#i want to study ya'll like a bug

[lewis-winters]

I still remember that poll I did where I was like "who's the bigger war criminal speirs or snafu?" and then speirs won.

[nerinefy]

.𖥔 ݁ ˖ A LIFE WITH HIM ; FT. some OVERBLOT BOYS .𖥔 ݁ ˖

★ synopsis: how will they be like as your partner?

★ details: you/yours | headcanon | too much fluff | 1,000+ words

✦ ┊RIDDLE ROSEHEARTS

PHYSICAL AFFECTION (GIVING & RECEIVING)

★ not too big on PDA, so expect that the most skin-to-skin contact you two can have outside is the occasional hand-holding. he likes it when he's the one initiating the gesture whenever you two are out and about since he still can't help but have the need to be in control even after his overblot (like leading you to places and making sure ur still by his side).

★ he doesn't admit it but he loves when you link your arm with his and nuzzle your face into his shoulder (although he will still scold you if you do it) ESPECIALLY when he's in a mood and is almost about to off the heads of some rule-breakers OR maybe when you're giving too much attention to a rando because he may not admit it but he's greedy and wants your eyes on him only (but he's a gentleman and will never speak about it, only dismissing his inappropriate thoughts.)

★ in private though he's just a snuggly little cuddle bug, even more so if he's tired or stressed or most likely both. so many responsibilities are piled up on his plate just in his second year so the only thing that keeps his shit together is your warm and loving embrace. HE'S A SMALL SPOON. NO BACKSIES, okay maybe he's a big spoon if you're the one who needs a little more loving.

GIFT-GIVING

★ i mean from the name itself ROSEHEARTS, roses are his go-to (he's corny but we love him like that), but if you have a different favorite flower then he'll get those, and if you're allergic he'll try to make those handmade ones! although a little sloppy, pretty successful for his first try. overall he likes giving the traditional gifts like bouquets, stuffed animals, and chocolates :) but if he gets to know you more it might be more personal and intimate stuff that fits your tastes, and of course, should be of use to you too.

THE SIMPLE THINGS

★ whenever you're stuck on a study session late at night he likes inviting you to take a break and brew some tea for you. he'll even share some sweets that Trey gave him. although he won't leave you alone after he finds you like that, instead he pulls out some reviewers he has and helps you work on whatever you find difficult to understand.

WORD AFFIRMATIONS

★ "Our race is nowhere near finished, so please my rose, stay strong, I know you can and want to do so. I am always by your side okay?"

✦ ┊LEONA KINGSCHOLAR

PHYSICAL AFFECTION (GIVING & RECEIVING)

★ hugs, hugs, and MORE HUGS. just lots of hugs! doesn't matter if he's a big spoon or small spoon, he needs you by his side 24/7, 365. he just has to have his scent all over you u know, half-breed things. this man is just lazing around anywhere so might as well bring his favorite pillow with him. and no, he doesn't care if you have class and need to take a test worth half your grade, he needs you more! ★ of course, he doesn't have long-ass hair for nothing, go be his peasant and brush it, most preferably with your fingers if he's having a good hair day. your soft fingers massaging his scalp are quite literally going to take him to heaven, and he'll have no regrets tho so go pocket something if that happens. ★ he doesn't pick favorites when it comes to giving and receiving physical affection, he just wants his hands all over you and if the job is done then he's good.

GIFT-GIVING

★ honestly man, i don't know with him. he's raised right so of course he gives you stuff like flowers and so on. on the other hand tho he isn't the type to know what you like and will most likely just ask you what you want him to give you. maybe he'll just take you to go fetch them at the store itself if he isn't sure. but on special days like your birthday or your anniversary (assuming ya'll would last more than a week), he actually tries and it's pretty sweet and more elaborate.

THE SIMPLE THINGS

★ whenever he's forcibly on a call with his brother, which surprisingly is turning into a regular thing, if Farena asks about how he's doing, Leona likely ends up only yapping about you. i mean yeah he missed his last test and he spent his allowance for the month in a week but does Farena know about the time you were mumbling Leona's name in your sleep? he will deny it if he's called out for doing so. NO, HE DID NOT PERIOD. *hangs up*

WORD AFFIRMATIONS

★ "Whatever you're thinking of, don't. It's stupid. As much as I don't like admitting this, you're strong, and even more than most beastmen if you set your mind to your goals."

✦ ┊AZUL ASHENGROTTO

PHYSICAL AFFECTION (GIVING & RECEIVING)

★ man's busy all the time so it's hard to get your hands on him. even if he's not busy, he will sprint for his life just to get away from you. not that he dislikes your affection, the concept is just a little foreign to him. give him time to adjust, then you'll find out how soft his tentacles are! ★ when he's actually busy and working on stuff in his office (when the time comes and he's comfortable) he likes it when you flop yourself on his lap and nuzzle into his chest. he feels guilty that he can't give full focus to you since his schedule truly is packed but you inviting yourself into his office at late hours of the day just to snuggle comforts and assures him in some way. he'll definitely find more time for you, he's trying his best lol! ★ overall he isn't one to initiate the touching even if he's fully vulnerable for you. idk too ask him about it. he's just happy you like him enough that you cling unto him. but if you ask him he may favor hand-holding the most, it may be the least contact but feeling your hand on his is enough for him.

GIFT-GIVING

★ HE KNOWS EVERYTHING. i'm not even kidding, even when it's no special day he'd likely buy stuff just because it reminded him of you or when you coincidentally need it which is pretty cute but can be a little creepy.

THE SIMPLE THINGS

★ i saw a fic back then that said he gives you some coupons and by some i mean a TON in hopes that you visit the Lounge and that is absolutely true. though he forgets you two are together and he can ask you nicely to come over but who can say no to 30% off all menu items?

WORD AFFIRMATIONS

★ "My, how could I ever deny what that cute head of yours and those strong arms of yours can do! You are a valuable asset to me...what kind of asset? Well...it's up to you to decide."

✦ ┊JAMIL VIPER

PHYSICAL AFFECTION (GIVING & RECIEVING)

★ he's also busy, honestly might be one of the, or if not the busiest of all of these guys. when you two have time to be together tho, even if he's knocked out and drained, he'll never show it. but i can say that's only during the early stages of your relationship with him and depending on how you two met. he likes to present himself in his best state and he really can't do so with his schedule so eventually he just melts and the next thing you know he's hugging you from the back any chance he gets and you feel his heartbeat turn slower by the minute. ★ for those moments that he sees you out and about though he likes patting your cute lil head, no matter what your height is. though he is trying to be a little adventurous with you so he leans in to caress your hair gently and suddenly you're met with a quick smooch. (only when there's no one else in sight so yeah adventurous my ass) ★ like leona, he loves it when you play with his hair, and he does not like to admit it. just remember to keep it neat and use a brush while you're at it, plus a facial and maybe a massage because i know those muscles are TIGHT.

GIFT-GIVING

★ his gifts reek of HANDMADE. idk he has those vibes. handmade flowers, or some origami of cute animals, but he likes giving you handwritten letters the most. it can be hard to communicate his real feelings to you so writing is a way for him to freely and easily express those feelings.

THE SIMPLE THINGS

★ whenever he cooks for Kalim or just whenever he cooks, he suddenly has some leftovers that he decided he'd pack up for you. can't bring himself up to say that excuse so he just gives it to you and walks away.

WORD AFFIRMATIONS

★ "Whining is useless. Do the things you're good at, stop worrying about the things you can't. Oh, I'm sorry...did that come off too harsh?"

★ author's note: congratulate me for coming back. BASK IN MY GLORIOUS PRESCENCE. (i missed u guys too ig)

©nerinefy 2023-2024 all rights reserved. do not plagiarize, repost, or translate.

[silassinclair]

Hi! It's me the "Maddox with a sassy y/n" annon. Omg i just saw your post and it made my Whole Week! 😭

Thank you so much!

Anyway, i have a new request (if that is alright). I saw that you have a yandere Boxer but i didn't see to much info on him.

Could we get an introduction or some information for him? I'm really curious.

As always, have great day/night! ✨

Sorry this took a while to answer, just came back from the Philippines and I saw this req in my inbox. I’ve been waiting to write for him so now I have the chance to!! Hope you like it :D Also the beginning of this is really long, boring, and angsty but bear with me ya'll :) Also the Russian is google translate so it may be inaccurate :(

Masterlist Here!!

Next Part Here!!

Yandere Boxer x Reader

Viktor Markov was not the man you thought he was; well, not anymore. You both were raised in a small eastern European town. Him being the boy next door; always covered in dirt and was the sweetest little boy who would bring you flowers and bugs that he found. And you were the weird little girl who would collect the rocks and flowers that he gifted you with a smile. So naturally the two of you became friends, two peas in a pod.

