#the right knows how easy it is to make liberals turn on each other and they love playing you like this

[confused-robot-cat]

Neil Gaiman: I'm not a Scientologist. Tumblrinas: Did you hear that? Neil Gaiman's a Scientologist!!!

Yeah, I'm totally gonna believe you guys when you say he's guilty, sure.

[alphajocklover]

Like OMG hunty! This is like totes, such a fun little site you have here. Apps, charms, and all that like. So here is like the stitch bitch, I’m this super swishy liberal queen but like I’m also an actor. And I’m up for this part and like I totes don’t know why my agent even thought of it for me. He’s this super conservative, awful straight douche. Like totally obnoxious. Crude. Belittles women and guys like me. And like I said super conservative. And I was wondering like omg, this is silly but is there anyway you could make me fit the part?

I’m glad you like my work, though I’m a little offended at how you put it. Calling it ‘a fun little site’ makes me worry you might not be taking what you’re getting into very seriously. Being transformed is incredibly serious business. You’ll be giving up your identity, or at least a large part of it, to become someone else. And even the safest ways of doing transformations can go horribly wrong. Taking on that risk for a movie role… either you’re a fool, or an incredibly dedicated actor. Possibly both. I’m going to assume it’s just the latter for my own conscience, and because if that really is the case… I’m actually pretty impressed. To go as far as to use unnatural means to alter your body and mind so you can better fit a role… it speaks to a passion for your work that most people never find. So even though I’m still a little offended… I’ll help you. More than that, I’m going to make you one of the greatest actors of all time. This isn’t going to be an easy task. I know you specifically asked for help fitting into this one role, but if you’re going to become a truly great actor, you’re going to need range. Playing only straight douchebags will only get you so far. You’re going to need to be able to change to fit whatever role you’re playing, which means an ongoing transformation. Those aren’t very easy to pull off. There are ways to do it, but my work isn’t sophisticated enough to do those. I’m a decent TF reporter, but actually doing TFs is still fairly new for me. A spell could work, but it would take much more magic than I have. I’m not even sure a talented wizard could pull off a spell like that without a coven to back them up. My next option would be nanobots or something, like the kind the Douchebag Revolution uses. But I’d have to get some from the revolution, and then reprogram them… and I’m not exactly an expert programmer. Programming is hard enough, but programming nanobots? Magically charged nanobots? Yeah that's not happening. I could always ask my Uncle’s friend Nick, the devil I’ve mentioned before, since his magic can do some truly incredible and complicated things, but for something this big he’d definitely want your soul. Even the wishing supernova might not work, as wishes this complicated are incredibly hard to pull off right. None of the other methods I’ve mentioned before would work well either… so if we’re going to pull this off, we’ll have to use something different. Something new. Something like… A potions set! Now, that probably sounds a little strange. I mean, considering how complicated I just told you this transformation will be to pull off, making it work with some magic cocktail probably sounds crazy. The thing is I’m not giving you one potion. I’m giving you dozens of them. In the box you’ve just received are a large amount of potions, each one set to transform you into a different movie cliche. We’ve got one that will make you into a hardboiled detective, one that will turn you into a sports star, and even one that will make you into a superhero. And those are only some of them. Take a potion that's the closest to the role you want to get, and for the next 24 hours you’ll have the personality of that person, all while still remembering your true self. With this, you will literally be the perfect method actor! And with a little extra magic, people won’t even realize you’re doing it. They’ll just think you’re a great actor! With the set of potions I’ve given you, some hard work, and a bit of deception, you just might be the greatest actor to ever live. And when you’re not playing a role, you can always have some fun with the potions in your regular life. Why don’t you try one now? This one looks interesting. ‘The Action Hero’.

Ok… wow. That worked really well. I wasn’t sure it’d be this effective but I guess I’ve got a knack for potion making! I’m glad you like your new body so much. I would too honestly, look at those pecs! And the personality transformation aspect seems to be working well too, considering the hint of superiority in your smirk and how you can’t keep your eyes off the delivery woman's tits. Enjoy being a straight, douchebag action hero. And if you ever need a potion refill or anything specific, just let me know. Now stop flirting with that girl and get going, you’re going to miss your audition!

**I'll admit, I think this one might have gotten a little bit away from me. I've been thinking about potions a lot lately, and the idea of an actor literally transforming to fit a role really excited me. I know the person who sent this probably wanted a bigger focus on the douchebag part of the TF, but I got so excited by the idea. I hope you still like it, and feel free to send in another on**

[deramin2]

For Juneteenth I want to tell you about Sarah Boone: inventor of the modern ironing board, and the second Black women to receive a US patent.

Sarah was born into slavery in Craven County, North Carolina in 1832. Legally barred from education, her grandfather secretly taught her instead. In 1847 she married freedman James Boone, and was herself freed for unknown reasons. They moved to New Haven, Connecticut before the civil war, and had 8 children together.

James worked as a brick mason, and Sarah worked as a seamstress and dressmaker. While other inventors of the 19th century had been slowly improving the design of ironing boards, Sarah found them inadequate for the job, so she set about making something better.

She wrote in her very detailed patent,

"The purpose of the invention is to produce a cheap, simple, convenient and highly effective device, particularly adapted to be used in ironing the sleeves and bodies of ladies’ garments."

Her ironing board was narrow, curved, symmetrical, and tapered so that the narrowest parts of a garment could fit around it flatly without ceasing while easily turning the garment for each side. It was padded so the fabric would drape more gently, also reducing ceasing. It had collapsible legs that started towards the center of the board so that there was plenty of room for clothes to fit around it while also being mobile and easy to store. It was easy and cheap to manufacture so that it would be accessible for anyone to buy. Especially important when Black people were (are) both poorer and more harshly judged for their appearance.

She submitted she her patient in July of 1891, and obtained United States patent number 473,563 in April of 1892. 132 years later we are still using Sarah Boone's design with very few changes.

She died in 1904 at the age of 72 and is buried in the family plot in Evergreen Cemetery in New Haven.

So next time you iron something, admire how well thought out and purpose built Sarah's design is. Black excellence and freedom made that possible. If she'd remained in slavery she would never have been able to design it or patent it.

I'm thinking about her story today and mourning the generations of Black innovation we never got because because of slavery. All that brilliance held back by such an evil and dehumanizing institution. All the Black innovation held back today due to the legacy of slavery and ongoing racism. The inmates who are still legally enslaved in this country and not given a chance to thrive and create. I'm thinking about how reparations could help other descendents of slavery have the money to work on their ideas. (Or just live other fulfilling lives because no one should have to be exceptional to be respected.)

I'm also thinking about how vital Sarah's ironing board has been to activist organizing. They're cheap, flat, long, fit in small crowded rooms, and historically everyone had one. The humble ironing board was vital to the Civil Rights movement, union organizing, and the queer rights movement among others. Ironing boards are an unsung hero of Black liberation.

Ironing boards are so simple that we never think about the care that went into their design or the woman behind them. But we should. And now you know the story.

[snalsupremacy]

Why this is my favorite panel in hgsn

Hgsn has some incredible art and page composition, but out of the entire manga so far, to me this is the best panel of them all. Hell, this might be my favorite panel of any manga ever. (Note: Due to respecting the scanlator's wishes, I blanked out the dialogue and replaced all necessary dialogue with the official English source)

1- Build-up

Before I get to the panel itself, lets first talk about the pages before: For context, this is in chapter 2. Yoshiki has just found out about "Hikaru", and its trying to adjust to this new reality. As they walk from school to Yoshiki's house, Yoshiki asks him if he killed Hikaru. This is how the previous two pages look like:

Notice how the half shading effect is done in hatch marks. This is the first sign the all-black shading is a stylistic choice used to convey something.

Look at the balance the two pages form when you put them together: half white, half black, half black, half white. They compliment each other, both in color balance and in panel shape.

We have to turn the page to hear Hikaru's answer to Yoshiki's question. This gives the control of the narrative back to the viewer. This creates tension and build-up to it, it is a common tactic famously employed by Junji Ito in his famous "page-turner" moments where the viewer has to turn the page to see the monster. Except in this instance we are not revealing monsters, or are we?

2- The page

I'm not gonna get into too much detail on the page itself, I just want to point out the juxtaposition between the page composition of this page and the previous two. The last two were balanced and had all the panels closed while this one is much more liberal, bringing a feeling of unbalance, like something just shifted. I'd say the black and white balance is still there, with the Hikaru on white and Yoshiki on black panel side by side and all, which actually brings me to my next point:

3- Black and White

Honestly this could be an entire analysis post of itself, where do I even start?! Let's go from the very beginning. This is the very first time we learn of "Hikaru" :

Notice how the panel is colored black. In fact, throughout the story, we see black panels being spoken by "Hikaru", usually right before he does something unnatural:

And here are the only two instances we see of the Brain-snatcher's true form:

• He's literally a black blob, just like the text bubbles! And now combine that with Hikaru's white hair, and the fact his name means to be bright, and what's the brightest color but white, and there is a clear color symbolism going on:

Hikaru=White

"Hikaru"=Black

4-The Panel

And now we're back to the original panel! Taking all the other points in mind, we can analyze the panel itself

First, his expression. My G-d, his expression! His raised eyebrows and his squinted eyes, making his pupils way larger, make the expression seem almost childish and pitiful. But the half black-out face turns this pity look to an ominous one. Not being able to see the face or having your face obstructed is easy path into the uncanny valley, which I think is the case for this scene. Immediately 180 from "aww the poor guy" to "what is he hiding?"

The white panel says "I like you" while the black panel says "I'm crazy for you". HOWEVER, The white bubble is by the black side of his face and the black bubble is by the white side of his face. So which Hikaru is saying that? Is "Hikaru" crazy for Yoshiki, while Hikaru just liked him, or the other way around? Did the original Hikaru ever love Yoshiki, or is that the monster's feelings? Well we don't know! That's the premise of the whole manga! In one panel!

And that's why it's my favorite :)

[shybluebirdninja]

FADING BONDS: PART 5 (THE FINAL)

Summary: Two broken souls—Logan, an aging hero, and a young woman overlooked by her own family—find solace in each other’s silent company, forming an unexpected connection that challenges their emotional walls.

Pairing            : UberDriver!Logan x Fem!Reader

Genre              : Angst, Fluff

The day had come, the moment when your family confronted you with the truth they had unearthed about Logan. You could see it in their eyes, the horror mixed with disbelief, as if you had just admitted to committing a crime. “How could you choose him?” your mother’s voice wavered, each word dripping with disappointment. “He’s broken—he has nothing to offer you.”

You could feel the pressure building, the weight of their expectations crashing down on your chest. “He’s more than that. You just don’t see it,” you argued, your voice trembling but firm. “Logan understands me in ways you never could.”

Your father stepped in, his tone stern. “You’re making a mistake. You need to cut ties with him. It’s him or us.”

The ultimatum hung in the air, suffocating you. It wasn’t a decision you could make lightly. The love you felt for your family wrestled with the fierce connection you shared with Logan. But as you looked at their faces, contorted with fear and anger, a sudden clarity washed over you.

“Maybe I’m the one who needs to choose what’s right for me,” you finally said, your heart pounding. “And right now, that’s Logan.”

