#she would have those boys on her knees let me tell ya

[elilelibeli]

Lily Evans loves to have her hands in the curls. Curly hair has always been something she adored.

She especially loves having her hands through curls in a very very specific way.

One pulling all over the place, brown ones from a head between her thighs.

The other in what was a neatly put, jet black curls minutes ago, from a head latched into her neck.

Lily Evans has two hands and they will always be busy with the two of her favorite curly heads.

[ev3rgreenxtrees]

First Choice

-M.S {pt 1}

Synopsis: Your best friends with Nicolas Sturniolo. He’s been your best friend since the third grade— you’re now in your senior year. What happens when the brother you don’t get along with all of the sudden needs you to fake date him?

Pairing: good girl!fem!reader (she/her) X bad boy!Matt Sturniolo

Warnings: Cussing, arguments (not angst. yet.), slightly suggestive, cigarettes, mentions of alcohol and drugs, use of Y/N.

<*•*>

“Please, Y/N..” Matt begged, his eyes pleading— unlike how you’ve ever seen him. He’s always been such an asshole to you. Since you’ve been friends with his brother, Nick. On the other hand, Chris was sweet. You never understood why Matt couldn’t be like Chris.

But here you are. Matt was now begging you to be his fake girlfriend. You weren’t sure why he wanted you to, or why he needed anyone to, in that matter.

“Why, Matt? What am I getting out of it?” You scowl, annoyed at the boy, who refused to let you leave the now empty classroom. All of your other classmates were already at lunch, but matt stopped you to ask this ridiculous question.

“Well- I..” Matt sighed, embarrassed in himself. Matt was a very good looking guy, and had his fair share of hookups and girlfriends, but never once did you think he’d be begging you to fake date him. Ever.

“Don’t you dare fucking tell me it’s to get back at your girlfriend.” You state annoyed, just wanting to head to lunch.

“Well, not really..” Matt mumbled. “Okay. Listen to me.” The boy states, as if he hadn’t already had your full attention. “Me and Lacey broke up— obviously, and everyone was teasing me for it, saying I fumbled and shit. Like, Nate, Jordan, Kyle, and even fuckin’ Chris wouldn’t keep his mouth shut, so.. I may have accidentally told them I already have a new girlfriend..” Matt mumbles shyly, and you couldn’t help but snicker.

“No fucking way.” You squeak, trying to hold back your laughter. “You fumbled bad, and your friends are fuckin’ with you for it, so you want me to help you? When have you ever gave a fuck about helping me? All those times I needed a ride or something from the store when you were already out?” You scoffed.

“Y/N, please..” He whines. “c’mon, I’m beggin’ ya..” He pleads. “Fuck, I’ll even get on my knees if ya want me to,”

“Matt, get the fuck up.” You demand, feeling awkward about him kneeling down in front of you. Part of you, however, thought it was cute. The way his hands were intertwined tightly, his hair covering his eyes slightly, but from what you could see of them, he was looking up at you longingly. “Matt. Up.” You demanded more stern this time.

He obliges, quickly standing up in front of you, a glint of hope in his eyes.

“Why me..? Why am I your first choice?” You question. It wasn’t a random question. If you were to agree, this would be something you feel is need-to-know.

“You’re the most believable. Not because your looks or anything like that, but because I’ve known you longest.” He tells you, but the way he speaks makes you think he’s not telling you the complete truth.. but close enough- right?

“Okay— But first, we have to lay ground rules. No kissing me, at all. Second, not too much PDA. I hate PDA in general; and it doesn’t help that we’re not actually dating. Third, pet names and stuff are fine, but never get cocky with me. Okay?” I ask, keeping my voice clear. Being truthful, I wasn’t so sure why I agreed to help him. But I did.

“Really? Thank you!” The boy squeals happily, pulling you into a hug. You tense at his touch, something you haven’t felt before. It wasn’t bad— but it was definitely new. He continues to mumble small ‘thank you’s, before letting you go. “Can you sit by me at lunch? It’ll make it more believable.” He asks.

You reluctantly agree, not quite sure how he was so open to asking you things like this. Asking someone to ‘fake date’ you is something you’d have to work up years of courage to ask someone to do. He immediately slips your hand in his, pulling you out of the empty classroom— the same one he had pulled you into randomly moments before.

You look down at his hand in yours as he wandered down the halls, pulling you behind him. He looked so happy. When you both arrived into the packed commons, he pulled you to the table he usually sat at, your friends giving you an odd look as you strolled right past them, hand-in-hand with your sworn enemy.

The table Matt sat at consisted of his closest friends, Nate, Jordan, Kyle, Luke, Nicky, and his brothers, Nick and Chris. You weren’t familiar with Kyle, Jordan, or Luke, but Nate and Nicky sometimes came over to the triplets house when you were hanging out with Nick.

“Y/n..!” Nick yells, but his voice quickly trailing off. “Matt..?” He says in an unsure tone, his head tilting. “Why are you here?” He questions.

“Guys,” Matt speaks up, grabbing everyones’ attention. “This is the girlfriend I was telling you about.” He states proudly, but almost seemingly unsure of himself. Girlfriend. It sounds different hearing it from him.

“No fucking way.” Nick gapes, his jaw slack.

“Yes fucking way.” Matt teases, before taking his usual seat. “Hold on. You can sit here, sweetheart. I’ll go grab myself a different chair.” He hums, standing back up from his seat after he realizes there was no open seats.

You were taken slightly aback. Obviously Matt would have to act like this, since you were ‘dating’, but it was something you definitely weren’t used to.

“Y/N! You’re insane!” Nick says, holding back a laugh. Your leg bounced slightly as you realized everyone at the table was staring at you.

“Hm? How so?” You asked confused. Was Matt not a good person to date? Obviously he wasn’t nice to you, but thats because you hate each other. He always seemed so sweet and gentle around his ex.

“Matt..?” Nick furrowed his eyebrows judgmentally. “You guys.. hate eachother..?” He questions.

“No, we obviously don’t, Nick.” You correct sweetly, as Matt pulls over a chair to sit next to you. Matt almost immediately noticed that your leg was bouncing, so he gently rested one of his hands on your knees reassuringly.

Even though you told him not to touch you, you do find his touch quite soothing. You glance over at him, and he offers you a slight nod, before his attention goes back to the table full of his friends. Maybe— Just maybe— this whole ‘fake dating’ with Matt wasn’t such a horrible decision after all.

『 ↳✧･ﾟ Finn yaps❕ ;

sorry this chapter is kinda short, i just wanted to make the first chapter shorter and show how the fake dating came to be <3

˗ˏˋ꒰ 🍒 ꒱ I do NOT give permission for my work to be published on any other site, nor to be claimed as your own . However , reblogs , likes , and comments are much appreciated ! 🤍

ੈ✩‧₊˚ @bernardenjoyer @lovely-calypso @slut4mattsturn @imwetforyourmom @tillies33ssss @junnniiieee07 @75sturn @thenickgirl

divider creds to @v6que 🤍

[frenchkisstheabyss]

୨୧ ʝαɯႦɾҽαƙҽɾ (ƚɯσ) ୨୧

୨୧ Pairings: rich boy!yunho x chubby!fem!reader, rich boy!choi san x chubby!fem!reader, rich boy!hongjoong x chubby!fem!reader, rich boy!seonghwa x chubby!fem!reader

୨୧ Genre: graduate school au/angst/smut/a lil bit of fluff emerging

୨୧ Summary: It was never your intention to infiltrate one of the most exclusive social circles at your new university, seducing rich boys to get who and what you want. Wait, no, it was.

But your actions have consequences and, when the one who brought you into this turns out to be more devious than you expected, are you prepared to face them?

୨୧ Word Count: 1.6k-ish

୨୧ Warnings: you're the villain, yunho's the villain, you truly all are in your own ways for this series, sugar baby origins, heavy angst, backstabbing, a fight breaks out, punching (not you), blood, drinking, yunho's a player, manipulation, strong language, mutual masturbation (f & m), fingering, creampie (in a sense), slight vaginal penetration (for teasing purposes), gagging (panties in mouth), cum eating, jealousy, soft dom reader vibes, pet names (pretty girl, baby, babe, good boy), oral sex (f receiving).

୨୧ A/N: This is part two in a series. You can find part one here. This entry focuses more on your relationship with Yunho, the dynamics within the boys' friend group, and why you're here at all. The next entry will be San focused with the focus shifting to Hongjoong last because every game needs a boss battle, ya know?

Watching Jeong Yunho tongue down a girl at the bar, you can’t help but wonder, “Can she taste me on his lips?” Or is she too drunk to tell that his breath still smells like pussy? It’s not that you’re territorial when it comes to him. That couldn’t be further from the truth. But his little attempt at trying to make it happen? It’s cute.

He can kiss her all he wants. Whisper in her ear how pretty she is. Tell her how he’s had a crush on her since he saw her walking across campus the other day. She’ll fall for those puppy dog eyes the way they all do. Fast forward 48 hours and she’ll be blowing up his phone wondering why he hasn’t called her back.

Only he won’t answer because he’ll be at your place again, same as he was tonight, his mouth too stuffed with your panties to get out more than a few broken syllables. Yunho’s never prettier than when he’s on his knees between your legs, stroking himself inches from your exposed core. “You wanna fuck me, Yunie? Hmm?” you tease, spreading yourself open for him.

It’s pure gold to watch the panic on his face when he can’t figure out where to look. Your angelic face? Your supple tits? Your clit coated in his precum? That’s when you know he’s close and start to play with yourself just to get inside his head. “Please let me feel you” is what he’d beg if he could speak. He’s done it before when his mouth wasn’t as full. But tonight he can only “Hhnhh, hmm, hmph” as he presses his tip to your slit, each whip of his wrist growing pathetically sloppier.

“Go ahead, Yunie baby. Be a good boy and cum on me.” Eternally the tease, you sink down onto him blessing the head of his cock with the fainest stretching of your slit. It works like magic and he’s shivering, decorating your pussy in a thick glaze of cum. His eyes never leave you, refusing to miss a minute of you fucking his cum into your core with your fingers until you’re unraveling beneath him.

“We can’t have sex.” That was the rule he made when he pulled you into this twisted plot against his so-called friends. It turns out he’d find it much harder to stick to than you would. Oh, the fun you’ve had torturing him since. He thought himself immune to the very charms he sought to exploit for his own gain. Now he’s spending two nights a week masturbating with you in your bed and cleaning you up with his tongue. Always his tongue.

So, the question remains, “Can she taste me on his lips? Can she taste us on his lips? Or are they always too drunk to notice?” 

“Another drink, gorgeous?” San asks, rising to go grab himself another. Looking up at him from your chair, you’re immediately taken by the handsome dimpled smile on his face. Jeong Yunho, who? Is that a singer or something? “I’d love another drink. Thank you. Just let me grab my wallet.” Hongjoong jumps into action, reaching across the table before you can lift a finger. He takes your hand with such grace that you feel like some kind of princess.

“Don’t insult us, pretty girl. You don’t pay.”

“You guys that’s really sweet but I can’t—”

San squats down to eye level, sweeping your empty glass into his hand. “You heard the man. You don’t pay, pretty girl. You get me?” He winks at you, playfully pinching your chin. “I get you, Sannie. Thank you” you sigh, twirling your hair around your finger. As San makes his way over to the bar, your attention shifts seamlessly to Hongjoong. “Thank you too, Joongie, for everything. You’ve been so good to me since I got here.” Hongjoong grins, biting his bottom lip. You poke your tits out when you say good, your voice taking on a sultry tone.

“You’ve been so ‘fuck me with your tongue til I’m gushing’ good to me, Kim Hongjoong.”

He swallows hard, fighting to keep his composure in the crowded bar, “Don’t mention it. Any friend of Yunho’s is a friend of mine. Gotta take care of you, right?” “What about Yunho?” Yunho questions, abruptly shattering the sexual tension brewing between you and Hongjoong. Yunho picks up his beer, drinking down what’s left as he pulls up a chair. “I was just saying,” Hongjoong continues, “That she’s your friend and the three of us have to, you know, take care of her.”

Yunho gives you a cutting glance, knowing very well what that consists of. You shoot one right back at him that says this isn’t a game he wants to play. Quickly changing the subject, Yunho scans the bar, “There are usually three of you. Where’s Seonghwa? I thought you guys traveled in packs or something.” Hongjoong laughs off the comment, having grown accustomed to the slight digs that Yunho makes towards them.

Before Seonghwa there was Hongjoong, San, and Yunho. They were the ultimate trio, spending all of their time together and raising all sorts of hell. Enter Park Seonghwa, the hyper organized, ultra proper son of some famous attorney. Hongjoong spoke two words to him and that was it. He graduated to main cast member, relegating Yunho to the tortuous role of side character but not for much longer. 

“Seonghwa’s actually—” 

“What did you do?” Seonghwa shouts, charging into the bar and heading straight in San’s direction. Whatever he’s upset about, it’s enough to blind him with enough rage that his fist’s cracking into San’s face before the other boys can intervene. San stumbles backward, a hand over his face to check for blood. Hongjoong runs to block Seonghwa before a full on fight breaks out. He pats him on the shoulders, doing what he can to calm him down while Yunho checks on San. 

“Talk to me. What’s going on?” 

“Someone came into my apartment and they—my project—my laptop—everything’s deleted and I can’t get that back. I can’t—” Seonghwa tries to catch his breath but explaining himself only makes him angrier, the tightness in his chest growing unbearable. 

“Hwa, he wouldn’t do that. You know San.” 

“Do I? You two are the only ones with keys to my apartment. I know you wouldn’t but him?”

Yunho gathers a bunch of tissues in his hand, holding them under the crimson river cascading down San’s face. “You think I broke into your house to delete your work?” San laughs, unphased by the hit, “You really are fucking full of yourself. Why should I give a shit what you’re doing?”

“Because you’re jealous of me. You’ve always been jealous of me!”

“Jealous? Of you? You’re joking.”

Pulling another handful of tissue from a napkin holder, Yunho tries to play peacemaker, “Can you guys not do this? We’re all friends.” “Friends?” San scoffs, “You don’t even like him!” Hongjoong approaches San, his patience running thin, “You’re talking too much now.” San sprinkles the floor with bloody napkins, his face stained red. “I’m not your lap dog, Joong. You can tell them what to do but not me.” 

This entire time you haven’t moved. You can’t. Yunho had mentioned, when your panties finally vacated the space between his cheeks, that you might want to focus your affections on San tonight. Something was happening. He refused to tell you what though and now you know why. You would’ve never let him do something like this.

You were only supposed to hook up with them, maybe make them a bit jealous of each other. Jealous enough to give Yunho the chance to snake his way back into Hongjoong’s good graces. But this? Tomorrow marks two weeks on the dot since you’ve started working the front desk at one of Seonghwa’s fathers’ offices. Since then you’ve found yourself spending a lot of time with him, learning more about him than what’s in his pants.

Seonghwa's someone who takes pride in his work, the medical research he wants to pursue is important to him. This recent project was something special, monumental even. He promised he’d show you all of it when he finished and you actually found yourself excited for the day it’d happen simply because he was too. How could Yunho do something so cruel? How could he take it all away? 

“Could you give me a ride home?” San asks, snatching his jacket from the back of the chair, “You can drive my car, I just—I can’t focus on the road right now.” “I—uh—sure, of course” you stutter, tossing on your coat and collecting your things. San gives you the keys to his Lamborghini, holding your hand as he guides you towards the door.

Passing Seonghwa you try to look at him, silently check to see if he’s okay, but it doesn’t even seem like he knows you’re there. The crisp night air hits you, easing the rising nausea as the reality of what you’ve done—what you’re doing—sets in. “Hey, babe, you okay?” San asks, his arm around your waist. Even with a bloody face, he’s still irresistibly cute.

You cup his cheek, examining the cut on his nose, “Why don’t we get you home so I can fix you up?” “Fix me up? You my nurse now? Gonna make me all better?” Make him all better? That’s laughable. You exist in his life—at this school—for the sole purpose of making things worse and, even with your heart breaking, you aren’t sure there’s any way to stop it.

So you lie, “Of course. That’s what I’m here for, isn’t it?”

[yourlastbraincell-kiwi]

A/N: Had this one in the drafts for a while, so I finished it. I hope it’s good. And I hope there’s no typos and grammar mistakes. But I’ll talk soon! ❤️

(This one has no title as of right yet)

Pairing: Carl x Fem!Reader

Synopsis: Imagine it being (Y/N) who got captured by the Saviors instead of Daryl, and Carl tries not to let them take her.

——————🧟‍♀️——————

“But first we have something- oh, my apologies. Someone that you might want to see,” Negan motions for his men to take someone from out of the truck and pushed them forward, so they were standing unbearably close to him. Before pointing Lucille in my direction. “Avert your eyes if you need to, kid. She is in baaad shape.” He chuckles, removing the bag off her head.

(Y/N)..

I turn my head and eye my Dad, begging him with my eyes to do something, anything. He doesn’t meet my eyes, and continues to stare at Negan. Turning my head to look at (Y/N), as she looked around, like she’s seeing everything for the first time again. She looks up and meets my eyes, then immediately looks down at the ground.

She probably didn’t want me to see her cry, that’s something she’d always hide from me. She had told me everything bout, how she wounded up in Alexandria, and what happened to her group.

She even answered the three questions, my Dad usually asked people that wanted to join us.

But her crying? Was never something she’d admit to anyone, that included me. She always wanted to show everyone how badass and brave she was. I told her countless times that crying is showing bravery too.

Her crying now, truly did mean that these assholes did, in fact, bring her to the edge. And I, so desperately, wanted to kill Negan and the Saviors for that.

“(Y/N), here..oh, may I call you that?” He asked me, and I just chose not to say anything, and it didn’t stop Negan, from smiling wide. “(Y/N), here has a chance to come back and join the fine folks of Alexandria, if she so wishes.”

What game are you playing at, Negan?

“All she has to do is say, ‘yes.’” He finished turning to look at her, but she still didn’t meet anyone’s eyes.

Say, ‘yes.’ Please say ‘yes.’

I hoped and prayed she would say that one word, that would let go of there hold on her, but nothing happened. Nothing was said by her. And Negan smiled wide, as if it could get any wider, draping hand around her shoulders.

“Looks like (Y/N) here, is enjoying my company and doesn’t want to leave, ain’t that a shame?” He ended, with a deep chuckle.

“Isn’t that right, (Y/N)?” Negan asked, and (Y/N) did nothing but stare at the gravel on the ground. And Negan began to get mad with (Y/N) not saying anything, so he crouched down next to her and got close to her ear.

“Isn’t. That. Right?” She didn’t say anything else, and Negan stood up straight, with a quickness, and told some of the Saviors to take her away after putting the bag back on her head.

“Don’t you touch her! You fucker!” I exclaimed, if no one else was going to help her, I will. And nothing was going to stop me.

“Would you look at that? Those are big words, for a little boy like yourself.” Negan said, as he stopped his men from moving (Y/N).

“Why don’t you stand up? And tell it to me again. Y’know face-to-face? Man-to-man.” Negan said. “You are a man, aren’t ya?”

“Carl don’t-”

“No, no, Rick. I got this, it’s alright. We’re just going to have a little discussion, that’s all.”

I stand up not listening to my dad, and stood right in front of Negan, staring at him, dead in his eyes. “Now, what was it you said? You called me a fucker?”

I said nothing to him, and just breathed heavily. I was not playing any of his games.

“Oh, so we’re playing the silent game now? Alright, I’ll bite.” I watched him as he turned around then turned back and hit me in the stomach with the other end of Lucille. I fell to the ground on my hands and knees, coughing profusely.

“I take it you’re not very good at this game.” He says and hits my back with the end of the bat, and I fell flat on my stomach. I look up to see (Y/N) wincing and turning away not wanting to see what Negan was doing.

He gets down on my level and whispers to me. “This. This right here, is a warning. You ever think you can step up to me again? I can promise you Lucille and I will not go easy on you. You will learn your place, that being the bottom of my shoe like the little piece of fucking shit that you are.”

I lift my head up and huff as I met his eyes, “Now get back in line, like obedient little boy that you are.” He said, as he spat on my face.

“Now, that’s taken care of, where were we- oh, right! Put her ass back in the truck.” Negan started. “Now Rick, I need those supplies, in 2 days time. Now, taa motherfucking taa.” Negan began to laugh as they took (Y/N) away, and I couldn’t do anything about it.

“Carl, what the hell was that about? You could’ve gotten yourself killed.” My dad exclaimed.

