#i've never watched lower decks but um???

[nettlestingsoup]

i opened the star trek tag like huh you know what i should find some trek blogs to follow and what i find is that lower decks canonised garashir????

[harudnae]

Alright! Yesterday I posted hurt, let's balance that out with some fluff, shall we?

This is the last reader-insert I've wrapped up for the Great Draft Eradication Plan ✊

Today's fic is a Gaban x Reader one-shot! I'm amazed it took me so long to realize that I really enjoy writing the tension just before people realize their attraction to each other.

(And if you think I'm done with the Roger Pirates' Monster Trio you're mistaken. I have a mini-series that's almost done and it's next in the pipe 😏)

Also posted on AO3 on 2024.02.01

Rating: Teen

Pairing: Gaban x GN!Reader

Summary: Sometimes obliviousness can be cured with cold weather and some well-intentioned teasing.

Content warnings : fluff, obvious & oblivious crush, teasing (blame Rayleigh), no pronouns used for Reader, no body description either

Word count: ~700

❄️ Cold feet, warm heart

The Oro Jackson is getting closer to a winter island, you can tell by the way the air has been getting colder lately.

Everyone bundles in their coats and grab their blankets to roll into when they're on watch.

You don't mind much the lower temperature as you rest your elbows on the railing, breathing in the chilly sea breeze. The water around the ship seems silvery gray under the cloudy sky, and you wonder if it's going to snow soon. You shiver at a colder gust of wind. You'll grab your coat once you get back to the lower decks, for now you quickly rub your arms to stimulate your blood flow.

"Are you cold, (y/n)?"

You turn your head around to Gaban and shrug. "A little, but it's okay."

"Don't go and get sick , now." He shrugs his own coat off and wraps it around your shoulders. " There."

You blink as you absentmindedly curl into it, it's too big for your smaller frame but it only provides more warmth. " T hanks", you murmur, a shy smile on your lips as you bury your head into the collar. You never dared to hug him but it's the next best thing, with his body warmth and his scent all around you. You try your best to hide your heated cheeks as you snuggle into Gaban's coat, then you look back up at him.

He's leaning onto the railing now too, wearing warm clothes and a thick scarf to shield him from the cold.

"Aren't you going to be cold, too?"

He smiles. "Don't worry, I can stand much worse."

You exhale a quiet, "Okay." You gaze at him as he turns back to the sea, a content grin curving his lips.

"Ah! Finally!"

You turn around.

Rayleigh's a little further on the deck, smirking. "I was wondering when you'd get together, it's been long overdue."

Your cheeks heat up after he casually dropped that, and you squeak, "What!?"

Rayleigh's smile widens. "You're wearing his coat, that's cute."

Your ears are burning now, and you struggle to find a decent comeback.

Gaban retorts, "I just offered it because (y/n) was cold. Cut the crap."

Rayleigh cocks his head to the side. "Oh? I could have sworn you two had a thing for each other..." He laughs. "Don't mind me, then. Oh, by the way, have you seen Roger?" And off he goes, without even waiting for an answer.

You take a deep breath and try to calm down your heartbeat as you glare back into the sea. Damn, Rayleigh... What did he mean, we have "a thing for each other"? I mean– I do but... Gaban?

"I'm sorry about Rayleigh", Gaban says as he comes back next to you, "He's a jerk."

Of course he's sorry, he's not interested the way I am. You slump down a little over the railing. "Yeah, he is."

Gaban sighs. "I guess I'm pretty obvious, huh?"

You open wide eyes at that, and your heart starts racing again.

"Yeah, I'm sorry... That's why Rayleigh acted like this. He's been a little shit trying to convince me to talk to you, and I told him I wouldn't because I know you're not into me, but he keeps insisting."

You blink in disbelief. "What?"

"I don't mean to be awkward, I–"

You tilt your head to the side. "No, no, wait. You said you were...?"

He clears his throat and awkwardly rubs his neck. "Um, obvious. Obviously attracted to you, that is."

You snuggle tighter into his coat, hiding a creeping smile as you look at him from under. "Well, I'm flattered, but... Who said I wasn't into you?"

He blinks. "What?"

You glance around and confirm that there's just the two of you left on this part of the deck, then you slide a little to the side, closer to Gaban. "Rayleigh's a jerk, but he's right", you quietly say, gazing back into the sea with your ears burning.

"Oh." Gaban huffs a short laugh, then he wraps an arm around your shoulders, pulling you flush against him. "We'll thank him later, then."

[brainyxbat]

Chapter 32: It All Started on That Day! Vivi Tells the Story of her Adventure!

(episode 129/130)

"Igaram! I will... I will be Queen of the Pirates!"

Yelping in terror, Igaram shot awake out of his nightmare, and made a mad sprint for the princess' room. "Vivi-sama!"

When he burst in, she was already awake, as Terracotta and a maid were getting her ready. "Oh Igaram, good morning," Vivi greeted, clad in a supportive corset with her arms held out as Terracotta was adjusting her long, white slip skirt, "What's wrong? You're all sweaty."

"Hey! You can't just barge in like that!" She scolded her husband. "Vivi-sama is changing right now!"

She tightened her corset, as Igaram caught his breath. "Ah... well, um, good morning."

"Yes, do you want something?" Vivi asked.

"Ah, no..."

"I told you to get out!" Terracotta threw a saucer at his head, before he was driven out by books, silverware, and other trinkets soon following.

"Ow, ow... I guess it was just my imagination." He rubbed the bump on his head, and saw the King standing at the railing, watching the outside world. "Oh, King. You were there; good morning."

"Ah, good morning. At any rate, Terracotta-san is scary."

When Cobra turned to face him, Igaram was shocked to see that he had a bump just like his. "What were you doing?!"

"Isn't this too tight, Terracotta-san?" Vivi grunted, now in a white sleeveless top.

"This is how a princess' formal attire is."

"I heard that the Square is already full of people," The maid remarked.

"Really?"

"It was announced that your speech starts at 10:00," Terracotta added, sewing her skirt, "They're being really impatient. Well, I do understand how they feel, though. After all, this is your coming-of-age ceremony that we've waited 2 years for. Under normal circumstances, this would have been held when you were 14."

"But I don't have anything impressive to talk about."

"It's okay, you don't have to," Terracotta assured," All you have to do is show how much you've grown; that's all." Vivi sat in front of the vanity, as her gowns were being leafed through. "The coming-of-age ceremony is held to celebrate you becoming an adult. Please consider the King's feelings in taking the trouble to hold it now."

The maid started brushing Vivi's hair for her. "Oh yes, I heard that your speech today will be broadcast throughout Alabasta using Transponder Snails and amplifiers. I'm looking forward to it."

-

"Fire! Fire! Fire!"

Marine cannons shot spears at the Going Merry, as the Straw Hats were surrounded by 8 ships, separated by pairs. "Dammit! Shoot cannonballs!" Luffy griped. "Then I could repel them!"

"Seriously, gimme a break!" Bon Clay complained.

"If we keep taking these iron spears on the ship's bottom," Sanji remarked, "It'll be just a matter of time before we sink!"

"Here come more!" Nami exclaimed.

Sure enough, more spears came in flying; some bounced off the metal panels, while others pierced the wood. "Hey!" Muscle-Point Chopper emerged from the lower deck, a hammer and planks in hand. "I can't keep plugging the holes any more!"

"Do something, you guys!" Nami ordered.

"It takes all our effort just to protect one side!" Sanji pointed out. "One ship against eight isn't a fair fight!"

"If this was close combat, we'd have a better chance," Zoro remarked, "Whether we chase them, or run away, they'll never change this formation!"

On one of the ships was a familiar face from before Venus, Chopper, and Sanji's joining. "This is the Black Cage Unit's specialty, the "Black Spear Formation"!" Jango gloated.

Lieutenant Fullbody laughed mockingly. "You're not good enough to break it! Idiots! You idiots!"

"Hey, hypnotist!" Luffy recognized the former. "You're a pirate, aren't you?!"

"Shut up! I have my reasons!"

"You guys know this joker?" Venus asked around.

"The one on the left," Sanji remarked, "Where do I know him from?"

"I've finally found them!" Fullbody glared, clenching an iron-knuckled fist. "That annoying, violent cook and his gang! I'll sink them here today! I've powered up!"

"Now, stare at this ring." Jango took out a silver, sharp-looking disc on a string. "I'll finally prove today that I'm not a weirdo."

"Busy, busy!" Bon Clay muttered, as Chopper lugged wood planks, and Usopp cranked the cannon.

"One...! Two...! Jan-" Before he could finish, the ship suddenly blew up!

"Huh?" Luffy muttered in confusion, along with Venus.

"Brother!" Fullbody cried out, as the ship collapsed right on his.

Luffy and Venus turned to see Usopp staring in shock by the cannon. "Whoa..."

"Usopp! Did you do that?! Amazing!" Luffy exclaimed.