The realization hit you like a freight train, but it felt liberating. You weren’t sure where this path would lead, but you felt stronger knowing you were standing up for what you believed in, for the one person who truly saw you.

Later that night, Logan stood outside, leaning against his car, the headlights casting shadows on his rugged face. He looked up as you approached, his expression unreadable. “Did they freak out?” he asked, his voice low, filled with that familiar gravel that made your heart ache.

“Yeah,” you admitted, biting your lip. “They… they gave me an ultimatum.”

Logan’s jaw tightened, the tension in his shoulders evident. “And you?”

You took a deep breath, summoning every ounce of courage. “I chose you.”

His eyes softened, a flicker of warmth breaking through the steely facade. “You sure about that? It’s not gonna be easy. I’m not exactly the guy you take home to meet the folks.”

“Yeah, I know,” you replied, stepping closer, feeling the heat radiating off him. “But I don’t care about that. I care about you.”

He nodded slowly, letting your words sink in. There was a weighty silence between you, filled with unspoken fears and hopes. And then, without another word, he pulled you into his arms, holding you tightly, as if the world outside might crumble if he let go.

The ride was quiet, the engine humming softly beneath you as you sped down the empty road. Logan gripped the steering wheel, knuckles white, his eyes fixed ahead. The moonlight illuminated the tension etched across his face, a mixture of relief and lingering doubt.

You glanced over at him, feeling the weight of everything unsaid. “You know they’ll never understand us, right?” you said softly, breaking the silence.

“Doesn’t matter,” he replied, his voice low and steady. “What matters is that we understand each other.”

“Yeah, but what if they try to come after us?” You knew your family well enough to know they wouldn’t just let this go.

Logan’s gaze hardened as he turned to meet your eyes. “Let them try. I’ve faced worse shit than disapproval.” His words held a truth that made you feel both scared and exhilarated. You knew he’d fight for you, for the both of you, and that realization sent a shiver down your spine.

The road stretched out before you, a blur of asphalt and stars, but it felt like you were leaving behind more than just a house and a family. You were shedding the skin of the person you used to be, the expectations and suffocating love that had tried to mold you into someone you weren’t.

As the miles passed, you reached for Logan’s hand, lacing your fingers together. “I hope I’m not making a huge mistake,” you admitted, your voice barely above a whisper.

He turned his head slightly, the corners of his mouth twitching up in a half-smile. “Life’s a gamble, darlin’. Sometimes you gotta bet it all on the one thing that feels right.”

You squeezed his hand tighter, feeling the warmth of his skin against yours, grounding you in this moment. “I just want to feel free for once. With you.”

Logan’s expression softened, the weight of your shared past lingering between you like a ghost. “We’ll figure it out. Just… don’t look back, alright? Keep your eyes on the road ahead.”

With every passing mile, the weight on your chest felt lighter. You knew the future wasn’t guaranteed. You both were broken, each carrying scars that wouldn’t fade, but there was something beautiful about embracing the mess together.

You leaned your head against the window, feeling the cool glass against your skin. There was a bittersweet ache in your chest, but it was accompanied by a flicker of hope—a hope that maybe, just maybe, you had chosen the right path.

The road stretched out endlessly before you, a testament to the uncertain journey ahead. But for the first time, it felt like the right choice. With Logan by your side, you felt a sense of freedom that had long eluded you. And even though the shadows of your past loomed large, together, you were ready to face whatever lay ahead, hand in hand, heart to heart.

You felt the chains of your old life fall away, replaced by the promise of a new beginning—one where love could flourish, even in the darkness.

(THE END)

[itsagoodluckkiss]

I Know The End

Pairings: Roronoa Zoro x f!reader, platonic strawhats x f!reader

Summary: This is based on one of my favorite songs, I Know The End by Phoebe Bridgers, and I take the meaning of this song as a "when you're at the bottom, the only way is up" kind of song. Reader is a friend of Nami, she has air powers and joins the Strawhats after they help her save her town.

Warnings: Mild East Blue spoilers, kinda OC Zoro, typical OP violence, otherwise pure fluff, no use of Y/N

WC: 3.7κ

A/N: Oi, hello there! This is my first One Piece fanfic, took me a bit more than I expected but I did it! I have another one for my first request on the way, but since this is my first, I had to post one about my fave! Also, I'm sorry for any mistakes, english is not my first language. Anyways, hope you enjoy it, and if you do, pretty please leave a comment! Requests are open! ❤️

“I’m not gonna go down with my hometown in a tornado, I’m gonna chase it. I gotta go now, I know. Driving out into the sun, let the ultraviolet cover me up. Went looking for a creation myth, ended up with a pair of cracked lips… A slaughterhouse, an outlet mall, slot machines, fear of God… Big bolt of lightning hanging low. Over the coast everyone’s convinced it’s a government drone or an alien spaceship.”

Feeling out of place is something you get used to when living in this part of the East Blue and seek adventure; it is called the weakest sea for some reason after all. Even if she loved her living place, she disliked the fact that people mostly minded their own business without blinking an eye to the suffering and corruption around them. She couldn’t entirely blame them; it wasn’t an easy thing caring about neighboring regions when your own was constantly hit by natural disasters, causing deaths and lifetime labors destroyed.

She had just learned that the Conomi Islands had been freed by Arlong’s cruel rule after eight whole years. She wondered how Nami was. They had met a couple of years ago when she caught her rummaging her family’s vault and helped her through it without getting her caught. She hid her in her room while the Navy was looking for the thief. She didn’t need the money and it was obvious to her that Nami did. Nami was her first real friend. The week they spent together, drinking and getting to know each other, talking about their backstories, their wants and plans for the future was the best in her life. She had promised that after she’d buy her village back and free it, she’d come to see her again. She hadn’t heard from Nami since.

They said it was because of the Marines the islands were liberated. She could never believe that for one second. Her curious personality always managed to get her into the Navy’s business, making her family’s influence and prestige on the island take a hit every time she got into trouble with them. She couldn’t help that all this talk from the Marines about justice and keeping the peace made her want to throw up on their shiny uniforms. She knew it was all an act for them and their allies to maintain power. How could Marines talk about values when regions and people were enslaved and the Navy turned a blind eye instead of helping, just for power and some berries?

Her dream was to end all that fake order and bring actual freedom to those in need; to become a freedom fighter and help people. She needed the right opportunity but also, she had to take advantage of every situation if she wanted to get away from that place someday and seek what she so wholeheartedly craved. So she learned her family’s secrets and strengths. It’s not every day you see generations of people knowing how to yield the air around them, giving them a bunch of abilities like flying or sucking the air out of their enemies’ lungs or causing hurricanes of every size. She knew when to play nice and be obedient so that her parents would teach her their ways, thinking that she would grow out of her rebellious phase, would learn about and protect her family’s rule. It’s not an easy task for them to cover up the Navy’s dirt on the island after all.  

The more she mastered her power, the more she could see that something was wrong with her family. She had started to notice the patterns. Every time the island was hit by a storm or a natural disaster, they were never home. At first, it would make sense that they’d go and help their people. Then, after the storms, her island’s Navy unit and its captain started collecting “taxes” for rebuilding the infrastructures. Thing was, the taxes would constantly go up, bringing inhabitants to their knees. Meanwhile, her family didn’t seem affected at all. They would just roam the island, giving advices and pacifying the angry voices that protested the Navy. So, she decided, in the next hurricane, she would learn her parents and older siblings’ sketchy business. She had to know what was the cause of all this and what she could do to change it.

~

Meeting new people travelling between islands and seas was a fascinating thing. She loved hearing stories about their adventures, about different places and bigger dangers, fights between pirates and marines or about the golden age of piracy. About the Grand Line, the different weather conditions in each island, the devil fruits and the abilities they gave their users. She would always wander through the port, looking for more myths coming to life by the sailors that docked their ships on her island for supplies.

When she spotted a beautiful pirate caravel, with a sheep figurehead in its bow and its Jolly Roger with a straw hat, docked in their port, she felt a strange wave of excitement and peace. She couldn’t explain it but that beautiful ship radiated so much love and care, like it had a soul of its own and a smile that made everyone feel like home if they stepped into it. She stood there, admiring it from afar, when she felt someone standing next to her.

“She’s beautiful, isn’t she? Her name is Merry! She’s my ship.”

She turned to look at the stranger. A boy around the same age as hers, with a small scar under his right eye and a straw hat on his head, and that made her assume this was the captain. He had a smile so vibrant, it reminded her of the sun. His energy was so welcoming, she felt like she could be friends with him on a whim.

“Hello. She is indeed a sight to behold.”

She gave him a warm smile back, raising her hand to introduce herself.

“That’s a pretty name. I’m Luffy, and I’m gonna be King Of The Pirates!”

She couldn’t help but laugh, but it had no malice. She loved dreamers, being one herself, and even if she met that boy only a couple of minutes ago, she could see he would give everyone in the world a run for their money. A gust of wind blew, taking his hat away, and before he could react, she brought it back to him through the air around her. She placed it on his head and gave him a toothy grin.

“There! You can’t be King Of The Pirates without your trademark, right?”

“THANK YOU! YOU’VE GOT AIR POWERS? THAT’S SO COOL! YOU SHOULD JOIN OUR CREW!”

She was dumbfounded by his enthusiasm and his abrupt proposal. Never had she met anyone like him, so thrilled by her presence and her little air tricks. Before she could reply, she heard footsteps and another male voice behind her.

“Oi Luffy, stop scaring people by asking them to join us like that, will you?”

She turned to look at the deeper voice, and for a moment it felt like lighting coursing through her veins. Taller and more muscular than the boy next to her, he looked a bit older than them both, with short green hair and eyes gray as steel, three golden earrings that gleamed in the sunlight graced his left ear. He had a sharp gaze that radiated a strong and confident energy, one that lacked fear or hesitation. She never believed in love at first sight, but this felt as close as she could imagine it would feel. The man approached them and introduced himself to her.

“Roronoa Zoro? As in ‘Pirate Hunter’ Zoro? In a pirate crew?”

Of course she had heard of his reputation. Who didn’t know the infamous bounty hunter swordsman in the East Blue? He chuckled at her surprise.

“Yeah, well, long story short, this guy here has an effect of convincing people easily.”

“There you are, you idiots! We’ve been looking for you everywhere! We’re not here for me to babysit you not getting lost, we’re here to find my-”

She heard a familiar female shriek before she felt soft arms around her, squeezing her tight, and she immediately knew who it was. She could never forget her best friend’s hugs. She returned the hug as she screamed Nami’s name, before they both started to cry tears of joy. Her hand grabbed her upper arm, and she felt deep scars where her Arlong tattoo should be but was replaced by another, prettier one.

“I was so worried about you! I learned what happened to your village and I didn’t know what to think!”

“You should have known I’d be okay, you know I always pull through. Although, these guys were the greatest help I could get. They are the reason I’m freed and I wanted to keep my promise to you.”

She looked at the boys around them with gratitude, two more joining them, a blond boy wearing a suit, who looked like he would burst into flames from the heart eyes on his face and another one with wavy hair, a long nose and mischief in his eyes.

“I can’t thank you enough for helping my friend. She means the world to me!”

