Whelp. I just emailed the Dean.

Inescapable

Part 2 of Always - another soulmate au with extra angst!

Oikawa Tooru x female reader, Miya Atsumu x female reader

TW toxic relationships, implied abuse, blind reader

“Stay here,” he murmurs, soft lips brushing briefly against your cheek before you feel his warmth retreat.

It’s an effort to quell the fleeting panic that rises in his absence. Japan is your home – was your home – but Tokyo… You’re not supposed to be in the village. Only the athletes, trainers and the support crew for the national team were supposed to stay there. It kept out distractions, made it easier for security, gave the athletes the space to focus on what they’re there for; to compete. To win. 

You don’t know how he did it, what strings he had to pull, but somehow he’d managed.

A room for the two of you. Just the two of you.

“You’re staying with me,” he’d told you when you’d brought up the possibility of going home to Miyagi to visit your family, or even spend a few days with Makki and Mattsun. “I’m not letting you out of my sight.”

The words had been whispered, a soft, teasing purr as lips curled into a smirk at your neck, but you know what he’s like when he’s competing. The focus and obsession he’ll throw himself into. 

Especially when you both know who he’ll be competing against. 

Nevertheless, you’re here. Alone now, standing in a sea of strangers talking too loud in a cacophony of foreign tongues while Tooru left to go find his team–

Strong, familiar arms encircle your waist, a kiss pressed to the top of your head. 

– but only for a moment.

“C’mon, cutie. Let’s get going – Coach gave us twenty before he wants us at the gym.”

—

You know one or two of the players on the national team from San Juan. They’re friendly enough, and they’ll stop and chat with you on the odd nights you venture out into the cafeterias dotted around the village for dinner. But for the most part they’re focused on other things and Tooru–

Tooru’s possessive enough of your attention at the best of times. 

Which means that you’re either with him, tucked carefully under his arm as he guides you around the village, or you’re stuck in the room, bored out of your mind waiting for him to come home to you. And for lack of anything better to do, you have the games playing on the TV.

Just for the sound of your mother tongue filling the room around you. Just so you won’t be alone with your thoughts for too long.

It’s different, back home in San Juan. But you understand it – why he brought you. 

“Where I go, you go, always.”

“Always.”

And the loneliness is worth it, you think, when he sinks down into the mattress beside you after a long day’s training and pulls you close, nuzzling into your side. This is better than being left behind. You’re here to support the man you love. Your soulmate, the name on your arm be damned. 

His good luck charm, he hums, kissing you in the early hours of the morning before slipping away. 

But even you can’t just sit around the apartment all day long. It’s good to stretch your legs, even when you’re in strange, unfamiliar territory. You tell yourself that what Tooru doesn’t know won’t hurt him, forgetting just for one blissful moment that your soulmate and his team are not the only ones who might catch you wandering. 

Of course, that realisation doesn’t sink in until broad shoulders suddenly barrel past you, knocking you off your feet. And you would have fallen, awkwardly probably, had a pair of strong, lean arms not caught at your waist, steadying you.

“Jeeze, Bokkun! Watch where yer goin’, wouldja!”

The first voice, the thick, drawling Kansai dialect isn’t familiar, but the voice that follows is impossible to misplace.

“Thought I told you two–”

It cuts off abruptly, and in some distant part of your brain you register that the stranger’s still holding you, the warmth of his hand still braced on your hip, but all you can really focus on is the owner of that second voice.

“Iwa?”

Tooru had told you he’d be here, Hinata too and Kageyama. And of course Ushijima, but you’d assumed that – at least up until they played against one another or team Japan got knocked out of the running – they’d be busy and you wouldn’t cross paths.

There’s a surprised intake of air from your left – ‘Bokkun’, you imagine – and he asks, “Wait, you know her, dude?”

And still, the warm body holding you doesn’t move an inch. Not until a familiar, irritated huff sounds, “Get your hands off her, dumbass.”

The body behind you tenses for a split second before obeying, hands ripping themselves away from you as if he’d been scalded. “Shit, sorry!”

“Don’t worry about it, it’s fine,” you murmur with what you hope is a polite smile, only half paying attention because you can hear Iwa striding towards you. In one breath, he’s knocking back your saviour and pulling you into a one armed hug.

“Shittykawa said he’d be bringing you,” he says quietly as you squeeze him back. It’s been such a long time since you’ve been face to face with him. Tooru calls him to catch up most weeks, more often than putting him on speaker so that you can say hi, but it’s not the same. “Didn’t think he meant to the actual village, though.”

You’ve missed him, you realise. Him and Makki and Mattsun, and suddenly there’s a lump in your throat, emotions welling that you can’t name. There’s so much you want to say to him, things he knows but should be said anyway, but–

“Aren’t you gonna introduce us to your pretty friend, Iwa?”

Your cheeks heat as the two of you part, yet it’s Iwa who answers for the both of you.

“No. You two need to get your asses moving,” he says. “Back to the gym, now. Unless you wanna stay back after everyone else finishes up to run extra drills?”

It’s a clear dismissal, and the two only pause for a heartbeat before grumbling their assent – and one sheepish apology – and heading off to continue their run.

“Let me walk you back.”

Some things never change, you suppose. “Iwa, you have an Olympic team to train,” you tell him with a wry grin. ”I’m not going to risk being accused of sabotaging the Japanese national volleyball team just because you feel the need to be gentlemanly.”

It’s clearly meant as a tease, but instead of the good-natured huff you’re expecting, he sighs. “C’mon. You almost got knocked on your ass, let me walk you back.��

It’s not a suggestion, and as he takes you by the hand and starts leading you back the way you came you’re reminded of high school - he used to do exactly same thing any timeTooru wasn’t around. There’s a slight flicker of irritation at your first breath of fresh air without Oikawa’s overprotective hovering being snatched away, but you know he means well.

He always does.

So you shove those feelings down and offer him a smile. “You know I’m stupidly proud of you, right?” you tell him. “Both of you.”

And something in Iwa relaxes and he laughs, “Yeah well I’m just glad you’re gonna be here to witness me wipe the floor with Shittykawa’s ass.”

—

It’s late, and Tooru isn’t back yet. 

And it wouldn’t bother you except that lunch had been hours ago, and your stomach is starting to growl, hunger settling in. 

Tooru works hard, he pushes himself and stays late when he should be home resting, you know that, but even if you did want to go and find him, pull him back so that he won’t push past his limits days out from competing, you wouldn’t have a clue where to find him – not in this sprawling maze of a complex.

What else can you do but wait, as fifteen minutes turns into half an hour, then an hour, and suddenly it’s almost nine. 

He won’t be happy that you’ve left without him, but either he’ll meet you at the cafeteria, or you’ll get home before he’s back and you’ll have dinner waiting for him. At this time of the night it’s likely to be empty anyway, it’s not like you’re running off in the middle of the dinner rush.

Most of the athletes’ll be back in their rooms, you’re not gonna get knocked around in the mad scramble for food, nobody’s going to pay you any mind.

But once again, you’re proven wrong. 

It’s not quite the roaring din that you’ve come to associate with the dining hall, but you can hear a few quiet conversations scattered throughout the room. At least none of them pay you any heed as you slowly wander the buffet, shyly asking one of the servers to help you pick out something for you and Tooru both.

It’s not until you move to take a seat, hoping that Tooru will get there before you have to try and cart his dinner back to the room that you hear the unmistakable scraping of a chair being dragged back beside you.

“Ya know, Iwaizumi never did end up telling us yer name,” a familiar voice states, settling down into the seat. “He did end up making me ‘n Bokuto run extra laps as punishment for knockin’ into ya, though.”

Out of habit, your fingers fiddle with the sleeve of your jacket – Tooru’s actually – warmth flooding your cheeks. He doesn’t sound pissed off by the fact, and you suppose he probably wouldn’t have sat down beside you if all he wanted was to pick a fight. 

“Oh, I’m… sorry?” It comes out sounding more like a question than anything else. 

He laughs at that, the sound surprisingly warm and pleasant. “Nah, not your fault. Iwa’s a hardass at the best of times.”

“Sounds like he hasn’t changed much since high school,” you muse.

Oikawa might’ve been Captain back then, but that never stopped Iwa from slapping him upside of the head whenever he did something particularly stupid. He was a hard ass, but he was also incredible at keeping the rest of the team in line and motivated, and he kept Tooru grounded. He kept you grounded. Aggressive, tough love was simply a part of that. 

You wonder distantly if his new team realizes just how lucky they are to have somebody like him in their corner.

“High school? Ya knew him back then?” he prods.

He’s a stranger. Not just a competitor, but ‘The Enemy’ just like Kageyama and Ushiwaka. Out of all the teams that Tooru might go up against during the games, you know that they’re the ones he’s most determined to defeat. And you don’t necessarily buy into the whole ‘destined rivals’ thing – Kageyama was never anything but polite to you, but you know you’re supposed to back your soulmate up on this. You know he’d be pissed to find you casually chatting away with any one of them, except maybe Hinata. 

Maybe.

But it’s nice just to indulge in a conversation – even meaningless small talk – with somebody who doesn’t know you as Tooru’s. You can’t help but relax a little, the tension easing from your shoulders, a small smile creeping across your face. 

“I’ve known Iwa since I was six years old. He’s one of my best friends.”

The man hums a little, his chair creaking as he leans back, “Really? He’s never mentioned ya.”

And it’s clear from the sharp intake of his breath that he regrets the words the moment they’re said, but instead of feeling offended, you simply laugh, the sound bubbling up before you can stop it. 

“It’s fine,” you say when he tries to backtrack. “Do you often have deep and meaningful’s with Iwa about his childhood friends?”

He snorts, “Yeah, point taken, I guess. So how come yer here then? Didn’t think they allowed cheerleaders in the village, even the cute ones.”

Something flutters in your stomach at his tone; it’s warm like honey, just a hint of teasing. He’s flirting, you realise, and in an instant you know you should shut it down. Harmless small talk is one thing, but you’re–

You have your soulmate. 

“What makes you think I’m not staff?” you ask instead.

“No uniform,” he counters, and you can’t argue with that. It’s not your fault that you can’t see what everybody’s wandering around wearing. “And you don’t really strike me as the ‘athlete’ type, no offense.”

You don’t really know how to respond to that, so you just shrug somewhat self consciously. He’s not wrong; you don’t really belong here, but you find yourself reluctant to tell him the truth.

The only reason you’re here is because Tooru cheated the system, because he couldn’t bear to be without you.

Or maybe because he knows how much of a mess you are without him. Blind and helpless without him to guide you, even here, back in the country you’d both left behind all those years ago.

“I’m here to support my soulmate,” you tell him instead, and it’s not entirely a lie. No matter what, you’ll always support Oikawa – here, back home, to whatever ends. That was the promise you’d made to each other long before you’d ever left Japan.

There’s a short pause, and you take the opportunity to turn back to the plate of food in front of you – you’d forgotten about it entirely. You half expect that he’ll take it as the perfect opportunity to politely bow out of the conversation. 

You might’ve been blind, but you’re not naive; you know exactly what athletes get up to after the sun goes down in the village. There’s a reason that your welcome packs were stuffed full of free condoms. 

And you’re not interested in that. You have Tooru and he has you. If that’s all that this guy is after; some quick, meaningless fuck, then–

“Volleyball?” he asks, and you almost roll your eyes.

He’s not wrong, of course he’s not, and you suppose considering your connection with Iwa it makes sense that he’d make that leap, but still. One track mind, all of them.

“If I tell you, you might not like me very much,” you say in lieu of an answer.

He leans closer, the chair creaking once more. “So I’m right.” He sounds so smug about it, you almost wanna tell him he’s wrong just to mess with him a little. “What position does he play?”

Not what team, what position. That, more than anything else, mattered to him – and again, you understood it. The pride players took in their position within the machine.

 “You first,” you shoot back instead, because you feel like you have a sneaking suspicion. 

And with a little huffing laugh, he confirms it, “Setter.”

Of course.

And the smile on your face tugs wider, a strange trill running through you, “Ah, and here I thought Kageyama,” you draw the name out, “was Japan’s starting setter.”

He scoffs, dragged in by your teasing jab, “Yer kiddin’, right? Tobio’s talented an’ all, but he ain’t half the setter I am.”

Cocky and smug. You wonder if he has the skills to back it up. Yet just as you open your mouth to pry further, you’re interrupted by a voice.

Several actually. 

“Talking shit again, Miya?”

“Who’s she?”

“Oh hey – Iwa’s friend!”

And your heart skips a beat, your body tensing as those voices close in, more chairs being pulled out, trays of food dumped on the table as his teammates settle down around you. It’s just a name, one name. It doesn’t mean anything, doesn’t–

“Atsumu, why don’t you shut– oh. Y/N, hey. Didn’t realise you'd be here. Isn’t the village restricted to athletes only?”

Kageyama’s blunt greeting isn’t intended to be antagonistic, but it washes over you regardless. You’re frozen, heart pounding, a sick, twisting feeling settling into your gut.

Atsumu, he’d said.

Miya Atsumu. 

Two words, and your world stops spinning. 

You’d promised him – Tooru – years ago that the name on your arm didn’t mean anything. It was all just a cruel cosmic mistake because from the moment you met him, you were his, and he was yours and nothing else mattered.

And you’d told yourself that, repeated it like a mantra until you started to believe it yourself. Because Tooru loved you, you were his soulmate and what kind of horrible fucking person would you be to take that gift, that bond and shove it back in his face.

Tooru isn’t perfect, and he’d freaked out and lied to you, but he’s your soulmate. 

The name on your arm didn’t matter, it didn’t matter that you didn’t know whose it was, because you had Tooru. It should have been his.

And you told yourself that for six months, until some blowout fight had Tooru storming out, you following in his footsteps. 

It was a stranger, some random passerby in the street. You can’t remember what prompted you to stop her and ask, why it suddenly mattered when Tooru had all but convinced you that it didn’t, but you had.

Miya Atsumu. The pronunciation had been unsure, her tongue clunky over the foreign syllables, but in that moment when you’d heard his name every lie you’d convinced yourself of had fallen apart.

It was like you’d been drowning without ever realising it, and the second you’d heard that name a hand was dragging you up to the surface and suddenly air was flooding your lungs.

Miya Atsumu.

There are voices surrounding you, somebody laughing uproariously, but it’s all just white noise. 

“Y/N,” a choked, hoarse whisper that shouldn’t have been heard, but it pierces you like a knife, cutting through everything else. It’s too much. 

On shaking legs you stand, knocking your chair back as you grab for your cane. 

The name hadn’t mattered, until you’d heard it. He hadn’t mattered, until he was standing right there in front of you.

“I– I have to go,” you mutter, not entirely sure if they heard you, or if they even cared. You leave your food untouched on the table, stumbling as you step back.

And again, you hear that whisper of your name. There’s a hand that reaches for you – his or somebody else’s you don’t know, you shrug it off regardless. “I have to go.”

Nobody stops you as you skitter back towards the entrance, but for once the cafeteria is silent. The moment you burst out through the double doors, the brisk, summer night air hits you like a slap, and you don't realise that your cheeks are wet with tears until the breeze cuts through, the damp skin prickling uncomfortably. 

