed at wasting his time, getting in his way. How much of that had been because of the Lazarus pits, the problems with the ectoplasm he’d apparently been supposed to be solving?

Was that why nothing had ever been enough? Why he always had to keep pushing? Carve himself a patch of Gotham, keep going. Cut the crime out of Crime Alley, not enough.

Take up with the Outsiders, keep himself busy, rushed off his feet so that when he fell into bed for a couple hours a day he didn’t even dream?

When was the last time he’d taken a breath and just… relaxed? It all felt so long ago, but it had barely been a week.

It just. His whole life had unclenched, like it was a muscle he’d finally stopped using.

Fuck, maybe he should talk to Harley about it.

He got the feeling she knew though, those eagle eyes tracking his every move. They’d never really hung out, but he was uncomfortably aware of how well she’d known him.

How much of him was still the boy she’d known?

She was waiting for an answer, and all of a sudden Jason wasn’t sure what he’d say. Knew that if anyone in the world understood, it just might be Dr Harleen Quinzel.

He sighed and rubbed at the back of his neck, unable to meet her eyes. Fuck, he was getting as bad as Bruce.

And if that thought didn’t kick him up the ass…

“You ever wake up one day and realise your whole life’s been going wrong?” He finally asked, glancing up from the corner of his eye.

She’d dropped the cutesy act, leaning forward with her arms braced on the edge of the dumpster, her face professionally calm. Open. Sympathetic.

“Think I might know just a lil about what that’s like,” she agreed softly, and Jason snorted.

“Yeah. Well. Turns out ever since I came back from the dead I’ve been haunted. Literally. And no one ever noticed.”

He hadn’t even come all the way back, but he couldn’t say that. Not yet. But maybe he could share some of the rest.

Harley nodded slowly, giving him her full attention. Just waiting for him to go on.

It kinda felt like being under a microscope, but not in the cold, analytical way Bruce did that always pissed him off. Like she really cared, and was looking for all his broken parts so she could help him fit them back together.

Fuck, if his kid self had ever known he’d one day trust Harley Quinn over the whole Justice League…

Shit, he didn’t even know how much she already knew.

“The pit rage… it’s a psychosis people get, coming out of the Lazarus pit. Makes you angry, violent, stronger, like a blind rage. For most people it goes away. Mine didn’t.”

He almost wanted to laugh, bitter and sharp.

“Because it wasn’t just the psychosis. I’m not fucking weak, I’m not fucking broken, there’s something else living inside me and it made me so fucking angry all the time…”

The frustration was building again, but this time it was his. All his, not a bubble, not a stir, and part of Jason thrilled with it. He could feel however he wanted, just him.

He cut it off though, forcing himself to relax before Danny could notice. Could worry about whatever he was projecting in his aura.

He could kinda still feel Danny’s, which was new. Not brushing against his, not touching like they were close, but he was aware in a way he hadn’t been before.

Like if he shut his eyes he could point in exactly the direction Danny was standing.

“Danny’s the only one who noticed. Well, really, he’s the only one who could. It’s a ghost thing, and he… he got me help. I feel like myself for the first time since… since I came back.”

He hadn’t even noticed how much the background rage burnt through him until it stopped. Until he could look at his family and see their prodding for what it was; concern.

It was still surprising him, and maybe would for a while. Kinda hoped not though. It wasn’t the most cheerful train of thought.

Seeing that he’d run out of words, Harley gave him a moment to find more, then reached over and ruffled his hair. It was barely a strain in the cramped alley.

“Kid, anyone with two eyeballs t’ rub together can see Danny’s real good for ya. So why’s Bruce tryin’ so hard to keep ya apart?” She asked gently, and Jason snorted.

Rolled his eyes and folded his arms, caught himself doing it, and forced them back to his sides.

“Not rubbing his eyeballs together?” He asked dryly. Harley just snickered.

“Please, if we could get ‘im ta stop overanalysing everything that’d be the miracle. So what’s got ‘im on edge?”

Jason hesitated for a long moment, thinking about it. Finally he shrugged; as always, Bruce was a mystery to him. The man who’d taught him all the tricks to pick apart any mystery. Except himself.

“No idea. We played a prank on him and the Mansons at the gala like we told you last night?” He offered, already aware it wasn’t likely to be the answer.

Harley shook her head in agreement, which almost threw him off.

