#phew that took a while but it was so much fun | Explore Tumblr Posts and Blogs

louebel · 7 months

Note

Hi! Can I request fluff Law x fem!reader where reader is feels sick but tries to ignore it/do things on her own (she’s not used to ask for help) but as a doctor law easily can tell by the signs and it happens during their sea journey on the polar tang? Hope I’m not asking too much love ya 🥺

Feel free to add angst or anything else to your writing ^•^

this is super old and the only request i'll ever do (atm) since i had a wip— ANON SORRY IT TOOK FOREVER <\3 reader is gn since i used the second person and no description.

𝐩𝐚𝐢𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠: trafalgar law × gn!reader 𝐢𝐧𝐟𝐨/𝐭𝐚𝐠𝐬: 6,124 wc. a bit angsty, ends with fluff, emotional reader for the sickness, law is bad at emotions. this turned longer than expected, i hope it's decent xdd hit me up if there's any mistakes lol. supposed to be called windows of the soul,, divider by @ benkeibear my lord and saviour. 𝐬𝐲𝐧𝐨𝐩𝐬𝐢𝐬: sickness overtook your body and worsened your already pitiful situation. law has been ignoring you and you have no idea why... but with how you felt, there was no way you could confront him at the moment.

scrub, scrub, scrub...

"... phew ..."

scrub... poof!

"Oh! — damnit — aargh..."

Cleaning today has been a nightmare. Never been so tedious.

Like, it was already uninteresting compared to all the other things you could do, but today it was ten times worse. You could bear it, seeking to make dusting shelves fun by humming some random tune to yourself. It was okay, something you had to do every once in a while. You could do it.

If only you weren't sick.

"Achoo! Achoo! — urgh... Achooo..! Damn."

You began feeling like this some days ago, or so you told yourself as you delicately hunched down to the floor, hoping to grasp the yellow sponge soaked in foam and water without experiencing excruciating pain. However, your hopes soon shattered as your back screamed in agony and your legs trembled with soreness, almost giving up on you.

Just the flu, you insisted, it would go away. A couple of sneezes mean nothing. You would feel better and all would go back to the ordinary.

... Oh, how wrong you were! And how stupid for not getting a day off.

You were capable, though! You counted on your immune system (it sounded heroic the first time you thought of that). One night is all you needed.

Or not.

"Ow, ow..."

You should've told your captain. Sure, it would cost your courage, pride, and dignity, but at least you'd be cured. You'd rather die than tell him you got sick because of the one herb he instructed everybody to avoid.

What's worse is that he's been rather distant, and he's unquestionably avoiding you. The way he shoots daggers — no, whole machetes in your direction every time you do anything, smart or not, is so clear even the crew can see it. And the worst part? You do not know why.

It had been like this for a while now, and you detested this whole plight with passion. Everything was okay between the two of you, you were sure of it! What did you do that spurred such a reaction? From one so dear to you?

Those sweet memories...

From new findings you excitedly presented him, to revealing himself, his past and adventures to you after almost a year of sailing. You knew everything about him. He knew everything about you.

So why? Why stop so abruptly? You didn't mind when he digressed about his newfound coins. When he murmured under his breath while he pored over medical books or mulled about a particular topic. When he stressed over labor and called for a brief break, where you or the crew would attend to him by delivering him a meal or helping when he wasn’t looking. He's so stubborn.

"Uurgh..."

From captain, to Law, to captain again. Not to mention how he deftly stopped you from hanging out with him. You thought he needed space at first. Maybe he was tired and had to rest for the next few days. That’s alright. However, your thoughts deteriorated as the days passed. But well, right now it's better if he doesn't see you at all. Nor the crew‌ — oh, the damn crew. Those two.

The "two" being the pair of nitwits that constantly stand by law's side and grin at you. Seriously...

You do not understand what Penguin and Shachi find so amusing about your situation with him. It's a tragedy, not a comedy. You love them both, truly, the minute you stepped into the polar tang they were the first ones to get you to open up and all, but goodness, you wish you could beat them for sitting there, cackling and clapping their hands while confiding some mysterious comments to each other when la — the captain, showed up in the area and walked past you with an unreadable gaze. He'd constantly salute you and the others with a bow of his head or more, depending on his mood.

Now? If he saw one inch of your form?

Sigh. His face always went red.

Why can't those two just tell you? Even Ikkaku seemed to know something you didn't. She was more subtle about it, though. Jean Bart wasn't slick either. You could see him smile from a mile away. Hakugan and Clione? Shachi and Penguin 2.0, except they hid behind Jean Bart. The rest pitied you instead, sometimes patting your back — sometimes shaking their head almost in disbelief. Oh, and Bepo gave you suspicious smiles! Every time he tried to say something to you, those two animal hat-wearing goblins silenced him. Did they just want you to suffer?

And if they did want that then their curses were working because even after grabbing the sponge (almost losing your temper as it slipped through your gloved palm twice) and straightening back to an erect pose, your head was still banging with fervor, muscles barely reacting.

If only you could snuggle with the fluffy, warm mink right now. A bitter sigh rushed past your lips at the thought.

Those two were just so mean. But Law was much meaner — the captain, the captain... Yes, the captain. That... That dummy.

You groaned and shook your head while forcing your wobbly arms to scrub the table, exhausted mentally with this never-ending train of thoughts and these fanciful fists leaving invisible bruises all over your poor body. Not to point out those hands pinching your brain like dough...

Just — you... Goodness, what was it he suddenly despised so much? The submarine felt like home. It was home, especially when he joined you. Now when he does, he — the aura he emanates is intimidating, yet everyone is either unaware of it or not affected by it.

What made him so resentful? You can barely say anything when he strides into the place, too panicked to learn how he would perceive you or talk to you if you go on. It's like you're back on step one, isolated, too scared to be yourself with your family. Because of one man who's supposed to be the head of it.

Being you felt like a sin when close to him, as if he preferred the private variant of who you are, and shunned your curious and spirited self. You could understand since he’s rather closed off and well, in a certain aspect you are too, but — did he not like you at all? Was it all an act to not offend you? He didn't seem to dislike your vivid reactions initially, or your foolish gestures when nearing a fresh island. You were often silent, smiling and listening to others converse, but when around your companions, you easily liked to open up since it was the only time you could do so. And they were more than just that. You entrusted all the members of the heart pirates. They meant everything to you. Even him, who stopped including you.

Ugh...

You wished it could all go back to normal.

This disease enjoyed fumbling with your previously scrambled sentiments. Law did mention it brought a high fever and emotional susceptibility. You didn't consider it'd be this severe.

"... Okay, I'm done."

You certainly weren't, with your bed unmade and furniture still dusty; floor imploring for a good wash. However, with the croaky voice you had paired with your runny nose, you doubted you could do more. Even if you did, it'd be better not to.

You peered down at the bucket full of water that probably smelled better than you at the moment, ignoring the small puddle beside it made by your poor handling sponges skills. Grimacing, you decided to leave it where it was in case carrying it back turns out to be a challenge. Hopefully, Ikkaku can provide you help later.

Looking around, your droopy eyelids dimmed your perspective and further provoked you as both exasperation and exhaustion mixed and boiled in your gut, room so messy it mirrored your current state. You didn't know what was irritating you more: the light of the lamp or the disarray you resided in.

Howling dejectedly, you turned and plodded to your bed, opening your arms, ready to throw yourself on the mattress. The more you sleep, the sooner you'll get better. Yeah, you're so brilliant. You closed your eyes and —

knock knock.

— reopened them a second after, remaining immobile for an extra few before glowering at your door, contemplating whether to go open it or linger to determine if they'd leave. Hmm.

You waited.

... knock knock.

Fantastic.

You gritted your teeth, drawing a profound breath to settle your nerves, haywire thanks to the hellish illness. They didn’t deserve to withstand your rage, but who knows, maybe by seeing your shape, they'll show sympathy and tell you. That could work.

Okay.

You sluggishly trudged to the door, not bothering to adjust your unbuttoned pajamas and faking a cheerful facade. You hoped your face didn't look too awful, but you couldn't care less right now.

Gripping and twisting the knob, you pushed it open, greeting them with the feeblest voice you've ever had, your sore nose making it unthinkable to inhale air. You rubbed the back of your head while doing so, eyelids closed to evade any light.

"Yo, Penguin, Shachi, how can I—" the words automatically came out of your coarse and blazing throat, opening your eyes a bit to look at... them...

Then you saw a tattoo. And more tattoos. No white, poofy boiler suits in sight.

By barely seeing light before, you tried giving yourself mercy, but now you were only slaughtering yourself to make sure the person in front of you was, well. Him.

Your jaw fell while your brows lifted in consternation, but shortly returned down thanks to your declining headache. Your pupils then scaled the mountain of mass before you and arrived at the peak. Another pair of eyes.

Cool, gray eyes. The ones that just a week ago welcomed you with compassion and comfort. Now they drive you to wither away from this world. Even if you look up to them. (Hehe, get it? man, you're so silly, wow.)

"—help … Captain. Uh, hello." and there goes your comfort zone.

You tried swallowing down air but got pounds of mucus down your stomach instead, curved posture closing up even more in his presence, ashamed to be seen in such a weak state, instantly regretting not managing your appearance as his gaze scrutinized you from top to bottom, probably displeased with how you presented yourself..

You looked everywhere but at him. He only looked at you.

Envy spurted from the plant’s toxins. How could he focus on one thing and have so much confidence to stare at someone without breaking eye contact at all? If you do the same for longer than two seconds, it feels like whoever looked at you has seen your entire personality, life, darkest secrets that you didn't really have, closest people to you — everything in poor words. The windows of your soul, perpetually agape.

How does he keep them closed? Why can't you seal them at all? Why?—

"—so care to explain the meaning of this?"

"Huh?"

You stupidly stared at him, blinking and glancing at his shoulders, then back at him to break whatever spell he put on you, not able to concentrate at all.

Barely could you see the annoyed expression on his face. You hoped he wasn't dealing with excessive stress. Making him feel worse was not your intention.

"I said, care to explain what this is? You look... terrible—" you cringed at that, "—and you haven't come out of your room since this morning. Do you have any idea what time it is?" His scrutinizing tone made you want to crawl under your blankets and stay there forever, but his patronizing gaze didn't let you.

You could merely fidget with your fingers and glance back at the floor to relieve your worries, which mixed with pain, fatigue, and dirtiness. You called for sleep so badly.

"I'm—I'm sorry, Captain. I, uh, I didn't—" sniff, "—mean to skip my duties. Sorry."

His brow creased in suspicion at your raspy voice and poor shape.

"Is that so? Look at me while you say it." if his words weren't menacing enough, his tone was too. He knew you couldn't do that. Especially now.

"Uh..." you unconvincingly whispered, continuing to play with your fists, until rubbing your nape once more, shuddering at how chilled your hands were compared to it.

Your actions were, again, spotted by him, and if one more thing occurred, then he'll be correct.

"Well? I'm waiting."

"..."

Sighing exasperated, you raised your head to look into his pupils once again.

Unbeknownst to you, he already confirmed another of his impressions while taking a further view of your sullen visage.

"I, uhm, overslept, Captain. That — that happens sometimes, yeah? Sorry about that. I'll—I'll..." stopping for a moment, you squinted your eyes and scrunched your nose while the man before you attentively fixated his stare on your frame and—

"Achooo!" —covered half of your face whilst he recoiled back at the loud sneeze you let out, not expecting it at all. He blinked, then you sneezed again, and again. Streak of three.

If your voice and glossy eyes already told everything to the doctor, the continuous sneezes only reinforced his thesis.

You exhaled haplessly as he sternly said your name.

"You're sick." his firm and coherent words could not be fooled. Your fate was sealed.

"...Yeah." at this point, you didn't care. He was gonna scold you, nothing you could do about it. You could only hope he'll do that after you're cured because right now, you could barely stand still without shivering. You were sure if he wanted to do something he would have already, so he definitely will have a talk with you after you're healthy.

"Why?" you've been proven wrong so many times this morning — afternoon. Evening? That you don't know what's gonna happen next.

You stared at him numbly, almost done with everything.

"What do you mean 'why'? I don't, I don't know. Probably our... Ugh, our last stop, isn't that obvious—"

"Not that. Why didn't you say anything? To the others? To me?"

If it wasn't for your head beating incessantly and the aching of your tendons ruining everything, you would think this was a dream.

You kept gawking at him like a goldfish. His timbre wasn't as stern as it regularly was. It was a bit, just a tad bit lower. Like, barely. His eyes were softer, and if you met the man yesterday, you wouldn't be capable of identifying his mood. It's because you knew him for so long that you could distinguish it.

"I..." you mumbled talks under your breath, awfully feeble to maintain the discussion, barring your eyes and hitching away when Law planted his freezing hand on your forehead. You fussed in protest, although it didn't last long.

"You're cold... Off."

"My hands are perfectly fine. You're burning," he interrupted you, stating the obvious. But you were far too deep to listen, fatigued.

"Yeah... M'sorry." you nodded while deliberately looking down in shame, almost dropping to the ground out of fatigue. Everything seems hazy, the pressure in your skull fading, while the breaths you took were meager.

Something skimmed over your shoulder and nape — ah, his fingertips — palm carefully tilting your head back up. Your mouth hung open, and you attempted to focus on your captain's facial features and the iconic hat to not fall asleep.

"It's fine." But his gentle approach and mellow maneuvers set you in a soothing trance, where you couldn't do anything other than auscultate him.

It’d be an exceptional moment to speak up about these last days, his odd actions.

"It... It is? You, ah... You're not..." but you struggled to do so, chest too heavy to speak. He narrowed his eyes, striving to make out what you were saying, but it was all incomprehensible to him.

"I'm not?" he urged you to proceed, getting closer — he felt warm. Wasn't he cold some seconds ago? Ah, he’s draping his coat over your shoulders, so, so cozy, — and holding you as if you were glass. Why was he holding you? It felt nice, undoubtedly nice. Oh, you were going to fall, you think.

“Hey—hey. It’s okay. I got you. I got you.”

Cradling you in his arms, Law cursed and crouched down, snaking an arm under your knees and sweeping you up, a short "there" slipping from his tongue, keeping you close to his breast. Naturally, you snuggled close to the source of heat, losing consciousness, unaware of your surroundings, his distress, and jogging to the infirmary.

“Hey. Keep your eyes open. No, no, open—yes, yes, like that. Good job. A bit more, then you can go to sleep, alright?"

While nodding lazily when he said your name again, you curled up for more warmth, and he mellowly followed your movement, hefting you up and pressing his lips upon your forehead, his frown deepening at how high the temperature was. He needed to administer medicine quickly.

"Law …'m sorry if I smell."

He scoffed. Thinking of such idiotic things was exactly like you, sputtering them out so bluntly. Rolling his eyes was natural at this point.

"That's my last concern. We'll think of your scent and hygiene later. Don't speak. Shh."

So stupid, so stupid. He should've confronted you ever since you left the island. He should've. It's been a recurring pattern these days. He couldn't see you because of his work but spoke with the others at breakfast, lunch, dinner... They all grew concerned about your distance. Uni shared that it began right after the departing... He knew something wasn't right with you, he could feel it.

Back in that inhabited location, he quickly took note of your drooping posture and fatigued breathing. He wanted to ask about it, but the following days, you acted normal, and Law thought you were queasy because of the heat.

Then he got busy checking on the crew's documents, medicine supply, the damn broken scope Hakugan sadly reported, bounties, news — and something else. He managed to give a check-up to everyone but you. It was mandatory after leaving an island.

With you evading him and him doing the same, this happened. Great. He could only hope it wasn't contagious.

... Wait.

He gritted his teeth in sour realization — Not once has he seen you in the halls or dining hall. No one mentioned you, either. Have you eaten anything at all? Oh, you imbecile.

He palmed your skin through your suit, easing your laments and whimpers, walking through the hallways of the Polar Tang and reaching the infirmary. Kicking the door open while lulling you a bit, shushing and fluttering his eyelids at your sick and quaking form.

"There we go. Shh, I know, I know, it's awful."

Uplifting the blankets, he quickly covered you and began searching for his equipment, rustling and metal clicks tangling with your whines.

"U- uuh... W- where..?"

"I'll be there in a second. I'm here."

As he said that, he quickly came back to you, already stirring medicine in a cup. He had to give to you before you blacked out or fell asleep. Sliding a hand under your back, he carefully pushed you up, gaining a groan from you; you sounded so tired. Tipping your head forward, he brought the rim of the cup to your lips. You were delirious, could barely see or feel, but managed to follow his direct instruction to "open". The first glass was tasteless, fresh... water.

The second tasted awful.

"E—eugh..."

"A couple more sips and we're done. Come on, you're doing good."

Once you drank it all, with a small praise from Law, he gently laid you back down, about to check your vitals. He knew you were in no condition to do as he instructed, it would be all him. Idiot, idiot...

Just looking at you made him guilty. He never saw you this awful. However, what truly pushed him were your next phrases.

“Do you feel better now..?”

Low and dry, they all were. He halted his movements, his hands in the bag, shifting his attention to you.

Your question puzzled him.

Feel better? Him? He was fine. Perhaps you thought the disease was contagious? No; you would've phrased that diversely. His forehead creased, slightly tilted to the side.

"What?"

“I … I missed you."

And as clear drops cascaded down your cheeks, his limbs froze, a bittersweet ache striking his chest.

"I—I thought I did something wrong … I’m sorry … Should've told you. 'M sorry ... really...”

Shit.

“No, no, don’t be. It’s alright, don't—don't speak. You did nothing. Shh...”

And if you stayed conscious for some more seconds, you could've seen those severe pupils mitigate. The windows of his soul open up; the "stern" gaze he preserved for you withering in an instant at your vulnerability.

All he wanted to do was clear that up. When, now..?

“I—I’m the one that should’ve apologized, damn it…”

"Aargh..."

Warm.

"Mmh..."

It was very warm. Pleasant.

"Hn..."

The boilersuit felt different. Heavier, and not … poofy. Hm.

The pillow was so nice, though...

You sought a better position under the comforting and amiable regime of your blanket, squinting your glistening eyes as if sand had struck them; eyebrows knitting in distaste and discomfort, choler cramming up your insides — but not for long, extremely achy and sleepy to lament.

Shouldn't it be easier to relax now that you are tired? Shifting left and right left your muscles throbbing. The peace you could achieve in your dreams was all you begged for. But no, you just had to rise two more times in the span of minutes or hours.

When you woke up the third time, someone surprised you. He was perching on a chair near the infirmary's bed, head, presumably about to doze off. An encyclopedia of vegetation and exotic environs sat in his palms and dotted jeans, the cover made of green-coloured leather, firm to the touch.

He looked peaceful.

"... Law?"

Your lashes fluttered at the fierce shudder that rocked his frame, the textbook about to fall, his eyes snapping open and rapidly darting up to you.

"Oh. You woke up. Good. Good evening."

You were mad at him. You were mad at him.

His lips were indubitably moving. Whatever he was saying, you were not listening. Something about being out for hours, but you were too out of it to pay attention.

And looking down at your body, your eyeballs almost popped out of your sockets at the sight of... Not your boilersuit.

"I'm in my pajamas?"

"And — hm? Oh. I changed you." Pause. "With my devil fruit, of course. Obviously. You were way too hot in it."

"..."

Pause number two.

"I'm hot?" You bluntly said,

"Not in that way." And he quickly retorted, bashful. You immediately got gloomy.

"Oh..." You and Bepo were alike. He couldn’t help but sweatdrop.

"No, no, no, don't — you look fine. That's not what I meant."

A hoarse chuckle ripped from your sensible larynx, a noise that he hadn't heard in a while. His back loosened at your jovial note, the pressure applied on the envelope of the manual lessening.

There was a superb illustration of the flora you accidentally whiffed.

"You inhaled it, didn't you?"

... Silence followed. Then a sigh.

"A simple allergy with a sore throat and emotional instability in the first phase caused by the pollen, weakened muscles and headache in the second, and heightened senses, nausea, and worsening of the body in the last one. You felt them all."

Quick and precise, each symptom he mentioned appeared throughout the weeks you boarded on the Polar Tang. He hit the mark. Glancing at him from the corner of your eyes, you nodded sheepishly, feeling hot in your cheeks.

"Y—Yeah."

"I thought I mentioned dodging those peculiar red flowers. I don't expect you to recall the name, but to avoid it. Thankfully, you only inhaled its pollen, or else you would've been in this bed the moment we departed."

"O—oh... That bad?"

"No, not really. The symptoms would've developed quicker, but nothing dangerous. Perhaps you would have slept over two days, as all cases do when encountering this allergy," He narrows his eyes at you, shutting the book and crossing his long legs, his foot jouncing. "Not at all fatal, only worrying when the patient in question mentions nothing about the symptoms and overworks themselves.”

“Hey—”

“You're fine."

A small huff left your lips, nodding lazily. Nothing was uttered after from both sides. Occasional groans from yours. Only then he spoke.

"Why didn't you tell me?"

"..." The answer was simple. He immediately found the illness yet couldn't pinpoint the cause of this? It was almost ironic. Your quietude wasn't taken well.

"Well?"

"... You ignored me. You made it clear."

And he was faking ignorance. That glance, his attitude. You knew him too well, but had no energy to call him out.

"I—I didn't."

"Don't play coy, Law. Did I do something? Even the others know. Penguin and Shachi told me. I—"

You paused when he raised his hand, glancing at it in confusion, then back at him, twice or more. He sighed and dropped it back on his thigh again, using his other one to rub his temple in distress.

"You did nothing. I don't know what... Shachi and Penguin said," You tilted your head at his peculiar manner of quoting them. "But I've got nothing against you."

He stopped rubbing and lifted his head to check on you again and you were unsure of what to say. His brows wrinkled the tender skin of his forehead, severity, and minor unease painting every fiber of his appearance.

You just... didn't know.

"Really? Then why those weird stares? Why leave the room the moment I come in? I mean." you flailed your hands around, looking everywhere as if you could find an explanation. "You never behaved this way, Law, not with anyone. I... It was fine before, right? Let me ask again, did I do something wrong?"

"Of course not!"

At his hasty exclamation, you blinked, uncertain why he became as rigid as stone. Palms back on the blanket, you awaited an elaboration of his thoughts, observing his adumbral face to detect any key to figure out what caused him to alter his ways with you. However, his hat, which you've always appreciated for its fluffiness, turned out to be an issue. Those eyes you've grown so fond of refused to meet yours.

You just couldn't get it. The surrounding air grew an intoxicating no romance book would mention, one that did the contrary of setting your heart aflame, that poor muscle of yours.

If he explained, it would've been easier.

"Okay, 'of course not' ... Sure—"

"We are not having this conversation. You need rest."

He briskly cut you off, and your heart felt constricted. The words felt bitter upon both of your tongues, so bitter and revolting, they made his jaw clench and your eyes water. You weren't having it. Absolutely not.

"I feel better now, thank you, and I say we're having this right here." You pushed, ignoring how he clenched his tattooed fist.

"No—"

"Yes, Law! I don't know what I did, but if it bothers you, shouldn’t you tell me? There are things we can all miss."

The pang in your brain was still active, and you had no patience nor strength to argue. Either he spoke up or you'd go straight to sleep.

"I... You did nothing that bothers me."

His speech was almost a whisper, a low rumble, and were you in your regular state, you'd feel sad to see him like this. Law had no trouble speaking up— perhaps with apologies, or admitting to be wrong when in the midst of a conversation. Maybe something genuinely bothered him. But he'd tell you, wouldn't he? He had to.

But you weren't the only one who had to consider the consequences. He also had to do his part.

"... And?" you encouraged him, to gain something, something that would lead you both to that damned thing you were both chasing, that ounce of understanding.

“And—and what?" alas, it served another wave of blistering dissatisfaction down upon the membranes of your boiling stomach.

He couldn't be serious.

"... Whatever. I'm going to sleep."

"What?"

You detested how you were feeling, a volcano of passions, the pounding in your skull, and the heat, and the ludicrous, nagging insecurity, all these wretched, gristly sensations shoved in your mouth and scraping your gullet, such a relucting and squalid dish, contaminating your palate and inflaming the gums of your teeth.

But all Law could see was how your eyes moistened and reddened, the crinkles at the corners of your mouth, the contracted tissues above your nose.

