#this fandom keeps on giving high quality

[hexhomos]

Hello fellow Jayce defender.

First off, virtual kisses on both your cheeks for your Arcane analysis. They're refreshing to read, and insightful as well.

Something that's always bothered me about the way fans interact with Jayce is assuming that he's always the one making the mistakes in any of his relationships. It's almost funny in a way how they strip other characters of their autonomy and arcs just so they can point out how Jayce is failing his partners.

With Mel and Viktor especially, there's this narrative that Jayce simultaneously ignores both of their needs while also prioritising one over the other. Either he neglects Viktor to go and swoon over Mel, or he abandons his relationship with Mel to go play science with Viktor, or he neglects both to go do his own things while they suffer through their own plots.

And it's fascinating how incredibly mistaken these people are, and also how they reduce his character to only being important when he's in a relationship.

I'm here like, "hey, do you wanna discuss the reason for how Jayce seemingly knows how to navigate the ways of high class society very easily is probably because he's had to rely on sponsorships and donations for most of his youth to find his research because his house is too poor to be able afford it?"

Or "It's canonical that Jayce only ever had one friend in his youth before Viktor, and that was the daughter of his main sponsor, do you think it's interesting that this indicates he probably had difficulty making or maintaining friendships and that this is possibly a symptom of the Academy mainly housing elite and rich students so they couldn't relate to his struggles and he couldn't relate to theirs?"

But no, people just want to hate on him for not being the picture perfect boytoy in a relationship.

And I mean, it's not like it's just reduced to Jayce either. So many other characters have had similar treatments where they're reduced to either their most basic qualities or mischaracterised entirely. And I'm really not trying to be the fandom police or whatever - everyone interprets differently - I just find it frustrating is all.

Anyways, you're cool.

YES I never have time to talk about this bc people don't give a fuck but in Jayce's journals we even see him stewing with envy and petty rage at this star-rising student on the academy that he sees as the example of a perfect prodigy (in opposition to how much Jayce fucks things up...)

It also strongly suggests he's on a scholarship, which ties into his suicide attempt.

Jayce is keeping his experiments a secret from everyone to avoid the blowback and isolating himself further and further when they don't work. Jayce is flawed! He's proud of his dream pitch to the point of hilarity. Jayce doesn't like socializing, he does it out of obligation! Even when he's being raised to a councilor position in s1 he's PANICKING. He doesn't want the fucking job, he doesn't like the parties nor the people, his truest honest self is that moment in season 2 where he declares the lab was always his home, and so was Viktor.

But even then he subsumes his own wants spends most of s1 trying to attend to the needs of other people. He routinely asks Viktor if he's alright, if he wants to come up to do the presentation, if he's sure those experiments are safe, etc. He tries to make Heimerdinger proud despite his constant rejections of their projects, and only turns on him when he threatens viktor's wellbeing. The reason why he doesn't announce anything on progress day is that he Was listening to Heimers so-called wisdom and it only bit him in the ass. Jayce gets himself in trouble with the council by being too naive and assuming his new post will allow him to crackdown on Piltovan corruption aided by the Hexgates. Majority of the complaints wrt relationships I see people making of him are just wildly exaggerated. "He was neglecting viktor" bro he talks about viktor in nearly every scene he has with mel 😭 viktor is the one who isolates himself and randomly disappears at times bc he's a grown man with his own boundaries.

Jayce's entire life is defined by the transactional nature of his existence, his work, the patronage receives - all depending on how much he can play the showpony role without fucking it up. It's not a comfortable position. Jayce is stressing out the whole damn show because if one person isn't pissed at him, someone else will be, and it always comes down to revokable money, investments, social standing. if he really was as uncaring and well-off as some claim he wouldn't give a shit. He could just coast along life, but that's not what he's doing ever. He only 'frees' himself in season 2 by abandoning his life's dream and the rotten reality that existed around it. Which is kind of bleak, but at least its over.

[jayla-fire-gal]

I need to share this because I need other people who love the character to see this series and know it's happening.

Noah Beyer has taken it upon himself to make the content the fandom needs and started a series about Red Hood. He's working hard to deliver a high quality project with very little in the way of budget and, honestly, he is succeeding!

Red Hood: Resurrection has a based take on Jason Todd's origin story and a cast that breathes life into the characters in the way that you always need in a live action adaptation. In the two episodes out so far, they have consistently been revealing parts of the background goings on of their universe while keeping you engaged with the characters and the story they wish to tell.

Noah made a video talking about the series and how he got started, give it a watch if you'd like to know more:

[hisnumber1]

Devil's Embrace

Paring: Lucifer Morningstar x reader

Summery: (Y/n) had found herself at the hazbin hotel. She never thought of redemption but she got a free room while she does her work. (Y/n) made outfits and tailored for people if they pay enough. She loves trying to make unique dresses for balls or for higher class. Keeping her name in the high class of hell, she tailored for the king of hell himself. Finding herself tailoring for him in the hotel of his daughter is an interesting situation.

Fandom: Hazbin Hotel

Genre: fluff, slowburn, close proximity.

Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5

I find myself leaning back in my seat, sighing. Watching AngleDust flirt with Husker and he growls in response. Charlie is putting more stuff on her board as she tries to figure out how to make the hotel work. I jump back on feet, strolling down the hallway ways to get to my room. I walk into my room filled with drawing and projects I've worked on. I fall flat on my face into my bed, I turn my head, looking at my recent project of a dress.

The dress was a long ballroom dress, with a long v going down the chest. The sleeves were mesh, and at the top it came off the shoulder. The skirt came out and poofed out, with the back covered in a long black mesh. The dress was white, with highlights of red, all of the mesh was black, giving it a dark energy.

Something just seems off, I don't know what it is but it just does. I hear a ping come from across the room. Lifting up my head and seeing my phone light up, I groan as I pull myself up. Walking to my table, I grab my phone and sit on the table. I read the notification, it was an email. I tapped on it, scanning over the text.

"Dear Ms. (L/n),

I hope this email finds you well. I recently purchased a suit, while I am pleased with the quality and style, I find that it is slightly larger than my measurements. Therefore, I am writing to inquire about the possibility of having it tailored to a smaller size.

The suit in question is a white Shawl Lapel with red highlights, the fabrics are jacquard and velvet, and I purchased it about a week ago. I have attached a copy of the receipt for your reference.

I would greatly appreciate it if you could provide me with information on the process and cost involved in resizing the suit. Additionally, if you require any further measurements or details, please do not hesitate to let me know.

I am eager to have the suit adjusted so that it fits perfectly, and I trust your expertise in handling this matter. I am available to schedule an appointment at your earliest convenience.

Thank you for your attention to this request. I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Warm regards,

Lucifer Morningstar"

I sigh as I look at the photos he sent. It is a beautiful suit, but if I did it, the style would be better, but it is not mine. Thinking of what the price is, I need to get his exact measurements to tailor it correctly. Pressing the reply button, I started typing out my reply.

'Dear Mr. Morningstar,

Thank you for reaching out and for providing the details regarding your suit purchase. I appreciate your trust in our tailoring services.

I will be more than happy to assist you with resizing your suit to ensure a perfect fit. Before proceeding, could you please bring the suit to my studio for a fitting session? This will allow me to accurately assess the alterations needed and provide you with a precise cost estimate.

Once I have examined the suit, we will discuss the adjustments required and provide you with a timeline for completion.

Please let us know a convenient time for you to visit our store, and we will schedule an appointment accordingly. Feel free to contact us if you have any further questions or concerns.

Looking forward to seeing you soon and assisting you with your tailoring needs.

Best regards,

(Y/n) (L/n)'

I read over the email before hitting send. 'Wait, isn't Charlie his daughter?' I thought as I look back over his name. I press another reply button and put the the address, letting him know where he could meet me. Tossing my phone onto my bed, I walk out into the lobby again, sitting on the bar stool. "A shot of anything strong." I grumbled at Husk, he was cleaning a glass when he heard me. "What's the occasion?" He asked grabbing a shot glass before pouring some. "Work." I groan with my head on the bar, keeping my eyes shut, my headache gets worse with light.

"Ever thought of getting anything for those migraines?" Husk asked when he placed down the shot, I look up, grabbing the shot and downing it. "Another please. I've looked into it, but I don't need to, I'll just deal with it." Sighing as I push the shot towards Husk. He shakes his head as he pours another one, pushing it towards me. Taking the glass and downing it again.

I hear Charlie in the lobby talking to Vaggie about something, I turn to her. "Hey Charlie. Your dad is gonna come in a few days." I slur out, catching her attention she turned me wide eyed. "What?" She asked as she walked closer. "I'm tailoring a suit of his, I told him I need to take measurements cause he could have grown in the last year." I replied to her. "So he's coming to the hotel?" "Yeah, I think so." Replying to her she chuckled a but before pacing back and forth. "He's only gonna be in my room, just to get measured. He's one my highest paying customers." I chuckle, feeling the alcohol get to my system.

"He emailed me a few minutes ago about getting a suit tailored. I told him that I needed for take his measurements and then I would come up with the price." I explain to her. Charlie's pacing got faster, but she's stops when Vaggie puts her hand on her shoulder. "When would he be here?" Vaggie asked me and I shrugged.

"I can go see if he answered if you would like?" I got up from my seat, walking to my room. Opening my door, I walk to my bed, grabbing my phone. I look at the notifications, seeing a email. I walk out to the lobby, opening the email.

"Dear Ms. (L/n),

Thank you for your prompt response and for offering to assist with resizing my suit. I appreciate your attention to detail and professionalism in addressing my tailoring needs.

I will certainly bring the suit to your studio for a fitting session. I propose scheduling the appointment for this Friday afternoon around 2:00 PM. Please let me know if this time works for you, or if an alternative time would be more convenient.

I look forward to meeting with you and discussing the necessary alterations. Thank you once again for your assistance, and I am confident in your expertise to ensure a perfect fit for my suit.

Best regards,

Mr. Morningstar"

I read out loud. Charlie pauses and starts pacing again. "He can't come. We don't even know if this works. If he comes he'll know I failed." Charlie said lowly, Vaggie hugs her and kisses her cheek. "It'll be fine love." She said as she pulled away from the hug. Vaggie looked over at me and sighed. "He'll be here in two days, just make sure he is only here for that a not going anywhere else. Charlie isn't ready to face him at the moment." She said as she looked up at the clock to check the time.

I nod, I grab the shot glass and down the last one before walking to my room. Falling onto my bed, a breath left my lungs as I hit the bed. I turn over and pick up my phone, unlocking it and looking at the photo of the suit. Thinking for a second, it looks a lot like the dress. Looking between my phone and the dress on the lay figure, they would look together.

Standing up from my bed, I tiptoe to the sewing mannequin. I run my finger across it, looking back at the photo and then back at the dress. A light bulb lit up and I ran to my desk, grabbing safety pins. Taking out my sewing needles, turning on my machine, grabbing buttons. I pull the mannequin next to the desk, sketching out the idea in my head.

A bang woke me from my slumber, I jerk up and look around. Standing in my door way is AngleDust, he looks out of breath. "(Y/n)! My shirt is ruined!" He said as he walked closer with his torn shirt. I groan and put my head back on the desk. "You alright toots?" He asks as he puts his arm on my shoulder. "I'm fine, I finally figured out what was wrong with the dress, and I fixed it. There is a problem though, Lucifer is gonna be here tomorrow and he's kinda matching with his suit." A groan left my mouth, Angle walks over to dress. "It's gorgeous. I mean it's always been." He said as he looked over it.

Sighing as I felt my eyes closing. I stayed up all night working on it, adding new fabrics, adding the details. I felt myself falling asleep again as Angle looked over the dress.

My eyes slowly open, I groan as I sit up. "My back hurts like hell." Groaning as I stood up. It looked dark out, I must have slept all day. Walking out of my room into the lobby, the lights were still on so someone was awake. Yawning as I walk to the bar, my eyes saw Alastor, he was sitting on the couch as he read a newspaper. "Morning Al." I yawn as I pour myself something to drink.

His head perked up at my voice. "Morning, you know it's in the late afternoon right?" He asked as he placed his newspaper down.

"Yeah, I didn't sleep last night. So I slept all day." Yawning as I walk over to the couch, sitting next to Alastor. "Why didn't you sleep?" He asked as he sipped his drink. "Working on that dress." I groan. He hummed in response. I downed the rest of my drink before standing up. "Well Lucifer is coming over tomorrow, so I need to sleep. Night Al." "Oh goodnight (Y/n)." He grinned.

I step into my room, closing the door behind me. Sighing as I walk over to my bed, sitting on the edge before falling backwards. Grunting at the sudden stop, I throw my arm over my eyes, slowly drifting off to sleep.

Waking up to my alarm, I groan. I slowly sit up and turn off my phone. I whimper as the sun hits my eyes, I have to get ready and clean up for the appointment. I pick up my phone reading the time, but I saw that I had a email.

'Dear Ms. (Y/n),

Hello, I hope this email finds you in good health. I wanted to make an appointment to have a meeting. I want some new clothes by your hand. If you have the time for a meeting please contact me.

Love,

Valentino <3'

I read over the email before putting my phone down. I really don't want to deal with him right now, I sighed as I went to my drawers. Pulling out some presentable clothes, then walking to my restroom to take a shower. I turn the knob letting the water start, after I pull my clothes off of me, letting it hit the floor. Pulling my undergarments off before sliding into the shower. The hot water hitting my skin and wetting every inch of my body.

I put shampoo in my hair and scrub it in, soap going down my body as I rinse my hair out. Grabbing the bottle for conditioner, letting my hair run under water. Pouring some into my hand before scrubbing it into my scalp. I let the conditioner soak, I wash my body before rinsing off everything. Turning off the water, I grab a towel and put it around my body.

Walking into my room, striding to my bed, where I put my clothes. Taking the towel and drying off my hair before dressing myself. After wards I look at the time, it read 12:47 pm. I sigh, I still have almost two hours before he gets here. I look around the room, seeing my room is a mess, knowing us have to clean it sooner or later.

Cleaning up my room, putting everything in place before he gets here and picking up trash and dirty laundry. I organized everything and I looked at the time, it was 1:36 pm. My eyes widen as I look at the time. "Shit he'll be here soon!" I yelled at myself and I got a new mannequin out for the suit, making sure I knew where everything I needs was. Keeping track of time, I brushed my hair and put on light makeup, so I didn't look like I was dying.

Getting myself mentally prepared to see the sin of pride. He was cocky everytime you saw him, not a bad cocky but like 'he knows he's hot and he's not afraid to show it off' cocky. The man was hot, I can't denie that.

I walk to the lobby waiting for the knock, not a second later I hear it. Walking to the door, slowly opening it to reveal Lucifer. "(Y/n), it's been to long." He grinned as walked in to the hotel, his eyes shifted all over the lobby. "We will be working in a room back here, just follow me." I say as I lead the way to my room. He gladly follows along behind me, still looking everywhere. We make it to my room and I close the door after he walks in.

"Now if you would please stand here." I ask him to stand on a X mark on the floor. He looked down and nods with a smile. "So how have you been (Y/n)? I haven't seen you in about a year." He asked as he gave me the suit. "Eh, tired. I have been working on a new dress over that year, I finally finished it the day before yesterday." I reply, setting the suit on the mannequin.

"Yeah? May I see it?" He asked as he looked around my room. I nodded and I walked into my other room, I have to rooms attached to each other for my bed room and my studio. Rolling the mannequin out, the jewels sparkled in the sun light.

"That is gorgeous." Lucifer said as he walked over, feeling the fabric. "It looks a little familiar." He said as he put his hand on his chin. His eyes caught on the suit and he gasped. "It's like a set! The dress and my suit." Lucifer stated as his eyes light up. I chuckled and nodded. "I noticed that when you sent me the photos."

"I would love to buy it." He said as he looked at it. I stopped in my tracks. "What?" I asked with a chuckle. "How much, I could gift it to my daughter." He stated as he started pulling out his wallet. "I'm not selling it right now. I actually made it for myself, kinda a dream dress." I chuckled nervously.

You could practly hear his face light up. "I've never seen you wear a dress." He said surprised. "Well yeah, I don't like wearing them." "You should put it on." He said. "No." I said flatly.

"Oh come on (Y/n). You even match with the king if hell, why not put it on?" He asked. "Lucifer, I need to start measurements, please stand where you were." I said with no tone. He was a persistent man. "Come on, I would love to see you in it." He purred out. "Lucifer arms up." I said with a measuring tape in my hands. "Come on." He whined out.

As he is begging me to put on the dress, I just ignore him and measure his body. As I measuring his bust to his groan there was blast and the hotel shaked. Causing Lucifer to tumble over and fall on me.

I closed my eyes at feeling of the rumbling, so I didn't know how close he was to me. "Well hello gorgeous." I hear Lucifer say, I open my eyes to see his face a few inches away from mine. "Oh you're wearing makeup, it looks good on you." He complemented me. "Lucifer get up." I say as I start pushing him. "I am darling." He chuckled. Standing up, he offered me a hand, which I gladly took.

"Well that didn't sound good." He stated as he dusted himself off, I nodded in agreement. "I actually finished measuring you, I would probably charge you about $230." I said as I looked over my notebook, adding the measurements. "Always straight to business. That's what I liked about you." He chuckled. Taking money from his wallet, handing it over to me, before I pull away he takes my hand, bringing it to his lips. Kissing my knuckles for a moment before pulling away. "Well I'll see myself out, and you should probably check what that sound was." Lucifer said as he started walking out of my room.

Watching him walk off, I felt the heat leave my face. When did that happen? When did my face get so hot? I asked myself, but just blew it off as me just getting hot. Placing down my money on the table, and I hear another bang. Groaning as more rubble falls down in my room. "Ughhh! What is that!?" I yelled out.

