#i stumbled across that completely by chance and i did not expect it at all. thank goodness i was alone bc i lost my fucking mind.
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the urge to post about the character currently giving me brainrot (canonically fat, hot, bi-coded) vs. the fear of recognition (they are niche enough that people in separate circles would recognize me here if I talk too openly about said character since there are few quite as obsessed about them as I am)
#liking niche characters and having niche kinks is hell#too scared to talk too openly and the h/orny content i want to see isn't already out there? man...#i could absolutely write about them but again. fear of recognition. there might be some workarounds worth looking into though#(like anon posting on a/o3. that i might do.)#something something be the change you want to see in the world#anyway i also have to say that while watching bloopers from the show said character is from there is an outtake where they burp and uh.#i stumbled across that completely by chance and i did not expect it at all. thank goodness i was alone bc i lost my fucking mind.#it sounded so satisfying too... like damn they were already hot for many reasons and that made them like 5000% hotter#londarling
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jack of all trades ;
tsukishima kei x reader
reader is tsukki’s gf and wants to find something he’s not naturally talented at <3
Your boyfriend was annoying.
He wasn’t annoying in the way that he spoke, or annoying in the way that he treated those around him— he was annoyingly above average. He was a jack of all trades, and it was infuriating.
You originally thought that he had a natural gift for volleyball. He never seemed to devote much time to the sport, but he was a natural on the court, only getting better with practice and passion. It was only when you began going on dates that you started to realize that he was able to do anything he tried with ease.
On your trip to an arcade, he watched you struggle to complete a game, only to land third place on the leaderboard when he attempted it himself. When you dragged him to a pottery class, the bowl that you had fashioned for yourself turned out lopsided with many kinks, while the mug that he made was simple but beautiful and now held a permanent place in your kitchen cabinet.
When you first caught on, you started to treat it like a game– there had to be something that he couldn’t do. He thought you were making something out of nothing; he had no significant interest in most things that you made him try, so to make you happy he would downplay his abilities. You could tell when he was doing it though, and continued to watch for the moment when you finally found something he really couldn’t do.
You began to curate the most random itineraries for outings that you possibly could, just for the chance of catching him off guard. Bowling, painting, basketball, beginners guitar– with a little practise he could grasp anything you threw at him.
When the day finally came where you discovered his weakness, you never expected his kryptonite would be something so… mundane.
Ice skating.
You were nearing the point of giving up on the experiment, dragging him to go ice skating on a completely unrelated endeavour. After the holiday season the air was cold, perfect for ice skating, and you just wanted a day to spend with your boyfriend drinking hot drinks and visiting the local rink just like you did as a child. You didn’t expect for Tsukishima Kei, who was above-average at everything he tried, to be the worst ice skater you had witnessed in your life.
You had grown up skating casually, taking lessons as a child and visiting the outdoor rink with your friends from time to time. Subconsciously, you assumed he had done the same, or at least would figure it out quickly as he did with all other things. When he first stumbled with his transfer onto the ice, gripping your arm for balance, you brushed it off as the initial beginner hurdle he needed to get over, thinking he would be smooth sailing within half an hour. When he fell for the first time, you helped him up with a laugh, helping him brush the snow off of his coat as you gave him pointers on how to focus his centre of gravity. He held your hand as he made small kicks across the ice, and you continued to think nothing of it.
Only an hour in, did you begin to realize that he was not improving. The second he let go of you for support, he would collapse onto the ice, and while you held onto him, he was easily the slowest one on the rink.
“Kei, honey.” you paused, trying to stifle the laughs and taunts that were about to escape you.
He turned his head to look at you, slowing to a stop, seemingly as he couldn’t do both at the same time.
You continued your thought, a smile creeping onto your face. “You do realize that there are two year olds passing us right now, right?”
Surely enough, as you said it, a toddler stumbled past the two of you. Not very gracefully and sliding across the ice on his stomach shortly after, but there was no doubt that the child out-paced you both. You could see Tsukki’s cheeks turning slightly red as he let out a small laugh himself.
“This is harder than I expected,” he commented, arm still linked with yours as he stepped out with his right foot.
You tried to give him more pointers to seem supportive, but inside you felt smug– there was finally something that he wasn’t good at and this was your moment to gloat. “Rather than just stepping forward, kick your foot back like you’re pushing yourself forward. Like this.” You let go of his arm to try and demonstrate the different approach, kicking off with one foot as you instructed. When you turned back to join the tall boy again, he had somehow already found himself sprawled across the ice, his face void of any visible emotion.
You skated back towards him, taking a moment to look down at him with a smile very clearly plastered across your face. Holding your hand out to offer him help standing up again, you couldn’t help the string of smug comments that came out as you heaved him up.
“I could get you one of those skating aids that they give little kids. Although, you might be a bit too tall for one… I can stack two on top of each other, that will be more your speed– your height. Your speed is far less than 1 kilometre per hour.” You giggled, knowing that you were being slightly unfair. He remained composed every time he bested you at some task, but you let the thought go. This was your moment for mockery.
As he finally held his balance, you skated a circle around him.
“Oh glorious day– I can say that I’ve lived to see the day where THE jack of all trades, Kei Tsukishima has been bested by an activity. Ice skating of all things too.”
“Unlike you, I never saw a need to aimlessly glide around in circles on the ice as a child.”
You looked up at him, his mocking glare leading you to respond with nothing but a “Tsk.”
“Okay, if I can’t get far skating like this, why don’t you show me how real skaters do it,” he laughed, urging you forward to go off without him.
You gave him a puzzled look. “Why would I do that? We’re supposed to be skating together.”
He shook his head, gesturing for you to go ahead.
“At least one of us should make the most of the money we’re spending renting these skates. Maybe I’ll learn better from watching you skate without pretending you’re teaching a small child. I’ll be onto the Olympics after one watch.”
You gave him a small smile, before shrugging and going ahead at a much faster speed. You glided away with ease, skating two quick laps around the ice. The boy couldn’t help but smile as he watched your hair flow in the air behind you and the peace that seemed to overcome you as you skated.
When you met back up with him, he requested that you try some tricks you hadn’t attempted since childhood, loud laughs escaping him as it was your turn to go sprawling across the ice after trying to do a full spin. After half an hour of more skating, you decided to call it a day and return your skates.
As you finally decided to head off the ice and grab some hot chocolate with your boyfriend, you found yourself glowing with the excitement of your self-declared victory. You could finally stop trying to catch Tsukki off guard with a challenging date, and go back to simply enjoying your time together. You had to admit, you were a little sad that your trials had come to an end.
So preoccupied with the many emotions running through your head, you didn’t seem to notice that while you had your back turned when getting off the ice, the “bad at skating” Kei Tsukishima kicked off easily with his left foot, making his way to the edge of the skating rink right behind you, a loving smile on his face as he looked down at your celebrations. He loved more than anything to see you happy, so despite the aches he would be having the next day from falling repeatedly, he would consider this date a success.
He grabbed your hand as you walked from the rink towards the café, holding you grounded since you seemed like you were going to bounce away from pure happiness. While you remained overjoyed that skating was now number one on the list of skills that your boyfriend could not excel at in one go, Kei Tsukishima on the other hand, was adding a new skill to the list of trades he could accomplish with ease:
Acting.
#tsukishima kei#kei tsukishima#tsukki x reader#tsukki x you#tsukishima kei x reader#kei tsukishima x reader#haikyuu#haikyuu x reader#tsukishima x you#tsukishima x reader#togeppys
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𝐖𝐄 𝐀𝐑𝐄 𝐍𝐄𝐕𝐄𝐑 𝐆𝐄𝐓𝐓𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐁𝐀𝐂𝐊 𝐓𝐎𝐆𝐄𝐓𝐇𝐄𝐑 (?)
𝐬𝐮𝐦𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐲: you, now a successful singer, and sanji, now a pirate, reunite unexpectedly when you return to baratie for a one night only performance.
𝐩𝐚𝐢𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠: opla!sanji x fem!singer!reader
𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐝 𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭: 4k
𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐭: use Y/N, zeff is a meddler, mild angst
When Sanji woke up that morning, he hadn’t expected a song would be the one to bruise his ego.
It was a relatively normal morning, filled with shuffling around the Going Merry with a pen and pad asking for special grocery requests. It was the usual, for the most part; Zoro wanted alcohol, Luffy asked for lamb, Nami needed brown sugar for something she wanted to make, and Usopp requested chocolate chips.
All a routine order to convince Zeff to hand over, Sanji mused, flipping shut his notepad as the Merry docked at Baratie. Another supply run was nothing out of the ordinary. They’d be out by the next morning if he had any say in it.
Then he saw the mischievous glint in Zeff’s eyes, and suddenly, Sanji was nervous.
“What?” He tried to laugh it off. When all Zeff did was clap a hand on Sanji’s shoulder, the Strawhat cook’s curiosity turned to panic. “Zeff, you’ve got that look. What is it?”
Zeff shrugged and led the way further into the kitchen. It was early in the morning, breakfast being prepared as the two spoke. “Ah, nothin’.” He smirked to himself. “I’m just debating whether I should tell you, or let you find out.”
Sanji blinked, now very, very concerned for his own wellbeing. “You should definitely tell me.”
The old man let out a laugh and completely ruined Sanji’s day with just two simple words: “She’s back.”
There was no need for elaboration; Sanji knew exactly who she was. His heart dropped and all color drained from his face, jaw effectively slack. The sight had Zeff’s chest hurting with how hard he laughed.
“I—Why in the seven hells would she be comin’ here, Zeff?” Sanji clawed at his hair, sitting back against a counter and stumbling for his senses. “Last I checked she wanted nothing to do with this place.”
Zeff tutted. “Last I checked she wanted nothing to do with you, little eggplant. She left Baratie with nothing but fond memories of me.”
“That’s—!” Sanji faltered, lips pursed. “That’s fair, actually.”
“Just thought I’d warn you,” sadi Zeff as he moved to shoo a younger cook away from some vegetables and started to chop them himself. Sanji took his place beside him and found himself a knife, mincing some carrots to speed the process along.
Zeff smiled warmly. “She offered to come sing for the guests. I wasn’t about to turn her away. I raised you both. It’s natural I miss her. Then you said your crew needed more supplies the same week she’s here, and well… Would it be wrong to admit this is turning out really well for me?”
“No,” Sanji snapped back. His neck ached and his shoulders were tense, but he just kept on chopping away with practiced ease. “How in hell is any of this good?”
“You two used to be fine as friends,” Zeff reasoned. “It’s only when ya’ tried bein’ more that things went south.”
Sanji didn’t need Zeff to remind him that he’d completely, utterly, definitely screwed up any chance of being at least friends with you again. He knew that. He’d accepted it long ago. It didn’t mean Sanji was any less heartbroken about it.
“Relax,” said Zeff after he had enough of the suffocating silence. “She’s over you. You’re over her.” He finished up the vegetables and called back over the nervous little cook. “I’m sure you know her career took off. She came back to sing for Baratie before her tour ‘round the seas.”
He clapped Sanji on his shoulder and shook him a bit. “One night only. It’s sure to be great.”
Sure, except everything that Zeff had just said was entirely wrong. Sanji was in no way over you.
And Lord knew you weren’t over him either.
Across the sea-top restaurant was you, face pale, eyes wide and glaring daggers into Patty and Carne. The pair stood exchanging worried glances as you sputtered out words they could hardly understand.
“Bastards!” That they could gather. “Why didn’t Zeff tell me Sanji would be here? The only reason I accepted the invitation was because I knew Sanji was off playing pirates.” You tugged at your hair. “Or he’s supposed to be.”
“Don’t look at us!” Patty said, hands raised in surrender. The burly man offered a consoling smile. “Zeff didn’t know.”
You pointed a finger at him, a wild look in your eyes. “So you think! So you think! I bet he arranged this whole thing behind our backs!”
You knew you sounded crazy. Hell, you felt erratic at this point. Seeing Sanji was not something you were mentally prepared for just yet. You rubbed at your temples. “God, I haven’t seen him since I left.”
“It’ll be fine,” Carne siad, his hands settling on your shoulders and giving you a little shake. “Just fine.”
Patty nodded and caught sight of your agent peering around the corner she was eavesdropping from, tapping her watch with a pointed look on her face. Patty mimed rushed assurances and turned back to you. “I doubt he’ll even have the nerve to show up. Not after everything.”
You wiped a stressed tear from your eyes. “You think?”
Patty started to guide you down the hall toward the room your panicky agent was now awaiting in. “Yep. He’s a wimp like that.”
“Yeah,” you agreed, slowly nodding your head. “He won’t even show up. I’ll go out there, do my set, talk to Zeff again, and book it outta here.”
Your steps were more confident as you headed for your room. Carne rolled his eyes at you, in a fond kind of way of course. “Atta girl.”
You pumped a fist as you disappeared around the corner, and the two men could breathe easy now that they were free of your scathing eyes.
જ⁀➴
Ever since you and Sanji first met, it’d been complicated.
Zeff didn’t believe in letting women work in his restaurant. He knew what type of guest his establishment attracted; from the sleazy rich to the sketchy pirates, Zeff didn’t believe it was necessarily safe for women to work there.
But then there was you, some scrappy ten year-old from the docks of some port he couldn't recall the name of.
You’d been playing a guitar far too big for you, an upturned hat before you. Zeff was bartering for a fair price on some radishes not too far away. He caught the tailend of a song as you finished, the only word to describe the sound being angelic. But Zeff didn’t have time to listen to street urchins play guitar.
Hours passed and he was back in Baratie's kitchen, sitting at the table eating some soup he’d prepared the day before. All was well and all was quiet. The ship was back at sea. The storage was fully stocked. The little eggplant was out of the way for once. He had a moment to breathe.
“AGH–AAAAH! ZEEEEFF!”
A moment short lived, and he was back to adolescent induced suffocation. The old man’s brows pinched, a migraine on the horizon. Maybe if he ignored it…
The kitchen doors swung open to reveal none other than the eggplant—Sanji’s face was all red, his hair a mess, and he was dragging a girl behind him with a fist in her hair.
Zeff jumped to his feet, this being the last thing he expected when he heard Sanji’s whistle note scream. “Sanji—!”
“Ow! Ow! Ow! Ow!” The girl—you—offered a swift kick to Sanji’s groin. You massaged at your scalp while the boy keeled and flopped over in agony. “Bitch, you ripped out some of my hair!”
Sanji groaned, practically writhing. Zeff nearly felt bad, until he recognized you. “You’re the kid from the docks!”
Before you could offer your quippy reply, Sanji had sent a kick to your shin that had you joining him on the ground. Idiots, the both of you.
Zeff had meant to kick you off when they docked at a port the next month… but, well, you had nowhere to go, and he’d grown used to how you and Sanji bickered back and forth so seamlessly.
(He’d known before anyone else that you and Sanji had something special, even if the pair of you were too stubborn to admit it.)
Zeff didn’t think he’d ever make an exception to his rules, but then there was you, and there wasn’t much use in saying no to you.
It started as being a hostess, guiding guests to their tables, and then it was bussing tables. You even tried your hand in the kitchen and were swiftly kicked out after the first fire scare. Then, you’d asked to sing, and Zeff had no objections.
But even as he grew to think of you as part of his odd excuse for a family, itt was obvious to him that you had no wish to dedicate your life to the restaurant.
