#she got concerned about Tiara too once

[donut251155]

You know you talked about something too much when your sibling starts making jokes using its lore unprompted

Like once our parents were talking about one of us needing to cook and I turned to my sister with a look that said "please do not do it" - she looked at me in the eyes and said "I'm not like Teru, I can cook!!"

Outstanding

[differentpostrebel]

Lost and Found: A Pirate's Promise

This gif cause wait til yall read that section (hehe), like hell I would have folded too...

This gif because we get Cavendish in this also! and well I tell you its hilarious and next chapter too.

Chapter 32: Blood and Bounty

A/N: We are back at it again with another Chapter! Woot! This was originally suppose to be posted yesterday but I had been working on more chapters and I completely forgot, we are getting to the long awaited fight yall! we got some Sabo, Sanji and Y/N POVs. And in the next chapters we get some more Sanji POV, to see how he is holding up with everything and what is going on in Zou… I cant wait for you guys to read these chapters!, Thank you guys for everything! And without further a do let the adventure begin!. Also P.S the masterlist will be available tomorrow!

Word Count: 5.7K 

Sanji X Reader, Sanji x Y/N, One piece X Reader 

Sabo POV…

As Doflamingo continued his announcement, he began naming the 12 individuals with bounties, promising rewards to those who could bring him their heads. His voice echoed menacingly through the palace, and with each name, my jaw dropped further in disbelief.

“Now for the head hunchos, worth three hundred million berries each…” Doflamingo declared. My name popped up first, followed by Luffy, Law, and King Riku. My jaw dropped. “Looks like you have some fans,” Hack commented, a mix of amusement and concern in his voice.

“Seriously!” I said, my voice tinged with frustration.

Doflamingo continued, “And the final one for this tier…” As the name “Usopp” appeared, worth 500 million berries, I let out a relieved breath. “Good, Y/N isn’t in any danger,” I thought.

But my relief was short-lived. “And lastly, as an added bonus, we have the six-star bounty worth 600 million berries,” Doflamingo said. My heart sank as I braced myself. “Please don’t tell me it’s…”

The image of you appeared on the screen. You weren’t in the outfit I left you with. Instead, you wore a red corset dress and a red ruby tiara, your appearance a cruel mockery of your dignity. My blood boiled. “Bastard!” I gritted through clenched teeth, fire beginning to emit from my clenched fists.

“Sabo…” Koala said, sensing my rage. “Calm down.”

Doflamingo’s voice grew even more sinister. “This princess… is to be brought to me alive. That’s right, alive. For those of you wondering why… well, let’s just say I have special plans for her. After all, royalty deserves a proper welcome.” His voice dripped with malice. “And once I have her, I’ll make sure she never escapes my grasp again.”

Beside us, Bartelomeo was geeking out at your image still displayed for all to see. “The beautiful Princess Y/N looks even more stunning in red!” he said, tears streaming down his face. “I can’t believe she’s actually here!”

“Quite the fanboy, isn’t he?” I remarked, trying to mask my fury with a forced calmness.

“Ah, this is the infamous woman you speak about every so often, Sabo,” Hack said, a hint of understanding in his voice.

“Mmm, she’s... incredible,” I muttered, barely holding back my anger. “She means everything to me.”

Nearby, murmurs from the pirates and civilians filled the air. “Did you see her? She looks amazing, even if she’s in danger.”

“Six hundred million berries for her? She must be important.”

“There’s no way someone with a bounty like hers isn’t the deadliest pirate out there. I’ve heard rumors—she’s not just some princess. She’s lethal.”

I gritted my teeth, the flames around my fists flaring up as I fought the urge to punch something. The idea that they were talking about you like some prize or target, especially after what Doflamingo said, made my blood boil.

"Hey! I spot some 1 stars, and a 3 star!" yelled a pirate from behind us, pointing in our direction.

Koala instantly tensed up, her fists clenched and ready for a fight. "Sabo, what do we do?" she asked, eyes darting to me.

I quickly scanned the surroundings. "We need to make our escape. Get to the surface, hurry!" I ordered, leading the group as Robin, Bartolomeo, Hack, Rebecca, Koala, and I bolted from the chasing bounty hunters.

As we raced through the underground of the colosseum, Robin pulled out her transponder snail. "Zoro?" she said, breathless but composed.

"Yeah?" Zoro's voice came through, rough but calm as usual.

"Where are you?" Robin asked as we weaved through narrow alleys, trying to keep our pace.

"I think it’s called King’s Plateau. Anyway, I’m here with Luffy, Y/N, Viola, Riku, and Law," Zoro replied.

"Y/N!" Her name instantly grabbed my attention. Relief washed over me for a moment. So she's with Luffy... I thought. At least she'll be safe with him for the time being.

"Things are getting a bit messy, aren’t they?" Zoro continued.

"Hey, Robin!" Luffy’s voice chimed in, his usual energy evident even through the snail. "Did you see Mingo? Man, he makes me so mad!"

"You and me both, Captain. That bastard’s got another thing coming, that’s for sure," she said onto the transponder snail, feeling a surge of anger again.

Finally hearing your voice over the transponder snail, took every ounce of self-control not to grab it from Robin’s hand. Just hearing you made my chest tighten.

"The whole thing with Usopp is pretty hilarious, though," Luffy laughed, clearly trying to lighten the mood.

"Shut up, Luffy!" Usopp yelled, clearly not amused by the situation.

"Come on, Usopp," you chimed in, trying to stifle a laugh. "You gotta admit, it was kind of funny."

"Ohh, you’re one to talk, Miss 600 Million Berri bounty!" Usopp shot back, his voice strained as he was carried by the Tontattas. "What did you do to piss him off so much that he’d slap you with that amount?"

"Simple," you said, frustration lacing your voice. "I kicked his ass three times, outsmarted him every chance I got, and, above all, I won’t back down to him. So, yeah, he’s got it out for me bad. What’s worse is the whole island’s probably hunting me down, and I can’t even change out of this outfit!"

"Don’t worry!" Luffy cut in, his usual confident tone lifting the weight of the situation. "I’m going to give Doflamingo the beating of his life! Make sure you all live to see it, okay? I’ll end this stupid game in no time, so just stay safe, you hear me?"

I clenched my fists tighter, both proud of your defiance and angry at the situation that put you in such danger. Luffy’s words were comforting, but that didn’t mean I wouldn’t be rushing to find you myself.

The transponder call ended, leaving us all momentarily silent as we continued running.

Y/N POV…

Luffy ended the call with Robin, and I exhaled, trying to ease the tension running through me. Releasing my hair from its bun, the tiara slipped from its place, and I held it gently in my hands. But my thoughts were far away, with Sanji. A pang of guilt hit me as I whispered, “Sanji, wherever you are… I hope you’re safe. I didn’t even get to say goodbye.”

I turned to King Riku, who was kneeling, tears streaming down his face, clearly lost in painful memories of that tragic night. Viola stood quietly beside him, offering support. I stepped forward, holding the tiara out toward him.

“King Riku,” I said softly, gaining his attention. “This tiara belongs to you. Doflamingo may have put this ridiculous outfit on me, but this crown… it was never mine to wear.”

King Riku’s eyes filled with emotion as he slowly looked up. “Princess Y/N…”

“No,” I shook my head, interrupting him. “I’m not a princess, not really. Although my wanted posters dub me as ‘Princess Y/N,’ that title… It was given to me by King who rules the all male island. But in truth, I’m simply Y/N.”

My words lingering in the air. I held out the tiara again. “This crown… it belongs to its rightful rulers.” 

King Riku stood there for a moment, eyes filled with emotion, but he shook his head with a soft smile. “No, Y/N. This tiara represents more than just royalty—it represents strength, honor, and the will to protect others. You’ve earned that, and more. Keep it, as a reminder of what you’re doing for Dressrosa, and for what you stand for.”

I stared at the tiara, the weight of his words sinking in. Before I could respond, Luffy chimed in with his usual boisterous tone. “Yeah! You’re not just a princess on paper. You’re our princess too! A badass one!”

Viola smiled at me warmly. “It suits you, Y/N. Not because of what the world sees, but because of who you are to all of us.”

I hesitated for a moment, then nodded slowly, feeling a strange sense of acceptance. “Alright… but I’m still just Y/N. I’ll never stop fighting for what I believe in, tiara or not.” 

As I gently placed the tiara on my head, my gaze lingered on Law, still cuffed in sea prism stone handcuffs. His shirtless torso was covered only by his coat, the exhaustion clear in his face despite his usual stoic demeanor. Feeling a pull toward him, I walked over and rested my head on his shoulder, the warmth of his skin easing some of my own tension.

I sighed, feeling a sense of calm wash over me as I pressed closer. "You know," I whispered, my breath teasing his neck, "even with all that’s going on, you still manage to make being chained up look good."

His body tensed slightly at my words, but he didn’t pull away. Instead, he tilted his head just enough to glance down at me, his eyes meeting mine. A flicker of something passed between us.

"Is that so?" he said, his voice low and teasing, a faint smirk tugging at his lips. "I thought you preferred me when I’m free to use my hands."

I chuckled softly, tracing a finger along his chest. "Maybe I do. But I think I like this view too." I bit my lip, holding his gaze a moment longer before I pulled back slightly, feeling the weight of exhaustion but also the warmth of the moment between us.

After a few minutes of silence, Law’s voice cut through the air. “Do you even know what you’re doing, Strawhat?” he asked, drawing the attention of Luffy and Zoro.

“Maybe you need a reminder,” Law continued, his frustration clear. “We needed to destroy the factory to provoke a conflict between Kaido and Doflamingo. Did it ever cross your mind that if we kill Doflamingo prematurely, it’ll just redirect Kaido’s wrath towards us? Is that what you want—taking on an enraged emperor?”

I stood up, meeting Law’s gaze with a determined expression. “Listen, Law,” I said, “sometimes things don’t go as planned. You have to ride with the current or risk being swept away. We can’t always control everything.”

Luffy chimed in, his voice urgent. “Did you even think about the Kingdom? If we take it out now, what happens to them?”

I turned to Luffy, understanding the weight of his words. “I know it’s complicated,” I said, trying to stay calm. “But we have to make decisions and deal with the consequences as they come. We can’t let fear of what might happen stop us from acting.” 

Luffy’s rubber arms pulled us into a tight group hug with him, Zoro, and Law. “Well, let’s go!” he said cheerfully.

“Wait! What about my handcuffs?” Law said, clearly frustrated.

“They’ll fall off... eventually,” Luffy said, waving off Law’s concern.

“That’s not how it works!” Law argued.

“Luffy, maybe there’s another way down!” I suggested, pressed closely against Zoro due to the tight squeeze.

Zoro’s gaze drifted from my chest to my face, his eyes lingering with a mischievous glint. “You’ve got a way of making things... unforgettable,” he said, his voice low and teasing.

I shifted uncomfortably, trying to maintain my balance. “Not exactly the kind of unforgettable I had in mind,” I replied, a hint of warmth in my cheeks.

Zoro’s smirk widened, his eyes meeting mine with a playful intensity. “Well, it’s certainly a memorable situation,” he said, his gaze moving from my eyes to the subtle contours of my corset. “You know, it’s hard not to notice how… close we’re getting.”

I met his gaze, feeling the heat rise in my face. “You’re really not making this any easier, Zoro,” I said, trying to keep my voice steady.

He chuckled softly, his eyes twinkling with amusement. “Just making the best of a tight situation,” he said, his tone light but warm.

“One sec, I’ll help,” Viola said, her voice steady. “You know where the key is?” Law asked.

“Sorta, it fell, so it has to be somewhere around the plateau. Hold on, I’ll look…” Viola began, but Luffy was already moving.

“You know how we’re getting there?” Zoro asked as Luffy sprinted with us.

“Yeah, straight through!” Luffy replied, preparing to jump.

“Luffy, wait!” I called out as Luffy leaped off the plateau, taking us with him. I screamed, feeling the rush of the descent.

“Y/N! Grab on!” Zoro shouted, his hand reaching out. I grasped it tightly, holding on as we landed with a jolt.

Luffy and Law landed first, then Zoro and I touched down. I was still holding onto Zoro’s hand, feeling the warmth of his grip.

“That was some ride, Luffy,” I said, trying to steady my breath.

Zoro looked at me with a smirk. “Well, I guess you’re not letting go of me anytime soon,” he said, his eyes lingering on our clasped hands before meeting my gaze. “Could be worse, though. At least you’re holding on to someone reliable.”

I felt a flush creeping up my cheeks at his words, a playful smile tugging at my lips. “I suppose I’m just trying to avoid another surprise landing,” I teased.

Before Zoro could respond, Law, still shackled, interjected with a touch of irritation. “Zoro, back off,” he said firmly.

The spot that Luffy had choosen however, was surrounded by marines, and pirates, looking to claim their bounty. “Dammit, Luffy! You just had to pick this spot,” I muttered, grabbing both my blades from the thigh halter. The familiar yellow light began to emanate from them, casting a warm glow in the chaos.

“Hey, Strawhat!” Law shouted, struggling against Luffy’s grip. “When these cuffs are off, I’ll kill you myself!”

“Law, now is not the time for threats,” I said, stepping closer to Zoro as guns and blades were pointed at us, surrounding us.

“Come on, Law,” Zoro said, drawing his swords. “No place is safe. We’re targets wherever we go.”

“Don’t let them escape!” one of the bounty hunters yelled. “It’s the 2-3 stars, a 2 star, and the 6 star!”

“We’ve got to move!” I shouted. “Zoro, cover me.” 

“What?!” Zoro responded, still running beside me.

“Just do it!” I urged, feeling the weight of our situation pressing down on us. “I’m going to block their path!”

Without waiting for further confirmation, I leaped into the air, the glow of my blades lighting up the surrounding chaos. “There she is!” someone shouted from below. “Get her!”

In midair, I raised my right leg and spun, gathering energy for my attack. “Tremor Strike!” I called out as my foot descended. The impact created a powerful tremor, causing the ground to shake violently. The force sent several of the bounty hunters tumbling and created deep cracks in the earth.

As I landed, I saw the stunned faces of the hunters and the damage I had caused. The path was now clear, at least for a moment, allowing us to continue our escape.

I began to catch up with Zoro, Luffy, and Law, breathing heavily as I wiped the sweat from my brow. My blades still glowed with a faint yellow light, a testament to their power.

“Well, I bought us some time,” I said, catching my breath.

Zoro turned to assess the damage with a smirk on his face. “Nice job,” he said, his gaze lingering on me with a hint of admiration. “You really know how to make an entrance.”

Luffy, still carrying Law, glanced back at us with his usual exuberance. “Great work, Y/N!” he shouted, his grin wide. 

Just then, a figure appeared next to Luffy, running alongside him. “Big brother Law! It’s so good to see you!” the voice called out with excitement.

“Who’s that?!” I asked, my gaze shifting to the newcomer.

“That’s Dellinger,” Law warned, his tone serious. “Take extra precautions with him.”

Dellinger was already closing in on me. “My, my, and you must be the princess the young master wants,” he said with a smirk, aiming a swift kick in my direction.

I deftly dodged the kick, my movements precise. “Hahaha, not bad,” Dellinger chuckled, clearly amused.

Suddenly, Luffy stumbled, his voice filled with confusion. “I tripped, some weird swimming man baby grabbed me,” he said, looking back.

“Luffy!” I shouted, alarmed.

“Vice, you’re up!” the man baby called out as Vice appeared overhead, preparing to crush him with his weight powers.

“Watch out! He’ll crush you with his super weight powers!” Law shouted, urgency in his voice.

Luffy managed to avoid the initial attack but found himself in a tight spot.

Dellinger appeared in front of Luffy, preparing to strike. “Last time I made a boo-boo—pistol heel” he sneered, readying a kick.

Without hesitation, I sprang into action, lifting my left leg and dashing towards Luffy. In a fluid motion, I positioned myself next to Dellinger and landed a powerful blow to the side of his torso, sending him crashing into a nearby building with a resounding thud.

Zoro turned around sharply, his expression serious. “Let’s go!” he commanded.

“Right!” both Luffy and I replied, ready to move.

But just as we attempted to advance, we were blocked by a group of pirates, their expressions eager. “Hold up! You guys are worth 800 million berries, and they’ve got the Princess with them too!” they exclaimed.

“Crap, Zoro, got any ideas?” I asked, my stance still tense and ready for action.

“Damn, what a pain,” Zoro muttered, scanning the area for a way out.

Before we could react further, a familiar voice cut through the chaos. “Shut it down!”

“It’s Fujitora!” I said, recognizing the authoritative tone.

“It’s the gambling old guy!” Luffy said, his voice tinged with frustration as we now faced a new challenge. 

Sanji POV..

My frustration was palpable as I paced the deck of the ship. “Damn it! Why isn’t this thing picking up?” I growled, slamming the transponder snail down.

Brook, sipping his tea, glanced up with a concerned look. “I’m sorry, Sanji. The signal’s not coming through.”

My anxiety was mounting. “I can’t stand this! My angel Y/N could be hurt! She could’ve been shot by Doflamingo!” I said my voice was tight with worry.

“You heard her say ‘Damn it!’ and then a bullet fired. She could be in serious danger!” I started pacing faster, the gripping on my hair becoming tighter.

Brook’s gaze softened with sympathy. “Sanji, you’ve got to keep your cool. We’re all worried about her.”

I ran a hand through my hair, already having gone through three cigarettes. “I should’ve stayed behind. We should’ve gone back! I can’t just sit here and do nothing!”

“Sanji, relax!” Nami’s voice cut through his panic. “Have faith that Luffy and the others will reach her.”

I shook my head, frustration evident in my eyes. “I can’t just wait around. I need to know if Mosshead managed to get to her in time.”

Unable to contain myself any longer, I stormed upstairs to cool off. I stumbled into a room that I hadn’t seen in a while—Y/N’s room. The sight of her belongings brought a fresh wave of sorrow. Her sword was tightly wrapped in a corner, and the shirt I had given her to sleep in was sprawled out on the bed.

I picked up the shirt, holding it close to my chest, my voice trembling as I spoke softly to the empty room. “Y/N, please, please be okay.”

I laid down on the bed, the memory of a night I had cherished rushing back to me. I remembered the first time I had seen her in this bed, wearing my shirt and looking so adorable. I was about to leave when Y/N had pulled me close, cuddling against my chest while still asleep.

With a choked sob, I gently laid my head on her pillow, trying to find some comfort in the memory. “I didn’t want that night to end. I just wanted to hold you close and keep you safe.”

The room was quiet, save for my muffled sobs, and the only thing I could do now was hope that Luffy and the others were making their way to you in time.

Y/N POV… 

We were all silent, Fujitora's presence unnerving, every one of us on high alert. Surrounded.

"I'm about to go kick Doflamingo's sorry ass, you're in my way!" Luffy said with defiance, his voice echoing across the square.

"That's quite a mouth on you," Fujitora replied calmly, his blind eyes unwavering, "but it'll take more than words to shake me."

Without hesitation, Luffy dropped Law with a heavy thud onto the ground, causing me to quickly make my way over to him, kneeling down to assess the situation. My eyes darted between Law and Fujitora, feeling the weight of the moment.

Luffy charged forward with Armament Haki, fists darkened and ready to strike. Yet, to all of our surprise, Fujitora effortlessly blocked the attack with his blade.

"How is he blocking Luffy's attack?" I muttered, watching in disbelief.

"He's using that weird technique again!" Zoro growled as he lunged at Fujitora, swords clashing with the Admiral’s blade, each strike getting blocked like it was nothing.

Just then, the ground began to shake violently, the rumble unsettling everyone. "What the hell is happening now?!" I said, trying to keep my balance as the earth seemed to quake beneath us.

Our gazes locked onto a massive stone figure rising from the ground, its size towering over the battlefield.

"What the hell is that?!" Luffy exclaimed, eyes wide.

"The wall guy?!" Zoro echoed, disbelief lacing his tone.

"Any fool who opposes our family shall be dealt with by me!" Pica's voice boomed, but it was absurdly high-pitched, completely mismatching his imposing figure.

The moment he spoke, Luffy, Zoro, and I couldn’t hold it in anymore. Luffy was the first to burst into laughter, doubling over. "Hahaha, his voice!" he cackled.

"It's funny!" I said, barely able to contain my own laughter as I pointed at the stone giant.

Pica, clearly insulted by our laughter, took action, his massive stone arm swinging down to crush us.

Zoro, Luffy, and I bolted, with Luffy grabbing Law and carrying him as we scrambled to avoid the blow.

"We didn't think this part through, huh Luffy?" I shouted, glancing back as the enormous fist came crashing down.

"Y/N, Luffy! You two really gotta stop screwing with the enemy," Zoro huffed, but even he couldn't hold back a snicker.

Just then, Luffy stumbled, losing his grip on Law and falling behind. Zoro and I both turned our heads, shouting in unison, "Luffy!"

Before we could react, Pica’s powerful punch slammed into the ground, the force of the impact sending both Zoro and me flying into the air.

"Luffy!" we both yelled again, spinning through the sky as the force of the blast threw us like ragdolls. Zoro’s hand shooting out to grab mine. He pulled me close, twisting mid-fall to shield me from the impact. We crashed hard onto the ground, Zoro taking the brunt of it as I landed directly on top of him, my face buried against his neck.

For a moment, everything was still. His chest rose and fell beneath me, his steady breathing almost calming against the chaos around us. Zoro’s strong arms were wrapped around me, holding me securely in place.

“You alright, Y/N?” His voice was low, almost amused, as if the entire situation was nothing more than a minor inconvenience to him.

“I think so…” I managed, slowly lifting my head, my heart pounding as I realized the position we were in. My cheeks flushed instantly, and I couldn’t help but notice the way Zoro’s smirk deepened as he stared up at me.

“You sure?” he teased, his voice laced with mischief. “You don’t seem so steady. Maybe you should stay right here.”

I froze, my face inches from his, feeling the heat rise in my cheeks. His grip on my waist tightened slightly, holding me in place as if he wasn’t in any hurry to move.

“Zoro…” I began, trying to push myself off him, but his hand slid up, gently tucking a strand of my hair behind my ear. His fingers lingered there, brushing against my cheek before slowly tracing along my jaw.

“I think I like this position,” he murmured, his eyes darkening with a hint of something more. “You on top of me like this… feels kind of nice.”

