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dreamkidddream · 3 years

Note

I’m the Doll!MC Anon and I just wanna say I’m so glad that you enjoy a soft/delicate!MC and I really didn’t expect it to get so much love!

Since I kinda want to be evil and see the boys be overprotective, can I request hc’s of them seeing Doll!MC getting hurt by some lesser demon that bumps her into the ground and she gets a bruise? 🌚

Omg Doll Anon I wasn’t expecting it to get so much love either (here’s the original Doll!MC HCs if anyone wants to read)!! So I actually had your request saved for when I was done with the prompt special bc it’s so good, so I decided to combine them and I have definitely been waiting to write this 😈😈 Reader is gender neutral!

CW: mention of blood (nothing graphic) and spoilers for Lesson 16 (Lucifer, Mammon, Beel, and Belphie’s part)

The Brothers and Diavolo with Doll!MC who Gets Hurt

Lucifer

Okay whoever is dumb enough to hurt you in front of him deserves this 100%

The air around this man is already more than intimidating, so whoever tries this is a poor, stupid soul

When he saw you fall down the stairs, he felt his stomach turn. He already caught you before you could injure yourself further, but after seeing the blood coming down your face, the damage was already done

Now, Lucifer is the brother who always has control over himself and what he does. But, we also know that how his temper can get, especially when it comes to his family

This demon is dumb enough to push you but not dumb enough to crack a smile in front of him, especially with how tense Lucifer is getting right now

He sat you up and tried to remember some first aid techniques to stop the bleeding. You’re on the verge of losing consciousness, but you’re okay right now. He’ll take you home, but first-

His glare is making the demon freeze in place right now, and the anger radiating off of him is petrifying

How dare- how dare this fool harm you, in front of him no less?! Did they think that he wouldn’t do anything? That Lucifer, the Avatar of Pride, one of the strongest demons to ever grace the Devildom, would just idly stand by and let this happen?

He’s stalking towards them, and he can feel his fangs showing and his diamond appearing on his forehead, growling out how they will pay for this-

But he’s stopped by Lord Diavolo, who was shocked by the scene. You’re unconscious, and Lucifer has this poor student hanging in the air by their uniform, claws ready to slice through them. Needless to say, he understands why his close friend is upset, but for everyone’s safety he should just take you home like planned

You thought Lucifer was a helicopter parent before? You haven’t seen NOTHING yet

He would start inviting you more to his room to sleep in his bed while he works away, and it started happening so much that he didn’t even ask anymore and started expecting you to always be in there

So instead of him being glued by your side, you’re glued to his. It’s obvious that he can’t let you out of his sight without something happening (again), so hope you’re ready to see experience Lucifer’s daily routine from sunrise to sunset and a whole new set of rules. Basically playing follow the leader, but with a lot more handholding and kisses

You had to practically beg to be back into the kitchen, and he only relented when he could be the one to supervise you, and even then he still didn’t want to hold anything sharp or be near anything that could injure you (which is pretty much everything)

The main one to put a stop to his brothers’ schemes, handing out harsher punishments than before each time they try to involve you. This man is not playing any games with anyone

You know he means well, he was already overprotective from the start, and this is just his way of showing that he cares about you. You can tell every time he gives you that soft look in his eyes, and the regret that he shows every time he catches sight of your bruise. He may not like to be vulnerable, but he couldn’t hide his emotions from you too long. You’re like a weakness to him, one that he isn’t against indulging in

And he hasn’t forgotten about that student, oh no. He made sure to have a nice lengthy chat with them when you both returned to RAD. You didn’t question it when he informed you that the student had been rightfully punished and no longer an issue, and you tried to ignore the red dots splattered on his shoes, or that sadistic gleam in his eyes...

Mammon

This isn’t happening, this isn’t happening, this isn’t happening-

The blood is pouring from your head, and your eyes are closing too fast for him, and his heart stops

You look lifeless, like when Belphie killed you, when he was too late to save you-

He’ll never forget that image, it’s drilled deep into his mind, forever a reminder of his failure to protect you. And now he failed again-

This demon is gloating about this, and that’s when he snaps

He was already in his demon form and beating the life out of them when he was restrained. Many people were shocked that he was capable of this, that Mammon the scumbag, Mammon the dummy, Mammon the punching bag was capable enough to be this dangerous, this deadly. He’s the second born after all, and he’s the strongest right under Lucifer himself, and he holds a lot in

He could- he would do a lot more because they deserve it, but just seeing you so still, it snaps him out of it. You’re more important to him than getting his anger out, and you’re the one he needs to be focusing on right now. But rest asssured, this isn’t over

You thought he was attached to you before? He is glued to your side 24/7 and will not be leaving anytime soon. Ever since you woke up he never let go of you, calling you “his human” and just hugging you tight

Also if you have to go down the stairs you guys are FLYING no exceptions! The stairs are the devil in his eyes (how ironic) and he will not be risking anything with you

If you guys aren’t out and about under his careful and watchful eye (and I mean very careful, he’s like your very own bodyguard but with a lot more growling and snapping on strangers than usual), then you’re in his room doing whatever. Watching movies, playing cards and somehow beating him every time (he swears that he isn’t letting you win! Lies), whatever you wanna do. As long as you’re with him, giggling and safe, he’s happy and stress free

You mean so much to Mammon MC, he can’t even tell you if he tries. Under his tsundere traits, he really loves you, like really loves you! He’s just so scared of being rejected and losing you a second time. But now that he knows you’ll always be there for him, he’s going to do the same for you (but he already was even if you didn’t like him) He hates looking at that bruise right now, but it’s set as a reminder to not let something happen to you again

Also, another thing that people forget about Mammon is that he can talk to crows. So it wasn’t much to have them track down the person who caused you pain, and it didn’t take long for him to find them either. He thinks that the aftermath will set a good lesson for everyone else who continues to underestimate him when it comes to you: don’t

Leviathan

See, this is why he never leaves his safe haven AKA his room!

After he saw your head hit the ground hard, he was freaking out. He doesn’t know what to do, he wasn’t prepared for this! He tried shaking you to keep you awake, but your eyes were steady closing

Everything is happening in slow motion. You’re slumped over on the ground while the person who did it is laughing at him

If anything, the person who did it should be the one on the ground, not you, not his Henry. It’s not fair, it’s not fair, it’s not fair!

The demon stopped laughing when their windpipe was getting crushed by the second. They couldn’t even try to loosen the grip, Levi’s tail is rather strong, and so is he. He is the third strongest out of his family and the Grand Admiral of the Navy, yet people tend to forget that

Everyone knows how bad Levi’s tantrums can be, but this isn’t just a tantrum, it’s much worse. Had the brothers not intervene, he would have done much worse than summoning Lotan (which he was on the brink of doing anyway)

When you did wake up, he was so upset. Of course he let this happen, he’s just a worthless otaku who couldn’t even keep his crush safe-

OMG why are you hugging him and patting his head?! Quit it- well wait, this does feel kinda nice...Ugh you’re such a normie! Getting hurt so easily and still trying to put a smile on his face. But it does make him feel better

He rarely left his room before, and you guys are definitely not leaving it now. It’s like having a sleepover, but it never ends. That sounds great, right MC? Endless marathons of TSL and other anime, co-op video games, trying on his cosplay outfits that he made (some even made just for you and he needs to cover that bruise somehow), it’s going to be so fun and you’ll be safe with him! Who wouldn’t want that??

We all know that Levi is very self conscious. He knows that he isn’t confident like Lucifer and Mammon, or attractive like Asmo, or smart like Satan or Belphie, or physically fit like Beel, he knows. But every time you listen to him ramble on about this new anime show that he wants you guys to binge, or when he rants about a stupid move his teammate did in an online match, he feels valued. He feels loved. And while it’s hard for him to express his feelings, it’s no doubt in his mind that you’re important to him, and that he’s beyond happy that someone like you is his best friend

One day he’ll get the courage to say those three words, but he hopes that you already know with everything that he does for you

For example, Levi is an aquatic demon, and he has the ability to communicate with all types of sea creatures. Granted, he knows right from wrong, but in his eyes he’s taking care of the problem. So it wouldn’t be a huge issue if he used them to clean up the remaining mess of said problem, right? I mean, his venom can only do so much, and he doesn’t need anyone questioning him, and Lotan does get hungry...

Satan

He could only see red. Both from his anger surfacing and from the fact that you’re bleeding

He had his claws wrapped around the neck of the one responsible before they could even think about running. This- this filth dared tried to escape after he hurt you? And they thought that Satan would just let them get away with it?

They must forget that he’s the Avatar of Wrath, the one who doesn’t show mercy

He just kept pounding the demon into the ground, over and over and over and over. He didn’t even care about the blood splatter it was leaving on the lockers or on him

He was this close to finishing them off when he heard you call out for him, and it took everything in him to drop them. He squeezed their neck a final time, not even close to being satisfied with the whimper he heard, and growled out a promise of that he will find them and will make sure that they suffer before he threw them down. They better count themselves lucky that they get to crawl away in one piece (for now), because had you not been there-

Oh, he is seething the more he thinks about it

But you bleeding is a distraction from it, even if it is making his stomach turn, it’s helping him know that he needs to help you now

He didn’t have to let his brothers know as they came to see what the commotion was, and Lucifer (even if he didn’t want to believe it himself) was anxious that he was the cause of it. But after he saw the hold he had on you and another demon barely clinging onto life, he knew otherwise

It was decided that you two going home would be the best course of action (which it didn’t matter to Satan, you both weren’t going to stay here whether it was demanded or not), and he calmed down enough to properly treat you

You didn’t leave his room for the rest of the day, and he even gave up his bed for you to lie in so that he can do some research. The human body is a complicated thing, but Satan can learn it like the back of his hand just for you. So just go ahead and rest for now MC- or maybe not, you might have a concussion according to this book and if you do he needs to monitor your condition!

Even after you were healed, he didn’t let you out of his sight and daily checkups were a must. Dr. Satan is in the building!

You eventually moved back into your room (you would have stayed longer but he’s a little nervous with his towering stacks of books and doesn’t want anymore accidents), but he practically moved in with you with how much he comes over, either falling asleep at your desk reading a book or falling asleep in your chair right next to your bed

Very reluctant to have you around stairs, it makes the hairs on his neck stand up. He’ll let you go down the stairs ONLY if you’re holding his hand. If you’re upset with those conditions (spoiler alert you’re not), then you better be ready to learn some teleportation spells (but even then he’s still not leaving your side)

He doesn’t hold his temper back with the others when it comes to you for the time being. If he even senses that Mammon, Asmo, or Levi is coming to you with something that can cause trouble, he’s growling at them to leave you alone, horns slowly coming out and tail whipping furiously

However, he tries not to lash out in front of you. He realizes that he lost control with that demon, and how it could have terrified you had you been fully conscious, but he doesn’t want you to think that he’s just a monster. He wants you to continue to treat him like you do now, and not have the image of bashing someone’s bloody body on the floor repeatedly

Speaking of bashing someone, Satan made well on his promise of coming back. The demon thought that avoiding coming back to school would save them, but Satan is a genius, and has many associates that he can sweet talk to get what he wants. It didn’t take much to figure out where they went, and he made sure to get out all of his pent-up frustrations from that fateful day. He felt better when he came home, but he needed to take a shower before he went to see you...

Besides from that, he does appreciate the peace that you do bring him. You just have this aura around you that’s so calming to him, and he needs to steal you away more he realizes

Also you make better cat-themed desserts than the cafe and he can’t risk Beel eating them all again

Asmodeus

He’s shook, and not in the good way

He just had your hand in his, complaining about how you cuticles look so good and his is lacking and how guys have to go to the nail salon after class, and then your hand is jerked from his, your form at the bottom of the stairs

The blood staining your uniform is alarming, but he can’t worry about that now. He’s trying to keep you talking, but you’re already on the verge of passing out

“MC, you can’t sleep yet! We have plans to go to the nail salon remember? And I need you awake so we can talk about what matching color we’re getting! So what color should we get now, MC? MC? MC!”

He’s trying to keep himself from panicking, but he can’t help it! You’re suppose to be smiling and laughing with you, loving him, but you’re unconscious on the ground, and he’s scared

Quickly dials Lucifer and tells him the whole situation, and he’s surprised to find himself blinking back tears

The demon who did this is long gone by the time Lucifer and Diavolo come, but he remembers the face, and he has something exciting planned when he comes face to face with them

Obviously you have to go home, but Asmo is so distraught that he has to go home with you. But when you wake up, prepare to be tackled to the bed with him crying his eyes out. All you can do is try to comfort him and tell him that okay, giving him little kisses on his cheek

But now that the sadness is out of the way (all this crying and worrying is causing him stress wrinkles), it’s time for a makeover/stress relief!

Fashion shows, makeovers, painting nails, face masks, the whole nine yards. All in the comfort of his dazzling room!

It’ll make you both feel and look better, and honestly you two need that right now. It also gives him the opportunity to cover that unappealing bruise. Your beauty outshines it but it’ll be best to cover it up for your and his sake (mainly his)

Every time Asmo sees your bruise, he gets upset and he’s tired of being reminded of what happened. He knows that he’s only loved for his looks, his vanity, but you see more in him than that

You’re...you’re the first person that loves him for him entirely, not because of his features. And when he tells you that he loves you, he honestly means it. He would have never thought he would fall so deep for someone, let alone a human, but...he’s glad that it’s you. He’s happy that it’s you

Which is why he wants to keep you safe and injury-free. Plus, your skin is too pretty and doll-like to be roughed up!

You guys still go out of course, he just has a better eye on you now. This one incident isn’t going to hold him back for picking out new cute outfits for you!

And don’t think he forgot about that demon who caused all of this in the first place. He actually waited by their locker, and convinced them to come with him. But what should Asmo do with them? He could always have them steal Beel’s food, annoy Lucifer, say something horrible about Ruri-Chan, the possibilities are endless! As long as they don’t cause him to get dirty, of course

Or maybe they should do something so severe that they have no reason than to leave RAD forever, or even leave the Devildom forever, depending on how far he’s willing to take it. He’ll do anything if it means you’re safe and he gets to keep you all to himself

Beelzebub

He thought it was an accident at first, you get so excited about things that you stumble over your own feet sometimes, but he’s always there to catch you or pick you up

You keep saying that you’re okay as he’s holding onto you, and after he sits you up he’s confused because he smells blood. His heart is beating a little quicker, and you’re not talking anymore, and your head is drooping, and that’s when he sees the blood running down the side of your face

He’s starting to panic, and he’s so scared that if he tightens his hold against you he’ll just make things worse, that he’ll just hurt you more. But he needs to go find Lucifer, he needs to get you help, you’re feeling so light in his arms and it reminds him of the Celestial War when he witnessed his sister dying-

He hears someone snickering behind him, and that’s when he loses his temper

You’re a part of his family now, someone that he loves and cares for more than he can describe, and they did this to you? Someone who wouldn’t even squish a bug, someone who made him late night snacks without even asking, always there to give him hugs after his games no matter how sweaty, someone that put his family back together and they did this to you?

Lucifer and Mammon struggled to hold him back after they found the demon flung through the wall, laying under the rubble. Beel just kept growling, fangs bared and wings buzzing. He won’t stop trying to get out of their hold, and he keeps inching closer and closer to the demon, and it’s only a matter of time before he finishes what he started

You were already in the infirmary getting treated, and Beel isn’t calming down anytime soon so you were both escorted home

You woke up to Beel upset and pouting. He’s so worried about you that he couldn’t even eat. Beelzebub could not eat, that’s how you knew this was a something serious

Poor Beel was so terrified of hurting you himself that he failed to protect you from the people that do want to hurt you, or worse

But this won’t happen again, he swears, both to you and himself. Move over Mammon, Beel is officially your new bodyguard!

Wherever you go, Beel is right behind you, literally. He’s like your shadow, just bigger and a lot more...menacing. Also isn’t taking any chances with Mammon’s schemes, just carrying you away before he can even open his mouth about another get rich quick plan

Speaking of carrying, you are not allowed to walk down the stairs anymore. As soon as you step near some you find yourself in his arms like it’s nothing. Both at home and at school, it doesn’t matter to him

Also he’s very cautious to have you around people besides his brothers, and the exchange students (but he’s still hesitant about Solomon, anyone who can cook food like him is automatically getting the side eye)

Also you practically moved in with the twins, and it’s nothing compared to the sleepovers before. Belphie sleeps easier, Beel’s stomach is satisfied (eating your homemade sweets with you is better than everything combined at Hell’s Kitchen, and trust me he knows) he feels all warm inside, and you’re protected. Everyone’s happy!

Beel is a sweet guy, just don’t come in between his family or his food. After that whole incident with the demon, everyone has come to understand that, especially after seeing just how much damage he caused both to the demon and the school in so little time...

Belphegor

If he was sleepy before, he’s completely awake now

You’re holding the side of your head, and he can see the blood seeping through your fingers, groaning in pain. You keep trying to say that you’re okay, but your words are starting to slur and he’s getting nervous, he’s getting scared

It’s reminding him too much of his worst mistake, of what he did to you, when he murdered-

No. He doesn’t need to be thinking about that right now, especially when the person who did this is bragging about it while your body is slumped over. Right there, he knows what exactly needs to be done

Belphie was already in front of them before they even registered it, and didn’t give him any time to form an excuse. His claws were already at their throat, inching deeper and deeper the more they swallowed

“I should just slit your throat now, it’ll be easy and not a lot of work. But you deserve much worse than that. You’ll wish I did by the end of this.”

After a tap to the demon’s forehead, they just collapsed before him, unmoving. He didn’t even look down when he stepped over them (or rather stepped on them) to get to you. You’re passed out, but still breathing. You can’t stay here like this, and he refuses to tell Diavolo or Lucifer. He’ll figure something out, maybe Satan has some books in his room on what to do...

When you woke up, you found yourself wrapped in blankets and Belphie sleeping beside you, arms wrapped tight. You were confused, when did you get home? You remember walking with him down the stairs, but everything was blurry after that. What happen-

“You’re always thinking so hard MC, you’ll never be able to get good rest if you keep that up. But Satan did say to check on you every couple of hours, so I guess it’s fine. And quit touching your head!”

“Oh, sorry Belphie, I didn’t mean to-”

“Tch, how annoying...”

But he’s lying. Even as he’s carefully re-wrapping the bandages, he’s relieved that you’re awake, that your eyes are still full of life, not like the dullness that he saw that fateful night

When Lucifer finds you he is not happy with Belphie, but he doesn’t care and tells him that everything is already under control and that he isn’t needed. Belphie didn’t miss the scowl that he sent his way, but he just smirked in response. You didn’t need Lucifer as Belphie is already taking care of you, as it should be

You know how he always carries around his favorite pillow? Yeah he’s doing that with you basically, minus the carrying. You’re practically attached to his side, wherever he goes you’re either right there with him or in his room, which is mainly just you two lazing around or sleeping (as usual)

Honestly, the only demons who he’s okay with disturbing you two is Beel and maybe Satan. Beel because that’s his twin and it’s his room too, and Satan only if he’s checking on you medically or if he has some new ideas to mess with Lucifer. Everyone else is just trying to bother you and be annoying, and you don’t need that

Of course he blames himself for this! How is he suppose to keep you safe, to make up for his mistake? But then it clicks

It’s not the fact that he’s weak, people think that he’s weak. But he realizes that this is fine, he’ll use that to his advantage.

Diavolo is upset and Lucifer is running out of excuses for him, but Belphie just plays stupid and says he can’t remember how to remove it (even though he does). Let the demon lose some more sleep until they learn their lesson, whether it’s from the constant nightmares or from sleep deprivation trying to stay awake to avoid said nightmares. He’ll remove it when he feels like it, and he doesn’t see that happening anytime soon

Let people think the Avatar of Sloth is weak, that he’s not a threat, and he can show them exactly how wrong they are. Better yet, this demon can be the perfect example, and many more if they become a bother to you (and him)

You’re too nice MC, too delicate. You treat him so good, like he’s not a demon, like he’s not the monster who took your life, and he has to thank you for that somehow. He feels like whatever he does won’t be enough for the kindness you give him, but protecting you from others who used to be like him could be a good start

Also now he can hog all of your head pats and cuddles for himself, and he doesn’t feel bad at all. Everyone else had their time with you when he was locked up, so he’s finally got the opportunity to be selfish

Diavolo

First of all...this demon is dumb enough to harm you in front of him??? The Demon LORD???? The FUTURE KING OF HELL??!

They have more than just a death wish

It all happened so quick, he just crossed paths with you in the hallways and started to ask about your day (and maybe invite you for a small tea date after school) but he didn’t even get the chance to open his mouth

One second he saw your eyes light up and hand extended to excitedly wave, then he saw your fragile form tumbling down the stairs

Barbatos was soon called to his side as Diavolo saw the red coating his palms and you barely staying conscious, trying to say that you’re okay and not to worry

See...he feared that this would be a problem. While Diavolo is a very kind and understanding ruler, there are still some demons out there who think he’s too lenient, too soft. But that’s where people are mistaken. Diavolo is kind, but do not mistake his kindness for weakness

He felt his anger rising, his demeanor starting to crack, but he set aside his emotions. You’re his first priority, and he needs to make sure that you’re okay! He’s still a ruler, and you’re his responsibility (and first love)

However, he made sure that Barbatos took the demon who did this and kept them in the dungeon until he was done treating you. He won’t let this go unpunished, he can’t and he won’t

You’re an important part of the exchange program, and you’re most important to him, and he’s upset with himself that you got hurt. You’re so delicate, and you don’t deserve any of this happening to you, but what can he do? While he trusts the brothers to keep you safe, he wants to keep an eye on you personally, but how?

Then it struck him

You liked to stay in the castle, always smiling and having fun whenever you spent time with him there, so why not relocate you there?? It’ll be like an extended sleepover/retreat with just you two!! You guys can do all of your favorite activities and won’t have to worry about going home because you won’t have to leave!! Why didn’t he think of this sooner?!

The brothers are very upset with this incident, and even more so when he announced this. Diavolo decided that your condition needed to be monitored closely, and since he’s the person directly in charge of the exchange program AND the ruler over the Devildom, there was no room to argue. You weren’t going to stay in the castle forever, just until he deemed it right to return to the HoL

Which would be...some time soon, maybe. He’s not really worried about that now, his number 1 concern is you after all!

You’re getting the royal treatment, literally. This is the chance that he gets to pamper you without interruptions and he is not wasting it!

You kept trying to convince him that you’re fine, but he wasn’t hearing any of it, especially after he sees the nasty bruise that was left. “MC, please! You still need to rest. How about I have Barbatos bring us some tea to help, and we can even have the royal staff bring us some outfits of your choosing if you like? Oo, we can even have our portrait painted!”

“Dia, I promise that I’m fine, you have more things to worry about than me-”

“Nonsense, MC. You’re what’s important to me, now and always. Don’t ever forget that.”

Even finished it with a hand kiss, UGH he really is a Prince Charming

Once you did return to RAD bruise free, Diavolo, being the gentleman that he is, walked with you everywhere in the beginning. Coming into the building, walking to class, lunch, even to the student council meeting, he was by your side. But he couldn’t avoid his duties forever (unfortunately), but he always made up for lost time afterwards

You never realized that when he wasn’t with you, someone else always was. Whether it be Lucifer who miraculously had spare time, or Barbatos who decided to escort you back to the castle to try a new recipe for his Lord, it was always one of them that stayed with you

Also, it never dawned on you why people were starting to be so nice to you. You thought it was because of what happened, not paying attention to how tense they would get, the fear in their eyes. You did notice that the demon who caused your fall never came back to class, and their desk is starting to collect dust...

When you did ask Diavolo about it, he just pat your head and said that what happened was unacceptable and that the demon has been dealt with accordingly.

You don’t need to hear about what really happened to them, he doesn’t want to scare you or taint your innocence! But he doesn’t mind if anyone else hears it, he’ll be more than happy to explain in full detail what happened and what will happen to demons that even think about attempting to harm you or think that he’s “too soft”. They won’t think he’s a soft ruler after that

Diavolo is a very sweet man, one that treats you as if you’re ruling by his side as his partner and one that you never have to be scared of, but even you didn’t miss the deadly glint in his eyes whenever he spoke about that demon...

But enough about that, he wants to try that new recipe that you made just for him!

He enjoys the time that he gets to spend with you, and after this, you’ll be in his company a lot more. He can’t risk having this happen again to his love- I MEAN favorite exchange student right?

#obey me x reader #obey me reader insert #obey me #obey me swd #obey me lucifer x reader #obey me mammon x reader #obey me levi x reader #obey me leviathan x reader #obey me satan x reader #obey me asmodeus x reader #obey me asmo x reader #obey me beelzebub x reader #obey me beel x reader #obey me belphegor x reader #obey me belphie x reader #obey me diavolo x reader

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fighterkimburgess · 2 years

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Santa Gifts

Summary: It's Makayla's first Christmas with Kim, and Adam is still in shock at how well their relationship is going. He spends the first Christmas in a long time with the woman he loves, and the little girl who has become such a huge part of his heart.

Warnings: anti LGBTQ+ slurs (as part of a case), references to Kim's abduction

Words: 3k

Wanna join my taglist?

“Adam?” Makayla asked as she looked up from her carefully drawn entry for the school Christmas art contest. She was doing Santa on his sleigh, and he was impressed at her art skills, he could actually make out what it was.

“Yeah lil D?” He’d been filling in some paperwork - never a case file near Makayla, but when he could do paperwork without checking files he did. Kim had drawn the late watch that night, so he’d agreed to go home and keep an eye on her.

Home. The word he never thought he’d call this apartment, but he and Kim were in the best place they’d been for nearly a decade, and Makayla trusted him again. Trusted that he’d protect her and look after her. That was something he didn’t take for granted, even as he tucked her into bed most nights, kissing her forehead.

“Will Santa know I’m here? I know Kim helped me write the letter, but before my Mommy always told me that he didn’t always come. That sometimes he’d skip houses if he knew the people there had lots of love. And she and my gramma loved me so much that we had all the love.”

“That makes sense. I mean I love you and Kim, and she loves you and me. And I think you like the two of us, right?”

“I love you!”

“Love you too, kiddo. I think that sometimes Santa knows some people need some extra love in their lives. We’ll see what happens. But I’ve got a present for Kim, and I know you want to get her one too. We can go shopping at the weekend?”

“Please! What will she like?”

“We can have a look? Maybe a new mug or something?” He knew exactly what he was getting Kim from Makayla - a charm for her bracelet with an M. He’d seen them in the Pandora store they’d gone past after a case, and knew it was perfect for Makayla to give her. Probably a little bit pricey, but Kim deserved something pretty for her first Christmas as a mom.

It was official now, they’d been in the courthouse the week before. Kim and Makayla had stood there together, Kim in a suit and Mak in a sparkly skirt and trainers, a sweater with a unicorn bringing the whole outfit together. He’d sat in the row behind as Makayla’s social worker gave the go ahead, the judge then asking Makayla what she thought.

“Do you want to live with Kim? She’ll be responsible for you until you’re eighteen, and she’ll be your mother.” It was a lot more casual than the usual court appearances, the judge in jeans and a shirt with her hair pulled back.

“Yeah, she’s nice to me and she keeps me safe. And she got my dolls to help with my nightmares!” At that the guardian ad litem stood to speak.

“Miss Burgess discovered trouble dolls, they’re from Guatemala and are used to help children with bad dreams. Makayla puts them under her pillow and they help get rid of the dreams. They’ve been good for her and her sleep. The school said she’s had less issues with staying awake due to exhaustion.”

“Miss Burgess, are you happy to continue with the adoption? I see Adam Ruzek is down as the custodian in the event you are incapacitated?”

“I am, and he is. He’s my partner and one of my best friends. Makayla knows him and trusts him. He’s here today.”

Adam raised his hand, the judge taking him in and nodding.

“Well in this case I see no reason to stall the adoption. Makayla Ward is becoming Makayla Ward Burgess, with mother Kimberly Burgess. Kimberly Burgess retains all responsibilities for raising Makayla Burgess until she reaches the age of majority, as if she was her own born child. This decree is final.”

When the gavel came down Makayla flung herself into Kim’s arms, Kim sinking down to hug her fully. Adam walked to the well, waiting for them to finish before the social worker let him in.

“I think this is one of the moments you should be here for,” she murmured, Adam going straight to his girls and putting an arm around each of them.

“I love you, Kim,” he heard Makayla whisper, Kim just holding on tighter to her. It was the first time Makayla had said anything more than like about her, and Adam could see just how much it meant to her. So they walked out of the courtroom with Makayla holding each of their hands, the executive decision to go for brunch and Mak got a day off school to celebrate.

They went to Yolk as had become tradition, Makayla eating chocolate chip pancakes with a hot chocolate the size of her head. He and Kim were eating slightly healthier, but when his phone buzzed he knew his time was up.

“You have a case?” Kim asked, Makayla’s face falling at the realisation. He opened up his text chain from Kev, keeping his face straight and nodding.

We’ve got a cake and balloons for Kim and Makayla here, bring them by. Make up some excuse.

“No, but Voight needs you. You’ve a case in trial this week? Something needs to be double checked. C’mon and we can go in after we finish eating.”

It didn’t take long, and he buckled Makayla into her seat in the jeep, making sure she was secure.

“Adam?” She asked, and he looked down at her before closing the door. “I love you.”

A grin broke out on his face, and he just reached in for a hug that Makayla gave oh so willingly, different from the terrified child he’d met just after Christmas the year before.

“I love you too, lil Darlin’. And you’re stuck with me now.” He pushed a kiss to her forehead before closing up, getting in the driver’s door and squeezing Kim’s hand.

It didn’t take long to get to the district, Makayla settling on Adam’s hip as he brought them in through the roll up rather than around the front. He’d texted Kev that they were almost there, so once their footsteps were heard there was a hive of activity. He was first in the room with Makayla, the It’s a Seven Year Old banner hung up over Kim’s desk, a cake of a stork with a pink blanket and dark curls falling out sitting there too. Makayla curled her face into Adam for a moment before realising this was all for her.

“We wanted to celebrate Makayla officially being part of the family. Have some cake, relax. We all got her some presents too,” Voight said, waving across at the display. There were hugs for everyone for Kim, Makayla nodding solemnly at them all except Kevin, who was the recipient of a hug. But they didn’t want to delay the other folks in their unit and left soon after, Voight pulling Adam aside before he left with his girls.

“You’ve got a good thing here, Ruzek,” he murmured, Adam nodding.

“I’m not doing anything to risk it, Sarge.”

“Good to hear.”

But when Kim came home that night, Makayla in bed, Adam talked to her about it.

