#whistling brook

[cressida-jayoungr]

One Dress a Day Challenge

October: Black Redux

Darling Lili / Julie Andrews as Lili Smith/Schmidt

This is the costume Lili wears for her opening performance of "Whistling Away the Dark." The black dress is meant to blend with the backdrop, and the song opens with a tight spotlight on just her head and shoulders, making it look as if her head and the sparkly collar are floating in midair. Later, the spotlight pulls back to include the rest of her gown, picking out the silver designs around the cuffs and skirt as well. It's pretty magical, and the song is beautiful too.

[firstdivisiongirl]

Tuesday Confessions

Ace and Law are the two one piece boys my sister says I’m most like. Idk if it’s a good thing, buts a polar opposite combination.

My favorite underrated anime is Tiger and Bunny! It’s so good. It’s on Netflix!

I’m a big Kpop fan. My favorites are BTS, Stray Kids, and Blackpink.

My favorite season is fall. I hate weather that is too hot or too cold.

I like snow and rain because I actually sleep better when one of those two are happening.

My favorite food is sushi!

I can’t whistle.

The most embarrassing thing that ever happened to me when I was on a cruise. I was walking up open stairs. I lost my flip flop and hit a guy in the head. So beware of flying flip flops!!!

[ddjsocxcanonrambles]

Somehow I crave for some nap/sleepytime romantic f/os imagines with both Al and Brook (or sometimes sleepy headcanons LOL)

I’m a sucker for these since I do tend to take naps and thinking about it makes me want to snuggle my two silly guys.

Especially how they snore and I’ll melt if one of them snore whistles, or legit get knocked when they get lulled to sleep by a lullaby ( like rockabye baby *Blushes hard*)

Anyways have a great day and *Snores 😴*

[zhelin-thames]

Now pay interest - 10% per year

Masterpost

As the Bat-family processed what had just happened, Jason was already plotting.

“So,” Jason began, a wicked grin spreading across his face, “does this mean we have a ghost King in the family now? Because I’ve got so many questions.”

“Focus, Todd,” Damian snapped, though his own curiosity was evident in his furrowed brow. “That... entity was clearly powerful. Father, why did you not inform us of this connection sooner?”

Bruce didn’t even glance up from his computer. “It was irrelevant.”

“Irrelevant?” Dick exclaimed, gesturing wildly. “A glowing ghost guy just popped out of a portal in our cave to collect a debt, and you think it’s irrelevant?”

Tim, typing furiously, pulled up the mission logs from Bruce’s early years. “Okay, I think I found the mission in Prague where this all went down. It says here... wait. Danny wasn’t just some guy you ran into. You trained with him in the League of Assassins?”

Steph leaned over Tim’s shoulder to read. “Wait, what?! He’s an assassin ghost King?”

Jason let out a low whistle. “This just gets better and better.”

Duke raised his hand, hesitant. “Uh, just a thought… if he’s the Ghost King, doesn’t that mean he has control over, like, all ghosts? Including... uh, Lazarus Pits?”

Everyone froze. Slowly, they all turned to Bruce, whose expression darkened slightly.

“Yes,” Bruce admitted reluctantly.

“Holy crap,” Jason said, leaning back with a stunned look. “He’s the reason the Pits freaked me out after I came back, isn’t he? I thought it was just the resurrection thing, but you knew he was tied to them!”

Bruce’s silence was answer enough.

“I want to meet him,” Cass signed firmly.

“Seconded,” Duke added. “He seems cool.”

“No,” Bruce said, finally standing and cutting through the rising chatter. His tone was firm, brooking no argument. “Danny is not someone you want to get involved with.”

But before Bruce could elaborate, the room was bathed in green light again.

Danny reappeared, now sitting cross-legged in mid-air, holding what looked like a spectral clipboard. “Forgot one thing,” he announced casually.

Bruce’s glare could have burned through steel. “What now?”

Danny smirked. “I want interest. Fifteen years is a long time to wait for sixteen bucks. So let’s say... ten percent per year?”

Jason cackled as the rest of the family broke out into laughter. Even Damian couldn’t entirely suppress a smirk.

Bruce pinched the bridge of his nose again. “I’m not paying you interest.”

Danny shrugged, grinning. “Guess I’ll have to stick around until you do. Hope you’ve got extra space, because I’m moving in.”

The Batcave erupted into chaos. Jason and Steph cheered, Tim frantically calculated how much Bruce technically owed, and Bruce’s patience reached its breaking point.

“Fine,” Bruce growled. “But you’re staying in the guest room.”

Danny floated down, looking entirely too smug. “Deal. Now, who’s up for pizza? I’m starving.”

[chibinasuu]

My Jolly Sailor Bold | Straw Hats x Reader

★ requested by @supernatural-hunter1 (see here)

Summary: You found yourself humming an old song from your childhood as you mend the sails of the Thousand Sunny Tags: sfw, platonic straw hats x reader, GN but written with F!Reader in mind, no use of y/n

The Thousand Sunny floated on the open ocean, in near stillness due to the absence of the sails upon its masts.

You sat on the deck, humming a tune as old as time as you deftly thread a needle through the vast fabric draped all around you, sewing shut a large tear down its length.

A run-in with particularly violent weather had caused some damage to the ship, forcing the crew to momentarily stop in the middle of the now-calm waters for emergency repairs. Franky and Usopp were fixing the splintered railing, and Jinbe had just returned from his underwater inspection below the ship to check for leaks in the hull. Meanwhile, the others were clearing up the deck from debris brought over by the storm.

Your fingers danced upon the sail on autopilot – in and out, in and out. It had become your responsibility to mend the sails anytime damage occurred, even though you knew that Robin, with her powers, could do the job in seconds. But whenever the crew was not in a hurry, you found yourself volunteering for the task, finding it enjoyable and even calming.

Your hums slowly turned into song as you recalled the words to the tune, passed on long ago by your mother, and her mother before her, and her mother before her. 

“Come all you pretty fair maids, whoever you may be. 

Who love a jolly sailor that ploughs the raging sea” 

The faint call of the seabirds flying high above complimented your voice, and the slow hammering of your hard-working shipwright provided a steady beat of accompaniment as you continued to softly sing, 

“While up aloft in storm, from me his absence mourn

And firmly pray, arrive the day, he's never more to roam”

Some of the crew members near you had started to notice your somber melodies, hands unwittingly pausing in their tasks as if enchanted by a siren’s voice.

“My heart is pierced by Cupid

I disdain all glittering gold

There is nothing–”

You abruptly stopped singing as you became aware of the sudden silence that washed over the deck. You looked up to see all of your crewmates watching you intently with fond smiles on their faces. Heat spread to your cheeks in embarrassment at their attention, and you covered your face with the sail you were stitching. 

“Oh, please don’t stop, darling!” Sanji cooed loudly, “Please let me hear your wonderful voice again!”

Brook came over to you and remarked, “What a beautifully haunting song. I’ve never heard it before in all my life – or death! Yo ho ho ho!”

The musician pulled out his violin, trying to replicate the melodies based only on what he heard you sing. You helped him by humming the notes, and with the repetitive nature of the song, it only took an instant for the maestro to pick it up. 

With Brook’s silent encouragement, you joined in the violin’s serenade, singing verse after verse of the song for the small audience.

“There is nothing can console me

But my Jolly Sailor Bold.”

The crew broke out in enthusiastic claps, wolf-whistles, and cheers as the song reached its end. You laughed sheepishly and took a playful bow, before shooing everyone back to their respective chores. 

The catchy song seemed to have wormed its way into your crewmates’ heads, and over the next few days, you caught some of them absentmindedly humming the tune, or singing it with jumbled words as they have yet to memorize the lyrics. 