You’d had to abandon your guitar when you stowed away on Baratie, but your voice had no hindering. He heard you when you thought no one else cared to listen—Sanji did too, and Zeff always thought the eggplant realized he loved you the first time he heard you sing.
Sanji wouldn’t try to disagree. He knew there was a point in the timeline of him knowing you where his annoyance at your existence turned into a kind of reverence he had no power to stop. He swore you were a siren, sent from the depths to torment his every waking moment.
As he grew older his affections only grew worse and worse, until he couldn’t help but kiss you—his very first mistake.
Sanji knew he was far from perfect, and he was far from ever deserving such a sweet love as the one you offered, but God, how he tried.
He failed, always, and that was a torture he tried not to dwell on.
Every time he fell for you, you seemed to fall harder, and he was never good at keeping up. You had dreams and so did he, and as the years drew on, it just… didn’t work, and the on-again-off-again romance was draining you both of any chance for fixing what was left of your friendship.
He tried to blame it on wrong place and wrong time, because he hoped it wasn’t simply wrong person. Sanji promised himself he would keep trying to be good for you until the day he died—but he kept failing. He kept disappointing you, breaking things off only to start them up again, he kept charming other women right in front of you.
Nobody’s perfect, but he could’ve at least tried a little harder.
Then came the day you’d left, finally having enough of his indecision and going out to fulfill all your dreams… With barely a goodbye to him. You’d left a note, of course, but it was short and cold and heartbreaking: “Dear Sanji, don’t miss me. Sincerely, Y/N.”
Sincerely. How was he ever supposed to recover from that?
As far as Sanji knew, you were doing well. There were posters and radio announcements about you, this up and coming star with the voice of an angel.
And now to the present, where he stood taking a smoke outside the Baratie’s entrance. The moon was high and the stars peaked out from the clouds. The long trail of guests filing into the restaurant for dinner was thinning.
Sanji took a drag and imagined you, in your room having last minute jitters before heading out to sing.
“Sanji?” It was Nami, stepping out into the chill night air, concern written all over her face. “You coming?”
His pause was a bit too long, and Nami tried again, “You don’t have to…”
“I…” He wanted to. God, how he wanted to hear you sing again. “I think I’ll stay out here.”
She stood there a moment longer like she wanted to argue, to snap some sense into him and get him to at least try to speak to you. There was so much history, after all, even if Nami didn’t know the half of it. But she went back inside with a hefty sigh, leaving Sanji alone with his tendrils of smoke and wallowing self-pity.
જ⁀➴
Your agent, Flora, was messing with your curls, pulling them over your shoulders as you tapped your thumb on the wood of the guitar hung around your shoulders.
“Now,” she fussed. “There’s a platform set up at the center of the room. I tested the acoustics at dawn before anybody else could get inside and it's perfect. Just right.”
Her little smile faded when she caught your eye. “Hun, what’s wrong?” She raised a brow. “Is this about that boy?”
You tried to evade the conversation with a roll of your eyes. “Flora…”
“Because I wasn’t going to tell you this,” said Flora. “But he’s been wandering around all day trying to catch a glimpse of you. Ran away every time I caught him. Had to get that Zoro guy to get him to knock it off.”
You aren’t sure why you felt surprised. You yourself had been wandering Baratie hoping you’d catch sight of that familiar mop of blond, but alas. “Do you… think he’ll show up?”
Flora took your hand. “Do you want him to?”
“No.” Yes. You wanted to see him. You wanted to know if he was doing better, if he was better, if all the bad of the past had shaped him into the Sanji you knew he could be.
“Then go out there and sing.” She had an aura of comfort and calm you often envied. “You know what song’s first, right?”
You thought of the setlist your drummer had brought to you that morning and felt your stomach drop. “Flora, I can’t sing that song to him—”
“You’re not singing it to him,” she cut in, starting to lead you out of the little room and down the hall to the grand staircase leading into the dining room. “You’re singing for all those people waiting to hear the songbird incarnate, Y/N L/N.”
You grinned tightly. “No pressure.”
Descending the stairs was the easy part. People clapped as you glided down as light as a feather, guitar around you and a light shining down from somewhere. True to Flora’s word a round platform awaited at the center of the dining room. It was small, but you had a bit of moving room. You accepted the hand of your drummer and stood up on the platform, shooting him a smile as he went back up the stairs to where the rest of your small band was ready to play.
You turned and suddenly there was a microphone to your right. Had that always been there?
“Hello, Baratie!” The applause met you at full force, easing some of your tension. Sanji was nowhere to be seen, and you weren’t sure if you liked that. “Look at your beautiful faces tonight. Oh, and there’s Chef Zeff too!”
That got you a couple of laughs before it died down again. “I’m so happy to be back here. Baratie was a home of mine once, and it’ll always have a place in my heart.” Your hand brushed your guitar strings and sent an unpleasant sound into the mic. “All right, enough sappiness. You all want some music, right?”
You cast a glance up at your band, felt a rush of familiarity, and nodded. A steady beat began and you began to strum a practiced tune on your guitar, the callousess on your fingers straining under the pressure.
“I remember when we broke up—the first time. Saying ‘This is it, I’ve had enough, ‘cause like…’”
“This isn’t working out,” he said, not a pinch of the light you'd come to love in his eyes. He looked cold and unkind, but the frown he was giving you betrayed his own heartbreak.
“What do you mean?”
“We’re… better as friends. I just need some space to think.”
“What? Then you come around again and say, ‘Baby, I miss you and I swear I’m gonna change, trust me…’”
He chased you relentlessly until his hand caught your wrist and spun you around. All his words fell short at the sight of your tears. “Y/N…”
“You said it would be different,” you reminded him. Bitterness flooded your senses. “What was her name? Did you even catch it before you unzipped her dress?”
Anger boiled in his eyes. “I didn’t—I just kissed her!”
“Just,” you laughed mirthlessly, shaking your head as you ripped yourself from his presence and stormed away.
“Y/N—”
“Don’t, Sanji!”
“I’ll do better! I promise.”
“Remember how that lasted for a day? I say I hate you, we break, you call me, I love you.”
You tried not to search for familiar faces in the crowd, instead shutting your eyes and letting the music take over, and not the lyrics.
But you were a weak woman, and your eyes pried themselves free to scan the room.
It was dark around the dining room, and the lights Flora had managed to set up were blinding, but there he was. Sanji was by the door to the lower decks, his icy eyes bearing into you with such an intensity you stumbled over your guitar strings. You picked the melody back up before it was too noticeable, but he was smirking, that son of a bitch.
Sanji noticed. He always noticed everything about you, annoyingly.
“I’m really gonna miss you picking fights, and me falling for it, screaming that I’m right, and you would hide away in your peace of mind…”
“I never said I didn’t want you to go!” Sanji screamed back at you. “I think it's the chance of a lifetime and if you want to, you should go.”
That’s not what you wanted him to say. You took your ground, staring him right in the eyes. “Do you want me to go, Sanji?”
“That’s not—”
“No, I mean…” You took a breath. “Say the word and I’ll stay. I won’t go. I’ll stay here and sing my silly songs on a crate covered in a tablecloth. Just tell me you want me.”
“I…” Sanji wanted to, you knew, but he was too kind. He wasn’t going to trap you here. You could see him choosing to be mean right before your very eyes. “I don’t care if you stay or go, Y/N. Go if you want to. I don’t care.”
You didn’t go in the morning, and the rich patron sailed away with the offer of a lifetime.
“I used to think, that we were forever—ever. And I used to think, never say never…”
Sanji hadn’t realized Nami and Zoro were beside him till the jeering began.
“Damn,” Nami laughed into his ear. “When you said you broke her heart I didn’t think you meant it.”
Zoro cast him a teasing look. “You were a douche.”
Sanji’s cheeks burned. “We were kids! I…”
“Relax, we’re joking.” Nami nudged his shoulder before she turned back to you. “She’s watching you, by the way.”
“She is?” Sanji snapped his head back up a little too quickly, but he didn't care. Nami dragged Zoro back to their table, leaving Sanji to stare absolutely starstruck at you. You really were watching, an odd kind of look in your eyes.
It wasn’t angry or sad or happy… but Sanji was sure he had a similar look in his eyes.
“So he calls me up and he’s like, ‘I still love you’...”
Your eyes locked with his and a burning sensation filled your chest. He hadn't changed much. More handsome you supposed, if you let yourself think it.
“And I’m like… I’m just… I mean, this is exhausting, you know? Like we are never getting back together…”
He tried a grin and a little wave, and memories flooded back in an instant, both the good and bad. You somehow found it in yourself to offer a smile back, and you knew then, the song was probably a lie.
“Like ever.”
જ⁀➴
“Hi…” He found you on the back terrace of the Baratie, where the fish mouth of the restaurant opened up the starry night sky.
You weren’t pretending to not be waiting, a glass of your mutually favorite wine across from you waiting for him.
He sat down, mostly because the smile you offered him was enough to buckle his knees.
“Hey,” you replied, averting your eyes to your glass.
Sanji wasn’t exactly sure where to begin, but he started with, “I think Zeff set us up.”
You snorted. “Oh, definitely.”
“Uhm…” He looked out at the sea, then at his wine, then at you, and settled on keeping his eyes there. “You were wonderful. Radiant, really.” The stars faded from his eyes as mischief replaced it. “I liked your opener.”
You rolled your eyes and flushed from your neck to your nose. “Thank you. I had good inspiration.”
“I’d say my bad, but it was a good song.” Sanji felt as breathless as he used to, when he was sixteen and just learning how much he cared about you. “You were perfect. Are perfect. Can I still say that?”
You chuckled. “I—I guess so.”
Silence filled the space between you, clicking glasses and chatter from the bar feeling very far away.
“The drummer was good—”
“I think I still love you—”
You slapped a hand over your mouth, watching Sanji’s mouth open and close like a confused fish. His ears burnt pink and a spark of opportunity filled his beautiful blue eyes. You locked eyes, and Sanji started to laugh.
The sound was better than any music and flowed from his lips like honey. Chuckles bubbled up and out of your chest till you were gripping the sides of the chair you were in as you joined in on his uncontained and unending cackles.
He wiped at a tear and tried to get a hold of himself as your laughter died down as well, and he found himself admiring how you looked under the golden lighting of the terrace. “Would it be bad if I said same here?”
There was a brief pause before you threw your head back again and laughed over and over, drawing closer to Sanji till you were side by side, knee to knee, laughing loud enough to warrant a noise complaint.
“We’re hopeless,” you mused.
Sanji shrugged. “Yeah, but what’s new?”
A lot of things, actually. Things felt different, but the same, and it was odd for you both. The same love was there along with the bad memories tagged along with it, but you and Sanji had more experience behind you now. You were older and wiser and good God, you were no longer teenagers.
Some years ago it had been wrong place, wrong time, wrong… wrong everything.
But now you looked at him and instead of seeing the boy who used to break your heart, you saw Sanji. Your childhood best friend. The man who you once thought could be the love of your life.
Maybe… perhaps… it wouldn’t hurt to give it just one more go. All right, maybe you were getting back together. You could see the pair of you meeting back at Baratie a year later, your tour long over and his crew docked for the week. You’re lovers despite distance, awaiting a someday where your dreams finally align.
Sanji pressed a tentative kiss to your forehead, testing the waters in the wake of your laughter, and asked if you wanted to meet his crew. You nodded, meaning to stand when a boy in a straw hat vaulted over the back of the seat across from you and sat down. Then a girl with orange hair and boy with green, closely followed by a dark skinned boy with tinted glasses over his eyes.
You took Sanji’s hand in your own and blushed at how he admired your profile like you’d hung the very stars in the sky. Yeah, you could see it.
#sanji#sanji vinsmoke#vinsmoke sanji#sanji x reader#one piece live action sanji#one piece sanji#black leg sanji#sanji vinsmoke x reader#vinsmoke sanji x reader#one piece live action x reader#one piece x reader#sanji x y/n#sanji x you#opla sanji#opla sanji x reader#opla x reader#x reader#reader insert#female reader
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Hello,
May I please order a small cherry lemonade with extra ice for 'samu, please?
Archnemesis
word count: 1066 || avg. reading time: 4 mins.
pairing: 3rd year rival!Osamu x chubby!Reader
genre: angst, fluff, pining
warnings: swearing, mentions of insecurities, hurtful comments about your weight (but it’s quick and not done by Osamu)
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Osamu groaned when he saw the pitiful little bus pull up and people in black training suits jump out. Trying not to be too obvious he kept throwing glances over to the fast growing group assembling in front of the blond coach. When he spotted you amongst them, easily identified since you were fuller than everyone else, he felt excited but turned away and went back into the building.
Sure, he would be the first to admit that you initially caught his eye while you were blissfully munching on an onigiri and he may or may not have wanted to ask you out so badly that he choked on his water but that was besides the point. You were from Karasuno and therefore automatically the enemy.
Last year, when he first came across the crows it was hard to explain to his captain why he seemed to have beef with a member of the women‘s team of all people but Kita had graduated and wasn‘t their captain anymore, soooo… now he could be petty to his heart‘s content. He enjoyed your little rivalry, because although you may look cute enough to eat you could really dish it out.
While he waited in the lobby for his brother to come back from the bathroom, the Karasuno teams entered and walked stoically towards the changing rooms, ignoring the whispers of admiration and awe. Apparently you decided to become even prettier since the last time he saw you. So that’s how you were gonna play it, huh? Well, fuck you.
Wait, why did they all stop next to him? Why did they stare? You were grinning, so you probably just said something scathing, right? Osamu hadn’t paid attention. Okay, there was a 50/50 chance this would work. “Oh, we‘re gonna see about that.“, he said, attempting and … and failing to return the trash talk.
You looked at him in confusion and the team captains ushered you along.
To no surprise of absolutely anyone Inarizaki won their first rounds with ease and after a victory shower Osamu decided to break your concentration by watching your last match of the day quietly from the sidelines. Menacing. Lurking. You’d get the message. Much like with the little number 10 he enjoyed people‘s reaction to seeing you play for the first time. Initially, they would wonder if someone was grievously injured that they sent „that chubby girl“ onto the field, not knowing what was coming. A grimly satisfied smile played on his lips when he heard the surprised whispers from the crowd when you served four aces in a row. Of course his (completely baseless) archnemesis was strong, what did they expect?
Atsumu and Aran appeared next to him towards the end of the game, his brother holding out a bag of snacks to him, watching with genuine disinterest as the opposing team missed a fake spike.
The next ball seemed to last forever, your receives however stayed clean and precise. But then the roaring cheers changed to a murmur. During a particularly harrowing rally you had jumped over the barricade, just managing to lop the ball back onto the field but crashed into the wall after a harsh stumble, your foot having gotten caught in a chair. You somehow made it back onto the court, receiving the next spike with one hand, giving your setter the opportunity to play to your team‘s ace - but then you didn‘t get back up.
Osamu had grabbed his brother‘s sleeve, knuckles turning white when the medic made their way to you.
He saw you being asked a few questions and then your manager pulled you up, slowly leading you towards the exit.
“Figures that the fatty got injured. Can‘t stop a charging rhino.“
“I‘m just impressed she didn‘t take anyone else down with her.“
Osamu‘s head snapped around to see three guys snickering. His shoulders began to shake with anger. No one - no one - was allowed to talk about you like this. Aran followed his gaze, equally disgusted by the comments, and muttered, “Ugh. We‘re playin’ these jerks tomorrow.“
The older twin‘s eyes went blank - murderous. Good, Osamu thought, together they would make these bastards regret ever choosing this sport.