A/n: My first story on here and I plan to write more. Sorry if I update slow but I'll get around to doing it!

[raguiras]

Mionn's art & writing ship trade event

(Click the art for better quality!)

I'm hosting an art & writing event centered around ships & duos (multifandom)!

🖤 REBLOGS ARE SUPER APPRECIATED

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I've recently reached 200 followers on this blog, 900 on my meme blog, and 100 on Instagram!! Honestly, I don't even know what to say... I feel so damn honored and am so grateful for the support!! 🖤🖤🙏

As a multi-milestone celebration as well as an event for the official Spade of Storms (Deuce x Allen) day, which is on the 27th of July, I decided to host a TRADE EVENT!!!

Basically, this event is going to be an open art/writing trade that's all about ships (or platonic duos).

The event starts on 7/23 (today) and lasts for rest of July as well as for the entirety of August. For every Allen x Deuce art/writing that I receive during this duration, you get one of your own ship from ANY FANDOM back!

♤♤♤♤♤♤♤♤♤♤♤♤♤♤♤♤♤♤♤♤♤♤♤♤♤♤♤

Why am I hosting this?

it's a way to thank everyone for three different follower milestones

a contest/DTIYS/raffle wouldn't promise that everyone gets something back, so I went for a trade event

the event allows me to post more about other canon TWST characters and draw them while not having to neglect Allen x Deuce

I wanna make new mutuals & friends, get to know more ships, and strengthen friendships with mutuals I already have!

Artfight is/was tons of fun, but I only do/did colored sketches there & ships are a tricky subject. Meanwhile, I'll do ANYTHING here!

♤♤♤♤♤♤♤♤♤♤♤♤♤♤♤♤♤♤♤♤♤♤♤♤♤♤♤

Basic information:

Make a drawing/writing/comic of Allen x Deuce. (Ideas can be found in this post's pink "starters for my ship" section.)

Post it on your blog, tag me in it, and refer to my event. (While posting is by far preferred — especially for bigger artworks and written stuff — you can also just DM it to me.)

In return, you'll receive a gift of the same type for your own ship from any fandom (OC x canon, canon x canon, OC x OC)! I'll DM you about the ship, so make sure that your DMs are open.

For example: If you submit a sketch, you'll get a sketch back. If you submit a fully shaded drawing, I'II make a fully shaded drawing for you, too. If you add a background, I'll (do my best to) do the same. If you write a drabble... You know the drill!

ANYONE can join, whether you follow me or not! However, new followers through the event are super appreciated!

EVENT TIME: July 23th (today) - August 31st

Anything submitted before or after this event duration will not receive anything back (unless we explicitly do a trade), but be held in high regard nonetheless!

♤♤♤♤♤♤♤♤♤♤♤♤♤♤♤♤♤♤♤♤♤♤♤♤♤♤♤

Rules:

The portrayal of Allen x Deuce must be shippy/romantic.

Please keep angst at a minimum unless it has a happy ending. Comfort is allowed.

Please DO NOT add your own OC or another canon character to the submission. Including them in the background as a wingman or something is alright, though. Additionally, any kind of romantic implications between Deuce and another character/OC are NOT allowed.

Please no NSFW. Harmless implications and slight spice are okay, but keep in mind that these characters are both minors.

AUs are very much allowed! All the previous rules apply here, too, and I'm willing to give an overview of some AUs via DMs.

Please no genderbending.

Please DO NOT draw Allen or Deuce as a standalone character. This is a SHIP event for a reason.

Please don't change their appearances too much, especially when it comes to the color schemes & body types.

Giving them different outfits — especially event outfits — is absolutely cool (yes, you can draw Allen in a skirt if you wanna), and changing their hairstyles is okay as long as they still look like themselves.

This is NOT A DTIYS event, so please DO NOT redraw one of my Allen x Deuce arts. Please come up with something original.

If you have any more questions, please DM me!

♤♤♤♤♤♤♤♤♤♤♤♤♤♤♤♤♤♤♤♤♤♤♤♤♤♤♤

What CAN you submit?

drawings // comics // writings // animatics

For drawings, anything from a quick sketch to an extremely detailed drawing with a background is allowed! You'll get something of the same quality back. The same also goes for writings/fanfics.

Animatics will receive a drawing in return.

What CAN'T be submitted?

Gacha videos // edits // memes

-> You can theoretically submit all of these and I'd appreciate them, but I wouldn't be able to give you anything back.

Memes refer to funny pictures that simply have Allen & Deuce's faces in them. DRAWN memes/meme redraws count as DRAWINGS.

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Starters for Allen x Deuce

Got no clue what to draw/write about?

Check out the few already existing Allen x Deuce posts on this blog for proper lore and facts.

Check @spade-of-storms for fun facts, shorter rambles and additional info.

In any case, you can't go wrong with simple fluffy, romantic scenarios! Dates, kisses, cuddles, whatever!

For information about Allen himself, please check my pinned post.

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Q&A:

I want to join the event, but I don't have any ship (OC x canon, canon x canon, OC x OC) you could draw/write about for me in return.

That's okay! In that case, I'll gladly draw/write about two separate characters or a platonic duo for you.

Can I do multiple submissions for this event?

Obviously, and every single one will be "revenged"!

Can I get something of another type/quality back? For example, can I get a fully shaded drawing for my sketch, or art for my drabble?

Unfortunately not, as I prefer to always give something of the same type back. There are only the following two exceptions that I AM willing to do:

you do a drabble/oneshot —> I do a sketch

you do any type of art —> I write a drabble/oneshot

Is there anything you refuse to draw/write about?

Deuce ships (other than Deuce x Allen). NSFW. Family x family. Minor x adult. Any ship considered to be problematic.

How do I tell you about the ship I want you to draw/write about for me?

I'll DM you after you post your event submissions.

Do you prefer to do OC x canon, canon x canon, or OC x OC?

I have a bias towards OC x canon and canon x canon ships. However, I'm willing to do any ship that's not problematic! In the case of OC x OC, I simply need you to provide information on two OCs instead of one only.

Will you do poly ships?

In order to keep things fair, no. But I could include the third party as a plush or chibi head.

I want to make Allen x Deuce content for you, but not receive anything in return.

That's also super appreciated anytime (and totally doesn't make me freak out /pos)! Simply share it as a gift and don't mention the event.

How long is it going to take you to finish your "revenge" on me?

It depends on the type of submission you make & what I'm giving you back. Some things can be done within a day while others may take much longer, but either way, you WILL get something of the SAME TYPE back & that's guaranteed.

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Personal notes:

My health isn't the best and I also have a job. Please be respectful and don't rush me nor get mad when I'm being slow.

Please do not start a discussion nor get mad at me if I refuse to draw/write about a ship I deem problematic & want you to pick another one instead. Preferably pick a ship that's by far NOT problematic from the beginning.

I'm unwilling to draw/write about any Deuce ships other than Deuce x Allen because I kin Deuce a ton and tend to feel uncomfortable with many of his ships, so please don't ask for any. I'm asking you to not start a discussion over this, either.

I won't post everything I make for the event on this blog. Sketches and writings will either be DMed to you or posted on one of my other blogs.

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That's it for now! If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to DM me.

And again, thank you so much for 200 followers!

♤ Happy trading! ♤

[retellingthehobbit]

….I’m suddenly realizing that I posted chapter 17 of The Hobbit comic on January 13th of 2024, so it’s been almost exactly one year since I last posted a chapter XD.

Really though, Ive realized my new Webcomic Goal is to be more like my favorite YouTube video essayists — who post one excellent high-effort video a year, and then vanish to work on their next video privately for another year (only giving rough draft updates to their Patreon members.)

I think a lot about Hbomberguy’s video essay on the widespread problem of plagiarism on YouTube, where he talks about how the incentive to Post More Content All The Time leads to creators producing plagiarized poorly-researched insincere videos about topics they don’t know/care about, videos that are horribly constructed and riddled with severe mistakes— and how the rise of AI is only going to make that kind of insidious plagiarism much easier to get away with. I also think about how I’ve seen webcomics I used to like start using AI-generated imagery for backgrounds in order to keep up with their rigid update schedule, assuming their readers won’t care as long as they get New #Content.

But people actually do care about quality and sincerity, is the thing! People like having things that are created with love, that they can slow down and revisit multiple times and appreciate more each time. People like things that aren’t shallow, and that the creator put their heart into making. I know that I value that, and I think most people actually do! Social media algorithms want us to prioritize frequency and regularity, and shove that data-driven content in our faces all day, but people actually do value things that are made with love and care even if they take a long time!

I know that I would rather wait an entire year for each video from Defunctland or Folding Ideas or Lindsay Ellis, than follow a thousand YouTube channels that keep to a rigid update schedule via lazy shallow poorly constructed plagiarized content. XD

Similarly, I’m always surprised every time I update that people are still Around and check on this goofy little fanfic comic project regularly? ;_; It’s still ultimately just a small fan-project, but it’s cool that people are still following it after all these years.

And I hope people can sorta view this comic that way— something that takes a long time to update, but only because anything worth reading takes a long time to create.

Anyway, I need to prepare some stuff so I’ll probably post the next chapter in the next couple weeks— I’ve been considering February 1st?— but in the meantime the full 30-page draft of the next chapter is on my art patreon, and you can see the full archive of the entire comic on my website RetellingTheHobbit.com :3.

Thank you again for continuing to follow me even during the Long Hiatuses! I really do appreciate having a small group of readers still sticking around in this fandom!! <333

[cantfuckbracket]

#ok listen. I would argue that 'having unfuckable energy' is different than simply not fucking or not knowing what sex is #even though Ken re:barbie trailer doesn't know what sex is. he's an absolute sweetheart. my point is he COULD fuck #LD Curtain on the other hand. I genuinely would rather explode. fling myself into the sun #he just exudes loser energy while thinking he's The Coolest #on top of being inconsiderate of others and repeatedly gaslighting people #he explains his evil plans via shitty magic tricks that he clearly expects you to be impressed with (they are NOT swag) #he does a lil victory dance to Stand Back by Stevie Nicks and it genuinely looks like the mating dance of some exotic bird#he's evil but he acts all offended when people call him out on it #'Evil? MOI? [pearl clutching gasp] Whyever would you say that? (said to a kid he's kidnapped and is currently in a STRAIGHTJACKET) #if he tried to fuck he'd end up talking about his own accomplishments or his new evil startup for 3 hours #also important that he attempts to manipulate someone via a salad #will not explain how. anyways #sorry for rambling. you get the point #ld curtain

Can't Fuck Bracket. Round 1, Side A

Ken (Barbie) versus LD Curtain (The Mysterious Benedict Society TV)

[ID: The unfuckable pride flag overlaid with the "no bitches" meme. Over it are pictures of the contestants. Ken is a blonde doll, and is shown screaming; and Curtain has hair slicked to the side and is shown pursing his lips and throwing his hands back. Over them are sparkles and a heart with a butt, and in between them are peach emojis crossed out with the word "vs" in them. End ID]

Propaganda:

Ken: "he's built like. well. a ken doll perhaps. also re:barbie trailer ken doesnt know what sex is so. he cant fuck its canon godspeed"

LD Curtain: "He's both a cringefail loser (See: 1. repeatedly beaten by a group of literal children, at one point even saying "they have proven to be my only worthy adversaries" (<- man talking about a group of eleven year olds), 2. screaming at a child, while visibly tearing up, "I AM NOT SAD! I AM *FINE!*", 3. genuinely thinking he can simply say no to having narcolepsy, 4. keeps little painted figurines of his brother and co and does magic tricks with them to intimidate an eleven year old, sincerely thinks this is an extremely cool thing to do), a bad dad (terrible both in the sense that he's emotionally abusive and in the sense that he thinks he's doing suuuuuuuch a good job and he very much isn't), and just like. evil?? but not in the sexy way. and also he's in denial about it which makes it even LESS sexy. Negative sexy if you will. "I'm not bad. who thinks that" sir you are standing in your mind control machine. "Sticky! Friend! Evil is a bit harsh!" sir you psychologically tortured him. anyway he does stupid little magic tricks and is a complete failure but somehow manages to convince everyone that he's charming and actually very cool. while obviously like, starting a cult or being just visibly a cringefail maniac two seconds from flying off the handle. anywya this got out of hand the point is: UNFUCKABLE."

[crazylittlejester]

im in such a yapping mood today and i feel like ive made a post like this before but this is how i personally think the Links would dress in a modern era

Time: in a casual setting I know he wears the dark jeans + black band shirt combo and sometimes he’ll tie his hair up if he gets hot. it’s not an intentional fashion statement, he’s not trying to dress a certain way on purpose by any means he just dresses like a guy who plays guitars but says its “just a hobby” (he owns at least three.) and its just the shirt and the pants, there are no accessories, he’s just your father who hasn’t listened to new music or gone clothes shopping since the 80s (/j) but he can absolutely clean up nice and looks good when he needs to

Warriors: Possibly the sluttiest thing a man can wear (/j) is a cardigan sweater and he owns like. 12 of them. and generally just a lot of very nice sweaters, and there are a lot of dark grays and blues in his closet with the occasional green. he always dresses his best, he wouldn’t be caught dead leaving his house in like, a t shirt and jeans. whether or not he’s actually wealthy, he certainly dresses like he is, he pours all of his money into high quality coats and scarves and nice shoes

Twilight: Dean Winchester. Next. (but seriously, the jeans, boots, plain gray shirt and a flannel is EXACTLY how he’d dress)

Sky: Whatever he’s got on, he looks so fucking comfortable. Definitely big fluffy sweaters, I know he’s a guy who likes to be snug and cozy because why face the horrors of the world without feeling like your sweater is giving you a mom hug? I can see him in a lot of white, ivory, orange, brown, and green. Not super bright colors, he definitely has a sort of fall vibed color pallet and sense of style

Hyrule: He’s the personification of those “forest core” outfit collage boards you see on pintrest but he’s not just doing it for aesthetic, it’s all functional. Like he has a little bag he keeps tied to his belt because he goes out and hunts for berries or mushrooms in the woods. he has a leather bound journal that also clips to the belt because he likes writing about what he finds in the woods. He’s your friend who calls you after going missing for four hours like “hey can you come pick me up?” and when you get to his location he’s covered in dirt and says “i got lost…”

Legend: his EXACT style varies quite a bit, but he’d define it as alt. he wears skirts a lot, not all the time but a lot, and has a lot of layers and jewelry. he definitely will go on pissed off rants about how he got bullied for his clothes in middle school and high school and he’s mad that now people are dressing alt because they think its “quirky” and buying things like bags or pants with patches and pins already on them, and he will rant about this twice a week. hes sick and tired of getting called emo not because hes against being emo, it just seriously annoys him when people see someone with dyed hair wearing dark clothes and call them emo based on that alone

Wild: It depends on the days activities, but he likes to look cute. Lots of pretty hairstyles and earrings, bright colors too. DEFINITELY A BIG PANTS LITTLE SHIRT KINDA GUY, and he’s absolutely made a few of his outfits by hand. and ofc he has “gremlin outfits” for when he goes off exploring with Hyrule

Four: Similar to Time with the band shirt + jeans combo, but on the opposite end of the spectrum because he’s bright and colorful. He’s also the most likely to walk around with a shirt with mothman on it and then when people ask him about it talk about it as if he 100% believes mothman is not only out there, but there to get HIM specifically no matter where he goes on the planet

Wind: memes. he has tshirts with memes on them, and he’s the most likely to wear fandom merch and stuff like that. he’s 13/14 he doesn’t put a whole lot of thought into what he’s got on, he’s just against shoes. he’s the one kid who’s always got sandals on even if its fucking snowing because he’s anti socks and shoes

[telomeke]

MY 2024 TUMBLR TOP 10

Yes I'm really late with this (totally on-brand for me 🤣) but that is the downside of waiting for 2024 to end before posting about it – and then taking too long to complete the task. Still, better late than never!

I was tagged to do this by @he-is-lightning-in-a-bottle at this post here. Thanks dearie! 🥰 (And if you'd like to play along too, there's no need to trawl through your posts manually, thank heaven. Just go to this website – Jet Black Code – and it'll list your Top 10 Tumblr posts in seconds. 👍😊)

So my activity on Tumblr (particularly writing about Thai BL) took a serious dip in 2024 (especially the latter half) for a number of reasons:

Work has ramped up in the post-COVID era, with work projects now coming onstream fast and furious. This has left me with a lot less time outside of work, which translates to less time for QL-watching, and (obviously) also less time to post about it.

My favorite queer auteur Aof Noppharnach Chaiyahwimhon has decided to step back from writing and directing (see these posts here and here), and in his absence I'm finding that non-Aof QL offerings are (perhaps unsurprisingly) disappointingly patchy in quality, which has turned QL-watching into a bit of a crapshoot (and less of a draw). With my short attention span I frankly need a show to be arresting in some way to stay committed – although I must add here that I don't need it to be highbrow art, just entertaining enough without being unduly insulting to the gray matter. So even a trashy series is fine as long as it's made clear to us we have to leave our loftier expectations at the door (memories of KinnPorsche flashing in my mind here – which also tells me my gray matter can handle quite a barrage of insulting if a show is entertaining enough 🤣). I was momentarily heartened by the promise of Khun Aof helming the GeminiFourth vehicle Ticket to Heaven in 2025 (such a beautiful trailer, a lush mini-movie almost), but I've come around to thinking this is more of an activist statement by him (commenting on the mainstream Christian/Catholic position vis-à-vis LGBTQ+ issues, remembering also that Khun Aof has a Catholic background). With this as the context, there's a high chance this show will never get made due to various sensitivities (but I live in hope nonetheless!):

With Khun Aof taking more of a backseat, my main feed for BL – GMMTV – seems to have pressed the pause button on more thought-provoking fare in favor of shows that are more formulaic and mass-market (read: vehicles for their branded couples, squarely aimed at the less discriminating and freer-spending sectors of the squealing teen audience). I've written more about it at these links here and here. And it's tough to keep watching GMMTV series when the plots don't deviate much from a well-worn template, rehashing narrative tropes because the formula is a proven money-spinner. A case in point: Kidnap the Series – never thought I'd give up on a show brimming with episode upon episode of a macho, shirtless, simping Ohm Pawat, but all that radiant manflesh still wasn't enough to keep me interested, which simply goes to show how dire the situation is. 😬🤷‍♂️ And with GMMTV enticing me less and less, I've been posting even less about BL as a result too.