He always had your back and you always had his. Growing up together in eastern Europe was hard. Both of you came from a pretty rough neighborhood and home life but that didn't stop you two from being happy. After all you only needed each other. It was just you two against the world. And it was like that for years.

Well, that was until high school. Viktor stopped talking to you in Sophomore year. Your calls went ignored, socials un-interacted, and texts delivered. So you just gave up. You no longer chased after him or begged him to tell you what was wrong when all he did was give you a cold shoulder. And honestly, you just didn't want to be around him anymore.

He got in with a bad crowd. Some upperclassmen guys who would just skip class to smoke. And seeing your childhood best friend become one of them broke your heart. You tried, you really did. But instead the blonde snapped at you, telling you to stop acting like his Mother and that he didn't need you anymore. And he was right, Viktor was more grown up now. Hard jawline, firm muscles, and standing at a staggering 6'3 feet tall.

He didn't need your back anymore.

And you didn't need his.

High school was a blur. You kept to your studies and only had a small circle of friends that consisted of all girls who have all been friends longer than before you ever came around. You were the grass friend. They all walked on the sidewalk while you trailed behind to the side; always stepping in the mud and grass. They weren't really your friends, you just didn't want to be alone. And they didn't see you as a friend, they just didn't want you to be alone. Pitiful isn't it?

But none of it mattered. It was all over and done in the blink of an eye. After high school was university and in university was medical school and after medical school was a new beginning. Being a docotor was never really your dream. It was your parent's dream and they just wanted the best for their little girl. You didn't want to disapoint them and go to culinary school like what you really wanted. So you worked and went to med school at the same time.

It was hard. It really was. You have no friends, no social life, and no one has your back. Yet it's your job to have people's backs. Ironic and unfair. But that's life.

Money was getting tight. Paying off student loans and working multiple jobs was getting exhausting. Living? No, it felt like you were dying. But you got offered a job you could not refuse. A patient came into your office. It was an older man in his early 50s.

"You're quite quiet for a doctor." He says. "Shy thing are you?"

You give him a silent nod. Hopefully this conversation doesn't take the turn you don't want it to take. Getting harassed by patients as a woman doctor is scarily common.

"I need a doctor. One like you; diligent, quiet, and quite the eye candy. Work for me krasivyy (beautiful). The pay is better than working in this heap clinic."

You eye him oddlyand whisper, "Why do you need me? Do you want me to be one of those underworld doctors or something? If so then no. I won't be patching up assassins or serial killers."

The man laughs, his voice booming in the small examination room.

"No no. You won't be dealing with any of those type. But this still is underground as you say. I own an underground boxing ring. And I need a doctor to patch up my fighters. Illegal, but good pay no?

You thought about it for two minutes then finally gave your answer.

“When do I start?”

The man’s name is Radko. And right now you’re in his gym. It’s dark, stinky, and full of shirtless men training for their next match. You thought you felt out of place in school? Nope, this is 100x worse. And some of these guys are acting like they’ve never seen a woman before.

“Stop looking at me like that weirdo.” You think to yourself while walking past a guy on a bench who’s wiping the sweat off his chest. His hungry gaze on you sends shivers down your spine.

“Ignore their stares.” Radko puts a rough hand on your shoulder. “They’re not used to seeing pretty women.”

“Yeah I can see that.” You mutter.

You two stop in front of the door near the back of the gym. It says “Clinic” in front of the door. He opens the door and you’re greeted with a surprisingly clean office. Radko must have cleaned up a little when he knew you would be coming.

“This is where you’ll be. Some guys will walk in pretty roughed up. Just patch em up abd send them on their way. If any of em try anything with you, you tell me right away. Okay?”

Radko was like a Dad and you liked that about him. A pretty intimidating Dad who owns an illegal boxing ring but what does that matter. Doesn’t particularly make him a bad person.

“Okay. Thank you.” You say with a warm smile.

“Ah you’re so milyy (cute)! Please don’t quit within the first week, I don’t think my heart can handle it if you go.” Radko says and hugs you. You give the big man a pat on the back in return.

“I’ll leave you to it now. You’ll receive your pay bi-weekly. See you now.”

And with that you were left alone. You were left in a small private clinic you could call your own. Maybe this job wouldn’t be as bad as you thought? But all positive thoughts flew out the window when your first patient of the day walked in.

Tall, pale, short blonde hair, scarred torso, muscle on muscle, and piercing blue eyes. All features of someone whom you thought you would never see again. Who you never wanted to see again.

“Kroshechnyy?” (Tiny)

God that nick name. There was a time it would make you smile and laugh. But now it just pissed you off. He had the audacity to call you that as if you two were still buddy buddy? No, fuck that. Fuck him.

“It’s Y/n to you now. What do you want Viktor?”

The man’s face creased with pain. Not physical, no, something worse.

“What are you doing here? This place isn’t for you.” His voice was a deeper timbre from when you last spoke to him Sophomore year. He walks closer to you and you can smell his sweat from training but also… Jean Paul Gaultier? Why would you wear designer fragrance at a gym? Weirdo.

Little did you know when he saw you walk in the gym he immediately raced to the locker room to freshen up and see you.

“I’m a doctor. I got a side job from Radko.” You explain swiftly. “If you’re uninjured then please leave. Other patients may come in with actual reasons to see me.”

Rather than face to face you’re face to chest with him. How the hell did he get so tall? You crane your neck up to meet his eyes.

His expression stiffens. His usual cold demeanor returns.

“You shouldn’t be here. This place isn’t for you. It’s dangerous.”

You roll your eyes. “I think I can manage. Now please leave me alone. You’re the last person I ever want to see.”

Viktor ignores the comment and his gaze remains ice cold. You nearly shiver, did the room temperature drop?

“Stop acting childish. Tell Rad that you quit.”

“But I’m not quitting.”

He steps closer.

“I’ll make you.”

“And what are you gonna do?”

He bends down to your level and scoffs.

“I don’t need to lift a finger. You’ll get scared and run off with your tail between those little legs of yours. These men here will eat you alive.”

Did he not think you knew that before you signed up for all this? You were aware of what you walked into. Underground gym, surrounded by men, all physically fit to the max. They could rip you in half. But you needed this job. There wasn’t time to be afraid.

“Yeah yeah I know. I don’t need your lecture. Now get out before I tell Radko.”

Viktor leans closer. His nose mere centimeters from yours.

“Don’t come crying to me when you get hurt.”

“If I get hurt then I’ll just patch myself up. I didn’t go through 4 years of med school just to cry when I’m in pain.”

The tall Russian growls lowly to himself and leaves, not before slamming the door of course.

“Fuck…”

This new job of yours just got worse tenfold.

It’s been about two weeks since you started working here. And you’ve met all of Radko’s men. They weren’t as bad as you thought they would be. Yeah they would flirt with you but not in the gross way. They knew when to quit.

Well, all of them except for Vladimir. The same one who eyed you like a piece of meat the first day you came here. Everyday he would come to the clinic to shoot his shot. And everyday you turned him down.

“Little kotenok (kitten) is still feisty.” Vladimir clicks his tongue. He manspreads in the examination chair, flexing his ab muscles and turning his head to the side to show off his impressive jawline. But all it does is un-impress you.

“If you’re going to waste my time like this everyday then I’m going to tell Radko.” You firmly state and cross your arms.

Like a kicked puppy the boxer whines, “Nooooo. I’m sorry please don’t kick me out. This is the only room besides Coach’s that is air conditioned.”

You can’t help but chuckle at that.

“Not my problem, do an ice bath or something.”

Vladimir chuckles and goes to say something else but stops himself when he sees and hears the door open. You also turn your attention to the door, wondering who it is and why they didn’t knock.

“Get out.” Viktor says. His voice like stone, as is his glare. His bloody swollen eye only ads to his intimidating aura.

Vladimir gets out of the chair and groans. “Way to be a cockblock Vicky.” He says mockingly.

You were about to shoot in and say how there was no way you would give him the light of day but Viktor had other plans. His fist makes contact with Vladimir’s abdomen with a mean punch. Making the other man wheeze and keel over in pain.

“Get the fuck out.” Viktor grabs him by the hair and kicks him out of the office. Literally. The door then slams shut, leaving you alone with your heated childhood friend.

“Thanks…” You mutter. Unable to look into his eyes, well… eye. The other is swollen shut.

