#let’s ignore the grammatical errors on the ravens one

[sikudastoner]

@rainwingmarvel7

Kaleb Dormaire & Rilian Royce + sitcoms

The “I hate Daemon Targaryen” club founding members are back!

[imrllytootiredforthis]

His Fault

Pairing: han jisung x reader

Summary: hannie’s been a bit of a brat

Warnings: sub han, dom reader, rimming, pegging in cowgirl, use of bunny, baby and goodboy, crying, slight praise and slight degradation, cum-eating, face-sitting, gender not specified but reader uses a strap

Word Count: 3.3k

A/N: This is really rushed, so there’s gonna be lots of grammatical errors but don’t mind that! As always, any and all feedback is appreciated and I hope you all have a great day!

It was his fault.

His fault that he was in this position right now.

Entirely and wholly his fault; and for once, he was willing to take credit for it.

Because if it meant that you’d look at him the way you did now-well fuck, he’d do just about anything.

You’d always been a selfish, greedy lover, teasing and torturous in all of the ways he loved best.

And to get you entirely focused on him and the pleasure you could give him, even if it was only to punish him, well it was still heaven nonetheless.

But he forgot though just how malevolent you could be. How cruel you could be when provoked.

How could he be upset though? He was getting what he wanted.

So he could hardly say he minded as you laid on the bed, one eyebrow raised in a trick question he couldn’t figure out the answer to.

“Come here.”

It never failed to make his heart flutter, how demanding and controlling over him you could be-especially when you laid back on the bed, him in the place you normally stood.

He listened, obedient as ever without fail. 

 You smirk at that obedience, something ravenous and hungry awakening inside of you.

The thing with Han is that he wants to push and push and push all he can, smirking when you tell him to do something, ignoring when you talk to him and flirting with others while looking at you. 

He wants act like a teen boy, trying to let his crush know he likes them without actually saying the words. And he’ll keep doing it over and over until the moment that you decide to push back.

And the second you do, he’s a pliant little thing, ready to mould however you’d like to.

Honestly, it amuses you, the contrast between the way he acts before and the way he acts as soon as you growled into his ear for him to strip and wait in your room, eyes growing wide and needy, knowing some semblance of what would happen next.

Now he crawls into the bed slowly on his hands and knees, eyes wide and embarrassed like he’s trying to convince you that he didn’t do anything.

Like he hadn’t walked into the room while you were on a phone call with your mother, deciding it would be a great idea to come over and start to run his hands over the inside of your thighs, a growing smile as you squirmed.

Like he didn’t continue even when you shoo’d him away, covering the speaker for a second only to whisper threats.

Like he hadn’t rolled his eyes at you and continued for a few more minutes, getting bored quite quickly in a true Han fashion.

Like he hadn’t come up with the bright idea to slide down your leg and begin to grind against it.

Like he hadn’t smirked as a bright flush covered your face, hissing for him to once again stop.

Like he hadn’t continued his antics, moans quietly spilling from his lips until you cut the call short, throwing your phone across the room and telling him to wait on the floor of your bedroom-stripped of all his clothes.

You ignore his eyes and wait until he hovers over you, straddling your hips, face to face, waiting for any type of confirmation that he can touch you.

Confirmation you don’t give.

Instead, you bring your hands back to grip his plush thighs, rubbing them teasingly, a glint in your eye when you drag them down to his ass giving it a firm squeeze, pupils dilating in lust, watching as his eyes roll back and he lets out a broken whine.

“C’mere, sweet thing.” You nudge his body forward, urging him to continue up your body. 

His eyes go wide at the implication, a meek “what?” escaping his lips as he begins to fidget with his hands. 

“C’mon bunny, come sit on my face for me.” He shudders, feeling his cock harden, not going unnoticed by you but still...though the thought feels so hot it also feels so...exposing...so....

He covers himself with his hands, letting out a whimper and shutting his eyes as your hands glide over his body. “But...”

You give him no time to finish, pulling his hands away. “Such a pretty little thing aren’t you? Don’t hide from me.”

You lean up, leaving a trail of kisses over his navel, voice muffled but still coherent enough for him to make sense of.

“Don’t you want to be a good boy for me Hannie?”

He whimpered, thrusting up into air. “Yes, yes, jus’ wanna be a good boy for you,”

You traced a nail over his chest, around his nipples and the plains of his abdomen, leaving him shivering from the barely there touches. “Then be a good boy for me bunny and let me play with your ass.” You purred, hands finally fitting to his slim waist and giving a hard shove, pushing his body forward.

He squeaks, nearly tumbling onto you as his body curls in on itself, a high pitched whine leaving as shudders runs through his body. 

“But...” The word hangs there for a second, before slowly, almost timidly he scoots himself up your body until he’s hovering over your face, his pretty face such a pretty shade of pink. 

He still looks unsure as his plush thighs settle gently on either side of your head, his knees holding him hovering above you.

There’s no way that’s going to slide.

You rub at his inner thighs. Doing exactly what you do best. Squeezing and pinching, blowing warm air lightly over his fluttering hole. His legs wobble under the effort to hold him up. 

You smile and place your hands onto hipbone. No pressure or force, simply resting them there as a reminder while his knees shake from your ministrations. 

And then...

And then it’s a game to see what touch will make him fall.

“Shit bunny, so pretty aren’t you?”

The way your breath feels, fanning across all of his most sensitive parts...he can’t help but grow flustered, grinding his hips down much to your enjoyment. 

“Just for you. Only for you.” He mumbles, already breathless from this new experience. 

“Look at me.” The command is gentle and he obeys, looking down at you with wide eyes, mouth opening and closing with quiet little breathes and the faintest sound of a whimper.

And when your eyes make contact, heavy and tense it makes him want to fall into you and let you consume him. 

At this point you know his body better than even he does. Knowing exactly where to touch, how much pressure and for how long. You know exactly what will have him squirming and what will have him cumming.

And so you choose to make him squirm for now.

With soft touches and a smirk that tells the opposite he wants to but tries to resist the urge. Instead, he bites his bottom lips, worrying it. 

Experimentally, you lick a long stripe over puckered hole, stopping as you meet his perineum. 

Han freezes, body tensing up at the feeling, his back straightening with a delayed, shaky whine of a word falling muffled from that bitten lip. 

“Fuck!” 

His legs burn from the force it takes to hold himself up.

His hips buck forward to roll down on your mouth and you pull away with a chuckle, denying the pleasure he seeks.

Instead you begin to grope at his ass, squeezing the warm flesh in the palm of your hands as your fingers slide over him and down farther. Cooing sweetly, listening closely to the way he gasps and whines, whispered pleas for you to hurry up while his legs begin to shake more and more.

And it takes one more harsh suck to the inside of his thigh and he comes falling down, weight falling onto your jaw in a well-earned sharp pain that you enjoy.

“Sorry!” He gasps, quickly pulling himself back up. “Sorry, sorry!” He apologizes, hands trying to steady his weight back up.

“No baby it’s okay. I told you to sit on my face, right?” He looks down, confused until you dig your nails into the flesh of his ass, pushing him back down. “I didn’t tell you to hover over my face for a reason sweet thing.”

Confusion turns to lust as he moans at the roughness of the motion, head falling back as gladly accepts the new position.

“Y-yes, please, please touch me.” He begs, whiney and 

It dizzying, it is-the power you hold-even now as he sits on you, towering above your body. Yet his hands are gripping into the pillow your head rests on, a conscious effort being taken to not touch.

Because you haven’t given his permission.

“You remember your safeword, bun?” You mouth over his thighs again, running your tongue along the line of bruises you’ve left there.

“Please.” He begs again, grinding his hips down once more as he pleads.

So you decide to grant him a mercy, a small one for what will be coming next but a mercy in the least.

You flick your tongue over him, thrusting in one quick move past the rim, burying deep inside his warm walls.

He convulses on top of you, head falling back and his mouth falling open to let out a loud mewl.

 “F-fuck yes, please, please, please, right there! Yea-yeah!” 

His hips jolt down, impaling himself onto the warm muscle deep inside him because you’re close-fuck-you’re so close. So fucking close to that spot inside aching to be touched. 

He fists the sheets, trying not to grab at your hair or at your face. 

Trying to not start crying and not start cumming as he can’t help but rut against you, forcing your tongue deeper and deeper inside, making him see stars in his vision. 

Trying not to touch his cock, throbbing and twitching. God, he just wants-needs-to be touched so bad.

Trying not...but he’s so close. 

So very, very close. 

He can feel it, swelling, hot and burning inside him-like a coil about to burst-

And then you stop.

You stop and he lets out a sob, trying in vain to keep going as you pull out of him, smirking and watching him flutter, twitching around nothing.

“Oh, bunny, you didn’t think it was gonna be that easy did you?”

With a sob, he falls into your arms, sliding down your body to make it possible, pushing himself into your embrace, chest heaving as he tries to catch his breath.

“Why?”

You chuckle lightly.

He hates to be edged, being the perfect punishment. The tears wetting your skin are a ruse, so are the pleads and begs and asking’s of why. 

Why did you do this to him?

Why are you so mean to him? (asked with the cutest pout imaginable)

How are you going to compensate for this?

You once again laugh as those words slip past his swollen lips. Brushing his hair back, you twine your fingers through the roots before pulling him back to look at you.

“I did it because I can, baby.” Voice low in a murmur you brush your lips against his lightly, teasingly. He desperately falls into you, welcoming you happily as your tongue slips into his mouth, tasting of himself.

He moans loudly, the sound swallowed immediately by you as you reciprocate one in turn, sighing against him, enjoying his eagerness.

You lick into his mouth one last time before pulling back, leaving him feeling empty and wanting, leaving all too soon for his tastes.

You don’t realize your eyes have fallen shut until you open them, meeting his brown eyes all glossy and wet from the denial and the pleasure and the pain. From everything you’ve decided to give him and everything you’ve decided to take.

He looks entirely and wholly fucked out and it hits you once again how lucky you are, to have him here with you. To make him like this. To see him like this, the most beautiful thing you’ve ever seen. So pretty you wanna just take a picture.

He chases your lips as you pull away, but you only scratch his head. He shivers against you and you can feel him rut into your leg, whining from your words and looking for some form of release. 

“I did it because you were being a little brat. Because,” you push him off of you, standing up off the bed. Leaving him sitting there, cheeks puffed out in a frown, a whine ready in his throat while a pink flush crawls up his neck.

You open the drawer where you keep all of your toys, browsing the selection for longer than needed-for the only reason being to torture him just a little with the anticipation. 

Already worked up and needy, impatient Hannie just can’t take that. 

Out of the corner of your eye you can see the way he squirms, furrowing his brows as he looks down at his cock, all red and leaky. He bites his lip, as if deliberating about touching and maybe-

“Don’t you dare. You’re in enough trouble already.”

He gripes, getting testy, already annoyed and upset from being edged like that and now you’re just teasing him. Torturing him.

“Then hurry up!” He grumbles. Then added under his breath, like a true brat, he adds, “should’ve acted up more, maybe then you’d actually do something.”

Anger singes through your veins. “Maybe then you’d actually do something.”, you mock in a poor, high-pitched impersonation of his voice, making his face turn a brighter shade of pink.

Picking out a large strap from the drawer, you attach it with a harness, looking up at him all the while. “Stop being a mouthy little whore bunny and maybe you’ll get fucked like a good boy.”

He at least has the decency to try to look annoyed. Though his efforts greatly fail as his body traitorously gives him away, not being able to stop his hips from jumping at your words.

You sigh and gesture for him to make room as you lay down on the bed, face-up once more.

“Up.”

He looks confused, eyes still clouded over in a way you know his brain is working with half the clearheadedness it usually is.

“What?”

You crook a finger at him and he follows the silent command, coming to sit on your stomach, looking at you expectantly for what to do next.

Bringing up your thumb to stroke his chin, you cup his face in the palm of his hand and he purrs into it, closing his eyes and pushing his cheek farther into your touch. 

“Bunny,” His eyes snap open. “You’re gonna be a good boy for me, right Sungie?” He nods quickly. “Good,” you purr. “Then you’re gonna be good for me and you’re gonna ride my strap for me until you cum.”

He looks back at the dildo attached to your hips with wide eyes, before looking back at you, pupils dilated. He wets his lip, unconsciously grinding down on you before he nods.

“Verbal baby. Can you do that for me?”

The poor thing shuffles back, rubbing the silicon against himself, already looking dazed. It takes great effort for him to finally respond, his head already falling far into that fuzzy space of you and only you. “...Yes, Sungie can do that for you.”

It’s your turn to bite your lips as a hand reaches up to push back a strand of hair in his eyes. “Good bunny, so cute and pretty just for me.” you utter softly.

Eagerly, he slides back, lifting himself up and teasing himself over the toy.

You watch in a lust-induced fascination as he whimpers, sinking low enough just to catch the tip just in his rim before pulling back up, repeating the motion several times, groaning in frustration from his own actions.

He tries to keep in mind your ministrations even as he’s worked up. Copying the motions you do whenever you fuck him, doing whatever you normally do. 

Cause he knows that it’ll feel so much better if he does it the way you do. 

First-hand experience has taught him that.

He sinks low and then pulls up, moaning, eyes shutting in bliss as your hands fall to his waist, caressing him. Running your fingertips over his toned abs in a soothing manner, rubbing softly over his belly button, just ghosting over his dick, smirking while he tries once again to get you to touch him there.

You tease and touch all over his lower body, his thighs, his butt, his hips and waist, murmuring to him about things he could’ve had, had he been a good boy for you. 

It’s torture and ecstasy all in one. He lets out a moan, pulling in a sharp breath as you finally take control, digging your nails into his flesh-making him keen.

And then shoving him down, sheathing the entire the inside him, angling it just so that it’s hitting that sweet spot in his core.

And as soon as you hit that spot poor little Hannie moans so loudly, thighs trembling and ass pushing back onto the strap, fucking himself it onto it uncontrollably.

“There you go, bunny,” you murmur, guiding his hips up and down as he curls in on himself, babbling incoherently into your ear. “So good for me.”

“S-so go-...good!” He whimpers, “Pl-please! Don-don’t stop!”

So you don’t, you grip onto him harder, hard enough to know that tomorrow there’ll be bruises shaped like your fingers etched into his skin. 

And with how fast he’s riding the strap now you know that won’t be the only evidence of your activities. It’ll be accompanied with a small limp, an ache that’ll remind him of your touch every time he sits down for the next week.

You change pacing, speeding up and slowing down, making sure to keep reaching his spot, fucking the tip against it, holding him in place against it just long enough to hear him sob in pleasure before rolling his hips, rubbing it over that spot.

He so close he can see stars dancing behind his eyelids-squeezed tightly shut, trying to not scream until his voice goes hoarse.

He can barely think straight anymore.

Drowning.

Falling.

So sensitive.

So malleable.

So pliant.

Just for you.

All for you.

Only for you.

And so he lets go, trusting you to catch him.

And you do.

One hand thumbing over his jutting hipbone. The other rubbing over his spine, holding him tightly as if he were fragile. As if he were glass about to break. You hold him.

As he comes-hard.

Screaming your name, digging his blunt nails into your stomach. Melting into you, draping his body over yours, sobbing in heaves while trying to say something, the words coming out a jumbled mess.

He was always gorgeous, so pretty as he let go, falling apart in front of you. With the way his head would loll back like his neck was no longer able to support the weight of it, his eyebrows drawing together and his lips parting beautifully.

Everything coming together to create an absolutely sinful expression of pleasure, of his pleasure. The perfect show of the mess that you could make him into.

You do nothing but rub his back, soothing him, comforting him as his emotions swell into a crescendo and he falls into a dark abyss, a chasm swallowing him whole.

Leaving him panting and moaning, grunting and squirming, twitching as he comes back to his senses.

Looking at you with big, bright eyes.

So pretty.

“Good bunny, such a good bunny aren’t you, Sungie?”

He nods desperately, unable to stop the hiccupy breaths from coming as you smile down at him. 

“’M a good bunny, good...for you.” He pants.

“Yeah bun’, so good for me...” You look down, gesturing down to the mess of cum that decorates your skin, evidence of his high. “But look baby~Look at the mess you made.” 

You lightly hold his chin, looking into his watery eyes that flash between looking down at said mess and back at you, tears beginning to spill over at the prospect of disappointing you.

“Shh, shh, no, no. You’re okay bunny.” You hush him, delicately lifting him off of you. “You’re okay.”

He whines at the empty feeling now that the toy isn’t in him. “But you’re not happy...”

You try to hide the smile that crosses at his words, spoken in a small voice with a pout. So cute. 

“It’s okay, Sungie. I was just joking!” 

You smile wide but he holds onto the childish scowl on his lips.

And before he can even think, he’s leaning over you.

Your body jolts in surprise when his tongue makes contact with your heated skin, your turn to blush as you watch him begin to lap everything up. Mewling and groaning, an obnoxious slurping sound emitting as he cleans the mess all up. 

He begins whimpering at the taste of himself, finally pulling up with a bright smile. A mumbled, “All clean!” coming out in a heavy pant as he swallows his own cum looking straight into your eyes, desperately savouring the taste.

Your eyes go wide, a feeling of utter want and need for him crossing over you. “...Sungie?” 

And he realizes what he’s done, a shocked expression falling across his face, a lustful one flitting across your own.

“Lay back for me bunny.”

A/N: Was just wondering if I should open a taglist, I’ve had a few people ask so far so lmk what you think.

@hobihearteu​

[tigertale]

A/N: Oh no! You, the magicless student, suddenly appeared in the all girl magical school, the Night Raven College!

A/N 2: At first I was like "let's write something good!" then I remembered that I don't care if it's well-written or not, I just want to get things off my system. Fuck my sexual orientation or whatsoever, no matter what gender Leona is, I can't resist him

A/N 3: (06/12/2022) I edited it a bit, but it's still a bit clumsy

•F! Reader; F! Leona

•〔　！ 〕 Smut; Badly written you'll lose braincells reading it; Grammatical errors; not proofread

"Ah! Leona, can you help me with my glasses? I can't properly see so it's difficult to look for them." The woman only answered with a click of her tongue before walking past the kneeling student. The magicless student helplessly tried to follow Leona's movements, scared that she had just ignored her and went about her day. Thankfully the beastwoman didn't go far. She bent over something, and straightened her back soon after.

"Is that…" Her upper eyelids were lowered and she frowned as she tried to see who was approaching her. Despite her blurry eyesight, she almost immediately recognised the pair of long legs and the half opened shirt under the bright golden waistcoat. "Leona?"

Said woman stopped before the one that was squinting under her. A tired sigh left the lioness as she looked at the magicless student on her knees. And the pair of glasses a few meters away from them deepened her frown.

"Oi herbivore, what are you doing on the floor?" She pushed her hands into her skirt's pockets with a teasing smile as she cocked her head to the side. The savanaclaw student leaned her hips forward in a mocking manner, and yet, the other one was not impressed by the power the one above displayed. Instead she moved to be in a more comfortable position as to fully watch her potential saviour.

"Eh, you mean those broken glasses?" The girl was suddenly up, stumbling on her way to Leona as her blood had yet to properly flow to her legs. She picked the glasses from the other's hand and when she tried to touch the lense, her fingers passed through.

The silence in the corridor was all too suffocating. The frown on Leona's face only but deepend at the awkwardness. Well? When is she going to announce her gratitude? But the other was still trying to assess the new information.

Broken. It was broken. In all her entire life, she had never broken a pair of glasses, and she knew that without them her school life would only go downhill. And not just her school life, she could barely walk without them, she was terrified just by the idea of it! Come on! She couldn't see past her hands, how was she supposed to live a normal life without them?

"Uh?" Leona recoiled at the sight of the tears that were threatening to fall. The prefect was on the verge of crying as she mindlessly passed her thumbs inside the hole of her glasses again and again, as if to prove herself that she was hallucinating. "Shit, are you going to cry?" The pitiful show successfully played with the strings of her damn heart. How could she not be when the ramshackle student was being… well, her. Her usual vulnerable and honest self.

"Stop this already, I'll repair them." She shot her head up. Leona would help her? The stars in her eyes almost made the lioness regret. Almost. But the fact that her personality switched so quickly did, in fact, impress her. "Continue to look at me that way and I won't. Oh Great Seven, you herbivores are so helpless and annoying." She removed the tears with the sleeves of her blouse and excitedly nodded all the while.

"Move already." When she looked up, Leona was standing by an opened door. Her whole body pressed against the doorframe and in her gloved hand, she was playing with the shards of her broken glasses. During the small span of time, she had already picked all the small transparent crystals of her prescribed lenses, much to her surprise

"Isn't that a classroom?"

"No shit. Come on, enter." She jogged towards the lioness who sent her a snide look, one that she couldn't catch now that she didn't have her glasses. She was relieved to see that the classroom was empty, not a single person in sight that would bother them by asking why they were together.

"Were you aware that it would be empty?" But before she could turn around, a hand grabbed the back of her head. As Leona walked forward, she was forced to follow without much chance of freeing herself as the dormhead was much stronger than her.

"What? Did'ja think I was passing by uh? This place's barely used, and no classes are ever held on this day. And Ruggie won't bother me here." She walked past the magicless student as they came to stop and plopped herself down on the bench on the first row.

The girl sighed before trying to pass over Leona's legs. She had made herself comfortable on the edge of the bench, as if to further prove how annoyed she was with the situation, and if she wanted to sit next to her she had to cross over the lioness somehow.

Halfway through, and under the grunts of the dorm leader and the string of excuses that followed them, the prefect was suddenly pulled on the lion's lap. She fell onto one of Leona's leg and her knee was quick to find its place in between her thighs.

"I'll help you and you won't talk about this place to anyone, 'k?" If it was the only thing she wanted in exchange for helping her, even if she was curious about it, she might as well just let it go. "Same goes for whatever happens here."

"Just that?" She looked behind her, but the look the savanaclaw student sent her was enough for her to reiterate her question in a way that would please the leader. "I- I mean…! Don't worry, of course I won't!" She then turned back to face the table, a tight grip on the hem of her skirt as she tried not to think about the warmth between her legs.