He slowly turned to them, wide-eyed and jaw-dropped. "O... okay!" He quickly put on a confident facade. "It was just as I calculated! That's what happens to ships once I'm on the job!"

"Nosie, that was amazing! Good job!" Bon Clay praised. "The ships in the south sank! Now we can break through there in one shot!"

"Yeah Usopp, that was awesome!"

"Ahh," He blushed bashfully with a hand wave at Venus' gushes, "All in a day's work, V!"

From the ballerina's ship, one of the men caught sight of another obstacle. "Bon Clay-sama! There's trouble!"

"What is it?!"

"The "Black Cage" is here!"

"Oh no!"

Luffy approached him with curiosity. "What's going on?"

"It's Black Cage Hina! She's a captain at Navy Headquarters, and this area is under her jurisdiction! She's a real pain; we'll hurry up, and fly the coop!"

"Yes, sir! Bon Clay-sama!"

A Marine ship sailed closer, bearing "Hina" on the top sail. "It looks like we've weakened them quite a bit," She remarked.

"There's no ship that we can't take down using our Black Cage Formation."

"Don't get carried away. When dealing with guys like that, if you take them lightly, you'll end up getting hurt." Hina was pulling on her black gloves, as a pair of Marines stood at attention close behind. "Once we pull up, you guys stay back, or you'll be in my way. That'd annoy me."

"Yes, ma'am!"

"What're you guys doing?!" Bon Clay exclaimed when the crew stood around calmly. "We have to run! If we pass through that point in the south, we'll be able to escape with minimum damage! If we don't change course, they'll take us down for sure!"

Luffy turned to him, now completely serious. "If you wanna go, then go. We can't."

"You can't?! Why?!"

"Bon Clay-sama! Please hurry!" One of his shipmates called out. "Let's get out of here ourselves!"

"Noon at the eastern harbor..." Nami chimed in, "We have an appointment. We don't have time to go around, so we have to dash through."

"Ahh, that's ludicrous! Is there some treasure worth your lives there or something?!" He turned his back on them defiantly. "Just go ahead and die, then!"

"We're going there to pick up our friend," Luffy clarified with a smile.

Bon Clay froze in his tracks, unable to jump to his ship. "So... so it's for your pal."

-

Back in Alabasta, Cobra approached his daughter's bedroom door cautiously. "I'm coming in, okay, Vivi?"

"Sure, come in."

"Vivi, what did you want to talk... wow. How amazing... I mistook you for the Queen when she was young, Vivi-sama."

"Yes, indeed..."

"Please have a seat, Daddy." Vivi was ready for the ceremony, now looking regal, before correcting herself. "No- Father, Igaram... I have something important to talk with you about."

-

"Bon Clay-sama!"

"Running now wouldn't be like Bon Clay."

"Huh?!" Usopp, Chopper, and Venus were surprised at his change in demeanor.

"If we abandon pals who would risk their lives to pick up their pal, will we... be able to enjoy our food tomorrow?!" His crew gawked at that. "Listen, guys; Straw Hats too! Listen to what I have to say carefully!"

Through binoculars, one of the Marine officers saw the white ship sail away from the Merry. "Ms. Hina! They're dividing their forces! The duck ship is going south!"

"The duck is probably a decoy in any case."

"Well... actually, the Straw Hats are on the duck ship! The sheep ship is the decoy!"

"Follow them! Return to the formation immediately!"

On Hina's command, every Marine ship turned to chase the duck ship, dismissing the Merry. "Three minutes!" Nami checked a pocket watch.

"Prepare to attack!" Hina commanded.

"Ready? Full speed ahead!" Nami ordered.

"Am I the Straw Hat you guys're looking for?!" "Luffy" taunted, before changing back; it was Bon Clay! He even had some crewmates disguised as the rest of the Straw Hats! "Just kidding!"

"Ms. Hina! The sheep ship is heading to the east!"

"What?!"

Bon Clay laughed tauntingly, as he twirled the yellow fedora on his finger. "You were tricked, weren't you?! We're experts at disguising ourselves! And..." He spun in the air, and landed gracefully on the ship railing, with his back to her. "We're the Straw Hats' friends! Even if I go astray as a man; even if I go astray as a woman; I can't go astray as a person! If we are to fall, we'll fall together into the true sky. I'll make it bloom; oh, come my way!" His crew were choking up at his emotional speech, one even making flower petals rain down through a basket for dramatic effect. "By... Bon Clay... bring it on, sister!"

Hina glared furiously. "I'm humiliated!"

From the Merry, the real Straw Hats watched Bon Clay's ship being pelted with iron spears.

"B-Bon-chan!" Luffy gawked, as a battle broke out, their new ally's ship getting totaled. The crew began tearing up; he was driving them away! "Bon-chan... we'll... we'll never forget you!"

"If we are to fall, let it be at sea. The flower of friendship... is rejoicing."

"I hope they'll be okay," Venus muttered.

Just then, the Marines began pursuing the Merry once again. "Ahh! They're after us again!" Usopp exclaimed.

"Get out of our way, you bastards!" Luffy shouted angrily.

-

"Look! It's Vivi-sama!"

"Princess Vivi!"

"It's Vivi-sama!"

"Princess!"

"She's grown up!"

The cheering crowd covered the entire Square, as they saw Vivi approach the railing on the balcony. 'It all started on that day...' She began her speech. "I had... a little adventure."

"Hey! The princess' speech has started!" A civilian announced.

"I've been waiting!"

"So she really was okay; I'm glad!"

"The ceremony in Alubarna has started!"

"It was delayed by two hours. What happened?"

Cobra was staying inside the palace, letting Vivi have the spotlight. "Well, I hope it won't cause a commotion."

"Koza! Hey, Koza! Come out!" Toto peered in the open window, where his son rested in bed. "Vivi-chan's speech has started!"

"The amplifier is cranked all the way up," He stayed put, "She can be heard anywhere in town." He smiled, as he listened in.

"It was a journey... to cross the dark sea in search of "despair". After I left the country, I saw such a vast sea. And on that sea, I found unbelievable, thriving islands. Creatures I had never see before; sceneries I could barely consider real. At times, the melody of the waves was quiet; swaying gently, as if easing my small worries. Other times, the melody was violent, laughing at me, as if it would tear apart my weak heart. In that dark, dark storm, I encountered a single, small ship. The ship said to me, while pushing me onwards, "Can't you see that light?" This wondrous ship, which never lost its way even in darkness, danced its way across huge waves. The ship didn't fight the sea, but its stem was pointed straight ahead, even during a headwind. And the ship pointed, and said, "Look! There's a light!"" She thought of that light: the Straw Hats. History will soon call this an illusion, but to me, it is the only truth."

"What's she talking about?"

"It's about the Navy that she secretly fought."

"And..."

-

"Vivi," A sad Chopper slumped on the railing alongside Luffy, after the battle ended.

"You heard the speech, right?" Zoro turned to them. "It was Vivi's voice without doubt."

"They're just broadcasting the ceremony being held in Alubarna," Sanji explained, "She's already decided that she wouldn't come here."

"No, that voice just resembled Vivi's voice, that's all." Venus frowned sadly at Luffy's denial. "This is the Tamarisk place, right?"

"Yeah, that's right," Zoro confirmed.

"Let's go," Sanji decided, "It's past noon."

"There's no way that she didn't come!" Luffy protested. "Let's get out, and look for her! She's definitely here!"

"Hey, this is bad!" Usopp called out from the upper deck. "The Navy is after us again!"

"Just how many ships are there?!" Zoro exclaimed. "Dammit! We're gonna sail out now!"

"Starboard!" Usopp commanded.

"Sorry, Luffy," Venus frowned sadly.

"Her case is different from ours," Sanji added.

-

In Alubarna, the crowd was confused when Vivi turned quiet out of nowhere. "What's going on?"

They then started rioting when something suddenly was off. "What the hell is going on?!"

"Hey, show your face, fake princess! No, Squad Captain Igaram!" Turned out, he had gone undercover as the princess, like he had beforehand.

"Where's the real Vivi-sama?!"

"Where is the princess speaking from?"

Igaram stood tensely through the jeering. "Vivi-sama is now..." A throw pillow flew over his shoulder, before a small trinket box hit his head. "They can throw pretty far."

-

"Everyone!"

Luffy perked up, and turned around; Vivi was standing on the cliffside, alongside Karoo! "Vivi!" He beamed.

"Karoo!" Usopp joined him.

"Vivi!" Nami smiled, as the two waved.

"See?! She came!" Luffy exclaimed.

"Vivi-chan!" Sanji swooned.

"Let's go back! Hurry!" Usopp ran to the rudder.

"The Navy is right there too!" Chopper waved.

Vivi kept her smile on, not showing her sadness. "I came to say goodbye!"

Luffy's excited grin quickly faded. "What did she just..."

"Karoo, give me the handset."

He did as told, and her next words were broadcasted. "I can't... go with you! Thank you so much for everything!"

The crowd at Alubarna was confused. "Who's she talking to?"

