#she was all excited like lets save up!!! lets go by boat!!! | Explore Tumblr posts and blogs

abookloverlmao · 1 month ago

Text

THE GIRL IN THE SOCKS ON THE ROOF - JJ Maybank (part II)

Summary: You're in the wind, I'm in the water, Nobody's son, nobody's daughter. Y/N was nobody's daughter, hell she was uninterested in returning home after going missing with the Pogues. Wanting to go back to his arms- her will to live.

part 1: it took me a while! sorry y'all but here you have it<3

Warning: female!reader, triggering themes (mental health struggles, including references to self-harm, abusive dad, daddy issues, alcohol, drug, weed, swearing, angst, argument, shitty nicknames, bullying? etc. this will angsty as shit and fluffy, do not read if you don't want to! you have been warned, let me know what you think!

☆☆☆

If anyone dared to touch his Y/N, JJ will fucking murder them.

When Y/N and Kiara were unexpectedly kidnapped, an overwhelming fury consumed JJ. The thought of Y/N in danger fueled his hatred, and his temper flared as he grappled with the worry that gripped his heart.

Y/N had been by JJ's side through thick and thin, she not only inspired him in creating Poguelandia's flag but also joined him on hunting trips, despite her aversion to the idea of taking lives.

"This is the ultimate dream, baby. Who needs rescuing from paradise?" JJ scoffed as he secured the rope, glancing at Y/N, who gazed at him with an adoring smile.

"No passports, just living the dream, surf trip, right?" she said, her eyes in the shape of hearts, tanned JJ was something, golden curls, his eyes more blue. The sight of her looking at him that way caused JJ's heart to race, so he averted his gaze, trying to regain composure.

"Ready?" he finally asked, his voice slightly husky, causing Y/N to clear her throat and stand, extending her hand towards him, "yes sir," she replied pulling him up before making her way towards the ocean, spear in hand.

"All right remember, watch your shadow, they see that, they're gone," he warned her as soon as their feet were on the water earning a nod from her and a gulp.

"Just like we practiced, Y/N," she nodded and held the spear with both hands, eyes studying the water for any fish, JJ tried not to stare, her tanned skin, her flushed cheeks thanks to the sun, how her exposed back muscles moved, her shorts soaked and she wore only sports bras, her shirt long forgotten.

"There's a skate, I can't- I really can't-" she cringed at the thought of stabbing the spear through the poor animal so he took action, "dang it! I missed it," he spun around hurriedly in search of the fish but the girl moved without a thought.

stabbing the spear while looking away, she caught it surprisingly, "you did it!" he exclaimed pulling her into a hug between laughs, "that's food in our bellies right there!"

and when Kiara dared him to jump off a mountain onto the sea, she was worried, "JJ don't, what if you drown like last time?" Y/N asked grabbing his wrist, still afraid about the last time when he got hit by the blunt of a machete and fell off the boat.

JJ paused, his excitement fading a little as he saw the genuine fear in her eyes, he understood her concern, the lingering trauma that had affected them both.

Gently, he reached out and clasped her hand, offering a reassuring smile.

"Y/N, I know it's scary to think about what happened, but I've taken precautions this time. I've learned from my mistakes, it's just a dare," he assured her, his voice filled with determination, "I won't let anything happen to me. Trust me."

Y/N's grip on his wrist tightened, her worry mingling with a flicker of trust, she knew that JJ will never do such a thing to scare her, but she also knew that this boy was stubborn as fuck.

With a mix of apprehension and faith, she nodded reluctantly.

☆☆☆

Apparently, there was a history between Rafe Cameron and Y/N L/N, both were said to be caught in the corner of a party once, Rafe Cameron towering over her and her leaning back against the wall.

Saving Portis's life was a horrible idea, really, it was, Kiara got the idea and Y/N hated the thought of leaving her behind even if the girl sometimes can be a little mean.

JJ watched as Y/N raced between people on the bridge and slid down to hide under a boat with Kiara, their boots came in handy as the girls kicked the man in the face crawling out of their hiding spot.

A man got her arms and held them secure while another grabbed Kiara, she looked around in desperate search of JJ, the familiar blonde hair not once seen, nothing.

She sat on the back of the car in terror looking around for any of the Pogues, eyes focused on the ocean, under the bridge, nothing, she slumped back down and kept herself from attacking Portis in a fit of fury.

"We saved your life! That's what we get?" she snapped, her tone laced with righteous anger and disbelief, her entire body trembled with a mix of adrenaline and frustration, and her eyes locked onto Portis, daring him to respond.

"I'll try to help you, just do as they tell you," Portis said looking at her eyes, wildfire clear in them, "I will make you pay for this," she dropped back to sit beside a soaked Kiara, her grip on the girl tightened, her arm wrapping protectively around the trembling girl.

She pulled Kiara closer, seeking solace in their shared strength. Their eyes remained fixed on the guards before them, sharp and piercing like daggers.

Pogue girls.

they were locked in a random mansion with guards surrounding them left and right, the windows locked, everything secure and made sure they don't escape, the closet was open revealing red silk dresses and a note "PICK YOUR SIZE" not even some pants or shirt, just fucking dresses.

The warm shower after a month of staying on an island felt amazing though, both the girls stayed each in there for a damn hour, Y/N overthinking of a way out and Kiara doing the same, sighing as the water ran down her back.

The dress was perfect however, and the girls looked like absolute angels, the red that reminded them of rich wine only kooks drank with their tanned skin absolutely perfect.

And seeing Rafe Cameron didn't make her feel any better, "you! I knew you and your father were behind this shit," she spoke storming towards the boy that is rumored to be talking to her- well was.

Rafe glared at her and took a step forward towards her, "What are you talking about? You trying to weasel in on my deal is that what's going on?" he asked pointing at himself, she scrunched her nose at him, hair still damp, "what? Are you hearing yourself? I think you became even more loco with the buzz cut-"

someone cut her off, a man with an accent, presenting himself as Carlos Singh, he apologized to the girls about the rough tactics in bringing them here and it made her raise an eyebrow, Kiara was studying the man up and down suspiciously.

She eyed Rafe and moved with Kiara behind Carlos taking a seat on the couch far from him, so this man talked about El Dorado for about an hour and she found herself getting annoyed every second especially when he pointed out that the three of them would find this island or whatever.

"I didn't listen to a word you just said, how much are you gonna keep philosophizing?" Y/N found herself agreeing with Rafe on something for once.

"you girls have a manuscript, a diary," she froze once Carlos's eyes landed on the girls, and she could feel the curly-haired girl by her side tense, "this is ridiculous, we don't have any diary," she spoke feeling Rafe's eyes on her.

"how else could you have learned that the cross was on the Royal Merchant?" he asked and Kiara replied, indicating that they couldn't help him even if they wanted to, which was a terrible idea.

"We have been glued on an island for a month, how do you think we will help you?" Y/N added watching as Rafe got up and was about to walk expecting that this was all a game, but a guard holding a rifle stood in front of him.

Y/N's heart raced as she watched the guard step in front of Rafe, blocking his path. The realization sank in that escaping this mansion and the clutches of Carlos Singh's operation would not be as simple as they had hoped.

She, Kiara, and Rafe were locked in a room, one day to find this diary and witnessed Portis get shot in front of them, who wouldn't be fucking terrified? Rafe grabbed her arm and turned her to face him holding her shoulder firmly, "don't bullshit me, this diary, do you have it?" he asked.

Y/N pushed him away with a look, fear could be seen in them, "does it look like I have it, Rafe, no." she snapped, her voice filled with defiance.

She took a step back, her eyes scanning the room for any possible escape route.

☆☆☆

Rafe had slept the night on the ground while she and Kiara were on the bed, well Y/N had stayed the night awake thinking just in case, she and the Cameron boy got into arguments, he tried to talk to her but she kept pushing him away from her, saying that she doesn't own him shit.

Walking down the stairs with the guard's hand gripping her arm, she stood in front of Carlos in her pajamas, "I lied. I know about the diary, I don't have the original but I can get you a copy, but... if I do this I need to go alone, with Kiara and I swear to you, I'll give you the diary and then you let us go," of course, everything will end like shit with this man.

Apparently, Portis sent a message from beyond the grave that he had captured JB and Sarah and then she was dragged up the stairs by the guard and thrown into the room.

"Get up- Carlos is heading to John B and Sarah- why is he crying?" she asked looking at Rafe with a frown, amusement twinkling in her eyes, "Peterkin, daddy issues," replied Kiara standing up and looking at her with wide eyes at the piece of information.

"oh my god.." she shook her head at the boy.

"He has a boat that could get us out of here," Kiara added staring out the window and gesturing to Rafe who tried to walk towards Y/N but stopped at her glare.

"Fine. This is our only chance of getting out, but that doesn't mean I trust you," she added still in the silk pajamas, hers were black instead of grey, Rafe nodded, "Fine. I get it," It did pain him that she doesn't trust him though.

but, the trio worked amazingly in being actors that's for sure, Y/N deserved an Oscar for screaming so loud and pretending to see Kiara dead, she "fought" with Rafe who threatened to "kill" her, and by that, she means yelling and throwing furniture around to pretend they were fighting, Rafe helped her lay on the bathtub and pretend to be dead.

Hand holding hers she slid into the bathtub, a leg and a hand out, not a move of her muscles.

As the guard entered the room, his eyes widened in shock at the sight before him. Kiara lay motionless, her vacant stare adding to the illusion of death. Y/N's boots peeking out from behind the bathtub and her arm hanging limply added to the grim scene.

Before the guard could fully process what he was witnessing, Rafe sprang into action, with a swift and forceful movement, he struck the guard with the door, causing him to stumble backward. Rafe continued landing powerful punches that disoriented the guard, rendering him unable to react effectively.

Seizing the opportunity, Kiara swiftly moved to secure the guard. She expertly used the curtains, swiftly and efficiently binding his hands to prevent any resistance.

Y/N, her heart pounding with adrenaline, went for the gun, her voice was firm as she issued her orders, "Stay still! Don't make a move," Y/N commanded and he froze under Rafe.

With the guard now subdued and under their control, the trio had a fleeting moment of relief. They exchanged glances, acknowledging the success of their coordinated efforts.

and with that, they raced down the stairs following Rafe, Kiara took the picture of El Dorado and the girls followed their friend's brother, racing down the garden and climbing a passing truck.

her grip tightened around the gun, she is holding a gun at the age of 17 for fuck's sake, she almost gave it to Rafe if it wasn't for him to throw the guy off the truck, she was shocked and the first thing that came to mind was what if he did it to her and Kiara.

Rafe kept an eye on her for the entire time, they don't talk anymore and she has every right to hate him, but he kept an eye out, and he's beginning to regret every bad thing he did to her.

he was going to do anything if anyone tried to hurt her, they may never be friends again but he will try at least.

she pushed the green cover off her and sat against the truck as soon as the patrol was over, inhaling and exhaling she looked around, "I told you we just had to work together." not once did she glance at him nor Kiara did.

"All right. Listen, I'm headed out to my boat, okay? I can give you a ride out, drop both of you wherever somewhere safe. One thing though." Kiara looked at him with a frown while Y/N stared out in worry.

"Y/N look at me." with a clenched jaw she turned towards him, "I know your friends are on the island and my sister. I'm not helping them. All right? I can't trust them, okay? I'll give you a ride out, not them."

she stayed silent for a while before nodding, "I just want to get off the island," Rafe turned towards Kie who nodded as well still trying to catch her breath, "Same here."

"That's smart," he said and Y/N rolled her eyes, he really thought I was gonna leave my friends behind. JJ? her mind went back to the handsome blonde, is he alright? did he get caught by Singh?

running a hand through her hair in frustration, pushing it away from her face she leaned back, inhaling and exhaling to keep her anxiety down before she has a mental breakdown.

She could hear Rafe talk to Kie about how he always liked her and that she's at least half Kook, Y/N scoffed, "Half Kook, is it a nationality or something?"

Rafe fought the urge to roll his eyes, "do you have to be sarcastic every time?" he asked making her turn towards him in annoyance, "Do you have to be such a jerk every time?" Y/N retorted, her voice filled with frustration.

Rafe looked taken aback for a moment before his expression hardened. "I'm not the one who brought a gun to a patrol, Y/N," he said, his voice cold.

Y/N bristled at the accusation, "I only brought the gun because I didn't trust you to keep us safe, as if you didn't hold a gun many times and aimed it at me," she said, her voice rising.

Rafe shook his head, looking exasperated. "You don't trust anyone, Y/N. That's the problem," he said, his voice tinged with annoyance, she didn't say another word, way too tired to argue.

"After what you have done to me, I will never trust you," Kiara watched them back and forth, "I did you a solid," he replied staring ahead, "You told everyone that we fucked, told everyone about my relationship with my father, and... you tried to kill Kie and aimed a gun at me." said Y/N.

Rafe tried to say something, but couldn't, so he closed his mouth.

Soon she hopped off the truck and landed beside Kiara with a thud, "Come on. My boat's down here." both the girls followed him towards a white big boat.

"Make sure your shoes are off. both of you." he ordered and the girls stood still, "Okay, we should have enough juice to get us to Saint Lucia, no problem."

he noticed them still standing there, "Hey, get in the boat, Y/N! Kie!" he exclaimed watching them intensely, Kie spoke, "You're not gonna pull anything if we get in?" she asked the boy who sighed in vexation.

"No, I'm not gonna pull anything, okay? I'm trying to do you a solid here. You really wanna be back there with Singh, or do you wanna be somewhere safe? Now can one of you help me with the bowline?"

they finally did as told, Y/N kept her socks on as she climbed the boat, "Go help him with the bowline, I'll check around," Kiara nodded and the girl immediately moved around.

the sound of grunting caught her attention and Y/N raced outside, Kiara jumped on the boat and Y/N ran towards the railing seeing Rafe in the water, "oh shit!" she exclaimed looking at Kiara with wide eyes.

The girl started the boat and immediately took control, Rafe yelled and called out for the girls, and for the first time in a while, she felt a pang in her heart.

she felt bad but she had nothing to do, she had to save the Pogues.

"Kie! Where are you going?!" he exclaimed making her wince and look at him with a scrunched nose, "I've gotta help my friends!" yelled Kiara and the boat started moving.

"You don't know what you're doing! Hey!" he panted and threw his arms around, "Shit! I'll find you, Kie! I'll find you! you're both gonna regret this shit. Y/N! You're done!"

she gulped, "I'm sorry!" she yelled back turning around and making her way up to stand beside Kiara, "don't you think that's a little too far?" she asked the brown-haired girl who looked back at the boy, "maybe. please send them our location."

The girl nodded taking the phone and looking back at poor struggling Rafe, it's a bit too far, isn't it? She thought.

Y/N couldn't help but feel guilty as she watched Rafe struggling in the water. She knew that leaving him behind was harsh, but she also knew that she had to help her friends.

As Kiara drove the boat towards their destination, Y/N couldn't help but feel a sense of unease, she didn't know what was going to happen next, but she knew that they were in for a rough ride, what if Carlos found them again and this time he kills her.

"Are you okay?" Kiara asked, breaking the silence.

Y/N nodded, her mind still racing, "Yeah, I'm fine. Just... worried about what's going to happen next," she said, her voice filled with uncertainty.

"Do you have that gun?" asked Kiara again, Y/N nodded and pulled out the gun from behind her, "we are definitely going to jail," sighed the girl, "hey, it's just for protection."

"Yeah..."

With that they fell silent, the boat racing towards their destination, gun at the ready, waiting for the teenagers to appear, Kiara wrapped her arm around Y/N's shoulders and the girl stared ahead.

"I'm sorry...if I suspected you, I shouldn't have been harsh on you," started Kiara glancing at Y/N who threw herself on the chair in tiredness, her heart still hammering against her chest.

"Its fine, I get it Kie," she smiled at her and tapped the location on the screen, before putting her phone by her side and closing her eyes, "I would've done the same." Kiara smiled brightly and laughed.

"We will end up in jail one day, girl," she spoke making her laugh, "definitely, I regret leaving that dress back though, it was so pretty," Kiara nodded in agreement, "so sexy,"

***

Y/N leaned against the fence, thinking about everything, her finger tapped anxiously against the railing as she waited until the sight of a blue shirt and familiar blonde hair caught her eyes.

She frowned, who is he? why was he looking around? As soon as the boy turned around and his eyes caught Y/N, she froze, like time stopped and nothing mattered only their eyes meeting one another's.

The hues of E/C mixing in with the blue and the hint of turquoise, sharp features, pink cheeks thanks to the sun.

"JJ?" she called jumping off and racing down the small stairs trying not to slip, the boy was completely frozen, "JJ." she ran and the boy finally walked, every muscle in his body easing.

She threw herself on him, his strong arms wrapped around her so tightly as he pulled her to his body even closer, she ran her hand through his hair, tears blurring her vision.

"Y/N," JJ breathed out in the crook of her neck, lips brushing against her delicate skin, his voice filled with relief, she pulled back slightly, looking up at him with tear-filled eyes, hand reaching to cup his cheek lovingly.

"Wow! I didn't think I'd see you ever again." she said her voice trembling but there was that beautiful smile on her lips, JJ tilted his head with a smile and studied her with his grip not once leaving her, "Yeah, but I'm here now. Okay? It's all right. It's all right." he said pulling her again towards him.

Her arms wrapped around him so tightly, JJ never wanted to pull away, her lips ghosting on his neck was inexpressible, JJ felt his heart racing as Y/N's lips brushed against his neck, sending shivers down his spine.

He had missed her so much, and he couldn't believe that she was finally here with him, worry ate him alive the past day when she wasn't by his side, and now he was cherishing the moment they were finally reunited.

They stood there, wrapped in each other's arms, finding solace in the embrace.

"I can't believe you're here," Y/N murmured, her voice filled with a mix of joy and disbelief, "I thought... I thought I had lost you." JJ's grip tightened around her, and his voice was soft as an angel, "I'm here, Y/N. I'm not going anywhere," he reassured her, and he was right, he was never going to leave her ever again, he wasn't going to let someone take her from him.

"We'll get through this together."

JJ's smile widened, his thumb gently wiping away a stray tear from Y/N's cheek, he didn't care about anything but holding her to him, god he loved her.

and then after a hot minute of staring into one another's eyes, he finally pulled away as the others rushed over, JJ finally pulled away and as soon as her hand left his cheek he felt that coldness come back and then he hugged Kiara.

Sarah was on the verge of tears when she came to Y/N, she pulled her into a bear-crushing hug one that made the girl gasp for breath but she didn't complain.

"I was scared you and Kie got hurt," she said with a smile on her lips, Y/N smiled at her friend and kissed her forehead before hugging John B, Pope, and Cleo.

"I'm a Pogue, girly, me and Kie never get hurt," and of course, John B decided to be stupid, apparently the church bell ringing was the same one his dad used to ring to call him home.

Because as soon as he left, Carlos's men appeared and started shooting and if it wasn't Kiara starting the boat one would've gotten shot certainly, JJ was yet again exploding with anger as they left the island and if it wasn't JB calling, and telling them to go back to Outer Banks the boy would've drove himself mad that's for sure.

Kiara went down with the others to rest after a whole day of chaos, there was surprisingly a shower in the boat, that was how rich Rafe is, while JJ went to take a shower after Pope and Cleo were done, Sarah was sitting by Y/N's side overthinking.

"you're overthinking again," started Y/N keeping her eyes glued in front of her, Sarah snapped out of it and smiled at her friend, "Yeah, I guess I can't help it sometimes," Sarah admitted with a sheepish smile, leaning back against the wall of the boat. "There's just so much going on, and I can't help but worry, i'm worried about John B."

Y/N turned to face Sarah, her expression filled with empathy. "I understand," she said softly, reaching out to place a comforting hand on Sarah's arm, "It's natural to feel overwhelmed in situations like this. We're in this together babe, and your boyfriend found gold once, nothing bad will happen to that guy." she chuckled softly.

"I mean, look at the adventures we've been through with him. We always manage to find a way, even when the odds seem impossible. And with John B leading the charge, it's bound to be one hell of a journey." it was true, this was all because of John B.

Sarah smiled at the girl's words and wrapped her arms around her shoulder pulling her into a hug, "thank you for everything," she whispered kissing her friend's forehead, "Anything for you." and with their arms linked, silence fell.

"so what's going between you and JJ, you think I haven't noticed the heart eyes," started Sarah nudging her friend who stared ahead as if she didn't hear her, "You know how JJ is. He's just being JJ," she replied cheeks burning red.

Sarah raised an eyebrow skeptically, not buying Y/N's attempt at brushing off the topic, "Uh-huh, just JJ being JJ, huh?" she said, her tone filled with playful sarcasm, "I've seen the way you two look at each other. There's definitely something more going on."

Y/N couldn't help but smile, her gaze softening as she glanced at Sarah, "Okay, fine," she admitted, shaking her head softly and keeping her hand on the steering wheel, "Maybe there's something between us. It's hard not to feel a connection with someone when you've been through so much together."

Sarah's smile widened, her eyes twinkling with mischief, "I knew it!" she exclaimed, squealing so loudly that she had to put her hand over the girl's mouth, "hush you!" Sarah moved her head away and beamed.

"You guys are adorable together. I ship it!"

and then JJ appeared, ruffling his blonde hair with a towel and he frowned at the girls, "Ship who?" Y/N pinched Sarah's side just as the girl opened her mouth to answer, urging her to keep her mouth shut.

Sarah winced at the pinch but quickly caught on, suppressing her laughter and keeping her lips sealed.

JJ furrowed his brow at the exchange, his curiosity piqued as he approached the two girls, "What's going on?" he asked, his voice tinged with suspicion, "You guys seem like you're up to something."

Y/N flashed JJ a sweet smile, trying to maintain her composure. "Oh, nothing," she replied casually, her voice innocent. "Just girl talk, you know?"

Sarah nodded vigorously, feigning seriousness. "Yeah, just some girl talk," she chimed in, her eyes dancing with mischief.

JJ's frown deepened, clearly not convinced by their response but didn't insist, "I'll leave you guys together~" with that Sarah disappeared down the stairs while wiggling her eyebrows behind JJ.

JJ watched Sarah disappear down the stairs, a bemused expression on his face as he caught a glimpse of her mischievous eyebrow wiggle. He shook his head with a chuckle, turning his attention back to Y/N.

"Well, that was interesting," JJ remarked, a playful glint in his eyes. "I wonder what she's up to."

Y/N shrugged, a smile tugging at the corners of her lips. "Who knows with Sarah," she replied, her voice filled with amusement, "She's always full of surprises." He nodded and took a seat.

She stared at the sea and glanced at JJ, “you certainly know the way to Outer Banks right…?” she said awkwardly pushing herself slightly to the side, the boy shook his head and stood up looking for a map.

He examined it and then around, “yes ma’am, just head right straight up to the sun, we’ll reach at almost night fall,” she shook her head at his orders and did as told, saluting him with a grin on her lips.

They stayed silent, it was never quiet between them so this wasn’t usual, he stood by her side, always taller and shielding her from the world, even if she wasn’t that short, he was a giraffe, growing every day probably.

“He didn’t hurt you, did he?” he finally spoke, making her turn to him in confusion, she furrowed her eyebrows and tilted her head to the side, she always did that when she was confused, sometimes scrunched her nose as well.