"Then it's a deal." And so, the shards were all carelessly thrown on the table.

Leona made quick work putting some of them together, placing them so that it would make the shape of her broken lenses. The magicless student tried to follow her movements, trying hard to understand what she was doing, but her thoughts were slowly changing and focused on something else. Her poor previous attempts to forget about the knee rubbing against her were for naught as the hand caressing her thigh quickly replaced the fixation she may have had.

Or so she thought. Subtle movements of the knee pressed at the apex of her thighs had started before she could have fully adjusted to the fingers that had slipped under her skirt. They were dipping closer to her underwear with each stroke and it was becoming all too mind numbing. What was Leona doing?

Still, she kept, or more like she thought that she was keeping, a straight face and continued to watch the hand of the dorm leader that was playing around with the crystal shards.

The lioness was well aware that the woman by her side was slowly drifting somewhere else. And oh how much she liked that. The herbivore was trying so hard that she was still focused on the empty table when both her hands were gingerly placed on both hips.

"Eh, you're enjoying yourself, aren't you?" She was brought out of her reverie at the rhetorical question. But she couldn't even question what she meant by that (and she was so embarrassed that she had been caught red-handed, what if it was all a misunderstanding?) as the woman jolted her knee harder.

She let out a squeak, the first of a long string of whines that followed.

The crowned princess was working her up to the bone. Using the opportunity of having two hands on her hips, she grinded her against her leg to add to the friction. She even took the time to properly angled her so that her clitoris would feel the direct drag of her underwear against her skin.

"Awwn, look at you. You're so cute like that ♥" The prefect could barely see around her. Without any glasses and with the tears hanging on her lower eyelashes, her surroundings were blurry. A blurry mess that heightened the confusing feeling assaulting her lower stomach.

The kisses Leona pressed against her skin went almost unnoticed with how hot she felt inside. But when she felt the lips closing around her collarbone, she couldn't just go back to forgetting it. No, not when her tongue was creating a humid mess on her cheek as it lapped her tears away.

A finger blissfully slid under the black cloth covering her cunt before she could properly comprehend it. She, who had been focused not a moment ago on the appendage tasting her, couldn't have predicted it. The shock that courses through her when a nail merely brushed against her erected clitoris was almost too much. And the lioness made sure to mess with her even more as she was pleased with the reaction.

Well you know what? She would've loved to continue toying around with the twitching and breathless herbivore on her leg, but there was something she had wanted to taste for a while.

And said herbivore was completely at loss when she was suddenly laid against the cushioned bench and her skirt flipped over her stomach. And the confusion came back when the tongue, that had been previously marking her neck, licked a long strip along her inner lips.

Leona was but on cloud nine when she had finally tasted the prefect. Couldn't she not be perfect? Her tearstained face and those puffy lips were the most beautiful thing she had seen in a while, and she would enjoy it as much as she could.

The magicless student was unable to stay put, despite her legs closing around the lioness in-between them, she couldn't help but writhe and buckled against the hot muscle that was deep into her cunt. And with the added fingers that touched and twisted her clit, she feared how long it would take for her to come undone.

She pressed her tongue inside her and a long pause followed suit as she tried to overcome the overflowing taste that numbed her mind. But it wasn't long before she eagerly started eating her out with a vigor that had never been seen from her. She was a princess, and she was to please those under her for them to desire more.

And rightfully so, because it didn't take minutes for the knot, the one that painfully throbbed with the need to come undone, to explode.

It didn't stop Leona who switched to lapping her up. She was pleased to have been able to drink her juice so fast, a treat that she wouldn't let go of so soon. And the beautiful sounds of the overstimulated prefect was a nice little gift that she took pride in receiving.

"Hey herbivore." The concerned person looked down as the woman pressed her cheek against her stomach. The half lidded eyes and the smirk reignited the fire that was slowly dying.

The lion moved to lean her body against the one under her signature mocking smile. She kissed each tear of the prefect away while her wet fingers roamed along her shapes. And the magicless didn't resist when Leona slipped her tongue inside her mouth. It felt good. She felt complete even. To emphasize it, and now that she was free of the pleasure that was previously assaulting her both inside and outside, she wrapped too shaky arms around the neck of the dormleader.

Leona was far from being displeased by the contact, but still broke the kiss. She instead moved to bite her ear with a chuckle that reverberated in the room. It was followed by the sound of buttons hitting the wood of the row of desks behind them.

The prefect may not be aware, but she was oh so cute. Her cheeks heating up when her fingers caressed the open skin under her bra as if she wasn't just fucked until cumming not even two minutes ago.

Another chuckle was breathed into her ear.

"You won't be able to talk about how much I've fucked you dumb. Remember that."

[moments777]

CONSPIRACY OF SILENCE

Many Christians attempt to silence those of us who try to warn the flock by accusing us of committing a greater sin than the wolves we’re criticizing. With an arrogant smirk, these wolf defenders say something like “Why are you being so judgmental? You just need to pray for them.”

Those who are exposing false teachers and their unbiblical teachings are the ones seen as divisive and stirring up strife, rather than the actual peddlers of error who masquerade as teachers of truth and promote beliefs that undermine or contradict the gospel. Often these wolf defenders are unwilling or too lazy to evaluate every teaching by searching the Word of God in order to distinguish between truth and lies fabricated by men and demons. So, their first response is to offer trivial, fleeting prayers.

Let me say, there’s nothing wrong in praying for a wolf if you feel led of the Holy Spirit to do so. Although, I must say I have never seen a true shepherd kneel to pray when the wolf is attacking his sheep. Sometimes prayer is not enough. Just praying for false teachers and deceivers has profound spiritual consequences for those who are under their influence. While you’re praying for the predator, these vulnerable and weak ones will be destroyed by the wolf.

In Matthew 7:15 Jesus calls false teachers ‘ravenous wolves who come to you in sheep’s clothing.’ The word ‘wolves’ is an idiom for false shepherds who disguise themselves to look like sheep. Church elders [pastors and teachers] are to alert fellow believers when those who claim to speak for God take verses out of context, redefine words from their original meaning, and ignore grammatical accuracy. It is not enough that we broadly hint about who these men and women are. These false teachers must be clearly identified as they are a danger to the young lambs who are spiritual infants unskilled in the Word and easily deceived because they have not yet learned the cunning strategies of Satan.

When the Israelites were standing on the shore of the Red Sea and Pharaoh’s army was rapidly approaching them, Moses told the people to lift their voices to God and He would deliver them. But look what God told Moses in Exodus 14:15-16 ” “Why do you cry to Me? Tell the children of Israel to go forward. But lift up your rod and stretch out your hand over the sea and divide it. And the children of Israel shall go on dry ground through the midst of the sea.” In other words, God says “This is not the time for prayer; this is the time for action.” Prayer is good, but there are times when we must ACT. Someone put it this way: “Prayer not backed by resolution is nothing more than a spiritual filibuster.”

Spiritual leaders have a responsibility to oppose false teaching whenever it arises. Titus 1:9 says pastors must not only teach sound doctrine but be able to ‘refute those who contradict.’ But confronting false teachers is not the responsibility of pastors alone. Every Christian has the responsibility to discern and confront error, warn others of these heretics and identify them by name. It is the responsibility of every Christian to expose the purveyors of poisonous doctrines whether it emanates from spiritual leaders or professing believers who teach contrary to God’s Word. Why are we afraid to judge, expose error, and rebuke false teachers publicly and call them to accountability? Why are we allowing them to spread their deadly heresies and decimate the flock of God? Why is there a conspiracy of silence among many believers?

In 3 John 8, John exposed Diotrephes to the entire church for causing dissension and abusing his position of authority. In the 10th verse, John says when he visits the church, he will publicly rebuke Diotrephes for his actions. In the book of 2 Timothy, the Apostle Paul names a number of false teachers by name:

1:15- Phygellus & Hermogenes

2:17 – Philetus & Hymenaues

3:8- Jannes & Jambres

4:10- Demas 4:14 -Alexander (the coppersmith)

Jesus publicly and directly confronted and corrected the religious hypocrites and false teachers of his day and warned them of the consequences of their error. He did not shy away from calling them exactly what they were; hypocrites, blind guides, wolves and brood of vipers. He did not plead with them privately but openly rebuked them and warned their followers about their false doctrine, “They tie up heavy burdens, hard to bear, and lay them on people’s shoulders, but they themselves are not willing to move them with their finger” (Matthew 23:4). If God meant for us to spend all of our time praying, Jesus would have spent all his time praying for people instead of teaching them and warning them to reject these false teachers who promoted deadly man-made theology.

There was an angry confrontation between the greedy and corrupt money changers in the temple courts when Jesus overturned their tables and drove them out in the presence of a large crowd of pilgrims. In Galatians 2:11 &14, Apostle Paul opposed Peter ‘to his face’ and ‘in the presence of all’ for not being “straightforward about the truth of the gospel.” Error always has to be addressed publicly, where the error was preached publicly. Pastors who will not “refute those who contradict” are not qualified to be a pastor. Those who persist in false teaching must be opposed, and if possible, brought to repentance.

It is a dereliction of duty to resolve only to pray for them rather than to protect your fellow believers from being led astray by their error. You are not walking in love when you say nothing about those who distort the gospel of Christ and deceive others. If you saw a rabid dog, wouldn’t you do more than just tell others that you saw one? Wouldn’t you tell them specifically what the dog looked like and where you last saw it? Wouldn’t you describe the behavior that made you conclude it was rabid? Or would you just say, I’ll go home and pray about it and see how God is going to handle this situation? Praying is essential, but God expects us to do more than just pray. Love is an action.

God has not called us to the path of least resistance. Silence is betrayal. God will hold us accountable if we sit idly by and watch while people are spiritually endangered and fail to expose the deceptive lies and warped agenda of Satan. Silence is betrayal. To keep silent is indicative we ourselves are self-deceived and indifferent to the eternal consequences false teachers and those willing to embrace their false ideologies will suffer.

🙏🏻➕🧎🏻‍♀️📖🕊️🐑🪶♥️

[acaiasahi]

✶ 11:11 pm ; choi taeyang / theo.

synopsis. accidentally overhearing taeyang's conversation on the phone with his friends, he states that he's embarrassed to be in a relationship with you and in a fit of betrayal, you confront him.

info. angst. choi taeyang x gn!reader [ they / them prns ]. 580 words.

warnings. embarrassed of partner + relationship (?), crying, break up, grammatical + structural errors, lowercase and smaller text intended, uses "don't" + "stop" a lot LOL

"you're what?" you ask in pure shock, eyes quickly turning glossy. all the boy in front of you did was shake his head no, tears starting to form in his eyes.

"no, say it." your voice turning stern as tears start to fall. taeyang closes his eyes, head tilted downwards and afraid to meet your gaze.

tears freely fall as you await his answer, silence consumes the two of you. gaining your answer from his lack of words, you let out a scoff, grabbing your belongings before beelining to the door.

panic sets in as he frantically starts waving his hands and saying 'no' repeatedly, and for you to 'sit down'. you continue your way out of the now stuffy apartment, ignoring the pleas of your boyfriend behind you.

getting sick of his excuses and sorry attempts to get you to stop walking, you snap at him.

"tae, no! you don't get to say all these sweet things like it's going to be okay afterwards. you said yourself that you're ashamed of being with me. you're ashamed of me." you wail out, tears blurring your vision.

taeyang's heart shatters as he watches the love of his life crumble in front of him. your once twinkling, and radiant light soon dimming down to a dark, gloomy gray.

and it was all because of him.

he runs over to you, enveloping you in his arms. he whispers how sorry he is, and how much he loves you. his words began swirling, leaving your brain to mush in a matter of seconds. your sobs get louder as you cry into his chest, his hands rubbing soothingly on your back.

"don't go, please stay." he reasons with you, practically begging you to not leave him in more ways that physical. you shake your head no before pushing him off you. he stumbles backwards, shock written on his face as he attempts to hug you again.

putting a hand up to his chest to push him away but he places his hand over yours, allowing you to feel his heartbeat.

how it beats only for you.

you hang your head low, before whispering a soft 'stop.' taeyang's sobs wrack through the room. he falls to his knees before grabbing your waist "please, i love you. i'm so sorry!" he sobs out as he tries to stop you from walking out the door.

you free yourself out of his vice-like grip, your eyes swirling with something he's never seen before. not going without a fight, taeyang stands up and tries to walk over to you.

"no, tae. don't!" you shout. he's never heard you talk to him in such a way, this is the first time he's been on the receiving end of your harsh words. it takes him aback, stopping in his tracks as he watches you swiftly walk away.

he doesn't know what's keeping him from running to you, but his body just won't move. almost like he's not in charge of it, he can't move on his own account.

taeyang watches in horror as your figure becomes smaller and smaller as you walk away. "there's no way" he thinks, fooling no one, including himself.

it soon dawns on the raven-haired boy that he has ━ had something beautiful, and he was the cause of it's destruction.

★ piwon taglist. @seung-scrittore ... @existnesia ... @enhacolor ... @alohajun

[ 🎧 ] jaydi's notes. this is kinda silly but yk... kinda like it, kinda don't :< u win sum, u dimsum... anyway hope y'all have a good night!

© ACAIASAHI 2022 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. COPYING, TRANSLATING, AND REPOSTING IS PROHIBITED.

[tobegiggledat]

Crack(ed) Baby

18+ CONTENT AHEAD MINORS DNI

❀ pairing: Tomura Shigaraki x afab!reader

❀ warnings: prison reform au/no quirks, implied/referenced suicide, slight smut, fingering(?), mention of gun

❀word count: 2.5k

❀ a/n: Heya! This is my first fic I've ever posted on here. No beta reader so they're might be some grammatical errors. Feedback is highly appreciated! Also, title is a Mitski reference ofc🙈

Your fingers twiddle with the black band surrounding your ankle as you restlessly await the nurse's return, and with your thumb hooked inside, you attempt to loosen its hold on you, but to no avail.

A tracker you think to yourself before your feet drop back over the edge of the bed and swing idly. Clothed in a light blue gown and grippy socks, you scan the room around you, only to be faced with a lackluster interior as the walls are only painted a dull, chalky white to mimic the just as colorless flooring.

After years of receiving lax treatment and nonchalantly discarding your medications, you aren't accustomed to the chill that comes with knowing your every action is being monitored. And while this isn't your first time being sent to a criminal rehabilitation center, your other experiences weren’t nearly as supervised.

Elite Counseling is known for their more rigorous treatment methods; with twelve of their facilities located throughout the nation, they are considered to be the best in terms of behavioral health care. They were founded by Yagi Toshinori, the trailblazer for the rehabilitation of prisoners, and are responsible for most of Japan’s successful cases by providing the “greatest” solutions to stubborn cases of ideological disarray.

The metal door to your holding cell inevitably creaks open to reveal a young raven-haired woman peering through it.

“Dr. Kayama will be seeing you now”, she says, her tone brimming with unnecessary enthusiasm.

Your body is sluggish as it moves toward the exit, allowing her to lead you down the intricate halls and other inaccessible territory that leave your thoughts plagued by what may be beyond them.

Disinfectant permeates the cold, still air with heavy scents of citrus and artificial rosemary. The only sound you hear is the occasional clacking of the nurse's slippers and the blaring white noise of the air conditioner.

Upon reaching your destination, she stops before a wide entryway and gives you an inviting gesture toward it. A handful of curious glances greet you upon your late arrival, one of them being a man with crimson eyes and hair colored a washed out blue, who quickly shifts his gaze upon seeing your own.

Each patient is seated amongst others in a display that weakly resembles a circle. You take a seat to the very left of the room, the only seat available being the one directly next to Dr. Kayama—someone you know to be well-renowned in her field.

A part of you was in awe of her, and yet you can't shake the thought that it takes a level of arrogance to accept such a position—which is further evident in the way her serene smile never leaves her face despite your rising discomfort. It's as though you are nothing more than a wounded animal to her, too ignorant to know what was best for you; too primal to accept the human hand that was reaching out.

Her attention quickly shifts back to the rest of the group.

“Hello everyone, as most of you may know, I'm Dr. Kayama and I'll be leading today's session”. Her aura is calming despite her red frames doing little to hide the excitement that's beaming from behind her eyes. “To break the ice, let's go around the room and give brief introductions. If you're comfortable, I'd like for each of you to give your name and one of your your biggest weaknesses.”

Dr. Kayama turns towards you. “Do you care to go first?”

Your gaze darts to your hands, studying each ridge of your fingerprints, each divot in your flesh—and it is only with reluctance that you reveal your name in a harsh, shortened murmur.

“I'd say my biggest weakness is…”, you begin with tightening fists, your knuckles whiten as your nails burrow further into your helpless palms. You look up once more before meeting the pale-haired man's gaze again, and his face clouds your thoughts to leave you turning away due to your building sense of panic.

“Um, it's—it's...”

Dr. Kayama’s hand is placed on your lap lightly. “If you're not comfortable sharing right now there will always be another time”, she interrupts, her smile still unwavering.“Now, onto the next.”

A few others participate but you remain lost in thought throughout it all, trying your best to avoid eye contact with the man even though he seems to have lost interest in you.

Eventually, it's his turn to speak, and your neck rigidly turns to look towards his way, but he now has his focus on Dr. Kayama.

“My name's Tomura”, he states with a voice that's low and raspy, on the verge of a whisper. His fingers snag on the fresh bandages below his chin. “And my biggest weakness is being unable to slit my throat properly.”

A few snickers are dispersed amongst the circle but it is ultimately Dr. Kayama’s flashing look of disapproval that fills the room with newfound tension.

“It’s in your best interest to take this counseling seriously. What good are these silly remarks in the grand scheme of things”, she questions, violet brows furrowing and lips slightly downturned. “I mean, you’re quite young and handsome, I’m sure you have a bright future ahead of you, right?”

Tomura only leans back into his chair and tilts his head. “I have no interest in being lectured by a conceited know-it-all.”

“My intention isn’t to make myself seem better than you. I am only trying to make sure you get the help that you need.” Dr. Kayama clears her throat. “The first step toward happiness is being willing to change your circumstances—.”

“The happiness you’re describing is conformity, a temporary solution. I’m only postponing the inevitable. Once I leave this building—if I ever even get the chance to—I’ll go back to living in that shitty compound with the million other rejects. I'll spend my days grinding my lousy 9-5, dancing and smiling for pocket change before I go home to sleep, only to dream about the dance I'll be performing for the days to come until I die on my feet from exhaustion. I have no future."

The circle falls quiet as Tomura finally releases a breath. He inadvertently locks eyes with you, and if he notices your desperate effort to hide the blood rushing to your cheeks, he doesn’t respond to it. You have a very little understanding as to why he makes you feel this way yet you sense an underlying conviction in his words.

“I know it can be hard to see the positive in these things, but I won't give up on you”, Dr. Kayama continues. “I’m sure one day you’ll come to understand why things work the way they do.”

Her smile returns to her face as she looks away to eye the rest of the patients. “It seems our session was a bit longer than I expected. You all are dismissed now. Feel free to congregate in the main hall until you receive your prescription.”

As everyone makes their exit, you swiftly approach Tomura amidst the sea of other patients as he remains seated with his legs stretched outwardly and his arms crossed. You stand before him, towering over his disinterested, slouching form, but you’re hardly acknowledged.

“What do you want?” he asks bitterly, eyes never making an effort to look upward at you.

“I was just curious about the things you mentioned earlier”, you reply whilst slightly rocking on your heels.

“What about it?”

“It’s just that- I just wanted to let you know that I understand where you’re coming from. I never had the best experiences with these facilities either, so it’s nice to finally find someone I relate to.”

A low hum emanates from between his teeth, he then brings his hand to his neck before filling the room with harsh sounds of nails scraping against skin. Upon closer inspection, you notice his flesh is cracked and flakey to the touch.

“Anyways, I was wondering if I could—”

You’re cut short when your name is suddenly called by one of the nurses.

“I'll just catch up with you some other time”, you say curtly before approaching the exit.

This time the nurse escorts you into a hallway with a sliding indoor window, located on the wall to your right.

You hesitantly stand before it, waiting for your medication to be slid underneath, while close enough to overhear a conversation amongst two of the staff on the other side— but, because of the slim opening, you are unable to make out anything other than the blue scrubs they are wearing.

The nurse that escorted you stands across the hallway, unaware.

“Mhm. And this is for Tomura Shigaraki?” a stern, deep voice asks. “Are you sure this is correct?”

“Yeah, I'm sure. I even looked over the notes a few times”, the voice that replies is lower and hesitant.

“I mean take a closer look at his reports. He’s been in and out of these facilities since childhood. At this point, he might even be just another—”

Your eavesdropping is halted when your medication is finally placed under the window.

You quickly empty the cup’s contents onto your tongue before downing it with the water bottle that was also provided. Once you’ve finished, the nurse then inspects your mouth before returning you to the main hall.

Throughout the walk back, you can't help but think about the exchange between the two staff members.

What was Tomura’s childhood like? You ponder to yourself. What could've happened that led him to be the way he is?

You arrive to a cacophony of laughter and chatter filling your ears as a cluster of people conversing surround you. You walk amidst it all to make your way towards Tomura, and despite the crowd, his dishevelled pale hair was easy to spot as he faces away from you at a table in a corner, alone, hunched over with his elbows on his lap as he looks straight ahead.

You take a seat beside him in silence to garner his attention, though he doesn't look your way, only smacking his teeth and scratching at the raw skin on his neck.

“Can I ask you something?”, you softly question, glancing at him despite his dispassionate demeanor. “What is it that keeps you here?”

“What's it matter to you?”, he replies dubiously as he continues to gaze intently at the limited scenery before him.

“I don't know, curiosity maybe. You just don't seem like the type to allow yourself to get locked up here.”

His scratching briefly stops with his manic glare finally reaching you. “You’re right. It's only necessary if I want to destroy the system.”

“Destroy the system? What do you mean?”

“It's simple. I gain greater intel by cooperating. I'll only stick around until I've got what I needed”

“And you plan on doing this alone?”

