#ma’am who gave you the permission to be this funny

[em-allay]

Sausage: If I die I’ll leave you this (house) in my will

Shubble slowly pulling out a sword: sweet! :D

[lumiolivier]

So is the Life of a Pirate (1/?)

Series: One Piece

Chapter: 1/?

Word Count: 5019

Rating: T

Pairing(s): Sanji x OC (Reader)

A dalliance six years ago has a funny way of catching up to Sanji when the Straw Hats stop to restock the ship.

a/n: I'm not sure how often I'm going to update this, but I have 4-5 chapters already done, so do what you will with that information. Depends on how well this one does, I guess.

“Come on, Mama!” a little boy cried at his mother’s knee.  His big, blue eyes staring up at her.  His soft, round cheeks cradled in her palm.  His light blonde hair falling in his face, “Please?  They don’t believe me.”

“Who doesn’t believe you, Ash?” his mother asked.  Cordelia was nineteen when she arrived to her island of Beniville Bay.  It wasn’t an easy trip to her new home, but she wouldn’t have asked for it any other way.  Getting to Beniville Bay got her the sweet little angel at her knee.  But only a few years later, her son would be born.  Her world would be turned upside down.

“The other boys,” Ash took Cordelia by her hand and tried to drag her off.

“Ash, I’m working,” Cordelia giggled, holding her post at the tavern, “I’d love to entertain your friends, but if I’m going to do that, you’ll have to bring them here.”

“Ok!” Ash took that as all the permission he needed.  And he bolted from the tavern. 

“You got your hands full with that one, Cordelia,” the owner of the tavern sat at the end of the bar, her laughter deep and hoarse.

“I know I do,” Cordelia agreed, slumping over the bar, “But he’s my handful, Nora.”

“What’s he on about anyway?” Nora wondered, “He said something about how the other boys don’t believe him.”

“It’s the same story he begs for,” Cordelia sighed out, “When I was still out there.  Before I settled here.”

“And the argument could still be made you haven’t fully settled,” Nora pointed out, “You always look out to the sea.”

“Because it’s where I belong,” Cordelia confessed, “And in a perfect world, I’d go back to the sea.  But I can’t.  I got Ash to think about now.  I can’t just take him and bring him out to sea.  It’s much safer for him here.”

“I think it’s the other reason,” Nora smiled softly, “You’re waiting for him, aren’t you?”

“Him who?” Cordelia went back to wiping down the bar.  The sooner she could switch her train of thought, the better.

“You know damn well who I’m talking about, girl,” Nora gave her a little nudge, “I may be getting up there in years, but I know that look when I see it.  There’s someone you’re waiting for.  Isn’t there?  And that’s why you’re still here.  In case he ever comes back.”

“Waiting is pointless,” Cordelia wrung out her rag and threw it in the bucket under the bar, “I have other priorities that definitely take precedence over that.”

“Do you remember his name?” Nora nodded to the empty barstool next to her.

“Of course, I do,” Cordelia took her seat, “It was-”

“Mama!” Ash came barreling back into the tavern with two other boys behind him, “Tell them!  Tell them!”

“Ash,” Cordelia held her face in her hands, “Alright, boys.  I know I’m not getting out of this one.  Grab a seat.  I’ll tell you.”

“Ash said you knew pirates!”

“Yeah!  And that you were a pirate!”

“My dad said pirates are bad!”

“Alright, alright,” Cordelia settled them, “You wanted me to tell you my stories, didn’t you?  I can’t do that if you’re still running your mouths.”

“Yes, ma’am.” All three of them were dead silent and listening intently.

“Alright,” Cordelia began, “Now, there’s something you need to understand, boys.  There are bad pirates.  That is one hundred percent true.  Because there were some bad pirates that gave me this…”

Cordelia extended her arm and showed off a burn scar on her wrist.  It was no ordinary burn scar, though.  Ash put his fingers up to it, “What’s that, Mama?”

“It’s a brand, baby,” Cordelia went on, “I’m from a place called the Savinon Isles in the South Blue.  They were peaceful little islands.  And I loved it there.  I grew up there.  But when I was about sixteen, those islands were raided by pirates.  They took everything they could.  Berries, jewels, artifacts, map charts, anything they could get their hands on.  And they even took a few of the girls from my village.  Including me.  And they made sure we knew who they belonged to.  So, they burned that mark into my skin.”

“Did it hurt?” one of the boys asked.

“It was the worst pain I ever felt until Ash was born,” Cordelia admitted, “But I had to stay strong.  I couldn’t scream.  I couldn’t cry.  I couldn’t even change my facial expression.  I just had to wince through it.  And it was unbearable…Maybe this isn’t a good story to be telling you three.”

“Come on, Mama!” Ash pleaded.

“We can handle it, Miss Cordelia!”

“Yeah!  Honest!”

“What happened next?”

Cordelia did her best to ever forget what happened next.  She pretended like it never happened.  But those pirates did things that she would never fully be able to shake.  But that wasn’t the end of her story.  And she knew it.  A little smile crept across her face, “Well, those pirates didn’t know who they picked up on the Savinon Isles.  Because my home wasn’t the only one they ransacked.  Whenever they’d have me on deck, I would look everywhere for any possible escape routes.  Or so they thought.  What I was really doing was counting the crew.  There were fifteen men on that ship.  And there were easily double that of the girls they took.”

“They took other girls?”

“That’s not ok.”

“You’re right,” Cordelia agreed, “It’s not.  People aren’t meant to be cargo.  People are meant to be people.  They’re not supposed to be kept.  But when they’d all go to sleep at night, the other girls and I would talk.  And when we’d talk, we were planning our escape.  But it wasn’t enough for us to escape.  They would pay for their crimes.  And because it’s not like the Marines were going to do anything for us, we had to take those matters into our own hands.  They thought they had us completely broken of our spirits.  And they almost did have a few of them.  But their captain…I had a personal vendetta against him.”

“What’s a vendetta, Mama?” Ash cocked his head.

“It means he and I had problems,” Cordelia explained, “And that the only way they’d be solved was violence, bloodshed.  Trust me, Ash.  He definitely got everything he had coming his way.  But because he thought he had me broken, I didn’t get shackled anymore.  So, I let that go on for a couple nights.  Just so I could somewhat earn his trust.  But then…Then, I lost his trust.  And for a good reason.”

“What’d you do?”

“I radicalized those girls,” Cordelia jumped down from her barstool, “I took one of the crewmen’s swords and one of their guns.  I tiptoed into the captain’s cabin while he was sleeping.  I patted him down for any weapons he might have had on him and made sure I took any of the others away.  And I put that gun to his forehead and cocked it.  I was ready to pull the trigger and end him right then and there, but we were miles out in the ocean.  We needed to get to shore.  When he woke up and realized the predicament he was in and that all the other girls were in on it, too, he called the crew on deck.  And I ran that ship all the way to shore.”

“And what about the captain?  What’d you do to him?”

“What any good person would’ve done,” Cordelia shrugged, “I let him go.”

“WHAT?!”

“Mama,” Ash gasped, “After everything he did, after how much he hurt you, you just let him go?”

“I’m no killer, Ash,” Cordelia assured him, “I couldn’t do it.  I couldn’t pull the trigger.  But he didn’t know that.  What I could do, though, was that the second I heard one of the girls call land, I had the original crew of the ship lined up at the plank and I watched each and every one of them jump into the water.  I’m not sure how many survived after that, but I know the captain sunk all the way to the bottom.  I made sure of that.  He had rocks in his pockets.  There’s no telling how many the sea claimed that night.  But the girls and I…Oh, did we celebrate that night.  And into the morning.  And into the next night.  And we were all miserable for a week after that.  We docked and restocked the ship before they were all reunited with their families.”

“But what about you, Mama?  Did you go home, too?”

Cordelia could feel a blow to the heart she didn’t need.  But she still pushed forward, “I didn’t have a home to go back to.  When my village was ransacked, they left it in flames.  So, I was on my own.  Those girls were the only family I had left.  But I was alright.  My notoriety for taking on an entire pirate crew didn’t go unnoticed.  I even got stopped by a Marine vessel.”

“The Marines stopped you?!”

“That’s right,” Cordelia nodded, “The Marines stopped me.  Because I didn’t change my jolly roger.  I needed other pirates to know my ship wasn’t to be messed with.  Because seeing his flags…Then, only seeing me on board…That sent a message.  And even the Marines realized that.  They boarded and searched what was now my ship because they didn’t believe me when I said I was the only one on it.  They told me the former captain had a bounty on his head.  I told them his head was at the bottom of the ocean for trafficking.  They told me it wasn’t my place to give his execution and I should’ve just collected the bounty.  But then, I showed them my brand.  And I looked that Marine captain in the eye and told him it was entirely my place to be his judge, jury, and executioner.  They left me alone after that.  And left me ten million berries for my efforts.  Ten million measly berries for my efforts.”

“Ten million berries can get a girl pretty far on the open sea,” Nora chimed in.

“And it did,” Cordelia sat back down, “That’s when I ended up here.  I made myself comfortable, kept food in my belly and a roof over my head.  And I didn’t trust a pirate after that.”

“But Mama,” Ash flopped over, “You always said we could trust pirates.”

“We can,” Cordelia nodded, “I didn’t say the story was over, did I?”

“You didn’t…”

“There are definitely bad pirates, boys,” Cordelia confirmed, a smile on her face, “That much is true.  But where there are bad pirates, there are also good ones.  There are very good pirates in this world.  And I think I knew the best of the best.”

“What were they called, Miss Cordelia?”

Cordelia couldn’t help it.  Her heart turned into a puddle.  Because only one pirate crew came to mind, “The Straw Hat Pirates.  And I knew all of them.  Although, there were only five when we met.”

“Who were they?”

“Well,” Cordelia laughed to herself, “They were…All something.  They all had their own things going on.  There was Zoro, their swordsman.  He was lucky if he could find his shoes.  But he’d probably get lost finding his way back.  I could’ve given him a compass and a map and he wouldn’t be able to find the bathroom ten feet away.  I also wouldn’t trust him with a bottle of sake.  It’d be gone by morning.  And yet, you could throw a coconut in the air in one piece and by the time it was down on the ground, it’d be cut in eighths.  You don’t take Zoro’s swords away from him.  He won’t hesitate to run someone through if they deserve it.  And there was Usopp.  I have yet to meet someone who’s a better shot than Usopp.  You want someone who could tell a story?  Have Usopp tell you a story.  Because you won’t get a better one.  And there was Nami, their navigator.  I told her about what happened to me on my old ship.  And she told me what happened to her with the last pirate crew she was part of.  We bonded that night.  But the girl had money on her mind.  And I can’t blame her.  And then…Then, there was their captain.”

“Was he like the other captain?” Ash worried, cuddling closer to his mother’s side.

“Oh, no, no, no, sweetheart,” Cordelia could hardly hold herself together, stifling her laughter, “The Straw Hat captain couldn’t have been further from that.  I remember their captain.  He was the worst of all of them.  In fact…Hold on.”

Cordelia went over to the bulletin board they kept in the tavern.  Wanted posters covered it like wallpaper.  Every so often, a bounty hunter would come in and take one, but she knew there had to be one on there.  The one wanted poster she was looking for.  Nora glanced over her shoulder, “Who are you looking for, Cordelia?”

“Hang on…” Cordelia kept scanning them.  Only to find an all too familiar grin sticking out from under one of them.  And she grabbed that wanted poster.  And she slapped it on a nearby table, “I knew I’d find him up there.  That’s him.  Monkey D. Luffy.  I can still hear him introduce himself in my head.  That’s something you can never shake.  My name is Monkey D. Luffy and I’m going to be king of the pirates!  And you know what, boys?  I think he will one day.”

“What makes you say that, Miss Cordelia?”

“Because,” Cordelia took the wanted poster back and rehung it, “He ate all his vegetables.”

“Really?”

“God no,” Cordelia laughed, “I’ve never met someone more carnivorous in my life.  Luffy wouldn’t hurt a fly.  Unless someone hurt one of his friends.  That’s when things would get messy.  Then again, I’ve heard stories about Luffy through the grapevine.  He’d overthrow entire governments if he’s not kept in check.  And with the rest of his crew, it’d be a disaster.  But he had a good heart.  There’s no doubting that.  That’s what made him one of the good pirates.”

“Who’s the other one?” Ash asked.

“What?” Cordelia looked at him strangely, “What do you mean, the other one?  I told you about the whole crew.”

“No, you didn’t,” he shook his head, “You said there were five.  You talked about Zoro, then Usopp, then Nami, then Luffy.  That’s four, Mama.  What about the other one?”

“Oh,” Cordelia let out a little sigh as memories of her encounter with the Straw Hat Pirates flooded her thoughts, “That other one.  Their cook…Their cook was…special.”

“What was his name?” Ash’s eyes only got bigger.  And in those eyes, Cordelia saw…everything.

“Alright, boys,” Cordelia shook it off, “You’ve heard enough.  I’m sure your mothers are looking for you.  And I’m not going to have it be my responsibility when they find you in a place like this.  Ash has an excuse, but you two don’t.”

“Aww…”

“Bye, Miss Cordelia!” And just like that, the boys took off.

“Mama?” Ash knew there was something not right with her.  All they had in life was each other.  The slightest change in Cordelia’s demeanor wouldn’t go unnoticed, “Why wouldn’t you tell us about the other pirate?”

“Don’t worry about it, Ash,” Cordelia brushed him off, “Go in the back and wash up.  I’ll get dinner going for the three of us.”

“That’s awfully sweet of you, Cordelia,” Nora awed, “Thank you.”

“Sure,” Cordelia needed to get her head back on right.  And she could always find her peace in a kitchen. 

But once Ash was in the back, Nora stopped Cordelia from putting her apron on, “You know you’re going to have to tell him some day.”

And with those few words, Cordelia’s heart sank to the floor, “I know.  But it’s not going to be easy, Nora.”

“I know,” Nora took her hand, “But it’s better than lying to the boy.  One day, he’s going to look at the wanted posters and he’s going to see a familiar face.”

“I don’t want to talk about it now,” Cordelia snapped a bit, “And we’re not going to talk about it now.  We’ll just…Let this go.  Just for now.”

“Alright,” Nora dropped it, “But Cordelia…I remember when those Straw Hat Pirates came to town.  They came through this very tavern.”

“I know,” Cordelia felt the heat rising in her cheeks, “How else would I have met them?  I’m just glad Luffy didn’t eat us out of house and home.  Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’m going to go make dinner and then, I’m going to take my son home and tuck him into bed.”

“Fine by me.”

Dinner was quiet.  Dinner was a little uncomfortable.  Every time Cordelia looked over at Ash, she could feel another crack splintering off in her heart.  And how the inevitability would soon be upon her.  As much as it’d pain her.  But once the plates were cleared and cleaned, Cordelia brought Ash back to their cozy, two bedroom house just off the square. 

The moment his head hit the pillows, Ash was sleeping like a baby.  However, sleep wouldn’t come as easily for his mother.  Cordelia watched out the window, her stomach in knots and her heart in dire straits.  It wasn’t until she closed her eyes and forced herself to sleep that the ache would stop. 

The next morning, Cordelia was awake bright and early.  And Ash still slept.  She refused to leave him home by himself.  That meant him being lonely.  Cordelia had to go to the market for Nora, so she only had one option.  Carefully, she slipped into Ash’s bedroom and she put a hand on his shoulder.

“Ash…” Cordelia nudged him, “Asher Grey…You need to wake up, baby.  We have places to be.”

Those big, beautiful eyes slowly opened, sparkling in the morning sun, “Where do we have to go, Mama?”

“We need to go take care of some errands in town for Ms. Nora,” Cordelia helped him out of bed, “Why don’t we get you clean and dressed, ok?”

“Ok,” Ash fell into his mother’s shoulder, wanting nothing more than to go back to sleep.  But he knew better.  Slowly, but surely, he pulled himself together and grabbed some clothes out of the trunk at the foot of his bed, “Are these ok, Mama?”

“They’re just fine with me,” Cordelia allowed, “I’m going to go run the water.”

“Ok.”

As Cordelia got Ash all cleaned up (and then, herself), he took her hand and the two went to the market.  All the fresh produce sat nicely in their individual stalls, bright and beautiful.  It wasn’t going to be much.  Only a few vegetables and some eggs for the tavern.  Nora had her meat supplier coming later that afternoon, so it wasn’t like Cordelia needed to pick that up.  However, there was something bright orange that caught Cordelia’s attention.  But it couldn’t have been, she thought to herself. 

Until that bright orange turned her direction, the face of a young woman revealing itself.  And the woman’s eyes grew as they met hers, “Cordelia?”

“Mama,” Ash looked up at her in confusion, “Who’s that?”

“No way,” Cordelia gasped, “Nami!”

“It is you!” the woman’s arms ended up around Cordelia’s shoulders, “It’s been so long!”

“It’s been too long!” Cordelia swallowed the tears bubbling up in her throat.  Because she knew what she’d have to do next. 

“Wait,” Ash looked up at his mother, then back at the woman in front of them, “Is she that Nami?”

“She is,” Cordelia nodded.

“Hi there,” Nami cracked a smile, not sure how to act around a four year old.  She got down to his level, “I’m Nami.  What’s your name?”

“Ash,” he played a little shy, hiding around Cordelia’s leg.

“It’s nice to meet you, Ash,” Nami got back up, “So, what’s his story?  Keeping an eye on one of the neighbor kids, Cordelia?”

“Well,” Cordelia bit her lip, “Not quite.  Could we find somewhere to go talk?”

“Sure,” Nami agreed, “But I’m kind of a mission right now.”

And that got Ash’s attention, “Wow!  You mean, you’re on a real pirate mission right now?”

“It’s not that exciting, kid,” Nami giggled, “Just doing some shopping for the cook on my ship.”

“So…” Cordelia’s heart sunk, “You’re saying the whole crew’s here?”

“Mmhm,” Nami nodded, “In fact, when we needed to restock, I brought us here.”

“Wonderful,” Cordelia winced, “Great.”

“Are you sure about that?” Nami wondered, “Because you might want to tell the rest of your face that.”

“Again,” Cordelia reiterated, “It’s been a while since we last saw each other, Nami.  Come on.  Let’s go talk.  I’m sure the produce can wait.”

And so, Cordelia and Ash took Nami to the square.  Somewhere bright and open where Ash could run around with his friends and where Cordelia and Nami could catch up on things.  The square of the village was always bustling with life.  Plenty of kids for Ash to play with, young couples on the cusp of falling in love.  It was a beautiful place.  And it had been a beautiful place since Cordelia first arrived.

“So,” Nami looked over at the sweet, little boy she ran into at the market, “Ash is your son?”

“Yes, he is,” Cordelia confirmed, “I know.  Hard to believe.  But that’s my baby.  I swear, he turned my life around.”

“I’m sure,” Nami gasped, “That’s bound to happen when you have a freakin’ baby!  Why didn’t you tell us?”

“That’s where it gets a little tricky,” Cordelia gnawed on the inside of her cheek, “Because it’s just Ash and me.”

“What about his dad?” Nami wondered, “Or is that a touchy subject?”

“It’s funny,” Cordelia twiddled her thumbs, “Nami, how old would you figure Ash is?”

“I don’t know,” Nami looked him over, “Probably…Four?  Five?”

“He’s almost five,” Cordelia told her, “And how long would you say it’s been since we last saw each other?”

“It’s definitely been a few years,” Nami started doing the math in her head.

“Would you say about six?”

“Actually,” Nami thought back, “Yeah!  Probably about six.  Give or take a few months.”

“And with that in mind,” Cordelia nudged her along, “What happened the last time you guys rolled through here?”

“Well,” Nami giggled, “You were working at that tavern.”

“Still am.”

“And when we walked in,” she went on, “I remember Luffy practically licking the inside of your fridge clean.”

“He came damn close,” Cordelia laughed, “Yeah.  And what else?”

“Zoro passed out on the floor,” Nami added, “And I had to be the one to carry him because Sanji was nowhere to be found.  You know, Cordelia, come to think of it, you weren’t either.”

“Yeah,” Cordelia’s face settled into a soft smile, “Yeah…I wasn’t.  And neither was he.”

“Oh, Cordelia,” Nami awed with sheer disgust on her face, “Tell me you didn’t…Tell me you didn’t run off with Sanji.  Tell me you didn’t fall for his garbage.”

“Hey,” Cordelia defended, “It’s not all garbage.  I fell for his garbage in the way you feel bad for a puppy left in the rain.”

“And you still wake up in the morning with fleas in your bed and pee in your slippers,” Nami argued, “Come on.  You deserve better than that.”

“Well,” Cordelia glanced out at the square at the sweet little boy she loved more than anything in the world, “After you guys left, I met a man.  Tall, good looking, strong…When he found out I was pregnant, he was over the moon.  He couldn’t wait to be a dad.  But then, my first year with Ash went by and…He took off.  Because Ash didn’t look much like me.  And he didn’t look a thing like him.  So, he knew Ash wasn’t his son.  And it’s been Ash and me ever since.”

“I’m so sorry, Cordelia,” Nami took her hand, “What happened then?”

“I know Ash was way too young to remember this,” Cordelia smiled, “But I needed to clear my head and what better way than taking some time out at sea?”

“You took your one year old out on the boat?” Nami gasped, “That’s pretty ballsy.”

“And it was a hell of a time.  He learned to walk on the deck before he learned to walk on land.  And when he finally walked on land for the first time, it was like he never learned to walk at all.”