“Whoa, Nami’s your friend? Now you should definitely join our crew! We’ve heard so much about you, the only reason we stopped here before Loguetown was to find you!” Luffy said with enthusiasm.

“Yes, it’s not every day you hear someone born into money giving them away without question, hiding the thief in addition and fighting their way to get them out safely. You must be quite the character.” Zoro smirked at her.

“And to add to that, you’re also a sight to behold, my lady!” the blond boy said as he kissed her hand and introduced himself as Sanji, making her laugh at his advances.

“We’ve heard you have a great mind for plans too. Could use a strategist in this group of idiots that run into danger head on. I always device a plan to beat my enemies. I’m Usopp by the way.”

She was dumbfounded to say the least, taking them all and their kind words in. She met these guys a few moments ago, yet never had she felt such a feeling of being so welcomed by the people around her, she was so used to being ignored that this interaction almost made her sob. She kissed Nami’s cheek before letting her go.

“I… thank you guys… you’re all so sweet… but I don’t think I’m that good-”

“Bullshit, you’ll be the smartest person besides me in this crew. Come on now, I know how much you long to get the hell out of this place, they’ve never appreciated you anyways, and I don’t think anything changed since we met.” Nami proclaimed, smiling at her.

“No… not much anyway. I just learned how to use my powers now… Look, I don’t know what to think of this, I have-”

A loud rumble shook the earth below them. She felt the temperature drop rapidly and she knew what was coming. Now was her chance to find out the truth she looked for, the one that could possibly make her decide to cut ties with her family if her speculations were true. She turned to the Strawhats, as they called themselves, and smiled brightly.

“Thank you guys. But I have to run now. There are rooms for rent down this road, run and cover yourselves and don’t come out before the storm passes. Maybe I’ll see you around after that.”

As they started to protest, she flew off to the source of the hurricane she could see coming from afar.

And sure enough, the feeling of throwing up from disgust and despair overwhelmed her when she arrived at the source. She saw her family controlling the hurricanes and lightings that hit her island, and the Navy captain, who she knew was a devil fruit user, was shaking the ground, causing the earthquake, while his Unit watched from the sidewalks. Bodies were scattered around damaged buildings, scenery of pure horror. Before she could react to stop this, she felt boulders hitting her, splitting her lips and bruising her body, blood running down her jaw as she fell down.

~

Logically, everything fell into place. Emotionally, nothing made sense. She couldn’t comprehend how she could have been raised by such cruel people. Her eyes welled up with tears, but not from the pain she felt on her body, but from the sight in front of her, as her parents approached her, proclaiming she was not mature enough to understand their family’s best interest and how she has always been such a disappointment, never listening, never following orders, an annoying, meddling child.

“Do whatever you want; we can’t do anything about her anymore.” Her parents proclaimed to the navy captain as he too approached.

“You’ve always been a pain in the ass and I can finally get rid of you.” The captain proclaimed as he unsheathed his sword.

She closed her eyes but she never felt the blade on her skin. The captain’s scream echoed as his arm got cut off from the shoulder, his sword hitting the ground.

“Swords are not toys, captain. You don’t get to play with them.”

Her head spin to the male voice behind her and her eyes widen as she saw the five pirates ready to fight. Zoro was the closest to her, having drawn one of his swords that was now covered in blood, leaving a clean cut on the marine’s shoulder. Usopp was standing a few feet behind, a slingshot in his hand as he shoot at the navy soldiers, the collision ended in blasts and the soldiers started to run away. Nami was holding a strange, long, steel pole that seemed by its use to control the weather around them with air bubbles.

“You’re not hurting a lady on my watch.” Sanji proclaimed before his leg collided with the bleeding captain’s face, kicking him to the ground.

“He was already done, curlybrows.”

“Shut your mouth, marimo!”

They were bickering as if they all were not in a life or death situation. The most shocking thing was Luffy, who was stretching his body as he was wielding what seemed to be the bark of a tree around, taking soldiers and her family with it.

“Nami said you had problems with your family. You seemed worried. So we followed you.” He said with a toothy grin.

Zoro grabbed her hand and raised her from the ground.

“You know how to fight I assume?”

“Yes I do.”

“Well then, let’s give them hell, pretty girl.”

~

Either way, we’re not alone. I’ll find a new place to be from. A haunted house with a picket fence, to float around and ghost my friends. I’m not afraid to disappear. The billboard said "The End Is Near". I turned around, there was nothing there. Yeah, I guess the end is here.”

And sure enough, she couldn’t believe the six of them managed to stop the destruction while fighting the whole navy unit and her family combined, who were now running away from the angry crowd that had assembled when the hurricanes stopped and saw the whole thing happening.

“You guys… I can’t thank you enough-”

“Pffff, that was nothing, it was funny being blown away, felt like flying hehe.” Luffy laughed as he grabbed her in a hug. “You’re Nami’s friend, so you are our friend too!”

She had started crying by now as she hugged Luffy back, the feelings she felt in that moment couldn’t be described.

“I think… I think I’ll join you guys!”

~

A week had passed since her family fled off the island that was now filled with marines who listed the damages and arrested their own dirty kind. They had made a futile attempt to take the strawhats in, and before they would even start a fight, the people of the island wreaked havoc, not even letting them close to their saviors. She took the crew in the house that was now hers.

She helped Nami move all the gold from the house onto their ship. She gave Usopp advices for his trinkets and how they would fly through the air easier. She cooked with Sanji and then would catalog the storages that would be taken with them to their journey, with Luffy receiving several kicks from the cook because he tried to eat everything. She had never had so much fun in her life as she had with them. Her favorite moments came at night, usually spent drinking with Zoro. They had talked about their childhoods, he had told her about his family how died when he was a toddler, his promise to his childhood friend who died way before her time, how he acquired that big scar across his chest. The more she got to know him, the more connected she felt to him, like a final puzzle piece falling right in to place.

On their last night, everyone was fast asleep, getting the rest they’d need since they would cross the entrance to the Grand Line the next day. But her anticipation wouldn’t let her sleep. After tossing and turning for what seemed like hours, she got off her bed and walked around the house, taking it in one last time. She had decided to gift it to a large family whose home got destroyed. It was a fact that she didn’t want anything to do with that place anymore. Tomorrow morning her life would change forever. Her mind leading her nowhere in particular, she walked to her terrace. The wind, soft and gentle, rustled through the leaves of the trees, creating a soothing melody, and she could see the sea ahead, illuminated by the moon, which casted a silvery glow on the water. It was a peaceful scene, yet she could feel her heart racing when she saw Zoro sitting on the bench of her terrace, polishing his swords. 

“Why aren’t you sleeping?” he asked as he glanced at her.

“I… I guess I’m nervous about tomorrow.”

“It must be a little overwhelming, I guess. Don’t worry though, we’re a good crew, we’ll take care of you.”

A small smile played on his lips. His words were reassuring, but there was something else in his tone, something that made her heart skip a beat. She bit her lip, walking to the edge of the terrace, her hands holding on to the railing as she tried to find the right words to say.

“I know I’ll be safe with you, guys. It’s just… it feels like the end is near for me in this place… and being in a pirate crew is going to be something so new and big… and I don’t feel like I bring a lot on the table…”

He chuckled softly as he placed his swords down, walking towards to stand next to her, taking her hand in his to give a firm squeeze.

“The end is near for this part of your life, indeed. But you’re strong, you’re brave, and you’re a great fighter. You’ve been through a lot and yet you’re one of the kindest people I’ve met, still standing here, ready to face whatever comes next. That takes a lot of courage, and it takes character. I think you bring a lot, and you’re going to fit right in with us. You’re not alone.”

She smiled shyly, feeling warmth spread through her chest, her eyes almost welling up. He smiled back, his expression genuine.

“Thank you, Zoro. You really have no idea how much that means.”

“I think I do. I know what it’s like to be uncertain about the future, to feel like you don’t belong anywhere. But you belong with us now. You’re going to make a great crewmate. It’s good to have you on board. I have a feeling you’re going to surprise all of us with what you can do.” He paused, his expression a bit more serious. “And… if you need to talk… or vent or… anything… I’m here.”

A deep blush crept up across her cheeks. “I… thank you… for everything. Same goes for me.”

She felt her heart flutter as he continued to hold her hand, her stare moving to meet his gaze. She couldn’t help but feel more at ease with him and he couldn’t deny the way he felt either.

“For now, I think we should just enjoy being together and explore this new thing we’ll find ourselves in. Who knows what kind of trouble we’ll stumble upon?”

“I’m looking forward to seeing what awaits us.” She leaned a bit closer, her voice dropping to a whisper. “And I’m looking forward to get to know you better too.”

It was time for his heart to skip a beat at her words. Her eyes widened but before she could shy away, he leaned in closer, and their lips met in a tender, hesitant kiss, a slow, gentle brushing of lips. The sounds of the forest faded away, leaving only the beating of their hearts and the rush of blood in their ears.

~

“Take care!”

“Come back soon!”

“Sorry I was mean to you, can’t wait to see you again!”

“Be safe and make us proud!”

“Don’t disappear!”

Most of the town’s people were at the port to give their regards to the strawhats and her. The others were already abroad, her being the last to climb the rope ladder on to her new home. She turned around before hoping on to the deck, and took in how weird and eerie her town looked now, like looking at a haunted house from afar.

“So, the end is near, then?”

She lifted her head to see Zoro’s smirk as he gave her his hand to lift her on to the ship. Someone shouted at her to not disappear. She wasn’t afraid of that. She was afraid of staying still. Her head turned around one last time and she saw nothing there.

“Yeah, I guess, the end is here.”

And she took his hand.

[digi-lov]

Digimon Liberator Novel

[read on the official website] DEBUG.1-1 [Yuuki] - DEBUG.1-2 [HEAVY METAL PLAY] - DEBUG.2-1 [Winr] - DEBUG.2-2 [GOOD GAME]

First spoiler free, then more detailed including spoilers under cut

So the first 2 chapters of the Digimon liberator novel dropped last week! We don't exactly know how frequent it'll update, but most likely not as regular as the comic. First impressions on the main characters, I really like them. I think they are fun and interesting enough to drive the story. They don't feel like exact copies of previous characters, and make me exited for a fresh adventure!

As far as I could tell, the translation seems fairly good, but there was a mistranslation of a card effect. However the translation of TCG card effects can be a bit tricky, and the translators might not have known the official english wording. They also show the respective card right there, so it's easy to see what the effect should be, but it might be confusing to people who weren't already familiar with the cards.

Nevertheless I'm optimistic and looking forward to read more!

So now for a bit more detail

First off, I think they way they incorporate the player's tamer cards is really smart. A player get's their own blank tamer card, and can obtain various effects to add to it within the game, to customize their own tamer card to their play style. Nice! This way it doesn't feel like a weird 4th wall break for Yuuki to have a Yuuki Tamer card for example.

I really like Yuuki , immediately! She's fun, and she definitely has flaws and quirks to work on that'll make her interesting to watch grow. Her relationship with Impmon is nice too. Impmon is not exactly a serious character, but does want Yuuki to be a bit more serious, and recognize the weight of the situation. To an extend, Impmon wants Yuuki to take their partnership more serious in turn, I'd say. The way they talk to each other feels very familiar. You can tell they're close, not holding back complaining about the other. They bicker, but they also quickly drop the fight when needing to figure something out together.

