#it’s my mission to make this ship more well known

[dovewingkinnie]

more bluetooth for the soul

pomni is there too. she wants to go home

[grandline-fics]

Not My Job Description

DESCRIPTION: You’re Marine!Doffy’s long-suffering second in command

WARNINGS: none

CHARACTERS: Doflamingo

WORDS: 1,362

A/N: Saw some Marine! Doffy fan art and the brainworms took over. I regret nothing, I had to write something to get it out of my system in someway. Now I'm also thinking of other scenarios for Marine!Doffy and Second In Command! Reader. Title might change? Hope you all enjoy this rambling

*REQUESTS ARE OPEN*

DIRECTORY | PROMPT LIST | KO-FI

———————

You’d heard countless stories of the famous Donquixote siblings for as long as you’d joined the Marine Academy. The younger brother was rumoured to be highly skilled in infiltration missions, gentle and on the shy side. It just confused you to hear the higher ups praise the man for his exceptional work but also complain about the amount of expenses being filed on Rosinante’s behalf. Uniform repairs, entire ships that needed more maintenance than normal because of accidental explosions, fires, general accidents and breakages seemed to follow this brother wherever he went. 

The elder brother, Doflamingo? He was a liability to both the public and his fellow Marines as well as the pirates he was pursuing. Any destruction caused on his hand was entirely intentional. Had either of them been reprimanded you new knew, you doubted it given how as you climbed the ranks they too were already way ahead. Besides when they got results? Could the higher ups really argue with it. Part of you doubted either of them- Doflamingo especially- would take any criticism to heart. Truthfully the brothers had always left you curious, hoping to one day see them for yourselves. Careful what you wish for right?

The day you’d been given your promotion and told you were transferring to an entirely new base had been a strange one. You and your friends celebrated but those issuing the papers? They seemed hesitant, almost nervous. At first you’d assumed they weren’t happy you were moving to an entirely new location and didn’t want to lose you but then when one of them muttered a hollow ‘good luck’ it made you uneasy. Had it been said with ice or resentment in their voice you would have understood but now it only furthered your confusion. Because of the whirlwind of emotions, packing, saying your goodbyes and celebrating you hadn’t given your new transfer papers a proper read until you were on the ship. All you’d known before had was that you were given the rank of Captain and would be serving directly under a Vice-Admiral. Out on the open water you went to your quarters and grabbed the papers, pulling them out to finally see who it was. The shock had been so sharp that you had to blink rapidly a few times to ensure you weren’t misreading the name Vice-Admiral Doflamingo. Just like that your life was thrown sideways and you soon realised what those looks had meant but through it all you dealt with it even though most of the time you were only there to babysit the man who by all accounts was your superior.

At first you suspected he did it on purpose. Now you just truly believed he was hopeless at doing anything that wasn’t hunting down criminals and causing chaos. So on top of your own work, making sure Doflamingo was in some way in line and looking after himself fell to you. Even on your days off you found yourself having to tend to him in some capacity. It’d been some time since your transfer that you’d managed to get back home and according to Doflamingo you’d earned the time off so you took it, heading back to your hometown to visit friends and family.

You were roused rudely and suddenly from your sleep to the sound of your personal den-den mushi ringing. Disoriented you jolted awake and tried to force your heavy eyes open only to feel them sting in protest. With more effort than you’d wanted to exert so late at night you managed to crack your eyes open enough and fumble your hand and search clumsily in the dark. Your fingers knocked against the receiver and you let out a sleep-thick curse to hear it hit the floor. Rolling onto your side you managed to grip the cable connecting the lost receiver to the snail on your nightstand and pull it off the floor. With a long yawn you tucked the receiver securely beside your face and pillow. “‘Lo?”

“Don’t tell me you’re still in bed Captain…” the deep voice drifted to you with the signature chuckle you’d gone a few days without hearing. Only now did you realise how strange it was to have gone so long without it echoing from somewhere. 

“Vice-Admiral?” You mumbled in confusion. “It’s nighttime…Timezones remember?”

“Ah yes, yes. My mistake.” Doflamigo chuckled from his end. In the background you could hear the usual morning activity drifting from his open office window. 

“What do you need Vice-Admiral?” You question was sighed into the receiver and Doflamingo chuckled to hear how much effort it was taking for you to sound coherent enough for him to understand your sleepy words. 

“Who says I need anything?” Doflamingo asked kicking his feet up onto his desk surface, his polished shoes crumpling untouched files and reports. His question and the crisp sound irked you enough to waken slightly.

“You always need something.” You grumbled, pressing the back of your hand against your mouth to stifle a heavy yawn. “You also need to do your reports. ‘M not coming back to see your desk hidden by papers again.”

“So harsh to threaten me with not coming back.” Doflamingo tutted you. “Remember I know where you are, I’ll come get you myself.”

“Mhm.” You hummed softly, too tired to fully commit to acknowledging his threat. “Still have to do your paperwork. You still haven’t told me what you need.”

“My gloves.” Your eyebrow twitched slightly. “Not my usual ones, the spare ones.”

“What happened your usual ones?”

“Took them off for five minutes and Rosi managed to get them too when he set himself on fire.” Doflamingo explained, his grin growing when your sleepy laugh drifted through the air. 

“They were fraying anyway…” You told him gently, probably trying to ensure he wasn’t too mad at his clumsy little brother. “Spares are in your desk. Left hand side, second drawer. You were using them to hide that bottle of whisky you thought I didn’t know about.”

You listened to the muffled sound of the drawer sliding open and laugh, your own lips curving into a smug smile. Even half-asleep you were more aware of anything to do with Doflamingo.

“What would I do without you, Captain?”

“You’d manage.” You said with another yawn. “Everyone else would be devastated if I wasn’t there.”

“Good thing that’s purely hypothetical. You’re not going anywhere Captain.”

“Says the man who said I’d only last a week as your Captain…” You teased as yet another heavy yawn filled your chest. It was getting harder to stay awake, Doflamingo’s deep voice being a comfort to listen to. “How time’s changed…”

“I know, it’s been what two years now? We forgot to celebrate our anniversary!”

“We’ll share that whisky when I get back.”

“Deal.”

“But only if you have your reports done…” You warned with a small smile when you could hear Doflamingo scowl. “Need anything else, sir?”

“No, you can go back to sleep now.” Doflamingo grinned before suddenly realising there was something else. “Wait, what else am I forgetting?”

“Breakfast. You need to eat.” You mumbled, heavily lifting the receiver towards the snail. “Oh and Admiral Akainu’s visiting the base tomorrow. Night, night.” 

“Wait what?!” Doflamingo called after you only to see the call had ended. Quickly he pushed the papers out of the way on the desk to find the calendar you’d left for him. Sure enough tomorrow’s date was circled twice and your reminder of the visit written in your handwriting. Three days after that you’d noted would be your return. Quickly Doflamingo got to his feet and with strong purposeful strides he made his way outside. There was no way he was going to endure a boring visit on his own. There was also no way he was lasting the long wait until you got back. Unleashing his strings he pulled himself into the sky and disappeared from sight, ignoring his subordinates uselessly shouting after him. He was only going out for a quick fly was what he told himself but if he happened to stop by and see you then that was purely coincidence. 

——————————————-

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[mind-intheclouds342]

Do it for them - Co-Captain x Reader (Mouthwash)

Part 1 - Part 2

Anya: "I'm sorry (T/n), he can't eat any of that."

You had gone with Anya to deliver her rations and Curly's, but you received those words that only left you more worried.

Anya: "Nothing solid, barely liquids... He can't even swallow unless it's with help..."

"Well... That changes my plans... I'll try to bring him something he can consume."

You mentioned squeezing the packages you had brought tightly, almost making them break.

Before Anya returned to the nursery, you stopped her, holding her shirt, like a child tugging at their mother's clothes wanting her attention.

"You can tell him that I hope that... I hope he gets better soon so I can see him?"

Anya: "Sure..."

She nodded, giving you a small smile, and you let her go carefully so she could continue on her way.

You ran your hand through your hair and looked at the ceiling, trying to stop the tears from falling from your eyes.

You continued your route to give the rations to the others.

"I want all of you to be smart, I will give you daily rations, you can eat them as you wish, but I will not give you more than what you receive in a day, you can accumulate and store them if you wish, but I don't want anyone touching other people's food, I have rationed them fairly."

Jimmy: "So some will have more than others, shouldn't it be equal?"

"Swansea does maintenance work, he needs his body strong, Daisuke is on his first trip, he's just getting used to the mediocre food we have, Anya barely eats, and I just found out that my hus-... that Captain Curly can't even swallow. If I gave everyone equal parts, it wouldn't be fair. Do you have any other complaints?"

You extended his rations, Jimmy just huffed at your response and took his food without saying anything else.

Daisuke: "So, does that mean Swansea and I are the ones who are going to get more food?"

"Just one more pack than usual, I need everyone to stay sane. But as I said, you can do whatever you want, you can store it, you can share it, but once I hand it over to you, it's completely your decision what you want to do with it."

Swansea: "Can I ask how you rationed it? What are you basing that on?"

"Well... Considering that we have eight months of travel left, if Pony Express notices that we haven't returned on time, they will have to send rescue teams. I have divided the rations to last at least nine months... But it's the last plan I intend to resort to, waiting won't work for me."

Daisuke: "Will they be able to find us??"

"Since the failed missions they had while testing, they couldn't afford to lose more material, because usually theirs ships got lost. So they installed tracking chips, but they only activate after the delivery time." 

Jimmy: "So we'll just be stuck here until that happens."

"Jim. Stop, I refuse to wait so long for them to come for us, there must be a way and I'm going to find it."

Jimmy: "If there were any kind of emergency button, we would have found it by now, there's nothing to do but wait."

You looked at him seriously when he took a few steps towards you, standing in front of you, towering you, he was relatively taller than you, and you disliked the idea that he wanted to intimidate you.

Swansea: "Hey Jimmy, stop that, we need to-"

"No, no, it's fine Swansea" you kept looking that man in the eyes "He must still be shaken up from the crash, I'm not going to give into his rudes words and start insulting him or arguing with him. At least my conscience will be clear that at least I tried to help and didn't just wait."

You raised your chin when you said that, before turning around to leave, muttering under your breath, unable to believe the insolence of that man.

What bothered you the most was the fact that you had known him for a long time, Curly and he are good friends, but his attitude towards you makes you feel like you never got along with him.

You saved the rations that were supposed to be for Curly, and decided to reorganize everything again to distract yourself.

"Even without being present... you help a bit..."

You murmured while separating the portions, which became a bit larger due to Curly's inability to eat anything solid.

Daisuke: "Captain (T/n)..."

You looked up upon hearing that, quickly left the storage room, closing the door behind you.

"Daisuke? Do you need something?"

Daisuke: "I believe that if we are going to get out of here, I trust you!"

You couldn't help but smile at his words; you knew you had to inspire confidence in others during these difficult times, but hearing it directly from one of the crew members really made you happy, and even made you trust yourself. 

Daisuke: "I will help with whatever is necessary! Maybe I can even go into space this time!"

"Uh-hu, no way, you don't have the proper training, you're going to float out there and get devoured by intern-eating aliens."

Daisuke: "Eh-?! You don't have to be so mean about it!"

You put your hands on his shoulders, smiling at him. 

"You are going to help me much more in here than out there, I assure you, you have already done a lot for me."

Daisuke: "Really?"

You nodded, making the boy feel proud.

You wanted to protect them all.

[starwuvs]

cassian andor x gn!reader

“too close for comfort.”

When a mission goes sideways, you're forced to fight your way out with Cassian Andor at your side—the man who's always been more than just a fellow rebel operative. In heat of danger, the line between loyalty and something deeper starts to blur.

You should have known the intel was bad. Cassian had known it too. You could see it in the set of his jaw, the way he scanned the alley for escape routes before the contact even arrived. But orders were orders and when the Rebellion asked, you both delivered.

Now, pinned behind the hull of a rusted speeder, you weren’t sure who was more pissed—Cassian or you.

“Two more on the roof,” he said, ducking beside you, breath ragged. “Snipers.”

“I counted,” you said, wincing as a blaster bolt scorched too close above your head. “I don’t suppose you’ve got a good plan?”

He glanced at you, and despite the danger, his eyes softened just a little.

“Not good,” he said. “Just reckless.”

You cocked your brow. “So the usual.”

Another blast forced you both lower. Cassian cursed under his breath. He was injured—a fall from earlier getting worse—and was keeping pressure on it with his left while gripping his blaster in his right. You reached to help, but he shook his head.

“You’re getting out of here,” he said. “I’ll draw them.”

“You’re not serious.”

He gave you that look, the one so steady, infuriatingly so. “They want the data you’re carrying. You get it back to base.”

You stared at him. “And leave you to die? That’s your idea of a good plan?”

Cassian didn’t answer right away. He looked away instead, toward the horizon where smoke from the ambush still rose. “If it means you live, yes.”

He’d always done this, put the mission above himself, put you above himself. From the first time you were paired together, he’d been always willing to burn so others didn’t have to.

“Cassian,” you hissed, voice low. “We go together, or not at all.”

His jaw clenched and he whispered your name.

“No,” you snapped. “You don’t get to throw yourself away. We’ve gotten out of worse.”

“That’s not—”

“I won’t lose you.” You paused. “Not like this.”

The silence between you was tense. His gaze dropped to your mouth, lingered just a second too long. Then he moved.

His hand reached for yours, squeezing tight, grounding. “Okay,” he said. Just one word, but it held much more.

You both moved fast after that, covering, communicating without speaking. Cassian surged ahead after tossing a smoke charge, and you followed, blasting a path to the extraction alley.

You heard the thrum of your waiting cargo transport and barely made the leap into it, Cassian half-hauling your weight up as you stumbled into the hold together.

Heart pounding, blood still rushing in your ears, you turned to him. He was breathing hard, injured, dust-covered, but alive.

He banged twice on the durasteel wall, the signal for the pilot to get out of there, and soon the ship was in motion, speeding away into the stars.

“You okay?” you asked, voice trembling now.

He nodded. “You?”

“I am now.”

You both looked at each other then, the space between you barely a breath.

He raised a hand slowly, brushing a smear of soot from your cheek. His fingers lingered.

“I meant it,” he said quietly. “If it came down to it…”

“I know,” you said. “But I’m not letting you die for me.”

He exhaled, something a mix of relief or regret. “Then I guess we protect each other.”

You nodded.

For one long moment, under the flickering lights of the transport, the combat seemed far away. He leaned in, just slightly, close enough that you could feel the warmth of his breath, the pull of something between you.

But he stopped just short.

Instead, he let his forehead rest lightly against yours. “We make it back,” he whispered, “we talk.”

“Promise?”

His voice was soft but sure. “I do.”

[ thanks for enjoying my work!! leaving a like, reblog, or follow means a lot to me. be sure to leave a comment or send an ask as well! my requests are open. - love, diego ]

[blitzwhore]

Do you have any predictions for season 3?

I do! A lot! I've been letting this ask sit in my inbox for a few days so I could properly put them into words, and in doing so ended up making a prediction bingo:

Some of these need a bit more explanation, so allow me to elaborate:

-> I think M&M will ultimately keep the baby, but it'll have a big impact on the dynamics of I.M.P. It'll mean Loona will have to go on more missions (while Stolas stays as secretary). It'll mean Sallie May will be a lot more present, and might even join I.M.P. herself. It's already been established she's a skilled assassin. (I also think Millie will be scared to tell Blitz at first, fearing the strain she knows this will put on the business, but he'll immediately give her absolutely every financial and emotional accommodation she needs, even if it means overworking himself).

-> I think Vassago isn't gonna let go of the trial, and will chase after Andrealphus to get some answers, then eventually seek out Stolas. I think when he finds out that Stolas was just saving Blitz's life because they're in love, he'll ship the two of them very hard.

-> I think Cash will try to get back into Blitz's life for his own personal gain now that Blitz's business is going well and he's well known. This might lead to more childhood flashbacks, to Stolas finding out about the fire, and to Blitz's bond with everyone else growing. I think this might also be how Stolas finds out what really happened on the day they met as kids (Cash selling him to Paimon and forcing him to steal).

-> I think Octavia will forgive Blitz before she forgives Stolas. There are theories out there about Via being in danger and Blitz going through great lengths to save her; I could definitely see that happening. I also theorise Blitz will adopt her before she's of age, the same way he did with Loona.

-> I think we're going to see more of Andrealphus, and I personally agree with the theories that he secretly desires something like what Stolitz have, or maybe had a crush on Stolas growing up and/or has an imp fetish. Either way, I think the reason he doesn't want Stolas and Blitz to be happy will be a lot more personal than he's been leading everyone to believe.

-> I also think Ozzie and Fizz's relationship will continue to develop and grow as they face new challenges and sources of conflict, both within their relationship (eg. the tension from what happened at the trial) and from external sources (eg. Mammon).

-> Lastly, I think Asmodean Crystals are what give imps the ability to conjure a human disguise (see: Barbie in Unhappy Campers), and I think Stolas will help Blitz and M&M learn how to conjure theirs as soon as he finds out they don't know how. Or maybe Barbie herself will teach them? Who knows!

Other random things I didn't include in the bingo:

Loona and Stolas bonding

Many, many soft and tender moments between Stolas and Blitz

More sassy/cunty Stolas

More Octavia songs

Loona song?!

Barbie meets Loona

Also: Stolas meets Barbie

There are also things I didn't include because they're not exactly "predictions", as we've already been told/shown they're going to happen, like another trial, a Vassago song, and Stella backstory. Looking forward to those too!!

[frankys-wife]

I'll Never Sail Without You

HAPPY (BELATED) ONE YEAR ANNIVERSARY, MY BELOVED FRANKY! (6/25/24)

Header art: art is my own!

Written by: writing is my own!

Words: 8.3k

Mimi had been a member of the Straw Hat Pirate crew for something like a year and a few months now, ever since she reunited with them on the island of Dressrosa, completely by chance as a result of her deployment on a mission by the Revolutionary Army. She had never imagined her life would take such a turn, much less becoming a pirate like the ones that rampaged her home island of Water Seven, but she considers herself lucky that it happened nonetheless.

In the time that she’d been travelling with them, Mimi knew she had found a second family. Everyone on the crew has been so warm to her, the kind of warmth that reminds her of the sun’s rays that kisses her pale skin on a summer afternoon. Especially her captain, Luffy, who has an affinity for attracting people with the radiant optimism that shines in him. Mimi is no different. Almost instantly after joining she was drawn to some members of the crew, either by sharing similar interests, such as Usopp’s knack for creativity or Robin’s love of history, or by simply being interested in the crew’s activities and observing their tight-knit relationships with each other. It helped a lot that Mimi shared their love of adventure, which seemed to be a commonality among her crewmates.

It helped even more, however, that she had known Franky since they were kids. 

Out of everyone on the crew, her bond with him is undeniably the strongest one. Ten years apart suddenly felt like nothing when everything she knew and loved about him came flooding back to her after their reunion on Dressrosa. The two of them had changed so much in that time, and yet, it feels as if time did not touch their love. Sure, the first month or so after joining the Straw Hats felt like uncharted waters for Mimi. However, being by Franky’s side once again felt like rediscovering a timeless treasure, one so precious that no amount of Beri could afford it. 

She doesn’t know what stroke of fate allowed her to reunite with the love of her life, but she’s grateful she could experience falling for him all over again. 

Mimi feels a large, comforting hand plant itself on her back. 

“Takin’ a breather?” Utters a familiar voice, the sound of it deep and gravelly with a warmth to it. Mimi opens her eyes, inhaling sharply as the smell of the crisp evening air graces her nostrils. The invigorating smell of the fresh, salty sea relaxes her shoulders, allowing her to catch a moment of respite from the crew’s dinnertime liveliness on the bow of the Thousand Sunny. She skims her eyes along the ocean in front of her, whose gentle waves appear to make the setting sunlight that shone on it dance against its surface. 

“I guess you could say that,” Mimi replies with a chuckle. A small smile creeps across her face, exhaling briskly. Leaning her elbows on the ship deck’s railing, she hunches forward, her silver hair tickling her face as she turns her head to meet Franky’s gaze. “It’s fun being with everybody, but a bit exhausting sometimes, to be honest.”

Franky chuckles low in his throat, shaking his head slightly. He places his opposite hand on the ship’s railing, leaning over Mimi as he gazes out at the captivating ocean alongside her. “Yeah, I hear ya. We’re a rowdy bunch, that’s for sure. We know how to have a good time.” He smirks. “But, you might wanna buckle in tonight, sweetheart. The night ain’t over, yet! I wouldn’t want you missin’ out.” Franky states in all his usual confidence, making no effort to hide the fact that he knows something. 

Mimi raises an eyebrow, intrigued by his statement. Her eyes widen as she studies Franky’s facial expression, recognizing his mischievous smirk all too well. Mimi squints, a smirk forming across her lips to match it. Mimi lets out a chortle.

“Now what are you up to?” She replies in a teasing tone, her shoulders shaking in response. She’s known Franky long enough to tell when he’s got a set plan in mind. The past few nights haven’t been particularly eventful since the crew has been traveling from one place to the next, so it’s been a lot of work aboard the ship aside from the crew’s usual shenanigans. 