"No way," A Marine officer looked through some binoculars, and was surprised at who he saw, "Is that the princess of this country? She should be at the ceremony in Alubarna."

"I'd like to go on more adventures, but there's no ignoring... that I love this country! So I can't go!"

Luffy was silent for a moment, before he understood, and gave a wide grin. "I see!"

"I..."

"If we're to put a sign, I'd want it to be an X," Luffy decided.

"Why?" Nami asked.

"We're pirates, right?"

"But it actually means death to your opponents, you know," Usopp pointed out.

"That's fine! I want it to be an X! Right, Vivi? It looks cool, right?"

"Yes, I like it too!" She agreed.

"It doesn't matter what it is," Zoro griped, "Just write it; that's not the point!"

"I..." Tears welled up, and fell at the memories, "I..."

"This will do!"

"I will remain here..."

"It's a sign of our friendship!"

"But if we ever meet again some day... will you call me your friend again?!" She lowered the handset, as she cried.

"Did you hear that? That princess is connected with the Straw Hats!"

"The princess is a friend of pirates?! Can't be!"

"You'll forever be our-!"

"Idiot!" Nami shoved Luffy to the floor by his mouth, before he could finish. "Don't reply! The Navy has noticed Vivi."

"If they know she's friends with us, she'll become a criminal!" Venus added worriedly, as Luffy regained his footing.

"Let's part without saying anything," Nami decided somberly, all of them turning their backs regretfully. Luffy gazed down at his left wrist, the gears in his brain turning.

On the cliffside, Karoo quacked, and she looked closer; the the crew was lined up at the railing, left arms raised, showing the X!

"No matter what happens, this thing on our left arm is the sign of our friendship!"

As Vivi sobbed with joy, and held her left arm up alongside Karoo, the Marines came barreling in shooting, but they were paid no mind to. The Straw Hats kept their positions, even through the seawater raining down on them. For as long as needed, they didn't move a muscle.

Vivi was their friend, no matter what!

-

"Yes... we sank one ship," Hina reported back to Smoker, "Just one ship belonging to some "Bon Clay", a Baroque Works agent. The other ship was..."

"Hey, get a move on. So you let them get away."

"

-

"Whoa, they're fast!" Luffy remarked when they were still under attack.

"Rather our ship is slowing down!" Sanji corrected.

"Water's flooding in from the holes," Nami pointed out, "We can't make it all the way out like this."

In the flooding lower deck cabin, Usopp was frantically trying to repair the damages. "Hey, Chopper! Do you still have more panels? We'll be in trouble soon." He was alarmed at the reindeer, back in Muscle Point, floating by him unconscious. "Chopper!"

Up on the main deck, Zoro grabbed Wado. "Three ships!"

"We have no choice but to fight, huh?" Sanji stepped up.

"Alright! Let's go!" Luffy decided.

"Yeah!" Venus cried out.

The four prepared to attack, but tripped over a pile of iron spears. "What's this?!" They exclaimed angrily.

"Oh, that?" Nami turned to them. "Usopp said to keep them since we might be able to use them for something."

"Come on!" Venus glared.

"They're in our way!" Zoro raged.

"We don't need them!" Sanji scolded.

"Then should we ditch them?" Luffy asked.

"Everyone, take your positions!" A Marine officer commanded. "Once we pull up, we'll make an all-out attack!" Another officer backed away in fright at what was coming: their own spears!

As the crew gaped in shock, Luffy brushed his hands, and eagerly turned to face the Marine ships. "Okay! Are we ready?!" To his naive confusion, they were already defeated. "Huh?"

"Now is the chance; let's go full speed ahead, and shake them off!" Zoro ordered, and using large paddles, he, Luffy, Sanji, and Chopper began rowing, as Nami blew a whistle authoritatively, and Usopp still worked on repairs with Venus.

On the cliffside, Vivi was now on Karoo's back, as the Merry disappeared over the horizon. "Now, Karoo!" As he turned back, she tied her hair from behind half up, into a high ponytail. "Let's go back... to Alubarna!" On command, Karoo ran at top speed through the desert. 'Although my adventure is over, a new challenge, restoring Alabasta, is waiting for me this time. Right now, Alabasta is like a small, beat-up ship wandering on the sea. But no matter how big a wave we face, we'll never be discouraged. We'll push forward, without losing our path. That's right; just like that wondrous, small ship.' "We'll definitely be able to see them again someday, right, Karoo?!" He quacked in response, and ran even faster.

-

"Looks like the Navy has stopped following us," Zoro remarked, but was replied with moans, "We did shake them off, right?!" He quirked a brow when he received the same responses. "You know; what's with the indifferent replies?"

The rest were staring sadly at one side of the railing; it was too empty. "I miss her!" They cried together.

"Don't be whiny!" Zoro reprimanded. "If you wanted her to stay with us that badly, you should've taken her by force!"

"Ahh! You're such a savage!" Chopper exclaimed in offense, as Venus pouted silently, yet angrily.

"You're the worst!" Nami cried.

"Moss head," Sanji sneered.

"Three-Sword Style," Luffy glared.

"Hey, wait, Luffy," Usopp turned to him, "Three-Sword Style isn't an insult."

"Four-Sword Style."

"The number isn't exactly the problem. Listen; you know natto, right? Even if you call natto rotten, it wouldn't..." Zoro simply walked away in irritation.

Little did they know, they were being followed; and not by Marines.

-

"Smoker-san," Tashigi emerged from the upper-deck cabin.

"Hey, young lady. Are your legs okay now?"

"P-please stop talking like that." A shirtless Smoker poured two cups of coffee, as she walked down on the main deck. "Thank you." She noticed the two wanted posters on the table. "I saw their new bounties."

"For them, these numbers are no surprise. Do you know what his swordsman buddy did?"

"You mean Roronoa?" She sat in the free chair at the table.

"He slew 100 bounty hunters in Whisky Peak. In addition, he cut down Daz Bonez in Alubarna."

"Daz?! That assassin?!"

"He used to be a bounty hunter, and was also called that in the West Blue, but he went under the name of Mr. 1 in Baroque Works. Well, considering Crocodile had so many famous guys under him, we should be impressed; but they lost. We'll have a rematch with the Straw Hats some other time."

"Yes!" She agreed.

[thegeminisage]

ABSOLUTELY NO SPOILERS ON THIS POST.

future star trek stuff i am looking forward to:

THE BORG!!!! i'm so close. nobody tell me ANYTHING

seven of nine bc firstly the borg and secondly i'm gay

janeway because she voices my favorite dragno age character and i hope if they make a woman a captain they will be less sexist

that one vulcan lady. t'pol? and her very Some Guy of a human not-boyfriend. i'm going to be frothing at the mouth about those guys i can tell already

picard looks cool. once i start liking tng i bet i'll like it a lot

whatever movie the first contact is in

spock in tng

spock in the two tos movies we have left

just all of ds9 everyone says it's fan damn tastic like i can't fucking wait

the UMMM one time travel ep i have heard about...do NOT leave hints on this post bc cathy doesn't know yet...sounds so fucking good and funny

meeting spock's siblings bc i KNOW he has them. idk which shows and movies they're all on but i'll get there eventually

short treks sounds neat

future star trek stuff i am dreading:

strange new worlds. it looks like a cw show (derogatory) and i don't want to look at paul wesley ever again i have tvd trauma

having to rewatch into darkness because i also don't want to look at benedict cumberb*tch i never watched sherlock but i still have sherlock trauma

the um movie. the movie where. you know what nevermind

i know what happens to t'pol's boyfriend and i'm dreading that and also i've heard that the entire show she's on (enterprise?) is a fucking exercise in frustration. so i am sure not looking forward to that

lower decks would be fine bc i feel like it's just a references salad but the art style is so fucking ugly i truly might just skip the whole thing. it looks like family guy (derogatory) and south park (derogatory) had a really ugly baby

discovery has jason isaacs in it and i also don't want to look at him because i have oa trauma.

having to coordinate voyager and ds9 episode watches because i think the two shows aired at the same time and i am going STRICTLY by release date. so switching back and forth between those is gonna be <3 a nightmare. i think some of the later trek shows did this too...

not being able to watch anything else for the next two years. rip.

[notavalidusername]

Fandom Ask where I actually read the description on your blog *facepalm* TREKKIES UNITE! If you've seen Lower Decks, do that. If not, pick your fav!

Heck yeah, Star Trek!! I haven't seen Lower Decks, but I'd like to! I'm going to go with the original series and the J.J. Abrams movies because I've seen those the most.

(PS. I literally just added the fandom list to my bio after I reblogged the fandom ask thing, so that’s brand new! 🤣)

The first character I first fell in love with: Spock was my favorite because he was just so straightforward but also sarcastic.

The character I never expected to love as much as I do now: Bones! He quickly became my favorite because of his sass (of course) and no-nonsense attitude.

The character everyone else loves that I don't like: Carol Marcus from the J.J. Abrams movie Into Darkness. I think she's annoying. Idk if other people like her or not.

