#which is disappointing but understandable

[brucedefender4eva]

“So… Dick…”

Dick raised an eyebrow, stuffing the rest of Bruce’s homemade brownie into his mouth and looking over at his best friend. “Yes… Wally…?” Dick mocked, chuckling to himself.

“Bruce… is, like, in a relationship? Right?” Wally asked slowly, very pointedly, not looking at Dick, no matter how much the acrobat tried to grab his attention.

Dick’s was already twitching. Wally knows how unhappy he is about Bruce being in a relationship. “Yeah…? Walls, where is this going?”

“Is your mom happily in a relationship, or just in a relationship?” Wally wiggled his eyebrows suggestively.

"...What the actual fuck did you just say to me?" Dick asked quietly, slowly standing up from his position on the floor and towering over Wally, who was still sprawled out on their couch.

“Nothing!” Wally exclaimed nervously, holding out his hands in front of him. “Just a joke! Poor taste… please don’t hurt me.”

"You better watch yourself, Wallace." Dick hissed lowly, grabbing Wally by his collar and holding him very close. "Kori and I would still be very happy in a relationship with just two people."

Wally squeaked, caught between feeling terrified and slightly turned on. "... Kori agrees with me. He's a certified MILF," he whispered, which was obviously the wrong thing to say at the moment.

Dick's scream of rage was heard throughout his entire apartment complex, and Wally was very glad he was gifted with the power of superspeed. It was inevitable that Dick would find him eventually, but running to Antarctica would surely slow him down.

Right?

——

“Hey, Cass!” Cass set down her gym bag and turned to face the other dancers in the ballet classes she was taking for fun at a local center that was up-and-coming.

“Morning. Did you all get the routines down? I had a little trouble on the jumps.” Cass made herself giggle softly, and by the sounds of the other girls talking and giggling as well, she was nailing this small talk thing.

It had taken some trial and error to realize that a lot of people don’t like ‘bragging’ even if she wasn’t bragging. She had no trouble with the jumps. In fact, she had memorized the entire routine the first time the instructor went over it, but societal norms prevented her from stating that.

“Anyways… Cass. Are you, like, being picked up by your Dad again today?” Michelle, a woman Cass thinks uses the word ‘like’ a little too much, twirled her hair around her finger. The rest of the girls and guys giggled as they stared at Cass, awaiting her answer.

Cass cocked her head to the side, not understanding why they were all suddenly interested in who she was being picked up by.

“I don’t think so. He’s busy.”

A mix of groans and complaints filled the hall as all her classmates turned to each other in disappointment, which was confusing for Cass. Why would they care who was picking her up in an hour and thirty minutes?

“Damn, I was really hoping to get the chance to talk to your hot Dad.” Kyle, another classmate, groaned and clicked his tongue in disappointment. There were loud murmurs of agreement.

Cass blinked. "What?" She asked.

Maybe it was the tone of her voice, the expression on her face, or the way she tilted her ear closer as if to hear her classmates better.

"Uh... I think class is starting."

Cass stared at the backs of her retreating classmates, making a conscious effort to restrain her bloodlust.

This wouldn’t do. This wouldn’t do at all.

——

"Oh, Bruce was over at Ollie's mansion yesterday," Roy mentioned, tossing a handful of caramel popcorn into his mouth as he eyed Jason moving around his kitchen like he owned the place.

Jason hummed absentmindedly, completely focused on the new smoked salmon recipe he was trying out. "Yeah... I think he mentioned business or something. I wasn't really paying attention to what the old man was saying." A loud sizzle and the opening of cabinets. "Did you move the paprika?

Roy shrugged. "Hey, it's basically your kitchen. I don't touch anything in there." Jason muttered something under his breath that sounded suspiciously like 'Damn fucking right it's my kitchen' as he continued opening and closing drawers and whatever else.

"So anyways..." Roy continued slowly. "I saw your Dad swimming around in the indoor pool and stuff." Roy could feel his cheeks heating up, going back and picturing Bruce slowly rising out of the pool wearing only one of Oliver's Speedos (disgusting on Oliver, not so much on sexy Bruce Wayne), water cascading down his muscular bare chest.

Jeez, did he forget to turn on his air conditioner?

"Has he always been so... ya know?” Roy probably should have stopped when he no longer heard any sound from the kitchen.

“Like…?”

“Well… DILFy…” Roy continued, like the idiot that he is. “I mean, everyone’s seen what he looked like when he was younger, which was hot as hell, don’t get me wrong, but I feel like he’s only getting better with age,” Roy said, looking up only to see Jason staring at him with barely contained rage.

"Get out," Jason ordered icily, brandishing his spatula like a weapon. Considering who trained him since childhood, Roy wouldn't be surprised if Jason did know how to use it like an actual weapon.

"Uh, Jay, I don't know if you remember, but this is my apartment-" Roy was cut off by his own butcher's knife being embedded in the wall right beside his ear.

Jason had thrown the knife so close that loose strands of hair drifted down onto the couch from where he had been unwillingly given an impromptu haircut just off the side.

"Or I could leave."

——

“… so fucking hot…”

“… I know right…”

“… have more…?”

“… fucking duh…”

Tim pulled down his headphones and looked over Kon and Bernard, who were staring intently at Kon’s phone.

“Hello? Are you guys on Insta looking at hot guys or something? What’s going on?” Tim chuckled and immediately stopped when he noticed the guilty expressions on their faces. “Now way… seriously?”

"Well... It's not Insta..." Kon coughed and handed his phone over to Bernard, who was decidedly not looking Tim in the eyes. “Tim… you know how your Dad came over to the farm to ‘destress’ from Gotham life for a bit?”

Tim raised an eyebrow and slowly shut his computer, giving his boyfriends his full attention. “I wouldn’t say he was de-stressing from Gotham necessarily, but yes, go on.”

Kon played with the spiked cuff on his wrist and pursed his lips. “Bruce insisted on helping around the farm even though Clark and Pa said he didn’t have to…”

Tim waited. “And?”

“And he was super fucking hot!” Bernard blurted out, his cheeks flushing a bright red as Tim’s head whipped around to look at him.

“What?!”

“Look! Kon took a bunch of pictures!” Bernard shoved Kon’s phone into his hands, batting away Kon, who was trying to snatch it away.

Tim was in complete disbelief as he scrolled through pictures and short videos of his father walking around shirtless, sweating, and hauling heavy things.

“You-! You-!” Tim sputtered, holding Kon’s phone above his head before hurling it down to the ground and watching it shatter. “Perverts.” Tim hissed, grinding his heel.

“Babe.” Bernard tried, moving closer then holding his hands up as Tim hissed louder.

“Get away from me!” Tim gathered the broken pieces of the phone, intent on throwing them into a blazing fire and destroying all those… pictures of Bruce. “And stay away from my mom!”

Kon winced as Tim ran out of the room, wishing he didn’t have super hearing. “Oh wow… those are a lot of… descriptive torture methods. And curses…” Kon took in a shaky breath and turned to Bernard with a crooked smile. “I think we fucked up.”

“Oh, do you? Do you think we fucked up by thirsting over Tim’s admittedly stupidly sexy Dad/Mom? Just start ordering Tim’s favorite chocolates.”

——

“Your Dad’s so cool, Damian…”

“I will stab you right now. Don’t fucking test me, Kent.”

Jon got over his kiddie crush very quickly…

——

Alfred gracefully sipped on his tea, watching as the other ‘grandparents’ milled around and conversed with each other.

It was a meeting of ‘the help’ from wealthy families that somehow, over time, became family and unofficial parents and grandparents. Good ones and otherwise.

“Oh, and how’s little Brucie?”

Alfred looked up from his tea (subpar at best) and smiled politely at the nanny from the influential Korden family. “Master Bruce is as well as ever. Implementing new technologies to help Gotham has him at the business for longer, but it’s nothing he can’t handle.”

“Poor pitiful child.” Another man cooed. Alfred didn’t know him; his family simply wasn’t important enough.

“Yes, yes. What he needs is a partner to set him straight.” Another portly woman butted in, her small purse stuffed to the brim with scones and biscuits. “When is he going to settle down, Pennyworth? He's getting up there in age, soon he won't be as attractive to potential suitors.”

Alfred felt his eyebrow twitch, but he was a man of grace, no matter what Bruce said or had witnessed in the past. “Master Bruce is currently in a relationship-“

“Oh, come off it!” A man laughed, slapping Alfred on the shoulder, causing Alfred to have to fight to control his facial expression of disgust. “You know what we mean! Proper folk. One of ours.”

“Oh! If I were a few years younger! I wouldn’t let him say no!” An old man wiggled his eyebrows lewdly, causing the women around him to titter and giggle in agreement.

“Alright.” Alfred set down his cup and smiled thinly. “Even if you were the same age as Young Master Bruce, I doubt he’d want anyone with such a disgusting personality,” Alfred said, ignoring the shocked and offended gasps.

“Like I’ve said, he’s in a relationship. Your opinion on this relationship means absolutely nothing. You need the Wayne family, not the other way around.” Alfred sneered, happily turning his nose up at the other attendees.

“You in particular, watch your fucking back.” Alfred snarled at the older man who had spoken about dating Bruce himself. “I will take care of you personally. There is nowhere you can fucking hide where I won’t find you and beat you till an inch of your life.”

“Well- well, I’d never-!”

“That’s right! You’d never! The lot of you are just a bunch of-!”

Alfred walked out of that sad little meeting hall with his dignity intact and his knuckles bruised, which he hid expertly underneath his crisp white hand gloves.

“How distasteful.” Alfred sniffed, dabbing at a splotch of blood that landed on his lapel.

——

“Huh…”

All the Batkids looked up at the same time while Alfred continued to pour Bruce’s tea.

“It’s just… none of your friends have been over for quite a while,” Bruce said thoughtfully, staring at his children’s faces. “And you haven’t been going to your tea meetings, Alfred. Don’t tell me… You had a falling out?” Bruce asked, frowning in concern.

“Uh… Roy is busy with Lian.” Jason shrugged, glad he had an easy excuse.

Dick chewed on his waffle with a stiff expression before relaxing into an easy-going smile. “Kori’s off world for a bit and Wally is… dead.”

“What?”

“Dead asleep from how much crime is going on in Central City! Haha…” Dick forced out a laugh and stabbed his next waffle with more force than necessary, making all his siblings flinch and Bruce look more concerned. “He’s just busy heroing Dad.”

“…okay…” Bruce said slowly, reaching over and patting Dick’s hand before looking over at Damian and Tim. “So?”

“Kon and Bernard are… having their own dates together. Ya know, having time for each other or something.” Tim shrugged, shrinking down in his seat with a scowl on his face.

“Jonathan knows what he did,” Damian said simply, leaving it at that.

“Right… and you, Alfie?”

“No comment.”

Bruce raised an eyebrow and dropped a few sugar cubes into his tea. “No comment?”

Alfred stayed silent for a second longer before letting out a rough sigh. “I simply realized the company that I keep can be… a little too rowdy.”

“Yeah sure.” Bruce rolled his eyes, already knowing all of Alfred’s tells for his lies. “Well, you should invite them over. Oh, we can have a pool party sometime this week. It’ll be fun!” Bruce clapped his hands and smiled at his kids.

“Oh, Bruce-“

“I dunno if-“

“Well-“

“Master Bruce-“

“Let me rephrase,” Bruce said, holding up a hand and stopping everyone from speaking. “You will invite your friends whom you spent so many years complaining, griping, and whining that I wouldn’t let you reveal your identities to over. And you will have fun at this pool party next week.” Bruce said softly, causing a chill to run down everyone’s spine. “Understood?”

“Yes…”

“Alfred, I can’t force you to bring those snobs that you hang around with for some reason, and if you’ve somehow discarded them, you will be getting new friends.” Bruce narrowed his eyes as Alfred opened his mouth to speak. “Yeah, you don’t get a say in this. You’ve forced me through the years to put myself out there and make friends because socialization is a need. I’m simply returning the favor.”

Alfred closed his eyes for a second before opening them and looking down at Bruce with a slightly annoyed yet resigned expression. “Of course, Master Bruce.”

“Great!” Bruce smiled brightly. “Now, I’ve got a date in an hour, so I have to get ready!” Bruce grabbed his cup of tea and walked upstairs happily.

The dining room was silent until they heard Bruce’s door close.

“I will not let those… perverts, around Baba.” Damian hissed, clenching the butter fork in his hand dangerously.

Dick stood up slowly from his seat, making his siblings and Alfred look at him. “No… we invite them. But-“ Dick’s eyes gleamed evilly, “we make it very clear what will happen if any, and I mean any, certain comments are spoken.”

There was a nod of agreement. “Alright, let’s do this,” Jason said, also standing up, a determined look in his eyes.

“Good luck,” Cass said grimly, pulling out her phone and scrolling through her contacts. She didn’t expect anyone from her ballet class to come, especially after she made it very clear she wouldn’t accept any comments about her Dad, but she would see about the Birds of Prey. That was tough in itself.

“Don’t look at us like that, Alfred,” Tim said. “This is some serious shit.”

“Just… don’t kill anyone. Your father will be very disappointed.”

“No promises.” They chorused, leaving the dining room to make their calls.

[lillilybells]

DAMIAN'S GIRLFRIEND HAS TO MEET TALIA!!

Family dinner V✧₊⁺

°❀⋆.ೃ࿔*:･°❀⋆.ೃ࿔*:･°❀⋆.ೃ࿔*:･°❀⋆.ೃ࿔*:･°❀⋆.ೃ࿔*:･

pairing|damian wayne x reader (feat. Talia Al Ghul)

summary|getting ambushed by.. your boyfriend’s mother.

word count|790

warnings|blood! Kidnapping, mentions of world domination, teen romance.

notes|I’ve been thinking about this meeting for like forever!! I thought this was funny nd cute, hope hopefully yall like it<33

Family dinner masterlist

It was supposed to be a simple, drama-free day.

Damian had insisted on taking you to the mall—shopping, photo booth pictures, overpriced iced coffee (which he still didn’t understand your obsession with), and dinner. No patrols. No emergency calls. Just you and him being teenagers for once.

And it had been perfect. Right up until you decided to walk home under the moonlight instead of letting Damian call a limo. You were laughing, teasing him, piggybacking through the empty street—until it all went black.

₊✩‧₊˚౨ৎ˚₊✩‧₊

You came to consciousness with a pounding head and the blinding sting of fluorescent lights overhead. A thick mat was beneath you, the air smelled faintly of incense—and metal. You sat up quickly, chest tightening when you realized your surroundings: not a hospital, not the manor.

A dojo.

You weren’t alone.

A woman stood in front of you, tall and poised. Her posture was rigid, arms folded over long green robes with gold embroidery, her hair sleek and dark, her face expressionless—but her eyes.

Those sharp, beautiful emerald eyes. Damian’s eyes.

“(Full name),” she said. Not a question—an assessment.

You swallowed. “Yeah... that's me.”

She tilted her head slightly, surveying you. “So you are the one occupying my son’s attention.”

Your heart dropped. “You’re... Talia,” you whispered. Damian’s mother.

The woman gave a faint, almost amused smile. “He doesn’t mention me, I assume.”

You didn’t answer, and she didn’t wait.

“What does my son see in you?” she asked, stepping forward. “Besides.. looks, You are ordinary. No League training. No lineage of note. Civilian blood. Can’t fight..” Her eyes narrowed.

You flinched slightly. “I—Damian says I don’t need any of that. He’s been training me a little.”

She raised a perfectly shaped brow. “Training you?” Her voice held the same tone Damian used when disappointed. “And what will that accomplish? Do you think a few sparring matches in the manor gym make you his equal?”

You stayed quiet. Frowned, What could you say?

“He is the heir to the Demon’s Head. He has been trained by masters since he could walk. He was raised in fire and blood—and yet he chooses you?”

“I love him,” you blurted. Almost defensively, “More than anything.”

Talia’s eyes gleamed. “Love,” she repeated, almost to herself. “A foolish word. Do you know what it costs to love someone like my son?”

You hesitated.

She didn’t.

“Would you follow him if he embraced his destiny? If he chose the League over Gotham? If he conquered a nation instead of protecting it?”

“I—” You stumbled. “If he asked me to stand by him, I would. No matter what.”

She held your gaze, unblinking.

A voice exploded beyond the metal doors.

“MOTHER!”

Your head snapped around.

Screaming. Metal clashing. A thud. Then—

The door was blown clean off the hinges.

Damian stood in the doorway, bathed in shadows and blood—none of it his own. His sword dripped red. His eyes immediately locked onto you.

“Beloved—!” He was at your side in two strides, cupping your face. “Are you hurt? Did she touch you?”

“I—I'm okay,” you said, dazed. “I was just... interrogated?”

He frowned, pulling you close. “She’s insane.”

Talia stepped forward slowly, folding her hands behind her back.

“Still dramatic, I see,” she said.

“Still kidnapping people?” Damian shot back dryly.

“You would prefer I text?” Talia countered, and then her eyes shifted to you. “She’s soft. But not useless. And she didn’t cry.��

“Wonderful. Can we leave now?” Damian said flatly, grabbing your hand.

“I approve,” she added abruptly, ignoring him.

He froze.

You blinked. “You do?”

“She’s loyal. And perhaps... exactly the kind of weakness my son needs.”

Damian scowled. “Your compliments are always backhanded.”

“And your girlfriends are always unprepared,” she said, brushing past you both. “But... she has heart. That’s rarer than you think.”

You left with Damian before she could say more, his hand gripping yours tightly. The cold air hit your skin as soon as the temple doors shut behind you.

“Tt. I can’t believe her,” he muttered. “She’s out of her mind. And you—you should never have had to deal with that. I should’ve seen it coming.”

“It’s fine,” you said, still a little shaken. “Well, not fine, but... she wasn’t that bad. Could’ve done without the League goons though.”

“at least I met all the in-laws” you teased, giving a cheeky smile.

Damian scoffed. “You think. You’re lucky Grandfather wasn’t there.”

You blinked. “You mean Ra’s al Ghul?”

He gave a humorless chuckle. “Yes. Compared to him, Mother’s practically a saint.”

You looked at him. “Your family's wild.”

“Tell me about it.” he said, but a small smirk played on his lips.

sorry about how short this is guys☹️ but it didn’t feel right adding more and I can’t even lie it’s almost 4am rn, yeahh😭 sorryyy💗

[igotthis2]

What you have to understand is your lemonade doesn‘t exist elsewhere. We don‘t know it, we don‘t have it. It‘s a very American thing. So since we don‘t have it, we use the word for something else.

I‘m German and I just had the experience of ordering „lemonade“ in Canada and receiving this, instead of what we Germans call „Limonade“ or „Limo“. Here, Limonade is anything fruity and frizzy, so Fanta, Sprite, that sort of thing.

I was severely disappointed by lemonade. We have a kind of frozen lemonade ice in Germany that you give to kids in the summer:

The white one of these is pretty much exactly frozen lemonade: a mix of water, sugar and lemon juice. So to me, lemonade tastes like melted ice, which is not something I want with my food. Or in general.

I resorted to ordering apple juice, which at least got me what I expected.

an australian walks up to a bar

[ddejavvu]

You and Me, as One - Hiccup Haddock x Reader (Part Two) | SERIES MASTERLIST

Summary: Hiccup Horrendous Haddock III isn’t the burliest, hairiest, or the best with an axe in his tribe. But he is the viking who can tame any dragon with only a flash of his palm. Until now. When he stumbles upon an unfamiliar dragon off the far coast of Berk, she doesn’t play nicely with his offering of friendship. Neither does the dragon’s rider, who has just as fierce a snarl. The feral pair present an enticing mystery to Hiccup, but neither the dragon nor the human show any interest in getting close. Can he make friends, or are there corners of the world his optimism can’t brighten?

Contents/Warnings: afab!fem!reader, mentions of past torture/captivity, trauma, mention of physical scars/injuries, The Light Fury (light fury haters this one's not for you sorry)

WC: 4.0K / navigation / inbox / ddejavvu's summer of series

A/N: I'm sorry for the long wait between chapters one and two!! updates should be much more consistent after this. I hope you enjoy, please let me know what you think of the story so far!

feedback is greatly appreciated! comment, reblog, talk in the tags, send me a message, tell me what you think!

Hiccup and Toothless set out at first light, aiming to beat any suspicion from the residents of Berk. They do frequent patrols, so it wouldn't look out of place for him to be soaring over the island, but with a secret this big, Hiccup is intent on keeping it private. At least until he can figure out why you’re there, and where you’ve come from. Outsiders are- few and far between on Berk, but most of them end up being murderous, so Hiccup wants to curb that instinct of yours before introducing you to the village.

Despite the disappointment of yesterday, enthusiasm rises in both of their chests, so that when they land on the cliff where you’d nearly gutted Hiccup just yesterday, both boys are nearly trembling with excitement. Toothless is ruffling his wings and bobbing his head up and down, desperate to catch a glimpse of the white dragon, and Hiccup casts a cursory glance into the trees above him, intent on finding you before you find him.

“Careful bud. Like we talked about. We’ve gotta get them separated. I think we should try the woman first.”

Toothless snorts at him, momentarily discouraged.

“I know you want to see the dragon.” Hiccup soothes him with a stroke of his palm over the dragon’s head between his eyes, “But she wants to kill us both. And she’s tried. Twice. At least I can talk to the woman- she seems to understand even if she won’t talk to me, and she can’t shoot plasma at us, which is definitely a plus.”

Toothless lets out a low, grumbly warble, something distinctly upset, but doesn’t shove Hiccup into the grass, which is a good sign.

“Okay. Food.” Hiccup opens the satchel he’d brought with him, slung over one shoulder and resting against his hip, “I brought- bread,” He shows the fresh-baked, still warm loaf to Toothless, who eyes it curiously, “-and some jam to go with it. Fish jerky, because it’ll last longer than fresh-caught fish, and some berries so that she doesn’t have to pick her own. I’m pretty sure, like, half of the ones that grow around here are poisonous.”

Toothless, who had busied himself just two days ago by munching on the wild ones he’d found while exploring the island, looks distinctly alarmed at this information.

“Hopefully she likes it,” Hiccup sighs, anxious as he drags a hand through his hair and stares out over the clearing below, “Do you see either of them, bud?”

Toothless’s enhanced, draconic senses aren’t enough to save the day. The dragon is just as lost as his rider is, and they settle into the grass towards the edge of the cliff to wait for either of you to show yourselves.

“We might not ever find them.” Hiccup realizes, dismayed, “We might have scared them off, or they might be hiding because they knew we’d come back. We might not make contact today, bud.”