Anyway, this explains why I have more original posts in the first half of 2024, while the latter half was mostly reblogs of other people's posts (and in keeping with the dictates of the game I'm only listing my own posts here, for what it's worth).

So after all that, on to my Top 10 for 2024:

✨NUMBER 1✨

My most popular post of the year was about a mysterious monk who inexplicably kept popping up in various Thai BLs: 👀

Appearing in Bad Buddy, KinnPorsche and The Sign, he was also sighted in non-BLs Pee Nak (still LGBTQ+ friendly), The Cave, Hemimeta, The Believers and The Murderer, resolutely a monk in all but the last one.

So working collectively, the BL fandom somehow managed to track down and identify the actor who plays everyone's favorite BL-friendly monk – he's Werawat Jumroensarn, not actually a monk in real life but nonetheless still a highly-religious Thai Buddhist who adroitly brings a sagely, monastic vibe to all his roles. The Thai BL fandom salutes you, Khun Werawat! 🙏💖

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✨NUMBER 2✨

This post was an explainer for the sudden flood of videos and GIFs on Tumblr showing Babe Tanatat all dressed up in traditional costume finery and performing a ceremonial dance somewhere outside Bangkok, while Billy Patchanon flapped about him gaily and garudaesquely in decidedly more normcore and less flashy garb.

The event turned out to be a worship ceremony put on by Idol Factory in faraway Nakhon Phanom, to honor the Great Naga of the Mekong even as The Sign deployed naga and garuda mythology in its storytelling, making waves here on Tumblr for fusing Thai supernatural beliefs with BL.

It was a highly respectful gesture from Idol Factory, thanking the nagas for allowing a representation of their story to be told as part of The Sign. Also respectful was the decision to have Billy abstain from the performance, probably because he was playing one of the garudas (who are mortal enemies of the nagas). All of which goes to show just how much belief in the spiritual and supernatural is woven throughout everyday life in Thailand. 👍

Babe, Heng and Songjet's little dance video at the link above is also breathtakingly beautiful. If I were the Naga being worshipped I'd certainly feel very honored indeed. 😍

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✨NUMBER 3✨

Ooh. 😵 This was one sex-drenched post, all about the visual rhetoric surrounding Tharn and Phaya's first time consummating their forbidden love and lust for each other (at least in their current reincarnations) as portrayed in The Sign:

So hot was the subject matter that despite my clinical descriptions and focus on the art direction, Tumblr's wonky algorithms (or possibly just some overworked backroom staff? 😂) decided that it was all too... too... (swoons into a deathly faint here) unseemly for the delicate constitution of the average Tumblrina in the BL fandom. (Yeah, right. Did no one survive KinnPorsche, Pit Babe or Playboyy??? 🤣)

And so they BLOCKED IT. Not once, but TWICE, which sent me scurrying to Admin with a flurry of appeals and explanations (that finally succeeded in getting the post reinstated, thank goodness). 😬

But really, all I was doing was noting how the lighting, colors, props and cinematography were working together to echo the breathless sensuality throbbing onscreen, when our two protagonists gave in to primordial desires much greater than themselves and attempted to unite their bodies as much as they could to counterbalance the heavily pre-ordained intertwining of their souls.

I think Idol Factory did a great job all around with this scene (both the players in front of the lens as well as those behind it). But was my post really all that raunchy though? I'll have to let you decide. 🤔

(above) The Sign Ep.7 [5/5] 19.47 – Phaya hungrily tops a gasping Tharn, even while a hard-working lamp from the Austin Powers range of home furnishings tries its best to do double duty : casting a sexy magenta light on everything while clumsily censoring any possible glimpse of Nagaruda penis and buttcrack 🤣

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✨NUMBER 4✨

Ah. Hmmm. 👀 Oops! Well, well...

I assure you, gentle reader and fellow BL fan, that I am not wholly possessed of a one-track mind – and yet somehow the next post here has also managed to turn all sexy and magenta while winking slyly at unspoken meanings hidden between the lines. Again. 🤣

Taking my Number 4 spot is a light-hearted post about Wandee Goodday nodding tongue-in-cheek at some legendary Thai porn, and this sideways jokery also shone as an example of WDGD's early charm, wit and intelligence. There was so much to look at and write about in the series, and I was especially taken with the lighting and art direction (all that yellow and magenta, standing in for Yoryak and Wandee) that I wrote reams about it.

But then… I decided not to post any of that, when the latter half of the show began to wander woozily about, punch drunk and semi-directionless, leading to an ending that turned out to be quite a letdown.

They squandered the obvious chemistry between the two leads and allowed a promising sexbuds-to-soulmates love story to meander to an unsatisfying conclusion. So many clever elements, but all set free to run wildly in a plethora of uncoordinated directions. This one disappointed me in the end, and it makes me sad to think of what might have been. But its fun moments were fun indeed, so I guess it's not a total loss. Inn Sarin really needs to start dialling back on the plastic surgery though. 😂

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✨NUMBER 5✨

Oh thank goodness there was 4 Minutes for us to lose our minds over collectively in 2024. Sleek, shiny, sexy – and that was just Great's car collection (the show itself, even more so 🥰).

Ah the mystery of it all! So convoluted was the Sammon plot that I found myself churning out post after post (work deadlines be damned) trying to guess at the underlying logic coursing beneath the spooky narrative onscreen, adding to the roiling cauldron of fan theories on Tumblr aiming to explain it all.

In the end Be On Cloud chose a more middle-of-the-road resolution, but there's no denying 4 Minutes captured the imaginations of so many. I remained impressed through to the end, and I will say it again: Director Ning Bhanbhassa Dhubthien is one to watch, especially if her sure hand is allowed to rein in the excesses of Khun Pond and Dr. Sammon's wilder imaginings.

But my most popular post about 4 Minutes wasn't anything to do with the screenwriting, cinematography or directing though. 🤔

As usual, a pithy take (only nine words!) is easier to like and reblog on Tumblr, and all I did was point out a cute detail about the merchandise – when you place the black and white cat plushies (standing in for Great and Tyme) side-by-side, the random color blocks on the side of each, marring the individual symmetry, form a perfect and symmetrical heart when it's cats à deux:

And of course this is signaling how each completes the other in GreatTyme's unconventional, multi-pronged love story. Big AWWWW here 💖, but then again let's not forget how DARK it all is so let's go in with a black-and-white color scheme to remind us we ain't in Hello Kitty World, but also let's not get too dark so it's soft soft kitties all the way, but oh dear that's too cute so let's give them grumpy, frowny faces and make them look as malevolent as can be. Oh! But how then did we end up with MALEVOLENT cat plushies, spawn of brooding kittenish evil, pets and pride of Chucky? Then again, why not malevolent cat plushies for the win? 🤣

I can't help thinking the constant push and pull between commercial considerations versus artistic vision in Thai BL will always follow a similar trackway, though Be On Cloud seems to have done a better job with 4 Minutes than GMMTV on most of their offerings, is my take on the subject. 😍

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✨NUMBER 6✨

OK, so I'm not watching The Heart Killers, nor have I ever seen The Taming of the Shrew (that one episode of Moonlighting and 10 Things I Hate About You don't count), but nonetheless it tickled me no end to see Shakespeare credited as a co-creator on My Drama List for this series, and my Number 6 post was a signal boost for that:

This wasn't just some editor at MDL having a lark, though I do approve. Willie Shakes is also credited on other Asian productions there (As We Like It and The Banquet) and he now has his own MDL page too. 😂👍

Anyway, credit where credit is due! 😍 (Move over Mr. Kaewpanpong, a new William has joined the BL fold. 🤣)

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✨NUMBER 7✨

If you've ever been mystified by the vagaries of romanized Thai spelling and pronunciation, my favorite Thai (and Canadian) chef Pailin Chongchitnant has a nifty little vid that goes some way to explain its complexity, linked in this post:

Prior to this, I had so many questions: 🤣

Why does Pat in Bad Buddy spell his name with an 'h'? Why does Google Translate spell his name with an 'r', and why does the Google lady pronounce it Pat-tara?

Still in BBS, why does Pran's mom call him (to my ears) Bprrraan when Pa calls him Bpaan? (Like, where did the 'r' go?🤷‍♂️)

What's up with the 'l' in Tul Pakorn's name sounding more like an 'n'? WHAT DO YOU MEAN Suvarnabhumi is pronounced more like Suwannapoom!? 👀😂

I now have a better understanding of the linguistic (and socio-political/cultural) contortions going on behind the scenes here after watching Pai's video, and I hold her encouraging words to heart (as dear @recentadultburnout reminded me in a comment on the post 🥰): "Whatever you do, it's just all various degrees of wrong." 🤣 Not a put-down, simply Pai letting us know that the language is far more complex than can be summarized with the puny 26 letters of the English alphabet. 👍🤩

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✨NUMBER 8✨

A little out of character for me, but this post has no images. And then it starts out with "There are no words..." when the post is all words. 🤣

It's really a short post about the whiplash we all went through when the arguably milk-and-water Last Twilight aired its episodes on the same day as the sex-forward Omegaverse-inhabiting Pit Babe. Really, there are no words that can do the experience justice. 🤣

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✨NUMBER 9✨

Are we descending into a pattern here? 🤣 Post Number 9 consists of a single image and no text (except for the subtitles):

Well I did caption it in the ALT Text though: 🤣

Wandee Goodday Ep.6 [4/4] 8.06 – Yoryak references the night it all began, when he rescued a trashy pile of a doctor outside a convenience store

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✨NUMBER 10✨

And rounding up my Top 10 was a signal boost bit of BL reportage, linking to the GoyNattyDream in-car interview on YouTube with Mew Suppasit and Tul Pakorn, BL royalty and officially a couple in real life:

Mew and Tul had soft-launched confirmation of their romance in the months preceding with tons of social media posts showing them hanging out and holidaying together, but from what I can gather this was the first time (or if not the first, at least one of the earliest times) they out-and-out confirmed their relationship, and candidly spoke about it, on the record. 💖

A big step for Thai BL, that paradoxically has to operate in an industry where people in positions of influence can sometimes be homophobic to actors who are (or even suspected of being) queer in real life. 👀

Congratulations to the happy couple, and congratulations to you too, dear reader, if you've read this post all the way down to here!

Not much else to do but tag others – although this is so late I figure everyone's already done it. But since I've not been on Tumblr much I've missed who's done it and who's not, so I'm just going to tag people at random, and if you've already done this please link me to your post so I can read it. 🥰 And even if I've not tagged you but you'd like to play please do so (and tag me too, so I can read your post)!

Onward tagging:

@bengiyo

@neuroticbookworm

@dribs-and-drabbles

@solitaryandwandering

@airenyah

@grapejuicegay

@waitmyturtles

@twig-tea

@rythyme

@respectthepetty

@relativelydimensional

@wen-kexing-apologist

@colourme-feral

@ranchthoughts

@chickenstrangers

@callipigio

@kattahj

@non-binarypal7

@starryalpacasstuff

@shortpplfedup

@hughungrybear

@pandasmagorica

@visualtaehyun

@inventedfangirling

@recentadultburnout

@dimplesandfierceeyes

@dudeyuri

@lovelyghostv

@dc-alves

@fiddlepickdouglas

@hapiestupid

@yinwaryuri

@writerwithoutsound

@randompens

@nihilisticcondensedmilk

@syrinth

@naniskys

@delesaria-blog

@narcissusneverknewme

@pokomumee

@suni-san

@belladonna-and-the-sweetpeas

@aroceu

@italianpersonwithashippersheart

Tagging @lurkingshan too – I already read and reblogged your post (linked here), but if you think there are others I should check out please do let me know! 💖

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[yendarvis]

xedgin fic rec list

so because i binge read a ton of fics these last two months, i thought why not make a rec list if it can help people find out great fics.

i just wanted to say i came across so many good fics, like comparing to other fandoms i find the overall quality to be quite high. so what i'm trying to say is you guys are really talented and we're lucky to have you in this fandom. and thank you for sharing your work.

now the recs:

Post-Movie:

Three words everybody knows by violet_pencil

Speaking the words of an oath isn't what makes you a good paladin, and knowing how to tell lies is only part of what makes a great con man. Where do they find common ground? Well, turns out they both know how to commit to the bit.

Sunlight is a Kind of Burning by letmetellyouaboutmyfeels

Ed's excited to get his life back on track in the wake of saving Neverwinter. He's less excited at how a certain paladin keeps popping up everywhere he goes. Except for how he's starting to miss the guy when he's not around. Yeah, let's not think about that too hard.

a ballad from a reverie by forsworn

On a cold evening, the party stop to drink at a crowded tavern. Xenk tries to ignore the way his chest tightens when Edgin squeezes close to him. But that gets much harder when the tavern's bard starts singing a love song. About a paladin. And Edgin seems to recognise it…

tys hard to be a seinte in the cytie by indigostohelit

“The Material Planes are not realms of punishment,” said Xenk. “The gods no more deny us the warmth of physical pleasure than they would the warmth of the sun. They only warn us, through each, of the dangers that lie in excess.” “…Huh,” said Ed again, and, lacking further retort, grabbed up the new tankard and swigged deeply. Then he spat it across the bar. “This is water, though,” said Xenk peacefully. “You are going to have a hangover in the morning.”

Universal Glue by Korwwa

Edgin and Xenk get stuck in a glue trap. The close-quarters situation forces Edgin to decide if succumbing to the charms of certain overpowered paladin is more likely to ruin, or elevate, the plan of his life.

Polyphonic by Geese_In_Flight

Ed can’t stand Xenk. Xenk keeps showing up anyway. It’s not entirely clear how that became everyone else’s problem.

Muses lost and found anew by Mikhail

Edgin Darvis never considered himself to be a hero. Of course, he was full of dreams and ideals back when he was still young. He wanted to save the world. But the world, as it turned out, didn’t really want to be saved. Instead, it barged into Edgin’s life uninvited and made him a widower, a thief, and an escaped convict. As he was looking back at his life and naivete, he couldn’t feel but contempt and bitterness. That is until he crossed paths with Xenk Yendar, a paladin whose sword was only nearly as strong as his righteousness. Confronted with Xenk’s tragic past, the bard realized they were both touched by the same evil. Before he could dwell on some uncomfortable truths, however, Xenk disappeared from his life just as suddenly as he first appeared. When they meet for the second time, it’s clear the two of them have much more in common than they first thought. Well, it’s clear to everyone except for them. The question is, are they going to realize this before it’s too late?

in the absence of truth by floralprintshark

Five times Ed says that he hates Xenk and one time he doesn't.

Perception Check (Roll for Romance) by kaydeefalls

"I bet Xenk fucks like a metronome, too. You know." Holga makes a highly suggestive, repetitive gesture. "In, out. In, out. No variation. Same exact rhythm every time. Boring." Edgin stares at her, torn between horror and fascination. "You've really thought about this, huh?" (So has he. Unfortunately.)

give me two damn minutes (and I'll be fine) by PH03N1X_360

Xenk Yendar is a hero. It’s his job, his identity, his [life]. It comes as easily as breathing. Saving children, fighting hordes of undead, it’s always come naturally to him. As each new challenge arises, people look to him to protect them. The warmth of their gazes never fail to fill him with pride. No matter how many scars he acquires, how many nights the horrors of his past rouse him from sleep, or how many people he fails to save in the process, it is always worth the price. Yet sometimes, when the darkness around him feels too oppressive and tight bandages make his bones ache, he wonders how much more he can take before he cracks under the pressure. Or: Xenk sees the Beckoning Death spell from afar. Even upon realizing the party took care of it, it still fucks him over severely... not that he would show it. Edgin knows a mask when he sees one.

Falling For The First Time by Powderpuff

In retrospect, falling in love with Edgin was inevitable. There was no recourse for Xenk; no guild nor court to appeal to, and even Ilmater could not return his property to him, nor Ed himself; for you cannot return something you do not know you have.

O happy dagger! This is thy sheath by Kabbal (Aledane)

"Ed wants to bash his face in with his lute, just to shatter that perfect, flawless skin, see if there’s flesh and blood running under that pristine marble. He wants to flee to the end of the world, to never be reminded of the existence of a being who seems to never have failed at anything, ever. He also wants to crush his lips against his, cling to that steady neck and feel the weight of all that perfection over him, spearing him like it could make him holy‒ Hm. Strange thought to have. Let’s forget it ever existed."

Affection and Love by AkataLily

Edgin is affectionate towards Xenk. Not love, affectionate, because those are two very different things! Xenk is oblivious and uninterested, that is, until Edgin fucks up and the cat is suddenly out of the bag. Things get akward, then they get complicated, but eventually, we all have to admit what goes on in our hearts.

Winning Prizes for Rotten Judgment by letmetellyouaboutmyfeels

In which Ed admits he's in love with Xenk, woos Xenk, and sleeps with Xenk, all in completely the wrong order. To be fair, it's only half his fault.

keystone by weatheredlaw

key·stone noun | a central stone at the summit of an arch, locking the pieces together. or: edgin dies, but there's magic for that. holga and xenk make good on a thirty-five year old favor to bring him back from the other side.

