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penkura · 7 months ago

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knowing [3/8]

Summary: Sanji knew you were the one the moment he met you.

Pairing: Sanji x Reader

Warnings: None really. Normal One Piece stuff I guess.

Note: Chapter three whoooooo. I like how this one turned out.

[Ch. 1] ● [Ch. 2]

Having left Water Seven with Franky as a new addition and Usopp back in your crew, you all ended up finding a ghost ship and meeting a living skeleton named Brook. Luffy of course wanted him to join you all, despite most everyone being either terrified or concerned, it made you laugh and was the one time you agreed with Luffy, surprising Sanji more than anyone.

"Why not? Could be fun."

"He's not joining our crew!!" Zoro shouted at you which just made you stick your tongue out at him in return.

Arriving at Thriller Bark, you were starting to get a chill down your spine even as Nami, Usopp, and Chopper took the Mini Merry out, only to get lost it seemed and you all still on the Sunny being attacked by an invisible creature, whatever it was being weird enough to sniff at Robin and lick up your face, absolutely disgusting you. Sanji kicked whatever it was away, making sure you were all right before the rest of you left to explore Thriller Bark.

You stayed closer to Robin this time, getting even more concerned about the things going on when Luffy, Zoro, and Sanji disappeared.

Robin kept you near her even as you fought various zombies, eventually learning more about Brook and how he once knew the whale Laboon, who you'd met all the way back when you entered the Grand Line, then hearing you needed to return to Sunny, your missing crew members having been taken there after their shadows had been stolen. Your next mission being to get them back and rescue Nami from a creep that was trying to marry your best friend.

You and Sanji went to find and rescue Nami, him leaving her in your care since she'd been knocked out while he attempted to defeat the weird Absalom guy. She did wake and ended up beating Absalom on her own in the end, but it was the thought that counted (she did thank you later for saving her from some random creepy guy).

Eventually you ended up outside and Luffy, turned into a monster briefly by another pirate and her crew stuffing shadows into him, defeated Gecko Moria just in time for those who had lost their shadows to regain them. You wouldn't dare tell anyone how terrified you were seeing people starting to turn to ash from the light, especially Sanji of course.

The Warlord Bartholomew Kuma appearing and using his powers to knock the majority of you out was unexpected, as was seeing Sanji run off after Zoro once you'd all awakened, and you ran after him, just in time to see Zoro nearly on the ground and bleeding heavily.

Thankfully, with Chopper of course, Zoro had survived whatever had happened and was bandaged, awake after a couple days as you all prepared to leave Thriller Bark, Brook joining as your newest member and musician.

The night you left, Nami demanded a girl's night with you and Robin, mostly so she could get even more information about your relationship with Sanji out of you. You answered what you could for a while, before realizing how late it was getting, standing up from your place on the floor.

"I'm gonna go help Sanji if he needs it. I'll be back later."

"Take your time." Nami gave a grin while you smiled and left the women's bunks, hurrying off to the kitchen. Even with all the events of the last few days, now that your crew of ten was on their way to the next destination, you only wanted to be around Sanji and see if he needed anything. Brook joining meant more work to be done all over the place, your dear boyfriend probably would need help with any kitchen prep now.

Even though he denied it as soon as you showed up and offered your help.

"I can handle it, I promise!"

You pouted which made Sanji laugh, while you threw your arms around him in a hug that he returned.

"I don't want you to overwork yourself."

"I won't, I'm used to this. You forgot I worked in a restaurant?"

Shaking your head, you looked up at him, giving Sanji a smile. "I just want you to take care of yourself. If I can help in any way, I want to."

Sanji didn't say a thing, just unable to believe how lucky he was. You liked him so much, you wanted to make sure he didn't overdo it and had help to finish his work early enough to sleep. He had the second watch that night, but still, you wanted him to get some rest and take care of himself. You cared about his well being so much, even if it meant you had to wait to sleep or even do your own chores.

What a far cry from the life he knew as a child. Someone who truly cared and wanted to care for him in return for how he cared for them. What did he do to deserve you? What higher being did he impress enough to be so blessed with you in his life?

"I love you."

The words slipped out before he could stop them, your eyes going wide as you held onto his shirt a bit tighter. It took a moment for Sanji to even realize what he said, but your very quiet 'what' in response made his face turn red and he tried to push you away and apologize but you gripped even tighter.

"What…what did you say…?"

"I…nothing, sorry, I didn’t–"

"Say it again."

Blinking, Sanji's breath caught in his throat as he looked at you. Your face had a slight blush but you looked like you were going to cry, he wasn't sure why.

Had he freaked you out to the point of tears? Was it too soon for those words?

"I…I love you, [Y/N]."

Hearing it again, you just couldn’t help it and started crying, highly concerning Sanji as he started asking what was wrong, telling you that you didn't have to say it back if you didn't feel the same way, it was fine! He wouldn't stop loving you, you had to know that. He hoped he hadn't scared you and that this was too soon, he really didn't mean for those words to come out yet.

Damn it, of course it was late and in the kitchen of all places! Sanji had thought this through multiple times, thinking he'd get to take you on a real date somewhere and tell you those words, instead of them just tumbling out while in the kitchen. His hopes were dashed for that, you probably didn't even have those feelings for him yet. Of course he screwed it up, he really was a fail–

"I love you too!"

You hugged him even tighter and buried your face in his shirt, making Sanji tear up now as he held you closer. He couldn't believe it, you loved him back.

You loved him! He didn't want to cry, trying so hard to stop the tears, despite how happy he was about it.

He hadn't told you how much it meant to hear you say that, not that night. He wanted you to know about his childhood, but not then, another time would be better. He didn't want to ruin this special moment, and prayed that none of your crewmates would interrupt, especially once you leaned up to kiss him, saying another 'I love you' when you pulled away, which he returned.

Nothing was going to ruin that moment.

+!+

"Morning~"

"Morning." Nami took a sip from her coffee, giving you a look while you yawned and rubbed your eyes, taking the seat across from her and laying your head down on the table. Sanji gave you a smile and asked if there was anything you wanted, you replied that you'd take a coffee to start which he gladly provided you with. Nami watched the two of you, her knowing about your relationship obviously made the two of you more comfortable with her around; she smiled knowingly to herself as Sanji gave you the coffee you'd requested just as you like it, kissing the top of your head and making you smile sweetly at him before he returned to making breakfast for the crew. With Brook having joined, that meant more to be done, but Sanji didn't accept your offer to help this time, saying he'd have to get used to it. Nami looked between the two of you, as you watched Sanji work with your smile still on your face.

Oh, she had noticed you never came back to the girls' bunks the night before. You'd left at one point, you said, to see if Sanji needed help with the dishes or prepping for breakfast, telling her and Robin you'd be back but you never returned. After nearly an hour, Nami was close to going after you to make sure everything was all right, before Robin told her that she shouldn't interrupt the two of you. She didn't elaborate, but her smile made Nami think something more was going on that night. Robin didn't tell her a single thing, instead going on to bed and leaving Nami to wonder what on earth could have been taking you so long. She stayed up and tried to wait for you, a thought crossing her mind that she didn't want to entertain for the sheer weirdness of it, but the fact you never came back to your bed made her wonder if she was right so she chose to ask after watching you that morning.

"Did you guys have sex last night or something?"

You almost spit your coffee across the table while Sanji nearly cut himself before he turned to Nami in shock at her question.

"What?!" You both shouted, faces bright red at the thought.

Shrugging, Nami took another drink before continuing. "[Y/N] never came back to her bed last night, and you guys are being even sweeter to each other today…"

"Nami, that doesn't mean–"

"Oh, and you're wearing the hoodie Sanji had on too."

Your eyes widened and you sunk down in your seat, realizing she was right about that. You'd taken it that morning without thinking, almost leaving it before Sanji said you could keep it on, he thought you looked cute in it. You had no intention of giving it back, but even so, just you wearing his hoodie didn't mean you'd had sex.

"I…no! We…we didn't…absolutely not!"

Your face became an even darker red than it already was, Nami grinning like a devil and Sanji completely frozen behind you. He didn't even know how to react, never expecting Nami of all people to ask such a question! Robin, maybe, due to her Devil Fruit powers if she so chose to use them, but still! That was an awkward question for the two of you considering you had slept together but didn't have sex since you had followed Sanji to the crow's nest when he took over from Usopp.

Would Nami believe you though?

"N-Nami-swan," Sanji nervously smiled at her while you started to pull your hood over your face, the orange haired girl's grin never leaving, "We absolutely did not…um…"

"Have sex?"

"Y-yes! I mean, no! We didn't!"

"Mm-hm…"

She didn't believe a word of it. Not with your reaction and Sanji's nervous voice.

Nami was about to offer you her silence in the form of interest, but Luffy bursting in asking for breakfast was the reprieve you needed. You hoped and prayed no one asked why you were wearing Sanji’s hoodie, and luckily none of your crewmates seemed to care, besides Zoro who gave you a questioning look before you shook your head and he nodded in return.

You were absolutely going to hide that hoodie as soon as you were done with breakfast.

+!+

"You gotta run!! Don't let him touch you!"

Sanji held your wrist tightly, pulling you away from Bartholomew Kuma in Sabaody. He'd already used his powers to remove Zoro from the equation, you were fighting to not be in terrified tears as you tried to escape. Each of your crewmates disappeared one by one, Sanji was trying his damnedest to get you safe.

You tripped over debris, Sanji's hand losing his grip on you and his eyes widening as you tried to get up and reach for him, causing him to do the same as he ran back to you. His fears increased as Kuma stood over you and raised his hand.

"[Y/N]!"

"Sanj–"

He didn't get to you in time, you were gone in an instant, like everyone else.

Sanji opened his eyes to pink everywhere once again. He'd finally found a room he could slip into and hide away from the Newkama that were now chasing him day in and day out, attempting to force him into a dress while he fought for the 99 recipes he'd learned about from Ivankov.

He'd been woken again from the same dream, nightmare, he'd had the last several weeks. He knew he wasn't going to be able to keep Kuma from sending you away, but at the time he tried desperately to do so, out of fear that Kuma's attack was a deadly one. Now knowing it wasn't, he was relieved, but there was an intense feeling of guilt since he hadn't been able to protect you. He couldn't protect anyone, but the guilt of letting you be sent away was eating at him every night.

He hated feeling like it was his fault you were sent away, somewhere he wasn't, but even if he had protected you more, there was no guarantee you would have ended up in the same place.

Iva had noticed the guilt Sanji felt, somehow, just by watching him. Every now and then, he'd slip up a little and nearly cut himself while cooking, he'd almost burned his dinner the night before, and more than once under or over salted a dish. None of it was normal for Sanji, even Iva could see that.

"Ah, damn it."

Another knick on his finger was enough to make Iva speak up.

"You've nearly chopped off two of your fingers today alone, boy! What's got you in such a tizzy?"

Sanji stayed quiet while he bandaged up the cut he'd given himself, before turning back to his work with a shrug.

"I don't know…just…thinking, I guess."

"Anout something or maybe someone?"