“He learned on his sea legs,” Nami teased, “But he seems to be doing alright now.”

“We both are,” Cordelia confirmed, “But you guys being here…That could very well be a disaster.  For everyone involved.”

“Why?”

“Hey, Ash!” Cordelia called out to him, “Come here!”

Ash ran right up to his mother’s knee, “Yeah, Mama?”

“Oh, nothing,” Cordelia pushed his hair out of his face, leaving Nami a bit speechless, “Just making sure you’re doing alright.  We might need to be getting home soon, sweetheart.  I have no doubt we’re going to have company tonight.”

“We’re having company?” Ash wondered, “Who’s coming over?”

“Well, Ash,” Cordelia sat him on her lap, shooting a quick glance at Nami, “How would you feel about having a house full of pirates for dinner?”

“Really?!” Ash squealed, “You mean it, Mama?”

“I’m sure Nami could talk her captain into it,” Cordelia hoped, “Right, Nami?”

“Anywhere that promises to feed our captain,” Nami sighed out, “You know he won’t be able to say no.”

“Yay!” Ash bounced down from Cordelia’s knees, “Our house is going to be full of pirates!”

“Cordelia,” Nami kept her voice down, “You do realize what this means, right?  If I tell everyone we’re coming to your house for dinner…”

“Do not tell them you’re coming to my house,” Cordelia demanded, “Please, Nami.  I already know this is going to be a hard pill to swallow, but don’t tell them it’s my house.  And don’t tell anyone about Ash.”

“I won’t,” Nami swore, “Not a peep.  But I will gladly tell the boys to come by your house.”

“Thank you.”

And just before they parted ways, Nami looked back at Ash.  Then, back to his mother, “Hey, Cordelia?”

“Hmm?” Cordelia grabbed her bags.

“Is it me,” Nami wondered, “or does Ash’s eyebrow kind of…Curl up a little?”

“On his left one?” Cordelia flagged him down, “Yeah.  It does.  You’re not wrong.”

“It’s weird,” Nami grabbed her own bags, “Because I know someone else who’s got the same thing.”

“I know you do,” Cordelia bit the inside of her cheek, “It was great seeing you again, Nami.”

“See you later.”

And just like that, Cordelia grabbed Ash while Nami headed back to the ship.  Although, the walk back was interesting.  While Ash rattled on about how excited he was to meet the same pirates his mama knew all those years ago, Cordelia had too much on her mind to even let it process.  He’s going to freak.  He’s going to get one eye on Ash and he’s going to freak.  I don’t think either one of us is going to be able to handle that.  But I’ve taken care of Ash on my own for the last four years.  I don’t see why I couldn’t keep doing that.  What am I thinking?  We’ll be fine.  No expectations.

“Mama?” Ash grabbed the door for her, “Are we really going to have a house full of pirates?”

“That’s right, baby,” Cordelia dropped her fresh produce in the sink, “We’re going to have a house full of pirates.”

“I can’t wait to tell the others,” Ash bounced on his chair at the kitchen table, “They’re going to be so jealous!”

“Yep,” Cordelia sighed out.  I’m sure there were a lot of women here that would’ve been jealous of me if they saw who I was with that night, “Are you going to help me cook or are you going to just sit there?”

“What do you need me to do?”

For the rest of the afternoon, Cordelia and Ash were peeling, sauteing, boiling, and slow roasting.  All within reason, of course.  Cordelia wasn’t going to let the baby near the heat.  He didn’t need to burn himself.  In her heart, Cordelia wanted nothing more than to be petty.  Granted, she always told herself since she was pregnant with Ash.  She didn’t need anyone else.  It’d be herself and Ash.  And that’s the way it would stay.  But she looked at her spices.  And there sat the sealed bottle of oregano.  A part of her wanted to break its seal, but she couldn’t bring herself to do it. 

But then, night fell over Beniville Bay.  And Cordelia could hear the hustle and bustle outside start to dim down.  Until it got to be the ruckus on her front porch.  She could hear assorted chatter floating in through her open kitchen window wondering where they were, whose house Nami was taking everyone to for the evening, what was going on.  Along with the faint smell of cigarette smoke.  And it made her smile.  It had been so long since Cordelia had seen her favorite group of miscreants.  But she knew it may not go well.  And she had braced herself for that.

Knock, knock, knock.

“Ash,” Cordelia caught her baby’s attention while he sat at the kitchen counter, “You ready?  We’re about to be taken on by a bunch of pirates.”

“I’m ready, Mama!” Ash could hardly contain himself.  He hadn’t been able to sit still since he met Nami that morning.  He couldn’t wait to have his house full of pirates.

“Alright,” Cordelia wiped her hands off on one of her tea towels and went to the door, “I want you to behave yourself tonight, Asher.”

“I will,” Ash promised, sticking his pinky out to his mother.

“Thank you,” Cordelia kissed the top of his head, “Because I’m about to have enough babies in the house tonight.”

Well…Here goes nothing.

[thedawnbeauty]

“ I can’t be here..” she whispered nervously as she watched in horror, how the once beautiful city of Tulia was now burned to ashes and in need of repair. It was violent flashback of when she gave Vergil permission to invade and take command of the island. Ella, had rushed off to find her brother to give insight on who attacked them and why.

Matteo slowly pulled her away from, watching as her cool and collective façade slipped off her cheeks and spiraled into a full panic attack. He firmly took a hold of her shoulders and shook her three times “ These people lost their business, and homes. They do not need to someone like you having a panic attack, pull yourself together.” He turned around to ensure no one saw him treat her harshly; that was the last thing he needed. To be accused of mistreating the princess.

“ Find something to do, this isn’t paraiso.” He pushed her down into a direction we’re several merchants were collecting drift wood and salvaging what they could. A beating hammer in the distance caused Aurora to snap out of her trance as she followed the sound; leading her into the fires of a blacksmith.

The embers burned against his cheeks as he looked up and saw the young woman approach “ My lady.. forgive my appearance “ he brushed his hands against his apron. “ Can I help you..”

Aurora looked at his equipment, and the steal he has forged. “ do you just makes swords or can you make other things.” She asked as she began to roll up her sleeves. “ I don’t want to be a bother, but your trade, I’d like to learn and watch.”

A greasy hand moved to the back of neck as he watched her look at his equipment and supplies and then asked to watch “ well, you best probably find something else to wear all of that will be ripped or caught on fire. I would hate to lose time in my work, if something happened to you. You look like you belong someplace else My lady. No offense “ he bowed his head, in apology.

Aurora nodded, a slow curve of a smile as he was honest, but didn’t want to put her off. “ What is your name sir.”

The blacksmith kept his head lowered feeling he had offended her “ It’s Gregory, ma’am, and are you, from the castle.”

She nodded as she found a small set of shears, and cut the long sleeves of her dress, watching as he jumped in horror “ Jesus ma’am that’s fine silk, good folks would pay a pretty penny for this material, you could have just fetched a different outfit. You are a stubborn one aren’t you? give me your name lass.” 

She watched as he pulled from the coat hanger a long cloak made of thick woolen fabric, handing it to her “ It’s Aurora.”

He nodded “ a beautiful sunrise.” He responded moving back towards the fire pit “ if you want to watch stand over there, and don’t get any funny ideas of paying me. You seem like a lass who is interested so I’ll pay you the kindness of showing you. It’s up to you whether or not you want to actually learn. But, a pretty girl like you hanging around a blacksmith will cause talk, you aren’t in trouble or nothing are you?”

Aurora shook her head no “ No I am not in any trouble, my father had a sword once, a very strong sword. My mother said it was lost, I don’t know why, I thought of him when I heard your working, I’m suppose to be doing something but honestly I don’t know where to start. I could comfort people, pass out food. I can smile and look pretty, but this, somehow this to my attention. ”

Gregory nodded; somewhat understanding. “ So, your an important noble. All the important ones smile and look pretty.” He teased her “ best make that father proud, watch carefully now.”

[fuck-customers]

it’s so satisfying to say i am a manager when someone asks for one, and also why the fuck are you yelling about a 4$ burger, ma’am. it has everything you want and nothing you don’t, and no that’s certainly not my hair when you can see my hair is short under my hat, and yours looks exactly like the one you are shoving in my face with your nasty hands. fuck outta here with that. and no you’re not getting a refund or a replacement after throwing it on the ground.

the number i gave you isn’t for corporate, it’s my brother’s phone number (who is a manager at a different fast food place and has given me prior permission to do this bc it’s funny to listen to them scream over ridiculous nonsense) corporate doesn’t care either, and there’s a reason my name tag has a pseudonym on it.

[sunaswife]

Summary: It’s been five years since you’ve seen your ex, Rin. He’s still not over you and you’re not over him. When he finds out you have children he thought he didn’t have a chance. Then he finds out they’re his? All of a sudden you’re teaching Suna how to be a single dad.

A/N: I think this is shitty but not shitty at the same time but my anxiety is shit so I decided to just post it and get it over with lmao did that rhyme?

Warnings: Fluff, angst I guess, drama, and cuteness twin overload

Previously Up Next Masterlist

The setter saw Y/N walk away holding hands with her son while she lifted her girl in her other arm. The clicking of heels echoed off the wall and Atsumu almost snorted, he remember that you claimed you couldn’t walk in them but I guess you can now. Jamie was walking next to her as well. What are the odds?

“Hey Tobio, you’re cousins with her right? She told me she was a manager for a volleyball team in highschool but I never saw her during any summer camps we had together.” Kuroo spoke up. “Ohh she lived in Hyogo at the time! She was manager for Atsumu’s team.” Hinata spoke up. “Ah Inarizaki? No wonder I didn’t see her. I would have made a move if I did.” He muttered. “She would have said no.” Atsumu and Hinata said at the same time. They looked at eachother and Kuroo raised a brow. “Why would she say no?” He asked curiously.

“She was pregnant!”

“She broke up with our middle blocker.”

“Boke Hinata! Don’t just tell your Senpai’s business like that!” Tobio smacked him in the back of his head but Atsumu stood there stunned. Okay he saw the kids but he didn’t know how old they were exactly. But he didn’t think she was pregnant during nationals.

“But in all honesty Kuroo-San, she didn’t know she was pregnant but supposedly she broke up with her ex boyfriend a little bit before nationals.” Hinata tried explaining more to fix the situation and Tobio was pretty pissed. He’s so used to Y/N getting shunned or tsked by family members and random people because she got pregnant before her last year of highschool. He’s not sure if Kuroo would do the same thing.

“Wait—so that means Suna is the dad?” Atsumu gasped, finally putting the pieces together and Tobio gave him a glare. “So what if he is? Piece of shit didn’t even answer the phone when she called a week before she was due. She had to do everything alone. She moved alone, worked long hours to provide for those kids and clawed her way through the seasons in order to get where she’s at. And I’m damn proud of her. Now if you excuse me. I believe we need to warm up.” Tobio said and bumped shoulders with the opposing setter before walking away with Ushijima and Hoshiumi following behind.

“Wait so Suna is that one guy that was number ten and had the funny looking bangs right?” Hinata asked and Atsumu nodded and Hinata’s eyes widened. “Kuroo-San, a lot of people judged and treated Y/N-senpai bad because she made a mistake. Do you think of her any different?” Hinata told him and Kuroo shrugged, “I’m interested in her because I think she���s pretty cool and hot, so what if she has kids? They seem cool too.” Kuroo said and walked passed the black jackals to the gym. He definitely wanted that milf action.

Atsumu immediately flipped out his phone and started typing in the old groupchat that hasn’t been opened in years.

He put his phone away and joined his teammates for warmups. There you were sitting with your co-commentator. And he was explaining something while you nodded and pointed to one side of the court to the other. He noticed your stares as they warmed up and made your way down to see your kids one last time before the game. They were talking to another small boy who had the number 5 jersey of Tobio’s team.

“H-hello!” You told Tobio’s teammate in English, he was Nicollas Romero and so freaking gorgeous. Would he mind having another two kids? Haha jk...unless...? You never really found older men attractive but damn. He’s hot. He was squatting down, eye level with your son as they talked. He looked up and he gave a bright smile “Oh hello, you must be their lovely mother? And you must be Tobio’s cousin. ” He said in English with his thick accent. “Y-yes, sorry if they’re causing you trouble. My son has a habit of doing that.” You said and he stood up. You almost fainted, he’s so freaking big and he was towering over you.

“Oh no, I just wanted to meet my son’s new friends. They’re sweet kids. You raised them right.” He smiled softly and you smiled back. You both looked down at seeing the three kids tossing a volleyball to eachother and you sighed. “Excuse me ma’am, can we take a picture of you, Romero and your children. It’ll look so cute!” A photographer said excitedly. “W-We’re not together.” You stuttered and tried to fan your flushed face. “What is he saying?”Romero asked. Oh yeah the photographer probably only knows Japanese.

“He wants a photo of me and you with the kids. I think he thinks we’re a couple. But I told him we’re not.” You told him in English. “We’re not a couple but surely we can take a picture together? My son would be happy to look back at this when he’s older. And I’m sure your children as well.” He said and you nodded. “Rini, Akira. Come here. We’re gonna take a photo.” You told your kids as Romero called his son over. The photographer told you to pose so the three kids stood in front with Rubens in the center, Rini on his left and Akira on his right. You stood behind Akira with Romero’s arm around your waist. (He asked for permission after the photographer kept insisting) and you leaned your head against his shoulder and you all smiled. The next pose the photographer asked for was you and Romero squatting next to your kids as you all hugged and they rocked their Alders jersey. Is this a regular photo or a family photo?

Earlier Rini cried that he wanted to wear his #12 MSBY jersey and Akira wanted to wear her #13 one. Akira is usually the calm and collected twin but her eyes watered as she cried that Miya would never notice her and now they will never get married and you put a stop to that quick. You told her he was too old and by the time she was old enough to marry him he’d be all ugly and wrinkled and she shivered in disgust.

You were obviously exaggerating but you don’t want your daughter falling for boys like him.

When you pulled away to give your babies another kiss, Rubens asked for a kiss too so you chuckled and kissed his cheek as well he had a red lipstick stain and he was blushing like crazy. They all ran back to their seats to eagerly wait for the game to start. You had a feeling someone was watching you but you brushed it off. It’s not the first time you get looks of disgust when people find out your a mom at so young. You carefully hugged Romero out of respect and you tried to not get makeup on his jersey but he played it off cool and gave you a head pat before returning to his locker room. Jamie was right there in her seat smirking and making a thrusting motion to “get some.” You rolled your eyes and gave a thumbs up to Hinata and one to Tobio. You made your way to the commentators stand where they started to wire you up.

Now on Jamie’s list for you, you had bachelor number one, Kuroo, and bachelor number two, Romero. But little did she know ex boyfriend and bachelor number three saw the whole thing and his heart was broken to pieces.

🏷: @therealwalmartjesus @differentballooncollection @aaesuki @atsunflower @dope-squish @prettysetterboiss @june-phantom @tomo-uwu @austriasmariazelle @xrnia @katsulia @aprettyfruit @shut-your-eyes-kiss-me-goodbye @tvbiio @sun-daddy-yoriichi @kamenoyaki @ppangiiroo @loeyprivvv @kmskj92 @lovinnoya @sarahvvictoria @tris-does-stuff @mokkeguts @sunaluvr6969 @bara-rose-would @sempiternal-amour @volleybloop @leykyuu @bokutoichigo @stfucanunot @tpwkatsumu @ohshirabu @shoutosimp @mqrinqcele @bokutosdivineass @anngelllla @toworuu @hidden-otaku-stuff @seijohiselite @caxsthetic @aquariarose @hhwanggu @bakuhoetoedoroki @yoozuku @osamus-onigiri @akaashi-todorki @donica95 @kakaokenma @airheadpillar @sredamancy

[jo-the-schmo]

Red, Dead, Reflections Ch. 1

A/N: Alright so... I started writing this fic over a year ago, and was posting it as I wrote it. I fell out of it for a few reasons but I’ve missed it. So I decided to start writing it again. The original versions of the first 5 chapters already exist on my blog but I want to repost them and do some editing. This way I can make the series more polished. I also want to try and do a once a week maybe schedule to give me some time in between writing chapters and so I can take some feedback into consideration.I hope some of the people who originally wanted to keep up with my series see this and I want to apologize for falling back on this. I feel really bad about it. I’ll try harder to commit to this. Thank you so much for being interested in my work. If anyone would like to be tagged just let me know, I don’t wanna assume the people who did before want to now. 

Summary: At the age of 23, you and your pseudo-family perform a heist gone wrong, leading you into a dangerous and seemingly impossible position. Discover your own history, the story of those around you, and gain new relationships along the way in this (sorta) choose your own adventure.

Warnings: Explicit language, blood, death, violence

Word count: 5,988

From Out West

“This is a little too ballsy for my liking, Austin.” You warned as you carefully adjusted the colored contact lenses in your eyes.

“Since when did you turn into a little pussy-willow?” He smirked at you while he turned a corner. 

“This is a bank, not a home robbery, so forgive me if I’m a tad nervous about this! We’re robbing a god damn bank in the 21st century, in a busy city that we aren’t necessarily familiar with!”

“Maybe you aren’t familiar, you know I’m a regular ol’LA boy.” You turned your head to look at the two in the backseat.

“Miguel, you can’t seriously be okay with this.” You questioned but were confident in it enough to make it a statement. He shrugged his shoulders, making that confidence literally evaporate. 

“We gotta trust Austin, as crazy as this plan is. We haven’t gotten caught yet.” You crossed you arms and made sure your wig was pinned right.

“Doesn’t mean we won’t be startin’ now.” You grumbled. 

“Come on, sissy! This plan is fool-proof! They’ll never even know it was us!” Eli chirped. 

“Oh yeah, except for the fact that this is a fucking bank and the FBI CAN get on our asses for this!” You swore it was exhausting being the only realistic one sometimes. “On top of that, there’s only 5 of us! We’re insane!” 

“6.” Austin corrected. 

“Yeah, yeah, whatever. Your girlfriend won’t be in the damn room with us.” 

“She’s the ace up our sleeves, it would be silly for her to be in there with us.” The car smelled like old cigarettes, it made you sick. The band around your chest dug into your ribs. You opted to stay silent and relent for the time being, instead focusing on your disguise. The wig was carefully pinned to your real hair, it was short enough to be confused for a men’s haircut but had enough length to not require any glue. Dark brown hair, abnormally vibrant green eyes. And with the mask covering your face, that would be their only descriptions they could give to the police. Flat chest, boyish haircut, baggy black hoodie, just your average deviant. The destination was in view. 

“Alright,” Austin started. “everyone knows the plan, yeah? Gina is inside, she’ll send us the signal. We go in quick and make our presence known. I go behind the counter to make sure the tellers ain’t up to no funny shit. Miguel, you round up the lovely citizens into a corner, hit Gina a little to make it convincing. Eli, you take care of the money. And Y/N, I need you to stay in character, be loud and intimidating, keep the tellers in check when I’m helpin’ Eli, and the civils with Miguel, got it?” You all nodded. He looked back at Miguel. “You got the fake bomb ready?”

“Yes’ir.” 

“I’ll pass the big boss to you once I pick him out. Zoe is waiting for us in the alleyway between the bank and the office building. We get in, make some noise, scare them shitless, get the money, and go.” He parked up front of the white walls, you saw a mother walk through the glass doors with her toddler in a stroller. You immediately felt bad. 

“You promise this is the last job, right?” You looked at him seriously. “At least the last of something this big, I don’t think I could handle with again.”

“Of course! This is just to get us enough money to get us all out. The economy is garbage, think of it as taking what should already be ours.” You heard the crackle of the walkie on Austin’s lap. He threw it into his bag. “That’s the signal, masks on everyone.” Austin’s was a fox, long, fake salt and pepper hair rolled form under his hood. Eli’s was a raccoon, convincing copper bangs swooped between the ears. Miguel had an owl; disturbing blue eyes pierced your being. You strapped on your black dove and joined with group as they exited the stolen vehicle. You kept both your hands in the front pocket of your hoodie, trying to be discrete about the two handguns inside. Only one was loaded with real bullets, that was the backup, You preferred to use the blanks. Unable to trace, and when used properly, won’t hurt anyone. Austin and Eli took the leads. 

The doors were kicked in. 

“EVERYONE GET ON THE FUCKING GROUND RIGHT NOW! HANDS UP, ALL YOU! THIS IS A ROBBERY!” He screamed, pointing his gun at a man behind the counter about 3 yards away. Miguel was quick to shout at the people in line to get into the corner of the room. Gina pretended to try and defy, he slaps her, needless to say it’s convincing. 

“Dove, handle the worms.” You traded spots as Austin grabbed one of the men behind the counter. Your eyes locked with the poor woman, she was covering the stroller with her torso. You pointed your blank gun at some random person. 

“Stay on the ground or I’ll fucking shoot, ya hear me?” You lowered your voice, made it coarser, time to be a ‘man’. They nodded hysterically. The woman was crying. You could hear Eli screaming his demands in a fake accent. “Everyone hand over your phones. If any of you give me a reason to even SUSPECT you’re up to anything, I will shoot.” Everyone put their phones on the ground and slid them over toward you. You turned your attention to the back. “What’s the hold up, owl?” 