I stared at him, my breath catching in my throat. His hand remained on my waist, his thumb brushing against the fabric of my dress, the touch sending a wave of heat through me.

“Don’t get any ideas,” I shot back, trying to sound stern, but my voice wavered, betraying me.

“Oh, I’ve already got a few,” Zoro smirked, his gaze flicking from my eyes to my lips. His free hand rested on my lower back, keeping me close, as if he had no intention of letting go anytime soon. “You look comfortable right there.”

I swallowed, feeling my heart race. “I… I should get up.”

“Should you?” he teased, his voice dropping lower as his thumb traced circles against my waist. “You’re not complaining much. Maybe you like it here too.”

I tried to form a coherent response, but his teasing, combined with the intimacy of our position, left me completely flustered. I felt his breath brush against my cheek as he leaned in slightly, his lips just inches from mine.

“Zoro…” I whispered, but before I could say anything else, he tilted his head, brushing his lips against the shell of my ear.

“Admit it,” he whispered, his voice husky, “you don’t mind being this close.”

I blushed deeper, my mind racing as I felt his fingers tighten slightly on my waist, his body warm beneath mine. He wasn’t letting me go anytime soon—not until he had his fun.

“You’re impossible,” I finally managed, trying to regain some sense of control, but Zoro’s teasing grin only widened.

“I’ll take that as a ‘yes,’” he said, finally loosening his hold just enough for me to move. But before I could fully pull away, he caught my hand, his thumb brushing gently over my knuckles.

I shot him a glare, my heart still pounding as I stood, but the teasing glint in his eyes made it clear he was enjoying every second of this.

Zoro stretched as he got up, his smirk never fading. “You might want to watch where you fall next time… unless you plan on making a habit of it.”

I rolled my eyes, my face still flushed, but I couldn’t help the small smile that tugged at my lips. “You’re insufferable.”

“Maybe,” Zoro said with a lazy grin, “but you didn’t seem to mind.” His playful tone made me flush slightly, though I tried to ignore it as we continued to search for Luffy and Law.

“Luffy!” I called out, my voice echoing in the surrounding chaos. “Law!” Zoro added, his frustration evident. We looked around, searching for any sign of them.

“I have no clue where they could be…” Zoro was cut off mid-sentence by Luffy’s enthusiastic shout.

“Hey! Zoro! Y/N! Hi! We are up here! Up here!” Luffy’s laughter carried through the air.

“Luffy!” we yelled in unison, relief washing over us as we followed the sound. As we approached, Luffy fell on top of Law, laughing uncontrollably.

“Get your ass off of me! What’s wrong with you! You know I’m injured!” Law’s voice was filled with annoyance.

Both Zoro and I exchanged a knowing look before turning back to the scene in front of us. “I’m starting to think that you want us all killed,” Law grumbled, still in his sea prism handcuffs. “Laughing at Pika’s voice is a death sentence on its own.”

“Well, his voice was kind of funny,” I said, giggling despite the situation.

“That stone bastard is something else,” Zoro said, scratching his head. “Damn, never thought we’d see someone bigger than Oars, but here we are. How am I supposed to fight someone that size?”

Just then, both Zoro and I sensed a new presence approaching. “Strawhat,” a voice called out. We turned around to see a figure approaching.

“Cabbage!” Luffy exclaimed, recognizing him.

“Cabbage?” I muttered, puzzled by the name.

The man’s eyes narrowed as he looked at each of us. “Pirate Hunter Zoro, I presume? Trafalgar Law, is it?” He eyed Law with disdain. “And you,” his gaze fell on me, “you’re the infamous Princess Y/N, aren’t you?”

Before I could react, he pulled out his blade and made a move towards me. My eyes widened in shock, but Zoro was faster. He grabbed my arm and pulled me out of harm’s way just in time.

“You worst generation scoundrels!” the man spat, his anger palpable. “Why do you steal all the glory from me!”

Zoro’s grip on my arm was firm but reassuring, and I glanced at him gratefully.

“Stop yelling! Got a beef with my crewmates or something?!” Luffy shouted, his usual carefree demeanor overshadowed by the seriousness of the situation.

“I’m not in your crew!,” Law snapped back, clearly irritated.

“Let me guess, you still have a grudge against us?” Luffy asked, crossing his arms.

“You’re wrong,” Cabbage said, his tone unexpectedly calm. “I shall no longer be a threat to the Straw Hats.”

“You sure about that? Because that dent on the ground says otherwise,” I said, pulling away from Zoro’s embrace.

Cabbage’s eyes softened, and he continued, “It’s because of your brave crewmate, God Usopp. He selflessly saved me from a life of doom and gloom.”

“Usopp did that?” Zoro asked, clearly surprised. “Are you talking about the same Usopp we know?” I said.

“That’s right,” Cabbage affirmed with a nod. “I won’t forget his valiant deed. He spared the lives of hundreds… or so it’s been rumored.”

Luffy scratched his head and smiled, “Well, thanks! It’s nice to hear you compliment my crew!”

“Oh, also Trafalgar,” Cabbage said, pulling out Law’s hat. “I happened upon it outside of the Colosseum. I’m sure you’ve been longing for it... lend me your head for a second!” Cabbage’s eyes were menacing as he eyed Law.

“Get away from me! I don’t trust you!” Law retorted, trying to move away.

“I’ll take that!” I said, stepping forward and yanking the hat from Cabbage’s hand. I made my way to Law and gently placed the hat on his head. “There we go, much better,” I said with a warm smile.

Law’s cheeks flushed as he looked at me, clearly touched by the gesture. “Thanks, Princess,” he murmured, his gaze lingering on me.

As I turned to face Cabbage, he continued, “As for you, Princess…” I rolled my eyes at the title. “Yes… Cabbage?” I said, unamused.

“You are just as lovely as everyone makes you out to be,” Cabbage said, stepping closer, causing me to instinctively take a step back.

He pulled out a rose from his coat and extended it towards me. “Why don’t you and I become an item? Just think of the press coverage—everyone would be talking about us, and the glory would come back to me.”

I took a step back, feeling a bit flustered. “Cabbage, is this really the time for this?” I asked, trying to keep the conversation polite while maintaining my distance.

Cabbage’s eyes sparkled with a hint of ambition. “Imagine the headlines: ‘Princess Y/N and Cavendish—the perfect match!’ All the fame and glory would be mine again.”

Before Cabbage could continue, Zoro stepped forward, his expression darkening. “Like hell it wont!,” he said, pulling me into his embrace once more. “You’re not touching her, not after what you just tried to do.”

“Listen, Cabbage, now’s not the time for declarations like that,” I said, trying to stay close to Zoro to keep Cabbage at bay. The tension between us was thick, and it was clear that Zoro wasn’t about to let Cabbage get any closer.

Law, still restrained by his sea prism stone handcuffs, glared at Zoro. “Roronoa, quit gripping Y/N like that!” he said, his voice tinged with frustration and jealousy.

Zoro tightened his hold on me slightly, his eyes never leaving Cabbage. “And why should I? After everything that’s happened, I’m not letting anyone near her.”

Cabbage’s eyes flickered with a mix of irritation and calculating interest. “How very protective of you,” he said with a smirk. “I’m sure the press would have a field day if they saw you like this.”

I could see the frustration on Cabbage’s face as he envisioned the fame and glory he could regain. “You see,” Cabbage said, “if you and I were seen together, the headlines would be all about how I’ve won the heart of the famous Princess Y/N. The spotlight would be back on me where it belongs.”

Zoro’s jaw tightened as he pulled me even closer, his voice low and dangerous. “Like hell it will!. She’s not some trophy for you to flaunt.”

Just as I was about to respond, Cabbage cut in with a smirk.

“Very well,” Cabbage said, “I have a busy schedule to uphold. My offer still stands, Princess.” He then shifted his attention to Luffy, who was watching the exchange with his usual casual demeanor.

“Aren’t you going to inquire why I’m so busy?” Cabbage teased, his eyes glinting with mischief.

“I’m good,” Luffy replied nonchalantly.

“Very well,” Cabbage said with a flourish, “I shall tell you all! I have decided to repay your debt by getting the head of Doflamingo.”

“What the hell!” Luffy exclaimed, his eyes widening. “No thanks, I already said this was my way of repaying Rebecca for the lunches she bought.”

“Seriously? You’re going head-to-head with a warlord over some food?” Law interjected, his voice a mix of disbelief and frustration.

I slapped my forehead, watching as Luffy and Cabbage began to argue over who would get Doflamingo first. Cabbage went on about how killing Doflamingo would bring him fame and riches.

“He’s got a loose screw, I see,” I muttered to Zoro.

“Alright! Time to go!” Luffy declared, grabbing Law and lifting him with ease. “Let’s move, guys.”

With that, Zoro and I joined Luffy, heading away from the scene. We left Cabbage to his fantasies and delusions, focusing on the more immediate task at hand.

[hippolotamus]

For @this-is-bwr: Happiest of Birthdays to you!

all in the Jee-tails | Rated: T | 4531 words

“There is no magic in magic, it’s all in the details.”- Walt Disney

Okay. Just a little turn aaaand- yes. Alright, only one more to go. You got this, Buckley. 

Buck watches with fascination as the sewing machine’s needle dips and resurfaces, piercing the shimmery blue fabric. A wave of satisfaction and pride washes over him when the final stitches meet seamlessly with the beginning ones. For only putting in minimal effort during Family & Consumer Sciences, he’s impressed with his handiwork. He eases his foot off the pedal and snips the thread, freeing his creation so he can try it on. 

Ever since Jee watched Sleeping Beauty and Shrek for the first time she’s become obsessed with all things fantasy. Much to Maddie, Chim and Eddie’s amusement, Buck couldn’t help himself from buying her a sparkly dress (or three), as well as a tiara fit for pint-sized royalty. 

He had been a little conflicted at first, between indulging his niece’s interest and fear of feeding into gender norms. His concerns turned out to be unnecessary when Maddie texted him a picture later that week, simply captioned She didn’t want to choose, so I told her she could be both. Jee wore the yellow dress, covered in flowers and iridescent ribbon, and her hot pink high top sneakers, holding up the sword and shield Buck bought at the renaissance fair last year. Maddie or Chim must have told her to make her ‘battle’ face. Her barely-there eyebrows were scrunched and her mouth was set in a grimace, showing off two perfect rows of baby teeth. She was absurdly adorable. 

Of course, once she had her clothes to play dress up, she needed a fearsome beast to battle. And, well, how was Buck supposed to be an effective dragon without his own wings?

“Looks good, baby.” Buck startles at his husband’s voice, but quickly melts at the praise, smiling up from his seat at the dining room table. Eddie rests a hand on Buck’s shoulder and presses a kiss to his temple. “You’ll be the sexiest dragon at the play date.”

Buck snorts. “I haven’t even tried them on yet.”

“Better get to it then.” Eddie playfully swats his ass when he stands. “But I don’t have to see you in them to know I’m right.”

“Aww, thanks, babe.”

Buck slips his new wings on, stretching his arms to full width to make absolutely sure he got the wingspan measurements correct. He curls his wrists and swings his arms to test the elastic bands he hand-stitched on, pleased when the secure hold doesn’t budge. 

“Well?” 

Eddie hooks a finger in each shoulder strap, tugging Buck closer. “I think you’re gonna be Jee’s favorite uncle.”

Buck hums in response, raising one eyebrow. “At least until she knows you’re making those cinnamon muffins she loves. Then I’ll be old news.”

“Well then.” Eddie kisses Buck’s forehead. “If for some reason that happens-” another kiss to his chin, “I’ll be sure-” Eddie’s tongue traces the line of his jaw, “to show you how much I appreciate it.” A low whimper escapes when Eddie nips at Buck’s ear. 

“Didn’t realize you had a monster kink, Eds.”

“Aren’t you the one always saying it’s never too late to learn new things about yourself?” Eddie captures his lips before he can answer, tracing his fingers down Buck’s sides to toy with the hem of his tee. 

Even after two years of marriage, plus one year of dating, Buck still never tires of discovering new information about his husband. If he realized this was a thing Eddie might be into, he would have done it a long time ago. Athena let Buck borrow the sewing machine for this project. Maybe he’ll have to invest in one of their own.

“Are you two being gross again?” 

They jump apart like middle schoolers at the sound of Chris’s voice, both of them blushing and trying to pretend they weren’t on the verge of making out in the family room. 

“Sorry,” Buck mumbles at the same time Eddie says, “No.”

Their son narrows his eyes at them, folding his arms across his chest. Buck can’t help noticing how much he looks like Eddie when he does that. Eventually, Chris rolls his eyes and asks what Buck is wearing.

“Dragon wings,” Buck states with a wide grin. “For when Jee wants to play princess knight.”

“No way! That’s so cool!” Chris instantly switches from disgusted to impressed. He flicks his gaze to the table, heaped with fabric scraps and bits of thread and a tomato-shaped pincushion. “Wait. Did you make these?”

“Uh, yeah. I did, actually. I tried to find some online, but didn’t really love the options.”

Chris runs his fingers along the edges, rubbing the material between his thumb and pointer. 

“If you want I could make you some of your own,” Buck offers. 

“Nope,” Chris shakes his head. “You’re Jee’s favorite dragon. She has the most fun when you do it. I want to be an all powerful wizard.” 

“Oh yeah?” Eddie reaches over to tousle his curls. “What are you going to do with all this mysterious power?” 

“First, I would get rid of homework. Then I would cast a spell to stop Buck’s snoring.”

“I can’t say I’d argue with that,” Eddie agrees with a chuckle.

Buck shoots them both a playful half-hearted glare, even as Eddie plants a smacking kiss on his cheek. “It’s okay, sweetheart. I love you just the way you are. Even if you could wake the dead with your snores.”

“Uh huh. I’ll remember that the next time you toss and turn and steal all the covers.” 

Buck turns his attention back to Christopher and his costume request. It seems simple enough. A wizard robe can’t be any more complicated than what he’s just finished. Between a few basic instructions from Athena, several hours of YouTube videos and practice stitches, it hadn’t been too difficult. And she didn’t say he needed to return the machine by a specific date.

“If you’re a dragon,” Eddie says, “and Chris is a wizard, that means I’m the brave, handsome knight, right?”

“It’s cute that you think that, Eds. Jee is the princess and the knight. But, I mean, obviously, that leaves you with an extremely important job.” 

Eddie raises his eyebrows as if to say ‘out with it’.

“You get to be the damsel in distress, locked away in a tall tower.” Buck swipes his phone and measuring tape from the table, leading Chris away. “Okay, buddy. Let’s go figure out what we need to make you into a wizard.”

They make it to the hallway before Buck’s words finally sink in and Eddie calls out behind them. 

“Wait. What? Absolutely not!” ******

Putting together Christopher’s ensemble does turn out to be relatively straightforward. If Buck is being honest, he’s a little envious there’s nothing he needs for himself from the fabric Chris chose. The satiny midnight blue – patterned with planets, constellations and starbursts – makes an elegant, flowy design from the tip of the hood to the billowy sleeves and near-floor length hemline. 

As an extra accessory, Carla surprised him with a wand she made herself from a twig and hot glue, wound with navy and gold ribbon. 

“And,” Carla says to Chris, “if you would be so kind as to give this to Miss Jee.” She hands him a second wand. This one is painted sage green, and has a glittery gold star at the top and fluttering ribbons in varying shades of pink. “Every princess needs a little something extra. Even if they already have a battle sword.” 

“Thank you, Carla! She’s going to love it.” 

She smiles warmly at Chris, pleased with his enthusiasm about the gifts. “Make sure your dads get plenty of pictures.” 

Buck doesn’t miss the way she gives him and Eddie a pointed look. 

“We will,” they promise in unison. 

“Alright, boys. I have to be on my way.” She gathers Chris in a tight hug before they walk her to the door and they say their goodbyes. “Have fun today!”

Maddie and Chim are bringing Jee to the house for the afternoon while they meet with a contractor about expanding their patio. Buck didn’t give his sister much detail about their plans, but asked her to make sure his niece has all of her royal gear. 

While Chris and Eddie are distracted, Buck tiptoes to the kitchen, wanting to do a final check that everything is accounted for. He blindly feels around the top of the fridge, confusion building as his fingers touch nothing but air and cool metal. 

“What the-” Buck mutters to himself. “I could’ve sworn I left it–”

“Looking for this?” 

He turns to see his husband wearing a shit-eating grin and holding Buck’s clipboard and checklist.

“Gotta step up your game, Buckley. This one was way too easy to find,” Eddie teases. 

When it comes to clipboards, Buck is well aware of his reputation. No sooner did he move into the Diaz household, both father and son made a game of hiding them. Buck tried to change the rules by stashing them in any nook or cranny he could find. That plan backfired when Eddie and Chris quickly caught on and started seeking out his locations like a treasure hunt.

“Maybe if you just admitted how much you love seeing me with one, we wouldn’t have to play these games at all.” 

Eddie’s gaze darkens as he saunters across the floor. With everything they have to do, plus Chris being somewhere close by, Buck would really like to say his dick doesn’t take notice, but that would be an outrageous lie. 

“I never said I didn’t enjoy you that way,” Eddie murmurs, breath ghosting against the shell of Buck’s ear. “I just love it more when you’re wearing the whole Fire Marshal Buckley get up and begging for me to finally fuck you.”

“Eds.” Buck exhales a shaky breath, attempting to regain some sense of composure before his sister shows up. Or Chris walks in. Again. 

“Until later,” Eddie gives him a chaste kiss, winking as he presses the clipboard into Buck’s hands. “I’ll give you a minute to collect yourself.”

Asshole. 

“Yeah, I’ll be out in a sec,” he grumbles, adjusting his jeans and staring a hole into the checklist, tapping each item while he does a mental review. 

Apple slices? Check. Capri sun? Check. Sprinkles and frosting for decorating cookies later? Check and check. 

Unfortunately, the forecast has been calling for rain. He had hoped for a day at the park, but that seems unlikely. Which is why Buck has backup plans. He continues his walkthrough in the living room, checking off the stack of sheets and tablecloths to construct a perfect movie watching fort. There’s also a selection of pillows and blankets in case movie time turns to nap time. He’s just finishing up when he hears the familiar knocking. 

“I’ll get it!” Chris scrambles to answer the door. The Buckley-Han clan is waiting on the other side, with Jee wriggling in Maddie’s arms the moment she sees Chris. “Hi Jee!”

Maddie sets her down and she immediately toddles to her cousin, throwing her tiny arms around his leg. “Chwispher!”

“Hey, sis. Chim.” Buck hugs Maddie, then reaches down to pick up Jee. He lifts her over his head, delighted by her squeals of laughter. “And how is my favorite girl doing?” 

“I guess we’re chopped liver, huh?” He hears Chim tell Eddie. 

“Oh, there’s no guessing. We definitely are,” Eddie answers. “He’s a big puddle of mush when she’s around. Like no one else exists.”

Buck chooses to ignore the commentary in favor of making Jee giggle and smile some more.

“Bag is fully stocked with snacks, spare clothes, and her stuffed shark.” Buck half-listens to his sister while Jee grabs at his hair with her tiny fingers. “As requested, we’ve got the purple and the green princess dress, plus the sword and– are you even listening?”

Eddie politely takes the diaper bag from Maddie. “Snacks, extra clothes, favorite stuffie. And all the miscellaneous things my husband made you pack. Don’t worry, I’ve got them covered.”

“Thank you.” Maddie kisses Eddie’s cheek then turns to do the same to Jee. “Bye, princess. Daddy and I will see you later. Yes, we will!”

Jee presses her lips to her palm and blows a kiss to her parents. Buck has no doubts he is the luckiest uncle on the face of the planet, if not the entire universe. 

Chim says his farewells and urges Maddie back to the car, mumbling about having to finish laundry before their meeting. Which… is kinda strange. Buck hasn’t ever asked, but he’s at least 87% certain that ‘laundry’ is code for something he really never wants to think about his sister and brother-in-law doing. 

“Okay,” Buck addresses the squirmy little girl in his arms. “It’s just you, me, Chris, and Uncle Eddie. What do you want to do first? We can color or make cookies or… a special surprise.”

Her mouth turns up in a smile as she claps enthusiastically. “Special s’prise.”

“I knew you had good taste, kid. Chris, you know what to do.”

Christopher merely grins and disappears to change into his robes. 

Buck lowers Jee to the floor and tells her she’ll need to pick one of her fancy dresses for the surprise. Jee races to the bag, immediately pulling out the green one. Eddie makes silly faces at her, and plays peekaboo, while Buck wrestles the outfit over her wiggly body. As soon as he’s done she reaches into the main pocket for the silvery tiara, haphazardly setting it on her head. 

“Sir Edmundo.” Buck deepens his voice, trying not to laugh at how ridiculous he sounds. “Send for the great and powerful wizard at once.”

“As you wish.” Eddie squares his shoulders, standing taller as he walks to the end of the hallway. Jee happily spins in place, swishing her skirt from side to side. “Princess Jee-Yun has arrived and wishes to see Christopher the Wise and Magical.”

Jee pauses her twirling when Chris emerges from his room, as if she’s uncertain what to make of the situation. 

“It’s just me,” he stage-whispers as soon as he’s close enough. 

She continues watching him while he kneels in front of her. 

“Your highness, a gift for you.” Chris reaches into the depths of one sleeve, pulling out the wand Carla made. She takes it from him eagerly, mesmerized by the sparkles and ribbons. 

Buck uses the opportunity to slip away so he can put on his wings. Jee reacted well to Chris, so he’s hoping she won’t be scared of him either. They’ve played Princess Jee: Dragon Slayer plenty of times, but she was the only one dressed up for it. 

Right now Chris and Eddie are supposed to be telling her about the rumors they’ve heard involving a mysterious new dragon in the kingdom. A very tall, good natured one with shiny blue scales; and an insatiable appetite for cupcakes, juice and small children. 

He can faintly make out Eddie’s voice informing Jee that only her and the wizard can capture the beast. 

“Shhh. Do you hear that?” Eddie asks, pausing for effect. Buck answers by stomping in place for ten or so steps, then waits for Eddie to start talking again. 

“There! I think it’s—”

Buck widens his stance, hunching over and crouching as he steps from their bedroom. He tucks his arms close to his ribs, making eye contact with Jee before he does anything else. Her eyes widen and, for a beat, he’s afraid it’s too much. But then she begins excitedly jumping up and down, pulling on Chris’s sleeves and pointing. 