“Not exactly, but why? Do you plan on joining me or something?” His lips curve upward a bit at that, waiting for your inevitable decline, but it never comes.

“And what if I want to?” You ask meekly.

He quietly scans your features for sincerity, brushing over your determined eyes before his lips part slightly.

“Then I think we should discuss this someplace more…quiet” He abruptly rises from his seat and leaves as if expecting you to follow, you find yourself once again brushing past the many patients, though the distance was short.

You arrive at the counseling room, except two thick metal doors prevent you from entering. The entrance is located outside the main hall and directly behind it, the hallway around this area is mostly empty and unsupervised as there are not many open rooms around it. Most patients would typically stay in the main hall because of this—unless they have something to unlock the doors with...

“Isn't it locked around this time?” you quietly ask.

Tomura rummages through the pocket of his hospital gown to reveal something small and silver. “Yeah, that's why I have this”, he replies, now holding it up a key.

“Wait—How'd you get that?” You ask, eyes slightly gleaming at what awaits you now that you’re aware of this small opportunity toward more freedom.

“It's like I mentioned earlier, I have allies from within.” And with that, he unlocks the door to the counseling room.

The room is left just as it was earlier, Tomura sits in his chair from before, but when you take it upon yourself to sit beside him, his head briefly shifts toward you with widened eyes before he looks forward while remaining silent for a moment.

“I feel like it's easy for everyone else to suggest that deviants should just get help because they have no experience with it”, you say to break the silence. “It's as if they can’t fathom the idea that there isn’t a solution to everything. Yet, once you’re revealed the true nature of the system, the security net is ripped from right under you and you realize that giving such a recommendation is only done for the sake of convenience.”

Tomura stares at you, the corner of his lips upturning slightly in approval.

“Throughout my entire life…”, he begins. “My attempts to reach out for help were rejected and I was instead left in the hands of professionals”, he replies softly. “After all, it’s easier for normies to leave things to the ‘heroes’ than it is to get themselves involved. It’s always seen as a last resort, a guaranteed fix for problems relating to dissatisfaction with life, but of course once you actually receive treatment, you may quickly realize that this isn’t the case. I plan on exposing those that have been failed by this very system.”

You're overcome by a sudden boldness, reaching out for his hand and gingerly interlocking it with yours.

Tomura’s head jerks your direction from the sudden contact, but he doesn't pull away.

“I want to be a part of it. I’d like to see the day you finally reveal the truth, I know you're capable of it”, you remark ecstatically, eyes beaming with newfound resolve.

There's another moment of stillness; occasional breaks of soft breaths and panting—his eyes lingers on your lips while a small chill overcomes you as you feel gentle fingers travel up your arm to the back of your neck to bring you closer.

Suddenly, his lips collide with yours, passionately latching and sucking on its edges, tongue hot as it presses against your mouth as if asking for entry—which you give it. It hastily fills your mouth, softly gliding against your crevices to taste each of your smothered moans while they send delectable vibrations into his teeth. The delicate grooves of your teeth are carved seemingly perfect for his invasions as he swipes along the roof of your mouth, tugging at your own tongue as he sweeps your breath away with his sucks.

His ravenous hands fumble at your sides, stopping at your waist to lightly tug at the hem of your soaked bottoms. His lithe fingers creep inside, stroking along your outer lips softly before rubbing at the line of dampness between them.

“You’re so wet for me”, he coos against your ear, close enough for his warm breath to brush against the shell of it, for his parted lips to prickle it gently. The soppy pads of his fingers are ceaseless as he continues to scissor and circle at your slick opening then trail further up to find your clit so that he could slowly work it under his thumb.

“Tomura, please—”, you brokenly plea before his lips capture the rest of your words, and swallow your tongue along with it.

As your hands embed themselves in the roots of his soft locks, you feel his mouth depart lick a stripe up the side of your ear before he suckles your earlobe harshly. He then releases it with a loud pop and peppers a trail of kisses toward the base of your neck.

The speed of his ministrations quicken as a agonizing tingle starts to stir in your bud, making it torturous to stay put on the chair beneath you—you frantically grip the sides of it, but it does little to suppress the jerks of your arousal as your thighs clamp around his hand.

Tomura swiftly uses his knee to keep you pried open. “Keep still, so I can take care of you”, his voice is breathy as it caresses the sides of your neck, sending a jolt down your back.

Your features are tightly drawn together as you’re sent stumbling over the edge of climax—head tilting back as your throbbing cunt clenches frantically around emptiness with your high continuing to gush throughout your prickling veins before your breathing eventually slows and you slump in his arms.

Once you’ve calmed, Tomura removes his hand to cup your cheek, his fingers still glistening and wet with your fluids.

“Will you continue to support me?” he asks, dazzling vermilion watching you with utmost intensity.

You nimbly nod in his grasp. “Of course. Nothing's changed.”

[your-average-genshin-enjoyer]

First Meeting

a/n: First writing in tumblr so pls don't atk me qwq Might have grammatic errors.

CHARACTERS: Xiao, Kazuha, Albedo and Heizou.

(--XIAO--🍃)

"If you look carefully amidst the cruelty of the world, you can see the pure and gentle dance of the wind and snow."

···

GIF by ventiluvr

I was watering some Qingxin flowers inside my greenhouse while controlling the coolness inside with my Cryo vision when suddenly, a figure came crashing into the greenhouse's roof and fell to some Qingxin flowers. "W-Who's there?!" I half yelled while summoning my weapon as I approached the limp figure on the floor of soil and Qingxins.

I stared at the figure in awareness and somehow, in awe as well.

It was a boy. He has yellow cat-like eyes that are as bright as the purest Cor lapis in Liyue, Raven hair with green highlights that flows softly with the wind, and porcelain white skin that was stained with red and black-greenish cuts. His appearance seemed to keep me in a weird trance, but I tried to ignore it as best as I can.

the boy struggled to get up as he starts to pass out from exhaustion. A demon suddenly appeared from the broken roof with a loud hiss, and starts to sprint and tried to harm the boy, but failed to do so as I blocked their attack with my weapon. I froze them in place with Cryo attacks. And after minutes of fighting, the demon perished with a loud screech.

I panted heavily, still exhausted from the fight as I drag the knocked out boy to a bench. I start to tend to his wounds with bandages and cool down his bruises with my Cryo vision. A few seconds later he suddenly opened his eyes widely and tried to wake up, only to fall back from the sharp pain of his wounds.

"Stay still, you're badly wounded, it'll get worse if you act rashly." I said warning him.

"A-Agghh... Tch, leave me alone, mortal. Those mortal remedy of yours is not gonna work on me. Let me be on my way now." He said harshly. He failed to wake up for the second time because I freezed his arms to the ground.

"I am no mortal, I am an Adeptus and the remedy I have is already tested to myself. So stay still." I replied back to him.

but this time, he manages to break free from mini ice structure and stands still for a few seconds to gain back his stability.

"*sigh* I see, be careful then. Although you are an Adeptus, it doesn't mean you should not be careful. And... thank you, for remedy." he said as he disappeared in a mist of black and green.

"....."

"I didn't even ask for his name yet...."

<-_KAZUHA_🍁->

"The world is full wonders and undiscovered beauty. Although I'm not sure where to go, the wind will lead me to the end."

"Hey Xiangling, Can I have one Black back perch stew?" I asked the navy haired girl with while catching my breath after running around completing Commisions.

"Of course Y/n! I'll go prepare it right now! " Xiangling said in a cheerful tone as she ran back to the kitchen to prepare my stew.

"Oh shucks, our fish stock ran out. Hey Y/n, sorry, our fish stock ran out and I'm busy watching the stall since father is out to get some ingredients, is it fine if you go grab some fish in the docks?" Xiangling asked in a sheepish tone.

"Oh sure, I'll go get the fish." I said as i walk out to get the fish after Xiangling hands me the mora for the fish.

"Hi there uncle Sun, Can I have the usual batch of fish for the Wanmin restaurant?" I asked the fisherman.

"Oh hey there miss Y/n, I'll go prepare the fish right away." said uncle Sun as he starts to wrap the fish up.

A sudden hard pat in my shoulder makes me tense up as a sharply turn around to see behind me.

"Y/n! AHHAHAHAHAHHHH long time no see there! how are you doing huh?"

Beidou appeared out of nowhere as she ask me her question while still stifling a laugh from my tenseness.

"OH SEVEN ARCHONS- huh, Beidou? *sigh* don't scare me like that, You almost gave me a heart attack." I sighed heavily, still shocked from her sudden shoulder pat.

"Ahahahahhh, still sensitive as ever huh, sorry about that. Wanna go visit the crew or go get some beer? You can come with me and Kazuha if you want to." Beidou offered.

"I don't know if I can at the moment, I'm a bit tired right now. Also, who's Kazuha?" I asked her in a confused manner.

"Oh my- I forgot I haven't introduced you to him yet AHAHAHAHH, Kazuha, come here! there's someone I want you to meet!" Beidou half yelled as a boy came walking towards Beidou.

He has eyes as red as ruby, creamy blonde hair and a red and white attire.

"*Sigh*, don't yell to loud beidou, you know you can just call me right? Who is the one you mention you want to introduce me to?" he sighed in a tired manner.

"Sorry sorry there, here. She's the one I want you to meet, her name's Y/n L/n, one of my best friends. " she said while pushing me in front of the boy as I break free from my staring on him.

"H-Hi there, nice to meet you Mr..."

"Kazuha. Kaedehara Kazuha, no need to call me Mr or anything formal." he said in a calm tone.

"Oh, ok then Kazuha. I'll go bring the fish to Xiangling for now, excuse me." I said nervously as I walked away from the two figure.

"oh god... why do I have to make a fool out of myself in front of him just now?!" I yelled in my mind as I gobbled down Xiangling's stew.









*->ALBEDO<-🧪*

"A line from chalk is the start of something new. If your willing to, will you witness the process with me?"

GIF by yumenosakiacademy

"Hmmm, the plant seems to be able to withstand Dragonspine's cold temperature. It's been 30 minutes now, I didn't expect the potion will have this much of an effect." I mumbled to myself as I take notes on the plant where I tested a warming potion on it.

I came back to my camp as I start to recreate the potion with what I assumed as the correct formula, when a sound of crunching snow from someone or something's footsteps break the silence.

"E-Excuse me, is it fine if I warm up in your camp for a bit?" a quiet voice of a female said nervously with chattering teeth.

"Oh, of course you can. Come here, I'll make you some hot drink now, and here's a towel to wipe the snow off, make yourself comfortable."

I said as I handle her a towel and start to cook some hot water.

"N-No need to make me a hot drink, I only need to heat up for a bit. T-Thank you for your help." the girl with green hair said shyly.

"Ah, please, I insist. It's freezing cold at the moment and I just so happen to have some ingredients for it. What would you like? Tea? Coffee? or hot Chocolate?" I asked the girl while getting 2 mugs from the shelf.

"Oh, I-I see. Uhh, I'll have one hot Chocolate if it's ok." the girl replied with a less tense tone.

"Ohh ok, here's the hot Chocolate, be careful, it's hot." I said while carefully handing the hot chocolate to the girl.

We sit together in silence as we sip our hot drinks for a few minutes.

"What are you doing in Dragonspine alone?" I asked the girl to break the silence.

"O-Oh, I was going out to a colleague's laboratory in here when suddenly, a Mitachurl starts chasing me, I ended up getting lost until I found your camp." said the girl in an embarrassed tone.

"Ohh i see. Well, feel free to stay here for as long as you like, make yourself comfortable. Do you need a first aid kit?" I asked the girl.

"Oh, n-no need for that, I'm ok." the girl said. We talk for a while while sipping our hot drinks. I introduced myself as she told me that her name is Sucrose, we continued the conversation for a while until a boy with blonde hair came looking for her.

"Sucrose? are you ok? why are you here?" the boy asked with a hint of worry in his voice.

"M-Mr. Albedo?! I-I'm sorry, I got lost and I ended up staying in this person's camp and-" Sucrose rant in a surprised and embarrassed tone.

"Ohh I see. It's fine sucrose, relax. I'd like to thank you for taking care of Sucrose Miss..." Albedo said in an awkward tone.

"Y-Y/n, call me Y/n. Spare the formalities aside Mr. Albedo." I stuttered.

"Y/n, ok. Call me Albedo then, no need to call me Mr. Albedo." Albedo said in a sheepish tone.

"O-Oh, ok then Albedo." I replied while scratching the back of my neck. "I hope we can get along well." I mumbled in my mind.









}~}~}--HEIZOU🔎-{~{~{

"People will continue to lie, but the wind will always speaks the truth. Let us follow the wind's whisper as we uncover the unlimited mask of lies."

GIF by kilruas

"L/n san! how's the case about the missing goods exported from Sangonomiya?" asked one of the Soldiers from the resistance.

"Oh, by the looks of the traces, it seems that it was stolen from villagers. But there was also traces of Tatarigami, so my hypothesis for now is that the culprit is the villagers that are affected by the Tatarigami." I stated to one of the Soldiers. "I'm gonna go check the conditions of the villagers." I said as I start to walk away.

"L-L/n san, do you need any Soldiers to accompany you on your journey? this may be dangerous considering how Tatarigami can affect mortals." One of the Soldiers stuttered.

"No need for any of you to accompany me, besides I want to take an evening stroll." I said while ignoring any other comments from the group and walks for 40 minutes or so.

After about 15 minutes of searching and tracking, I finally prove my hypothesis to be true as I see a group of villagers collecting the goods that seems to radiate some Tatarigami energy.

I walked to the villagers and start to communicate with them, only to be faced with an answer none other than violence.

I begin to knock some of the villagers down with my pyro vision when suddenly, a strong gust of wind blows onto my face almost blowing me away.

A male with maroon hair appeared out of nowhere and start to group the villagers together with what appears to be his Anemo vision.

"Seems like I'm not the only one tracking down the Tatarigami energy huh?" He said with a smug smile.

"Seems like it, you are?..." I asked awkwardly, facepalming at myself internally.

"Heizou, Shikanoin Heizou, a detective of the Tenryo commision. I assume you're a soldier from the resistance?" Heizou asked curiously.

"No. I am from the resistance, but I'm not a soldier. I have the same role as you Heizou san." I replied to him.

"Ohhh I see, rare to see someone on the same department as me. You've also made me found the answer to one of my questions so, would you like me to treat you to some food in Uyuu restaurant?" Heizou offered.

"I'm fine with it, but I'll pay for myself. Let's just eat lunch together and discuss about our jobs. I'd like to know more about you."

I replied back to him.

"Ok then, off to Uyuu restaurant we go~!" Heizou said in a singsong tone.

"He seems like an interesting character. I hope I'll get to know more about him..." I think to myself with joy since I made a new friend.

*~~~~*~~~~FINISH~~~~*~~~~*

[sunshineseguin]

take me back to the night we met || mat barzal

pairing: mathew barzal x fem!reader

summary: months after the end of your relationship, mathew still struggles to come to terms with losing you. he sees you everywhere and in everything he does. what sticks with him the most is the night you met.

warnings: break-up angst, alcohol consumption, mentions of anxiety & a near panic attack, swearing, mentions of sex (nothing graphic), possible grammatical errors, flashbacks are in italics!!

word count: 6,371

author’s note: i wrote this fic inspired by the song ‘the night we met’ by lord huron so i definitely recommend listening while reading! i wrote this fic as a standalone and don’t plan on writing a second part. feedback is always appreciated, i read everything even if you put it in the tags.

check out my players list & prompt list if you’d like!

Mathew knew it wasn’t a good idea to go out, especially on a Sunday night with an early practice in the morning. The season was about to start and he knew he had every reason to be just as amped up about it as his teammates. He should be cheering with them and drinking beers carelessly like he wouldn’t regret it in the morning. Yet, he couldn’t. The regret that he was already carrying on his shoulders was enough to last him a lifetime. Instead, he was gulping down whiskey on the rocks like it was water and he was stranded in the Sahara Desert, wallowing in his own self pity as he had been for months.

He felt a heavy hand on his shoulder and glanced up at Anthony who gave it a squeeze. The blonde smiled, but it was one of sympathy, his bright blue eyes swimming with concern for his best friend. Mathew almost scoffs.

“How ya doin’, man?” Anthony asks and glances towards Anders who’s watching them both closely.

The raven haired male simply shrugged half heartedly in response. He knew his captain was worried about him, the whole team was for that matter. He hadn’t been right for a while and nearly closed himself off completely. He didn’t join in on the playful chirps at morning skate or reply to Anthony’s invites of golf with the boys. He didn’t go to the team cookouts. He barely mustered a reply when Trotz was ripping into him for being so unfocused. The guys were starting to realize they only ever saw him on the ice or drowning himself in the hard stuff at the bar. He was a walking shell of the man he had been a year ago.

“What happened, Barzy?” Anthony sighed, moving to stand in front of his friend so that he could meet his eyes. “We can’t help you if we don’t know what’s going on.”

Mathew saw a notification pop up on his phone that his Uber was approaching, giving himself the perfect opportunity to get out of his best friend’s inevitable interrogation. He knew the team was only going to let this go on for so much longer before sitting him down and making him talk about his feelings. He was already dreading all of the things Anders had to say but hadn’t yet. He tossed back the last of the amber liquid in his glass, not even feeling it burn its way down his throat with the amount he’d already consumed that night. He stood from his stool, a bit unsteady on his feet as he pats Anthony on the shoulder leaves him with few words before heading out.

“It doesn’t matter. You can’t help me.”

The bar was definitely over what capacity should allow that night. The bar was swarmed as people shouted their drink orders at the poor bartenders who were scurrying around like mice. Patrons were spilling out onto the dance floor, packed in like sardines to the point that you could hardly move. You pushed yourself through the crowd, muttering worthless apologies to people who weren’t even listening as you desperately searched for your friends. You’d lost them over twenty minutes ago and had lost all hope in finding them.

You were starting to feel claustrophobic amidst the sweaty bodies pressed against you, chest growing tight the longer you spent in the crowd. It felt like the walls were beginning to close in on you as your head grew fuzzy. The Long Island Iced Teas you’d been consuming since you got there three hours ago certainly didn’t help. You forced your way through the crowd and to the exit of the bar, shoving people who wouldn’t move as you tried to get air into your lungs.

You stumbled out of the doors to the bar, ignoring the odd looks people heading inside sent you. Your knees felt weak as you braced yourself against the wall. Hand shaking, you pressed it to your chest to feel that your heart was rapidly pounding away. You closed your eyes and did all you could to focus on your breathing and get yourself to calm down. You hadn’t had a panic attack in some time, sophomore year of college the last you could recall, having learned what triggered them and how to keep the panic from overcoming you.

Mathew was standing farther down, away from the never ending flow of people coming and going from the bar’s entrance. He had his arms crossed over his chest as he stared out at the street with a scowl. He and Anthony were supposed to be leaving together, walking back to their shared apartment building a few blocks away. The blonde male had been busy when Mat stepped out, chatting away with some pretty redhead who’d caught his eye early in the night. He was about ready to make the walk by himself if his friend didn’t show himself in the next five minutes.

He saw you out of the corner of his eye, alone and trembling without so much as a jacket. He looked around to see if anyone you might know was near, but no one was paying you any mind. He was overcome with a sense of worry as he stared at you, not knowing if some sleazebag slipped something in your drink or if you had some kind of medical condition. He found himself moving closer to you and asking, “Hey, are you okay?”

“Yeah, I just-” you stated breathlessly, swallowing the lump that had formed in your throat, “I just need a second.”

You stood there for another moment until you had yourself composed, finally standing up straight when it didn’t feel like your knees would give out anymore. You weren’t expecting to open your eyes and find the person attached to the voice that just spoke to you still standing there. His hazel eyes were filled with worry as they flickered over your frame. You were too busy gawking to notice his genuine concern.

“Did something happen in there? Do you need me to call someone?” the handsome stranger asked, his gaze finally settling on yours.

“N-No,” you stuttered sheepishly, clearing your throat and blinking quickly as if that would make the nervousness go away. “It’s lame, actually, I lost my friends and… The crowd was a bit much.”

Mathew’s shoulders visibly relaxed when he knew something traumatic hadn’t happened and a laugh passed through his lips. He offered you a smile and replied, “Yeah, that is kind of lame.”

You scoffed playfully and rolled your eyes, feeling your face heat up slightly. He laughed again and shook his head a bit, saying, “I kid, I kid. This place does get pretty rowdy on the weekends.”

“Not to be completely cheesy but, I take it you come here often?” you asked with a smile, wrapping your arms around your middle as the cool New York air started to seep into your skin. The adrenaline from your near panic attack had kept you from realizing how cold it was out and you’d left your jacket inside at your table. Hopefully one of your friends would grab it despite the drunken escapades they were partaking in.

“Pretty often, yeah,” Mathew grinned at the question. He was sure you hadn’t intended to use it as a pickup line, yet he found himself hoping there was genuine interest laced behind your words.

He shrugged off his black bomber jacket when he noticed you shivering and held it out to you. As you opened your mouth to protest, the look on his face told you that he wasn’t taking no for an answer. So you took the item from his hands and slipped in on with a gracious ‘thank you’ once you were swallowed in its warmth.

“I’m Y/N, by the way.”

“Mat,” he replied while shoving his hands in the front pockets of his jeans.

It was silent for a moment between you, neither knowing exactly what to say. Mathew didn’t know if you were intending to head back inside and enjoy your night. While he was more than ready to go home ten minutes ago, he was now enamored by you, and wanted to do anything to stay in your presence. Usually, he was quick witted and able to charm a girl with a few simple words. In front of you he was drawing a blank, afraid of saying the wrong thing and scaring you off.

Seeing you shyly toy with the ends of his sleeve, a nervous smile curling on your lips as you looked at his feet had a surge of confidence flowing through him. He offered, “Would you want to grab a coffee? I know a place that makes the best homemade crepes.”