Toothless warbles sadly and nudges his face into Hiccup’s belly, begging for a reassuring scratch beneath the chin. Hiccup grants him one, sighing as he stares out over the empty grass.

“And now we wait.” Hiccup declares, pushing the satchel away from Toothless’s wide snout, “Don’t even think about eating that jerky.”

--

Waking comes with a rush of pain, like it always does. Being kept in such a small space for so long, crammed beside a dragon five times your size has certainly changed your body, given you muscle pains and creaky bones. No matter how much it hurts to sleep bundled up each night, you tuck yourself beneath her wing because you know she’ll protect you if need be. Waking first means that you’re on guard duty now, and you slip out from beneath her white, shimmering wing to peer blearily at your surroundings.

No iron bars, which is nice.

Each day of freedom feels like an anomaly. Like a dream, like something that’s going to melt away and reveal itself as a psychotic episode. But the dirt feels real beneath your feet, and the grass too, once you edge your way out from beneath the rock protruding above you, and soak up the sun on your skin.

Water is sometimes a hard thing to come by on the run, because most of it is either salt or still. Ponds build bacteria and ocean water dehydrates you, but there’s a brook that runs through one side of this clearing that filters away all of the sediment from the water and gives you something to cup your hands in. You do so with a wince at your dry throat, and you scrub off any dirt from your face with the clear liquid, too. You’re keeping yourself as clean as possible because you have the privilege to now, but you’re sure you still smell like a fresh-caught fish, or something worse.

--

“There, bud.” Hiccup elbows Toothless to wake the drowsy dragon, pointing towards a stream down the side of the clearing that you’re kneeling at, scrubbing your face with the fresh water, “She came from over there.”

What Hiccup had thought was just another cliff face must be hollowed underneath, because you disappear beneath it after you’re done washing yourself. Hiccup can’t see much from their spot atop the cliffs, but he catches the shine of a white dragon’s tail and Toothless perks up at the sight.

“Okay, we know where they sleep.” Hiccup whispers, trying not to make any sound that either of you could pick up on, “Let’s move that way. Not closer, just- just enough to see them.”

He and Toothless creep through the shrubbery above you, settling themselves down in a thicket of berry bushes to avoid being seen.

“These ones are poisonous.” Hiccup mutters to Toothless, who plops his head onto his paws with a world-weary sigh.

From this angle they can see you clearer. Not perfectly, because the rock that hangs over your shelter still obscures your face from view. But he can see your legs, your hands, and her tail, which are all working together. Your fingers scratch and scrape at the scales on her tail, and they shed onto the scarred skin of your legs that she’s resting on. You’re grooming her, and Hiccup lets himself get lost in the image.

He wishes he could see your face. Your touches are tender, but rough enough to scrape the old scales off and reveal the softer, more tender ones underneath. The white dragon could be doing this herself, either with her talons or with her teeth, or by dragging her tail against a rock, but you’re letting her drape her tail into your lap and you’re doing it for her, delicately peeling away old itchy scales. He’s done the same favor for Toothless countless times, and he wonders if you keep any especially pretty scales like he does.

When you’ve grazed your fingernails over every scale on her tail she snakes it out of your lap, and Hiccup can finally see all of her as she burrows her face against your legs in thanks. Her face is rounder and smaller than Toothless’s, and he feels an involuntary grin ghost over his face as she snarls at you, gumming at your calf to get you to play with her.

Retractable teeth-! Another similarity, Hiccup realizes. He pulls out his journal, scribbling it beside a drawing of her he’d done last night. He keeps it out, charcoal laying limp in his hand as he watches you rise to her bait.

You push hard at her head clamped over your leg but it’s no use- she’s stronger than you. All you manage to do is tumble forwards yourself, and she takes the advantage of size by plopping herself on top of your back, pinning you face-down in the grass. You yelp and kick your feet out, your voice once again gravelly and reminiscent of a dragon’s call, but she takes to gnawing on your bicep instead of setting you free. You try shaking it out of her grip but you have almost no leverage- not from the way you’re cemented beneath her into the ground. She only lets you go to snort hot air into the space between your shoulder blades, and drag her snout down your back.

Hiccup’s drawing without thinking, something innate fueling the sketchy lines he’s mapping out on the page as his eyes flick from you to his journal. He’s drawing so vigorously that the charcoal scratches noisily on the paper, barely able to keep up with his eager hands. By the time he’s got body parts clearly detailed he glances up and realizes he’s lost you again, as the dragon has wandered away to drink from the stream and you’re nowhere to be found. Something jumps in his chest at that- fear, maybe - and Toothless doesn’t seem to know where you’ve gone either.

“We’re bad at this, bud.” Hiccup glances sideways at Toothless, “Where’d she go?”

He barely has time to get the question into the air before he’s pounced on, heavy bones and toned muscles knocking into him from behind and pinning him face-first into the dirt beneath him. For the second time in twenty-four hours Hiccup finds himself rendered completely useless beneath you, much the same as you’d been beneath the pearly-white dragon only moments ago.

“Ow! Ow, don’t- I’m not here to hurt you!” He yelps, and Toothless is again unsure of what to do. He knows Hiccup wants to make friends with you, as he wants to make friends with your companion. But that’s his rider you’ve got beneath you, his best friend, and he doesn’t like the way you’re shoving Hiccup’s face into the dirt, nor the way you’ve got his hands bent painfully behind his back.

This culminates in a low snarl, not an attack but a warning.

“Toothless,” Hiccup gasps, the air knocked from his lungs as he tries catching a glimpse of the dragon at his side, “Toothless, no. Stop. Back off.”

The dragon’s growl peters into a series of concerned rumbles, and he takes off pacing back and forth over the grassy cliffside, anxious.

“We’re not here to hurt you.” Hiccup repeats, as best he can with his nose in the dirt, “We brought you food.”

You don’t respond, but you do lift his face out of the dirt without taking the pressure of your knee off the point between his shoulder blades. It means his neck is craned uncomfortably, close to snapping, and he moans as his muscles are pulled taut.

“Ow! Ah- it’s- it’s in the bag! There,” He points as best he can, trying to move his shoulders as much as he can despite your weight resting on them, “Toothless, my satchel.”

The dragon rushes to shove it forwards, and a jar of preserves rolls out at the nudge of his nose.

You study it with a skeptical expression, and at another pained whimper from Hiccup, you let go of the sides of his head. He lays it back down in the dirt, strangely relieved to be sticking his nose in the ground. When you touch his head again it’s to turn it, and he lets you press his cheek into the grass so that you can stare into his eyes.

“Hi,” He supplies lamely, breath tight in his chest, “Can I get up? I swear we won’t hurt you.”

Toothless ruffles his wings nervously, crooning plaintively as if it’ll convince you to free his rider. Your companion is alerted to their presence now, sensitive ears having picked up the scuffle, and she’s poised to fly, ready to help if need be. She’s clearly still skittish around newcomers, but she must have faith in your fighting skills if she hasn’t jumped in yet. Not reassuring to Hiccup, who’s laying limp in the grass.

“It’s fresh bread.” Hiccup continues, keeping his voice soothing and low, “And jelly, and jerky, and berries. I can imagine fish gets old after a while."

He’s attempting to calm you with the sound of his voice, but what catches your attention is his journal, sprawled out to a random page as it had been tossed aside in your scuffle. It’s a sketch of Stormfly, turned sideways so he could draw out her large, round eye.

A soft, inquisitive coo comes from your throat, something barely audible to Hiccup whose ear is pressed flat into grass.

“My- my journal? Here,” He wriggles an arm, trying to free it, “I’ll show you. Let me go, I’ll show you.”

You pinch his wrists tighter, clearly unwilling to let your prey go. But perhaps something about staring down a muscled night fury makes you reconsider your actions, even if your own lethal dragon is waiting for your cue. You let Hiccup’s wrists go, and leap back to sit back on his legs so that he can reach for the journal. When he shifts his legs you scramble off of them, standing ready to bolt into the surrounding trees. But you watch warily as he crawls to his feet, Toothless eager to help him off of the ground. He scruffs at the dragon’s neck and plucks his journal and charcoal from the grass, brandishing both to show you.

“Look, see? I draw dragons,” He explains, but your eyes dart to his charcoal stick, the tip fine-tuned into a point from the amount of shading he’d done on your page.

You look at it like it’s a spear, because it probably seems like one to you, and you decide your time is up. You dart backwards, turning and twisting yourself up into a tree so fast that Hiccup blinks and you’re gone.

“No, wait!” He chucks the charcoal behind him, “No, come back, I won't hurt you!” But you’re gone, swinging from branches until you reach a tall enough one to jump from. You dive straight off the edge of the cliff, and Hiccup feels his heart drop to his stomach until the white dragon soars to meet you midway, and you land squarely on her back in mid-air. As soon as she’s caught you she flees, beelining for the far side of the island, even further from Berk.

Hiccup and Toothless watch side-by-side, helpless as you disappear into the foggy mountains. Hiccup's shoulders slouch as he realizes he’s botched two chances in a row.

“It’s… okay, bud. We’ll come back.” Hiccup smooths a hand over one of Toothless’s ears, taking it in his fist and tugging gently, “Let’s go down there and leave them their food.”

Toothless grumbles agreeably, albeit morosely, and as soon as Hiccup gathers his things, they’re gliding down from the clifftop to the shelter that you’d found beneath the bedrock. It’s rudimentary at best, littered with seared patches of ground and ashes that used to be twigs. There’s fishbones scattered around and a patch of grass that’s flatter than the rest, which he assumes is where you’ve been sleeping. You’ve been living with nothing, no water bucket, no food reserves, no blankets. Nothing but grass and dirt, and whatever you can fish.

Hiccup gathers the food he’d brought you, hesitating before keeping the knife he’d brought for the preserves in his satchel. He won’t bring it next time- he doesn’t want to spook you again, but he doesn’t think giving it to you would be smart either. He sets everything neatly wrapped and concealed in one of the back corners of your little cave, and, on second thought, reaches for his journal.

He takes the sketch he’d done of you and your dragon- messy, rushed, unrefined but recognizable, and rips it from the bindings. Toothless tilts his head sideways as Hiccup sets it in the grass, pinned beneath a corner of the loaf of bread so it doesn’t blow away.

“There.” He hums, stepping back and leaning against Toothless’s neck, “Do you think they’ll come back?”

--

That’s the question that weighs so heavily on Hiccup for the entirety of his journey back to work that Fishlegs notices something is wrong. He’s one of the more emotionally intelligent members of their group, but often distracted by something, so when he asks Hiccup what’s bothering him, the man knows he has no choice but to tell the truth.

“There’s a new species of dragon in the woods.”

Fishlegs’s eyes glow, “Really? What class? Are they venomous? Or- or fire-breathing? Or do they bash things in with their tails?”

“Fishlegs.” Hiccup cuts him off, “It’s- one dragon. Just one. And… she looks a lot like Toothless.”

“Another night fury,” Fishlegs breathes, “A mate for Toothless!”

“Fishlegs” Hiccup repeats, slowing the man’s excited bouncing, “I need you to promise me you won’t tell anyone about this. Not even the other riders.”

Fishlegs frowns, “You know I’m not good at keeping secrets.”

“Fishlegs. This is important.” Hiccup meets his friend’s eyes with a steely gaze, “Promise me. They’re skittish, and the last thing we need is someone rushing in there and scaring them off.”

“Them?” Fishlegs asks, and Hiccup inhales deeply.

“There’s a woman there, too. With the dragon. And she’s- aggressive. She acts like a dragon. I think they ran away from someone. Something. She thinks I’m trying to kill her.”

“Another dragon rider.” Fishlegs realizes, “But she’s running from something. Hiccup, do you realize what this means?”

“That we’re going to have to keep this a secret from my dad until we can calm them down?”

“What? No. It means whatever they’re running from is going to chase them here. To Berk.”

Hiccup actually hadn’t considered that. But having seen the scars littering your skin, the primal fear ingrained into your behavior, and the clear desperation you possess just to survive, Hiccup knows he can’t stand by and let whatever you’re running from find you.

“You’re right. We have to help them.” He decides, “Not just let them live here, we have to finish whatever fight they’re in.”

“That’s-! Not what I meant,” Fishlegs’ shoulders sag, his expression nervous, “But- um, I guess you’re the future Chief. Just- don’t let anything bad happen to Berk?”

“You know I’d never do that,” Hiccup’s determined expression deepens, “Tomorrow, Toothless and I are going back to find them. The woman doesn’t talk, but- but I’ll talk to her. I’ll figure out how to get her to Berk and I’ll find out what she’s running from. Then we can help her finish it, once and for all. So they can stop living in fear. And you,” Hiccup glares at Fishlegs sternly, “Are going to keep your mouth shut.”

Fishlegs nods vigorously, “Okay, but- but if Astrid threatens me, I might crack! You know how scary she can be, Hiccup.”

“She’s bluffing.” Hiccup vows, “Trust me, if she weren’t I wouldn’t have any limbs left. Stay strong, Fishlegs.”

“Don’t let her find me!” The man begs, but Hiccup and Toothless are already making their way homeward, leaving the nervous man behind.

--

After hours of hearing nothing but silence from your temporary shelter, and peering over the cliffside to ensure there’s no intruder skulking around, you finally decide it’s safe to go home. She flies you down to the cavern you’ve taken residence in, but her nose scrunches as she snarls at a pile of things in one corner that weren’t there before. You’re sure they reek of the man and his dragon, and you crouch before them to inspect his parting gifts.

It’s food. Not the kind of food you were granted in the cage, on the boat, but real food, the kind you’d made for yourself before you’d been taken. The kind of food they’d all enjoyed around you, rubbing it in your faces that moldy bread and raw fish were your only options. This bread looks fresh, and the berries beside it look enticing. 

She moves past her hatred for the man and his dragon in favor of sniffing at the fish, but before she can snap it up you grab her chin and shove her face away.

She huffs at you, irritated, but you give the food a wide berth. Grimmel's finally found you. You’re being hunted, you’re sure of it, and to accept any food from the man he’d sent as bait-? That would be downright foolish. You’re not going to indulge in freshly-baked bread and dried fish just to wake up on the ocean again, trapped behind iron bars.

You kick the food out towards the mouth of the cave, but something stays behind, and you peer down at the paper that rustles in the cool night wind.

It’s a drawing. Not the dragon you’d seen earlier, the nadder with a spiked crown of horns and a large, inquisitive eye. No, this is a drawing of her, and you glance at the figure her tail is draped over only to realize it’s you.

He’d sketched the two of you, your messily-drawn fingers plucking scales off of her tail. Your stomach churns at the knowledge that he’d been watching you- he’d been there and you hadn’t even noticed, but you admire the way he’s caught her beauty in her sweet, curved face, and her delicate tail fins.

She’s really a gorgeous dragon, and even if he’s hunting her for a bounty, it’s nice to know she’s appreciated.

You wonder if he grooms his dragon. You wonder if he scratches at the dragon’s itchy underbelly, if he helps whack stubborn bugs out of the gaps between the night fury’s scutes. You can’t fathom why someone with a night fury- with something to lose - is helping Grimmel, but you know this is the last one Grimmel’s after. The black dragon is the last of a dying breed, and you’re all three being hunted in equal measure. 

The dragon seems to trust him. They seem close, in-sync, and they move together the way you move with her. If you didn’t know they were working with him, you’d have mistaken them for friends. But when Grimmel gets you he’s going to take the night fury too- he’s trading his dragon’s life for a sack of gold. How can you abuse the loyalty of someone who trusts you- does his dragon know he’s marked for death? Does the night fury know his rider has sold him out? You have half a mind to free the beast, but you’d have to kill the man to do it, and you’re sure it would give Grimmel a reason to kill you, too.

But perhaps dying would be better than living if it’s Grimmel you’re talking about.

You wonder if the man knows he’s signed a deal with the devil. Surely Grimmel had offered him money for your capture, but had he mentioned the part of the deal where the night fury would die at his hand? Grimmel likes staying two steps ahead- maybe the man doesn’t even know Grimmel hunts night furies. Maybe Grimmel had played the part of the cheated captain, searching for his mutinous crewmate who had fled with his prized possession.

Maybe the man isn’t a monster. Maybe he is bonded with his dragon, maybe they are truly friends. But he’s working for a monster, and that’s enough. 

Grimmel has always sent her to lure his targets in. He pokes and prods her onto shore, he makes her tempt the lonely into her trap, he makes you think there’s someone or something out there who cares for you- and then he takes it all away. You’d fallen for it once, and you won’t fall for it again.

You fling the drawing towards the food outside of the mouth of the cave. It flutters in the cool night breeze, landing softly atop one of the dried fish- surely poisoned. You try forgetting its compelling lines, the sweetness spread over its surface, and you retreat into the cave to retire for the night. You take solace in her glimmering white wings, letting her spread one over the floor of the cave for you to lie on. Then she drags it towards her chest, rolling you over with it and covering you with the other one. Her steady breathing and beating heart are comfort enough to drift off, and you lament that you’ll have to go back to being on the run now that you know they’ve found you here. The man is hunting you, Grimmel is hunting you, and even if the night fury’s rider doesn’t know the full story, he’s dangerous enough that you need to get out. Tomorrow, at first light, you’ll leave.

feedback is greatly appreciated! comment, reblog, talk in the tags, send me a message, tell me what you think!

[fromdeathtomorning]

✧ IN YOUR ARMS

✧ SYNOPSIS. which characters can carry you with one arm?

✧ STARRING. eula, diluc, albedo, zhongli, xiao, xianyun, ganyu, shenhe, childe, arataki itto, yae miko, mizuki, alhaitham, cyno, wanderer, deyha, candace, neuvillette, arlecchino, wriothesley, mavuika, kinich, capitano, aether, lumine, dainsleif

✧ A/NOTE. I started thinning about how easy arlecchino could probably carry me... mmm

EULA uses her claymore as a dance partner occasionally. She may not look extremely muscular, but she has insane strength. She swings her weapon, which is more than double her weight around like nothing. Lifting you with just one arm is easy to her — and if you get giggly about it, she will be blushing.

DILUC is another one who throws his claymore around like absolutely nothing. In fact, he can use his claymore with one hand. Carrying you is nothing. He doesn't quite understand why you want him to carry you around on one arm, but if it makes you happy, he's happy to oblige.

ALBEDO does not look it. In fact, he frequently gets offers to help carry heavy equipment from the knights. He does not need it. He isn't human, and his strength shows it. Does that mean he will carry you with one arm? Probably not. But he certainly can.

ZHONGLI goes on the list without a doubt. He's as solid as stone, after all. He has no issue carrying you around for hours at a time even with just one arm and is the physically strongest on the list. He might make a joke about having you try carrying him with one arm.

SHENHE is still human, but her strength is insane. I mean, she managed to carry that floating jade all by herself. Despite her human constitution, she's stronger than a good portion of the adepti. She can't say she understands why you want her to carry you around on one arm, but she doesn't understand a lot of human courting rituals and won't complain.

XIAO is so sweet about it. He's a little hesitant at first, but once you convince him, he'll make sure you're comfortable. Wouldn't you be comfortable if he carried you with both arms? No? Okay... He'll let you stay there as long as you want.

XIANYUN is an adepti as well. Even if she doesn't look it, she does easily have more strength than humans and doesn't struggle carrying multiple tons of metal. You weigh practically nothing to her — even in her bird form. She can, but she won't lift you with one hand, and would much rather carry you in her adeptal form.

GANYU can. She just doesn't think so. She doesn't want to end up disappointing you if she fails! It'll take her some convincing, but when she does she will lift you up. She does struggle a little. Whether it's because she can't, or because of her nerves, you can't say but she does manage!

CHILDE is a pretty string guy, and the added strength he gets from the foul legacy makes it easy. Will like the idea even more than you do, and will refuse to set you down once he has you steady on his right arm. Might even make a challenge out of it and try fighting a bunch of hilichurls carrying you with one arm.

ARATAKI ITTO is, well, an oni. He's capable of slamming through stones like it's nothing. There's no doubt that he has the physical strength to carry you. The issue is that it's probably not a good idea to ask him, too. Odds are, he'll grow distracted or get scared and end up dropping you on accident.

YAE MIKO is another yokai with a lot of physical strength. For a yokai, she's actually pretty weak for yokai standards, but she's certainly still capable of lifting you up. Not that she will. Odds are, she'll find a way to have you carry her on one arm instead. If you succeed, she'll maybe return the favor — but if you fail she'll tut at you. Why should she carry you if you can't do it for her?

YUMEMIZUKI MIZUKI will probably just use her abilities to make you lighter so she can do it. She'll ask you a bunch of questions before she agrees to it, but she will. If you tell her that using her ability is cheating, she'll simply shrug. And then refuses to try again. She's lifting you with one arm, isn't she? She'll shoot you a teasing smile as she tells you that you should be happy with what you get. You'll never be sure if she has the actual strength to carry you with one arm or not.

ALHAITHAM, despite his feeable scholar attempts, has crazy strength. He can certainly carry you with one arm, but asking him will only result in a raised eyebrow and him telling you to stop wasting your time on such nonsense. Pester him enough, and he'll give in and settle you up on his shoulder. Another one who will make some smart-ass comment about how you should return the favor, but he won't actually let you try. Sadly.

CYNO is tiny. There's no other way around it. He's short, and despite how strong he is, he doesn't actually look super strong or anything. But he'll just shrug with some joke before crouching down and lifting you up. He has absolutely no issues and will simply keep working on whatever he was doing before. He might genuinely forget he's holding you up if you stay silent long enough.

WANDERER is another one who can lift you easily. Hell, he can lift giant fatui workers three times his size. He won't actually do it though, just looks at you like you're dumb for even asking. Will just scoff and mumble something about how weird you are. Still... bring it up in front of Buer or threaten him and he might do it. The fun part is that you can return the favor. Wanderer is hollow-boned, similar to birds, and despite his strength he weighs nearly nothing. Lifting him up with one arm is easy, and he will just explode if you do it.

DEYHA will laugh when you bring it up. She loves the idea and will happily hoist you up on one arm and start carrying you through the desert. Will probably make you hold her bag, saying you gotta pull your weight with a smile. The whole time she carries you around she'll have her claymore out on her back, or in her other hand, just so she can flex her muscles for you.

CANDACE doesn't understand why, but she won't have an issue doing anything that makes you smile. She'll carefully lift you up, soft voice making sure you're comfortable before she moves. She'll do a couple of squats with you still in one arm just to pull a laugh from you, and might even offer to let you sit on her back when she does some push-ups if you like her carrying you so much.