Your heart warmed whenever you heard the melodies coming from your crewmates’ lips, breathing a new life to the previously half-forgotten song – a piece of your hometown carried over to your new home.

↳ masterlist

[bal-bullier]

Alma Thomas

Babbling Brook and Popular Brook whistling Trees symphony (1976)

[gojo-mochi]

(´ε｀ )♡ Thinkin about a very clingy Zoro

CW: Sort of Yandere/Nonestablished Relationship. Noncon/dubcon. Fem!Reader

He's not vocal about his clinginess, more of a action man instead. Since you were first accepted in the crew, he wasn't all that welcoming compared to the rest of the crew. Especially Sanji who quickly warmed up to you, making you your favorites dishes and drinks on the night to celebrate your arrival in the crew. You were playing around with Chopper and Usopp when you felt someone sit in the seat right next to you, looking to your left you find the green-haired swordsman chugging down a mug of beer.

His eye lazily glanced down at you with his one good eye, slamming down his mug, making you jump a bit in your seat. He raised an eyebrow at that.

"Didn't think our new crewmate would be so jumpy." He snorted, making your face heat up and your blood boil a bit. Usopp waves him off, "Oh, come on! We all can't be power monsters like you guys. I, for one, am glad to add another person who has common sense to our crew!" He quickly changes the mood by taking your hand in his and pulling you to the dance floor, Chopper following suit. The three of you hold hands in a circle and started jumping around. You quickly forgot about that small interaction with Zoro, but that entire night he never took his eye off of you.

You soon realized that Zoro is just a bit rough around the edges and mostly blunt but he doesn't mean any real harm. Still, you keep your distance mostly from him, opting to hang out with Chopper or Usopp instead. There was just something about the way he looks at you, like he was eyeing down a prey, it makes your spine shiver anytime you glance his way and catch him staring back.

Maybe he was still untrusting of you? It would make sense, he is the first mate, he gotta protect his crew after all. That was the reason you told yourself at least, to justify all the time you caught Zoro just staring at you from afar or downright following you. You gotten slowly used to his presence, not jumping up in shock anymore, anytime he would sneak up behind you or placed a hand on your shoulder.

Zoro got warmer to you, you think at least. He's usually fighting beside you in battles, or walking close by when you're out shopping in town. A hand on your shoulder, moves to a hand down your back, to a hand on your waist. You figured after a while, he accepted you as a crewmate and was just overprotective of the newcomer. It didn't help you found Zoro kinda attractive, so you let him get away with the small touching he did.

And then the touching grew into more and more, and you found yourself not being able to voiced out concerns anymore. The other crewmate, beside Luffy, often giggled when they find the two of you together. Usopp and Franky would make kissy faces when Zoro would sit next to you at lunch. Sanji looks at you dejected from time to time, muttering under his breath, "What does she even see in that moss-brain idiot.."

It wasn't like you were dating Zoro, right? He never asked you out officially, he just always been there. Always...

And, now he was getting bold with his actions. When he's sleeping on the desk, resting his back on the side of the Sunny, he would sense you walking by and trips you on purpose. Making you land on his lap and holding you there. Letting out a huge yawn over your complaining and rolling over on top of you, if you were to squirm around too much. Brook would wolf-whistle if you kept on squirming while underneath Zoro, making you effectively stop all movement.

When it's his turn on the Crow Nest, Zoro would pick you up by the scuff of your shirt, dragging you away from whatever it was you're doing and make you go up there with him. He'll do the same when he's in training at the gym. Stating that he needs "help" with his workout. Though, you're not sure what you're helping by just sitting on his chest or back while he does his reps.

If you're in town or meeting other crews, Zoro would be behind you, or he'll have you tucked into his side, arms around you tight. Glaring at anyone who ever tries to look your way. All the other crews knew that you were 'Zoro's property' and not to mess with you, unless they wanted to end up on impaled on his swords.

He knew your routine to a T, what time you woke up, takes a shower, your daily tasks. And he would just be there at your side or if he had another task to do, he'll keep an eye on you, always...

He knew what you like and dislike, picking up small snacks and trinkets for you, dropping them off on your lap without a word. But looking down at you expectingly, like cat wanting praise for being their owner an offering. Though you were unsure who was the pet and who was the owner in this scenario, as somehow you ended up in Zoro's bed.

Dragged away once again, right after a bath night with the girls too. Nami giggled at the two of you and Robin told you to "Keep it safe." as she waves you off, the both of them seemingly ignoring the confused and panicked look on your face.

He smelt like musk and sweat and you idly wondered if he showered yet or just came to bed right after the gym. He was still shirtless as he presses you right up agaisnt his chest, his head buried on top of your hair. Snuffing at your scent, a deep rumble blooms in his chest as he squeezes you a bit tighter, his biceps trapping you in this position. He lets out a deep sigh, hands traveling down your body, grabbing and pinching at your skin.

Grunting out when you start to wiggle and struggle a bit in his grasp, accidentally brushing your knees right up against his hard on. He push his own knee right between your legs, forcing them apart as he makes you grind on his thigh. The thin pajamas short you were wearing did little to help against the friction it was causing, he flexes his thighs in a way that make you mewl out and dig your nails in his shoulders.

"Good girl.." He growls out, finally addressing you like a person and not some doll.

"Zo-Zoro, what are we-Mmph!" He silences you with a kiss, speeding up his movement and moving his hands down to grope at your ass. His tongue parting your lips open and invading your mouth hotly. You moan so sweetly underneath him like this, your back arching up into him as he remove one hand to ghost under your shirt, pinching at your nipples.

He parts away from you, and from the moonlight coming thru the window. You saw Zoro's face, flushed with a light pink, and his eye starting down at you. A deep dark desire swirling within them, he grins almost manically at you.

"I knew it... I always knew you wanted me too...haha.."

He moves back a bit to get both legs in between yours so he could spread you open even more. His hands gripping the soft flesh of your thighs and pushing it to your chest. Your hands clamber to stop him, heart racing over this fast exchange of events.

"You're gonna be punished for making me wait so long.."

[licorice-tea]

Don’t Fall In Love With Me (Yet) Pt. 3

Pairing: Trafalgar Law x reader

Content: reader wears a bathing suit (bikini top, shirtless, etc not specified!!!), a tiny amount of cursing, jealousy, a little hurt/comfort, gn reader, strawhat reader

Word Count: 1.5k

A/N: hey guys! sorry i’ve been sort of MIA for a few days, just got really busy and things. but, i finally had the time and energy to write today! law wants the reader so bad if you can’t tell… but he’s like waiting bc he’s unsure of how to the whole relationship, but like he’s learning!!! and they’re growing together!! so i hope you enjoy <3 (comment to be tagged in future parts!!!)

Part 2

It’s not uncommon for people to fall overboard on the Thousand Sunny. And by people, you mean Luffy, Chopper, and Brook. How was it that three out of the five devil fruit users currently on board were so clumsy? You weren’t quite sure, but it was something all the crew was accustomed to and therefore knew to watch out for.

On this occasion, it’s a Chopper who’s managed to be knocked into the sea below.

“Chopper, watch out!” Zoro calls to the young doctor, but it’s too late. He’s hit head on by a wooden plank under Franky’s arm. As the cyborg spins around in turning directions, he knocks the poor reindeer overboard.

“Shit! Quick, somebody go get him!” Nami commands.

You’re already stripping off your shirt and shoes (you’re wearing a bathing suit underneath, of course) as you run to the side of the ship. “On it!” The entire crew follows after you while Chopper is still falling, not even in the water yet. Your hands are on the railing ready to jump over, when you hear; “Room, Shambles” along with the sudden absence of Chopper’s scream. Sanji holds you back at the last second and helps you back down to the deck when you all realize; he’s back on the deck. The rest of your friends rush back to the center of the deck, where Chopper seems to be safe and sound. He clings on to his savior, Law’s leg, gasping and still catching his breath after his brush with death.