“And you guys didn’t do shit, to help her! Are you kidding me?”

“You got a death wish or some’m?” Daryl asked me grabbing my shoulder.

“I did it to save her life, and you guys sat there, none of you were probably thinking about saving her.”

“Now, you know that’s not true.” Michonne said.

“Oh yeah? Then maybe try and save her then maybe we’ll see where your priorities lie.” I replied and walked off away from everyone.

I was done, I was going to find a way to say her, with or without their help.

[mochinek0]

Robin Hoodie

Marinette hugged her hoodie closer as she walked out of school. She had been so busy the past three weeks and Damian wasn't fairing any better. All they had time for was a quick 'Good morning' or 'Sweet dreams' these days. She couldn't blame him being so far away from her. Their schedules were always so small, but she missed him; the eight hour difference was taking it's toll. It's why she had dressed up that day. She had made an oversized black hoodie with the Robin logo on it. It was the best thing she could think of to comfort her. The only thing better would be-

"Habibiti." a voice called.

Marinette froze.

'I'm hearing things. Right?'

Marinette looked up and saw her boyfriend at the bottom of the steps.

'Damian!'

Marinette rushed over, as fast as she could, and hugged him.

'It's him! I'm not dreaming! It's Damian; my Damian! This is his cologne and shampoo. It really is him.'

"What-What are you doing here?" Marinette asked.

Damian opened his mouth but pulled back, taking in what his tiny girlfriend was wearing.

'She's wearing my colors; my logo! The hoodie appears to my size. Is this the reason those morons parade their girlfriends around in their jackets?'

The hoodie sagged a bit around her waist and a bit over her back shorts. She was wearing black knee high socks and dark green boots with bright red laces. He was quick to realize, he wouldn't mind if he brought Marinette to his school dressed like this, showing off she was his and his alone.

'Angel, are you trying to kill me?'

"Someone on your mind?" Damian questioned, pulling her back into his arms.

Mari simply blushed.

Suddenly, Marinette was yanked out of her boyfriend's arms. She was surprised to see Alya, Adrien, and Nino standing between them.

"Hey!" Nino shouted, "Who do you think you are?"

"Back off ya creep!" Alya sneered.

"Guys!" Marinette squeaked, pushing through them and back into Damian's arms, "This is my boyfriend!"

The trio was silent.

"He's from Gotham, hence the outfit." Mari continued to explain, "We've both been busy. We haven't had time to video call. It's been nothing but quick texts for about two weeks. I wore it because I was starting to feel lonely and I missed him."

Damian kissed the top of Marinette's head, "I missed you, too. How about we take a walk? Maybe we can find this Andre you keep telling me about and we can talk about dinner, tomorrow?"

"I'd like that." Marinette smiled, as they began to walk away from the school.

"Did you know?" they shouted at each other.

"No!" they all answered.

They turned and looked in the direction that Marinette left. She was smiling and obviously very happy with her surprise visitor.

Alya sighed, "We can questioned her tomorrow."

"You mean you'll question her tomorrow." Nino replied.

"Exactly." she smiled.

"Do we have to?" Adrien asked, "She looks really happy."

They looked again to see her brightly smiling at the guy. He looked at her like she was the only thing worth paying attention to.

"Maybe, only a little bit." Alya answered, "We at least need to know some basic stuff about him. Like, maybe how long have they been dating or I don't know, his name!"

The boys looked at each other in shock. The realization sunk in that they never asked for his name. They had no clue Marinette had left with.

"Oh, my God!" Nino cried.

"Yeah." Alya sighed, as the boys continued to panic, "That's what I thought."

"Did you see which way they went?" Adrien shouted, "Do you think we can catch them with my driver?"

"Marinette is gonna get kidnapped and we can't even defend ourselves!" Nino whined.

Adrien shook Nino, "Why did you let me, let her leave?"

Alya pulled out her phone and texted Marinette.

A:Boys are idiots. Give me something to keep the pair of idiots from panicking.

M:Panicking about what?

A:Realized they don't know who you left with and can't see you. Thinking you'll be kidnapped and shit.

M:I'm with my bf. I already called my parents and told them where we were going. I'm assuming I'll be interrogated tomorrow.

A: Yep. Before it was just me but I think the boys just got on board.

M: Damn

"You guys!" Alya shouted.

"What?" Adrien asked, "We are forming a plan and-"

Alya waved her phone at them.

"I texted her and she told her parents where they were going." she smiled, "She said she'll see us tomorrow."

Adrien and Nino relaxed.

"Oh." they mumbled.

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[greatkittydream]

@howlingday tell me if you like this

Ruby pov: It's alright, jaune. I will help you unlock your magic abilities. As she said this, her tale beat behind her a mile a minute

After the MEE scoring test, the bullying got worse against him Everyone from the weakest skeleton The strongest skeleton seemed to have it out for him Which kind of makes sense after all humans and vampires are The only ones that get along with each other. All the other monsters were hunted before the age of enlightened.

Jaune: Thanks, Ruby i-.

???: Owww. turning her head over. She saw the most pathetic bully in the school messing with a wear rabbit. Carter winchester His family comes from that of gargoyles pretended to be humans in the enlightenment era. And even before that. Well, it isn't my Is problem. He's not messing with my underling in my pack, so it should be fine.

Ruby: So any way ja-... Where'd he go.

Spinning her head at almost broke. She saw jonah somehow in front of this conflict before she had time to even recognize.

Jaune: Hey there's no need for violence.

Turning her head So quick, many would have thought she broke it she had no idea how he managed to get in front of Carter that quick or get past her without her noticing.

Carter: Human trash doesn't get to decide who is strong and not. And with a spurring backhand, he managed to hit. Jaune square on the nose, breaking it.

Dame it, now she had to get involved getting ready to transform. She was about to tear this boys head of when jaune mana Released, it's not uncommon for people untrained to release other Mana. One damaged as a deterrence but what came out of him was.

An oppressive presence it was a dark miasthma for those That can see manna this was not what you would normally see it's typically clear In light, his was nothing but a black Miasthma, that felt as if it was death itself. Trying to grab you, it was Viscus, too. It was touchable if you were to walk through it. It would be as if you were swimming through water in the air. It is in the worst part of all. It reached from corner to corner of the lunch room. Everyone that felt it had every instinctual part of their brains. Screaming to run worst of all for the ware beasts everything in their brain Said run. run As far as you can as fast as you can if you want to live. Ruby herself was shaking hers was a bit different. It was more like submit to the new leader of their group. She wanted nothing more than get on her knees and beg to live.

Standing up and looking carter in The eyes carter full will expected to die any moment

Jaune: I'm sorry for any trouble. She may have caused you. But we don't have to resort to violence. As he said these words, the mana immediately went back into him, behaving as if it was sentient, the atmosphere immediately got lighter.

Carter: y-ya, well, I was getting bored anyway. Let's go. And with that, his group of goons left with that trying to save face.

Walking back over, jaune sat back down at the lunch table With ruby Lucky for him none of his teammates nor ruby were there.

Jaune: That was so scary. I thought I was going to die for a moment. Thank god he could be talked out of it.

Ruby: ya Hey remind me never to make you mad again.

Tell me if this is bad or not new to writing Also I think ruby when in werewolf form will think and talk like this ruby: bitch he's mine Also I think in this ruby should be a bit more obsessive and territorial about things She likes for example her friends And yang could be a bit more greedy cause you know dragons hord.

[steddieas-shegoes]

this place is such great motivation for anyone trying to move the fuck away from hibernation

chapter 5: i would leave if only i could find a reason also on AO3 Rated E Chapter 1 Chapter 2 Chapter 3 Chapter 4

🧰🧰🧰🧰🧰🧰🧰🧰🧰🧰🧰🧰🧰🧰🧰🧰

Much like the day before, Wayne Munson couldn’t resist giving Steve a bit of a glare when he arrived at the same time as Eddie for dinner. Mia was sitting on her playmat, shoving blocks around until it sort of resembled a small tower, but quickly losing interest when she saw Steve.

“Mama! Mama! Uh!” Mia yelled.

And then she fell forward onto her hands, rocked her body back and forth a couple of times, and crawled.

Wayne’s jaw was practically on the floor as he watched Mia crawl the short distance to where Steve was standing at the front door.

She plopped back onto her bottom when she reached him, holding her arms up expectantly, beaming that gummy smile at him.

“Holy shit.” Eddie fell to his knees next to Steve, picking her up and peppering her face with kisses until she was giggling. “You did it, princess!”

Steve joined him on the floor, a hand reaching out to cover Mia’s back as he smiled at them both.

The glare disappeared from Wayne’s face almost as quickly as it came at the sight.

In truth, this was all Wayne had ever wanted for Eddie: someone who made him happy and celebrated his happiness with Mia. It was impossible to pretend he couldn’t see the love in Steve’s watery eyes when he looked at them.

Wayne was always going to be overprotective of his boy and his angel, but maybe he could start letting Steve climb the wall. Maybe he could even throw a ladder over the edge for him to hold onto.

“Daddy’s so proud of you!” Eddie sniffled, a tear falling down his cheek. “Stevie, did you see her?”

“I did! Good job, princess!” Steve kissed her forehead, tears pooling in his eyes.

It was bittersweet, watching Eddie and Steve share this moment with each other and Mia, knowing that he was going to miss a lot of these moments if Eddie followed Steve to the city.

He’d have to be okay with that, knew it was a possibility from the beginning anyway, just didn’t think it would be so soon. He thought maybe he’d get to see her first steps, hear her learn new words, maybe even be around for the joyful day she was potty trained and they could save so much money on diapers.

Looking at the way Steve and Eddie were praising her and smiling at each other, Wayne knew it would be worth it to miss those things if it meant Ed and Mia were taken care of and loved.

“I guess I better check on dinner,” he said softly, not wanting to interrupt the moment too much.

“Oh! Do you need any help?” Steve offered, starting to stand up from the floor.

“Nah,” Wayne waved him off, offering a genuine smile. “I’ll get ya when it’s done.”

Steve nodded, settling back down next to Eddie and watching as Mia reached over for him.

“Mamamamamama!”

Wayne shook his head, an overwhelming fondness taking over.

He paused on his way into the kitchen to watch as Eddie handed her over to him, giving him a soft peck on the lips and a warm smile.

**************

“So, Steve.” Wayne wiped his mouth on a paper towel before turning his attention to Steve, who suddenly looked like he was wishing he was anywhere but here. “Tell me about what you’ve been up to.”

Steve gulped, shoving some of the mashed potatoes around his plate. He’d barely eaten yet, but Wayne was almost certain it had more to do with his nerves than whether or not he liked the food.

“Well, I’m currently a waiter at a Michelin star restaurant a few blocks from the apartment I share with Robin. I make pretty decent tips, better than most people who wait tables in the area. Um, I applied for a technical school in the city.” Steve looks down at his plate, blushing. “I’m going to get a cosmetology certificate so I can work in one of my friend’s salon while I figure out what I might wanna do long term.”

Wayne pretended he didn’t see Eddie’s hand squeeze his knee under the table.

“So you wouldn’t wanna do that long term?” Eddie asked.

“I don’t know. I didn’t really think it could be a career, I guess,” Steve shrugged. “Not for me, at least.”

Wayne and Eddie shared a look.

“It could be. If it’s something you liked.” Eddie said while Wayne nodded in agreement. “You’ve always been known to have great hair, it kinda makes sense for you. Plus, imagine how well those old ladies would tip you just for being handsome.”

They all laughed as Steve seemed to relax a bit more, taking a bite of his baked chicken.

“You know, Ed has been thinkin’ about talkin’ to someone about a tattoo apprenticeship,” Wayne provided before taking a bite of food. “You know anywhere near you that might be interested in havin’ him?”

Steve lit up at the question, and for good reason.

Eddie smiled at Wayne, mouthing a silent ‘thank you’ as Steve started talking about a couple shops within walking distance of the apartment.

It was a quiet acceptance of what was to come, of Wayne giving his support in the only way he knew how right now. Eddie could see it for what it was, and Steve almost certainly could too.

“And there’s a park with a huge playground the next block over, so we could bring Mia all the time. She could even make some friends! There’s a mom group that meets every Tuesday morning and Friday evening-“

“How do you know about this?” Eddie asked.

“Oh.” Steve’s face turned bright red. “I cover for one of the women on Fridays so she can take her twins. They’re almost two.”

“I’m not sure they’d welcome me since it’s just moms.”

“They’d love to have you and Mia. There’s one other dad that switches off with his wife when she has to work. You’d probably like him, he likes Ozzy.”

Eddie snorted. “Ah, yes. The pinnacle of friendship: Ozzy Osbourne.”

“You’d have something in common!” Steve laughed. “He saw him in concert last time he was in Chicago.”

“Really?” Eddie dropped his fork. “Like just a few months ago?”

“Yep,” Steve’s smug smile made Wayne smirk. “Had pit tickets even.”

“He was in the pit?”

Steve nodded, looking over at Wayne. “He said his buddy is the one who got a drumstick when they threw them into the crowd.”

“Holy shit, Steve. So you move to the city and now you have cool friends?” Eddie was joking, but his words had just a hint of jealousy to them. “Or do you have a crush on this guy?”

“Oh my God, Eds, no. Trust me. He’s an accountant with a buzz cut and no tattoos.”

“No tattoos?” Eddie shook his head. “Sounds like he’s hiding something.”

“Maybe you can be his friend and he’ll share his secrets,” Steve nudged him playfully.

Wayne watched as they got lost in each others’ eyes, rolling his own when they wouldn’t look away from each other even after a solid minute.

“How’s dinner, boys?” Wayne asked, smirking when they both jumped in their seats.

“It’s great, thanks.” Steve saw that Wayne’s plate was mostly cleared, a few pieces of chicken left. “I can do the dishes and stuff when we’re all done. I’m sure you’re tired and wanna head to bed soon.”

Wayne squinted at him.

If he didn’t know Steve a bit better, he’d assume he was trying to impress him.

“I think I got it tonight. Why don’t you boys get some rest? You’ve both had a lot goin’ on and Mia will be up in a few hours for a bottle.”

“I don’t mind-“ Steve started, only to have Eddie covering his mouth with his hand.

“Take what’s being offered, Stevie.”

“Listen to your boyfriend, Steve.” Wayne stood up and gathered his plate and glass of water. “Nice havin’ ya over. I’m sure I’ll be seein’ a lot of ya the next few days.”

“Yes, sir.”

“So formal. Stop scaring him so much, Wayne, Jesus.”

Wayne let out a laugh, probably louder than he should have knowing Mia was asleep just down the hall, and touched Steve’s shoulder with the back of his hand.

“It’s Wayne, Steve.”

Wayne left the room before Steve could start crying.

**********

“Are you sure it’s okay I stay?” Steve whispered.

Eddie leaned in to kiss him softly, smiling at him as he pulled away. “I’m sure, sweetheart.”

Steve peeked over his shoulder at the crib, smiling at Mia’s sleeping form.

“She’s amazing. You’re amazing,” Steve closed his eyes and settled further into the pillow under him. “I can’t believe I get to love you both.”

“I can’t believe you want to.”

Steve’s eyes searched Eddie’s, his hand resting on Eddie’s side, just above his largest scar from the bats. His fingers traced the outer edges, where the skin was oversensitive.

“I always want anything you’ll give me.”

Eddie groaned as quietly as he could. “You’re killin’ me. I wanna be inside you so bad right now, Stevie.”

Steve slapped his chest, but immediately leaned in for a kiss, hungrier than the last one.

“How quiet can you be?” Steve whispered against his lips.

“Me? How quiet can you be?” Eddie’s eyes widened as Steve’s hands landed on his waistband.

“I don’t have to worry about being quiet if I’ve got your dick in my mouth, do I?” Steve smirked as he kissed down his neck, his hand pushing Eddie’s pants down just enough to free his rapidly filling cock.

“Jesus Christ,” Eddie rolled to his back so he could lift his hips and help get his pants further down. “You may actually kill me.”

“You’re so dramatic,” Steve said as he kissed down Eddie’s bare chest, hovering for a bit longer over a tattoo he didn’t recognize. “What’s this one?”

Eddie tilted his head down to see what Steve was pointing at.

“It’s the word ‘mine’ over and over in a heart,” Eddie was actually blushing. “Mia’s name means ‘mine’ so I convinced my buddy to do this for free for me soon after she came.”

Steve looked at it closer, then leaned in and kissed it, let his lips linger for a moment.

“It’s perfect.”

Eddie cupped the back of Steve’s head, but didn’t push or pull him in any direction, just needed the feel of Steve in his hold.

A small cry startled them out of the moment, and when Eddie looked over to the crib, he saw Mia’s legs kicking like she was trying to get loose from her swaddle.

Steve sighed, but smiled up at him before patting his chest once and standing up. “I got her,” he said as he walked over to the crib. “Hi princess. You’re not supposed to be awake yet.”

Eddie sat up and looked over at the clock. Steve was right, she shouldn’t be awake yet, and if she was, they’d either been too loud or she was sick.

It only took one close up look at her cheeks to know which it was.

“Shit.” Eddie stood up and reached over for her, frowning as he held the back of his hand up to her forehead as she let out a small whimper. “Dammit.”

She rested her entirely-too-warm cheek against his shoulder.

“What is it?” Steve asked, concern etched on every corner of his face, hand raised like he was ready to comfort or fight if needed.

“She has a fever.”

Every possibility ran through Eddie’s mind: flu, strep throat, a cold, maybe something even more serious.

Steve’s brows furrowed. “She was totally fine right before she went to bed.”

“I know, but babies just get sick. Happens fast,” Eddie half shrugged. “Wayne may not have noticed anything was off while we were in the shower.”

“She’s really warm though, baby. This isn’t something that just happened in the last hour.”

Eddie knew Steve meant well, and probably knew plenty about how that was true for adults, but he didn’t have experience with babies. The sudden stress of knowing he’d probably have to miss work to take her to the doctor tomorrow wasn’t helping his reaction.

“It can.” He sighed. “Maybe you should head out. I don’t want you to catch anything.”

“I’m not leaving you. You have work tomorrow.”

“Yeah, but I have to bring her to the doctor if this fever doesn’t break before morning. And if you get sick, you’ll be miserable for the trip home and you can’t work when you’re sick-“

“Eds, she’s got a tooth coming in.” Steve was running his pinky finger along her bottom gum, smiling to himself when she started nibbling on it. “That’s probably where the fever came from.”

Eddie tried not to feel stupid. She’d already been teething before this, but had luckily escaped having much of a fever. The drool was a bit excessive, and she put everything in her mouth, but otherwise, she was the same happy and healthy baby she always was. Babies did sometimes get fevers for seemingly no reason, but usually that reason was actually because they were teething.

Mia gurgled as she kept trying to munch on Steve’s finger, his face wincing slightly when she bit down harder.

“Seems like it broke through,” he said, though he didn’t pull his finger away. “Poor thing. You want me to get a piece of ice and hold it on her gums? It’ll numb it for a bit.”

Eddie nodded silently.

“Hey. Eds.” Eddie looked at Steve. “You’re a really great dad for being so worried about her.”

Eddie relaxed at Steve’s words. He should’ve known Steve wasn’t judging his parenting, Steve never would over something like this.

“Sorry.”

“For what, baby? You’re just trying to take care of both of us.” Steve kissed his nose. “I’ll be right back.”

He moved quickly, but quietly, from the room, not wanting to disturb Wayne on his way to the freezer to get an ice cube. Eddie watched him leave the door open a crack, just enough for the warm glow from the nightlight to light his way down the hall.

Eddie rocks back and forth on his feet, whispering to Mia while she sucks on her own fingers to try to find some relief, however temporary, from the pain of her tooth popping through the gums. She’s making low grunts every few seconds, either in acknowledgment of what he’s saying to her or in frustration from the pain.

“Mama,” Mia whispers wetly, drool dripping from her mouth when she refuses to take her fingers away to talk. Eddie can’t help smiling fondly at her. “Mamamamama.”

“He’s coming right back, princess. He’s gonna help.”

Steve rushed back in the room, practically sliding across the carpet, ice cube between two fingers to try to prevent it melting too quickly from his body heat.

“Alright, princess! Let’s get your fingers out of the way so we can use this instead.”

Steve pried her fingers out of her mouth, shushing her quiet whine with a kiss to her cheek. He gently brought the ice cube up to her lips and rubbed until she opened her mouth enough for him to rub it over her gums.

She kicked Eddie a couple of times, but seemed content with his solution.

