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slinkythecoffeekid · 3 months ago

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Chapter Four || Don't Worry, I'm (not) a Professional

Updates: Sorry this chapter took so long to write. I had a busy month between school and, weirdly, hospital visits (I'm fine, I promise). I also spent so much time trying to do fact-checking for travel for this chapter. I did a lot of weird little research for this chapter for some reason. For one, the match Roy mentions about Chelsea winning 3-nil to Arsenal had to be in 2009 because Chelsea also won the Premier's League that year, and that would have been 8 years before Roy was with Richmond for Season One. Putting Roy at roughly 22. (That is if season one takes place when it aired) second: just trying to do travel realistically for reader was a fucking wild time, and then I started playing with google earth and looking at the British countryside. sooooo... Third: The playlist has been updated for the next three chapters, and I'll post the individual playlists later. Chapter Four of "Standing Again" Pairing: Jamie Tartt x Reader Rating: T for teens Word Count: 8.4k Warnings: swearing, Talk of injury, Injury-related trauma, PTSD behaviors, people being relative assholes, also reader is so mean to themselves (I'm so sorry) Synopsis: An emotional meltdown on your own leads to you giving rebbeca an answer, your feelings start to hit a head and you have to be honest with yourself.

Monday mornings always were like pulling teeth; even now, they are still for you. You stood in the queue waiting to order a drink at the local cafe. Your now parasitic relationship partner in crime, Jamie, stood beside you, distracted by his phone, probably scrolling through Instagram or Twitter. Randomly, you'd hear him chuckle to himself before falling silent or aggressively typing something from your right side. People noticed Jamie was there, but most people were far too exhausted this early even to try to talk to him. You also are one of those exhausted people, and that might have added to the lack of people, your resting grumpy face.

The line moves at a standard pace for an early morning rush, and you move with the flow of the queue, but you are very distracted by your phone. Since your meetup with your eldest brother and coming to terms with your situation, you've been slowly branching back out to talking to former friends. You were not expecting people to be so thrilled to hear from you, including your old teammates, an old group chat you had put on do not disturb brought back on your terms, but you were also starting to regret turning the notifications back on since your friends could not shut up in this chat, mostly talking to each other still but there was now a lot more notifications directed at you like:

“When are you coming to visit?”

“Are you dating someone now?”

“Are you able to come play a game?”

You know the routine questions. At the moment, the group chat was trying to figure out a time for you to come out west to visit them and hang out with the team, as most, except a few, still played for Man City, the constant texts from your mates this early reminded you just how attuned to the morning everyone in your life is. Reading about your friends going back and forth about plans brought a small smile to your face.

“What's got you so chipper over there?” Jamie looks over at you with a raised eyebrow. Followed by him peering over to see if maybe you'd opened one of the thousands of memes/reels he's sent you in the past hour alone.

You don’t look at him but continue to chuckle at an exchange between your mates, “Park and Thomas are trying to get me to visit for a day, and the two can never agree on a damn thing.” you look up at the fact that you two are at the head of the queue, “go on order or something, you're putting a wrench in my jog” you push him forward.

“Alright, alright, geez, don't gotta shove me!” he whines at you, batting at your hands as he moves forward to order his vanilla latte before shortly turning back to you, “Same or something else this morning?”

“Surprise me.” Your phone captures your attention fully, and you remove yourself from the queue and sit at a small table, setting your backpack down and waiting for Jamie and your drink. You hardly notice that someone has approached you, like a giant ninja, except the human embodiment of Winnie the Pooh and his shadow, Coach Beard.

“Well howdy and good morning, doc!” Ted's voice startles you away from your scrolling to keep up with the texts you've been receiving all morning. Your skittishness never failed to startle Ted more than yourself most times, and this was no exception to the rule. Beard and Ted leaned away from you in case you decided to use either of them as a punching bag at the moment. Beard let out a ‘woah’ witnessing your panic. Once you settle back into your seat, Ted gives you a sheepish smile, “Am I ever not going to startle you?”

You sit in your seat, attempting to straighten yourself out and let out a deep breath in an attempt to steel your anxious heart. Your whole body now felt tense, but you looked over at Ted. " If you start making noise when you walk, maybe we wouldn't keep running into this issue. Good morning, Coach Ted. " You gave him a sheepish smile in return. “How are you this morning?”

“Pretty chipper if I do say so myself. The sun's up, and I'm still alive and enjoying my life... How about yourself there?”

You shrug, “Jamie decided to hijack my morning routine today, so I'm waiting for him to get over here with my drink… maybe I shouldn't have left him in charge of that-” You look over to the counter where Jamie is waiting for both of your drinks still, he was looking at his phone and smiling to himself, and occasionally said good morning to anyone who greeted him. Being famous was a wild thing, being recognized in the wild of society must suck. He looked up, catching your gaze, and gave a wave, realizing his coaches were also next to you; he waved to them, too. You roll your eyes, shaking your head at him before looking at your phone to a text from Jamie.

Jamie (fucking) Tartt It will be a few more minutes. Tell Ted and Beard cheers for me.

You turn your phone back over on the table and look at the coaches. “Verbatim, cheers. From Jamie.”

Both coaches waved back to Jamie when he waved to them. Beard cleared his throat and looked over at you with a raised eyebrow, “didn’t realize you were making friends with the team. You have that whole…” Beard gestures to your entire being, “Don't talk to me. I bite vibe about you.”

“Oh I do, and I draw blood,” you look between the two coaches who now are either very concerned for their safety or very concerned for your safety and that brings a sadistic smile to your face, “Nah, he just kinda decided we are friends now and I'm not arguing with it, the same way that Keeley has also decided that I'm her friend. Are we sure that those two don't share the same brain?”

This ignited a chuckle from both coaches, “If they are, they both do well-taking turns with it.” Beard looked down at his watch and nudged Ted.

Ted looks over with a ��Hm?’ but nods seeing the time on Beard's watch, “Well doc, we will see you in a bit, gotta drop off the boss lady's biscuits and decide what the plan for today is,” he adjusts his bag and jacket, “see you later (y/n)!” and with that both Ted and Coach Beard headed out the cafe.

You wave them off, and before you can adjust to the lack of humans in your vicinity, a cup is placed in front of you. You look up and smile at Jamie. “Thanks, mate. We should get going.” You take your takeaway cup and stand, grabbing your bag that you sat down a while ago while waiting for Jamie.

Jamie nods, taking a sip from his cup, “Yeah- don't want to have to hear Granddad yelling at me about being late.” Grumbling to himself, he heads outside with you next to him.

From any outside perspective, you two were opposites, Jamie in his flashy ICON hat and his puffer vest that, honestly, you had no idea how many of those things he had, you didn't want to find out. His cross-body bag and way too expensive trainers. He looked like a kid who just had money to spend on his parents' credit cards. You could feel the stress of paying off that credit card bill forming in the back of your mind. You on the other hand, wore black athletic joggers, a black hoodie, and a grey t-shirt under the hoodie, your trainers were a pair of white Adidas you had splurged on a while back and they for the fact you wore them quite a bit; held up and you did your best to keep them clean for yourself. Of course, you also had a hat on, but it was a plain black one. You dressed like a normal person compared to the walking billboard for flashy fashion.

Jamie unlocked the car as you two both approached. You opened up the back passenger door and put your bag on the floor to avoid any damage. Once you had assured your laptop wasn't going to get crushed by anything, you shut the door and got into the passenger seat. Buckling yourself in, you put your coffee in the coffee holder and frowned. The one thing you noticed from the two times in Jamie's car is that the seat never was adjusted from how you adjusted the seat.

Jamie, who had started the car and was backing out of the spot he was in, had his hand around the back of your seat to help him back out of the spot. “What?” he asked, glancing at your perplexed expression.

You shake your head; you were reading too far into it. Perhaps the last person just liked where you set the seat, or more likely, he hadn't had anyone else in his car since last Saturday. “Seat has not been adjusted.”

Jamie rolled his eyes as he put the car into drive after he had backed the car out of the parking spot, “Well duh, I haven't had anyone else in the car- what do you take me for?”

“To be completely honest? A bit of a whore,” you take a sip of your coffee.

Jamie gasps dramatically, placing a hand over his chest, “(y/n) I'm hurt! This is defamation of character!” There was a smirk on his face, and he glanced back over to you.

You smirk at his offense, “Surprised you even know what defamation of character is- also, let's not forget about your stint on ‘Lust Conquers All’ poor Amy's heart,” you tease and lean back in your seat.

“It's a reality show! You play to win! But also, yeah, no, it was pretty rude of me, wasn't it?” he shrugged, turning the corner.

You nod, watching the road. The silence that fell over the car ride was comfortable and incredibly short-lived as you two made it to the Richmond clubhouse in good time, considering the time of day it was. Jamie pulled up to the door and unlocked the doors. “And here you are.”

You roll your eyes, unbuckle yourself, and open your door. Climbing out, you are handed your coffee, and you shut the door before getting into the backseat and grabbing your backpack. You look over to Jamie, who was watching you to make sure you got everything. “Watch it, Tartt. People might think we’re dating or something.”

He shrugs and gives you the signature Tartt Smirk, “Wouldn't that be just your luck?”

You shake your head, waving as you head inside the building. Once inside, you head directly to your office to set down your bag. Surprised you haven't run into anyone. More surprised that Keeley wasn't waiting for you in your office. However, as out of character as it was, it made for a quiet morning. Monday meant that you had to get through the next three days with whatever you had left over from the previous order, so here you stood in front of all five of your fridges staring into them like you'd been sucked into the void. You let out a loud sigh, shut the doors to the fridges, and sit yourself on one of your counters sitting crisscross applesauce, checking your phone. Many new notifications came in from your friends, and a few from your brother, including a very cute photo of your nephews in their afterschool football club jerseys together. You hadn't realized how big they had gotten, for both of them to be playing in after-school teams.

The thing that caught your eye more than anything was a link that Roy had sent you that you had not seen until now. Considering he sent it at three in the bloody morning, it was not a surprise you hadn't seen it.

Roy (that footballer) Kent [link] You're going to want to look at this.

Now, knowing Roy this long, you knew he would never send you something that would intentionally throw you off your rhythm. However, there have been moments where the wrong things have been said to the wrong people, and feelings have gotten hurt. However, you didn't think this was one of those moments. You click the link, and it leads you to a YouTube video from Sky Sports, specifically that Saturday Gillette panel they run. You always thought that panel was bogus, three guys talking about a sport that they hadn't played in years and only talked about the statistical side of a season and projections and stuff like that. There was no heart for an underdog. However, the title of the clip caught your eye.

(Y/N) COMING BACK TO FOOTBALL?

You rolled your eyes as you clicked play on the clip. Per usual, the three men, Jeff Stelling, Chris Karma, and George Cartrick, sat around the stage desk, talking about a game that had their attention more so than whatever this clip was going to talk about.

“Right then, in other footballing news, we turn to the Championship League. Former Goalkeeper star (y/n) was seen in the Richmond Greyhounds Dugout on Saturday during the Richmond Vs Sunderland game.” A picture from last Saturday of you chatting with the other coaches on the sidelines shows up on the screen behind them. “What do you think this means for her career going forward? Chris?” “I think it would be wonderful if we could see them back on the pitch and in the box. They are one heck of a goalkeeper, and we cannot forget about the iconic broken nose from their debut game. They have a presence on the pitch, and they have been sorely missed by their fans.” Another picture of you from your debut game, after you'd been patched up from stopping a goal with your face, of all things. You were roaring at your team's victory, you had gone back to being the goalkeeper after receiving medical care. Seeing this photo of you brought a smile to your face. Chris always had nice things to say about everyone, though. “What about you, George?” “I don't see why everyone's so excited to see them. For all we know, they could just work for Richmond as kit men. They have been a decent goalkeeper, but at the end of the day, they retired after one torn ligament in their leg. I've seen men push through worse and come back better than before they got hurt. That's what happens when we treat mediocrity like they are a godsend. Their ego gets overinflated, and then they crash and burn. Just like (y/n).” “That's some… deep feelings there, George. Personally, if they are coming back to football, I wish them the best, and if it even just means being a coach, they are always welcomed in my eyes on the pitch.”

You sat there stunned and quiet, not that you'd been talking, but hearing such an unfiltered negative opinion of you always was a punch to your ego, self-esteem, and sense of worth. You stared at your phone for far too long, hearing the words that George said over and over again. Not that you should care about it, George was a sexist prick, and you hated him too, but it was the fact he said that on national television that got you. You had always had critics, you had people who didn't like you. It was part of the sport, part of being someone people could spot in a crowd. It never hurt like this, though; it wasn't the fact of who it came from but the message. The feeling was deeper than surface-level criticism, you recognized this feeling, the feeling that they were right.

Forcing yourself off the counter, you shoot a quick text to Rebecca that you're taking off for the day. Not that you needed to be in the office today for long. You also put your phone back on Do Not Disturb as it had been for the past three years. You needed some air. You need to take a walk, be distracted, anything to keep you busy. You grab your keys and your bag and leave the confines of your office that had begun to feel suffocating to you and walk out of the building, off the club property, through town, and to the bus station. You were going purely on muscle memory; what you were about to do was not a trip you had taken recently, but you knew where you needed to be, somewhere so much louder where no one knew you. Not that many people in Richmond knew you, but the feeling of being somewhere else was something you needed.

So you made your way to the bus stop closest to you. You sat patiently waiting for the bus; it wasn't long before it showed up. Getting to you took a transfer ticket, as there was no train station in Richmond, and you needed to take two buses to even get to the nearest train station. The bus ride was quiet; most people on the bus were heading to or from somewhere in their daily lives. No one batted an eye at another person on the bus. You made sure to sit near a window seat away from others and had both your earbuds in to listen to something to fill the silence. What you had decided on was The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho.

THE BOY’S NAME WAS SANTIAGO. DUSK was falling as the boy arrived with his herd at an abandoned church. The roof had fallen in long ago, and an enormous sycamore had grown on the spot where the sacristy had once stood.

---

After taking both buses, you arrive in Darlington, specifically about a block away from the train station. The beautiful old structure and its bell tower stood proudly against the blue skies of the day. You had bought your ticket online while on the bus, so you quickly made your way into the train station and headed towards the platform. The station was as busy as any station could be at midday, but boarding was easy enough. You found yourself an open seat, and you got comfortable. By all estimations, this ride was going to be less than two hours, and you could use it to check your emails. Settling into your seat properly, you pulled out your laptop and got to work doing smaller tasks you knew you could do remotely.