“Nah, you’re right. The whole making-out-in-a-closet shtick is classic, even if he didn’t see through it yet he’s never cared about you boys smoochin’ before,” she agreed, then sighed and tugged him in to press a kiss to his forehead.

“Whatever his problem is though, it is his problem Jason, an’ what he pulled at the gala has nothin’ t’ do with you or Danny. I already told ‘im off about not talkin’ to ya and I’m gonna do it again when I catch him. Right now I just wanna hear you say you know it ain’t your fault,” she told him firmly, cheeks held between both hands.

Jason fought the urge to roll his eyes. And the rising lump in his throat.

“I know Bruce’s bullshit isn’t my fault, Harley,” he grumbled through smushed lips. Harley squeezed his cheeks a little tighter.

“Then say it anyway. It ain’t your fault Brucie has a bug in his ass, and ya ain’t done anything wrong to deserve it.” She was firm as the wall behind him, utterly unrelenting.

And she could go on for hours, if memory served. Long enough for Danny to come out and see. That was why Jason told himself he gave in.

Nothing at all to do with the way her words ached and bled a gentle warmth into the icy void in his gut where the anger still roiled.

“It’s not my fault B’s got the emotional capacity of a wet newspaper. I don’t deserve his helicopter bullshit any more than anyone else,” he told her obediently, doing his best not to be too sarcastic.

Harley placed a kiss on his nose and released him.

“That’s my good boy. Now, more about this haunted thing. You boys got a plan?” She asked sharply, head cocked as she watched his face.

Cheeks red, Jason leaned back against his wall and pretended it made him out of reach.

“We do,” he said curtly, looking down at the trash strewn ground. Trying to explain it now would take too long, Danny would be out soon.

Of course Harley noticed, nodding thoughtfully and leaning back, kicking her legs.

“Well, if ya ever want to tell me more, you’ve got my number. An’ I’ll get Brucie off ya back for a while, even if I’ve gotta call in the Boy Scout. Whatever you aren’t tellin’ ‘im, don’t let ‘im rush ya,” she told him firmly. Jason had to smile.

“Aren’t you the one always telling us to communicate?” He asked half rhetorically. Harley grinned and hopped off her dumpster, making her way to the front of the alley.

“It only works if ya wait til you’re ready. Pushin’ an’ rushin’ only makes it worse,” she explained airily, stepping out into the street.

Turning, and freezing like a hound on a scent. Eyes narrowed, she patted Jason on the chest as he stepped out after her, not turning her head.

“Jason darlin’, be a dear an’ run get Auntie Harley her bat. The bike’s parked ‘round the back,” she said ever so sweetly, and that tone combined with the narrow eyed glare meant Jason knew exactly who she was looking at before he turned.

He did it anyway, eyes widening as he caught sight of Batman, in full gear, coming down the street towards them. Accompanied by John Fucking Constantine.

Had he seriously come to chase him away from Danny in person? In fucking costume?

The anger surged, his and the pit’s, held back only by the small woman in front of him. The dainty hand on his chest, that’d turn into an iron bar if he pushed it.

Sure, she couldn’t actually hold him back, but she didn’t need to. Whatever Jason wanted to say or do to Bruce, Harley could do a whole lot worse.

Anger melding into a vicious satisfaction, he turned straight back down the alley with a spring in his step.

————

Tag List: @welcometosasakiworld @kyrianclawraith @someonebored0100 @stealingyourbones s @starkcravingmad @frostedthroughghost @akikkobara @rainbowbunny0159 @littlefeather345 5 @violet-catsarelife @serasvictoria02 @wolfjackle @blacksea21090 @secretdestinywerewolf @anime-hipster-the-amazing @undead-essence @skitscratched @blackroserelina @snoodly-boop @trickerdi @mayoota-blog g @xysidhe @idkmrpianoman @little-apricot-the-writer @chaoticmistake @the-legal-shipper @bun-fish @aroranorth-west @demon-cat-goes-woof @perfectwastelandcreation @onyxlightdragon n @larks-and-katydids @peachesandcreamfemboy @jesus-camp-the-sequel @may-rbi i @mothman-the-mothman87 @viyatrix @stargirl1331 @idfk-man10 @thedepressedrobin @skulld3mort-1fan @rootsmudge @ravenshadow17 @cankoking @phantom-dc @mentalcarebear @magic-pincushion @redamancyardor @lyra689 @itsparadoxlacuna @alcorbearson @asphyxia778 @why-must-i-be-like-this @tkiesai @greenpyrowolf