“Rafe.” He uttered his name like it was poison, if eyes could kill; poor Rafe would be dead all the way from Barbados.

She chuckled softly and lifted her silk top revealing the gun, “now if he did I wouldn’t have this now, would I?” she said sarcastically, and JJ swore he fell in love right there and then, his girl had a mother fucking gun.

Innocent and sweet Y/N from about 8 months ago was no longer there, this was Y/N mother fucking Maybank, god his last name fit perfectly with her.

“Atta girl, now that’s what I am talking about,” he added putting his back against hers and pointing his gun playfully, back when he was young, he and John B used to do it with those army plastic toys from Walmart (or make some using paper) and now he is doing it with his lover with real guns.

“That’s some John Wick shit, right there!” he exclaimed, Y/N took her own gun and pointed it around, partners in crime, she felt like Black Widow for fuck’s sake, this was dangerous, but danger can be fun.

They both laughed but she suddenly spoke, “hey it’s better we throw it away in the ocean, cops will investigate here and then us once we’re there,” she said throwing the gun in the sea, it had a single bullet anyways.

JJ kept his and looked at it longingly, “is there no damn camera?” he asked looking around and then she looked around, “look at the drawers,” she suggested turning back to the wheel, JJ looked around and after a good 10 minutes, a polaroid camera caught his eye, it had the initials “W.C”

Wheezie Cameron.

They both gave one another bright wicked smiles and she grabbed the camera, “pose mister Wick,” she said pulling the camera closer and closing one eye, snapping a picture of JJ grinning like an idiot while holding the gun with both hands showing his dimples, she laughed and took another one, one where he was more serious.

“It’s perfect,” she said with a smile holding the polaroid in hand, JJ scrunched his nose and shook his head trying to grab them, “absolutely not. Usually I would say no shit Sherlock but-“ She elbowed him cutting him off.

“They’re not yours at all, they’re mine” she said with a matter of fact tone putting the picture in her pocket, JJ hated how his cheekbones turned red and the way he stared at her, oh so lovingly, his heart suddenly started hammering against his chest in a speed of light, like it always did when he was with her.

They say that back then, a star used to lead a captain’s way on the ship, or whatever, JJ sucked at history, got an F in his last exam, hell he was surprised he didn't get a -F, if that even existed, only good date he managed to have right was when was the Fourth of July.

Ironic. heh, forth of july, the day he held her on a random rooftop.

And if it was true, then she was his star, his star girl, pretty E/C eyes, H/C hair, tanned skin, rosy cheeks due to the rays of sun and their stay in the island, and the salty water made her skin glow.

Fucking hell he wanted to kiss her, so so badly.

JJ looked away and grabbed the camera, snapping a picture of her staring ahead, and she noticed of course, raising an eyebrow at him so his first instinct was to beam innocently at her and sneakily take the picture that came out, “at least take a good picture,” she said in amusement.

He was surprised, for a second he thought she was going to yell at him until her words caught him off guard, “deal,” he said gesturing her to turn around, putting on the fake act of a professional photographer, classic JJ.

She leaned against the wheel and fixed her clothes, hair and then looked at him reassuringly, tilting her head to the side and JJ swore he was about to fucking faint, and he wasn't being dramatic. the sun kissing her skin and making her look like an angel descending from heaven, that for a second he sat there, admiring.

And after snapping out of thoughts, he took a picture, and as she waited for it to appear, he stared, lips pursed tightly and he swallowed, and once it did and she towered over his kneeling form, her hair fell around her like curtains that she pushed it away with a frustrated groan.

His eyes fell on her lips, a single move is all he needed, if he lifted himself just a little bit, he can capture her lips then-

“it’s cute, I guess, I look a damn duck but whatever,” she said pushing herself away with a chuckle, JJ didn’t know what to say, she was perfect, in every way, in so many ways that he couldn’t describe it all, his stare could, it did and that was why the tips of her ear burned red.

"you're not a duck,"

And as he rose to his feet, the boat suddenly moved and he went to her, his hand automatically went to hold her waist and pull her to him just as she was about to fall back, his other hand went to grip the wheel and his body pressed against hers in a matter of seconds.

Her hand gripping his shoulder in fear to fall and humiliate herself in front of her crush, the other on his chest, right on top of his hammering heart that she could feel it thunder against her palm, his hand though, right on her waist, his fingertips right on the spot where her skin was a little revealed making every hair in her body rise.

Her blood ran hot and they both stared at each other, absolutely love-struck, eyes in the shape of hearts and heart beating in sync, getting louder and louder in their ears, her chest went up and down as the air suddenly left.

And she swore she noticed him lean in, tilting his head slightly to the side and she moved as well, eyes dropping to his lips and then went up to his eyes- is it happening? Is it finally happening?

His nose bumped hers, the faintest brush of his lower lip on her upper one and she took a leap of faith to press her lips against his, hey, god was with her and giving her a sign might as well take it.

JJ didn't even hesitate to put a hand on her nape and pull her closer spinning so she leaned against the wheel, her eyes fluttered shut and wrapped an arm around his neck pulling him down so she could land back on the balls of her feet as her heart skipped yet another beat, her pulse drumming with each passing second.

The world around them seemed to vanish, the only sound left was the gentle splash of the water against the boat, the waves mirroring the rhythm of their kiss—soft, tentative at first, then JJ parted her lips with his own, deepening the kiss as if they were drawn into each other by some magnetic force.

JJ's fingers adorned by rings right on her nape and moving to hold her as he stepped closer to tower over her causing her to use her arm and pull him closer, parting her lips.

"oh shit-" someone breathed out causing her to freeze, JJ pulled away and looked back, there stood Pope, he gave them finger guns and left in a hurry.

"Uhm, well that was," started Y/N lips rosy thanks to him, "great," she shook her head turning to the wheel and tried not to smile like an idiot, "you should go see him."

"yeah I should- this shithead-" he said in frustration before turning to Y/N, "I'm not done with you, Stargirl."

"yeah I'm sure, fuck off, Starboy," she flipped him off. Yeah she'll be damned if she regrets it just because Pope stepped in, not he will never make out with Cleo? she will bet a hundred dollars once in outer banks, he damn will.

****

Author note: guess what bitches? I got my computer back, feeding you hoes with JJ, my beloved husband, oh and I still haven't watched season 4 so I beg don't spoil. I hope you enjoyed it my lovely babies<333333 Thank you so much for the likes on every single thing I wrote, I appreciate it so much, miss you all and let me know what you think.

There will be a Part 3, just currently focusing more on my book so, but I'll make sure you guys got it!

special hashtag to these pookies (who likely hate my ass for not posting in so long, sorry homies don't burn my house<3): @loves0phelia , @nirvanalivesdilfs , @thekidscallmebosss , @@ladyinbl00d , @talyaaas-blog

ly.

354 notes · View notes

ask-geralt · 3 months ago

Text

You guys want to know one of my favorite things about Edwin? He loves how smart his friends are. He gets so excited and outright a w e d whenever they think of something clever, make a keen observation, or offer a solution to their problems. All I ever want to write is Edwin who eloquently gushes and praises his friends' intelligence and skills. Edwin who, when the occasion arises, gases them up when they get self deprecating, because to him it's not an opinion, it's a FACT that they're smart, and good, and kind, and brave. That they're all equals. I would even go so far as to say he, himself, feels he has to continuously work and study so hard to keep up with them, to continue contributing.

Genuinely I feel like it's a pretty big factor in his hostility towards Crystal in the beginning. When Charles and Edwin first talk with her post-exorcism, she's unimpressed with the work they did to save her, and she insults the name of their agency, which Edwin and Charles are both clearly fond of. Charles, who's used to laughing at digs far more hurtful than that considering his life before death, let's it roll off him easily, but Edwin takes it more personally. From there, he grows jealous because of the attention Charles is giving her, made worse when Crystal proves her powers ARE faster than the methods the boys used before meeting her. Edwin feels like he needs to prove he's better, or at least still useful where Crystal isn't ("We all have talents.") to Charles, because if Crystal can do everything Edwin does, and does it better, then why would Charles keep sticking around? And of course, Crystal returns his hostility beat for beat, as she should. I feel like her subtle attempts to smooth things over and get along with Edwin aren't talked about enough, like she lets him get away with so many snide and openly rude comments before she starts biting back again in episode one. But Edwin holds a grudge and she shouldn't have to take his attitude towards her lying down, not forever, and neither of them are willing to, say, try and ask the other why they're so snippy towards each other, or apologize lol. Honestly their dynamic is so layered and fun to pick apart!!

What really seals it for me is the contrast in his reaction to Crystal compared to Niko. He warms to Niko pretty much immediately, calling her charming and quickly getting down to business on saving her, without even a token protest about helping yet another living girl. And I think that comes down to her attitude towards their assistance, what she brings to the table for the group's dynamic, and her willingness to let them do their thing without rocking the boat on methodology. She doesn't come across as a threat to Edwin's friendship (repressed and unacknowledged crush absolutely not helping either) with Charles, since she and Charles don't interact much, especially not one on one the way he and Crystal do, so she doesn't ruffle Edwin's feathers at all compared to how instantly and repeatedly Crystal gets under his skin.

All this to say I love all four of them, I love that they've all got their strengths and skills, I love that there's also that overlap, that they all get to do detective-ing and that Edwin doesn't get that petty protectiveness over that role. Yes he feels threatened by Crystal, but that has everything to do with Charles and nothing to do with her being competent, in and if itself. He doesn't see himself as a Sherlock Holmes with three Watsons following him around. He likes it when the others are clever, when he's not being a petty bitch (affectionate) who hates change/new things lmao

#dead boy detectives #edwin payne #charles rowland #crystal palace #niko sasaki

270 notes · View notes

kimhargreeves · 1 year ago

Text

Saved Again-Sanji x Fem Reader (One Piece Netflix)

Summary: You've been Luffy's friend for years. Being the first member to join Luffy's crew, together they are off to become pirates,.later on a certain chef has his eyes on you. And a fond memory of you and a boy after a shipwreck comes to mind when arriving at the Baratie.

(A/N: I'm so excited for the One Piece live action do I decided to write this!! I'll start on a Part 2 once the series is released. I absolutely love Sanji and he's my favorite of the Straw Hats. I relate to him a lot too since I was training to become a chef as well…anyways the one shot might be slightly changed once I watch the series.)

(A/N: Oh and also the reader is often confused as a boy but Nami and Sanji know she's a girl.)

"That's why I'm gonna be king of the pirates!!" Luffy exclaimed enthusiastically, even though we were in the middle of nowhere.

I turned around and frowned looking at him being too cheery and loud as usual. "Can you be any louder?' I glare before pulling my head out of the small boat we were in and I continued to throw up out into the ocean.

I heard a hum coming from Luffy and saw him tilting his head a bit. "Are you sure you're okay?"

This is the downside of wanting to become a pirate and sail across the Grand Line. Well, not many people get sea sick and start to pour their guts out.

I wipe the sweat off my forehead and sighed. "If only Coby didn't accept in becoming a Marine. He would've maybe given me some of the medicine he was carrying."

"He did offer some yet you said you'd be alright without it." Luffy reminds me making me groan.

"Don't make me throw up on you." I warn.

"Will you two shut up already?" I glared and looked back at the green haired man who I forgot had joined us.

"Huh? Why don't you make me, Zoro? Our friend here might be dying." Luffy said patting my back a bit too rough.

Zoro looked at us with a bored expression on his face and went back to closing his eyes. "You guys are insufferable, would've been nicer if I was still tied up."

I point and glared at him. "You should be thankful that we saved your ass."

"Luffy was the one who did. You're too weak to save anyone anyway, kid."

"I'm not a kid! I'm older than you think believe it or not!!" I shout getting defensive and forgetting that I had be throwing up.

"Then why are you acting like a kid?!"

"Guys will you stop arguing for once?" Luffy said stepping between us and calming Zoro as well when we saw an island up ahead.

Idiots are they really dumb and don't know I am secretly a girl. The reason why I like to crossdress if for fun, but mostly because I've seen the way pirates who are men are more respected.

I once had cut my hair short but decided to let it grow and use a wig instead, besides being in disguise had helped me with stealing from people.

Luffy with his devil fruit power stretched all the way until his feet hit the sand and he looked around in enthusiasm.

"Wow this island seems so cool! But why is it so quiet?!" He asked loudly.

"Maybe this is an island inhabited with ghosts." I muttered and heard Zoro scoff and began to grab his swords when the boat hit the sand below us.

Zoro jumped off of the boat and began to follow Luffy. "Hey, (Y/N). Are you coming or staying?"

I raised my head and tilted my head looking at Luffy. "You guys can go on ahead. I'll catch up with you."

He nodded and I saw both guys beginning to walk further into the island. Slowly I got up on my feet and jumped out of the boat as well. I was deep in my thoughts imagining what it will be like to travel across the world and get to know other famous pirates.

Luffy's dream has always been to become king of the pirates and his number 1 person he's always looked up to was Shanks, maybe Gold D. Roger in second place.

As for me..I really don't have a dream. I've just been following Luffy around. I don't have a family. Shanks was the one who raised me along with Luffy, I came along later in the picture and don't have any memories of my past, only a few glimpses here and there but maybe it's just me reliving someone else's dream.

"So he's also a devil fruit user?"

I stopped walking and ran to hide behind a building and I looked over and saw a group of pirates, my eyes were set on the one between all of them. Buggy the clown. I've seen his Wanted poster.. wait!

My eyes widened and then I glared when I spotted Luffy in a cage. Are you serious?! He got caught..huh? I looked and saw someone else with them too, a red headed girl.

Where is Zoro anyways?

I frowned even more when I saw he and Luffy were caught. God damn it. It's up to me now, now all I gotta do is find out if this girl is an enemy of ally.

I got out of my hiding place and prepared to face the gang of pirate clowns…

"Hang on!!"

Someone shouted and tried to reach for my hands but I was pulled away by the harsh tides of the sea. My eyes and lungs began to sting, I felt like it was the end for me. Just a few minutes ago I was with my family, are they dead? Will I die as well and meet them again?

I couldn't swim so I felt myself sinking lower into the dark cold sea. I wanted to cry but couldn't and right when I was ready accept my death I felt someone grab onto me and I was being pulled up again.

I gasped along with the person who had saved me. A man about the same age as my dad saved me, I continued to gasp and began to cough up the salty water I had in my lungs.

The sky was dark with clouds covering the sky, it was heavily raining with thunder.

"Don't die just yet kid! Hold onto this." The man exclaimed.

The man could swim with ease and he had placed me on top of a wooden piece of what I assumed was part of the ship that had exploded. I looked to my right and saw a boy my age, with blonde hair and green eyes, his eyes seemed scared as well.

Are we the only survivors?

My answer was clear the more we got away from the shipwreck and landed on an island. The man easily picked us up and placed us on his shoulder, but the more he continued to walk the more I felt he was struggling, it wasn't until we made it inside a cave that I realized he lost his leg.

I was about to comment on it but didn't when the man seemed angry at something. The boy and I exchanged looks and didn't say a word, we only saw the man lighting up a small fire place as we continued to hear thunder and lightning.

I don't know who this man is, this boy surely isn't his son…mom..dad…my eyes began to sting and I began to cry out loudly with tears running down my face along with a runny nose.

The man didn't say anything and the little boy seemed to stiffen and I saw a few tears forming in his eyes as well and he began to silently cry…

By the next morning the man, the pirate who saved us said he wanted to be alone so he left the boy and I a large bag of food. "We refuse to eat this because you're a pirate and pirates are bad people!!" The boy had shouted earlier.

The man said almost nothing and left me alone with the boy. The boy and I looked at each other and we both didn't say a word about the man.

"Umm do you think we can make a boat somehow and leave the island?" I quietly asked nervous and shy to ask this stranger for help.

"Does it look like we have a way out of this island?! The boy shouted glaring at me. "What would a girl know about sailing anyways?"

I began to cry again and I did the first thing that came to my mind, and I had punched him. "All I want is to see my parents again!"

The boy seemed surprised by my action and began to hold onto his swollen cheek. "H-hey don't cry. You're gonna make me cry again!"

It was too late. He was crying again….

It had been many days until the three of us were rescued. An odd boat with some friendly men were the one who saved us, the man who rescued the boys and us took the boy in as his own in a way, and he was about to send me off to live a normal life with someone who was willing to raise me.

The man somehow got a nice dress for me to wear, as a last send-off he had done a dessert for me. A strawberry cake I came to love at first bite.

He along with the men on the ship all were outside ready to say their goodbyes to me. I even saw a man or two begin to cry.

"I always wanted a small girl."

"You can't even feed yourself properly how are you supposed to raise a kid." I heard one of them say to another.

"You ready, kid?" I heard the man ask making me turn to look at him. I shook my head and the man sighed and patted my head once. "You'll soon understand why I'm sending you off. You'll have a proper life."

My eyes wandered over to the man and over to the small boy I was saved with. The boy stiffened when I looked at him, and I saw his pale cheeks turn to a pink color.

"I-I…" I didn't know exactly what to say, that's until he spoke up.

"I d-do hope you enjoyed the cake I made with help! Next time if we meet again I'll bake you a whole lot more..also…if we meet again I'll make you my wife!!" He exclaimed.

The men behind the boy groaned and one of them lightly hit his head. "That's no way of a send-off!"

I shyly smiled at all of them and the boy….

"Usopp!! Nami!! Are we there yet?!"

"How many times do we have to say, no!!"

I squinted my eyes when I opened them. "That was a strange dream." I muttered to myself and glared at the three who woke me up.

Few days have gone by since he fought Buggy and his crew along with a few more pirates. Usopp was the new crew member. He's a bit odd and a scaredy cat but he means well. If it wasn't for him. Luffy wouldn't have his new and proper ship, officially presenting himself as a pirate.

The sailing ship was huge and fitted with us do well. Luffy named it the Going Merry. A fitting name for a ship.

I looked to my left and saw Zoro fast asleep, I felt envious that he could sleep through this much talking and noise. I made sure my wig was still in place and I got up to join Nami up front. At least it's nice to have another girl around.

"So…you don't have trouble with sharing a room filled with guys?" I asked and saw Nami giving me an odd bur serious look.

"No?" She squinted her eyes looking at me and looked back at the tides.

Weird…It's a shame I can't talk about girl things with her.

Luffy said he was searching for the last member to our team. Luffy is Captain, we have a navigator..well kinda that being Nami, the main fighter being Zoro, Usopp as the sniper and I fix anything on the ship

Since none of us are cooks. Luffy suggested on finding a chef. I offered to be the one to fill everyone's stomach, but everything I cook always ends up burnt.

The rest of us began to get things done on the ship until a fight began with another ship and the Going Merry crashed into a ship. My mouth fell open when we crashed and accidently directed a cannon ball into the ship that wasn't even attacking us.

"Crap…Luffy!" I shouted and saw him smiling shamefully.

All of us walked closer to the deck and saw the great damage the other ship received. "We better head in there and talk to the person in charge. And you are going to apologize." I said grabbing onto Luffy's straw hat and he quickly grabbed it back and placed it on his head.

He said nothing and began to follow us. We got onto the other ship and read the ships name, The Baratie.

I looked around and this seemed familiar. "You okay?" Nami stopped and asked glancing back at me.

"Yeah.. everything's fine." I said still looking around and ran over to her side and began to follow the rest of the crew.

We all entered the ship and wow was it beautiful and extremely fancy. "Wow..this is something else. It doesn't feel like we're in the middle of the sea." I said in awe and stared around.

Everything looked so expensive. I saw people around sharing their meals and couples smiling at each other and drinking fancy wine. Not to mention the smell, I wonder how the food must taste!

I was practically drooling when I saw a huge meal in a table. Nami had grabbed the back of my clothes and dragged me away from a couple who was staring at me weirded out.

"Get a hold of yourself, (Y/N)." Nami muttered and went to sit down on an empty table.

I nodded at myself then went back to checking the place out. This seems so familiar…I started to walk around and peeked over and saw many chefs cooking the meals and they seemed to make it so easy.

"I have an order for a large plate of seafood rice, potato pallie and medium sized bowl of sea pork soup. I need it done in less than 10 minutes!" My mouth began to water even more.

"All have it done in 5." Someone said on the other side with a British accent.

"(Y/N)!" Someone hissed my name and I quickly went over to sit next to Nami and Zoro. Luffy came in as well while we sat down and patiently waited to talk to someone.

I had excused myself after waiting for a bit and went to the bathroom. When I returned I saw Nami still sitting down and she raised an eyebrow looking not pleased when a man began walking towards her.

I felt my heart race when I saw a tall figure standing just a few inches away from her. A handsome man with blonde hair with one of his eyes being a bit hidden by it. He was wearing a dark suit with a blue and white striped shirt under it with a black tie and matching dress pants.

"Would the lady like something sweet?" I saw a smirk spread across his face and Nami just stared at him and rolled her eyes.

Who is he?? And does he know Nami? The man was clearly flirting with her.

"You gotta be joking." I heard Nami ssy. She then turned to look at me.

I didn't know what to do or say. I simply stared at her confused then looked to see the man look at me, he glanced for a second then once again and was now looking directly at me. He immediately walked away from Nami and began to walk towards me.

I began to take a few steps back and I gasped when he took hold of my hand with both of his hands and saw him get down on one knee.

"You are the most gorgeous being I've laid my eyes on. A sight no other I've come across in the Grand Line.."

Thank goodness Nami couldn't listen but it was quiet clear to anyone that this man was flirting with me.

"Y-You've got it all wrong!" I said trying to pull back and felt my cheeks turning red. I can't let anyone know at the moment that I was crossdressing as a guy!!

"I'm never wrong. My eyes never fail when I see a beautiful lady as yourself."

If I weren't in this situation I would be falling on my knees. He's so cute and handsome! My lips began to quiver and I felt my entire body freeze. I've never met a man who shameless at flirting with a stranger.

The man rose up to his feet now towering me and smiling down at me. "I-I…"

He smiled and Introduced himself. "My name is Sanji."

#netflix #anime #one piece #one piece netflix #one piece live action #vinsmoke sanji #one piece sanji #sanji x reader #one piece x reader #taz skylar #one piece netflix x reader

2K notes · View notes

achilles-rage · 4 months ago

Text

Worth It

summary: you borrow your friends boat for the day, wanting to share with eddie how much you love days like these. all is well until the wind picks up and makes the waves large and dangerous. as he gets out of the water, he slips, and you have to perform cpr on him.

word count: 3.2k

request: Eddie and Y/n are having a nice day on their boat but the water is a little choppy. When a big wave comes Eddie stumbles and falls in the water but has a hard time resurfacing. Y/n dives in after him and rescues but has to give him CPR and saves him.

A/N: i firmly believe eddie is the type to live 3 seconds from the beach and never actually go in the water. i’m posting this as i’m about to go to the beach. wish my luck! enjoy<3

TW: eddie almost drowns (lolz), no use of y/n, plus size!reader, fem!reader, race inclusive!reader

“Got the snacks?” you ask Eddie as he’s about to walk out the door. He has a large cooler in one hand and a beach bag over each shoulder. He sighs as he stops in his tracks, nodding as he turns back to you..

“Yep.” he tells you sweetly, although a hint of annoyance is making his way into his voice.

