#she's called that because she is the only surviving member of her crew

[littlecrazyhelmacron]

Background Practise

I wanted to practise background drawing. A certain Helmacron is having none of it, she just HAS to be in the picture if her ship is.

OC Helmacron, she is generally known by those she meets in the roleplay she’s in as “The Little Crazy Helmacron”. Hence the blog name.

[ccrypticcorvidae]

RE: Mouthwashing, Curly

I wanna talk a bit abt Curly's so-called "punishment" because I like the symbolism an immense amount and I think his character is really complex.

Before the crash, when Anya tells Curly that she's pregnant, he feels like he's powerless to bring her justice because of the circumstances. Jimmy was his best friend, who he believed to be a good person despite his past mistakes, and who he was able to get a decent job by having his employers look past the criminal records. The team is stuck on the same ship without locks in the sleeping quarters for months, and he wants to do everything in his power to keep the peace so that everyone would make it out of the less-than-ideal situation mostly unharmed. As the captain, he's protective over his crew, and he's already failed one of its members directly by inviting a dangerous man to live amongst them without room for the potentially severe repercussions he would face in society (i.e. "take responsibility"). When he does confront Jimmy, he sees his true colors, having expected him to take responsibility for his actions instead of covering things up. Curly is kind to a fault - sees the good in people - and for this, he takes the brunt of the ship's crashing due to his own selflessness in trying to save as much of it as possible.

Now he's physically powerless; he can't be there to protect his crew mates, to act as a mediator between them via verbal communication as opposed to violence. He can't assist Anya in her deteriorating mental status due to the trauma she endured, and she's ultimately consumed by it - all while he watches on helplessly, wishing he had noticed her struggles sooner. He can't stop the fight between Jimmy and Swansea once Anya reveals to the latter what was done to her, and consequentially, the deaths that followed. The plight of his character is to witness the downfall of those he was supposed to lead and be the only one to survive in the end, continually tormented with the knowledge that Pony Express would likely sweep these horrid events under the rug the same way they did Jimmy's criminal history. If he is successfully rescued, Jimmy's framing guarantees he will be blamed for everything, without any real way to defend himself. In the end, he had no decision in whether he would live or die as the others did, his personal liberties taken from him. Curly is left alone and vulnerable, in parallel to Anya, the cycle of endless pain starting over once again. In the end, Jimmy would never truly take accountability for the pain he caused, and in one, final, selfish move, he sentenced his only real friend to live with it under the pretense of "fixing things."

[lyriumcoloredskies]

Shaken Up Hearts

Pairing: Sanji x Reader, Zoro x Reader, Zoro x Sanji, Zoro x Reader x Sanji WC: 10k Summary: Sanji's brain short-circuits. What? Did he hear that correctly? You both wanted him? “Don’t over think this.” Zoro murmurs into his ear, hot breath fanning over the sensitive skin. CW: 18+ MDNI, alcohol consumption, misunderstanding, idiots in love, porn with way too many feelings, angst, jealousy, pining, PIV, anal sex, oral, threesome, guy on guy, girl on guy, bisexual sanji, bisexual zoro, reader is described as AFAB, polyamory, happy ending AN: *taps cigarette on the ashtray* look idk what to say, this was supposed to be a 5k word mindless smut but it turned into this because I am incapable of writing smut without feels it seems.

Faithfulness and resoluteness.

You and Zoro.

The two of you are held in high regard as the oldest crew members, with you joining only a few days after Zoro. Dependable and resilient, should any troubles find them on the seas, the crew knew they could always rely on you two. The sentiment is shared between you and Zoro. Time and time again, Zoro proved himself worthy of the mantle of first mate, making agonizing decisions for the betterment of the crew when even Luffy couldn’t. He was a surprising voice of pragmatism in the hardest of times, something you appreciated him for.

Zoro’s opinion of you ran deep as well. Steadfast, you were a beacon in the darkest times, an outstretched hand always offered to any nakama in need. Without hesitation, you always had the right words to breathe new life into the resolves of those around you.

It’s a deep respect that’s built off watching each other defeat every obstacle to persevere despite the difficult nature of having such large dreams in a vast ocean that only knows to crush the people that enter its waters. It’s something primal as you watch in titillation as Zoro dominates his adversaries with his iron will, something Zoro reciprocates with a voracious gleam in his eyes any time he fought alongside you.

That respect for each other would sometimes turn into something mischievous. Two tigers testing the limits of each other’s boundaries, teeth bared at the anticipation of gaining ground. Friendly competition the two of you called it – the crew called it anything but. The two of you were people who, once you set your mind to something, would chase the ends of the world for it. This included winning childish competitions. It was impossible to break the two of you apart when you decided to sink your teethes into each other like snarling pups. The point was proven early into your journey, during the banquet at Vivi’s castle, an incident that would aptly be named the Drinking Contest Incident of Alabasta, where the two of you were goaded by Usopp into seeing how many barrels of alcohol each of you could consume.

'Surely they won’t go too far' Usopp thought.

He was proven wrong when both you and Zoro neared the bottom of the second barrels, only taking a break to puke in the Royal Alabastan Gardens before going back to drinking – health be damned. The night ended in you and Zoro out cold, laid out on your sides as to not choke on your own vomit while Chopper flittered about, panicking that the two morons might actually die in his care. After seeing Chopper’s visage overcome hysterics, face streaked with tears and snot, Nami beat the both of you over the head the next day. She sternly put her foot down on any future y/n and Zoro competitions. The rest of the crew dutifully agreed that you and Zoro were not to be trusted. It only took two more incidents for you and Zoro to admit they were right. It was purely out of self-preservation, lest the two of you not even survive to see your dreams fulfilled. Occasionally the competitiveness would rear up, but time had tempered the two of you. The both of you found less and less things worth fighting over, no longer did you fight over bottles of wine and sake, instead choosing to share.

Life was funny in that way.

****

You were on your 5th bottle of wine and Zoro on his 7th, not that you were counting.

Of course not.

The warm embrace of alcohol has long since settled in your flesh, the balmy air adding to the flush of your cheeks. You found yourself swaying to the beat of the Shandorian drums, beat thrumming in your veins. Drunken eyes watched as your crewmates and the Skypeians dance around the bonfire, care thrown to the wind. You glaze over the figure of Usopp surrounded by a group of children, no doubt enthralling them with a legendary tale of Captain Usopp, commander of 8000 troops.

A mixture of the wine and altitude have you searching for a place to sit, wanting to not fall on your ass in spectacular fashion. Your head swivels about, you see Robin in deep discussion with Gan Fall and rule that out. Another turn a few degrees to the left and you spy Zoro sitting alone. Fueled by bad ideas and Skypeian wine, you grab another bottle before settling on the log next to Zoro, leaving a comfortable distance in between. The rich tannins of the wine dance delightfully on your tongue, and you decide to take another pull before you offer the bottle to Zoro. He accepts, your fingers minutely brushing against each other at the pass. He takes a moment to read the label before taking a swig, throwing his head back, the prominent veins of his neck highlighted by the firelight. Traitorous eyes linger for too long at the bob of his adams apple. The two of you sit in comfortable silence, passing the bottle back and forth, watching the silly antics of your crew as they celebrate this hard earned win.

Zoro is the first to break the lazy pattern of back and forth with the wine. Your outstretched arm aches as you hold the bottle out for a mite too long. The confused look you offer him goes unanswered as well, the swordsman a million miles away. Your eyes follow his gaze and you can’t help the feeling that settles into your stomach with the wine.

It’s Sanji.

He’s staring at Sanji.

Sanji, who is bathed in orange glow from the bonfire, his porcelain skin flushed with pink like an angel dusted it over his cheeks. Emotions well inside of you, flooding into an ugly feeling that you found yourself wadding in. Not wanting to bother with the messiness of it all, you brashly decide to down the rest of the bottle, hoping that the burn of the alcohol would drown everything out. To hell with feeling bad on a night as good as this.

Unfortunately, like a whore on the day that the rent is due, the feelings don’t stop bothering you, nagging constantly in the inner cogs of your mind. Inhibited by the mind meddling nature of wine, your mouth opens and words you don’t recognize tumble out.

“Got a crush?”

Your fishing attempt snags you a gaping, sputtering Zoro. Fuck, now you wish you hadn’t said anything at all. Zoro’s hilarious dumbfounded expression only soothes your heart a tiny bit.

Unrestrained, a loud cackle rips out of you, another cheap cover to hide the hurt radiating through you. It seems to further Zoro’s embarrassment, the man’s cheeks flushing a pretty red. In an attempt to get even, he snatches the bottle from you only to realize it was empty.

“Asshole.”

The only response he gets from you is another cackle. It takes a few moments for you to settle down, letting the silence envelope the two of you again.

“If you like him so much, why don’t you tell him?”

You pick at the skin near your nails, an ugly habit.

“Tch. It’s not that simple.”

You roll your eyes, of course it was simple. Zoro was just an idiot. Irritation lingers like a fog in your mind as the wine fails to numb your pesky feelings. Quickly, you lose yourself, letting various fleeting thoughts pull you in every direction. Zoro doesn’t comment on your sudden silence, keeping you company while you think.

“What if I like him too?”

Two heads turn and eyes lock. Zoro’s eyes are dark and indecipherable to you as the firelight danced on them. Seconds tick by but neither of you drop your gaze.

“Marimo! Y/n-swan! Try these!”

Two pairs of eyes break their battle, swinging over to catch the sight of Sanji walking over, an excited wide grin gracing his delicate features. His signature cigarette firmly between his white teeth and in each hand he holds a skewers of meat and vegetables.

The blond thrusts a skewer to the both of you before sitting between the two of you. You examine the skewer, it’s comprised of some sort of marinated red meat and vegetables that look like mushrooms and leeks. Steam wafts upward and with it the smell of something peppery and tangy.

“The flavors are something I’ve never tried before! I asked them and they say that they use a combination of pink peppercorns and a citrus called the hand of god” Sanji prattles on, his enthusiasm palpable. You and Zoro watch him, engrossed in the boyish wonder on his face. Pairs of eyes meet again in a fragile moment. You have no words for Zoro and he has none for you, yet you know that the two of you understand each other. He studies you intensely before offering you a solid nod, one that you reciprocate. The cook chatters on, inhibitions lowered by the alcohol, oblivious to what was happening only a few inches from him.

****

The next few islands pass by uneventfully, both you and Zoro hesitant to make a move. It ends up an awkward dance around each other and Sanji, a weird tango of frustration whose steps involve having enough nerve to track down the blond but suffering from cold feet when it came to talking with him. It’s only after the events of Water 7 that you decide to muster up the gumption to try. Life was too short for you to shy away from the things you wanted, and you could tell Zoro decided the same.

“Sanji-”

The cook’s ears perk up at the melodic notes of your voice, heart stirring. He turns his attention from the prep work in front of him, meeting your face with a playboy smile.

“Yes, my sweet angel?”

“Do you mind if I watch you cook lunch?” you ask, the innocent tilt of your head making Sanji’s heart palpate. You wanted to watch him cook?

“O-of course my angel!”

You beam and it makes his heart beat rapidly. With gentle footsteps you pad into the kitchen. The two of you fall into a comfortable silence, the sounds of Sanji’s knifework taking over the small space. After a few minutes, his curiosity picks up and he peeks out of his periphery to see you standing a mere few inches from him, leaning close enough to touch his arm. He works on autopilot, hands relying on muscle memory as he prepped the vegetables for lunch. Your hands are clasped behind your back in your usual pose. For anyone else, Sanji would preen like a peacock, ready to show off his honed skills, but under the lens of your inscrutable eye, he feels so exposed. Trying to stave off sudden uncomfortableness of the silence his mouth opens, and he finds himself rambling about cooking techniques. Ever patient, you nod and comment in all the right places.

While Sanji loved every lady on the ship, in the deepest crevices of his heart, he would readily admit that you were his favorite. Your soft smiles of encouragement, the way you entertained his foolish notions, all of it made Sanji’s heart turn into goo in his chest.

Gods, you had managed to carve out your place in his heart so early, the memory often rewinding and replaying in his head. It hadn’t been long since he left Baratie to make his home on Merry Go, back when Luffy still had the habit of picking out the vegetables in all his dishes. You chided the boyish captain on his behalf. The first bits of kindness he received from someone who wasn’t Zeff or the Baratie cooks.

“Luffy, Sanji worked hard to cook us this food. Don’t disrespect his efforts by being picky.”

After dinner that you offered him an earnest smile, putting a reassuring hand on his shoulder.

“In case anyone hasn’t told you yet, you’re doing a wonderful job Sanji. Dinner was lovely.”

It made him feel like the same little boy stuck in the North Blue watching his mother eat his food for the first time. The grip you had on him had only tightened since then.

“You know Sanji, every time you cook, I find myself understanding you a bit more.”

Hands plating an intricate dish pause.

“A-ah why do you say that y/n-swan?”

Sanji’s heart seizes as you take one of his hands into yours, fingertips running over callouses and burn scars. An action so tender that for just a moment, Sanji could fool himself into thinking it was the touch of a lover. Your heated gaze focuses on his hands with a look of fondness, it causes him to reel, mind spinning with possibilities of what this could all mean. Did you want this just as much as he did? Did you spend your nights staring at the ceiling and thinking of him like he did with you?

“I understand why you don’t want to fight with your hands. When you cook it’s like a symphony, every movement you take, every dish you make, it’s all meant to nourish and heal. You’re built to love Sanji, not destroy.”

The lump in his throat grows until it’s too painful for him to swallow, edges of his vision blur with tears, threatening to fall. Was he so transparent that you could read him so well? A few words and you had flayed open his very existence, his heart and soul. The words you say mean more than you’ll ever know. His ocean eyes search yours hoping to find an answer to his lingering questions.

BANG

He jumps, the two of you breaking apart at the loud noise, any tension in the room dissipating.

“OIII SANJIII!! LUUUUNCH!!!”

Luffy catapult himself at Sanji, wrapping his limbs around him like an unruly octopus, much to the ire of the chef. Sanji tries to wrestle himself out of Luffy’s grasp, angrily yelling at him.

The loud noise startles you, your heart pounding a mile a minute in your chest. You marinate in the sudden surge of adrenaline for too long before you feel a hand on your wrist. Eyes trace it back to its owner – Zoro. He assesses you for a few seconds.

“You alright?”

Thud. Thud. Thud. Your pulse pounds in every inch of you and your lungs greedily swallow air and hold it in an attempt to calm down. Your thoughts race and you feel the distinct feeling of regret. Regret that you didn’t make a bolder move.

A wobbly smile is the answer Zoro gets, one that makes him frown ever so slightly. The sight makes him rub circles on your wrist with his thumb. The contact soothes you and you’re grateful that you had the swordsman as such an understanding friend. You settle a free hand on his, offering him a brighter smile, hoping to lessen his worries.

“I am.”

The two of you unaware of the pair of eyes that witnessed the scene.

****

Sanji stares from the railing of the Thousand Sunny, the light of the setting sun casts an ethereal rosy light over the glimmering ocean. Pinks, reds, and blues mashing into a myriad of colors that all swirl like glittering gems.

From the upper deck, it isn’t the sun or the ocean that Zoro admires. It’s the glow of the sun on Sanji’s face. His eyes trace the elegant slope of his nose, drinking up the way the sun dyes his fair hair into a strawberry blond. His mouth goes dry, his palms becoming sweatier by the minute. Plucking up some courage, Zoro crosses the distance of the Sunny, stopping next to the object of his desires.