He laughed a bit, nodding. "Yeah, someone…"

"I see, hee-haw! A special someone then?!"

"Honestly, the most special person in my life."

Sanji couldn't help himself, he just started talking about you and nothing else. Everything he loved about you, how long you'd been together, how you met, he told Iva everything while he continued to work on his meal for that day. He seemed so focused while he spoke about you, that it made Iva smile while he watched Sanji. The look on his face, his voice while he spoke, every bit of it and Iva just knew, but wanted confirmation from Sanji first.

"All right then, let me ask you a question, little lover boy."

+!+

"Wait he told you he loved you in the kitchen?!"

You laughed at the shocked face of the girl you were working with. You'd been lucky enough to land in a village for kunoichi, spending your time training and learning new techniques, while making friends with some of the younger girls. The one you were speaking with, Akane, was a few years younger than you, but she loved hearing your stories of the adventures you'd been.

She was mostly interested in your love story with Sanji when she heard you had a boyfriend, always asking for more stories about the two of you.

You thought it was cute, it was like being back home with your younger sisters and telling them all kinds of stories.

"Yeah, I know he didn't plan it, but that made it even better. Doesn't change my feelings for him, and I'm sure he was just relieved to hear I love him back."

Akane sniffled a little, but nodded. "That's actually kind of sweet then. I want a boyfriend…"

"You're seventeen! You'll find one!"

You laughed while Akane whined about the boys in her village being less than ideal, aside from one, and just listened to her. Truthfully you were glad you didn't have to deal with any of the boys in your home village, Sanji beat them all out by miles when you thought about the ones you knew.

"Hey, so, umm…"

"Mm-hm?"

Akane blushed a bit, looking away. "Do you think he's …you know…the one?"

You stopped sweeping the room you and Akane had been cleaning, thinking a bit, but not if Sanji was the one or not.

You already had your answer. The late night talks you two had whenever you stayed up with him, your walks through island towns to stock up when the Sunny docked, the small gifts he'd given you including your necklace. Every bit of it made you feel happy and safe when you thought about those moments. You two often talked about your possible future together, it always made you giggle a bit when Sanji blushed bright red at the thought of you two being married and having a family of your own.

But those moments were cute and special to you, so you knew your answer. You gave Akane a smile, shaking your head before you went back to work, noticing how her shoulders dropped a bit before you spoke again.

"No, I don't think he's the one. I know that he is."

"When did–"

"Honestly, I think I knew the moment we met, but it didn't hit me until recently. I can't wait to see him again."

+!+

"So, little lover boy, do you think she's the one?"

Stopping his movements, Sanji didn't really have to think about Iva's question. Speaking about you while he cooked came naturally now, it's what he'd done every day since you got together and not another person occupied his thoughts. Thoughts of you and him, together again once your crew reunited. Sanji thought maybe you should tell everyone when that happened, but also thought it might be better to wait at least until you all had visited Fishman Island finally.

His thoughts would often drift to potential futures with you. Would you get married? He hoped so. What would your children look like? Sanji wanted at least two with you, something you had agreed with the one time you briefly discussed it late at night. You made him blush when you grinned and said a little girl that looked like him would be amazing to have. Sanji in turn said a boy that was like you would be a dream, which made you blush just as red with a smile still on your face.

No one else had ever made him think of such a future, not a single woman he met while at Baratie nor anyone else since he'd met and gotten to know and fall in love with you. He was thankful to whatever higher being there was that he'd told you he loved you before you all were separated, and that you responded in kind. You'd basically stolen the hoodie he'd been wearing at the time but Sanji didn't mind, as long as you were happy.

Smiling to himself and returning to his work, Sanji nodded at Iva's question after a moment.

"I know she's the one. I have since the very moment I met her."

#sanji x reader #one piece x reader #reader insert #knowing fanfic #vinsmoke sanji x reader

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helluvabun · 9 months ago

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Lucifer xreader?

authors note: Inspired by a comment :) um, learning I really like writing nothing burgers but I'm pretty happy with this one...

Lucifer and Alastor argue over you

TW: mentions of a sibling? idk if thats a trigger

Alastor had really done it this time. You knew he wasn’t the most genuine of friends, aware he was just being nice for personal gain. But as time went on and you and he settled into the gentle routine of quiet afternoon teas listening to jazz in his half-open bedroom under the stars, you allowed yourself to believe maybe he enjoyed your companionship. Then you lay in bed, crying over finding out your sibling ended up in hell, and he had the audacity to offer you a deal. Not even a good deal: he’d get them to the hotel in exchange for your soul. You yelled at him angrily and stormed down to the bar, face still puffy from your sobs. You demanded the strongest thing on hand from Husk before burying your hands in your arms. He poured you a double shot with a small smile.

Lucifer entered the empty bar and walked over to you. He stood quietly, waiting for you to acknowledge his presence. Eventually, he spoke, his voice barely a murmur. "I heard what happened."

You hastily wiped your eyes, looking up at him with a nervous smile. "What? How?"

"Everyone heard what happened… you weren’t exactly quiet, kiddo," he sighed gently, taking a seat on the stool beside you. "I already sent Maggie to retrieve the new sinner, so don’t worry your head about that, okay?"

You nodded silently at the information, taking another sip from your glass. You didn't know what to do; you were still so angry, but you didn't want to yell at Lucifer too, even though you wanted to yell at everyone and anything that could hear. His presence somehow seemed more comforting than the empty stool that was next to you just a few seconds ago.

Lucifer stayed silent for a moment, thinking of what to say next. He cleared his throat slightly before speaking in a soft voice, "I'm sorry about what happened with Alastor. He was never the most trustworthy demon." He leaned back against the bar and sipped his drink. "But I promise you that I will do everything in my power to ensure that your sibling is well taken care of at the hotel. And don't worry, I won't ask you to give up your soul in exchange."

You smiled softly and turned to thank him, but as soon as you opened your mouth to speak, you were interrupted by the voice you least wanted to hear.

"I don't recall being untrustworthy." You almost jumped out of your skin. After all this time, you’re still not used to him appearing randomly behind you. "At the very least, I can be trusted to uphold my end of the bargain. No need to vilify me."

"Oh really? Because I seem to remember you agreeing to take this poor sinner’s soul in exchange for getting their sibling to the hotel! Isn’t that right, Alastor dear?" The devil spoke up, a playful yet firm edge to his voice, his expression remaining steady.

"I don’t remember this deal involving you," Alastor said pointedly, placing a hand possessively on your shoulder, ignoring your stiffening under his touch. "Can we discuss this matter upstairs, my dear? This really should stay a matter between two friends."

"We were having a conversation, and I think it’s rather clear she’d rather continue that than leave with you," Lucifer interjected.

Alastor, with a wide grin that can only be described as predatory in context, slowly slid his hand off you, a slight shiver running down your spine. Lucifer's eyes turned cold, and his smile disappeared, a chilling silence filling the air. Lucifer slowly stood from the stool and looked directly at Alastor with an angry expression. Alastor stared back with a calm and confident expression, not backing down from the argument.

"Come with me, my dear. This was just a misunderstanding we can get through."

"You think she would ever choose you over me?" The King laughed. "Even if she could forgive you for your actions, she'd rather be with someone whose heart isn't filled with hatred and fear. Someone who wouldn't use her for their own gain. Someone like me."

"Are you really going to side with him? You know as well as I that Lucifer is nothing more than a deceitful, tyrannical tyrant that cares nothing for the soul of a mere sinner. Now please take my hand and let's discuss this upstairs, shall we?" He didn’t give you a choice, grabbing your hand and pulling you gently. Lucifer grabbed your other hand to hold you in place. You were in a very awkward position now, caught between a rock and a hard place. Lucifer and Alastor continued to bicker. Their voices were becoming louder and louder with each passing moment. You wished they would just shut up and leave you alone for a few seconds.

Lucifer seemed to be the only one who wanted to do the right thing for you without expecting anything in return. And you know what? He's right. Alastor is untrustworthy, manipulative, and cruel. You're so glad he's on your side.

"Will you two just shut up!" you finally said loudly, causing both of them to stop mid-sentence. "You two can’t just argue over me like I’m the last piece of pizza. Alastor, I don’t want to go with you."

"Well, you heard the girl! She doesn’t want to go with me! And since she doesn’t value me as a friend, I’ll be on my way," Alastor said, his tone unreadable, smiling broadly at Lucifer before turning to leave.

Lucifer's grip on your hand tightened a bit as he watched Alastor walk out the door. He let out a long exhale and looked at you with a soft expression.

"Are you okay?" he asked quietly, his voice full of concern. You nodded silently, feeling relieved that the confrontation was over.

The Devil smiled warmly at you before releasing your hand. "Would you like to stay for another drink? On the house, of course."

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flippinpancakes64 · 4 months ago

Note

Hi I found your blog today and it's great all around! Can you do HC's of the Cullen's with a couple who refuse the vegetarian lifestyle and consume human blood?

The Cullens with a Couple that consumes human blood

Thank you for the kind words!? Why is everyone in my inbox being so nice rn...

I interpreted this as meaning a romantic couple who are vampires who asked to join the Cullens but didn't have any relation to the Cullens before. I also didn't really make this romantic as far as with the other Cullens. I also tried my best to keep gender and details about the couple like nonexistent.

Thank you for requesting and I hope you like this!

Edward:

He's not very happy

When you two show up all he can think about is the possible dangers

And of course the fact that their cover could be blown

I feel like he would care a lot about staying in one place for a while

So he really likes blending in

But if you two promise to only hunt past state lines and far away from where they are, he might come around

In general, it's not the fact that you drink human blood that bothers him, it's just the possible risks

He would still be very wary

Reading your thoughts constantly to make sure you're not a risk

He would get used to you guys eventually, but he wouldn't let his guard down

Alice:

She saw you two coming and she warned the others

She couldn't see your intentions, all she could see were red eyes

And so when the two of you showed up, everybody was ready to stand guard

But after explaining your stories and that you simply wanted a family, she was more than happy

She could see that you guys would stick to your promises of blending in and respecting hunting ground

She is the quickest to warm up to either of you

Will be the one to invite you guys out to do things

She doesn't have a problem with either of you at all

She doesn't care that you two drink blood

She doesn't care that you guys won't change your ways

And she doesn't think you guys are a danger

Jasper:

The exact opposite of Alice

He actively hates you two

He does not trust you, he thinks you guys are liars, and he is constantly ready to attack if the time calls for it

He is convinced that you two must have an ulterior motive for joining their clan

Also resents you two for drinking human blood

That is something he hasn't had in so long and has been challenging himself to give up for the ability to stay with the Cullens and then you two waltz in and do it anyway?