“Sunscreen?” He nods again.

“Extra water?”

“Yes.”

“Towels?”

“Mi amor, we have everything. We’ve already been through the list.” he tells you, holding his empty hand out for you to take.

“I’m just making sure.” you say with a sigh, taking a step and grabbing his hand, letting him lead you out the door.

It’s a beautiful sunny day in LA, and your friend mentioned a few days ago that she had inherited a boat from an old relative in her family, and anytime you wanted to use it, you were more than welcome. You decided to take advantage of it, knowing that in all the years Eddie has lived in LA, the only time he goes to the beach is to watch Christopher from the shore.

He was a little weary about it, not being completely used to being in a boat in the ocean, but he agreed when he imagined the sight of you in your swimsuit. He knows he made the right choice when you walk out in your slightly see-through cover up, your bikini just barely visible. He drinks in the sight of the way your tits sit in your top, and the way he can see the outline of your soft tummy through the cover up, and the way your thick thighs peek out from under it.

He was a little annoyed when you doubled, and then triple checked you had everything, but he feels the excitement grow as you both make your way to his truck.

The drive to the marina is relatively short, and you take in the clear blue sky and the gentle warm breeze filtering in through the rolled down windows, enveloping you. You can feel Eddie’s warm hand placed firmly on your thigh, his thumb rubbing absent-minded circles on your inner thigh as he drives, and you sigh happily. You’ve always loved days on the boat, and you can’t wait to share the feeling with Eddie. You wish Christopher was here with you, but you’re also excited to have some one on one time with your boyfriend.

You get out of the truck quickly once Eddie pulls into the parking lot. Eddie takes the bags and starts to walk to the dock, ignoring you as you try to take a bag. You shake your head, fighting back a smile at his refusal, but it also makes your heart swell. When he’s around, you never have to lift a finger, which is something you had to get used to. Now that you’re used to it, though, you try to do more things for him to make his life easier; cleaning up around his house, cooking him dinners, packing Christopher’s lunches in the mornings.

Once you get onto the boat, you both work to untie the ropes, and then you’re off. He wanted to drive, but you’re so excited that you won’t let him, insisting that you want to do it. He backs up with his hands raised in surrender, letting out a soft chuckle as he picks up on your eagerness.

You make your way out into the ocean, giggling as Eddie yells at you to slow down a little. You keep up the speed, knowing he’s only joking; you’re not going that fast, you’re just excited. After a while of speeding around and driving the boat over some other boat’s wakes, you finally slow down to a stop a good distance from the shore.

“We need sunscreen.” you tell him as you stand up. You pull your cover up off your body and then rummage through the beach bag to find the sunscreen, and Eddie’s mouth goes dry.

His eyes roam up and down your soft figure, feeling his dick twitch as you bend over to grab the sunscreen. If he thought the sight of you in your cover up was good, this sight is perfect. Without your cover up, most of your skin is completely exposed to him, and he takes this chance while you’re distracted to memorize your dips and curves, and your stretch marks, and the way your skin glistens with a mixture of sweat and miniscule ocean water droplets.

“I don’t need any. I don’t burn.” he tells you with a smirk once you stand back up. You scoff and roll your eyes, taking a few more steps until you’re right in front of him.

“And I guess you don’t get skin cancer either, huh?” you reply sternly, but with a hint of teasing in your voice. You gesture for him to put his arms out, and he obliges with a sigh, holding his breath as you spray his arms and chest. His eyes are locked on you as you begin to rub the sunscreen in, letting out a groan as you bite your lip in concentration.

As you spread the sunscreen over his chest with your hands, you can’t help the wave of desire rushing through you. You’ve always loved his chest, and with the way the sun is hitting it, illuminating his freckles and chest hair, it’s hard not to give in to your inappropriate desires.

Once you’re done you tell him to turn around, and then you spray his back and shoulders. You rub this sunscreen in as well, more or less giving him a shoulder massage as your hands trail across his skin. He lets out a groan as you do, because your hands feel good on his shoulders, but also because he can’t help but imagine something else you could be doing with your hands at the moment, your bikini not helping his wandering thoughts.

He takes the sunscreen from your hand after you’re done and sprays your front, licking his lips as he sees your chest move with your breathing. He rubs it in with his hands, starting on your arms before making his way to your chest. As his hands get closer to your breasts, you can’t help but let out a shaky breath as your eyes follow his movements. As he continues, his fingers move under your bikini top just slightly, making you giggle, as he’s now more or less massaging your tits.

“I don’t think this is necessary.” you tease him softly, looking back up at his face. His eyes move back up to meet yours, the smirk on his face growing.

“Can never be too careful, mi amor.” he murmurs, then moves down to your plush tummy, hands moving across your stretch marks. He smirks as his eyes follow his hands, mapping and memorizing every part of your body that he can.

You bite the inside of your cheek as his hands run over you. There’s a small voice in your head telling you that you shouldn’t let him see your curves, let alone touch them, but his touch is so tender and loving that you can’t bring yourself to care. You know that Eddie loves all of you, and at this moment, it feels like he’s putting all of his love into his soft touches.

Once he’s done, you turn around, letting him get your back. He rubs the sunscreen in again, moving down your shoulders to your back, taking his time as his hands roam over your curves. After he finishes, he leans in and kisses your neck softly, then gives your ass a firm smack.

You squeal in surprise, turning around to face him. Before you can speak, his lips are on yours, and his hands are pulling you into him by the hips.

You hum softly as he kisses you, tilting your head up to deepen the kiss as you wrap your arms around his neck. You step forward, making him step back until his legs hit the bench seat on the boat. You’re quick to push him to sit, then you straddle his lap, your hips immediately moving against his. He groans as he feels your clothed core against his hardening length, and his hands stay firmly on your hips to help guide your movements.

Your hands are on his face, but soon they’re trailing down his chest to his swim trunks, starting to fiddle with the string. His hips buck as he feels your hands ghosting over him, but as you’re about to move your hand under his waistband, a large gust of wind takes you out of your thoughts.

Your hands still as you look up at the sky, then your gaze trails down to the waves surrounding the boat. You squeal as you jump off his lap, which makes him groan in annoyance, but he lets you pull him up anyway.

“We have to go in the water. The wavy days are the best days to swim.” you tell him with a wide grin, making your way over to the swim platform on the back of the boat. He tries to calm down as he makes his way over to you, his shorts still tight, his hard length rubbing against the fabric tantalizingly.

He chuckles as you jump in, shaking his head as you resurface with a large smile, urging him to come in. He gets to the swim platform and inhales a large breath as he raises his arms over his head right before he dives in, making you laugh at his dramatics.

Once he resurfaces, you swim over to him, wrapping your legs around his waist once he’s beside the ladder and has a hand firmly wrapped around it. His other hand moves to the back of one of your thighs, squeezing it softly as he holds you against him. You wrap one arm around his neck and hold the ladder with your other hand, not wanting him to have to tread water with your added weight, even though his grip on the ladder means he barely has to tread water at all.

He takes in your features as you wrap yourself around him. Your lashes resting on your cheeks, small drops of water clinging to them, your lips parted slightly as you breathe, the sunscreen you picked making your skin glimmer in the sun. You were very excited when you found sunscreen with glitter in it, and although he was a little embarrassed to be wearing it, he loved the way it looked on your skin.

As you float in the water, the wind picks up more and more, until the waves are basically coming up and over your heads. You giggle as you try to keep yourself above the water, eyes scanning the waves around you. When you turn back to face Eddie, you see that he can barely keep his head above the water; him being slightly lower than you are with your legs around his waist.

“We should get out before these waves get any bigger.” you tell him softly, and he nods in agreement. You unwrap your legs from his waist, and he moves his hand from the back of your thigh to the small of your back, urging you to go up the ladder first. He’d be lying if he said he wasn’t staring at your ass the whole time, but as the waves get larger, he pushes his impure thoughts to the side and pulls himself onto the boat.

As both of his feet land on the swim platform, a large wave hits the side of the boat, making it rock more than it has been. Still being wet, his foot slips, making him tumble back into the water. You turn as you hear the noise escape his throat and the splash, having already been drying yourself off with a towel, feeling the harsh wind stealing all the warmth from your body.

You laugh softly, but your smile fades as it takes him a little longer than expected to resurface. Your towel drops to the floor as you make your way to the platform, letting out a shaky breath as he finally comes back up. Your relief only lasts for a moment, however, as his head disappears under the water again, and all you can see is his hands flailing slightly above the water.

He was surprised when he slipped, and he didn’t have time to think before he inhaled a large breath as he hit the water. He feels his lungs tightening as he tries to resurface, but the water had went down the wrong way when he inhaled, and he can’t stop coughing as he’s still under the water.

You dive in, swimming over to him and grabbing him under the arms, heart dropping as you feel his body go limp as he passes out. You struggle to keep his head above the water as you bring him to the ladder, but you eventually get there, your legs already burning as you fight the waves. You loop his arm through a rung on the ladder to keep him in place, and jump onto the swim platform, then grab under his arms again and hoist him onto the swim platform. You don’t even think about how the hell you just did that, your adrenaline working in overdrive and allowing you to do something you think you’d never be able to do in a regular circumstance.

You start to give him CPR, chest heaving as you work. The seconds feel much longer as you keep working, watching him intently, hoping that he’ll wake up. You push down on his chest hard, keeping the required rhythm. Tears forming in your ears as he still lays motionless in front of you.

“Come on, my love.” You bring your mouth to his, giving him two short breaths, your tears falling onto his face as you move. You repeat your steps, mumbling soft pleas as you work, until finally, he lets in a big breath.

His eyes shoot open, and then he starts to cough loudly, water falling from his lips. You push him onto his side quickly, rubbing his back as he continues to cough. You know that once he’s coughing, there’s nothing much you can do but wait.

Once most of the water is out of his system, he sits up slowly, a groan falling from his lips. You’re torn. While you know you should give him some space, you want more than anything to hold him close to you.

After a few moments, when his breathing has slowed down a little, he looks up at you. He takes in your tear stained cheeks and your nervous expression, and he grabs your hand, silently pulling you towards him gently.

“I don’t know what I would’ve done if you didn’t wake up.” you get out through sobs, your tears flowing freely as you wrap your arms around his neck gently, the gravity of the situation suddenly hitting you all at once. He shushes you quietly, placing his hand on the back of your head. “It’s okay, mi amor. I’m right here. I’m not going anywhere.” You sniffle softly at his words, letting out a short laugh as you pull away.

“I should be comforting you.” you mumble, laughing softly as you look at him, still kneeling beside him.

He smiles softly and leans in to give you a tender kiss, a hand resting on your cheek. You pull back after a moment and stand up, offering him your hand to help him up.

“We should get back to land before the waves get any worse.” you joke softly, but there’s a hint of seriousness in your voice. Right now, you want to get as far away from the ocean as possible. He agrees and stands up, taking a seat on the bench seat as you start up the engine and make your way back to the marina.

The water is much calmer once you’re back in the marina, and you easily tie up the boat again, not letting him do a thing. You grab all the bags and the cooler and start to make your way to his truck, ignoring his insistence that his arms still work. You get in the driver’s seat of his truck once the bags are in the back, wanting him to rest on the way back to his house.

“I’m never going near the ocean again.” you mumble after a few minutes, reliving the moment over and over again. Your brain is racing with all the things that could’ve happened, but his hand reaching over to rest on your thigh helps slow it down slightly.

“Honey, I’m fine. We’re both trained in CPR, which I wasn’t aware of. Where did you learn that, by the way?” His eyes are focused on you, frowning at your expression. He can tell your brain is running on overdrive, and he really doesn’t want you to worry about him. He knows it’s not necessarily his fault, but he also feels a little bad; all you wanted to do was show him a good day on the boat.

“High school. It was part of a class.” you reply, glancing over at him as you try to stay focused on the road. Your hands are still shaking slightly, and for a second you’re not sure if you should be driving, but the option of him driving isn’t one you’re willing to allow.

“Well, I’m glad for that. But, we’re not staying away from the ocean. Actually, I think we should go out next weekend too. If your friend will let us.” He remembers when Christopher was scared of the ocean after the tsunami, and he knows that it’ll be better for you to not avoid the beach.

“You’re that eager to get back out there?” you ask, your brows furrowed as you keep your eyes on the road. You can’t imagine why he’s saying what he’s saying. If it were you, you’re not sure if you’d ever want to see water again, let alone go in it.

“I like seeing you in a bikini, mi amor. I’d say the view is worth dying for.” He purrs, squeezing your thigh softly. You feel your cheeks heat up as you try to fight back a smile, but as you look at him out of the corner of your eye, you can’t help the smile that erupts on your face.

“I love you.” you speak after a few moments of silence, turning to look at him as you stop at a stop sign down the street from his house.“I love you.” he replies, meeting your gaze. And he really means it. He loves everything about you, and seeing you in a bikini was definitely worth everything that happened today.

notes: likes/comments/reblogs would be much appreciated if you liked this<33

click here for my masterlist!

click here to be added to my taglist!

click here to read my request rules!

taglist: @sherlocksbaby2323 @essienoe @p14th0mps0n @celestixldarling @minsugafour @brooke0297 @zelfanswhenshecan @sarahsmi13s @relatednative @avengersgirllorianna @bingbongsupremacy @nishinoyahhh @alyssanicole01 @outof-spite @supernatural-bangtanboys @sporadicmakerwerewolf @x0xchristine @pear-1206 @swanshells @tpwkstiles @lulubelle14 @cannibalhellhound @odetolocksmiths @charlie-winchester94 @hollandxxmix @evysian @buckandeddiesverison @love-kha1 @starbyun92939798 @maxinish @officiallyalbino @wanniiieeee @dreams-encapsulated-in-glamour @keyweegirlie @catkight @theking-mustdie @daeswash @911varietyposts @superlock-in-the-tardis @(if you interacted with my taglist post and are not on this list, make sure your blog is visible in searches or i can’t tag you!)

#911 abc #eddie diaz #eddie diaz x plus size!reader #eddie diaz x plus size reader #eddie diaz x reader #eddie diaz fic #eddie diaz imagine #eddie diaz oneshot #eddie diaz headcanon #911 x plus size!reader #911 x plus size reader #911 x reader #911 fic #911 imagine #911 oneshot #911 headcanon #plus size!reader #plus size reader

112 notes · View notes

inknopewetrust · 1 year ago

Text

𝚌𝚘𝚗𝚟𝚎𝚛𝚐𝚎𝚗𝚌𝚎

summary: you are recruited to the spider society after conducting a batch of vigilante actions against the men who killed your husband, miguel and well... their leader isn’t like the man you remembered.

pairing: miguel o’hara x spider-woman!reader [wc: 12.7k]

warnings: language. this has got everything: backstory, meeting, conflict, angst, sadness, tie-ins with the film, (i hope you're reading this in a stefon voice), ethical dilemmas, vigilante shit, violence, romantic love strains, etc., etc.

Manhattan was rainy. It was always rainy.

But let’s do this again, shall we?

The skyline was high. Muddled variants of blues and reds, the colors that had painted your life for a decade now. It was silly to imagine a world of color beyond that–it's all you knew, you had nothing left.

And all of that nothing was the consequences of the dealings of a few bad men.

You breathed in deep. They were right there, right below your feet.

Their laughter in their indifference to life was vexing. It made your blood broil and bubble to the surface where you thought your eyes may have been red and your grip on the stone building was onerous.

In the distance, police sirens blared across the city where crime did not take a backseat because their most treasure hero was rogue. People were in trouble but you saw cessation of hope with every second that passed and those in charge did nothing to avenge your husband.

Husband. Nevertheless, what you had was gone and never coming home to you. The least you could do was try to find the justice to be brought by your own hands.

"Nah, man..." One of the men–a blonde, high-tech worker from the east side of town–shook his head. "We can't go there. They've got cameras all over the place! Ain't no way we are gettin' out free."

"Well then we go downtown and hit one alongside the river. We'll set up a boat and get us to Brooklyn before they can even suspect anyone was there," another collaborator said. Blondie shook his head determined.

"You think Spider-Girl isn't gonna be waitin' for us?" He scoffed, scuffing his shoes against the pavement. You perched straighter as you peered down. Spider-Woman. It was Spider-Woman.

“She got Mikey last week, Simon two days ago… we don’t have much left and if you think robbin’ fuckin’ Wall Street is gonna save us, you’re wrong.”

A sensible criminal with blood on his hands. Nice.

“Besides, they got the police captain on her ass and while they’re out lookin’ for her, they won’t sweat the small stuff,” blondie pulled a black ski mask from his jacket.

“It’s now or never,” he slipped it on and walked to the door of the bodega on the corner. He held out his hand as if his friend was actually a true friend and not a piece to his own networked puzzle.

Your stomach turned and the sight made your spine tingle.

Outside on the sidewalk of the street in the rain of New York City, the two men who were left of the dirty dozen walked into the grocer with no intention to buy anything.

It hadn’t dawned on you that as you dropped to the pavement, you weren’t wearing your suit or mask.

The hub was quiet.

In this slick world, everything was silver and green and the headquarters were no different — yet too different for Peter to know that he wasn’t from this universe and always felt out of place.

A picture on desk that wasn’t his grounded him to a separate reality; one of love and hope and a small child’s laughter.

Spider-Byte’s was typing away on the keys beside him while he tapped away on the table top.

Nothing exciting had happened since the… glitch. It had been a long nine months without the glue that had put him back together.

That was until Spider-Byte’s computer started beeping in a manic fashion. It was a sound neither of them had heard before. A high pitched siren blaring loudly from a machine the the left of Peter, a button glowing red and flashing.

“Uh,” Peter pointed to the button, “you got any clue what that’s about?”

Spider-Byte shook her head as she pulled up a database on a screen. Her tech hands glided over the keys like music, fluid and fast and working with a purpose.

“Some system Miguel’s got here,” she muttered and Peter attempted to cover the small speaker beside the button with his hand—it didn’t work.

“Where is he? He said he’d be right back and now we’re facing the end of the wor—“

“I doubt this is the end of the world, Peter!” Spider-Byte cut him off harshly. “Now would you be useful and go find Miguel?”

As the dutiful Spider-Person he was, Peter rushed out of the central lair and into the bright white halls of the headquarters. Everyone he passed he asked the same question:

“Hey! You’ve seen Miguel anywhere?”

“Yo! Seen the big man around?”

He slid up to a group of variant Julia Carpenters as they sipped on coffee in the cafeteria. Peter gave them a sly smirk, trying to be cool, and snapped his fingers.

“Have any of you seen the boss today? Looking fine as usual.”

Synchronized, the Julia’s pointed to the empanada station and sure as shit, there was Miguel, talking with the vender who yes, just happened to also be a Spider-Man.

“Miguel!” Peter screeched from the table and Miguel’s mind went soured. A violent jolt to his instincts as the new father came barreling toward him.

“¡At no…!” Miguel mumbled to himself as Peter skidded to a halt, dropping his hand on Miguel’s shoulder with a clunk.

“Hey, Boss! Whatcha… watcha doin’ out here?” Peter chuckled nervously and Miguel narrowed his eyes. “You said you’d be right back.”

“I did,” Miguel drawled. “I told you five minutes and it’s only been three, Peter.”

Peter laughed, glancing around the space as confused gazes began to pick up on the pebbles of sweat that dripped from his temple.

“Oh! You don’t say?”

“What’s so impo—“ Miguel began but never finished. Lyla appeared out of thin air with a casual urgency unlike Peter’s frantic one.

“We’ve got a doozy here for ya, boss.”

With Lyla, everything came to life smoothly. As she snapped her fingers, holograms of screens appeared like magic and on them, an un-masked, Spider-Woman was beating the shit out of thieves in a bodega.

“Jesus,” Peter whispered to himself.

“He doesn’t come here,” Miguel replied without a smile nor a chuckle but it took Peter back.

Miguel was watching the woman carefully. This Spider-Woman was not apart of the society and was actively doing what no Spider-Person should do. However, Miguel knew the actions. He felt them deep within his bones and the mistakes he had made as a newly minted Spider-Man 2099.

“Name’s Y/n L/n… a former nurse who got mixed up in a bad batch of blood for a transfusion. This isn’t the first time we’ve been alerted about her,” Lyla debriefed and Miguel snapped.

“What do you mean, ‘not the first time?’”

“These are a group of men she’s been targeting. It’s got to do with her,” Lyla cleared her throat that was nonexistent, “canon event.”

“We have to bring her in,” Miguel began walking away from Peter and Lyla followed. “I am NOT having some vigilante shit show up on this doorstep. Peter, get Jess, brief her and get a day pass to bring along.”

“Miguel,” Peter wagered, “what if this is associated with her canon? What if she’s just an anti-hero in her world?”

“She’s not,” Lyla piped back in. “She’s a hero, hero. And this isn’t part of her canon event. You’ve gotta know how grief moves people?”

Miguel grunted, Peter sighed.

“Get Jess. I’ll wait for you,” Miguel pushed on Peter’s shoulder to send him the other way.

Once alone and down the winding halls near the center of the headquarters, Lyla spoke again perched on Miguel’s shoulder.

“Miguel, I think there’s something you should know?”

“Know what, Lyla?” Miguel’s attitude had always been sour—she had been there from his creation and it never changed. He never truly smiled, he never truly laughed.

Miguel O’Hara was a tough nut to crack in a world full of people who lived off joy and laughter.

But she could feel the sensations radiating off of him. Those strident lines of afflictions that were masked by the way he covered his face. The tense nature of his shoulders as he walked further and further away but closer to a person he’d never thought to face again.

It felt like an intrusion all over again.

“You know what, Lyla?”

“I know what you’re thinking,” she defended, hologramed hand squeezing his shoulder. “But there are a million Peter’s and Gwen’s and MJ’s out there.”

“This isn’t her,” Miguel huffed. “She would never do this.”

“But she is, Miguel… and her canon event is you.”

“So a possible disruption?”

“It’s already happened,” Lyla explained, giving immediate explanation to your actions. Miguel did not know you in this way, but he could imagine why such feelings would manifest in violence.

“Good, good.”

Lyla scoffed, hopping to her feet. “I wouldn’t say it’s ‘good,’ boss. You died in her world. You were married in her world. I think she’s gonna wanna slap you for even existing in another timeline.”

“Why?” Miguel quirked a brow. “You know her or something? Keeping secrets from me now?”

To save her, Peter and Jess entered the lair with their bands glowing. Lyla simply shrugged and disappeared before they jumped into an Earth that would feel like they own but be nothing like it.

“Miguel," Jess was already shaking her head. Three months pregnant and still doing work, both Peter and Miguel would not be surprised if the child arrived wearing a suit of their own. "There's no anomaly there–there hasn't been a case in that world of a villain glitching from another."

"It's not about the bad guys," Miguel walked toward them to meet them in the middle. "What she's doing no Spider-Person has done before and what's the purpose of a society if we don't help one of our own?"

Lyla appeared between the three ready to open the portal.

"One last thing, folks!" She walked around casually glowing and pushed up her heart shaped glasses to her hairline. "She's not wearing her suit - so if you don't work fast, her identity will be known to the public and well! We just can't have that, can we?"

"Fantastic!" Peter complained as Miguel opened up the portal. "They are a bit suffocating really, if you asked me."