You couldn't feel how his heart plummeted, either. Again, he caused you to cry.

"Hey... I—"

"No, Law, no! I said leave! You ignored me for almost two weeks and now—now you're just..!"

Perhaps you were being a bit too "dramatic" for something you could solve with a modest exchange, something that, compared to all the obstacles you and Law went through, was a sheer grain of dust in your shoes. Yet you erupted for the frustration, the plant's effects and that nameless thing you'll bring in your grave, for if he knew, he'd probably pity you.

Maybe, just maybe, he should've kept ignoring you. If solely to dim that warmth. The glow in your eyes that only sparked with him.

"I don't mind if you need time. I don't mind if you're busy or whatever, that's obviously fine! But can't you tell me? Is it that hard? Instead of treating me like a stranger? Just—just, just leave..."

Your snotty voice seemed ridiculous, resounding through the infirmary alongside your sobs and sniffles. Vision tarnished by your tears, staring at the ceiling with resignation. It alarmed Law, whose emotions were already scattered; unnerved, anxious.

He couldn't take seeing you like this. He couldn't.

"That’s not it! I... I just — I..!" His broken explanations fell as your cries didn't stop; spasms traveling through your frazzled nerves. He swore under his breath, getting up and coming to you, standing close but so, so distant. His fingers jerked, impatient to wipe your tears, to calm you down, to assure you everything was alright, and this was all on him.

"What..?" you meekly whimpered, gazing at him as he appeared in your sight.

"I, I..!" if only he could express himself. You'd figure out. If only he could, without buckling and tearing apart at the weight of his own feelings.

"... You what, Law?"

It was tough to see with all those tears coating your scleras, but... His lips quivered. His jaw tensed.

His hands craved yours.

"I like—I like you!"

... You wondered if illusions were part of the symptoms. Your eyelids were all but relaxed. Popeyed.

"There. I said it. I mean it. Seriously. I—I think I love you."

You could feel his frantic grip, slightly pulling the blankets in his direction, tense as him. You've never seen Law so … jittery with you. Perhaps when he slowly spoke of his past, or when his plan failed.

"I—I'm sorry. I didn't mean to. I... I was confused. I don't know. Maybe I shouldn't... No, okay. I, I love you, but you don't have to reciprocate, really. ‌I just wanted to clarify that I wasn't—"

This was different, however. Not the same vulnerability, nor agitation. That teetering edge coating his sayings, not at all close to those instances.

"... Law."

"—ignoring you, I mean, I was, but I just couldn't face you, you know? I didn't know how to act—"

That glow, those feelings. The twinkle in his eyes Bepo mentioned when you spoke of something that fascinated you, that rare grin on his lips, and that sweetness, the swelling in his chest, and the red, and the breath of fresh air, and the intoxicating romance books loved to talk about...

Those tints blooming in his cheeks. The faint relaxation of his defined brows. How he covered his pretty, vulnerable self.

He's no different from you. Oh, oho ho, no, he wasn’t. Only now did you realize.

"Law."

"—but I missed you so much, I missed your presence, being with you, I—"

Your heartbeats matched.

"Law!"

You understand now. The definitive yell induced him to quit his blabbering, and eventually, he found your gaze. Those windows were not locked at all. Not marginally, not halfway. They were fully open. You could see him.

"It's... the same."

It was all you could utter. His jaw loosened, and you could recognize his wide, stormy irises.

"Huh? Wh — what?"

"I feel the same way, Law. I—I love you too."

Yours were open, too. They always were- yet he never acknowledged what dwelled inside. Two fools you both were.

"... Oh..." and a breathless whisper was all he could offer.

The silence dissipated. A delightful warmth occupied your rib cage. The pressure was gone.

All is back to normal.

"If... If you weren't sick. I'd kiss you." He mumbled, and his lips looked more luscious than ever. He shouldn't have said that. Now it was even harder.

"P—pfft... Of course, of course. Can you come closer, at least?" you pouted, giving him the best puppy eyes you could muster. “Pretty please?”

"... Fine. It's — not contagious, anyway," he huffed, his cheeks a light pink, and he sat on the margin of the infirmary's bed, hustling just a tad bit closer...

Closer...

"Closer?"

"Alright."

His ears grew pink at your giggles. Your fingers graced each other, "DEATH" entwined with you. His hands were lukewarm. Long, slim, calloused in some places, but also tender to the contact. His metacarpals were partially discernible, defining the shadows. He took care of his nails, ensuring they were cut short, although they appeared slightly, just somewhat lengthier than usual. Not considerably, however; they were still short.

How you missed holding it.

"Sorry, by the way. About everything." Squeezing his hand, you attempted to show him what it meant to you. He squeezed it back, brushing the top of your hand with his thumb, a pensive and solemn look on his face.

"No- I should apologize for not saying anything sooner. I neglected and avoided you. I … I don’t know what to do. You know I’m not the type for relationships.”

You hummed in acknowledgement, but weren't as worried as Law. You'll wait. Nothing would change.

“Mmm. I can wait for you, Law.” Saying it seemed to take him off guard, as if he hadn't thought about it. Or, rather, didn't expect you to propose it. In his head, it seemed silly because it's him. If you were to ask in his place, he'd also wait.

He felt lighter.

“… Truly?”

“Yeah. We can figure it out together. Like we always did. I’ve loved you for years." He inhaled deeply, your words buttery and sweet. "I’m fine with waiting longer.”

Thinking you wouldn't accept, if he asked, was stupid of him too. Of course you would. Of course. With another squeeze, he nodded, and turned his head away from you a bit.

His eyes glistened.

“I’d like that. Thank you.”

You smiled, too, saying nothing in return.

He can take all the time he needs.

After some days, everything went back to the typical routine. The first thing you did was knock Shachi and Penguin's heads, (supported by Ikkaku) and since Hakugan and Clione were on duty, you couldn't do the same for them.

You puffed your cheeks and enjoyed chewing the well-earned treat you snagged from the kitchen, reorganizing boxes since this morning.

"Tired?"

Peeking at the door, a smile adorned your mouth at the sight of your captain leaning on it.

"Mm, there were a lot of them."

"You could've asked for help. You know I don't want any of you to strain yourselves with tasks."

"I had it. Don't worry. Although..." another bite. "I miss it."

"Hm?" he crooned, tipping his head forward. "Miss what?"

You gazed into his eyes, "Miss getting pampered by you when I was sick." lovingly observing how they enlarged a bit before returning to the stoic stare he always wore, swaying his head to dismiss your remarks. The chambré tint on his cheeks was as clear as day, like his light smile. Not that you'd tell him, he'd immediately disregard it.

"... Meet me at my office once you're done."

As he turned his back to you, his boots making clicky rumors with each step, your smirk amplified... After all, who could wait to get coddled by none other than their favorite captain?

#law x reader #one piece x reader #one piece x you #one piece imagine #trafalgar law #trafalgar d law x reader #trafalgar law x reader #trafalgar d law x you

759 notes · View notes

clbrq · 6 months

Text

STALKER — S. GOLBACH.

prompt; living alone in LA had its perks and downsides. on the positive side, you had all the freedom in the world and got to experience all the wonders of the city in your own time. however, when you have a stalker, it isn’t as fun. but, when you finally face the mysterious man—maybe he wasn’t so bad after all..

warnings; SMUT, stalker!sam, oral (receiving), very loving sex but also a bit rough at times, cursing/swearing, p in v sex, unprotected sex.

contains sensitive themes, MINORS DNI.

Tonight was no different.

Walking home from the bar, feeling tipsy and wobbling as you went—you felt like you were being watched. The street towards your house was dark, only lit up by the dim shine of the lamppost.

You stumbled over your own feet a few times, quietly giggling as you stabled yourself. Quickly turning around to check your surroundings, the empty street greeted you. Phew.

Turning around, however, erupted a different feeling within you. The figure of a man walking towards you sent shivers of fear down your spine as his dark outline was the only thing visible. Sucking in a breath, your heart rate quickened as he approached you—his hands stuffed into his pockets.

His face wasn’t clear—covered by a black mask with his hood up, paired with black sweatpants and bright white shoes. Not saying a word to you as he passed you, only flicking his eyes towards yours for you a moment.

The breath you didn’t even notice you were holding for so long released itself as he passed your vision. Thank god. Soon enough, you managed to make it to your house in one piece, the sensation of fear had long worn off.

Unlocking your door, you sighed as you locked it—feeling a small dose of safety as you trudged up the stairs towards your bedroom.

“Thank fuck he didn’t follow me home.” You mumbled to yourself, slipping off your heels and dress, and stumbling towards the bathroom.

As you turned on the shower and hopped in, your innocent little mind turned a blind eye to the man in all black with white shoes stood outside the gate to your house—watching your naked silhouette through the window as you washed yourself. His trousers tight against the hard-on begging to be freed as he stared at your figure.

His eyes never left your body as he watched you—not caring if the window was frosted over to hide your nakedness; he was just happy to even be this close to you. He was lucky you didn’t notice him while you drank and laughed with your friends as he sat at the bar. And even luckier when he took the other route to follow you home—making it look more nonchalant as he passed you.

He didn’t want to scare you, or make you uncomfortable. He just wanted to make sure you were safe—he wanted to protect you. He just loved you so much, he wouldn’t be able to live with himself if anything happened to you.

The next week or so, you still felt that same feeling, like someone’s prying eyes were on you constantly. Even when you drove to work a few days a week, you barely noticed the same Tesla following you behind you, and how it stayed in your parking lot all day until you left. You just assumed it was someone who worked at your building—it was a big company.

But, as you sat at the same bar on a busy Friday night, you caught on to whoever was making you feel like this.

Sat at a small circular table with your friends, your eyes slipped to the strangely familiar man sat at the bar, sipping what looked like Jack Daniels from a glass. You wouldn’t have thought twice about his presence until your eyes landed on his overwhelmingly white shoes. Your brain flicked back to last weekend as you walked home, the same man who passed you.

It’s just a coincidence, right?

“Penny for your thoughts?”

Snapping back into reality, you turned to face your friend who wore a comforting smile on her face, “Oh, nothing. Just thought I recognised that guy at the bar.” You told her, returning the smile.

Peering around you to see for herself, her eyes glided over his frame as she smirked, “He looks cute. You should go talk to him.”

“Absolutely not.” You chuckled, sipping your Margarita, “I think I saw him when I was walking home the other night. He looked a bit creepy.”

“Oh, you and your paranoia.” She joked, “It’s probably not the same guy—just go talk to him. Get out there!”

Feeling the alcohol course through your system, the thoughts of uncertainty washed away as you smiled, “Okay, fine. But the next round is on you.”

Laughing as she agreed, you rose from your seat and straightened out your dress, beginning to walk towards the mysterious man at the bar. As you approached the bar, you took a comfortable seat next to him, turning to face him as you offered him a sweet smile.

“Hi.” You started, meeting his bright blue eyes. You scanned over his face—he was gorgeous. He had luscious blonde hair that accentuated his ocean blue eyes, mixed with plump pink lips and perfectly clear skin. He was lean and fit—he was hot.

“Hey.” He replied, looking you up and down.

“What’s got you sat all alone at a bar?” You questioned, resting your chin in your hand as you peered up at him through your lashes.

A small smirk rose upon his face at your words, a chuckle leaving his lips, “Rough day at work, just looking for a nice drink to relax with.” He lied.

“Me too.” You replied, “Me and some friends always drink here after work. Just gets exhausting sometimes.”

“Exhausting being every week?”

“How do you know I come here every week?” You furrowed your eyebrows at his words, a sudden uncomfortable feeling crawling up your spine.

“Well you said you always come here, so I just assumed..” He trailed off, saving himself.

You laughed at yourself, “Sorry. I live alone so I’m always on edge.”

The man laughed, “You’re alright. Maybe you need another drink to loosen yourself up.”

“Another Margarita then, please.” You grinned, your cheeks flushing red at his actions. The blonde boy called the bartender over, ordering your drink and swiftly sliding a $10 bill over the counter.

“So, what do you do..”

“Y/N.”

“What do you do that’s so stressful, Y/N?” The boy asked, taking a sip of his drink.

“I work in marketing for social media. It’s tough, but it’s been my dream job for years.”

Silly, you. He already knew that.

“Oh, wow. That’s similar to what I do I suppose. I’m a manager for a social media star.” He lied, again.

“No kidding, who?” You asked, excitable.

As the two of you discussed careers and lifestyles, he listened to you carefully—nodding along as he pretended like he didn’t already know.

“Can I ask for your number?” The boldness of your tone excited him. Finally, he thought.

“Of course. I’m Sam, by the way.” Sam introduced, taking your phone from your hands as he typed his number in, “Are you doing anything tonight?”

Arousal pooled in your stomach at his suggestion. It had been months since you’d had sex—you wouldn’t say you were desperate, but you needed it badly.

Before you even knew it, you were quickly saying goodbye to your friends and following Sam out the door, hand in hand. Excitement bubbled inside you as you climbed into the passenger seat of his car as he opened the door for you.

“Are you sure you’re safe to drive?” You pondered, biting your lip.

“It’ll be fine, sweetheart.” He reassured, the nickname striking you in your in the stomach as butterflies bloomed.

Sam drove slowly and safely—not wanting to scare you or make you feel unsafe. Quiet music played in the background as you stayed silent, silently listening to it as he pulled up onto your street.

“How did you know where I lived?” You chuckled, nervously.

“You mentioned it at the bar, and I know this area pretty well. What number are you?” He brushed off, his voice convincing.

Telling him in a small voice, Sam pulled up outside your house, parking perfectly and stepping out the car. Sam rushed around to open your door once again, smiling sweetly at you as you thanked him.

You made your way inside your house—locking the door behind you as you led him upstairs to your bedroom. Sam could hardly wait. You shut your bedroom door as you turned to face him, walking up to him slowly as you placed your hands on his chest.

“I want you.” You whispered, batting your eyelids at him.

Sam almost fell to one knee and begged for your hand in marriage in that moment. But, instead, leaned down to connect your lips in a sensual kiss as he slid your dress off your body—leaving you topless and in your panties. Sam soon shrugged off his clothes, leaving him in only in his boxers as he kissed down your neck, marvelling in the way you whined when he suckled on your breasts.

Your hand flew to his hair as he placed on you to your bed, and kissed down your body towards your clothed pussy. Sam pulled your wet panties down your legs as he placed your legs on his shoulders.

“Fuck, you’re soaked.” He sighed, his breath hot against your sex. Biting your lip, your cheeks flushed red as he pecked your inner thighs—teasing you ever so slightly.

“Please, Sam.” You begged, your chest rising faster as the anticipation grew.

Sam almost came on the spot at hearing you moan his name. He was lucky enough to even talk to you—let alone being seconds away from eating your pussy. His cock was so hard it was beginning to hurt, he’d had a boner ever since you walked up to him.

Sam’s tongue lay flat against your clit as he lapped at your slick pussy. You moaned loudly as he sucked your clit, as his hand crawled up to slip two fingers inside your aching hole. You mewled his name as he continued to swarm pleasure throughout your body.

You’d had your fair share of men in the bedroom, but none of them compared to Sam so far. Little to none had made you feel this good, let alone make you on the brink of cumming after 30 seconds.

Sam repeatedly licked and suckled on your clit as his fingers curled to meet the sweet spot inside you. Your eyes rolled to the back of your head as the knot in your stomach snapped, cumming harshly on his tongue.

“Sam, oh god, Sam, don’t stop.” You whined, your back arching off the bed as you grasped his blonde locks in your hand as he never faltered his tricks while you came.

As you came down from your high, Sam rose from between your legs, standing up to pull down his boxers to release his large, hard cock from its restraints.

“You tasted better than I’d ever imagined.” Sam muttered, turning you onto your back carefully, and pulling your hips back to meet his.

Sam’s words went in one ear and out the other as he guided his cock gently inside you. You felt so full as he bottomed out, whines and whimpers falling past your lips as he quickly began moving his hips.

“Jesus fucking christ.” Sam groaned, his hands roughly holding onto your hips for dear life as he pounded into you, “Fuck me, you’re all I’ve ever wanted.”

“Harder, please!” You begged, wanting nothing more than to be ruined by the man behind you.

Sam quickly complied—wanting nothing more than to please you. He was lucky enough to make you cum with his tongue and now he was fucking you—he’d been waiting for this moment for months.

“God, you’re so tight. So perfect.” Sam mumbled behind you, his pace faultless as he fucked you into ecstasy.

He pulled out swiftly, though, flipping you back over as he wrapped your legs around his waist—sliding easily back into you as you soaked his throbbingly hard cock.

“Mm, fuck, Sam.” You blabbered, screwing your eyes shut as the arousal overwhelmed your body.

Sam’s head fell into the crook of your neck, “God, I can’t believe I’m fucking you.” He whined, “I’ve wanted you for so long—you have no idea how much I needed you.

“Wha..” You mumbled, the knot in your stomach once again building up he placed your legs on his shoulders, angling his cock to abuse the sensitive spot inside you.

You head lolled back as Sam pressed loving kisses to your collarbone, “I love you so fucking much, Y/N. I’ve never wanted anybody more.”

“What?” You spoke more clearly, your mind clearly confused, your body rebelling as Sam rubbed fast circles on your clit once again.

Sam’s rhythm picked up as he groaned into your shoulder, “Oh, yeah, Y/N. I love you, I love you, I love you.” He chanted as he filled you up deeply with his cum.

Your orgasm hit you like a train as Sam’s words rang with your mind. Not only was your body reacting perfectly normally to the pleasure Sam was bringing you, but your mind raced a mile a minute as images of walking home, driving to work and at the bar flashed in your brain.

It was him—this whole time.

As you, for the second time tonight, came down from your high, Sam pulled out of you, apologising as you winced. Words failed you as Sam laid next to you, cuddling up close to your body.

And as the thoughts of him stalking you flashed in your head, the feeling of your orgasm still flooded through your body—you didn’t care. Sam had made you feel better than any of guy you’d been with and he cared about you.

For an incredible fuck and endless amounts of love from Sam, you’d let his stalking tendencies go.

-/-

a/n: IVE FINALLY WRITTEN FOR SAM!!!

look at you getting two fics in two days

no i do not condone stalking this is purely fictional :)

@paymal7

@lovely-red2

@cam1ly

@morchilluv

@reem6806

@mysteriouslydeafeningwerewolf

@mattheoriddlemarcuslopez

@iwanttoberich420

@ilymusic27

@xosugardoll

@camille-1019

@nanascupid

@whicked-hazlatwhore

@samandcolby-ownme

@peachhiz

@theyloveniqueeeee

@m-maxie-ie

487 notes · View notes

nacora-najita · 10 days

Text

CYANS OF MAY (week 1)

GOD this took forever

but this was so much fun :D

tagging is under the cut, and while u r here why don't u send ur blixer

@warriorman-skibidi , @multi-fand0m-trash , @pageofthemicocee , @skullysinsanity , @sannaliel , @cryptic3clipse , @patch-ov-rosez , @justshapesandshitposting , @shaidai , @mnlghtdestiny , @seba2932 , @acn97414 , @comettheninja1 , @corrupted-icarus , @c4ys18l , @woahtriangle , @0h-w0w13 , @lumhere , @its-paperd , @astronic-fr , @pricklythepearcat , @rennymayflower , @alionanight , @satagaru176 , @puppypop5 , @kitcatttt , @bulaklakk

PHEW done tagging

if I miss-tagged u then sorry

if I changed the design then either I did it to make it easier for me or uhh sorry

if I didn't draw u then sorry

have a nice day ig lmao

#potarto #jsab #just shapes and beats #shapes of may #jsab cyan #jsab square #jsab player

122 notes · View notes

lemoncrushh · 1 month

Text

Tattooed Heart - Part III

SUMMARY: You are a cocktail waitress at a swanky lounge. Harry comes in one night, and you instantly dislike him. But another encounter eventually changes your opinion.

PAIRING: Waitress Y/N x Artist/Tattoo Artist Harry

TROPES: Enemies to Lovers

MUST BE 18+ TO READ

WORD COUNT: 5k+

STORY PAGE

Working the breakfast shift had its advantages. While it was the busiest time of the day at the cafe, you were grateful that it took your mind off other things - like Harry Styles for one. You were excited about your date with him that evening, but you were also nervous as hell. Working nights at Zelda’s hadn’t left you much time for a social life. In fact, the last date you’d been on had been nearly six months ago, and while the guy had been nice, and the evening had been pleasant enough, there had been no sparks or chemistry between you, and you never ended up seeing him again. Shae called you a social hermit, claiming you worked too much and needed to have more fun. But the truth was, you just hadn’t met anyone that you felt was worth your time.

Another thing that was good about having the breakfast shift, was that you had time for a quick nap before you had to start getting ready. Exhausted, you wondered how you would have made it through to the evening if you hadn’t had the extra time for a snooze. Your feet were killing you, your back ached, and you were pretty sure you smelled of coffee and maple syrup. Opting for sleep before a shower, you crawled into bed, out like a light.

You woke up to the buzz of your phone. Picking it up, you noticed you’d been asleep for two hours. But it was the text that sent your heart aflutter.

Hope you had a great day at work. I’m looking forward to tonight.

Smiling at the phone, you wondered again how and why this man already had this effect on you. Just a week ago you despised him. The mere thought of him would have had your blood boiling. But here you were, about to spend an evening in his presence. And it thrilled you.

Thanks, work was hectic but good. Just took a nice long nap. I’m excited about tonight as well : ).

Setting your phone down as you rose from the bed, you quickly heard another buzz.

Excited! Phew, I’m so glad. I was worried you’d change your mind and cancel.

Of course not.

Good : ). See you at 7.

You took a long, thorough shower, making sure to get every crevice. You used your good shampoo, the one you’d bought at the salon weeks ago that smelled like coconut. As you lathered, you thought of Harry’s previous text. The one where he had been worried you’d cancel. He didn’t seem like the type of guy to have any insecurities. If you had canceled, he probably would have just gone about his day, maybe even have asked out someone else. But you had to admit, it felt a little nice knowing he was relieved you hadn’t.

Stepping out of the shower, you dried off and applied your favorite lotion, making sure to use a little extra in the areas where you’d shaved. You weren’t sure exactly why you were making such an effort. While you weren’t against the idea of sleeping with someone on the first date, you didn’t always do it. And there was never a guarantee. However, this guy…

You had just stepped into your shoes and were putting on your earrings when your phone announced another text.

On my way. Should be there in ten.

How long had you been daydreaming? Was it time for him already?

Running a brush through your hair one last time, and making sure your makeup looked alright, you walked out into the living room where Shae surprised you.

“Hey, look at you!” she exclaimed. “I love that dress!”

“Hi, I um…didn’t know you were home.”

“Only just. About to hop in the shower.”

“A date?” you asked.

“Yup. Brian’s picking me up in thirty minutes. Looks like you have one, too.”

The color rising in your face, you gave a quick shrug. You hadn’t planned on telling Shae about Harry. At least not yet. If things didn’t go well, you’d just have more reason to talk bad about him later. But if things went well…you figured Shae would want all the juicy details. And you weren’t in the mood for the prelude discussion.

“Awesome!” cheered Shae before embracing you. “You deserve a night out. Who is it? Someone from the cafe?”

“Uh, yeah. Something like that.”

“Oh, that’s so cute! See, things are working out for you!”

You gave a sheepish grin and a nod. Looking down at her phone, Shae squeaked.

“Shit, I gotta go shower! If you leave before I’m done, have a great night!”

Shae had barely shut her door and you heard the shower going when the doorbell rang. You breathed a heavy sigh at the close call. Which was probably a good idea because as soon as you pulled open the door, your breath caught in your throat again.

“Hi,” he grinned. Damn if he didn’t look good.

“Hi.”

“You look great.”

“Thanks, so do you,” you smiled, unable to tear your gaze from him. “I’d um…invite you in, but my roommate’s in the shower, and her date is gonna be here any minute.”

While you weren’t sure why that mattered, you didn’t wanna make things more awkward. Plus it was a good excuse to leave.

“No worries,” said Harry. “We should probably get going anyway. We have reservations.”

“Oh. Perfect.”

Grabbing your purse from the counter, you shut the door behind you, following Harry out to his car. When he opened the passenger side door for you, you noticed how good he smelled. This time it wasn’t the clean, soapy smell like at the cafe, but rather a nice, notably expensive cologne. You felt your mouth water as you climbed into the car.