He is beyond pissed

No matter how long you two stay there or how nice you are, as long as you drink human blood he will not warm up to you

And maybe even if you do conform he probably still wouldn't trust you

Sorry

Rosalie:

She'd be annoyed but just because there are more people

After the initial showdown after Alice's vision, she'd stop caring

She has a superiority complex because she's never tasted human blood, but she doesn't rub it in your faces

She doesn't care what you guys do

She's not really attached to any one place, after all

It would be no problem for her to pack up and move to a new city

She had to do it for years following Emmett's transformation

She mostly just gets annoyed at how crowded the house feels now

She says she has no "breathing" room

Honestly she might just take Emmett and pack up to live on their own for a little bit

But overall she's not mean and she doesn't care

She doesn't trust you guys but I feel like she doesn't trust a lot of people so

Emmett:

Another one who doesn't give a damn

When you two first show up, he's obviously ready for a fight

But after you prove that you pose no threat, he backs off

He gets along with you guys pretty well

He trusts you for the most part

Obviously a part of him is still ready if something were to happen

But other than that he's pretty chill

He gets a little bitter knowing that you two still drink human blood

But he gets over himself

Even though he doesn't mind you guys, he will follow Rosalie in a heartbeat

Esme:

She gets a little skeptical

She tries her best to be welcoming

But she is a little put off

She doesn't understand why you guys want to join them

But if you guys are nice then she's okay

Another one who is very hospitable

She'll invite you guys out to do things with the rest of them

She would be the one to invite you two to baseball

Will get over her mistrust of you guys eventually

And after she does she treats you like any of the other Cullens

Carlisle:

He is friends with many vampires who live the "natural" way and it's never stopped him before

He's on guard at first but he is definitely the first one to trust you guys

I mean he let like 30 vampires into his house

So he's chill

Questions you genuinely on why you wanted to be a part of his clan

And why you don't want to feed off of animals

But not in an accusatory way

More like an inquisitive way

He's a doctor first and foremost

And very interested in learning the specifics of vampirism

Treats you guys like old friends

Thumbs up

Vampire! Bella:

She'd get a bit angry

She feels like you two are entitled

And she doesn't want you to join them

Doesn't really trust you guys

Especially if they're still in Forks or somewhere nearby

All she can think about is Charlie and the potential danger you pose

She wants you gone

Like now

But if the other Cullens like you guys then she can't really make you do anything

Would come around eventually though

She just needs proof that you guys are following rules

And I feel like she'd be more okay with it if you guys only hunted criminals

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romanoffsbish · 1 year ago

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A Whiskey Lullaby (A Cruel Life)

Natasha Romanoff x Reader

Heavily Inspired by:

You were tired. You always were now that you knew you were dying. The doctor said at least a year but they were too enthused; lying to you, because it was only two months since then and you knew very well that the day you die is here.

And now — You wanted to talk to your wife, to get to maybe share one more dance beneath the stars but she wasn't available. She hadn't been for awhile, before you stopped running from your fate. The drinking started a month before, the lying and constant evasion came next. Natasha was mad at you, and you were dying. Dying to know why, dying to hear her say I love you one last time, but, she was dying to strangle you, to take you before the cancer.

——

Dying to know why, and as she laid on the couch with a puddle of beer staining the carpet you told her, "There's never a right time to say goodbye my dear, and I hope you'll forgive me in due time for leaving you this way." Forgive you for what? She'll never know because she was too drunk to hear you verbalize what she already knew was in your heart (and lungs).

Cancer took you and the world mourned first.

Natasha woke up to the deafening silence. Not even the birds were singing. The dead leaves not falling, and you weren't answering her pleas. Natasha crumbled to her knees beside the bed. Her guilt laced grief rattling through the cracks in the walls she'd recklessly built.

The bright leaves fell then. As did your limp hand from hers when she felt the chilled skin.

The redhead stumbled from your room and sent Yelena a text, "Izvini." (Sorry). Then she returned with a poisoned bottle of whiskey.

Natasha failed to love you like she solemnly promised (vowed). She let grief consume her. The waste of time drinking started the moment that she knew you were leaving her behind. It wasn't the actuality—the cruel world taking you—nope, it was you, breaking a sacred promise.

To stay with her til the end, hers; not yours.

How could you take her lifeline away? Then actually expect her to breathe right some day?

Natasha wouldn't give you that satisfaction.

You neglected yourself for the sake of her for years. Not complaining of pain when she was met with financial problems after Tony died and his estate froze the Avengers funds until they could unveil his final will and testament.

During the blip she was running out of money every time she thought she stood a chance at bringing you back; you, who was already sick.

A daughter lost her father, a wife her husband. Millions were brought back from extinction, surely it counted for something, but what did all of the sacrifice mean if she lost you too?

Her mind plays a loop of every time you'd coughed while you were on the run with her. Never near a hospital long enough to tell her that something was wrong, because you would never risk losing her to Ross as you got cured.

She would have turned herself in to Tony for him to swear to it you were covered. The man loved you enough to put differences aside, and Ross wasn't stupid enough to let you die.

Natasha would have survived because she would have gotten you back eventually. She was well known for her ability to make herself disappear and return when the time is right.

Timing was always tough for you two. Like when you missed the first date because you saw someone in need and tended to them instead.

You felt peace for a glorious few seconds.

Then once you realized you blew the redhead off you ran around the city on a mission. It started with you getting wine, then a pizza and ended with you pleading with the owner of the flower shop to unlock the door, and then once more pleading with a fist at Nat's front door.

You knocked, and knocked until she opened. You handed her the smushed up tulips in a rash wave of anxiety and she spluttered the petals from her lips and stared at you blankly. Green eyes holding a grudge against her perfect match, a foolish wager to take a chance on.

Natasha's anger nearly blew it, but you beat her with your rushed words: "I'm sorry for missing our date Natasha. I love pasta, and you too."

Natasha's eyes widened and you shrugged with a playful smile. "Surprise if you didn't already know! It was unrequited love in the start babe," you reminded her and she pouted. You flashed her an even dreamier smile, "But it worked out in the end," and teased her with a smug wink.

"It did, didn't it?" Natasha smiled and planned to kiss you breathless, to seal the deal of your hearts greatest desires. Then you ruined it.

Well, at least partially... Halting her game.

"I don't actually apologize though, because I couldn't leave that little boy crying beneath the dimmed streetlights of a ruthless city. He clung to me before I even saw him, so I put on my hero cap and helped him to find his mother."

Natasha's dagger eyes twisted into hearts.

"After four blocks of searching I heard her calling for Dylan, the little stinker lifted his head and cried. His mother was on me in an instant and only refrained from punching me when she saw I was an Avenger. If it were me I still would've swung. But she didn't. Only took a photo then thanked me in a rush to fame."

Natasha watched you in amusement as your face revealed your thoughts first, you scoffed humorously at that, it was just peculiar to you because: "If you share that story, all you are saying is 'I'm the mom who lost sight of my toddler in the streets of a devious New York.'"

You went to catch your breath, but the redhead needed you to stop blabbing, so she pulled you into a kiss that took your next to last breath.

Then she had to go and silence you to never have to face the ramifications of the true last breath. It left your lips while she slept in torment, her dreams were always cruel now.

As she took the last sip she sighed, because at this time she'd be escaping the wake up call.

Natasha shed a relieved tear, her dulled eyes closed and the empty bottle in her hand slipped onto the ground and shattered. The birds cried and the trees stood barren. The sun that just rose eventually set. Your lifeless bodies connected like lovers unlike they'd been prior.

That doomed night, the angels and birds sang in a practiced symphony; a whiskey lullaby.

The world lost two more heroes in the aftermath. Everyone mourned, Yelena buried you both beneath the willows, and cried as she yelled at you two for being so selfish. Laura clung to the blonde because now she was down a husband and sisters, by blood and marriage.

Yelena gave into the reality that this was all the family she had left. Losing the same sisters left them bonded now, in a morbidly unfair way.

It was frivolous really, to grieve the loss instead of celebrate the conquered life. They cry out; but to a void, neither of you could hear the mourning; eternally booked and busy.

Too busy rejoicing in your afterlives together.

Natasha got a second chance at loving you.

She'd found you in a field, out of breath from all the racing to get to you, but also because you were glowing brighter than ever before. Wearing a vivacious smile and looking pretty.

Much like when she found you earth-side she crumbed to her knees, sobbing. But this time her tears were a mix of bitter joy. You quickly shushed her though, and pulled her to her feet and right into a deep, meaningful kiss. It was free of sin, but the deviants would get off to it in a porno because they'd feel the authenticity.

The love was palpable and renewed. She cried into your mouth but you continued smiling.

"I'm sorry," Natasha whispered into the warm skin of your neck. Not like blood pumping beneath skin, but more so a sensational bliss. "I ruined our happy ever after moya lyubov'."

"Don't be sorry Natasha," you refuted her while spinning her around by your grip on her hips. Forcing her to see the dreams you shared in front of her. Day flashed to night and you spun her around beneath the light of the moon.

When you finally stopped spinning her she fell into your arms in a graceless way she detested. Her brows furrowed once again but you kissed her lips and devilishly distracted her mind. Pulling away you gasped, then smiled so soft that she finally deemed this moment reality.

You were her angel always, but you were finally free of the cruel restraints of a limited world. Natasha jumped and you caught her, she wrapped her arms around your neck, her legs mirroring them around your waist. You pecked her lips then said: "We lived that life full of regrets, always forgiving, but unable to forget. Let's save the now for absolution, we're free."

"In paradise baby," Natasha cheered and the sun set. Then it rose without conditions, and you lived out your dreams with your lover.

Eternity was kind to you, oh the places your love could've gone if only life had been too.

——

Heartbreaking Angst | Not Even a Happy Life so Why Would the End be Any Different? | Exactly | Just Kidding Babe | The end is for making amends 💕

#natasha romanoff #natasha romanoff fanfic #natasha romanoff angst #natasha romanoff fluff #natasha romanoff imagine #natasha romanoff x reader #natasha romanoff x you #natasha romanoff x wife!reader #natasha romanoff x fem!reader #natasha romanoff x female reader #natasha romanoff x y/n #natasha x y/n #natasha x reader #natasha x fem!reader #natasha x you #gxg

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libraryofneith · 4 months ago

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Out of Mind - Chapter 11 (Joel Miller x Female Reader)

@hiroikegawa @evyiione @orcasoul

Guess who just graduated and got into grad school! And how am I celebrating? By abandoning my academic endeavours for my fics.

I know it's been a slow burn but we are so close I promise!

If you want to be the first to know when this fic is updated let me know and I'll add you to the taglist.

Chapter 1 Chapter 2 Chapter 3 Chapter 4 Chapter 5 Chapter 6 Chapter 7 Chapter 8 Chapter 9 Chapter 10

Summary: Joel shelters you from the storm

Tags/Warnings: [whole fic is 18+, minors DNI], it puts its age in the bio or it gets the block button, nearly freezing to death, survival, nudity, just for body heat honest

It was funny. Moments ago, all he'd wanted was sleep and now he'd done all that he could do, now that he finally could sleep, he was wide awake.

Joel

The door wouldn't budge. The hinges creaked and groaned with protest and refused to give way. Joel cursed. He would have to put her down.

She gave a muffled cry of protest as he lay her gently in the snow but it couldn't be helped. He was going to have to put his full weight behind this next push and he couldn't do that while carrying her.

She'd collapsed a while back. She'd lasted longer than he'd feared she would but a combination of the cold, the climb and the lack of sleep eventually drained the last of her energy and she'd curled up in the snow, letting the blizzard cover her, refusing to budge.