He grunts and sits on the examination bed. Getting into doctor mode you walk over to Viktor and assess the damage. There’s a few bruises on his ribs but his eyes seem to be the worst. Delicately you touch part of the bruised eye and he inwardly flinches, making you draw your hand back in an instant.

“What happened?” You softly ask.

“Alexei sucker punched me. Dick.”

You stifle a laugh, making your patient deadpan. “Typical Alexi. I’ll tell him off the next time he comes in here complaining about his stomach aches.”

Viktor and you are silent when you rub ointment on his bruises. After the ointment is all done you hand him an icepack.

“Use this for the eye.”

He nods and thanks you with a silent nod. Then, he leaves just like that.

After that you would see more of Viktor and less Vladimir. To be honest you’ve been seeing less of everyone. Everyday Viktor came in with new reasons to come to you. Headaches, head trauma, bruises, scratches, and the worst was a dislocation.

“What is it this time?” You don’t even need to face the door to know who it is.

“He needs help!”

You whip around immediately, nearly spilling your coffee. You see Alexi and Cain at the door and draped over their shoulders is an unconscious Vladimir. You run over to them and tell them to lay Vladimir down on the bed gently while you assess his condition.

“What happened!?” You say worriedly. He was barely breathing. You begin doing chest compressions.

“We found him outside. Some of those bastards from west gym probably did this to him…” Cain says, his eyes are full of rage.

The compressions aren’t working. So instead you ready up the life support. He won’t last long with traumatic brain injuries like this.

“What’s gonna happen to him Doc?” Alexi sounds the most worried. He’s just a kid, only being 17.

“I’m putting him under life support.” And it was damn hard to do it on your own.

“Thank you.” Cain says. He puts a hand on the small of Alexi’s back. “Let’s leave her alone. She’s busy.”

The two men leave. Leaving you alone with Vladimir who has one foot in hell. No offense Vladimir, but no way you’re going to heaven. All day you stay by Vladimir’s side. Other men come in to check on him or get patch ups. And you go about your job, leaving the unconscious man to rest on the bed.

If I knew she would be stuck to his side like glue then I never would have beaten the fucker half to death. The plan was to kill him but the stubborn bastard just didn’t want to die. I watch Y/n from outside the clinic. The window’s blinds are open. She’s so close yet so far; always out of my reach. Part of it is my fault. I was the one who pushed her away after all.

But I had no choice. I didn’t want her involved with the people I was involved with in high school. I needed them in order to get some side jobs. Hell, a couple of them box for Radko too at this gym. I thought Y/n would be gone from my life for good, but I was wrong. I thought God was punishing me for the things I have done but it seems like he took pity on me just this once by bringing her back to me and letting me have a second chance.

But so far I’m making no progress. What even is love? I know I love her but I don’t know how. All I know is that I need to protect her from all the wolves here. I already staked my claim on her but one fucker didn’t want to listen. Vladimir, that egotistical thorn in my side. The next chance I get I'll kill him for good. It's not like this is my first time killing for her after all.

High school was when I first took someone's life. Some upperclassman bitch was harassing Y/n. I couldn't stand watching her suffer. And I couldn't comfort her like before when we were young; by this time I already cut off Y/n for good. But I knew there was something I could do. So I killed her. And I killed anyone who dared breathe Y/n's name wrong.

I'll do whatever I can to protect the love of my life. Slowly, little by little, I'll win her back. She'll be mine again and we'll be even closer than friends. But for now I'll do what I can to keep her safe from the sidelines. Even if it means she'll find out and hate me forever.

[sky-fire-forever]

Ya'll need to learn to love more than one character. Like someone loving a certain character does not take away your ability to love a different character or even their ability to love a different character

Izzy's my favorite character, yeah. But why are people assuming I hate Ed?? I fucking love Ed. I adore him so much. He's so baby girl. He tries so hard to be good and a lot of his worse actions are fuelled by his self-hatred and loss. He's fascinating to me and I want to study him like a bug. The way he distances himself from his cruelty ("technically the fire killed those guys") and how he presents himself differently to different people (the party boy to Jack, the sensitive sap with Stede, the ruthless captain to Izzy) are both things that I fucking love analyzing and talk about to my partner constantly. I love how hard he tries to be a good person! I love how he is slowly learning how to care about people on their terms instead of his own. I love his growth and how much he WANTS to grow

You know who else I love? Stede! His compassion and care for the people around him is so touching and I love that he takes so much pleasure in the little things. I love how we've watched his confidence build since the first episode, where he was constantly panicked and nervous, to a capable captain who still loves his crew but will defend himself and won't take as much shit from people like Nigel. He'll defend his crew instead of hiding like a coward. I love how he delights in details like fancy wardrobes and a cursed suit because he takes pleasure in small things like that! In marmalade and puzzle chests. He's a sweetheart and he rejects the idea that he has to be cruel to be capable

Oluwande was my favorite character when I first watched season one (though I dislike a lot of his season two writing because it feels like they dumbed him down) because he's kind and very intelligent. He cares a lot for the crew and he's extremely capable while also being a little goofy and being soooo bad at addressing his feelings. I love that he was so obviously in love with Jim, but had that first instinct of denying it if questioned because that's so often how crushes work! His little "What? No! Shut up!" When the chief pointed out his feelings for Jim still makes me giggle. He's a little awkward, but he's sweet and he's supportive. He also can be a little shit when he wants to be, like when he basically made Jim confront their past because he was petty about them not telling him about it. He's always got people's backs and there's a reason he was chosen to be the captain during the Izzy mutiny.

Jim is a character who means SO much to me as a trans person. Their arc is so special to me and they're also just... so fucking cool. I love their journey of figuring out who they're supposed to be versus who they WANT to be. Their struggle with what's expected of them and them wondering if they even want what they thought they wanted is so touching. Them defending Izzy is actually so great to me because it shows their loyalty and their need to defend their family. It didn't have to be Izzy, it could be any member of the crew and they would have their back. Because that's what family means to them. "Our dick" says a lot about them, as does their little "He was your friend" line. Jim cares about people even when they're quiter and more closed off. Hell, they stabbed a man in the first episode for insulting Frenchie and they didn't even talk yet! Them being the one to tell the Pinocchio story to Fang was so great because it shows just how soft they really are and want to be.

Speaking of, I also adore Fang so so so much. He's such a sweetheart and he's sensitive and he cares so, so much about his friends. He's a big softie and I wanna hug him. I bet he gives such great hugs. As soon as he's given the allowance to be soft, he takes it. He misses his dog that Ed forced him to kill (which I feel like no one talks about?) and gets blushy and giggly about Lucius finding him attractive. He's just!! So fantastic

I wish we knew more about Ivan because I love him and I have so much fun imagining stuff about him. Like how I hc him as a trans woman

Archie as a character is so fun and I wish wish wish we got more of her because I fucking LOVE everything about her. She's so fun to watch and I want to know how she gets along with Oluwande and I want to see her interact with the rest of the crew so badly. The way she fell in love with Jim because of their hope makes me CRY. I love that she kisses Jim while they're covered in blood and there's a rotten leg like a foot away and she doesn't care. I love her energy and her excitement and every scene with her just makes me grin like an idiot. I'm still so mad about the season being cut because I feel like we could have gotten more scenes with her

Roach is fucking great. My partner and I will quote "meat is meat" at each other constantly. He's so ridiculous and I love him. I love how obsessed with Zheng's soup he is. I love his bitchy "how am I supposed to cook here?" when Stede moves them to live under a bridge. I love how chill he is and the faces he makes when he's reacting to things. He's so funny and I love him

Frenchie is my fucking beloved. His mind box is something I think about so often. How he doesn't want to think about all that has happened to him, but doesn't. How hurt he is. How he fucking deserves every bit of becoming captain of his own ship. The fact that he sings and plays an instrument (I do not know what specific instrument he plays. Is it a ukulele?) and sings about how they're all gonna die with a grin on his face. He's a dork and I love how he hides Izzy at great risk to himself because he cares about his family as much as Jim does. The way he expdcts Ed to kill him and basically offers to do it for him just to get it over with (if I'm remembering correctly). I love his superstition and how he believes it's supported by fact! I think his superstitious beliefs are so, so interesting and I want to know where he learned them.

Wee John is so fucking great. How long has he been doing drag? What happened to his mother with whom he used to make dresses? I need to know! I love that he just wants to set things on fire all the time. I love his line about "I'd love to be stabbed by Jim". I love all of him! He's such a fun character

I love Lucius and how trauma genuinely changes him. He's a bitch and he's petty and he loves gossip. He's the first person to insert himself into a shitty breakup, helping both Stede and Ed at different points. Him keeping Jim's sex a secret and him helping both Stede and Ed is so interesting to me! He's a supportive friend and he's a slut (affectionate) and he's a bitch (affectionate) and everything about him makes me obsessed. I like that Stede has to talk to him about opening up about his trauma! I like that Lucius genuinely loves Pete and how his trauma has made him more bitter. I love how he's still the first person to call bullshit on Ed.