“I was thinking…I don’t want to do huge Santa presents for her. I was thinking the big ones could be from us? And then the smaller ones from Santa? I want to spoil her a bit, but I want to make it super clear that he only got her little things.”

“Sounds good. Big ones from us?” He asked, enjoying the blush on Kim’s cheeks.

“Well I figured…”

“Yeah, I figured too.” Their fingers linked as they cuddled on the couch, enjoying watching the snow fall outside.

Christmas morning dawned too early, Makayla waking them up with excited giggles instead of screams. She curled up in bed with them, and Adam relished the feeling of his arms around his girls while he could. But all too early she wanted to see what Santa had brought, so he pulled himself out of bed, one of Mak’s hands in each of theirs as she brought them to the living room.

They’d outdone themselves, a pile of presents sitting waiting for her there. There was a smaller one labeled Santa, with practical gifts. A pink puffy coat, a bright yellow schoolbag, a collection of all the Harry Potter books there for her. But Adam couldn’t wait to give her his gift.

He’d found it online, a set of dress up clothes for seven to nine year olds. There was different tutus and costumes, and he’d had it delivered to Kev’s so nobody saw it. As well as that he’d found a set of mini nail polishes for her. It’d become their thing, every few weeks she’d paint his nails as he let her, multicoloured polish on them for a day or two until it began to chip away.

He’d been interrogating a suspect when he stared at Adam’s nails, taking in his expression and making the wrong assumption.

“You just give a shit about queers getting hurt because you’re a fag, anyway,” he’d spat, and Adam just kept his self control.

“My personal life is none of your business. Why did you beat them?”

“Because they’re queer. Same way I’ll beat you if I see you with that shit on your hands. Be a man.”

“My daughter painted my nails, so I’ll keep them as they are. But thank you for that confession.”

He’d stood up and walked out of the room, hands shaking. All Adam had wanted to do was deck the man, punch him in the face so he could see how it felt. But he didn’t. He’d gotten justice for the three men who’d died for living their lives, and when he went home and Mak saw he still had the nail polish on it made her day. It was worth it.

When Makayla opened her gifts she was shocked, a grin on her face.

“Adam! This is the best thing ever! Thank you!” She flew into a hug, kissing his cheek with a grin on her face. “Can I do a performance after dinner? Please?”

“Of course you can. But you’ve got more presents first, Buddy,” Kim replied, holding out the ones from her.

The main presents from Kim were a pile of learn how to kits. There were knitting, sewing, paper crafts, and more from what Adam could see, and Mak looked thrilled at them there. She’d been interested in Trudy’s knitting projects as she’d spent more time with the desk sergeant, so it seemed perfect. As well as that Kim got her tickets to an ice skating recital, with the Winter Olympics coming up she’d been enamoured by the pretty dresses and the spins on YouTube videos.

Before the gift giving was over, Adam handed Mak her present for Kim, a grin on the girl’s face.

He’d brought her to the Pandora store to pick out a charm, showing her the Christmas ones and the dangling M he’d seen. But Makayla pointed at another one, staring at the red stones in the silver charm.

“Do you think Kim will let me call her Mom?” She asked, her voice low.

“Do you want to call her Mom?”

“I mean she is. She picks me up from school and we’ve the same last name, and she’s my best friend. I love her. But I don’t want her to tell me not to. She’s my second Mom. I had a Mommy, and now I have a Mom. Does that make sense?”

“It does, lil Darlin’. And if you want to call her Mom, I think you should. Will we get it and you can call her Mom for the first time at Christmas? That’d be the biggest Christmas present you could ever give her I think.”

“Can we? I don’t have money for it though.” She frowned, but Adam just smiled.

“Here’s a secret. I’m getting this for you to give Kim. Cause I promised I’d always be there, and this is part of it. So you don’t worry about that, and we’ll pick the best thing for Kim to have, ok?”

“Thanks, Adam.” She threw her arms around his neck, and he lifted her up so she could take a proper look at the display. “That’s the one.”

The sales assistant lifted it out of the case, Makayla nodding at it.

“Your daughter has really good taste,” she remarked as she wrapped it in tissue, putting it in the bag carefully wrapped.

“She really does.” Adam didn’t hesitate when Makayla was called his daughter this time. He knew he was at most a step parent, not even that considering he and Kim weren’t married. But he lived in the same apartment as them, he brought her to school, he was her guardian. And while Kim made the big decisions and he backed her up a hundred percent, and he’d always defer to her decisions on anything to do with Makayla, he loved her to pieces.

But he watched as Kim opened the bag, rustling through the tissue paper to reveal the small fabric bag. She carefully opened it, tipping the charm into the palm of her hand.

“Merry Christmas, Mom,” Makayla whispered, Kim’s eyes filling with tears as she stared at her daughter, looking back to the charm and up again, tears falling this time.

“Are you sure?” She asked, more in a gasp than a question.

“You’re my Mom. If I can call you that?”

“You can call me anything you want, come here.” As Adam watched Kim hug the girl he loved as his own his heart grew. He was so proud of how far they’d come, of the love in the room. Of how much Makayla would forever know that she was loved and cared for, not just by him and Kim, but by everyone in Intelligence. She was so smart and brave and wonderful and that he got a front row seat to his life made him want to weep with joy.

He nearly didn’t realise when Makayla was standing in front of him, a present in her hands for him.

“This is from Mom and I, we wanted to get you something together. I hope you like it.”

He took the box from her, Kim squeezing his hand as Makayla sat on his knee while he opened the neat paper. It didn’t take long, and he opened the watch box with a grin, a new one sitting there with a silver strap. When he took it out he turned it over, reading the engraving on the back.

Adam - All of our love, Kim & Mak

“Thank you.” He was choked up speaking, reaching out for his girls. He’d mentioned to Kim once that he needed to get a new watch, his old one the one his pops had got him when he made it into the academy. He’d left nearly everything about his dad behind, and this was no exception. A new watch from his family? From the people who loved him regardless of his flaws? He couldn’t think of anything better.

The final gift was his to Kim. He’d agonised over what to get her for weeks, still unsure of what to do. Their relationship was stronger than he thought it had ever been - they’d discussed when they’d get engaged, knowing it was when not if - but he was still worried that this was a test. So one day when he and Kev were out with a CI he’d pulled his best friend into a jewellery shop to get his advice.

He still had Kim’s ring. He was still going to propose to her with that ring when it was time. But this wasn’t the moment to do it, this wasn’t the right time. So instead he showed Kev his idea.

He’d picked a leather bracelet cuff out, with a silver clasp. Kim had always kept something around her wrist since the abduction, the scar from the cuffs on her right wrist one she tried to keep hidden. It was three braided strands of leather, and he got their three names engraved on the inside, the strands intertwining together. Kev had agreed and he’d bought it that day.

He handed it over to Kim, his heart ricochetting in his chest. What if he was wrong? What if she didn’t want it? What if she thought it was the worst idea he’d ever had?

But when she opened it and saw it she grinned, holding out her wrist for Adam to put it on, pulling the hair elastic away. She kissed him soundly, a thanks and a you’re welcome in one.

It felt like the perfect day, the three of them getting ready before going to Platt’s for dinner. Mouch was doing a paramedicine shift with Sylvie that morning, and Sylvie would join for dinner too. It was six of them around the table, passing sides and telling stories when Adam heard something he thought he might never hear.

“Dad? Can I have more stuffing?”

He turned his head to Makayla asking him, a smile on her face as if she didn’t know what she’d just said, what it meant to him.

“Y…yeah. Of course you can. Want to scoop or will I?”

“I can!”

He held the dish steady as she did, eyes meeting Kim’s glassy ones. Once the food was safely on her plate she put the spoon back in.

“Thanks, Dad.”

“You’re welcome, Kiddo.”

Kim’s hand went over her mouth, half hiding her grin and Adam knew everyone could see his tears about to fall. It was everything he could have ever wanted.

And that evening as he did the dishes with Kim, listening to Makayla play Frustration with Sylvie, Much, and Platt, he didn’t know how his heart could get any fuller than it already was.

It turned out the next Christmas having his two daughters with him and his wife would make it even better than this one.

Burzek Taglist: @aruzlover @amandarrollins @morganupstead @adamruz @fullwattpadmusictree @redpoodlern @everythingaddictxx @write4life13 @lizlouisebrown @jeanjacketjesus @tuxieboy101-blog @thelittlepterophyllum @planecrazylex @sophiatellerrhodes @eternal-olicity @ossypooh @dissociation-writes @kimburgess-ruzek @thestarrynightslover @reidskitty13 @etamne @torreshalstead @itsnotpersonalbut @leymr @kellykidd @dedlund82 @pinkwhitebrown @mmacke3613 @sylvieshay @upsteadlovingheart @ittybitty-tittycommittee @thatoneblog3467 @bila1011 @takemetooneverlanddd @oracle23 @thedefinitionofendgame @sylviebrettisaswiftie @butterflylies @multicouple-lover @burzekschicago @keenmarvellover

#burzek #kim burgess x adam ruzek #adam ruzek x kim burgess #kim burgess #adam ruzek #makayla ward #makayla ward burgess #kim x adam #adam x kim #christmas fluff #cíara writes

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fickleminder · 3 years

Text

the years start coming and they don’t stop coming

In which Lilith’s return distorts her brothers’ perception of time.

Part 2 here

You’ve never seen the demon prince look so embarrassed.

“I can call for —”

“No, it’s okay. They deserve this.”

But you don’t, goes unspoken. You can see the pity in his eyes, feel the palpable disappointment in the air. Even Simeon and Luke make sure to hug you extra tight before stepping through the portal to the Celestial Realm, and Solomon promises to check up on you after you’ve returned home.

Thanking Lord Diavolo and Barbatos for their hospitality, you turn towards the final demon in the council room and put on the biggest grin your breaking heart can muster. “Hey, c’mere.”

Satan doesn’t hesitate to throw his arms around you. It’s almost like he’s trying to make up for his brothers’ absence, the way he crushes you to his chest and cradles the back of your head.

You can’t find it in yourself to blame them. As far as miracles go, this is a pretty big one. Lilith coming back to life is an unprecedented event, one not even Barbatos had seen coming. Nobody has any answers either. She’s definitely not a demon, not an angel, not human; just an immortal who knocked on the front door of the House of Lamentation three days ago.

Her brothers haven’t left her alone since. You’re happy for them, you really are, but a bitter part of you can’t help but wish her return had waited until after the exchange program ended. At least Lucifer had the courtesy to pull you aside and thank you on his family’s behalf (though you’re quite certain you had nothing to do with your ancestor’s sudden revival), in addition to making a pact with you as a token of his gratitude.

With that, you could have summoned all of them to send you off just as effectively as Lord Diavolo giving the order, but it won’t be the same and you know it. Your only saving grace is Satan, the one brother who’d kept his head and anchored you in the sea of loneliness you’d been set adrift in over the last few days.

“I’m gonna miss you, cat boy.”

“I miss you already,” Satan laughs softly, pulling back with a warm smile. “I’ll stay in touch, I promise.”

You squeeze his arms affectionately and glance past his shoulders at the closed doors. There’s the smallest shred of hope in you that thinks the others will come bursting through any moment now, scrambling for one final chance to see you. You give yourself five seconds, silently counting down to a pipe dream, before pressing a kiss to Satan’s cheek and releasing him.

“It might not seem like it now, but the Devildom will always be here for you,” Lord Diavolo says as the world around you fades to white. “Farewell.”

“Did you lose track of time at the library again? You missed dinner last night LOL.”

“Levi, be nice!”

Satan only hums quietly in response. He can’t be bothered to correct the assumption; it’s a convenient excuse for when his brothers actually notice he’s missing anyway.

The irony of Levi calling him out isn’t lost on him. While the otaku is still obsessed with his games and shows, he’s no longer as shut-in as he used to be, venturing outside the comforts of his sanctuary more often. Satan has passed by the common room on many occasions to find him and Lilith gaming or binging anime together, and the content expression on Levi’s face proves beyond a shadow of a doubt that the void from his Henry’s departure has long been filled.

“Oh, but speaking of,” Lilith sets her cutlery down and smiles shyly at the fourth-born, “I haven’t had the chance to explore the libraries here yet. If it’s not too much trouble, can you show me around and recommend a few books?”

Shrugging non-committedly, Satan continues with his meal, not once looking her in the eye.

You’ve always wondered how someone with the Avatar of Lust for a brother can have such terrible fashion sense. It should be impossible to go wrong with dressing for a funeral, but you guess life (along with a certain eyesore of a tie) just loves to disappoint you. Still, you’re too glad to have Satan with you right now to care.

“Thanks for coming.”

“Anytime.”

You lean into the demon’s side as he holds an umbrella over both of you. Your eyes are drawn to the flowers he’d placed on your mother’s grave, the only splash of color against the dull tombstone. For the longest time, all you can process is the pitter-patter of the afternoon rain on the plastic wrap of the bouquet, and the comforting weight of Satan’s arm across your shoulders.

“She was in a lot of pain,” you admit after a while, your voice slightly hoarse. “The doctors had to sedate her. She went in her sleep.”

“I’m sorry.” Satan fidgets awkwardly, not quite sure what to say. He’s no stranger to death, but the loss of someone dear is unfamiliar to him. “Perhaps Simeon can find out if —”

“No, no it’s fine. I just — I need to —”

The umbrella is forgotten as Satan catches you, lowering you gently to the ground when your knees give way. You cling to him desperately, and it’s all he can do to draw you close as you start to wail.

Satan barely makes it three steps into the house before getting pounced on.

“How was it? Where did you go? Ooh you lucky demon, I want to hear all the details!”

“Oi, oi! What are you babbling on about?”

“Don’t act coy with me! Lilith saw you at the florist’s yesterday with the most gorgeous bouquet of flowers!”

“Yesterday? But —”

“How come you never told me someone caught your eye? I would have dolled you up, lent you some of my clothes —” Asmo gasps dramatically. “You didn’t wear that horrid jacket to your date, did you?”

Wrestling a hand free, Satan musses his younger brother’s hair. “None of your business,” he growls, walking away with a smirk when Asmo immediately releases him to fix his appearance. “Who do you take me for, anyway?”

“Aww come on, just give me a hint! Do I know them? Is it someone from RAD? Ooh, did you meet them at the library or —”

Ducking into the safety of his room, Satan shuts the door in Asmo’s face.

“Thank fuck. Who picked your outfit this time?”

“Barbatos. And shut up.”

You grab Satan’s arm with a laugh and lead him towards your table, politely introducing him as ‘Stan from work’ to any relatives who ask about the handsome young man accompanying you. Satan’s usual mask is in place, but there’s no mistaking the gleam of wonder in his eyes as he takes in his surroundings.

“Finally,” you sigh, sinking into your seat and grinning sheepishly at the blond. “Sorry about them. It’s just that they’ve never seen me with anyone, so they’re really curious about you.”

“Well, I’m glad you invited me along. I’ve never been to a wedding before.” The romantic in Satan is openly basking in the ambience of the reception. “You mentioned that your niece had gotten married?”

“Technically my first cousin once removed, but yeah.”

“And you’ve not been seeing anyone?”

“You would have been the first to know if I have,” you tease, nudging him playfully. “Apparently a lot of people are put off by the way I dress. Too modest, they say.”

But not without good reason. The pact marks on your body may be slightly faded from disuse, but they’re still discernable if stared at hard enough: Lucifer’s at the back of your neck; Mammon’s over your heart; Levi’s curled around your right calf; Satan’s circling your left arm; Asmo’s dangerously close to tramp stamp territory; Beel’s just under your navel; and Belphie’s on your ribs at the side you like to sleep on.

Passing them off as tattoos without attracting the wrong kind of attention is a little tricky, so you’d rather take a page from Solomon’s book and cover them up. Being called a prude is easier than dealing with cultists.

(It also helps you to keep your mind off of them, because some wounds continue to hurt even after they heal, so there’s that.)

Sensing the drop in your mood, Satan clears his throat to get your attention. It’s only then that you realize there’s music playing in the background, and couples moving from their tables to the floor.

Your companion stands up and offers you his hand, this time with a genuine smile on his face. “May I have this dance?”

Lucifer’s tone books no room for argument. “This will be a family event, so I expect your attendance. Don’t think I haven’t noticed your little escapades over the past few months.”

“Tch.”

“Do I make myself clear?”

“Whatever. I’ll be there.”

Satan has to resist the urge to hurl his hardcover at the back of Lucifer’s head when he takes his leave. That’s no way to treat a book, after all.

Beel’s Fangol team has an upcoming match and it’ll be Lilith’s first time watching him play. She’s been hyped up for weeks, so it comes as no surprise that Lucifer would use the opportunity to turn it into a family outing. He’s been doing that a lot lately.

Gone is the stuffy first-born who can spend days in his office if left unchecked. Lucifer is still as strict as ever, still fulfills his duties to Lord Diavolo diligently, but it’s like he’s managed to master balancing work and play overnight. He makes more time for his siblings now, even if it’s to dole out punishments for their endless shenanigans, punishments that vary in severity depending on how cutely Lilith pleads on their behalf.

Lucifer has always doted on her, and she has him wrapped around her little finger. Belphie has even gone as far as corrupting her into pranking him, and she need only bat her eyelashes to get off scot-free.

Lilith was the catalyst for the Fall, her descendent the glue that brought her siblings back together, and her return the final piece in making their family whole again.

But you were family too, Satan thinks sourly, pulling out his D.D.D. to mark the date in his calendar.

When you invite Satan over to your apartment for tea, he never expected to be introduced to your new housemate: a handsome fellow with chestnut brown hair, sharp jade eyes, a runner’s body, and the softest-looking toe beans he has ever seen in his immortal life.

“Satan, meet Satan!” You hold out the tabby towards him with a shit-eating grin.

Both demon and cat blink owlishly at each other. The blond doesn’t know whether to feel endeared by the feline sharing his name or insulted that you would replace him so easily, but all it takes is a single bop on the nose with a curious paw for him to melt.

Satan the tabby, who normally prefers to scale your shelves and nap between your books, spends the entire day a purring puddle in Satan the demon’s arms, shamelessly relishing in pets and massages to the extent that at some point, you have a very real fear they might just end up absconding back to the Devildom together. Thankfully, some kibble and freshly baked treats help you separate the two for a while, at least long enough for you to get some decent conversation in.

You brew a pot of Earl Grey with the beautifully crafted tea set Barbatos gifted you when you had first moved in, and serve the scones you made earlier in the morning using the baking tools blessed by Luke during your housewarming. You don’t know if the little angel had actually imbued them with Celestial magic, but everything you cook somehow always lifts your spirits when consumed.

Satan has to catch himself in the middle of regaling you with Mammon’s latest half-baked scheme. The wistful look on your face is new; you’re usually eager to hear what his brothers have been up to, but something feels off today. He pours you more tea, slides another scone onto your plate, and waits.

“…Are they happy?” You ask after a while.

The demon knows better than to lie, even if it’s to spare you from the truth he suspects you’re already aware of. “Yes,” he admits grudgingly.

“I’m glad.”

Your smile doesn’t reach your eyes.

Lilith stands outside his room, holding a tray of tea and cakes.

“Hey, um, may I come in?” Her smile is both hopeful and uncertain. It’s a gamble, ambushing the fourth-born when he obviously has no interest in her. At best, he’ll make up an excuse to turn her away or just ignore her completely; at worst, well… she doesn’t really want to think about that. To her visible relief, he opens the door wider and steps aside.

Satan clears a space for her to set the tray down. There’s the briefest moment of hesitation before he drags your favorite armchair over and offers her a seat as well. He looks guarded but not openly hostile, a promising sign so far.

“You’ve been in and out of the house lately, so I haven’t had the chance to catch you. I thought we might sit down and talk,” Lilith says, pouring two cups of the hot beverage as she chooses her next words carefully. “The others told me about how you were born, but I understand that you are your own person. I’d like to get to know that person.”

A part of Satan is acutely aware of their one-sided relationship; he is familiar with her through Lucifer, but she has never met him. It makes sense for her to be curious about him, though Satan isn’t so sure he wants to return the favor. She reminds him too much of you in the way she prepares her tea, how she sits on your chair, her shy lopsided smile —

But she’s not you, and you’re not her, Satan has to remind himself lest he commits the same mistake his brothers nearly did after your lineage had been revealed. Now in a convoluted turn of events, it’s you who’s gone and Lilith here, and there’s no reason why he can’t give her a chance and treat her like the sister she could be to him.

It’s what you would have wanted.

Lilith tries not to let her shoulders slump too much when Satan quietly stands up and heads towards his door. She’s prepared to pack up and leave until she spots him grabbing several books from a nearby shelf.

“Have you ever read Mid-Fall Murders?” He asks, handing her a hardcover with a shy smile of his own.

“What’s it like?”

Satan’s grip on your hand tightens. “I don’t actually know,” he confesses, shuffling closer so that your shoulder and arm are pressed against his. It’s a strange sight, the two of you lying side by side on your bed, staring aimlessly at the ceiling.

“Will it hurt?”

“No.”

You’ve never heard a single word hold so much promise, but you have no reason to doubt the demon’s sincerity. Satan wouldn’t take pity on you just because you’re —

A light knock on the door, and in pokes Simeon’s head. “Ah, little lamb! I’m glad we made it in time.”

“Not so little anymore, Simeon.” You laugh softly, greeting Luke and Solomon as they trail in behind him. Satan brushes his lips over your forehead before getting up to receive your guests.

The day is as ordinary as it can be. You talk and catch up with your friends, trading stories and laughter over cups of tea that neither grow cold nor go empty. When the session turns into a mini book club gathering halfway through, Luke helpfully retrieves the debated titles from the massive shelf in the living room. He takes a while to find them; you’ve accumulated plenty of works over the years: recommendations by Satan, literature published under Simeon’s pseudonym, and handwritten tomes from Solomon to keep you in touch with your magic. The shelf is practically jam-packed with books, the only exception being a corner on the topmost tier, housing a little space that’s empty save for a worn green collar with a rusted bell.

Come sundown the five of you are still neck-deep in discussion, but as with all good things, the get together eventually reaches an end.

“Thanks everyone, it’s been fun,” you say, reclining back in your bed as Satan wordlessly cleans up. You squeeze his hand when he returns to your side and bid the others goodbye. “Hopefully I’ll see you guys soon?”

“About that…” Solomon clears his throat, wearing the smug look that usually accompanies a trick being pulled out of his sleeve, but this time it’s tinged more with excitement than mischief. “Simeon has a little present for you first.”

The guileless smile on the angel’s face betrays nothing as he steps forward and reaches into a small pouch at his hip. “Solomon, Diavolo and I have a theory. Now, keep in mind that this is all very experimental, but if it works, you’ll have more options to choose from, should you so wish.”

And then he brings out a ring.

“Are you, uh, are you okay?”

“Not in the mood, Mammon.”

“Oi, I’m trying to be nice here! Who do you think covered for your sorry ass when you came back past curfew the other day, huh?”

“What the hell do you want?”

“You may think you’re all stealthy and shit, but your eyes were pretty red that night. I thought you were at a book club meeting. Did something happen?”

“None of your business.”

“Argh, fine then! This is the last time I try to be a good big brother.”

“…Mammon?”

“?”

“...”

“I’m sorry.”

“Eh, what are you — you can’t just say that and then run off! Get back here!”

“Twenty, nineteen, eighteen…”

Lilith’s countdown echoes along the deserted hallway, prompting Beel to nudge the deadweight on his back. “Belphie, go get your own hiding place.”

“Mmngh… zzz…”

“Come on, or she’ll win this round with a two for one. Again.”

“…Just dump me somewhere she won’t find me then.”

A tall order, especially since Lilith can easily track them down by listening out for Beel’s stomach and/or Belphie’s snores. Still, the sixth-born lumbers through the house as quietly as he can, doing a one-eighty whenever he hears Lilith’s cheerful hums coming from the opposite direction. Technically they can avoid being caught if they keep moving, but that would be cheating. They hid in the attic previously so that’s a no go, their room’s too obvious, the kitchen too tempting, the common room too exposed…

Maybe Levi’s room? The otaku had sound-proofed his walls to avoid distractions from the outside world when he’s gaming, so it’s an ideal location to hide. He can stash Belphie in the bathtub and run interference until time’s up.

Backtracking, Beel breaks into a light jog towards the other wing, keeping his ears open for their seeker. It’s only because of his heightened senses that he’s able to pick up the faintest traces of magic on one of the walls, causing him to pause in his steps.

“Hmm? Why’d you stop?” Slightly more awake now, Belphie rubs his eyes and slides off his twin, who’s studying the blank space intently. “What’s wrong, Beel?”

“There’s something here, something…”

“It’s just a wall —”

“No, don’t you feel it? I know you weren’t around then, but it’s the same glamor as that time Luke went missing and we —”

Beel goes white. He whispers a name, a name not spoken in the house for years, and a door flickers into view. One hand grabs Belphie’s in a death grip as the other twists the knob and pushes the door open, revealing an old yet familiar room.

The place is devoid of life. Most of the furniture are covered by sheets, resting under thick layers of dust. In the middle sits a tree, sagging with age and soft with rot. Sunken footprints mark the demons’ furtive venture into decrepit memory, and the creaking of floorboards with every step only tethers the growing nightmare closer to reality.

A photo frame crashes to the ground.

They deserve this.

Satan feels it the moment the spell concealing your room was broken. It had been his way of protecting your memory, ensuring that your sanctuary would only be accessible to those who made the effort to remember you. He cast it about a year after you had left the Devildom, after he realized that leaving your door in plain sight wasn’t doing you any favors.

Hidden away in an alcove at the back of the garden, curled up with a blanket and a thermos of hot tea, Satan slides a bookmark between the pages of his latest novel and leans his head back, closing his eyes with a heavy sigh.

Even this far away from the house, he can hear the cacophony of screams and shouts, objects being flung and shattered into pieces, a muted bang suggesting that a wall has just collapsed. The fallout comes as no surprise; waking up after living the past hundred years or so in a daze will do that to a person – or in this case, demons.

Although the sounds of fighting call to the rage bubbling within him, the vindictive thoughts of his brothers getting their just desserts cool it to a simmer. He knows he’ll have to face them eventually, but he’ll cross that bridge when he gets to it.

“Meow?”

Emerald eyes blink open. There’s a faint rustle from the nearby bushes as a tiny Calico wanders out of the foliage, peering around the garden curiously. Upon spotting the blond demon, it perks up and makes a beeline for him.

“Hm? You’re not Callie. Are you new here, little one?” His mood considerably improved, Satan extends a hand towards the kitten. It skips the finger sniffing step and goes straight to headbutting his palm, begging for attention.

“You’re an affectionate one, aren’t you?” Satan caves immediately and scritches away with a delighted chuckle. He examines the markings on its tri-colored fur, wanting to recognize the friendly feline if it comes back in the future. The Calico is mostly white with patches of brown and black splashed over the back of its neck, near the base of its tail, just under the side of its ribs, and several other spots that seem to collectively resemble a familiar pattern…

Satan’s hand stills. He whispers your name, trembling with hope, and the kitten practically leaps into his arms, nuzzling his chin with a happy purr.

#writing #obey me #obey me fanfic #obey me lucifer #obey me mammon #obey me leviathan #obey me satan #obey me asmodeus #obey me beelzebub #obey me belphegor #obey me lilith #obey me diavolo #obey me barbatos #obey me simeon #obey me luke #obey me solomon #obey me replaced mc au

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poodlejoonas · 3 years

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Dad!BC AU - the moms

So wow-ihateithere and I (because for some reason Tumblr won’t let me directly @ you) have been tossing out so many amazing ideas for the BC dad AU lately that we’ve thought of pretty much every scenario under the sun. One idea I’d like to throw in here is the group that is the moms who make up their own personal wolfpack. Since they’ll be brought in as stand-alone characters soon, it would be better to have a basic introduction for each and how they know/interact with each other.

(Under the read-more for length)

Joel - Emilia (”Millie”) Hokka - The absolute baddest bitch you will meet on this planet. She's a 5′1″ sweetheart, but if you lay a single finger on her kid, her husband, her BC brothers and sisters, or any of her nieces and nephews, she will become the human embodiment of that one line from “Wolfpack.” You know the one. She’s gone viral before for Joel needing to hold her back from fighting the mom of a kid who’s bullying Enkka at school, and literally watching this tiny woman become a human hurricane at the drop of a hat was enough for this kid to immediately leave him alone. From then on, kids at school know not to come after Viktor Hokka because his mom doesn’t play around. Why would she? After all, she dedicated 18 months of her life to trying to become a mom, and anyone who dares to come after her baby needs a running start to get away from her.

Sometimes even Joel has to hold her back from doing something she probably should regret but wouldn’t if it involved her family. He knows better than to cross a line with her. Then there are other times when they work together to be the shadiest power couple on earth, like when Aleksi’s ex-girlfriend Laila slanders him in the media for talking about taking custody of their son from her. If Joel comes home pissed about something, she’s the first one to jump on board with whatever plan he has to get his point across. She would totally have a stan account on Instagram dedicated to her called “milliehokkasupremacy”. And Joel loves his wife so much that he would eat every bit of this shit up. When she tells someone off, he writes down what she says and turns it into the lyrics of Blind Channel’s next single.

In short, Millie Hokka is 100 percent That Bitch™.

Bonus bit because this idea made me laugh: (in the comments section of a post slandering BC) @milliehokka: Bitch you better take this shit down before I puncture your fucking tires @joelhokka: She's my better half ❤️

Joonas - Kirsten Porko - Kirsten’s one of the quiet BC moms, and a hell of a lot more tame than Millie. But she has her shining moments every now and then, like when she was wondering why Millie took Joel with her knowing that she could’ve easily beaten that bully’s mom’s ass without him. She has the patience of a saint, being married to Joonas and raising two (soon to be three) kids with him. But she adores every minute of their chaotic little family. Since Sohvi was the first of the BC kids, the guys were quick to show up in support of her and Joonas. She was also pretty lonely until the others started dating their wives, and she was more than happy to have more friends to bond with.

She does the most to mother the rest of the kids when they need it. They love to come to their house because Kirsten will have a fresh pan of cookies ready for them. They also like hanging out with Joonas, but Kirsten is a fun aunt on her own. She’s typically the first to show up when one of the other moms tosses out a cry for help in taking care of their kids, especially when they’re newborns and the guys are away on tour. Kirsten’s total aesthetic is the absolute opposite of Joonas’s: she’s bubbly and wears nothing but pastel dresses and soft fabrics. A lot of people wonder what a “nice girl” like her is doing with a punk rocker like Joonas, until you see them interact and know that they’re crazy in love with each other and their kids. She’s the unassuming type, but she loves pranks as much as her husband and kids; she’ll play along whenever there’s a really good one and sometimes she can totally outdo them.