"We have to keep going."

"Can't."

"C'mon, we're nearly there."

"You said that an hour ago." Had it been an hour? Time didn't seem to mean anything anymore. There was too much snow to see the sky and he didn't have the strength to look up. Just ahead. He had to keep looking ahead.

"You can't stay here."

"Just let me rest a bit. Just a bit. I'll be fine in a minute." Joel had heard that before. Before, he had pressed on regardless, leaving it to the other person to get back up or lie there and let the snow take them. Perhaps she'd get back up if he left her. Perhaps not. He was not taking that chance.

With her in his arms he couldn't shield his face from the snowstorm and he got turned around four times. Five times he thought he spied the cabin but it turned out to be a large tree, if anything at all. So when he finally saw it, he thought it was his mind playing tricks on him again and he nearly sobbed with relief when the house stayed where it was as he walked on. Now he was there and they couldn't get in.

He took a few steps back then rushed forward covering his head as he bulldozed the door open and fell through. It took the rest of his willpower to get back up.

She barely said or did anything as he dragged her in and that chilled him more than any snow or wind. So he got to work quickly. He taped the door shut to keep out the wind, and any other unwelcome elements. Mercifully there was the remains of a fire in the fireplace and some scraps of paper and twigs. Not enough for a huge fire but it would have to do, any wood out there would be soaked. He got the flames going then took out his flask and cursed as he realised the whisky was frozen into slush. He put it by the fire to warm up then turned to her.

"Ciara"

"Mmmph"

"We're inside but we're gonna freeze in these clothes, you understand?"

"Ciara wake up." Her eyes were open but she seemed dazed.

"OK?"

"Ciara we both need to strip naked, can you do that?" She closed her eyes and groaned.

"Do you need me to help?" A nod. Thank god. He hoped she didn't give him hell later. He stripped himself first. It felt weird taking her clothes off while he still had all of his on. Maybe that made no sense but it was how he felt.

He felt no less cold naked than he had fully clothed, but she shivered as each layer of wet clothing was peeled off and when he exposed her skin, it was so icy that he hissed through his teeth like he'd been burned. But he had to keep going or they were both goners. There was still a bed with a duvet so they wouldn't have to use their wet sleeping bags. He grabbed the duvet and blanket and covered them both and they each took a swig of the semi warm whiskey. Joel shuddered at the cold slush but the burning taste helped a lot. He had to help her, tilting her head back so she could drink. She gagged at the taste but kept it down.

It was funny. Moments ago, all he'd wanted to do was sleep but now that he'd done all that he could do, now that he finally could sleep, he was wide awake. Adrenaline was coursing through his body. He couldn't believe they'd actually made it. And now they were lying here. Like two icicles stuck together.

As much as he hated to admit it, he'd imagined being pressed to her naked form so many times but not like this, not with the two of them barely holding on to consciousness. He'd made sure to look as little as possible but the glimpses - the bare shoulders, the curve where her neck met her body, the divot between her shoulder blades… it was the sweetest form of torture. How was a man meant to sleep just inches away from that? Still, he felt his eyes growing heavy as we watched her, her hair cascading down her back, moving with each breath. He found himself fighting sleep but as he gazed at the hair on the nape of her neck, he was pulled into the smell, the feel and the sweet sweet warmth of her.

#the last of us #hbo the last of us #joel miller #pedro pascal #pedro pascal character #joel miller x reader #joel miller x female oc #joel miller x female reader #joel miller x oc

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misteria247 · 25 days ago

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1982 Gravity Falls Oregon police station:

Tate Mcgucket sat in the hard plastic chairs, kicking his feet in an attempt to distract himself. His mother, Emma May, stood in front of the desk nearby. Her grip knuckle white as she clutched her purse.

"We're truly sorry Mrs. Mcgucket. But there's still no new leads to the missing persons report on Mr. Mcgucket. And given how long it's been since he's been sighted....."

A police officer trailed off, looking uncomfortable at having to break the news to the woman. Emma May gritted her teeth, righteous fury and frustration building up.

"There's gotta be something! My husband couldn't have just vanished into thin air!"

She said, trying not to completely blow her top. But it was getting harder to keep her composure with how nonchalant the police were taking this entire situation. The only thing keeping her from completely tearing the station apart with her bare hands was the little boy currently sitting in the waiting room.

"Ma'am perhaps your uh ex husband just up and-"

The policeman didn't get to finish his sentence because Emma May officially snapped. Slamming her purse onto the surface of the desk she gave them a bone chilling look.

"I know my Fiddleford. We may not have parted in the best way, but I know Fidds. He wouldn't just, just up and leave! Not when we have Tate, he loves that boy just as much as I do. He wouldn't leave him in this way."

The woman stated, fierce and dead set in her conviction. Fiddleford may have been a lot of things, but there was no mistaking the love he had for their son. In fact it was because of that love that had tipped Emma May off to something possibly being seriously wrong. Once they'd gotten divorced, Fidds had made it a personal life mission to call their sweet Tate at least once a week. It was something that Fiddleford stuck to religiously, and it was something that Tate looked forward too more than anything. And for years Fidds did exactly that.

Until one day, those phone calls stopped.

One missed phone call, turned into two, then three.

By that point Emma May knew deep in her gut that something was wrong. And it wasn't long before she filed a report. For the past year she and Tate have stopped by the station, and each time they left with nothing new. Each visit a new failure on the police's end. Each day the case grew colder. Biting back her lump in her throat Emma May didn't even bother to stick around anymore. Instead going to get Tate, she gently grabbed his small hand and with one last look at the police who had failed her and her son, she somewhat stormed out of the station with Tate in tow. As the mother and son walked down the sidewalk Emma May's thoughts were interrupted by Tate.

"Ma......are.....are we ever gonna see Pa again...? I......I really miss him..."

The small boy said, his voice thick. Emma May felt her heart break. Coming to a stop the older woman bent down onto her knees and pulled her son into a tight embrace.

"Oh sweetpea. I miss Pa too. But don't you worry darlin' we'll find him eventually. I know it."

Emma May cooed running her fingers through Tate's curls.

"Promise?"

Tate asked voice small.

"Promise."

She swore. And Emma May meant it. She'd find Fiddleford, even if it took her the rest of her life.

And it was a promise that would be carried on by the boy who became a man and settled in the very town that had taken his father away.

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midknitefox · 3 months ago

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Nova Bamon.

Close ups + info dump under the cut ^^

absolutely obsessed with her freckles

anyways ahem

Nova Bamon is the daughter of one of the scientists at Urbanshade, an experiment conducted in secret for a long time before the breach.

Nova was only three years old when the experiments began.

She lived a life of solitude, kept in a self sufficient aquarium style tank in a secluded room.

She underwent procedures as her father wanted to try to solve gills before the rest of the company to prove himself. He quickly gave up when she gained her monstrous form, instead resorting to conducting experiments to see what exactly was happening to her.

Once discovered by the company, Nova was still isolated, as her father was disallowed from working on her.

She was incredibly violent, and had associated all forms of physical contact with being jabbed by needles. This led any who attempted kindness vulnerable to an attack.

Doctor Bamon, her father, kept very limited records of her, so the company had to try and figure out what exactly she was on their own.

Which meant more poking and prodding with needles.

Hint, it was Bull and Mako sharks ... maybe more things, haven't decided. suggestions open.

Her tank and enclosure room were kept dim, as she was noted to have extremely sensitive eyes.

Her excellent sense of hearing, quick speed, and agility led her to resisting experiments, hiding in various spots in her tank. Eventually the project was abandoned altogether when she was 16.

She spent the last 4 years before the breach in solitude.

When the breach happened, initially she refused to leave her tank, until she sensed the panic going on in the building.

When she did escape the newly unlocked room, she killed anything that came within sight.

Once her temper had cooled, and she'd become acquainted with Sebastian Solace, she found herself a medium sized tank, which shed find to sit in at times.

Nova, despite her extended solitude, cooperated quite well with Expendables, going as far as offering hints and tips, which had a mixed result- as she often lied, some of these would get Expendables injured or even killed.

If flashed by a flash beacon, she would hunt and kill everyone in the vicinity, her feral nature coming into play.

Nova has a tendency to return to her room, hiding for what is often hours at a time.

Nova has incredibly sensitive eyes, bright enough lights will render her blind for hours.

She has strong senses of smell and hearing as well, and tends to gravitate towards the smell of blood.

She likes the smell of blood, and seems to enjoy the taste as well.

She's very unpredictable, doing whatever pops up in her head.

She has an aversion to touch.

She also has a habit of making empty threats.

"Me?... my name is Nova... But if you tell ANYONE that, I will tear the flesh from your bones and feed it to the shark." Nova

She believes that anyone who knows her name can leverage it against her.

"Oh come on, just give me your arm, and I promise you can go home to Mommy. It won't even hurt. Please, Nova?" Doctor Bamon

She sees herself less as human and more as animal, and as such if supplies get low, is willing to eat dead Expendables. She already seems like she could eat more anyway, and you don't want to come across a starving shark...

She can breathe underwater through the use of gills.

Nova will ambush people.

Doctor Bamon, who is still alive, has in fact been trying to get his hands on her, which is kinda hard since she's in the facility and he's safely not.

Low-key shipping her with my expendable OC, a dancer who found himself framed for his sister's murder and ended up down there. Casually teaches her to be human. he's based off my Roblox avatar UMMMMM

low-key redraw of an old art. he's chill. His name is Anansi (someone else named him cuz he's very spidery originally but I dulled it down to be human)

that's all if u read this far I'm so sorry ok bye

#me going insane->#raaaaaaa #art #oc #oc art #digital art #pressure #pressure roblox #pressure oc #infodump #roblox pressure

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calm-potato · 1 year ago

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PDA (LOV edition)

A/n- hi I'm sorry I've been gone for a while,there were alot of things going on so I can't say it will happen again. But I'll still try to update every now and then,also I might be accepting requests soon not now but yeah!!^^ hope you enjoy!!~

Characters:toga,dabi,shigaraki, twice,and hawks Content:fluff,wholesome,a bit suggestive?? Idk,mildly spicy(just kisses and hickeys), just headcannons,and reader has they/them pronouns! Summary:basically how I think the LOV display they're love towards you,or what I think their love language is!!

Toga:

-she's most definitely a clingy one

-once she finds an interest in you she'll automatically lounge onto you like a kola

-like LITERALLY will become your new kola

-toga seems like a physical touch kind of girl

-she'd also be a quality time kind of girl as well like:

-you go on a mission? She's going! You're gonna take a walk? She wants to go!! You're going to the bathroom? She'd wait and get mad that you took so long

-she just can't have you out if her sight though

-but if you do tell her that you want a little space,she'll be mad but understand and try not to bother you as much

Dabi:

-he's an apparent lone wolf so it took a while for him to come around but he did

-since he doesn't really trust people that easily it took alot of time for him to trust you but eventually it was gained when you showed your loyalty to the league and him

-his childhood was rough so I kinda feel like he'd need words of affirmation but give acts of services

-he wanted his father's approval so he'd probably need to hear words through out the day to know he's enough

-he'd give acts of service by doing you favors and remembering to do stuff for you and just being there whenever you need him,but he hopes the same for you

Shigaraki:

-just like dabi it was hard for him to trust you just like it's hard for him to trust other people

-but luckily you manage to impress him with your skills and joined the lov

-since if he touches people and they could die he'd probably be very worried that might happen to you,so he's always being careful and cautious around you

-despite you telling him to calm down he'd still be very worried,so I'd feel maybe he craves physical touch which you'd tried to give it but slowly

-I also feel he'd enjoy receiving gifts!