The memory hit Mathew like a freight train as he stepped out of the doors of the bar. He was left staring at the wall, at the very spot he spoke to you for the first time. He couldn’t feel the dull ache in his chest, having numbed himself with whiskey that was far too expensive. He turned to walk down to the street to wait for his Uber, but stopped short as he caught a glimpse of a woman walking by.

His eyebrows furrowed as he stared after her. It was as if time slowed down, everything moving in slow motion but her. Everything was as he remembered from that night. The way her hair was styled, the dress that stopped halfway down her thighs, the heels that echoed in his head with each step she took. What shook him to his core the most was the jacket sported on her shoulders. From the night he first gave it to her, she would always steal it, claiming it looked better with most of her outfits than his own. He never argued, because he agreed, and he would never turn down a chance to see her in his clothes. It was you — unmistakably you.

Mathew’s feet started moving on their own accord behind you. It was like you were running away, until he realized it was him who was moving in slow motion with the people around him. The streets were bustling with people of all likes, experiencing the enticing New York nightlife. He was weaving through the crowd, calling out your name, desperate, broken and begging you to put back together the pieces of his broken heart.

You kept walking and Mathew was trying his hardest to catch up, but was like with each step he took his feet were growing heavier and heavier. He let out a strangled, frustrated cry as he yelled out your name once more. Suddenly, he was knocked to the side, stumbling over his own feet and nearly falling into the street. He turned to look at the man who just rammed into him carelessly.

“Watch where you’re going, you prick!” he shouted after the man who paid him no mind, receiving a few dirty looks from others.

It was then that he realized everyone was moving in real time again. His breath hitched in his throat as he spun to search for you in the crowd. You were gone. Deep down, he knew you had never been there in the first place. His mind was playing another dirty little trick on him, as it did so often the last few months. His guilty subconscious tormented him with images of you, making him watch you slip away time and time again. The hollow feeling deep within him only grew with every hallucination.

He turned his attention to the building he’d found himself in front of, and if the visions of you weren’t already torture enough, the universe had just thrown something else into the mix. Yet, he found himself making his way up to the door, the bell chiming above his head as he entered the quant diner. He takes a glance around, seeing an old couple at a table on one side of the building and a man by himself at the bartop, a laptop open and headphones in as he had a quiet conversation on what Mathew assumed was a Zoom or FaceTime call. He drops his head and walks to the familiar corner booth then slides into the seat and cancels his Uber.

A moment later, the waitress approaches the table. Mathew meets her eyes and embarrassment floods through him as he takes note of her sympathetic smile. He’s seen the smile a thousand times now from anyone who had an inkling of what he’d been going through.

“Coffee?” she asked softly, knowing the answer before he could even muster a nod.

You slide into the booth, sighing in content as the warmth from the building seeps into your bones. Mathew slides in across from you and the two of you share a shy smile as you meet eyes. Never before had he been so nervous to take a girl out. Maybe it was because you weren’t like the others. You hadn’t thrown yourself at him the first chance you got. You didn’t seem to know who he was or his status in the social hierarchy of the people in Long Island. It was refreshing and terrifying all at the same time.

You both look up as the waitress walks over with a bright smile on her face and asks what you’d like to drink. “Coffee,” the two of you say at the same time. Mathew’s face visibly turns a light shade of pink, and in turn you feel a rush of heat traveling up your own neck. The waitress smiles knowingly.

“Cream, please,” you add.

As the waitress turns to Mathew he says, “Black is fine.”

It’s silent for a moment as you both wait for the waitress to return with your drinks. Your eyes are floating around the diner, taking in some of the unique decor and 80’s flare with a modern twist. Mathew watches you closely and decides he quite likes the way your eyes shine under the glow of the baby blue neon lights. He takes it upon himself to start pointing out some of the historical decor in the building. It’s your turn to admire him and how his eyes light up when he talks about something he finds exceptionally appealing. His lips are curled into a smile as he spouts off facts to you about each item he points out.

He pauses his rant about people not appreciating The Beatles enough when he sees you grinning at him. He smiles sheepishly and diverts his gaze to the steam rising out of the coffee mug just placed in front of him, asking, “What?”

“Nothin’,” you replied with a small shrug, smile never leaving your face. You stirred a splash of cream into your own coffee and quizzed, “I take it as you come here often too?”

Mathew felt his ears grow hot but he still managed to muster up a confident smirk and lifted his eyes to meet yours, “I said best homemade crepes didn’t I?”

“That you did.”

“I usually end up here after a night at the bar and I need to sober up. People say coffee doesn’t work but it sure feels like it,” he explained, “Plus, they serve breakfast twenty four hours.”

The way your eyes lit up when Mathew said that had butterflies fluttering in his stomach. He listened as you went on a rant about how breakfast was underrated and you’d kill for pancakes for dinner over a steak most nights. From there, the conversation between the two of you flowed effortlessly. You learned how the other liked their eggs cooked and what your drink of choice was. Your favorite colors and favorite scent of body wash. Being with Mathew made you feel as if you’d been sleeping all of these years and were just waking up. Never had you felt so drawn to someone in the way that you were to him, and him the same. Any other night, if he had met a girl in the fashion that he’d met you, he would have had you in and out of his apartment long ago. He wouldn’t be on his third coffee refill with a plate of perfectly cooked strawberry crepes in front of him.

Mathew learned that you hadn’t been in New York long. You’d moved about two months ago and had a fashion design internship with some fancy company he’d never heard of. You were looking to build your own empire in the business. With the way you exuded yourself now that you were comfortable with him and talked with so much passion about your dreams, he didn’t think you’d have any trouble. The drive you had to build a future for yourself wasn’t something he was used to hearing from the women he surrounded himself with.

The famous athlete, something you learned about him in between bites of food, was used to women throwing themselves at him and his teammates. Some of them were just looking to brag that they slept with an Islander, others had more devious intentions. They were after the money Mathew tried his hardest not to spend recklessly - the gifts he could potentially buy. Some wanted his last name, to be in with the WAGs and flaunt their relationship all over social media; to rub it in the face of others that she got what they so desperately wanted. It was part of the reason that he never exclusively dated, too afraid that there were ulterior motives behind sultry whispers and sly smirks.

The diner that had previously been significantly busy when the two of you got there had now cleared out completely. You and Mathew hadn’t realized how long you’d actually been there until you took note of the empty tables. Your waitress was standing in the corner against the wall, looking like she was mindlessly scrolling through Instagram while she waited for you to leave. You and the Centerman had been so lost in each other that you hadn’t realized hours had passed and it was nearly two in the morning.

“I guess we should get out of here, huh?” you asked, hoping the gorgeous man in front of you picked up on the suggestive tone of your voice.

It didn’t seem like he did though with the way his shoulders slumped and he mumbled, “Yeah, I guess we should.”

As Mathew fished his wallet out, he felt you gaze burning into him. You weren’t ready for the night to end and you were hoping he was thinking the same. He looked up and locked eyes with you, holding the stare as you raised a singular eyebrow and a coy smile curled on your lips. Realization crossed the chiselled features of his face and he gave you a smirk before throwing down a good amount of cash on the table. He slid out of the booth and held his hand out to you, giving you a small bow as if you were royalty.

“M’lady?”

Mathew chokes on the very breath in his lungs, his eyes burning as he stared down at the cold, untouched mug of coffee in front of him. It’s no longer black, now a light chestnut color but the splash of cream he’d subconsciously added to it. He had picked that up from you because ‘only psychopaths drink black coffee, babe’. He switched back of course. This was the first time he let himself slip up and fall back into a habit that used to be so comfortable with you.

He swallows thickly and stuffs a generous amount of cash into the black checkbook, far more than what the coffee was worth. He pushes himself out of the booth and avoids the waitress’ eyes as she comes over to collect the payment. He can’t even muster a smile as he mumbles out a ‘thank you’ and exits the diner. Lori, the woman who always gave you the best service there, is left to sadly stare after him. She knows better than to ask what happened to the sweet girl who always used to accompany him.

Mathew walks a couple blocks down to his apartment building, trying not to remember how you’d clung to his arm. How your giggles echoed down the empty streets and your perfume swirled around him. When he closed his eyes he thought he could almost smell it, wondering if traces of you were lingering on the jacket hanging heavy on his shoulders. He still remembers how it felt to have your hands wrapped around his bicep and your hip bumping his as you walked pressed to his side. He enters his building and the feeling is gone as quickly as it came.

He walks into his dark apartment and thinks that it feels colder and colder every night that he comes home alone. He can’t help but take note of your missing pile of shoes by the door that he always used to chirp you for. He hangs his keys on the hook and his eyes linger on the empty spot beside it. He walks past the couch on the way to the bedroom and tries not to think about how bare it looks without the hoodies you used to steal from him littered about.

He strips into his boxers after brushing his teeth and climbs under the chilly sheets. He’s turned on his side, staring at the vacant spot beside him. He can see you there, messy hair splayed out around you and your face smiling back at him. He reaches out and grabs the pillow that used to be deemed yours, pulling it into his chest tightly. Your scent is long gone from the pillowcase, yet he still buries his nose into it and squeezes his eyes shut as if that will bring you back.

As he begins to drift off to sleep, his mind once again tortures him with visions of you. How you stumbled into his apartment the night you met as a mess of teeth and tongues fighting for dominance. You undressed each other on the way to the bedroom, clothes scattered across the floor. Your skin was hot against his as he laid you on his bed for the first time and worshiped every inch of your skin. He remembers your breathy moans in his ear as he filled you up and rocked into you, slow and deep. Your limbs were tangled as you came down from your highs, your head on his sticky chest as he ran his hand over the tangled hair on your head.

He remembers whispering, “I’ve never met anyone quite like you,” and you replying, “You’re something special, Mathew Barzal.” The two of you fell asleep like that, with Mathew thinking he could spend forever with you wrapped in his arms.

Mathew awoke the next morning with a pounding headache and a weight sitting heavy in his chest. He’s still clutching his pillow as he turns over and looks for you instinctively. When he’s once again faced with the empty space beside him, his heart drops. He flips onto his back and stares up at the ceiling. It’s the same everyday that he wakes up, replaying the day everything changed like a broken record in his head.

Your whirlwind romance with Mathew happened unexpectedly. While the two of you did click instantly, you certainly weren’t expecting it to be so serious so fast. He was a famous hockey player who was on the road most of the year. You thought, at most, you would be someone he called when he was home in New York because you were convenient. Instead, you got the fancy dinner dates and spontaneous trips to Philly when he played the Flyers. You got a bouquet of flowers at your door when he was off on a roadie. You got to meet Anthony and enjoy quiet nights in just drinking beers and mocking shitty reality TV. You had moved into his apartment almost completely after only four months without either of you really realizing — yet neither of you stopped it.

The relationship you had with Mathew was unique. It was something people dreamed of and hoped to find. You were Twin Flames; two halves of one soul that united. You fell for each other so hard and so fast it made you dizzy. Before you knew it, a year had passed. You’d completed your internship and your boyfriend was a rising star. You had built a strong foundation in New York and it was potentially where you could put down your roots and live out the rest of your life, yet you had bigger dreams and plans for yourself. Something you hadn’t been completely honest with Mathew about.

You were scared. Scared of the unknown complications and challenges you could face. The two of you had moved so fast you were having trouble differentiating between fantasy and reality — if this is really what you wanted. What if you settled down in New York and Mathew was traded to a different team across the country? What if he decided he didn’t want you anymore in a few weeks time, leaving you high and dry? What if you didn’t really love him and you were just convincing yourself that you did? These questions had been plaguing you for weeks, especially when he was away, and it was becoming too much. So you did the cowardly thing and you ran from it.

It was nearing the Stanley Cup playoffs and the Islanders were well on their way to securing a spot, so most of Mathew’s focus had been on hockey. It never bothered you because it was his career. It’s what he did for a living and what he loved, so how could you fault him for that? The roadies seemed to fall closer together and last a little longer. Mathew now knows that’s why he didn’t notice your things slowly disappearing from the apartment then, and he still beats himself up for not realizing that you were slipping away.

He’d been on one of those seemingly long roadies and his flight came in early that morning from Tampa Bay. While they came out victorious, the games had been rough and Mathew was sore. He couldn’t wait to decompress and cuddle up with you for the few days he had off until the next home game. As the Uber pulled up outside the building, he felt exhaustion overcoming him and wanted to sleep the rest of the day away.

He walked through the door, lugging his duffel bag and suitcase, a sigh leaving his lips at the fact that he was finally home again. The ease he felt was quickly replaced with panic and confusion when his eyes landed on the suitcases in the foyer. His blood ran cold in his veins as he dropped his bags and called out your name with a panicked tone. The apartment remains silent so he quickly makes his way to the bedroom, pushing the door open to find you sitting on the edge of the bed and staring out the window. His own rapid heartbeat is pounding in his ears as he pulls at his tie and moves towards you.

He drops to his knees on the floor in front of you, his eyes full of concern as he meets your tear filled ones. The pads of his fingers are rough and warm as he takes your hand in his own and whispers, “Why are your bags by the door, baby? What’s going on?”

“I’m sorry I didn’t tell you,” your voice breaks as you reply, bottom lip wobbling before a sob wracks your body.

Mathew quickly pulls you into his chest, his hand cradling the back of your head as you cry into his game day suit. Dread fills his body, having never seen you so upset. His heart is in his throat and he feels as if he’s going to be physically ill. He holds you like that, kissing the side of your head and whispering words of affirmation until you can compose yourself. You pull back from him and wipe your wet cheeks but he keeps one hand on the side of your head and the other on your waist.

Then you drop the bomb on him.

You explain that your internship was never a permanent plan to stay in New York. You have a flight in four hours that leaves for Paris. A one way ticket taking you to the fashion capital of the world to start your career. You found a job opportunity so perfect that you’d be stupid to pass up. Mathew wants to be happy for you. He wants to jump for joy and celebrate with you, but you hid this from him. You did exactly what he was afraid of and shared with you within hours of your first meeting. He’s filled with disbelief and anger instead.

“This was your plan the whole time? You hid this from me the last year we’ve been together?” he exasperates, moving to his feet as he starts to pace the room and tug at his hair.

“Everything was so good with us I didn’t want to ruin it. I was going to tell you, Mat, I swear.”

“When?!” he shouts, feeling guilty for a moment when he sees you flinch, but the anger overpowers it. “Because it looks like to me you were just going to leave without so much as a goodbye!”

You shake your head, and squeeze your eyes shut, pressing the heels of your palms to your eyes as the tears start to well again. You argue, “I knew when your flight was coming in. I wouldn’t just leave you like that.”

“But you are. You are leaving me like that. You clearly have your mind made up about this and didn’t bother telling me,” he rebuttals, “You let me believe for a year that you were in this. I’ve given you one hundred percent, despite the hardships. What did you give me, huh? Fifty at best?”

You’re quiet, not wanting to admit that you hadn’t been all in on the relationship like him, even though you acted like it. Really, you’d had one foot out the door the whole time. Mathew’s voice shakes as he stares at you from across the room and says, “I love you. I’m in love with you, Y/N.”

A choked sob wracks through your body at his words and you cover your face with your hands. You knew he was in love with you, even the blind could see how head over heels Mathew Barzal was for you. He starts desperately rambling about how the two of you can make it work. Yes, long distance is hard, but he believes it’s worth it — believes you can love him like he loves you if you’ll take the risk. Why else would you have spent a year with him if some part of you didn’t think so? You put up with his relentless hockey schedule when you had every reason to walk away and live your life like the other twenty somethings you surround yourself with.

You disagree though. Long distance would only complicate things further. The different timezones would be unforgiving to your conflicting work schedules. Mathew often didn’t get long enough breaks to be able to fly out and see you and it be worth it. Plus, an international flight once a month, maybe more? It sounded like a good idea but eventually his wallet would suffer. You certainly couldn’t do it with the salary you were starting at, nor would you risk losing your job by unimportant travel to see a man. It was a negative and closed off way of looking at it on your part, but for both of your sake, it was best that way.

“It’s impossible…”

“It’s not impossible, you just don’t want to try!” Mathew yells, unable to care that his neighbors have more than likely heard every word of your argument.

“Mat, I have had the best year of my life here in New York. I’ve made memories that I could never in a million years forget. You are a part of that. I love you, God, do I fucking love you, but admit it. This was never meant to be long term. Not with the paths our lives are taking. We were never meant to last forever,” you stand from the bed and stare at him across the room, pleading with him to look at it from your perspective. You wanted to leave this in a good place, friends possibly, if he could accept what this was at face value. Two people who loved each other very much, but weren’t meant to be. The cliche ‘right people, wrong time’.

Mathew couldn’t though, he wouldn’t. He was blinded by a rage that he had never felt before. You had wasted his time — a year that he could’ve spent entertaining pretty girls who threw themselves at him for a quick fuck. Partying with his teammates and friends and reveling in his success that was only growing with every game he played. He finds himself wishing he had left you alone that night outside of the bar and just gone home. He lets the fury coursing through his veins take over, and with his fists shaking at his sides, he grits out in a low voice, “Get out.”

His words don’t shock you. You don’t know what other outcome you hoped would come from this. It doesn’t stop the stabbing pain that shoots through the center of your chest though. He won’t even look at you, hard gaze concentrated at your feet with his jaw set tight. You fight the urge to go to him. Wrap your arms around him and take it all back. Promise him you’ll stay even though you’d be sacrificing everything. It wasn’t fair to you, so you force your feet to carry you out of the bedroom and out of his front door for the last time. The sobs come once you’re in the elevator, then again in your friend’s (who was nice enough to give you a ride to the airport) car while they held you.

A few seconds after Mathew hears the front door shut, he’s tugging at his dark hair and letting out an agonizing shout. His breathing is ragged as he paces the room and debates running after you, but what would he say? The argument seemed final. You were set in your plan to take off to France and he couldn’t change your mind — he couldn’t make you stay. So he sat down on the edge of the bed and put his head in his hands. He squeezes his eyes shut and allows himself to feel the heartbreak, a guttural sob passing his lips.

Mathew closes his eyes and sucks a deep breath into his lungs as the memory fades. His heart is heavy in his chest as he reaches over and retrieves his phone from the bedside table. There’s a text from Anthony sent in the early hours of the morning, asking if he’d made it home safely. He doesn’t reply, instead opening the Instagram app and pulling up your profile.

His breath catches in his throat as he looks at your most recent picture. You changed your hair, a slightly different cut and a different color, but you’re just as breathtaking as he always thought you were. You’re sitting at a cafe with a cup of some fancy brew in front of you and the caption is in French, something about dreams coming true. Though, he’s not focused on some silly caption when he can’t take his eyes off of you. You look happy, wearing a smile he used to see when Anthony or one of your friends would sneak a picture of the two of you. Regret floods his body, the memory of the day you left still fresh in his mind. He thinks about liking the post just to tell you that he still loves you and he hasn’t forgotten about you. He exits out of the app before he allows himself to succumb to that urge.

He forces himself out of bed and into the shower before he’s late for practice. He mulls over in his head whether he should text you or not. He knows you more than likely won’t reply with how things ended all those months ago — now that you’ve moved on and you’re happy without him. He wishes he could too, yet he carries so much guilt for the things he said and allowing himself to have his heartbroken in the first place. He misses you like hell and the never ending visions of you plaguing his mind only makes it intensify.

Mathew heads to the rink in silence. He doesn’t speak to his teammates in the locker room and goes through the motions of practice in a daze. He’s not there completely and everyone can see it in his eyes. Anders is planning to pull him aside, Trotz insisting they have a talk and threatening to bench number thirteen until he gets his shit together. Mathew can tell. No one has tried to speak to him and Anthony keeps throwing him a side glance every few minutes. He prepares himself in the brief post-practice shower.

“Barzy, mind hanging back for a sec?” his captain asks as the other guys begin to filter out of the room.

He huffs out a sound of agreement while fishing his phone out of his duffel bag. His mom usually texts him a few times a week so he needs to let her know that he’ll give her a call later. He nearly drops the device as his eyes hone in on one message. Anders is talking but his heart is pounding so loudly in his ears he can’t hear him. He clicks on your name and feels every nerve in his body ignite at what the text message says.

I miss you. I’m coming home.

tagging the gc bc I love them @bricksatlandyswindow​ @butgilinsky​ @barzysthighs​ @babytkachuks​ @dmonchld​ @anxietyandtacos​ @sortagaysortahigh​ 

[eirist]

Little Bits and Pieces of Heaven

OTANJOUBI OMEDETOU!

One-shot #: 28

Disclaimer: One Piece (and its characters) belongs to Eiichiro Oda-sensei.

Reminder: I have no beta-reader. Any grammatical and spelling errors are solely mine.

Warning: OOC possible. One shot.

Rating: T

Note: This was supposedly for Nami’s birthday last year but I didn’t get to finish it on time. Not that I did as well this year. But I don’t want to drag this for another more year or so. And since it’s still July, I figured I can still make it work. Better late than never right?

This is for @redpakwan​. AU setting. College zeitgeist. Yet super late. Forgive me. I hope you still enjoy this.

The omedetou in the last part actually has two meanings. In case you are familiar with the Japanese language, you’ll get the implication. *winks*

Summary: All of their friends are present at the party tonight! Even those who she barely knows and acquainted with her only through common friends. Yet Zoro who was supposedly close to her, wasn’t here!

“Ssshhhh! Quiet now!”

Usopp shushed the fidgeting and whining Luffy beside him.

“Quit squirming like an ant is biting your butt!”

“But Usopp…” the black-haired lad bemoaned. “It’s taking too long. I’m starving!” His stomach made a rumbling sound and a horrified expression crossed Usopp’s face.

“Shut up. Just wait for a few more minutes!”

“I can’t! I can smell all the meat that Sanji cooked!” A drool dropped down the side of Luffy’s mouth. “I can’t resist anymore!”

“Oi! Can somebody put a fucking gag on that moron’s mouth?” Sanji hissed somewhere from behind them. He had pushed the swinging door leading to the kitchen (where he was hiding) open to glare at them. “He’s gonna ruin our surprise!”

“Sanji! I can’t wait anymore!” Luffy shouted from his hiding spot.