NEUVILLETTE will probably worry that you'll either fall, or that you might be nervous of how high up you are. He'll naturally bring his other arm up to steady you, and you'll have to remind him that the point is seeing if he can do it one armed. He can, no issue at all. He's a sovereign, are you really surprised?

ARLECCHINO won't give in immediately when you ask her, mostly because she thinks it's fun seeing you plot a way to make her. Still, she gives in pretty quick with a smile as she bends down to lift you up. Another person who has insane strength despite being human, and she'll follow your commands as you ask her to jump or crouch with you still in her arms.

WRIOTHESLEY has no issue, but he will tease you about it. First jokes about how much you like his muscles, and then making you try carrying him with one arm. Regardless of the results, he'll lift you up with no issue. He makes sure he has a tight grip on you, of course, but he will pretend to drop you.

MAVUIKA can swing you around with one arm as easily as she can with her claymore, and she'll laugh happily the whole time she does so. Who knew people were coming up with all these fun challenges? She adores every silly thing you want to do with her. She'll encourage you to try with her too, but she's plenty content to flex how strong she is for you.

KINICH kind of just looks at you when you ask. Why? He doesn't really know what to do when you give him the answer of it being a challenge or fun, but he'll do it. Sure, he sighs and seems a little annoyed, but he ends up having fun when he sees how happy you look. If you're up to it, he'll swing around with you in one of his arms. Don't worry, he's very careful to make sure nothing happens to you.

CAPITANO can do it with no issue. Is that a shock? It shouldn't be. He doesn't even say anything when you ask. He just shrugs his jacket off for easier movement and crouches down to hoist you up on one arm. A little nervous that you're unsteady, and he'll grip you a little too tight, but he'll do whatever exercises you want him to with a comforting grip on your legs.

AETHER loves the idea. Immediately lights up as he drops whatever he was doing, much to Paimon's protest, to pick you up. He struggles a little at first, and will need his other hand to make sure you're steady. But once he's gotten you up there, he can move you around with no issue. Compliment how strong he is, and he'll Immediately flush and let out the most strained giggle as he tries to stutter out some kind of response.

LUMINE, like her brother, loves the idea. She thinks it sounds fun! She's physically stronger than him, and won't struggle getting you up at all. Might tease about dropping you, but she makes it very obvious she's joking. Doesn't actually want to scare you, after all. If you compliment her strength, she'll send you the smuggest smile ever, and some smug comment about how she knows.

DAINSLEIF won't really do much other than roll his eyes. Why would he bother doing this? You will discover that he can do it during a battle, though. He'll simply lift you up so he can avoid the fight at all — but only on one of his arms so he can have his sword in case you're spotted. He does do it on purpose, with your request having lingered in his head. He likes seeing the smile you try to hide.

[sad-girl-hours23]

Cuddle prompt for "falling asleep" and "familiar cuddle" originally asked for by @frogsinflannel but I messed up the ask :)

1,111 words; mostly fluff with like 2 lines of non-explicit sex. Very Buck-centric but Tommy is there in spirit when he isn't there in person

Fair warning: there are approximately 1,000 words before any cuddling happens

The third time he startles awake, his head lolled forward—he'd fallen asleep sitting up again—Buck finally admits defeat. He checks his phone for the time; surprised that it's only 10 P.M., disappointed that his boyfriend is still not home. He sighs as he lifts his heavy body from the couch.

He turns off the TV, not worried about how many episodes of Helicopter Heroes he'd slept through—he'd binged the entire six-season series within a month of meeting Tommy. It was mostly just for background noise.

Buck goes through the motions of turning in for the night: turns off the living room lights; turns on the track lights in the kitchen to the dimmest setting; checks the door locks, the back door, the garage, and then the front door; makes sure the front porch light is on.

He peeks at the driveway through the curtains, as if Tommy might pull in at that very moment by the sheer power of Buck's want. A voice that sounds suspiciously like Chimney says he's acting like he's waiting for his husband to be back from the war. Which may not be entirely inaccurate.

Being a first responder, having friends and family who are first responders, did prepare him for dating one for the most part, even if Tommy's job was different than Buck's. Minus the time they were broken up, they've been together two years and living together for a year now. They've been through a handful of injuries on the job and a dozen overrun shifts they weren't able to communicate about before each other got worried. There were plenty of days Tommy was on call and had to leave Buck on short notice—a kiss on the cheek during a lazy Saturday morning cuddle session in Buck's bed, an apologetic smile as Tommy takes an egg roll for the road as he leaves Buck to finish watching The Princess Bride on his own.

Buck thought he'd experienced the extent of his worry until they'd moved in together. Sure he knew—had a nebulous understanding—that when Tommy was on call, there was no knowing when his shift would end. But before, as many of their available nights they spent together, it wasn't all of them. Having lived alone for so long, Buck could deal with the nights his loft was quieter, the space less occupied.

Then Bucked moved into Tommy's house—their house—and it was like his brain chemistry changed. On the nights he goes to bed alone, the house is too quiet. Too big—despite the square footage being not much larger than Buck's old apartment. Some of those nights, his thoughts are too loud and fear clings to him like a second skin—even though he knows Tommy will always try his damnedest to come home safe to him.

Buck drags his feet away from the front door and into the bedroom en suite and finishes getting ready for bed. Then he grabs his boyfriend pillow from the closet and settles into bed.

On one of the restless nights he'd went to bed without Tommy by his side, Buck had started a late night scrolling session on a subreddit for spouses of first responders and ended it buying a Boyfriend Pillow.

Buck had forgotten about it until it was delivered. When he'd taken it out of the box, Tommy had all but physically recoiled—like the pillow was haunted or might gain sentience.

Buck pouts, holding the pillow to his chest. "You don't like Tommy II?"

Tommy chokes. "You named the pillow after a flesh-eating monster from outer space?"

"I don't even know what that means"—a lie—"I named it after you. You're being dramatic."

"Don't come crying to me when you're stuffed half-torso and arm comes alive and starts saying 'feed me, Evan'."

Buck rolls his eyes and hides his smile in the pillow. His boyfriend thinks he's sooo funny (he is).

Despite his initial misgivings, Tommy—without any prompting from Buck—had transformed his generic boyfriend pillow into one more befitting its nickname.

He'd switched out the blue button-up for a soft, gray Henley that was one of Buck's favorites. Tommy had claimed it no longer fit him, but Buck knew that was a lie—Tommy had made sure to wear it first so it would smell like him and it had fit him just fine. He hadn't even tried to conceal his heart eyes as he'd watched Tommy measure and cut and sew the Henley to fit onto the pillow. He'd even sewed on buttons so it could easily be removed and washed. If Buck hadn't been so fascinated with watching the process, he would have sucked Tommy off right then and there. As it was, he spent the next few hours showing him the appreciation he deserved.

When Buck lamented that the pillow wasn't heavy enough to feel real, Tommy had taken a seam ripper to the pillow and filled it with stuffing beads—having Buck test it each time until he was satisfied—and sewn it back up. It had done funny things to Buck's insides and he'd tried to figure out what other projects he could find for Tommy to do (after he'd bent Tommy over his workbench and eaten him out for an hour, of course).

And whenever the pillow no longer smelled like him, Tommy would cozy up next to it on the couch while watching a movie or reading a book. If he needed to make a phone call, Buck could catch him pacing the house with the pillow arm looped around his neck.

He might be biased, but Buck's pretty sure nobody in the history of the world has ever been loved as much as him.

And he wonders just how many words about boyfriend pillows he could fit into a marriage proposal before it got weird.

Now, Buck curls tighter around Tommy II—no substitute for his boyfriend but a reminder of his love—and lets the scent of Tommy and the weight of the arm curled over his hip lull him to sleep.

Buck wakes up some time later—curled on top of a solid chest, with a heavy, warm arm slung over his waist. And unless his pillow actually has gained sentience, his boyfriend is back right where he belongs. Buck snuggles impossibly closer, pressing his ear to Tommy's chest—hearing the steady rhythm of his heart, feeling the rise and fall against his cheek. He hums—a sleepy, pleased noise. "Home safe," he mumbles.

Tommy cards his hand through Buck's hair and kisses his forehead. "Yeah, baby. I'm home safe."

[colossrat]

You ever think about how Captain Marvel looks like CC Batson because that is who Billy sees as a hero, but overtime he might take on attributes from the other heroes. Do you ever think about how one day Billy might look into a mirror as Captain Marvel and realize he doesn’t see his father‘s face anymore?

Yeah me neither

let's think about it now then bcs its genius

(I don't know if you're citing this post here but it exists if you want to take a look! well and this is a good take to revisit)

Billy has always assimilated his magical form to his father, but it's not like he periodically looks in the mirror to reaffirm this. It's also not like he enjoys seeing his own father every time he sees his reflection… it's a good symbolism and tribute, but imagine when Billy loses a fight? When he fails to save a life? The last thing he would want to see is the sad look on his own father's face, the look of disappointment in himself so he avoids mirrors, or looking at himself in photos, and it's not like he has much internet access to see the videos or news he appears in. Sometimes he catches a glimpse of his reflection, but he's not one to analyze it. Until one day he catches Mary staring at him as they look out over the city from a rooftop

Marvel: Is there something on my face?

He'd ask innocently, knowing it wasn't until a few minutes ago that they ate some ice cream the stand owner gave them for free. Maybe his face was dirty? But Mary just shrugs, and although she looks a little uncomfortable, she doesn't say anything

This happens a few more times, and Billy knows it can't be just a coincidence no more

Marvel: What is it? Just tell me, please. Did I do something?

Mary: No! You didn't do anything, it's just… I saw a picture the other day of your first appearance as Captain Marvel. And you looked a lot like Dad… a lot, and I noticed that recently you don't-- look that much anymore…

Marvel: What...? Like, am I getting older? I didn't think my Captain form could age…

Mary: I don't think that's it. I don't know what it really is at all. You just changed, you know? It's not bad, it's just… you're more you, you know? Less like Dad, more like you if you were this magic greek fridge

Marvel laughed, though he didn't understand what that really meant. He decided it wasn't anything important. Mary said it wasn't bad, so there was no need to worry about it

But then, in the watchtower, when he was on a boring monitor duty late one night, he found himself staring into space, and eventually his vision blurred and he saw his own reflection, obscured by the background, but it was him…

He was drifting off, not paying attention, which is why he was even more surprised when his brain computed that the reflection wasn't of someone he knew…

He started and turned around in fright, searching for whoever was in the room with him. But there was no one

He looked back at the window, focusing to see his own reflection, and then his breath caught, and suddenly everything made sense. It was him. It wasn't his father's face, or his own baby face, but it was him… his face, his features…? Okay, maybe there was a little something here and there that he could tell came from his coworkers, but it was a big change

His image used to be a replica of his father, but now it was himself, with some influences from his heroes. but mostly him...

Billy couldn't say he was happy to no longer have his father's reflection in the mirror, but another kind of feeling mixed in his stomach. Anxiety? Happiness? Pride?

This was his way of finally realizing that he'd become something good enough? That he'd become the hero he wanted to be. Not just his hero, but a mix of several he adored, loved, and was inspired by, including himself. He'd finally become someone he could call good enough? Something he was proud of. Is this his way of understanding that he was happy and satisfied with being himself? instead of just imitating others?

He certainly felt a few tears stream down his face, but he tried to save this new knowledge for when he was alone and not working

[puriteenism]

idk what to say abt this, as a poc fan. i believe that her statement is sincere, especially because of her attitudes to social issues now. shes grown eight whole years since then, and while that is not an excuse for the past, she most likely doesnt hold those opinions now. the people exposing her are not doing it out of any good faith. she was 19. thats old enough to know not to do that. keeping it hidden could be seen as her hiding it, but also could be seen as her moving on.

i always feel a bit iffy when white people try to "move on" from their past racist actions instead of at least addressing it a little bit, since its not really your issue to move on from and you have to at least reckon with the harm you caused. a lot of white people tend to see their teen edgy racist eras as harmless or at least not worth digging up, (not saying that shes doing that) but unpacking that and speaking about it is important and can do good. im not saying she has to make a statement like: "I WAS RACIST IN THE PAST" and get flayed in the town square, but talking about it and how she learned and grew from it could provide a good example for her (lets admit it) mostly white listenerbase, as well as being seen as "taking accountability". however choosing not dig it up with how the internet can be is also an understandable choice and i will not hate on her/be hugely disappointed in her for this.

the only other part of the statement worth mentioning (and barely that) is the missing poster promotional, and i can see that as an careless mistake. the rest is fearmongering puriteen slop and/or blatant prejudice wrapped in a social justice coat. the idea that she is "fetishising the female experience" or somehow a zoophile is almost laughably on the nose, the type of critique that my incredibly pentecostal mother would give her, a jk rowling special. damaging and will get spread around and blown out of proportion but bait so obvious you could catch a fish with it. one is blatant TERF rhetoric and the other (while still being terf rhetoric) is practically completely made up.

the incest/CSEM allegations to me are similarly stupid but need to be acknowledged more deeply since there are many who will fall for this.

hayden is allowed to sing about sensitive topics in her art. this includes incest. when she sings about incest she is not required to put a two minute disclaimer at the beginning saying "i understand that incest is wrong. this is a fictitious depiction which is not romanticising incest in any way shape or form". she is not required to intersperse the song lyrics with interruptions to explain how incest is wrong. needing the artist to concretely explain the taboos in their artwork and why you shoudlnt replicate them in the real world is child behaviour. saying that she is not allowed to sing abiut comicated topics because it may trigger someone is disingenuous, since if someone doesnt like something, they simply should not engage in it. some things arent for you, and thats ok. not every piece of art is going to be palatable to everyone, and thats just the way of the world. she is not a bad person for singing about incest, including incest as a topic in her songs. she is not a bad person, invalidating peoples trauma or actively advocating for incest when she does this. i feel like this should be obvious, but here we are.

the shirt (for context there is an image going around of her wearing a top saying "legalise incest) is a bit crude, but isnt the smoking gun people think it is. its just "edgy humor" and if you legitimacy think that it is an actual call to actually legalise incest, then i dont know what to say to you. it also didnt come out of a vacum, being a reaction to the stereotypes of her region and what people were calling her. she doesnt actually want incest legalised, and it isnt a piece of mass merchanise either. its just a shirt she made and posted. not the best, but definitely not a horrible evil bad thing. very obviously a joke.

the csem allegations are completely untrue and pedojacketing. the character was not a minor (19) and the idea that the character was "minor coded" is incredibly dumb. minor coding, in artstyle or personality, doesnt exist. these were also a way of processing her own trauma, and bringing them back up to paint her as a villain is a special kind of evil. also, again, she is allowed to have art that is sad/messed up/deals with hard topics. art is allowed to do that. she is allowed to post that art. you are in charge of your own internet experience, she isnt forcing you to see it. this is another way to paint her as a gross pervert.

as you can see we have 1 actual issue, one sort of issue, a bunch of lies a lot of puritanism and a ton of terf rhetoric! the drivers of this hate train have hoarded this information for ages just waiting for the right moment, which is incredibly messed up and shows they dont actually care, they just want to tear down hayden due to their own predjudice. the racism allegations have been adressed, and while i am not happy with finding this out, know that she was not a child when she said and did these things and wish she talked about this before this all happened, she has moved on. from what i have seen from her current politics, she seems progressive now. to say we should all ostracise her for being racist at nineteen when she is a very outspoken social rights activist now at 27 is probably not helpful. you can choose to not listen to her music or be angry about her racism, that is completely fine, but please do not back the people who made this tweet thread. they have lied, blown things out of proportion, their supporters have doxxed her, her family and are clearly operating from a place of prejudice and hatred.

[penkura]

where you belong [6/10]

Summary: As Luffy's big sister, you've viewed it to be your job to see him become King of the Pirates in place of your absent parents, even as you try to find where it is you belong in the world. You never really expected to draw the attention of Trafalgar Law in the process.

Pairing: Trafalgar Law x Fem!reader

Warnings: Mentions of alcohol, typical One Piece stuff.

Note: Dressrosa another of my beloved arcs. Scary times for Reader here. :') Its also 10k words I'm sorry I'm sorry, I didn't mean to make this chapter so long but its Dressrosa and I've recently come to realize its my favorite post-ts arc (apart from Wano so far), so please do enjoy this chapter. <3

Taglist:

@pinksaiyans | @sukunas-play-thing | @spiderlily-w1tch-blog | @mineymak | @valen-yamyam16 | @shimmerxc | @luffy0s | @fluffybunnyu | @laws-wife-things | @crmnic | @eyes-ofhell | @hopelesslover06 | @nyfwyeonjun | @sin-namonroll | @idk67876 | @mysweetmagicworld | @lorelexi-main | @pandabiene5115 | @shakysif | @bern87 | @nymeriiiia | @arcanumlaw | @sp1ng | @birdie-24-05 | @bi-narystars | @mars-mizuko | @tojirin | @isabeauwolf | @sarlaccussy | @xsuvs | @pheonixashtree | @bluebreadenthusiast | @doxxypoxxy | @hellishdevotee | @thekatisspooky | @sqwishywrites34 | @bethleeham | @jevoislesbrasdemer | @c-l-e-m01

[Ch. 1] ● [Ch. 2] ● [Ch. 3] ● [Ch. 4] ● [Ch. 5]

You’re happy to have a quiet, early morning on the Sunny with Law, no one has come into the aquarium, probably thinking there’s no one in here, you’re grateful for that.

Grateful for the few minutes you have before Sanji gets up to start cooking, Robin may come in to read in peace, Nami could come in and start to tease you but you don’t care. Law is glad for the temporary peace on your ship as well, while you lay across the couch with your head in his lap, letting him run his fingers through your hair, making him chuckle lightly when you bury your face in his shirt and sigh happily.

“You’re like a cat.”

“Says the one who looks like a snow leopard.”

Rolling his eyes, Law pinches your cheek a little which makes you pout before giggling and wrapping your arms around him. It’s nice to have him here, even if it felt a little bit weird at the start. Being able to have some more time with him, even as you’re keeping it secret from the majority of your crew, a bit of time just the two of you, that’s more than enough for you right now.

“Are you sure I can’t go to Green Bit with you?”

You look a bit disappointed, but like you know what he’s going to say, even before he sighs with a nod. It makes you look away slightly, but you nod as well, seeming to understand. He doesn’t want you anywhere near Doflamingo which you get, you don’t want to see him yourself, staying on the Sunny is the best option for you. You’d love to convince him otherwise, that your poisons can do some damage (he knows that already) but it might be difficult with Caesar there, the two of you have butt heads already about poison and how it should be used against others, he thinks you’re crazy for making and leaving antidotes when you go against the Navy but you aren’t heartless.

“Okay…I’ll stay here.”

“Thank you.”

Law kisses your temple which makes you sigh happily again, before you hear a few small giggles and a gagging sound. It makes Law freeze as you look over at the doorway and send a small glare at Nami, Robin with her and a smile on her face.

“So gross.”

“I think they’re sweet together.”

You groan and turn back towards Law, hiding your burning face in his shirt as he tries to not look at your navigator and archeologist. He wasn’t expecting them to show up, he would’ve preferred Luffy coming in because he probably wouldn’t say anything, but the smile on Robin’s face and the disgusted but mischievous look Nami has makes him nervous about whatever they might say next.

“I hope you guys didn’t have sex there.”

“Nami!”

You sit up and give her another glare as she bursts out laughing, your face is still burning and Law has pulled his hat over his own blush, grumbling to himself about ‘idiots who can’t keep their mouths shut’, you’re sure he’s done that about his own crewmates when they would tease him about how close the two of you were before you left.

If only they knew the full story. The teasing would be so much worse, Law definitely believes that.

“We didn’t even do anything!”

“Yeah, sure, Robin told me she caught you on top of him last night.”

“It wasn’t for sex!!”

“They were still clothed when I came in.”

“Thank God for that.”

Grabbing the pillow you’d brought down for Law, you throw it at Nami and she laughs, saying she’s just teasing and Robin had given her all the details. It doesn’t help much to ease your embarrassment or Law’s, so you take his hand and lead him out of the aquarium, ignoring your crewmates’ calls for you to come back. It’s almost breakfast time and you’re hungry, it’s better to wait up on deck so you can get to the kitchen right away. You didn’t even realize you’d been holding your breath until you get on the deck and release it with a large sigh, letting Law’s hand go when he slips it out of yours.

“Sorry. I’m sorry Law.”

“…Don’t be…” he sighs, lightly patting you on the shoulder before going to sit by the mast, “Not your fault.”

You huff a bit before looking around, seeing no one else and quickly kissing Law on the cheek before taking a seat elsewhere.

“Love you.”

“…yeah, I know…”

I love you too…

He doesn’t say it out loud, he almost does until he hears Luffy running out on deck with Chopper right behind him, the two seeing you and grinning before trying to drag you into a water gun fight they’ve started with Usopp. Law watches as you try to run and hide with them, taking one of the smaller water guns to defend yourself, watching from behind a barrel for Usopp to come up on deck, catching your boyfriend’s eye and sending him a wink that makes him look away with a smirk, knowing he’s being asked to keep his mouth shut if Usopp asks anything about where the three of you are.

When he does, Law just shrugs.

“No clue.”

Usopp sighs before hearing Luffy shout “fire” and turns around in time to be hit by all three of you shooting him with water, running off as Usopp goes to chase you. It makes Law chuckle as he watches you run around with them, before you all disappear below deck to keep your fight going and then change into dry clothes before Sanji calls you for breakfast. It’s only been about two days, but he’s enjoying seeing how you interact with the rest of your crewmates. Your morning embarrassment is gone by the time you get back, you sit and start helping Franky with repairs on the Mini Merry, Law tries not to make it obvious he’s watching you, but he wants to see this, to see how you’ve been since before he met you.

Even when Momonosuke goes to you and drags you to play with him and Chopper, you’re willing and go without much fuss, it’s rather endearing to see how you play with him. Law hasn’t seen you interact with children much, but you look like you’re decent at keeping them happy, you were the same with the children on Punk Hazard from what he saw too.

He’s not going to think about you two having children one day, not with Dressrosa approaching and his expectations there, but it makes him grip his sword a little tighter as he watches you. The way he has to push thoughts of the future out and away, tell himself its so unlikely to happen if things pan out the way he expects them to, Law wonders if you’ll ever regret this time you’ve spent as his girlfriend, especially if he does end up losing his life in Dressrosa.

He really hopes you never do.