And the sob that follows rips through your chest like a knife.

This isn’t what you wanted. 

If there’s a god out there, he must have a cruel sense of humour, because your name is being called again, and suddenly there’s a hand on your cheek brushing at your tears, an arm wrapping around your waist, pulling you close. “Cutie, what’s wrong?”

The scent of him, all citrus and summer, invades your nose as you clutch at him tighter. You can’t speak, can’t find the words to tell him, so you just squeeze your eyes shut and burrow into him. 

“Tell me what’s wrong,” he repeats, not asking this time. 

You take a deep, shuddering breath. “I want to go home,” you whisper, clutching at his jersey. “I wanna go home, Tooru.”

A kiss brushes against the crown of your head, and you almost miss the sound of footsteps pounding on the pavement behind you – at least until the interloper speaks.

“You–” Atsumu breaks off, his breath ragged and raw, and you don’t miss the way that Oikawa stiffens, his grip tightening, fingers digging in. “Yer my soulmate.”

Three simple words, and everything, everything just falls apart.

Tooru snarls, taking a step back and dragging you with him. “She’s not your anything, Miya. Fuck off.”

“You can’t leave me! You can’t - you’re mine!”

It hurts, the grip he has on you. He’s trembling, from rage or fear you honestly don’t know, but you can feel his heart pounding a vicious beat as his arms lock around you like a cage.

“Yeah, that’s why it’s my goddamn name on her arm. Let ‘er go, yer hurting her,” he snaps. 

“She’s my soulmate, so mind your own business and run off back home.”

You can’t breathe.

“Not when yer hurting her.”

It’s like the floor’s suddenly disappeared from beneath you, and you’re in free fall, hurtling back towards god knows what. Your head’s spinning, your legs feel like jelly, and if Tooru wasn’t holding you up against him, you’re not sure you’d still be standing. 

You can’t breathe. 

“Leave, right now,” he hisses. “She’s mine. She always has been, and always will be mine!”

You’d promised him that much, hadn’t you?

“Ya don’t scare me, and I don’t give a flying fuck if yer wearing her name on your arm. That’s my soulmate, and you’ll take yer fucking hands off ‘a her.”

You can’t breathe, not as the shouting gets louder and Tooru’s grip gets tighter. 

He takes another step back, pulling you with him, and another hiccuping sob catches in your throat. You try to speak, to stop this before it gets any worse, but the words won’t come–

“You’re hurting her!”

“I LOVE HER!” he screams. “I would never, ever hurt her!”

“T–Tooru, please…” you beg. It’s little more than a whisper, and neither one of them seems to hear it.

But somebody else does. 

“Hey, hey! What the fuck are you dumbasses doing?!” 

Iwa, always your second protector, your best and oldest friend, wastes no time in getting between the two of them, shoving Miya back.

“What is wrong with you both?!” he snaps, grabbing you by the wrist and ripping you from Oikawa. And you don’t fight it when he tugs you towards him, a protective arm wrapping around your waist. 

You cling to him, like a scared child with tears streaming down your face. 

“Iwa–”

“No, shut up. I don’t wanna hear a single word out of either one of you! Not a goddamn word!”

He doesn’t bother berating them in front of you, though you know that’ll come later. He doesn’t say anything to you either, but his hand doesn’t leave yours all the way back to his apartment. Not the one in the village, but the one just outside of the city.

“You knew, didn’t you?” you ask quietly when he drops his keys on the counter.

There’s a beat of silence, and he sighs. “Yeah, I knew.”

It’s hanging in the air between you, like a dark, stormy cloud about to unleash. “Iwa,” you whisper, your bottom lip trembling once more. “What the hell am I supposed to do?”

“I don’t know,” he answers, as honestly as he can. “But you’re gonna stay here tonight, and tomorrow I’ll call Makki and Mattsun and they’ll come and take you back to Sendai for a little while if that’s what you want. You don’t have to see either one of those assholes, not until…” 

Not until you figure out how you’re supposed to make this impossible choice. 

He squeezes your shoulder as you sniffle. “It’s gonna be alright, whatever you decide to do.”

Neither one of you truly believes that, but what’s left to say?

He hugs you again before he leaves, makes you promise to call if you need him, but you both know you won’t.

Not tonight, not when he has other priorities. 

And then you’re alone, sitting on his couch surrounded by blankets with a mug of hot chocolate warming your hands. You know you should try to get some sleep, you’re exhausted, overwhelmed, but every time you close your eyes, you can’t stop thinking about it.

About the way Tooru’s voice had shook, how you’d smiled for Atsumu, that familiar warmth blooming in your chest when the two of you talked and you’d teased him.

And you remember how it was the day Tooru first told you that he loved you, the butterflies in your stomach the first time he’d kissed you, spinning you around and laughing as his lips met yours again and again and again. 

How he’d yelled and screamed and fallen apart in your arms that night, begging you not to leave him. 

You love him, for better or for worse, you love him. 

A loud knock echoes through the apartment, shaking you from your thoughts.

It’s almost 2am, and nobody but Iwa knows you’re here. Nobody should be knocking, and so you sit, frozen in the dark listening as your heart hammers uneasily.

One beat, then two, and then–

“I know you’re in there, just– just please. I need… I need–” he breaks off with a frustrated huff, and there’s a low thud, like his head’s fallen against the door. “Please,” he begs, quieter this time. 

There’s another thud.

“I need ya. Don’t lock me out, I’m beggin’.”

The Rise of Jimmy Casket, Chapter 3

——————————————

Toast awoke to the sun blaring in his eyes and pain. Everything hurt, his throat, his leg, his back. He frowned as he shifted upwards. More hot pain flared through his leg, scorching up his side. He let out a small cry, immediately recoiling and lying back down. He groaned, rubbing his head.

Spooker shifted beside him, blinking tiredly. Toast had never seen him so tired before, his eyes were droopy and his hair was a mess. His beanie had sticks and leaves stuck in it, dirt and soot were smeared across his cheek.

“You look well rested.” Spooker said in a happy tone. Toast mustered up a smile.

“Yeah, hardly.” He said, trying to lean up again. More pain seared through him. He toughed it out, ignoring his body’s begging to tell him to sit. He needed to get up. He wasn’t going to let himself give up on why he came out here.

Toast weakly got up, trying to not put too much wait on his bad leg. Spooker helped him up. Colon was already up, examining the damage from the fire.

The wood was blackened and burned, just the tiniest bit warm still. Cracks and splinters scored the planks, letting Toast see inside of them. Something that stood out to him was the rippling green that stained the inside of some of the cracks. It wasn’t grass, it was a weird lime green, faint but still there. ‘What on earth?’

He reached down and picked up a small burned chunk, it stained his hand with ash. He examined the green some more. ‘What could this even be?’

Colon wandered over to him, looking curious. “How are you feeling, Toast?” He asked, glancing at the red cloth around his wound. Toast shrugged.

“Still alive, yeah?” He said. Toast showed Colon the blackened wood. “Hey, do you know what this could be?”

Colon took the piece gently, studying the green that emitted from the cracks. He shook his head, placing the piece back in Toast’s palm. “No idea, my best guess is that it could be something the firemen put on the fire last night.”

Toast nodded, stuffing the wood in one of his back pockets. “Well, we should keep going. The nearest town isn’t tha’ far away.”

Spooker stared at him like he had just suggested a crime, “Are you crazy dude? You can hardly stand! How are you gonna walk?”. He held out his arms in exasperation.

Toast shrugged, looking towards the North. “We’ll get there.” Spooker and Colon shared a look, but they didn’t need to say anything for Toast to figure out what they meant. “I know he’s out there. Trust me.”

Colon sighed, worried. “But what if he’s not, Toast? What if you get even more hurt or worse, and we’re just chasing something because you have a hunch! Toast; we’re worried. We know you miss Ghost, we do to-.”

Toast looked at him, “Just trust me. I know Ghost better than anyone here, just trust me.”

Spooker blinked, not saying any input. Colon gave him an unreadable look. “Fine, but if you get hurt again we’re leaving.”

Toast bit back a sigh. “Okay; then let's go.”

————————————————————————

They reached the town a little after noon, and the first thing Toast did was go to the library. The library was small, a line of old desktop computers filled a wall. Books of all volumes and colors sat in bookshelves that looked dusty. An older woman sat at a round desk in the middle of the room, flipping through a thick chapter book.

Toast limped up to her, Colon helping him while Spooker looked at a book shelf labeled “Romance”. She squinted up at him, fixing her glasses.

“Hello, how may I help you?” She asked, a small smile gracing her face. Toast returned it.

“Hello, I have a peculiar question. Would you happen to have any newspaper records on a man named Jimmy Casket?” He asked, feeling awkward. The lady blinked at him, a little confused.

“It’s for a school project for our little brother.” Colon said, trying to ease the tension off of Toast.

The librarian nodded, pursing her lips. “Well, we have a few I believe. You’ll have more luck in the towns a few miles over, dearies. But, I’ll go get the few that we have.”

She got up from her desk, and entered a room in the back of the library. Toast turned to Colon and nodded, “When did you pick up being that creative?” He asked. Colon shrugged.

“It’s probably the one thing Ghost taught me, to be able to lie on the spot.” He smiled playfully. Toast returned it solemnly.

A few moments later, the librarian returned with three newspapers, yellowed and crumpled a bit at the edges. “Here you are. I’m afraid it’s all we have.” She said, handing Colon the three newspapers. The two shared a look before Toast thanked her.

The two settled down on a table, opening the first newspaper. The title leaped at them in bold font, “Murderer struck down in South Carolina.”

Toast read quietly to himself and Colon. “ Yesterday, at 9:01 PM, a famous murderer in a small town in South Carolina, nicknamed “Casket”, was killed by police during one of his rampages. Witnesses say it was a horrifying experience. The man was no older than 18, and his step-mother, who preferred to stay anonymous, has told reporters that she ‘has no idea how he turned out this way.’

“ He was such a loving and kind child, accepting me right away as his father’s wife. When his father died, he took it upon himself to be the best figure possible for his family. I don’t know what happened to him.”

Police are still looking into possible victims of this man's heinous crimes. The towns folk are sending their regards to the families of his confirmed victims.”

Toast took a breath, finishing the paragraph. Colon blinked.

“Wait wait wait, who is this Jimmy Casket guy? How does this have anything to do with Ghost?” Colon asked, flicking the page of the newspaper. Toast traced a circle in the table.

“Let’s say I’ve met him in a few of my missions with Ghost.” Toast worded carefully.

The two finished reading the other articles and handed them back to the librarian. “You three boys have a nice night.” She said with a smile.

“You too ma’am.” Toast responded politely. Spooker was by the entrance of the library, reading Twilight on a bench. “C’mon Spooker put the book back, it’s time to go.”

Spooker frowned, sadly putting the book on a “put back” cart. He followed his co workers outside, it was night now. The moon shined down on the town, yellow lights dancing on the gravel ground.

“Well, we keep moving.” Toast said. Colon and Spooker groaned.

The three made it to the edge of town, making it out of a large pine forest. A river lay ahead of them, deep and murky. It was quiet and slow moving, but you could tell it was deep.

Spooker pointed to a bridge, “Let’s cross there.” He said. Colon and Spooker helped Toast to the stone and wood crossing. The wood was wet and rotten in spots, and it groaned as Toast stepped on it.

“Let me go first,” Toast volunteered. Spooker and Colon shook their heads at him, but Toast ignored them. He limped across the wailing wood, yelling under his weight.

As he got closer to the middle, a figure stepped out of the darkness. Long legs stepped lightly on the cedar, tapping away at the weak wood. Toast stared in confusion, trying to figure out who the person was.

His brother's face gleaned from the shadows, stepping out into the moonlight. Toast's eyes widened, blinking in shock.

“Gavin? What are you doing here?!” His brother's gray-green eyes glared at him.

“Sorry Johnny Boy, but I’m gonna have to stop ya righ’ ‘ere. Or else my frien’ might not be the happies’ with me.” Gavin apologized. Johnny could tell that his brothers apology wasn’t sincere in the slightest. In fact, it sounded more taunting than anything.

“What do you mean? Gavin, please what do you mean?” His brother stepped forward.

And then with incredible speed, green-orange fire erupted from his hand. Toast dodged out of the way, knocking into the railing. The bridge under him groaned in agony. Gavin’s hot flames flicked his face, burning his cheek

“Do ya like my tricks?! Pays when ya work with ghosts.” Gavin laughed. More flames shot from his palms, hitting Toast's feet. Toast tried to get away, but the movement was too much for the bridge.

His foot went through the rotten wood, and he grappled onto the jagged stone, barely saving himself from falling into the river. ‘I won't be able to swim. I'm too weak.’

Spooker and Colon cried out, “Toast!”. Colon stepped forward to charge at Gavin, but Spooker held him back.

Toast looked back up at his brother, begging for his remorse. “Please Gavin, I’m your brother!” He begged. His fingers hurt from grappling the wood, rotten splinters digging into his palms.

Gavin chuckled, “Yeah, but then ya got all lame n’ sappy with Mary n’ Ghost. You ain’t the same anymore. And Ghost is borin’ too now. Trust me, what we’re workin’ on, it’s for the good o’ both o’ ya’.”

Johnny glared at him, “Who’s we?” He asked curtly. Gavin growled at him.

“See ya’.” Gavin returned his brother's angry tone. He raised his leg to kick him. Toast grabbed his brother by the leg and yanked him down with him, letting go of the bridge. His brother yelled angrily.

“TOAST!” Spooker screamed in horror, racing to the edge of the bridge. Toasts world went deaf as he hit the water, slowing under it. His brother disappeared with a flash of green, leaving him alone to drown.

Toast tried to swim and kick his legs, but he just hurt too much. Everything hurt, he felt so heavy. Maybe he wouldn’t see Ghost, maybe he wouldn't hold up his promise to Mary.

‘Oh Mary, I’m so sorry.’ He rubbed his wedding ring necklace. He closed his eyes, sinking.

Then, something grabbed him by the torso. Gray and blue flashed hazily in his darkened vision. He kicked weakley, trying to help whoever had grabbed him.

He and his rescuer broke to the surface, and he gasped for air. Cold water trickled down his face, clogging up his senses. The world became hearable again.

His rescuer slapped him down onto the grass, and he could hear Colon and Spooker running across the bridge, ignoring the bridge's pleas.

“Didn’t your rich mother ever take you to swimming lessons?” A tired, sarcastic voice asked.

Toasts heart leaped in his chest, and he opened his eyes.

There, infront of him, was Ghost.

☆ for @cottondean, as a part of her benefits on my Patreon! thank you so much for your support:’) ☆ prompt: a college au where big, tough (*cough* softie) football player!Dean calls entomology major!Cas to come get a spider out of his kitchen because his roommate is gone

. . . 

There’s a certain part of the quad that Castiel loves to sit. It’s a small field of grass with two large oak trees, far away from the busy shuffling of students walking from class to class. It’s the only patch of nature he can seem to find within a five-mile radius in the bustling city. 