“Dagon! Dagon!”

“Mmmm,” Buck lets out a playful growl. He tilts his head back, dramatically sniffing at the air.  “Do I smell a tasty princess treat?” He sniffs again. “And a magical being?”

Eddie stifles a laugh, covering his mouth with one hand and shaking uncontrollably as Buck advances toward both shrieking children. The wings flutter behind him with each large, awkward step. 

He’s nearly reached them when Chris holds out his wand while Jee raises hers and the pink foam shield. She strikes a fierce pose with her wand pointing out, one hot pink shoe in front of the other, an adorable scowl on her face and crown askew on her head. 

“Your highness!” Chris clears his throat, flicking his gaze at Eddie then back to Buck. “We must protect the fair maiden!”

Buck nearly loses his balance as he watches Eddie sigh and curse under his breath — probably something in Spanish he hopes the kids won’t understand — stepping up on a dining room chair situated in the corner. 

Eddie folds his arms across his broad chest, meekly calling out in a disturbingly high register Buck has most certainly never heard from his husband before. “Help, help! Somebody, er, save me!”

Chris positions himself protectively near Eddie’s “tower” while Jee takes the half-hearted yelps as her cue to attack. She rushes at Buck, circling his legs and passionately shaking her wand. He plays along, twitching and jerking with each flick of her hand as she chases him through the kitchen and dining room. 

They pass Eddie and Chris on the return route to the living room. Buck makes a point to double back, pretending to scale the tower until Jee realizes where he is. Chris and Jee corner him like a couple of border collies, casting nonsense spells as Buck gradually crumples to the floor, closing his eyes and letting his head loll to one side. 

Jee cheers, hopping up and down, her shoes thumping on the floor. Buck cracks one eye open to surreptitiously witness the celebration. He manages to meet Eddie’s gaze with an equally fond look of his own through the mayhem. Buck only looks away when he feels Jee’s tiny frame shuffling onto him, her knee narrowly missing his stomach. 

“Buck. Up. Buck. Up.” She pats his chest with each syllable and grins when he opens both eyes completely, feigning surprise as if he’s just discovered her there.

“Princess Knight Jee, slayer of dragons, ruler of the Buckley-Han-dom. There is one more task to complete. Will you help me?”

“Yes!”  

“Excellent! One, two, three, up-we-go.” Buck clutches her tightly while he rolls up to sit, then maneuvers to stand. He shifts her so she’s turned outward, facing Eddie. “Time to rescue our damsel in distress.”

Buck lifts her higher in a move reminiscent of the opening scene to The Lion King, passing her to Eddie. 

“There’s my brave little protector.” Eddie thanks her and carefully steps down from the chair. “You and Chris fought a tough battle. What do you say we reward the warriors with a snack?”

The sight of his husband holding Jee — or doing anything with her, really — always manages to crack Buck’s heart open a little more. Eddie has shared stories from Chris’s younger years. Buck knows they didn’t get to experience most of these early moments together. To see Eddie getting something of a second chance with Jee can be the best type of overwhelming at times.

In the kitchen, Eddie straps Jee into her booster seat, entertaining her with ‘Itsy Bitsy Spider’ while Buck rinses and slices enough apples for all of them. Chris retrieves two juices from the fridge for him and Jee, plus string cheese and crackers for himself. 

It’s nice to finally sit down with all of them gathered around the table. Jee offers bits of her snack to share, unaware of Buck quietly replenishing her tray every time she does so. 

Afterwards, Jee is ready to play again, though more quietly this time. She and Chris color pages from a Princess and the Frog coloring book, while Buck and Eddie move furniture to construct the fort in the living room. As if on cue, the sky darkens and rain plinks against the windows. They add throw pillows, couch cushions and blankets for an extra cozy atmosphere. Assuming Jee’s schedule hasn’t changed, she’ll be dozing off sometime soon. 

Once they’re satisfied the fort is stable enough to occupy, Eddie retreats to the kitchen to make popcorn. Buck gathers Jee and Chris to pick what movie they’ll watch. Chris guides his younger cousin towards what he thinks she might enjoy most, steering her away from options that are too mature. 

Together they choose Monsters, Inc. in time for Eddie to return with the popcorn divided into two medium-sized bowls. He flips off the main living room light once both kids are securely under the blanketed ceiling. Buck crawls in after them, followed by Eddie. It’s only then, as his wings catch against the entrance, that Buck realizes he’s still wearing them. Their nest is too small to take them off now and he’s too comfortable to leave.

Chris sprawls to one side, laying on his stomach with his chin resting in his palm. Eddie and Buck automatically settle next to each other, joined together from shoulder to ankle as they lean back to lounge against the sofa. Jee makes herself comfortable by climbing on Eddie’s lap. She hugs her shark with one arm and reaches for one of the bowls with the other. 

The opening credits play, a cacophony of jazz music, doors opening and slamming shut, and fabricated screams. Jee wiggles along to the beat until it fades and the movie begins. Her snacking is abandoned by the time Sully, the big blue monster, accidentally frees the little girl, Boo. When Sully is sneaking Boo back into the factory, Buck notices the lack of movement beside him. 

Jee is snuggled against Eddie’s chest, fast asleep, her shark smushed between them. Her mouth is slightly parted, but not yet drooling on his shirt. He has one arm wrapped loosely around her, his wedding ring glinting like a miniature beacon in the dim lighting. He tips his chin in the direction of a smaller blanket, just out of reach. Buck pulls it closer for him, draping it over Jee. 

“Hey,” Eddie says quietly. 

The chocolate brown pools of Eddie’s eyes are obscured by the screen’s glare. Even so, Buck still detects a hint of nerves in them. 

“Hey, yourself. Whatcha thinking about?”

“Nothing. Just that this is a nice day. With us. And them.” Eddie pauses, briefly glancing between Chris and Jee. “Both of them.”

Buck furrows his brow and cocks his head while he lets the words sink in, turning them over to make sure he’s heard correctly. Is Eddie saying what he thinks he is? It’s not the first time they’ve had Jee at the house. However, it is the first time the topic has come up since right after they got married. “Eds, are you- do you want another kid?”

People that know them best — Hen and Karen, Bobby and Athena, May, Maddie and Chim — stopped asking ages ago if Buck and Eddie would be adding to their family. That is, if they ever asked to begin with. It’s really no one’s business but theirs. 

Buck always wanted a big family with lots of kids. Then again, he’s wanted a lot over the years that always wound up paling in comparison to what he received. He adores his life with Eddie and Christopher. Every day he tries to be intentional about showing them both how grateful he is and how much he loves them. If the timing was right, and Eddie wanted to, Buck’s not opposed to the idea. He likes to think he would welcome it.

Eddie half shrugs, looking like he wishes he could take back what he said. “Possibly? I don’t know for sure. I mean I’m open to it, at least. Doesn’t hurt that she’s so fun, and gets along well with Chris.” His nervous searching gaze returns. “And I know you- at least I think you still do. Would you? Want another? Because I think I would. If that’s something you wanted. Or something you—”

Understanding suddenly washes over him, making his gut twist that Eddie even thinks this might be something Buck needs. 

“Eds.” Buck cups Eddie’s cheek, sweeping his thumb over the five o’clock shadow. “I only want if we want. I love us. Me and you and Chris. Not a day goes by that I wake up wishing for more. And I’m not saying ‘never’. I just need you to know it’s not some… requirement for me. I’m not going anywhere. Ever.”

The tension seems to melt from Eddie’s body. His shoulders are no longer creeping up to his ears and the lines around his eyes and forehead soften. He leans forward, kissing Buck as soft and deep and thoroughly as he can with a sleeping toddler on his lap. 

“Good,” Eddie murmurs when they separate. “I love us, too. The three of us, or if we decide to add more one day.” He presses another kiss to the tip of Buck’s nose, then his birthmark. 

Buck hums appreciatively, sinking further into the little bubble they’ve created for the afternoon. Into all of the warm, fuzzy feelings he associates with home and loved and cared for and family. Eddie moves his free hand and threads their fingers together, connecting them even more. Buck breathes a content sigh, shifting so he can rest his head on Eddie’s shoulder. He closes his eyes, just for a minute, thinking he could be satisfied to spend the rest of his life here, just like this.

*****

“Evan. Hey, wake up. Just for a sec.” 

“Mads?” He croaks, his tongue thick and clumsy in his mouth. The rest of the world slowly comes into focus with each blink. The television loops through all their favorite photos they use as a screensaver. Chris is still snoozing in his corner and Jee is a loose-limbed bundle sprawled across Buck and Eddie’s laps with her blanket and shark. 

At some point Eddie must have fallen asleep, too. He begins to stir at the sound of them talking. “Mmph. What? Oh, hey, Maddie. Sorry, we must’ve all passed out.”

“It’s okay. Everyone must have needed it.” She peers around their fort, pausing on Buck’s wings and Chris’s outfit and Jee’s tiara that’s fallen to the floor. “Looks like it was a fun day.”

Buck smiles, still hazy and dopey and happy. “Yeah, it was. We had a great time with her. As always.” 

“Good. I’m glad she wasn’t too much of a handful for you.”

“Not at all,” Eddie says quickly. “She’s welcome anytime.” 

“We’ll, uh, help you gather everything together and get her to the car,” Buck offers. “Unless you want to stay for dinner?”

“Thanks, but maybe another time? Howie’s making soup and sandwiches. I’ll just take our little one and head out.”

Maddie carefully lifts Jee into her arms, kissing the top of her head and inhaling deeply. “It never gets old,” she tells them. “Like a piece of me was missing and we’re reunited.” 

Buck and Eddie glance at Chris, then exchange a fond look of understanding between themselves.

“Yeah,” Buck agrees, continuing to gaze at his husband. “I know exactly what you mean.” 

[sweetestpopcorn]

hi Sweetestpopcorn! i was wondering, do you have an idea of what country Leng is based on? (i am trying to find out so i can get some cool references for Rhaebae's beautiful tiara 😍)

Hi there Anon 😊 And sorry for this delay!

So, I loved this ask because as anyone who has ever been to my tumblr knows, I'm a sl_t for the Jade Tiara that Daemon gave Rhaenyra <3 like based on that alone, and with nothing else, I would ship them. There. But moving on, I loved this ask, but I was having serious trouble answering the ask because although I find Asian cultures super interesting I know close to nothing about it.

Gun to my head I would say China just from the aesthetics, but I might be totally wrong. Because I don't know, I decided to recruit someone who might know: our lovely @ammmyturtle who does know quite a bit about Chinese and Eastern culture and history to help me.

So, according to Ammmy, when she was doing some research on the topic, she got a feeling that George just mixed up Eastern cultures all up and created YiTi, but her impression is that both YiTi and Leng are a bit strange. For instance, it's mentioned that there are ruined cities in the jungles of Leng where old Leng nations used to live and that these were made of stone. Nonetheless, for people who live in humid areas it seems like wood is the main source of building material, due to the jungles and forests.

The colonising aspect of YiTi, and how Leng got their independence is also relevant though since according to Ammmy in the past Chinese empires had a hard time maintaining governance over the southern parts of the territory. Partly, because they were humid places filled with jungles. Then those people were not traditionally Han Chinese which is somewhat similar to Leng and YiTi’s relationship. Moreover, although Leng is now independent, it still has ties with YiTi, since the Empress takes two husbands and one is always from YiTi. But all in all, Ammmy said it was complicated.

I think it's fair to say that at the very least there is significant influence from the Chinese Empire in Leng and Yiti, so perhaps the jade tiara - who once belonged to an Empress *sigh* - should reflect that.

Ammmy definitely went for that on her last rendition of the tiara (original post here):

Anyway, I don't know how helpful this was XD

Btw for all of you who love parallels, like the Empresses of Leng, Rhaenyra too had two husbands - just not as the same time :3 (that friendly reminder that all I write only concerns the asoiaf canon in which Laenor was dead and well dead when she married Daemon).

All the best to you, Anon -3- loved the ask even if I really struggled for a proper answer XD

[makarovni]

WIP Wednesday

I'm rewatching the Sopranos soooo you get a Christopher/Tiara thing I jumped back into. Mwah. Tagged by @corvosattano thank you il mio amico 💖

"So, Tiara," Carmela said, snapping Tiara out of her lovestruck trance, "have you and Chris thought about any honeymoon locations?"

Tia shrugged, internally laughing that Christopher wasn't part of this exchange, despite being nearly attached to her. "I dunno. We're still thinking about the wedding, for God's sake. Do we want something big and special, or something only the Family will know about? Fuck if I know."

"Well, Chrissy?" Carmela asked, intense blue eyes focused on him. 

Christopher shrugged, taking a sip of his soda. "Still not sure. Why can't it be a combination of both, eh? You can make it as big and beautiful as you want, Tia, but maybe just have it in Ton' and Carm's backyard."

Tiara raised her eyebrow. "I thought you wanted a cathedral wedding."

Taking a bite of the meat in his pasta, Chris shook his head. "I thought about it," he said around the food in his mouth, "but I don't want the church catchin' on fire when I step in, ya know?"

 He punctuated the sentence with a smile, and Tiara giggled, as he knew she would at such a joke. Carmela wasn't as amused, instead glaring at her cousin. 

"That's not very funny, Christopher," Carmela said flatly. But her tone changed as she spoke the next sentence, "you guys are welcome to have it at our place, though. Of course you are."

"We'll figure it out," Christopher said, giving Tiara a sloppy kiss on the cheek, leaving behind a lip print of sauce, "right, dolcezza mia?"

At first, Tiara was flustered by this, feeling her cheeks turn rosy and warm when Christopher called her an Italian pet name. It was something he only did when he was in a good mood, and it always lifted her spirits. A small, embarrassed smile formed on her lips, her heart beating faster than usual, but when her eyes flicked over to the next group of men being sat down at a nearby table, it all went away.

Her fluttering heart nearly stopped, her heart-shaped lips dropping from a smile into a line, eyes wide but not in sparkling admiration for Christopher, face a ghostly white. She was silent, hands gripping the tablecloth with force, her heartbeat defibrillating and once again racing so hard that she could hear her pulse. 

"Tiara?" Carmela asked, tilting her head and knitting her brows in concern. "Tiara, are you okay?"

This put Christopher's attention on her. "Hey, Tia, what's the matter with you?"

The chest pain was getting to be too much, a combination of struggling to breathe, tachycardia, and the acid rising in her esophagus. It hurt so bad, Tiara wanted to rip her dress open. 

"Chrissy, I have to leave," she said shakily, beginning to stand up.

"Whoa, whoa, what's wrong?" He asked again, taking her side under his hand. "Come on, talk to me."

"I need to go," Tiara repeated, nearly stumbling out of her chair, but not taking her eyes off the three men being seated at that table. She began to back away slowly, then turned on her heel and ran, something very unlike Tiara.

Christopher stood up quickly and headed after her. "Tia! Where are you goin'?!"

She'd already ran out the front door, making it down the sidewalk only a few feet before she tripped on her own shoe and fell to the ground, skinning her knees and palms of her hands as she landed on them. 

When Christopher got to her, she was sobbing. It was a cry unlike any other he'd heard from her, almost a scream. Her breathing was heavy, so much so that she arched her back with each shaky inhale. Tears were pouring from her eyes, pulling down streaks of dark eyeliner and mascara with them, the taste of their salt filling her mouth when they'd dripped into it. 

"Tiara, what the fuck?" Christopher asked, kneeling down to her level. "Tell me what's goin' on! You're a fuckin' mess, come here." He wrapped his arms around her to try to help her up, but instead she gripped them closer to her, pulling her body into his chest and sobbing even harder into his shirt. 

Christopher had been through Tiara's breakdowns before, but none had been as bad as this. She was basically screaming into him, hands gripping the fabric of his jacket so tight that it might rip. All he could do was hold her, his arms tight around her torso and hands gently rubbing her back, nose buried in her hair and lips leaving tiny kisses of reassurance on her head. 

They sat like that for a few minutes, Christopher in silence, Tiara only able to let out agonizing sobs, before she looked up at him. Christopher felt his heart break when he saw the expression on her face, one of hopelessness and pain that he'd never seen on her before. 

"Chrissy...please take me back home," she said softly, shakily, like she was pleading for her life. "Please."

"Okay, okay baby," he replied in an equally hushed tone, helping her up. "Come on, let's go to the car. I'll take you home. It'll be okay."

[heliads]

A Glance Across the Street

Based on this request: “a race oneshot where he realized he’s in love with the reader. she’s doing something (singing, playing with kids, whatever) and he’s awestruck and the boys are teasing him after”

masterlist

Race is mid-conversation with his friends, mid-way through his bag of papers still left unsold. He should be focusing on talking to Albert and Jojo, and he should definitely be trying to get the last few of his papes sold before the night grows too old and he’s out of customers to swindle. He knows all of this, yet his gaze keeps slipping from his fellow newsies or passing bankers to rest on one girl down the block.

Y/N is selling papes too, her grin contagious as she manages to talk even the most persnickety of passersby into purchasing the daily newspaper. Her newsie cap is slightly askew, and Race’s hand twitches by his side as if he longs to fix it, to look down and see her flash him a grateful smile. Honestly, Race is starting to think that he has a problem when it comes to Y/N L/N.

As it turns out, Race is not the only one to notice this: although he attempts to quickly jerk his attention back to the conversation at hand, Albert and Jojo notice the fact that he isn’t quite responding on time and try to figure out what’s got his focus hooked. Albert follows Race’s line of sight and a vicious grin appears on his face. Race tries to look away hurriedly, pretending he was just following the path of a potential customer, but it’s too late- they’ve both seen.

Jojo loops an arm around Race’s shoulders, clasping the other hand firmly over his heart. “Well, if my eyes don’t deceive me, I think Racer here has a little crush.” Race scoffs, pulling away from the boy. “As if. I’m just trying to sell my last papes.” Albert rolls his eyes. “Is that why you haven’t sold one in half an hour? If I didn’t know better, I’d say you’se trying to lose money.”

This is a fierce accusation for a newsboy who prides himself on his ability to make any deal to even the most unlikely of customers, and Albert knows it. So, when Race snatches his cap from his mess of blond curls, ready to swat it most brutally into Albert’s head, the red-haired boy is able to easily dart away in time to avoid the killing blow. Race tries one last time, but his attacks fall short when he hears a voice from behind him.

“What’s going on here? Why are you trying to murder Albert?” Race’s eyes widen in spite of himself, and he straightens up hurriedly, slapping his hat back on his head as if he’d just been stretching. “I don’t know what you’re talking about. We’re just having a, uh, friendly conversation.” Albert looks positively gleeful over this, but he doesn’t say a word. Y/N raises her eyebrows. “I don’t know about that. I’d swear there was going to be bloodshed.”

Albert may be willing to save him from the fires this once, but Jojo is not so generous. Instead, he casually leans on Y/N’s shoulder, practically savoring the way Race’s shoulders stiffen. Race does his best to ignore this, forcing a casual smile. “Well, maybe Albert deserved it. You know him.” Y/N tilts her head to the side, considering this. “I do know him. What’s he done now?” Albert and Jojo look between Race and Y/N like they’re watching a sports match, curious as to what explanation Race can manage without telling her the true reason for the near beatdown.

Race mentally stumbles for a moment, then comes up with a scrap of something. “He insulted my brand of cigars. I couldn’t have that, could I?” Y/N’s eyes glint with barely contained amusement, and Race thanks everything holy that his excuse held up. “Oh, I get it now. I’m sorry to interrupt the carnage.” Race grabs Y/N’s hand, pulling her away from Albert, Jojo, and their twin mocking expressions to continue walking down the street.

“That’s alright. Now, come on- I think I saw a few tourists. Think we can scam ‘em?” Y/N laughs as she follows him down the block. “Without a doubt. Is that them?” She jerks her chin towards a cluster of families pausing by a florist, all of them in the newest fashions. They practically reek of wealth, which makes them the perfect targets for newsies in desperate need of unloading some papes. Race nods, and Y/N’s grin widens. “Oh, this is going to be fun. Race you there, Racer!”

She takes off down the street, spinning past cobblestones. The sound of her laugh, lighter than a summer breeze, lingers by Race’s side for a moment longer. Although Race knows he should follow her and at least try to sell some of his papes before all of the tourists are gone, he feels stuck in place, unable to do anything except watch her go. There’s a smile tugging at his lips before he realizes it. He tries to stow this a second later, except it’s a little hard to be serious when there’s a girl like Y/N right next to him.

He manages it in the end, as he always seems to do. Race isn’t sure what happened to make him turn into this stumbling mess whenever Y/N’s with him, but the habit keeps seeming to stick. He hasn’t always been like this, it’s only a recent incident, but no matter what he tries Race can’t go back to seeing Y/N as a friend and a friend alone. Sometimes, he wants to knock himself upside the head, hoping that a brief concussion might restore his thoughts, although Race is fairly certain that even this hit might make him even more of a grinning idiot where a certain newsgirl is concerned.

Later that week, Race is hit by that same bout of hopeless staring, although this time it’s even worse than before. It comes over him like a wave, threatening to pull him under entirely. He had been turning the street, walking from one block to another in the hopes of finding some idiot with a purse full of coins who’d be willing to shell out a little more than usual to a newsboy on the street. Maybe this is why his crush hits him so hard- he’d had no time to prepare, nothing to center himself around except this sudden sight of the girl before him.

All of a sudden, there she was, talking to a group of kids she’d met on the street. They stare at her with the same sort of loopy smile Race wears now, like they’d follow her anywhere so long as she gave the word. Honestly, Race may get a little jittery around the Brooklyn boys or the cops when there are too many of them, but the hold Y/N has on him scares him even more than that. He’d do anything she asked of him, no matter what or how. He can’t run from that kind of influence, just go along with it and hope he didn’t get worse.

Y/N crouches down now, the edges of her skirts rustling lightly over the uneven cobblestones. She reaches out a hand to a nearby girl, one who would barely come up to her ribs unless Y/N was kneeling as she is now. The little girl presses a careful coin into the awaiting hand, and Y/N hands her a newspaper in return. Race can see her pointing out the different pictures on the front, explaining them with that same slow voice she gets when the night is late and drowsiness slips through every syllable. This time, though, she’s not tired, just speaking in a way that kids who barely know anything can understand. Maybe that’s all Race is, too, a kid with half a brain and some stupid lovesick gaze he can’t seem to shake.