Sorry…I’m sorry I didn’t tell you…

+!+

You never doubted that Luffy would be excited when you all arrived in Dressrosa, even though you’re only docked at a beach on one side of the country, a safer place to hide the Sunny and those of you who will be staying aboard. As Law begins to explain the plan better, out of the corner of your eye, you barely notice Sanji start walking towards the main city itself, only taking real note when Luffy grabs your hand and drags you away from everyone, not saying anything and you don’t even fight him, not paying attention to what you’re doing at first.

No one notices at first, instead listening to Law’s explanations and guidance on what to do if anything happens to his group or the group being sent to destroy the factory.

“You’ll only leave if something happens, we’ll take Caesar to Green Bit and come back here, got it?”

Nami nods in agreement, while Chopper seems slightly nervous, due to the worry of Doflamingo coming near the Sunny, before he remembers you and Sanji should be there to protect them.

“That’s okay because we’ll have Sanji—He’s gone!!”

Chopper is terrified at the thought of Sanji being gone, as Nami looks around before noticing something.

“Looks like Luffy dragged [Y/N] with him too.” Nami sighs realizing you and Sanji have been taken into Dressrosa, whether by force or willingly it doesn’t matter. What mattered is the groups have all gotten messed up, there’s too many people in the city now and—

“What do you mean he dragged her along?!”

Law’s reaction surprises everyone but Nami and Robin, who exchange glances while he looks around slightly anxiously, noticing how correct your navigator is. “She’s supposed to be here!”

“Don’t worry, Traffy, it’ll be fine!” Usopp starts to pat him on the back, only stopping when Law shoots a glare his way, “I mean, [Y/N] is pretty strong herself, she’ll be fine no matter what Luffy gets her into!”

“That’s not the point! She’s supposed to be here because it’s saf—”

Law stops himself, if he says anything more the rest of your crew, those still around, might figure out your relationship. He can’t let that out right now, not without you here to confirm it to them if they don’t really believe it.

But he’s anxious and terrified of the fact you’re in Dressrosa now, you weren’t supposed to go into the city! The Sunny is safer, you should be here where Sanji can protect you if needed (don’t get him started on the fact that Sanji is gone too), or for you to protect your crewmates should the need arise there as well.

This isn’t good, this is bad, if something happens and Doflamingo knows about you, if he catches you or figures out how important you are to Law, it’s not going to end well, he’s sure of it.

After a moment, Law forces himself to calm down, this isn’t in his plan but maybe it’s okay since you’re with Luffy, it looks like everyone who was meant to go find the SMILE factory is gone, all likely in Dressrosa with you and Sanji as bonuses. It’ll be fine, even though he wanted you on the Sunny, wanted you somewhere safe but of course Luffy had to drag you into the city.

“Fine, fine, its fine,” he’s trying to convince himself more than anyone, but those who don’t know about you two are confused while Robin and Nami don’t say anything, “We’ll…stick with the rest of the plan, it’s fine. We’ll take Caesar to Green Bit, the rest of you stay here. Maybe Black Leg-ya and [Y/N]-ya will come back.”

Everyone agrees, but Law feels sick over this. He didn’t plan for you to end up in the city, but he knows you can take care of yourself. You have for a long time and this is no different, it’s just new territory for you, but you can handle yourself. Even if you couldn’t, he knows your mist be with Luffy and he’ll absolutely keep you safe as well.

Please, please stay safe…

+!+

“The tournament’s grand prize is the Flame Flame fruit!”

You and Luffy both practically freeze at that information, you aren’t sure if it’s the real thing or not, but you wouldn’t be surprised to hear it is. It takes time for a Devil Fruit to return after the user has died, you don’t know the exact amount of time, so maybe it’s been long enough.

But it stings, another reminder that Ace is gone and you almost want to cry over being reminded, but force it down as Luffy starts talking about getting into the coliseum to join the tournament, Franky fully on board until you send both of them a glare. Luffy’s not bothered by it but Franky didn’t know you could make such a face.

“Luffy, this is not why we’re here.”

“But its Ace’s Devil Fruit, we need to get it!”

“Luffy—”

“Franky, I gotta get in that tournament! Can you—”

“Don’t ignore me, Luffy!!” Luffy doesn’t react but Franky looks between you both like he’s in the middle of something he shouldn’t be, like it’s some major family drama that he’s been dragged into as an outsider, “Law gave you a job to do, I’m supposed to be on the Sunny. You don’t even know if this really is Ace’s fruit, you can’t just join the tournament and expect to win! It’s probably a fake from Doflamingo to bring in anyone who wants a Devil Fruit, we need—”

“Ace would want us to have it!”

You’re sure he’s right, but your point is still there. It might be real but it also might be fake, a ploy by Doflamingo, especially since he knows Luffy at least was with Law thanks to the last call your boyfriend had with him on your ship. Either way, whether the fruit is real or not, you need to get back to the Sunny. You told Law you’d stay there, help protect the ship and leave for Zou if anything goes awry, you’re not supposed to be in Dressrosa itself. For once you wouldn’t mind being on the ship, even after you asked Law if you could go with him and his group to Green Bit.

Truthfully you’d rather be anywhere else than in Dressrosa right now, but of course Luffy chose to drag you along instead of sticking with Law’s plan.

“And what would we even do with it?”

“You could eat it!! I can’t think of anyone else who could—”

“No, Luffy!” You’re both emotional about this, you get what Luffy’s saying and where his thoughts lie, but it’s so much all at once, “I don’t want to join the ‘Pirates Who Can’t Swim’ Club!”

“Then…” Luffy stops for a moment to think, he’s sure no one else will want to eat it, you make the most sense out of anyone to do so, but if you don’t want it he won’t force you, “Then…we’ll just take it with us! We’ll offer to everyone and—”

“And have another anchor on board?? Luffy, half of us already can’t swim and you think that’s a good idea for a pirate crew?!”

He does get what you’re saying, you make sense but he still wants the fruit if for nothing else than the fact it was Ace’s and you both are still struggling with his death deep down. With everything happening so fast you’ve not had time to sit together and talk, not since before you left Sabaody but that wasn’t even to talk about Ace, it was so you could catch up and let him know about you and Law. Maybe at some point you’ll have the chance to sit and talk through everything, but right now, Luffy has one thing on his mind and he hopes you’ll understand later.

“We’ll just take the fruit with us then, and see what happens!”

“Lu—”

“You gotta trust me on this, okay?” Luffy gives you a grin while you bite the inside of your lip, not wanting to argue with him anymore about this, he’s going to do what he wants and you know that, “I’ll go win it and bring it back to us! Franky, you and [Y/N] go find the factory and—”

“Hell no, I’m going to stay and watch you,” you cross your arms as Luffy keeps grinning, he figured you’d want to stay behind, “I’ll go in as a spectator and make sure you don’t do anything stupid.”

It makes both Luffy and Franky laugh at you, before they go back to discussing their version of Law’s plan. Luffy is going to enter the tournament while Franky goes to find the factory and work on destroying it, and you’re going to stay in the coliseum to watch over your brother and captain. With any luck it’ll be over quickly and Luffy will win Ace’s Devil Fruit,  you’ll be able to get back on track before Law finds out the plan has been derailed or anything bad happens.

Hopefully…

+!+

The plan has gone to hell because of course it has, Law figured it would as he tries to avoid Doflamingo and his attacks through Green Bit. It was all a ploy, all a lie to get him there, he should’ve known, should’ve realized Doflamingo would never give up his titles as king and Warlord, he feels like an idiot for not anticipating this!

Stupid, I should’ve planned for this!

For all his planning this was the one scenario Law didn’t think of, he’s not sure how. He made so many plans, there were so many options in his mind but this one? This was unexpected. He figured his threats regarding Kaido would have worked, he could’ve dropped Caesar off and gotten his revenge, whether he lived or died didn’t matter if it all worked out how he had planned. He didn’t think this would go so wrong!

Robin and Usopp aren’t there, he doesn’t have to worry about them or protecting anyone that’s not involved, not with the Navy here too and interrupting things of course. If only he wasn’t being chased through the forest, if only he didn’t still have that fear of Doflamingo deep down, if only he had the chance to turn this around but he needs to save his stamina to try and escape when he has an opening.

Thank God you aren’t here though, Law doesn’t have to worry about you getting caught in the crossfire or by Doflamingo, he doesn’t have to think about your safety at the moment. You’re with Luffy, you’re somewhere safe and out of danger, there’s no doubt in Law’s mind that if you were there, you’d be trying to protect him and he can’t see you getting hurt just to save him.

He doesn’t need you to save him, he needs to be the one to protect you, but he can only do that if he lives and gets out of there.

Sanji had better get a hold of you and drag you back to the Sunny if he can, Law doesn’t want you to see him die should that happen. He won’t put that on you again, seeing someone you love die and having to deal with that pain again.

Damn it all, I can’t…I can’t die, I don’t want to die!

For all his preparations for you and his crew, Law hadn’t properly prepared himself for his potential death here, even though he'd  expected it from the beginning. He’s known it’s a likely outcome with going against Doflamingo since he started planning all of this, but with you in the picture its made him push down all the feelings he’s held regarding the whole situation. He’s never wanted to die here, despite expecting and planning for it, despite the fact he expected to die when he was thirteen, there���s no part of Law that wants to die here, not at twenty-six and not without you or his crew there.

Not yet…not here!

He has to survive this, Law won’t let himself die here, even as he keeps dodging Doflamingo's attacks through the forest and back to the bridge, if he brings this towards the city maybe he can escape or find you all to join the fight.

Maybe.

I refuse to die until I’ve seen this through!

~~

“Hey, [Y/N], are you there too?”

“Yeah, what’s up, Sanji?”

You’re anxious about where Law is, you haven’t seen him for hours now, not knowing where he is has you worried that he’s in danger. You are glad for this Bartolomeo guy who found you and Luffy when Zoro asked him to, even as the guy acts like you brother is actually god or something, it makes you roll your eyes when he says he doesn’t believe you’re siblings since your last name isn’t on your wanted posters. Neither you nor Luffy bothers to convince him at the time, whatever Zoro needed you for was more important. Hearing that the plan had gone downhill made you start to feel ill, especially when you’re told Law isn’t with Robin and Usopp anymore, Sanji has taken Caesar back to the Sunny and your crewmates have been attacked by Doflamingo and his crew. Of course you’re being pulled into helping liberate another country from a tyrant, you don’t mind that and know Luffy is all for it, but your fears and worries for Law are starting to take over your thoughts.

Law, you better be safe…

“Traffy said he wants you back on the Sunny! He told me to get you back here when he went after Doflamingo but—"

You don’t even hear what else Sanji says, your mind focusing on what Law said and when, it’s the only thing in your head now.

“Wait,” you reach through the coliseum sea prism bars and take the receiver from Zoro, obviously angry even though he doesn’t understand why as you start to get after Sanji, “You left Law alone against Doflamingo?!”

“He’ll be fine! Traffy’s a Warlord too, he can—”

“That’s not the point! Law shouldn’t have been left alone here! Not against Doflamingo, of all people!”

Luffy is the only one not confused by your outburst, only a little anxious you might say something that reveals your relationship with Law to everyone, but he doesn’t stop you from being upset with Sanji for leaving Law like that. It doesn’t matter to you that Law had told him to get you back to the Sunny or to leave him alone to fight Doflamingo, you’re upset that he’s been left alone against one of his greatest demons and you can’t even do anything to help him.

“Hey, relax,” you can hear Sanji’s confusion as he speaks, but your blood is nearly boiling over this, “He’s the one who—”

“I don’t care who did what, Law can’t be alone against him! You have to go back, he might—”

You’re interrupted by something that comes crashing to the ground outside, before the dust even clears you have a sinking feeling in your stomach that’s confirmed in a moment and makes you wish you were outside with Zoro and Kin’emon.

The dust clears, your breath and voice catch in your throat when you see its Law who’s come crashing in, thrown from who knows where it seems, you don’t want to believe its him until Luffy calls out his name and the fact Doflamingo is here now too, the sinking feeling gets worse seeing him, knowing things have gone terribly wrong.

“Law…Law get up, please…”

Luffy tries to step between you and the window you’re watching from but he’s not fast enough, you even push him aside at a bad time, seeing Doflamingo lift his gun and shoot Law three times, you don’t know how you’re standing after seeing that and watching Zoro and Kin’emon go after the two, even as the Marines Admiral Fujitora appears on Doflamingo’s side it seems.

“Law!! Law, please, get up!! I’m begging you! Don’t do this to me, please!!”

There’s no response but did you really expect one? He’s either dead or if you’re lucky just unconscious, even Luffy sees that and, despite the situation and fact he can’t do anything at the moment, he still directs Zoro what to do and gives Sanji permission to fight back against Big Mom’s ship coming for them, before grabbing you in a hug and almost forcing your face into his shoulder to keep you from seeing anything more. The women on Amazon Lily had told him how badly you’d reacted to Ace’s death, the panic attack you’d suffered through and how, before he ended up there thanks to Law and Jinbei, you’d barely spoken to anyone or even ate. You’d basically shut down and Luffy doesn’t want to see that happen, he hated hearing about it and can’t bear to see you broken down.

It all happens so fast you barely take in the fact that Doflamingo and Fujitora leave with Law in tow, it all brings back the memories of watching the war of the best on the transponder snail and the breakdown you had afterwards, but this time it’s right in front of your face and it’s Law it’s happening to. With Ace it was hell because he was your brother, with Law as your boyfriend it feels at least ten times more frightening and your only hope and prayer at the moment is that he’s alive. Zoro and Kin’emon couldn’t do anything to get Law away from them, you don’t blame either of them though but it’s enough to nearly make you have a panic attack over the thought that Law might be dead the next time you see him.

He tried to warn and prepare you but you didn’t want to listen, didn’t want to think about this possibility, but maybe you should have.

“Hey, [Y/N]! Traffy will be okay!” Luffy tries his best to calm you down when he sees you start to pull away, you’re retreating into yourself and entertaining the worries and fearful thoughts taking over your mind, he hates to see you do this, “We’ll get him back from Mingo and he’ll be alive! Okay?! Let’s try to get out of here!”

Luffy puts his hands on your shoulders to ground you, as you start to take deep breaths to calm your racing heart and mind, swallowing your fears with a nod.

“Okay…okay, let’s go…”

“Are you sure?”

You nod, hugging Luffy briefly before pulling back and wiping away the tears you felt starting.

“Yeah, let’s go!”

~~

“It’s good to see you both again!”

You don’t even know what to think about this person in front of you and Luffy, you barely listen as your brother and the blond talk, he’s so familiar but you aren’t sure why. The way he speaks and acts, it’s like a dream once you hear Luffy shout that this must be Sabo, in tears and shock before the throws himself at the man.

“What…? Sabo…”

The blond gives you a smile with a nod, before Luffy lets go of him and your brother keeps shouting gibberish about how its him, it has to be, he’s alive! He knows so much about your childhood, where you grew up and who you lived with, it must be him! There’s no other explanation, this man is Sabo!

“Luffy…there’s no way, he can’t be Sabo, we know—”

“But he has to be! How else would he know about Dadan’s place and all of that?! Look at him!”

You don’t believe it at all, even when looking at this stranger to you. Blond like Sabo, a scar over his eye that Sabo never had, but a gentle smile on his face. You’re skeptical, moving to stand right in front of him with your arms crossed, scrutinizing every detail of this man even as he keeps smiling at you.

“What’s my name then?”

“You’re [Y/N], of course,” he grins nodding, “Luffy’s biological sister but my sister too.”

“How old am I?”

“Twenty-two, like me.”

“What do I—”

“You made a poison when we were ten that Luffy and Ace thought was Makino’s lavender milk tea, you had to give them an antidote before they got too sick, but it wasn’t strong enough to kill either of them,” you start to let your walls down as he speaks, it’s hitting you harder than you expected it would, “I didn’t try it because you and I had gone down to Foosha to get Ace a birthday gift that year.”

“…what did we get him…?”

“You got him a book and I got him a knife, not the greatest gift for an eleven-year-old, but he loved it and—”

This person, you know its Sabo now, stops talking when you throw your arms around his shoulders and hug him, sobbing into him as he hugs you back. He didn’t expect you to start crying, though he also didn’t expect to see Luffy here and he expected his tears when he saw you both here, it's more tears than he thought he would get after he revealed himself to you both, but he gets it. You’ve thought he was dead the last twelve years, you’re both in shock and letting it out through crying, Sabo is fine with that.

“It…it is you! S-Sabo…I…where…” for a second he thinks you’re calming down, before you push him back and send an angry glare through your tears, “Where were you?! Why weren’t you there when Ace died?!”

“I’ve been with the Revolutionary Army, your…your dad saved me but I had lost my memories,” he notices you don’t react when Dragon is brought up, maybe you’ve moved past it or it’s because you’re upset with him this time, “I got them back after Ace died…but that’s a long story, we’ll have to talk about it later if we have the chance.”

You open your mouth to speak again but Luffy interrupts by throwing himself to hug Sabo, dragging you into to his side as your little brother keeps blubbering like a baby. It makes Sabo laugh while you try not to push away again, you’re angry with him even though it’s not his fault that Ace died and you get that.

You just wish he’d been around sooner.

“I’m so glad you’re both alive!”

“But…but Sabo! I…saw Ace die…and couldn’t do anything!” Luffy’s crying makes you want to cry more, it isn’t fair that you both still are struggling through this, but it’s your reality still.

“Yes, Ace died,” Sabo nods a bit, pulling you both closer and hugging you tighter, “ But you’re both alive! I could’ve lost more than just one brother that day, so I’m grateful I still have one brother and my sister! If you two had died too, I would’ve been completely alone. Thank you both for still being alive!”

Well now you’re crying more, thankful that Sabo is here despite Ace being gone and the situation surrounding you outside the coliseum, making you grip his shirt tightly. You wish there was more time to talk to him, to hear what happened after you thought he was gone, but there are more pressing matters to attend to.

“Luffy, [Y/N],” it almost worries you how serious Sabo is, until you see the slight glint in his eyes, “Do you mind if I eat the Flame Flame fruit? I’m sure you’ve both discussed it already but—”

“No, please, go ahead,” you nod at him, Sabo giving you a look like he doesn’t believe you, “I don’t want to eat it, if Luffy is good with it, you can go win it and take it.”

“You sure?”

“I am.”

Luffy nods and agrees, telling Sabo he can’t think of anyone else that should eat it apart from you. Since you don’t want it, Sabo is the next best option. He can use it and maybe help you all today, maybe help Luffy and Law beat Doflamingo and—

Oh wait.

“Shit, Luffy, we have to go!! We have to go help Law!”

“Oh, you’re right!!”

It’s still a lot to take in, but once you’re out of the coliseum, in a strange walking fish suit (Dressrosa is such a weird place to you), you’re trying not to cry more than you already have. You’re so happy to know Sabo is alive, to see and hug him, to know the Flame Flame fruit is going to someone who you know will use it appropriately, everything with that is going as well as it can and you’re content knowing that’s all settled. You didn’t want the temptation of a Devil Fruit around since you do enjoy being able to swim and having powers has never been of interest to you.

But you’re also still worried about Law, where is he and if he’s still alive again. He’s been shot three times and was obviously injured before that, you could see that even when you were in the coliseum and he was on the ground outside it. You hate that you weren’t able to do anything, that all you could do was watch as it happened, pray that he doesn’t die and you can save him somehow. You had told him two years ago that Luffy was your world and you couldn’t lose him, and while that’s still partially true, Law has worked his way into the same place, you’d never say one of them is more important than the other, but they’re both important in their own ways. Even so, you don’t want to watch anyone else die, especially Law.

You’re not sure you could handle that.

+!+

To describe your feelings at seeing that Doflamingo has severed Law’s arm as anything, but complete and utter horror would be an understatement. You’d been dragging behind most of your crewmates and group the whole time, coming up behind Cavendish and recoiling when you see the state Law’s in (you feel bad about it later, but you hadn’t prepared yourself for this). Your first thought was that he was dead after all until you see he’s still breathing and alive, definitely in severe pain but at least he’s still living.

Law doesn’t even notice you’re there at first, trying to keep his breathing even and focus on the situation, still wanting to go after Doflamingo even if Luffy says he has it handled. His only other hope and prayer and thought was that you wouldn’t show up and see him like this, he didn’t want you worrying about him when there’s nothing you could have done to prevent any of this. You don’t deserve to have that on you, in your mind thinking this is because you weren’t there like with Ace, you couldn’t do anything to stop this, he’s sure you’d know that.

“What can I do to help?!”

Robin catches you up to speed while the Tontatta’s reattach Law’s arm, he doesn’t want to look at you and see how terrified you probably are, even though your voice sounds steady and calm. You keep a slight distance only because you know that you might end up revealing your relationship to too many people at once if you move beside him or if he does look at you. This is the worst time to do that, you’re not ready for that and don’t want it to become the focus of the moment when Law might lose his arm entirely (even when Mansherry says everything will be fine after a bit thanks to her own powers).

Most everyone ends up going off to chase after Luffy and Doflamingo or try to stop the birdcage, you don’t leave and say you’ll stay with Law and Cavendish, if for no other reason than to ensure they both stay safe (lies, its really just for Law of course).

You take a deep breath, letting it out before nodding to yourself and move beside Law, taking his hand in yours, once you’re sure those who don’t know about you two have left, the only one still there being Cavendish but you’re hoping he won’t use this against either of you.

“You,” Law sighs and finally looks up at you, thankful you don’t seem to be crying, though you’re visibly worried, “You’re not supposed to be here.”

You nod again, gently raking your free hand through his hair and Law notices just how shaky you are. You must’ve been keeping yourself together very well in front of the others for no one to have said anything, maybe they were just being nice about it just in case they saw it too, he’s grateful if so and is sure you are as well. There’s no need for anyone to worry about both of you at the moment.

“You’re shaking.”

“Do you blame me?” you try to laugh, but it’s strained this time and makes Law watch you, you’re obviously trying to keep calm but it’s difficult, “…I thought you were about to die…”

“…I’m sorry.”

You shake your head, letting out a shaky breath before pressing a kiss to his forehead. You’re sure Cavendish noticed this when you hear him grumbling to himself about how come he can’t find a girlfriend but Trafalgar has, how unfair that is. It’s funny to hear that’s his biggest concern right now, not the fact you all might be killed soon.