You spent the next two hours bouncing between work emails and spacing out, watching the countryside and the towns you passed through. Your train stopped in York, Leeds, and Huddersfield. Luckily, your train ride went as smoothly as it could, and in the blink of an eye, your train had stopped at your destination.

“Now arriving at Victoria Station in Manchester. If departing, please make sure you have all items,” a voice announced from the overhead.

You looked up at the speaker and then back to the window to the inside of the station, packed your bag up, and got ready to disembark. As the train came to a stop, people stood and slowly filtered off the train, and you were alongside the crowd. Once off the train and a safe enough distance away from the platform, you stopped to take in the stadium. Looking around, you start walking, following the signs to the stairs that lead you outside and into Manchester proper. Looking around, you could see the cabs coming and going to take people, but you, being someone who doesn't mind a good walk, decided to leg it. The city hasn't changed much. Full of people, full of construction. The usual city bustle you had once loved, but now? It was just far too loud for your taste.

Your walk was one of brisk walking and very little taking in the sights, but it was all worth it as you made it to the home of your former club, staring up at the big stadium you thought maybe you'd feel something. Happiness? Relief? But staring at it, you felt this pit in your heart grow deeper. Why did you come out here? Why did you want this again? Did you miss the sport or miss being relevant? That couldn't be the end of this- no, you came out here and you did it to feel better, so that's what you were going to do dammit.

You stared up at the main stand entrance, looking at the picture of the men's team on the billboard, nodded at it, in a show of respect for them, and headed toward the door. You honestly had no idea what you were planning on doing once inside, but you felt that maybe taking a tour of the place would help fill you with better feelings than whatever you were feeling in your chest now. Once you had made it inside the building, you looked around seeing posters of team members, photos of winning celebrations, years the club won the cup, for women and men, all the club's history was on display. You walk around looking at the old pictures and Kits. You walk over to the 2014-2015 season pictures and memorabilia, a picture of your team and yourself, you smile to yourself thinking about how everyone in the photo was joking around and having a good time, and even your former manager was smiling even though he was well known for being a stoic guy. Looking at yourself being so happy surrounded by your best mates and blissfully unaware of the fact you'd retire after that season is a bit jarring to you. Your smile fades, and you just stare at yourself in the picture. You're younger, obviously, and in the best shape of your life. However, there is a much different energy that you had in this photo. The lack of cynicism, the pure spirit of a young footballer who is one of the best in the world, and just pure joy. All three things were something you'd become accustomed to being the opposite of. You stood staring for a moment, not hearing someone come up beside you. You need to start paying better attention to your surroundings.

“That year, that was a decent season for the men. Shame that we didn't win, though. Us losing to Chelsea for both teams, is still one hell of a season for the women, with them securing their Super League spot. Those were two hells of lineups, though. You a fan?” the voice that came from next to you was from an older man, looking roughly to be in his late seventies to early eighties if you had to hazard a guess on his age. He was a tall man and lanky to boot, his hair snow white, and he wore khakis and a plaid sky-blue button-up with a fleece vest over the top that was zipped up. He offered a kind smile that would make you a horrible person if you didn't return the smile.

You nod, although a little aloof, and give the man a small smile, “You could say that. Man, City is pretty dear to my heart.” You look at your picture one last time before turning to face the man entirely.

He nods, “Ah, good on yah. Are you here for one of the tours or just here to visit?”

You pause to think; you didn't come up with many plans, and you didn't tell anyone where you were heading. What you did know is that you missed something, and you wanted to figure it out. “Yeah, I'm here for one of the tours. Figured I might since I'm in town for the day.”

The older man beams at you and gestures you to follow, “Right then, well let's start from the beginning of the founding of the club in 1880-”

—

To say it had been a peaceful day at the Richmond clubhouse was true, as no one was particularly needy, no fires to put out, no drama, and easy enough board meetings for Rebeca to have. It was probably the calmest Monday the club had had in a while.

The coaches all sat in the office eating their lunches, Both Ted and Beard had sandwiches, Roy had some sort of homemade protein god meal that he made the night before and Nate had leftover takeaway, the coaches had been discussing plans for their games coming up for the week and while they talked taking turns pitching formation plans. The problem with having the same four coaches talking over the same conversation is that they never get anywhere. “I would say we could ask the team what they think, but then we aren't doing our job they’re doing ours…” Ted sat back in his chair, letting out a long sigh, and looked up at the clock. “I say we table this conversation and talk about something else. Anyone got anything that they want to talk about?” he laces his fingers behind his head and looks at the other coaches.

Both Roy and Beard shake their heads and continue to eat their food, and both respectively have now pulled a book out of thin air and continue to read and eat.

Nate, although still sitting on the filing cabinet, looks around, “thought (y/n) would have been called in or somethin',” he jokes to himself, but the smile fades seeing no one responds to it the way he was expecting. “Can’t always ask them for their thoughts, not their job.” Beard gives Nate a long, hard look over the top of his book, watching Nate causing him to squirm under the scrutiny of his gaze.

“I just mean- they know defensive teams, that's all I meant by it.” Nate looks down at the floor, a bit abashed, twiddling his thumbs.

The coaches soaked in the unspoken tension before Jamie popped his head into the office, “Hey coach, have you seen (y/n)? I haven't seen them, and they aren't in their office.”

The four coaches shrug and shake their heads, a small mixture of ‘no, I haven't’ from all of them.

“Sorry, Jamie. I haven't seen them since this morning. Is everything okay?” he looks at Jamie, worried.

Jamie shakes his head. " Nothing serious, but they seemed fine this morning—I wonder why they would have left, that's all.”

Roy sighs and shuts his book. “Shut the door.”

The coaches looked at each other in concern, but Beard rolled over to the door closest to him and shut it. Nate shut the door to the office that connected his and Roy's to the main coach's office.

“Well, that's not ominous, grandad-’ Jamie steps into the office, and Beard shuts the door behind him.

Ted sat up straight with great concern, “Everything alright, Roy? If you need to talk to us, we are all ears.”

“It's not about me, it's about (y/n). Just watch.” Roy grunts, pulling out his phone and opening the link sent to you earlier today. The four men sit quietly as they listen to the audio. Roy had fast-forwarded it so that it was only the part where George was talking and the end of the clip. The four men sat in uneasy silence as the audio ended, and Roy put his phone back into his pocket. The room sat in silence, processing what was said.

“That's some strong feelings…” Ted nodded his head slowly. “But Roy, why are you wound up tighter than a ball of yarn in my grandma's bag over this?”

Roy sighs and crosses his arms leaning against the glass window, “thought maybe they would want to see it before someone confronted them about it, I dunno Id be pissed if someone came up to me and asked if I was going to play again based on one stupid comment from those idiots.”

Beard nods, leaning further back in his seat and puts his feet up on the desk, “They didn't even necessarily talk about the fact that we won but the fact that (y/n) was there.” seeing everyone looking at him, he shrugs nonchalantly, “I watched the whole segment.”

Jamie frowned, “They ain't like you Roy, not everyone brushes shit off the way you do.” he was frustrated, yes slightly at Roy for thinking that it was appropriate to send you something like this, it was bound to shake your confidence. What he was truly mad about was the fact that you were still so uncomfortable talking to anyone about anything you were feeling. Jamie thought you two were opening up to each other, but he guessed he was wrong.

Roy's shoulders tensed looking over at Jamie, “I realize that now Tartt-” he was angry enough at himself he didn't need the blame of a shithead like Jamie on top of that, one slight move could turn into a physical altercation in a small office.

Ted raised his hands to stop the boys from turning their disagreement into a fistfight. “Alright, woah, woah, woah fellas! Alright now, look, Roy, you misread the situation, and it probably caused them to not have the best of times. And Jamie, I know you two have become friends, but there are things we just don't talk about with others. What matters is that we support them whenever they get back, be it today or tomorrow, Because that's what friends do. Now, where would they have gone if this caused them to leave?”

Beard, Jamie, and Roy all looked between each other and Ted in confusion and shook their heads, not sure. You still were an enigma to them. You stayed quiet, and you did things that kept people from knowing you well, and that was how you liked it.

Nate, however, not that he knew you well or wanted to know you well, had noticed some of your behavior when no one was looking, the Man City memorabilia that you kept on you, specifically your key lanyard. Your office had Manchester City stuff in it, too. Your reserved personality is the way you only piped up if someone asked. The nervous tendency to bite your nails. These were all things he had seen and noticed. “Could it be they went to Manchester?” he nervously cleared his throat as now everyone in the room looked over at him. “I just mean- that's where they used to play, right? If I was in a shit mood id want to relive my glory.”

The other four men all had an ‘ah yes’ moment and then all sat there, twiddling their thumbs as if deciding what to do since they didn't know if it was best to still leave you be or for someone to go get you. Jamie looked between his four coaches and shoved his hands in his pockets. “imma go then- grab lunch or something,” and he turned to head out the door.

“Hey, Jamie?” Ted called from behind him.

“Yeah, coach?” Jamie paused and looked back over his shoulder.

“Listening first is important, but showing that you hear what's being said is also important… alright?” Ted glinted in his eye; he knew what Jamie was thinking, and he gave Jamie a nod, the go ahead.”

Jamie smiles and nods understandingly. “Right, I got it, coach." With that, he heads for his locker.

“Sure it's a good idea for Jamie to go after them?” Beard looks over at Ted with a raised eyebrow.

“We won't know until they get back, will we?” Ted smiles, turning back to the strategy board. Right, fellas, let's get back to it, shall we?”

—

Jamie grabbed his bag and his keys out of the top of his locker, checking his phone for the time. Realizing what time it was he scrambled to continue packing his things up for the day, muttering to himself as things didn't go into his bag as smoothly as he was hoping for, then attempting to shove everything back in again with less success than the first time. Most of the team was in the locker room, either they stayed for lunch or they had just returned from grabbing food.

“Think he's alright? He's been trying to shove his phone in his bag for a minute there now,” Collin was watching Jamie while eating a bag of crisps from a sandwich shop he popped into for lunch. He was standing next to Isaac and Sam who both were paying little if absolutely no mind to Jamie's stress.

Sam glanced up from his phone to look at Collin, “Perhaps he missed (y/n), they eat lunch together most days.” he then went back to scrolling on his phone. Clearly not interested in Jamie.

“Nah mate, (y/n) left earlier.” Isaac finished fixing his boots and looked at Jamie while still hunched over from tying his laces. “Stressing over something stupid.” he rolled his eyes straightening up and putting his phone in his cubby.

Collin frowned, arms crossed watching Jamie still, as he watched Jamie a small group of the team had congregated around them, all just watching Jamie stressing. All of them whispered and shared their ideas of why he looked like he just found out his nan was in the hospital. Common theories where he found out his favorite hair care product got discontinued, that his nan might actually be in hospital, and the fan favorite, he did something stupid towards you and was trying to fix it.

Finally, Isaac let out a sigh, “Oi. Tartt, what are you on about over there?”

Jamie finally looked up to see all of his teammates standing huddled staring at him. He raised an eyebrow in confusion, “how long have you all been standing over there like that?”

There's a mass of muttering from the group, But Collin brings attention to himself, “You alright there boyo? You look like your nan is in hospital like you're pale as a ghost.”

Jamie frowns looking back down at his phone, and sighs, “should I take M-6 or A1M? To get to Manchester, I mean?”

Everyone looked at him genuinely confused by the question, but everyone seemed to agree on him taking the A1M. Isaac held his hand up and everyone looked to their captain with bated breath. “Take the A1M bruv, you ditching practice for some stupid reason?”

Jamie shook his head, he would never consider you a stupid reason, he considered you a friend and was concerned about your wellbeing. Mental health had never been something he considered before. After coming back he realized he was projecting that he was mentally stable by being a jerk and that wasn't healthy, and he had seen the number that your mental state had been through. He was concerned that you might close back up on everyone from just that stupid video, and that scared him. “(y/n) isn't a stupid reason. Look, I’ll make it up to everyone- I'll run laps I'll take whatever anyone wants to throw at me-” he was cut off by Isaac's silent hand telling him to stop.

“If it's for (y/n), you're good bruv. They're part of our team.” Isaac nods his head giving the all good to Jamie.

Jamie stands there for a moment before realizing he had been standing still for way too long and in a moment of anxious energy gives Isaac a hug before running out the door, Isaac was frozen in place by this as the entire team looks at him in confusion and amusement. Some of the team started gossiping amongst themselves before continuing what they had been up to before.

Sam smirked to himself and turned to Isaac saying in a light-hearted tone, “Perhaps Jamie has found a person to match him.” Collin nodded with a smile, “God save the queen.” Isaac nods, “and us.”

- By the time your tour had wrapped up, it was around 4 pm. You and Mr. Webbly, as you learned his name was, sat quietly in the stands just watching, there was no practice, no game, and the only other person out on the field was the groundmen taking care of the pitch. But besides the sound of the distant mower and the environment around you, all you had to hear was your breathing and your voice. The two of you had a bottle of water as you both contemplated whatever you had on your mind. You couldn't begin to think of what an old man such as Mr. Webbly had to contemplate, maybe what flowers to get his wife on his way home? You had learned he had a wife and she adored flowers. You on the other hand? You had so much you were thinking about. Between work and personal things you had been combatting your mind was racing and you could feel yourself tensing.

“You know, I knew who you were the second you walked in the door,” Mr. Webbly's voice pulled you right out of your internal spiral. You turned to him, he didn't look over at you, only took a drink of his water amidst your own confusion.

“You knew?” you ask more confused in your face than your voice.

“Yep, hard to forget someone you used to see every Saturday and Wednesday defend the goal box as their life depended on it for three years. But also because you always would say hi on your way in the door every morning,” He turned to you and smiled. You may have never remembered him but he remembered you, honestly, it surprised you, you thought you'd become irrelevant that no one cared about you professionally like that.

“I didn't realize-”

“I didn't expect you to. You have been gone awhile, and you also were a busy young superstar of an athlete, can't remember everyone's names and faces.” Mr. Webbly smiled at you leaning back in his seat. “So, Why did you come back? And for a tour of all things?” he asked giving you a questioning look.