[cebwrites]

Hi Cev!!!!! Kinda going off of the group chat last night, I would like to humbly request some wedding headcanons for Ace and any other characters you’re brain rotting for 🥰💖✨ It can be sfw or nsfw, go nuts 😘

a/n: you know i got you bestieeee <33

wedding headcannons (Ace, Law)

gn reader, masc reader (law) he/they law word count: 0.9k

Ace

He's having a big blow-out wedding for his beloved (either on ol' Pop's dime or paid with treasure he's pirated on his own adventures) and planning NONE of it, not if his love or Deuce can help it, anyway

Ace's instructions are firmly to show up on time, look hot, and get married - frankly he's more than fine with that so long as he gets to have his tits out at the ceremony

It's not like Ace doesn't want to help out with the organizing, the décor, the thises and thats; but you're also well aware that kind of minutia drives him up the wall, and Ace is grateful that he doesn't have to agonize over what the hell French Pink is and why is that comparable to salmon the fish (oh, Ace...)

It's the happiest day of his life, he's getting married to the person of his dreams!! You could tar and feather him - though a little uncomfortable and itchy and worried about the mess it'd leave on your outfit - and Ace would still be grinning ear to ear, sopping wet with muck at the altar

So really Ace is content with just sitting pretty, getting his face beat on the day of, and promptly ruining all that makeup by absolutely destroying the buffet table with his brothers

He also can and will fully bawl once the minister (Pops) announces that y'all are officially married, Ace held back and stiffed his lip through the vows but now that the knot is tied and you're all his (as if you weren't before), he's hugging you like his life depends on it and thanking you over and over for loving someone like him

Please dip this man low and kiss him sweet and carry him bridal style past the threshold he deserves it

In the modern universe, I think Ace would be the kind of person to get hammered right after high school and have a Vegas Elvis wedding with one of his friends before he's yelled at to get it annulled by the only responsible person in his friend group after a week of finding this the most hilarious thing on planet earth

He'd also maybe elope to get away from it all and then come back with your arm proudly around his waist and a big fat wedding band like "hi we got married it was great soz you couldn't come tho 💔"

Law

Trafalgar D. Water Law, as he is in the present, has no interest in marriage - between escaping Sabaody with their tails between their legs from admirals, to once again staring death down in the face of Big Mom and Kaido, they don't have the time to breathe let alone THINK about marriage

Being with their lover in the little moments of respite that he gets with him, holding him close and knowing that everyone on their ship is safe and alive, is already more than Law fearfully asks the malevolent fates for every single night

They have, however, officiated at least a handful of them

Law vividly remembers the morning that Penguin and Shachi came into their room nervous but obviously trying to hide their elation, they remember you playfully telling his childhood friends that this'd better be important if they were bold enough to disturb what little rest Law managed to get, sleep made your voice deeper than usual but the threat was betrayed by your bemusement - and then the warmth that quickly spread throughout the moderate little room you and Law cohabitated in the Tang when Shachi shakily announced that him and Penguin intended to get married, and how they both wanted their captain to officiate it

Law was happy for the boys but still grumbled underneath their breath about this being something that could wait until he'd gotten out of bed, a comment you pinched their cheek for in return; the ceremony was filled with raucous laughter, celebration, and joy between the newlyweds and their Heart-bound family

They gladly officiate a few more within the crew; some older members renewing their vows, the sheer force of Ikkaku's grin when she picked up her wife and spun her on the dancefloor - how Law's eyes were trained on you when you basked in the lovers' unbidden mirth

Law was up front about their intentions from the start with you, mentioning that a cushy picket fence life with 2.5 kids and a family pet just wasn't in the cards for them and these were the conditions for spending his life with yours; when you answer with relief and understanding, they're convinced you're The One just that much more

Maybe not now, maybe not any time soon and definitely still a hard no to parenting, but perhaps some time far in the future the cards would foresee a husband for them - and by god Law's hoping it's you because darling, you're perfect

In the modern universe they'd enter a civil union with their partner after close to a decade of living comfortably together - Law may or may not cry into his shoulder after it fully settles in on the car ride home staring at this little certificate that shows that their little partnership actually, you know, has to be recognized by the law

Pun intended, and he's thwacking you with the binder of documents later when you point that out

Bonus: Sabo is absolutely a bridezilla, no I will not be elaborating <3