“I’m handling it.” He strapped the fake bomb to the teller’s chest, making him kneel down in the middle of the bank. “Listen up, everyone! This man has a bomb attached to his body. We have someone hacked into the security cameras. If you don’t follow our instructions to the T, they will blow a hole in this lot.” He paused to let the cries and gasps die out. “Now, for those said instructions, listen close. We will exit the building soon, you will stay down for 5 minutes.” He pointed at a clock on the wall. “Do not touch anything or move a muscle. When 5 minutes have passed, the big guy here-“ He patted the man’s shoulders and dropped a key wrapped in tissue in his lap. “will take a little drive off the premises. He will keep going until he reaches the designated location written on that tissue. If any of you contact the police before the end of the day, he will die, along with any other drivers in his vicinity. So, unless you want a substantial amount of blood on your hands, I’d suggest you keep quiet until midnight. As for the rest of you, you have permission to leave the building once that 5 minutes are up. But I would suggest keeping a low profile, for your safety and others’.” There was a loud crack. 

“I got it!” The phony Australian accent rang. Austin led the rest of the bank tellers to you, making them sit in the flood of civils. 

“Staying alert, Dove?”

“Don’t patronize me, stupid Fox.” This whole situation pissed you off. The baby was crying, mom was too, trying to hush the whines. 

“Fire a shot, Dove!” What? “Don’t let their insubordination stand.” He demanded. This was a fear tactic. He was trying to teach a lesson to the others. 

“I’m not firing a warning shot over a fucking baby, you psycho!” Your blood was boiling, this was overkill, he was way out of line with this. Of course, he wasn’t telling you to shoot the baby or the mother, but you weren’t going to cause more grief where it didn’t need to be. 

“Take the shot!”

“Fuck you!” 

“Why are you going against me?” Was he seriously doing this now? You felt like your head was going to explode. She was the only person with a child present. You put both of your pieces back in your hoodie and knelt next to her. She flinched as you approached, but that was to be expected. 

“Ma’am, I’m making an exception for you because you have a child with you, and that prick is really getting on my last nerve. You’re allowed to exit the building now, but the other rules still apply. People will die if you talk, maybe not you, but other people who have children like you do, most certainly. Take your kid and get out, don’t do anything out of the ordinary, and get out.” Her red eyes shook you to your core, familiarity. She nodded in both fear and appreciation. 

“Than-than-thank y-“ She was choking on her own misfortune, you decided to spare her. 

“Yeah, yeah, just get out.” She got up and collected herself, checking around the room as she walked out of the building. You could only see his eyes, but you could tell Austin was reaching his limit fast. An older gentleman stared at you. 

“At least one of you has a heart.” You were glad Austin was too focused on being pissed to hear that. You got up, kicking the phones toward the door as you walked. Austin grabbed you arm. 

“You’re lucky I didn’t kill her for that.” By letting that woman go, you showed weakness. It was a hint at your identities, but you didn’t care. 

“And you’re lucky I’m not shooting you for saying that. I’m not a killer like you, Fox.” Your voice was laced with venom. Eli had interrupted your dispute. 

“Alright lovebirds, time to play nice, we’ve got precious cargo.” He gave both of you a duffle bag, they were pretty hefty. Austin took a deep breath, putting on his best showman voice. 

“Alright folks! That right there is our cue to hit the road. Remember, 5 minutes on the clock. No one likes a-“ The doors were filled with red and blue, sirens. The police were here. “Shit!” Shit was right. “How the hell are they here?” Austin screamed. He gave you a shove. “It’s probably because of that god damn woman!” 

“There’s no way she would’ve had enough time for that.”

“And no one had a phone out, I was watching the whole time.” Miguel chimed. 

“We have bigger fish to fry right now! We gotta go.” You all dashed over to the back door, all you had to do was move towards the alley, if you could just get to the dump van, everything would be fine. Drive up to get the real car, leave that one with no prints or hair, and you’d be home free. The 4 of you booked it out the door. But the van was no where to be seen, instead, there were about 3 cops on either side which was 6 in total, trapping you in. 

“They must’ve got Zoe!” Yeah, no shit. 

“Put your hands up!” You all raised your arms, except of course for Austin. You kicked his calf. He didn’t budge. “I said put your god damn hands up!”

“In case you didn’t notice, pal, there’s a bomb in that building. If you don’t let us pass, I’ll blow that building out of existence, along with the man attached to it.” He pointed his gun to one of the cops to your left. “So, I suggest you let us through, or else you’re gonna piss me off more than I already am.” 

“We know the bomb is fake, drop to your knees or we will shoot!” Another one barked. Someone had ratted you out. You looked at Miguel and Eli, you weren’t letting this go down, not by a long shot. You tuned out Austin’s ramblings and whispered to the other two. 

“Be ready to run. I’m gonna buy you guys some time. Don’t kill any of them, disarm them.”

“What the hell are you talking about, Y/N?” Miguel questioned with panic. You took a deep breath. 

“Thank you for being my family.” You swept your leg behind Austin’s knees, and he collapsed to the ground as you stood. 

The world slowed to a crawl, pulling a gun out of your pocket, these were real bullets. You’ve never missed a target. You drew the attention of all 6 police officers, but no amount of training could prepare them. You fired 3 shots, each one hitting the hands of the officers Austin had been talking to. Their weapons fell from their hands. You felt bodies push past your legs, down the alley way away from the bank. You were glad the streets of LA were confusing. Now was the time. You whipped your body around to face the rest of the officers, firing rapidly at their shins. You weren’t gonna put blood on your hands. 

But deep down you knew, there was no making out of this one. You would buy them a few minutes while trying to subdue you. Just as your haphazard shots began, they fired precise ones of their own. Two passed through your skull, three in your chest, and one got a through almost half of your jugular. Both pieces fell away from you as gravity swaddled you. Bits of your wooden mask, blood, head pushing back unnaturally, seeing the backs of your made family run, they were almost home free. There was no pain after that point, you waited patiently for your back to hit the ground beneath you, but it never did. You kept falling. 

And falling. 

The midday light felt like it was slipping away, there were leather walls encompassing your lifeless form. No sound, no sense of texture, just the smell of dirt and decay. Then there was nothing but darkness, but that void that beckoned you, that pulled at your very being, was gone just as quick as it appeared. 

Your body shot forward with a violent intake for air. The gasps filled your lungs to the brim, your chest and head ached, throat tight. The coughing erupted from deep in your chest, which also held a different pain from the ever-tightening band around it. You threw you hoodie away and made quick work of loosening it just a bit, and in doing so noticed that your body was free of any physical wounds. There was still a soreness, and blood wiped off your skin, but there were no open wounds. You were incredibly cold, and at first you assumed that to be attributed to your near-death experience, until you looked up high to see to see an open window with snow falling outside. 

“I don’t think we’re in California anymore.” You muttered to yourself. You shivered, the place was covered in hay and in low light, that’s when the smell hit you. It reeked of animals, that would probably have something to do with the fact that you’re in a barn. Shakily, you got to your feet. Knees wobbling, your eyes adjusted, there were horses. That certainly explained the stench. A chill ran up your spine, the cold tickling at your vertebrae. You scanned the room for where you had tossed your hoodie, only to find it in a horse’s mouth. Your eyes widened in fear. “No, no, no, no, no, no!” You exclaimed. You rushed forward and grasped at the hanging sleeve, tugging on it with all your strength. “Drop it! Drop it right now!” 

The horse did not listen, in fact, now it seemed more hellbent on consuming the thick material. After hurtling a few curses at the horse, you heard a distinct rip. You fell back, the remnants of black cloth now in tatters. You let out a muffled scream of frustration. Even with the long sleeves of your cotton shirt, you were still freezing. It suddenly struck you how odd it is for it to be snowing at all. You figured you weren’t in California anymore, but you were somewhere that snows in the middle of May? How far were you? You couldn’t think of any states that snowed this late in the year. Were you in Maine? Up north, Canada? How did you even get here? 

“Did those idiots come back to get me? I could’ve sworn…” You could’ve sworn they ran like you told them to, and that you had experienced several fatal injuries. Is this hell? Purgatory? The other side? It was cold enough to be Hell that’s for sure. Nothing made sense. You found your mask on the ground, chunks of the painted wood were replaced with vacant space, splintered bullet holes. You fastened it to the first belt loop, it rested against your left pant leg. Pins dug into your scalp, wigs still surprisingly attached to your head. Your eyes watered, your contacts were drying out. You opted take them out now rather than waste your time trying to find drops in a barn. You flicked them away once they were out. “Now, if there’s a barn with animals, there’s gotta be a house with people.” You walked over to the large wooden doors as your talked to yourself, but today just had to be the worst day of your life. Something landed on top of you, or more accurately someone. 

You were surprised you didn’t feel any cracks as the weight crashed on you. Shifting your weight over, you elbowed the man in the jaw. He rolled off of you with a grunt of pain. You were quick to jab him in the stomach with the toe of your boot. Sputtering a cough with saliva dripping out the mouth, the man rushed to stand. He was trying to fight. 

“You’re on the wrong side of the mountains, partn’r.” He slurred. “This here is O’Driscoll territory, Which you don’t got no business bein’ in.” I’m in the mountains? Where the hell- He didn’t give you enough time to finish that thought before he was throwing a punch at you. If this basic boy thinks he can step in my personal space, he’s got another thing coming. You blocked the fist with your forearm and redirected the force toward the ground. With the base of your wrist, you hit his throat. The force of your own strength and the ever so impeccable sense of gravity caused him to wheeze, choke, and writhe on the ground. 

“Listen here, buddy,” you pressed your boot down on his chest “I have no idea where the hell I am right now. I don’t give a single shit about territory or whatever the fuck you’re going on about, but if you put your hands on me again, I’m gonna mangle your entire lower half with a rake.” You applied more weight. “I didn’t come here of my own volition, someone put me here. Which means, you’re little punk ass better tell me what’s going on or get out of my way so I can-“ Gunshots. Mystery man took your distraction as an opportunity to wriggle out form under you. They were ceaseless, did someone drop you off in the middle of a gang war, what the hell is going on? You were about to duck behind whatever cover was around you if the idiot of the room had decided he didn’t learn his lesson. 

“Are you with those crazies?” He yelled, peeking out the barn doors for only a second. “I should’ve known.” His voice was cold and malicious. “You’re with that son of a bitch, Dutch!”

“Who?”

“Don’t play dumb with me, pretty boy, they must’ve sent you up to spy on us! I’m gonna kill you for-“

“I literally have no idea what’s going on!” But he wasn’t listening to reason, clocked you in the ribs before you got the chance to block, then using your surprise to his advantage, hit you on the nose. There was a familiar crack and blood rush. “Did you just fucking break my nose, you ass?” You screeched toward the ground, wiping away the blood. 

You took him off guard by doing that, so you were quick to knock him in the jaw. The shooting stopped but you were a little preoccupied and decided not to waste anymore time. His arm bent to caress the side of his face. You rushed forward, lacing your arm between the gap his made. Using all your weight, you swung your legs out and forced him to drop to the ground. His back slammed forcefully and with a swift adjustment, your shins trapped his neck, locking him in place. You squeezed his neck enough to make him gasp. He tried to push away from you, but with the position you left him in, there’s no way he’d be able to without some sort of outside assistance. 

“Who are you calling pretty boy now? Huh? Who, bitch boy?” You heard the door start to open, you let lose and pulled the man up to shield you, locking his head so that you peek between a gap in your arm and his head. A man wearing a blue coat and hat walked in, his hands resting on his belt. 

“Well, well, what have we got ourselves here?” You couldn’t quite place his accent. You noticed he had a holster. 

“Don’t fuck with me, dude. I’ve got your friend trapped between me and you. No need to make this get crazy.” You warned, tightening your grip to enunciate your point. What sounded almost like a chuckle escaped his throat. 

“You must not be an O’Driscoll if you think he’s my friend.” You panicked, you tried to think of your next move, but he had plans of his own. “What’s your name, son?” Your suspicions were correct, it seems. This isn’t the first time someone’s confused you for a man, especially when you were trying so hard to not look like yourself. But maybe, you could use this to your advantage. 

“James West.” That was Austin’s code name for danger. If someone introduced you or called any of you James, it meant they weren’t trust worthy. You and Gina would usually use Jamie, but now James felt like the safer option. 

“Now how in the hell did you get involved in this, West?” He rested his hip against one of the stable posts.  

“I have no idea.” You threw the man away from you, there was no point holding him anymore. “I woke up here, and this guy just started attacking me.” You thought for a moment. “Are you Dutch?” You asked. This time, it was a single, hearty-

“HA!” He had a spark in his eye. “Me? Dutch? I ain’t that old yet, kid.” You rolled your eyes and pulled yourself up. 

“Well, my nose is broken because this little shit thought I was with you, so I have some choice words for this ‘Dutch’.” You huffed. “And don’t call me ‘kid’.” You brushed your fingers across the bridge of your nose, preparing yourself for what you were about to do. One deep breath in, out, pop. You pushed your nose back into place and winced. A wad of blood shot out. “Jesus shit!” You coughed, you never get used to having to do that. The blue coat cowboy looking mother-fucker looked semi-impressed. 

“Well, I’m not Dutch, but you could sure meet him if it pleases.” Something caught his attention. “Speak of the devil…” The door opened again. A man walked in with very distinct black hair. He was also a cowboy looking mother-fucker. Oh god, am I in yeeyee country? His eyes immediately locked on you. 

“Did you cause this mess, Arthur? Or have we just met a new friend?” The man who you presumed to be Dutch, had a deeper voice than the man apparently called Arthur, but their accents were similar. That was not promising for you. 

“That depends, his name is West, James West. I walked in a right fine mess between him and that there O’Driscoll.” Arthur pointed to the man still struggling to steady himself. Dutch choked a deep laugh, he seemed more amused than Arthur was. 

“Right fine is right, Arthur. You did this?” He asked. You nodded reluctantly. “You’re a good fighter, boy. Real good, it seems.” He strode over to the guy on the floor and picked him up by the collar, tossing him over to Arthur. “Morgan, you deal with this trash while I talk to our new pal.” Dutch walked over to you, confidence in his step, while Arthur threw the man back on the ground. He wrapped an arm around your shoulder and shook you around a bit. “James West, huh?”

“Yeah, what’s it to ya?” 

“Oh, this boy’s got spunk, Morgan!” You looked over and saw Arthur yanking the man around by the shirt. Dutch forced your attention back to him. “Now West, you’ve gotta understand our position here. We can tell clear as day you ain’t involved in a lick of this mess. But we don’t have a single clue as to what your business is up here. Now, you seem like a considerate young man, but I got worried folks on this mountain, and I can’t have no scamps running around and hellraising” He squeezed your shoulder. “So, don’t take any offense to what I’m about to ask, but what are you doing up here?” He looked you dead in the eyes. In your opinion, the question was fair. You couldn’t fully let your guard down, but they appeared to not be whoever put you here. Then again, these O’Driscoll’s didn’t seem to be either. 

“I can’t give you an answer to that one, Mr. …?” 

“Van Der Linde.” That’s one hell of a name. 

“Mr. Van Der Linde. Frankly, I have no damn clue why I’m here. One minute, I’m getting shot down in the middle of the day, and then I wake up trapped in some barn in the middle of bumfuck nowhere, in what looks like the ass end of winter. So, I’m a little confused right now to say the least.” You were clearly frustrated with your situation, he wasn’t oblivious to it. 

“Where are you from, son?”

“California.” That was a safe enough answer. 

“James West from out West. That’s certainly an opener.” He scratched his chin. “I’m gonna put you to a test young man.” He turned you around and lead you over to where Arthur had just gotten off the now bloody man. He was whimpering, begging under his breath for mercy. 

“I don’t think he’s got much to say, Dutch. They apparently happened upon this place and took it over. That’s all I’m getting’” 

“I’m going to give our new young friend a choice.” He pulled a revolver out of his holster and held the handle out to you. “In normal circumstances, I’d let Arthur handle this situation himself. But I’ve got an itching curiosity with you, kid.” You felt obligated to hold it in your hand. Looking down at the man, pity flared in your chest. “Should we kill him, or let him go? I’m letting you make the call.” What kind of question was this? Who were these guys? The choice wasn’t very difficult, you’d be a hypocrite if you did otherwise, and you weren’t compromising your promise on the off chance these guys might not like your opinion. 

You handed the gun back to Dutch. 

“Just because he’s an asshole, doesn’t mean he deserves to die. Let him go.” Dutch was intrigued by your answer. He looked over to Arthur with a smirk.

“I think I like kid!” 

“Please don’t call me ‘kid.” You requested. Arthur pulled the man to his feet and threw him outside.

“Get outta here before he regrets it.” The man darted into the snow, leaving a trail behind him. 

“Grab the horse, Arthur. We gotta get something out of this.”  You were lead outside to find a horrific scene, bodies were strewn about the snowy landscape. Whoever these guys were, they were not to be trifled with. You should play this safe. 

There was a house not too far away, the snow was dense. It was more than freezing. You sent a glare to the horse Arthur led past you. You’ll pay for this, you dumb fucking horse. With your adrenaline dying down, your whole being felt frozen. 

“Normally, I wouldn’t be one for disrupting dead for anything other than money, but you’ll die out here without something warm, Mr. West.” Dutch gestured to one of the several bodies riddled through the snow. You swallowed the lump in your throat, trying your best not to think about how you were robbing from dead people. It wouldn’t be the first time, but you still didn’t feel good about it. You separated from him and carefully stepped around the bodies littered in the snow. You found a man with his face in the snow, you pretty much picked him so you wouldn’t have to see his face as you stripped him of his coat. It didn’t look particularly warm initially, but anything would be better than this. The arms bent limply back as you peeled the sleeves away. Luckily upon further inspection, you were happy to learn there was a sort of wool lining inside, that would at least help insulate your own body heat. A sudden commotion broke out from inside the rustic home. A man yelling for Dutch and a woman screaming. Your instincts made you spring into action, you lept through large portions of the snow to make it to the steps faster and before you knew it you were bursting through the door. A blonde man wearing another cowboy-looking hat was chasing a woman around a table. 

“What the hell are you doing, Micah?” Arthur questioned as him and Dutch followed you in. 

“We got a feisty one over here, boys!” He hollered. Oh, you were not comfortable with this type of language.

“Stop chasing the poor woman, ya moron!” He warned with more intensity. You weren’t gonna see this go down, that’s for sure. You ran up behind the man called Micah, grabbed his collar, and used his weight to pull his back towards you, and then to the ground. His body slammed, he let out a surprised yelp, followed by a pained groan.

“Fucking sicko! Stop chasing her around, she’s scared!” 

“Get out of my house!” The woman bellowed. Admittedly, you had no idea what was going on, but you knew you could at least try and defuse the situation. You put your hands up to appear less threatening. 

“Miss, I don’t know who you are or what in God’s name is going on, but I promise I am not here to hurt you.” You spoke to her in a calm voice. Whatever was going on, it clearly had her frazzled. “I don’t have any weapons, and I don’t make it habit of hurting people who don’t need hurting. You clearly have been hurting for no reason. Can you explain to me what’s happened so that I can help you with this situation?” You took a cautious step around the table to make sure she wouldn’t dart away from you, you kept steady eye contact. 

“They…they killed my husband a few days ago! They took over my home and locked me in the basement!” She wept. Maybe these O’Driscolls were the ones to stow you in the barn, they sure seemed like the type with this new information. 

“I’m so sorry for your loss, ma’am. I can assure you that those men won’t be bothering you anytime soon. Can you-“ You heard glass shatter, looking over, you found Micah scattering to his feet, fire was spreading from the floor to the wall at an incredible rate. It was already crawling up the right-side wall before you had a chance to react. There was no way you could put that out by yourself, and the others weren’t exactly jumping at the chance to help you. You settled on running to grab some blankets from the bed across the room. The boys were leading the woman out of the house and she reluctantly followed. Micah sent you a glare as you passed him out of the house. “Oh, don’t you look at me like that, you weren’t any help!” You knew you should keep your mouth shut, but you knew you were right on this one. The group was walking toward some horses, you followed behind. 

“Micah, lead the horse back to camp.” You handed the blankets to the woman. 

“Thank you.” She seemed genuine but was also hurt by your sentiments.

“It’s no problem, ma’am.”

“Adler, Sadie Adler is my name.” She wrapped herself in the blankets.

“Well, it’s no problem, Mrs. Adler. It’s the bare minimum to what I could’ve done.” You hoped whatever camp Dutch mentioned was close by. This cold was blistering. 

“Mrs. Adler, you may ride with me, we’ll get you back to people who can help.” Dutch hopped up onto a white horse, lending a hand for Sadie to pull herself up. “Arthur, please take our new friend with you. I don’t think he’s in any shape to be riding.” Arthur nodded, heaving himself with ease onto a spotted mare? You couldn’t tell if it was a girl, but you just got that vibe. He did not give you a hand. Oh yeah, I’m a dude. A manly man. You gripped the back of the saddle and used all the arm strength you had to get onto the bare back on the horse. You hoped this ride wasn’t going to be too bumpy because you were not about to get punched because you had to grab onto this man and couldn’t tell if someone was a homophobe or not. You sure hoped these people weren’t, but you weren’t exactly in the position to be picky. 

“Pearson’s not gonna happy about this.” Arthur mentioned as the horses pushed forward.

“Mr. Pearson isn’t happy about anything except his drink. He’ll be alright.” Now seemed like a good a time as any to start asking questions. They couldn’t go anywhere away from you at the moment. 

“Not to interrupt or anything, but could someone tell me where I am, or what day it is. Could someone please tell me what the deal is?”