"Well we didn't," Miguel gruffed.

"What's her name? Just Spider-Woman?" Jess asked. "Should we just yell 'Hey! Spider-Woman! Stop it! You're actually a good person!'"

"Y/n. Her name is Y/n and don't freeze up when you see her, alright bud? Alright! See you all when you get back! Have fun!" Lyla waved, patting Miguel's leg as she walked the floor and disappeared once more.

Stretching out his legs, Peter did not miss the glare Miguel gave Lyla. His eyes cold and hardened; he knew so little of this leader but felt he knew so much. Miguel wasn't like the other Spider-People and well, he assumed perhaps you were not either.

Peter missed that he should have recognized your name.

He had been there with Miguel when the other world collapsed.

"Anything else you wanna tell us, boss?" He pushed. Miguel shook his head and slipped on his mask in more ways than one.

"She's disturbing her own canon by going rogue. I'm not going to let her destroy it because she's... upset."

Jess laughed and Miguel was indignant. "If she's a bad egg, she's a bad egg, Miguel. You can't save everyone."

"She's not a bad one!" Miguel scolded her, pointing out toward the darkness of the portal. "She's not supposed to do this and we need to fix this! Y/n is good!"

Peter smirked, wiggling his brows. He could sense Miguel's anger muddled with a nervous fear he never had. "Y/n, Miguel... first name basis already and we haven't even met her. You move fast, don't you?"

"Oh, you are so fucking annoying! She was my wife!"

Peter's eyes nearly popped out of their sockets. "Oh no! Not again, nope!"

"She doesn't exist in this world anymore, Peter," Earth 928, "and in another timeline, she's taken the mantle."

Jess jutted her hip out as the whirring of the portal loomed over them. "So you exist in her's too then? This won't be too confusing. It's just like Peter and MJ or Gwen in the thousands of realities that exist."

"Sure, sure," Miguel said. "But there are only three realities where she exists and," he cleared his throat as he looked down the portal, "this is the last one left."

"We shouldn't risk it. We can't collapse another world."

"We won't collapse it."

"How do you know that?" Peter questioned. There was always a level of selfishness when it came to those someone loved most.

"I just... I just know! You're not in charge here, Peter. If I don't have any hesitations right now, then neither can you."

"Well then," Peter strutted through the portal and turned around before his body was completely gone, "Let's go get us another Spidey then, yeah?"

And he saluted Miguel and Jess before jumping in.

"You've been monitoring her world?" Jess asked and Miguel looked to his feet. She had never seen him so bashful. Never one to make a scene of rash emotional actions, the causation would need

"I watch over many worlds."

"Yeah but come on," She dug, "this is a lot different than those worlds. You know her."

"I don't know her," Miguel defended himself and took a step further into the portal. "She isn't my wife. She's just a version of her that I don't know."

"Mhm," Jess hummed and drummed on her arm as they remained crossed from the moment Miguel said you were his wife. "Let's go meet her then. Then you can go on and on about how she's everything you remember but not the same."

And she walked through the portal before she disappeared to leave Miguel alone.

With clenched fists, Miguel breathed in deep and appeared in a reality he promised never to interfere with.

Inside of the bodega, the two men bartered with one another in the aisle. They looked to be two friends having a conversation in the middle of the shop but their intentions were not pure.

The bell above the door rang as you entered. Shoulders and hair wet from the rain, the cashier paid you no mind as he changed the station on his portable radio sat on the counter.

There were three civilians inside. One, the cashier who was oblivious and that is the sole reason these thugs decided to hit the bodega. An 'easy' target to get in and out. Two, a woman who was going grey at her temples. And three, a teenage kid with untied sneakers.

You ducked behind a shelf as you watched them in the aisle beside you. Between the chips and pretzels they concocted their idiotic plan in the presence of innocent people as they always did–it was how their bank robbery disaster went sideways six months ago.

When civilians are present, one of them will always try and become the hero. It is what Miguel did and now he's six feet under in a cold box.

"Excuse me, Miss," the older woman pointed to the bag of chips that your hand was resting on. She turned your attention away from the men. "Could I get one of those? I don't mean to be a–"

The men began to make their moves and you were distracted by the woman. She had kind eyes. Easy and familiar and a familial feeling to them as she waited patiently for you to move.

"Yes, yes," you replied as you got out of her way. "Sorry."

You didn't know why you apologized. Maybe you felt sorry she found herself in this bodega at an hour such as this.

"No worries, dear." The boy wasn't far from her either. He was shuffling through a freezer looking for a drink that wasn't there.

As she grabbed onto the bag, the radio dropped to the floor and turned off. It startled everyone inside and the cashier filled the silence with his desperate pleas.

"Oh my," his jaw chattered, "please... I don't have anything.... I-I-I I've gotta lot of student lo-o-oans and I really n-need this job."

He was staring into a silver barrel of a gun by the hands of the blonde who orchestrated everything. The older woman screeched behind you and the freezer door slammed shut with a "oh hell no!" following its thud.

You imagined the fear they felt was the same Miguel felt that day. Sitting there, hostage on the bank floor with a check to cash from his mother for his birthday.

The check was in evidence splattered with his blood.

In the neon light of the bodega, you made a choice to never let that happen again.

The cashier kept muttering whole-hearted pleas and the friend reached over the counter to open the register's drawer but it was locked.

"Unlock it!" Blondie ordered, shaking the gun closer and closer to the cashier who looked close to wetting himself. Behind you, the older woman crouched to the floor began praying to herself.

"Unlock it now, you son-of-a-bitch! You wanna end up on the floor? Open it!"

The cashier, who now you realized had a name badge on that read 'Max', began to reach for the keys that were hooked onto the counter.

Fear in his eyes, anticipation in theirs, anger in yours.

Anger always caused the tides to turn.

You reached your hand forward in a quick motion and the web that released itself from your wrist snatched the keys from the hook. Max flew backwards in a jolt of despair and the barrel was soon pointed at you.

"Oh you have got to be kidding!" Blondie screeched and fired a shot. He missed. It was sent right into a chip bag and exploded them all over the floor. You tossed the keys to the older woman and went for the gun.

Like child's play, the gun flew across the bodega and into your palm to be crushed like a piece of fruit. It was still hot from being fired and its pieces crumbled to the floor.

"What the fuck–" the woman stuttered.

"So," Blondie spoke and you hated his tone. Condescending and mighty. "Spider-Woman has a face..."

This friend pulled a bracelet from his pocket that lit up green. It glowed as brightly as the neon signs in the window blurred by the rain.

"She does," you replied. "And it will be the last face you see."

He laughed. They always did. It was an inescapable pattern of dealing with enemies who thought they would win. They never did, and they all thought the same way.

"Is that so? I would really hate to have the Bugle's headline to read: Spider-Woman killed innocent civilians at the 6th street Bodega." He let out a series of tisks with a shake of his head. "Who knew heroes could be so bad?"

He looked to his friend. "Herman..."

The friend, Herman, locked eyes on you and approached quickly and with a heavy hand charging with the green of the gauntlet. You could hearing the whirring and the loading of the power.

Instead of moving out of the way, you turned and pushed the older woman away. She slid on the slick floor into a corner with her bag of chips still in her hand.

The shock hit you with a staggering power. It blew you backwards into an ice freezer in the back of the store. As you landed on the ground, the woman whimpered in the corner and the boy caught your eye underneath a table by the restrooms.

He couldn't have been more than fifteen.

And he wasn't going to die today.

So, you got back on your feet and brushed off your jacket. The residual sting of the shock began to wear off and the men looked at you with a challenge.

"Who knew fighting the Spider would have been so easy?" Blondie laughed. "Where were you when we started? It would have been a much more fair fight."

"Busy," you spat.

"Huh," he hummed with a nod of his head. It was like he was trying to clock you–the way his eyes squinted and he tilted his head just a bit higher than it normally would have been. "Say, have we met before?"

"I'm sure I would remember. This is certainly a pleasurable encounter."

Blondie didn't let the words sting. You weren't a Spider who stung with a bite.

"I've seen your face before..."

"Maybe I just have one of those faces," you quirked a brow and Herman charged his gauntlet again. "Is this the worst you can do? Threaten a few innocents and have your friend do all the work? What happened to real criminals, huh?"

"Funny," he walked like a villain. Hands in his pockets, shoes scuffing the floor. "I've heard that one before." His mind raked the last time he heard that.

"Well it must say something about you then."

Herman went to shock again and you shot a web at him. He went soaring into a wall, head hitting it hard.

"I know!" He snapped his fingers like a lightbulb went off inside. Clarity now in a world filled of unclear ways. "I've seen your picture before."

"So what?" You matched his movements as he moved toward the center of the store. Every tight aisle blocked your view like a shutter.

"'Is this the worst you can do?' Someone told me that a short time ago. A man who tried to get in my way."

Miguel.

He was at the bank. He had his check ready, he was at the counter. Miguel had his wallet out and prepared.

He had a photo in his wallet.

"And I think you know how that turned out for him. But here's the thing, Spider-Woman... I don't hate the idea of having that same fate met you tonight. I imagine being so deep underneath the ground it gets a little lonely."

He stopped at the center, so did you.

"I think it's time for you to join him."

But all you saw was red.

There was an intense pulsing pressure inside of the bodega. You weren't sure how much time had passed as your fist dug deeper and deeper into the man who spoke too much and had little to act upon.

Whimpers of those left inside were deferred. The begging of his friend fell on deaf ears.

In the corner beside the three civilians–the woman, teen, and cashier–a glowing hexagonal portal opened to the dimension in which they lived. It hummed like a freezer and moved like something from the cinema they watched last year but instead of aliens appearing from the abyss, three people emerged no different than the way they walked.

They were people, human. Three Spider-People in a world that already had a Spider-Woman.

In their perspective the heroes were welcome. They were terrified and huddled within one another as one robber was webbed to the wall and the other was being beaten to a pulp by a woman with super-human strength.

"Peter," Miguel motioned to the civilians in the corner, "get 'em out of here."

The humble servant Peter was, he acted quickly. His nervous high-pitched voice soothing their fears with panic and disbelief that three masked people walked through a portal as though it was any other day.

"Get the man down, Jess," Miguel pointed to the guy webbed to the wall. Jess tipped her head to the side with an amused, sly grin on her face as he wept. Chick's a badass, she thought.

A violent one at the moment, albeit, but a badass nonetheless.

Fist hovered in the air, you went rigid as the sensations coursed through you. A striking feeling that felt more like a severe headache that came on too quickly, the immense pressure your body suddenly took on wasn't unfamiliar.

You had felt them before. It happened when something in the air changed. When something you knew could disappear or when time was suddenly running short. There was no term for it nor did any other person in this world feel what you felt.

The man below you gurgled. It was, just like the sensation, a sound that awoken something within you. It cleared the vision from red to reality and suddenly the harsh lighting of the bodega and the reflections of the neon signs on the linoleum filled in the edges.

"Shit," you stammered as your grip on his body lessened with every second.

Those consistent strums of radiating itching went from the top of your head to the base of your skull. A humming in the distance turned into a whirring sound that was too extraneous to come from a small place such as this one.

In an instant, the aluminum window covers were pulled from the ceiling by a pair of red, glowing lines reminiscent of webs. It shut out the outside world and the rain that had been pouring down for hours. The neon lights no longer reflected themselves on the flooring.

A hero, a villain... at some point those had all become the same to you.

The ideas that propelled them to act were all based in something that made them feel passionate enough to target an opposing force. When a hero turns to the fragmented middle of the road and balances the line of enemy and friend, the revelations of such shame grow from a deeper place of pain.

"Let him go."

The voice in your head sounded so much like Miguel.

And once your senses stopped going wild, your heart lept into your throat at the thought.

You buried him. You buried him six feet under.

The door to the bodega's alley opened and closed.

"Come on," the voice said again, "let him go and we can clean up this mess."

"Stop," you mumbled, shutting your eyes as your fists clenched the man's jacket harder. The one that had been in the air dropped to his chest. It was wet with the mixture of sweat and blood.

"Stop it please. Please stop it."

"Those civilians are gonna go get the police," his voice was low. It was that kind of voice that Miguel would use to talk you down from a nightmare–or maybe what this dimension had made you.

"And when they get here, what do you think they're gonna do when they see you sittin' over him?"

"Stop talking, stop talking, stop talking–" you repeated again and again. A thud in the distance set the blonde's friend on the floor and a web kept him in place once more.

"Boss they're gonna take her," another voice, not one you had ever head before filled the room and suddenly you were terrified that it wasn't voices you were hearing in your head. "We gotta bring her back with us."

"Alright! Three darling innocents saved again by, you guessed it," a far too cheerful voice added to the collection, "me."

You were curled into yourself over the blonde. Peter saw a woman, not dressed in a traditional uniform, use her powers for bad. But he saw the destruction of the man and knew that it wasn't from sheer wickedness.

He had seen you care so much before. It had to come from a place of caring.

"Well," he cleared his throat, "this is... a lot." And then he blanched.

"Jess," Miguel motioned to your static figure. He turned around and walked away as if to say 'you got it.'

There was an inflection in his voice that made Jess bristle. She hated the tone; removed and vacant. He was already living a humorless existence and the idea that this dimension made you act this way fractured himself in a new way.

"You heard him," Peter went scouring the aisles, plucking a bag of dried beef from a shelf to shove his mouth with. "You got this!" He gave a half-hearted thumbs up.

So, Jess had this.

She didn't crouch down. She didn't attempt to place a hand on your shoulder or help clean off your hands.

Jess kneeled on the other side of the man and your distant eyes met hers to know you weren't alone. You weren't alone in your pain and you certainly weren't alone in this world.

Your first thought was that she was pretty. Your second thought was that this woman was pregnant and that made you sad.

"Looks like you've gotten yourself in a bit of a mess," she spoke quietly but acted quickly. She placed her fingers on the pulse of the man.

He was breathing.

"Who are you?"

"Name's Jess."

"Jess," you repeated, "and Jess comes from...?"

She saw your lip tremble, eyes welling with tears. Jesus, she thought, she wasn't ready to be a mother if she couldn't deal with a thirty-something spider-woman who happened to be Miguel's wife in three different dimensions.

"Earth–404."

"Earth?"

"You felt that, right?" She motioned to her head, mimicking a tingling sensation with her fingertips. You nodded.

"Well, a lot of us have it... and I mean people like you and me... and I know it makes no sense, but if you can fight mutant enemies, maybe you can imagine there are other worlds out there."

"Like planets?" You sniffed and your hands began to shake. Everything bubbling to the surface of pain and anger. "You're from another planet?"

"Not really, but kinda, sure," she agreed for your sake.

"And your friends?"

"Different planets too."

You breathed in a shaking breath. Somewhere in the distance, you could hear the sirens begin to blare. It may have been 10 blocks or 6 blocks, but they were coming and they were coming in fast.

"Now," Jess cleared her throat, "it looks like you've gotten yourself in a little situation that needs a bit of help."

Jess was the most sympathetic she had ever been. The way your hands shook, your tiredness expanded beyond you. Maybe it was the fact she knew what made you go off the deep end that made her feel more thoughtful.

"They, um-"

"It's ok," Jess said and didn't let you finish. "We just need to get you somewhere safe, ok? Me and my friends can help you."

The sheen in your eyes was cloudy. Face wet and brushed with splatter of a man who was not yours, there was a lifeline to get you out of here and you had to take it.

You shook your head softly before it became more frantic. "I don't have anyone to go to... I don't have anyone."

"You do," her hand hovered over the man's body as Peter came back and lowered himself beside Jess. "You're gonna have a whole group behind you if you let us help."

"We'll get you all cleaned up and then introduce you. There is a whole universe of us out there."

"Us?"

"Spider-People?" He questioned, brows furrowed. Jess hadn't been explicit.

"A society," she drew back from Peter. "Like myself and Peter," indirectly introducing him, "and you and–" she stopped short.

"And you want me there?"

"Yeah," Peter said. "I mean, we could use some more badass Spider-Women around."

"But I–"

"Don't worry about all this, alright? We all have our moments."

Peter reached out his hand for you to take. There was a certain level of hesitancy you felt; perhaps it was a trick or maybe you were trapped in another nightmare. But Peter gave a small smile. He gave off a warmth that Jess had exuded and made you nearly forget that there were three voices and not their two.

You took Peter's hand.

The man was breathing, he would live even if he didn't deserve to. The sirens were no more than 3 blocks away.

"You gonna need one of these," Jess held out her hand to reveal a rubber bracelet.

"A day pass," she explained, "to help you adjust."

"Adjust?"

"It's better to ask fewer questions," Peter scrunched his face. "Less confusion for you."

You slipped on the bracelet.

"We good here?"

It was that voice again, the one from the back of your head.

"We gotta go. Time is ticking."

Except this voice wasn't the back of your head now that you've realized there were others in this bodega. As you rose from the floor and began walking as Jess led the way, the friend was passed out on the floor and a glowing hexagonal portal was lingering in the back of the store.

The sounds, the sensations... it meant something.

"All good, Boss. The robbers will live."

The man in the blue suit–from what you could tell–nodded and looked in your direction but said nothing. There was something in your body that was sending alarm bells to your mind but you ignored them.

They weren't like the sensations you had felt before. These were different in a way you couldn’t explain.

“Right let’s, ah,” he hesitated as his hands rested on his hips. You looked at him and he looked away. “Get moving then.”

“What’s going to happen when I go through that thing?” You pointed to the portal.

He didn’t look at you. He couldn’t look at you. All he saw was his wife who used to laugh at his corny jokes and rest her head on his shoulder in bed. He saw, in one dimension, the mother of his child and he saw a happy, generous nurse who loved her job.

But when he looked at you know, part of that image was shattered.

You were a little bit broken and a little bit worn down by the world you lived in. You had blood-splattered clothing and tear stained cheeks and it was enough to make his heart ache more than it already did.

“It will pop you out just where we want you,” Peter said as he took a step into the portal and his body began to glitch with the moving sphere around him. “Just walk in and it will do the rest.”

“And it’s safe?”

“So far, yeah!” And he ran off before he disappeared.

“I’ll see you there, alright?” Jess turned to you, then looked at Blue before giving a smile that was as flat as a dead man’s heart beat.

She walked in just as suave as she came.

Suddenly, it was just the two of you and it felt strange.

There were so many feelings lingering that you couldn’t grasp onto. The air was comfortable but hesitant; there was a barrier of distrust and burden, but one that itched to reach out a hand to help.

“You know,” you sniffed back a chuckle, “I half thought I was crazy for a second.”

“About what?” He asked. “The fact that you almost killed a man or the portals? Both are equally crazy.”

In any other circumstance you would have thought he was being sarcastic.

You shook your head. You were beginning to feel the weight of your actions.

“I thought I heard voices… a voice in my head.”

“Mhm.”

“Yeah,” you glanced at the portal.

A lull. The whirring of the portal, the sounds of police cars went mute when you looked back. Blue was looking at you but you couldn’t see his eyes. You couldn’t see a thing and indeed, you didn’t know his name.

Blue.

Miguel’s favorite color was blue.

“Thank you,” you said earnestly. “For coming here. I think I’m still a bit shell-shocked,” you laughed and he knew you were, “but maybe I was waiting for this… I don’t know.”

“It’s our job.”

Blue was done with the conversation at that point. He walked to the portal, his body glitching just like Peter and Jess’s did.

“Come on,” he motioned to you.

“What’s your name? The other two—they introduced themselves.”

“Spider-Man.”

“That’s not your name.”

He let out a huff. “You wanna be caught by the police? Fine.” He began walking again and the glitching became more erratic.

“Who’s to say you’re all not some group of aliens trying to kidnap me? At least the other two looked like me!”

His patience too was skating on thin ice.

“Come on, kid, let’s go.”

Maybe you weren’t crazy.

“What did you just say?”

He turned his body back to you and walked out of the portal. On the precipice of where you stood just beyond and where he did, he towered over you.

“I’m giving you a chance here. You come with me now or you’re dead here.”

“Kid. You said ‘kid.’ Why did you say that? Why did you say I was a kid?”

“I didn’t mean it like that, let’s go.” Like a rhythmic pattern, he turned back around.

“I’m not crazy. I know I’m not fucking crazy.” You sure as hell looked it. “Why did you say kid? Who told you to call me kid?”

“No one—“

A sudden banging on the door to the bodega caught the attention left in the room. Blondie started to gurgle, you stood steadfast, and Blue was agitated.

You took a step into the portal. Progress.

“Nobody calls me kid, no one. Why won’t you tell me your name? Who the hell are you people? Who are you?”

“We don’t have time for this!” The way he said your name that followed was one you had heard a million times.

It was just like Miguel used to say.

“Take off your mask.” You demanded and stepped further again.

“Take off your fucking mask or I’m stepping out of this goddamn thing and going to prison.”

The police began to feverishly hit the glass with their batons.

“Take it off,” you begged, “please. Please let me see you.”

And how could he say no to his wife who begged so mercilessly?

There was a time where you replayed that moment over and over in your mind.

You could still feel the way your breath caught in your chest. An immense wave of emptiness washed from you and filled with a jittery dismay that had no outlet.

His eyes were no different; the way his lips sat and his brow furrowed.

You felt the silent shed of tears mask your face before the glass breaking set Miguel moving toward you, grabbing your hand and pulling you through the portal.

His touch was the same.

And when he opened his mouth, what he sounded like was different from what he said and you were quick to realize that this Miguel was not your Miguel.

This Miguel despised people who lived happy lives.

This Miguel was mean and callous and demanding

This Miguel worked beyond reasonable hours and made being a Spider-Man his life’s purpose.

That was not your Miguel.

There was no making sense in that moment. You either believed it or you didn't and if you didn't, then they'd drop you back off in a world that had your face plastered on wanted posters and big screens in the middle of the city.

So you made sense of it and made some semblance of life within the four walls of the Spider Society headquarters with the Grade A asshole known as Miguel O'hara – not your husband.

The grief of that worked in waves. It came and went when life continued to move. It was strange to think that what brought you here, to this future, occurred one year ago.

Sat by a window looking out into an Earth that was not yours, you swung your legs as those thoughts crossed your mind. The chatter of a thousand Spider-people filled the space around you.

A thud sounded on the beam a few feet from you. Soft, nearly mute shoes tapping their way beside you. Green. The color of artificial grass in a children's playset, nearly blue.

"Watcha doing?"

There was never a moment of peace here. But you closed you eyes, sighed and a smile quirked on your lips.

"You daydreaming? I wonder what it's like out there..." Gwen Stacy joined the Spider-Society three months ago. "It looks so... contempo."

"Contempo? Where did you hear that?"

"I read you know," she tipped her head up in mock offense. "Kids do read when they're in school."

"Yeah, yeah," you brushed her off.

"So... what are you up to today? I was thinking we could monitor the dimensions with Jess and maybe catch a bad guy or two–" Gwen's fists mimicked boxing, "–and then Peter said he'd bring Mayday around–"

"Slow down," you chuckled. "I am up to nothing, thanks for asking and if that's what you want, sure."

Her eyes lit up when on most days they didn't.

"Really!?"

"Mhm, yeah, sure."

"Great!" Gwen got to her feet and wrung her hands. "Jess was in the control center so–"

"Control center?"

Gwen hummed, hands clasping behind her back comically.