Black Pete actually used to annoy me, but he's grown on me. I love that he's such a dork who struggles with insecurity to the point of making shit up about himself. I love how much he loves Lucius! I fucking adore his one-liners and his delivery of them. He's so fucking funny

I could spend fucking hours talking about Mary Bonnet. I love her so much. Everything about her makes me feral. How she refuses to take Stede's bullshit. Her paintings! Her relationship with Doug that seems so fucking sweet. I love this woman. Please bring Mary back. Please. I'm begging

Buttons is Buttons. Everything about him is fucking fantastic and I want to chew on him like a chew toy

Me enjoying a certain character does not take away from my absolute love of other characters. I tend to talk about Izzy most because I find active displays of tragedy more interesting and Izzy and Ed are the most outwardly angsty characters (which is also why I'm usually talking about Kraken Era Ed when I discuss him). They outwardly express more dramatic feelings rather than characters like Stede or Frenchie who bury a lot of those feelings or express them in different ways. Izzy is from the dramatic genre and I love dramas. Comedy writing is not my specialty

But I can recognize that while I think about other characters a lot, I don't talk about them as often. So expect more metas and discussion of more characters in the future (hopefully. I just write things as I think of them and them to my queue tbh)

[hanayori89]

✨🐺Sparks Between Fang Marks: The Final Bite✨🐺

  Shad sat across from Link. His blue eyes were wide from all the wisdom he'd accrued from the many books he'd devoured throughout his studies. His glasses slid down his nose. With a nudge from his fingers, he pushed them upward, focusing his gaze on Link.

"I think it is credible to believe the Oocca played a part in the formation of Hyrule, or at least its government. The sky beings are often discredited for their contributions. "

From behind Shad, you continued to graze at the bar, stifling a yawn.

You caught a glimpse of Link's head beginning to dip, his eyes fighting against sleep. You knocked over your glass from the bar. It shattered against the floor, disturbing the pillow prince from his table slumber. His eyes settled on the broken glass by your feet, unamused.

"Oh, how clumsy of me!" Your glossy eyelashes batted with contrived innocence at the annoyed bartender.

Shad cleared his throat. " As I was saying, Link, you met the Oocca; tell me what is your thought process? How did the ancient beings of the sky shape the Hyrule we know? I'd love a thesis statement from you."

He sighed at yet another dud of a date sitting across from him. "Shad, while I find our conversation riveting, I'm actually waiting on a date. Could we continue some other time?"

"Oh, where are my manners? Forgive me, Link, but I am your date. I suppose I just got a little too intellectually stimulated." A coquettish wink fluttered over Shad's right eye. Link grabbed his water, guzzling it.

He wiped his wet lips with the back of his hand, peering at you. He discreetly began to shake his fist at you from beneath the table. You knew then that not even Hylia's protection would be enough if you encountered wolf link again.

You avoided Link's silent threats, noticing a flash of sunlight from the tavern door opening and illuminating the dim bar. Hena stepped inside, her waders dripping wet from whatever fishing exhibition she had just embarked on.

She walked over toward Link's table, unclipping them and letting them fall to the ground in a soggy pile.

He groaned. "Don't tell me..."

"Hi Link! Sorry, I didn't have time to dry off for the date!" She grabbed a soaked, brown tendril of hair from beneath her bucket hat, tucking it back under. "I see you already have a guest."

Shad stood, grabbing another chair for Hena. "Please join us. We were just having an open discussion about the Oocca."

Telma glided by with a tray balanced on her palm. "Just so ya'll know, sugar ain't lookin' for lovin' serious inquiries only." She let out a hearty chortle as she slammed some mugs onto the table.

Shad turned toward Link. "Link, what does she mean by that? Why did you ask for a date then?"

Hena chimed in. "Should I not be here? I just thought you were kind of cute, and you're a pretty good fisherman. The worst that could happen is that I gain a fishing buddy."

Agitha strolled over, hugging her box of pet roaches. "Well, it looks like I won't have a bug buddy. I've decided Link is overrated anyway." She grabbed the skin beneath her eye, tugging it downward in Link's direction.

"He doesn't seem invested in our conversation." Shad agreed.

"And he doesn't want sex." Telma breathed down the back of his neck.

"Does he even want to be on these dates with us? Do you even know what you want, Link?" Hena questioned.

From across the room, you noticed Link grow flustered as he was bombarded by the fatal four known as Telma, Agitha, Shad, and Hena. You got up, ready to come to his aid, until you noticed another person join the free for all for Link's heart.

"He's looking for love." Princess Zelda stood behind Link; a soldier fastened to each of her sides. "Guards." With a knowing look, they scattered to the corners of the bar to keep watch without invading the princess's space.

"Always nice for you to visit, Princess. I'll be back with some refreshments." Telma put her head down, staggering away with her empty tray.

Shad pushed his chair out, greeting her with a curt bow. "Yes, I must take my leave also. Your majesty."

"You look very pretty today, Princess Zelda. As always." Agitha chirped. "I'm going to just go play with these outside. Ahem." Link's skin prickled beneath his tunic, listening to the sounds of the roaches crawling in the box. She turned toward him, once again tugging the skin beneath her eye downward and poking her tongue out at him before skipping off.

Hena got up, grabbing her wet waders from the floor. She followed Shad's example, providing a bow of reverence. "Your highness. I hope the fish distribution has been to your liking. Your presence has reminded me I should probably head back to the lake."

Everyone had scattered like mice running from a light being turned on. That was one definitive perk of being a royal. Zelda took a seat across from Link.

"Did Y/N convince you to date me too?"

She repressed a smile. "A date? No, I'm afraid I'm here on business. Is Y/N present? I'm still waiting on an update from her research. That crowd was here to date you?"

You observed from afar. A different version of her highness sat on that wobbly bar chair. Her usual rigid posture was now relaxed in the form of slouched pauldrons. Her crossed leg bobbed beneath her dress. She threw her head back, laughing.

What caught you by surprise even more was Link, who was also laughing.

Could it be? You found the one who would cure his curse?

Their lips seemed to move with such velocity. Conversation flowed with the harmonious force of water bustling through a reservoir. With each bursting laugh from their table, your chest tightened.  The air in the bar became stale. A pulsating migraine above your left eye made itself known. You slipped through the random bodies littered around the tavern, escaping outside.

The job was done.

But now there appears to be a new job for you to complete.

And that would be nursing your broken heart.

                      ✨✨✨🐺✨✨✨

The moon played a melody with each beam that strummed against the ruffled surface of the Ordon spring.

You stared at it, your thoughts jumbled, and your heart empty. Why had you allowed yourself to get so close to him? This pain was inevitable, and as far as you were concerned, you deserved it.

A thought came to you then. If this spring could heal, did that also apply to broken hearts?

You ripped your clothes off, leaving nothing but your bra and panties. You heard a bush rustle, your breath tight in your throat. Only this time, it was actually a squirrel.

You wandered into the spring; its tepid temperature was perfect for you to float in a meditative trance.

You tried to focus on your breathing. But every time you erased a thought of Link, two more of him with Zelda would pop up. You could feel the same putrid acid flare in your throat and trickle into your mouth.

Ok, so the spring couldn't heal broken hearts. Noted. You flipped over onto your stomach and submerged yourself in the water, reemerging with a gasp.

"Y/N?"

You splashed with a scare. You rubbed the water droplets from your eyes as you saw Link watching you, baffled.

"Link! What are you doing? Why are you not with Zelda??" You slapped the water and created a miniature tidal wave that slammed into him.

"You went swimming and didn't invite me? After everything you put me through?" Link pulled his tunic off, flinging it off into the distance. He continued to undress.

You splashed around like a panicked duckling who couldn't swim. "What are you doing?" You squawked.

"Going swimming. Obviously." His gambeson and chainmail were in rumpled piles by his feet. He plopped down and began to pull his boots off. You turned away before you saw him remove his pants. But not before allowing yourself a brief glimpse of his gracious muscles, which you first noticed when you met. Then you felt a tsunami of water crash into you as Link cannonballed into the spring.

"Link." You assaulted him with a series of angry splashes. "You didn't answer me! Why are you not with Zelda?"

Link broke through the spring beside you, wiping water from his face. "Why would I be? And why did you leave without a single word?" He gave you a weak counter splash back.

"I did my job."