Osamu turned on his heel and jogged out into the corridor, looking around. He turned pale when he found you leaning against a wall, breathing hard, and a small trickle of blood coming from just beyond your hairline.
Your team‘s manager quickly said something, then ran off, probably to get some help.
As if in trance Osamu walked over to you and without a word knelt down with his back towards you.
“What are you doing?“, you asked in a small voice.
“Get on.“, he said tonelessly, and when you didn‘t move, added, “Come on, the floor is gettin‘ uncomfortable.“
Your answer was barely above a whisper. “No, it‘s fine. Honoka will be back in a second with the doctor. And… and I don‘t want you to get hurt, too.“
Osamu let out a huff, turning his head, “Are ya calling me weak?“
“No, I‘m calling me heavy.“, you mumbled.
“Stop it!“ He hadn‘t meant to shout, he looked to the ground, “Just… shut up and get on.“
Glad you understood that he wasn‘t going to stop pushing, he heard you hobble a step forward and carefully leaned on him.
“Put yer arms around my shoulders, go on.“, Osamu encouraged quietly, his voice much gentler now. You seemed to hesitate again. “Don‘t worry, y/n-san. You won‘t hurt me.“
He froze when he felt something wet seeping through the back of his shirt and realized that you were crying, “I… I can‘t lift my left arm.“ So that‘s why you only received the last ball one handed…
Thinking quickly he pressed out, “Alright, just hold on tight with yer right, then. I‘ll make sure ya won‘t fall.“
Bonus: The next day
Two sharp whistle blows signalled the end of the game and the crowd erupted into cheers. The Inarizaki orchestra began playing their well practised victory song and Osamu used his shoulder to wipe the sweat from his brow.
“Wh-what-what happened?“, he heard a guy from the other team stammer.
The foxes had won in two sets, the score telling the story of complete and utter humiliation. The twins grinned.
With a shaking finger, the opposing libero pointed towards Osamu, “This guy is a beast.“
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a/n: this was such a juicy prompt! Ugh! I’m sorry it got a bit away from me and I ended up adding fluff and mixed in some taking care of you, too. I hope you like it nonetheless, though 🫠
#sunnys lemonade stand#osamu miya x chubby reader#osamu miya x reader#osamu x chubby Reader#haikyuu x chubby reader#haikyuu fluff#chubby reader#haikyuu angst#miya osamu#osamu x reader#osamu angst#miya osamu angst#osamu fluff#miya osamu fluff
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Listen, when I say, as an abuse survivor, that Astarion's storyline is written with care, delicacy, and profound understanding: Since I completed it a few days ago, which I found incredibly cathartic and fulfilling due to points of commonality with the nature and causes of my CPTSD, I've been sleeping 7-8 hours a night straight through (instead of 3-5 at a time), my resting heart rate has dropped almost 10 beats per minute, I've had zero nightmares (based not just on what I remember but also on how much I move and talk in my sleep), and my fitness tracker wants to know what I've been doing different lately and whether I can keep it up.
I don't expect this change to be permanent or even long-lasting, but not even months of therapy at a time have ever had a positive effect so strong my tracker picked up on it. Not even when I was in crisis mode and only able to sleep 2 or 3 hours a day was therapy able to improve my sleep and my well-being so immediately. Astarion's storyline from finding Cazador's prisoners to the final confrontation, which took me a bit over an hour, did. If you want to count all the narrative build-up to that climax that gave it meaning, call it six weeks' investment for such a dramatic improvement.
The idea that trauma-aware roleplay can help people with PTSD and especially CPTSD find short-term peace and even a long-term improvement in overall functioning and mental health isn't new to me. I stumbled across it on my own, unguided, 30+ years ago. It's a bit newer to most therapists, but it's an approach used in experiential therapy and some related strategies and had been studied for much longer before its incorporation in such toolkits. But BG3 isn't being sold as therapy; it's being sold as a fun video game to play in one's free time.
The thing about CPTSD and recovery from abuse in general is that you have to practice new ways of reacting to the world. Therapies like cognitive behavior therapy focus on helping the patient replace old, maladaptive patterns of thinking that helped them survive a traumatic situation but hinder functioning in safer environments with intentionally-created ones that would have been too dangerous to practice in the traumatic environment but are healthier and more supportive outside it. These patterns have to be practiced, though; it's not enough to just correct yourself once with a more affirming statement and wait for results. You have to do it over and over until it becomes your new default. And results matter. If practicing the new behavior or thought results in the kind of negative outcome it would have prompted in the original abusive situation, the effect is that the old, maladaptive pattern is reinforced instead: "See? I knew acting that way would be too dangerous. I knew thinking that way would just be lying to myself. I already know what's best. The way I've always behaved in order to survive is what serves to keep me safe."
Which is why Astarion's storyline is both so effective and so astonishingly well done. Over and over, you get the chance to reassure him that your friendship is not merely a set of opportunistic transactions, that you don't want to control him, that you see him as a person rather than a puppet or a tool, that he can refuse to manage your feelings for you or even outright hurt your feelings without being "punished" for it. You can comment out loud to him when you catch him being manipulative and tell him that's not how your friendship works while still accepting and supporting him as a person, as a friend. You can make your friendship with him an environment completely opposite in nature to his relationship with his abuser. You can teach him -- and, if you need it, yourself -- what a safe environment looks like. And you can teach him that his abuser's behavior was successful in an environment created specifically to reserve all power for the abuser, but doesn't serve as well outside that situation, to encourage him to find healthier ways of dealing with the world than the ones that were modelled for him within that trauma. (Am I projecting? Of course I'm projecting; that's precisely what makes roleplay such an effective tool. It's a natural human tendency that can be used to advantage.)
And somewhere in your psyche, if you're a person who needs to hear all that as much as Astarion does, your mind is taking note: "How I thought the whole world works was wrong. Only that one little part of the world worked that way. The world is much bigger than the limited environment that hurt me. There are better ways to live and be." The parts of the brain where trauma plants its deepest roots can't tell the difference between play and reality, between past and present. They can't tell the difference between "I can make a safer environment for this person in front of me" and "I can go back in time and make a safer environment for the person I used to be." (That's why so many abuse survivors feel compelled to help other abuse survivors -- empathy, yes, and identification, but on a deeper level than that; we try to become the person who never showed up to help us.)
And if "this person in front of me" happens to be a fictional character, well, it can't really tell the difference between fiction and reality either -- especially when the fiction has a visible face and an audible voice and convincing expression in both.
I'm not in the slightest saying, "Go out and buy BG3 to fix yourself!" because using roleplay as therapy is far too highly personal and variable to expect consistent results from a script. There might be people whose trauma is reinforced by the same things that spoke so soothingly to mine. Larian is a video game company, not a therapist. But I can't get over the way a video game company for fuck's sake has created such a sensitive, tender, supportive story that it can even accidentally function this way. They didn't have to go so hard. They didn't have to lean so far into empathy. They didn't have to bring so much realism into it. They could have just told an interesting story. They did tell an interesting story -- but someone here decided they needed to tell it so well, so powerfully, that they were going to need to know exactly what living through events like those would do to a person, and how a friend would have to act to support that person in working toward happiness and health.
Well fucking done, Larian. Extremely well fucking done.
And although I can't reasonably expect the current effects to last, I can carry something lasting from here on; I can add "What would I say to Astarion right now?" to the list of questions I ask myself when triggered, when I realize I'm experiencing an implicit flashback. What would I say to Astarion? What would I say to a friend? What would I say to someone I care about who's been through the same things I have? What would I say to myself if I thought I deserved to be happy and free?
#bg3#baldur's gate 3#baldur's gate 3 spoilers#astarion#astarion ancunin#Larian#ptsd#complex ptsd#cptsd#child abuse#abuse survivor
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Me, vibrating at a frequency that could shatter glass: I wanted a Koby-and-Luffy-Childhood-Friends AU and that turned into a Koby-grows-up-with-the-ASL-brothers AU and THAT turned into me imagining Koby still becoming a marine (Garp is THRILLED TO TEARS. Ace and Luffy give him a lot of grief for it but they're still lowkey proud of him) and one day, completely by chance, he stumbles across the Chief Of Staff Of The Revolutionary Army.
Wanted posters for the Revolutionary Army aren't passed around like the posters for pirates and criminals are, because it's actually very common for a would-be bounty hunter to get recruited to the cause if they seek them out, and the government doesn't want that, so only ranked officers are allowed to actually have them. And Koby, who recently made rank, did find himself staring for a very long time at the slightly blurry black-and-white picture of Sabo(?), Rank Unknown -- but a picture doesn't do a face justice, and he's been carrying that ghost with him for years, so he ultimately set it aside. Told himself not to wish for impossible things.
Only to, less than a week later, end up helping Sabo (Sabo, it's Sabo, holy shit it's Sabo) escape from a marine base. Koby will go to the gallows for this if he gets caught, but both of his other sworn brothers are pirates. He became a marine knowing that if he had to make the choice, he would chose family over duty. Granted, he didn't expect to have to make that choice for at least another few years, but here we are.
The two don't speak much -- there isn't time. Koby gives hushed orders and Sabo whispers clarifying questions and they breathe warnings back and forth, both of them stretching their observation Haki as far as it will go as they tiptoe out of the base.
This boy feels familiar. Sabo can't explain it, but he felt it the second he laid eyes on this young captain. The pink hair, the big eyes. It's worse now that they're standing right next to each other, Haki signatures pressed so close together it's impossible to ignore. This boy feels like feathers and steel, like something soft and warm and earnest wrapped around a core that is solid and steady and unfaltering. He is the waves that erode the shore, patient and gentle but inevitable in their quest for change. Sabo shouldn't be able to read the soul of a stranger this clearly, but he can, somehow. It feels good next to his own roiling storm clouds and piercing cliffs, it feels grounding, but he can't help the strange thought that there should be fire and forest here, somehow. There should be sunlight.
The boy feels familiar, and Sabo hates that he is the one following behind. Which is stupid, because he doesn't know where they're going and obviously the one who does should take the lead, but every corner they turn and patrol they dodge has the spaces between his shoulderblades winding tighter. He wants the captain tucked safely behind him, with Sabo in the lead where he can take the brunt of whatever danger they face. This, too, is strange.
They make it out of the base and down to the docs, where Koby gets Sabo set up -- the guards change shift in thirteen minutes, if Sabo waits there'll be an opening for him to steal a boat and get out of here -- and Sabo takes the opportunity to ask "Are you... sympathetic to the cause?"
The boy stills.
"You aren't on our books, is all. I don't recognize you as an officer. If this is you looking to join, I'm afraid I don't have time to vet you right now, but I can arrange for you to meet with a recruiter--"
"What the fuck is wrong with you?" It comes out a hoarse, furious whisper. Koby wants to scream.
Sabo blinks. "I'm sorry?"
"Is that how you justified it? Oh, it's been so long, they probably forgot about me? Is that what you told yourself?" He needs to keep quiet, he needs to get back inside before he's noticed missing, they can't do this right now -- "Or maybe you just figured out of sight out of mind, right? Since clearly that worked out fine for you!"
Koby waves a hand up and down Sabo, a gesture meant to encompass -- this! All of this. His fading grin and his fancy coat and his fucking wanted poster.
"Chief of Staff. That's impressive. I'm not surprised you're some big shot, it suits you. Are you having fun, Sabo? Is your grand adventure treating you well?"
"I don't know what --" but Koby can't let him talk, because Koby can't breathe, because Sabo is here and he's alive and he's acting like Koby is a stranger to him and if Koby doesn't spit out the words he's suddenly choking on then he's going to collapse into screaming sobs instead and they can't afford that right now.
"Let me guess, secret identities? Code names? It's all so hush-hush, so cloak-and-dagger, you were sworn to secrecy? I don't care. I don't fucking care what reasons you used to justify letting us think you were dead! For ten years! It was selfish, Sabo. It was cruel. And I--" He gasps. Coughs. Sucks in a heavy breath until the salt of the sea breeze settles in his lungs and he can tell himself the wetness on his face is ocean spray. "We mourned you. Ace and Luffy are still mourning you. Dadan and the bandits and Makino and Gramps. Everyone, all of us -- we have all been carrying this grief and you just--!"
Breathe in. Breathe out. Stay quiet. "If this is the life you want, then okay. Okay. But don't you stand there and pretend I'm a stranger to you, and expect me to play along. Don't you do that to me. Not to me."
#One Piece#koby one piece#sabo the revolutionary#ASL brothers#not really but they're implied#I might have to properly fic this cause now I'm obsessed#This fic will probably be kobylu if I do end up writing it#we'll see
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Fic idea by @alathan13 (I kinda tweaked it a little but I hope it still stays faithful to what you originally had in mind.)
If this is shit -which it is- it’s cuz I’ve been recently struggling with writers block and a severe lack of motivation. 🦝🦦
Adam didn’t know what to expect when it came to asking his fellow guardians for advice on how he should go about impressing you -the person he’s been so obviously infatuated, according to his teammates- but it went about as well as any normal team conversation could; contradictions and misunderstandings which over time built up towards a full blown disagreement between the more stubborn headed of the guardians.
Some had suggested that he proved his strength in battle and show you that he was capable of keeping you safe, some suggested that he should just be forthcoming with his feelings and just tell you straight up, whilst others suggested that he should try and find situations where you would be in need of his help but Adam didn’t think that any of them felt like the one he could go through with wholeheartedly.
Due to the lack of a satisfying conclusion, Adam had been left at a complete loss as to figuring out his own way of winning your hand, soon discarded to the back of his mind when he had remembered that he was supposed to be meeting up with very soon at a spot you had originally found, before then kindly offering to sharing it with him when he had accidentally stumbled across it after a particularly stressful mission; With that in mind, Adam left the unsuspecting guardians to continue their squabbling, plan already formulating.
You were waiting for the arrival of your dear friend Adam for a while now and you were beginning that he might’ve forgotten, which was unlikely considering how it seemed that Adam never forgot a single outing you took together to your shared spot, or was called as backup for a last minute mission and wasn’t given the chance to inform you of the change of plans. No matter the reasoning you were about to check up on him and his situation when you found yourself not looking where you were going and having walked into the equivalent of a brick wall, almost stumbling backwards and landing painfully on your ass had you weren’t caught in the strong arms of the very person you were looking for.
‘Adam?’ You said, looking at him and becoming hyperaware of how close you were to one another that it left you feeling heat rush up to greet your cheeks. You already knew Adam was a handsome lad with his golden skin, soft hair along with his bright golden eyes but upon seeing him up close and personal; you soon realised that you had merely caught a brief glimpse of his true beauty. Adam’s skin looked as though they withheld the ethereal glow of a million miniature stars with the way the glimmered and twinkled under any forms of light, no matter if it was florescent neons or natural, Adam looked just as godly as he was intended.
‘I’m sorry,’ Adam started, helping you back to a standing position but not making any effort in pulling away. ‘I was almost late to our regularly scheduled outings because I was…preoccupied with asking my fellow teammates an intimate question…concerning you.’ He finished almost sheepishly as he averted his eyes from yours in an uncharacteristic move of…embarrassment? And were his cheeks a deeper shade of gold, Was Adam perhaps flustered? But most importantly why was it that upon hearing this did you begin to feel an overwhelming amount of warmth dispersing throughout your body; from the tips of your toes to the top of your head, all you could feel was warmth, but it was nice, addicting form of warmth rather then one that made feel as though you were burning from the inside out.