Niko - Jenna Moilanen - Jenna is Millie’s co-conspirator and partner-in-crime. If Millie needs someone to back her up and Joel’s trying to talk her out of whatever she’s thinking about doing, Jenna is the first to show up on the scene. She’s very much Niko’s type - she has just as many tattoos as him, several piercings, and hair that changes color depending on her mood. She’s naturally a blonde but you almost never see her as one. A lot of people tend to pass judgement on her abilities as a mom based on her appearance, but both of her and Niko’s kids adore her (especially their daughter Lahja) and they grow up happy with their loving parents. She’s a fantastic cook and works as a head chef at a five-star steakhouse, and she’s always willing to come home and cook for her family as well. She and Millie are the two shortest of the group, and it’s hilarious because they are both absolute spitfires.

Jenna has the best intuition when it comes to deciding who is trustworthy and who isn’t. There’s no “leader” in the group, but most of the others trust Jenna when someone gives her a bad feeling. She would be the one to raise the alarm on Laila years before she and Aleksi ever break up, and Laila would find the absolute worst way to end up on Jenna’s shit list. In her time with the group, Laila does nothing to help take care of the rest of the kids or try to fit in with the group. One day, when Leevi cries because he needs something, Jenna spots an annoyed expression out of the corner of her eye coming from Laila. It takes an intervention from God to stop Jenna from ripping her apart on the scene. The most important thing to note about Jenna: she calls her closest friends “bitch” affectionately. The moment it stops being affectionate, there’s no turning back.

Olli - Kaarina Matela - The quietest and calmest of the BC moms. She perfectly matches her husband’s energies, which is why they parent their daughters so well. She was definitely more calm than him on the day they learned they were having twins, and still is to this day. When he was panicking about their pregnancy scare, she was still managing to stay collected somehow (but just as relieved as he was). She’s very much like a suburban soccer mom type, but far from being a Karen because she’s aggressively kind to everyone around her, including hardworking people. And Olli just adores her so much, sometimes he doubts if he even deserves her. She’s always the first to remind him that there’s no one else she would rather be with.

Kaarina is the arts and crafts kind of aunt. During the summer, she likes to have the kids come over for day camp style hangout sessions where they mix in time outside with craft activities. She’s the reason why Olli’s stage outfits have been so cool lately, because she’s got a perfect eye for colors and is super skilled at hand-stitching patches. If the kids need anything repaired, they’ll know to go to Aunt Rina first because she’ll either make it as good as new, or turn it into some sick artwork. All the moms get along but she and Kirsten vibe together the best. They get together and plan the summer activities for the kids, which involve Rina planning the crafts and Kirsten baking for, and with, them.

Tommi - Marja Lalli - Marja is unique in her position as a BC mom because she joined the group when her son Miikka from a previous relationship was already almost 4. For a brief time, she was worried about herself and Miikka feeling left out of the group dynamic that was already there, but they were so quick to invite her in as one of them. A lot of it had to do with her being friends with Jenna since elementary school, and Jenna knew that the sisterhood would be more than happy to accept her. She and Niko help set her up with Tommi because they both know he would love her and accept Miikka as his own. She’s chill and reserved, but she’s still a ton of fun to be around. Along with Kaarina and Kirsten, she’s one of the level-headed moms and is typically the voice of reason for a lot of things (especially when it comes to trying to contain Millie and Jenna’s tempers).

The rest of the moms were thrilled when she told them she was pregnant with Anna, but constantly concerned and fretting over her when she was on occasional bed rest. If Tommi couldn’t be with her, it was one of them coming over to help take care of her and Miikka. Marja’s health showed the caring side of the sisterhood of the BC moms, how they are willing to take care of each other in sickness as well as celebrating the good times and defending each other from drama. Even months after Anna is born, they still come over from time to time to see if there’s any way they can help.

Aleksi - Laila Pekkanen (later on, marries Hanna Kaunisvesi) - So this one is a bit complicated. For about three years, Aleksi was in a high-profile relationship with Laila Pekkanen, a producer who worked with him on a solo single before joining BC. They meet again a couple years later and begin a relationship that last for about three years. But it was far from loving, as they were just in general not good for each other. A few weeks after their break-up, Laila calls Aleksi while he’s in the studio to break the news to him that she’s pregnant, which sends Aleksi into total emotional turmoil because he thought they were being careful. Of all the guys, he’s the most careful with avoiding this kind of thing, but it was her who missed one too many days of her birth control. They’re barely on speaking terms, but they agree to try to stay cordial until Aleksi can take full custody of the child himself. She admits to having no maternal instinct and wants nothing to do with the baby.

Here’s where it gets messy. Aleksi finally decides to break his silence on the matter and announces via Instagram that he will be a father and raise his son on his own. He does his best to tell his side of the story without dragging Laila down. But she takes it personally and goes on the radio to try to attack Aleksi, feeling like she’s being treated like a villain and a bad person for giving up her child. She feels like she’s being “exposed” in thinking that Aleksi publicly acknowledging their son’s existence would ruin her career, because she’d been trying everything possible to cover it up. It becomes a major feud between her and her team, and Aleksi and the BC team, but more industry people can back him up as a stand-up guy than they can come to her defense. She nearly ends up having Noah prematurely, and yet Aleksi still shows up in support, more so for their son than for her. When Noah is born months later, she refuses to hold him and immediately cuts off all contact with Aleksi.

Aleksi raises Noah alone and learns to support his son when he’s later diagnosed on the autism spectrum. Noah is semi-verbal and partially communicates with sign language. He uses sign in situations when he meets a stranger, and Aleksi respects his intuition when someone makes him uncomfortable. Noah has separation anxiety from losing his mom at a young age, so Aleksi refuses to date for years because he doesn’t want to bring a revolving door of strangers around him. But then he meets Hanna, who makes an almost instant connection with him. He’s hesitant to make a decision about a long-term relationship with her until he sees how well she works with Noah. She’s one of the first people he opens up to - mostly because of her experience as a child psychologist - but the moment that seals the deal is when Noah calls her “mom” for the first time (in sign to his cousins). Fans and people he works with can’t help but notice that Aleksi is so much happier with Hanna than Laila. And as much as he would like to have a baby with her, he’s happy having Noah and wants to invest his energy into ensuring his happiness. But Hanna understands, because she’s an angel and only wants the best for her family.

#blind channel #dad!blind channel #no idea what else to tag this as lol #this is a lot more fun than making them all reader inserts #i love writing reader inserts but it'll be nice to see them interacting with each other

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anubislover · 3 years

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Welcome to the Heart Pirates, Nami-ya chapter 19: Lying Hearts

“How can anyone stand to live in a city like this?” Nami grumbled as the light glinted off of yet another painfully white building. True, the setting sun had lessened the glare slightly, but after an entire afternoon of it, she was developing quite the headache, even with the sunglasses.

Law shrugged and continued walking at a leisurely pace, still unaffected. “I’m sure if you’re born somewhere like this it’s easier, but people can learn to tolerate almost anything given enough time, I suppose.”

“Do you think you’d be able to learn to tolerate bread?”

“I said almost. I’d sooner die of starvation.”

She shook her head with a chuckle but kept pace, following his lead. Instead of heading straight back to the submarine, Law had insisted on a few detours through Atifakuto—partially in case anyone had grown suspicious and decided to follow them, but also to scope out potential escape routes under the guise of sightseeing. Nami, for her part, had been exceedingly helpful in this, mapping out in her head which stairways lead where and pointing out various places to hide. If Law found her compliance suspicious, he didn’t say anything; it was in their best interest to work together, especially with some potentially valuable goods on the line, so her behavior was easily rationalized.

For her, however, there was more than artifacts or even belli at stake. This heist had to go well. She needed Law to trust her enough to open up about why he was so obsessed with Amber Lead. Perhaps if he could do that, she wouldn’t even have to sneak into his quarters to take a look at the ledgers. She could just ask and he’d let her in like a rational human being.

Of course, in order for either of their plans to succeed they needed to know where the vase was. Luckily, the rest of the Hearts hadn’t been sitting idle on the submarine. They’d been investigating every possible gallery, art collector, museum, and auction house their prize could possibly be at. The second they had a lead, they’d call on the mini Den Den Mushi.

Until then, though, Law and Nami were forced to meander about the city, planning and killing time.

“So, while we wait for some intel, what else are you going to buy me?” she asked as they wandered the fourth level. They’d passed quite a few shops, and while most had stocked dull business suits similar to the last store, Nami felt her bags were tragically light. They were in a beautiful-if-blinding city, and she was walking away with only one outfit? What a travesty.

Snorting dismissively, Law glanced down at her with a clear look of are you kidding me? on his face. “Nothing. I told you I was only getting you one outfit. I’m your captain, not your sugar daddy.”

“You know, for a man who wants this little job to go well, you’re not putting in nearly the effort you should,” she quipped, a sly smile on her lips, eyelashes fluttering prettily. “I’m supposed to look professional and put together if I’m gonna pull off being your lovely assistant. That means I need matching shoes and accessories. Maybe a cute leather purse or briefcase to really sell it.”

“If you want those so badly then buy them yourself. Or,” he smirked, halting his pace to turn around and catch her chin between his fingers, tilting her head up towards him as he stepped in close enough so she could feel his body heat, “you earn them by doing certain favors for daddy.”

Her cheeks only pinkened a little at his innuendos while she stuck out her tongue and shoved him away. Last night’s dream wasn’t quite as close to the forefront of her mind anymore, but that didn’t mean his smirk didn’t do things to her she’d rather ignore. “Pass. You should know by now that it takes more than clothes for me to play nice.”

“Mmm, I do. That’s what makes it so much fun,” he purred, gold eyes glinting in wicked amusement. One gloved hand was shoved into his pocket while his free arm slung itself casually over her shoulder as he continued stalking along the fastidiously clean road. “But since you’re currently insisting on being a strong, independent woman who doesn’t need a man to provide for her, you can instead borrow some shoes from Ikkaku, and she might still have a pair of glasses or something from the time she pretended to be a receptionist at a Naval base.”

Brown eyes widened at his statement. Not because he was suggesting that she borrow clothes or anything, but the bombshell he’d just casually dropped in light of her recent discovery.

“Was this for one of your plans?” she asked, shoulders stiffening.

He shrugged like it was no big deal, though he did give her a curious glance at the way she tensed beneath him. “Yeah. We needed someone on the inside, and they’d put out an advertisement for an attractive female in her early twenties. It’s not like Uni or Penguin could do it.”

“But…holy shit, Law, are you serious?” she hissed, dragging him over to an unoccupied part of the street behind a solitary gated tree so she could scold him in private. There weren’t too many people about, but the last thing they need was to get unwanted attention because they’d caused a scene, even if Law totally deserved to get chewed out at the top of her lungs for being such an asshole. “Ikkaku has Marine brothers who want her dead and you sent her into the lion’s den? What the fuck?!”

Caught off-guard by her anger, Law’s eyebrows shot up briefly before furrowing. “She told you about them?”

Damn. In her shock and anger on her friend’s behalf, she’d forgotten that this was a subject she wasn’t technically supposed to know. But instead of admitting guilt, she doubled down and threw on her best poker face.

“Yeah. She told me,” she lied easily. Too easily. It came as naturally as it had back in the days she’d been working under Arlong, getting close to pirates by lying through her teeth and then robbing them blind. How many crews and captains had she deceived before Luffy? Nami had honestly lost count, but once she’d joined up with the Straw Hats, lying to a supposed ally hadn’t been quite as instinctual.

But this isn’t Luffy, and Law’s keeping way more secrets than I am, she rationalized. It’s just a little white lie anyway. He’d be way more pissed at Shachi and Penguin for telling me. I’m looking after those guys.

Law’s expression hardened, and for a moment she wondered if he’d seen through her bluff. She didn’t think she’d gotten too rusty in the lying department, but Law was smart and distrusting in general, so she couldn’t quite tell. Trepidation hung heavy in the air as she waited for him to speak, mind going a mile a minute coming up with new lies and explanations to appease him. Worse came to worst, she could throw the guys under the bus, even if she didn’t really want to, but they were his best friends, so Law would doubtlessly be more forgiving towards them, right?

Thankfully, it seemed his anger came from a completely different place, as he snarled quietly through clenched teeth, “Nami-ya, I am, as you have pointed out rather frequently in the past, a control freak. Do you really think I would devise a plan that required sending my top mechanic into a Marine base if there was even a chance she could be recognized? Especially by her utter shit of a brother?”

She flinched at the vitriol in his voice. It seemed she’d touched a nerve, and unless she wanted to lose all the progress she’d worked for, she knew it was best to back down. “Sorry. You’re right.”

“I’ll accept your apology if you tell me what prompted her to tell you,” he stated, crossing his arms. “It’s not information she makes widely known, even to those who are permanent members of my crew.”

Well. At least this was easy enough to justify, and she’d be doing both Law and Ikkaku a favor, right? Sure, the guys would obviously tell him later, but being the first to warn him might earn her a few more crumbs of trust. “There was an article in the paper about Marine reinforcements coming to the Grand Line. Ushi was interviewed. He seemed pretty intent on taking down the Heart Pirates.”

Law froze, his frown deepening into a dark sneer. The tic in his jaw and the way his fists clenched reminded her of his reaction to Ikkaku having been attacked on Grimm. “That fucker will stay away from Ikkaku if he’s got any brains in him.”

“You’re pretty protective of her,” she said. Sure, he’d perhaps phrased his defense in a way that implied his priority was the plan, it was clear from the hiss in his voice that Ikkaku’s safety had been genuinely considered.

The brim of his hat hid his eyes as he stated, “I’m protective of all my crew. She’s just…it’s hard to find submarine engineers, let alone ones as skilled as her. Ikkaku’s hard to replace.”

Well that stinks to high heaven of bullshit, she thought. Sure, the Surgeon of Death had a rightly-earned cruel reputation, but he’d shown time and again his crew meant a lot to him. Stepping in close, she used her finger to lift his hat enough to see his expression unobstructed. “Is that why you let her sass you? Because if she walked you’d be dead in the water?”

The gold orbs glared down at her, though the held no heat. “Everyone on the crew is a vital component. Like gears in a well-oiled machine. You’ve gotta take care of them to make sure they don’t break.”

When Nami merely raised a disbelieving eyebrow, he sighed, body deflating slightly. “Look, Nami-ya, everyone on my crew, we’ve all got shit in our pasts. Some have overcome it. Some still carry the scars. Ikkaku…hers is one of the few that’s actively still trying to get her. So yeah, maybe I’m a bit more protective, but it’s for a damn good reason.”

Ok, now that was a fair point. “I’m surprised you haven’t just killed him.”

“Oh, I want to,” he snarled. “No brother should try to hurt their siblings. They’re supposed to look after them. The only reason Ushi-ya still draws breath is because Ikkaku begged me to spare his pathetic life.”

It suddenly dawned on Nami that, despite his criticizing Luffy for not being more bloodthirsty, Law was…surprisingly merciful in his own ways, too. He didn’t murder Ikkaku’s brother, despite having clear reason to, just because she asked. He rescued Jean Bart from a life of slavery despite not knowing him. And while she didn’t fully understand the Ope Ope no Mi’s powers, she wondered if his cuts didn’t draw blood because he didn’t want them to?

She wasn’t sure if he had a complexity addiction or if he genuinely wanted to minimize bloodshed, but once again another side of the incredibly fascinating man had been revealed.

Taking a deep breath to calm his anger, he gave Nami a sadistic smile. “Doesn’t mean I let him off the hook with a sternly-worded warning, though. Wanna know what I did to him the last time we met?”

Nami turned a bit green as she remembered Jinzo’s still-beating heart in his hands. Complex and caring towards his crew or not, he was still a twisted bastard. “Fuck no!”

Briefly he pouted at not getting to regale her with the gory details before shrugging. “Pity. It was quite the eventful evening. In fact, it was also the night of mine and Drake-ya’s first kiss.”

“How the hell are those two things connected?!”

“Well, I had to distract him somehow. He was guarding my poor mechanic like a dragon would a virtuous princess.”

Before she could demand more details, or even snort at the idea of Ikkaku being virtuous, the sound of the mini Den Den Mushi reached their ears, interrupting the conversation.

Looking around to make sure there weren’t any eavesdroppers, Law pulled out the little snail phone and clicked down on the top. “Guessing you’ve got something for me?”

“I do,” the snail answered, and Nami recognized the faint accent that indicated they were speaking to Cousteau. “Only one place that specializes in North Blue history. Jubilee & Atlas Antiques. It’s an auction house and gallery on the fifth level, a block away from the Elevate Deliverer Restoration Church.”

“Well that’s a needlessly long name,” he quipped, rolling his eyes. Mentally, Nami had to agree, though it also sounded vaguely familiar. “At least that makes it easier to find. Anything else I should know? Other landmarks, nearby guard stations, that sort of thing?”

There was a moment of hesitation before Cousteau replied, “No station, though there would probably be at least a few guards wandering around at night. It’s, uh, right by a fountain. Blessings from the White City.”

Nami’s eyes widened a little. Oh. Now she remembered. That had been the church with the huge stained-glass windows. The one in her book, by the tribute to Flevance.

“…I see.”

The little snail chewed its lip, clearly concerned. “Captain, if you want, I can do all the surveillance—”

“It’s fine,” he cut in, tone sharp before smoothing out, “I saw it earlier. In fact, I’m glad it’s so close. Nami-ya and I will check out the gallery. We’re nearby and I’d rather see it with my own eyes to get the lay of the land. Unless anyone else has a better lead, you and the others can head back to the ship.”

“Understood, sir. Anything else you need?” he asked, sounding relieved.

“Just tell Clione I might have a job for him later on, so don’t make any evening plans.”

“Aye-aye, Captain.”

The call ended, and Nami peered up at Law, expecting signs of the same darkness that had crossed his face when they’d visited the fountain earlier. Instead, his face was totally blank, staring down at the tiny snail, expressionless.

Somehow, that was far, far more unnerving.

“Law?” she asked, touching his arm hesitantly.

As if awoken from a trance he shook his head before smirking down at her. “Well, hope you don’t mind one last detour before heading back to the ship? I know it’s more stairs but look on the bright side; at this rate, the definition of your calf muscles will be a thing of beauty.”

He didn’t wait for her to respond, turning on his heels and heading towards the direction of the stairs to the next level. Frowning, she began to doubt whether or not this was all a good idea. She didn’t know exactly what his deal was, but she really felt like he was too close to this. But she had the feeling trying to talk him out of it would be an exercise in futility, and would set her back far more than any lie she might spin.

Oh well, she sighed internally, jogging to catch up, so long as he doesn’t do anything stupid. He’s sensible enough to keep a cool head, no matter what his problem is. It’ll be fine.

While it wasn’t far, it took longer than either of them would have expected to actually find Jubilee & Atlas Antiques. Mainly because it was a surprisingly nondescript building compared to the opulent churches and museums nearby. Honestly, based on the exterior, one could easily have passed it by. Like everything else the building was pristinely white, the windows boasting small arches over them and flower boxes containing white impatiens. Really, the most impressive thing about it was the marble plaque out front boasting the company’s name in gold leaf.

But the two pirates didn’t really care about the appearance; it was what was inside that counted. That, and the information board out front, which stated in bold, black letters that there would be a showing and auction of North Blue artworks at 8pm that evening.

“Why don’t you just Scan the place, grab the vase, and walk away? Seems like that would be easy compared to putting on this charade?” Nami asked, eyeing the building. It was hardly Harpin’s mansion; it would take almost no effort for Law to use his powers to steal every item of value inside it, replacing artifacts, paintings, and money with pebbles and potted plants with a mere flick of his fingers, then teleporting them away to safety.

Really, if he weren’t such an ass, Trafalgar Law would be a thief’s dream partner.

Of course, he was an ass, so he gave her a look that implied he considered her question to be phenomenally stupid. “Because there’s no guarantee that the vase is even in there—for all I know it’s being kept in a secondary location until the actual event for security or health reasons. It is a relic from a city that suffered a notorious death toll both before and after the World Government had quarantined it,” he explained lowly. “On top of that, my Room would draw too much attention, so if it’s not in there, we’ll have blown our whole cover and probably the operation.”

Though disappointed that they couldn’t just whisk it away with his powers, she conceded that he had a point. Versatile and useful as they were, the Ope Ope no Mi’s abilities did have their drawbacks. Actually infiltrating the auction house was a safer move.

Yet for a moment, she saw Law glare at the building, as if he were equally frustrated that they couldn’t just grab their prize and go. Perhaps even a great mastermind like him sometimes wished to take the direct path. “At least we can be sure it’ll be presented at this auction,” he reassured, almost as much to himself as her as his hand rested on Nami’s lower back while he escorted her away. “Makes it easier to come up with a plan and contingencies when I actually know the target. My crew did good.”

She twirled a strand of hair around her finger in thought. She supposed he was right, and the pride in his voice when he mentioned the Hearts’ contribution…well, she knew better than to argue with that. Seemed the lesson he learned on the last island was sticking. “Still too bad we don’t have blueprints like Harpin’s house, though.”

“It can’t be helped. That was a job I’d been planning for months. This is more…spontaneous. Why? Scared and looking to back out?” he asked, glancing down at her with a challenging grin.

Nami scoffed. She was a thief that specialized in robbing pirates. Sure, she was a scaredy-cat, but when treasure of some kind was at stake, there were few risks she wouldn’t take. “Not a chance. Just pointing out that we’re going in more blind than last time.”

“Maybe, but at least our prize will be out in the open and not in the home of a former Marine with tentacles. Hell, we might even get it legally.”

“Law,” she started, brow furrowing. She wasn’t scared, but she did have a reasonable concern, especially with how intent he seemed on this one item. “What are we going to do if we don’t win the vase?”

The pair stopped by the Flevance fountain, Law taking a long moment to stare solemnly at the beautiful white angels. Without a word he reached into his pocket and pulled out a small coin, pressing it to his lips before flipping it into the water.

When he turned back to her, his gold eyes were as hard as the statues’ and twice as cold.

“Simple; we take it from whoever did.”

XXX

Hidden in a small cove on an unpopulated section of Atifakuto’s coast, the sight of the Polar Tang’s sunny yellow hull was a welcome relief after a whole day of the city’s stark white walls. Law seemed to agree as his tense posture relaxed into a comfortable slouch, even giving a few of the guys a small grin when they called out to them. To Nami, of course, the submarine was still far from the Sunny and thus would never be home, but she couldn’t help but smile at Law’s reaction. The Dark Doctor really did have some softness deep down.

Of course, that didn’t last long, as the moment they were within the safety of the cargo bay he was once more all business. “Dinner is in an hour. Rest up, brush up on your notes, do whatever you need to prepare for the auction tonight; I’ve got a few more dominoes to put in place,” Law stated. He’d been silent for most of the walk back, though Nami attributed that to him mentally filing through all the information they now had and formulating his plan. Much as she missed and loved Luffy, having a captain who didn’t just go rushing in like an idiot was a nice change of pace.

That didn’t mean she appreciated his tone, though. “Say please,” she quipped, hip jutting out. She might have decided to be more compliant for the sake of gaining his trust, but that didn’t mean she was going to let him boss her around.

Besides, if she were too accommodating, he’d probably grow suspicious and then she’d be right back at square one.

He scowled but apparently decided it would be a waste of time to argue. They were on a tight schedule, after all, so her attitude would have to be tolerated. For now. “Please,” he grumbled before marching off, beckoning Clione to follow him. The biologist glanced between the two, bewildered, but smartly said nothing before chasing after his captain.

Flashing a self-satisfied grin at Law’s retreating back, Nami practically skipped to her quarters. Even though they weren’t as prepared as she’d like, so far, things were going well. Perhaps they couldn’t just use Law’s powers to swipe the vase, but by obtaining it through legal means, they wouldn’t have the authorities after them, which would be nice. Besides, it wasn’t her money that would be spent at the auction.

Her research of the North Blue had taught her a few things, including just how valuable things from Flevance were. After all, things made from the white ore had been in high-demand during the city’s heyday; now that it was in ruins, any remaining artifacts would surely triple in price. And, admittedly, if that fountain had been anything to go by, the vase could very well be extremely beautiful. Something any art collector or historian might want for themselves.

Once more, she wondered why the hell Law wanted it. He collected coins, not art, so she doubted it would be something he wanted just for the heck of it. What was his obsession with Flevance—

That train of thought was derailed when Nami walked into her room. She blinked then rubbed her eyes, certain her vision was still messed up from the sun, because Ikkaku was still sitting at her desk, working on some little device, practically in the same position as that morning. Really, the only difference was the lack of towel around her head, though her curly hair was a tangled bird’s nest.

“Have you even moved today?” Nami exclaimed loudly, flabbergasted.

The mechanic jumped a few inches out of her chair, a pen cartwheeling through the air before falling back onto the surface of the desk with a clatter. Apparently since she’d had the room to herself, she hadn’t felt the need to put the earplugs back in, leaving her vulnerable to Nami’s loud voice. “Damn, girl, you scared me,” Ikkaku said with a breathy laugh. She glanced around, noticing the time on the clock and the fact that her hair had dried completely. “Guess I was in the zone.”

“You haven’t been working all day, have you?” Nami asked, plopping her shopping bag on her bed. “At least tell me you had lunch.”

“Sounding an awful lot like Law there,” she teased, pushing away from her desk to stretch. There was an audible pop from her back, and her dark eyes closed in relief. “Like me, too. The boys and I are always bugging a certain workaholic captain to eat something and not subsist solely on coffee and aspirin. But to answer your question, yes, I did have lunch.” She pointed at an empty plate that had been shoved into the far corner of the desk, a few grains of rice stuck to the surface. “Bepo brought me some onigiri.”

“Good. If you didn’t, I’d be dragging you into the galley and force-feeding you a sandwich, then charging you a cooking and inconvenience fee.”

Snorting, Ikkaku cracked her knuckles and rolled her shoulders, further releasing the tension sitting hunched over in one spot for hours had built up. “Dinner’s soon enough; even if I hadn’t eaten, I could have waited. And good luck making a sandwich with no bread on board.” Despite her dismissal tone, though, she gave a wry grin. “But thanks for caring, I guess, even if it does come with a price tag.”

“What are friends for?” Nami shrugged with a smile that was a little forced. It was such an alien feeling, this sudden awkwardness. Since first arriving on the Tang, she and Ikkaku had gotten on like a house on fire. It was almost inevitable, being the two women on the ship surrounded by men dealing with that insanity together. Hell, even if that hadn’t been the case, Ikkaku had practically sacrificed herself for her back at the club on Grimm. A companion like that was more than she’d even dared to dream of before she’d met Luffy.

Was it really right for Nami to act like she didn’t know about her brother? Should she just tell her that the guys told her about Ushi? Really, what was the point of keeping it a secret? It wasn’t that Nami thought she’d slip up and spill the beans—lying was her specialty, after all—but Ikkaku wasn’t some mark or stranger. She was her friend.

Hell, even if they were on opposite crews, she’d even dare to call her nakama.

The issue resolved itself, however, when the other woman’s expression turned a little melancholy. Ikkaku sighed as she rested her cheek on her fist, her other hand idly playing with the pen. “Heh. Funny, I used to ask myself that question a lot when I was younger. I didn’t really have friends back on my home island. I lived with my Gramps in a lighthouse, so besides the occasional trip to town, it was a pretty isolated life.”

“What about your brothers?” Nami asked, masking her interest by taking her purchases out of the bag so they wouldn’t wrinkle before the auction. A swell of relief surged through her. If Ikkaku talked about Ushi herself, the whole charade of pretending not to know about him wouldn’t even be necessary! She just had to carefully press for the right crumbs of information, maybe even offer up a couple tidbits about her own life in exchange. No big deal. Tit for tat, right? “Nojiko was my best friend growing up. Hell, probably my only friend until Luffy came along.”

A dark look crossed Ikkaku’s face. “Yeah, well, Nojiko on her worst day was probably a way better sibling than all of them combined.”

“I don’t think you’ve talked about them much. I basically just know that they exist and said you wouldn’t really make it as an engineer because you’re a girl.”

A long sigh escaped her lips. “That’s…the nice version. Didn’t want to unload my shitty childhood on you, especially since yours sounded worse. I mean, my island was never taken over by pirates, and I didn’t work for the guy who murdered my mom.”

Well, that was certainly true, but then again, people with healthy, normal childhoods seldom became pirates. Or at least, those that did rarely lasted long on such cutthroat seas. Nami should have realized there was more to the mechanic’s past than some run-of-the-mill misogyny. “Maybe, but I don’t mind. We’ve all gone through some rough shit, right? We wouldn’t be in this line of work otherwise.”

“True. I just…I guess I just like to pretend he doesn’t exist most of the time.”

“He?” she asked as if she didn’t already know.

Ikkaku’s calloused hand dropped the pen to instead clench into a tight fist, and there was a haunted look in her dark eyes as she stared off into space. “Ushi. He’s the oldest. I can’t remember a time when I wasn’t afraid of him. Spent our childhood making our other brothers use me as a punching bag. When he wasn’t doing that, he gave me almost hourly reminders that I was a burden on the family, that no one really loved me, that I’d never amount to anything.” There was a hitch in her breath and a pause, and Nami noticed her close her eyes tightly for a moment. As if she were fighting back tears. It was a look she’d never expected to see on the tough, vibrant woman’s face. “Then, when I was seven, he tried to kill me.”

“What?!” Nami exclaimed, dropping her blazer to the floor in shock.

“Yeah. Joras had a huge fucking forest, and he led me into it to look for mushrooms or some shit. Can’t remember. Next thing I know, he’s shoved me into a pit, and by the time I’d climbed out, he was long gone and it was night. I think…I think it was supposed to be my grave, ‘cause it was really fucking deep. Or at least it seemed that way. Maybe I’m misremembering.”

Somehow, Nami doubted that. Sure, memories could get warped with age and fear, but some details remained solid for the rest of a person’s life. “But, you got out, right? And I’m sure your parents must have been worried sick!” She could almost picture it. A young Ikkaku, sticks and leaves caught in her messy curls, knees and elbows scraped, face covered in dirt and tears, frightened but once more able to smile when she was finally found, her mother and father scooping her into their arms, scolding her for worrying them but just so relieved she was safe…

At least, that’s what Bellemere or Mister Genzo would have done if Nami had gone missing.