“We’re north of New Hanover if the maps are correct. We’re planning to head down there as soon as this winter passes. God knows how long that’s gonna take.” Dutch complained. You had never heard of New Hanover, but apparently it was winter. Maybe you really did get shot, put into a hospital maybe? Then these guys… You panicked for a second. O’Driscoll wasn’t another name for them was it? It didn’t make much sense but no one else would put this much effort into stealing you away. “As for the day, I couldn’t tell ya exactly. It’s winter in the year of our Lord 1899.” He laughed. What?

“What?”

“Ah, just bit of a joke, son. We live in dark times. We’re hurtling straight into a new century.” Wait was he joking or not joking?

“It’s 1899?” You tried to keep your voice neutral, but he seemed to pick up on your worry.

“Yes, it is, son.” He paused. “Are you alright?” You were anything but alright. These people are crazy, I’m trapped on a mountain with some insane cultists who think they’re in the 19th century, I’m fucked. “Arthur, we need to hurry, the boy’s looking pale.” 

Your head felt fuzzy, colors were blurring together. I am not stuck on a god damn mountain in 1899, I’m not, that’s physically impossible. This is all a dream, or some weird set up. You felt like you were 19 again, disconnected, afraid, losing it. You weren’t gonna go back there again, you wouldn’t! You didn’t know you had stopped breathing. You didn’t feel Arthur’s arm catching you so you wouldn’t get trampled. Everything was black. 

[vermillionflames]

hi... idk what this is hehe :)

nozel x oc

word count: 2k+

warnings: language, mention of blood and self-stabbing (non violent)

PROLOGUE

“There, there, Your Highness,” the guard said as he wiped away the princesses tears, “It must’ve been so scary down there. I’m sorry you had to go all alone this time. If I had permission or the strength to go with you I would. But you’re alright now. I’ll be standing guard outside your door all night if you need me.” 

The guard had a smile so small you would only see it if you knew to look for it. The princess didn’t need to see the smile to know he meant what he said. Out of all the soldiers in the Kingdom hers were the most loyal. 

“Please don’t tell my father I was crying… or the King!”

“I would never, it will be our little secret, alright, Princess Seraphina,” he stuck out it pink to show he meant his promise.

“Thank you,” the young girl crawled back under her blankets as her guard headed towards the door, “Goodnight, Dante.”

REAL TIME I GUESS

You know when you tell your husband for days to not do something because there will be a negative outcome, but he does it anyway? And what you told him would happen, does? And yet he still acts surprised and upset? Sometimes takes his anger out on you via a cold shoulder and glare? No admittance that you were right? That’s what it’s like to be married to the Captain of the Silver Eagles. 

I love Nozel dearly but he is more annoying than my father-in-law and the ladies of the court asking about babies. Actually, now that I think about it, the whole Silva family had something about them… 

“Vice Captain? Are you alright?”

That’s one way to snap me out of a scheme

“Oh, Nils, I’m sorry. A thought crossed my mind and I got lost in it… What were you saying?” Will probably get scolded for that later.

“I was just telling you how I’d improve myself before my next mission with what I learned on the previous one… Do you think Captain will be pleased with my plan?” 

Royalty always wants to improve themselves without much training, but I can’t say that to him without it causing a rile so I just smile at him.

“I think Nozel will be very pleased. Now if you wouldn’t mind, I do have a lot of work to get to,” I gesture to some papers on my desk. 

He nods and takes his leave. I sigh and turn my chair to face the window. Noelle should have gotten her grimoire by now, surely. I do not want to do this paperwork or deal with the hell my in laws will unleash on their baby sister, but if anyone had a chance of redirecting their attention to another failure it was me and my womb. 

I play with the ring on my left hand. It was his mothers, in fact Nozel had gifted me with more jewelry than I could ever wear that had come from Lady Acier’s collection. Sometimes I wondered if he got it all or first dibs and took it all because he was the oldest. Perhaps her collection had just been so expansive I could have a shit load and the other kids could do. The girls didn’t ever bat a lash when I wore her crowns and necklaces. 

There’s a firm knock on my door, they don’t pause before opening it. Husbands, ya know? I looked over my shoulder to see he’s entered my office, not bothering to shut the door (to avoid scandal though I’ve never understood how married people can be scandalous with each other? The policies of this country were difficult to understand). 

“Yes,” I ask, raising my brow at him.

“Noelle has received her grimoire,” his face was bleak.

“And?”

“And she still cannot control her magic. She’s still a shame to House Silva.”

The fluctuation in his mana told me all I needed to know.

“Nozel-”

“Don’t try to coddle me, Seraphina. You don’t understand what this means for my family and our reputation.”

I wonder in our 14 years of marriage if he’s ever learned that I can read his mind and emotions. He kept on the mean big brother act and never shut it off. However, I like to take opportunities to argue when I see them. I turn my whole body to face him and cross my arms.

“Like how we don’t have an heir?”

“Don’t start this right now,” his voice was low and serious, “Nebra, Solid, and I will be having dinner with our father and grandparents tonight.”

“Then I’ll join you,” I shot up out of my chair, “It would look bad if I stayed here.”

His stare was cold. I started to prepare an argument in my head.

“Fine. But wear something nice,” he moved his attention to the deep cut of my dress, “Maybe we should get your robes adjusted.”

“Oh darling, I think that’s the most attention you’ve given my breasts in our whole marriage.” I bit my tongue, a little too late for that, Sera. Oops. 

“Tsh,” Nozel turned and headed for the door, “You should probably have the maids at the castle help you get ready… We both know you won’t be able to braid your own hair.”

“I beg your pardon?”

The door closed and I was alone again. The mother fucker. He was right, but that mother fucker. If he knew what kind of foul language I had stored in my head for him… Maybe tonight will be the night all chaos explodes. Dinner and a show with me as the main actress. 

I started to make a mental list of things to bring up during our argument as I made a spacial magic gate to my quarters at the Silva Castle. 

----

I opted for an emerald gown with silver jewelry for tonight. Rule number one of House Silva: all the jewelry is silver. If you happen to have gold it was either a gift from House Vermillion or House Kira and you only ever wore it to fit a dress code House Vermillion made for a ball. Same thing for red and blue. Do not wear red or blue unless you want to piss off your husband, which I’ll admit is fun but he threw the poor dress into the fireplace the next morning. We don’t even share a room, he had to wake up early, come in, and find it to do that. 

Rule number two: be very, very good at keeping your thoughts to yourself. Especially when it comes to Noelle, Acier, and your lack of offspring. 

“Seraphina, perhaps you decided to join us because you and Nozel have some good news to share,”  if Nebra was anything it was blunt and to the point. 

I gave Nozel the side eye.

“No,” He said while lifting his wine to his lips, “Just didn’t want to bother socializing with the rest of the squad tonight.”

I gave her a meek smile.

“Well, Seraphina, I have something to show you, Solid rose from his seat and walked over to Noelle who was staring at her food with tears in her eyes. He pulled her grimoire out from her side while she winced. “Look at how thin this is. You’re more a Silva than Noelle could ever be.”

I dropped my shoulders and focused on my plate in front of me.

“I guess...” 

----

If I got anything from that dinner it’s that I needed to find a way to sneak Noelle out of the castle and get her away; at least for a day. I was sat at my vanity removing all the tiny gems the servant had insisted on putting in my hair. If I couldn’t stand up to her to my in-laws the least I could do was get her away. God how many gems were there? I started at the bell to call a maid… I really hate doing this but if there’s one thing I cannot do it is my hair. 

After a few moments a young girl came to my room and went right to work undoing the braids and taking out the gems. I watched her in the mirror, she never took her eyes off my head.

“So, what’s the hot gossip from the servants quarters?”

She paused.

“I’m sure nothing would be of interest to you ma’am.”

I purse my lips. 

“If I say you can keep all the gems in my hair?”

“That wouldn’t be necessary, the masters pay us kindly.”

“Oh… well surely you heard something that would be of interest to me?”

“Ma’am, I know you don’t stay here often, but typically you wouldn’t speak to me so casually…”

“Who cares about that? It’s late. It’s just you and me here. Everyone else is probably settled into bed,” No budge. Oh. “Lord Nozel won’t be visiting my chambers tonight. It’s alright.”

“Surely the Captain visits his wife every night… You two are in love and you’re so beautiful.”

Great. Not the can of worms I wanted to open. And now I gave her shit to say about me!

“He stays in his room when I am bleeding.” And now I have to stab myself or else she’ll know I lied. Dammit. 

“Oh, the other servant didn’t mention you were… Would you like me to get you some warm towels?”

“No, what I would like is some information that only someone in your position would know.”

“Really, ma’am. There’s nothing happening these days.”

“Please?”

“Um… well I have a friend that works for House Vermillion and she said they’ve been preparing Lady Mereoleona’s room for her return. They expect her to arrive tomorrow afternoon.”

Oh god.

“And Lord and Lady Vermillion had to have meat brought in from the town! The chefs don’t even know how to cook meat!”

“Surely they can just give it to the girl and let her cook it herself…”

“You’re funny, Lady Seraphina.”

“Well, ya know, someone in the family has to be! Thank you for your help. You’re dismissed, go off to bed now.”

The girl bowed and left.

And she had the right fucking idea.

I need to leave too. Mereoleona? No thank you. God only knows what kind of torment she has planned for me. Actually, probably not God. Probably no higher being.

I need to hide somewhere and take Noelle with me. I throw off my dressing gown and scramble to put on clothes, throwing random shit I think I’ll want in a bag. Real manic style. Now if there’s one thing I am not it is a bad liar. I throw the blankets off my bed and lay as if I’m going to sleep. Crossing my leg so it sorta comes to wear my center lays and take out a knife and cut my leg… which heals pretty quickly given my abilities. I’m almost certain it’s not enough to be convincing but I am far more concerned in avoiding the Vermillion to care. 

Next stop, Noelle’s room. I knock on the door. No answer so I help myself. She’s asleep, dry tears around her eyes. I put my hand on her shoulder.

“Hey, wake up. Noelle.”

She gasps and her eyes fly open, instantly putting her arms in defense. I take a step back… They didn’t wake her up to hurt her… did they?

“Pack a bag, we’re going into hiding.”

“What?”

“Lady Mereoleona is coming back for her yearly visit. I’m taking you and we’re gonna go hide at the beach castle.” Yeah, I married into a two castle family. Had its perks.

“Why?”

“Because you’re my baby sister by marriage and I think we both could use a little vacation. Don’t you agree?”

“Really? But what about Nozel?”

“I’ll deal with him if he notices. Chances are no one will know. So get up, grab your stuff, and let's go.”

She got out of bed quick. I sat at her vanity while she gathered some things. 

“Also, no servants.”

“No servants?!” She turned me so quick she almost snapped her neck.

“You’ll live. This is about survival. Now,” I stand to make a portal to the beach castle, “let’s go.”

[marvels-writings]

Hi sorry if u did something similar to this, if u did ignore this ask. The request is for carol x f!reader where carol is under an anesthetic and keeps flirting hardcore with the reader who’s her crush and new doctor in the avengers medical team. After it wears off she’s back to being shy and distant, and the reader feels confident enough to do the flirting. Happy endings are always welcome

A/N: I’m so sorry I didn’t write this for like over a month but here you go! 

“Carol?” You asked, confusion written all over your face as you walked into the med bay, Carol was sitting on one of the beds, suit on and her shoulders slouched, short hair messed up with strands falling in her eyes, she looked like a mess. 

“Y/n, I,” Carol hesitated but sat up, inhaling through her teeth because of the pain, giving you a forced smile. “I might have accidentally hurt myself.” “How bad?” You asked instantly, setting down your clipboard and moving to her, she turned around the best she could and reached back to unzip her suit, hesitating instantly when it hurt.

“Let me.” You suggested, Carol put her hands in her lap, shoulders still tense as you gently unzipped her suit.

There was a huge cut from the middle of her left shoulder blade to the top of her right shoulder blade, the wound was dirty and half scabbed over, some of it was still open, you gasped at the site. 

“How, what happened?” You asked, making a mental list of things you would need, fingertip gently running on the side of the wound, testing the depth, apologizing quickly when you heard Carol groan quietly in pain.

“Wasn’t paying attention,” Carol mumbled, you got up and got some anesthetic in an injection, hands a little shaky as you put on gloves. 

“Some guy got the jump and used a knife, didn’t dodge it fast enough.” Carol explained, giving you another forced smile while trying her best not to stare at you. 

You explained the use of the anesthetic and rolled the sleeve down from her shoulder, injecting the anesthetic into her arm, wincing when you saw Carol flinch in pain a little.

“The anesthetic might take a few minutes to take effect.” You said, getting some water and extra cloth to clean it from blood before disinfecting it. 

“I think it already took effect.” Carol said, grinning at you, you were surprised, maybe it was just her superpowers?

“Or maybe not?” You joked, getting it and moving behind her to clean the wound further. “Uh, can I unzip this a bit more?” You asked tentatively. 

“Someone wants to get me out of my clothes.” Carol smirked, you blushed but ignored the comment the best you could, unzipping her suit a little further, trying not to make contact with her skin.

“Am I allowed to talk?” Carol asked, you continued cleaning the wound as gently as you could, avoiding touching her skin directly.

“You don’t need to ask me permission to talk  Carol.” You answered, rolling your eyes a little.

“Yes ma’am.” Carol joked, you giggled slightly, cloth running gently over the wound.

“You should laugh more.” Carol stated, slurring a few words together, you raised an eyebrow as the wound was clean, going to get the cleaning alcohol and another clean cloth.

“I do laugh.” You defended, getting the cloth, not missing the way Carol was looking at you with complete admiration.

“Yeah, but it’s so beautiful I want to hear it more.” Carol grinned, you blushed and clenched your jaw slightly, trying to avoid the grin crawling on your face but failing miserably.

“Someone’s flirty today,” You murmured, going back behind her and frowning when you saw a piece of the blade lodged into her back, it was small so you’d need tweezers. 

“Honestly I didn’t think the anesthetic would affect you that much.” You thought aloud, getting the forceps to take the piece of metal out.

“That’s why I was feeling a little off today,” Carol thought aloud and grinned, looking at you as you disinfected the forceps. “But when you came along, you definitely turned me on.”

You stuttered on explaining what you were about to do next, eyes wide and your face a tomato. Carol smirked further. You tried your best to keep a straight face while moving to her back, telling her not to move while you focused on her back, neatly taking the piece of metal and dropping it into the dish, grinning when you got it right.

“What was that?” Carol asked, turning to look at you, you rolled your eyes and guided her head back.

“A piece of metal in your back.” You answered. “This might sting a little if the anesthetic wore off.”

You started disinfecting the wound carefully, gauging Carol’s reaction intently, but she showed no sign of pain. 

“Aside from being sexy, what do you do for a living?” Carol flirted, you blushed but continued cleaning the wound, the pickup lines starting to become a normal for drugged Carol.

“Anesthetic definitely didn’t wear off.” You muttered, breath tickling her neck slightly as you leaned in to make sure the entire wound was disinfected.

The next 10 minutes went by with Carol throwing pickup lines every once in a while, you were able to ignore most of them, thinking the anesthetic just made her go crazier than normal. It finally started to wear off when you had almost finished putting on the bandages. You’d given her enough anesthetic to last half an hour, it wore off in 15 minutes thanks to her powers.

“No more pickup lines?” You smirked, noticing Carol’s face light up a little, her head nodding from side to side. 

“Funny, I kind of liked drugged Carol.” You joked, putting on the last bandage with another smirk. “All done.” You patted her good shoulder, zipping up her suit gently, then she turned around and faced you.

“It’s not completely worn off,” She gave you a dopey smirk. “Do you maybe like normal Carol too?” “I love normal Carol,” You joked, laughing and offering your hands to help her up. “But right now, drugged Carol needs some rest.”

“Okay.” Carol muttered, giving you her hands and letting you help her up, you started walking with her towards her room, going at the pace she was.

“Do I have to sleep?” Carol whined, looking up at you with pleading hazel eyes, blonde hair falling in her face. You wiped the hair out of her face, noting how soft it was before answering.

“If you want me to take you on a date, yes.” You joked, half meaning it, Carol grinned at you.

“I’ll sleep as long as you need me to.” Carol smiled opening the door and heading inside, you smiled softly at her before turning to leave, she grabbed your wrist.

“What do you need?” You asked, turning to face her.

“You,” the blonde answered, looking at you with puppy eyes before explaining. “Can you stay with me?”

“I can’t deny my favorite patient.” You smiled, letting Carol pull you into her room.

You helped her change her shirt into a comfy sweatshirt, which you noticed was yours, she kept calling it her favorite sweatshirt while she changed into her pajamas while you sat on her bed, facing the other way, giving her some privacy. 

Carol flopped down on her back, head in your lap and grinning up at you, when she noticed the injury in her back still hurting and moved to lie on her stomach, hugging your thighs.

“Thank you y/n.” Carol murmured, your heart melted slightly at her sleepy voice and you started playing with her hair a little.

“Anytime Carol,” You answered, continuing to run your hand through her short hair. “You do owe me a date though.” “I’d be happy to.” Carol whispered, eyes drooping closed and she fell asleep, you couldn’t help  but laugh at how adorable she was under the anesthetic, you considered it again for the fun of it, but decided against it eventually, you had been crushing on normal Carol for the longest time, not drugged Carol.

You were just happy you got to take her out on a date, even if she didn’t officially ask you out yet, it still counted. 

A/N: ngl i wasn’t sure how to end this, and i literally had to search up flirty lines for this ;)

Tag List: @capcarolsdanver, @versdan, @lesbian-girls-wayhaught, @lovebotlarson, @dhengkt, @5aftermidnight, @hstoria, @natasha-danvers, @veryfunnyal, @xxxtwilightaxelxxx , @ophelias-heart  , @never-didbefore , @justarandomhumanhere, @the-most-unicorn-of-them-all , @thatssocamryn , @lesbian-x-blackwidow , @marvelbbyx , let me know if you’d like to be in any of my tag lists!

[coldflame96]

Turnabout Parent Trap, chapter 20 (the end!)

I finally finished this bad boy and the last chapters a bit shorter so I thought I’d do something a little different. Don’t read if you haven’t read the rest of it please. 

It’s been a long journey. Thank you for sharing it with me. :)

Read the full thing on AO3 here

February 11, 2029

Gatewater Hotel Imperial Hall- Los Angeles, Japanifornia

Phoenix was nervous. Well, not nervous exactly, but more just excited. He was getting married! Not for the first time, but hopefully the last.

“Nick, they’re almost ready for you,” Maya came in. And then she gave him an unimpressed look. “What have I told you about messing with your tie? And your hair. Look at you, you’re a wreck! Don’t make me get my sister in here!”

“No thanks,” he muttered, “You’re bad enough.” And got a light smack on the head for that. He saw how the deep purple she was wearing brought out the bronze tones in her skin as she readjusted his tie and smiled.

“You look beautiful, Maya.”

She rolled her eyes. “Of course I do. My wife’s a dress designer.” And then she smirked. “Besides, you’re the star here. Miles won’t know what hit him.”

“He’s seen me like this before.”

“Sure, but you look way better now than you did at 21. I saw the pictures.”

“Wow,” he scoffed, offended. “That’s-“ And then he paused. “Wait, really? I’m 36, how is that even possible?”

She shrugged. “Some people get better with age.” And then she gave him a smug look. “You were pretty dorky before.”

“Gee, thanks.”

“Y’know,” she started, starting on his hair now, “I’m kinda surprised you’re even doing all this again. Kinda figured Miles wouldn’t wanna bother.”

Funny story about that. “It was his idea, actually.”

“Really? Wow. And here I thought he was the pragmatic one. Guess he is a romantic, after all.”

She finally took her fingers out of his hair, and he made to run a hand through when she smacked it away.

“I just fixed it, Nick!” she glared. “If you mess it up again, I’ll kill you.”

“Yes, ma’am,” he mumbled.

He heard a piano start playing and Maya grinned. “Well, that’s your cue.” And then she offered up her elbow. “You ready?”

He took a deep breath, and then linked his arm with hers. He was born ready.

~~~~~~~~~

Apollo sat next to his sibling, who practically had stars in their eyes as their parents exchanged vows at the altar. The old bearded guy gave them permission to kiss and they did eagerly which of course was something he’d seen many times at this point, but he clapped along with everyone else.

Trucy giggled from next to him and he looked at them curiously. “What is it?”

“Nothing,” they shook their head, “It’s all just kinda crazy, isn’t it? Two years ago, I didn’t even know you existed. Now we’re at our parents wedding.” She laughed again. “It’s all just so backwards!”

He rested an arm on their shoulder. “Yeah, I guess we were never very traditional, huh?”

“Nope!”

He vaguely heard Dad announce something, and then people around them started getting up. “Oh, I guess it’s time for the reception.” He offered his hand. “Coming?”

They took his hand.

~~~~~~~~~

When Iris had learned that Pearl, her younger half-sister, had moved to Germany last summer, she was disappointed. They had been getting to know each other rather well and she thought that she could finally tell her the truth about her.

But then Mr. Wright had told her she’d gone to Germany when she came to visit one day and she thought that was it. She’d waited too long and lost her opportunity. And then he had told her he was getting married. And even invited her. She wasn’t even sure if she deserved an invitation after what her sister did, but she appreciated it none the less.

She had been about to decline, but then Mr. Wright had told her Pearl would be here, and well…now here she was. It was only too bad she hadn’t been able to get Pearl alone so far. Maya had been quite welcoming and friendly and allowed her to mingle in with their group, but this was a delicate matter. She couldn’t just blurt it out in front of everyone.