You and Sanji run to join the others, who are surrounding the youngest crewmates with hugs and crying. (You’re a very emotional group of people, after all.) Meanwhile, Law stands with his arms crossed off to the side. You run to him, instead, wrapping your arms around his neck in a brief hug.

“Thank you, Law.”

You could swear that you see a smile pass over his features before he coughs and shakes his head. “Don’t mention it.”

Laws hands remain on your hips after you’ve pulled back, and yours are still resting on his shoulders. You smile at him, and he wants nothing more than to just take your jaw in his hand and kiss you. The skin to skin contact from you being stripped down to your swimwear, and him shirtless as per usual, causes his cheeks and ears to flush a rosy hue.

Unfortunately, your rare, tender moment is disrupted by a low whistle, followed by teasing remarks and laughter. How could he have forgotten that your crew- your very obnoxious, childish, silly crew- is standing just feet away? Sure, you might not mind being so openly affectionate around them, but he does! So, with extreme awkwardness, he releases you and steps backwards.

*Ahem… I, uh…”

“They’re only, teasing, Law.” You laugh along with your friends.

He watches as you bound away from him and into the arms of your crewmates, playfully pushing them away as they sing some ridiculous song; “Law and y/n, sitting in a tree…” Even though you’re telling them off, he can’t help but feel a pang of jealousy at how naturally you fit in with all of them. How easily they make you smile and laugh- had you ever looked so happy in front of him? The whole ordeal makes him feel self conscious. “I could never make you as happy as your crew does,” he thinks. “And you would never leave them for me.”

That’s enough for him to storm off, too annoyed to even wave “bye.” Of course, you take notice of this. Surrounded by people a thousand times more boisterous than him, your eyes still remain drawn to his figure. You excuse yourself from the others and follow Law, calling after him.

“Law! Wait up!”

There’s evident surprise in his expression when he turns back. He pauses for you to catch up with him in a narrow corridor below deck, while you slip your shirt back over your head. “What is it?”

You quirk a brow- his tone is colder than it usually is (with you, at least.) Had the jokes from your fellow Strawhats really bothered him so much? “Uh… nothing, I just want to go with you.”

He hums and continues walking. “I’m not doing anything very fun. Just going to study.”

With a shrug, you continue following him. “Then I’ll catch up on my reading, too.”

When Law stops suddenly and turns to face you once more, you nearly bump into his chest. “You don’t have to coddle me, y/n.”

“…What?”

“Go have fun with your friends, I’m fine.”

“What are you talking about? They were just kidding about us, Law, it doesn’t mean anything.”

“That-That’s not what I’m talking about! You don’t have to follow me around and pretend like you enjoy being around me when it’s so obvious how much you love being with your crew.”

“Is that why you’re upset? You’re jealous because I love my crew?”

“I’m not jealous, I just don’t like being pitied.”

“I don’t pity you, Law. We’re friends- isn’t that a good enough reason to want to be around you?”

“I don’t believe you.”

You scoff. Sometimes, you forget how sensitive his ego is. “Well, it’s true.”

“Don’t lie to-“

“I’m not lying! God, why is it so hard to believe that I enjoy being with you? That I like you?”

He goes silent, and you stare at each other- both with fierce determination in your eyes.

“I know that you don’t always get along with them… and you’re different from them, but that doesn’t mean we can’t be friends, you know.”

“Well, you look really happy with them.”

“I’m happy with you, too.”

At that moment, Sanji rings the lunch bell, and Luffy and Usopp dash through the hall between you and Law. Usopp shouts, “Out of the way, lovebirds!” and you can’t help but giggle despite being in the midst of some sort of argument.

Law nods in their direction. “Go have fun.”

But, before he can walk away, you grab his hand. “Not without you.”

He would scowl if he weren’t so caught off guard by the feeling of your hand around his. With some grumbled reply, he complies, and trails after you all the way to the kitchen/dining room for lunch.

When you walk in and take your seat at the table, food is already being served. Law is right behind you (as he often is nowadays), so nobody pays the two of you much mind for being a little late. Sanji finishes serving everyone their plates, and the chatter begins to flow naturally once you’ve all taken the first bites of his delicious food. Law loosens up a little after a few minutes- it’s hard to stay angry when you eat Sanji’s food, after all. He makes a comment under his breath, hoping to clear the air between the two of you.

“This is nice.” You think he’s stating the obvious- Sanji’s food is always nice- as some cheap shot at an apology for his standoffish behavior. Then he adds, “Good food, too.” Law hopes that you’ll understand what he’s trying to say; “I don’t hate your friends, and I’m going to be better at getting along with them, for you.”

Luckily, your ability to read between the lines makes up for the lack of clarity in his apology. It still brings a bright smile to your face though, which grows into a grin after you reply. “It is, isn’t it?”

He simply smiles back at you and nods, a weight taken off his shoulders at the assurance you’re no longer at odds with him.

Robin takes notice of the quiet exchange, and decided to poke fun in her usual eerily-observant way; “You seem to be adept at making y/n smile, Law.”

Nami agrees, and adds on to the teasing; “Awww look! They have hearts in their eyes!”

Law’s cheeks flush as you launch into animated banter with Nami, but he still smiles to himself as he eats. Maybe it’s not so bad, learning to fit into your life alongside your crew family. The archeologist and navigator are right that you do seem especially happy around him, he had just been too preoccupied with how that happiness compares to the way you are with them. Still, it seems they had all taken notice of the increasingly obvious affection growing between the two of you. So, Law would learn to be more accommodating of your people- and to be less jealous (not that he ever was jealous, that’s just silly), rather than force you to favor one or the other.

After all, they were rooting for his relationship with you just as much as he was.

[gatitties]

HELLO HELLO!! I hope ur having a good life!

Can I get a strawhats x teen!Reader where the reader doesn’t talk cuz their too shy? The reader still interacts with them but just doesn’t use their voice, they interact by using expressions, actions(hugging the crew aww), grunting and sighing, from the actions the reader has done the crew knows they are a sweet kid and just want to help. The reader is scared to talk cuz they feel like their an awkward person and don’t want to say anything out of place and one day they decide to do it and they tell the crew why their too shy!

Udhfueihfhs take ur time with this and enjoy life pls and tyyy!!!

─Strawhats x teen!reader (platonic)

─Summary: you surprise the crew by talking longer than you ever did because of your shyness

─Warnings: none

here it iss, I hope you have a good life too! 😋

─ Everyone thought you were mute when you joined the crew.

─ It took them a week to hear your first words, after that Luffy pressured you to talk more because he thought if you don't talk it was because you were mad at them.

─ Nami put him in his place with a good blow, the others understood that you prefer not to speak for whatever reason, if you didn't want to say it you were within your rights.

─ The truth is that you did not feel too comfortable using your voice, you preferred to express your thoughts or feelings through actions, it seemed much more comfortable to you.

─ When you take more confidence you start to use grunts or light whistles, somehow you manage to communicate with them through a strange sign language.

─ Robin will probably ask you more than once the reasons for your refusal to speak, but she will not pressure you, she usually gives you paper and a pen so that you can communicate more easily when it is difficult for you.

─ Usopp, Chopper and Franky will write down everything they learn from your gestures to understand you better, as if they were learning a new language on their own.

─ Luffy and Zoro… they're trying their hardest, they never quite understand your hand movements or interpretations, but they're better at reading your eyes, so one look is enough for them to know what you want, at least in most occasions.