“I’m just glad you’re okay…”

You don’t know what might be next today, but you’re torn between making sure Law is okay and listening to the play by play regarding Luffy and Doflamingo, trying to keep tabs on him and know he’s doing fine as well. You don’t want to hear that he’s lost and you’re all doomed to death for sure, especially when you hear that Luffy’s Haki has run out and he has to wait ten minutes before he can do anything again. If only it had actually ended when you all thought it had, but that damn birdcage still over the country told you it wasn’t, you know Luffy can finish this battle once he’s gotten his Haki back, it’s just that ten minute timer is hell on earth and it feels like everything is moving even slower than before.

Law knows it too, its why he eventually sits up beside you, setting his good hand on your shoulder and moving to get up on his feet. You don’t stop him and move to help him stand despite your wish he’d stay and recover until his arm was back to normal. But you know Law very well, you know he won’t leave this to just Luffy, not now. He can’t do that, not when he’s so close to having his plans and revenge for Corazon fulfilled.

And you’d never stop him from getting that.

“Law…”

He barely grips your shoulder as he stands up, you know he shouldn’t be moving like this, going to leave and run after Luffy to help however he still can. He's not going to listen to you to stop and wait, to rest a bit longer and let Luffy handle it, but he won’t do that, not when he’s so close to achieving his plans.

You can’t blame him though, not when everything had been leading up to this and as long as he makes it through, you can convince yourself to let him go to your brother for now.

“It’s…almost over…”

“You…you’re going no matter what I say huh.”

“Sorry. But…”

You shake your head, standing in front of him and handing Kikoku over, Law just watches before you hug him tightly and he returns it the best he can since he still can’t move his right arm much yet. He knows you want him to stay, to recover and not throw himself into danger again, but he needs to see this through to the end and you also understand that. You’re quiet when you move your hands to his face and kiss him, Law tightens his arm around you before you pull away from him.

“Go finish this. Then—”

“We’ll go to Zou,” Law nods as you smile slightly, “Together.”

Once you let go he’s gone almost instantly, and you sigh a bit, still smiling to yourself. You’ll feel more relieved when this is over and you can all leave, with Law and Luffy both still alive and safe, but for the moment, you’ll let them do what they need to once again, trusting your boyfriend and brother to take out Doflamingo and free Dressrosa.

“You’re rather lucky I’m indebted to your sniper,” Cavendish lets out a sigh when you look over to him after a second, “Any other pirate finding out members of different crews were together would use that to their advantage.”

“Yeah, I know that,” you grin at him, making your new comrade roll his eyes, “Well! Let’s go help with stopping this birdcage, Cabbage!”

“That’s not my name!! You’re just like your brother!!”

+!+

“I’m gonna go find Luffy!!”

Doflamingo is finally defeated, for sure and for real this time, his birdcage over Dressrosa is gone and the people are cheering as you run through them to the area you swear you saw Luffy land. You never expected to see him power up his Devil Fruit powers the way he has, but you’re so proud of him and glad he has. You don’t think this would’ve gone as well as it did if he hadn’t. There would have been more bloodshed and less happiness right now if he hadn’t gone through his training for two years.

You hope Law is somewhere nearby. Even though you let him go without any kind of fight, only a kiss and the promise to go to Zou together, you aren’t sure where he’s ended up and just want to know he’s still alive and breathing. You hope that with everything settled, with Doflamingo defeated, the SMILE factory destroyed, Dressrosa freed, and Law’s vengeance for Corazon complete, that he can relax now, even if for a bit. Even if it’s just on your coming journey to Zou and then Wano, you just want Law to start taking things a little bit slower and as they come, no planning or worries over anything. He deserves to rest, both physically and mentally now, and you’re excited at the idea that he really can now.

“Luffy!” The relief you feel when you finally find him, passed out with his head in Rebecca’s lap, you’re more relieved than you expected really, “Oh thank God, he’s okay.”

You laugh and hurry to his side, almost crying once again but out of happiness to see he’s alive and well, you weren’t sure about the state you’d find him in after seeing him defeat Doflamingo, but you were hopeful that he’d be okay.

Rebecca tries to ask who you are and how you know ‘Lucy’, but you don’t respond to her since you’re just so glad to see Luffy is all right. He’s fast asleep, of course he is, you stroke his hair a bit and try not to laugh when he snores, sighing and pressing a kiss to his forehead.

“You dork, don’t scare your big sister like that again.”

Law watches you from his place against the building, smiling softly as he does so. The way you still treat Luffy like he’s ten is sweet, you want to see him thrive and achieve his dream, but he’s still your baby brother and the center of your world, he gets it. He was the same with Lami when she was little, he wishes constantly that she was here to meet and know you. He’s sure you two would’ve been best friends.

He's so relieved you didn’t see him die, that he made it out of this. Even with all his preparation for himself, he didn’t want to leave you behind so early. Everything worked out better than expected, but he knows you were scared he wasn’t going to make it back to you alive, back to his crew, he’s thankful Luffy was able to finish everything.

Once you’re satisfied that Luffy is all right, you look over to Law and give him a smile, asking Rebecca to stay with Luffy which she agrees to. You get up and walk over to Law, sitting beside him and hitting his shoulder with your own.

“Hey you.”

“Hey.”

“How’s your arm? Got feeling back yet?”

Law shrugs his right arm a bit, flexing his fingers with a slight nod.

“Mostly there. Tips of my fingers are still numb.”

“That’s good…” You’re so relieved, you don’t care if anyone comes along to find you and sees, leaning your head against his shoulder and taking his left hand in your own, “I’m glad you’re alive…”

He doesn’t say anything back at first, instead lacing your fingers together and squeezing your hand back, before pressing a kiss to the top of your head, lingering for a moment.

“So am I.”

He really had anticipated his own death while here, but kept that to himself this whole time so you wouldn’t worry. It didn’t really help much when you saw him get shot and after his arm had been cut off, you were obviously terrified and worried for him, Law hates that he placed those feelings on you, even though it wasn’t entirely his fault. He believes he shares blame since he didn’t do anything to help prepare you just in case, but you’re still recovering emotionally after losing Ace as well, he’s not sure he could’ve done anything to ease your mind.

But, now that everything is over, Doflamingo is defeated and you know Sabo is alive, Law thinks that things can only really go up from here for the two for you. He’s made it out of his revenge plans alive, you’re still here by him, he’ll be reunited with his crew soon, and then it’s off to Wano at last.

From here on out, everything will be okay.

+!+

“Sabo, wait.”

It shouldn’t have been a surprise that you’d follow him out, but Sabo does get a little shock when you pull him into another hug, that he's quick to return anyway. You both hug tighter than before, Sabo setting a hand on your head and patting your back gently with a small chuckle.

“I’m so glad you’re alive, Sabo…when we heard what happened back then…I just…”

“I know,” Sabo nods as you pull back enough to look up at him, he’s finally taller than you after all these years, “I felt the same when I read the papers after Marineford. I didn’t see you mentioned anywhere, so I thought something terrible happened or you chose to stay in Foosha.”

“I’d never let Luffy leave alone.”

“Yeah, I realized that too,” Sabo gives you a smile that you return, before he sits down with you beside him near Kyros’ home, he can spare a few minutes for you, “How have you been?”

“Better than I could ever have dreamed. I’ve perfected a few poisons! And I started writing a book all about Luffy’s journey to being King of the Pirates, inspired by your childhood dream you know.”

“Oh yeah?” there’s a grin on his face now that makes you smile back at Sabo with a nod, “How’s that going?”

“Good enough I guess,” you shrug, causing him to laugh at bit, “You’ll have to proof read it for me when it’s done, whenever that is!”

“Send me a copy and I’ll do just that.”

You nod again with a laugh, before just looking at him. You think, even though he had lost his memories, that life has been good to Sabo anyway. He’s still here, he’s all grown up and doing his own thing, and you’re just happy to see he’s alive. You’re not even jealous he’s spent the last decade with your father, it didn’t matter to you. What matters is that Sabo is alive and well.

“I’m sorry I yelled at and pushed you, I just—”

“Hey, don’t worry. I don’t blame you. I had the same thoughts after I got my memories back and realized what had happened,” Sabo gives you a small, sad smile thinking back, “Asking myself why I wasn’t there, why couldn’t I have been there to do anything, if anything would’ve changed if I had been there…”

“I blamed myself for almost a year,” it still hurts and you hate talking about it, but maybe some common ground between you and Sabo will help, “Luffy made me stay at Amazon Lily while he went to save Ace, I regretted not going every day. I should’ve gone, if I had been there…maybe Ace would still be here.”

“It wasn’t your fault.”

“And it wasn’t yours either.”

It feels weird, like you’re both gaining closure from Ace’s death just by talking to each other. Neither of you could’ve stopped it if you had been there, you think, but you still wonder how different things may have been if Sabo had been there. Maybe things would have changed, but probably not you realize, you’re slowly coming to terms with that. Sometimes you can’t change things no matter how many scenarios or plans you come up with, it all ends the same.

A terrible thought really but if you accept that, you may start to feel better about the situation still haunting you at times.

“…I’ve got a boyfriend now, Sabo.”

“Yeah? Which one? Your crew’s sniper?”

“Nope,” you shake your head as Sabo tries to guess again, this time throwing Zoro out as an option, “Not anyone on our crew. I…Law. Law’s my boyfriend.”

“Ahh the guy with spotted hat?” Sabo smiles when you nod, seeing a content look on your face he’d never seen when you were children, “Do you love him?”

“More than anything. During the last two years, he let me stay on his ship with his crew, and we just fell for each other,” you smile to yourself thinking about everything you’ve been through with Law, causing Sabo to smile too, “I’m hoping we’ll get married someday.”

“Well if you ever do, try to call me and I’ll be there.”

“Yeah, I’ll do my best,” for a second you stay quiet before biting your lip, “Can you…not tell my father about this? I don’t…don’t want him to know.”

He gets it, but Sabo does plan to at least tell Dragon he’s seen you and Luffy, he’s not going to tell him anything you don’t want him to, he’ll respect that as he nods and stands up, you following suit.

“Sure, I won’t let him know.”

“Thank you.”

“No problem,” Sabo pulls you into one more hug, one you don’t want to let go of but reluctantly do so when he pulls back, “Stay in contact okay?”

“You too, Sabo.”

You wave as he heads off, before turning to go back inside. Most everyone is asleep besides Kyros and Zoro at this point, you keep down the laugh you want to let out when you see how Luffy has almost fallen out of bed, Usopp is practically on top of him, and Law is using his sword as a pillow, fast asleep already. You take a spot on the floor near Law, not too far to look like you hate him but not too close to make your relationship obvious. He looks more peaceful than you’ve ever seen him before, maybe it’s because everything went well and Doflamingo was properly defeated, even if it wasn’t by his hand.

Sleep well, Law.

You feel like things are getting better, now that you know Sabo is still here, you think you’re slowly moving past Ace’s death and how much it affected you. Still affected you, but it’s not as bad as it once was. You credit a lot of that to Law even if he would say otherwise and that it was all you, having him by your side through it all at the beginning was the most helpful thing you could’ve asked for two years ago.

You hope he’ll let you stay by his side even longer.

+!+

Once you’ve all left Dressrosa, after being chased out by the Navy, Law notices you keep your distance just a bit. He wonders if it’s due to your relationship still being mostly a secret, the only ones that know in this group are Luffy and Robin after all (and Cavendish he realizes but he doesn’t think the fancy boy will tell anyone), and he doesn’t think too much of it.

He's too busy thinking anyway, about what all happened the other day, about Corazon, about Sengoku, mostly about you and your relationship.

He's never understood why you would love him, why you felt he deserved that when he’d not done anything to earn it, not in his mind anyway. He let you travel with his crew for two years, helped you with your poisons and anything else you needed, but that didn’t feel like it made him worthy of your love. Law has never felt worthy of your affections, he never felt worthy of the love Corazon had for him either, it never made sense to him.

Hell it still doesn’t make sense, the logical side of him can’t make it work out in his mind, there’s no reason you should love him as much as you do…

But he loves you too and he can’t think of a single reason why, there’s so many things you’ve done that should be the reason why but, there’s not one. Law thinks about it enough that he realizes he loves you just because, the same as you with him. He has no reasons, if you ever asked him he wouldn’t have anything specific for you, the brief time he spoke with Sengoku helped him realize he doesn’t need a reason.

He simply loves you because of who you are, nothing in particular has convinced him to love you back, it just happened.

His family and Corazon’s love for him was different but still unconditional, your love for Law is deeper with no strings attached, and he knows his love for you is the same. He’s certain they would all have loved you, that they’re all happy for him to have found you, that he feels happy for the first time in over a decade now. That you’re the reason he’s happy again and feels like he even has a future outside of being a pirate now.

When Zoro finally leaves him alone, to go refill their drinks, Law scans the group for you, catching your eye and nodding you over. You take a moment to make sure no one thinks anything of it while you make your way over to him, a few of Bartolomeo’s crewmates try to stop you for an autograph (you’re the Sir Luffy’s sister, of course they want it) though you smile nervously and tell them maybe later, before you finally make it to Law and sit beside him, leaving some distance just to be safe.

“Having fun?”

“I guess,” you shrug a little, watching Luffy and Usopp try to get everyone to start singing Binks’ Brew, “How about you?”

“It’s fine.”

“Yeah.”

Why does it feel weird? Law looks you over and sees you’re acting reserved, maybe to keep your relationship secret but he doesn’t think that’s it. You seem…distant? Like you’re thinking too much about something or trying to keep up appearances. He does wish he could hold your hand or let you sit in his lap but that’s a little too much with so many people around, though he thinks you could pass it off as being tipsy if he pulled you over real quick, just tell someone you’re a little drunk and climbed into his lap yourself.

Neither of you says anything for a bit, before Law finally sighs and stands to leave, making you glance up at him.

“My room. One hour. All right?”

“Mm-hm…I’ll be there.”

“Good.”

You watch Law head off to where Bartolomeo showed you where the bunks and separate bedrooms were, grateful that you and Robin have a shared room and that Luffy was able to convince Bartolomeo to give Law his own room for now. Whatever he wants to discuss though, it makes you a little nervous, only because you’re not sure what he’s thinking and you feel like he’s figured out what’s going on with your head right now.

You have an hour to stress and worry about it so when more people come up to you for an autograph you agree to signing whatever they have, if for no other reason than to distract your mind.

You love Law and he knows that, but you have this small worry that your fussing over him has been enough for him to end your relationship, and that scares you.

I hope everything is okay…

+!+

“Why do you love me?”

“Huh?”

Law wonders if you were pretending not to hear him, though the warm bath you’re sharing might be making you sleepy he realizes, as he rolls his eyes a bit when you look at him with half-lidded eyes yourself.

“I don’t get it. Why did you decide to love me?”

“Law—”

“I didn’t do anything to deserve it.”

You’re quiet for a moment too long, it actually worries him a little, but you look like you’re thinking, maybe searching for the reasons why you love him. After a few minutes of thinking, you shrug and close your eyes, enjoying the bath again.

“I dunno. I just did.”

“That’s not a reason.”

Its your turn to roll your eyes, as you adjust and sit with your back against Law’s chest, sighing before you look up at him.

“I don’t have a reason, I just love you.”

You can see he doesn’t get it, from how his brows furrow and he looks like the gears in his head are turning, trying to make it make sense. In his mind, you must have a reason, you can’t just love him without any reasons behind it. There must be something he’s done to make you love him, it can’t be just because he’s him or anything like that. All of that is too much like those stupid romance novels Ikkaku reads, they aren’t reality.

There are conditions to love, aren’t there?

“That doesn’t make sense.”

You don’t want to laugh at him, so you grin and nod a little with another sigh.

“Maybe not…but I don’t have any reasons to give you, Law. I love you just because I do.”

He still doesn’t get it, it actually keeps him awake once you two turn in for the night, you’re snug against him with your arm across his chest, fast asleep without a care in the world. Your hair is still a little damp since you didn’t want to blow dry it, Law warned you that you’d be cold and that’s likely why you’re so snuggly with him tonight.

You’re so strange to him still, but he likes it. He likes how you’re so comfortable with him all the time, how you just talk to him about anything and everything that comes to mind, the way you cuddle him at night though he'll never admit that to anyone who may ask.

He likes how you’ve started reading Sora and seem so invested, crying to him when a character you loved was killed off, telling him your other favorites and how he figured out your small crush on Stealth Black, it made him smirk when you blushed and hid your face in the book. Law watches you closely when you read to see what you’re thinking before you ever tell him, you’ve made a good dent in the series in a short amount of time.

You’ve taken over doing his laundry even though he told you not to worry about it, you bring Law food when he stays in his office too late, sharing with him sometimes, and staying until either he’s ready to sleep or you pass out and he takes you to his bed. You do far too much for him, it’s more than he ever could have asked for. He’s sure though, that his favorite moments with you are when you’re both relaxing, whether in his bed or like earlier during your bath, it doesn’t matter. He likes to be around you all the time, no matter what’s going on or what you’re doing. The quiet, calm moments and the ones where you’re laughing or rambling about something, Law enjoys every bit of it.

He doesn’t think there’s anything you could do to make him feel otherwise.

…holy shit…

Everything hits him all at once and Law takes a breath when you shift a little, making yourself more comfortable against him.

“I…” he’s quiet, holding you a little closer as he thinks, “…I think I love you…”

[mouldywalls]

part two of the differences in the digital version of the glass scientist and the physical version! part one here

1. hyde becomes less freaky (and the text boxes change colour)

2. this one was first pointed out to me by @kayatoastkkat !! this is such a big difference, and it surprised me a LOT. I really dont understand why this would need to be changed, but I'm very disappointed.

tldr: jekyll says much less during the following scenes in the physical copy

3. same issue as above, LET JEKYLL BE GAY AND YAP :(

4. issue continued yet again.

I don't understand why these changes would be made??? it's not like it no homos them. they're obviously still super in love here, jekyll is just less melodramatic about his 15 yr long situationship, which I think takes away from the scenes and him as a charecter.

anyway.. minor, less controversial, changes from the digital to physical I noticed included: more of the colour of text boxes being changed, words being unbolded, and minor changes to what characters say - if people are interested in seeing these ill make a follow up but they're pretty insignificant

neither this post or my previous is meant to start hate or discourse against Sage, the creator. it is an interesting talking point though

[qvtaitsu]

Thinking about polytrix headcanons. . .

..★. kpop demon hunters ; Mira x Rumi x Zoey ; Mira Headcanons ; Rumi Headcanons ; Zoey Headcanons ; wlw ; poly ; Polytrix ; sfw n nsfw .

polytrix headcanons ➤ Rumi, Mira and Zoey have karaoke night at least once a week – usually on Saturday night.

"Ka-ra-o-ke!!" Mira and Zoey cheer, hurrying toward their now-familiar spot. Rumi follows them, a smile on her face.

As they entered the place, the three girls felt as if they had entered their natural habitat. The owners greeted them with a bow, which they returned, before entering their usual room.

Leather armchairs, a small stage, tables with drinks and food, and soundproof walls ─ yes, it's their comfort place!

"What do we want to sing today?" Rumi asks, already looking at the soundtrack. They usually sing K-pop, but recently Zoey has been wanting her to try American music.

With a sly smile, Zoey approaches Rumi, looking over her shoulder. "I know! Play Eminem! Oh no, Doja Cat! Wait, Ariana Grande too...ugh!! Let's do all three, pleaaaase!"

Ugh... how can Rumi and Mira say no to Zoey's puppy dog eyes and tone? It's going to be a long night.

Mira headcanons ➤ Mira listens to rock as well as K-pop. Her favorite band is "Maneskin"

Rumi headcanons ➤ Rumi absolutely listens to artists like Taylor Swift and Olivia rodrigo, sometimes lil Nas X or Doja Cat.

Zoey headcanons ➤ We all know she listens to american rappers but she listens also to spanish rappers as El Alfa or Daddy Yankee. ABSOLUTELY loves Latin music.

polytrix headcanons ➤ After what happened, all of them kinda lose any relationship with Celine. She tried to contact them many times, but none of them had the courage or desire to respond.

It's been a few days since the Honmoon was repaired. A few days since Rumi revealed herself for who she is and accepted herself. There's still that heavy silence, sometimes.

Mira, Rumi, and Zoey have severed ties with Celine. All three were subjected to harsh and severe training, but what she did to Rumi? It simply can't be forgiven.

The phone rings again; it's Zoey's. She still hasn't managed to block Celine and feels guilty about it. Looking at the others with a puzzled expression, she doesn't try to pick up the phone.

"Don't answer, let it ring." Mira's voice is harsh, perhaps too harsh. "Let her know we're ignoring her." He continues, staring at Zoey's phone screen.

The trademarked name, "Celine <3," is painful to look at. It hurts and angers all three of us. “Remember to block her when you can,” Rumi reminds Zoey, her voice gentle despite the tension.

Mira headcanons ➤ Mira is the angriest of all. Celine was like a mother to her, and learning what happened to Rumi was a terrible reminder that she'll never truly have a family.

Rumi headcanons ➤ Rumi is more disappointed than angry. Disappointed in herself and Celine. They are hunters, they are family, and yet Celine didn't hesitate to force her into hiding. What hurts more is that Rumi can understand why she did it.

Zoey headcanons ➤ Zoey feels sad for Celine, actually. Maybe more pity than anything else. But that's Zoey's way; she has to please others to get some satisfaction. And Celine was the person she loved to please more. Perhaps this is why Celine insists on reconnecting with her.

polytrix headcanons They are all switches. Mira tends to bottom, Rumi tends to top, Zoey switch without preference.

Between kisses and caresses, the three girls are nestled on their bed. Zoey is in the middle, returning kisses and squeezing wherever she can reach. Rumi is on the right, behind Zoey, giving her kisses behind her ear, Mira stands in front of Zoey, looking at the other two.

"You're gorgeous, you know?" Mira murmurs, her hands lazily roaming over Rumi and Zoey's curves. The two simply giggle, returning the caress.

Rumi gets up and sits on the mattress, looking at Mira with hooded eyes, a smirk on her face. "You're the one talking, huh?" She teases, making Mira grunt.

"Girls, we're all gorgeous!" Zoey's voice interrupts the moment between Rumi and Mira. "Although I'd call Mira hot. Really hot. And I'd call Rumi attractive, like, dangerously attractive. I'm sexy, I mean, look at me!"

Mira and Rumi giggle, before lying back on the bed, embarking on another lovemaking session.

Mira headcanons ➤ Looking at her, she seems great. She was, before she met Rumi and Zoey. They showed her that she doesn't always have to be strong and dominant to be seen. Now Mira LOVES being a bottom.