She saw Mr. Wright pass through the hallway, from what she was assuming was the bathroom, and he nodded at her, pointing his eyes down the hall.

“You should catch her before she goes back in,” he advised.

“Thank you.” And then she already started walking.

“Iris?” he called out, and she turned her head in confusion. He gave her a small, shy smile. “Thanks for coming.”

He really was quite handsome…she felt her face heat up and she mumbled, “Of course.” And bolted down the direction he’d pointed her at, ignoring how her heart skipped a beat.

Mr. Wright was quite the charmer. She sometimes wished she’d been the one engaged to him once upon a time instead of her sister.

But it probably wouldn’t have worked out either way. His heart clearly belonged to someone else.

She was broken from that train of thought when she saw Pearl’s familiar figure just about to open the door back into the reception room.

“Oh, Ms. Iris!” she gasped. “You look so pretty!”

Pearl certainly looked quite beautiful herself, looking grown up in her dusty pink A line.

“Thank you, Pearl. You too. Did Ms. von Karma make that dress for you?”

The girl grinned. “Yes, she did!” And she did a little twirl. “Do you like it?”

She smiled gently. “I love it.” But she should get to the point. “Hey, Pearl, do you mind taking a walk with me? There’s something I wanted to talk to you about.”

She perked up curiously. “Oh, okay then.”

And Iris led the girl to the courtyard where they wouldn’t be disturbed.

Like peeling off a bandaid. Hopefully it wouldn’t bleed.

~~~~~~~~~

Gatewater Hotel Banquet Hall- Los Angeles, Japanifornia

Miles watched as Phoenix opened the bottle of wine, Where Dreams Have No End, 2010 etched on it. He nodded, raising his glass in a toast and once he got the satisfied clink, they both took a sip at the same time.

Miles raised an eyebrow. “Oh, this is better than I remember.”

Phoenix shrugged. “Well, you know what they say about fine wine.”

Miles eyed his partner appreciatively, saying without much thought, “Yes, much like yourself, it ages quite handsomely.”

Phoenix gave him an incredulous look at that and Miles noted with pleasure how his ears turned red. “What, are you drunk already?”

“Don’t be ridiculous,” he huffed, “I’m not such a lightweight to get drunk off one sip of wine.”

Phoenix didn’t say anything, instead choosing to focus on his cake, their live performers starting with a slow, melodic song. Which brought up a concern…“Are you sure inviting them to perform was a good idea?” he asked his husband softly, touching his arm, the performers in question being the singer Lamiroir and her partner Herod, formerly known as Thalassa Gramarye and Jove Sadhmadhi. Though the young blond pianist they had with them was unfamiliar to him.

Phoenix looked at him, distracted for a moment from his cake. “Lamiroir is Apollo’s favorite singer, right? Why would it be an issue?”

Miles really didn’t like it when he acted willfully obtuse. “You know why, Phoenix. Having them here with the kids is a risk. What if they say something?”

“They won’t. I already talked to them about it.”

“Apollo and Trucy aren’t stupid, as you well know. What if they find out?”

Phoenix grabbed his hands, pressing a light kiss to his fingers. “Miles, they’re 14. They’re old enough to know that they didn’t just sprout up from nowhere. It’s not like we have anything to hide.”

“Well, yes, but-“

Phoenix didn’t let him finish that sentence, kissing him firmly. Miles pulled away, glaring with no heat.

“That was quite rude.” He got a kiss on the jaw in response. “I was talking and-“ Another kiss. “Ugh, you’re trying to distract me, aren’t you?”

Phoenix looked smug as hell. “Is it working?”

Yes. “No.”

He chuckled, “Liar.” And then kissed him again, softer this time.

“Hey lovebirds!” Larry called out, causing them to break apart. “Come get your pictures taken!”

He rolled his eyes and watched as Phoenix did the same.

He supposed a few pictures wouldn’t hurt. But not before he kissed his husband another time.

~~~~~~~~

Trucy never really “got” Apollo’s type of music. She was always more into upbeat stuff like the Gavinners, but this Lamiroir lady…was not bad. Her voice was beautiful, and she could see why Apollo liked it, even though it was kinda slow in her opinion.

Something about her was weird though…Familiar somehow. But Trucy was sure she’d never met a celebrity before.

She watched as the man with Lamiroir started playing something faster paced on his guitar and she smiled. Now they were talking.

“Dance with me, Apollo!”

“Trucy, I don’t dance.”

She rolled her eyes, and then she spotted a familiar dark head and got an idea. “Fine, I’ll go dance with Clay then.”

Their eyes went wide and they grabbed her arm. “You can’t do that!”

“Why not?”

“Because!” their eyes darted. “Because I’m gonna dance with him!”

She asked faux innocently, “But I thought you said you don’t dance?”

“Well, I lied!” And then to her delight, they marched over to Clay, saying something to him that she couldn’t hear, and he looked both confused and pleased as they started dancing awkwardly.

She waved sweetly and laughed as Apollo glared at her and Clay waved back.

“Excuse me, Miss,” she whirled around to come face to face with her grandfather, his eyes twinkling. “May I have this dance?”

She curtsied dramatically. “Of course, sir.”

And she let him twirl her around. For an old guy, he was surprisingly graceful.

~~~~~~~~

Mia was feeling quite good after her couple glasses of champagne. Light on her feet and even lighter in spirit. She was giggling as Lana twirled her again, resting her head on her shoulder.

She heard a cleared throat and she turned to see Phoenix standing there, looking incredibly handsome in that suit. Mr. Edgeworth sure knew what he was doing that was for sure.

“Do you mind if I borrow your wife?” he asked Lana.

“So long as you give her back,” was Lana’s response and he laughed.

And then he grabbed her arm. “Come and dance with me, Mia.”

“Careful, Phoenix,” she grinned like a shark, “Your new husband might get jealous.”

He snorted. “Okay, how much champagne have you had?” he asked, as he started to sway her gently.

“Not enough.”

“I somehow doubt that.”

She saw how carefree he was and smiled. “I’m really happy for you, Phoenix.”

“Yeah?”

“Yeah. It feels good to have a wedding I can actually go to.”

“Why? So you can drink all the champagne?”

“Exactly. Get lit, as the kids would say.”

He cringed, which delighted her. “Please stop.”

She laughed. “Stop what? I’m sticking with the times.”

“You’re not. I live with two teenagers. Neither of them ever say that.”

She pouted. “Well, they used to.”

He muttered, “Yeah, maybe in the Stone Age.”

She flicked him on the head. “Don’t be rude. I’m not even 40 yet.”

“What is with you Fey women and hitting me today?”

So Maya got him earlier? She wondered what wise crack he said to deserve it. “Don’t be a baby. Someone has to keep you in line.”

“I have a husband for that.”

“He’s too soft.”

He opened his mouth to argue, but then refrained and just pouted. “Whatever.”

She patted his cheek fondly, pouting. “Phoenix, will you get me another champagne?”

“No.”

Damn, that usually worked.

Maybe this wedding was a mistake.

~~~~~~~~~

Franziska watched as Maya danced with Pearl, Iris having to leave in a hurry for some other obligation, Kay was dancing with Frau Skye’s younger sister and well…she was quite bored.

She was feeling restless. She saw her stupid brother in the center table kissing his foolish husband like the shameless man he was and had a solution.

She stalked over to their table. “Miles Edgeworth,” she said sharply, and watched them break away, her brother looking a bit disgruntled. Ugh, obscene. 37 years old and acting like a lovesick teenager. “You will dance with me.”

He raised an eyebrow. “Is that a request or an order?”

“Yes.”

He rolled his eyes. “Alright then.” And then he stood from his spot.

Phoenix Wright looked amused, and just said in a dry tone, “Good luck!”

She levelled her glare to him. “You’re next.”

He just got even more smug, which annoyed her. “Can’t wait.” Sometimes she lamented the loss of her riding crop. She missed the days when men cowered at her feet.

“Was your wife unavailable?” Miles asked flatly, doing an elegant twirl.

“Shut up,” she snapped, and then she mumbled in embarrassment, “Yes.”

“I see. So you were bored.”

She glared at him but he was unperturbed. She would have to attempt a different method. She switched over to her native tongue and said in a wistful tone, “Why must you assume the worst of my intentions, older brother? Is it not acceptable for your sister to dance with you at your own wedding?”

“Of course it is. My apologies for doubting you.” He didn’t sound completely sincere but she supposed that would be good enough.

“I am taking your husband for the next song.”

“Just don’t kill him, please.”

“No promises,” she said in English this time. The song ended and she made her way back over to where Phoenix Wright was. She nodded. “Your turn. As promised.”

He grinned. “Oh, good, I’ve been waiting!” Then he turned back to her brother. “If I don’t come back, take good care of the kids, yeah?”

“Of course,” Miles said solemnly and she rolled her eyes, dragging the man out by the arm.

She was expecting him to have two left feet as he was an absolute disaster in everything else, but he was surprisingly competent.

“I must admit, Phoenix Wright, I am pleasantly surprised.”

“Hmm?”

“I did not peg you for a dancer.”

“I took some classes.” And then he got that stupid smug look again that made her regret ever saying anything nice. “See, I guess I’m not totally hopeless at everything, huh?”

“Debatable.”

“I never got to thank you, by the way.”

She pursed her lip. “For what?”

“For making Maya happy. Taking in Pearls. You’ve grown up a lot.”

She narrowed her eyes. “I hope you’re not intending to imply I’ve gotten soft.”

He gave her a wry look. “I would never imply that.”

“Good. Because I will happily rip your head off your body if you hurt my brother, I hope you understand.”

She heard him gulp. Ahh, yes there was the fear she so desperately missed. “I understand completely. Thanks for clearing that up.”

She smirked. “My pleasure.”

~~~~~~

The party was finally over, her and Herod packing up their belongings. She’d been rather hesitant to come here when Mr. Wright and Mr. Edgeworth invited her. She didn’t want to cause any trouble with their family, of course. But Mr. Wright had assured her it was fine and said he wouldn’t say anything so long as she didn’t.

And she hadn’t planned on saying anything. The twins she’d given birth to 14 years ago were flourishing under their care just like she knew they would. They didn’t need her. Sometimes she felt that twinge of regret when she would see parents with their children walking the street together, but it quickly passed. She’d made her decision, and she was no longer able to bear children. It just wasn’t meant to be, she supposed.

She wondered if her partner knew…

“Excuse me, Ms. Lamiroir?” She heard a child’s voice and turned around, coming face to face with both of the twins. Had they…figured it out? She wondered if they inherited her ability of observation.

One of them, the one with the shorter hair in a spiffy pantsuit, spoke up. “I’m a really big fan of your work. Can I have your autograph?”

Oh, that was it? “Oh! Of course!” She mimed writing. “Where should I…?”

“Right here.” They shoved a vinyl album in her face. Her vinyl album. She smiled ruefully. Life had a way of connecting things, didn’t it?

She got out her fine tip marker. “Who should I make this out to?”

“Apollo.”

She nodded and signed out To Apollo. With Love, Lamiroir. “There you are, dear.” She handed it back to them.

“Thank you so much!” They sounded breathless. But the other one didn’t say anything, only assessing her quietly which made her a bit nervous.

“Did you need an autograph too?” she asked.

The child blinked, as if caught out of a trance. “Nah, I’m just here for moral support.”

“I see.” She saw the one who’d gotten her autograph run over to one of their fathers to gush, but the other one was still staring. “Was there something else I could do for you?”

“You just look familiar. Have we met before?”

She frowned, thankful she had a cloth covering the bottom half of her face. She saw the child’s fathers off only a few feet away with their sibling, Mr. Edgeworth looking at her curiously.

“No, we haven’t. Unless you’ve been to France?”

They furrowed their brow. “No, I haven’t. Sorry, I must have been thinking of someone else.” And like that, the tension was gone as the child grinned. “Thanks for playing tonight! Your voice is really beautiful!” And then they waved to join their family.

“Sweetheart,” Herod put his arm around her shoulders. “Am I crazy? Or are those two…?”

“They’re just the grooms’ children,” she finished, but she could tell by his face that he wasn’t convinced. She tapped his wrist gently. “We should hurry. They’re going to close down soon.”

He paused for only a moment before nodding. “I’ll grab Machi.”

And like that, the party was over and they all went their separate ways once again.

~~~~~~~~

May 23, 2029

LAX Airport- Los Angeles, Japanifornia

Apollo got a sense of déjà vu, though the airport was different this time.

“Are you sure you’ll be alright?” Papa asked as they walked in through the door. “You got yourself into quite a bit of trouble the last time.”

Apollo rolled his eyes. “Well, unless there’s a secret triplet that me and Trucy don’t know about, I don’t think that will happen again.”

Trucy snorted at that, but Papa just glowered. Apollo thought he was due for a scolding for getting smart, but Dad steered Papa gently away. “They’re fine, Miles. They’ll look after each other.” And then he gave them both a stern look. “Right?”

He nodded furiously, while Trucy, who was always much braver than he was, just rolled their eyes. “Yes, Daddy,” they sighed out.

Papa was satisfied with that. “Very well. But you call us if anything goes wrong.”

“We will.” He went to hug him. “Bye, Papa.”

He gave Dad a hug too while Trucy gave one to Papa and then, after Dad practically dragged Papa out of the airport, they were finally able to get through the baggage line.

He wondered if all his friends from last time would still be there.

~~~~~~~~

May 24, 2029

Maine, USA

“Alright, campers, we have made it to our destination! Welcome to Camp Gourdy!” Trucy was jolted awake from the loudspeaker and then nudged her twin. “Polly, we’re here.”

Apollo blearily opened their eyes, squinting against the bright sunlight, and then their eyes widened as they sat up. “Oh! Hey Trucy, we’re here!” She gave them a flat look. “Oh, right.”

She rolled her eyes fondly. “Alright so, as soon as they open the doors we have to make a run for it. Otherwise, we’re not gonna be able to get our luggage.”

“Why wouldn’t we be able to get it?”

“Just trust me.”

“Okay.”

They quickly shoved their way to the front, ignoring the squawks of protest from other campers. Trucy saw her bright blue luggage and Apollo’s red bag about to get buried. “Quick, Polly, grab it!”

“Got it,” they grunted, hoisting their bag over their shoulder.

She grinned in triumph and gave her twin a fist bump. “C’mon, let’s go get our cabins.”

She looked around curiously. Everything seemed the same from when she was here last. Not that she expected much to change.

They approached the check in, and she was mildly amused to see it was the same grumpy old lady from last time. Windbag, right?

“Name and pronouns!” The woman barked.

She blinked. “Sorry, what?”

She huffed, still grumpy as ever. “I said your name and pronouns, whippersnapper, I don’t have all day.”

“Oh! Uhh, Trucy Wright. She.” And then she added on. “Or they.”

“Well, which is it? She or they?”

“Both?” Windbag gave her a flat look and she grimaced.  “Just she then is fine.”

The woman handed her a name tag that read Trucy. She/her. Yellow. Wow, so maybe things were a little different. She wondered if people complained about them not being inclusive enough.

“Name and pronouns!” Windbag barked to Apollo, who flinched under the intensity.

“Apollo Justice!” they yelled, making the old woman wince.

“Don’t shout, child, my ears still work!”

“Sorry.”

“Pronouns?”

“He.” Windbag glared and Apollo flinched again. “They?”

“Fine.” She threw the nametag at them and Apollo couldn’t get out of there fast enough.

“Well, she’s as unpleasant as ever, I see,” they huffed. But then they furrowed their brow again as they looked at their name tag. “There weren’t pronoun options last time.”

Trucy shrugged. “Maybe they’re catching up with the times.”

“Well, they could do it a little nicer.”

“What cabin are you in?” she asked, nodding towards the tag.

“Green.”

So they were in different cabins again. Interesting.

~~~~~~~~

Apollo hadn’t expected to have the exact same cabin mates as last time, but he was still a bit disappointed that Athena wasn’t here. He’d quite liked her. But the other girl, Junie, was here so he supposed that counted for something.

“This is the first time me and ‘Thena are separated,” the girl sighed out.

“Oh, do you know what cabin she’s in?”

“Yellow, I think.”

“Oh, that’s the same cabin as Trucy.”

Junie frowned. “Trucy? Isn’t that the awful girl you got stuck with last time you were here?”

He grimaced. “A lot’s happened since then.”

“Oh, really?”

“Yeah.” Junie just continued to stare at him expectantly. He supposed he should elaborate. “We found out we were twins separated as babies and that our parents were divorced, so we switched places and our parents are back together now and happily married.”

She looked like she had a lot of questions, but just said, “Okay. Well, um, congratulations!”

“Thanks!”

~~~~~~~~

Trucy was unpacking her things when a familiar face came bouncing up to her, that tall, ginger girl from last time. Agatha?

“Oh, hey, Apollo!” She grinned.

“Not Apollo,” she said wryly.

“Oh, you’re the other one!” she put her fist in her hand. “Um, Tracy?”

“Trucy.”

“Gotcha! Well hey, is Apollo here too?”

“Yep. They came with me.”

“Oh really? Wait, does that mean you guys actually are siblings?”

Was she serious?

“We look identical.”

“Well, yeah, but it could’ve just been one of those weird freak Twilight Zone things!”

Trucy cocked her head. “What’s a twilight zone?”

“Oh, it’s this show my mom really likes. It’s about like people who get stuck in like alternate worlds. Sometimes it’s kinda scary, but I find the vibe of it really soothing.”

Sounded interesting, actually. Maybe she could check that out when she got home.

“Sounds cool,” she admitted, “But it was nothing crazy like that. Our parents just separated us when we were babies because they broke up.”

The taller girl’s eyes bugged out. “What?! That’s awful!”

She shrugged. “Yeah, but then we traded places and forced them to talk again and now they’re back together, so it all worked out in the end.”

The girl grinned. “So my theory was right then!”

“What theory?”

“Oh! I guess you wouldn’t know,” she chuckled, “So you see, me and Apollo both have Greek names, right?”

“Yeah…” What was her name again?

“And my mom is single and his dad is single, or was at the time, so I theorized that we were siblings separated at birth.”

Trucy stared at her blankly. “You guys don’t look anything alike, though.”

“Well, no, obviously because we’re not related, but…” she held a finger up. “The theory was true. Just not for me.”

Well, she couldn’t argue with that logic.

And then she got a hard pat to the back. “But hey! I’m glad it worked out for you!”

She was strong. Trucy always did like strong girls. “Thanks!” she grinned, leaning closer. “What was your name again?”

The look she got for that was priceless.

~~~~~~~~

The mess hall was the only time all the campers came together. Atleast the ones in his age group. So he was only partially prepared for a whirl of orange to practically tackle him to the ground.

“Apollo, oh my gosh! I missed you last year and I thought you got banned and were never coming back!”

“Athena,” he wheezed, “You’re choking me.”

“Oops.” She let go of him quickly. “Sorry.”

He set his tray down on a free table. “So you’re in the same cabin as Trucy this time?”

“Yep!” She slid in the chair next to Junie, grabbing her hand and squeezing. “She told me all about your crazy family!”

‘Crazy’ was an understatement. They were utterly mad.

With just the three of them, and Trucy chatting it up from a distance, it really felt like old times.

“So where do you live now?” Athena asked, “Are you still in Germany?”

He shook his head. “No, me and my father moved in with Trucy and my other father last summer.”

Athena gave him a sympathetic look and said in broken German, “it was adjustment?”

He nodded. “Only a little.”

He was curious why she couldn’t say that in English, but at the awestruck look Junie was giving both of them, he figured she was just showing off.

“Well, atleast Trucy won’t try to dump a bucket on your head this time,” Junie said quietly.

He certainly hoped not.