“The sunset is beautiful isn’t it.”

Zoro wants to cut out his tongue. What a lame comment. Sanji deserved better. Someone who could weave him a beautiful tapestry of words, words which don’t even exist in Zoro. After all he is a man of action and not platitudes.

Sanji hums out in agreement, never moving his eyes from the beauty of the scene in front of them.

They don’t talk much, but there’s an easiness to the quiet between them as they watch the sun inch closer into the horizon. The Sunny lurches at a particularly big wave and Sanji is caught off guard, wobbling a little. He’s steadied by a hand on the small of his back.

“Ah, thanks Marimo.”

“No problem, Sanji.”

His name on the swordsman’s lips gives him pause. Zoro almost never calls him by his name. Then he becomes acutely aware that Zoro hasn’t moved his hand, his palm is large and warm on Sanji’s clothed back. The contact is like lightning in his spine and for reasons unknown his heart stutters. He mildly wonders if he should say something, unsure of what the contact means for the two of them.

Deciding his brain feels too stuffed with cotton, Sanji fishes out his lighter and cigarette from his suit jacket pocket, hoping for some clarity in the nicotine. Stupidly, he holds the pack out for Zoro offering him a cigarette, despite knowing the swordsman doesn’t smoke. Before he can rescind the gesture, Zoro’s free hand takes a cigarette from him. Their eyes meet and he finds Zoro’s are unreadable as always. The other man brings the cigarette closer to his face, rolling it in his fingers as he examines the tobacco stick. A laugh huffs out of Sanji’s mouth as he lights his cigarette. He inhales precious smoke, and in the haze of his exhale, his eyes linger a little too long at the sight of the cigarette loosely held in between Zoro’s chapped lips.

“Here let me light it for you.”

Sanji holds the lit lighter out, only for the wind to snuff it. He tries again, flicking the flint a few more times. Each time the wind picks up, extinguishing the flame. A scowl overcomes Sanji’s face.

“Here, we can just-”

Sanji looks up from the lighter at the sound of Zoro’s voice. The other man pulls his hand from Sanji’s lower back and Sanji becomes conscious of the fact that the action leaves him sad at the loss of contact. That’s when he feels the green haired man’s large palm on the back of his neck, searing into his skin as he steadies him. Zoro leans in closer bringing his cigarette to the tip of Sanji’s.

A cigarette kiss.

Sanji’s brain is a mess. ‘It’s just the damn Marimo’ he tries to reason with himself, but he feels heat lick at the apples of his cheeks.

He’s blushing. At Zoro.

The man’s actions have flustered him to his core, tongue too heavy to form words. His eyes soak in the sight of Zoro slowly sucking in – ‘holy shit, holy shit, holy shit, what the fuck?!’ his mind screams at him.

The man offers Sanji no reprieve, continuing his hold on Sanji as he made sure the of his cigarette is lit before breaking apart. Sanji’s world is tilted on its axis, heart pounding so furiously he feels it in his fingertips. He half expects it to burst through his sternum.

Zoro gives an experimental breath before hacking out a loud cough, sound reminiscent of a dying walrus. The scene is so jarring, how the man could go from turning Sanji’s brain into mush to coughing out a lung. It makes him laugh so hard he’s clutching his stomach, abs cramping as he tries to greedily swallow in more air.

It was so Zoro.

Through the tears of laughter, Sanji can see pink dusting Zoro’s face, clearly embarrassed by his lack of experience.

“Take slow inhales, mix it in with some fresh air, it gets easier after a while.”

Sanji’s smile is so wide it hurts his cheeks. He watches Zoro attempt again, the man’s body tensing in an effort to not cough out all the smoke.

“This is horrible Sanji. I don’t know how you do this every day.”

All Sanji can offer the man is a chuckle. He takes in the sight of the swordsman, bathed in the dying light of the sunset, shadows accentuating the strong lines of his face. He’s about to respond when he hears Nami’s voice calling for him.

“Sanji, the bathroom is free if you want to shower!”

He turns, giving her his undivided attention.

“Thank you Nami-chwan! You look especially beautiful after your bath!”

When Sanji turns back, Zoro is no longer facing him instead looking out into the ocean where the last glimmers of the sun fade into the horizon.

“Go ahead and take your bath, cook.”

Sanji manages a nod, feeling odd at the sudden change in attitude. Things had felt so great between them, so what happened? His feet feel heavy as he walks towards the bathroom. Halfway, he doesn’t know why but he spins on his heel, wanting to confront the man.

He wishes he didn’t.

He sees you with Zoro, again.

The two of you huddled close, your hand caressing the swordsman’s cheek. The both of you bathed in the beginnings of moonlight. Sanji’s heart clenches painfully.

It was just like before – Vinsmoke Sanji always comes in last.

****

Things progress at a snail’s pace. Both you and Zoro are seemingly thwarted at every turn whether it be Sanji rejecting your advances or being interrupted in the most inopportune times. A silver lining for Zoro comes in the form of you. Despite being his rival in love, you’re there to pick up the pieces of him, little pep talks flowing from your lips. He hopes that he’s done the same for you. The best of his efforts goes into repairing the shaky smiles on your face, splitting bottles of wine with you as the two of you gripe about love. It’s an odd routine, but one that Zoro finds himself not minding. There is comfort and familiarity in your company.

That was until the crew step foot on Sabaody Archipelago. Everything came to a grinding halt at Sabaody. It was an utter disaster. Not even a foot into the New World and the Grand Line had chewed the crew up and spat them back out.

Panic sets Zoro’s bones the minute he wakes up. Thoughts of his nakama rushing through his brain at breakneck speed. Were you all safe? Did you guys make it off Sabaody? Zoro keenly feels the loss of his crew, guilt seeping into every crack in his heart. If only he had been stronger - strong enough to defeat Bartholomew Kuma on Thriller Bark, strong enough to carry everyone’s dreams on his back.

He spends two days lost in the maze of a castle that weird Ghost Girl brought him to, trying desperately to find his swords. He squashes down the invasive thoughts attempting to claw its way into his mind – were you all even still alive? It doesn’t help that the girl, Perona he finds out is her name, keeps giving him directions that seem to get him lost even further. Frustration bubbles under his skin. He is wholly useless, a feeling that is reaffirmed when he is defeated by the humandrills, his only hope of reaching his friends dashed by his own inadequacy.

When he feels like things couldn’t get worse, he hears about Ace. Zoro wants to scream, to dig his fingers into his chest and rip out his own beating heart. Frustration, fury, despair – it all whirls inside of him for Luffy. How could things have gone so wrong?

Zoro tries hard not to wallow in his sadness. He beats down his pride and grovels to Mihawk, begging the man he wants to defeat one day to teach him, to make him into a man worthy of being called Luffy’s nakama.

Time flows, and slowly but surely, Zoro adapts to his life on the deserted island. Mihawk is a fair teacher and his brutal teaching methods have Zoro progressing faster than even he could admit. Although the lack of alcohol grates on his nerves. Though he would never admit it out loud, Perona isn’t too bad either when she isn’t annoying him.

He spends his days training, eating, and sleeping, a routine that isn’t unfamiliar to him, but his mind remains plagued by the brewing thoughts of you and Sanji.

His mind goes in cycles, starting with hopes that you two are alright. Surely you’re safe, Zoro’s mind doesn’t want to can’t think of the alternative. He wonders if Sanji has found himself on an island with enough food, cold fear nestled in his heart at the idea of the cook going without. He hopes you have extra blankets at night, his mind supplying him images of your shivering body on Drum Island, lips tinged blue.

The months gruel onward and late at night, when the world is silent and his body aches from the brutal beatings from Mihawk, Zoro imagines your soft touches, a comforting hand on his shoulder when things went wrong. He dreams of the bottle of sake he desperately wants to split between you two, talking about any and everything. He wants to see your smile.

On days where the sun blisters in the sky and Mihawk forces him to help with the farming, Zoro wonders if Sanji would be impressed. Would he give Zoro that smug grin of his, telling him to till the farm with appreciation for the food it grew? Would he be brave enough to commandeer Mihawk’s kitchen, lecturing to Zoro the entire time he cooks about how he needs to eat the right macronutrients to gain muscle. Zoro luxuriates in what-if’s and could-be’s, day in and day out.

He spends the hours of sundown to sunrise, staring at the cold grey stone ceiling of the castle pondering in a mire of his own doing. He wanted both of you but was desperate to hold onto what you and him had together, while craving every potential what-if with Sanji.

He stews in his feelings for months, unable to take himself out of his own head.

On a day where Mihawk is away on business, Zoro finds himself in the dining room, sun barely rising into the sky. Perona was nice enough to fix breakfast for the two of them but it only puts Zoro in a worse mood. His body is gripped in nostalgia, heart aching to wake up to the sound of Luffy and Chopper’s chatter in the morning, to pass by a sleep drunk Usopp and Franky grumbling out good mornings, and to make his way to the kitchen and have a plate be handed to him by the star of half his dreams. Increasingly lost in his own thoughts, he’s oblivious to Perona’s pouting.

“Ugh! You’re such a jerk!”

Perona waits a few seconds, giving the mosshead time to come to his senses and apologize but minutes tick by and she finds herself empty handed. In childish anger, her hands slam on the table.

“What the hell? Aren’t you going to thank me for breakfast??”

She is only given a wave, the gesture vaguely dismissal.

“Okay you idiot, what is it? What could possibly be so important that you forget to thank the person who saved your life?”

The question gives Zoro pause. He deliberates in his head a bit, uneasiness mashing in the pit of his stomach. To let someone know about his problems felt too vulnerable, but against his will the words of his dilemma spill out of him like an ugly fountain with fat babies on it, like the ones he saw plastered all over Water 7.

Perona regards him for a few minutes before rolling her eyes.

“You’re not very smart, are you?”

“The fuck?”

“You’re a pirate idiot. Being a pirate means you take what you want, you don’t need to share. So have both, duh. Who says you can’t have a boyfriend and a girlfriend?”

Whiplash. His brain rattles in his skull at Perona’s words. How ridiculous. This is what he gets for telling her his problems. He opens his mouth to tell her off but then the words sink into him.

Both? He could have both?

They were both strong enough to protect themselves, their bounties reflecting their skill, determined enough to pursue their own goals. They, more than anyone on the ship, knew the stakes of his dreams, not once had they ever discouraged him. Plus, the thought of the two of them tangled in a mess of naked limbs beckoning Zoro to join was a particularly tasty thought.

Perona shoots him a smug smile.

“You’re welcome~”

****

Nerves rattle through your body as you disembark from the small sailboat, steered by the kind martial arts master that found you two years ago. The elderly woman pats your hand in reassurance.

“Don’t worry dearie, I’m sure your boys are waiting for you. Now you make sure you stay safe and don’t forget to always pack a scarf.”

You give her a bright smile.

“Thank you so much, for everything. I’ve learned so much! Please make sure you tell everyone I got here alright.”

The woman matches your smile before waving you off. Excited feet don’t hesitate to quickly wander down Sabaody, taking you down semi familiar paths. You count the grove numbers in your head, excitement gripping your stomach as you finally arrive.

Grove 13.

The sight of the wooden sign of Shakky’s Rip-Off Bar shoots fresh nerves into your veins, anticipation ripe in your head. You take a deep breath, steeling your nerves before you push open the door to the bar.

Your eyes skim over the empty chairs and booths, finally settling on a green clad figure at the bar. Time slows and your heart threatens to burst out of your sternum, you can feel your pulse in your ear, not even hearing his name tumble out of your lips. The sight of him makes tears sting the corners of your eyes.

Zoro.

His signature three swords are still affixed to his side, hilts glinting in the low light of the establishment. A head turn makes the three golden strands of his earrings collide into each other. He stands tall and proud, two years of effort reflected in his new silhouette. You run to him, finding half of everything you had missed in the last two years in his hug. Tears run down your cheeks, absorbed by the green of his outfit, staining the fabric dark. You can’t bring yourself to care.

He still smells like steel and sea salt.

He presses a kiss to your hair, his large hands rubbing circles on your back as he pulls you closer to his chest. After seconds that feel too short, you part from him. You soak in the sight of his familiar features. Your eyes trace over the new scar over his eye, the strong line of his jaw, the slight bump in his nose. Hands wander up his biceps and you can’t help but ghost your fingertips over the newly acquired scars present on exposed skin. Fingers smooth over every part of him, his wide chest, his corded arms, all of it – desperate to memorize him after these years apart.

Lost in the moment, you miss the way Rayleigh and Shakky sharing a knowing smile.

Fingers interlaced, you let Zoro lead you to his room at a small bed and breakfast in Grove 17. You aren’t even mad when he gets lost twice, taking you down a winding path to Grove 7 instead. You missed this, the idiosyncrasies that come with living with someone, spending every waking hour together.

Once in the room you let your small bucket bag tumble to the floor. You wait patiently until Zoro has a chance to take off his katanas before you throw yourself into his arms again, the two of you tumbling into the small bed. His entire presence offers you a familiar comfort. He felt like home. You can tell he feels the same, the way he holds you tightly, as if you would disappear from his arms at any moment. He buries his nose into your hair and his chest moves from under you as he inhales. The two of you stay like that for several minutes, the silence finally being broken by Zoro.

“Y/n, I don’t want to be without you.”

Shivers shoot down your spine.

“What about Sanji?”

“Him too. We’re pirates y/n, we take what we want.”

You bury your face deeper into his muscular chest, heart fluttering in your own chest.

“Good, I don’t know what I’d do without my two boy toys.”, your words come out muffled and you can feel the vibrations as Zoro chuckles.

Lifting your head, you give him a lascivious grin. His eyes are as intense as ever, but you find that this time around you can pin down the emotions within because they’re the same as yours.

Your lips meet his in a kiss that he doesn’t hesitate to accept. His lips are warm and chapped, a combination you quickly find yourself addicted to. Your arms move on their own, snaking around his neck as his wrap around your waist, bringing you in closer to him. The both of you move feverishly, desperate to make sure this moment didn’t evaporate into the ether. His kiss is hungry, ferocity over taking you before he seems to rein it back in. He coaxes out a whimper from you as his hands wander to your bottom before pulling your hips in close to his, letting you straddle his waist. You let out a gasp as you feel his hardness grinding on the sensitive flesh of your inner thigh. Utilizing the last braincell that isn’t drenched in hormones, you place a placating hand on his chest.

“Patience. Not without Sanji.”

To your surprise he is in agreeance with you, but he gives you a devilish grin all the same.

“Doesn’t mean I don’t get to kiss what’s mine.”

Laughter peels out of you, as Zoro smashes his lips into the crook of your neck, biting and sucking the sensitive flesh in a manner that was both ticklish and sensual.

“You’re right, it doesn’t.”

****

Sanji doesn’t know what to think. Reality was, he saw this was coming, the signs glaring at him two years ago.

You and Zoro were together.

The whole crew seemed to know it too.

“Yohohoho! They’re quite a handsome couple, don’t you agree Miss. Robin?”

“They do complement each other quite well.”

Everyone has seen the two of you look at each other, shooting puppy eyes at the dinner table, and of course Sanji is distinctly aware of the way Zoro takes your small hands into his, a rogue thumb tracing idle circles into your smooth skin. It’s all too intimate for two people who are “just crewmates”.