So Deep As the Love I'm In by Geese_In_Flight

Holga takes a step forward and claps Ed on the shoulder sympathetically, which is a terrible sign. “Swept you right off your feet, did he?” she asks, with a grin. Five times Xenk courted Ed, and one time Ed decided to take matters into his own hands.

the weight of fingers pressing deep by forsworn

When Xenk slips his fingers into Edgin's mouth during sex, they're both surprised by how good it feels.

you'll find us in the meadowland by audenrain

He was standing at Xenk’s desk, tucked into the corner and lined by shelves stacked with holy texts. Not his most valuable, of course - he wouldn’t be so careless as to keep the most precious of his collection here - but any one of them would feed a hungry man for a few days, at least. And yet this man wasn’t hungry, and he was no ordinary thief. Xenk judged this not only by the strong slope of his shoulders and broad back and the fine weave of his coat but also by the fact that he had recently been awarded the highest honours the Lord of Neverwinter could bestow. No, Edgin could want for nothing; even he could not have spent his rewards so quickly. There was only one explanation. This was an affliction of the soul.

To Touch The Divine by New1Romantic

Xenk asks for Edgin's help to retrieve an evil artefact from a cult. The fact that the cult is definitely just a front for the elite of Waterdeep to have kinky sex is, presumably, just happenstance.

Freely given (Wanted) by sb_essebi

Ed can’t. He can’t anymore. Can’t take the fervour in Xenk’s words, the shine in his eyes, the way the light of the sunset plays across his skin. He’s just so beautiful at sunset, Xenk. He is. To the point of unfairness, to the point it makes Ed almost angry, makes him want to cry, to scream. Ed kisses him. Or: Ed steals a kiss. Xenk shows him why he needn't have.

Edgin Needs to Get Laid and Edgin Gets Laid by Isoltan

There was a pause. "And that's when you started the one night stands," Holga said, only a hint of a question in her voice. Xenk raised his tankard in her direction and took a long swig. "You have sexual desire?" Simon asked. Doric turned to him and exploded, "Jesus, do you ever think before you speak?" "Tell the truth, you thought he was celibate too. Edgin sure did!" Simon said, gesturing to Edgin. "Hey, leave me out of this," Edgin said. "Exactly!" Simon continued. "Tell me, out of the two of them, you'd have pegged Edgin as the celibate and XENK as the whore!" -----------‐ Very loose f*ck-or-die fic. Basically, Edgin's magic needs to improve and the group decides he needs to get laid. But he reveals he's demi and can only be intimate with people he trusts. This was meant to be a one-off but I got caught up with the group's banter.

this distance between us by forsworn

Xenk and Edgin have to share a bed. It’s not even a big bed. The perfect time for Xenk to have a nightmare…

Origin Point series by Neyiea

“It wasn’t a risk. I knew that if I jumped you would catch me.” Xenk’s pinched expression becomes thoughtful, then turns serious. “I see,” he intones solemnly. “I am honored to have earned your trust.”

close to the skin by forsworn

Edgin's going undercover; Xenk's determined to make him look respectable. But Edgin finds submitting to a flat-razor shaving at those steady hands to be far more intense than he expected.

Solitary Burdens by cupiscent

Edgin's wife died years ago, but he's only just now letting go. He can't talk about it with any of the others, but Xenk - aggravatingly - understands. Perhaps neither of them need to carry these burdens alone.

in for a silver by weatheredlaw

Edgin was, at the very least, two things: a great kisser, and a phenomenal liar. or: xenk gets hit by something weird in the jungle. edgin lends a hand.

Canon Divergence (happens during the movie):

We Are So (Not) Breaking Up by murdertrashbabyrat

Edgin isn’t mad because of the idea of a kind Thayan, he’s mad because it’s Xenk Yendar his lightly insufferable not-ex. They didn’t break up because they were never together thank you very much Holga, so Xenk is his…his something that isn’t his anymore. It’s fine he’s not dwelling on it he has to get his wife back and stop thinking about the man he’s been sharing a bed with for years. Denial is a hell of a drug OR they are exes when they meet up again in the movie

AUs:

A Cherry When It's Blooming by Geese_In_Flight

Lord Yendar, once a paladin of Ilmater, has been called back to Waterdeep in the aftermath of his father’s death. Upon his arrival, he discovers he must reckon with an untrustworthy executor, an estate in shambles, and a wholly unexpected stipulation in his father’s will. Edgin Darvis is trying to find the one big score that will let him build back a life that went off the rails years ago. When he hears the rumors that a young and inexperienced Lord Yendar has come back to town, he knows just what he has to do.

Romance in the time of LoveChat by cicia3

What's worse than being a loser writer reduced to releasing third-rate romance novels for Forge Publishing? Being an uninspired writer with three months' back rent to pay. Driven by desperation, Edgin, a single father who's also perhaps juuust a tad too much anchored in the past, signs up on the nation's largest dating site. The goal? To find a character unique enough to inspire him for his new novel. And then Xenk Yendar shows up.

[rainbowmoonstonestories]

Why The Caged Bird Sings | Chapter 7

Chapters: 7/? Fandom: One Piece (Liveaction) Rating: Explicit Relationships Vinsmoke Sanji x F!Reader Characters: Vinsmoke Sanji, Patty, Red Leg Zeff, Original Characters, Strawhat crew. Warnings: 18+ content (minors DNI), explicit sexual content, minor POV switching. Summary: One night, you were brought to the luxurious Baratie Restaurant Ship, renowned for its exceptional cuisine that your family had been intrigued to sample. A particular blond and comely waiter captured your attention with his charming smile and gentle eyes, but while your beauty and sophistication intrigued him, Sanji also observed the profound nervousness that caused your jaw and body muscles to tense whenever your fiancé made contact with your hand or your parents delivered a humiliating criticism towards you. One dinner at the Baratie soon turned into a recurring event, and then more. As your friendship with Sanji slowly evolved into something that burned from within, you strove to make your longstanding dream come true; freeing yourself from a constricting existence. ------------------------- As Sanji looked at you curiously, the gentle smile never leaving his face, you asked him, "Do you know why the caged bird sings?" He thought about it for a moment before answering, "Because it has a song to give?" You chuckled at his response and shook your head. "You're not entirely wrong, but no."

Divider by firefly-graphics

Feel free to read this on AO3 if it is more comfortable for you due to its length. I only ask to support me with a like and reblog if you enjoy my work. ☺️

Tagging: @nerium21

Author's note: At last, the new chapter is complete. I apologize for the delay, but I strive to maintain high standards. Recent life events have slowed my progress considerably, and I remain committed to prioritizing quality over quantity. I don't want to deliver a mediocre product solely to keep my stories updated monthly.

The steamy content continues from the previous update, but I included a bit more action this time around to make things a little more interesting and less repetitive. I don't expect the story to go on much longer, perhaps two or three more chapters until its conclusion. Nevertheless, you can expect to see more smut and romantic themes, along with some minor drama and introspection.

Warning: This chapter includes detailed SMUT!

Your first night with Sanji was the best moment of your life, his care and adoration filling your heart in a way you never thought conceivable. Balancing your relationship with work shifts and random incidents at the restaurant presented obstacles, but Sanji was the kind of man worth keeping by your side.

Sanji nestled atop you, cradling your smaller form close while dotting your cheek with tender kisses. The juxtaposition was striking—his gentle care allowing you to recover and regain your senses, while the unmistakable evidence of his arousal pressed insistently against you. His ability to contain such intense desire without complaint or seeking relief seemed almost superhuman.

Your arms encircled his back, your forehead resting against his shoulder. As your breathing steadied, you inhaled a delightful blend of aromas: shampoo and sea salt mingled faintly with familiar kitchen smoke. His skin, warm and smooth as silk, exuded a refined scent of soap and cologne, with subtle notes of tobacco and sandalwood.

Despite his obvious desire, Sanji remained still, content to simply be near you as your breathing steadied. His lovable nature shone through, and—contrary to his earlier statement—he would have released you and stepped back immediately had you asked, even if it meant finding relief alone.

Fortunately, you were so enthralled by him and keen to reciprocate that you couldn't bring yourself to do something so unbearably cruel.

"Sanji," you whispered into his ear. "You can release me now."

He stayed put, savoring the scent of your hair. “Should I do that? ‘Cause right now I feel like I could hold you for the rest of my life.”

You chuckled softly. "I can't say I mind, but it seems you could use a hand... quite literally, in fact."

He laughed gently, his eyes locking onto yours with a wide smile. “Don’t concern yourself with me, beautiful. This is all about you.”

“Seriously, Sanji? Come on. I’m not just going to lie here and let you do all the work for my sake.”

He shook his head resolutely. "You deserve everything. Allow me to take care of you."

You lost track of how many times your heart had dropped and soared again. How could one man possess such an immense heart, as vast and deep as the ocean beyond? Given your father's cruelty and the pervasive masculine arrogance you'd endured, you never imagined finding such a rare treasure during what you had expected to be one of the most harrowing outings.

Sighing happily, you took his face between your hands, brushing his blond strands aside. "You've done that every single day since I first arrived at the Baratie. You always take care of me, Sanji, even when I'm unaware of it. So, just this once, would you allow me to do the same for you? Please?"

He ducked his head shyly, unable to hide his beaming expression of pride. When was the last time someone had lovingly pampered him?

“Is that what you want, Y/N?”

"Yes. This isn't just about me; it's about us. You've held back long enough. Let me help you."

Until that moment, neither of you had ever been part of an "us”. The word felt unfamiliar yet perfectly fitting, as if it had been waiting for this moment to reveal its true meaning.

Sanji's lips met yours in a deep, passionate kiss as he shifted to give you more room. With gentle guidance, you eased him onto the pillows, positioning his hands at his sides. Wordlessly, he followed your lead, his eyes never leaving yours as he settled onto the mattress.

Your fingertips traced his collarbones, skimmed over his chest, and followed every sculpted contour of his muscles. As you caressed Sanji's abs, they tensed beneath your touch, drawing a shaky exhale from the cook. His hands clutched the sheets tightly, lips pressed together, and Adam's apple bobbing visibly.

"You truly showed extraordinary restraint for me," you said, kissing his chin. "You didn't need to, you adorable man."

Sanji's eyes sparkled with unbridled joy, his smile broadening to reveal a dazzling set of pearly whites. "You merit nothing less than complete respect."

"Well then, allow me to express my gratitude to my chivalrous knight in shining armor."

A genuine, harmonious laugh filled the room as the two of you surrendered to the pure happiness that had blossomed between your hearts. You snuggled up beside him, trailing kisses along his shoulder as your hand journeyed down his torso, finally reaching the snug elastic of his briefs. The sight before you was incredibly seductive; the plush tip of his erection peeked out from beneath the fabric, straining against its confines as if ready to burst free at any moment.

Your mind flooded with ideas of what you wanted to do: touch it, kiss it, lick it, engulf it entirely with your mouth until not an inch remained exposed.

You mentally doused yourself with a cold shower, determined not to appear overeager. Sanji had shown exceptional care and attentiveness. You longed to reciprocate, offering him the same devoted and gentle treatment he'd bestowed upon you.

With delicate precision, you traced the outline of his arousal through the cotton fabric, relishing the soft gasp of pleasure that escaped his lips. You repeated the motion, increasing pressure and broadening your touch, encircling his length and sliding upward. A tiny, glistening bead formed at the tip, shimmering like a diamond in the moonlight.

He breathed your name with a desperate, pleading whisper, "Y/N..."

“How does that feel?”

"Oh, it's incredible," he replied, breathless. "Absolutely incredible."

"I have to say, you look like a masterpiece."

“Nah, I'm finding it impossible to take my eyes off you right now.”

His cerulean eyes darted back and forth, absorbing every detail as your hand worked wonders on his most sensitive area. Unwilling to miss a single detail, from the gentle bite of your lower lip to the sparkle in your eyes, and the way your fingers expertly teased his covered hardness. Your touch alternated between gentle squeezes and feather-light strokes, enticing and tantalizing.

“How is it possible for you to be so many things at once?” you mused aloud. "Handsome, sweet, loyal, and caring—not to mention skilled in the kitchen, on the battlefield, and in bed. Honestly, such a combination should be illegal."

Your compliment made him bashful again, yet he couldn't help but find your remark amusing. "You always know just what to say to make me the happiest man alive."

“Well, I suppose your influence has rubbed off on me.”

His smile gave way to a desperate groan as your hand continued its ministrations. With slow, purposeful strokes, you massaged his shaft from base to tip in a rhythmic movement. Sanji surrendered to the sensation, his eyes fluttering closed as his erection pulsed and twitched the more you toyed with it.

Emboldened by your mounting desire, you glided your fingers past the waistband of his underwear, making direct contact with his sensitive glans. Sanji's hips bucked involuntarily, his pelvis jerking as his breathing became labored and shallow.

Pushing his undergarment down his sides, but not fully removing it, you enveloped his bare tip with your hand. You pumped it delicately, struck by its silky texture against your palm, incredibly flushed and engorged.

It was all-consuming, yet still left you wanting more.

Unable to restrain your impulses any longer, you tugged his briefs down completely, revealing his full erection and feeling the firm muscles of his legs as you went. Your eyes lingered, drinking in his magnificent, nude form, his length standing proud and commanding as it bobbed slightly at the sudden freedom.

You became unstoppable, as ravenous as someone who had been starved for a lifetime. Gripping the base, you slid your hand up to the tip before stroking back down, establishing a regular tempo with increasing speed. Sanji's eyes locked onto your hand, gazing intently as you caressed every nerve and ridge along his length. It was the most sensual, beautiful scene you had ever witnessed, both of you utterly devoted to pleasuring each other in the most exquisite ways.

Never before had you felt so compelled to touch a man, to be so forward and cast aside all your inhibitions for him. Sanji possessed the remarkable ability to reveal hidden facets of your personality, aspects you hadn't even realized existed within yourself.

He whispered your name like an endless prayer, softly repeating it as he took your wrist to halt your attentions. His body ached for you to continue, the urgent pulsing in his hardness growing more insistent. His furrowed brow betrayed his overwhelming need for release—a need that, regrettably, had to be delayed for the two of you to proceed.

“I think you should stop, my lovely. Otherwise I won't last much longer.”

You were torn between two choices. On one hand, you could have persisted indefinitely, aiming to bring him to climax as he had done for you. On the other, the alternative was just as tempting, if not more so.

Ultimately, you realized that waiting for his recovery was not an option your aching body could endure.

You eased your grip on him, attentive to his breathing as he swallowed and swept his hair aside. Reluctant to pause your momentum, you nonetheless allowed him to gracefully reposition himself, his movements fluid and swift. In mere seconds, you ended up on your back once more, with Sanji knelt on the mattress between your parted legs. Your bodies intertwined closely as he teased your sensitive skin with delicate touches, sliding his length along your slick folds to heighten the tension.

“Please tell me that bloody knob never did this with you.”

Intoxicated by your stimulated senses, you struggled to comprehend his words through your passion-clouded mind. As understanding slowly dawned, an unsettling image formed, one you'd rather not entertain.

"If you're referring to my ex-fiancé, absolutely not. I can't even stomach the thought."

Relief washed over Sanji's features, though a glimmer of possessiveness flickered in his eyes. “Sorry, love. I knew you wouldn’t have done that.”

"No, no, I completely understand," you reassured him. "To be honest, I can't bear the idea of you with other women either."

How could you even entertain such a scenario without transforming into a primal, jealous beast?

Sanji's gaze softened at your words, his thumb gently tracing your hairline. "You're the only one I could ever do this with, my lovely."

“You promise?”

His warm breath danced across your face as his voice flowed smooth and sweet as honey. "How could it be any different when you're the only one I want? I may be courteous to all ladies, but you alone hold my heart."

You hummed in contemplation. "There are countless beautiful women out there, indeed. Many of them far more talented than I could ever hope to be."

He furrowed his brow in confusion. "What are you talking about? Of course you’re talented."

"Sure, I can clean, but what else? You're an incredible chef and a skilled fighter. What can I possibly offer someone like you with my limited abilities?"

His tongue darted out, moistening his lower lip as he prepared to speak. "Y/N, you light up a room without even trying.”

“Really?”

"You see me for who I truly am, support my culinary creativity, and inspire me to never lose sight of the All Blue. You could demand anything, and I'd journey to the ends of the earth to get it for you."

Tears welled in your eyes as you cupped his cheek, your smile radiating pure adoration. "The world is truly fortunate to have you in it."

His emotions coalesced, forming a lump in his throat that he quickly swallowed. "I'm the lucky one to have you in mine."

“Aw.”

Laughter bubbled up between you again, filling the cabin with a joyous melody as your lips met in a series of affectionate kisses. Your bodies and souls merged together like two halves of a whole finally reunited, your tongues melded in a passionate dance that you wished could last forever.

Sanji's arousal brushed against your clit, now even more sensitive yet still exquisitely responsive. He persisted relentlessly, rocking his hips back and forth to build a delicious anticipation.

As he slipped his left arm under your head, you felt the tip of his length begin to penetrate you, your bodies poised on the precipice of intimate union.

He paused, feeling the gentle resistance of your lower lips enveloping him. "If I cause you any discomfort—"

“You won’t.”

His smile grew, even wider than before. “But should that happen, let me know and I’ll stop right away, okay?”

With just a few heartfelt words, Sanji could make you feel as if you were floating through the heavens, weightless and euphoric.

"Okay. But please, don't stop now, I really need you."

Your personality had transformed dramatically, as if you had suddenly awakened from a lifelong nightmare that had ensnared you since birth. For the first time, you felt truly liberated to become your authentic self, embracing a future with the one man who had made this metamorphosis possible.

Sanji's heart swelled at your sincere, unguarded words. “All right, sweetheart. Are you ready?”