Y/N stands up, stretching, as the little girl leaves. A few more kids linger by her knees, and she talks to each of them in turn, patience coming eternal even by the point when Race would have started getting a little restless had it been him there instead of her. One of the kids hands her a flower he managed to find from somewhere, and Y/N tucks it behind her ear, smiling as if it’s a jeweled tiara instead of a little sprig of a plant that’s more leaf than petal.

She turns now, as if she can sense someone watching her, and finds Race from where he’s hidden by the crowd. She smiles at him, the simple expression almost enough to knock him over. There’s a soft slight in her face, as if she’s a little self-conscious to be caught talking so eagerly with the kids, but Race could never make fun of her for a second. Instead, he lets his own smile widen in return, and Y/N looks almost relieved. She mouths something about catching up to him in a second, then turns back to the kids when one of them tugs at her hand.

Now that he’s been caught, Race should probably keep moving down the block, at least doing something to keep up the pretense that he’s just selling papes instead of simply staring with that same jump in his heart. However, he can’t quite convince his feet to move, like his body is perfectly fine with just watching her there. It’s just the way the light washes golden over her hair, the sunbeam force of her smile, the twist of her hand and head as she speaks. Race has seen the way the rich neighbours stare at artworks, entranced by mere brushstrokes. If that’s what it looks like to fall in love with a mere painting, then Y/N might be an entire museum full of masterpieces.

That describes it, doesn’t it? He’s in love. Stupidly, crazily, whole-heartedly in love. There’s no way to describe it. Race has had crushes before, on rich girls with silken bows and laughing girls who talk to him as they leave the factories after work. None of those seem even remotely close to the hold Y/N has on him now, like all those kisses and offered flowers were just practice for this.

Maybe he’s too lost in his own thoughts, or the way Y/N seems to call an entire city to her like the star of a show, but Race doesn’t hear Albert and Jojo appearing behind him until it’s too late and they’re already upon him. Albert is crowing at him, face wrought over with victory. “It’s official. You’re completely hopeless for Y/N.” Race moves to deny this, but it’s too late- they have enough evidence to tease him for the rest of his life.

Jojo looks almost incredulous. “Wasn’t it just yesterday that you was telling me about how you’d never spend too much of your time trippin’ over some goil? Look at you now! Albert, he’s practically thinking about marriage.” Albert pretends to be severely affected by this thought. “I can see it in his eyes. He might already be picking out the rings.”

Race rolls his eyes. “I don’t know what you’se talking about. Y/N’s a friend.” Albert and Jojo actually burst out laughing, and Race wants to hit them. “She’s a friend? Race, if you look at your friends like that I’m getting locks on the doors. You’se in love, and it’s hilarious.” Race fishes around for some excuse or retort, finds nothing, and resorts to the time-honored classic of trying to hit them. “Some friends you are. No wonder I like Y/N- she doesn’t do this to me.”

Jojo hoots with laughter. “He admits it! Truth at last!” Albert sighs dramatically. “Did you hear his voice? He’s overcome with emotion.” Race lets scorn drip into his every word. “Overcome with emotion? Where’d you pick that up- off a pape?” Albert scoffs. “No, I read it off the cover of a book in a shop window, like somebody respectable.”

A voice comes from behind them once more, and Race wonders silently why he has to keep finding himself in this exact situation. “Somebody respectable? Albert, no offense, but I have never once seen anyone do that.” Albert’s expression grows worryingly bright, as if he’s just had a terrible idea, and he turns to face a newly arrived Y/N with a grin. “I’d usually argue on that, but I want to make time for someone else. Racer here was just saying something about how he needed to talk to you.”

Jojo’s eyes glint, like he’s caught on to Albert’s plan. “Yeah, actually, he was. Said it was something very important.” Albert nods solemnly. “Very, very important. We’d better leave now, so he can say it.” The two boys exchange looks, then practically jog off, although Jojo makes sure to give Race a very obvious thumbs up before they go. Race is about to seriously consider murder, but then a hand lands on his arm and he’s brought back to reality once more.

Y/N considers him, one eyebrow raised. “Well, I do have to admit that I’m a little worried by how excited they looked about that, but I am a little curious. What do you have to talk about?” Race knows what he should say, what Jojo and Albert no doubt want him to do, but the words stick a little in his throat. He remains silent for a little too long, and Y/N crosses her arms across her chest. “Well? I’m waiting.”

Race searches desperately for something to say, anything, but he has no idea how to start. Y/N’s look of curiosity is starting to bleed away into boredom, and Race is gripped by the sudden terror that she’ll leave before he can say anything at all, despite how terrifying it is to even think about telling her how he feels. So, he leans forward and kisses her before he can talk himself out of anything else.

Now Y/N doesn’t speak, not at all, and Race can’t think about anything except the fact that he might have ruined everything, once and for all. Then her face splits into this incredible grin, and Race feels like the ground has broken up beneath him and he’s falling, falling, until he can’t feel anything at all. “That’s what you wanted to talk about?” Race doesn’t know what to say. Again. “Uh, yes.”

She laughs, and Race thinks that he could have gladly listened to that sound every morning. Let the sound of her laugh replace the church bells, and he would have happily attended every sermon. “You’re an idiot.” Race nods. “Yes.” He’s not sure that he’s supposed to be agreeing to this, but she’s got him caught in her gaze again and he feels as if he can’t move a muscle. “Kiss me again, and I might just forgive you for waiting this long.”

Race grins, his confidence finally starting to return to him again. “Well, I like the sound of that.” He’s not about to refuse her this time, so he reaches forward, gently guiding her face back to his once more. 

[crowfootwrites]

Mayans Take Their Kids Trick-or-Treating | Headcanon

Didn't include Miguel and Nestor because I was trying to keep this one MC-centric, but lemme know if you want HC for those two!

I meant for this to be shorter, but then I got carried away with all the fluffy feels, so...

Bishop: This year, your son is old enough to decide what he wants to be for Halloween, and he wants to be Spiderman – Bishop has been reading the comics with him before bed for the last couple of months for some father/son bonding time. Your son doesn’t ask either of you to dress up; he’s just excited to have both of you to himself at the same time. He walks down the sidewalk between the two of you, holding your hands and discussing the pros and cons of different types of candy. You catch Bishop gazing over at you a few times, a small, proud smile playing on his lips as he spends his evening with his family.

Taza: Taza’s not super into Halloween, but he tags along for the memories, wanting to commemorate your son’s first Halloween. You have your son decked out in a handmade owl costume that Taza helped you think up, and you carry him in your arms. He’s too young to really know what’s going on, but his gummy smile never leaves his face. You make Taza take a million pictures, but you’re also sure to hand the camera to Bishop periodically to get some good pictures of all three of you.

Tranq: Tranq is in full dad mode for Halloween, his twin girls in elaborate costumes: one as a bumblebee and one as a butterfly. They walk on either side of him, each gripping one of his hands and every once in a while he lifts his arms to swing them, making them squeal. And since his girls have him wrapped around their fingers, the three of you were even able to convince him to don a pair of wings himself. You can’t help but giggle at the sight, the glittery white wings comically small on him. You follow along behind them taking a million pictures, dressed in your ladybug costume, still amazed that you were able to find such an incredible man.

Angel: You are all in on Halloween and having a kid, to you, means getting to relive a kid’s Halloween experience. Your son wants to be a pirate and so you spent a couple weekends hand-sewing your and his coordinating pirate costumes. Sometimes, Angel would come home late from the club to find you hunched over the kitchen table with a needle and thread and his heart would swell with admiration at what a good mom you are. Angel does not dress up, but you successfully bribe him (with some treats of his own later *wink*) to at the very least don a pirate hat and carry a fake sword attached to his belt. Angel hangs back and grins like a fool all night, watching his girl and his son enjoy themselves, divvying up candy and posing for silly pictures.

EZ: EZ has been reading Me, Frida with your daughter, and so she practically begs to dress up as Frida Kahlo. The three of you had even taken a Saturday to scour Santo Padre for appropriate huipil and skirts and made a day of it, getting tacos and ice cream and of course, stopping at the bookstore. You pin her hair up and weave colorful flowers into it. As you trick-or-treat, EZ is almost as excited as your daughter, the pair of them happily explaining her costume to anyone who asks (and EZ’s eyes twinkle with pride as he watches her nerd out). You hang back and take pictures, adoring your little daddy’s girl, who still comes running back to you to beg for a piece of candy here and there.

Creeper: Creeper takes a backseat and goes along with whatever you have planned for you guys’ first Halloween with a kid, just wanting your son to have a good time. You pick out a cute dragon costume, which Creep totally gets behind. The two of you don’t dress up, but Creeper carries his tiny dragon all night, showing him off to his brothers like a proud papa. When the little man gets cranky, you head home so Creeper can take his time putting his son to bed before the two of you curl up on the couch for a more adult kind of Halloween party.

Coco: Coco doesn’t fully dress up, but puts on a wizard’s hat at his daughter’s request, to coordinate with her tiny witch costume. Letty joins in, both you and her dressed in glow-in-the-dark skeleton unitards. Letty takes the reins, walking her little sister up to front doors and helping remind her what to say when the door opens. You get some great pictures of your daughter looking up adoringly at her big sister. Coco hangs back a little at first, chain smoking nervously, not sure how to involve himself and always a little worried about messing up. You remind him that just by being here he’s building memories with her, and gently encourage him. Your daughter winds up walking between Coco and Letty, holding their hands and begging her dad for candy. He, of course, gives in, and she’s eaten a quarter of the bag before you even get home.

Gilly: Much like Tranq, Gilly is living his best big soft dad life, carrying his kiddo when she gets too tired to walk anymore, the pink tulle of her princess dress heaped in his arms. You get a priceless picture of Gilly wearing a giant grin, cradling his sleeping daughter against his kutte, her tiara slipping and a piece of half-eaten chocolate clutched in her chubby little fist. You all head home a little early, ready to put the princess to bed and relax on the couch with a scary movie and some popcorn for a little Halloween fun of your own.

Riz: Riz helps you brainstorm ideas for costumes, always wanting to be involved where his daughter is concerned. Even though she’s old enough to have some opinions about what she wants to dress up as, she asked for help deciding and her parents were going to give it. Until she comes home from kindergarten one day demanding to dress up as a biker. Riz laughs and scoops her up, his face completely delighted. On Halloween, she is decked out in a black, child-size kutte that you embroidered skulls and roses on the back of, and a sparkly green open-face helmet. She insists that her papa also wears his kutte, and the three of you walk hand-in-hand all night while she tries to sneak Starburst from her candy bag.

[floral-force]

Knight in Beskar Armor - Chapter 9

The Message

words: 3.6k

warnings: smut/NSFW/18+ ONLY ! unprotected sex, oral sex (female and male receiving, daddy kink

a/n: this one has a dash of angst in it! I apologize for the delay--I was moving and life was hectic for a while. I hope you enjoy this one!

series masterlist | read on ao3

previous | next

Din received the transmission when they left hyperspace. You continued to gaze out the window, Nevarro coming into view. Grogu was awake again, fiddling with his little metal ball. Hearing his babbling made you smile and feel a little calmer inside.

“Please, return home,” a grainy voice said.

Your head immediately snapped towards the holoprojection. It was Nelly, and you could tell that her face was contorted with concern. Din turned to look at you, moving out of the way when you approached him and stood in awe in front of the holoprojector.

“Princess, your people need you,” Nelly sniffled, and you nearly cried when you saw a tear roll down her cheek. “Please, return home.”

The message repeated, the words reaching your ears but not fully processed in your mind. You’d been waiting so long for this message, for some sort of communication from home, that it felt like a joke. The Mandalorian allowed the transmission to repeat, slowing the ship’s approach to Nevarro. You could feel him—and Grogu—watching you, your mouth open and eyes welling with tears. Finally, you turned to Din, rolling your shoulders back.

“We are going to Naboo.”

“We’ll go to Naboo after I give Karga this bounty.” Before you could protest, he continued, “I need the credits to refuel, unless you want us to only make it halfway before the ship dies.”

You blushed but held your gaze. “Fine.”

It was all you could manage under the Mandalorian’s scrutiny, and as you strapped back into your seat before traveling through Nevarro’s atmosphere, you felt a sense of hope for the first time since your journey with the bounty hunter began.

Karga frowned when Din told him the news of your departure. You smiled, uneasy as he hugged you. He’d given Din four new pucks; obviously the Mandalorian was relieved to return to normalcy. It made you scoff when he accepted them. He was just going to dump you on Naboo and leave—it had always been about protecting you until he didn’t need to anymore. But for some reason, you got the feeling that his acceptance of so many bounties wasn’t because he was anxious to return to his life before you, but because he needed some way to distract himself from losing you.

There was a battle in your head between the two assumptions as you walked with Din to visit Cara one last time, Grogu’s crib levitating on Din’s left side. The only sound was your footsteps in the dirt and the child’s babbles. The Mandalorian walked by your side, his hand brushing yours occasionally. It made you flush and you felt silly for even the slightest touch making you melt. You recalled how it felt to be beneath him, so unbearably warm, sweat on your skin as he slid in and out, his mouth peppering your cheeks with kisses—mesh’la, mesh’la—as you sighed and moaned. You’d had flings with knights before, but none like this. Even if you couldn’t see his face, you could feel yourself falling a little bit more each passing moment for the mysterious Mandalorian, and now that your time was coming to an end, your heart was beginning to break as the seconds ticked by.

You weakly smiled at Cara when she let you, Din, and the child inside, waiting to see if she already heard the news. Apparently, she had, as she took your hand in hers and nodded down at you.

“Stay out of trouble, Princess,” she said. “Naboo needs you.”

You blushed and thanked her. The Mandalorian was standing near the door, and his helmet was averted away from you. Grogu cooed and toyed with his metal ball. It was going to be the little things like this that you’d miss most.

Cara bid you one last farewell, and you made your way back to the Crest with the bounty hunter and the child.

The departure from Nevarro and the jump into hyperspace was filled with a heavy silence. Even Grogu seemed to understand something was different, closing his crib and hiding from the tension. You barely glanced in the Mandalorian’s direction, instead focusing on the blinking buttons and intermittent beeps from the control panel, and the sickly green glow the navcomputer cast on his beskar armor. Once you were safely in hyperspace en route to Naboo, you descended the ladder and opened the rack panel.

Your gown and tiara were still safely stored on the top shelf where you’d left it all those cycles ago. I didn’t even like it, you’d told Din, his hands combing through your hair. I hated it at first, you’d whispered into his bare chest, still sticky after taking you mercilessly from behind.

How do you feel about it now? Din had asked, his hand running up your back, fingers tracing your spine.

I think I love it.

As you ran your hands across the gown’s fabric, you remembered the fateful night that brought you and the Mandalorian together. Torn away from all that you knew and left with an imposing bounty hunter had shocked you to your core, but for some reason you were grateful it was him, it was Din, instead of someone else. You reached up and set the gown down gently and took the tiara in your hand, hesitating to place it on your head. It felt wrong to wear it while you were dressed in such drab garb. Mando had tried to get you to wear it a few times, but you refused to touch it—and refused to let him touch it. So, it had remained on top of the gown, a ghost and reminder of life before the bounty hunter.

“Do you want to wear it again?”

The modulated voice made you gasp and jump, clutching the tiara to your chest. You turned and looked at him, your back still facing him. His head was tilted slightly, helmet glowing under the light. He took a step towards you and cradled your chin in his hand.

“Answer me, Princess.”

You rose and his hand fell to your waist as you closed your eyes. “Take off that helmet, and I’ll tell you.”

There was a hiss and then a clang that made you flinch before his lips caught yours in a deep kiss. The tiara was still in your hands, but you felt his free hand ease it out of your grip. You didn’t want to wait for any further words from him; you could feel yourself burning with desire, a molten hot feeling threatening to spill and scorch anything in its path. You nearly tore off your clothes, trying your best to keep your lips attached to his, even when he chuckled against your mouth at your haste. The cold air of the Crest bit at your bare skin, making your hair stand on end and your nipples harden. He must have noticed the latter, as he pinched one of the buds between his fingers, snickering when gasped and jumped.

“You’re missing something, princess.”

“And what might that be?” you murmured, moving to kiss his warm neck.

“A crown,” he said, pushing you down on your knees. You heard him grunting and tossing off pieces of his armor, obviously as impatient as you. “You need to look like a princess while I fuck your mouth.”

He was growling, and it made your cunt get even wetter than it already was. You felt him place the tiara on your head, and he grunted in approval when it was set in place. His hands guided yours to rest on his thick cock, and he groaned as you took him into your mouth, sucking on the thick head of his dick before pulling away and licking up the shaft from the base. The Mandalorian, however, was apparently tired of your teasing—he held the back of your head and started to thrust into your mouth, his dick hitting the back of your throat. The tiara was bouncing as he fucked your throat, threatening to fall off, but he placed his other hand on it, securing the tiara on your head and your wet mouth around his cock.

Tears slid down your cheeks as he continued to fuck your throat, your head bobbing on his cock. You were completely at his mercy and knowing this only made you want him more. As you gagged on his thick length, your hands gripped his bare hips, nails digging into his skin.

“Yes, cyar’ika—that’s it—just like that—suck daddy’s cock, princess,” Din growled, his fingers tangled in your hair as he started to thrust even harder, choking you with each stroke.

He suddenly pulled away, and spit dribbled down your chin, dotting your bare breasts. His hand stroked your cheek before slapping it, making you gasp.

“Look at you. Look at my princess. All dirtied up for me.” He swept you into his arms and dropped you onto the cot. You could feel him kneeling between your legs and you yelped when his tongue licked your soaking slit.

“Mmm, so wet for me too.” He flicked your sensitive clit with his tongue, and you squirmed when he chuckled against it, the vibrations making you ache even more for him.

But right now, you didn’t want his mouth—not licking your cunt, at least. You blindly grasped for his hand and when you found it gripping your waist, you grabbed his wrist and guided him to cup your wet heat, letting his fingers tease your entrance.

“F-finger me, Mando,” you breathed. His free hand was massaging your breast, and you felt him shift and move to lay next to you. “P-please, Din—please.”

He gently kissed you and slid two of his fingers inside of you, making you moan into his mouth. Din pumped his fingers in and out of your soaking cunt, making sure to drag the tips slowly against the spot he knew drove you wild.

“Rub your clit, baby—yes, just like that—such a good little princess.”

His praise drove you crazy, and as he curled his fingers inside of you, you felt your walls clench around them, pressure building in your core. All you could hear was his voice and all you could feel was his fingers filling you as you got closer and closer to the edge. He was breathing with you and pumping his fingers in and out until you were on the precipice of release.

“Cum for me, Princess.”

Your climax washed over you in a white-hot wave of pleasure, your knees and legs shaking as you came all over the Mandalorian’s fingers. He was whispering in your ear, coaxing you through your orgasm—good girl, mesh’la—as his fingers slowed their pace. He peppered your cheek with kisses and you groaned when he finally pulled his fingers out of your pussy, the emptiness suddenly unbearable. You grabbed at his bicep, whining for his touch. Your relief came when you felt his torso above yours, his cock twitching on your belly as he kissed you, slow and deep, melting into you when he finally slid inside of you.

Your nails dug into his arms and then crept up to his shoulders when he sheathed himself fully inside of you, his cock filling you up entirely. Each stroke sent delicious shocks of pleasure throughout your body, his warm voice murmuring praise in your ear and encouraging you to moan louder, say his name, breathe with him—

“Fuck—Din—I’m c-cumming—”

“Cum on my cock, princess,” he growled. “You’re mine.”

His possessiveness sent you hurtling over the edge again, and you felt your cunt clench around him and get even wetter than it already was, soaking his length in your juices. Seconds later, he was filling you up full of his cum, his cock throbbing as he kissed you once again. Your skin was sticky and you noticed how damp you were. The Mandalorian chuckled as he slid out of you, and you felt his weight shifting towards the edge of the cot.

“You look so beautiful with my cum leaking out of you,” he said, running his hand up your inner thigh and teasing your clit.

You were still trying to catch your breath from your intense orgasm; it had left you rattled and shaken in the best way possible and all you wanted was your Mandalorian laying next to you, playing with your hair and holding you close. You reached for him, wiggling your fingers, hoping he understood your signals. He gently removed your tiara and you felt him shift to replace it on the shelf. You hummed in content when he settled back down next to you, moving you so your back was pressed to his chest, his arms wrapped around you in a protective embrace.

“Din?”

“Hm?”

You hesitated, weighing the words resting on your tongue. “I…I’m grateful for you.”

Din kissed the back of your head and chuckled. “You certainly make my life interesting.”

You almost whipped around but remembered that your retort wouldn’t be as powerful with your eyes closed; instead, you huffed and lightly slapped the hand that was on your waist. In response, he grabbed one of your breasts and squeezed, holding you tighter when you squirmed and tried to roll away. You gave up and relaxed into him once again, sighing and letting his calloused hands grip you and explore your curves.

Suddenly, you remembered where you were: hurtling through hyperspace, returning to your old life. Returning to a world of sunny breakfasts, a planet full of your citizens, a kingdom wrought with uncertainty. Naboo was your home—of that, there was no question. But there was something new within you, wrapping you in warmth from the inside out, something that even the sunniest morning on Naboo couldn’t bring you. It was here on the Crest, holding you tight in a tiny cot. Perhaps losing one home had brought you another.

You swallowed the lump in your throat. “I don’t want to leave you.”

The words tumbled out of your mouth before you could stop them, and you felt the Mandalorian stiffen behind you. You cursed yourself, knowing you should have held your tongue instead of speaking foolishly.

“It’s safer for you to leave.”

You nearly turned around but continued to keep your eyes closed and head turned from him. Your chest suddenly burned, and your cheeks felt like they were on fire.

“I thought I was safe with you,” you whispered, remembering his words from before when he’d promised his protection.

“Your people need you.”

You sat up, making sure to keep your back to him. “I need you.” You felt his lips on your shoulder, but you shrugged him off. “You should go check on Grogu.”

He left the rack without a word, and only when the panel slid closed did you finally allow your tears to fall. Were you nothing more than a bounty to him?

“We’re here.”

You woke up to see the rack panel open and the Mandalorian staring down at you, assessing you like he did all those nights ago in the garden. The child was staring at you from his floating crib, ears perked and head tilted. Maybe he could sense that something was changing.

“I’ll make myself decent,” you said, sitting up and stretching.