Before he buries his head into the textbook for his Insect Behavior lecture, he takes a moment to tilt his head back against the tree and squint up at the sun, shattered by the hundreds of leaves fluttering in the gentle wind. He takes a large breath and sighs. It’s the calmest part of his day. The only peace he can find with his back-to-back classes, labs, homework, and it’s just lovely to be able to sit and—

His phone buzzes obnoxiously in his jeans pocket. He opens an eye and glares at it. Closes his eyes and tries to find his peace again. The phone vibrates again, this time louder and more insistent. 

With a sigh, he fishes out his phone and flips it open. 

Hey, this is Cas, right? It’s Dean Winchester, we were in Biology lab together last semester. Okay this is a weird thing to text, but you like bugs and everything, right? Well I don’t, and there’s this spider and it’s HUGE like this might be a freaking tarantula and can you kill it? Kevin usually does but he’s out of town.

Castiel stares at the block of text. Another text message comes in: 

Kevin’s my roommate. I should have mentioned that 

He’s pushing the button to respond when another text buzzes in his palm: 

OMG it’s on my cookies!! Wtf!! 

“What the fuck indeed,” Castiel agrees in a low tone. He clicks the call button and holds the phone to his ear.

“Oh hey,” comes Dean’s deceptively breezy voice over the receiver.

“Dean?” Castiel asks. “Are you okay? Your texts seemed very… distressed.”

“Me? Distressed? No way. You can ignore that. I took care of it. I just—” Dean abruptly makes a very high-pitched noise. 

“The spider is still there, isn’t it?” Castiel asks.

“It’s staring at me, Cas. I think it can smell fear.” 

“Oh my god.” Castiel pinches the bridge of his nose. “I can be at your apartment in five minutes. Do you still live in the same room?”

“Yes,” Dean whispers. 

Castiel stands and shoulders his backpack. “Why are you whispering?”

“Did you not hear me when I said this is a devil spider?” 

Castiel sighs as he begins to walk to the Circle Apartments across campus. “Well, just make sure not to make any sudden movements, or it may think you’re prey to hunt.” 

“Oh my god, Cas, why the fuck would you tell me—”

“I’m kidding,” Castiel sighs. “I’ll be there soon.�� 

Another text comes in as he ends the call. Charlie’s quick text flashes across the screen.

U @ the tree?

Castiel texts back, No. Going to help a friend.

ooOOO who??

Castiel glances around before typing out, Fall semester hot lab partner. 

Rolling his eyes at the caps locked letters he gets back from Charlie, he shuts his phone. Telling only his best friend Charlie about his crush on Dean Winchester is already one person too many. 

Castiel remembers Dean’s apartment’s location from the night they studied for the Biology lab final together. They had sat on Dean’s bed, listening to Led Zeppelin while Castiel quizzed Dean (being an Entomology major, he knew most of the material from his AP Bio classes in high school, so didn’t need to study as much). He still remembers the tint of blush in Dean’s cheeks whenever Castiel praised Dean for his correct answers. 

“You’re actually making me think I can get this stuff,” Dean had said. “I always thought I was too dumb to get this science crap. Not a ton of time to focus on academics, with the football scholarship and all.”

“Of course you can get it,” Castiel said. “You’re far from stupid, Dean.” 

When Dean had grinned widely at that, Castiel had decided that he’d love to put a thousand more smiles on his handsome face.

Castiel shakes his head as he climbs the stairs to Dean’s apartment door. He lost his chance with Dean months ago; he needs to remember that.

He’s barely rapping his knuckles against the door before it bursts open. Dean yanks him inside. “Hurry, it disappeared! I think it went under the stove!” 

Castiel stumbles into the narrow hallway, catching himself with a hand against the wall. He stares at Dean, who is dressed in nothing but gym shorts and a thin white t-shirt, oven mitts on his hands and a colander on his head.

“What in the hell are you wearing?” Castiel asks.

“Defensive gear,” Dean replies, like it’s the most obvious thing in the world. 

Castiel blinks. “Um—” 

Dean grabs Castiel’s arm and pulls him toward the kitchen. “C’mon, dude, it’s getting away!” 

“Dean, it’s not going to hurt you,” Castiel says as he trips after him. “Most spiders in this region don’t even bite.”

“Yeah, most, but knowing my luck this one will.” Dean pushes Castiel forward, hiding behind his back. “Okay, now, go do your… bug whispering.”

“My chosen major does not mean I whisper to bugs,” Castiel says.

“You know what I mean. Go, like… beat it into submission.”

Castiel sighs. He carefully walks across the linoleum kitchen floor, careful not to step on the small creature in case it decides to run under his feet. He spots the spider climbing its way up the side of the stove. 

“Hey, little one,” Castiel says softly. Based on the lack of distinct marks on its brown body, it’s likely a harmless cellar spider. Holding out his hand, he stops the spider’s trek with his fingers, cupping it in his palm. He ignores Dean’s horrified gasp behind him.

“You’ve had a busy afternoon,” Castiel murmurs to the small spider in his hands. He stands and turns toward Dean. “Can you open a window?”

Dean scrunches his face into a frown. “But it’ll just come right back in.”

“It’s warm outside. It’s likely that it’ll simply go look for food.” 

“Ugh. Fine.” Dean tentatively steps past Castiel and opens the balcony screen door. “Put it out here, I guess.” 

Castiel walks out onto the porch and carefully deposits the spider onto the railing. “Good luck,” he says as it scurries away. 

“You’re safe now,” he tells Dean tonelessly as he walks back into the kitchen, sliding the balcony door closed. 

Dean sighs and pulls off the oven mitts. “Thanks. I hate those things.”

“May I suggest that you may have arachnophobia?” Castiel asks. 

“How can you not with those things?” Dean dramatizes a shudder. “They’re nasty.”

Castiel shrugs. “I think they’re quite beautiful.”

Dean gives him a strange look. Huffs a laugh. “You know, I forgot how quirky you are.” 

“It has been a few months since our class concluded.” 

“Yeah. I guess.” 

Castiel pointedly does not mention, or think about, the awkward moment that made them stop speaking again after the end of the semester. 

Dean waves a hand. “Well, anyway, thanks man. For helping me out, and all.” 

The moment that Dean had leaned toward him on the bed, only inches between them, his eyes closing—

How fear made Castiel quickly jump off the bed, avoiding the kiss at all. 

“It’s no problem,” Castiel says quickly, shutting off his line of thinking. He avoids looking at Dean’s lips. “I should probably get back to studying.”  

“Oh, yeah. Sure.” Dean rubs at the back of his head. His hair is sticking up wildly after taking the colander off his head. “You know, I’m in another Biology class, actually.”

Castiel’s eyebrows raise. “Oh really?”

“Yeah.” Dean grins. “Kinda was inspired by you, actually. You made me like that last class, so I thought… why not another one?”

Castiel feels something in his chest lighten. He smiles. “Oh, that’s—that’s good.” 

They both stand awkwardly, staring at their feet. “You know—” Dean says as Castiel begins, “I should—”

Dean smiles. Castiel hides a laugh behind his hand. “You go,” he says. 

“I was just gonna say, uh—” Dean waves a hand toward the living room. “I was actually about to study, too, if you, well… want company?” He quickly adds, “I can make you dinner for helping with the spider, too.”

Castiel says, “I do remember your cooking being delicious.” 

Dean’s face lights up with a grin. “So you’ll stay?” 

“Yes. Besides, if any insects come flocking at the smell of food, I will need to be here to protect you.” 

Dean rolls his eyes and aims an oven mitt at Castiel’s head. Castiel ducks, this time letting his laugh resound throughout the kitchen. 

They barely get any studying done; Castiel doesn’t mind. He’s perfectly content sitting in Dean’s sunny living room, watching Dean animatedly show Castiel each of his records and ramble off facts over the booming bass. Castiel complains about his classes, propped against the counter with a glass of wine in hand, as Dean cooks pasta. 

They watch Casablanca on the couch; it was Dean’s mom’s favorite movie, and coincidentally, Castiel’s. Not that they make it far; they’re in each other’s arms, kissing and ripping off each other’s shirts like their lives depend on it, barely five minutes into the movie. 

Castiel is lying contentedly on Dean’s bare chest and listening to his heartbeat when he murmurs, “I hope more spiders come into your kitchen.” 

He feels Dean kiss the top of his head. “Y’know what? Me too.”

. . . 

☆my patreon☆ ☆my ko-fi☆

Sedimentation

sed·i·men·ta·tion (n.) The process of establishing and reinforcing meaning through repetition.

First and foremost, Ace is a big brother - not the only one Luffy's ever had, but the one he has left.

(Or: Luffy and Ace get more time at Alabasta because I said so.)

Tags: Reunions, Family Feels, Brotherhood, Introspection, References to (Presumed) Character Death, (It’s Sabo)

Set in Alabasta. No additional warnings apply.

***

Even for a man made of fire, Alabasta is an uncomfortably warm place to be. The ground is arid to the point every step will kick up dust, and a fine haze of sand lingers in the air that turns the horizon into an indistinct flickering mess and makes every swallow rasp in the throat with grit.

From his vantage point high above, Ace slouches with his legs hanging off the ledge of a flat-roofed house and lets his gaze roam the streets below. His unknowing hosts bumble about downstairs, the muffled sounds of banging pots and laughter announcing it’s time for lunch; for a moment, Ace holds his stomach that rumbles a complaint, loud and insistent.

Just a little longer, he promises himself.

Not a single cloud graces the sky with its presence and the population below with a modicum of shade. Nanohana is a ghost town at noon, its inhabitants fleeing into their homes for a nap until the weather outside stops actively trying to cook them alive. Things didn’t use to be this bad – at least, from what Ace can recall of his first trip here, back when he was still captain of the Spade Pirates – but a lot can happen in three years.

Ace pulls his lips into a pout, the heat immediately stealing whatever moisture is left on them. No sign of Monkey D. Luffy.

Fingers drumming a tuneless beat against the brim of his hat, Ace thinks. Perhaps it had been a little foolish to assume Luffy would show up just like that, much less anywhere within the spectrum of ‘on time’. Even this early into the Grand Line, the waves are tricksters and the currents are more likely to lead to ruin than to any expectable outcome. Still: There had been rumors of a rookie crew demolishing Whisky Peak mere weeks ago, and a bombshell report out of the kingdom of Drum announced the rather violent eviction of its current (now former) ruler. Ace frowns, remembering the state of things he witnessed himself not too long ago.

Good fucking riddance.

Well, Ace has always figured the day his little brother sailed across Reverse Mountain would be followed by chaos and destruction all around. With the world tilting on its axis and spinning more and more out of control with every passing day, it’s hard to say how it’s going to look like a month down the road, a year, two. The powers that be aren’t ready for someone like Luffy, not that Luffy would particularly care about that.

A fond chuckle bursts out of him at the thought. Whatever happens, Ace can't wait to see where all of it is headed.

First things first. Ace flicks his hat back on his head and gets up, patting sand off his shorts. It’s everywhere, stuck to his lashes and making the sweat on his back feel tacky and gross. He sighs. Shower first, then food. His meal will taste all the better knowing the tattoo of Father’s jolly roger is as it should be: untainted and shown off with pride.

And then, with some luck, he will finally be able to see his brother again.

*

Getting cannonballed into by 140 pounds of rubber is quite an experience, no matter how many times one has been subjected to it. On instinct, Ace’s arms shoot out to grab on to whichever piece of Luffy’s clothes he can reach and he turns in a lazy half-circle, automatically aligning his center of gravity around the excited bundle of limbs clinging to his head. It makes breathing an impossibility for a moment or five but it’s worth it every single time.

“Ace! It’s really you!”

“Hello to you too, Lu”, Ace laughs, his grin almost as toothy as his brother’s now that they can enjoy their reunion in peace and sans Marine meddling. In a play as old as time itself, Luffy settles with his legs bracketing Ace’s shoulders and his head firmly planted on–

“Oh! You still have your hat, too!”

–the top of his hat, chin nudging its crown into a more comfortable position with surprising gentleness. Ace can’t see the smile on Luffy’s face like this but he knows it’s there judging by the way dumbfounded astonishment morphs into fondness on the faces of his crew members.

Bowing as politely as he can, he smiles and says: “Portgas D. Ace, Second Division Commander of the Whitebeard Pirates... and Luffy’s brother. Nice to finally meet you.”

Among the sputtering of “Whitebeard? The Whitebeard?” and “Wait, brother?!”, a guy with green hair and three swords makes the fastest recovery from general disbelief. He nods at Ace and smirks, “Likewise”, voice heavy with a confidence that rivals Luffy’s own. Seems like he’s the oldest in the bunch, too, which isn’t saying much since they all look about Luffy’s age and– Is that a reindeer?

(It’s hard to tell as whoever it is currently is trying to hide behind the main mast, ‘trying’ being the key word.)

They’re all strong though, Ace can tell. Inexperienced and fresh-faced and full of potential, just like their captain. His smile only grows.

So this is Luffy’s crew.

“Oi Luffy, when were you gonna tell us you have a brother?”

Happily wriggling his feet against Ace’s stomach, Luffy hmms as if deep in thought. “Dunno!” is the answer he comes up with after careful consideration, and Ace chuckles along with some of the crew. “It never came up, you know? Ace has his own adventures and stuff.”

If the heat was tough before, it’s unbearable now with Luffy’s furnace of a body compounding the issue. Ace lets him stay, stepping on his brother’s ship with a murmured “May I?” and a quick nod from a woman with short, red hair. The caravel is small but charming and cozy, so much so Ace feels immediately at ease. One of the many worries nipping at his nerves ever since he saw the name Strawhat Luffy under the words DEAD OR ALIVE is laid to rest then and there.

“Hey Ace, what are you doing here anyways?”

By now Luffy’s practically humming with unspent energy; Ace sighs and unceremoniously dumps him on deck, fixing his lopsided hat and necklace smoothly. Luffy is undeterred, snickering and effortlessly climbing a few feet up the mast to look at his brother from there.

“Taking care of business”, Ace answers casually yet can’t help the way his smile slips a little. The memory of Thatch bleeding out in his arms is too fresh, too grim to repress entirely. Luffy’s head tilts to the side but Ace waves him away before he can ask.

“Don’t worry, I can handle it. I just figured if I’m already around these parts I might as well meet up with my baby brother.”

When he left that message on Drum, Ace had figured he’d just say hi to his brother, tell his crew to watch over him (or else) and be on his merry way to put down Blackbeard like the mangy fratricidal dog he is. It’s only after he’s successfully ticked off the second item on that list – the crew looks sufficiently humbled and that green-haired dude Zoro grins at him, clearly approving, and why does Ace feel like he just passed some sort of test? – that he finally realizes he didn't account for one thing in this brilliant plan of his.

Because his brother is Luffy, and the moment Ace makes to leave he finds himself the target of a kicked-puppy-look-of-doom so heart-rending he feels terrible for even thinking that way.