-like one day you're walking down the street and you spot a nice gift that you feel he'd enjoy

-would be very touched by your thoughtfulness and maybe a hint of happiness and joy would be placed on his face

-but only you can see it :)

Twice:

-he's a very kind man

-it was sort of easy but not exactly to earn his trust,not only that but it was confusing whether he did or not because he'd go:

-"wanna join the league?! Actually don't join the league!"

-because of the bi Polar personality it was hard to tell but you knew when he took his mask off

-he's most definitely a clingy and giving man!

-like I can see him hugging you everytime you enter the room, or just being by you makes him all happy and excited

-and he'd also try and buy and give you gifts that reminds him of you or just getting you things you said you liked :)

Hawks:

-this man was so hard to figure out! Like one minute he's all happy and chill, the next minute he'd get all serious and real

-it was hard to tell whether or not he even wanted you in the league but you soon found out his secret which you promised to keep,and because of this he trusted you since you really kept your promise

-he'd most definitely be a physical touch guy and maybe quality time too!

-hugging you,cuddling you, and just being able to touch you is enough especially lots of kisses and hickeys to mark over your body

-he's a pro so it's probably hard to find time when to hang out together just you two,so quality time is a must have! But if you can be patient and stay with him despite how many time he's couldn't make it due to his job,he'd then try to find time to give you twice the time he couldn't give you before!!

-but let's also not forget all the smooth talking he'd do :)

Thank you for reading and hope you enjoyed and once again sorry for not posting I'll try to update every now and then but It won't be regularly like that!! Also soon will let requests open if you have any but not now!! Also sorry if it's short^^

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fairytypingg · 6 months ago

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and if i made a troll oc...

her name is thistle and she's creek's older sister. she was chill if not a little evil(he's gotta get it from somewhere) and raised creek after they lost their parents in the last trollstice. she remembers the whole ordeal vividly and became very survivalistic because of it. not to the degree of branch, but she was still outcasted and eventually left(she was actually more or less forced to leave) the village when creek was a teenager to travel the world and find herself a place of her own, promising creek she'd come back to the village to get him when she had found them a new home.

from that moment on, creek was determined to remain in the village until thistle returned for him, and dogpiled on branch with the others a little too hard, desperate to ensure he had a place here. a part of the reason he betrayed the others was because he swore to himself he'd wait in the village for thistle, even if he had to wait there by himself.

also.

design fun facts!

-her pants and hairchief are the same color as creek's pants(they match :3)

-her hair is an inverted gradient of creek's hair

-she's partially gray :(

-she wears vibrant makeup so her grayness isnt as obvious. it doesn't rly work, and instead has the opposite effect in creating a harder contrast

-everyone in creek's family suffers from Bigass Eyebrow Disease, apparently

-gay earring <3 lesbian troll lesbian troll

#shut up quill #my art #trolls #trolls oc #trolls creek #is this me coming out as a creek apologist #lil bit yeah #not quite there yet #but the pipeline is working #lets be honest was anyone ever surprised

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pasta-in-the-pudding · 6 months ago

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oh my , oh my , oh my…

MTF!Jeff the killer x Reader 🙏🏻🙏🏻

-⭐

Summary: MTF (Male to Female) Jeff x Reader headcanons

Genre: Fluff

Warnings: Little mentions of transphobia and being confused about gender, the cover picture can be a little creepy if you have a thing about lots of limbs in one place, brief mention of psychosis and jeff kind of not having an understanding of it

A/n: MTF JEFF MY BELOVED. Also, I will be referring to Jeff with she/her pronouns throughout the entire work just to avoid confusion

Credits: Jeff the killer- Creepypasta, Divider- benkeibear, Picture- Pinterest

MTF!Jeff the killer x Reader

As im sure we can all guess, Jeff didn't have the best support system growing up

The kids barely had their basic survival needs met, let alone had the freedom to question things like gender and sexuality

But after living with Slender for most of her life, jeff gets the chance to explore who she is as a person for the first time

She had been feeling dysphoria her entire life with her body, but she just considered it to be another symptom of whatever caused her psychotic break during the 'incident'

She never even considered the possibility that she might be trans until seeing others describe their experiences

It is only then that she realized a lot of what she was experiencing wasn't psychosis, but was instead gender dysphoria

And the realization kind of makes things worse

She's already in a relationship with you, and what if you leave her because you wanted a man? Not to mention what her friends might think, and what if no one takes her seriously? What if she gets made fun of?

All of these emotions swell up in her, and she refuses to talk to anyone about it

Until eventually she's just in a rage, punching walls and yelling at people, even beating anyone who gets too close up

She eventually storms off to her room and you give her a second to just chill out

After a while, you go up there too

She is laid down on her bed, seemingly trying to sleep

You sit next to her, careful not to touch her (She hates being touched when she's angry) "What was all that about?" you ask in a worried tone

She doesn't respond, she'd honestly rather die than tell you what's been going on

You sit in silence for a second before talking again "You know you can tell me anything. I promise it won't make me love you any less"

She still doesn't say anything, which leads to you sighing and leaving the room

A few days later you two had gotten wrapped up in a conversation about trans people and your opinions on the subject

"Would you ever date a trans person?" She asks

You place a finger on your chin, thinking for a moment before saying "I like to think I'd be open to it. Why, are you trans?" You add that last part as a joke, but quickly begin to question whether it was a joke

Her breath hitches and she quickly looks away from you, not sharing the laugh that you do

You quiet down and it is silent for a while, no one dares to speak

"....Jeff, a-are you trans?"

"I don't wanna talk about it" She says, quickly standing up and leaving the room

You try to get up and chase after her, but by the time you look into the hallway, she's gone

Being together after that is very awkward, and you see that she obviously doesn't want to talk much on it so you decide to keep your questions short and sweet

"Does anyone else know?" You ask, both of you not looking at each other

"No, and I don't want them to." She responds

"Do you have another name you want me to call you?"

"....Jeff is fine."

You smile and finally look at her "Ok" you press a quick kiss to her cheek before rambling about your day, quickly making both of you forget all about the previous topic

She is very shy when it comes to actually coming out, and she obviously doesn't change much, so you decide to just take things slow

Idk if she'd ever want to medically transition, because despite hating her body she also has those moments where she's like "I'm literally god no one else could ever look this good"

And as for the name, she doesn't really see a reason to change it, she likes being called Jeff

#⭐ anon #creepypasta #slender mansion #creepypasta x y/n #creepypasta x you #jeff the killer #jeffery woods #jeff the killer x reader #jeff the killer headcanons #jeff the killer creepypasta #jeff woods #jeff the killer x you

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aylacavebear · 10 months ago

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She Thought She was Normal

Story Summary: Maria really thought she was normal, for most of her life. It was normal for people to have natural talent, she would tell herself the older she got. Many things came easy for her, and that was probably how their rivalry began when she was five and he was seven and she met the Winchesters. Little did either of them know that it wouldn't stay like that forever, both having a far larger destiny than they could imagine

Word Count: 1688

Please don't take my work. I'll post warnings for each chapter. Will eventually be 18+!

Warnings: Childhood Rivalry

----------------------------------------- Chapter 3

Her alarm woke her promptly at five. She did her typical morning routine, only today, she put her hair up in a braid, preparing for the challenge with Dean. The sun wasn't up yet and the house was quiet, but she could hear the faint sounds of birds outside, beginning to wake up.

When she went into the kitchen, she noticed the boys sleeping in the living room, so moved quietly into the kitchen. Bobby had picked up a few of her favorite cereals when he found out she'd be staying with him, so she grabbed what she needed and went back into her room to eat at her desk. While she ate, she read through some of her assigned book, so her lesson would go faster later. After breakfast, she did her exercises and movements with her knife and gun, as her father had shown her.

Her thoughts drifted a bit during her routine, back to the book she'd read the night before. There were things she'd read that she had almost brushed off as just coincidence. Things she could do that Nephilim could also do. Even now, there was too much information missing for her to connect all the dots since the book did explain that the mother of the Nephilim always died in childbirth and her mother hadn’t.

“So, you ready?” Dean asked from her doorway.

She'd been so wrapped up in her thoughts that she hadn't even heard him open her door, and because her gun was in her hand, she swung around and had it aimed at him in seconds.

He put his hands up, almost worried she might shoot him, “Chill. It's just me.”

She let out a breath and lowered her gun before sliding it back under her pillow, “Sorry. Lemme go wake up Sammy, I promised. Then I’ll be ready.”

He nodded as they headed out to the living room, where Sammy was still sleeping on the couch. Dean was confident that this time, he’d win. She gently woke him up. When he realized why she was waking him up, he quickly threw on his shoes, a huge grin on his face.

Dean made a mental note not to sneak up on her if she had a weapon on her. He motioned for her to follow him as he headed out to the back of Bobby's scrapyard. The sun had almost broken the horizon. Maria took note of where he led her, the way the sun would make its rays of light across the yard, and how it could affect the throws. He marked an X on the wooden fence and then stepped back ten feet. She watched him, curiously as he pulled out his knives.

“We’ll start at ten feet and work up to twenty. The one who gets closest to the target, wins,” he explained, with that damned smirk on his face again.

“Alright,” she said plainly, crossing her arms.

He wasn’t bad, she had to give him that. His first throw almost hit the X in the center, as did his second at twelve feet. However, his third throw at fifteen feet was further from the center of the X, which made her raise an eyebrow. When he got to twenty feet through, his aim was worse. Dean marked where he had landed the hits as he pulled out the knives before handing them to her. The smug look on his face only made her roll her eyes.

“Good luck,” he told her, crossing his arms and leaning against the closest car, hoping that this time, he had her.

“I don’t need luck,” she replied, a cocky smirk on her lips.

It didn’t matter how far away she was from the target, she lined up all four of the knives almost dead center of the target. Bobby had been watching them from the second-story bedroom window, smiling. Sammy was smiling from ear to ear and had stayed quiet the entire time. Dean was fuming on the inside. He had no idea how she kept beating him in these challenges he came up with and it was more than annoying now. He walked over and removed the knives, not saying a word to either of them. She casually shrugged her shoulders and headed back to the house, leaving Dean in the scrapyard, Sammy following behind her, practically skipping.

Bobby met the two in the kitchen, getting himself a cup of coffee, “Not bad, kid. How long has your dad been having you practice with throwing knives? It’s not an easy skill.”

“A couple years now. He said I was a natural. Why?” she asked him, tilting her head slightly.