The character I love that everyone else doesn't: I actually really liked the Enterprise crew of the J.J. Abrams Star Treks. I thought everyone was pretty good! Idk what the general opinion on those movies are, but I enjoyed them!

The character I used to love but don’t any longer: It's not that I don't love him, but I did think Kirk was going to be my favorite, but he isn't.

The character I would totally smooch (or hug. I'm a hugger, not a smoocher): I think Scotty needs a hug. It's always, "Beam me up, Scotty. Beam us down, Scotty." Where's the, "Thanks, Scotty. Without you, we'd all be dead, Scotty."?

The character I’d want to be like: Captain Kirk. He can make tough calls in a split second, and they're usually good calls. He loves his crew and would do anything for them.

The character I’d slap: A little slappy slap for Harry Mud. I forgot about him, but he's terrible.

A pairing that I love: Oh, I'm the worst at these. Um, I guess Spock and Uhura in the J.J. Abrams movies.

A pairing that I despise: I don't have one, I guess. I really don't think about pairing and ships very much, unless it's cannon (or hinted at in cannon.)

I haven't watched Star Trek in AGES, but it's literally so good!!!

Thank you so much for the ask!!

[frostironfudge]

Rush - Tom Hiddleston (Epilogue)

Summary: Epilogue of Rush - Tom Hiddleston

here is my main masterlist , my ao3, fanfic masterlist

< Chapter 25

Pairings: Tom Hiddleston x fem!reader, a few original characters.

Warnings: mentions of previous deaths of characters, mentions previously written about crimes done, fluff, mild smutty content, fluff maxima.

A.N: the epilogue is here and i feel as though i've left a part of my heart in this fic, thank you for going through 25 chapters and coming on this journey with y/n, tom, lee, pierce and myself. eternally grateful and so in awe of the love received till date. thank you.

Words: 2213

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

“Three weeks later with the news that still baffles the country, the case of presumed dead Mobster Faolan, the son of notorious mobster, King, keeps blowing wide open. The bodies discovered at the site of a drug deal gone wrong off of the M6 are indeed the now dead mobster who had faked his death four years ago.” The reporter, Cindy looks towards her colleague.

“Yes and what is even more baffling, runaway siphon Valarie Mitchell is identified as the second body. We reached out to big shot financial lawyer and her mother — Mystique Mitchell for a comment but received none.” Misha continues,

“What can you say about your now dead daughter who absconded you for millions?” Cindy and Misha shake their heads.

Misha holds up their cue cards as he points to a timeline, “As the case opens up further, Faolan who operated under the moniker Fox has connections running deep into the world of drugs, if you remember the case of Harrison Cobbs and others exposed for using the drug street name: ‘roofies’, for horrible acts. We have reason to believe a phone number on the drive found match that of the phone found on Fox’s person—,”

Tom mutes the T.V. as he walks out towards the upper deck, placing the food plates onto the table. The warm sea breeze washes across his skin, the salty tinge in the air slowly becoming home-esque.

He feels more put together, at ease. He makes his way down to the lower deck.

Y/N looks up as his arms wrap around her waist, she’s watching the waves a small smile on her face, the bags under both their eyes have reduced, sleep somehow finding them without trouble.

Tom places a soft kiss against her jaw,

“Morning.” She whispers, fingers under his chin, guiding his lips to her own.

Their kisses have grown more slow, deep, the edge of having limited time gone.

As though a time limit was never there imposed upon them.

Tom turns her, gripping her closer, Y/N’s arms wrap around his shoulders, fingers tugging on his hair, as he moves his hips against her.

She parts her legs, his right leg between hers.

His hands travel beneath her shirt, warm skin responding to his touch. Y/N gasps in the kiss as his thumbs brush across her nipples, Tom’s tongue explores her mouth, he moans as he feels her wetness pool against his thigh.

“Is this going to be a daily occurrence?” Pierce grumbles to Lee as they sit on the chairs. The lower deck not as tucked and hidden away.

“Well we did um,” They blush as they recount the several times the pair was caught by either Tom or Y/N across the beach house, “You know.”

“Well at-least we didn’t do it during meal times!” Pierce calls out, knowing they heard her.

Tom pulls away as Y/N whines, “Patience little one, they’re going out, then I will devour you.” He promises, the baritone of his voice going to her aching core.

Y/N tugs on his shirt before he moves, pulling herself up to whisper in his ear.

“I could just bend down and take you in my mouth? You know do that thing with my tongue.” Y/N, presses her lips under his earlobe, then bites her lip as Tom’s eyes darken, she giggles moving away from him.

“You are cheeky, aren’t you little one?” Tom runs behind her as she bounds up the short flight of stairs onto the upper deck.

Tom manages to grab her waist, turning and pulling her into his arms, picking her off the wooden deck.

“Tom!” Y/N grabs onto his upper arms, avoiding his shoulders, he just grins widely and continues laughing, “You can’t pick—,”

Tom cuts her off with a kiss, relishing the feel of her in his arms. It had been far too long since he had her this way. He keeps walking the remaining distance holding her up.

“Doctor said I can start picking my girl up, when I please,” He sets her down, tilting her head back, the tip of his nose trailing over her jawline, he tugs on her earlobe, “Also said I can pin her down with one hand, while I toy with her aching, warm, needy,”

“Okay, Time Out. La la la la la,” Pierce covers her ears.

“Please stop dirty talking this loudly, we have apologised for the well, moments of passion.” Lee winces.

“Moments of passion?” She makes a face, “Ew, Lee.”

Y/N laughs, face still tinged red by Tom’s incomplete sentence.

“I believe we need eighteen apologies.” Tom explains as they facepalm.

“Okay fine, We’re sorry, now please stop.” Lee rolls their eyes.

“Seventeen more to go.” Y/N looks at Tom from across the table,

“Unless we catch them again.” Tom laughs taking a sip of juice.

Their conversation flows easily, laughter and food being shared just how they had wanted after months of being on the run.

Lee is trying to convince Pierce to dye her hair back to red but she won’t agree,

“Y/N back me up here please?” Pierce rolls her eyes again.

“No, no she’s my best friend, she will side with me” They argue.

“Why can’t I be Switzerland?” Y/N enquires to Tom.

“Because I already am Switzerland.” Tom grins smugly.

Y/N narrows her eyes at him, “Traitor.”

“Hey you joined this group late, Darling.” Tom keeps the grin wide.

“Meanie.”

He pokes her arm, “You love me.”

“Right now, much lesser than I did.” She sticks her tongue out at him.

Tom pretends to clutch his heart in feign injury.

“The hurt, I cannot take it.”

Pierce and Lee stare at the two,

“Okay, what if you pick my hair colour?” They offer as Pierce contemplates.

“Any colour?” Pierce thinks it over.

“No greens though.” They glare at Tom.

“It was one time Lee.” Tom woefully looks at them.

“Enough to make me contemplate being your friend.” They shake their head at the horrid memory of the foil being unfolded and Tom trying his best to damage control.

Y/N smiles at the banter, yeah she may have found them late, but better late then never.

——————

A week later.

“Mystique Mitchell, can you comment on the recent allegations that you have alleged relations and connections to the mob?”

Mystique takes off her sunglasses, she eyes the intrusive journalist up and down.

“These are baseless accusations, for those who know me, know that I am honest, yes I admit my daughter lost her way, but I urge these conspiracy theorists to stop. I have lost my family to that mob world. Why would I be apart of it? Please respect my privacy to mourn. She was my only daughter.” She puts her glasses back on.

“And there you have it, Mystique Mitchell denies accusations that she ever has any involvement in the case of her daughter, the only role she played? That of a worried and emotionally wrought mother.” The journalist speaks looking at the camera which pans out towards Mystique entering her apartment building.

“Raconteuse has left a message for you MM.” Jamal tells her, taking her coat as she enters switching between her aliases, gone was financial day job lawyer Mystique.

“What is it?” Miranda sighs sitting down on the couch.

Jamal hands her an envelope.

‘Dear MM,

Thank you, for doing what you did.

I’m sorry for your loss, I know under different circumstances things would be different, maybe this would have ended in favourable conditions.

As promised here are the files on Cassandra, I’m sure you will prefer what has been concluded for her.

It incriminates Cassandra and him, Valarie will just be placed at the wrong place, wrong time. Clears your name, and any speculation to your line of work.

I suggest sending multiple anonymous tips across medias and the the authorities.

Otherwise it is up to you.

Raconteuse’

MM opens the file, humming as she reads through the final nail in the coffin of Valarie and Cassandra’s case.

“Have copies of this made.” MM hands the file to Jamal. The note is taken towards the lemon scented candle as the paper is burned to ashes.

He nods, “Any message to send back?”

“None, Raconteuse and her entourage are free to do as they please.” MM looks out onto the skyline of the city, the swarm of reporters only increasing as the time goes on.

———————

two months later.

Tyre tracks embed themselves into the tarmac, the purr of the engine music to his ears, Tom’s hands tighten on the wheel as the car brushes past him tauntingly.