“Lu, c’mon now, I…”

“But Ace! It’s been three years and so much has happened and we just met and–”

And that’s that. The whiny note in Luffy’s voice effectively shreds through whatever resistance Ace has left (which, if he’s honest with himself, wasn’t much to begin with). At the end of the day, he missed his little brother and it’s not like life hasn’t taught him – over and over and over again – to cherish the fleeting moments he has with those he loves. Ace pinches the bridge of his nose and groans.

“Fine. One night, okay? One. I really have to go after that.”

Luffy cheers, gloom immediately forgotten, and it’s then that Ace notices his crew is breathing a sigh of relief, too. So they're already aware a sad Luffy is to be avoided at all costs. Good.

The blonde one – Sanji the cook, Ace reminds himself – asks him what he’d like to eat and without thinking he says, “Anything with jolokia in it”, and Sanji shrugs, “Alright, coming right up”, and strolls away in the direction of the galley before it crosses Ace’s mind that those peppers are really hard to find and he’s already had lunch just an hour prior. He distinctly remembers Luffy eating his weight at the bar earlier, too, and he is yelling for meat at the top of his lungs.

Oh well. Might as well try out Luffy’s cook and see for himself that his gluttonous brother is well cared f–

Someone clears their throat to draw his attention. “Mr. Portgas”, a woman says, voice pleasant and measured in a way only diplomats speak. On this ship, with that captain, finding someone so eloquent is the thing that ends up surprising Ace the most.

“Ace, please. What's the matter?”

She smiles, an obvious appreciation for his manners even if it doesn’t pierce through the troubled look swirling in her eyes. “Ace, sorry. I'm Vivi, then. Would you mind if we continue along the coast and up the river during the night? We, um, we have somewhere to be and time is of the essence.”

Ace blinks. Isn’t that a question for your captain? Then again, Luffy is currently busy hounding his cook for scraps and knowing him, he’s not really the authoritarian type anyways, captain or no. 

“Uh. I don’t really care, I can set off from wherever with Striker.”

Vivi follows the gesture he makes to his trusty fire-powered speed boat but her interest is polite, half-hearted at best. “I see. I appreciate it, thank you.”

Not we but I, huh? Be it paranoia or justified caution, Ace knows the devil is in the details and this Vivi, she has something to hide. Yet nothing disturbs the air of trust the others seem to place in her: A secret kept only from strangers, then.

“A-ceee.”

Ah. Ace shakes himself out of the analytical stare he’s fixed her with, and to Vivi’s credit she merely locks her jaw and stares back, all pretense stripped to reveal a core of steely determination underneath. Luffy is pouting at him, draped across the railing of the forecastle and clearly unhappy with the subtle tension rising around them.

“Stop being all serious and come here, I want you to meet Merry!”

Scratching his neck, Ace huffs a breath – “Alright, jeez. Give me a second.” – and he nods at Vivi, both an apology and a concession to what they discussed. “Let me know if I can help with… whatever’s going on. It sounds important.”

The smile she gives him is more genuine, this time. “It is. You’ve already done enough keeping the Marine off our backs, though.”

Ace shrugs, have it your way, and before Luffy can start getting annoying for real, he launches himself in a column of fire to his brother’s side. “Okay, then. Who’s this Merry?”

*

The Strawhats truly are a crazy bunch and Ace is fascinated. It didn’t take long at all for Sanji to bust out of the kitchen with a mouth-watering amount of food, and Luffy disappears from Ace’s side so fast he basically teleports to the cook’s side. Shaking his head, Ace climbs down the stairs leading up to Merry’s figurehead at a more measured pace, watching the crew deal with his brother’s antics like it’s nothing, as easy as breathing. Hands fly and insults right along with them as they somehow wrangle him into sitting down properly and keeping to his own plate (for the most part) and Luffy does, beaming bright as the sun in their midst.

It softens something in Ace’s heart to witness it – Luffy has grown in the time they spent apart, stronger in many ways and mellowed out in others and unchanged where it matters. Perhaps his crew doesn’t realize it yet but it’s no small feat, to accept him just as he is.

Then, a rubbery arm wraps around Ace’s waist and he’s pulled (literally rather than figuratively) into the fray.

Lunch is a loud and boisterous affair. Ace gives as good as he gets, fighting for every delicious bite from where he’s squeezed in-between Luffy and a guy as gangly and awkward as they come, and he can’t remember a time he saw devastation quite like when Usopp dares him to try his Tabasco Shot and it does absolutely nothing. “I fried my sense for spicy food years ago”, Ace admits between peals of laughter, and Usopp’s eyes light up before he scrambles to his little workshop haphazardly placed in the middle of the deck.

“Don’t go anywhere! You’re my test subject now!”

It’s a good while later that things start to settle down on the Going Merry as she makes her way up the Sandora River. One by one, the Strawhats disperse to their own corners of the ship, clearing out the mess left behind and cycling through their duties without a single input from their captain – be it by design or implicit understanding, it’s hard to tell. And while Luffy is all-too-happy to hog his brother’s attention, Ace soaks up the obvious joy radiating from his voice and the unique cadence of his laughter.

Crouching on one of Merry’s horns, head pillowed on the palm of his hand, he lets himself be regaled by story after story of their adventures, told in that nonsensical style of narration Ace knows better than his mother tongue. Luffy sprawls all over his ship’s figurehead like it’s an extension of his body, hands a blur as he acts out what he means with gestures and grimaces.

For being a crew from what is considered the weakest Blue, the Strawhat Pirates have caused quite the stir. Ace smirks. About time people stopped underestimating the underdogs.

After all, his mouth still burns from the final rendition of Usopp’s self-made tabasco, one the sniper declared as his new weapon with a glint of triumph in his eyes.

It dawns on him, as Luffy imitates climbing with clawed fingers and a short-lived scowl on his face (“–it was so high, Ace, and there was ice everywhere and no more bunnies to help us, you know? And then–”), that Monkey D. Luffy is a good captain. It’s not a lack of faith in Luffy’s abilities or a big brother’s sense of superiority that ever put that into question: The truth is that Luffy is trusting and kind-hearted to a fault, the devotion to his friends easily spanning all oceans and beyond. Absolute loyalty, rare as it is in this jaded world, is one hell of a double-edged sword to fight your battles with, and the Strawhats strive for it with the same fervor as the dreams they wrote across their hearts and souls.

It’s the same brand of recklessness that nearly got the Spade Pirates killed, back when Father was still Whitebeard, one of the Four Emperors, and Ace had a personal vendetta against the universe itself (and the man it called King) to carry out.

History has a nasty habit of repeating itself, of transmitting a sin from father to child and brother to brother, and Ace hadn’t known shit about that when they’d raised their cups of sake that day and swore to be family until the end.

Yet here Luffy is, giving out pieces of his heart and expecting everyone to fall into step beside him. Even their current quest across Alabasta seems to be driven by some favor or other – keeping a low profile, for one, seems completely antithetical to the small crew made large by their personalities – and Ace worries.

It's in moments like these that he wishes he wasn’t the only big brother Luffy has left.

“Ace?”

Luffy’s eyes are big and serious, hands having come to rest on his knees and brows drawing into a pensive line while Ace was lost in his head. It’s second nature to join him then, cross-legged and close enough to brush shoulders. “What is it?”, Ace asks quietly as he takes off his hat, lets it spin between his fingers – he offers it to Luffy, “Here”, a soft smile sneaking on his lips as his brother takes it and starts toying with it.

The distraction doesn’t work as well as it used to, and that’s alright. The main point is that, even as a kid, having something to keep his hands busy always helped Luffy parse through the thoughts bouncing around in his head.

Then, finally: “Where’s White-guy? He’s your captain, right?”

The questions are unexpectedly solemn, and Ace raises his eyebrows, waits for Luffy to elaborate. There’s a frustrated twist to his brother’s mouth, something small and annoyed.

“Like… It’s not fair. Does he know you’re all alone out here?”

Just like that, the pieces rearrange in Ace’s mind to produce a whole, and yeah, that would be a fault in Luffy’s eyes. “Hm, I get what you mean. Father…” Ace sighs. Where to begin?

“Every captain is different, and for him, we’re his sons. There was– Someone killed one of his sons, one of us, and Father didn’t want me to go after him but I insisted. It’s as if I tried to kill you, or you me. It’s unforgiveable, you see? So that’s why I’m here – I’m gonna bring that fucker to justice.”

A fraction of the anger seething within him seeps into Ace’s voice and it’s been years since he let himself be driven by hatred like this. But Luffy, he’s known Ace from a time everything that came out of his mouth was laced with lethal intent, and spite was all he knew how to reach for.

There is no unease in Luffy’s gaze now either, and when he returns Ace’s hat to him, his hands are steady and unbothered by hesitation.

“That won’t happen. Why would I want to kill you?”

Luffy says it with such earnestness, like he couldn’t come up with a single reason if given a hundred years to think about it; Ace laughs and puts his hat back on his head, and love surges through him like the fire in his veins.

“Exactly. It shouldn’t.”

“So your new dad is a good guy after all?”

“He’s the best”, Ace says with a conviction he feels down to his bones, and Luffy smiles right along with him. “I want you to meet him someday, Lu, you and your crew. I don’t think I can change your mind about who should be Pirate King–”

“Never.”

“–but you’ll like him. And you could meet my crew, too. And our flag ship looks like a whale. A big white one.”

“Really? That’s cool!”

“Right?!”

They laugh just as they used to whilst pretending to sleep at night, hushed and with their heads bowed close to each other as if to fit under the same blanket. It’s quiet for a while, afterwards, Ace listening to the lapping of the waves against wood and watching the cloudless sky go by and Luffy watching him.

Ace guesses he’s thinking of his inevitable departure tomorrow but there is little he can do about that. Even as his big brother, Ace can’t protect Luffy from everything in life.

The touch to his shoulder comes a bit sudden and Ace almost jumps, takes in the pensive look on Luffy’s face and then the careful motion of his finger as he traces heavy, inked lines: Gently, he writes A, then C, then E, and returns upwards to brush over the crossed-out S with his thumb.

“Do you think he’d be proud of us?”

Ace hums, glances down at the tattoo. It had been the first thing he’d gotten with his own money – paid with treasure, Sabo would’ve loved that – and it’s a little faded now but it still fills Ace with determination, to know Sabo is with him and his memory will continue to exist as long as Ace draws breath.

“Sabo? Yeah, I think so. He’d be happy we kept our deal and sailed out to sea.” Ace chuckles, rubbing his shoulder fondly. “Perhaps a little miffed that I’m definitely the oldest brother now but, well. What do you think?”

“Mhm, I think so too. And we’re free now, right? Just like we said.”

“Yeah. We are.”

Luffy huffs a laugh, leaning back against Merry and linking his arms behind his head like he doesn’t have a care in the world. No regrets, huh, Sabo? Ace’s chest feels warm with nostalgia and he makes himself comfortable, too, gazing towards the sea and imagining Sabo sailing ahead of them, eyes fixed on the horizon and his flag waving proudly in the wind.

We promised, after all.

Lie to Me

summary: jaemin is in love with you, but he realizes that it’s too late when he sees you with someone else

genre: angst

words: 1k

warnings: brief mention of blood

a/n: send in some numbers! im gonna start writing a few halloween themed imagines because october is tomorrow btw!

Jaemin sighs as you happily munch on food he had bought you from one of the stands, completely unaware of him openly pining as you try not to spill it on your shirt.

You’re meeting up with the others at a carnival that’s thrown around halloween, and Jaemin had almost declined going, but you had told him you wanted him to come and he agreed instantly. Jeno had teased him for being whipped, and Jaemin had only shrugged, because he knows that he is. He just wishes he knew how you felt about him; sometimes it felt like you were friends, and other times it felt like you were.. more.

He doesn’t know how to bring it up, and before he can say anything, you spot Chenle and wave. He bounces over to you and barely glances at Jaemin as he reaches for your food.

Jaemin is shocked as you hand him a piece. He’s the one who had bought it for you, and you hadn’t even let him have more than half of what Chenle is currently chewing on. He feels the beginning of a bad mood start as you grin at him, and his jaw almost drops when you slide your arm through his and begin walking.

“Tough luck,” Renjun says as him and Mark appear.

Jaemin scowls. “Since when have Y/n and Chenle been so close.”

“Since they started dating?”

Screeching to a halt, Jaemin grabs Mark by the arm. “What? When?”

“You didn’t know?” Mark turns to Renjun for help. “I thought everyone knew.”

“I didn’t!”

Jaemin sadly looks over to you and Chenle watching a verder make cotton candy. How could he not know? He thought you two shared everything with each other. But as you lean your head onto his shoulder, he guesses not.

“I’m sorry, dude. I know how much you liked them,” Mark pats Jaemin on the shoulder. “C’mon, I’ll buy you something coffee flavored.”

Jaemin begrudgingly moves along, keeping his eyes on the ground as you venture around the carnival. He never would’ve pictured you and Chenle dating, but now that he thinks about it, he remembers the lingering glances, the subtle ways you always positioned yourself next to Chenle. 

He feels stupid for not noticing it sooner. Jaemin takes a breath because he is not about to cry in front of all these people. He feels heartbroken even though you two were never together and he tries not to let it show as Mark glances at him.

Jaemin bumps into Jisung, only now realizing they’ve stopped for a ride when he looks up. It’s the cart ride everyone has been talking about with the workers popping out randomly to scare people, and if Jaemin wasn’t in a state of distress, he’d runaway.

“I don’t think I can do this,” Chenle says all of a sudden. He detaches himself from your arm and you try stopping him, but he slips out of line and you roll your eyes.

“I guess you’re riding with Jaemin,” Haechan pushes him your way, and Jaemins glare is cut short when you’re called next.

You slide into the cart and Jaemin hesitantly follows you, trying to put as much room possible between you two. The worker secures the bar and he wheezes when it stabs his side.

“You’re going to have to get closer to them, man,” he says, and Jaemin swallows as he scoots towards you. The worker gives him a bored look. “Closer, unless you want to get off.”

Jaemins chest tightens when you tug him until he’s pressed up against you. His heart is racing as the ride jerks into motion, and he wishes that he had switched with someone else. He doesn’t know for how long he can be around you right now without doing stupid.

“Are you okay?” you ask with concern.

Jaemin tries to stay silent as the doors close behind you. He lasts for two seconds before he he turns to you. “Why didn’t you tell me you and Chenle were dating?”

It’s dark and he can barely see you, but he can still make out the surprise on your face.

“Who told you that?”

“Mark. I mean, it wasn’t hard to tell with you holding onto him the whole time.”

You grip the handlebars tighter as the ride turns around a corner, throwing you more into Jaemin and you awkwardly try to move away.

“I didn’t plan it,” you shrug. “I had feelings for.. someone else, and he helped me get over them, and we realized we liked each other, so we went out on a date.”

Jaemin frowns. “Someone else? Who?”

A horrifying creak tears through the silence, and a skeleton drops from the ceiling, scaring both of you and you scream. Jaemin wraps his arms around you and you hide your face in his neck. He feels like his heart is about to beat out of his chest when it moves on, and you slowly peer up at him. Without thinking, he leans down and kisses you. If this was a movie, you’d kiss him back, and you’d tell him that it was him you were in love with him.