From the bitter laugh that escaped her throat, Ikkaku hadn’t been so fortunate. “I spent three days wandering around those fucking woods, scared and cold and wondering if I was gonna die out there. My parents didn’t even notice I was gone.” After a long moment of silence, her fist unclenched and some of the tension eased out of her shoulders. “Gramps found me, though. When I didn’t come home after two days and a storm rolled in, my brothers Nausagi and Fukuro ran two miles to the lighthouse to tell him what Ushi had done. Maybe they realized he’d gone too far. Or they were scared I’d come back as a vengeful zombie. Either way, Gramps rescued me and demanded custody. Mama and Pops were glad to hand me over. One less mouth to feed, and I wouldn’t be causing their Future Marine Hero any more trouble.”

“That’s…that’s horrible.” And yet Nami could tell she was getting the abridged version of the story. “Tell me your grandfather was a better guardian.”

Despite the childhood trauma she’d just confessed to, Ikkaku merely shrugged, a small grin tugging at the corner of her lips. “Yeah. He was. Gramps was crazy, but he loved me and taught me how to fight. Told me to never lose my smile, ‘cause that’s my best protection against a world that’ll try to break me.”

“Bellemere said something similar to me and Nojiko. ‘Whatever happens, never lose your ability to laugh. If you can survive, happy times, lots of ‘em, will come your way’.”

“Smart lady.” She tried to casually run her fingers through her hair, only to find them caught in the tangled knots. She let out a light chuckle at her predicament and added, “I think she and Gramps would have gotten along pretty well. Well, assuming she liked salty former smugglers who had the gumption to threaten Law with a shot gun. Not that he didn’t deserve it a little.”

Nami had to smile at that, and she could only imagine what he’d said that had nearly gotten him shot. It was definitely something snarky, a shit-eating grin on his face while he provoked a protective grandfather just because he could.

Noticing Ikkaku’s hair situation, she abandoned her suit to instead pick up a wide-toothed comb. “Well, I’m not sure about Bellmere, but I’d certainly love to meet him.”

“Of course you would.” Leaning back in the chair, she allowed Nami to carefully put her thick curls to rights. “How was shopping? Boss show you the blinding sights of the city?”

“It was…enlightening,” she said cautiously. There was still so much to sort out, and every time she thought she had an answer to one of her questions, four more popped up in its place.

Grabbing the pen she’d been playing with earlier, Ikkaku handed it to her over her shoulder. “Here; I made you something, since I doubt you’ll be able to bring your Clima-Tact with you. Kinda why I was so focused—I wanted it to be ready by tonight.”

Curious, Nami inspected the item. It was a plain black ballpoint pen maybe a bit longer than her hand. There was an almost unnoticeable jolly roger engraved into the middle, and she ran her thumb over it idly. “You spent the whole afternoon making me a pen? I could have just as easily brought my stylus.”

“Oh, but a stylus is only good for writing. This is so much more useful. ‘The pen is mightier than the sword’, right? Click the top.”

She did so, and instead of an ink-filled nub, a small syringe, similar to an epi-pen, popped out. Her eyes widened in realization as Ikkaku explained, “Inside’s a powerful tranquilizer. Should knock any fool out in minutes if injected into the bloodstream. Takes longer if it’s ingested. It’s non-lethal to humans, so it should be safe to use on anyone you’re looking to knock out. Assuming they aren’t really Fishmen in disguise.”

“Why? Does it react differently for them?”

She grimaced. “Yeah. Severe allergic reaction. Anaphylactic shock typically. So, unless you want that on your conscience, humans only.”

Tucking the pen away for later, Nami nodded in understanding and went back to combing her hair. “Gotcha. Doubt it’ll be a problem, though. Jean Bart said this place is pretty humans-only.”

“Doesn’t mean it’s impossible for someone to have that kind of bloodline. If it’s diluted through a few generations, a lot of the time you can hide it and pass for human.”

“Hmmm, hadn’t thought of that.”

There was a moment where Nami could tell she was mulling something over. Even faced away from her, Ikkaku wasn’t hard to read, and it was only a matter of time before she voiced whatever question was on her mind.

While she waited, the ginger took the time to appreciate the texture of Ikkaku’s hair, combing out each curl individually so it wouldn’t frizz. The thick, black locks were coarser than her own, yet surprisingly soft despite her hard life at sea. Hair maintenance was extremely difficult living on the ocean, the salt and fluctuating weather of the Grand Line wreaking havoc on Nami’s much finer strands. And while Ikkaku was far more feminine than one would expect upon first meeting her, in the time they’d roomed together, she didn’t seem to put much more extensive care into her shiny locks than some leave-in conditioner.

Guess she’s just got some good genetics, Nami thought appreciatively. Either that or she’s hiding some amazing shampoo formula, and damn if she is I’ll never forgive her!

When Ikkaku at last broke her silence, the hesitation in her voice was palpable. “Hey, it was a Fishman who held you prisoner all those years, right? You ever…blame all Fishmen for what he did?”

It was an unexpected question, but a fair one, Nami supposed. Arlong had committed a crime so heinous she knew she’d never forgive him, and she knew there were plenty of people, especially ones who spent years abused by such a monster, who would project that hatred onto an entire race. But why even ask?

“I…not really. I mean, I can’t say I never lumped them all together in my head, since Arlong and his crew were my only baseline for Fishmen for a long time.” She bit her lip, thinking. “But that was when I was a kid. My view of things was a lot more black-and-white, mostly because I was bitter at my situation. As I got older, and the more I thought about it, the more I realized that it was stupid to think all Fishmen were like him. He was the one who hurt me, so he’s the only one who should get my hate.”

“So, you don’t hate them all?”

She shook her head. “Nah. Hell, I was even able to forgive a member of his crew. I’m sure you heard about how Luffy punched a Celestial Dragon?”

Ikkaku craned her neck up to look at her, dark eyes widening in shocked understanding. “Yeah? You saying the Fishman he defended—”

“One of Arlong’s crew. Hatchi. Like all of them, he hurt me too, but it was on his captain’s orders, and he clearly regretted it.” Well, it had been a bit more complex than that. Hell, when they’d first encountered him again, she’d nearly gone back on her promise to Camie to rescue him. Even if he hadn’t abused her like the others, he’d still been complacent in it. Still destroyed villagers homes, held her hostage, attacked the Navy ships that tried to come to the rescue. He hadn’t been blameless in the least. She would have had every right to demand that he be left to be killed or enslaved. That it was karma come to bite him in the ass.

Yet what had swayed her, apart from Camie’s determination to save him, was her own friends’ reactions to seeing him again. Those who knew her past had immediately been ready to turn the ship around and leave Hatchi to his fate. Of course she’d expected Sanji to be her knight in shining armor and want nothing to do with someone who had abused a lady, even by proxy. Zoro and Usopp had been a bit more surprising, though perhaps it shouldn’t have been. They knew what she’d been put through. Had fought and bled for her. Despite their sometimes heated disagreements, Nami knew she could count on them to always have her back.

The one who shocked her the most was Luffy. He might have flip-flopped between reason and his stomach, but the fact was, her loving, forgiving captain had actually held a grudge on her behalf. Hatchi and Arlong hadn’t done anything to him personally, but his nakama had suffered, and that wasn’t something he’d easily set aside. That genuine show of solidarity and loyalty to her had melted what ice had still been around her heart, which allowed her to truly forgive the octopus Fishman.

Yes, Hatchi had hurt her, but her hatred was solely reserved for Arlong, not his underlings who genuinely felt remorse.

“I’m not a saint or anything but hating Hatchi…it seemed pointless. He wasn’t the one who killed my mother. And blaming all Fishmen for the actions of one seemed pretty shitty. Doesn’t mean I wouldn’t kill Arlong if I had the chance, though.”

Nami could practically feel the tension drain from Ikkaku’s shoulders, and she couldn’t hide her smile before she looked away. “That’s good to know. That asshole deserves it, from what you’ve told me. He and my brother should meet, then get sacrificed to some kind of horrible sea monster. Plenty of hungry Sea Kings out there to feed.”

“Couldn’t happen to a nicer pair of guys,” Nami giggled as she ran the comb through the last strand of hair. “Though, that might be cruel to the Sea King. Poor thing deserves a better meal than shit like them.”

“True. We’ll just have to think of something else then. We can ask Law; he’s always got great suggestions.”

A shudder ran down her spine, though she had to admit, it wasn’t as horrified as she’d like. She justified it with the fact that Arlong was scum who deserved whatever painful death the likes of Law might propose. So did Ushi, from the sounds of things. Though, Law had said Ikkaku had begged him not to kill her brother. Why? Did she still care about Ushi due to their familial ties? Or was there something else?

Maybe she just doesn’t want her brother’s death on her conscience, Nami thought, putting the comb away and proceeding to raid the closet for shoes. I just hope that doesn’t come back to bite her someday.

XXX

Dinner on the Tang was certainly livelier and noisier than breakfast. Mainly because the crew didn’t have to walk on eggshells while waiting for Law to get his caffeine hit. Most of the time about a dozen different conversations could be heard, utensils clattered against plates, insults were tossed about, and laughter filled the air. But at the moment, the whole galley was silent save for Nami, who was telling the Heart Pirates—save for a few who’d been sent out on last-minute errands—all about her crew’s wild adventure on Skypiea.

“…so, after Luffy beat the crap out of him, Enel flew off to the moon in his gold airship, and we escaped the island with the help of an octopus balloon, our ship loaded with treasure!”

There was a pregnant pause as the Hearts stared at her in a mix of awe and disbelief. She’d had their undivided attention ever since Law announced that the Straw Hats had found Noland’s lost city of gold, all but demanding she tell the tale and not skimp on the details.

Naturally, those details made the story even more bizarre, practically unbelievable, but she gave them what they asked for, so they couldn’t complain. Even Law’s jaw had dropped once or twice in incredulity. Mostly at the part where Luffy’d been eaten by a giant snake and thus been hidden from Enel’s senses.

Finally, a few of the crew managed to find their voices.

“An orangutan nearly wrecked your ship with singing?” Shachi asked, face utterly baffled.

Penguin grabbed his hat and smacked him over the head with it. “That’s what you’re stuck on? That’s from way back in the beginning of the story!”

The ginger punched him in the shoulder in retaliation, which quickly devolved into a childish slap fight. “Well it’s weird, ok?”

“Weirder than Straw Hat punching Kami or the knock-up stream business or the ship that flew to the moon?”

“Yeah! You ever met an orangutan that could sing?!”

“No, but that’s not the point!”

“You met Monte Blac Cricket?” Ermine interrupted, eyes so wide the whites could be seen even under the rim of their hat, though their mouth quickly split into a smile. “Holy shit, I’d wondered what had happened to him!”

“Wasn’t he your friend or something?” Seiuchi asked through a mouth full of rice.

They shook their head, looking a little wistful, a faint blush rising to their cheeks. “Just a neighbor. The people of Lvneel were dicks to his family and anyone who associated with them didn’t get treated much better. But I always thought there had to be some truth to Noland’s story.”

“Because a city of gold is so fantastical it’s gotta be real?” Nami asked, amused. She’d half-expected everyone to laugh at her like the people on Jaya when she’d asked about Sky Island—she’d even glossed over that part, finding no reason to recap such a blow to her pride. Yet instead, they’d been respectful, even entranced by her tale. It seemed to help that she’d been able to fill in a few blanks with what she remembered from Noland’s ledger, thus adding credibility to the man himself instead of just imagining the lying fool the king’s slander had reduced him to.

Usopp would probably love these guys, she thought fondly. Not that they’d likely believe his fantastical lies, but they’d probably at least let him spin his yarns to his heart’s content.

“Because you don’t tell a king about a city of gold unless you’ve got something to show for it,” Uni interjected wisely, ladling some more curry onto her plate. He paused to smile at her with his eyes, the bottom half of his face still distinctly covered by his bandana despite it being dinnertime. This close, Nami couldn’t help but try to subtly look for signs of scarring, and in fact could spot a line of slightly-paler skin peeking out just over the edge. “That, and history’s rarely all that accurate. Full of lies and twisted to suit a certain narrative.”

“That’s the World Government way. I’m sure we’ll see plenty of it tonight,” Law stated, leaning back in his chair as he munched on some onigiri. The bulge in his cheek might have been comical, but the glint in his eye was humorless. “Can’t wait to hear the dumbass assumptions people make about us Northerners.”

Murmurs of agreement echoed throughout the room, though an angry tic formed on Nami’s forehead.

“Are you saying the stuff you had me study is going to be a load of crap?” she demanded, pointing her finger accusingly. Of course she knew history was skewed at best, but she’d spent days cramming! Had weird sexual dreams about him because of it!

Yes she was blaming the book for that and no one could stop her.

He shrugged and took another bite of rice, unbothered by her irritation. “It’s the information you’ll need to be able to regurgitate if anyone asks you about the North.”

“Yeah,” Penguin chimed in, nodding sagely. He and Shachi had finally been pulled apart by Jean Bart and had resumed eating like nothing had happened. “These people aren’t interested in the truth. They just want to feel superior to the ‘uneducated masses’.”

“Buncha pretentious pricks,” Shachi sniggered, balancing a spoon on his upper lip. “Bet they’d have a fucking fit if they found out El Dorodo’s not only real, but in the fucking sky!”

“I mean, can’t say I’d blame them,” Jude grumbled, playing a bit with his food like a grumpy child. “I figured we’d be the ones to find it, but this whole time we’ve been sailing around in a submarine for nothing!”

“You got something to say about my ship?” Ikkaku snapped, glaring at her crewmate. Behind her, Crozier, Cousteau, and Ermine made slashing motions across their throats, silently reminding him that disparaging the Polar Tang in any way in front of its chief engineer was a sure death sentence.

Before he could say anything, Uni thwapped him on the forehead with the spoon, apparently taking just as much offense. “How can you say it’s been for nothing—we’ve found tons of cool shit down here! May not have been El Dorado, but there have been some amazing sunken cities. And fish! We’ve discovered more aquatic animals than any other ocean explorer,” he pointed out excitedly, Cousteau nodding in agreement. “I mean, we’ve seen deep-sea fish not recorded in any book! Extracted hallucinogenic venom from puffer fish! Taken samples of bioluminescent plankton! We’ve seen octopi punch fish!”

“You ever figure out why they do that?” Shachi asked, cocking his head.

“Best I can figure? Spite.”

As weird as this little tangent was, Nami found herself giggling a bit at how excited Uni was. She didn’t know him too well, given how he was one of the quieter, more reserved members of the crew, but it was endearing to see him so animated and giddy as he discussed marine life.

“Plus, it’s cool to study navigational currents and everything, and underwater topography. The maps I can make from that kind of intel are really good,” Bepo added, twiddling his claws a bit beside her.

“Right! And if that’s still not enough to convince you, who needs a city of gold when you can get your hands on more sunken treasure than most pirates see in their lifetimes?” Uni asked, puffing out his chest.

She couldn’t help it—Nami’s eyes lit up with belli signs at the thought of how many sunken ships the submarine probably came across, all that gold theirs for the taking. Most treasure was basically lost once it hit the bottom of the ocean, but the Hearts’ ship and diving equipment turned the ocean floor into their personal piggy bank.

It seemed Jude had the same thought. “You’re right, you’re right,” he conceded, rubbing the back of his neck. “Sorry, it’s a great ship, and we’ve definitely found more than a city’s worth of loot—and yes the fish are cool Uni put the spoon away—but it’s still annoying to find out that we’ve been searching the wrong place this whole time.”

“Eh, happens to every pirate crew,” Jean Bart said, sipping his drink. “You find a treasure map only to discover the gold’s already dug up. Same with legends of lost cities. The fact that the Straw Hats actually found El Dorado and came away with a profit just means they’ve got the Devil’s luck on their side.”

“Or the favor of some god. Probably not that Enel guy, though,” Shachi said with a smirk. “And hopefully nothing from Joras, either.”

There was a murmur of agreement among the crew at that, though Ikkaku looked more uncomfortable than amused. Nami wasn’t the only one to catch that, though, as Uni reproachfully smacked the side of his head with the spoon.

“Dude. Don’t joke about the eldritch horror gods, yeah?”

“Sorry,” the ginger said, blushing slightly as he wiped away the curry splattered across his face.

“Eldritch horror gods?” Nami asked, recoiling at the thought. What the fuck?! Joras sounded vaguely familiar and given the context she guessed it had to be someplace in the North Blue, but she sure as hell didn’t recall reading anything about that! Was this something related to Northern culture, or were the guys just fucking with her?

“Nothing to worry your pretty little head over, Nami-ya,” Law stated with a smirk, though she didn’t miss the glare he sent Shachi’s way. “We’ve been sailing under the ocean for over five years and I’ve yet to see a sleeping god who can turn you mad with terror.”

“No, just an underwater ruin or two that talks about him,” Ikkaku muttered, picking at her food.

Underwater ruins with tales of sleeping gods? Sounds like something Robin would be interested in, Nami thought, nervous sweat running down her neck. Not that she’d be able to blame her. Sure, the archeologist was macabre as hell, but Nami could appreciate her thirst for knowledge, creepy or not. Who knew what history and cultures had been lost to the seas? Maybe there were even Poneglyphs down at the bottom of the ocean!

Damn. Robin and Law would probably get along great. She wasn’t sure if she was frightened or comforted by this thought.

Uni seemed to notice her unease and patted her shoulder. “We’ve seen some strange stuff down there, but nothing more dangerous than Sea Kings. Which, I mean, aren’t exactly friendly guppies, but they’ll leave us be. The Tang’s Seastone coating and electrical defenses ensure that.”

Though she still found the whole concept horrifying, she was appreciated how hard Uni was trying to keep the peace and not make things needlessly frightening for her. The whole crew had a morbid sense of humor, but while she’d mostly adapted, she still found this whole conversation creepy. It made her feel a little guilty for wanting to pry into his business. Yeah, it was annoying to know the crew was hiding stuff from her, but Uni deserved a little privacy, right?

“Yeah, and if there were anything more, Uni’s fish buddies would warn us ahead of time!” Malamute added.

“Fish buddies?” Nami asked, eyebrows lifting to her hairline in surprise. So much for respecting his privacy. “Wait, can you talk to fish?”

The man in question stiffened beside her. “I, uh, I can understand fish a little,” he said, looking nervous. His large hands twisted the napkin in his lap, and he refused to look at her. “It’s a Haki thing.”

“Haki can do that?” she asked, surprised.

“Observation Haki can do a lot of things, and Uni’s the best at it on the ship,” Law cut in harshly, glare brokering no argument. “It’s a skill that’s saved our asses plenty of times.”

Nami blanched at his defensive tone. “Hey, I’ll take your word for it, but you don’t have to act like I insulted his mother or something.”

“It’s ok, Law,” Uni said, shrugging a bit, though his face seemed to sink a little further into his bandana. “I know she didn’t mean anything by it. It’s a fair question, and it is a weird talent.”

“It’s not weird. It’s fucking useful as hell and I won’t hear anyone belittling my crew.”

“I’d never belittle him—” Nami snapped, starting to stand up to give Law a piece of her mind before Bepo’s heavy paws fell on her shoulders, gently but firmly keeping her seated.

“I’m sorry,” he apologized softly. “Law doesn’t mean you. It’s just…the last person outside the crew that found out, he was extremely cruel about it. Beat Uni to a pulp and even threatened to sell him as a freak show attraction before Captain found them.”

“Oh my god,” she replied, anger cooling quickly as she covered her mouth in horror, imagining Uni bruised and bloody on the ground at the hands of some bastard. Well, that would sure as hell explain why Law had taken such offense. If such a thing had happened to Chopper because he could speak to animals, she’d likely be just as pissed. From the scowls on the rest of the Hearts’ faces, the whole crew felt similar. Her gaze flicked to the fuming captain. “I’m guessing he ended up on your operating table?”

“I wish,” he growled, gold eyes glinting in fury as he crossed his arms. “Marines showed up before I could cut out his heart. Must have been his lucky day, but luck won’t be enough to save him if I ever run into Hyena-ya again.”

“Hyena?” she asked, the name not ringing any bells.

“Bellamy the Hyena,” Bepo explained, snout wrinkling in distaste. “He’s also from the North.”

Oh. My. God, Nami thought, wondering if the world was really so small. “You said Bellamy, right? Blonde hair? Spring powers? Asshole with a stupid grin?”

Law cocked an eyebrow in mild surprise. “Seems you’ve encountered him before.”

She ground her teeth as she remembered the way he’d mocked Luffy’s dreams in the bar. “Yeah. On Jaya. His crew laughed at me for asking about Sky Island and his first mate tried to buy me. Later he stole Cricket’s gold, so Luffy went after him. I didn’t see the fight but given what an ass that guy was…yeah, Luffy wiped that stupid smile off his face.”

Once more the room fell silent, but quickly broke out into thunderous applause.

“Hah! I would have paid good money to see that!” Ikkaku laughed, spirits lifted.

“If he hurt Cricket, I’m glad he got the beating he deserved,” Ermine said with a grin.

Uni smiled, the corners of his eyes crinkling happily. “When you see Straw Hat again, shake his hand for me! That guy’s a dick.”

Even Law was put in a better mood, though there was still a malicious edge to his smirk. “Good on Mugiwara-ya. Still wouldn’t mind doing some permanent damage to the fucker myself, though. Bad enough he insulted my crew, but that bastard should pick his idols more carefully.”

Nami’s brow furrowed at that. His idols? The hell did that mean?

She didn’t have time to vocalizing that question, though. Sweat ran down her neck when said smirk then took a more lecherous edge as he rested his chin on his fist, eyes glinting with mischief. “But Sarquiss-ya tried to buy you? I might have prioritize kicking his ass, then. I’m the only one who gets to be your sugar daddy.”

“Oh shut up! You didn’t even buy me new shoes!”

“You got her a suit but no shoes? For shame, Boss,” Ikkaku giggled, getting up to help Seiuchi and Jude clear the tables. “I thought you were supposed to be a ladies’ man.”

“I’m a cruel bastard who doesn’t do something for nothing. She can borrow yours.”

Sauntering over, she playfully poked him in the forehead. “Says who?”

Law snorted and childishly poked her right back. “Me. Your captain. The guy who pays your salary.”

“You pay me to keep the submarine running and sass you when you’re being an idiot.”

“I don’t pay you for that.”

“Mmmm, you’re right; that’s a service I provide for free.”

“If I didn’t know better, I’d say those two were siblings,” Nami chuckled under her breath.

“Right? When I was first recruited I was convinced they were secretly related,” Uni agreed.

Bepo gave them both a smile and said quietly, “I think it’s good for them. Especially Law. I think he secretly likes having a little sister again.”

Brown eyes widened at that little tidbit. Law had a sister? What happened to her? Bepo had stated the past tense, so there was either some kind of falling out or…

…oh no, she thought, turning to watch Law continue to bicker good-naturedly with Ikkaku, his expression annoyed but the glimmer in his eyes belying that he was enjoying himself. Another piece of the puzzle that was the Surgeon of Death had fallen into her lap, but it wasn’t a particularly happy one. Sure, people died or were killed all the time, but Nami couldn’t imagine what she’d be like if she’d lost Nojiko. And depending on how young they’d been or how she’d died, that could really fuck with a guy.

“Nami-ya.”

Her attention was yanked from her musing as Law called her name. He was on his feet, plate clean and smirk dangerous as he regarded her. Nami wondered whether this would be the last time she’d see him in a genuinely good mood for the rest of the evening. “It’s seven o’clock. Time to get ready to watch history be defiled by pretentious morons. And for your obnoxious thunder god’s sake, make sure you’re wearing shoes you can actually run in.”

( @ninhaoma-ya, @awesomi, @vannahfanfics)

#Fic: Welcome to the Heart Pirates #lawna #trafalgar law x nami #Trafalgar D. Water Law #lawnami #op fanfiction #op fanfic #heart pirates #heart pirate nami #ikkaku one piece #one piece ikkaku #uni one piece #law x nami #cat burglar nami #one piece nami #nami

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canary3d-obsessed · 3 years

Text

Lost Tomb Lewks: Reboot Part 11

(LTL Masterpost) (All Canary Masterposts)(Part 10)

I’m making my post titles more specific because I’m loving the clothes in The Mystic Nine and in Ultimate Note, so I expect I’ll continue this series with other shows when I get to the end of Reboot Season 2.

Look 56 is - surprise! - a cozy sweater. This one is a deep, huggable brown in a sort of waffle stitch (OP is not a knitter; knitters pls feel free to elaborate in comments). He wears this with loose blue jeans and...shoes. This show doesn’t feature his feet often enough for proper shoe commentary.

This is a perfect look for pacing and talking, half to yourself and half to your buddy, as he gets absolutely, completely baked.

Wu Xie is doing his pacing while he gazes at an enormous pin board filled with pictures linked together with red string. The red string board is becoming one of my favorite CDrama tropes. I’ve seen it in Detective L, Mystic Nine, that new show with Wue Xie number 2 Psych Hunter, and probably a couple more shows. It’s a thing in older American detective dramas, too, but not in modern ones and not nearly as often.

It does look cooler than a whiteboard with magnets, but it seems like a lot of work. For this pin board, Wu Xie Wang Meng had to cut a bunch of red string and print out a bazillion cell phone pictures, which someone managed to take during all of the running around & death defying action. All so Wu Xie could theorize that everything connects to...some random point in the middle of the board? I don’t know who these guys are in the middle picture, but I don’t think they’re responsible for all of the rocks in the other pictures.

If you change your mind about a connection, and move a pin, do you have to re-loop all the string to keep everything taut? What if you need to move an end pin when you’ve already cut the string? Perhaps OP is overthinking this.

This look is a comfortable one for lying on the couch when you’ve exhausted yourself with string management.

(more behind the cut!)

I love the aesthetic of this apartment. It appears to be full of furniture taken from Wu Xie’s study in Wushanju, but because it isn’t mixed in with the fancy older antiques, the vibe is totally different. The furniture is midcentury modern, with a lot of warm tones and leather, which matches Wu Xie’s clothing choices. This quality of furniture subtly reminds us that these guys are antique dealers. Even when they’re down and out, they have discerning taste.

The textiles, cushions, the throw blanket on the table, are all colorful, tactile, and comfortable, matching Pangzi’s clothing and overall vibe. Overall the space is a nice mix of both of their looks, which is appropriate for an old married couple long-term roommates.

He completes this outfit with a olive-green hooded jacket with lots of flaps and pockets.

Side note: their buddy Jin Wan Tang (on the left) might be officially gay? Unlike the blatant subtle queer coding that appears in a lot of CDramas, this character (and that one guy in the Rain Village section) seems flamboyant in a stereotypical “gay best friend” way. But I’ve only ever seen one acknowledged gay character in Chinese cinema--the very stereotypical tailor in Kung Fu Hustle--so I don’t know if the semiotics are the same as in western media.

Anyway, I dig his mix of business suit and funky jewelry, and I share his appreciation of shirtless Xiao Ge (in Season 1, not today, sorry).

Look 57 is actually a rerun of Look 45, but it’s one of my favorites, featuring a beautiful soft suede jacket in a warm camel color. This time we get a much better look at the jacket, so I’m featuring it a second time. (Previously he wore this to hijack Li Jiale’s truck.) The jacket features detailed tailoring, with pleated pockets with flaps and buttons, and a nice strong collar and lapel that contrast with the softness of the material.

Under this lovely jacket he wears a cream colored sweater, jeans that fit really well for a change, and work boots.

This outfit is good for mournfully looking at a heap of smashed ceramics.

It’s also good for struggling through a gas attack designed specifically to destroy your unhealthy lungs...

...and make you hork up blood, because it’s not a Zhu Yilong show if there’s no mouth blood, and it’s been at least a couple of episodes since we’ve had any.

This look is perfect for going to visit your snippy ex-boyfriend while you’re unconscious, so he can bitchily save your life.

“Hey, Canary,” you might have thought up above, “with all these above-the waist shots, how can you tell his jeans fit well?”

This. This is how.

Oh and hey, we finally get a really good look at his shoes. His shoes, people.

Look 58 belongs to bitchy doctor/chef Huo Daofu.

He’s wearing a white double-breasted chef’s coat featuring contrasting piping and buttons. It is perfectly fitted, which will will learn is true of everything this man wears.

Over the jacket he’s got an immaculate work apron, and under it he’s wearing a thin grey turtleneck sweater with ribbed collar and cuffs. He wears turtlenecks a lot. Whoever is giving him hickeys, it’s not Wu Xie any more because he hates Wu Xie. Hates him!

Cue endless tender medical care and eventual deep abiding friendship. Also possibly shacking up, it’s hard to tell how many people really live in Wushanju at any given time.

The first part of Look 59 is a deep olive-green long-sleeve tee shirt worn over a grey undershirt.

It’s a shirt. It’s green.

He looks really fucking good in it, okay? His arms are beautiful even when they’re covered up. This shirt needs three gifs because...it just does.

Look 60 is Bai Haotian’s awesome green satin roller-disco jacket.

The styling is straight out of 1979, which is long before she was born, making this a fun retro throwback. Or possibly she borrowed it from her grandma. The collar and cuffs have sporty black-and-white ribbing.

The jacket has nice contemporary details to give it a fresh look. These include suns, moons, and mountains (I think) running down the arms in a contrast stripe, and the words “magical altitudes” in embroidered sections on the back and chest.

Wu Xie’s Look 59, Part 2 is also featured in these caps. He’s put a strangely short waisted grey jacket over his nice green shirt. Other than the short waist, it fits nicely.

Those jeans, on the other hand. Wu Xie’s ass deserves better treatment than this. Paging Xiao Ge

Periodic reminder: Xiao Bai is absurdly, absurdly pretty.

So is Wu Xie.

Bonus Look 1: Okay, Xue Wu is a bad bad man but damn, his clothes are always amazing. He favors emphatically Chinese looks, but always with contemporary tailoring details, so he doesn’t look old fashioned. For his daughter’s wedding he’s wearing a deep blue suit with blue embroidery and this cool gold collar pin.

Bonus Look 2 is Wu Xie in his favorite blue marl sweater. Or he has a few blue marl sweaters. Anyway, this time he’s lying down and resting his eyelashes while he wears it.