"I've been ready for you my whole life."

Sanji advanced, gripping the base of his hardness with one hand, his breath hot and heavy against your cheek. “Oh, beautiful. The things you say to me.”

You felt him enter slowly, stretching and filling you perfectly. Even halfway in, ecstasy consumed you, your eyes closing in in sheer pleasure. A faint burning sensation accompanied the initial intrusion, but it quickly faded as you adjusted to his presence inside.

Sanji let out a deep, primal groan, luxuriating in the feeling of your walls embracing him, far surpassing his wildest fantasies. Gathering his resolve, he delivered a final, powerful thrust, driving his length as deep as it could go.

It was toe-curling, the experience sending waves of euphoria through your form and leaving you utterly breathless.

"Are you all right?" he asked softly, tracing your cheekbone with the back of his index finger. His other hand clutched the pillow fabric beneath your head, which rested in the crook of his elbow. His fingers curled tightly, knuckles whitening with nervous excitement.

“I’m great,” you replied, your voice catching. “I need you to move. Please.”

Sanji drew a sharp breath as your walls contracted, gripping him even tighter. He withdrew slightly, then plunged back in, igniting a dazzling display of fireworks behind your eyes. Repeating the action, he maintained a slow yet precise and powerful pace, losing himself in your soft moans and the wet sounds that filled the space around you.

You noticed his struggle to keep his voice steady, breathing deeply through his nose and straining his throat when pleasure peaked. Fortunately, your cabin was situated far enough from the other quarters that your colleagues were unlikely to overhear your nocturnal activities.

"You feel wonderful, sweetheart," he whispered, his lips brushing your ear. "I wish I could stay like this forever, but I'm not sure how much longer I can hold out."

You entwined your legs around his waist, your lips fusing in a devouring kiss. "Honestly, I'm right there with you."

Your hips moved in perfect synchronization with his, his fully engorged tip striking your G-spot with unerring precision. The cabin echoed with erotic sounds that bordered on indecent, yet they only caused your clit and inner walls to throb with escalated desperation for release. He shuddered, gritting his teeth and pressing his lips into a thin line, before parting them to let out a series of deep groans—each one a symphony etched into your memory.

You whimpered, moaning his name as your fingers tangled in his hair. He slowed his pace, attempting to regain focus and steady his breathing.

Sanji was robust, well-trained, and ready for any physical challenge. His stamina was undeniably impressive, but despite his rigorous exercise regimen, nothing had truly prepared him for something so incredibly gratifying and positively heavenly. The way he touched you, brought you to orgasm, and made love to you highlighted his expertise.

Sanji quickened his tempo, surprising you with a sudden, gentle flick of your nipple. His fingertip traced lightly over the sensitive bud before his hand cupped your entire breast, holding it with a soft yet firm grasp.

"Ngh… shit," you gasped, your voice barely above a whisper.

Concern for your well-being immediately arose as he heard your exclamation. "I'm sorry, love. Is this too much?"

“No! Don’t stop, I—ahh—need more.”

A mischievous glint gleamed in his eyes as he savored your eagerness. His lips curled into a playful smile, brimming with unbridled exhilaration. “More?”

“Yes.”

Emboldened by your response, Sanji carefully withdrew his arm from beneath your head, gently resting it on the pillow. He straightened, securing your right thigh around his waist, and drove into you with renewed vigor.

“You’re so beautiful,” he reiterated. “You’re driving me wild.”

Choking back a moan, you replied, "Then promise me you'll never turn away."

His eyes shimmered as he leaned in, touching his forehead to yours. With deliberate care, he moved slowly yet forcefully, each precise thrust reaching your core.

As he continued caressing your breast, the sensation transcended the physical realm. It felt as if he were embracing your very essence, his touch reaching directly into your heart.

“Turn my back and let another man take you from me? That’s never going to happen.”

“You’re not talking about Patty again, are you?”

“My lovely, any man would be mesmerized by your eyes alone.”

How could he view you with such reverence, regarding you as the most captivating woman across all the seas?

“No one could ever compete with you,” you clarified.

"Oh, I'd send them flying off the Baratie with a single kick."

You chortled. "Sure, but that's not exactly what I was trying to say."

The ardent look on his face transformed into something else as he halted his movements. “I know. I have complete faith in you. Your sweetness, the way you look at me like I’m the only man around."

Sanji’s adoration was something you’d always perceived, but hearing it spoken so earnestly made it undeniably real.

And without question, he was indeed the only man in existence meant for you.

“You give me hope,” he continued. “You give me everything.”

"Sanji..." you began. Your voice quivered with emotion, words cut short by a sudden kiss. The pulsing of his manhood inside you sent shivers of rapture rippling up your spine, obliterating any ability to speak.

You smiled as a tear rolled down your cheek, which he promptly wiped away with his thumb. “No one has ever said anything like that to me.”

"I'll spend every second proving myself to you," he declared with steadfast determination. “No one will ever take you from me. Not now, not ever.”

What appeared as possessiveness was, in fact, Sanji's deepest insecurity laid bare. This principled man, who had journeyed far from his roots, harbored the same fear that had haunted you for weeks—the dread of losing him to other women and your love going unrequited. This fear had planted a seed of doubt in his heart, which was now beginning to sprout, revealing his vulnerabilities.

And now, hearing his confession, you felt a sense of love and protectiveness. He was your anchor in the chaotic world you navigated daily, the one person who brought you peace amid the storm of your life as a former slave.

You wrapped your arms around his neck, pulling him close for another kiss. His hands glided down from your breasts, tracing the curves of your sides, as a contented hum vibrated against your lips.

Without another word, Sanji resumed his lovemaking, thrusting in and out of you with even more zeal than before. It felt unparalleled, evoking the thrill and wonder of a first-time experience.

He altered his position repeatedly, holding you in myriad ways that left you certain you'd be walking funny around the kitchen the next day. You met his thrusts halfway, stars bursting behind your eyes as he lavished attention on your neck, teased your nipples, and stimulated your clitoris anew.

“Sanji, I… ngh… I think I’m close.”

“Me too, my lovely. This feels so good.”

His hot breath tickled your ear as his voice rumbled with a cacophony of low growls. The bed's creaking joined the private chorus, and you silently hoped the sounds wouldn't carry through the ship's quiet night.

“Ah!—”

"I'm right here, sweetheart. Let go. I want to feel it all."

As his thumb rapidly flicked your clit, your legs spreading wide, a new wave of bliss engulfed you. You felt submerged in a sea of gratification, your nerves quivering and tensing, your hips bucking and spasming guided by his touch.

It took several moments for you to descend from the euphoric heights he sent you to for the second time, your entire body trembling with residual pleasure as your legs turned to jelly and the warmth in your abdomen gradually dissipated.

Sanji, ever attentive to your needs, followed shortly after. His own climax built rapidly as your inner walls clenched around his throbbing length. Within moments, he finally reached his coveted peak, his entire form tensing above you. To muffle his passionate cries, he buried his face in the crook of your neck, his lips grazing your skin as he let out a series of guttural moans. You felt his powerful back muscles ripple and quiver, his hands closing into fists against the sheets.

To say Sanji was in total ecstasy would be an understatement. He collapsed onto you, his weight carefully distributed to avoid causing discomfort as you embraced him. His manhood continued to pulse intermittently even after he withdrew, softening and relaxing, until it returned to its natural state and rested gently against his thigh.

He presented a satisfied sight as he rolled onto his back, keeping you close with an arm draped around your shoulder.

“That was amazing," you whispered, still catching your breath.

Sanji's face beamed with genuine elation, equally exhausted but nonetheless satisfied. “Yeah?”

“Mhmh.”

Curling up against his chest, you felt his heart's rapid beating as his fingers traced intricate patterns on your upper arm. His lips embarked on a tender journey, placing soft kisses on your forehead, nose bridge, and cheekbone before concluding with a gentle peck on your upper lip.

"Stay with me," you murmured, your eyes meeting his. "I don't want you to leave."

"Even if I wanted to, I couldn't tear myself away from you, beautiful."

As he pulled the bed covers over your entwined bodies, you rested your leg across his and exhaled contentedly. "This is the most incredible night of my life,” you confided. “I needed you to know that."

He nuzzled your hair, his fingers gently squeezing your arm. "The best," he whispered, his voice filled with warmth and blissful fulfillment.

Wrapped in each other's embrace, you drifted towards slumber. The gentle lull of waves against the ship's sides created a tranquil melody, while moonlight softly illuminated your peaceful faces through the window. His breathing settled, his chest rising and falling in a steady cadence. Every so often, he'd plant a tender kiss on your forehead, a gentle reminder of his devotion for you.

You were cradled in a sea of unconditional love, one you never imagined could exist in your life.

Waking up next to someone in your bed felt surreal. The warmth of Sanji’s skin against yours, the intimate closeness, and the soothing sound of his breathing created a symphony of sensations that made you feel truly alive. Throughout the night, you had repositioned yourself onto your left side, and Sanji had instinctively followed, molding his body to yours.

As your eyes opened, your cabin was already bathed in the familiar orange and golden hues of dawn. Blinking repeatedly to clear the fog of sleep, you gradually adjusted to the early morning light.

Your gaze settled on Sanji's right hand in front of you, his arm laid gently over your shoulder. You smiled, gazing at his silver ring, admiring the finely crafted details. The Baratie skull symbol stood out, meticulously carved into the precious metal.

Although you longed to bask in this moment indefinitely, the reality of your situation demanded immediate action. Sanji's presence alone posed a significant risk, and you both had responsibilities at the restaurant to attend to within the hour. The last thing you needed was Zeff bellowing at him again for being late, and potentially holding you accountable for his tardiness.

Reluctantly, you stirred and pushed yourself up, trying to be as discreet as possible. Yet, the moment you attempted to move his arm away, Sanji reached out from behind, tugging you back against his chest with a soft exhale into your hair.

"Sanji," you coaxed, gently rousing him. "We need to get ready."

"Mmm. Good morning, beautiful. Just a few more minutes."

You chuckled, shaking your head. "Come on, I mean it. We really can't risk oversleeping."

You turned between his arms, finally meeting his face again. His eyes were half-lidded, and his lips curved into a smile that rivaled the sun's radiance outside. His tousled hair only added to his breathtaking handsomeness, giving him that rebellious look that simply enhanced his authenticity.

"Don't tempt me too much," you playfully chided. "Otherwise I'll never be able to leave this room again."

His lips found your cheek, grazing it lightly before seeking your mouth with loving urgency. The kiss was brief and delicate, yet it filled you with an extraordinary energy, empowering you to confront any obstacle life might present.

"You're so beautiful and sweet that I'd hold you for the rest of the day, making love to you until our bodies give out."

You giggled with delight. "Tempting. Again. But as great as that sounds, I'd rather not face Zeff's wrath."

His expression flickered with defiance. "Screw the old shitbag."

"You know that's not an option."

With another quick kiss to his lips, you extricated yourself from his arms. This time, Sanji acquiesced, loosening his hold and watching as you slid the sheets aside. Your naked form basked in the warm light, his jaw clenching as your figure's graceful contours ignited thoughts he knew he ought to suppress for the time being.

You reached for a silky robe draped over a nearby chair, slipping it on and cinching the belt around your waist. As you gathered your clothes, you stole another glance at Sanji, the sight of his muscular chest sending unbidden shivers straight to your core. The way his skin glistened in the soft morning light, his eyes sparkled like sunlight on the ocean, and the mattress cradled his form as the sheets draped perfectly around his waist...

"For heaven's sake, Y/N," you admonished yourself internally. "Pull yourself together and stop gawking."

Taking a steadying breath, you padded to the bathroom door, one hand holding the front of your robe closed. As you caught sight of your reflection in the mirror, you stifled a groan of dismay. Your forgotten makeup was slightly smudged beneath your eyes, and your hair was a wild tangle, resembling a windswept bird's nest after a tempest. How could he find you remotely attractive in such a disheveled state?

With his keen perception, you weren't surprised when Sanji's voice drifted from behind the wall. “Is everything all right, my lovely?”

"No, I look dreadful," you sighed, frowning at your visage. "I forgot to take off my makeup last night."

The rustling of bedcovers and the soft whisper of fabric signaled his movement, followed by the sound of his trousers being zipped up. "If this is what you consider dreadful, I'd be curious to see you try and look bad on purpose. ‘Cause I doubt you ever could."

You smiled warmly. "Thanks, but I'd better wash this off before someone thinks I've been in a boxing match all night."

His melodious laughter filled the air, wrapping around you like a warm cocoon. It transformed the moment into a cozy, intimate scene, making everything feel wonderfully natural and just right.

He strode across the wooden planks—already dressed but sans tie, his shirt buttons casually undone at the collar—his fingers combing through his hair. "Anyone who dares lay a finger on you won't live to see another day."

Cleaning your face with a wet cotton disc, you flashed a playful grin. "Right, what was it again? 'A rule that's existed since the age of dinosaurs'?"

His arms encircled your shoulders as he nuzzled the flushed skin of your neck, his nose tracing a gentle path along its curve. “Yeah.”

Sanji remained composed yet affectionate, sliding his hands down to your elbows and intertwining his fingers with yours. His ability to infuse every action with poetic grace astounded you.

The mirror reflected an almost dreamlike image of you two together. It was remarkable how quickly you had discovered such profound happiness and sincere love with someone who had only recently become part of your life.

"You're always beautiful. Whether you're bare-faced or made up, in your uniform or dressed for a night out, or just wrapped in a robe at dawn. That's simply who you are."

You melted against him, arching your neck and turning to capture his lips in a delicate, whisper-soft kiss, your palm cupping his cheek. "Your kindness never ceases to amaze me."

"I'm truthful, my lovely. You could walk out with seaweed in your hair, and I'd still find you more breathtaking than a sunrise over the Grand Line."

How could anyone hold such enduring adoration for another person? It was moving and unbelievable, something you had always considered unrealistic. And yet, here you stood, living proof of its reality.

He tilted his head, admiring you as if committing every detail to memory. “I wouldn’t change a thing about how you look right now. Not one bit.”

Your knees weakened, nearly causing you to collapse. "You make me want to trust every word you say about me."

"Then I'll keep reminding you of your blinding beauty until you finally believe me."

With that, you welcomed the new day in the most enchanting, thrilling, and delectable manner imaginable, until you regretfully parted ways to attend to your respective morning routines, secluded from watchful eyes.

Composing yourself in front of him at work was going to be the greatest challenge yet, particularly due to the noticeable ache and twinge in your muscles, evident in the way you walked.

You fervently hoped your newfound gait wouldn't attract unwanted attention, but if given the choice, you would gladly relive that night again and again. Making love with Sanji was worth every ache, every moment of lost sleep, every tousled strand, and every trace of smeared makeup on your face.

Indeed, it was worth more than the entire world combined.

Arriving at work with Sanji's scent clinging to you would have been highly inappropriate for both your position and his. You entered the dining room only after meticulously cleaning yourself, ensuring your appearance was impeccable and bore no trace of your intimate escapade.

Sanji emerged looking immaculate, his hair neatly styled and his skin exuding a captivating aroma of fresh shower gel. The subtle, meaningful glances you shared were impossible to overlook. You sensed it wouldn't be long before Patty—or perhaps even Zeff and the entire team—would discern the truth about your relationship.

The day unfolded as usual, with a steady stream of customers filling the Baratie and keeping the kitchen in constant motion. Fatigue settled in, the result of your scant sleep making itself known. As your shift neared its end, you battled to stifle a series of yawns while wiping down counters and polishing tableware. Your feet felt leaden, and your muscles ached in protest as you moved methodically around the room.

When you and Sanji found yourselves alone again, he seized the private moment to plant a soft kiss on your cheek as he passed. This simple gesture instantly brightened your face with joy, briefly dispelling your mounting weariness.

Being with him was truly extraordinary. If not for your exhaustion, you would have eagerly pulled him into your room for an encore of the previous night's amorous rendezvous. You resisted the urge, albeit with difficulty, as vivid and not so modest memories of your time together flooded your mind.

Sanji, ever understanding, found contentment in simply being in your company. Noticing the dark circles under your eyes and your frequent, unconscious sighs, he gently urged you to rest. Though retreating to your quarters alone felt almost sacrilegious, you recognized the importance of acting responsibly, both for your own well-being and your duties at the Baratie.

You kissed him on the lips, an action he immediately reciprocated, his arms wrapping around your back. Time seemed to stand still as you remained entwined in each other's arms, your fingers gently woven through his silky hair, savoring the warmth of your prolonged embrace.

Finding the will to disentangle, you hesitantly stepped back. Before pushing the door open, you turned to meet his eyes, which were brimming with adoration as a wide smile graced his features.

As days turned to weeks, your attraction to Sanji intensified, making even short separations during breaks or after work feel almost unbearable. Eventually, you both reached a point where hiding your relationship seemed unnecessary, as everyone on the team became aware of your developing romance. The crew began referring to you as Sanji's girlfriend and him as your boyfriend, a progression neither of you contested or denied.

Although you hadn't formally discussed your relationship status, Sanji's proud smile whenever others referred to you as a couple spoke volumes. You concluded that your bond had naturally evolved into something official, with no formal declaration necessary. Sanji demonstrated his commitment to you daily, especially in your intimate moments together.

He was an affectionate and considerate romantic, yet he transformed into a ravenous lover in the bedroom. He grew more confident as you delved deeper into your lovemaking, fully understanding your openness to his touches, kisses, gentle caresses, and fervent movements. He knew the boundaries he shouldn't cross, ones that he, out of love and respect for you, would never dream of overstepping.