─ Sanji had no problems relating to you either, he knew how to read body language very well and he knew how to win your trust quickly thanks to his cooking.

─ Nami, Brook and Jinbe don't seem to have much trouble understanding you, they were probably the first to hear you speak for the first time for so long.

─ With the passage of time you gained enough courage and affection to talk to everyone, you felt bad thinking that they didn't know why you didn't talk and you thought they deserved at least one explanation.

─ When you explained that you were too shy to use your voice and you didn't want to blurt out bad comments, they all laughed at you, not in a bad way of course, they knew you would never say anything hurtful on purpose.

─ Although they already accepted that you were not a person of many words, they understood the reason from another perspective, at least from now on they got used to listening to your voice a little more, although you preferred to remain silent, you gained more confidence to speak more often.

[ythankucaptainmccoy]

The Cowgirl and The Aviator Ch6

Alright shits about to go down so hold onto your butts! Also hoping you all are enjoying these two as much as I do. I feel like this chapter is rushed IDK. @smoothdogsgirl WARNINGS: Minor Character Death, Military inaccuracies and Mentions of nudity

When you woke the next morning Jake was still asleep on your chest. You didn’t have the heart to wake him up so you watched him until you fell back asleep. Jake woke a couple hours later and listened to you breathing. He eventually got up and ordered breakfast to be delivered. When it arrived Jake got everything sat out on the kitchen table. Jake walked back to the bedroom and leaned against the doorway taking in the way the sun graced your face.

He didn’t want to wake you, but he also didn’t want the food to be cold. “(Y/N) darlin’ food is in the kitchen”, he drawled. You woke slowly blinking up at him then smiled before pulling him down for a kiss. “I’ll be there in just a moment”, you replied. He grinned and headed back to the kitchen. You went to the bathroom to relieve your protesting bladder. When you finally made it to the kitchen Jake was chewing on some bacon. 

You walked over and sat in his lap as his shoulders started moving with a laugh. “You know I have chairs”, he says. “Yeah but your lap is more comfortable”, you giggle. You both enjoy breakfast and every once in a while feed each other something to try. You had to admit you never thought a guy could be so gentle and tender. “What are we gonna’ do today babe?”, you asked. “Up to you I don’t mind as long as I can spend the day with you”, Jake whispers into your ear.

You laugh but try to think of things you both could do. “How about we go sightseeing then go to a club downtown tonight”, you suggest. “Sounds like fun”, he replies. You sneak back to Bradleys apartment grabbing some clothes and heading back to Jake’s apartment. “I’m going to shower real quick”, you explain. He nods as you get into the shower and wash your hair then lather yourself with soap. 

You hear the bathroom door open and the curtain pulls back allowing Jake to step in with you. “Figured we could save water and shower together”, he tells you. There is nothing sexual about it and it’s a relaxing shower as you both wash the night off. When you both get out and dry off you head back to the bedroom to get dressed for the day. Jake gets the truck started as you take a moment to get your phone and wallet from the nightstand. As he drives you grab his open hand as the radio plays a Garth Brooks song.

“That’s something I would like to do again”, you say. “What’s that?”, he asks. “Going to a rodeo. I used to run barrels when I was younger, but when I went off to college all that changed”, you explain. “Tell ya’ what if you ever come with me back to Texas I’ll take you to a rodeo”, he says. “I would love to” you respond. The rest of the day is filled with going to historic landmarks and Jake taking you by the base as you both watch Jets take off. 

Lunch came and went as you ate on the tailgate watching the beach scene. Then you both decided to go back to the apartment to get changed into something more club appropriate. You change into a beautiful black strapless dress that Nat had also insisted on you getting the last time you went shopping. It showed off your curves, you styled your hair and put on some lip gloss. You had to admit Nat was right, you looked damn good and you couldn’t wait to go out.

Jake was still in his jeans but the t-shirt seemed a size small and he paired it with a black leather jacket with his all too familiar aviator sunglasses. If you weren’t going to the club you would jump him right now. Jake looked you up and down whistling as you blushed like mad. “Darlin that dress is killin’ me”, he tells you. “Well let’s go before we change our minds”, you laugh. With that you both get back into the truck and head downtown to a local club.

It’s not very busy which is nice and leaves plenty of space on the dance floor. “What do you want to drink sweetheart?”, Jake questions. “I’ll take a rum n’ coke”, you reply. He goes up to the bar to order your drinks and you look around taking in your surroundings. You look at the crowd on the dance floor and across the floor you swear you see your ex, but before you can get a good look Jake comes back with your drink.

“What’s wrong?”, Jake asks. “I thought I saw someone I recognized, but I must be mistaken”, you reply. You sip at your drink as Jake drinks his beer and once finished with your drinks head out to the dance floor. It does surprise you that Jake can dance and you enjoy every moment of it. You take in his smile, the way he makes you feel and how carefree he is. You do this with a little nagging in your brain saying this could be the last time you see him like this and it makes your stomach feel uneasy.

You push that thought out of your head and get closer to him. At some point you turn around as Jake’s hands find your hips and pull you back to him. He kisses your neck as your fingers find the back of his neck as you both continue to sway with the music. You spend the evening like this and end up leaving the club around nine since he has to be up early. On the way back to his apartment he hands you a key. 

“What’s this for?”, you ask. “It’s the spare key to my apartment. That way you can come over whenever you want even if I’m gone”, he tells you. “Thank you”, you say. He has no idea how much it means to you, but you intend to show him. When you get back to the apartment Bradley is parking at the same time. When you get out Bradley bristles like a feral cat seeing another cat in his territory. “So what’s going on between you two?”, he asks. “Well I took my girlfriend out before we ship out tomorrow”, Jake says, but you can see the dig he is trying to get in at Bradley.

“Girlfriend?! (Y/N) please tell me he’s joking”, Bradley exclaims. “He asked me last night and I said yes Bradley. Don’t act like it’s such a big deal”, you huff. “So he asks you right before we go on a mission he may not come back from”, Bradley argues. “Bradley, I know the risks of dating an aviator. I think you forget that you weren’t the only one to lose a father to flying”, you seeth. Bradley seems to deflate at that, but you hug him even though he is being a jerk.

“I want you both to watch out for each other while you're out there”, you say to both men. “I can do that, but only for you”, Bradley says. “Anything for you darlin’ “, Jake responds. After that little agreement you take Jake’s hand and make your way into his apartment. You both get ready for bed and you automatically cling to Jake’s side. “I didn’t know your father was a pilot”, Jake murmurs as he strokes your head. 

“Yeah we traveled from base to base back east, but ended up settling at the naval base in Virginia”, you reply. “If it’s too much I understand, but how did you lose him?”, Jake asked. “He was away on a mission. They ran into enemy fighters and my dad chose to sacrifice his life for his friend. For the longest time I hated his friend because I didn’t understand at the time, but when I got a little older I found out that he had just gotten married and was expecting his first child. Then I understood why my dad did what he did”, you replied.

Jake felt a tear hit his chest and he pulled you onto him to kiss you. He gently wiped away those tears as he continued to kiss you. “Your dad sounded like a brave man”, he told you. “Yeah he was, but please don’t let the rivalry between you and Rooster come between you all when you're in the air”, you begged. “I swear to you we are a team when we’re up there. I don’t want to lose any of my team even if they can be a pain in the ass”, he jokes. It reaffirms what you thought before that Jake puts on the front he doesn’t care, but in reality he cares a great deal.

That gets a small laugh out of you and you go back to being tucked into his side with your head resting over his heart. The rhythm lulls you into sleep for the night as Jake takes a little longer to fall asleep. He thinks about it and he has never really had a reason to come back from a mission, but now even with this whirlwind romance as his sister would call it he did. It takes a little while longer, but hearing you breath and feeling you there helps him to fall into a deep sleep. 