Yuuki's Impmon, as most already know, get's a new evolution line: Punkmon, Loudmon, and HeavyMetaldramon. I love them! I like how it gives Yuuki and her Impmon more of an individual identity, than if they used a previously common Impmon line. The detail about Yuuki being a dancer, and vibing with the cool metal dragon is sweet too!

Also, I wonder if that Altea character is this girl from the poster? It's interesting that Impmon is not a fan of her...

Winr and FunBeemon's introduction was great too. Winr seems like a proud kid, without being feeling too stuck up. The story taking place after he's already known Yuuki for a year, really helps with his walls having started to come down already. I'm curious if his parents will be related to the in universe Digimon Franchise or Game Company in a way, or it they're just generic absent rich parents. Which, I don't think would take away from Winr's character if they are. I feel for him to want to escape from his home life into a virtual world. I love his relationship with FunBeemon. FunBeemon is very attentive to Winr's feelings, and cares a lot about him. And Winr doesn't get annoyed by it, but appreciates it, even though he doesn't quite know how to express it. The new evolutions for FunBeemon are also cool! I've like FunBeemon for a partner Digimon for a while, and I'm excited to see it finally happen!

I'm curious about Winr's real name too, assuming Winr is his username. Winr is a play on "winner", with his Japanese name サイキヨ Saikiyo being a play on 最強 (さいきょう) saikyou meaning "the best" or "the strongest". FunBeemon's nickname "Winnie" is キヨちゃん kiyo-chan in Japanese.

For anyone who's interested: Japanese first person pronouns

Yuuki uses the japanese first person pronoun あたし atashi, which is quite feminine, but as being too over the top girly is sometimes seen as disruptive, atashi also has a do-as-I-please kinda vibe sometimes. For example, it's used by Yuffie from FFVII. The even more cute-girly atai in turn is often used in media by very strong-willed, rough women, such as Plumeria fom Pokémon Sun&Moon, or the Gerudo women from the Legend of Zelda games. It can also be played straight as super cute too thoug, like with Vivian from Paper Mario TTYD.

Impmon uses オレ ore, which is a strong, proud, often masculine pronoun. In formal situations it would be considered rude, but it's normal for guys to use in a casual setting. Very rarely it is also used by super tough women in media, such as Kumatora from Mother 3, or Big Mom from One Piece. Eiichiro Oda mentioned himself knowing women who use ore, but this is quite uncommon and likely a modern developement. You go girls! Impmon also uses it in katakana, which gives it a bit more emphasis.

Winr uses 僕 boku, which is quite common for young boys, or more soft spoken men in casual settings. In media it is also occasionally used by girl characters that have a "tomboy" vibe, but also sometimes by female singers in their songs.

FunBeemon uses 私 watashi, which is technically a polite neutral pronoun, but using it in a casual setting has a feminine connotation.

PS: Sorry this took so long, I'm still very sick, and writing coherent sentences with okay spelling is diffcult.

[chitty-chitty-bang-bang-bang]

Deacon’s Fluff alphabet

Original template by @eekshade

Requested by @rthounasty

Warnings: Occasionally vulgar language

Author’s note: The reader will be human here. IM SO SORRY IT TOOK SO LONG OMG!!! When I promised to do it in “a couple of days”, I actually thought I would, then a bunch of shit literally came out of nowhere and I had to deal with it. I’m sorry, I’m usually not the one to make empty promises :(

________________________________________

Admiration. (what do they admire about their S/O)

He really loves the way you look at him. Nobody else looks at him that way. He sees so much kindness, affection, care and genuine love in your eyes, that it almost makes him question if he’s worth having someone gaze at him in this manner. It’s truly amazing.

Boldness. (how bold are they in regard to their S/O? who confessed first?)

Deacon definitely confesses first, because he feels like it’s his duty to take charge in this matter. He’s definitely very bold and might move at a very fast pace with your relationship, so if that’s not the thing you’re comfortable with, you’re going to have to tell him.

Comfort. (how do they comfort their S/O?)

Deacon may not seem like a good empath at first glance, but he really is. He always knows how you feel, but he isn’t sure how to handle it exactly. Usually he just ends up finding out what’s bothering you and talking about it. Simple, yet works every single time, because he really understands you.

Dates. (do they prefer going out or staying in? do they prefer fancy or simple?)

I think Deacon would prefer to have dates at some secluded place, where nobody can really interrupt you or interfere. It’s definitely not his house, because of his roommates. He really likes going out with you for picnics. It’s nice to be surrounded by greenery and enjoying the company of each other. Not very fancy and rather dangerous, but sweet nonetheless.

Equal. (are they more dominant or passive?)

Deacon doesn’t like being led by someone, so taking charge is more up his alley. Though to be fair, it’s really easy to overpower him and once he’s in that position of willingly letting you have it your way, he kind of enjoys the liberation. You two end up plateauing and matching each other’s energy.

Family. (do they want to start a family?)

Arguably, Deacon is not very good with responsibility and a child is a very big one. He realises, that it’s a big commitment that he is definitely not ready to make at this point in time and especially not with a mortal, because how would that even work? He really needs to grow up (mentally) himself first, before having any kids.

Goofy. (how serious are they when it comes to a relationship?)

In the sweetest way possible, he’s a buffoon. He likes to joke about himself, about you, tease you occasionally and maybe even play a prank or two. It’s all in good fun and he likes to see the smile on your face, when he says something ridiculous. If you ever get upset or uncomfortable at his jokes, he’ll realise it right away and then immediately back down and admit it wasn’t funny and apologise.

Hugs. (how do they hug?)

Bone-crushing-soul-squeezing-heart-exploding hug. It’s so tight, you have to remind him that you’re not immortal. Each time he hugs you, it feels you like he’s afraid of letting go. As if you’d turn to dust or something much more horrifying. These hugs are his beacon of comfort.

Interests. (what Interests do they want to share with their S/O)

He will die if he doesn’t teach you how to knit, so you can spend hours and hours talking and knitting like a married old couple. You also now have a ton of his handmade sweaters, scarves, hats and mittens. Please wear them, he’ll get mildly upset if you don’t, because it’s like you denied his token of affection.

Jealousy. (do they get jealous?)

Deacon does get jealous quite a lot of your friends, especially very close ones. Though he usually just sucks it all up, because talking about his feelings is challenging for him and you might have to prompt this conversation. Otherwise he’ll just be sour about it until eventually he forgets and moves on.

Kiss. (how they kiss/favorite place to be kissed, and vise versa.)

This man pours his whole soul and heart into his affection. Deacon’s kisses are very passionate and intense. His favourite part of your body to kiss is the lips. Cliché? Yeah, pretty much. But it just feels so intimate and personal, because you’re allowing him to kiss you the way nobody else is allowed to. For himself, he likes being kissed in the temples. It feels so nice and relaxing, he literally melts.

Love Language.

Deacon’s love language is gifts. Words of affirmative don’t really roll off his tongue that easily and can come off rather awkward, acts of service is just not something he enjoys that much and it wouldn’t feel sincere and while he loves physical touch and quality time, giving you gifts is his main way of expressing love. Because each time you smile receiving anything he gives you, it’s like a little confirmation that he knows you well. That he’s doing something right.

Meals. (kitchen dynamics.)

Deacon is definitely not the best chef and I wouldn’t trust him with a stove, but if you require help with some basic tasks in the kitchen, he will agree to do it. He can chop up the products, measure ingredients or run a quick errand to the store. If you bake, he really likes to watch the bread rise in the oven, so don’t be surprised to catch him just staring at it.

Nicknames. (what do they call their S/O?)

“My love”, “My dearest”, “My (basically anything)” are his go-to ones. It’s not so much so because he’s possessive, he’s really not. It’s because he really likes to feel this connection of you almost being a part of him at this point. Though usually he doesn’t think of it that deep.

Openness. (how open are they about their past/emotions with their S/O?)

Deacon is rather steep with sharing information about himself. He gives you little hints and details about his past and might tell you some basics about where he was born and how he became a vampire. But more personal stuff like his family and his time as a mortal he keeps to himself even after you get very close. Part of the reason is that he hardly remembers those times.

PDA.

Outrageous PDA enjoyer. Deacon likes to hold you and take your hand, while walking or kiss you for no reason at all. He does it once to test the waters and if you don’t feel like it’s something you’re okay with, he will stop. You just have to be straightforward about it.

Quarrel. (how they apologize/ how long it takes them to forgive their S/O?)

As I mentioned before, Deacon doesn’t have the best way with words and his pride doesn’t help it. If he’s truly wrong, he will apologise, but it might take him some time. When he does though, it’s very sincere and you can tell just how guilty he feels.

Rules. (boundaries they have.)

His rules are very simple and straightforward. No cheating, no fighting over dumb shit, no boycotting each other. He thinks that silent treatment is probably the worst way of solving problems, because it doesn’t solve anything and makes both parties feel like shit.

Security. (how protective they are of their S/O.)

Deacon is very very very protective of his partner. He is always on a lookout for potential threats, when you two are on the town. He doesn’t want to accidentally put you in danger, because of his own recklessness. If anything ever happens to you he will be so pissed and probably pick a fight with whoever caused you harm.

Time. (how long does it take to fall for their S/О?)

Deacon takes a while to even start liking you and even longer to properly fall in love. For the first couple of months of your platonic relationship he didn’t even look at you as a potential romantic partner, but slowly he started realising that he wants to be close to you, talk to you, hold you and be a big part of your life. Give him time to come around to it.

Upset (what things upset them in a relationship?)

There aren’t many things, that can get him truly upset with you, but everyone has boundaries. If you ever come at him with some epithets like “dumb”, “immature”, “tactless”, “brute” and anything of that sort, he will feel like absolute shit and doubt if you two can even work together. Unless he actually deserved it in that situation.

Vacation. (what kind of traveler are they with their S/O?)

Traveling with Deacon is never boring. Even if you make a perfect plan for your trip, it will probably go to shit, when your boyfriend gets a random idea to go off the route and explore that very interesting looking [insert literally anything here]. So always be prepared with a plan B if you get lost. Also try to not let him burn down in the sun.

Words. (promises they make to their S/O.)

He promised to always be with you. Through thick and thin. Through highs and lows. He will never leave your side, even if the whole world turns against you. Seems like a bunch of meaningless big words, but I assure you, he means every single thing he said.

Xenial. (how they make you feel welcome/what makes them feel welcome?)

He likes when you call his name. It’s plain as day, but just the way it rolls off your tongue and the sound of it makes his brain itch a little in the best way possible. He could listen to you just saying his name over and over all night long. He makes you feel welcome by doing small things he usually doesn’t do to others like hold the door for you, move the chair for you to sit down and all that gentleman fluff.

Yearning. (do they miss their S/O easily? what do they do about it?)

He misses you a ton, but deals with it pretty well. He keeps around something with your scent, like your perfume if you use one or your favourite T-shirt. And for a little moment it makes him feel like you never left. That is enough to get him through the period of time when you’re away.

Zzz. (sleeping habits/how they cuddle.)