The Mandalorian nodded and strode away, his feet stomping up the cockpit ladder. You felt your cheeks flush and you shook away the lump in your throat as you reached and grabbed your gown and tiara off the top shelf. As you changed in the ‘fresher, you tidied yourself and fixed your hair. You noticed that your gown was slightly dirtied, but at least it was still intact. You tried your best to tame your hair and make yourself presentable; your people deserved to see their princess clean and polished.

You left the ‘fresher and back to the rack, reaching in to grab your slippers. Your heart felt heavy as you stepped into them, the reality of your ending with the Mandalorian setting in. You heard his familiar footsteps and averted your gaze.

“You look good.”

You scoffed, standing and finally looking into the visor. “Thanks.”

He walked over to the ramp, and you joined him at his side. Grogu was in his crib to the side—the Mandalorian was leaving him behind, apparently, so you gave him a wave and a weak smile. You smoothed out your gown, frowning at the dirt that stained the bottom of it, no doubt from the night when the Mandalorian rescued you from the ball. You jumped when you felt him brush a hair out of your face, and you looked into his visor again, trying to search for his eyes, for something to investigate instead of an abyss. His gaze lingered on you, his palm cradling your cheek. You shied away from his touch, clearing your throat. He pushed a button, and the ramp began to lower.

You heard a familiar voice yell your name, and as soon as the ramp was low enough, you walked as fast as you could into the arms of Nelly. She was crying into your shoulder and a wave of relief passed over you. She was here, she was alive, she loved you. You both sunk to the ground, crying and whispering each other’s names like a prayer, clinging to a lifeline. Your hope had strengthened and grown now that were reconnected with your surrogate mother, warm in her arms. You felt Nelly lift her head from your shoulder, and you followed her gaze to see the Mandalorian towering above you.

“Thank you,” Nelly said.

“Just doing my job,” the bounty hunter responded, his modulated voice cutting through your ribs and slicing your heart open.

All you were was a job to him? After all this time, he saw you as a means to a reward, and you’d been a fool to think otherwise. It made your cheeks burn and your heart bleed. You rose and lifted your chin, meeting his gaze. You refused to give him the satisfaction of seeing you break.

“Follow me, I’ll give you your payment.”

He nodded and you turned on your heel, patting Nelly’s shoulder, letting her know not to follow you. The Mandalorian stayed behind you and followed you to the throne room. The hallways were empty, and only a few knights roamed the halls, bowing when they saw you. You held your head high—they need you, they need you, keep it together just a moment longer—and swung the throne room doors open, not waiting for some knight to do it for you. You heard the door slam shut, and you finally turned to face the Mandalorian now that you were alone with him.

“Princess, I don’t want payment.” He crossed his arms.

“How much do you need to refuel?”

“I refueled on Nevarro and had repairs done there.”

“Surely you’d like compensation for the extra rations you had to buy.”

“No,” he said, taking a step toward you.

“Then what do you want?” you whispered, your breath hitching when you felt his hand on your waist.

“You.” His other hand stroked your cheek, and squeezed your eyes shut to stop tears from falling.

You turned your head slightly, trying to will yourself to move away from his touch. Your efforts were in vain; your hand wrapped around his wrist as he ran his thumb across your cheek.

“Din,” you whispered. You shook your head, finally opening your eyes and letting tears finally fall. “You don’t mean that.”

“Yes, I do.” He said your name and got even closer to you, but you shook his hands off you and walked away.

“You never cared about me,” you said, raising your voice as you moved away towards the thrones. “You just wanted the credits.”

“I do care about you, Princess.” He seemed to hesitate, and you turned to face him, seeing his head tilted and gaze on the floor.

“But I was just a job to you, I didn’t mean anything more than that. You only cared about me because returning me with even the tiniest scratch meant a deduction from your payment.”

“That’s not true,” he growled, striding over to you.

“Then prove it.” You were crying, tears flowing from your eyes. You didn’t care if the Mandalorian saw you like this—emotional, distressed—because he had already seen you in many other vulnerable ways. You wanted him to see you crack, you wanted him to see you shake and sob, to see the pain he was causing.

Before he could speak, the throne room doors opened with a crash, and you quickly wiped your eyes and fixed yourself. A few knights entered the room, flanking Sir Pov Gres, your father’s court chancellor. Nelly followed them, looking concerned but more composed than before.

“Princess,” Sir Gres said, bowing. He turned to the Mandalorian, barely hiding a scowl. “Mandalorian.”

“Sir Gres, it’s good to see you again,” you said, putting on a smile.

“It’s good to see you return to us, Princess.” He gave you a curt nod, then looked at Mando again. He held out a pouch. “Your payment, as promised by the late king.”

The Mandalorian pushed it away. “Keep it. I’ll be on my way now.”

Sir Gres nodded and signaled to the guards. “Lead the bounty hunter back to his ship.”

You watched as the Mandalorian gave you one last glance before following the knights out of the throne room and out of your life.

Once the doors were shut and the Mandalorian gone, Sir Gres took your hands, making you jump. “He didn’t hurt you, did he?” His short black hair was smoothed back, his royal blue clothes smoothed. He smelled fresh, but it was almost overwhelming.

You met his icy blue eyes and smiled. “No, no he didn’t.”

Sir Gres believed your lie.

previous | next

taglist:

@andiesturgss

[heartbreakgrill]

Birthday Girl; Luke Alvez

description: pining after a fellow team member adds a little bit of spice to your birthday celebrations

a/n: ahhhhh this is my first time writing for criminal minds and I’m so nervous to share. I want to write more for them, especially for the entire team because they make me happy 😚 enjoy, kids!

“Tonight! Tonight! It all happens tonight!”

You spun your office chair around, facing the giddy glee that was Penelope Garcia. She had a party hat on, extra glitter upon her cheeks, and was singing incredibly off-key. Your eyes flickered to her hands as they moved towards you. Next thing you knew, you were wearing a sparkly, pink princess crown and a sash stating you were the birthday girl.

Your cheeks turned a bright red, but you stood nonetheless and enveloped Penelope in a hug. “Happy birthday, my dearest, most beautiful-est, wonderful, sweet little munchkin baby!”

You giggled into her shoulder, inhaling her sweet perfume and attitude. “Thank you, Pen.”

She squeezed you, rocking the two of you side to side. You wobbled on your heeled booties and took the liberty of pushing her off of you before she could knock you down.

“I swear to the sweet, sweet heavens above that if your birthday gets interrupted by some sick weirdo, I will be absolutely unhappy,” Penelope followed you to your desk as you sat back down. She leaned against it, eyes at the heavens and a fist raised, too.

You planted your elbows on the desk, “It’s okay, Pen. We can always celebrate when we get back, if we have a case. Which we won’t. Because you’re manifesting it.”

Penelope looked at you firmly, “You’re dang right I am. But don’t think I don’t know you’re thinking of ways to get out of it. I know you’re not a little social butterfly, but please, just let me have this one birthday.”

You had worked at the BAU for 5 years, but you were a quiet little thing. You went out for drinks and hung out with your little family often, but you didn’t like when all of the attention was on you. It was slightly unprofessional whenever you would stutter during profiles, but you tried your best.

However, this year, Penelope had managed to talk you into allowing her to throw you a birthday night you would never forget. You didn’t know the itenerary, but the get up she’d put on you was tell enough that it would be all eyes on you.

The rest of the team slowly trickled in as the day began, Penelope continuing to talk your ear off. You responded every once and awhile, sometimes barely able to get much in. Everyone had gotten there, but they came in small crowds, so they hadn’t really noticed you yet.

Spencer was the first to point out the tiara and sash. He was coming over with a cup of coffee and muffin he had bought for you at the cafe down the street. It was your birthday, after all, and he was celebrating with a kind gesture.

He set it down beside your folded hands with a smirk. “What’s this, Y/N?” He tugged at the points on the crown.

You blushed, glaring up at him. You nodded your head towards Penelope, who trailed off and met pretty boy’s eyes. “Don’t even, Reid. It is my baby’s birthday and I am finally allowed to celebrate it,” she warned him with a pointed finger.

The word birthday caught the attention of the rest of the team. Matt was especially drawn in because it was his first year with the team.

“I didn’t know it was your birthday, Y/N,” he spoke from across the aisle.

You spun in your chair, cheeks bright red and lips pursed. “Yes, it is.”

“Well, happy birthday, agent...or, I guess, princess.”

The team burst into laughter, Spencer setting a friendly hand on your shoulder. He leaned down and whispered, “Good luck.”

You turned back to your desk and began to fill out more files. Luckily, everybody found their seats and began their work for the day. The rest of the bullpen had gone up in action. A few minutes later, you looked up as a hastened Luke Alvez bounded through the doors. His desk was right next to yours, divided by the plastic overhangs. He sat down, muttering a good morning without even looking at you.

You were so thankful he didn’t notice the crown. It was enough that the entire team had pointed out the get out, and that tonight, they’d all have their entire attention on you. You didn’t need a hot, fit man teasing you about it, too.

But, eventually, when Luke stood up to get coffee, he saw. “You need a refill, Y/N...”

You knew as soon as he trailed off what was to come. You looked up at him timidly, already red in the face. “Yes, please.”

You held out your coffee cup, eyes not meeting his as he gently smiled at you. “Sure.”

He took the mug and left for the kitchen. Your brows furrowed slightly at the fact that he didn’t even say anything. When he came back, he set the mug down beside your half eaten muffin. His palm planted on your desk and he whispered in your ear, “Happy birthday, princess.”

You hung your head, hot all over the place. It was different when it came from Spence and Matt, who you saw as just friends. You had the biggest crush on Luke. And that just sent you over the edge. You bit down on your bottom lip, hard. Luke slumped into his seat with a cheeky smirk. His eyes glanced over at you occasionally. Oh, god. He knew.

You stood from your desk at lunch time before anybody else, quickly striding to Penelope’s office. You threw the door open and closed, loudly.

“Aw! I was going to bring you lunch to you desk, with this cute little unicorn cupcake I bought for you...you look like you just got flashed. Are you okay?” Penelope pulled you into her abandoned chair.

You let out a deep sigh of breath, tugging off your blazer. “I’m so, I’m so...I’m so ugh! He’s so hot, and he knows it. And I’m pretty sure he knows that I think he’s hot, and he’s just so smug, I can’t deal with it. Like, look at his stupid face, Penelope! It’s- UGH!”

Penelope giggled at your reaction. She grabbed your hands and squeezed on tight. “Listen, my love, deep breaths. Is it really so bad if he finds out you’ve been pining over him for a year?”

“Yes! Yes it would! He’s, like, a 20 outta 10. And I’m, like, at least just a 6,” You exclaimed.

Penelope stomped a foot, making you jump in your seat. “Excuse me! Don’t talk about my best friend like that. You are a 1,000. Hell, you are infinite out of 10. Plus, hes just a man. Since when were you so concerned with men and their opinions?”

“Since one made me feel like I was a 10th grade again...” you pouted up at your friend.

Penelope awed at your expression, dropping your hands and wobbling over to her purse. She brought out a purple unicorn cupcake, as promised. She cracked open the plastic covering and set it front of you.

“Eat away the feelings, love. I will be right back with some flower-cut finger sandwiches and homemade lemonade,” Penelope turned to leave, but you stood and tugged her into a hug.

“I’m sorry for being so grouchy about my birthday. I just hat-“

“The attention. I know. It’s alright,” she pulled back and tapped your nose, “I just want to celebrate my beautiful best friend. After today, I will leave you alone. Forever.”

You scoffed as she left, “Yeah, right.”

The day soon came to a close, though you felt like throwing up as each hour passed. Luke continued to make remarks, little, flirtatious ones that had you squirming in your seat. You bit back with quiet mhm’s and sarcastic one-liners. Each time you focused on your work, you felt his eyes watching you. You flipped him off at one point, only gaining a wolf whistle that made you look up and a cheeky wink with, “You make it so hard to love you.”

Penelope dragged you back to your car and into your apartment as quick as possible. She wouldn’t tell you what time things were happening, or what was happening at all. Just that the team would meet you all there. She tossed open the doors to your closet, tearing through the hangers like a wolf.

“You better be coming tomorrow morning to clean this all up,” you crossed your legs and leaned back in your bed. Your birthday had landed on a Friday, lucky enough.

“Oh, yeah, yeah. I’m just trying to find something that screams, ‘Luke Alvez, let me climb you like a tree, but also bend me over the desk because it is my birthday!’”

You gasped the loudest you had ever, pure shock overcoming you. “Penelope Garcia, that was the filthiest thing you have ever, ever said!”

Penelope was giggling inside your closet, but cut herself off with a gasp that matched your own. “I found it! I found it, I found it.”

She pulled out a black dress you had bought a while ago for JJ’s wedding. You never ended up wearing it because you felt it drew too much attention to your chest, and you were nervous for that. But Penelope threw it over your head and turned her focus to your curling iron.

“No if’s, and’s, or but’s, my love. You are wearing it. No questions! No complaints! Hurry!”

Eventually, you were ready to go, matching Penelope’s height in blush pink, open-toed heels. Penelope had taken off your everyday makeup and went completely nuts. She made you look incredibly hot in a way you couldn’t even describe. You felt attractive as you walked with Penelope to her car.

The first stop on the birthday celebration, after Penelope had argued with you to put back on the crown and sash (you had), was a really fancy restaurant. You and Penelope often admired it from afar, every time you walked this street to shop and get drinks with the girls. One time, you’d even walked in to see how much it would be and automatically turned around.

“Don’t even try to object, just get out of the car,” Penelope had ran around the car after throwing it in park, pulling open your door excitedly.

She grabbed your arm and tugged you from your seat. You stumbled onto your heels, balancing on the concrete of the sidewalk. You clutched your purse to your chest as the feelings of insecurity and nerves inhabited your body. Penelope threw her arm into your and set the pace. Inside, the hostess asked for the name and you weren’t surprised that it was under ‘Rossi.’

The entire team was sitting at a lengthy table in a private, little corner of the building. You slouched as you noticed them, stopping in your tracks. Penelope didn’t say much, just pushed back your shoulders, patted your cheek, and presented a wide grin. You felt slightly better and put on faux confidence as you made your way to the table.

“Hey! Look who finally arrived!” Dave held up his champagne glass, dressed in his same old two piece suit.

Spencer, Emily, and Matt twisted in their seats to look at you. Luke and Dave were across from them and your breath hitched when the former looked up from the menu in his hands. He smiled cheekily, eyes flickering up and down your body.

Everyone stood up, exchanged hugs as if you hadn’t just seen each other. Penelope sat across from Matt, next to Dave, leaving the only open seat at the head of the table, next to Spencer and Luke.

Luke hugged you last, large hands gently pressing against your hip and back. You shivered beneath his touch and he felt the tense slouch you gave. When he pulled back, he whispered in your ear, “You look beautiful.”

With bright red cheeks, you pulled in your chair and sat. Soon enough, Spencer was pouring you champagne, the waiter was collecting orders, and you were picking at a buttery roll. The team was exchanging conversation that you occasionally chimed in on. It was normal routine. You were surprised Penelope hadn’t thrown in the middle of a bowling alley or something along those lines. This was perfect.

The food came, finally, and the conversation slowed somewhat. Luke nudged you with his elbow and you looked up to meet his eyes.

“How’s your birthday going, princesa?” He bit off a piece of steak.

You swallowed, reaching for your champagne. “It’s really good, actually. I was worried Pen would go over the top. But this is good.”

“You’re not one for attention, I noticed,” he flicked his brows up.

You shook your head gently, “It makes me nervous.”

“Well, I apologize for toeing the line with my comments and stuff.”

“No, it’s...” your eyes flickered away from his, but came back, “it’s okay. I...like it.”

Luke grinned widely, eyes glinting, “Oh, really?”

You blushed and looked down, “Don’t push it, Alvez.”

Luke did push it, though, “Hey, it’s cute. You’re cute.”

You kicked him under the table and he went back to his food with a playful laugh.

Eventually, the food was finished. You handed your plate to the waiter before wiping off your hands and sighing. “Does anybody want dessert?”

The team glanced at you and then to Penelope. She shrugged, “No, I’m good.”

You tilted your head, “There’s somewhere else that we’re going, isn’t there?”

Penelope shrugged again, avoiding your eyes and caressing the mouth of her glass. “No, no there isn’t.”

“Okay, then you won’t mind if I just catch a cab home,” you stretched your arms above your head, yawning. “I’m awfully tired.”

Penelope shouted, “No! No, do not move. I will make Luke hold you down if I have to.”

“You always say so much, Pen, so much,” you bantered with a knowing smile.

She huffed, eyes rolling back, “And you always ruin it.”

Luke winked at you before nodding towards an approaching waiter. He held a giant cake in his hands, with lit sparklers and candles. The team broke out into song and you hid your face in your hands.

You felt warm hands on both of yours, pulling them from your space. Luke held your eyes on his, singing softly with the team. He managed to ground you, to make you feel more comfortable in this setting as the cake was put down in front of you. He tugged your hands back and forth in a little dance, drawing a grin to you face.

“Make a wish, princesa,” he pointed to the cake, holding onto one hand.

You shut your eyes, blowing hard and aiming for the candles. They went out, the sparkles fizzling to an end. Suddenly, your face went red hot and you squealed. Spencer took a big glob of frosting on his finger and smeared it all over your face.

You opened your eyes, squinting to avoid getting icing in your eyes. “Spence Reid! What the hell?!”

The team laughed, and you couldn’t help but join them. Luke’s fingers intertwined with yours, settling on your lap. He squeezed.

You took your own bit of frosting and reached across the table. Spencer tried to hide in Emily’s side, but she pushed him into your finger. He stuck his tongue out and licked a bit of frosting from his chin.

You tossed your head back, laughing the loudest you had ever. Emily called from her end of the table, “Well, now we know who our next unsub might be.”

Rossi replied, “And the victimology would be tall, skeletal, dorky men with unbrushed hair and the inability to shut up.”

“Oh, yes! Time to roast Spencer!” You closed your fist around a napkin, shaking it at the doctor. “Yes, yes, yes!”

You didn’t feel as insecure anymore- you finally felt comfortable. Luke’s hand stayed in yours as you began to wipe off your face.

JJ took her turn, “Hey, have some hope. Maybe she’ll only kidnap you.”

“How is that any better?” Spence exclaimed.

Penelope finished JJ’s thought, “Because you’ll bore her so much with your ‘actually’s’ that she’ll just drop you back off where she took you from.”

You wiped at the frosting on your house, probably just smearing it. Luke tapped your hand, holding his palm open. “Here, let me.”

You hesitantly handed him the napkin and he twisted a small section. He dipped it in a forgotten glass of water and using that part to wipe off the frosting.

“You know, I could just lick it off, like Reid, here,” Luke tapped your nose as he moved to the other side of your face.

You squeezed his hand, giggling, “In privacy.”

“Oh?” He retracted his hand, but you grabbed his wrist and pulled it back in place. “Oh, I see. I see. So I just have to get you alone.”

You swallowed, hard, a silence expanding between the two of you. His face fell slightly and he dropped his hand. You didn’t stop him.

“Are you being serious? Or is this just another banter of yours?” You muttered, hoping nobody was listening.

Luke sighed, pressing his elbow into the table and rubbing his forehead. His head hung low, but he looked up at you through his eyelashes. “You tell me.”

You squirmed under his gaze, redder than you’d ever been. Your mout hung agape and you tried to form a sentence. But, Penelope interrupted the moment. She came to your side with a butter knife and started cutting slices out of the cake for everyone.

“Here you go, my birthday queen!” Penelope set the first slice down in front of you.

You moved your hand and gaze from Luke, brandishing a fork. “Ah, I see I’ve moved up in ranks. It’s queen, now?”

“Red Queen could be your nickname, ya know, when the media flags you down for my murder,” Reid took a full plate from Penelope.

He cheekily smiled at you. “Oh, we’re still on this?”

He nodded, “We’re still on this.”

You and Spencer continued arguing about the possibility of his murder by your hand, the conversation soon turning into either of your opinions on the perfect way to actually murder someone. Sadly, the night was winding down.

But that didn’t mean Penelope didn’t have more plans. “Now, it is time for drinks and presents at Barb’s!”

The team pulled back on their coats, picking up the checks that were split and put on the table. You had just finished buttoning your jacket when you reached for your check that had been right next to your empty glass of champagne. You were surprised to see it missing. You felt around for it, but couldn’t seem to find it.

You caught up to the team, who were already paying. You grasped Penelope’s forearm and she grinned at you, “Yes, queen?”

You cracked a smile, though you were still confused. “Did you take my check?”

Penelope’s brows furrowed. “No. No I didn’t. Just see if you can get a new one.”

You sighed, then nodded. “Yeah, I guess that’ll work.”

You approached the register right after Penelope, the rest of the team lingering to the side to wait for you and Reid, who was behind you. “Hi, I was sitting with the rest of them and my check seems to have gone missing.”

“What did you order?” The hostess smiled kindly. You rattled off your order and she looked through the receipts.

“Oh, here it is,” she remarked, pulling it from the pile. “Uh, yes, it’s already been paid for.”

You leaned forward, attempting to see the receipt. She turned to towards you. “Who paid for it?” You asked.

She shrugged, “I can’t give out that information. Although, I could say that it’s your birthday, and you should just appreciate the kind effort.”

You thanked her and joined your friends. They were all in their own discussions, and the group began walking out when Spencer joined. You fell in stride beside Luke, accidentally.

You looked over at him and when he felt your stare, he returned your gaze. “What?” He let out a dry chuckle.

You cleared your throat, “Did you pay for my check?”

When he didn’t respond, you knew that he was answering your question.

“You didn’t have to do that,” your fingers felt from your pockets, noticing his were swinging between your hips. You let them find each other’s again.

Luke‘s stride ended, pulling you to a stop beside him. You turned your body to him as only the tips of your fingers touched. “What?”

Luke smiled at you, “You never told me.”

“Told you what?” You were far too nervous to give him the answer he craved to hear. One night of activities couldn’t calm your introverted behavior that much.

Luke groaned, tossing his head back. He pulled your hand into his all the way. “Come on, princesa. This is exhausting.”

You breathed steadily, trying to calm the hoards of butterflies flapping through your body. “I...I’m going to tell you that I want...”

You couldn’t word it properly, which was obvious, due to the wrinkled expression on your face. “I’m going to tell you that I want...god, Luke, help me out.”