“Aho! Don’t you dare move from that spot or I’ll tie you to a chair and make you watch us eat all the meat you specifically requested that I cook!”

“Demo…”

“Uruse!”

“Shhh! Quiet down guys!” Franky called out from beneath the bar counter. “She’ll be here any minute now!”

“Usopp,” Sanji drawled, throwing a handkerchief at the curly-haired lad. “Gag him if needed.” He nudged his chin at the boy beside Usopp, who was pouting at being denied food.

“But he bites,” Usopp complained even as he caught the hanky.

“We all have to make sacrifices...”

“Damn you!”

“She’s already here.” Robin announced from her position at the bar’s window. The raven-haired woman was acting as their lookout. “She’s about to cross the street,” she added before sauntering away from her location to join Sanji in his hiding place.

“Robin-chwan,” the cook greeted suavely as he opened the door wider to let the older woman inside. Then he turned and barked at the others. “All of you quiet down now! Anyone who makes any shitty noise will not be allowed to touch any of the food!”

“But, San—mmph!” Luffy opened his mouth and Usopp promptly shoved the small cloth inside.

“Everybody shut up and get ready!”

The bar door opened with a soft tinkling sound.

“SURPRISE!!!” They all shouted simultaneously as they popped out of their respective hiding places… well except for Luffy, who had to spit out the handkerchief in his mouth.

“HAPPY BIRTHDAY NAMI!!!”

The sound of confetti poppers exploding alongside the hoots of party horns and lots of clapping and cheering immediately followed the greeting.

It was Nami’s birthday. And they had planned a surprise party for her at their group’s favorite bar. It had been a real challenge to pull it off since everyone was busy preparing for the university’s ‘hell week’—those torturous days before the summer break officially starts.

Plus, it was kind of hard to keep it hush-hush since some people in their circle are terrible secret keepers (namely Luffy).

But somehow they did. And Nami—as sharp as she is—didn’t have any inkling on what was going on, given the way her eyes widened and her mouth dropped open.

“Ah ma cherie!” Sanji crooned as he twirled across the room, kneeling down on one knee in front of the newcomer. He presented a heart-shaped cake with flourish—with all the candles lit up. “Otanjoubi omedetou!”

Nami looked genuinely astounded as her brown eyes wandered at the grinning faces of her friends.

She blinked a few times and her lower lip quivered slightly. “You guys…” she whispered, bringing a hand to cover her mouth.

For a moment, she looked like she was going to cry.

Then her face broke into a largest smile.

“Minna! Arigatou!!!” She squealed, clapping her hands together delightedly.

The loud hoot of the party horn filled the room as Franky blew on it again before bellowing, “Supeeer Happy Birthday Nami!!!”

That signaled another round of applause and shouted greetings as the well-wishers approached Nami to greet her up close.

Sanji—who remained kneeling on one knee before her with her birthday cake—nearly got shoved to the side by Luffy and Usopp as they both sprang towards the orange-haired girl to give her a hug.

“Oi temee you idiots!” Sanji shouted. He was barely able to save the cake from the two morons.

But the two were oblivious to his swearing as they launched into a rather off-key happy birthday song, which the others soon followed.

Nami winced slightly as Usopp and Luffy belted out the song just right at her ears. They were saved from her punches by Robin approaching and placing a party hat around her head.

“Happy birthday Nami!” The older woman greeted and Nami grinned at her, holding the party hat with one hand and trying to shove Luffy and Usopp’s faces away from her.

“Thank you Robin!”

The birthday song ended rather exaggeratedly high and Nami tried very hard not to wallop both of her idiotic friends who had made it a contest to see who can sustain the last note longer.

“Enough! Both of you!” Sanji roared as he stood up and kicked Luffy and Usopp out of the way. He presented the cake to Nami again and said charmingly, “Nami-swan if you please.” He motioned to the cake he was holding. “The birthday girl has to make a wish first before blowing the candles.”

“Arigatou Sanji-kun,” Nami smiled at him and leaned forward, tucking a strand of orange hair behind her ear. She closed her eyes, silently stating her wishes before blowing the candles out.

“I hope you wished for your prince charming to—ooof!”

Luffy excitedly elbowed him out of the way to greet her again, almost toppling the cake off the blond’s hand again.

“Nami! Happy birthday!”

“Damn it Luffy!” Sanji desperately and comically tried to save the cake before it falls flat on the ground… and luckily succeeded.

Luffy ignored him and the ever-enthusiastic lad yelled. “It’s finally time to eat!!! Sanji serve the meat!”

“Aho!” Sanji bellowed and hit him in the head. “You nearly made me dropped Nami-san’s precious cake!”  

“Ooops sorry!”

Robin giggled as Nami smiled wryly. Even during her birthday these morons just can’t stop themselves.

“Alright you guys!” Usopp suddenly hollered from her side. “Start calling the others! Nami’s happy 23rd party’s about to start!”

Nami whacked him on the head… hard.

“I’m just twenty you idiot!”

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

It hadn’t taken long for the bar to be filled with guests. Almost all of their friends and colleagues from the university attended the celebration. Not to mention, those friends also brought their own pals to enjoy a night of overflowing free food and drinks.

Not that Nami minded. She knew most of them anyway. If not, her friends definitely knew them.

Plus, you can bet she’s gonna charge their freeloading asses anyway.

Her eyes roamed around the room, noting the individuals who were present. She was enjoying her beer at the bar counter and taking a break from all that socializing and thanking her birthday guests.

Usopp had taken the responsibility of acting as the DJ for the night. An upbeat music was now playing and Luffy’s attractive older brother Ace had taken over the dance floor with his buddies.

Brook has just arrived from his band practice and Luffy ran off to greet him. Sanji was busy flitting around the female guests, crooning and spewing praises at them while Robin and Franky were sitting near her and was chatting with the bar owner, Shakky.

She gave a small wave at Kid and Killer when she spotted them. Both raised their beer bottles at her—a sort of silent birthday greeting. She mouthed thanks just as Luffy’s attention went to them and he launched himself at the two men much to their chagrin. She wasn’t really that close to the two seniors students but they’re both in the same fraternity as Luffy and Zoro.

Speaking of Zoro… is he still not here?

A frown suddenly appeared on her face and it deepened when she noticed the beer coolers stocked near the kitchen doors.

“Hey,” she turned to Robin, Franky and Shakky who stopped talking. “Why do we still have so much booze?” Nami pointed towards the large, still filled with beer coolers. “Considering we have a lot of guests tonight and most of them are drinkers… I’m surprised we haven’t broken the fifth one yet.”

“Huh?” Franky lifted his sunglasses and gazed at her curiously, before shifting his eyes to where she was pointing. Nami really doesn’t get it why he still wears them indoors. She just dismissed it as one of his idiosyncrasies… they all have one after all.

“Is there a problem Nami-chan?” Shakky inquired with a smile.  

“Nothing. It’s just that… it’s nearing midnight and we still have that many,” Nami observed. “Hmm… never mind,” she waved her hand dismissively. “It’s probably just a slow night.”

“Maybe those guys are still warming up.” Robin observed Ace’s group and the Luffy’s fraternity acquaintances, who were all shouting and hopping on the dance floor. Good thing Luffy and Ace’s other brother, Sabo, is out of town. Or there’ll be chaos in that floor now.

Shakky leaned down the counter and propped her chin on her hand looking at Nami with a glint of amusement in her dark eyes. “It’s probably because Zoro-chan’s not here to start a drinking competition.”

Nami’s eyebrows disappeared behind her bangs. So that confirms it.

“Oh? He’s still not here?” she asked, trying to be casual about it—even if she already noticed that her green-haired friend was nowhere in her party. “Really? Of all days to be M.I.A?”

“He’s probably late just like Chopper,” Robin said with a soft smile, refraining from teasing the younger woman since it was her birthday. She had seen the disappointment flashed across Nami’s brown eyes earlier. It was for a fleeting moment but it is there.

“He better have a damn good reason why he’s not here,” Nami grumbled, folding her arms across her chest. The nerve of that guy, missing one of the most important days of her life.

“Just relax girly…” Franky winked at her as he handed her another bottle of beer to replace her empty one. “He’ll be here. This party’s compulsory and has booze after all.” He guffawed, opening another beer bottle for himself and taking a drink.

“Compulsory?” Nami repeated, cocking one eyebrow.

“Yep,” Franky nodded. “We made it mandatory for all invitees to attend so we’d have more heads. As we promised Shakky when she let us use her bar for your party’s venue.”

Shakky winked at her. “Once the supply beer runs out, you have no choice but to buy here.”

Nami snickered. “I’m surprised you even let them bring beers from outside.”

“Not really,” Robin chuckled. “Those are from Shakky’s as well.”

Said bar owner winked at Nami again.

“Damn,” Nami just shook her head disbelievingly. Shakky’s negotiation and money skills are way beyond awesome!

Franky grinned. “So let’s just wait for him. Besides, what’s a party without any drinking competition started by Zoro?”

Nami nodded her agreement even as she huffed. “He has to get his ass here first before anything else. Or I’m gonna start charging by the minute.”

Franky winced at that while Shakky and Robin giggled. Nami was notoriously known for her habit of charging outrageous amount of belis whenever she thinks the situation calls for it. Almost everyone in their circle owes her a certain amount that just keeps increasing as time goes by.

“Hey!”

Usopp suddenly appeared near them. “Got any more beers?”

Nami eyed him warily. “Weren’t you supposed to be on the other side playing songs and entertaining us?!”

Usopp made a face at her. “A guy could use a break you know. You’re not exactly paying me for my services.”

“I thought you said you’d do it free for Nami since it’s her birthday,” Robin reminded him as Franky went to the coolers to get him a drink.

“I did?”

Nami narrowed her eyes at him. “You still owe me my gift you idiot.”

A sheepish laugh escaped Usopp. “Well consider my dj-ing skills your present then.”

“Cheapskate.”

“Oi!”

“Here ya go long-nose,” Franky handed him his request.

“Thanks Franky!”

“Aren’t you going back there?” Shakky inquired as she lit up a cigarette.

“Nah. I’ll take a break.” Usopp answered. “I just auto-played a playlist. It’s not like those guys really care about what’s blasting on the speakers.”

He shifted his eyes towards the dance floor where the crowd was getting louder and rowdier. “Besides… I swear I’m not gonna be surprised if a fight breaks out in a few seconds.”

“Why?” Robin queried with an amused smile. “Too much testosterone?” As unruly as the guests may get… they wouldn’t dare or lest they acquire Shakky’s wrath and forever be banned in the place.

“More like too much Luffy.”

Everyone nodded in understanding.

“Thank Kami Zoro’s not here.” Usopp gushed. “One less of a headache.”

“You do know if he’s here someone can actually rein Straw Hat in?” Franky said matter-of-factly.

Usopp waved his hand dismissively. “I know that of course. Anyway… Zoro’s like really, really late isn’t he? Has anyone tried to call him?”

Both Robin and Franky shook their heads.

A horror-stricken expression crossed Usopp’s face. “Oh shit wait! Did someone inform him about today?!”

Nami eyes were sharp as they zeroed in at her curly-haired friend. “You didn’t tell him about today?”

Usopp looked guilty. “I think I forgot,”

Robin raised her hand. “I did tell him. And I’m pretty sure Luffy did as well.”

“Whew! Thank heavens for you Robin!” Usopp sigh in relief as Nami punched him on the shoulder.

“Ouch!”

Robin just smiled. “Luffy wouldn’t let Zoro miss Nami’s birthday of course.”

“Yeah. That’s why he isn’t here now. That moron.” Nami complained, glaring at Usopp who flinched under her gaze.

“Hey I said sorry,” Usopp rubbed the back of his neck. “He’s just been kinda busy lately it’s hard to catch him. Honestly, I haven’t seen him for like a week now.”

“That’s what cellphones are for you idiot,” Nami groused. “So you can send him a message to remind him of important stuff!”

“Like your birthday party?”

“Yes!”

“But Robin said she already told him,” Usopp whined. “So he should be getting his ass here by now. He’s a grown man after all.”

“Unless of course he got himself lost…” Franky reminded them. “Anyway well know if he’s here. Sanji’s been blissfully happy all night. Let’s just wait for his—”

There was a noise coming from the entrance as another group entered the bar. The sound of Chopper’s voice excitedly calling for their names got their attention.

From the looks of it, the medical students had just been released from Dr. Kureha’s clutches and they all headed straight to Shakky’s bar for the party.

“Oh wait there’s Kaya!” Usopp perked up when he spotted his girlfriend just right behind Chopper. “I’ll talk to you guys later.” And just like that he ran off.

Nami sighed inwardly. Of all days not to show up and it looks like Zoro will chose this one which means a lot to her. She had been looking forward to this day too. It’s always fun to see her friends try to make it fun and special for her in their own clumsy ways.

Especially Zoro.

Ever since they’d known each other, he never missed her birthday. It doesn’t matter if he had no gift for her… he always make it to a point to be one of the first to greet her.

And sometimes the last as well.

But today… she still hadn’t heard from him. No call… not even a message!

It wasn’t easy to miss. Not when you’ve been waiting for that particular person to greet you.

Nami squared her shoulders. Now is not the time for the birthday girl to be down in the dumps.

There’s still time before midnight after all.

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

The party was already in full swing. The sixth beer cooler was already opened. There was a lot of drunken shouting, singing and dancing happening inside the bar. Nami was pretty sure that they’ll be seeing Luffy’s brother Ace dancing on one of the tables along with Franky any minute now.

Yet no tall, scowling, green-haired man made an appearance.

She glumly stared at the sprinkle-rimmed birthday martini in front of her. Shakky made it for her birthday. But neither the cute-looking, celebratory beverage nor its taste can make the sinking feeling in her stomach disappear.

It was past midnight. And Zoro is no show.

No calls, no messages… no anything!

Idiot probably forgot her birthday!

All of their friends are present at the party tonight! Even those who she barely knows and acquainted with her only through common friends.

Yet Zoro who was supposedly close to her, wasn’t here!

Nami clenched her fist and gritted her teeth. He’s gonna owe her for this big time!

She didn’t realize that Shakky was just right in front of her, chin resting on the palm of her hand, watching her.

“Don’t worry about it Nami-chan,” Shakky suddenly spoke up. Her eyes were still glinting with the same amusement as before. “I’m sure he’ll show up.”

Nami instantly turned red at that. “It’s not…. that’s not…” she stammered. But then she gave up. No use trying to hide it. The look on Shakky’s face clearly tells her that she knows what’s in her mind (or who, to be exact).

A determined look crossed Nami’s features. “If he doesn’t… I swear I’ll charge him so much, he’ll sell his soul to the devil just to pay me!”

That made Shakky laugh out loud. Luffy’s friends are always so interesting. That is why she is fond of them.

“He wouldn’t miss this for the world. Late he may be,” Shakky stated in a mysterious tone and smile like she knows something that Nami doesn’t.

Nami just gaped at her.

Then Luffy was suddenly hollering at the other end of the room.

“Zorooooo!” He was bellowing loud enough to drown the already deafening noise in the bar. There were shouts of protests and swearing as the young man pushed his way across the crowd to greet his friend. “Zoro’s here!!!” Zorooo! Oi did you got lost again?”

“Shut up Luffy and get off me!” A voice growled.

Nami perked up at the familiar gruff tone.

“Better late than never you dumbass,” Sanji was saying from somewhere. “Thought you got lost and ended up dead and decaying on the other side of the town. Tch! Too bad.”

“You wanna go cook?”

“Unfortunately I’m busy and don’t have time for you. Go scat.”

“Temee…”

“Zorooo!” Luffy whined, pulling the taller man away from Sanji and towards the bar counter where Nami was. “Why are you’re sooo late? Come on! You have to greet Nami or she’ll be mad at you and charge you so much money it’ll break you!”

A vein popped on Nami’s forehead as Shakky chuckled.

“Nami! Nami!” Luffy all but dragged Zoro towards her as Nami schooled her face into a neutral expression. “Look who’s finally here!”

“I can see that Luffy,” she huffed and narrowed her eyes at Zoro. “You’re late.”

Zoro scratched the back of his head as Luffy released him and started pestering Shakky for a drink like the one she has. “Sorry… got tied up.”

She raised an eyebrow at him. He was still in his after training ensemble—track pants, zip up hoodie, sports bag. It looks like he just came from Mihawk’s dojo or his gym workout or both.

“I just needed to take care of something,” Zoro was saying. “Anyway, happy birthday.”

“It’s already past midnight idiot! Technically my birthday’s done.”

Zoro glanced around him. The party is still at its height. “Apparently the celebration is not.”

She pursed her lips at his observation. “You better have a good reason why you just got here.”

“Shit. I’m gonna owe you big time for this aren’t I?”

“You bet your ass you already do.” The grin on her face was so evil that Zoro couldn’t help but think she really is the devil incarnate.

“Hey Zoro!” Luffy suddenly appeared between them. “Jaggy’s looking for you. Come on! Come on!” He was referring to Kid whom he fondly calls by that nickname. He hooked an arm around Zoro’s and pulled him towards where their other friends are and away from Nami—much to the latter’s disappointment.

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

“So why are you late?”

Zoro flinched slightly as Nami surreptitiously appeared beside him. He was standing outside Shakky’s bar, enjoying a few minutes of silence while drinking his beer. He had sneaked out of the party to get away from an already sugar-high and tipsy Luffy and the boisterous, smashed guests as well.

“Thought I already told you I had something to take care of.”

“Important enough to miss my party?”

He paused halfway to bringing the bottle to his lips. From the corner of his eyes he saw a displeased expression appeared on Nami’s face.

Zoro sighed inwardly. He should’ve known she was not going to let him off the hook that easy.

“Hey if it’s that important, then I have no complaints.” Nami raised both of her hands in mock-surrender.

He didn’t answer and instead took a swig from his drink.

“Just thought you were out busy with a date.”

Silence.

“WHAT?!”

Zoro had sharply swiveled towards her that Nami took a step back, hands still raised up in surrender. He was practically snarling at her.

She was teasing him of course. It was always fun to rile him up. Besides, he deserves it after making her wait for such a long time… intentionally or not.

Plus… she kept hearing snippets all night from their friends about why he’s been so busy recently (to the point that nobody has actually seen him) and why he was constantly absent at their recent group gatherings.

He’s dating someone. Stupid Usopp has whispered to Kaya and Chopper just as she was passing them on her way out to answer a phone call from their friend Vivi.

It made her insides twist and turn when she heard it.

To think he’d pick his date over her—his long-time friend?

What a jerk. She will wring his neck. Definitely.

She was so distracted with what she heard that she wasn’t able to enjoy Vivi’s enthusiastic greeting. And when she saw him stepped outside the bar to quietly enjoy the beer in his hand, she decided not to let the opportunity slip.

Zoro’s face was scrunched into a frown as he glared at her. “Where did you even get that idea?”

Nami bit her lower lip. “Usopp.” She unapologetically throwing her friend  to the sharks… or shark.

Zoro’s face darkened. “What did he say?”

“He said you were dating someone. So I assumed that’s the reason why we weren’t seeing much of you lately and also the reason why you are late for my birthday. And not  just because you were running around in circles again.”

The green-haired man studied her for a moment. His lone grey eye fixed intently on her. “Is that stupid long-nose making fun of me again?”

Nami blinked dumbly at his question. She’s not really sure what he meant by that.

This time Zoro’s frown had turn into a full blown scowl. “What the hell is that idiot up to now? I’m not dating anyone!”

And Nami’s face brightened at that. Good thing they were outside and the entryway of the bar was dimly lit or he will see it.

So Zoro was not really dating anyone? She fought the urge to smile. She’s gonna choke Usopp’s neck so hard later.

“Nami,” Zoro growled out. “Is that idiot making fun of me again? Because I swear I’m gonna hang him by his feet and we’re not talking about a tree this time!”

“Uhm… I don’t think so Zoro,” Nami’s lips trembled and she threw back her head and laughed. She recalled how Usopp spread a gossip about the older lad’s dating his ‘bokken’ before and Zoro literally strung his feet together and let him dangle from one of the trees lining up the front of their complex.

Zoro let out an irritated ‘tch’.

“So you’re really not out with someone?” Nami probed when she finished laughing. Of course she had to be sure. She still doesn’t know the reason why they’ve been seeing less of him lately or why he was late for her birthday party.

“No,” Zoro muttered. “I don’t have time for that.”

“Oh good,” Nami folded her arms across her chest, eyeing him sternly. “Because it that’s the reason why you showed up late for my birthday, I will raise your current debt amount so high you will be serving me eternally.”

He just smirked at her threat.

“And I’ll never forgive you.”

That made him glower at her. An unforgiving Nami is hard to appease after all.

She gave him a cheeky grin before swiping the bottle from his hand and taking a drink from it.

He glared at her, unimpressed with her antic as she childishly stuck her tongue out at him.

“Be glad it’s your birthday witch.” He muttered as he grabbed the bottle from her.

“Like I said Zoro, it isn’t anymore,” she reminded him. “That’s how late you are. You missed the whole day of it.” She was still peeved at him for that. Just a bit though.

She watched him as he exasperatedly rubbed the back of his neck.

And she smiled.

She was still glad he was personally here for her birthday. She can live with that.

There was a sound of pitter-patter coming from above them. And it didn’t take long for them to realize that it started raining.

They remained silent, watching the rain splatter on the street and on the pavement. Inside the bar, they could hear someone hooting. Probably Franky as he was on his eighteenth bottle when Nami stepped outside. And that was minutes ago. He’s most likely on his twentieth or twenty-first.

"Oi."​​ Zoro nudged her shoulder with his own, prompting her to look at him. He was suddenly standing a lot closer to her than before.

"What now Zoro?"

He pulled his hand away from the pocket of his jacket and almost shoved it in her face. "Happy birthday," he mumbled, diverting his gaze straightaway to avoid looking at her.

Nami was taken aback at the object in his hand. It was a small light orange box with a silver ribbon tied around it prettily.

She stared at it, then at him. Even in the dim light she noted the blush that appeared on his cheeks. Truth be told… a blushing Roronoa Zoro was gift enough for her birthday.