This man sleeps on top of you in the star pose. It looks a bit funny from the side, but really, he’s lighter than you though, especially considering he sometimes floats when he’s asleep. Though a lot of times you sleep separately, just because he finds sleeping upside down like a bat way more comfortable than the human way.

[chamerionwrites]

Man I was trying to be nice about it because ime Christians are frequently well-meaning albeit astonishingly naive about these things (been there done that brutally disabused of those illusions, so yknow, my sympathies), but if I see one more post about how brave and relevant that sermon to Trump was I’m gonna SNAP. That kind of chance to speak truth to power and you ask for mercy? For mercy? From people who clearly despise weakness and vulnerability of any kind? FOR people who have done nothing wrong? Mercy? MERCY? That’s what you think is called for here?

Sorry but who the hell are you preaching to, because it isn’t those ghouls in the pews. If I am being very unkind, I suspect it’s to the audience of liberals who already agree with you, and who will shower you with praise for soothing their consciences and stroking their egos. It’s funny - and predictable - that conservatives are shriekingly furious about what was frankly a pretty milquetoast sermon. It’s sad that people are so accustomed to Christians kissing up to power that the softest hint of dissent is welcomed with such relief and admiration. If I’m being generous I think maybe you didn’t know what to say but felt compelled to say something, and kudos for having a backbone I suppose - but I also think you’re bad at your job.

Because it is not difficult to be much, much clearer and braver and more relevant than that. The only thing those people believe in is fear and force and power. If you really want to get through to them, speak the language they understand! Put the actual fear of God in them! It’s so easy you don’t even need to write a sermon; you can read right from the Bible. James 5 is a real classic:

Now listen, you rich people, weep and wail because of the misery that is coming on you. Your wealth has rotted, and moths have eaten your clothes. Your gold and silver are corroded. Their corrosion will testify against you and eat your flesh like fire. You have hoarded wealth in the last days. Look! The wages you failed to pay the workers who mowed your fields are crying out against you. The cries of the harvesters have reached the ears of the Lord Almighty. You have lived on earth in luxury and self-indulgence. You have fattened yourselves in the day of slaughter. You have condemned and murdered the innocent one, who was not opposing you.

Or you could try Habakkuk 2:

Woe to him who piles up stolen goods and makes himself wealthy by extortion! How long must this go on? Will not your debtors suddenly arise? Will they not wake up and make you tremble? Then you will become their victim. Because you have plundered many nations, the peoples who are left will plunder you. For you have shed man’s blood; you have destroyed lands and cities and everything in them.

Woe to him who builds his realm by unjust gain to set his nest on high, to escape the clutches of ruin! You have plotted the ruin of many peoples, shaming your own house and forfeiting your life. The stones of the wall will cry out, and the beams of the woodwork will echo it.

Zechariah 7:

And the word of the Lord came again to Zechariah: “This is what the Lord Almighty says: ‘Administer true justice; show mercy and compassion to one another. Do not oppress the widow or the fatherless, the alien or the poor. In your hearts do not think evil of each other.’”

But they refused to pay attention; stubbornly they turned their backs and stopped up their ears. They made their hearts as hard as flint and would not listen to the law or to the words that the Lord Almighty had sent by his spirit through the earlier prophets. So the Lord Almighty was very angry.

Matthew 25:

Then he will say to those on his left, “Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. For I was hungry and you gave me nothing to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink, I was a stranger and you did not invite me in, I needed clothes and you did not clothe me, I was sick and in prison and you did not look after me.”

They also will answer, “Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or needing clothes or sick or in prison, and did not help you?”

He will reply, “I tell you the truth, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.”

I’m quite fond of Isaiah 58, personally. Really drives home the point that surface religious observance is not just worthless but actively offensive when you’re oppressing the vulnerable:

For day after day they seek me out; they seem eager to know my ways, as if they were a nation that does what is right and has not forsaken the commands of its God. They ask me for just decisions and seem eager for God to come near them. “Why have we fasted,” they say, “and you have not seen it? Why have we humbled ourselves and you have not noticed?”

Yet on the day of your fasting, you do as you please and exploit all your workers. Your fasting ends in quarreling and strife, and in striking each other with wicked fists. You cannot fast as you do today and expect your voice to be heard on high. Is this the kind of fast I have chosen, only a day for people to humble themselves? Is it only for bowing one’s head like a reed and lying in sackcloth and ashes? Is that what you call a fast, a day acceptable to the Lord?

Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen: to loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and break every yoke? Is it not to share your food with the hungry and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter - when you see the naked, to clothe him, and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood?

Then your light will break forth like the dawn, and your healing will quickly appear; then your righteousness will go before you, and the glory of the Lord will be your rear guard. Then you will call, and the Lord will answer; you will cry for help, and he will say: Here am I.

If you do away with the yoke of oppression, with the pointing finger and malicious talk, and if you spend yourselves on behalf of the hungry and satisfy the needs of the oppressed, then your light will rise in the darkness, and your night will become like the noonday. The Lord will guide you always; he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail. Your people will rebuild the ancient ruins and will raise up the age-old foundations; you will be called Repairer of Broken Walls, Restorer of Streets with Dwellings.

[shanksbaby]

Shanks x Fem!Reader - Old Love

you are one of the members of the Straw Hat crew, you have recently become one in reality. You have been following in the footsteps of your captain Luffy for about a year and a half, you decided to be a part of it when you met him on an island that he was liberating from the world government.

being with the Straw Hats is one of the best things that ever happened to you. There hasn't been a day since you've been with them that you've felt sad or bored. If they saw you down there were already Usopp, Luffy and Chopper to make you laugh; and there was Sanji who was ready to cook you the most delicious dishes.

so you can't help but feel lucky. You are now on the island of Bourgeois, you will stop for a few days and then leave, due to the lack of supplies you were forced to stay on this island.

you and Nami took the opportunity to stop and do some shopping, you spent the day squandering the treasure you captured a week earlier. Have you bought designer clothes, bathing suits, hot lingerie (especially for you as you were trying to pass an old story behind you, and what better way than through sex with strangers?)

after a ( tiring ) day of shopping go back to your companions, and even before setting foot on the ship you hear Luffy's voice screaming from the latter

" Y\N! Nami! Get ready tonight we feast, an old friend is here"

Oh! how much you loved when you feasted, you loved eating in company, especially when there was a lot of food. You were already preparing to taste whatever delicacy Sanji had prepared, your happiness drops immediately.

the friend your captain was talking about was your ex, Shanks. Your gazes meet, both of you are surprised to see each other's faces, both you and Shanks have probably imagined never meeting again.

what should you do? go say hello? and pretend those years together and the break up didn't happen? you don't know what to do, and you stare at him, you actually stare at each other. It seems that he too is undecided, but luckily your companions save you, who greet him and start chatting with him.

during the evening you sit away from him, and mutter only a few words, never directed at him, and you get up early from the banquet inventing an excuse. You couldn't still be close to that man, not after what he did to you: he left you, and above all he left you on that island.

tsk, and now you're supposed to act like nothing happened? like it's a new face? No thank you. Seeing him converse so cheerfully as if you weren't in the presence of him, the person he swore he loved and then treated like an old object makes you feel sick. Not to mention he's seeing a person right now.

your stream of thoughts is interrupted by a familiar, all too familiar voice.

"Y\N " Shanks says with an almost uncertain voice, you've never seen him like this " I wanted to talk to you…"

"About what? How you left me like trash or how you came here acting like I wasn't there?"

he flinch at your words. "I wanted to apologize for how it went and for leaving you like that."

you don't reply to him, you simply turn to look at the calm waves of the ocean, you don't want to look at him or talk to him. What should you answer to these words? Okay, is all forgiven? Fuck, nope. You don't want to be mad at him forever (he was a friend first anyway) but right now you don't see why you forgive him.

" I'm really sorry, I didn't mean to hurt you" he speaks after a few minutes of silence " I know you don't bel-"

" Shut up " you interrupt him "I don't want to hear your bullshit" you give him a fiery glare again "I don't care what your intentions were, you still hurt me."

" And you are absolutely right. And I know that after stranding you on an island I don't deserve to say it, but it wasn't an easy choice. I didn't do it overnight, I wish you understood that"

a bitter laugh escapes you at those words " And do you think it was easy to have a stable relationship one day and then the next day to give up, not even giving the time to try to understand what happened?"

"It wasn't easy for both of us"

"yeah"

more minutes of silence pass and you think that if you had met Shanks a year ago you would have killed him, and you would not have had this reaction, now you are calmer, perhaps a sign of the fact that the wound is healing.

"Anyway, I find you really good you know? And the underwear you bought with Nami is really -" you immediately punch him in the stomach angry at the words he just said. Always been a pervert.

"You stayed the same, a pervert! "

"And you remained the usual violent one" but as soon as he sees your gaze he hastens to add an apology

" …You know, I'm still mad at you, don't pretend to be friends. Not that I don't want to be your friend anymore, but right now I can't"

"I know, I'll wait when you're ready"and he gives you one of those smiles that you fell in love with, and you realize that you're never really over it, you still love him.

after these words, he leaves, withdrawing from his companions. You can't help but look at him from afar with bitterness.

[awsugar]

A solitary woman sat at the bar, lost in contemplation. Her strangely familiar blue flannel and thoughtful demeanor suggested someone who took life's mysteries seriously. She traced absent patterns on the bartop while considering what Frank's latest cryptic Instagram post might really mean.

Across the room, an androgynous beauty in a maroon sweater noticed her immediately. There was something compelling about her intensity, the way she seemed to be puzzling out important truths. The brunette adjusted his MCR pin and approached, swagger barely masking her nerves.

The contemplative stranger looked up, analytical eyes warming at the sight of her new companion. Something about the newcomer's dark waves and careful confidence sparked her interest.

"Can I buy you a drink?"

The woman smiled, shifting to make space. "Please."

They fell into easy conversation, each secretly thrilled to find someone who radiated such intelligence. The younger fan found himself drawn to her companion's evident depth of thought, while the woman appreciated her new friend's passionate energy.

"The band just means so much," the brunette ventured. "The way they really see their fans."

"Yes!" The woman leaned forward. "And how they communicate through their art. The subtle sophisticated messages..."

"Exactly! Like, people miss so much of what Gerard's trying to say—"

"Or what Frank's really expressing—"

They beamed at each other, delighted to find someone who understood.

"I've been analyzing their recent performances," the younger fan offered. "The evolution has been fascinating."

"Really? I've been deep-diving their social media presence myself." The woman's eyes lit with dangerous intensity. "The hidden meanings..."

"So you've noticed the changes in Gerard's presentation?" the brunette ventured breathlessly, a spark of excitement running through his body.

"Oh, I'm more focused on Frank's journey." The woman admitted. Her fingers tightened slightly on her glass. "His recent posts have been... revealing."

The brunette leaned forward eagerly. "Gerard seems so much freer lately."

A shadow crossed the millennial's face, and she aimed at measured glance at her companion. "Freer isn't the word I'd use."

"His wife is so supportive of his journey—"

"Supportive?" The 30-something's voice went quiet. Her analytical gaze turned sharp.

"The way she encourages his, or should I say, HER gender exploration—"

"The way she isolates him from the band—"

They studied each other with growing concern. The initial spark of connection wavered.