You sit with your hands between your knees and hunched over thinking. You had plenty of reasons to visit, but none seemed like good excuses now. “I needed the validation.” you at Mr. Webbly, “I needed the emotional validation to move on to the next part of my life. I've been avoiding myself and my recovery because I was… I'm scared that if I let it go then I won't be good enough as an athlete anymore.” you sigh and let out a dry chuckle to yourself, “Silly, isn't it? I needed permission to move on from an inanimate concept.” you gesture to the field.

Mr. Webbly shakes his head, “Growing and healing takes many shapes, if you need permission to move on from Man City from the pitch itself. Then so be it. Everyone is different in their healing processes.” he smiles kindly at you.

You nod standing up from your seat, “I'm not even sure I've made my mind up about what I want to do next though.”

Mr. Webbly chuckles, “You have. You just don't realize it, or you do and don't want to admit it. If you were not ready to be back on the pitch you wouldn't have been there, but you were and you came out here looking for closure. I say you've made your choice quite clearly.” he stands next to you and gestures to the pitch. “I may be an old man. But for prosperity's sake, want to kick the football on this pitch one last time? To really move on?”

You think for a moment, all your fears about being and getting hurt flood your mind and you start to have a moment of deep dread, but you shake it off. You look to Mr. Webbly, and nod, “Yeah, except I prefer to be blocking the goalpost.” you smile and the two of you make your way onto the pitch. Since the groundskeeping team had finished their jobs a while ago now. The two of you walk to the far side of the pitch to the goal box, somewhere along the way Mr. Webbly manages to get his hands on a football and you make your way down to the box, walking under it you stare up at it, reminiscing about the last time you stood under this goal post. It brings a smile to your face. You turn back around to Mr Webbly who has set himself up for a simple free kick.

“Ready out there (y/n)?”

You let out a deep sigh, “Ready when you are Mr. Webbly!”

Mr Webbly nods and lines himself up before kicking the ball much harder and faster than you had expected the old man to do. You froze for a second seeing the ball flying right at you, if you dived to catch it you could tear something; if you dived to avoid it, you could tear something; if you stood there, then you defeated the purpose of this entire trip. You could feel yourself panicking as this ball was flying right towards your box.

That's what happens when we treat mediocrity like they are a godsend. Their ego gets overinflated, and then they crash and burn. Just like (y/n).”

Your focus snapped back, you were never mediocre, you were great, that's why you played for Man City, it's why you played period, to be the best. You deserve the ego you gave yourself, and you are allowed to be in pain but also allowed to heal. Refocusing on the moment you dove to your left to block or catch, whatever came first. You ended up catching the ball with your full body weight outside the line and held the ball to your chest. Laying on the ground. Your heart was racing and your breath ragged, but in the calmness, you started to laugh, and you laughed so hard you even started to cry.

Eventually, Mr. Webbly stood over you with a smile and his hand extended out to you. “I think Man City has given you the Alright to move on for yourself.”

You look up at him and take his hand, “Thank you, Mr. Webbly.” With his help, you are pulled to your feet, and you brush yourself off before handing back the ball. “I needed that.”

Mr. Webbly takes the ball from you and smiles so proudly at the person you've become, “Anytime you want to visit, just visit. It doesn't have to be for some emotional growth.”

You chuckle and nod, “I'll keep that in mind.” You reach for your phone in your bag as it has started buzzing. Frowning you take it out of your bag to see whos calling you, the contact that pops up is Jamies, to match the contact name of Jamie Fucking Tartt was a picture you took on Sunday morning while he was over, attempting to carry every extra blanket back to the wardrobe and him looking like Gus Gus from Cinderella when he had all the corn pieces under his chin, but it was Jamie with about 13 blankets folded neatly. You look to Mr. Webbly and smile sheepishly. “Gotta take this.”

Mr. Webbly waves you off as you walk away, picking up the phone call, and heading back towards the entrance you came in at. “Hey Jamie-” you barely got two words out before he interrupted you.

“I know you are going through something, and I dunno what it's like to have to retire early and not be able to cope, but we are friends, yah know? At least I think we are friends. I know you might not want to talk about it, but I want to be here for you.” Jamie was ranting, and you honestly felt kinda bad because you were the reason he felt like this. On the other hand, it was rather sweet how worked up he had gotten because he was scared of losing your friendship.

“I know, and I'm sorry, Jamie. We can talk about this when I get back to Richmond, I'm kinda in Manchester-” you rounded the corner to Jamie staring you down from the entrance.

“I know,” his voice echoing in the call and the open area, before putting his phone away, “is it weird i followed you cross the country to check on you?” his hands where in his pockets and he seemed to be avoiding eye contact.

“Depends on your version of things, some would say its quite romantic,” you walk over to him and pull him into a tight hug, catching the poor man off guard. “I'm one of those few that it could go either way. Thank you for worrying about me Tartt.”

Jamie by this point has gotten relatively used to your rare moments of affection, and hugs you back tightly, “anytime.”

You two stay like this for only a few seconds, but it was the most peaceful few moments you've had in a long time, separating from Jamie you look at the time on your phone, “Welp we should get going to the station then, grab the train back to Darlington.” you start typing on your phone to purchase the tickets back.

Jamie shakes his head, “No need,” he starts walking with his keys swinging around his index finger.

“Don't tell me you drove the entire way out here; petrol is expensive as it is!” you call after him in a hurry.

Jamie gives you a offended look before laughing, “and you think id make it here in one piece if i took the train? Id probably have one sock left on my body.” he laughs walking you two towards his car.

Shaking your head, you climbed in once he had unlocked the doors for the two of you, and you bucked up in your seat, “oh poor Tartt not having anything left of him but one of his 50-pound socks.”

Jamie rolls his eyes turning the engine over and pulled out of the parking spot heading back towards Richmond. “It's a wonder how you're still single.”

—

The ride back to Richmond went as smoothly as one could expect with the Manchester traffic. You spent most of the drive chatting with Jamie and reading your book; if you were not holding something in your hand, it was dangerously close to holding a certain driver. However, you did fall asleep about halfway through the drive, tired from your emotional rollercoaster you still hadn't even told Jamie about yet. You needed to see Rebecca before you told anyone else around you what you had decided on. Once Jamie had pulled into the car park, he gently shook you to wake you.

“Rise and shine sleepyhead,” His voice was soft, as if afraid waking you would result in you being startled. To his credit, it was a valid fear and concern.

You are slow to wake up as its probably the best sleep you've had in a few weeks, but you do stir, glaring exhausted daggers at Jamie, “if it wasn't for the fact that its your car i would go back to bed.” you let out a loud yawn and stretch in the seat before looking around and sigh. “Alright thanks for the lift back.”

Jamie nods, “I can give you a ride home if you want?”

You think about it and shake your head, “ill be ok, i want to get my run in at some point today.” you gather your things before getting out of the car. “Thank you Jamie. I mean it.” you wave before heading into the building. You had made it to the base of the stairs to Rebecca's office seeing she was getting ready to leave, you call up to her, “Rebecca do you have a moment?”

Rebecca had been chatting with Higgins on her way out the door for the day and both stopped talking and leaned over the railing to see who was there, seeing you they both seemed surprised as they both knew you left.

“Oh! Of course, come on then!” Rebecca headed back towards her office, “my apologies Leslie, do have a good night though,” she gave him a pat on the shoulder.

Leslie nodded and smiled politely, “thank you, you too Rebecca, good night (y/n)” he wished you as he headed out the door and you wave him off heading up the stairs.

As you enter Rebecca's office she is setting her coat and bag back down by her desk, she looks over at you with her pleasant smile, “how are you feeling, you left earlier but I hadn't had the chance to check on you.”

“Ah, I'm alright.” You set your bag down on the floor and sit in the armchair quietly

“That's good, glad you're feeling better,” she grabs herself a glass of water, “so what is it you wanted to talk about?”

You sit still, staring at your hands for a moment before taking a deep breath, “Rebecca, I'm afraid I'm going to have to turn down your offer to be a coach, assistant or otherwise.” you couldn't bring yourself to look at her out of shame. You didn't want to hurt your bosses feelings but you couldn't feel but that you let her down.

“Oh.”

There was a long silence before the sound of the couch fabric rustling after a moment and Rebeca was now holding both of your hands in her own, comforting and firm, you managed to gain enough courage to look at her. Rebecca gave you a comforting smile, she was disappointed yes but there was understanding in her eyes.

“Its alright (y/n), i wanted to see you come back to the pitch, not everyone's career trajectory after injury is the same, you're not Roy, you're not Chris Karma, you're you. And what ever you want to do next is your choice.” she gives you a gentle pat on your hands, “i would just hate to see you leave.”

Your eyes widen and you shake your head, “oh I'm not going anywhere yet!” you now hold her hands in yours with a strong grip that you barely realize you had, “that i can promise you but you'll have to prepare for that eventually.”

Rebecca's eyebrow raises in interest and concern, “then what do you want to do (y/n)?”

You smile, a fire in your soul that you didn't realize you'd been missing for such a long time, determination and wanting.

“Rebecca, I want to play again.”

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zosan-secondchances · 3 months ago

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The Pirate King of the North: Part 19

Warning: Long post ahead and some One Piece spoilers. Contains strong language and explicit content.

Part 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 (Special) | 19 | 20 | 21 | 22

Thank you for the wait dear readers! I totally did not re-write this five times and revised the images at least twice. I wanted to get it right. My writing was getting progressively too long and over-detailed so I thought I'd try to compact it a bit more.

Good day and enjoy!

To Zoro’s disappointment, Sanji didn’t want to take part in the Festival of Lights. He had insisted on helping Conis run the food stall for Pumpkin Cafe at the night market, wanting to use it as an opportunity to make more meals with the leftover sky shark meat and other foraged ingredients that they acquired during their journey to Upper Yard so that he could give them away as he didn’t want any to go to waste.

Zoro knew there was more to it than that. His gut feeling told him that the blonde wanted to distance himself from him and Law because he had a lot on his mind and, if the opportunity presents itself, possibly go someplace he shouldn’t be. The swordsman didn’t want to leave his side but Wyper and Conis assured him that they would keep him company so that he and the doctor could go about town and enjoy the Skypiean holiday. In the end, he gives in but only to fetch himself his own paper lantern to offer his prayers to the departed. It’s been a while since he visited Kuina’s grave and he thought that dedicating some time for her is the least he could do. Law joined him to fetch his own, no doubt to offer his prayers to Corazon.

At the strike of midnight, Gan Fall rings the Golden Bell, signaling the start of the main event. Skypieans collectively leave the market to begin their trek to find their preferred spots along the cloud river, either inside or outside town so that they may light and release their lanterns to float down the stream. With their own folded in their pockets, Zoro and Law waited by the city’s main gates where Wyper and Conis eventually met up with them.

Conis

Sorry to keep you waiting! We had a lot of customers. That stir fry Northy made was an absolute hit! Everyone’s calling it the new delicacy. He handed them out for free then gave away the recipe to everyone too! I told him he should write a book–

Zoro

Conis, where is he?

Conis freezes and stares at him in confusion while Wyper increasingly looks positively horrified.

Wyper

Shit.

Conis

Is he not with you?

Zoro grimaces painfully and Law slaps a hand on his forehead, nearly knocking the cap off his head.

Conis

But he said that he’s going straight to you two after we’re done at the stall!

Wyper

He clearly lied, Conis.

Zoro

You two promised to keep an eye on him! We were only gone for half an hour!

Conis

I’m so, so sorry!!! There was a lot of fuss from the residents after you left. When the citizens realised how nice he is, they all started asking him for autographs and then next thing we knew, there was a whole line in queue waiting and–and–!

Law raises a hand up to the now rambling woman who is clearly in panic and looks very guilty about the whole thing.

Law

Calm down. Take a deep breath….

Conis stops herself and follows his advice, breathing in and exhaling slowly to compose himself.

Wyper sighs and runs his hand over his face in exasperation.

Wyper

This is my fuckin’ fault. He’s very…persuasive. The guy knows how to charm like nothing else.

Zoro

Nice guarding skills there, Wyper of the God’s Guards.

Wyper

What the hell did you just say?!

Law

Stop it, you two. That's not going to help with the situation.

Did he say anything before he left? Do you have any idea where he might have gone?

Conis

He said he was feeling overwhelmed with all the residents asking him all sorts of questions and needed to go somewhere quiet for a smoke break. Wyper went with him but…

All eyes bore on the warrior who flinches as his face turns scarlet red. Zoro’s eye twitches impatiently at the man’s hesitancy to speak. He takes a step in front of him to urge him on.

Zoro

Well?

Wyper

We just…talked for a bit but then…one thing led to another and he… erm….

Zoro takes a sharp breath in but remains quiet to give him a chance to explain himself while Law simply rolls his eyes at getting an idea of where the warrior’s story is heading.

Wyper shifts uncomfortably and rubs the back of his neck. He briefly meets Zoro’s intimidating eye but averts his gaze quickly.

Wyper

We…went into the jungle… made out and… and he said that he wanted to make things more exciting so he said that he’ll just go and get…well, you….

Zoro shuts his eye tight and clenches his fists, fighting the urge to grab Wyper by the neck to throw him off a cliff for falling for something as foolish as that. Though he can't say that he fully blames him, having been seduced into doing something to the Pirate King's advantage in the past before.

Conis

Oh… Wyper….

Law

That does sound like something he would do…but why the hell didn’t you go with him?

Wyper

…He may have somehow coerced me to get tied up on a tree…. I had to free myself when I realised he wasn’t coming back.

Conis

Wyper!

Wyper

He’s fuckin’ hot, okay?! Give me a break!

Suddenly, Zoro grabs Wyper by the buckles of his armour and yanks him forcibly nose to nose.

Zoro

No, you had one job and you failed miserably!

Wyper grunts as he gets hoisted off the ground by the enraged swordsman. The crowd around them stops abruptly at the disturbance but the warrior chooses to not fight back. Zoro raises a fist to deliver a blow but halts, his fists shaking from anger.

Wyper

Y–you’re right. I’m… sorry, Zoro. I am. It’s never my intention to get between you two. He said you'd be up for it. I didn’t–

Zoro

That’s not why I’m angry at you! I already know that he fools around. I’m angry because he’s been through so much shit and now he’ll–

Realising that there is now a crowd surrounding them, including some of Wyper’s men, Zoro forces himself to release the warrior and calm himself. He growls and begins stomping off through the gates.

Wyper

Wait, let me help you look for him!

Zoro

No, you’ve done enough. Traffy, let’s go.

Law huffs in annoyance but follows suit, leaving behind an extremely flustered Wyper and a worried Conis at the other side.