“So, this restaurant,” you said once you were down the road, “is it by reservation only?”

“Mm, not particularly,” shrugged Harry. “I just happen to know the chef. So I got us a special table.”

“Ohh. Well…I feel special then.”

Harry gave you a sexy grin, sending chills down every extremity. Stopped at a red light, his eyes ran down your body and back up to your face. Suddenly self-aware, you licked your lips and swallowed hard. When the light turned green and Harry hit the accelerator, you looked out the side window and blew out a breath.

The restaurant was a quaint little building off a side street. Harry parked in the small parking lot in the back, quickly jogging around the front of the car to open your door. You thanked him as you climbed out, getting another whiff of his yummy cologne.

You felt his hand on your back as you entered the restaurant, the hostess greeting you. When Harry gave his name, she guided you both through the restaurant to a table in the back. Taking a seat, your eyes scanned the room, the warm lighting and Tuscan atmosphere, the instrumental jazz playing lightly. Within seconds, a man appeared, asking for your drink order. Harry leaned toward you, asking if you liked wine.

“Yes,” you smiled. “Whatever kind you like is fine with me.”

Harry then looked at the waiter, a nervous chuckle rising from his throat. “Whatever you recommend.”

“Certainly, sir. I can bring you a sample if you like.”

“Sounds great.”

When the waiter left, you raised your brows at Harry.

“Not as much a wine connoisseur as a tequila one?” You couldn’t help the jab.

Color rising in his face, he looked down at the table, then back at you.

“I dunno shit about tequila, either, Y/N. I admitted I was an asshole that night, okay?”

“So nothing was real? It was all fake? Was it even your birthday?”

“Oh, it was my birthday. And I had been seeing Nicolette. But everything else was phony. Or…fake as you said.”

“Even your friends?”

Harry chuckled. “They were probably the fakest part. I wouldn’t exactly call them my friends.”

“More like…acquaintances?” you asked.

“No, more like…I’d just met them that night.”

Your jaw dropped, and hadn’t it been for the waiter returning with your wine samples, you’d have pressed the subject further. But instead, you graciously accepted the wine, tasting it. It went down smoothly, and you nodded.

“This is delicious.”

Giving you a wink, Harry agreed and asked the waiter for full glasses. You watched as he poured the red liquid into your glass, announcing he’d be back momentarily to take your order. Once he was out of earshot again, Harry looked at you.

“How do you feel about Spaghetti Bolognaise?”

“Not sure I’ve had it,” you replied. “But sounds incredible.”

“It is. Carlo makes the best.”

“Carlo? From the tattoo shop?”

The corner of Harry’s mouth curled up into a lopsided grin. “You remember.”

“Well, I…” you cleared your throat, fingering the napkin in your lap, “I heard you say his name last night.”

“Yeah, he’s a faithful client of mine. And an amazing chef.”

“I see,” you nodded. “So, Harry…may I ask you something?”

“You can ask me anything. It just depends on the question as to whether or not I’ll answer.”

“Fair enough,” you smirked. Leaning forward, you folded your hands in front of you. “Why did you go to Zelda’s that night?”

“I told you, it-”

“No, I know it was your birthday,” you interjected. “I mean…why Zelda’s? And why with those people? You obviously make a decent living. You have people who like and respect you, like Carlo. Why did you feel the need to be someone else?”

Harry let out a breath through his nose as he fumbled with his napkin, then took a sip of wine.

“Basically…it was a business deal gone bad. And I regret every bit of that night.”

“Are we ready to order?”

Startled, you looked up at the waiter who had seemed to pop up out of nowhere. You were grateful when Harry ordered for the both of you. You were speechless, Harry’s words rolling around in your brain.

“Y/N,” Harry addressed you when the waiter left. “I know I apologized already, the best way I knew how. But you have to know that I felt so horrible afterward, and I still do.”

“I don’t understand. What does a business deal have to do with me? Did they dare you to treat me that way or something?”

“No, not directly,” he shook his head. “It was…just an attitude that had developed…um, I guess I picked it up from hanging out with them.”

“But you said you’d just met them that night.”

“I had. But we’d been drinking since Happy Hour.”

Just then, a figure emerged from behind Harry, carrying two large dishes.

“Harry, my good man!”

“Carlo!”

You watched as Carlo set one of the humongous dishes in front of you, the other in front of Harry. The aroma was intoxicating, and your mouth watered more when Carlo added fresh cheese to the top.

“Carlo, I was telling Y/N here that you’re the best chef in town.”

“Oh, Mr. Styles flatters me,” beamed Carlo who then extended his hand to you. “Lovely to meet you, Y/N. Please enjoy.”

Your waiter returned once more with salads and fresh bread, asking if you’d like more wine or water. When the coast was clear, you finally dug into your feast.

“I take it Carlo thinks I can eat enough for four people,” you commented with a chuckle.

“He thinks everyone can,” laughed Harry. “And trust me when I say he will only be offended if you don’t take the leftovers home with you.”

“Oh fun. A date with a to-go box.”

Harry giggled, making you lift your gaze to him. You liked how his eyes squinted when he laughed, his dimples dipping deeply in his cheeks.

“I can honestly say, love, I wouldn't be offended either. It’s a lot of food.”

“Good. Because I don’t wanna waste any of it. This is f-ing amazing.”

“Told you,” Harry winked before shoving a forkful into his mouth.

You enjoyed the delicious meal and pleasant conversation until you circled back to the night you’d met at Zelda’s. It was obvious Harry was remorseful, but you were still curious as to what had brought on the horrible attitude.

“So how did you meet those guys?” you asked. “From the tattoo shop?”

“Oh, no,” Harry shook his head and took a sip of wine. “They were connections. From my art exhibit. And…from Nicolette.”

“Oh, so your girlfriend knew them.”

Harry frowned. “I wouldn’t call her that. But yes.”

“Hmm, and you wanted to shmooze them. To…get them to buy your art?”

Harry sighed, dropping his fork and lifting his napkin to his mouth. Then resting his wrists on the table, he looked at you pointedly.

“Nicolette’s a rich girl. Like ‘daddy’s money’ rich. I met her…well it doesn’t matter how or when…but she was basically like arm candy. I’ll admit that. I’m not proud of it, but I admit it. I reckoned she could help me meet people, get my name out there. And she did. She was able to help me set up an exhibit, and it went well. Then she mentioned she had these friends from New York that were only in town for the weekend, but they might be interested in purchasing some of my art. So we met up at their hotel and had some drinks. Then we had some more. Nicolette ended up texting her friend to join us, and she showed up with another chick. And before I knew it, Nicolette had let the cat out of the bag that it was my birthday. The guys insisted we celebrate at some place better than the hotel bar. That’s how we ended up at Zelda’s.”

“But I recall one girl saying you were buying. Why did you have to buy if it was your own birthday?”

“I was trying to close a deal. Simple as that.”

“And you figured if you play the asshole show-off they’d buy your art.”

Harry sighed again, resting his head in his hands. “I’m not proud of it, okay? I was pissed out of my mind. I’m not even a big drinker. Obviously you can tell that. I haven’t even finished this glass of wine yet.”

You grinned, lifting your own glass. “Neither have I.”

When Harry gave a half smile, you leaned forward. “Harry, it’s okay. I’m not trying to make you feel worse about it. You’ve already made it up to me. I was only curious. Because…honestly, ever since you helped me get a new job, you’ve been nothing short of fantastic. And that includes this evening…so far.”

Harry’s grin widened, a little twinkle in his eye. “I’m having a fantastic time, too.”

“Just one more question,” you said, twisting the spaghetti around your fork. “Did you end up selling your art?”

“No,” Harry snorted. “Turns out they didn’t have the money. Bigger phonies than I was.”

You covered your mouth with your hand, trying not to laugh.

“Go ahead,” Harry chuckled. “I deserve it.”

“It does make me feel a little better.”

“Believe me, I learnt my lesson. I’m just sorry I hurt you in the process.”

With a tight smile, you adjusted your napkin in your lap, then pushed your hair behind your ear. “Harry. What do you think would have happened if you and I had met in a different way?”

“I dunno,” he grinned, his eyes dancing as he stared into yours. “That’s what I’m hoping to find out.”

The evening air was cool, blowing a pleasant breeze across your skin that was much needed after the wine. You and Harry had ended up staying for a second glass, and as you walked to his car, you were starting to feel the small effects.

“Where to now?” Harry asked gleefully when he got behind the wheel.

“What do you mean?” you teased, knowing full well what he meant.

“Night is still young. I have nowhere to be.”

“Hmm. Can’t really go to my place.”

“Right, the roommate. Was she staying there for her date?”

You shrugged. “I never know with her.”

Harry chuckled. “Alright. We could go to mine.”

You turned in your seat to face him. “Is this how it’s gonna be, then? I forgive you, you take me out to a nice dinner, I sleep with you and I never see you again?”

“Well, you’ll still see me. I go to the cafe a lot.”

“Harry!” you playfully shoved him.

“I’m joking, Y/N! And no, that’s not how it’s gonna be. We don’t even have to go to my place. We can do whatever you want. How about a movie?”

You made a face.

“Okay, veto,” Harry chuckled. “What would you say to a walk? We could make a quick trip to my place to drop off the leftovers so they don’t spoil, then go for a nice walk. My flat isn’t far from the tattoo shop. We could stop by there if you like.”

“That actually doesn’t sound bad. It’s nice out, and I could walk off all that spaghetti I ate.”

“Alright,” Harry grinned, pulling out of the parking lot.

His apartment was in a tall building. One of those fancy ones with a garage and an elevator to take you up. He held your leftovers in one hand while his other hand held yours. He’d done it so nonchalantly too, like it was the most natural thing in the world. When you got up to the fourth floor, you’d already decided you liked how it felt.

“Let me just put these in the refrigerator,” he said when you stepped into his apartment.

“Okay. Mind if I use your restroom?”

“Of course, right there to your left.”

It was a tiny apartment, very compact, but also very clean. The only “mess” you noticed was a display of art supplies in the corner of the room as you crossed it to head to the bathroom. When you shut the door, you were greeted with a lovely painting of a moon reflecting on the beach. It was very serene. You wondered if Harry had painted it, until you noticed the HS initials in the corner.

He was leaning against his kitchen counter, looking down at his phone when you walked out. He looked up and smiled at you, shoving his phone into his back pocket.

“My turn.”

You perused his small apartment while he went to the restroom, most notably the easel in the corner you’d seen earlier. Propped on it looked to be a finished piece, though you weren’t sure. It looked to be another moon, though it was black and the background was white. The bottom of the moon appeared to be melting and at the bottom, the drops had made the shape of a heart.

“Alright, you ready?” you heard him ask, making you jump.

“Oh. Yeah,” you turned to see him. “This…this is gorgeous.”

“Oh. Thanks,” he said, stepping closer to you. “It’s not quite finished yet. It’s part of my moon series.”

“Ah, yeah, I saw the one in the bathroom. Beautiful. But…I really like this one for some reason.”

“It’s definitely more abstract than the other. I’m not sure how I feel about it yet.”

“Why not? I think it’s great. It would make a cool tattoo.”

Harry shrugged. “Maybe.” Then he reached his hand out to take yours.

As you strolled along the sidewalk, grateful you’d worn your flats instead of heels, you wondered why Harry had quickly dismissed your idea of the moon tattoo, but decided not to press. Maybe he was one of those artists who didn’t like their own work until it was completed.

“So how many art exhibits have you had?” you asked instead.

“Just the one so far. The gallery has some of my pieces there to sell. But I’m still trying to get my name out there.”

“How long have you been doing tattoos?”

“About…seven years?”

“Really?” you raised your brows. “Is that your favorite? Like, your true love?”

“Eh, I dunno,” Harry shrugged. “I mean, I love it. And it’s definitely a good creative outlet. And it pays the bills.”

“And you have a following,” you added.

“Yeah. But is it what I wanna do forever? Probably not. I know a lot of people kind of look down on tattoo art as not legitimate art. Just something to do ‘on the side’ or ‘until something better comes along’,” he said, using air quotes. “But it’s never been that for me. At least not until recently. The painting and drawing were usually my side projects. But now…I dunno. I reckon I’ve gotten a taste and I want more.”

“Well, for what it’s worth - which is probably not much because who the fuck am I? - I think you’re extremely talented. No matter what you choose.”

“Yeah?” he smiled at you. “Thanks, Y/N. It’s worth more than you know.”

Instinctively, you squeezed his hand, and he squeezed yours back.

“What about you?” Harry asked, surprising you.

“Me?”

“Do you have any hobbies? Anything you’re passionate about?”

“No. I’m pretty dull,” you sighed.

“I seriously doubt that.”

You laughed. “It’s true. Before I started working at Zelda’s, I used to like to read and write a lot.”

“What would you write?”

“Poems mostly. Song lyrics. An occasional short story.”

“What made you stop?”

You shrugged. “Just didn’t seem important anymore. Kinda silly.”

“Nothing about that is silly, Y/N. Did it make you happy?”

You looked up at his profile, the streetlamps casting shadows.

“Only when I had something worth writing about.”

Harry stopped then, giving you a grin. “You wanna go in?”

“Sorry?” you muttered before you realized you’d reached the tattoo shop, the closed sign in the door. “Oh. Yeah, we can do that?”

Harry chuckled. “Yes, love. I’m the owner.”

“Oh,” you blushed. “Right.”

Digging a key from his pocket, Harry unlocked the door, pushing it open. When you followed him inside, he pressed a few digits on the keypad, turning off the alarm. Finally, he switched on the lights, illuminating the lobby area.

“It’s so quiet,” you whispered.

“Yeah. But you don’t have to whisper, sweetheart,” mimicked Harry.

You giggled softly, covering your face with your hands. Once again, you couldn’t explain how or why Harry was affecting you this way. He just was.

“Would you like something to drink? Water? Soda?”

“Water’s fine.”

Harry walked around the back of the counter to the cooler where he retrieved two water bottles. Then handing you one, he gestured toward the back.

“C’mon. I’ll show you my station. I know you saw it already, but…”

“I was still paying attention, Harry,” you remarked.

“You were?”

“Yes.” You took a swig of water. “I was just being a bitch because I hated you.”

“Ouch,” Harry grimaced.

“I’m sorry. I didn’t really hate you. I hated who I thought you were.”

“I see. And who do you think I am now?”

Biting your lip, you considered his inquiry as you made your way around his tattoo chair.

“Someone I’m interested in getting to know better.”

“Yeah?” he asked, his voice somehow two octaves lower.

“Mmhm. Someone I really hope to spend more time with.”

“I like that.”

“And someone who’s already making me feel things I didn’t think I would feel.”

Stepping closer to you, so close you were almost touching, Harry gazed into your eyes.

“What kind of things?” he asked.

You swallowed hard. “Like…how bad I want you to kiss me right now.”

With just a tilt of his head, Harry slid his hand around your neck and covered your mouth with his. His lips were soft and warm, giving gentle kisses before he slid his tongue along your bottom lip. You let out a gasp as you eagerly allowed his access, your tongue meeting his. You heard a deep groan from him as he gripped your waist with his other hand. Your own hands had a firm hold on his biceps until you lifted one hand up to his hair.

“Y/N,” he breathed as his mouth began to travel down your jaw to your neck. “You drive me fucking crazy, baby.”

“I do?”

“Yes!” he growled, his teeth nibbling on your earlobe. “Ever since that first day at the cafe. I haven’t been able to get you off my mind.”

Astounded, you leaned back to look at him. His eyes were dark and wild, and if you didn’t have questions, you would have kept going, letting him do whatever it was he was doing to you.

“The day you got me the job?”

“Yeah,” he chuckled, his voice raspy. “I know it sounds insane. I think I was attracted to you already. But when you looked at me when I handed you your umbrella…something happened. And you’ve been on my mind ever since.”

“Really?” your face softened.

“Mmhm,” Harry nodded, his eyes darting from yours to your mouth.

“Is it crazy that you’ve been on my mind too?”

“Absolutely mad,” he murmured before his lips found yours again.

As the kiss deepened, you felt Harry’s hands travel down your back. When he reached your ass, he squeezed it, pulling you flush against him. You could feel him beneath his pants, especially with just your thin skirt and panties covering you. You moaned against his mouth, earning one from him in return. When his fingers began to tug on the fabric of your dress, you didn’t stop him, wanting nothing more than to feel him touch you. And when you felt the cold chill of his rings against your bare skin as he lifted your skirt and cupped your bum, you almost came unglued.

“Ha-Harry…” you breathed when your lips separated.

“These are nice,” he smirked, his fingers running across the back of your panties. “Lace.”

You let out a nervous chuckle. “I’m glad you approve.”

“Mm, I do. Too bad we don’t need them.”

His gaze turned animalistic, and you nearly moaned out loud when he licked his lips and bit his bottom one. Then grabbing the sides of your delicate garment, he slid them down your thighs, letting them drop and pool down around your ankles.

“Whatcha got under there, baby? Hmm? A pretty pussy for me?”

You merely nodded, so incredibly turned on, you couldn’t speak. His hands slid up the backs of your legs and under your dress until his fingers found what he was looking for.

“So wet for me already,” he praised you. “Love it.” Then kissing you hard, one hand slipping around the front to get better access, he began to rub your clit. “I’m gonna make you even wetter, babe.”

“Holy fuck,” you threw your head back, your knees already threatening to buckle.

“You like that, baby?”

“Yes,” you mewled.

“Do me a favor,” he instructed, pointing behind you, “and climb on that chair for me.”

“Harry…” you gasped. “We’re not…gonna…”

“Relax, sweetheart. I wanna lick you.”

If it was possible, Harry’s declaration made you soaked. With a little assistance from him, you sat on the tattoo chair. Then taking a seat in his own chair, he adjusted yours the way he wanted it before pulling you almost to the edge, causing your dress to hike up.

“Perfect,” he growled, sliding his hands up your thighs. “Now open those gorgeous legs and let them fall on either side.”

You did as he said, your bottom half completely exposed.

“Fuck, yes,” you heard him mutter before kissing your inner thigh.

You heard his chair squeak slightly as he scooted closer just before his breath blew across your pussy. Nearly coming up off the chair, you let out a whimper.

“Oh my God…please…”

“Please what, baby?”

“Put your mouth on it, Harry. I need it.”

You heard him make a sound that was a cross between a groan and a chuckle. But he didn’t oblige right away. Instead, he teased you some more with his fingers, running his thumb between your folds and back up. Then licking his pointer and middle finger, he placed them right over your clit, careful not to put too much pressure as he moved in circles.

“Harry…please…”

This time you did hear him give a sly chuckle, no doubt enjoying his play. Your thighs were already shaking and he hadn’t even used his tongue yet. Curling your toes, you whimpered more as he continued his teasing.

“You’re so pretty, baby,” he complimented, his eyes on you. “I can’t wait to do more things to this gorgeous pussy. But right now…I’m gonna eat you so good.”

You cried out as soon as his mouth covered your clit, sucking gently. You felt as though you could come already, but you wanted to savor the sensation. Releasing your clit, Harry used his tongue, moving in the same gentle circular motion. Grinding your hips, you urged him to go faster, harder. But he grabbed you, holding you beneath him, continuing his petting the way he wanted.

You began panting, desperate to feel his tongue do more. Finally, seemingly reading your mind, Harry flicked his tongue against you, and you cried out his name. You reached down and grabbed at his hair, needing him more. It was then that Harry decided to include his fingers again, slipping one, then two inside, pumping slowly but just the way you wanted.

“Oh God! Harry…right there, baby. Don’t stop….”

“Not gonna. You taste so good, Y/N,” he growled against your pussy, rubbing his mouth all around it, his facial hair scratching you. “Wanna make you come so hard.”

You felt your eyes roll back in your head then as his fingers continued their magic, hitting just the right spot as his tongue devoured your juices. You cried out his name once again, your nails raking through his hair as your legs trembled. Harry continued to lick you through your orgasm until you came down. Then sliding his fingers out of your pussy, he kissed it one last time.

Your breaths were heavy, shaky and uneven. And you were pretty sure you felt a stream of sweat between your breasts. You hadn’t come like that in…a long time. Too long.

With a hum, Harry pulled you up to a sitting position. You felt like a rag doll, boneless. Harry chuckled as he wiped his chin and looked at you.

“You alright, love?”

“Fuck, yeah,” you breathed.

“Good,” he beamed at you. “You are so sexy. I’ll be right back. We’ll get you cleaned up, and then I’ll take you home.”

“Oh. Okay.”

“Don’t look so disappointed, baby,” he chuckled. “It’s late. And you’re worn out.”

“Hmm,” you nodded.

Placing a hand on your face, he cupped your cheek, then pushed a strand of hair behind your ear.

“When’s your next day off?”

“Tuesday,” you replied with glassy eyes.

“Perfect. Only three days away. Can I see you?”

You managed a smile and a nod. “Yes, of course. Maybe I can get my tattoo then?”

Harry laughed, a sexy low laugh that sent your heart aflutter all over again. Then he leaned in to kiss you.

“Maybe. We’ll see. I have other things in mind…”

Thoughts and feedback are appreciated :).

#harry styles #harry styles fanfiction #harry styles fan fiction #harry styles fic #harry styles fanfic #harry styles smut #harry fan fic #harry fic #harry smut #harry fanfic #harry styles x reader #harry x reader #enemies to lovers #tattoo artist!harry

106 notes · View notes

lucysarah-c · 5 months

Text

"What's up?" Levi's voice echoed as he made his way through the kitchen of the building. It was late at night, and I had, as usual, chosen the last shift of cooking duties to stay a bit later. Levi, on the other hand, was on night watches. "The weather is unbearable. I'm boiling," he complained while still in uniform. I, on the other hand, had changed into a lighter dress after the training was over to bear the heat of the oven.

With hands in his pockets, he walked through the counters until he reached my side as I energetically whipped. "Cooking," I replied.

"No shit," he rolled his eyes sarcastically. "What are ya cookin'?"

I showed him the bowl, but his eyes remained glued to me, expecting an explanation. My eyes turned again to admire the freshly made meringue, quickly concluding that Levi, freshly from the undercity, had probably never eaten it. Intrusive thoughts quickly overtook my consciousness, particularly knowing his loudly proclaimed dislike for sweets, and I had to bite back a smile.

"Want to taste?" I asked innocently while scooping a good amount. My hand raised the spoon to his lips with my other one under it just in case it dropped.

Levi frowned but didn't seem to mind much, taking one of his hands out of his pockets to grab the spoon. I quickly pushed it backward. "Nooo," I pouted playfully. "I want to feed you."

The click of his tongue. "I'm not some stupid baby."

My pout increased, adding my best puppy eyes. "Pleeeeassseeee," dragging the words before adding, "I just want to pamper my man~ How is that wrong? Nobody is watching. Let me pamper you a bit."

He sighed, his frowned expression glued on me, pondering the idea of letting me get my way with it or not. "Fine," he groaned resigned.

"Say 'A!'" The smile on my face was so bright. Levi didn't collaborate, but he parted his lips doubtfully. Before he could react, I shoved the spoon down his throat, and he quickly parted. My loud laughs echoed in the empty kitchen as he coughed, trying to spit the meringue as it stuck to his throat.

Grabbing my belly as I slacked against the countertop, laughing my ass off as he tried to unstick the sweet cream from his mouth to finally swallow. As quickly as he could swallow a part and spit the rest into the sink before drinking water directly from the tap, he looked over at me, furious. "That shit is creamy diabetes! Phew!" Spitting on the sink a couple more of times.

It simply made me laugh loudly, tears running down my cheeks. "Oh, come on! I saw my chance and I took it!"

"Yeah, yeah, keep laughin'," Levi replied with a deadly tone. "I'm gonna push creamy white shit down your throat without your consent too, and let's see who of the two ends up laughin'."

My fun quickly subsided as I looked at him confused and slightly worried. "What do you mean?"

(Little sneak peak from Ch. 21 Holy Ground hehe)

Tags!: @nmlkys @jimoonbeau @fictiondrunk @notgoodforlife @nube55 @justkon @i-literally-cant-with-this @darkstarlight82 @thoreeo @quillinhand @humanitys-strongest-bamf Wanna join my tag list? Here!