“Knife throwing isn’t something easy that just anyone can learn. Plus, some people just can’t do it at all,” he answered her.

Maria thought about his words and glanced at the window in the kitchen. She couldn’t see Dean but had a feeling he was out there practicing more since he hadn’t followed them back inside. She decided that she would at least give him some recognition for as well as he did. To her, it just seemed like the right thing to do. Bobby could almost see the wheels turning in her mind, which made him smile.

“I’m gonna guess you already ate breakfast,” he stated as he looked back toward the window.

“Yes, but Sammy hasn’t. I’m going to get started on my lessons for the day,” she replied before heading back to her room.

Bobby chuckled to himself as Sammy got himself some cereal for breakfast. Bobby then headed back to his desk and glanced toward where her room was, thinking back to when her mother was alive and the conversation he’d had with his brother-in-law when Maria had been conceived. He wondered if she had any idea what she really was and why her mother had been killed five years ago or if William had kept it a secret from her. These were all things he’d attempted to ask William about but he had always dodged the topic.

Dean came back in the house a couple hours later, tossing his knives in his bag, frustrated, “How does she do it, every damn time?” he grumbled.

Bobby chuckled quietly, not looking up from his book, “She’s different, kid.”

“She’s annoying is what she is,” he grumbled, sitting down on the couch.

“Go get some breakfast and quit your bellyaching,” he told Dean.

Dean rolled his eyes but didn’t argue. Sammy had been sitting on the other end of the couch, doing his best not to laugh at his brother for losing to a girl, yet again, as Bobby had been clear not to rub it in. Sammy went back to his schoolwork though, even if he was still grinning.

Maria came out of her room about a half hour later, the book she’d been reading and her journal in hand, “I’m done with my morning lessons Uncle Bobby,” she told him as she stood in front of his desk.

He looked up at her and took her books, “Did you want to say something to Dean first?” he asked.

She pursed her lips for a moment, “Yes,” she answered.

He nodded a bit, “Go do that and I’ll take a look at this before your quiz,” he told her.

Maria took a deep breath before she walked into the kitchen, seeing Dean sitting down at the table. She took note of his expression. He looked almost defeated but at the same time, he looked as though he had a deep determination in his eyes as he read the book in front of him. He’d always been hard for her to read since she’d met him since the challenges between them had started. She noticed how he could easily hide what he was really feeling or thinking about. He may have been annoying, but at the same time, she was impressed with him.

“Hey, Dean,” she said, a softness mixed with her confidence as she sat down across from him, “I wanted to tell you that you did really well earlier, with the knife throwing. I didn’t know it was something difficult to learn and my dad’s had me doing it for a couple years now,” she explained, sounding as genuine as she could.

Dean was surprised at what she’d said, it only adding to her complexity and mystery, as well as him still finding her annoying, “Yeah, thanks,” he practically mumbled, keeping an expression to match.

She narrowed her eyes slightly and took a deep breath through her nose before she got up and walked back over to her Uncle’s desk, “I’m ready for my quiz.”

Bobby had heard what she’d said to Dean, and it had made him smile a bit. She had tried, and she was ten after all. In his mind, she’d said it fairly well for her age. He quizzed her on what she read, even trying to trip her up. If he ever had to admit it, he only tried to trip her up because he loved hearing her be able to correct him, having actually learned the material and not just skimmed over it to find the base parts of it all. He knew he didn’t say it enough, but he was beyond proud of her.

She took her books back to her room after the quiz, making sure her door was closed so she could read more of the book on Angels. Maria was completely fascinated by it and had no idea why she was drawn to the information. She’d never read anything on angels before, not even sure if they existed. Although, as her mind would argue, how could there be demons without angels, the world needing the duality, the balance? Maria knew she couldn’t ask any of the adults in her life, as they’d want to know where she’d heard of or learned the information from, as it wasn’t on any of her list of reading materials. She looked up from the book and sighed, then closed it and slid it back under her pillow.

----------------------------------------- Chapter 4

Tag List: @deans-spinster-witch @kazsrm67

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the-wisteria-house · 1 year ago

Text

The Arrangement (Rengoku x Reader)- Chapter 6

Kyojuro takes you and Senjuro into town and makes good on his promise to repay you for your help despite your refusing at first. Along the way, you and the boys learn a little about the Rengoku Patriarchs past, which raises some questions.

Warnings: Mentions of death, cannon typical violence, insecurities from (y/n), and arranged marriages

You felt a sense of apprehension fall over you almost like a dark and looming storm cloud. What on Earth had Kyojuro meant when he said, "Somethings are meant to change." And more importantly that look in his golden orbs as he glaced at you, no one had ever looked at you like that before...What did it mean?

"Kyojuro, (Y/n), have you gotten all of the things one you list?" A soft voice asked, cutting off your thoughts, and you found yourself unable to respond, not because the boy asked a particularly hard question but because you were still reeling from the words the oldest Rengoku son said.

"Ah, Senjuro, it's good to see you dear! How has your day been fairing so far?" Toshi'-San asked before her chocolate eyes then lit up, and she let out an excited cheer, before she was reaching inside her full and momentously large purse, rummaging through it eagerly, as the youngest Rengoku watched for a moment seemingly confused, but choosing not to verbalize the silent question in the air. You let out a sigh of relief and silently thanked the old woman for unknowingly giving you time to catch your baring's.

"My day has been going well so far, Toshi-San. How have you been, has business been well?" Senjuro asked politely, with a soft and to him an unknowingly charming smile, as he watched her pull a flask of liquor out of her purse and- wait was that a moddle ship???

"Business has been picking up lately! Everyone is buying up all the yarn and crochet needles." she remarked before her wrinkled hands rummaging came to a sudden halt, "Here we go!" She pulled out an object you weren't expecting: a rolled-up scroll? Was that was caused the woman so much excitement?

"That makes sense with the chill in the air."

As the two continued to animatedly convers about misalliance things Kyojuro felt his attention begin to drift and eventually his gaze landed on your lilith features. It seemed you had also stopped paying attention to the conversation being held, and instead were looking at the items that lined the shelves of the stand. Maybe there was something that you wanted to purchase? That was the main goal of him bringing you to the market after all!

"Has anything caught your eye (Y/n)?" Kyojuro asked softly, pulling your gaze to his piercing, but kind eyes.

"Oh, no. I'm ready whenever you are." You waved your hand in a dismissive manner, which had his forked brows raising slightly in surprise. He thought you looked quite interested in the supplies, so surly there was something you wanted right?

"If you want anything, please don't hesitate to ask. Nothing is too expensive!" Despite his booming voice the large hand he placed on your shoulder couldn't have been gentler.

"It's alright, Kyojuro, I don't see anything." Your warm and slightly callused hand settled over his own and while you weren't smiling your eyes had softened a fraction as he gazed met your own. Kyojuro found himself fighting the frown that was trying to pull at his

"If you're absolutely sure, (Y/n)."

"Anuie, (Y/n), are you both ready? We have to get a few more things." both your and Kyojuro's attention turned to Senjuro who was seemingly patiently waiting for the both of you, before a gaspe drew all your attention to the woman standing behind the stand.

"Oh, Rengoku-San! Hold on, there's something I wanted to give you! I figured with the upcoming occasion; it'd be appropriate!" The older woman giddily handed Kyojuro the scroll she'd pulled out earlier. The man responded with a laugh and happily accepted the scroll, which he promptly opened.

You and Senjuro watched with anticipation as you waited for Kyojuro to tell you what it was she had given him, but after a few moments of stretched silence, he shut the scroll, shock painted on his face, "Where did you get this, Toshi-San?" The way Kyojuro looked at the older woman with confusion and uncertainty had you and Senjuro looking at each other in silent question: what was on that scroll?

"There were multiple copies made. I didn't know if you had one. She would have wanted you to have one." The older womans kind eyes looked up at the younger man with affection, and her wrinkled hand gently patted his broad shoulders in a comforting manner, "You remind me so much of her, dear...Especially our eye's." Kyojuro looked down at the closed scroll, then back up at the older woman.

"Toshi-San, how did you know my mother and father? To have this...I don't understand?" The boy beside you restlessness was clear when hand began fidgeting with his sleeve, seemingly unsettled by not being in the loop about this all.

The older woman smiled fondly, "I knew your mother since she was young, she would take care of my boy, and as for your father. I was originally Seijuro's matchmaker, but after he passed, it became my job to find Shinjuro a match instead." Kyojuro's eyes widen for a fraction of a second at the new information. It was in that moment of that Kyojuro stood there in shocked silence that the youngest Rengoku found himself finally able to interject, causing all eyes to turn to him, "Who's Seijuro, and why did our father have to marry after he died?"

Toshi-San slowly looked from the preteen to his older brother, with a surprised expression when she realized neither of them knew who she was talking about, "He was your uncle, I- you never knew? I'm surprised Shinjuro never told you..."

The boys both shook their heads in confirmation. They'd never heard of the man before this point. "No, father hasn't talked about his childhood all that much... you said his brother died, do you know how?" Kyojuro cautiously asked before glancing at Senjuro for a moment, with a slightly worried expression, as did you. You hoped the woman wouldn't be too graphic given his presences, he might be mature for his age, but he's still a child.

The woman frowned, and the solemn look that crossed her face told you all you wouldn't like what you were going to hear, "I probably shouldn't say this, while I don't know all the details, I still remember the day Shinjuro returned alone after his brother took him with him on that business trip... the poor boy was only fourteen and had to explain to his mother and father why his brother didn't make it home... not even a year later, Lady Rengoku hired me to find him a suitable girl to marry..." You had an inkling that the 'business trip' she was refurling to was unknowingly to her, a mission that had gone wrong and that their uncle had most likely been killed by a demon on that mission... Most likely in front of their father as well.

You looked over to Senjuro, who looked nauseous once he'd seemed to have made the same connection you had. You placed a comforting hand on the boy's shoulder and pulled him into your side, trying to offer any semblance of comfort you could.

"Br-brother, the records- did father never-" the boy's stuttering was cut off by Kyojuro, who's brows were pulled taught in consecration.

"My father didn't marry my mother until he was my age, if not older."

"It was hard to find him a match... His mother and father were never able to agree on a match, and at his age, he was more interested in working... Well, that is until your mother came into the picture, but I suppose you both are evidence of that." The woman let out a mischievous giggle as Kyojuro's plain stare turned into one of horror at her implications. If it were any other situation, you wouldn't have been able to hold back your laugher at his expression. When Senjuro looked as if he wanted to ask Kyojuro what the woman had meant but decided to ask something else "So you ended up pairing Mother and Father in the end?" The youngest Rengoku cocked his head to the side, Kyojuro's flush much to his relief dissipated as the conversation continued.

"Ah, well, in a way, yes, but also no." The woman looked up in thought, seemingly trying to find a way to explain the situation, "It'd take too long to explain the whole story, but your father was sixteen when he met your mother. Your grandparents were still having me try to find him a suitable match when he met Ruka, who he'd ended up marring a few years later, when they came of age." You raised a brow at that last part, they were trying to find a match early on, why would they have them wait till they came of age to wed...unless?