Franky grins wider in response. “Ah, nothing. We’re just taking a small detour, Luffy’s orders.” Franky replies, firm but playful. His response does nothing but raise more questions for Mimi, her eyes widening in response. Learning about any sort of detour was certainly news to her, especially since any directional decisions are usually well-thought out in advance by Nami, the crew’s resident navigator.

“And where are we headed, exactly?” Mimi inquires. 

“Just a smaller island nearby for some supply runs. Need to stock up on some more cola for the Sunny’s Coup-de-Burst, and Sanji needs some more ingredients for meal prep. Should be there in an hour, so you should get your ass movin’ and get ready.” Franky pats her back gently, a pearly smile still plastered across his lips. 

Mimi purses her lips at his response. She takes a moment longer to narrow her eyes at him once more. It puzzles her why they’d be making a supply run at this time, but she decides not to push him for further answers despite her burning curiosity. “Alright, then.” She replies, with a bit of hesitation. Straightening her back, she takes one last deep breath of the fresh air before planting a kiss on Franky’s large, red metal shoulder. “I’ll be in our room if you need me.” Trailing her hand down Franky’s arm, Mimi turns and begins to make her way down towards the lower decks. 

Since the crew had expanded, both the men’s and women’s quarters became too crowded of a place for some of the other crewmates to sleep comfortably with their partners. Franky had taken it upon himself a while back to upgrade the layout of his beloved Thousand Sunny, making sure to add a few extra small rooms for the other members to sleep in, most notably Sanji and Moxie, as well as himself and Mimi. 

Mimi opens the door to hers and Franky’s bedroom, making sure to close the door behind her as she steps inside. Despite the sudden change in plans, she adores how considerate Franky is of her. Mimi despises rushing to go anywhere, so when she’s afforded time to prepare herself at a leisurely pace, she takes pleasure in it.

Taking her time, she allows her thoughts to run as she changes into a more comfortable outfit for going out.

Franky finds himself at the helm of the ship. For a moment, he allows himself to clear his head, paying attention to the seas ahead with a focused expression. He knew what was to come in the next couple hours, he’d planned this for a couple days now. And, with the crew’s permission, he’s docking the ship on a small island to set his plan in motion. 

His large chest heaves deeply, exhaling the salty air as he mentally runs through the plan step-by-step. Resting his head on his large hand, he rubs his brow in thought. 

Before he can get too lost in thought, Franky notices footsteps coming up the stairs behind him, accompanied by the faint smell of smoke. He shifts his eyes, taking notice of the ship’s well-dressed cook. 

“What brings you up here, brother? Kitchen’s on the first level.” Franky greets Sanji nonchalantly, his eyes remaining focused ahead with one hand on the helm. 

“I know.” Sanji replies, almost with a hint of annoyance. Franky catches the sound of Sanji clicking his lighter a couple of times, taking a cigarette between his teeth and lighting it before pushing the metal lid closed. “I was just wondering where Mimi ran off to. She only finished half her plate. I hope you didn’t gross her out, you pervert.”

A pleased grin wipes across Franky’s face, turning to face Sanji as he waves his free hand dismissively. “Easy with the compliments, bro!” He chuckles, not fazed by Sanji’s insult. “Besides, it’s nothin’ you need to worry about. She just needed some super air.” As Franky finishes, his expression becomes serious once again. “She knows we’re docking soon, so she’s gettin’ ready.” 

Sanji turns away swiftly, eager to end the interaction. “Great, I’ll bring the rest to her then.” Placing his hands in his pockets, he takes the first step down the stairs.

“I wouldn’t bother, Sanji. Give my girl some space. Luffy will eat her scraps.” Franky’s voice turns serious, a hint of hesitation in his phrasing, which is incredibly rare given Franky’s decisive nature. Sanji shifts his eyes to Franky, a knowing look glazing over his expression. He takes a deep sigh, puffing out some smoke from his cigarette. Without a word, Sanji crouches, taking a seat on the top stair, hunching forward slightly. “You better be doing the right thing, Franky. Mimi’s a good woman.” Sanji furrows his curly brow. “Beautiful, considerate, patient, and a good heart. A lady like her deserves nothing short of your best.”  

“Damn it, bro, I know already.” Franky groans, stating bluntly. He continues on, his voice low and serious. “Like I said earlier, it’s not a problem. I’m not a dumbass, rushing into things. I’ll make my bets, but she ain’t one of ‘em.” Franky rubs his brow, bothered by his thoughts but stubborn to admit it. 

A moment’s pause ensues, broken only by Sanji standing up once again. He nods, taking another puff of his cigarette. Keeping his head forward, he smiles slightly at Franky’s response. “Good. Proposing to a lady takes a certain finesse. If you rushed into it and scared her off I’d kick your ass.” Sanji looks over his shoulder, glancing at Franky, who is returning the gaze through the corner of his eye. He pauses again, his tone slightly more tender than before. “She really does love you, Franky. Show her that same love back.” 

Franky’s lips curl into a small pleased smirk at Sanji’s words. “Thanks, bro. I’m glad Moxie has a man like you.” He replies, giving Sanji an acknowledging nod, watching Sanji return the gesture. Franky watches as Sanji continues his way down the stairs towards the lawn deck, leaving Franky to his thoughts once again. 

A few minutes turn into an hour, and the crew finds the ship approaching the island’s shore. Ahead of them was a small, quaint island, decorated by a few rolling hills on either side and a quiet beach along the shoreline. The waves cascade in and out in a gentle rhythm, adding to the serenity of the atmosphere.

Perfect.

Franky steers the ship a good distance away from the island, close enough to travel on the Mini Merry, but far enough for his plan to work. 

___________________________________________________________________

Knock, knock, knock.

Mimi’s eyes, not leaving the reflection in her mirror, grits her teeth as she slides one last pin into her silver-haired bun, securing it in place. “Come in,” Mimi replies, fiddling with the shoulder strap of her short summer dress one last time, making sure it’s not too tight, lest it would be uncomfortable and dig into her shoulder. 

“It’s about time! Everyone’s already on the lawn deck. If you don’t hurry up we’re leaving without you!” A familiar young woman’s voice scolds. Before turning around to greet her, Mimi catches the glimpse of an orange-haired woman making her way inside the room, closing the door behind her. “Besides, Robin and I wanna make it to the markets before the stores close. I haven’t struck up a good bargain in a while.” 

Exhaling, Mimi examines herself in the mirror before turning over her shoulder to face her comrade. “I’m almost ready, Nami, I promise.” Mimi replies, taking one last good look at herself before walking back over to the closet. Pulling the wooden dresser open, she scans her eyes along her neatly lined-up shoe collection at the bottom of the dresser. Her eyes shifted between two pairs, a nice pair of brown sandals with colourful beads around the leather and a simple pair of red open-toe wedge heels. Watching Mimi shift her eyes, Nami almost swears she could see a bead of sweat running down Mimi’s forehead. She gives a sigh, walking over to the dresser. 

Nami tilts her head, her long orange hair falling to one side with a puzzled expression as she peers into the wooden dresser alongside Mimi. She gazes down at the collection of shoes in front of them, watching Mimi’s puzzled expression for a moment. Mimi bends down, picking up both pairs and holding them up before abruptly turning to Nami.

“Which pair should I go with?” She inquires, watching Nami’s expression carefully. Flicking her between the pairs of shoes and Mimi’s face, Nami raises her eyebrow decisively. 

“You’re really considering wearing heels with that? I’m all for a cute heel, but those sandals work better with the dress.” Nami answers, her eyes fixated on the shoes. 

Mimi nods slightly, looking at the heels in her hand before her eyes return to Nami’s expression. “It’s the bright red colour, isn’t it?” Mimi asks, her tone flat and decisive. “It distracts too much from my dress.” 

Nami nods slowly. “That, and the fact that we’re walking on the beach. Heels like that would be a hazard.” 

Nodding in agreement, Mimi sets the red pair of heels down in the closet, closing the doors not long after. She takes a few moments to seat herself on the bed, slipping her sandals on with haste and checking around the bedroom to make sure she didn’t forget anything important. Lipstick, money, sketchbook, emergency medication, her portable sewing kit- yup, all set. She grabs her small bag, meeting Nami at the doorway. 

__________________________________________________________________

The faint sound of lively banter picks up, increasing in volume as Franky cracks open the hatch from below deck. He’d figured that if he couldn’t put his mind to rest, he might as well make use of it and go check over the fireworks he and Usopp had created for the occasion. Boy, did Franky feel lucky to have a friend like Usopp, who would use his projectile knowledge and work with him to create a grand firework display with only a day’s notice. They stayed up almost all night working on it, knowing it had to be perfect. Inside the fireworks, Franky implanted small bombproof receptors that would allow the light from the explosions to take on specific shapes on command. 

The only thing in his whole plan that he’d put more thought and effort into than the fireworks was, of course, the ring. He’d spent a good many hours on it, taking extra care and attention to every detail. He was even lucky enough that Nami let him spare a couple small precious jewels from their most recent loot to add to it, and he was pretty proud of the result.  

Franky pushes the hatch open, pulling himself up onto the lawn deck to reconvene with the remainder of the crew to head to the island. He scans his eyes over almost everyone, save for Nami and Mimi, who he figures needs an extra few minutes as per usual. His eyes meet with Usopp, flashing a quick confident smile as he makes his way over to him. 

“Ready to make a show, bro? Just checked her over one last time. She should be ready to roll! Ow!” Exclaims Franky, his usual enthusiasm hiding his concerns.  

Usopp gives a confident grin, placing his fists on his hips and puffing his chest slightly. “Don’t worry, man! I’ve got it covered. Just say the word and Mimi will watch a fireworks show like she’s never seen before! I’ll make sure of it!” He grins. Franky grins wider. “Damn straight you will!” Franky chuckles, giving Usopp a brotherly pat on the back. “We just gotta make sure the timing’s right. Can’t have you setting ‘em off too early.” 

Usopp reaches into his pocket, going to pull a small device out of it. His fingers slip as he takes it out, scrambling to catch it with his other hand, only for it to bounce off his fingers. “Careful, bro! Don’t drop it!” Franky exclaims. Usopp grits his teeth, a bead of sweat forming on his forehead as he makes his attempt to catch the small device, his hands flying in a frenzy for a moment before finally catching it firmly in his left hand. 

He gives a hearty sigh of relief, finally holding the device up to Franky. “That’s why we made these, right? These transmitters should beep when it’s time for me to set them off!” A proud smile returns to Usopp’s face once again. 

“That’s right,” grins Franky, giving Usopp an approving thumbs up. “As long as you light ‘em in the right order, it’s no problem!” 

Usopp beats his chest proudly, giving a single understanding nod to Franky. “I swear on my life that I, the great Usopp, will not let you down! I’ll light those fireworks so well that it’ll be stuck in your memory for years to come!” Usopp exclaims, almost boastful. Franky grins once again, his gaze lingering on Usopp for a moment before the words “We’re ready” draw his attention away. 

To Franky’s delight, he’s greeted with the view of Nami and Mimi finally rejoining the rest of the crew on the lawn deck. He feels a familiar warmth in his cold metal chest, his heart jumping at the sight of her. Standing before him was his girlfriend Mimi, wearing a short white sundress adorned with a blue and green floral pattern. The dress hugged her body nicely, its neckline decorating her chest with small frills that ran all the way to the puffed sleeves that were just hanging off her shoulders. Her hair was pulled back behind her head into a curly bun, which was slightly different from her usual half-updo with the exception of the two strands of silver hair framing her face. 

He takes a moment to gaze at her, his expression softening for a moment. Franky knows that Mimi takes joy in dressing herself up, but something about seeing her now has made him realize that, yes, this is really happening. 

Franky picks up his slightly slack jaw, clearing his throat with a soft grin. 

“I’M GONNA BE FIRST TO THE MINI MERRY!” Luffy shouts. Waiting for no one, he grabs the hatch to the lower decks and swings it open with haste, practically jumping down the hatch towards the Soldier Dock system. 

“Right, then. You heard Luffy, everyone head down to the Mini Merry.” 

___________________________________________________________________

The waves roll against the shore, cascading slowly as everyone takes their first steps in the sand from the Mini Merry’s floor. Like usual, Luffy is one of the first out of the boat, basically slingshotting himself onto the beach with the help of his Devil Fruit powers and the closest tree within his stretchy arm’s reach. Mimi smiles a little as she watches the chaos unfold, Luffy running around in excitement, Nami and Sanji yelling at him to wait, and everyone else along for the ride. Minus Usopp, who willingly stayed back on the Sunny. 

Mimi hangs back for a moment, allowing the other crew members to step out of the boat before her. Her eyes dart around, taking notice of the rustling palm trees and the evening sky as the sunset glistens on the water. Allowing her thoughts to wander for only a moment, she is brought back to reality by her beloved Franky’s voice. 

“C’mon, babe, hurry up!” Franky exclaims, offering his large red hand to Mimi. “Don’t tell me you’re planning on sittin’ there the whole night!” Franky tilts his sunglasses down a little with his free hand, smirking at her. Mimi turns her head, her vibrant eyes meeting Franky’s dark ones. Her shoulders shake in amusement, a small playful smile pulling at her lips. “I only considered it for just a moment…” She jokes. She takes Franky’s hand, standing up in the boat. She uses Franky’s strong support to stabilize herself before stepping onto the golden sands carefully.

“Nope.” Franky chuckles. “Even if you tried, I wouldn’t let ya. There’s no getting out of this one!” 

Mimi grins. “Hey, you know I’d never pass up an opportunity to go shopping.” She chuckles, swinging her small leather bag strap over her shoulder. “Besides, I’ve been needing some new fabrics for my sewing projects. A few yards of some nice material, at least.” 

With his hand grasping hers, a smaller, silvery metal hand extends from the palm of his larger red ones. His smaller hand carefully grasps Mimi’s, interlocking his fingers with hers. Franky raises Mimi’s knuckles up to his lips, bending down slightly to reach them as he presses a firm kiss to the back of her hand, smiling slightly as he does so. “Now that’s the spirit!” He grins, looking down at his comparatively smaller  girlfriend with a pleased expression. 

“Hello?! Let’s get moving!” Nami calls out from farther ahead. 

Mimi takes her eyes off Franky for a moment to take notice of the ladies across the beach near a tree clearing, Robin waiting patiently for Mimi, and Nami slightly less so. She brings her eyes back to Franky. “I guess that’s my cue… are you coming?” Inquires Mimi, taking a few steps towards her crewmates before pausing and turning back to her boyfriend. 

“Nah, you ladies have fun. Chopper wants to find some medicinal herbs, and Luffy’s been going on about tryin’ to catch some weird bug.”

Mimi snickers, her shoulders shaking as she imagines Luffy’s enthusiasm. “You really just want to go bug catching with him, huh?” She teases. Franky grins widely, raising an eyebrow. He lifts up his sunglasses, looking down at her with a teasing smile. “I’ve been needin’ some more scrap wood for quick ship repairs, so I was gonna tag along to keep an eye on ‘em. But…” Franky pauses, “...if I find any bugs on that scrap wood, no promises it won’t land on your pillow.” 

Mimi’s jaw goes slack, giving Franky’s arm a light, playful shove. “Franky, don’t you dare!” She exclaims with a smirk, a hint of a laugh in her voice. 

A deep chortle resonates in Franky’s throat as he leans downward. “I’m only messin’ with ‘ya, sweetheart.” He clarifies, placing a kiss to Mimi’s forehead. Her expression softens, closing her eyes as he kisses her. “Now stop messing around and get goin’. Nami’s about to blow a fuse.” Franky says. Mimi nods, placing both her hands gently over the soft blue sideburns running down the sides of his cheeks. She stands on her toes, pulling him in closer as she places a quick peck on his lips. 

“Okay. I love you.” Mimi smiles, looking into his eyes as she pulls away hesitantly. Removing her hands from his cheeks, she continues over to the other side of the beach towards the clearing where Nami and Robin were waiting for her. Franky watches her make her way over, a warm expression forming on his face as he does so. He waits patiently for Mimi to be out of earshot before turning towards the remaining crew members. 

“Alright, let’s get moving.”

___________________________________________________________________

The serenity of the small surrounding town resonates through its streets, the white teak wood buildings patterned on either side. The sunset rests just below the clouds, its last daylight reflecting the faces of passersby as Mimi, Nami and Robin make their way down the shopping district. Scanning her bright teal eyes over the windows of the surrounding shops, Mimi’s eyes widen at some of the lovely garments on display in the shop bay windows. Her eyes land on three mannequins, each with three stunning casual clothing designs. Each of them had uniquely intricate embroidery in certain areas, complementing the differing materials, almost as if each garment was repurposed and put back together in a tasteful manner.  

“Robin, Nami, look at those outfits!” Mimi exclaims, stopping in her tracks to admire them for a moment. Nami stops and raises an eyebrow before her eyes open so wide you could see stars in them. Following Mimi’s voice, Robin turns to the window as well, a small smile warming her face as her eyes land on the mannequins. 

“They certainly are lovely, aren’t they?” Robin responds with her usual warm tone. “They are quite eye-catching. It reminds me of your work, Mimi.” 

“Oh, that skirt is so cute!” Nami squeals as she admires a short brown faux leather skirt. She examines the beautiful gold detailing on the sides of the skirt, which complemented the skirt’s black leather pockets nicely.  

Without another thought, Mimi grabs the handle to the door, holding the door for her friends behind her as the three of them step inside the shop. Racks on racks of unique, one-of-a-kind garments lined the beige walls of the store, the yellow overhead lighting giving the shop a cozy, trendy atmosphere. The three ladies immediately spread out across the small interior, sifting through the well-crafted clothing on the shelves and racks. 

Skimming the rack with her hand, Mimi catches onto the stiff material of a short denim vest. Taking it off the rack, she immediately notices the inside of the vest, which was lined with a nice floral fabric. The back panel of the dark vest was decorated with old embroidered floral patches, an element she really admired about it. “Amazing…” She mutters to herself. She continues to admire the vest, holding it up before the price tag swipes in front of her eyes. 

“225 Beri” the tag reads. Mimi’s face drops. 

“ARE YOU KIDDING ME?” Nami exclaims. “300 Beri for a SKIRT?! Who the hell would pay that?!” 

“It’s hand-crafted…” A woman’s voice chimes in. Mimi looks up from the vest  in her hands, her eyes meeting the face of a stern middle-aged woman glaring at the three of them. “...and it’s one-of-a-kind, made with upcycled genuine material. You’ll only find it here.” The shop owner continues, attempting to further prove her point. A starstruck expression crosses Mimi’s face. Simple clothing is easy to find a bargain for, but in her eyes, true art and craftsmanship is deserving of the price. Mimi’s face contorts slightly, her furrowed brow and pained grimace an indicator for her indecisiveness. 

She wanted this vest. Badly. But she knew she couldn’t justify spending a chunk of her Beri allowance on it, or Nami would have her head for her poor spending decision alone. Sighing, she places the vest back on the rack reluctantly. 

Facing a rack of short dresses, Robin hears a small familiar “puru puru puru puru” sound. She reaches into her jacket, pulling out her small transponder snail and answering the call. 

Ka-lick.

“Robin, how’s it holdin’ up on your end?” A familiar, gravelly voice pipes up on the other end of the line, a slight energy to his tone. 

“Franky. Mimi’s preoccupied with browsing designer clothing with Nami. A particularly good distraction for her, too. One of the denim vests seems to have caught her eye.” Robin chuckles softly into the phone, her tone quieter so as to not alert Mimi, though Mimi’s attention seemed elsewhere. 

“Sounds super!” Franky lets out in relief, his tone upbeat and hopeful. “The crew and I are close to getting ‘er done. If you and Nami can get out of there before Mimi’s done her stuff, we’ll swap places and I’ll pick Mimi up SUPER style while you ladies make some tweaks to the arrangements back at the beach!” He continues, recounting the next steps of his plan. “And make sure to pick out some nice flowers, ya hear?”

Robin gives a small, tender smile. “I’m glad you’re putting in so much effort for her, Franky. Just make sure that the ring is properly fitted to her finger when you propose so it doesn’t cut off blood flow to her finger and make it fall off.” She says, still smiling as she amuses herself with her own dark humor.

Franky audibly shudders at Robin’s comment over the transponder snail. “DAMMIT, ROBIN, DON’T STRESS ME OUT MORE!” He exclaims, off-put by her out of pocket comment. “Just make sure you and Nami get outta there without Mimi seeing’ ya!” 

With that, Robin gives a slight understanding nod before hanging up the transponder snail with a ka-lick. 

——————————————————————————————————

Shhhhhhh.

The island birds chirp in tune with the rustling palm trees, which fanned out over the heads of the remaining crew. Some shade from the leaves above felt calming, cooling down the beads of sweat that were rolling down the foreheads of the remaining crew as they traversed the forest ground, carrying fresh cut wooden planks and a variety of foraged items. 

A sigh of relief escapes Franky’s lips. He knew that Robin and Nami were well aware of his plans, and it’s times like these that make him feel thankful for his trustworthy crew mates. He hangs up the transponder snail, refocusing his attention to the rest of the crew, who were scattered about as they foraged for materials in the wooded area not far from the beach they set foot on when they arrived on the island. He readjusts his shoulders, balancing the wooden planks over them as his eyes scan the remaining crew. 