#reunion: the sound of the providence #the lost tomb reboot #the lost tomb reboot spoilers #zhu yilong #wu xie #bai haotian #lost tomb lewks #canary3d-original #my gifs #huo daofu

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femmeharringrove · 3 years

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when steve goes into labor early, he finds himself craving his mother's presence in a way he never has before.

he's always loved her, even if she never really loved him. growing up, she always just sort of avoided him - his eyes were so big and open and honest as he toddled about proclaiming his own love for just about everything under the sun - his nonna, the roses growing, and his mama. and she knew she should have loved him. hell, she wanted to love him, but she just couldn't. and since she couldn't love this little being who seemed entirely made up of love, she distanced herself.

and maybe as a child he didn't know, he was gullible enough to believe that she was just busy, just couldn't come play or couldn't help him plant a new flower, but he grew up and he saw everyone else's mother do so much better. and it stung. it did worse than sting, it ached in a way he just couldn't explain. and when he was fourteen he finally broke down and asked her why she didn't love him, and he'd hoped that she'd tell him otherwise but she was drunk and all she could do was break down and cry and ask for his forgiveness. she didn't remember it the next morning but steve's been haunted by the memory ever since, the knowledge that his mother doesn't love him.

of course he always knew his father despised him, there was no question of that. and now that he's having a baby of his own his aversion to the elder Harrington has only worsened. john harrington is a cruel being, he never should have been allowed near ant child, and steve was determined to keep him away from this one no matter what. he's already told the man he won't be allowed in the hospital, but his mother is supposed to be there. but it's the dead of night and the baby is coming early and as much as he cries for her there's no possible way to get her there in time.

still, billy's heart tugs at the way steve whimpers and says "i - i need her." but the thing is, billy knows the infamous misses harrington. and she doesn't deserve to be there when steve gives birth. but he knows exactly who does.

he does feel a little guilty about calling at such a ridiculous hour, but he isn't surprised when joyce answers, soft and groggy.

"hello?"

and billy pauses, because he doesn't know how to word this. he doesn't know how to tell her that steve's hours away from being a father instead of week, that he's crying for someone who doesn't love him, that billy himself is a little terrified. but in the end it just comes out on its own.

"he needs his mom."

and so joyce shows up at four in the morning and steve sobs against her because he's only ever been ready for the theoreticals. this isn't him reading a book on pregnancy, this isn't one of the kind mothers of hawkins sharing their delivery stories. this is steve, his stomach contracting miserably, his back and hips screaming, his heart racing because he's about to be in possession of a tiny little human being who's going to need him for everything. and this is also steve, barely in the third decade of his life, no real plan for his own future, staying up most nights because he's scared of monsters - monsters he'll now have to protect his baby from. and he doesn't know how to put those fears into words so all he can do is cry, and joyce, she gets it, she always does, and so she strokes his hair and soothes his fears as best she can.

and then there's claudia of course, who's been there since steve's first ultrasound, and she never leaves his room for long, not if she can help it. she holds his hand and wipes his tears and steve feels safe. claudia's always called him the older son she never had, and he feels more like steve henderson than steve harrington in those moments.

the kids won't leave either, because of course they won't. eleven and will overheard joyce on the phone the night before and when hopper tries to get them to school they outright beg to stay home because focusing is impossible knowing their honorary neice or nephew could be born at any second. and hop wants to make them go, but ultimately he can't. and once they get the all-clear, they call the others, and the next thing steve knows he's surrounded by a gang of not-quite teenagers looking him over for any problems and loudly expressing their excitement. and it's endearing, because it reminds steve that this kid has a plethora of babysitters at the ready - even if mike tries to act like he doesn't care, which is decidedly false judging from the panic that crosses his face when steve's hit with a nasty contraction.

dustin refuses to go home even as night falls, and max tells susan she's spending the night with eleven - which is true, but they're both staying at the hospital as well, hopper watching them while joyce stays firmly by steve's side.

on his right, as has been the case for the entirety of his pregnancy, is billy. holding his hand, pushing his hair out of his face, comforting and praising him through steve's low whines and pained groans. he doesn't know how many hours he spends pushing but it hurts like nothing else, like his body is being torn from the inside, and he wants it to stop but he needs to keep going. so he does, he grits his teeth and he pushes through everything, and in the end he's rewarded with the first wail of a human being.

and he doesn't cry right away.

not that he can, his body is catching up with that the hell just happened, his breath is still coming in quick, shaky gasps, and he feels like he's only hearing joyce, not listening. nothing feels right until he's given the solid six-pound weight of his baby on his chest. she's so pink, and her cries are subsiding slowly, but steve runs a trembling hand over the top of her head and realizes she's got the same dark fuzz from all of his baby pictures and then it smacks him in the gut.

this baby is his.

and he holds her close and cries because the amount of love in his chest is too much, he hurts with the intensity of it.

nikita rosaline harrington is her name, and billy tears up a little bit because of it. she's a pretty little thing, her nose is tiny and scrunches up whenever billy runs a fingertip down the tiny bridge of it. she's got her father's eyes too, big and brown and curious, billy's never seen anything more precious - or he thinks so, until he watches steve stare at her with the same eyes and nearly has a heart attack at how sweet the two of them are. and he doesn't need to complicate things right now, not when steve's finally catching his breath after months of hardship, but he knows in his heart this is his family. that's his baby, that's his - well, his steve. and he kisses them both on the forehead and promises he'll take care of them. he's not the dick responsible for knocking steve up, but it's an honor to do this, to step in.

to prove he's not like neil. he can be a dad, and a damn good one at that.

and steve, who doesn't even like letting nancy drive the party to the arcade without him being there, he trusts billy wholeheartedly to raise this baby with him. billy doesn't take that lightly.

joyce and claudia spend a good hour fawning over nikita, they've gotten her so many gifts and she ends up in the little cap claudia made and the outfit joyce got. max and eleven are just as thrilled, max kisses her chubby little cheeks and eleven stares at steve in awe for literally creating a life. will talks to her quietly and holds her like he never wants to let go, even though he does in order to let hopper hold niki for a bit.

there's never been a question about who her grandfather is. neil and john are simply unfit, and hopper's been a pseudo-dad to billy and steve, he's the only one who gets the grandfather status. there's a whole mix of emotion on his face as he bounces the cooing baby, telling her how nice it is to finally meet her and how he's gonna enjoy spoiling her rotten. when he finally gives her back to steve, the man has tears in his eyes.

"you did good, kid," he tells steve, runs a heavy hand over his hair before patting billy on the shoulder.

dustin holds her the longest, of course. he quickly comes to adore the fit of his finger in her curled palm, and he tells her about all the things he's going to teach her as she grows up. steve's fondly amused at how easily dustin takes to carrying nikita, in the same way steve got used to dragging dustin around. every time the curly-haired kid remembers to look up at the other people in the room, he gives steve the brightest grin, eyes crinkled with merriment.

"you have the coolest dad ever, niki," he informs her proudly, and steve's finally beyond the need for cool points but it's touching nonetheless.

mike and lucas meet her in the morning, and lucas immediately charms the baby with a little song as he rocks her back and forth. he declares himself the fun uncle, which dustin protests, but steve and billy know lucas is correct. mike is the only one who just knows how to hold a baby, thanks to a baby sister, so he takes nikita from lucas like it's nothing and stares at her little face for a long time. the emotion there isn't something steve can read, but he sees the way mike draws her closer after a moment and smiles.

mike's a protector, even if he likes to act like he doesn't care sometimes. and steve, who's just as protective, knows that niki is beyond safe with him.

when robin meets the baby she nearly screams. but then she remembers how new those little ears are and settles for the biggest grin as she swipes niki from billy and walks about, cooing all sorts of nonsense to her little neice. "she's too cute," she gushes, planting a kiss to the baby's forehead. "i'm taking her home. sorry, dingus." and steve protests, but they both know she isn't about to walk out of there with a baby. robin loves kids, but she doesn't think motherhood is for her.

it's certainly not for everyone. and that thought doesn't occur to steve until his mother shows up, nearly a day after niki is born.

he watches her go to pick nikita up and his heart twists and he wants to reach over and take her back. his hands stay clenched under the blanket as the woman smiles at the baby, then at steve himself.

"you made a cute one, i'm not surprised," she muses, and then she says, "don't you just love her?"

and steve, he can't really respond to that.

billy's his saving grace, picks up on the shift and ends up gently convincing misses harrington to come back another time. when he turns back to steve, the brunette has tears already streaming down his face.

"why couldn't she -?" he tries, but billy doesn't need him to finish that sentence. he moves closer and wraps steve up in his arms and for the first time decides that he hates both harringtons, not just john.

because steve's easily the most loveable soul he's ever stumbled across. he looks at nikita and all he can see is a little steve, and he hates the boy's parents for refusing to love the vulnerable little soul they brought into the world.

#steebie writes #stranger things fanfiction #stranger things au #co parenting au #harringrove #steve harrington #billy hargrove

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adaodinson · 3 years

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Would she?

Here´s the second part of Would she? I´ve had some free time and got the inspiration to write it. And one thing, I mention a movie called “Wolfwalkers” during the story, I highly recommend it, it´s a beautiful and artistic but deep animated movie.

Again, I´ll leave the translations to the Spanish words and phrases at the end of each phrase.

Relationship: Marcus Moreno x Fem Mexican reader (it is in English and most of the dialogues are too, her being Mexican is more about the story)

Summary: You are having dinner with the Morenos for the first time and a feeling of both nervousness and excitement covers both yours and Marcus´ body.

Warnings: Age gap, reader is Mexican, some swearing.

Part 2

Part 3

You woke up at the feeling of a small certain creature jumping to your stomach and purring softly. You blinked many times trying to get used to the light of the day and spotted your cat Wolfie staring at you. You turned around to see the time and as you saw your clock, you basically jumped out of bed scaring the living crap out of your cat. You weren´t used to the way your furniture was arranged in your new apartment, so it took a few more seconds than usual for you to find the bathroom.

-Shit, shit, shit- you said acknowledging it was 2 in the afternoon and realizing you wouldn´t have time to do everything you had planned to do. You had bumped into Missy for the second time yesterday and she had quickly told you dinner would be at 7 the next day, since earlier she hadn´t told you at what time you would be expected.

You had offered to bring dessert and you had planned making your famous chocolate chip cookies (famous between your family and friends, obviously) but you were waking up insanely late and still had to go out and buy all the ingredients. You hurried to the store and the second you got back home you started with the dough. While the cookies were in the oven, you went to your room to decide what you would wear. It was a simple dinner, you had no reason to be this nervous but you were. You cursed at the feeling that strange man caused on you and wondered how you would be able to make it through the whole dinner without imploding in your seat in front of the nice girl and handsome guy.

A pair of jeans, black boots, a white blouse with long sleeves and no shoulders and your favorite leather jacket. Simple but perfect. You looked in the mirror with satisfaction. Sure you had some insecurities about your body and face, but you were working very hard on loving yourself as you were, and with all honesty, you liked how you looked on that outfit. You got the cookies out of the oven and took a shower. Once you finished, you put on a light makeup and got dressed. It was 6o´clock and you only had to put the cookies in a plate and wait till it was time to go.

Marcus had woken up pretty early, he was a nerve rack not only because he would get to talk to you that same day, but because he had to make dinner himself and had no idea how he would pull that off without setting his house on fire or ending up ordering food and plating it to make it seem he had made it.

He decided he would try to make something simple so that he could put more effort into it: a pasta and some salad. How hard could it be? He had been stuck in his mind for so long he didn´t realize it was almost 3 and he still had to buy what he needed, so he asked Missy if she was decent enough to go to the supermarket and got ready to go.

She joked around reminding him all the things he had done in the kitchen that deserved their own TV show for how unique and disastrous they were.

-That time when you broke the whole carton of eggs in the sink instead of the bowl, or when you were making pasta but forgot the water so it got caught on fire. Oh or when instead of vinegar for the dressing you used vanilla- She said not being able to hold back the tears from how hard she was laughing-

-Ha ha ha ha you´re very funny. But really, I need your help, I don´t want to mess this up- He said as he pushed the car through the fruit aisle.

-I will help you, remember I like her too, I don´t want her to have to move again because her crazy neighbor made some pasta sauce explode on her- They both laughed all the way back to the car after buying everything. Rushing back to the house they started preparing everything.

They took turns so that one could be cooking and the other getting changed and ready. Things looked pretty good, nothing smelled weird, the kitchen was still standing, no vanilla and vinegar had been mixed up. Everything seemed perfect, almost too good to be true.

It was time, finally. You hugged your cat and asked him to wish you luck. He just lovingly stared at you and you took that as a good thing.

You were carrying the cookie plate and your bag while you locked the door behind you. You looked at both sides of the street before crossing and in a matter of seconds you were in front of the Moreno´s house. You took a deep breath and knocked on the door before your fear could stop you.

A shorter head peeked through the door as the owner of it opened it. Missy received you with a bright smile.

-Hi! Welcome- she said as she moved from the door to let you in.

-Hi Missy, how are you?- you said as you walked inside. It was a beautiful house, not too big but with enough room for two to three people. It was simply decorated but with a clear style and it smelled amazing.

-I´m good, thanks. This is my dad- She said as she pointed at the tall man standing next to you that for some reason you hadn´t seen. You looked at him and you swear you had to swallow a freaking moan from how gorgeous he was.

-Hello, I´m Marcus- he said as he extended his hand for you to shake.

-Hi Marcus- you said and then told him your name as you reached out for his hand.

-Welcome to the neighborhood and to our house- he said with a small chuckle. God, he swore you were glowing. You seemed so perfect, with your bright eyes and precious smile. He though your name suited you perfectly and he just couldn’t take his eyes off of you.

-Thank you so much for everything, it has been pretty hard for me to settle with the small amount of time I´ve lived here, but it´s amazing to know already I have such nice neighbors- you had no idea where that came form but you thanked your brain for coming up with it and your mouth for being able to say it so well.

Both looked at you with the same smile shining in their lips. They were so alike in certain ways.

They showed you around the first floor and then guided you to the dining room where the food was resting ready to be eaten. It all looked amazing.

-This smells amazing- you said happily.

-I hope you like it- Marcus said with a hint of fear in his tone.

-Be glad if you do- Missy said with a smirk and Marcus hit her playfully in the shoulder.

The three of you sat down and Marcus served all of you a generous portion of red pasta and salad. You stared down at your plate and smiled for yourself. You all started talking about your day as you tried the salad. Missy shared some stories of how Marcus had failed in the kitchen before and you shared crazy stories about your family. Like that one time when you got stuck at a parking place because your uncle that happened to be about ten blocks away had kept the car keys and the place was about to close; or that time when your parents were still dating (you weren´t born) and your mom drove you dad´s car into a pool by accident. As you told that last story Marcus laughed so hard some of his drink came out from his nose just like Violet in the Incredibles 2. Missy and you laughed so hard your stomaches ached.

It was time to try the pasta. Carefully, you used your fork to grab some of it and put it in your mouth. You had expected it to be an only tomato pasta, apparently it had peppers too, but since you were Mexican you were used to spicy and you loved it. You thought for a second you hadn´t told Missy where you came from, so you guessed they liked spicy too.

-JESUS NOOOOO WHAAAT- you jumped so high you almost saw the lamp that hanged from the celling in front of you. You looked at Missy who stood up from her seat and basically ran screaming through the kitchen looking for water.

Marcus´ face was covered in red and he looked at you with a strange look.

-You want milk for spicy sweetie! I´m so so so sorry, how are you not dying?- he asked looking at you. Okay now you were quite confused.

-What?- you said.

-Well the pasta, I mixed up some of the tomatoes with peppers and it´s spicy as hell. I´m used to spicy because of my mom but Missy isn´t- he stared down at you with a disappointed look in his face, but also a puzzled one. Why didn´t you react like Missy? Why didn’t you spit out the disgusting thing he had made?

-Marcus- you said with a soft chuckle- I´m Mexican, I adore spicy food and I´m used to eating it too, I loved the flavor of your pasta, it´s amazing. I didn’t tell Missy where I come from, so I assumed you guys liked spicy too and that had been why you made it like this. I honestly love this pasta.

Marcus looked at you and he swore he would never let you go, even if it was just as a friend, he wanted you around.

Without thinking and letting his arms move on their own, Marcus reached out for you and trapped you in a hug. He was as shocked as you were, but even more when you locked your arms on his shoulders hugging him back.

-¿Hablas en serio?- (Are you serious?) He asked softly wanting to know if what you were saying was true.

-Claro que hablo en serio- (Of course I´m serious) You answered quietly with a perfect Spanish pronunciation and a hint of laughter in your voice. You both stayed like that for what seemed forever until Missy came back and coughed softly.

-Are you done you fools? Or do you have another plan for almost killing me and then celebrating with a hug?- She asked with a serious look at first, but breaking into laughter at the middle of the sentence. The two of you split not daring to look at the other one because of the embarrassment.

-I´m gonna go get changed because I spilled half of the water I used before SOMEONE decided to tell me milk was better for spicy- she said as she walked upstairs.

You took another bite of your pasta and smiled at the memory it gave you about Mexico.

-So- you said swallowing what you were eating- Missy told me your job keeps you away from her a lot, what do you do?- you asked.

Marcus hadn’t thought about whether or not he would tell you about his job. He now knew you didn´t know anything about the Heroics because you weren´t from around, but he also knew you would eventually find out and, honestly, he preferred to be the one to answer all the questions you could have rather that you looking it up.

-I´m what we call a Heroic, I basically fight to defend people when needed- You did not see that one coming. Some people had mentioned the Heroics and you had seen things about them in the TV, but Marcus being one of them… it was AMAZING.

-WHAAAT YOU´RE A HEROIC?- that came out way louder than what you had planned. He smiled and nodded.

-So you´ve heard about us?-

-Well of course, but you´re one of them?!- that was too much for you, this man was perfect- So you have like a superpower or what?- You said expecting him to laugh and saying you were ridiculous.

-Yep, I can control metal, basically- he said amused at your reaction.

-WHAAAAT you mean like Magneto?!-

He laughed out loud at your comparison and with a gaze he invited you to lift your unused spoon for a demonstration. You did as he asked and with all the surprise of the world, you saw the utensil leave your hand and land on Marcus´.

-NOOOOOO THAT´S SO COOL- you said, and without thinking you stood from your seat, ran towards him and grabbed his hand to examine it. You both felt an electric current run through your fingers as you touched, but trying to ignore that, you carefully looked at each one of his fingers and traced them in a gentle way that made him melt.

He sat quietly and let you examine his hands. He was dying on the inside though. He was so amazed by your reaction and he even let himself run his eyes through you now that you were busy. He saw your hair falling at your side, it looked so soft he felt the need to touch it but held back. He ran his eyes through your back and landed his gaze on your ass for a few seconds but he scolded himself and looked away. He turned his gaze back at your head and to your face. You were looking at him as if he was the most amazing piece of art you had ever seen, and his heart sunk at the sight. He traced your nose and your rosy cheeks, then your lips and subconsciously he licked his.

Missy had been observing you two for about five minutes and was between amused and consumed by a tender feeling. You were going to have an amazing long-lasting friendship, or if life smiled at the three of you, a beautiful and romantic relationship that she had already decided she completely supported.

She decided it was time to interrupt though, she would offer you to watch a movie as you ate the cookies you had brought, and she did.

-Okay I´m sure there is a perfect explanation for why you guys are like that, but instead of giving me nervous unfinished sentences, let´s choose a movie to watch while we eat dessert- Marcus and you both stared into each other´s eyes for a few seconds with clear embarrassment and slowly walked away from each other. You were already missing the other´s touch.

You all finished eating dinner, and after washing the dishes you decided to watch a new movie that came out called “Wolfwalkers”.

-Oh my God, these are amazing- Marcus said with a pretty surprised look in his face as he tried one of your cookies.

-They really are, wow- Missy responded with the same surprise as her father.

-Thank you guys, I´m glad you liked them. I love making them so anytime you want some just call me-

-We don´t have your number- Missy said quickly before any of you changed the subject.

-Oh that´s right- you said as you took the piece of paper Missy was handing you and you wrote down your number. Missy gave a discreet wink to her father while you were focused on your task and he just smiled at his daughter.

The three of you sitting on the couch, eating cookies and crying over the beautiful movie after an afternoon of laughing and hugging. It was perfect. You were dying to know what your future with the Morenos would be like.

#marcus moreno x reader #marcus moreno #marcus moreno fanfic #pedro pascal fanfiction #pedro pascal characters #we can be heroes #marcus moreno x fem!reader

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rosierocks30 · 3 years

Text

Hidden: Ch. 21

Chapter 21: The Infinity Witch

(Mikasa)

Mikasa was kneeling on a comfortable cushion while some of the ladies were doing makeup and her hair for the wedding ceremony. Earlier, she and Reiner had gone to see Lady Kiyomi talk about wanting to be married as soon as they could.

(Flashback)

The sun barely peek out from the horizon. The sky was colorful with purple, orange, and yellow as the stars slowly vanished. On the deck of the ship Lady Kiyomi was sipping her tea enjoying her early breakfast along with Mikasa and Reiner. Both couples arrived an hour ago to have a traditional Hizuran breakfast with the ambassador. The ambassador was happy to have them joining her for a nice morning meal.

“I’m so pleased that both of you stopped by to have breakfast with me.” Lady Kiyomi smiled at Mikasa and Reiner.

“Thank you for having us here to join you even though we came by unannounced.” Mikasa bowed her head in respect.

“No, my dearest. It’s alright for you to come anytime especially now you’re our sovereignty. I should be thanking you for wanting to join me for breakfast with me, my Empress.” Lady Kiyomi said while bowing back to Mikasa.

Mikasa was still not used to taking the role as a ruler yet. It would take time for this role to sink into her mind. If she can use her new position to have a quiet ceremony to be wed to Reiner, then both Reiner and her can be at peace to fight to end this end as a married couple. They don’t know how long this war will last. It’s best to do the things that you want to do now before the war gets too heavy and difficult to do anything.

“Ambassador Kiyomi, we have a favor to ask you if it’s possible to make it happen as soon as it can.” Mikasa said.

“Oh my, this must be serious. Of course, whatever it is; as empress your wishes will be granted without questions.” Lady Kiyomi said as she was curious about this favor both of them wanted to ask.

“As we’re in war and with Commander Reiner’s curse, he only has 11 months left until it’s affected; we want a wedding ceremony. We’re in love and I wanted to be Reiner’s wife when he passed away. Could it be possible to have a wedding to be ready tonight or tomorrow?” Mikasa was a bit nervous asking her kin about this. She doesn’t know enough about the culture if it is appropriate to have a sudden wedding ceremony especially if she is now Empress.

The Hizuru’s ambassador was silent at first, this gave her a mixed feeling. She doesn’t have against her young empress taking a non Hizuran man as her consort, but doing this in a rush? The people and the government might take this as an insult. The elder woman could understand why Mikasa and Reiner wanted to be wed as soon as they could. Their situation was a bit complex especially Reiner is the holder of the Armor Titan with only less than a year to live. Besides, they are at war. If Mikasa dies; once again the nation will be left without an heir to take the throne. To save her nation from that fate again; Lady Kiyomi will need to use her cunningness to persuade the councils to allow both Mikasa and Reiner to be wed by tonight or tomorrow. If they had an heir, it would be born not out of wedlock.

“Hmm, I will make sure the government approves your request and hopefully by noon or night I’ll let you know what they say.” The ambassador gave her a serious expression.

Of course Mikasa and Reiner understand there’s a chance the government might not accept it, but if they don’t accept it; she will personally write a letter to them saying that they are fools for not accepting it. The nation will be in jeopardy as she will not marry or have heirs unless Reiner is her husband, consort, and the father of her children. She can be stubborn when she needs to be. After all, for years being with Eren by his side; she had grown some stubbornness in her.

“Thank you so much. We are grateful for your help.” Reiner humbling bow at the ambassador.

“It’s no problem, Commander. It warms my heart to see you’re the reason why Mikasa is smiling often.” Lady Kiyomi chuckled heartily.

Reiner couldn’t help it to be blushed a bit from Lady Kiyomi’s comment. Sometimes he asks himself what Mikasa sees in him.

(End Flashback)

“Your majesty, what do you think? I think you look like a beautiful bride.” One of the servants complimented her while she handed Mikasa a mirror for her to observe her new look.

Mikasa had to snap her thoughts and glanced at the mirror. Even though their makeup ceremony is traditional and had different meanings based on the colors, she felt her skin gasping for air. If she didn’t know about the meaning behind the make up style, she would have thought herself looking like a clown, a pretty one. In fact, any makeup style looks ridiculous in her opinion. She preferred no makeup at all.

“It looks nice. Thank you for your help, ladies.” Mikasa turned her head to glance at the girls who beamed with joy to have the opportunity to get an empress ready for her wedding.

“No your majesty, we thank you for giving us this opportunity to prepare you for your wedding.” One of them said as they all bow respectfully.

Mikasa nodded and slowly got up as the traditional wedding outfit was heavy and she didn’t want to lose her balance. Her helpers quickly helped her up and made sure there were no wrinkles or misplaced areas of the outfit. The newly Empress mumbled, thanking them as they all walked away from the room to go to the other location where the ceremony will be held.

Reiner was waiting patiently at the altar where a high priest was blessing and mumbling chant prayers. Lady Kiyomi was by his side quietly waiting for the bride as well. He doesn’t know how Lady Kiyomi pulled it off in having the council members agreeing to Reiner’s and Mikasa’s request, but by noon she gave them good news. It's the least they can do properly because Mikasa deserved to have the best in his opinion. Finally the doors open to reveal his girlfriend in a traditional Hizuran bridal gown. Reiner couldn’t take his eyes off of her. She is the epitome of beauty as Mikasa walked towards him.

Mikasa looked around to see how dim the room was. Only candles were lit to make the room as visible as possible to see. Under the veil she’s wearing, barely could see Lady Kiyomi, the priest, couple officials, and most important her love, Reiner. All eyes were on her as she made her way walking to her groom.

By that time, she had reached the altar. Reiner goes towards her to hold her hand and lead her to where the priest stands. He helped Mikasa to kneel on her knees since her wedding dress was heavy with layers of robes wrapped around her body. The Paradisian assassin glanced at her husband who was kneeling beside her. She gave a small to ease him. Reiner was feeling anxious but happy also. When he noticed Mikasa gave him a sweet smile, his anxiousness had been lifted. The priest began to chant in Hizuru native language while cleansing both bride and groom with sage smoke. When he was finished both couples bowed where their forehead touched the floor. Mikasa barely understood what the priest said. She could understand the part where he was asking the gods to bless her and Reiner with good fortune, prosperity, good health and fertility. Of course that part made her blush. Yes, she may use to having amazing sex with Reiner, but it does made her shy after and before.

Once again the priest chants to wear off negativity, bad spirits and energies then the couple bows again as this has become repetitive until they finally stop. The priest bowed in front of them and spoke in Eldian with a heavy Hizuran accent.

“May your reign be blessed and live long, my empress and your highness.” The priest said. He had concluded the ceremony which made Mikasa happy because this outfit was heavy and hot. She needed to get out of these layers of robes. She saw Reiner's hand to help her get up from the floor.

She smiled as her now husband gently pulled her to him. “How are you feeling, my wife?” He whispered softly.

“I feel the most happy, my husband.” She whispered back. Now the newlyweds felt this will be a new beginning for them. They know there will be obstacles both have to face together like ending the war and retaking the island to give back to the Paradisian. Later, both and the rest of this half side of the world will work on peace.

(Levi)

The horse ride to meet the rest of the soldiers and assassins was long and irritating. Levi was caught up with Rick and Reggie telling him what had happened to the Scouts which the MPS and Garrisons were working together with the Survey Corps along with the assassins. He hoped Historia could wait a bit longer until they marched in and retake their island. This island was his, Historia’s, most of the soldiers' home. Also, this land will be safe for his son to come back home and be raided by him and his queen.

The silent ride was too long for anyone's liking. Levi noticed they passed through the gates of Wall Sina, Rose, and Maria. They are now in the open area where many years ago, this land was roamed with Titans. So many tragic memories reminded the captain of the expedition days when Commander Erwin was leading them. Of course, this had saddened the raven haired Ackerman. He was a devoted soldier to lead humanity into freedom from titans.

“How long is the camp?” Levi said.

“We’re almost there, Captain.” Reggie said.

Levi focuses closely to see faded smoke in the sky view. Tch, making a campfire was not a smart move as it can give out the location from their enemies. He also understands why they did that. It was cold as hell so it’s instinctive to make fire to keep the soldiers and assassins warm from the cold. The trio made their way into the dense trees. Once they reached there, Jean spotted them. He ran towards the trio to greet Captain Levi and the two men.

“Captain Levi! Welcome back.” Jean gave a salute gesture to his higher ranking officer.

Levi gave a nod but didn’t say much as he got off his horse. “Are the rest of the squad made it out here safely?” The dark haired man finally spoke.

“Yes sir, everyone is here in this new location. Sasha is still in New York guarding the young prince. We got a letter from her recently. I will give it to you once you’re settled.” Jean said.

“Very well.” Levi said then paused to glance back at Jean. “Where’s grandfather and Hange?”

“Oh both Mentor and Commander are in the tent with most of the top assassins and soldiers in a meeting. Both other Commanders are with them as well.” The light brown soldier said to his captain.

“Alright, I’ll go join them.” Levi goes to a big tent. In front of the tent, there were two soldiers guarding. When Levi stood in front of the two guards, both guards were startled by his presence and stepped aside for him to enter.

Levi entered the big tent to see most of everyone he knew. His grandfather, William Miles sat on the head seat on the left while Hange was sitting on the right of the head seat. Both Commanders Brzenska and Dok were sitting opposite each other. The rest of them were filled by soldiers and assassins.

The tent became quiet when everyone stared at the silver-eyed man. If it wasn’t the years he dedicated himself as Erwin’s captain during the expeditions to win against the titans, Levi would get awkward from being stared too long for his taste. He may still despise getting attention but he’s used to it.

“Levi, you’re safe. You reckless, boy!” The male Ackerman felt arms being wrapped around him as he was being pulled to a big hug. At that moment, Bill held his oldest grandson. The elder man was worried ever since Levi ran off to go save Historia.

Levi embraced his grandfather’s warm hug. “I know..I know..” He mumbled.

“Welcome back, Levi.” Hange gave a smirk at her captain which Captain Levi in return smirked at the commander.

“I see for once Jaeger was keeping his word.” Commander Brzenska said.

Levi took a quick glance at Rico then made a tch sound. Ackerman goes to the head on the table where his grandfather was sitting before.

“Listen everyone. From the weeks I have spent being their lab rat, the only reason these motherfuckers are here is because they’re looking for a stone.. no six stones.” Levi said as everyone began to mutter what he said.

“What do you mean six stones? What’s so special about these stones?” Dok was curious about what Levi said.

“Each stone is part of the cosmos of the universe. When they’re used together chaos and crazy shit will happen and no one will be safe.” The raven haired man glanced at Nile.

“Levi, how do you know about the infinity stones?” Miles interrupted.

“Huh so those colorful stones have a name? I had a bleeding effect while I was resting at the dungeon cell. All I remembered, seeing images of the stones and what they're capable of doing. SO many used it to literally wipe out people, land, and unknown worlds.” Levi resumed. He was terrified of the power it could cost. He wanted to do whatever it takes to find them to hide them away from any beings no matter their good or bad intentions.