Y/N’s laughter is heard over the ear piece.

“Oh come on.” He grumbles.

“You wanted to be all gentlemanly, pull your socks up Hiddleston, and make this a worthwhile race.” She increases the distance between their cars.

Y/N had held him up to the deal, Tom had picked the vintage car out already and she kept teasing him about the wrapping details she would get done on the arriving car.

“Is he going to let her win?” Pierce looks at the track with the two BMWs racing. They decided to go with neutral cars, so both had no prior comfort driving this make and model.

“He did say he would make it difficult, but I think he’s letting her win.” Lee tells her, peering at the two with binoculars.

Taillight and Bell both look very disinterested in the whole thing. Pierce too an extent agrees.

Lee smiles knowingly.

Tom shifts the gear, flooring the acceleration, his car lines up next to Y/N’s they are on the final lap, it is anyone’s race.

“Darling, look at your side.” Tom uses a teasing tone.

Y/N glances and widens her eyes at his close proximity.

He waves as his car inches forward.

“You didn’t me to baby you right?” Tom teases as the race is his, the finish line just within reach.

“Stop being so cocky.” Y/N grumbles, shifting into the fifth gear, the speedometer surges forward.

They both cross the line, Lee loads up the video on the big screen as Tom and Y/N bring their cars to a stop.

“I think I win.” Y/N goes up to him, holding the lapels of his suit jacket, Tom grins down at her, blue eyes filled with excitement.

He’s kept his hair slightly longer at her request though the four o’clock shadow comes and goes.

“I’m quite sure, I win.” Tom leans in kisses her deeply, the adrenaline rush still coursing through him.

“Hey!” Lee calls out, both pull away turning to face them.

They point to the big screen as the video loads upon it.

Y/N turns and Tom stands behind her, already smiling at the screen.

The race is close every second either one inching by a hair’s breadth forward.

The video shows from the side both cars cross the line in sync deeming it a draw, then the video plays from the top of the finish line.

The video stills on the cross of both cars in line and at the same level of the finish line.

Y/N’s eyes are wide and so are Pierce’s as the scene unfolds, she grabs Lee’s arm stopping herself from squealing before Y/N turns. She raises her camera to the two.

The long white paper taped above Tom’s car, reads four words, Y/N turns to look at Tom, he is down on one knee, a navy blue box in his hand.

Tom smiles through the tears pricking his eyes,

“We met in a car racing for our lives, it was only fair I ask you this when we are side by side.”

Y/N’s palm covers her mouth, too shocked, she sniffles as his next words are said.

“Will you,” Tom wipes a tear quickly, Y/N cups his cheek, “Will you watch all my sunrises with me?”

Y/N nods, “Yes,”

“Will you marry me?” Tom repeats the four words written on the paper, the tears not stopping for either.

“Yes, yes, yes.” Y/N laughs through the sobs as Tom shoulders sag with relief, he widens his arms, Y/N collides into him, head buried in the crook of his neck.

Pierce and Lee cheer from the stands as Tom places the ring on Y/N, she smiles up at him and their lips meet, sweet and salty through the tears. Tom’s heart surges as he feels the metal of her ring against his cheek as she cups it, peppering kisses over his face.

“When did you even?” Y/N gasps narrowing her eyes at Lee, “You, you went with him didn’t you!”

They sheepishly nod, shrugging in innocence.

Pierce raises her camera this time, not stopping even for a moment between the pictures.

“Hey Lee?” She asks, her focus still on the pictures.

“Yeah?” They look at her.

“Tiffany’s blue box only for me.” She tells them,

“Oh I know, I have it picked out already.” They tease at her surprised expression.

Tom rests his forehead against Y/N’s, they both wipe the tears trickling down.

“I love you.”

“I love you.”

-the end-

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

AN: to everyone reading this epilogue, you have come along with me on this beautiful journey, thank you for taking the time to read my words i'm eternally grateful. this work of fition was my return to writing fiction which was my first love when it came to forms of writing.

For now the story of Rush comes to an end, thank you for reading.

tagging these beautiful people one last time for this fanfic, a big thank you for giving my work your love and time: @arcticclouds @confused-clary @fire-in-her-veinz @fa-me@littlemissslytherinprincess @stevesmewmew @anemois-hiraeth@thegoldenhood @severuslovebot @hayden429

thank you for reading!

love,

frostironfudge note: Please understand no part of my work should be reproduced, plagiarised, distributed, translated without my informed consent.

[aro-of-artemis]

i've had no love like your love (from nobody)

number three! ao3: https://archiveofourown.org/works/28855644 Three times Julie borrows the phantoms' clothes + one time they borrow hers.

(1)

Okay. So Julie loves the studio. She does! Being in there makes her feel close to her mom. And it's where the boys hang out the most (although they'd been spending an increasing amount of time in the house now that Ray and Carlos are in the know).

But it gets so. Fucking. Cold. Especially on long winter nights. Sometimes she forgets that the studio is a glorified garage. Insulation? Never heard of her.

So it is on one such night that she finds herself there, shivering, but too stubborn and too distracted to make the journey inside to find a jumper. She's so close to finishing the lyrics to this song - she just needs to make some adjustments and then it'll be perfect. She wants to get it done before Luke and the others get home so she can show him. Them. But it's just not quite right yet.

Her concentration is rocked when a violent shiver rattles through body. With a deep, heartfelt sigh, she pushes away from her lyric book where it sits on top of the piano. Glancing around the room for any options - perhaps a blanket she can wrap around her shoulders, a stray sock, a particularly large leaf, she'll take anything - her eyes land on a puddle of pink fabric that had fallen off the side of the couch. With a quick smile, she strides over to it, pulling it on.

Alex, of course, is much taller and broader than her so it hangs down low, brushing her thighs, sleeves well and truly past her hands. She doesn't mind being so completely swallowed by the fabric though, because it's warm and it's been softened by age and wear. And it smells like Alex. Like laundry detergent and the beach and just a little bit of sweat. So she pulls the hood up around her face, containing her fraying braids.

She breathes in and out, revelling in the comfort it brings. The muscles of her shoulders, which had been tensed in concentration, relax. After a couple more breaths she sticks the tips of her fingers out of the sleeves - just enough to be functional.

She returns to the piano to continue her work. As she looks over at what she'd written, suddenly words fall into place. She begins scribbling furiously, new fire in her bones.

--

When the boys return, they are greeted by what appears to be a shapeless pink blob sitting on the piano bench and slumped against the lid. The only discernible feature is a mass of frizzy hair peeking out of the hood. Luke and Reggie snicker a little at the sight but Alex feels his heart swell to press at his ribs.

Moving towards her, he looks over his shoulder and jerks his head towards the couch. But the boys already know. They're folding it out into a bed. None of them want to disturb Julie if she's sleeping peacefully so it had become an unspoken agreement that she could just stay the night in the studio with them if that was where she happened to fall asleep.

Alex approaches Julie. Gently, he gathers her into his arms, manoeuvring her into a bridal carry, settling her head against his chest. She snuffles a bit but doesn't wake.

Slowly, he lowers her down onto the pull-out where Luke and Reggie have already laid themselves out. Julie stirs and rolls over to wrap her arms over Reggie's torso and rest her head on his stomach. Luke watches with a fond smile as Alex wiggles himself in place between Julie's other side and Luke. Alex places an easy hand on Julie's head (because he knows she finds it comforting) while Luke snakes his arm over Alex's waist to best use a space that was intended to only accommodate two but now is asked to fit four.

None of them mind being squished together. Julie sleeps peacefully until morning.

(2)

Julie is sad. A deep, aching sadness that made a home in her a long time ago. There are days that are better, where it doesn't hurt so much, the ache dulled, just barely pushing it's cold past the edges of her bones into the sinew and muscle. But some days it feels all-consuming. World-shattering. Some days she is struck anew with this paralysing grief. The feeling that nothing will ever be okay again.

Some days happen less often in recent times. Her phantoms, her boys, her family - they help. They can't rid her of the hurt and she wouldn't want them to. She never wants to not keenly feel the empty space where her mom used to be. She doesn't want to forget her. But the boys. They help that constant awareness to be filled by sweet remembering rather than bitter longing. But the bitter longing will always be there.

So sad doesn't quite encompass what she's feeling but it's a linguistic shortcut to express all of these things that she can't verbalise.

On this particular some day, Julie is sitting on the couch (Luke's couch) in her mama's studio, knees under chin. Her face feels numb. It's wet with absentminded tears - grief made manifest.

The cool stillness is broken by a ray of sunshine who calls out, "Julie?"

Reggie. Reggie is here, making the studio a bit brighter, a bit warmer. He turns around a little until he spots Julie, huddled as she is. "Julie! Are you all right?"

He rushes over to her, stopping short of actually touching her. Julie follows him with her eyes, unable to move any other part of her body.

"You're shivering." His voice is gentle.

"Am I?" Julie whispers.