“WHOAAAAA, LOOK!” Luffy’s eyes light up in excitement.

Immediately, Chopper’s attention is caught by the energy in Luffy’s voice, his sweet, round reindeer eyes widening with curiosity. Luffy gestures excitedly to a large mushroom, his eyes fixated on a plump Hercules beetle perched atop the fungi. “IT’S A HERCULES BEETLE ON A MUSHROOM! THEY’RE THE STRONGEST BEETLES EVER!” Luffy exclaims, taking the beetle in his hands and showing it off to Chopper with pride. Chopper’s eyes sparkle with wonder and awe at Luffy’s find, his mouth agape as he admires the beetle. 

“REALLY?! You mean it?! It’s so strong it could carry another beetle!?” Chopper asks, his voice riddled with excitement. 

“UH HUH! So strong it could fight another beetle and win!” Luffy grins, his smile stretching from ear to ear in childlike glee. 

“Can you two stay focused?” Sanji snaps. “You’re supposed to be looking for flowers to use as decorations for Franky’s beach setup for Mimi! A lady like her needs flowers, not bugs!” 

Luffy’s face drops in disappointment. “Aww, fine” he bellows, stuffing the beetle in his pocket for later. Without thinking, he tosses the mushroom in the air, popping it in his mouth, followed by Sanji and Chopper turning to him in a panic. 

“LUFFY!!! DON’T EAT THAT, IDIOT!!!” 

Franky grins, watching as Sanji and Chopper attempt to wrestle Luffy to spit the mushroom out, shaking his head slightly. He turns his gaze, taking notice of Brook staring at a peculiar flower bush. 

“I believe these hibiscus might be suitable for Miss Mimi, Franky.” Brook pipes up. He reaches a skeletal finger out, stroking one of the flower petals gently, admiring it’s beauty. 

“Finally, you found something actually useful!” Franky exclaims in relief. The past hour or so had proven mostly unsuccessful in terms of finding decorations for the arch Franky planned to whip together on the beach before Mimi arrives. And, for the record, Franky was getting a bit tired of all the useless leaves and pebbles being brought to him by Luffy at random, despite Luffy’s best intentions. He sets the planks of wood down next to him before pushing back the branches of the flower bush, grasping the stem with his large metal hands. 

With one strong yank, he uproots the bush, leaving the rest of the crew stunned for a moment. Brook’s bony jaw drops, Chopper and Sanji mirroring his expression. Luffy, however, laughs gleefully at the sight of Franky uprooting a hibiscus bush with his bare hands. 

And Zoro, of course, is nowhere to be seen, having last been seen with the crew circa an hour ago. 

_____________________________________________________________

It’s not long now until the crew’s efforts come to fruition. After gathering a few more materials, and making the group effort to lead Zoro back to the beach they first set foot on, the last few steps of Franky’s plan were being carried out.

With each passing minute, Franky’s heartbeat grew louder and louder. Of course, there were still a few things to prepare before Robin and Nami arrive, before he sets out to pick Mimi up from the shop, but even trying to use those to get his mind off his worries was proving unsuccessful. Regardless, he hid it well behind his confident persona. 

He takes one good look at the beautiful arch he built on a whim, but planned well ahead of time. The rustic wooden planks Zoro had helped him cut, nailed together and set upright in the sand formed a perfect heart shape, which faced the ocean and framed the sunset like a painting. He takes it all in for a moment, before turning his attention to the hibiscus bush from earlier. 

Footprints trail behind him in the sand as he makes his way to the bush before grabbing handfuls of the bright coral flowers. 

It wasn’t until he looked up that he noticed two slender figures approaching in the distance across the beach. 

“It’s about time you got here. I bet the shop owner kicked you out.” Zoro called out to Nami. 

“Oh, SHUT UP. You’re one to talk!” Nami retorted, well aware of Zoro’s poor navigational habits. Robin, on the other hand, takes immediate notice of the lovely hibiscus flowers Brook had pointed out to Franky.

“Think ya can manage with these? We were almost hard outta luck until Brook saw ‘em.” Franky scratched his head a little. Without a word, Robin crosses her arms, setting her focus on the heart-shaped arch. The crew watched as a line of slender hands sprouted along the sand from the bush to the heart-shaped arch, passing along individual hibiscus flowers from one hand to the next as Robin’s hands placed the flowers neatly along the arch. Having a Devil Fruit like hers is useful when her friends need a helping hand. 

Nami looks at the near-completed arch, her eyebrows raising in a pleasant surprise. “Wow, this actually turned out well! I expected less, but this isn’t half bad!” She says, giving a nod of approval. 

“Aw, c’mon, Nami. Don’t do me like that.” Franky chuckles deep in his chest, recognizing her joking backhanded compliment. “It’s the most super proposal arch you’ve seen and you know it. Besides, I’ll always burn some midnight oil if it’s for my girl.” 

Puru-puru-puru-puru. Robin’s transponder snail rings once again. 

Oh shit. 

——————————————————————

After a few unsuccessful try-ons, Mimi steps out of the changeroom in the shop. She’s amassed quite the pile of clothes. She couldn’t help it, having an eye for clothing styles and a heart for artistry, being a fellow artist and seamstress herself. Even more so with Nami having handed her more than a few things by recommendation, thinking they would look cute. So, naturally, Mimi had taken her time.

Just long enough to give Robin and Nami ample time to leave the shop and get back to the beach without Mimi noticing. 

“Nami? Robin?” Mimi raises her volume, hoping one of them would hear. She waits a few moments, her calls falling on deaf ears as she receives no response. She sighs. “Are you kidding me? Where did they go?” Mimi mutters under her breath. Slightly miffed, she pulls out her miniature transponder snail from her bag. 

Puru-puru-puru-puru. The transponder snail rings. Puru-puru-puru-puru. 

Ka-lick.

Putting on her most pleasant voice, Mimi speaks. “Robin, where are you? Did you and Nami go to the next store over without me?” 

On the other end of the line, Robin answers. “Ah, Mimi.” Robin pauses momentarily, carefully considering her answer. “We did, the crew ran into a group of murderous wild apes on the beach. We had no choice but to run to their rescue.” Robin smirks slightly, unbeknownst to Mimi. 

“Oh, okay.” Mimi replies, without second thought. An air of awkward silence goes by, and Mimi remembers Robin’s sense of humor, especially in serious situations. Her eyes widen. “WAIT, NO, ROBIN. BE SERIOUS.” Mimi pipes up again, her voice louder. 

On the other end of the line, Franky overhears Mimi’s response. “She didn’t seriously just buy Robin’s joke as an actual answer!” He exclaims, thankfully out of earshot of Mimi over the transponder snail.

 Robin chuckles slightly. “Regardless, wait outside the shop for a few minutes.” She answers cryptically, before hanging up the transponder snail with a ka-lick. 

Mimi gives a puzzled look, hanging up the transponder snail before placing it back in her bag. Picking up the pile of clothes she’d tried on, she quickly plops it on the return counter next to the changeroom before heading out the door without a word. 

Sitting on a bench just outside the shop, she feels the evening air make her hair dance gently as she waits, as instructed by Robin. Her feet shuffle beneath her impatiently, her eyes shifting around as she watches the setting sun, the bright ball of fire concealing itself behind a cloud every so often. 

The peaceful evening air was cool and quiet… until a faint sound of a revving engine came within earshot. Mimi catches a glimpse of a large, red, three wheeled motorcycle with a yellow star on each back wheel, as well as a driver with wild blue hair. The last sunlight of the evening reflects off the front of the motorcycle, revealing the letters “FR-U” printed in black on the front. 

And she recognized him immediately. 

She has not the slightest clue how Franky managed to get his FR-U Black Rhino motorcycle from the Thousand Sunny to shore, but the sight of him zooming into the town in his bike practically ran over any worries she had previously. And nearly a few townspeople as well, but that was of little concern to Franky. 

The bike half circles on the brick road in front of Mimi, allowing for a half donut before the bike comes to an abrupt stop. Franky looks over his shoulder, flipping up his sunglasses as his gaze meets Mimi’s smiling eyes. 

“What’s a super pretty lady like you doin’ here by herself?” Franky smirks. “Need a lift?” 

A bright, closed-mouth smile graces Mimi’s lips. “Did you even need to ask?” She stands up, grabbing her bag and sauntering over to the bike, swaying her hips in a playful imitation of a model catwalk to play along with her boyfriend’s obvious flirt. The bike had no steps up, so Franky lifts Mimi onto his lap with ease since he, unfortunately, only built one real seat into the motorcycle. Mimi gets comfortable, laying back into Franky’s chest as he once again reaches for the handlebars of his motorcycle. 

And before Mimi could blink, Franky stepped on the gas. 

——————————————————————

“That was a smooth stop. You’ve gotten good at that.” Mimi smiles, pulling her silver hair out of her face as the bike comes to a rolling stop, the same rowdy half-donut Franky picked her up with. She looks over the side and takes notice of a small clearing of a forest pathway. 

“Good?!” Franky says, in mock offense. “That was better than good. That was super!” 

Mimi chuckles and shakes her head. “Okay, fine, that was super.” She glances at him for a moment, looking up at his towering frame above her with a genuine warmth in her eyes for just a moment, just enough to make his heart jump. 

Just enough to remind him that this is who he wants to spend his life with. 

Mimi goes to slide off Franky’s lap and off the bike, but is quickly caught off guard by Franky’s hand stopping her. 

“Oi, where do you think you’re going? You’re not gonna tip your handsome driver?” He says. Mimi looks up at him once more briefly, her teal eyes meeting his in curiosity. She finds Franky looking down at her, eyebrow raised in his usual teasing banter she’s so used to from him. 

Her smirk matches his, picking up his cue. Instead of kissing him, she reaches her hand up towards his shiny metal nose, pressing and holding it down for three seconds. “Boop” she states, a slight laugh in her voice as she watches her cyborg boyfriend’s hair flatten itself into a stylish, slicked-back hairstyle reminiscent of one that he wore during the crew’s adventures in Zou. 

It was then, and only then, that she stretched upward and placed a kiss to his three-pointed chin, before finally sliding off his lap and onto the ground. 

“Heh. Alright.” Franky smirks, his shoulders shaking slightly before hopping off his bike, leading Mimi into the forest path entrance. 

The minutes it took to walk the forest path leading up to the beach had Franky watching Mimi’s facial expressions closely, as if waiting to see the moment of surprise on her face. The uncertainty of his thoughts had mostly subsided, especially since there’s no use worrying about it now that every other part of his plan had been executed. 

All that was left now was to watch the pure, unadulterated joy that would cross Mimi’s face when she sees the surprise he and the crew had waiting for her. 

And joyful it was. 

The way Mimi’s eyes lit up shone brighter than any precious metal he’d ever seen. She’d completely lost any words she had on her tongue, breathless as she processed the beautiful scene laid before her. Her eyes danced around the scenery: the rustic wooden planks in the perfect shape of a heart, nailed together and decorated by various bright orange and pink hibiscus flowers. The setting sun, which fit into the heart-shaped planks like a perfect picturesque photograph. The Thousand Sunny, rocking gently on the ocean in the distance. Her pirate family, all present save for Usopp, who gave her a wave from the Sunny in the distance.

And, most importantly, Franky. Her best friend and the love of her life, at her side as he gave her his signature, comforting ear-to-ear grin. 

A smile creeps its way onto her face before words can escape her. 

“W-what is this?” Mimi asked, her voice riddled with joy and sentimentality. A question she already had a feeling she knew the answer to, if it wasn’t glaringly obvious. 

“Just a lil’ something we whipped up.” Franky responds nonchalantly, with all his usual confidence. Mimi takes another look around, meeting the eyes of almost all her crew mates as they smile knowingly back at her. 

“Is this why you’ve all been acting so cryptic to me these past couple nights?” Mimi smiles, half laughing. Her question is met with silence, but the warmth from their expressions never faltered. Franky gives a small nod to Brook, who gave a small nod back, before picking up his violin and playing a small melody. 

He turns his head towards the ocean, watching the sun begin to dip behind the Thousand Sunny, illuminating their impressive ship. 

“Ya know how my dream’s always been to build a ship strong enough to sail the world?” Franky starts, his voice warm but serious. Mimi turns her attention to Franky, her eyes following his gaze outwards. 

Mimi gives a small nod. “Yeah?” 

“There’s a second part to it, not sure if I ever told ya that.” Franky inhales sharply. “I wanted to sail that ship with you on it. Just like old times, or somethin’ like that.” 

Mimi’s breath catches in her throat. She feels her smile widen even more at the thought, the butterflies in her stomach dancing as she stares at the painterly sky. “Just like back home when you’d build your Battle Franky ships and take me on them to kill Sea Kings?” 

Franky gives a shallow laugh, one that resonates in his chest. “You got it.” He pauses, his smile fading slightly. “I really thought that part of the dream got lost when you left, ya know. Scared me real good for the better part of a decade.” Franky says, his voice slightly shaky. Mimi turns her gaze to Franky once more, her eyes soft with slight concern as she watches his eyes begin to well up with tears, his bottom lip in a pout.

She reaches out her hand, placing her hand on his large, boxy blue forearm reassuringly. She’s not going anywhere without him ever again, and she wanted to show him that, even just a little. 

After a deep breath, Franky regains his composure. Still teary-eyed, but enough to continue on. 

“I’ve done so damn much in those ten years. I don’t got a clue what I could’ve done to deserve something so super, but you came back to me, Mimi. I didn’t think you would, but you’re here.” Franky continues, his voice still shaky. He brings his large hand up towards his face, wiping a tear away from his eye. 

“I’m bored. Just say it already, Franky!” Luffy blurts out. Franky and Mimi turn their heads. 

“LUFFY!” Nami and Sanji yell in tandem, calling him out. 

Franky smirks slightly at Luffy’s response. He turns back to Mimi, his feet dragging slightly in the soft sand as he turns to come face to face with her. “I guess I’m just trying to say, you’re the cola that fuels my heart. It doesn’t feel right to live my dreams without you bein’ a part of ‘em.” His tone warms up a little more, leading up to his next words. 

“So, I just got one more thing to tell ya, Mimi.” Franky smiles, this time softer. Without breaking eye contact, he holds his giant fist in the air, forming a thumbs up large enough to catch Usopp’s eye from the Thousand Sunny. 

Scrambling, Usopp makes his way down to the lawn deck of the ship, lighting a match and setting a fuse. He sets the first firework off, almost confident that it was the correct firework… until he looked at the word written on the firework.  He looks at the label again, his eyes widening with panic as the realization sets in. Despite his best efforts to stamp the fuse out or blow it out, it was too late. 

He gazes across the water towards the beach in defeat. 

From the beach, Mimi hears a loud popping noise, beckoning her to turn her head towards the ocean and sky once again. The sea breeze catches her long strands of silver hair as one-by-one, the fireworks explode from the deck of the Thousand Sunny. 

The evening sky glows with many colours as the fireworks take the shape of an almost familiar phrase.

“MARRY.” “ME.” “WILL.” “YOU?”

Mimi watches in awe, chortling slightly at the incorrect order. Franky glances at the fireworks for a moment, chuckling slightly. 

“Aw man. Dammit, Usopp!” He sighs. Franky flips his sunglasses down over his eyes, waiting for Mimi to turn her attention back to him. Mimi shifts her eyes back to Franky in surprise, finding him grinning back at her through his sunglasses. 

Lowering himself, Franky gets down on one knee, now meeting her eye level given his huge stature compared to her. Mimi’s heart jumps, almost in disbelief that this is happening. Like, really happening, as if it wasn’t already years in the making. She can feel the tenderness in his gaze as she watches him reach into his speedo, pulling out a small, wooden, cube shaped box. 

“REALLY? IN YOUR UNDERWEAR, YOU PERV?” Sanji exclaims, horrified by Franky’s ring box storing tactics. 

Franky clicks his teeth in a charming smile. “Hey, gotta make sure it’s super secure!” Mimi holds back a laugh, rubbing her forehead slightly. Franky refocuses his attention back to her. 

Opening up the box, he reveals a beautifully crafted gold ring, adorned with a few small precious jewels. In the middle, it had some tiny gears, which connected to the teeth of a top and bottom band, allowing for the ring to rotate by moving one of the bands. Upon glancing at it, Mimi could tell it was Franky’s handiwork, the hours he must have spent to make it. The thought that went into it. 

It was at this moment that it made sense to her, the nights Franky kept coming to bed later than usual after spending time in the workshop late at night. Mimi covers her mouth, her fingertips touching as if she’s saying a prayer of sorts. She had been holding back her emotions since they stepped foot on this beach minutes ago, but this time she couldn’t contain herself as tears of joy streamed down her face like the canals of their home, Water 7. 

“So, whaddaya say, beautiful? Will you marry me?” 

Mimi pauses, her eyes wide and filled with emotion. Her breath hitches in her throat. There was never any doubt in her mind her answer, yet the air is still as everyone awaits her response. Without warning, she wraps her arms around Franky. Mimi buries her face in the shoulder of Franky’s green blazer, sobbing loudly. 

Slightly confused, Franky holds her gently. 

“Baby! S-so, is that a yes or no?” He asks. 

Mimi pulls away slightly, a smile evident on her face through the tears. 

“That’s a yes, dummy.” She smiles softly. “I love you.” 

THANK YOU FOR READING!! This has been a project for MONTHS so I'm happy you read and/or enjoyed it!!

Tag list: (ask to be added or removed!)

@100shark ✯ @avatarduck ✯ @brahms-and-lances-wife ✯ @brutally-loving ✯ @fictodreamer ✯ @jpeg-indulgence ✯ @kissingarthurclaus ✯ @lawismyhusband ✯ @literally-just-there ✯ @moxanji-real ✯ @r0tten-hav3n ✯ @starshakez ✯ @strawbeaniie ✯ @strawhatwife ✯ @solsunships ✯ @vergils-beloved ✯ @wiggogsy ✯ @zoroscanonhusband

[wileycap]

PALPATINE: My dear boy. The only thing that we are discussing right now is what you want.

ANAKIN: Hm. Okay, world peace for Padmé, a Best Jedi mug for Obi-Wan - no, that's not me being bitchy, he literally will not accept a bigger gift...

PALPATINE: Yes, you shall have it all. Just -

ANAKIN: Oh, I'm not done. A billion... no, you know what, a trillion credits for Ahsoka, rights for the clones plus backpay and overtime for the war, full rights to their own genetic code, a special vode-only tribune that will investigate Kaminoans and natborn officers for sentient rights violations...

PALPATINE:

ANAKIN: ... slavery is to be abolished across the galaxy, I and any vode who want to join me will be sanctioned by the Republic to hunt down slavers, starting with Tatooine, hair cream for Windu - okay, that one is me being bitchy - and, well, I guess I'd want a fleet of the absolute best ships for me. As a treat.

PALPATINE: I see. Are you done?

ANAKIN: I guess. How soon can you deliver?

PALPATINE: Well. As it stands... it might... take some time.

ANAKIN: That's cool. You can get all the legal stuff done tomorrow, just call in a special session of the Senate, but I get that commissioning a fleet will take some time. I didn't even give you a list of models or anything.

PALPATINE: ... yes. I can't help but to think that you're disregarding your wife's safety here.

ANAKIN: Oh, no. I'm being smart.

PALPATINE: You are?

ANAKIN: Yup. Padmé is a completely healthy woman. Her pregnancy is very low risk. So, if she's going to die in childbirth, it's got to have something to do with the war, right? If we end the war, there's no danger to Padmé.

PALPATINE: Have you forgotten what I told you about Darth Plagueis the Wise?

ANAKIN: No, but if I use Sith Magic to save her, she's probably going to turn into a zombie or something. Trust me, Chancellor, I've seen it before.

PALPATINE: I'm afraid to ask, but where have you seen zombies?

ANAKIN: Eh, you can check my mission reports. Anyways, if you just hand me your credit chit, I can get to buying Obi-Wan that mug, giving Ahsoka the trillion and all that.

PALPATINE: Well, I...

ANAKIN: And if you don't want to go through with this, I'm definitely going to murder you right now. You being a Sith Lord and all that.

PALPATINE: Oh.

ANAKIN: Yeah.

PALPATINE: Well, here's my credit chit.

ANAKIN: Thanks, Sheev! Just one more question. What are you getting out of this?

PALPATINE: ... I'm going to declare myself Emperor and bring about the age of the Sith.

ANAKIN: Okay, that's cool.

PALPATINE: It... is?

ANAKIN: Sure. I mean, you basically are an emperor already, and we have freedom of religion. Just make sure that your Empire is strictly democratic, or else Padmé's going to be mad at me.

PALPATINE: I... what? The purpose of an Empire is to do away with democracy! Cut away the rot of bureaucracy!

ANAKIN: Chancellor, do you remember the conversation we had just now about me murdering you?

PALPATINE: Yes, but you hate the Republic too!

ANAKIN: I know, but work stuff can't come between me and Padmé. One of the rules of a successful marriage. Anyways, get it done. I gotta go buy a mug and some hair cream.

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

BREAKING NEWS!