As another month passed, your self-restraint was continually tested. You were determined not to disappoint Zeff, who held you in high esteem—not only as a valuable employee but, more importantly, as a woman deserving the utmost admiration. You were fully committed to your job and consciously avoided displaying excessive affection towards Sanji in front of others. He maintained equal composure, but at times, his gaze alone was enough to jeopardize your focus.

As fate would have it, a new source of adrenaline found its way onto your plate one night, which ironically helped divert your attention from your romantic preoccupation. Since your parents' last visit to the Baratie, things had been relatively peaceful, with only the occasional customer dispute. Nothing Zeff couldn't handle on his own, allowing tensions to quickly dissipate.

As part of your rotating duties, you had taken on the waitress shift instead of your usual kitchen role. The dining hall was bustling, even more crowded than customary, prompting Zeff to kindly request your assistance there. While some patrons proved difficult to manage, you'd honed your ability to project self-assurance and let snide remarks slide off without internalizing them.

The day had progressed seamlessly until you spotted a peculiar individual seated alone at a distant table. The mysterious man was tall and well-built, his face hidden beneath the shadow of a large hooded cape. You felt his eyes piercing through you, as if he could see into your very soul and beyond. However, as you turned back, you dismissed the notion as mere imagination, concluding that he was likely just another patron seeking a meal.

Despite your reservations, you approached the table cautiously, notepad in hand. He remained motionless, barely acknowledging your presence, his hand resting on the table.

"Good evening, sir. Welcome to the Baratie. May I take your order?"

His head barely turned, shifting only a fraction, his expression obscured beneath the hood. "Wine," he murmured. "Your finest vintage, if you please."

"Certainly. What would you like for your main course?"

He hummed thoughtfully, not bothering to glance at the menu. "Steak," he said. "A large cut. Juicy."

"Would you care for any side dishes or appetizers?"

"That will be all for now."

You nodded and jotted down the order, your wrist twinging slightly from overuse.

His rough, guttural voice spoke again before you could turn on your heel and walk away. "Thank you, ma’am."

Most men who looked far less intimidating barely spoke to you, except to demand more courses or drinks with an irritating flick of their fingers. A patron genuinely expressing gratitude to you or any of the waitstaff was as rare as finding a perfectly cooked medium steak elsewhere.

This simple act of politeness seemed to validate the old adage: "Don't judge a book by its cover."

"You're welcome, sir. I'm at your service."

After verifying he had nothing further to say, you observed as he redirected his attention to the empty glass before him. Satisfied, you pivoted and strode back to the kitchen, deftly tearing the order slip from your notepad as you went.

"New order for table 15," you announced crisply.

Patty was the one who took it, a grimace appearing on his face as he read it. "Man's quite pretentious, ey? I hope he's aware of the hefty price tag that comes with such fine dining."

"Somewhat," you replied distractedly, peering through the round porthole on the door. The man sat stock-still, as if carved from stone, seemingly lost in deep meditation.

Sanji, ever attentive to your moods, instantly picked up on your distraction. Abandoning his cooking station, he glided over to you, his hand finding its familiar place on your back as his concerned face met yours. “Is everything all right, my lovely?”

"Yes, it's just... that man at table 15. Do you see him?"

Sanji glanced through the glass, his eyes narrowing slightly as he spotted the man in question. "Did he do anything to you? I'll make sure he regrets it."

You shook your head with a smile. "No, quite the opposite. He was surprisingly nice with me. He’s just a bit strange, though that might not mean anything significant."

"Would you like me to take over serving him instead?"

"No, I can handle it. Besides, I'd never ask you to wait tables."

Sanji gave you a playful wink. "You know I'd move mountains for you."

Patty, witnessing the scene, rolled his eyes skyward as he flipped the food into the pan with a deft motion of his wrist. "Hey, lovebirds," he called out, "if you're finished with your romantic interlude, we've got customers to feed."

You winced, mouthing a sheepish "sorry" to Sanji, who dismissed it with a cheerful grin. "Relax, man. We've got everything under control."

"Yeah, sure. Why don't you go tell that to Zeff?" Patty retorted sarcastically.

"Someday you'll find love too, my friend," Sanji quipped.

As their lighthearted exchange subsided, Sanji resumed his position at the stove. Meanwhile, you carefully chose an exquisite vintage from the restaurant's premium wine collection, reserved for the most discerning customers. Pushing open the kitchen doors, you cast a loving look your boyfriend’s way before returning into the dining room, the requested bottle in hand, ready to be uncorked.

You struggled to pinpoint the source of your unease; was it the man's presence or some vague threat this figure might represent? Your experience at the Baratie had sharpened your intuition, allowing you to detect subtle changes in the atmosphere.

Sanji possessed a magical quality, able to infuse a sense of calm throughout your being whenever anxiety crept in. Regardless of the circumstances, you decided not to dwell on your concerns, still feeling the residual warmth of his touch on your skin.

Good heavens, you absolutely adored your job.

"This is one of our finest wines, I hope it meets your expectations, sir."

The client turned to face you, his obscured eyes focusing on the bottle's label. Interpreting his expression proved daunting, like trying to read a deck of face-down cards.

With a subtle smile, he said, "Quite satisfactory. It will do nicely."

You proceeded to open the bottle, removing its cork and pouring the wine into his glass with gentle precision. Once again, the man remained impassive, his attention fixed on the crimson liquid as it flowed. He seemed acutely aware of his surroundings, his ears perked to catch every rustle and clink while he indirectly scanned each person in the room, taking in every detail.

"Your steak will arrive shortly," you informed him. "Please enjoy your wine."

"Indeed, I shall," he replied in a low voice. "Your service is much appreciated."

With a respectful bow, you excused yourself, ready to return to the kitchen and assist with other patrons' orders while the steak was being prepared. However, you caught sight of a cluster of men seated near the hooded figure, their heads angled in his direction and eyes darting suspiciously. They whispered among themselves, clearly discussing something secretive. Their hands rested on their belts, where weapons—guns and knives—seemed to be holstered and ready to be used. Their appearance was ominous, not quite like menacing pirates, but rather like bounty hunters preparing to pounce.

You were unsure which group posed the greater threat.

No, this wouldn't do. Whatever these men were planning, you couldn't allow them to disrupt the tranquility of dinner time, causing havoc and violating the restaurant's rules. You hurried back to the kitchen, weaving past your colleagues to reach Sanji, maintaining your composure and avoiding unnecessary commotion. Swiftly, he turned off the stove and spun to face you, giving you his undivided attention.

"Something's not right out there," you whispered urgently. "Several men are intently observing the guy at table 15."

Sanji let out an irritated sigh, removing the cloth from his shoulder and walking to the doors. As he observed the scene, you noticed his entire form stiffen, his posture becoming rigid. "You shouldn't be out there," he said firmly.

"What excuse could I give? They're not actually doing anything yet."

Sanji's jaw tightened as he assessed the situation, his eyes flicking between the kitchen and the dining area. Taking a deep breath, he turned back to you; gone was his usual carefree demeanor, replaced by a fierce, protective determination.

"No one will endanger you. Not here, not anywhere." His hand brushed over yours, a silent reassurance, but you sensed the tension coiled within him.

"I won't abandon you to handle this alone, Sanji," you asserted, giving his hand a reassuring squeeze. "We’re a team, remember?"

Sanji's lips curved into a smile, though his eyes remained serious. "We are. But if things take a turn, promise me you'll let me handle it."

"I promise," you replied, your voice wavering with uncertainty.

Sanji had always been your protector, rescuing you from emotional abuse and an overly aggressive Marine who wanted to marry you solely for your family's status. Now, as your feelings for him deepened and your heart grew more reliant on his presence, you found that same protective instinct blossoming inside you, mirroring his own.

In the past, you might have cowered in fear, feeling ill-equipped to manage any situation that could lead to potential conflict. Now, things were different. You had changed, having become an integral part of Red-Leg Zeff's crew.

Despite Sanji's apprehensions, you persisted with your assigned duties, delivering the remaining orders to patrons until the hooded man's steak was perfectly cooked and awaiting service. The dining hall appeared seemingly tranquil, with no concerning activities worth reporting. The hunter-like men could have simply found the hooded figure as intimidating and unsettling as you initially did, without any actual intent to cause trouble. It was entirely possible that you had accidentally misinterpreted the situation from the beginning, imagining threats that didn't exist.

As it turned out, your intuition was right on the mark.

It wasn't until later that you noticed the group leaving their seats one by one, slowly approaching table 15 with casual indifference. The hooded man had all but devoured his entire steak, nearly gnawing on the bone itself. Unfazed, he sipped the last drops of wine as the strangers effectively blocked any escape route, licking his lips with relish as his fingers twitched subtly against the tablecloth.

"Well, well, if it isn't our dear Obsidian Crow, worth 300 million berries," said the apparent leader of the group.

You inhaled deeply, squaring your shoulders as you keenly watched the unfolding scene from a nearby vantage point.

"Enjoying your meal?" the man inquired with a sneer.

The Obsidian Crow's lips curved slightly upward. "How kind of you to ask. This is undoubtedly the finest establishment in the East Blue."

"Indeed, it is.”

The voices around you began to fade, replaced by a curious silence that settled over those present.

"Say, why don't you join us for a little excursion?" the leader suggested with a menacing smile.

"I'm afraid I must decline your generous offer," the Crow replied with a hint of sarcasm. "You see, my schedule is rather packed; places to go, people to meet."

A boisterous laugh erupted among the men, each one chuckling in a way that boded ill.

"Oh, I'm sure you're a busy man. But you see, I'm afraid we won't accept 'no' as an answer."

The hair on the back of your neck stood up, and an eerie aura suddenly enveloped the Baratie. It was a bold decision, you realized, one you might come to regret. Yet, as other employees cautiously distanced themselves from the hunters, you chose to do just the opposite.

"My apologies, gentlemen, but I must ask you to return to your seats. You should be aware of our rules, we don't welcome fights at the Baratie."

While some of the men shot contemptuous looks your way, the leader didn't even deign to pay you any attention. "I suggest you comply unless you want to be dragged out of here by force, bastard."

"Are you truly willing to disrespect this lady and the esteemed patrons dining in this restaurant for your own selfish gain?"

"That's precisely why I'm telling you to come with us. Nobody needs to get hurt here. The choice is yours."

You recognized that the prudent course of action would have been to retreat, allowing Sanji, Zeff, and others with more combat expertise to defuse the situation. Nevertheless, an inexplicable compulsion kept you rooted to the spot.

The pirate's head lifted, revealing a pair of emerald green eyes. They were so light and sparkling that they resembled precious gems set into his sclera. A long scar stretched across his forehead, a battle memento from someone who had likely tried, and failed, to crack his skull open. "I won't be going anywhere with you lot. And as long as I draw breath, no one here will come to harm."

This time, the man looming over the Obsidian Crow growled, drawing his pistol and aiming it at the hooded figure's head. The other men followed suit, brandishing their guns, daggers, and swords in a chilling symphony of metal and clicking barrels.

In an instant, pandemonium broke loose.

The hunters charged, their battle cries echoing off the walls. Patrons scattered in panic as the Obsidian Crow rose to his feet, deftly dodging and disarming his opponents. Tables overturned, and the once-lively restaurant transformed into a chaotic battlefield. The Crow maintained an unsettling calm, even as the enemies closed in with raised fists and guns.

Within moments, Sanji burst from the kitchen, immediately positioning himself in front of you. "Hey, this is a place for food, not fighting!" He shouted, but his words were swallowed by the chaos.

In a blur of motion, the Obsidian Crow gracefully evaded the attacks with an agility that belied his imposing stature. He was no run-of-the-mill pirate, his techniques revealing a man of extraordinary power and skill.

“That’s enough!” Sanji's voice thundered as he unbuttoned his chef's jacket, tossed it your way, and strode forward purposefully.

The scene erupted with dizzying speed, making it difficult to track each movement. The Crow dispatched the group leader with remarkable fluidity, while Sanji's powerful kicks sent two other hunters flying across the room.

You tried to stay out of harm's way, clutching Sanji's jacket as you checked on the frightened customers huddled behind or beneath the tables. Taking a few careful steps, you inspected the extent of the damage inflicted, your heart sinking at the sight of food strewn about the floor, wasted and ruined.

Absorbed in your disappointment, you failed to notice a hunter, desperate and reckless, reaching for you from behind. He grabbed you, yanking you upward to use you as a human shield while advancing. "Back off, or she gets it," he hissed, pressing a blade against your throat.

Sanji's jacket tumbled to the floor, landing atop the dispersed remnants of food. The cook whirled around with such velocity you feared he might injure himself, his eyes darkening and brows knitting together in fury. The dagger's cold edge pressed perilously close to your skin, its icy touch sending shivers through your veins.

The Obsidian Crow halted, showing no signs of exertion, his gaze fixed on you with vigilance. His hood had fallen back, unveiling short, tousled hair peppered with gray. Frozen with fear, you staggered forward as the hunter shoved you ahead, your arms hanging limply by your sides.

The assailant failed to grasp the gravity of his error.

“You picked the wrong woman to mess with,” Sanji snarled, his face contorted with rage.

With lightning agility, Sanji vaulted over a table, using it as a springboard. His powerful kick landed squarely on the hunter's nose before the man could react, sending him hurtling painfully onto his back.

You lost your footing, but Sanji's protective arms quickly caught you, steadying your balance. “Are you hurt?” he asked, his voice softening with concern as he looked into your eyes.

You shook your head, still trembling slightly but unharmed. "I'm okay, thanks to you."

As the tumult subsided, Sanji exhaled with relief. The Crow continued to grapple with a particularly tenacious opponent who refused to yield, gunshots ringing out, their echoes thundering around you.

Suddenly, you spotted something Sanji had missed: one of the bounty hunters, overlooked in the earlier skirmish, was charging towards him with murderous intent. The man's face contorted with vicious anger as he brandished a gleaming sword, poised to strike Sanji down while his back was turned.

While the cook was undoubtedly capable of defending himself, your heart raced at the impending danger. Without a second thought, you sprang into action, seizing the nearest object within reach.

“Watch out!!” You shouted, shoving Sanji aside with unexpected strength and swinging a hefty vase with remarkable force.

Sanji barely had time to register what was happening as the ceramic vase collided with the man's head. The impact shattered it, sending shards and flowers dispersing in all directions and the attacker crumpling to the floor, unconscious.

The room fell silent, as if time itself had paused. Patrons and staff alike, who moments ago had been seeking shelter, now turned to witness the aftermath of your unexpected feat. Even Sanji, a seasoned fighter in his own right, stared at you in wide-eyed amazement, a smile of admiration slowly spreading across his face.

The group leader attempted to regain his footing, still reeling from the blow. "I-it's not over yet, Crow," he sputtered. "You're leaving with me, one way or another."

The pirate's jaw clenched in annoyance as he adjusted his stance, ready to counter the impending assault. However, before the situation could escalate further, another gunshot rang out in the room, this time from behind you.

The familiar thud of a wooden peg on the floor was all you needed to identify the newcomer.

“Stop right now.”

There stood Zeff, visibly enraged by the disturbance and squandered food, his recharged pistol aimed directly at the hunter. "Take your pathetic crew and get out of my restaurant," he commanded.

The leader gritted his teeth, drawing his own gun and leveling it at Zeff. Sanji maneuvered you out of danger's path, ensuring the weapon's barrel wasn't pointed in your direction.

"We're not looking for trouble. We came here for him," the hunter said, gesturing towards the Obsidian Crow.

"Whatever business you have, it's not my problem. My restaurant's rules are very clear."

The defeated hunters groaned and stirred, some still incapacitated from the brawl. Those who could move managed to stand, though unsteadily, shame emblazoned across their features, gathering their weapons and sheathing them in silent resignation. Without a word, they dragged their fallen comrades away, limping towards the exit. The fish-man clapped his hands, and your colleagues rushed in, hurriedly righting the toppled tables and sweeping up the debris.

The leader's hand trembled as he held Zeff's deadly stare, not yet ready to concede defeat. His bravery in the face of the renowned chef was admirable. However, with Zeff's formidable reputation preceding him, the man was wise enough to recognize his capitulation. With a frustrated growl, he finally surrendered.

"Watch your back, Obsidian Crow," he spat, his voice dripping with venom. "Sooner or later, you'll pay for this."

The Crow's lips curled into a wide grin. "I look forward to your next attempt."

At last, silence descended upon the restaurant. The bounty hunters had vanished, leaving in their wake a scene of destruction; broken plates, ruined meals, and the hushed murmurs of bewildered patrons.

A couple at an adjacent table observed the three of you, whispering to each other. "That was quite impressive, wasn't it?"

"Indeed! Quite thrilling to witness!"

The Baratie was famous for welcoming all customers indiscriminately, be they pirates, hunters, or Marines. This diverse clientele didn't deter those who made reservations; on the contrary, they flocked to the Baratie not just for the mouthwatering cuisine, but also for the chance to witness an impromptu spectacle.

The Crow raised his hood, settling it back into place. Turning to Sanji, he offered a slight, almost respectful nod. "Impressive skills," he remarked with a hint of admiration. "You've earned my respect. No small feat, I assure you."

Though visibly pleased by the man's compliment, Sanji refrained from excessive self-praise, true to his character.

"I offer my most sincere apologies for the disorder I have caused. They must have tracked my route and intercepted my transponder call. Please, allow me to pay for the damages and the drinks those 'gentlemen' haven't settled."

Zeff crossed his arms with a weary sigh, his pistol still in hand. "Those bottles don't come cheap."

"Aye. That won't be a problem."

The Crow reached into his cape, producing a metallic clatter from a concealed pocket. His fingers emerged clutching an impressive bag of coins, which he tossed unceremoniously before Zeff's peg leg. The Crow waited patiently as the head chef inspected the offering, a single look inside telling that the pirate's payment far exceeded the cost of his meal and the hunters' drinks combined.