"Yes," Reggie's eyebrows furrow together. "Are you cold?"

Julie shrugs. She's truly not sure.

"I - hang on." Quickly, he pulls his arms out of the sleeves of his leather jacket before draping it over her shoulders, bringing it around to her chin.

As the warmth of the jacket - Reggie's body heat - settles around her, she realises how chilled she had felt.  She draws in a long, deep breath, feeling the comfort of his smell and his big-brotherly presence settle around her, anchoring the jacket to her shoulders.

"Thank you, Reggie." Her voice is earnest and she finally turns her head to look at him.

He smiles just a little, creasing his ruddy cheeks. "Of course, Julie."

Julie moves closer to him, leaning her head against his collarbone. His arms come up automatically now that he'd been given permission. He pulls her in tight to his chest, rocking her slightly, humming a low, soothing tune.

Julie isn't okay. But she will be. In the meantime, her bones feel a bit warmer. And if she wears Reggie's jacket for the rest of the day, no one mentions it.

(3)

Just her fucking luck. Here she is, stuck in the school bathroom scrubbing lasagne out of her white shirt cause some kid wasn't watching where they were going. And Flynn isn't even here to help her 'cause she went and caught a cold.

She lets out a long, noisy sigh that is abruptly cut off when Luke poofs in beside her.

"Luke!" Her voice comes out as an undignified squeak and she quickly reigns it in as she darts her eyes around to check that all the stalls are unoccupied. Satisfied that they're alone, she returns her attention to the intruding ghost.

"You can't be here! This is the girls' bathroom."

"I - sorry I didn't mean t-- Julie, what happened to your shirt?" His eyebrows tugged together, giving him a puppy-like expression that Julie finds far too charming.

She looked down at her shirt, still covered in oil and tomato stains that are setting by the minute. Another long sigh leaves her mouth, leeching out some of her anxious frustration, leaving her feeling deflated. "This kid tripped over their own feet and spilt their lunch all over me."

"Are you okay?" His voice is gentle, concerned.

She shrugs back. "Yeah. Nothing's bruised except my ego. And maybe that kid's face where they hit the deck."

Luke's face relaxes a bit, eyes now dancing with mirth.

"Don't laugh! I don't have anything else to wear!"

"I'm not laughing!" he defends. "But, c'mon. You have to admit it's kinda funny."

Julie softens a bit. "Fine," she relents, "It's kinda funny. But that doesn't solve my problem!"

Luke nods very seriously, a thoughtful expression coming over his face. And then his expression clears, a small excited smile curling the corners of his lips. The kind of smile he gets when he solves a problem and he's proud of himself: toothy and bright. It's endearing.

"Here," he says, tugging his flannel off, leaving him in just his sleeveless tee. "You can wear this."

Julie looks at the proffered shirt for a moment. She feels some small but insistent something poking against the walls of her chest. "Th-thanks, Luke. You don't have to-"

"I want to," he interrupts. "I can't let you walk around covered in lunch. Besides, if you change into my shirt I can take yours home with me to soak the stain."

"I-," she's not quite sure what to say. So she settles on, "Thanks." A tender smile graces her lips. "Turn around then," she adds. "I'm not gonna get changed with you watching."

As soon as the words leave her mouth her cheeks begin to blaze with the unintended implications of her statement. Luke coughs awkwardly, cheeks a bit more rosy than usual, and quickly spins around.

As she quickly swaps shirts, buttoning up Luke's baggy flannel, she watches as his head tilts back and forth, studying the bathroom tiles on the wall with rapt attention and drumming his fingers against his legs.

"Okay. You can turn around now."

Luke turns to face her and smiles giddily at the way the sleeves fall past her fingertips and the hem settles just above her knees.

"It's a little big on you."

Julie scowls back at him good-naturedly. "I know. Just give me a sec."

He watches in fascination as Julie gathers up and knots the front corners of the shirt so it sits neatly at the top of her jeans. Then she starts trying to roll up the sleeves. Trying being the operative word. But it's a challenge because they're just so damn long.

"Here, let me," he interrupts, stepping into her space. She sucks in a breath.

"Oh. Um, sure." She holds out her arms to him and he begins rolling them up to a decent length, taking the time to make sure they're matching. She feels overwhelmed at the gentle brush of his fingers as they travel up her forearms. The contact sends shivering jolts of electricity along her skin as if a circuit had been completed, allowing energy to move freely between the undefinable start and the infinite end. She feels like she's about to vibrate out of her own skin.

"Good?" he checks once he's finished. His voice is low and soft.

Julie nods mutely.

He takes a step back to size her up and nods appreciatively. "Not too shabby, Jules."

"Um. Thanks!" she squeaks (again) - God, get it together, Molina - and looks at herself in the mirror.

Something about wearing Luke's flannel - skin-warmed and worn in, smelling like him - makes her feel safe and protected and cared for. Like he himself is draped across her shoulders and wrapping around her torso. Also, she looks good in it. Like it was made for her.

"It suits you." Luke interrupts her thoughts as he comes up behind her. They lock eyes through the mirror and Luke's curling smile returns, his eyes auroral.

"Yeah," she says. "It does."

The end-of-lunch bell trills harshly in her ear. Luke steps back, clearing his throat. "Cool. I'll - um -," he picks up the stained shirt, "I'll get this one home to soak."

"Thank you, Luke. I really appreciate it." Her chest feels pumped with helium.

He nods a little, smiling and looking up at her through his lashes. And poofs away.

(+1)

Julie hums contentedly as she toes off her shoes and drops her school bag on her bed. It had been a long, sweaty day at school to top off a long, sweaty week, the California heat having shown up with a vengeance.

She makes her way down to the studio, feeling lighter with the knowledge that she has the whole weekend ahead of her.

The heavy doors to the studio open at her urging. She breathes in deeply the green smell of plants and the metallic tang of guitar strings. And then stops. Blinks slowly and squints her eyes, trying to make sense of what's in front of her.

"Oh, hey, Julie!" Reggie greets her from his spot on the couch. He's leaning forward over a cross-legged Alex, who is seated on the ground, carefully twisting the long hair at the top of his head into braids. And Luke is sitting next to them, guitar across his lap, strumming it quietly. But none of this is what stops her in her tracks.

Alex is wearing what appears to be a mesh tie-dye top, Reggie's top proclaims that It was all a dream, and Luke's blue t-shirt is covered in familiar swirls of white. Those are her shirts. Her crop tops. Her eyes quickly skate across Alex and Reggie's stomachs but are quickly pulled away when Luke stands up, placing his guitar to the side.

"Julie! You're home!" Luke exclaims, a puppy dog smile across his face.

"You-You're." She can't quite get words out. The sight of his bared stomach has set her heart to stuttering in 6/8 time, a drumbeat that echoes through her skull.

She realises that her mouth has been hanging open. She snaps it shut.

"You're wearing my clothes." She's addressing all three of them but she's looking at Luke. Her eyes keep flicking down and then back up to his face. She can't help it. She would stop if she could. Luke definitely notices because his smile turns mischievous.

Alex speaks up, a concerned look on his face. "Yeah. I hope that's alright. It's just that it was really warm and we didn't really have anything to wear and-"

"Alex," Julie interrupts, finally coming to her senses and looking away from Luke, "It's fine. I was just surprised. Besides it's not like I haven't borrowed your clothes before."

"Exactly what I said!" Reggie exclaimed. His voice turns a bit milder now though, "And we all really missed you 'cause you've been so busy with school this week so…"

Julie feels tears spring to her eyes and she quickly scrubs them away. "I've missed you guys, too, Reg."

She looks across each of them, making sure not to dwell too long on Luke who's still standing, fiddling with the hem of his (her) shirt. An idea hits her and her eyebrows wiggle teasingly at them.

"Well, in the name of sharing and caring…" She walks across the room to where the boys keep their clothes. She picks up one of Luke's sleeveless t-shirts. Turning her back to them, she quickly exchanges her shirt for his, breathing a sigh of relief as the cool fabric settles around her.

When she turns back around she finds that Luke's mouth is hanging open slightly as if he simply forgot to close it. Alex and Reggie are grinning at him. If not for the way they are positioned it's clear that they would be exchanging knowing looks.

"What?" she shrugs, playing innocent but feeling vindicated.

Luke shakes his head jerkily. "N-nothing. I- nothing." He averts his eyes to the ground but his whole face is red and Julie is delighted to notice that it extends down his neck, under his shirt to his stomach. She presses her lips together to keep a hysterical laugh from bubbling out of her throat unbidden. Her eyes are stuck on Luke again.

Luke looks up at her and his eyes catch on hers. And oh, his eyes. If you asked her, she wouldn't quite be able to tell you the colour of them, despite the amount of time she'd spent looking into them over a microphone or a lyric book. Sometimes green, sometimes blue. Right now, wearing her shirt, they're a dazzling, drowning blue.

Reggie breaks the silence. "All done!" He ties off the end of Alex's second braid and pats the top of his head gently.