"Ah, I see... that's quite interesting!" Kyojuro looked at the woman with an unreadable, almost owl-like stare before continuing, "Well, thank you for the information, Toshi-San. I'd like to hear more stories about my parents next time we meet. That is, of course, if you have the time." This seemed to make the older woman quite happy as she began to clap her wrinkled hands gleefully, "I would love to Rengoku-San! Swing by any time."

"Thank you again. It's time for us to head off. We'll stop by next time we're in the market!" Kyojuro says with his usual exuberance. Which has you breathing a slight breath of relief. You and the two brothers said your fair wells to the mother-son duo before making your way through the market and collected the rest of the things on the list.

"Well, that's everything on the list. Can you boys think of anything else we may need?" You looked at the two males who shook their heads.

"No, I think we got everything! How about we look around for something to eat? It's about lunch time." Kyojuro suggests with impressive gusto. You and Senjuro shared a humored, knowing look.

"Alright, lead the way, Mr. Flame Hashira." You say in a playful and humored manner and said male seemed to have shared your humor as he let out a hardy laugh that had his broad shoulders shaking with each chuckle.

"As you wish (N/n)." He cheerfully agreed before turning and leading your small group through the market in search of a suitable food vendor, and thankfully, missing the blush that had spread across your otherwise expressionless features. 'He's never called me that before.' You felt a sense of bewilderment fall over you at the realization that you didn't mind the friendly way he'd shortened your name... You honestly felt sort of fond of the informal way he spoke to you moments ago.

You couldn't meditate on that fact for long, as you soon collided with something solid. You took a quick step backward and put your hands up in apologies as you realized it wasn't an object that you'd bumped into, but Kyojuro's solid frame. "It's alright, let's stop here and look around!" The oldest of the group said earnestly with a kind smile before he grabbed your hand and practically dragged you towards what appeared to be an accessory and clothing stand. Surly they'd find something there you'd like, and he could purchase for you.

Senjuro couldn't help the small snickers that escaped him as he closely followed behind the two of you. He was glad to see you and his brother bonding. He may have been young, but Senjuro understood that for any type of relationship to succeed, you needed to put effort into it, and gladly, it seemed that despite the less than stellar circumstances you and Kyojuro were doing just that.

"Oh, Senjuro, this would look handsome on you." Your distinct voice pulled the young boy's attention to where you were standing holding a Yukata. You swiftly held the piece of fabric up to his person mentally gagging how it would fit. The Yukata it was a soft Orange-yellow color, which seemed to be on brand with the warm color scheme of the Rengoku household.

"Good eye (Y/n)! The color compliments his hair nicely." Kyojuro nodded his head before he looked up in thought seemingly picturing his younger brother in the garment, his forefinger tapping his chin lightly.

You look back at the older male and add on, "Not to mention the vibrant reds and oranges on the coy fish would go nicely with his eyes." Senjuro looked down at the yukata a little more closely and realized there were indeed vibrantly colored Coyfish dotting along the bottom, "What do you think, Sen?"

He looked up at you with a small smile before nodding, seemingly pleased with your choice, "I like it. The Coyfish design looks very meticulously made. Is it alright if we get it, Anuie?" Senjuro looked over at his elder brother, with the same smile.

"Yes, of course. I can hold into if you'd like, while you look around at other things." The younger boy nodded and handed the vibrant garment off to his older brother, before scurrying to the clothing racks. You both watched for the next few minutes as the young boy looked through the different garments, seemingly looking for something in particular.

It would be a lie to say you weren't impressed by the different arias of fabric the store held, along with the complex patterns of some of the garments. It was nothing like the small clothing store in your hometown, but you supposed with how much closer this town was to Tokyo, it was bound to have better stock.

"Hey (y/n), look at this!" The surprising enthusiastic voice belonging to Senjuro called from behind one of the many racks. You were curious to see what the boy had found to invoke such unrestrained enthusiasm given his usually reserved demeanor. Once, you had rounded the corner and joined the young blonde you watched curiously as he animatedly pulled out what appeared to be a high-quality silk kimono from the rack.

"Wow, that is beautiful, Senjuro." You approach the boy who holds the kimono out for you to inspect. You carefully take one of the long sleeves into your callused hands. It was the smoothest thing you'd think you'd ever felt, you slightly bunched up the fabric, you heard a slight crunch. "Impressive, I've never seen silk of such quality." You said in amazement. The kimono was something you would think to see on the wife of a high standing aristocrat, or an Orain. The top was a dark, almost navy blue that faded perfectly into a beautiful shade of lilac towards the bottom, which also held small gold embellishments that were reminiscent of flowing water and falling Sakara blooms. The sleeves also shared this elegant coloration and design. A small part of you deep inside wished you could own such an elegant kimono instead of the few old hand-me-downs and low-quality garments you had occupying your wardrobe, but then again you were only a simple tea house worker. Really, what use would you have for such an extravagant garment? You didn't come from money like the people who frequented this shop probably did... You were an outsider, what right did you have to wear such a garment? You didn't, was the realization you came to... so why did you still want to try the kimono on so badly?

"You have a great eye, little brother! I think that kimono will suit (Y/n) very well!" The voice of Kyojuro suddenly came from behind you, his attention then turned to you, "Would you like to get that one, or if you don't like that one, we can search for another more to your likings. We can also get you a couple of kimonos while we're here. I know you had to pack light on your journey here." His burning gaze almost made it feel like he was peering into the deepest depths of your soul, as he awaited your response with an unwavering smile.

"I- oh no, I wouldn't be able to accept such a gift! It's far too nice for me to wear and surely far too expensive." You quickly dismissed the man, trying to ignore the disappointed expression on his younger brothers face and the slight guilt you felt for disappointing him, "It's a beautiful Kimono Senjuro. You did a wonderful job picking it out, but I'm sure it'll look far better on some noble woman than me. I don't even have anything to accessorize with anyway. It'd be a waste of such a beautiful garment." You attempt to reassure the young boy. Who still looked disappointed but thankfully didn't press the issue. Kyojuro went on to ask you if you wanted anything else, to which you politely declined. His multicolored hues were unreadable as he nodded, thankfully not putting up a fight before you all made your way to the clerk to purchase Senjuro's new yukata.

Soon after leaving the apparel stand, you came across a suitable food vendor, who sold delightfully smelling ramen at a fair price, "I'll order, while you two can go find us a suitable spot. I'll join you shortly!" Kyojuro suggested, and you and Senjuro happily complied, and quickly found a table situated underneath a sturdy old weeping willow tree. The spot was close enough to the stand that you figured Kyojuro would have had little difficulty spotting the two of you once he rounded the cart, but as the minutes wore on, you started to believe you may have been wrong. "Do you think Kyojuro is alright? He's been gone for quite a bit." You voiced your thoughts to Senjuro, who only shrugged and tilted his head in thought.

"My brother has quite the appetite he could have bought extra servings, which is taking so long."

The uncomfortable chuckle that escaped him had you narrowing your eyes, but before you had time to question the boy, a familiar laugh sounded as a shadow fell over you.

"Speak of the devil." You said as the flame Hashira who was expertly balancing the wooden tray which held three bowls of ramen in one hand and holding a large paper gift bag in the other. He sat the tray on the table first before taking a seat across from you and Senjuro.

"Thank you, Kyojuro." You bowed your head in appreciation as he passed you your bowl, the heat radiating from the ceramic warming your chilled fingers.

"Of course! I hope you don't mind (y/n), but I went and got you this, which is why I wasn't back here as quickly as I made it seem I would be." The man extended the gift bag to you, which had you looking up at him in hesitantly, "Kyojuro, you didn't have to get me anything, thank you." You say in surprise as you accepted the bag. And as you took out some of the colorful tissue paper out of the bag, a small rectangular box revealed itself. The box seemed to be a little over twelve inches in length and probably under three in width. You opened the box to reveal a simple but elegant hair stick. The accessories base was made out of a sleek dark wood, and connected was what appeared to be three genuine gold sakara flowers, with a purple gem proudly shining in each blossoms' center, as well as singular, dark strand of thread that held complimentary gold and purple beading on the end. It honestly was the most beautiful pin you had ever seen.

"I- Kyo- thank you. This is beautiful." You carefully trace the edges of the flowers before looking up at him, trying to find the right words to say.

"I'm glad you like it, but that's not all!"

Kyojuro waived for you on to continue looking in the bag. You hesitated as you pulled out a lilac obi, along with a dark blue obi-shime with a complimentary golden sakara as the obi dom. You felt your chest begin to tighten as you realized even after pulling out those items, there was one more thing in the bag... "Kyojuro... is that what i think it is." You looked to the older male for confirmation, not missing how his brother was practically bursting with excitement as he looked between the two of you.

"Yes, my apologies if I've made you uncomfortable, but I couldn't resist... I didn't want you not having something to pair with it to be the reason you didn't wear it. Despite what you said, I could tell the clear liking you took to the garment, so that's why i got the other things as well." The young man hesitated for a moment as he seemed to grow flustered, "And for what it's worth (N/n) I think you would suit that kimono more than anyone else could. I don't think there's anything that was in that shop that wouldn't look great on you." The Hashira's ears were glowing a vibrant red as he said that last part, and as you looked into his flame like orbs, you saw honesty and kindness.

"You're too kind to me, Kyojuro... I don't think you know how much this means to me, truly." You looked down at the kimono and then back up to him, giving him the most beautiful and genuine smile, he'd ever seen. It was at that moment that Kyojuro felt as if his whole world had suddenly halted, and a pleasant warmth fell over him. He couldn't help but note how your eyes creased ever so slightly, and how vibrantly your eyes seemed to shine. He felt a spark ignite within his soul...in his heart, and he knew for certain he had to make you smile like that again... Once you'd three of you finished off your meals, you all agreed it was about time to head back to the Flame Estate.

The walk back was a rather peaceful one, the sound of wind chimes carried in the gentle winds, along with the sounds of birds singing heartfelt ballets, creating a harmonious melody, that paired quite wonderfully with the falling autumn leaves. As you entered the gates of the estate, the youngest Rengoku suddenly stopped dead in his tracks and grabbed your arm, alarming you slightly, "What is it, Senjuro?"

"Look up there." The boy pointed to the one of the many trees that surrounded the home, he was trying to get you to see something but what you couldn't tell what.

"Look at that, I've never seen them so close to the house before!" Kyojuro exclaimed from beside you, though he was quitter that usual, seeming to not want to disturb the peace. You watched as a content smile spread across his sun kissed face, and he guided the two of you to get closer, until you could make out what it was that had the boys so excited. It was two sparrows', who seemed to be expertly building a nest on one of the higher branches of the maple.

"Brother, (y/n), what is the omen that comes with sparrows?" Senjuro looked to both you and Kyojuro curiosity, then back to the birds, "I know there's one, but I can't think of what it could be?"

"Prosperity, marriage, and other good tidings, I believe?" The older blond tapped his chin in thought. You couldn't help but muse that that seemed to be a habit of his.

"I thought they were a warning?" You looked to Kyojuro, who only shrugged in response.