"Ah, so I'm just a job to you?" Link floated closer.

"No, what I meant to say was-"

"And even if I'm just some 'job', you failed to even do it right." He kept his lips hidden beneath the water as he now floated in front of you. His eyes and their reflection examined you. Your despondency was more transparent than the water of the spring.

"I thought maybe Zelda was the one."

"What brought you to that conclusion?"

You didn't speak. You knew anything you would respond with would sound foolish. He grabbed your chin, forcing you to meet his eyes.

"I'm waiting."

"It's just, you both look good together." You felt your eyes become unrestrained in their blinking of tears.

"Just because people look good together doesn't mean they feel good together. Is that your only deduction as to why you thought Zelda was the one?"

"It doesn't matter what I think, Link. My job was to help you break the curse." You countered in a tone that was a tad bit defensive. You caught something floating in the water behind Link that stole your breath.

There beneath the moon was a fluffy, gray-coated tail. It swished back and forth behind him.

"Link!" You began to flounder in the spring. "Why did you come here knowing you would transform?"

The slight protruding canine dropped lower, sharp against his bottom lip. He began to hunch over, his hands on his abdomen. "You had one job, Y/N. Now it looks like I'll have to do the work." He glowered.

"Link, I'm so sorry that I failed you." He lifted his hands onto your cheeks; the backs of them had spiny gray hairs prickling through the follicles.

"You didn't fail. You just forgot to give me the final date."

Both of your chins floated above the surface of the spring. You couldn't tear your eyes from the sharp teeth adorning the curl of his snarling lips.

But beneath it all, you saw Link's gentle eyes still holding onto you. He was still holding on.

"What final date?" You were puzzled.

He lunged forward, his nails slightly digging into your cheeks as he brought your face into his.

You began to scream.

Only for the feeling of hard lips to silence you. Your hands rested on his chest, slapping him away from your perceived attack. With a final thump of your fist against his chest, you surrendered. You took your arm, wrapping it around his waist, your eyes opening when you realized you didn't feel the tail that was behind him.

Link's eyes remained closed, soaking up the taste of you. You felt a warm trickle of something run down your chin. When you looked down, you realized his canine had punctured your bottom lip. You reached your tongue across his teeth, a hankering to feel them possessed you.

The canines had vanished.

He lowered his hands from your cheeks, gliding down your neck and shoulders, until they found your hips. He held you in place, still not breaking the kiss.

You trailed your fingers down his chest and laid your one hand on top of his.

The fur that had broken through his skin was now gone.

He wasn't going to transform. He wasn't going to become the beast of Twilight.

So then, did that mean that you were the one?

Link finally broke the kiss, and you both parted, gasping for air. A smirk that disappeared into his cheeks appeared. "I told you there was no reason for all that torture."

You grappled him in your arms, holding onto his neck and burying your face into him. "So do you still think Zelda is the one?" It wasn't really a question, but a dare.

He let his hands flow up your curves until they rested in the middle of your back, pinning you further against him.

"You're cured." You murmured into the base of his neck.

He grabbed your chin again, raising your face toward his once more.

"Almost." He lapped at your chin with a few strokes of his tongue.

"What are you-"

He gave you an impish grin. "There was blood in your teeth."

You investigated your teeth with your tongue, stopping when you felt a sharp poke from your canine against its tip. Link danced his fingers up the side of your face, sliding them behind your ear and gently scratching it.

Beneath the spring, your foot twitched.

Edited:11/16/2023

[lovemesomesurveys]

Hey, ya'll. I'm not sure who's still here in our little survey community, but I thought I'd update anyone who happens to see this and has been following me for awhile that I just got home a couple days after 3 weeks in the hospital. I had surgery and some scary setbacks during that stay, but I'm doing okay now. Anyway, surveys should resume again more regularly now.

Do you prefer hardly toasted at all or burnt toast? I like it golden. I don't want a burnt brick or basically just a piece of bread.

What time do you have to be out of bed by on a typical day? I don't have a specific time I have to be out of bed by.

When was the last time you cleaned your bedroom? Me, personally, it's been awhile. I've had to have help from my mom and aunt cause I haven't been able to do it.

In real life do you laugh like 'haha', 'hehe' or something else? I guess it's a 'haha.'

Do you know anyone who says things like 'lol' in real life? No.

Do you have any unusual skills? >> not sure I have any usual skills even <<<<

Do you have any bug bites right now? Nope.

Is there anything annoying you at the moment? I have a nagging cough that I've had for like 2 1/2 weeks.

Who's your favourite person? My loved ones.

Are you more of a cat or dog person? I'm definitely a dog person.

Do you live out of the nearest town? Huh?

Do you like to look at other peoples' houses? When they're decorated for the holidays.

Are there any chores you actually enjoy doing? Uh, no.

What's the weirdest compliment you've ever received? "You're really pretty for having polio." Yes, someone actually said that to me. I'm in a wheelchair, but I don't have polio. Also, what does one have to do with the other? It was seriously a WTF moment.

Do you remember all those rhymes like 'i before e except after c'? I remember that one.

When did you last have an 'Oh, I get it now!' moment? Hm. I don't recall.

Would you say you're more witty or childish about jokes? I like punny, cheesy, corny, dad jokes lol.

Do you get on with boys or girls better? It depends on the person.

Do people often confide in you? Do you like it? Yeah. I don't mind.

Who is someone you really admire? My mom.

Do you prefer piano or guitar music? I enjoy both.

Do you like helium balloons? Uhhh, sure.

Have your parents ever suspected something untrue about you? Possibly.

Do you have any fears that seem weird to others? Yeah, like my fear of holes/clusters and killer whales.

Have you ever wished you'd been born someplace else? Yeah, I hate this city.

What d'you think about videogames? I like Mario Bros.

Are there any forms of art you personally find pointless? Like what?

What would you, or do you, study at college? I got my BA in psych.

Are you tired right now? Always.

Have you ever had, or wanted, a pet ferret? No.

Is there anything you find undeserving of the hype it received? Perhaps.

What's something you do a lot? I watch a lot of YouTube videos.

Are you currently on any other websites? I have YouTube opened as well.

Are you good at using Photoshop? I haven't used it in years, but I had grasped the ability to make gifs. They weren't the best, but I think they were okay.

What were you last embarrassed about? Meh.

Are there any clothing items you really want but can't find? Yeah. I haven't had a chance to look through my clothes in awhile.

Have you ever been told you naturally tilt your head a certain way? No, but I realized my head was tilt to the right as we speak.

What does your dream house look like? I want hardwood floors, spacious, big backyard, nice patio deck.

Do you wear a lot of make-up? Not at all. I rarely wear makeup.

Do you have any projects on the go right now? No.

What's a habit you find gross? Hmm.

Would you rather have a Poloroid or a Lomo camera? What's a lomo?

When was the last time you were jealous? I don't recall.

Are you one of those people who see things for sale and say 'I could've come up with that!'? No.

Do you, or did you, really look forward to when you can finally move away? My family and I would love to move away. We've wanted to for a long time, it just hasn't worked out.

Are you the one who holds everyone's bags at theme parks while they ride? Sometimes, cause it's a ride I don't want to ride.

What's the worst tattoo you've ever seen? Oh, I've seen numerous horrendous tattoos.

What's your favourite name ever? Hm.

Are you a hat person? Yeah.

When was the last time you were totally grossed out? A lot happens in hospitals.

Have you ever forgotten how to do something simple? Probably.

Are you ever jealous when you see couples or friends together? I've felt envious, sure.

Has anyone ever approached you in the street and asked to take your picture? No.

Have you ever disliked something just because most people liked it? Nah, I don't care about that. Just like I don't like something just cause it's trendy and popular. I like what I like.

Does anything hurt on you right now? Of course.

What song's stuck in your head? Mr Take Yo Bitch. lol.

Did anyone ever tell you that earwigs crawl into your ear while you sleep? STOPPPPP.

[velvetydream]

Protect me ; Hitoshi Shinsou x fem! Reader

a/n ; request by @cherry-bug ... I really had a tough time with comming up with a plot for this, so I hope you like it and that it turned out good! Uwu♡ Also I'm sorry that it took so long, but my mental health is at a pretty low point right now... I hope ya'll like it, even though I myself think it's pretty bad written...

Summary ; Shinsou always though you were the tough kind of girl and didn't need anyone to protect you. But as you were being bullied by some of the guys in your general studie class, you finally tell Shinsou you want to be protected.

Pairing ; Hitoshi Shinsou x fem! Reader

Word count ; 1159 words

Genre ; Fluff, Drama ➵ Wanrings ; Bullying

You admired Shinsou to the fullest, he was strong, had no fear and also wasn't bothered by the bullying he received from time to time.