"Yep! Just... chillin' by a screen. You know, she's got that baby on the way and all so we thought it'd be best to keep her inside for the time being and she doesn't like that but she said–" Gwen went on and on as the words came pouring out.

"Gwen."

"–that she would rather die than have to sit here and watch screens all day. I told Peter she would hate it and he agreed with me but sometimes he brings–"

"Gwen."

"–Mayday around just to cheer us up that we haven't gone on that many missions and its always well... you know... and we feel like we can't do anything to help out sometimes–"

"Gwen!" You shouted at her. She stopped her rambling; blue eyes wide and ears listening. "Just... take a breath, alright?"

"Sorry," she said sheepishly.

"You don't have to be sorry," a sharp breath steadied you. "I'm not going to go with you to the control room."

"Please," she begged. You imagined this is what it was like having a teenage daughter who wanted the most unattainable of things. "I promise it will be fine! Miguel's not even there so you don't have to worry about what he said last time!"

"That was three days ago, Gwen!"

"So what!?"

The last time was three days ago.

Ever since you arrived, it had been nothing but anger and hostility pushed toward you from him but you were not easy on him either. It was hard facing a piece of your past that had every connection but no foundation at the same time.

Earth 9591 was in ruins and the screens replayed the horrors of the people over and over. It was desolate. Earth was crumbling in on itself and a medieval Rhino had found itself in the mess as Earth 9591 Peter was on his last leg.

According to Miguel, this Peter was supposed to experience this.

"We can't just let him die, Miguel," you argued as he stood up on his platform above you and Peter. "There is a chance he could live and we're reducing him to nothing because of his goddamn canon?"

"We can't mess with it, you know that." Miguel's patience was running thin. "Every time we can't interfere you come here with the same argument and the answer is always no. It will always be no."

"Why?" You pushed. Sometimes just seeing his face now made you mad. The questions of why this Miguel got to live when your's didn't was something that constantly simmered within you.

"You plucked me from my Earth and brought me here so why can't we do that for him? He'd be healthy and safe here."

"This is supposed to happen to him," he huffed your name as he turned back to the screens. "Not every battle is going to be one that Spider-Man wins and if we mess with it, we threaten that whole dimension."

"Well it sure as hell looks like it's in a bit of trouble, boss," Peter let out a nervous chuckle.

"And so it is."

"But what of Rhino, hm?" He hated the way you rose your eyebrows in question. Every version of you did that. "That's not supposed to be his fate."

"One less villain we have to worry about."

You let out a frustrated groan. "When did you become so heartless? We save people here, Miguel. We don't let them suffer."

"I'm not heartless. I'm being realistic and the fact is that 9591 Peter isn't gonna live and his world will become uninhabitable. That is part of his canon, end of story."

"So my canon said to bring me here?" You asked, hands on your hips. Peter inched backwards from you because he could feel the rumblings of the volcano bubbling.

"Take me from my home and bring me here for what? To have another person go along with every decision you make? Newsflash, Miguel, that's not going to happen."

"Oh, really?" He laughed, sarcastically, and looked down at you from above.

"Yes, really. Maybe this canon bullshit is just that, bullshit. Maybe you made a mistake–"

"I didn't make a mistake," he defended loudly. "I am not letting other worlds get destroyed because of stupid decisions."

"So it's only a stupid decision when it's a reality that we both exist in?"

If Peter hadn't known any better this would have sounded like a fight between a married couple.

"That's not what I said," Miguel brought his hand to the bridge of his nose and squeezed. "We can't go around making those same mistakes. I am not putting any other lives in danger."

"But you did it when it benefitted you."

Miguel mumbled to himself up there. You couldn't hear. Peter took more steps back and Spider-Byte ducked behind her consul. Miguel's brown mop of hair slicked back with the motion of his hand.

"Well you would've liked that world too."

"I liked the one I was from."

God, some days he really disliked you.

At the same time, when Miguel looked down at you, he saw the wife he knew in a different capacity and it sent his mind spiraling. He didn't sleep, he barely took the time to care for himself because all he could think about was the dimensions of happiness that you both had and the one you've both found yourselves in now.

He hated that he loved the body of the woman he knew but couldn't fully trust the version of you that existed now.

"We're not going."

"Miguel,"

He lept from the platform and onto the level you stood on. Still as large as before, his shadow filled your space before he did and for some ungodly reason, the presence of this Miguel made your heart pump furiously as your husband had.

Miguel had that look in his eyes that made them appear red. Fist clenched at his sides and that same lingering sadness emitting from his person.

"Not another word."

He hated the challenge you took from him.

"Why is it ok that you took me from my dimension? To serve some sick purpose of remembering your wife?" You spat at him.

You were just like her... just a little more broken.

"I'm not her, Miguel."

"You think I don't know that?" His voice was nearly caught in his throat. "You think I don't know that you're not her? It's pretty goddamn obvious you're not her."

"Oh yeah?" Your voice was no different.

You hated when you fought with Miguel in your dimension and that didn't change in this one.

Peter thought he should look away.

"Well she's not here, is she?"

Miguel stared at you. He couldn't help the way his eyes moved over your face. He saw the same eyes, nose, and lips. You were his wife just as he was your husband.

"No," he said as a ghostly whisper, "she's not."

"And maybe I'm not like her but you're not like my Miguel either... so don't make this fall on me. I didn't ask to come here."

"You're here now," Miguel's voice was devoid of feeling. "So get used to the rules. We're not going."

And he stalked off with Peter following on his tail.

If you closed your eyes you could see fragments of Miguel. Now, however, this Miguel was beginning to eclipse those memories.

"Shit..." Spider-Byte snickered from behind her monitor. Her blue glow filling your vision as you looked at her. "I wouldn't take that, mama. I'd kick his ass."

Miguel wasn't there. He was off saving a dimension because canon was all that mattered and Jess was monitoring that other universes just as Gwen had said.

It was a relief.

So, you sat back and watched as Jess and Gwen flipped through the different footage from the dimensions that either lit up red for an anomaly or maintained green for a perfect balance.

Jess flipped through them quickly. Every world passing by your face within a second of seeing the light on the panel turn green. The few instances of red sent her pressing on a communication button before Gwen could complain that she wanted to go out and fight.

Gwen lingered on worlds. She looked at the images as though she wished to be a part of them.

She hesitated moving on from a boy in a black suit just a second too long.

"Gwen?" You asked her as her hand hovered over the button. She was intently looking at him as he moved about the fire escape.

"Gwen?" You reached out a hand to shake her shoulder. She bristled out of her spell and pressed the button before you could ask any questions.

It would be several months later that you'd learn that the boy was the source of it all.

Miles Morales had heard a million versions of the same story.

It all began with a name and that named person being bit by a radioactive spider that magically gave them powers and they used them to save the world, or fight street crime, or kill mice (in the case of that Spider-Cat he saw in the lobby).

They were all the friendly, neighborhood hero that the world needed.

Until the collider messed with their functions and required a society such as this to take on a much larger purpose.

And Miles was taken aback.

He had never felt so seen sans the moment he walked through the doors of the complex. Every turn he made, a new Spider-Person was uniquely fit into their world so different than his own.

Within the chamber of villains from other dimensions, he saw a Spider-Woman without a suit.

"So people like, live here?" Miles asked Gwen who shrugged.

"Some do. We can stay for as long as we like and then go back to our dimensions when we need to."

"And suits are optional?"

Hobie turned around and gave Miles as questionable gaze.

"A uniform is binding, man," he told Miles. "Use what makes you comfortable."

Gwen nearly galloped ahead to the Spider-Woman with a digital portfolio. Miles saw the way Gwen's eyes lit up just as they did when they saw each other again.

Hobie was the one to introduce you. Your named rolled off his tongue like butter–so casual and cool in a way Miles did not believe he ever could be.

"She lives here," He explained. "Can't really go back to her dimension so she does a lot of cataloguing. The main man doesn't want her out of missions... you know," Hobie spun his finger near his forehead, "little crazy that one."

"I'm not crazy, Hobie," you called out as Gwen pointed toward your group.

"No, you're right," he corrected himself. "He's the crazy one."

"That's more like it," you smiled and Miles felt a boyish crush form in his stomach. "Hi Miles. I've heard a lot about you."

You did. Gwen had been giddy in the way she reminisced about her time with Miles. Even Peter put in his two-cents about the way he trained him and it went incredibly poorly for the greater part of their journey together.

You missed a good chunk of time by not being present when they all converged on the same dimension. It may have saved you from yourself.

"Hi," he waved back nervously.

The party kept walking with your addition. Beyond the orange cells of villains captured and waiting to be returned home, a center of technology he could dream of appeared in front of him.

It was just a tour.

Lyla appeared beside you.

"Miguel's hangry," she complained as she looked at her non-existent nail-beds.

"He's probably just angry."

"No," she shook her bob, "it's the hangry kind. You should have the kid pick up something for him... a gift."

"Gift," you chuckled. Miles looked so green. He was amazed by the technology of the go-home-machine that you weren't sure how he would react when he reached the hub. Walking through all of the test technology before going to Miguel's station... he'd be on cloud nine.

"He'll be expecting the party soon."

"I'll stay behind."

You were certain Miguel would be able to hear this conversation but Lyla had a mind of her own–she was artificial after all.

"You should come with. Miles could use your perspectives."

"What perspectives?" This was the longest conversation you had ever held with her. "Oh, Miles," you mimicked, "don't beat criminals to a pulp... um, don't let your anger get the best of you... don't kill people.... yeah, good advice."

"I meant a motherly figure here."

"I'm not a mother, Lyla. Besides, he's got Jess for that."

Lyla glitched to the other side of you. "Jess hasn't taken to him like she did you and Gwen."

"He's got Peter."

"But he could use you too."

You gave a tight-lipped hum.

"Or," she countered, "maybe you need someone like him. It's always strange what effect kids have on adults... makes them... soft or something. You should see the videos of Miguel!" She laughed, you didn't.

"He liked to play soccer with her."

Her. In another dimension, you had a daughter.

"Why are you telling me this?" You asked her.

She waved her hand dissuasively. "Miguel's not going to, so I might as well."

The party began to make their exit. Down to the liar they went and as they walked, Lyla floated in the air beside you. Miles kept peaking back like a child on a holiday.

"Miles," you called out to him.

"Yes?" He turned around quickly and at attention. He was a cute kid. So nervous and out of his element. If it weren't for his merry misfit group of friends, Miguel was sure to eat him alive.

"Do you have a question or is there a reason you keep looking at me?"

He rubbed his hand on the back of his neck. Miles then pointed to Lyla.

"Is she a Spider-Person too?"

"No," you told him and Lyla glitched to him. "An A.I. that Miguel created. She knows all."

"She flatters me," Lyla murmured back a smile.

Miles turned back around and continued on with his conversation that bounced between Gwen and Hobie. Lyla disappeared from the hallway as the sounds of old, tinkered experiments and Miles' struggles painted a picture of a much different boy in your mind.

While his struggles were not yours and you'd never understand them completely, his want to belong struck a chord with you in a way it did with Gwen.

There was a family that could be built here if the realities of pain could be ignored.

Above on his floating platform, Miguel slowly descended as Miles gaped in a slight awe. Yes, it was dramatic. Yes, it was unnecessary and it made you roll your eyes.

Hobie stuck to the wall in the back. Gwen took Miles to the edge and you leaned up against a pillar not far from Hobie.

"Miguel O'Hara," Gwen introduced, "meet Miles Morales."

And then Miles butchered his introduction with cheer. He offered up those empanadas which Miguel slipped right into the trash.

And like Gwen, he fumbled his words by rambling about how to catch Spot.

Miguel threw the trash can at them both only for Hobie to sneak the empanada out of the box and into his hand without blinking.

And then everything spiraled out of control.

Miguel's meter began to spike an angry red as the frantic nature of his focus within this world had been protecting the multi-verse. Here, in this room, Miles was the supposed source of it.

If it wasn't for Miles, many of his problems wouldn't exist and he'd be grateful but he can't be, simply because they are truly real.

"Hey Miguel!" Peter's voice broke through the silent seconds. Miles perked up at the sound. "Come on, go easy on the kid. He had a terrible teacher. He had no chance."

"Peter!"

The two hugged like old friends.

"Miles!" Peter put a hand on his shoulder. "Don't be afraid of my friend Miguel. He just looks scary. He's got no bite."

He had seen it once. He chose to ignore it.

So he went on with his little break up of Miguel's serious moment and you watched unfold from the shadows, the orange glow of your tablet keeping you busy while Mayday swung around the room and Miles exasperatedly came to terms with Peter being a father.

"-You always say the 'fate of the multiverse' and my brain dies."

You chuckled to yourself, glancing up at Peter as he circled Miguel. Miguel was holding Mayday like he had never held a child in his life.

That was the kind of thing your Miguel did.

"You guys smell that?" Peter sniffed into the air. He swiftly picked up Mayday and swung right by Miles and Gwen and straight to you.

"You smell that right?" He held her up high. Yes, yes you did smell that.

"That is entirely your problem, Peter."

"Miles��" Miguel caught their attention again. "–You disrupted a canon event."

"Canon event?"

"The kid wasn't thinking," Peter interjected. He held onto Mayday as you strung a web for her to bounce on. Miguel was half torn between the conversation he tried to be stern about and the watching you weave a web for that little girl.

"That's not how he works."

"That's insulting," Miles commented.

Hobie got up from the floor to stand next to you. He caught Mayday in the air, saluting her with two fingers.

"Taking a crap on the establishment... I salute you."

"What are you upset about?" Miles furrowed his brows as Miguel stepped off the platform and walked towards him. The boy would be amiss if he hadn't felt his stomach drop to his feet in the menacing way Miguel O'Hara walked.

"When isn't he upset about something?" You murmured from the back.

"I saved those people."

Ah, yes. Pavitr's dimension. Miguel had been in the go-home-department when it happened.

"And that's the problem," Miguel clarified. "Lyla, do the thing."

As she always did, Lyla appeared with a semi-oblivious nature.

"Huh? What thing?"

"The thing... what do you mean 'what thing?' The information explaining thing!"

She gave a casual 'ok' and the room changed before you.

You had never seen everything before.

Jess had talked about it, Peter mentioned what it looked like, and a few others who had seen it claimed it left them more confused than anything.

It was a bright blue tree, in a sense. Woven with a variation of color that reminded you of the sea at mid-day and the sky at night, everything was a timeline of complete facts of the world. Every moment of every person's lives were tied to this one branch of 'everything.'

Expansive and high, the tree of everything bloomed over your heads and Miles was the one trying to come to terms with the sincerity of it. However, just as he had begun to grasp the idea of everything being resembled by a tree with branches that diverged from its timeline, the room changed to a red web.

Hundreds and hundreds of webs interconnected by lines that captured the very lives in that room. All of them facing convergence by multiple lifelines to different events, canons, and realities that make up a person's existence in the, as he had coined, the Spider-Verse.

"The lines... where the nodes converge?" Miles asked aloud.

"They are the canon."

Every web around him had different nodes. Some had more than others, some had barely any. He noticed a cluster of three big webs with few canon nodes.

"Their chapters apart of every Spider's story, every time. Some good, some bad... some very bad."

Miguel pulled down a cluster to showcase the very bad. You had a sinking feeling somewhere along the line the 'very bad' also included you.

A row of Spider-People emerged in the same position. He saw Peter, he saw Gwen, he recognized you, and then himself leaning over the body of a loved one who perished too soon.

Like a story, Miguel walked through varied canon events that were to occur in many Spider stories. A police captain, a lover, the event that turns someone into a hero, the struggles of the hero.

Miles looked at each of you as a fragment of your past appeared before him.

"That's how the story is supposed to go. Canon events are the connections that bind our lives together and those connections can be broken that why anomalies are so dangerous. Inspector Singh's death was a canon event."

A police captain.

"You weren't supposed to be there."

Even though you weren't there, you saw it unfold from the safety of Lyla's simulation. People running, a bridge nearly collapsing.

"And you weren't supposed to save him. That's why Gwen tried to stop you."

You could see the gears in his brain turning. He was hurt, misguided in his efforts to be a good Spider-Man because it was suddenly becoming a conflict for him. Miles tried to be good. He tried to save people and even doing so, he seemed to mess up.

It was so different from the Spider-Woman you used to be.

"I thought you were trying to save me," Miles admitted to Gwen who had turned her back from him. She kept her eyes to the ground.

"I was. I-I was doing both," she took a chance to gaze back at him only to see the hurt.

She was just doing her job.

"And now, Miles," Miguel sighed and he walked around the space. He planted his feet beside you and Miles took a glance and couldn't tell who was friend or foe.

He didn't know where he stood himself.

"Because you changed the story, Pavitr's dimension is unraveling. If we're lucky, we can stop it. We haven't always been lucky."

Miguel looked at you. He looked at you with a sheen in his eyes that you'd hadn't see from this version of him. For once, he looked as sad as he felt on the inside.

And for once, he wasn't fighting with you about what was right or wrong in that moment.

"That wasn't me!" Miles defended. "That was the Spot."

"It's what happens when you break canon."

"How do you know?"

"Because I broke it once myself."

There was a part of you that wanted out. You wanted out right that second because you had seen enough. You had seen the destruction, had been part of some destruction, and seeing Miguel's world crumble animatedly in front of you wasn't something you wanted. But your feet stuck to the floor. Planted, like mud, waiting to be freed.

It was your story too and you didn't even know what happened.

"I found another world where I had a family. Where I was happy."

In the web, the cluster of three was connected by one single strand to a much larger web with varied canon events. Whatever this was, Miles imagined, was Miguel's universe.

"At least a version of me was. And that version of myself was killed."

This time trying to catch a thief who stole a woman's purse. Not a bank robbery.

"So I replaced him. I thought it was harmless."

You looked away at the scenes. Miguel with her. A little brown haired girl who loved soccer and he did her homework at the kitchen table with her. A father who looked adoringly at a daughter who was joyous and knew no pain.

"But I was wrong."

Then the world began to collapse. In his arms, the girl disappeared as though she had never existed.

"Isn't that right, Peter?"

Your head shot up towards Peter who looked away from you. He had seen you before, in a different reality where you too were happy with the life you lived and where you were happy with a daughter who loved Miguel too.

"Peter?" You gave a weak call to him. He shut his eyes tightly. "Peter, you knew?"

Miles felt the way you felt. A shell of a hero without a purpose with people who made very choice feel like a mistake.

You walked up to Peter. Miles saw the white-knuckle grip you had on the pink robe. This was more than just friends making choices feel like a mistake.

"You knew me?"

Miles glanced back at the web. The three small webs that had little to them stuck out like a bouquet of flowers. Each their own small story.

“Whose is that?” Miles gestured as he tried to ignore the way you prodded at Peter for answers. Perhaps Miles already knew that Miguel had made this more complicated than it needed to be.

He had already destroyed one reality for happiness. Miles imagined that this man could ruin many more if it meant one more second of living.

“These ones?” Miguel pointed to the web of three.

You knew it was yours without even realizing it.

“That’s mine," you breathed in deep.

Even though you hadn't gotten along in this world, Miguel felt the weight of his secrecy fall heavily onto his shoulders.

“You see, Miles,” Miguel started, “there are infinite dimensions were we exist. All these webs here,” he pointed to the connecting lines that reappeared of many lives, “are realities were someone like you may exist. Maybe not as Spider-Man but as something.”

Miguel looked to you and for the first time since he met you in your reality, he saw the woman he fell in love with.

“And her dimensions look a bit different.”

“Why?” Miles questioned. “Why don’t ours look like that?”

“Because you can exist in infinite realities, Miles,” you told him in a voice that reminded him of his mother telling him a relative died. “And I can’t.”

“There is only three of her that exist in our… Spider-Verse, as you put it,” Miguel stated. “And one of them collapsed.”

In a hologram, he saw you in the world they had all just witnessed disappear from reality. Miles saw you running and running and he could see the destination, Miguel and that child, so close yet too far away.

And then there was nothing.

“Oh,” Miles felt sadness creep within him. Gwen wanted to comfort both you and Miles but couldn’t muster it in front of Miguel.

Peter wasn't sure what to do.

One strand of three disappeared.

“And in the other, she’s not here anymore.”

"What dimension is that?"

Miguel sighed. Hands on his hips, he met Miles' intense stare instead of yours.

"This one."

“So there is only me now,” you have a half-hearted smile.

“I thought you said you were the only Spider-Man in this dimension?” Miles asked Miguel as he tried to make sense of this world he found himself in.

“I am,” Miguel clarified. “She’s not from this dimension. Her… alternate self isn’t here anymore.”

He recalled the images of all the Peter’s and Gwen’s and Jessica’s mourning their canon disasters. Loved ones, friends, lovers.

The second strand of three disappeared.

“Does that mean if you…?”

You nodded your head at Miles. Peter put his hand on your shoulder at the admission.

Miguel focused on that hand. He saw the comfort, he saw the friendly love and knew he had wasted time. He had wasted months being angry at you when you weren’t the cause of it.

He had watched over your dimension to keep you safe while you struggled and in his own pain, he made the unity between you strained and unrealistic.

But he also knew the greater purpose.

“I guess I just have to pick the right side.”

You tried to bring levity.

You didn’t realize that you’d be picking Miles and your friends or Miguel and the person you knew because if you didn't you'd lose everything.

And you needed to save yourself in one dimension you still existed in.

Earth 42.

A/N: this isn’t proofed yet. I can totally see a million different sequels to dive deeper into the relationship between reader and Miguel.

As always, comments and reblogs are the best feedback a writer can ask for. I love reading any comments you all leave 🥺. Thank you so much for reading.

Tags:

@csmt-m @er4tous @gracielou0518

#miguel o’hara x reader #miguel o'hara #miguel o’hara x you #miguel o’hara imagine #fanficition #x reader #x fem reader #fanfic #x female reader #x female y/n #across the spiderverse #oscar isaac

646 notes · View notes

twinsarekeepers · 4 months ago

Text

Princess Andromeda, Annabeth and Season 2 Predictions

In honor of the season 2 teaser trailer drop, here is an obscenely long and convoluted post stemming from my excitement lol.

Necessary mythological context: Andromeda was Perseus’s wife in the Greek myths. The story goes that her mother boasted about how she was more beautiful than the sea nymphs and so Poseidon sent a monster to ravage their kingdom. Her parents chained her to a rock in the middle of the sea as an offering to the beast to save themselves. Perseus, on his way back from slaying Medusa, ran across her and killed the beast, saving Andromeda. Some more stuff happens but that’s irrelevant to my analysis so let’s just skip to the happily ever after part because they settle down, have a bunch of kids, and live out the rest of their days in peace.

Other than the fact this it is just quite insane to name your boat after the wife of Perseus, it’s also an indicator of Luke’s motivation: Annabeth.

Because, and reader I know you know where this is going, Annabeth is the Andromeda of the PJO story. It’s more explicit in the show (in which they literally have a Perseus who is on a quest to save his mother hold a recently slain Medusa’s head up to kill a monster that has been hunting her since childhood while she watches. Very wild of them, I’ve never stopped thinking about it), but the books aren’t subtle about it either lol.

And this is where the Andromeda parallel really starts getting complicated. Because Annabeth is obviously Percy’s Andromeda, but she’s also Luke’s.