“That’s it, honey. Feels a lot better now, huh?” Steve whispered to her.

Eddie watched as Mia’s eyes never left Steve’s face, a small smile finally replacing the look of pain she’d had before.

He felt cool drops dribbling down his chest as the ice cube melted, but didn’t care enough to try to find a burp rag or t-shirt. He couldn’t look away from this moment.

It felt like everything had maybe led up to this, this very tiny moment in his bedroom, where he could have handled it, but didn’t have to.

Where Steve showed he could fit in a way Eddie didn’t know he needed.

Where his presence would be missed while Eddie figured out how to follow him to Chicago.

How had he already made such a big impact on their lives that going a few months without him now seemed like an impossible task?

“Eds? Baby, what’s wrong?”

Eddie blinked a few times to see Steve looking at him with concern, Mia half-asleep again in his arms.

“Sorry. I just realized that I don’t ever wanna do this without you again.”

It was dangerous to admit, and while he was pretty sure Steve could sense how important he was to Eddie, he’d never come out and said it quite like that.

“You don’t have to,” Steve leaned in to kiss him. “I’m right here.”

“You’re gonna be leaving in a few days, though. And I know we’re gonna come be with you, but it’s not gonna be right away. It’ll be hard to have this and then not for a while.”

Steve nodded once. “I know. But we can figure out a schedule for calls so I can talk to you and Mia until you can come be with me. I’m sure I could come visit again next month during the restaurant’s yearly deep clean. They close for three days and hire a company to scrub the place from top to bottom and pay us our hourly wage for all shifts missed. It’s kinda like a mini-vacation for me.”

“Or maybe we could come visit you.” Eddie set Mia down in her crib gently, holding a hand on her chest so she wouldn’t freak out that he left her. “See our future home. Maybe bring some stuff so moving there feels real.”

Steve wrapped his arms around his waist, kissed his jaw, and rested his head on the opposite shoulder from where Mia had been.

“Pretty sure we’ll have the place to ourselves for most of that, maybe you should be the one to visit. I’ll get a crib for Mia so she can test her new room out. Maybe I can get Robin’s friend Cam to paint a mural on the wall.”

Eddie’s brows raised in surprise. “You can paint the wall?”

“Maybe.” Steve shrugged. “Not like we can’t just paint over it when we move out.”

“Who know you were such a bad boy?” Eddie wiggled his brows. “Keep talkin’ about breaking rental agreement rules. It’s very sexy.”

Steve muffled his laugh in Eddie’s chest. “You’re ridiculous.”

“Ridiculously in love with you, sweet thing.”

Steve pulled back, fond smile still on his face. “You sure are a sweet talker. I dunno if I can keep up with your charm.”

“Sure you can. You just said you’d paint a mural in our daughter’s bedroom in a rented apartment that probably doesn’t even let you hang picture frames on the walls. Very charming.”

Steve didn’t say anything, just looked at Eddie with wide eyes.

“What?” He finally asked.

“You just said Mia was our daughter,” Steve whispered, broken, somewhat hopeful.

“I-“

“It’s okay if you didn’t mean it, Eds-“

“No, I meant it, it’s just-“

“Seriously, I understand it was a slip. Easy to do when you’re tired and-“

“Steve!” Eddie whisper-shouted, his hands coming up to rest on Steve’s cheeks. “I meant it.”

“You meant it?”

Eddie’s lips were on Steve’s, a better response than any words he could give would be, his tongue tracing along his bottom lip asking for entrance.

“Meant it,” he said again as he pulled Steve backwards towards his bed, opening his eyes for a moment just to make sure Mia was still asleep.

“You gonna be quiet?” Steve whispered against his lips as they settled back in his bed.

“You won’t even know I’m here,” Eddie smirked as Steve kissed down his chest. “Well, except for my dick in your mouth.”

Steve shook his head. “Terrible. Where did the charm from earlier go?”

“It’ll return from the war after you get your mouth on me, I promise.”

Steve rolled his eyes but did as was requested, swallowing around Eddie’s length at the same time he reached up to cover his mouth with his hand.

[mimi-ya]

introspection ~ portgas d. ace x reader

6,100 words | she/her reader | nsfw

summary: being a marine isn't exactly what he imagined

masterlist | part 2

His back is ram rod straight with hands folded behind and wide eyes on his face. Marine cap askew just a smidge, but enough that he should get a demerit for it. But what’s more out of line are the crumbs on his lips as he says,

“I can explain.”

“Ace.” Garp groans, rubbing a hand over his face and slumped behind the desk.

“Now just listen, Gramps!” Ace immediately jumps in, “I swear I didn’t know that there was some fancy War Lord meeting!”

“Ace.”

“I would have left some behind if I did! Especially for that Mingo guy! I know he’s particular about his pastries. But if I’m being honest, wasn’t all that great. You think the navy could-”

“Ace! That’s enough!” Garp slams his hand onto the desk, “You’re lucky the chefs were able to whip something up before it was too late! Or your ass would be back to patrolling islands in the East Blue right now!”

Ace swallows, wringing his hands behind his back. It wasn’t the first time his Gramps had threatened him with reassignment, and it probably wouldn’t be the last.

But really, how was Ace supposed to know the spread was for a War Lord meeting? You think he would have heard if those so-called big shot pirates were coming to base for the day! Well, maybe it was mentioned in the morning reports, but it’s not like he reads every page.

“And here I was hoping you could at least pull it together for the day you get promoted.” Garp sighs to himself.

“Promoted?” Ace perks up, all decorum thrown out the window as he sprints around the table, “Me?”

A repressed smile peeks out onto Garp’s face. As much as the boy is giving him gray hair, he’s still proud of him, “Not sure now. Can’t have a captain eatin’ all his crew’s food.”

“Captain!?” Ace’s eyes sparkle, “You’re not shittin’ me, are ya gramps?”

“What do ya think, brat?”

“Does this mean I get my own ship?” He starts yammering a mile a minute, “And no more shit assignments? And I can stop at whatever islands I want? Because I swear Gramps, I can smell good food from across the sea and-”

A quick fist comes down on Ace’s head, “That’s enough brat!” Garp huffs to himself, “Can’t even get a word in when ya fire off like that.”

 “I’m a captain you know.” Ace whines, clutching his head, “Shouldn’t hit me like that.”

Garp lets out a boisterous laugh as he pulls Ace up from the ground, “I’m proud of you Ace.” A genuine smile stretching on his face, “And for your first assignment!” Ace’s eyes light up with stars, “Swab the halls of your crumbs!”

.

“Place smells like shit.” Ace mutters, following the old man up the hill.

He misses home. Misses the salt in the air that would stick to his skin on humid days. Misses the red hibiscuses that would greet him every morning when he would run out to play.

“You’ll get used to it!” Garp laughs, “Hell, it’s something I miss when I leave!”

“You’re not staying?” Ace whips his head upward, suddenly nervous.

Garp sighs, bending at the knee and patting a hand on Ace’s shoulder, “Sorry kid, I can’t keep ya on the ship forever.” He gives Ace a squeeze, “But don’t worry, Luffy will be your friend!”

.

“Get your fill?” A teasing voice pulls Ace from his thoughts. He looks up from his poor excuse of mopping to see you leaning against the wall. A deep purple cape fastened around your shoulders, gloved hands drumming against your forearm.

With a growl to himself Ace focuses on the floor, scrubbing harder at the tile than necessary.

Heeled boots click against the floor, coming in sight of Ace’s view. He’s suddenly forced to look up when the butt of a sword lifts his chin. “What? No congratulations?” Your head cocked to the side with a smug glean in your eye.

Ace does not pout but comes pretty close when his eyes shift away from you.

Without seeing it, your hand reaches out. Fingers brushing lightly against his cheek and Ace will tell anyone who asks his eyes did not flutter at the sensation.

“Missed a crumb.” You whisper, close enough that Ace can feel the warm air of your words tickling his skin.

“Whaa?” He asks, still in a daze.

With a cackle you break his moment, slapping Ace on the shoulder, “Oh come off it!”

Ace sputters while you laugh and he fidgets to fix his hat, giving his hands something to do.

“What do you want, pirate?”

“That’s warlord to you.” You shoot back in the haughtiest of voices.

“Only took you three years.” Ace sneers, thinking of the length he’s known you.

“Movin’ up the ranks faster than you ever could.” You knock his shoulder.

Ace growls, tightening his grip around the mop, “I’m a captain now!” Coming pretty close to stomping like a child.

“Captains are dime a dozen!” You laugh, “As for me?” You spin in a dramatic circle, “Well I’m one of seven.”

Ace reaches down to grab the mop bucket, shouldering past you, “We’ll see how long that lasts.”

“Oh c’mon!” You follow after, “Upset you couldn’t arrest me before I got my immunity?”

“Still could.” Ace mutters, flinging open a closet and tossing the bucket and mop instead, not caring that water goes flying all over the ground.

“C’mon.” You nudge him with your elbow, “Buy me a drink to celebrate?”

“It’ll be a cold day in hell before I but you a drink.”

“Well, it’s a good thing you’ll be there to warm things up, Fire Fist.” You roll your eyes, “Now let’s go before they run out of the good stuff.”

.

“You could learn something from him, Luffy.” Garp knocks his grandson again, adding a third growing bump to the poor boys head, “That’s what I expect you to look like in a few years!”

Luffy moans from the ground, “Stupid?”

“Oh, come now Garp.” Makino giggles, helping Luffy back to his feet with a pat on the cheek, “Luffy will do great things too.”

“Yeah! I’m gonna be king of the pirates!”

Garp lets out a growl, already balling his fist but Luffy quickly ducks behind Makino who just laughs.

A loud wail interrupts the dispute.

“I can’t believe he’s a marine!” Dadan’s cries, “Damn brat turned out alright!”

“And it’s all thanks to you, boss!” Magra pats her face with a handkerchief.

“Yeah boss!” Dogra nods along, tears in his eyes too.

“The hell it was!” Ace snaps back.

“Just don’t come back and arrest us.”

“Yeah, yeah, whatever.” Ace grumbles, hiking the sack higher on his shoulder as he makes his way over to Gramps.

Luffy jumps around from Makino when Ace reaches them, puffing out his chest with a grin, “I’ll be stronger when I see you next!”

“And I’ll be stronger than that, idiot.” Ace scruffs Luffy’s hair, mindful of the bumps, “Don’t make me come back here to set you straight, ya hear?”

Luffy laughs, rubbing under his nose, “I’d like to see ya try!”

“Alright Ace.” Garp nods over his shoulder towards the marine vessel.

Ace feels his excitement swell looking at the ship. He’s one step closer to being the man he’d want his mother to see him as.

.

“Just so you know, I was gonna get a drink anyway.”

“Yeah, yeah.” You brush him off, eyes already scanning the drinks scratched into the shoddy wall, “Whatever you say.”

Ace waves the barkeep down, ordering two sakes. When they’re placed in front of him, he pushes one towards you, ignoring the flutter when you smile.

“You know me so well.”

Ace looks away, grunting, “You’re indecisive as shit.”

You roll your eyes fondly, “So, captain? When that’d happen?”

“Today.”

“No shit!” You slam your drink on the bar, “Sounds like I’m the one who should be buyin’ the drinks.”

Ace shrugs, unsure what to make of your excitement for him.

“Can’t believe they’re sinking their claws deeper into ya.”

His head pops up, “What’s that supposed to mean?”

You hum, swirling the contents of your mug, “Just seems like you have more in you that being a dog of the military.”

“Better than being scum of the earth.”

“You sure know how to flatter a girl.” Your remark earns you a scoff, “But c’mon now, we’re not all that bad.”

“Oh yeah?” Ace looks at you, “Name one pirate that isn’t a complete shit.”

You tap a finger to your chin, eyes turned upward for a moment before quickly snapping your fingers, “What about that new kid! Hell, heard he’s the reason I got this position! Uhh, strawhat something!”

“Luffy.” Ace immediately fills in.

“Yeah! That’s the one!” You laugh to yourself, “Word on the sea is he beat the shit out of Crocodile to help the Alabasta Princess. And I know what you’re thinking! Probably did it for the treasure, but last I heard he already moved on to Jaya and was pickin’ a fight with one of Doflamingo’s men.”

“Doflamingo, huh?” Ace raises a brow, trying not to seem too interested.

You wave your hand, “Just one of his lackeys. But Doffy seemed pissed when he was complaining about it to Sengoku!”

Ace rolls his eyes, “Whatever.” He takes a drink from his mug, eyes sliding over when he notices you haven’t come back with some quick remark, “What?”

“You know.” You drawl, pressing your arm against his on the bar. The heat from his skin seeping through the fabric of your sleeve, “Now that I’m a Warlord, I don’t have an active bounty.”

“No shit.” Ace snarks, “Always planned on buying something nice with it.”

“Maybe I can make it up to you.” Your voice drops with a bite of your lip.

Ace scoffs, starring into his mug, “Don’t need your stolen treasure.”

“As if I’d give you a single berry of my treasure.” You move your hand down to his leg, immediately twitching under your fingers.

Ace jumps in his seat, quickly twisting and crushing your hand in his hold, “What are you doing?” He leans in and hisses.

Ignoring the pain, you meet him closer, “Just thinkin’ ‘bout last time we were in a bar like this.” Your eyes flick to his lips and back up, “Probably the last time you didn’t have a stick up your ass too.” You smirk, “Not that I wouldn’t love to help with it though.”

Ace colors from his cheeks to the tips of his ears, throwing your hand back at you.

“Oh c’mon!” Your laughter rings out, attracting too many stares for comfort in the bar, “I was just kidding!”

.

“What’s the occasion?”

“First month on the Grand Line.” His boyish smile lights up his face.

“Really?” You lean a cheek into your palm, “Let me buy you a drink to celebrate.” You hold a up two fingers as you take the seat next to the young man. Reminds you of an excitable puppy with the energy radiating from him.

Wonder how long it’ll take for the Grand Line to harden that.

.

“No bed this time?” You tease, winding your arms around his shoulders.

“I’m sure as hell not getting on your ship, and I’m pretty sure you’re interested in getting on mine.” Ace’s fingers inch up under your shirt, grabbing hold of your waist.

“Can’t spring for a room with that captain pay?”

Ace huffs and you swear it’s a laugh. Hooking a leg around his hip you delight when he lets out a moan.

.

“Fuck, fuck.” Ace groans into your ear when he presses into you fully.

You let out a moan of your own, enjoying his weight pressed against your body. Your fingers slip up his unusually hot skin, scratching along the way before sinking into his inky hair. Just long enough for you to twist your hands into and give a harsh tug to pull him out of your shoulder.

“Don’t!” He chokes, panting loudly and causing you to freeze under him, “Unless.” He breathes harshly through his nose, “You want this to end right now.”

It’s then that you notice his arms are shaking, cock throbbing inside you like he’s about to spill over.

Your lips turn upward, “Didn’t realize you were that new to the Grand Line.” And the thinly veiled comparison isn’t lost on Ace, who has nothing to say to your quip.

With a push on his shoulder, you easily toss him onto his back, so pliant under your hands. “But that’s okay.” You coo against his cheek, and he’s clenching his eyes so tightly, chest quickly rising as he tries to get his breathing under control.

Just to be mean you roll your hips forward, and he lets out a sob.

“I’ll take care of you tonight, hmm?”

.

“You’ve gotten good.” You pant, his hips rocking against yours, “Who’ve you been practicing with?”

Ace eyes you with a mean glint, as if he knows your trying to regain control. So close to being the first to fall apart but not wanting to lose this battle.

But neither of you were ready to admit defeat so easily. He still had a score to settle from that first night when you rode him so hard and fast, he could barely keep up before he was crying out in overstimulation.

He could never get that night out of his head. Always popping up at the most inopportune times. Became sort of a ritual for Ace to grab a cold shower anytime he caught sight of your crew, whether it be in battle or your wanted poster.

A particularly harsh thrust rucks you up higher against the wall. Brick scraping against the back of your head. A hiss escapes your lips and Ace is quick to fit his hand between you and the wall.

“Give in already.” He mutters against your cheek, hand sneaking around from your thigh to your center. Ace is quite pleased with himself when your breaths turn to hiccups from the work of his deft fingers.

.

“Have another round in ya?” You lean over Ace.

“I don’t think I even had that last one in me.” He throws an arm across his face and you grin at the sight.

“Oh, come on now.” Your hand wraps around his soft cock, giving it a good squeeze that earns you a yelp as he jumps up. He scoots up your shabby bed as he protectively covers his sensitive bits and sending a glare your way.

Your laughter tinkles throughout the room, the early morning rays peeking in the port window. “You’re a cute one.” You fall into the sheets that do little to cover your nakedness.

Ace’s cock painfully twitches as his eyes roam your body. Swallowing thickly, he looks back up at you, clearly caught red handed.

So cute.

“Think your crew’s looking for you?”

“Have the night off.” Ace runs his fingers through his hair, “Wouldn’t have been drinking otherwise.”

“Night off?” You laugh, “Your captain keeps a tight leash on each of you, huh?” You roll onto your back, “I don’t think I could manage keeping tabs on my dumbasses like that.” Laughing to yourself at even the thought of wrangling them into a schedule.

“Your, what?” Ace asks weakly.

“They’d probably jump ship from the Orchid pirates before following some shit like that.”

“Pirates?” Ace croaks, finger hanging limply in the air.

You squint for a moment, eyes darting to his neatly folded clothes on the chair. You had thought it was odd when he took the do so, but now that you think about it.

“You’re not a pirate, are ya?”

.

“Just one?” You pout, watching as Ace hurriedly tucks himself back into his pants.

“Shouldn’t have even been once.” He mutters, throwing a look down the alley.

“Way to make a girl feel special.” And you can’t hold back the laugh when he whips his head up with a sorry expression.

“I- it wasn’t, not like-” Ace sputters and you take pity on him with a laugh.

“Imagine the scandal.” You tease, “Newly promoted marine captain Fire Fist Ace, fucked by War Lord of the sea.”

“I think I was the one doing the fucking.”

You reach out for his collar, pulling him close to your face, “Your pathetic whimpering said otherwise.”

Ace growls lowly in his throat, hand slapping to the wall against your head.

Voices carry from the street and Ace freezes, crowding closer against you as if to hide the compromising position.

“You sure about that second round?” You whisper into his ear, nipping lightly at his neck.

Ace fails to suppress a shiver, voice strangled when he answers, “Roll call at twenty hundred.”

“Pirates don’t have bedtimes, ya know?”

Ace extracts himself, taking an extra step back just to be safe he doesn’t do something stupid. Again. He clears his voice before nodding his head, “Have a safe evening.”

You slump against the wall watching him walk back towards his ship.

Ah well. At least he can’t make fun of the limp you’re sure you’ll have by morning.

.

“Maybe he wants a beetle. Beetles make me happy.”

“Shut up Luffy.” A second voice hisses.

Ace glares at the sky, trying to ignore the two voices that haven’t left him alone since he was dropped off on this shit island.

“What about meat? Everybody likes meat!”

Ace growls, getting to his feet and stomping into the forest.

He doesn’t want to be here. He doesn’t want to be friends with those two wannabe pirates. And he really doesn’t want beetles or meat.

“Way to go, idiot.”

Ace wants to be back Baterilla. He wants his room and toys instead of a hut of bandits. He wants to be hiding in bushes from his mother instead of in a forest from a couple of idiots.

“Oh?” A menacing voice laughs, “And what do we have here?”

Ace looks up, his anger quickly turning to fear. Backing up, Ace prepares to jump into a sprint, but before he can he slams into another man behind him.

He hadn’t been paying attention when he stumbled into Grey Terminal.

Luffy and his friend were always messing around this dump and Ace made sure to stay far away.

“You wouldn’t happen to know two little shits who stole from me this morning, would ya?”

Ace opens and closes his mouth, no words forming as the man twirls around a dagger in his hand.

“Back off!”

Out of nowhere two small figures jump from the shadows, pipes cracking against the skulls of the men who stagger from the blows.

“Run!” Luffy laughs, already dashing back into the foliage.

But Ace is still frozen, scared of what might happen as the men are already back to their feet with snarls on their face.

“Come on!” A hand tugs on his wrist, dragging him back into the forest. Ace goes with, his feet working to follow the boys as the duck and weave around roots and branches.

Before long they’ve climbed up a tree and Luffy is still laughing.

“That was a close one Ace!”

“Sorry about that.” The other apologizes, “Idiot over here nabbed their food earlier and didn’t think to make a clean get away.”