Not like you, it really got to you when your classmates told you how useless you were, how you would never be a hero and the worst was when they would punch you merciless.

Shinsou always wondered how you got all these bruses, but since you two weren't that close, he though it was not his business to ask you about it and also, he saw you as a pretty tough person, so he though maybe you just were a bit clumsy and fell.

"Hitoshi, [Surename], please clean the room for today, then come to the sportsfield." Mr.Aizawa told both of you, making you nod and your bullys laugh.

"The two freaks together!" One of them laughs, as Aizawa already left the room, so they won't get in any trouble.

"S-Shut up.." You tell them, making the leader of them snicker.

"What do you want to do about it useless? Ask that villain to rescue you?" He laughs like a maniac, mocking both of you.

"Right now you guys are more villain than me.." Where Shinsous annoyed words, while he was cleaing the board.

"What did you just say?" One of the other guys, asked pissed.

"Are you deaf..? Y-You are the villains!" You tell them again, making the leader throw a punch at you and land it on your right cheek.

"That's it! How dare you hit someone innocent?!" Shinsou barks, looking furiously at the boys.

"Oh we-" The leader wanted to answer but he couldn't, because his eyes glossed over in white, signaling that he was being controled by Shinsou.

"Go to the teachers room and tell them what you just did." Shinsou says in a furious tone, making the leader walk out with his glossed eyes, the other boys running after him to get him to stop.

"Are you alright?" Shinsou asks with a pretty worried tone, walking over to you, to see if your cheek is alright.

"Yeah I think so.." You sigh, looking to the side, as Shinsou was inspecting your cheek.

"We should just get this done.." You mumble, walking to the front, so you can clean the rest, your back turned to Shinsou, that way you couldn't see his concerned expression.

From that day on, you don't really know why or how but, Shinsou was kind of around you almost all the time.

You never tried to talk to him, scared he would think of you as weak, because of the incident with theses bullys.

On the other hand, Shinsou started to watch over you, always brainwashing the guys when they got to close to him, cause of that ruthless behavior, Aizawa had to get him out of trouble quit a few times.

But the though, why you wouldn't do something about theses guys, was always on his mind, wondering why you let these people play around with you like that.

It was a friday, the second break, that means only two periods till this hell was over.

But of course, you couldn't enjoy your break, no.. these guys had to find you and be pissed to the maximum, after the last time Shinsou brainwashed them.

So what where you excactly doing right now? Running away from theses three, pissed guys, that where chasing you through the whole school, threatening you that they would finally get you.

You cursed youself when you felt yourseld run into a hard chest and fall to the ground, making the boys, who didn't look who the person was you run into, laugh.

"Are you alright?" You hear Shinsou soft voice, as he crouches down in front of you.

"Protect me.. Please Shinsou!" You finally tell him, falling against him, cause of your fear of these boys, laying your arms around his neck.

"It's alright.. I'll help you.." He softly tells you, standing up with your scared form and looking at the guys with a mad lock in his eyes.

"Seriously can't you idiots just fuck off? You're annoying as hell to deal with." Shinsou said with an annoyed face, having one of his arms around you, to give you the assurance that you are save.

"Then just leave and we can deal with that-" One of them wanted to answer, making Shinsou snicker and roll his eyes.

"You surely never learn, go to the teachers room and finally spill all the shit you ever did to Y/N." And immediately the leader walks away to the teachers room.

"Are you alright? I tried to look out for you these past weeks, but I guess it didn't work out that well.." Shinsou sighs, looking down at your smal frame.

"I-I'm sorry.. I'm always causing you trouble.." You whine, clinging on to Shinsou.

"You're not causing me trouble, these idiots are causing me trouble.." Shinsou tells you, running a hand through your hair.

He would've loved to tell you how he felt about you right now, but he had a feeling it was the wrong timing.

Present Mic was the one to get you two, so principal Nezu could talk with you two about this topic.

You explained everything, Shinsou was beside you the wholr time holding your hand. After explaining these boys were expelled from U.A.

You and Shinsou were getting closer to each other everyday and you were glad you could get closer to you hero, that would protect you from bad things.

After a few month Shinsou finally couldn't kerp his secret anymore and told you he loved you, you were so happy, since you aldo catched feelings for the purple haired boy in the last few month.

Now you two are together for three month now, no one ever bothered you again since Shinsou started to protect you and you are so glad to be able to call Shinsou your hero.

[Extended Ending]

"Hey Y/N-Chan!" Midoriya called out for you, as you were walking through thr halls of the stadium the second sports festival is held.

"Oh hey..!" You greet him, you meet Midoriya a few month ago and became great friends in that time.

"Isn't Shinsou with you?" He asks confused since you two were together almost all the time.

"Oh I was just on my way to him!" You tell him smiling brightly.

"Y/N.. is he bothering you?" Sounds Shinsous voice in the hallway, while footsteps are heard and how they make their way to you.

"N-No! Not at all!" You tell him, as Shinsou lays his arms protectively around you, looking at Midoriya.

One thing that also happened over these few month of dating was... that Shinsou got quit overprotective over you, you didn't really mind, if it wouldn't also be about your friends.

"Let's just go.. The others are probably waiting!" You tell both of them, with a nervous laugh, as Shinsou stares warningly at Midorya.

[applejacks1552]

Day 7 - Theme: AU for Rogue and Gambit week 2020

(Also Day 3 - Domesticity)

Entire story can be found here:

#Rogue/Gambitweek2020 #Rogue/Remyweek2020 #Romy #Rambit #AU #Gambit #Rogue

Children of X

CHAPTER 8

The sun was seated on the horizon with morning properly underway, as the twins strategically circled Gambit out on the dusty savannah. 

Becca, crouching slightly, cocked her head at Ollie moving her eyes just so, then lifted her chin to the right, communicating her intentions silently. Ollie scrunched his nose at her suggestion, shook his head no, and nodded upward to convey another meaning. Meanwhile, Remy stood stalk still between them grinning and at the ready, a blindfold tied snugly over his eyes.

Rogue and Storm sat off several yards away, resting casually on a sizable cluster of rocks located nearby the disguised entrance to the underground lair. They looked on with mild interest as the kids' “homework” commenced. The assignment for them was simple enough - steal the blindfold. Meanwhile, Remy's job was merely to evade their attempts without leaving the circle he had outlined in the dirt.

The twins rushed him together, Becca attempting a flying grab for his head, while Ollie tried to sweep his legs. Remy dodged them both, smoothly rolling to the left as the kids nearly collided in their enthusiasm.

He laughed, “Good try. But you’ll have to do better than dat.”

As they regrouped for another attempt, Rogue was engrossed with the Wakanden tablet Storm had lent her. She inserted the drive she had smuggled back from her mission and began pouring over a schematic, delighted to find she could pull it out into a 3-dimensional model with the advanced tech.

"Your next target?" Ororo inquired looking over with curiosity.

Rogue nodded, studying the model intensely with a furrowed brow, "Yeah."

Storm inspected the diagram, "Where is this exactly?" 

"Just South of Chenjianping ..." Rogue answered. "Looks like a run o’ the mill factory, but it goes a lot deeper down. See?" She gestured.

Storm nodded her agreement. "How many bases will this have been now?"

Rogue was thoughtful, recounting their targets, "We hit the one in Nebraska first. Wasn't much there anymore really. Still abandoned since it was originally blown up. Same goes for the one in the Kerguelen Islands an' the theatre in Seattle, … then there was Paris … Anchorage … All the connections were already closed, though."

“All this searching … when will you know it is enough?” Storm asked in her straightforward, placid manner.

Rogue scowled slightly, “When he’s gone. And for good this time.”

“Still X-Men. Even after all this time. Forever fighting the hopeless cause.” Storm observed with bemusement, looking back to the training session.

Rogue frowned. “Ah don’t like it any better than you do, ‘Ro. But there isn’t a lot of choice in the matter."

“That was not meant as a criticism, Rogue. Just that … I’m sorry it has come to all this. As X-Men, sacrificing all that we have … I had always hoped it meant we could find some peace in our time and that our children might do the same. That they’d be the ones to live in the dream.” Storm reflected wistfully. “They’re getting quite good though.” she nodded, as Becca finally managed to glance a thwarted grab off Gambit’s shoulder while he was avoiding another kick from Ollie.

“Dat’s my girl.” Remy encouraged. “C’mon now, Ollie. Get in here. Not gonna let your old man win now, are ya?"