"They had no intention of paying," the Obsidian Crow stated. "It's a shame, really. Your service is exceptional. I couldn't find anything like this even in the Grand Line."

Zeff's weathered face showed a mixture of irritation and reluctant approval. “Long as you don’t make a habit of bringing your baggage here, you’re welcome to stay. Just don’t make me regret it.”

While profit wasn't everything, the pirate's readiness to compensate the restaurant commanded respect. The unexpected settlement of the hunters' tab was an added boon, one that would buoy the Baratie's mood for weeks to come.

The tension in the room gradually dissipated as a low murmur of conversations resumed. Diners who had moments ago braced themselves for violence now eased back into their seats. The Baratie crew, ever-professional, moved to replace the interrupted meals, guaranteeing that each affected patron would still savor the full dining experience they had anticipated, despite the recent upheaval.

With a final bow of gratitude, the Crow pivoted on his heels and strode away, his cape billowing dramatically behind him. "I'll take my leave for tonight. Should I return to your establishment, I'll keep your words in mind."

You observed as he made his way to the door, halting momentarily to deliver a parting statement. "Thank you for the meal. The steak was absolute perfection."

With that, he disappeared into the night.

You stooped to retrieve Sanji's jacket, which had fallen victim to the consequences of the fight. An unmistakable sauce stain marred the left front lapel, and it was only then that you noticed a few droplets of blood spattered across your own uniform, likely from the hunters' injuries.

Zeff shook his head, a wry smile breaking through his sterness. “Little Eggplant. Remind me why I let pirates and vagabonds in this place?”

“Because even pirates need a good meal, old man. And we’re the best in all the Blues.”

Zeff let out a low, gruff chuckle, genuine despite its roughness. His eyes softened as he looked at you, his hand gently resting on your back. "Are you all right?"

"I'm fine," you assured him with a nod. “The blood isn’t mine.”

A crease formed between his brows. Another sigh followed, the tension in his shoulders easing only slightly. "Good. The Baratie may be many things, but it's not a battlefield. I don't want you risking your safety every time a scuffle breaks out.”

Zeff had always considered the crew as family, and witnessing one of his own in danger was never easy for him to bear.

“You’d do well to remember that too, Eggplant. Next time, try not to start a fight with half the clientele.”

Sanji rolled his eyes, a hint of his usual playfulness returning. “You know me. I’m always aiming for peace, until someone forgets their manners.”

A smile tugged at your lips as you listened to their familiar banter. Sanji caught your expression and reflected it, his eyes twinkling with shared amusement while conveying a hidden, intimate message.

“Come on, we owe these people a proper conclusion. You two, go clean yourselves up. You can't serve customers looking like this."

With a gentle pat on your back, Zeff hobbled towards the kitchen, clearly intent on overseeing the preparation of fresh meals. The restaurant's lively ambiance quickly returned, with patrons resuming their conversations as if the earlier fracas had never occurred.

Sanji took your hand, guiding you away from the dining area as you both navigated through the remaining shards your colleagues were clearing away. The restroom door clicked shut behind you, and Sanji's jacket slid onto the sink as you turned on the faucet. Water trickled from the tap, its gentle splashing the sole sound piercing the silence surrounding you.

The stain on the white fabric was so prominent that you doubted even a thorough wash would be enough to remove it.

"I'm not sure this will be enough, it looks pretty bad. Maybe we should—"

Without warning, Sanji's lips collided with yours, his protective arms enveloping you against his chest, causing you to relax instantly. He cradled the back of your head with one hand, the rhythmic beat of his heart a calming counterpoint to the residual adrenaline in your body. His lips were warm and tantalizing, his tongue the sweetest caress.

He pulled back just enough to meet your gaze, his hand trailing down to inspect your neck, where the hunter's blade had nearly nicked. He brushed a strand of hair away from your face, his eyes still glistening with unspoken emotions. "What you did back there for me..."

"Oh, that. I, um... I was just reacting on impulse. It's not as if you truly needed my rescue."

"You were incredible."

"I owe Zeff a new vase, though," you said with a sheepish grin. "But I guess I owe you so much more than that for saving me again."

"The only thing I’d ever want from you is another kiss.”

A chuckle shook your shoulders as you gently brushed his hair away. "Why so modest? You could ask for other things. Not that I'd object."

He pressed his lips together, his Adam's apple bobbing. "I could never do that."

“Why?”

"Because I care for you too much to act on the thoughts racing through my mind right now."

You sighed blissfully against his jaw, breathing in his intoxicating cologne, and weaving your fingers in his silky strands. "Oh, Sanji," you spoke against his skin, "How many times do I need to tell you that there's nothing to worry about?"

“Y/N—”

"Shh," you purred, your voice seductive. "Try me. I bet your thoughts perfectly match mine."

He closed the gap between you, capturing your lips in another kiss that melded tenderness with urgency. Instinctively, you wrapped your arms around his neck, a soft, ecstatic hum escaping your chest as you clung to him. The delicate, wet sounds of your kisses were masked by the still-running water, which you couldn't be bothered to turn off. Your mouths locked in an ardent dance, tongues intermingling as your heartbeats quickened in unison.

"Mh. Maybe we shouldn't be doing this here," you uttered against his lips. "What if Zeff catches us?"

"I'll tell him that I couldn't stay away from the woman I adore a moment longer."

"He'd have our heads for this."

"I'd like to see him try."

He grazed your lips with his again, reluctant to break contact. "Let them all knock, let them shout. I won't respond until I've made it crystal clear that you're the only one on my mind. Here and now."

His words sent a shiver down your spine, evoking a soft gasp. Sanji flashed you an appreciative smile, his eyes sparkling with that unique blend of mischief and adoration so distinctly his.

"This is reckless, you know that?"

“I know.”

"We still need to clean our uniforms."

“Yeah.”

“…And you don’t care.”

"No.”

He carefully eased you out of your vest, the blood stains less noticeable on the dark fabric but still stubbornly present and beginning to dry. It joined his on the sink's edge, both garments momentarily forgotten in the heat of the moment.

Your breaths quickened, filling the room with a carnal chant. His fingertips traced the buttons of your shirt with shy trepidation, deftly unfastening the top two buttons near the collar before moving lower to undo three more.

The atmosphere crackled with undeniable electricity, signaling that desire would soon triumph over caution.

"Forgive me, my lovely, but I have reached my limit."

Your veneer of professionalism crumbled entirely. A muffled moan slipped from your throat as he latched onto your collarbones, tracing a trail of amorous pecks that ignited a fire crackling throughout your very core.

Chapter 1 Chapter 2 Chapter 3 Chapter 4 Chapter 5 Chapter 6 Chapter 7 (currently reading) Go to Chapter 8 (coming soon) ->

[mixterglacia]

CONTENT WARING: Vivziepop/Stolitz Critical below the cut.

TL;DR- This episode was inconsistent to put it politely. I will not continue such niceties below the cut. You've been warned.

I'm going to start with the good. The jokes with Satan and his...therapist?? are delightful, and considering how awful this episode was, I will take it.

The bit where the rest of the imps are tormenting Stolas felt so good, but I'm aware we're meant to sympathize with poor wittle owl boi can do no wrong uwu. So that missed by a mile.

While it wasn't consistent, this episode had some stunning animation. Kudos to the team, especially those working on the shot where Stolas is lifting his cape in the song. That and the slow turns were beautiful.

Alright let's rip into this.

If the second half of this episode existed in a vacuum, it might have hit its mark. But it doesn't. This is TOTAL tonal whiplash. Completely unearned and obnoxious. Once again, we have the biggest helluverse problem:

I don't want to put in the effort to earn my drama. I am relying on the fandom to fill in the blanks so they cry.

The song is horrendously demeaning and bad. He's belittling him because he's in a place where Blitz can't fight back. You can't convince me that I should go from the tone at the start of the song to the end.

GOD i hate these two. there is nothing appealing left. They are a hollow, pathetic shell of what we were promised. this is "messy" in the way a dumpster is. This isn't some artsy spill of candy. This is trash with glitter poured all over it.

Suddenly we're getting Blitz's "truwe" feelings all dumped on us in the span of a single musical number. This is TERRIBLE. You have been so stingy with any level of development on his end that this feels like a car getting t-boned at an intersection. I guess "self indulgent" is code for "I didn't want to put in effort, i just wanted my OTP." Which is fine in a fandom sense, but this is a SHOW. You have to actually make us believe they feel like that. You have FAILED, and you're still trying to give yourself the prize? Man, you are deluded.

This was total dogshit. This was a rushed attempt to get Stolas in Blitz's house/bed. This was nothing short of MORE woobification of this dumbass owl. HE DID THIS TO HIMSELF. IF ANYTHING, THIS IS A SLAP ON THE WRIST.

He's a privileged piece of shit that is so babied by the writers that even his PUNISHMENT is nothing. So he's banished, but only for a hundred years, which is nothing to an immortal. If you're trying to bring him down to be on par with the imps, you've failed.

He's still going to get his job back in the future. He's still going to have money in the future. He's still going to have power in the future. If anything, you should have had the punishment make him be an imp for those years.

But no. You're so obsessed with him that you've centered the whole plot around HIM. Not I.M.P, not Blitz.

HIM.

This show has become so derailed at this point. Each episode is (somewhat) fine on their own, but you can't sit there and tell me they have any level of consistency. I keep thinking they're going to hit their stride, and they keep failing to do so. This is pathetic.

I'm very close to giving up on this series. Even analyzing it has become a chore. You aren't fun to watch, or make fun of. You're just mediocre.

I so desperately want these shows to have better writing. I want them to have quality and be successful at the same time. But currently we only have the latter and I fear that will wane in time if Vivienne doesn't get her head out of her ass and put in the effort I know her to be capable of. You can't keep coasting off of your pilot fans forever. I implore you to have someone work on the tone and consistency of the helluverse in the future.

Somehow Helluva makes Hotel look like high art, and that's a shame. When it was only the pilots, I truly adored Helluva. It had wonderful characters and great humor.

But here we are.

[onnahu]

Why Bruce and Jason can't have a relationship we all want them to have

Disclaimer: I mostly ignore things that new-52 changed about their backstories bc new-52 is dumb when it comes to it

The thing about relationship between Jason and Bruce is that their upbringings were so different, and they both are so stubborn, they never could've agreed on some things.

Bc let's be real. Bruce went through a traumatic even as a child, and that was terrible. But before, he had two loving parents, and even after, he is a white, rich man. He is the definition of privilage and that's what made him Batman. I assure you, if he was poor, or even in middle class or whatever, he would never become Batman. Not only for a lack of funds.

On the other hand, we have Jason. From comics, even if fandom kinda streches it, his parents did everything they could. Jason for sure loved them, taking from his reaction at Willis's death, and everything about Catherine. We know he loved them, and they loved him. There is no hint for abuse in his early life (beside new-52 but new-52 is dumb), even if classist beliefs make us assume that. They had many problems, not much money, and Catherine was sick, and later an addict. So even in their poor financial status we can assume Jason's childhood was as good as it could be. He never complained about it, at least. Also, I personally headcanoned it earlier, and in the Hill it was pretty much confirmed, that Jason's latino.

That leaves us with two differences between them already, that gives them opposed perspectives on life. Bruce could never understand Jason's life no matter how he tried. Then, we have Catherine's death. It's a similiarity. Traumatic even where they lost their parent/s. But it's also very different. Even in their reactions we can see how they're not the same. Because as Dick's and Bruce's were similiar, Jason was complitely different.

Jason knew he doesn't have time for grief. He did what he had to keep himself alive, and took care for himself, that he in some way did already. He even menaged to do well for himself. We know that he survived on the streets alone for at least few years, and didn't really need Bruce's help for that. Although survival is not the same as life.

The other, propably more important thing: there was noone to blame for Catherine's death. He could blame her dealer, but he didn't really murder her. Dick and Bruce had the person that murdered their parents. They wanted revenge and they worked for it. Jason hadn't had anyone to take revenge on. He had no one to avenge.

Then, Jason got adopted, and could taste Bruce's life in some way. He learned how it is to have money to throw everywhere, and be priviliged for high quality education, food and entertainment. His poin of wiev on it was of course screwed up, but he got to expirienced it. Also saving people. Because saving people is a privilage.

If you struggle to keep yourself alive, you can't keep the others alive, unless you have a martyr complex. We, as animals, are programmed to keep ourselfs going no matter what. We have to be our own priorities, and if you can prioritiez others it's because you no longer need it for yourself.

Anyway, Jason saw how it is to be Bruce. To be a hero. But Bruce bever knew how it is to be Jason. How to be anyone that's not him. He can have empathy, he can try everything, but he could never understand. Some things you can know only if you expirienced. The same way I know I, however I want to, I will never really understand some things.

Also the whole thing with dying. That's important to. Jason knows how it is to die. He knows how it is to kill. Bruce doesn't know either.

Anyway, it's all kinda messy, but the point is - they could never see eye to eye in some matters. They can try, but especially after Jay's ressurection, they can never have a relationship we wants them to have, not in canon, at least.

Thanks for coming to my TED talk.

[ohno-elrond]

FAVE CREATORS ART CHALLENGE: PART ONE

(based on ana's wonderful idea!!!)

so i wanted to do a shout-out on here as well because i think the rings of power fandom has many many talented individuals! of course i will forget people and cannot tag everyone and this fandom is far too big but if you create things, know you are appreciated and you are so important to fandom <3333

let's start with gifs & graphics makers. i'm honestly impressed with the amount of edits some of you have made like damn, y'all productive 😂

(in no particular order)

@letthefairyinyoufly i loooove how sharp your gifs are, and your coloring is always SO pretty 😍 this is still my fave set of yours this year because i feel it's so different from your usual sets but it's soooo cool and creative!! dagor dagorath my beloved <3

@ceeyoutea i'm mostly amazed by how consistent you can color and it always looks good??? HOW? teach me your ways!! i love this set of yours, the quote is so perfect. but honestly all your saurondriel gifs are incredible.

@saudariel hehe of course gotta mention the bestie 😌 rj you know all the good i think of your gifs and how i'm in awe of your talent and every set blows me away etc etc. ily. all your gifs are stunning i can't pick a fave ok don't sue me.

@withered-rose-with-thorns ana!!! i love your coloring style, i immediately know when you're the one behind a set hehe :D love when you're being creative like with this half-maia celebrian set (still my fave of yours). it's sooo good, the font is a great pick and the cropping is incredible on the bottom gifs omg.

@thequeensjester obviously gotta mention you because your graphics are out of this world gorgeous!!! the way you make the colors pop, your use of textures, your fontwork, etc. i can go on for a while. truly you're so talented!! choosing a fave is too difficult, i'm in love with everything you make.

@elena-gilbert yet another super talented creator! looove your coloring style so much. also love how you aren't afraid to try out different fonts, effects or transitions!! my fave set is this one i'm obsessed with the yellow and how it pops. the coloring is truly gorgeous and that glitch on the last gif is so cool. and the quote choice is obviously perfect for them <3

@percysjakcson wanted to do a shoutout to your coloring skills because your sets are sooooo pretty. love this one in particular, this purple is stunning!!!

@lexys i keep repeating myself at this point 😂 but god i love your coloring!!! it looks so natural and soft. and your gifs are so high quality too. love your lotr / trop parallels sets <3

@martanis loooove the sweet pink in your gifsets haha. no but honestly your coloring is so nice to look at, i'm jealous!! so many gorgeous gifsets. and i wanted to thank you in particular for making gifs and edits of the cast as well.

@fukutomichi yet another person with excellent coloring skills! love your creativity as well, especially with layouts. and your gifs are so sharp and high quality!! and you always pick such good shots too. wanted to give you a super special shoutout as well because you always gif all the characters, giving each of them the spotlight they deserve 🥰

@sugurugetos more quality coloring can be found here :D it's so pretty!! i love their darkness? if that makes sense. like i personally tend to sometimes go overboard with the brightness. idk i'm rambling. anyway gotta talk about this set though because it still makes me laugh. he's so silly. love it.

@goodsirs stunning nice and crisp gifsets just like i love them. great natural-looking coloring as well. no notes, all around wonderful work, chef's kiss <3

@celebrimborium of course had to mention you!! gorgeous coloring and creative sets. love the fonts you use as well. really tough to pick a fave but my heart goes out to this set because it's so cool and i'm a sucker for a good color + b&w contrast. that font is amazing too!! they're just lil creechers 😌

@cuthalions your coloring is soooooooo gorgeous, there's a softness to it that i love. all your sets are beautiful but i love this one in particular because the typography is incredible. the gifs are so sharp and just so nice to look at!!! and that middle gif with the incredible b&w and that quote has me on the floor. and love all your book inspired edits as well!

@rithe ohh the way i'm in love with your edits, the cropping is exquisite!!! and i love your coloring so much. my fave are your song edits tho, they're soooooo pretty to look at. (this one in particular) i'm in love with that font you use. and the caps you choose are SO fitting!! gah 😍

@rhaenyradaemons your coloring is SO pretty julia!!! it's got that muted softness i love (idk how to describe it, i'm tired haha) and they're nicely sharp and clean. just very pleasing to look at :D

@emziess i love your coloring so muchhhh. i think this one is my fave, i love the rich and warm yellow contrasting with the blueish tone on the first & last one. and they're so sharp and nice! beautiful work all around <3

this took a lot longer than expected and now i'm exhausted so part two will be another day 😂

if you read all this, congrats to you!!

like i said this fandom is filled with talented people and i'm so happy to see all your beautiful creations!! may 2025 be inspiring to you all. i cannot wait to see all the new things you will create in the future 😘

[curiositydoorunlocked]

The Recent News

Spoilers ahead for Stranger Things 5, including photos of actors on set.