Sanji’s heart is broken, shattered into a million tiny pieces and he doesn’t know where to begin to put it all back together. He was an utter fool for having clung onto hope for two years, spending his days daydreaming about how the pieces would all fall into place, the two of you accepting his confessions of undying love.

Stupid, stupid Sanji.

The voices of his past mock him. How could anyone love stupid Sanji. How silly of you to even dream. Nestled in the sicker part of his brain, he wonders who he’s more jealous of – you or Zoro.

It should be him, his jealousy addled self whispers to him in the dead of night but Sanji knows it’s his fault for even daring to dream. The two of you were better off together. So, every day, he wakes up, chokes down the feelings that threaten to well up inside of him, and continue as if nothing was wrong.

He had been doing it well enough for the last twenty odd years, what’s the harm in a few more?

****

It doesn’t take long for an opportunity to present itself to you and Zoro.

The Sunny docks on a small island to restock on basic supplies and through divine intervention the stars align. Zoro catches the last vestiges of Sanji’s conversation with Nami, picking up the tidbit that he would come back to the ship immediately after he procured fresh meat and produce. Taking his chance, he offers himself and you up for guard duty, a move that garners no protest or suspicion.

After the crew clears out, the anxiety builds in your chest, your head spins and your palms feel clammy as the minutes pass by. Zoro doesn’t say it, but you could tell he felt the same, his rough fingers constantly flitting over the hilt of his katanas. You and Zoro split a bottle of sake for liquid courage, downing it like teenagers instead of passing it along at your usual leisurely pace. The sake helps a bit, dulling down the feelings.

The two of you are on the upper deck when you hear the click of expensive dress shoes on wood. Peeking, you spy Sanji’s golden hair as he reboards the ship. You signal Zoro with a nod of your head. The two of you break, Zoro to the kitchen to fetch Sanji and you to the women’s dormitory. Long strides quickly lead you to where you need to be, settling down on the blue comforter of your bed.  

In the midst of fiddling with a loose thread on one of your sheets, you hear the door open. Nerves tingle through your body as you see Sanji’s figure enter.

“A-ah y/n-swan! Marimo said you needed help with something?”

He takes a few strides, standing at the foot of the bed you were sitting on. The door clicks as Zoro shuts it behind him. Sanji sucks in a breath, suddenly feeling trapped in this confined space, anxiety pooling in his stomach.

“O-oh! Well Sanji you see… Um, w-well we..”

You bite your lips, fingers picking at the skin near your nails, something Sanji picks up on. He can’t help the prickling of curiosity in the back of his brain. What got you, the very definition of calm and collected, so nervous?

“We want you, Sanji.”

It’s Zoro this time, the timber of his voice nearly reverberating in his bones as he becomes aware of how close the man stands behind him. You nod in agreeance.

Sanji’s brain short-circuits.

What?

Did he hear that right? You both wanted him?

Sanji searches your face for any inkling of deception but your cheeks are flush and you avoid his eyes out of nervousness.

“Don’t over think this.” Zoro murmurs into his ear, hot breath fanning over the sensitive skin. The other man’s large hands come from behind him and roam on his chest, going over the silky fabric of his suit. The action pulls him in closer to Zoro, sending shivers up his spine. It doesn’t take long for Sanji to make up his mind.

So be it.

He’ll take whatever scraps you have to offer him. Maybe if he gets a taste, it’ll be out of his system, and he’ll be free to pursue all the beautiful men and women he encounters in his travels. Maybe if he closes his eyes, he can imagine that this is something more than just sex.

He continues to feed himself the shallow lies.

“Yeah, let’s do it.”

At his affirmation, Sanji feels hand on his head, turning him into a hungry kiss. Chapped lips meet his and Sanji can faintly taste the sweetness of sake on Zoro’s breath. It’s everything Sanji has dreamed of. In the midst of their kiss, Sanji feels your hands undoing his tie, and unbuttoning his jacket and dress shirt. An impatient tongue spears into his mouth, coaxing his own tongue into a dance, drawing a moan from the blond man. A hot tongue presses into his neck and he can’t help the gasp that rises to his lips. In contrast to Zoro, your lips are soft and silky. You stamp fire into his skin with every kiss, setting his body into flames.

Breathless, he breaks the kiss with Zoro only to have you pull him into another one, gentler but no less voracious.

He’s aware of Zoro helping him shed his shirt and jacket, but his head feels stuffed with cotton, not quite to registering any of it. A soft tongue mingles with Sanji’s and delicate hands caress the bare skin of his chest, each movement leaving gooseflesh in its wake. The light flicks to his nipples have him groaning into your mouth. The kiss breaks with a soft sigh from you, and Zoro surges forward to capture you a playful kiss, sandwiching Sanji between the two of you. The friction of the two bodies, one soft and one sturdy, melts his mind, his pants feeling tighter by the moment.

A larger rougher set of hands replace the soft ones on his chest as you kneel in front of Sanji, making quick work of his belt. You lavish his abs with floaty kisses and occasional playful nibbles, following down the trail of soft downy hair until you reach his boxers. You make quick work of that too, freeing his erection.

You nearly drool of the sight Sanji’s cock slapping against his belly, marking a spot on his belly with shiny precum. His cock is picturesque, like the men of the dirty magazines you used to buy as a teenager, a few shades darker than his porcelain skin leading into a dusky pink tip oozing slick. You give an experimental lick up the shaft before engulfing the tip in your mouth, making circles over it with your tongue. Sanji throws his head back, gracing you with a breathy pretty groan.

The salty taste of his precum ignites a fire deep in you, a need to taste more overcomes every sense. Driven by your baser instincts, you press down further, taking as much as you could until you feel him hit the back of your throat, eyes welling with tears as you try to stave off your gag reflex. His delicate fingers tangle into your hair, hands resting on your head. Pressed so close to Sanji his pubic hair tickles your lips and you can smell the clean rich sandalwood of his soap. You set a slow pace, looking up through dark lashes to observe Sanji’s expressions as he loses himself in the feeling of your mouth. Each circle of your tongue over the tip has him whimpering, his cheeks and chest flushed pink.

Not to be left out, Zoro joins you, kneeling in front of the blond man. You release his cock with a pop and stroke it lightly.

“Want a taste?”

Zoro gives a devilish smirk, coming in closer. He gives the tip kitten licks before slowly taking more of the length in his mouth.

“Tastes good doesn’t it?”

A muffled response has you grinning. You take a few moments take your own clothes off, only stopping to appreciate the sight of Zoro pouring his attention to Sanji’s cock. The contrast of the two men bubbles excitement in you, a longing finally quenched. Zoro is all muscle, posture and stance reflecting power and brutality, but Sanji’s is refined elegance, fluid even while motionless, muscles seemingly sculpted by a maestro.

Kneeling back down, you throw yourself into the fray of saliva and skin, taking one of Sanji’s balls into your mouth, earning a loud groan from the man. The two males’ intermingling musk cloying in your head, fogging up any thought you could muster. Sanji’s hips buck and Zoro gags, pulling another moan from the blond. You slowly suckle, running circles on the surface of his ball sack with your tongue before releasing it to lick up the shaft. Zoro meets you in a messy kiss with Sanji’s cock in the middle of two pairs of lips. Your tongues dance over the veiny surface of Sanji’s dick, occasionally skimming each other.

Sanji wants to throw his head back, to lose himself in the sensation of two mouths lavishing him with attention but he’s caught up in the sight of you and Zoro, your tongues fighting on his cock, hoping to find more skin to lick and suck at. The two of you work in synch, soon moving upward to suckle at the reddened tip of his cock.

“S-stop or I’ll cum” Sanji whines out, making you and Zoro share a laugh, shifting away from his sensitive cock to find each other in a kiss.

Feeling emboldened by the sexually charged energy, you saunter over to the bed, sitting and spreading your legs wide open. Sanji practically drools at the sight, stumbling over the clothes on the floor to get in closer.

Sanji slots himself between your legs, moving closer to kiss you. His lips are soft, and the hints of lingering tobacco pull you in for more. Sanji’s tender affection is a deluge you drown in, heart full you reciprocate keenly. He peppers kisses down your jawline before interspersing tender open mouth kisses on your neck. A hot tongue trails down further before capturing a nipple between his teeth. His actions are delicate, but they draw whimpers out of you, heat pooling between your thighs at the teasing. Sanji’s strong hands cup your breasts, massaging softly as his tongue runs circles around your hard nipples, dousing them in messy suckles.

He offers the same treatment to your other breast before trailing more kisses down until his head is settled between your thighs. You can feel his hot breath, a gossamer on your sensitive skin. The flat of his tongue licks a stripe through your folds and your back arches at the contact.

“Fuck angel, you’re so wet” he murmurs before diving back in, tongue working through your folds before encircling your clit.

“Mm fuck Sanji”, moans pour out of you endlessly, your hands tangling themselves in the golden silk of his hair.

His strong hands hold your hips steady as he begins to suckle at your clit, giving occasional kitten licks, as anticipated, the action has you bucking your hips, thighs tightening around his head as he tightens the coil in your loins, nerves dancing on fire.

Zoro’s calloused hands run over Sanji’s torso, earning a shiver from the man. His fingertips take time to appreciate the valley of muscles before moving to his hips, propping them up into position. Sanji is a mess of gooseflesh as rough fingers part his cheeks, exposing him to the other man. A hot tongue presses on his hole and Sanji lets out a gasp that’s muffled in your skin. The sensation is foreign as the tongue wriggles against his tight hole, but pleasure quickly finds him. Zoro’s tongue circles around his puckered hole, massaging and working the muscle, each move deliberate in driving Sanji further into a chasm of pleasure until he’s relaxed. Zoro intersperses it with licks from the flat of his tongue, the contrast drawing out whimpering moans from the blond. When he pulls away, Sanji whines.

“Get these wet for me.”

Sanji complies, taking his head out from your cunt to take Zoro’s digits in his mouth, tongue running over each individual one. Zoro grins at the sight of Sanji desperately sucking on his fingers while his goatee shines with your slick.

A whine from you has Zoro withdrawing his fingers from the other man’s hot mouth, allowing him to return to your needy hole.

Sanji returns to lavishing your clit with licks, before plunging a tongue deep in you hoping to taste more of your essence. Pressure against his puckered hole pauses him in the middle of his pussy eating. Your thighs tighten around him as you buck desperately against his mouth, hoping to find more friction despite his lack of action.

The breech of a large finger pulls a sound out of him, a mixture of a moan and a scream. You offer your own moan at the vibrations of Sanji’s on your clit.

Zoro presses kisses onto the skin of his buttocks, rubbing soothing circles on his skin as Sanji adjusts to the foreign intrusion. Slowly, he begins to rock his finger back and forth, occasionally stopping to spit on Sanji’s hole, an action that has the man’s dick twitching.

“Don’t worry Sanji he’ll be gentle. Won’t you marimo?” you tease, tone breathy from your own arousal at seeing Zoro knuckle deep in Sanji.

“We’ll see about that.”

Sanji turns to tell Zoro off, but the aforementioned man’s free hand grabs his head, shoving him back into your cunt, earning a squeal from you.

“Focus Sanji” Zoro gravels out, voice thick with lust. You snake your legs around Sanji’s head, heels resting on his mid back.

“He’s right Sanji, wanna cum so bad”

As if to demonstrate your need, your hips buck into his open mouth, hoping to find a tongue to grind into. Ever the gentleman, Sanji grants your request, eating you out with renewed vigor.

Zoro continues to work his fingers into him, one finger becomes two, pumping becomes scissoring, and soon Sanji feels more stretched out than possible. Sanji lets out loud moan after moan into your clit when he feels the man continuously brush his prostate. His mouth is messy with saliva and your slick, jaw aching as he continues to devour you. You reward him with looks from dark lashes glimmering with tears, your soft skin flushed by his ministrations. Pretty whines of his name spill out from your lips, urging him on as you chase your high. Your fingers clench onto his hair, the pain from the pulling mixing with the shockwaves that Zoro’s fingers provide him.

“A-ah right there S-sanji!”

Your tighten your legs around Sanji, a loud wail escaping you, hands fisting the blankets underneath as the coil in your belly snaps. Your orgasm wracks your body, vision going dark and heartbeat in your ear. Sanji’s tongue doesn’t stop, sending pins and needles through your nerves. Tears dot the corners of your eyes as he eats your overstimulated pussy out until you’re crying his name, begging him to stop. When he relents, you pull him into a kiss, tasting your own salty juices on his lips. You swipe your fingers over his messy slick shined lips and chin, offering them to Zoro who sucks on them with enthusiasm before letting go with a pop of his mouth.

You shimmy out from under Sanji, the blond pushing himself to all fours to offer you more space. Moving off to the side, you take in the sight of Zoro greedily pumping three fingers into Sanji who’s offering himself up like a dog in heat, whimpers pouring out of his mouth. Sanji’s dick is standing tall, precum dribbling out from the tip and onto the bedsheets where you can already spy a dark wet stain forming. You wrap a hand around his cock, thumb smearing the precum as you begin to pump up and down at a torturous pace. Sanji’s head buries into the bed as he lets out a string of expletives. You and Zoro share a naughty grin.

It doesn’t take long for Sanji to start moving his hips, desperately fucking himself into Zoro’s fingers trying to plunge deeper.

Zoro pulls out of him, and you take your hand off of his cock, Sanji is left whining at the loss of contact.

He isn’t left alone for long as Zoro pushes him into the bed before flipping him around so he’s on his back. Zoro devours the sight of Sanji’s hair pooling around him in a radiant halo, his cheeks flushed pink and dick twitching for attention. You come back and pass Zoro a bottle, lowering yourself to take the man’s dick in your mouth. Sanji’s eyes are glued to the sight of you bobbing your head along the impressive length of the swordsman. He watches as Zoro’s eye closes, clearly enjoying the way you’re taking all of him in. It isn’t long before the swordsman pulls you up and into a kiss.

Jealousy grips Sanji’s heart. Brook was right, the two of you were a beautiful couple.

You take the bottle from Zoro and pour out a viscous liquid onto your fingers, soaking them in it before wrapping it around Zoro’s cock, wetting him with long strokes.

“Fuc-k babe that feels good”

You offer Zoro one final kiss, a mischievous hand coming to smack the swordsman’s bottom sending him on his way to Sanji.

Zoro slots himself between Sanji’s legs, wrapping his hands around his ankles before yanking him, moving him closer to the edge of the bed. For the first time Sanji’s cock presses into Zoro’s and it twitches in excitement, the blond shudders at the contact. Zoro captures his lips into a kiss and Sanji loses himself in it. Sea salt and steel invade his senses, wiping his mind blank of every thought. Rough hands find their way to his slender hips, rubbing circles along the bone. Slim smaller fingers press against his hole, taking time to slather him in the same viscous liquid.

When Zoro breaks the kiss, Sanji opens his eyes, taking in the sight of the swordsman on top of him.

“You ready?”

He isn’t, but Sanji nods.

The blunt tip of Zoro’s cock on his hole startles him, and for the first time he begins to wonder how in the fuck he’s supposed to take all of it inside of him.

Then the push comes, a groan is ripped from his chest as Zoro breaches his tight hole for the first time. Sanji feels panic well inside of him. He’s going to be torn in two, there’s no doubt about it. The blond squirms in discomfort, and you’re quick to notice, kissing his tears away, interlacing your fingers with his.