139 notes · View notes

orcasoul · 2 months

Text

Oh Daddy! A Conclusion of Oh Baby

Summery: It's time to finally meet your precious baby. Pedro is the perfect boyfriend as he comforts and encourages you every step of the way through your labour.

Warnings: Swearing, fluff, descriptions of labour pain, use of Y/N.

"Come on! Arrgh, fucking red light again!" Pedro grumbled in frustration as every set of lights was against you. The low hum of the engine and smooth motion of the car does little to settle you as yet another contraction closes it's cruel fist around your abdomen, and all you can do is clench your teeth, squeeze your eyes shut and grip onto the seat. Pedro's warm hand on your thigh brings you back to the present.

"Remember to breathe through them, baby," he coxed, soothingly, trying to remain calm. You didn't even realise you'd been holding your breath. "They're getting worse," you whimper as the contraction begins to ease. Sitting upright in the car doesn't help either as all you want to do is lay down. Your waters had broken hours ago but the receptionist at the hospital had instructed you to wait until the contractions are only five minutes apart before coming into the ward.

Well, they're five minutes apart now, and they hurt like a bitch! What began hours ago as mild period like pain has become a crippling, muscle seizing, air stealing, nerve shredding symphony of cramps, dull aches, and sharp shooting pains. "Phew, phew, phew....," It has become easier to breathe again but you know the respite won't last for long. "That's it, that's my girl," Pedro smiled as he stroked up and down your thigh.

He hates that you're in pain and right now he can't even support you as he'd like to. "Finally!" he muttered under his breath as the lights changed. It only took twenty minutes to get to the hospital but it felt like a millennium. Pedro quickly switched off the engine and grabbed your hospital bag, slinging it over his shoulder. He hurried around the car to open your door. "I've got you, sweetheart," he soothed as he placed two strong hands under your armpits and slowly pulled you to your feet, while you gripped onto his shoulders.

He laced one arm around your waist, encouraging you to lean into his body for support, while locking the car behind him. You couldn't be more thankful that the latest contraction has passed. Walking while feeling like your uterus is being twisted mercilessly would not have been much fun. But even though the pain has eased greatly, the walk is still quite draining. "Here, sit down," Pedro said as he grabbed a wheelchair by the hospital entrance. With a sigh of relief, you happily oblige.

Entering the maternity ward is like entering another world. The pastel blue colour of the walls, the smell of disinfectant and the professional atmosphere instantly eased some of the tension in your shoulders, lulling you into a sense of relief. You feel so much better being surrounded by people who know what they are doing. You hear a few babies' cry from different rooms, the sound bringing a smile to your lips and your hand to your rounded belly, knowing that very soon you'll be hearing your own baby's cries.

Another contraction grips you, each spasm and cramp becoming more intense. As you both approach the front desk, the midwife walks towards you with a big smile stretching from ear to ear. "Hi Mr and Mrs Pascal, it's so good to meet you," she beamed, looking at you briefly, then turning her attention to Pedro. Obviously a fan and under other circumstances you'd wait patiently for the encounter to end, but now is not the time. Not when you feel like your insides are being pulverised!

The wave continues through your lower stomach, eliciting a low groan from you. Pedro rubs your back gently, as you ride it out. "Right this way please. We'll take good care of you," the midwife smiled at you as she led you to the best birthing suite on the ward. It wasn't lost on you how Pedro hadn't corrected the woman when she'd referred to you as Mrs Pascal and honestly, hearing that name in regards to yourself made your heart skip a beat. It just felt.... right. But that's a thought for another time.

The suite is amazing! A double bed for both parents to sleep in, another bed with detachable leg stirrups (which hopefully, won't be needed), a birthing pool, a birthing ball, a large settee, a little cot for the baby next to the bed, top of the range equipment and machines, and even a 50 inch smart TV on the wall. Hell, there is even a mini fridge! Pedro has gone above and beyond for you, again, making sure you have the very best money can buy.

"We'll give you a few minutes to get settled in and come back to set up the monitor," the midwife informs you and leaves the room. Pedro slowly helped you up from the chair to the bed, crouching down so he's face to face with you, one hand tenderly stroking your enormous bump and the other cupping your cheek. His warm, mahogany eyes sparkle with unshed tears as he looks at you like you are the most precious thing in this world to him.

The raw emotion displayed on his face cuts right to the core of you, settling in your heart, your bones, your... everything, every part of you thrumming with the surety of his love for you and yours for him. "You've been doing so well, baby," Pedro cooed, sweetly. You huff a lighthearted laugh. "It hasn't even properly begun yet, Ped." "Still...," he replied with a gentle firmness, "I'm so proud of you." You sigh and close your eyes, pressing your forehead to his with a delirious smile. "I love you," you whisper, feeling like your heart might burst from the sheer amount of love you have for him and your baby. "I love you, too," Pedro whispered then kissed you deeply.

*****

Twelve hours have passed agonisingly slowly, sixteen since your waters had broken and still no baby. On your last check you were only 8 cm dilated, much to your frustration. Your patience has been waning with every passing hour. Seeing you waddle around the room with your hand on your lower back, groaning and puffing in extreme discomfort, Pedro has never felt so useless. If only he could do it all for you. All he can really do is make sure that you're hydrated, offer comforting words and be your personal squeeze toy.

"I can't... take much more... of this!" you pant through gritted teeth while gripping onto Pedro's shoulders. You're sure he's going to be sporting bruises there tomorrow. His hands softly caress your lower back while you double over as yet another contraction courses through your uterus. Now you wish you'd had that bloody epidural. Refusing it because you wanted to fully experience labour is the dumbest idea you've ever had! But it's too late now. You have no choice but to go through it naturally, like millions of women have done since time immemorial.

"You're okay, sweetheart. You're doing great. Deep breaths now," Pedro hummed into your ear as you wait out the heavy-vice like sensation for the thousandth time. The midwifery team enters the room, one of them asking you to lay on the bed so she can check your progress. Why bother?, you gripe inwardly, I don't think this baby's ever going to come out. "Good news!..." the midwife exclaims with a grin, "you're at 10 cm. Time to meet this little one. Now, the next time you feel the need to push, you just go for it."

"Okay baby, you've got this," Pedro encourages while holding your hand in his. He feels about ready to burst from both nerves and excitement. The heaviness you've been feeling in your lower back and rectum suddenly becomes too much and an irresistible urge to push overtakes your body. "I think I need to push!" you gasp, nervously. "That's right...," the midwife sitting at your feet responds in a soft voice, "just do what your body wants you to do." So you push... and push... and push... time and again for what feels like forever, the heavy cramps and sharp jabs becoming far more intense as the baby slowly moves lower.

Heat radiates from your flushed cheeks and your jaws ache from the strain and tension of pushing and screaming. Pedro sits beside you wiping the sweat from your brow with one hand while his other is being mangled in your surprisingly strong, white knuckled grip. It hurts but he'd never tell you that. He figures it's only fair, considering what you are going through right now. After the latest contraction, you feel exhausted, weak and jellylike. Your eyelids fight against the need to keep them open.

Oh, how you'd love to sleep right now. "I can't do... do this ... anymore," you cry wearily and allow your head to fall back on Pedro's shoulder. "Yes you can," he reassured you while kissing the top of your head, "You're the strongest woman I know, Y/N. You can do it. I'm right here with you, I've got you." Before you can answer another blinding wave hits you, causing you to scream and grasp Pedro's hand so tight, you're afraid you'll break his fingers. If he feels it - which of course he does - he hides it well.

"Good girl, I can see the head," the midwife shouts over your screams. "You can?!" you pant, tiredly. "I need to see!" Pedro burst, enthusiastically, rushing to see his little miracle. His eyes widened in both shock and awe at the sight. "What do... you see?" You ask between laboured breaths. "Baby has dark brown hair!" he smiles, sitting back down beside you and reaching for your hand. "Okay Y/N, a few more pushes and baby will be here," the midwife instructs with finality. You're in the home stretch now!

You bare down with all your might, pushing so hard, you feel like your ringing ears are going to pop. Pedro places another kiss atop your head as you endure it all. "You're doing great, sweetheart. You're doing so great. I'm so proud of you!" "YOU!..." you seethed as you gripped Pedro's shoulder, bringing his face to within an inch of your scornful glare, "Don't you EVER touch me again, Pascal! This is all your fault!" Tears are now coating your eyelashes. Pedro looks at you with glistening, puppy dog eyes. It kills him to see you in so much pain. "I know. I'm sorry, baby," he sighed with a sympathetic smile. He knows when you call him by his surname that he's in trouble.

"I mean it!" you yell in frustration. "From now on we are celibate!" Cupping your red cheek in one hand, Pedro looks at you adoringly. "That's fair. I understand," he indulges your threat. "They all say that," the midwife offers him an amused smile. Another urge to push wracks your body. "No more!" you cry desperately. "You're almost there Y/N." You know the midwife is doing all she can to encourage you but you're just so exhausted at this stage. "I ca- arrrgh!!!" Without warning, your entire 'area' feels like it's on fire! You've never felt anything like it in your life. The impossible, agonising stretch and furious burn becomes too much to withstand.

Pedro has his arm around your shoulders, allowing you to crumple what's left of his fingers through your torment. "The head is born. Just one last push Y/N!" "Come on, baby. Just one more and it's over." Pedro's voice is shaking as he begins to cry with you. You take the deepest breath you've ever inhaled, brace yourself and push! The pressure is instantly gone as you feel a large lump and a rush of fluids leave your battered nether regions. Drained and shattered, you fall back onto Pedro's chest, panting heavily. "Well done," the midwife cheered with a big grin, "It's a girl." "A girl!" Pedro exclaims, breathlessly.

You begin to cry. Tears of joy, of exhaustion, of relief, of love. "We have a daughter, Mama." Pedro cries happily, his forehead resting against yours. A piercing cry fills the room as your daughter decides to make herself known. "Is she okay? you ask as she is taken to a table to be inspected by the team attending to you both. She's perfectly healthy," another midwife smiles softly, "but I think she wants her mother now." You look on in amazement as your tiny baby is placed on your bare chest.

Now you know what they mean when they say a mother's love is like no other as a rush of tender, unconditional adoration sweeps over you like a warm blanket. Her skin is so soft and delicate under your fingertips, smooth like silk. You can feel her small rib cage expand with every little breath and a tiny heartbeat beating in time with yours. Her cries have stopped and she is now looking at you. She's beautiful, mesmerising even, with a mop of brown, curly hair, her dad's wide expressive eyes and your lips. A beautiful amalgamation of two people who love each other deeply.

"She's perfect," Pedro purrs as he strokes her plump little cheek with his thumb. You are both crying now. "We're a family." You look up at the man you love with a smile so big it might split your cheeks. "We are," he agreed as he kissed you tenderly. "Thank you, sweetheart. You've given me everything I've ever wanted." You place your hand on his cheek and he turns to kiss your palm. "And thank you... for everything," you gush, feeling an intense joy you could never have imagined.

*****

Pedro is besotted, entranced, utterly in love with his baby girl. Everything has changed for him now. Looking down at her precious, tiny form asleep in his arms, it all becomes so clear to him; His life is now about her. He slips a finger into her dainty palm, her fingers gripping him with a surprising strength and he's suddenly overcome with so much emotion, he feels like it will physically burst out of him at any moment. Looking across from where he's sitting, he smiles at the sight of you sound asleep, peaceful and safe. God knows you need the rest after a long and arduous labour, and it melts his heart to know you're no longer in pain.

Bringing his attention back to his daughter, he whispers - so not to wake you - " Your mama is amazing, princess. You know that? She kept you safe for nine months and fought so hard to bring you into this world. I love you both so much." He kisses the top of her head, basking luxuriously in the 'new baby' smell. "My girls!" he exclaims with such love and conviction. And that's what you both are; His girls. His to love, to cherish, to protect and to provide for. He'll happily spend the rest of his life becoming the man you both need and deserve.

His life is now complete. Well, except for one more thing, and it's something he's been wanting to do for a while. Hearing the midwife refer to you as Mrs Pascal filled Pedro's chest with warmth and pride. He too wants to be able to call you Mrs Pascal. He'll wait a little longer, until the three of you are home, settled and comfortable. Then he will ask you the most important question he will ever ask.

#pedro pascal #pedro pascal fandom #pedro pascal fanfiction #pedro x reader #pedrostories #pedrohub #pedrito

63 notes · View notes

layla4567 · 3 months

Text

UNTIL WE MEET AGAIN Pt3

Mihawk x Thief!Fem!reader

Pt2

Summary: The third time is the charm they say. It's time to end this once and for all. Mihawk will find you again and this time it will be forever, will he let you go or will he keep you just for himself?

Warnings: teasing, kissing, kidnapping, shanks apricion, worries, canon divergence, y/n use, swearing/bad words, injuries, beta read, ooc maybe(?, mention of sword fights, mention of blood, lil make out

Wc: 6,524 (phew)

A/N: I listened to a lot of Rosalia songs before writing this, I have no idea why lmao

gif divider: @k1ssyoursister

A good day of profits, yes indeed. Your life continued as always, the small changes made before (thanks to the inspiration and advice of a warlord) have improved your existence. You had gained more muscle mass and resistance, now people called you "The light of the east blue" and not "The shadow" and that fascinated you. You never thought that so much satisfaction would come from helping the poor survive (and making the government angry, of course)

It was so fun to see the humiliated faces of the men who chased you after being defeated by a woman. Your wanted posters were still scattered all over the island, the reward on your head was very large but you didn't give it any importance, they would never catch you alive, you had learned a lot and evolved. Besides, it was flattering to see your face everywhere, they had even brought out the good side of your face.

You walked happily around the island strutting and swinging your hips like a cat. You already expected all eyes on you and you appreciated the audience. The people around you looked at you satisfied, happy, proud. You were his salvation. You stopped in front of a rewards sign. Your face was shown in all its glory, you put your hands on your hips and smiled widely.

"Even my nose is correct"

You walked safely home, waving your hair while you felt all the eyes behind your back. When you entered your humble abode, you took off your heavy sword and took off your hat. As you hung it on the coat rack, you quietly resisted when you saw Mihawk's wide-brimmed hat. You still hadn't returned it to him. You were planning to keep it for a while longer, so he would have to. look for you instead of you looking for him. The game of cat and mouse was fun for you and you had taken a liking to it.

You sighed tiredly and were about to lie down comfortably on the couch when a knock came on your door. Grumbling you jumped up and went to open the door. Oh surprise! Some uniformed men with unfriendly faces had stopped in front of the entrance. They were taller than you and looked angry. Those of the government.

"Excuse me miss, are you y/n y/l?"-One of them cleared his throat

You tried to hide your surprise by crossing one leg in front of the other and resting one arm on the door frame, how quickly they had discovered your name. Of course you didn't tell them the truth.

"Sorry, I don't know who you're talking about, you must have the wrong person"

You were about to close the door when one of them stopped it by placing his palm on the wood.

"I don't think so. Maybe we should try one more time, shall we? Are you the one they call The Light of East Blue formerly nicknamed The Shadow?"

Shit. They knew, they weren't genuinely asking, they had found you, they knew exactly who you were and they just wanted you to confirm it. You could see a flash of evil amusement pass through their eyes and it infuriated you, they were treating you like a poor devil. But you weren't stupid

"Gentlemen, with all due respect, I think it's not the right time to chat now, why don't you come later?"

Again you made an attempt to close the door but they kicked it with so much force that you almost lost your balance and fell. Staggering, you backed away in a state of alert. Now were they coming to break into your own house? That never. The two men approached slowly with sickly smiles, believing themselves to be the hunters and you the prey, poor idiots, they must have understood for a long time that it was the other way around. Your eyes scanned your entire room and when they found your sword you looked back at them and cautiously approached your weapon. With a quick and accurate movement you grabbed your trusty sword and threatened them, brandishing it in front of them, you moved your sword from side to side to make them move away. They angrily retreated and you took the opportunity to push them and run between the two of them.

You ran at full speed trying to lose sight of them. At a safe distance you turned your head and saw that other men had joined the chase. The people around were booing the government and cheering you. This undoubtedly gave you the strength to continue running to the beach. Your feet flew in the sand although the men behind you still did not give up. Suddenly you saw something from afar that made your blood run cold, or rather someone's. The famous warlord stood with his Yoru sword, appearing to be talking to someone through an intercom in his ear. With satisfaction you noticed that his dark, slightly curly hair was waving in the wind, you celebrated that the hat you stole from him was the only one he had because his new appearance didn't look bad on him at all.

Dracule had turned as cannons continued to fire and sent the sand flying behind him. As he did so, he saw you running and raised an eyebrow curiously when he noticed that some men were chasing you.

"Well, well. What trouble have you gotten yourself into now?"-he thought quietly

Mihawk tightened his grip on his sword and raised it to his shoulder. You hadn't stopped running but you were getting closer to him. The closer you got, the stronger the explosions became and you had to crouch down slightly, covering your head so they wouldn't shoot you. You arrived agitatedly next to him and looked at him from below, when he had his hat on you were intimidated by looking at him that way since it made him look taller than he is, but now you simply licked your lower lip and gave him a mocking, shit-eating smile. He stooped slightly to see you better and tilted his head.

"What happened now?"-he said tired

You feigned innocence "What? I was just in my abode calmly resting when these ruffians appeared in front of my entrance"-You pointed with a pout at the men who were approaching.

The warlord looked up at them and growled softly

"I see… good luck with that"

He turned to leave with more important matters to do when you, offended and indignant, grabbed his arm and roughly forced him to look at you again. You were no longer afraid of him getting angry, you knew that physical contact was not his thing. Dracule focused his gaze on you again and his eyes twinkled at you. You didn't remove your hand from his arm yet. It had been a long time since your last meeting, you still remember the tickle of his jaw against your skin, his whispering voice in your ear. For weeks you tried to suppress that annoying tickling that appeared in your belly when you thought about him, at that moment or when you saw him.

"You're not going anywhere, Warlord, or have you already forgotten that you rebelled against them too? I don't think they'll be very happy to let you go"

Mihawk growled lowly, looking at the government men and then looking at you. You were right. They would never leave him alone again, and all to help you. But could he complain? No, deep down Dracule was entertained, finally something that took him out of his boring life.

"Fine, I'll help you one more time, little bird. But you owe me one" -he said, getting into an attack position by your side

You smiled satisfied, having gotten what you wanted, you always have. Now the men were getting closer and closer and when he was only two meters away from you, you and Dracule grabbed your weapons tightly and began to fight. You had to admit that Mihawk was an excellent swordsman and he didn't wear the name warlord in vain. Back to back he quickly finished off the men who were coming at him, his height protected you and he made sure that no one touched you, despite knowing how to defend yourself alone. When one of them came dangerously close to you, Mihawk with a wide movement of his arm passed his great sword over you while you crouched down. Yoru's blade sliced through the man's torso. Exhausted they looked around, the panorama was devastating. Fallen bodies everywhere, it seemed like the end of an arduous civil war.

You put your hands on your hips and closed your eyes, smiling contentedly. Dracule watched you carefully, memorizing your features as if he wanted to remember them later. It's been a long time since he saw you. Suddenly his deep voice broke the silence.

"I noticed you haven't brought my hat. Do you plan on keeping it longer?"-he said sarcastically

You looked at him mockingly. "Maybe, is there a problem with that? So I can continue admiring your beautiful curls in the wind"-you said with a shrug

You started to walk away from the beach towards the grass and Dracule rolled his eyes. Following you closely as if it were your shadow. He wasn't going to leave you so quickly now that he found you again.

"Are you some kind of vulture or why are you following me so closely?"

When you passed by a palm tree Mihawk took a step forward and stood next to you, unsheathing his sword and placing it in front of you with his arm extended to the right, stopping you. You looked at him irritated.

"I really would like my hat back, my dear"

"I'm sorry, that's not going to be possible, I realized that I like the perfume it has" - you said, smiling mischievously, Mihawk's smell was like that of grapes with a mixture of sandalwood.

You turned in front of the palm tree to go in the opposite direction when Mihawk crashed his yoru again against the trunk, preventing you from passing. You slammed the heel of your boot on the ground in anger and drew your sword.

"Alright if you want it that way"

Dracule, unlike you, seemed entertained by this new game, he realized that provoking you in that way had something…delicious. Now you two were facing each other with the palm tree in between the two of you. You raised your sword trying to cut him in the face when he was faster and gave you a light spank with the non-sharp part of his sword. The surprise was more than the pain and you opened your mouth and eyes as wide as you could while you brought your hands to your sore butt. You almost noticed Dracule's facial muscles trembling slightly trying to suppress a smile perhaps. Outraged, you ran towards another palm tree but the warlord did the same thing again, only this time the blow was a little stronger. You squealed, closing your eyes as you caressed your buttocks, surely now you would have a nice red mark.

"You are a rude pervert!"

"And you are stubborn"-he said calmly

You lunged at him and finally your sword collided with his. You fought with all your fury and great efforts while he simply moved his wrist and dodged the edge of your sword, it was like child's play for him. His arrogant attitude made your blood boil even more. At one point you brought your wrist forward and he grabbed it, put his head under it and spun you around until you crashed into his chest. You tried to get away but the arm Mihawk was holding you was against your back, only your other free hand was left which was now resting on Dracule's naked torso. He was breathing noisily through his nose from the effort. Your gaze lingered on his pecs for a second, trying to process what was happening. Again those annoying tickles like fluttering butterflies appeared in your belly. You looked up and noticed that Mihawk was looking at you. In fact, he hadn't stopped looking at you, so he also noticed how you were looking at his bare chest.

"You've come this far darling, now I'll ask you one more time. Give me the hat back now, please"

His deep voice resonated in his ribcage, it was funny how despite him now being under control his manners were not demanding and he asked for things please like a gentleman. His honey eyes piercing yours, his deep and manly voice, his soft and elegant gestures, his way of asking for things being calm and not rude. Damn. You could have melted right there if it weren't for him holding you tightly against his warm skin. You hated him and that stupid feeling that you tried to ignore but now you knew it was love. You tried to maintain your composure

"Fine was just playing, you bitter old man"

He loosened his grip and you finally separated from him like a hot breaststroke. You headed towards your house with him behind you. The entire way you avoided eye contact. When you arrived he stood at the entrance watching everything, afraid to interrupt your home. To tell the truth, its dark appearance made a strange contrast to your house with light walls and a warm appearance. You grabbed his hat from the rack and walked towards him. You caressed the fabric and the feather lovingly one last time and handed it to him. Dracule placed it on his head solemnly, stroking the wide black brim. When he looked up his eyes this time saw you softer.

"Anyone would think you fell in love with my hat"-he said raising an eyebrow

and not only with the hat

You rolled your eyes, smiling in amusement, and gently pushed him away.

"Ok you have what you wanted now go away and don't bother"

Dracule turned to leave and as he did so his black cape fluttered like a flag in the wind, so elegant. You slammed the door and sighing, you slid your back along the wood until you fell into a sitting position. What had all that been about? Did he realize the dangerous game he was playing? You put your hands to your hair, combing it back and trying to process what you experienced a few seconds ago. You shook your head, trying in vain to suppress all those feelings you had for the god of war that were increasing more and more like a giant snowflake rolling downhill, an avalanche of emotions and thoughts that you couldn't control. His naked torso was still stuck in your eyes as if you were seeing it right now. What would the rest of his body look like without clothes?

"Ok enough, I better visit my mother to distract myself"

You stood up and went to your room to get a large backpack where you would put everything you needed. Since you had become a thief and stole for the poor, your mother now lived much better. Many would say that it is selfish because you are helping someone in your family and not a stranger, but only God knows the bad times that both of them went through years ago. Although now she could buy her own things, you always brought her something as a gift, whether it was food or something else. You decided to wrap a couple of cookies and put them in your backpack. You started walking towards his house, people as you passed greeted you as if you were a rock star, you simply smiled and nodded back at them. Your mother's house was quite far away but you were used to walking so much so when you arrived you began to contemplate its facade. Painted white with two stories, the house was definitely beautiful. Your mother had been in charge of planting many flowers to give color.

"Mom! I'm here!!"-You screamed putting your hands around your mouth.

Your mother opened the door and ran towards you to hug you. The two merged into a warm embrace as if they were one.

"Honey, it's good to see you! I was missing your visits."-she said with a slight loving reproach.