—

Zoro trudges through the dark jungle in a rush, hurdling over thick bushes downhill off trail with Law tailing behind him calmly.

Law

Zoro-ya, do you even know where you’re going?

Zoro

No, but I'm never lost with him around. He's definitely this way.

Law

How the hell do you know? Give me a moment to scan. It’ll be much quicker.

Zoro

No. If he’s with who I think he might be, we’d get caught.

Zoro stops in his tracks and holds a hand up, tilting his face left and right slowly. Law follows his instruction and keeps quiet, feeling frustrated that he doesn’t know why the swordsman is suddenly so confident in finding his way around. He tries using his observation haki just as he practiced earlier, but he detects no immediate presence in the area. There’s very little vision over this wilder side of Upper Yard and the only noises he hears are the sound of crickets chirping loudly and the trees’ rustling leaves in the wind.

After a short pause, he feels a subtle sensation in the air but it goes as quickly as it came. It felt like a soft flutter of a heartbeat that waves past them.

Law

Is that–?

Zoro

That’s him.

Zoro continues his way in the general direction where the source of the sensation came from with the doctor tailing behind him, slicing dense foliage out of the way as he walks.

Law

I can’t feel it anymore. I thought you can only pick up the presence if someone is nearby?

Zoro

It’s… hard to explain.

The two take a brief pause in conversation as they slide down particularly slippery rocks, taking the direction where the crow flies to find Sanji as quickly as possible.

Zoro

Before all this…back when we used to fight, he purposely got me lost so I have no choice but to find him. He enjoyed being chased.

Law

Oh?

Zoro

He does this…thing with his haki…. He flexes it but doesn’t hold it. He purposely keeps it weak to avoid unwanted detection and giving his position away too quickly. To the ordinary man and even most haki users, they can’t feel it unless you really focus on it. You felt it just now, right?

Law

It felt like a heartbeat. I would have thought it’s just a butterfly going by. You’re certain it’s him?

Zoro

Yes.

Law

I hope you’re right. Your sense of direction isn’t exactly the best.

Zoro

Shut up. He’s done this to get me to find him many times. If he’s using it right now, he wants to be found.

The sensation eventually leads them to a small river of clouds up on a hill. Zoro takes a moment to study their surroundings when he detects a familiar presence. Positive that it’s the person they have been looking for, he picks up the pace.

When he slices the last layer of thick foliage in front of them, he feels a wave of relief wash over him at seeing the blonde kneeling in front of a cloud stream by a clearing overlooking the White Sea. In front of him is a lit paper lantern.

The swordsman emerges from the treeline and stomps over, stopping a short distance behind Sanji. He opens his mouth to give him a word or two about running off on his own but notices that the blonde has his eyes closed and is in the middle of his prayers. Instead of interrupting, he shuts his jaw and crosses his arms, sighing in defeat.

Sanji

Join me?

Zoro’s eyes soften. He nods silently. When he looks behind him, he notices Law staring at the dark jungle where they had just been. There is a hint of concern on his face.

Zoro

Tra-guy, We’re setting off the lanterns here. Are you joining?

Law furrows his brows as he takes a reluctant step towards the dark.

Zoro

Everything okay?

Law

Y–yeah. I thought I saw…. Never mind.

The doctor turns his heel and joins the two by the river. Zoro and Law settle on both sides of the blonde, retrieve and unfold the paper lanterns from their pockets and light its inner wicks. They close their eyes and begin quiet prayers of their own.

After a moment, they lay their lanterns together to flow down the gentle stream which joins up with the larger body of clouds downhill. As they stand up and watch the three orbs travel, hundreds of lit lanterns begin to follow, flowing past them and lighting up their surroundings brightly. The stream eventually meets the White Sea, where the lanterns scatter from different points of the island.

Soon, the entirety of Skypiea is lit. The lanterns look like twinkling stars moving slowly below them–surreal and hypnotising. As the trio watches, fully tantalised by the view, they feel a gentle change in weather which lifts the lanterns up to the higher skies.

It was a sight to behold. It was as if the island itself was alive, and it felt like they were watched over by the souls they had prayed to. They stand in amazement, unable to tear their gazes away from the spectacular view.

Sanji

Thank you.

The two look at him curiously as he speaks softly. He sniffs once and wipes a small tear from the corner of his eye.

Sanji

I didn’t realise that I needed this. This was a good idea.

Zoro notices his golden hair shine brighter than ever before, lit by the lanterns past his head. When the wind blows the fringe off his face, he sees it. Two wide orbs–big, blue, and full of hope and determination. It looks as though he had suddenly changed like something sparked a fire inside of him. Unable to resist the urge, the swordsman reaches out and entwines their pinkie fingers, only to be surprised when the blonde clasps their hands together.

Seeing that the couple is having an intimate moment, Law turns his heel to leave them be. He considers calling the Heart Pirates to ensure their safety, and to suggest that they look up to the skies to witness the spectacle that is the Festival of Lights.

—

The following morning was brighter than the last. Sanji was up early to use the last of their stocked items to make his signature fried rice–a dish he liked serving on lazy mornings to his siblings whenever Cosette is out on leave. It was a good opportunity to revamp some of the older ingredients they had, and adding what's left of the meat should offer a generous amount of protein for the strenuous day ahead.

While plating the meal, he thinks of Niji and feels his heart sink. A wave of anxiousness washes over him. He considers leaving the swordsman and the doctor to continue on their own to look for him.

He was glad to have the opportunity to spend the night with the swordsman. He has made a decision that this would be the last. Though he might find himself unable to seek out future partners. His heart would be too heavy to do so.

Zoro and Law eventually emerge from their sleeping quarters and sit at the table. They eat in bliss, enjoying Sanji's delicious meal and drinks that never disappoint. Zoro caught up the blonde with the town's festivities that he missed out on, including details of his talks with the other Skypieans who he hadn't seen since the Straw Hats liberated the country from Enel’s rule.

After the swordsman’s story, Law clears his throat.

Law

I received news from the Heart Pirates last night. Nothing too urgent, but I have messages for you both.

The two continue their meals, listening intently.

Law

First, I gave them an update about your encounter with Doflamingo. Least to say, they're very worried about you and they wanted me to pass on the message that they hope that you're well and that your ex is an absolute ass–Penguin’s words.

Sanji

Aww, that's so sweet!

Law

Secondly, Prince Fukaboshi kidnapped Shachi for questioning.

Zoro and Sanji

What?!?

Law

He's back in the sub and is in good health. Though…a little shaken by your ex-fiance.

Zoro

His what now?

Sanji

Shush! Please continue.

Law

They talked it out over drinks after the whole interrogation. It sounds like they’re on good terms now after a brief misunderstanding. It was, according to Bepo, “a lot of fun”. Prince Fukaboshi had some intriguing stories about you and your siblings, Mr. Prince-ya.

Sanji

O–oh…

Law

Anyway, they've been trying to find you since Saobody. They've been tracking the Polar Tang and the army has finally caught up.

Sanji

And…what did they want with me?

Law

Apparently you have a very protective ally. He wanted himself and his elite army of fish folk to join us in our travels since he heard of your run-in with the Celestial Dragon. They've been keeping the Pacifistas at bay, and even deterred all of Doflamingo's forces from getting too close.

Sanji begins choking at a particularly large piece of meat stuck behind his throat. He punches his chest a couple of times before downing the rest of the contents with his glass of pumpkin juice.

Sanji

Of course they did. That bloody idiot.

You didn't tell him that we ate sky shark, did you? He's kind of a half shark. I never know how merfolk react to that sort of thing.

Law

Uhm…no.

But, Mr. Prince-ya, it really sounds like there's already a war going on. Germa and The Neptune Army against Dressrosa. The Marines have backed off. I think they're hoping that the three kingdoms will wreck each other by themselves.

Sanji

Not quite. They'll do the usual and swoop in at the last second to steal the victory so they come out as heroes in the papers. Then they'll ask for an “alliance”, demanding resources in return for their “aid”. Fuckin’ leaches.

Before we head off, doctor, I'll need to borrow your snail so I can talk to Fukaboshi. I must get my High General involved while we're up here.

Zoro

Another sibling?

Sanji

Ichiji. You’ve met him but Traffy hasn't. Remember the first time I proposed? He was the commander who escorted me. The man can win a war in his sleep. Never play drunken chess with the fucker.

Law

Right.

And…for the last bit of news is for you, Zoro-ya.

Zoro

Hah?

Zoro's food drops sloppily onto his plate from his spoon, his half-full mouth left agape as he stares at Law in surprise.

Law

I uh…got a message from Luffy.

Zoro

Luffy?! Tell me everything!

Law

No, I can't tell you everything!!! Most of it is…for me.

Zoro and Sanji

Gross.

Law

Ack–! You're one to talk!!! Again, couldn't you have kept it down last night?

Sanji

Absoluuuutely not.

Zoro

He's a screamer. He was feeling good.

Sanji

So was your ass, I bet.

Zoro

Surprisingly, yes.

Law

Oh for the love of–I don't want to hear it!

Sanji waves his hand in dismissal then wipes his mouth clean with a cloth.

Law

Anyway, he's officially calling to get the Straw Hat crew back together.

Zoro's jaw drops once more but in excitement, speechless from the news. He grins widely at that and begins laughing. Sanji smiles slightly at this, feeling positive that he made the right call. It seems as though fate has decided that today is their last day together, and that their paths will all divert apart as he predicted.

Zoro

FUCK YES! Did he say when?

Law

A year from now. He wants to meet up at Fish-Man Island with you lot since there’s a lot of political turmoil currently happening in Sabaody Archipelago. Apparently he's found a reliable chef and a skilled helmsman for the crew. Though…to be honest, he didn't sound too happy with the cook but your navigator gave him an ultimatum. Either you travel with one or she wouldn't rejoin. Something about maintaining food and resources.

Zoro's smile drops and he stares at his food for a moment, thinking. After a brief pause, he looks up, grinning.

Zoro

Whoever it is, since our captain has doubts, I'll get the current cook fired so Curls can replace him.

Law

Huh. Not a bad plan, coming from you, green goblin.

Zoro

Hah?!

Sanji

You'll do no such thing. My kingdom is at war, remember?

Zoro

Yeah but it won't be a year from now. I'll make sure–

Sanji

MARIMO!

Sanji angrily slams his fist on the wooden table. The two look at him with concern.

Sanji

I cannot, and will not join your crew. We've talked about this! I hate to break it to you, but wars can last a lifetime. I mean, look at us! Two decades of that nonsense!

Zoro

Sure, it's nonsense, but if you let us help you, I'm confident Luffy can help take down Doflamingo. I mean, you've seen what Nami is capable of and she's not even one of our usual fighters!

Sanji

With all due respect, Demon Warlord, but the Straw Hats are only getting together in a year but the war is happening right now and I'm already late for it. This conversation ends here.

—

Near the entrance of Upper Yard's city, the now chainless Sanji clasps Gan Fall's hand in his, placing an eternal compass and a strip of paper with a combination of numbers for his transponder snail.

Sanji

Thanks, old man. For everything. If your people need us for anything, Germa will answer your call. Or you know, if you just want to hang out and get high.

From afar, Conis bellows out angrily, making the two men flinch.

Conis

I heard that!!

Gan Fall

Bahahaha! And you with Skypiea. You will sorely be missed, my boy. How are your wounds?

Sanji

I'm still a little sore, but nothing I can't handle.

Gan Fall

Goodness, you heal fast! It must be that doctor working his magic! He's a good one.

And…before I forget. When you see the old girl, three buds should do the trick. You don't want to take too much or you'll be out of action for at least a whole day. Trust me, I've been there. I haven't heard the end of it from Conis yet.

Sanji chuckles as he claps Gan Falls shoulder and gives it a reassuring shake. They turn their heels then walk together, returning to the city's main gates where a crowd of residents have clustered around Zoro and Law to take turns saying their goodbyes. When they get close, the doctor turns to them and bows his head down in greeting.

Law

Gan Fall. Mr. Prince-ya, did you get directions?

Sanji

Partly. No one knows where Nola's old burrow is but I have a reliable lead.

Gan Fall

It sounds as though your Pirate King here knows how to find your Marine friend. You three are always welcome to return whenever you desire! I hope Wyper hasn't left a sour taste in your mouth….

Wyper

Hey!

Sanji

Hah! Not at all, my friend. In another world, perhaps it would have worked out. He's a good man, Gan Fall. But in this reality, my heart only belongs to one.

Gan Fall

Oh, to be young again! Next time you visit, I'll make sure to relay my share of romances. Believe it or not, I'm also guilty of the tie-up-and-run tactic that you pulled last night. Once on the receiving end! Hah!

Sanji

I look forward to it! It's so mean but it works so well, doesn't it?

Gan Fall

Indeed! The reaction is the best. Did you get a look at his face?

Sanji

No. By the time he realised it, I was already hundreds of leagues away.

Gan Fall

Atta boy!

Wyper’s face flushes deep red as the two kings laugh out loud at the expense of his dignity.

Sanji

Oh, don't be such a baby. We're extremely grateful for all of your help. Here.

Sanji leans over and places a soft kiss on Wyper's cheek. The warrior blinks at him speechlessly, feeling his heart rate increase.

Sanji

Are we good?

Wyper

Y–yeah. Be safe and thanks for the Germa flag. We shall raise it with pride. God's Guards stand with you.

Not far from where they stood, Zoro was bidding farewell to Conis and his other friends.

Conis

Safe travels, Zoro! I really wish that you could stay longer….

Kamakiri

We'll save some more sake for you next time.

Zoro

I'd like that. Stay out of trouble, you lot.

Aisa

Can you believe Raki still doesn't let me drink?

Raki

And you never will! Here, swordsman. I've brought your ride.

The dark haired woman steps aside as the crowd behind her follows suit, parting themselves to allow a giant yellow dog to trot towards him. As soon as he sees Zoro, his tail wags in excitement then takes a run, knocking down the swordsman to the ground to give him big slobbery kisses across his body.

Zoro

Argh!! Gross!!! Get him off me!

The residents laugh at the sight and start pointing their fingers at Zoro, knowing full well what the big blonde creature is like. Sanji overhears the commotion and joins in on the mockery. He pulls out the photo camera from his pack and snaps photos of the swordsman and the large creature in action.

Raki

Holy!!! No! Bad dog! You can say hi but no licking!

Holy…down!

At that Holy immediately sits down, pinning the swordsman’s lower body under his large furry bum.