Luke and Thalia find Annabeth at her most vulnerable: her mortal parents have essentially fed her to the wolves by letting her run away, knowing she’ll be hunted by monsters, all to save themselves. Luke and Thalia take her in, care for her, and protect her. If they hadn’t found her, Annabeth very likely would have died. They take her to camp, where Thalia dies, but Luke and Annabeth are safe and they get to live peacefully (for some time).

But, Annabeth still feels trapped in some way. She wants to get out of camp to really prove herself as a warrior and a daughter of Athena. In comes Percy, the second and truer (literally lol) Perseus. He “unchains” her from camp (and Luke) by taking her with him on his quest.

All the tlt stuff happens and Luke betrays them and runs off. Next time we see him he’s an evil frat boy on a yacht named the Princess Andromeda and we NEVER GET AN EXPLANATION FOR WHY THATS THE NAME. Did Luke name it himself? Did it come named Princess Andromeda and, if so, what was Luke’s reaction because I know that man did not need more reminders of Percy around him lmao.

The show already honed in on the Perseus-Andromeda parallels in season 1, so I just know they’re coming up with something crazy for season 2 now that Andromeda’s name has a reason to be brought up.

Definitely think Andromeda’s story is going to be told in some capacity, especially so that people who aren’t mythology nerds can figure out the parallel that they set up in season 1 more completely.

Maybe they’ll replace Agrius and Oreius with it because it could serve the same function. Luke told their story to criticize the gods, and Andromeda’s story can also be used in the same way. I think it’ll be even more interesting because Poseidon plays the villain in her myth.

57 notes · View notes

pekoehoneyncream · 2 months ago

Text

Ghoaptober #2

Prompt: Bullet

Words: 1500~

TW: None (sfw)

This version of Ghoaptober was created by @spadesandshovels

I'm once again not playing by the letter of the law, but I really couldn't think of anything to write about bullets :(, so I found a work around.

Enjoy!

“Hello and welcome to Alpetsha's Arctic Expeditions! My name is Chrissy, I'll be your guide. Up there is Duncan, he's our lovely captain, give him a wave,” Chrissy smiled at all the frantic waving from the kids and the few half-automatic waves from the adults, “Awesome! Today we are focusing on Homotritus, or as it's more commonly called, we're going mer-spotting!”

Chrissy paused to allow for the cheers that announcement always brought, “Glad to see we're all excited! Duncan is taking us up to the edge of a territory that's home to a very unusual mer-pod. When we get there I'm going to ask that no one shouts, screams, or throws anything into the water. That includes yourselves or your fellow passengers,” she ends with a laugh to lighten the tone of her warning, smiling at the small ripple of laughter that washed through the boat in reply.

She felt the engines cut and the boat coast to a stop, a glance up to Duncan showed him giving her a thumbs up and she plastered an even bigger smile onto her face.

“Okay! Looks like we're here folks, I'll give you some fun facts while we wait for our neighbors to get curious. We're visiting a territory that's been established by a pod of four mers, we'll most likely be seeing Babble and Bullet come up for a visit. Babble is a minke-whale morph that-”

“What's a morph.” A little girl interrupts from her perch in her father's arms. Chrissy could barely make out her eyes, she was so well bundled against the cold.

“A fantastic question! A mer's morph is how we refer to the species that the mer looks like. It's not actually known why mers resemble certain species of sea creatures. Some claim its convergent evolution, others say its just aesthetic mimicry, but nothing is known for certain.” Chrissy throws a wink to the little girl, delighting in the way she giggles and hides her face, “As I was saying, Babble is a very curious minke-whale morph that will probably pop up to check us out sometime soon. Following him will be Bullet, an orca morph." The word orca sends excited titters through the crowd, everyone knows what an orca is, not so much for minke-whales.

"I will have to ask that no one screams if they spot them." Chrissy tried to make her voice serious, but not domineering. She didn't need anyone getting uppity about a woman bossing them around, "Bullet and Babble are some of the rare mers that wear rudimentary coverings and accessories and they can be somewhat alarming at first glance. Please remember that they will not harm you.”

“What's so alarming about them?” The gruff question is called forward from the back of the group, so Chrissy can't spot the exact asker.

“Another excellent question! Bullet has fashioned what looks to be a juvenile true-orca's upper jaws into a kind of headpiece, and Babble wears what we can only assume is the matching lower jaws.” Startled exclamations from the port side of the boat saves Chrissy from having to take a stab at explaining why mers do anything, and she moves over to the commotion as quickly as she can. Spotting curious blue eyes poking above the waterline as Babble spy-hops to get a look at them.

“And here’s Babble! You're right on time!” Chrissy pitches her voice to carry across the water, feeling the tension fall out of her muscles when the mer seems to recognize her or the boat she’s standing on and pops further up out of the water. Showing off the skeletal jaw of sharp teeth that was aligned and fastened to his own. Chrissy was happy to let the guests live in the ignorant bliss of assuming that she’s just trying to look fun by talking at the mer, every employee had been banned from even alluding to the fact that this particular mer-pod was notorious for sinking any boat that they didn’t like, along with almost every ship that dared poke its nose over their territory lines. Alpetsha Arctic Expeditions didn't make it a company policy to stay out of their territory just to be polite.

The minke-whale mer looked them over for a while longer then dove back under the water, sounding off with a flood of ratcheting clicks, pitching whines, and popping chirps the whole time.

“And that’s why we call him Babble. Now that he’s come up to say hi, we can expect to see Bullet soon enou-” the yelp of a bitten off scream echoing from the boat’s starboard side heralds Bullet’s arrival and Chrissy hustles over before people started getting smart ideas.

Bullet slowly circled them, his left pectoral fin breaching out of the water as he swam on his side to better eye the boat and its contents, or perhaps it was to keep the height of his distinctive dorsal fin under the water, so as to not give himself away too soon.

Bullet was a bastard like that.

“And here’s Bullet! If he turns over you’ll get to see how he got his name,” Chrissy said this with the bouncing tone of tour-guides everywhere, but eyed Bullet with much more caution than she'd given Babble.

Bullet’s upper face was completely obscured by the jaws he had broken and molded and mended to fit onto his head. The bone was covered in nicks, discolourations, and what a more generous soul might call carvings.

A shadow barreled up from the depths to sideswipe Bullet. Babble arcing out of the water and crashing back into it with a cheerful trill, narrowly missing coming down directly on top of Bullet. The waves Babble displaced rocked the boat and the guests gave a cheer for his antics. Bullet turned to chase Babble clockwise around the boat and the guests able to see him over the sides gasped at the newly exposed carnage.��

Bullet’s right pectoral fin was ragged, missing its fore-edge and pockmarked with holes. The holes traveled diagonally up to his side, where their path was continued by a series of puncture scars. His back was serrated by lines of propeller scars, the front edge of his dorsal fin cut free from the rest of the structure, with the top third of its length missing entirely. He had another set of propeller scars marking his right collarbone, going over his shoulder, continuing down his upper back and Chrissy was willing to bet that under his mask he had a matching set across his face. Innumerous less distinctive scars tore up and down Bullet’s hide as well, teeth-rakes, old bite marks, rub lines, but the one that always got to Chrissy was the thick scarring that cuffed his tail above his flukes. Like someone had hauled him up and dangled him out of the water, their prized catch of the day.

“You said this is a four mer pod?” The shy question came from the very pretty young woman who had been unfailingly polite on every expedition Chrissy'd had her on. Chrissy was almost certain her name was Lizbeth.

“I did indeed! Good listening,” Chrissy praised, half to set a good example and half to see that cute blush creep up Lizbeth’s cheeks, “the other members of this pod are a very rare spot, as they like to hang out on the ice floes that are deeper into their territory. There’s a walrus morph we call Hoss and leopard-seal morph that earned the name Houdini. I’m seeing a few raised eyebrows from the more nautically inclined of us. Yes, the Arctic is not the natural habitat of the leopard-seal, but please keep in mind that this is a mer, not a true-leopard-seal. Mers are usually known to favour the natural habitats of their morphs, but they can and do move around as they like.” Chrissy watched the guests give understanding nods and gave another smile. Movement from above caught her eye and she glanced up to see Duncan giving her the ‘wrap it up’ signal.

“Alright folks, we’re gonna have to start packing it in, does anyone have any last questions?” Chrissy moved back over to her speaking platform. The speaking platform was really just a few pallets secured to the deck with anti-slip tape conquering its every flat surface, but it worked just fine.

“They’re all guys?” The question was half a sneer, from a young man that had been largely and loudly unimpressed with every activity Chrissy had seen him deign to attend.

“Yep,” Chrissy chirped, giving her biggest smile yet, “They’re what’s known as a bachelor pod, though not much is actually known about distinguishing the sex of mers. From what we can see and guess from how their morph presents, they’re all male.”

“They’re gay?” The same man barked, offended.

“Maybe!” Chrissy cheered, “Nothing is known about mer courting rituals or mating practices, so it’s equally likely that they are or they aren’t, but they do make a cute couple!”

Chrissy gestured over the starboard side of the boat, where Babble could be seen hanging off Bullet’s dorsal fin, making the orca morph tow him around. Bullet was darting about and doing tight barrel rolls, to the seeming delight of Babble. Chrissy wasn’t sure if Bullet was doing it to indulge Babble or to shake him off.

“Is that the last of the questions?” The guests looked around amongst themselves, then looked back at her, there was a smattering of shaking heads and shrugs, “Perfect!”

The engine kicked back on under their feet and the boat started pulling away. Chrissy glanced over the side, spotting Bullet and Babble bobbing in the waves, watching them leave.

Letting them leave.

Chrissy shook herself free of that thought and started the closing spiel. Thanking people for visiting, and making sure to mention the countless ways and places that the guests could donate their money to one of Alpetsha’s many wildlife programs.

Thank You For Reading!

I just really wanted to write mer au stuff for cod okay??

As you probably guessed Babble is Soap, Bullet is Ghost, Hoss is Price, and Houdini is Gaz.

Gaz earned the name Houdini by breaking into boxes and stealing stuff of the boats, the more they tried to secure it against him the more determined he was to get into it. He's a smart boy and he uses those smarts for evil and evil alone.

Minke whales are baleen whales and walruses eat like clams and stuff, so I had the idea that Ghost and Gaz will kill big stuff then bring it back and rip it into small pieces for Soap and Price. Price eventually got his hands on a knife to do it for himself, but Soap loves having Ghost do it for him.

I also had the idea that Ghost is blind in his right eye, hence why he's looking at the boat with his left.

PekoeHoneynCream's Masterlist

34 notes · View notes

kranagok0 · 8 months ago

Text

Oh boy, this Is a complete love square....

Guys, I don't know what I have about polyamorous romances but it's like a strange feeling of 'look at that, no one is sad and everyone loves each other.'

That just crossed my mind when I saw the new member of the trio of strange friends (now it's a quartet).

Louise is a breath of fresh air among the extroverts that make up the group.

Louise is practically an introvert. Someone closed who was even the last to be chosen on the boat trip (if we leave aside the trio of protagonists). Louise mentions that she has been in the Sparrow Scouts for some time now but has made almost no friends (or so I think).

I understand what it's like to be an introvert, more or less. I am the type of person who acts with a lot of concern, nervousness and gets serious so as not to say something stupid the first time they meet him... However, when I gain the necessary confidence I transform into someone different. I go from being 'a mouse thinking carefully about its next move' to becoming 'a monkey with a shotgun'. I hope I'm not the only one to have that strange way of being....

My life aside, I'd say Louise is kind of like that too. At first she tries to fit in by being normal with the team, but then she begins to get to know them and identify what things the trio of friends think are right or wrong and that is when Louise begins to show more of her personality. It emerges from the cocoon like a butterfly to show its true colors.

And in short: it is perfect for the trio of friends. It's so weird and different that I feel like it's necessary for the group, and I'm speaking in a positive way when I say weird. A good time.Now the main topic..... Romance.

I've seen a lot of Frida X David, Hilda X Frida, David X Frida fanfics and blogs, there's literally everything. But with the arrival of Louise the combinations are doubled. Now it could be Louise X David, Louise X Hilda, Louise

*Music from a 80's TV game show plays*

Hello ladies, gentlemen and other magical creatures who visualize us! I want to welcome you to this little head-canon idea I had of what each character in the trio of friends would be like if they were Louise's partner!

To do this, we will see the qualities of each suitor and what their dynamic with the character would be like:

Let's start with the one who represents better than anyone the shyness and courage that exists within us, he died twice to try to demonstrate it. Here we have David.

David may be a scary guy, but he will definitely come to save you if you are in danger. This kid would literally show what he's made of on a battlefield if he feels like he needs to prove something.... Don't tell me no, we've all seen the Vikings episode.

Our next contestant is not only smart in school but also in witchcraft. If you ask him about a certain topic, rest assured that when he finishes his talk you will at least have knowledge of the entire topic and its related subtopics. She is willing to do anything for her friends, she would even open a portal to the unknown and create non-existent spells just for you. Let's give a big, fervent wave of applause to the young city witch: FRIDA!

Frida may have been a bit of a perfectionist in the past, but after meeting Hilda and experiencing several events she went from being miss perfect to becoming the smartest friend you can count on. To be honest, sometimes Frida can be a bit boring, but that doesn't stop her from reaching your heart by showing great gifts of her intellect and the magic she possesses means that any topic can arise from a conversation. So, if by 'boring' we mean a lot of context and extremely long topics that she explains to you with excitement and great happiness, then boring is pretty good.

Finally we have the icing on the cake, or in this case the blueberry. Coming from the wild and with more extroverted energy than any of the other candidates mentioned above, we have a young woman with blue hair as long as she could grow it (I don't doubt that she would have let it grow longer if it didn't bother her in her adventures). This girl can literally make friends with almost anything and her circle of friends is huge, ranging from elf scribes to giants who are no longer on this planet. She would be the one to always take the first step in battle with her sword if I see it necessary and— Wait, where did he get that sword?

With you, Hilda!

Seriously, where do I get it from?

Hilda is by far the most outgoing and curious person I have ever seen. Don't you remember what Tofoten was triggered by his curiosity? Dude, it was literally the end of the series. And if you hadn't already noticed, this girl would fight barehanded against a king to save her loved ones. She would be the first to take up weapons to save her friends, she is capable of moving every rock in the entire city to find her pet, she is even capable of doing an act of terrorism just because the bells were bothering her friends.

Oh my god, I'd be afraid of this girl if I were someone who played some practical joke on David in the past or something. I would be locked up at home for what might happen to me. Better confinement than meeting Hilda on the street and having her recognize me.

So.... In a little while we will see Louise's possible choices about who she would like to be with, why I think they would be a good couple and also about what their relationship would be like. And it wouldn't just be from my point of view. Indeed, dear reader, you can also have your opinion. Comment what you think a relationship between Louise and any of our favorite trio of friends would be like.I retire to write incorrect quotes and more about this romance because I am burning with emotion. See you later

#hilda #hilda netflix #hilda (netflix)#hilda series #hilda the series #hilda the show #hilda (hilda)#hilda louise #hilda david #hilda frida #hilda x frida #hilda x david #Hilda x Louise #david x frida #Frida x Louise #David x Louise

40 notes · View notes

ellieelzeliza · 5 months ago

Text

can we burn slow: part one

an: this may turn into a series, let me know in the comments! there is a part 2 where things get spicy 🥵

proofread by: @prettygirl-gabi

couple: heyward fem!reader x jj maybank

outline: pope’s female cousin comes to visit obx. what happens when she meets the pogues and starts falling for a certain blonde haired blue eyed surfer.

cw: reader gets sick, mild language, nothing but flirting

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

as you step out of the cab you’re instantly hit by the smell of fish “ugh”. you cover your nose and your aunt comes rushing over “y/n! you made it, let have pope get your things!” she says smiling at you warmly.

“it’s fine auntie, i can-“ she lifts her hand “POPE!” you flinch at the increase of volume in her voice.

pope jogs over “cuz!” he gives you a hug. “it’s been too long bear” you say returning the tight hug, “don’t call me that, we’re practically adults now” he complains before grabbing your stuff and bringing it inside the house.

you follow him inside “you can sleep in my room while you’re here and i’ll take the couch” he says sitting your things in his bedroom. you shake your head “bear, i can sleep on the couch i don’t want to take your bed from you” you say going to grab your bags.

“it’s fine, leave your things. i wanna show you obx!” he says before heading into the living room “we’ll be back mom, im gonna show y/n around”. “pope you were supposed to help with this delive-“ your auntie interrupts “heyward if you don’t let that boy spend time with his cousin, he’s been working all morning”.

pope drags you out of the house and towards the docks as a boat starts to pull up “um, i thought you were showing me the town bear?” you say confused. “i will but we’re going a different way, come on”.

a guy with long brown hair helps pope onto the boat then pope helps you get on.

you look at everyone and notice four people. a blonde haired girl, a girl with brown curly hair, a boy with blonde hair and the guy who helped pope onto the boat earlier.

“this is my cousin y/n, y/n meet the pogues: this is john b, sarah, kiara but we just call her kie and jj” pope says beaming with excitement. you smile before waving shyly “hi, it’s nice to meet you all!” everyone greets you back before going back to what they were doing.

you sit down and watch the water ripple from the engine as the boat rides through it. you feel someone tap you “want a beer” you look up to see the blonde guy.

you shake your head “you got wine coolers? i don’t drink beer” he nods his head “yeah”. he walks back to the cooler and brings you one “thanks”.

he sits down next to you “so you been to obx before?” you shake your head “nope, pope usually came to visit our family” you say taking a sip from the wine cooler.

“well, you got the best tour guides in all of outerbanks” he says before getting up to get a beer. he points at the bridge “that separates the cut and figure 8” you look at him confused “the what?” He sits down “shitty rich people live in figure 8, awesome people live in the cut simple.” He says shrugging his shoulders before taking another swig from his beer.

“okay, i think i get it” you say still confused. “hey y/n look at this” pope shouts to you so you sit your drink down and walk over to him.

“are we going to stop here?” you ask him. “yeah then we’re gonna head back to the beach for the bonfire” john b says as jj jumps onto the docks to tie the boat to it.

he’s points at a house “that’s the chateau, that’s where john b lives but it’s kinda like a safe haven for us” you nod your head listening.

once the boat is stable everyone exits, john b and pope carrying the cooler. you follow behind them to a vintage looking car. john b taps the front “this is the twinkie. she’s our saving grace when it comes to transportation…she may look old but she’s got a lot of life in her” he says climbing into the driver side.

we all load up into the twinkie and head down to the beach “so where are you from?” kie asks as she’s tying her hair up to keep the wind from blowing it in her face.

“im from myrtle beach so we know all about the waves!” you take a sip from your wine cooler “and we know about having a good time so i’m excited for this bonfire” you say looking out the window.

kie nods “so you’re from the mainland?” jj says and you nod “yeah”. “well you’ve never surfed real waves unless you’ve surfed in obx” he says with a grin.

“how long are you here for” sarah asks “for pretty much the whole summer, i told my auntie that i missed them and she convinced my mom to let me come down”. you look at pope smiling “i’m excited i haven’t seen my cousin in years so it’ll be fun! he’s always been my partner in crime” you say with a laugh.

“and we’re talking about pope right?” john b says laughing. you nod then look at pope laughing “you have them convinced you’re a goody two shoes huh? can i tell them about the prank”.

pope shakes his head “no, absolutely not”. everyone groans “please, it’s so funny they have to hear it” you plead with him before he agrees.

“so it was senior year for both of us and pope came down to visit during spring break weekend before school started up again and i was talking to him about how i wanted to do a senior prank but i needed his help. y’all i had to beg him for five days before he agreed to it so i stole some alcohol from my parents cabinet and i bought three boxes of breadcrumbs. i poured the alcohol in a bowl then i put the breadcrumbs in next. we went to the school parking lot and road, tossed it everywhere.” you start crying laughing “the next morning there was drunk seagulls everywhere so they had to cancel school for two days” you say clapping your hands.

everyone is laughing “why didn’t we ever hear this story pope” jj says laughing. pope shrugs “i don’t know if you remember but end of the year was hectic for me” he says.

the ride to the beach is filled with laughter and more storytelling.

john b parks the twinkie and we head down to the beach “um, i thought this was a bonfire…where is everyone” you say looking around.

“we have to build it, we’re having the bonfire pogue style” jj says as pope and john b are bringing branches over to the middle of the beach.

you follow suit and begin grabbing different types of branches for the bonfire. as your picking them out you can’t help but feel someone watching me.

“need some help?” jj says already carrying two logs in his hand.

you shake your head “i think i’m good” you say walking back to the middle of the beach.

“you sure? cause’ you need a lot more firewood than that.” he looks down at the little branches “do you even know how to start a bonfire?” he teases.

you sit down the branches “no, i assumed one of you would know since y’all are throwing the party.”

“i got this.” he says and bends down towards the pile of sticks you left on the sand. he tosses the logs into an empty spot and starts arranging all the wood, piling it with the largest logs at the bottom.

you stand there awkwardly “is there anything else i can do to help?”

he grabs a lighter out of his pocket, holding it up like a trophy “yeah, sit back, relax and enjoy the show.” he motions for you to sit on the rocks beside him as he lights the ends of the logs.

the flame rises as you sit down “so does anyone know that there’s a bonfire tonight? or is it just the pogues?”

“word gets around town fast even to figure 8.” he leans back on the rocks and pulls out a joint from his pocket. after lighting the edge, he takes a long pull. he glances at you, seeing you watching him intently. he grins and offers you the joint “want a hit?”

“i haven’t smoked before” you say looking at the burning roll of herb.

"never?" jj looks dumbfounded "not even once? not even a tiny little puff?" he takes another drag off the joint.

you shake your head “my friends back home are more so drinkers than smokers”.

"you’re hanging out with the wrong friends then." he gives you a crooked grin as he passes the joint to your fingers "come on, take a hit. just one won’t kill ya."

“what am i supposed to do?” you say looking at the joint confused.

“you’ve never seen someone smoke?” he laughs lightly “just put it to your lips like a straw then breathe in and hold it then breathe out.”

you do exactly as he says and when you breathe out you break into a fit of coughs.

he grins as you coughs. “aww, did that hurt?” he teases “it’s okay, you’ll learn to handle it soon, princess.”

you pass the joint back to him glaring at him as pope walks over to the both you.

jj puts the joint to his lips and looks over to see pope approaching “what’s up?” he asks, taking a hit.

“do you have the keys to the twinkie? we need more beer and ice” pope says looking between the two of you suspiciously.

jj fishes around in his back pocket and pulls out the jangle of keys then he tosses them to pope “be careful with her.”

as pope leaves more people start to arrive and soon enough the party is in full swing.

jj looks out to the growing crowd, noticing you sitting awkwardly on the rocks. he nudges your elbow and grins “why are you sitting over here all by yourself?”

you shrug staring at the waves crashing onto shore “am i supposed to feel like i’m floating? like i feel like everything is moving super slow.”

he smiles as he watches your eyes glaze slightly “yeah, you’re stoned princess.”

pope comes jogging over “everything okay over here?”

jj laughs as he looks at pope’s worried expression “everything’s great here. i’ve officially turned y/n into a pothead.” he grins at you as your staring at the waves, completely zoned out.

you look up at pope “do we have any more wine coolers?”

pope raises an eyebrow “how many have you had?” you think for a moment and holds up three fingers.

pope looks at jj with an annoyed expression “i knew letting you sit next to her was a bad idea.”

you smile at pope “why was it a bad idea? i feel great!” you say giggling.