“Shhh, it’s okay baby. You’re doing so good, such a good boy for us”

Zoro takes it at Sanji’s pace, allowing the blond to adjust to the stretch. One hand steadies his hip and the other strokes his calf, bringing it closer so the green haired man can press kisses into the pale skin.

Through the pain and panic, Sanji finds himself delusional. With his eyes closed and brain shut off, he imagines this is what it would be like to be loved by the both of you, drowning him in sweet nothings, soft kisses, and praises of what a good boy he is.

It takes a deliberate amount of self-control for Zoro to inch in slowly, the sight of Sanji’s greedy hole swallowing his shaft has anticipation pumping through his veins. He finds himself resisting the urge to pin the blond down and ravage him right there, to stretch his hole out so fully that it molds itself to the shape of Zoro’s cock and his alone. It isn’t long before he finds himself full sheathed, Sanji clenching around his dick, sending mind numbing pleasure into Zoro.  

He holds him there, offering more time to adjust as he holds the blond’s hips steady. Letting go of Sanji’s hand, you happily move into the mix of bodies, sitting on top of Sanji, a hand guiding his length into you. As the tip of his dick enters you, Sanji throws his head back, wailing into his fist as he tries to quiet himself. Slowly, you sink into his length, engulfing him with tight searing heat. You’re tighter than he expected. You lean back, pressing your back into Zoro’s muscle bound chest as you turn to give him a kiss. He moans into your mouth as your tongues meld into each other.

In need of friction, you start a slow pace, moving up and down on Sanji’s length.

“F-fuck, oh my fucking g-god, feels ‘sgood” Sanji slurs out, tongue lolling and mind blank.

Zoro pulls from your kiss to start pumping into Sanji, ever impatient he fucks the blond with aggression. Unabashedly, the swordsman lets out a groan at the feeling, Sanji gripping his cock like a vise.

“Yer so fucking tight for me babe”

The blond isn’t shy about making noises, screams and moans mixing together as they leave his mouth. Zoro’s finger’s dig into the man’s hips to gain more purchase as he thrusts particularly deep, punching the air out of Sanji’s lungs, his legs spasming as Zoro jabs into his prostate. His body seizes, eyes rolling to the back of his head as he babbles out nonsense.

Sanji can’t think, he can barely breath with Zoro’s cock bullying him out of air only for your tight pussy to greedily clench, only allowing him short gasps of breath. He loses himself entirely in the feeling of being thoroughly used by the two of you, drool leaking out of the side of his mouth as eyes stare unfocused.

Sanji’s dick curves and hits the most sensitive parts of you, brushing along your g-spot as you bounce up and down on him, desperately chasing your own high.

“S-sanji, your cock f-feels so good baby”

Your words begin to slur as you feel the beginnings of an orgasm gather in your loins.

Sanji is the first to cum, letting out a loud wail as he bucks his hips upward, shooting his cum deep inside of you. The feeling of his warm cum flooding you makes your eyes roll to the back of your head, you keep riding him through his orgasm, oversensitive cock still hard as you grind down on it, losing yourself in the pleasure of his spongy dick tip grinding into your cervix. Zoro’s hand snakes around your hips, fingers pinching and rolling your clit, sending fireworks of pleasure into your spine, you hold onto Sanji, nails digging deep. Zoro’s thrusts get deeper, rocking you and Sanji. His breathing is choppy, moans spilling out of his lips as Zoro chases his own high.

Fireworks burst behind your eyelids as you feel the orgasm wrack your body, tears gathering in your eyes as your moan stutters in your throat. Sanji whimpers as your pussy milks his oversensitive cock for more cum. Zoro’s arm wraps around your waist and the other on Sanji’s thigh as he pulls both of you closer, the coil buried deep in his belly threatening to snap. He picks up the pace, relentlessly hammering inside of Sanji, the movement causing Sanji’s dick to rub the sensitive tissue of your cervix, gushing out the cum deep inside of you. The tight friction of Sanji’s hole is delicious as Zoro gives the last few pumps before burying himself as deep as possible in the blond, head resting on the crook of your neck as he came. His loud groan is muffled in your skin, stars shoot across his vision as he paints Sanji’s walls white, belly clenching as he slowly rocks the last vestiges of his orgasm out.

The three of you fall on the bed in a mess of limbs, sweat, and body fluids. You’re out of it until you feel an arm wrapping around you, hazily recognizing it as Zoro’s, bringing you and Sanji closer to him. You press yourself into his side, craving the comfort of his embrace. Your head rests on his wide chest listening to the pounding heartbeat as he presses a kiss into your sweaty hairline.

Zoro’s heart feels full as he watches his two lovers, fully sated and thoroughly fucked, resting in his arms, the trust they put in him is implicit.

The peace is broken when Sanji breaks out of the embrace, getting out of the bed picking up pieces of various strewn about clothing. The action startles you and Zoro out of your post orgasm glow, the two of you sharing a confused look.

“Where the fuck are you going?”

Zoro’s voice cuts through Sanji’s soul. Steeling himself, he looks up at the two of you, still wrapped around each other, clearly comfortable - a comfort Sanji can’t indulge in lest he lose more of his heart.

“Ah. Well, I figured you guys had your fun, right?” he weakly chuckles.

The silence is deafening.

“No need for me to linger while you tw-“

“Sanji when we said we wanted you we meant all of you. You mean more to us than just sex, we adore you.”

His body tenses in surprise, the shock written all over his face.

Zoro leans forward, grabbing Sanji’s hand to pull him back into the mess of limbs.

“C’mere and cuddle us Sanji.”

Sanji sinks into the cuddle, hungry heart full for the first time in a long time.

©2023 lyriumcoloredskies do not repost, copy, translate, modify

[mari-lair]

Jay disclosed Eurylochus doesn't have a clear purpose, so he doesn't have an instrument of his own, using the voice of the crew as his instrument/purpose, said crew isn't happy with Odysseus, at all.

Cuts songs like "Cope with that" and even the way they go "Everything changed since Polites," during 'keep your friends close' show tension has been bubbling under the surface ever since people died under Odysseus's command.

Eurylochus does have a voice of his own and it tells us that he cares a lot but he gives up extremely quickly.

In the start of the musical, his first song is literally called "Luck Runs Out", brought to us during a storm he see no hope of defeating, claiming "Captain, we will capsize with thesе waves, our fleet will fail" and "We're taking too much damage to survive!" while everyone is trying to tilt the odds. Even the crew is trying, because they do not offer Eurylochus any backing vocals here, only shouting about the storm.

During Luck Runs Out, the crew song, Eurylochus always uses "We" amd "us" , except in these part, where there are no backing vocals, is just eurylochus:

"Please don't tell me you're about to do what i think you'll do"

"I just don't wanna see another life end You're like the brother I could never do without"

He is worried about himself and the crew but he is deeply worried about Odysseus too. He has far more respect and care for Odysseus than the rest of the crew.

During circe island he was going to admit he opened the wind bag, something the other men under Ody's command clearly wouldn't disclose, cause they have a impersonal relationship with Odysseus.

Speaking of the wind bag, since i'm already rambling, I always interpreted it as a choice for Eury. A choice to trust his captain (who ordered him to always be devout or 'we will all die on this') or his crew (If Eurylochus didn't open the bag another crew member would have, a lot of people were curious about the bag and annoyed Odysseus doesn't want to open it. The crew was not subtle. This was a crew choice.) and Eury chose to trust the crew, not his his friend, just like Odysseus chose not to trust his second in comand, staying awake for days and days instead.

Eury feels guilty for not trusting his captain but Ody still doesn't want to hear him/fully trust him, he dismiss his confession.

Puppeter is the song that highlight Eurylochus diferences from the crew. The crew went in with Circe, Eurylochus stayed outside, more wary or not as tempted, and once he noticed he dodged an incredible danger he chose to run instead of trying to help the man turned into pigs.

When odysseus say he'll stop Circe, I am confident the crew would encourage him, or at the very least, not argue with their captain on this, but Eurylochus is firmly against it, he does not want Odysseus to face this great danger. Is the same feeling of Luck Runs Out, "i can't lose you" but instead of pleading for Odysseus to change his mind, he is firm.

"No we don't

Look at all we've lost and all we've learned

Every single cost is so much more than what we've earned

Think about the men we have left before there are none

Let's just cut our losses, you and I, and let's run"

This is purely Eurylochus, no crew voices to be heard. He loves the crew, but Odysseus is more than his captain, he is an old friend, the most important in the crew. And he needs Ody to run with him.

"I can hear her still, and her voice deceives

What if she can’t be killed?

Will you choose to leave?"

Odysseus admit he doesn't know if Circe is a lost cause, but he still says "I have to try." and Eurylochus took that to heart.

The success on Circe's island seems to have make Eurylochus change his perspective, gaining appreciation for all of Odysseus attempts to keep people alive, even some for the ones that are considered clear failures by the crew. Cause at least Ody tried to not get anyone killed. He failed but he tried.

" When we fought the cyclops, you were quick to hatch a plan!" vs the initial "you relied on wit and people died on it"

The one who starts the direct call back to the lyrics of Luck Runs Out during Mutiny is Perimedes, after stabbing Odysseus.

"How are we supposed to trust you now? Now your time has come, your luck's run out Now, the time has come to shut you down You relied on wit and then we died on it"

This is sang without Eurylochus, who loss to Odysseys after his begging lead to nothing. He is so angry but he genuinely wants to be wrong. He wants to trust his captain.

"Tell me you did not know that would happen

Say you didn't know how that would end

Look me in the eyes and tell me, Captain

That you did not just sacrifice six men?"

Odysseus is doing what Eurylochus taught him, to just "cut our losses and run" but that is unforguivable, because it was never meant to be a lesson. Eurylochus had been lost when he had that belief. Is no wonder he can't argue when Odysseus says he would have done the same. His answer isnt a denial.

"If you want all the power you must carry all the blame!"

And that's when the chanting becomes a consistent part of the song. When Odysseus is reminder that he is the captain, they are not on the same level, his decision is the final one, it put the whole crew in danger.

(There is also one chant of 'eurylochus' when he says "then you have forced my hand" at Odysseus lack of excuse or explanation that feels worth pointing out. As if that is the moment where he and the crew start to share beliefs again)

I fully believe that when Odysseus was stabbed the crew would have let him bleed to death, but Eurylochus was the one who took a stance and bandaged him. He is really angry and he does agree with the crew's need to do something about this, but he doesn't want Odysseus to die, he still has that "You're like the brother I could never do without" stance.

He is lost again. He can't trust his captain, he give up on trying.

But this time, he isn't alone. The crew have given up too. Look at this, they are following his lead.

How much longer must I suffer now? How much longer must I push through doubt? How much longer must I go about My life like this, when people die like this?

vs

How much longer must we suffer now? How much longer must we push through doubt? How much longer must we go about Our lives like this when people die like this? Woah

That's why the "Ody we're never gonna get to make it home. You know it's true" Kills me. Everyone have given up.

The mutiny isn't what Eurylochus wanted. Once the anger pass he is just defeated. He is no captain. He is still loss. He is back to the beginning, he cares about people, he doesn't want to see them die, but he gives up. He is tired he is starving, he can't take it.

He doesn't believe they'll make it home alive, he doesn't want to try.

And yet... He doesn't let Ody die during the mutiny. He cares so much. So when Zeus gives Odysseus the choice to kill himself or the crew, it must really hurt to hear his captain, his friend, chose the crew.

There are no crew chants in Thunder Bringer, not in "captain...?" nor in "...but we will die", that's purely Eurylochus feelings, his friend. In fact, while the crew did obey Ody when he told them to run away from Helios Island, they haven't called him 'captain' since the mutiny, only Eury did.

[txtaetertots]

HOPELESSLY DEVOTED 62: the last curtain call

[ synopsis ] you’re trying to get into your dream school. beomgyu’s just trying to pass a class. the only way to ensure you both get what you want is to work together. very closely.

taglist (CLOSED): @heyanonymous123 @flrtsbin @anonella22 @chocorenchin @gyuszie @flowerbe0m @kaikamalover @n034sy @iactaid @suzirumas @pupkashi @choi-beomgyulvr @hearts4hanni @naveries @wccycc @wonioml @burminq @a55hie @wildesreblogs @kaewonie @online--princess @alixox @minkyungseokie @moa4lifeee @yeehawnana @peakaboostuff @txtistheloml @sieuneo @weyrrii @cookiehaos @vianna99 @akari-saka13 @crystal-jellies @veryjeongintxtkid @reiloml @mystiicturtle @sirpoopsalot @certifiedmoa @l0ve-joy @woncheecks @hellohuening @rainbowszi @yeonie137 @neoculturewhat @solstramaii @tocupid @cha0thicpisces @koeuh @iwaplant @lemons4u

Just as quickly as the spring production started, it came to an abrupt, deafening close. The cast and senior crew members lined the stage for their final bow, bathing in the cheers from their friends, family, and peers. Their last high school show truly encapsulated the dramatics, making it one to never forget. Some found it amusing while others found it rather traumatizing. It all depended on which end of the fire they were on, and YN found herself in the unique position of being in the center of it all.

Her ears were ringing, her body stiff and cold with sweat. YN couldn’t enjoy her last production because of how high the stakes were from the very start. It was bittersweet. She smiled brightly once more before taking a step forward and basking in the spotlight, relishing the moment while it lasted.

Drama club was the highlight of YN’s high school years. Despite the constant head-butting with Ahn Soojung or the tears she spent over learning her parts and attending every rehearsal while maintaining a top 20 academic performance. Drama club meant everything to her. It’s where she met some of her lifelong friends. It’s where she met the boy of her dreams. It was hard at times to persevere, but she wouldn’t trade it for anything.

Although her senior production was made difficult from the very beginning, she loved it for what it gave her. She didn’t think there was anything left for drama club to teach her after four years, but of course, it always knew how to surprise her. This was the year she learned what it meant to be courageous and fight for her honor. This was the year she learned to embrace spontaneity and open her heart.

YN stepped back, joining the rest of her cast mates once more, and watched the curtains of her high school stage close for the last time. As soon as the gap was dimmed, she felt herself suddenly lifted by her waist and immediately brought into a tight hug—a hug she recognized far too well as one of Beomgyu’s tender bear hugs.

Beomgyu beamed as he looked down at the smile on YN’s face, hands resting at her waist holding her close. Despite the chaos behind them—people crying, celebrating, hugging, running backstage, etc.—Beomgyu could only focus on YN’s glassy eyes and the feeling of her heart beating roughly against her back.

“I’m so proud of you,” he said softly, gazing into her eyes and watching how they smiled with the curve of her lips. “You worked so hard for this show and were so amazing from beginning to end.”

YN crashed herself into Beomgyu’s chest, tightening her arms around his waist. Her throat felt tight, trying to suppress the tears threatening to fall. The emotions were overwhelming, too many at once to process. Happiness from completing her final high school show, but also sadness from realizing it was all over. Relief over surviving the hell course since auditions, but disappointment remembering all the memories she’s been able to create with Beomgyu during the season stop here. But, it doesn’t mean they can’t make more in other sectors of life…

“Ahem,” Someone cleared their throat, trying to catch the couple’s attention.

YN and Beomgyu separated from each other, looking to the source of the sound and immediately lunging toward the familiar figure before them.

“Yeonjun!” They exclaimed, pulling the startled boy into their arms and squeezing him like they’d been reunited at last after years apart.