Zoro

Raki!!!

Raki

AAH! I made it worse!!!

—

After bidding everyone their goodbyes (and with Zoro having fresh new clothes), the trio proceed on foot westward with Holy following them behind. Wyper's scouts had reported that Nola was last seen napping on one of her usual spots that way. They would have ridden the dog sooner but Law wanted to take his time to soak in everything that Skypiea had to offer on the home stretch.

Sanji

So, doctor? Excited to see Corazon?

Law

More than anything.

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viperwhispered · 1 year ago

Note

If you're still thinking of making a playlist, feel free to add "Be Mine" by Ofenbach and "Kick up Your Heels" by Jessica Mauboy ft.Pitbull.

Context: During the early 20th century, alcohol was prohibited in the United States. This lead to uncontrolled secret distribution of alcohol and secret bars everywhere (fun fact: it was alcohol dealing that made Al Capone so powerful). The most iconic of these bars were speakeasies: secret illegal clubs that sold good alcohol while playing jazz (fun fact: these bars went a long way to pushing gender and racial equality by having everyone being able to dance & drink together).

Which brings me to this scenario: Jamil sneaking out of weekends to dance the night away and enjoy precious moments of freedom without Kalim. During these escapades, he meets the reader and the two get closer of months of several encounters. At some point they meet outside of the bar, but they pretend to be aquaintances at most. They get so into each other that they start subtly flirting even outside the bar.

Eventually we get to the moment that ecompases the songs (Be Mine is Jamil's perspective and Kick up Your Heels is the reader's). After weeks of subtle flirting, the two are finally tipsy enough to flirt more openly. Jamil goes in first and the reader playfully flirts back. They dance the night away and end up leaving together back to reader's apartment (don't worry Jamil has the weekend off and Najma owes him so she'll cover for him).

Cue adorable morning after with kisses, cuddles, Jamil making breakfeat, and the reader wearing his clothes.

(Boy if the music video for the Ofenbach song doesn’t look like it was made for total wish fulfillment for the artists, lol. Song's a total banger, tho (after listening to it a lot while working on this).)

I’m also gonna add Shut Up and Dance by Walk The Moon to the list because the vibes totally fit (and I’ve definitely thought of it in regards to Jamil before).

I do love the idea of reader meeting Jamil in an environment where he can be more free. Just, how different of an experience is it, when the dance floor is your first impression of him, rather than the Jamil at NRC or the Asim estate? When he’s actually letting go, being himself and just having a good time.

Plus like, presumably in the Scalding Sands Jamil’s job is not so 24/7 anyway, since there’s other servants around too to look after Kalim. So yay for actual free time.

And because I totally vibe with this & have thought of something similar before, I wanted to turn this into a bit of fic.

Post-NRC, Jamil x reader, written with a fem reader in mind, nsfw

The club, 22:30

You surveyed the club, your eyes insisting on looking for one person in particular, but to no avail.

No matter. Whether or not your favorite dance partner - or your acquaintance, or your crush, or whatever the hell he was to you - would turn up tonight, you could still have fun.

So, when a good song came on, you slid to the dancefloor, determined to dance the night away one way or another. You still had the whole night ahead of you, after all.

Not that you would have minded the company.

The club, 23:12

While you were queueing up for a drink, Jamil was the one who found you.

“I was wondering if you’d turn up,” you said with a grin, leaning closer to be heard over the music.

“And miss you? No way.”

You laughed and shook your head. It really was unfortunate how attractive that cocky grin was on Jamil.

“Wouldn’t have been the first night I’ve had to make do without you,” you said lightly.

“Well, tonight I can be all yours,” Jamil replied, his hand ghosting at the small of your back.

You grinned - you had to admit, you quite liked the sound of that.

The club, 23:27

Over the past few months there had been times when you caught Jamil looking at you as if he was evaluating you, measuring you. Yet, whenever he actually got close to you, that was all gone, replaced by pleasantries and barely concealed playfulness.

Today, however, there was a particular determination to him, one that had him shamelessly inching closer to you as you were talking over your drinks - as much as one could have a meaningful conversation talking over the thudding music.

“You look like you’ve got something on your mind,” you said, looking at Jamil from under your lashes while you sipped your drink.

“Well… I’ve been thinking that I wouldn’t mind sharing more than a dance with you,” Jamil said, his own drink nearly forgotten in his hands.

“Oh? What are you thinking?” you asked, stirring the remains of your drink with your straw, trying to affect a casual air despite your curiosity.

Jamil got close enough that you thought you could feel his breath on your skin.

“That I want to get to know you much better,” Jamil replied, an unmistakable sultry undercurrent to his tone. His hand had found its way to your arm, tracing light patterns on your skin.

Your eyes widened, a surprised laugh bubbling to your lips. My, what had gotten Jamil so bold tonight?

“Oh, and here I was just looking forward to some dancing,” you said with a playful grin.

Jamil might have gotten your heart to flutter, an unmistakable heat rising to your cheeks, but that didn’t mean you’d be that easily charmed.

“Just be prepared that once I get hold of you, I might not let go,” he said, lightly squeezing your arm.

“Dance with me, and then we’ll see,” you said with an amused shake of your head.

“Let’s start the show, then.”

With a laugh you grabbed Jamil’s hand, dragging him to the dancefloor, the beating of your heart rivaling the thud of the music.

There was such confidence to him, like Jamil had already ensured he’d get what he wanted and was just biding his time.

And you had to admit, you kinda liked it.

The club, 23:51

The song was one of your favorites and you couldn’t help singing along, moving your body to the beat. People were trickling in, but there was still space for both you and Jamil to let loose.

It was its own kind of delight, seeing how well you two could synchronize your movements. Stepping back and forth, circling each other, claiming a part of the dance floor all to yourselves. You grinned, watching the way Jamil leaned to the side, shrugging his shoulder, and you copied the move to the other direction, adding your own flourish with the snap of your hips.

After a few repeats there was a stutter in the music and you leaned forward, Jamil coming in to meet you, chest to chest. You lingered there for the briefest moment, your eye meeting, noses nearly brushing, before you pulled back and threw your hands up in the air for the chorus. You sang out the lyrics, let your body move as it wished, full-heartedly just enjoying yourself - and your company.

Sure, there was a part of you curious to find out just what Jamil could offer. But you’d come out here to have fun, and have fun you would.

Whatever would come later, would come later.

The club, 01:25

You were sweaty, your feet sore, your hair undoubtedly a mess at this point. Yet, you couldn’t stop smiling, couldn’t stop relishing your time with Jamil.

Jamil’s hands were on your hips, following your movements, his chest flush to your back.

You had to admit, you loved the feeling of his body against yours, the way you swayed together.

You also delighted in teasing him like this, feeling the hardness of his arousal when you ground your ass on him.

“I want you to be mine,” Jamil mouthed the lyrics of the song, his breath hot by your ear.

He brushed his lips by your skin, something akin to a kiss, and you could feel the warmth of it shoot straight to your core.

Idly, you wondered if Jamil would be able to hear your soft groan over the music as you leaned back, your hand fumbling in his hair to pull him even closer. That seemed to be all the encouragement he needed, his mouth now more insistent on the corner of your jaw.

At this point, it was getting harder and harder to remember all the other people around you, your decency slipping from your hands.

Oh, you had a good enough idea of how Jamil’s body fit against you, how it felt under your hands.

But it was not enough.

You wanted to see Jamil, every bit that was hidden under those clothes, wanted to pull his hair loose - or just pull it in general. Wanted to see how he’d look beneath you, above you, between your legs…

Just the thought of Jamil unraveling with you had warmth pooling in the pit of your stomach.

And the thought of his touch on you, unobstructed…

He really was such a temptation, one that you might not even want to resist at this point.

Your apartment, 01:44

You were not prepared for the hungry way Jamil devoured your lips, how firmly his hands pulled you flush against him.

Or the way he groaned into your mouth, the sound shooting straight to your core.

Oh, you needed more of that. Much more of that.

Your hands shot up, gripping onto him tightly, just as unwilling to let him go. You sought out that hair tie that had been taunting you all evening, your tongue sloppily meeting Jamil’s as you pressed yourself as close to him as you possibly could.

There were so many places you wanted to touch, so many spots you wanted to unveil, your hands racing all over Jamil in a desperate attempt to fulfill all your desires at once.

Jamil’s lips were so wonderfully kiss-swollen, his hair hanging loose and his shirt halfway off him. If you hadn’t been so eager for more, you would’ve stopped to admire the sight and commit it to memory.

Instead, your greedy hands slipped under his top, relishing in the skin to skin contact while Jamil was busy with getting you to a similar state of undress, his eyes burning as his lips descended upon you again, stealing your breath away.

Your apartment, 2:20

You rolled your hips, slowly, your palms resting on Jamil’s chest. He did indeed look absolutely ravishing beneath you, his tongue slightly sticking out through his parted lips, his gorgeous hair spilled over your pillows. Jamil’s hands on your ass were helping you move, urging you to take his cock even deeper.

You’d yield to him soon enough, but first you wanted to savor this. The hungry look Jamil bestowed upon you, the needy way his hands kept on mapping your body, the way his hips bucked beneath you.

At this point, simply calling Jamil your favorite dance partner certainly didn’t do him justice.

No, you’d love to have so much more of him, wanted to find out just how far you two could go.

You leaned down, your lips meeting once again. You braced your arms against the bed as you began to move in earnest. Your efforts were rewarded by Jamil’s needy groan, the way his grip tightened on you. He seemed to be just as drunk on you as you were on him, and just that fact was enough to make your head spin.

Your apartment, 9:40

It was a slow realization, remembering that you had company over, only to find the other side of your bed empty. However, as your senses slowly roused, you soon caught the sounds and smells coming from the kitchen.

Of course he had to be perfect enough to even cook for you, you mused with some amusement.

With a stretch you willed yourself to leave the comfort of your bed, freshening yourself up quickly before padding your way to the kitchen.

You kind of hoped you’d been the one to wake up first. At least you could’ve cleared some of the mess.

It was such a domestic sight, Jamil busying himself at your stove, and you unexpectedly felt your throat tighten with the impact of it.

“I’m amazed you found something to work with,” you said, your words somewhere between apologetic and joking.

“It’s not how I’d keep my own kitchen, but it’s workable,” Jamil said matter-of-factly.

You couldn’t help a snort. What a way to sugarcoat your messy counters and sparse cupboards.

“Well. I’m glad it didn’t drive you off, at least,” you said with dry amusement.

You walked past Jamil to the sink, letting your fingers trace along his back and upper arm as you passed him by, conscious of not bothering his work.

Jamil, however, grabbed you by the waist and pulled you close, making you yelp in surprise.

“Good morning,” he murmured, pressing a kiss to your temple.

All you could do was melt against him.

Bonus scene which didn’t really seem to fit the flow but I had to do something with these lyrics, too. A flashback to another night, maybe?

Jamil certainly knew how to move. Yet, there was still something carefully controlled about him.

You’d seen him, sometimes, when the night was late, how he really could let go and get swept up in the music.

Then again, you supposed you still hadn’t quite warmed up yourself, hadn’t forgotten about the way his eyes were on you.

Would another drink be a terrible idea?

Still, seeing the way Jamil was looking around, checking the crowds, made you frown. You tugged on his hand, turning his attention back on you.

"Oh, don't you dare look back. Just keep your eyes on me."

“You’re holding back, yourself,” Jamil said with a knowing look.

“Shut up and dance with me,” you said, smiling even as you rolled your eyes.

Ngl, I’ve not done much song fics and it was fun weaving in bits of the lyrics and vibes in here - even if I chose to be a silly goose and use 3 songs at once.

Tag list: @colliope @crystallizsch @diodellet @jamilsimpno69 @jamilvapologist

@perilous-pasta @twstgo

Do let me know if you'd like to be tagged for my future works!

#twisted wonderland #twisted wonderland x reader #jamil viper #jamil viper x reader #ner talks #chatting with folks #lex752 #ner writes #boy if writing this hasn’t made me realize that it’s been ages since I last was out dancing #ngl I also wouldn’t know any of the current music (and wouldn’t know how to dance with strangers) but now I kinda wanna go #I’m also choosing to live in a world where not everyone stays at home drinking until 1 am before going clubbing #also oh boy am I feeling uncertain about Jamil’s voice & lines again #but hopefully they sound plausible enough to be from his mouth #me when this ask turned up in my inbox: oh I’ll just wrap up how not to be swept under and then I’ll do something fun & quick for this #me a few weeks later: oops #anyways #hopefully I managed to do the vibes justice and y’all enjoyed this #time for me to start thinking of self-indulgent smut next #(and stop questioning my choices for this fic)

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youre-where-i-wanna-go · 1 month ago

Text

Here's my rant about the Mission: Impossible London premiere and how organizers treat fans.

There has GOT to be a way to ensure fans' safety better. Jfc. If you're going to announce where and when wristbands are given out (and the when is in the morning) you KNOW fans are going to be waiting all night (in the cold). Continuously chasing them off the square without telling them where they can safely go is not exactly a solution. Then getting mad when you get a complaint from the hotel on the square that people have been hanging, no sorry "loitering", around it. Please.

Letting them queue on a first come first serve basis, even way earlier than 8 has got to be a better solution than letting them run like a stampede once the clock hits 8.

But now to the actual premiere. Bro.

Advertising your GLOBAL premiere as "meet the cast" and inviting 800 fans, just for those fans to not even have a view of the cast arriving or giving interviews, there not even being so much as a screen for them to watch the cast, and then not more than TWO cast members making their way over to fans bc the fan area was "too crowded" with guests. Girl.

Making fans stand over 7h in the cold to watch random people walk by, no Tom Cruise (for whom probably most people were there, not me but yk), no Hayley Atwell, no Angela Bassett, no Hannah Waddingham, no Pom Klementieff. We barely got a glimpse of their heads from a far, far distance. I was so cold I felt like throwing up the entire time and I'm pretty sure I caught a big fat cold, too. Ofc there were no heating systems either since 3 days ago the weather report still said it would be 22°C (it ended up being 15°C at most if not lower).

Disappointment doesn't even cut it. I'm honestly most pissed about what I put my body through for nothing at all. I've been sick (stomach aches) since before I even got to London (not contagious obviously) and now I got more sick queuing and waiting at that cursed red carpet. Hours upon hours of waiting for nothing.