PEACE! Supreme Chancellor / Emperor-Elect Sheev Palpatine has announced the immediate cessation of hostilities between the Republic and the CIS along with a slew of other groundbreaking proposals. The Supreme Chancellor stated that with the death of General Grievous...

The Coruscant Herald spoke with Jedi Master Obi-Wan Kenobi, also known as the Negotiator.

"I've got this mug." said Master Kenobi, before launching into a protracted rant about the state of our democracy.

"I got back from Utapau, and Anakin tells me that he 'kind of' turned to the Dark Side. How do you 'kind of' turn? But now we have galactic peace. But we also have an Emperor. Well, in three days we will have an Emperor. But the Emperor is going to have less power than the Supreme Chancellor has right now, and they're the same person. Not to mention that he's the Sith. My entire life has turned into a philosophical nightmare on whether the ends justify the means, and it's all being personified by this blasted mug." ...

Senator Padmé Amidala of Naboo had a brief conversation with the Herald.

"Well, I think of it like a retirement present. A lifetime achievement award. He is an older man, and no doubt he'll abdicate in due time. This will be an interesting footnote in the history of the Republic." ...

Spokesbeing for the Shmi Skywalker Foundation, Anakin Skywalker spoke at length with our reporter.

"Well, we at the Shmi Skywalker Foundation offer only two things: freedom to slaves and death to slavers. And sometimes imprisonment to slavers, because Obi-Wan and Padmé were pretty adamant about that. And also financial aid, legal aid, housing, therapy, et cetera. For the freed people. So I guess we offer more than two things, but they're all good things."

"Sheev? Sheev is great. A nice old man. I think he's going to abdicate in, oh, three years or so? [Editor's Note: Transcript is garbled due to the Emperor-Elect coughing suddenly.] [...Yo]u need a glass of water, Sheev? Get him - yeah, one of you red guys, get him a glass of water. You're not a young man anymore, Sheev. Yeah, I think he'll abdicate within three years."

Emperor-Elect Sheev Palpatine declined to comment at this time.

[heliads]

A Sea of Lies (1) - nikolai lantsov

As a Second Army Tidemaker, you're certain your latest mission to go undercover as a Ravkan spy in Sturmhond's fleet is nothing more than a fool's errand. The dread privateer certainly has tricks up his teal sleeves, but maybe not the ones you'd expected.

masterlist / part two

You start your day thinking the Darkling is making a joke, and that is how you know your life is over.

Nothing about today was a laughing matter, you should have sensed it from the start. You’ve been sleeping off your last mission for the last week, alternating between stopping by the Healers to fix up your wounds and helping to train some of the new Etherealki as Baghra loses her patience, but you’ve managed to piece together plenty of time to rest. The Second Army is always low on soldiers, whether from enemy attacks, or, shamefully enough, friendly fire from the First, so there’s never as much time to recover as you’d like.

The Darkling had called you into his War Room to receive your latest assignment. As one of his best spies, you’ve gained enough of his begrudging respect to be allowed into this hallowed hall of secrets, but you know better than to peer too closely at anything. Grisha have disappeared for less.

You swear it’s always colder in here, far from the never-silent throngs of Grisha outside, coaxed away from the slightest hints of sunlight. Maybe it’s just him. Regardless, you pull the sapphire fabric of your kefta closer to you, fingers running nervously over the fine blue stitching. You knew you were a Tidemaker ever since you were a child, and you could hardly be anything else now. The Darkling keeps you too busy to forget a thing like that.

He’s waiting for you when you arrive, dark eyes as shrewd as always, and he doesn’t say a word until the heavy door closes behind you. “Good morning, Y/N. I trust you’ve had enough time to recover since your last assignment?”

You nod on instinct. “Yes, thank you.”

It’s a lie. Your bones still ache from where you’d been thrown, the fractures so fresh from healing that you can feel the joins from standing alone. The Darkling isn’t interested in excuses, though. All he wants is a soldier, and you are that.

He inclines his head in acceptance. “I’m glad to hear it. I have use of your talents as a Tidemaker, although this time not on the warfront.”

You lean forward curiously, unable to stop yourself. “Sir?”

The Darkling gestures for you to come closer, indicating a map of Ravka and its harbors on the table in front of him. Several areas along the coastline have been marked with red, even stretching so far as to touch the borders of Fjerda up north and Shu Han down below you.

“These markings indicate targets of recent attacks by the pirate, Sturmhond, and his armies. He’s been intercepting merchant or military ships, often ones carrying Grisha, and taking their vessels and crews under his command. He’s grown more bold during recent months, enough to garner my attention and that of the king.”

The Darkling’s tone sours when he mentions the king, and you can’t help but share his sympathies. It is well known that the king of Ravka is nothing more than a greasy tyrant, but he’s a greasy tyrant that controls the fate of the Little Palace and all the Grisha within, so the Darkling must tolerate his whims, even when it obviously causes him great pain.

The Darkling clears his throat once and continues. “I’m interested in the great number of Grisha he’s managed to amass, which is why you’re going to be the one to get me information on them. You’ll head to the harbors and find a reason to convince Sturmhond to let you join his crew. Once he sees your abilities as a Tidemaker, he should be more than eager to let you aboard. After that, you’ll send me regular updates on the number of Grisha under his rule, as well as their designations and levels of expertise.”

It’s so absurd you almost laugh, and you’re glad you don’t, because the look in the Darkling’s eyes is nothing less than serious. “You want me to lie to one of the greatest liars on the True Sea?”

The Darkling stares at you coldly. “Are you questioning my assignment, Y/N?”

Your breath freezes in your chest. “Of course not,” you say hastily, “I just want– I want to be sure I understand the full expectations, that’s all. Won’t he be suspicious that someone from Ravka suddenly wants to join his ship?”

The Darkling waves this away. “Sell him a sob story about inhumane treatment from your homeland, I’m sure that damned pirate will eat it up. Criminals like him are more interested in a show than clear reason.”

You find this difficult to believe given that Sturmhond has been nothing if not faithful in his blockades and captures, but you know better than to argue with the Darkling. “Of course. And when do I leave?”

“Tomorrow at dawn,” the Darkling answers calmly. “There’s an early morning passage through the Shadow Fold, and from there you’ll make your way to the harbor. I’ll have other spies ready to guide you on your way, and they’ll be the ones to receive your reports whenever Sturmhond’s ship docks.”

Tomorrow at dawn. It’s so soon for your life to descend into chaos. “I won’t let you down, sir.”

“I know you won’t,” the Darkling says, eyeing you as you leave the room.

You retire back to your chambers and start to freak out. Sturmhond is infamous even without the Darkling’s description of his exploits. He’s legendary for backstabbings and betrayals, raids and attacks and mutines. This is no easy job. You’ve killed before, being an active spy in the midst of a war does that to you, but engaging with Sturmhond will require cruelty of a level you’re not sure you possess. And the Darkling expects you to lie to a man like that? You’re sure you’d have better luck trying to drown yourself in the Unsea.

Still, it’s not as if you have a choice. When the Darkling speaks, Grisha answer. You pack your bags mechanically, say goodbye to your friends, and take your last look at the Little Palace as you leave at dawn the next day. You can’t shake the feeling that you’ll never see it again. You’ve had dangerous missions before, yes, but this– this feels like suicide.

Even the journey to Sturmhond comes with its perils. You have to cross the Shadow Fold to even make it to the ocean. The moment the Fold swallows you whole, the darkness presses upon you, every shadow like a tangible weight on your back. You swear you hold your breath the whole trip, especially when the cries of volcra echo around you, but you’re lucky and no one gets hurt.

From there, the only thing to do is establish your cover, and try to find the most famous privateer across the whole of the True Sea. You sadly left your kefta behind in West Ravka, and miss its comforting weight already, the feel of the embroidery against your fingertips. You’re dressed instead in the typical garb of the locals, albeit with several knives hidden on your person. You may be quite powerful as a Tidemaker, but it’s not always best to make that obvious.

The Darkling had sent you to this specific town because he’d heard rumors that Sturmhond would be docking nearby, and as per usual, his information was good. Although it costs you a few drinks to win over enough informants, you find out where you could find his crew, and hopefully even the captain himself. You thank your sources kindly, and head out. 

By now, it’s well into the evening, the moon casting milky ripples onto the dark water of the harbor. You can’t help yourself and take a few moments to breathe in the smell of the sea, content with the familiar feeling of so much water around you, all tugging gently at your mind with the promise of being yours to command. It is in this moment of stillness that you hear something off behind you. It sounds like a scuffle.

Your soldier’s training makes you search for the source of the disturbance in the dark. You promise yourself that you’ll let it go if it’s just a few drunken louts looking for a quick bit of trouble, but you’re glad you looked when you draw closer and realize it’s a few locals harassing a Grisha. By the looks of it, a traveling Inferni had tried to use his gifts to warm his hands, and had attracted the notice of a few less than welcoming otkazat’sya.

You’re on them in a moment, you can’t help it. You have to help other Grisha, solidarity among practitioners of the Small Science is all any of you have. You call up a thick curl of water from the bay, and thrust it between the unfriendly parties, slamming the otkazat’sya attackers to the ground in a rush of dark sea. They’re out cold in a second’s flash.

The Inferni blinks up at you, startled. “Thanks for the rescue,” they mumble at last, eyes wide in the dark night.

“Don’t worry about it,” you say, extending a hand to help them up.

They take it gladly enough, and it gives you enough time to take in their clothing. It’s mussed, rumpled, like it’s spent the better part of a few months wadded up in a trunk, and the cloth itself is bleached from excess time in the sun. It could just be your own fortuitous good luck, but you might have stumbled upon a member of the very crew you’ve been hoping to find.

You decide to take a risk. “You wouldn’t happen to sail on one of these ships, would you?”

The Inferni regards you warily. “So what if I do?”

You hold up your hands in mock surrender. “I’m not like those idiots, I’m not looking for a fight. Actually, I’m trying to find a way out of Ravka. You might not have noticed it, but it’s not always nice to be Grisha in these parts.”

A ghost of a smile flickers over the Inferni’s face. “Alright, I might know something. My ship is good for Grisha, too. You’re in luck, we’re looking for a few new sailors. I’m headed back there right now if you want to talk to the captain.”

You’d love to talk to the captain. “I’d be quite grateful if you could make that happen. What ship do you sail on?”

The words out of the Inferni’s lips are music to your ears. “The Volkvolny. I sail for Sturmhond. That won’t be a problem, will it?”

You have to be careful not to let your grin stretch too broadly. “Not in the slightest.”

The Inferni– Dobrin, you find out his name along the way– has served with Sturmhond for about a year now. He’s fleeing similar circumstances as you supposedly are. Whenever money runs low in a small town, Grisha are the first ones blamed. Sturmhond is apparently quite welcoming of Grisha. Dobrin claims the Volkvolny is the first place he’s actually felt at home with so many other Grisha. It makes you feel a pang of nostalgia for the Little Palace.

The Little Palace– you’d been there since you were a child, so you can hardly remember life without it. The few memories you do have of the time before Os Alta are often terrifying, full of disapproving town elders and an absolute horror over the power you couldn’t yet control. Your family sent you to the Darkling when you were very small, and haven’t yet tried to find you again. It’s about as silent and obvious as any door slammed in your face could be.

Once your powers as a Tidemaker became apparent, you were quickly sent on missions. There’s no age limit for soldiers, not in a war, and certainly not for the Second Army. You were needed. That’s what mattered. It’s impossible to imagine the Little Palace without coupling it with the battlefield. It was home but not, more of a stylized version of military barracks than anything else. Recently, you’ve been there less and less, typically only staying around for a week or so before receiving a new assignment. This latest trip was your shortest yet.

Hearing Dobrin talk about how he gets to practice his powers with the other Grisha on the safety of their ship, though, you start thinking about what it was like in your classes as a child, how for those first few sacred years all you knew were your limits and what it felt like to break them. You weren’t a soldier yet, just a Grisha, and it was wonderful. You’d never felt more free.

You assumed Sturmhond’s Grisha would be no better than glorified Grisha soldiers, albeit working against the law instead of for it, and you’re certain Dobrin isn’t telling you anything important or risky yet, but you can’t stop a pang in your heart imagining what it could be like to grow up free on the seas instead of as a young member of the Second Army.

There’s no use in imagining what-ifs, however, and soon enough you’re forcing yourself to focus again as Dobrin leads you onto the Volkvolny. It’s hidden cleverly in a far annex of the harbor, disguised by what you’re certain is a combination of Fabrikator skill and Squaller fog. You can just make out the shapes of several figures through the shifting gloom of night and small science as you make your way aboard. You wonder how many of them are Grisha, and how many of them suspect you already.

Dobrin guides you further into the depths of the ship, stopping at last before a door and knocking smartly on it. “I’ve gone recruiting again,” he says, mirth bubbling over in his voice, and you get the sense this has happened more than a few times.

He’s answered readily enough by someone inside calling you both to enter. Dobrin pushes open the door to the captain’s quarters and nods at you to follow him. You do so warily, looking around you for other seamen in case of an attack.

All that’s waiting inside for you is a single man. His hair is dark like rust, rough from sea-breeze yet somehow tousled in a way that feels intentionally charming. The lamplight casts harsh shadows on his face, but the effect is cut by the roguish grin on his face, as well as the lurid teal coat he somehow pulls off. This can only be Sturmhond.

Sturmhond stares at you intently, and although the Darkling’s spies were certain he was otkazat’sya, you can’t shake the feeling that he’s regarding you with a Corporalki’s sense for blood. You’re certain he can see right through your alibi to the truth of your situation, to the truth of you. Only one kind of man can make an empire on the cold and bloody seas, and it’s not the type to take betrayal lightly. You have sealed your fate. All that’s left to do is see how long Sturmhond gives you before he slits your throat.

“Who have you brought me this time, Dobrin?” Sturmhond asks, not taking his eyes off you.

Dobrin answers immediately. “A Tidemaker, and a powerful one at that. She got me out of a tricky situation with some thugs down by the docks, and mentioned she needed a new place to stay. One a bit friendlier to Grisha, to say the least.”

“Well, I’m nothing if not approachable,” the True Sea’s most dangerous privateer hums. “That’s awfully good timing on your part, Tidemaker, to stumble across my hapless friend here just when he needed help. The Saints must be on your side.”

His words are deliberate and slow, the silent accusation obvious.

“If there are any Saints out there, they left me for dead a long time ago,” you answer steadily. “Maybe your crewmate was just lucky enough to time his catastrophe when a Tidemaker happened to be walking by.”

Sturmhond’s face splits in a laugh, although his eyes remain icy. “She’s got you there, Dobrin.”

Dobrin rolls his eyes, although he doesn’t seem annoyed. “Apologies, sir. I’ll try to burn otkazat’sya soldiers to ash next time. That’ll go over well.”

Sturmhond gestures between the two of you, the picture of innocence. “We find ourselves with a conundrum, Tidemaker. I cannot insist he commit such an obvious act of violence when we’re trying not to make enemies with the beautiful people of this town, but I do insist that my crew be safe. How do you suggest we handle this?”

“Let me stick around,” you counter. “It’s a lot easier to blame dead drunks on a misstep into the harbor than full-body immolation.”

Sturmhond claps once, twice, and you have to fight not to flinch. The sound is sudden and jarring in his quiet office, and rings around you like a parade drum. “There you have it, Dobrin. Negotiation. The last trick of the witty. I’m convinced, are you?”

“Quite,” Dobrin answers, winking at you when you manage to wrest your glance from Sturmhond long enough to glance his way.

“Wonderful,” Sturmhond says, drawing out the first syllable as long as possible before continuing, “We’ll start you on a probationary period, my dear Tidemaker, and re-evaluate after a few weeks. We’ll set sail in the morning, so you’d best stay the night here lest you miss our departure. There’s a few open hammocks, Dobrin will show you the way. Oh– one last thing.”

Sturmhond stands up slowly, deliberately, and walks around the table until he’s hardly a breath away. He regards you coolly, and just when you’re certain you’re about to die, he holds out his hand. “We’ve forgotten a proper introduction. They call me Sturmhond.”

You stare at his hand; tanned and wiry, strengthened by callouses from guns or knives or swords or all of the above, and certainly capable of killing you within moments, powers or lack thereof be damned.

“Y/N,” you say at last.

“A lovely name,” he says. “I look forward to getting to know you better, Y/N.”

You reach out and shake his hand. “Likewise.”

His grip is strong but not overly so, just enough to remind you who he is before he lets go again, allowing Dobrin to lead you from his office once more. You glance over your shoulder one last time before disappearing down the hold and see that he’s still watching you, eyes searching yet– amused, somehow. Like he knows something you don’t. Like he’s already heard this story before, but is still quite delighted by the ending.

Then the door shuts behind you and he’s cut off at once. You do your best to focus on Dobrin giving you a hasty tour and congratulating you on joining the crew. You’re introduced to a few other crewmates you pass as well, although on a ship with Squallers aboard, you’re certain whispers of your arrival have already flown from one end to the next. You’re shown to a hammock alongside the rest of the crew, and prepare to settle in for the night.

By all accounts, your mission is a success so far. However, the ease in which you were able to join Sturmhond’s crew makes you hesitate. If you wanted, you could have killed the dread privateer in a heartbeat, and if it weren’t for the fact that you want him alive for now, you would have. He has to know that, has to expect danger from all sides. Why would he possibly allow a stranger into the very heart of his ship with so little questioning? It’s as if he already knew what to expect, as if he already knew you, but that’s impossible. You’re certain you’d remember a face like that.

Yet when you think back to your last glimpse of him, you can’t help but remember his expression– entertained, somehow, but prepared. One doesn’t become the unlawful king of the seas without extensive ability to handle threats. Somehow, you get the sense that Sturmhond has the advantage over you, even though you’re the one sent to spy on him. You’ll have to turn the tables on him soon enough, but how do you trick a liar and a crook?

You’ve done all you can for the night. What matters is that you’re on board and ready to set sail. All that’s left to do is attempt to get some sleep and prepare yourself for the morning. Whatever dawn brings you, you’ll have to be up for anything, even the devious machinations of Sturmhond himself.

grishaverse tag list: @blondsauduun, @deadreaderssociety, @cameronsails, @saltcxrcle, @story-scribbler, @retvenkos, @mayfieldss, @eclliipsed, @bl606dy, @gods-fools-heroes, @auggie2000, @baju69, @crazyhearttragedy, @budugu, @aoi-targaryen, @a-taken-url

all tags list: @wordsarelife, @supervoldejaygent

[dustmusings]

make it feel better

Rex x F!Reader

word count: 4.3k

description: when scouting a new planet, you fall into a bed of flowers that you understand the effects of all too well. Captain rex is the only person around and the only one who can help you.

warnings: NSFW (18+) minors begone! sex pollen/aphrodisiacs, oral (f! recieving), pinv sex, almost voyeurism not really, some reader masturbation, swearing, little bit of praise, non-established relationship

a/n: okay so this is the first ever proper smut I've posted and I'm SCARED. do not judge me pls and thank you <3 I haven't seen any sex pollen with Rex so I thought I'd try my hand at it

The sun was only just clinging to the horizon as you made your way back to the ship, taking a shortcut through the forest. You and Rex had been scouting for a new, and safe, planet to move to, where the small rebellion you were a part of could operate without detection. This one had been uninhabited, and so far proved to be a solid contender. You had come along because of your in depth knowledge of various flora and fauna across the galaxy, and Rex deemed you the most qualified to ascertain whether or not the planet would be suitable. He also enjoyed your company but he wasn’t going to tell you that.

You and Rex had known each other for many years, as you were somewhat of a consultant to the jedi in the war. Your knowledge of different cultures and languages throughout the galaxy proved most useful, and you often became an intermediary between the Republic forces and the primitive beings you encountered. A lot of your time was spent in the field, which was where you met Rex.

The 501st had been part of a relief mission to Abednedo, where you were required for translation purposes. The Abednedo mostly spoke basic, but it was their written language that proved difficult for the Republic to understand, and with you understanding the Republic’s supply logging system, they opted to have you catalogue the supplies rather than teach the Abednedo to use it.

Rex had been uneasy around you initially, with you being someone from outside of the GAR, but he quickly warmed to you when he saw how well you integrated with the rest of his brothers. That was part of the reason that you joined his band of rebels in the first place - you definitely had a soft spot in your heart for the clones, and even more so for Rex.

Your feelings for Rex had grown steadily. Naturally, you found him to be handsome when you first met, his closely cropped blond hair making him stand out among his brothers, but your attraction for him really set in when seeing him on the battlefield, taking down almost a whole wave of droids with only two DC-17s and his own sheer will.

Though that was years ago. Now, you found yourself harbouring deeper feelings for him, feelings you had been reluctant to admit to yourself.

When Rex had found you after the end of the war, sending you a message on your encrypted comm channel, you felt like you had finally hit a stroke of luck. The transition from the Republic to the Empire was turbulent for you, to say the least. The Empire had uses for your intellect, but you had quickly become disillusioned with the whole regime when you realised the deception that they covered up in every corner of their reach. Rex had all but saved you from the Empire, and for that, you’d always be grateful to him.