Yeonjun couldn’t hold back his grin, happily accepting the overwhelming amount of affection that he knew he would receive from the others as well. Once they stepped back, giving him his space once more, Yeonjun held out the now slightly crushed bouquet of flowers for YN to take.

“I wanted to congratulate you on a great performance this week,” he said softly, hands awkwardly stuffing into his pockets. “I also wanted to apologize for being kind of a dick lately. I caused a lot of distress, especially for you, Beomgyu, and I want you to know I’m really sorry.”

Beomgyu shook his head, immediately pulling Yeonjun back in for a tight hug. “We already went over this, hyung. It wasn’t all your fault.”

“Yeah, but,” Yeonjun tightened his grip, “I still hurt you.”

“You did,” Beomgyu sighed. “But, I forgive you. I wish you could forgive yourself, too.”

“Eventually,” Yeonjun said, giving Beomgyu a smile of reassurance. “But for now, I’m just gonna wallow until I make it up to you guys.”

“YEONJUN?!”

Yeonjun whipped his body around, startled by the sudden high-pitched call. Before he could even scan the room, he was hit by what felt like a truck and stumbled back onto the ground. Two pairs of arms wrapped themselves around him, pinning him down and practically suffocating him. It took a minute for him to process who it was, but as soon as it dawned on him, he returned the hugs tenfold. He laughed noticing the fake crying Taehyun and Kai were doing as they latched themselves onto him like they used to when they were kids.

“I thought you hated us,” Kai confessed.

“I could never hate you guys,” Yeonjun reassured. “I’m sorry, I just needed to process stuff on my own for a bit.”

“You don’t have to apologize,” Taehyun said. “We understand. We’re just glad you’re better now.”

YN stood smiling, watching the boys catch up and finally reconcile. She was brought out of her thoughts by a sudden pat on her shoulder. She turned her head and met with their drama club teacher, Mr. Kim. He smiled, asking her to follow him to his office. YN obliged, glancing over at Beomgyu briefly before walking with Mr. Kim. Beomgyu noticed them walking away together and felt his chest tighten. Could this be the moment they’ve been waiting for?

Her ears felt like they were pounding every step she took, trailing behind Mr. Kim’s quick strides. YN felt like she knew what this was about. It was a gut feeling, though she couldn’t deny this feeling too soon to find out the final decision.

YN carefully closed the door behind her as Mr. Kim made his way behind his desk and quickly logged on to his computer. YN sat down across from his desk, hands clasped in her lap as she took deep breaths to calm the unsettled nerves and throbbing sensation along her temples.

“I’m sure you know why I called you in, right?” Mr. Kim broke the silence, waiting for the login screen to finish buffering.

“The NYU decision?” YN said, voice filled with uncertainty.

“That and one other thing.”

YN furrowed her brows; what else could they need to talk about?

“We never got a chance to talk about what happened opening night,” Mr. Kim sighed.

“Oh,” YN’s shoulders tensed, causing her to shrink in her seat. “Shouldn’t… Soojung be here, too?”

“I’ve already talked to Soojung separately,” Mr. Kim cleared. “Considering the tension surrounding this situation, I thought it would be best to keep you two apart for the foreseeable future.”

“Can I ask what was said when you talked?” YN asked, eyes widened.

“I didn’t have to say much,” Mr. Kim leaned back in his chair. “Soojung decided to confess everything she had done that led up to this mess. In fact, she took full responsibility for what happened on opening night and for Yeonjun’s sudden departure.”

“She did?” YN was shocked, it wasn’t like Soojung to just give up and admit defeat like this, especially to Mr. Kim directly, considering the authority he had over her future in this situation.

“I know Soojung can be a handful,” Mr. Kim sighed, fiddling with his mouse searching for a specific window on his computer screen. “I’m not completely oblivious to what goes on amongst my students, you know? I hear things. I see things. I know things.”

Click. Click. Click.

“I’m sorry, Mr. Kim,” YN exasperated. “We should’ve gone to you for help as soon as we found out what was happening. We didn’t mean for things to spiral the way they did that night.”

Mr. Kim held up a hand, asking YN to settle down.

“I’m not going to punish you, YN,” he reassured. “You’re teenagers. I expect you to act like teenagers, and what you did was exactly what a group of stubborn teenagers would do. It’s not my place to tell you whether what you did was the right thing, as long as you feel like what you chose to do was the best thing you could’ve done with the situation you were dealt. I’m a strong believer in letting my students fight their own battles until they feel they’ve fought enough.”

He sighed, “I’m just glad no one got hurt. At least physically. I just hope you’ve all learned and grown from this.”

“What about Soojung?”

“You let me worry about Soojung,” Mr. Kim said, turning his computer screen to face YN. “You have other things to worry about.”

YN glanced over to the screen. Mr. Kim’s email was open, displaying his most recently received file—a letter from NYU.

“I thought they were going to send me an email directly?” YN froze, heart racing faster than the speed of light. She felt the pit of her stomach begin to churn, immediately expecting the worst as she stared blankly at the lengthy email on the screen.

“When two students from the same program are competing for a single opening, it’s their program director who receives and delivers the news,” Mr. Kim explained. “Soojung already got the news. Now, it’s your turn. Read the page, YN.”

YN felt her eyes well up with tears as she hesitated to begin:

Hello, Mr. Kim,

The NYU Tisch admissions board representatives were more than impressed by the stellar talent present in your drama department. We came to observe two students but were blown away by every performer we had the pleasure of watching. YLN YN and Ahn Soojung displayed an impressive range that reached far beyond their years. Both girls are riddled with talent and have bright futures in the world of performance arts. Unfortunately, due to the circumstances, we can only offer one student admission to the upcoming fall semester at NYU Tisch. The student we chose demonstrated a caliber of excellence and maturity that shined brighter than anyone we saw on that stage. Her charisma and passion captured our attention and kept us deeply engaged with her character until her final bow. It is with great pleasure and enthusiasm that we offer Ms. YLN YN the final opening at NYU Tisch for the coming Fall 20XX semester. We are looking forward to working with her in the years to come…

YN’s eyes widened, and she immediately looked over at Mr. Kim, who was grinning from ear to ear.

“I got in?!”

“Congratulations, YN. I’m extremely proud of you,” Mr. Kim smiled, standing up and holding out his hand.

YN jumped up from her seat, grabbing a hold of Mr. Kim’s hands and tightly squeezed them between her own. “Mr. Kim, I couldn’t have done this without your years of guidance. Thank you so much! How could I ever repay you?!”

“Let’s say tickets to your first Broadway production will call it even,” he smiled.

YN nodded in agreement, filled with joy and much-needed relief. It was over. And in the end, she seemingly won this multi-year feud with Ahn Soojung. She reigned victorious. Yet, it somehow felt far from being officially over. There was still more that needed to be done before she could finally appreciate the long-awaited peace. This was just one piece of her future finally falling into place.

[ note ] this took forever and a half to write up and it’s not even long bye see you tomorrow 💀

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[cartograffiti]

An intro to the historical Zheng Yi Sao

Ruibo Qian's character in Our Flag Means Death is based on a real person, though like all its real pirates, she is a loose interpretation. In particular, the real Zheng Yi Sao wasn't born until 57 years after the real Blackbeard died!

In real life, she lived from 1775 to 1844. She was known by a variety of names; her birth name is usually given as Shi Yang. Zheng Yi Sao is the name most often used, which literally means "the wife of Zheng Yi" (more on him later), and you may also see variations like Ching Shih or Madam Cheng, depending on transliteration. Calling her Zheng, as Oluwande does, is good, or ZYS in fandom chat, but if fic writers crave a more personal connotation for a scene, Yang is a good choice for a given name consistent with the real woman. It's like the difference between Mr. Buttons and Nathaniel.

She was born in the Guangdong province, and many bios of her claim she worked on one of the boat brothels there, but this is speculation only.

When she married Zheng Yi, he was a successful member of a pirating dynasty, working as a privateer for emperors of Vietnam. The couple collaborated to unite six different pirate fleets operating off the Guangdong coast into a confederation, sealed with an agreement signed by the captains of each. Zheng Yi was informally recognized as the overall leader of the confederation until his death in a storm two years after the signing.

Zheng Yi Sao had the respect of other key figures in the alliance, and her smooth assumption of leadership was followed by a period of huge success and expansion for the pirate confederation, driving the Chinese government to desperation. This is where her reputation as a pirate "queen" comes from in real life, though I'm excited to see where the show goes with her fictional conquest of China!

In 1810, Zheng Yi Sao recognized that the confederation faced internal fractures and additional opposition, as Portuguese and British military forces allied with Chinese ships, so she led the confederation to bow out on a high, and use their immense power to bargain for a peaceful retirement, surrendering ships and weapons for pardons, supplies, and money. Although it's fictional that her crew was predominantly women, when Zheng Yi Sao surrendered, she did so accompanied by a delegation wholly composed of women and children who belonged to the confederation. At that time, the confederation consisted of 226 ships, 24 of which personally reported to Zheng Yi Sao.

If you're doing the math, she was only in her mid-thirties, and was far from done with life. She remarried, to one of her former captains, Zhang Bao, and accompanied him to the Penghu Islands, where he commanded a garrison. After his death, she returned to Guangdong and had another career of twenty-odd years, becoming the owner of a casino until her death at age 68 or 69 (nice).

She was one of the most successful pirates in history, both because of her power and her ability to survive it. I think she's neat as hell, and so have a lot of fiction writers! You might have encountered versions of her, or characters inspired by her, before, in things like Pirates of the Caribbean, the Bloody Jack novels, Assassin's Creed, and Doctor Who. It's fun to see a form of her in this! We can expect her arc to progress differently, but I hope having some context will help.

The most helpful things to note for the rest of the season for ofmd fans will be that Zheng is her surname, she wasn't really a contemporary of the other historical figures, and that her connection to sex work should not be treated as a fact, whether you want to include it in this fictional interpretation or not.

[freds-one-piece-fics]

Straw hats x reader: How it begins hc

-you first meet the straw hats when visiting a town, looking for a place to work and have stability.

-today was your first day of your job, after a lot of convincing that you could handle the tough activities you’d be paid to do.

-your large figure definitely drew eyes but it wasn’t what caught the crew’s attention.

-nope. It was the absolute unit of a massive tree you were carrying with one arm while the other was occupied by a cart full to the brim with logs that would normally be pulled by 4 horses.

-it wasn’t hard to miss either with every town dweller making space for you while side eyeing you nervously.

-Luffy was the first (and at the moment only person) to approach you with such enthusiasm.

-it surprised you for sure, but you tried to mimic half the enthusiasm out of politeness.

-“greetings sir, lovely weather we’re having?”

-“it’s really cold actually.”

-his bluntness was another little surprise, but you found it amusing nonetheless. It’s nice to have a friendly chat with someone for once, outside of work, of course.

-speaking of, you couldn’t stay too long, and although you could hold these logs all day, you’d rather not waste time.

-so you leave him be, thinking it’d be the last time you two would speak.

-well you were wrong.

-This time you’d meet the straw hat’s crew consisting of a red head navigator, a long nosed sharp shooter, a blonde chef, a mossy green swords man, and a cute little reindeer.

-turns out their boat was a little worn, nothing too expensive, but definitely wouldn’t survive the places they’d be going.

-the swordsman, reindeer, and the long nosed man were skeptical when meeting you, the deer and long nose were for fear reasons, the greenie was mostly suspicious but also somewhat uninterested.

-you didn’t find this weird though, you were use to it, however you didn’t know that they were judging your every move because their captain put you on the “going to make my nakama” list.

-gotta make sure your future crewmate isn’t bad news, y’know?

-after they hang around, waiting for their ship to get some small repairs, some of the crew members eventually start talking.

-the blonde chef man was one of the first (other than Luffy) to actually introduce himself. He was very courteous, always offering to bring you and the red head a drink even after you declined politely the 5th time.

-the skittish man and deer would test the waters, waiting for Luffy and Sanji to start the conversations before getting comfortable enough to have small chatter.

-Chopper was pretty happy to not be called a little dog for once, and appreciated you not treating him like… an animal? Even though he is technically an animal, he appreciates not getting treated as less…

-and Usopp found a lot of what you are working with fascinating, adding his own tidbits and insights about certain tools you were holding in that moment.

-you knew nothing of what he said.

-although it seemed like it, you weren’t an engineer, but you were useful when it came to positioning hard-to-move parts.

-but despite not looking at them as you held a large, heavy beam for another coworker to hammer on tight, you listened carefully and answered every other question.

-you were actually pleasant to talk to.

-each day, the crew would get comfortable, hanging out in the ship area to overlook the process despite the town having more than enough activities.

-you weren’t sure why they would hang out here when there wasn’t much to do other than to watch, but you appreciated the company.

-the red head did leave to check out the shops the first few days, but she did get to talking to you, and she mentally regretted not talking to you sooner.

-you were so nice despite doing all this work, getting your ear talked off, and she actually felt heard. You understood her frustration with the men throwing away money getting everyone into trouble.

-it was nice to be around someone who isn’t yelling 24/7 despite being within earshot.

-then you reach the last day.

-the goat boat is finished with some nice touches.

-you’re prepared to send the crew their way, telling them the ship was in good condition thanks to your coworkers before Zoro finally speaks to you directly.

-“why not go out for a drink, eh? A little thank you for helping with the ship.”

-you almost decline, saying you only move stuff around when the others start to chime in enthusiastically.

-“yeah! I wanna go eat at that restaurant I spotted near the food market area! It’s fun chatting with you and we don’t wanna leave without a send off!” Nami said with a lot of cheer in her voice

-“plus… I’ll pay.”

-well shit. When she puts it like that…

-you accept, while she turns to tell Zoro that the feast would be added to his tab.

-he didn’t like that.

-anyways, y’all go and get drunk and fueled up.

-Zoro challenges you to a drinking contest, which you accept out of politeness (much to the dismay of the other more sane crew members).

-much to their shock, you actually out drink Zoro.

-he’s heavily drunk but is conscious enough to not pass out or make a completely stupid decision.

-and you sat there, only buzzed.

-“it’s genetics.” You dismissed.

-it wasn’t a lie, it definitely was, but it wasn’t naturally occurring…

-anywho! You’re just about ready to leave to get back to your workplace to catch some sleep when Luffy stopped you.

-you know what comes next…

-“become my Nakama!”

-you sit there, almost stunned.

-how do you answer that???

-“…no?”

-cue the silence.

-“…you don’t wanna be our friend?” your veins completely iced over when the little deer looked at you tearfully.

-“n-no- I mean I enjoy being your friends, but I just started a job here.”

-“the job where you only follow orders and do nothing else? Sounds boring.”

-there’s the bluntness once again. Typical Luffy.

-but it does make you uncomfortable for a few different reasons…

-“it doesn’t seem like much of a life if I’m completely honest. It doesn’t seem like others are interested in having a conversation with you outside of work”

-Sanji immediately snaps at Zoro for the comment, but you did take in what he said.

-you listened. And you knew it was true.

-this job… wasn’t really what you wanted. You escaped with the intention to never follow orders like a trained dog ever again.

-you only wanted it because you needed to have… something.

-so you find yourself mildly convinced.

-mildly.

-“you have enough beds, correct?”

-it really didn’t take much convincing, did it?