Shoutout to Christopher McQuarrie (the director, who I lied to when he asked me how I was doing and I said good), Esai Morales, and Simon Pegg for actually taking the time and making the effort to come to the fans and sign each and every poster. They were really kind and even though I wasn't there for them, I appreciate that. I don't blame the rest of the cast because security told us they were made to turn away from the fans when that area of the carpet was crowded with guests. It couldn't have been that hard to clear the carpet a little. Seriously. And oh my god, INSTALL A DAMN SCREEN so the 800 fucking people you made stand in the cold for 7h can at least see what's going on without pulling up TikTok to watch a red carpet they're literally at! We didn't sign up to just be props in the background of your streams. If you need extras to make you look good, pay them!

My main goal at this premiere was to hold up my little "We Love You Angela" poster for her to see so she would know people were there for her (not just Tom) and feel supported. I was hoping and honestly expecting to see her, even from afar a bit but not THIS far where I could barely make out her head. I was dreaming of an autograph and perhaps even a selfie since the cast members we did get to see were so generous with it. Instead I got a cold and a body that hates me more than ever. It was a failed attempt and I gotta move on.

But it hurts nonetheless because not only would I have enjoyed this premiere more from home, I also feel like a failure for doing a shit job of updating my Archive account this week, since Angela doesn't have any other update accounts dedicated to her for some reason and I always feel a lot of responsibility to do right by her. I'm aware she doesn't actually care. But I'm committed to my own commitments, be it the autism or whatever makes me this way. I think I will need several days to recover from this, more physically than mentally.

One thing I know for sure is that I'm unwilling to go through this kind of trouble for a movie premiere ever again. I thought it couldn't get worse than Venice Film Festival last year.

Anyway, I love Angela and hope one day I get to see her again.

#angela bassett #mission impossible #mission impossible the final reckoning #london premiere #tom cruise #hayley atwell #hannah waddingham #pom klementieff #esai morales #simon pegg #christopher mcquarrie #what a shit show

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accidentally-in-fictional-love · 11 months ago

Note

Possibility of a Johnson thing with a plushy reader based on the song Crush by Cigarettes After Sex?

Feel Your Love Crush - Johnson/Reader

Warnings: No use of Y/N, gender-neutral reader, the reader has self-esteem issues but they're overcome, oral sex, brief fingering as prep, sex.

Wordcount: 3436

Summary: He was always surrounded by the most beautiful people you'd ever seen, so what made him look only at you whenever you were with him? You couldn't figure it out, but thanks to him you were beginning to.

Notes: I can't believe I'm 22 requests in and this is my first Johnson, how is that even possible OTL but aside from that and the Lester sequel, all of my old queue is now finished! When I saw this one I actually gasped, since I myself am plushy 👉👈😖 so while writing I kinda ended up doing it for myself, channeled my own insecurities in there, I hope that's okay! It still ends up cute, I just wouldn't be able to believe it if Johnson asked me out on a date when I'm me heh

Once again, you were thankful for the chill of the night as the southern heat died down for the day, a golden ticket in your hand as you waited in line behind the other eager patrons of the Bang-a-Rang. Johnson had told you to just come around the back, someone would let you in if you'd just mentioned his name, but you didn't feel like you were there yet, the constant worry that someone else would come along and steal him away always on your mind. It returned again as you were allowed inside, the beautiful dancers around you drawing the gaze and keeping it hostage until the money flew, but you had just one man in your sights again tonight, the back of his head just visible over the crowd as he headed for a table.

His friends were there, the ones he worked with and were rarely without, but he'd leave them for you again the moment he saw you, he always did. His back was still to you as you approached his booth, the blonde one, Matty, noticing you first and giving him a nudge and a smirk. He turned in his seat to see what had him smiling so wide, his eyes shining in the neons the moment he saw that it was you. He grabbed his drink and stood, his jacket slung over his shoulder as he left them as always, but you didn't feel like going out this time as you placed a hand on his shoulder, not after that week's ticket had cut into your grocery money.

‘Can we stay? I just got here,’ you murmured, not wanting to make him choose but also not wanting to waste all that money so soon. He was fine with it though, again he always was when it came to you, and the others made room as you sat down with them for a drink. You didn't talk much, just like him, the other two doing all the talking for you as the music blared on and the dancers kept drawing gazes, and when a particularly pretty one with red hair and an untamable smile came over to try and rile up Matty you couldn't help but feel that familiar comparison to everyone around you arise once more without fail.

She was beautiful, she was lively, she was thin and fit and looked so pretty in her outfit, and the moment Matty finally sent her away with a, ‘Don't you have something better to be doing tonight?’ you felt Johnson lean in to whisper in your ear.

‘She's like a sister to us, you don't gotta worry about her,’ he reassured you with a smile, and while you tried to take comfort in that, you still couldn't help but notice that his friends were also beautiful and lively and thin, your thicker legs pressing together so you wouldn't take up too much space at your end of the bench. As if reading your mind, he motioned for Matty to lean over before whispering something in his ear, the blonde giving him a quick nod as Johnson then nudged you to stand. You did, fearing that maybe he'd caught on that you didn't fit in around here at last, but instead of telling you to go he instead led you to a nearby door.

It led to his bedroom, two king beds, three dressers, two nightstands complete with matching lamps, one small table, and three comfy chairs filling the room, a bathroom to your left cutting into the room and just barely obscuring the mess of clothes that were gathered on the floor in the remaining space on the other side of the wall.

‘Ignore that,’ he chuckled casually when he caught you staring, and you did the moment your eyes caught something else; it was the dresser by the door, one third of it a gather-all for their junk and empty bottles, the other two thirds housing a row of old books, while the wall above was decorated with photos. They were all pinned directly to the wall, only a couple having frames, and when you moved closer you saw that they were all of you.

You during your various drives with him, you when he brought you to his favourite shops, you that day by the river when you'd felt brave enough to not only swim but ditch the clothes you wore overtop of your suit; he'd said you'd looked amazing as he'd snapped the photo, but the camera was so old you'd honestly just thought he used it as a joke the entire time, because who'd ever want any pictures of you when they were surrounded by people like this?

‘I keep every one,’ he told you as he slotted himself against your back, his arms coming around you and making your plush tummy feel warm under his palms. ‘Ethan got the camera for himself, but I keep borrowing it whenever I know you're comin’ around.’

‘Why would you want these?’ You didn't mean to ask it, to question his tastes, but he didn't take offense at your words at all, just chuckled in your ear as he pressed a soft kiss to the side of your head.

‘Because you're the loveliest one of them all.’

Your breath caught in your throat as he spun you around to kiss you for the first time, your heart beating faster at his confession; you'd been seeing him for a few months now, he'd been the one to spot you in town and ask you out for drinks to your complete and total surprise, but you hadn't actually believed that this was real until now. He'd always seemed genuine in his friendship with you, and Matty and Ethan never once made jokes about how different you were, but it wasn't until he gave a gentle tug to your pants that you knew he actually wanted you as much as you wanted him. You let him lead the way to the nearest bed, it must’ve been his as he nodded for you to sit down, get comfy against the pillows, their softness luring you in and letting you sink in as you looked up at him in a new light.

‘They won't bother us, Matty's gunna bring Ethan up the river for tonight,’ he told you as he started to strip, the sight of him shedding layer after layer making the room feel much warmer than it actually was.

‘And you really want-?’ you asked nervously, the way your thighs then rubbed together making him stare as he crawled onto the bed in front of you.

‘Just as much as you want me, I’d like to think,’ he confirmed, a knee coming between yours to part your legs, ‘unless you don't want this?’

‘I do,’ you were quick to say, Johnson chuckling at how honest you were once you stopped trying to convince yourself you weren't good enough for him, a hand cupping your cheek when your face then turned red over your eagerness.

‘You gunna trust me when I say I've fallen for you, then?’ he asked softly, your throat tightening as you gave him a small nod. ‘Good, cause I've been dyin’ to get my hands on you ever since you walked in.’ He kissed you again as he straddled you, his taller form boxing you in against his pillows, and you helped him start to strip you as the music went on outside. You wore a bit less than usual to combat the heat of the wait, and it seemed like he enjoyed what you'd chosen as he hummed to himself, kissing each new part if you that was revealed.

You had to help him tug your pants down your hips, your cheeks flushing again when it proved to be a bit difficult, but he just smirked and yanked them free in one quick movement, your body jolting down with the movement and making the both of you laugh at how strong he was. It was just what you needed to not only feel more comfortable with baring yourself to him, but to set the mood as well as he ran his hands up your thighs until he settled on your hips.

‘So soft, I'm gunna love holding you,’ he growled lowly, his desire for you making it harder to keep your own hands at bay as he rocked his hips forward just once. ‘You looked so good that day by the river, I wanted to push you in, tear that suit off…’

‘Johnson,’ you moaned, unable to keep yourself from imagining it, knowing full well that you hadn't been able to help yourself after seeing him sweating in the sun in just an undershirt, his jacket and button up left in the car.

‘So many nights I pictured myself between these thighs, wanted to know how it felt when you held me in place, I'm so glad you said yes to that drink.’ He was confessing everything to you now that he could, more talkative than you'd ever seen him so you knew just how much he felt for you, the sound of his rarely used voice only making you want to hear more. ‘Lay back, I can't wait any longer…’

You shifted down with his help, his mouth finding your thighs as promised as he tugged at the waistband of your underwear, his hands everywhere the moment he freed you of them as well. You made sure to give him space, spreading wide the further he traveled until you were squeezing on instinct, the pleasure of his mouth on you making you gasp and clutch his head.

He didn't complain, only groaning against you as he wordlessly urged you to do more, want more from him, and you rolled your hips as he pressed light bruises into your skin. He worshiped you until he was satisfied, his eyes dark as he forced himself to stop before you came, because there was more he wanted, and you wanted it as well as you gently took him by the chin and guided him back to your mouth.

‘I'm not letting you go home tonight,’ he whispered as you undid his belt, his need to be with you now very apparent as he rocked against your waist. ‘I wanna fuck you slow, love.’

‘Please…’ You'd never wanted anything more in your life, your mouth going dry as he took himself out and started to stroke. It looked like it pained him to have to part with you now that he had you on his bed, but it was a necessity as he got up and went to the nightstand next to the other bed instead of to his own. He pulled open the drawer, quickly shifting around until he found what he was looking for, and when he kneeled down next to you, his pants now on the floor, you swallowed hard when you saw that it was a nearly empty bottle of lube.

‘How did-?’

‘Why d’you think there's only two beds?’ was all he had to say, your face going beet red as you then understood why the other two were so okay with you stealing their room for the night. Your thoughts about it were quickly pushed away when he then laid down next to you instead of straddling you again, the lube popped open and his eyes only on you as you turned to him in confusion. ‘Take them off for me,’ he didn't ask, his head nodding towards his boxers as he palmed himself, and you fit perfectly between his legs as you returned the favour. He was stroking himself again the moment the fabric left his hips, the lube already spreading over his length and making him let out the odd groan just at seeing you before him. ‘I want you to ride me, love.’

‘But… won't I be too heavy?’ There was that nervousness again, you didn't want to ruin this for him even though he was a grown man and could certainly handle you, and he made that very apparent as he reached forward, cupped your ass with a bite of his lip, and pulled you forward until you were completely seated in his lap.

‘I've wanted to see you like this for months, you gunna let a little thing like that get in the way of this?’ He didn't say it to be pushy in the face of his own needs, or to get you to continue even if you were uncomfortable, his words instead making you see that when he said he wanted you he truly meant all of you; while you were out there comparing yourself to the people in his life, he was only thinking of and looking at you, and suddenly you didn't feel so self-conscious as you gazed down at the man who wanted you just as much as you wanted him.

‘No,’ you said honestly, and he kissed you again as he started to finger you open for him. You grinded down on him, let him touch you without reserve as you did the same, your hands becoming acquainted with his strong arms, stronger chest, and the bit of softness around his own belly from all the drinking and diner foods. He arched against you until you could feel the muscle underneath, he could probably pick you up easily he was more than likely trying to get across, and you almost wished you had the courage to ask him to fuck you against the wall.

Maybe next time.

You whined at the loss when he was satisfied once again, although you didn't have to wait this time as he lined himself up to you, his silent plea for you to move showing in his eyes as you slowly sank down until you were seated on him again. You shivered as you adjusted to him, Johnson losing composure for just a moment as he brought you to his chest, his mouth sucking marks into your skin as his hands trailed southward over you until he found a comfortable place on your hips.

He didn't ask you to move, just waited patiently for your strength to return, and you didn't want to keep him waiting any longer as you started to ride him. It was good, damn better than you'd dared to imagine on the nights where you were lonely and fantasized about what this could be like, none of them comparing as he helped you along when your legs already started to get tired.

‘Don't stop,’ you pleaded with him, and he gladly took over for you as you let out a broken moan and braced yourself against his chest. You both panted into each other's shoulders, desperate to be close after so long of being silent about it, the pictures on his section of wall once again catching you off guard as you realized you could see them pretty clearly from his bed. Just as you'd been thinking of him, you bit back a surprisingly lewd moan when you imagined him doing the same, staring up at you from afar as he got off-

‘Every time you'd go I'd come back here,’ he murmured against your skin, his eyes also on the wall as he got you to roll your hips along with him. ‘I'd put up a new picture, and I'd think about all the things I wanted to say and do to you when you were looking at everyone else.’

‘I was afraid, you're too good for me,’ you finally admitted, the stimulations from the slowness of your movements starting to make you keen.

‘Now I'm gunna be good to you.’ He got you to sit back so you were on full display for him, a bit of energy coming back to you as you ran your hand down your chest to your stomach before touching yourself. He loved the sight of you feeling so good, the way you clenched around him making him thrust up a little harder each time you sank down on him again, and when he went from mouthing the words to finally saying them you couldn't hold it in; you rode him in earnest, Johnson fucking you through that final stretch until you came, and even as he followed after you and you collapsed against his chest he didn't stop, his arms tight around you as he kissed you despite the need for air.

‘I love you,’ he repeated even though he’d said it so many times, but you could gladly hear it a hundred times more as you said them back to him. ‘Just a little more, don't want this to end,’ he breathed, and you let him go until he was satisfied for the third time, although this time you undeniably were too, if you did say so yourself.

‘I don't either.’ You laid your cheek against his chest, your thighs shaking from the effort as you let them rest, his hand rubbing up and down your back as your heart rate went back to normal. ‘...Why didn't you ever say anything? I mean, I did think you were joking at first when you asked me for that drink, but even when we kept hanging out you never told me.’