"Could be, I'm not much of a bird expert, to be honest!" He let out a hearty laugh before setting one of his large hands comfortably on your shoulder as his face seemed to brighten slightly, "Why don't we all head in? I think I remember Senjuro saying something about sweet potatoes!" Said male's face screwed in disbelief at his brother's words, "We just ate lunch, Anuie! When I said I'd make sweet potatoes, I meant for dinner!" The exasperated voice of Senjuro cried as his brother lets out another laugh, seemingly amused at the boy's reaction. You could only shake your head as the boys continued to playfully debate why, and why not Kyojuro should be allowed to eat sweet potatoes before dinner. In the end, Kyojuro lost the argument against his younger brother and had to wait till dinner to consume his beloved sweet potatoes.

Dinner itself was not an extraordinary affair. You and Senjuro chose to make a simple, but enjoyable meal, you made sure to include the tea Shinjuro enjoyed. The man ended up joining you and his sons that evening but made no effort to contribute to the conversation. The boys and you quietly conversed about trivial, miscellaneous things that ranged from recipes you and Senjuro wanted a try, to the interesting things that could be found in Tokyo. As the boys bantering faded into the background, you couldn't help your gaze from falling apone the Rengoku patriarch. He was clearly a complicated man, one with many secrets. If the conversation with Toshi-San was anything to go by and that he hid the fact he had a brother from his sons, going so far as to remove him from the family records. What other skeletons did he have in his closet? You couldn't begin to wonder. His eyes met your own for a few moments before he looked back to tea, expression unreadable. You didn't attempt to catch his eye again after that, instead choosing to go back to listening to Kyojuro and Senjuro's upbeat conversation.

It wasn't until shortly after dinner that anything of notability occurred. You were finishing up washing the dishes when the sound of footsteps had you looking to the doorway of the kitchen expectingly at the young man who offered a smiled as he entered.

"(Y/N) would you like to join me for a walk along the lake? I find it to be quite tranquil in the evening." Kyojuro nodded towards the doors that led out to the garden. You realized that in the week you had been here you hadn't had the chance to observe the garden, which only made his offer all the more appealing.

"Sure, thank you for the invitation." You quickly wiped your hands on a nearby dish cloth before following the young man out of the house and towards small the lake that sat on the land of the estate. He offered you his arm when the ground got particularly uneven, and sighted his mother would be ashamed if he wasn't a gentleman in this situation when you initially said you didn't want to bother him, and you could manage.

As you walked along the edge of the lake, your hand resting comfortably on his arm, you understood what Kyojuro meant when he had said the lake offered a tranquility. You chose that moment to look over to the man next to you, ready to thank him for showing you this peaceful scene, but you found yourself faltering before any words could escape you. The soft glow of the moon reflected in his striking orbs, which were looking deeply into your own, almost in an owlish manner.

Why was he looking at you so intensely? Needing to find a way to break the tension, you decided to ask what had been on your mind, "Kyojuro... you seemed distracted during dinner, despite keeping up the cheerful conversation. I'm guessing it has something to do with why you wanted to bring me out here?" Your voice softly cut through the silence of the night, as you searched his eyes for an answer. The young man continued to hold your gaze for a few moments before turning his attention to a nearby bench.

"Let's sit down over there." You nodded wordlessly and followed Kyojuro's lead, settling on the bench beside him with your hands neatly folded on your lap, patiently waiting for him to gather his thoughts.

Once he seemed to have figured out what he wanted to say he looked over to you, "(Y/n), do you know why our parents arranged for us to be wed?" Kyojuro chose to ask simply after a moment of silence, not wanting to dance around the subject any longer.

You shook your head before thankfully finding the will to speak, "All I know is that your father paid my mother very handsomely. Why he would pay for you to marry a lower-class tea maker is beyond me." You looked at your hand and wished you could have been more useful and given him the answers he wanted, but alias you were just as lost as he was.

Kyojuro seemed to perk up when he heard your apologetic tone, "Dear (Y/N), you misunderstand. It's not your class that has me confused about the arrangement!" He imminently reassured, and much to your surprise he gently took both your hands in his own much larger battle worn ones with a comforting squeeze, "The thing that confuses me is this all of this was quite sudden on my father's part. He'd never brought up the topic of me marrying before, and then suddenly, he's arranged an engagement. It just doesn't add up."

Your brows furrowed at this information, and you looked down at your intertwined hands, "But you come from centuries' worth of Hashira? It surprises me he'd never bring it up before this point. Wouldn't he want you to continue the legacy?"

Your blond companion only sighed. His usual light-hearted smile was replaced with a one that looks more solemn and mournful than anything else, "You would think that would be the case... but the truth is my father never wanted me to be a slayer. Ever since my mother passed away, he lost his drive and has since grown resentful at the idea of slaying demons... He sees it as I'm doing nothing more than wasting my time and has told me to quit on multiple occasions." You glanced at the male next to you, then back to the lake, and its rippling water.

"Your father and I had a similar conversation not long after you left for your mission." Kyojuro seemed surprised and quickly asked you what his father had said. You explained the disagreement that occurred between the both of you, trying to leave out the cause as much as you could.

"I'm sorry you had to experience that side of him so soon, I was hoping it wouldn't reveal itself for a little while longer, or that he was really becoming better." Kyojuro's apologetic gaze had you shaking your head in disagreement.

"It's not your fault, and while I don't agree with how he went about things in that moment, I can't help but think his anger, and his hostility was really just meant to hide his fear... When he watched you leave, his eyes seemed almost haunted... Now, this isn't me excusing his drinking or how he goes about expressing that fear, but I can tell that he loves you... Even if he's not all that good at showing it." You could only hope in that moment you hadn't overstepped, but another part of you knew that if you hadn't said this, you might have ended up regretting it later on.

Kyojuro's expression stayed the same as he responded, "I tell Senjuro that he does love us despite not being able to show it... but I wonder at times if he would really care if I were to perish in battle. I mean, I'm at peace with him not changing, but that doesn't make it less upsetting at times."

This didn't stop you from finding your lips turning downwards at this truth, and before you could think to stop yourself, you'd pulled Kyojuro into a firm embrace, surprising both him and yourself. Much to your relief, he returned your embrace and wrapped you in his sturdy muscular arms.

"Fear makes people do foolish things... I promise we'll figure things out, okay?" You felt his grip tighten slightly in response before he's releasing you, with his fingers finding a loose strand of your hair.

"I've never met someone like you..." He pushed the lock behind your ear with a look you didn't recognize, but for a reason unbeknownst to you, this didn't scare you. You grabbed his hand, which was about to retract in a soft hold.

"I could say the same about you, Kyojuro..." It was as if something had shifted in that moment as you took in his ruby and golden eyes, which gazed into your own (E/c) orbs. You didn't want that moment to cease, but alas, the sound of footsteps coming from inside had your sights imminently shifting from his to the door.

"What is it (y/n)?" Kyojuro asked, looking into the same direction you were confused, seemingly not hearing what you had.

"You didn't hear that?" You looked back to Kyojuro, who was shaking his head uncertainty.

"No, I did not, but I am particularly deaf!" Kyojuro's usual enthusiasm seemed to have returned as he stood with your hands still intertwined, "It's starting to get late. Why don't we head back inside? We'll talk more about things tomorrow! Does that sound alright with you?" He respectfully helps you up from where you were sitting.

You nodded, and you made your way inside the quite manor, saying your goodbyes before retiring to your respective rooms, both sporting slight blushes for an unknown reason.

Once you'd shut your door and took a step forward, you'd felt pain shoot through your foot as it collided with something solid with a hard thump. You bit back the colorful curse that wanted to spew from your lips, not wanting to risk Senjuro over hearing if he were still awake. You hobbled over to the desk in the corner of the room and quickly lit the lantern that sat apone the desk. Your initial frustration was replaced with confusion, as you found yourself met with a wooden box.

"Now, what are you doing here?" You asked aloud, as if the hunk of wood would provide an answer before you bent down to take a closer look.

The box was truly beautiful, seemingly made entirely out of sturdy oak, and while the wood and its beautiful grain pattern was something to marvel at, the intricate engraving the lid held were even more striking. A bundle of three carnations occupied the center of the lid framed by a perfect oval. All details were seemingly burned into the fine wood.

You unclasped the lid carefully, and what you had unveiled had your breath hitching. Laid before you were set of calligraphy brushes along with other related items ranging from a variety of ink sticks to a stone and paper weight. The quality of all the supplies was impressive, even with the labels on the ink blocks yellowing with age.

You felt your eyebrows, crease. Why would Kyojuro or Senjuro leave this for you? While it was evident the supplies had been used before, why would they think to give you such a thing? Despite the supplies being aged and used, they still would have cost a pretty penny for the average person, then you included the box and its intricate details? It didn't make sense why they would waste such a valuable thing on you...Did Kyojuro go back to Toshi-San and get this as well?

With your thoughts whirling like a raging windstorm, you shut the box and place it on the desk in the corner of your room, with a sigh.

That night, you struggled to fall asleep trying to wrap your mind around the Rengoku family. Then, in extension, your thoughts began to drift to other things you'd rather have not had to think about or remember.

Once you were able to eventually drift off, you found no peaceful dreams awaiting you.

Okay, that was a lot, but I think I'm okay with how it turned out! I tweaked this chapter a few times and rewrote a few parts after doing some quick researching. (Sorry if some parts are period inaccurate.)

I put a fair bit of symbolism throughout this chapter and past chapters, so if you've been paying attention, you might know some things that are otherwise not explicitly stated. (Ex: The meaning behind the Crains painted on the shogi from the earlier chapters) I'd like to hear your theories about things, so please comment your thoughts!

I'm going to do a Q&A before i release the next chapter so you can either comment questions or go to my request box and ask. (If you want to ask anonymously, that's fine.)

Questions can be about things that seem unclear, how I came up with some of the chapter/ character ideas, and future plans for this story, and anything else! Ask me anything. (Though I'm not going to spoil any future events)

(Edited: 8/11/23)

Taisho Era Secret

Author: Come on, you're the only member of the Rengoku family, not to have done this yet!

Shinjuro: I don't want to be a part of your damn gossip shtick, you damned woman!

Author: Stop being difficult! Just tell us something interesting, and you'll be out of here quicker! And don't 'damn woman' me you old hag!

Shinjuro: Like, what? *glares at author* and who is "we" are you crazy or something? *grumbles* Also I'm not that old I'm only 40.

Author: I don't know, how about something about your family, or how you became a Hashira? Is it true you had originally rejected the position?

Shinjuro: (Glares and sighs) Yes, that is true. I had long since killed over 50 demons by age 16 and reached the rank Kinoe, but I rejected the position when it was first offered...

Author: Then what changed your mind? You became a Hashira almost two years later.

Shinjuro: An old friend knocked some sense into me when I was going to reject the offer a second time after killing another moon; broke my nose in the processes.

Author: Uhhhh, I'm sorry- what?

Shinjuro: Where you not listening!?

Author: That's just...I don't even know what to say. *Pauses for a moment*

Shinjuro: Are we done here?

Author: Yea... I hope you all enjoyed today's Tisho era secret today!

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