-so there you all went, sailing into the unknown. Not knowing just what a mistake you may have made from simply giving in to the smallest of pressure…

~~~~~~~~~~~

Woo this was a rough start lmao.

I haven’t wrote hcs in a long time, so this is gonna be awkwardly written 👍 but I’ll get a hang of it again

[gotta-winwin]

PERSONAL BACKGROUND ~

word count : 674 words TW : mentions of bullying, the use of the word whore, death threats, injuries, generational trauma

Cyana Yue was born on Dec. 27 1999 in Vancouver, BC Canada to a middle-class family - her mom, Stephanie Lu and her father, Joseph Yue.

1999 - 2016

Cyana's childhood years were peaceful and quiet. Residing in a quiet neighbourhood close to the city, Cyana grew up surrounded by nature and adults. She found it difficult to make long lasting friends, often dismissed or discouraged from "stepping out of her place." Her parents were good parents, although misguided and practiced traditional beliefs that limited Cyana's confidence growing up. Beauty had always been a standard she was expected to uphold since a young age. Having been scouted by an acting agency in middle school, the family uprooted and moved to LA to pursue Cyana's career as a child star. This career was not chosen by her however, Cyana longed for the normalcy that Vancouver gave her and fought hard to stay. The dream of becoming famous had always been her mother's dream - not hers.

2016 - 2019

Cyana spent her time in LA acting as a child star for Disney Junior, featuring in TV shows alongside other famous actors. She dreaded going in for work each day, having to paste on a stupid smile and put on a show for the crew filming her. Still attending school, Cyana found it hard to fit in alongside her classmates in LA. She endured harsh bullying throughout her high school years, the kind that was enough to hurt but not enough to call out. Feeling betrayed, lonely and defeated, Cyana turned to music and dancing as a way out. The dance studio was often the only place where she felt truly at home and could be 100% herself unapologetically.

2019 - Present

When her talent for dancing and singing reached the ears of Pledis Entertainment, Cyana was overjoyed. She knew it was strange that the company wanted her to be in their already famous boy group SEVENTEEN, but she could not bring herself to care much about it. Joining seventeen would be her ticket out of Disney, out of LA. So, despite her parents protests, she accepted the offer to join seventeen, flying to Korea for the first time all by herself. Debut was hard for Cyana, she expected it to be. She knew the pressures that would come with the role, how the media would paint her as some attention-seeking whore, that dating rumours would be spread whenever she so much as glanced towards another member. She knew they would discredit all her hard work purely because she was a girl. She knew Pledis had only wanted her as a marketing ploy. She knew all of this but she still persevered because she needed this. She was grateful for how welcoming most of the members were to her, she knew it couldn't have been easy, accepting a new member that was bound to shake things up. She worked with all her might, putting in double the effort expected from her to prove all the skeptics wrong. However, what she didn't expect was how long the hate was going to persevere. And what came with the hate: the death threats, the attempts to injure her, the strain all the attention put on her mental and physical health. She was glad for the support the boys gave her through it all, crediting them as the only reason she was able to survive and become the idol she was today. Currently, Cyana is soaring through new heights with seventeen as they reach goals they've only dreamed of reaching before. Although the quell of haters remains, Cyana has found her solace in her members and Carats, maturing into a grown woman who knows her rightful place and can defend herself and those she loves when necessary. Looking back through it all, Cyana remains adamant that she doesn't regret a single thing. If given the chance to choose again, she'd go through all those tough days tenfold if it meant she'd still be able to debut in seventeen and have the family she has now.

[phoenix--flying]

What’s the Gaea/Final fight au? 👀

ehe sOOO

Its an AU where Ethan survives the war, he and Al had gotten into an argument prior to the Andromeda that was put on hold because of it and then following the war/massacre they start arguing again.

Ethan is angry that Alabaster didn't back down even after Kronos was defeated, and caused more bloodshed. Alabaster accuses him of treason, etc, etc. It goes on for quite a while with them very much insulting each other, Ethan brings up Al's fatal flaw, Al brings up Nemesis' mistreatment, etc, etc. It goes on and on until Ethan pulls his sword out which leads to a whole ass sword fight.

Of course, the other army members are watching all of this, and hadn't seen fit to step in before the swords were drawn, as arguments were quite frequent and got more and more frequent as the war went on, but they were never physical.

As they tried to intervene, one of them managed to get Als sword out of his hand and incapacitate him from fighting back, not that Ethan processed that before he attacked again. He ended up slicing Al's jugular which caused him to bleed out. Seeing all of that sort of flipped a switch in Ethans mind, and he began panicking, trying to save Al despite his already being dead. In the end, the other army members ended up dragging him off Als body, but not before Ethan could snag one of his rings.

Thats where the Final Fight name is from, buttt

fun fact before we continue; Alabaster was sent to punishment in the Underworld, and his punishment was an endless scenario in which his siblings/loved ones are hunting him on the Princess Andromeda.

Ethan winds up at Camp Jupiter with the help of Hecate after sacrificing an eyepatch of his that Alabaster stitched protection runes into. Originally when she demanded a sacrifice he thought she wanted his other eye 💀 He's also constantly plagued by nightmares, where no matter what happens he ends up killing Alabaster, and as time goes on hes forgetting details and such about Alabaster.

When Percy/The Argo crew shows up, he gets yoinked because he'd previously promised Percy he'd return to Camp Half-Blood. He did end up telling Annabeth about what happened with Alabaster, she was not happy 🤗 She was angry, being passive aggressive with Ethan which confused the fuck out of Percy and the others who didn't know what happened or who Alabaster even is.

Now, of course Gaea would have to come into play somehow, or else why would we call it the Gaea au. Right? Right! She revives Alabaster 🤗

Of course, Ethan doesn't know this, how would he? He is blissfully unaware that Alabaster isn't in the Underworld until he goes along with Hazel and Leo to get the sheet of bronze from Narcissus, only to find Gaea has deployed her dear little son of Hecate to act as a guard.

When they arrive to the pond, they're knocked to the ground by an unknown force, and thenn 🤭

Alabaster technically ends up winning, disarming Ethan and putting him on the ground. But he doesn't kill him.

Alabaster also appears with Otis and Ephialtes, posing as a guard for Nicos jar, hes not very good at that job though. When Nico is released, Alabaster puts a protection rune on his back and gets him out of the way before almost immediately attacking Ethan 💀

They run into him again in the House of Hades while fighting Clytius and Pasiphaë, alongside Lamia. Alabaster winds up stabbing Jason after he got in the way of his and Ethans fight. Although Alabaster has had countless opportunities and openings to kill Ethan, he chooses not to. An action that's not gone unnoticed by Lamia, and eventually leads her to trying to kill him as she views it as treason 🤗

With Alabaster injured and incapacitated, Ethan decides to drag his ass onto the Argo so hes just kinda there now. Lotta drama nobody aside from Annabeth trusts him as he's tried to kill Ethan countless times 💀 🙏 Alabaster is flighty and unpredictable, Ethan and Annabeth are the only ones who try to talk to him, Annabeth is the only one he allows near him as he lashes out whenever Ethan comes into the sickbay which is where hes been stuck. He's impatiently waiting for the crew to kill him because why else would he be here 💀

ALSOOO, as many of these aus are this is v much snatched and curated w @everythingwasalreadypicked bc what else is new LDFMKN

[to-a-merrier-world]

One Piece x Daemon AU

Straw Hat Pirates' Daemons

Luffy - Peregrine Falcon (separated by DF): Settling abnormally young—at only 7 years old when Shanks gave him his hat—Luffy’s daemon is associated with freedom, intuition, and bravery. The fastest bird in the world, these falcons are also associated with a number of gods, including the sun god Ra and the sky god Horus, and are sometimes considered king of the birds. Luffy’s daemon shape was heavily influenced by his Devil Fruit and the strength of his personal goals/dreams, since his own personality is already very open, honest, and straightforward (thus, he already bares his soul to the world, even without a daemon). The small size of his daemon also often leads others to underestimate him.

Zoro - Wolf-Dog: Is anyone surprised? Zoro’s daemon reveals his nature as a mix of wild animal and loyal pet. While dog daemons are associated with servitude, wolf daemons are neither docile nor friendly (to most strangers, at least). I found this mix of loyalty, wildness, ferocity, and an orientation towards pack/protection to be a good fit for Zoro. (Especially cause everyone calls him Luffy’s loyal attack dog anyway😛). (During the time skip, Zoro separated with his daemon under Mihawk’s instruction.)

Nami - Red Fox: Foxes have it all—associated with tricksters and hoarders, cuteness and sexiness, aggression and playfulness, Nami’s daemon works well with here, both when they’re trying to survive under Arlong and as Luffy’s navigator. While sometimes associated with thieves, foxes are also known as spirits who help those in need (and punish those who are arrogant). The fox is also sometimes depicted as a guide between worlds, perfect for a navigator.

Usopp - Great Horned Owl: Usopp is the only crew member whose daemon isn’t settled before joining. His daemon settles after Ennie’s Lobby, but prior to that, she often took the form of a cape hare. Associated with wisdom, intuition, self-actualization, and victory in battle, I chose an owl for Usopp in part b/c I wanted to relate and contrast him with Luffy (both birds of prey). I also chose an owl b/c of they’re “silent killers”—appropriate for a sniper! (During the time skip, Usopp would train to separate with his daemon, but ultimately only stretched their bond, unable to fully separate.)

Sanji - Slender Mongoose: This daemon is associated with boldness, rebellion, and resourcefulness, and they’re known for taking on predators that are much bigger and badder than them (look up the mongoose vs lion confrontation!). Mongoose are also considered a protector of gods, and can be very cooperative and family-oriented. I chose a mongoose in-part because of their unassuming, rodent-like appearance (and also for the mental image of Sanji cooking with his cute mongoose daemon hanging around his neck).

Chopper - Anna's Hummingbird (separated by DF): One of the only hummingbird species that sticks around during winter, this daemon is associated with luck, healing, life, and tenacity. Chopper’s daemon appeared after he ate his Devil Fruit (and gained a human soul), and settled after Hiriluk’s death. In part, I chose this hummingbird for its pink head and b/c it’d be really cute perched on Chopper’s antler.

Robin - Spotted Hyena (separated by DF): While they’re associated with evil, impurity, and stupidity, the hyena is actually an intelligent, nurturing, and courageous animal. Settling young, only a short year after her escape from Ohara, Robin’s daemon is a reflection of both who she is and who people believe her to be. Her daemon’s form was also taken for protection—for much of her life, Robin needed a daemon who could fight back when their backs were to a wall. Luckily, once she joins the Straw Hats, she and her daemon finally find the family group they’ve been looking for, where their kindness can flourish.

Franky - Painted Dog: Franky is by no means the type to have a domesticated dog daemon, but as someone who is family-oriented, friendly, and playful (and tough as hell), a wild painted dog is a good fit. After being hit by the sea train, Franky’s daemon ended up heavily scarred, giving her a fierce look.

Brook - White Satin Moth (separated by DF): With delicate, all-white wings, these moths are often seen as symbols of loved ones visiting from the afterlife. Prior to their death, though, Brook’s daemon was a mourning dove, chosen both for the symbolism of death/mourning and because they have my favorite bird call. Imagine the duets when they were alive…

Bonus (under Read more): Ace, Sabo, Shanks, & Law! Plus, some world-building thoughts:

Ace - Lion (separated by DF): While a large, threatening predator, lions are also one of the few big cats that typically live in family groups. Ace’s daemon took this form both as a form of defense, as well as misdirection—they deeply crave family, connection, and acceptance, but can be held back by their own anger and distrust. Lions are associated with royalty, but are not associated with pirates the way bird daemons are.

Sabo - Caracal: Associated with being protectors of gods, I mostly chose a caracal for their unique jumping (reminded me of Sabo’s fighting style) and the cute ears. Both he and Ace have individualistic/loner personalities that lend them towards cat daemons, but unlike Ace, Sabo is less concerned with a family connection. Caracals are associated with both hunting and protection. (Also, I can definitely see Sabo’s daemon playing with Luffy’s by jumping to catch them^^)

Shanks - Raven (separated): One of the smartest birds around, ravens are often known as harbingers of death and doom. They are also known to communicate with other ravens about who friends and foes are, and will be friendly or hostile accordingly. Shanks and his daemon separated the traditional way, by purposeful stretching of the bond until it broke.

Law - Black-footed Cat (separated by DF): I know, I know, everyone gives him a snow leopard, which I respect, but!! This cat is the deadliest wild cat in the world with the highest kill count. Deceptively small and cute, they are known for their tenacity, bravery, and ferocity. For Law, I wanted to highlight his upbringing as the child of 2 doctors & his connection to Cora—he had a normal childhood, before everything fell apart, but his experiences surviving in Flevance and with Cora led him to a smaller, quieter daemon that wouldn’t draw attention. Also, while fierce and dangerous, Law can still be quite cute, imo🥰. And with such a small/non-threatening looking daemon, Law would tend towards hiding them, making himself appear more threatening (as people are naturally off-put by a lack of daemon).

World-building:

When a person eats a Devil Fruit, the power also applies to their daemon. (Ex: When Bon Clay mimics someone's face, his daemon can also mimic their daemon.)

When a person eats a Devil Fruit, they and their daemon are separated. Unlike the traditional and artificial methods of stretching and separating from one’s daemon, Devil Fruit separation is largely painless.

Daemons can use haki, but it is very difficult, requiring training.

It's highly stigmatized in most of the world for daemons of strangers to touch, including in fights. Pirates' daemons, however, are often seen fighting each other. However, even among pirates, it's taboo to touch another's daemon without permission.

Bird daemons are stigmatized due to their association with piracy during the pirate era (Gol Roger's daemon was a golden eagle). (Each of the Straw Hats who have/had bird daemons do so because their dreams involve being a pirate specifically.)

All races in OP have externalized souls (ex: Minks have visible auras that can interact with each other. Fishmen/merpeople have sentient water—think Moana—that follows them or is kept in special jewelry.)

[dreadfutures]

wrote this up in a flurry after this post today

This is noncanonical but based on vibes and certain things from the DA4 stuff + Tevinter Nights, so if you’re wary of that, stay out! :)

For @dadrunkwriting

AU: #shadows in the sun: first lifetime!Ixchel Lavellan survives her poison and continues to fight.

- Ixchel has been incredibly depressed since Corypheus’s defeat. Few people, if any, have seen her smile in the past several years. Ixchel was trained as a two-handed Champion in DAI. - unnamed Crow Rook for this one is she/her I guess. - shameless Princess Bride reference.

It had been Rook’s idea when they first all got together: each member of the team had unique strengths, unique skills, and they needed to share. Emmrich and Bellara shared a day, but Neve, Harding, Taash, Lucanis, Davrin, and Rook had their own time to hold the team captive and impart their skills one way or another. Emmrich and Bellara’s lessons skewed to the academic—or esoteric, at least—in regards to the challenges the Veilguard faced across Thedas and in battle, while the others tended to focus on combat.

Rook supposed she had done a good job of instilling discipline in the team, because despite the Inquisitor’s surprise arrival the night before, everyone had gathered in the dining hall bright and early for Lucanis’s hour of instruction. The table and chairs had been cleared to give them space to spar, presumably, and he had scrounged up a bunch of practice swords from… somewhere. Perhaps their last trip to Minrathous? Or maybe he’d had Davrin whittle them to shape.

Either way, Lucanis had set aside the knives for this week’s lesson and was going to put them through their paces in dueling. It wasn’t really Rook’s cup of tea; her role as a Crow usually saw her in protection details, or infiltrating marks’ inner circles in far less flashy ways. But like any good Crow, a rapier felt at home in her hand and she was not about to let Lucanis Dellamorte accuse her of growing rusty.