“I see…” Bill was concerned about his grandson’s bleeding effect episode. If it’s not under control it leads Levi into madness until he takes his life away. It had happened to some using the Amius far too much in which it caused the Bleeding Effect.

“Ok so all we need to find these stones but the world is a big place so how are we going to have time to find them before the templars find them and use it on us to rule the world?” Rico had a point. Time is a luxury now. They still have to take back their homes. At least Marley proves it’s possible to have victory.

“Actually, an old friend of mine can help us to find them.” The Assassin Mentor said.

Everyone looked at the Mentor. “That’s good news. Who is it?” Hange said while glancing at her boyfriend.

“Nick Fury.” William said. Everyone including Levi were curious but clueless from not knowing this Nick Fury guy. But if this will help to find these stones then Levi will accept any help and resource before it’s too late.

(Natasha)

Natasha looked around to see the view in light purple with neon blue. She sees a big tree on top of the pinkish hill. Did she wake up in a fairytale world? The young woman looked down to see her elegant but revealing gown from the ball charity last night on her still. Maybe this is a dream...right? The woman from the future mentally said to herself while walking on the grass. The pink grass felt so real. It was wet and cool. Her feet were bare which it’s why she knows it’s wet and cool.

As she went a bit further, Natasha saw a stone table instead of the tree. Huh? That’s strange. She could have swore the tree was there. She shook her head to keep walking until she had reached the top. Gently, Natasha placed her hands on the table stone to rest a bit. Sometimes pregnancy makes easy tasks like walking difficult.

She widened her eyes to see six beautiful glowing stones. The more she glanced at them Natasha heard voices.

“With great power comes great responsibility…”

“I am inevitable.”

“And I’m Ironman…”

This began to startle her until another distinctive voice whispered in her ears.

“This is part of you..”

“You are now the Infinity witch. Only you are able to harness them. Unlock them. It’s your destiny.” Natasha shaking her head in fear. No. She doesn’t want to use them. She had promised her grandmother she would never use the stones even if she was born with them hosted in her body.

“NOO! YOU WILL NOT MAKE ME!” She screamed.

It’s who you are...girl. Embrace…

These other voices are coming back and it’s driving her insane. Suddenly another voice was calling for her.

Natasha...Natasha...Natasha…

Finally she blinked her eyes as it opened to see familiar emerald green eyes staring at her with worry.

“Hey doll face. Are you ok? What’s wrong?” Eren caressed her cheek as tears streamed down from her eyes.

“It’s nothing, baby. Just a silly little nightmare.” She gave him a small smile which Eren frowned as he didn't seem convinced.

“Natasha, it doesn’t sound anything from the way you were screaming. I won’t be surprised if the neighbor would yell by the window at us. Come on, you can tell me, baby.” Eren was trying to persuade his fiancée.

Natasha doesn’t know what to tell him besides that she’s wielding all six infinity stones . In fact, she was the first ever known to be immune to the power of these stones without having consequences like Thanos and her late grandpa; Tony Stark. Only certain people like her grandma, Pepper and Director Maria Hill. It was best no one knows about her true abilities. No one knows how she had the stones inside her body beside her mother. If Natasha could talk to the dead, she would talk to her mother to have these questions be answered. Her titan was able to adapt because Natasha was born to have these stones inside her.

“I’m scared...that I will lose you too.” She whispered. Even though her statement was true, she needed to distract him to change a different topic. Eren already has things on his plate. She doesn’t want to overwhelm him with her having powers to cause chaos and destruction.

“Babe, I promise nothing will stop me being there with you, especially the birth of our kid.” Eren was already hovering over her. His green eyes were staring into her silver ones.

“What about if I did end up back in my time and gave birth there? Will you be alive to be in our lives?” She said in wanting to feel reassurance.

Eren’s smile was full of warmth and comfort. “I’ll make sure to keep on fighting to live just to be with you and our baby in the future. You two are what kept me from finding a different path to freedom for our people.” His lips lightly brushed against hers.

Natasha smiled while feeling Eren’s kisses on her neck. “If I do end up going back, I will find you. I promise.” She whispered to him.

After the ball, both Natasha and Eren had been working on their fragile relationship to the point they bought a home outside of the palace. It’s in Mitras which it’s perfect for them. They are near the palace but they have their privacy.

It’s been a month since the ball had happened. Today it’s their first appointment to the doctor since the discovery only one of the twins survived of th miscarriage. She had asked to have today the day off which it’s one of the perks working closely to the queen. Speaking of doctor’s appointments, what time is it now?

“Eren, what time is it?” She said while her boyfriend was too occupied kissing her neck and shoulders.

“It’s almost 8 am.” He mutters while being attentive on your body as his lips over lower to the valley of your breasts.

“Mmm E-eren...we have an appointment in an hour. I don’t think we have enough time-” She was cut off with his tongue licking on her nipple. A moan was let out from her lips. Her hands grips on his hair.

“Don’t worry doll face, we’ll make it on time.” His tone became husky. Natasha glanced up to see his green eyes were clouded by lust.

Eren latched on to one of her nipples to suckle while traveling his fingers below where he could hear her wet folds waiting to be attended. He slowly strokes her throbbing clit as her panting escalates more. Before he could insert his fingers into her hole, Natasha grabbed his hand to stop him. Eren stopped sucking her nipples to look at her. In a sudden move, she wrapped her legs around his pelvic waist to flip their positions. Now she’s on top of him. The heiress felt his cock poking her.

“Time is luxurious, my love.” She smirked then removed her nightgown to reveal her changing body as her baby bump had grown a bit more than the last doctor’s visit. Eren chuckled while his hands gripped on her hips to gently lift her up enough to have her insert herself on his hard cock. While feeling his length entering deep inside her, she grips her hands on the top of the bed board. Slowly, she took the lead by rocking her hips on his cock.

Eren let his hands wander around her body admiring the way her hips rolled on him. Morning sex were one of the best to start the day. Natasha starts to increase at a fast pace. Both parties were already panting as their bodies became hot and sweating. It won’t matter since the pleasure and adrenaline made it feel euphoric.

Even though they could last longer like they usually do, this time they needed to wrap it up. The brunette heiress felt she was at the peak of the climax. It wasn’t that long when Eren released himself inside her. She took in the last pleasure before her orgasm came. After their high from pleasure came down, Natasha looked at the clock to see more than half an hour had passed. Her eyes widen from the time and pull off the covers from her.

“Oh shit! Eren, we’re going to be late.” She got off the bed and ran to the bathroom to clean herself quickly.

On the other side of the bed, Eren groaned in annoyance from realizing his girlfriend won’t let it go on them about being late. If only their day off was just laying in bed for the rest of the morning, but nope; the doctor’s appointment is in the morning. Why didn’t Natasha schedule for later in the afternoon? It doesn’t matter now since he saw her coming out of the bathroom looking fresh from showering.

“Come on, my love. We only got twenty-five minutes.” She sighed at him from still laying on the bed.

“Fine, fine. I’m up.” He finally got off the bed and headed to the bathroom to get ready. While Eren enters the bathroom, Natasha goes to get clean clothes for Eren to wear. She lay them on the bed. Finally, she put on her outfit. The maternity clothes in Paradise Isle only have long skirts or dresses. They really need to add comfy trousers. By the time she was ready, Eren walked out.

“Babe, just wear the clothes I laid on the bed.” Natasha pointed to Eren where the clothes are. Eren nodded and thanked her. Once Eren was ready, both couples head out to see the doctor.

Barely they made it to the clinic by three minutes from the actual appointment. The pregnant woman from the future stopped to take a long breath. Eren was behind her.

“Eve! I told you not to run. I don’t want you to have more reasons to be in the hospital.” Eren looked at her with concern.

“I’m fine, Eren. Besides, think of this as a cardio workout.” She chuckled to brush it off.

“Stubborn woman.” He muttered.

Natasha rolled her eyes with annoyance then walked to sign in and wait for her name to be called. The green eyed titan shifter followed her until they sat on a chair to wait. It’s a good thing there weren’t many people today. Soon her name was being called and both of them got up to follow the nurse to a room to meet the doctor.

After checking her vitals, the nurse left to get the doctor. Now, Eve and Eren are alone in the small room. The room was old and made out of bricks and wood. She forgot most of the buildings on this island are old since a century from the last king brought the rest of the Eldians from the Great Titan War. The silver eyed woman glanced at her lover to see his expression looked conflicted. What is he thinking right now?

“Eren? Are you alright? What’s bugging you?” Her tone was soft and compassionate while placing her hand on top of his.

Eren came out of his deep thinking. “Huh? Oh yeah, I guess.”

“You guess? Tell me, my love. I’m here for you if you are worried about something.” Her fingers intertwined his fingers to give him comfort.

Eren leaned his back to the chair as he sighed. “I was wondering what would happen if my mom and dad were still alive. How excited they will be knowing they will be grandparents?”

“Yeah, I have always thought about that too. Probably my mom would shriek in excitement and my dad would try to choke you to death.” Natasha chuckled from imagining the scene of her parents’ reaction if they were alive.

Eren also chuckled from that thought. “ Oh shit, I think I’m more scared of Levi being the one who will try to kill me.” He heard a snore from her.

“Oh god, I found out about my grandparents’ reaction. They would make you shit your pants.” Natasha doesn’t know how she will tell them if she gets back to her time period.

“Levi I can understand, but Historia? She’s too sweet and nice to hurt a fly.” Eren said. Of course, Natasha laughed at his statement.

“Oh babe, you will be in for a rude awakening. My grandmother is not the same person as she is here.” She glanced at him.

“How bad is it?” Eren looked at her confused.

“In the future, she’s firm and assertive. If anyone tries with her, they will face consequences. Both grandpa and grandma are different but similar. It makes sense because they both compliment each other.” She continues.

“Historia? The good girl Historia? Huh, I mean she did told her father to fuck off and humanity while kicking his ass.” Eren wondered what event that led her to wash away her good girl attitude.

“I’m surprised that you weren’t aware of her many sides. Weren’t you guys comrades or you had a thing for her?” The last statement made Eren scoff irritatedly.

“I never liked her like that. Why are you bringing it up when I had alright explained it long ago?” His tone was stern. She had pushed his buttons to bring up this topic.

“Eren, I didn’t mean that-” She was trying to justify her statement.

“Natasha, I know you enough when you haven’t let go of something. What’s next? Still paranoid about Belia and I?” He whispered harshly.

She was about to say something but decided to close her lips. Seeing Eren angry was not something she was in the mood for to deal with.

“Exactly what I thought.” He said that it pissed her off too. Before she was about to give a piece of her mind, the doctor walked in with a cheery mood.

“Good morning Mr. and Mrs. Jaeger. Are we excited to see how your baby is doing so far?” The doctor closed the door and sat on his stool.

“Morning Dr. Dobber and it’s actually Ms. Potts. We’re not married.” Her comment made Eren glared at her. Tensions start to build up between them.

“My apologies, Ms. Potts.” The doctor chuckled awkwardly.

“Tch. You didn’t need to apologize, doctor. Either way she will be Mrs. Jaeger soon.” Eren said.

If it wasn’t for this appointment, she would have walked out of the clinic and given him the silent treatment. Right now, she wants to be away from him. Her temper was simmering in her.

“I see. Natasha, from the looks of your vitals; it seems everything is in order. Do you still have enough prenatal vitamins?” The doctor had changed the subject as it was getting too tense or his liking.

“Yes, I still have some left.” Natasha answered the doctor’s question.

“Very good. Let’s have you lay on the bed to check on your growing child.” The doctor got up to drag his stool to a machine to do an ultrasound.

Natasha didn’t bother to acknowledge Eren as he tried to help her out. She quickly got up to go lay on the bed and rolled up her blouse to expose her baby bump while the doctor poured the cool jelly on a hard small object. He placed it on her belly as an image on the screen started to show.

Eren saw the image of a forming fetus. It’s still tiny. He was amazed how it’s possible to see the baby growing in the belly. This moment was so surreal. He forgot their heated argument, but the moment got ruined when her hand pulled away from him when he tried to give a loving gesture. He leaned back on the chair as his arms crossed over his chest with a sour mood on his face.

After the doctor checked the growing baby, he cleared them to go. Once Natasha finished adjusting her blouse properly, she headed out leaving Eren behind. Ugh, the nerve of him! She just needed to be alone for a bit. Due to her mind being clouded by anger, she wasn’t able to pay attention where she was going. She bumped into three men.

“Oh sorry, I wasn’t looking where I was going.” She said with embarrassment.

“Well well look what we have here guys? A pretty doll face standing before us.” The leader said with a mischievous tone.

Well shit. She was not in the mood to deal with them. “Listen, I’m not in the mood to have a chat.”

She was stopped by one of them and grabbed her arm to pull her back to them. All three trapped her. Natasha observed her surroundings to notice she was in the dark alley.

“That’s too bad because we want to chat with you.” The leader had his hand caressing from her cheek down to the valley of her breasts. The dark haired woman was disgusted.

“Don’t fucking touch me.” Her tone was dark. The men laughed as they thought it was hilarious.

“Oh boss, we have a feisty one.” One of them commented.

“My men and I love feisty women. We can do this the easy way or the hard way, doll face.” The leader gave her an ultimatum. Eve’s eye has twitched from being called doll face. The fact only Eren was allowed to call her and not anyone. Seriously, that name really pissed her off.

“Fuck off!” She growled in anger and slapped the leader’s cheek hard. The leader fell on the ground which surprised him and his men. This woman was strong.

“Listen you bitch. You’re just asking for it.” One of them shouted at her. They charged at her and she gave one of them a roundhouse kick. One of the men fell on the ground from the impact. The unharmed man ran towards her to try to knock her down. Instead, a punch in his nose was met. His nose was bleeding from the force of her punch.

The suck part was her stamina was not great from her pregnancy. Her energy was mostly low and she had taken small naps between her breaks or days off. She should have seen this coming when the leader recovered and wrapped his arms around her before she did any more damage.

“Now you can’t do anything to us. So give up.” The leader said. Of course, Natasha was struggling under his grasp.

Fuck now she’s in huge trouble. This is what she gets for letting her anger clouded her sense of direction.

“I am warning you. Let go of me.” She warned him. The two men that were on the ground had recovered and followed their leader to the deeper alley. The female Ackerman was getting exhausted as she was being dragged. She was now pinned to the dirty ground as their hands wandered around on her body groping and touching. Her silver eyes glared at them with hatred.

“Let go of me. Get. The. Fuck. Away. From. ME!” She screamed. It’s like the atmosphere had changed. All three men felt a force knocked them away frm her. They were surprised. When they tried to get up, their bodies were being lifted which reality hit them as fear took over.

“W-what are you?!” He stuttered when he saw her eyes glowing with different colors. Natasha used her glowing hands to use her abilities to pinned them on the wall.

“I fucking warned you, didn’t I?” Her tone was cold. Slowly, she made crushing hand gestures to make them suffocate in a slow death. First her argument with Eren and now these assholes think they can just try to assault her and get away from it? No. Now they must pay.

All three begged her for mercy. She scoffed at them while resuming causing them pain. Just feeling the power of the infinity stones makes her alive and in control from others. The adrenaline in her blood kicked in to watch how they beg for their lives to be spared.

“Natasha! What are you doing?!” A familiar voice caught her attention. It was Eren.

“They deserved the pain of the women they caused pain….what my mother had dealt. Men like them deserve to die in agony!” She yelled at Eren.

Eren was a bit scared at what she’s doing to these men with her powers. This shocked him from more secrets his lover had kept from him. He was a bit hurt for her not to trust him of her powers. His feelings needed to be set aside to calm her down. She looked like on the verge of a mental breakdown.

“Natasha, baby. I understand these men deserved to be punished but not like this. Your hands will be strained by their blood. Please, let them go and we’ll get the military police involved to charge them.” Eren was trying to convince her to stop torturing them.

“Ha, that’s rich coming from you. Didn’t you plan on wiping most of the global population for the sake of Eldians to have a peaceful life? Besides, my hands had been stained as a child. How do you think the men that raped and murdered my mother and baby brother were slaughtered? By my hands...and I don’t feel any remorse.” She told Eren while letting out a laugh.

It’s true. What gave him the right to judge her when he was about to commit a genocide. All she wanted was to give justice to the people like her mother, baby brother and the victims from people like these disgusting men in front of her. In a way, both Eren and Natasha are like-minded people. They think the same but in different situations.

Slowly, Eren gets closer to her. “You’re right. What right do I have telling you what to do? Natasha, that’s the thing. We both have so much in common watching our mothers die before our eyes. I am so fucking sorry you had to go thorugh that. I know the pain and anger you are feeling, but please for our child’s sake; let them go. This isn’t you. You’re the compassionate one.”

She understood what her boyfriend was trying to say but her mood hasn’t calmed down. She dropped them as they fell to the ground. All three were unconscious. The superhuman turned to glare at him. “What do you know about me? You can’t dictate what’s not me or what is?!”

“Babe, you’re right. I didn’t mean it that way. Your feelings are validated but hurting others won’t change the situation. Please, let’s get home and have a warm tea while you lay to rest on the bed.” The titan shifter noticed his words slowly calming her down. She was hovering midair until her feet landed on the ground. The grey clouds started to disappear. Her hands stopped glowing. Her eyes changed back to silver.

“I’m fine...I’m not tired.” She said stubbornly. Her body yearned to rest from using so much energy that her powers had drained her.

“Uh huh. You don’t have to be alright. Let’s go home and we’ll talk about it.” Eren said as he gently reached out to hug her.

“Hold on, I need to do something.” He didn’t want to let her go. Natasha looked at him. “Please at least trust me on this.” She said to him.

He let her go as she walked towards the unconscious men and used her two fingers to place on their side of the heads to erase their memories of encountering her. With the soul stone power she was able to wipe their memories of meeting her and seeing her power in action.

“What are you-” Eren saw what she did.

“Relax. I’m just erasing their memories of meeting me.” She said then went towards him. Once she reached Eren, her body collapsed on her. With the last energy, she erased the men’s memories. Luckily, Eren caught her in time and carried her in bridal style.

He looked down at her as she fell unconscious. “You really are full of surprises.” He whispered. The green eyed titan shifter walked out of the dark alley to get to their home.

What they didn’t see was a shadow figure hiding from their view to watch everything that just happened. The figure walked while using a communication device.

“Sir, we know where the stones are. It’s our lucky day for the templars.” the mysterious figure said. “Guess who has them. It’s Eren Jaeger’s girl; I think Eveline Potts. Yeah, the queen’s personal handmaiden.” The templar man reported to his superior.

(Nathaniel)

Finally it has been mostly a month since he had left for Europe on a business trip. Nathan exited out the vehicle and right in front of him the two people he was happy to see. Both Historia and Gilbert had greeted the king.

“Husband, welcome home. I hope the trip went smoothly.” His queen spoke with eloquence and grace that he forgot she still despised him. At least her pretending to play her part had gotten better.

“My beautiful queen and wife. It’s good to see you again. I heard the ball was successful! I am pleased with the work you put into it.” Nathan said with a joyous expression.

“My king, I can’t take all the credit. Lord Gilbert was the one who contributed the most.” Historia humbly spoke. Gilbert looked a bit surprised from the praise he was received.

“Your Majesty, I couldn’t have done it without you to make the ball successful.” Gilly said quietly.

“I’m glad everything worked out while I was gone. Thank you both.” Nathaniel smiled.

The false king had big plans as he received a message from one of his spies that the mythical infinity stones were found. Once his men capture the handmaiden, he will try to gain its powers and eliminate obstacles like Levi, the assassins and the Grandmaster. Nathaniel will conquer the world and no one will stop his ambition.

A/N: Wow, I know I took too long to update this chapter. All I can say is, life just happens so I can’t promise you guys I’ll update like I usually do; but it will be at a slow pace. I hope you guys enjoy this new chapter. Let me know what you guys think?! Don’t forget to comment and kudos please. See ya in the next chapter!

#historia reiss #levi ackermna #eren jeager #oc: natasha #reikasa #mikasa ackerman #reiner braun #attack on titan #assassin's creed #crossver #fanfiction #MCU #infinity stones

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bellatrixobsessed1 · 3 years

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Speak No Evil (Part 8)

She steps onto the sand and crinkles her nose. She has only just gotten off of the boat, and already there is a heap of sand in her shoes. She shivers at the grating sensation. The island smells fresh of mango and pineapple and of exotic meats and fish over a cooking fire. Several of them, all across the beach. The ocean has its own array of scents and Azula is fond of none of them; the seaweed is too potent and putridly sweet and the salt is too poignant.

“Need help with that?”

Azula yanks her luggage away from him. She shakes her head, she doesn’t need nor want his help.

“I’m just trying to help.” He mumbles.

Azula frowns to herself before handing him her smallest suitcase.

“Why don’t you let the servants carry them in for you?”

It is more or less to prove to herself that she is more than capable of taking care of herself, even if her mind is betraying her again. She is going to have to get used to helping herself anyhow; she can’t keep a single friend or lover. Instead she mouths, ‘faster’.

“If you’re sure.”

She is very certain. She makes her way to the top of the staircase and drops her luggage in the foyer. She brought it this far, now she’ll leave the easier job to the servants. “We can go down to the beach.” Zuko offers, he looks her up and down. “I don’t think you’ll need your armor for this.”

Azula rummages through her luggage and finds herself a beach dress.

“Why don’t you wear your swimsuit, in case we want to go swimming.”

She is certain that she doesn’t. Each time she fully immerses herself in water she finds herself overtaken by a sensation of failure and doom. She feels cold all over and she drowns in it. She doesn’t need another reminder of what she has lost and become. She wanders into the bathroom and dresses herself. The outfit is prettier and brighter than she feels within, it doesn’t suit her in the slightest. She lets her hair fall out of its top knot and over her shoulders. When she emerges from the bathroom Zuko is standing there in his own swimsuit. She lets him take the lead, it isn’t as though she has any particular stretch of the beach in mind. She isn’t sure that she has anything left in her mind at all. Anything save for a nagging itch that she has lost the most important thing that she had once had. She swallows, TyLee always did love the beach. She can practically see the girl bouncing over the sand and gesturing enthusiastically at all of the pretty shells and hibiscus flowers.

Just as vividly, she can hear her gushing about what a beautiful day it is. The sun casts twinkling shimmers over the waves, unhindered by clouds. The sky is an endless blue and several crabs scuttle over the sand below. Her breath catches in her throat.

“Do you want me to get us some ice cream?”

Azula scans the ground for a long stick. Upon finding it she etches into the sand, “you can get one for yourself.” She smoothes out the sand once more.

“Are you sure that you don’t want anything?”

She shakes her head. She is not hungry, especially not for something so overwhelmingly sweet.

“I really want you to enjoy this trip.” He tries.

But, Agni, it’s awfully hard to enjoy a vacation when all she can think about is how terribly she yearns for an era that is well behind her and a world where her potential had borne fruit. A world where she still has a voice and it is powerful and beautiful and confident. A world where she is so above it that whether or not TyLee still loves her doesn’t matter even slightly.

But in this world it means everything. In this world she is nothing. In this world she is unloved. In this world the distant volcano is calling her, begging her to come to its edge and jump into its core. It promises that it will sear her problems away and blacken her body and all of her bothers. Her pace slows until she comes to a standstill, eyes transfixed upon the volcano. Upon her new goal. The ocean has never helped her before, why would do so now? Anyways ocean water is too slow, too creeping, it would leave her with too much time to think and regret and dwell on her shame and all of the reasons that she had sought to fill her lungs with it in the first place. Fire has always been her salvation. Fire is mercy. For a moment the sun’s rays feel like the liberating heat of lava.

“Azula.” Zuko shuffles back to her.

She finds that she can only look at the ground, stare at her feet and wiggle her toes. She feels Zuko’s hand carefully link with hers. “Come on.” He says softly. “Let's go find somewhere to sit down.”

.oOo.

She can’t put it out of her mind. It appears in her dreams. It’s darkly scorched, rocky face looms over her, bathes her in shadow. And in a puff of smoke it speaks, “I can make it stop. I can make it all go away.”

It doesn’t specify what it can stop but it doesn’t need to. It spits a drop of lava onto her arm, she watches it trail down her arm, burning through it. It hurts so terribly but it serves its purpose; she isn’t thinking about TyLee anymore. She isn’t worried about dying alone, unloved, hated, and shamed. She is worried about the excruciating kisses that the volcano is laying on her body. Agni it hurts like mad as several infernos erupt from the charred craters forming on her skin.

The volcano talks again, “it’s going to be okay now.”

And as sparks fly and lava weeps from the holes in her arms, she knows that it is true. She can see bone in the wounds, but she doesn’t bleed. Monsters don’t bleed. She doesn’t bleed. She knows that she is dreaming when she speaks, “thank you.”

When she wakes she doesn’t shiver or shudder. She doesn’t even have the urge to scream, though she still feels sensations of a blaze along her arms. She sits up and pulls her robe on over her nightgown.

Her feet carry her outside before she can really think about what she is doing. She supposes that there is a perk to being so silent, Zuko doesn’t notice when she slips out. Her sight is set on the volcano and she finds herself absently walking in its direction. She knows that this is the right decision.

She tries to think of someone who might care for her, who might weep in her absence. Father no longer cares for her, she wonders if he ever had. Her mother never did. Certainly Uncle would be relieved to see her gone. Gone so that she can’t hurt Zuzu anymore. It is likely that Mai will revel in her absence. TyLee will cry but it will be shallow, an act, just like her bubbly smiles and her loving murmurs. She can’t imagine that Zuko will miss her all too much. She is making the right decision, she tells herself while she stands at the shoreline, breeze fluttering through her hair.

She wonders if she should write a note. She isn’t sure that she needs to, the why’s are rather clear. The how is of no concern, likely the how would be rather distressing.She should, for once, spare them the morbidity. Even still, she thinks that it would be appropriate, if not a polite formality to leave one parting message. She is better at writing out how she feels than she has ever been at speaking them.

Decidedly, it is better if she doesn’t. Aside from it being a waste of time, she has no right to ask for pity and compassion in death when she hadn’t done anything to deserve it in life. No, she…

“Hi!”

Azula jerks and the woman laughs before muttering an apology. Azula turns around and faces a rather tall woman with her hair fashioned into both a top knot and a low ponytail. A horrible styling choice, really.

“It's a nice night, isn’t it?”

It is, truly so. It is another clear skied, star glimmered night with a balmy breeze that is just perfect. It is a fine night indeed, all of the worst ones are. Azula shrugs.

The girl seems to tilt her head before giving a laugh.

Azula’s brows crease.

“I recognize you!” She declares.

Azula tilts her head and furrows her brows. It isn’t that she is surprised that she doesn’t recognize the woman; she has seen so many faces both real and imagined.

“You’re that weirdo from the party.”

Azula sighs. As far as she is concerned, she was just another face in the crowd. Another socially deprived disaster; she can’t imagine that they haven’t come across someone of her variety before or after...

“You put a drink on my head.”

Azula cringes. Of all the people she could encounter.

“You remember doing that, right?”

She certainly likes to pretend that she doesn’t. She only stares at the girl.

“You can answer me, you know?”

Azula shakes her head.

“What do you mean, no?”

Azula searches for another stick and etches a simple, “can’t talk.”

It is now the woman who tilts her head in confusion. Only for a moment before asking, “what happened?”

She scrawls, “long story.”

“Do you want to talk about it?”

Azula shakes her head.

She coughs, “right, uh, do you want to write about it?”

She shakes her head again.

“Can I sit down?”

Azula casts a longing glance at the volcano. She supposes that the woman can sit wherever she pleases, it doesn’t mean that she has to stick around. And even if she does, she can’t foresee the volcano going anywhere anytime soon. She gestures to the spot next to her.

#Avatar The Last Airbender #Azula #TyLee #TyZula #Zuko #Fanfiction

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christineeej94 · 4 years

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Neighbors ❤

Arón Piper x Reader

a/n: I appreciate all the likes i got for my first attempt and now I want to write another one, a little bit longer and more interesting. I hope you guys gonna like it and I wait for your requests. Kisses 🌻

Content: The reader is moving to Spain, she meets Aron by chance because they live in the same block. They are starting to see each other very often and after a few weeks they become a couple.

Warnings: bad writing and some inappropriate language.

Word count: 1732

♠♠♠♠♠

When I decided that I want to move to Spain I don't know what was on my mind. It was a radical decision and now I'm in new apartment who has a beautiful view of Madrid's streets. I like to seat here, drink a cup of coffee, read a book or just admire the breathtaking view.

I admit that this city is so mesmerizing and full of life, but I'm alone, I live my family in Italy and come here to find something. I leaved everything, my home, my family and my job at the gallery to find something now, an adventure. I'm looking for inspiration for my paintings and I think here I can find it. Today I want to spend my time on streets with my camera and take pictures of people, animals or whatever I consider that deserve to be painted. I dressed with a colorful dress and some sandals. I pinned my hair in a pony tail and I take anything I need for this walk. I locked my apartment and I start going down the stairs. When I went outside the bright sun blinded me for a few seconds so I put some sunglasses and start walking to nowhere. Today is a great day to get some inspiration and the locals are already on streets and at the local markets. I photographed some kids eating ice cream, an old couple reading a newspaper on a bench and a lady at the flower shop. Walking down to the historical center I seen three guys at a table and they were drinking a coffee. I wanted to photograph this state but the sunlight blocked my view. They look so handsome and very masculine. I took courage and come closer to them table.

A blonde guy, a boy with black hair and another one with brown curly hair are looking curiously at me when I got in front of them.

"Hi, I'm (Y/N) and I'm a professional photographer and also a painter. May I take some photos of you?" “I promise it will be quick” They are looking at me like I am a crazy lady. Maybe I’m but that’s another story.

They smiled at me and starting to talk to each other in Spanish. I didn't understand a word and now I realize that maybe they didn't understand me in the first place.

“First, I’m Miguel” the blonde one present himself. “He is Itzan and he is Arón” Miguel pointed first the black hair guy who smiled at me, then the curly boy who looks so good.

"Nice to meet you." I smiled. "Can I start?"

They approve and I ask them if they can be natural like I was not there. The boys are really born to be models because the final result was amazing. After I finished i give them my contact data if they want the photos. Miguel and Itzan were very excited and I talked with they a little. They explained me that they are actors and it is very regular for them to be photographed. That beautiful guy, Arón, didn't talk at all and he was already gone after a we finished. I was happy that I met these nice guys and I ensured them that if they need something, they can call me.