"Thanks, Reg," Alex says lightly, drawing Julie's attention. She's impressed with how well Reggie's done.

"Wow, Reg. Where did you learn to braid like that?"

He shrugs a little half-heartedly but his mouth is pulled into a bittersweet curve. "I used to braid my little sister's hair."

Julie nods, giving him a sympathetic look. A beat. "Can you do mine next?"

Reggie's smile broadens into something entirely sweet, the bitterness done away with. "Of course!"

And so Alex shuffles over so that she can take his spot cross-legged and leaning against Reggie's knees. Alex settles himself so that his back is against the cool concrete floor and his head is in Julie's lap. She starts scratching her nails through the short pieces of hair that didn’t make it into the braid.

Luke is still standing where he'd greeted Julie (although this is perhaps a generous term because anyone who knows Luke knows that staying still is not a skill of his and what he does when upright should not be classified as merely standing. Perhaps a better term would be wobbling. Or jittering.)

"C'm'ere," she says, patting the ground to the other side of her. Luke practically trips over himself to do as he's told. He sits next to her, stretching his legs out long, pressing his thigh against Julie's.

She places the hand that isn't occupied with Alex's hair atop her thigh, palm up, wiggling her fingers a little. She doesn't look at him but she's trying not to make life harder for Reggie whose tugging on her hair is ginger and slow.

But Luke seems to get the message. He links their hands together pulling them into his lap. Julie feels him trace a fingertip over each of her nails, brushing across the back of her hand, tugging on the ends of her bracelets. He holds her hand as if it contains the entire universe.

Here, connected to each of her boys, she feels safe. Each point of contact feels like a lifeline she hadn't known she needed.

"I love you guys."

And she does. She really, really does.

[charoite-burrower]

Lore: Something a little different

It’s not an Interview with Outcasts, but it IS the story of two dragons I picked up during BotE to explain how my clan of recluses learned about Luminax. I’ve had their story in my head this whole time. Now it is out of my head. Enjoy!

-----

Verdance vaulted into the air to avoid being side-checked by a very wobbly young Guardian who stumbled into him in the street. His frills flattened against his neck with a crack as he gazed down at the hatchling. This is what he got for straying out of the city's Fae marketplace.

“Careful!” he told the boy, who was big enough that he could have done some damage.

The Guardian looked up at where he was hovering, eyes wide, and was silent for several seconds before replying, “You be careful!”

“BENEDICT.” The hatchling's distraught mother, who had been perusing a shop window, entered the conversation by lowering her head to their level. “You're being very rude.”

“No, mom, he's my Charge! He needs to be careful!”

His mother sighed hard enough that Verdance had to beat his wings harder to maintain his position. “I'm sorry,” she told him. “They do this a lot when they're young.”

“It's okay. I understand.” Verdance didn't, really; he had no children. He did understand that it was an annoying habit, though, and as a result could empathize with the mother.

“Ben. Come on.”

The hatchling stamped a paw on the cobblestones. “I'm not supposed to leave my Charge alone! You an' Dad said so!”

His mother responded by simply picking the young boy up in a paw and settling him in between her wings. With another apology, she set off down the street, grimly ignoring her now shrieking son.

Verdance watched them go, feeling more certain than ever that he was never having kids.

*****

“Verdance?” His landlady, who owned both the private garden and the tree within it that he'd built his nest in, called up to him from her back door. “There's someone here looking for you.”

He set aside his book with a sigh and flew down to her. “It's not another traveling salesman, is it?”

She nervously fidgeted with her pearl. “He's, um, a child.”

“Why would a child be looking for me?”

He heard a voice call from the other room. “Mr. Fae? Is that you?”

Verdance's fins drooped. He recognized that voice. With a sigh, he padded past his landlady and into the front hall. “Benedict? How did you get here?”

The hatchling smiled. “I waited until mom was asleep an’ sneaked out.”

“How did you know where to find me?”

“A Guardian always knows where to find his Charge,” Benedict said imperiously. “You live real far across the city, though.”

His stomach sank. “Did you sneak out last night?”

“Uh-huh!”

It was evening  His mother was going to be in hysterics by now.

His landlady peered around the corner. “We need to get you home. Your mother must be so worried.”

The hatchling scowled. “I'm not supposed to leave my Charge.”

“He did this in the marketplace last week,” Verdance explained to her. To Benedict, he asked, “Do you know your way home?”

“Yeah! Dad says I'm a natural av-nagator.”

“You can't send him back out in the city alone,” hissed his landlady.

Verdance made an effort to keep his frills still. “Of course not. I need to talk to his mother, anyway.”

“I'm hungry,” Benedict announced.

“Then you better get us there fast,” Verdance replied, and walked for the front door.

His mother looked relieved, and also like she wanted to strangle her son, when they showed up at their house on the big dragon side of town. While Benedict whined at her knees that he was hungry, she tried explaining her son's behavior to Verdance. Something something only child? Whatever.

“Is this going to happen again?”

“No. We'll keep an eye on him. Hopefully he picks something else as his “Charge” soon. I'm so sorry for the trouble.”

When Verdance began to fly away, Benedict started wailing. Thankfully, he couldn't fly after, so Verdance soon left the irritating little hatchling behind.

Guardians.

*****

The city was on fire. It had been burning for hours, starting when the Emperor attacked the large side of town, but despite the fighting Ridgebacks and Guardians (who, rumor had it, had ordered all the Imperials to get as far away as possible), the fight was making its way toward Verdance's home. His landlady had already fled, but Verdance had hoped the big dragons of the city would overwhelm the rotting monstrosity that had attacked them. Soon, however, the grim reality had come clear.

He'd just gotten done packing a satchel with clothes and food and the few mementos that would fit when he heard a breathless call from the courtyard below.

“Mr. Fae?”

Verdance looked down to see Benedict, and felt the panic he'd been trying to stifle since the attack spike in his chest. He zoomed down towards the hatchling, who looked tired and was covered in soot.

“What are you doing here?”

Benedict frowned. “Keeping you safe.”

“Kid, you can't-- where are your parents?”

“I dunno. They went to stop the bad dragon. They told me to hide in the house, but it got burned up, so I found you.”

Verdance looked out over the ruined city, what he could see of it in the smoke, anyway, and shuddered as he heard the Emperor's roar on the wind. It was getting louder, which meant the dragons who were fighting it weren't doing well.

He looked down at Benedict and made a decision. “Look, kid. I was just about to leave.”

“But it's not safe!”

“You're right. I… need someone to come with me and keep me safe.”

Benedict puffed his chest out. “I can do it!”

“Okay, but if you come with me, you have to listen to me.”

“Okay!”

Verdance got them walking, but quickly realized that wasn't going to get them moving fast enough. The little guy couldn't fly, but he could definitely outstep Verdance even at his size. He swallowed his pride for the sake of increasing their chance of survival.

“Benedict? Is it okay if I ride on your back? I'm, uh. Tired.”

“Sure! I'm strong. I can carry you real far.”

Verdance fluttered up and settled in between his shoulders. “Okay. Go where I tell you.”

Benedict nodded, and they turned toward the trickle of refugees visible on the horizon, moving through the smoke.

*****

The first few days out of the city were tough. Benedict had no food of his own, and though he walked faster than Verdance, he got tired quickly. The insects that Verdance had packed for himself, he passed off to the hatchling. Their store dwindled quickly. They weren't able to keep up with the rest of the fleeing dragons. Benedict couldn't hunt, and Verdance didn't know which plants were edible. By the time they got to the next town, Benedict was tired and hungry, but Verdance was hungrier.

The town had been wiped nearly clean of supplies, but as soon as the dragons living there saw Benedict, they broke into their personal supplies to help them in their journey.

“Where are you going?” One of them asked.

Verdance was about to tell them he had no idea, when the hatchling piped up. “The Clan of the, uh… the Outcast! Mom said if we got separated, we'd meet up there.”

“Never heard of it,” their helper said.

“It's real far away in Nature.”

It was as good a plan as any. Verdance had wanted to get far away from the Emperor, and Nature qualified. They'd just have to go by boat, since Benedict didn't fly. With a rough plan now in mind, the two of them thanked the villagers and got back in the road.

*****

They weren't the only refugees trying to get out by water, but thankfully the worst if the crowds had come through ahead of them. So many of the dragons could just fly where they needed to go, after all. Again, Benedict's youth helped them, and soon they had passage on a small ship. They were sleeping on the deck with a displaced Snapper family, but they were moving.

Benedict had nearly doubled in size on the road, but he was thin from not having enough to eat. He took his first experimental flight off the front of the boat their third day on the water. Verdance kept an eye on him, periodically calling out tips, while one of the Snappers walked him through identifying edible plants that would be growing in Nature.

Benedict curled up next to him protectively after his flight nearly ended in a crash and napped. Verdance transcribed notes about plants into the margins of his only book so he wouldn't forget. Benedict's first flight should have been longer. The boy needed more muscle, and energy.