‘Is there any reason why you’d go to them for advice instead of just coming to me?’ You asked with a hint of playfulness. ‘You know they’re too stubborn and hardheaded to come a joint conclusion that they can all agree on? You’d be better off getting advice from literally anyone else.’ You both chuckled, knowing firsthand this to be very much the truth but you couldn’t help but wonder what was about you that Adam needed the guardians help for? Did you come off as intimidating to the golden lad? Or did he not wish to be a burden to you as he paves himself a new road to wander; one where he was in control and what he said goes instead of remaining steadfast in his position as the ever faithful foot soldier. Thankfully you didn’t have to wait long for your answer.
‘The primary reason why I didn’t seek out your advice was because I wanted what I’d do to be a surprise.’ He said vaguely, still looking a little sheepish. It was adorable to see him like this as it just means that there was more sides to Adam that you weren’t privy to yet but hope to in future, should fate be so kind to the both of you. ‘And what kind of surprise would that be mr warlock?’ You said softly, bringing your arms to his shoulders as your fingers fiddled with the golden strands at the back of his neck. ‘I wanted to impress you because as of late I’ve been finding myself indescribably drawn to you, and it wasn’t until recently that I’m informed that what I feel for you was described as feeling such as infatuation, adoration and or in some instances, love.’ Adam admits, making sure to look you in the eyes whilst doing so as though to prove that his words were his truth, which was usually the case with him being rather straightforward with his wording that made him extremely endearing.
You smiled softly as you brought your forehead against his, brushing your nose against his, glad to finally having put your worries out to rest. ‘You never needed to impress me Adam,’ you told him softy, hearing the breath hitch in his throat, ‘you already had me impressed from the start, my golden skinned warrior.’
#adam warlock x you#adam warlock imagines#adam warlock x reader#adam warlock fic#adam warlock fluff#adam warlock imagine#adam warlock x y/n#mcu x y/n#mcu fic#mcu imagine#mcu imagines#mcu x reader#mcu x you#marvel fic#marvel x y/n#marvel x reader#marvel imagines#marvel x you#marvel imagine
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For the prompts "It's alright, I'm not going to let go." Jlaire but Monster hunter au?
“It’s alright, I’m not going to let go.” Jim promised keeping his hand steady around her side, stumbling, leading them both through the woods blindly.
Heart pounding up his throat.
His Vespa remains in the parking lot, as they tore off through the back door of the convenience store, which means they’ll have to loop around.
If they can do that, the muted voices just beyond sight don’t seem prepared to let up.
They’d stopped for snacks and gas after the Papa Skull concert out of town, simple as that, it’d turned into something much worse.
Claire coughs, sputtering between breaths sounding dry and rasping. He can feel her nails digging, pressing into his side as she struggles to get her legs to match his pace.
“What was that stuff they hit you with?” Was it poisonous? Or worse?
“Monkshood,”
Jim’s eyes widen. “Wolfsbane.”
And they’d had a plentiful stock too.
Werewolf hunters and not just in self defense, no, these people, they did it for sport, sickness twisted his gut and he fought it down.
“I should have known, I’m so sorry.”
“It’s—it’s not your fault.” She assured, sucking in a breath through her nose. “I just, I need to,”
They can’t keep going like this, he can’t stand to see her struggle. Jim checks over his shoulder before he stops, if they do catch up the least he can do is make himself the target.
Claire winces as he lowers her toward the forest floor, helping her lean on a fallen log.
“We can’t stop,” Her voice is thick with its intensity.
“You need to catch your breath.”
As much as she looks like she’s going to retort it never reaches the air, her chest heaving as she takes another deep breath instead.
He slides his phone out of his pocket, no service, he doesn’t have his sword, they weren’t prepared for this, who expects to be ambushed in a convenience store after all?
They’re outnumbered by at least three and if they have more Monkshood on them..silver weapons too, that won’t affect him, judging by the way the hunters reacted they probably assumed they were both werewolves. So maybe he could become a deterrent-
Claire leans forward, derailing his train of thought completely, pressing her forehead against his shoulder and Jim is more than happy to stay still, eternally if he must, hand sliding around one of hers.
“You’re overthinking this.”
“How did you—“
Claire makes a soft scoffing sound, like she could see the gears spinning in his head, looking up a him, “They’re nothing without their weapons, stupid things sting.”
Jim brushes his thumb along her lower lip, wiping away some of the dried blood. The cut isn’t bad, and with her healing it should be gone by tomorrow, but still..
Claire’s eyes flick up to meet his, the soft gold starting to glow as the sun goes down, orange and pink touching the trees.
“How long will it last?”
“Depends on the dose—“ Her fangs glint in the dying light, “Blinky said it’s more potent in liquid form, but they hit me head on with the bag of powder.”
It’s remnants remain dusted to the edges of her jeans, smeared on her boots.
Jim bites his lip, stomach churning with nerves.
“Are they close?”
She tilts her head, brows furrowing as she listens to sounds he can’t possibly make out.
“West of us, if we stay here they’ll likely come across us eventually.”
“They definitely know we’ll try to double back, and my Vespa’s still on empty,” He hadn’t even had the chance to buy gas before the cashier was drawing a dagger from underneath the counter and swiping it at his girlfriend.
Jim sucks in a sharp hiss as her touch gently strays across his arm, grazing the irritated, faintly bruising skin.
“They hurt you,”
“Lucky shot.”
“Which one was it?” She asks lowly. The gold seems wilder now, more intense.
“Claire.”
Despite the look in her eyes she grins, all sharp and dangerous teeth. “Just wanna know who I need to hit harder,”
Jim twists in the leaves, catching sight of something familiar. He’d seen clusters of them along the road, in a field they’d passed, a potted one on the gas station counter.
“This flower,” Jim uprooted one by the stem, “it, changed colors when you got up to the register.”
He brought it closer and Claire cringed, scrunching her nose in disgust.
“Lupine, I’ve seen it in books, detects werewolves. Smells rotten to me.”
The petals had begun to shift hues, ivory white fading to bleeding red the longer he held it between them.
“That’s how they knew,”
Claire pushed her back off the log, seeming to have caught her breath, using one knee as leverage. Jim grasped her hands, disregarding the flower and helping her up.
“Sun will be down in less than ten minutes.” Better opportunity for them to get away without being found or send them on a wild goose chase. “They won’t be able to find us,”
Claire shook her head, cracking her knuckles and Jim instantly knew what she was planning to do. “But I’ll be able to find them.”
#trollhunters#tales of arcadia#toa#jim lake jr#claire nuñez#jlaire#monster hunter au#asks#they’re so silly#I love the monster hunter au it’s so fun and so many possibilities#werewolf!claire
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The locals were throwing them a feast in thanks for saving the village. With music and booze and meat - what more could they ask for?
The chief even brought out a local speciality.
"This drink," he explained, "will compell you to go to your friends and tell them something honest." He went on to explain that though it might not be something you would normally say out loud, it very rarely led to hurt feeling on either side - it did of course happen ocasionally, but the drink was made specifically to celebrate and help strengthen bonds.
When offered the chance to try it, no one was surprised that Luffy took the opportunity. Their cook was next, having caught a wiff of it Sanji insisted he needed to learn the flavour profile. Franky was the third and final volunteer, claiming that honesty was SUPER.
The stawhats kept a close eye on their captain as he bounced around chatting with everyone in his vicinity, though it was hard to tell if the drink had taken effect yet, or if Luffy was simply being Luffy.
"Nami-swan!" Sanji called running eagerly up to the red head, with a bright smile on his face.
She greeted him in turn with a polite smile, allowing him to take one of her hands gently in his own
"Nami-swan, you are such a strong, amazing person and I am so glad that we met. I am so happy that we are friends!"
Namis eyes widdened as a blush spread across her cheeks. "Oh!" That wasnt what she had expected him to say at all. Now she found herself stumbling over how to respond.
"I see the elixer has begun to work, cook-san" Robin cut in with a soft smile.
"Robin-chwan!" He cheered taking her hand in his free one. "You are so brilliant and wonderful. Im always excited for you when we find ruins for you to study, or a poneglyph for you to read. I love seeing you happy!"
It was Robins turn to be left speachless. She knew the strawhats were okay with humouring her passion, but it still caught her off guard that they were people, that there could be people, who genuinely cared about her happiness.
Movement off to the side caught Sanjis attention and he took off as quickly as he had appeared.
"Usopp!" He cried, wrapping the man in a hug.
"Oof. Okay okay, you can let go-"
"I know how brave you are Usopp! I see it every time you do what you need to despite being scared! But i will still always do my best to protect you whenever I can!"
Usopps eyes watered for a moment before he threw his arms around the chef. "Sanji!!"
Zoro doesnt know what draws the blondes attention his way, hell maybe its just another special property of the drink, makes you zero in on the people you know one by one. He sort of wishes he hadnt been noticed though.
"Zoro!" He tried not to squirm or duck away as he was approached.
He didnt need the cook rushing over to - what? Tell Zoro that theyre friends? He knows theyre friends, its not something either of them should have to say out loud. Thats not what they do.
Or worse, the curly-browed idiot could decided to say something like 'you're strong', or 'you're a good fighter', or 'I respect you'.
That would just be uncomfortable for both of them. And the cook would probably regret it in the morning.
And just how would Zoro be able to respond to that? Zoro sure as hell cant respond in kind to that sort of comment. Hes not the one who drank a truth potion after all.
He could pick a fight of course, make fun of the blonde for coming over and smiling and talking with complete sincerety. Laugh at him for willingly taking the drink and spilling out his feelings everywhere.
"Oi! Zoro!" The cook was grinning at him in a way he never did, or at least he was until he tripped on something on the path and a look of concentration replaced the smile as the man focused on staying upright while stumbling the last few feet forward. This had Zoro fighting off a smile of his own. The staggering blonde was a stupid, and maybe slightly endearing, sight.
Sanji caught himself with one hand planted on Zoros chest, staring down at it in complete fascination.
"I think about kissing you all the time."
What.
Zoros breath caught.
"I would really like to suck your cock." Sanji continued, licking his lips, "Maybe tie you up first if you'd let me."
What?!
The blondes eyes slowly traced up from his hand on Zoros chest to meet his eyes. When he did, whatever he saw there, he seemed to realize exactly what he had just said.
Zoro watched as his mouth opened and closed several times, a dark blush racing across the mans face.
Finally Sanji snatched his hand away and turned on his heel before running back the way he came. Zoro almost chased after until he saw the blondes path change so he could scoop Chopper up in his arms.
The bright smile was back on his face, the blush fading. Whatever he was saying to Chopper had the reindeer wiggling and delightedly calling him a bastard.
Zoro watched the group - Franky was now openly sobbing while Nami pat his shoulder awkardly, Luffy was fully wrapped around Usopp - while he tried to catch up with what just happened.
How the hell was he supposed to respond to that?!
He sighed and decided he could confront the cook tomorrow. (Maybe.)
For now he needed a drink.
#zosan#roronoa zoro#black leg sanji#zoro#sanji#truth potion#i have a fever please shoot me im sorry#sanji has a dirty mind
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☰ 𝐒𝐩𝐚𝐧𝐤 𝐦𝐞 𝐩𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞
⧫ Character: Benkei
⧫ Reader: female | AFAB
⧫ Wordcount: 1.2k
⧫ Summary: Benkei is a little more rough with you for once
⧫ WARNINGS: sub!reader, fingering, spanking, oral (m!receiving), cum eating, unprotected sex
⧫ A/n: don’t want to miss a post? Sign up for my Taglist in my Navi! (This is a repost from my old blog)
Meeting Benkei was intimidating, that huge mountain of muscles towering over you with a scowl on his face he seemed to wear all the time. “Trust me, he's only half as bad as he looks” your friend Shinichiro joked and you nodded, trying not to flinch every time the man moved but you came to realize that Benkei was awfully aware of his appearance and how people saw him. The last thing he wanted to do was to scare you so he was extra gentle, earning himself a special spot in your heart and soon you found yourself calling the tall man just to hang out, spending more and more time with him as you grew comfortable around his antics.
Of course his gentle and careful behavior wasn't an act, he would never hurt the people he truly cares for and that seemed to cause some issues in your relationship at some point. Benkei loved you dearly but he treated you like fine china, hands barely ghosting over your skin, hips rolling into you with utmost care, it almost drove you insane. It's not like you didn't love the way he treated you, the way he made love to you but something bothered you… It was the way he was clearly holding back. More times than not his knuckles were white from how hard he gripped the sheets, a concentrated look on his face or how his hands fisted your hair and immediately let go again when you were giving him a good time. So you decided to finally speak up, voice out your desires in hopes he can let go and be as rough as he wants with you.
He was stumbling to the bedroom with you in his arms, tongues fighting for dominance before you were gently placed on the bed and he removed his tank top. Before he was able to kiss you again you placed your hands on his chest, making him stop and look at you with worry to which you sighed, pecking his lips shortly. “Why are you being so gentle with me? I like it when you’re rough.” You said sincere and Benkei almost looked offended. “I couldn't forgive myself if i ever hurt you” he answered eventually, sitting down next to you, looking like a beaten puppy and you cupped his cheek to make him look at you. “I promise that I can take it… And if not - Dragon. That's the safe word, yeah?” You reassured him and he took a while again to answer, eventually agreeing even though he wasn’t one hundred percent sure of it.
With a smirk you got undressed and placed yourself across his lap, sticking your ass up in a teasing way. “Then hit me big guy. Show me just how strong the famous Redcliff is” You hummed, wiggling your ass around and he groaned, a big hand kneading the flesh of your ass before it connected with it with a harsh slap, making you yelp. He immediately felt guilty but the way you looked up at him with those lust blown eyes made him do it again, this time earning a porn worthy moan from you. “You enjoy it when I hit you, hm angel?” He hummed and spanked you again, admiring the way you were squirming in his hold. “Yes. Please - again” You begged, addicted to the sting each of hif hits left behind, your arousal almost dripping onto his thighs below you.
This didn't go by unnoticed by him, pushing two fingers into you without a warning “such a naughty little girl… Getting off from getting spanked” he groaned, pumping his fingers in and out of your sopping cunt. Just before you had the chance to release he removed them, slapping your plush cheeks once again. He didn't expect that this pushed you over the edge but it did, whining as your cunt clenched around nothing and he enjoyed watching you struggle through the ruined orgasm.
You were quickly manhandled off his lap so he could undress himself completely, his impressive length hanging right in your face “You know what to do, sweetheart. Open up” he mused and smeared the tip of his cock along your lips, eagerly opening your mouth to give him what he wants. The look on your face when he pushed you down all the way was almost enough to let him cum right there but he was far from done with you, fisting your hair in a makeshift ponytail but keeping your nose nuzzled against the small patch of hair at the base. “Tap my thigh twice if it's too much, Baby” he reassured you, always putting your comfort first. You did your best to nod and that was all he needed, thrusting in and out of your throat to hear you gag and moan around him as he fucked your face the way you always dreamed off. Your nails were digging into his thick thighs in an effort to keep yourself grounded, enjoying the way each thrust stretched your throat open for him. Benkei was so lost in the pleasure, groans rumbling out of his chest along with praises but his fun was over too quickly, hips stuttering and you moaned, doe eyes looking up at him as he released his seed down your throat, pushing your head down all the way again. The lack of oxygen paired with the way his length twitched on your tongue had your mind spinning, your own fingers coming to rub your clit, slick running down your thighs.