When I have arrived home, it was already dark outside. I made a bowl of instant noodles and I stayed on my balcony, watching the light and enjoying my diner. I googled for the three boys I met today and I’m surprised and shock because they are famous. All of them are acting in this series called “ ÉLITE”. I start watching the first episode when load voices and extremely load music are coming from my neighbor above me. It’s half past the midnight so it’s late for a party, especially in the middle of the week. I put a hoodie on my summary pajamas and I walked up the stairs to my neighbor’s door. I hit hard the black door and after a few minutes a tall boy with curly black hair was sitting in front of me with a beer in his hand, smirking at me.

“Can I help you, princesa?” I don’t say anything because I didn’t understand what he’s saying.

“You are shy? Come in, the party is already started” He speaks in English this time and he drags me inside. “I’m Jorge by the way”

“I’m your neighbor, (Y/N)” I finally speak and we enter in a room full of people who are dancing and drinking. “Sweetheart, I don’t live here, I’m just a guest” he explains and I want to leave, I’m not welcome here and I don’t know who own this apartment.

“Hey, Jorge, who is she” a familiar voice is heard from behind I turn around. Miguel is sitting in front of me with people I don’t know, but I recognize some faces from the “ÉLITE” first episode. Miguel looks surprised to see me there. “(Y/N)? What are you doing here?” He is happy to see me and I’m also happy to see him. He hugged me and present me to the group. “But seriously, what are you doing here?” “I live in the apartment below.” “I didn’t know you are living here, Miguel, I apologize for the inconvenience” He looks confused for a second. “I’m not living here, Arón is” he explained. “Stay, we are gonna have so much fun.” I looked down to myself and I've seen a very messy outfit which is not appropriate for this kind of party.

“Hey, is that the girl from the coffee shop?” “¡Ai, que hermosa!” Arón screams from the terrace and he’s walking like a zombie to us.

“I apologize for him, he was drinking too much, you know, he got his heart broke.” Miguel support Aron and the curly head boy is sending me kisses. “Maybe I should go home, is pretty late.” “Nice too meet you guys.” I greeted the group of people and I go home.

All night I couldn't sleep, I only see Arón face in my mind and I can´t stop thinking of him. His beautiful eyes and his smile are so stunning. I don't know him at all but he seems a nice person and I would like to know him. But he is a star and I'm just an ordinary girl. I started my day terribly, I'm tired and I don't feel like getting out of bed too soon. Yesterday I received an email about a job at a fashion magazine and today I’ve to be there at 12 p.m. At half past 11 I was sitting in front of elevator. When I entered Arón was inside looking in his pone. First he didn’t notice me so I decide to greet him.

“Hey.” my voice sound like a strangled cat. “Oh, hey there, (Y/N) right?” I approve and I’m looking in other direction. He intimidates me with his presence. “I’m sorry for last night, I wasn’t myself.” “It’s alright, I’m used with parties and load people” I said and we get out of elevator. “Where are you going now?” “I'm going to an interview for a job at Cosmopolitan Spain and I am pretty late.”

“Let me drop you, it’s on my way.” I accepted because I was late. In the car he asks me so much questions and we figured out that we have many things in common. “Come with me at a barbeque this weekend, it will be fun and I gonna present you to my friends” He said when he dropped me at the Cosmopolitan offices. “Sure, why not.” I blushed when he winked and smirked at me. "See ya, hermosa." "And good luck."

After two hours I was already home. I slept all day and I woke up when my phone started ringing.

“(Y/N) (Y/L/N)?” “I’m calling you from Cosmopolitan offices, congratulations, you got the job, you can start on Monday.”

I was excited when I heard the news. I can’t believe I got the job. I spend the rest of the night dancing and watching my new favorite show.

After 3 weeks

I open the door to let my best friend to come in. Arón puts the chips and the beers on the coffee table and sits comfortable on the couch. It's Friday so it's the "Euphoria night". We started together this series and he loves it. I don't like it that much but I adore to spend time with him. Arón it was a good friend for me from the beginning. He is teaching me Spanish and I made a lot of friends here thanks to him. We start know each other very well, but he doesn't know that I like him so bad. We flirt a lot but it’s more like a joke.

“I don’t like that guy, Nate” I commented and he laughed. “It’s a bad guy, (Y/N), you don’t like bad guys?” He smirks at me and I rolled my eyes. “I like you” He takes it like a joke and start laughing. “Pero soy un mal cabrón” he looks at me inappropriately and he smiles suggestively. I love when he is talking in Spanish. “You are such a playboy.” “Of course, that’s my middle name” He shows me his middle finger and I hit him softly in his left arm.

After a few hours we are sitting on my balcony admiring the sunset. I start to love Spain so much and I love the boy next to me who is smoking the fourth cigarette in the past 30 minutes. He observes that I stare at him and he smiles. “I know I’m beautiful, stop looking at me like that.” “Sorry.”

“But I don’t outdo you” he takes me in his arms and start singing his lyrics from ‘Vicio’. “What are you doing?” I laugh and he giggles. “I’m singing for my future girlfriend” He answers and I blush. My heart stops beating for a couple of seconds. “What?” I mumbling. He stopped and raised my face. “You are the most beautiful person I ever seen, you are kind and you are so talented” “And I like you like a crazy man” I can’t stop smiling after his declaration. “Do you want to be my crazy woman?” “Of course, mi amor” I answer and we kiss softly.

#aron piper #aron piper imagine #elite imagine #elite #acting #photos #madrid #spain

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hoe4dameron · 4 years

Text

Mandalorian x Reader Imagines

Okay so I’m in love with the strong and silent vibes that mando gives off and I’ve gotta let off some steam so here are some imagines about him that may or may not be NSFW and fluffy.

Length: idk homie I don’t got exact numbers but it’s gonna be pretty long it’s almost like a basic fanfic that just divided up into points

Warnings: NSFW, 18+

He saved you from being a slave to one of the bounties that he had and offered to take you someplace safe

You couldn’t think of anywhere that you felt truly at home (you had never had one because you were born into slavery) so you told him that you had no home

He offered you a job on his ship instead and you gladly took it

At first you didn’t understand that you could use the money that he payed you with and that you could own your own things so initially you saved almost all of it

He notices and asks you what you plan to do with your savings, thinking that maybe you’re trying to buy something massive that you don’t need to

“Mmm I’m not sure. Maybe a nice new outfit? Do you think this would be enough?”

“Er-*ahem*-I think you have more than enough y/n”

Mando slowly starts to fall for you and is having a hard time not showing it

You two have a lot of alone time being the only two humans on the ship, besides baby yoda

He gets turned on when you dress in very flowy and showy dresses, you never got to before so you wear them almost all the time now

Sometimes your butt is too much for him

One time, during summer on tattooine he was tracking down a bounty and you and his child were waiting in the ship for him, but it just got too hot in there so you decided to strip down to the bare minimum and walked around in just a tshirt and panties (his shirt)

He got back sooner than you thought he would and stopped dead in his tracks when he saw you, but he wasn’t the only one, his child was also standing in the doorway watching both of you

“Okay I’m gonna need you two to get out”

“You tw-? HEY NO get out of here she’s not for you to stare at-!”

“Mando, you need to take your own advice!”

He has a hard time being around you since that, and you have a hard time being around him

“Hey y/n, sorry if you felt uncomfortable I shouldn’t of-“

“No mando... you’re completely fine. It was my fault. Don’t blame yourself for anything.”

You wanted to tell him that really you loved that he wanted to see you but you had only known him for a couple months

Soon enough he caught the bounty and he was on the hunt for another job. This one was on hoth

So now you were just plain cold

He felt bad that you and the baby were both so cold all the time and insisted that all three of you sleep in the same room to hopefully heat each other up

“Okay fine, I can just sleep on the floor next to your child and-“

“absolutely not. You’re sleeping in a bed.”

“But mando I don’t want to-“

“This is the way”

He pulled that shit on you all the time

You tucked in for the night but both you and his baby must’ve been on the same page because him sleeping on the ground just didn’t feel right. He was the one who did all the work to keep you two safe and happy. He should be in a comfortable bed.

“Pst- mando, come get in bed with me”

“...what?”

“You heard me, come get comfy instead of being on that cold floor.”

He tries to keep his distance from you when he’s laying next to you but you’re doing your best to get closer and closer to him, plus it is warmer when he’s next to you

He eventually succumbs to your efforts and allows you to lay right next to him

As you two are sleeping, you somehow get tangled up together

He wakes up with his arms wrapped around you and you’re laying on his chest

He doesn’t move though

He’s never been this comfortable in all his life, so he’s staying like this as long as you’ll allow it

And you definitely allow it

This continues for the next few nights, but during the day you two have a hard time acting on your feelings still

But you’ve become impatient, you’ve lived all your life without a boyfriend up to this point and you deserve love and comfort dammit

So you make the first move

Baby yoda seems to sense this as decides he wants in on your plan and you know this because he won’t leave you to your own unless you tell him what you’re gonna do with mando

“Listen, I’m just gonna flirt with him a little! I’m not gonna break his heart or steal his money or his ship I promise baby, I promise”

Baby yoda trusts you, so that means mando does too

The next time he returns he has the bounty with him and this one is nasty

“OoooHhoooo mando is that your bitch? She sure is a hot one! ...Hey baby, what’s your pussy like huh? Is it deep? HAHHHAAA”

Mando beats the shit out of him to the point where’s he’s barely holding onto consciousness

“ YOURE LUCKY I DONT KILL YOU” he screams at the bounty “ANOTHER WORD AND I WILL”

Baby yoda and you run up to the cockpit to get away from the situation. You hold him in your arms and kiss his forehead to comfort him while you tell him it will be okay. Neither one of you have seen him this emotionally mad before. Usually he’s very steely with his emotions.

When he’s calmed down, he finds you with little tears in your eyes, but baby yoda is sound asleep in your lap as you continue to stroke his little head

Mando takes him from you and places him in his bed to sleep, then he sits down across from you and suddenly decides to take his helmet off

“Wait-wait if you do that you can’t undo it”

“I know what I’m doing”

He takes it fully off and you can’t believe what you’re seeing. He’s so handsome, but the look in his eyes right now is still reflecting what just happened. He quickly sees how scared you are if that right now and calms himself down even more. He softens his expression to match what he’s feeling right in his heart.

“Y/n, I love you. I have never trusted someone or wanted to be with someone more than you.”

This completely overwhelms you. You know that everything he says is 100% honesty

“I love you to and I will never want anything more than this life with you.”

You move over to his chair and sit in his lap. He moves his arms to hold you where you sit as both of you lock lips

Baby yoda has awoken and he is thrilled by what he sees

*happy baby sounds*

“Go back to sleep” mando says, but you’re laughing and smiling right back at his baby

“He’s your baby, of course he’s glad to see you happy!” You laugh

When baby yoda does fall asleep (and stays asleep) you two decide to try a little more than kissing

“Hey, can I just say, you are so handsome it’s almost a crime that that face was hidden from the world all these years.”

“It’s a crime that you, all of you, was hidden all those years.”

He slowly takes your dress off and starts immediately on your boobs

They’re so nice and he’s never experienced anything like this before so he’s a little nervous, but he’ll figure it out. You guide his hands and mouth to where it feels best.

And ohhhh does he figure it out

After a couple more nights of this, he’s become an expert almost and he can’t seem to keep his hands off

“Mmmm baby you’re getting handsy”

“Sorry, trying to make up for lost time”

He has quite the package, which you aren’t surprised by for some reason.

He likes best when you deepthroat and bounce on him. You do usually do this because it’s not so much work for him after a long day.

One day baby yoda caught you two and mando had to explain that he was - just trying to- erm- help you look for something

Baby yoda just shrugs it off and forgets what he saw as soon as he sees his favorite little knob again

Mando doesn’t want to cum in you, he doesn’t have any condoms and neither do you, but sometimes he can’t help what his body decides to do when

So eventually you do get pregnant

But you don’t start to really notice that somethings up until a couple months in, about three

You catch him alone in the cockpit one day

“Baby I need to talk to you”

“Yes?”

“...I think I’m pregnant”

He’s not sure how to feel, but you don’t blame him, neither are you.

You never thought you’d be a mommy, at least not to your own baby

You both go straight to get you tested and your health checked and it turns out you are pregnant, but it gets even better, it’s twins.

Mando gives a look for the ages and you can’t help but laugh to relieve some nerves

It’s gonna be crazy when the ship goes from having three people on it to five

Mando is rethinking living on the ship with you and baby yoda, and now babies, but how else is he supposed to keep baby yoda safe?

You tell him that you’re okay with living in the ship with the babies as long as you can get all the supplies and space you need

He immediately gets to work on fixing up the ship and making more room and getting more money by selling and taking on more bounties

He doesn’t like leaving you alone anymore and insists that you carry a weapon at all times

Also, the only droids allowed are nurse droids

You’re more than excited to welcome yours and mando’s babies into the world

#the mandalorian #mandalorian x reader #mandalorian x you #mandalorian imagine #mandalorian smut

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cornholio4 · 4 years

Text

Smoking!

Author’s note: this is based on the Mask from the violent Comic but it doesn’t get really violent here. The Mask has the origin from the movie though. Some of this is just me indulging.

Marinette Dupain-Cheng sighed as she was with her class at the field trip to the museum where Alix's dad and brother worked, things wereworking well with her and her class despite the fact that Lila kept up with her false stories with the class eating them up. She was on better terms with her class though she refused to indulge in listening to her lies or forget the threats that she had made.

Alix's brother Jalil was giving them a lecture at their Norse exhibit and was excited to tell them they were the first visitors to get a look at a new artefact sent to their exhibit. This got the class excited but it quickly died down when he took out an old plain looking wooden mask with eyes and a mouth hole.

Jalil stated they studied the connections between it and the Norse God of Mischief and Lies himself Loki but everyone had drawled out when they saw the mask. Lila began whispering to the classmates about some made up trip discovering lost artefacts of a probably made up nation. This got Marinette a bit annoyed but then found Tikki peeking her head out of her bag and was shivering with fright.

Marinette whispered to her asking what was going on not noticing Adrien running to a nearby pillar, before the Kwami could say anything Jalil asked if anyone would want to try it on for fun. Chloe pretty much pushed Marinette out to be in front of the group.

Marinette glared at her but then Jalil went to her asking if she was volunteering, Marinette jumped but then found her friends encouraging her. She slowly walked up to the table and picked up the mask. She put it to her face but then found it seaming like it was pulling herself to it.

Everyone immediately grew concerned and terrified as they saw the mask jump on Marinette's face and looked like it was expanding itself to cover her face while turning green...

Adrien Agreste had been watching the lecture with his class and was about to make a joke with Nino about how plain the mask looked but then had Plagg whispering while in his shirt pocket. Adrien then sneaked to a nearby pillar to ask Plagg what he was doing risking himself being seen. However he was taken aback by how uncharacteristically terrified Plagg looked.

"Adrien, listen to me... You have to transform right now and Catacalysm that mask right now! It's dangerous and I will never forget when a Norse warrior I was with at the time had to fight a Viking who wore it. It was awful and the nearby villages pretty much would have preferred Ragnarok! I curse the day Loki created that awful thing! Never did like those Norse gods! Still Odin's trickster brother was pretty much better than that Cronus guy from the Titans but that's not saying much!" Plagg told him and Adrien looked at him in disbelief.

"Plagg, that things looks like a cheap prop and you say it is some sort of dangerous artefact? That it's like Miraculous?" Adrien asked unconvinced as Plagg looked at him dead serious but then Adrien noticed something. "Wait did you say brother? But isn't Loki the son of Odin?" Adrien asked and Plagg slapped his face.

"They were brothers, I can assure you! Despite what those comic books and movies would have you belief, but let's focus and prioritise!" Plagg snapped right back and Adrien found this hysterical. Plagg lecturing him on priorities, this was something for the history books.

"Now, we have to transform and do something before anyone gets close enough to that mask that..." Plagg told him but then heard a whirling sound and then looked and saw that Marinette was standing there with a crazed look on her face. She was wearing a yellow suit version of her usual clothes and her face was a bit bigger while colored dark green. "Too late..." Plagg muttered and then realised the implications of Marinette in particular wearing the blasted mask, Adrien now realised too late that Plagg may have been onto something.

"Plagg, Claws Out!"

*PB*

Marinette had transformed and found herself feeling... free! Her friends looked at her all worried wondering if this was some weird Akuma and they just didn't see the butterfly. Marinette then found herself smiling gleefully.

"Look, Dupain-Cheng finally got a makeover and I think it was an improvement..." Chloe started only for Marinette to take out a big glass cage out of seemingly nowhere and put her and Lila in it while shutting it tight.

"Wow, my two biggest tormentors together at last! They really deserve eachother as friends, to think that fanfic writers thought Chloe you would be the lesser of the two evils despite you know never even apologising for almost getting my parents killed!" Marinette said with a big smile looking at them both trying to force the door open. Marinette then continued her tirade "yes I am breaking the fourth wall like that mouthy merc and I don't care. He wasn't even the first Marvel character to have the gimmick, She- Hulk (big fan as a green faced heroine myself) did it before him! Besides Deadpool will have no chance to complain as he is too busy writing his will before his end is met when Ipkiss wearing the Mask takes him down in Deadpool's 3rd Death Battle!" Marinette then noticed the class and staff heading for the doors.

Marinette then pulled out a lasso and then roped them into it while dragging them back, "come on friends, as you're Everyday Ladybug I can't let you miss what is a good show! I can promise you it will be something, there are fanfics of me Akumatized to deal with Lila but this is something special! This is not the Mask from the funny movie starring Robotnik from the upcoming Sonic movie (which you should see when it comes out) or the funny cartoon that spun off from it but the original Dark Horse comics! I promise you, they were not for the faint of heart! They were basically a reverse of that stupid Banana Splits movie or the upcoming Fantasy Island movie: so instead of taking something light hearted or at least nice into a horror property, they turned a horror property into a family friendly comedy! Can't say I disapprove but I got the powers from the comics, where the cartoon physics extend to only me. So if I fed you a bomb then well..." Marinette stated but then noticed Chat Noir was there.

"Sorry Princess, but can I ask please ask if you can handover that mask and sorry but I don't think the green face look suits you." Chat Noir told Marinette charging with his staff only for Marinette to take out a large mallet and send Chat Noir flying right through the door.

"Marinette girl, please! This isn't you! I don't understand a word of what you are saying or what happened to you but please! Give the mask up and get help!" Alya asked but Marinette shook her head as she looked at her.

"Wow Alya you are trying to be a good friend unlike in other salt fics, like those recent ones pairing me with Damian Wayne. I dont really understand that as...I am just not into Gotham City guys!" Marinette exclaimed pretty much singing the last part of what she just said. She then smirked as she just got an idea about what to do with her two prisoners.

She then got out a dressing cubicle and skipped right in. Not a second later she was now in a stag magician's outfit complete with a cape and a top hat. She then got out a box for the 'sawed in half' trick.

"Now, the first trick of the Great Big Head will be familiar to those you watched that Banana Splits movie I mentioned, the one where they took an old and highly underappreciated cute fun variety show and turned it into a lame FNAF rip off! But I will be pulling it off better because the movie version didn't use this!" Marinette said pulling a chainsaw from her cape.

She then got form the cage and pulled out Chloe before locking it again, she put Chloe in a box as she looked terrified and Marinette said with glee "remember what I said about the cartoon physics only affecting me? I guess you can also see this as a rip off from the trailer for that Fantasy Island movie? The one about getting revenge on a childhood bully? A scene in a trailer of a movie that wants to use the name for it's stupid horror movie? A show that was parodied by a Daffy Duck movie and an episode of Teen Titans Go that were better adaptations of the show!" Marinette asked darkly and Chloe was now screaming in terror as Marinette's classmates closed their eyes fearing the worse.

Marinette then dropped it and used another lasso to barely catch Chat Noir, "You know now that I mention it, I somehow seem to know a whole lot about a comic book and a TV show that were both made before I was even born! I mean Fantasy Island is decades old and I am just acting as a mouthpiece for the author at this point and hopes this works by acknowledging he is doing this." Marinette shrugged pulling Chat Noir in.

"You have been a great sparring partner and partner in general Chat Noir; here is a free copy of the first issue of my new comic!" Marinette told him patting him on the head like a kitty and then tucking into the lasso the first issue of I Pledge Allegiance to the Mask.

Then Marinette went to the box where Chloe was still in but then had Lila scream out "Marinette please let me out! I am sorry for the threats i made to you in the bathroom! I am sorry for threatening to steal all your friends away! I will stop lying, I promise! I will help you with anything! I will even tell you what I know about Hawk Moth when working with him! I promise please!" Lila was now in tears but everyone in the class were now speechless as to what she had just said.

"Lila admitting to save her own skin; would be funny if it wasn't so pathetic... It's thanks to you and your anonymous posting that the anonymous comments on the AO3 version of this story will have to be disabled! I will get to you in a second but first I already have a volunteer..." Marinette said picking her chainsaw back up again.

"Marinette, this isn't you! I know Chloe is a pretty terrible bully and I don't know what Lila had been saying to you behind our backs but you are better than this! You go through with this I know you will hate yourself when you are back to normal! This will scar you and destroy you! Think of your parents and us, we care about you! My brother Luka thinks of you as the song in his heart!" Juleka suddenly shouted and this gave Marinette pause.

"Using not only your brother but my parents to convince me to drop this. Low blow Juleka but I can't argue that like a good Pokemon move... It's super effective!" Marinette said quietly as she managed to force the mask off her face. She then suddenly shrieked as she then let everyone out of the lasso and they hugged her greatly.

However an Akuma came akumatized Chloe into a villain called Jack in the Box. Marinette helped get all her friends, classmates, the staff and Lila through the exit and then transformed into Ladybug to help Chat Noir once he was free.

*PB* Hawk Moth was in his lair observing what happened and was in shock and a bit scared, something other than his Akumas were capable of creating powerful villains it seemed. Ones he doubted he could control even if he was wearing that Mask. That Mask took one of the nicest girls in Adrien's class (the one he had yet to Akumatize) and turn her into a twisted cartoon.

He took a while before sending out an Akuma; too busy contemplating everything that this could mean. This Mask could destroy everything he had worked to achieve and if his Akuma brought it to him, he would have it thrown into the farthest waters.

*PB* Marinette was pretty horrified and scared about what happened when she saw the CCTV footage and heard the stories from her classmates. Ms Bustier personally escorted Marinette back home and she was forced into a big hug by her parents. Once she got a chance to be alone Tikki explained to her about Loki's mask.

The news broadcast said that the Mask would be taken to a secure facility outside of Paris, so hopefully she would not have to deal with it again. She had gotten a few days off from school as unlike most Akuma villains, she had to deal with the knowledge she was close to murdering a classmate with a chainsaw.

What she had almost done terrified her as she never wanted this on either of them, she can't say she had much positive feelings towards them but this was overkill. She doubted she could even use any lethal action against even Hawk Moth who was an evil Super Villain of his own volition.

She got messages from her friends checking in to make sure she was alright, her grandfather Roland came by with a special cake he had made from an old family recipe and there was Luka who looked more worried than she had ever saw him.

In the mail she ended up getting a letter from an American police officer by the name of Kellaway inviting her to join an online support group for those affected by the Mask. Apparently it had gotten around in the US ever since it was bought by a man called Stanley Ipkiss. Hopefully that Mask doesn't bother anyone again...

#ladybug #miraculous ladybug #chloe salt #lila salt #ml salt fic #ladybug salt fic #ml salt #marinette dupain cheng #the mask #the mask dark horse #the mask comic book #oneshot drabble #ml oneshot #also on fanfiction.net #also on ao3 #also on ao3 and fanfiction

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icecoldflames · 4 years

Text

Chapter 1 - The Mystery of Sanders Castle

Masterlist

Next Chapter

***

1820, England

You can’t be serious. Logan felt his whole body shut down. No, no, nonono. This can’t be right. His palms were beginning to sweat and his clothes were too tight on him.

Why did Irwin have to take his day off today? Logan grimaced at the sudden thought and shoved it back down. That was a stupid thing to think.

Logan wanted to stand up and shout at his parents who were blinking at him expectantly. Expecting him to be the good prince. The serious prince. The prince who would eventually take the crown after his father died. The prince who was now going to marry some random princess across the woods.

Why couldn’t he have been born a peasant? He would have been much better suited there than in a castle. As the heir to the throne. If he were born a peasant he would be able to talk with Irwin whenever he wanted.

“Logan?” His mother persisted.

Logan squashed his feelings, silenced his mental alarms with ease and swallowed before replying. “Fine by me.”

***

Her name was Philomena. And Logan was going to meet her today. And apparently one of her brothers too which was odd but Logan wasn’t complaining. They would be staying over for three days.

It had been two weeks since Logan learned about the arranged marriage and he had done some extensive reading on Philomena’s kingdom, Betrug, while also avoiding any picture of her.

She was the eldest of five, the second eldest, Virgil, was in line for the throne, and the brother accompanying her today.

Their kingdom loved them immensely. Logan couldn’t say the same for their kingdom, which is why he suspected his parents wanted a marriage between their kingdoms.

Philomena’s kingdom was smaller than theirs and had a pond dead center in the middle which was protected almost as much as the castle itself so no one could pollute it.

A knock came at his door. Logan’s shoulders snapped up to his ears. They couldn’t have come early, could they?

“Your Royal Highness?” It was Irwin.

Logan swung open the door and glanced up and down the halls before ushering him in. He sat back down at his desk chair while Irwin leaned up against the wall next to the window. He always said he felt more comfortable standing up than sitting down.

“How are you feeling?” Irwin asked after a long moment’s pause.

Logan glared at him. What a stupid question to ask. Of course he wasn’t doing fine. He was being married off to some girl he didn’t know. Instead, Logan swallowed.

Irwin crossed his arms. “We’ve talked about this, Logan. Stop repressing your feelings. These past couple weeks you’ve been like a robot. Talk to me.”

Logan opened his mouth but no words came out even though his mind was always a constant machine, churning out thoughts like there was no tomorrow. He hunched back in on himself. What would his parents say if they saw him now—vulnerable, small, and feeble? They would surely scold him. He was supposed to be a strong, good, prince.

Irwin sighed. “You should get a journal and write your feelings in it.”

Logan ran a nervous hand through his brown hair. “And have someone find it?” He shivered at the thought of all of his feelings and thoughts so exposed on a blank sheet of paper for anyone to read. His thoughts were better hidden in his head where no one could read them.

Finally defeated, Irwin took Logan’s cold hand and hauled him to his feet. He was shorter than Logan but seemed so much stronger than him. “C’mon, I hate seeing you moping around like that.”

“Where are we going?” Logan asked as Irwin began dragging him across the room, his other hand outstretched to Logan’s door.

Irwin’s grin was almost contagious. “You’ll never guess what I found when I was trying to hide from Emese last night!” His red hair was curly and Logan found his eyes drawn up to a specific curl that was curved a different way than the rest.

Logan held Irwin’s hand tighter, feeling energy bursting out from their intertwined hands. It was an odd feeling and he didn’t know what it was but Logan liked it.

Irwin’s hand was inches away from the doorknob when it seemed to twist on its own and Logan’s mother walked in, her head held high.

Her head snapped down. Logan dropped Irwin’s hand like cold stone.

“Your Majesty,” Irwin said instantly, dropping into a bow and hurrying out. Once he got out the door he turned back and mouthed, I’ll be back.

“Mother?” Logan prompted, sitting instantly back down on his chair like a schoolboy adhering to a teacher. His hand that had been holding Irwin’s twitched and he shoved it underneath him.

The queen quietly closed the door and sat on his bed, her back perfectly straight. “Logan, you are a smart boy,” she stated.

Logan braced for the punching words that she had seen his and Irwin’s hands holding each other’s.

“And I have full trust that you will make a good impression with Princess Philomena and Prince Virgil.” His mother’s voice was like steel and unwavering. Not like she had just seen anything out of the ordinary. “I want you to make a good impression.”

Logan relaxed. Just a bit. He was positive his mother had seen their hands together. She wasn’t blind. Logan didn’t mention it because he would make sure it would never happen again. “Of course.”

His mother nodded and gripped her hands together. Her lips made a thin line. “Very well. I’ll call up some valets to help you get ready for the princess’ arrival.” She stood up and placed a hand on Logan’s shoulder shortly before exiting out the door. Her hand was warm but it left a cold feeling where she had touched him.

All while he was being preened and pampered by valets, Logan had plenty of time to think and try to calm his spinning thoughts that would soon spiral if he didn’t take control quickly.

Mother definitely saw, his brain told him, mocking him.

If she saw she would have brought attention to it, Logan replied fervently. Right?

You’re meeting the woman you’re going to marry today and you’ll be stuck with her until you die. His brain wouldn’t let up. You’re unhappy now and you’ll always be unhappy—

“—Shut up!” Logan shouted, standing up and grabbing at his head, pulling at his hair that had been so meticulously done.

All the valets stared at him with unblinking eyes.

Logan let his arms fall to his sides. He hung his head and sat back down. “I’m sorry. I…I don’t know what came over me.”

His brain snickered at him. Have fun.

Logan dug his nails into his palms to stop himself from having another outburst.

Would any of his valets tell his parents about this? It was a stupid thought but Logan didn’t want his parents to know anything that was going on. He wanted them to see a perfect prince who would eventually take over the crown and marry a woman and have heirs to continue the line and—

“—Your Royal Highness?” Irwin’s voice snapped him out of his spiral. “The queen wishes me to take you down to the front entrance.”

Logan instantly relaxed as the door behind him shut and only him and Irwin were alone in the halls.

“You look very nice,” Irwin complimented and Logan could feel his body become warm.

He was wearing a navy blue broad shouldered coat with golden cords and bindings with a tail that was cut all the way down to his knees with white breeches. The whole outfit was uncomfortable and hiding the very tight belt cinching his waist. It was new and his parents had bought it for this very special occasion of meeting his future wife.

“Thank you,” Logan said awkwardly, coughing a little.

Their shoes echoed through the halls menacingly and Logan squashed down all his doubts and quickly grasped Irwin’s hand. Because darn it, he deserved something nice today.

They walked down the stairs and through the stone hallways holding hands.

“Do you think you’ll be fine when you finally see Princess Philomena?” Irwin asked, finally breaking the silence.

Logan swallowed. “I don’t know.”

Irwin squeezed Logan’s hand but didn’t say anything.

Logan knew this meant that he had nothing to say. And there was nothing to say. No words would make this entire thing better except maybe “Logan, your father and I have something to tell you. In actuality, we had a secret child before you and you don’t have to get married because they are the true heir to the throne!”