"I know, I know. But my job is not easy…"

"Don't worry, come in and let's talk better inside"

Inside the big house was filled with plants too, hanging pots, tiny cacti, pothos and ferns, etc. And you loved it like that, it gave more life and purity to the home. You both sat on a soft sofa, you handed her the cookies and she thanked you tenderly. They spent the hours chatting like the old days when the two of you were alone at home and she taught you how to cook, knit, or paint. It's like all these years had never passed, everything was better with her and she made you feel safe and happy.

You looked at the wall clock "Oh, I'm sorry but I have to go now."

Your mother tilted her head a little sadly but then she got up and grabbing you by the cheeks gave you a loud kiss on the head.

"It's a shame sweetheart but I understand. Just come visit me more often when you can, okay? Don't forget it"

You nodded vigorously and she walked you out. Before you left she grabbed your wrist and held you for a moment longer.

"Please honey, take good care of yourself and don't put yourself in unnecessary danger, I want you to be safe. And remember that no matter what you do, I love you and I'm proud of you."

You felt your eyes begin to water, everything you did was for your mother and for her to tell you that was the best gift of life. You hated that they saw you cry so you looked away and wiped your tears with the back of your hand.

"Thanks mom, I love you too"

You walked away from the house and walking at a brisk pace you went to your house. When you arrived you felt fuller and happier, your mother always had that effect on you. You took off your boots and changed your clothes into something more comfortable. You chose a wide beige shirt and short brown pants. You realized that you were a little tired so you stretched like a cat and let yourself fall exhausted into the big chair to take a nap. And without realizing it you dreamed of Mihawk

Two hours later you woke up suddenly and you didn't know why. As in your dreams, you heard some dull, muffled and distant knocks. The knocks were insistent and were starting to tire you out, someone was knocking on the door. Annoyed because someone interrupted your nap, you got up and opened the door abruptly.

"WHAT?!"

A smiling face with brown eyes appeared before you, with fiery red locks falling on his forehead. He was wearing a navy blue shirt and you noticed that he was missing an arm. He had a slight smell of alcohol and his gaze ran over you from top to bottom until he stopped for a few seconds on your shirt that had opened and revealed your bra a little. You rolled your eyes and snorted which caught his attention and he quickly looked back into your eyes.

"You have 6 seconds to tell me who you are and what you are doing in my house"-you said bluntly

He cleared his throat "Hello doll, sorry for bothering you, my name is Shanks." He bowed slightly, winking.

Brilliant. another sycophant, you thought.

"I came to ask you something… Are you the new Robin Hood walking around these parts?"

You laughed sarcastically, Robin Hood… yeah, sure.

"I don't know what they told you or how you found me, but just so you know, they call me "The Light of East Blue," not Robin Hood"

"Sure babe, whatever you say"

Shanks knew very well how he had found you, to tell the truth it was not difficult to keep track of you. You were strutting around like a peacock. Also, by chance he had seen you talking to Mihawk near your house once and he was very curious about you, especially to know what your relationship with Dracule is. Your patience was running out and you started drumming your fingers on the door frame.

"Ok, ok I'll be brief. I like your style, I think you do noble deeds and you could be a great collaboration for my crew."

Shanks had to be joking. You worked alone and there was no chance you would join his crew or any other. Besides, you had the feeling that he hadn't come just for that reason, because of the way he smiled at you and how he seemed to eat you with his eyes. No, you were definitely better off alone.

"Ha! Shanks, right? Look, I work alone, okay? I don't need a crew or a pirate ship." You slowly got closer to him to intimidate him. "And believe me, I already know how men get in the presence of a girl and I don't need of that daily dose of idiocy in my life"

Your face was now closer to his. Shanks, far from being offended or angry, widened his smile, looking at you playfully.

"More girls should have your courage and toughness, I like it. Are you sure you don't want to come with us? We wouldn't need more feminine intuition."

You sighed rolling your eyes “NO!”

You walked into your house and slammed the door in his face. The redhead stood there for a few more seconds and then started laughing fun, turning around.

"We'll see each other again, then. I'm sure," he said quietly.

DAYS AFTER

You were walking calmly on the island, cooling off with the fresh breeze and smiling enthusiastically as usual. You walked through the stores looking at the clothes and jewelry in the windows, rubies, emeralds, silks and linen. You were about to enter a store when a thin girl with purple hair and a backpack stopped you a little abruptly. You turned around startled and frowning. The girl looked at you and seemed worried.

"Sorry to interrupt you but you're Y/N right?"

You looked at her somewhat surprised, almost no one knew your real name. You nodded confused.

The girl let out a sigh of relief "Oh thank God I found you, your mother asked me to call you urgently"

Your intrigue grew even more, how was it possible that she knew your mother? And what had happened to her? The girl noticed your confusion and hurried to say

"I'm Suni, her maid, she hired me a month ago. But now she's seriously ill and I don't know what she has, you have to help her soon!"

A whirlwind of emotions crossed your entire being and confusion gave way to panic. How had your mother gotten sick if a few days ago she was fine when you went to visit her? Why did he never mention Suni, had he forgotten? You couldn't waste time with questions so you ran with her to your mom's house. Your heart was beating fast and you feared the worst. When they both arrived you saw the house a few meters away and felt a little relief. When suddenly a headache invaded you and your vision blurred until it became black and you fell flat to the ground. Suni had hit you from behind with a bottle that he had taken out of his backpack. He smiled satisfied as he looked at you unconscious on the floor.

"You already have her?"-a voice behind her asked

A member of the government approached at a sure and fast pace, anxious.

"Yes, it was easier than it seems. It turns out that our little thief has a sensitive heart. Now pay me what you owe me"

The man paid without even looking at her, he only had eyes for you. They had finally caught you and they wouldn't let you escape. The man called his comrades and between six men they lifted you into the air and put you on a boat without being seen. Luckily, almost no one lived in that part of the island.

...

You woke up on a cold, wet floor and with a severe headache that almost made you nauseous. You slowly opened your eyes and had to get used to the darkness, you weren't sure where you were or what had happened to you, you only remembered being about to enter your mother's house and then that unbearable pain that left you faint. Suni… sure, Suni. That bitch set you up, but why?

Very slowly you sat up and realized that your hands were tied tightly with a rope, luckily they had not gagged you but you assumed it was because you were in a place where no one could hear you. Suddenly you heard sounds of splashing water and turned your head to see. In a round window you could see the sea, you were on a damn boat

You sat up with difficulty to see outside. The salty breeze hit you squarely and gave you the strength to wake up and get into action. You were about to come up with a plan when you heard footsteps approaching. A governor approached your cage and placed a hand on the bars to open the cell. You froze in place waiting for the moment to attack.

When the man entered you approached quickly but he stopped you by taking a gun out of his pocket.

"Don't even try, dear" He said while pointing at you

You stepped back in resignation as he smirked. You hated it

"Why the fuck did you lock me in here?"-you spat out the words like they were poison

"Simple, you were causing us a lot of problems especially when you started allying with Mihawk. But that's over"-he said playing with the gun

You approached again with a bitter smile. "You think you're very virile, don't you? Locking up a woman, believing that this way you'll gain more power, what did they offer you in exchange for my head? Money, a higher position? They wouldn't give you that even if I You're just another pawn in this chain, an idiot who delights in the inferiority of others, I feel sorry for you. You're just a miserable son of a-!"

A loud crack was heard throughout the cell and reverberated. The son of a bitch had slapped you. You fell to the ground with a pitiful moan, feeling like your lip had been split. You licked it and felt that iron taste.

"I'm not the one who's tied up, do yourself a favor and shut your fucking mouth."

The man spit on the ground and left to lock you up again. You felt alone and tears fell towards your cheeks without being able to stop them. You thought about many things but above all about Mihawk, you wanted him to come rescue you. You no longer cared about all those stupid feelings you had for him, because they weren't stupid. They made you feel good, loved and safe. You promised yourself that if you came out of this alive you would confess your love to him.

...

Dracule had gone out as always to do his job, kill. But he thought he felt a little lonely and realized it was because you weren't there. He would never admit it but his games and teasing towards you had a deeper meaning than just making you angry. He was amused when you challenged him but over time he realized that he had also fallen in love. Love…was it possible to feel that? Was it possible for someone like him to love? With you everything was possible.

With his Yoru on his waist he walked the beach looking for you, it was strange that you weren't turning around or running away from someone. Suddenly he saw someone but unfortunately it was not who he wanted to see. Shanks came running agitated and disheveled towards his friend.

"What do you want now Shanks? I'm not going to drink with you this time."

"It's Y/N! She's in danger, I saw how the government took her away!"-he said breathlessly

So the pirate hurriedly explained how he had seen Y/N and a girl in the market. He followed them and saw when they beat her and took her away. Dracule's eyes seemed to flash and turn yellower as his hand tightened on the hilt of his sword until his knuckles turned white. He turned around and with long steps walked away from there.

"Wait! Where are you going?"-Shanks shouted.

Mihawk without turning, said "I'm going to save her"

...

You were still in your cage racking your brain thinking about an idea to escape from there, you couldn't take it anymore. From time to time some men would approach your cell to whistle at you or laugh in your face. Suddenly you saw a loose screw in a wall and started rubbing the ropes to untie the ropes. It took you several tries but you got it. Just in time when a uniformed member of that ship came to bring you food. You pretended to still be tied and approached, hunched over a little. When he opened the cell you got up and kicked him to run away.

You felt him shouting orders to catch you but you didn't hear him, you just ran towards the deck, eager to get out of there. When you came out you saw a large number of men surrounding you, some holding guns, you decided to take the risk and fight with all your strength.

There were too many of them but you managed not to get hit. What you didn't take into account was that you felt the fatigue of being locked up and your strength was leaving you. Suddenly while you were fighting with an admiral you felt a gunshot and a burning sensation in your arm. With a grimace of pain you first looked at your bleeding arm, the bullet had grazed you but still cut you, and then you looked back. The man who had locked you up was holding the gun towards you.

"She's mine"

They fought, although it didn't last long. He was stronger and soon with a blow to your jaw and belly he left you lying on the ground. You felt your body burn and you held back the tears of pain that wanted to appear in your eyes. You crawled as best you could on the ground to get away from him.

"That's it, crawl like the bitch you are. You know, you were right, I love feeling superior to the weakest"-He laughed as he kicked your legs, making you scream in pain.

"Don't worry, I'll spare you the pain, it'll just be a quick death" He said sarcastically as he prepared to shoot.

You closed your eyes in fear and your body tense as you waited for the shot. but that never came, instead a strong shake made the ship shake, someone was firing cannons. With great effort you propped yourself up on your elbows and saw Mihawk's ship in the distance. You sobbed in relief.

The ship got closer and closer until it soon collided with the other and Dracule jumped towards where you were. You were feeling very sore so you could only pick up a few things, like how Mihawk seemed angrier than usual as he moved frantically and killed the men mercilessly. When he had finished he approached you with a genuinely concerned face, you've never seen him like this.

"M-mihawk...?"-you said almost without strength

He crouched down to your height. "Shh, don't say anything. Let's get out of here."

He picked you up from the ground and you complained about the pain, he tried to be as delicate as possible and taking you to the wedding reception he walked away from there so he could leave you in his castle. Your vision became blurry again and you became unconscious.

...

When you woke up you noticed a soft, pleasant warmth. You opened your eyes and noticed that you were in Mihawk's castle and that heat was from the fireplace. Dracule was sitting right in front of you, you smiled shyly and wanted to sit up but a sharp pain in your abdomen made the air escape from your lungs and you fell back into the chair. He approached, afraid that you had hurt yourself, and put his hand under your neck.

"Don't move, you still need to rest."

You looked down at your body and noticed that your shirt was gone and a large band on your abdomen was pressing against your skin. On your arm there was also a tight white band to stop the blood. You instinctively touched your lip and noticed that it was no longer bleeding.

"I called a doctor myself to treat you, he said that your injuries are not that serious and you will be fine."

You looked at him and suddenly remembered everything you had been through. All the accumulated nerves and tension were triggered and came out in the form of crying. Without realizing it you began to sob bitterly. Mihawk was worried and wiped away your tears, holding your cheek with his hand.

"Darling, what's wrong?"

You cried harder as you held on to his hand. How would you tell him that you loved him in a state like that? When you realized that you were about to die, you thought about him, how much you loved him and how much you wanted to spend the rest of your life with him. And now he had been so nice to you, as if he were someone else. You really felt that he cared about you and also felt love.

"Mihawk, I… I don't know where to start. Something like this had never happened to me, I- I felt afraid, very afraid. I thought I was going to die and the only thing I thought about was you" you felt your voice break "Thinking about you gave me hope, you were my anchor so I wouldn't give up and I realized… that I don't want to live without you, I love you."

Since you couldn't stop sobbing, Dracule approached you and kissed you on the lips. At first it was a sweet and tender kiss but soon you two realized that it was not enough, it was not enough to show all the love and desire that you had been suppressing so he placed a hand behind your neck and deepened the kiss. . You gasped in surprise when you felt his tongue run through your mouth but you gladly let him do it. Mihawk rested his knees on the cushions of the chair, cornering you while he raised your thighs and you surrounded his waist with your legs. Your hands surrounded his neck and he began to kiss your jaw and run his lips and his facial hair along your neck, tickling you.

"I didn't realize how much I loved you either until I saw you lying there, helpless" He whispered against your skin "All these games were starting to take their toll on me, you've cast a spell on me angel"

His words and his whispered voice were beginning to cause that tickling in your tummy that you already knew with the addition of a throbbing in your groin.

"Mihawk I-"

His mouth was now kissing your collarbones near your chest and making you sigh, you wanted more. You cautiously raised your hips until you bumped against his pelvis, wanting some friction as your hands were now in his hair. Mihawk kissed you again, sucking and biting your lower lip. Suddenly he got too close to your wounded belly and made you moan in pain. Startled slightly, he moved away from you a little, looking at you.

"Don't worry, it wasn't your fault, I'm fine."-You comforted him by stroking his jaw when you saw him so worried.

He nodded in relief and grabbed your hand to kiss your knuckles.

"Rest now my love, there will be time to enjoy the two of us"

You smiled a little blushing and he left you alone to recover. You never thought something like this could happen to you, or to him. Love love love. YES, that was it and you liked it that way. I resisted you thinking that at first they couldn't stand each other, and now… well only time will tell, but you were sure that this was the beginning of something beautiful.

...

That afternoon you went to visit your mother as you usually did. Now you were chatting with her in the same chair as always.

"Oh honey, the letters you sent me are very nice but you finally appear here!"-she laughed

Yes, it had been weeks since Mihawk let you stay in his castle, since you couldn't go out anywhere he suggested you write letters to your mother and he would send them himself. That's how you started telling your mother about your experience in the big castle, your relationship with Mihawk and what had happened to you. Until you recovered and were able to visit her like now.

"Well… what did you think? Did you read them all?"

"Of course yes! I admit that I was very scared when I read about the kidnapping, but it was lovely to know that they rescued you and left you in a castle!" She lowered her voice and looked at you knowingly. "Above all, I found the letters where you named Mihawk very interesting."

"Mom!"

You looked away blushing and embarrassed. In your letters you had told him what Dracule was like, but not what others could know about him but something deeper, what he was like inside. Your relationship with him had blossomed, you could say that you were already a formal couple. And your mother seemed happy about it. Of course you never clarified your intimate encounters with him, the way he touched you and made you sigh with pleasure.

"Well, if you'll excuse me, I have to go back to the castle, he's waiting for me for lunch."

"I understand love, I won't keep you anymore"

After a hug you said goodbye to her and ran towards the castle. Now you lived with him. You decided that after everything you went through you couldn't be away from him for a minute, ever again. You continued doing your job and his, sometimes separately or fighting together, that had not changed. When you arrived he greeted you with a small smile and a passionate kiss.

"Just in time, my angel"

"Always"

They both entered the castle holding hands, happy. As they say, the sun always comes out after the storm, right?

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

taglist: @canthebest1

72 notes · View notes

doukeshi-kun · 6 months

Note

a promise is a promise

daddy's home 😘

🌃-anon here ^^ hooray!!

okay okay phew it's been so long i forgot how to write anon ask but, a comeback is desperately needed to save the day. I'm here to talk about professor!nikolai agenda. your girl started uni and i need to cope.

while collegestudent!nikolai has been eating my brain like crazy, professor!nikolai is as needed. i might hit you up with college student nikolai someday tho cuz my classmates are all weird and i need that daily dose of delusion that someday, i'll meet a student as awesome and as fun as nikolai is in my head

little disclaimer to anyone reading this: dark content ahead. we dont do any of that irl it's just fiction, so if you're sensitive to prof x student shit keep scrolling. i say reader is 20-ish and papi nikolai is pushing 30 😁

random prof!nikolai headcanons ahead 🗣️

prof kolya is definitely one of the cool teachers on campus yk? the type that's loved by all of the students because of how laid back he is and how much he doesn't give a shit yk??? like "prof we didn't study for the test tomorrow can we postpone it?" "we will. i havent put the text either" 💀 that type you know?

BUT simultaneously, he can also be really strict depending on the context yk? while he's chill, he can't tolerate disrespect like, not at all. he jokes around with his students but with limits and boundaries.

clothes-wise i feel like he dresses super well 🤔 as opposed to headcanons I've seen, i dont think he dresses weird or in an eccentric way like canon nikolai is, he wears casual clothes :3 fashionable? yes. but nothing weird. he's tall, broad with really unique features (i imagine nikolai with one of them typical european noses and plump looking lips. this part is totally up to you tho)

prof kolya was a really unproblematic physics professor (yk in canon he has teleportation abilities so uh) that is until y/n took a course with him,

we're met with two cases: y/n is calm and quiet in class, y/n puts herself out there. now let's be for real, teachers love good students so the higher the grades the better the sex more you'll get attention from him (god imagine nikolai praising you😮‍💨)

now if you're quiet- OMG since he gets along well with students i feel like he'll openly joke around with students except for you (if you're quiet) he'll just talk with you in a low voice (btw i imagine classes like, small classes not amphitheaters or any of that) let me elaborate: you're in class yk he's explaining quantum physics or some shit and occasionally interacting with his students. his gaze falls on you once he's standing right in front of your desk and lets a small question slide like "is it ok?" "do you get it?" or flashing you a small smile or so 🤭 he's not mocking you or anything he's being genuine (for once) bc you're openly his favorite

and by that, and as someone who's a favorite for nearly all my professors so far the privileges i get isnt anything like grades or whatever but more like validation? im a good student i dont need their crusty dusty extra credits. one of the privileges i get is for example, during exams, the prof tells me "so, [name], we're scoring an A+ in this test too?" yk and it's genuine so nikolai i that type too.

(i leave anything sexual or suggestive for you to develop bc im really bad and awkward at that)

conclusion: he shamelessly favorites you in front of other students.

though you two would become a thing faster if reader is on the more loud type in his class: always participating, asking questions, joking around maybe.... i feel like when you have a question thats a little long to explain, he'd ask u to come to his office and what happens there is up to your imagination dear bean

will quickly become your number one emotional support throughout college 🥱 imagine not doing well in the exam and you go to his office to talk to him about it and he comforts you by [redacted]

anyways i could go on and ramble forever. i'd love to hear your dirty thoughts on this nikolai au :3 what i wrote is hella long and messy but we're mere disciples beanie, you're the writer here hehe

as usual, have a good/day night!!

I REALLY LOVE YOU SO MUCH *sloppily kissing slop slop*

first of all, yeeee goodluck with college and don't die bcs i almost did 😎👉 and secondly, no let's NOT get nikolai pushing 30s. HE IS 35 ATLEAST IDC HAHAHA im gonna reply to each one headcanon bcs you deserve it girlie 💋✨

yes! he totally gives me the vibe to be laid-back at his work. he's so gonna do something like that lmao. also, despite his laid-back persona and he's always like “ehh~ just answer this easy ass quiz and i'll take it as your assignment mark”, i do think he does his job greatly. there's a time where he needs to get things done and while it doesn't seem like he's doing shit, he actually GETS. SHIT. DONE. that's why he isn't fucking fired 💀

strict prof. nikolai.... ugh *spreads legs*😝 i agree. he does have limit and i feel like he wouldn't scold people or raise his voice but certainly when he's being colder and quieter, oooh you fucked up big time

i do think he wears classic style to go to classes! i'm thinking... dark academia. and yes, he's tall and broad and so big✨ i feel like it also depends on the subject. if prof nikolai is teaching theatre or drama... those kind of things, he will wear something maximalist, if that makes sense? imagine a mad hatter-themed suit but formal. unfortunately, i can't draw for life.

physics professor hmmmm why don't he come here and expand the space of my quantum pussy😏😏

i can imagine raaaaaaa :barkbarkbark: him praising you in front of the whole class because you got quite high marks for physics ahakss😝

HMMMMMMM SOFTY :feral: i can't fucking breathe😩 yes he'd totally be loud to those who are loud with him but if you're quiet and serene, he'll be soft as fuck rrrrrrrrr imagine him noticing you not understanding something and he takes the initiative to come to your desk, teach you with the softest (yet deep) voice ever. NOT MOCKING ME TOO? woah what a green flag 💚

lmfao i can totally relate with you😭 honestly, validation is too pressuring, stressing and overwhelming for me. i hate when teachers are like “so, elie, you can score A for this right?” bih i just barely got the B-grade fym (burnt-out gifted kid be like;). anyway, i'm half-half on this. but i do think if he makes such comments, and he notices you aren't uncomfortable, he wouldn't go put his way to directly say that. maybe he just makes comment that implies he does have certain expectations on you

(i'll develop the sexual things myself *takes off his pants and develop his wood*)

conclusion: he becomes my favourite subject😝❤️

i'm honestly thinking that he prefers it if you are an active student. idk, for me, nikolai (in general) likes challenges and fun. so if you're actively questioning this or that, he'd take interest in you really quick. also, i will invite myself into his office tyvm

definitely get emotional. lmao imagine ranting about other professors with him and he just supports you

well my dirty thought is that he becomes my private tutor. HA HOW BOUT THAT HUHHH but in all honesty, i love the thought of him riling and teasing you instead of yk, playing favourite and get you alone in his office. he likes edging people and he'd surely likes it if you tease him back too ayy papi😝

#道化師-says❃ུ۪ #道化師-🌃❃ུ۪ #nikolai imagines #nikolai x reader #nikolai gogol x reader

79 notes · View notes

karniss-bg3 · 7 months

Note

With all the talks about Kar'niss as a bard, I was wondering if you could write something with Tav and Kar'niss dancing together? (though I guess given how tall Kar'niss is, it might be difficult)

The air was thick with the aroma of burning wood from the nearby campfire. A blanket of stars spanned across the sky, twinkling from a far off distance. Tav had broken away from the group for some quiet time, wandering toward a nearby stream so they could bask in the crisp night air. Once they settled on the shore near the forest line they pulled out their violin from it’s case. They took time to tune the instrument, desiring a moment to play a pleasant tune for their pleasure. Tav sensed eyes on him from the nearby treeline, their head turning to see the familiar silhouette of a drider lingering between two trees.

“You’re welcome to join me if you’d like. I’m not opposed to the company,” Tav said.

Kar’niss froze once he realized he had been spotted, his hands clasped together to rub them in a nervous fashion. He emerged from the underbrush and wandered over to where Tav was seated, maintaining a small measure of distance.

“What are they doing?” Kar’niss asked, peering over their shoulder at the violin.

“Taking a moment while we have it. I haven’t had the chance to play for a bit, now seemed like a good time. Do you play any instruments?”

Kar’niss’ brows knit, mulling the question over. “We...used to. Don’t anymore.”

“Oh?” Tav perked up, interest piqued. “What instrument?”

“Violin, flute at times. Long time ago, doesn’t matter now.” Kar’niss waved a hand dismissively, turning his face away from Tav.

“Well, would you like to with me? A duet sounds fun. We have an extra violin in camp.”

Kar’niss scoffed and reared his head back as if insulted. “We cannot play anymore. We would ruin your music with our screeching.” Tav chuckled while pushing themselves up to stand. “I doubt that. Just give it a try. If you hate it then you aren’t obligated to continue. Please?” Tav leaned forward and boldly bat their eyelashes at the hesitant drider.