Meeting him again after the end of the war, when you hadn’t seem him in some time, was like a breath of fresh air. You had never been exceptionally close with him, no closer than you were with any of the other clones at least, but upon seeing his tired and haggard figure on the other side of the hangar, you couldn’t help but speed over to him and embrace him in a tight hug. He had chuckled and returned the embrace, commenting something about ‘understanding the feeling’.

Since then, the dormant feelings you had previously harboured for him only grew. You worked closely with him, spending most of your days by his side in the command centre, helping however you could. It was an inescapable fate that you would fall for him, and now here you were, living out that very fated feeling. You had no indication from the Captain as to whether he felt the same way, and so you kept it close to your chest, electing to not tell him.

Rex had gone back to the ship to comm the others, to say that this planet you were on could be the one, while you had stayed out to investigate a few final things. The water from the natural springs was drinkable, and the small bug you had captured carried no known diseases, and so you were satisfied that this planet would do nicely. You commed Rex and let him know what you were coming back, not waiting for an answer before you switched it off. It didn't really matter whether he heard you or not, you'd be back soon.

It was dark in the forest as you cut through, but it was just bright enough to see where you were going. Mostly.

You found yourself disproved when your foot caught on a tree root and you were sent tumbling forwards with a small yelp. Thankfully, there was a thick bed of flowers that cushioned your fall, so the pain from the impact dissipated quickly. You stood and brushed yourself off, but immediately felt your nose itching, and before you knew it, you were sent into a sneezing fit. You had sneezed at least ten times before you lost count, and you stumbled forwards, resting yourself against a tree when you came to a clearing.

The orange tone of the sky cast a gentle golden light over you as you caught your breath. The sneezing subsided, but as you breathed deeply, you realised that something felt wrong.

You felt your insides burn hot, the heat spreading through your body like a wildfire. An uncomfortable feeling settled in your stomach, but it quickly twisted into a heavy pain. You doubled over, holding your stomach as it cramped up and sent shockwaves through your system.

You dug your hand into one of the pouches on your belt urgently, pulling out the small torch you carried with you. You switched it on and shined it over the bed of flowers that you had just landed in, and inspected their yellow petals and purple centre, your eyes going wide.

Fuck.

You knew exactly what flower these were, you had studied them and their effects in your time at University on Coruscant. You knew exactly what was going to happen to you, and you almost wish you didn't.

Aphrodisiacs.

You dug your heels into the ground in frustration as you threw your head back into the tree, your eyes screwed shut. The burning in your stomach was quickly transforming from a small flame to a full blown bonfire.

Somehow this was typical. This planet was so close to being perfect, and now you had to go and trip into some flowers that would cause you a pain so sensual you'd be driven out of your mind. It had to be you, didn't it?

As you were writhing against the tree, contemplating if you could really get yourself off right here, you heard your name being called and groaned quietly. Why did he have to come looking for you right now?

You tried your best to stay quiet, listening to him calling out to you and hoping that he wouldn't find you, but then he came through the treeline, his eyes finding your struggling form.

“What's wrong?” He darted over to you, at your side in an instant, and you instinctively flinched away from him. His gaze was filled with worry.

You we're clearly in some kind of pain, your skin damp with sweat and a deep blush across your cheeks.

He reached out for you as he called your name, and you moved away again, having to look away from the man that you desired fiercely at any other given moment, but especially this one.

“Rex” You breathed out, trying to keep your voice steady, “Please don't touch me”

“Why?” He asked quickly, “Is it your skin?”

“It's… everywhere, it's not going to go away, It hurts, it hurts so much” You spoke, though you weren't sure your words were even coherent.

“What hurts?” He asked more urgently, trying to get a read on the problem the best he could without touching you.

I can't tell him. I just need to get him away.

“You need to leave. Go back to the ship and wait for me” You pant.

“What? No, let me help you” He knelt down beside you, his hand itching to reach out and comfort you, “What can I do?”

“Nothing. Please go away” You begged, but he didn't understand what was going on at all. For all he knew, you could be asking him to leave you to die here.

“Please let me help you”

You let a small moan escape your lips, one hand stifling it and the other gripping at your clothes to resist from touching yourself right in front of him.

“Rex please go away” You said desperately, your head now in your hands and gripping at your hair to try and distract you.

“I can't! I can't leave you like this, are you crazy?” His voice was so exasperated, and you ground your teeth together as you shook your head in defiance.

“I need you to leave, now. Plea-” You were cut off by your own whimper escaping your lips.

The pain in your core was becoming unbearable. While you knew you couldn't die from this drug, you knew the only solution was to satisfy the intense desire that it gave you, but you would've taken death before pleasuring yourself in front of Rex.

“Cyar'ika let me help you” He said softly, coming closer to you again.

“Please don't call me that” You practically whined, your body acting without permission and splaying out of the floor, twisting back on itself.

“Tell me what's wrong” He ordered firmly, and you felt your desire for him only spiral further.

“The flowers” You exhaled, “They're making me… hot”

“Hot?”

“Yes, hot” You gritted through your teeth, your hand playing with the top button of your trousers. You had to relieve this pain soon before it became worse.

“What can I-”

“Just leave Rex!” You hissed, the pain becoming blinding, “Please leave” You were on the edge of tears, your frustration nearly matching your arousal. You continued begging, different sentence formations that included the words ‘leave’, ‘please’ and ‘Rex’ tumbling from your mouth in a last desperate attempt.

“Cyar'ika” Rex grabbed your chin, forcing you to look up at him, and another whimper escaped you at his touch, “I'm not leaving you”

You whined, “If you don't leave I-” You couldn't finish the sentence.

“You'll what?”

“I need to- you can't be here” You said already unbuttoning your trousers with shaking hands.

“Why not? Cyare you're not making any sense”

You'd were finally at your limit, the pain driving you insane.

“It's an aphrodisiac Rex!” You screamed, hands tightened into fists to hold yourself back.

Rex froze, “Oh”

“Yeah. Oh” You mustered up a desperate chuckle, curling up in a ball on the floor.

“What should I-”

“I don't know. I don't know, you just need to get out of here before I do something I regret” Your words tumbled over each other as you spoke.

He touched your shoulder lightly, and when you moaned at the simple gesture, he understood how bad it really was.

“Rex, leave!” You screamed at him again, your hand finally finding its way past the waistband of your underwear.

Rex immediately averted his eyes, “I'm just going to be over there, I don't want to leave you here like this”

“Whatever! Just do it!” You said, a loud moan escaping you as you fingers found themselves running easily through your slick folds.

Rex quickly moved away from you. The sounds of your moans spilling from your lips were driving him crazy, but he was also overwhelmingly worried about you. He wanted to help you, but he knew that wasn't something he could really do without… well, fucking you. The idea alone was working him up, and the sound of your moans growing more and more frustrated had his cock hardening and pressing into his codpiece uncomfortably.

“It's not working” You cried out and removed your fingers from working your clit to pull your top off, trying to at least ease some of the heat. You were at your wits end, your thoughts all blurred together.

“Rex!” You shouted helplessly, “Please come here!”

Rex ran back over to you in a flash, the sight of your body sprawled out on the floor making his heart beat out of his chest.

“It burns” You choked out, tears spilling from your eyes, “It hurts so much”

“Maybe I could help?” He suggested, letting his emotions get the better of him.

“Help?” You said in a disbelieving laugh, “Are you going to fuck me yourself Rex?”

The silence was so loud.

You looked up at him, standing above you, and his expression was absolutely flat.

“You're serious?” You practically gasped, and he just nodded.

You brought yourself onto your knees and cradled your head in your arms, mumbling under your breath. “Maker, this is so fucked up, I can't believe this is happening. I can’t-”

Rex interrupted your ramblings as he knelt down in front of you, placing his hands on your arms to take them away from your head. You looked up to him desperately, and you could see the pity in his eyes.

“Rex it hurts, it really hurts” You whispered, the pain continuing to burn into you.

“I know” He said soothingly, “I'm going to help you, okay? I'll make it feel better”

You whimpered, your breathing calming just the tiniest bit.

“Is that okay?” He asked, getting a confirmation that this is what you wanted from him.

“Yes” You breathed out, any shame now escaping you, “Please help me”

With that, Rex took you up in his arms, and darted back the short distance to the ship. He set you down on the bunk in the back area and pulled off your trousers and underwear in one swift motion. The sight that greeted him drew a deep groan from within his throat, but he was hesitating.

“Rex please” You begged in a strangled moan, needing to feel him immediately.

“I'm sorry Cyar'ika, I just didn't think it would happen this way” He said honestly.

“Wha-?”

Before you could even ask what he meant, his tongue found its place between your legs. You cried out, the pain in your stomach melting away into pure pleasure. He was eating you out as if it was his last meal, as if he hadn't eaten in weeks. It felt so incredible, and yet, your head still felt foggy, and your pulse was elevated to an unhealthy rate. Even as he worked at your clit, the sensation of him sucking and biting feeling divine, given straight from the maker, you knew it wasn't enough.

“Rex I need-” You began, your words getting caught in your throat.

“Tell me what you need Cyare” He hummed against your pussy, “Anything”

Your hips bucked, “I need more, I need you” You panted.

“I'll need a little bit more than that I'm afraid” He said, and you looked down at him to see the slight teasing smile curling his lips.

“Please don't make me say it” You whined as he licked a stripe from your entrance to your clit.

“Come on Cyar'ika, tell me” He cooed, his hands gripping at your thighs tightly.

“I need your cock! I need you inside me Rex! Please” You finally admitted, and felt Rex hum against your core.

“See that wasn't so hard was it” He rumbled.

He placed a kiss to your clit before he moved away, and you shuddered, feeling the pain begin to twist at your core once more. Rex made short work of his armour, his dexterous fingers working the clasps quickly, his brain on autopilot as he looked down at you writhing beneath him. He then slipped off his blacks and his cock finally sprung free. You moaned as you saw it, throwing your head back onto the bunk and trying not to think about how wrong this was.

“See something you like Mesh’la?” You knew Rex was smirking, you could hear it in his voice. It only drove you more insane.

“Shut up and fuck me Captain” You hissed, which pulled a deep groan from Rex.

He chuckled slightly as he replied, “Yes Ma’am”

He lined himself up with your entrance and looked up to you for confirmation, taking your face in his hand to make you look at him. You could see the question in his eyes, and behind all of your blinding arousal, your heart fluttered at the careful actions of the man you were undoubtedly in love with. You nodded.

“Please” You sounded so pathetic, and Rex brushed his thumb across your cheek tentatively.

“I’ve got you Cyare, don’t worry, I’ll make it better”

He breached you entrance and the moan that escaped your lips was the most sinful sound he had ever heard.

“Oh Rex” You whimpered sadly, and he stopped his movements to check that you were okay.

“What is it?” He rocked his hips back and then forward very gently, earning another moan. “What is it Mesh'la?” He whispered.

“I'm sorry” You whispered

“Why are you sorry?” He frowned, and pushed your hair from your face to get a proper look at you.

The pain burned hot inside you, but you needed to say this.

“You shouldn't have to do this, I'm so sorry”

“Cyare, I can stop if you don't want me to do this, I can let you finish yourself”

“No!” You said quickly, too quickly, “I mean-” You were floundering to find the right words but Rex just pressed a soft kiss to your temple.

“You don't need to say anything” He said gently and pushed deeper inside you, his cock now fully sheathed within you. You moaned gently at the sensation of the stretch, and it was music to his ears, “I'm going to fuck you now, and we can forget about it later okay?”

“Okay” You breathed out unsteadily.

He started to pick up the pace and it was heavenly. The feel of his cock dragging along your walls was divine, and if this was any other time it would have been perfect, but right now, you needed more.

“Rex, please-”

“Tell me Cyar'ika, what do you need?”

The underlying feelings that you already harboured for Rex were spilling into your words before you could stop them.

“Please, I need it harder, faster. Fuck me like you mean it Rex, please”

“Won't be a problem” He said breathily before he began pounding into you, and you could already feel the familiar coil tightening in the pit of your stomach, replacing any pain that once inhabited it. Rex slid his arm around you, arching your back so he could hit the deepest possible spot within you.

“Fuck” You hissed.

“That feel good?” He panted out, and you nodded hastily. Rex tutted slightly, “Use your words Mesh'la, tell me how it feels” He said, dragging his lips across your neck, leaving small markings behind as his teeth nipped at you.

“Fuck Rex, it feels so good. Please don't stop, I need you” You were whispering, as if it were a secret you didn't want to tell.

Rex groaned loudly, burying his face in your neck, “Say it again”

“Which part?” You said letting a small smirk onto your face at his reaction to your words. You knew exactly which ones he wanted to hear.

He looked up at you in disbelief of your teasing at this moment, then pressed his forehead into yours, slowing down his pace and making you whimper at the loss of intensity, “Tell me you need me”

You had no problem saying something as true as that. “I need you Rex, I want you” You emphasised, your eyes burning into his from a mere hairbreadth away.

He groaned, the distinction between the two phrases not lost on him. He quickly resumed his punishing pace, pulling away from you slightly to watch you. You felt the coil pull taught within you, just waiting to snap. You weren’t certain if the drug had something to do with it or not, but you had never been wound up to an orgasm so quickly by anyone else before.

“Stars, just like that” You moaned, eyes closing and head pushing back into the bunk.

“Fuck, look at you” Rex breathed out, “You’re so beautiful taking my cock like this”

The words hit you in the very centre of your being, and without thinking, you grabbed the back of Rex’s neck and pulled him in to your lips. His hips stuttered for one second, but then he was groaning into the kiss, his hips snapping to yours even harder, his fingers holding you down with bruising strength. You didn’t care at all. The idea of having his hands imprinted into your skin only sent you careering towards your orgasm.

“Rex I'm gonna-” You couldn’t even get the words out.

“That's it Mesh'la, let go, cum for me”

His words tipped you over the edge, the coil snapping suddenly and harshly, filling your system with intense pleasure. Rex wasn't far behind.

“Where-”

“Inside, please. I want to feel you Rex” You scraped your nails down the back of his neck as he rode you though your high.

“Kriff, you're going to be the death of me Cyar'ika” He mumbled, hooking his lips with yours as he snapped his hips to your one final time, spilling all of himself inside.

You both took a second to come down from your highs, breathing heavily against each others lips. The more your breath returned to normal, and the burning inside of your limbs subsided, the more the dread crept in.

Rex slid out of you without saying a word, without looking at you. You whimpered slightly at the loss and covered you mouth out of embarrassment. He left the room and your thoughts instantly spiralled out of control.

He’s never going to speak to me again. He’ll never look at me again. I’ve ruined everything. There’s no way we can just move on from this. I’m never going to be able to forget this. He’ll never look at me the same.

A moment later, Rex returned with a damp towel and knelt on the floor, placing a hand on your knee. “Open” He said gently, a kind smile across his lips as he guided your legs open to clean you up. You couldn’t look at him, opting to lay your head back and stare at the ship’s ceiling.

“Rex, I’m so sorry” You said quietly, tears pricking at the edges of your eyes.

“Don't be, I'm just glad I could help you” He replied, as sweet as he always was, and you felt the tears spill, running silently down the sides of your face.

Everything's ruined.

When he finished cleaning you up, Rex noticed your despondent expression and tear stained face and grabbed your hand tentatively.

“What are you thinking Mesh'la?” He asked, his deep voice exceedingly smooth.

“This isn't what I wanted, it shouldn't have been like this” You stared up blankly, blinking hot tears out of your eyes.

Rex's heart started beating faster, “Did I hurt you?”

“No!” You sat up, looking into his eyes, “It's not that it's-”

He brought a hand to cup your cheek and his thumb gently caressed your cheekbone, wiping some tears from under your eye, “It's what?”

You took a deep breath. Now felt like both the right and the wrong moment but you were past caring, your dignity was already laid outside in the bed of flowers that started this whole mess.

“I- I actually like you Rex, I might even love you, and now…” You looked down to your lap, shaking your head, “Now I've ruined everything. I'm just sorry” You buried your face in your hands, feeling ashamed of your actions, even if they weren’t entirely your own.

“Hey, hey” Rex pried your hands away from your face, “Cyar'ika look at me”

You raised your gaze to look into his eyes, your head still angled down as if it would stop the confrontation.

“You haven't ruined anything okay? Its not your fault, I-” He smiled a little, “I like you too, might even love you” He mimicked the way you had said it and your heart stopped.

“You do?” Your eyebrows pinched as you stared into his amber eyes, seeing only admiration and honesty swimming in their depths.

“Yes” He placed his hand on your cheek, “It's like I said, I didn't think it would happen like this”

“Oh, that's what you meant” You said plainly, and he chuckled at your expression.

“Yeah” He said, gently rubbing your thigh, “I'm sorry, I should've told you before all of this happened” He said, some kind of guilt creeping across his features.

“It’s okay” You took his face in your hands, “Thank you Rex, for helping me”

A smirk grew on his face, “Anytime”

[sunrisecaminus]

Tfp Megatron with autobot fem bot reader who tries to dom him but quickly fails 😭 nsfw of course

Message - This is a great idea, I laughed just thinking about it.

Megatron x Vehicon Reader NSFW

Summary - Decepticon Soldier tries to over power her leader. This was plan that she regrets later.

Warning - NSFW

You have been known as a favorite amongst the lower ranks. Megatron has seen you since before the war and you were one of the many first bots to go into the Decepticon Faction. He has been proud of your work and you have been ranked as a Sargent, being able to take charge of your own little Vehicon group. You are still known as a low rank Vehicon, even Breakdown is higher then you. It was a nice rank, not to low and not to high for you to be stressed about and not have too much work. Megatron still respects you as an individual, and doesn't put you in with the other soldiers. You are one of the rare few that could tease Megatron without dying first, which is always an amazing accomplishment.

Starscream, of course, hates you and tries to get you in trouble a lot of the time (If he cares about how much you are succeeding). There was one time he shot a missel, which totally destroyed a mine shaft and blamed it on you. At the time he had a lot of evidence to frame you, so Megatron was surprised you would do something so impactful for their war efforts, but was furious. Thank Primus you quickly explained the situation before he got close enough to hit you, because if you didn't, you would not be here today. After that incident, Megatron asks you if something was true before he gets pissed off. It was also one of the many reasons he doesn't trust Starscream with any report, so he lets Soundwave handle them. Megatron didn't think about you a lot in the beginning of the war; You were nothing to him like every other mech that was not in the high command. Now a days, you have caught his attention a lot more than he wanted to admit. Every mission you have was a 90% success rate, you returned to the ship at good times, and you never got caught most of the time. The one thing he liked about you as well was your personality, cocky, confident, and had a sharp tongue when it comes to wit. He figures he wouldn't be too angry if you were injured, but damn would he be disappointed about it. He has enough patience with you as much as he does with Soundwave, which was pretty good for a soldier like you. The only time he got physical with you was when he was blinded by rage and almost threw you off a cliff, but you soothed him before he could do any damage he would regret later. Megs wasn't even mad about something you did, and after what happened he knew he needed help with his anger problems…and how he uses his strength.

Right now, he was called by Starscream that Optimus was in the area he has been scouting and the soldiers are fighting his squad. Megatron transported there as fast as he could, as it has been a few months since he was able to face his mortal enemy. After the fight, he was told the total death and injure count of what happened at the battle. It was a tie between them, as both had to retreat from the unstable rocky cliffs they were fighting on. Megatron hated draws, it was worse then losing in his mind. He was already not in a good mood when Starscream was bragging about his fighting skills, when he spots you from far away, trapped in between some rocks. Your left leg and arm was trapped, but you didn't want to call for help because you felt like it would make you look weak in front of Megatron if you told him. As you were attempting to carve the rock, your body starts to be covered by a large shadow that is coming from behind you. Turning around, you gasp from Megatron being right there in front of you. "My liege! You do not have to worry about me, sir. I will be able to get out soon." Now you were sweating from him watching you struggle, as you carved a bit of the rock that was pressing against your arm. He stood up straight and stayed where he was, not wanting to help you just yet. "Which one put you in this predicament?" Laughing nervously from the question you get your arm free. "That yellow car, Bumblebee. He didn't have the spark to end me, so he left when he knew I couldn't fight anymore." Megatron rolled his eyes, hating how much of a coward those Autobots were. Thought, he was glad that nothing fatal came your way.

You feel the rock on your leg gets picked up, Megatron throwing it to the side. "Oh, thank you sir. What do we do now? We can try to catch up to them." Megatron was surprised you were still ready to fight; Your leg was bent a bit, but he could see you clench the knife in your hand to show him you still had fight in you. "No, we will take the injured and get Knockout to do his job. Tomorrow we can start tracking for their base again. We must be close." Megatron turns and walks away, ending the conversation to go through the ground bridge that Soundwave just placed next to him. You go with him and is sent to Knockout to help you with your leg. Knockout tends to you, and you laid there to think about what else you can do today. Your leader is a very grumpy mech that seems to want to do something else other than fight. He seemed bored for so long, wanting something knew to happen. Earth got him motivated again, but after staying here for a few years, he has been getting back to feeling like the days are going by slower. You finally got a risky idea…hopefully you don't die for this plan. Knockout watches your expression changes into a smirk and he sighs. "Don't do anything stupid, I just buffed you."