He was nearly done with his notes when a blue Snapper heavily laden with bags of herbs walked over and introduced herself as Enid.

“The others told me you're headed into Nature. Have you ever been there?”

Verdance shook his head. “I've never so much as been camping.”

“Lucky I'm here, then. I do a lot of trade with Nature clans.”

“We're looking for one called Clan of the Outcast.”

“Even luckier than I thought. I can take you there. It's where my wife lives.”

Verdance felt a surge of relief so strong that it left him exhausted. He thanked Enid profusely, then excused himself to rest. He leaned back against Benedict's ever-growing side and allowed himself to hope for the first time that everything was going to be okay.

*****

Benedict's parents weren't there when they arrived, but it was another few months before he was old enough to realize why. The clan took them both in and listened to their story with horror. They were isolated, and received news only when the Snappers came through to trade.

It was hard adjusting to life in a hole in the ground after living in such a large city. Verdance eventually built a new nest in the branches of the massive tree above the hill that housed the clan. This caused Benedict to sleep outside.

“They can give you a room, you know,” Verdance told him one day.

Benedict's voice had grown deeper recently. He was now two-thirds his full size, having filled out rapidly on the plentiful food in the jungle. “I need to keep you safe.”

Verdance began to wonder if he'd been wrong this whole time. When Benedict was full-sized and still insisting on sleeping under Verdance's nest, Verdance quietly went to the Matriarch and asked if they could build a room for Benedict. When it was done, Verdance spun a new nest on the ceiling inside it. Once that was done, Benedict gladly moved in out of the elements.

*****

A year passed. His parents never did arrive. Benedict never mentioned it, and Verdance was too afraid to bring it up himself. But one day, the Guardian surprised him.

“I never thanked you for keeping me safe during our trip here.” The words drifted up from the floor of the room. They'd put out the lamps to go to sleep, so Verdance couldn't see his roommate.

He decided to try deflecting with humor. “Hey, you kept me safe, remember?”

“I'm being serious. I’d be dead if it weren't for you. Crushed, or starved, or worse.”

Verdance felt his frills droop. “I wasn't just going to leave you there, Ben.”

“I'll make it up to you.” He said it with the same determination of every declaration he'd given Verdance since that day they met in the market.

“I hope you know where I'm coming from when I say I hope you never get the chance.”

Benedict laughed at that, a low rumbling which Verdance felt in his chest and stomach. “Good night, Verdance.”

Verdance lay awake, deep in thought. Benedict had turned out well, despite everything.

Maybe… maybe he did want hatchlings someday. It would be nice to see them get the chance to be kids for as long as they deserved.

[markwrecksmysoul]

Bts reaction to: their bestfriend asking them to be their first time

Namjoon

You were lying on your bestfriend namjoons lap watching a movie the main character was in a 'hot' scene. Your thoughts wandered to the topic of your own sex life or lack thereof. You've never done it with anyone. You just didn't trust anyone with something special like your virginity.

Not to mention you were terrified about something going wrong. "Joon what was your first time like?" namjoons eyes widened. "Why do you wanna know?" you shrugged. "Im just curious". He cleared his throat awkwardly. "Well i- i guess my first time was alright why are you asking y/n?" your face heated up and you sat up. "Ive never done it before".

His eyes widened. "Um well sex isnt that bad I mean your first time might not be the best but its worth it when you find someone special." you bit your lip getting an idea. "Joon would you do it? You know with me?" Namjoon looked shocked. "Uh y/n as much as id like to say yes your first time should be with someone you care about and love."

you nodded. "I care about you and you're the only one I could trust with something like this." Namjoon looked unsure. "Please joonie". Namjoon sighed. "I- only if you're okay with it." you smiled. "Im okay with it definitely." namjoon smiled lowering you onto your back. "Then lets do it".

Jimin

You and jimin were in his room alone playing board games the boys all went out. You and jimin were talking about random stuff. Then the subject landed on sex. Jimin talked about some of his horror stories with sex. "Yeah then her boyfriend came home! She had a BOYFRIEND". He laughed.

"Anyways y/n what's your story?" your face heated up. "I uh I don't have one..." jimin grinned nudging you. "What the the first time was perfect?" you sighed shaking your head. "No I meant I've never had sex before." jimins eyes widened. "What how is that you're gorgeous y/n. Guys should've been all over you."

You shrugged. "I just never trusted anyone enough to do it with". Jimin nodded taking a sip of water. Then an idea popped into your head. "Can you be my first!" Jimin spit his water out to the side. "What!". You smiled at your shocked bestfriend. "I want it to be with someone I trust and you know what to do". Jimin blushed red. "Y/n um I just um- id be taking your first time we aren't even together....have you thought this through?".

"Yeah and I want you to do it jimin I trust you and we've known each other for years". Jimin looked unsure studying you to see what this situation was. "Well what do you say? Can you". Jimin sighed. "Y/n...". Your spirits lowered. "Do you not find me attractive enough jimin."

"No! No that's not it I just- oh fine strip and lay down".

Suga

You and suga were in the studio you were supposed to be helping him with some lyrics but your mind was elsewhere. You had just turned (age) and you were still a virgin. Sure guys have tried but they've never been right for you. "Yoongi ah?" the busy man barely looked from his papers. "Mm?"

"How was your first time?"

Yoongi made a surprised face. "Yah why would you want to know?" you shrugged but knowing how suga is you simply waited for him to begrudgingly answer your question. As expected yoongi sighed. "It was pretty good we both I dont know...felt good". Yoongi face was slightly red. You nodded taking in the information. "Why did you ask?"

You sighed. "Well lately I've been thinking about it". Yoongi frowned. "Youve been thinking if my sex life......?" your eyes widened realising how that sounded. "Oh no no I meant me....im a virgin I haven't found the right person to you know take it". Yoongi raised a brow at you. " it'll happen for you one day y/n". You took a deep breath. "C-can that day be today?" yoongi had pretty much given up on writing now.

"What do you mean?" you sighed. "Yoongi can you take my virginity?" yoongi blinked a few times. "No". Your eyes widened. "Yah i always help you with your problems and now you can't help me with this!" yoongi groaned. "Y/n that's not something I can just take lightly you must not be thinking straight-" you stopped him from speaking smushing your lips onto his. "Just take it ill be fine." yoongi reluctantly continued your initiated attack.

Jhope

You and jhope were watching youtube videos on your laptop when you just suddenly popped out the question. "Hey hobi would you be willing to take my virginity?" jhope who was eating a grape choked on it. "What! Why would you ask!" you fiddled with your fingers biting your lip. "I just....wanna get it over with".

Jhope recovered from his near death choking. "I don't know about this y/n you should do this with someone who you know you really like."

You smiled. "Well you're my bestfriend and I like you". You crawled over him giving him puppy eyes. "Please help me out I promise it wont be weird after hobi".

"O-okay".

Jin

You were lying on his living room floor bored. "Eomma! Whats sex like?" jins eyes widened. "I-I dont know its sex....". You glared in his direction. "Not helpful". Jin shrugged "how exactly do you want me to respond to that question y/n?". You sighed. "I dunno I just wanna know if i should be scared. "

"Oh! You've never....well its not scary y/n". Jin gave you a reassuring smile going back to reading his recipe book. You nodded. "Can you show me?" jin dropped his book in his lap and swallowed hard. "Y-you want me to show you?" you nodded. "Ummm y/n-".

"I know it's a special thing but I just want to do it with someone I feel safe with." jin seemed to be deep in thought for a moment but finally nodded. "Okay" he lifted you up by your waist forcing your legs to automatically wrap around his waist. He led you to the bed. "Just lie back"

Taehyung

You and Tae were hanging out in your room playing uno. You had the house to yourself. While playing the thought that's been controlling your mind came up again. "Hey Taehyung how is sex?" he cocked his head to side reshuffling the card deck. "What do you mean y/n?" you sighed. "How was your first time?" his mouth made and O "um it was good for me I don't know I hope for the girl it was good as well why?"

You cleared your throat getting right to the point. "Tae can you take it?" he knew exactly what you meant but still he asked. "Take what y/n?" he had a small smirk on his face. You sighed. "You know what I mean Tae." Taehyung rolled you under him abandoning the card game. "Not really y/n". You growled. "Can you take my virginity please". You best friend pretended to think it over. "Hm I guess I can". His face suddenly got serious. "But as long as you're sure."

You nodded

"Im sure

Jungkook

"kookie have you done it before?" jungkook who was preoccupied by his video game hmmed "done what y/n?" you blushed. "Had sex". The game was stopped abruptly and jungkook nervously looked towards you. "I uh yes...I have". You breathed a sigh of relief. "Kookie this may be odd but can you...you know take mine?" his eyes widened like saucers. "Y/n....wha- why are you asking so suddenly." you huffed. "I don't know I just want to get it over with and have no regrets." jungkook blushed bright red. "I-I guess I could...only if you're absolutely sure you want this!" you nodded a little too excited. "Yes I want it".

Masterlist