His cheeks puffed out with indignation. “Are they mocking us?”

“No, not at all. I’d just like to try something with you, that’s all.”

He growled under his breath, tapping a single leg against the ground while considering the proposal. “...Fine. One song only. If the instrument breaks it is not my problem.”

“Wonderful! I’d not worry much about the violin honestly. I think Astarion stole it from some merchant or another, won’t be much of a loss if it snaps. I’ll be back!”

Kar’niss watched Tav scurry back to camp to retrieve the item. He crossed his arms tight against his chest, his pedipalps trembled in place, betraying his anxiety for the performance soon to come. He’d not have to wait long. Tav had been swift in their retrieval of the instrument, they ran up to Kar’niss and held it up for him to take.

“Phew, there you go,” Tav panted, wiping a bit of sweat from their brow.

He lifted the violin and bowstring into his clawed hands, looking over each piece as if he’d been reunited with an old friend. It felt strange in his grasp and the jagged nature of his fingertips made either item a challenge to grip. Tav stood back and let him become adjusted to them, watching as he plucked a few strings to test their muted chords in succession. His nose wrinkled with some concern.

“What is it you wish to play?” Kar’niss asked.

“Have you heard of the waltz of the feywilds? It’s a bit complicated but it is one of my favorite songs.”

Kar’niss squinted and mulled over the request, his tongue darting out to swipe over his lips. “We are not certain. The title sounds familiar, it has been too long since I have played it.”

“Tell you what. I’ll start playing solo and if you catch the rhythm feel free to jump in as you wish. How does that sound?”

He hummed and nodded. “Very well.”

[Music]

Tav tucked the butt of the violin under their chin and rested the bow over the strings, straightening their posture. Kar’niss mirrored this, relearning the proper stance. It was a bit awkward as his chin now had an extra layer molded over top via the hardened chitin but he managed to adjust well enough. Tav positioned their fingers over the proper strings on the violin neck and began to play, a gentle melody rising from the instrument into the night air.

Kar’niss closed his eyes as Tav began to play, opting to focus with his pointed ears rather than his sight. He listened to the first notes of the song and honed in on it, digging deep into the recesses of his memory in search of something he’s heard before. It took him a moment but he soon willed himself to play the first note, sliding into Tav’s solo to turn it into a duet. At first he struggled, his fingers larger than he was accustomed to which made hitting the right strings a struggle. He’d strike off key or hold a note for longer than it was meant to be but Tav didn’t seem to mind.

“You’re doing great, keep going,” Tav insisted.

He exhaled his nerves and stuck with it even if he felt the urge to drop the violin and walk away. Steadily, he became accustomed to the added bulk of his chin and fingers, shifting the instrument in such a way that it worked for him rather than against. Once he did so the notes flowed smoother, in line with Tav’s own contribution. This made Tav smile, their body bobbing up and down on their knees once the music started to hit their core.

Their playing continued, gradually picking up pace into an uplifting harmony. Even for as stiff as Kar’niss could be he felt the draw of the music seep into his skin, pulling him back to a different time in his life. As his comfort levels grew his confidence in manipulating the instrument to his will increased, playing with a bit more passion than at the start. Despite his best efforts he found himself swaying from side to side in time with the beat, his long legs curled while rocking his large body like a pendulum. Tav took notice, unable to wipe the growing grin from their face. They chose to join him by shuffling their feet on the grass below, stepping from side to side to match Kar’niss’ rhythm.

He tipped his head to the side slightly at the sight of the display, deciding to up the ante a notch. He lowered his front half toward the ground, extending his pedipalps to drum against the dirt when he felt added percussion was needed for the melody. Tav unleashed joyful laughter due to Kar’niss’ improvised antics, finding them clever. They stepped forward and began to dance around the drider while he tapped at the ground, spinning and skipping around his impressive abdomen, soon returning to his front. All the while the two continued to play, their song growing in intensity as they progressed.

Kar’niss had become lost in the duet, the faintest of smiles threatening to stretch his mouth. The ballad increased in pace and came to a high pitched mid point, the pair putting their all into assaulting the strings with determined ferocity. Kar’niss closed all of his eyes and tipped his head back, matching Tav tit for tat. Once the mid point had passed they would side step to and fro while facing one another, Tav spinning around in place and Kar’niss following suit. Albeit his turn was slower thanks to his extra girth, but he still managed to do so with grace. Tav stepped toward their partner and Kar’niss stepped in to meet them before both walked back to restore distance between them. His legs stamped at the ground in sync with the anthem, his torso bending into the violin as he leaned into the more fast paced tone. His rounded abdomen swayed and rocked concurrently with his legs, putting his entire body in motion.

Both continued to prance from one side to the next in unison with one another, turning around in place at proper intervals, lowering their bodies into a crouch then springing upright. The smile Kar’niss had fought came out victorious, fully visible on his expression. It was a toothy grin that was both endearing and haunting at the same time. Despite his impressive size Tav wasn’t intimidated with his dance partner, rather savoring his enjoyment knowing how rare such a treat was for him.

The pair were reaching the crescendo of their song, the very apex building in urgency between the pair of them. As the final elongated note was shared between them, Kar’niss lifted his body upward while he held the high pitched sound, pushing until he was balancing on his back four feet. The other four extended outward alongside his pedipalps, opening wide as if he were in a defensive stance and yet that was far from the case. He tipped his torso back until his hair fell from his shoulders and dangled freely in the air, Tav watching the display in awe of his beauty in that moment.

The lengthy note was dropped, the final chords played afterward in rapid succession to end off the song with a flourish. Both Tav and Kar’niss played the final refrain in a quick strike and once finished they dropped into a low bow in front of one another. Their arms extended outward, bow string and violin clutched in either hand jutting from their grasp. They held the lowered position for a moment to catch their breath, Tav the first to lift their head to find they were eye level with Kar’niss; A rare thing indeed. Their gazes met, the drider offering the smallest of smiles in Tav’s direction, his hair a mess across his face.

“You did it,” Tav whispered.

Before Kar’niss could respond the pair heard the sound of clapping nearby. Tav stood with a jolt, looking behind them to see others at camp had gathered around. Wyll in particular seemed enthused by the performance.

“Well done, well done!” Wyll called out.

“Got an encore in you??” Karlach shouted.

Tav smiled sheepishly at the pair and shook their head. “I doubt it, but glad you enjoyed it.”

Kar’niss made a face at the unexpected audience. He dropped the bow and violin, backing away as he felt a tingle in his cheeks.

“Kar’niss, are you alright?” Tav asked.

The drider growled ever so slightly and then turned, quickly scuttling away from Tav and the others. He fled back into the underbrush of the forest and disappeared from sight, having none of it.

“Ah shit, did we scare him off?” Karlach asked.

“We’re sorry Tav, we didn’t think it’d be a bother.” Wyll added.

Tav exhaled and wandered over to retrieve the discarded instrument, looking it over with some fondness.

“No, nothing to be sorry for. I think he is a bit more shy than he lets on. Give him time, he’ll return when he’s ready.”

Kar’niss wandered back into the forest and climbed into the tree he picked to call home for the night, complete with scattered webbing throughout the area. He’d settle on a thick branch, his arms crossed as he worked through his temporary embarrassment. Part of him was still in disbelief that he’d done that at all, that he still could. The feeling of an instrument in his hands felt better than he dared admit aloud. Once he started to calm down he turned his gaze to the stars, a sight he often favored while alone. The tips of his pedipalps began to gently tap at the branch below, one, two, one, two. He bobbed his head from side to side and before he knew it he was humming the song they had just played. He continued to do so while training his eyes on the sky, his wobbled smile making a return.

For now at least.

#baldur's gate 3 #kar'niss #drider #bg3 #karniss #baldurs gate 3 #answered #my writing #bard #music #violin #kar'niss fanfic #bg3 fanfic #kar'niss x tav #gender-neutral tav #This was a challenge but fun to write #Kar'niss is 80% legs

86 notes · View notes

ryuichirou · 1 year

Note

How do you draw Idia’s hair so good?? I struggle with the basic shapes so much!

Sorry for the late reply! Your ask got us excited because Idia’s hair is such a pain to draw, but also such a fun detail, and I’m very happy that you like the way I draw it <3

Katsu suggested to me to record a speedpaint, and uhh, here it is. Please, don’t mind the wonky anatomy and me horsing around with zooming in and out randomly. As you can see, I struggle with Idia’s hair myself and constantly redraw it until I’m satisfied or at least tired enough to say “eh, that’ll do”. In case you’re wondering, it took me ~25-30 minutes to do the hair, and the original video was 59 min long lol I always spend a lot of time moving, reshaping and redrawing details when I draw Idia…

youtube

I’ll also list some tips and thoughts about it based on the way I draw it…

The shape of Idia’s hair is not at all consistent. Even in Toboso’s art it looks slightly different sometimes, which makes sense, because Idia has magical fire hair and technically you could do whatever you want with it.

But some rules tend to apply each time. For example, even though Idia’s hair is long and seems naturally “heavy” because of it, the individual strands tend to be turned upwards, like fire would. Not every single one, but the shorter ones and the ones closer to Idia’s head tend to do so.

It’s wavy, but not too wavy. If the hair starts looking too “soft”, add sharp edges, random strands sticking out, rough shapes, etc.

Oh, and it’s important to remember that it floats. This means, it doesn’t just go straight down, it does this weird “S” shape. It’s also hella long, I always forget just how long Idia’s hair is. If the magic fire logic didn’t apply to it, it would reach the ground easily. The volume of his hair is much bigger than I tend to remember too: it's quite thick and luscious lol So please give him lots of hair!

Tiny little flames + “holes” in the main ehh body of hair (wow there must be a way to phrase it better) make everything look good and more believable. Have fun with it. You might’ve noticed, I draw and redraw and move them around a lot in my speedpaint.

Obviously, I am no expert, and every artist I know draws Idia’s hair a little bit differently. The speedpaint doesn’t show it, but I always have some of Toboso’s artworks of Idia open when I draw him, just to make sure his design is not too off. I would definitely recommend looking at refs while drawing Idia (or anyone), and maybe even trying to redraw the hair from Toboso’s artworks once or twice as a study, it’ll probably make it easier to understand how Idia’s hair works.

You haven’t asked about the colouring, but I love colouring Idia’s hair, so I’ll talk about it a little. Colouring Idia’s hair is simultaneously the most fun and the most tedious part of drawing him lol 15 minutes of my hour long video is just me filling Idia’s hair with the base blue colour with a lasso (I refuse to use a bucket tool…)

But once you’re done with the base, this is where the fun begins. Because at this stage you can be pretty rough, just add in darker and deeper blues near the middle/core(?) of the hair mass. It doesn’t have to be very even or pretty, add some smaller dark spots; we personally really love it when Idia has this round little blob on his bangs. In the video you can see that I added it later on because I forgot about it lol

After the dark part is done, erase the ends of it a little bit with a soft brush. Not too much, we should still be able to see the shapes.

Then, on a separate layer set on overlay mode, with the same soft brush add some additional brighter spots, to make the hair look glowy. I used the same light blue as the base colour, and the overlay gives it a pretty hue.

And finally, add some white highlights at the ends of the strands. This is the stage when everything stops looking wrong and weird and starts looking like Idia, at least to me.

Phew, I think this is everything I wanted to say… I hope it was at least somewhat helpful.

Sorry for the long post, I just love talking about the drawing process. And about Idia too!

Once again, thank you for your kind words; I’m very happy that you like my art.

Have a good day!

#replies #idia shroud #twisted wonderland #ryuichirouart #about drawing

266 notes · View notes

bloodpen-to-paper · 4 months

Text

Heya, I don't plan to talk about it much but due to what happened with forever, who was my fav and really the heart of the project for me, I'm probably not going to post about Qsmp much anymore. Or if I do, it'll take a while. But please read if you're in the same boat as me, its kind of a ramble and you can skip certain parts but I'd like to hear your thoughts. The last couple of paragraphs touch on some stuff that I hope can help be worth your while, whether you're here for the Qsmp stuff or the mental health part.

Now this is absolutely not to say the rest of the project doesn't matter or that people should give up on it. The Qsmp is incredible and should be known for what it has achieved: breaking language barriers and uniting communities. Its wonderful, unique, and still has so much to offer in terms of content creation, so please don't let the whole of it be tarnished for what happened with one creator (we've seen that before already and it sucks). Personally, it got me back into streaming content/mcyt and I'd like to stay more present this time, its so much fun and its nice knowing I can sort of drift back and forth when new things pop up. If you're in the same boat, I encourage you to not feel like its all over immediately if you still feel a passion for this kind of work, maybe you won't get back into it but maybe you just need a bit of time. Whatever you feel, as long as you're happy and having fun you're doing it right.

So, personal feelings (which I suck at but its better than bottling my thoughts and I encourage others to do the same). I'm fucking devastated lmao. His character was my absolute hyperfixation, I'm talking 24/7 brainrot for months. I haven't felt this passionate for a character since dsmp, I honestly didn't know I could still do it. But there's another layer. I live in the U.S., and I'm Brasilian-American. In the U.S., you don't hear anyone saying shit about Brasil. You hear a lot about Mexico, but nothing really south of that, and if you do its usually about sexualizing Brasilian women or narcotics and gang stuff. Not the best representation for little me, admittedly. When you-know-who won the Qsmp Election, y'all I felt something in me spark to life that I hadn't felt since we won the Olympic soccer tournament in Rio in 2016. I'm proud to be Brasilian, I've always been proud of it, but its a pride that's been limited to sports and my own personal experiences. To see myself represented, to see Brasil naturally enter the conversation for a piece of media I loved that I didn't know would have us, and to see us win something, phew, shit got me higher than my wisdom tooth removal. We Brasilians banded together to secure the win, and what's more, my fav cc on the project was the one at the center. I felt so happy, for my country, my community, and for myself. And I know recent events might taint that memory for some of us, but I refuse to look back on my feelings from back then negatively. That was one of the best damn moments in my chronically online life, and I will always remember it with pride and joy, along with the many other moments when this wonderful server made me proud to be me.

So, naturally, when the news hit I was pretty fucked up over it. Still am tbh, but better now that I've had sleep (though it took me a while to fall asleep because of course my sleep gets ruined by bad feelings, bleh). All this to ultimately say it sucks. Like, it really fucking sucks. The anxiety, the disappointment, the sadness, and the uncertainty of "what now?". Might be sounding dramatic but again, 24/7 brainrot/serotonin supply for months that connected me to my culture abruptly cut off because of pedophile allegations. C'mon Satan, I already have to go to therapy, you didn't have to kick this horse while it was down. Joking aside, if you feel as absolute dogshit as I do and have that kind of anxiety where the world feels like its about to end because moments like these leave you with the rug pulled out from under you and the uncertainty leaves you not knowing what to do with your life after this... well, welcome to the boat, bathroom's on the lower deck and snacks are in the lobby. And also I'm here, and everyone else who's been left in the same crummy place emotionally. We're here together, and I hope that can help you, cause I know for me the worst part is feeling alone in it all, but I'm not, and neither are you. We're here, holding hands and cursing existence for putting us here and making us so sensitive and giving us something great only for it to end up hurting us. We're here, and if you wanna say anything, my DMs, comments, asks, whatever you'd want to talk through, are all open.

Now comes the hardest part: acknowledgement and playing the waiting game. Like I said, if you're feeling like me, this kind of anxiety and disappointment has you feeling like its all over. So now's when you gotta remind yourself that the only thing that's over is this moment in your life when you enjoyed a Thing. That Thing can have meant a lot to you, it could have gotten you out of really dark places, and it could be something you'll still think about down the line. It can be something like minecraft cube people that you (I) got way too emotionally attached to. And for whatever reason, that Thing could have meant the absolute world, whether other people would've understood it or not. Its not your fault it ended the way it did, life just does that sometimes, as unsatisfying of an answer as that is. But its true, and its an important lesson. The Thing is over.

You know what's not over though? You. You're life. Whatever the hell you are doing and will do in the future. If this was the best thing in your life you had going for you, I am so fucking sorry. You deserved to be happy with it, we both did. But I promise you, this Thing is a moment in your story, not the whole story. This really was the source of my joy for the past few months, and if its the same for you, I see you. We can feel like shit together, along with the rest of this wonderful community who understand it too. And you know what else we're gonna do? Live, and move on. Not now, maybe not for while, but we're human beings, we persist (sometimes that might look like you're dragging your battered self out of a trench smelling like depression and expired cheese, but you'll get out of the trench, we both will). There's too much to life for this to be what stops you from finding the rest, whether that's some dramatic life change that completely changes the world as you know it for the better... or just figuring out what comes next. Taking a shower, watching that movie you were waiting for the right moment to watch (I'd say this qualifies), setting up a therapy appointment maybe. Whatever you do to feel like a person again, you have that to do, and later down the road you'll have new Things that give it all meaning. So keep yourself going, hit up me or others who would get it, and do what you gotta do to let it pass. Because it will pass.

Deep breaths friend, I'll be cheering for you when it does

#thank you for reading #love you #take care <3 #mcyt #qsmp #qsmp forever #forever player #forever situation #psa #mental health

51 notes · View notes

pardi-real · 2 months

Text

Honeymoon Knight / Chapter 11 - If I Were to Keep a Pet

Prev | All | Next

~ After a while ~

Hanamaru: "Phew… The discussion about marriage turned out to be livelier than I expected."

> “Thank you for sharing” > "Listening to it was enjoyable"

Teddy: "Hehe… I'm glad you enjoyed it, my lord!"

Yuhan: "Well then... It's about time for the lord to be getting hungry, isn't it?"

> "That's true"

*Stomach growls*

Muu: “E-excuse me... I'm getting hungry…"

Yuhan: "Oh dear… Looks like Muu's hungry too."

Hanamaru: "It's almost lunch time. Should we grab a meal?"

> "Let's do that"

Teddy: "Leave it to me, I've researched the nearby places in advance! There's apparently a stylish café nearby. Shall we go there?"

Hanamaru: "As expected, Teddy, you're reliable~."

Yuhan: "Thank you, Mr. Teddy."

Teddy: "Alright then, my lord. This way!"

> "Thank you"

And so, we headed to a nearby café. We sat around the same table at the café.

~ After a while ~

Teddy: "The coffee and pudding here are so tasty..."

Hanamaru: “The green tea is great too. And this ice cream here."

Yuhan: "My lord, are you really okay with this? Us sitting together like this..."

> "I'm happy about it" > “Don’t mind it today”

Yuhan: "Is that so? However..."

Hanamaru: "Don't worry too much, Yuhan. If the lord says it's okay, then it's fine. More importantly, we should eat soon… The iced matcha latte will get warm, you see?"

> "That's right, Yuhan"

Yuhan: "Understood. Since it's such an opportunity... I should enjoy it. I'll make sure we have a good time."

> "Please do"

~ A few minutes later ~

Muu: "Wow... This shop has matcha drinks!"

Yuhan: "Yes, they're very delicious. As summer approaches, and the weather gets warmer... Drinking cold matcha outdoors has a certain charm.”

Muu: “Hehe… Indeed, cold drinks in hot weather are truly delicious!"

> "That's true"

Hanamaru: "For real, it just hits differently. Muu, be careful not to chill your stomach by drinking too much, okay?"

Muu: "Ahh! There was a cute white cat over there!"

Hanamaru: "Ah… he ain't listening at all."

> "I'll let him know later"

Hanamaru: "Thanks. You're really kind, my lord."

Muu: "Ah... The white cat seems to have gone somewhere…"

Teddy: "Maybe it ran away because someone with a dog is approaching?"

Following Teddy's gaze, we see a newlywed-like couple walking their dog.

Yuhan: "Hmm, come to think of it… in the central lands as well, there's a culture of keeping dogs as pets."

Teddy: "In Espoir too, sometimes you can see families with dogs. Hehe… Dogs are wonderful, aren't they?"

> "Teddy, do you like dogs?"

Teddy: "Yes, I do!"

Muu: "Oh~! So you and Mr. Haures have similar tastes!"

Teddy: "Huh, really!? Having similar preferences with Mr. Haures which I admired... I feel somewhat happy."

Hanamaru: "Teddy really looks up to Haures, huh?"

Teddy: "Yes, Mr. Haures is my goal. Oops- sorry, the conversation got off track."

Hanamaru: "Just maybe, Teddy. If you get married, would you want to have a dog?"

Teddy: "Uhm, if I have to say... Right, I might want to have a dog. Adopt a puppy and raise it together with my partner… I want to take them to a meadow and play with them.”

Muu: “Fufu, that sounds really fun! Speaking of which… how about you, Mr. Yuhan and Mr. Hanamaru? If you get married… What pet would you have?”

> “The pet they'd have, huh…”

Yuhan: “Hmm… well… if I were to keep a pet… perhaps, a bird.”

Hanamaru: “Ooh… is that so?”

Yuhan: “When I was little, I took care of an injured bird and kept it for a while.”

> “So that happened”

Yuhan: “Yes. That was a good memory. It had its challenges, like getting pecked at and the bird being reluctant to eat... But those hardships, it might bring joy when shared with a partner.”

Hanamaru: “Hm, hm... So you belong to the ‘if I were to keep a pet, it would be a bird' faction, Yuhan.”

> “How about you, Hanamaru?”

Hanamaru: “Hm, me? If I have to say… It would be a cat. Because cats... seem like they'd be good for lazing around together, right?"

Teddy: "I-I see..."

> "That's very Hanamaru-like reasoning"

Yuhan: "Really, it's unbelievable... Are you planning to laze around even after getting married?"

Hanamaru: "It's not a big deal, this is all just a fantasy anyway. Besides, if I were to get married for real... my partner would probably... like that about me, right?"

Teddy: "Th-that's quite the confidence, isn't it?"

Hanamaru: "Heh... Anyway, it's nice to have these kinds of conversations once in a while. Well, that being said... Right now, my lord is more important... more than a theoretical marriage-partner-to-be. Honestly… I have no interest in anyone but you, my lord.”

> "Uh, um..."

Hanamaru: “Caught off guard, ain't cha, my lord~? Your face is all red~."

Teddy: "Wait, Mr. Hanamaru. Please don't trouble the lord. And making advances is not allowed."

> "Teddy...?"

Teddy: "I also value the lord a lot. Of course, these feelings won't lose to anyone"

Yuhan: "Oh my, that's not something to ignore. I also care deeply for the lord."

> "Even Yuhan..."

Hanamaru: "Oops... Both of you, well said, huh... But don't worry, you two. I'll make sure to make the lord happy. As proof... Here, my lord, hold out your hand for a moment."

> "Huh...? Uh, okay"

As I extended my hand… Hanamaru started whistling.

Hanamaru: "Phwee… phwee…."

???: "Chirp, chirp!"

> "Huh?"

In response to the whistle, a blue bird flew out of the tree and landed on my hand.

Muu: "Wow, a cute blue bird!"

Hanamaru: "Hehe... Impressive, isn't it? It's a whistle that calls the bird of happiness. With this, there's no doubt that good fortune will come to you, my lord."

> "That's amazing, Hanamaru”

Chirp, chirp! The little bird chirped softly and then flew away.

Muu: "Ah, it's gone. I believe blue birds are symbols of good luck, right?"

Teddy: "Yes, that's right!"

Yuhan: "Mr. Hanamaru...! Please call the blue bird again."

Hanamaru: "Huh? Call it again?"

Yuhan: "The whistle can call a blue bird, right? Please, call it again. If possible... let it land on my hand this time..."

Teddy: "Mr. Yuhan… Your eyes seem brighter than usual?"

> "What's going on, Yuhan?"

Yuhan: "Um, well... My apologies. I was a little too excited."

Teddy: "Do you like blue birds?"

Yuhan: "Yes. When I was a child, I wanted to have a blue bird at least once. However, blue birds are rare and hard to come by... So I gave up."

Hanamaru: "I-I see… Well… To reveal the trick, this whistle doesn't really call a blue bird... Any small bird will respond, you know?"

Yuhan: "Oh? Is that so..."

Hanamaru: "I happened to see a blue bird in the tree earlier, so I whistled, and the blue bird kindly responded."

Yuhan: "I see... That's too bad."

Hanamaru: "Well, don't be so down, Yuhan. Oh, right...! Next time, shall I teach you how to whistle? Birds seem to like it, you know?"