Megatron was walking in the hallways to go back to the brig, the doors open and he finds something that bewildered him. Soundwave was gone for a mission with others so the only person that was in the room was you. You were sitting on his thrown, knees spread with your back lazily leaning back on the chair. You gave him a smirk, which made him tilt his head. You never did something like this before, it was crazy to see one of his best soldiers do something that would have them killed in seconds. The fact he is able to compose himself, trying to understand what you are doing before he blasts you out of the fucking chair. "What is the meaning of this?" He sounds like he was keeping his cool. Megs hopes to Primus you weren't turning into another Starscream and has a trap for him if he stepped closure. You cross your legs together in a slow, sassy way. "You don't like it? I wanted to protect your space so some jet wouldn't try to steal it again." His eyebrow raised, knowing you were lying out your ass. You did look good right now, but you always did to him. "I feel as though there is something more than that." He walks over to you and stands a foot away from his chair, staring at you like you were not suppose to be there. "I understand you wanted something different, so I thought maybe I could give you some sort of surprise. Nothing more." You brush your pede against his lower leg, rubbing against it to be more sensual while you talked. Megatron now understands what you were doing and narrowed his optics. What a curious little doll trying to act like she owns the place to make him feel such a warm way. You were doing something he knew was a life or death situation, which was a surprise to him how daring you were.

The second you try to raise your leg more to rub against his upper leg, you feel his hand quickly grab you by the throat. You yelped from such a quick motion as you are raised in the air and put against the wall. The fear set in, but his free servo touching your hip got you to know that you won. "What a snake you are, y/n." Megatron grumbles in your ear, feeling him press himself against you. You needed to try to get your way again, so you glide your servo on his cheek to try and keep your dominance, though it was lost immediately when he bit down on it when he felt you. The scream that comes out of your mouth made him understand you quit. Megatron chuckles and licks the mark he gave to you on your palm. "How dare you try to get your way with me like that. You need to know your place." He flips you around, so now you are facing the wall with him behind you. He presses you against the ship, rubbing your aft with his other servo. You moan from the pressure, arching your back a little to show him how much you are loving this. Megatron smirks and pops his panel, pressing his spike in between your legs. Gasping from the sudden touch, you desperately try to open your panel for him, wanting him inside of you this second. He watches every movement you make, looking at your valve coming into light as you play around with it to tease him. The more you toyed with him, the more he was going to be a bit rougher. He slaps your aft which made you straight yourself again and keep your hands against the wall. "You are so disrespectful to your leader. Why don't you relax and let me do the job."

You were going to say something cocky, when his spike is shoved inside your tight valve, making you scream. Grabbing your hip with one servo while gripping your helmet with the other, he pounds you like there was no tomorrow. He loved destroying you like you deserved it, honestly he was starting to feel better than how he was a few hours ago. Watching your valve closing and stretching over and over was putting him in a entranced spell. You released, but he kept going like he didn't even know you just cam. Everything became a lot more sensitive and you started to just become a moaning mess. If anyone was in the hallways next to the room, they could probably hear you screaming, even if the walls are thick. Megatron would keep going until it was his time to cum, but that was going to take while. You feel yourself cumming for the second time, and you needed him to stop from how much you were feeling right now. Your sensitivity was through the roof and he was still pounding your valve without slowing down. "Ah! Megs! S-slow dow-ah!". He hears you begging for him and he quickened the pace. Your back was fully arched and your head was pushed against the wall a bit more before he slams inside you for the last time, jamming all his juices inside of you. He pulls out and takes a breather, letting go oh your helm to let you relax. Your body drops on the floor, your ass aching from the abuse it just went through. Panting, you try to get up with your pedes shakily pressing against the ship's floor. Seeing you struggle, he grabs your frame and carries you off somewhere. You didn't know where he was going, until he places you down on his birth. Holy scrap, you were in the warlords birth room. You looked over to see him open the door again. He looks back at you and gives you a cocky smile. "Stay there, I am not done with you." He leaves, making you lay there to regret all your choices up until this point.

[gryffindormarveltwilight]

Knowing You - Jake Seresin x Reader

A/N: Sorry it has been a while. This is something I wrote ages ago and just got around to finishing. Inspired by the song 'Knowing You' by Kenny Chesney and is predominately written in JAKES POV. It is not the greatest but thought I would post anyway. As always feedback and requests are welcome.

Pairing: Jake Seresin x Reader

Warnings: Angst, Fluff, mentions of cheating, mentions of the movie mission, naval inaccuracies, slight swearing, fighting

Knowing you, you probably got your toes in the sand At a bar on the beach in the sun somewhere Knowing you, you got something cold in your hand Chatting up a stranger without a care

Knowing you, you're still wild and free And knowing you, you're probably way over me

I had been thinking about him a lot in recent days. Jake Seresin. The cocky Top Gun trophy winning pilot who was my best friend since we joined the Naval academy together. The same pilot that I dated from the age of 20 until six months ago when I broke up with him two weeks before my 29th birthday. As I stand here looking at the red neon light of the Hard Deck I can’t help but think of whether he was already here. The best of the best had been called back so I knew he would be coming I just didn’t know when. I wondered what scene I would be walking into would he be there with his arm around some girl while nursing a cold beer and laughing with the other recalled pilots. Or was he sitting out on the beach with the same girl laughing while watching the waves like we used to do when we were down here for our runs at Top Gun, mine when we were 25, then a year later when Jake returned. There was one thing I knew for sure Jake would have moved on from me while I stand here thinking about him. I was pulled out of my thoughts when Pheonix comes up behind me and touches my shoulder.

“I should have known you would be here Chaos.” I turn and hug her, she had been my roommate at the academy and we had been like sisters ever since. I hadn’t seen her in six months, when I called her crying after I ended the relationship with Jake. She had just got back from deployment, I was at her house for two days after the breakup before getting my orders to ship out to a location unknown.

“Pheonix, it is good to see you.”

“Correct me if I am wrong but shouldn’t you be on an aircraft carrier somewhere?”

“Recalled same as you, I landed about an hour ago.”

“So, you haven’t seen him yet.” I shake my head in response, and she grabs my hand. “Let’s do this together then.” As we walk off two other pilots run up behind us calling out to Pheonix, they saw me and quickly introduced themselves as Payback and Fanboy, when I told them my name they seemed starstruck which I laughed off slightly.

As we walk through the doors of the hard deck I hear him before I see him and my breath hitches as he calls out.

“Well well well, if it isn’t Pheonix.” he says it with a smirk as he hands the pool cue to Coyote. I make eye contact with Coyote from behind the pillar I had unintentionally hid behind, and I walk straight towards the bar avoiding the group of pilots forming around the pool table.

“So are you ever going to tell me why you broke up with him?” I hadn’t noticed Coyote step up next to me as I downed a shot of tequila and grabbed my beer.

“I missed you too Coyote.”

“You too Chaos, now are you going to answer my question.��

“Ask him, or more specifically ask him about Allison.” Coyote looked at me with a shocked expression. I finish my beer before looking over once again at the pool table. “tell Pheonix I left, Jake looks happy Coyote, I am glad he is happy with her.”

I walk out of the bar completely unaware of the eyes following me out of the bar.

Knowing you was a free-fall from a hundred thousand feet When you don't even care where you land And knowing you was the kind of rush that you feel When you finally get to sit in with the band

And knowing you, you're still a tumbleweed I only wish that you would tumble back to me

JAKES POV

I caught myself staring at the radio clenching and unclenching my fist as I listened to Chaos and Maverick scream Coyotes name trying to get him out of G-Lock. I relaxed when I finally heard him respond and pull up just in time before burning in. It wasn’t long after that my heart plummeted into my stomach when I heard Maverick yell birdstrike.

“Shit Mav, I am hit, left engine is out, right engine is still spinning trying to restart,”

“Chaos it is on fire don’t……Shit” I hear Maverick yell and Chaos starts swearing

“EJECT CHAOS EJECT!” Coyote screams before the radio goes dead, I don’t know how long I sat there looking at the radio waiting to hear her voice come through. All I could think about was seeing her the other night at the bar and finally after six months getting answers about why she had ended the relationship.

Flashback

I watched as Coyote and Chaos chatted at the bar, Chaos downing a shot of what I can only guess is tequila. She glances over and I quickly turn my head, so she doesn’t see me look as I laugh absentmindedly at something Rooster said to Pheonix. I look over to where she was after a few moments to see her give Coyote a wave as she heads towards the door, I follow her with my eyes thinking about how gorgeous she looks even after not seeing her in six months. I didn’t hear what was being said in the group, but the next thing I felt was a fist hitting me smack in the jaw. I spin back to see Coyote with a fire in his eyes as Payback and Rooster hold him back.

“What the hell Coyote.” I yell at him.

“How could you Hangman! We knew you were an asshole but I never thought you would stoop so low.” He yells back the boys still holding him back as Pheonix approaches telling him this is not the time and place.

“How could I what Coyote.”

“How could you cheat on Chaos!”

I look around at the look on our friends faces when he said it, Pheonix looked down, of course she was not surprised, Payback, Fanboy and Bob looked annoyed and sad but they hadn’t known either of us long enough to show to much emotion towards the situation and then there was Rooster there was a fury in his eyes I hadn’t witnessed in a long time but he managed it as he continued to hold Coyote at bay. I walked out of the bar and sat on the beach nursing my beer holding back tears.

“She came to me you know, in tears heart broken, she couldn’t believe it, then got shipped out two days later, got back about an hour ago. Why Jake, you two were so good together.”

“I didn’t cheat.” It was only then I looked up to see the surprise on Pheonix’s face and it sunk in Chaos really thought I had cheated on her.

“Chaos said she found messages on your phone to Allison, and that she came home early that night and heard you on the phone talking to here talking about meeting up at your usual spot while Chaos was at work. So forgive us Hangman but that sounds like cheating.”

“I didn’t cheat.” I repeated.

“Then explain what the hell she overheard.”

“I was planning my proposal to her.”

I was broken out of the memory by Pheonix grabbing my shoulder. I spin to look at her, I can see tears in her eyes as well listening to her best friend go down was never something you get used to.

“They found her Hangman. She is going to be just fine.” I breathe a sigh of relief at the news. “Why don’t you come to the hospital with us check on her.”

“She won’t want me there.” Pheonix went to argue but I stood up and walked out.

Holdin' my breath 'til the moment When you were gonna leave me too soon

JAKES POV

I didn’t think less than a week later I would have the same feeling of dread. Maverick picked the teams, Payback and Fanboy, Pheonix and Bob and his wing man…..Chaos. We listened as the mission started without a hitch and we listen as they hit the target, which also meant we listened as the 4 daggers fought their way through Coffin Corner, all yelling in complete chaos dodging missiles.

“Chaos, on your six!” yells Maverick.

“Deploying countermeasures……Shit I am out of flares!”

“Evade Chaos Evade!”

“MAVERICK NO!” Chaos screams through the radio.

“Dagger One is down I repeat, Maverick is down.” Pheonix says sadness evident in her voice. I look at Rooster biting back the sad look on his face as I lean forward requesting to fly cover getting knocked back by command. We had almost forgotten about the open line of communication until Pheonix yelled through the radio.

“CHAOS!!” she screamed “Dagger two is down, I repeat dagger two is down. Returning to home base.” This time there was no hiding the sadness in her voice you could tell she was biting back tears. I look over again at Rooster this time he is crying, Maverick was one thing but Chaos she was like his baby sister, Coyote approaches me also fighting off the tears as I once again find myself staring blankly at the radio. I hear the movement on deck that is the other two landing their planes. The next to approach me is Pheonix, who looks at me with tears streaming down her face.

“I never got to tell her.” I say as I break down into tears.

The whole ship went into a spin when it came across the radio that Chaos was supersonic in an F-14. Rooster was quick to jump in his plane as I remain paralysed on the deck Pheonix still next to me. I mumble a prayer for Rooster to get to them in time. It is less then half an hour later when the F-14 is crash landing on the deck. I was quick to move when I see Chaos and Maverick stand up from the wreckage. I wasted no time running to Chaos, who smiles when she sees me. To my surprise she wraps her arms around my neck and presses a kiss to my lips. I look surprised at her.

“Pheonix told me you were planning a proposal and not cheating. I am so sorry for not talking to you about it.” I am stunned and taken aback that she had known and not said anything.

“Marry me?” I ask before I can even process what is happening.

“Yes.” She responds with a wide smile as I pull her in for another kiss.

I'd do it all over 'cause damn it was good knowing you

[allfortheslay25]

Pls loredump Abt ur new all for the war au

THE MOMENT I HAVE BEEN WAITING FOR!!!

everyone keep up it’s a doozy☝️

TW: mentions of abuse, torture, human trafficking, assault, murder, and lots of violence ⚠️

Some facts to keep in mind: Based on a draft for a novel I am working on, despite Milo being in this AU it is not 100% based on the Milo fic and has some changes to adhere to my novel, this novel is fantasy with light magic aspects and more godly mythology aspects (so not everyone can do magic cuz it’s more like witchcraft or godly blessings/curses), Neil is sort of intersex (or at least a version of it in this fantasy world) This also isn’t the full story, I left some stuff out because I don’t think I can get through every microscopic detail

The war started when Palmetto country was harassed for the last time. The Moriyamas had sent another army to pass through, use their resources, and bully their citizens. So Palmetto decided enough was enough and declared war. It was Kayleigh Day that accepted and decided to fight back (otherwise the Moriyamas would have closed their boarders and just ignored Palmetto)

David Wymack was in charge of the Palmetto army and fought a long and hard battle against Kayleigh and the Moriyamas defenses. Eventually, they’d met in person and become frenemies. Kayleigh was pregnant with Kevin and after many interactions and conversations with Wymack, decided the war wasn’t worth it. She didn’t want Kevin to grow up surrounded by meaningless bloodshed.

The Moriyamas did not stand for her decision. She started this, she has to end it. They tasked Tetsuji, her closest friend and family, to kill her. Tetsuji did so and raised Kevin as one of his own (alongside Riko) Kevin was told his mother was assassinated by the other side and her war is now his.

So Kevin trained hard, studied war and battle strategy, and worked to finish what his mother started.

Along his journey to becoming the ‘hero’ the Moriyama empire needed, he trained alongside Riko who he considered a brother, and was given two friends; Nathaniel, a young boy belonging to a war driven family aka the House of Slaughter who were well known battle strategists, and later Jean, a teen belonging to a wealthy family aka the House of Pride who were known to own lots of ships and traveling resources.

Nathaniel was always promised to Tetsuji’s unit since his birth. Riko let Kevin have him so Kevin could make a warrior out of him. And, after all, what’s Kevin’s is Riko’s and what’s Riko’s is always Riko’s.

Jean was betrothed to Kevin when he’d completed his first mission. Kevin assumed it’s what Jean wanted since the Moreau family has always been stuck up about letting other families marry into theirs. Their children are picky and if Jean was his fiancé, it had to mean Jean chose him. But Kevin was oblivious to how little Jean mattered to his family.

Nathaniel grew up with Kevin as a brother figure and a mentor. They trained and studied together and snuck away with Riko and Jean to get into childish shenanigans. But every weekend, Nathaniel would need to go home for Wesninski family training where they’d torture him. It was meant to train Nathaniel in interrogation, both how to survive one and how to conduct one. On his first day back, the Moriyamas would hurt him so that he wouldn’t forget to fear them too. Kevin was just as obvious to this and assumed Nathaniel was just very weak and prone to injury.

Eventually, when Nathaniel was 13, he and Kevin got into a fight about how distracted Nathaniel had been these days. He’d kept sneaking off to hang out with some secret friends of his or to follow Riko around. Kevin assumed Nathaniel was purposely getting sloppy and tore into him. Nathaniel had definitely been getting away with those other soldiers, content to let them treat him to food and (appropriate)entertainment in the town. It was an escape from Kevin’s pressure on him and Riko’s abuse behind closed doors (which is why Nathaniel was often following him around)

Kevin said some things he didn’t mean and told Nathaniel to be at the training grounds for night practice or else. Nathaniel left to hang out with the soldiers so he could vent about Kevin’s attitude. He meant to show up for night practice but the soldiers had held him hostage and assaulted him until morning.

Nathaniel had Wesninski training the next day and was gone for two days and an extra day with the Moriyamas abuse. Before he could attempt to go to Kevin, Riko had locked him in his room as punishment for not seeing Riko before he left. When he was finally let out before the next week started, Kevin had to be fuming.

Nathaniel went to Kevin to explain or make up for his absence but running into Riko reminded him that even if he reported it, the soldiers wouldn’t even get a slap on the wrist. Nathaniel was property and if Riko didn’t care that they’d touched him, neither would any other Moriyama. So he showed up to the training grounds to lie about his whereabouts and it set Kevin off.

Kevin laid into him about his sloppiness and hit Nathaniel where it hurts. Kevin decided he had enough and Nathaniel wasn’t cut out to be a soldier so he quit as his mentor. Nathaniel of course had argued back and twisted the knife (metaphorical) into Kevin as a final word. They got into a bit of a tussle in which Kevin slice Nathaniel across the face as the final ‘we’re done’. Nathaniel left the castle grounds for some space and hid away for a week when he’d realized something was wrong. He was pregnant.

Knowing what the Moriyamas would do to him and how they would have decided to use this to their advantage, Nathaniel decided to leave the country. He changed his name and disguised himself (with the help of his mother) so he could go to Palmetto. Renee, a solider who helps people escape from the war and settle down into Palmetto, picked Neil out of the crowd instantly. They had to test him since being pregnant allows extra comforts and resources and many people try to fool them for it every day.

Neil was kept under constant watch by Andrew, a fellow soldier and friend of Renee’s. They talked every day, Neil never giving up any information and doing his best to take scraps of info about the war from Andrew. Eventually, Neil was far along enough for a doctor, Abby, to examine him and prove he was with child. The information wasn’t a blessing to Neil and only made him more bitter and hostile towards the Foxes (soldiers of palmetto tasked with guarding the farms that those with pregnancies stay at) Neil was allowed privacy but that was a favor from Andrew after Neil gave him a truth.

Neil had planned to use the comforts provided for pregnant ppl until Milo was born and he could just give him up and move on with his life. Andrew knew and because no one asked, he never told any of the other Foxes. Andrew would give Neil reports about the ongoing war, they’d play their truths game, and ofc Andrew would just do his duties as a guard.

When Milo was born, Neil decided to keep him, afraid to end up alone in this new country. While recovering, Neil could not stand the Foxes reckless and messy teamwork during battles and provided them with better plans and instructions while in bed rest. Dan was eager to let him since his plans worked and made sense. When Neil recovered, he enlisted and Dan took him under her wing to train him to replace her.

Word got out about this new strategist of there’s and how ruthless he was. Kevin had not been out on the field (he’s one of few people allowed to switch back and forth between battlefield fighting and hq strategy) but Riko had.

Riko one day stormed back into hq to rant about Nathaniel being the new strategist. Kevin didn’t believe it and didn’t think it was a funny joke since everyone had assumed Nathaniel was dead. Kevin instantly geared up to meet them on the battlefield and fought him, using Nathaniel’s old habits to get him on his back and unmask him. Kevin was relieved to find him alive but confused as to why he was fighting for palmetto.

Neil kicked Kevin’s ass and told him to go back home, deciding to retreat for now. Kevin followed his lead in his state of shock. A week later, he received a note from Nathaniel to meet him by a certain lake they used to hang around as kids. There, he explained that he was no longer Nathaniel and he would not be coming back to the Moriyamas. They argued, Kevin begged for him to come back, he told him that the Moriyamas killed Mary for hiding him and her last words were that Nathaniel died, Nathaniel did not mention his assault or his son but threw his abuse in Kevin’s face before they calmed down and talked about nothing. Sunrise came around and Neil left.

Kevin had hopes of convincing Neil back and confided in Jean about his struggles. He told Riko to forgive Neil and naively hoped they could all just go back to normal.

Flash forward to Tetsuji having a mission for Kevin. Kevin, eager to prove himself, agreed to kill an enemies son. Tetsuji tells him to slow down before explaining that it’s a baby and not only is it a child, it is Nathaniel’s one and only son. Kevin begs and tries to convince Tetsuji to see another way, that Milo won’t be a threat, that they can’t do this to family. Tetsuji reminds him that Nathaniel is a traitor and no longer family and that if he cannot complete this mission, someone else (possibly Riko) will. Tetsuji does this to Kevin because he wants to ensure that Kevin is a Moriyama and just like when Tetsuji was ordered to kill a sister (Kayleigh) Kevin must kill a nephew (Milo)

Kevin suits up and heads to the farm where Milo lives, sneaking in with the help of the Moriyamas and a token Neil had given him in case Kevin ever wanted to escape to Palmetto (it was a coin with a fox on it that he’d flash towards any guards at the boarders, and they’d let him in) At the farm, Kevin loses his resolve because of how much Milo just looks like Neil. Kevin had first met Neil when he was three years old at a Wesninski banquet, that’s when Riko had gifted Kevin with the honor of training him. Neil moved in with them when he was eight years old, and started his physical training at 10. Kevin couldn’t fathom killing Milo when all he saw was Neil’s infant face at that banquet.

Kevin instead kidnapped Milo and taken him back to the Moriyamas castle where he begged Riko to convince Tetsuji to let them keep him. Riko had agreed instantly with ulterior motives to raise his own Wesnisnki weapon. They tutored Milo in battle strategy and while Kevin was away on the battlefield, Riko would hurt Milo.