He laughed amused when he pulled you off of him “still didn't get enough, Baby?” He asked in disbelief and pushed your hands away before harshly pushing you on all fours, using his weight to push your face into the pillows as he lined himself up with your needy core.
He slid in with esse from how wet you were for him, immediately bottoming out with one hard thrust, another moan rumbling through the room. His pace was ruthless, slamming his hips into yours while all you could do was lay there and take it, the force of his thrusts making it hard to stay in the position but you didn't want him to stop, legs already shaking from the pure pleasure. When you slid further away, unable to hold yourself up longer, he sneered “quit running away” he grunted and fisted your hair again to pull you up and towards his chest, one hand firmly planted on your hips as his onslaught of thrusts continued.
This new angle was all it took for you, screaming his name as you came hard, liquids gushing out of you on the sheets below, some of it dripping down his heavy balls and he pushed you into the pillows again to give you a final powerful thrust, followed by a broken moan of your name. You felt how his seed painted your insides white, twitching heavily inside of you as you milked him for everything he had to give.
It stayed silent for a short while, only panting to be heard before he pulled out and laid down on the bed, immediately pulling you into his chest. “This was- wow” he chuckled, feeling spent from it all and you nodded, kissing his broad chest. “I told you i can take it” You giggled but poked his chest shortly after “but i don't think i can walk or sit for a day or two”.
#tokyo revengers x reader#tokyo revengers x female reader#tokyo revengers smut#benkei x reader#benkei x female reader#benkei smut#keizo arashi x reader#keizo arashi x female reader#keizo arashi smut#keizo arashi#tokyo revengers benkei#repost ♡
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'tis the season, my love.
I would love to see what you think Joel would do for a makeshift Thanksgiving.
This is all I could have ever hoped to receive. My sweet man...
Count Your Blessings
Joel Miller x f!reader
Word Count: 1.3k
Content: Joel Miller feels and fluff
No matter how quietly he tried to slip away, you always felt it. Whether you were on a floor, squeezed onto a couch too small for both of your bodies, or by some chance you'd stumbled across a mattress fit enough to sleep on, your eyes were fluttering open the moment his heat left your side.
"Joel..." you whined, your hand grasping his wrist as darkness greeted your sleep-hazed eyes, the sun hadn't even begun to rise yet.
"Sshh, go back to sleep darlin'," he cooed, "I'll be back before the sun's up."
But he wasn't. Panic had set in by the time the light had begun to seep over the mountains, and you were ready to grab your rifle and head out into the woods to search when the morning frost had melted on the barely above-freezing November morning.
"He's fine," Ellie sounded from the corner nonchalantly, her nose buried in the latest comic Joel had scrounged up at the last town you'd raided for supplies, “He probably found some tree to inspect for sturdiness or trotted off after a deer. You know how he gets.”
He had been wanting to fix a few things in the abandoned cabin you’d found to spend the winter in, much of his grumbling had been about rotting beams and chilling drafts for the past two weeks. But he could be dead, too.
“What are you reading?” you asked, trying anything to keep your mind occupied.
“Same thing I was reading when you asked ten minutes ago. For the record, I’m sure he’ll be thrilled to know you’re this concerned about him.”
The budding relationship between you and Joel had always been one of Ellie’s favorite running jokes, even after the wayward glances and flirtatious smiles had bloomed into shared beds, goodnight kisses, and threaded fingers on the treks from place to place. You were his and he was yours, it was established now, and in the 20 years since all hell had broken loose, you’d never been more content.
Except when he ran off. And he did that more than you’d have liked.
Leaving Ellie was out of the question, you’d feel the wrath of that for days if he came home while you were out searching for him, no matter how decent your intentions were. Your knee shook nervously as you sat beside her on the couch, your lip chewed raw and stomach a knot tighter than a sailor could tie.
“I’m about to go find him myself…” Ellie griped as she got up and retreated to the room she’d claimed as her own–the bigger one–leaving you completely alone with your thoughts that spiraled into darkness even faster than you expected.
Joel had come too close to death too many times. You’d stitched him, cauterized him, cleaned him up, and held his tired, exhausted body too many fucking times. This was supposed to be downtime, it’s why you’d searched for so long for something that seemed as safe as one could be outside gated walls, but Joel always had other plans.
“Where the fuck are you?” you muttered under your breath, pulling his shirt tighter around your frame as you stared at the empty fireplace. You should light one, the one he’d set had extinguished an hour ago thanks to your lack of diligence and the cold was beginning to bite.
“Right here,” that deep timbre called from the front door, heavy, even boot steps easing your racing mind, “Why’d you let my fire go out?”
Now wasn’t the time for teasing. He smelled strongly of pine when you leapt into his arms, yours locking around his neck as you pressed your nose into his coarse, grayed beard. The reception surprised him, his tone changing as he greeted you softer this time, hands gripping you tightly as you breathed him in.
“Thank God!” Ellie exclaimed as she emerged from hiding, plopping down on the one good kitchen chair in the place, Joel’s gruff chuckle vibrating in your ear, “I swear she thought you walked off and died.”
“That so?” he purred, his lips pecking to the side of your head, “Now why would I go and do that?”
“I don’t know,” you sighed, relinquishing your hold on him, the tangled knot in your gut finally releasing slightly.
“Can you help me outside for a second, kiddo?” he asked Ellie, watching as you slouched back onto the couch, pity in his gaze, “I’m sorry, sweetheart. I know I’m later’n I said I would be. Here. Found ya somethin’.”
That piqued your interest. A blustery wind hit you as he reopened the door, your body beginning to tremble at the sudden change in temperature until a heavy wool blanket was draped over your lap and chest, thick fingers tucking it up beneath your chin eliciting a breathy sigh of relief.
“There you go,” he soothed, his thumb and pointer pinching at your chin, “I’m gonna start this fire again. Keep it goin’ for me.”
He knew you all too well. You had passed out within minutes, his confirmation coming when he stepped back in to make sure the flames were roaring and spreading their heat to the furthest corners of the tiny shelter. He couldn’t resist pressing a kiss to your forehead after laying you down from the upright position you’d succumbed to exhaustion in, he was well aware you wouldn’t have fallen back asleep after catching him sneaking out. This, however, gave him the freedom to enact his larger plan, Ellie already hard at work on her agreed-upon half in the garage.
“Sweetheart.” He always woke you so gently, even in the direst of times. However, this wasn’t dire, not in a sense you were used to anyway. “Kitchen, c’mon.”
Even through the fog of a nap that went on for too long, you could smell food that definitely didn’t come from a can. You swore you’d have forgotten the scent of it by now, but it came rushing back like a muscle memory, your stomach gurgling and mouth watering as a sight that had you ready to burst into tears came into view.
Ellie was already seated at the table, two mismatched chairs joining the only other one in the house, freshly scavenged and repaired. Both of them had changed their shirts, clearly after an attempt to wash them, Joel’s still damp at the rolled sleeve on his forearm, Ellie’s just slightly too big despite the growth spurt she’d just had.
“What is this?” you asked, managing to push back the wave of bliss-fueled emotions as Joel pulled your chair out, a real plate and cutlery set out in front of you.
“We wanted to do somethin’ nice,” Joel explained, taking the seat at the head of the table, both of his hands flattening on the wood for you and Ellie to take hold of, “And it’s Thanksgiving. Or, at least somewhere ‘round there.”
“I know he’s a lot to put up with,” Ellie jested, loudly slapping her palm into his, “So you deserved a nice dinner at least.”
“You ain’t no saint either, kid,” he reminded with a coy smirk, “I found two rabbits. Ellie here’s been workin’ on a damn fine broth in the garage for days from last week’s catch, and well, the rest is from a can–”
“It’s perfect,” you whimpered, the calloused skin of his hands enclosing yours.
“Yeah. All right, good. Well, dig in, then.”
It took a few minutes for you to notice Joel’s plate had remained empty, his arms crossed over his chest as he leaned back and watched you and Ellie laughing and enjoying the fruits of his labor. He looked peaceful and content–he looked as if his world hadn’t ended but was only just beginning.
“You need to eat,” you sounded, lifting your plate to scrap what little you had left onto his until his hand stopped you, pushing it back onto the table.
“I got everything I need right here.”
Joel Miller Masterlist
#joel miller x f!reader#joel miller x you#joel miller x reader#joel miller fluff#the last of us fanfiction#pedrostories
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Recommended Misc Fics of January 2023💖
hello, hello! here are my recs for ateez & seventeen for january! hopefully these beautiful stories get more recognition as well as the writers 💝
** anything in parentheses and bolded are my thoughts that can be disregarded if needed **
🔞smut || 💔angst || 💕fluff || ✅completed || 🔄ongoing || 💯favorite
HYBRID AU
19.55 || @songmingisthighs💕✅
↳ san. what is san ? san's a cat. but san's not just a cat. san's an adorable cat
MAFIA AU
4.11 || @songmingisthighs💕 ✅
↳ you thought he didn't care, he was sure he doesn't, he had said it so himself to you. that was, until he almost lost the chance of being able to care for you.
OTHER AU
She Loves Me, He Loves Me Not || @thelargefrye💔✅💯
↳ an argument breaks out between you and yunho which results in yunho saying somethings he shouldn’t have. now you begin to question your place in the relationship.
EXES TO LOVERS AU
Heart & Seoul || @milfgyuu🔞💕💔✅💯
↳ Your first love hit hard & fast but it was all swept away in the blink of an eye when your boyfriend is sent away to a Korean University after your high school graduation. Seven years later, work lands you in the heart of Seoul & never in your wildest dreams did you imagine running into the one person who’d left with your heart years ago. (literally will go back and read this. like i cant. prob 1/3 of my fav fic series that i have read so far)
OTHER AU
Between Heaven + Hell || @yoongimingyu 🔞💕✅💯💯💯
↳ Two of your hot friends get very into their halloween costumes. But when they said they were going to be an angel and a devil, this is not what you expected.
KIDULT || @hvae 💕💔✅💯
↳ Two of your hot friends get very into their halloween costumes. But when they said they were going to be an angel and a devil, this is not what you expected. (was this one of the fic findings that i did? yes, yes it was. did i read this at work? yes, yes i did. did i cry at work because of this? YES, YES I SURE DAM DID BECAUSE AH. also who doesnt love children versions of idols. just imagine the faces they got now, but on tiny little bodies. like you know that snapchat filter where it literally baby-fied your face? yea imagine that filter on them but on tiny little bodies.)
Push It Down (Sooner or Later It All Comes Out) || @dontflailmenow🔞💕✅💯💯💯
↳ thirsting over your ex’s best friend in general is a bad idea. given that you and seungcheol have never gotten along, it’s even worse. when you accidentally stumble across his stream, though, and he finds out? all bets are off. (listen, james can go choke BUT CHEOL CAN CHOKE ME ANY DAY. 2/3 of my fav fic series that i have read so far)
Reckless Driver || @hengqarae 🔞💕💔✅
↳ you hate racing and you don't date racers. kim mingyu loves racing, and he finds out that he loves you, too, from the moment that he first lays eyes on you.
Terrifyingly Innocent || @twogyuu🔞💕✅💯💯💯
↳ Fearful of losing her, yet unwilling to leave; this agreement between Seungcheol and his best friend’s little sister was meant to be casual and temporary, yet he finds himself growing more attached to her day by day. (jihoon may be small but that man can probably pack a punch. gotta love me some fake dating cheol though. 3/3 of my fav fic series that i have read so far)
The Only Exception || @wonusite🔞💕✅
↳ Your university’s star football player doesn’t understand why you don’t want anything to do with him. Several humiliating rejections later, Mingyu is more determined than ever to change your mind about him. Chaos and confusing feelings ensue.
Virgin Killer || @wonusite 🔞✅
↳ You can’t stand the clear line the cute nerd in your calculus class always draws between you two. However, you’re determined to show him that there’s a fine line between love and hate. And if you happen to get him to cross that line, even better.
SOCIAL MEDIA AU
I Like You || @taeyegu💕💔✅
↳ “i like you so much, i want to give you my everything, only for you…”
You Were Beautiful || @viastro 💕💔✅
↳ a modernized cinderella au. in which you and joshua meet through your love for boba popsicles, but end up living out your very own complicated, mess filled, cinderella story.
Do check out all of the other Group Fics that i have reblogged as well!!
** if there is any fics that you guys would like to recommend, please do! i am slowly running out of fics to read **
#ateez scenarios#ateez angst#ateez fluff#ateez mafia au#ateez hybrid au#seventeen scenarios#seventeen fluff#seventeen angst#seventeen smut#seventeen social media au#seventeen exes to lovers au#seventeen fic recs#seventeen recs#ateez fic recs#ateez recs
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it's time again for my favourite genre of post: tumblr user bee brotherdusk theorises wildly during the Foundation midseason!
on the menu this time is Poly and Constant's Imperial Vacation From Hell, or "oh god, I just wanted to make sure one of my favourite guys was going to be okay, but somehow I ended up sending over two dozen increasingly frantic messages to the discord while everyone else was asleep, pepe silvia-style"
(today I learned that grandpa joe shows up when you type "pepe silvia" into the gif search. deserved)
I'm gonna stick this under a readmore as it gets pretty long and image heavy, and potentially contains big spoilers for upcoming episodes, and I know some people want to watch the show completely unspoiled. all theories are based on official promotional videos already released by apple. no leaks or insider book knowledge here!
so I sort of stumbled into this theory in three stages, and I'm going to stick to that template as I talk through my analysis here, starting with:
Part 1 - I'm Genre Aware Now And Everything Hurts
let's be real, nobody saw Hari's (apparent) death coming in the last episode. death is far less of a concern in this show than in others, as the narrative all but guarantees the long-term survival of its core characters. Hari (apparently) dying so quickly after having his body restored was a massive shock, and jolted us out of the complacency that the show had lulled us into.
when the title and description of next week's episode dropped, fan concern quickly turned to Poly, who @gaal-dornick and @aquitainequeen noted has started to exhibit the classic symptoms of Tragic Mentor Figure Disease:
also, there's, y'know, The Guillotine Situation as shown in Trailer 1:
Poly's death seemed so likely that I was beginning to dread the coming episodes, but something was nagging at me; I had a vague memory of seeing a trailer where he was on Terminus and in a situation that we haven't yet seen him in. maybe he does survive his brush with Brother Day, then? I started rewatching all of the trailers, teasers, and character spotlight videos that Apple released in the run-up to season two, and came across something way wilder than I'd expected:
Part 2 - Star Bridge 2: Council Boogaloo
I found another camera shot of Poly and Constant's apparent execution in the Brother Dawn character spotlight video - note the pillars in front of the crowd, the flags in the back, and Dawn, Sareth, Demerzel, Dusk, and Rue standing on the platform behind Day and the prisoners.
note also the onlookers in the maroon robes, who are also visible in the guillotine closeup I posted above...