But of course she wouldn't say no to the present he was handing her.

She made a grab for it before he decides that she's taking too long in accepting it and retract his hand.

"Aawww... you didn't have to," Nami cooed and laughed when the blush on his cheek deepened and spread all over his face.

Cute.

"Shut up witch and just open it!"

"I’m really surprised you’re able to get me a present to be honest," she giggled. "And a fancy one too I might add."

Zoro grunted something that she didn't quite catch. She was far too busy untying the ribbon to pay any mind to whatever it was he's grumbling about.

When she opened the box, she didn't fight the gasp that escaped her lips.

Inside was a necklace. With a dainty thundercloud pendant.

She took it out… and a warm feeling suddenly washed over her making her cheeks tingle.

It was beautiful. It was perfect.

Nami lifted her eyes so she could look at him. Zoro was still engrossed on the empty street across them, watching the rain splash down on the ground with the droplets exploding everywhere.

It was really thoughtful of him. "Thank you Zoro."

He gave her a flinty side-glance. There was a smirk on his lips as he turned his attention back on the road. "It's nothing witch."

She glanced at the necklace again. She recalled they have a private joke back in high school that started one afternoon while watching an animated series on the old television set in Luffy's house. Nami loved one of the characters who had a knack for predicting the weather and whose weapon can conjure thunderclouds that produce lightning which the character uses to electrocute her enemies. "It'll be really handy to wield that. I can use it to electrocute your asses whenever anyone of you pisses me off. Especially you," she recalled poking his cheek harshly. "You're so goddamn hard to wake up whenever you are asleep." That had been so long ago. She honestly forgot all about it.

But Zoro remembered. She blinked rapidly as she felt herself tearing up.

Such a sweet gesture. And on her special day too!

Maybe she’s not gonna raise his debt and damn him into eternal servitude to her after all.

She lightly punched Zoro on the shoulder, earning a surprised glare from him.  

"What the hell are you hitting me for?” Zoro hissed at her, rubbing the abused part. “I already gave you a present!" "That doesn't mean you get a ticket away from my knuckles!" Nami countered. “That was for being late today of all days!”

"Oi! Gratitude you wicked witch!" He complained. "Do you know how many nights I've stayed behind to clean up Mihawk's dojo just to get you that?!"

Nami's eyes widened. And so did Zoro’s when he realized his slip.

She finally understood now… the real reason why he was not hanging out with them lately.

Why no one had seen him these past few days.

“Sooo…” she intoned as she glanced him mischievously, loving the expression on his face when as he realized that he just idiotically revealed what he was supposed to keep a secret from her. “You actually went to such lengths just to get me this?”

She almost burst out laughing when Zoro’s face turned so red and he stuttered his objection.

"N-no...I... ju-just..."

"Hmmm..." Nami hummed teasingly. "That's what you said."

"Fine!" He bit out. "Thought that gift would be good enough to cover three more future birthdays."

Nami chortled and tried to ignore the way her heart was doing cartwheels inside her chest from too much happiness.

"Do the honors Zoro," she requested as she handed him the necklace, turning around and pulling her hair over her shoulder so he can clasp it around her neck.

He didn’t protest and did what she asked. His fingers felt warm as they brushed her nape, as warm as the heat that was spreading on her cheeks and sending shivers running up and down her spine.

“There.”

She immediately whirled to face him. "So? How does it look?"

Zoro rolled his eye at her as she tried to dish out a compliment from him. "It looks... fine."

"Fine?!" Nami snorted in disbelief. "I swear Zoro, you can do better than that!" She looked down to check the necklace, touching the pendant while a pouting.

When she tilted her head up to look at him to chastise his lack of aptitude when it comes to flattering women… Zoro was smiling at her in a way that made her heart skip a beat. 

“It really suits you.”

The way he was looking at her right now made her want to kiss him.

Just like she always wanted to do.

Suddenly the bar door burst open and Luffy and Usopp ran out, excitedly (and drunkenly) shouting that the rain finally let up. Zoro immediately stepped away from her to prevent them from barreling into him.

And just like that… the one, rare moment between the two of them disappeared in an instant.

They both turned to watch the two hopped and danced in the middle of the street like a pair of lunatics. Chopper hurried past Zoro and Nami to join them.

“Oi get back here you dumbasses!” Sanji was shouting from inside.

Nami sighed. It was finally time to rein in the inebriated ones.

“I got it,” Zoro said nodding at her. The corners of his lips quirked up to give her a small smile, then he stepped out on the street to restrain the three before they can create anymore disturbance that might get them all in trouble.  

“Oi Nami!” Franky called out to her from the bar. “You and Zoro both get your asses here! There’s a lot more to drink!”

Nami nodded as she glanced again at the green-haired man who was now effortlessly hauling up Luffy, Usopp and Chopper by their collars back to the bar as they whined and griped.

"Nami-chan?"

She looked back to see Shakky standing on the doorway. "Problem?"

"Nah." Nami grinned. “Zoro’s just trying to contain the troublemakers.”

Shakky chuckled. “Zoro-chan’s really handy.” The woman paused momentarily, as if she was studying her. Then she said, "What a pretty necklace."

Nami’s hand automatically went to touch her necklace again.

“Omedetou.” Shakky gave her an insinuating smile. “Now come on. You and Zoro-chan’s still got a drinking competition to start.”

[sugakuns]

[sᴄ] 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐫𝐢𝐦𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐟𝐚𝐭𝐞

sʏɴᴏᴘsɪs: Due to Alaashi’s recent visit to the opticians, he now has to wear glasses. That doesn’t exactly mean he likes them.

ᴀ/ɴ:​ gender neutral pronouns

Akaashi has always been thankful that he never had to wear glasses throughout high school. He had been told by opticians in the past that there’s a possibility that he might need them in the future but he’d simply shrug it off. He always told himself it’s a problem for his future self, possibly when he’s elderly and wouldn’t care about his looks at that point in time.

“Future me can deal with that.. pft” Keiji thought as he stared at his reflection in the mirror. The dreaded black rims of fate are finally in his hands - or rather on his face - and he can’t help but kick himself for it. He wished he’d taken the offer of the lenses years ago because now maybe he wouldn’t have to wear them full time.

He knows many people who seem to not wear glasses actually do, and it’s usually because they wear them at home and not at school. He wished he could have thought of that a few years ago but his mind was too preoccupied with volleyball and homework that it slipped from his attention.

“Keiji, you look handsome” You comment from your place on the bed. He has been inspecting himself for the past 10 minutes and you can only imagine what was flying through his head. He previously mentioned how much he would despise wearing glasses so you already had an idea of the negative connotations plastered throughout his mind.

Keiji shrugs as he carefully takes the frames off. There’s a faint red line across the bridge of his nose from where he had pushed the glasses down too harshly, his eyes narrow as he catches a glimpse of it; bringing a hand up to try and smooth out the temporary dent he created.

“Thanks baby, but..I just don’t like the way I look” His honest reply is heartbreaking. You’re definitely not used to hearing your usually aloof boyfriend have such a heartbreaking tone in his voice. A pout forms across your lips as you spread your arms for Akaashi to accommodate himself between.

A tired smile breaks across his face as he leans into your touch, enjoying the way your fingers automatically play with the soft, raven locks that adorn his scalp. Keiji was never one for outwardly saying how much he appreciates your adoring caresses but his physical reactions gave it away. All of the tensed muscles in his body slowly relaxed as he basked in the warm embrace, an unsolicited sigh breaking from his mouth and the wrinkles in his forehead slowly fading. Akaashi Keiji at the brave age of 23 was still your giant teddy bear.

You can’t help but think about the way the black rimmed glasses frame his face, almost exentuating the little cherubic pouches of fat on his cheeks. After a couple years of not playing volleyball competivley he had gained a few pounds but they were a blessing in disguise, the small difference made him look younger and brought a look of innocence to his otherwise stoic expression. Akaashi seems to notice that your lost in thought due to your fingers stilling in his silky locks, a concentrated look clouding over your pupils.

“What are you thinking so hard about?” With a teasing tone his hand comes up to smooth over your cheek, his thumb gently nudging at your nose in a playful manner. He stares up from his place in your lap with an impish smile plastered along his strawberry lips. The crease between your eyebrow flattens as your eyes soften, zeroing down on the editor beneath (or better yet - on top) of you.

“Thinking ‘bout your cute face” Your hands travel to pinch his cheeks “and how cute you look with your glasses” Akaashi rolls his eyes lightheartedly as he tries to ignore the burning sensation that sparks in his cheeks.

Swiftly and almost catlike, he pulls himself from your lap and pushes your back against the bed with a mischievous smile, hands darting out to grab the black frames that previously rested beside your body. He smiles as you squawk at him, slipping the frames onto his face as a warm sensation bubbles in his chest.

Your opinion is the only opinion that matters, and if you think he looks cute - then he’s goddam cute!

scenarios/ oneshots aren’t really my strong suit so if there is grammatical or punctuation errors please let me know 😅

[hopelessromanticspoonie]

To Keep You Safe

Title: You committed, I’m your crime

Chapter: 4/?

Author: hopeless_romantic_spoonie

Summary: Life as the assistant to Tony Stark was busy, but boring. All of that changed when I touched something I shouldn’t have and woke up with strange new abilities. If I thought that trying to figure out my new place in life as an Avenger was tough, I had no idea what was in store for me once I ran into the frustrating God of Mischief, Loki. 

Rating: E (later on)

Notes: Reminder that this is un-Beta’d, so please excuse any typos or grammatical errors I no doubt missed upon my revisions!

Also on Ao3 here :)

Warnings for this chapter: Language, blood, injury, destruction

~~~

After my little stunt on the roof, Tony decided my superpower training with Wanda needed to begin immediately. Waiting until I fully healed wasn’t an option if I was going to destroy the Compound with a–totally justified–mood swing.

Wanda did her very best in trying to help me figure this whole geokinesis thing out. She was patient and didn’t give up on me even when I gathered my hair in my hands and shrieked in frustration. She ignored any bellyaching or whining I sent her way and remained the ever-supportive tutor. Through our combined perseverance, I slowly became aware of the constant thrumming inside me, like a thousand bees buzzing just beneath my skin that got really pissed off when I was surrounded by nature or experienced heightened emotions. We worked for hours outside each day, her coaching me to harness my emotions and funnel them outward properly–AKA not mindless destruction of expensive property and killing of houseplants. It was frustratingly easy for her. She’d been working on her powers for years, while I’d had less than a week.

It was exhausting work, and I hadn’t even started fight training with Nat yet. That woman was going to kick my ass six ways to Sunday, and to say I was dreading it was an understatement of epic proportions. I collapsed into bed each night and passed out as soon as my head hit the pillow, often forgetting to shower or eat until I woke up disgusting and ravenous the next morning. It was easy to understand some of my new roommates’ preference for protein drinks. I chugged them down on my way to the lawn in the middle of the Compound each morning, forcing myself to get something in my system before we began.

Half of the time I just looked constipated as I stared at leaves or small rocks, willing them to do what I commanded and getting discouraged as the wind proved more effective. Then something would move, but not how I wanted, and we’d have to try again but harder or differently. It wasn’t a very satisfying process, to say the least.

I even had some meetings with Bruce. He knew more than anyone how important it was to keep a handle on strong emotions and, since that seemed to be a huge trigger for me and I refused to let Tony hire an actual professional about it, offered to help me out as best as he could.

“Jen, what seems to set off your anger the most?” Bruce asked kindly during one of our ‘sessions’. Sitting in his office of neutral warm beige and soft lighting, He might as well be my therapist. With him perched across from me in a tasteful armchair and me cross-legged on a plush couch, we at least looked the part. All he was missing was a clipboard and look of feigned interest. But if it meant less destructive outbursts and my eventual freedom I’d pour my guts out to him all day long.

“Loki.” The answer came without hesitation. That Asgardian serpent knew how to get under my skin like nothing else, and always took advantage of that fact at the worst time. Although to be fair, he did make everything worse when he deemed us worthy of his presence, so it wasn’t just me.

“Why does he bother you so much? He can’t hurt you, not here. He’s stuck on base so we can keep an eye on him, so he has to play nice. And you’re getting better at controlling your powers, so you can fight back. He only has the power to hurt you because you let him.”

The truthful answer immediately sprang to mind, but I hesitated, sucking my bottom lip between my teeth and staring at the floor. I didn’t talk about my past. Bruce was a great guy, and he wouldn’t judge me, but talking about it meant feeling it again, and I wasn’t so great with that feeling thing people were supposed to do. Much easier to work myself to death and pass out to some fun nightmares, then repeat. But to make him explain the deeply rooted loathing that I harbored for Loki, I’d have to give him some sort of explanation.

When I looked up to him, hoping that he would just let it go, the curious concern on his face appeared well and truly settled onto his worn features. He even sank further into the cushioned chair, as if he could wait all day for me to reply. “He’s an annoying little shit,” I tried, internally crossing my fingers that he’d believe my easy and obvious answer.

“We all know that. But he also doesn’t make us angry enough that we break an entire wall of windows or kill a tree just by walking by it.”

Oops.

“His face is just really punchable?” I tried again. Going by the unchanged expression on his face, it didn’t work.

Damn. Guess it was honesty time.

“He destroyed my life years ago. Seeing his smirking face every day just rubs it in. He shouldn’t be free to roam around after what he did,” I mumbled quickly, staring down at my hands twisting in my lap. I had taken to carrying a palm-sized pointed stone in my pocket at all times. It gave me something to practice with when I was idle, and the paranoid side of me knew that I might one day need some sort of weapon I could manipulate while surrounded by man-made materials. I fiddled with it now, turning it over in my fingers and rubbing one side absentmindedly with my thumb. Anything to avoid looking at Bruce as he peeled away my protective layers to reveal my soft, gooey insides.

“The Battle of New York? Tony told me you worked at Stark Tower when it happened. But you’re here. You’re safe. He didn’t hurt you, and if he did, it wasn’t permanent,” Bruce soothed, his voice laced with sincere compassion.

“He didn’t hurt me, no.”

“I know that trauma can linger for years after-”

“I don’t have PTSD. Tony paid for me to see a therapist after the attack, and I worked though the trauma of the situation. I’m not afraid of that happening again,” I muttered, clenching the rock tightly as I looked up to him. Anger was simmering just beneath my skin, mixing unpleasantly with deep grief that I did my best to keep safely stored away at the back of my mind at all times.

“If you don’t have lingering trauma, and you aren’t permanently injured, how did Loki destroy your life?” Bruce prodded, digging deeper and deeper. “Without getting to the root of this issue, it’s never going to get better.”

“He took it from me.”

“I don’t understa-”

“He took it from me!,” I snapped and stood up, my anger boiling over as my free hand reached into my grey sweater and pulled out the golden necklace always around my neck. I stepped closer so that Bruce could see the small circular pendant. Etched into the gold were the shaky whorls of a thumbprint. My other hand gripped the stone so tightly that the edges drew blood from my palm, but I didn’t care. All I could feel were the tears pricking my eyes and the swarm of bees searching for release from beneath my skin.

“He took them from me. My mom. My dad. Michael, my twin brother. I see his face every day in the mirror and feel him around my neck, and I see their mangled bodies that I was forced to identify every time I look at his smug, arrogant asshole face! And he just gets to walk free around this place like he didn’t kill hundreds of people that day, and wreck the lives of those left behind! He feels nothing for what he did,” I shouted, my rapid-fire words tearing from my throat in an impressive shriek.

I turned away from Bruce to avoid the pity I knew I would see. It would be the same look that I got whenever I told anybody the story, which is exactly why I didn’t mention it. Ever. I stared up at the ceiling and blinked back the tears that threatened to spill down my face. Without waiting for his response I stormed from the room, leaving a stunned Dr. Banner in my wake.

Outside his office I jogged up the stairs, my eyes downcast as I focused on just getting away from that room. From the words I hadn’t spoken out loud in years to anyone. Speaking it made it real again, and that ache ripping my heart to shreds was one I wanted to avoid if at all possible. So preoccupied with my retreat and holding myself together, I didn’t notice the wall of pure muscle coming down the stairs until I ran straight into it.

“Milady! How are yo-what is wrong?” Thor went from surprised and happy to worry in an instant as I stumbled against him. His hands gripped my upper arms to steady me as he stooped down to take in my red blotchy face, the tears that had slipped down my cheeks, and the blood slowly dripping from my hand. “What happened?”

I lifted my bloodshot eyes to his, searching for pity and coming up empty. Only careful regard and fierce protectiveness furrowed his brow. Rubbing the back of my injured hand against my cheeks, I shook my head harshly. “Ask your brother,” I croaked, pulling away from him and rushing up the stairs.

“Loki!” The booming voice of Thor shook the art upon the walls like the thunder he commanded as he stormed away in the opposite direction. Good. Maybe he could knock that shit-eating grin off his face. If anyone could handle Loki, it was his brother.

I paid no attention to the assembled Avengers in the kitchen, even after Steve and Vision called after me. I needed to get to a safe place, one without rocks or plants or anything else my powers could use as a projectile. I barged inside my room without uttering a word. After my incident on the roof with the windows, I’d come back to find all of the decorative plants removed from my room. At first, I’d been insulted, but critical thinking made me realize it was for the best. The only weapon in my bedroom was the rock clutched in my hand and my body wasn’t going to fight itself for it.

I hadn’t even taken three steps into the room before I heard banging on my door.

“Pebbles, let’s talk, kid. Why is Thor trying to rearrange Loki’s face?” Tony’s frustrated voice projected into my room through F.R.I.D.A.Y.’s speakers installed in the ceiling. Our rooms weren’t fully soundproof, but regular shouting was barely audible through the thick walls and heavy door. The blood rushing through my ears didn’t help matters, either.

I stared up at the nearest speaker in silence, focusing on tamping down the roaring in my ears and itching beneath my skin. I wasn’t going to open that door until I had myself under control, and a chat with Tony wasn’t going to suddenly undo all of the hurt that I fought daily to keep bottled away inside.

“Pebbles?,” I called out, picking up on the new nickname and ignoring his question purposefully.

“Pebbles. You can throw tiny rocks around. It’s cute.” I picked up on the smirk in his voice followed a couple of heavy bangs on the door. “Now open the door and let’s hash this out, Pebbles.”

“I’m good.” I threw myself dramatically down onto my bed. I was not in the mood to deal with Tony right now. I just needed to sit and stew and maybe break a few things. Then it’d all be fine and I could go on my merry way of stunted emotions and repressed thoughts.

“No can do. Gotta be a grown-up and talk it out,” his firm, no-nonsense voice grated on my agitated nerves.

Talk it out? No thanks.

“You have no idea what you’re talking about. Leave. Me. Alone,” I replied, directing my words and a pillow at the continuous banging on the door. As soon as the pillow thumped uselessly against it, the echoing knocks stopped.

“But I do, Jen,” came Wanda’s soft voice through the speaker. Bruce must have gotten her.

“Ugh.” I stood up, wiping away the last of my tears from my face as I went to the door. Taking a deep breath and blowing it out through my mouth, I opened the door. Thankfully, only Wanda and Tony stood on the other side. The rest of the gang must have gone to watch the spectacle I’m sure Thor and Loki were making. The disappointment on Tony’s face cut me to my core, so I averted my gaze to Wanda. She offered me a sympathetic smile, cocking her head toward the room behind me. I stepped aside and let her through with a flourish of my hand.

I groaned in defeat and looked up at a frowning Tony. “Tell Thor to back off. I’m sure he’s done enough damage as it is,” I muttered, dropping my chin to my chest and closing the door on him.

I turned around to find Wanda sitting on the couch, her elbows on her knees and her hands clasped in front of her. It was still surreal to have The Scarlet Witch just hanging out in my bedroom, even after daily training sessions for over a week.

“You know that I had a brother. Pietro,” she spoke softly, her eyes trained on me as I crossed over to sit beside her. “I also lost him because of another’s hatred. And it is a knife in my chest that never goes away. Sometimes I forget that it’s there, but then it comes back sharper and more painful than ever. But I can’t let that control me.”

I walked over and plopped down beside her with a thoughtful frown. I could feel my slick blood on the stone’s surface as I worried it, but the stinging in my hand was inconsequential to the turmoil inside. It could be taken care of later. “That’s easier said than done,” I muttered.

Wanda raised a hand covered in red light, twisting it. My bathroom door opened, and then I heard my medicine cabinet open and close. The first aid kit found in each bathroom of the Compound, because Tony knows his guests and their occupational hazards, levitated out and into her waiting hand. She gently took the rock from me and set it on the coffee table in front of us so she could tend to my injury with gentle touches as she spoke.

“It is. And I also thought that getting revenge for his loss would make me feel better. I ripped out the heart of Ultron. I watched him die, and the pain didn’t lessen. I still woke up reaching for him each morning and looking for him first when I needed to talk. It doesn’t fix the pain, Jen,” she murmured, dabbing at the small but plentiful cuts on my hand with a cleansing wipe.

“I have to see him every day. He gets to be free around this base without any issue,” I spat, clenching my teeth against the sting of the antibacterial solution.

“Being trapped isn’t without its downsides. Besides, I know for a fact that Thor is giving him a sound lesson as we speak. He has tried to atone for his mistakes,” she pushed, unwrapping a set of bandages and slowly rewrapping them around my hand.

She was at least right about one thing. From the crashes of thunder and darkening sky, the anger a certain God of Thunder currently held for Loki was made clear.

“It’s not enough,” I replied, my extreme emotions slowly fading to leave me feeling drained more than anything else. My usual state after the Battle, to be honest.

“Would you see him dead? If given the opportunity, would you take this rock and drive it through his heart? Honestly?” She finished up the dressing with a piece of medical tape to hold everything in place. Undeterred by my drying blood on the rock, she picked it up and held it out to me.

“I… don’t know,” I whispered, taking the heavy stone from her slowly and staring at it to avoid her knowing gaze.

“I don’t think you’re a murderer, Jen. And I’ve met several of them,” Wanda offered and stood up with a heavy sigh. “I’m not telling you that you’re not allowed to feel this. But you won’t like the person that you turn into if it’s all that you feel.” She squeezed my shoulder before leaving me alone with my conflicted thoughts.

I gathered the bloodied medical supplies and took them to the trash before walking to stand before the floor-to-ceiling windows of my room. Thor must have found Loki outside, as there were scorch marks on the ground and twisted remnants of metal benches scattered around the open green lawn.

I wasn’t a murderer. That I knew deep down inside. If Loki was powerless before me right now and I had a gun to his temple, I wouldn’t be able to pull the trigger. I couldn’t have that blood on my conscience. Did I want him to know my pain? Yeah, for sure. He showed no remorse for his actions. He sauntered around like he owned the place, as if the feelings of others were inconsequential and insignificant.

But he didn’t deserve to die. If anything, he deserved to grapple with the guilt of the lives he ruined for the rest of his immortal life. And maybe an occasional beating from his incredibly strong brother. But if he was going to learn from his mistakes, he at least needed to know what he did wrong first.

“Shit, I have to talk to Loki,” I groaned, dropping my forehead against the cool glass in front of me.