Rogue smiled, glancing over. “It’s kind of amazing watchin’ them grow. Seein’ what they can do. Ah see myself in them sometimes, 'Ro.” She sighed. “But yeah ... then I wonder … are we doing right by them? Was it wrong of us, bringing kids into all this? The X-Men? The Thieves Guild? Spendin’ their whole life in hiding because of who and what we are?”

“As I recall,” Storm smirked, “It was not exactly as though you and Remy planned this out. Fate made the decision for you.”

Rogue laughed, “Well … fate or not … can’t say Ah wasn’t a willing participant.”

Storm echoed her laugh with a heartier one.

They turned their attention back to the skirmish, where the kids were still losing.

Rogue whistled to them and when they looked her way, she made a twirling signal with her finger. They nodded understanding and paused a moment. She bent down to scoop something up.

"Hey! No help from de peanut gallery!" Remy objected in her general direction.

Rogue skipped a stone past his left foot with a sly smirk and when his head turned toward the movement and sound, the kids pounced on him, barely missing this time.

Rogue and Storm shared another good laugh.

"Jus' tryin' ta even out the playin' field, sugah." Rogue hooted at him in a sweet molasses taunt.

Remy recovered from his sharp roll away, shook his head and smiled his devious smile, muttering to himself, “Dis woman”.

"Seven years is it now? And with the very man some said could never settle down.” Storm observed. “Yet here you both are. And in all this time you’ve been almost entirely on the run too. Hasn't that been difficult?”

Rogue watched as the sparring continued, “Can’t say it’s always been easy or anywhere near perfect. We're apart so often ... too often, really. An' the times when we are together, sometimes it's just about gettin’ through it all an' surviving. And sure, once in a while Ah kinda have the urge to knock him unconscious for maybe an hour or two.” She smirked, “But …” she looked back over as Remy dodged another of the kids’ attempts with a fancy flip and devil-may-care laugh. “Yeah, Ah don’t know what Ah’d do without him.”

“I imagine Remy would echo those sentiments. Even now, the man is still showing off for you.” Storm pointed out.

“Pfffhh, he’s showing off for whoever happens to be watching him.” Rogue noted wryly.

The kids had finally gotten ahold of Remy by each arm, but they still couldn’t actually bring him down low enough to grab the blindfold. Laughing he pulled them over into a heap where the lesson quickly devolved into an all-out tickle war. Though as his blindfold finally fell loose in the scuffle, Remy's eyes caught Rogue’s for a moment and the same intensity was still there between them. The same intensity that there had been back on the beach and ever since their reunion - the building anticipation they were both trying to stave off and ignore.

“Thanks for pulling some strings with T’Challa.” Rogue mentioned refocusing and rifling through the data some more. “Hope that didn’t cause anything … awkward?”

“We have an understanding.” Storm explained serenely. “Maybe you’d call it an arrangement? At any rate, there are some loyalties that can never be completely severed. When you've been as close as we have ... that's forever, regardless the circumstances.”

Rogue wasn't sure exactly of her meaning, but she understood the sentiment at any rate and nodded.

“Just let us know when ya'll need to kick us out.” Rogue answered. "Don’t want to overstay our welcome. What IS this place, anyway?"

"A safe house, of sorts. Or a secret rendezvous spot." Storm answered with a conspiratorial grin. "Depending on your point of view, I suppose."

Remy came walking over to join them, calling over this shoulder, “Why don't ya'll go play for a bit, D’Accord? Let the grown-ups talk awhile."

The kids grumbled about how they WERE grown up, but skittered off anyway eagerly looking for bugs to catch.

"Awww, non. Don' tell me you ladies are over here talkin' shop." Remy groaned, noticing Rogue with the building mock-up projecting from the tablet in her hands.

"Hey now, Ororo is nearly as expert a thief as you are. Ah just wanted to run this by -" Rogue started as Gambit sidled up next to her, his fingers settling hungrily between her bare shoulder blades, and tapped the schematic decisively off.

"The key there bein' nearly." he teased. "Now let’s get back to dat later, eh? How 'bout I go dig out the bottle of champagne I stashed in the fridge and we celebrate this fine reunion wit' a proper toast?"

"Remy, it's barely 7 am." Storm observed in a droll tone.

"Sure, on Wakandan time. But on California time, de night is young an' it's jus' about bedtime for some kids." he smirked, his eyes catching Rogue's again with that same fiery gaze. "Meanin' we can finally relax, neh? Be right back."

He hopped up and slipped into the nearby hideout before either of the women could object further.

Rogue shrugged and grinned after him. "We can get back to it tomorrow. But Ah think we'll need a different strategy for this target. It's one the X-Men have never encountered before and bigger. Ah'd really like your input, ‘Ro. An' Ah know Remy will too."

"Judging by the size alone, a one man mission will not be sufficient. But then what of the children?" Storm looked at her friend with concern.

"Well they ain't comin' with, obviously." Rogue acknowledged. "But yeah, we'll need to make some arrangements. There's no way Ah'm lettin' Remy run this next one solo though. An' Ah know he'll try."

Gambit re-emerged, champagne and flutes in hand. He passed the delicate glasses to Rogue. She cringed as he put his freed fingers to the top of the bottle to lightly charge the cork. It shot into the air and dissolved in a buzzing fushia fizz of sparks. 

"See? I've gotten pretty good at dis." he grinned triumphantly and took a glass from Rogue who raised an amused brow at him as he poured and offered the first glass to Storm.

She raised a hand palm out. "Thank you my friend, but I will have to pass."

"Aww c'mon, padnat. Not even one? Can't hardly toast our gracious host dis way." he said, laying on as much charm as possible while he passed the glass back to Rogue instead.

"I have my reasons, Remy LeBeau. Now if you want to be a true gentleman, there's a carafe of freshly squeezed juice in the kitchen." she admonished him a little sternly.

Gambit cocked his head at her, a little taken aback, but recovered to smoothly reply with an over-the-top, "As you wish." complete with mocking bow. He took an empty glass from Rogue and handed her the bottle, shooting her a contemplative look before retreating back to the kitchen.

Rogue glanced at Storm a little uncertainly and took a sip from her glass. Strong of principle though she was, Storm wasn't one to avoid indulging in the simple pleasures of life or to let Remy irritate her.

She was formulating something to say, when Becca slipped up onto her lap wrapping her arms around her mother's neck. Rogue reflexively pulled her baby girl in closer, setting the flute of champagne aside.

"Mama, can we go flyin'?" the little girl inquired sweetly, big eyes demanding her full attention.

Rogue pressed her forehead to her daughter's, rubbing turned-up nose to turned-up nose. "Ah dunno, sugah." She sighed.

Storm laughed with amusement. "So I see Remy has passed more than one of his skills on to the next generation?"

"Ah'll say. This one gives him a run for his money."

"Pllleeeaassee???" Becca laid on thicker and sweeter and was soon joined by a, "C'mon! Can we?" plead from Ollie.

"We're still under cover here." Rogue told them very seriously. "King T'Challa is doin' us a big favor lettin' us stay. So we can't do anything that's gonna attract too much attention."

"One moment, Anna. I think I can be of assistance." Storm interceded, hers eyes clouding over to a bright white and lifting her hands skyward. A thick fog swirled up out of thin air, then spread upward and outward to encase their entire camp in a tall hollow cylinder of cloud, hiding them from view for miles.

The kids looked around with an impressed "ooooohhhh" and ""aaawwww".

"Alright." Rogue caved, grinning at Storm as Ollie hopped up into her lap also. "But after this, it's to bed with the both of ya."

She tucked a child safely under each of her strong arms and they shot off into the sky with delighted squeals and whoops.

Storm was watching them with a satisfied and wistful smile, when Remy rejoined her. He handed her the glass of juice and took a seat, looking up to observe his family and admire Storm's handiwork.

"Thanks for dat, 'Ro. An' for everythin' else. So ... How far along are you, chére?" he asked, casually pouring himself some champagne.

Storm sipped her juice and swirled the glass thoughtfully, glancing sideways at Gambit to contemplate him, then finally answered. "A few months."

" ... A celebratory toast then?" Remy raised his glass slightly, but retained a sober tone.

"Perhaps in time, Remy." she answered with measured enthusiasm.

"... an' de father?" he started, trailing off before finishing the question.

"Doesn't know yet ... because I don't know for certain yet." she calmly explained.

Remy raised an eyebrow and nodded. "An' the King?"

"I'm not going to get into that now." Storm stated matter-of-factly.

"Sorry, chére. Dat things are ... complicated. Also means ya won't be joining us on dis next mission den." Remy took another long sip.

"No, I am afraid not." Storm nodded. "Can we keep this between us?"