Neil had gone to torturing the Moriyamas ppl to find information about Milo’s possible whereabouts. It had gotten bad enough that the Moriyamas were willing to just toss him back to Neil or even kill him to get rid of the evidence. Riko had a dumbass plan to send an infants mutilated body back to Neil with a threat. Kevin actually believed it to be Milo and had a mental breakdown about the loss until Riko revealed it was all a trick. Kevin began to realize how much of a monster Riko actually was.

Meanwhile, Neil stopped torturing the Moriyamas citizens and instead just started burning down their villages. At first, it seemed like a ridiculous act of grief and the Moriyamas opened their kingdoms city borders for the homeless to reside in temporarily. Once all of their ppl were in one place, Neil broke into the castle and gathered all the Moriyamas to make them beg for mercy.

Kevin was the only one to beg for forgiveness and accept any punishments Neil had to offer. Kevin hadn’t known where Riko hid Milo at the time and didn’t know if he should admit that Milo was in fact alive (after all, Kevin didn’t even have proof) when the Moriyamas made halfassed apologies for Neil’s loss, he told Kevin that he was an idiot and needed to stop treating Neil like a child. Then Neil set the entire city on fire as his men slaughtered as many women and children as they could. Kevin was forced to watch from a window and listen to the people’s screams as the city burned and bled. It was the first time Kevin saw Neil as a monster.

Neil then castrated the Moriyamas, killing Kengo and Ichirou and taking Tetsuji’s hands. Kevin was the only person unscathed because Neil knew how Kevin has the worst case of survivors guilt. Riko was the only person who escaped, hiding away until the next day when the fires died.

Tetsuji was meant to make Riko king now. He first ordered Kevin to kill Milo as a last act of vengeance and fear that Neil would discover the truth. Riko taunted him about it and went to sleep like a baby for his coronation the next day. Kevin almost did kill Milo before deciding to instead kill Riko in his sleep. Kevin took Milo and returned him to Neil’s men.

On his long journey to palmetto (now that the city is burned and the borders are back up Kevin must take the long way) Jean’s spirit follows him, talking to Kevin as he begins to believe he is going insane. He didn’t want to believe Jean was dead but it was the only answer. Tetsuji and his advisors slaughtered Jean for killing Riko. They didn’t bother investigating and brutally murdered him. Kevin eventually is able to return Milo and wanders between the borders, unable to return home or go to palmetto.

Neil later forgives Kevin (after a very long few years) and helps him connect with Wymack. While Kevin talks to Neil about his plans, he avoids the war and Neil never tells him that Tetsuji hung himself and the throne now belongs to Kevin. The war is coming to a close and Kevin needs to let it end before he can claim his title. Except, while Kevin is helping a few ppl escape to Palmetto, Milo (who is a teenager by now) tries to kill him, driving Kevin farther from both kingdoms. It’s why he never gets the news about the end of the war or Neil and Andrew’s brutal deaths.

Injured and weakened, Kevin tries to help as many people as he can as they all make way to palmetto. Crossing the river, Kevin is too injured from Milo’s attack to fight the ripples, causing Kevin to fall and bust his head open on a rock. Kevin drowns until he finally bleeds out.

As for Neil and Andrew, they were still on the war front the day the news of the end came. Neil was asked to help some villagers nearby their camp. He was tricked and captured and the villagers burned him alive for a day and a half. Nearing the second day, Andrew received word about Neil’s kidnapping. He was leaving their tent when he’d had a heart attack and died. Andrew was purposely poisoned so he wouldn’t avenge Neil’s death.

The only survivor of this story was Milo, who had trained himself for his parents war, who was tortured just to end it, who was kidnapped and separated from Neil, who didn’t even get to fight in it. Milo lived to tell their tale and was forced to face it alone.

The end.

[in1-nutshell]

I have a really dumb idea for Fearless.  Getaway happens, again.  The crew is trapped on the necroplanet with six hours before the djd comes knocking down the door.  When Megatron goes off to talk to Tarn, Fearless follows because why the fuck not.  Maybe they make their presence known the moment that Megatron offers to exchange himself for everyone elses safety with a loud objection.  Maybe they wait until a fight starts and Megatron gets the shit beat outta him to try and (fail) stop Tarn.  Either way I want the angst to the max.  Tarn taunting Megs for his hypocrisy, from wiping out organic planets by the dozen to practically begging for Tarn not to hurt Fearless.

Side note, not sure how this would fit into the angst but I'm laughing at the idea of Tarn having an almost a one-sided rivalry with Fearless because he went from being Megatron’s favorite student to second to a tiny fleshling.

Instant Angst coming right up!

Hope you enjoy!

Fearless VS Tarn

SFW, Platonic, ANGST, Familial, mention of wounds and some injuries, nothing too graphic, Human reader

MTMTE

Fearless wanted to go on the planetary mission with the Rod Squad.

But Megatron simple said no.

So, they tried asking Magnus, with a report too!

Still no.

They even went to Rodimus to ask to go.

Even he said no!

Fearless already was processing a sick note for the Co-captain when they saw the squad leaving.

They quickly got into their battle suit (similar to Verity’s in Last Stand of the Wrecker’s) and hopped into one of the larger med kits.

Getaway transmission inside the Necrobot’s dome. Getaway: “And now Rodimus what are you going to do? The entire crew on this ship voted mutiny. All you bots will die like pathetic fools along side Megatron. I’ll make sure to say something to Fearless for you.” Rodimus: “I swear if you lay a digit on them—” CLICK! The call had declined. Rodimus looked stressed while Megatron looked like he was going to have a stroke. Everyone who heard suddenly got worried about their little human on the ship. It wasn’t any news about Getaway behaving certain ways around organics, especially after the incident. Megatron clenching his servos. TAP! TAP! One of the larger med kits Swerve had brought in suddenly moved. Swerve: “Oh great! The med kits are possessed now!” The tap opens and Fearless pops their head out. Fearless: “Who was carrying the medkits!? I swear I nearly lost my lunch—what’s everyone looking at? Did someone die?” Megatron looks like he is about to faint. Magnus sure did. Megatron: “WHY ARE YOU HERE!?” Fearless puts their hands up in surrender. Whirl: “Megs I think you need to get your priorities checked. This is great!” Megatron: “And pray tell why having one of the most vulnerable crew members on the ship, well what’s left of the original crew, here in the same place we are going to get slaughtered by the DJD is great!?” Fearless: “…what in the world did I miss…”

Fearless wordlessly as Megatron explained their situation.

By the end of it they swore they were going to kick Getaway’s tin can so far, he would be forever drifting in space.

The small human had never met the DJD in their life.

They heard stories about the group from other bots around the ship, but it was almost like they were too scared to even speak their names.

They tried one time talking to Megatron about them, it earned them a weeklong silent treatment.

To Fearless, they were more bad guys that had made their family miserable and deathly afraid of.

They didn’t truly know what DJD did.

Fearless decided to make themselves a bit useful and tried to help more panicy bots calm down.

Apparently, it helped the bots calm down when they held/petted/cuddled them close, and they were going to bare it for their sakes.

They noticed that some bots were going to need more durable things to hold and fidget with.

Thankfully they spotted a couple of loose bolts inside a bright pink scooter.

Too bad that the scooter started up knocking them out for a bit.

When Fearless eventually comes out of their ‘nap’ they immediately open up the compartment and sees a bunch of blue flowers.

They hop off and see Megatron standing in front of a statue… of himself?

Suddenly a new bot came out of nowhere and transformed in front of Megatron.

They glared at the mysterious mech.

Something was wrong.

Something was definitely wrong…

The human’s eyes nearly popped out of their skull when they heard Megatron address Tarn about surrendering to keep the crew safe.

What was this!?!?

They were still processing what Megatron had said when Tarn started beating him up.

Fearless was ready to see Megatron completely annihilate his metal behind.

They just stared in horror seeing their father figure not even attempting to defend himself.

The tiny human was FURIOUS!

Fearless runs, jumps on Megatron’s chassis, raises their blasters up at the purple Con with fire in their eyes. Fearless: “GET AWAY FROM HIM!” Megatron feels his spark stop seeing Fearless on his chassis YELLING at TARN! Tarn was surprised to see a human DEFENDING Megatron. Tarn: “What is this? Oh, I see. You truly have changed Megatron. From making every organic life form quake in your presence, to having to rely on them to fight your battles?” Tarn laughs as he takes a step forward. Fearless readies their blasters. Fearless: “I’m warning you! Stay away from us!” Tarn: “Ha! What is the little organic going to do? I am Tarn! Leader of the Decepticon Justice Division! Megatron’s chosen one!” Fearless: “You sure about that? Cause last time I checked my names on the adoption papers and not yours.” Tarn is in a slight stuttering mess, not expecting to hear that comment. Megatron tries to move his servo but can’t: “Fearless don’t provoke him!” Tarn: “You are a peculiar organic, aren’t you? Sadly, you won’t be remembered.” Fearless glares at Tarn. Fearless: “I’m not going to repeat myself Tarn, but I’ll do it for you so your tiny processor can comprehend. Stay away from us or I WILL—” Tarn: “What are you going to do? Blast me in the face?” Fearless with a determined smile: “Yes.” BLAST! Fearless had indeed blasted Tarn in the face, then proceeded to JUMP on his chassis and started punching and shooting. Tarn was too startled to properly think what was going on as the human started climbing and tearing parts of his armor. Fearless looks behind them and straight at Megatron. They had a desperate look on their face. Fearless: “GO!”

Megatron laid down on the floor for a couple of seconds stunned at what his organic child had just done.

He scrambled up and attempted to get Fearless.

Sadly, Tarn had gotten to his senses and grabbed Fearless harshly.

The leader of the DJD’s armor was dented and some holes sprinkled around.

Fearless had a scowl on their face and thrashed around in his clenched servo.

Tarn just flexed his digits and made Fearless stop and gasped hearing something snap.

That’s not good…

Megatron yelled at him to spar Fearless.

Tarn felt disgusted… and a bit jealous.

How come Megatron cared so much about his puny organic when he had him!?

Tarn sadistically laughed and threw Fearless into his subspace.

Megatron was about to demand Fearless back again when Overlord suddenly descended from the sky and demanded Tarn to hand Megatron over so he could terminate him.

Megatron slipped away with a heavy spark to the dome.

When he returned to the crew, Megatron told them what happened and who had taken Fearless.

Whirl was about to exit the dome at that same second if Cyclonus and Magnus hadn’t tackled him down.

Rodimus did his best to calm the crew, despite the sinking pit in his tank.

Everyone knew the chances Fearless had alone with Tarn.

They were slim to nonexistent.

Meanwhile, Tarn had just arrived with the rest of his group.

He opened his subspace and carelessly tossed the human aside.

Fearless yelped when they landed on one of their legs.

Another snap.

Oh, if Ratchet ever found out about this…

Well good news was that he wasn’t even here… yeah… good news…

Tarn just gave them a simple order to stay put.

He wanted to destroy them in front of Megatron.

No one else was to touch them under his orders.

A silver lining, now all they needed to do was figure out a way to get back to the crew and not die in the process.

Just two things.

While Fearless was starting to worry about the shortness of breath and hot/cold flashes they were feeling, they barely noticed much of the battle happening around them.

It wasn’t until Tarn and most of his group had gone to personally fight that Fearless realize that they had been left in the ‘care’ of the light blue minibot that had been giving them the stink eye since they snapped their leg.

Suddenly the minibot told them that she didn’t see them escape before head to Deathsaurus.

Fealess suddenly realized they had no one guarding them.

They yelped and grunted as they tried getting up.

Thankfully they didn’t need to stand up for too long thanks to a familiar looking felicon racing to them.

Ravage: “Fearless!” Ravage skid to a stop in front of the barely standing human. Fearless managed to give him a tight smile before leaning on him. He smelled them a bit. Ravage: “You’re bleeding.” Fearless: “That’s probably from the broken bone.” Ravage: “What is broken?!” Fearless: “Yeah and I think something in my chest snapped too…” Ravage kneels letting Fearless struggle to get on. He flinches hearing their labored breathing and yelps. Ravage: “This isn’t going to be a smooth ride Fearless. Hold on tight and don’t let go.” Fearless gripping part of his armor: “Wasn’t planning on it.”

Fearless didn’t know what was worse.

Focusing on the pain in their chest and leg or focusing on the battle around them.

They definitely needed to apologize to Ravage for how hard they were clenching his armor.

Most didn’t even take notice of the felicon being used to move the injured human.

Sadly, there was one mech on the battlefield that had taken notice.

Fearless sees the giant shadow dwarfing them and Ravage. All they see is Tarn’s large servo reach for them. Fearless raises one of their arms and starts blasting. Fearless: “GO BACK TO THE PITS WHERE YOU BELONG!” It only slows down Tarn a bit. It wasn’t enough. Tarn slaps hard at Fearless’s smaller body. To Ravage’s horror he sees the smaller body get plunged into the fray, swallowed by the fire and smoke of the battlefield. Ravage: “FEARLESS!” A pair of mechs had just seen the act from the screen. One of them immediately ran out.

Time skip after the battle…

The bots who were well enough to walk started rounded up around Terminus and Megatron.

Megatron was trying to recruit a search party for Fearless.

When Megatron had gone out, it was impossible to find their tiny body amongst the chaos around.

Even right after dealing with the DJD and Rodimus pulling him out of the place, there was still no sign of Fearless.

Hope was dwindling fast.

Megatron: “All right, in 5 minutes we depart.” Skids (yes, he lives): “Count me in.” Rung holds Skids back: “With the low energy you have, I don’t think that’s wise Skids.” Skids: “Fearless is out there, we need every bot on deck.” Whirl hobbling over: “He’s right Eyebrows. My Amica is out there and needs us.” Terminus looking at one of the monitors. Terminus: “Your human is small, correct?” Megatron not looking: “Yes.” Terminus: “And in some form of armor?” Megatron still not looking: “Yes.” Terminus: “They leak a lot of red fluids?” Megatron pauses before looking at the screen. Fearless was INSIDE the dome and staggering to the door. Megatron: “Sweet Solus Prime!” Megatron sprints to the door faster than he ever had in his life.

No one knows how Fearless got this far.

Ratchet tells them that it shouldn’t even be possible for them to move with the amount of blood loss and broken bones.

But he wasn’t complaining.

No one is.

Ratchet doesn’t leave Fearless’s side for a couple of hours.

Ratchet stands up with Fearless, bandaged up and limp. Ratchet: “I need someone to hold Fearless, very still, for a while.” Megatron: “I’ll do it.” Ratchet: “No offense Megatron, but you’re shaking like a new recruit. Any harsh movement is not what they need right now.” Whirl hobbles over and opens his cockpit. Carefully he reclines the seat and pulls out one of Fearless’s blankets from his subspace. Whirl: “I’ll take them Doc. I’ll even sit down in the corner.” Ratchet hesitates, but the determined look in Whirl’s optic finally made him gently lay Fearless inside. As soon as Ratchet finished putting Fearless down, Megatron came up and carefully tucked them in. Fearless slightly snuggles closer to the blanket. Terminus peaks over Megatron’s shoulder. Terminus: “They mean that much to you?” Megatron watches Whirl carefully hobble to a corner and sat down. He didn’t miss the Ex-Wrecker carefully adjust their blanket. Megatron: “Yes, yes they do.”

[bad268]

Actually obsessed with your Arvid stories omd!!!!!!! They're too cute

Could you do one about reader being a part of prema and in challenges and vids there is a lot of moments between them and fans catch onto that

+Heyyyy

The arvid stories are way too good omd ur writing>>

Anyways had a request for him if that's okay, arvid and the guys are in some prema promo vid (Dino and them) and they start teasing him about girls or smth and he's like "I don't think my gf would appreciate that" and them and the fans are shocked

What Are The Odds? (Arvid Lindblad X Prema! Reader)

Fandom: RPF/F2/F3

Requested: Clearly (hope yall don't mind I combined this <3)

Warnings: Aged up Arvid

POV: Second Person (You/your/She/her)

W.C. 1276

Summary: What are the odds?

As always, my requests are OPEN

MASTERLIST // HITLIST

~~(^Pinterest)

You and Arvid were like a package deal. You met in the Italian F4 championship and went through your entire F4 careers together. You two were the youngest F3 drivers, and now, you were in F2. This time, for the first time, you were teammates at Prema. 

That being said, fans of you two always searched for crumbs of interactions between you. It was pretty difficult because even though you were friends (publically), you were always on different teams, and you two preferred to hang out in the privacy of your shared apartment. Your lives are already so public that you wanted a sliver of it to be behind closed doors. No one could blame you, but the fans made it clear they wanted more. This also didn't stop your friends from making sly comments during videos.

Back in F3, Dino made it his mission to constantly tease Arvid mainly because he thought you two were cute. They were paired together for the Taylor Swift or Shakespeare challenge, and Dino really amped up the teasing.

“Do you think Taylor Swift would ever give you a chance?” Dino joked before they even started the challenge. 

“Uh, I don’t think my girlfriend would appreciate that,” Arvid dragged out before he thought about it for a second. “Actually, she probably wouldn’t care because she loves Taylor Swift.”

When that video went live, you immediately texted him that he better not get with Taylor Swift, and he responded, saying he was going with the bit. Honestly, the fans didn’t want to believe he had a girlfriend because they shipped you two so much. Little did they know. 

When you both were announced to take the places of Kimi and Ollie, the fans didn’t hide their excitement. They knew Prema was known for their challenges, and they were practically begging Angelina in the Instagram comments to pair you two up. Luckily, Angelina read most of the comments, and she already planned for you to be partnered going forward. 

The first video was a “How well do you know your teammate” challenge. Easy peasy for you two right?

“What is my family heritage?” All went downhill immediately. 

“You started off difficult for a reason!” You accused, pretending to throw your cards at Arvid.

“That was the first card!” He defended, using his own cards to shield his face. 

“Well, I know you’re British, duh,” You deadpanned to the camera, “You’re dad is Swedish I think, so Swedish. Is there another?”

“Yeah, technically one more,” Arvid smiled at you as he nodded along with you.

“I don’t know where your mum is from. I thought she was British.”

“She is, but her parents are from India.” 

“Damn, I could’ve guessed that,” You laughed as you looked at your first card. The plan was t alternate between the two of you. “What is my favorite warm-up?”

“Jumping rope,” Arvid said immediately, snapping toward you.

“No,” You responded just as quickly. “I hate jumping rope. You should know this.”

“Is it the tennis balls or good mornings then?” Arvid gave up.

“Neither,” You gasped, honestly horrified that he gave up so quickly. You held your cards out in front of you as you turned them much like you would with your wheel. “It's the wheels.”

“I should’ve known!” He shouted, smacking a hand against his forehead. “I’m sorry I don’t know you.”

“You should know me at least a little given the circumstances,” You jokingly lectured.

“When’s my birthday?” Arvid got back on track.

“You should've started with this!” You exclaimed, throwing your hands up before pointing at him. “The eighth of August, 2007.”

“I shouldn’t doubt you when it comes to remembering dates,” Arvid chuckled quietly to himself.

“Now, what is my worst habit?” You eyed him suspiciously, trying to communicate with him to not say anything weird.

“Well, you take forever to wake up in the morning,” Arvid started with a laugh. “You’re always late.”

“I wouldn’t say that’s all my fault! My bed is just so comfy!” You gushed leaning further into your chair, imagining it being your bed. “Yeah, I could go for a nap right now.”

“I think that’s the end of the video then,” Arvid laughed as he wrapped it up quickly, so you two could go home.

When the video dropped, you did not expect the influx of messages and comments. They were generally saying that Arvid should break up with his girlfriend or that you two should be together. One comment on the Instagram post said, “what are the odds they're already together” and you ran with it. You talked about it together and decided it was finally time to announce your relationship.

You screenshotted the comment and took a picture with Arvid. You two were leaning your foreheads together smirking, and you shared that picture with the screenshotted comment to your story. You laid down on Arvid’s lap as you gave everyone a minute to freak out before posting another picture of you laying with Arvid with the caption, “what are the odds?”

The next video was going to be interesting. In true Angelina fashion, she started planning the perfect challenge for you.

“Hello everybody! I’m Y/n, and that’s Arvid,” You introduced, gesturing for Arvid to continue the start of the video.

“And we’re playing the Mr and Mrs game,” Arvid explained all of the rules as you nodded along. When he wrapped up, you played rock paper scissors to see who would listen to music first. He won, so he put the headphones on while Angelina asked you the questions.

“What is Arvd’s favorite track?”

“Silverstone,” You answered immediately, “Man is more patriotic than an American.” You looked back at Arvid and gestured for him to come forward. He took the headphones off and wheeled his chair over to you again. “What’s your favorite circuit?”

“Silverstone,” Arvid said immediately, and he was going to go into a tangent, but you cut him off.

“What did I say? I knew it!” You exclaimed with a laugh as you poked his cheek, “You’re just too British.”

“Ok, I’m going back under now,” Arvid muttered, embarrassed at all of the attention being caught on camera. He put the headphones back on and wheeled back, nodding his head to the music playing.

You continued with a few different questions ranging from racing topics to favorite foods and dream holiday destinations. When you got the the end of the list of Arvid’s questions, you swapped.