~~~

I stayed in my room for the rest of the day. Wanda must have told everyone to give me some space as no one came to bother me. During that time, I practiced. I sat on my bed, staring at my blood-stained rock and forcing it to move around the room, to do what I wanted it to and not lose control. Hours passed with my fighting the weariness of my mind and body until the natural light outside my room disappeared and was replaced with cool blue moonlight.

If there was any time to find Loki, it was now. His displeasure for the company of the Avengers wasn’t exactly a secret, leaving him to do the majority of his skulking around after hours. After his fight earlier with Thor, I knew he’d want to confront me. He wasn’t one to just take something lying down. All I needed to do was leave the sanctuary of my room.

After I stowed my rock inside my pocket, I threw on a pair of black tennis shoes and put my disheveled dark hair into a ponytail. The hum of electricity and fan of the heating system were the only sounds in the Compound other than my steps ringing firmly on the stairs as I jogged up to the roof. It was one of my favorite places and I was banking on that being common knowledge. I settled onto a large boulder in the middle of the garden, my back to the roof access door, and waited. He’d come.

“I should drive this knife through your throat right now,” Loki’s low silken voice was in my ear the second I felt two lean arms constrict around me, one around my shoulders to yank me against his rigid chest, and the other holding said knife to the soft skin of my neck. 

That didn’t take long.

“Why don’t you?” I ground out, stretching my head back against his shoulder to keep the blade from nicking my skin. I was engulfed by his presence. From the feeling of his taut body against my back to the heady scent of leather and spice, to his breath blowing across my ear, I was surrounded.

“I’m not done with you yet,” he hissed, the dagger around my neck disappearing as if it had never existed. His hands went to my shoulders and roughly spun me around before one went to my throat. He squeezed, not enough to cut off my air, but enough to let me know that he was the one in control of the situation. I swallowed and felt his hand shift over the nervous movement of my neck.

In the softly lit garden, I could just make out the damage Thor had done to him. The rolled-up sleeves of his dark button-down did little to hide the bruising blows that must have gotten through his armor, and his strikingly handsome face looked dreadful. Cuts marred his sharp cheekbones, and a large black eye only served to highlight the malice in his piercing emerald eyes.

Handsome? Nope, I didn’t just think that about the man threatening to strangle me.

Still, I couldn’t appear too weak. Calling upon the energy pulsing beneath my skin, I beckoned the sharpened, blood-stained rock from my pocket and put it to his own throat. My hours of practice that I had put myself through earlier showed in the slight tremor it gave in the air, but I dug deep to maintain it’s threatening position against his pulse. I would never do more, press it any harder, but he didn’t need to know that.

“Why did you send my brother to fight me?” he asked, glancing at my makeshift weapon with no concern before shifting his manic eyes back to mine.

Best get to the point before he strangled it out of me. 

“You killed my family,” I choked out around his grip, wrapping both of my hands around his wrist. For all my tugging at his arm, I was rewarded with his grip on my airway tightening ever-so-slightly but not budging besides that. It was enough of a message to still my hands but they remained on his oddly cold skin.

His steely gaze met mine, filled with fury. With a smirk, he grabbed the rock I held to his throat and it disappeared from his grip just like his dagger had. Well, shit. “And now what? You want to fight me? Or, rather, send Thor to fight your battles since you are too weak and irrational to take me on? You wouldn’t stand a chance,” he smirked, stepping closer until he had to look down his nose to see into my eyes.

“Try me, God of Mischief,” I replied through gritted teeth, my eyes flicking over to a tree behind him. With great effort, I directed the buzzing of power inside of me to find the weakest point in the tree. Locating it, my bandaged hand let go of Loki, clenched into a fist, and broke off a bare, dead branch. It flew over at the beckoning of my curled fingers, poised against his throat.

His sadistic smile grew at the thin limb pressing into his jugular. Without moving a muscle, Loki wrenched it from my control and soared across the Compound away from us. I was fighting a losing battle, but it didn’t stop me from trying.

“Learned a new trick, mortal? How quaint. But you won’t win against me,” he whispered, pulling my body flush against his by the hand at my throat, his breath cool against my ear. After one last demonstrative squeeze, he released me, pushing me away from him.

I fell to my knees as soon as I was free, taking deep gulps of sweet, sweet air. His icy touch sent goosebumps down my spine and lingered on my skin for far too long after it was gone. A weariness from manipulating my abilities for so long also tugged on my limbs, urging me to rest and recuperate from the strain. I remained kneeling, gathering my strength, as I scowled at him. “You ruined everything. You deserved it.”

“Get in line, darling. It’s hardly unusual behavior for me,” he said, crossing his arms over his chest with a shrug.

“You should pay for what you did!” I hissed, standing up and advancing on him.

He stood his ground, looking down at me with all the fear a panther holds for a mouse. “You know nothing of my recompenses. I know full well what I did on that day,” he seethed, the terrifying anger that radiated off of him made all the more imposing by his tall frame as he towered over me.

I flinched; I couldn’t help it. I was provoking a god, and the tension in his body and rage in his eyes spoke of power much stronger than my own. He had held his own against Thor earlier, only receiving a few bruises and scrapes for his troubles. What did I expect to be able to do if he decided to fully unleash the barely-contained ire that poured off of him? I bluffed that he wouldn’t be able to hurt me, but how far did the protection of his brother and Tony really reach? Besides the threat of another beating and possible imprisonment, there wasn’t anything stopping him from ending my life here and now and then disposing of me just like the throwing knives he so easily manipulated into and out of existence.

“I am not the same god that ravaged that city.” His harsh breath blew across my face as he advanced towards me, forcing me to back up until my body hit the cold glass windows behind me. I desperately clung to any iota of control I had over my powers as they bubbled beneath the surface seeking an outlet for the heightened response his closeness instilled in me. Craning my neck to meet the piercing eyes of the fair-skinned man crowding me, I saw no difference to the same villain that invaded New York City years ago, and I voiced that opinion.

“My actions on that day were not done with my full consent,” he admitted, some of the fury that furrowed his brow escaping with his strangled sigh. I could’ve sworn that he looked haunted for a moment, but I must have been mistaken because the cold gleam shining once again in his eyes was so intense that it appeared etched into his features. “No matter, as I have suffered the consequences either way.”

“Then add this to your list of consequences,” I whispered, reaching between us to pull my necklace from beneath my clothing. I shoved it into his face. “His name was Michael Thompson. My twin was murdered sitting in a cab with my parents from your Chitauri army. And every time I look at your stupid face, at my face, I’m reminded of it. I can never escape it, and you shouldn’t be able to either,” I said, my voice shaking with too many emotions that I wouldn’t name and fought desperately to stifle. I was not going to lose control, not after digging up the courage to face him.

Loki’s eyes quickly glanced down at the necklace before coming back to me, searching them quizzically. His jaw clenched as he took in my expression, and a look I could only describe as pain cracked the harsh veneer he usually maintained.

“I do know what it’s like to lose those I hold dear. This I promise you,” he breathed, his words drifting across my face in a mint-scented cloud before he turned and quickly left the rooftop. Leaving me standing there alone, shaking from an overload of emotions and struggling to catch my breath.

Free from his intensity, I leaned forward and put my hands on my knees, trying to quiet my ragged breath so I could listen to see if he returned to finish what he had barely begun. I had done what I had set out to accomplish. I made him face the harsh realities of his selfish actions years ago, literally shoved the evidence in his face, and forced him to listen to me. For all the good that it did. He had lived for centuries. What was the plight of a woman who was but a blip on the timeline of his life going to change anything?

The first bit of the conversation that I truly didn’t understand was the conclusion. ’I do know what it’s like to lose those I hold dear.’ Who had this heartless man lost? To have lost means that he must have loved someone, and who would he deem worthy of his affections? He made it abundantly clear that everyone was beneath him, dull creatures compared to the superiority of his godliness.

Had Loki had a heart at one point in his life? Was he born with the black shriveled-up stone that he most definitely possessed now? He must have been a little boy at some point in his life. Although, to be honest, I wasn’t actually sure if Asgardians just came into existence fully grown and, in his case, ready to piss off the world or, in his brother’s case, ready to save it. Could there really be a reason for the loathing that he harbored for the world?

Nope. Not going to try to humanize the murdering bastard.

The second thought that nagged at my overworked mind was that he claimed to have not been fully in control of himself during the invasion. Was that a lie? Recalling the haunted expression that had flashed in his dark eyes for the briefest of moments, it was doubtful. That had been the face of someone who had known true pain. Was the God of Lies that good of an actor? This new tidbit of information hadn’t been brought to my attention before, but I also hadn’t lifted my nose from the grindstone to really pay attention to much since I lost my family.

If it was true, then what in the hell had been strong enough to make him do something he didn’t want to do? Loki was a thousand-year-old god with incredible amounts of will, strength, and power. He didn’t just bend his knee and listen to anyone who could manage to get a word in edgewise. No, his cooperation would have had to been taken from him, as there seemed to be no one who he would freely give it to. I was under no illusion that he was playing along with his captivity now, perhaps having nothing else better to do than to hang around until a more enjoyable opportunity came along. 

Did Loki actually fear something and have a weakness like us pathetic mortals?

Obviously I needed to get some sleep if I was starting to go down that road. I was delusional with exhaustion.

Yep. That’s it.

[behindheremeraldeyes]

SasuSaku Month 2016 Day 24- Errands . Title: Pen pals . Summary: Sasuke receives a letter from his best friend and he’s left a little worried about a certain someone. How could that brat offer any kind of danger? . A/N: okay... again, I just didn't get along with the theme XD it was supposed to be an action one, but I just couldn't think of anything that could be resumed in a single one-shot (even my long one-shots...). Anyway, I'm glad with the way it ended, and let's see if you can read the hints I left hidden behind the interpretation XD have fun, and please, leave me Reviews! . . . If he could describe his current mood with one word at that exact moment, his word wouldn’t be any other than not annoyed. His body was sweating underneath that black tunic of his, his throat was incredibly dry, his heartbeat was faster than usual and the exaggerated humidity was making it almost impossible for his lungs to execute their vital function. Summer time is definitely not the best season to visit the Land of Waves, and Uchiha Sasuke ended up learning about that in the worst possible way, which was, of course, being there.

It had been a long time since he had last felt that troubled by that burning sensation taking over his body, and seeing all the others around him walking as if there was nothing wrong just helped create an even hotter sensation inside him. Even with that unbearable temperature, people were still moving on with their daily activities, selling their products in that crowded sea of heads, as if nothing at all was actually happening on that stupidly hot day.

A defeated sigh escaped his lips, as he once again had to remind himself of the reason why he was there, in the center of the village, under that torturous sun.

That idiot. That message better not be one of his stupid jokes or he swore the blonde won’t live enough to become Hokage.

Yes, as hard as it was to believe, the cause behind the Uchiha's current state of mind was the one and only Uzumaki Naruto. Earlier on that day, the raven haired boy had received a letter with a messy handwriting and tons of grammatical errors that certainly changed it all. From his route to his deepest thoughts, the words written in that paper had guided him to the nostalgic Land of Waves, and they were responsible for taking away his impeccable composure.

Screw the etiquette and the good manners. He didn’t care about any of that at that moment. All he wanted was to get out of there as soon as possible so he could continue his journey to atone for his sins. However, he couldn’t do it. Not while she was still there. Not while she was in great danger, according to the Uzumaki.

As it had been written by the blonde, the Land of Waves had become a quite dangerous place for their pink haired teammate to be alone. Ever since the carpenters had gone to Konoha to help after Pain’s attack, Naruto could sense the evil intentions hidden behind every smile offered by a boy who they once met during their first mission outside the village. The charming way he curled up his lips, the innocence spread around his youthful features, the hardworking image he held as a man and those sweaty, exposed muscles that- according to Naruto- certainly captured the pinkette's attention.

Inari, the bridge constructor’s grandson, had really grown into a fine, young man, and his eyes didn’t fail to notice how time had affected Haruno Sakura as well.

‘ It was written all over his face-ttebayo!’, the blonde wrote. ‘ The way he blushed and smiled whenever she looked at him, and the way he would sigh whenever she turned away. He loves her and he won’t hold back his hormones if they’re all alone, Teme!’

Apart from the evident exaggerations and the brother-ish feelings behind every invented expression, the Uchiha knew he could not simply ignore the core of the message. It was not like he was actually concerned about the girl or anything, for he knew she was more than capable of taking care of herself if anyone tried to force themselves on her.

Sakura was definitely not the problem there.

The brat was.

After spending a long time thinking, the image of that crying kid named Inari appeared in his head. Back then, he was just a normal boy and Sasuke doubted the years had managed to change him as much as Naruto had written in that letter. He was probably still that same brat, a little taller, for sure, but still that same child they once met.

There was definitely nothing to be worried about, he knew.

Still, since he was already close to the Land of Waves, accompanying the pinkette in her mission would cause no harm, right?

And based on that thought, there he was, casually waiting for her to buy some herbs from an old lady, after he had calmly explained to her that the Hokage had sent him to escort her during her mission simply because he was nearby.

He couldn’t simply tell her the truth, right?

“ Thank you for waiting, Sasuke-kun!” She finally exited the tent, a bag full of herbs in hands and a childish smile decorating her lips. Sakura seemed to be comfortable in her usual ninja clothes, and after finally getting used to his presence, the girl seemed to be more than simply content with their current situation. “ Now we can go deliver the message to Tazuna-san.”

“ Hn, I still don’t understand why Kakashi didn’t send the message through one of his birds. It would have been a lot easier.”

“ True… But then we wouldn’t have bumped into each other, right?” She looked at him with those forest eyes of hers, and he couldn’t help but look away. If only she knew how much those words meant to their teammates, maybe she wouldn’t have been so surprised by his presence earlier.

“ Tch, what kind of reason is that?”

A chuckle escaped her lips as a grumpy expression took over his face. Uchiha Sasuke was pouting in pure embarrassment, as he was now carrying her bag of herbs, and that was definitely a priceless scene to be seen by her.

How could anyone choose a pigeon over that?

Saying Sakura was simply happy with his presence would be underestimating her own level of amusement. It had been months since she had last seen him, and having a chance to spend a couple of hours by his side would be the perfect opportunity for the girl to simply enjoy the company of the man she loves.

Thank you, Kakashi-sensei, she thought.

As they walked towards the constructor’s residence, the pinkette just wouldn’t shut up for a single minute, as she told him the latest stories of the village. She would eventually laugh and pout depending on the memory that came to her mind, and even if he would barely reply anything, Sakura knew he enjoyed that whole catching up just by the calm expression that would take over his features. It brought them a nostalgic feeling from when they had to wait at the bridge for both of their late teammates, and for people like them, cherishing that kind of feeling was more than simply pleasurable.

Their memories are an important part of their lives, for the past is always present. They can’t and they don’t want to forget about their early days. They accept it, and eventually, seek for comfort in the innocence of the spring of their lives.

Oh, how good it was to be repeating the past.

The walk towards their destination didn’t last as much as they would both like it to. The house was still the same from when they were first introduced to the bridge constructor, and the Haruno girl didn’t hesitate before knocking on the door. He was standing next to her, towering over her petite form and simply watching as her expression remained as lovable as ever. She seemed calm and focused, and as his dark eyes carefully observed the powerful ninja that stood next to him, he could feel his chest getting enveloped by a warm sensation. Sasuke was really happy to be next to her, and at that moment, he even forgot the reason behind his journey to the Land of Waves.

But he would definitely remember it as soon as the door was opened.

“ Is it you, Sakura-neechan?”

A muffled voice came from inside, and the Uchiha's eyes widened at the same time. The way her name sounded, the rushed footsteps approaching the door and the way a simple smile tugged on her lips made his throat go dry at the same time. Sasuke was suddenly having a terrible feeling about what was about to happen, and there was something telling him that he should just take the girl away from there as fast as possible.

Something terrible was, indeed, about to happen.

Evil was just on the other side of that door.

“ Yes! We are here, Inari!” The girl answered, chuckling due to the loud sound of the boy’s rushing sound steps.

“ We? Do you mean you and Naru- “

Suddenly, the wooden door shot open, and the young carpenter’s brown eyes widened. His voice disappeared, and he just couldn’t take his eyes away from the intimidating tall, dark figure standing next to the pink haired girl.

It had been certainly a long time since they last met, for sure.

“ Sasuke-niichan…”

The sixteen-year-old boy held that shocked expression on his face as his eyes were still examining the Uchiha. He had imagined that the ninja would have grown up after so long, but not as much as he had actually grown. Inari could feel the intense glare coming from his dark orbs, and even if he knew he was not facing a criminal anymore, the boy couldn’t help but feel his body trembling in fear.

Why the hell was he afraid? He certainly didn’t know, and it was clear that the Uchiha was enjoying every single moment of it. Even if it was barely exposed, the corner of his lips was curled up in what could be a smirk, and the Haruno girl was more than just aware of that.

Sasuke should be ashamed of trying to scare a kid like that. Fortunately, for the victim, his heroine was there to save him.

“ It’s been a long time since you two saw each other, right?” She said, placing both of her hands on her back.

“ Y-Yes…” The boy continued trembling, not daring to look away from the Uchiha.

“ Don’t be so shy, Inari. It’s just Sasuke-kun, after all.”

The tender smile that decorated her face as she spared her teammate a glance was enough to shake the boy from the frozen state he was found in just moments before. Instantly, his expression changed and the one who was ruled by fear was now succumbing to the most tender expression of the prettiest girl with pink hair. Inari was now looking calm and serene, and his eyes just wouldn’t leave her for anything in the world.

He looked like a fool in love, and such thing definitely made the Uchiha’s blood boil in his veins.

By the way the young carpenter looked at Sakura, Sasuke knew that the blonde was not exaggerating at all in his words. That boy was really a potential threat, and that was something undeniable. Thanks to puberty, Inari no longer looked like a child who had his nose running all the time, and his body was no longer shaped in that childish form. The kid was tall now. Not taller than himself, but almost two hands taller than Sakura. There was a towel charmingly hanging around his neck, and his soaked, brown locks were giving him a fresh, young look. His cheeks were blushing faintly, and the muscles Naruto talked about were really there under his sleeveless shirt.

If that brat suddenly grew confident, then he would certainly have something to worry about.

“ Wow, Sakura-neechan… You look beautiful!”

Crap.

“ A-Ah… Thank you.” She looked down in embarrassment, as a blush took over her cheeks. Seeing her reaction left the Uchiha extremely mad, and if not for the fact he was still holding her bags, his hand would be around that kid’s neck already.

How dare he say such things about Sakura so easily? And in front of him?!

He was definitely not going to let that brat get any closer to the pinkette.

“ Sakura.” His strong voice called her from the current embarrassment, and her eyes widened in surprise. “ Don’t you have to deliver that message for his grandfather?”

“Oh! R-Right! Inari, is Tazuna-san home? I have a message from the Hokage. A request, to be exact.”

“ Ojisan isn’t here right now… He’s with my mom buying some things but they will be back later. You can wait here if you want.” The boy said, smiling brightly at the pinkette.

“ I see… I think this would be a good idea, then. What do you think, Sasuke-kun?”

“ Hn, absolutely not.”

“ I knew you would li- What?!”

Her eyes widened in surprise and the harsh tone of his words annoyed her more than they should. The ordering way his words sounded made her veins boil, and a pout immediately grew on her face.

Hauro Sakura was definitely not going to accept orders like that. Not without an explanation.

“ This is a mission, not a friend reunion. Get professional.”

“ Eh!?” She glared at him, placing both of her hands over her hips. “ I am very professional! I’ll wait to deliver the message in hand.”

“ Hey, guys… Are you really fight-“ Inari tried, but his voice was easily swallowed by the angry Uchiha.

“ Kakashi didn’t ask you to deliver it in hands. He told you to leave the message and return to the village. I’m sure the brat will deliver the message to his grandfather.”

“ Oi… Sakura-neechan… Sasuke-nii-” He tried again, failing once more.

“ It’s not like I’m in a rush or anything. I can wait here if I want to!”

“ Tch, you’re so annoying. That’s exactly why Kakashi told me to come. You’re not waiting here. You’re going home, Sakura, because they need you there to take care of the… Of the children’s clinic, of course.”

“ No, I’m not!”

“ Yes, you are!”

The way those two glared and discussed showed exactly what Naruto had told him in his letter. Even if Inari didn’t know much about this new Uchiha Sasuke, it was possible to tell the former avenger’s real intentions with those words. He didn’t want to leave the girl alone with another guy and risk losing her love forever. Back then, when the carpenter was still an 8 years old kid, it was possible to tell how much she loved him, and now it was also possible to see that kind of feeling coming from him. Being a part of that prank with the Uzumaki had certainly been a nice experience for him to see how one can change thanks to love.

And seeing the almighty Sasuke jealous had certainly been quite funny, too.

“ You’re going home even if I have to drag you back, Sakura!”

“ Oh, I would love to see you try, Sasuke!"