They walked down the rest of the way to the front entrance of the castle. They crossed paths with almost no one on their way there. All the servants were probably preparing for Princess Philomena’s arrival.

They stopped before the right turn and Logan gloomily peeled his hand away from Irwin’s.

“Tonight, I’ll come over and show you the secret passage I found. You’ll never believe where it leads to,” Irwin said with a fond smile. “That’ll give you something to look forward to.”

Logan nodded and a small smile appeared on his own face. “Okay. That’ll be fun.”

Irwin turned around and made his way back to the servant’s quarters, only turning back around once to give a reassuring smile to Logan.

Once he couldn’t see Irwin, Logan turned back around to take the corner. He swallowed his fear and stepped forward.

The king and queen, in all their glory, were standing just past the door frame wearing even better than their best in matching royal blue and gold which matched Logan’s outfit perfectly.

The two of them didn’t even acknowledge him other than his mother who rested her hands on Logan’s shoulders. He resisted the constant urge to shiver.

Then, they waited. Almost no one spoke except to start measly conversations which died off pretty quickly.

Then the gait of horses could be heard and Logan’s spine stiffened. This was the moment. Where Logan would lay his eyes on his wife for the very first time.

Just hearing that term—wife—left a foul feeling in him.

The horses rounded the bend and a gold gilded carriage came after. Logan tried to squint through his glasses but couldn’t see through the small window where the princess and prince were sitting.

The coachmen brought the carriage around the circular dirt road until the carriage’s door was at the bottom of the stairs, right in front of Logan and his parents.

The shorter coachmen stepped off the carriage and put a hand on the carriage’s door.

Logan held his breath.

“Introducing, Her Royal Highness, Princess of Betrug! Philomena Scharf!” The coachman pulled open the door with a flourish and Philomena, Logan’s future wife, stepped out of the carriage with the help of the coachman.

Logan felt dizzy. Seeing Philomena in the flesh was making everything seem too real. She was taller than average but Logan could tell he had a couple inches on her. Her hair was a light brown that was pulled back from her face and curled so tightly it looked like it could bounce. Her dress had massive puffy sleeves and it was a deep, deep, purple that looked almost black.

Philomena and Logan locked eyes for a millisecond and something passed between them. He wasn’t sure what, but something told him the princess was just as excited as him to get married.

“Introducing, His Royal Highness, Prince of Betrug! Virgil Scharf!”

Logan actually took a step back, involuntarily bumping into his mother. His first thought about Virgil was: he’s taller than me.

His gangly limbs unfolded as he walked out of the carriage, decidedly not using the coachman’s outstretched hand. He was wearing something similar to Logan with the breeches and the long-tailed coat but it was a purple like Philomena’s dress, just not as dark. The outfit seemed to suit him and his face seemed to have a permanent frown.

Logan watched with interest as Virgil walked over to Philomena’s side and leaned down to whisper something in her ear which made her bite her lip to hold in a smile.

Logan wondered what Virgil had said.

Virgil raised his head back up and looked directly into Logan’s eyes. Virgil cocked his head to the side like a rabbit and Logan, while the whole idea felt so stupid, felt like Virgil had just seen right though him. Like the prince had just read his mind like an easy book with large print.

“Princess Philomena! Prince Virgil!” Logan’s father exclaimed, a fake smile gracing his lips as he began to descend down the stairs. “What a pleasure to finally meet you.”

Philomena curtsied and Virgil bowed. “It’s a pleasure to meet you too, King James,” she said simply with a light voice and practiced smile. Everything felt so fake that Logan wanted to scream.

“Shall we go to the sitting room?” Logan’s mother asked, opening her arms welcomingly. She was using the same smile her husband was using. They weren’t fooling anybody. The townspeople weren’t fooled. Princess Philomena and Prince Logan weren’t fooled.

The five of them ended up in the smallest sitting room in the heart of the castle, decorated the most lavishly and only seen by other royals.

Logan and Philomena were sitting together on a couch so close that he could feel Philomena’s body heat radiating off of her. Even though Logan was cold, he couldn’t help but discreetly shift away from her.

Logan was trying to tune out all conversation while also paying attention so he didn’t seem rude. He couldn’t believe it. He didn’t want to believe it. This woman in front of him—Philomena—was going to be his wife and they’d be expected to have children and rule together until he died.

Virgil and Logan’s father were talking business while Philomena and his mother were talking about the wedding. Oh God, he forgot about the wedding. So many eyes would be on them…

His favourite couch in the sitting room was like stone and he hated how he should be trying to get to know Philomena better but his gaze always seemed to come back to Virgil sitting across the room. Logan could only see half of his face, thank goodness, so Virgil wouldn’t be able to notice him watching him.

“Logan?” Logan’s mother’s voice made him sit up straighter and turn his attention away from Virgil. His face grew hot. You’re not the perfect prince. The perfect prince would have been paying attention and would be content with Philomena.

“I’m sorry, what was the question?” Logan asked meekly. He avoided Philomena’s gaze all together and just stared into his mother’s eyes which wasn’t much better.

“I asked you if—” Logan’s mother started but she didn’t get to finish.

One of the servants knocked politely on the doorframe. He looked slightly frazzled. “—Your Majesties?” He cocked his head to the side. Both Logan’s parents turned to look at him. “Um, there is a…um…matter that needs to be attended to.”

Logan’s parents glanced at each other and something passed between them—an understanding. They both stood up at the same time. “I’m sorry, Virgil and Philomena,” Logan’s mother said with a small bow of her head. A little smile formed on her face. “Our duty calls.” And then they both swept out of the room with the servant, leaving Virgil, Philomena, and Logan alone in the sitting room.

Virgil stretched like a cat and his piercing eyes glazed over his sister to stare straight at Logan.

“It’s rude to stare,” Logan stated, wishing for his parents to return as soon as possible. Was it rude to make an excuse and run straight to the library, not coming out until supper?

“So I can’t stare at you but you can stare at me?” Virgil cocked his head to the side and narrowed his eyes. “That’s hardly fair.”

Logan blanched. Virgil had noticed him looking at him? His cheeks warmed up again but he was too stubborn to look away.

“Virgil,” Philomena warned.

“I wasn’t looking at you,” Logan sniffed, trying to keep his posture. “I was looking out the window.” He nodded to the window behind Virgil. He knew it was a dreadful lie but it was the first thing that came to mind.

Virgil rolled his eyes and brushed his sister off. “I’m serious. You’re just as dull as your father.”

Logan clenched his jaw. He breathed deeply through his nose. “You hardly know me.”

“I know plenty,” Virgil replied, crossing his arms.

“Your castle is very nice,” Philomena interjected, trying to change the topic.

Logan turned to her and smiled tightly. “Thank you.” He turned back to Virgil. “Then what do you know? Tell me.” He doubted Virgil knew anything about him. He was always careful to mask everything. Besides, Logan hadn’t learned anything about Virgil other than the stuff he had read up on before they came.

Virgil leisurely stretched his legs out then sat up straight again, his eyes boring holes into Logan’s head. He looked like a king. “I know that you think you’re the smartest in the room and think you’re always right. I know that you think you’re better than everyone. I know that you wish you weren’t royalty.”

The room went deathly silent and Logan stopped breathing.

Virgil blinked. “And I know you’re struggling with your feelings.”

Philomena suddenly stood and Logan flinched. “I think Virgil and I should find our rooms.” Her hands were in fists.

Logan stood up too, building his walls back up and trying to get some colour back into his face. “Do you want me to show—?”

“—No, I think we’ll be fine,” Philomena said curtly with a small smile. “We’ll ask one of the servants if we need help.”

Logan knew when he was being pushed away. “Alright. I guess I’ll see you two at supper.”

Virgil stood up from the chair and Logan, again, was astutely aware of how much taller Virgil was than him.

Both Philomena and Virgil walked out of the room and Logan waited a good five minutes before heading back to his own room.

He couldn’t wait for this weekend to be over.

***

Supper couldn’t have been any longer. Philomena sat across from him, and Logan was sweating from trying to ignore Virgil’s presence next to him.

His parents had planned on an extra long supper and it would be completely rude to excuse himself so early. After the meal they sat and chatted for another couple excruciating hours.

So, when most of the castle was fast asleep, Logan found himself heading back to his room. His mind wandered to Irwin and he wondered what he planned to show Logan. He was looking forward to whatever he had to show him.

Suddenly, Logan heard footsteps behind him and his first thought was: Virgil.

But, when he spun around, it was just his mother, her mouth in a frown and Logan braced himself for a scolding for not talking to Philomena enough.

Instead, though, Logan’s mother said “Irwin was fired today.” Her voice was cold and her hands were clasped in front of her.

Logan froze and, for a split second, he wasn’t sure if he had heard correctly. But he didn’t. His whole body felt cold like when his parents told him about the arranged marriage. But this was so much worse.

The only person who he ever considered a friend was no longer working at the castle. He’d never see Irwin ever again.

His mind produced a picture of their hands intertwined and Logan shoved that down so far down that his foot twitched.

So this is what his mother did. She didn’t say anything about seeing a servant and her son’s hands intertwined because she didn’t have to. Because his mother was the queen and she could fire whoever she wanted.

Was that why his parents were called away from the sitting room?

Logan didn’t say anything. He swallowed his feelings, nodded, and walked quickly off to his room.

As he stared up at the ceiling, lying in his bed, the truth of it really set in. He was marrying Philomena. Irwin was gone. And he couldn’t do anything about anything.

#the mystery of sanders castle

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fmdsooaharchive · 4 years

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CHO SOOAH — HEADCANON #4 (30 DAYS CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT - IDOL EDITION)

SUMMARY: We ask ourselves why would you write more than 5.000 words in a single day for something that was supposed to go on for 30 days and we reach the conclusion that we needed the points and why not, am I right? While writing this I realized that Sooah doesn’t have many friends her age but also, she isn’t friends anyone in Gold Star besides her members so please befriend my kid. WC: 5.042 MENTIONS: way too many people to be honest. TW: Really bad writing because I did it when I was clearly sleepy.

+ Day One: Introduce your muse. Are they solo or in a group? What is their position in the group? Consider this day the day for writing the basics.

Cho Sooah is part of Gold Star Media’s five-member group, Fuse. She was added to the team in 2015, a few months after their official debut in 2014 as their rapper and vocal as well as becoming the new maknae of the team.

+ Day Two: Talk about your muse’s childhood. Where did they grow up? Did they have any dream jobs besides being an idol? When did they realize they wanted to be an idol?

Sooah was born and raised in Seoul, South Korea. She had a pretty ideal childhood, she thinks. She was very lucky to have loving and supportive parents and very great older brothers who always looked out for her in their different ways. She was always connected to her family and that’s her grounding circle to this day. She’s very thankful to them for everything they did for her. While growing up, Sooah was always praised for her beauty and sweetness but she was usually taken advantage of and made fun of because of that. She had very little friends growing up but she didn’t mind that much because she had a pretty solid group that always supported her. Growing up, she wanted to become a stewardess and those were the plans until she was scouted by Gold Star. She never really realized she wanted to become an idol and even after she was signed under the company, she was still not sure about it. She became surer of it after she debuted and had a taste of how performing felt like.

+ Day Three: Take us back to when your muse was either recruited or auditioned to become an idol. How did that go? How did they feel getting up on stage for recruiters? If your muse could give their younger selves advice before the audition, what would they say?

Sooah is one of those people who go with their friends to an audition and end up being cast as well. She was accompanying Mia in her audition. She wanted to give her moral support and make sure everything would go as planned when one of the recruiters asked her to do something for them. Sooah was never really skillful. She couldn't sing or dance or act. But she’s pretty and that’s the main reason why they decided to sign with her. She was very nervous when she performed in front of them. She didn’t have anything prepared but a school song that they were supposed to perform in a festival soon and a guitar that she could barely play.

Sooah would tell herself not to be so harsh because maybe they did hire her because of her looks but that doesn’t mean she was a complete talentless failure. She was always so gentle to others; she should learn to be gentler to herself too.

+ Day Four: Remember the trainee days? What are some of your muse’s memories of being a trainee? How long were they a trainee? Were they worried about potentially not making a debut? Talk about any challenges they might have encountered.

Sooah’s memories of trainee days are almost blurred together in a mess of constant practice and doubting herself. Those weren’t very happy times, she felt insecure and out of place because these more talented people were training with her and she was not sure of her abilities or if she even deserved to be there with these people.

Sooah was a trainee for one year and four months, from November of 2013 to March of 2015 when was added to Fuse. Sooah always felt like she would never make it to a group and would eventually be kicked out by the company or be reassigned to a different department like modeling or acting. So, she had a constant fear of not making it to debut.

+ Day Five: Recall your muse’s debut. What was the song they debuted with? How did it feel performing for the first time on stage as an idol? Feel free to bring up their thoughts about the concept, choreography, lyrics, music video, or other components.

Sooah debuted with Fuse’s first EP and it was called ‘Ice Cream Cake’ from the album of the same name. She remembers quite vividly feeling very excited but also extremely terrified. She never performed in front of an audience before and the Fuse fans had made it pretty clear even before she made her first appearance that they weren’t fond of Gold Star’s strategy of adding a useless member to a group that was already perfect as four. But she was finally making it to debut and there was no hater in her life that would stop her from feeling ecstatic at this opportunity.

Sooah liked ‘Ice Cream Cake’. Both the single and the album were nice. She thinks the MV was particularly aesthetically pleasing, her unnies looked stunning as always. She wasn’t certain about the ‘everyone will go blonde’ but the different tones made each of them stand out in different ways. At the time, she had never practiced choreography as much as she did for ‘Ice Cream Cake’. She went over and over this routine thousand times just to make sure she wouldn’t mess up. She was only sixteen at the time, so everything kind of overwhelmed her.

+ Day Six: What concept does your muse think they can pull off best? Cutesy? Manly? Sexy? What concept do they have a hard time pulling off? What kind of concept would they want to do at some point?

Sooah can put off cutesy, happier concepts better than the more badass, girl crush ones and that has a lot to do with her looks more than with what she’s comfortable doing. She doesn’t mind their more happy and upbeat concepts just as she doesn’t mind when she has to do more serious stuff. ‘Peek-a-Boo’ remains as one of her favorite MV’s and songs to this day just as much as ‘Red Flavor’ and she thinks that’s nice because that’s the whole concept they were going for with Fuse. With how many weird concepts they’ve done in the past, Sooah thinks they can pull off pretty much anything at this point but she knows it’s very unlikely that Gold Star would invest in a concept similar to Lucid’s Nightmare trilogy. She would love to do something like that though.

+ Day Seven: Which era is your muse’s favorite in their career? Why is it their favorite (think concept, promotions, choreography, etc.)? If your muse has recently debuted, talk about what they would want to do for their next comeback.

‘Russian Roulette’ is an era that she thinks many people end up forgetting and it’s not fair because it was pretty fun to promote. The storyline for the MV is not the lightest, of course, since they are trying to get the others to get badly injured but the scenarios were so colorful and full of life (ironic). The choreography was tricky, but all choreographies were tricky for Sooah. It was fun to learn though, and she had a lot of fun while learning it because it didn’t give her much of a headache and she quickly learned the movements. It was a very cute kind of concept that she remembers fondly.

+ Day Eight: Talk about your muse’s strengths and weaknesses as an idol. Feel free to discuss their thoughts regarding these components. Think of qualities such as vocals, dancing, visuals, acting skills, and variety show skills, for example.

Sooah’s strengths as an idol are very reliant on her visuals and variety show skills, so everything that isn’t performative. Her looks were always something people praised her for even before auditioning to become a trainee. She was always very pretty and always had this soft look on her that works very well because it makes people feel at ease. It’s not the type of beauty that pushes people away but draws them in.

She used to be very shy in variety shows but Sooah got much better at that as years went by. To be fair, she got a lot better over time, but her weaknesses are still singing, dancing, and rapping which is ironic since she’s an idol. The main problem there is her confidence, though. She doesn’t believe she’s good or capable and that uncertainty remains clear in the way she performs.

+ Day Nine: What is your muse’s fashion style? Talk about what kind of clothes they love to wear. To them, what is the essential thing to have in their closet? What is their favorite outfit?

It depends a lot on the season. During spring, Sooah will use very flowy and long skirts, with pastel colors, and be the princess of spring because that season fits her image incredibly well. During autumn, she’ll rely on more earth tones and long coats. Winter is the season she’ll just dress to not freeze, so everything comfy and warm, she’ll be using and summer, though not her favorite season, is the time in the year when she’ll allow herself to use short shorts and sleeveless shirts, maybe use more flannels and overalls. Sooah has a very consistent and good sense of fashion and she likes going shopping with friends. You’ll always find jean jackets in her wardrobe and she’ll try to fit them into some outfit she has to wear. Her favorite outfits are the more romantic ones though, so spring is the best time for that.

+ Day Ten: Talk about your muse’s three closest friends. How did they meet? How long have they known each other? What do they love most about their friends?

Yuanjun is one of her closest friends and someone she cherishes a lot because despite being a little different personality-wise, they get along well to form the infamous 99-line. She likes his company and appreciates that they could remain, friends, because there weren’t any scandals involving the two of them. Boys and girls can be friends in the end and she’s glad people learned that, in this case.

Mia is one of her long-time friends. She’s the reason why Sooah was scouted by Gold Star because Sooah was only accompanying Mia when she decided to audition. Their relationship was a little messy because Mia was always the talented one but she ended up not debuting while Sooah, who was always pretty useless managed to make her way into Fuse. Sooah always felt guilty but Mia is now making sure that she knows none of that was her fault and they are still in good terms.

And last but not least, she would mention Minjung because despite not being the same age and being in the same team for work, Sooah still sees her as one of her closest friends and someone she can confide to. She was added to Fuse in 2015 and she was anxious because Minjung used to be their maknae and she was stealing the spot now but Minjung only proved to be very nice and sisterly to her and for that, she’ll be eternally thankful.

+ Day Eleven: Has your muse had any scandals? How have these scandals affected your muse as an idol or as a person? If your muse has not had any scandals, talk about their views on scandals. Is all publicity good publicity?

The only “scandal” of sorts Sooah was involved was when she was added to Fuse and some fans were not happy with Gold Star’s decision to add a pretty face to the team when they were perfect before. After that, Sooah lived pretty much like a saint, with no scandals and nothing that could tarnish Fuse’s or her image. It depends a lot on the scandal. Silly things as dating shouldn’t even be seen as scandals because idols are still humans but bullying scandals should surely be taken more seriously. And is bad to think that all publicity is good publicity because what kind of image they would want to build for the groups and company if they build their reputation around scandals. She’s not very fond of that idea.

+ Day Twelve: If your muse is in a group, what are the fun things about promoting with other members? What do they love about being in a group? What do they love about their members? If your muse is a solo artist, what are their thoughts on promoting alone? What do they love about being solo?

Sooah loves promoting with her members. She is very fond of them all and thinks she’s very lucky. She didn’t expect to be in a group where the members would be so supportive of her and look out for her the way her members do. It’s nice that the waiting rooms are never silent, there’s always someone talking and it’s noisy and because she grew up in a house full of people that is very comforting. She loves her members as a whole but also individually. She loves that Miyeon is like this force of nature that is amazing in pretty much everything but still has time to be supportive of Sooah. She loves that Suji was like a mother to her and took great care of her and made her feel comfortable in the group. She loves that Minjung is someone who likes to pamper her and is like a pretty sister she has now. They all feel like family to Sooah.

+ Day Thirteen: For the muses in a group, what are the challenges of being one of several people in a group? Have there been any troubles that have come along with being in a group environment and times they wish they were alone? For the solo artist muses, have you ever felt lonely promoting alone? Do you ever wish that you were in a group instead?

Sooah never hoped to be alone because she doesn’t think she can perform if she’s alone on the stage. Being in a group means that the public’s attention can deviate from a member to others and that’s only normal and it’s totally fine. There will be times she’ll feel like she did a good job but other members get more attention but Sooah thinks it’s only fair because she’s not exactly someone people will have their eyes set on for any reason in particular. She’s not the best singer, or dancer, or rapper. She knows people will look at her because she has great visuals though.

+ Day Fourteen: If your muse is in a group, how do you think they would have fared had they had a solo career instead? What kind of concept would they have? If your muse is a solo artist, how do you think they would have fared if they were in an idol group? What position of the group do you think they would have?

Sooah would do very poorly as a solo artist. To be fair, she probably wouldn’t even be sent to be an idol and would be redirected to the modeling or acting department instead. But if they were silly enough to still debut her as a solo artist, they would go with something light and aesthetically pleasing to match with her visuals. The songs wouldn’t go to high places and everything vocal would be minimalistic. Think of Kriesha Chu or even SOLE or Younha and we’ll have Sooah as a solo artist.

+ Day Fifteen: Who does your muse look up to in the industry? Why do they look up to this person?

Sooah looks up to everyone because she’s a sweetheart but if she had to pick three people she looks up to the most, those would be Lipstick’s Minah because she’s amazing in everything she does. She can sing, she can act, she can dance and she cooks amazing meals to Sooah. The perfect person who remained humble even after the success of her group. She wants to be like Minah when she grows up. She also looks up to Lux a lot and it’s not only because Lux helped her to write a song from scratch and promoted the song with her. She thinks Lux is an amazing artist and songwriter/composer and she wants to learn a lot from the older girl. On a similar note, there’s Joosung from Element. They worked together briefly during the BASE project and she saw him in this new light and thinks he’s a very talented and easy-going person. She aims to be a good producer like him in the future.

+ Day Sixteen: If your muse could do a special stage with another artist or idol group, who would it be and why? What song would they perform?

Sooah would love to work with the members of Lucid. Maybe Sooah and Alice, they are the same age and are already close because of the 99-line Sooah has going on. Since they have similar positions in their respective groups and because Alice is a great dancer, they could have a special stage singing to one of the classics of K-pop. Maybe a BoA song. If given a proper heads-up maybe she can even compose and write a song for them.

+ Day Seventeen: How would your muse fare in a variety show? If your muse could appear on any variety show, which variety would it be and why? If you don’t have a lot of knowledge of variety shows, talk about what kind of variety show they would go on.

It depends a lot on the variety show. If it’s something like DoReMi Market or Knowing Bros, she’ll do fairly well because she feels comfortable, it’s just them there having a talk and telling stories, sometimes playing some games. If it’s a show like Running Man or Law of the Jungle where she’ll have to actively show surviving skills or running and jumping, that makes her more anxious because she’s just not good at that kind of stuff.

+ Day Eighteen: What entertainment agency is your muse a part of? What do they think of other groups and artists that are in the same agency as them? Which labelmates do they get along with the most, excluding group members?

Sooah is part of Gold Star Media. She thinks people in her agency are dope even if the company itself makes some questionable decisions sometimes. But every single one of their artists, Sooah likes and listens to their songs. From their soloists to the co-ed group they have. Gold Star releases really good songs, she thinks and she’s very musically oriented and the company offers her the kind of support she would need to thrive in that area. She’s not particularly close to anyone in her company, except her members, though.

+ Day Nineteen: Is there anything besides idol activities that your muse would want to do? Would they want to take their hand at hosting a variety show or act in a television show or drama? Would they want to try out modeling or a musical? If they have done things such as these, talk about their thoughts toward these things.

Sooah thrives in the modeling route and that’s the most obvious path for her because of her unapparelled young visuals. That’s something she would want to do especially because it’s very easy for her and it’s also fun but to be honest, she would like to try her hand in variety shows more now that Fuse already has an established image.

+ Day Twenty: If your muse was able to be a part of a supergroup that comprised of current idols, who would they want to be in the same group, and why? What kind of concept would this group have? How do you think the group would do in terms of popularity?

If Sooah was to pick members for a supergroup, she would struggle a lot because many others are better qualified. But she would pick Lipstick’s Hyeju, Lucid’s Hyoyeon and Jeonghwa and WISH’s Sophie, besides herself. All of them are skilled and have the visuals Sooah would want to see in a group, besides being charismatic so she thinks they would do well together? Because they would look very powerful, they would probably invest in a more powerful, girl crush concept, like the ones in Femme Fatale. And since they have big names in the industry, they would also do fairly okay, popularity-wise.

+ Day Twenty-One: How does your muse feel about their fans? How do they feel about sasaeng fans? How would they handle a situation in which they were faced with obsessive fans that followed them or invaded their privacy? If they’ve had problems with sasaeng fans before, how did they feel about it?

She’s appreciative of her fans and she’s extremely glad that they are kind to her and her members too. She’s grateful that they kind of protect her from OT4 stans and that warms her heart a lot. She doesn’t know what she should do with sasaeng fans though. She’s scared of them, more than anything. She’s scared of which boundaries they might break to get her attention and she fears there’ll be a day they’ll end up hurting someone to get to her. She would try to communicate her thoughts and ask them to leave, even though she knows that probably wouldn’t work out. She would just be scared and ask her manager to help her with it.

+ Day Twenty-Two: Talk about your muse’s goals that they have for their group or themselves if they are a solo artist. Where would they want to promote if given the chance? Do they want to do a solo album at one point? This can be any sort of professional goal.

There isn’t much she can think of because she’s good at following the flow and doing as she’s told. Fuse reached a point where things are comfortable and their name is established. She wants the other members to be able to have separate careers and still be successful with the things they want to do so maybe that means they’ll have to be more recognizable not only internationally but also locally. She never visited Central or South America and she would love to visit the countries in these regions sometime in the future to promote.

+ Day Twenty-Three: What are your muse’s thoughts on being an idol and dating? Are they against dating? Have they ever been in a relationship after debuting? If so, talk about the challenges that have come along with dating. If they aren’t dating, would they want to date?

She understands why some people are against it. She doesn’t agree with their thoughts. She thinks that they are young and they are surrounded by beautiful people all the time and at some point, is only natural to feel attraction towards someone. And as healthy, young people, they should be allowed to have normal experiences such as dating. Sooah was never in a relationship before or after debut. She was way too young when she became a trainee and she was way too focused on not messing up and practicing after she debuted. And of course, she would love to date someone if she feels it’s the right person.

+ Day Twenty-Four: Who is your muse’s ideal type? Why is this person their ideal type?

She has been saying since debut that she finds Lee Dong Wook very attractive and nominated him as her idol type since 2015. She never talked to Lee Dong Wook personally so she can’t talk about anything but his good looks. The sharp jaw and the kind of eyes are what draws her to this kind of aesthetic and she’ll be the first to admit that people like him don’t look like they smile a lot but there’s a certain satisfaction in getting a smile from them and the possibility makes her heart flutter. She has to be able to rely on the person and feel comfortable being around them. They also have to know how to properly cook, otherwise, they’ll rely on take-out for a long while.

+ Day Twenty-Five: What does your muse want to be remembered for in the idol world? Do they want to be remembered for their vocal prowess? Their image? Their dancing skills? Their scandals?

Sooah wants to be remembered as someone who improved over the years and became great in the end. She won’t stand out in any meaningful way. She’ll never be the greatest singer or the best dancer or someone remembered because of her little rap lines in Fuse’s songs. She does expect people to have the image of someone who came from the bottom and still managed to become someone great and who learned and improved a lot. Someone who never really stagnated and worked on herself to become a better artist.

+ Day Twenty-Six: Does your muse ever regret becoming an idol? Do they ever think about what they would be doing instead if they lived a normal life? If they could go back in time, would they do everything all over again? Or would they end up doing something else?

She remembers regretting becoming an idol when she went back home after living with her members in the dorms. She was moving back home so she could spend some more time with her parents and she remembers seeing them after a long while and thinking, “they have aged”. There were wrinkles around her father’s eyes and her mother was slouching a little bit more and she remembers feeling very sad because she barely spent time with them in the last 4 years or so. She never thought she would have a normal life, to begin with. She dreamed of big adventures and in a way or another, this is a big adventure and she tries not to regret things or think how things would have turned out. She doesn’t think she would trade her life now for a “normal” life mainly because she can’t imagine herself not having the people, she has in her life now.

+ Day Twenty-Seven: After working hard on promotions, your muse is given the chance to take a two-week vacation anywhere in the world at any time they want, with nobody bothering them. Where would they go and when? Why would they want to take their vacation there? If they had the opportunity to bring three other people, who would they bring?

She always wanted to visit Machu-Pichu so maybe she would go there and hike her way up the mountains. She remembers seeing a documentary when she was younger and that became her plan with her mom that one day they would go to Peru and see the clouds from up there. She still didn’t have the time to do that with her. She would take her mom and her two older siblings with her. Dad is not very fond of that because he has back problems so he would have two weeks of freedom at home on his own.

+ Day Twenty-Eight: Talk about your muse’s low point in life. Why was this a low point in their life? What kind of challenges did they face and how did they feel about this? Were they able to overcome it? If it is still ongoing, are they working on overcoming these challenges?

During the trainee years, Sooah’s self-esteem hit a really low level. She was self-doubting a lot at the time and thinking she wasn’t enough and that she wouldn’t be able to ever get better regarding her skills. She was surrounded by incredibly talented people but there she was, not being remotely good in what she was supposed to do. Sooah thinks she’ll never get completely rid of this kind of thoughts, mainly because she knows she has a long way to go but things now are much better and because she has so many supportive figures in her life, she can rely on them more and not suffer on her own anymore.

+ Day Twenty-Nine: Talk about your muse’s most meaningful moment as an idol. This is what they feel so far is the highest point in their life and where they’ve never been happier. Recall the memory and describe it; what happened and how did they feel?

Sooah remembers the moment of their first concert with a lot of fondness. They have been practicing for months at the time and Sooah was so nervous because it would be their first time doing a concert only with their fans and she didn’t want to mess things up. The moment they were waiting backstage to be okayed to go up and perform, she had a million thoughts in her head that slowly started dissipating as they sang and danced. She remembers feeling very warm in her heart when they had their first break and as they introduced themselves, she would hear the screams of the fans. When her turn came up and she heard their screams of support, Sooah laughed and her eyes teared a bit even. She was never so happy to perform like she was with the ‘Red Room’.

+ Day Thirty: Think about your muse’s life down the road. Where would they be and what would they be doing? Would they still be in the entertainment industry? Would they settle down and have a family?

When Fuse eventually disbands, Sooah will probably not get involved with music. At least she won’t be releasing songs for herself to sing. She’ll be more than happy to remain active as a lyricist/composer/producer and that’s her priority. Maybe invest more in her career as a model and start putting her visuals to good use, too. But she doesn’t exactly see herself wanting to be the center of attention like it happened in Fuse. She wants to slowly show her process of retirement, pretty much like Hyori wanted to do once in past. She sees herself settling down to have a family. She also sees herself traveling around the world and enjoying life differently too.

#『 .. headcanon. 』#+10pts.

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