“she’s high as a kite!” pope says.

he runs a hand down his face in frustration “now i’m gonna have to babysit her. you know i can’t deal with high people, dude.”

jj laughs again “relax, man. she’s fine. she’s stoned out of her mind but she’s not dying.” you giggle beside them, still staring out at the waves.

“the waves look like they’re dancing, ooo i wanna go dance” you say before joining the other people dancing on the beach.

jj and pope watch you skip off to join the other dancers “i can’t believe you got her high.”

pope shakes his head with disappointment “you’re gonna have to deal with her not me, when she’s hanging on the toilet hurling in 2 hours.”

“and how’s that my fault?” jj snorts “i didn’t force her to smoke, she did it willingly.”

he looks out on the beach and watches you dancing with a group of other girls a few feet away “besides, she’ll be fine. she’s having a good time. why don’t you lighten up for once?”

two hours later you’re emptying the contents of your stomach into the convenient store toilet as jj holds your hair.

“gross, dude.” pope grimaces as he watches you leaned over the toilet bowl, your entire body tensed with each heave.

jj simply grins and holds your hair back as he pats your back awkwardly. “there, there. let it all out, princess.”

pope turns to jj “i told you she was gonna get sick.”

“she’ll be fine.” jj shrugs “some gatorade and breakfast in the morning will fix her right up.”

he looks down at you as you flush the toilet, he sighs lightly “you okay there, princess? had enough for the night?”

you rinse your mouth out with the sink water before cleaning it with a paper towel “i’m never smoking with you again.” you say glaring at jj.

pope rolls his eyes and gives jj a look that says “i told you so” while jj chuckles “awww, don’t say that, princess. you’ve gotta build up a tolerance first.”

you all walk out of the convenience store and climb back into the twinkie as john b asks if everything is okay.

“yeah, everything’s fine. she’s just had too much of the devils lettuce.” jj replies as john b puts the twinkie into drive.

pope shakes his head and mumbles something about “never letting them hang out alone again” as you rest your head against the cool glass of the car window.

john b drives back to the chateau as pope dials his parents to tell them that where you both are.

the twinkie pulls into the chateau’s gravel driveway as the group piles out and heads inside.

you’re leaning on pope for support as you step up to the front door. jj’s arm is wrapped around your waist, helping you walk in a straight line. “i think she’s had enough for tonight.” pope says, shaking his head.

you lay down on the couch as jj throws a cover over your body, you fall asleep instantly.

pope looks at you sleeping peacefully and sighs shaking his head “she’s gonna feel so crappy in the morning.”

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

part two will be posted tomorrow <3

#jj maybank #obx #outer banks #the pogues #obx pogues #rafe cameron #sarah cameron #john b routledge #pope heyward #kie carrera #jj x reader

25 notes · View notes

emeryhiro · 1 year ago

Text

I over analysed the Carol/Daryl promo vids

I'm back again with another over-analysis that no one asked for, but I'm really excited about this one, and I think you guys will love it, too.

Grab yourself a cup of tea because this might be a long one.

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

These are the two vids I'll be breaking down and discussing:

Daryl's version on the right came out in August, but I didn't think much of his until I saw Carol's version on the left that came out this week. The puzzle pieces started to come together and a trend emerged.

Firstly, for context, below are the paintings at the start of each of their promo vids respectively:

Both these Paintings are by Gustave Dore. Carol's painting (left) is called The Angel Appearing to Balaam, and Daryl's (right) is called After the Shipwreck.

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

Let's start with Daryl's After the Shipwreck.

This painting was made as an illustration of a poem called The Rime of the Ancient Mariner, published in 1875, specifically a scene set at the end of the poem where the Mariner loses his entire crew and is stranded and forced to navigate the seas alone for seven days and nights.

Parallel with Daryl, being taken away from his family/home, getting lost at sea, and being forced to navigate through France on his own, trying to find a way home.

The painting is of the moment the masts of the Mariner's ship disappear underwater, which can be seen in the water to the left.

Parallel with Daryl having to watch that boat that would take him home leave without him.

A pilot and his son see the Mariner in his lifeboat, but they assume he's dead. When the Mariner gets up and grabs the oars, the men think he must be a devil, because they don't believe any man could have survived that.

Parallel with Carol thinking Daryl is dead when she runs into a walker that looks just like him during a scene in 02x01 (according to a leaked script), and later finds out that he's alive and not being able to believe her eyes.

A dark figure is seen at the helm of the lifeboat, presumed to be the Holy Hermit, symbolising the misery awaiting the Mariner on shore.

Parallel with the struggles Daryl experiences in France and his desperation to return home.

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

Now, for Carol's The Angel Appearing to Balaam.

This painting is an illustration of a story told in the Bible (Book of Numbers, ch: 22-24), which, to summarise, is about a man named Balaam, who, against God's wishes, goes on a mission given to him by the King of Moab, so God sends him an Angel, who meets him on his route and sets him back on the right path that God wanted him on all along. After his encounter with the Angel, Balaam remains faithful to God, ignoring the constant pressures from the King.

There are so many parallels here, and some can have multiple meanings, but I'll point out the ones that seem most evident to me: who the people in this story represent.

God: I think it represents God/Fate/Destiny/[insert whichever divine power you can think of], and God's plan here represents the story that Daryl & Caryl were meant to be on if Daryl wasn't misled, and they hadn't been separated.

King of Moab: This person to me is Maggie; she didn't intend to separate Daryl/Caryl, but she was the one who ultimately sent Daryl on that mission, and Carol couldn't follow, therefore separating them.

Balaam: This one is clearly Daryl; he accepts the mission from Maggie, leaving Carol behind, thinking he'd be back in no time, which, unbeknownst to him, would end up being a mistake he'd regret greatly.

The Angel: It's clear as day in the actual promo video that Carol is the angel. As the image of the angel fades, Carol appears in its place. She will be the one to go out, find Daryl on his lost path, save him, and help him return to where he was always meant to be, with her, with his Home.

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

That was a long one, but I really enjoyed writing it; thank you so much for reading it, and I hope you guys liked it. My high school art history teacher would be so proud 😅

I'd love to know what you guys think and if you'd be interested in me doing a breakdown of the similar videos released for other characters like Laurent, Codron, and Fallou.

[Codron promo vid analysis]

#daryl dixon #carol peletier #caryl #twd spoilers #the walking dead #the book of carol #CarylArchives

124 notes · View notes

milesdickpic · 1 year ago

Text

His Little Girl | Bradley Bradshaw x Reader P. 75

Click here to see the master list

Hey babes. We are back with another chapter! I hope you are all doing well and are enjoying the story! Thank you for all the feedback and love! I love you all so much! 💕 Happy reading and enjoy! ❤️

A/n: You have your ultrasound to see the boys. There's a lot that goes on in this chapter, but the best is yet to come! 🫶🏼

Word Count: 3.8k (I think. I've added so much to it while editing lol)

Warnings: cursing, mentions injuries, blood, crying, but so much DAMN love (sorry if I make you cry.)

Please don't take my work, I will find you.

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

(I always forget where I save these pictures from. Forgive me. 💀)

Today, you were finally going to the OB/GYN to see your boys. Phoenix was due back to work today. She and Phantom were working on improvements for the flying arrangements. Hangman was away on the boat. Mav stayed with Bradley at the hospital. Evelyn had the girls over at her house. You and Austin were on your way to your ultrasound.

“I’m getting a case of deja vu, darlin.” Austin laughed as he parked Hangman’s truck into a parking stall. He looked over at you and smiled, “You ready for this?” He rubbed your belly.

You smiled, “Let’s do this.”

Austin came around to your side and opened your door. He helped you down and into the office. He took your ID and checked you in at the front desk. He came back and plopped down next to you. “I’m really excited to see how much they’ve grown since I first saw them.”

You chuckled, “I can just feel how big they are. My back and tired swollen feet remind me everyday.” You leaned back in the chair and rubbed your belly.

“If they take after the Lieutenant. They’ll definitely be some big boys.” He chuckled.

“Lieutenant Commander.” You raised your brows to Austin.

He looked at you shocked. “No way. Bradley promoted!?” He placed his fingers over his open mouth.

You nodded, “Lieutenant Commander Bradshaw.”

“Wow! Did he tell Maverick?”

You shook your head, “No he hasn’t. The day after he was promoted he was back on the boat.”

He nodded his head, “Hmm, well I know that Maverick is going to be so proud of him.” He smiled at you and nudged your shoulder.

The nurse called you and Austin back. Austin helped you onto the bed. You lifted Bradley’s sweater up and over your belly. You caught how big Austin’s eyes got. You chuckled and he looked at you. “I am an advertisement blimp now, Aus.”

He shook his head, “God, you are right. They have grown so much.” He rested his hand by your head and laid the other on your arm.

You grabbed Austin’s hand and gave it a squeeze. “Ready to see the boys again?” You gave him an excited smile. He nodded and looked back to the monitor. The doctor squirted some of the jelly onto your belly. They took the transducer and started to rub it around. The boys appeared quickly onto the screen.

Austin gasped, “Oh my gosh, darlin. They’re huge! Look at them!” He cover his mouth as his eyes went wide.

“They look like they are on track. I believe your boys will be ready to come out of the oven soon.” The doctor smiled at you. “Did you and Lieutenant Bradshaw pick a date yet?”

“Lieutenant Commander.” Austin winked at you and chucked.

The doctor laughed, “My apologies Lieutenant Commander Bradshaw. Did you and him pick a date yet to possibly be induced?”

You bit your lip and look up at Austin. You shook your head, “No we haven’t. He’s been in the hospital.”

The doctor looked at you sadly, “I am sorry to hear that Mrs. Bradshaw. Well we still have some time. I want to see you every two weeks as time is getting closer and closer. So you and Lieutenant Commander Bradshaw, can discuss dates.” They went back to scanning your belly. They measured the twins and snapped a couple of pictures. “Are there any questions you have?” The shot you a smile as they started to clean you up.

“Is there anything I should start doing different? To prepare myself for the boys?”

The doctor laughed, “Get as much sleep as possible. You’re going to miss it.” You and Austin started to laugh, “In all seriousness, just take it easy. I know you can feel that it is getting harder to do things. So don’t push yourself.” They finished cleaning you up and handed you and Austin the pictures. “Enjoy the rest of your day! I send my well wishes to the new LCDR.” They waved goodbye to you and Austin.

You pulled your shirt back down and Austin held your hands to help you up. You felt like you were out of breath, “Oh my gosh. That doesn’t get easier at all.” You started to laugh as Austin helped you down from the bed.

“Now let’s go see your husband, darlin. I know he will want these new pictures of the boys there with him.” Austin winked at you and helped you to the car.

-------

The end of the week finally rolled in. Today was the day that the doctors were going to start weaning Bradley off of the sedation medication. You were excited to see his beautiful eyes. You knew it would probably take a day or two before you saw him and heard his voice, but you were more than ready to kiss his lips over and over again. You just prayed he wasn’t in too much pain.

Mav was at the house getting things set up for Bradley. You sat in the room alone with him. You held his hand and rubbed your thumb over his hand.

“Hi, baby. They started to wean you off the medication. We will see each other soon. I’ll be here. I’m not going anywhere. I promise.” You kissed his hand. His thumb twitched against your hand. “There you go, baby.” You brought your lips to his ear, “Come back to me, my love.” You kissed his temple gently before you sat back down. “We brought you pictures of the boys. I had my appointment last week. They’re so big now. They definitely take after you.” You smiled and placed the back of his hand to your lips. “I can’t wait to have you back, honey. I can’t wait to kiss you over and over again. To hear your voice.” You smiled goofily at him. His eyes were still closed. He was still hooked up to everything to monitor him as he rests.

“I love you, Bradley, Always.”

-------

A couple of more days rolled around and you were home. You spent a lot of your time at the hospital with Bradley as he slowly started to come out of his sedative state. But he hadn't opened his eyes or anything yet. You were getting worried because the doctors at most, two days after, he would at least open his eyes.

today, you were packing a bag for Bradley. You packed him some comfortable clothes he could change into. You packed all his toiletries you knew he’d want. Leia came into the room and laid on your back as you packed Bradley’s bag.

“Momma, do I get to come with you today to see daddy?” She nestled her face into your back.

You reached your hand back and scratched her head, “You do baby. You’ll get to see your daddy today.”

Leia hugged you, “Finally! I miss him so much, momma. Do you think he will wake up from his nap today?” Leia started to rub your back.

You laid your head back onto hers. “I hope so, baby. I miss your daddy too.”

Leia kissed your back and came around to the front of you. “Can I help you pack daddy’s stuff?”

You caressed Leia’s cheek. “Of course, you can, baby. How about you go and get something you know your daddy would want and put it in here?” You kissed her cheek.

She sprang up, “I know exactly what daddy would want!” She ran out of the closet.

You chuckled and continued to fold clothes and place them into the bag. Leia came running back into the room. Before you looked up to see her she was dropping at least 10 uncrustables into Bradley’s duffle. You stopped placing clothes into his bag. You started to laugh and looked up at Leia. You picked up an uncrustable and held it up to Leia.

“PB&Js baby?” You raised your brows and began to laugh.

She nodded, “Yes, momma! I know daddy will be super hungry and what is better than a PB&J!? Our favorite snack!” She smiled and picked one up. “I actually want one of these right now.” She ripped one open. “I’ll be back momma! I’m gonna go put it in the toaster!” She started to skip out of the room.

“Please make sure you ask your Papa Mav or Austin to help you with the toaster!” You chuckled and took the PB&Js out of the bag. You stacked them next to the duffle as you continued to pack clothes.

When you finished, you brought all the sandwiches down stairs to put into a lunch bag to take with you. Leia was propped up on the counter sharing her PB&J with Austin.

“Hey! That bite was WAY too big, Austin!” Leia frowned at Austin and placed her forehead to his. She started to growl at him and Austin chuckled and did it back. Then he started to tickle her as he snuck another big bite out of her uncrustable. “AUSTIN!”

Austin laughed as Leia was clearly annoyed with him. Mav saw you coming down the stairs with Bradley’s duffle. “Here, sweetheart. Let me help you.” He smiled and grabbed the heavy bag from your grasp. You made it downstairs and placed all the sandwiches on the counter. You went into the pantry to grab an insulated lunch bag. You started to pack all the sandwiches into the bag.

“That’s quite a bit of PB&Js, darlin.” Austin chuckled as he let Leia down from the counter.

“They’re for daddy, Austin! I know he’ll be hungry!” Leia smiled at Austin.

Austin knelt down to her and cupped her cheeks. He pulled her in and kissed her forehead, “Gosh, you are so smart, Leia Rey.” He smiled. “Well, we should get goin. Let’s go and let Phantom go home to get some sleep."

Austin grabbed the duffle from Mav and grabbed Leia’s hand. He brought them out to the car. You gave Mav a kiss on the cheek before you left.

“I’ll be there in a bit, sweetheart! Just going to get cleaned up. I’ll be there within the hour.”

When you, Austin, and Leia arrived at the hospital Austin grabbed the duffle and lunch bag. You let Leia down from her booster seat and held her hand. When you got into the hospital you all headed over to Bradley’s room. Phantom was laying on the couch by the window sill. You went over and patted his shoulder.

“Hey we are here, how was he?” Phantom got up and smiled.

“He did great last night. We got a little more movement from him.” He stood up and stretched. “Who is here with you?”

“I have Austin and Leia with me today.” You smiled.

“Little Vapor is here?” He raised his brows to you.

You nodded, “I felt it was a good time for her to finally come in and see him. He’s doing so much better.”

“Where are they?” He looked around for Austin and Leia.

“They’re in the family waiting room. I told Austin to keep her there until Mav could get here. We are going to clean up and change Brad before she comes in and sees him.”

He nodded and gave you a hug. “If you girls need anything. I’m just a phone call away.” He kissed your temple. “If anything changes with him, please give me a call.”

You smiled at Phantom and nodded. “I will, thank you.”

When Phantom left, you sat next to Bradley. You held his hand in yours. “Hi baby, I’m back.” You kissed the back of his hand. “If you can hear me, Bradley… Can you squeeze my hand, baby?” You stayed still as you waited for the slightest movement. You felt his fingers slightly curl to your hand and you smiled. “There you go, baby. There you go, Bradley. I’m here, honey. I love you so much. You are doing so good. I am so proud of you, Bradley.” You rubbed his hand and arm, “Our little Leia is here to finally see you baby. She’s so excited to finally see you. She’s missed you so much.” You rubbed your hand over his scruffy face. “She’s been so strong. She definitely gets that from you.” You felt his hand twitch in yours.

You stood up and leaned over the bed railing and kissed his cheek. His prickly hair poking your lips. “Mav is going to come and help me clean you up and get you changed. Get you out of these endless hospital gowns.” You laughed, “How does that sound, honey?” You noticed he was trying to smile as the apple of his cheek bones balled up. You gasped and started to laugh, “I’ll take that as a yes please.”

His eyes started to flutter. You were noticing the white of his eyes starting to show. You stood up, “You got it, Bradley. You got it, honey. Just keep trying. You’re doing so good.” You held his hand tight in yours and caressed his cheek with your other hand, “Good job, my baby. You are doing so good.” You started to cry happy tears.

Mav finally came into the room. “Y/n, I’m here sweetheart.”

You waved him over, “Mav hurry come over.” He jogged over with a smile on his face. “Look, Mav. He’s trying.”

Mav chuckled, “There you go, Brad.” He rubbed his arm. “You got it, son. There you go.”

Bradley’s eyes opened slightly. He blinked a couple of times and looked at you. His eyes lit up. You could see that he was trying to smile. You started to tear up, “Oh my god, Bradley.” You cupped his face. He still had the tube in his mouth. You and Mav started to cry as he looked at the both of you. “My baby.” You whispered to him.

He shakily brought his hand up to your cheek. You grabbed it with both hands and placed it on your cheek, he caressed his thumb over it. You held his hand hard to your cheek and kissed his palm. “God, I love you so much, Bradley. I love you so fucking much, baby.” You kissed his palm over and over again. Your body became overjoyed with happiness, you felt like you were floating away on a cloud. Here he was, your husband, he was finally back. Your Bradley was home.

You went to go and grab a nurse. They came into the room and greeted Bradley. “Hello, Lieutenant Commander Bradshaw! Welcome back! I’m so happy to see you back. How are you feeling pain-wise, sir?” The nurse came around to chest his vitals. Bradley flashed him a weak and shakey thumbs up. “That’s great! Okay now take a deep breath alright? I’m going to take the ventilator out from you. You’ll feel a lot of pressure in your neck. That’s just the tube coming up, okay?” Bradley nodded slowly and slightly as he closed his eyes to signal he agreed.

The nurse turned off the ventilator and came over to Bradley. “Breathing feel alright?” Bradley closed his eyes to signal yes. “Okay, sir. Get ready when I say 3 take a deep breath in.” Bradley closed his eyes again.

Mav wrapped his arm around your shoulders. You held onto him tightly and excited.

The nurse started to unsnap the mechanism that was around Bradley's mouth. He removed it and all that was left was the tube. “Okay, Lieutenant Commander. On three, deep breath, let’s get this thing out of you. One, Two, Three.” Bradley took a deep weezy breath and the nurse started to pull the tube from him. Bradley started to gag and cough as it came up. His eyes tore up as he choked slightly. The tube finally all came out and had some blood on it. Bradley gasped for air and started to cough dryly. He winced at the pain he was feeling in his torso. He held onto his chest as he coughed.

“I’ll go and get you some medication for the pain, sir.” Bradley closed his eyes tight and raised his brows as he continued to cough.

When the nurse left the room you bee lined for Bradley. You grabbed his face and kissed his lips over and over again. He started to laugh through his cough. You didn’t care that his lips were super dry. You just wanted to feel his lips against yours. You never thought you would get this chance again.

When you finally broke away from his lips. Bradley gasped and wheezed for air as he gave you a little smile. You looked into his eyes and they looked so relaxed. You knew he was finally happy to see you. Bradley gestured for some water. You grabbed a water bottle from his bedside table. You held it to his lips and he began to drink it slowly. He nearly drank the whole bottle before he nodded at you that he was done.

He swallowed the water that was in his mouth. He smiled and looked up at you. “Hi, sweetheart.” His voice was so soft and really raspy. He smiled up at you.

You smiled and shook your head. Of course, this man was going to greet you. Even if he could barely breathe. You started to cry, “Hi, baby." You placed your hands on his cheeks, “Hi, my baby. Hi.”

Mav came over and kissed Bradley on his forehead. Bradley looked over at Mav with wide eyes. “Holy shit, You’re here. You're actually here.” He chuckled softly and grabbed onto Mav’s hand. He kept looking at him with big eyes and disbelief that his uncle was standing here in front of him.

Mav started to laugh, “I’m here, Bradley. I’m here. It’s good to finally see you. I’ve been waiting a long time for you to finally open your eyes and hear your voice.” Mav held Bradley’s hand close to his heart. “I love you so much, Bradley.” He started to cry.

Bradley smiled and a small tear fell from his eye, “I love you, Mav.” His voice was super hoarse and shaky.

He looked back over to you. “I missed you, sweetheart. I heard you talking to me everyday. Thank you so much, baby. You were my motivation to keep pushing.” He smiled at you.

You kissed him over and over again. “I love you, Bradley Bradshaw, always.

“And I love you, y/n Bradshaw, forever.”

You and Mav kept Bradley waking up a little secret from Austin and Leia. You wanted to surprise them when they came into the room. You and Mav started to clean up Bradley. You were being gentle with him because he was still in pain. The nurse said that the medication he gave him would kick in shortly. You washed Bradley’s face and brushed his teeth. You applied moisturizer and exfoliated his lips. You applied some lips balm to his lips and they were soft and smooth again. You washed his hair gently and fixed it for him. His curls were really defined. Mac gave Bradley’s body a sponge bath. He cleaned him up pretty well. You helped Bradley change into some sweats from home. After he was cleaned up and clothed, the nurses came in to change his bedding before he got comfortable in bed.

Bradley’s voice was very soft and raspy from not talking for nearly a month. “Thank you both, I feel so much better.” Bradley took a deep breath and winced slightly at his pain. You kissed his lips and smiled. “Are you ready to see your little girl?”

Bradley’s eyes went wide and he nodded his head. “I can’t wait to give her a kiss,” he grunted and held his chest. You and Mav looked at Bradley concerned knowing he was in great amounts of pain.

"You all right, Bradley?" Mav came over and rubbed his arm gently.

Bradley breathed in and you could hear the crackling and wheezing coming from his chest. He nodded and gave him a weak smile. "I'll be okay."

Mav nodded and looked up at you. You looked back at him and at Bradley. "I'll be back, okay?"

------

You went to the Family waiting room to go and get Austin and Leia. He was sitting with her on a couch and reading a book to her as she cuddled into his side with her teddy. You opened the door slowly and smiled. “Are you both ready to see him? We just finished getting him ready.”

Austin nudged Leia, “You ready to see your daddy, Leia girl?”