Yuhan: "Sigh... If you can stop that triumphant look, I'll consider it."

Hanamaru: "Haa... you're being dishonest~ Yuhan."

Muu: "Mr. Hanamaru! Teach me how to whistle too!"

Teddy: "I want to learn too!"

Hanamaru: "Oh, oh, sure."

> "Can I join too?"

Hanamaru: "Geez... Master Hanamaru sure is popular today."

Prev | All | Next

#*aknk #honeymoon knight

23 notes · View notes

paladin-of-nerd-fandom65 · 1 month

Note

Cool questions!

1: when playing, does the duo re-act stuff from movies? Like anakin vs obi wan or when Shrek is escaping from the dragon?

2: what’s one thing that one does shocks the other? Like Chris disliking bananas on pancakes? (Read that from an earlier post of yours)

3: for the superfamily, what’s one story you would write for them?

4: what’s one story you would write for Chris for his own book?

5: same as Jake?

Phew! Took me a good while but I finally was able to get to answering this one @pin-crusher2000 . Thanks for the ask

1) Oh most definitely Chris and Jake would reenact so many Star Wars duels, especially Obi Wan vs Anakin as they can float around which make doing those fancy acrobatics all the easier. Bonus points if they utilize those cardboard tubes and paint them to their lightsaber colors and Jake using his speaker’s speakers to play the music in the background

Otherwise, they certainly would also do the Dragon Escape but most tellingly if Meredith was watching them, reenact kaiju battles

2) Oh, Jake putting Milk Before Cereal which horrifies not just Chris but also Mar’i and Dick

Also, Chris not minding the dumb fun of the Bayformers films as much as Jake does

3) I think I can have Clark, Lois, Kara, Conner, Chris and Jon get blasted across space and time, across multiple time periods, alternate histories or possible futures of Metropolis during a big battle against the Time Trapper. For example, Lois winds up in Metropolis in 1889 during the height of the Gilded Age, her mini adventure being to expose a corrupt all powerful banker while Conner is sent into a Metropolis that’s controlled by Germany in a scenario should they had won the Second World War. The finale for the arc would see the Superman Family reunite at the End of Time itself coming face to face with the Trapper, but it won’t be just the family as many of their new friends they met all across their little adventures assemble to help as well.

4) Less of an entire story and more a one to two issue arc involving Nightwing Phantom taking on a cosmic being in a game of wits and intelligence rather than fisticuffs, all for the sake of saving reality itself. Think this being akin to say A 4th Dimension Imp like Mr Mxyzptlk or more overtly the Celestial Toymaker from Doctor Who. The real meat though is whatever thoughts and emotions are transpiring inside of Chris’ mind space as I place this after he has his reaffirmation from Dad Clark of him belonging to Earth in light of Zod’s invasion. He thinks about this planet he’s trying to truly accept as his home in spite of his origins and how much he must defend it from this entity while also trying to reaffirm himself that he belongs with his real family the Kents despite Zod’s words permeating his thinking space.

5) Here, I take some inspiration from the Batman TAS episode “The Underdwellers” in which like in that episode, Jake would be investigating some recent pickpocketing going on across the Bludhaven streets, all of them being committed by street urchins and runaways, a lot of them around his age range doing such under the tyrannical rule of a supposed caretaker who treats them rather horribly. After running into one of the urchins and rescuing them from an incoming subway train, Jake and the kid become friendly with each other to where the kid can lead our hero to the whereabouts of his comrades. Coming along for the ride is one of Jake’s rouges, long time best frenemy Cody Cunningham aka Lion Master, who also had caught wind of the pickpocketing so he comes along with Skybird in this investigation, forming something of an alliance between them. This proves handy as like the Sewer King in “The Underdwellers”, the villain has vicious sewer gators that serve him which Cody’s lions are able to fend off while Skybird persues and eventually captures the villain. With that, the orphans are finally freed from his reign, taken in by the Services and able to see the light outside once again. Throughout this story, we not only can get glimpses into Jake’s head as this in a way is deja vu with his history of failing to save street orphans from a supervillain once before but also once Lion Master enters the picture, the two can have talks about each other’s deal and how Lion Master in many ways just wants a place to call a home after surviving in the streets for so long and his sympathies for Jake’s situation in light of this case.

As the two were successful working together and Cody realizes he feels much better doing some actual good rather than remaining a small time thief with a gimmick, he finally takes up Jake’s offer to renounce his old life as a rouge, first turning himself in to the authorities and spending some time in Juvie to make up for his robberies (his lions we’re thankfully tamed enough for the authorities to keep in that meantime) then once he gets out of his sentence for good behavior, moves into the Grayson Apartment complex with a place of his own. A new fresh start for him, especially when his new landlord, Dick Grayson, drops by and hearing of his skills as a lion tamer offers him and his feline companions a job at Haly Circus.

#chris kent #jake grayson #starburst duo #clark kent #lois lane #kara zor el #jonathan samuel kent #Cody Cunningham #OC #batman tas #mention #sfw

14 notes · View notes

mashed-potato101 · 2 years

Text

Imagine this...

|Twisted Wonderland|

What if there's another way to have or do magic? If so, maybe it could be drawn in the correct pattern...

A/N: I saw @ruby-of-vulpes-khux's idea, and I've thought of the same thing. This is inspired by The Owl House. I suggest you all watch it. It's a great show.

You were cleaning and remodeling the Ramshackle with Grim and they found an ancient book. You opened it to see the book has information on other ways to use magic and introduce how to do it. Those ways happened to be called Glyphs. You both didn't believe it but decided to try it out on paper for fun. You wanted to try out Glyphs. You only have to draw them and it'll work like magic, literally. How hard can it be?

Unfortunately for Grim, he couldn't make them perfectly with pen and paper because of his paws. He gave up after several attempts, starting to think this whole using magic in different ways is a joke. That was until you managed to draw a perfect light glyph and gave a tap. You, Grim, and the three ghosts witnessed the paper crumble into a light and float.

"HOW DID YOU DO THAT!?"

"I... I don't know. I just draw what the light glyph looked like in the book."

The magicless prefect then realized that for the first time, you did magic. “I just did magic… I JUST DID MAGIC!” You jump for joy as the three ghost companions applauded you. Grim was quite jealous at first, but he’s happy that you can finally perform magic.

You then practice on different types of glyphs: fire, ice, and plant. It took a few trials and errors, but you managed to perfect it. You also learned that there are more ways to use them, such as combining the glyphs. Unfortunately, you noticed that pages were missing, much information was ripped, and you were eager to learn more. You had no choice but to do experiments.

You also learned drawing glyphs doesn’t have to be used with a pen and paper. It can be only drawn to make the glyph work. You gave Grim some finger paint and help him practice. After several attempts, Grim finally made his first light glyph.

“LOOK (Y/N)! DID YOU SEE THAT!? I DID MY FIRST GLYPH!”

“Good job, Grim! I knew you can do it!”

Grim then tried to learn the fire glyph next. Let’s just say it was a good thing you learned the ice glyph or the Ramshackle dorm would’ve been burned to the ground.

You wanted to show everyone about your discovery, but you thought it’s more suitable to keep it yourself, especially from your “favorite” headmaster. It would be better to use the glyphs for emergencies. Plus, it would be funny to see everyone’s reaction.

Of course, a few people manage to learn about your hidden ability. It was during your PE class when Vargas began to teach your class how to fly a broom. Since you and Grim are considered one student, the two of you are put in one magic broom. You took charge of driving the broom, but Grim wanted to be the one. This turned into a bad turn when Grim tried to go in the front while both of you were in the air and fell from the sky.

Fortunately, you brought some glyphs with you in case of emergencies like this. You quickly took out two combo glyphs and activate them. Snow appeared from below you right on time before you and Grim hit the ground. You and Grim sighed with relief.

“Phew. Grim, are you alright, buddy?”

“Huff… Yeah… It’s a good thing you brought those glyphs with you.”

“OI! (Y/N)! GRIM! ARE YOU TWO ALRIGHT!?”

“Is that snow? Where the hell did that come from?”

Oh boy… You have a lot of explaining to do.

#twst #disney twisted wonderland #twisted wonderland #disney twst #twst wonderland #twst mc #twst x reader #x reader #twst imagines #twst imagine this #twst yuu #twisted wonderland x reader

546 notes · View notes

sneezemonster15 · 2 years

Note

Hey, thank you so much for answering my previous ask. I love reading your blog and what you have to say. Also I forgot to mention the person who thinks Sasuke fucked Karin also talked about what you said on your blog with someone else, https://dushman-e-jaan.tumblr.com/post/663748673413464064/i-saw-a-post-where-anyone-who-says-that-sasuke-and I'm pretty sure that's your post bc I read it. They're basically making fun of the whole thing and again slapping the "brothers" label onto practically everything you said 😭 What are your thoughts on this?

Hello.

Woah, yeah, that is my post. I wrote it a long time ago, I had no clue that they got this triggered by it, that they went through it line by line, as a response to me, replying to every statement I made in second person and didn’t even tag me. If it weren’t for your ask, I would never have found out about it. Well, I am going to take it as a compliment, whether they like it or not. Lol.

I don’t generally write my content to defend my takes, I give all the reasoning and cite evidence within my posts, and if someone has a problem with it, I generally reply to them in the comment box. But since this aforementioned post seems like it has gone some way into the anti SNS fandom, and because I wasn’t even aware of it, I will address some of these issues.

Okay. Gear up, this is going to be long.

First things first. They are offended because they don’t agree with my statement :

“Well, at least you are being consistent. Because people who think Sasuke and Naruto are brothers are the same people who think Sakura and Hinata are feminist role models.”

And they want to make it clear that there are other fans who don’t think highly of Sakura and Hinata, but still consider Sasuke and Naruto brothers. Well, I will give them that. I am aware there are additional fans who consider them brothers, CASE IN POINT. My bad.

Honestly, there’s a lot of stuff here, that just doesn’t require my response. Like my mention of Tarkovsky. It was used as a figure of speech by which I wanted to say that decoding Sasuke and Naruto’s romance wasn’t rocket science, it’s a straight statement, I don’t know why they gotta twist it. I think the mention of Tarkovsky threw them off, because they feel that only they have the authority to talk about more brainy things. Lol. So I am going to sidestep all the fountains of their insecurities and come to the point.

Okay so, they insist that Sasuke and Naruto are spiritual brothers, mainly because their chakras are reincarnation of Indra and Ashura’s chakras who happen to be biological brothers. And they take great offence to my statement that people who think of them as brothers are heteronormative and homophobic. I will come to that part later, I will address the reincarnation part first.

I honestly thought we were past this non-sensical and juvenile non-argument of them being brothers for the aforementioned reason. These antis use such big words and cite academic papers and articles and then, flip right over to say something so counterintuitive and irrational, without even considering any alternative understanding, it hardly seems like an argument and more like intellectual masturbation. Which it is.

Okay. This is their argument to support their stance.

“However, this story includes chakra, Indra, Ashura and is very much tied to spirituality. Buddhism, Hinduism and Jainism deal with that. Kishimoto took his inspiration from there.Hindu scriptures exhort spiritual people to lead exemplary lives, control their sexual desires and abstain from sex, just as they are expected to control all desires and practice renunciation and detachment with their minds absorbed in the contemplation of God or the Self.”

And it doesn’t stop there, this rambling goes on and on and on…phew. I appreciate the amount of effort they have seemed to put in their arguments. Sadly, it's all as misguided as it can be, lol.

While I agree that one can see the myriad influences of various philosophical schools of thought and spiritual belief systems in Kishimoto’s work, NONE of it proves their brother argument. Why? Because it’s all out of context. I see this a lot, the pitfalls and trappings of sticking to one’s projection in one’s favourite piece of art/literature and bending text and context to their will, with citations, whether it’s relevant or not.

Such mental gymnastics, lol. I have seen this kind of response by student film theorists when they analyse Ozu's films. Oh why did he put that vase in the centre of the frame, what did he want to say by showing that vase? Did he mean to depict loneliness or does it indicate the effects of capitalism and consumerism in an insular, collectivist, traditional Japanese society of the times, or is it about the soul that is trapped in the material prison of flesh etc etc etc. Over analyzation. Which they apparently have accused me of, hahaha.

Unfortunately, that’s not how storytelling works. And it definitely doesn’t work in Naruto’s case. They would do well to remember that writers are not out to con you. Any writer worth his salt uses a combination of narrative tools to tell his story. Sad thing is most fans in this fandom just don’t understand how stories are written, the specific tools that a writer uses and the narrative devices that guide and lend a certain flow and approach to the story. Kishi is just like any other writer, in that context. So when he wants to give a certain narrative or visual information to the audience, he will use these common tools to drive his point home. For example, foreshadowing. What is foreshadowing?

Sourced from Wikipedia :

“Foreshadowing is a literary device in which a writer gives an advance hint of what is to come later in the story. Foreshadowing often appears at the beginning of a story, or a chapter, and it helps the reader develop expectations about the upcoming events. A writer may implement foreshadowing in many different ways.”

And do we see this foreshadowing in Kishi’s plot? You bet, :).

And this is Chapter 3. Lol.

If Kishi wanted to depict Naruto and Sasuke as brothers, he would not have made them kiss. Even if accidentally. This scene, right at the start of the manga, indicates the very romantic nature of their relationship. I wonder why these stans don’t find it suspicious that even though this kiss is supposed to be accidental, both Naruto and Sasuke think of this kiss as a precious memory, not as a joke, but something significant, something that contributed to develop their dynamic in the manga. I have seen hundreds and hundreds of films in my life, but I have never seen anywhere where two likely brothers were made to kiss like this, for the sake of developing their dynamic. Only in romantic relationships.

Let me state it out in as clear words as possible. - In a macro sense, the overarching narrative of this manga includes a clear intention by the author to push the characters of Naruto and Sasuke to give an appropriate name to their relationship, continuously harping on defining and redefining their relationship with plot points strategically appointed to affect their dynamic that further propels the central narrative of the story.

Simply put, Kishi forcefully insists on weaving this story in a way that forces the protagonist to think and rethink the meaning of what he feels for Sasuke, as instigated by Sasuke himself, who every time they meet, insists Naruto answer his question as to why Narutio is so hell bent upon following him, why does he care so much so that he is ready to leave his training and the people he loves behind, just to bring Sasuke back. And everytime Naruto even breathes the word ‘friends’ or ‘brothers’, Sasuke’s either annoyed or surprised or displeased, never satisfied, never convinced. The satisfaction comes at the end of the manga, in chapter 698, when Naruto finally gives some explanation as to what he means by it. Shippuden didn’t end with the war arc, it ended with Sasuke and Naruto’s reconciliation. It didn’t end on the note of an ideological conflict and its eventual resolution, it ended on the note where Sasuke asked Naruto : But what does being friends mean to you?

And Naruto said with a clear sense that he understands what Sasuke is asking of him and so after thinking for a very pregnant pause, says : Even if you were to ask me that, I don’t think I would have an answer. But when I see you carrying your burden, it hurts me, so much so that I just can’t take it.

You really don’t need a PhD to see the nuanced significance of this text.

Point is, this going back and forth trying to define their relationship is not an isolated incident, it basically makes the backbone of the story. Which is why the aforementioned dialogues make sense, as they form the conclusion of this story. If they were brothers, why would this element exist?

Everything in the story serves to contribute to the central narrative and for the sake of character development of its main players.

That Kishi saw a need to even discuss why they were not friends, and that they were not brothers, but that Naruto feels immense hurt at seeing Sasuke hurt, is indicative enough that Kishi was definitely not trying to portray them as brothers. That these stans consider them brothers, when this art made by Kishimoto himself exists, is proof enough that they are highly indulgent of their self projections.

They are so motivated, for their own projections, to ignore the nuanced characterization of Naruto’s closeted gay self, or Sasuke’s oft pointed disinterest in women, that their understanding comes off as extremely lacking.

Ask yourself, why would Kishi even write these nuances in the way of visual imagery and strategic scenes where Naruto is made to react so strongly to even mild and unintentioned homoerotic moments? Why would Naruto be written to overcompensate to cover these moments up with something distinctly heterosexual? Why would Kishi even put so much effort in writing these characters this way if Kishi only wanted to portray them as brothers? What would even be the point of it?

Every single chapter goes through multilayered scrutiny by editors after it’s written, which means anything that is unnecessary or extraneous to the narrative is taken out. It’s supposed to be concise, and yet have the desired effect on the readers. Why keep those texts or panels that don’t serve the story? Instead, why do these elements serve to develop the characters? They obviously mean something, don't they? They are there for a reason, and anyone who has seen the portrayal of homosexuality in media will instantly recognise it. Those who haven’t can at least wonder why and venture to find out instead of giving their relationship names that are incongruent with their actual dynamic.

No other brotherly dynamic in the manga itself is even close to Naruto and Sasuke’s. Honestly, I have seen so much Japanese media outside of manga and anime in the last year, and I didn't see two men or boys depicted as brothers who make kissy faces at each other, or stand side by side looking like they are giving each other hand jobs and orgasming, or where one man’s mouth is deliberately drawn over another man’s crotch. To say that this indicates they were depicted as brothers, is not only counterintuitive, but downright ridiculous and plain stupid. It’s some real heavy duty denial.

If Kishimoto meant for them to be brothers because their chakras were reincarnation of Ashura and Indra, he would have made some character say it out loud in some context. Like I said, writers are not out there to con you. They will make sure that their intent is clearly shown to the audience, through text, subtext and visual language. And everything about Naruto and Sasuke, everything that contributes to their dynamic, whether it be dialogues, orchestrated situations, plot points, visual imagery, some of which exudes sexual tension, in no way indicates a platonic relationship. Those who have the presence of mind to pick it, will pick it, those who don’t would spout non-sense like our antis here. Lol.

Kishimoto knows how to use foreshadowing. Case in point.

He gives us an advance hint of what’s to come, and the narrative takes its twists and turns, being developed with this thread in mind, and then the arc ends with a conclusion of the underlying idea foreshadowed earlier with the hint. NONE of this is accidental. It’s all part of writing, it’s a literary tool, a narrative device. Hell, it isn’t a coincidence that Kishimoto keeps repeating this element over and over and over again, where Naruto goes through a whole range of situations and emotional upheavals in order to understand his feelings for Sasuke. First, he wonders if Sasuke is like a brother, or a friend, or more. Kishi can’t say it explicitly, but honestly, he doesn’t need to. These antis look for all sorts of reasoning and proof OUTSIDE the manga. If they were a little more honest with themselves, they would see that one really doesn’t need to do that, all the pertinent information that one needs to decode the nature of their relationship is inside the manga, in panels, visual imagery, dialogues, narrative development and notes.

Like I always say : First rule of deduction : Work with what you have. Facts, use what’s is available to you in the source material.

It is absolutely valid to look for outside source if you see a solid and legitimate reason to, which is congruent with the source material, like in the case of Chikamatsu. It’s already established clearly that Kishimoto is his fan, he has put a lot of effort to pay tribute to him in his own manga, he makes sure that this element is clearly present in the context and text, and the editors have talked about it in the notes. And ALL of that makes it a legit link, for one to connect it with Shinjuu.

The antis talk of irrelevant sources such as Jainism and Hinduism and whatnot, lol, it honestly looks like a super desperate attempt to twist and deform and bend the narrative to their interpretation where they conveniently ignore all the relevant panels where Naruto clearly says that him and Sasuke aren’t really brothers to Hagoromo, where Sasuke makes it a point to say to Sai that he only has one brother, clearly implying that he doesn’t consider Naruto a brother. All these extra interpretations that antis force upon the narrative is a result of their own projection. It's as simple as that.

If Sasuke was satisfied with the explanation that they were brothers, why would he keep asking Naruto the same question again and again? Doesn’t that indicate that he isn’t satisfied with Naruto’s understanding of it? And he is only convinced of it at the very end, when Naruto is bleeding out, about to die, when he finally, with much visible reticence, admits that he doesn’t know how to explain it?

Think about it, if they were just brothers, why would there be this hesitation? Being brothers is not a controversial thing, it’s not a taboo thing, it’s not abnormal, opposite in fact, given how much the characters of this story are shaped by their familial bonds. Instead of thinking of the most obvious things, these antis round up obscure and entirely irrelevant articles to sound smart and intellectual, as if that’s gonna make a difference. How is this extraneous intellectual regurgitation gonna help your case if your basic premise is wrong? That’s not how dialectics work. Lol.

Then they said this.: “(Considering Ino to be a closeted queer who only went for Sasuke to gain Sakura’s affections would be another one of these hilarious mishaps.)”

I honestly don’t know who they are referring to, because I have never said or implied anything even close to it. Maybe they are just assuming things. It’s not the only time they assume things. They also think I am some Western Man with my capitalistic and consumerist takes on Naruto. hahahaha.

Damn, I can't help but notice that whenever someone disagrees with them, they instantly label them as Western. Well, they are wrong on both counts, because neither am I western, nor a man. In fact, my socio-cultural understanding of the world is pretty close to Japan’s. I would also like to mention that my community practises the same religion that happens to be the official religion of Japan. But of course, I have never needed to flex on that, because it’s just not needed. The information that I got from the manga itself, plus my own experience of media is enough for me to make my points. I am able to qualify my content with the evidence found INSIDE the manga, and if I see clearly delineated references to outside material in it, I point them out. Like I have done here.

Honestly, it’s as simple as that. No need to twist your head at a 180 degrees to prove your point, if you are trying that hard, it becomes clear you have no legit leg to stand on and you are making shit up, just to validate your headcanon.

Don’t act against intuition, don’t act against text and visual language, don’t act against what is both explicitly and implicitly given in the manga because that is the opposite of examining something objectively. But well, people do worse to keep sticking to their denial.

Anyway, this foreshadowing can be seen in the first arc, where the central theme is ‘protecting one’s precious person’ and how one can unlock special hidden strengths when one is motivated to protect the person most dear to them. This element is foreshadowed in the relationship between Zabuza and Haku and through twists and turns, is finally concluded at the end of the arc, where Sasuke almost dies to protect Naruto and both unlock special powers for each other. Not rocket science. Kishi is a generous author that way, he wants this reader to know what he is saying and what he means by it, and so he will supply enough textual and visual information to make sense of the overarching story and themes. To simply ignore that for one’s head canons is a gross injustice to the story and the artist. If you have to ignore what he is saying explicitly or drawing explicitly, why even bother to engage with this manga? lol. What a waste.

It is not a complicated thing at all, in fact, it would have become a lot easier for Kishimoto to write this story if he could just have explicitly written them as brothers, a lot of effort would have been spared, no? And it would have all been believable, because it makes total sense that Naruto would want to save and protect his brother. The story would not change at all. Then why the hammer like insistence on having this whole brother or friend or comrade dialectic? Why? You know why?

Because they are NOT brothers.

Next, they said this : The problem with a lot of western readers is that they discard any and all relationships, familial and platonic, in favor of their romantic obsessions and delusions of “freedom” in a capitalistic society,................... ... the widespread consumption of amorous rituals constitutes the core of contemporary romantic love, reinvigorating capitalism and lovers alike.”

And this goes on and on….I am not going to put the entire thing here, it’s basically unnecessary blathering and intellectual masturbation.

Snickers, Delusions of freedom in a capitalistic society. Bwahaha. Where is this even coming from? Entirely irrelevant. Reminds me of my younger self when I would deliberately attach esoteric sounding citations to my papers to impress the professor and would still get a B. Lol.

I have written enough on the subject of the importance of familial bonds which shape the characters in this manga, so they are definitely wrong on that count. But well, they think they are the authority on Japanese media, what can I say? Sidestepping what’s actually in the manga and supplementing your argument with entirely disproportionate and irrelevant pointers only indicates that they are floundering. When you have no legit foundation for your argument, this happens. Lmao. I am no stranger to it, thankfully I got over it in my teens.

Then they claimed this : (Remember, Kishimoto comes from a very small village and is from a different generation altogether; so the odds of him penning anything even close to the “sexual categorizations” of the post-modern western sexual-domains are less than the second coming of Christ.)

Hahahahahaaha, I know you can’t tell, but I am literally wheezing here.

These stans literally talk like Kishimoto is a hundred year old man. Like…the lack of reason and logic in this statement is so apparent, I am surprised that they thought it would be worthwhile to make this comment. Lol. Sexual categorizations of the post-modern western sexual-domains??? What crap!!! Hahahah. Just say you are a straight homophobic woman who wants Sasuke’s dick and go!