Look, something about all this (the leak + the photo situation) feels… fishy, and I can see people in various tags are getting various levels of upset by it. So as someone who has been around the block a couple of times, I want to say something. 

First of all: hi, everyone! I’m glad to be here. I’ve been a fan of ST since early-mid 2020 and involved in the fandom since mid-late 2020 (on other accounts, which have since been deleted), so I feel at least marginally qualified to say what I’m going to say. That being said, I drifted away from the fandom before S5 filming began and haven't watched the show in a while; if I get anything wrong please feel free to correct me.

First I want to talk about Bridgerton S3. I closely followed that production in 2022 and 2023. Like Stranger Things, Bridgerton is a high-budget Netflix original show with a large cast, lots of public interest, an active fandom, and what I would call "special considerations" for filming. (In Bridgerton's case it's the historical element; in ST it's the sci-fi/fantasy element plus the historical element, albeit to a lesser degree.) They filmed for a shorter period of time than ST5 is expected to film for, yes, but many of the circumstances are/were similar. That brings me to my point: when Bridgerton S3 was filming, the best we got from the main cast was a handful of photos a) taken from relatively far away that b) did not spoil anything major. Luckily for us, the photos were clear, but in the end they didn't really amount to anything more than eye candy, something to get excited over.

In contrast, these photos from the ST5 set are clear, close, and most importantly reveal seemingly significant story beats/results. (Okay, the Mike and Hopper one isn't super close or clear, I'll give ya that. But it's still pretty damn close for a set that's supposedly locked down! Especially if they're filming a scene possibly related to a major character's death/disappearance!) Kinda odd, right? I'm not necessarily saying they were leaked on purpose to misdirect fans, because I'm not that confident in myself. I don’t have any insider/industry knowledge; I can only claim a healthy (perhaps too healthy?) level of skepticism. But I do want to put that possibility out there, because I think it’s an important one to consider.

“But wait,” you might say, “many parts of S4 were leaked, and leaked accurately at that. What’s to say these aren’t real too?”

That’s a fair point! Maybe production hasn’t learned their lesson from S4; maybe they’re truly terrible at preventing leaks and that’s the end of the story. Yes, they’ve spoken a little about security measures in the lead-up to S5 but that doesn’t mean those security measures were implemented well, or even at all.

Even keeping that in mind, I nonetheless implore everyone to chill the hell out. I say this again, with so much love: CHILL THE HELL OUT. This has happened before: even with the accurate leaks and clear photos we got during S4 filming, we lacked so much context. Mike and El’s “I love you” scene is a great example of this. There was quite the brouhaha over that leak in certain corners of the fandom… and yet the actual scene turned out nothing like the phrase “Mike finally says ‘I love you’ to El” implies. Another example are these photos (see above; my apologies for the poor quality!) of the Hawkins group in the parking lot of The War Zone. When those photos were leaked, I recall speculation that the scene would appear at the very end of the finale, that it related to an apocalypse situation, and so on, but not so! In the show it appeared before the final battle with Vecna: the town was in a panic, yeah, but no apocalypse.

That’s what I mean about chilling the hell out. We can’t assume the photos/leaks are genuine—and even if we did indulge that assumption (which is fair given production’s history!) we can’t assume we have the whole story.

Hang in there, folks. We survived S4 production and we’ll survive S5 production too :)

TL;DR: Hi, I’m new and also not new here. I made this account just to talk about this photo/leak situation because that’s how passionate I am about this godforsaken show. This is a little weird, but whether the leaks/photos are real or planted, stay calm. We know so little right now. Don’t waste your energy on blind panic, not when we still have another year(ish) to go.

[zabchan]

Oh no I did mean you about your fics! Yes I agree with everything you said and actually yeah now that you mention it Dwayne probably would not love that lol. However I totally believe this movie will continue Moana’s independence in her new mission. I think after the first one I’m just really interested in if Maui meets the villagers on Motonui? Does simea meet him? Do we find more about his upbringing? It only hit me with the first trailer that Moana’s parents weren’t thatttt old but I’ve gotta see how tui reacts to seeing Maui for the first time :) okay rambling over for now. I’ll stick around here (and ao3) to see what becomes of this awesome movie’s fandom that hopefully grows a bunch!

SO!

from the interviews and trailers, I wanna say one of the biggest themes in moana 2 is gonna be Community. There's a word in the Japanese trailer specifically- "Nakama" - that grabbed my attention.

Nakama is often translated in anime subs as 'comrades' or 'friends' or even 'teammates'. That's close enough but there's a level of nuance that doesn't quite have a one for one equivalent in English. 'Found family' might be closer. It's very common in sentai shows like power rangers, sailor moon, etc. It implies a level of shared purpose, experience, fondness. The Squad. This is what I think moana's next journey is gonna focus on.

Moana has had the love of her community her whole life, and of course she's always been close to her grandmother, her pets, her mother and even her father-despite their disagreements on voyaging- but in her grow-up montage we don't see her have friends her own age. She's had no siblings to relate to up til this point, and she seems a bit distant from the other children. her obsession with the sea alienates her over time. She delights in the old stories that frighten the other children. While her family weaves baskets, she makes a toy boat. The other kids draw their island, their fales, moana draws a canoe.

She's often breaking out of the group, sneaking off to the sea. its not til puberty, after Tui's 'raise the island speech' does she start feeling getting into the communal activities & musically starts singing along. Then she bonds with her island as their Taupou, their 'closest-English-equivalent-princess'. In Samoan tradition, the Taupou is the highest ranking unmarried (virgin) woman, usually the high chief's daughter and is expected to be the role model for all her peers, surrounded by a retinue of kins-women as chaperones and confidants.

But Moana, if she has one, constantly gives hers the slip to hang out with another social misfit: Tala the village crazy lady. Even when we see Moana doing her princess rounds among the villagers there seems to be a bit of professional distance- we don't get anyone else's name, no inside jokes, playful banter. Its not like anyone is malicious or antagonistic towards her, and their polite smiles do seem genuinely fond- her people cautiously trust her with their problems, gazes torn between her and chief-safety-net Tui, and accept her suggestions gratefully. She teaches dance to the younger children who clearly adore her, but its not quite the same. These are Moana's People, her family-but not really her friends.

and we can tell that by how moana acts with the friends she does have. She and grandma Tala deliberately spend quality time together, they share interests (the sea) and hobbies (dance, storytelling). they joke and splash and lean on each other. They do Hongi (familial forehead touches), they walk arm & arm. They share confidences, in jokes, concerns. She sings her troubles to pua, and he's right by her side when she sneaks aboard the fishing catamarans. he comforts her when her dad yells, listens to her wanderlusting laments, enables her exploits. It takes a near death experience in the lagoon to keep Pua from her side at sea.

Maui is an even better example. Circumstances force them together, its true, but the trials of their quest soon see them bonding. They laugh, they tease, they banter, they share triumphs and tears.

Its certainly not an instant friendship. it starts out downright antagonistic- Moana goes into their meeting making demands of him. She uses her Chief Voice. She addresses him by formal titles, possibly speaking as one Aliki to another, as the wronged party in a dispute. She's trying to borrow an authority she's not fully bought into yet. She may have been born to the role, but that's not really how she identifies herself internally. Maui even calls her on it later.

As Maui navigates them to Tamatoa's lair, post kakamora escape, post tentative world-saving bargain, Moana is impressed by his prowess. Swept up in the moment, she enthusiastically commands Maui; "Teach me how to sail!"

Given how awkward her follow up is, I don't think Moana throws her princess privilege around like that naturally. At home she's always outranked by her parents, and while she perhaps doesn't see as much trouble as she might for sneaking out of communal chores, Tui & Sina are not shy to correct her. It doesn't seem in Moana's usual nature to be so demanding- part of why she had to practice her 'board my boat' speech so hard before she actually met Maui. "Fake it til ya Make it" is still in play here.

but Maui makes it abundantly clear that even if he didn't instantly see through her posturing, the authority she's trying to conjure wouldn't work on him anyway. In our world's mythology, technically Maui is also Ali'i (royal). Not only was he born to a chief, of a line of chiefs, his eldest brother is a chief. Depending what island you ask, he's got several godly blood relatives. In many myths he earns his own chiefdom (despite being the youngest son), and spawns several royal descendants. On Tonga, Samoa, and eventually Hawaii, many if not most Kings claim some Maui-the-island-raiser ancestry. Heck, there's a not 0% chance Maui IS one of Moana's ancestors. (many, many, many, many generations removed. Like if Genghis Khan showed up today and someone from San Francisco tried to slap a child support suit on him. )

but even if they're both technically Ali'i, Maui considers himself well divorced from all that. He's loathe to accept authority of any kind, even from the Gods themselves. A tried and true coping mechanism for any immortal whose already lived several times over normal human lifespan, he distances himself from the humans he helps. They are Mortal, Moana is just some Mortal, royal or not, and he does NOT take orders from them.

"Princess." he says, derisively. Dismissively. In Maui's stories, princesses are passive objects. They get saved, they get given as rewards, often times they get tricked into revealing secret treasure. Even his mother, (in the stories where he's on good terms with her), is mostly there to provide quest objectives. Maui might be a giant pain in the ass to his biological brothers, but at least they get to participate in a feat or two.

Moana at this point may or may not know what a princess is. The cultures that inspired moana's creation had kings and princesses at some points, but Motonui is either not big enough or doesn't subscribe to the whole king-ship deal. Their high chief still picks coconuts with the farmers, weaves baskets, cooks poi. Tui himself doesn't fish because Trauma, but he coordinates with fishermen on the ground- err, beach. The Motunui Ali'i are pretty well grounded. (lol)

but Moana can read tone just fine. Maui is saying "princess' dismissively. He defines it dismissively. On the climb to lalotai he defines it again, "staying home, kissing babies". A ceremonial, figurehead role.

Moana immediately denies being one. She continues to take offense to Maui's attempts to shoehorn her into that definition. She is the Future Chief. She is doing this for her people, dammit, and she's not gonna take the bench on this one. She may still be expecting that Maui is gonna be the one solving the problem, hasn't quite imagined herself taking the lead solo yet. but there's no way she's missing out on either helping out or making sure Maui sticks to their deal. There will be nothing passive about This Princess.

Anyway, I've rambled on too long already, you know most of the rest. Moana comes out of the adventure a hero in her own right, drawing on skills and strengths of her own to win the day. Her empathy, her quick learning, her parkour skills and even their friendship becomes part of Moana's heroic arsenal. She ends the movie on a far more equal footing with the living legend she has befriended. She knows who she is. She knows where she came from, and can see a little ways into where she's going. She's ready for a new chapter.

So here we are at the beginning of Moana 2. Moana has spent 3 years a badass. its looks like her latest trip she did just with pua and hei hei, but the abundance of other boats in the lagoon suggests theres been other more populated trips. She inspires a cultural revolution. She has a fan club. She has a new baby sister to role model for.

[LOOK AT MOANA'S LIL FAN CLUB EEE SO PRECIOUS]

and it seems like the one person who might relate to all that has been AWOL. (in the japanese trailers at least, there's notes of 'where has Maui been all this time'? SPOILER: probably kidnapped by matangi).

when Moana gets a divine vision quest to seek out new peoples, at first we see her try to go alone. She doesn't wanna put anyone else into harms way, she says. Its a long way, she says. but her mother insists that Moana doesn't have to do it alone this time. She needs a crew.

and thus, how i come to my conclusion. The next step in moana's journey is expanding her friend circle. Moana knows who she is as an individual. She's had one-on-one best friends (tala, pua, maui, possibly even that new little sister). She's had and lost mentors. She is solid in her family ties, and on a larger scale, the love of Her Island. But she hasn't really had the in-between step. A Small But Dedicated Crew.

I think Moana 2 is about the birth of Captain Moana & the Argonauts

I think 'Squad Goals' is the next part of Maui's journey too. Maui started the franchise a lone wolf and immediately after the heart quest was done he was back on the Lone Wolf track. Which seems to have gotten him in some trouble. In one trailer he argues with mini-maui,

"I don't need Moana to come rescue me!"

....

"-AGAIN."

Dwayne Johnson talked about in an interview that the kind of masculinity he wants to convey thru Maui is how its ok to ask for help. Its ok to rely on other people. You don't have to do everything alone. but of course, that's easier said than done. It'll be a learning curve for everyone involved.

And I think itll be a fun one to watch!

im excited.

ill try and answer some of your other questions in another post, as this one is already TLDR

[luffyvace]

AAAAAAA I WANNA GIVE YOU A BIG PLATONIC SMOOCH I LOVE YOUR WORK SO MUCH

ok ok recently I have been infected with eustass kid and was hoping you could write for him with a male reader nothing specific I feel like he would be so angry if his testosterone filled crew made fun of him for it. Love your work ❤️

AWWW THATS SO SWEET OF YOU DEAR! 💗

PLATONIC KISSES 😚😚

thank you so much!! I’d love to write for you but I simply don’t know much about kid!! I’m on the marineford arc- 😭😭 I usually turn down characters I don’t know much about him but you seem like such a sweetie! After having done some research..Here ya go!~

As stated I’ve chosen to research as much as possible in fandom and other’s headcanons! This may not be the most accurate but I sincerely hope your satisfied with my attempt dearest!~

I feel Kid would think of food as a sort of affection

so technically gift giving??

but it’s like his love language is food

his favorite is cabbage rolls right?? Welllll he loves to eat them together!

not…together together

he buys it for y’all separately

I doubt he’d want to share his favorite food 😭

if you beg for his in a case where he didn’t get you some...

“what?! No! This is my food get your own!….ugggghh FINE! You get a half! This was supposed to be for me”

(● ˃̶͈̀ロ˂̶͈́)੭ꠥ⁾⁾

I also feel he’d be better off witth someone who’s either all for his rambunctiousness or (somehow) able to calm him down (like killer)

if your just as reckless as him great! Your adventures are now considered dates :)

not necessarily, but he’s fond of them as if they are

he’s always recalling on past times you’ve fought together

you know how people say someone you’ve fought a war with knows you better than a friend?

yeah, I feel like that’s why he has such high respects for his crew

And of course because they’re his crew

so yeah he feels closer to you every time you fight together

if you want you can listen to the song ‘one thing’ by amerie- the lyrics remind me of him idk why (keep in mind I don’t know this guy well :3)

kid would allow you to ride on his shoulders

you could just kinda hop up there casually and he won’t say anything

privileges

but I feel like if he’s in a foul mood or busy he’d grab you buy the waist and sit you down somewhere LOL

another way to spend time with him would be to do your make up at the same time (if you wear it)

(love that it’s casual for men to wear make up in one piece)

he seems like he would be anal about his so you’d be doing your own and he does his, but it’s still fun to do it together

he’s kinda like that with most things

which now that I realize it that could count as quality time

so the conclusion I’ve come to?

his love languages are gift giving or quality time

but thinking about it now I feel he may also do acts of service

now this isn’t as intentional

he just takes pride in likes to help you with things he knows he could do better

aw man you broke your ___? Well I’m sure he could fix it! 😼💪

If you initiate physical touch his reaction will range based on where you are/who’s around and how much it is

if there’s barely anyone/no one around and you give him a peck on the cheek? Fine. He’ll just half smile at you

if it’s a public area and your trying to kiss him on the lips? “Cut it out! Don’t get distracted we’re here to (xyz)!”

he can’t display the weakness of not being masculine

besides he hates cute n’ cuddly crap 😒

he’d be so proud if his boyfriend physically strong

It even boosts HIS ego

especially since your his ♥︎

he takes care of you in subtle ways

such as making sure your eating, not over working and getting enough sleep

”hey! I haven’t seen you eat all day! Get in the kitchen and tell killer to make ya’ somethin’!”

”how long have you been at that!? Get up and come over here!”

”what on earth are ya’ still doing awake?! Go to sleep! Captains orders..”

killer occasionally asks how your relationship is going

kid’ll tell em a few things but he tries not to get sentimental

trust that’s a lot more than what he tells other people..”

”screw off! mind your own business..”

this is really random but he seems like the type of guy who’s always grumbling

idk I just had to say it..

would enjoy headrubs (IN PRIVATE)

and it has to be casual, don’t baby him about it :P

”your hairs’ really fluffy/soft” *casual headrubs*

like that

you have to compliment stroke his ego so he won’t get angry then pat him

to be more specific about reader being a male :

Even if you don’t hc kid to be straight (idk what i hc him to be idk em enough)

his ego is HURT when he realizes he’s in love with you

love?! What is such weakness?! such DISEASE?!

the fact that he’s in the lgbtq bc of one guy kinda makes him angry

cuz like now (some) people are gonna categorize or even ridicule him for even liking you

even though he’s angry about it, it’s not for the same reason

he’s upset because he fell weak to love in general

homophobes may be upset because he likes a man

what does it matter?! He sure never cared..

you can tell the first thing this guy sees is NOT gender

it’s—threat? Or no threat?

so ya- essentially what I’m saying is he doesn’t care for gender- except when it comes to homophobes

then he’s angry 🙂☝️

and as for his crew making fun of him?!

oh he’s absolutely livid. 😄💥

”SHADDUP’ YA STINKIN’ MAGGOTS! I AM NOT WEAK!!”

Actually- they didn’t call him weak. That’s just what he hears 😂

btw that is not what he said I censored it bc I headcanon him to have a potty mouth (and I don’t)

his skin and hair is the same color from how angry this dude is

HE’S LITERALLY LIKE ‘😡’

HAHAHAH

He always storms off whenever they bring up his ‘sOft SpOt” for you 😋

he’s not even soft really he just goes out of his way to do stuff for/with you

its not they’re business anyway?!

right killer?!

while I was researching I saw that the flower he resembles is a tulip! That’s my favorite flower!! 🌷♥︎♡

Enjoy! I did my best 😅