When the alarm goes off in the morning you groan, but Jake is already getting out of bed to get ready. You eventually get up as he goes straight for the shower. You join him and share several kisses while you both get ready for his departure. “You want to drop me off and pick me up when I get back?”, he asks. “Yeah I can do that”, you say, going to get your keys. When you get down to the parking lot you realize Bradley was already gone. You drive him where he directs you to go to drop him off. 

He got out to grab his stuff and turned to you as you pulled him in for the longest kiss you had ever had. When you went to pull away he chased your lips for a couple more. Jake could see your eyes were shining with unshed tears, but he had to go or he would be in big trouble. “I’ll see you when I get back darlin’. Wait for me?”, he asked. “I’ll wait as long as I have to”, you replied. He gave a two finger salute and walked away as you finally let the tears fall from your eyes. You watched him until he was out of sight then got back in your truck to drive back to the apartment. 

It didn’t feel right to go back to Jake’s apartment when he wasn’t there so you went to Bradleys. It felt so different with Bradley gone to. You had to work tonight so you got an outfit ready and waited until it was time to go in. The rest of the week was much of the same of going to work, coming home using the day to clean, rinse and repeat. Friday was the hardest because everytime you looked at the pool table it was empty of the people you had come to care about. 

You were scrolling through social media when a video popped up about sending your significant other a raunchy photo and seeing their replies. That got you thinking so you decided to hatch a plan. Getting your phone set up perfectly you changed into a new red two piece lingerie set you had bought and took several pictures in different poses. You ended up picking the picture of yourself posed on your knees looking up into the camera, but the angle had a clear view of the whole outfit. 

You looked so innocent and you knew that it would have Jake chomping at the bit to be there. After you grabbed some paper and a pen you wrote a quick letter and put it in the envelope. Next stop was to get the picture printed. You had never been so nervous to print your own photos at a self service kiosk. Afraid that someone would see as you tried to print it as fast as possible. Once printed you bought some stamps and mailed it to the address that Jake had given you.

He had told you he would be gone for at least a month so it was going to have to do until he could come see you in person. Two weeks went by faster than you expected and coming home one night from your shift at the Hard Deck you noticed Bradley’s apartment door standing open. When you looked it was clear that someone had broken in and you immediately called the police. They checked over everything then had you go in to confirm if anything was missing. 

The only thing you found that was missing was a couple pairs of underwear and bras. The police told you they would patrol the area, but it may be best for you to stay somewhere until the door was fixed. You ended up deciding to stay in Jake’s apartment, but it didn’t ease the fear that whoever had broken in and stole your things wasn’t still out there watching and waiting. 

When you told Penny she made sure that you always texted her when you made it back to the apartment. You couldn’t wait for Jake and Bradley to be home because at least them being here would help you feel safer. You only had a couple more weeks to go, but you sent a letter to Bradley to let him know what had happened and that the door had been replaced. You hoped they were doing okay and that they were safe.

The next week went by pretty much the same and you had been taking care of both apartments although you had been sleeping in Jake’s bed. It smelled like him and it helped to relax you after all that had happened. You even did Jake and Bradley’s clothes that had been in the hampers. Folding them and putting them in their respective drawers. You then did a deep clean of both apartments that weekend.

Jake sat down across from Rooster as someone came in yelling mail. Jake didn’t expect anything as Bradley was handed an envelope. To his surprise his name was called and an envelope placed in his hand. He would recognize (Y/N)’s writing anywhere as he stared at the envelope. “What the fuck!”, Rooster cursed. “What?”, Jake asked. “(Y/N)’s letter said someone broke into my apartment and that my door had to be replaced, she said she wasn’t home when it happened”, Rooster relayed. Jake didn’t like that one bit and opened his letter as something fluttered to the floor.

“Shit”, he cursed. He bent down and picked it up realizing it was wrapped in a small self made envelope. He decided to read the letter first, 

“Dear Jake,

I hope you and Bradley are safe out there and return soon. Penny has given me some extra hours to keep me busy, but it only helps a little. I sent a little something in a handmade envelope that I hope you love because it took me several times to get the right look. When you get back maybe you can see it for yourself. Can’t wait until you're back home!

Your Girl,

                                                                                                               (Y/N)

P.S. I HAVE OTHER COLORS WAITING FOR YOU ;)

Jake opened the small handmade envelope and realized it was a photo. When he pulled it out his body was hot and his brain went into overdrive. There you were on your knees looking up innocently and in a red two piece lingerie set. Damn you were trying to kill him before he even made it back home to you. He quickly put the photo into his pocket on his shirt to keep anyone from seeing it. He couldn’t wait to get back home to you, but when he made it back to his room he wrote a letter back.

Penny was calling your name as you read the letter for the hundredth time. He had stated that everyone was doing okay and that he was tired as hell. He also made it known that he couldn’t wait to see you and the lingerie set in person. “(Y/N) are you okay?”, Penny asked. “Oh yeah. I’m sorry that I have been distracted”, you reply. “It’s okay I get it I still get that way when Pete is out there”, she tells you. “Do you think you can close tonight? I have to go pick up Amelia”, she says. 

“Yeah I can close tonight”, you respond. You continue to work until closing as one of the bartenders asks if you’ll be okay by yourself. You told her you would be fine and started taking inventory. You played some music on the jukebox as you swept and mopped. The bartenders had cleaned their stations so you just had to wipe down the bar tops and tables. The whole time it felt like you were being watched, but you shook it off and finished up. 

You kept feeling like you were being watched as you got into your truck. You made it to the apartments and went into Jake’s apartment still not feeling safe in Bradley’s. You showered and got ready for bed making a late night snack. When you climbed into the bed you noticed that Jake’s scent was starting to fade. You grabbed his pillow that still smelled like his shampoo and hugged it to your chest as you tried to sleep not knowing that Jake and Rooster were about to experience something they hadn’t before.

“Keep up speed we should make it out of enemy airspace without being detected”, Rooster called over the radio. “Dagger squad you have two bogies approaching your position”, overwatch relayed. “Rooster, we have to pick up the pace”, Jake told him. “Alright hold on guys, we’re gonna’ turn and burn”, Rooster replied. They increased speed but the wingman following Jake panicked. “Guys you're going too fast we can’t keep up”, Banshee said. “You’re gonna have too, those bogies are going to intercept us if we don’t”, Rooster called back. Jake knew this was bad, but they had already destroyed the target and were almost home free.

The open ocean a couple miles from the carrier. “Holy fuck I’m hit I’m hit!”, Banshee yelled as his WSO Fluke was panicking as well as calling out all the failures. “I’m coming back Banshee! Just hang in there!”, Jake yelled. “Hangman, I'm coming. Phoenix continue to the carrier”, Rooster ordered. They both intercepted the bogies as Rooster was able to shoot one with a missile. “Shit he has a lock on me!”, Banshee yelled. “Smoke in the air! SMOKE IN THE AIR”, Fluke screamed. “DEPLOY FLARES”, Banshee yelled.

“I CAN’T THEY AREN’T WORKING”, Fluke yelled back. Jake opened fire trying to hit the missile, but missed by a hair as Rooster had tone and fired a missile at the bogie. The bogie deployed flares as Banshee and Fluke yelled out one last time as their jet exploded. “NOOO”, Jake screamed. “HANGMAN I COULD USE SOME HELP”, Rooster screamed through the headset. Rooster was using evasive maneuvers and had just deployed flares to avoid the missile. 