“Oi!” Luffy stomps his foot, “You ate it too!”

“Anyway.” The boy grins his gapped tooth smile, fixing his hat, “I’m Sabo. Heard you have to live with Luffy, that must suck.”

Ace nods, his voice still lost from coming face to face with the terrifying men. He can feel tears gathering in the corner of his eyes, heart still beating too fast.

Luffy swings his pipe over his shoulder, “You kinda sucked back there. You don’t even have a weapon, how were you gonna fight those guys? Here!” He drops the metal in front of Ace, “Now you can join our pirate crew!” Luffy grins, “I’m gonna be the captain, but you can be my first mate!”

“Don’t wanna be a pirate.” Ace mumbles, wiping at his eyes.

“And you’re not captain, idiot!” Sabo tries to whack Luffy with his pipe.

Luffy doges Sabo’s attempt and ducks around to crouch down in front of Ace, “Why don’t you wanna be a pirate? They’re cool!”

Ace glares, reddening in anger, “No they’re not!”

Ace thinks of the pirate he’s heard so much about. Thinks of the photos his mother used to show him. But he didn’t care. Because if his old man wasn’t a pirate then he wouldn’t have left his mom. And if he had stuck around then maybe his mom wouldn’t have been so sick.

And then maybe she would still be here to weave flowers in his hair. And Ace wouldn’t have to be on this stupid island with stupid bandits and these stupid idiots.

“Well what do you wanna be?” Luffy cocks his head.

And then Ace thinks of the nice man who would stop by every few months. Who would carry his mom’s groceries in from town. Who would always have some little trinket for him. Whose shoulder he sobbed into the morning after. Whose boat he traveled on for a month.

Who told him to call him Gramps.

“I want to be a marine.”

“Boo!” Luffy sticks out his tongue, “That’s stupid!”

“No, it’s not!” Ace jumps to his feet with little fists, “Marines are nice and help people!”

“Not uh!” Luffy fires back, “Marines are bad guys and fight pirates!”

“Pirates are the bad guys!” Ace pushes Luffy to the ground.

“See!” Luffy cries to Sabo with a pointed finger, “He’s acting like a stinky marine right now!”

Ace shoves a finger right back in Luffy’s face, “And he started it!”

“Hey!” Sabo steps between the two, “Maybe Ace will be a good marine and maybe if you’re not such an idiot he won’t have to fight you.”

“He’s not gonna anyway, because I’m gonna be king of the pirates!”

“Not if I stop you first!”

Luffy grins, brushing a thumb across his nose, “I’d like to see you try!”

.

“So, you’re really Luffy’s brother?”

Ace stops in his tracks, the kid running straight into his back before he spins around with a hiss, “Who told you that?”

Koby’s face quickly matches his hair, “Uhh, well, Vice Admiral Garp said that he, well that you-”

“I’m gonna stop you right there.” Ace cuts him off, “You better keep your mouth shut if you want to make it further than chore boy, got it?”

Koby gives a poorly executed salute and furiously bobs his head, “Yes, sir!”

Ace rolls his eyes, turning on his heel. While getting promoted to captain was a step up from almost being a chore boy himself, he didn’t know it would include being a babysitter to the two Gramps threw at him.

If he’s being honest, all the changes from standard marine to captain have been shit. More paperwork. More responsibilities. Less sleep. And he hasn’t stopped at a single island yet!

“Sir.” One of his subordinates runs up, “You have a call on the transponder snail.”

Ace sighs, looking to the ocean for a brief moment before he follows inside.

.

“You look stupid.”

“And you look like a criminal.”

“Well, I am a pirate!” Luffy’s grin takes up his entire face, “Wanna meet my crew? I’ve already got a navigator, swordsman, cook, doctor.” He counts off on his fingers, “And a liar!”

Ace leans against the wall, “Sounds like quite the bunch.”

“Yep! Now all I need is a musician!” Luffy cocks his head, “You know how to play anything? You could join.”

“I’m not going to join your crew, Luffy.”

“Ahh you’re no fun.” Luffy whines, “Sabo always said you were stuck in mud.”

“Stick in the mud.” Ace corrects.

“Whatever.” Luffy waves his hand, “I gotta get back to the Merry. Sure you don’t want to come? Sanji makes the best fried octopus!”

“Dumb enough for me to be lurkin’ with ya when White Chase is on the prowl.” Ace pauses, “I should arrest you.”

“I’d like to see ya try!”

Luffy’s laughter echoes throughout the alley long after he’s gone.

.

Ace glares in frustration and awe at the sight before him.

Luffy did this?

Three years ago, the kid could barely punch straight and now Ace is supposed to believe he took on CP9 and won?

And now he’s here to do the fucking cleanup.

Ace spent the better part of the day helping move rubble and debris out of the destroyed Enies Lobby. After his unit was cleared for the day, he headed down to the residential area, pitching in where he could.

Guilt swirls in his belly as he looks at the destroyed homes and displaced families.

If he had stopped his brother in Alabasta none of this would have happened. If he hadn’t let personal feelings get in the way of his duty, he could have prevented this.

“What a shitshow this place is.”

Ace spins at your voice, surprised to see you here.

“Can’t believe a crew no more than a handful did all this.” Your foot kicks a rock off the ledge, “Then again, not surprised that prick Spaldam went all out for some low-level pirate. Think it was personal?”

“Captain!” Koby’s voice rings out, “Vice Admiral Garp will be leaving for Water 7 if you plan on joining.”

“No.” Ace answers, the first thing he’s said since you arrived, “I will not.”

You watch curiously as the boy with pink hair opens and closes his mouth, like he has more to say. The boy decides the better of it and turns to head down the stairs to the port.

Looking over at Ace, it’s not hard to miss the anger that’s etched onto his face.

“You know, I heard Strawhat is hiding out in Water 7. Little surprised you ain’t barrelin’ in on a sea train yourself.”

“Tch.” Ace scowls, looking down at the marine vessel that he’s sure gramps is on right now. “Wouldn’t make a difference. Not like the idiot’s gonna get arrested.”

You cock your head and Ace feels his stomach churn at your appraising stare. He’s always hated when you look at him like that. Like you could see through him or something.

“Underestimating the Vice Admiral?”

“Only his sense of justice when it comes to his grandson.”

You’re silent for a moment before cracking a smile, “Sounds like the two of you never grew out of playing pirates and marines.”

Ace scoffs at your bad joke, “And he never grew up. Kid’s gonna get himself killed.”

“Aww.” You knock his shoulder with a teasing lit, “You care.”

Ace’s cheeks flush slightly, “Yeah well.” He kicks a rock off the bridge, “Not a good look for me to be sniffing round him when the Admirals show up.”

“Depends on who you’re asking.”

There’s something in your voice that makes Ace pause.

“Seems like you’ve had quite the day, want to grab a drink?” The question hangs in the air, the intent crystal clear.

Ace swallows, “Little busy.”

“And later tonight?”

He doesn’t answer. There isn’t any excuse besides the truth. That he feels a little too free when he’s around you. A little dangerous, like he might make a choice he wouldn’t regret.

“I see.” You say to yourself, “Well, thanks for letting a girl down easy.”

.

“There he is!” You call out, “I’ve been lookin’ for ya, Fire Fist!”

Ace freezes when he hears your voice. It had been little over a month since your last run in when Ace’s unit failed to stop your crew from pillaging a merchant ship.

You had locked eyes with him across the water, a cannonball narrowly missing your ship when you blew a kiss his way.

But now instead of the sea separating the two of you, it was a busy street. And you were crossing it towards him.

Would it be bad if he ran?

“Fire Fist.” You’re grinning widely in front of him, “Long time no see.”

Ace clears his throat, he wasn’t going to run! He was going to do his duty and arrest a criminal! “Pirate. As you have an active bounty with the World Government, I have no choice but to place you under-”

“Oh?” You cut him off with a cock of the head, “What? You save my name for when we’re alone?”

Ace colors, feeling a little warm under his marine cap. And it has nothing to do with his devil fruit.

“And who’s to say I haven’t turned a new leaf?” You bat your eye lashes, “Redemption and all that shit?”

“Have you now?” Ace asks, unimpressed.

“That’s neither here nor there.” You wave a hand in front of your face, “Heard you got honored last month for your bravery back on San Faldo. Making quite the name for yourself.”

A pleased feeling settles in Ace’s stomach that he immediately tries to squash down.

“Are we here to exchange accolades? Because if so, I have a list long enough to send you to Impel Down.”

You grin and Ace suddenly feels like he’s fallen into a trap, “Keepin’ tabs on me, Fire Fist?”

“Wha- no!” Ace sputters, “N- no! It’s my job, I’m a marine!”

Your laughter is full body as you lean back, eyes crinkled, “This was fun.” You say as you finally calm down, “Wish I could stick around but I hear there’s a pretty vault filled with jewelry on the south side of the island. Catch ya later.” With a quick salute you spin on your heel.

Not even a step further and Ace grabs you by the wrist, “You can’t be stupid enough to think I’m going to let you walk away after that.”

Your eyes slide towards his, narrowed with annoyance, “You can’t be stupid enough to start a fight when you’re out numbered.”

Ace’s face scrunches in confusion. He watches your slight nod of the head. Looking up he counts three, no, at least four discreetly placed individuals. Each staring at the two of you with unhidden interest.

“Like I said.” You growl, pulling your hand back. “I’ll catch you later.”

Ace waits until you’ve disappeared around the corner before beelining it back to the ship.

His anger at your outward taunting is doubled after nothing happens that evening. He’s reamed out by his superior for wasting resources on staking out an untouched vault.

Especially when a bank on the north side of the island is wiped clean in the middle of the night without a trace.

.

Sabaody always left Ace feeling off. Easily one of the seediest places in all the Grand Line. He tries his best to stay on the ship whenever he’s stationed at the archipelago.

He had almost been excited when he was called in to assist in with the round up of some pirate rookies causing trouble. But by the time he arrived all had been taken care of and he was yet again saddled with paperwork instead.

Ace snaps a spark from his finger, leaning over the edge of the ship. He watches the flames fall to the ocean before extinguishing in the water.

“You’ve got the damsel in distress attitude down to a tee.” Ace shoots up when your voice reaches his ears, not even noticing your approaching footsteps, “You need rescuing?”

Ace rolls his eyes, turning back to the water, “What are you doing here?”

“Called in to Marineford.” You shrug, “But can’t miss the chance to stop at my favorite place on the Grandline.”

“Figures.” Ace scoffs, “And what about on my ship?”

“Can’t I say hi to an old friend?” You ask with a pout.

“Friend is a bit of a stretch.”

You come up beside him, nudging your shoulder against him, “The melancholy isn’t a good look on you.”

Ace doesn’t answer because you’re not wrong. But it’s a feeling he hasn’t been able to shake for a long time.

“Well.” You slap your hands on the rail, “If you need me, I’ll be at a bar in grove 13. Shit drinks but the prices are decent enough if you have something to trade.”

He can feel you staring but doesn’t meet your eye. Afraid of what he might do if he looks at you. Enough time passes and you take your leave.

Ace wonders what it must be like to just do as you please. You always sound so light. He wonders if you wake up with plans in mind for the day, or if you wait for something to fall into your lap.

Ace knows how he wakes up. To a shrill alarm at six hundred every morning. Just to eat the same gruel for breakfast that he does every day before he sits down in his office to see his itinerary has already been sent over from headquarters.

Ace’s fists tighten on the rail, melting indents into the metal.

“(Y/N).” He calls, spinning around “Wait-”

His voice dies in his throat when it’s not your face he sees.

“Let’s talk.” Is all Akainu says.

Ace doesn’t say anything as he follows the Admrial through the ship. Marines quickly dropping what they’re doing to throw up a salute the moment they see the man.

The imposing Admiral walks into Ace’s office, taking a seat at the desk and lighting a cigar.

Ace watches ash fall onto the reports he spent all night getting through.

“Your grandfather has no ambition.” Akainu leans back in the chair, a circle of smoke surrounding his face, “Wasted talent.”

Ace swallows thickly, unsure how to respond. Did the Admiral really come to his ship to talk to him about Gramp’s work ethic?

“He’s doing the same to you, boy.” Akainu takes a deep inhale of his cigar, the smoke easily escaping him as he points towards Ace with lighted end, “You could be the top. Even with that devil’s blood of yours.” A frozen chill runs through Ace’s veins, lead dropping into his stomach. Ace’s eyes widen as Akainu cocks his head with a smirk, “Didn’t think we knew?”

“I-” It’s the first thing he’s uttered, and he can’t even get a full word out.

“At least Garp was able to set one of you straight.” He mutters while shoving the cigar into his palm, brushing off the ash.

“You and I are a lot alike.”

“Our devil fruits?” Ace asks before he can shut his mouth.

Akainu stares at him for a moment before letting out a huff, “Cute.” He stands from the desk, “I hope to see you on the side of justice.” He leaves without another word and Ace exhales a breath he didn’t realize he was holding in.

They know. They know and he’s still here?

Ace needs a fucking drink.

He barrels off the ship and sets off in a direction he doesn’t know.

“Fire Fist!” Your voice rings out, but Ace keeps walking. “Hey!” He can hear you running after him, but he doesn’t have time for this.

A hand gives him a strong shove into his back, causing Ace to stumble.

“What the hell?” He whips around with a snarl, fire erupting from his fist.

“What the hell me? What the fuck you! I was calling your name!”

“You think just cause some scum pirate wants my attention I’m going to give it to ‘em?”

Your face falls, hurt flashing across it before it twists into anger, “I’m going to let that one slide since I’m sure you’re dealing with your own shit right now.” You wave the newspaper in your hand.

“You don’t know anything about me.” Ace snarls, “You think you’re special because you’re a War Lord? You’re still nothin’ but a no-good filthy pirate. Remember your place next time.”

The venom in his voice shocks you a moment, never hearing such callousness behind it before, “Oh yeah?” You spit back, “And what’s that make you then? If you’ll sink low enough to fuck one?”

“Just reminding you of all you’re good for.” The words leave his mouth before he even has time to process what he’s said. All he knows know is that your face is screwing up in hurt, bitter tears filling your eyes.

“Fuck you, Ace.” Your voice only holds hurt as you whip the newspaper in his face.

“Wait, (Y/N)-” He starts, clumsily catching the newspaper. But the words die in his throat and a pool of dread forms in his stomach when he catches the printed words.

Strawhat Luffy to be Publicly Executed in 7 Days

[leune]

"If I'm not me..."

KNJ × Female OC

Part 1 & 2

Part 1

"What? Is there something on my face?"

Anrea giggled, her curly hair bouncing with her shoulders as her boyfriend got in her face and wiggled around.

Anrea pushed him away, "Stop it." She smiled.

"But you're staring at me..."

She looked down, "Why do you wear your hats like that? It looks like a chocolate chip." She snorted as she held back her laugh, blushing and covering her mouth.

The couple sat at a train station, waiting for their train, watching the other one roll by.

"Namjoonie?" He looked at her and she couldn't help but smile lovingly. "Where are we going?" She asked.

He smiled back, "Somewhere~" She rolled her eyes playfully. "We've been together for 6 years and you still can't tell me where we are celebrating our anniversary." She shoved him a little. He overreacted and flung his arms, his arms ending up around her.

She giggled some more, his chuckle joining hers as he hugged her.

Would it be wrong to say he fell in love with that sound before he even laid eyes on her?

Part 2

They finally boarded their train and got comfy in their seats that faced each other over a small table. He reached forward and grabbed her hands gently, stroking his thumbs over her knuckles. "I love you so much." She blushed, "I love you too, Namjoonie."

His head turned out the window and she got a flashback to the first time they met in person.

>>

6 years ago Anrea moved to Seoul with her father who was on a business venture.

She was sitting on a park bench, wondering where her life was going at this point.

Her father never cared what she did, she's a few months from graduation and she had enough money saved for an apartment for 4 years…

Her eyes lazily looked over the park.

To the right was a playground, tons of screaming kids running around with their annoyed parents watching.

To the left was an open field where some teenagers and adults played soccer or exercised.

And right in front of her was a-

Soccer ball to the face.

The ball landed in her lap as she held her nose. "Ow ow ow ow ow ow!" She whined, tears leaving her eyes as she kicked her legs in pain, fluttering her uniform skirt.

"OH MY GOD, I'M SO SORRY!"

Her eyes darted around to a boy running in her direction. He had a bruise on his face and tears coming out of his eyes. He tripped and fell face first into her lap, replacing the soccer ball that rolled away.

"NAMJOON AH! STOP BOTHERING THAT GIRL AND GET OUR BALL!"

"YA GET BACK IN PLACE FOR TARGET PRACTICE!"

Some boys snickered and anger bubbled in the woman's chest as she looked down at the frozen boy. "Hey." He jumped and scooted onto his knees. "Sorry. Sorry. Sorry." He bowed between each word. She giggled, still holding her nose and he looked up at her with wide eyes.

"I'm ok, kid. Stop crying."

He sighed, "On the other hand why do you let those boys bully you?" The boy's eyes widened again as he looked down to the left. "I-I'm too scrawny to fight back." She chuckled, "We'll, if they bother you anymore, you can always find me in the library. How old are you, Namjoon?"

She watched him shiver but then looked at her, "F-Fifteen." She chuckled and fluffed his hair. "I'm 17. You go to Seoul High, right?" He nodded, "Ya, then, you can come find me when you need me." She stood up and waved, "Bye Namjoon!" He huffed, "Bye Noona!" He smiled and she smiled back, his dimpled cheeks making her heart squeeze.

>>

"Noona~"

She blinked and looked up at him. "Yes?" He smiled, "You spaced out." She chuckled shyly, "Heh... Oh, I have a question." His attention went back to her from outside. "Back then, were you the one who hit me in the face with the soccer ball?"

Namjoon's neck and ears burned red almost immediately after she spoke. "I- Uh- Yeah..."

She giggled as he looked away bashfully, "I finally got the balls to kick back and I ended up hurting you." She snorted and he huffed, his grip getting loose. "I'm sorry for laughing. I'm not laughing at you, baby." His ears continued to burn red as he turned to her, that nickname being his weakness to get him to cave into anything.

"Noona?"

"Hmm?"

"I was wondering if that when we get to where we're going if we could..." She raised an eyebrow, "We could, what?" Namjoon's blush moved to his cheeks. "Y-You know.." It clicked and she smiled, "Oh! Uh, yeah. I'd like to." Namjoon's blush deepened a shade and she smiled, rubbing his fingers.

This big beefy baby.

The rest of the ride was quiet, the couple admiring the outside as they held hands over the table, Anrea's legs intertwined with his under the table.

For a couple who hasn't done anything sexual over the 6 years they've been together, besides kissing, they love PDA.

But they don't know that they're both hiding secrets.

[sichore]

7 for Jimi x Pickles for the ship drabble meme please?

[7. Write about one member of your ship asking the other to dance with them.]

Jimi holds up her hands in defeat, laughing softly as the beats begin to fade. "Okay, okay, I'll turn it off now –"

She freezes as she reaches for her phone, brown eyes going wide as all too familiar drum kicks and the squealing notes of a saxophone erupt from the speakers.

Pickles groans, "Oh, no." A grin already tugs at his mouth.

Especially as Jimi turns back to him with her brown eyes practically sparkling, that brilliant gap-toothed grin on display. "Oh, yes!"

"C'mon, Jimi, ya promised the last song would be it–" Pickles laughs weakly, already feeling the drum beats hitting his chest like raindrops. Hadn't he practiced this very same song? How could he not?

"Nuh-uh. Come on..." Jimi's already moving slowly toward him, shoulders and hips beginning to sway as the strings come in, doing some kind of shuffling little step. "You know you wanna. You gotta."

"I really don't..." But he's already losing the battle, knee beginning to bounce in time.

"Don't tell me Mr. Drummer is turning down some Sheila E.? Really?"

"Well..." Pickles knows it's over for him when the main melody kicks in, and Jimi twirls, immediately moving into the kind of moves she has to have practiced.

It all looks so natural for her, moving her body as effortlessly as any instrument, matching every note. She shimmies at Pickles, and he shimmies right back at her, causing Jimi to throw her head back in a laugh that rings all through the kitchen and straight through him.

She reaches for him and there's no way Pickles can refuse her. Hand in hand, Jimi challenges him to keep up with every shoulder roll, every sway of her hips. She even manages to sing while doing so, the lyrics rolling off her tongue as effortlessly as she moves.

"Ooh, look at you! Go'n, Snakes N' Barrels!" He's certain he's never heard her laugh this much before, and it's richer, sweeter than any bourbon he's tried.