Luke’s innocent little smile twisted into a cheeky smirk. His hand moved to your hip, pressing your stomach against his. He swept the hair behind your ear, caressing your cheek.

“What did you wish for, birthday girl?”

“You.”

[strawberrylemonz]

Masked Crowns

Part 16

Part 17 [CURRENT]

Part 18

@petrichormeraki @applepie1000 @artistconk @ivorylin @sydneys-sketches @snapdragonfirefly @bargledblocks

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

“Theo, stop moving around! Clem, stop fucking around and quite biting my ankle! Hey, don’t use that tone with me, young lad- Clementine!”

Fundy appeared half dead as he laid on the couch, exhausted. He watched as both Theo and Clementine hounded Tommy, who was just trying to make adjustments to their formal wear. Groaning as he hoisted himself into a sitting position, Fundy rubbed his eyes as he addressed his uncle.

“Give it up, Tommy, they aren’t gonna sit still. Wilbur gave them candy this morning.”

“I know, Fundy. Jesus, what the fuck was Wil thinking?!”

“Look at the bright side, you were able to quickly make adjustments to the bot-boys.”

“Only because Grumbot and Jrumbot are saints. I swear, Grian is a better father than I am at times. Don’t fucking tell him I said that- Clementine! What the fuck?!”

Both Fundy and Tommy looked down to the two children, who both appeared to be offended. Clementine huffed as she stomped her kicking foot on the ground, her arms crossed as she glared at her father. Theo did his best to match his cousin’s level of intimidating energy, giving an annoyed looks at his father and great uncle.

“No!”

“No what?”

“Noooo!”

“Ender- Clem, I can’t understand what's wrong when you throw fits, okay? Take a deep breath, collect yourself, then tell me what’s wrong.”

“Hnnnn”

Tommy frowned as he stared at the younger girl, who seemed to grow more irritated by the second. He knew her, though, could read her body language perfectly. She wasn’t angry or irritated, she was hurt and upset. Kneeling down, he held his hands out to his daughter, who glared at them in fury. After realizing her father’s hands weren’t going to combust, she sighed as she placed her tiny hands in Tommy’s bigger ones. Slumping her shoulders in defeat, she frowned down at her feet. Giving a frown of his own, Tommy lowered his head to try and make eye contact with Clementine, to no avail.

“Hey, look at me. Please?”

He watched with slight appeasement as she tilted her head up, her eyes slowly meeting Tommy’s. He gave her a hesitant smile, gently rubbing her tiny hands in a comforting manner as he did so.

“What’s wrong, little moth?”

Clementine didn’t talk much, opting to use her growls and grunts to communicate. This, however, wasn’t a situation where that form of communication would help things run smoothly. Moving her eyes from her dad’s face down to their joined hands, she frowned as her bottom lip began to quiver.

“I’m bad.”

“...What?”

“No good. Bad. Not nice. Not calm.”

As he stared at the sad expression resting on the girl’s face, Tommy suddenly felt small once again. He felt the same way he did when his father complained about him, not realizing his youngest was listening. He remembered the self doubt he felt and the hurt in his chest when his dad would compare him to his older brothers. It had fucking hurt when he was a kid, and it still did. And now? Now he was doing the same to his daughter. He was the fucking worst.

“No-Clementine, that isn’t true. Fuck, I- That’s not what I- Listen-”

Tommy sat down completely as he leaned forward, peering into the sad eyes of his daughter. Fuck, who knew being a parent would hurt his heart so fucking much? He was in his fucking feels at the moment, and it was all because of the toddler that stood before him. He was so scared of hurting her, of giving her reasons to despise and disown him as her father. He had to fix this, he needed to.

“The day I found you, I felt a piece of me return. It’s okay that you’re not like your cousins. You know what? I’m glad you’re not like them. You’re you, and you are being the best you there is. You’re not bad, Clementine, you’re fucking lovely. Don’t ever doubt yourself, okay? You’re a fucking badass, a brilliant one, too. I’m sorry, okay? I didn’t mean to compare you to your cousins.”

The small smile that graced Clementine’s lips was enough to fill Tommy with relief. Pulling her into a hug, he smiled as he felt her cling onto his shirt for comfort. Looking to the side, he hummed as he motioned for his great nephew to join in on the hug. Theo, who was quietly watching it all, happily ran into the hug, pulling his father along with him. So much had happened in such little time that Tommy forgot that kids were easily overwhelmed. From discovering new family, the park’s opening, house renovations, and then personal schedules, it was too much for the two to handle. They got along and enjoyed their cousins, but Tommy and Fundy had forgotten that they needed more than just that. They needed reassurance that they were enough.

“Now, can you two please let Tommy make final adjustments to your outfits? We have a ball to attend to, after all.”

--------

Attending the ball was truly a blast from the past. Tommy snickered as Kristin gushed about the matching outfits her grandbabies and youngest son were wearing, alongside with her own. Most of the members from the Dream SMP just gawked in silence as Lani, who was matching with both Drista and Tubbo, twirled and bragged about how wonderful of a designer and tailor Tommy was.

“Tommy made those?”

“Yup! He sure did!”

“But they’re so...elegant.”

“Oi! Fuck you!”

Laughter erupted from the group as the music played in the background. As the group conversed among one another, pairs began to break off to dance.

“Pa!”

Tommy peered down at Clementine, who held her hands up expectedly. Letting out a laugh, he scooped her up into his arms, smiling as she giggled with every bounce her father caused with his laughter. She smiled brightly at him as he fixed the tiara on her head. She laid her head on his shoulder as he swayed along to the music, both content. After a moment, Tommy felt his daughter’s head lift from his shoulder.

“Cousins.”

He turned to follow her line of sight to see Theo, Grumbot and Jrumbot all waving at him, their suits and hair fixed appropriately for the occasion. Returning the wave, he smiled at his daughter, setting her down with a nod.

“Yeah, you four go dance and have fun. Be careful.”

He couldn’t help but smile as her curls bounced as she squealed in excitement. Giving Tommy a hug, she quickly grabbed a hold of her cousins and rushed to the dance floor, smiling as her cousins argued as to which pair should dance with who. As he watched his only child scurry away with her cousins, he couldn’t help but sigh. The feeling of a hand on his forearm caught his attention. Turning to the side, he saw Tubbo smile at him, Lani and Drista right behind him.

“C’mon, let’s go dance.”

----------

Tommy and Lani were doing their best to not disrupt their dancing with silent wheezes of laughter, they really were. It’s not their fault, everyone was making it so hard for them!

“It’s like he’s dancing with Mount Everest!”

“Holy shit, this is hilarious.”

The pair watched in amusement as Tubbo bossed an awkward, but happy, Ranboo around the dance floor. The height difference in itself was enough to make the sight laughable.

“Tommy, over there.”

Following Lani’s line of sight, Tommy damn near belted out laughter as a grumpy Drista was stuck paired with one of the park’s guests, who would not shut up about her relation to Dream.

“Poor girl, losing her sanity.”

“She’s about to break, it’s fucking hilarious. Should have given her a fork.”

“We’re here to dance, Tommy, not commit a felony.”

“Rich coming from a girl with multiple knife pockets installed into her dress.”

“You installed them!”

“You commissioned them!”

The two began to bicker like the besties they were as their friends and family danced around them. Phil and Kristin danced and twirled as they shared whispers to each other, their smiles brighter than ever. Wilbur and Techno were awkwardly dancing with one another, their empty insults to one another growing louder the longer the brothers were with each other. Grian was teaching Grumbot the proper way to waltz, Bad and Skeppy goofingly twirling around them. Clementine and Jrumbot happily danced off beat, no one even daring to teach them the proper moves. Quackity, Karl and Sapnap laughed as they spun around together, the three pulling George in from the sidelines. Just as Tommy was about to make a comment, a sharp elbow jabbed his side.

“Ow! Lani, what the fuc-”

“Shh! Look!”

“What are you-”

“Just look, it’s important!”

And important it was. There, standing at the food tables, was Fundy. He wasn’t alone, though, not at all. There, making the hybrid blush and stutter, stood a guy. Lani and Tommy exchanged knowingly looks, before dashing over to the nearest hiding spot.

“Move over!”

“No, you!”

“Shh, listen!”

----------

“Go away.”

Theo frowned as the words left his mouth. He crossed his arms as he glared up at the emotionless mask before him, the face behind it hidden well. That didn’t stop Theo from being able to read body language, and the vibes he was getting weren’t necessarily hostile, but they weren’t welcoming as well.

“I just wanted to get a good look at you, to know you. Makes sense, doesn’t it? You are my son after all.”

The word sounded so wrong coming out of the unseen mouth. Son. As far as Theo was concerned, Dream was no father to him. His only dad was Fundy, and Fundy was all he needed for a parent.

“Your crown looks very nice, did you design it yourself? And I like your suit. I noticed that it matches Fundy’s perfectly. In fact, both of your crowns match perfectly with one another.”

Theo wasn’t planning on responding to any of the comments, not that he’d have to try. Dream just didn’t seem to catch the child’s drift, continuing to talk despite the boy not responding. 

“You have my hair color, it looks good on you. You’re obviously a shapeshift, like Fundy. Have you tried shifting to your more humanoid form? Oh, your eyes. You have-”

“My eyes.”

He may have been young, but Theo wasn’t daft. He knew that Dream (he would not call him father) was the reason for him having to live in the burrows up until then. He didn’t know what all Dream did, but he knew that it was enough to make his papa and uncle Tommy hurt very badly. He wasn’t going to let Dream see him with his guard down, not around him. He just stood and glared at the older man, who seemed to not have taken a hint to the child’s body language. Theo just confidently stood his ground as he watched Dream kneel before him, reaching over to gently pat his head, not seeming to care about pushing the crown around. Theo was quick to catch his crown, which fell off his head the moment Dream pushed it off. Much to Theo’s relief, the unwelcomed form of affection didn’t last long.

“Ow!”

“Dickhead! Dickhead!”

Dream pulled his arm back as Theo hid a laugh behind his hand. Standing in confidence was Clementine, who had just bitten Dream’s hand. She just growled and hissed at Dream, taking a protective stance in front of Theo as Grumbot and Jrumbot stood by his side, ready to defend their cousin. Dream just rubbed his hand, before pointing at the emerald jewel dangling from the girl’s necklace.

“I only know one person with an emerald cut exactly like that. You must be Tommy’s brat. What did he name ya again? Clementine? Figured. I guess it’s true after all, trouble attracts trouble. Don’t tell me that you’re just as problematic as your dad-”

“Shut up!”

Theo huffed as he yelled at Dream, who wasn’t expecting such an outburst from the quiet child. Grumbot narrowed his eyes as the man, pulling Theo behind him as he did so. Jrumbot, on the other hand, just mocked the masked warrior.

“-meanie mask man!”

“Fine! We’ll talk once you’ve all calmed down. I’ll see you around, Theo.”

Dream let out an annoyed huff as he walked off, giving a half-wave to Theo. Once he was completely out of sight, Theo was mobbed by his concerned cousins, who were quick to assess him. Clementine began to sniff for any off scents while Jrumbot clung onto his arm, whines escaping his artificial mouth as his older brother inspected Theo. Whilst checking for any possible injuries, Grumbot began to question the younger boy.

“Were you hurt?”

“No.”

“Did he threaten you?”

“Nuh uh.”

“Well, is he as big of a jerk as Uncle Tommy said he was?”

Theo blinked a few times before laughing, causing the worried faces of his cousins to morph into confusion. After a moment, an amused look graced Grumbot’s features. Clementine and Jrumbot only continued to watch in confusion. Finally calming down, Theo responded with a nod.

“Yeah, he is. He tried acting like he was my dad.”

“We should tell your dad.”

“Are you kidding me?! He’s talking to a potential dad! Let’s just go bother Uncle Tommy.”

“No! Spy. Uncle Grian!”

“I’m sure dad won’t mind us bothering him. Let’s get going.”

Making sure they all had their belongings, the four children scurried off towards Grian. As they happily spoke with the father of the bot boys, Theo felt a chill down his spine. Turning around to peer behind him, he noticed a familiar white mask. If he clung onto his uncle a bit tighter than usual, Grian didn’t mention.

:)

[ronnie-azumane]

Haikyuu guys as stuff my dad did

This idea has been in my brain for a while, so I'm writing it out. Hope y'all enjoy :)

CW: idn, its pretty wholesome

Daichi answers your frantic phone call home expressing that you forgot your backpack and laptop for college when you went home over the weekend. Expressing that all of your notes are in the backpack, he decides to wake-up extra early Monday morning and make the 2 1/2 hour drive to your university, then drive all the way back to your hometown to go to work.

Sugawara came up with the best hiding spot for you while playing hide and seek at your 7th birthday party. He squeezed you in-between the back of the couch and the back couch cushions. Then, he sat in front of it to conceal the awkward lump it made in the couch. It took the others 30 minutes before giving up and telling you to come out.

Asahi asks you to style his hair for a zoom meeting he has later that day. After some deliberation, you both decide to do a mohawk style. He braces himself as you run off to get the brush, hairspray, hair gel, and hairdryer.

Nishinoya still wears the Annoying Orange shirt you got him when you were in 3rd grade. It's faded and has a giant picture of Annoying Orange on it, which faded from popularity in 2010, but he still wears it. In public.

Tanaka makes the dumbest jokes while in the audience of your colorguard/dance competitions. For example, he asked your mom if he should shout "Go get 'em George" to the group of girls performing to confuse everyone. Another favorite joke o his is to chant "the worm, the worm,, we worship the worm" while the previous team is carrying out their floor.

Ennoshida talks with you as you make one of the biggest changes in your life. Midway through your second semester at university, you determine that business is not for you, however, you do not have a backup plan. Talking with him, you end up changing your major to Geography, and now you love every second of it.

Kageyama drinks the milk out of you cereal. You hate the taste of milk by itself, but you don't want to eat dry cereal. To not waste milk, he drinks it after you finish eating your cereal.

Hinata fails miserably when your mom tells him to reapply the medical glue on your forehead. The day before, your sister threw a wooden block at you, causing a major tear in your head. Your mom took you to the emergency room, but they were busy and it was a school night, so they told her to just take some liquid band aid (which we called glue) and close the wound. Your mom told him to replace the glue, and he took ELMERS GLUE and placed it on the open wound. It hurt like a bitch.

Tsukishima takes you to go see the museum of natural history once a month. He knows you're the odd girl out of your class that would rather play with dinosaurs than dolls, so he takes you to see the dinosaur fossils. He also gets a discount because his place of work donated a significant amount of money and resources to one of the exhibits.

Yamaguchi helped set up your setup once you moved to zoom university. He attached your laptop to a monitor his job had extra, so now you feel like a badass whenever you use the two screens.

Oikawa out of nowhere invites all his high school friends over to stay the week at your house. A trip that probably should have been planned in weeks, even months, is planned in just a weekend. Everyone ends up sleeping on air mattresses and blankets on the floor due to your mom just finishing up replacing the floors in the house (she was not too happy with the sudden trip, but was welcoming anyway)

Iwaizumi makes you watch Godzilla with him whenever it's on TV. Some of his fondest memories include receiving Godzilla themed ornaments from his mom ever Christmas. He also unironically watches those cheesy fan-made Godzilla fights on YouTube for hours on end. Man just likes Godzilla.

Hanamaki and you wear funny hats to a volunteer cookout. The organizers told every one to wear a hat so that their hair didn't get in the food, but you two take it a step further. You wear a banana hat while he wears a hotdog hat.

Matsukawa taught you how to make all kinds of breakfast food at a young age. Whether it was a simple as a fried egg or as complex as French toast, he worked with you until the recipe came out perfect.

Kyotani scares the other parents off when it comes to the silent auction selling the class are projects. Now the shelf you and your kindergarten classmates fingerprinted flowers and bugs on sits proudly in your closet holding crafting supplies.

Ushijima scolds you for leaving the lights on. Most parents do that already, but he takes it to a new extreme. Your mom explains that he would never turn the lights on in his apartment when he was in college and would simply get his homework done before dark. Sometimes, if he had something to do, he would light a candle to finish something up.

Tendou recalls a story in which he stole a bus battery with his buddies to power an air conditioned tent at boy scout camp. He also recalls the year he and his friends tried to build a pool in the wilderness at the same count, only to get caught and reprimanded for it before filling it with water which totally had nothing to do with a camp counselor finding it and having a Vietnam flashback

Goshiki watches anime with you. He always acts like he is uninterested in whatever show is on, but he soon gets super into it and it will be the only thing he talks about for a week.

Kuroo sits at the table with you until 2am working on that math assignment you have been struggling with. You've definitely run out of tears to cry, and had to redo the assignment twice, but he is guiding you through the answers

Yaku isn't a fan of all the pets you and your mom have collected over the years. I mean, in his defense, at one point we had 8 cats an 3 dogs. However, he is also super cuddly with them, always giving them nose boops and belly rubs.

Kenma plays Xbox, Wii, and the ds with you. He doesn't find the bulk of the games you play with him entertaining, but he is willing to run through LEGO Star Wars with you. His personal favorite to play is Mario Kart and he doesn't let you win >:(

Lev is trying to convince the family to let him take the position in Alaska with higher pay. When mom raised the concern that the long winters wouldn't do well for your mental health, his counter argument was, "Yeah, and that sucks, but hear me out. We could have a pet Polar Bear." We didn't move to Alaska

Bokuto was definitely the most enthusiastic dad at the girl scout father daughter dance. He twirled you around in your pretty little JC Penney dress and made sure you two were the center of the dance floor. At one point, he lifted you above his head with each foot in a hand like a cheerleader. Truly terrifying.

Akaashi drives out to the 24-hour pharmacy to pick up some cold medicine when you couldn't sleep due to a stuffy nose. He also checks up on you every hour when you are coughing with some mysterious disease (due to the lack of tests and priority of the high-risk, I will never know if I had Covid when I got sick in late March)

Aone gives you the biggest hug after you get released from the graduation ceremony. He isn't the best with words, so this hug speaks so much to you.

Terushima has been taking you to Mardi Gras in New Orleans since you were a baby. He doesn't care that it's mostly an adult party, he believes that everyone in the family should enjoy a good ol' Mardi Gras

Atsumu carries you on his shoulders all the time when you're small. He just thinks it's the cutest thing.

Osamu makes sure to host a crawfish boil every year. Whether its the neighbors, family, both, or just the household, you can expect some good, spicy crawfish with corn and potatoes whenever he cooks.

Kita teaches you how to drive a stick shift. He's frustrated that you cant move three feet before stalling, but then realizes that the issue was that you were in third gear, not first. He is now impressed that you were even able to start moving at third gear.

Sakusa takes you along with him to work. His job is full of tough men, so when they see him with you in a little blue dress-up tutu and a plastic tiara on your head, their hearts just melt.

[nauticalparamour]

Can I pretty please get prompt 214 for Antonin and Hermione? 😊

I was so afraid of this prompt before, but once I started writing this one it really got away from me :) Thanks for the suggestion!

Hermione had never felt as out of place as she did at the swanky jewelers that Pansy had dragged them all to. Ginny and Lavender and Astoria were all cooing over this piece and that, all while Hermione was left holding onto her champagne glass for dear life, afraid to even look at anything when there were no prices.

That was never a good sign.

Well, Pansy might have the Potter fortune and Astoria her own family money to buy whatever piqued their interest and Lavender and Ginny willing to play princess, but Hermione wasn't going to get her hopes up on something that she could never hope to afford. She waved off the four giggling girls when it was suggested that they try on tiaras in the back, preferring to sit on one of the couches and wonder for the umpteenth time that day why she'd come along.

She sat in silence until she'd finished her drink, desperately wishing that one of the sales girls would pop back around and give her a refill of the bubbly. But, instead, her moment of solitude was invaded by a man instead.

"Oh," he said, stopping when he saw her. "I'm sorry, I didn't realize that there were customers in."

Hermione swallowed, setting her glass down, and looking him up and down. He was tall and broad shouldered, wearing a crisp, navy blue shirt. His hair was dark and his eyes were, too, but they sparkled with amusement when he caught her careful perusal of his form.

She blushed and looked away. "Don't worry about me, I'm just with friends," she reassured the salesman. "I don't need to try anything on."

"That's a shame," he said, his fingers scratching at his beard. "Because I think I have the perfect piece for you. I'd love to see you in it."

Immediately, Hermione began to stammer. "I mean...I could never hope to own it, so..."

He shrugged his shoulders. "It's fun to just try things on every now and again," he said. "Come on, for me? Will you just try one thing on?"

She bit her lower lip to stop the grin that was threatening to light up her face. "Oh...I suppose, if you twist my arm, I could try something on for, you," she agreed, standing and walking over to the brightly lit cases where diamonds sparkled in their velvet homes.

"Antonin," he replied. He pressed his large hands to her slim shoulders and guided her to stand in front of the floor length mirror. He looked at her reflection, thinking for a minute, before disappearing and grabbing a few things on a tray.

When he came back, he first slipped a massive diamond ring on her finger, twisting it to get it over her knuckle. Heart shaped and dazzling, Hermione knew that she would never actually wear a ring that big.

Antonin didn't seem to agree. "It's gorgeous," he said, holding her dainty hand in his for a moment too long.

Next he passed her a stack of diamond infinity bands and encouraged her to put them on the opposite hand. They were a bit too large on her ring finger, but she managed to get them in place on her index, holding her hand in front of her to admire the way that they sparkled.

He placed a delicate tennis bracelet around her wrist, securing the awkward clasp. When he went back to the tray a fourth time, Hermione weakly protested.

"Any more rocks and I'll fall over!" she discouraged him.

"Nonsense. A woman as beautiful as you should be dripping in diamonds," he said with a grin, before moving to stand behind her. He grabbed her hair and pulled it back out of the way, before placing a fully studded diamond choker around her neck. She could feel his hot breath on her neck while he fiddled with the clasp.

Then he stepped back and admired his handiwork.

It was obscene, Hermione thought, to be wearing this much jewelry all at once. She didn't even think that Narcissa Malfoy could pull off this look without looking gauche. But Antonin did not seem to share that opinion.

"Gorgeous," he whispered.

Hermione laughed and pulled off the stack of infinity bands, returning them to the tray. "They are all gorgeous pieces," she agreed. "But I don't know if they really suit me."