But this isn’t a movie, and you shove him back with wide eyes.

“Jaemin!” you gasp. “What- why did you do that?”

He flinches and you pause when you see the beginning of tears sitting on his water line.

“Jaemin..?”

“Tell me everything is going to be okay,” he murmurs, and you shake your head sadly. “Lie to me then.”

You hear him sniffle and you bite the inside of your cheek. “Everything is going to be okay. Once we get off this ride, we’ll go back to normal, and we’ll pretend like.. like none of this happened.”

Jaemin can barely keep himself together as he wipes his cheeks, and the sorrow in your eyes is only making it harder. He doesn’t even react when a chainsaw goes off in the hands of a man covered in blood. He just wants to go home, and sleep all of this away. But he knows that when he wakes up, he’ll have to deal with seeing the person he’s in love with be with someone else.

Get Ready For The Next Battle

Rating : M

>>>Read on AO3<<<

Yo i just noticed that next chapter is number 69, i ain't gonna pass that opportunity up. I'm so going to unleash the depths of my depravity. . . . im 12 btw ( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)

“C’mon baby, one more set, you can do it!”

Motivated by his beautiful personal cheerleader, Eren mobilized his remaining strength, pushing with all his might to finish the last few crutches, but his muscles were completely exhausted, and with a groan he let go, falling back on the bench.

“I can’t.. I can’t…”, rolling off the pad, Eren stood up on his slightly trembling legs, bending over to gulp in air. Damn he was beat. Behind him, Mikasa took his place, effortlessly beginning another set of her perfectly fluid movements, her rhythmic breathing suggesting that she was still far from her limits. Sitting down on the machine next to hers, Eren watched her, not completely understanding where the hell she took the energy from. His stomach hurt just from watching her, but Mikasa showed no signs of slowing down, finishing the set and taking a quick breather before the next one.

“You okay? Hope I didn’t exhaust you too much.”, she asked, a tiny hint of mockery in her voice, making Eren frown at her. Today’s workout was kinda insane, and Eren couldn’t help but wonder if it wasn’t her way of paying him back for the play from few days back, her way of showing that while she’s perfectly fine with submitting to him in the bedroom, in terms of physical abilities Mikasa’s still far superior to him. Then again, if she felt the need to assure herself of her skills, Eren was more than okay with that. The playtimes were totally worth having his ass handed to him at the gym.

“You know, not everyone has a set of pistons in their midriff.”

She arched an eyebrow at him.

“What’s that supposed to mean?”

“Isn’t it obvious?”, pushing himself up, Eren loomed above her, running his palm over the defined ridges of her stomach, revealed by the cropped top she usually wore for her workouts. Even after all these years, it still fascinated him, the way he could feel the shape of every single one under his fingers, and it was needless to say that Eren certainly approved her choice of gym attire. “Pretty sure that your abs have their own abs at this point.”

“That’s not how muscles work, Doctor.”

Not feeling like arguing with her, Eren decided on a surprise attack instead, pressing a kiss to her midriff instead. The hitched breath he heard was just what he was looking for.

“You were saying?”

Rolling away from him, half because this part of her workout was done, half because she wanted to hide her giggle, Mikasa stood up, stretching. Her eyes looked all around the gym, before finally settling on her boyfriend, squatting on the floor. She came closer, smoothing a few strands of hair that escaped his bun from Eren’s face, lazily smiling down at him.

“How are your energy reserves?”

Standing up to mirror her, he was the taller one now, very much enjoying the illusion of power it gave him.

“Is that a challenge?”

“Maaaybeee..”, she drew the word out, dragging a singular finger down his jaw. Such a simple touch, yet it managed to make his pulse race. Her arms sneaked around Eren’s neck, and Mikasa’s lips, now dangerously close to his ear, caressed the skin there as she spoke. “I want you to….”

Eren was completely immersed in her little game now, ignoring that they were still in the gym, with people around, and Levi just a few meters away, sitting in his office. Those facts simply flew away from his head, replaced by the way her body felt, pressed against his, firm but soft in the right places, how silky her porcelain skin was under the tips of his fingers. Few words, the right touch, and Mikasa had him completely under her spell, and he was more than ready to go along with any crazy plan she was about to whisper to him.

“…fight me.”, she finished, slipping out of his hug and walking towards the ring, leaving him slightly confused and sporting a very unfortunate hard-on. Ah well, seems like the fun must wait, he thought to himself, following her, mentally doing his best to divert the blood from the crotch area. When he finally caught up, Mikasa was already preparing herself, punching the air, doing quicksteps, the routine that Eren knew intimately, but it still made him wonder just how fast the woman can move.

“I won’t go easy on you.”, Eren did try to sound tough, but judging from Mikasa’s smug smile, she wasn’t very intimidated.

“Give it your best.”

Nodding at him, she took her fighting stance, and Eren followed suit, steeling himself. They were both tired from the complete workout, so technically, he had a better chance than usual, but still. Mikasa was Mikasa. Well, time to prove himself. Knowing that he has no chance if he lets her keep the distance, Eren danced to the left, blocking few or Mikasa’s testing punches, looking for a chance, an opening. Ducking under a blow, he spotted one, charging forward and grabbing her waist, making them both fall on the ground together, tangled in a heap. With some luck, Eren managed to come out on top, using his weight to pin her down.

“I’ve got you now.”, he growled, making Mikasa stop in her efforts and look at him, arching an eyebrow.

“Do you now?”

Her body suddenly twisted in his grasp, like a snake, pulling him down with strength that he had no chance of resisting. With a defeated groan, Eren folded, and they switched positions, with Mikasa now triumphantly looming over him, knees pressing into his arms, keeping them grounded, while his face was caged in from both sides by her thighs. The position even allowed her to keep her own arms crossed over her chest, giving the position quite a dominant feeling.

“You were saying?”, she repeated his words from a few minutes ago, apparently very satisfied with herself. When Eren didn’t reply, frowning up at her, she giggled, reaching down to boop his nose.

“This is the part where you surrender, puppy.”, she informed him after.

But Eren shook his head.

“Nope.”

“Baby,”, she increased the pressure for a short time, signifying how helpless he was right now. “you lost. Surrender.”

“Nah.”

“Eren….”

“Maybe I’ll just stay here, the view is pretty great.”

“So what, you’ll just be under me for the rest of your life?”

“There are much worse ways to go than being choked to death by the legs of a beautiful woman.”

Lacking the words or appropriate reaction to answer that, Mikasa gave up, shuffling back until she was straddling his waist instead, gesturing for Eren to sit up. And he did, massaging his neck, because even with all the strong talk on his part, Mikasa thighs had quite a grip.

“Not going to fulfill my wish then?”

“Can’t do that, I’d miss you too much.”

“Hmm, I suppose I should thank you for your mercy.”

She nodded.

“That would be appropriate.”

Deciding on a non-verbal approach, Eren kissed her, and judging from the way she returned his affection it was the right move. The simple touch of lips soon spiraled into something way more feral, as fighting together always got their blood pumping, and it would hardly be the first time that their workout would end up in a more…. intimate physical activity. Angling her head, licking into his mouth, Mikasa seemed more than happy with how their evening was progressing, but before anything could really happen, another voice cut into their moment.

“Look, I’m not a professional anymore, but I’m kinda sure that this is not how a fight is supposed to look like.”

Hearing Levi’s voice while having his hands around Mikasa triggered Eren’s flight instincts, but with her weight still comfortably sitting in his lap, he couldn’t do much. On her part, Mikasa didn’t even try to stand up, looking over her boyfriend’s shoulder at her brother, who regarded them with a partly disgusted face.

“Levi, you need something?”

“First of all, I’d really appreciate if you didn’t start fucking in the middle of my gym.”, that statement made Eren blush, but Mikasa didn’t seem to care much, shrugging.

“Cool. Something else?”

“Your friend called, Jean, said that you talked about some advertisement? Internet or some shit, couldn’t really understand what he was saying.”

“Oh yeah,”, with Eren still under her, slowly accepting his role as a chair, Mikasa scratched the back of her neck, recalling the details of her conversation with Jean, “he said that he can set us up a profile on Instagram or Facebook, get us rolling. I think it’s worth giving it a shot, but you should be the one with the final decision on this matter.”

“How nice of you, letting me decide about my own gym.”

“Yup, I’m just that amazing.”

“All right, fine, I’ll set a meeting with the guy. Good thinking brat.”

Turning, seemingly ready to go back to his own business, Levi took a few steps before stopping himself and turning back to face her.

“Uhm… For this promotion thing, we’ll probably need to snap some pictures, right?”

“Obviously.”

Anyone could take those, but now that her brother mentioned it, Mikasa got an idea. She was spending a lot of her time working with a full set of professionals lately, wasn’t she?

“I could ask someone from Dot’s crew to cover us, if you want.”, she offered, but to her surprise, Levi shook his head.

“I already got someone in mind.”

“Do I know him?”, she asked, but all he did was look away and mutter something she couldn’t catch.

“Or her?”, she tried again, this time making her brother blush very slightly.

Opting not to answer, Levi started moving again, walking away at a brisk pace. With him disappearing back into his office, Mikasa redirected her attention back to Eren, smiling.

“Now where were we?”

But when she moved in for the kiss, Eren leaned backwards, shaking his head.

“I’m sorry Miki, but I’m not sure I can continue with Levi right behind my back.”, risking a quick look towards the office, he sighed, “Dude still scares me sometimes.”

A minor setback, one Mikasa decided she would overcome, no matter what. Levi wouldn’t cockblock her, well, Eren technically, she had no intention of letting him come between her and her pleasure. The days of her big brother banging on the door of her room, asking what the hell is going on were over. To be honest, it happened only once, and she and Eren were way too loud back then, but the point remained. Standing up, she pulled Eren upright, not letting go of his hand as she began walking in the direction of the changing room.

“Where are we going?”, her victim wondered, stumbling after her, as the tempo she set was rather a swift one.

“I need a shower.”, Mikasa stated, not even looking back to see Eren’s reaction. She was rather sure that it would be a happy one. “And I was wondering if you would be so kind as to wash my back?”

If there was one place Levi surely won’t bother them, it was the bathroom. So, leaning forward, Eren whispered his reply into her ear.

“Lead the way.”

The water was cold, but Mikasa’s body was warm, pressed against his, more than making up for it. Her hands were tangled in his hair, which was finally left hanging free, same as hers, the workout bun and ponytail removed. His own fingers were on a mission, traveling over her chiseled back, down the perfect curve of her spine, and finally reaching that bountiful land of her ass, where he could really dig his fingers in and… She hissed in pain, recoiling from his touch, which in turn made him stop immediately.

“Miki? What’s wrong? Did I do something?”

“No, it’s all right, just…”, she looked up, an uneasy expression on her face, “Don’t grope it that much, not yet.”

Curious, he leaned forward, following the path he made with his hands with eyes instead, wanting to see how he caused the discomfort. The bruises on her backside surprised him, the hand-shaped mark on the left cheek especially, but it wasn’t that hard to do a quick memory jog and discover the cause.

“Did I do that?”, he asked, although he of course already knew the answer.

Mikasa rolled her eyes at him.

“No, of course not. It was Mr. Incognito.”

“Right. The bastard, he can’t keep getting away with this.”

But while talking was all fun and stuff, there were other things she came here to do, so Mikasa tapped Eren’s chest, redirecting his attention back from her rear to her face.

“Back to work, soldier. And easy on the ass, that’s an order.”

“Yes ma’am.”

It still felt unreal sometimes, having the dream they worked on for so long actually finished, solid, a thing you could touch with your hands. It was like yesterday, when Sasha barged into his house, presenting her grand idea to him, but here they stood, all of them, the big circle of his friends that made the dream come true. Running his palms over the smooth wooden surface of the counter, Armin made his way into the main room, where everyone was gathered, waiting for… well, something, because judging from the looks on their faces, they didn’t seem to comprehend the situation either.

“It’s done then?”, Carla voiced everyone’s unspoken question, getting Armin’s attention. But before he could answer, the door opened and Sasha appeared, smiling radiantly, while Connie walked in behind her with his usual stoic expression.

“Yes it is! As of today, our bar is finally….”, she stopped in the middle of the room, throwing her hands above her head in celebration, “finished!”

When no one reacted, as the group simply exchanged looks, save for Eren who pulled Mikasa closer with the hand he had coiled around her waist, and whispered something in her ear, grinning. She giggled, and swatted his shoulder playfully, but that was hardly the approval Sasha was looking for.

“This is the part where you clap.”, she informed everyone in the room, frowning.

Round of applause later, started by Armin, Sasha finally smiled, gesturing for the group to calm down.

“Now, since we are all gathered here, I would like to take this opportunity to express my thanks. We would have never done it if it wasn’t for you.”

“Where our money?”, someone called, jokingly, making everyone laugh.

“Your long hours without any compensation have come to an end however,”, Sasha continued, “as with the bar finished, me, Connie and Armin, the triumvirate of owners, have decided that it’s time to reward you all. Before we officially open, there will be a day, only for us, and we will do something special together.”

She took a small break, to heighten the anticipation.

“A tournament!”

“…. In what?”, asked Jean, confused just like the rest of them.

“Tekken! The fighting game everyone enjoys.”

Now everyone might have been a bit of a stretch, because while Eren, Mikasa and Jean looked very happy with the choice, others were not exactly ecstatic. It kind of made sense, as the tournament was Eren’s idea in the first place, and he supplied both the console and the game.

“You can count me out.”, Levi shook his head, “I don’t play games.”

“Pussy.”, murmured Hange next to him, but he decided not to react to such cheap provocations.

“I won’t play either.”, Carla chimed in, “But I’ll watch for sure.”

“Oh c’mon guys, it will be fun!”, feeling the need to lift spirits, Connie stepped forward, “I don’t really do stuff like that either, but I’m willing to give it a go. The evening won’t be just that, you can drink, sing karaoke, play darts or pool, whatever you want. Just think of it as a test drive for everything, to see if it works.”

A bit of ruckus later, everyone, save for Levi, seemed to come to terms that it was happening, and the overall mood improved. Hange was furiously abusing the screen of her phone, apparently deep in her research already. Connie, the master of manipulating public opinion.

“We’re gonna give everyone a week while we hammer out the tiniest details left, and you guys better go and start practicing.”, he pointed at the happy gamer trio, “You don’t want to lose to these dorks do you.”

“You’re so going down.”, Eren whispered to Mikasa’s ear, smirking.

“Just like at the gym?”, she teased back, watching in satisfaction as his ears turned a tiny bit red, the memories of the fight and especially what followed coming back.

“One last thing….”, Connie raised his voice to get everyone’s attention back, “If you want to bring someone, anyone, do it, because we need to be ready for a full house. That’s all.”

Sitting on a table, Armin rubbed his chin, thinking. He did know someone who could come, but would she?

“Doc, before we start, I have a question.”

“Sure, what’s up?”

“There’s another thing going down at the bar, the one I partially own. We have a small celebratory party, before opening, and I was thinking…. Would you come?”