“HANGMAN WHERE ARE YOU?!”, Rooster screamed. “I’VE GOT YOU” Jake yelled as he fired a missile. The bogie deployed flares as he turned to go after Jake. “SHIT ROOSTER BOGIE IS ON MY SIX”, Jake informed. Jake had deployed all his flares by the time Rooster was on top of the bogie. “I NEED YOU TO HOLD STEADY SO I CAN TAKE THIS GUY OUT”, Rooster called out. “ARE YOU CRAZY!”, Jake responded. Jake looked down at the photo he had placed in his cockpit.

It was the one of you in your sundress on the beach staring out into the ocean smiling. If he was going to die he wanted to go looking at your photo. Rooster fired and the bogie couldn’t evade in time as the missile made contact. “SPLASH BOGIE! SPLASH BOGIE!” Rooster confirmed. Jake let out a breath he didn’t know he was holding and headed back to the carrier with Rooster. When they landed they were immediately debriefed and let go to get some rest. 

Jake, Rooster, Phoenix and Bob sat there knowing that it could have easily been Payback and Fanboy had they not gotten injured. Hell it could have been any of them. It was somber as they all went to their rooms. Jake shared one with Rooster as he climbed into his bunk. He pulled out the photo he had in the cockpit and broke down as he realized he could have died today. He didn’t cry because of his near death today, but the fact that if he had died you would have been devastated. 

You just felt heavy as you willed yourself to go back to sleep. Jake and the others should be back soon and you couldn’t wait to be able to hold Jake again. You grabbed Jake’s pillow again and curled around it. You were wearing one of his t-shirts and it was just as soothing as holding onto his pillow. “Jake come home please”, you whispered. Sleep consumed you within minutes as you dreamed about him coming home.

[aachria]

Wait so is Ed from 2023?? Like did they come here when the fic first came out or are they just from the vaguely undisclosed present?

For instance, if Ed had just beat ts out of someone and they went “this is gonna ruin the tour” before coughing up a lung and dying, would Ed understand the reference or js think they were having a mental break?

I need to know lest my neurodivergent ass fries it’s last braincell thinking about it.

Ed is in fact canonically from April 2023 when the fic was posted.

Let me be so for real with you though that was a YEAR AGO and I Cannot for the life of me remember what stupid internet shit I was saying at the time or what was a meme when so I really do just be out here referencing shit that Ed absolutely has no idea about. Like that little shit has never heard of the Glasgow Willy Wonka experience. Ed has never bore witness to the Josh Hutcherson whistle edit. ED DOESN’T KNOW ABOUT WHAT HAPPENED GOJO. Do you honestly belive I was going around calling people babygirl and pookie and saying shit like slay Queen pussy boss when I started writing this???? No. But I put it in the fic anyways because it’s FUCKING FUNNY.

So anyway I would absolutely do that. Like are you kidding me you don’t think post timeskip the crew will be running from the Marines and Ed will just be clinging to Brook screaming “THIS WILL RUIN THE TOUR!!!! THE WORLD TOUR!!!!!!!!!!!” like a manic? Of course they will.

Time isn’t real and I live by the rule of cool. If it makes me laugh my ass off, I’m not letting something as lame as the continuity of the timeline get in my way.

[livingtobethevillain]

I read a really good fic recently that had the premise of Damian sneaking out and doing graffiti at night to get away from the house and basically he makes friends with the street kids in the area. (Colin is an established friend from the beginning)

Obviously I loved this idea.

So I made my own, more angsty twist on it ofc.

This is bad dad Bruce btw.

So my idea is as follows. Bruce is a piece of shit and really neglectful and emotionally/verbally abusive. All of damians siblings are moved out and only visit occasionally when outside of masks. As a coping mechanism Damian starts sneaking out on the nights he doesn't patrol. Whether it be because Bruce benched him for a stupid reason or whatever else. While out and about he stumbles across some kids of varying ages. They're loud and playfully shoving each other around but Damian notes the joy and contentedness. Damian then notes that they're doing some graffiti on the front of an abandoned church. The closer Damian gets the more he notices what the piece is shaping up to be. It's a protest piece advocating for gay rights from the looks of it. It's not finished but it's already impressive and eye catching.

One of the older teenagers, around damians age, notices him and immediately whistles to get the attention of the other people making up the group. They suddenly seem tense. Damian knows it's because he's an outsider. He says the first thing that comes to mind.

"I like the art. It's very impressive." He's a bit awkward and there's a bit of a standstill where everyone is sizing each other up but then the older teenager who damian noted before smiles crookedly and barks out a laugh.

"Thanks man. You ever done this before?"

And before Damian knows what's happening he's being brought forward and into the group. After awhile the group relaxes and they're back to the rowdiness and warmth from before.

Damian for the first time in a long time, or since his siblings stopped coming around, felt good. He felt at peace. He didn't have to walk on eggshells here. He didn't have to be anyone but himself. These kids laughed at his dry sarcasm and accepted and understood the ugly temper he carried.

Damian felt safe.

Ironic that it's with a bunch of strangers in back alleys that he feels safe with and not with his own father.

From then on the relationships between Damian and the group grows. (They all come from a variety of places locally. Whether that be the nearby orphanage, local shelters, or their own homes they needed to get away from for a bit.)

Damian gets close to one girl in particular. She introduced herself by the name Brooke. She was the one who whistled to get the groups attention upon first coming across Damian. Damian knew from observing interactions that Brooke was like a leader for the older kids and role model for the younger. Most looked up to and respected her a healthy amount.

Damian and Brooke are around the same age. Damian being 16 and Brooke 17. From a first glance they seemed like opposites. Brooke being extroverted, eccentric, warm and reckless. But looking closer they were more similar than anything. Both headstrong, intelligent, determined, and natural born leaders.

At this point Damian has been sneaking out for a little over a year. It's been noticed by his siblings how damians been benched almost constantly. When asked Bruce just replies its punishment for how Damians been acting out as of recently and it's left at that. For now.

Damian dreads going home. Brooke's only half joking when she offers he crash at her place. The group knows he's Damian Al Ghul-Wayne. They also know about Bruce Wayne. Playboy, billionare, and His shitty dad.

Then Damian and Bruce get into a massive argument. The house practically shakes with how loud the screaming is. Venomous insults and bitter hatred is thrown back and forth but it all comes to a head when suddenly Damians head is whipping to the side. The room goes still. Damians face is hot to the touch from where Bruce had struck him across the face. Damian straightens and he feels himself shut down. He ignores his father's demands he come back and slams, locks and baracades his bedroom door behind him. He stuffs his necessities in a duffle bag and like a million times before he lugs himself out his bedroom window and climbs down to the ground. Then he leaves.

He had left all devices that could be tracked at Wayne manor. So he pulls out a burner phone and calls Brooke.

"Where are you?" He says bluntly.

"Whoa who pissed in your cereal this morning?" Brooke laughs but cuts herself off when Damian stays silent.

"I'm at home right now. Im babysitting my siblings while my mom's at work. Why? Are you okay?" She asks seriously.

"No i-Can i come over?" damians voice cracks before he clears his throat. "I know you were joking when you said it but you said I could if anything happened-" Damian mutters.

"Hey" Brooke says soothingly. "Of course you can come over. You know my address." She hesitates. "What happened?" She murmers.

Damian laughs bitterly. "Exactly what we knew would happen." He grits his teeth. "Yknow he's never hit me before today."

"That fucker-" Brooke hisses.

They stay on the phone until Damian gets to her front door. He doesn't even get the chance to raise his hand to knock before the door is flung open and he's pulled inside by Brooke.

From there the story flips between perspectives. Damians, where he's brought in and taken care of by Brooke's family + the alley kids. And then Damians siblings when they find out that Damian is gone and Bruce has no idea where he is.