So what if Kishi comes from a small village and a different generation? Does that mean he doesn’t know what homosexuality means? He doesn’t know sexual categorizations of the post-modern western sexual domains? What a bunch of hooey, lol. These stans talk of homosexuality like it’s some kind of western propaganda. Go ahead, tell me it’s not homophobic, heh. PoSt mODerN WEsteRn SexUal DomaiNs. Lololol.

Truth is, pre Meiji era, Japan was perhaps the most progressive of all cultures when it came to sexual categorizations. Here, this post is educational. Funny how these stans call SNS western and then do the same thing that most western fans do, who know absolutely nothing about history of sexuality in Japan. Here, they should maybe learn about it before sounding this ignorant, the video is pretty self-explanatory.

Edo period Japanese culture accepted homosexuality as the purest form of love that could exist between two samurais. Young men were allowed and even encouraged to have young male lovers, and after a certain age, they were expected to get married to women. A lot of men chose not to. And even though it was frowned upon, it wasn't a punishable offence.

Hell, one doesn’t even have to go there, check out Edo and Meiji period art, you will find lots of peculiar, very creative art with homosexuality as its subject. I would put those pictures here, but it would make this post x-rated, lol. The sexual imagery is off the charts, like Japan’s imagination is mind-boggling, like woah. They might be a small country but the scope of their imagination is huge. With the advent of Meiji era, that changed, as homosexuality became illegal, but this art was still produced underground.

Hell, a lot of the most celebrated artists in Modern Japan have created art about homosexuality. Film makers such as Nagisa Oshima, Takashi Miike (Shinjuku Triad’s Society, Big Bang Love, Juvenile A), Toshio Matsumoto (A funeral Parade of Roses), Akira Ogata (Boy’s Choir, a film about two orphaned boys who study at the same institution, and eventually fall in love with each other), have made excellent cinema on the subject matter. And these aren’t your run of the mill commercial yaoi creators, these are serious film makers whose films have done their rounds in national and international film festivals, earning awards and accolades from critics and audience alike.

The film, ‘Funeral Parade of Roses’ is a story about a young, gay, cross dressing boy who is in love with his father, a modern day adaptation of Oedipus Rex, only flipped. And this film was released in the 60’s. A product of the Japanese new wave cinema, it is considered to have influenced Stanley Kubrick’s ‘A Clockwork Orange’. It was considered quite a controversial film for its time in the west. It took over forty years for ‘Hereditary’ fame film maker Ari Aster to make a film on the subject, ‘The strange thing about the Johnsons’ in 2011, and the audience was shocked to their core with it. Japan was doing this shit in the 60’s. Lol. Oshima belonged to a small region in the southern Okayama prefecture called Tamano, founded in the 40’s. So? Kishi also belongs from the Okayama prefecture. What, people from small villages remain ignorant throughout their lives? They can't learn? They can’t be exposed to stuff?

Oshima was a pioneer of Japanese New Wave cinema, going forward to become one of the most celebrated film makers in the world, with a beautifully distinct voice. He made films on themes of homosexuality, and his stories were inspired by real life events in Japan. He made Gohatto, a Jidaigeki film (which basically translates to Japanese period drama, usually set in the Edo period) which is about Samurais lusting after a bishonen boy, training at the Shinsengumi, organization of Samurais. People of Japan are more than familiar with the tales of Shinsengumi, they grew up with it. He made ‘Merry Christmas, Mr Lawrence’, which also features homosexual themes, starring David Bowie btw.

Kishimoto wasn’t even born or was of legal age when some of these films were released. Japan was experimenting in the fields of cinema and various subject matters, including unsimulated sex in a legit film.

They think he wouldn’t be aware of these films, Kishimoto who happens to be a film buff himself? Honestly, how insular do these stans think the Japanese are?

These people talk like the Japanese are some dumb, ignorant group of people, who don’t know shit about what’s going on in the world. Honey, that’s you, not them. Kishi is a well read, well exposed, well rounded writer.

Like yes, Japan was quite insular at some point of time, but after the second world war, they were forced by the allied nations to open up their borders. And the influence of western elements and themes can be seen in their art. In fact, western influence had already taken roots since Meiji era. The men even had to cut their hair for it. Even kabuki wasn't left alone. And it's not like this is some well kept secret. Kishimoto’s manga is definitely very much Japanese, but it has a cross cultural appeal as well. I don’t think one is doing their due diligence when one simply ignores that factor.

Okay. Let’s talk of Kishimoto’s influences.

These are a few excerpts from Kishimoto’s interviews, the Western influence is pretty clear. Does this look like some dude who doesn’t know what he is talking about? Does this look like someone who is inert and insular and ignorant?

Look how inspired Kishimoto is by Akira and its mangaka, Katsuhiro Otomo.

For those who don’t know, Akira was the anime that opened up the western markets for Japanese animation and manga. The film was made for the express purpose for Japan to open the western markets for her products, show off their goods to the world, that this is what they can do, and as it turned out, it was better than anything western audiences had ever experienced in terms of animation and storytelling at that point of time.

Cartoons were earlier considered to be for kids, the common perception was that animated media was supposed to be infantile, catering to a certain target audience. Akira changed that perception. The legacy of Akira is humongous. It opened up doors for other animes and mangas such as Dragonball Z, Ghost in the shell, Naruto even. This was the time in late 80’s when Japan was experiencing an overall good economy for the first time in 20th century, their financial shares were soaring. This was the time when corporations had opened up in Japan, and anyone who was ready to become a salary man could take advantage of the financial benefits resulting in significant disposable incomes. So people had more to spend on entertainment, and so production companies were chasing talented mangakas left and right to adapt their work into anime. Japan was so committed to this great enterprise of Akira, they formed a committee to finance the very high budget that a commensurate and successful rendering of the manga’s adaptation would require. The committee consisted of Kodansha, Mainichi Broadcasting System, Bandai, Hakuhodo, Toho, LaserDisc Corporation and Sumitomo Corporation (if you can’t tell, these are big, huge corporations) who all forwarded money and promotion towards the film, and appointed the mangaka himself to direct the film, because who else would be able to tell this story better when so much was at stake?

Otomo worked his ass off, drawing hundreds of storyboards to condense the 120 chapter long manga into one film. And he did it, and what a film it is. Like wow, I was blown away. Akira, being a cyberpunk manga, also has that cross cultural appeal, even though its major themes are still very much Japanese, but if you look closely, this film tells a story the entire world can benefit from.

Kishimoto is inspired by American film makers such as Michael Bay, Quentin Tarantino. He talks of Takeshi Kitano, lovingly known in Japan as Beat Takeshi, a very popular figure in the west, who also was a regular in Oshima’s films, having played major roles in his gay films. These stans think Kishimoto, a cinephile himself, isn’t aware of these films? Bullshit. Lol. A lot of mangakas want their work to be recognized by the entire world, especially in the west. It speaks of their global success, why would they want to just keep to their native audience?

Truth is, otaku culture evolved in a very specific way. The second world war, especially after Hiroshima and Nagasaki were bombed, drastically affected the ethical and emotional landscape of the collective Japanese psyche. While the reverberations could be seen in their media, unfortunately, it wasn’t in the mainstream media where these effects were manifested, rather it was in alternative media, in the subcultural genres. You don’t have to take my word for it.

Takashi Murakami, a product of Otaku culture himself, talks about this, someone that Kishimoto himself has paid a significant tribute to in his manga (Deidara’s aesthetic is super flat, which is basically a socio-politico-cultural art movement pioneered by Murakami). And I saw for myself what he was talking about. Japan is a collectivist society, there isn’t much freedom for individual expression. Japanese emperor Hirohito, who is directly held to be responsible for the Japanese contribution to second Sino-Japanese war and the second world war by many historians, was considered to be a God by the Japanese, literally. Like Kim Jong Un style. No one questioned him. But after Japan’s role in the war as the predator and subsequently a victim, it broke the Japanese in a major way. Turned them humble, repentant. This collective grief and shock and widespread devastation brought the people together, they forgot their differences for the moment, to somehow pick up the pieces and go on living their lives, with gratitude for what they had. But yes, it’s not as explicit in their mainstream media as others. I mean the amount and variety of films based on the second world war that I have seen in European and American cinema, like damn. Japanese cinema on the other hand? Pretty tame in that regard.

Takahata made ‘Grave of the Fireflies’ on this subject, a heart rending and deeply disturbing story about two orphaned siblings living during the war, is considered as one of the most effective anti war films ever made in the history of cinema, as said by Roger Ebert, the man himself. Anyone who has seen the film will know it is an anti war film. But when Takahata was interviewed about it, he denied it. He said he didn’t make an anti war film, he wouldn’t even talk about it and later, stopped giving interviews about it altogether. Never underestimate the censorship of the Japanese administration. Oshima, a staunch modernist himself, a huge critic of Akira Kurosawa’s old world values and humanism, equally critical of the right wing and extreme left wing politics of Japan, made heavily political films, broke up with the studio system that launched his career, because of how left leaning, political and individualistic his voice was. His films were often banned or taken off screens, he was subjected to numerous court cases. But he persevered and even a stroke couldn’t stop him. But that’s Oshima. Oshimas are a rare breed.

So what couldn’t be seen in the mainstream media, you saw them in alternate or subaltern media. Akira is a direct testimonial to this. Akira is a story about a bunch of orphaned kids living in a dystopian world, that has been devastated by a bomb blast, past which Tokyo, now Neo Tokyo, is submerged in corruption and civil wars. The administration uses children as weapons to protect their own borders, but is eventually destroyed by these same children, when they couldn’t handle their powers. The reverberations of the post war atrocities can be viscerally felt in the themes of this manga, prompting a myriad of ethical implications and queries, questioning one’s understanding of a nation, of responsibility towards one’s people, love, hate, revenge borne of that hate, power, megalomania, philosophical implications of technology and the destruction borne of it, conflicts between different ideologies and so on and so forth but it’s resolve is quite familiar.

The resolve is about love, redemption, atonement and peace. That wars happen because there is love and hence there is hate, it's the people that make wars happen and it’s the people that pick up the pieces and go on living. That one can be hopeful even in adversities. No one is singularly condemned, no one is singularly held to blame even though it’s not difficult to see that things could have been handled better. But it’s not as black and white as that. It’s complex. World is complex.

But what we do see is that Tetsuo, an orphan who lives on the streets, who loses himself in the quest for power, fuelled by his need to be acknowledged, finally gives up on destroying everything when his lover Kaori dies protecting him, and at the urges of his best friend Kaneda, Tetsuo finally sees light, for the sake of his love for Kaori and Kaneda, and so he repents before dying. That all his passions come to nought when he loses the one thing he held dear to him, love for his friend and girlfriend, the only people that made him feel like he mattered.

Similar themes can be seen in another manga Kishi is influenced by. Ruruoni Kenshin, basically a romance manga in shounen, written by Nobuhiro Watsuki. Battosai, the political assassin, falls in love with Tomoe, a spy, basically two people from opposing ideologies. Tomoe sacrifices herself for Battosai, even after Battosai has discovered her true identity. The manga is structured with themes of ideological conflicts of love, revenge, love for one’s nation and adherence to one’s philosophy/belief systems, as it's set in the time period of transition between the Edo and Meiji era, but the resolution is similar. That love trumps all, that true love is greater than all the constructs made by humans.

Is there any wonder we see similar themes in Naruto? Kishi uses similar effects and themes for his world building in Naruto and Shippuden. A dystopian society where children are barbarically used as weapons, where gross injustices happen, but people go on living. This world imagined by Kishimoto is a reflection of the real world, richly dramatised with similar themes of love and conflicts and ideological differences and war and devastation and revenge and human ethos and peace and atonement. Similar resolve? I would say so.

And I won’t even dismiss that Sasuke’s character is definitely left leaning. Sasuke is partially based on Sasuke by Sanpei Shirato, a popularly known leftist voice in the manga industry. It’s pretty clear for anyone with half a brain to see that Sasuke is anti-establishment, and for good reasons too. The collectivist, utilitarian, highly corrupt system of the shinobi world leads to utter devastation and genocide of his entire clan overnight directly under the noses of the citizens and leaders of Konoha, and whose body parts are then commodified in the name of protection of the same nation that was built around the philosophy of ‘Will of Fire’, which was supposed to protect them but instead who slaughtered them in their sleep.

Sasuke’s interests and need for justice stands in sharp contrast with the ways of the shinobi world, and where no one could understand him, Naruto finally does. He is the only one who tries. He is the only one who is capable, who is made to be capable by the way of the narrative where Kishimoto develops his character accordingly. Naruto is naive and simple minded to start with, but he is written to learn and evolve and understand different points of view. To learn from people’s tragedies and losses and grief and motivations. He is exposed to the way of this world through anti hero archetypes such as Nagato and Obito and Zabuza, where after Naruto, through his own inherent moral and humanistic code, begins to understand a world that is founded on love turned hate, which further paves the way for revenge, but is determined to put a stop to it. By proving his love for Sasuke, and Sasuke accepts his love. Sure, had it not been for Sasuke, he would have let it continue or have simply died with Sasuke before he could witness a better world. But my point is, similar resolve : Love trumps all, peace, redemption and atonement.

This is not to say that I approve of the ending, I do not. I hate it. Firstly, if the theme of Naruto and Shippuden was already established and concluded as 'love trumps all else including the socio politico cultural structures and institutions made by humans ', then why the hell were they made to marry women when they are clearly gay? And secondly but equally importantly, Sasuke should have gotten his dues, he deserved it, so did Neji and Naruto. The truth of the Uchiha massacre should have been revealed, and Konoha should have taken accountability and repented, these are after all, some major themes in the manga. Kishi broke all sorts of storytelling rules at the end and I am mad as hell at him for that. But unfortunately, I didn’t write this story and couldn’t have had if I tried. Doesn’t mean I will look for things in it that aren’t there. Kishimoto is not a communist or a right winger. He is Japanese. Both extremist interpretations of manga are misguided. Tobirama was a bigot that plotted against the Uchihas, Hiruzen was a complacent failure of a leader who let things happen in his regime that by no means indicates good leadership, Uchiha clan was discriminated against. But Kishi could not have made Sasuke reach his goals, not if Naruto, the protagonist, was supposed to be of any consequence, which essentially makes Naruto hold a moderate position. I also don’t like the fact that the ending and consequently Boruto, diluted Sasuke’s belief systems and very justified goals, I wish they could have modified it to a conclusive ending where him and Naruto could have worked towards changing the status quo, but I don’t think it would have materialised, Shonen Jump is strict about these things, namely pedagogic values appropriate for a certain target group.

The conflicting ideologies definitely serve to make this manga drama and intrigue rich, but let’s not go overboard and look for things that aren’t there, which is what these stans seem to do. There’s no use in chasing shadows.

Then they said this : “He (Miura) actually does talk a little about the sexual tensions between Guts and Griffith! Must’ve been one of the parts I was having a hard time putting into decent English. Basically Miura says that he doesn’t really agree with how people read sexual tensions into the Guts-Griffith relation, because men can have passionate feelings about each other without it being like that……..Yet none of this is meant to be “romantic love”. There’s passion here, intensity, obsession, but it isn’t sexual. ”

Truth is whether it be western or Asian media, the concept of misinterpreting homosexuality as brotherhood is quite well explored in global media. Don’t believe me? Here. All facts, no frills.

One doesn’t even have to go very far, just look at Clamp, and you would be lucky if you were able to find more than five heterosexual characters in their entire range of mangas, lol. And honestly, their example of Berserk actually works in my favor and not theirs? GriffGuts is a valid gay ship. But of course, if they can reject SNS, it’s likely they would reject GriffGuts. Kishimoto and Miura, no matter what they say in their interviews, why is that more important than the story itself? Not like Kishimoto sounds all that confident in his interviews either, when he talks of them being more brothers than blood brothers.

I have not looked very deeply into Berserk, so I would like to invite veteran blogger @maoam to shed some light, one of the very few bloggers that I find with one of the most balanced and informed takes on Naruto and other relevant mangas.

Going ahead, let’s see what Miura says of boys.

Really Miura? Now what is this 'tingling' feeling?

What does this remind me of?

Lol. Now this isn’t the most accurate translation. This is the accurate translation, I am not sure of the source, I got this screengrab a long time ago, but I know for a fact it is legit.

Btw, the 'kyun' sound effect used here is used in Hentai to denote sexual arousal, lol.

Tell me what kind of brothers feel these feelings for each other? I have seen numerous Japanese films whether it be family dramas, Jidaigeki films, Japanese LGBTQ+ films, and I have never seen brothers behaving with each other like this once. Not once. What spiritual brothers? Lol. Why go against reason, intuition, narrative, visual imagery and cultural context to prove something using irrelevant sources?

Like I thought we were past this Brother argument, it’s the 21st century, there are more discussions on homosexuality, the subject of homosexuality has gained more exposure and a lot of talented and individualistic creators have explored this subject. So why is Naruto fandom this backward and narrow minded??

I find it hard to believe that despite Kishi’s subtle but not really, and repetitious ministrations on the issues surrounding a stigmatized subject such as homosexuality, is that invisible. All you need is an open minded approach, that is all. You do that and the manga will unfurl itself so you will be able to see things that you so conveniently ignored before to satisfy your headcanons. Is it that unfair of a request?

Do these fans think they know everything about everything? They couldn’t have missed something? Something as glaring and apparent as SNS? Before they claim that they are some omniscient, all-knowing being, maybe watch some LGBTQ+ media, and compare notes? Analyse tropes? Give themselves some credit, that they have done their due diligence before spouting things they obviously do not understand? Or is that too much to ask for?

Maybe they have learnt everything in the world that is to be learnt and there’s just no free space in that highly evolved noggin of theirs.

Maybe we are all just stupid fans who don’t know what we are talking of, even if we give the most objectively valid reasoning and evidence found inside the manga. Maybe they know best, maybe that’s why they think Sasuke slept with Karin, even when he shows no interest in her apart from maybe once or twice protecting her as his teammate, something he also does with ALL his other teammates? And generally, gets really annoyed and uncomfortable with Karin’s over the top sexual proposals, and then doesn’t think twice about getting rid of her when she is used as a bait to have him captured. Hmmm, I see their logic. They must really be the all knowing omniscient being, the Arahat, the wise one, the one who finally achieved Nirvana, proper enlightenment and all huh? Damn I feel so small. (A tear rolls down my downy cheek as my bosom trembles in humiliation). LOL.

Interestingly, the way Miura talks of boys, that they give them a ‘tingling’ feeling, makes me think. Keep in mind, Miura never married, there is no evidence of him having had a girlfriend. But let’s not speculate, even if it sounds fishy.

Understanding homosexuality in a conservative society is crucial in order to understand the SNS dynamic. There’s no doubt that Kishi wrote Naruto as a closeted homosexual and Sasuke as a homosexual boy. If one denies this, I can’t even take them seriously.

But it reminds me of an anecdote my gay friend told me. He is a national award winning filmmaker, an intellectual in his own right, and works a lot with the trans community in my country. A conservative, ultra religious, non-western country. As a young man in his twenties, when he had just come out, he would date men who would simply not identify as gay. He would sleep with them, and do what do people sexually attracted to each other do. But sleeping willingly with a man and accepting the gay identity are two different things. Where my friend understood these nuances even then, as having come from a conservative society himself, he would not force them to come out. These men would never even acknowledge that being attracted to men and not women makes them gay, it was not even a part of their understanding. Rather, they would think of it as something that ‘certain’ men do. Doesn’t mean it’s weird or uncommon, even though they knew straight men did not do this. But they would simply not go there. They would just chalk it up to something temporary, something that they needed to do before they got married to women they didn’t feel anything for, because that’s how it’s done. It’s not like they weren’t aware of the gay dialectic, my friend would talk to them about it, but they would simply not acquiesce, the denial was so strong. Till date, these men don’t admit to it, now they are married and have children. But still look for sexual relationships with men outside of it.

Which brings me to my next anecdote, told to me by another friend of mine. He is a stylist, absolutely flamboyant and openly, proudly gay. Very adventurous and experiment loving. He told me that in his experience, the best carnal fun he had was with Muslim men. And that most men who approached him for sex were Muslim men. (This is not an attack or criticism of the religion or community, it’s just something my friend told me). He would be approached by these men who would have the most voracious of appetites and tastes, and my friend went with it because he preferred to suck circumcised dicks, lol. Quite a lot of them were married, but my friend didn’t discriminate. He told me the same thing, these men would never identify as gay, not even during intimate moments, nope. Accepting your sexual identity is a more than a matter of sex. People in conservative societies face a lot of challenges and obstructions before even coming to certain realizations about themselves, it’s not that easy. In many ways, my country is even more conservative than Japan. Homosexuality is quite a taboo, hell, I didn’t even know the concept myself till I was well into my teens, and even then, I was only told the most stereotypical of things. I also grew up in a small town. It was later, when I went to the city to study, when I came into contact with people from all walks of life, nationalities, tastes, and sexual orientations, that was when I understood them as people, and not categories and labels. And now I have a friend who works as a dominatrix for a living and I still learn a lot.

I refuse to judge people on the most basic and stereotypical of preconceived notions.

The reason why I consider these fans to be homophobic…. Honestly, what gives them so much confidence to consider Sasuke and Naruto as brothers despite everything that is in the manga? Everything, from characterisation to plotting to the overarching themes to visual imagery to cultural context to text indicates their very romantic relationship, not platonic. Naruto admires the way Sasuke looks physically more than once and effectively calls him hot in Gaiden, what kind of guy thinks of his brother in those terms?

These stans are so pressed to label them brothers without even looking at gay media, or gay narratives, without even paying attention to nuances in the manga, or Japanese historical context or their own gay media, appropriating everything for the sake of their projection, dismissing or ignoring loads and loads of text and panels and characterisation, why? Why can’t they at least entertain the idea for once and reread the manga with that approach? You can’t be so sure of your projection, c’mon, you know it’s counterintuitive, it just simply doesn’t gel with what’s in the manga. So why this extended stubborn denial? Give me proof that reincarnated chakras make two people brothers. Where does it say in the manga? Show me. I can show you everything that I claim, it’s all inside the manga. Where’s yours? So just because it satisfies your ego, it’s a valid take? Why are you this sure of your takes? Given you have gotten multiple things wrong? Like objectively wrong.

Look, I understand denial is a strong factor, when we don’t want to see things we don’t like, our minds act like blinders. It would restrict your vision and make you see only what you want to see. And what a sad way that is to live, what a waste of time. I don’t believe in living that way, not in my media and not in my real life. But this obstinate refusal to accept SNS as romantic, is nothing but one’s desire to not accept Naruto or Sasuke as homosexual because you think it’s icky? Undesirable? Unattractive? Different from shounen norms? And because you want them to be straight so you can self insert? Whatever the reason, as long as you ignore real evidence and real proof, I will see you not only as heteronormative but also homophobic, you don’t gotta be overt, your underlying beliefs reek of prejudice and bias, especially when you haven’t done your due diligence, something that you mandatorily should have done in order to analyse this story. Doesn’t take a PhD degree to see that.

Like Denis Diderot said - We swallow greedily any lie that flatters us. But we sip only little by little at a truth we find bitter.

My advice to them? Give yourself a break. Give yourself enough credit that you are open minded enough to entertain an alternative understanding, even if just for the moment if nothing else, and see where that takes you. Watch more media, watch gay media, talk to people, listen to their stories, try and understand their point of views, read more, compare notes, learn more. And ask if you don’t know. There’s no shame in admitting you might not know something. Because you obviously don’t.

I am always of the mind of learning more and more, and I know I have strong opinions, but give me reason and logic and evidence, and you can bet I will listen, and even acquiesce to you, if I find it satisfactory. Because that’s how things should be, if we can’t grow and learn from what life teaches us, what’s the point? We all have a lot to learn, don’t we?

Anyway, there’s some more shit that they claim which is essentially written in a similar vein, more or less, albeit in the same condescending tone. Lol.

But I am done for the day, I am tired. So imma stop, this is me.

#ask #naruto #sasuke #sns #sasunaru #narusasu #naruto analysis #naruto meta #uzumaki naruto #uchiha sasuke

360 notes · View notes