“Well this feels like a déjà vu. Didn’t you ask me the same thing before Halloween?”, Hitch pointed out, watching Armin shrug.

“I did. But you enjoyed the thing, didn’t you?”

Oh yes, very much so. And she connected with Jean at the party, that was a nice bonus.

“You know what? Fine, I’ll come. I don’t have to dress as anything this time though, do I?”

“No,”, Armin smiled, “but there is something else.”

Hitch gestured for him to go on.

“There’s a tournament in Tekken, in the evening. You could take part.”

“Ehh, fighting games? I was never a big fan of those. I’m more of a Sims type of a girl.”

“It’s happening in a week, so, take your time, think about it. You don’t have to play If you don’t want to.”

“All right.”, she nodded, taking her notes from the table, “Now with that out of the way, can we start?”

Shifting a bit on the sofa, finding the most comfortable position, Armin nodded. Nodding back, Hitch began their session.

“Tell me about your week then.”

“Darius Zackly! Long time no hear friend.”

“Dude, I’m so fucking sorry.”

“Sorry for what?”

“I told you I’ll squeeze you in between Christmas and new year, right? And it’s been months and I haven’t even called you. Man, work was just freaking insane, and add my permanently nagging wife to the mix and…”

“Hey, it’s fine, there’s no rush.”

“Well I still feel like an asshole. Do you still have the customs for me?”

“Yep, totally. Need to talk with you about a few things.”

“Great. Listen, is next week okay? You can drop by anytime and I promise on my grave, actually no, on my wife’s grave, that I will make time for you.”

“That’s perfect. See you next week?”

“See ya.”

The call ended with a click, and Eren put down the phone, grinning in satisfaction. There were a lot of stuff he needed to discuss with his gear provider, as his mind was running rather wild lately, with all the possibilities and things that could be done…. He could always just blame the shortened work hours, because with a lot of free time on his hands, the ideas just kept coming and coming.

“Who was that?”, Mikasa called from the kitchen, where she was working on their dinner. She volunteered to cook, as Eren was usually the one doing it, and told him that she needs no help, to just go and sit his ass down. Well, Eren wouldn’t argue with that, so as per her wish, he sat down, fiddling with his thumbs while she worked.

“A friend.”, he replied, not wanting to spoil the surprise.

“A friend huh? Do I know him?”

“Maybe you do. Maybe you don’t”

“Is talking straight too hard for you?”, she sighed, turning the meat, “Or did the fear or getting your ass kicked in the tournament already darkening your brain.”

Eren snorted.

“Oh please. I’ll school you so hard, you have no idea.”

For reasons unknown, Mikasa laughed upon hearing that.

“Funny that you would use that word.”

“What word?”

“School.”

“And why is that funny?”

Now it was her turn to be all smug and mysterious.

“You’ll see baby.”

She turned her attention back to the cooking, and Eren was left wondering just what the hell she had planned. Oh well, nothing to do but wait for it anyway. He can handle it, whatever it is.

Hopefully.

I LOVE YOUR BLOG!!!! GOM reacting to other dudes catcalling and trying to hit on their s/o while they're out on a date? I feel like that'd be interesting heh. Please keep writing this blog is so good!!

THANK YOU!! ^^ This request is so good, I can’t! Love me someprotective boys!

-May

Warning: Some swearing for Aomine!

Kuroko:

Neither of you had thought of anything bad that could happen. Youwere walking home from Maji Burgers where you had something to eatafter your date in the city. Kuroko’s hand was intervined withyours, dangling between your bodies. He was just telling you somestory about a match he had with Seirin last year when you suddenlyheard the voices behind you.

“Hey, sexy! What are you doing here all alone this late?” Itwas some guy walking up behind you. Unfortunately, he seemed to betall, taller than Kuroko and way taller than you.

And if it wasn’t bad enough already, a second one came up behindthe first, an even nastier look on his face. “Yeah, girl! Do youneed any help getting home?” a smirk was on his lips and heextended a hand towards you.

What the hell where you gonna do? Kuroko wouldn’t be able totake on these guys. Oh right! Kuroko! “I-I’m not alone... M-myboyfriend’s here!” you stuttered out and lifted you arm to showoff your extended hand.

To find it empty. This was like the worst time ever for yourboyfriend to vanish!

“Aww, look, she thinks she’s got a boyfriend!” The secondguy laugh and elbowed his buddy in the side. “Should we show herwhat a real boyfriend i-”

“I’d really rather not have you do that. Now would you pleaseleave ______ alone, so we can continue this date?”

It was almost hilarious how the big tough guys started to choke ontheir breath as Kuroko suddenly appeared right in front of theireyes.

“Holy shit, where did he come from?!” the taller one asked,taking cautious steps backwards. Kuroko’s stern glare wasn’tmaking it better for them either. “I don’t no man, but it’sscary, let’s go!” And with that they ran of, still cursing underther breath.

“I’m really sorry this happened, ____.” he apologized andtook your hand back in his own, squezing it gently.

“It’s alright. You were there after all.” you smiled back athim.

Kise:

“Oho, what have we got here?”

There was a sudden voice very near you, pulling you out of yourthoughts. Confused, you took a step back, only to be confronted withsome creepy guy’s face up in yours.

“Your sissy boyfriend over there seems to be busy, so how aboutI keep you some company, eh?” his voiced was a weird mix betweenintimidating and trying to seduct you. You honestly just wanted torun away.

“Leave me alone...” you said quietly, hoping he would just goaway if you showed no interest in him at all. Sadly, that didn’tseem to be case at all.

“C’mon sweety, don’t play hard to get with me.”

You took a step backwards, trying to ge away from the creepy guy,when you suddenly bunped into another chest behind you. Half-afraidit would be yet another guy you hastily turned around, only to bewashed over with relief when you found Kise hugging you tightly tohis chest, his embrace making you feel safer at once.

“Haven’t you heard her? She’s not interested.” Kise said,his voice icy and lacking all of his usual playful and cheeryattitude. “So get away, how pathetic can you even be. Picking on agirls who’s on a date.” he spat and held you even tighter.

Even though he was acting up all tough for this guy, you couldfeel his hands shaking at your back.

You heard an annoyed huff and the slowly retreating steps behindyou, meaning that damn guy was finally gone. Kise relaxed around you,now leaning down to hug you properly and you took time to inhale hisscent.

“Are you alright, _____cchi? He didn’t touch you, did he? God,I’m so sorry!” he mumbled and looked you all over once he let yougo from his arms. His face was twisted in worry.

“Yeah, it’s okay. Thank you, Ryouta.” you answered and tooka step forward, stading on your tip toes. Your signal for asking fora kiss.

Midorima:

Midorima and you were standing by the small ice cream booth at thebeach. Even though he wasn’t exactly the beach person, Oha Asa didsay that sand was his lucky item today, so he was fine with it.You were also pretty sure he had been blushing when you got reallyexcited at his suggestion of coming here.

The both of you were having your ice cream in peace, a comfortablesilence while you watched over the sand and waves and the lots ofpeople around here.

That comfortable silence was broken when there was suddenly astrange guy stading uncomfortably close to the both of you, givingyou a weird look.

“Uhm, excuse me?” you asked, making clear you wereuncomfortable with him being there. Judging by his look this hintflew right over his head.

“You’re looking pretty sexy.” he slurred and tried to reachout for your face, if it hadn’t been for a hand wrapped in tapesuddenly slapping him away. When you looked up to Midorima’s faceyou could practically see the concealed fury boil under his coolface. The look was really intimidating.

“And wha exactly do you think you’re doing there?” hehissed, pressing the man’s arms back down.

“Oh, shut up you nerd, how did you even get a girl like her?Luck or something?” the stanger laughed. “I mean, look ather, no sexy girl would go for some glasses nerd like you!”

In that moment you could literally see your boyfriend’s patiencesnapping.

It took a few steps and he was towering over that creep, armspushing you behind him swiftly. “What do you think is giving youthe right to speak of her like that. You don’t even have the rightto look.” he growled.

The guy, who had clearly underestimated Midorima’s physicalbuild from the few feet away, took some cautious steps back. “Yo,chill man. She’s all yours. No need to bitch about it.” he saidand held his hands up, slowly backing away.

As soon as he was gone from sight, Midorima turned around to youand looked at you, somewhat protective and somewhat worried. “Youare okay, aren’t you?” he asked and stood back in his sport frombefore.

“Don’t worry, I’m all good.” you answered and then gavehim a smirk. “After all, you saved me really heroically,Shintarou.”

“Shut up, _____.” he stuttered, hiding his slight blush bypushing up his glasses.

Aomine:

“Wow, look at that butt!”

At first you didn’t even realise that it was directed at you. Only when the words were followed by a sharp whistle you began to turn around. Aomine and you were on a date to the cinema and he was just getting you some popcorn while you waited by the entrance with your drinks.

When you turned you noticed a man standing begind you, making a show of letting his eyes wander over your body. Yopu shrunk into yourself.

“No thank you.” you said politely, trying to wave him off as quickly as possible and started looking around for Aomine.

“Don’t be like that. What is a beauty like you doing all alone here anyway? Isn’t that sad? Watching a movie by herself when she has so much to offer.” he said, looking you up and down like prey again. Didn’t this asshole even care that there were other people around here?

“I’m not alone, I’m here with my boyfriend.” you anwered now a little more stern. Looking at your drink, you wondered if you would have to throw it at him. Where the hell was your boyfriend, this was starting to get way too scary. Little did you know he used the moment you had your concentration away from him  to step forward.

His hand barely stroked the side of your face and your mouth was already open to scream when he was suddenly gone. You almost didn’t realise what was happening until you heard the shouts coming from the floor at your feet.

“You pathetic motherfucker!” Aomine yelled, his furious gaze fixed on the guy. The both of them were lying on the ground, popcorn sorrounding them.

“Aomine!” you gasped, torn between relief and worries. You didn’t have too much time to thin about it with the security coming towards you though.

***

“All I did was fucking defending you, why the hell did they throw us out?!” he cursed, wrapping his big jacket around shoulders.

“Daiki. You literally tackled him to the ground.”

“He was about to touch you. Would you rathe have that? We can go for that the next time.”

“No, no. Of course. Thank you. That was really cool, actually.” you smiled at him and you swore you could see him smirk to himself.

Murasakibara:

“______chin, I don’t like how that guy is looking at you.” Murasakibara grumbled as you two walked around the Kanto Matsuri festival together.

“What? Who do you mean?” you asked frantically looking around. You had been so busy looking at all the lanterns and helping to carry Atsushi’s food that you hadn’t even noticed that somebody was looking at you.

The man that had been checking you out for a while didn’t make it hard to spot him though. No, instead he took some long steps toward you, cutting into your way.

“Who do we have here? Not bad, not bad.” he whisteled and extended his hand towards you. “I happen to know this place very well, want me to take you on a tour?”

You couldn’t believe how blatantly this shameless guy was daring to flirt with you when it was clearly visible that Atsushi was standing right next to you! Anger began to start bubbling up in your chest and your grip on the bag you were carrying tightened.

“Excuse me, but can you literally not see that I’m already here with someone? By the way, we live here too, I really don’t need you to show me around.” you spat at him and turned your chin up.

“Alright, alright, no need to be such a bitch about it, god...” he sighed annoyedly, not even registering how much worse he was making his situation. “That damn freak is not good enough for you, does he even fit?”

This time you didn’t even have the time to react to his words before your boyfriend took a long stride forward and grabbed a fistfull of the strangers collar. “No one dares to speak to _____chin like that.” he growled, towering tall over that guy. “You wanna get crushed?”

Of course, the guy was running off in a matter of seconds. If he wanted to, Murasakibara yould be very intimidating and you loved it.

“Thank you, Atsushi.” you sighed, slightly leaning against his side. “What an asshole, who even does that?”

“Hn. Dunno.” he grunted, obviously still calming down. There was a large protective hand on the top of your head for a second. The gesture he dd when he was silently telling you he loved you. You smiled back up at him. “C’mon, let’s look at the stands over there, ____chin.”

Akashi:

To be frank, it was almost fair to feel sorry for the guy that was wolf whisteling after you when Akashi and you passed him on your way to the restaurant you two were headed to.

Of course, Akashi immdiately stopped, tightly squeazing your hand before letting go of it completely.

He slowly turned around, giving the stranger that kind of look that you’d never want to recieve yourself. Using one of his arms, he tried to get you behind him a little. Then he started talking his voice icy.

“And what exactly do you think your doing there?” he asked. You could only imagine his expression by the freaked out look in the guy’s eyes. The guy cautiously took a few steps back.

“Sorry man, I’m going already.” he said, looking like a dog with his tail between his legs. “She’s all yours.”

“No you’re not.” Akashi immediately answered. His usually rather quiet voice attracting attention from the people surrounding you. “And for that matter she doesn’t belong to anybody, do you understand that?” 

If the situation hadn’t been so tense you might have smiled at that. Your boyfriend was a gentleman as always.

“How do you dare to whistle at her? You’re lucky that I don’t care enough about pathetic folks like you or my forces would be at you in no time.” you were pretty sure you nearly never heard Akashi using such a sharp voice before. Maybe concerning family business, that was also a bit touchy. But other than that? Never.

“Ch-chill dude. I’m going for real.” the stranger stuttered, obviously scared shitless, before clumsily staggering a few steps backwards and then hurrying off into the opposite direction.

Akashi turned around to you at once. His eyes roamed over you, looking for any kind of discomfort. “Are you alright,____? Do you want to head home?” he asked worriedly, placing a hand at your arm.

It only made you smile at him. God, you were so blessed with this guy, honestly.

“No, it’s quite alright, Seijuro. Let’s get something to eat, he didn’t do anything to me.” you tried to calm him, motioning to finally continue your way.

“He wouldn’t have had a chance to.”