...hey, it's the Galactic Council as seen in 2.06, with their GILF-y leader at the front in both scenes!
remember how terrified Cleon XII was of their judgement in the season one finale? we still don't know what their exact deal is, but they're clearly big cheeses politically if XII of all people is afraid of them:
here's yet another angle of the execution from Trailer 2 - same setup, same arrangement of Empire on the podium:
let's see what happens in that shot, will we? ..... oh
... did an explosion just go off in the heart of Trantor and potentially take out the entire galaxy's government in one go???? (I mean, Empire are probably fine with their auras and nanobots and backups, but I'm not feeling too good about the Council's chances right now...)
wait - the pulse and shape that appear on the horizon bear a striking resemblance to the new Foundation whisper ships - especially Poly and Constant's ship, Spirit Rising, which is currently in the hands of Hober Mallow...
why did he take their ship, again?
holy fucking shit Hari Seldon you insane rat bastard (admiring, horrified, impressed). what have you DONE. a blade in case the religious hand of friendship doesn't work out, you say??
(sidenote: this was literally the Anacreon plan for the Invictus in the first season - the scale of the destruction would have been magnitudes worse due to the Invictus' size, but same concept)
honestly, I kind of hope the entire Council perishes in the Mallowpocalypse, if only because it would make this exchange in 2.06 deliciously ironic:
the worst detectives in the world finally found their shared braincell and made a deduction! I'm proud of them!
also, Glawen literally saw this coming in 2.04 and Bel brushed him off. ¯_(ツ)_/¯ sad!
regarding casualties - I think this shot from Trailer 1 is the aftermath of the blast. Day was standing much closer to the explosion than the rest of Empire and Dominion, and so would have taken more damage, aura or not. I also see Sareth, Rue (?), and Dawn - jury's out on whether being dead is the latest item added to Dusk's rapidly expanding list of problems?
a direct attack on Trantor would also explain why Day goes on a personal tour of the Outer Reach and ends up on Terminus, screaming for an audience with Hari Seldon (Trailer 1 again):
and hey, Poly's right behind him! he's Empire's best chance of getting a personal audience with the Prophet, after all. Poly also pops up in Day's character spotlight video, in what I'm guessing is the execution scene again, judging from the collar and the guard restraining him. it might even be the aftermath of the blast, since the shot is pretty chaotic and dusty looking. what's got him so upset?
... and it was at this moment that I realised that while Poly is present in the later Terminus scenes with Day, Brother Constant is not, and I started to worry that I'd been focusing on the wrong person the whole time, leading to...
Part 3 - What About Constant?
oh no. the question of Constant's safety has been hanging over both Poly and the viewer since 2.02. oh no
I thought I might have caught a glimpse of her in the Teaser 1 video - being restrained in the background as Day does his infamously-giffed-to-hell Big Steppy on Hober's throat - but I still wanted more concrete proof of her wellbeing.
and finally I found her in the Pillars of Foundation video, alive and well, but -
HER NECK!! HER NECK!!!
if Constant's life is just barely saved by Hober showing up in the nick of time to prevent her decapitation by an insane tyrant I will literally never be normal again. romance. that's romance. (also incredibly shitty of Vault!Hari to take her blind faith and turn her into a pawn for the Empire to slaughter, but I guess that's expected behaviour from him by now.)
... I was literally about to hit post on this theory, but I just realised; that scene in Teaser 1 where Day is facing down a bishop's claw... we all assumed he was being attacked by a wild beast in the Outer Reach - but what if he's lying in the ruins of the podium on Trantor, and the bishop's claw is a freed Beki going on a rampage? god I hope this happens. imagine being Emperor of the Galaxy, about to perform some casual executions before dinner, and suddenly you're flat on your ass with a Hell Dinosaur about to bite your face off. incredible scenes
and that's all I've got! TLDR; Hari knew that the emperors and Galactic Council would become increasingly paranoid and aggressive as the Empire contracted, and would jump at the chance to publicly end an attempted religious takeover by the "barbarian" Outer Reach. That mass gathering at the execution would be the perfect time to strike with a whisper ship, a technology which the Empire has no idea even exists. This enrages Day into visiting Terminus to deal with the Foundation in person, and potentially destabilises the Empire further if the Council have been wiped out. Empire's structure and dignity are decimated without a single shot being fired - and if there is going to be an eventual, physical war, the Foundation is now in a much better position to fight it.
again, this is just me making a theory and connecting everything together with red string etc etc. I haven't attempted to explain everything, such as the Spacers' or Riose's involvement, and have doubtless got some details wrong - but I'm really excited by how things are connecting and can't wait for next week's episode :}
#foundation#foundation season 2#foundation apple tv#foundation meta#hari seldon#poly verisof#brother constant#hober mallow#brother day#cleon xvii
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accidents happen - eddie munson x f!reader
warnings: none really, eddie hurts reader but it is a complete accident & he’s very apologetic and concerned!!
-
meeting your loving, metal head of a boyfriend in the woods was a regular occurrence, it was something you did on an almost daily basis and didn’t plan on putting a stop to anytime soon. it was your favourite thing, getting time with your boyfriend without the audience watching the two of you everytime you showed each other a slither of affection.
you met him at the bench that was planted in the middle, the one he usually occupied when he was ‘working’, he realised the more he came there to do his dealings it was always vacant and so he proposed the idea of using it as your own little spot. it was a little weird at first, but it quickly grew on you when you noticed how relaxed eddie was when you were alone with him.
when the familiar bench came into sight, your face lit up as you noticed your boyfriend already sat with his familiar attire on: a hellfire shirt and a pair ripped, skinny jeans. his back was turned to you and the closer you got, you realised he was messing around with the metal lunchbox which usually contained his drugs and cash. he held what looked like a screwdriver in one hand, as he attempted to mend the container for whatever reason.
usually, when you got close eddie would hear you approaching and be up on his feet in an instant ready to greet you with a warm hug and a kiss, but this time he remained seated and with that in mind a sly smile crept onto your features. the young man was obviously consumed with the task at hand, completely cutting off his senses as he still hadn’t noticed you were creeping up on him despite the many twigs you snapped and leaves that crunched under your feet.
so with a mischievous plan in mind, you walked a little lighter on your feet and slowed your steps until you were inches behind him. bending over slightly, until your mouth was right next to his ear you finally spoke.
“watcha doin’?”
a shriek rang through the woods, one you barley had the chance to enjoy as a quick pain spread across your left eye and you stumbled on your feet. amidst the scare, one that was meant to be a harmless prank that should’ve ended with him giving you a mighty glare as you doubled over laughing at the girly-like scream that came from the grungy looking man, eddie’s arm had flung back from his lunchbox resulting in his elbow connecting with your eye.
you groaned, clutching at your eye which was now pulsing in pain with both palms. after a second or two had passed, eddie finally registered what had just happened and quickly jumped up from the wooden bench with frantic motions.
“oh my god, oh my god! jesus christ sweetheart, you scared me to death you can’t do that! are you okay? how badly does it hurt? do you need ice?” as he continued to ramble on, firing a bunch more questions at you, he quickly wrapped his arms around you and pulled you into his chest with you still clutching at your eye with both hands.
he pressed a quick kiss to the top of your head, rubbing his palms up and down your arms. “i’m so sorry, oh my god i’m the worst boyfriend ever. please tell me you’re okay.”
you frowned, pulling away from his embrace the second he started badmouthing himself. “eddie, don’t say that. it was an accident.” he glanced down at you, as you now stared back up at him, “it was more my fault than anything, just didn’t expect it to end like that.”
you made sure to keep your tone light, almost amused at the situation as the ends of your mouth quirked up slightly. he seemed to sag in relief at that, knowing now that first of all you weren’t in any serious pain, but also you weren’t mad at him. he still felt like a massive dick though.
“can i see your eye, pretty girl?”
you nodded, finally pulling your hands away from your new injury awaiting to hear the damage that had been done. a low whistle was made as he examined your eye, he brushed his thumb across it (being careful to not add too much pressure) as he gave you a sympathetic smile.
“yep. that’s definitely gonna leave a mark.” he sighed, your eye was now surrounded by reddened skin that started at the top of your eyelid and ended just where your cheekbone started. it was slightly swollen, but nothing that nobody would notice unless they stared at you for a long time.
“come on, we need to go get you some ice for that before it starts swelling.” he instructed, his arm slung over your shoulder and he pulled you into him whilst his free hand grabbed the lunchbox he had just been messing around with.
“what were you even doing?” you questioned him, glancing down at the box and then back up at him.
“fixing it, the lids gone all stiff. can barely open it without having to use the big guns.” he brought his arm up to showcase his muscles in a teasing manner, leaving you giggling and rolling your eyes at your absolute child of a boyfriend.
“whatever you say eddie, just keep the big guns to yourself from now on.” you retorted, laying a quick kiss on his cheek to let him know you were joking.
it was his turn to roll his eyes now, his focus drifting from the floor to you as his gaze softened at the sight of his adorable girlfriend who was looking back at him with a humours glint in her eye despite what had just happened.
“keep it hush you, let me take you out for ice cream to make it up?”
despite knowing it was an accident, and that you weren’t mad or upset with him in the slightest, he still couldn’t help the ache in his heart when his eyes lingered over the mark he had caused. you sighed, knowing exactly how he was feeling by the look on his pale features and quickly pulled him to a stop.
“you don’t have to make it up to me eddie, you did nothing wrong! i don’t blame you for anything, okay?” you held eye contact with him, hoping he was able to understand how serious you were.
he nodded, a hand coming up to rub at the back of his neck as he did. “okay. but i still wanna buy you ice cream ... please?”
you tilted your head to the side, your eyes focusing on the sky above the both of you as you pretended to think about the offer. “hmmm ... i suppose so. as long as i get three scoops, big ones.”
he mimicked your faux thinking position, though it didn’t take long for a cheesy grin to ruin the illusion. “of course you can! anything for the damsel in distress.”
#eddie munson#eddie munson x reader#eddie munson x f!reader#eddie munson oneshot#eddie munson fic#eddie munson fluff#stranger things x reader#stranger things fic#joseph quinn x reader
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Kirby AU talk: "Memories Still At A Halt"
Susie stumbles upon an active clockwork star that then invites her to make any wish that it'll be more than willing to grant.
This was by complete accident. She didn't at all plan on activating a clockwork star. She was just taking a vacation on Planet Popstar, and when she ended her vacation and flew across the cosmos on her way home to the Haltmann Work Company's headquarters, this clockwork star seemingly comes out of nowhere.
Some planets definitely had their energy used to activate this comet somehow, but it's not known who did this, or if it was even anyone that intentionally did this because they wanted to make a wish.
Regardless, Susie would've never expected this to happen in a million years. She's completely astonished and bewildered by this occasion.
READY. ->
I WILL GRANT YOU ONE WISH... ->
OK. -> 3... 2... 1... GO! ->
Susie is initially a bit reluctant, but she then decides to make a wish.
At first, she's unsure what to have her wish be. She still takes a minute to fully fathom the situation at hand, as her bewilderment isn't very quick to fade.
But she eventually thinks it up. She's made the decision on what she wants her wish to be. She decides that it's at least worth a try.
"I wish for Max Profitt Haltmann to be brought back to life!"
There's a huge amount of nervousness behind her wish. Deep down, she fears that it may go horribly wrong, but she still takes up the chance to finally be potentially able to fix things with her father.
The clockwork star grants her wish. It revives Max Haltmann.
At first, he's comatose. Susie gently grabs him with her mech's arms, and then carries him with her as she makes her way back home.
When he finally wakes up after they get home, he...
.... He still doesn't recognize her as his daughter.
This is why she was nervous while making that wish.
And it still makes her feel incredibly disheartened.
It also appears that he had no ghost in the afterlife and merely popped back into existence in his perspective after the clockwork star brought him back. And the last thing he remembers is Susie having stolen the Star Dream helmet from him when he tried to use it.
This comes off to an absolutely horrible start. After Max Haltmann processes the fact that he was dead and was then brought back, he then snaps at Susie and calls her an "insolent traitor" for getting him killed in the first place. She immediately swears that she never intended to kill him and she was just trying to get him to come to his senses, because Star Dream caused him to go off the deep end.
But he doesn't listen. In fact, he doubles down on his anger towards her. He complains about the "lack of infinite prosperity" because Susie reworked the HWC's practices and policies, as the company is no longer mechanizing planets. He accuses her of being a complete embarrassment that "ruined everything" about the HWC and "turned it into a shell of its former self". He's extremely harsh and rude to her.
Susie doesn't take it sitting down, though. Previously, she'd capitulate and yield to his demands, but now it's different. She now refuses to yield to him when he makes his vehement exclamations. She stands her ground and fights back against every single smear he flings.
The HWC can't even mechanize planets without Star Dream's presence anyways. Susie rebuilt the HWC without it. And she's refused to build another machine like Star Dream to make that possible again because she didn't want to deal with the risks that it'd bring. Plus, she's now friends with Kirby and wants to stay on his good side.
Initially, despite having internal anger at how rude and grating his voice is during his exclamations, she tries to be as calm as possible when she makes her counterarguments. But she eventually loses her cool as he then says something that's especially vile and disgusting.
.... He straight up calls her a wild savage at one point.
That right there caused her to lash out and attack. Immediately after he called her that, she then punches him in the face. There was more than enough strength behind that punch to knock him onto the floor.
Susie asserts her power over him as she's the current CEO of the company, and she has absolutely no interest in giving that up. It's so much easier for her to fight back now as he's not in a position of power to mistreat her. And he can't take back the CEO position because every employee in the company thinks Susie is a much better boss than he ever was. He will need to bend to her now.
Fortunately, things get better after that atrocity of an introduction. Max Haltmann eventually gets some sense knocked into him as Susie is able to convince him that Star Dream was a bad influence and that the company is in a much better place with her practices instead of the ones that were in place from before. He apologizes for being so vile to her as he comes to accepts the HWC's new practices.
... But he's still entirely unable to recognize her as his daughter.
This continues to distress Susie on the inside. It reopens old wounds for her. But at least she doesn't have to steal a supercomputer for him to get him to look her way. At least it's easier to reign him in.
At one point, she tries to explain everything to him. About how he's supposed to be her father, that she was trapped in Another Dimension for a long time and eventually came back, and she deduces that Star Dream tampered with his memories somehow. That the machine somehow caused him to forget about her. She doesn't know that he was trying to use Star Dream to bring her back, however.
How does Max Haltmann react to the revelations? It's... sadly not what Susie was hoping for. He's initially in utter disbelief. Although he does slowly come to understand that it "might" be the truth, but he's still incredibly reluctant to treat her like his daughter because he still legitimately can't recall ever having a daughter at all to begin with.
It's clear that he still doesn't actively remember.
He does become a lot nicer to her after the revelation, but she's still unsatisfied. Especially when he's still not willing to accept hugs from her yet. He awkwardly pats her back to try to comfort her when he catches her being sad, but he clearly still doesn't act like her dad yet.
When Susie left Another Dimension, all she wanted was a hug from her dad while reuniting with him. She still doesn't get that even now. It makes her feel heartbroken. And it also makes her feel awful for him as she's increasingly convinced that Star Dream stole his memories. Even as he gradually becomes nicer, he's still stubborn, easily confused, clumsy and easy to lose focus. It saddens her to see it.