The siblings are pissed and through some digging they find out about all the abuse Bruce had put damian through.

Idk if they beat Bruce's ass before or after they find out where Damian is.

---

If you didn't already pick up on it, Brooke is my OC. I love her very very much. Honestly I'm actually torn between if I want her as a love interest or as an Older Sister figure. Idk it depends.

I hope you enjoyed reading!! Tell me what yall think :DD

TL;DR Damian let's his inner Dick Grayson shine and fucks off on his own because Bruce is an asshole.

[stray-kaz]

Patched : a Nikolai Lantsov x f!reader oneshot

Anon request: Nikolai is injured in the course of a fight and reader offers to tend to his wound. He is a stubborn ass and refuses...eventually giving in.

A/N: I think I decided to make this "best friends to lovers" trope. Hope that's okay.

18+ at the end!

Nikolai thumped through the door to his bedroom in the Spinning Wheel, landing hard against the wall and almost falling to the floor. If it weren’t for his gaze catching on you sitting on the edge of his bed, he would have given up and allowed gravity to take him. But as it was, he did see you and forced himself to straighten, using his shoulders to push his body off the wall, sheer will skewing the corners of his mouth into a smile facsimile.

“Hey, you” he said, and stumbled.

“Hey, yourself, Sobachka” you grumbled, standing and hastening to him. 

He pouted at the barely tolerated nickname coming out of your mouth.

“Don’t call me that” he mumbled back. “I’m not a puppy.”

“Then stop acting like one, moi Tsar” you retorted, pulling a face at him. “How bad is it?”

“It’s just a scratch.”

He sighed and collapsed into a chair, his head rolling back. You sighed even more heavily and knelt at his feet, feeling for the pulse at his wrist. It was there, and it was strong enough, but he was still an idiot.

“I heard that” he said, not looking at you. “You speak in your head far less than you think you do.”

“Good” you snapped. “Someone ought to tell you what they’re truly thinking. I’m not too scared to do it. You could have been killed, Nikolai. And if you had died, where would I be then?”

He heard the tears in your voice and sat up properly in the chair, reaching out to cup your face with one hand and tilt your gaze towards him. You sniffed, your gaze defiant, just in case he was going to tease you for caring too much. But he just leaned forward and kissed your forehead, his palm rough and soothing against your jaw.

“I don’t have an answer for that, darling” he said softly. “Other than I hope you would be all right. And that no matter where I ended up, I would worry for you.”

You breathed out sharply and rose up to lean your weight against his knees; they widened unconsciously, without Nikolai’s say-so, opening a gap big enough for you fit your body in between.

“Let me help you” you offered, sniffing away the last of your tears.

He merely shook his head.

“No.”

His tone was firm, brooking no nonsense, but you pressed on anyway.

“You’re a stubborn mule, moi Tsar” you told him, raising an eyebrow. “A scratch would not leave you in your current state. I can help you.”

Nikolai eyed you sceptically. 

“You know you don’t have to call me that” he said. “I’m not your king yet.”

Your eyes softened as you looked up at him and he found himself shifting in the chair, striving to get away from the unkempt love he glimpsed in your face.

“You have been my king since the day I met you” you replied. “You will always be my king, Nikolai Lantsov.”

He sucked in a slow, deliberate breath and made a decision. 

“All right, fine” he all but grunted. “You can help put me back together.”

As you reached for his shirt strings, he noticed your hands trembling, and felt the heat of your fingertips pressing through the material at his collarbone. You fumbled with the slim knot, eventually overcoming it, and pulled the cords free. As your hands dropped to the hem of his shirt and worked it up over his stomach, Nikolai couldn’t help the fresh grin tugging at his lips.

“Darling, if you wanted me to take off my clothes, you should have just asked.”

He expected a quip back, but instead, you just glanced away and pulled the shirt free of his head, sliding it off his arms. It left his hair mussed and your eyes dark as you searched him for the injury. It was more than a scratch, but could still have been worse. A long, inch deep gash ran along the side of his ribs, glistening wetly in the low light.

You whistled quietly and Nikolai sighed.

“I truly hope that is because of my impressive physique and not because I need stitches.”

“You need stitches” you answered flatly.

Nikolai groaned, throwing his head back again. You couldn’t help but smile.

“For a man so unafraid of anything, you sure are scared of needles” you commented, pushing yourself to your feet. “I’ll be right back. Don’t move.”

Nikolai rolled his eyes.

“Why would I, when you treat me with such gentleness?”

You said nothing, slipping out the door and returning a few minutes later with a stoppered bottle of amber liquid and an armful of clean bandages, a length of catgut and a sterilised needle. Without a word, you handed the bottle to Nikolai but didn’t wait for him to drink before starting work on his wound.

He hissed through his teeth, yanked the stopper out and rapidly swallowed a third of the crown’s whiskey. 

“Am I your king now?” he groaned, tensing as the needle passed through his skin.

“Be quiet, Sobachka” you muttered, concentrating. “Don’t make me stab you.”

“That’s what I thought.”

You worked quickly and carefully, tying off the stitching with a tiny knot and spreading a new bandage over the neat black lines. You smoothed it down, your fingers lingering on the warm skin over the edge of the white padding. Nikolai’s eyes flicked to yours, warmed a little by whiskey but still clear.

“Has anyone ever told you you’re very pretty when you’re causing men pain?” he asked blithely, two fingers wrapped loosely around the neck of the bottle.

You snorted and stood up, gathering the remnants of your work and heading for the door. His voice stopped you at the threshold, called you back to him.

“How long have we known each other?” he asked you, head tilted curiously to one side as his gaze burned a scalding path from the top of your head to the scuffed toes of your boots.

“More than ten years, moi Tsar” you said softly.

He shook his head slowly and got up, wincing as the stitches pulled at him. You took a step in his direction, but he held up a halting hand and shook his head again.

“More than ten years” he repeated slowly. “And in those ten years, how have I never seen what it looks like when you desire a man?”

Your gaze plummeted to the floor and you moved your weight from foot to foot, suddenly unsteady in your own body. Nikolai reached you, his boots entering your limited field of vision. The tools of your trade fell from your hands as one of his hands grasped your chin and raised it so that you had no choice but to look into his blue eyes, now burning with twin flames. You could smell the whiskey as he spoke, but instead of making you uncertain, it liquefied your knees and heated your stomach.

“Until tonight” he finally added, his voice low and his gaze dropping to your parted lips.

You swallowed unsteadily, knowing you were trapped, he had caught you, doe to stag.

“Please, moi Tsar” you barely whispered, not exactly sure what you were begging him for.

He shook his head at you.

“Uh uh” he murmured, arching a single eyebrow.

You opened your mouth to speak again, knowing that your next utterance would sentence you to him for the rest of your life, death withstanding.

“Nikolai...”

The bottle shattered the second his mouth bruised yours, pleasure coursing through his veins and numbing the pain in his side as his head swam, his two empty hands finding you to hold onto, molding to your hips. He eased your lips apart and swallowed your moan as the tip of his tongue brushed yours, so lightly.

He couldn’t believe there had ever been anyone else before you, as his hands mapped the contours of your body, lavishing attention on your clothed breasts when you arched into his palms. 

You pulled away slightly and traced the edges of Nikolai’s bandage with your fingers.

“We can’t” you groaned, whimpering needily as his hand wandered down your belly to tease underneath the front of your trousers. “Your stitches, Nikolai.”

He shrugged, seemingly ignoring the prominent strain in his own trousers.

“No matter” he said casually. “You know what we can do? Or, what I can do?”

You gasped and your eyelids fluttered, but you forced your eyes to remain open to watch his whole hand disappear and feel his roughened fingers begin their work.