One thing Rook had offered to get her team on board with the potentially embarrassing and exhausting training schedule was that Rook would always go first. Break the ice, make a fool of herself, serve as an example, whatever it might be for the day.

Today’s session began with a surprisingly polite duel. Lucanis went slow, using her as an example and pausing frequently to explain things to the rest of the crew. Every time he gave her that look, she dutifully froze, and tried not to let it show how her heart swelled with pride and something else when he pointed out aspects of her stance or how she had struck her blows.

By the end she was quite ready for a real duel, but Lucanis simply gave her a cordial bow and beckoned Neve up for her turn.

Disappointed, Rook went to go get some water from the pitcher someone had brought, and as she straightened up again she was surprised to find the Inquisitor watching their lesson from the doorway. No one had noticed her, apparently, but she was not making any particular effort to be hidden. After a moment of debate, Rook went over to greet her.

“They’ve taken to calling him a mage killer,” Ixchel Lavellan mused in her raspy voice, not looking away from the training session even once. “They give you a fun name?”

Rook scoffed. “They don’t do such things for someone from the cuchillos.”

Ixchel’s eyebrows raised by just a hair, lashes flickering only slightly. She still kept her milky eyes—the eyes of a dead woman, Rook was still unnerved by them—on the lesson. “But you’re not just someone from the cuchillos,” she said. “Not if you’re here.”

Rook shrugged at that. “You were at one point just someone,” she said. “So they say.”

“So they say,” Ixchel echoed and fell silent. Rook understood the conversation was over, but she stayed there at the Inquisitor’s side for the remainder of the training session. It felt… wrong, to leave the Herald of Andraste to stand by herself in the back of a room with no pomp or circumstance.

Rook’s presence at the door did draw the eyes of the others after a while, and it was amusing to see how their spines straightened when they realized just who was watching.

The only person who didn’t immediately start to sweat was Harding, who by rights should have been the most nervous, going last. Rook didn’t know Harding’s full history with the Inquisitor, but she had heard the Inquisitor threaten Harding were she to ever talk about “the elfroot thing,” so Rook assumed the two young women knew each other at a level far beyond the facade of Herald.

Harding performed excellently with Lucanis, who had truly put everyone through their paces. Lucanis even gave her a rare compliment: “Quick study!” that made Harding snicker.

She wiped sweat from her eyes and shot a breathless grin over at Lavellan. “Gotta be quick to keep up with her,” she said good-naturedly.

“See, that’s why I slowed down,” Lavellan quipped in return. She shifted her weight coolly from one side to the other, raising her short left arm with a teasing air. “Got to give everyone a fighting chance.”

“Oh really?” Harding asked, putting one hand on her hip. “I don’t believe that for a second, ‘Chel. C’mon.”

Before anyone could react, she had tossed the practice sword across the room—and Ixchel Lavellan caught it in her right hand.

“Good luck, buddy,” Harding said cheerfully to Lucanis, who frowned in confusion.

Ixchel’s first step had a note of hesitance in it, but it seemed that one step was enough to convince her not to back down. She shouldered past Harding without a trace of hard feelings, making Harding grin, and squared off with Lucanis.

Harding took her place by Rook. “Don’t go easy on her, Dellamorte,” Harding called. “And I know he’s pretty, Lavellan, but don’t go easy on him either.”

Lucanis put a hand on his chest and gave Harding a sweeping bow. “I accept the compliment. I think.”

“In guardia?” Ixchel asked, the tip of her wooden sword hanging supernaturally still in the air. Even Taash’s had floated, uncertain of what mark to take; Lavellan had chosen hers and would not waver. Her arm was strong, Rook noted.

Rook also noted that Ixchel was practiced in Antivan.

“Never leave a lady waiting, Dellamorte,” Rook called. “What would your grandmother say?”

Lucanis gave her a dirty look but quickly turned his attention back to Ixchel.

“In guardia,” Rook said loudly, and Lucanis took up his position. “Pronti?” The duelists nodded each. “A voi.”

The Inquisition’s money had not gone to waste, Rook thought as the duel began; they had afforded some of the best combat instructors—and language teachers, and etiquette lessons, and probably everything—to make the Inquisitor into a force to be reckoned with on any stage or field. Even in skirts as she wore now, she moved with confidence and sure feet and never became entangled. Her reflexes were lightning quick, responding with both precision and grace to every salvo and overture Lucanis pitched.

“Lucky that she didn’t lose her dominant hand,” Rook said quietly, and Harding made a surprised sound.

“Oh, no,” she said. “Inquisitor Lavellan was left handed.” She gave Rook a laughing smile. “I’ll be sure to let her know you couldn’t tell. She’ll be stoked.”

Rook stared at the fight with new appreciation, nay, admiration. Lucanis and Ixchel had each scored a point, and both had fixed expressions of deadly concentration on their faces as they sought the upper hand. It was hard to track the movement of Ixchel’s eyes, clouded over from what Rook had been told was some illness, but apparently it made no difference to her ability to see; in contrast, Lucanis’s eyes darted all over the place, imagining where blows could begin and end, ready for any inevitability. He flitted about like a bird, but Ixchel moved like the breeze that carried him and blocked every move.

It took a few more trades for Rook to realize Lucanis had indeed stopped holding back. His thrusts were more decisive, carried more weight behind them, but it made no difference. Ixchel’s footwork was solid, and her parries exacting.

Someone had trained her very well indeed.

Ixchel batted aside Lucanis’s next blow and then stepped closer, foot hooking behind his ankle to tug him briefly off-balance. He landed flat-footed with his arm outstretched and Ixchel tucked neatly against his chest, her rapier choked beneath his chin.

By all rights, the match was won, but Ixchel simply blew a stray lock of his hair out of his face, then spun away under his arm and took up her position just a sword’s length away, ready for another round.

Lucanis was starting to breathe heavily, and when he sank into a stance now, it was not the formal academic dueling stance he had been practicing with before.

Ixchel adjusted her grip with a smirk that twisted her scarred face gruesomely, tossing her hair.

“A voi,” she said herself, and Lucanis launched at her like a hawk whistling toward its prey.

“Oh-ho, there she is!” Harding crowed, and the rest of the Veilguard turned to gawk at her for a moment before gluing themselves back to the match. But Rook knew what Harding meant, and why the shock of it all had overcome her to the point of shouting. This wasn’t the practice duel it had started as—it wasn’t even an exhibition. This was a no-holds-barred sparring match.

A legend against a legend.

“You must expect me to attack with Capoferro,” Lucanis teased, lunging forward with his arm extended.

“Naturally,” Ixchel replied quickly, stepping off the line of his strike, “but I find that Thibault cancels out Capoferro.”

She gave Lucanis’s free hand, extended for balance, a whap on the knuckles for good measure, and he swiftly drew his arm behind his back. Ixchel grinned now that they were matched, arm for arm, and went on a swift offensive. She drove Lucanis back several steps before he caught a second wind, ducking under her arm to drive his sword toward her undefended rib.

Both of Ixchel’s feet left the floor as she threw herself around his side, staying firmly out of reach of his blade and never once giving him her back even as she placed herself at his.

She could not get far behind him, and he twisted lithely on the spot to thrust up again at her from his almost-kneeling position. She stepped closer, narrowly dodging the tip of his blade, and brought her elbow down on the soft spot between his shoulder and neck.

He grunted in pain but did not buckle, executing instead an elegant backward roll to put more space between them.

“You have a lot of tricks, for a Chevalier,” he said, the strain in his voice perhaps evident only to Rook.

Ixchel threw her head back and laughed. It was a surprisingly girlish sound and reminded Rook that the Herald was young, younger than Harding. The suspicious jab from Lucanis hit Ixchel like the height of flattery, and as her laughter eased, the smile on her face was genuine.

“You’re not the first Crow who’s tried to take down the Inquisitor,” she said, wiping her temple on her the sleeve of her lost arm. “And I am no Chevalier.” Her smile turned fierce as she squared off again. “I am a Champion.”

A subtle motion at Rook’s side drew her gaze, and she found Harding covering her mouth. Her eyes were shining with tears, but she was trying to hide a smile.

She caught Rook looking and blinked rapidly. “No one’s heard her laugh in years,” she whispered. “I haven’t seen her smile in… In…”

She glanced back at Ixchel, who was utterly focused on wearing Lucanis’s stamina down with unrelenting, precise, and forceful advances.

“Since the Exalted Council?” Rook guessed quietly.

“Since Corypheus,” Harding admitted.

Rook’s blood went cold at the thought of so many mirthless years—a thought made even heavier by the grief in Harding’s own voice. “We did our best,” Harding said. “We’re really friends, but… No matter what friends you add, they never replace the ones you lose, do they? And she… lost more than most. Every friend she’d ever had.”

Pieces of the puzzle named Ixchel Lavellan, the Dalish Herald of Andraste, leader of a Chantry Inquisition, were slotting into place in Rook’s mind, and she did not like the picture. “That was ten years ago,” Rook murmured. “She was just a kid.”

“We both were,” Harding admitted. “But I had a family to write home to, a place to return to if I wanted after everything was over, and she— she…”

“Had nothing.”

Rook clenched her fists.

At one point in her life, she would have considered the Crows her family. No matter what personal grief might befall her out in the field, as long as she did her job, she had open arms to return to.

That time in her life was over. The Crows viewed her as nothing more than a tool to be discarded when her usefulness ran out, and she was glad to be out from under any contracts or expectations from her House. The Veilguard looked to her as a leader, yes, but as a friend too—a friend whose affection and support wasn’t contingent on continued usefulness.

When this was all over, Rook had started to have fond thoughts of the life she’d lead. Maybe she’d go dragon hunting with Taash. Or check out that whole cheese farming situation Harding had joked about.

She had options. Comfortable options. Confident options.

But Rook knew what had happened to the Inquisitor after the Inquisition. How she had arrived to the Exalted Council unaccompanied. How one by one her former allies had departed for parts unknown, or to take up positions of influence across Thedas.

How she had left the Council robbed of her arm and her power and returned to a Skyhold soon to be emptied.

Lucanis and Ixchel tumbled to the ground with a pair of surprised and delighted shouts. Rook had been so lost in thought that she hadn’t seen who’d won, but they were helping each other up now, dusting off—Lucanis caught Rook staring, and sent a smile her way over the top of the Inquisitor’s head.

The Inquisitor had slowed to a stop, her shoulders hunched mid-way as she froze just before straightening. She had only just realized how everyone in the Veilguard was gaping at her.

Her eyes swept across their upturned faces, to Rook, and then to Lace. An inscrutable emotion clouded her torn face, and she swiftly turned, gave Lucanis a bow, and handed him her practice sword—before sweeping out of the room.

“I’ll go talk to her,” Harding said, and rushed out after her.

“Alright, team,” Rook said without pause. “Good work today. Go clean up, we’ll take lunch, and then put our heads together about that intel we got about the Qun’s research.”

With such a no-nonsense tone, it was no surprise the Veilguard heeded her immediately. They scrambled, leaving Lucanis to pick up the practice swords and reset the dining room by himself.

Rook considered leaving, given how their last private encounter had gone, but… It would be rude, and she still couldn’t bring herself to be outright rude to Lucanis Dellamorte. She allowed herself a small sigh before she re-affixed her teasing smile and sauntered over to Lucanis to ask him who the real winner had been.

[leresq]

Recently rewatched GOTG Vol. 2 and took some notes

Rocket has no real reason for stealing the batteries other than he wanted to

Rocket can't read sarcasm unless it's explicitly shown to him. He also doesn't understand insults unless he knows what they mean. Autism coded...

Drax has to be more than strong, he's got to be superhuman at this point. He was flung around by the monster that would have killed a human instantly, survived the pressure changes of going through a jump point without exploding, and was hit around by trees like a pinball. Gamora and maybe Nebula are the only ones I can see surviving that. Speaking of which how does Quill survive being thrown around by the monster without breaking any bones?

When Gamora says "If you'd flown with what's in between your ears instead of what's in between your legs" she points to Rocket for the latter half of that statement implying he wasn't castrated by the High Evolutionary. 👀

It's implied Rocket doesn't completely understand depth and 3D space when saying Ego was a tiny man which makes sense for a raccoon but also not for the best pilot in the galaxy.

"You didn't know cuz you didn't wanna know cuz it made you rich." Is a hard ass line

I don't know much about Kurt Russell's history in acting but him as a villain is fantastic

Rocket grooms himself with his tongue!!! So kitty!!!!!!

The fact that Drax connects being an old woman to being wise means his not understanding metaphor isn't an inherent trait and it also means nobody before this point has been able to indirectly teach him what things mean.

Rocket's singing voice hunghhhh... He also runs quadrupedal by instinct

Despite having such tiny and probably fragile hands Rocket can still punch hard. The way he grabs things meant for normal hands with his little grippy paws is so adorable!!!

Drax wasn't lying when he said he was humble. Despite being a bit reckless he rarely brags about himself at all.

Even though family story time about impregnation probably is not a good idea Drax is probably the most sex positive member of the group.

Ego says he made pain receptors yet he doesn't react to anything as if it hurts at all.

Nebula never was a sadist. Thanos made her become violent because he hurt her every time she lost, so she got more and more angry. If she successfully enacted her plan of torturing Thanos I don't think she would have enjoyed it, she would be delivering a sense of justice in her eyes. She doesn't talk about that plan with fondness, she talks about it like it's a hard job that'll take a lot of willpower to complete. Who knows how many years of Thanos' abuse were quickly replaced by love and she barely resisted being healed.

When Peter successfully forms the celestial energy Ego doesn't look into his son's eyes with pride, he looks at the energy with greed. Great subtle acting.

I don't think Drax meant to insult Mantis by calling her ugly, that was just an unfortunate moment of unfiltered honesty. The fact that he quickly changes the meaning so it's some kind of compliment is impressive and adorable.

When Peter says he sees Eternity I think he sees the thing from Thor 4. Ego's plan is to reach Eternity and wish for the universe to be completely and totally his.

The contrast of the majesty Ego supposedly shows Peter and the horror of Ego's genocidal design found by Gamora and Nebula with music is perfect

The crabby puppy so cute he makes me wanna die 😍

Kraglin is so cute he's had such a hard life he just needs a warm shower and a talking Russian dog for a best friend.

The reason Mantis could put Ego to sleep when he didn't want to isn't because she's super powerful (even though she is) it's because she's part celestial and maybe Ego happened to miss a little bit of the connection to the light she has.

Life isn't about trying to make everything perfect or exactly the way you want it to, it's about diversity. That's what Ego doesn't understand.

My headcanon is that Yondu is the only one of his crew that actually cared about hygiene. He looks relatively clean compared to everybody else.

The last real goodbye Gamora and Nebula had was in Vol. 2

Baby Groot finally being nice to Drax is cute.

[teatitty]

Okay a bunch of bugbot Bumblebee thoughts I'm just gonna rattle them off as they come to me the coherency is not important: Bugbot Bumblebee who not only has emotive antenna and circuitry wings but also transforms into an actual beebot drone so he's zippin and flyin and zoomin everywhere, perfect little aerial scout who can get into so so so many tricky places and navigate many areas. He has so much energy he's constantly stimming in place - tappin his heel, swayin side to side, bobbin his head, flutterin wings etc

His beedrone form is the perfect size for being like the cybertron version of a lap pet. Very normal to see him in drone form just curled up sleepin in Optimus' lap or resting on Elita's head. His eyes are big almond shapes and when he's smiling or sleeping they never fully close so there's always this thin slit of blue light visible with them. If a mech is capable of hourglass figure that's him - most grabble waist you've ever goddamn seen and he's perfect cuddle size [like a plushie] so he gets pulled into hugs a lot. Wheeljack especially loves doin this

He's one of - if not the smallest mech among the autobots and his head barely reached Optimus' waist. Arcee insists he's on his tiptoes and Bumblebee denies it viciously. Bugbots are born in "hives" with a singular "hive mother" as their parent/maker. Bumblebee is the last surviving member of his hive. Jazz was the one who found him in the remnants of the hive, surrounded by hundreds of dead bugbots, curled up in the corpse of his hive mother. Because he was alone for so long he is massively touch starved and imprinted hard on Jazz, so a lot of his overly friendly and affectionate nature is from him [as well as his music taste]