Maybe he could finally have the full camp experience he wanted from the beginning.

~~~~~~~

It had been a bit of a rough sleep for Trucy that night, as it usually was anytime she was in an unfamiliar place. Though atleast she didn’t have nightmares anymore. Those seemed to have stopped a while ago. She wondered if it was because Papa was there now.

In an echo of last time, she heeled her sneakers on and snuck down to the nearby lounge for some coffee. Daddy didn’t like her drinking coffee unless it was decaf, and Papa swore by tea, but they weren’t here and what they didn’t know didn’t kill them.

As expected, the place was a ghost town. Just how she liked it this early.

She sipped her coffee gingerly, remaining blissfully uninterrupted this time, and then jolted a little when the trumpets went off. Well, that was her cue to disappear.

She quickly changed into her t-shirt and shorts, tying her hair back, which was getting long again. She wondered if she should cut it. She’d gotten spoiled from it being short for so long. But now it was almost halfway down her back and starting to be a nuisance.

The first day for her cabin didn’t officially have anything scheduled, so when she heard familiar sounds of a cheering crowd and the clink of metal, she wandered towards it.

She shouldered her way closer to the front, her height making it hard to see, and smiled when she saw the fencing match, the familiar dodge and jab. Oh, she’d missed that. Maybe she could incorporate more sword fights into her magic shows. Though she was sure Papa would have a heart attack.

She heard the cheers and then Counselor Lotta, still with the same full afro and the southern accent, “And the winner again is Apollo Justice. Our undefeated champ so far! Any of y’all brave enough to challenge them?”

She grinned. She raised her hand, shouting out, “I’ll take a whack at it!”

“Wha’?” Lotta looked around, “Who said that?”

Trucy kept her hand up and watched as the crowd let her go to the front, still grinning as Apollo’s face came into view.

Lotta squinted at her. “Now why does this seem familiar?” Then she shrugged. “Whatever. Put your gear on and git ready to face off.”

It was as she was putting her helmet on that Apollo asked smugly, “Are you ready to lose again, Wright?”

She smirked, even though they couldn’t see it and held up her sword. “I’m gonna win, Justice.  And I’ll do it without pushing you in a basin.”

Apollo got in position. “We’ll see about that.”

“On yer marks!” Lotta called, and then she put her arm down with a whistle.

And Trucy swung.

[kylo-hen]

Physical Education

A/N: This is my first fic I’ve ever published please be gentle lmao. Feedback is welcome though, I have no clue what I’m doing and it shows. 

Clyde Logan & Sadie’s Teacher!Reader

Warnings: None I can think of other than probable grammatical error and fluff

Summary: Sadie decides to bring her Uncle Clyde to career day and he hits it off with her teacher. 

Physical education

      Teaching is not a learned skill. It’s not taught like math or science, and it’s not something you can take as an extra-curricular in high school. Yes, you can get better over time and with practice but sometimes it just comes down to whether or not you have the gift. Patience.

     When I was younger, I used to wait in line at the bus stop dutifully like my mama taught me, hair tied up in an updo that probably took mama way too long to do in the ungodly hours of six am. She used her steady practiced hands to guide my hair into the place she wanted, and that’s when I learned I came from patient people. She would listen to my stories with rapt attention, nodding when needed, and interjecting her own wisdom only when she knew it was right. She was the most patient woman in the world and I learned everything I knew about teaching from her.

    When she passed, I knew she just wanted me to be happy, she never pushed me to be anything less than that. She waited out all the phases, the trials and errors of my college years, the rough patch of rebellion in high school, and even the short time after college when I had refused to do anything but take care of her in her final months of life. She urged me to go and work more than part time at big earl’s dinner down the road, she urged me to use my gift.

     After she was gone, the funeral was finished, and the casserole pans returned to the PTA moms who lent them, there wasn’t much tethering me to the once special town that I lived. The memories there were more bitter than sweet and I couldn’t bring myself to stay. So, when the time was right and the dust settled, I applied to teach in all parts and I promised the first job that gave me a green light would be the one to take. That’s what got me to where I am today, a third-grade teacher in Boone County, West Virginia.

    I enjoy teaching third grade; they have such big hearts and rarely ever is there an issue of behavior more than an over-excited kid in class. They look at the world so with wonder in every instance and my job is to facilitate that growth. This being my first year at Boone County Elementary school came with a rather big learning curve, with everyone knowing everyone else in town it was hard to break into the system the town had somehow set up. There was an unspoken understanding of respect and honor to some, not that those always earned it, and that others were destined to repeat the past.

    Sadie Logan was one of those poor souls labeled with a curse of some kind. The kids in her class mentioned it at all given occasions when Sadie proved herself smarter and stronger than them. Sadie was smart as whip, funny as all get out, and had a big heart full of love for the people in her life. She sat with me in my room before class and I taught her all sorts of things from checkers, to long division. When the spring came around so did the third-grade class’s career day, which Sadie’s usual excitement for school seemed to double.

     The morning after the day was announced and the forms were sent home, Sadie came bursting into my room with her usual intense excitement, “Miss L/N!” she called out.

    “Is that Miss Sadie Logan already?” I teased while she hung her backpack on her hook that lined the wall opposite of the board, “I could have sworn It was too early to have a monkey in class!” She flipped around with a loud laugh and a piece of paper in her hand.

    “I’m not a monkey, Miss L/N!” she approached my desk proudly, “I gotta question ‘bout career day though!” She swayed back and forth as she waited for me to respond.

    “Alright then Miss Sadie, shoot.”

     “Well, I told my mama ‘bout it and she wanted Moody-” at the mention of his name I felt my skin start to crawl. He wasn’t my favorite parent having already disrespected me on meet the teacher night back in October. His wandering eyes and condescending attitude made me want to cry by the end of the night. I just hoped he wouldn’t rub off on sweet little Sadie.

     “- to do it, but Moody said he can’t just stop workin’ for some stupid fair!” She sighed exasperatedly like he had personally offended her, which I’m sure he did, “which is st- it’s silly, Miss L/N! So, when my Daddy came by to pick me up for ice cream, I asked him!” she grinned ear to ear, I hadn’t met her father but Sadie spoke so highly of him I couldn’t imagine him to be anything less than a proper gentleman.

    “So, your daddy’s gonna’ be the one comin’ in?” I asked softly, after she paused taking a big breath.

     “Well, not quite! I talked to my daddy and he can’t because he’s gonna be workin in the mines that day and he don’t have enough time off to be able to come!” I frowned at her words, I was really hoping to have her father come so I could tell him how great Sadie was in and out of class. I also know how happy she would be to have her dad there to sit with her at lunch and tell stories and play with her at recess. “But don’t worry! He came up with an even better plan, but I gotta’ ask your permission first!” She beamed up at me in the thought of her plan.

    “Now what did your daddy think up for ya’?” I asked, excited to hear more of the shenanigans he had planned for the two of them.

    “Since he couldn’t come and Moody couldn’t either! And mama don’t have a job!” I gave her a look, telling her to respect her mama whether she had a job or not. “what? S’not mean if I’m just bein’ honest Miss. L/N!” She defended herself.

     “I know that Sadie, but it’s your tone a’ voice.” I spoke softly to the girl, “Your mama works hard to make sure you’re happy and healthy and that’s very important.” I explained and she seemed to take a moment to let the words sink in. “So, if your daddy can’t come and neither can Moody, and you don’t want your mama to come, then who’s comin’ in for ya?” I asked putting the girl back on track.

    “Well, My Uncle Clyde said he could do it!” She bounced excitedly, “And he’s real cool too! He was in the army and now he has one arm and he’s super tall and sometimes he puts me on his shoulders and walks me around and I can touch the clouds!” She rambled on about her uncle excitedly. Sadie had mentioned her uncle Clyde in passing, she knew he was a veteran, that he liked goin’ with Sadie and her dad to the fair, and now that he was super tall. A warm glow in my heart began to bloom at the idea of meeting someone from her dad’s side of the family. Sadie was such a good kid that the side of the family must be a good one.

    “That sounds like a great plan! What do you need to ask permission for?”

     “Well, my mama said that since he wasn’t my… legal guardian I had to ask.” She spoke like her mama made her rehearse it before dropping her off this morning. “So, is it alright if my uncle comes instead?” She pleaded with me.

     “That’s just fine with me Miss Sadie.” I spoke, taking her slip from her to sign off on the change of plans, as I finished my signature the bell rang and with it the rest of the class began to filter their way into the classroom. “Why don’t you put this in your take home folder and find your seat before we start the pledge?” I smiled down at her and she beamed back before heading to her desk. With Sadie in her seat and the rest of the class milling about, the day began.

    Career day came around quicker than I’d have liked. I had pushed of decorating until the morning of, which I’m currently regretting as I stand on a chair desperately trying to pin up the second half of the banner, I had made last week. I had already hung some streamers, set up extra seats, and re-arranged the desks so they’re in a semi-circle. I also lugged my old card table from my garage for the refreshments the parents were bringing.

    With not much time left before class I found the second half of the banner was going to be a bigger stretch than I was anticipating. Beads of sweat began to collect on my forehead, I thanked all that was holy I had extra deodorant in my desk just in case.

     If I stretched just a couple inches further the banner would be perfectly taught, as I pushed one last time to secure it, I heard the door open behind me.

     “Miss L/N!” Sadie shrieked in excitement, bounding into the class, unfortunately for me when I tried to swivel to greet her, I miscalculated the end of the chair. Once I was about halfway facing the girl my foot began to slip, and I braced myself for the impact of the floor beneath me.

    Instead of the floor meeting my impact I was embraced by a solid chest and the aroma of deep pine, leather, and a smokey bonfire. I felt the firm arm that circled my waste, it was warm and sturdy like my mother’s hands in my hair when I grew up, or my grandfather when he would come by to fix stuff around the house before he died. The feeling was like waking up on Sunday and it smelled like the first feeling of fall. When I opened my eyes, it was even more enchanting.

     When Sadie mentioned her Uncle Clyde, she should have said he was younger than her father. She also could have warned her how attractive he is. No, that would have been weird. Clyde looked down at me with concern in his whiskey colored eyes, a deep furrow in his brow, and I couldn’t help the heat that crept up from my spine into my chest and face. The awkward shame of being a complete clutz in front of this incredibly attractive man.

      “You alright ma’am?” He asked in a soft voice, oh god his voice, that only made me want to hide under my desk than confront the fact I’ve made an absolute fool of myself.

      “Yes,” I stammered out, re-gaining my upright footing on the ground and straightening out my clothes only to realize the man standing in front of me is well over six feet tall. I stared up at him with wide eyes before I realized he was waiting for me to say something, “I’m so sorry, Mr. Logan this isn’t how I expected to meet anyone today,” I looked around to make sure no one else was here but Sadie, “My name is-“

      “Miss L/N,” He finished for me with a small polite smile, “Sadie talks ‘bout you a lot, she loves your class.” He compliments and I felt my heart grow at the praise.

      “Well, I love having Sadie In my class, she’s a bright lady, and please, call me y/n,” I clarified, which wasn’t something I was planning on doing with parents, but he wasn’t Sadie’s guardian.

    “Well then, y/n, you can call me Clyde,” He extended his arm to shake and I took it happily. “Do you want me to hold the chair while you finish up with the banner? It’s too nice to be hangin’ from one side.” He complimented again which was sending shockwaves of joy through my veins.

     “That would be really helpful Clyde, thank you.” I replied, carefully stepping up to the chair and grabbing the end of the banner. With the steady help of Clyde, hanging the banner was a breeze. Once it was set and I stepped off the chair, with another helpful hand from Clyde, I was able to breathe fully.

    Sadie, who had been sitting in the back corner of the room I had set up for a comfortable reading center, popped up. “Uncle Clyde, what’d you pack for lunch?” She was dead set on the odd question.

    “Aunt Mellie packed us the same lunch Sadie bug, so I reckon’ I’ll have what you’re havin’.” He spoke in few words but I hung onto each as if they would be the last he ever spoke in front of me.

    “Miss L/n?” she turned her attention to me, “Are ya’ gonna eat lunch with Uncle Clyde and me?” She spoke, sometimes on special days teachers sit with their students at lunch, but today was not one of those days.

    “Not today Sadie, I’ve got to stay in here and guard the room from the hallway trolls!” I exaggerated for her delight. She giggled and when I looked up, I saw Clyde had a soft endearing smile on his face that made me want to jump head first into him.

    “We oughta’ leave her to that for lunch huh Sadie bug?” Clyde offered and Sadie nodded earnestly plopping back down in the corner to finish her book. Clyde looked back at me bashfully, like I had caught him in a private moment.

    “It’s real sweet for you to be here today.” I started as I walked to the refreshment table, “Would you like a coffee?” I offered him. When I turned back, he snapped out of the daze he was In and nodded silently as I poured him a cup into a cheap Styrofoam cup. “I don’t know many uncle’s who would step up like this. Cream?”

    “Erm- no. No, thank you.” He stammered and I handed him the cup, “Us Logan’s tend to be a tight knit bunch.” He affirmed my beliefs.

     “That sounds nice.” I hummed, sipping my own coffee from earlier.

    “That’s what families do.” He stated, underplaying the significance of his situation.

    “Not all families,” I murmured mostly to myself.

    “Hm?” He asked for clarification, I hadn’t even realized he heard me.

     “Oh! Nothing, sorry, I was talking to myself really.” I felt the embarrassment rise in me again. When I looked up at him to say something the bell rang. “Well, hope you enjoyed the quiet, I doubt you’ll be gettin’ any more of that here.” As if proving my point, the class, and their respective parents filed in for the start of the day.

    The whole morning was filled, one by one people explaining their job, how they got it, why they like it, and what the best thing about their job is. That’s followed by a series of questions from the students which almost never have anything to really do with their job.

    Clyde was the last to go, explaining how he was in the army, why he joined the fight, he told a story about one of his friends he met in Iraq and that he’s a bartender now. After a couple minutes of explaining what a bartender is, and what he does now that he’s not in the army, the kids finally asked about his hand. I expected him to get a little agitated maybe, or shy, but really, he took the questions in a stride.

    “How do you pee with one hand?” one of the kids questioned, his mother immediately blushing out of the second-hand embarrassment, but before Clyde could answer or the mother could reprimand him, I interrupted.

    “Mr. Bradley, you know better than that sir.” I began softly, “Remember last week we talked about boundaries, well you’ve gotta apologize for breakin’ Mr. Logan’s boundaries.” I reminded him, and he let out a disappointed apology at the man.

    “S’alright, I actually get that one a lot from people a lot older than you.” He joked and some of the parents in the back laughed it off. “’Sides I got this fancy arm here now.” He lifts up his sleeve to show off the dark green prosthetic. It looked incredibly high tech and impressive, but all I could wonder was how that metal would feel in contrast to his skin.

    Before I could go any deeper into that thought the bell rang and it was time for recess. I stood in front of the class, next to Clyde, and announced “Alright friends! It’s recess time, I want you all to line up with your parent’s behind Mr. Logan here, and we’ll go out.” I grabbed my keys and stood just in front of Clyde watching the mass of students and parents file into a nice line.

    Once everyone was set, I led the class out the classroom, down the hall and out a side door to the playground. I led them to a big oak tree next to a bench in the shade. “Alright friends! I know all my smart children know this but once the recess monitor blows the whistle we meet back here!” I announced, mostly for the adults. “Now, make sure you’re all careful and nice to each other, if your guests want to play, they can but if they don’t, we have to do what?” I asked, waiting for their response.

    “Respect their choice.” The class answered in a monotone fashion, just ready to get on the playground. So, I dismissed them and in a varying degree of excitement the crowd dispersed. Most parents went off with their kid but Clyde seemed to linger back.

    “Mind if I hang back for a bit?” He asked politely gesturing to the bench I was already seated on.

    “Not one bit,” I allowed and he sat with a gruff sigh, “I’m surprised you’re not bein’ pulled in a million directions. After the boys found out you were in the army, I thought they’d be buggin’ ya to play with them.” I wondered aloud, watching the young kids kick around a soccer ball in the field.

    “I think that’s Sadie’s doin.” He answered shortly, only elaborating when I gave him a confused look.

    “She talkin’ bad about you behind your back?” I asked.

    “No, I think she was hopin’ you and I’d be friends.” I stiffened, my quick little crush on him must be obvious for his third-grade niece to try and throw me a bone.

    “Oh, Clyde I’m sorry, if you don’t want to sit with-“ I began, but he cut me off.

    “Don’t worry Darlin, if I didn’t want to sit with ya’ I wouldn’t be.” He affirmed in his sturdy assured manner of speaking. I subconsciously moved closer to him. “I hope you don’t mind my askin but, what brings you to Boone County?” He asked innocently.

    “Well Clyde I’d tell ya’ but I think it would take me a couple drinks first.” I avoided the answer, knowing if there was any chance this man liked me back it would be squashed by me crying on him at the playground.

    “That does seem to be my specialty darlin’.: He replied smoothly, gaining a confidence I hadn’t seen in him earlier. Maybe he was being polite, but I hoped he was just getting more comfortable with me.

    “Well, then you should have no trouble making drinks strong enough to get my secrets from me.” I rebutted; it was a little too honest for my liking but the way Clyde was looking at me made me want to tell him all my little truths.

    “I’ve got different ways of gettin’ secrets out of a lady and gettin’ you drunk ain’t one.” He responded with an understated grin, it’s like he knows what he is doing to me.

    The rest of recess was spent under the sturdy oak tree on a bench talking to Clyde about trivial things. He didn’t bring up anything from my past that he may want to know and vice versa. I was curious how a man like him could be single until it hit me that he never really specified that he was in fact single. The thought of Clyde having a wife or girlfriend at home waiting for him made my stomach turn all throughout the lunch period. I thanked God that I was able to regroup in my room rather than stand in the cafeteria monitoring the kids.  

    I spent most of the period cleaning up the room and setting out a craft that would take a good portion of the rest of the day since the kids weren’t going to their usual elective class. This helped even my mind out of funk Clyde put it in. Just as I felt like my brain, and its hormones, mellowed out there was a knock at the door. When I opened it, Clyde stood there with none other than Sadie on his shoulders.

     “Hope ya’ don’t mind Miss L/n!” Sadie said excitedly, “Uncle Clyde and I finished lunch early and snuck out!” She let out a mischievous laugh.

      “Well,” a chuckle slipped past my lips, half in shock and half amusement of their antics, “Since you’re still with Clyde I can let you get away with it just once.” Clyde’s cheeks burned at my statement and I shot him an innocent smile. He ducked through the doorway enough to get Sadie through safely, then brought her down careful not to drop her.

      “Sadie, since you’re here would you out a worksheet at every desk for me?” She nodded and worked diligently to do what we asked. I turned to Clyde who was unceremoniously eating a cookie from the table of refreshments. “So, what brings you from the cafeteria? Mrs Lowells Cookies?”

    Clyde, not expecting to be seen mid-cookie, chokes a bit, “No-“ He pauses to regain composure, “No, I er- I didn’t want you ta be lonely in here?” His questioning tone and red cheeks told me it wasn’t the full story, but like we did under the oak, I didn’t push him.

    “Oh? That’s awful sweet Clyde, was its Sadie who offered to keep me company?” I asked knowing that it was most definitely not. Sadie was a social butterfly, and lunch was her domain in the third-grade class.     “Hm? Sadie?” Clyde smirked, knowing full well I was onto his schemes, “Of course Miss L/n, what are you trying to insinuate here?”

    “Nothing Mr. Logan,” I took a step closer to the man, being mindful there was still a child in the room, “What did you think I was insinuating?” I challenged his notion and was met with a blossoming blush and shy smile.

    “Nothing improper,” he raised his hand to show three fingers, “Scouts honor darlin’.” At that a burst of joy exploded in my chest. Clyde Logan was a gentleman through and through and it made me want to burst.

    “Alrightie then Scout, how bout’ you help little Sadie pass out papers, lunch is just about over.” He broke his gaze and it felt like the world around me faded back into view. I wondered how many women sat across his bar and felt the same. Am I just another girl falling under the spell of a charming, well-mannered, one-armed, bartender? I turned to look at him passing out the papers with all the seriousness of a drill sergeant in basic training. It was incredibly endearing.

    Yet again, the bell rang and the moment of wonder between Clyde and I was interrupted by the trickling stream of students.

    The rest of the day was surprisingly chaotic for a worksheet and a craft. Two bottles of glue were spilled, both by adults, and there was a cotton ball fight that led to two students’ clips being moved to yellow and two parents sent to the hall to cool off. The headache that was reverberating around my head after a day spent taking care of the students and the parents must’ve been the biggest one in a long time. As I was cleaning up, I found that Sadie had left one of her drawings on her desk, which was odd because Sadie always made a point to take hers home for her dad.

     I took the paper and put it on my desk to save for her, and once I was satisfied with the state of the room, I decided to see what the drawing was. On one side of the page was a nice tree over looking some flowers and a house, a skilled drawing for their age, but that was nothing new for Sadie. On the back however, it was a very different message.

Miss L/n, my uncle Clyde thinks you’re pretty. He works at the Duck tape bar every night except for Mondays (or whenever he gets sick).

p.s.: you should marry him so you can be my aunt.

I never did take Sadie for a match maker, but then again I can’t complain when I’ve got another reason to go visit a particular bartender, and hope that he felt the same chemistry I did.

A/N: Thank you for reading! Again, first fic so please interact or leave some feedback! Would love to hear if anyone wants more!

[bangtan-sonyeonddaeng]

Namjoon Scenario| You take care of him when he’s drunk

You had just finished working a double shift at the hospital and you were exhausted. It was nearing 2 o clock in the morning, and all you wanted to do was change out of your scrubs and immediately collapse into bed. However, your drunk boyfriend had other plans. You were in the locker room, changing out of your scrubs and into your sweatpants when your phone began ringing. You knew it was Namjoon because he had a special ringtone you had set just for him. 