"Heh, what can I say? Once ya got it, ya never lose it." He's only a little winded as he says so.

Even though they make up the moves as they go, they move pretty well together. Pickles can see all the signs of Jackson family choreography from the way Jimi's feet move. And when she does a pointed neck roll, he mirrors her, drawing another delighted peal out laughter from her.

Pickles spins her around and she presses against him, back to his chest, hips swaying in sync to his, side to side, as she sings:

"Boys with ♪ small talk ♪ and small minds ♪ really don't impress me in bed~♪"

(His hand taps her hip on beat, his arm crossed over her body, and Jimi doesn't seem to mind, looking over her shoulder coyly.)

"She said 'I need a man's man baby' ♪ Diamonds and furs ♪ Love would only conquer my head ♪"

And then she's spinning away from him, and Pickles wonders if she felt that electric storm, too, that raged between them in those moments.

Jimi keeps dancing, keeps smiling, and doesn't let go of his hand. So Pickles keeps moving with her, keeping time, hoping for another chance to draw her close.

She wants to live ♪ the glamorous life ♪ without love ♪ it ain't much.

Soft OTP Prompts

[violetnerves]

The Rise and Fall of Jenny Hopkins, Aged 15 - Chapter 2: The Setup.

Ok, so this took me about a month and I feel bad about it. It really shouldn't have taken me that long since this chapter is mostly about the actual mission from the game plus some bits of Jenny's backstory. But here it is, and the editing on it is minimal at best. Constructive criticism would be appreciated.

Anyway, Content warning for some ableist language and sexism.

Word Count: 8799

My eyelids fluttered open as sunlight peeked through the blinds of the dorm windows, hitting my face and rudely waking me up. Just to really rub it in, my alarm clock went off. The ring rattled my ears, and I slammed my hand down on the stupid piece of junk.

I let out a grumble, sitting up and rubbing the sleep out of my eyes, followed by a yawn. Then my back started acting up, and I grumbled.

A single thought came to my mind.

'Why does school have to start so damn early?'

I heard Trisha sit up, obviously awoken by my loud alarm clock since her side of the room didn't have the sun shining on it.

It was odd that she looked more put together than she did yesterday, despite having bed-head that would put Bob Ross' afro to shame.

We met eye to eye, and for a bit, there was an awkward silence in the room. The only sounds I could hear were the outside movements of the other girls in the dorm getting ready for the day.

Trisha looked down, then back up to me again. She bit her lip. She gave me a pair of finger guns, in a bad attempt to, I assume, be funny to make the obvious tension in the room disappear. It didn't work.

"Hey... Jenny, right? Can we... talk about yesterday?"

I shook my head, getting out of bed and opening up the large dresser next to it. I tossed a white button-up shirt with the Bullworth Academy crest sewn into it on my bed, along with the blue plaid skirt, socks, and a bra.

I turned to give her the nastiest glare I could muster, mainly as a warning. Just to rub it in that I didn't want anything to do with her, I added in a small warning as I focused on putting on my uniform.

"Not interested, don't even bother."

"Aw... C'mon..."

I heard her get off the bed and start walking closer to me. Before she could get too close, my head snapped in her direction.

The sudden movement caused her to hop back a little, holding her hands up in front of her. I'd assume I looked pretty pissed off since the way she put her hands up was clearly defensive.

The only thing I could see her wearing was a long t-shirt with the name of some emo boy band that swamped her rail-thin body just above her knees. I didn't know if she was wearing any shorts underneath since the length of the t-shirt hid her hips. For some reason, she still wore those arm warmers from yesterday. Does she just not take those off at all?

"Look... About yesterday..."

I spat my reply out in the rudest way I knew how.

"Yeah? What? Oh yeah, no big deal. You were gonna record me getting my ass kicked by your buddies so you could all chuckle at it later over whatever crappy take-out food this dump of a towns' got! I already know about that, I don't need you to remind me, ya freak!"

This girl stared at me, lip trembling with those big, obnoxious, and freaky green eyes of hers looking like they were about to start bursting into tears at any second. Before I could tell her to just fuck off, however, the door to our room opened.

Mrs. Peabody walked in, dressed in what looked like the same outfit she'd worn yesterday - more than likely, she was one of those weird people who had multiples of the same clothes. She took one look at me, then over to Trisha. Compared to how she eyed me, it was similar to how you'd look at a dirty mutt compared to a disease ridden rat.

Sure, I wasn't very happy with Trisha... but the way the older woman looked at her in disgust just rubbed me the wrong way. She barely even tried to hide her contempt for the girl. Shit, even I don't think anybodys' has ever even looked at me like that, and i've been enough of a bitch in my life to warrant it.

"Is there something wrong, Miss Jane?" Mrs. Peabody's eyes were firmly on Trisha even though she was clearly talking to me. "Is she bothering you?"

I looked her in the eye and shook my head.

"No ma'am, we just... disagreed on something. S'not anything that important."

Mrs. Peabody didn't seem entirely convinced, but in response, she simply nodded and closed the door. I could hear the sound of her footsteps fading as she walked away, her muffled voice talking to one of the other girls in the building.

I sighed, shaking my head and slipping my pajama shirt off.

While tugging my bra on, I looked over to Trisha, who seemed a bit confused at the fact that I hadn't bothered to tell on her.

"What is it? What's with the face?"

It took her about a minute to actually say anything, and in that time, I was already halfway dressed.

"...How come you didn't tell on me?" Trisha asked, circling her fingers together nervously. I had to wonder why this girl was hanging out with those jerks. You'd think she'd be just another girl to pick on for them.

I shrugged, buttoning up my shirt with my neck tie undone and hanging around my neck. I didn't want to talk to her for longer than I needed to, so I kept my answers short.

"I don't like you, but with the way Mrs. Peabody was looking at you, I think she's way worse." I haphazardly tied my neck tie sloppily, not caring much for how it looked, nevermind what other people would think about it. "She seems like a nasty old hag."

Trisha seemed to chuckle a little at that.

"Oh, you have no idea... We can barely do anything in the dorm without old Peabody riding our butts about it... Well..." Trisha looked over at the door then back to me. "Unless you're Mandy Wiles, then you can basically do anything you want. The favoritism is unreal!"

Oh, of course Mrs. Peabody's got favorites. Old, bitter women like her tend to have them, mainly as a weird projection kind of thing. Some weird way to relive their youth.

Hm, well, since the girl is already blabbing, I might as well get some info about the other girls out of her. Gary had been more than generous with telling me all about the boys of the various cliques yesterday, but he'd been pretty quiet about the girls.

Which was odd, surely the girls around here had some kind of influence?

"Who's Mandy? Should I be concerned about her?"

Trisha didn't hesitate to nod and replied back, "Ooohhh, yeah, definitely! I wouldn't start anything with her. Not only is she Mrs. Peabody's favorite, but she's also a part of the most popular clique in the Academy! You'd be committing social suicide if you try and even push back against her picking on you!"

I rolled my eyes as I tied my neck tie, which ended up looking sloppily done by the time I was finished. Meh, if I get yelled at for it, then I get yelled at. I've been yelled at so many times for the dumbest things that it got to the point where I barely acknowledged it anymore, even if I had genuinely done something wrong.

"Yeah... she sounds real threatening. Look, if she tries anything with me, I'm giving her a swirly. It's pretty much my go-to method for knocking morons like that off their high and mighty pedestal. Getting your head shoved in a toilet can be a real humbling experience, lemme tell ya."

Trisha laughed nervously, fidgeting with her hands.

"Yeah... I mean, that's not a good idea, and I don't agree with you doing that... buuuttt, if you actually go through with that, can you make sure to tell me?" The blonde girl eyed me, almost pleadingly, and in a tone that seemed... oddly joyful in a sinister way, said, "I wanna see."

I shrugged half-heartedly, slipping my socks on.

"Eh, sure, why not?"

I shit you not, the girl squealed right in my ear, opened up her side of the dresser, and sprinted over to her bed to get dressed for the day. All in the span of what felt like a second.

"Ooohhh, I'm so glad we're friends now!"

I was taken aback as I stared at her, the abruptness of it all irritated me.

"Hey, hold on, no we aren't! Your buddies still attacked me yesterday and you were completely fine with filming it! I'm not letting that crap go!" I said, shaking my head at the audacity to try and act so casually given what happened.

Seriously, did this chick have the memory of a goldfish?

Trisha was in the middle of tugging her undershirt on as she looked at me with a sad "deer in the headlights" look. She did this odd mix of a groan and a whine as she did this overdramatic move of faceplanting on her bed.

She looked back up at me and clasped her hands together pleadingly.

"Can I please just make it up to you then? I can't have my roommate mad at me for the entire school year! It'd be so annoying!" Trisha replied, her night shirt getting waved around in the air as she gestured her arms wildly. "Please! I don't even have footage of you getting beat up! It was mainly footage of you beating them up!"

I tried to just blow her off, but... Trisha did have a point. Besides Trent and obviously Russell, I don't think any of those other bozos actually ended up getting a hit on me. Then again, none of them seemed to be particularly good at fighting anyway. In fact, they all seemed a bit caught off guard when I'd decided to fight back.

Hell, just from the bullshit i've had to deal with at my last 7 schools, I probably had more experience actually tussling with people than them, and that didn't even include those boxing classes my third step-father let me tag along to and watch about 3 years ago.

I sighed, rolling my eyes and grabbing my purse.

"Okay... Fine," I said, slinging my bag over my shoulder as I slipped my shoes on. "You can make it up to me... just don't be weird about it..."

I left the room, hearing Trisha yell out something that sounded like a hurried, "Don'tworryIwon'tbeweir-!" as the door shut behind me.

'Man, I think I might've been a bit too lax on her...' The thought popped in my head as I made my way down the double set of stairs, right past a red head and another girl with glasses gossiping about something I didn't care too much to listen into.

As I passed them, I couldn't help but feel like I was being watched, and I turned back to look at the two. They were still talking, though they were turned away when I definitely remembered them facing my direction as I walked past. Huh, weird. Had they been talking about me?

I wouldn't be surprised if they were, what with what went down yesterday. The new girl beating up an entire group of boys and only getting a bruise and a bloody nose out of it was definitely something that would get gossiped about for a while, maybe about a week. On one hand, it'd probably mean people would leave me alone, at least for a bit... but on the other?

Well, I didn't actually know, but it couldn't have been good for me. That was usually how things went, I'd always get the worst of it.

It was why I started to believe in the concept of past lives, as well as karma. I was probably a real ass in a previous life, and I was only now getting all the negative karma from it.

Mrs. Peabody stood by the front door with a piece of paper, clearly about to go on some spheel about something I didn't too much care about. I ignored whatever she was telling me as I grabbed the paper and stepped through the double doors of the building to the outside... only to be met with a loud, burly voice yelling in my direction.

"HI JENNY!"

The voice was bellowed out by Eunice, a girl I'd helped out yesterday during Gary's tour.

Some doofus with an overly long name that I couldn't be bothered to remember had stolen some chocolates from her that her folks gave her as a gift, so I offered to get them back free-of-charge.

It wasn't difficult, hell, I probably could've done it blind folded. I tracked the thief to the first floor boy's bathroom by following some tossed chocolate wrappers, gave him a swift punch to the gut, and swiped the box of chocolates back as the guy was left heaving on the floor. I guess there were worst places to blow chunks, even though his puke never actually ended up in the toilet bowl.

My "reward" for that simple errand was a hug. Not so bad, maybe just a bit awkward right? Wrong, my back still hurt like hell. I think she might've cracked something in my spine while doing that crap. If I were her, I'd consider a career as a chiropractor... Then again, she'd probably be terrible at it. That kind of stuff was supposed to make you feel good... and I definitely didn't...

I gave the heavy set girl a nonchalant wave, and she walked over to me.

Now... I had to give her this. She did have a nice smile, but man, that voice... I wonder if losing weight would make her sound normal...

Then again, probably not. There was a girl at my 5th school who sounded similar to Gilbert Gottfried without any real effort, that was just her natural voice, and that girl had been as thin as a twig. Some girls really did just get the short end of the stick.

The first one being that they were even born a girl in the first place. Seriously, why did being a girl have to suck so much? Not only do we have to deal with periods, but nobody takes us seriously at all!

Man, sometimes I wish I was a dude, not because I was "confused" about my gender or some crap like that, then people would actually respect me for once. Then they'd take me seriously when I knocked their teeth out.

"There's my main squeeze! How's it going, Jenny?" Eunice said cheerfully, clasping her chubby hands together in front of her chest.

We stood to the side of the archway leading into the large space around the building of the Girl's Dorm, and I noticed some of the younger, middle school girls passing by and giggling about something followed by them not-so-subtly glancing in my direction. Word really was getting around about yesterday, huh? But then, why were they laughing? Wouldn't they be in awe of me instead?

I shrugged, blowing a bit of air as I huffed and looked Eunice's way.

"It's Bullworth, so I guess it could be a lot worse."

Eunice nodded, giving a small smile.

"Yeah... I guess it could be worse, but... y'know, it could always get better too!"

"Uh huh..." I replied, leaning against a nearby stonework wall. I propped my foot up on the wall as I relaxed and just let her talk... up until she snapped her fingers in front of my face. "Yeah?"

Eunice put her hands on her hips, looking a bit frustrated. Shoot, how long had I zoned out?

"I said, do you want to go to class together? It'd be cool if we had the same one for first period, y'know, Chemistry? Mrs. Peabody should've given you your schedule by now."

My gaze shifted to the paper in my hand and, sure enough, it was my class schedule. Conveniently, Chemistry was the first class I had today.

"Yeah, I got Chemistry too. I guess walking together doesn't sound like a bad idea," I said, stuffing my schedule inside my purse, not caring if it ended up a little crumbled.

It's not like I had anything better to do, besides, if those Bullies bothered me again, Eunice could've been some nice backup to have for dealing with them. Or a good meatshield. Either way, there really was no downside to it. For me at least.

Eunice seemed pretty happy about walking together.

"Great! Let's go, I think the bell is about to ring!" Without hesitation, Eunice grabbed me by the hand and, with a ridiculous amount of strength, pulled me with her to Chemistry. Now, usually this would've put somebody in a bad standing with me, but with how strong she turned out to be, I was kinda reluctant on bitching at her about it.

Chemistry class wasn't anything out of the ordinary... Aside from the teacher being blazed out of his mind. Dr. Wattz was clearly high on his own supply, but I didn't know what he was even on. It could've been anything. There were a hell of a lot of chemicals in the room to choose from. I had to wonder if some of them were even allowed to be used around and by a bunch of inexperienced teenagers, especially the kind that attended Bullworth Academy.

You'd think a stoner teacher would be pretty nice, but Dr. Wattz was the opposite. I screwed up by pouring the wrong chemical into my beaker and causing it to blow up in a puff of grey smoke, so the old guy threw a hotplate at me. It didn't end up actually hitting me thanks to a personal lifetimes worth of having to avoid flying objects. Instead, it flew towards that big doofus Russell and shattered to bits the second it connected to his skull. Oddly, and a little bit horrifyingly, Russell didn't give much of a reaction to the heavy metal piece of machinery cracking against his head. Seriously, was that guy even human?

So yeah, Chemistry was kind of weird now that I think about it. If there was any proof that Crabblesnitch was in some pretty heavy denial about the actual state of the school he was running, then that teacher was a damn good example. I mean seriously, what's next? An alcoholic teacher barely hiding the fact that he's chugging a 40 out of a paper bag as he's clicking through a presentation shown on a projector?

...Ok, maybe that was a bit too outlandish.

The bell rang for lunch, and as I left the classroom with Eunice, she and I split up. She wanted us to eat together, but I wasn't really interested.

She tried her hardest to get me to go with her, but I told her I wasn't that hungry. That wasn't really true, but I heard there was gonna be chicken for lunch today, and judging by the state of the food I'd choked down yesterday, I wasn't keen on getting salmonella and God knows what else from eating potentially undercooked chicken.

I headed outside, beelining towards the vending machine. If there was anything still keeping me on this bitch of an Earth, it would probably be Beam cola. Nectar of the Gods.

I shoved a dollar bill into the money slot and pressed the first button, and a can of Beam cola dropped down the machine. The sight of that chilled blue can was like looking down at a clear pond after trekking through a barren desert for miles.

Well, ok, maybe not that great of a sight, but it was still nice to be able to drink one of these again. I hadn't had one in weeks, not since mom had refused to keep buying them since she thought they were the cause of me being overweight. Which... well, she probably wasn't wrong, but it's not like it wasn't her fault since she introduced me to these things in the first place.

Back when I was barely a toddler and being forced by mom into participating in those glitzy beauty pageants, she would pour about half a can of Beam Cola into my sippy cup for me to drink in the morning so I wouldn't act cranky or fall asleep. It'd do the trick, probably since an entire can of Beam cola had about 40% of the daily recommended caffeine. I had a lot of memories that were just of me sitting in front of a mirror and chugging it while mom got me prepared to go on stage.

Yeah... those were the days, when it was mostly mom and me after my grandparents passed.

I felt a frown form on my face as I pulled the tab on the can, and that familiar hiss of the pressure releasing stuck solidly in my head. Whenever I heard it, I didn't know whether to consider it a pleasant noise or a bad one. On one hand, I honestly hated having to do those stupid pageants, hated having all that crappy makeup plastered on my face and those dumb outfits I'd be forced into... But on the other hand?

At least back then, mom actually seemed happy spending time with me. Nowadays she'd rather be with her rich boyfriends or the occasional millionaire she managed to sucker into marriage way more than me.

A little, niggling thought that seemed to shrink by the day tried to convince me that mom was doing it for my benefit, that she was just trying to find the right guy that could take care of the both of us financially.

After all, if it had really been about the money, surely mom wouldn't have told me to pack up and leave with her after she actually saw the last man she'd conned cornering me in the kitchen to do god knows what? The guy ran a goddamn fast food franchise. He was loaded.

She had to care a little. I needed her to.

I'm not sure how I could take it if it turned out she didn't.

The can met my lips and I drank. Leaning against the vending machine, I was thankful there wasn't anyone around at the moment. I could already start to feel myself breaking a bit emotionally, and I was struggling just to keep all the cracked pieces together to put everything back to normal. It was like I was trapped in a constantly shaking room, trying desperately to fix this broken vase that just kept getting cracking into smaller and smaller pieces from all the force.

When I got to being reminded about what my last "step-dad" tried to do to me, it always screwed up my entire day. I was so used to being able to kick the ass of anybody that was dumb enough to cross me that the one time I couldn't fight back...

"Ah Hopkins, I've been meaning to talk to you about what happened yesterday."

I jumped a little and spilled some cola on the ground, turning to see Dr. Crabblesnitch walk out of the front door of the school building. He seemed to glance disapprovingly at the soda in my hand, though I wasn't sure whether it was because he thought I shouldn't be drinking it for whatever reason or because I'd spilled it.

'Wouldn't be surprised if it was the first one.'

"Something wrong sir?" I asked, holding the cola can by the top and casually letting it dangle at my thigh.

"Well no, not really. I wanted to speak to you personally about an incident with some of the male students that you were involved in yesterday, among other things..."

'Alright, here we go..'

"Yes sir? What about it? Am I in trouble?" I said in a slightly disinterested tone.

I already got this guy's gist the day I'd met him. He was just another old prick too stuck in the old days to even see what was going on with the younger generation.

"No, actually. I'm just curious as to why you went near the Boy's Dorm. You weren't trying to go in there, were you?" Dr. Crabblesnitch replied, his tone dripping with suspicion. It's like he was eager to get me in trouble for something.

Been there, done that, and got expelled from my third school because of it.

"I got my directions messed up, that's it. Shouldn't you be getting onto the guys who did this to me?" I pointed out the bruising on both my right cheek from Trent and the punch from Russell that had my nose swollen and inflamed. "It was Trent and Russell by the way. I don't know if Dr. Lamb told you, but it was them."

Crabblesnitch eyed my face, though I got a feeling of disinterest from him.

"She did inform me of those two in particular, and they've been given suitable enough punishments, however..." He went on, and the next thing he said made me want to wring his neck. "I don't entirely believe that you didn't purposefully walk to the Boy's Dorm because you weren't familiar with the layout, as Mr. Northwick informed me that you headbutted him the second you walked onto the school grounds. Is this true? I wouldn't put it past you looking for a fight... given your record..."

I got caught up trying to respond, the audacity of his statement leaving me absolutely perplexed.