Crash Bandicoot Homecoming Chapter 8

Chapter 8: The bird’s prey/Attack on Cortex Castle (Disclaimer!) Crash saw Power Man helping to push the boat back together. “Glad I could catch the boat,” he said, “Leave this to me!” “Got it,” said Crash. He went around helping Spyro evacuate everyone from the boat. Pretty soon everyone was out of the boat. Crash started to leave but tripped. “Shit!” he said. He fell into the river. “Hang on buddy!” said Spyro. He dove down to look for him. “Crash?” he asked, “Crash where are you?!” “Boo!” he said. He spooked Spyro. “That was dirty,” he said, “But at least you’re ok.” “Yeah…” said Crash. “What’s wrong?” asked Spyro, “Are you ok?” “If by ok, you mean feeling bad because I let the bad guy get away and put a lot of people in danger, then yes,” said Crash. “That’s where you’re wrong,” said Spyro, “Look behind you.” An audience was cheering for Crash and Spyro. Power man came down and came out of his suit. “I was wrong,” he said. “What do you mean?” asked Crash. “It wasn’t you who wasn’t ready to face off against supervillains,” said Nicholas, “It was me who wasn’t ready… to let you go.” “What do you mean?” asked Crash. “The reason I came here after hearing about the attacks going on was because I was scared,” said Nicholas, “I was scared that what happened to my old comrades was gonna happen to you, and I just couldn’t take that. But you proved me wrong.” “Really?” asked Crash. “But, do me a favor and stop trying,” said Nicholas. “But I’m just trying to be like you,” said Crash. “Dude, just be yourself,” said Nicholas, “It doesn’t matter what other people think about you. All that matters is what you think.” Crash smiled. “I’m gonna need the suit,” said Nicholas. “What?” asked Crash. “I’m asking Coco to help me put on some upgrades. If you’re gonna take on Cortex and his evil henchmen, then its gonna take more than a few dancing moves and a flashy costume,” said Nicholas, “No offense.” “None taken,” said Crash. “I’ll see you later,” said Nicholas, “Keep fighting the good fight kid.” He flew away. “Need a lift?” asked Spyro “What?” asked Crash, “Oh yeah.” He got on Spyro’s back and they flew back to campus. Jackie greeted him with a hug and a kiss. “We saw you on TV,” said Jackie, “That was amazing!” “Yeah,” said Crash as he smiled, “And it looks like I got the approval of Nicholas Shay.” “Crash, don’t make a habit of this,” said Coco, “There’s other ways of getting attention of this you know?” “Maybe I don’t need the attention,” said Crash. “What do you mean?” asked Jackie. “Sometimes the thing that you want the most is right beside you along,” said Crash. Jackie was still confused. “It wasn’t the fans and the fame that keeps me going Jackie,” said Crash, “I realized that it was you.” Jackie started to blush. “I spent my entire life trying to figure out what I want, but I think I already have,” said Crash. If I had you by Adam Lambert Crash: So I got my boots on, Got the right amount of leather And I'm doing me up with a black color liner And I'm working my strut but I know it don't matter All we need in this world is some love There's a thin line between the dark side and the light side baby tonight It's a struggle gotta rumble, tryin' to find it But if I had you, that would be the only thing I'd ever need Yeah if I had you, then money fame and fortune never could compete If I had you, life would be a party, it'd be ecstasy Yeah if I had you You y-y-y-y-y-you, y-y-y-y-y-you, y-y-y-y-you If I had you From New York to LA getting high rock and rolling Get a room trash it up 'till it's ten in the morning Girls in stripper heels, boys rolling in Maserati's What they need in this world is some love There's a thin line between the wild time and a flat-line baby tonight It's a struggle gotta rumble tryin' to find it But if I had you, that would be the only thing I'd ever need Yeah if I had you, then money fame and fortune never could compete If I had you, life would be a party, it'd be ecstasy Yeah if I had you You y-y-y-y-y-you, y-y-y-y-y-you, y-y-y-y-you If I had The flashing of the lights It might feel so good but I got you stuck on my mind, yeah The flashing and the stage it might get me high But it don't mean a thing tonight That would be the only thing I'd ever need Yeah if I had you, then money fame and fortune never could compete If I had you, life would be a party, it'd be ecstasy Yeah if I had you You y-y-y-y-y-you, y-y-y-y-y-you, y-y-y-y-you If I had you That would be the only thing I'd ever need Yeah if I had you, then money fame and fortune never could compete (never could compete with you) If I had you, life would be a party, it'd be ecstasy (it'd be ecstasy with you) Yeah if I had you You y-y-y-y-y-you, y-y-y-y-y-you, y-y-y-y-you If I had you The two of them shared a kiss. Meanwhile back at Cortex’s headquarters, Crow was doing some finishing touches on the repairs. “That should do it,” he said. He noticed something stuck on the wing of his flight suit. “What do we have here,” he said as he looked at it. It was a picture from Crash’s wallet that he took of himself and Jackie. “So, did you find any crystals, Dennis?” asked Cortex coming in. “Unfortunately no,” said Crow, “But, I did discover who our friend in the suit is.” He showed Cortex the picture. “I think I need to go pick up some groceries on the way back,” said Crow putting on the suit.

Jackie was heading in to her dorm after a long day at work. “What a day,” she said. She took off her jacket and laid on her bed. She heard a noise and looked out the window. “What was that?” she asked. She shrugged and turned around. Crow was standing right in front of her. “Tough day wasn’t it?” he asked getting closer to her. “Who are you?” asked Jackie. “Just a concerned citizen,” said Crow, “You see I have a little problem and I think you could help.” “What’s that?” asked Jackie. “There’s a rodent interfering with my plans and I tried getting rid of him,” said Crow, “And then it just hit me. What better way to trap a rodent than with his little girlfriend!” He snatched Jackie and then called his wings and flew away with her. Later Crash was heading to the same dorm to take Jackie out for another date. “Jackie?” he asked, “I’m here.” He didn’t hear anything. Crash opened the door and saw it was a mess. “Jackie?” he asked again. He looked around trying to find her. He saw her necklace on the ground. “Oh no,” said Crash. He rushed over to Coco’s room and busted down the door. “Damn it Crash!” said Coco. She was working on a project. “Oh, right, sorry,” said Crash. He want back out and knocked then came back in. “Much better,” said Coco. “Jackie’s been kidnapped!” said Crash. “What?!” asked Coco. “I found her necklace,” said Crash, “Cortex must be behind all of this.” His phone vibrated. “Hello?” asked Crash. “Hello Crash,” said Crow. “Crow?” he asked. “I’d like to make a trade,” said Crow grinning, “I was just in the neighborhood walking around until….. I found something that would be most valuable to you.” He put the phone near Jackie. “Crash,” said Jackie, “Help me!” “What do you want in exchange for her?” asked Crash. “The crystals,” said Crow, “You will bring them to N sanity Beach tonight alone. If I see the dragon or anyone else, the girl dies.” “I’ll do what you ask,” said Crash, “Just don’t hurt her.” “You have a deal,” said Crow. “Crow’s got Jackie,” said Crash, “I gotta save her.” “Well I’ve researched what Cortex was up to, and there’s no way you can take them on by yourself,” said Coco, “That’s why I called in some help.” “What kind of help?” asked Spyro. She placed the last orb inside the portal and it opened. From it came some of Spyro and Crash’s old allies. Polar, Pura, Penta, Hunter, Elora, Shelia, Sgt. Byrd, and Agent 9. Elora got a look at Spyro and smiled. Spyro was about to say something when someone got in the way. “Spyro is that really you?!” he asked, “It is I, the professor! Look Elora, did you…” Elora grinned already knowing who it was. “You’ve changed your hair,” said Spyro. “Same jacket,” said Elora. “Guys….” Said Crash. “Spyro told us everything that’s going on,” said Hunter, “We figured we should help you out.” “If you go, then we go too,” said Penta, “One for all…” “And all for one!” said Polar and Pura. “You can count me in too,” said Sly. He was with Murray and Bentley. “We still owe you for those gems you gave us,” said Murray, “They’re worth a fortune.” “Oh, a package came for you Crash,” said Coco. Crash took it and it revealed a new suit for him. There was a note attached. “Hey buddy, I tried to stay as close to your original design as possible, and I gave you some new gadgets. Two twin blasters, some new armor spandex, jet boots, and a mask for whenever you go into dangerous paths. I know you wanna take on those punks who have been taking gear from our battle in Seattle and turning them into weapons, and I can’t stop you from doing what’s right. But do me a favor; stop trying to be like me. Just be yourself. Good luck out there. Yours truly, Nichoals.” Crash smiled. He tried it on and it fit him. “Fits like a glove,” said Crash as he grinned. He placed Aku-Aku on his side. “Nice duds,” said Elora. Coco showed everyone her project she’s been working on. “It’s built for as many passengers as it’ll take which in this case is plenty,” said Coco. “Oh man, you gotta let me drive this,” said Crash. “After that stunt you pulled with the sasquatch gang?” asked Spyro, “I think not.” “C’mon I’ve learned from my mistakes,” said Crash. “Guys,” said Elora. “I could drive around you in circles with blind folders on!” said Spyro. “Guys!” said Elora. “Awwww SHUT UP AND MOVE IT!” said Coco, “I’m driving.” They both shrugged. They were heading to N Sanity Beach. “Hold on Jackie,” said Crash, “I’ll find ya.” Jackie was trapped in a cell. Crow was messing with some of the crystals to power up his machine. “HEY!” said Jackie, “I’m trying to get your attention! You’ll get what you want for your little machine now let me go!” “I can’t let you go,” said Crow, “Without you there’d be no special trade. But its not like your little boyfriend can stop me.” “He will stop you,” said Jackie, “And Cortex as well.” “I doubt it,” said Crow. His wings could now shoot out magnetic talons made from the crystals. “With this I’ll put an end to that infernal bandicoot,” said Crow. “I leave this all to you Crow,” said Cortex, “Crash will be willing to hand over the last crystals with his lucky charm in our grasp.” Crash was looking at the sky starting to turn. “Are you sure we’re heading the same way?” asked Crash. “I haven’t been to N Sanity Beach in a couple of years,” said Coco. “Must’ve been a band couple of years,” said Crash. Pura was riding on Rilla Roo, one of N Brio’s creations. Polar was skating with Penta on his back. “How did N Brio even create something like that?” asked Polar. “Beats me,” said Penta. “Rilla Roo (I am Rilla Roo),” said Rilla Roo. “Looks like we’re here,” said Spyro, “And we’ve got company.” A bunch of Cortex’ minions including Tiny and Dingodile were in the way. “Its time to see what this new suit can do,” said Crash. He clicked his heels and his jet boots activated. “Yee haw!” he said. He landed on dingodile and kicked him. “That hurt boy!” said Dingodile. “That was the idea,” said Crash. Coco jumped out of the car and started fighting off some of Cortex’ minions. N gin was watching the events unfold. “Should we intervene?” asked N. Gin. “No my pupil,” said Cortex, “Let him have his fun. I have something else I have to do.” Polar was taking down some of Cortex’s minions. “Wow Polar, I didn’t think you were a fighter,” said Pura. “As some people say, there comes a time where all men must…” said Polar as he punched someone in the face, “Oh you get the point!” A line of humanoid animals lined up to attack Pura and Penta. Rilla Roo intervened and did a barrage of punches on all of them. He turned around and grinned. “This guy knows how to fight,” said Crunch. Crash made his way into the castle to find Jackie. Crow was waiting at the stairs. “Ok Crow, where is she?” asked Crash. “Oh she’s safe, for now,” said Crow, “Why don’t you come and get her.” Crash chased him to the top. Soldiers tried to stop him. “Ooga-Booga!” said Crash. Aku-Aku appeared and circled around him giving him a shield. “Crash!” said Jackie. “Jackie!” said Crash as he went to get her. “First give me the crystal,” said Crow, “Then we’ll talk.” “What do you want with these crystals?” asked Crash. “To help complete the weapon that Cortex has been planning to use,” said Crow, “More importantly to bring my company to the top.” “What?” asked Crash. “You see, I was one of the co-workers of Gadd Science Incorporated and I was on the verge of starting a revolution of technology,” said Crow, “But they feared my research too dangerous and booted me out and found a new Protégé. I want you to understand that I will do anything to make sure my hard work is known by the world, and I know you know what I mean.” Crash had his twin pistols ready to fire. “So don’t mess with me,” said Crow, “Cause I will kill you and everyone you love.” He dashed at him and Crash jumped. Crow caught him by the leg and threw him at a lab table. “You really think you can be a match for me?” asked Crow. He shot some of his crystal feathers at Crash and he evaded them. Coco made it to the top. “Coco!” said Jackie. “Hold on,” said Coco. She got a tool that could help Jackie out of the cage and she was free. “We gotta get outta here!” said Coco. “But Crash is in Peril!” said Jackie. Crash was taking a serious beating from Crow. Crow took him up to the sky. “Get off of me!” said Crash. Coco and Jackie went into the ship. “Follow that bird!” said Jackie. They followed Crow. Crash managed to get loose and fell on a plane. Crow landed on the plane. “This whole time I’ve been plotting to put Gadd Science Inc. out of business, and all of a sudden you show up,” he said. He attacked Crash and damaged one of his pistols. “Nothing is gonna stand in my way,” said Crow, “Least of all, YOU!” He grabbed Crash with one of his wings and threw him down. He almost fell off the plane but Spyro caught him. “Buddy!” said Crash. “Talk later, we got work to do,” said Spyro as he pulled him up. Crow used one of his wings to cut off one of the wings. “You have a plane to catch,” said Crow. He flew off. The people inside were screaming. “We gotta do something!” said Crash. “I know what to do,” said Crash. He clicked his heels and started flying. He was pushing one of the turbines up to keep balance. Spyro did the same to the other turbine to help Crash. “We just gotta land away from the buildings and we’ll be alright!” said Crash. Crash pulled with all his might and managed to get the plane to land safely. Everyone got out and cheered for Crash. Jackie smiled but saw Crow approaching him. “Crash watch out!!” she shouted. But it was too late. Crow used one of his robotic talons to plunge through Crash. “Game over!” said Crow as he pulled the talon out. Everyone watched in horror. “Behold everyone, the foolish brat who tried to play hero,” said Crow, “And look where it got him!” Jackie ran over to Crash. “Crash no!” said Jackie, “Don’t leave me like this.” Crow grabbed her hand. “Don’t worry girly,” said Crow, “You’ll be joining him soon enough.” Crash’s wound secretly healed and he got back up. “And now, your days of peace end!” said Crow. He heard someone singing. It was Crash and he was dancing to some music. “What’s going on here?” asked Crow, “What are you doing?!” “I’m distracting you dumbass,” said Crash. Rilla Roo activated some kind of device that shut down Crow’s flying ability while he still retained his sharp feathers. “No more flying bird,” said Pura. “Why you little….” Said Crow, “No matter, I can still crush this little brat!” “That’s what you think,” said Crash, “You can do whatever you like, but I’ll still be standing!” I’m still standing by Elton John Crash: You could never know what it's like Your blood like winter freezes just like ice And there's a cold lonely light that shines from you You'll wind up like the wreck you hide behind that mask you use And did you think this fool could never win Well, look at me, I'm a-coming back again I got a taste of love in a simple way And if you need to know while I'm still standing you just fade away Crow tried attacking Crash but his dance moves were just too quick for him. Don't you know I'm still standing better than I ever did Looking like a true survivor, feeling like a little kid And I'm still standing after all this time Picking up the pieces of my life without you on my mind Crash landed a few punches and kicks on Crow as he blocked them. “Hold still you twerp!” he said. Crash wouldn’t hold still as the music was grooving him. I'm still standing. Yeah, yeah, yeah I'm still standing. Yeah, yeah, yeah Once I never could hope to win You're starting down the road leaving me again The threats you made were meant to cut me down And if our love was just a circus you'd be a clown by now You know I'm still standing better than I ever did Looking like a true survivor, feeling like a little kid I'm still standing after all this time Picking up the pieces of my life without you on my mind I'm still standing. Yeah, yeah, yeah I'm still standing. Yeah, yeah, yeah Don't you know that I'm still standing better than I ever did Looking like a true survivor, feeling like a little kid And I'm still standing after all this time Picking up the pieces of my life without you on my mind I'm still standing. Yeah, yeah, yeah I'm still standing. Yeah, yeah, yeah I'm still standing. Yeah, yeah, yeah I'm still standing. Yeah, yeah, yeah I'm still standing. Yeah, yeah, yeah I'm still standing. Yeah, yeah, yeah Crash managed to grab Crow’s wings. “No, don’t!” said Crow. Crash then pulled them off and smashed them to pieces, then punched Crow in the face and he was down for the count. “Looks like this bird’s been grounded!” said Crash. Jackie tackled him with a hug and then a kiss. “What about Cortex?” asked Pura, “He’s still out there and has the crystals.” “Or does he?” asked Elora. She secretly stole the crystals back. “Elora you sneaky girl,” said the professor, “Well at last his weapon can’t be completed.” “You bet your ass,” said Hunter. Later the authorities came and arrested Crow and he was taken to jail. The news was talking about Crash and his efforts to save Echo Creek and the world from certain destruction. At school there was a celebration for Crash and his heroic deeds. Nicholas was watching and couldn’t be more proud of Crash. “You finally did it buddy,” he said. He checked the mail and got a letter from Crash. Dear Mr. Shay; I can’t thank you enough for the suit and its cool functions. However I don’t think I’m gonna need the mask anymore. The people have already seen my face without it, so there’s no point in keeping it on. I also appreciate the lesson about being myself. It really helped. Thanks, for everything. Crash Bandicoot. Nicholas kept the mask from the suit that he gave Crash. Back at the celebration, Crash and his band were playing. Everyone else was dancing. Meanwhile Crash and Elora were reconciling. Back in the Afternoon by Panic! At The Disco Crash: Back to the street where we began Feeling as good as lovers can, you know Yeah we're feeling so good Pickin' up things we shouldn't read It looks like the end of history as we know It's just the end of the world Back to the street where we began Feeling as good as love, you could, you can Jackie: Into a place where thoughts can bloom Into a room where it's nine in the afternoon And we know that it could be And we know that it should And you know that you feel it too 'Cause it's nine in the afternoon Crash: And your eyes are the size of the moon You could 'cause you can so you do We're feeling so good Just the way that we do When it's nine in the afternoon Your eyes are the size of the moon You could 'cause you can so you do We're feeling so good Star: Back to the street Down to our feet Losing the feeling of feeling unique Do you know what I mean? Marco: Back to the place Where we used to say Man it feels good to feel this way Now I know what I mean Spyro: Back to the street, back to the place, Back to the room where it all began (hey) Back to the room where it all began 'Cause it's nine in the afternoon Your eyes are the size of the moon You could 'cause you can so you do We're feeling so good Just the way that we do When it's nine in the afternoon Your eyes are the size of the moon You could 'cause you can so you do We're feeling so good Just the way that we do When it's nine in the afternoon Crash and Jackie: Your eyes are the size of the moon You could 'cause you can so you do We're feeling so good Just the way that we do When it's nine in the afternoon Crash pulled Jackie up to the stage and they shared a kiss in the moonlight. The End….. Cortex and N Gin found a secret cave. “He is here,” said Cortex. “Who?” asked N. Gin. “My master,” said Cortex. He took one of the crystals and placed it on a table. From the table emerged an evil floating mask. “At last I am free,” it said. It laughed evilly. Confident by Demi Lovato Are you ready? It's time for me to take it I'm the boss right now Not gonna fake it Not when you go down 'Cause this is my game And you better come to play I used to hold my freak back Now I'm letting go I make my own choice [Clean version:] Yeah I run this show [Explicit version:] Bitch, I run this show So leave the lights on No, you can't make me behave So you say I'm complicated That I must be outta my mind But you've had me underrated Rated, rated What's wrong with being, what's wrong with being What's wrong with being confident? What's wrong with being, what's wrong with being What's wrong with being confident? It's time to get the chains out Is your tongue tied up? 'Cause this is my ground And I'm dangerous And you can get off But it's all about me tonight So you say I'm complicated That I must be outta my mind But you've had me underrated Rated, rated What's wrong with being, what's wrong with being What's wrong with being confident? What's wrong with being, what's wrong with being What's wrong with being confident? What's wrong with being, what's wrong with being What's wrong with being confident? What's wrong with being, what's wrong with being What's wrong with being confident? So you say I'm complicated But you've had me underrated What's wrong with being, what's wrong with being What's wrong with being confident? What's wrong with being, what's wrong with being What's wrong with being confident? What's wrong with being, what's wrong with being What's wrong with being confident? What's wrong with being, what's wrong with being What's wrong with being confident? La Da Dee by Cody Simpson There's no way to say this song's about someone else Every time you're not in my arms I start to lose myself Someone please pass me my shades Don't let 'em see me down You have taken over my days So tonight I'm going out Yet I'm feeling like There is no better place than right by your side I had a little taste And I'll only spoil the party anyway 'Cause all the girls are looking fine But you're the only one on my mind La da dee La da dee doo La da da me La da da you La da dee La da dee doo There's only me There's only you La da dee La da dee doo La da da me La da da you La da dee La da dee doo When you were gone I think of you All these places packed with people but your face is all I see And the music's way too loud but your voice won't let me be So many pretty girls around They're just dressing to impress But the thought of you alone has got me spun And I don't know what to say next Yet I'm feeling like There is no better place than right by your side I had a little taste And I'll only spoil the party anyway 'Cause all the girls are looking fine But you're the only one on my mind La da dee La da dee doo La da da me La da da you La da dee La da dee doo There's only me There's only you La da dee La da dee doo La da da me La da da you La da dee La da dee doo When you were gone I think of you [2x] I pretend the night is so beautiful Take a photo with the bros La da dee La da da doo They won't see through my disguise Right here behind my eyes Replaying in my mind La de da Yet I'm feeling like There is no better place than right by your side I had a little taste And I'll only spoil the party anyway 'Cause all the girls are looking fine But you're the only one on my mind La da dee La da dee doo La da da me La da da you La da dee La da dee doo There's only me There's only you La da dee La da dee doo La da da me La da da you La da dee La da dee doo When you were gone I think of you [2x]