‘I thought me bringing you on all those dates was tell enough,’ he figured, and you had to admit that they were pretty date-y locations most of the time, since they were all personal to him and the others never tagged along, but you hadn't wanted to hope this tall, very handsome stranger was choosing you. ‘Matty did say I should suck it up and spit it out, his words,’ he chuckled, and you laughed as you tried to get off of him. ‘Where d’you think you're going? Already told you I'm not letting you go tonight.’

Your face flushed deep, you had thought that had been only his way of talking dirty to you in the moment, but you were starting to catch on that Johnson was just very open about what he wanted, there was no second guessing here. ‘I don't really like the idea of sleeping next to where your friends constantly have sex, especially not if I’m seeing them tomorrow morning,’ you confessed quietly, your eyes avoiding the bed like they were already there, and he chuckled deep from his chest as he kissed you quickly and helped you sit up.

‘Then we'll go out, don't gotta hit the river til next month.’ You felt empty again as you parted, but his hands leading you to the bathroom to clean you up after your sudden but very much enjoyed activities helped you feel a little better. The shower was quick, Johnson washing you carefully and whispering everything he loved about you as he worked, washing away every insecurity that’d plagued you all your life. When you were done you almost ended up pressed into the tiled wall, like he really couldn’t keep his hands off of you now that he had you, you were his.

While getting redressed, you didn’t have much of a choice but to wear the same clothes from the floor, so you sat down and pulled your shirt back over your head as he pulled out a fresh shirt from his drawer. It was mesmerizing watching him dress just as much as it was to undress, every curve of his body drawing you in more than any Pinup ever could; you couldn’t believe that he was all yours, since when were you ever that lucky? You couldn’t be sure, but you were very certain that the sight of him looking down at you while he did up his pants and tucked in his undershirt was pretty equal to winning the lottery.

‘Where do you want to go? If they’ve got the car for their own reasons, you can’t really take me for a ride tonight,’ you wondered as you stood, Johnson leaving his shirt unbuttoned as he sauntered over to you and pulled you close.

‘We could always take your car,’ he suggested with a small grin, the idea sounding wonderful as he grabbed his pack of smokes from his dresser and lit one up, ‘could grab a drink or two, go to your house this time.’

He tasted like nicotine as you went in for another kiss, the hand on your waist giving you a gentle squeeze as you pulled away and blew his stolen smoke out of the corner of your mouth. ‘That sounds like a perfect date.’

#Ray's Readers #Ray's Requests #david dastmalchian #johnson reprisal #johnson x reader #of course Matty and Ethan are still here. you really think I can write Johnson without them somewhere? impossible!#got so personal with this one and made myself not only blush but a bit emotional #I need a Johnson in my life time to move down south goodbye canada #I forgot to change the title when i copypasted everything OTL

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olderthannetfic · 11 months ago

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oh man sorry OTNF when I sent in that original 'pride flag war' ask I just wanted to share my pettiness and amuse you guys, not inspire another round of this debate. Especially not one that seems so... removed from what's actually going on, I guess? My country only recently (22/23) passed a marriage equality law and there's been a few incidents (like (rainbow) flag burning and violence) that could've been either continuing intolerance or pushback and which contributed to my decision. I'm still in the 'questioning queer' phase so the flag was/is the first & only piece of rainbow merch I own(ed). And yes, buying it & putting it on display was a move made to antagonise, but only after a good long think about whether we could afford to antagonise the neighbourhood in such a manner and what would the possibly consequences be.

It's actually been really amusing reading various responses (I love all the assumptions about me and my motives!) but I'm also procrastinating as hell because I should be putting the finishing touches on my thesis instead -- I'm finally handing it in tomorrow! (Wish me luck, everybody!)

... Damn it's hard to look away tho...

*snickering*

I keep having to turn my queue down slow so I can ignore tumblr for a few days and get work done.

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miniimapp · 6 months ago

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Aaron T - Santa Tell Me

Gen ;; Fluff - Drabble/Short Story

Warnings ;; None

Proofread + Edited ;; Briefly skimmed over and put through Grammarly

Auth. Note ;; WELCOME TO DAY 3 OF THE CHRISTMAS COUNTDOWN AND DAY 22 OF ADVENT,, HOW WE FEELING !?

personally getting v excited for crimbo, but it has been a bit of struggle pumping these out. i write them all on the day they come out (fully planned just not written) bc apparently i hate myself (wanted a challenge) but i forget i literally work all of the day lmao

anyways, enough complaining, enjoy !!

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Crowded shopping malls are the worst. They're even worse when you have to spend about an hour game planning how to navigate the shop without garnering any attention, only to then have to abandon all previous strategies and just wing it. Needless to say, the whole shopping endeavour is stressful and fun is not being had.

By you, at least. T is having a wonderful time, thank you very much for asking!

As you weave through the bustling crowds, jingling Christmas music and joyful chatter fills the air. T, decked out in a too-big scarf that masks the lower half of his face and a floppy bobbled hat, thrives in the chaos, flitting from shop to shop with a smile so wide that his eyes crinkle with mirth. You trail behind him, trying to ignore the weight of finding THE perfect gift, and quickly discover that you're starting to enjoy yourself, mostly due to T’s infectious enthusiasm.

As soon as you reach the mall’s centre, T stops completely dead, almost causing you to bump into him. You huff, pushing past him and through the crowd around you, to chastise him for stopping without warning when you notice the awed look on his face. In confusion, you whirl around to find whatever captured his attention and your eyes land on the mall’s Grotto set up, complete with their very own mall Santa and twinkling brightly with what must be thousands of lights.

“Come one, we have to go check out Santa’s Grotto!” T exclaims, a wide grin brightening up his face as he grabs your hand and pulls you into the fairly short queue, “I’ve always wanted to go to one of these!”

“Wait, you’ve never been to one of these before?” you ask, a little baffled, “I would’ve thought you’d be all over these as a kid.”

“Nah, just never really came across ‘em, I guess.” he replies, shrugging noncommittally, “That, or my ma was purposely avoiding them at all costs. Can’t really blame her either, who knows what kind of wishes I would’ve made at that age.”

You roll your eyes despite the amused smile playing on your lips, about to reply when a worker calls out to you. Surprisingly, you’d already made it to the front of the queue; despite how short it was, you’d still expected to be waiting a little longer than you had.

T, eyes sparkling with anticipation, all but drags you into the small room where Santa’s waiting and you can’t help but be endeared and amused by his childlike enthusiasm despite very much being a fully grown man.

As you enter through the doorway, T rushes forward towards Santa, who leans forward, voice booming across the space yet still swelling with warmth, “Ho ho ho, and what do you want for Christmas, my dear boy?”

T turns back to you, “Turn around and cover your ears!”

You raise an eyebrow. “Why?”

“Because my wish won’t come true if anyone but Santa hears it. Come on, please,” he begs, pitching his voice into a pleading whine.

“Alright, alright,” you concede, moving slowly and dramatically as you turn around and cover your ears with your hands.

As T chatters excitedly to Santa, probably only slowing down and lowering his voice to whisper his wish, you take a second to admire the room. Gilded in gold, ruby red, and emerald green, the grotto feels truly festive, as if you’ve been transported into a snow globe with a cosy log cabin. The very essence of the room is warmth in a way you can’t quite explain, something you can only feel, and you’re honestly quite impressed with the effort the mall’s staff must have put into all this.

Next thing you know, T is taking you by the arm, dragging you from your thoughts and spinning you back around with a proud grin as Santa chuckles, a deep and hearty sound that fills the room.

“That’s a very thoughtful wish, my boy. I’ll see what I can do,” he replies warmly, if not conspirationally with a twinkle in his eyes as he sends you both off with a wink.

T enthusiastically waves goodbye, nudging you to do the same, as you leave the grotto after you decline making a wish of your own.

“So, what did you wish for?” you prod as you continue your tour of the nearby shops, interested in what you missed.

“I can’t tell you that, it won’t come true if I do.” T chuckles mischievously even as his hand finds yours, squeezing it gently. “But, if it does come true, then I’ll be sure to let you know.”

“Okay, and do you think it will come true?” you ask, hoping that a differently angled question might pull more information out of him.

“I can only hope.” T replies, just as vaguely as the first time, doing nothing to ease the curiosity burning in your chest. Instead, he pulls his scarf down just enough to grin widely at you before he begins dragging you through the shops again with a new vigour.

The energy of your shopping trip has shifted drastically from when you first arrived, with new life being breathed into your outing, and you suppose you have Santa to thank for it. After a while of more shopping, T stops you both next to one of the mall’s huge Christmas trees.

“I think we’ve got everything, correct me if I'm wrong, so are you ready for Operation Gift?” he asks, rocking on his heels, to and fro, back and forth, as you check over your shopping list for anything missing.

“Looks like we have,” you reply, nodding unconsciously as you slip the list back into your pocket. “Operation Gift is a go. Meet back here in, say 30 minutes?”

“Sure thing, Boss,” T says, giving you a mock salute. As you roll your eyes, T lunges forward and pecks you on the cheek before sprinting off in a random direction. “See you in 30!”

You grin to yourself, briefly tracing the warming skin on your cheek, before pushing back into the crowd and running off in the opposite direction to T. If you keep this up, you think to yourself, you’re in for one chaotic and incredibly fun Christmas.

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hope you enjoyed <3

#4town christmas countdown #4town #4town aaron t #4town x reader #turning red #4town aaron t x reader

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weirdthoughtsandideas · 6 days ago

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So in statistics, people have kids way older, in their mid 30s. But I’ve realized most next gens I have in dcla, most are not even 30 when they have their first kid. I think the only ones who do are Maxi and Andrés who had kids when they were 32-33. And Angie and Pablo, who I think had a kid soon post show, so they were in their late 30s.

I don’t think I have much explanation to why most of them have their first kid when they’re like 27-28 (with a few exceptions), more than I have real life experience of many people around me having their first kid when they’re specifically 27-28. Seriously, it’s a running theme in my family alone that women have their first child at age 27. At least their first daughters.

Many of the dcla characters are already rich too, so it is not so much that they need to be financially stable before settling down either lol.

I have read that, often when one person in a friendgroup gets a child, it kind of causes a baby boom within their group.

For most Violetta characters I imagine them having their careers going on, but several of them do want to have kids eventually. They are just not sure when. But then Camila is in a place where she has just felt an incredible baby fever, maybe she has been working on a film where there was babies involved, and she’s just like… ”I want a baby… now.” Knowing she’s financially stable AND has a great support system around her, this is something she feels is possible to do. And so, she has a kid when she’s just 26. She’s not waiting around, she wants it now and she can.

And once Camila had her baby, her friends who already wanted to have kids just feel more prompted to just have them too. So already by next year some of them have kids.

I did kind of fuck up with Jim and Yam tbh, because I wanted their oldest daughter to be friends with some Violetta next gens, meaning she’d be the same age as them… meaning Jim and Yam would have only been 22.

But now I don’t feel like changing the timeline. So now, here’s what happened with that:

Jim and Yam knew since they were young that eventually they wanted kids. This is canon in the show for Jim’s part due to her saying ”She had names for her kids and now she needs to give them to her cats” after thinking she’d never find love.

They got married pretty fast. Like as soon as the pandemic ended in 2021, they made sure to tie the knot. And they researched all about insemination and stuff and knew that this is something that can take several years. So they put themselves in the queue like, right away, thinking it would be a several year process. But, then it only took a year and even though they were only 22 they were like ”ok!! Let’s go!!”

For JimYam’s friends it obviously took some more years but I think definitely they had them a bit earlier thanks to the influence of them. Luna I think always thought about adopting a child just like she got adopted. I think in some universe she’d open up a foster care, since the mansion is so big. But in my ”normal” universes, she just decided to look into adoption and already when she was 25-26, the agency contacted her and said they had a child for her that she might be interested in adopting. I think living in a mansion and being very wealthy was a big plus for the agency to consider her the one to adopt 😅 She said yes.

So like, I agree really that Ámbar most likely would not have kids until her 30s, but in my timeline she was only 26 when she had her first kid (however, very soon turning 27). This was partly because I wrote a fic where Luna adopted her daughter before I set the timeline, and in that fic Ámbar was pregnant. Later I had a fic where Ramiro was helping Luna babysit kids, and Jim and Yam’s oldest daughter was almost 4 and Luna’s daughter was 1 - and Simbar’s daughter was 3 months old. So… then I had to fit that into the timeline. However, normally I’d have Ámbar not have her first kid until she was in her 30s, mostly because of… you know, everything. At the same time, maybe she was ready at 26 in my ficverse 😅 Maybe it wasn’t planned that they’d have their first kid so early but then they decided to role with it.

Gastina I think is the only ones I don’t really have much to go for. They were 27 and 28 when they had their first kid and then 30 and 31 when they had their second. Kinda normal, even though statistics usually have the ages be higher.

#violetta #soy luna

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davisexplainableart · 1 month ago

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DBTT Concert Recap

Thanks to everyone who came out to Manchester Central for last night's concert. Despite DBTT not being as well received as Oasis's 90s albums, I was surprised to see how many recognized most (if not all) the songs we played.

For this Oasis tribute concert, we planned to make this our backing band lineup:

Jinky - Rhythm guitar (Gem Archer)

Glomp - Bass (Andy Bell)

Chomly - Drums (Zak Starkey)

Vulk - Keyboards (Jay Darlington)

Unfortunately, Glomp refused to come back, stating that he doesn't really like Oasis anymore. As such, Chao played bass instead (which was fine, since her bass skills have greatly improved since the days of simply imitating Guigsy).

Before we get to the setlist, here is a sort of key to explain certain things in the text below…

This means that I sang a song and no one else.

This means that Footi sang a song and no one else.

This means that I sang a song with Footi on backing vocals.

This means that I sang a song with Chao on backing vocals.

This means that Footi sang a song with Chao on backing vocals.

This means that I sang a song with Footi and Chao on backing vocals

When "->" is shown right before a song's name, it means that we transitioned right into that song.

Alright, here was the show's setlist (with some notes for a few):

(began with Lord Don't Slow Me Down (Liam on vocals) over the PA)

1. Turn Up The Sun

2. Lyla

3. Eyeball Tickler

For those wondering, the lyrics for the song listed on the official Oasis website are incorrect. That's why the lyrics I sung were different.

4. Love Like A Bomb

5. -> Can Y'See It Now? (I Can See It Now!!)