“Hey Namjoonie! I’m just leaving work now.” 

“Uh.. is this y/n?” You don’t recognize this man’s voice at all and your heart jumps into your throat as you think something happened to him.

“Um., yes this is she. Who is this?”

“My name is Anthony I am one of the bar tenders at Bullet Proof. Your boyfriend kind of passed out on the bar. I asked him who I should call and he said ‘the most beautiful, kind, and understanding girlfriend in the world’. I’m assuming that was you since there is a heart next to your name in his contacts. Do you think you can come and get him? We’re closing up now and I don’t want to send him home in a taxi with the state he’s in right now.” You sigh and pinch the bridge of your nose.

“Where did his friend go that he was with?”

“The loud one with the funny laugh? He left a while ago but he insisted on staying. Wanted to talk to me about philosophy and other life shit I don’t know.” You can’t help but laugh.

“Yep that sounds like my boyfriend. I am just finishing up my shift at work. I can be there in about 20 minutes?”

“Alright. I gave him some water but he’s still snoozing away right now so he hasn’t sobered up at all yet. I’ll keep an eye on him for ya.”

“Thank you. I’ll be there soon.” You hang up the phone and sigh, shaking your head before slipping the phone back  into your purse. You finish putting your clothes on and quickly head to your car to drive to the bar. 

When you arrive, sure enough you see Namjoon awake now and talking animatedly to the bar tender.

“I don’t know my man Tony. I just think it’s pretty fucked up that we cut down bird houses to make bird houses.” 

“Namjoon!” He turns around immediately, a wide smile forms on his face. 

“Y/n!!! There’s my beautiful girlfriend. She’s a doctor you know. Real smart. Way smarter than me even. She’s perfect. Can I marry her?”

“Okay Joon, let’s get you home okay?”

“Yes ma’am.” He says with a giggle. He tries to stand up and starts tottering on his feet. You run over to him and put your arm around him before he completely falls over.

“You need help getting him out to the car?”

“Nah. I can handle him. Thank you though. I hope he tipped you well.” The bartender chuckles and waves his hand at you both dismissively. You help him out to the car, stumbling on the way before dropping him into the passenger seat. You get into the drivers side and start the car. You begin to pull away before Namjoon yells at you.

“Y/n stop!”

“What’s wrong? Are you going to get sick I swear to god if you throw up in my car-”

“Safety first! You aren’t wearing your seat belt silly.” You sigh but smile fondly at him. 

“Alright, Joon. You’re right. There I put my seat belt on can we go now?”

“Yes.. but can we stop for tacos on the way home.”

“...It’s 3 o clock in the morning”

“Taco Bell is open until 4 though..” He pouts at you and you can’t believe you are actually giving into his drunk antics. But he looks so cute you just can’t tell him no.

“Alright, baby we’ll get you some food and then we’re going to get you home and rest, okay?”

“Okay.” He says with a smile. You order his food and he eats it all before you even get through the door. 

“You ate that food way too fast Namjoon you’re going to get sick.”

“No way. I got a gut of steel.” He pats his belly and you notice him looking quite nauseous. 

“Uh huh, who’s the doctor here?” 

“You are..”

“So don’t try to correct me on this kind of stuff. You look like you’re about to get sick right now.” Just as you say that he’s running off to the bathroom. You sigh and shake your head. Filling a glass up with water. When you walk into the bedroom he’s laying face first on the bed groaning loudly. 

“Why won’t our apartment stop spinning.”

“Because you’re still drunk. Chug this water before you go to bed.” Namjoon takes the water from you and sighs contently. 

“Thank you. You take such amazing care of me y/n.” 

“Don’t mention it. You just get some rest now, yeah?”

“I love you.”

“Love you too.” As soon as you finish your sentence a quiet snore escapes his mouth. You walk to the bathroom and grab some pain killers and place them next to the bed with a new bottle of water. You glance at the clock and see it’s now after 4:00 in the morning. You have to be up at 9:00 for your next shift. You settle into bed and fall asleep as soon as your head hits the pillow. 

You’re seriously dragging at work the next day. You have been chugging coffee after coffee trying to stay awake long enough to finish your shift. Your coworkers can tell you’re exhausted. They ask you if you’re sick and you say no, you just got stuck taking care of your drunk boyfriend. They nod in understanding, having dealt with similar situations in the past. You are on your break now, opting to skip lunch to eat and it’s then you realized you haven’t ate anything since yesterday evening before you left for work. Your stomach growls loudly but you ignore it, deciding you’ll snack on a granola bar to hold you over until you leave. Right now sleep is more important. You are just about to drift off when your phone goes off with a text. You open it and see a message from Namjoon.

Oh my god I am so embarrassed. I can’t believe you had to come and get me from the bar last night you must be exhausted. I feel horrible. I’m so sorry. Please let me make it up to you. I’ll take you out to dinner after work and pamper you and take care of you like I should have done yesterday.

Hmm.. Tempting offer Namjoon. But in order for me to fully forgive you, you must take me out to my favorite place AND buy me dessert.

Consider it done. When are you done working?

6:00. 

See you then baby 🥰

You smile and set an alarm, then locking your phone before you lay your head down on your hands and drift off to sleep. You finish out the rest of your shift and walk out of the hospital to see Namjoon already waiting for you out front. 

“Wow, you look like shit, Namjoon.”

“I feel even worse. Gosh hangovers suck.”

“Yeah they do. Why didn’t you leave with Jin last night?”

“I don’t know I do dumb things when I am drunk you know this by now, right?” You laugh as a memory springs to mind when he accidentally was late getting to dance practice because he set the calculator app on his phone instead of the alarm. 

“Yeah you do. You want me to grab you some more pain killers?”

“No this is my price to pay for making you take care of me all night when you had to work and had just gotten off a double shift.”

“I really didn’t mind. I like taking care of you. You’re really cute when you’re drunk.” Namjoon blushes and smiles. “Alright I am starving can we go now?”

“Oh do you want to go? If you enjoyed taking care of me so much maybe I don’t need to apologize by taking you out to dinner after all.” 

“Don’t push it. I know about 10 different drugs I could slip you to make your death look like natural causes.” Namjoon laughs loudly at that and you can’t help but join him. He turns to you and kisses you gently. 

“I love you y/n. Thank you for putting up with my nonsense.”

“I better get used to it then since you asked the bartender for permission to marry me then huh?” Namjoon chokes on air when he hears this. 

“I what now?!”

“Come on let’s go to dinner. I can tell you all about the things you did after I get some food in my stomach.”

[anika-ann]

No Apologies Needed - Pt.1

Pairing: Steve Rogers x reader       Word count: 2380

Warnings: swearing, forced PDA, alcohol

Summary: Your friend left you alone in the bar only to make out with a cute guy she just met. So the plan is to go home. Except things rarely go as planned, do they?

Then again, this change of plans in the form of a handsome stranger seems rather pleasant. Until it doesn’t.

Story Masterlist

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You couldn’t believe she had convinced you to do it again. 

You couldn’t believe you had taken the bait, again.

A girls’ night out, she had said. Just the two of us having drinks, she had said. No boys allowed, she had said.

The first brunette passing your table caught her attention, but Nicol had tried to be a good friend and keep her promise, ignoring his suggestive wink. You wanted to congratulate her for the restraint.

And then another one had come and you were left alone in the bar, just like always. You were so stupid. Why had you come here? You weren’t exactly number one fan of bars. You just let Nicol tag you along, only to be abandoned. Every. Single. Time.

You finished your drink – the second one ever since your so called friend had left you – and considered taking off. You couldn’t see Nicol anywhere, probably because she was having a wild make-out session with the hot brunette no.2, and you were feeling a bit tipsy yourself – which was never a good state. One more drink and you might make a decision you would regret lately. Also, walking New York’s streets at night was bad enough itself; you didn’t need to add your drunken ass in the mix.

You slipped into your jacket and swung you tiny purse over your shoulder, making your way along the wall to avoid the people who had got encouraged by alcohol enough to start some sort of a dance.

“This isn’t funny at all,” you heard someone behind you complain in what was almost a whine. You rolled your eyes at the male voice and pulled your purse closer as you felt the man’s presence right behind you.

Yeah, getting mugged on top of all that, no, thank you. You quickened your pace, pushing past a girl who seemed to have more than enough; and you were not thinking alcohol. More like… you didn’t even want to know.

Nicol, I really hope your boy-toy is freakin’ worth it. You realized that you should shoot her a text at least – that you were heading to the apartment you two shared, for her to read when she wouldn’t be… busy. With that thought, you headed to your salvation – the exit.

It was when you heard him again, the guy almost sneaking behind you; his voice sounded differently now, more resigned than annoyed. Desperate even.

“Dammit!”

A strong hand gripped your arm and you choked on air as the man spun you around swiftly.

“Hey-“ you snapped at him – him being a hooded guy – your lungs gathering enough air to let out a scream.

“Please, play along.”

Those words shocked you, but you had no time to question them as you were suddenly backed against the wall, the stranger’s mouth on yours.

You gasped at the feeling, unintentionally parting your lips, only to meet his warm breath.

“Please,” he whispered, his large hand cupping your cheek and at the surprisingly tender gesture, you allowed yourself to close your eyes, your rapidly beating heart slowing down just a little.

Somehow, your brain was working one hundred percent – at least certain areas, while others were just too drunk to function. You had got the message – he possibly didn’t like the prospect of kissing you unexpectedly any more than you did and only did it because he was trying to get someone off of his back.

Your pulse wavered in fear and for a second you wanted to push him away – but then the memory of his soft apologizing tone hit you and you just couldn't do it. You suddenly didn't care why he needed to hide – whether it was a crazy clingy ex, a drunken friend or a drug cartel he owned money to. It didn't matter to you, as insane as that made you.

Perhaps it was the alcohol in your bloodstream – or the fact that his lips felt very nice against yours, or the broad shoulders you had managed to notice during your super-fast panicked inspection of the stranger who had grabbed you. The lips didn’t seem to be close enough and neither did his body. You sneaked one hand around his waist, gasping when you felt the firmness of his muscles, unable to stop your hand from reaching a bit lower to what you expected to be a booty feeling just as firm. You were not disappointed and boy, if that sensation didn’t warm your belly in the most delicious way.

Your other hand slipped under the hood of his sweatshirt and you could feel him stiffen as he probably thought you were about to expose him. But you simply slid your fingers into his locks, earning a soft sigh from him. It apparently encouraged him to press his body closer to yours.

Now that was a believable make-out session for this kind of place and you would be damned if your evening just didn’t turn way better than you had expected. The man’s lips were still dancing with yours, slowing down, until there was just a ghost of a touch of them on yours, his fingers resting lightly against your cheek, while his other hand was on your hip.

When had he started touching your hip?

You were breathing heavily, attacked by his unobtrusive cologne that somehow felt vintage. You crossed out a low-life persona from your mental list of people who might have just kissed you, because someone who smelled this nice couldn’t be hanging out on the streets most of his days. Also, you couldn’t smell large amount of alcohol on him, which only supported your theory.

And wow, your brain was so busying itself with stuff that weren’t important.

You licked your lips, gulping. Well. Now should come the awkward part. You couldn’t make yourself open your eyes.

“So… are we good, Stranger?” you asked hoarsely, your throat too tight to allow you to speak clearly. You fought the urge to swallow again.

“Depends,” his equally rough voice caressed you and your fingertips tingled. Jeeez, girl, get a grip, god knows who this guy is- “Is there a white male, 5 feet 9 tall, dark hair, athletic built, wearing black t-shirt and jeans or a white male 6 feet 3 tall, blond, muscular, in dark blue t-shirt and jeans in sight?”  

Your heart jumped to your throat and your eyes snapped open at the first words he said. White male about 5 feet 9 tall, athletic built-? What kind of a person described people like that? What the hell did you get yourself into?

…not that you had been in it voluntarily. At least from the beginning, later on it was— shut up.

You raised your gaze from his neck – because he was just that tall – and let your eyes roam around the room, searching for the men he had just described. You had no clue, it was rather the way he had said those words than their actual meaning that got stuck in your brain, but you didn’t think you saw anyone who looked like that… and seemed especially intimidating on top of that, because you guessed that if a walking rock like this hooded stranger himself felt the need to hide…

“No, I don't think I see anyone who would match that description,” you whispered dutifully, fighting the urge to add ‘Sir’. He was just giving a vibe of a man you should be addressing ‘Sir’.

With your mouth dry, you looked up to the man’s face still partially hidden in the shadows of his hood.

Beautiful eyes met yours with unbearable intensity. You stomach clenched, but not uncomfortably. Oh boy, he was a looker; bright blue eyes, blond hair, ripped body… you realized you were still touching him – quite inappropriately – and let go of his shoulder and… bottom, yeah. Though it was as hard as if there were magnets between you, the sensation just way too pleasant under your fingertips only a moment ago.

He must have come to a certain conclusions hearing your strangled voice, because his gaze softened, allowing you to breathe in properly.

“I'm sorry for... throwing myself at you like this, Ma’am.” Here it comes. Ma’am. I really should have called him ‘Sir’. “I really am, I would never-“

You felt the tension building in your shoulders ease with the way he sounded; slightly embarrassed and... well, utterly adorable. This guy was a good guy, you decided. There was no way he was not on the side of the angels, not with the sincere apologetic eyes and the tone he spoke in.

Crazily enough – and you blamed the alcohol, really – it made you smile rather confidently.

“Hate to break it to you, but you did literally nothing that would require an apology.”

Even with the poor light and the hood, you would swear his cheeks flushed with a little red. It was so cute you would cry. Putting a respectful distance between the two of you – and you did not feel sorry for the loss of contact, not at all, that would be weird –, he cleared his throat.

“I’m— at least... may I buy you a drink as an apology, Ma’am?”

The Ma’am thing again. Had he been raised in a freaking castle? Military, you dumbass, maybe he is military-

“Uhm... o-okay,” you stuttered, completely forgetting you had decided to stop drinking for the night. It would be impolite to decline, right? Plus, after what just happened – or was still happening? – you could use a drink.

He gave you a bashful yet brilliant smile and your heart melted, your legs turning into an uncooperative mass of jello. Seeing your hesitation, he offered you a hand. It was an utterly sweet and chaste gesture – especially given how the two of you had been touching just few moments ago.

You found yourself staring at him as he led you to the bar. He seemed to grow now, holding himself like… well, like a military man, perhaps. The grey hoodie looked size too big around his middle, but was struggling in the higher area – his shoulders and arms were wrapped tightly and you could almost hear the fabric cry. His jeans were… wrapping his bottom pretty nicely, making your cheeks flush with the memory of touching it without any warning or permission. You quickly raised your eyes, afraid he might catch you staring if he turned to you unexpectedly.

Even when seating himself on a bar stool and catching the bartender’s attention, he left the hood on. He only let go of your hand when you were both sitting and the man behind the bar approached you. You ordered another margarita while he had a scotch. He paid for you both of course.

His body was slightly directed to you, remaining somewhat polite, but his eyes were rather on his drink, not meeting yours; until they did.

You almost fell of the stool as you were surprised by gaze staring right into your soul.

“I truly am sorry for assaulting you, Ma’am. But I would like you to know I’m very grateful for your cooperation,” he exclaimed, voice less measured than you would expect with the way he carried himself.

You felt burst of blood in your cheeks when he called the make-out session and your wandering hands a cooperation.

“It was no trouble… Sir.”

You could see the corners of his lips rise as he offered you his hand again, this time obviously to shake yours.

“My name is Steve.”

You accepted his hand, nodding, and sheepishly whispered your name back. You wanted to ask whom the hell he was running from, why he had picked you of all people around, who he was, but you couldn’t make yourself to do it. Possibly because you were well-aware of the fact he wouldn’t answer any of those questions.

Instead, you raised your glass, gesturing towards his. You had no idea what you should make a toast to, so you didn’t say anything, just attempted a tiny smile. Steve reciprocated it and sipped his scotch, only to put down the glass down a second later.

He sighed then, sounding a bit irritated. You studied him carefully, wondering what you had done to cause the change in his mood. He made a subtle motion towards his neck and you noticed his fingertips brushing his ear.

Your heart skipped a beat before it broke into a gallop. Jesus, was he... was he wearing an earpiece? Comms? Was he actually… some kind of a spy?! What the-

“I'm sorry. I have to go.”

“Oh,” you only let out intelligently as he downed the glass in one go. Christ. He stood up hastily.

“Thank you-- thank you again for your help, Ma’am. It was nice to meet you,” he said with a nervous smile and headed towards the exit abruptly.

He couldn’t see the quick smile you gave him as you followed him with your stare.

“Was my pleasure…”

He was almost by the door when a redhead woman, also in a hood, only worn lower, wrapped her arm around his shoulder with a grin. Now you were taken aback utterly, possibly even more than earlier that evening. What the hell?! Was this his girlfriend? Or-?

Even from the distance, you could see Steve’s lips mimicking a very clear 'shut up' at her and then the woman turned directly to you, met your eyes and gave you a playful wink.

You blushed harder and not just from alcohol. The strangest thing was that… the wink didn't scare you or made you feel guilty or something. The gesture wasn't saying 'that's my man, bitch', but more like a 'good job, sister, I hope you enjoyed'.

And then they were gone.

You hypnotized at the door long after they had left, your imagination running wild. For some reason, the movie Mr. and Mrs. Smith came to your mind and you had to roll your eyes at the ridiculous picture of Steve and the woman being a married spy couple.

You returned to your drink and shook your head in silent wonder. The alcohol was starting to taste a bit funny on your tongue; just another indication it was time to finish your last drink and go home.

That was the plan anyway.

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Part 2

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Tags: @mermaidxatxheart​ 

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Thank you for reading! Tags always opened, just like my inbox and whatever ;)

[kissjane]

Number 1. and 6. for the ask game 🥰🥰🥰 love you jane 💙💙💙💙💙

Maybe I should have taken a second to appreciate how HARD these questions are before I reblogged.

# 1 - What’s your personal favourite thing you wrote this year? 

I am not sure! I mean, I am proud of the fact that I got something written for all the 50 cliché prompts... And the fact that I started writing (and posting) fanfic in the first place! I’d never done that before this year.

# 6 - What’s your favourite piece of dialogue you wrote this year?

Uh, miss. Dialogue is DIFFICULT. But maybe I can weasel myself out of this question by posting a (dialogue-heavy) snippet from Supermarket AU.

“What the fuck, man!”

“I’m so-”

Lucas doesn’t even give himself permission to enjoy the smooth velvety voice.

“Are you a fucking retard, or what? Or do you think it’s funny to come here and throw various stuff on the floor just to toy with me? You think I’m beneath you, Mr High-And-Mighty? You think people who do actual jobs are just here for your entertainment?”

Eliott shakes his head, his eyes wide, and he starts to say something, but Lucas is on a roll now.

“Are you getting off on this, or what? You enjoy making me crawl through your fucked-up messes? You think it’s fun to watch the plebs clean up after you?”

“No, I –”

“Or did you want to deny you’re doing this on purpose? You’re not any better than me, you asshole. You think you can get away with everything just because you are famous? You think you can demean other people just because they didn’t make some shitty movie in high school, you dick? You think you can do whatever you want just because you look like a model and are dating one?”

Fuck. Lucas claps his hands in front of his mouth, but the damage is done. He insulted a customer, yelling loud enough for the whole store to hear. Even worse, he gave away he knows who Eliott is, and he might as well have blurted out he has the hots for him, too. Another customer shuffles quickly away at Lucas’ outburst, and he can see his manager on her way to check out what the commotion is about.

“Lucas? What is going on here?”

He remains silent. He knows the rules: the customer is always right, always a smile on your face, blah blah blah. She frowns and looks at Lucas as if he is something dead dragged in by the cat has.

“Sir? Did this employee bother you? Does he need to be – disciplined?”

Holy fuck. Lucas doesn’t dare look up. He is going to get fired because of Eliott Demaury. No way that entitled prick - how he ever had a crush on the dude is beyond him - is gonna let Lucas’ tirade pass.

“Oh, no, no ma’am!” Eliott is all charm and pleasantness. “Please, don’t worry about it! In fact, this man has been going above what can be expected. Exemplary, truly. Perfect customer service. You are to be recommended on your wonderful staff.”

Lucas dares to peek through his eyelashes. Eliott has turned on his movie star smile, and even Lucas’ dour manager is not immune against the lure of it. For the first time since his job interview, something akin to a smile appears on her face, and she flushes.

“Oh! Oh, thank you,” she titters, unconsciously straightening her uniform. “And if you will allow me to tell you, Mr. Demaury, I have always admired your movies. So… interesting! I guess I’m a bit of a fan, you could say…”

Is she blushing? She is. Holy fuck. She could be Eliott’s mother. Lucas wants to bet she’s never seen anything he has made. 

Eliott smiles benignly.

“Could I offer you a signature, then, maybe?”

“Oh!” She clasps her hands to her chest, as if Eliott had told her she was gonna star in his next movie. “If it wouldn’t be too much to ask, sir…”

[gongju-juice]

3. Once Upon a Southern Night

Something Old, Something New

Warnings: Some racial tension. . .also might be some language but I can’t remember tbh

The thing about change is that it’s just that—change. You can change something, twist it, mold it, or turn it into whatever you wish for it to look like, but you cannot ever get rid of its original identity. 

Living in Forks was no short of that. Life was a blessing, and your days were filled with laughter and excitement. Beginning your senior year—Jasper had graduated—but the two of you were dating and closer than you’d ever been. He took you on dates to see the stars and bought you flowers and little trinkets to brighten your day. You read books in his lap and went on double dates with Amelia and her boyfriend, Stuart. 