"You know," the woman said carefully, tugging tight the blue flannel she had purloined from Frank at a Future Violents show a few years earlier, "he's been isolated, as if he were locked in a metaphprical tower...like Frank at the Paramour..."

The younger fan's face shifted from confusion to irritation. As far as he was concerned, the only metaphorical tower Gerard had been locked in was the phallic tower of gender dysphoria, crying out for liberation by the airplane strikes of slutty feminine attire. "I prefer to focus on Gerard's authentic self-expression—"

"While Frank suffers in silence—"

"Through her feminine energy—"

"Under her dark influence—"

Their postures grew rigid. The air crackled with tension as each realized just how wrong the other was about everything.

"You can't possibly think Frank was actually imprisoned in a tower."

"You can't seriously believe Gerard's been secretly communicating his pronoun preferences through costume choices."

The older woman gripped her drink tighter, wondering how someone so intelligent could be so blind to Frank's obvious distress signals. The brunette stared in disbelief, amazed that her compelling companion could miss such clear signs of Gerard's gender journey.

"Frank's Instagram posts are literally crying out for help—"

"Gerard's stage outfits are literally spelling out her truth—"

"The evidence is right there—"

"If you'd just analyze the patterns—"

Neither could say later who moved first. One moment they were facing off over competing delusions, the next they were crashing together, a glass shattering forgotten on the floor as their passionate disagreement found a different outlet entirely.

The bartender sighed, gazing dejectedly at the glass shards gleaming up at her from the floor. Her patrons moaned and groped one another, oblivious to her presence or commentary. "I find it really Sad and Stupid how frankie Iero lets his Fans act like Rude Jerks at the bar," she muttered. "It's like Seriously dude your Inconsiderate."

HDEJEIFJQKXNWJCIWJE LMFAOOOOO

nothing could have prepared me for that twist ending in the last paragraph i squeaked out loud anon you are SO funny oh my god....😭

[kiddbegins]

"maybe i didn’t like the way (character) looked at you!” with wilson

I’m yours.

James Wilson x f!reader

Word count: idk I wrote this on here

A/n: I love him but I feel like this may be a little ooc for him but oh well

Things with James were easy. You’d fallen into a routine enough in the couple years you’d been together that it just worked. If you cooked, he’d wash dishes. If you were sick, he’d take over house chores. If you needed to shop, he’d take the chance to go with you.

It was good. Amazing even. A perfect balance in all ways. If you fought it was usually over the bills even if there were set ones in each of your names. Regardless, you had a deal to not go to bed angry at one another.

That was how you proved that you still loved each other even if you had argued that day. Except today was weird. You both worked at Princeton Plainsboro, him as the head of Oncology, you as the head of surgery.

That of course meant that you both were… liberally pulled into the antics of his friend and your acquaintance, Gregory House. Which also meant his little team of ducklings were in and out of the OR that you had to give them access to.

It was a whole thing.

And it wasn’t like you weren’t aware of the glances Chase made in your direction. He’d been making them since his first day. Of course they were always ignored and he knew there was really no chance of anything even possibly happening so he just left it.

Except James was never around when it happened. It always seemed to happen when he was busy with his own life and patients that you caught the blonde looking.

Like now, you were talking over the plan for a patient and he was looking at you with such admiration you didn’t even know what to say. You knew he wanted to get better at surgery, was thinking of switching over but you never thought much into it.

After a brief talk, he walked away, ready to give House the rundown of what you’d just told him and that was that.

You were clear aside from the talked about surgery and it was lunchtime so you went to get food in the cafeteria. Just as you turned, you saw him turning the other way down the hallway.

He was gone before you even could stop him, so you followed him. You had no idea why he’d run off, James was always the one that would at least make a point to give you a smile or something when he saw you so the fact he left was weird.

“James?” You called out as you jogged after him, right to his office. “Hey, you alright?” You questioned, shutting the door behind yourself.

“Yeah, fine. Just busy.” He said shortly, in a tone he’d never taken with you. He’d always have some sort of sweetness to his voice.

You raised your eyebrows slightly, “what? No, something’s wrong. What happened?” Genuinely unaware of what it was that had him in such a mood. “Did house do something? You know I’m not above yelling at him or more if needed.”

“House didn’t do anything, seriously y/n, I’m fine.” He waved you off, sitting at his desk and forcing himself to look at whatever paper it was that was in front of him.

Your eyebrows furrowed together, “Jamie,” your voice softened slightly, “come on, I know you’re lying.”

He was quiet, pursing his lips as he sat back, shaking his head. Part of you wanted to drop it, but there was just something that made you stand in front of his desk.

Something seemed to snapped in him, “Maybe I just didn’t like how Chase looked at you, y/n.” He nearly yelled, his voice just slightly raising as he dropped his pen.

“Wha- James really?” A slight scoff of disbelief in your voice. “What are you even talking about?”

He scoffed himself, “What am I talking about? He was practically undressing you with his eyes out there!” His eyes finally lifting up to you.

You never saw it that way. Again, admiration was the main thing you’d name the way he looked at you. “James, he just looks up to me. He wants to go into surgery.”

“That’s not the only thing he seems to want to go into.” He muttered, a comment you’d never thought on your life you’d hear from him. Anything of that sort.

You shook your head, moving to stand in front of him, leaning to put your hands over his shoulders, “Look at me. No matter what he wants from me? I’m yours. Always. You know that.”

“Do I?”

“I mean… I hope you do at least..” your voice betraying the way you were taken aback by his words.

He sighed lightly, nodding. “I do.” He muttered, pulling you to sit on his lap. “I just know… he’s more your… type.” James said, his hands resting on your hips.

“You’re my type. You.” Your words were healing to hear to say the least, James nodding again. Even if he was worried, he knew he’d have you. Always.

JOIN WILSONS TAGLIST HERE!

tags: @ladyvelvette @thewayilovedjay @nerdypyrowolf @iwmflbb

[bluehourbucky]

The Girl of Your Dreams

pairing: bestfriend!Bucky x (amab)trans!reader

summary: you're in love with your best friend but you don't think he's in love with you

a/n: uh I love me some angst hehe this is one of my fav tropes and I couldn't help myself I had to write it! I haven't seen many trans rep in fics maybe I just haven't come across any but I want everyone to feel welcome so I wrote this <3

warnings: probably some typos;

/ main masterlist / bucky /

_________________________________________

The music is deafening, you cant hear your own thoughts over the song playing currently, it doesn't help you've had a bit to drink and are starting to feel tipsy.

You didn't feel like going out tonight but your friends made you, more like your best friend made you with his puppy eyes that you couldn't deny.

Bucky has been your friend over 10 years ever since you've met at college, you two instantly clicked you've never had a friend like him. To be fair half of your life you were pretending to be something you're not. Going to college as yourself was so liberating.

You've been assigned a dorm at college but you've gone to the wrong building on your first day which has lead to you meeting Bucky.

"Uh hi?" your cheeks turn crimson red when a shirtless guy opened the door of your room.

"Is this room 306?"

"Yeah but my roommate has already settled in lemme see that paper." he snatched the paper out of your hands.

"So you're in the wrong building this is building B and yours is across the campus in building A."

You're trying so hard not to stare at his abs but you're failing miserably.

"Doll, you there?"

"Sorry yeah, I- uh is it too much to ask you to show me where this building is?"

"Sure no problem. Let's go."

"Uh you're not going to put on a shirt?"

"Nah this is how I get the chicks."

"You're gross."

"Am I? Didn't I just catch you staring at my glorious abs?"

"Again, you're gross."

It wasn't that sweet of a meeting but you couldn't be more thankful that Bucky has stayed your friend for so many years. If it wasn't for him you don't think you would've survived college. Underneath his tough exterior and his big personality was hidden a very sweet and thoughtful guy you've come to love so much.

Since then both of you had grown so much and your love towards him had changed into much more than just platonic love. Yes you still loved him as a friend but God what you wouldn't give to be kissed by him only once.

People come and go, but you and Bucky, you're sure it's forever - maybe not in the way you'd want it to be but it's more than enough.

It's been a while since you've given up on dating, for many reasons but mostly because you've never stopped comparing people you were with at the moment with Bucky. They could never be him. He didn't know that but all your mutual friends did.

It was easy for them to say just tell him how you feel whatever happens, happens. For you it's not so easy, you'd rather have Bucky as a best friend or not at all.

But damn it hurts watching him dance with women who look so ready to devour him.

Bucky like you hasn't been in a serious relationship for a while now, he says he's still to young to settle down and you respect that.

You wish you two had made a deal to get married to each other by the time you're 35 if neither of you are married by then - you would only have to wait a few more years. Unfortunately you did not and now you are stuck with watching other women take your Bucky.

"You look too pretty to be so sad." Natasha says as she sits next to you on a barstool.

"Thanks, but I'm fine." you say looking down at your drink in your hand.

"You know he's in love with you right?"

you laugh like it's the most ridiculous thing ever.

"Nat he's not in love with me. He's been in love before I've seen it and he's certainly not in love with me."

Natasha has been trying make both you and Bucky confess your feelings for each other and she's been failing miserably. Steve was also involved but he also had no luck. He isn't sure who's more stubborn you or Bucky.

"I'm just saying you should give it a shot and stop being so stubborn. You deserve to be happy."

"I am happy."

"You've been staring at that woman since she approached Bucky if looks could kill she'd be dead."

"I am not staring. She's gorgeous and Bucky deserves someone like that."

Natasha rolls her eyes, she loves you but damn can you be stubborn.

"Well seems like he doesn't think so."

Before you can ask her what she's talking about Bucky hugs you from behind and wraps his arms around your waist.

"You know it's a shame not to show off the outfit it took you four hours to decide on." He whispers in your and you immediately get goosebumps. It's not like he never does this you're just overwhelmed.

"Hey, are you okay?" suddenly he's serious when you don't reply or look at him, usually you'd tell him off or something but you're quiet.

"I'm fine Jamie."

"Come on, you're gonna dance with me and tell me what's wrong." Bucky pulls you by the hand to the dance floor.

"Bucky no I'm not in the mood." you try to pull your hand out of his gasp but he just puts his hand on your waist and leads you like that.

He starts dancing with you and you laugh when he starts doing Macarena to a Nicki Minaj song. You can't even bring yourself to be embarrassed.

"See I knew I could make you smile." He says and you roll your eyes. Your heart stops when he grabs your waist and pulls you into him. He's dancing with you like he did with that woman maybe you're even closer to him than she was. But you don't want to get into your head and get ideas.

"I'm not in the mood to dance I think I'm gonna call it a night." You untangle yourself from Bucky and rush out of the club.

"Wait!" you turn around and notice Bucky who has followed you out.

"What's going on? Are you okay?" He puts his hand on your shoulder.

"I'm tired." you try to shrug him off.

"Did I do something?"

Your heart aches at his hurt tone.

"No, it's just..." you inhale, milion thoughts racing through your mind.

"I can't pretend that I'm not hurt every time I see you with another woman. I can't help but think how much I wish that was me you're holding, me you're kissing, me who you're loving! And I know that will never be me!"

you yell, tears falling from your eyes, and you can't even bring yourself to look at Bucky.

"How long have you felt that way?"