Played in the same pitch as the previous song to smoothen the transition between the two.

6. The Importance of Being Idle

7. Part of the Queue

8. Pass Me Down the Wine

9. A Bell Will Ring

10. Morning Glory

W/ Footi on vocals, due to us deciding that I wouldn't sing this song (due to my fragile vocals).

Only played because of a mix of the song being included on the soundtrack of a 2005 movie (Goal!) that came out during the DBTT era.

11. Keep the Dream Alive

W/ Footi singing the chorus, since I was trying to sustain my vocals for as long as possible.

12. Mucky Fingers

Song was dedicated to the gardeners.

13. Who Put the Weight of the World on My Shoulders?

Played for the same reason as Morning Glory.

(Acoustic Set w/ me, Footi and Chao)

14. Cast No Shadow

Played for the same reason as the last song.

15. Don't Stop...

Only played because the song's demo was recorded during this era.

16. I Wanna Live In A Dream (In My Record Machine)

17. Won't Let You Down

Played in A Major to better fit my vocal range.

18. The Quiet Ones

W/ Footi singing the falsetto at the end.

(Rest of Electric Set)

19. Talk Tonight

Only played because of its notable inclusion during the original DBTT tour, and because it's currently Footi's favorite Oasis song.

20. Let There Be Love

W/ both me and Footi singing the bridge (inspired by a clip posted by Kyle Dale of Liam singing Noel's part of the song).

(Encore)

21. Guess God Thinks I'm Abel

22. The Meaning of Soul

I dedicated this song to Marco Stelitano, just like Liam did all those years ago ("This ones for Marco!").

23. Sitting Here in Silence (On My Own)

Played electrically (instead of acoustically, like the studio version) to better transition into the next song.

24. My Generation

While this cover did release during the Heathen Chemistry, we decided to play it anyway, since Chomly drumming like Zak Starkey was perfect for a cover of a song by The Who.

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confessionsofa-roleplayer · 2 months ago

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ive tried to post a couple of things here and not seen them pop up, i just wondered if i did anything wrong?

Without a little more information, I can't really tell you what might be going on with any certainty, Anon. However, I can address your question in a vaguer sense.

First, I want to direct you to our Rules Page. This covers most of the reasons a confession might not get posted. If it helps, based on my personal experience, the three most common reasons a submission doesn't get posted are as follows:

Mentions something/someone by name (ex. Benedict Cumberbatch, Preston Garvey, Disney, Foo Fighters, etc.)

Puts too many specific details in the confession (ex. This thing happened to me exactly two months ago in a fandom where these 2 brothers travel around killing demons and ghosts and stuff. There were 7 people involved in a HUGE anon hate scandal that lasted almost 3 weeks...)

Directly quotes (or seems to directly quote) something someone said or posted (ex. Someone sent me a DM that said, "Sweetie, I really like all of your muses, but I don't think we mesh well as writers. I only do long paras and you never reply with more than 2 sentences.")

The Rules Page also talks about the typical wait between when you submit and when something gets posted. Right now, without doing any hard math, I think it's a little over a month. So, if you sent your submissions in any time after March 22 (give or take), then they're in one of three places:

Still in the Inbox waiting for me to convert them into image files

On my computer waiting to be turned into posts

Sitting in the queue, waiting to be posted

If it's been longer than that since you submitted them, then your confessions were probably deleted. All I can suggest (without knowing more) is that you read over our rules and try to decide what (if anything) might have caused that to happen. If you think you know, you can always rewrite and resubmit them. If you're still not sure, you can contact us again and we can try to figure out what happened. But for that, you'll need to contact us off-anon so you can offer us more details in a private conversation.

I hope this helps.

~ Mod MJ

#anonymous #answered

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grumpygreenwitch · 5 months ago

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Machina Ex Machina 34-35

Full disclosure, I hit a wall with the writing at around this point. It happens sometimes when I'm 2/3 into the story, and I couldn't tell you why. I know where the story goes, I know how it ends, it just... blanks me out. I'm mostly over it, but the queue's gotten real slim, so there might be a hiccup or two in uploading chapters. It will be finished, though. At this point in my writing life, when I get this deep into a story, I can't not finish it.

As always, if you enjoy the writing, please like and reblog. There’s no algorithms here; my publicity is you. And if you’d like to buy me a Ko-fi, I certainly won’t complain.

1+2 - 3+3.5 - 4+5 - 6+.6.5 - 7+8 - 8.5+9 - 10+11 - 12+13 - 13.5+14 - 15+16 - 17+17.5 - 18+18.5 - 19+20 - 21+22 - 22.5+23+24 - 25+26 - 27-28 - 29.29.5 - 30+31 - 32+33 - 34+35 - 36+37 - 38+39 - 40+41 - 42+ AO3 Link

THIRTY FOUR

“That was unkind.”

Gungnir went very still at the words, but he didn’t turn around. “It was necessary.”

“Was it?” MAR asked mildly.

“How long have you known him?

“I’m not sure,” the master of Parnassus admitted, walking up to Pevir’s SysAdmin. “Time does very interesting things when you’re running for your life from a virus. But it’s been long enough to know he would accept destruction rather than see anyone around him harmed.”

“Oh, absolutely,” Gungnir agreed. “As long as you’re from Halcyon.”

“Adas would disagree with you.”

The SysAdmin chuckled low. “You do realize that if everything you’ve told me is right, the lovely little GO4 isn’t a normal program anymore? She’s Ilo’s acting SysAdmin. He’s still following his programming. Looking after his city’s interests. Making good with the neighbors”

“Hm, perhaps.” MAR straightened up and laced his hands behind his back. “But it was very unkind of you to bring this up right after he’d met his User for the first time. Right after everything in his world has been challenged.”

Gungnir was silent. “Yeah,” he admitted at last. “It was. Guess I’m not over it after all.”

They walked in silence for a few moments. “Do you know why we’re going to Om?” MAR asked eventually.

“No,” Gungnir told him easily enough. “The original plan was to reinforce a position at Flow, actually.”

MAR made a face. “I’m not sure that’s any better a plan.”

Gungnir had to laugh. “No, probably not. Can’t imagine handing the virus access to the energy glaciers. We wouldn’t last a picocycle after that. Om was chosen because, if it falls, it gives the virus the least advantage. The terrain’s stable, there’s no outposts. It’s so far from everything that traffic’s minimal.”

“There’s nothing for the virus to feed on,” MAR summed up.

Gungnir nodded, and saw MAR grimace. “Go ahead, spit it out. I knew there was a reason I liked you.”

“It seems a little too convenient for everyone else to put Om on the crosshairs.”

“I made that point. I would’ve pushed that point, but I got rank pulled on me. Needed you at that meeting to make the point with me, he can’t pull rank on you.”

“I was likely busy running for my life at the time,” MAR gestured airily. “But it’s interesting all the same. You’re telling me your friend wants the virus to come to Om.”

“Yep. I have to trust he’s got a plan. I’m sure it’s got something to do with the Black Vault. I just… have a bad history with trusting monitor programs blind, you know?” He grinned humorlessly at MAR.

The master of Parnassus ducked his head. “I can understand that,” he said evenly.

Gungnir’s grin became a little more honest. “But?”

“But it was still unkind.”

“I wish you were Pevirian. I’d love your level of stubborn on my side.”

“See, at this point, every time you say something like that I suspect you’re looking for a SysAdmin replacement,” MAR declared primly, making Gungnir laugh. “And, no. Absolutely not.”

THIRTY FIVE

“Jerk!”

GAM felt a second set of arms wrap around him, but it was a distant, dull sensation. He’d gone down on his knees and he felt as if his code were failing, disintegrating one byte at a time, voxels coming loose and threatening to unmake him where he stood.

“GAM?” Adas’ voice echoed back at him from somewhere distant and unknown.

“Come on, WallSec, don’t just stay there like a lump. Don’t give him the win.” Vidi was a little more real, her wavelength always so sharply defined; he’d never met anyone who knew themselves so well, so truly, like the Gridborn.

They were both trying to tug him up, with about as much effect as they ever had on the solid data slab that was the Sentry. “I haven’t lied to you,” he croaked.

“GAM, open up your helm,” Adas told him. Her voice was mild, but it wasn’t phrased as a request. He obeyed out of ingrained instinct. “Close your eyes.”

He ducked his head and did as he was told. “I haven’t -”

“I know.” She sighed a little. “Every now and again you have to ask the obvious, just so it’s on record. Just close your eyes, and listen.”

“To what?”

“To yourself.”

His head hung lower. “I am so far from home. From myself.”

“You are such a brick sometimes, WallSec,” Vidi told him tartly, and he felt her fingers reach out and catch one of his hands. “Look at your hands.” When he did as he was told, staring at the bright violet circuitry against the deep black, she declared, “Halcyon’s all over you. This is a whole shipful of programs who’ve never met you before, and the moment they see you, they know you. I’m just me, but you are Halcyon.”

He closed his eyes again and merely breathed.

I am a Sentry.

Unbidden, the deeply held awareness that had greeted his first moment of sentience rushed into his conscious mind. He breathed again.

I am the Wall.

His breathing evened out. He was what he was, and perhaps that hadn’t always been enough, but it was all he could be.

I am Halcyon.

“I haven’t lied,” he admitted slowly at last, opening his eyes, “but I’ve been wrong.”

“That’s not a crime,” Adas pointed out.

“No,” he smiled wryly at them, “but Gungnir’s right. It sets a… precedent when I don’t own up to it.”

Vidi and Adas crossed a look, and the GO4 nodded. Vidi blew out an exasperated breath. “Ugh, ok, let’s hear it. I can’t think of a single time you were wrong.”

“When I first met you.”

“When you – what?”

“Back in Halcyon. Sector 42.” He rose to his feet and brought them up with him. “I thought you were a thief.”

“Oh, yeah.”

“She was a thief,” Adas pointed out.

“No, she’s not. Because she wouldn’t have taken a thing. She would’ve copied the blueprints of anything she wanted,” GAM explained, “but she wouldn’t have taken a thing.”

“You don’t know me!” Vidi protested. “I could’ve stuffed my pockets full!”

“What pockets?” he asked mildly.

“I had a bag!”

“Where? Hidden in your hair? Tucked away into your Cosmetic?”

She made an angry, impatient sound and shoved him half-heartedly. “You are so bad for my rep, WallSec!”

“That’s why I didn’t have you on record. That’s why you can do legal business. You’re not a criminal. You’re not a thief. You never were… and I was wrong.” He offered her his hand. “And I’m sorry I presumed.”

Vidi stared at his hand, then looked up at him. Despite his energy levels being full, despite having gone and come from the Drakkar’s medbay, he still looked so tired from all they’d survived.

She remembered Sector 42, oh yes. She remembered the shield.

She remembered fleeing Ilo. She remembered being trusted.

She remembered Parnassus.

Vidi bypassed his hand and threw her arms around him, hugging him tightly, dragging a small, startled sound out of him. “I don’t care what anyone says, WallSec. Adas’s right, being wrong isn’t a crime, and your friend’s a jerk.”

He had to laugh a little at that, wrapping an arm around her and offering his free hand to Adas.

“I kind of agree,” she pointed out, holding onto his hand and beaming up at him. “For someone who claims that he’s over whatever happened between you two, he’s really angry about… whatever happened between you two.”

“We might have… differing viewpoints on the events,” GAM admitted. “When I left, I thought he’d be glad to get rid of me. To keep a Pevirian matter in Pevirian hands.”

Adas huffed. “I think you keep forgetting programs like you, GAM. That they want you around.”

“I suppose I do. No one ever really wants Security around unless there’s a problem.”

“Really?” Vidi stepped back and waved her arms around. “What would you call all of this going on right now?”

He had to agree.

“Well, it’s nice to know the Users want to help, but that doesn’t help us right now.” Adas drew a deep breath and moved to the communication station. “And I don’t feel like taking Om’s word on the matter. If there are Users on the Grid, and this is their plan, I want to hear it directly from them.”

“I don’t really feel like dealing with Om at all,” GAM admitted. “The city or the SysAdmin.”

“All I’ve heard is that it’s such a boring place,” Vidi declared.

“‘Plain’ doesn’t equate ‘boring’, my dear.” The door opened to admit MAR, who moved over and offered a hand to GAM. “I’m sure much has been said to you. I don’t feel the need to say anything. I have seen you act, and that’s quite enough for me to trust you.”

“I don’t mind being trusted.” The Sentry took the offered hand, glad to find behind it that densely packed, effortlessly self-contained wavelength full of calm. “I mind not being questioned.”

MAR made a face. “I may be a little useless on that regard. I hardly know anything about life outside Parnassus, I wouldn’t know what to question at all and so I question nothing.” He gestured broadly at the other two programs. “Then again, I think you’ve always been covered.”

“Om is boring.” Vidi hopped up to sit on the console next to the communication station. “Nobody owns anything.”

Adas gave her such a look. “Do you think they live among the rocks, like gridbugs?”

“Don’t they?”

The GO4’s mouth worked soundlessly for a moment.

“Should we be taking over the SysAdmin’s quarters like this?” MAR asked delicately.

“I don’t like him right now,” Adas shot back. “He’s welcome to come over and remove me himself.” She blew out a short, sharp breath. “I mean, he probably will, it’s not like it’ll be hard. It’s just not happening right now. “GAM, Vidi, see if you can find quarters of some kind we can take over. It’s gotta have an ETC, a commconsole, and hopefully an uplink station.”

Vidi leapt off the console and onto GAM’s back. He didn’t even stagger, but he did sigh long-sufferingly. “Do I need to bring her with me?”

“Hey!”

“Yes.”

“Why?”

“So she won’t be in here bugging me,” Adas explained.

“Hey!” The Gridborn tried to scramble off her Sentry perch, but GAM shifted an arm and effectively pinned her over one shoulder. She hung limply there growling at them all.

“I’ll help if you -” The Master of Parnassus offered.

“No, MAR, you’re staying with me.”

“I’m sure you have a reason for that too?” The Master of Parnassus watched the other two programs head off as he moved to stand by Adas’ side.

“Yes. No matter what’s happened, you’re technically SysAdmin of Parnassus, and I’m acting SysAdmin of Ilo.” Her expression became icily angry. “Let’s see OM pull rank on both of us.”

#my writing #fanfiction #fantasy #sci fi #fantasy violence #original character #tron 1982 #tron evolution #tron legacy #tron uprising

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