She takes care of him. She's his caretaker. She gets her employees to work on necessary treatments for his health problems. With how much he's struggling, she's pretty much having to babysit him. Imagine a young woman babysitting her own father. That's lowkey what's happening here.
She puts a lot of time and effort in taking care of him.
But he just... seemingly doesn't reach the line. They're able to have a good relationship, but he's still unwilling every time she tries to lightly gesture for a hug. He seems to view her more as a friend much younger than him than as his daughter. That's... not what she wants.
Susie tries to keep it to a minimum around Max, but she's internally depressed over this. She finds herself weeping at times when she's alone, worrying he's never going to remember her as his daughter.
She vents this to her friends: Taranza, Magolor, Kirby and the Mage Sisters. Her father is back and alive again, and she's still having to get hugs from her friends because her senile father is still not willing to accept hugs from her. It makes her friends really sad, especially when they meet her dad in person and see it for themselves that he's still not acting like a real dad to her. Magolor was the first one to see her dad brought back when he visited the HWC's headquarters by getting there with the Lor Starcutter. He was initially excited to meet Haltmann and humorously even try to insert himself as a nephew figure, but that fell apart after he saw how the man acted.
The Mage Sisters, alongside their patriarch Hyness, especially feel terrible at this. Even when Hyness was in his bad phase of madness, he never forgot his daughters entirely. It made him feel bad for Susie for still not being recognized by her dad, and it also made him feel bad for Haltmann as he agrees with Susie's claim that Star Dream wiped his memories, as he was able to deduce that's what happened.
Susie's friends try to comfort her and tell her that at least her dad is still alive again, and they're proud of her for at least being able to make amends with him at all even if he can't wholly remember. They all admit they can't be sure whether or not he'll ever come around to truly remember, but they tell her to not give up. She doesn't give up, although it's still internally hurting for her.
There are moments where it seems like he's so close to finally remembering, with the more recent kind-hearted interactions that the two have. But sadly, he just doesn't ever seem to get there. She is at least happy to see him being nice to her and that they're able to get along perfectly well, but it's just... not enough. She wants more.
It's probably greedy on her behalf, but he's supposed to be her father.
Is it possible him to ever remember her? He does come to "understand" that he "might" be, but he doesn't take it too seriously. At least for a long while. It still truthfully doesn't sit that right for him.
-----
Thank you so much if you've taken the time to read the synopsis for this AU! This is yet another Kirby AU that I've had in my mind for a bit.
It's also funny because... don't I literally have another AU where Max Haltmann gets brought back? That I literally wrote into fanfiction? "Lost Miracles That Finally Become"? Indeed! But that one's completely different. In that one, Haltmann gets brought back alongside Sectonia, as they both come back in their right minds.
But in this AU, it's different. Haltmann is brought back not in his right mind. At the beginning, his mindset is exactly the same as he was at the time of his death in Planet Robobot, and while he does become nicer to Susie over time, he doesn't ever truly get to remember her as his daughter like she hoped, much to her grief and disheartenment.
I'd like to point out that I normally headcanon Haltmann having a ghost, despite seemingly having been erased from existence. I just like having that as a headcanon so he can feel grief and misery by watching over Susie without being able to interact with her. But this AU fully goes through with the "erased from existence" thing, as it mentions that he had no ghost and just popped back into existence after the clockwork star grants Susie's wish to bring him back to life.
Morpho Knight let the whole thing slide. At some point, it shows up to Susie and tells her that she was lucky to bring Haltmann back, because he wasn't a soul in the afterlife beforehand. Otherwise, Morpho Knight would've stopped her from bringing Haltmann back.
Allow me to link another Kirby AU that I made a synopsis for; Dark Stormy Matters, a story where Kracko goes off the deep end and makes a wish to a clockwork star to revive Dark Matter and then fuses with it to cause wide-scale destruction. Unfortunately, it seems like that post is not viewable in its respective tags when clicking on them and looking at the recent ones! I don't understand that at all. That's partially why I'm linking it here so it hopefully gets seen more.
But anyways... thank you for reading! See you all later.
#kirby#susie haltmann#susie kirby#kirby susie#susanna patrya haltmann#max profitt haltmann#max haltmann#president haltmann#star dream#robobot armor#haltmann works company#access ark#kirby planet robobot#magolor#taranza#the mage sisters#hyness#king dedede#meta knight
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Hello once again RD tumblr. I recently went on an extreme discord ramble about Cocole in my au and its so long i feel it be a waste not to put it here! usual me warning of yeah its reallly long under the cut. anyways have fuuun
(PS im not editing this from the discord messages cus im eepy so might be a bit messy!)
So to start before rhythm doctor even starts some background on CC Cole and Nicole.
Cole first:
Cole was a single child that grew up a VERY privileged life style. Rich neighborhood and spoiled rotten at the expectation that he would be like his parents. (be a CEO or high ranking individual like his dad n have a stay at home wife like his mother) Cole however ended up with a music obsession ever since he was 12 and started playing the piano. At first his parents encouraged this, giving him lessons and everything but when they realized music was the only thing he did care about, they were more hesitant on supporting him n tried moving him on a different path. This does work well on a rebellious spoiled teen so Cole just ended up becoming more obsessed out of spite. Spending all of his allowance on his electric guitar, synth and microphone. Cole was still being a freeloader off of his parents money by 22, never having actually gotten a job and just barely finishing highschool. His parents kicked him out when he refused to get a job n this lead him eventually to Middlesea after many long train rides across the countryside. Got admitted to the hospital basically as soon as he got to Middlesea due to a lack of sleep and an extreme amount of caffeine drinking. Doesn’t mind too much because it gives him company and he wanted to stay in Middlesea anyways since it was told to him by a chance encounter with miner that it was the capital of music.
Now Nicole:
Much less privileged growing up in comparison to Cole. Moved to Middlesea when she was just 1 from Norway since her dad got a job offer. Unfortunately said offer fell through and now they were stuck in North America just trying to make do. Nicole grew up with all brothers- 1 older, 2 younger. Picked up the guitar after begging for a full year for her parents to get her one for her 14th birthday. (which they did) Nicole grew up with dreams of grandeur- being a famous enough player to help her family and be know more then the awkward lanky gameboy girl in class. Her dreams of that were half crushed though when she entered a high school talent show that she was planning on playing at but when she was actually on stage she completely froze up and had a panic attack. Got bullied pretty relentlessly for it and the nail in the coffin was seeing how poor her family was in comparison to others and how she was just putting more stress on it trying to be a musician. Gave up on music at 20, moved out into a small apartment, got her barista job, and started getting check ups by 22 due to her sudden smoking habit from stress. Met Cole when he stumbled into the Cafe the same morning he was admitted n they started up their daily routine of chatting with each other
SO! Everything is basically identical to what happens in game till after act 5. When Lucia proposes the idea of a talent show, Cole reeaaally wants to get Nicole to play with him and Samurai. Nicole is pushing him off due to her past trauma of the last talent show she tried to preform at. Using the excuses that she got rid of her guitar and she can’t even play anymore anyways. Meanwhile only a few weeks before this, Nicole had started teaching Logan how to play the guitar to confess his love to Hailey with music. Nicole had been spending the whole day dealing with Cole coming in every 30 minutes to try and convince her but Nicole repeatedly shut him down. Cole was making a final plea to her at the end of her shift n just as she was gonna tell him one last time she didn’t have a guitar anymore- Hailey and Logan suddenly barged in. Turns out Logan had confessed to Hailey not more then 10 minutes ago and when she found out who taught him how to play guitar, Hailey wanted to return the relationship favor to Nicole. Handing her back the guitar right infront of Cole n thanking her for teaching Logan before running off dragging a very apologetic Logan behind her. Cole and Nicole were silent as she held her guitar before Cole asked if she could now that she had her guitar. Nicole put it away and told him to get out so she can close shop. Cole tried staying but got pushed out and locked out by a very flustered Nicole
Nicole was. Kinda mixed in her feelings. Angry that even happened, guilty that she was called out for her lie and wondering if she should take Cole’s offer. She was still thinking it through for the next 2 days n her completely ignoring Cole asking about it was enough to make him give up n just start planning with Samurai. Samurai came into the cafe when Cole admitted defeat to him n very roughly questioned Nicole if she still enjoyed music or not. When she said she did and had actually been playing more before this because of Cole, Samurai told her she should show him that. Nicole didn’t really respond but that night while Cole and Samurai were song writing- Nicole showed up with her guitar after work, ready to join them. Cole jumped up to quickly hug her excited before catching her up on what they were doing. She never had her heart jump so suddenly
So the trio started practicing for the talent show, writing a song together and practicing together. As the day of the show started approaching, Nicole’s nerves started getting the better of her and smoked more as a result. Smoking more made her SVT worse so now during practice she was even more fidgety and nervous then before. Cole eventually took notice when she kept getting pissed at missing her cords n turned a practice night into a gaming night with the three of them to calm her nerves. Over games, Nicole admitted to Cole and Samurai why she was so damn nervous about this and how stupid her first attempt at a talent show went. Cole offered to shove her if she froze up n though she laughed and pushed him calling him a dick, Cole meant it in a caring sense. They would be by her side in this dumb idea so if she felt embarrassed she could blame them for it. Nicole still laughed at the idea but felt some calmness in the idea.
Regardless- the day of the show was there and Nicole still had a shift to finish so they were going last. It was a quiet day in the Cafe n so her thoughts were racing while watching the clock occasionally. She began drifting off into nervousness again by the end of her shift and only snapped out of it when an exhausted Lucia broke into the cafe sweating and huffing. She was surprised to still see Nicole there as she pointed to the clock showing it was only about 5 minutes before she played. Nicole FREAKED out n asked Lucia if she could close for her in a panic n as soon as Lucia said yes, Nicole handed her the keys and apron thanking her, before dashing down to the parking lot the show was being held at. When Nicole got there, she froze before the backstage seeing how many people where there to watch but quickly ran again when she saw Cole and Samurai signaling her over. Cole reassured her one last time it be okay before they went up there n to just keep her eyes on him. No other time was left for anything else to be said but Nicole gave a nod
Cole Nicole and Samurai all went up to the stage but right before they were going to play, got cut off by Richard waltzing in trying to use this massive crowd as a publicity stunt. Some shenanigans later and Insomniac running at Richard with his sword to scare him off, the three got to play their hearts out. Nicole and Cole sing together. N as she kept her eyes on Cole as he suggested, she realized he was looking right back at her just as they did in practice when it was just the two of them. Playing like no one was watching. The trio finished and ended up winning 1st place in the show with much cheering. Everyone afterwards headed back to the cafe for an after party n Nicole got to properly close up n got Lucia comfortable with a blanket. Cole sat back with Nicole behind the bar counter as the little party chatted about. Suddenly through a light whisper, Cole thanked her. Nicole was confused but Cole just showed her his still shaking hand. He was just as if not more scared of going up there but her looking at him gave him the strength to push on. Nicole didn’t say much in response but ruffled his hair calling him a doofus.
Now then it’s only gonna get rough from here!
Cole and Nicole return to their usual routine and banter after the talent show but something seems very off with Cole one day. He came in for the usual morning chat but in the afternoon he was far more nervous n off and tried to ask for some caffeine. Nicole declined of course, asking if he wanted to get himself back into an addiction n he obviously agreed he didn’t but seemed to be unsure of his own answer. Nicole did her best to try and burry the thought thinking Cole was just having an off day but then the same thing repeated the next 3 days. Him getting more and more pushy about getting some caffeine and Nicole getting progressively more frustrated with him. Nicole was planning on confronting him completely on the 4th day but he didn’t even show up that day at the Cafe. Nicole wondered if he was just going to a different Cafe to get caffeine but was much more shocked with the actual answer. Cole’s parents walked into the cafe that evening n spoke to Nicole if she had seen Cole. They told her that they had found out he was admitted here only a few days ago from a recording of the talent show n were coming to her after seeing her with him in the show. Nicole found out she hadn’t seen him today because he was hiding from his parents and refusing to see them even after they paid off all of his medical bills for his discharge. Nicole was flabbergasted by this. 1. That he was refusing to see what seemed like wonderful parents if they were just willing to pay off that debt and 2. This is how she found out he was attempting to get caffeine to avoid his discharge. Nicole couldn’t help his parents anymore and they had to get home for work so the conversation fell off quickly. Nicole however was PISSED
Cole meanwhile all this had locked himself up in his hospital room, petting Loafy to destress from the situation. He refused to be dragged back home by his parents and lose all the genuine friends he had gotten there. Besides he was so close to realizing his music dreams n giving in now would be ridiculous. Those friends he had made though were all now trying to talk to him since all of them had met n talked to his parents before they left n believed he was just being crazy and rash again. He didn’t let any of them inside either.
Night came n Nicole got off work. As soon as everything was closed up, she made a beeline for Cole’s room. Cole didn’t wanna let her in at first but didn’t miss a beat to when he realized that it was Nicole n gladly let her inside before locking it again. Cole immediately acted like everything was normal and fine to avoid the inevitable conversation but that just sent Nicole off. She called him for what he did to his parents n how she would of done anything to have something like that just covered instantly. Cole’s demeanor changed again into defensive annoyance with her. Cole still hasn’t told anyone his past at this point and he sure wasn’t now. Just called his parents out for trying to control what he was doing with his life and didn’t care what they tried, he wasn’t going back to them. This hit Nicole right in the heart with rage- she had given up her dreams to help her struggling family who never could help her much but he was just willing to throw that all away out of spite of not wanting to work. She knew he didn’t have a job n was broke but this was insane behavior. Nicole exploded at Cole, yelling that he was one hell of a selfish freeloader if he was willing to hurt himself just to get what he wanted. Cole backed off out of surprise but bit back yelling that she had no idea what he went through. They continued yelling at eachother for a minute-loafy hiding under the couch and a few other patients passing in the hall listening in
Cole snapped suddenly when Nicole refused to hear him out, telling her that at least he wasn’t a pathetic miserable minimal wage worker who gave up on his dreams because of other people dragging him down. Nicole stood still staring agasp at what he said and processing it. Cole seeing her expression immediately tried to back track his words but Nicole just told him to fuck off while stifling tears n left for the hospital balcony to cry and smoke. Nicole stayed up there for almost a full hour comprehending everything that just went down untill she got a grip on herself n lost her anger and just wanted answers from Cole. He might be an idiot but she knows he had to have some reasons. He always did.
Nicole headed down from the balcony after another 20 minutes of thinking through her words and finishing her second cigarette but found the janitor cleaning Cole’s room instead of Cole. Nicole, confused, asked where Cole had gone if he was cleaning out his room and Janitor told her Cole had taken his discharge early immediately after their fight. The one thing Janitor could point to where Cole had gone was seeing him searching up train times as he was packing. Nicole looked at the clock. 20 minutes till 11 pm. Nicole wordlessly walked out of the room and looked down the hallway. She broke into a sprint.
Cole’s feet dragged across the ground to the major train station platform. Hood up and hat spun back forwards, he was going through his contacts and deleting all of the ones he had. He hesitated with Nicole’s contact but ultimately ended up deleting it when he started getting notifications from her. Just shut himself down and pulled out his ear buds being sick of music. Wondering if his parent were right for a moment before shoving down the thought and just focusing on the train signs to look up what town he’d end up at next. He looked down the open track and spotted the lights of a train only a few minutes off so gathered his things in preparation to leave. A loud thumping and trip against stone caught his attention from the tracks though and saw Nicole standing there at the end of the stairs.