"Yeah I did! Because he tried to take money from me!" This guy was seriously trying to tell me I was looking for a fight! It was my first day! The only thing I'd been looking for was the Girl's dorm! "Look, I know my record makes me sound like a real tool, but this place is full of bullies and maniacs!"

Dr. Crabblesnitch, again, seemed to wave off my criticisms.

"Oh nonsense. I'm sure he was just showing a bit of school spirit! Hijinks. I'm sure he was simply just trying to mess with you. Boys will be boys after all. It's perfectly understandable that you didn't quite get it, being a girl and all."

'UUUUGGGGHHHH. Thisplacewillbethedeathofme.'

I felt as though my brain was starting to leak out of my skull after hearing that, I nearly didn't catch the rest of his sentence.

He continued on as I took another sip of soda, the overly sweet liquid bringing me some respite from the bullshit spewing out of his mouth.

"Now, I want you to stop with this nonsense. It's unbecoming of a young lady to be so violent. I want you to behave yourself. Now, I've had a talk with Dr. Lamb, and we've both decided it would be beneficial if you visited her for counseling, starting tomorrow. Understood?"

'Ok. Good. Great. Just treat me like a nutcase I guess. As if i'm the problem here.'

Of course, I couldn't actually tell him that. I'd rather not get the world record for the quickest school expulsion in American history.

...Even if it was kinda tempting...

"Understood, sir. Can I go now?"

I wanted to just curl up in bed and yell into my pillow.

Crabblesnitch gave me a curt nod and straightened out his neck tie. As I waited for his response, I got the odd feeling that we weren't alone, as if somebody else was just around the corner. Odd.

"Good, be on your way then."

The Headmaster walked right back into the main building, and after the door shut behind him, I stuck my middle finger in his direction for a second. It was stupid, but it did make me feel a little better. If only I could do it to his face.

Alas, it simply couldn't be.

"Pfft, 'Good, be on your way' yeah, i'll be on my way..." I muttered to myself, mocking Crabblesnitch's tone, "I'll be on my way to putting my foot up your stupid a-"

"Hey!"

I turned my head to see Slingshot kid standing in front of the small set of stairs leading up to the main school building entrance. His nose had a gauze patch on it, with another one slapped on his forehead, underneath it was a large reddish purple bruise. I tried to remember exactly what I'd done to cause that, until I thought about when i'd pushed Tom into him. Must've landed on his face pretty hard when he fell apparently.

Gary gave me his name yesterday, during the tour. It was Davis White, I think?

Along with his name, I knew at least two things about him from what Gary had told me.

The first was that he was in his senior despite looking a bit on the younger side, he was even pretty short to boot, he couldn't have been taller than 5'4. In fact, he was supposed to graduate last year, but he was so deep into his bullying obsession that he'd purposefully gotten himself held back. Gary doubted Davis even wanted to graduate at all, which was bizarre to me. Being able to bully freshman couldn't have been worth spending yet another year in the hellscape that was an American high school.

The second was that he was basically the "brains" of pretty much every plan the Bullies had. Whenever they'd pull something, it was usually his idea. Another kid, Troy, was supposed to be the second-in-command since Russell liked him the most. But more often than not, when Russell wasn't around, it was either Davis or Trent leading, not him. An easy way to tell whether the idea came from Trent or Davis was fairly easy. For one, Davis wasn't nearly as straightforward with his schemes compared to Trent.

He had his clearly homemade wooden slingshot on hand, giving it a firm grip as he glared at me. Obviously, he was pretty mad at me, but at the same time, there was a sort of confidence to it, like he had something planned out.

"Oh, great. You again. Look, I don't-" I didn't get to finish my sentence before he started talking, his tone accusatory and aggressive.

"I saw you talking to Crabblesnitch. Trent and Russell already got detention because of you, you tryin' to get the rest of us in trouble?" Despite his aggression, he seemed to avoid getting any closer to me. That showed, to me at least, that he had some kind of common sense.

"What?" I said, turning toward Davis. "Shut up. They got what they deserved. Maybe take the hint and-"

He again didn't even let me finish. I saw him lift up the wooden slingshot in his hand, grabbing the rubber band with his other hand.

"Screw you new kid, this is what we do to snitches around here!" Davis lifted up the slingshot and aimed it at me, a pebble stuffed in the middle of the rubble band as he pulled it back.

"You better not-AAow!"

He let the band go, and the pebble struck me in the head. I dropped my Beam cola, which spilled on the ground at my feet.

Son of a bitch, I wasn't done drinking that!

As I got myself together, Davis had the biggest shit eating grin on his face as he let out a snide chuckle.

I grunted angrily, kicking the can away as my shoes were slightly saturated with soda.

"You-!" I snapped, and in response, Davis turned and began to book it to the right of the main school building, yelling back:

"Yeah! Come and get me fatso!"

Well shit! I might as well!

"Get back here!" I yelled back at him, sliding down the stairs railing as he ran ahead.

Was this guy in track? I'd barely turned the corner as he was already past the parking lot. At first, I'd figured that's where he'd been headed, as I recalled Gary mentioning that the Bullies tended to hang out there. They seemed the type to gang up on one person anyway. Instead, I followed him as he turned right again, headed to the path that led to where the Gym, Harrington house, and Shop class were.

Davis pushed past a kid in his way who I realized was actually Pete, who was sent toppling down the small set of stairs along with the stack of books and papers he'd been carrying. Surprisingly, Pete didn't seem much affected by the fall as he yelled out to me from the ground:

"I saw him! He went towards Shop class! To the right of the fountain!"

"I saw. Thanks anyway!" I shouted back at him as I ran past.

Pete could pick himself up. He didn't seem that hurt.

I took another turn and spotted as Davis ran through the gate that led into the Shop area. Just before it shut behind him, Wade ran through and confronted me.

"I'VE GOT HER!"

We collided with each other and ended up in a grapple, grabbing at each other's arms to stop the other from hitting them. As hard as he tried, he couldn't wrangle his arms away from me, but neither could I. The most I could do was try to knee at his gut, but my short legs either didn't connect or barely did so. My height was really biting me in the ass here.

"OHHHHH I'VE BEEN LOOKIN' FORWARD TO THIS!" Wade tried kicking at me too, but I was able to back off a little and avoid it, but only barely. I was stuck on how to get the upper hand until I noticed the nearby trash can that we just so happened to be slowly making our way towards.

Hm... That'll work.

"Yeah... So was I..." I said as a wide grin spread across my face. The unhinged glee Wade had had on his own face turned into a worried confusion as we were right beside the trash can. Without hesitation, I tossed him into the can ass first.

"HEY! I-I'M NOT DONE WITH YOU!" Wade cried as he tried to pull himself out of the metal trashcan. He didn't seem to be making much headway, though, in fact he seemed to be accidentally digging himself deeper in his attempt. Clearly, he wasn't used to being on the receiving hand of getting tossed into a garbage can.

"Better luck next time!" I called back, heading towards the metal doors into the Shop class area. Thankfully, it hadn't been locked, but it took me an embarrassing amount of time to realise the doors were supposed to slide open to the side. As they did and I sprinted in, I spotted Davis behind a fence taunting me.

"You're too slow! Hahaha!"

He took off again when I ran into the fence, grabbing it and seething in frustration until I realized it wasn't enclosed. There was an opening to the right of me, and without hesitation, I ran for the turn and followed after him.

It was odd to see the shop not be surrounded by all those Greaser dorks. Yesterday, after the tour of the main school building, Gary showed me around the entire campus. Those guys were scattered around the entire place like they owned it. We didn't stick around the area long, since the Greasers clearly hadn't wanted us there... well, aside from the fat one whose name escaped me at the moment.

That guy gave me some serious bedroom eyes as I walked by, and when I pointed it out to Gary, he laughed and told me about how that Greaser in particular was into fat women.

After learning that, i've considered going easy on the Beam colas from now on.

I heard the loud sound of a garage door slamming down and looked towards the source. At the back of the shop building was some kind of smaller building, presumably another garage. I figured I'd have a hard time trying to get it open, but surprisingly, the shutter door slid upwards without much effort.

I quickly found out why.

A 2x4 wooden plank was swung at me, and I barely managed to dodge it with a clumsy roll that ended with me stumbling back into the nearby brick wall of Shop class.

Ethan, the kid obsessed with ninjas that i'd gut punched yesterday, was the guy who'd swung the board at me. As I got up with my back flat on the wall, Ethan swung the board around in the air like he was swinging a sword, complete with making swishing sounds with his mouth. How the hell was this guy a bully? He's acts like a complete dork!

"Man- Ethan! Knock it off with that crap and just hit her with it!" Tom said from a back corner of the room. He seemed to be distancing himself as far as possible from me and Ethan, I'm assuming he was reluctant to get near me due to what happened the last time he did. Good, let him be afraid. If a lot of the jerks around here were smarter, they'd do the same.

"Don't tell me what to do!" Ethan turned his head and yelled back, stupidly holding the board right in front of me within grabbing distance. I grabbed for it, yanking the plank of wood out of his hand. As he whipped his head back to face me, I swung the board and hit him in the stomach. He doubled over, and I hit him with it again, this time in the back with enough force to break the board in half.

Ethan crumpled to the ground, and I threw the piece of wood I'd been holding to the back of me.

I looked up at Tom, and whatever expression I'd had on my face must've been threatening because instead of trying to fight back, he had decided to shove himself into the corner of the room.

I took a few steps closer, and without missing a beat, Tom grabbed a nearby wooden ruler and held it out in front of him defensively.

"S-stay away from me you crazy bitch!"

"You know, this really could've been avoided, but no. Maybe you should've thought a bit more before thinking it was a good idea to jump me with your buddies."

"It wasn't even my idea! It was all Davis!"

"Wow. I really don't care."

I ran up to brunet and smacked the ruler out of his hand, clocking him in the face. He fell onto a nearby wooden crate that shattered into a heap of wood. Barely had to break a sweat with that one. He laid flat on the concrete floor, moaning and whimpering.

I rolled my eyes and walked over to the other garage door that Davis had gone through, opening it as easily as the last one.

I stepped into the open area, getting confronted by Troy, the ginger kid who had absolutely no inside voice to speak of. Possibly the most absurd thing anyone has ever said to me came out of his mouth, and I was split between laughing or just smacking the shit out of him. Maybe both.

"I'M GONNA HIT YOU HARDER IN THE OVARIES THAN YOU HIT ME IN THE BALLS!"

He charged toward me, and without hesitation, I took the lid off of a nearby metal trashcan and held it out in front of me.

As he neared, I whacked the lid across Troy's face, and he anticlimactically fell to the ground with a loud thump.

That was easy.

I went further along and finally found Davis standing on top of a structure made up of what looked like garbage. He seemed far less confident than he had after launching that pebble at me.

He kicked away the ladder he'd used to climb up the structure, which left me unable to get up to him on foot without risking something going wrong. That structure didn't exactly look all that stable, and trying to grab on it probably would've caused the whole thing to fall over.

"You stay away from me!" Davis said, his tone betraying how scared he actually was.

I threw the trash can at him like a frisbee, and it hit him in the arm. He stumbled a bit but managed to balance himself, the structure creaking and shifting as it was on the verge collapsing on itself.

"Get away, you psycho!" Davis yelled, voice cracking mid-sentence. His hand grabbed onto the wall behind him for balance. I scooped a nearby brick off the ground and prepared to throw it at him.

"What's wrong? Can't take what you dish out?! Huh?!" I didn't give two shits if he was scared of me. Let him be. Maybe he and his buddies'll learn to finally not fuck with me after this. I didn't care how much I would end up hurting these jerks. If they insisted on bullying and harassing me, then they were pretty much asking for anything that happens to them.

I wound up my arm and threw the brick, which hit him in the jaw. That was enough. Davis stumbled back, and the structure couldn't take anymore of it. It collapsed in on itself as some of the trash that kept everything together tumbled out in multiple directions. I saw Davis jumping away from the collapsing structure with a yelp as the entire thing fell apart, falling on his face to the asphalt below.

As everything settled, Davis laid flat on the ground, letting out a quiet groan as he rolled onto his back. I walked over to him, and as I looked him over, I noticed the slingshot he'd shot me with in his front left pants pocket. Without hesitating, I grabbed it. Davis noticed this, though didn't seem to bother with getting up. I didn't doubt he was actually hurt. Hell, I'd probably broken something in his face just from tossing that brick at him. Given that entire ordeal he and his buddies just put me through, I personally couldn't muster up the care to feel bad about it.

Clutching at his face with one hand, Davis tried grabbing for the slingshot with the other, giving a weak protest to go along with it.

"H-hey!" Davis said with a pained groan, "That's mine y-you jerk!"

It clearly hurt for him to talk, and the part of his jaw I'd hit was starting to redden and swell up.

So I kicked Davis in that same area and swiped the slingshot from his hands. He began yelling and soon crying as he grabbed at his face.

I simply turned and walked out of the Shop area, passing by the other boys on my way there.

'I'm sure this'll come up during my talk with Dr. Lamb tomorrow...' I thought as I neared the fountain.

I was just about to sit down on the base of the fountain when I felt a pair of hands on me.

With a yelp, I was pulled back, feeling my back hit what felt like a guy's chest. His breath hit my ear, and that was enough to freak me out. In my panic, I kicked back at whoever it was and connected with what felt like his kneecap.

"Yow! Hey! What's wrong with you?!" From the voice I realized it was Gary of all people, and as I backed away and turned around, I saw him clutching his left leg. I wanted to slug him in the jaw, but since my energy was spent from earlier, I yelled at him instead.

"W-what's wrong with me?! What's wrong with you?! Do you just grab girls like that all the time?!" I yelled back. What even was his thought process? Did he think I'd just be ok with it or something because I didn't hate him?

I was really starting to regret letting this guy off easy calling me a cunt. I couldn't even remember why I'd let him off the hook in the first place.

Gary winced a bit as he rubbed at his leg, clearly still a bit miffed. He straightened himself out and glared at me.

"Geeze Jen, I was just trying to scare you a little, you know, to be funny. I didn't think you'd freak out about so much," Gary put his hands up in a lax but defensive way. He got right next to me and casually put a hand on my shoulder. "Anyway, what's up? You're a bit jumpy today. Did something happen recently?"

I moved my shoulder to get his hand off of me, and before he could respond, I replied to his previous question.

"Those douchebags jumped me again because Trent and Russell got in trouble for what happened yesterday, Davis shot a pebble at my face and lured me into the Shop area where the rest of them were waiting to gang up on me," I showed Gary the slingshot briefly before stuffing it into my purse, "I also took Davis' slingshot. Mostly because I could."

"Aw, you beat them up again? And I didn't get to see it? You know, that's really inconsiderate of you Jane, you should've told me so I could've watched. I probably hate those morons the most out of every neanderthal in this place."

I rolled my eyes.

"Yeah, ok, Gary. I'll be sure to let you know beforehand if I get jumped again. I'll even set out a nice chair for you to sit in too. Would you like that princess?"

"Yeah, that sounds nic- Wait, what did you just call me?"

"Huff huff JENNY!"

Trisha came running from the single back door of the main school building, barely avoiding bumping into me and Gary. She bent over to catch her breath for a second. Her hair was messier than it usually was, presumably from her sprinting.

She looked up at me with her makeup smudged face and spoke at a mile a minute... which, as a claim, only made any sense if you were around to hear her while she was talking.

"Jenny!Theguysaregonna-!" Trisha went quiet as soon as she spotted Gary, who, as he had laid eyes on her, sneered in disgust.

"Ugh, what is she doing here? Hey, short bus, don't you have something better to do other than polluting my air? Like whoring yourself out to those Preppies to buy all those dumb anime figurines you have!" Gary said, practically shouting out the last part of his sentence for anyone nearby to hear... At least they would have if Trisha hadn't starting screaming after Gary uttered the word, "whoring".

I covered my ears and yelled:

"Trisha! Gary! CUT IT OUT! GEEZE!"

Trisha stopped with the screaming, but Gary was more than happy to continue talking.

"Why do I have to quit talking? I didn't do anything, I just asked a question, come oooonnnnn Jenny," Gary visibly pouted, as if he thought he could guilt trip me or something. I wasn't having any of it. Instead, I turned back to Trisha.

"Lemme guess, you were gonna warn me about your buddies jumping me near Shop class, am I right?" I folded my arms, tilting my head quizzically at her.

She seemed amazed by the fact that I was already aware.

"Uh... Yeah? How'd you know?"

"Because I literally just beat them all up. Again. Look."

I turned and pointed in the direction of Shop Class, and the first thing I noticed was Wade still being stuck in the trash can. He'd seemingly given up on trying to get out of it, pitifully looking down and probably waiting for one of his friends to pull him out. But instead of it being one of his friends, it would end up being Trisha.

I turned back to her.

"The rest of the boys are inside the Shop area, so have fun dragging them all out of there I guess..." Suddenly, a realization came to me, "Trisha... How come you only just now tried to warn me about what the Bullies were planning? Seems like a weird coincidence that you got here right after it all went down..."

Trisha suddenly appeared a bit nervous, but before she could speak, Gary decided to butt in again.

"Yeah... What is it, Trisha? Upset that my good pal Jenny here caught onto your act? C'mon, answer you whore!" He prodded Trisha in the shoulder, which only seemed to make her even more nervous than she already was. It was also clear that Gary's slut shaming was also getting to her, and it drew a line with me that I knew I had to put a stop to.

"Gary, knock it off, seriously."

Gary groaned and turned away.

"Finnneeee..." He turned his head briefly to talk over his shoulder, "Trisha should explain herself though. I'm telling you Jen, she might be hiding something."

"I do have an explanation actually Gary! So shut your gap-toothed, wannabe know-it-all ass up!"

I was at my limit. Without an ounce of hesitation, I grabbed the two of them and knocked their heads together.

"Yow! What was that for?"

"Ow, Jenny, stop! My old therapist told me I have enough brain damage!"

"Just. Talk. Trisha! And shut up, Gary!"

Gary, for once, seemed to be able to stay quiet as Trisha began explaining herself.

"Ok, so I got in trouble for drawing during Algebra 3 class, so I got sent to lunch detention where Russell and my brother Trent were because of that whole thing from yesterday. Well... the teacher watching over us, Mr. Burton stepped out for a little bit, so we all started talking and stuff. I mentioned to Trent about how you ended up as my roommate, and he told me about how Davis planned to lure and jump you at the area around Shop class during lunch with the rest of the guys. I tried to sneak out to warn you, but Mr. Burton came back, and he wouldn't let me leave even though I'd already finished my lunch. But then Russell got mad about something, and so got Burton was distracted by that. So here I am!"

Huh, yeah I guess that made sense. So Trent is her brother then? I thought those two looked a bit similar. I guess that explains why she even hung out with those bozos.

"You really expect us to believe that? Don't be so gullible Jen, she's clearly trying to cover her ass."

"Gary!"

"What?"

"I'm telling the truth! Seriously!"

"I know! Ugh, just... just go pick up your buddies off the pavement and leave!" I pointed towards the Shop area, then looked over to Gary, "We need to talk..."

Trisha seemed more than happy to leave, even giving Gary a quick glare as she jogged away towards Wade. I gave Gary a glare of my own, but just like with Trisha's, it didn't seem to bother him much.

"Gary, what the hell was that?"

"Whatever do you mean, Jane? I'm just looking out for you. You'd do the same for me, wouldn't you?" he tilted his head, his face looking almost like a whipped dog. It didn't make him look all that sympathetic, though. I actually wanted to slug him in the face even more than I previously did.

I shook my head, still looking up at him angrily.

"Gary, she's my roommate. I can't just start beef with the girl i'm sharing a room with," I responded, trying to relax a bit. Gary was making that a bit hard though, what with him making probably the most punchable face possible at the moment. He was really bad at trying to look innocent.

He let out a defeated "tsk" and folded his arms.

"You really got stuck with her as a roommate? You have my pity, Jane, seriously... But fine, I won't agitate her, in fact... she could probably be a bit useful to us later... As long as you can stomach being nice to that spastic attention whore..."

That last bit of his sentence before the insult gave me a bit of pause. Useful? What for?

"Useful?" I asked, "For what? You make it sound like you're planning something big. Mind tellin' me about it?"

A knowing smile stretched across his face. I'd been a bit preoccupied with... uh, "admiring" it that him touching me on the shoulder as he guided me down the steps and towards the direction of the parking lot hadn't registered at all.