You knew something was strange about your family—so much so that your mother’s weirdness no longer seemed so personalized. Maybe it was the fact they never ate around you, or maybe it’s the account of their golden eyes. And like your mother (and everyone else, frankly), your boyfriend was so inhumanly cold, like a Roman statue left in an icy museum.

But what did you look like asking such crazy questions? After all, what else could it be but coincidence? As for your mom and Carlisle, they were siblings—it was normal for them to share the same traits. But as for the others—Rosalie and Jasper were twins—and although they were different personality wise, they both had the same pale skin and bronze colored eyes. Maybe the old saying is true: living together with someone really does make you look alike.

One day while your family all hung out at the Cullen house, you received a letter in the mail. It was a bright, shimmering white envelope with fancy lace trimming. You opened it carefully—sure not to cut yourself so as to not to trigger Jasper’s weird paranoia around blood. 

“Oh my god!” you shouted, running into the living room. You looked at your mom. “Ivy and Dale are getting hitched!”

“Wow, Ivy?” she said. “I remember the two of you growing up like it was yesterday. When’s the date?”

“March 5. It’s going to take place on Dale’s parents’ farm. The reception’s going to be in the big barn house!”

You whirled in excitement, only to dizzy yourself into Jasper’s arms when you realized you’d fallen. He brushed a stray curl from your face.

“A wedding?” he said. “I thought Ivy was only seventeen.”

“You can get married in Alabama at sixteen with parental consent. I’m sure the Lauderdales were thrilled to hear of the good news. Dale has been hanging ‘round since we were six.”

You popped back onto the floor. “I’ve gotta find a dress and everything! Oh wait—I should call and see if we’re doing matching dresses or if we’re all gonna be wearing different ones.”

You picked up your phone and raced to the kitchen where you could find some privacy and feel free to freak out some more. She picked up on the third ring.

“Lucille!” you cried, “I can’t believe it’s finally happening! Please send me a picture of the ring ASAP, okay?”

She giggled. “It’s not a big deal, Y/N. We’ve been engaged since we were twelve. It’s just that now we’ve got that ice and permission to prove it.”

The phone buzzed and you looked at the image of the triple diamond ring which had a band of diamonds all around. You recognized that ring. It was Dale’s grandmother’s sacred family heirloom, the one that’s been locked up tight in their security safe. He only let you and her see it once when you were both thirteen and his parents were out in the field.

“I’m so excited for the bachelorette party!” you gushed. “We’re going to have so much fun! We should go to Pensacola and go to one of them spa places and then we can—”

“Y/N,” she said quietly, cutting you off entirely. “You’re not on the bridesmaids list.”

You were quiet, your flailing arms caught in mid air. “I’m not. . .but you said—”

“I’m sorry, girl, but Mama already chose who's going to be in my wedding. There’s 

Charlotte, Mary, Clarabelle, and Lydia. . .the ones I grew up with.”

“But. . .what about me? Didn’t. . .didn’t we grow up together?”

“Yeah, but. . .it’s just not the same, you know? Those people are family. You can still come to the wedding, of course. That’s why I sent the invitation.”

You’d be lying if you said you didn’t feel hurt. Here was your best friend telling you that you couldn’t be in the wedding. Mrs. Lauderdale. . .you thought she really liked you. Was it because you moved up north?”

“Oh, alright then. I was just—just calling to confirm the date. March 5, right?”

“Yeah, March 5.”

You hung up the phone and sighed at the counter, your head hung down. Just then, Jasper came walking in. He came up behind you and held you in place, his head resting on your shoulder. Suddenly, your mood improved instantly. But that was the thing about Jasper—he was always brightening your day when you felt down. It was part of the reason you adored him.

“You okay?” he whispered. “You know you don’t got to go to that wedding?”

You shook your head. “Of course I do. It’s my best friend’s wedding. How could I miss her big day? Besides. . .how did you even know I was sad?”

He stiffened. “I. . .uh. . .heard the conversation in the hallway.”

“Oh, well I guess that makes sense.”

He held you for a while against the hard granite. 

“Jasper?”

“Yes, darlin’?”

“Will you be my date to the wedding?”

“Absolutely.”

Rosalie was the one officially in charge in helping you pick your dress. Alice had a vengeful streak and wanted you to wear a big, white gown that would take all the attention away from Ivy.

“It’s wayyyy too hot in the south for that,” you pleaded, “and I ain’t trying to cause no trouble! It’s her Mama who did it, not Ivy.”

“She should’ve overridden that stupid decision then,” Alice continued, braiding your hair. It was still funny to know that the tiny pixie girl knew how to do a full-set of box braids. “If it was my wedding—”

“But it isn’t your wedding,” Rosalie insisted. “And Ivy isn’t your friend. Now like I was saying, Y/N, this little yellow sundress would look so cute with your skin tone. . .”

They even hooked up Jasper. They got him a nice cornflower blue dress shirt and a cream colored suit. Emmett even put on a whole show of picking his hairstyle, and even though they went through all that progress and hard work, you kindly reminded them that a heat wave was coming the weekend of the wedding and that it was best just to leave his curls the way they were. Jasper did not take kindly to his brother after that.

“Why don’t you come with us?” you asked your mom as she helped you pack the last of your luggage. “It’s gonna be so lonely with just me and Jasper. And besides, I’m sure everybody wants to see you!”

“No, no, I can’t. I’m scheduled for a surgery the day of the wedding. I can’t cancel it either. It’s a cancerous tumor that needs to be removed.”

You sighed, sitting up on your bed. “I can’t believe it’s here. She’s getting married, mom. We’re all going to be adults and pretty soon, if things go to according to plan, me and—” You cut yourself off as the overwhelming thought engulfed you.

“That’s right. You and Jasper will have your own wedding someday. . .speaking of which. . .we need to talk about the future.”

“The future?”

“Yes,” she sat on your bed. “There are some things you need to know before you set your eyes on your own big day. We’ll talk about that all soon, I promise. But as for now, go and enjoy yourself with Jasper. You’ll have him all to yourself. . .”

“Mom!” you shouted. “Jasper—he’s too sweet for that. He’s a real gentleman! It hasn’t even been that long ago since we had our first kiss, and he was scared to even do that!”

She raised her brows. “Hmmm, maybe that’s what he wanted you to think. But guys are never shy when it comes to that subject.”

The next day, your family wished you off at the airport. Jasper bought you first class tickets—a feat you deemed both extravagant and unnecessary—and you slept on his shoulder for most of the way. 

Immediately, touching down in your home state, everything felt so different. It was humid and hot; the type of sticky that makes your hair stick to the back of your neck, and people were so much more cordial then they were back at Forks. Some gave Jasper strange looks as he wound his fingers with yours, but again, nobody was unpleasant.

You would be staying at a hotel about thirty miles out from the country. There were, thankfully, two queen sized beds parallel to one another in the tiny room. But Jasper insisted sleeping in the living room part where a half wall separated the two of you.

On the big day, your boyfriend pulled out an authentic cowboy hat (the likes you’d never seen before), and the two of you headed down Ivy’s long dirt road. 

Fields of cotton and peas lined either side of the road, and for long stretches, there were no houses except the occasional large country home with animals and plots of cultivated land. The ditches teemed with life: jumping frogs, tadpoles, crawfish, and lillies. 

“Gosh, it’s been so long since I’ve been in the country,” he said. “This place isn’t much different from home.”

“Home? In Forks?”

“Rose and I—before we were adopted—used to live in Texas.”

“Really? That explains your accent! I just thought you watched too many western flicks. Oh, but why doesn’t Rosalie have one?”

“Well, she just hides it, I guess.”

You arrived at the house. There was a trail of cars already parked in the grassy yard, and people made their way in their finest Sunday’s best to the row of chairs arranged in front of the big oak tree where the minister stood.

“Y/N!” one of your old childhood friends exclaimed when she saw you. She was dressed in a teal dress, and at her side was some unknown boy you hadn’t met. “It’s so good to see you!” She looked at your boyfriend. “And who’s this?”

“Jasper Hale, ma’am, I’m her date for the evening,” he answered, tipping his hat. The row of women waiting to greet you gushed at his manners, and dare you say, they checked him out so openly. You hugged his bicep tighter.

“Just for the evening or indefinitely?” she cooed.

“Indefinitely.”

You sat down in one of the middle rows, and watched in awe as the wedding processional came down the aisle. Ivy was dressed in a glittery dress and carried the largest bouquet of white roses you’d ever seen. Dale had tears in his eyes as he looked up at his bride. They were so perfect, so in love, it made your insides melt.

After the beautiful ceremony, the party moved the barn. The rafters were draped in lights and white ribbons and flower petals covered the ground. You chose a table nearest to one of the wooden walls and curled into Jasper’s side.

“You look so gorgeous,” he said, tucking a dandelion behind your ear. “You out-shined the bride, and you didn’t even have to wear that ridiculous dress Alice was trying to shove you in.”

“All of my girlfriends keep whispering about you. You’re the real star tonight. The best looking man in both Washington and Alabama.”

Just then, Mrs. Lauderdale approached your table.

“Y/N, how are you honey?” she asked as you hugged her plump form. As the mother of the bride, she was dressed in a simple white dress and rocked a crown of flowers in her hair.

“I’m wonderful. Have you met my boyfriend?” You allowed her to inspect Jasper as he offered a hand.

“My, my. What a fine young man,” she cried. “Who knew you could get such a catch?”

She pulled you off to the side, and although Jasper tried to follow, you insisted he stay behind.

“I hope you aren’t upset about the whole bridesmaid situation,” she said, patting your shoulder. “We wanted a small processional anyway—makes it so we can get to the food faster.”

You shook your head. “‘Course not. It was such a beautiful ceremony. And Ivy—she’s stunning,” you said as you admired her twirling form with her new husband.

“Well anyway, John and the guys want to see you. John?”

Mr. Lauderdale greeted you with a nod. “How’s it going?”

“All good here,” you answered enthusiastically. In all honesty, John and his friends intimidated you with their skeptical expressions and hawk-like eyes. It was obvious the men of the family didn’t like you as much as the girls did—and that was fine. You were here for Ivy, not them.

“You got yourself a white boy?” Vernon, Ivy’s brother, asked. “A Yankee?”

“Actually, Jasper’s a Texan. And yes, he’s white. But it isn’t weird or anything.”

Like he was in on the conversation, he smoothly slid in beside you, his cold hand wrapping around your waist.

“Pleased to meet you,” he said as he addressed the men. “I’m a Houston native, by the way. I was raised on a farm myself—had a chocolate brown mare named Buttercup and a field full of bulls.”

“Ah, really? That makes me even more surprised to see you here.”

“Pardon me?”

Vernon smirked. “Y’all go and enjoy yourselves.”

Jasper pulled you away from the barn with a little more determination than you thought was needed. He hadn’t looked nor spoken until the two of you were completely alone by the fence where the ponies ran.

“Are you okay?” you asked softly. “You seem upset.”

“It’s nothing. I didn’t like the way those boys were talking. Had to get outside and clear my mind.” He pulled you closer to his body, and his cool skin felt good in the heat of the night.

“Holding you like this makes me get so sentimental,” he admitted. “It makes me want to take you to the nearest courtyard and get official. It makes me want to buy you a hundred acres and a big, nice house by a river. It makes me want to give you a bunch of kids to keep us company, so we can grow old together and live happily ever after.”

“I like when you get sentimental,” you breathed.

“But,” he stopped, “that last part might not be able to happen. There’s something you should know about me—about our family before you decide to give your heart away.”

“What do you mean? What could possibly be so earth-shattering that it’d make me stop loving you?”

He ran his thumb over your bottom lip, staring deeply into your eyes. His brows were creased, forehead wrinkled in thought. 

“Y/N, I wanted to wait to tell you, but I can’t stand lies. Most importantly, I don’t like to lie to you.”

“Just say it, baby.”

Suddenly, a figure emerged from the darkness. 

It was a tall man, about the same height and build as Jasper, with bright crimson eyes and long dark hair tied back in a ponytail. He stared at you intensely before casting his burning gaze to Jasper.

“It’s been a long time, old friend,” he said darkly before inhaling deeply. “And it’s been even longer, Camille.”

And here the real story begins. Also I like cowboy Jasper playing with ponies maybe I’ll do a drabble on that.

Part One    Part Two   Part Four

[grocerystore-gf]

007 (this rlly reminded me of s1 george)

HI

your blog is literally my favourite thing e v e r. and you. I love you TOO much. your entire vibe is just so🔫🧚‍♀️☁️🤧...your typing style is so distinct i can lichrelly (!) identify it anywhere sob. and ma’am who gave u the permission to be so fckn funny all the time smh🔫. okie i rlly felt the need to do a good job here cuz it’s u but idk ok. bye ily🧸

[paodequeijofeliz-blog]

Let me tell you a good story

Bloodbound Fanfiction (characters and main story belongs to Pixelberry Studios).

Pairing: Kamilah Sayeed and MC (Annie)

Information:  this takes place after Bloodbound 3, here I’m recreating how Kamilah and MC would meet if she had never gone to Raines Corporation right away.

Summary: Thirty years after meeting Annie for the first time, Kamilah is now a wife and a mother. During a regular family dinner, she decides to tell her daughter and their new son-in-law the story of how she fell in love with Annie after an unusual meeting through the hallways of NYU.

Warnings: none.

Part 1 Part 2 Part 3 Part 4 Part 5 Part 7 (Finale)

Let me tell you a good story - Part 6

March 2nd, 2048

           “So… When and how did you find out, exactly?” Drake cupped his own chin, intrigued. “I mean, you DO know that the woman beside you is Kamilah Sayeed, Ms. K. Sayeed of Ahmanet Financial, right?”

           Anna’s snorted a laugh. “Yes, I actually DO know I married Ms. Kamilah Sayeed, although she isn’t a “Ms” anymore.”

           “Jump to the part you realized it. It was a painful and funny scene to watch, all at once. And it wasn’t long after you two started making out, right?” Adrian’s hands are always resting in his pockets when he feels safe and relaxed. Especially around family. Right now, they had been there ever since he entered the house. There was no safer place to be.

           “Four days after that. September 16th.” Kamilah gave a soft smile. She was damn good remembering dates. “Because on September 15th, I asked her to follow me to the Penthouse after work and share a drink. We had made great advancement on the research…”

           “…and on other things…” Anna cofed.

           “…that too…” The vampire relaxed back against the chair. “I think it’s your turn to talk. We’re all excited to hear this part from you, darling. Tell them how you found out the truth.”

           The historian sighed.

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September 15th, 2018

           That place was nothing remotely close to what Annie had pictured in her head. She knew Kamilah was rich, of course, the woman wore only Armani and Louis Vitton for days, but not that rich. It was so big, she was afraid to wonder off and get lost in there. They would need to call the firefighters to find her back. Maybe even set up some search teams, hire a few detectives…

           “My goodness, you’re so dramatic. Stop stalling already.”

           “You hush, wife. You had your time telling, now it’s mine.”

           It was indeed a huge apartment. But it had nothing that could lead Anna into finding Kamilah’s last name. Not a document, a picture, a tag, anything. It was mostly fancy and elegant furniture carefully selected to match a refined set of Egyptian displayed objects. Everything there seemed to cost thirty times the historian’s pay check, so she kept her arms pretty tight to her body while walking slowly at a safe distance from anything that could be bumped into.

           “Are you feeling well?” Kamilah arched an eyebrow from the beverage side cart where she was choosing a drink.

           “Yes. I’m perfect.” Anna turned to walk in her direction but stopped after a few steps. There were too many fancy glasses and bottles on that cart.

           “What do you usually drink?”

           Her eyes scanned it from the distance. “Hm… Rum.”

           Kamilah lifted her gaze, impressed. Since Anna’s face looked confident, she didn’t argue, putting a generous dose on a short glass. “With…?”

           “Ice and peppermint.”

           “Who would’ve thought…” the Egyptian handed her the drink, choosing for herself a highly alcoholic liquor with scents of cocoa and cinnamon.

           “What?” Anna smiled, turning the glass and drinking half of it like it was some tasty light tea. “Were you expecting me to ask for something else? Something lighter or sweeter?”

           “Maybe. Although, you are a woman of good tastes for coffee. I should’ve expected you to own good tastes for alcohol either.”

           “Why, thank you. I also have a good taste for women.”

           Kamilah gave her a malicious smile, leaning in enough to brush the lips on Anna’s. The kiss she placed there was a light one, just enough to speed her heartbeat. After a couple seconds, the Egyptian gently took Annie’s hand and guided her to the balcony, so they could talk beneath the moonlight. Ever since the first kiss at the office, it had been impossible to keep their hands off each other. In the past few days, the historian was always finding an excuse to go see Kamilah unexpectedly. She had the permission to do so even before the kiss, and now it was using it on her advantage, showing up in different hours so the Egyptian would be caught off guarded. That morning, it was Kamilah who flipped the game.

           “Was I a good visitor today?” the CEO took their glasses once they were finished, leaving it on an iron table.

           Anna narrowed her eyes. “Yes. You could’ve announced your presence before pinning me on the wall, though. I almost had a heart attack.”

           Kamilah laughed, hugging her from behind and pressing Annie’s body against the balcony. They could see the entire city from there, but all the Egyptian’s eyes wanted was to admire the smooth curve of the neck where she started to kiss. “I like to keep you on the edge. You’ve been way naughty for my taste… I think I allowed you too much freedom around me.”

           “Is that so? Do you prefer me to give you space?”

           Kamilah’s grip around her waist tightened harshly, nails sinking. “No.” She turned the girl in a fast movement. Those brown eyes were glowing dangerously. “I do not wish any space to be put between us. What I want is for you to be a good girl and stop teasing me around.”

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

           “Now I have to skip a few parts…” Annie smiled at them, biting her knuckles to muffle a spicy laugh. “For my daughter’s sake.”

           “Thank God.” Lysia agreed. 

           “My sake too, ma’am. No offense intended.” Drake lifted his hands, blushed.

           “Non taken… So… Hm… In the next morning…” Anna’s voice was starting to get slower, loosing track while her accent seemed to strengthen.

           Kamilah is a smart woman. And knows her wife too damn well. The vampire’s gaze was lingering at the ceiling, but her ears and perceptions were capturing every single movement Annie made while telling the story. The historian was already showing her regular signs of being too sleepy. Kamilah fought the idea of interrupting and taking her wife to bed. But then, her attention caught the adorable giggle Anna made while describing how beautiful Kamilah looked that morning years ago. She just couldn’t stop her wife’s fun. Ten more minutes wouldn’t hurt.

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

September 16th, 2018

             “Good morning.” Kamilah woke her by gently stroking the woman’s hair, trying to uncover her sleepy face. She found out two dozy big black eyes opening to meet hers. “It’s almost ten, already. Did I tire you this much?”

           Annie denied it with a scoff, but her silly opened smile was there to unmask the truth. For a while, they just stayed there, breathing comfortably with their bodies still kind of tangled on each other. Kamilah kept caressing that wavy long hair, her face resting on the top of the historian’s head. She could smell vanilla on it, a sweet scent one day the Egyptian would know so well, it became part of her home. Mixed with it, there was Opium, Kamilah’s favourite parfum. Knowing she had touched Anna so much to the point of their scents getting mixed made the CEO smile. The idea of being all over the professor’s skin was too appealing.

           “I need coffee.” Annie finally said something, although her voice sounded half asleep. Slowly, she turned to kiss Kamilah between her breasts, tracing a path that finished under her earlobe. “Let me make you some. Ok?”

           The Egyptian loved the sweet way Anna would always ask “Ok?” after anything and everything, even though the answer for that question had only been “yes” so far. – “Of course. I’ll take a shower and meet you in the kitchen.”

           Fifteen minutes later, the doorbell rang. Annie hesitated, a pan with boiling water on her hands. “Kamilah? Someone’s at your door…”.

           No answer. Still uncertain, the girl went to look through the peephole, but there wasn’t anyone there. She slowly opened a crack to find two silver boxes wrapped with satin ribbon bows and a small note with “Ms. Sayeed” written on it.

           “What are you doing?” Kamilah’s hand took the hot pan in a flash. “Don’t walk around with boiling water in your hands, you could’ve gotten in an accident.” Which was an extremely probable outcome, since she saw the historian dropping too many books and pens while working, besides constantly tripping on her own toes.

           “Uh, sorry, I forgot I had it… The doorbell rang…” Anna’s eyes scanned the carpet, afraid she might have dripped the water somehow, but there was no stain.

           “Bring it in, it’s our outfits.” With that, Kamilah head back to the kitchen to finish the coffee. It took a moment for Annie to follow her, as the woman was walking with extreme caution, like the boxes were made of crystal. “Relax, darling. Nothing in there is breakable. Leave it on the bed, please.”

           “Why is there a note with Ms. Sayeed’s name? She gave you this?” her voice came from the distance, while Anna was taking the boxes to the bedroom.

           Kamilah bitted her lower lip, pondering about telling or not the truth already. “Yes”, she finally said, deciding to let Anna find it out on her own, “It’s for tonight’s gala. She desires us to look elegant.”

           “Hmmmm I love the smell of a fresh batch of morning coffee.” The historian was right back, jumping happily to sit at the table. The smell of coffee was killing her. “Why did she send both here? Wouldn’t it be easier to just mail Adrian’s to his house?”

           For a moment, the Egyptian leaned her head, confused. “Oh” - she finally realized it, stopping on her tracks with the pot still on her hands. Kamilah cleaned her throat, suddenly uncomfortable. “Anna. The second box it’s not Adrian’s. I was, in fact, hoping you would accompany me to the gala tonight. Therefore, we received two dresses. In case you do decide to accept my invitation.”

           She smiled. An adorable, sweet and still kind of sleepy smile. “Are you asking me to be your date tonight?”

           Kamilah didn’t blush but dropped her gaze to focus on putting them coffee. “I’m terribly sorry for giving you such short notice. I’ll understand if you can’t make it.”

           “I can. I want to.” She whispered, leaning in to steal a quick kiss from the Egyptian. Those brown eyes widened a little, a hint of surprise quickly supressed.

           “Good. Then I hope you like the dress that… Ms. Sayeed… Chose.”

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

          “Come on!!!” Drake couldn’t take it any longer. “That’s not possible!”

           “We’re getting there, I promise!” Anna covered her face. “It was at the gala. Or course it had to be in front of everybody.”

           “You’ll love this part.” said the human girl, gently squeezing her fiancé’s hand.

           “It was a very, hm… Interesting… Revelation.” Adrian confirmed with a wink. “Go on, Annie. Rip the band-aid off. It’s time.”