"I don't know when I fell in love with you. Maybe I've loved you since the beginning, and I just tried to push it down. Maybe it was gradual and when I started falling I didn't realise I was and then it was just you who I wanted."

"I've loved you for years, doll. But you are so out of my league you deserve much better than what I have to offer. If I knew you'd felt this way I would've told you that years ago."

Your jaw hangs open you're looking at Bucky in disbelief, did you hear him right. - out of his league????

"Are you insane? Out of your league?! All I ever wanted was to be the girl of your dreams and you're telling me that you think you're not enough for me?!"

"You are the girl of my dreams! God I hated seeing you date other people. I know that's selfish when I'd been sleeping around to get over you! I was so afraid of telling you because I would rather have you as a best friend or not at all."

Bucky takes a breath and continues.

"What I'm saying is I love you and I know there's better guys out there who'll love you better but please if you give me a chance."

"Better guys then you? Who? The guy who asked me If I still have a dick? The guy who asked to feel my boobs? Wow so many good options."

Buckys blood boiled, the amount of first dates that you've been on have been awful because some people are literally just ignorant assholes. He wanted to beat every single one of them.

"God I hate them I still don't know why you didn't let me beat them up."

You both laugh at that, he'd wanted to beat up many people over the years.

"You're impossible but I love you."

"I love you too. And I'd really love to kiss you right now if you'd let me."

you don't answer verbally but you grab the back of Buckys neck and pull him in finally after years of dreaming about it you kiss the man you've been in love with.

You've put everything into that kiss, and you don't pull away until you're both out of breath.

"Damn, we should've done that a lot earlier!"

"I-"

Bucky pulls you in for another kiss and you instantly melt in his arms.

______________________________________

"Where did they go?" Steve asks Natasha not being able to find neither you or Bucky for a while.

"Uh I don't know they would've told us if they left." Natasha replies.

Natasha and Steve exit the club and immediately notice the two of you making out against the brick wall just few steps outside the club.

"Finally! I don't know what took them so long!"

__________________________________________

[The End]

likes comments and reblogs are appreciated <3

[thank-god-and-you]

[Read Secretum Lingua Caritate on FFN]

Probably requested by @annambates or @awesomegreentie

“Damn!”

John’s irritated curse resonates through the cottage. Anna winces as Johnny giggles, clapping his sudsy hands together in the bathtub.

“John!” she calls in return, exasperated herself. “Don’t say that!”

She hears the echo of her husband’s cane as he makes his way towards the bathroom, and he pokes his head around the door.

“Sorry,” he says gruffly, not sounding as apologetic as he should. “Johnny’s left one of his bricks out. I didn’t see it and stepped on it.” He gestures down to his foot.

Since she can’t assess the damage through a sock, Anna’s compassion remains limited. “Even so, I don’t want you saying such words in Johnny’s earshot. You know what children are like, they’re sponges at this age!”

Johnny splashes water as if in agreement, sending his little boat spinning as if on a tidal wave. Anna keeps a hold on him to stop him from lurching after it, expertly pushing it back into his tiny hands as she turns back to her husband.

“Next time, watch where you’re putting your feet,” she scolds him gently. “You might need glasses if you didn’t see it.”

John scowls at her, more wounded pride than irascibility. “I don’t need glasses. We need to start teaching Johnny to put his things away when he’s had them.”

“He can’t walk or talk,” Anna says, rolling her eyes. “He’s hardly going to clean up after himself.”

“You don’t sound very sympathetic,” John pouts, sitting himself on the lip of the tub.

“That’s because I’m not,” she says, reaching across for the flannel to soap Johnny’s back. Their son giggles, throwing suds up in front of him.

“Is that what life has become now? Can a man no longer get pity from his wife?”

“Not with injuries of his own making.”

“Well, if that’s the kind of reception I get, I’m going,” John grumbles, but he belies his words by bending down to drop a kiss into her hair, nuzzling against her temple for a brief moment.

“We won’t be long,” Anna tells him, and watches him leave the room with affectionate impatience.

She finishes bathing Johnny and gathers him into her arms to return to his little bedroom.  He babbles happily, his blond hair tufting on his head with the gentle towelling it’s received. She tucks him into snug bedclothes before he can get too cold, no easy feat with his flailing arms and legs, and rewards him with a tickle to his round tummy when she’s done. Johnny giggles loudly, his fat little appendages waving more enthusiastically in delight.

“Mamamamamamamam,” he squeals, reaching out to grab at an errant curl of her hair.

Anna doesn’t know if she can count that as his first word or not. There’s no doubt that he’s getting closer to it every day that passes, but she doesn’t think it’s distinct enough yet.

At that moment, John appears in the doorway. He’s divested himself of his jacket, his shirtsleeves rolled up to the elbows.

“Mamamamamamamam,” Johnny squeals again upon seeing him.

“No,” John corrects, venturing further into the room to sit on the edge of the bed beside him, “I’m Dada, remember? Da-da.”

“Stop trying to confuse him,” Anna scolds. “We both know he’s supposed to say Mama first. Isn’t that right, my darling?” she goes back to tickling his tummy. “Ma-ma!”

“Mamamamamamamam!”

“I see that’s going just as well for you,” John smirks. “And don’t think I haven’t noticed the lack of a proper greeting.”

“Honestly, men. So insecure the moment a woman’s attention is elsewhere for even a moment.”

“Honestly, women,” he counters, “forgetting all about their men once they’ve got the baby they wanted.”

They laugh at each other, and Anna stretches up on her knees to plant a soft kiss onto his mouth. He steadies her with a hand on her waist, inviting her closer. She doesn’t resist him. Any mild irritation that might have been lingering before with his liberal use of colourful language around their son’s delicate ears melts away with his careful passion.

“How’s work?” she asks when she pulls away.

John sighs. “Nothing new to report. Thomas has been giving me a headache, as usual. I’ve missed having you there.”

“I’ve missed seeing you too,” she admits. She’s taken a couple of days off to stay at home with Johnny, who has been a little grizzly with a cough. Nothing to worry about, Doctor Clarkson had reassured them, but Anna doesn’t want to leave her son in the care of Nanny. Lady Mary agrees with her, knowing how she struggled to conceive, and has granted her the time to be with him for her own peace of mind.

“Johnny looks brighter,” John observes, moving his large hand to rest gently atop her own on Johnny’s stomach.

“He is,” she agrees. “Another day or two and I should be back at work.”  But she can’t pretend that she hasn’t enjoyed her time being at home with her son. She loves her work at Downton, of course, but sometimes she wonders if they should revisit the old idea of the hotel. It’s been put on hold time and time again for one reason or another, but now could be the perfect moment to give it proper consideration again. Johnny is getting older, they could work their schedule around their own needs instead of the family’s, and it would give them more time to spend together. Anna would miss working for Lady Mary, of course she would, but her priorities have changed over the years, especially in the more recent one with the birth of their son.

She makes a note to bring the subject up to John on their next half-day, when they have the time to have a proper discussion about it.

“Come on,” she says gently now, pushing that stubborn strand of hair away from her husband’s forehead. “Let me put Johnny to bed and I’ll get supper out of the oven for you.”

“No, I’ll do that,” he says. “I haven’t seen him all day, I’d like to.”

Anna nods in understanding, standing. “Well, don’t be too long. You must be hungry.”

She watches as he scoops their son gently into his arms and carries him out of the room, cradling him with devotion.

Yes, they need to have the discussion very soon indeed.

-- --

The following weeks pass smoothly. Anna returns to work and Johnny returns to the nursery alongside the Crawley children, and they fall into the same routine that has governed their lives since Johnny’s birth. They collect him each night once their duties are done and make the walk back down to the cottage with him tucked tight into his pram. Sometimes he is grumpy at being disturbed from his warm and cosy cot in the nursery, and Anna always feels a stab of guilt at his fussing. A reproachful part of her that is growing increasingly difficult to ignore tells her that he should have been tucked up in his own bed many hours before.

They still want their old dream, of course. The image of the hotel has been a constant in her picture of the future, perhaps only dimming briefly through the darkest period of her life. The timing just never seems to be quite right.

But perhaps now is the time to make the timing right. She feels the tug of exhaustion at the end of a long day, and hasn’t failed to notice the weary lines on John’s face, or the way he drags himself up the stairs at night. He hates to acknowledge it and she feels disloyal for thinking it, but he’s not getting any younger, and while running their own business would be very hard work, it’s nothing they aren’t used to already and they could at least be finished at a reasonable hour every evening, giving them more quality time to spend together and with their son. A half-day every fortnight hardly seems adequate when she thinks about all the struggles they had to bring him into the world.

And so she broaches the subject first, knowing that John will always go at her pace, wait for her to make the choice, as he has done ever since that awful, dark night all those years ago, making sure she does it as John settles himself in bed beside her.

“I think it’s time,” she says.

John pauses in the middle of settling on his side, twisting his head on the pillow, a frown on his face. “Time for what?”

She clarifies, “Time to start looking for our hotel. I want to. This is the right moment now.”

For a moment, John stares at her uncomprehendingly. “What?”

She rolls her eyes at his obliviousness, but supposes she’ll let him off. After all, it’s been a long day, and she’s voiced her wishes quite out of the blue. “The hotel,” she repeats. “Our future. It’s time we started planning. I don’t want us to delay any longer. We’ve done enough of that already.”

The smile that spreads across John’s face, slightly disbelieving, deliriously happy, makes her heart contract in her chest. She knows he would have liked to have pursued that dream a long time ago, but had never pushed her on the subject, giving her full control over their future. She had always felt slightly anxious at the thought of leaving everyone she knew behind, especially after the support she had received during the most awful times in her life, but now she feels regretful. Guilty for making John delay.

He deserves the chance to be included in all of the special milestones in his son’s life, not hearing about them second-hand from Nanny. He’d already been denied the opportunity to be there for her when she had miscarried before, when she’d been so terrified that she was losing Johnny.

She doesn’t want to miss out on those important milestones. How jealous and upset would she be if it was Nanny who witnessed his first steps, and not her, his mother? Nothing is more important to her than her son, her family, and it’s time that she made that clear once and for all.

“Our future,” John breathes, his whole face aglow with boyish delight. “Do you mean it, Anna?”

“I do,” she reassures him. “It’s time.”

John reaches across for her, his arm warm and heavy across her stomach as he leans down to kiss her with breathless delight. She smiles against his mouth, wrapping her arms around his neck, pulling him closer.

At that moment, they are interrupted by a distinctive voice.

“Damn! Damn!”

For a moment, they’re both frozen; then Anna pulls away from her husband’s mouth, wide-eyed, to peer into the cot at the side of their bed.

“Was that…?” she asks faintly.

John’s expression is caught somewhere between confused and amused. “I think so, yes.”

As one, they scramble across the mattress to peer into the cot. Johnny pulls himself up onto stocky little legs, peering up at them with reproach, as if he’s quite tired of not being the centre of their universe.  Noticing that he now has their full attention, he breaks into a toothless smile, reaching up for them.

“Damn!” he repeats.

“…His first word,” Anna says, horrified.

“Bloody hell,” says John, and she elbows him in the stomach. “Ouch! What was that for?”

“You know very well, John Bates! This is your fault!”

“My fault?”