"Yes, useful. I can't say much since i'm still working out the details, but there's no need to worry your little head about all that... Now, c'mon, how's about we work on your aim with that slingshot you've got there? I know just the perfect place to practice..."

[s0lar-ch3ri]

making this a series ig (spoilers, mostly minor, idk well just have to ROLL WITH IT AND SEE)

episode is starting from zero, episode 1 (quick note: i love how excited everyone is aty the beggining for this camoain, so heartwarming) "'for all you audio listeners your about to hear what a man catching on fire sounds like' 'and also a house catching on fire'" "so its like 3 belts? yeah" "this character sucks not enough belts" ok chip hasnt been described and hes already drawn blood "how much trouble does this woman have keeping her pants up holy shit" "anything that looks valueable, take it" "whats a barrel" instant love with this campaine from here "ill carry this" "ok" "but w h y" “this is the fastest I've ever committed arson in a campaign” "ok as soon as we light this ill let them know so they die an honorable death" "but the barrel is terrified of fire" "so this is a barrel" "lets blow up this popcicle place" hes trying guys "grab a barrel as well i need to study" "in you multitude of belts" when did i forget jay had so many and got bullied for it "i hope she didnt find any more belts in there" ok but whenever i hear marshal jon being described the dopamine just floods out "oh! that wasnt the bathroom!" "no it was not, it was the room where we got the explosives" "WHAT ARE YOU GRABBING THE EXPLOSIVES FOR" "to blow up your ship" bro i loved how gill interacted with people before what an idiot /pos "gill make a-dont make anything you told the truth" gotta love grizzly doing a save "and jay you go to kick this man in the back of the knee and you do you realise that his calf muscles are literally built like boulders" "i want to put my hand on his shoulder" and so it begins the convincing! yes gill go!! "hang on let me see that...big j" "JON, ITS YOUR CHOIIIIIIIIIIIIIISE" "as the door is blown off-" "did somebody fart?" ah yes gill you lit the explosive that makes people fart" "BACHOW!" please dont stop this man from making random noises its great "is your skin always wet or is it dry?" GRIZZ ASKING THE REAL QUESTIONS!! "you are to learn a lesson from the moisture master!" remember when gill made his title canon now, its 6 seconds to 20 minutes in "THOSE PIRATES!" man knowing him now its kinda strange to hear him hunting them down "i just occasonally grab people and im like 'you can be better'" cant believe gill went from telling people to be better to just immedately trying to solve their problems (like not even 2 episodes later if im remembering right) "excellent jay you are a fog frog" "im gonna steal somebody's hat then run out the door" jay stealing chips job now "im passing the barrel out the window" i remember when hed just be a problem for any stealth kind of movements "MY FRIEND SAID HE DOESNT WANT YOU TO HAVE AN ADVANTAGE" "there is still time" ITS STARTING WOW "you get the sense this guy cannot see very well" i forgot he had sight problems "YOU BLEW A HOLE IN OUR TOWER" "and you blew a hole in my heart" ACCIDENTAL FORESHADOWING AND A GREAT MOMENT FOR SHIPPERS?? HOW MUCH IS CHARLIE FEEDING US WITH GILLION TIDESTRIDER!?!!? (spoiler: a lot) "can i make a persuasion check?" "sure" if charlie never said this we would never have the future pirate jon, IF HE NEVER GOT A 16 THINK WHAT WOULD HAVE HAPPENED "you cant tell if i cry a single tear or if im usually that moist" the fact that he is can make for an angsty hc that nobody really would notice gill crying "jon didnt make it" oh this better not be another accidental foreshadow "you see, a pink frogtupus" everyone being excited for the preztal reveal was also all of us huh dont lie! "i look like a big flounder" fanartists canon gill description /j "god damn it big j" friendly reminder that (from what ive seen) marshal jon is the only character gill gave a nickname, and he had met him like 20+ minutes ago "YA BOY GILL ABOUTA BE FRIED" "ima just grab them both and jump" ngl i cant put my finger on it but calmer gillion probs the chaos control thats needed because of him being feral "jon this is for you" *proceeds to get an 8* (would have been epic if he suceeded that charisma tho) "jon, the power is- eyeh" "i look over wistfully (?) 'but w h y?'"

[raleighcarreras]

it's all so incredibly loud

Part 5: like Lucifer, I've fallen

Pairing: Wanda maximoff x black!fem!reader

Warnings: none really

Rating: M

Part(s): 1, 2, 3, 4

Wrd Cnt: 2k

Notes: a couple more chapters to go i think. Song is Satellite by Harry Styles.

"Spinning out, waiting for ya to pull me in. I can see you're lonely down there. Don't you know that I am right here?"

It had been 5 weeks since Wanda had started her therapy sessions twice a week. 5 weeks since things had sort of gone back to normal.

Or as normal as you supposed they could get.

She had slept over 4 more times within those 5 weeks. Late night talks with you and the boys, and you not wanting her to drive all the way back to her lonely apartment so late at night.

You had a feeling one of you was keeping her late on purpose but you couldn't figure out if it was you or her.

On multiple occasions, Wanda had looked like she wanted to say something to you. Especially, after that first therapy appointment, but she never did. And you sure as hell weren't going to ask.

There were times where the two of you would get into arguments over trivial things. You couldn't really help it. Her sudden change had triggered a corresponding change of some sort in you.

Resentment? Jealousy? Fear? You weren't really sure.

You tried to hide the not so good days from the boys, but they were the children of a spy and a witch. They were intuitive as all hell. And sneaky to boot.

You could only hope they weren't internalizing whatever they heard. They would never tell you after it was over.

You could only hope.

Wanda sat down on the all too familiar couch. She finally felt different. She felt okay. Not like she was going to slip underneath the metaphorical waves at any second.

She didn't feel the need to be powerful or all-knowing or perpetually ready for anything and everything. She felt like she could relax. Like she could share her burden. Like there wasn't much of a burden in the first place.

"I think I'm ready to tell her."

Dr. Raynor hummed in interest, "Tell who what?"

By now Wanda knew she should have seen that coming, "I'm ready to tell Y/N why I cheated on her and why I was so scared."

The therapist nodded, "Good. Do you know why you're ready?"

Wanda paused, she did know why. She just wasn't aware of the best way to say it.

"I'm ready because I know she won't see me as weak when I tell her, because I'm not weak. And even if I was that would be okay. I'm not telling her because I want her back. I'm telling her because I love her and she deserves to know. Because she's my life partner and we're in this together." She's sort of surprised herself with getting all of that out as eloquently as she did.

Dr. Raynor looked surprised to. Wanda wondered if she should have taken offense to that.

"That's wonderful, Wanda. And you're absolutely right, even if she doesn't want to get back together you're still a team when it comes to your kids. She deserves to know exactly what you're feeling or what you felt."

Wanda's eyes watered without her permission, "I'm not just doing all of this for her sake, I promise, but God, the thought of her not being by my side for the rest of our lives kills me."

"I understand. But you knew coming into this that it's a very real possibility. To be quite frank, when you started these sessions I don't even think you actually thought it was an option." Dr. Raynor placed a comforting hand on Wanda's knee.

"I didn't. I still don't know if I do. But, I'm going to try anyway. My body won't let me not." Wanda wiped at her eyes harshly. Slightly embarrassed even though she pretty much sob Dr. Raynor out of house and home every other session.

Dr. Raynor eyed Wanda with an apathetic smile, "You really love her, don't you?"

"With everything in me. I love everything about her. Her passion. Her strength. She's such an amazing mother. She's so good with the kids and I have no idea why that's so hot. Speaking of hot, she's so beautiful. And fuck. The kids...Alexis looks just like her. I'm going to have to beat them off of her with a stick when she's older... I've put that woman through so much. I respect her so much. She's amazing. I'm going to have to beg on my knees, aren't I?" It was a rhetorical question but Dr. Raynor answered anyway.

"Make sure you kneel on gravel so she knows you mean it!"

Wanda didn't know if that was a joke or not, "We still argue like an old married couple, but I'm taking it as a good sign. Thank you, Dr. Raynor. For everything."

Dr. Raynor smiled, "You're welcome, Wanda. Though, you did most of the work. I was just here to look at you funny. Congratulations on graduating to semi-monthly sessions."

"Thank you." Wanda stood and gathered her things.

"Oh, and Wanda?"

"Yes?"

"Don't ask Bucky about it, but I do couple's therapy too."

"I'll keep that in mind."

"Guess who graduated therapy?!" Wanda exclaimed excitedly into her phone.

Pietro hummed in faux thought, "Sam?"

"No, brother. I did! Well, I didn't really graduate. I just don't need to go as often. I'm very well adjusted now."

"How'd you manage that? I thought you would be labeled insane and we would get you those cool grippy socks." Pietro said laughing to himself.

"Thank you, for the vote of confidence, Piet." Wanda deadpanned.

"Ahh, you're welcome, Utenok! Do you want to come over and play-"

There was a beeping coming from the phone indicating another call.

"-hold on, Piet. Y/N's calling."

"Fine. The ex-wife is more important I see how it is."

Wanda rolled her eyes at her brother's dramatics. She switched over to the other call quickly, "Hey, Y/N! I was just on my way to talk to you actual-"

"Wanda. I-the boys-I can't find them. They left a note and fuck I don't know where they went and you know Tommy...they could be so far by now-"

"Y/N. It's okay, I'm five minutes away. I'll be there in two." Wanda hurried to her car, throwing the door open and starting the ignition with her free hand.

"I don't-ugh I knew they heard us-this is all my fault I...they had been quiet too long-"

"Y/N. It's okay. It not your fault. They're 11 year old boys. They haven't quite figured out nuance yet."

You took a deep, shaky breath. Trying your best to calm down, "Yeah...okay."

"Is Alexis alright?"

You nodded like Wanda could see you, "Yes-she's in her crib sleeping."

"Okay, good. I'm pulling up now."

Wanda had a feeling you nodded again.

She connected back to Pietro, surprised to see he was still on the other line, "Pietro, the boys are missing-I guess they got upset and ran away. She think's it's her fault-"

"I'm already looking for them, Wanda. We'll find them."

"Thank you, Piet."

She hung her phone then hurried into her former house.

You were pacing a whole in the ground with your phone to your ear, "Yes, they're like 4'9. Blonde. Tommy should have been wearing a red shirt, and Billy's shirt is blue. They're both in dark jeans and their black converse are gone....Yes...Okay...Thank you."

You ended the call and threw your phone onto the couch. You wanted to pull your hair out.

"Nat and Monica are looking. Just got off the phone with the police department, they said they'll search but I kind of don't believe them. I'd go look myself but what if they get scared and come back and no one is here for them to come back to." Your breathing quickened suddenly.

Wanda's eyes widened, "Hey, Y/N. Breathe. We'll find them. They couldn't have gotten far. Tommy gets tired after like 30 feet. Pietro will be able to get anywhere he does quicker."

You shook your head, still fighting off a panic attack. You handed Wanda the note you found in their room when you went to collect them for their dinner.

Dear Mom and Mama,

We know you've been fighting because of us. We know this because you only fight when you think we can't hear you. We think it would be in everyone's best intrest if we left. So, you can be happy together again. Alexis won't even remember us, probably so she'll be fine.

P.S. dont look for us because we hid very well

P.P.S. we even took some snacks so you don't have to worry about us not having dinner!

"I'm a horrible mother. I'm terrible. I let my kids think I'd be better off without. Fuck." You're breathing quickened again.

Wanda grabbed your shoulders, "Y/N. Look at me. You're not a bad mother. The boys are just confused. They don't know what they're talking about."

Your eyes welled up with tears, "Wanda. They left. They-they left."

Wanda pulled you into a hug, not knowing what else to do. You sobbed into her shoulder, her hand trying to soothe you by rubbing your back. But, it seemed a damn had broken from months of pent up anguish and you couldn't stop.

"I'm sorry. I'm so sorry, Y/N. If anything this is my fault."

You shook your head, and sniffled, "No. It's not. You've been doing everything you're supposed to. I just really like arguing with you sometimes. You're hot when you're mad."

Wanda chuckled, "I knew something was up."

You pulled away from her. Embarrassed in more ways than one, "Sorry, I snotted all over your jacket. I-fuck-I just feel so helpless."

"I know the feeling."

A sudden gust of wind blew your curtains askew. Pietro knew how much you hated that, but you supposed he had a good excuse this time.

Pietro stood in the doorway, empty handed, "I looked everywhere I could think they might be."

A few minutes later, Natasha and Monica arrived with the same news.

You bit your lip harshly before looking at Wanda intently, "Wanda?"

"Yes?"

"You're going to hate this but you need to use your powers."

Wanda immediately started shaking her head in protest, "I said I wouldn't. I don't even know how I'd go about that. Maybe they left something in their room-"

"Wanda. Please."

Wanda took a deep breath, "Okay."

She hadn't use them in so long, she sure hoped it was like riding a bike.

She also wasn't quite sure how to use them to find the boys. If she had, she wouldn't have been in this whole mess in the first place.

Though, like everything, the first step was to relax. And she couldn't do that with everyone staring her down so intensely.

"Could you guys turn away, I'm getting stage fright."

"Really?" You said dryly.

"Well, you can look all you want."

"Wanda. Find my damn kids."

Wanda took a deep breath and let whatever power was in her creep to the surface. She wasn't sure how she did it, maybe it was the fact that you were staring at her so intensely she felt like she was going to burst into flames if she didn't find them, but she opened her eyes. The red wisps slowly fading away, and she looked at you with a confused frown.

"They're at my apartment?"

Pietro's brows furrowed, "How did we miss that?"

He looked like was about to run off to collect them, but Wanda placed a hand on his arm, stopping him.

"It's probably better that we go."

"Oh. Do you want me to take you?"

You shook your head, "Hell no. I threw up the last time. We'll take a car. Like a normal person."

"Nothing's normal about a single person in this room, but okay. We'll stay here and watch the little one."

"Thank you. Monica is in charge."

Natasha and Pietro shouted in protest, but you and Wanda were already half way to the car.

"What do we say to them?" You asked hesitantly.

"That we're sorry we made them feel that way. And that we loved them?"

You looked at the side of Wanda's face with a new found light, "When did you get so insightful?"

Wanda shrugged, "Therapy changes you."

You bit your lip to stifle your laugh, "Not too much I hope."

"Not too much."

When you arrived at Wanda's apartment, it took you a few minutes to realize you had never been inside of it.

It felt odd and surreal at the same time. Like you were somewhere you weren't supposed to be. Invading her space.

It was...cozy?

You didn't really know what to think of it. The place seemed nice enough, but you're house was nicer. Your house was a home. This wasn't.

"The boys are in their room." Wanda lead you to said room where sure enough, the twins were sitting on the ground. Playing with some leftover Legos.

You cleared your throat. They jumped.

"Oh! Hi mom. Mama. You weren't supposed to find us." Billy said.

"I live here." Wanda pointed out.

"We know. But we figured once we were gone you could just sleep back home."

Wanda shook her head, "That's not how that works. I'd never be able to sleep knowing you weren't home safe."

Tommy and Billy frowned, toeing at the ground, "We thought you'd stop fighting if we weren't around."

"Boys, we love you. We don't fight because of you. We fight for stupid grownup reasons that we need to sort through on our own. We're so sorry we made you feel like it was your fault. Is that understood?" You asked.

They both nodded. You pulled them into a hug. Finally relaxing.

"And if you ever feel even something remotely close to this ever again, please talk to us instead of running away. You almost gave your mom a heart attack." Wanda chastised.

"Does this mean you're getting back together because you worked together to find us?" Tommy asked excitedly.

"Huh?" You blinked in astonishment.

Wanda blushed a bright red, "Uh...that's enough excitement for today. Don't you think, Boys? Let's get you back home to your sister!"

The car ride back was quiet. If only because Wanda was still blushing and the twins were knocked out from their evening of adventure.

After dismissing your friends, sending Pietro to the guestroom, and putting the boys to bed you let out a long festering sigh, "Fuck. I could use a drink. You want one?"

Wanda shook her head in negative, "Gotta drive back soon."

"Oh. I just sort of assumed you'd stay the night. I'm sorry for assuming. I-um- you're welcome to stay if you want." You shrugged in an attempt to feign indifference.

"I-sure-Pietro's a blanket hog but I'll deal."

You nodded, "Or you can sleep with me."

Wanda's eyes widened.

"I mean not like that! You can sleep in the same bed as me! I-um-I don't hog the blankets or anything." Your heart was practically beating out of your chest.

"Yes, you do. But, are you sure? I've shared a bed with Pietro millions of times. I shared a womb with him actually. He hogged that too by the way."

"Yes. I'm sure. I'm still on edge and I need the comfort. It's embarrassing but you still calm me down." You were now avoiding eye contact at all costs.

Wanda didn't bother to hide her smile, "Nothing, to be embarrassed about. You do the same for me."

"Good. I mean...cool." Wanda followed you to your room. Drink long forgotten.

"You can stay on that side, I guess. And I'll stay over here."

"Y/N?"

"Yeah?"

"Calm down. It doesn't have to mean anything." Wanda began to get ready for bed.

You followed suit, sort of made that you were the one fumbling and it wasn't her, "Yeah. You're right."

You both got into the King's sized bed. Making it easy to keep your distance.

"Goodnight, Blondie."

"Goodnight, Y/N."

"..."

"..."

"Wanda?"

"Yes?"

"Thank you."

"You're welcome."

[whooambouttamakeanameformyself]

Beautiful Bloodshed

Otis Driftwood x Transmasc! Reader. (18+)

Chapter Five.

(Chapter Four can be found below)

Same summary and warnings apply.

(A/N: This story is being put up on my Wattpad! The latest chapter/s will be posted after they are posted here. I wanted to put them all together in one book so they could all be read together. Each chapter will be posted on Tumblr first so don't worry if you don't have Wattpad!.)

~~~~~~~~~~

(Two weeks after the events of Chapter Four. Otis and Y/N pretend that the hug never happened, but Y/N is slowly starting to realize their feelings for Otis.)

Y/N was sitting on the floor in Otis's room, sketchbook on their knees, drawing while Otis paints on the other side of the room. He finally got around to finishing the painting he'd been working on, a fairly big canvas painted totally black with a large human heart painted in red in the center. Y/N wasn't able to see what he'd been painting around it, but from where they were sitting they had a perfect view of his profile.

Perfect.

They smiled softly as they began to draw, starting with small lines, then moving on to longer lines. They took about 10 minutes to do the rough sketch, then they began to work on flushing it out, adding more details like hair strands and small markings.

By the time they were done Otis had moved on from his painting, now behind the curtain, no doubt working on another one of his sculptures. They let out a soft sigh, closing their sketchbook and sliding it back into their bag, getting up from their place on the floor. They walked out of the room without saying anything, not wanting to bother Otis while he was working, he tended to get grumpy when anyone bothered them (though he wouldn't mind a bit if it were Y/N).

They made their way down to the kitchen, where mama was sat just like last time, but this time she was by herself. She smiled at Y/N, watching as they grabbed a beer from the fridge.

"You sure do like to drink, huh Y/N?" Mama said with a chuckle. They shrugged with a smile, taking a seat across from her, opening the beer with relative ease.

"Eh, keeps the voices in my head at bay." They joked, making mama chuckle again.

"Those voices tellin' you things? Good things I hope." Mama's motherly tendancies never ceased to make Y/N feel welcome and loved. They shrug again, not really sure how to explain what the voices are telling him.

"I suppose so, maybe lies though." They said, thinking back the the time the voice in his head constantly talked about that nickname Otis gave him. He brushed it off, reasoning that Baby's name wasn't actually baby and it started out as a nickname from Otis too, so it wasn't unusual for Otis to give nicknames.

"How could they be lyin' to ya? They tellin' you stuff that don't seem right?" Mama asked, looking a little concerned.

Y/N gave her a small nod. "Suppose they are..."

"Like what?" She probed further, hoping to maybe help them.

"It's nothin' I can't handle myself." They say shaking their head.

Mama let out a soft sigh. "Well... promise you'll tell me if there's somethin' I can help ya with. I'd hate to see any of my babies sufferin'."

Y/N nods, clearing their throat slightly.

"I actually wanna ask you somethin'..." they mess with the bottle in their hand, worrying that maybe this was a bad idea.

"Go on then, darlin'! I'm all ears." Mama smiles warmly.

"I um... I've been feeling a little... off? Lately all I've wanted to do is hang out with Otis. I know it's makin' baby mad, but I can't help it, and I don't know why. I dunno, I thought maybe you would know..." they felt stupid asking a question like that, but they figured an outside perspective may help them understand.

Mama's smile grows as she let out a laugh.

"Sweetie, I think I know what your feelin'. I think gou might have some feelins for my little boy, and from what I've seen, so does he." She says happily.

Feelings? For Otis? No.... Y/N had never had feelings for anyone, or atleast they'd never noticed them before...

There was no way what Mama said was true, they didn't have feelings for Otis.

......Did they?

As the days go on Y/N started to pay more attention to the feelings they get when they are around Otis.

The little tingles in his brain every time one of his stupid jokes made Otis laugh.

The butterflies in his stomach every time he noticed Otis looking at him.

The jolt of his heart every time Otis said his name....

By the end of the week Y/N couldn't deny it....

Mama was right, he was in love...

He was in love with Otis.

The worst part was they were sure that if Otis found out he'd never want to see them again, or worse.

The very thought of Otis getting mad, demanding that he leave and never come back, hurling those nasty words from his art piece at him... it all made him feel sick to his stomach.

So Y/N decided to keep it quiet, thinking it was better to keep quiet than lose a good friend.

Saturday night, before heading home, Y/N approached Mama Firefly who was sat by herself in the livingroom, smoking a cigarette.

"Mama, you were right...." They said awkwardly, fidgeting with the hem of their shirt.

Mama gave them a confused look, unsure of what they were talking about. "About what, sweetie?"

"About... ya know... me havin' feelings for O-Otis..." they stuttered slightly at the end, their voice quiet, not wanting anyone else in the house to hear.

Mama's eyes lit up, a smile spreading across her face. "I told ya, darlin'! A mother always knows!"

Y/N began to panic and hurriedly shushed her, their eyes darting between the stairs and the doorway to the hall.

"Shhhhhh! Please, I don't want anyone to know..." they begged, the panic evident in their eyes.

Mama immediately saw the panic and gave them a knowing nod. "Ah, you haven't told him yet. You know you'd feel better if ya did, besides, he might surprise ya." She said with a chuckle.

"Yeah, with a knife in my throat." They responded making Mama gasp.

"Honey, he wouldn't do nothin' like that! Not to you!" She said putting a gentle hand on their shoulder.

"Sweetie, trust me, as your mama, tell him."

Y/N shook their head 'no', looking away from her. "I can't, he don't like me like that, and I don't wanna ruin everything like I always do."

Mama shrugged and took a long drag off her cigarette. "Whatever you say, darlin', you have a good night now." She pats their shoulder before sitting back on the couch, allowing them to leave.

Her words echoed in their mind as they drove back to their apartment. Maybe he should just admit his feelings to Otis, the worst thing he could do is yell...

Otis killing him would be a great mercy over living with the embarrassment.

End of Chapter Five.