She went to take off the massive engagement ring, only to find that it wouldn't budge. "Um, it's not coming off," she said, feeling embarrassed that her fingers had swollen in the time that they been standing there. She tugged a bit more, feeling panic set in. "It's not coming off," she repeated.

Antonin did not look in the slightest bit concerned.

“IT’S NOT COMING OFF!” she said a third time

He started to laugh, before pressing something hard into her back. "Exactly," he agreed. "How else did you think I was going to walk out of here with those diamonds?"

"What?" Hermione asked, confused. None of this made sense.

"Now, come quietly, darling," he encouraged her. "We want to be far away from here before the police arrive."

Only then did she realize that it was a gun being pressed into her back. Eyes wide, she bit her lower lip. "You aren't a salesman?" she asked, feeling a bit silly for assuming.

He shook his head with a smirk. "Jewel thief," he answered before looking at his watch. "Well, better get going. We've got less than three minutes if my calculations are correct."

In the distance, she could hear the far off wail of a siren. Her feet began to move mechanically one foot in front of the other, until she walked right out the front door with Antonin close behind.

[jean-kayak]

Chapter 5

Summary: A relaxing summer at home after your second year of college sounds nice, until someone comes back and makes it anything but

Pairing: Eren Jaeger x black!fem!reader

Warnings: smut (18+!!), unprotected sex, reader being a tease, major sexual tension, grinding, multiple orgasms

A/N: Alrighty people, this is the moment you all been waiting for lmao, hope you like it. Here’s y’all food 🤣

Word Count: 3101

P.S.: If you listen to Body by Summer Walker, it'll make it better, I'll say when to play it and I've been dying to put this song in an Eren fic bc every time I listen to it, I only think of him lmfao

Tags: @her-majesty-kiara, @germfart3, @styxtm, @iwascrybaby, @bigdaddyzawa​, @erensblackgirlfriend​

Chapter Summary: You finally give in to him, with a little teasing of course

You cross your arms as you shake your head. "Ymir, I've already told you, I don't want a birthday party," you oppose, and she throws her hands up.

"Why not? Everyone wants a birthday party!" she argues, and you give her a look.

"Twenty's not even that big of a milestone. And my parents aren't gonna be home on the actual day, so I thought I could just relax, you know? I have a lot of shows to catch up on."

Ymir scoffs as she turns to Jean. "Please convince her that this is a good idea," she tries, and you look at Jean who shrugs.

"Why not? I mean you're only twenty once, right?" Your mouth drops open when you hear that he's siding with her, and Ymir cheers in triumph. "Come on, it's a party. It'll be fun."

"What's this about a party?" You feel your face go hot when Eren walks into the living room, and Ymir tilts her body so that she can look at Eren.

"We're throwing a party for, Y/N." You move to stand in front of her, blocking her view.

"No, you are not. I said I don't want a party. Why can't I just spend it with my two best friends and some terribly painful cliche movies?" you counter, and she gives you a bored look.

"What's wrong with a party?" Eren speaks up, and everyone turns around, putting him into the conversation. "I had one," he comments, and you roll your eyes, knowing it's not going to help your case.

"Exactly! So, did I when I turned twenty," she continues. "And turning twenty is a big milestone. It's your twenty's," she emphasizes, and you smile as you shake your head.

"Ymir, no."

"Y/N, yes!"

You both go back and forth until you're subconsciously talking. "No," Eren cuts off you, and you don't even realize it, not even turning to him as you say yes.

"Alright!" Ymir cheers and your mouth opens at what just happened. You turn to Eren who just gives you a wink, and you glare at him.

"Fine," you give in, "but no alcohol, Ymir."

~

Of course, Ymir planned to have the party in Jean's backyard, saying his had the nicest appeal, your close friends were all coming along with a few others, and you ended up celebrating your birthday with your parents the day before because they were leaving for a business trip on the day of your birthday.

Ymir thought a pool party was a good idea, but all Jean had was about a forty-two foot wide, five-foot deep pool in his backyard, but he filled it up anyway, and it was hot, so Ymir thought that was a good enough excuse for everyone to wear swimsuits.

Ymir was waiting for you to get changed, and her eyes widen when you come out in yours, a two-piece yellow suit. "What? Is there something wrong with it?" you ask, checking yourself in the mirror, wondering if maybe it was a bit too revealing.

"Absolutely not. You look smoking hot. I would sleep with you," she says, and you laugh loudly as you slip a huge t-shirt over yourself and you turn around to see Ymir walking up to you. "I'm serious. You might even get some birthday dick."

You guffaw as you shake your head and put your shoes on. "Yeah, right. Don't plan on that happening at all tonight."

You raise an eyebrow when you see a tiara and a sash in her hands. "Here, put these on," she tells you, and you scoff.

"Why? Everyone already knows it's my birthday," you answer, and she shrugs, pushing the items closer to you.

"It's for dramatic effect." You roll your eyes before slipping the slash on, looking in the mirror to put on the tiara.

You follow her downstairs, and she asks you to grab the ice cream and the waffle cones while she finishes setting up outside. You see Eren when you walk in, the only thing covering his body are the swim trunks that definitely are too small, the outline of his muscles clear as day.

Neither of you exchanges a word as you grab the stuff from the ice cream from the deep freezer before moving to grab the cones. There on the top shelf, so you have to reach up to get them, practically feeling his eyes burning into your ass, which is now partially exposed, and you jump slightly when you feel hands around your waist.

"Need some help?" he whispers in your ear, and you refuse to let him get you flustered again, so you grab the cones, before looking at him over your shoulder.

"No, I got it," you say before pushing your ass back against him, and you feel his breath hitch. "Thanks though," you say, smirking before walking away, looking back and chuckling slightly at his shocked expression.

Ymir takes the stuff from you and makes you wait in the house, wanting to announce you when you come out, and you shake your head fondly, but following anyway, and when she calls your name, you're walking out, the backyard is filled with whoops and hollers, and you find yourself smiling and laughing. Maybe this wasn't a bad idea after all.

Everyone surrounds you at the table as they sing happy birthday, and you blow out the candles, everyone clapping before Ymir starts to cut the cake. Everyone comes to you individually when they can during the party, wishing you a happy birthday and giving you a hug.

You got into the pool pretty early, about seven people being able to get in without it being crowded, and also because it was a lot hotter than you thought it would be, so people are coming in and out of the house to escape the heat. You're slipping your shoes off when you make eye contact with Eren across the yard, who's watching you, and you make a show of slowly stripping off your shirt, tossing it in a chair next to you before turning around and bending over, sticking your arm in the water, pretending that you're testing the temperature, knowing that this swimsuit was a little bit more revealing than your other ones, knowing that your ass was nearly exposed.

You look over your shoulder to see that his eyes are glued to your ass, and you can help but chuckle before you get in, feeling proud of yourself because two can play at this game. You sort of just wade in the water, talking to your friends. You don't go underwater since you just got twists, which Ymir paid for, even though you insisted that she didn't have to, but she said she was treating you since it was your birthday.

You share your slice of cake with Jean, opting for eating ice cream instead, and you make eye contact with Eren for a second time, and another idea forms in your head. He's watching you intently this time, a look in his eye you can't really pinpoint, but you check to make sure no one's looking your way before licking at your ice cream in the filthiest way, and you can see his fist clench, making you smile widely.

You dip a finger into it before raising it to your mouth, making a lewd show of licking your finger clean before popping it out of your mouth, sending him a wink, and you see him breathe out heavily before he looks away, and you laugh softly before Ymir's pulling you away saying that you have to take pictures for the occasion.

There's some alcohol because it's Ymir, but not enough for you to be overly concerned, taking a couple of shots until Ymir insists that you have a few more because you're close to being legal now, and you have to stop her when she tries to take more than you. The party's pretty much died down, the only people left are some of your close friends, and you're walking into the house to put the ice cream in the freezer when you hear footsteps behind you.

You turn around to see Eren, hiding your smirk as you close the freezer. "Happy birthday," he says as his eyes trail down your body, your suit still wet from the water, so it's clinging to your skin.

"Thanks," you respond easily, noticing that there's an edge to his voice. To Eren right now, you're basically naked, and he's pretty sure you know that. He couldn't help the envious burn in his chest at the sight of Jean hugging you, his hand resting on the exposed skin between your top and your bottoms, and he wanted to walk over there and take you in front of everybody.

His eyes were on you the entire time, never leaving you, and it's not like he wanted to, and he already knew that he was going to have you after your first little stunt, but you kept going, kept pushing him. He knew you knew that he was watching you, having to quickly stop his mouth from falling open after seeing how little your swimsuit was.

He didn't expect you to be such a fucking tease, nearly having to go somewhere to take care of his hard-on that you caused after your third stunt, and that's when he lost it. "Aren't you glad you had the party?" he asks you, and you smile softly before nodding.

"Yeah, I did. Ymir did a really good job," you admit, and he nods, his eyes catching a drop of water run down your chest into the valley of your breasts, and he feels his dick stir again. He steps closer to you until the freezer is digging into your ass.

"You think you're cute, don't you?" he asks, and you shrug as you tilt your head.

(play the music here hehe)

"Maybe. Did you like it?" you ask teasingly, and he smirks at you as he rests his hands on either side of you on top of the freezer. "Thought it would be nice for you to get a taste of your own medicine." You don't know where all of this confidence is coming from, but you don't let it ruin the moment.

"Yeah?" he says, leaning closer to your lips.

"Yeah," you echo, watching his eyes glance down at your lips before he licks his.

He watches you smirk, the lustful look in your eyes matching his, both of you more than feeling the tension in the room. You turn around, moving just enough so that he doesn't have to move his arm, and his eyes instantly fall to your ass, and his hands grip the edge of the freezer when you bend over, and he moves back to give you room, your backside flush against his dick, and he sighs heavily.

The music from outside is still clear as day, so you roll your hips against him to the rhythm of the music as his hands grip your hips. You go from moving your hips side to side, up and down, rolling them around in a circle until Eren feels like he might cum from the stimulation and the sight of your almost naked ass grinding against him.

And you can't help but admit that this is affecting you too. You're pretty sure that if your swimsuit wasn't wet, then the huge wet spot from your arousal that you know is there would show through. You gasp suddenly when he pulls you up flush against his chest but your shoulder, his hands rubbing all over your body as you continue moving your hips.

"So," you start, not even realizing that you're practically breathless from just grinding against him. "How's it taste?"

He brings a hand up to your neck, guiding you to face him, and he leans down but pulls away when you try to close in, and he smirks seeing the hunger in your eyes that matches his. "If you're gonna fuck me, Jaeger, then fuck me."

That's all it takes before he's crashing his lips down on yours, the kiss taking your breath away as he tightens his hands around your waist. He pulls away too quickly for your liking, but the next thing you know he's pulling you upstairs so fast that you're glad you took your shoes off because you're sure that you would've tripped. He's leading you to his old room, quickly opening the door and closing it behind him, the door barely clicking closed before he has you on the bed, his hands touching every part of your body that's exposed.

His lips are on yours again, and kissing him is nothing like you've ever imagined, which to your embarrassment is way too many times to count. It's sloppy, but it feels so good, like finally receiving something that you've been deprived of for so long. He unravels the string on your swim top, his lips never leaving yours as he throws the clothing to the side.

The kisses are nothing but tongue, but it's full of hunger, the sounds of your lips smacking together echoing in the room, and he moves down, sucking every mark into your neck until it's covered in love bites as his hands cup your boobs, groping them roughly, whining softly when he pulls at the hard buds.

"Come on, Eren," you plead, bucking your hips up, brushing against his raging erection, and he groans into your neck before lifting himself up to get rid of his trunks while you get rid of your bottoms. You can't help but gape at his dick, looking at how big it is, and you start to worry if it'll actually fit.

"It'll fit," Eren states, reading your mind, sitting up on his knees, looking down at you. "You're gonna take all of it, cause I'm not playing games anymore."

Your mouth opens to say something, but you go quiet when he starts stroking himself, and you realize that you haven't actually looked at him. And, God, he's so hot, your mouth watering subconsciously. This is way better than what you've fantasized, and you fight the urge to pinch yourself to make sure you're not dreaming.

You lean forward to rub down his abs which definitely feel like they could cut glass before you brush over his length on the way down, making his jaw clench. You're about to replace his hand, but he moves yours away, and you're being pushed back down onto the bed as he lines himself up.

You gulp in anticipation, but your mouth falls open when you feel the tip start to stretch you out, and you moan at the feeling. He braces himself on his elbows as he slides in further, and you feel your eyes roll back as you feel the stretch burn throughout your whole body rendering you nearly speechless.

"God," he pants, his voice breaking as he rests his forehead against yours. "You feel so fucking good, even better than I fucking imagined," he sighs once he bottoms out, and you feel so full, your nerve endings on a thousand.

"Move," you manage, and he wastes no time in pulling out, and you go from feeling completely empty to full in an instant, your scream bouncing off the walls as he thrusts into you mercilessly, his chain smacking your chin with every roll of his hips.

"Eren!" you scream when he hits those bundle of nerves inside of you, and his hips falter when you clench around him.

"Shit, say my name again, baby girl. Scream it," he demands, picking up the pace to brutalize that spot, and your nails dig into his back as you say his name over and over again like a mantra.

"Ngh, I'm close." You can barely get the words out, every cant of his hips feels like he's reaching deeper inside of you every time.

"Shit, me too. Cum, baby, please cum," he begs, running a hand down your side to thumb at your clit. You cum as soon as he makes contact, and he puts his lips on yours to muffle your scream of his name as you cum so hard you see stars. "Fuck," he whispers, his hips seeming to pick up speed, and then his body's tensing as he shoots into you.

You don't even have the chance to catch your breath because he's slipping out of you and flipping you over. You already feel the soreness starting to form, and he rubs soothing circles down your back as he props you up on your knees. "You got one more in you for me, I know you do, baby," he says, easing back inside of you, and you feel your eyes rolling at the stretch.

"Move, Eren, come on," you rush, moving your hips back against him, and he grips your hips hard before he starts moving, and your hands keep a tight grip on the sheets as you bite into the pillow, muffling the sounds that spill out of your mouth that you have no control over.

He's ramming into that spot inside of you, and your body is shaking with overstimulation, the only way you're staying upright is because he's holding you. "Too--oh fuck," you cry out, trying to tell him that it's too much, your body feeling like it's going to explode, your brain numb with pleasure.

"You can take it, you're my good girl, yeah?" He releases a broken moan when you clamp around him, and he leans over you, his grunts and suppressed moans are breathing right in your ear, and you let out a broken whine as you buck back into him as you seem to move away from him at the same time.

His head falls on your shoulder. "God, Y/N, you feel so good, I'm so fucking close," he praises, and the wrecked sound of your name is the last straw, dropping your head down to cover the loud scream that rips from your chest, your body going rigid as your eyes roll back in your head.

"Shit, shit," he swears, and he's cumming right after you, releasing another load inside of you. You both stay in the same position, your ragged breaths barely filling your ears, wincing when he pulls out, and as soon as he lets go, you're falling limp on the bed.

You barely move, every shift of your legs sends an overstimulated jolt through your body, and you feel him flop down on the bed next to you.

"Happy Birthday, Y/N."

|Chapter 4|Masterlist|Chapter 6|

[bamf-jaskier]

I’m reading a non-canon short story written by Andrzej Sapkowski about Geralt and Yennefer’s wedding called Something Ends, Something Begins and my heart is literally so full. Even Asaps has to get tired of having so much angst so this short story is a literal fluff-fest and I love it so much. 

So I thought I would share some of my favorite quotes from the story and if you all want to read it, here is the link. 

"One day she'll break her neck," growled Yennefer, watching Ciri galloping in the splashing water, bent, firm in the stirrups. "One day your crazy daughter will break her neck."

Geralt turned his head and without a word looked into the sorceress's violet eyes.

"All right, then," smiled Yennefer, without averting her eyes. "Sorry, our daughter."

She hugged him again, pressing herself against him firmly, bit him in the arm again, kissed him, and bit him once more. Geralt touched her hair with his lips and carefully pulled her gown over her shoulders.

I am literally...I swear, we finally get domestic Yenralt and it isn’t even in the canon universe. I am literally going to fight someone. This is so damn cute and the way Yennefer is like “our daughter” my goddamn heart. 

The list of the guests wasn't that long. The engaged couple compiled it together and charged Dandelion with sending the invitations. Soon it turned out that the troubadour lost the list before he could even read it. Because he was ashamed to confess, he used a cheap trick and invited whomever he could. Of course he knew Geralt and Yennefer well enough that he didn't miss anyone important, but it wouldn't have been him if he didn't enrich the list of the guests by an admirable number of quite random persons.

Why does it just make sense that Dandelion would fuck this up? It’s so in-character, putting him in charge of the guest list was the first mistake. 

No one invited the golden dragon Villentretenmerth, because no one knew how to invite him and where to look for him. To the general astonishment the dragon turned up, of course incognito, in the form of the knight Borch Three Jackdaws. Of course, where Dandelion was present, one could not speak of any incognito, but even so few believed when the poet pointed at the curly-haired knight and claimed it was a dragon.

The image of Dandelion just pointing at this dude and yelling “He’s a dragon!” is fucking hilarious, especially when you consider most people don’t know dragons can shapeshift. 

"Was it you who invited

Triss Merigold?

"No," the witcher shook his head and silently praised the fact that the mutation of his blood system didn't allow him to blush.

"Not me. I think it was Dandelion, even though all of them claim to have learned about the wedding from the magical crystals."

"I don't want Triss to be present on my wedding!"

"But why? She's your friend."

"Don't make a fool out of me, witcher! Everyone knows you slept with her!"

"That's not true."

Yennefer's violet eyes narrowed dangerously.

"It is true."

"Is not!"

"It is!"

"All right," he turned around angrily. "It is true. So?"

The sorceress was quiet for a moment, playing with the obsidian star on the black velvet ribbon around her neck.

"Nothing," she said at last. "I just wanted you to admit it. Never try to lie to me, Geralt. Ever."

I love the little bickering. Also, like, even though Triss and Yennefer are friends try valid of her to not want her at the wedding. She slept with Geralt!! Love how Geralt tries to deny it at first but gives up ten seconds later. Geralt really tried to pull the “just friends” card and Yennefer was having NONE of it. 

The doppler accused Villentretenmerth of racism, chauvinism and lack of knowledge on the discussion's topic. Therefore, the insulted Villentretenmerth changed for a moment into his natural dragon form, destroying several pieces of furniture and causing a general panic. When the situation calmed down, a fierce quarrel began, in which humans and non-humans accused each other of lack of open-mindedness and racial tolerance. 

A quite unexpected twist in the discussion came from the freckled Merle, the whore who didn't look like a whore. Merle announced that the whole debate was stupid and pointless and didn't concern true professionals, who don't dinstinguish between such things, which she was willing to prove on the spot (for an adequate reward, of course), even with the dragon Villentretenmerth in his natural form. 

In the silence that fell abruptly in that instant they heard the female medium proclaim that she's willing to do the same, and for free. Villentretenmerth quickly changed the topic and began discussing safer topics, such as economics, politics, hunting, fishing and gambling.

Everything about this sequence is perfect, absolutely prime. Dragons and Dopplers fighting, Merle saying she would fuck a dragon in dragon form. This has EVERYTHING. 

"I'll get going right after the feast," Ciri repeated. 

"I want... I want to feel the wind in my face on the back of a galloping horse again. I want to see the stars on the horizon again, I want to whistle Dandelion's ballads at night. I'm longing for a fight, the dance with a sword, I'm longing for the risk, for the delight victory brings me. And I'm longing for solitude. Do you understand me?"

"Of course," Geralt smiled sadly. "Of course I understand you, Ciri. You're my daughter, you're a witcher. You'll do what you must. But I must tell you one thing. One thing. You can't run away forever, even though you'll always try."

"I know," she replied and cuddled herself closer to him. "I still have hope that one day... If I wait, if I'm patient, then I, too, perhaps will live such a beautiful day like this... Such a nice day... Even though..."

"What, Ciri?"

"I've never been pretty. And with that scar..."

"Ciri," he cut her off. "You're the most beautiful girl in the world. Right after Yen, of course."

"Oh, Geralt..."

"If you don't believe me, ask Dandelion."

"Oh, Geralt."

Ciri telling Geralt she wants to travel and move on is just heartbreaking but it makes sense. She has more adventures to go on. Geralt’s story is ending. Hers is beginning. Also Ciri feeling insecure about her appearance and Geralt being a good dad and comforting her? Amazing. 

"I have unfinished business there," she hissed. "For Mistle. For my Mistle. Even though I avenged her, but for Mistle one death is not enough."

Bonhart, he thought. She killed him out of hatred. Oh, Ciri, Ciri. You're standing on the edge of an abyss, daughter. Not a thousand deaths would avenge your Mistle. Beware of hatred, Ciri, it consumes like cancer.

"Watch out for yourself," he whispered."I'd rather watch out for others," she smiled ominously. "It pays off more, it works better in the long run."

I will never see her again, he thought. If she leaves, I will never see her again.

"You will," she answered unexpectedly and smiled with a smile of a sorceress, not of a witcher. "You will, Geralt."

When Geralt asks what Ciri plans to do on her travels she literally says: I am going to avenge my dead girlfriend and murder some people. Which is not a healthy coping mechanism but damn if the idea of a gay revenge story doesn’t sound good to read. 

The priestesses Iola and Eurneid also sobbed, when Yennefer refused to put on the white wedding dress they had made for her. Not even Nenneke's mediation helped. Yennefer cursed, threw around hexes and dishes, while repeating that she looks like a fucking virgin in white. 

The enraged Nenneke began yelling, too, and told the sorceress that she behaved worse than three fucking virgins at once. Yennefer responded by conjuring a ball of lightning and demolishing the roof of the corner tower, which had its good side, too. The crash was so terrible that Caldemeyn's daughter got shock from it and her diarrhea stopped.

Once again, this scene has EVERYTHING. Yennefer getting so pissed it demolishes a tower. The shaking being so bad it stops diarrhea. Also, why does Asaps use diarrhea so often in his books? You know what, I don’t want to know. 

Triss Merigold and the witcher Eskel from Kaer Morhen, were seen again, sneaking, arms linked, into the garden summerhouse.

Is that...IMPLIED TRISSKEL?? OKAY THEN. All the Trisskel friends out there: They hooked up at Geralt and Yennefer’s wedding I don’t make the rules. 

"Yen..."