Rumi headcanons ➤ Rumi, on the other hand, is top notch. She loves control, she turns it between her fingers as if she were feeding on it. She loves being in control of the situation, controlling her girlfriends' sensations.

Zoey headcanons ➤ Zoey has no preference. She can be a bottom or a top, she loves it either way. One thing that doesn't change is that she's freaky. She loves to experiment, she loves to challenge herself, and she loves to try new things.

polytrix headcanons ➤ All three actually have a variety of experiences in bed. They all have their kinks, their likes and dislikes.

Zoey was just fixing herself in the mirror, they were supposed to go on a date and she obviously wanted to make herself beautiful. Mira was also with her, using the straightener on her pink hair.

"Are you done? I should do my makeup too," Mira asked Zoey, already growing impatient. "Um, almost done..." Zoey replied, though she didn't look finished. With a sigh, Mira walks past her, deciding to leave the bathroom.

As she did so, she placed a hand on Zoey's hip, guiding her forward slightly. Needless to say, it sent Zoey into a tailspin, turning bright red. Mira just giggled.

Then again, Rumi was already on the couch, patiently waiting for her girlfriends to finish getting ready. Seeing Mira emerge from the bathroom without makeup, her brows furrowed in confusion. "don't you wear makeup?"

Mira fell onto the couch next to Rumi, stretching her legs over Rumi's, resting her head on her shoulder. “As always, Zoey is taking forever,” Rose replied, raising her voice to be heard in the bathroom.

Rumi's hands lazily caress Mira's thighs, a simple gesture of comfort. "Mira, you know Zoey takes a long time. At least your hair's done, right?" Her hands move slightly under her skirt, she doesn't even think about it as she does it.

This sends a shiver down Mira's spine, and she lets out a sigh, almost right next to Rumi's ear. In a second, Rumi clears her throat, her cheeks flushed.

Mira notices it, but doesn't say anything.

"Hey, did Mira fluster both of us today?" Zoey joked, coming out of the bathroom, wearing makeup and perfume. Mira simply shrugged, getting up to walk over to her. It's you who are too easily embarrassed."

a smirk on Mira's lips, before she walks past Zoey to go to the bathroom to put on her makeup. But Zoey doesn't let her go so easily. "I'm sure you all get embarrassed easily, Mira!" she says, reaching out to grab her.

Unfortunately she misses her grip and grabs Mira's long hair, pulling slightly. Instinctively, Mira lets out a grunt or more gasp-like sound, causing all three girls to freeze.

Mira blushes, pouting, before making Zoey lose her grip on her hair. "You—keep your hands to yourself, and you─Rumi, didn't hear anything" she says, before hurrying to the bathroom.

Well, now Rumi and Zoey know what Mira likes.

Mira headcanons ➤ Mira likes it rough. She likes to grab and be grabbed, likes to pull and get pulled. She has a penchant for manhandling. Whether she's directing Rumi or Zoey's movements, or they're directing hers.

Rumi headcanons ➤ Rumi loves brats. She enjoys it when Mira and Zoey brat with her, making her put them in their place. She also enjoys overstimulation and denying her girlfriends pleasure. She likes to control, their pleasure as she pleases

Zoey headcanons ➤ Zoey likes it all. There's nothing she doesn't like. Zoey loves using toys, vibrators, dildos, strap-ons. Everything and more. She also likes to restrict her girlfriends' movements or hers too. A little into BDSM

ᝰ Mimi's talk .ᐟ Ohhh!! I love Polytrix, they have a special place in my heart. Can we all agree that Zoey is freaky? And yes, I like the idea of Mira Bottom... maybe a little too much. I also added a little angst because I think we as a society should talk more about what happened and the relationship with Celine after what happened.

[lorelei-larai]

I want to start by saying that Sylus is so weird and I love him. On the other hand, I would bite him for the same reason. He really had to tell the whole neighborhood he came to stay.

"You've met five drama queens in your whole life — Sylus was four of them." LMAO. Also, Rafayel mentioned 🫶🏻.

The pink suitcase is so cute. The guy wanted to impress his daughter. I bet he just didn't bring a bunch of rabbits because he couldn't find one and was too excited to move to look for more.

Sylus expected Elea to greet him; that must have been a huge disappointment. Besides, I'm not surprised he knows her daughter's schedule. It makes me question how long he's been watching again.

"I wanted to stay so bad—if not for that rat." Dealing with some shady business, huh. I wouldn't want to be the man who came between Sylus and his daughter. Whoever it is, he's probably at the top of Sylus's list. I find it so funny how he puts all that aside just to flirt with Y/N so blatantly. The man is really starving, but for something that isn't exactly a meal. It's absolutely shameless, and it makes you want to bite him because he's so charming.

WIFE- He said it. Okay. The man doesn't want to waste time; he's wasted too much already. And he wants—husband: God, it's suddenly hot in here. He's a pretty good flirt, I'll give him that.

That boss needs a kick in the ass. By the way, Jenna was there. It's the Hunter's job to save people, and she's great at it. I adore her.

Ough, Sylus is infuriatingly charming. Although the abandonment thing is a blow to the bottom, I understand that he's hurt by all those lost years, but, well, it was so sudden that you don't expect it. It's like playing tug-of-war with a man and then he steps on your toe.

Currently, Sylus paying for an apartment so they can both have their own space is so nice. I imagine neither of them knows the other's house, and therefore they don't demand what they can't give, so they looked for common ground to meet.

It feels like they're both married. Both shopping and cooking for this little love nest? I know where Elea was conceived. They were hungry for each other. I'd call them tender, but they're the other extreme of a loving couple: Absolutely lustful for each other.

And that car, mmm, nothing is a coincidence, everything happens for a reason in this life. It's better to carry a gun on the waist from now on. I also doubt Sylus will just let that slip go; he's unfortunately too smart to let that go.

And Elea, my sweet girl, is so innocent. How can one say no to her? Sylus isn't helping either. I give in to Elea, but not to that idiot just out of spite. Besider ... And he has the nerve to walk around shirtless, Sylus, please, not with the kid there.

Y/N tries so hard to deny Sylus. She's definitely weak against Elea, but at the same time, I feel like it's an excuse for herself. She enjoys Sylus's company, but she'd probably rather die than admit it.

"Yeah, well, you married me, didn't you?" Okay—that's probably going to bite Y/N in the ass later.

And the twins arrived in just as disastrous a way as Sylus. If Elea was spoiled with Sylus there, now she has two fun uncles who will definitely teach her to be as unruly as them. They're so insufferable, I love them.

And the little game of tag at the end, with Sylus carrying Y/N in his arms—the claim of hating each other, which they both know is a lie, meaning the opposite. Ough.

I find it so funny that you added a fourth chapter to the series, so the characters took on a life of their own uh

CHAPTER 3

— Onychinus Leader!Sylus Qin X Mother! Female Reader

She Ran To Protect Their Child. He Built A Kingdom To Bring Them Home.・₊﹆ɞ‧₊

*⁠.⁠✧ SYNOPSIS : She was the daughter of his enemy. He was the king of a criminal empire. They fell in love, but when she found out she was pregnant, she vanished-fearing the life their child would inherit. Seven years later, Sylus finds her. And he's not here for revenge. He's here to take back what's his.

*⁠.⁠✧ WARNINGS & TAGS : Dad! Sylus, mom!reader, mafia, rivalry, second chance, secret baby, exes, time skip, past lovers, alternate universe, break in, angst, fluff, romance, love, mature language, stalking, threats, run away! y/n, mentions of pregnancy, blood, gore, dark romance, lovers to strangers, enemies to lovers, their daughter Elea, kiss, break in 9.2k words.

*⁠.⁠✧ LOTUS NOTE : Took me so long to write this chapter. Assignments burnt me out tbh 😭 Tumblr did it again. Posted without my consent. Honestly, I don't have the time to copy paste, organize and edit again so this chapter is shorter than the previous one 😮‍���

*⁠.⁠✧— NAVIGATION // LOVE & DEEPSPACE MASTERLIST

➥ KISSED IN POISON : THE SERIES

➥ CHAPTER 1 // CHAPTER 2 // CHAPTER 3 // CHAPTER 4

➥ Heart Divider's By @/cafekitsune

DO NOT READ THIS IF YOU ARE NOT COMFORTABLE. MINORS DNI, IF YOU DO THEN IT'S YOUR OWN RESPONSIBILITY.・₊﹆ɞ‧₊

[PRESENT TIME, LINKON CITY]

Sylus is a dog. A mad dog. It all started this morning.

He moved in — or rather, invaded — in that flashy black car of his, the engine purring loud enough to turn every head on your street. He didn’t even pretend to be subtle. No, Sylus Qin made damn sure every nosy neighbour, every early jogger, and every curtain-twitcher knew exactly who he was.

He leaned one arm on the open car door, sunglasses perched low on his nose, lips curled in that smug, territorial grin of his as he caught Mrs. Young from next door peeking through her blinds. He didn’t just unload his bags — he practically marked his territory right there on your front lawn.

You hissed under your breath, arms crossed tight over your chest, “Sylus, can you not announce it to the entire postal code?”

He just tilted his head, mouth brushing the shell of your ear.

“Sweetheart, let them know now — so they don’t get any funny ideas later.”

You could only roll your eyes. You have met five drama queens in your whole life — Sylus was four of them. The fifth one was Rafayel, Elea's arts teacher, who’d probably be next on Sylus’s hit list if he so much as smiled Elea's way again.

Ignoring your annoyance, Sylus took out a large trolley bag out of the dickie. Wanna guess the colour? The same soft pink as the Tulips he gave Elea. Of course, your that mad dog of a man — ruthless, possessive, all shadows and knives — was dragging a pastel pink suitcase up your front steps like it was just another day in paradise.

Sylus left the suitcase by the sofa, giving it a dismissive kick into place before his eyes swept over the living room — like he was already hunting for something. He pivoted back to you, brows lifted, mouth quirking in faint annoyance.

“Where’s my baby?” He asked, voice all soft and dangerous like he was about to rip the walls apart if she didn’t appear in the next breath.

“Elea already left for school.” You said, arms crossing as you braced for the dramatics.

Sylus’s eyes narrowed behind those stupidly expensive sunglasses, his head tipping to one side, “What? Elea’s school starts at 8:30. It’s barely seven.”

You blinked. Did he really memorize her entire schedule? A sigh slipped past your lips before you could swallow it down. Why am I even surprised…

“They’re doing a field day today.” You explained, flicking his forehead lightly as you stepped past him, “So she went early with the teachers.”

Sylus’s head snapped back to you so fast you almost heard something crack.

“What? Why didn’t you tell me before?” His voice dropped into that deep, accusing rumble — like you’d hidden classified intel from him instead of, you know, letting his child go play tug-of-war with her friends.

“I didn’t even get to see my baby off.” He added, his hand sweeping through his hair like the drama king he was.

You swear you could see the faintest ghost of a pout trying to form on his mouth — a pout. Sylus Qin, the infamous leader of Onychinus, the entire underworld flinched to stood in front of — looking like he was about to sulk because his daughter left before he got here.

You raised both brows at him, arms folded, “She’ll be back in a few hours, mad dog.”

Sylus’s scowl only deepened, his mouth pulling tight like he was two seconds away from tearing the front door clean off its hinges and sprinting down the street after the kindergarten bus.

“That’s not the point.” He bit out, pacing a slow, restless line behind the couch, “She cried so much last night. You know that, right? I wanted to stay so bad — if not for that rat.”

You blinked at him, folding your arms, eyebrows shooting up, “Rat?”

“Nothing.” He said, voice clipped. Then, just like that, he cut his eyes to you — and the switch flipped, all that snarling protective edge slipping into something smug, dangerous, annoyingly charming.

“Anyway.” He drawled, stepping closer, crowding your space like he always did when he wanted to win an argument by sheer proximity, “What's for breakfast?”

You blinked up at him, “Excuse me?”

Sylus’s eyes glinted — that wolfish tilt of his lips said he was already three steps ahead of whatever protest you were about to make. He leaned in, one arm braced on the back of the couch behind you, boxing you in like he owned the air you were breathing.

“Breakfast.” He repeated, voice low and warm, like he was making you an indecent offer instead of a perfectly normal question, “You know — the meal a devoted wife makes for her hardworking man?”

You snorted, “Devoted wife? In what twisted fantasy are you living, Sylus?”

He just hummed, nose brushing your temple, “The one where you feed me before I starve to death in your kitchen. Or… are you offering something else to keep me full?”

You swatted at his chest — but he caught your wrist midair, pressing a quick kiss to your knuckles, eyes glinting mischief and heat all at once.

You jabbed a finger into his chest, voice dripping with exasperated sweetness.

“I’m not your wife, Sylus. The only reason I’m putting up with you is Elea. Remember that.”

His eyes glinted, the corner of his mouth twitching like you’d just handed him his favourite toy, “Mmm. Sure, sweetheart. You are not my wife. Yet.”

Before you could fire back, he dipped in closer — so close you could feel the smug laughter rumble through his chest as he nipped your earlobe.

“Lucky for me, Elea wants me here forever. So… better start practising that ‘husband’ word.”

You shoved him away with a huff, but your pulse was already traitorously fast. Sylus just laughed, backing you up toward the kitchen like a big, smug shadow you’d never shake.

“Now, come on.” He teased, brushing past you to fling your fridge open like he owned it, “Be a good fake wife and feed your starving man, hm?”

You crossed your arms tighter, jabbing your chin toward the kitchen, “The kitchen is right there, Sylus. Go make it yourself. I have work to get to.”

His grin widened — that slow, dangerous curl that always made your stomach flip even when you wanted to smack him. He cocked his head, leaning just close enough for you to smell that infuriating cologne.

“Oh? So heartless. Sending the poor man who moved mountains just to be with his family to starve on his first morning?” He clicked his tongue, mock disappointment dripping from every word.

You just raised your brows, “You moved a trolley bag. Congratulations, Hercules.”

He laughed, low and warm, then reached past you like he might cage you against the counter — but at the last second, he plucked a mug off the shelf instead.

“Fine. But next time, sweetheart, I expect pancakes. Or I’ll eat you instead.”

You smacked his arm with a dishtowel, ignoring the way your heart was hammering, “Get out of my way, Sylus.”

“Try and make me.” His grin was pure devil.

It was hard — getting Sylus off your back. Like trying to shake off a big, smug, six-foot-two barnacle with a criminal empire and an ego the size of Linkon City. But in the end, you managed to slip out the door, leaving him with nothing but his pastel-pink suitcase and a fridge he was perfectly capable of raiding himself.

You had bigger things to handle today anyway. Like convincing the Hunter’s Association to let you work from home for a while — because like hell you were going to leave Elea alone with that mad dog unsupervised. Not yet. Not when you still didn’t know exactly what went on inside that thick skull of his, behind that easy grin and those predator eyes.

Sylus Qin could play house all he wanted — but you weren’t stupid enough to forget who he really was and what went down seven years ago. And no matter how many pink suitcases he dragged through your door, you’d be damned if you let your guard down completely. Not when you had Elea to protect. Nothing was worth risking Elea.

Asshole.

A word you’d proudly dedicate to your boss. That man knew exactly how to dig under your skin, flick every last nerve raw, and then sit back and watch you twitch for his own amusement. He hadn’t even bothered to look up from his paperwork when you stepped into his office that morning.

You’d tried — you really had — to explain it calmly. The need to work from home for a few weeks. You’d laid it out like a rational adult: your daughter’s daycare was closing for renovations, so you needed to be remote for a while.

Your boss, though? He’d barely glanced up from his precious stack of files.

“Work from home? What for? So you can slack off in your pyjamas all day? I know your type.”

Your type.

You’d almost vaulted over his desk right then and there.

Instead, you bit down so hard on your tongue you tasted copper while he shooed you out with some half-baked lecture about “discipline” and “face-to-face accountability.” Before you could say something that would definitely get you fired, you turned on your heel and stormed out of that office like your shoes were on fire.

The door slammed behind you.

“Asshole.” You muttered under your breath, “May every cup of coffee he ever drinks be lukewarm for the rest of his miserable life. May his ancestors rise from their graves just to smack him upside the—”

“Whoa, whoa — who died?”

You skidded to a halt, nearly crashing into a familiar figure just outside the strategy wing. Jenna. Leader of UNICORNS — the Hunter’s Association’s fiercest elite unit. Perfect posture and that signature half-smile that said she’d heard every last word.

“Jenna…” You breathed out like a prayer, then scowled, “My boss is a—”

“Asshole?” She arched an eyebrow, “That's old news. Tell me something new.”

You deflated, shoulders sagging, “I just… I asked to work from home for a bit. Elea’s daycare is closed for renovations, so I needed to stay home. He shot me down so fast I nearly—”

“He did what?” Jenna’s tone went razor-sharp, “You’ve been carrying this branch for how long? No infractions, overtime banked for weeks, and he won't grant you one short WFH stint?”

Your mouth popped open, “Well… yeah. That’s exactly it.”

She gave you that feral smile that had made rogue wanderers cry for mercy more than once, “Consider it done. You’re remote for two weeks — minimum. If your boss has a problem, he can take it up with me.”

Relief — thick and grateful — bloomed under your ribs, “You’re an—”

“Don’t say angel.” Jenna cut in, rolling her eyes, “I’m no angel. I’m a hunter. Now get out of here before he drags you back into his bullshit.”

You ran back to your desk like the boss's office was on fire — which, in your head, it practically was. You didn’t even bother glancing back at your boss’s door, half-expecting him to come stomping after you with another “face-to-face accountability” sermon.

You fumbled for your phone with half-numb fingers, silently praying Sylus hadn’t turned your living room into his new throne room yet. Just then, the screen lit up with the one number you hadn’t even bothered saving.

Sylus.

You stared at it for half a second, teeth sinking into your bottom lip, before you swiped to answer.

“Hello?”

His voice came through warm, velvet-dark and smug enough to crawl straight under your skin.

“Good to know.” He cut in smoothly, his tone dipping into that playful, dangerous rumble that made you want to strangle him and melt for him all at once, “But I’m not asking about my baby. I’m asking about my sweetheart. When will she be home?”

“Sweetheart. When is my sweetheart coming home?”

“Elea will be back by 5 o'clock. Her school bus will drop her off.”

Your breath hitched. You hated that it hitched, “Sylus…”

“Yes, sweetheart?”

You shut your eyes, fighting the heat in your cheeks, “Stop.”

He chuckled — low, pleased, like he could hear every bit of your resolve slipping through the line.

“Can’t. I missed you. Now tell me — should I come pick you up? Or will you come running back to me on your own before I turn your living room into a bird's nest?”

You pressed your thumb to your temple, squeezing your eyes shut for a beat. Focus. Do not fall for this. Not again.

“I won’t be back until three.” You said finally, trying to keep your voice flat, unaffected. But of course, he caught the slip — that faint waver when you said back — and you could practically hear his grin stretch wider through the line.

He hummed low, the sound brushing heat across your skin despite the bitter morning air, “Mmm. Three. That’s so far away, sweetheart. How am I going to survive till then?”

You forced a dry laugh, biting back the dangerous flutter in your chest. Don’t give him an inch.

“You’ll survive just fine. Try using that big, terrifying brain for something other than—” You bit your tongue before the rest could slip out like a secret.

“Other than what, sweetheart?” He purred, his voice a warm, lazy curl around your pulse, “Go on. Be honest. You know how I love your honesty.”

Your eyes snapped open, gaze darting around the parking lot like he might somehow be leaning against your car door — sunglasses low, smile sharp enough to cut you open.

“Other than driving me insane,” You snapped, yanking your bag higher on your shoulder, “Try washing the dishes. Or, I don’t know — folding your own damn laundry for once. Did you even unpack yet?”

He gave a soft, mocking gasp, “You wound me. First, you abandon me, and now you insult me?”

“Abandon—?” You sputtered, throat tightening, “I didn’t—”

The silence on the line felt like a bruise spreading under your ribs. You almost forgot how sharp his words could be when he wanted to remind you who you were — who he was.

“That’s not—” You began, but the words died on your tongue.

What would you even say? I did what I had to do? You deserved it? None of it would matter. None of it would change that look in his eyes when he first found you again — part hunger, part accusation, part something you were too afraid to name.

“Anyway.” He said suddenly, tone shifting so fast you nearly stumbled. That bright, taunting sweetness was back in a heartbeat, smoothing over the crackling static between you, “You’ll be back at three. I’ll be waiting.”

“Sylus—”

He laughed — soft and pleased — and you could almost see that wolfish grin behind your eyelids.

“Don’t worry, sweetheart. I’ll keep the house nice and warm for you.”

The line clicked dead. You stared at your phone like it might bite you — your heartbeat a traitorous drum in your ears.

[8 YEARS & 7 MONTHS AGO, CHANSIA CITY]

You’d long since lost count of how many nights you’d sneaked out of that cage you called home. Before, your destination had always been the library — its warm, hushed corners where no one could find you — or the tiny market two blocks away where you’d linger over fresh bread and cheap flowers, pretending, just for a moment, that you belonged to yourself.

But now? Now you had somewhere else to go. Somewhere that felt like hope stitched into four walls.

A cozy little apartment, right across from the library — the one Sylus bought just for you. A place you could run to in the dead of night, curl up safe in his arms, and pretend the world outside didn’t exist for a few stolen hours.

He called it your escape zone — like it was a secret between just the two of you. Sometimes, you’d slip in to find him already there, stretched out on the gray sofa with his shirt half-undone, papers scattered across the coffee table like fallen leaves. He’d glance up, that lazy grin tugging at the corner of his mouth, and just like that, every piece of you that felt frayed would knit itself back together.

But there were rare nights — precious ones — when you got there first. Nights when you could greet him at the door with a shy smile — a hug that lingered a beat too long, a kiss pressed to the corner of his mouth just to see his eyes darken like a storm rolling in.

Tonight was one of those nights.

You’d stopped by the little market two blocks down, basket swinging from your wrist, pockets stuffed with whatever your coins could buy — eggs, fresh bread, a handful of tulips bruised at the edges but beautiful all the same. You wanted to surprise him. Do something small. Something normal. Something that made you feel like this fragile thing between you could really be yours to keep.

By the time you got to the apartment, your fingers were numb from the chill. You juggled the grocery bag on your hip as you slipped the key into the lock — heart fluttering when you found the lights still off. He wasn’t here yet. Perfect.

You padded inside, kicking off your shoes. The room smelled like him — warm leather and aftershave and that faint metallic tang you could never quite place. You pushed that thought away, humming under your breath as you unpacked your little treasures: the greens, the eggs, a tiny jar of honey.