[foxydivaxx]

Sanji: *catwalks into the room wearing a cute red ball gown* Why hello everyone

Nami, Reiju and Perona: Kawaii!!

Robin: *giggles*

Ichiji: *applauds his brother and smiles*

Niji and Yonji: Go for it Sanji!!

Jinbe: Whoa!!

Luffy: Sanji looks pretty!!

Brook and Chopper: *cheers and wolf whistle*

Usopp: So beautiful!! *cries tears of joy*

Franky: Looking good Sanji-kun

Law: But do we call him Prince or Princess

Zoro: *smirks* Why hello my beloved Prince or should I say Princess *takes his hand and kisses it*

Sanji: *smirks* Either works fine with me.

Sora: *steps forward and places a diamond tiara on Sanji's head*

[taybatwo2]

Another Mini-review of the IDW Monster High Comics!

The Howliday Haunt comic came out today, and ugggggh, it’s…..yeah.

Again, hopefully I’ll continue my in-depth reviews for these in January, but this might be one of my least favorite…so far…kinda…? I dunno these have me stupidly curious but I can’t say they’ve been amazing…?

It’s still giving Wednesday or Riverdale vibes or the MH Lisi Harrison books, and I have never been into those.

If you want to start in on my actual, full comic reviews you can start here:

A REALLY quick rundown, there will be spoilers:

Frankie goes in before her first day of school to map out her classes and hears Johnny Spirit whistling. They talk and flirt and she says he’s her first “fiend.” Cut to the present, students are still missing, there is a school dance coming up the “Howliday Haunt” and Johnny hasn’t really spoken to Frankie since but he is INCENSED that no one is worried about the missing students and are only talking about the dance.

Frankie can’t dance, and after Cleo blows off helping her to retrain her two left feet, Johnny’s music helps her to dance. Frankie wants Johnny to want to ask her to the dance and he does.

Doctor Frankenstein is still too busy to be a chaperone at the dance (and HE IS STILL IN THE SHADOWS. I HATE THAT). The three ghoul friends all dress up in their collector doll outfits (that Clawdeen designed), and all go to the dance (with Frankie riding on the back of Johnny’s motorcycle).

Johnny pours truth serum into the fog machine (at least he didn’t spike the punch bowl like most bad boys in high school films) to try and see if any of the students/faculty is behind the kidnappings. Nope! And Mr. Rotter vows to lock Johnny up until the school crumbles to dust (again…overkill). Frankie and Johnny escape (thanks to Frankie’s arm locking the doors shut behind them), and he rides off to search outside of the school for what happened to all of their fiends, while Frankie searches inside. He makes her promise to come home after everone is saved. She also kisses him…TWICE!

Pros:

The artwork looks nice.

The decorations for the Howliday Haunt are great.

They made Johnny look VERY handsome, younger me would have been doodling him in the margins of her school book instead of Andy Beast.

We get to see the three ghouls in their new Howliday lurks (and Frankie in her Stitched in Style) outfits. Robecca is in her SDCC outfit. And I think they look much better than the dolls.

We get to see some more background characters in this (Lothar, Johnny Spirit, Valentine, Spelldon, Lagoona, Manny, Holt, Clawd, Rochelle, Venus, Eyera, Kjersti, a shrunken down Gooliope, Toralei, Mr. Rotter, Frankie’s Dad, Bram, Jinafire, Viperine, Finnegan, Iris, Meowlody, Purrsephone, Spectra, Operetta, Deuce, Heath, Abbey, Jane Boolittle, and a witch named Brooke:

-note that Bram was not with Gory, Lagoona was not with Gil, and Operetta was not with Johnny and while Draculaura talked with Clawd she mentioned Poe too, and Frankie said she tried making another boyfriend again, which are all “mehs” to negatives to me.

Some of the party guests have some nice new outfits (Spelldon is a standout).

Johnny dressing up for a dance is putting on a loose tie and that checks.

Johnny calls Frankie “Stitches,” and I can’t help but think that is cute and something HOLT WOULD SAY.

Lore “Additions:”

Johnny said the reason he looks like a greaser and was in detention for 3000 years was because time is “screwy” there. Frankie has a kidney from a guy named Larry.

Frankie apparently met him the day before she started school because she was mapping out the halls beforehand. He became her first “fiend,” then they didn’t talk because he didn’t want to drag down her popularity.

Johnny has a ghost motorcycle.

that also checks out.

Johnny is in detention because he didn’t follow “orders and rules” and “tricked [Nightmare] onto the roof.” Which is kinda small potatoes in my opinion.

You can touch ghosts in Monster High if “you truly believe you can.”

You can only listen to ghost music on a “dead” medium like CD’s (I think Operetta recorded her music and it didn’t need to be on a dead medium…)

The school of Monster High responds to characters (specifically Draculaura after she spilled some of her blood) like in G3 (minus the blood). TW: blood…self harm…?

Frankie lost her right leg to a “Golem Retriever playing fetch.” An actually funny pun. And now has two left legs and can no longer dance except to the sounds of Johnny’s music (or thinking about his music).

There is now a “Monstrous Monarch” contest at Monster High.

Cleo thinks that Frankie dyes the white streaks in her hair.

We get to see the Stein’s mansion. It’s fine.

Draculaura might have alluded to having dated “bad boy[s], or girl[s] or non-binary[s].” Why does she thinks everyone has had that phase….👀👀

Witches can make truth potions (and it reveals that Purrsephone has a crush on her best friend’s date -her sister’s or Toralei’s date….?, Bram took out Jane Boolittle as part of an elaborate bet, Jinafire rigged the Monsterous Monarch vote -we never got the results of it btw-, Mr. Rotter takes ice cream from the -student- creature lounge, Draculaura is tired of trying to be perfect, Clawdeen is afraid of being with Toralei because she might/did screw it up with Toralei, Clawdeen thinks Cleo is a better dancer than her, Cleo likes Clawdeen’s fashion designs and misses talking about designs together and she misses Ghoulia -who is still missing in this-).

Cons/Nitpicks:

I am still not feeling the story. I don’t know why they are putting these random pairings together (they are not written badly here, but it’s just like…WHY?!? She has such good chemistry with Jackson and Holt, and with Andy and kinda with Neigthan if you REALLY wanted to go that route). But why the flirting with Manny in the Halloween special? And why the love connection with Johnny? Probably because it would make me curious to buy the floppies and THIS SUCKER DID! Johnny and Operetta broke up because “they worked better as band mates.”

All three main ghouls are drawn the same height. I badly want Draculaura to be as tiny as she was in the show, and Frankie to be as tall she was too!

Frankie trying to make another boyfriend (his first words were: “AI is legitimate form of creative expression” to show that he was brain dead and that it didn’t work out but it’s okay, HE HAS AN EXECUTIVE JOB IN SILICROW VALLEY). I hate it ALL!!

Abbey has been repeatedly looking annoyed or bored at Heath in this whole comic run including in this issue in this panel:

Toralei doesn’t have her thicker stripes, cat nose, or orange blotch.

Deuce’s outfit at the dance….his fashion sense has taken a nose dive since him and Cleo broke up again.

And some of their new scary puns just don’t feel natural (in my opinion: “school bloody” instead of “school body” is not an upgrade. “Wormy” instead of “worried.”) *shrugs*

What are your thoughts? Are you loving these? Hating them? Forgot they existed? Are you really hoping I’ll get back to it and actually upload my longer reviews with full page artwork (me too!)?

Did you have a Nostalgia Critic flashback when you saw Johnny with his loose red tie and black jacket?

NOW YOU HAVE TO LIVE WITH THAT IN YOUR HEAD TOO.