Nicole was horribly winded but regained her strength as she stumbled over to Cole and pulling him into a hug before he could say a word. Cole stumbled over trying to apologize to Nicole while she held him but Nicole just told him to shut it before falling into a ramble. She confessed everything openly to Cole, how he had gotten her into music again, how she had honesty been smoking less because of him, how brighter her days were with him around, ect. She told him she wasn’t angry anymore but was instead begging for him to stay- not just for her but for himself too. She was scared what might happen to him alone out there- and openly admitted her love for him and everything about him even if it was a mess sometimes. The train to leave rushed by while Nicole still held onto him and it left him to make the next decision.
Cole struggled to muster his words through tears but clutched Nicole back, swearing to her he’d stay. Telling her that he loved her too in much more plain words as his tears choked him out. They kept holding onto each other crying till the train was gone and they separated from their griphold. Nicole took Cole back to her apartment and both collapsed. They were too tired to talk that night and Nicole had another shift that morning so they agreed to talk about this the next night before Cole crashed on the couch and Nicole crashed in her bed.
SO! Cole stays at the apartment for the day while Nicole goes to work for the morning. Nicole wasn’t expecting much that day but it turns out most everyone Cole was close to have been thrown into a panic since they can’t get in contact with them and didn’t say goodbye to anyone. Hailey and Samurai especially aren’t doing so well after Cole disappeared. Nicole finds all this out through a distressed Samurai getting a caffeine drink with a shot or two in it. Nicole tells him that Cole is alright and at her apartment so Samurai immediately goes to tell everyone else. Hailey is pissed as hell that Cole was willing to scare them that badly n shows up to the cafe to tell Nicole that. Samurai is just sad, worrying that Cole didn’t actually care about him that much. Nicole swore that she’d bring Cole back tomorrow to sort things through n left after her shift with more questions for Cole.
Once Nicole does get home, she finds Cole actually cleaned the entire apartment while she was gone n was just sitting at the dinning table waiting for her and doom scrolling socials. He stopped as soon as Nicole came in n once she got herself comfortable they basically immediately started having the talk they said they would. Nicole demanded some fuckin context for all his actions at this point and Cole relented. Told Nicole how he didn’t want to be near his parents since all they wanted from him was to drop his dreams of being a musician and instead get a big business job like his dad. Nicole could understand that but then asked why he removed all the contacts of his friends because they were all distraught because of it n Cole just kinda sat back processing that. Cole admitted quietly he didn’t think he’d be missed that much before going quiet again thinking. Nicole stared at him with sympathy but sighed that was a can of worms they needed to sort another time- but for now there was something more pressing.
Nicole told Cole pretty plainly that if he was gonna live with her, he had to start paying rent too and that meant getting a job. Cole was still adverse to the idea, mumbling that he thought music was a job but Nicole pretty bluntly asked how much he was making. Cole said 30$ a month. Nicole stared at him unimpressed. Cole conceded and agreed he needed a job but frankly had no idea where to start. Didn’t exactly have connections or a great resume to use n him getting along with someone is a 50/50 coin flip of them getting along or them hating him. Nicole agreed that it was rough n buried her head in her hands in thought trying to come up with something. Both sat silently thinking till Cole sprung back forward from the wooden chair almost falling over with him in it. Cole warned it might be insane but maybe he could start working at the cafe too? Nicole could use another hand, he was already used to the layout of everything and it be alot easier for him to get in. Nicole called him crazy but when taking a moment to think about it she agreed it was kinda the best bet they had. A few calls later- Nicole was able to convince her mostly absentee manager to interview Cole in a few days much to his excitement and extreme anxiety of getting an actual job.
Nicole ruffled his hair assuring he’d probably be fine there n to worry about it when it’s actually time to. Cole agreed and both were suddenly left wondering what to actually do for the rest of the night. They still never properly had really thought of themselves in a relationship yet but the thought was now pressing on them. Nicole just excused herself to make them dinner and just told Cole to turn something on the TV. She eventually joined him on the couch n one attempted cuddle later, things felt a lot more natural now that they were past the overwhelming fluster of knowing they were in a relationship. They ended up passing out in bed together cuddling
Now then- next day Nicole dragged Cole’s ass back to the hospital to apologize to everyone. Hailey smacked him with a nearby magazine before hugging him, telling him with a bit of a shakey voice to never do that again. Cole swore not to and hugged back. Samurai on the other hand was more nervous to talk to Cole then Cole was to him. He was scared Cole didn’t actually enjoy his company but Cole spent the next 30 minutes swearing that no, he did really care and promising to play drums and base with him again to reassure him. Also got hugged by Samurai but Samurai wasn’t really paying attention to his strength and nearly crushed the boy. The rest was pretty much the same, angry at Cole in the moment but happy to have him back. Things move relatively quickly and in the background after this point for them- Cole got the job and learning how to work hyjinxs insue but things in the story for them settle for a little while after this.
The two mostly play a supporting role for the next month or so. Nicole also dropped smoking when they started dating. Cole understanding the plights of Ada Ian Nicole and Janitor now that he works himself and it acts as a major ego check for his usual antics. Cleans up after himself, thanking and uplifting Ian n Ada when he gets the chance (especially to Ada after feeling guilty for literally throwing hands in 2-2 when she was just helping) n having a general more respectful attitude to everyone. Only playing with samurai on free days and never at night, n being less of a genuine shithead. He’s got a good heart just not the greatest lessons learned from being spoiled rotten by entitled parents.
Nicole during this whole break though ended up in contact with Cole’s mom behind his back. She reached out to try and check in on Cole more but slowly got more and more info out of Nicole about his life- including them being in a relationship. Nicole was still kinda hesitant of believing Cole’s words completely after how much he lied before and his mother really did seem to just want the best for him so she continued contact. Eventually his mother asked Nicole if she could bring Cole back home just for the holidays to talk to him. Nicole was incredibly hesitant trying to figure out what to do about it. She eventually decided through her own values that it would be a good idea for Cole to make amends with his family. Nicole agreed to it before telling Cole n well. Cole was angry to say the least. He told Nicole that his parents were nothing but bad news but she defended herself that she spoke to his mother for a month and she saw no red flags in the slightest. Cole was even more elated at that admission but Nicole begged him to please just give them one more chance. Cole’s new mellowing out lead him to agree with Nicole just to keep the peace in their relationship as much as he hated it and quietly hoped maybe she was right.
So! Cole and Nicole get their holiday break n head out on the long train ride to his hometown. Cole was brooding most the ride but Nicole kept holding onto his hand as reassurance. After the 6 hour ride there they arrived and Nicole was a bit shocked. It was fancier then anything she had ever even seen let alone stepped foot in. Not exactly a neighborhood for a minimum wage worker to belong. Regardless they were able to be taxied to the house after Cole gave his Id for passage into the gated neighborhood and arrived at the house. A grand moderately sized home kitted out with everything you could imagine, Cole’s mother, Holly, came outside first to greet them. Cole accepted her hug hesitantly n Holly went ahead and hugged Nicole too making her just as awkward feeling. Shortly after Holly was his dad, Cresso (are these both coffee puns? Yes). Cole just backed up without interacting outside of a strained hi but Nicole shook his hand when Cresso offered it. Both were welcomed inside and told to just go ahead and make themselves comfortable for the night since it was pretty late. Cresso didn’t say anything exact but lead Nicole to the guest room while telling Cole he could stay in his own room for the night. Nicole didn’t wanna piss off his parents so just relented to sleep in the guest room without Cole even when Cole tried to push it. Cresso seemed satisfied with Nicole shutting down Cole’s rebelling n though that left a pit in Nicole’s chest she just blamed it on train exhaustion n went ahead to clonk out without another word.
Now I’ll be frank im still rewriting the details here but the important stuff:
-Nicole obviously finds out how privileged Cole was
-Cole when he gets the chance to speak to Nicole alone tells her he hates it here- not the comfort of money, but the social sense. He’d rather live on the streets then be stuck here
-dinner the next day. Ohboy dinner the next day. Over dinner there’s essentially a blow up when they find out Cole is still doing music and Nicole is too along with encouraging him. It starts light but eventually devolves into Cresso calling Nicole a lowlife service worker n that Cole could do better then this. Holly tried to damage control but it was too far now and Nicole n Cole packed their things to leave immediately.
The late night train ride was tense to say the least. Nicole tried to apologize to Cole after a long silence but he just told her he didn’t want to do this right now but he was angry. Cole just cuddled up to Nicole’s side and fell asleep for the rest of the ride. Guilt ate her up on the way back n handled Holly texting her after the whole thing. Basically telling her off, Holly understanding n agreeing to not speak again. Nicole stayed up the whole ride just watching the stars and snow n they still didn’t talk once they got back home at 4 am other then Cole choosing to sleep on the couch that night. Nicole wanted to give him the bed but chose not to stress him more with a pointless argument.
Things do not go swell once they’re back. Cole and Nicole aren’t talking n everyone can tell so eventually someone (Ada) asks Cole what’s up n he vents the whole situation out bluntly. Ada asks Nicole if this is seriously what happened n Nicole didn’t even try to defend herself anymore n said yes. Ada was shocked and appalled what Nicole did all because she didn’t believe Cole. Ada told Ian, Ian told Cinny- and eventually the whole story got spread around the whole hospital. No one was happy with Nicole and frankly all became hesitant to confide in Nicole after that leading to silent shifts and nothing to break up the monotony of it all. The added social stress brought Nicole to start smoking again. Cole stopped being as cold with Nicole just wanting to move past now but the damage had been done to her by herself. Nicole wasn’t okay with just being forgiven quietly like this or forgiven at all.
A week into this when Cole finally said it outloud that he forgave her and just wanted to move on, Nicole refused it. Cole tried to get through to her more forcefully with yelling but Nicole just ended up misinterpreting it as her fucking up again- the combination of meltdown and smoking sent her into a really bad SVT attack making her faint. Cole rushed her to MSH for care and stayed by her side till she had to be taken back for urgent care. Nicole woke up the next day sore and breathless n a note left by her bedside. Cole was taking over her shifts alone but wanted her to know it was okay and to please just rest for his sake. Nicole didn’t have much choice in the matter anyways being bed bound but took his word to heart. Cole visited every break he got from the rush n though he looked exhausted n a mess he still told her it was okay. Nicole while he was gone started writing a song for him as some sort of apology. However when she did play it for him a week later n got to the line that she didn’t deserve him, Cole shushed her up.
Cole was already a bit teary from her being so thoughtful to write a song for him but told Nicole he was the one who didn’t deserve her. They went back and forth with sad laughs that they didn’t deserve each other but Cole eventually stopped it n made Nicole a deal. If he stopped saying it then she had to stop saying it too. Nicole thought he was still joking but when he wasn’t she gave an exhausted sigh n smiled before agreeing. Cole thanked her n hugged her tightly. Nicole joked that she’s glad he didn’t hear the rest of the song cause she wants to rewrite it to be perfect for him. Cole didn’t quite care if it was perfect but as long as it was her it was alright. Nicole called him a goof for that one n he just giggled saying he was being honest. They ended up cuddling n passing out again even if it fucked up Coles sleep schedule
After this mess part 3, they get back to their normal groove again n do their usual routine n chilling in the bg. Unfortunately this peace after the winter holidays would move into a blooming disaster in the start spring. The two were off work but over at the hospital after doing their morning baseball workout with everyone else. Cole n Nicole were just hanging out with loafy n after throwing a bone for him outside n watching him struggling to find it in a bone, the lights suddenly shut off, old metal gates shut on the outside door n emergency lights were the only thing lighting up the halls. Nicole and Cole ran down to the main hall hearing something going on n joining a group of other patients they saw CT dropping Edega and turning to them. Lucky yelled at them all to run so they followed without another word. Once they were able to get a safe distance away they all listened in on Logan’s phone to Ian explaining the situation. Frankly Nicole n Cole didn’t understand half of it other then they were all in danger and to protect Hailey n Logan the most. The call cut off as the phone’s screen shut off from Connectifia before Ian could help them get out. Lucky took command of the situation n told Cole and Nicole to get Logan and Hailey as far away from CT as possible. They didn’t hesitate, nodded, and took the kids by the hand to get away from this horrible situation.
Nicole and Cole course couldn’t go as far as they wish they could but honestly they were trying to not freak out from the distance screaming n keep Hailey and Logan calm. While Cole was trying to calm Hailey from a meltdown, CT began stomping towards them n they all froze. Cole watched CT with baited breath before telling Nicole to hide them without turning around. Nicole barely got out a whispered “what?” Before Cole asked her if she trusted him. Nicole looked at him, still turned, and back up at the slowly approaching CT and said yes. Cole told her to go then and started running down the hallway to distract CT. Nicole hesitated to go and stop him but turned away n ran to take Hailey n Logan somewhere safe much to their chagrin. Cole grabbed a left behind baseball bat and though he was no hitter, just used it get get CT’s focus on him before dodging for his life. He couldn’t run forever though in a place like this and inevitably got trapped in a room and tripped over equipment before CT got a grip on his chest and sent him straight into a paralyzing SVT attack with its electrocution. Cole was left on the floor of that room once CT left to find the last 3.
Nicole knew that scream. But it was twisted and mutilated from the fun moments she had heard it before. Logan n Hailey were clutching to her hand still but knowing what was coming, Nicole took both of them and put them inside a empty cabinet to hide before running out herself. What more did she have to lose anyways? She followed the same steps as Cole with CT to get them away but her running into a room was stopped by all the fallen over equipment making her hesitant to go in. The moment of hesitation gave CT enough time to pin Nicole against the wall by her back and zapped her without a second to react.
Nicole sat delirious, the repeating blaring of the alarm slowly deafening in her mind and was slipping away till she moved in the slightest and all the pain hit her again. A voice cut through the monotony of it all. Cole had crawled out on his hands from the room he got trapped in and was using what little voice he had left to call out to Nicole. They couldn’t see each other much at all in the darkness and slipping conciseness but kept each other company with their presence. Talking hurt too much so they just sat listening to each other’s quivering breath till they passed out entirely.
If utter darkness was the one thing Cole had seen before the soft florescent light he woke up to might as well of been a flashbang. It was definitely still MSH but everything seemed tidyer then when just Ian and Ada handled things. Cole sat up slowly feeling his breath still burning but looking around realized Nicole was right by him with her eyes still closed and laying on her chest. It took a bit of willpower to do but enough bugging her sleep by saying her name managed to wake up Nicole as well. Neither could really do anything once they were awake but seeing each other still there was enough reassurance.
They recovered relatively well after the incident other then being self conscious about their new scars but uplifting each other about them. Talked the most to the 3 kids when they couldn’t sleep n just wanted to make sure everyone was okay and were the first ones to start walking around on their own again. Mostly stuck together when they were recovering after that whole ordeal. Generally avoiding talking about all the heavy implications and thoughts that traumatic event caused n seemingly getting through it the easiest. (when in reality they’re keeping all that fear in the back pocket for later when it’s gotten worse )
and well. Honestly that’s kinda where they end off for the main plot of CC before they start going on their own life story together.
If you managed to read this far, thank <3 i hope you enjoyed the straights simplifed
#rhythm doctor#sirwow ramble#rhythm doctor writing#cole brew#nicole ting#cocole#rd connections converged
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