He’d stocked the fridge with everything you could possibly need, of course. Top-shelf wine, expensive cheeses, organic herbs. But you’d gone out anyway — just to feel normal, just to feel like you could still do something for him.

You’d even splurged — spent the last of your coins on a small bouquet of white roses, each bloom so pale they looked carved from moonlight. Tiny sprays of baby’s breath nestled between the petals — fragile and fleeting. White roses always reminded you of Sylus — on the surface, all restrained grace and cold beauty, but you knew better: every soft petal hid thorns sharp enough to draw blood. Just like him — a promise of devotion that could protect you… or ruin you, if you weren’t careful.

You’d changed into one of Sylus’s sweaters — a big, warm, black thing that hung off one shoulder and smelled just like him. The sleeves draped halfway over your hands as you moved around the kitchen, humming along to the quiet music playing off your phone.

The lasagna bubbled away in the oven, filling the air with warmth and garlic and the kind of comfort you could never find in that cold house you called home. You were just mixing the side salad, swaying a little in time with the music, when you heard it — the faint click and rattle of the front doorknob.

You nearly knocked over the salt shaker in your rush to wipe your hands on a dish towel. Your feet carried you to the entryway before you could even think.

And there he was. Sylus, standing in the open doorway like he’d stepped out of one of your midnight dreams — coat hanging loose, hair tousled from the wind, eyes finding you the second he crossed the threshold.

You didn’t wait. You launched yourself at him, arms looping around his neck so fast you heard his low laugh rumble against your ear. His hands caught you easily, one braced under your thighs as you wrapped your legs around his waist like you’d done this a thousand times — like it was the most natural thing in the world.

“Hey, sweetheart.” He murmured, voice muffled as he pressed his nose into your hair, “Missed me that much, huh?”

You mumbled something that sounded suspiciously like shut up but he just chuckled, walking you back inside without ever putting you down. The door thunked shut behind him, sealing you back into this small world that belonged to nobody but the two of you.

His hand slipped up under the hem of his own sweater — your sweater now — fingers brushing your bare waist like he was reminding himself you were really here, warm and soft in his arms. He carried you the few steps to the wall by the hallway, your back pressing against the cool plaster.

“Say it.” He murmured, voice dark silk as his breath fanned your cheek.

“Say what?” You breathed, pretending not to know, but your fingers were already tugging at the hair at his nape, urging him closer.

“That you missed me.”

You let out a soft huff — half a laugh, half a curse — and rolled your eyes just to be difficult, “Shut up—”

“Not good enough.”

And then he kissed you.

Not soft. Not sweet. He kissed you like he was starving for you — like he’d tear the world apart with his teeth just to taste you again. Your back thudded harder into the wall when he pressed closer, hips slotting against yours like they were carved to fit there.

You gasped against his mouth and he swallowed it whole, lips dragging down to your jaw, your neck, biting just enough to make you whimper before he surged back up to claim your mouth again.

It was messy. Desperate. All teeth and tangled tongues and the faint, sweet taste of the honey you’d dipped your finger in just before he arrived. One of your hands fisted in his coat, the other scrabbling at the hem of his shirt like you needed more skin, now.

When he finally pulled back, you were both breathless — your lips swollen, his mouth pink and glistening like sin. His thumb brushed your cheek, eyes so dark they were nearly black in the low light.

“Fuck, sweetheart…” He rasped, forehead pressing to yours, “Keep looking at me like that, and I'm not letting you leave tonight.”

A soft laugh bubbled up in your throat, breathless and a little shaky as your fingertips traced the line of his jaw.

“Good.” You whispered, pressing a small kiss to the corner of his mouth, “Because I wasn’t planning on leaving.”

He stilled — you felt it, the way his whole body went taut, that carefully leashed wolf under his skin going deadly quiet. His eyes flicked over your face like he was trying to memorize every word, every twitch of your smile.

“What?” His voice was low, cautious, like he was afraid to break whatever spell you’d just woven.

You ducked your head, the heat in your cheeks warming you more than the oven in the kitchen.

“My father’s out of town for the week.” You murmured, fingers playing with the soft hair at the nape of his neck, “And my brother couldn’t care less where I am — or if I’m even alive, really.”

You felt him tense again, a dangerous glint flashing behind his eyes at the mention of your family. But you pressed a finger to his lips before he could snarl something you’d both regret.

“If — if — anyone bothers to wonder where I am, Sara will cover for me. She always does.”

A grin — wicked and boyish and entirely Sylus — broke across his lips. He nipped at your fingertip, catching it between his teeth before pressing a kiss to your knuckles.

“So…” He drawled, leaning in, nose brushing yours, “what you’re telling me is… you’re all mine tonight.”

Your laugh turned into a soft gasp when he pressed you tighter against the wall, his hands sliding down to grip your thighs.

“And tomorrow.” You breathed, kissing the tip of his nose, “And the day after that.”

A low rumble of approval vibrated in his chest, “Careful, sweetheart. Keep saying things like that and I’ll keep you here forever.”

You buried your face in his shoulder, giggling into the fabric of his coat, your laughter muffled against the scent of him — leather, musk, and that sharp edge that was all Sylus. For one perfect second, the rest of the world felt like it didn’t exist at all.

You pulled back just enough to press your lips to the corner of his mouth, your fingers tracing the collar of his shirt.

“Go freshen up.” You murmured, brushing a bit of imaginary lint from his chest, “Dinner will be ready soon… and I got you something.”

His brows arched, amusement flickering in those crimson eyes as they flitted to the grocery bag still half-unpacked on the counter.

“Something for me?” He echoed, the grin curling slow and dangerous over his mouth. He leaned in, the tip of his nose brushing yours again — a gentle tease that made your stomach flip, “You’ll spoil me, kitten.”

You huffed, giving him a playful shove on the chest that didn’t budge him an inch, “Spoil you? Hardly. Now go — before you charm me into forgetting the lasagna and burning it to ash.”

He chuckled — a low, pleased rumble in his chest that you felt more than heard — before pressing one last, soft kiss to your temple.

“Yes, ma’am.” He murmured, voice dropping into that smooth, obedient lilt that made your heart stutter, “Don’t take too long, hmm? I don’t like waiting for my rewards.”

You rolled your eyes, biting back a grin as you watched him saunter off toward the small bathroom down the hall, peeling off his coat and tossing it carelessly over the back of a chair.

You turned back to the kitchen, a soft hum slipping past your lips as you checked the oven. A little longer — just enough time to set the table, light the cheap candle you’d snagged from the market, and tuck the small bouquet of white roses into a jar on the counter.

Something normal. Something yours. Something that felt like hope.

[PRESENT TIME, LINKON CITY]

It was already half past three by the time you were driving home. God knew what kind of tantrum Sylus would throw when you got back. Sylus — you still couldn’t figure him out. To an outsider, he looked like the perfect husband and father. And while you didn’t disagree with the father part — not when it came to Elea — husband? That was another story altogether.

Sylus was your whole world once. You never doubted he would have set the world ablaze for you — made it rain in the middle of the Sahara if you’d only asked. Back then, every soft touch, every stolen night in that little apartment, every promise whispered against your lips made you believe he was your Prince Charming. The kind you read about in secret under your blanket — the kind who’d love you so fiercely nothing could touch you.

But that was the lie you clung to when you didn’t know better. Because at the end of the day, you were nothing but a pawn to him. Just his enemy’s daughter — a pretty piece on his chessboard, a means to an end, while he was your whole life. It was stupid. So stupid — but you’d loved him with every bruised piece of your heart, even when it cost you everything.

The blood, the fear, the betrayal — you’d paid for every moment you let yourself believe that fairytale. You couldn’t afford to do that again. Not now. Not when you had more to lose than just your own heart.

Because Sylus Qin was still the same man underneath all those soft words and easy smiles. A cold-blooded mob leader, ruthless and unrepentant — willing to break the world and you right along with it if it got him what he wanted.

And you’d be damned if you let yourself fall for that sweet poison twice.

You let out a slow, shaky breath and forced your hands to steady on the wheel. Just keep driving. Get home.

But the hairs at the back of your neck wouldn’t lie flat. A flicker in the mirror made your pulse spike. A dark car — unfamiliar, a little too close, keeping just enough distance to look innocent.

You told yourself you were being paranoid. Sylus’s shadow always had a way of crawling up your spine — seeing threats where there were none. Still… you needed to be sure.

You turned off your usual route, taking a winding back road through an old neighborhood. No reason for anyone to follow you there — not unless they were actually following you. You checked the mirror again. There it was — still behind you. Tight in your lane, slowing when you slowed.

Your heart drummed hard against your ribs. You took another random turn — then another. The car stayed with you like a ghost, its headlights a cold promise in the rearview.

But just as your skin started to crawl for real — just when you reached for your phone, thumb hovering over Jenna’s name — the car suddenly veered off down a side street. Gone. You forced out a breath you didn’t know you’d been holding. Maybe you really were imagining things. Or maybe you’d just gotten lucky.

You barely managed a shaky exhale, fingers still clenched white-knuckled around the wheel, when your phone lit up again — that same unsaved number that made your pulse skip for an entirely different reason. Sylus. Of course.

Your thumb hovered over the screen. You could almost picture him now — that careless grin carved across his mouth like a threat and a promise all at once. He always called at the worst possible time — like he could smell the crack in your armor through the line.

You answered on the second ring, voice rough at the edges, “What now, Sylus?”

He didn’t bother with a greeting. Just that one word, careful and too knowing, “You sound… wrong. What happened?”

Your fingers tightened around the wheel. Damn him for hearing it in your voice — the panic, the suspicion you were still trying to swallow down.

“Nothing. Just… traffic.” You forced a scoff into your tone, “Why? Don’t pretend to care. What is it, Sylus? I'm driving.”

Silence pulsed on the line. You pictured that glint in his eyes — the one that always made you feel like he was peeling your ribs open, looking for the parts of you that still belonged to him.

Then, like a switch flicked, his voice dipped into that sickeningly warm purr that always made your traitor heart skip.

“Mmm. If you say so.” You heard a crayon roll across the floor, “You know, I was thinking… maybe I should pick up my little angel today. Give you a break, sweetheart.”

A bitter laugh slipped out before you could stop it, “Don’t start. You’re not on her school’s pick-up list. And you won’t be. Not yet.”

He let out a soft, dramatic sigh — you hated how you could hear the smile behind it.

“So cruel. You’d keep me away from my baby girl? I’m here, moving to a whole new city — for you. For her.”

You bit down on the ugly knot in your throat. You hated him — you wanted to hate him. And yet some treacherous warmth still prickled under your ribs, stupid and soft.

“Don’t act like this is for me.” You snapped, cutting him off, “This is for Elea. It’s always for Elea.”

A pause. Then that dangerous, lazy laugh that made your skin crawl and ache at the same time.

“Of course, sweetheart. For Elea.” He drawled, “Drive safe. Wouldn’t want you getting all worked up when I’m not there to calm you down.”

You hung up before he could say more, jamming your thumb against the screen so hard it almost cracked. You wanted to hate him. God, you needed to. But your stupid heart…It never listened.

By the time dusk draped itself over the house like a velvet blanket, you were just bone-tired. Whatever tension lingered from the afternoon was buried under Elea’s chatter, the soft clink of plates, and the strange domestic calm that settled around the dinner table.

Sylus had insisted on helping you finish up dinner — if you could call leaning against the counter, watching you with that infuriating half-smile helping. But you’d let it be. For Elea’s sake.

Now the three of you sat together like the world hadn’t ended seven years ago. Like he hadn’t broken you so thoroughly that you still found splinters in your chest every time he smiled at you like this — warm, doting, and too close.

Elea kicked her tiny feet under the table, swinging them as she stuffed another spoonful of mashed potatoes into her mouth. Her pink tulip hair clip bobbed with every bite. You’d just taken a sip of your water, finally letting your shoulders relax for the first time that day.

That was your first mistake.

“Mommy?” Elea piped up, voice all sugar and bedtime sleepiness. She dropped her spoon and pressed her little hands together like she was about to make a wish.

“Hmm? Slow down, baby. You’ll choke.” You leaned over to wipe her mouth, but she caught your wrist in her tiny grip.

“When can I sleep with you and daddy?”

You choked — the water hit the wrong pipe and you coughed so hard you saw stars. Sylus, the bastard, didn’t even hide his grin. You could feel his eyes slide over to you, slow and deliberate, like a hand slipping up your bare spine.

“Lea,” You croaked, pressing your napkin to your lips, “What… what do you mean, sweetheart?”

Sylus leaned back in his chair, one arm draped lazily over the backrest, watching you struggle like it was his favorite sport. He tilted his head toward Elea, voice so soft you wanted to smack him.

“Yeah, baby. Tell mommy what you mean.” He was smirking. You could hear it. Feel it.

Elea beamed, “Back at school, Becky says she sleeps with her mommy and daddy in their big bed all the time. I want that too! I wanna sleep with my mommy and daddy.”

You opened your mouth, closed it, then glared at Sylus like you could set him on fire with your eyeballs alone. He just raised his brows at you, like he’d been handed a gift.

“See?” He murmured, reaching out to tap his fingertip under Elea’s chin, “Our little angel wants what she wants. You gonna say no to her, sweetheart?”

Your throat burned from the coughing, “Elea, baby, our bed isn’t… it’s just…”

Your daughter’s lower lip wobbled, eyes huge and watery, “Please? Pretty please? We can all cuddle! And daddy can tell stories — the scary ones with the dragons.”

You shot Sylus a look. Don’t you dare encourage this. But he only shrugged, eyes glinting like a wolf who’d found a hole in the fence.

“Well, mommy?” He asked, voice velvet-smooth as he leaned forward, resting his chin on his palm, “You heard her. Are you really gonna break her little heart?”

Your whole chest squeezed — with exasperation, fear, and that dangerous warmth that came crawling back every time he did this. You hated how easily he slipped into that empty space beside you. How he made you want things you’d already lost.

You drew a shaky breath, looking at Elea’s bright, pleading eyes.

“Fine.” You sighed, pushing your plate away, “But just tonight. One night.”

Elea squealed, clapping her hands together, “Yay! Best day ever!”

Sylus’s smug grin didn’t fade for the rest of dinner. Every so often, he’d brush his knee against yours under the table — so fleeting you almost thought you imagined it.

It was bedtime now — or at least, that sweet pocket of quiet right before it. The house was calm, the dishes done, the soft patter of the shower running in the background. Sylus had disappeared into the washroom ten minutes ago to clean up, and you were half-tempted to lock the door behind him just to buy yourself some peace.

You sat cross-legged on the bed, Elea giggling in your lap as you helped her wiggle into her favorite bunny pajamas. The tiny ones with the floppy ears on the hood that made her look like an escapee from a fairytale.

Your mind, traitorous as ever, drifted to Sylus — that sly fox. You could feel him seeping into every corner of your life again. His crisp shirts now hung on your side of the closet, his toothbrush sat snug in the washroom container right between yours and Elea’s, his phone rested on the nightstand like it had every right to be there.

You huffed out a half-laugh, brushing Elea’s hair away from her forehead

“Your daddy is so annoying, you know that?” You whispered conspiratorially.

Elea just blinked at you with those big eyes — Sylus’s eyes — and beamed, nodding far too enthusiastically for your liking.

“Daddy not annoying.” She echoed, then broke into a fit of giggles when you poked her belly.

Outside the bathroom door, you heard the shower shut off, pipes rattling as the water drained away. You sighed, pressing a soft kiss to Elea’s temple. Maybe you were doomed. Maybe you’d always be doomed when it came to him.

But for now — for tonight — you could pretend it was just this: bunny pajamas, bedtime giggles, and your little family stitched together under one roof. Just for now.

The bathroom door creaked open just as you finished smoothing Elea’s bunny hood over her wild hair. You didn’t have to look up to know Sylus was standing there — you could feel his smug heat from halfway across the room. You forced yourself to look. Big mistake.

“Liking the view, sweetie?” His voice came lazy, all velvet and amusement, like he could read every thought racing through your head.

He’d come out only wearing a pair of gray trousers, droplets of water still sliding down the slope of his collarbone, disappearing beneath the faint trail of hair at his abdomen. His hair was damp, dark strands sticking to his forehead, and he raked a hand through it like he knew exactly what he was doing to you.

You scoffed, a little too sharp to hide the sudden burn in your cheeks.

“Your shirt’s right there. Use it.” You gestured to where his shirt was resting comfortably — the shirt he’d smugly unpacked and arranged in your closet, like he belonged there.

He didn’t bother. Of course he didn’t. He padded closer instead, like a big, lazy cat with claws hidden behind that soft grin. Elea squealed when she saw him, throwing her arms out.

“Daddy, story! Bunny story!”

“Oh? You want Daddy to tell you a bedtime story?” Sylus purred, sinking down onto the left side of the bed, ignoring the way you tried to scoot back just an inch. He swooped Elea right onto his chest.

“Yes!” Elea bounced excitedly, tugging at his damp hair, “Mommy too!”

Your eye twitched. God! You wanted to just throw out of the window. Is falling from the second floor enough to kill a man?

Elea was already snuggling into his chest, bunny ears flopping over his forearm. Sylus cleared his throat dramatically, brushing a kiss to her hair — and then shot you a sly look that promised you were in for it.

“Once upon a time…” He began, voice deep and rich, “There was a clever little bunny who liked to sneak into a big bad wolf’s house every night. She’d tiptoe past all the other hunters and curl up right in his den, where it was warmest.”

Your jaw dropped, “Sylus—!”

It was the same damn story he’d told you that night you’d woken up crying from a nightmare, voice trembling when you’d asked him for a bedtime story to calm you down. You didn’t need to be a genius to know exactly where that tale came from — or who the big bad wolf was.

“But the wolf…” Sylus continued smoothly, ignoring your glare, “…oh, he loved his little bunny so much that he let her nibble on his tail whenever she wanted. And when the hunters tried to take her away, the big bad wolf swore he’d tear the whole forest down to bring her home.”

Elea let out a dreamy little sigh, oblivious to the heat creeping up your neck.

“Bunny happy?” She asked sleepily.

Sylus’s eyes flicked to yours, smirk curling devilishly, “Very happy, princess. Because the wolf always takes care of what’s his. Isn’t that right, sweetheart?”

You made a strangled noise, throwing a pillow at him — which he caught one-handed, never missing a beat as he dipped down to brush his lips over Elea’s brow.

“If you don’t stop—” You hissed.

“Or what?” He tipped his head, the wolf grin sharp and beautiful, “You’ll chop my hands off? Then how would I hold you at night?”

He leaned in like he might actually kiss you next, your breath tangling with his. Elea giggled sleepily between you, completely unaware she’d just given him every excuse in the world to lay his claim bare.

You jabbed a finger at his temple, “If you try anything funny, Sylus Qin, I swear to God I will chop your hands off in your sleep for real.”

He looked at you, all faux-wounded innocence, eyes glittering with something that made your spine tingle.

“You wound me, sweetheart. I’m just telling our little bunny a bedtime story. What could possibly be funny about that?”

You narrowed your eyes, “Everything. Especially when it’s you.”

You hadn’t meant to sleep so deeply. Or so… peacefully.

But for the first time in years, there were no shadows clawing at your dreams. No waking up with your pulse thrumming like you’d been chased through every nightmare you swore you’d buried. Just warmth — a steady heartbeat under your ear, the slow rise and fall of someone breathing who wasn’t going to vanish when you opened your eyes.

When the soft, sleepy fog finally lifted, the first thing you heard was Elea’s giggle — the sweet, bubbling sound of a child with no idea she was sitting in the middle of a loaded minefield of secrets and half-healed wounds.

You cracked one eye open. Sunlight spilled through the half-drawn curtains, dust motes drifting in the glow like tiny fireflies. And there she was — your daughter perched by Sylus’s head on the pillow, tiny fingers scrolling your phone, showing him something with an excited squeal every few seconds.

And Sylus? That bastard looked unfairly good in the morning light — hair mussed from sleep, shirt collar rumpled, one arm draped possessively around your waist like it belonged there. Like you belonged there. He was half-listening to Elea’s chatter, his eyes flicking to you with that slow, dangerous smile when he felt you stir.

You realized — really realized — that your cheek was pressed against his chest. That your leg was thrown over his hip like you’d done this a thousand times. That his thumb was stroking lazy circles over your back, grounding you in a way that made your throat tighten.

You jolted back so fast you nearly knocked yourself off the bed.

“Mommy!” Elea giggled, completely oblivious, the phone still clutched in her tiny hands, “Look! Look at the picture I took!”

There, crystal clear on your screen, was a photo: you curled up against Sylus’s bare chest like you’d never left — hair spilled all over his collarbone, your lips parted on a drool-damp patch of his skin. His arm locked tight around your back, his face buried in your hair, that infuriating smug smile half-there even in sleep.

You could practically feel the heat crawling up your neck — so high it stung behind your eyes.

“Elea…” You rasped, reaching for the phone, but Sylus was faster. He plucked it from her hands, his grin the definition of sin at dawn.

“Mmm, look at that.” He drawled, like he’d been waiting his whole life to gloat, “Don’t we look perfect, sweetie?”

You snatched for the phone again, “Delete it. Now.”

His free hand — the one that had been tracing circles on your spine all night — came up to tuck a strand of hair behind your ear, his thumb grazing your cheek like he owned you.

“I’m thinking we frame it.” He murmured, low enough that Elea couldn’t hear the dangerous purr in his voice, “Perfect for the nightstand, don’t you think?”

You hissed, smacking his chest, “Sylus Qin, I'm gonna kil—”

But your threat crumbled when Elea giggled again, snuggling into your side and resting her tiny head on your arm.

“You looked so pretty, Mommy. Don’t be mad.”

And just like that — you were ruined all over again.

That one night didn’t stay just one night.

Every night after that, somehow, impossibly, the three of you ended up tangled together in the same bed — Elea snuggled like a little starfish in the middle, Sylus draped around you both like he’d decided this time he wasn’t letting go.

You told yourself it was just for Elea. She wanted it — and what were you supposed to do? Break your daughter’s heart just to protect your own?

So you lay there, night after night, wrapped in the warmth of him — the way he’d bury his nose in your hair when he thought you were asleep, how his hand always found your waist under the blankets like his body just knew where yours was.

You told yourself you could handle it. That you were above it. That you wouldn’t let your heart get dragged back into the place you’d bled so hard to crawl out of.

But every morning, you’d wake up in his arms. And every morning, your resolve would crack a little more.