A smile appeared on Inari’s lips as he finally decided to stop those two before his house ended up destroyed. He took a deep breath and screamed as loud as he could, making both of the ninjas stop arguing to look at him. They had a scared expression ruling their faces, and as soon as their eyes turned to face the teenager, he couldn’t help but release a sincere laughter.

Those two are way too funny for him.

“ W-What the-“ She started, still impressed by that kid’s vocal chords.

“ You see, Sakura-neechan…” Inari started. “ I’m afraid I won’t be able to stay here with you. I’ve just remembered I have to finish something in a house nearby. I’m terribly sorry.” He bowed his head down in apology, leaving the girl a little embarrassed due to the formal gesture.

“ A-Ah… It’s okay, Inari. I understand. I should be apologizing for trying to stay here.”

“ No need to worry.” He smiled. “ And I’ll gladly deliver the message to my grandfather. I’m sure he will love to accept working with Yamato-san again.”

“ Eh? H-How do you know Yamato-taichou is the one in need of help?”

“…” Inari’s eyes widened as he clearly realized he had just blown off his cover. Apparently, Naruto had given him a lot more information than he actually needed. “ I-I… I just figured since we worked together on the last time.”

“ Uhm… This is certainly weird, but… “ She took the envelope from her bag, smiling and handling it to Inari. “ I guess you don’t have time to tell me the whole thing right now, ne?”

“ Yeah… I don’t.” He smiled back, scratching the back of his neck with his free hand.

“ Well, then… I guess we will be going then, right, Sasuke-kun?”

“ Hn, It’s already time.” The Uchiha mumbled, looking away from the carpenter.

“ It was great to see you two! Tell Naruto-niichan I said hi.”

“ I’ll deliver your message! Bye bye, Inari!”

“ Have a safe trip, Sakura-neechan!” The boy suddenly gave her a hug, which immediately caused the Uchiha to send him a deadly glare. Smirking, the now brave carpenter looked at the Uchiha, not caring about the Rinnegan locked on him. " And take care of her, Sasuke-niichan. You never know when someone might try to steal her away.”

“ Tch… You brat!”

With both Sakura and Inari laughing at him, the Uchiha, then, did what he should have done a long time before. He threw the bags in her hands, and once his own right hand was free, Sasuke grabbed the girl by the arm and started to drag her away. He was tired of that whole conversation and he wanted to get out of the hot place already. His grip around her arm was strong enough not to let her go, and even if she protested, he was not going to release her until they were on a safe distance from the kid’s house.

One day, he would get his revenge against that girl.

But that day would certainly not arrive that soon. At least not until he acknowledged his own feelings.

Without looking back, the Uchiha continued to pull her around the village until they reached the end of the Great Naruto Bridge. After a while, the pinkette eventually gave up on her useless struggle, and accepted the fate of a potato bag. In the end, perhaps she deserved it after teasing him like that in front of Inari. For the Uchiha pride is something really delicate, chances were he was mad at her for all those unnecessary words.

A sigh escaped her lips. That boy was certainly impossible.

After letting go of her arm, the Uchiha didn’t say a single word. He was still holding that stoic expression of his, and even if she was now walking in front of him, he refused to make eye-contact.

Uchiha Sasuke was really mad.

But he was not mad at her. He could never be.

She was just doing her job, after all.

“ Sakura.”

She stopped at the sound of her name, and felt shivers running down her spine. He was going to scold her, she knew. He was going to trap her in another dimension and she would starve to death, for sure. The pinkette had brought the Uchiha’s anger upon herself, and now it was time for her to face the consequences.

Or that was what she thought.

“ You shouldn’t accept a man’s offer to stay with him alone in a house like that.”

What?

Her mind went blank, as she lifted an eyebrow in pure confusion. Sakura turned to face him, not bothering to hide her blank expression, as she was trying her best to understand his words.

“ What are you talking about, Sasuke-kun? It’s just Inari… We know him.”

“ Still… Didn’t you see the way he looked at you?”

“ Tch, don’t be silly… He would never do such thing. Besides, you know very well that I can destroy more than just his house with my pinky.”

“ Hn, don't underestimate men. He was waiting for you... He could have prepared a trap or something."

"... I doubt it. Besides, what could he do to me, anyway?"

"..." The Uchiha sighed in defeat. What a stubborn girl. She really is Naruto's friend. " You're annoying. I can't leave you alone, can I?"

As her emerald eyes captured the glimpse of a blush tinging his cheeks, a whole new world seemed to be revealed in front of her. Her heart was beating faster, her head was a mess and Sakura just couldn't stop looking at how embarrassed he was after listening to her words.

Apparently, he was not going to send her to the desert dimension.

Apparently,  he was just worried about the fact that she would be alone with a 16-year old for a couple of hours while they waited for an old man.

Apparently, Uchiha Sasuke was going mad. Or could it be…

" Sasuke-kun...." He looked at her, trying to seem as calm as possible. Her eyes were connected to his, and suddenly, she took a step closer. " Could it be that you're... jealous?"

It took the raven haired boy some moments to finally interpret her words, and when he did, he could feel the back of his neck growing hotter. Sasuke knew he had to masquerade whatever uncomfortable expression he was probably wearing at that moment, for he simply could not let Haruno Sakura think about something so absurd like that.

He was definitely not jealous, he knew.

So why was he so troubled by her words?

" Tch, don't be silly... Uchihas don't get jealous." He looked away, trying to hide his altered expression.

The girl kept looking at him with her judging orbs, and after reaching to her own conclusion, Sakura simply smiled teasingly, taking a step away from him.

What a silly boy, she thought.

" Yeah... You're right. You would never be jealous.

"Hn."

" The almighty Uchiha Sasuke doesn't have such thing as feelings. " She chuckled, leaving him slightly annoyed.

" Oi, it's not like th-"

" Besides... It's not like you have any reasons to be, right?"

The way her eyes were teasingly looking at him felt like the girl was ending him with her powerful fist. Somehow, being watched by those stunning eyes left him extremely exposed, and that was certainly a sensation Sasuke did not enjoy.

The Uchiha was not used to that kind of weakness, especially when the pinkette was the one taking advantage of the situation. He was defenseless, and for sure, he was defeated by those emerald eyes of hers.

But he would never admit it, after all, he is Uchiha Sasuke.

And Uchiha Sasuke will never accept being defeated by Haruno Sakura.

" Tch, shouldn't you be heading home now, Sakura?"

" Eh!? Aren't you coming with me?"

" Why should I?"

" Because you were supposed to be escorting me. It's your mission, after all."

" Hn, maybe next time."

" Tch... be professional, will you?"

[eirist]

A Taste of Summer

SPLISH, SPLASH

One-shot #: 4

Disclaimer: One Piece (and its characters) belongs to Eiichiro Oda-sensei. Goldiggers are solely mine as well as Franky’s camp-in-a-bag.

Reminder: I have no beta-reader. Any grammatical and spelling errors are solely mine.

Warning: OOC possible. One shot.

Rating:  M (Over the top flirting and touching)

Note:  Entry for the #ZoNaSummerFestival event in Tumblr. Theme: Skinny Dipping & Mermaid.

Summary: And the treasure hunting adventure continues…

Three… two… one…

Nami hummed the countdown under her breath and as if on cue, a head broke the surface of the water, creating ripples that spread throughout the whole pool languorously. She stared, fascinated, as the figure swam towards the low boulder where she was currently sitting; the sound of arm strokes cutting through the water filling the somehow quiet night.

The figure stood up to its full height when it reached the shallower part of the swimming hole. The silvery light of the moon shone down on familiar green hair and made the three golden earrings on his left ear gleam.

The navigator’s lips curled into smile. Droplets of water rained down his muscled form, trailing lower to the rock hard abs she’s been dying to touch again, before disappearing right back into the water obscuring the lower part of his body. When he ran both of his hands through his hair to brush the excess liquid, her breath hitched and a familiar, warm sensation coiled inside her.

Apparently, Zoro had no idea how hot he can be.

She continued observing him with legs dangling over the edge of the rock, the tip of her toes lightly touching the cool water while relishing in the rare sight of their resident swordsman swimming buck-naked in a pool on a still-to-be-explored territory.

She initially climbed the boulder to get a good view of the area’s topography. She’d been mapping the place right from the moment they discovered that their theory (her and Robin’s) about the island was true.

An uncharted and unexplored place was a total bliss for both the mapmaker and archeologist.

Not to mention the possibility that there are treasures waiting to be found.

And they were not disappointed. All around the area were scattered ruins of unknown structures and buildings, hinting that a civilization once existed in this place before disappearing rather mysteriously.

Robin was beyond exhilarated while Nami was in euphoria when she ascertained that the glinting object she saw earlier from the top of the rock wall was indeed, treasure.

The orange-haired girl would’ve scoured all the other ruins if not for the approaching dusk and if not for Zoro putting a stop on her treasure rampage, by literally hauling her away and throwing her over his shoulder.

The Straw Hats decided to just set up camp for the night much to the excitement of the younger members of the crew. They will continue exploring the place tomorrow when they have more time and more light. A bonfire was started, bento boxes were distributed, and tents were put up by Franky’s new and handy camp-in-a-bag device much to the amazement of everyone.

Zoro’s deep voice suddenly cut through her thoughts, as sharp as his cursed sword. “What do you want Nami?” He tilted his head towards her and his grey eye met hers, already aware that she was watching him for some time now.

“Oh I’m just here to enjoy the view,” Nami joshed, winking at him. “Found some interesting...” she let her eyes roam up and down his body, deliberately biting her lower lip. “… terrains that I’d like to map.”

He merely scoffed at her response while a Cheshire cat-like grin appeared on her face.

“Did you finally sleep off your earlier craziness?” Zoro suddenly asked.

Nami pouted and playfully kicked some water towards him. She had sulked and ranted when he had stopped her from searching for more treasures. Zoro pointed out—in his usual straightforward manner—that the treasures will not go anywhere and that she should get some rest since they’ve been trekking since morning and she still haven’t had a proper shut eye ever since she'd woken up beside him at the inn.   

He had barely finished what he was saying when he realized that Nami had stopped flailing and a soft snore reached his ears. The navigator had fallen asleep, draped over his shoulder like a rag doll while he was in the middle of knocking some sense into her thick skull.

The former pirate hunter managed to miraculously bring her to where their nakama are gathered without getting lost. After butting heads with the cook and ignoring his demands to hand Nami over so HE can take care of her, he left the mapmaker sleeping in one of the already pitched tents.

“Say, what happened to Nami, Zoro?” Luffy asked with a finger shoved up his nose, though concern was evident on his face.

“Too much treasure hunt, captain.” He answered and the young man laughed.

“Alright! Let’s just let her sleep,” Usopp whispered. “She’ll be working our asses off tomorrow looking for treasures.”

Zoro nodded and moved away from them to find someplace where he can nap peacefully.

A few hours later, Robin and Chopper found him in one of the nearest ruins. The two exchanged glances and the reindeer prodded him awake, asking him to transfer in one of the tents to get a much better rest.

He declined and instead inquired about Nami.

Robin looked amused. “She’s still sleeping. Must be a really tiring day.”

Zoro chose to ignore her rather suggestive tone. “You know how she is with money and treasures.”

The raven-haired woman nodded. “True. And it seems like she’d gotten you rather exhausted too.”

He managed to catch the subtle implication in her comment. He paid no attention to it. She can make any assumptions she wants and he couldn’t care less. “You try catering to her whims for one whole day and I’ll bet you’ll feel the same.”

Robin chuckled. “Care to join us?” She invited, changing the subject just like that. “Chopper and I wanted to see what’s around the area.”

Said doctor jumped on his shoulder suddenly. “Yeah join us Zoro!”

“Hnn…”

His two crewmates took that as a yes and they roamed the vicinity until they reached the swimming hole where Nami found him much, much later.

“Why are you skinny dipping at this time of the night Zoro?” Nami asked in hushed tone, moving her feet a little to play with the water.

“How do you even know I’m skinny dipping?” He questioned back, making his way towards her.

Nami gazed pointedly at the swords and clothes resting near where she was sitting. Then her eyes returned to him. “The water’s awfully clear. I’ve been enjoying the sight of your ass for some time now.”

Zoro smirked.  “Pervert.”

She met his smirk with a devious smile of her own. “You have no idea.”

“Aren’t you going to join me?”

“Tempting, but no.”

“No?”

“You went here and swam alone without telling me.”

“Call it meditation woman besides you were sleeping.”

“Uh-huh, why don’t you continue meditating and let me just enjoy the view Zoro?” “

“And let you have all the fun?”

He was standing in front of her now, nearly eye level with her knees as the rock were she’s perched at gave her height advantage over the tall swordsman.

Zoro brought his head down and planted a kiss on her right knee. She shivered at the feeling of his warm lips against her skin.

“Heads up Nami,” he suddenly flicked something at her. She managed to catch it with both hands despite her surprise. It glinted under the moonlight and curious, she held it between her thumb and forefinger, lifting it high enough to scrutinize it.

There was no mistaking it. It was…

“GOLD?!” She gasped in disbelief. She stared at Zoro then at the item in her hand and back again. “A gold coin? Where did you get this Zoro?”

The green-haired lad’s mouth twitched at that. “Come here and I will show you.” He beckoned to her to join him for a midnight dip.

She raised an eyebrow at him.

Zoro pointed a finger downwards. “There’s gold at the bottom of this pool Nami,” he grinned playfully. “Still not up for skinny dipping?”

“Zoro you ass!” She hissed at him. “I can’t believe you! That’s just manipulative!” He’s now using her one weakness to get her to swim naked with him?

“I learned from the best,” he said with a shrug, smiling wickedly.

She pursed her lips. It’s not like she hadn’t thought of taking a dip in this crystal clear pool when she first laid eyes upon it. It was her plan all along.

But Zoro had beaten her to it.

Her brown eyes narrowed at him as she stood up. She stepped down on a much lower rock than where she’s situated and started unbuttoning her shorts. Zoro was watching her attentively, the corner of his mouth turned up.

She pulled at her tank top; throwing it carelessly near his clothes, observing the change in his expression when it dawned onto him that she was not wearing anything underneath.

Nami stood stark naked in front of him… just like when she teasingly disrobed before him at the inn.

But unlike the previous night, Zoro did not bother looking away this time. He drew his lower lip between his teeth; staring at her unabashedly, his lone, gray eye trailing over her bare form.

She felt herself shiver at the intensity of his stare. She was used to men ogling at her, used to them gawking. She had used her happiness punch a lot of times that gawping men did not even faze her.

But it was different with Zoro…

She felt her knees wanting to buckle under his gaze.

And come to think of it, he was looking at her with the one eye he wasn’t able to lose during their two-year separation. She didn’t want to think what two would do to her.

Zoro made a come-hither motion with his finger and she found herself wading through the water to approach him. Her long, orange locks, floated on the water and brushed behind her back, tickling her as she moved closer to him.

The moment she was near, Zoro automatically wrapped his arms around her and captured her mouth in an almost hungry kiss.

And she returned the kiss with equal fervor, arms snaking around his neck. The sensation of his warm body and the cool pool water on her own felt wonderful.

She reluctantly pulled away and watched a triumphant leer appear on the Supernova’s face.

“So where is it?” She demanded suddenly.

Zoro looked offended. “You just can’t wait, can you?”

“No,” she said with a shake of her head and gave him a cheeky smile.

“Tch!”

But he relented and pulled her towards the deeper part of the pool.

Zoro brought his lips close to her ear.  “See something glinting down below?”

Nami looked down. The pool water was so transparent that even in the dark of the night with only the moon to serve as illumination, she can make out the bottom of it. She grabbed at his shoulder to stop herself from moving, waiting for the water around her to settle into a slower movement so she can peer and see what’s underneath.

Her eyes widened when it caught something shining on the pool bed. Then she saw another, then another.

Gold coins were scattered everywhere. Everywhere.

“Zoro!” Nami cried in exhilaration and he grimaced when her nails dug on his shoulder as her grip on him tightened. The joy on her face was undeniable.

“Go. Swim down there and see for yourself.”

She pushed away from him with a grin and dived down without another word. His eye followed her form. Her long orange hair was luminous underwater and her creamy, white skin seemed luminescent… a stark contrast to the colors surrounding her.

She swam languidly, taking her sweet time exploring. She picked up one gold coin, studying it meticulously. Her hair floated around her in soft waves, gracefully moving on the water, as he watched a smile form on her lips.

If he didn’t know any better, he would think he’s seeing a mermaid.

A mermaid turned human. He thought as he watched her long legs propel her upward to the surface. Just like in the stories Robin likes to narrate to the childish members of the crew.

But Nami… is so much more beautiful than the mermaids in Robin’s stories. More enthralling than the mermaids of Fishman Island combined.

When she resurfaced she was practically breathless but was still able to squeal from too much glee. She threw one arm around him, while the other showed him a handful of gold coins she’d gathered, her smile contagious that he can feel one forming at his lips.

“There are a lot down there. A LOT!” She gushed excitedly. “I can’t believe it. This trip is turning out to better and better and better.” She smacked her lips against his cheek. “Thanks for the tip swordsman!”

He wrapped his arms around her waist, melding their bodies together. “Anytime,” he whispered against her lips before kissing her fully.

Nami returned the kiss fervently but stopped when she recalled there was a handful of gold in her grasp. “Wait Zoro,” she breathed. “You’ll make me drop them.”

“So?”

“So?” She intoned. “If I drop them, it’s you who will be diving back there and getting me twice as much!”

He stifled a groan. “Hey, I was the one who told you about this place. Why do I get to dive for the coins too?”

Nami pulled an innocent face at him. “Didn’t I tell you your debt interest just increased earlier twice?”

“WHAT?!”

“For forcibly cutting off the treasure hunt and for carrying me like a pig.”

Zoro glared at her. Nope he takes it back. She’s not a mermaid. Up here in the surface she’s more of devil, a fiend, a witch.

An evil incarnate.

“By the way,” she began, moving away from him embrace. “You are here longer than I was. Why didn’t you dive down there to get some more gold coins for me?” She frowned at him.

Zoro snorted. “I have limitations with the favors.”

“Some boyfriend you are.” She puffed her cheeks in dismay. “I bet Sanji-kun would gladly dive for all that gold for me.” Nami said with an obviously fake pout, treading back to the boulder where she left her clothes.

If she thought Zoro will take her bait by mentioning the stupid cook, she was wrong. Instead he laughed as he followed her and said, “Good. You can order ero-cook to get it all for you tomorrow. I’m sure he’ll gladly drown himself for his Nami-san.”

“Hey don’t be mean!” Nami chastised him, trying to hold back her laughter. He had a point there though. She reached for her shorts and shoved the coins inside the pocket before turning around to face him. “And you? What will you be doing?”

“I’m coming with you to scour the ruins for treasures of course. I just had to make sure you had something to keep stupid swirly busy.”

Nami looked at him dumbfounded. She gotta hand it to him. That wasn’t such a bad idea.

Another whole day alone with him.

She felt his arms encircled her waist from behind and kissed one bare shoulder, letting his lips linger there. “Guess I have to rig the draw lots tomorrow.” She murmured, tilting her head a little.

Zoro chuckled. He pushed her long locks aside and started nipping at the part of her neck that she was offering to him. His hands freely roamed on her still wet body, igniting her want, stirring her need for him.

Nami moaned as his lips and hands sent delicious jolts of electricity running up and down her spine. And when his hand delved deeper, down towards that sweet spot between her legs, she closed her eyes…

“GOMU GOMU NO… CANNONBALL!!!”

The happy yell of their captain cut through the air, and jolted them out of their torrid embrace.

SPLASH!!!

“Luffy you idiot!” A voice obviously belonging to Usopp shouted. “You can’t SWIM!!!”

“YOU SHITTY GOMU!” Sanji bellowed. “Can you not sling-shot yourself everywhere?!”

Zoro and Nami stared at each other horrified. They simultaneously shifted their gazes towards where Luffy hit the water.

Good Kami! They are going to get caught. And their captain’s going to drown!

“Shit!” Zoro cursed, eye shifting back and forth to his captain and his navigator.

“Go! Go! Get Luffy!” Nami urged pushing him towards where their captain disappeared. She took the opportunity to escape undetected, thankful that she had half the mind to bring her Clima-tact with her.

She would get dressed later. Right now, she had to get away before someone sees her or worse, the other haki users of their crew sense her presence and realize she’s with the swordsman.

Using her Mirage Tempo to hide herself, she darted to where the tents are just as shouts of ‘I got the aho sencho’ and ‘Oh good, throw him back there and let’s leave him’ reverberated from the swimming hole. She was near the tents when she released the illusion, once she was sure no one was in sight.

That was close.

“Out for a night swim Nami?”

Robin was standing in front of the tent they’re sharing with a smile on her beautiful face. She had walked outside to check the commotion when Nami nearly ran into her.

Nami cringed and forced a smile. “Yeah kinda.”

The raven-haired beauty giggled, stepping aside the let her into the tent. She made no mention of the fact that Nami is outside, wearing next to nothing, with clothes bundled in her arms. “Did you ran into the boys? I heard them heading towards the swimming hole.”

“No, no.” Nami shook her head and entered the tent. “I high-tailed it out of there before they can see me.”

Robin chuckled. “Glad you didn’t run into trouble. I also saw Zoro heading there earlier. Did you see him?”

“Uh no. I didn’t see anyone there. Moron probably got himself lost.”

“Fufufufu… chances of that happening are quite high, oh dear. I was the one who told him there are gold coins in that pool. And he said he might go and check.”

“Really?”

Robin nodded. “Thought he would swim out there and get it for you.”

Nami laughed, poking her head out of the tent to look at Robin. “Now why would he do that? That guy won’t move unless you blackmail him to.”

A smile appeared on the archeologist’s lips at her statement. “True. But who knows? He might fancy doing a favor for you.” She tapped a finger on her cheek looking a bit too mischievous for Nami’s liking.

“Yeah, when pigs fly.”

Then suddenly Robin bent down a little to level her cool blue gaze with her brown ones.

“Why don’t you check his pants that you’re holding Nami? He might’ve placed some in the pockets.”