“What was Y/n’s racing number in karting?”

“How am I supposed to know that?” Arvid argued. “I didn’t even know her then!”

“She knew your heritage, so you should at least know their karting number.”

“1?” Arvid answered with a question as he looked back, beckoning you to come forward. “What was your karting number?”

“What did you say?” You teased. You never told him what it was, so you wanted to see what he said.

“1,” Arvid answered simply.

“What are the odds you didn’t know that?” You teased lightly, “So, it’s actually a trick question. I didn’t have a single racing number since I got handed down karts. Generally, my numbers were 17, 25, 99, and 33. In F4, I chose (#) as my racing number though.”

“How was I ever going to get that?” Arvid said in disbelief as he shook his head. “You’re done. We’re done. This has been the Mr and Mrs game.”

“And clearly this Mr doesn’t know his Mrs, but we’ll settle that later,” You cut in before Arvid could completely wrap the video up. “We’ll see you on the track or in the next video. Bye!”

~~~~~

© BAD268 2024. DO NOT REPOST WITHOUT PERMISSION.

[deathworlders-of-e24]

Jane, Medical Technician

Part 4

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

“I still don’t see why I have to do this,” Simms of the Galley whined, sponge in one hand and a spray bottle in the other.

“Well let’s see,” Huhuma crossed her arms, “you came in here on the first day of the mission with a completely avoidable injury, made us waste precious time and medical supplies, and then somehow thought it’d be a good idea to vandalize my sick bay.”

At her desk, Jane smirked but continued filling out forms. It’d been several months since the Noah had launched, and like clockwork, Simms was there cleaning once a week, every week.

“So unless you want to explain to the Captain exactly why you’re here during your off hours,” the doctor continued, “get back to work.”

It’s been kind of hilarious, in Jane’s opinion, watching all three feet of Simms wielding a broom that had at least half a foot on him, but even she had to admit that the little gray man was putting the effort in. Either he really did feel remorse for his actions, or much more likely, sincerely did not want Captain Skitch to find out what he’d done. Either way, Jane was happy someone else was doing the cleaning.

Simms grumbled something about primate descendant species, then got back to scrubbing.

“Uh huh, and when you’re done there you can wash the test tubes,” Huhuma said, walking back to her office. She winked at Jane as she passed and the human’s heart did a funny little number as the door closed behind her. It took an embarrassingly long moment before Jane could refocus on her files again.

Nothing else had really happened since that night with the Scrib’s dinner and subsequent ‘morning after’, but Jane wasn’t sure whether to be thankful for that, or just disappointed. She’d admitted to herself that yeah, she had a crush on her boss, much to the relief and amusement of her newfound friends Liz and Marrin. Liz’s mandatory therapy session has since devolved into ‘girl talk’ between the three of them, and sometimes Coco, Liz’s Sprygan lab partner.

Totally humiliating, Jane thought, too many people have seen me break down like we’re back in high school.

Jane figured work would be a good way to clear her head, that and watching Simms struggle to reach higher shelves.

After a few minutes of trying to use an old fashioned mop on the walls, the Galley gave up.

“Do you have anything I can use to get up higher? A stool or something?” He asked, defeated. Jane decided to take pity on him.

“Yeah, there’s a little step stool in the supply locker, I’ll get it.”

Jane punched in the code, and the door opened. She handed the small alien the stool.

“Thanks. Weird that the one who tackled me to the floor is actually the nice one,” Simms joked.

“Hey, Huhuma’s nice, really, she just saves it for people who deserve it.”

“Yeah, I’ve noticed. She’s always nice to you,” Simms threw her an odd look. “If I’d known you two were mates, I’d have never tried to make jokes that first shift.”

Jane started, taking a second to respond.

“What? No, no, we’re not ‘mates’, we’re… friends, and coworkers, and she’s my boss.”

Smooth.

“Oh really?” Simms turned back to the wall and kept scrubbing. “On my planet, when somebody looks at you the way you both look at each other, it’s pretty obvious what happens behind closed doors.”

“Well thanks, I guess, but if I wanted the opinion of a little gray vandal, I would’ve asked,” Jane said, turning her back on him to continue typing.

“Well, all I’m gonna say is, if you two aren’t together, better get on it soon if you want to be,” Simms droned on, as if only half thinking about what he was saying. “When this ‘experiment’ comes to an end soon it’ll be too late.”

Something in the Galley’s tone made Jane turn back around, her brow furrowing and her eyes squinting at the alien.

“What do you mean ‘soon’? The ship’s only been out for three months,” she asked.

“What?” Simms’s big black eyes widened just a fraction, but it was enough that Jane noticed. “I just… I just mean, it only lasts a year right? That’s not a lot of time for you humans, right?” His eyes twitched and he looked away, scrubbing harder.

Jane wanted to press further, but concluded that he’d just turn it into something stupid to try to get out of cleaning. She did, however, admit that the Galley was right. A year wasn’t a lot of time, and a quarter of it was already spent.

If she really wanted to do something, she’d have to make a decision about what that’d be soon.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Jane decided to eat lunch in the mess hall for once, giving Doctor Huhuma total control of the med bay. The doctor would be performing a relatively major procedure on one of the crew soon, and had to plan it with the nurse staff. Jane wouldn’t be assisting unless something unexpected happened. It didn’t make sense to tie up the hands of both the ship’s primary doctors for a whole cycle, in case of emergencies.

So there she was, taking her Vending Machine ramen and looking for a place to sit. Jane hadn’t eaten in the mess hall for weeks, usually opting to dine with the Doctor and the other Indoprimes. Looking for a place to sit, she saw Liz and one of the other humans, she thought his name was Thomas. She headed that way.

“Hey guys, mind if I sit?” she asked.

“Oh, hey hon!” Liz said brightly, “yeah, pull up a chair.”

“Hey there doc,” Thomas waved. “Heard you watched me sleep for a couple days, thanks for that.”

“Oh yeah,” Jane snapped her fingers, “nasty sunburn you had there, almost forgot about that. You doing alright? How’s Odis?”

“We’re both good, thanks for asking. His cast should be off in a few more days.”

There came a muffled beep from under the table. Thomas looked down.

“Yeah, it’s the nice doctor lady, the one who fixed me,” Thomas said quietly, then turned back up. “Roomba says thanks for patching me up. Little guy was worried about me for a while there apparently.”

“That’s the most precious thing I’ve ever seen in my life,” Jane said, putting a hand to her chest, “and I need you to know I’d both kill and die for Roomba’s sake.”

Another muffled beep.

“He said he’ll remember the sentiment.”

“Where’s Coco?” she asked Liz.

“Oh, they’re writing a report back to Spryga. Apparently their rapid growth spurt was actionable cause to boost cocoa production on their home planet. Turns out the whole species is just… malnourished isn’t the right word, but anyway, gluten stimulates growth for them so they’re looking into it more.”

“Weird they didn’t know that,” Thomas said through a mouthful of sandwich.

“What can you do, they’re not a predator or prey species, their entire evolutionary development is a passive experience,” Liz shrugged. “They’re just now taking a more direct approach to handling predators on their planet.”

“You know, I almost did a thesis paper on botanical lifeforms in the academy,” Jane said, “it was between that and evolutionary symmetry across planetary systems. I went with the latter.”

“Good choice,” Thomas said. “That’s a way more popular topic right now anyway. Nothing against the Sprygans,” he added, looking at Liz. She just raised an eyebrow at him and kept eating.

They ate quietly for a few minutes, idle brainless chatter filling the space between bites. It wasn’t until Thomas asked the question that Jane even thought of that incident again.

“Either of you guys notice anything weird on the ship?” the engineer asked. “Like stuff going missing or people acting strange?”

“What a blatantly loaded question,” Liz said, raising her eyebrows. “Who are you, Sherlock Holmes?”

Thomas just looked at them in turn.

“Yeah, actually,” Jane said, more to Liz’s surprise, and her own, than Thomas’s, “a couple of, uhh, laser scalpels went missing a while ago. I thought I had messed up inventory, but they’re not in med bay. I’ve turned everything over twice looking for them, they’re not there.”

“I overheard my boss this morning saying he’d lost a bag of tools and spare parts somewhere,” Thomas continued, “but it’s not just that. Maintenance has been getting reports of weird breakdowns and other mishaps for weeks. I didn’t notice until now because the weird ones are never assigned to me.”

“Okay, hold on, stop,” Liz waved her hands, “what are we talking about here, some ship wide conspiracy to make our jobs harder? What? Do you hear yourselves?”

Jane was more confused than anything. Sabotage on the ship? Seriously? In what universe did that make sense? They were on an experimental mission for intergalactic cooperation.

Who’d try to screw that up? Jane thought. She took another bite, more to buy herself time to think of what to say than actual hunger.

“Look, all I’m saying is, something weird is going on here on this ship,” Thomas whispered, looking around at the other tables with all those different species. “Have either of you talked to Danny?”

“Who?” Jane asked.

“Chief Ducane, Danny, the head of security,” he explained.

“Right! That’s right, he’s the one who carried Liz here to med bay after her accident. No, not since then. Why?”

“Because somebody searched his office while the door was jammed open.”

Liz turned to look at him, eyes narrowing, while Jane herself simply looked dumbfounded.

“The hell are you talking about?” Liz questioned, dropping her voice low so they wouldn’t be overheard.

“Yeah, I was with him when it happened,” Thomas explained. “We were looking into something, and when he got back to his office someone had been in there.”

“Jesus,” Jane exclaimed. That really put the incident with Simms in perspective for her.

“Why are you telling us any of this?” she asked. “Chief Ducane had to have told you to keep that to yourself, right?”

Another muffled beep. Jane looked under the table to see the tiny service drone peeking its head out of Thomas’s work bag. It had what looked like a modded data pad.

“Roomba said that is correct,” Thomas explained, “though clearly not in so many words.”

“And?” Liz stared at him.

“I… had to tell somebody,” Thomas said sheepishly, “it was eating me alive, and I figured if anyone was safe to tell, it’d be the humans. We have the most to lose if the mission goes sideways. We built the ship, it launched from Earth orbit, the new Warp core was what put us in such good graces with the GAIL in the first place. If something derails the mission, then we Terrans are going to look the worst because of it.”

Jane didn’t know what to say to that. An hour ago her biggest problem was that she might stay perpetually single. Now it looked like their jobs in their entirety were in danger, maybe worse.

The three talked a while longer, exchanging comm-link communication codes, and unwittingly eyeballing the other crew in the mess hall for any odd behavior. Intelligence agents they were not. Jane thought the crew was watching them as well, but that could have just been because they hadn’t seen three humans together before.

Jane Shaw wished she’d had a lighter meal. She left the mess hall with her stomach in knots.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

“Jane, respond please!”

The comm-link on Jane’s hip blipped as Huhuma’s voice came out of it. She pulled it off her belt and clicked the button.

“What’s up, Doc? Need something?” She clicked off, waiting for a response.

“We need you in the surgery suite, one of the nurses accidentally spilled anesthetic gel on themselves and I need you to substitute immediately.”

Another odd accident, huh? Jane thought suspiciously, silently cursing Thomas for making her paranoid.

“I’ll be there as soon as possible.”

Jane took off at a brisk pace down the hall to the lift, trying her hair up as she went.

She scrubbed down in the sanitation room and got her scrubs and PPE on, then made her way into the surgical suite. The nurse staff were half around the patient, who was mostly obscured by the sheet save for an exposed patch of blue skin with a sizable hole in it, the other half around Nurse Waas, a four armed Zilont, who was slumped over in the corner. The anesthetic had semi paralyzed the gas bladders they used for muscles, so until they regained feelings in their limbs again they were out of commission.

“Good, you’re here,” Huhuma said while her hands were inside the open body cavity, “I’ve mostly got this under control, but things got a little hectic in here so I thought it’d be better to call you.”

“It’s no problem doctor,” Jane brushed it off, “what do you need me to do?”

“They’re going to take Waas out of here and get him on a bed in recovery, so I need you to take over for the three of them while I finish up. Hand me those clips.”

Jane came around to the operating side and set the clips in Doctor Huhuma’s hand. She didn’t even mind the purple blood too much.

“There’s a little bleed somewhere in his bowels,” Huhuma explained, “he got shaken around when Waas collapsed and I think I nicked something. This was just supposed to be a quick obstruction removal until everything went wrong.”

“Everything is gonna be fine Huhuma,” Jane said calmly, “we got this. What else do you need?”

That was how they worked. Doctor Huhuma operated, making adjustments and stopped the bleeding, while Jane handled everything else and watched the beautiful work her counterpart did. To her it was like poetry in purple bloody motion. Every move precise, every action calculated. Jane remembered the last surgery she performed, where her patient was basically awake as she cut into his throat. Compared to that, this was like watching an artist in her studio, calmly going painting a masterpiece. Jane hadn’t seen Huhuma operate yet, and she had to say, it was impressive. As she was closing him up, Jane doubted he’d even have a scar, the Doctor’s stitch work was flawless.

Coming out of the surgical suite, the nurse staff took the patient to recovery, and the Doctors hung back to sanitize and get back into normal clothes.

“Good work today,” Huhuma said, washing her hands. “You really came through for me.”

“My pleasure, Doc,” Jane said, lathering up her arms with the soap. “Happy to help.”

“I didn’t know what I was going to do when that gel tube burst out the back. Poor Waas, never saw it coming. Had to have been a faulty seal on the stuff, just bad luck that it happened while I had someone open on the table.”

Jane looked at her for a second, thinking quickly. Bad luck? Maybe. Another possible sabotage? She didn’t want to think about it.

“You know,” Huhuma continued, “you humans never disappoint. Always seem to come through for others in the end. You especially, Jane. This is the second time you being there has saved a patient. I really, really appreciate that about you.”

Huhuma bumped her shoulder into Jane’s, and all thoughts of a saboteur flew out the air lock. Suddenly she was very aware that it was just the two of them in the decontamination room, and that Huhuma’s tail was flicking against the back of her legs.

“Well you know,” Jane said slowly, “it’s my job too. Be there to make sure everything works, fix people up.”

Huhuma smiled and dried her hands and fur off before putting her hand on Jane’s shoulder.

“Still though, we should do something special. Just because it’s your job doesn’t mean you don’t deserve some kind of… reward, right?” Huhuma left her hand on Jane’s shoulder and moment longer before grinning and walked towards the door. It opened with a hiss, and as she stood there, the good doctor looked back.

“See you tomorrow, Doctor Shaw.”

And then the door closed.

And then Jane’s legs buckled and she slumped against the sink.

What the hell what the hell what the actual fuck does that mean? Is this work place harassment? Do I care? Am I into it?

Apparently!

Of the many problems aboard the Noah, Jane decided to try to focus on just hers for the time being.

[team7-headquarter]

ABOUT THE POLITICAL IMPLICATIONS OF THE LAND OF THE WAVES ARC, THE ACTIONS OF TEAM 7 AND WHY ITS ONE OF THE BEST ARCS OF THE ENTIRE FRANCHISE:

I'll never shut up about the Land of the Waves arc.

Here are the facts:

A corrupted man —who was believed to be the richest man in the world due his shipping and transportation business— decided he wanted to make his a small land made out of islands, better known as the Land of the Waves.

In Tazuna's words: "Nami No Kuni (the Land of the Waves) isn't a real prosperous land. Even our local lords are poor..."

The name of the corrupted man is Gato. He was affiliated with drug trafficking and contraband, as well as being a criminal who employed gangs and teams of shinobis to help him (through violence) to take over companies and countries alike. That's what he did to the Land of the Waves, taking hold of all the marine transportation and their shipping industry. Since the Land is made of a number of islands, Gato successfully isolated them. He was now the owner of the local economy and had the power to decide how people lived there.

Tazuna is an old man with no money at all who had been tasked to be the architect and overseer of the new bridge. If completed, it would mean that Gato no longer had absolute control over the Land of the Waves. It'd free them all, bring more movement to their economy and stop the crazy violence promoted by Gato's gangs.

To make sure we all understand the severity of the mission and the power of Gato, let's remember that he employed Zabuza Momochi.

Zabuza is one of the Seven Ninja Swordmen of the Hidden Mist. Kirigakure was known for one of the cruelest traditions regarding shinobis: they'd have to fight each other to death and only the survivors would be promoted. Zabuza put an end to it himself, killing an entire year of graduates. He was not even a student yet.

Zabuza also plotted a coup against the Mizukage, but he was betrayed. He became a rogue nin after that, taking money from men like Gato in order to keep living.

That's the first Team 7 mission.

Sakura, Naruto and Sasuke are staked to help Kakashi free a land of a corrupted businessman and in the process have to fight one of the most legendary shinobis they can encounter out there. We're talking about an entire small nation!!! We're talking about the insane irony of Zabuza being a rogue because he fought against the corruption of his own Hidden Village, and he lost and now he has to work for a man doing the same to others.

The first Team 7 lesson was not only to work as one, to value their teammates, but to question the world around them. Kakashi told them to not follow orders blindly and the narrative throws the Team on a mission to test it.

Kakashi accepted to continue the mission without telling the Hokage anything. He knew he had the jinchuriki and the last Uchiha with him, that it was a great risk, but he accepted because he wanted to help Tazuna and the Land of the Waves and he knew Tazuna had not enough money to pay for a class B mission. Hell, he was lucky Kakashi got a genin team. One of the best jonins of the Hidden Leaf could give his service under the disguise of a rank C. Kakashi was using a loophole to disobey orders and he complains the whole time in his head because he knows it's gonna be a mess of a mission, but he does it anyway.

Do you want to know why is my favorite arc?

The reality of the Land of the Waves is a perfect scenario to force Team 7 to wake up. Naruto and Sasuke sure know loneliness and misery, but they were also part of a very rich land and a powerful Hidden Village. Sakura didn't go through anything like Sasuke or Naruto, which is worse in the sense that she was more naive than them.

Their world falls apart when they meet Haku and Zabuza, when they realize this is not s fairytale of good heroes and bad villains, but people who had to become violent to survive.

Like Kakashi said, the only reason he and Zabuza are trying to kill each other is because they were paid to do so. Zabuza works for Gato, Kakashi for Konoha, that's it. Kakashi didn't want to kill Haku and Haku didn't want to kill any of them, but the Naruto world is old and messy, the customs and the means to survive are others.

Shinobis are no heroes. They're mercenaries, they act as the military force for the strongest nations. They are tools and weapons. It's not advanced in any sense, so many years after the Warrant Era and the world was just as cruel and wild. People with kekkei genkais were forced to practice that violence to protect themselves, like Haku, Sasuke and Neji. People with bad luck like Naruto and all the jinchurikis were the same. People like Sakura, who loved and cared for those others, devoted their lives to joining the fight, to try and protect the ones dear to them.

That's why the final conversation of Team 7 —the one after the events of the bridge that ended with Zabuza and Haku dead— went the way it did. The members of Team 7 weren't happy with the reality of the shinobi life. Naruto even ended up saying that he would make his own ninja way, basically denying such reality and promising to break the traditional ways that kept all shinobis chained to violence, fated to kill each other.

Just look at it:

Sakura: ... But still... Master Kakashi...

Kakashi: Hmm~~?

Sakura: ... I can't help wondering. Were those two right about what a ninja should be?

Kakashi: A Shinobi shouldn't be concerned with a reason for her own existence... It is important merely that we exist as a tool for our homeland to use in whatever way they need. That's as true for us in Konohagakure as it for any ninja anywhere else.

Naruto: Is that really what becoming a full-fledged ninja's gonna be about? I don't like the sound of it!

Sasuke: Do you really feel that way, master Kakashi?

Kakashi: Well... No. And that's why all we ninja live our lives with that ideal always bubbling beneath the surface of our minds, disturbing us. ... Like it did Zabuza ... And the boy.

Naruto: That's it. I've made up my mind! I am going to create my own nindo— my own ninja path. My own destiny!

This arc plants the seeds of what should be the rest of Naruto and Naruto Shippuden. Team 7 is frustrated and they don't agree with the tradition. None of them, not even Kakashi. Naruto promises to be the change, to make his own destiny.

Sadly, it doesn't happen. The manga changes its tone halfway through. Naruto ends up becoming part of such tradition and he ends up being the fated reincarnation, the chosen one. His destiny is not his exactly and his own ninja path gets lost in the way, replaced by a hollower desire to become Hokage. Naruto doesn't evolve to deeply question the order of his world or his society.

Instead, Sasuke occupies his place and the story turns him into an antagonist (someone who wants the direct opposite of the protagonist, someone who is on the way of the protagonist to reach his goal). The story radicalizes the dream that was so innocently spoken in this chapter. It also ends up chaining Kakashi to the same system, uses him as someone to fill the Hokage role until Naruto is old enough and then gives Naruto the hat, forgetting the themes set on the Land of the Waves arc.

What started as Team 7 fighting corruption and people sick with power while trying to help the victims of the system, understanding that their world is made of greys and not moral absolutes, ends up becoming a kids tale of ninjas = heroes and aliens = villains. All the complexities of politics get softened by Black Zetsu's manipulations and Kaguya's existence.

It wouldn't be a reach to say that the Land of the Waves belongs to a very different type of manga, one that never got its continuation.