For a long while, as someone who had lived isolated and alone for ages, Bumblebee often forgot to speak in regular cybertronian and would primarily communicate in more bugbot sounds - chitters, trills, beeps, clicks the whole works [think Mothra from Godzilla] and even now, if he gets really excited about somethin or is just extremely tired, he'll sometimes switch to that again mid conversation, a fact that he finds very embarrassing and is privately a massive insecurity of his

The autobots are like the first "family" he's ever had. His memories of his hivemates and hive mother are more like distant static - the only clear memory he has is being given the directive to "live and survive" so his bugbot instincts very much label the autobots themselves as "hive" and "hivemates." He is going to be the most helpful bestest scout ever so that he never fails them cannot fail them not like previous hive can prove his independance :]

Elita for sure sees him as a younger brother and calls him "Bebop" because the beepin was the first noises she ever heard from him. Outside of her, his main nicknames amongst the crew are "Buzzer" and "BB"

As previously stated, his wings being all exposed circuitry means they're extremely sensitive to touch - even a slight bend in the wing can be incredibly painful for him and requires a lot of delicacy to care for. Ratchet has never worked on bugbots before. If Bumblebee's wing ever gets shot, it will hands-down be one of the most stressful surgeries of his career as it'll also be the first one he's ever done of this kind. He's the only who can do it, and Bumblebee himself is in so much excrutiating pain he genuinely has no idea where he is or who anyone is, being in massive fight-or-flight mode which is. Y'know. Fun for all involved :)

Anyway, other hivemind behaviour he has is: head nuzzling, communal sleeping, snuggling into the warmest place possible and embodying the "snug as a bug in a rug" phrase, likes to sit on the shoulders of bigger bots, kickin his legs while natterin to them. He is very friend and, like all good scouts, is great at pickin up body language, general moods, various sounds around him, the usual scout things. He's very observant basically which is somethin you forget easily given his usual personality

Part of bein a scout is having the skill to sneak around undetected; Bumblebee can therefore be unnerringly quiet when he wants to, which makes it very easy for him to accidentally scare the spark out of other mechs. Ironhide cussed up a storm the first time this happened to him lol

[pidges-lost-robot]

No one:...

Me: I have this idea on how to kind of improve the storyline of Pidge being picked on while adding a bit of a more complex type of relationship into the background of the plot cause she strikes me as a character that would fight back with viscious verbal responses. Basically one of the people that is mean to Pidge also has a parent on the kerberos mission (obviously with the result of there being more crew members) who dislikes her because she's sometimes a bit smug about doing so well on tests and it rubs this person the wrong way cause they're insecure about their struggling on tests and are mean to pidge as a result. But also pidge is the sort to really poke the bear when it comes to that, very much being quick to immediately zone in on this person's insecurity whenever they're mean to her andthis often results in things like being shoved or having her phone smashed.

No one still:....

Me: which ends up changing the conversation between pidge and her brother after a scene of this as a flashback where instead of being like "having brain is the best thing ever nerds will run the world" is actually the one to highlight the way pidge is quick to antagonise people especially by means of viewing her intelligence as making her better than them and suggesting that maybe there is another way to deal with this. Which is an example of bullying that can be underrepresented cause ultimately it is bad what this student is doing, but also shows the ways people can sometimes develop an unhealthy way to cope with it. We then see that Pidge, after really picking on this kid back and antagonising him about struggling to pass tests resulting in them getting angry and shoving her phone to ground and smashing, decides to apologise for what she said. The kid points out that they will never be friends and pidge says she knows, but that them being an asshole didn't justify her being an asshole in a different way.

No one:

Me: later when pidges brother and dad go missing in the mission she is left without much to focus on at school. Calls from the ship to families were prohibited from being stored or recorded. But one day from a random number she is sent some.pictures of a birthday of one of the crew members taken on a concealed phone. The bully's mums birthday. The bully when she asks about it in private denies sending her anything but it's clear that they did. They're still not friends but there's a begrudging respect there. And these pictures (I haven't thought of how cause I'm a hack) somehow lead to pidges theory that the garrison are covering something up

Still no one:

Me: now this goes further cause they find the bully's parent on their search for pidges family she's one of the only other crew members that survived but she unfortunately passes giving something yo pidge to give back to her kid if she makes it back to earth and when they eventually do, pidge decides to be the person to.give them the news about what really happened to their parent. She goes and they initially don't believe her but she gives them the message and the keepsake she gave her. They ask her why she bothered with how they were to her in school (it's been a few years since then obviously) and she reminds them of the photos they gave her that they sent her, tells them how it lead her to realise that garrison had been lying and thanked them for it and that it was only fair and right that she did this for them and how she's sorry about their mom. The bully tells her that this still doesn't make them friends and she nods. She leaves and Keith finds her on her way back, really upset and feeling like she should've done more and Keith assures her that there wasn't much more she couldve done. I just thought this could be a bit more interesting and true to her character than just getting called a nerd once and crying about it

No one: ..... what?

[minosduos]

Show me more of your OCs or else I will relea🐝se th🐝e b🐝ees 🐝🐝oh fuc🐝k i droppe🐝d th🐝 b🐝ox 🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝

EEYIKES!!!! Doodles, protect me

I'll explain a little about them under the cut in case anybody wants to readdd

The setting of my ocs' world is one in which all human life suddenly dissapeared, the population turned into living energy which slowly begins to possess machines. The living machines are called Machina and have no memory of their human lives, yet retain who they were while alive!

Alto is the main character, the orange robot with one eye in my doodles. They're unable to cope with loneliness and finds joy in exploring human culture, especially fashion. Ohm's the little microwave that accompanies him, the first machina that Alto met. He's not a fan of people and only let Alto take him along because he couldn't go anywhere on his own. He slowly warms up to Alto, but still remains averse to most others.

Tenor is the red robot that looks like Alto, unlike Alto however, he's a machina. Formerly a scientist involved in both the creation of Alto and Tenor's bodies, as well as the apocalypse. He's wracked with guilt over playing a part in the world's destruction, only hoping he can help with it's rebirth. Actor is the green/aqua robot in the last doodle, to the left of Alto. Created solely to solve problems, in the new world it travels and 'fixes' machina, building them new limbs so that they may live as humans did.

The rest of the characters all fall in together, being part of an ocean study, the whole crew was on a boat when the apocalypse happened. Only one human survived on the crew, being submerged deep underwater in their diving suit, 04 as she's now known has had everything torn away from her. 04 is the green diver and was formerly married to 03, the purple diver with one eye. 04's quiet and reserved, generally keeping her sorrow at her situation to herself. 03's generally unbothered by the new situation she's found herself in, more interested in the marine life that survived. The two find time to rekindle their relationship, though 03 doesn't care to know her past, she still finds that same bond with 04. Out of the other members of the crew, 01 is the red diving suit with two eyes, he's desperate to find out who he was, able to learn much from 04 about who he was. He has a brother who too became machina, Dutch, the ship they all call home. Dutch, unlike her brother is content in her new body, she's happy to be 'married to the sea' as she puts it. (Dutch uses she/her because she's a boat) 02 (blue) is the worst member of the crew, who was only on board because his rich father bankrolled the study. He's your typical rich boy and is just the worst. He hasn't changed after becoming a diving suit, besides eating live fish and drinking seawater now. The only other member of the crew is Crane, who is a crane. It keeps to itself and doesn't talk to the others much. (Anxiety)

Not completely awake so it might be kind of rambly, but I think I touched on all the characters I'm willing to share for now

[leggerefiore]

Aliens Submas. Human AFAB Reader. After the First Contact with the twins but that went badly and only the Reader survived of the crew. The Three stuck in the human space station but only because Nobori and Kudari want to make it the nest for their mate. The Twins find out about Valentine's Day and decide to celebrate it with Reader, but they don't fully understand it and it ends up as usual with those two, i.e. fucking, it doesn't matter if Reader is willing or not

Invasion

cw: 18+ content but not explicit, yandere, noncon, poly (ingo/reader, emmet/reader), alien au, death of other characters implied,

Minors DNI

sorry for lack of anything too explicit my brain just wouldn't let me write any :(

At first, your crew was confused as to how these aliens made it into your space station without being noticed by the security system.

They took on a humanoid form, but strange anomalies with tentacles sprouting out from their back alongside glowing gems in their chests made it obvious they were far from a species like your own. Your captain barked out an order to contain them. You stood back in terror, only a survey researched that was on board to investigate the far-off planets the crew was sent to explore. They were fast creatures, moving before you could even think to react.

Screams and shouts echoed throughout the room as you felt a ball of cowardice overtake you. Heavy breaths came from you as your feet pounded against the metal flooring. You dashed further and further away from the atrium, seeking out the communications room to radio out for help. This obviously was not going to end well. Hostile aliens had always been considered, but none were supposed to make their way on to the station.

Tears burned your eyes as you considered how you had just beaten off an odd cold just a few days prior. Your health had slumped after a trip to a passing comet. The medic of your crew had declared you to have simply overexerted yourself. Hiccuping, you realised you had gone the wrong way in the sprawling corridors of the station. Your quarters were nearby, however.

Quietly, you sneaked into your room and set the door to lock behind you. Crawling into the corner of the room, you gazed out the small window into the vast expanse of space outside. This place was nothing like the scenery provided by earth. Had you made the wiser choice to stay home, you would have avoided this entire situation, but you stupidly craved adventure and believed the lies of being something akin to a pioneer. Those were dumb dreams.

You tried desperately to send out a distress signal with a local communicator, but just as you pressed the button… The station's power cut out. You froze as you set in the dim room with only emergency low-power lights providing any illumination. Those aliens must have been highly intelligent. You crawled under your bed as you hoped for someone to notice the change and send for help. Your communicator's signal was cut with the loss of power.

In a desperate attempt to calm yourself, you recalled the light-hearted conversation you had with a fellow survey member. She had been giggling about a security team member asking her to spend an evening together for Valentine's Day. That seemed so long ago, despite it likely not even having been six hours away from your current time.

A loud clunking sound as heard. You froze. Another soon followed. And another… Until, your door was pried open. Glowing silvery eyes peered inside as the gem embedded in the chest of the creature worked something like an impromptu flashlight. He scanned the room carefully before stepping in with ease. You held your breath and stayed deathly still, hoping he would pass you by. Your eyes were squeezed shut, calling back to youth when 'if I can't see you, you can't see me' still applied.

Everything was still. Everything was quiet.

You opened your eyes.

The alien's gaze peered icily at you. You would have jumped had it not been for the cramped space you had hidden yourself in. His cold hand reached out to grab you, resulting in your backing away further against the wall. A sigh came from him. The mood felt wrong.

“… We will not hurt you,” his voice was gentle and eerily familiar, like something that you had once heard in a dream. Steps echoed in after him. You felt ill as he pulled you out from under the bed. The aliens gazed at you with identical expressions. Truly, they must have been a race of drones, with just how similar the two looked. One of them held a smile, while the other wore a frown. You shuddered.

What were they going to do with you, then? Were your crewmates okay? Many questions raced through your head, but none resulted in answers. The smiling one suddenly restrained your wrists and ankles with his tentacles and stepped toward you. The frowning one shook his head. “I am Emmet,” he cooed at you, “We love you.” You felt awestruck by his words.

“… That's impossible,” you retaliated, “I couldn't love creatures like you anyway.” An expression of hurt crossed Emmet's face as he turned to his counterpart.

“Those are cruel words, dearest,” the frowning one crooned, “You carried our weakened forms to health in your body, after all.” All the blood drained from your body as you felt ice-cold. The heating system was down, too.

“Mmm… Ingo,” Emmet turned to his brother, “I still don't think this place is a desirable nest. Not at all.” Ingo nodded at his twin's words. You felt completely numb. Nest? Were they planning on turning this place into a breeding ground? How did they reproduce? “Naughty thoughts,” he giggled at you and pressed you against the bed, “Brother, I verrrrry much want to convert this place into a proper nest, buuuut my brain wants to go on with the 'Valentine's Day activities'.” Everything felt more and more confusing.

“Are you telepathic?” you tried to get an answer. Emmet shook his head with a playful grin.

“I am in your brain,” he whispered into your ear, “I learnt this language from you and made sure to take on a form you found appealing.” You shivered when his lips pressed to your ear before moving to your jaw. His brother stood stiffly, watching you both with mild annoyance.

“... I will check that all other life forms have been truly eliminated,” Ingo spoke with a cool, authoritative tone, “After confirming, I will return power. I worry this temperature will be inhabitable by our mate.” Emmet pulled away from the skin of your neck he was sucking at to nod at his brother. The twin stepped away and left you alone in the dim room with the smiling alien on top of you. He licked his lips.

“We discovered how to make imitations of human male gametes with our genetic code,” Emmet cooed, “Valentine's Day is about breeding, yes?” You felt horrified as he moved to unzip your bodysuit. “We are so verrrrry lucky you took us from that comet,” he began to press kisses across your exposed chest and down to your navel, “We will give you everything.” You wanted to cry, scream, anything, but instead you pondered something.

“... Why not just take me?” you asked.

“We wanted you to have a nest you would enjoy,” he replied as he slid off the bottom half of your suit, “You love this place. And our home planet would not accept you.” You shivered his another one of his tentacles freed itself to rub between your legs pleasurably. You moaned loudly. Another giggle came from him. “I know you are into aliens, too.”

You wished you had not read and watched some much xenophilic content in the past. It was impossible to deny that you would have been interested in them had they not attacked your crew as they had. You could only swallow.

“Happy Valentine's Day!”

A moan left you as the tentacle entered you.

~

You watched as another rescue ship met a quick end at the hand of your station. It had changed quite a bit since you first arrived here. The only human on board was you, but there were many, many aliens. Emmet hummed in annoyance as they called for backup. Ingo took to trying to comfort your upset son. They had begun remodelling the ship to better fit your tastes. It resembled a human home more than a research station now.

You leaned back down, going back to your card game with your daughter. These changes had long since been accepted by you. Everything that happened was your fault, after all. If you had not brought these alien invaders into the station, none of this would have happened. Sighing, you caught Emmet's gaze on you again.

It was impossible to leave, your many failed attempts only showed they were truly a part of you. Everything was easier now than it had ever been before. Your daughter, however, turned to Emmet with big pleading eyes.

“When do I get a mate?”