“Well, he hasn’t heard that language from me! How many times have I told you that babies are like sponges at this age? Oh, John, I could swing for you! Nanny will have a heart attack if she hears!”

Johnny reaches up beseechingly. “Damn! Damn!”

Anna reaches down for him, but he falls down on his bottom, his face reddening in that tell-tale way that tells a tantrum might be on its way.

“Damn!” he insists.

Anna freezes, comprehension trickling through her veins in a cool.

“Oh,” she says softly. “I understand now.”

“Understand what?” says John at her back. “Anna, what is it?”

“Damn! Damn!”

“Johnny wants you,” she says.

“What?”

“It’s what he’s calling you,” she says faintly. “Like Miss Sybbie calls Lord Grantham ‘Donk’. He’s heard you say it and now he thinks it’s your name. Look, he’s reaching for you.”

On cue, Johnny lifts his arms above his head, grasping fruitlessly at thin air. There’s a tell-tale hitch in his voice this time as he repeats the dreaded word. If John doesn’t pick him up now, a full-blown tantrum will explode, and that’s the last thing they want after an exhausting day.

“Oh, good God,” he groans, capitulating. Johnny’s displeasure evolves into satisfied coos as John hitches him against his shoulder. John bounces him slightly as he casts Anna a sheepish look. “I suppose all I can do is apologise?”

Anna groans, burying her face in her hands. “This is unbelievable. We’re not going to be able to take him into polite society again if he’s going to shout obscenities at people. Poor Nanny will be absolutely mortified, and I don’t know how I’m going to face the others. It’ll probably finish Mr. Carson off once and for all. And as for you, well, I’d probably leave the country now if I were you. He’s going to be giving you a very stern talking to.”

John is quiet for a moment. And then he raises an eyebrow, fixing her with a beseeching look. “What do you say to us leaving for our dream hotel right now?”

She can’t help it. She laughs. Snugs her arms around his waist and nestles against his side as he pulls her closer. Johnny continues to gurgle happily.

It might have been an unexpected and unwanted end to the day in many ways, but she can’t deny this: she wouldn’t change a thing about her beautiful little family for all the tea in China.

Even that pesky first word if it means that she gets to witness one of the most important milestones in her cherished son’s life.

She’ll just have to come down extra hard on John as punishment.

After all, the last thing they need is for his second word to be something like ‘hell’…

[electronicwitchcollection]

do you have any uncommon or strange ships within bleach?

Only hundreds 😂 there are so many interesting characters with so many personality dynamics, that there are infinite amount of pairings, but here are a few I love that aren’t so commonly talked about

Shunsui x Kisuke

I absolutely love these two. As love interests and as friends. When they would’ve been introduced all those years ago, Shunsui was pretty much the same as he is now. In short, a drunken pervert. His open, laid back attitude makes him easy to be friends with. Shunsui is here for a good time 😂 lazing about, drinking and sex. Kisuke back then, before he was consumed with guilt and hardened by the ramifications of his inventions (god damn you Aizen) he was actually pretty care free. He also enjoys drinking and indulging in his cardinal desires. As a friendship, the two would enjoy getting drunk together, sharing stories and flirting with women. They’d have a playful, unspoken competition about who could pull the most women. I think Yoruichi and Jushiro would mix well into this little group, good naturedly rolling their eyes at their friends antics, sharing their woes at having such whores for best friends.

I feel they share a similar sense of humor, dirty jokes and innuendos would be dropped casually into conversation, they would tease each other, Kisuke about Shunsui’s age, Shunsui about Kisuke’s disheveled appearance. “Old man” and “pretty boy” are common phrases thrown around.

I actually have a one shot planned for these two, in which a drunken night of bonding turns into something a little more explicit 😂 Shunsui is liberal with his touches, that only gets worse when he’s drinking. Urahara’s guard drops significantly when he’s drunk, allowing his other personality traits to shine through. He’s daring and up to meet any challange set down.

I’m toying with the idea of them sharing a drink out in Shunsui’s garden. More alcohol consumed than half of soul society could stomach. After some teasing, Shunsui leaned in and kisses Kisuke, a look of bafflement fall on his face as Shunsui grins dirtily “apologies, Juu chan did always say I get overly affectionate when drinking” waving it off with a dismissive hand. Urahara would consider it only a moment, before throwing all caution to the wind, straddling the lager man’s thighs and husking lowly “you talk to much old man” before crashing their lips together

Ukitake x Komamura

I love these two having a little friendship. I think they’re quite similar, kind, loyal, similar sense of justice and what is right. Komamura would never have to worry about his appearance in Ukitake’s company. He just sees a kind and decent man. I think they would have many philosophical conversations, enjoying the others thoughts on an array of topics. They’re both very fond of Yamamoto, which strengthens their bond.

Isshin x Urahara

I love their friendship. They remind me of collage buddies that resort back to their school boy antics whenever they’re in eachothers company, even though they’re middle aged and with families 😂 drinking is often the source of their idiocy. Drunkenly daring the other to do increasingly moronic things just to entertain themselves.

Kenpachi x Gin

in the beginning of the soul society arc, we see these two hanging out a couple times. Even Gin tying Kenpachi up to drag him away from Byakuya which makes me laugh everytime. I need to know more about how they became friends 😂 I imagine it was Gin’s sly snarky remarks during captains meetings. His quick wit would make Kenpachi laugh, and that would only fuel Gin to continue.

Shinji x Urahara

As a friendship and occasional friends with benefits situation. Their teasing borderlines flirtation, the sexual tension is palpable 😂 the way they tease each other with half hearted insults hides the fact that they have a genuine friendship, built on mutual trust and respect.

Shunsui x Byakuya

I think these two could have a beautiful friendship, leading into something more, based off their shared loss. Shunsui loosing Jushiro and Byakuya loosing his wife, I think Shunsui would seek Byakuya out, knowing Jushiro and him were close, and spent much time at eachothers ponds. I think Byakuya would see the hurt he himself experienced in Shunsui eyes, and while he didn’t agree with his choice of how to deal with the pain (drinking himself stupid) he understood the need to not feel the pain anymore. I think they would both take from the other what they need, which is just to feel loved again.

Grimmjow x Urahara

with Grimmjows explosive temper and Urahara’s almost sadistic need to wind people up, these two would be hilarious to watch. Urahara trusts in his own skills enough to push the Espada to his absolute limits and avoid the physical fall out 😂 Grimmjow is very dominant while Urahara is very bratty. These two are polar opposites but compliment eachother well 😂

Aizen and Mayuri

Both intelligent, strong and share a hatred of one hat wearing fool 😂They both see them self as superior and beyond that of mortal desires…but something about that blond goofball makes them murderous 😂

Rose x Hisagi

I just like to think they’ve formed a friendship over their love of music, they’ll jam together. Share new music from the world of the living that they’ve discovered

Kensei x Soi Fon

friendship based around their love for structure, training and strength. Can see them being work out partners, discussing tactics and how to deal with their annoying lieutenants

Noba x Matsumoto

He’s so shy and innocent and an absolute cutie. Rangiku is boisterous and outgoing, I think they make a cute pair. She’ll bring him out of his shell, encourage him to have fun and try new experiences. He’ll be a pillar of strength for her, always with her to support her, love her. She wouldn’t have to worry about him leaving her to join some deranged, power hungry traitor 👀

Renji x Momo

These two are adorable together. I think that they’d be friends, in the same friend group but never really talking. Until one day no one else turns up and they’re forced to get to know eachother on a one on one basis. Renji is strong, protective and caring, he would look after Momo, when she sometimes too kind and sweet to see the darkness in others

[tokiro07]

Cipher Academy ch.49 thoughts

[What is a "Yout?"]

(Contents: character design, author philosophy, Toshusai analysis)

ONE YEAR DOWN, BABY, THREE TO GO!!! It's been pretty touch and go, and probably will continue to be, but the longer it goes the more likely Cipher Academy is to build up a strong enough following to keep going, so fingers crossed that the volumes keep selling well!

This week's chapter opens with a beautiful color page showing off everyone's color schemes (except the teachers' for some reason) and a quick review of the major codes we've seen so far. Most of the hair colors are pretty standard, Koshibai and Umitsubame notwithstanding, but the biggest surprise for me has to be Dekiai, who I would have bet money was blue, but nope! She's pink! I guess water can be any color if you dye it, I just figured the idea would be for her to look like a melted Kogoe. Maybe they went with pink to obscure that a bit more or because they looked too similar in color?

Speaking of Dekiai, the jury for Toshusai's trial being several Dekiais with different pigtails and beauty marks was a really fun touch, I especially liked the one whose hair popped when she felt scandalized. The fact that the prosecution is named Hakuai and clearly doesn't have any shading suggests that she's all white, so I wonder if perhaps each Dekiai was a different color with a unique name. I'm also curious if they're all just the one Dekiai playing multiple parts, or if they're each their own unique AI. I'm inclined to believe the former, but who knows

Another cute detail, when the Dekiais call for a guilty verdict, their beauty marks turn into spades. Looks like someone read Homestuck

Onto the meat of the chapter, this is really the type of philosophy that Nisio Isin loves to talk about, huh? There was an entire chapter in Medaka Box about how there are no easy or right answers when it comes to ethics, and it could be argued that that was one of the major themes of Medaka Box as a whole. This chapter's suggestion that the concept of a person is a societal construct is certainly novel, and while it does go out of its way to paint Toshusai as the good guy in this scenario, it's also clear that we're not meant to necessarily feel good about it. Her actions freed slaves and toppled an oppressive government: objectively good! Her actions did also create child soldiers and result in half a million deaths: objectively bad. Reducing whether this was a good thing or not to the number of lives "created" and lost leaves...a bad taste in the mouth, I feel. Like, did Toshusai intentionally give weapons to the kids with the intention of creating an uprising? It doesn't sound like it, it sounds like she was asked to create a weapon a child could use, and then it happened to end up in the hands of children who needed liberation

Intention and consequence are only linked via action and otherwise have no bearing on each other; whatever Toshusai wanted to happen when she made the Gun Eye is irrelevant, the fact of the matter is that people died because of a weapon she created, at least that's how she sees it. Even if she did liberate slaves, it's not like she's a revolutionary who carefully planned out how to save them, she was a child who made a toy that was lethal. A weapon's purpose is to kill, a sentiment that I've surprisingly seen crop up a lot in Jump lately, and Toshusai knows that the only outcome that was ever going to come of making the Gun Eyes was that people would die

Of course, how Toshusai sees herself and how everyone else in the story sees her is only part of the equation - the rest is how the fans see her. Is she a liberator or a death dealer? Which is more important, the right to freedom or the right to security? I have my opinions on the matter, but I can't claim that my opinion is the objective correct one or that other readers will feel the same

I'm still endeared to Toshusai and I still like her as a major lead; she did something that helped people, but through a method that she resents, both because there might have been a way to bring about a peaceful resolution and because even if there wasn't, the presence of that method now means that more people are in danger in the long run. Even if the child revolution was a net gain of life and personhood, the Gun Eyes still exist and are still put in the hands of children, and probably not to overthrow their oppressors. Toshusai means to fix that mistake and prevent any further deaths by any means necessary, and that's a goal I can respect