~~~~~~~~~~

Hi! Author here! I'm sorry if this one was a little sad! I would like to warn that some future chapters will be pretty emotional, I'll put a warning before the emotional parts so you can skip them if you need!

[vibraniumarm06-bucket]

Memories of Her - 1: She's Gone?

AN: Hi there! This is the first ever piece of fanfiction I have ever written which makes me super nervous - but I know deep down that only a few people will read this aha. I'm undecided if I will continue this or not. I hope you like it!

Pairing: Bucky Barnes x Reader

Series Masterlist || Main Masterlist

“That was the last we ever heard from her” the words spoken left a silence amongst those in the room. 

“Are you sure?” His voice was just above a whisper, a soft tremble in the words if one was truly listening. His hope slowly began to dissolve. His hands clenched at his sides for believing that he could find her. He scoffed at the silence that met his question, he was more annoyed for letting himself hope, after all, hope was for the weak. That was the one thing he was not; weak. 

He briefly glanced at Steve, Sam, Natasha and Clint who stood to his right. Their eyes avoided his glare, quickly trying to busy themselves by looking at the walls of the last known location she had been pinpointed in. Steve reached for his shoulder which he shook away. If he allowed Steve to comfort him then it truly meant things were taking a turn for the worst. He needed to get on top of the emotions beginning to bubble beneath the surface, instead, he focused on what was in front of him.  He began taking a few quick concise steps forward towards Tony. 

“You know where she is. Tell me.” He spat out softly, invading Tony’s personal space with each step he took forward.

“As I said before Manchurian Candidate, this was the last we heard from her. Nothing more, nothing less.” Tony uttered, not feeling the intimidation of the man. Tony’s stance remained still, posture perfect, arrogance emitting with his cocky smirk as he pressed his hand against Bucky’s chest to hold him back. 

“Ya know, it’s probably for the best she’s gone, you cannot taint her innocence, her sweet nature any longer.” The honest fearful truth Bucky believed deep down had materialised into the air. His darkest fear being vocalised by Tony was a harsh stab to his bruised heart. 

“Stop it. Both of you.” Steve spoke his tone tense but filled with authority as he pushed the two men apart. Like always trying to divert the tension that was building in the conference room.  

“Fighting each other is not going to help. We will find her Buck” Steve says, the ending of the sentence spoken softly as he grasps Bucky’s shoulder looking him in the eyes, a softness behind those blues, a promise that he believes Bucky will find her. That they will all be able to find her.  

“Mr Stark, I was wondering if you could help me with…” Peter’s voice drags into silence feeling the tension of the room he had just walked into with Wanda whose face had a tight frown from the energy she could feel. 

Tony glances at Peter, his eyes softening at the young boy “Now is not the right time Peter, we have more pressing matters to deal with”. Everyone in the room began busying themselves, either trying to locate her current location or find any sign of her. 

Bucky stormed out of the conference room slamming the door in the process. His breathing was uneven and rapidly growing, he could feel his panic building as he forced himself to walk faster. To get to her room before he could break down. As he entered the room, the scent of lilies faint in the air calmed him down a little as he slid down against the door, tears threatening to fall. He bit his lip and clenched his hands tightly. Running his hands over his face, holding his head as he rested his elbows on the knees that he had pulled up. “You are not weak. You will not cry.” He muttered over and over again to himself as he managed to calm down fully. He could faintly remember all the times she had pulled him into her chest and helped him breathe through his panic attacks, how she would be awake just to help him after a nightmare. Going through copious amounts of different techniques, but one that he would never admit to anyone was that the reason he was able to calm down was her. Her presence, her scent of lilies, the way his heart beat faster whenever she was around, her touch, everything about her made him feel safe. Like he was home. 

He stood, wiping the tears that had formed but had not been allowed to fall. As he walked over to the bed, his eyes settled upon the stuffed bunny he had won for her a while ago at Coney Island. His hand grazed over the soft fur before grabbing it and holding it tightly to his chest taking a seat on the edge. His head raised towards the ceiling, thoughts of where are you, please be safe, I haven’t confessed my true feelings, please be alright, please come back to me flooding his head as he breathes in your scent trapped within the fur of the stuffed animal. His mind drifts back to that day months ago…

— — — — — — — — — ~5 months ago~ — — — — — — — — — — —

Her laughter filled the air as he chased her around. Prey and predator. His hands reach out and wrap around her waist as she squeals loudly unafraid of onlookers' stares. “Gotcha!” He declares victory etched into his grin, soft crinkles around his eyes as happiness exudes from him. Her soft pouted lips pull into a frown and for a moment he loosens his grip scared he had hurt her. “No fair Bucky! I was barely five steps away from you!” She says crossing her arms as she turns to face him. Her eyes trailed up to meet his deep ocean blues, her soft sigh radiating through her body as she leans into him with a smile gracing her face, enhancing her features and creating more warmth than the sun he could feel on his back. She senses his small shift in emotions “But I don’t mind, you’ll always find me isn’t that right? You’ll catch me won’t you Bucket?” She asks her arms wrapping around his waist, leaning her chin against his chest maintaining eye contact with him. Her smile grows bigger as she sees his lips turn upwards. 

He isn’t particularly fond of nicknames other than Bucky, but when she comes up with them he feels butterflies in his stomach, a soft flutter in his heart and a blush that slowly creeps up his neck. His eyes run over her face taking in every detail, the way her eyes crinkled as she squints up at him, the soft scrunching of her nose if you were paying close enough attention, the playful smile across her lips. He could feel the rapid rising of her chest against his as he could tell she was trying to calm herself down from when he chased her.  If only I could kiss you right now, he thinks to himself as his hands trail up and down her back. His mind blanks before he realises you’re waiting for a response “Of course, doll! I’ll always catch you.” His smile matches hers as she pulls away “Now why don’t you use that super strength of yours to win me, something soldier?” She says with a wink grabbing his hand, the one he struggles with whenever someone touches him. But her, she’s the exception, his stomach fills with flutters every time she touches him, especially his metal arm which has caused so much pain but she is never afraid. Of the arm, or of him and as she pulls him towards the stalls he lets a large smile rest upon his face, content and happy to be in her presence.  

“How about that one?” She asks, pulling him out of his thoughts, his gaze landing on the prized possession she points to; the stuffed animal. “To memorialise our game of chase today?”. He smiles and nods softly “Anything for you, bunny” he smirks softly and catches the brief blush that begins to form on her cheeks.

— — — — — — — — ~ Back to the present ~ — — — — — — — — —

Meanwhile back in the conference room, Wanda walked over to Clint and Natasha who were using F.R.I.D.A.Y. to get access to the world’s security cameras to see if they could scan the public to find her. “What happened?” she mumbled softly. 

“Y/N’s gone,” Natasha whispered back. “It’s like she just disappeared off of the face of the Earth” Clint muttered under his breath, his eyes scanning the screen, squinting to take in all the details in front of him that were moving rapidly. “Oh but wasn’t she just here with Tony a few hours ago?” 

“What do you mean?” Natasha asks, her eyebrows furrowed slightly as she pulls her gaze away from her screen as she looks up at Wanda. Wanda glances around the room quickly before she huddles in closer to Clint and Natasha. “I swear she was here a few hours ago, I came by to talk to Vision who was helping Bruce with something for a report he was writing and as I walked past I thought I heard Y/N’s voice” she whispers only loud enough for the two to hear her. 

“What?” Clint mumbles as he processes the information. Nat begins typing quickly but quietly as she mentions “But her last known location was the safehouse in Rio, she met her mission checkpoint this morning but missed the one 2 hours ago, she wouldn’t be able to make it here within that amount of time.” Clint rubs his face muttering something along the lines of “we’re gonna need a lot of coffee if we’re gonna solve this.” 

As Clint crosses the room he glances over at Tony and Peter who seems to be having a very hushed conversation before the two of them catch his eye and begin to leave the room. “I’ll be back, just checking up with Bruce in the lab” he comments with a swift nod as the two of them slip out of the room. 

“Did you guys find that weird too?” Sam mentions looking around at everyone in the room too. “Wanda tell Steve and Sam what you told us,” Natasha says urging Wanda.

After Wanda catches the other two up Steve glances up at the ceiling huffing out “What is going on? Do you think she called him?”.  “Well, she obviously wouldn’t have been able to get here within that time frame” Sam shakes his head as he talks “But we checked Tony’s calls just before, she’s not on there, no one has called him in the last few hours”. 

“Did you check properly?” Natasha scoffs softly as Sam nods “He could have deleted any traces” as she hacks into Tony’s phone. “Don’t you think I did that” he quips, after a soft while the screen confirms what Sam had said is true. 

Steve breaks the small silence that had fallen upon the group as they just stare at the screen.  “What the heck is going on? Are we digging into Tony? He’s our teammate, he wouldn’t harm Y/N, and he's always thought of her as his family"

"He's acting weird more so than usual and so is Peter" Clint says his eyes glancing towards the Captain whose face looks grim.

Part 2

AN: Please let me know what you guys think and whether I should continue with it or write one shots instead heh.

[because-she-goes]

gallery

warnings: light swearing, matty being jealous, otherwise fluff. Enjoy!

Matty nervously straightened his tie, running a hand through his perfectly gelled salt and pepper curls. Sitting on their bed, and facing the bathroom door, he hears the blow dryer whirring and Nora singing softly to her music. His knee bounces in anxiety, checking his watch to ensure they are not late for her big night. The gallery down the street from them in London was putting on an exhibition of local artists, one of them being his very own Nora Downey. A small gallery sure, but that didn’t matter to Nora. In the bathroom, she was gleaming as she put on her suit. Matty had pulled a few strings with some fashion people he knew and got in contact with Thom Browne who agreed to make suits for the lovely couple. Nora’s being a beautiful, buttery soft camel brown wool one with gentle round shoulders and blonde lapels. Matty’s being a navy-grey pin stripe with matching tie. Both haven’t seen the other’s suit since she had to attend meetings for the event and Matty was in New York at the time of the fittings while hers were with the brand’s UK team here in London. She smoothed over her collar one last time and pouted her lips, touching up the nude lipstick she had selected, emphasis being her cinnamon eyes. Hearing the door knob to the bathroom shuffle, Matty fixes himself like a schoolboy about to take his crush to the prom. He clears his throat and out walks the most dazzling woman he has ever seen. His heart for real skips several beats. He holds a hand to it and his elbows drop to his knees. He can’t believe her. He can’t believe she is his. In awe, his hand now rests on his lower lip.

As if she couldn’t be any more perfect, she says in her peach sweet voice, “Ya know one day you’re gonna catch flies in your mouth if you gape at me like that all the time.” She teases him. He blushes tomato red. All the bravado and machismo of Truman Black slides off him like a sheet, revealing the adorably soft and sentimental Matty Healy. Not that she would ever tell anyone he gets like this around her, she finds it too cute to share – wanting to keep this boy-like wonder only known to her. Her sweet Matty. “Lookin’ sharp, handsome.” She compliments, now pulling him up by the tie for a kiss. His cheeks now crimson.

“Y-You as well, Honey. My god, I feel like marrying you all over again. You’re so beautiful, baby. Leaves me speechless. I can’t believe your my date to this tonight, that I get to walk you in and take your coat and kiss you all night. Now, shall we be on our way, Mrs. Healy?” He praises her as if she is god herself and adding the question she’s been dreaming of him to ask her since they started dating all those moons ago.

“Why, yes. Yes, we shall, Mr. Healy!” He sighs contently, hearing the title roll off her tongue with ease – like she had always been meant to say it.

at the gallery:

“Handsome, look at this one! You have to get a picture infront of it, please?” Nora asks as she sees a sign that says “you don’t have to look like a twat to be an artist.” Matty roles his eyes and stays cemented in his spot. “Oh come on, its funny! It’ll be over in a second then you can go back to pouting, and you might get a reward…” She bribes. He begrudgingly goes and stands infront of the sign pulling a face. Nora laughs in victory and sends it to him. “Oh the fans are gonna love that one, baby.” She says to him teasing. Then she spots someone a few feet away…

“Matty, this is Linda from Tate Modern. She is who I met in Vegas. I think someone told me they may be putting some of my art in there next spring!” Nora pulls him towards the older woman. Matty hasn’t understood a single thing anyones said the entire evening – the only word he’s recognized anyone say so far is postmodernism, but that was a given. Matty is just ticking down the minutes until the gallery presents each artist and lets them explain their work presented that evening. Now thinking, he hasn’t heard Nora’s speech - she must be terrified. Matty kinda loses focus of their conversation after greeting the woman and when he comes back into himself, Nora is no longer with him but talking to a guy across the hall. Suddenly much more interested in the evening and feeling much more flirtatious, he walks with a swagger in his step towards Nora and the mystery man who is standing a bit too close to her for Matty’s liking.

“Oh honey, this is Calvin from the Metropolitan Museum of Art! I knew him in college, he graduated the year before me.” Nora acting as the middle man here.

Calvin stretches out a hand – Matty clocks the Rolex watch a mile away, everything about the guy screaming rich douchebag. “Oh Nora, this must be your boyfriend Matthew, is it?” Matty wants to punch him. Badly. He eyes Nora, raising his eyebrows as if to say “is he for real?”She shrugs.

“Actually, I’m her husband, mate! And my name is Matty.” He spits, venom seeping through every syllable. Nora shivers, never seeing him so quiet, yet fuming. She then catches a glint in his eyes that wasn’t there a few seconds ago…jealousy? Nora delights, she’s never seen him jealous before so this should be fun.

“Oh, apologies. I believe the invitations said Matthew Healy and Nora Downey. Didn’t know you two were married!” Nora now notices how he didn’t even congratulate them? Nothing? They were newlyweds for gods sake, who doesn’t wish a happy couple a good future? Now, she is angry, but not over the invitation mishap, but his blatant disrespect towards her relationship. As if in sync, they both mutter under their breaths “oh for fuck’s sake..” They share a look and Matty smirks, getting an idea.

“Well, we must be taking our seats now… what with her being honored and all. How exactly did you get invited to this again, with being from an american gallery and all? And let’s be honest not even the good one. Mate, you and I both know the Guggenheim is leagues better. Anyways, have an… evening!”

Calvin bumbles. Matty has succeeded, wrapping his arm around Nora’s neck and kissing her forehead they take their front-and-center seats. She giggles at how possessive he can get on the flip of a dime.

“And our first honoree of the evening, the incomparable and tour de force of abstract and avant garde art, Nora Downey!” The crowd claps as Nora confidently steps forward. She’s practiced this so many times, she could do it in mandarin – well if Matty wasn’t staring at her, eyes locked onto her own. A shaky exhale, a fidget of her hands as she pulls her papers in front of her and places them on the glass podium.

“Avant garde – new, unusual or experimental ideas. In my works around this gallery I have aimed to deliver this message while connecting it to my own ideas of the word and how it relates to me as an artist, as a friend, as a daughter, as a wife.” She glares at Calvin as the last word leaves her lips. “What I have realized is that my life was relatively normal, going on the regular course of life events for a ‘painter’ or ‘abstract artist’ until I met my husband. I was on a work trip and met him after a meeting that evening, and in that moment my whole life was thrown off one course and onto another. Onto an avant-garde one. Off the typical often tragic life of an artist and onto one of being a human who not only made art, but was now able to experience a different form of it and saw that art progress from notion to production to promotion. I have had the incredible experience of seeing how one form of art can interplay with another and heighten the experience for the subject or viewer. I tried to accomplish some of that in my work – using text from literature, phrases from propaganda as well as my own paintings to create a larger, more thought provoking experience.

Now, if I may speak a bit about my inspirations and what brought this idea forward exactly and how I came up with these ideas, I’d like to mention my ever loving husband Matty Healy – a musician. He has taken my previously quiet, lonely, often nocturnal life and nourished it, accepted it, and supported it. He has turned my solitary and introspective life and made it into one that is lush and vibrant, one that is open to different experiences and expressions. He has taken me and my lifestyle and made me into the artist you see before you. Someone confident in my work, proud of it in all its flaws and imperfections and even someone who is no longer too modest or self-effacing to be honored at a gathering like this. He has helped me see not only my own value, but the value of my life’s work and for that I will never be able to thank or repay him enough. Matty, may the only words I speak for the rest of my life be I love you. Thank you again for the honor, everyone!” She exhales, eyes brimming with tears. She sees Matty’s eyes are also glassy and she melts. Every word from her speech being the whole truth, meaning every last letter with every fiber of her being. She knew all of this from the first second she laid eyes on him. She knew she loved him before even meeting him. She knew he was the love of her life like she knew her own name.

Everyone applauds again, Matty jumping to his feet teary-eyed. He couldn’t be prouder, happier, more excited for her. If anyone in his life deserves to have their work be praised and honored by their colleagues it is undoubtedly Nora. She is the most hardworking, passionate, interesting person he has ever come across. He recalls the countless nights of him bringing up mugs of peppermint tea and cookies to her studio while papers and sketches sprawled across the room, not even an inch for him to stand. He recalls all the nights where they would make love and suddenly he’d find a swatch of dried paint on her skin, paying special attention to it. He recalls the first time he ever went to one of these events where someone had bought her work and displayed it, in shock over how people would flock to the museum to see her art. How people would get her pieces or fragments of them permanently etched on their skin, how she cried each time she saw on on her social media or walking around New York and meeting a young art student who was a fan of her work.

He recalls the first time one of his own fans ever brought her up at a signing and how he blushed and gushed about her with the young college student. How he realized in that very moment that she is the most magnificent thing that has every happened to him. Without her, he would never be opened up to this world or half of the stuff he has made references to in his own art. Without her, his own work would be empty, desolate, robotic, completely without all the mattyisms it is known for today. Without her, he would be a shell of himself. It is dizzying how much he loves her. How he got lucky enough to call her his wife is a mystery to him, but for whatever god sent her to him he is thankful…

Thankful for his Nora. His wife.