She nodded fast, “Yes! I can’t wait to give him a kiss!” She jumped down from the couch and came over to grab your hand. When you reached Bradley’s room you looked down at Leia. You cupped her cheek as she smiled up at you.

“I just want to warn you, baby. Daddy is hooked up to a couple of things to help monitor him. Daddy had a couple of bumps and bruises. He’s also a little fragile right now, so we have to be very gentle, okay?”

She nodded, “I understand, momma.” You looked at Austin and smiled. “Ready?” He nodded to you.

“Here we go, Vapor girl.” You held your hand out to Leia and she grabbed it. In her other arm she hugged her teddy tight. She took a deep breath as you opened the door. The three of you walked in and you opened the curtain.

Austin placed his hands on Leia’s shoulders. You all three walked in, Mav was sitting at Bradley’s bed side rubbing his arm.

Leia looked at him and Bradley turned his head slowly to see her. His eyes went soft and he smirked at her.

“Hi, my Leia Rey.” His voice was soft.

Leia started to tear up. She held onto her teddy tighter. “Daddy…?” Her breath quickened.

Bradley slowly waved her over. “Hi, sweetheart.”

Leia started sobbing, “DADDY!” She ran for Bradley.

Austin placed his hand on your shoulder when he saw Bradley awake. He looked at you with wide eyes and pulled you in for a hug. “Oh my… Darlin! He’s awake! And talking!” You looked up at Austin and teared up. He kissed your forehead and walked over to Bradley.

Leia was clinging onto her dad’s hand. “Daddy, I missed you so much! I knew you would be okay!”

Bradley brought his hand to Leia’s cheek, “I’m not going anywhere, my Leia babe. Daddy is here.” He looked at her so lovingly, the same gaze he had on her when he first saw her. He caressed her cheek and fell relaxed in her hands. Leia held onto her dad's hand tight against her cheek.

Austin came to Bradley and Bradley gave him a shaky fist pump. “Heyyy. Aus! You’re here.” Bradley chuckled.

“I’m so happy I am.” Austin started to tear up as he saw Bradley.

“Where is your girl?” Bradley sounded concern for Phoenix.

“I’m going to call her up. She has to come and see you. She’s at work right now.” Austin placed his hand on Bradley’s shoulder. “It’s great to see you up, man.”

Bradley nodded, “It’s great to be here, man.” They shook hands and Leia snatched her daddy’s hand from Austin.

Leia placed kisses all over Bradley hand. “I love you so much, daddy.” She cuddled into Bradley’s hand.

“I love you, Leia Rey, forever.”

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

There was a lot of skipping around in this chapter, but I hope you all loved it! I am so excited to see that Bradley is up! I just wanna cover this man in KISSES. Thank you for being here, besties! I'll see you all in the next chapter! 🫶🏼

My support group is in the comments ❤️

208 notes · View notes

blacklegsanjiii · 5 months ago

Note

Not sure if you have done this yet, but an Au where Usopp and Sanji are brothers because somehow Sanji ended up on Syrup Village after escaping Germa.

Sanji could relate to Usopp losing his mother so young, and it would give them both someone to lean on! Sanji could be his big bro!

Maybe Kaya and Merry took Sanji in as her cook once she found out he had a talent for it and was also orphaned. Sanji would see Kaya like a sister.

Or maybe Sanji still meets Zeff and works at the Baratie, but comes back to visit Syrup Village regularly.

I find Usopp and Sanji's relationship very sweet in canon!

I haven't done one where Sanji ends up just in Syrup Village but I believe @/wellfine did? I could be wrong but I think I remember seeing something about Sanji being a member of the Veggie Pirates? I do have a friend!sanji au where Sanji grew up meeting all the East Blue Crew with Zeff on The Baratie.

I think Sanji escaping the Orbit in fear of being found and being linked to Germa and finding his way to hiding on the mansion's property and being found by Merry could be fun. This random guy finds this random kid who is so scrawny and just brings him into the manor and is like 'uhhh, i found this?' and everyone else losing their fucking minds. Wild. Hilarious. Of course, they feed Sanji and ask him questions and get the answers of him wanting to be a cook and having no family and just trying to find work makes Kaya let him have a job. She's sobbing and it weirds Sanji out a lot. Reiju only cried because she wanted him to be free and he got it so he's staring at this girl a little younger than him and wincing at the noise.

Over time he's introduced to Usopp and they bond over losing their mothers and the three of them being orphans and Merry delights in them all the time. It's adorable. He's adorable. Of course, Sanji can fight too, honing his fighting skills and his cooking skills and indulges Usopp, Kaya, and Merry. He and Merry have a running bet on when Usopp and Kaya will get married. It's a whole thing a decent amount of beri on it. Usopp and Kaya do not know about this bet and they shan't until after the wedding. Maybe on their fifth wedding anniversary the two will come clean. Maybe.

Kaya goes to Sanji with other issues, seeing her as an older brother type of figure who works for her. Sure he lives there like she and Merry do and he loves it, loves them. Sometimes Merry will find them in the morning the blonds asleep in Kaya's bed because they were both having a bad night and breakfast was late so Merry took to cooking for them, something simple. A pot of oatmeal that Sanji has a recipe for with optional additions to add. Also it's insanely detailed for a fourteen-year-old. Merry is frowning every time he reads one of Sanji's cookbooks because there's notes about him, Kaya, Usopp and the other workers. Merry supposes finding him on the grounds and letting Kaya give him a job wasn't the worst thing that's happened but the detail kinda wigs him out.

Then they meet the strawhat pirates and it's a whirlwind of being sucked into one Monkey D. Luffy's crew and fighting Kuro and his gang and saving Kaya and Merry. Afterwards Merry and Kaya convince them to join the crew after Luffy falls in love with Sanji's cooking and likes Usopp's sniping abilities. Kaya gifts them the Going Merry and Sanji is asking his little sister if she's sure. Absolutely, one hundred percent, positively certain that she entrusts them with one of the boats, let alone a boat that beautiful. Kaya is giving him this look of offense he knows is teasing and Merry is trying to keep it together in the background as Luffy is thanking her and so is Usopp and they're so excited to set sail and head to the Grand Line.

#black leg sanji #vinsmoke sanji #god usopp #usopp #kaya one piece #kaya op #merry op #merry one piece #syrup!sanji #answers #was it wellfine?#i dont want to tag them without being sure

23 notes · View notes

imagines--galore · 2 years ago

Text

||The Thread of Fate|| Part Two

Summary: Soulmate AU. They say the Thread of Fate connects you to your one true love. It may tangle. It may stretch. But it will never break. Wrapped around your little finger it tightens when it feels your soulmate is close and loosens when they are far. And becomes visible with the colors of your soulmate’s Nation when you finally fall in love with them.

Pairing: Zuko x OroraOC (ATLA)

Rating || Genres || Warnings: T+ Romance. Adventure. A little mention of blood and fighting.

Previous Chapters - Part One

A/N: A little explanation on the myth for The Thread of Fate. If you have any confusions let me know : ) I hope this helps understand the lore a little better.

Also I am now taking requests so go ahead and send me stuff. You can find my rules here. Please send me stuff to write!

- shame to the family - dishonored us - humiliated your father - a disgrace - I no longer have a daughter.....

The words still echoed in her mind. Replayed over and over until they became background noise. It had bothered her at first, but not anymore. She had gotten used to it. Staring at the wooden ceiling above her, Orora sighed to herself, turning to her side in her hammock and clutching her blanket closer to her body.

Her father had been less then pleased when she had said she would be healing soldiers on the battlefield, but the moment he had learned that she had engaged with the enemy in a fight, he had been downright furious.

All her life she had kept her fighting abilities a secret. Like any water bending girl from a respectable family, Orora had been sent to the Healing Huts when she came of age, while her brothers went to train with Master Pakku. She had been upset about the unfairness of it all, and when she had voiced her opinion, all she received for her trouble was a sharp slap across her face. From then on she had stayed silent.

The scrolls were a parting gift from her grandmother, who had decided, on her death bed, that her granddaughter should learn how to fight given the world they lived in. Her parents would never have allowed her, and she had never told them her secret. Stealing the scrolls her grandfather had written, from the attic of her home, Orora had trained herself from the age of ten.

She would sneak away in the middle of the night and train in the Spirit Oasis. The place had become her sanctuary, and despite almost being caught on more than one occasion, Orora had been steadfast and determined.

Presently she was on a boat alongside the Avatar, his companions, and other people from the Northern Water Tribe, who had decided to travel South to aid their sister tribe. Since she had been disowned by her father, and nothing was left for her back home, she had volunteered when Master Pakku said he needed people to go with him to the Southern Water Tribe. The man had been hesitant at first, but it seemed one of the Avatar’s companions, Katara, had managed to wear him down, which had led to her packing up whatever she needed and leaving the Northern Water Tribe behind.

It was bittersweet. On one hand, Orora was excited for a chance to explore the world, and go beyond the freezing landscape she had known her entire life. On the other, she couldn’t believe how her family, her own father, just threw her out like that. She had been trying to help. To save lives. It seemed he had never loved her enough to allow her even a little slip up. Her brothers were the ones who received all the praise and love. They would carry on the family name and legacy. Her? She would be carted off the minute her parents found a suitable husband.

All that time of being treated as a second thought, had taught Orora to stay aloof, for it was the only way she could ensure her survival.

So, here she was. Lying on a hammock, on her way into the world unknown.

Her train of thought was broken when she heard footsteps of someone coming down. It was Katara. The girl gave her a small smile. “Here. You didn’t come up so, I brought some food for you.” Orora sat up, the hammock swinging as she did, eyeing the bowl of stew the girl held out to her. She hadn’t felt like eating an hour ago, but now her stomach was in knots from trying to keep the hunger at bay.

“Thank you.” Reaching out, the other girl took the bowl and cradled it between her palms, enjoying the warmth of the stew against her skin. Katara moved to sit on the hammock opposite to Orora. “So, I hear I’m not the only girl who managed to learn how to fight in the Northern Water Tribe.” She said, giving the other girl a smile as she began to eat. Orora gave a dry chuckle. “Sure, but I’m the only one to be disowned by my family for it, so thank the spirits your family is proud of your accomplishments.” She spoke with such carelessness as if it didn’t bother her at all.

Katara’s reaction was immediate. The girl’s features settled into one of sympathy and concern. “I’m sorry they did that. Maybe one day you can come back and show them just how strong you’ve gotten. I’m sure they’ll be proud of you.” Orora gave a little chuckle, before taking another sip of the stew. “You don’t know my father and brothers like I do Katara. They’re set in their ways, and extremely stubborn. I doubt they will change their minds.” The other waterbender hummed in disapproval. “What about your mother?” Orora shook her head. “My mother won’t ever go against my father. She’s always been too scared and intimidated. Its not her fault.” The girl was quick to add. “Thats how she was brought up. Its what frustrated my father so much. He always wondered why I wasn’t like her.” The girl winked at Katara. “Jokes on him, I inherited his hardheadedness, and he never realized it.” Katara giggled at her words, while Orora took the time to finish up her stew and gave a small sigh of relief.

“Thanks for bringing me food. I didn’t feel like going up.” She admitted, prompting the other girl to shake her head. “Its alright. I wanted to get away from the boys for a little while anyway. My brother was starting to get on my nerves.” She said the last part with a roll of her eyes, and an angry huff, yet Orora was certain there was no malice behind the words. “If you don’t mind my asking, how old are you Orora?” The girl continued, curiosity coloring her tone as she regarded her fellow waterbender. “I’m sixteen.” Came the short reply. Realizing that perhaps she was being a little rude, she gave the other girl a smile. “What about you? I’m sure you’re younger then I am yet here you are, traveling the world with the Avatar no less.”

Katara returned the smile. “I’m fourteen and yeah I suppose it is amazing. Never thought I’d be destined for something like this.” She admitted, glancing upwards to where the open sky could be seen through the entrance.

Orora could see the girl was getting lost in her own musings, which prompted her to glance down at the now empty bowl she still held. She wondered what was she destined for? Would her life be just as adventurous as Katara’s? Or would she live out her life as a simple healer?

And then there was the matter of her soulmate.

Her icy gaze flickered to the invisible thread around her finger. Since the Siege she hadn’t felt the tug again. At nights she would often lay and replay what had happened in her mind. It was frustrating. All she could come up with was an outline of a person, shrouded in white, with a dark shadow across their face.

What she was certain of, however, was that she had seen fire. Fire coming from that figure when her finger had given that sharp yet insistent tug.

It was right before she had lost consciousness, and given the extent of her injuries and just how exhausted she had been, perhaps her mind was confusing things. Orora pursed her lips, letting out a sound of frustration. Sometimes she wished she had someone to speak to about these things. No one had ever really explained the concept of the Thread of Fate to her. There were legends and half-truths, yet she had never been able to find someone who could.....

Her train of thought trailed off as she glanced up at the ceiling.

Maybe the Avatar knew?

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

This was torture.

Pure and utter torture.

Sure both him and his Uncle had managed to wash ashore on an area owned by the Fire Nation, but that didn’t stop Zuko from being on guard. His Uncle was taking full advantage of the facilities that were being offered to them, free of charge of course. They were Fire Nation Royalty. And it did help that his Uncle had been there before after the failed attempt at capturing Ba Sing Se. Zuko made a mental note to ask the older man about it later.

The banished Prince, however, was not enjoying his time like his Uncle was.

He had lost his ship. His crew. He had lost the Avatar. Again. And with that, lost any hope of ever going back home.

He doubted his father would ever give him new resources for his efforts to capture the Avatar. So, for now, all he could do was sit and brood over the fact. Uncle had tried to include him in the many relaxing activities, yet Zuko had refused each and every single one. Choosing to, instead, sit under the blooming cherry blossoms and let his mind wander.

Once it had tired itself out from thinking of his pitiful conditions, his subconsciousness strayed to the thought of that young girl he had saved. Zuko could still feel that phantom tug at his finger when his mind conjured the image of the girl. His golden eyes flickered to his finger, thinking that perhaps it had been some sort of mistake on his part, that he had assumed the entire thing.

Yet even thinking along such lines felt......wrong.

He had been educated on everything there was to know about the Thread of Fate, yet it had been all direct and to the point, as most of his schooling had been. As a Prince, he had been made aware that finding a soulmate for royalty was difficult. Not only because they were mostly arranged to be married, like his father and mother, but also because what if their soulmate turned out to be a mere commoner? Or worse! Someone from another Nation altogether.

And here he was. A banished Prince who had felt that tug while rescuing a water tribe girl.

Life had a cruel sense of humor.

Still, he couldn’t deny his curiosity. Glancing towards the hut he shared with his Uncle the boy frowned.

Maybe the wise old man could shed some light on the topic.

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

“Course I know about the Thread of Fate. I am the Avatar after all.”

The reply was cheerful and light, holding no hint of that condescending tone she had always associated with the males in her life. The Avatar was unlike anyone she had ever met. It surprised her that someone so bright, cheerful and full of life had defeated the Fire Nation Navy all on his own.

Not to mention he was just a kid.

“That and the Monks told us all about it when we were really young, in case we ever ran into our soulmate.” He added with a sheepish chuckle.

Sitting beside him on the deck as everyone shared breakfast before the Avatar was to leave, Orora gave a small nod. “Could you tell me about it?” She requested, ever the polite lady. It was instinct for her now, to be polite and courteous. The years of lessons that had been drilled into her had a lasting impact.

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

“Uncle! What can you tell me about the Thread of Fate?”

Blunt and to the point, that was his nephew. Iroh threw a surprised look at the young man, frowning slightly at him. “That is a rather strange question to be asking Prince Zuko. What brought it on?”

His nephew did not bother with a reply, though Iroh’s keen gaze did pick up on how the little finger of Zuko’s right hand twitched slightly. A moment of silence followed, before the older man sighed and gestured for Zuko to sit in front of him. Once he had done so, Iroh met his nephew’s fiery yet determined gaze.

“What is it you wish to know, Prince Zuko?”

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

Sitting cross-legged on the floor, the Avatar, Aang she told herself, turned his attention towards her.

“You know I’m surprised your parents didn’t tell you about it. Weren’t they soulmates?” The boy asked, to which Orora shook her head. “Oh.” An awkward silence followed before the boy seemed to bounce back. “Well don’t worry, I can teach you everything about it.”

By now Katara and Sokka had turned their attention towards their conversation as well.

“Well we all know the basics right? How the little fingers of our hands have an invisible string tied to it.” He held up his right hand for emphasis, the little finger waving in the air. “For boys its the right hand, and for the girls the left hand. It appears at birth and connects us to our soulmates. The string only breaks when one soulmate dies. And it may tangle, or twist up but it never breaks.” Orora blinked. Aang’s grey eyes, that had been playful just a few moments ago, now bore a twinkle of wisdom in it that she had not detected before.

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

“The person that is connected to the end of that string is the other half of our soul. They are a part of us, as we are of them. A picture of completion if you will. Yin and Yang.”

Zuko gave a small frown. “How would two people, who have never met know that they’re soulmates?” He asked. His Uncle gave a small smile.

“Well most people have admitted to feeling a tug at their finger, a pull that never lets up until they’re either close to their soulmate or so far away that the thread loosens.” Golden eyes blinked, briefly dropping to the finger of his right hand, before shifting back to look at his Uncle.

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

“A person’s thread will glow and be visible when they fall in love with their soulmate. And the color of that glow, matches the color of whatever Nation they belong to. Grey would be the Air Nomads. Blue would be the Water Tribe. Green would be someone from the Earth Kingdom, and red would be Fire Nation.”

Aang dropped his hand before continuing. “The thread may connect us to our soulmate, but it doesn’t mean that they will fall in love.” Orora blinked. She certainly hadn’t heard about that part. Aang gave a sympathetic smile at her confusion before continuing.

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

“It is rare that something like this happens, but if one person rejects the bond, the thread looses its color.” Iroh spoke with a hint of sadness in his gaze, prompting Zuko to wander if perhaps his Uncle had experienced something like that happening.

“What happens to the other person?” He asked, his curiosity getting the better of him. The retired General sighed. “Sometimes they accept it and move on. But if they are not strong enough they die.” He admitted.

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

“Thats a little extreme isn’t it?” Orora said, frowning at Aang. The boy shook his head. “I actually saw it happen one time. A young boy was brought to the Western Air Temple by his family. His soulmate had rejected him because her parents did not want her to marry someone from another Nation. He came to the Temple to heal, but the pain of loosing her was too much for his heart.”

A breath of silence. “He died a week later.”

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

“How many have you seen die from being rejected by their soulmate Uncle?” The sadness was overwhelming in the older man’s eyes as he fixed his nephew with a stare.

“Countless.”

Zuko knew the reason behind that answer. His Uncle had been at the front of many battles for the Fire Nation. Had watched soldiers give their lives for their cause. Iroh had been one of those Generals who went to the grieving families himself to give his condolences. He wandered just how many children had lost both their father and mother because one could not bear the thought of living in a world where their soulmate did not exist.

Shaking the thought away, he opened his mouth to ask another question.

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

“How often is it, that your soulmate might be from another Nation?” Orora asked. The Airbender hummed under his breath before shrugging. “Its pretty common. At least it was a hundred years ago.” He glanced at Katara and Sokka for confirmation.

“Its still common I guess.” Sokka finally spoke. “I had thought that maybe Yue was my soulmate but my string didn’t glow.” He glanced at his hand before looking up at the sky. “If she wasn’t my soulmate, how is it that I fell in love with her?” He asked, frowning at Aang.

The boy pursed his lips before replying.

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

Iroh admitted. “Just because fate has partnered us up with someone, doesn’t mean that we will end up with them. We still have the freedom to exercise free will.” Iroh admitted. “The most common reason for a person to be rejected by their soulmate is because they are in love with someone else.”

Zuko nodded. “So, I can choose to reject my soulmate? If I were in love with someone else, or if I wanted to.” A troubled look overcame Iroh’s features. “Prince Zuko, you should know, rejecting a bond such as this is painful for both the people involved. One must be very careful before taking such a drastic measure.”

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

“Why would you reject your soulmate though?” Katara wandered out loud. “They are your other half and being with them makes you feel whole.”

Orora, ever the morbid thinker voice her thoughts. “If your soulmate was from the Fire Nation, you’d probably reject them.” A chilled silence followed her words, where everyone glanced at one another in silent agreement, yet it was Aang who broke it.

“Not everyone from the Fire Nation is a bad person Orora.”

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

“The entire world is against the Fire Nation Uncle, against our vision to unite the world under one banner. I doubt anyone from the Water Tribes or the Earth Kingdom would accept someone from the Fire Nation as their soulmate.” Iroh tried not to flinch at what his nephew spoke. He prayed to the Spirits his nephew would see the light somehow, yet for now he simply replied.

“Love is a powerful thing Prince Zuko. I have seen what it can accomplish. What power and determination it can give to a person. Do not underestimate it.”

Zuko just sat there, unable to meet his Uncle’s gaze for fear he would discover his suspicions about the reason he was asking all these questions.

“One final question, Uncle.”

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

“Does everyone find their soulmate?” Orora asked, petting Aang’s lemur, Momo, on the head from where he had cuddled into her side. The boy shook his head.

“Sadly no. Sometimes one soulmate might die before meeting the other, though it doesn’t mean the other dies as well since they never accepted the bond.” He clarified. “Other times the world is simply too big for one soulmate to meet another.”

His grey eyes turned to gaze out upon the blue waters surrounding them.”But it is comforting isn’t it? Knowing that there is someone out there who thinks about you and cares for you without even knowing you.” He chuckled. “Sounds almost magical.”

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

Zuko let out a snort of derision. “I wouldn’t go so far as calling it that.” He stood up, straightening his clothes as he did. “Thank you for answering my questions Uncle.” He gave the man a bow before turning to exit the hut.

“Prince Zuko? Did you feel it? Did you feel the thread going taut and tug at your finger?”

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

Orora sat there frozen in place momentarily. Aang’s eyes seemed to widen as a glimmer of excitement shone in his gaze. “No. I’ve never felt that.” The Waterbender said firmly, squashing whatever feeling of guilt she felt at lying.

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

“Of course not Uncle. Besides, I doubt anyone would want to be bonded to a banished and scarred Prince.” With that Prince Zuko walked out of the hut, leaving his Uncle to look on as he did, sorrow filling his eyes.

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

The moment she could, Orora managed to escape the inquisitive eyes of the resident Airbender and catch a moment alone with her thoughts. It would seem a lot of her questions had been answered, and yet she was still confused. What purpose would a soulmate serve in her life? Would they help her be happy? Help her live a full life? One thing was for sure.

Her soulmate was from the Fire Nation.

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

Soulmates. Other half. Utterly ridiculous. Yet he could not deny the tug he had felt when he had rescued the girl. Could she be her soulmate? He was a Prince. He could not be bonded with a mere commoner. After listening to his Uncle and from what he had experienced he could not deny it any longer. One thing was for sure.

His soulmate was from the Water Tribe.

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

There was no way she would ever accept him as her soulmate.

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

There was no way he would ever accept her as his soulmate.

#zuko x oc #zuko x reader #Avatar The Last Airbender #zuko imagine #avatar the last airbender fanfiction #the thread of fate

225 notes · View notes