2018 Season Predictions

By podcast co-host, Kevin McCaffrey

This’ll be a long one, so BUCKLE IN!

NL EAST Washington Nationals NY Mets Philadelphia Phillies Atlanta Braves Florida Marlins

The only “interesting” thing here is that I could see 2-4 in any order. I think the Phillies are almost overhyped as a possible breakout team, but they have a weak division to beat up on...just like everyone else. I think the Mets land a couple of games above .500 and are in the wild card mix late.

NL CENTRAL Chicago Cubs St. Louis Cardinals* Milwaukee Brewers Pittsburgh Pirates Cincinnati Reds

I think the Cubs are, uh, the best team in the NL on paper? And with extreme bias, I probably put them #2 behind the Astros overall, right in the mix with Nats/Yankees/Indians. The tough part is that I do believe the Cardinals are going to Cardinals it up this season and be 5 wins better than they have any reason to be (Jose Martinez, with good playing time, I really believe in as a kind of Bautista-lite late-ish career breakout). The Brewers I think *should* be a touch better than the Cardinals, but I don’t think they *will* be. They really needed one more starter this offseason, and I’m not sure they have the farm system to deal for one mid-season stud...though their GM David Stearns I think is really good, and as a Cubs fan, bothers me.

NL WEST LA Dodgers Arizona Diamondbacks* Colorado Rockies SF Giants SD Padres

(Dumb guy voice that is identical to my actual voice) “The Dodgers don’t scare me!” Except, they kind of don’t. With Turner hurt, that lineup gets un-scary very quickly. He’ll be back, sure, but hand and wrist injuries can be long lingering poison to hitters (as I get deeply sad, thinking about Derrek Lee post-’05). The Diamondbacks are my reluctant pick for the 2nd wild card, as I feel like I could flip a coin between them and the Brewers. The Rockies I believe so little in, with a weak lineup and decent young, but hard-to-count-on pitching, that I had them 4th behind the Giants before everyone on that team died.

AL East NY Yankees Boston Red Sox* Toronto Blue Jays Baltimore Orioles Tampa Bay Rays

I’ve heard a lot of analysts say the Rays still shouldn’t be that bad, and that they aren’t “tanking” (Olney & ESPN types, mainly), and I know there are projections that always love the Rays no matter what. But they have a 4-man pitching staff, and they have 3 pitchers. So, last. The Orioles are weird but always better than they should be, I think the Blue Jays have a pretty solid year in what could be the end of the Donaldson era. Of the teams everyone thinks are playoff locks (Nats/Cubs/Dodgers/Yanks/Red Sox/Indians/Astros), I think the Red Sox are the most likely to just whiff it. It feels like they’re one key injury away from being kind of middling. Take out any one of Betts, Martinez, Sale, even Bogaerts, and they look good, but, eh. The Yankees are, annoyingly, going to be awesome for at least 8 years now.

AL CENTRAL Cleveland Indians Minnesota Twins Chicago White Sox Kansas City Royals Detroit Tigers

Woof, the bottom of this division. The Indians thank you for your fast-pass to the offseason. Because of that weak-ass schedule, my head tells me the Twins are the other wild card, but my heart tells me it’s a team from the city that invented the “fast pass” for their theme park. I love the Twins bargain shopping, going against the grain in an offseason when that meant just paying a little bit good players (Morrison, Lynn). If Cleveland can keep their pitchers healthy at the end of the year -- and the weak schedule could let them pull a 2017 Dodgers and fake DL guys mid-season for rest -- they could really go on a run...kind of like they did during the regular season, last year.

AL WEST Houston Astros Anaheim Angels* Texas Rangers Oakland A’s Seattle Mariners

Well, the Astros are the best, and they got better. I made money betting on them at the beginning of the playoffs last year, when it seemed everyone was on the Dodgers or the Indians, but I literally put my money on a historically good offense. I like those. They made a great trade that I wish the Cubs made for Verlander, added Cole, and all I can say is thank God they had moments of pure idiocy a few years ago when they waived pre-breakout JD Martinez and passed on Kris Bryant, because if they didn’t do those things, we’d just have to hit fast-forward until they stopped winning titles, and I’m not ready for 2022 yet. The Angels, man, c’mon. They’re maybe my #1 team to tune into when the Cubs aren’t on via MLB.TV (which somehow gets worse every year, from a technical standpoint -- my next story: “The At Bat App Is Tanking”), and thank God they finally went all-in to get decent older dudes to surround Trout with in Cozart and Kinsler, and re-signing Upton. Billy Eppler is really smart, and good, and even though getting Shohei Ohtani is largely through luck of location and the inequality of rules between the two leagues, they still got him, and that’s fun. So, what the hell, Angels for the 2nd wild card because them in the playoffs would be friggin’ cool. And the Mariners rebuild, once they start it, should have them really good by about 2025, when Felix is throwing one of his last opening day starts.

PLAYOFFS

Wild Card Cardinals over Diamondbacks Angels over Red Sox

Division Series Nationals over Dodgers Cubs over Cardinals Astros over Angels Indians over Yankees

League Championship Series Cubs over Nationals Indians over Astros

World Series Cubs over Indians in 7

Jeez, there are a lot of teams tanking, but this October is going to be a gauntlet of incredible teams. Every year is a year when “any team could win” in the playoffs, because that’s how the future works, but this year is one where it’s possible that almost any team *should* win.

I think the Cubs and Nationals will battle it out for a very important #1 spot in the NL, which could be rough for the Cubs looking at the Nationals division. Loser plays a rough series against the Dodgers, and goes into the next series with a disadvantage, as the Cubs did last year, heading to LA completely depleted. Fingers crossed the Cubs dispatch with the Cardinals in a very stressful NLDS, and the Cubs once again knock out the Nats, with a great 4-man rotation and Chatwood turning into a high-leverage bullpen weapon, plus whatever reliever Theo gets at the deadline (my prediction is Zach Britton).

In the AL, there’s part of me that just wants to say Mike Trout wins all the games by himself. But if that doesn’t happen, the Astros are the best team, the Yankees could score 8-10 runs just about every game...and yet, I’m saying this sneaky, historically good rotation in Cleveland puts a run together, choking the life out of every offense on their way to the World Series.

In storytelling, you’d have Cleveland take down the Cubs in a 2016 rematch, now with their rotation more than just Kluber and spare parts. But I think the Cubs rotation is just about the only one with the depth to matchup with Cleveland, and the Cubs might have more of an AL offense than the Indians. The pitching plays to about a draw, and the Cubs bats give them the title in 7...at Wrigley. Cleveland gets the consolation prize of getting to continue the claim of being the longest suffering franchise, which they’ve held for a full two years now.

The Cubs find themselves one title short of being able to claim a semi-official “dynasty,” with three more seasons left in the current window.

Or at least, that’s what I think will happen.

AWARDS

MVP

NL: 1. Bryce Harper 2. Kris Bryant 3. Anthony Rizzo

I honestly think this could/should be Bryant, and my heart wants Rizzo to get one of these for his future HOF case, but Harper in a walk year, but more importantly in a year he knows might be his last with a great Nats core, has him go on a high-profile tear.

AL: 1. Carlos Correa 2. Mike Trout 3. Giancarlo Stanton

It’s probably Trout, but let’s get slightly weird. Correa finished in the top 10 in MVP voting last year in less than 110 games, he’s on the best team, and the team played waaaaay better with him active last year. He’ll still likely be the 2nd best player on his team but voters won’t go Altuve again. Stanton hits bombs, you probably heard.

CY YOUNG

NL: 1. Stephen Strasbourg 2. Kyle Hendricks 3. Max Scherzer

Stras’s performance in game 4 of the NLDS was a real turning point in an already great career. With all the weirdness leading up to his maybe not pitching, if he bombed, that narrative would have stuck forever (like Kershaw/playoffs, as stupid as it is). But he dominated a great Cubs lineup, he has three plus-plus-plus pitches, his changeup is actual wizardry that should be outlawed, and he and Bryce go nuts in this last year of the Washington window. Hendricks rules, and people will never realize how much until maybe his 200th win. Scherzer’s maybe my favorite non-Cubs pitcher, and I’ve got him in the top 3 over Kershaw just because of Clayton’s back.

AL: 1. Carlos Carrasco 2. Corey Kluber 3. Chris Sale

ROOKIE OF THE YEAR

NL: 1. Scott Kingery 2. Ronald Acuna 3. Nick Senzel

Acuna seems like he’s gonna be a star of stars, but this could be a year where Kingery simply gets more counting stats, as he’s not having his service time manipulated (well, with the contract he signed, you could argue he still *is* being manipulated, but whatever). Acuna might be the best rookie since Bryant. Senzel’s a reach, just anticipating an injury and him coming up, playing out of position at SS, and hitting a bunch of homers in that mini-park.

AL: 1. Shohei Ohtani 2. Michael Kopech 3. Willie Calhoun

I believe in Ohtani! I think he’ll hit 12-15 homers, and be a solid #3 starter this year. Kopech could be Verlander. Calhoun is a position-less fire hydrant who might hit 25 homers in part of a year.