"Sure. If dat's what you want. But Rogue's gonna wonder. Think she was hopin’ you'd come with me or her to China." he explained.

"I would not ask you to keep my secret from your own wife, Remy. But until I can tell the father of this child, it needs to stay between the three of us at least." Storm noted.

"We understan' more than most 'bout the need for discretion." Remy observed and gave her a reassuring smile. "If there's anything we can do ta help?"

"There is not. But I'm glad you are here." Storm looked skyward. "It does me good to see what this could look like ... in time."

"Not like you don' have a choice." Remy started.

"I have considered the options, my friend." She interupted. "But with so few mutants in the world, it seems wrong to deny this one a chance."

"The X-ranks be growin’ den, though maybe not in th' way ol' Chuck used ta recruit." Remy barked an ironic laugh.

Storm shot him a raised eyebrow, as Rogue suddenly lit down in their midst with two screaming kids.

"AGAIN!" they shouted in chorus.

"Nuh-uh! Nope! Ah said one ride and then ta bed." she metted out firmly. 

"Awwww. Bed?! But the sun is out!" Olivier argued, collapsing bonelessly to the ground in protest, and Becca piled on a sassy and exasperated, "Yeah!" throwing her hands up at the bright sky.

"Don't try my patience." Rogue shot them a look. "It's nearly midnight in California. C'mon now. Tell Miss Munroe thank you and goodnight."

"Thank you, Auntie Ro." Rebecca shot glumly and Ollie added a "G'night." pulling himself up as Rogue herded them toward the hideout entrance.

Remy stood, but Rogue insisted, "Let me get them ta bed, sugah. It's been such a long time since Ah got to. "

"Sure, chére. You get them settled. Then mebbe … we should be hittin’ the hay too, yeah?" his eyes caught hers again.

She grinned and cocked her head at him. "Maybe."

Storm followed their exchange, adding, "I think I'll see if Illyana will take me back to the States with her for the day. I need to catch up with a few people. Then you all can have a quiet place to rest."

"Oh ... uh, if you want to, 'Ro. But don't go on our account." Rogue answered a little self-conscientiously, tucking a loose lock of hair behind her ear.

"Nonsense. I will return later." Storm insisted with a knowing grin.

"Alright. Well, goodnight then. And thanks." Rogue answered gratefully. She glanced from Storm back to Remy, who had both kids wrapped up in a bear hug.

“G’night, mes petits.”

They scampered into the hut and down below. He watched Rogue follow them, looking back over her shoulder at him once more as she disappeared from sight. Then he looked back to find Ororo watching him watching her.

He smirked a little self-consciously, “What?”

“Nothing … just … I’m glad for you. For both of you. Some things, at least, don't change.”

CHAPTER 9

The twins were settled in a room down at the end of a hallway off the central room, one meant for sleeping a small garrison it seemed. Several individual beds were vertically and horizontally stacked like stair-step shelves that jutted out from the walls in a mysterious fashion, independent of any supports, railings or ladders. The ceiling and walls were inlaid with tiny periwinkle bioluminescent lights that faintly alternated in patterns that resembled flowers then trees then stars. Becca, still hyper off the adrenaline rush from flying with Rogue, was already having a grand time of flipping and swinging amongst the many beds like a spider monkey. Ollie had made a solid, but somewhat more cautious climb to the top most bunk, standing there like king of the mountain and surveying his new dominion. 

Rogue ordered them both back down to Earth and set Ollie to brushing his teeth at the basin, while she lovingly unwound Becca’s plaits and brushed out her fine, soft baby hair. It was more Remy's texture than hers, thicker and straighter than her own. It still impressed her that Remy had gotten accustomed to braiding it in her absence, though undoubtedly it was no challenge for his talented fingers. There was something unspoken between them … about the things they would carry on for each other in case there ever came a day when one of them didn’t return. Rogue found herself brushing longer than she need and stopped, giving her girl a gentle squeeze of affection. She never figured she’d be good at this … want this … miss this even.

Rogue helped the kids change into their night clothes, the simple garments already seemed worn and to be getting small on them. She would need to pick them up some new clothes soon. It was on her mind more so now than when she had left for her mission - how quickly they were growing. For mutants, growing meant getting closer to the day their powers would emerge in full. And for their children in particular, getting their full powers meant bringing them closer to the day they would be lost to their destiny. Rogue shuddered and pushed the thought from her mind. They weren’t there yet. There was still time. Time to make a difference. And time yet to enjoy all these little fleeting moments.

“What book are we reading then?” she asked, seating herself on the edge of a lower bunk.

"Here, Mama." Ollie pulled a beat-up volume from his bag and handed it to Rogue, climbing into the bunk where she sat. Becca scrambled in next to him. 

"Move over!"

"I was here first!"

"Alright, alright ... no fighting or no book." Rogue threatened half-seriously.

Becca stuck her tongue out at her brother, who crossed his arms and huffed at her, but Rogue ignored them.

She turned the novel over to read the cover and chuckled to herself with a roll of her eyes, "Of course ..." then she turned to where the bookmark rested. Pulling it out, she cleared her throat and started, "Chapter 4, The Keeper of The Keys".

The twins listened with rapt interest as she described the magical giant man breaking into the isolated safe house out on a stormy sea, the way he put the human oppressors in their place, and the good news he delivered to their protagonist.

"You're a wizard, Harry." Rogue read in her best Hagrid voice and continued through the chapter as he received his letter and arguing followed and -

"Why isn't there a special school for mutants?" Becca suddenly interjected, looking at Rogue with her piercing eyes.

Olivier, though annoyed at the interruption of the story, gawked contemplatively at Rogue as well, curious for her answer.

" ... well ... there used to be ..." she started.

"But there isn't anymore?" Ollie cocked his head.

" ... sort of ... " Rogue went forward cautiously.

"You mean there IS one?!" Becca sat up with excited interest.

"No, no ... just ... there's a place that ... well, that takes care of mutant kids who don't have anyone to look after them." Rogue explained.

The twins glanced to each other and back to their Mother.

"Don't they have parents?" Ollie wondered.

"They're orphans, right?" offered Becca.

"Lots of reasons." Rogue answered calmly. "Now how about we finish-"

"Is it big? Like Hogwarts?" Becca queried on with more excitement.

Rogue grumbled to herself and massaged her forehead. "No. It's very small and very secret."

"Like Hogwarts." Ollie whispered with awe.

"It's NOT like Hogwarts." Rogue insisted. "Now do ya want ta hear the rest of this story or not?"

Ollie bit his lip, but Becca just frowned thoughtfully.

After a pause filled with silence and giving an *ahem*, Rogue began to continue on with the story again, "Why aren't you supposed to do magic-"

"But WHY is the mutant school so small?" Becca interrupted again.

Rogue sighed and put the mark back in the book, this time closing it in her lap.

Ollie whined, but Rogue reached out to touch their faces and look them in the eyes as she said gently, "Because ... there aren't a lot of us left."

"But why?" Ollie asked, his small brow now also furrowed to match his sister's.

"It's complicated, darlin'. Mostly ... it's because people didn't want to have mutants born in their families a while back and they took a medicine to stop it from happening." Rogue told them honestly.

" ... oh ..." the little boy bowed his head.

"Hey now ... see here ..." Rogue pulled her babies into her lap. "That doesn't have anything to do with us, alright? People were just scared of what they didn't understand. Maybe there aren't a lot of us anymore. But we're not alone, ok? We have each other and we have friends, people like us."

The kids nodded. They'd met a slew of fellow mutants in their many travels.

“But there aren’t any other kids.” Becca pointed out.

“Sure there are, hon. Remember Josiah? When we were on Chandilar? That place with all the tall buildings?” Rogue asked.

The twins just looked at her blankly and Rogue frowned. “Well … ah guess maybe you were too young to remember. Anyway, the point is there are plenty of other mutant kids, just like you.”

“Do they look like us?” Ollie wondered.

“No, stupid. Everybody looks different. Right, Mama?” Becca insisted triumphantly.

“Hey now, don’t be mean to your brother.” She chastised. “An’ yes, everyone looks different and has different powers. Most kids don’t even have powers ‘til they’re older. Just like we talked about.”

“Can we meet them?” Becca was intense and excited again.

“Alright, alright … time to calm down, both of ya.” Rogue shushed them. “Ah’m sure you will sometime, but Ah ain’t makin’ any promises right now. Now lie down and not another peep until Ah finish this chapter.”

[lewis-winters]

i hate hbo war; stop making me want to analyze the american public's relationship to war and how it's reflected in their war media I'M NOT EVEN FUCKING AMERICAN!!