Tonight, you jolted awake to the sharp crack of glass shattering downstairs. For one dizzy heartbeat, you couldn’t tell if you were dreaming — but then you felt Sylus shift beside you, his arm tightening protectively around your waist as his eyes flicked to the door, all warmth gone, replaced by that ice-cold focus you remembered too well.

He didn’t say a word at first — just raised his free hand, and with that quiet flex of power that always made your breath catch, a sleek black gun seemed to melt into existence from the shadows under the bed. His evol — you’d seen it enough times to know he could pull blades and bullets from thin air like a magician conjuring death.

“Stay with Elea.” He whispered, voice low and deadly calm, eyes hard on yours, “I’ll handle this.”

You bristled immediately, “Like hell you will. I know this house better than you do. I'll get this done within minutes."

“Sweetheart, no—”

“No, Sylus.” You were already slipping out of bed, bare feet hitting the cool floor, “I’m not playing with my daughter's life.”

His jaw twitched — frustration, fear, and that deep, resigned fondness that always carved itself through his mask, “You’re impossible.”

“Yeah, well, you married me, didn’t you?” You shot back, crossing to the closet.

You punched in the code on the hidden locker panel and pulled out the cold, familiar weight of your own pistol. His lips curled faintly, like he couldn’t decide if he wanted to kiss you or drag you back to bed and chain you there.

He grunted, flicked the safety on his gun, “Stay close. If I say run, you run.”

“We'll see.” You fired back. He didn’t argue this time. He knew better.

Sylus slipped out into the hallway. You paused only long enough to lock the bedroom door behind you, pressing your palm to the scanner until the reinforced bolts slid into place with a heavy thunk. No one was getting to Elea tonight. Not even a s-level wonderer.

Step by careful step, you and Sylus padded down the staircase, the shadows swallowing you both like ghosts. The faintest noise drifted up from the kitchen — voices — hushed, sharp whispers and the clatter of something falling.

You stopped at the last landing. Sylus shifted forward just enough to peek around the corner — and without even thinking, his arm went out, pushing you gently behind him, a living shield between you and any threat. Some things never changed.

You leaned around his shoulder, gun raised. And what you saw nearly made you bark out a laugh that would’ve gotten you both killed if the situation had been even remotely real.

In the soft glow of the kitchen pendant light stood Luke and Kierran — two very familiar boys — both still fully suited up in their tactical black uniforms, masks perched on their faces like a pair of overgrown crows. Luke was waving a half-eaten carrot like a sword, while Kierran was hurling slices of tomato at him across the counter. Veggies littered the floor like battlefield shrapnel.

And on the kitchen island, between the scattered chaos, sat a single slice of leftover chocolate pastry — the clear source of their vicious quarrel.

“You literally shoved a whole pizza down your throat not even an hour ago, you donkey! I saw it first!” Kierran hissed.

“You ate the last one last week!” Luke shot back, flicking a slice of bell pepper at Kierran’s mask, “You owe me, you traitorous trash crow!”

Sylus let out a low growl that did absolutely nothing to hide the disbelief in his eyes. He lowered his gun with a soft click, then gave you a look that was equal parts are “you seeing this shit?” and “I swear to God I will murder them both”.

Sylus didn’t even bother to lower his gun all the way. He just stalked forward like a predator, boots silent on the kitchen tiles until he was right behind them — then smack, he cuffed Luke upside the head with a flat palm. Kierran got the same treatment a second later, yelping when Sylus’s hand collided with the back of his skull.

“What the hell are you two doing here?” Sylus hissed, voice low and dangerous in that way that usually made grown men piss themselves.

Luke spun around, mask askew, mouth dropping open like a scolded puppy, “Boss—”

Kierran popped his head up from behind the fridge door, clutching the pastry plate to his chest like a puppy with a bone, “It’s not what it looks like!”

“Oh, really?” Sylus’s tone went razor sharp, “Because it looks like you broke into my house, trashed my kitchen, and—” His eyes flicked to the pastry, “—stole my daughter's dessert.”

Luke puffed out his cheeks, offended, “We didn’t steal it, we— we liberated it.”

Kierran nodded so earnestly you almost choked on a laugh.

“Yeah! And anyway, we missed her!” He jabbed a thumb in your direction without shame, eyes wide behind the mask, “We haven’t seen her in years! And you said we couldn’t drop by! You said we’d freak her out!”

“You did freak me out.” You muttered, lowering your gun with a sigh.

Luke perked up, bright eyes peeking over his mask, “But you missed us, didn’t you, miss boss?”

“Don’t call me that. What do you think you were doing — breaking into my house in the middle of the night?” Your voice was firm, but you felt your lips twitch. God. You really had missed them — these two reckless idiots who’d wormed their way under your skin back then.

Kierran sniffed, clutching the pastry slice like it was a shield, “But we wanted to meet our precious niece too! Boss won’t let us— he’s so stingy!”

Luke nodded, scowling at Sylus, who looked one heartbeat away from committing an actual murder, “Yeah! All we want is a little peek at our niece and maybe a hug from miss boss. Is that so unreasonable?”

You pressed your palm over your face, torn between relief, exasperation, and that sharp ache in your chest that said these idiots used to feel like family, “You’re lucky I’m not shooting you both.”

Luke’s eyes went wide and shimmering — pure puppy dog eyes, “You wouldn’t! You love us.”

Kierran leaned around him, poking your shoulder with a gloved finger, “Say you missed us, miss boss. Or we’ll keep coming back. Every. Night.”

Sylus pinched the bridge of his nose with his free hand, teeth grinding, but there was a ghost of something softer in his eyes when he glanced at you — because he saw it too. The part of you that was relieved they were still the same. Still your two annoying little shadows.

You let out a long, exhausted sigh, pinching the bridge of your nose.

“Alright. You two man-children — listen up. You want to see Elea? You come back tomorrow. In broad daylight. Like normal uncles. And you knock. You knock like civilized people — no more of this—” You waved a hand at the flour-dusted floor and the busted vegetable bag, “—ninja break-in bullshit.”

Kierran's whole face lit up behind the mask, eyes going wide like a puppy given permission to come back inside, “So we can meet her?! Really?!”

Luke squealed — actually squealed — hugging the pastry plate tighter, “You’re the best, miss boss! The best!”

Sylus glowered at them both, looking like he might snap their necks just for the principle, “If you wake her up—”

But Luke and Kierran ignored him, already shuffling to the door — which they’d apparently unlocked on their way in. They were still bickering about who got to hold Elea first when Luke shot you one last puppy-eyed grin.

“Love you, Miss Bunny! You’re prettier than ever— oh, and this is ours now—” He gestured to the half-melted chocolate pastry still clutched in Kierran’s hand.

“Hey—!” Sylus snapped, but the front door swung shut behind them before he could finish.

Silence fell, broken only by your sharp exhale. You leveled a dagger glare at Sylus — who, to his credit, looked only mildly murderous but also… faintly amused. That did it. Your hand flew up, finger jabbing his chest.

“I’m going to kill you.”

Sylus blinked, head tilting with mock innocence, “Me? What did I do?”

“Oh, don’t you dare—!” You snapped, poking him again, “You — you and your damn pet wolves — you’re dragging Elea into this world of yours. Slowly. Do you realize how dangerous—”

Before you could finish, Sylus leaned in with that devil-may-care grin, “You’ll have to catch me first, sweetheart.”

You barely had time to let out a strangled growl before he spun on his heel — all six feet of smug mafia prince bolting around the kitchen island like a grown man-child.

“Sylus Qin, I swear to God—!” You tore after him, but you were half laughing now, frustration mixing with exasperation and that stupid flutter in your chest that always, always made you forgive him too easily.

It lasted all of five minutes — both of you circling the couch, your threats turning into breathless curses while Sylus just laughed and danced out of reach. In the end, you dropped onto the couch, chest heaving, too tired to keep the anger burning. Your eyes fluttered shut, every bit of you sinking into the cushions.

“I hate you.” You mumbled into your sleeve, voice already slurring with sleep.

Sylus’s chuckle rolled over you like warm honey. He knelt down, pressing a soft kiss to your temple — his shadow falling over you like a shield.

“I know, sweetheart. I hate you too.”

You felt his arms slide under your knees and shoulders, the effortless way he scooped you up like you weighed nothing at all. Your head lolled against his chest as he carried you up the stairs — back to the bedroom, back to the warmth you told yourself you didn’t need.

Maybe you really did hate him. Or maybe… You just hated that you still loved him this much.

LIKED IT? THEN PLEASE LEAVE A LIKE, REBLOG & COMMENT. IT WOULD MEAN A LOT AND FOLLOW ME FOR MORE LIKE THESE. THANK YOU ♡

© 𝐋𝐎𝐓𝐔𝐒-𝐍-𝐋𝟎𝐕𝐄 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓, 𝐀𝐋𝐋 𝐑𝐈𝐆𝐇𝐓𝐒 𝐑𝐄𝐒𝐄𝐑𝐕𝐄𝐃 — all content rights belongs to LOTUS-N-L0VE. do not plagiarise any works and do not repost or translate onto any other sites.・₊﹆ɞ‧₊

[happinesstodream]

talking abt plutos eye because it annoys me so badly..

i literally don’t understand how plutos eye scarred the way it did because it makes no sense at ALL. in episode 83 when we see pluto get his injury his father hooks his eye horizontally, he doesn’t break skin, he only hits his eye.

this would likely result in a globe rupture rather than the type of scar we see pluto with in 131. i’d assume this injury doesn’t get treated until morning — if it’s even treated at all — since plutos left to bleed out by his father at the end of the flashback. the rupture is also presumably very serious because of how much pluto bleeds here, though i’d say that’s pretty obvious i’m pointing it out anyway.

a globe rupture usually requires a immediate surgery to repair the damaged eye but with the assumption that pluto’s injury was left untreated and the fact that it was probably sometime during the 1920s pluto should’ve completely lost his eye yet he’s left with this? a scar that’s not even in the same direction he was hit?

his actual eye looks mostly fine other than the glassy pupil (which is still somewhat functional because it can move normally?) he can also still see out of it, atleast somewhat. of course, he is still blind, i’m not arguing against that im very aware that this would still classify as blindness but with the severity of the injury he likely shouldn’t be able to see at ALL even if he was able to keep his eye.

not trying to be negative or anything his injury just genuinely makes zero sense to me and i guess im a little disappointed in how it was drawn

[itssykee]

SAKURA DATING HEADCANONS

male reader

⋆note: I’ve never written headcanons before so hopefully they’re not shit.

divider by @cafekitsune !

How you meet..

⋆ Sakura is on patrol when you two first meet, in pure Sakura fashion he's grumbling about Something. He sees you being harassed by what he assumed was an outsider. You looked uncomfortable so he stepped in, slamming his foot near the bastard's sack. Telling to to piss off somewhere, terrified for his sack the man backs off. Sakura turns to walk away, only to be tugged back. He turns around with an attitude, only to get flustered. You were.... pretty cute. That thought caused his face to turn beet red.

⋆ After what felt like hours to Sakura, you awkwardly thanked him before offering him a curry bun from your parents' bakery.

Feeling attracted..

⋆ You and Sakura bump into a lot during his patrols. Though not many words aren't said because you both don't know what to say to each other, there's a mutual understanding of the attraction of one another

⋆ Sakura would find himself searching for you in Furin Halls, only to be informed by your parents that you're homeschooled. It kind of disappointed him before he caught himself with warm cheeks grumbling that it didn't matter that much.

⋆ Once his friends classmates found out, they teased him until his face was steaming and he was spewing curses at them left and right.

⋆ They encourage him to confess his feelings to which Sakura rejects and denies that he's in love with you. Suo with mischief in his eye tells Sakura he should confess before someone takes the opportunity to date you.

⋆ Feeling threatened Sakura turns and stomps out of the school and straight to the Saboten Bakery, spotting you sitting in the dining area. He stomps up to you catching you off guard, you greet him with a confused murmur wondering why his face was so red?

"Listen up! "Sakura started with a less than confident stance, you tilted your head. The duo-haired boy somehow got even red at your cute action “There’s something ya need to know!" You averted your eyes before nodding

It's now or never...

"I like y-you! A lot! "He shouted, your eyes widened - the bakery fell into a tense Silence....

You blinked once twice. ".. Huh? "Sakura. Huffed "I like you. "He repeated "more... than a friend." This was a horrible idea, he thought thinking of leaving so he didn't have to deal with the embarrassment and sadness of being rejected “..I like you too, Sakura.” You rub the back of your neck "have for a while now.” Sakura turned back to you with surprise written all over his face (expression)

You and Sakura agree to be each other’s first relationship.

Dating him

⋆ You and Sakura (You two) can barely hold hands without getting flustered.

⋆ God forbid kissing. Far too intimate for the two of you

⋆ Both you and Sakura agree to take it slow rushing in head first wasn't smart.

⋆ Sakura is super protective of you since you don't fight, you much prefer to be doing quite literally anything else.

⋆ He tells his friends classmates to protect you when he's not there which they easily agree to do. You’re Sakura's boyfriend, you're automatically gonna be protected by Bofurin.

⋆ Umemiya convinces Sakura to bring you to Cafe Potho so he can introduce you to them. Everyone agrees, they wanna see the boy that made Sakura fall in love. Sakura instantly denies knowing the teasing would be too much for his heart to handle.

⋆ Your parents were ecstatic to hear you stepped out of your comfort zone to not only make a friend, but a boyfriend. Once they found it was the furin boy who fought off a gang of thugs to protect the cafe pothos girl, they knew you were in good hands. Though they teased you for barely being able to give Sakura a hug without nearly combusting.

⋆ Sakura has never had anyone in his corner, but since moving to this crazy town his made crazy friends and has gotten a great boyfriend.

He hopes this isn't a dream and if it is, never wake him.

©itssykee

[secretlyafiveheadeddragon]

You know something thats always kinda bothered me that I feel like nobody will cover understand?

The How to Train Your Dragon movies. (Here me out, in going somewhere)

I read the books when I was in middle school and fell head over heels in love with them. They’re still some of my favorite books ever. I love the pacing and the aesthetics and the writing and the messaging. I love the tone and the art style and the characters and the absolutely immaculate worldbuilding. They’re a fucking triumph. So I decided to check out the movie, which I had intentionally tried to avoid detail of before I finished the series, I was kind of riding on a very specific kind of high that comes from the ending of that fantastic series.

And I was disappointed. It simply was not the story I had come to love. It bore absolutely no resemblance to anything from those gorgeous books. All the characters had the same names (except Astrid, who isnt even in the books a little bit and is a replacement to a character i think is far superior named Camicazi) but they’re appearances, personalities, and roles in the story were just completely different in a random sort of way. It was like someone had written a movie and then the only way they could get it greenlit was if they wedged in elements of an already existing IP. I cannot stress enough how different the movies are from the books, like drastically, unrecognizably different. So I was dissatisfied, because I saw a huge amount of potential in adapting the books onto the screen, but the movies just threw the books aside without even consulting them.

But here’s the kicker here: the movies are good. They’re so good! They are creative and heartfelt and have amazing heart and humor and an amazing world. The characters are fun and lively and emotional and have a wonderful bond. If they didn’t have the same name as the books, I would be fucking obsessed with them! The animation is gorgeous! The voice acting is amazing! The score is mind blowing! But because of the fact that they will always overshadow my beloved books (that I do think are better overall) I can’t fully enjoy them because I’m constantly comparing them to an IP that shares only their name in common! AAAAAAAHHHHHH!

I don’t know what to do. Ive never met anyone who has had a similar experience to me. I can’t engage in the fandom for the books without constantly bumping into the fandom for the movies, which I think are good movies but I don’t want to engage in the fandom for them. Everyone in my real life who’s even read the books hasn’t read all of them, and like the movies better anyway! I feel so alone! What! Huh! Please someone justify my feelings. I need help

[offdxty]

Relieved about Harrow agreeing to take him to watch the rain first, Kane doesn't hesitate once he's prompted to follow - steps through the door that's opened next, into a world that is entirely different and new to him.

---White and bleak, somewhat expected, yet almost a little disappointing. Perhaps part of him had hoped for... something else to be there. But then, it makes sense - his own room is sterile and bland, after all, Kane supposes that the rest of this place isn't going to have an entirely different visual appearance to it; The small space Harrow resides in when watching him certainly is a lot more lively, more colorful in comparison - much more comfortable, less cold.

Kane already misses it, in a bit of a strange way - looks forward to returning there, once he'd been able to watch the rain fall from the sky.

They move along, and Kane, not-Kane, it, remains quiet for the whole of the journey - just allows his gaze to wander, to linger here and there, nostrils flaring a bit as he inhales, then exhales, takes in the scent of something sharp - a detergent of sorts, he guesses. He's curious but also polite, doesn't touch nor stray away, keeps up the pace - not shy, not at all, manages to carry an aura of self-confidence as Kane keeps his back straight, doesn't curl into himself too much.

Careful, nevertheless. Doesn't want to cause any problems, doesn't want others to think he's being a threat of sorts.

The next door opens, gives view to a room that's even more disappointing in nature---

---If it weren't for the large windows, which immediately catch Kane's attention, have his eyes widen as they make their way in - lips parting, a look of awe stretching across his features.

He's been outside before, of course - walked across planes of grassland, pushed himself through foliage growing within a dense forest - but he didn't stop, didn't linger, didn't allow himself to truly take it in. There had been no time for him to dwell, to experience - Kane had needed to find Lena, to make his way out of the shimmer zone, so that's what he did.

Now, though? He's here, and he's not on a mission of sorts. He's offered a clear view at what exists around this bulding, doesn't need to be elsewhere, so he stares - watches, observes, takes in the sight, the information given as he steps forward and closes the distance between him and the large windows.

He's so close, in fact, that he tip of his nose almost comes in contact with the glass - almost, but not quite. What does come in contact with it, however, is the hand he's lifting, palm pressing up to the smooth surface - it's cold to the touch, but not uncomfortably so...

"...Pretty." a mumble, barely there, filled with wonder. "...The rain. Very pretty."

Drops of water slide along the very same glass, out of reach, but existent; Kane watches one of them, looks at the droplet moving in irregular ways, combining with another drop, just to then combine with a third and fall away entirely...

---An urge hits him, just like that; The bottom windows open on the right, is what Dr. Harrow said to him mere moments ago - not too far, only a foot or two, but they do open, and Kane could, in theory, get a feel of the outside world. Could experience it instead of just... watching it. Could become a part of it, even if only for a brief moment of time.

An inhale of air, a decision being made - Kane begins to look over those windows, finds one of the bottom ones; It takes him a few seconds to figure out the mechanism, but once he knows how to actually open them, that's what he does. He's mindful of the fact that they won't open too far, isn't pushing with force - only moves said window until resistance follows, to which his hand lets go...

Kane lowers himself into a crouching position, tilts his head; A second of hesitation, a gaze that's thrown over at Harrow, almost as if wanting to... assure him, in a way. Hoping to make the other understand that Kane isn't going to leave, isn't going to try and make his way out of here...

Because all he does is to roll up the sleeve on one of his arms, followed by him pushing the very same arm through the opened window - until all of his uncovered skin is exposed to the elements.

The sensation he experiences is strong in nature, immediate, honest; Water hits his arm, one drop after another, and a breeze of wind causes goosebumps to appear just moments after. It doesn't take long before the whole of that exposed arm is covered in rain water, tiny hairs standing erect; Kane lets out a small gasp, an exhale that tells more than a thousand words would, with his dark eyes now taking in the sight of himself...

Fingers stretch and splay, a palm pointing upwards, allowing some of the rain to pool there - create a small puddle within the creases of his skin.

And those mentioned dark eyes? Far from dark, but colorful instead - bright with the shimmer, shades of purple, pink, red, blue and green swirling within usually so brown irises.

It feels... intense. Good. It feels good.

Kane sighs, gaze turning heavy-lidded, a little unfocused.

Arthur gave a small nod, paired with a rare smile. Not only was Kane’s logic sound, it was familiar; rain was a fleeting thing, something that had to be seen now or possibly never. And he had a longing to see it - something gentle, something innocent and hopeful. There were only so many beautiful things in the world, Arthur knew - the rain would be far more beautiful than this room. 

Arthur would have made the same choice. 

He nodded once, carefully, reaching for the next panel. The next door hissed open, the hallway greeting them; it was almost too big, too open. It was institutional, as it was supposed to be - the kind of place built without comfort in mind, instead favoring efficiency. 

The floors were a dark concrete, sealed with a dull epoxy and scuffed from years of traffic. The walls were yellowed, off-white in a way that made them look a little dirty, despite the fact that everything was cleaned and sterilized daily. The lighting above was recessed, humming with energy, a mechanical buzz that Arthur had long since tuned out. 

There was no scent, past the vague smell of bleach. 

Arthur stepped out first, careful on the cane, trusting the other to follow. It would be a short walk - two turns, one left and one right - down hallways that all looked identical. They rarely passed doors, but all of them were heavy metal ones that didn’t react to anything except the security panels. Occasionally there were signs on the walls - ‘Testing A’, ‘Storage 3A’, ‘Do Not Enter’ - cameras blinked above at every corner, but Arthur’s pace never faltered. 

Confidence would get them through this without repercussion, he was certain. 

It only took a couple minutes, but they stopped in front of a narrow door. This one had a keypad rather than a scanner, Arthur entering the code by memory. The door clicked open, revealing the room - it wasn’t much. 

The room was pitiful, even, in the way government spaces often were. A set of plastic chairs crowded around a laminate table - a vending machine stood in the corner, the kind that rattled and buzzed and hadn’t been stocked properly in months. A microwave sat near it, stained and old - the only other thing was a stack of paper cups, mixed types, likely just placed there for lack of a better storage space. 

The window was, easily, the best part of the room. It stretched across the entirety of the far wall, reinforced glass sitting in a thick concrete frame. Outside, the wetlands fanned out like a painting. Dark green reeds swayed in the breeze, the soil was heavy with rain; the water fell from the sky in thin ribbons, adding to the large puddles on the ground. 

There was a heron off in the distance, standing in the shallow water, seemingly unbothered by the rain. 

“You can touch the glass, if you want,” Arthur said, gesturing to the window. He grabbed one of the plastic chairs, bringing it toward the window and letting himself sit. “The bottom windows open, on the right - they only open a foot or two, so don’t force it.” They opened outward, like miniature doors, but they were made to not open all the way. Kane could likely slip through, if he truly wanted to - but Arthur wasn’t all that worried about an escape attempt. 

"... Do you like it?"