She looked breathtaking. Black wavy locks, curled up with a golden tiara, fell in a shining cascade over her shoulders and the high collar of a long white brocade dress with black-striped sleeves, pulled together on a bodice with countless drapes of lilac ribbons.

"Flowers, don't forget the flowers," warned Triss Merigold, all in dark blue, and handed a bouquet of white roses to the bride. "Oh, Yen, I'm so happy..."

"Triss, darling," sobbed Yennefer all of a sudden, upon which both sorceresses embraced and kissed the air around their ears and diamond earrings.

"Enough of those endearments," ordered Nenneke, smoothing the folds on her snow-white priestess dress. "We're going to the chapel. Iola, Eurneid, hold her dress, or she'll kill herself on the stairs.

Triss and Yennefer’s friendship is so sweet sometimes. Like, they would literally murder each other but they would also murder FOR each other too. 

Yennefer approached Geralt and with a hand in a white lace glove she straightened the collar of his black cloak, embroidered with silver. Geralt offered her an arm.

"Geralt," she whispered into his ear. "I still can't believe it."

"Yen," he answered her in a whisper. "I love you."

"I know."

I don’t know is Asaps is purposefully referencing Star Wars here but either way this had me tearing up. Geralt and Yennefer deserve a happy ending and even if it’s not officially canon the author wrote it so this is canon in my head. 

The wedding was splendid. Ladies and maidens cried collectively. Herwig was the master of ceremony, a former king, but still a king. Vesemir from Kaer Morhen and Nenneke stood in as parents of the betrothed couple, Triss Merigold and Eskel as witnesses. 

Okay but why is Asaps sneaking in the Trisskel? I want more of it and this pairing definitely intrigues me. Also Vesemir and Nenneke as their parents? That’s so damn sweet. I swear to fuck this entire short story is too damn cute and I want more of it. 

I cannot stress how much I love the energy Merle brings to the table. Saying she would straight up fuck a dragon. The power of it all. 

[sailormoonandme]

Why does Usagi think Mamoru might leave/cheat on her?

Occasionally during Sailor Moon R, S and SuperS Usagi seemed to have these moments of insecurity where she was concerned that Mamoru was either interested in other people or else other people might make a play for him.

The real life reason for this I suspect is simply because Sailor Moon has a lot of sitcom sensibilities alongside it’s romantic elements, so milking comedy from a romantic topic by having our lead act over the top or goofy is a logical writing tool to reach for. Especially when you have such a large quantity of episodes to produce.

However, I have a more in-universe explanation to propose.

In real life Usagi’s behaviour would most likely be connected to trust issues with her partner, with other people or else concerns about her own inadequacies. However, I don’t think that’s the case here.

Rather, I think it’s actually far more connected to the numerous times Usagi has loved and ‘lost’ Mamoru.

Back in the Silver Millennium days there was this low key implication that romantic mingling between the Moon Princess and Earth Prince was somehow forbidden. After all when Endymion came to the Moon and tried to warn Serenity about Metalia and Beryl the royal guards chased him away and he needed to disguise himself. So from Serenity’s POV the social system she was living in was limiting her ability to be with the man she loved and made their future together at best uncertain.  

Now, I admit that’s perhaps a bit too big of an extrapolation to draw from, especially for the anime version of the characters where we got far less info about their past lives. However, the more significant part here is the fact that Endymion was taken from her when he was killed by the Dark Kingdom. Seeing her lover murdered in front of her whilst her home were also being destroyed (and her friends killed) would obviously be very traumatic, particularly if Serenity was mentally and physically the equivalent of a fourteen year old like Usagi.  

In her next life she was crushing very hard on Tuxedo Mask who routinely showed up to aid her and then rarely lingered. That’s not exactly traumatic, but the early days of their relationship would’ve still been founded by Usagi seeing the person she wants to stick around and spend time with her leave her when she wouldn’t want him to.

She also feared Tuxedo Mask had died in episode 13 when Jadeite announced that he’d killed him. True, he was revealed as alive and well shortly afterwards, but the horror of that moment (however brief it may’ve been) could’ve stuck with Usagi.

Then, in the iconic 34th episode of the show, Mamoru was violently impaled right in front of her. We can debate if he died and was consequently revived by the Dark Kingdom or if he was merely close to death before his abduction. But either way that’d inevitably be an instance where Usagi once again traumatically lost the man she loved, or at least came extremely close to doing so if not for the emotion of the moment re-awaking her old memories.

Speaking of which, as episode 35-36 make clear, the mere act of abruptly regaining all her memories would be emotionally wrenching all on it’s own. When combined with the tragic and traumatic nature of those memories, it’s far from unbelievable that subconsciously this would further mark Usagi’s psyche.  

The reveal that her lover is alive but no longer remembers her and is actively a threat to her now would obviously compound this. As would the fact that in episode 36 he uses a rose to hurt her. It’s not a serious wound at all, but he still hurt her and used an object that up until then he’d used explicitly to help and protect her. Within Usagi’s mind his roses would’ve likely been ‘coded’ with positive emotions, so seeing them used in that way would’ve been further upsetting for her, in essence a perversion of what they should  mean to her mind. The roses now being black are an apt metaphor for this point.  

Of course during the final stretch of episodes in season 1 Usagi almost  restores Mamoru. But that’s the key here, she almost  succeeds. First it the ski episode where he briefly seems to break out of his brainwashing and then again in the episode where Ryo (and the other Rainbow Crystal hosts) returns. In the latter she actually succeeds in restoring him to normal but he’s abducted immediately once again. Not only did Usagi lose Mamoru a few more times but her active efforts to bring him back to her failed.

We then come to the most traumatic events in Usagi’s second life (up to that point), episodes 44-46.

In episode 44, not only did she once again re-experience the tragic destruction of the Silver Millennium, but she got a ‘bird’s eye view’ of everything that happened, including the specific moments she, Endymion, her friends and even her mother died. True, her sadness or trauma over everyone else isn’t specific to her losing Endymion/Mamoru, however because these events happen so close together and are connected it’s not unbelievable that Usagi’s mind might’ve created an association. So her pain over seeing her mother die is associated also with her ‘losing’ Endymion as well. By that same token, the death of her beloved friends in episode 45 might’ve consequently become associated with what happened next.  

In episode 46 Usagi is outright attacked by a brainwashed Endymion. First she sees him loyally serving her enemy who (by proxy) murdered her friends like an hour ago. Worse she might’ve picked up on the obvious romantic undertones between Beryl and Endymion, including him kissing her hand, and let’s not forget in the flashback from episode 44 Beryl clearly desired Endymion. Whilst intellectually Usagi might know he’s not in his right mind, emotionally seeing him like that with Beryl in that context could emotionally upset her, almost as though he was betraying their love in the worst possible way.  

Endymion’s efforts against her are also significantly more violent and active than anything he did before since episode 36. Dashing a rose across the back of her hand pales in comparison to ensnaring her and shocking her with his roses. Not to mention trying to slice her up with the very same sword he would’ve used to defend her in the Silver Millennium. Even if you don’t buy into my point about perverting these symbols of their relationship, the mere act of him hurting her and trying to murder her like that is going to obviously be emotionally arresting.

In a sense in those horrible moments for Usagi Endymion/Mamoru really was ‘lost’ to her, he merely looked  like her lover. This I think is why it was significant that she actually fought  back against him with her tiara. But since he still looked like her lover and intellectually she knew he wasn’t to blame (and emotionally hoped he was still salvageable) her own act of self-defence horrified her.  

Of course she does save him, but then he dies again. Depending on how you look at it, from Usagi’s POV this is at least the second  time he’s really died and that number climbs higher if you include his presumed death in episode 13 and the number of times she had to re-experience his death in the Silver Millennium. And that isn’t even counting traumatic dreams about him dying in the aftermath of episodes 34-35. It doesn’t help that his mortal injuries in episode 46 are eerily similar to the ones he sustained in episode 34, namely a violent impalement.

We might even argue this is categorically the worst  instance up until this point of Usagi watching her lover die or seemingly die. In the Silver Millennium she herself died seconds later. In episode 13 they weren’t nearly as close as they’d become by episode 46 and she at least had friends and family in her life she knew she could lean on. This equally applies to Mamoru seemingly dying in episode 34 and even his abduction in episode 35. In fact with Minako, Makoto and Artemis Usagi had an even larger support network than before. In episode 46 though her lover has died in her arms, she’s left to go on and the Inner Senshi are dead, Luna and Artemis aren’t around and the end of the world is imminent. She’s truly all alone in her grief and intellectually she knows that even if somehow she resolves the crisis her support network has been mostly gutted. THEN she herself dies  to defeat Beryl/Metalia and save the world.

She gets her fondest wish, to go back to a normal life, but that’s also taken from her due to the arrival of Ail and An. Yay for Usagi, she gets to have ALL of those traumatic memories from the Silver Millennium rerun through her head AGAIN. And this time they’re complimented by the Hell she went through in losing her friends, her lover and dying herself in the Arctic.  

But hey, at least now she and her lover can finally be together right? Nope. He literally doesn’t know her. He isn’t Endymion. He isn’t Tuxedo Mask. He isn’t the Mamoru she knew and doesn’t even want to know her. Meanwhile a prospective romantic rival is sniffing around him and for all she knows he may well be interested in her. She gets a tiny ray of hope when Moonlight Knight shows up but that’s abruptly squashed when she receives (seemingly) hard proof this guy who seems oh so similar to the man she loves definitely isn’t that man. So her tiny hope of maybe  getting him back is taken from her almost as quickly as it came.

After Ail and An depart Earth Usagi finally   has what she wants…until two episodes later. This time in the cruelest twist of fate for her, it isn’t external forces that tears Mamoru away from her. This time he  takes himself from her. From a certain point of view this is sort of worse than him dying. Usagi knows death and reincarnation are a thing and that magic exists. She already knows that, as traumatic as it might’ve been, the pair have been given more chances than most people to get together. But how is that to happen when Mamoru, in his right mind and fully possessing all his memories, clearly conveys he doesn’t want her. In the same way Tuxedo Mask pulled a disappearing act early on, now Mamoru in normal life begins actively avoiding Usagi and even saying hurtful things to her.  

It is in episode 61 (the break up episode itself) that we arguably first see this insecure side to Usagi where she questions if Mamoru prefers a child under 10 years old to her. From there we also see Mamoru try to hint to her that he’s seeing Unazuki.  

Of course Usagi eventually learns that it WAS another external force pushing them apart again (well sort of but that’s for another day). However, to lose Mamoru again after all she’d already gone through to be with him was emotionally going to be a serious twisting of the knife for her, in addition to his efforts after episode 61 to push her away. The fact that his own desire to be with her caused him to still help and even hang out with her on occasion would’ve further confused her.  

But even after  this mess is cleared up, in Sailor Moon R The Movie: Promise of the Rose Usagi has to witness Mamoru nearly die for her again. And like on other occasions it comes via an impalement right in front of her and a consequent abduction to boot. And the abductee happens to be someone she and her friends suspect might harbor romantic feelings for Mamoru as well, someone who actively insulted her, actively tried to dissuade Mamoru from dating her and who literally  pushed her away from him.  

When taken collectively, I think all these traumas associated with Usagi ‘losing’ Mamoru or otherwise being prevented from being with him would make Usagi subconsciously on the alert for the next  thing that might take him from her.

I propose that this is the actual reason for Usagi’s concerns that Mamoru might like Chibiusa more than her, for why she gets concerned when Ami and Mamoru chat together in S, for why she goes all ninja in SuperS, etc. Deep down she does  trust him and deep down she trusts her friends and doesn’t actually  feel threatened by anyone who might try to hit on Mamoru.

It’s in reality a case of her gripping too tight precisely because the object of her desire has slipped through her fingers far too many times in the past.* Or if you like, from Usagi’s POV destiny might’ve pre-ordained that she fall in love with Mamoru but she may well be concerned that it’s also pre-ordained that they be allowed to enjoy  being in love, not for too long anyway.  

However, I think this in turn set up a great example of character development for our heroine.

First of all, in episode 132 we have Chibiusa outright warning Usagi she has a romantic rival and that if she doesn’t shape up she will  lose Mamoru to her, and yet Usagi shrugs this off. 

Of course, we could argue that this is Usagi trying to simply one up Chibiusa in this moment, or else she is dismissive of the warning precisely because it comes from Chibiusa whom is both a child and someone who makes a point of trolling her. On the other hand we might view this as an example of how Usagi has in fact grown and is more at peace with the idea that she isn’t about to have Mamoru taken from her for the umpteenth time.  

Granted her over reaction in episode 136, wherein she dresses as a ninja to ensure Rei and Mamoru don’t get up to anything, goes against that idea. However, we could just as easily argue that Usagi’s reactions in that episode were an example of her backsliding precisely because of Rei and Mamoru’s history. She might not worry about Rei and Mamoru deep down, but the idea of them living in the same place when they used to date and when she knows how active  Rei was in pursuing him back in the day? It’s not beyond belief that in these specific circumstances Usagi’s resolve faltered whereas she’d have been less concerned if it’d been a stranger or someone with no romantic history with Mamoru.ffff

More significantly though is Sailor Stars. Once more Usagi ‘lost’/nearly lost Mamoru. This time this was due to Queen Nehelenia, whose efforts poisoned the Earth and by extension endangered the life of her lover. Then she did that AGAIN, this time outright brainwashing and abducting him. 

Even if this didn’t remind Usagi of her horrible experiences with Evil Endymion and Beryl, it would’ve still been disturbing and upsetting, especially when Mamoru developed a mirror fetish. Usagi went through Hell and physical torture to try and save her lover and this time the stakes were even higher. Because this time losing him would also mean losing the other person she loved the most, (Chibiusa) a horrible event that she eventually witnessed happen.

Sure, she saved the day and got both her future husband and future daughter back, but she still had to live through those horrible experiences to get to that point.  

And yet, despite these fresh traumas regarding losing her lover, in episode 173 Usagi handles Mamoru leaving for America surprisingly well.

It’s made clear she’s upset by his departure and doesn’t want  him to go. But she comes mere inches from seeing him off with a smile as she intended, demonstrating her increased strength and maturity. 

And despite her tears, despite her not wanting him to go, she still sees him off, she doesn’t try to dissuade him, she isn’t worried that he’ll meet other people or that their relationship will get torn asunder once more. She is sad because they are going to be physically separated by a long distance for a long time, but that’s the only  thing that’s of concern to her. And her reaction even then is relatively reigned in (by her standards) even in the privacy of her own home.  

And from a narrative/emotional POV it is almost like the universe rewards  her for that growth via Mamoru giving her a promise/engagement ring, saying he loves her and kissing her in the airport.

Whilst the significance of the ring is obvious (albeit not to Usagi) we shouldn’t undersell Mamoru’s words or the kiss. 

I’m willing to be corrected on this but I’m fairly certain that episode was the first time Mamoru (not Endymion, not Moonlight Knight talking about  Mamoru, etc) had ever told Usagi he loved her. Of course, his actions spoke louder than words on this front. Even before Usagi knew Mamoru was Tuxedo Mask she suspected the latter rescued her because he was in love with her. Nevertheless, having your partner actually look you in the eye and say the words can be incredibly emotionally significant for a lot of people. In a sense it is the ultimate unambiguous proof of the other person’s feelings (in theory anyway). Even if Usagi hadn’t been waiting to hear him say the words (personally I think her expression implies she had been) it would’ve nevertheless been a significant development in their relationship all the same.  

And as for the kiss, I admit I only vaguely know about Japanese cultural norms regarding PDA, but it is to my understanding that kissing in public is frowned upon. Even if I’m wrong about that, Mamoru (as evidenced by the R movie) certainly doesn’t like to kiss Usagi when anyone else is around. If you go back to check most of their kisses, either they are alone or else it’s obvious Mamoru doesn’t think anyone is observing them. The fact that he kisses Usagi not only in a public space, but an airport of all places (when there are crowds there for three big celebrities no less) is a huge deal for him. And in turn it’s a huge deal for Usagi because, whilst Mamoru might have more reservations, Usagi clearly cared a lot less about PDA, typically being the one to initiate their kisses.  

Consequent episodes further demonstrate Usagi’s growth regarding her old insecurities with Mamoru. Putting aside how we never once see her worried about him seeing other girls, in episode 181 Seiya outright raises the idea of him seeing other people. Usagi casually, without a hint of aggression, dismisses the idea.  

The irony is that it is Usagi  who’s in the situation she so often worried about regarding Mamoru. She is the person being pursued by  romantic rival to her lover, namely Seiya.  

The cruel  irony is that Usagi having matured enough to accept Mamoru leaving (despite being deeply upset and lonely about it) actually had  lost him yet again.  

She just didn’t know it.  

*Not to mention…she is a teenager. Those people tend to be ever so slightly prone to emotional over reactions at the best of times.  

[seravph]

Hi, I didn't really know who to reach out for this question, but do you have any tips on how to find your own unique fashion style? I'm not really looking to hop on popular clothing trends on social media e.g. eboy/girl or cottagecore, so I'm not exactly sure where to start! I come to consult you because I've seen some of your posts and you look very well versed in fashion and you seem to know your own personal style. My wardrobe is very outdated and I would like to update it to reflect the truest expression of myself. Thank you 😊 You don't have to answer this if you don't feel like doing so btw 😅

EEEE more fashion asks i love these thank you!!!! warning this got a lil (very) long so its under the cut :^)

so first and foremost the most important part about curating your own style is to learn more about your body and what flatters/doesnt flatter it. it's learning some basic fashion 'rules' pertaining to proportions, cuts, etc. there are plenty of resources on this if you dont know where to start (kibbe body test, video, video) but keep in mind this step has nothing to do with your weight!!!! i could talk wayyy more about this but at the end of the day, some clothing is just more flattering for specific body shapes - that doesnt mean you cant wear something that isnt perfectly flattering, but knowing your body and knowing what flatters it will make you understand your own style and help guide the pieces you buy. fashion 'rules' arent necessarily meant to be followed, but just understood so that 'breaking' them is a conscious choice. (it also really helped with my insecurities???? like this step is basically recognizing that its not your body thats unflattering, its the clothing, if that makes sense???)

also remember that every 'style' works for every body type. i.e if you want to be a 60s vibe but youre too curvy for shift dresses, there are plenty of clothes in a similar style that would look great on you <3 basically, if you dont like the way a piece looks on you, you can still achieve the same vibe with a different article of clothing thats more flattering. but also umm.... you can just wear the unflattering thing if you want LOL if it makes you happy... then it becomes your own controlled decision <3 live love laugh follow your heart

okay. now that you have that out of the way. there are a million ways to develop a sense of style, and no particular order in which i recommend them. what i love doing is creating pinterest boards for the spring/summer or fall/winter seasons and just filling them with pieces i would wear in a perfect world. i dont mean like cottagecore aesthetic boards, just boards full of runway looks and clothing pngs that i like. i also love making little outfits for characters which can influence my own style. everyone thinks of their style differently; i think of my own outfits as little vignettes with narratives behind them, but other people are more concerned with just wearing things they think are pretty, other people view it as an expression of art or their identity, and other people just want to feel comfortable!!! its all up to you and what youre drawn to!!

one thing that tan france mentioned once was to go online window shopping by going onto the website for a brand you like (regardless of whether its affordable or realistic!) and just adding things to your cart that youre interested in. dont worry about how expensive they are or anything, and when youre done, remove all the items you like the least. and then keep reviewing and removing until you have just a handful of really nice items you really like, and keep doing this with other brands until you can identify common threads between the pieces you like. you dont have to buy them!! in fact maybe its better if you dont!!! and the websites dont have to be like zara or h&m ... go on balmain or chanel if you want, play pretend and have fun!!

re: the last bullet point, i think a big turn off for people in terms of fashion is the idea that you need to wear something palatable and 'appropriate.' its like looking at a runway and thinking "its nice, but i would never wear that in real life." but honestly????? in a perfect world i would be wearing full gowns to the supermarket!!!! if your ideal style is imaginative but unattainable, your style in practice will be a microcosm of it. basically... dream big... dont be afraid to 'overdress' if its what you like!! one of the best pieces of advice i ever got was from my aunt, who offered to by me a plastic tiara. i asked her when i was ever going to wear it irl, and she just looked at me and said "??? you can wear it whenever you want to!!" so true!!! wear a tutu to mcdonalds. wear a bedazzled tux to prom. who cares

accessories, nail polish, hair, jewelry, perfume and makeup goes a long way in developing style. i dont wear a ton of makeup, but just putting some color on my cheeks achieves a kind of sunkissed lovestruck vibe that i strive for. i paint my nails red because i think its chic or bright colors so they contrast with a toned down outfit. even wearing no accessories is an accessory in itself. accessorizing (or specifically not accessorizing) is like adding texture to an outfit imo

anything that advises you about 'absolutely necessary essentials everyone needs' is entirely wrong. there is no one size fits all; i.e everyone says you need one good pair of denim jeans, but i havent worn jeans in two years!!! an essential for ME is a pair of neutral wool shorts, but an essential for another person could be a thick knit sweater or for another person, a flannel. the idea that everyone needs a 'little black dress' or a 'basic white t shirt' is preposterous. YOUR essentials depend entirely on YOUR style. a pair of denim jeans is useless if you hate wearing jeans!!!!

as for my personal style, im mostly influenced by movies, books, songs, characters, feelings, colors, high fashion, and costumes. ultimately, you should worry less about what you want to be and worry more about what you already like. every piece i have kind of plays into some narrative ive constructed, or otherwise theyre all special to me :) if you want to update your wardrobe, dont feel the need to over consume fast fashion (or any fashion for that matter) to do so. if you take it slow and buy pieces you really love, every item will have a story and you'll begin to develop a more stable internal style and they'll last longer :)

let me know if you have questions or want me to talk more about any of this because i really love answering these kinds of questions!!!!!! especially the body type thing because thats such an important but long winded thing i couldnt really fit it all LOL

some more videos + resources about style and fashion i think are interesting:

deep dive into kibbe body types

pinterest aesthetics, fatphobia, and white washing

lies about clothes to unlearn in your twenties

studio ghibli: how clothing shapes identity

breakfast at tiffanys style analysis: the reinvention of onself with fashion

will the millennial aesthetic ever end?

go viral, post #spon, get canceled: how social media transformed fashion in the 2010s

analyzing the "is it a cute outfit or is she just skinny?" meme